Progressive Gifts & Home January 2022 by Max Publishing: Print, Digital Media + Events (London)

JANUARY 2022

Bringing Joy Every Day ENESCO LIMITED, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, CA3 0EN. UK Customer Services: Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Telephone: +44 1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk

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This Month As we say goodbye to 2021, the PG&H team would, first and foremost, like to wish all our readers a very happy, healthy and successful New Year! Putting ongoing Covid issues to one side, let’s look forward, optimistically, to celebrating a new year and a new beginning. Kicking things off, there’s some exciting news from Progressive Gifts & Home and The Giftware Association (GA)! Uniting the gift industry, The Greats gift retailer awards - which are open for entries - have joined forces with The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year (GOTY) awards, with all winners - both The Greats and the GOTY - revealed at a fabulous black tie awards event, to be held at the glamorous Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday May 12. Turn to pages 20 and 21 for the full lowdown. For all of us, the start of a new year is always a reflective moment - a time to take stock and look optimistically ahead - with ambitious plans (and resolutions) made with the very best of intentions. We asked some of the leading names in the industry for their thoughts on how they would like to see business shape up in 2022, so turn to our Feedback feature on pages 23-25. Of course, trade shows are never far from our minds, and there’s a renewed energy from retailers to get out there and walk the aisles. Take a look at our show news on pages 15 and 17, as well as our handy Showtime calendar on page 19. One product sector gift shops are sure to be on the lookout for is gifts for Valentine’s Day. So, what are the trends to look out for? We unveil a heart to heart with leading suppliers on pages 31-35. Plus, which home fragrancing products are focused on wellbeing and self care? Turn to pages 39-41 for the latest on how to relax, unwind and re-energise. Elsewhere in this issue, we caught up with Mark Howard, founder and managing director of Puckator, to hear more about the company’s European expansion - turn to pages 28 and 29 - as well Davina (Bean) Parkhouse, owner of The Bean Hive gift stores in Kettering and Falmouth, winner of The Greats 2021 Best Newcomer - South & Wales category, to discover why Davina’s in the pink. Turn to pages 26 and 27. But first, discover all the very latest industry news and views on pages 5-13. Here at PG&H, we can’t wait for ‘showtime’, so when you’re toasting in the New Year, let’s all look forward, fingers crossed, to seeing each other in January!

Sue Marks, Editor

@Prog_Gifts

Inside 5-13 15-17 19 20-21 23-25 26-27

News Show News Show Calendar The UK Gift Awards Feedback: Looking Ahead Retailer Face To Face: The Bean Hive

28-29 31-35 39-41 48-49

In Profile: Puckator Spotlight On: Valentine’s Day Spotlight On: Home Fragrancing Best Sellers

Above: Cheers! Wishing all our readers a happy, healthy and successful New Year!

The UK gift and home industry is dynamic, innovative and vibrant and The Greats Awards reflect all of this and much more. Be a part of it! Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk

Sue Marks Editor

Ali Farrell Advertisement Manager

Jo Pilcher Commercial Manager

Ian Hyder Publishing Director

suem@max-publishing.co.uk

alif@max-publishing.co.uk

jop@max-publishing.co.uk

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

Subscribe to Progressive Gifts from £60 (UK) to £90 (International) You can organise this quickly and easily online at our secure site: www.max-subscriptions.net For assistance, please email subscriptions@maxpublishing.co.uk ISSN 2515-7523

www.max-publishing.co.uk The home of market leading trade magazines Publishers: Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax, Ian Hyder and Rob Willis Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivegifts.co.uk Copyright 2021. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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The Greats Awards Are Open For Entry

Industry

NEWS

The Closing Date Is 31 January, 2022 The Greats gift retailer awards 2022 - now in their 20th milestone year - are open, setting out to recognise and reward the UK’s outstanding gift shops and gift departments. With a closing date of 31 January 2022, an entry form has been enclosed with this issue. Significantly, uniting the gift industry, The Greats awards have joined forces with The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year (GOTY) awards, with all winners - both The Greats and the GOTY - revealed at a fabulous black tie awards event, to be held at the glamorous Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday 12 May. (See pages 20-21).

“Winning a Greats gift retailer award has long been the pinnacle for gift retailers both large and small - a prestigious, coveted retail trophy that recognises excellence, initiative, innovation and professionalism at the highest level. Having the winners announced at an event that will also reward product excellence in the GOTY awards makes it doubly exciting for The Greats 2022,” says Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net which organises The Greats awards. As Sue explains, the search is on: “We’re on the lookout for those extra special gift retailers, gift departments, lifestyle stores, garden centres and visitor attractions that, despite a challenging, changing retail climate, are nevertheless managing to stay at the top of their game. The

Greats are a fantastic opportunity for gift retailers right across the board - from the tiniest village shop to the largest multiple - to bang the drum about their achievements over the past year. We know that there are some incredible retailers out there, and we want to hear from them!” The line-up of Greats sponsors is already building, including some leading brands (in alphabetical order): Gift Republic; GiftsandHome.net; Gisela Graham; Harrogate Christmas & Gift; Joe Davies; Progressive Gifts & Home; Progressive Greetings Live, with lots more in the pipeline. A downloadable entry form is available from www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com. Entries can also be emailed direct to suem@max-publishing.co.uk. To find out more about sponsorship opportunities for The Greats and The Gift Of The Year Awards, contact Ali Farrell (e: alisonf@maxpublishing.co.uk; mob: 07872 113635); Ian Hyder (e: ianh@max-publishing.co.uk mob: 07525 634 306); Rob Willis (robw@maxpublishing.co.uk mob: 07792 016832); Warren Lomax (e: warren@max-publishing.co.uk; mob: 07977 572086). Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com Tickets to the awards can be booked quickly and securely by visiting www.maxsubscriptions.net/tickets/or by contacting awards organiser Clare Hollick at clare@createvents.co.uk (tel: 01183 340085). Tickets cost £208 (+VAT) and tables of 10 and 12 are available. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com The Greats Gift Retailer Awards are owned and organised by Max Publishing and Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide.

Spirito Named ‘Best Gift Shop In Scotland’ The return of Scotland’s Business Awards recently saw gift shop Spirito in Glasgow take home the prestigious Best Gift Shop in Scotland Award, with owner Denise Laird telling PG&H: “We were absolutely delighted to win!” The rescheduled 2020 grand final, which took place at the Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow, was the largest ever awards night presented by Scotland’s Business Awards, with some 700 finalists and their guests from all over Scotland attending. Above: Members of the Spirito team are show at Scotland’s Business awards. From left to right, they are: Abby Fraser, Katie O’Grady, Rachel Rodgers, Denise Laird and store manager Ruby Eleftheriotis.

Mooch Acquired By Cardzone

Online operator Moonpig’s half year results for six months, to the end of October 2021, were announced on December 9, revealing a small 10.2% dip. With the end of lockdown in June, the results reflected a return to the high street. Interestingly, the online retailer’s strongest growth has come from gifting, which currently accounts for almost half (48%) of Moonpig’s sales. As well as the company’s partnership with Virgin Wines, gift items have expanded to include fragrances, improvements in letterbox gifting, and the expansion of Moonpig’s branded toy offering. “With revenue more than doubling over the past two years, we are confident that we have achieved an enduring transformation in the scale of our business,” stated Moonpig’s ceo Nickyl Raithatha. “The longterm opportunity remains vast, and we have never been in a better position to capture this growth.”

In the space of four years, Rachel and Paul Roberts opened five Mooch gift stores - two in Northampton, a third in Olney, a fourth in Towcester and a fifth in Rushden Lakes. However, the couple recently sold all five award winning stores to Cardzone in a deal that was signed and sealed in mid November. Rachel and Paul are working with the Cardzone team until the new year to ensure a smooth integration, and will then fulfil their dream of spending time by the sea. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Mooch brand to our group portfolio,” commented James Taylor, director of Cardzone. “Paul and Rachel have built an excellent business in a very short space of time and we’re keen to learn what makes Mooch so popular with its customers before looking at expansion across different parts of the UK. We love the brand name too!” The acquisition takes the Cardzone group up to 191 stores and boosts its profile on the gifting front.

Above: Gifting now accounts for almost half of Moonpig’s sales.

Above: Mooch at Rushden Lakes, Northamptonshire.

Above left: The Greats and GOTY winners will be announced at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel in May.

Gifts Strengthen Moonpig’s Offer

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Tills Jingling For Gift Indies Christmas Shopping Started Early Fears that shops would run out of stock prompted many people to start their Christmas shopping early. Echoing the experiences of many gift indies, a survey by Barclaycard, revealed that 52% were buying gifts earlier than they would normally. This was backed up by a report from the CBI which revealed an upward swing in festive retail sales during November. “Christmas seemed to start earlier than ever this year, so much so that we've termed a new selling season as ‘preChristmas’,” commented Judy Evans, owner of Williams of Audlem in Audlem.

At Ewe & Me and Ewe and Me Too in Grantown-on-Spey, owner Janet Hartree concurred. “People were Christmas buying from August onwards, wanting to get gifts early and avoid the crowds. We have therefore had really good sales with customers spending on special gifts to make this a great Christmas.”

Industry

NEWS Enesco’s Pre-School Award Triumph

Enesco’s Peter Rabbit Baby Collection triumphed at the Progressive Preschool Awards in mid-November as winner of the Best Preschool Gift Range category. The award was presented to the company’s licensing manager, Wendy Addison. All winners were announced at a glittering ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. hosted by comedienne Sara Barron.

Helen Crawford, co-owner of the Old School Beauly, highlighted a particularly strong October and November, with good sales across the board - from jewellery, clothing, home decor and fragrance to men’s and kids gifting. In the South East of England, there was more festive cheer from Maybugs, which has gift stores in Hailsham and Eastbourne. “Customers were out in force in November, with the average spend significantly up on previous years,” confirmed co-owner Greg Rose. However, adding a realistic note, Michelle Failes, owner of Mrs Robinson in London’s Crystal Palace and East Dulwich, reported: "customers seemed upbeat, but were nevertheless aware of the impending increase in the cost of living.”

Welcoming the audience of almost 400 executives from across the retail, nursery, preschool, toy, marketing and licensing arenas, Rob Willis, publishing director, commented: “We pay tribute to new products that address and inspire trends, suppliers that have risen to mighty challenges to support their stockists, and, of course, the retailers who are taking each day as it comes, but always with their doors open.” Above: Enesco’s Wendy Addison, (second right), was presented with the Best Preschool Gift Range award.

Above: The Old School Beauly. Above left: Maybugs in Hailsham. Left: One of two Mrs Robinson lifestyle stores.

Menkind Makes Two Acquisitions At the end of November, gifts and gadgets retailer Menkind acquired Hawkin’s Bazaar and Stocking Fillers, previously owned by H Grossman. “We are proud to continue the growth of our business through the acquisitions of these great brands,” stated Menkind’s ceo Paul Kraftman. The retailer, which currently has 60 outlets, opened additional pop-ups in key locations in the run up to Christmas.

‘See You In Stokey’ Christmas Campaign At the beginning of December, specialist gift shop Nook, located in North London’s Stoke Newington, joined forces with neighbouring retailers and businesses to promote the high street as well as to raise funds for charity. Spearheaded by another Stokey retailer, Retas award winning Earlybird Designs, (which also publishes greeting cards), the local council was persuaded to donate £5,000 to create a See You In Stokey marketing campaign, promoting the locality and driving people to the area. The campaign included a Christmas event day that coincided with Small Business Saturday on December 4, with all local shops and restaurants participating. The day culminated with the Christmas lights being turned on at the fire station Christmas tree. “The campaign was a huge hit!” confirmed Heidi Early, co-owner of Earlybird Designs. Further championing Stokey’s retail community, and how it can cater for all Christmas gift and card shopping needs, Location Location, a local estate agent made an impressive film highlighting many of the local businesses, including both Nook and Earlybird Designs.

Enesco Airfreights Stock With stock shortages continuing to dominate the news in the run-up to Christmas, Enesco airfreighted in stocks of seasonal goods to support its customers in the run up to Christmas. Recognising the difficult situation that its customers have been facing under the current climate, the company hoped it would ease some of the burden. “The supply chain is currently under huge stress from factories in China struggling to cope with ongoing covid issues and a lack of electricity,” commented Enesco’s commercial director Phil Atherton. “Add to this the shipping line delays and the lorry driver shortages, which we are seeing across the UK, and we felt that any help that we could give our valued trade partners would be welcomed.” Above: Part of Enesco’s ‘From Our Family To Yours’.

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An Inspirational Woman Wrendale’s Hannah Dale Wins An Everywoman Award Hannah Dale, founder and creative supremo of Wrendale Designs, was recently crowned as the winner of the NatWest everywoman Awards’ Athena category, which recognises the most inspirational woman running a business that has been trading for between six to nine years. “I’m totally honoured to be the winner of this award celebrating female entrepreneurs,” states Hannah. “I met some amazing and inspirational women at the awards ceremony in December and feel unbelievably proud and humbled to have won. A huge thank you to my team who are so dedicated and make it a pleasure to go to work - I definitely couldn’t do it without you!” With over 1,000 entrants in the Athena category, Hannah faced tough competition from finalists Nicola Lando, owner of Sous Chef in London, and Monica Ludwczak, owner of Sleek Brows. “Against a backdrop of Covid, these women have shown how innovation and enterprise have helped their businesses to thrive under extraordinary trading conditions,” commented co-founder of everywoman Maxine Benson MBE. “We hope their experiences will go on to

inspire others and provide the motivation and inspiration that will be the backbone of the UK’s economic recovery.” The competition was judged by an esteemed panel of female entrepreneurs that included Chrissie Rucker OBE (The White Company), Kelly Hoppen CBE, and Helen Pattinson (Montezumas). Wrendale Designs, which began life in 2012 on Hannah’s kitchen table, started out with greeting cards based on Hannah’s watercolour paintings of the natural world. Over the past nine years, the company has seen exponential growth through expanding its own product portfolio as well as through licensing, most notably with Portmeirion Group’s Royal Worcester on the tableware front. Now an international brand with an £8m annual turnover. products include everything from greeting cards and stationery to fashion accessories, plush, jigsaws and puzzles, with T-shirts a brand new product sector launching at Spring Fair. Top: A proud Hannah Dale with the NatWest everywoman Athena award. Above: A Royal Worcester/Wrendale Designs hare mug.

Ulster Weavers Reveals Major Relaunch Ulster Weavers is undergoing its biggest change in generations, having repositioned its business as a contemporary homeware brand, targeting a millennial audience. Following the relaunch, the company plans to increase turnover 100% between now and September 2024. As part of the relaunch, the 140-year-old textile manufacturer is introducing new contemporary homeware and kitchen textile collections that are inspired by the places and culture of Northern Ireland. The new collections will also include a range of new home furnishing items, in contemporary designs, which will be unveiled at Spring Fair in February. The brand relaunch is allied to a pledge by Ulster Weavers to grow its business sustainably and to make approximately three quarters of its new retail products in Northern Ireland. “Our commitment to operating sustainably for the benefit of our customers’ businesses and our consumers' lives is a key part of our strategy and makes business sense,” states managing director Gillian McLean. Above: Gillian McLean. Left: Part of Ulster Weavers new contemporary homeware and kitchen textile collections.

Industry

NEWS

Award Of The Century For Spring Fair Spring Fair has received the prestigious Trade Show of the Century Award at The AEO (Association of Event Organisers) Centenary Party & Awards. Presented on December 10, Julie Driscoll, divisional managing director for Retail, Engineering and Manufacturing, Hyve Group plc said: “Spring & Autumn Fair from Hyve Group plc is absolutely delighted to receive this industry recognition and I'd like to thank everyone who currently works on Spring Fair and everyone who has ever contributed to the show. This award goes to all employees and suppliers who have helped keep this brilliant exhibition delivering for its customers over the last 75 years.” Since its launch in 1950, Spring Fair has been the definitive ‘shop for shops’. It was the first show to take place at the NEC, Birmingham which was officially opened by HM The Queen in February 1976 and continues to support the retail industry. Above: The Spring Fair team recently received the AEO Trade Show of the Century Award.

Supporting The Circular Economy Award winning designer and circular economy advocate Ella Doran has collaborated with communications designer and environmental campaigner Sophie Thomas on a new range of recyclable gifts. They feature the duo’s bespoke Clean Up Camo textile design, drawing attention to the huge quantities of discarded plastic in our oceans which they have used as inspiration for a series of colourful giftware products. The Clean Up Camo range includes scarves, ties and zip bags, as well as a velvet cushion, with 10% of all sales from the range going to Surfers Against Sewage. “From a distance, the design is reminiscent of a colourful Italian mosaic tile,” explains Ella, “with the true nature of the objects only visible under close inspection.” Above: Clean Up Camo chromatic square scarf.

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A ‘rawrsome’ new range...

Carry case cool bag • Water bottle with flip straw • Sets of three lunch boxes Tel: 0800 011 6969 • customerservices@puckator.co.uk • www.puckator.co.uk

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Puppet Company Partners With WWF-UK Business Receives Blue Angel Accreditation The Puppet Company, Europe’s largest wholesaler of puppets and soft toys, has signed a contract with WWFUK, becoming the new supplier of the soft toys sent to supporters who take out a WWF-UK animal adoption. In addition, the company has received accreditation from the German eco label Blue Angel, making The Puppet Company the only UK toy company accredited, and one of only two toy companies in Europe to be awarded this certification for soft toys, reinforcing the reduction on the environmental impact that the company’s soft toys make. “We are delighted to be working with WWFUK and are committed to supporting them as they continue their mission through the supply of our bespoke soft toys, used as optional extras in the animal adoption process to help

raise vital funds to support WWF’s work,” comments owner and co-founder Sue Lockey. Sue continues: “As the only UK toy company with Blue Angel certification, we are continuing to develop sustainable products and are really excited to introduce new ranges of eco puppets and soft toys made from recycled plastic over the coming months as we build on our commitment to supporting the environment.” Family business The Puppet Company produces a huge selection of puppets and soft toys which are played with around the world, and continues to be passionate about both its products and the environment. Visit www.thepuppetcompany.com Above: The Puppet Company has become the new supplier of soft toys for WWF-UK.

Puckator Opens Polish EDC Puckator recently opened a 4,000 sq metre European Distribution Centre (EDC). Located on a newly built logistics park near Wroclaw, Poland, it employs 20 Polish staff. “Shipping directly from China, and also India, we have built up stock levels at the EDC to mirror the product available in our Cornwall distribution hub,” explains Puckator’s founder and managing director Mark Howard. “With our first container arriving there in July, Puckator’s product range is now available for despatch from the EDC, which means that we can serve our European customers quickly and efficiently, with delivery times of just a few days, even to the South of Europe.” (See Global Vision on pages 28 and 29).

Industry

NEWS Halloween Tea

As part of its ongoing partnership with the Retail Trust, the Spring Fair team held a Halloween-themed afternoon tea at the end of October for residents at the Retail Trust’s supported living estate in North London. The afternoon was hosted by Spring Fair’s managing director Julie Driscoll. Below: The Spring Fair team chat to residents at the Halloween party.

Local Shopping Platform Launches Claiming to be the UK’s largest local online shopping platform - ShopLocalOnline.org - has launched, dedicated to helping small high street retailers, to include gift shops, provide customers with more ethical and environmentally friendly choices. The new platform has been set up by ShopAppy founder and Government High Streets Task Force expert Dr Jackie Mulligan. The shopping platform enables people to buy products online from over 4,000 small independent retailers in more than 100 towns and cities around the UK. Visit shopappy.com/vendor Below: Independent retailers are being encouraged to join ShopLocalOnline.org

Above: Puckator’s new EDC in Poland.

Going ‘Green’ At The Retas

PEOPLE

To whoops of delight, the winners of The Retas greeting card retailer awards, organised by Progressive Greetings (sister magazine to Progressive Gifts & Home), were revealed in midNovember at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane. The Awards - which had a theme of The Finery of Greenery, reflecting the trend for houseplants and gardening - brought together the cream of greeting card retailers, with stockists from across the retail spectrum including gift retailers. Among the winners was gift and greeting card retailer Jo Barber, owner of No.14 Ampthill, which won the Best NonSpecialist Independent Retailer of Greeting Cards - South category, and the Blue Diamond Group, which won the Best Garden Centre Retailer of Greeting Cards - Multiple or Group category. John Lewis & Partners won Best Department Store Retailer of Greeting Cards, while Sainsbury’s was crowned Best Supermarket Retailer of Greeting Cards. Finalists included: Lark; The Bean Hive, Kettering and Falmouth; The Tutbury Present Company, Tutbury and Bijou and JP Pozzi, Elgin and Buckie.

passion for gift shops, Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net has welcomed Ali Farrell to the team as advertisement manager. Previously with Housewares magazine, and with over three decades in sales, many in the industry will already have met Ali, but can expect to see and hear much more from her over the coming months. Jo Pilcher continues as the magazine’s commercial manager, with the team supported by Max Publishing's directors Ian Hyder, Jakki Brown, Warren Lomax and Rob Willis.

Right: Retas winner Jo Barber, owner of No. 14 Ampthill in Ampthill.

Above: PG&H’s advertisement manager Ali Farrell.

l With her love of life and a

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Wilko’s Festive Cheer A Complete Christmas Worth £3,000 At the time of going to press in mid December, six deserving individuals, to include frontline workers, unpaid carers, community volunteers and emergency service operators, were in line to win an entire Christmas, worth £3,000, from retailer Wilko, as a thank you for their hard work. Wilko’s Bring Christmas Home prize package includes everything from gifts and Christmas decorations to dinnerware, cookware and giftwrap, along with a host of festive food, and £500 worth of Wilko gift vouchers, for anything else appearing on the winner’s Christmas list. To reflect the work of Wilko’s Together for Families charity programme partners, established

Industry

NEWS Joe Davies Debuts At Top Drawer

by Wilko in 2018, three of the six winners will be selected by the Alzheimer’s Society, Save the Children and Teenage Cancer Trust. Visit www.wilko.com/bring-christmas-home Above: Festive tableware from Wilko.

Chilly’s Partners With Liberty’s Chilly’s, a best seller for many gift shops, recently partnered with iconic British brand Liberty by putting its signature prints onto bottles and cups. “The designs feel intrinsically Liberty and were created with the Chilly’s bottle shape in mind, with the prints engineered so that they wrap the bottles,” commented Adam Herbert, design manager bespoke at Liberty Fabrics. The first drop in the new seasonal series features five wintry floral prints from Liberty’s archive, and include Jive Abyss, Summer Sprigs (in Blush and Pine) and Brighton Blossom (in Granite and Whale). Bundles feature two 500ml bottles and 340ml cups which have been packaged in Liberty’s signature purple. Above and right: Chilly’s bottles, showing two of the five prints from Liberty’s archive.

Sustainable Gifting Leading The Way In the run-up to Christmas, new research from American Express, conducted by Opinium, revealed that sustainable gifts are growing in popularity, with consumers willing to spend significantly more to gift sustainability. With consumers having access to a greater choice of sustainable products, and events such as COP26 at the forefront of the news agenda, over a third (37%) of UK gift givers considered purchasing sustainable presents this year more important than ever. It was predicted that 62% of UK consumers would be making at least one sustainable purchase when buying gifts this year, with buying sustainably during the festive period especially important among young adults. Over three quarters (77%) of millennials and Gen Z (18-34 year-olds) have confirmed that they too, would be buying at least one sustainable gift. According to the report, the average UK consumer is expected to spend £77 on sustainable Christmas gifts. While festive shopper will, on average, purchase eight presents this season, five of these are expected to be sustainable. Over a third (37%) of Brits said that they would be happy to spend more on an ethical or sustainable gift, with those consumers willing to spend on average 12% more. Left: Consumers put gifting sustainably high on their agenda this Christmas.

NEWS IN BRIEF l Denby has begun a major new phase in its history with the

production of porcelain at its Derbyshire HQ and manufacturing site. Right: Denby porcelain ranges can be mixed and matched.

l Very Peri is Pantone Colour of the Year 2022, a combination of

violet and red undertones with blues. The new colour has been specially created by the Pantone Institute, a first in its history.

Joe Davies will be among the first time exhibitors at Top Drawer in January, where the company will be showcasing Equilibrium’s best sellers, along with new ranges for Spring/Summer 2022 to include the on trend Gemstone collection. “Our Equilibrium collection has really moved up a gear,” states Joe Davies’ jewellery buyer and designer Mary Caputo. “We have been working hard over the last 12 months and are very excited with the fresh new look, with the resulting luxurious foiled packaging getting a really positive reception.” Explains Mary: “Development of new ranges is always paramount, as keeping ahead of trends is crucial for the continued success of the brand. We are confident that our new collections will not disappoint.” Top Drawer will be taking place at Olympia, London, from January 16-18, 2022. Joe Davies will be exhibiting on stand no. 283. (For more about Top Drawer see page 15). Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk Above: Joe Davies’ new Equilibrium Gemstone collection.

Support For Local Independents Christmas shopping has changed for good with consumers more focused on their local communities, sustainability and supporting independent businesses, says Shopli, a national independent business directory and marketplace. A recent survey of festive shoppers (conducted by Centre for Economic & Business Research (Cebr) for Visa) revealed that nearly half of those surveyed (43%) said that supporting and shopping independently gave them ‘a boost of happiness’. In fact, the majority of Christmas shoppers polled (62%) said they were worried independent businesses would not survive if they did not support them during the festive period. “The majority of shoppers, especially during the Christmas period, want to support independent businesses and services,” stated Lee Nathan, ceo of Shopli, and regional chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). “We have therefore developed a platform, shopli.co.uk, that helps retailers and services to compete on a national level.” Above: A new app is helping both retailers and consumers to stay local.

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NE W S PRI NG SUMME R COL L E CTIONS

C OM I N G S O O N G ET A F I R S T L OO K AT

STAN D 2 -E 4 0 2 3 - 26 JA N

STAN D 7 A 3 0 -B 3 1 6 - 9 F EB

View our full collection online at www.gallerydirect.co.uk

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Trade Show Top Drawer Spring To Take Over Olympia Show Is Double The Size of Autumn/Winter Top Drawer Spring/Summer 2022 will be taking over the whole of Olympia from January 16-18, doubling the size of the show’s Autumn/Winter edition. The focus is on reinventing the new season, highlighting how retail is turning a corner and looking ahead to a more positive outlook. “With the show dominating the whole of London’s Olympia, buyers will have access to over 650 brands and 1000’s of the newest products on the market at a safe and carefully designed event,” confirms show director Russell Rule. Among the exhibitors taking part are Aery, Atlantic Folk, Beyond Living, Block Design, Bookspeed, Caroline Gardner, Jellycat, Quail Designs, Repeat Repeat, Talking Tables, Manta Gifts, Luckies of London, Lifeguard Press, Portico Designs, Alex Monroe, Afroart, Big Metal, Canova Gifts, Halcyon Days, Doughnut Bags, Forma House, Half Moon Bay, Lorna Syson, Manta Gifts, Pilgrim, The Art File and S-C Brands.

A lively line-up of speakers will once again be taking part in RetailFest, to include Holly Tucker MBE, founder of Holly & Co and co-founder of Notonthehighstreet. Additionally, the Reveal Studio will offering visitors an opportunity to take part in workshops that include visual merchandising, photography and international export. Visitors and exhibitors will be required to show their Covid pass or provide proof of a negative lateral flow to attend. Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk Above middle: Top Drawer’s show director Russell Rule. Left: Holly Tucker MBE will be among the speakers at RetailFest.

Festive Feel At Harrogate As one of the leading events for Christmas, festive and occasion gifts, Harrogate Christmas & Gift, which takes place at the Harrogate Convention Centre from January 16-19, is eager to open its doors again. “Confidence has grown, and we now have many major brands signed to include Premier Decorations, Gisela Graham, Noma, Lesser & Pavey, Festive and Kaemingk as well as a host of brand new first time exhibitors,” confirms show organiser Simon Anslow. He highlights that the show has grown exponentially over the last decade, with products including everything for Christmas, as well as gifts and decorations for celebrations throughout the year, to include baby gifts, Halloween, Easter and birthdays. Exhibitor products will also feature home fragrancing as well as home and garden décor, and pet and food products. Visit www.harrogatefair.com Above: Visitors at Harrogate Christmas & Gift.

A Show For All Seasons Coastal and tourist gift and home show Giving & Living, which takes place from January 16-18 at Westpoint, near Exeter, is looking forward to helping the region’s businesses to bounce back in 2022. The event has been redesigned to include putting comfort features in place and re-focusing the show to reflect current buying needs. Showcasing everything from cups to cards, fossils to furnishings, jewellery to jams and silver to sunglasses, organisers Hale Events emphasise that buyers will be able to discover products that will drive their sales for 2022. “2021 was a strong year for ‘staycations’ in the UK,” says Hale Events' managing director Mike Anderson. “All the signs for 2022 are that this trend will continue, with the public taking record numbers of family holidays in the peak weeks as well as short breaks and day trips throughout the year. With a change to the visitors who come to this region we’ve got more British makers than ever, as well as a host of new exhibitors and more exclusive show offers.” Visit www.givingliving.co.uk Above: Doing business at Giving & Living.

NEWS Highland Fling

Over 400 exhibitors will be unveiling their new launches at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, which takes place from January 23-25 at the SEC, Glasgow. “There are clear signs that the retail market is recovering and many independent shops, especially in smaller towns, are reporting decent sales as people choose to shop local wherever possible,” comments Scotland’s Trade Fair director Mark Saunders. Some 20% of exhibitors are new with the Launch and Craft Galleries particularly strong. Additionally, the show’s Talking Shop zone will provide visitors with insight into current topics. Nessie’s Den will also be returning, in the mode of the BBC’s Dragon’s Den, while the Best Product Awards will be judged on the show’s opening day. EcoBags are the official supplier of carrier bags for visitors, providing bags made from recycled plastic bottles. Above: Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring offers visitors three jam packed days.

Deck The Halls At Christmasworld Over 500 exhibitors from 38 countries will be showcasing product at Christmasworld, organised by Messe Frankfurt. The show takes place at Frankfurt am Main from January 29-February 1, with the diverse character of the fair reflected in the range of supplier and buyers. With a focus on the success of the customer experience at the point of sale, Christmasworld will be showing the latest products and trends for Christmas and other festive occasions throughout the year.

Homing In At HOMI The January edition of HOMI which takes place from January 27-30 at Rho’s Fiera Milano in Milan - will be showcasing how the home has evolved since the pandemic, reflecting people’s new lifestyles and values. “The home’s new central role has fuelled a strong desire to renovate interiors and furnishings, that is more in line with the changing needs of its inhabitants,” emphasises Andrea Tozzi, research manager at home analysts CasaDoxa, BVA Doxa. In line with this, HOMI will be putting a focus on the home environment in relation to wellbeing, as well as on homewares and decorative home accessories, new materials and sustainability. Vist www.homimilano.com Above: Among the products being showcased at HOMI.

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Visit us at Top Drawer to see the popular Equilibrium Jewellery Collection!

Equilibrium® Fashion Jewellery

Equilibrium® Gemstones

Equilibrium® Elegant Pastel

Equilibrium® Sentiment Jewellery

Tel: 0161 975 6300 2021 12 - Progressive Gifts EQ FP.indd 1 16_GH_January 2022.indd 1

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

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Trade Show Spring Fair Selling Out Fast A Bigger And Better Show Spring Fair, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from February 6-9, is on course to be bigger and better than ever with over 90% of stand space sold. With new brands keen to join the show, organisers Hyve Group are looking to increase the floorplan. “We have spent many months researching the market, talking to our customers, listening and learning, and feel confident that Spring Fair will deliver the best possible experience across its four days,” states event director Daniel Mayhew. “Visitors will discover the most inspirational and exciting brand line-up and stock-rich exhibitors, as well as newness, crossbuying opportunities, and sustainable products that are so key to buyers and their customers.” Sustainability continues to be top of the agenda with 82% of visitors stating their interest in sustainable and ethical brands. Existing initiatives, such as the Sustainability Trail, will continue to highlight and champion sustainable brands. Further sustainability initiatives include the re-introduction of the Power of One campaign. The show’s manifesto for 2022 has been revealed as Empowering Change, which will set the agenda for Spring Fair’s Inspiring Retail Stage as well as a year-round content programme. Outlining the manifesto, Suzanne Ellingham, head of content at Hyve Group plc, explains: “Retail is in a state of incredible transformation and I’m really excited about this year’s Empowering Change editorial theme. The

NEWS Card Sharp

schedule will be packed full of incredible speakers and participants, helpful and inspiring insights, newness and the essential trends for 2022 and beyond. Each of the four days of the show will cover a dedicated theme correlated to the Empowering Change manifesto.” Spring Fair 2022, which incorporates Moda, (see below) features four key buying destinations - Home, Gift, Fashion and Design & Source. Visit www.springfair.com

Excitement is already building for dedicated greetings card show Progressive Greetings Live 2022, which takes place at London’s Business Design Centre on June 7 and 8. “We’ve got an impressive line up of exhibitors and registration is now open,” enthuses joint show director Jakki Brown. Visitors and exhibitors will be able to enjoy free refreshments and a free lunch o both days of the show, as well as a free invitation to a party on the first night. Visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com Below: The opening ceremony at 2021’s Progressive Greetings Live show.

Above: Spring Fair will be welcoming visitors in February.

Moda Debuts At Spring Fair Following on from a successful Autumn Fair, Moda will be making its debut at Spring Fair, which takes place from 6-9 February at the NEC, Birmingham. The sector will feature womenswear, jewellery, accessories and footwear, as well as sustainable UK and global brands, and will incorporate Jewellery & Watch, encouraging crossover buying opportunities. Visit www.springfair.com/moda Above: Bags of colour from Moda exhibitor Jayley.

Curated Meetings Debut At Spring Fair Curated Meetings - short, pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings between vetted buyers and relevant brands, based on mutual interest to drive new business opportunities together - will have its official launch at Spring Fair on February 7-8 at the NEC, Birmingham. Following on from a successful beta trial at Autumn Fair in September, there will be more space, more meetings and more sectors. Visit www.springfair.com/cm Right: Among the 1:1 Curated Meetings held at Autumn Fair.

A Confident Ambiente

Left: The Giving sector at Ambiente.

Ambiente, taking place at Frankfurt am Main, will be welcoming visitors from 11-15 February 2022. “Ambiente is and remains the most important and most international consumer goods fair in the world,” states Messe Frankfurt’s Philipp Ferger, vice president consumer goods fairs. “Over 2,400 exhibitors from 74 countries have already confirmed their participation in Frankfurt and are looking forward to the hustle and bustle on the exhibition grounds.” Yvonne Engelmann, director Ambiente Living and Giving, adds: “We have great exhibitors and brands showcasing their trends and latest product.” She continues: “In addition to aesthetically beautiful, trendy products, sustainability, with all its facets, is now a core global social and economic issue with enormous reach and significance.” With fewer exhibitors due to China’s travel restrictions, Ambiente will have an 87% occupancy compared to the last event in 2020. Safety measures include 100% fresh air supply in the exhibition halls, generous design of halls and entrances to maintain safety distances, intensive cleaning measures, a hygiene-adapted catering concept and the wearing of mouth and nose protection. Visitors will be able to attend live, as well as network online, and will be able to follow the trade show highlights in content streamings. Visit www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

Show News In Brief l The January Furniture Show 2022 will

be taking place from January 22-25 at the NEC, Birmingham. Showcasing over 350 brands, key sectors include Premium Design; Interior Accessories; Living, Dining and Bedroom and Furniture. Visit www.januaryfurnitureshow.com l Due to Covid, new dates have been announced for Showcase Ireland. The show will now be held at the RDS in Dublin, from February 27-March 2, five weeks later than originally planned. Visit www.showcaseireland.com

Two Shows Become One The INDX Home group will run its next Housewares and Linens shows simultaneously. Taking place at Cranmore Park in Solihull on 2223 February 2022, the combined showcase will feature the latest innovations and seasonal trends from a curated exhibitor line-up. Home and gift exhibitors to date include Wax Lyrical, Portmeirion (Royal Worcester and Wrendale), Dartington, Denby, Malini and Captivate Brands. Visit www.indxshows.co.uk Below: Visitors at the Housewares show in August 2021.

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Show Calendar 2022

It’s Showtime!

UK SHOWS 2022 JANUARY 16-18 Top Drawer Olympia, London Web: www.topdrawer.co.uk

16-18 Giving & Living Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter Web: www.givingliving.co.uk

25-27 Toy Fair Olympia, London Web: www.toyfair.co.uk

14-15 Exclusively Shows Business Design Centre, London Web: www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk

FEBRUARY

28-30 GLEE NEC, Birmingham Web: www.gleebirmingham.com

6-9 Spring Fair/Moda NEC, Birmingham Web: www.springfair.com Web: www.moda-uk.co.uk

16-19 Harrogate Christmas & Gift Harrogate Convention Centre Web: www.harrogatefair.com

22-23 INDX Housewares & INDX Linens Cranmore Park, Conference & Event Centre, Shirley Web: www.indxshows.co.uk

22-25 January Furniture Show NEC, Birmingham Web: www.januaryfurnitureshow.com

APRIL

23-25 Scotland's Trade Fair Spring/ Scotland’s Speciality Food Show SEC, Glasgow Web: www.spring.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk Web: www.scotlandsspecialityfoodshow.com 23-25 Wales Spring Fair Venue Cymru, Llandudno Web: www.walesspringfair.co.uk

10-12 British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate Web: www.bctf.co.uk

MAY 17-18 London Stationery Show Business Design Centre, London Web: www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk

JUNE 7-8 Progressive Greetings Live 2022 Business Design Centre, London Web: www.progressivegreetingslive.com

JULY 17-20 Home & Gift Harrogate Web: www.homeandgift.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 4-7 Autumn Fair NEC, Birmingham Web: www.autumnfair.com www.moda-uk.co.uk 11-13 Top Drawer Olympia, London Web: www.topdrawer.co.uk 18-19 Scotland's Trade Fair Autumn/ Scotland’s Speciality Food Show SECC, Glasgow Web: www.autumn.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk

OCTOBER 20-22 Brand Licensing Europe 2022 ExCeL, London Web: www.brandlicensing.eu

INTERNATIONAL SHOWS 2022 JANUARY 20-24 Maison&Objet Paris Paris-Nord Villepinte Web: www.maison-objet.com

27-March 2 Showcase Ireland RDS, Dublin Web: www.showcaseireland.com

MARCH 27-30 HOMI Fiera Milano, Rho, Milan Web: www.homimilano.com

2-6 IHGF Delhi Fair Spring India Expo Centre & Mart Web: www.epch.in

28-Feb 1 Christmasworld Frankfurt am Main Web: www.christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com

APRIL

29-Feb 1 Paperworld Frankfurt am Main Web: www.paperworld.messefrankfurt.com 29-Feb 1 Creativeworld Frankfurt am Main Web: www.creativeworld.messefrankfurt.com

FEBRUARY 6-9 NY NOW Javits Center, New York Web: www.nynow.com 11-15 Ambiente Frankfurt am Main, Germany Web: www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

AUGUST 14-17 NY NOW Javits Center, New York Web: www.nynow.com

15-19 Canton Fair (Phase 1) China Import and Export Fair Complex Guangzhou Web: www.cantonfair.net

SEPTEMBER

23-27 Canton Fair (Phase 2) China Import and Export Fair Complex Guangzhou Web: www.cantonfair.net

16-19 HOMI Fiera Milano, Rho, Milan Web: www.homimilano.com

27-30 Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Web: www.hktdc.com

MAY 24-26 Licensing Expo 2022 Mandalay Bay Convention Center Las Vegas Web: www.licensingexpo.com

Above: Visitors walking the aisles at Autumn Fair 2021.

8-12 Maison&Objet Paris Nord Villepinte Web: www.maison-objet.com

OCTOBER 14-18 Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair Autumn India Expo Centre & Mart Web: www.epch.in

CHECK IT OUT! While every effort has been made to ensure that dates, venues and contact details are correct at the time of going to press, visitors are strongly advised to re-confirm details when planning to attend any of the shows listed. Max Publishing cannot accept responsibility for any changes that occur.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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The UK Gift Awards

Uniting The Gift Industry Marking a significant, unified step forward for the UK gift industry, the GA’s Gift of the Year (GOTY) awards and The Greats gift retailer awards will be joining forces in 2022, with the winners of both awards programmes announced at a shared lavish black tie evening event on Thursday 12 May 2022, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. A key event on the gift industry’s calendar for 2022 will be The Gift Awards in May, which will unite the Gift of the Year Awards with The Greats gift retailer awards. The two award programmes will see both gift product excellence and retail prowess recognised and rewarded at an awards event to make the whole industry proud, attended by hundreds of gift suppliers and retailers. Reinforcing its commitment to the gift sector, Hyve Group (which owns and organises Spring Fair and Autumn Fair), is the headline supporter for the UK Gift Awards event, and will remain integral to the Gift of the Year Awards, with the live judging of the 2022 GOTYs taking place during Spring Fair 2022. The ownership and running of the Gift of the Year product awards, now in their 45th year, will remain under the stewardship of the Giftware Association while The Greats gift retailer awards, now in their 20th year, will continue to be wholly owned and run by Max Publishing (publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home magazine and GiftsandHome.net). 20

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

Both parties will work closely together to create an exciting and ‘not to be missed’ evening event that will truly celebrate the industry’s achievements, both on the product and retailing fronts. “After everything we have all been through over the last 22 months, an event which brings the whole

Above: Banner image showing part of the front of the Royal Lancaster and a composite of the various logos. Left: Progressive Gifts & Home’s editor Sue Marks welcomed guests to The Greats Awards 2021 in September. Below left: The glittering Royal Lancaster Hotel in London will be hosting The Gift Awards on May 12. Below right: The Gift Awards over arching logo featuring the GOTY and Greats logos etc.

industry together in celebration and camaraderie is much needed and will be warmly embraced,” commented Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association. “Having received the unanimous support from the GA national committee, we are delighted to be working with the Max

How To Buy Tickets Tickets for the UK Gift Awards event on 12 May 2022 can be booked quickly and securely by visiting Max-Tickets.net or by contacting awards organiser Clare Hollick at clare@createvents.co.uk (tel: 01183 340085). Tickets cost £208 (+VAT) and tables of 10 and 12 are available. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com

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The UK Gift Awards

Publishing team, respected for their commitment to the gift industry and awards expertise, to take the Gift of the Year awards onto another level.” The GA will continue to organise the entry and judging process for the Gift of the Year awards. Some 70 judges have signed up for the judging panel, including Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftandHome.net’s editor Sue Marks). Meanwhile, Max Publishing will continue to manage The Greats gift retailer awards. In addition, Max Publishing will undertake the sponsorship of both awards programmes, as well as the organisation of the awards event itself, (including the ticket booking), drawing on the expertise of its affiliated Max Live Events team. Commenting on the significant collaboration, Sue Marks said: “This is a dream come true. I have worked closely with the GA for over 20 years - to include being an enthusiastic judge of the GOTYs for some 23 years. In addition, I have been at

How To Become A Sponsor Category sponsorship is currently still available for both The Gift Of The Year and The Greats. With lots more in the pipeline, the line-up of Greats/Gift of the Year confirmed sponsors include (in alphabetical order): Brand Licensing Europe (BLE); Cardzone; Gift Republic; GiftsandHome.net; Gisela Graham; Harrogate Christmas & Gift; Joe Davies; Progressive Gifts & Home; Progressive Greetings Live. To find out more about sponsorship opportunities for The Greats and The Gift Awards event, contact Ali Farrell (e: alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk; mob: 07872 113635); Ian Hyder (e: ianh@max-publishing.co.uk mob: 07525 634 306); Rob Willis (robw@max-publishing.co.uk mob: 07792 016832); Warren Lomax (e: warren@max-publishing.co.uk; mob: 07977 572086). Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com Right: Julie Driscoll, divisional managing director of Hyve Group plc. Below left: Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association, category sponsor of The Greats’ Outstanding Achievement Award, is shown announcing the winner at the 2021 awards.

the forefront of The Greats since their inception in 2003, so creating an event which will unify our industry’s incredible suppliers with their fabulous retail customers makes perfect sense. One side does not work without the other, and I’m looking forward to, and excited to be part of the inaugural Gift of the Year and Greats Awards event on May 12!” Adding her endorsement, Julie Driscoll, divisional managing director of Hyve Group plc said: “This is a wonderful moment in the history of Gift of the Year. Spring Fair has, for many, many years, supported the GOTY awards and we are very excited to be hosting the judging, welcoming the best of the best in

the gift industry to the show in February. The unification of Gift of the Year and The Greats into the UK Gift Awards is an obvious step for the industry and our headline sponsorship demonstrates our continued commitment and love for the gift industry.” A new, centralised website has been created for The Gift Awards 2022 (www.thegiftawards.com), containing full information about the various categories, attendance, sponsors and more. Meanwhile, more information on the Gift of the Year awards can be found by visiting www.giftoftheyear.co.uk, while more information on The Greats gift retailer awards can be found by visiting www.thegreatsawards.co.uk.

The Greats Awards 2022 Open For Entries! Winning a Greats gift retailer award has become the pinnacle for gift retailers both large and small - a prestigious, coveted retail trophy that recognises excellence, initiative, innovation and professionalism at the highest level. With the competition now in its 20th milestone year, and with an exciting new London venue for 2022 - the glamorous Royal Lancaster Hotel in Bayswater, overlooking London’s Hyde Park - we want retailers to tell us why their shop could be a winner! Once again, Progressive Gifts & Home is on the lookout for those extra special gift retailers, gift departments, lifestyle stores, garden centres and visitor attractions that, despite a tougher than ever retail climate, are nevertheless managing to stay at the top of their game. Therefore, with the competition well underway, it's all systems go to discover the special gift retailers that stand out from the crowd. “The Greats Awards set out to recognise and celebrate gift retailers who have shown entrepreneurial flair in responding to the changing retail landscape,” comments PG&H’s editor Sue Marks. “Once again, gift retailers of all shapes and sizes are being invited to tell us about their marketing initiatives, their community involvement, how good they are at display, whether they’ve expanded or opened a new outlet, what they do online, as well as how they use social media to promote sales.” Adds Sue: “The Greats are a fantastic opportunity for gift retailers across the board - from the tiniest village shop to the largest multiple - to bang the drum about their achievements over the past year. We know that there are some incredible retailers out there, and we want to hear from them!” Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com which feature details on how to enter The Greats Awards 2022, together with downloadable entry forms. Entries can also be emailed to suem@max-publishing.co.uk. The closing date for entries is January 31, 2022, and an entry form is enclosed with this issue of Progressive Gifts & Home. First launched in 2003, The Greats gift retailer awards are owned and organised by Max Publishing and Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide. Above: We won! The delighted winners of The Greats Awards 2021 are shown with their trophies.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

GiftsandHome.net is published by gift sector experts, for gift trade experts

From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home, and the organisers of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards. With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 7,559 readers and industry leading open rates, - largely dominated by retail buyers, the twice-weekly this fast-paced sector. The modern, easy to navigate website provides a in-depth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Gifts & Home, and much, much more.

Advertising and Commercial Opportunities: Advertisement Manager - Ali Farrell alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk

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Editorial and Content Opportunities: Editor - Sue Marks sue@suemarks.co.uk

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Feedback

Looking Ahead

Wishing & Hoping Inset: What does 2022 have in store?

As 2021 comes to a close, with Covid still dominating the headlines, and stock issues continuing to challenge both suppliers and retailers, PG&H asked some of the leading gift companies for their views on 2022, as well as what their New Year resolutions are.

More Of The Same Julian Hunt, managing director, Lesser & Pavey... Hopes for 2022: “We have lots of hopes for 2022, and wish to see a return to the pre-Covid normal as early as possible in the New Year. We’ve seen a healthy increase in business in 2021 from online businesses and garden centres, and are very encouraged by the recent significant upturn in business from high street retail customers. We also continue to find new customers and are delighted to see how many of these are young, enthusiastic and full of new ideas. So more of the same is top of our ‘wish list’ for 2022.” Feeling optimistic about the year ahead? “Yes, we are very optimistic. We are eagerly looking forward to the shows in early 2022 and will be exhibiting at Harrogate Christmas and Gift in January and at Spring Fair in February. With the success of Autumn Fair in September ’21, and the enthusiasm of customers who visited, we are confident the shows will be busy and well attended by buyers keen to get back to face to face contact with their suppliers and to see new products in the flesh. And with reports of excellent Christmas trading, we have even more reason to be really optimistic for the coming year.” Any New Year resolutions? “We always set ourselves new goals for the year ahead, to improve our customer service level as well as bringing a continual flow of innovative new well priced quality products to the market.”

Equipped To Deal With Opportunities Mike Winch, founder and managing director, Candlelight... Hopes for 2022: “That we are in a good position to meet issues head on.” Feeling optimistic about the year ahead? “I’m always optimistic. In 2022 there are some serious challenges for retail and the supply chain. All I can say is that Candlelight is better equipped than most to deal with the opportunities and threats that will occur.” Any New Year resolutions? “The New Year’s resolution is to face up to the bullies!”

Hoping For Normal Trading Paul Hooker, commercial director, Joe Davies... Hopes for 2022: “Our biggest hope for 2022 is that the shadow of uncertainty the pandemic brings is left well and truly behind us. Independent retail has had a tough time and any return to normal trading will be well-deserved and welcomed by us all.” Feeling optimistic about the year ahead? “We have been working really hard on our new product range and are very optimistic for the year ahead, especially as many of these exciting new developments will make their debut at Spring Fair.” Any New Year resolutions? “We really only have one resolution every year and that is to work harder than ever to support our customers. For us that means making sure we have plenty of great new stock available, backed up with our award-winning Joe Davies customer service.”

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Feedback Confident Of Success Helen Cottrill, marketing and product director, Enesco... Hopes for 2022: “I hope that the world gets back to some level of normality and that we get the spontaneity back into our lives. While the shift to online shopping is here to stay, we are a nation of shoppers and love to socialise, and the two go hand in hand. Our independent and speciality channels are so important to us, and we will be looking to support them with our sales team, B2B website, customer service team, great products and in store displays in 2022.” Feeling optimistic about the year ahead? “Yes, absolutely. If Covid has taught us one thing, it’s that we can adapt and be resourceful in most situations. The last two years have been extremely difficult and we are still being affected by the supply chain problems. However, we have a strong support team in Asia and we remain confident that 2022 will be a success.” Any New Year resolutions? “From a work perspective, it’s to work a few less hours a week. As I am now in a home-based role, switching off is not as easy as it was. From a personal perspective, I want to do another hike for charity to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Looking Ahead

Optimism Is What We Do Best Katie Loxton, creative director and co-founder, Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton... Hopes for 2022? “It’s still a challenging time for all businesses to navigate, with continuing uncertainty about new covid variants and how that will affect the high street, but we’ve been very lucky that, with a lot of hard work, we’ve had a very successful year and are seeing some great growth. We’re hoping for a very successful 2022 and have a very strong Spring Summer collection that we are really excited to launch, with lots of new innovative products, as we continue to strive to lead in new product development.” Feeling optimistic about the year ahead? “Yes very. There has been a huge amount of work internally this year, as we have reshaped many parts of our business to best navigate the world as it is. Our online business has had huge growth, while maintaining and growing our phenomenal B2B business which is so important to us as a brand. As always, we are customer first, so 2022 is all about giving our customers everything they could possibly wish for and more, and we have just signed off our AW22 collection. I’m sure that there will still be some challenges ahead with Covid, but we are so lucky to have such a dynamic team that being optimistic is what we do best.” Any New Year resolutions? “With two little children and our business, life is wonderfully busy so I’m going to try to make sure I still take some little moments of self care just for me!”

A Prosperous 2022 Peter Delaney, managing director, Gallery Direct... Hopes for 2022: “We hope all our customers and suppliers remain healthy and prosperous in 2022. We also hope and expect that global supply and logistics issues will improve. We were determined to maintain our supply chain and stock levels over the difficult 20-21 periods to date, and we succeeded, even though it was incredibly challenging. We will continue striving to achieve this no matter what the circumstances, but it would be fantastic if things became easier for all. Plus, we hope to be able to meet all our customers, both current and new, at trade shows and have more face-to-face meetings at our new showrooms, as well as visiting customers in their own retail environments.” Feeling optimistic about the year ahead? “Absolutely. We have big plans here at Gallery, with over 1,300 new products being launched in January, with more to follow later in the year. Our huge additional new warehouse near Chesterfield is due to come into operation in January too, which will allow us to hold even more stock here in the UK. We will have around ¾ million finished pieces in the UK in Q1.” Any New Year resolutions? “As always, to continue to develop new ideas and products to stay ahead of trends and bring exciting new lines to market, where we are proud to be ‘Leading by Design’.”

A More Predictable Year Andrew Nettleton, managing director, Ashleigh & Burwood... Hopes for 2022: “Our hopes are purely for a steadier, more predictable year! Amid a backdrop of the many challenges our country and the world has faced over the past 22 months, we have also faced a unique set of industry obstacles. For us, we have been very much affected by new restrictions on transportation of certain product types, shipping issues, and European trading difficulties brought about since Brexit. However, we’re pleased to be entering 2022 having found resolutions to some of these challenges, so we have a decent amount of optimism for the year ahead, albeit tinged with a cautionary note, knowing that this continuing period of uncertainty can always offer up new surprises!” Feeling optimistic about the year ahead? “As most would agree, a positive to come from the times we’ve been living in is a renewed focus on environmental issues. As a company, it’s been an ongoing process to examine and reduce our own impact over recent years, and this will continue with renewed vigour.” Any New Year resolutions? “2022 seems a great time to make a resolution to strengthen our environmental pledge, and we’ll be sharing our progress on this with retail partners and the industry throughout the year.”

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In Profile: The Bean Hive

In The Pink

Where can you find a gift shop painted trendy millennial pink, with a giraffe named Deborah coming out of an exterior wall, high above a pair of Instagram-ready angel wings? The answer is at The Bean Hive in Kettering, a quirky, crazy gift shop on three levels that has been injecting colour and personality into the town for the past three years. As winner of The Greats 2021 Best Newcomer South & Wales, category, PG&H popped in to catch up with the shop’s equally colourful owner Davina ‘Queen Bean’ Parkhouse. It’s been quite a year for Davina Parkhouse (who prefers to be known as Bean). Not only did The Bean Hive - founded in 2018 by a group of friends and traders - win the Best Newcomer - South & Wales category at The Greats in September, but the store also won the Best Gift Shop category at the Northamptonshire Muddy Stilettos Awards, as well as the Best Gift Shop category at the local Kettering Business Awards. And if that wasn’t enough, the shop was also shortlisted as a finalist at The Retas 2021

greeting card retailer awards (the sister Awards of The Greats) in November, all of which shouts out that the shop has got its finger on the pulse of retail. From the moment you walk in, it’s clear that this is no ordinary gift store. (“It’s a bit crazy!” admits Bean). On the first two levels - in addition to Bean’s ‘something different’ gift, home, interiors, food, beauty and greeting card sections - the remaining space is rented out to 12 hand-picked traderscum-staff-cum friends, selling everything Left: Deborah The Zebra was specially created to celebrate the shop’s third anniversary. Inset: The Bean Hive in Kettering.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

Above: Delighted smiles from Davina (Bean) Parkhouse (right) and her daughter Emelye, owners of The Bean Hive, Kettering, and The Bean Hive By The Sea, Falmouth, winners of The Greats Best Newcomer - South & Wales category.

from crystals and wall art to bags, jewellery and vinyl, as well as (additional) greeting cards from two local illustrators, plus much, much more besides. There’s also Sweary Mary’s on the upper floor for those shoppers looking for novelty ‘rude’ gifts and cards. “We’re very liberal with the products we sell, and in the run-up

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In Profile: The Bean Hive to Christmas, all items sell out,” reveals Bean. (To avoid stock shortages and disappointed customers in December, orders across the board were placed early, with all three floors crammed with goodies). She continues: “We bought the shop three years ago, and with a lot of blood sweat and tears we have managed to turn a derelict space into a colourful vibrant mini department store. Since lockdown, everything is better because we had time to do things that normally we wouldn’t have had time to do. It’s therefore been like starting out again, but with a much improved shop, better stock, a website and fabulous new artwork which was funded by the government’s re-start grant. Our reward has been that footfall and sales have been amazing. We’re not just surviving but thriving thanks to our loyal customers of all ages.”

Bean is especially proud of one trader, Randalls American sweet shop, which specialises in American candy brands. “It’s owned by a young entrepreneur from Market Harborough who has done so well that he has become a local ‘celebrity’,” she enthuses. “The town’s children come in here to buy their sweets, making the shop a community hub.” Locals clearly love The Bean Hive as much as Bean does, so much so that, delighted with its ambience, two local women, Ayesha and Reannah, recently got engaged there! “When Reannah asked to propose to Ayesha in our shop we couldn’t have been more excited!” Bean exclaims. “It was wonderful to be part of their special moment.”

Right: Cushions abound, with ‘Patsy’ one of The Bean Hive’s best sellers. Below: Miffy, in all shapes and sizes, can be found throughout the shop.

So how did Bean, a former chartered surveyor, (“I was sensible and boring then, now I’m rather rebellious!”) get into gift retail? “I accidentally fell into it, initially selling antiques and vintage paraphernalia at fairs following a massive inheritance of stuff from my mother, a collector,” she explains. “Subsequently, I began selling a few gifts and cards too - I love greeting cards and always have - and realised that this was the retail sector I wanted to be in. I come from a family of shopkeepers and love beautiful things, as I was surrounded with them growing up. Additionally, my mum was a shopper, as was my grandma, so I’m unashamedly a shopaholic,” she admits. “My favourite activity is sourcing new stock for the shop - and chatting to our lovely customers of course! In lockdown, if I’m being honest, I missed them, and my staff/traders, who I see every day, more than my friends! So with sourcing in mind, I’m really looking forward to the trade shows in 2022. I spend somewhere between £5,000£10,000 and love to find new suppliers.” Prior to lockdown, Bean sourced from Europe as well as the UK, but with current stock issues, she has increasingly been looking at B2B sites such as Faire, Abound, Creo8ate and Tredo, to find new - and sustainable - brands, along with giftware from local, smaller suppliers. “Like everyone else, we have to keep on adapting, but our criteria is to choose products that we like ourselves. They’re items that I would have, and do have, in my own house.”

So, what does she see as the secret of The Bean Hive’s success? “A visit to The Bean Hive is always fun, and I love having an unusual shop that everyone talks about. I’ve variously been described as ‘the UK’s most enthusiastic retailer’, as well as ‘someone whose brain has too many tabs open at the same time!’ I can’t switch off. I’m constantly in work mode, thinking about every single detail, and one of the loveliest comments I’ve received is that the shop ‘out London’s London’.” Going into 2022, what ambitions does she have for The Bean Hive over the next six to 12 months? “To have a print catalogue that goes out in the post,” states Bean. “I want to do it just once, and to do it professionally, with the photo shoot taking place in my house which I’ve recently remodelled. I’ve got the backdrops ready, so that’s the dream. Meanwhile, I count myself very, very lucky to have such a crazy, fun business and to have such enormous fun running it. Life is short, so why be boring? And best of all, I get to shop for a living! I feel like I was always mean to do this.”

The Bean Hive By The Sea In August 2020, Bean opened a second shop, The Bean Hive By The Sea in Falmouth, which is run by her daughter Emelye, who recently completed a masters in history from Exeter University. “She’s very much like me, a strong, rebellious, colourful character, whose favourite colour is pink. And like me, and my sister who has a gift shop, The Mackerel Makery in Penzance, and my mum, who owned estate agents, she’s a third generation natural shopkeeper,” beams Bean. “Sales in Falmouth were off the scale last summer, with the shop a magnet for tourists, students and locals.” However, other than the exterior of the shop being painted millennial pink, and a section for Sweary Mary’s, (“a huge hit with students”), which is about to be significantly expanded in 2022, the retail concept is very different. “Emelye is well known in Falmouth for wearing unusual, colourful dresses which she then re-sells,” explains Bean. “People love them and come into the shop to buy them. Plus, she sells some of my old vintage stock. Emelye’s favourite colour has always been pink - which has inspired the colour theme for The Bean Hive - so much so that we own a bright pink car too!”

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In Profile: Puckator

Global Vision Having started out as a tiny importer of Balinese wood carvings in 1990, Puckator, a leading giftware and licensed gifts company, has gone from strength to strength globally, with Europe a key part of the company’s success and development. With UK premises in Liskeard and Sheffield, along with offices in China, Italy, Spain and Poland, as well as a brand new European Distribution Centre (EDC) in Poland too, the company is looking forward to unveiling a host of new product launches at Spring Fair. PG&H caught up with founder and managing director Mark Howard to hear more about the plans that will be taking the company forward in 2022. There is always a turning point in a successful business’ trajectory, and for Puckator, it was founder and managing director Mark Howard’s first trip to China’s Canton Fair in 1997. “It was starting the cooperation with China that saw the company embark on a path of fast growth,” he explains. “Over the next 12 months our product range was completely transformed. From supplying ethnic handicrafts, we became a supplier of mainstream gift and home items with broad appeal, and have never looked back.” Mark continues: “In the UK, we operate from a modern, purpose-built head office, warehousing, and distribution facility in Liskeard, Cornwall, as well as from an inhouse design studio in Sheffield, where part of our European customer services and sales team is also located. In addition, we have branch offices in China, Spain and Italy, as well as our new EDC in Poland, which

opened in September 2021. There are also European wholesale websites dedicated to France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal and Poland, as well as a site serving the Chinese domestic market, all of which reflects our phenomenal growth.” Over the last ten years or so, conceptually, the business has changed from being an importer of ‘off the shelf’ products, to a design-led company with a key focus on

Mark’s Words Of Wisdom l Three words that best describe you? “Fair, determined, workaholic.” l Best piece of business advice that you were given? “Cashflow is King. Also, never fall

into the trap of over-trading.” l Best piece of business advice that you would give to someone else today? “Value your

staff because they are your best asset. Be fair to staff, be fair to customers and be fair to suppliers. At the end of the day, it has to be win-win.” l What was your career plan B? “To continue to work in the shipping industry.”

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

Left: Puckator’s founder and managing director Mark Howard. Middle: The company’s newly opened European Distribution Centre in Poland. Bottom: New for Spring 2022 is a floral giftware range from Julie Dodsworth.

the marketing of an extensive portfolio of products featuring in-house and licensed designs. “Product design and development is key to Puckator, based on our strong belief that ultimately it’s good product that drives sales, which is why investment in product research and design has become core to the company,” states Mark. Aside from Puckator’s licensed and inhouse designs, product and market diversification has been central to the company, both in terms of customer type and geographic spread. “A strong diversification of product ensures that there is ‘something for everyone’, diminishing risk by not being too reliant on one product area,” comments Mark. “Similarly, with our broad geographic reach, especially in Europe, it ensures that we are not too exposed to the vagaries on any one particular country or region. Nevertheless, while this usually holds good, this year, trade with Europe post-Brexit, even with our market diversification, has resulted in a

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In Profile: Puckator whole new series of problems and challenges!” The company’s main product areas feature gifts, home and garden, outdoors and leisure, plus toys and stationery, along with aromatherapy, fashion and beauty, with Mark highlighting a massive increase in demand for aromatherapy products over the last couple of years. “It’s been a fast-growing part of our product portfolio, with core lines being our extensive range of backflow burners,” he confirms. Another fast-growing area is outdoors and leisure, including rapidly increasing ranges of water bottles, travel cups and lunch pots/boxes. “Our Relaxeazzz brand travel pillows - which won a Gift of the Year award in 2020 - reflect another range where we have invested heavily in design,” points out Mark. Major trade shows, both in the UK and internationally, are a long-time huge marketing tool for Puckator - the company exhibits at around 20 shows in a normal year - together with a number of showroom events staged in Europe and the UK.

Left: Minecraft is an exciting new licence that will be unveiled at Spring Fair. Bottom: Round bento boxes are a recent addition to the company’s Pusheen collection.

Mark confirms that with a continuing focus on outdoors and food accessories, new products being launched at Spring Fair include foldable bottles; picnic blankets; noodle cups, and oval and round bento boxes. The products feature many of the company’s in-house designs, together with some of their most popular licences. And with licensed giftware a huge part of the business, playing an important role in Puckator’s future growth, new licences launching at Spring Fair include Minecraft the company’s leading new licence for 2022; Julie Dodsworth; Hello Kitty (which complements Puckator’s highly successful

Puckator: The Lowdown l Following a successful career in shipping, Puckator was founded 32 years ago by Mark

Howard, who started out importing Balinese wood carvings. l In 1996, the company merged with another small gift importer, Delta Imports, with its

founder, Matthew Shaw, becoming Puckator’s sales director. l A B2B website was launched in 1998, with trade show expansion - both in the UK and

internationally - seeing stand size increase year-on-year. l In the ensuing years, the company opened offices in China, Spain, Italy and Poland. l In 2018, Puckator was included in the Sunday Times SME Export Fast Track 100. l Further expansion took place in September 2021, with the opening of a 4,000 sq metres

(European Distribution Centre) DC located in Wroclaw, Poland. l Currently, over 120 staff are employed by the Group across its premises.

Pusheen range), and Pacman. They join a roster of established licences such as Shaun the Sheep; Wallace and Gromit; Yellow Submarine; Mr Bean; Simon’s Cat; Volkswagen CamperVan; Fiat 500; The Original Stormtropper; Pusheen and Asterix. “Since the Autumn trade fairs, we have continued to see a rapidly increasing level of business in Europe, with many of our newer licences, such as Original Stormtrooper and Pusheen, proving incredibly popular,” states Mark. Looking ahead to the coming year, Mark says he is viewing 2022 with an enormous amount of optimism. “The EDC in Poland has provided us with an incredible opportunity to really focus on further developing our market in Europe, and over the next 12 months we are confident that it will pay dividends. With Puckator’s product range now available for despatch from the EDC, it means that we can serve our European customers quickly and efficiently, with delivery times of just a few days, even to the South of Europe. It will also enable us to grow our market in Eastern Europe, which, Poland excepted, has, until recently, been a minor part of our overall European sales - although we have long been aware of the opportunities this region presents.” He adds: “Therefore, during the course of 2022, and going forward, the Eastern European market will be a much greater part of our focus. Additionally, the reaction from customers to our new product ranges has been so positive that we feel sure that in 2022 we will see a continued, strong bounce back after what can only be described as a very challenging 18 months or so due to Brexit, the global container shortage, and, to an extent, Covid lockdowns. However, we’ve felt that since the Autumn, there has been more of a return to normality - which hopefully, the newly discovered Omicron variant won’t hinder - so I’m very hopeful that, over the next 12 months, we will see a resurgence in the home and gift market.” Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Heart To Heart

Spotlight On... Valentine’s Day

If the pandemic has taught us anything it’s to show and tell those we love how we feel about them. Given that Valentine’s Day gifting includes family members buying each other gifts, and girls buying gifts for their closest female friends (Galentine’s Day), we asked some of the leading gift companies what’s trending. Although Valentine’s Day will never be as big, or as important as Mother’s Day for gift retailers, the event continues to gain ground each year. Galentine’s Day, which came over from the US a couple of years ago, and takes places on February 13, is increasing in popularity, with women buying gifts for their closest female friends, as well as for their partners, while mums and dads enjoy giving gifts to their much loved offspring and vice-versa. While there’s now a more contemporary twist to this special occasion, one thing that hasn’t changed is that hearts are still the No. 1 ‘go to’ when it comes to telling a loved one how much they’re adored. “Customers love being able to use personalisation to give a unique and thoughtful gift, especially when it’s for a loved one,” says PMC’s Felicity Colbert. “We are embracing this with one of our most well-known licences, Me To You, with the addition of traditional hearts and a modern font to keep it feeling fresh.” As Enesco’s marketing and product director Helen Cottrill puts it: “Valentine’s Day is one of the constants in our world, and one of the biggest gift giving occasions on our calendar, with traditional hearts, flowers and cute and truly romantic themes key to our collection.” She continues: “Valentine gifts speak louder than words and

become a constant reminder of a loved one for years to come. Plus, post Covid, and given our eco responsibilities, consumers don’t want fast, throwaway products, preferring timeless quality which is much more important to them.” Also confirming that hearts are a permanent trend when it comes to Valentine’s Day is Joe Davies’ jewellery buyer and designer Mary Caputo,

who adds that there’s no better way to portray our feelings for those we love than with a piece of jewellery. “Jewellery is a firm favourite for a Valentine’s Day gift, with our Equilibrium collection including a multitude of pieces featuring hearts in all styles,” she confirms. “The new Galantine trend, whereby girls buy Valentine gifts for friends and family, as well as partners, fits perfectly with heart jewellery, as a heart can convey our love in so many different ways.” Sarah Watmore, founder of Miss Milly, also emphasises the ongoing popularity of heart designs. “We always have a selection of heart jewellery in traditional reds and pinks, as well as in more unusual colours such as lime green, grey or turquoise,” she explains. “Our products also work for Galentine’s Day, such as our heart compact mirrors, enamelled animal and bird keyrings and bag charms.” At Crumble & Core, director Louise Pike concurs that more and more people are now

Top: A Me To You hanging heart from PMC. Above: Equilibrium heart jewellery from Joe Davies. Left: Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore: ‘Gnomebody Loves You As Much As I Do’ from Enesco. Right: A heart pendant from Miss Milly.

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Spotlight On... Valentine’s Day using Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to show appreciation towards not only their partners but also their family and friends, with the company’s new Valentine’s designs printed on embellished greeting cards, jewellery cards and boxed candles. “However, romance isn’t the only thing to celebrate on February 14, so we’ve kept the ‘with love’ text neutral, making the products a lovely Valentine’s gift for people wanting to show the important people in their lives some love,” continues Louise. “And with a lot of people choosing to celebrate Galantine’s Day, our earring cards make a lovely gift for celebrating female friendships.” But it’s not only jewellery that will be reflecting that loving feeling in February. “Love is in the air, quite literally, with one of our newly rebranded Just Because, handmade Valentine’s Day candles, fragranced with our best Above: A heart earring card from Crumble and Core. Right: Among the Just Because Happy Valentine’s Day candles from Best Kept Secrets. Far right: Smaller, more thoughtful presents have become preferable to lavish displays of affection, say Wild Things. (Shown is a hanging crystal heart) Bottom right: A heart design for Valentine’s Day from Life Charms.

Showing You Care

selling Classic Cotton scent,” explains Vanessa Curry, managing director of Best Kept Secrets. “Each one has its own romantic sentiment such as Love You To The Moon and Back, Happy Valentine’s Day, You Light Up My World, I Love You, as well as our new Another Year Together candle, making the candles, which all have our signature sparkles on the top, perfect for all relationships. With 50 hours burn time, and lasting

A new home fragrancing range, featuring satin aroma lamps and humidifiers from Lesser & Pavey, highlight that hearts don’t always have to be about romance, but can still convey a feeling of warmth and love. “We always see the sign of the heart being made when we refer to the NHS or sports stars that show their fans they welcome their appreciation with the hand sign of the heart,” says the company’s managing director Julian Hunt. “This range brings light and fragrant warmth into the home, with the aim of creating happiness, making it a lovely gift for someone you wish to tell that you care about/love.” Above: Heart designs feature on Lesser & Pavey’s aroma lamps and humidifiers.

That Loving Feeling At Joma Jewellery, founder Katie Loxton says that if there was ever a time to celebrate love it’s now. “After an uncertain couple of years, Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton are celebrating the joy of togetherness this Valentine’s Day. It isn’t only about sending an ode of love to your significant other, it’s about sharing the love with your best friends, family and even your pets.” Explains Katie: “Joma Jewellery holds sentiment and love at its heart. As well as a vast amount of heart charms - from intertwined, to oversized to mixed metal styles - so many charms signify togetherness, such as infinity symbols, clinking wine glasses and celestial icons. Thoughtful sentiments are seen through the use of poems that pair with each ‘A Little’ bracelet, with this year more than ever, customers looking for quality pieces to gift that will stand the test of time and remind the recipient how much they’re loved.” And as for muchloved pets, “since lockdown, the adoration of our pets has increased tenfold, reflected in our brand new Katie Loxton Pets collection,” highlights Katie. Left: Joma Jewellery’s intertwined hearts reflect togetherness.

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Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

Gary Leadston

in store April 2022 Me to You and Tiny Tatty Teddy gifting range

now available to order.

It’s easy to order: Via your Business Development Representative, our Customer Services team on 01243 792600 or online at cbgtrader.co.uk www.cbgtrader.co.uk

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(Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK)

@CarteBlancheGrp

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Spotlight On... Valentine’s Day Left: Love Is In The Air from Widdop & Co’s Amore collection. Right: With Love mugs from Dunoon. Below: The English Soap Company’s gift soap can tell someone you love them.

much longer than a bunch of flowers, they make a gift for that special someone,” continues Vanessa. “And contrary to popular belief, candle sales hold up very well in Spring which is the second most important selling season of the year. Therefore, Valentine’s Day, as well as Mothering Sunday and Easter, are all crucial.” At Widdop & Co, the company’s Amore brand includes everything from photo frames and glassware to home fragrance and keepsakes, all with sentimental messages. “They’re ideal for putting into words the love you have for your partner and loved one,” says the company’s senior marketing executive Leoni Brown, who adds that Galantine’s Day celebrations are on the up. “It’s a special day dedicated to the friendship, love and laughter we share with our besties, and we have ranges of ladies gifts in our Amore, Love Story, Moments and Sophia collections covering everything that’s needed to say 'I love you' to your gal,” says Leoni.

She adds that the wedding season is making a comeback with Valentine’s a popular day for weddings. “Shabby Chic barn style weddings are huge, with our Celebrations Love Story range featuring a number of beautiful sentimental gifts and decorations for the big day.” Mugs too, can also tell someone how much you love them, making an emotive gift that the recipient can enjoy using every day. For example, heart themed mugs sell extremely well all year around for Dunoon, with director Peter Smith highlighting that there’s always a massive uptake prior to Valentine’s Day. “Our Warm Hearts range appears on a variety of shapes, with a recent success being our Shetland shape tea infuser mug. Additionally, for both him and her, the With Love pair on our Orkney shape are consistent, regular performers.”

Gift soaps always make a much appreciated all year round gift - and can even tell someone you love them. “We’ve seen an increased demand for plastic-free Valentine’s options to gift to that special someone, with our Occasion soap bar collection including two brand new illustrative designed paper wraps featuring the message 'For The One I Love',” reveals Becky Knapp, brand and marketing manager at The English Soap company. With Valentine’s Day spreading its wings and becoming a much wider occasion, showing love and appreciation for more than just a significant other is great news for the gift industry, with room for a more diverse range of products at an important time of the year. From a retailer perspective, it would seem that gifts to keep and eye out for predominantly feature heart designs, but many are more relaxed, while still reflecting the romantic theme of the occasion.

It Pays To Display

Above: Candlelight’s rustic Spring range.

Valentine’s Day is always a great opportunity to give shop windows and in store displays a fresh new look and feel. “Recently arrived at Candlelight in readiness for Spring, and in particular, for Valentine’s Day, are our rustic hanging wreaths, hand crafted from natural grasses and faux leaves,” says the company’s marketing manager Kate Winch. “They’re ideal to create the perfect Valentine’s Day window display, hung at varying lengths throughout the store. We also have a huge range of single stems, a huge favourite at the moment, with faux flowers the new everlasting alternative to fresh,” adds Kate. Jewellery too, is easy to display. “It’s a retailer’s dream as it’s compact and doesn’t take up too much valuable space in store,” says Joe Davies’ Mary Caputo. “The addition of some red hearts and/or rose petals around the display is a perfect way to shout ‘Ideal Valentine’s Day gifts’ to customers and is sure to create an eye-catching display.” Louise Pike at Crumble & Core says that the classic message of Valentine’s Dy never gets old. “By incorporating the traditional red and pink colours into a display, along with heart shapes, flowers and the imagery of love, gift retailers will be meeting the expectations that customers have when it comes to shopping for Valentine’s gifts.”

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The Neo Deco collection of elegant, premium quality notebooks is inspired by the Art Deco trend of the roaring twenties.

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Contact us today for more details on all of our exciting ranges: www.exaclairlimited.com • enquiries@exaclair.co.uk • 01553 696600 36_GH_January 2022.indd 1

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Valentines gift products to be showcased this month Say It With Hearts Your customers will have heart-eyes for Joma Jewellery’s Valentine’s styles! Whether they’re gifting their significant other or their best girls for Galentine’s Day, the ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ Occasion Gift Box features a trio of sparkling silver-plated bracelets featuring heart charms and beads, all nestled on a pink suedette pillow which creates the sweetest gifting moment! Joma Jewellery T: 01295 263430 E: enquiries@jomajewellery.com

Hello Beautiful Pouch

W: wholesale.jomajewellery.com

Share the love this Valentine’s (and Galentine’s!) Day with Katie Loxton! Their adorable Wellness ‘Hello Beautiful’ Perfect Pouch not only boasts the gorgeous positive mantra

Perfect Gifts

sentiment to the front in luxe gold lettering, it’s also

Miss Milly, the British brand for gorgeous

designed in the most beautiful pink-hued vegan leather

jewellery and scarves, has an established

material and features the classic gold-tone hardware

reputation for stunning use of colour. 2022

synonymous with the brand!

will be no exception with a wide range of

Katie Loxton

inviting and exciting tones and

T: 01295 250879

combinations. Reasonably priced resin and

E: enquiries@katieloxton.com

hand-painted jewellery with co-ordinating

W: wholesale.katieloxton.com

scarves, magnetic brooches and fun animal and bird keyrings. Try Miss Milly in your store for just £100 minimum and no MOQs. Branded packaging and POS available. Agents in some areas. Miss Milly T: 01905 622509 E: hello@missmilly.co.uk W: www.missmilly.co.uk

Personalised Jigsaw Pieces Let someone know they complete you with the brand new jigsaw pieces from the Personalised Memento Company (PMC); perfect for celebrating Valentine’s day! Available in either a single or a pair, these versatile gifts can be used either as a personalised keepsake or as a more practical coaster set! Visit PMC’s website to find out how to become a trade customer of the one stop shop for personalised gifts. PMC

Personalised Valentine’s Gifts The Personalised Memento Company (PMC) have launched an

T: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

extensive new range for Valentine’s Day 2022; including this cute range featuring a playful pun! What’s more, each item in the range is personalised making these new gifts hotly tipped as best sellers for 2022. See PMC’s website for their full range of drop ship gifts. PMC T: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

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New must have collections from the experts in fragrance.

Timeless moments of inspiration for over 40 years Proudly made in the UK 38_GH_January 2022.indd 1

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing

Relax, Unwind, Re-Energise

Below: Wellbeing is a big trend for the home fragrancing sector. Below left: Best Kept Secrets has recently rebranded two of its ranges: Just Because occasion candles and Three Lites gift boxes (shown). Bottom: The White spa range from Candlelight is a new Spring launch.

Lighting a candle, adding essential oils to a melt burner, or enjoying a relaxing diffuser fragrance, can all help to create a calming ambience and a feeling of wellbeing, with the start of a new year a welcome opportunity to have some ‘me’ time. As we go into 2022, PG&H asked some of the leading home fragrancing companies for the latest fragrance trends and formats that can help people to unwind, as well as to re-energise. The beginning of a new year is often a time when people focus on themselves, putting self-care at the top of their agenda. While some people like to create a fragranced home spa, others like to switch off their phones and focus their minds while enjoying the fragrance from a candle, diffuser or melt burner. “Candles promote relaxation, mood, ambience and, of course, make a pretty decoration,” says Vanessa Curry, managing director of Best Kept Secrets. “Mood and scent are closely linked, affecting emotions, thoughts, and memory, with the calming nature of a candle allowing us to destress, relax and unwind.” Continues Vanessa, “we all know that there’s nothing better than lighting a candle after a long day or when you’re feeling overwhelmed. The simple act of relaxing and watching the flickering flame can help soothe the soul and reduce stress, while the fragrance of a scented candle stimulates our limbic system, the part of the brain that is home to memory and emotions,” she highlights. “With a focus on comforting fragrance and clean, crisp vessels, our new Bauhuas range has been specifically fragranced to calm and sooth,” confirms Kate Winch, marketing manager of Candlelight. “It’s got

overtones of jasmine, rosehip and wild fig and is ready for the new year cleanse.” In addition, Candlelight’s Spring 22 launches also include the White range. “It oozes cool tranquillity, with the candles aptly named Calm, Relax and Balance, which are all very important components of mental and physical wellbeing,” says Kate.

“We think people are far more aware of their own personal wellbeing now,” comments Marmalade of London’s director Helen Flook. “The pandemic has allowed everyone time to reflect on what’s important, with customers wanting products that help them look after their mental health. Additionally, they want to purchase products that not only look beautiful but haven’t been flown halfway around the world. As all of our products are made in the UK that’s a big plus point.” The Marmalade Wellbeing collection has three different fragrances - Calm, Balance and Energise - which come in a luxury glass candle, diffuser and burner oil. The candles are poured by hand in the UK and are made of natural soy wax with cotton wicks. “The collection is beautifully presented in coloured glass that glows with a comforting ambience as it burns and releases the scent,” points out Helen.

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Giftware review.pdf

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing

The Feelgood Factor After a hectic festive period, for many people, the start of a new year is a chance to draw a line under the old year, make some well-intentioned resolutions, and to re-energise. “Building on the success of our Life In Bloom collection which launched last year, featuring lively, floral scents and uplifting, bright colours, we’re adding three new feelgood scents to the range,” confirms Ashleigh & Burwood’s PR manager Deborah Bettinson “The Lotus Flower & Watermelon, Wisteria & White Woods and Orange Blossom & Mandarin fragrances have been introduced for the new Spring season, matched with zingy colours of hot pink, ice blue and zesty orange, to bring visual cheer to home interiors.” New additions include the company’s floral reed diffusers which feature stems of colourful gypsophila flowers in the bright new colour palette. Points out Deborah: “The diffuser can be refilled and the glass vessel used again and again, thanks to a range of flower refills, white fibre reeds and refill fragrances in recyclable bottles, which are made from 30% recycled materials.” Above: Ashleigh & Burwood’s Lotus Flower & Watermelon is a new feelgood fragrance for Spring.

Wax Lyrical has three brand new collections - JustBe Botanicals, Botanic Garden and Ellen Studio London - along with new fragrances and designs in the company’s best-selling collections across home fragrance and fragranced hand care. “At the heart of the brand new JustBe Botanicals is the desire to restore emotional balance and enhance a sense of wellbeing,” confirms Wax Lyrical’s chief executive Jacqui Gale. “Developed by Scottish aromatherapist Gail Bryden to encourage others to simply ‘Just Be’ themselves, we have developed a range of aromatherapy home fragrance and hand care products to illuminate wellness and self-care markets including candles made with a new coconut wax blend which is renewable and sustainable.” ChilliWinter’s co-founder Kathy Chillistone explains: “when we develop new products, we see the ultimate purpose as helping someone to relax, slow down and enjoy time to restore and replenish their reserves. The soft glow and scent of a candle helps people sink into a more nurtured state to unwind.”

Top left: Balance is among Marmalade of London’s wellbeing collections. Above left: JustBe Botanicals is brand new from Wax Lyrical. Bottom left: ChilliWinter’s Breathe features aromatic lavender, clary sage, chamomile and geranium with notes of bergamot. Right: Highland Gorse, part of the Scottish Collection from Skye Candles. Below: Lesser & Pavey’s festive Desire range.

Looking at the emotional and feelgood effects of home fragrance, Lesser & Pavey’s managing director Julian Hunt emphasises the emotional connection we all have with fragrance. “Fragrances play a role in our memories and can remind us of happy times - Spring flora, holidays and walks surrounded by nature, as well as evoking seasonal festive smells. Diffusers, and the burning of soya candles, bring fragrances into the home, conjuring up emotions as well as helping people to relax after a busy day.” Reflecting on a positive change in the home fragrancing marketplace, to include

the wellbeing sector, Diana Maresova, head of marketing at Skye Candles, highlights: “there has been an increase in self-care, particularly in the last couple of years. This seems to involve both using alternative methods to destress as well as consciously creating a beautiful environment that brings joy and triggers positive emotions. Using natural ingredients, our Scottish Collection encapsulates all four seasons in Skye, while aromatherapy and meditation pairs well with one of our all time best-sellers, Sleep Sensation. This fragrance is a combination of lavender, grapefruit and tea tree oils, with the aromas and the soft lighting of a lit candle wick creating an instant ‘at home’ spa experience.” With so much choice for retailers, as well as the end user, there’s every opportunity for those who want to start the new year in a relaxed frame of mind to take advantage of the fragrances, and the thought behind the products, to light a candle, close their eyes and breathe. Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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WHAT’S NEW

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home fragrance gift products to be showcased this month Skye Candles Skye Candles is an independent business, specializing in natural hand crafted home fragrance products. From scented candle fragrance classics to truly unique Highland inspired aromas, their range has something to offer for every occasion, made from sustainable ingredients and beautifully designed. Isle of Skye Candle Co is the largest natural candle manufacturer in Scotland Isle of Skye Candle Co T: 01471 820 145 opt. 3 E: enquiries@skyecandles.co.uk W: www.skyecandles.co.uk

Earth Secrets Wax Melts Small but mighty, new Earth Secrets Wax Melts from Ashleigh & Burwood are crafted from a highly-fragranced soy wax blend to ensure long-lasting fragrance release. Formed in the shape of adorable hearts for a joyful decorative touch, just a couple of Wax Melts added to an Oil Burner will quickly bring a beautiful aroma to a room. Each tin is crammed with enough hearts for around 50 melts, giving many hours of nature-inspired fragrance. Ashleigh & Burwood T: +44 (0) 1932 267060 E: COT@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk W: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

The Perfect Present For Any Occasion We are super proud of our newly redesigned Tea Light boxes. A perfect present for any occasion you could wish for. Our existing ten hour burn Three Tea Lights have been brought right up to date with a fabulous new makeover. Fans of these cute, sliding boxes will love their new look. They now come in six fragranced sets, Daydream, Blooming Lovely, Happy Hour, Sparkling You, Coastal Shores and Festive and are sure to be a real hit with your customers. Best Kept Secrets T: 01670 512222 E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Saying it with fragrance. Christmas fragrance in a diffuser and candle. With red cinnamon, white moss and snowdrop, pine and eucalyptus fragrances presented in white, silver, red and gold glassware. Each item is beautifully packaged. Diamante diffusers are available is silver and rose gold in colour ready for Christmas. The candle range of Desire come in a glass jar with lids

Comforting Dreamy Fragrance

and tassel, various fragrances, and colours red, green,

Home fragrance specialists Ashleigh &

gold and white. Showing at Harrogate in January and

Burwood are helping you get away from it

February Spring Fair in Hall 5 stand D10-E11 and

all with their newest dreamy fragrance

D20-E21.

Every Cloud. The gentle, happy fragrance

Lesser & Pavey

evokes sunny days watching the clouds

T: 01322 279225

drift by. The scent invites relaxation and

E: sales@leonardo.co.uk

comfort as the soft floral notes of peach

W: www.leonardo.co.uk

blossom and white lilac entwine with hints of warming amber. The new fragrance is available in Lamp Fragrance as well as Reed Diffusers and Reed Diffuser Refills in The Scented Home collection. Ashleigh & Burwood T: +44 (0) 1932 267060 E: COT@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk W: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

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The iconic fair for British handmade craft Register as a maker or buyer today at bctf.co.uk

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WHAT’S NEW

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home fragrance gift products to be showcased this month JustBe Botanicals JustBe Botanicals is the desire to restore emotional balance and enhance a sense of wellbeing. Developed by Scottish Aromatherapist Gail Bryden and Wax

A Present For All Occasions

Lyrical, candles are made from a new

A perfect present for any occasion you could wish for.

coconut wax blend which is renewable

Is it a Birthday gift you are looking for or a little something to let someone know

and sustainable. The seven aromatherapy

you are thinking about them? Maybe you are simply wanting to find a trio of

home fragrances are 100% natural and

complimentary fragrances to suit your mood or taste. You can now have our clever

contain 100% essential oils. All made in

little boxes with the following sayings, Happy Birthday, Thank You, Lovely Mum,

the UK.

New Home, Special Friend and Congratulations. There is no need to buy an

Wax Lyrical

additional card with these as they also have wonderful verse on each box.

T: 01229 461100

Best Kept Secrets

E: customerservice@wax-lyrical.com

T: 01670 512222

W: www.waxlyricaltrade.com

E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

New Black Diamond Collection In 2022, Liberty Candles will launch their 7oz Black Diamond Collection made of echo friendly soy wax and 100% cotton wick, it has been packed in 12 assorted fragrance case two of each fragrances Mint Chocolate – Rose & Oud – Lemon Grove – Lime Mojito – Caribbean Splash – Jasmine Spa aimed at the gift market and priced to be affordable for all pockets Liberty Candles T: 01942 677448 (Ofﬁce) E: brad@libertycandles.co.uk E: frank@libertycandles.co.uk M: Frank Holland 07836 718499

Portmeirion Botanic Garden Portmeirion Botanic Garden promises to make every day magical. Celebrating 50 years, the most recognised collection in British ceramics is still holding the fort at the centre of home and family life - a secret garden in which to enjoy the good times. Wax Lyrical has created a range of beautiful escapism, featuring lovingly crafted fragranced candles, reed diffusers and hand care. Wax Lyrical T: 01229 461100 E: customerservice@wax-lyrical.com W: www.waxlyricaltrade.com

Lift Your Mood Mother Nature is now showing the earliest glimpses of Springtime, and self-care is integral to our wellbeing, whilst many of us continue to work from home. Plenty of natural light in your work area, with colours and textures designed to offer comfort, add an ‘Energise’ remedial Aromatherapy candle from ChilliWinter to lift your mood and help you focus. Handmade in small batches with blended pure essential oils, this invigorating blend offers an holistic, remedial purpose to benefit your wellbeing. ChilliWinter T: 07912 946 574 E: info@chilliwinter.co.uk W: www.chilliwinter.co.uk

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month Whirly Vases Gallery Direct’s SS22 Collection features over 1,300 new SKU’s in total. The extensive range of accessories offers a phenomenal choice, with products ranging from a huge selection of faux plants and stems to stunning vases, such as the unusual, eye-catching glass Whirly Vases, and from lanterns to planters and from storage pieces to decorative items. Visit Gallery in hall 2 on stand 2E40 at the January Furniture Show or in hall 7 on

Just Saying Age Wine Glasses

stand 7A30-B31 at Spring Fair.

Sentiment Gifts continue to be popular for 2022 as

Gallery Direct

gift givers want to give a meaningful gift to show

T: 01795 439159

loved ones how much they care and celebrate

E: sales@gallerydirect.co.uk

important milestones such as birthdays. The just

W: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

saying range of wine and gin glasses from Joe Davies are brightly coloured with heartfelt messages and now special age wine glasses have been added to the collection. This brand new gift collection will be on display on the Joe Davies stand. Visit: Spring Fair – NEC- Hall 4 – C10/D11 Joe Davies T: 0161 975 6300

Konjac Cleansing Sponge

E: sales@joedavies.co.uk

The Konjac Cleansing Sponge is set to

W: www.joedavies.co.uk

become an instant bestseller. These sponges are created using natural plant fibres; they're vegan and, of course, cruelty-free, super soft and perfect for all skin types. The range of sponges is infused with nine different

Equilibrium Love Knots Collection

properties, including; calming

The Love Knot has origins that go back in time, it

lavender, soothing aloe vera and

symbolises a bond with a loved one as the design

purifying bamboo charcoal. Catering

usually has no beginning or end and is appropriate

for a wide range of skin needs.

for friends, daughters, mothers and lovers. The

Puckator

attractive new Equilibrium Love Knot collection

T: 0800 011 6969

features contemporary necklaces, bracelets and ear-

E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk

rings in many different styles. This is just one of the

W: www.puckator.co.uk

many Equilibrium jewellery ranges displayed on the Joe Davies stand. Visit: Top Drawer, Stand 283 & Spring Fair – NEC- Hall 4 – C10/D11 Joe Davies

Heritage Fine Bone China

T: 0161 975 6300

Heritage is an

W: www.joedavies.co.uk

everlasting influence on style in the home, many new designs are based on historic artwork through the ages. Trends come and go with many designs from the likes of William Morris, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Walter Crane becoming fashionable once again. Ceramic Design Heritage acquired Museum Collection in 2020 and is now developing a UK range of Fine Bone China Giftware featuring collections from William Morris, Walter Crane and many other artists. See us at Top Drawer Stand I79 CD Heritage E: sales@cdheritage.com W: www.museumscollection.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

E: sales@joedavies.co.uk

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month Stormtrooper Licensed Gifts Puckator have continued to expand their super popular, ‘Original Stormtrooper,’ range of products. This license has become a proven top seller and the design team have been cherry picking the best products to expand the collection. The iconic helmet can now be found on Puckator’s digital thermometer bottle and new insulated snack pot. These insulated snack pots keep contents warm or cold for hours. Featuring a foldable carry handle integrated into the lid for easy portability. All any budding trooper needs for a journey to a galaxy far away. Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

Necklace Converter Hot Tomato love a solution and the long and the long and short of it is – they’ve done it again! You can now effortlessly transform your favourite necklace from long to short with this uber clever converter ring. Why not go further and twist two together (as shown) for limitless palette options what shall we wear today girls? Find them at Top

Our wonderful sculptures make excellent

Drawer – Stand 285 Hot Tomato T: 01225 422188

gifts. Come and find us at the Spring Fair

E: sales@hot-tom.com

2022 in Hall 4, Stand 4A62. There you will

W: www.hot-tom.com

Charming Sculptures

get to see and explore our gorgeous sculptures and new designs. Handmade in the UK, our large and varied collection gives you fantastic choice, quality assured and 48-hour delivery. Call or email today to obtain your catalogue. Blue Poppy Art T: 01666 577110 E: sales@frithsculpture.co.uk W: www.frithsculpture.co.uk

Woven Alice Bands Hair accessories continue to be a strong cataegory for Hot tomato & we are loving their latest offering for the coming season. Among them are these gorgeous, woven Alice Bands, providing a much needed nod to some sultry summer vibes. Think

Roarsome Puckator are launching a ‘Roarsome,’ new dinosaur collection. It features two designs to appeal to

straw hats & a chilled glass of something delicious – honestly folks, it’s just around the corner! Catch up

excite younger children. The colour palette then transitions into the strong, more ferocious Dinosauria

with them at Top Drawer: Stand 285 Hot Tomato T: 01225 422188

design aimed at older kids. The designs can be found on lots of new back-to-school essentials

E: sales@hot-tom.com

including practical kid’s lunch bags. An insulated lunch bag kitted out with side pockets for water

W: www.hot-tom.com

differing age groups. Dinosauria Jr features cute dinos in a simplistic style with bright bold colours to

bottles, pencil cases and whatever else takes your fancy! Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Best Sellers Progressive Gifts & Home asked a selection of gift retailers about the products which have been flying off their shelves. David Theobald, owner, Emporium Gift Shop, Leckhampton A medium sized gift shop on a secondary site on the outskirts of Cheltenham. CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Coach House: across the board; Gisela Graham: across the board

There’s something for every shop.

Fragranced Giftware

Marmalade of London: candles and reed diffusers English Soap Co: Kew Gardens

Great scents and packaging produced less than a mile from our shop. Outstanding product and eye-catching packaging.

Jewellery

Gracee: fashion jewellery;

Above right: Wavy pots from Gisela Graham. Right: Marmalade of London’s Bergamont & Soft Rose candle.

Rodney Holman: fashion jewellery

The whole range is a bit different. Well priced. A local, family run business. A wide range of quality product.

Fashion Accessories

Jess and Lou: socks; Lua: across the board

Lots of quirky products to choose from.

The men’s and women’s winter socks were our best selling lines last year. Ethically produced product that has been a constant in our shop for over eight years.

Greeting Cards

Rosie Made A Thing

Best selling cards by a mile.

Giftwrap

Glick

Plenty of new designs to choose from.

Other Hot Hits

Orange Tree Toys: wooden toys

A broad range of quality wooden toys that always sell through.

Rachel Roberts, owner, Wishlist, Raynes Park A small gift shop on a secondary high street. CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Bombay Duck: cushions;

Bright and vibrant. Exactly what people are looking for. Perfect for cosy nights in.

Tweedmill: blankets Fragranced Giftware

Nobile Isle: across the board;

Right: Shooting Star cushion from Bombay Duck. Below right: A relaxing gift from Spacemasks.com

FieldDay: Candles and reed diffusers

Luxury, decadent home fragrancing bath and body products. Exquisite fragrances and beautiful packaging. Nostalgic fragrances, with notes that conjure up memories of life.

Jewellery

Lisa Angel: Mama necklace; My Doris: handmade jewellery

A perfect gifts for mums. Eye-catching, eclectic jewellery

Fashion Accessories

Somerville Scarves: scarves; bobble hats; mittens; Roka: backpacks, wallets and keyrings

We’re a destination shop for their cashmere. A kaleidoscope of colour. Really functional products and funky colours for everyday use.

Greeting Cards

Lagom

Perfectly worded, beautifully designed.

Giftwrap

Noi

Whimsical, colourful and unique.

Other Hot Hits

Spacemasks.com: relaxation face masks

They are life changing and make a fantastic gift. People come in specifically for them.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Anne Barber, owner, In Heaven At Home and The Barber Gallery, Market Harborough A small/medium store across two floors, on a high street. In Heaven at Home is located downstairs. CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Scatterbox: cushions and throws;

We especially love the luxury Halo extra large throws, which are ideal for super king/king size beds. The Amarylis embroidered range of cushions are lovely.

Gallery Direct: co-ordinated cushions and throws. Fragranced Giftware

Betty Hula: vegan friendly antibacterial hand creams and washes; Marmalade of London: candles and diffusers

A favourite is the Lime and Mango fragrance.

Jewellery

Joma Jewellery ‘A Little’ bracelets

These make perfect gifts. There’s something for everyone.

Fashion Accessories

Zelly: scarves, gloves and socks; Pure Fashions: Tree of Life scarves

The multi-coloured insert finger gloves are such fun. These super soft, reversible scarves are loved by everyone.

Greeting Cards

Sarah Kelleher; Raspberry Blossom

Sarah’s floral Inspired range is very special. We have many of the Say range which is very cheerful and upbeat.

Giftwrap

Deva Designs

Fabulous quality sheet wrap, rollwrap and gift bags.

Other Hot Hits

Mosney Mill: kitchen textiles and ceramics; Le Chateau: Strawberry Thief kitchen range

The Hare & Wildflower range of china and kitchen textiles are beautiful.

Simply the best.

Everyone loves William Morris textiles, and the Strawberry Thief design is super popular. Top: Amarylis embroidered cushion from Gallery Direct. Above: Betty Hula mixed hand creams.

Kristina Tinker, owner, Out Of The Blue, Totnes A medium sized high street gift and card shop on two floors. CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Joe Davies: across the board

Gifts for the home and family, which customers love, to include Equilibrium jewellery. Great products. We’ve never looked back since we started stocking crystal gifts.

Wild Things Gifts: hanging crystal giftware Home Fragrancing

Best Kept Secrets: across the board; Gisela Graham: candles and diffusers

Fantastic fragrances at great prices.

Jewellery

Richard Bravo: across the board

Locally made jewellery that’s popular with visitors.

Fashion Accessories

G H Stafford: leather goods; Wrendale Designs: bags, scarves and watches

A comprehensive range of leisure bags and accessories. A gorgeous range of fashion accessories in Wrendale’s iconic designs.

Paper Salad; Louise Mulgrew

Bright colours and very on trend. Quirky, fun designs that make our customers smile.

Greeting Cards

A well loved brand by our customers. Lovely scents and good price points.

Giftwrap

Glick

A great range of bags and giftwrap for all occasions.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat: across the board;

One of our all year round best selling ranges.

Top: Bree Merryn mugs from Joe Davies. Above: Co-ordinating fashion accessories from Wrendale Designs.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

If you answered ‘yes’, then read on and see how you can benefit from Cardgains membership! Would you like to enjoy preferential trading terms from top card and gift suppliers? Would you like to have access to unique product trials and promotions? Would you like one monthly direct debit payment to one source? Would you like an end of year retro bonus on your total turnover? If you answered ‘yes’, then we are sure Cardgains membership will be beneficial for you! Get in touch today by visiting www.cardgains.co.uk and click on ‘Contact Us’ or call 0114 249 0333. We’re exhibiting at Spring Fair 2022 - right at the front of hall 3 and we'd love to meet you.

Please come and see us there to find out more!

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Best Sellers

What better testimonial for products than those of your fellow retailers. Here's all the information you need to get in touch and start stocking!

GALLERY DIRECT T: 01795 439159 E: sales@gallerydirect.co.uk W: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

MARMALADE T: 01242 257509 E: helen@marmaladeoflondon.com W: www.marmaladeoflondon.com

WILD THINGS GIFTS T: 01392 211268 E: sales@wildthingsgifts.com W: www.wildthingsgifts.com

JOMA JEWELLERY T: 01295 263430 E: enquiries@jomajewellery.com W: www.wholesale.jomajewellery.com

ORANGE TREE TOYS T: 01242 244500 E: sales@orangetreetoys.com W: www.orangetreetoys.com

THE ENGLISH SOAP COMPANY T: 01435 813849 E: sale@theenglishsoapcompany.com W: www.theenglishsoapcompany.com

ROKA T: 07393 598 647 E: hello@rokalondon.com W: www.rokalondon.com

BEST KEPT SECRETS T: 01670 512222 E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

JOE DAVIES T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

Showcasing the most stylish and on-trend furniture, textiles and decorative interior accessories. Everything from classic styles to contemporary pieces, this where form meets function. Register to visit: springfair.com/visitor-registration Trade show of the century

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Progressive Gifts & Home January 2022

Articles inside

Spotlight On: Home Fragrancing

Retailer Face To Face: The Bean Hive

Spotlight On: Valentine’s Day

In Profile: Puckator

Feedback: Looking Ahead

The UK Gift Awards

Show News