Progressive Gifts & Home January 2023

Editor’s Insight

First and foremost, happy holidays to all our readers! Looking back over the past 12 months, it was, in our late Queen’s words, something of an annus horribilis for many, with the second half of 2022 especially filled with constant uncertainty, not least the very real concerns about the cost-of-living crisis and a drop in consumer spend.

It was hard to know how the festive season would go this year. However, ‘Christmas always happens’ has long been the mantra of the majority of resilient gift retailers and suppliers, and at the time of going to press, in mid December, gift retailers seem to be largely on course. Turn to page 51, where columnist Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, shares her festive run-up experience.

We also hear why Greats 2022 Specialist Multiple winners, David Lorimer and Keiron Cockley, co-owners of six Brocante gift and lifestyle stores in Cornwall - with two new shops on the horizon - are feeling confident about the year ahead. Turn to pages 34-35. And why award-winning sustainable stationery company VENT For Change’s founder, Evan Lewis, predicts that the company is on course for growth in 2023. Turn to pages 48-49.

Looking ahead to Mother’s Day, the second largest gift giving event next to Christmas for gift retailers, how will people be showing their love for their mums on Sunday March 19? We asked some leading suppliers to reveal the products that will be trending for gift shops. Turn to pages 27-31.

Additionally, as evocative winter fragrances fade into the background, home fragrancing companies unveil the newest scents for Spring. Turn to pages 44-45. Plus, staying with home fragrancing, Ashleigh & Burwood’s managing director, Andrew Nettleton, tells PG&H about the company’s recent decision to partner with Literacy Capital. Turn to pages 42-43.

Left: Cheers! Wishing all our readers a happy, healthy and successful New Year! Below: Uniting the gift industry at The Gift Awards 2022. Front row (left to right): Max Publishing’s Ian Hyder and Jakki Brown; the GA’s Victoria Louise, Sarah Ward and Chris Workman. Centre: Max Publishing’s Sue Marks and Jo Pilcher. Back row: Max Publishing’s Rob Willis; Ali Farrell and the Creative Industry Association’s Craig De Souza.

As for home entertaining - a current buzzword since the cost-ofliving crisis took hold - we look at the spike in sales for gift retailers stocking glassware, serveware and barware that would give any home entertainer an Insta-worthy table. Turn to pages 37-39.

And for those already polishing their walking shoes ahead of the tranche of January and February trade shows, we asked suppliers what else will be trending in the first quarter of 2023? One thing you can guarantee, regardless of trends, is that sustainability will be a key factor. I’m therefore delighted to welcome a new PG&H columnist, Rob Hutchins of Products of Change, who, from now on, will keep readers up to speed on the sustainability front. In his first column for the New Year, Rob discusses B Corp. Turn to page 21.

And finally, I couldn’t be more excited to shout (very loudly!) about The Greats gift retailer awards 2023! Turn to pages 7 and 18-19. The competition, which has a closing date of 21 February 2023, is well underway now, with an entry form enclosed with this issue, so don’t delay if you’d like the chance to see your gift shop’s name on a prestigious Greats 2023 trophy! (To nominate gift retailers, please send in your nominations by 31 January, 2023). More details are available on The Greats’ website www.thegreatsawards.co.uk, and, of course, as always, feel free to email your entry/nominations to me at suem@maxpublishing.co.uk. Meanwhile, to gen up on all the latest industry news, turn to pages 7-17.

Enjoy reading, and, come what may in 2023, wishing you all the happiest of New Years!

www.max-publishing.co.uk

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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.

Sue Marks, Editor @Prog_Gifts

John Barry Commercial Manager johnb@max-publishing.co.uk

Calling All Gift Retailers

The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2023 Are Open

The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2023 are open for entries, setting out to recognise and reward the crème de la crème of the UK’s amazing gift shops and gift departments. With the competition now in its 21st milestone year, we want retailers to tell us why their shop could be a winner!

A downloadable entry form is available on www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or entries can be emailed direct to PG&H/GiftsandHome.net’s editor Sue Marks at suem@maxpublishing.co.uk. A printed entry form is also included with this edition of Progressive Gifts & Home.

Uniting the gift industry, The Greats gift retailer awards have again 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 11 May.

“Entering The Greats gives gift retailers a moment to stop and think about their business over the past 12 months and to shout about their achievements,” says Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home, which organises The Greats awards. “For over two decades, 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.”

Continues Sue: “Therefore once again, 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!”

To find out more about the awards visit www.the greatsawards.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 (e: robw@max-publishing.co.uk mob: 07792 016832) or 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 https://www.maxsubscriptions.net/tickets/ or by contacting awards organiser Clare Hollick at clare@createvents.co.uk (tel: 01183 340085).

Tickets cost £215 (+VAT) and tables of 10 and 12 are available. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com.

First launched in 2003, The Greats Gift Retailer Awards are owned and organised by Max Publishing and Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide.

For more about The Greats 2023 see A ‘Greats’ Opportunity on pages 18-19.

Above: Could your gift shop’s name be on a Greats trophy in May?

Festive Parking Initiative

Welcome news for those living in Bexhill and Eastbourne in the run up to Christmas came from gift and homewares retailer Maybugs, which offered to pay for customer parking charges from 1 November - 24 December.

Supported by a major advertising campaign on Sussex’s More Radio, Maybugs’ co-owner and managing director Greg Rose explained: “for anyone spending at least £50 in one transaction at Maybugs, they simply had to show their parking ticket and at least £5 was discounted off their purchase, and up to £8.40 to cover seven hours parking in the most expensive of the local car parks in Eastbourne. Even if a customer’s parking cost less than £5, they still received the £5 discount. All products were included, even those reduced already.”

‘Dragon’ Sara Davies A GOTY Judge

An exciting addition to the Gift of the Year 2023 judging panel is entrepreneur Sara Davies MBE (right), an investor on BBC One’s Dragons' Den since 2019.

Sara, the founder and creative director of global craft retailer Crafter's Companion, joins an impressive line-up of Gift of the Year judges which include WHSmith’s Amanda Corrigan; Ankorstore’s general manager Tarum Gidiimal; Hobbycraft’s trading director

Heather Robbins; F Hinds’ giftware buyer

Amanda Evans, and the Museum of London’s buying and merchandising manager Rita Rooney, along with a raft of award winning, independent gift and lifestyle retailers. As a judge for over 20 years, PG&H/GiftsandHome.net’s editor Sue Marks will once again be on the panel.

A first round of judging took place online in mid December, with a second, live judging taking place from 5-8 February at Spring Fair.

Gift of the Year winners will be announced at The Gift Awards, taking place at the Royal Lancaster hotel in London on 11 May, 2023, alongside the winners of The Greats gift retailer awards. Visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk; www.thegiftawards.com. See A ‘Greats’ Opportunity on pages 18-19.

Joco Crowned Retailer Of The Year

At the end of October, gift and lifestyle store Joco in Nuneaton scooped the prestigious Retailer of the Year trophy at the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Awards, “When they called out our name, we all screamed with excitement and shock!” Jo told PG&H. “It was an incredible achievement after the turbulent 12 months we have been through.”

Above: Joco’s Jo Williams, (middle row, left) at the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Awards.

Above: Greg Rose, co-owner of Maybugs, is shown outside the Eastbourne store.

Right: The promotional parking poster.

Trends At The Heart Of Top Drawer

More Brands, More Products, More Innovation

As Top Drawer gets ready to welcome visitors at London’s Olympia from 15-17 January, show organisers Clarion Retail has confirmed its partnership with The Better Trends Company to offer expert advice to retail buyers and independent brands.

“We know how important trend advice is to both brands and retailers and wanted to make this accessible for everyone that attends our shows,” explained Clarion Retail’s portfolio director Zoe Bonser. “The initiative demonstrates our ongoing commitment to offering our audience even more valuable takeaways, both at the live events and digitally, through Reveal, all year round.” The first of the year’s trends will be showcased at Top Drawer, followed by the January Furniture Show, which takes place on 22 - 25 January.

At Top Drawer, visitors will find a collection of curated design stories and new launches from over 500 brands across nine sectors - Gift, Home, Wellbeing, Craft, Fashion, Food Emporium, Greetings & Stationery, Play and Launchpad.

New and existing brands will be presenting exclusive new collections with returning favourites including Bookspeed, Belly Button Designs, Caroline Gardner, Chalk UK, Designworks Collective, Jellycat, Suck UK and Talking Tables.

The Launchpad section will again be a ‘must see’ area for many buyers, showcasing 30 innovative designers from across the globe.

The RetailFest stage will also be returning to the show with a packed agenda featuring keynote speakers, masterclasses and panel discussions. RetailFest will also play host to a new series of Meet The Maker featuring top experts and exhibiting designer-makers, offering actionable takeaways for visitors.

Commenting, Top Drawer’s show manager David Westbrooke said: “Top Drawer is back with a bang this January, with more products, more brands, more trends and more inspiration.” To register, visit: topdrawer.co.uk or furnitureshows.com

Christmas Cracker

Designer Gisela Graham (left), founder and creative director of her eponymous company, starred in a double page spread in the prestigious December issue of Good Housekeeping’s Women Who Lead article. She started making wooden Christmas decorations some 40 years ago, and the rest, as they say, is gift industry history.

“It’s a huge compliment to be interviewed by Good Housekeeping, which has the biggest circulation of all home interest magazines in the UK, and which has been featuring our products in their Christmas issues for many years,” Gisela told PG&H.

Blue Diamond Buys Van Hage

Blue Diamond has bought family garden centre Van Hage, which has a flagship outlet at Great Amwell, Ware, as well as garden centres at Chenies, near Rickmansworth, and in Peterborough, part of the PE1 retail park. All three centres are expected to continue to trade under the family name.

Alongside plants and all things horticultural, gifts, home fragrancing, clothing, jewellery, fashion accessories, greeting cards, cookshop/dining products, children’s books and toys, all feature strongly at the flagship centre.

Three sites are also involved in a recent Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres deal. The company has grown from 12 garden centres in 2019 to 22, along with an online shop, after taking on Rosebourne’s sites at Weyhill, Aldermaston and Hampton-In-Arden.

In addition, British Garden Centres has recently added Whiteleys to its portfolio, renaming it Mirfield to recognise its location. It is the fourth to join the family run operator this year, cementing its position as the second largest garden centre group in the UK, behind Dobbies, which now has 62 outlets throughout England and Wales.

Cracking On With Christmas

A wealth of exhibitors - both returning and new - will be showcasing their newest launches at leading festive show Harrogate Christmas & Gift which opens its doors at the Harrogate Convention Centre from 1518 January, 2023. Six halls will be packed with the latest, upcoming products, ranging from trees, lights and decorations to gifts, homeware and garden.

Exhibitors include Gisela Graham; Lesser & Pavey; Heaven Sends; Kaemingk; Festive Productions and Premier Decorations whose products will take over Hall H.

Companies brand new to the show this year include Ashleigh & Burwood; Broughton & Beech; Boltze Group; Huras Family; Mulberry Studios; The Seasonal Group and Vivid Squid.

Visit www.harrogatefair.com for more information or contact Simon Anslow e: simon@harrogatefair.com; tel: 01902 882280.

Above: Boltze Group are among the new exhibitors at Harrogate Christmas & Gift.

St Ives Is The Happiest Place To Live

According to the latest annual Rightmove survey, Happy At Home Index, St Ives (above), on the North Cornish coast, is the happiest place to live in Britain.

“It was lovely to read what we already know, that St Ives is a happy place to live - and visit,” says Kieron Cockley, co-owner of gift and lifestyle store Brocante, which boasts a portfolio of six retail outlets, including two in St. Ives. “It’s got a high street that’s alive and at the heart of a community. Plus, there’s something for everyone - arts, crafts, surfing, walking the list is endlesswhich was behind our decision to expand and open a second shop in this happy town.” See We Do Love To Be Besides The Seaside on pages 34-35.

Below: Trends will be a major focus at Top Drawer Spring.

Above: Part of the gift offer at Van Hage’s flagship outlet at Great Amwell, Ware.

The End Of An Era Transomnia Has Closed Down

Transomnia – designers, importers and wholesalers of home accessories and giftware - has announced that after more than four decades in the gift industry, selling to retailers throughout the UK and Europe, founder Shane O’Mahony and his brother Rod, who joined the business in 1985, have taken the difficult decision to close the company.

“We are very sad about this on a number of counts - for our staff who will all have to find new

jobs; for our sales agents who will need to find new principals, and for our loyal customers who will need to find new suppliers,” Shane told customers in a statement that went out on 15 December.

He continued: “We are also not delighted that, in the process of closing the company, we will lose a lot of the value built up in it over the years. But perhaps most of all, Rod and I feel sad that nobody else could see that the company and the brand that we've built up over 40 years was worth continuing.

“We have however, found a buyer for all our remaining stock, and from mid-January a number of Transomnia's products will be available to buy from Gainsborough Giftware.”

Left: Transomnia’s founder Shane O’Mahony on a buying trip in Northern Thailand in the early 90's.

Theo Paphitis To Speak At Spring Fair

Retail entrepreneur and former ‘Dragon’ Theo Paphitis heads an impressive line-up of speakers at Spring Fair (5-8 February 2023, NEC). Speaking on the Inspiring Retail Stage on Tuesday 7 February, in conversation with The Sun’s business editor Ashley Armstrong, he will delve into some of the current challenges facing businesses across the UK, as well as the opportunities that can often arise out of tougher trading conditions.

Also, among those sharing informative insights on the Inspiring Retail on 7 February will be Products of Change’s ceo Helen Mansell-Stopher, who will lead a panel discussion on new packaging legislation, how it impacts the retail sector, and how to embrace the new wide-ranging packing requirement challenges.

On the trends front, TrendBible will be delivering Trend Update: 2024 Home and Lifestyle Trends on 6 February, followed by Trend Update: Celebration and Gifting Trends on 7 February.

The Inspiring Retail Stage’s full schedule of live content will kick off on Sunday 5 February at 11am. Visit www.springfair.com

Source Home & Gift Debuts At Spring Fair

A brand new responsible sourcing show, Source Home & Gift, will co-locate with Spring Fair 2023, (5-8 February, NEC), creating a new vision for responsible sourcing. The show will bring over 200 audited, quality manufacturers from around the world - China, India, Egypt, Peru and the USA - to the NEC to help buyers source products from great manufacturers with great processes.

“The launch of Source Home & Gift indicates a step change in the way retailers and brands are now able to source products,” explains director Suzanne Ellingham. “Retailers and buying teams have been telling us that they are actively looking for responsible manufacturers, those that are not just producing sustainable products, but those that pay fair wages and are fundamentally operating in the right way. The challenge for them is finding those manufacturers with Source Home and Gift working with governments and organisations around the world who are supporting this new sourcing dynamic.”

Visit www.source-homeandgift.com; www.springfair.com

Jewellery & Watch Returns To Spring Fair

Over 100 exhibitors will be showcasing their newest launches at Jewellery & Watch, which will be located in Moda at Spring Fair (5-8 February,NEC).

“Working closely with key stakeholders – from associations such as NAJ and key media to clients and buying groups – we are building a strong international platform,” states Moda’s event director Alejandra Campos.

There will also be a dedicated area for jewellery creation featuring precious and semi-precious stones, jewellery components and services.

Featuring fashion accessories, jewellery, footwear and womenswear, Moda will showcase over 300 brands and thousands of new products and collections. Live trend-led fashion shows will take place each day, along with insightful seminars. Visit www.moda-uk.co.uk and www.springfair.com

Trends Christmas 2023

For retailers already looking ahead to next year, Spring Fair has collaborated with its trend agency partner, TrendBible, on an insightful new report highlighting the trends for Christmas 2023.

The forecasts will be presented live on the Inspiring Retail Stage at Spring Fair on 6 February, with the report focusing on All is Bright, a joyful trend driven by hope for the future.

Below: All Is Bright will be a key trend for Christmas 2023.

Denby Staff On TV

Following the company’s starring role in BBC Two’s Inside The Factory earlier this year, Denby was back in the TV spotlight again in mid November, with members of staff interviewed for BBC One’s ‘We Are England – Pots About Pots’ programme which is available on iPlayer.

Viewers were given an insight into how the historic firm, which has been manufacturing ceramics for over 200 years, makes its products, as well as the people who keep the wheels turning.

Below: From left to right: Denby’s Alice Dunrose, Roger Squires and Shell Buckle.

In The Christmas Spirit

Award winning Williams of Audlem, a gift and mini department store based in the historic, picturesque village of Audlem in Cheshire, recently featured in an article that appeared in the Manchester Evening News. Owner Judy Evans told the newspaper: "I start planning our Christmas windows around June. It's my favourite window of the year and takes me about five days to get ready.”

Above: Theo Paphitis will be the keynote speaker at Spring Fair.

Above: New for Spring/Summer from Sea Gems.

Make yourself at home

Discover the most stylish furniture, textiles and interior décor of the season.

By

Find out more at springfair.com

GA Joins Forces With Giving & Living Show Welcomes Crafting For The First Time

The Giftware Association is working alongside show partners Giving & Living to create a new feature for the 2023 Exeter trade show (15-17 January) where it will be introducing Crafting @ Giving & Living.

Working with The Gift of the Year Awards (organised by the Giftware Association), The British Craft Directory and Small Business Collaborative, the show will be welcoming crafting for the first time.

“We are keen to help crafters take that next step and deal with retail in a supported way,” explains Mike Anderson, managing director of show organisers Hale Events.

Adds Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association and the newly encompassed Creative Industries Association: “Crafting is so important within our industry, especially with many small crafters starting their own businesses during lockdown, which is why we are super excited to champion these crafters alongside

Form And Function

Giving & Living to showcase their skills and amazing products.”

The show also features a Designed & Made in Britain area, which hosts more than 50 organisations, alongside a wide range of exhibitors, ranging from those who are brand new to market to some of the UK’s largest importer wholesalers of gifts, all of which are ideal for retailers and attractions in the South West.

The space will also allow buyers to view the shortlisted Gift of the Year Design & Crafts products. Visit www.givingliving.co.uk.

Enesco Partners With EttaVee

Enesco has confirmed a brand new licensing collaboration with EttaVee, a lifestyle brand that expresses optimism and joy through the expressive use of colour.

In partnership with Enesco, American artist, designer and social media influencer Jessi Raulet’s hand-painted vibrantly optimistic colour palettes, packed with good vibes, will be applied to homeware, décor, and ladies accessories, with the range launching at Spring Fair.

With trends leading the way, Hale Events, organisers of the Giving & Living show, highlights that functionality is predicted to be key in 2023, with consumers choosing to gift items that can be of practical value.

“With many people working from home, gift givers will also be on the lookout for products reflecting this, to include desk accessories, lighting solutions, grow-your-own, houseplant pots, pet products and candles and diffusers,” comments Hale Events’ Jay Trotman, marketing manager. “Personalisation will, once again, be a strong trend, and there will also be a huge focus on locally made, sustainable products.”

Above: Locally made product will be a focus at Giving & Living.

Rise Of The ‘15 Minute City’

Alongside Mary Portas (below), independent gift retailer Priya Aurora-Crowe, co-owner and head of buying at Lark, (which has 12 gift and lifestyle stores in and around South and West London), shared her insights on Retail Gazette’s Future Of Independent Retail webinar, held in November. Based on the findings of the latest Ankorstore retail report, the Future of Independent Retail, Mary and Priya were joined by Bridget Hipwell, head of acquisition at Ankorstore, and Gemma Goldfingle, editor of Retail Gazette.

Among the topics discussed was the rise of the ‘15 minute city’, an area where everyday necessities and shops can be reached either by cycling or walking from a resident’s home in just 15 minutes, with some 65% of independent retailer respondents believing it could help save Britain’s high streets. “It’s no longer about the price and how cheap you can get it,” Mary stated.

Other key findings included that a love for local will be at the forefront of consumers’ minds in 2023. Despite rising costs, consumers will be looking for high quality products, sustainable items and products with great reviews when choosing to spend.

“Mary was extremely insightful and inspiring during the webinar,” Priya told PG&H “with the Ankorstore report hugely positive for independent retailers. Mary emphasised it’s all about educating local communities that ‘every £pound you spend is a vote on how you want to live.’”

Above: Ankorstore’s Bridget Hipwell (centre) is shown with Lark’s Priya Aurora-Crowe and Dominic Crowe, co-owners of Lark, at The Retas Awards in July.

Two different designs will be featured across all items in the range - In The Groove and Jessi’s Garden. Both designs feature bright, bold, cheerful colours, with In The Groove featuring a psychedelic wave pattern, and Jessie’s Garden including a large abstract floral print.

Above: An EttaVee apron from Enesco.

An Invitation To Meet The King

Family run department store Hargreaves & Sons in Buxton, Derbyshire, rubbed shoulder with King Charles and retail royalty, to include Mary Portas and ‘Dragon’ Peter Jones, at a small business reception held at Buckingham Palace in mid November.

Martin Coles-Evans, managing director of Hargreaves & Sons (above), received a giltedged invitation to attend the event, to ‘recognise the contribution small businesses make to the society of Great Britain’.

Accompanying the King and other royals at the reception were over 300 small business leaders from other industries.

“I felt quite emotional,” said Martin. “To be recognised in such a way by the very top, the pinnacle of society, felt overwhelming at first. It was the first of its kind since the pandemic, and one of the first of the King’s new reign, I didn’t expect to actually meet him, but I was lucky enough to say we shook hands.”

Added Martin: “Our family has never received such an honour before, and we are truly humbled and grateful, and will endeavour to champion the high street, independent retailers, and Buxton itself, even more.”

Registration Opens For PG Live Discover The Newest Card Launches

Registration for Progressive Greetings Live 2023 is now open for retail buyers, international distributors, licensees and licensors to book their free tickets.

Billed as “the greatest greeting card show in the world,” PG Live 2023 will be back at London’s Business Design Centre in Islington on Tuesday and Wednesday, 6-7 June.

“We want to give everyone the chance to plan their year as early as possible so opening PG Live’s registration for visitors early seems the right way to go,” says PG Live’s show director Warren Lomax. “It’s always such an enjoyable event and we know that buyers and overseas distributors will want to get the date fixed in their diaries so they can get together for the best the greeting card industry has to offer.”

With more than 140 exhibitors already signed up – and lots more in the pipeline - the line-up is already expansive, from the fabulous established names of UK Greetings, Woodmansterne, Danilo, Emotional Rescue, Ling Design, Hallmark, Museums & Galleries, The Art File, Abacus, Belly Button Designs, Dean Morris Cards, Caroline Gardner, Paper Salad, IC&G, and Pigment, through to fast growing publishers like Bewilderbeest, The Seed Card Company,

Stormy Knight, Raspberry Blossom and Heyyy Cards, and complete newbies such as Richard’s Gallery, Stoats And Weasels, and Arrthi Little.

As the UK’s only trade exhibition dedicated to the greeting card industry that’s vibrant, buzzy and something a bit different, the show ticks all the boxes - and the latest innovation of Springboard Intro, sponsored by The Imaging Centre, gives first-time exhibitors an easy way to debut at the event.

With a free lunch on both days of the show, complimentary teas and coffees, a great opening night party, and the newest greeting launches, visitors can register at www.progressivegreetingslive.com

Above: PG Live returns to the Business Design Centre in June.

Ambiente Will Reflect The Market

The first physical Ambiente show since the pandemic is getting ready to open its doors from 3-7 February, with organisers Messe Frankfurt looking forward to welcoming visitors both international and domestic buyers.

From 2023, Dining, Living and Giving will be complemented by a Working area, which focuses on the desk and office. In addition, there will be events and special presentations, to include Ambiente Trends 23+, and the Conzoom Solutions Academy, which will deliver lectures on key topics, with expert tips tailored to the retail trade.

a milestone, for the first time, Ambiente will be co-located with Christmasworld and Creativeworld. Visit www.ambiente. Messefrankfurt.com.

Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring

Buyers are being invited to register for Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring which takes place from 22-24 Jan 2023 at the SEC in Glasgow. Around 500 exhibitors will be unveiling new ranges, showcasing gifts, homewares, jewellery and textiles, with a huge rise in soap and toiletries suppliers.

Central to the show will be the Launch Gallery for new, young suppliers, while the Craft Gallery will be the sector to find knitwear. The Talking Shop will again be returning, featuring talks, panel discussions and masterclasses. Plus, the Loves Local campaign will be delivering their latest initiatives. Nessie’s Den will also be back, with emerging suppliers showcasing their products to respected retailers in a lighthearted session. The show’s Best Product Awards will again be judged by leading retailers, with the winners’ products displayed at the heart of the exhibition.

Co-located with Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring will be Scotland’s Speciality Food Show, which will be showcasing over 100 producers, principally from Scotland. Visit www.scotlandtradefairs.com.

At Home With HOMI

Milan’s HOMI, which focuses on giftware, home fragrancing, home accessories, tabletop and kitchen, returns to Fiera Milano, Rho, from 26-29 January, with a new edition of the show reflecting the trends for living spaces and ‘good living’ design.

“The focus will be very much on sustainability and quality craftsmanship,” confirms Emanuele Guido, director of Fiera Milano’s lifestyle business unit. Visit www.homimilano.com

High Five At Pure

Pure London is introducing five new fashion destinations for its February 2023 show.

Aiming to present the UK’s most comprehensive fashion offering for the A/W 23/24 edition at Olympia, London from 12-14 February 2023, Pure London will unveil five new destinations joining Ready-to-Wear, Pure Jewel, Accessories, and Shoes.

Visitors will discover curated spaces for Premium womenswear, Purely Sustainable, Pure Edge, Pure Body and Gen Z. Sustainability will be at the fore with a curated selection of conscious exhibitors.

PEOPLE

l Enesco has strengthened its UK and European sales team.

Dave Hester (right) has been appointed as national account manager to the Enesco UK sales team.

Additionally, Richard Harrison and Jens de Voogd (below) have been promoted to field sales managers. Richard will be leading the UK field sales team having joined Enesco over 20 years ago, beginning his career as a regional display assistant. Jens, having joined Enesco during the pandemic as export sales manager for the Netherlands, will now take on the additional responsibilities as field sales manager for Europe, supporting colleagues across Germany and the wider European market.

Above: HOMI exhibitors include Nuvole di Stoffaa.

Marking

Below: The Pure London catwalk.

Above: Among the visitors at Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn show.

Left: Home décor at Ambiente.

Down Your High Street In Liquidation

Many gift retailers left out of pocket

Online retail platform

Downyourhighstreet.co.uk went into liquidation on 9 November, leaving many gift retailers significantly out of pocket. “We are heartbroken and know this news is going to have a detrimental impact on the small businesses we have worked so hard to support,” stated founder Daniel Whytock.

Among the independent gift retailers affected was Glasgow’s Maia Gifts, with owner Soni Ahmed commenting: “We were really pleased to sell on their platform when they approached us, as their ethos was to support independent companies with bricks-and-mortar stores that also have an online presence.

“We’re currently owed a considerable sum of money, so I hope the administrators can find a way to pay some of that back to us. Let’s hope they can find a buyer so the platform can continue – independents need all the help they can get to gain visibility online.”

Lark has 12 gift and lifestyle stores in and around South and West London, with co-founder Priya Aurora-Crowe telling PG&H: “We had been

trying to claim our money owed for over four months and will now be losing those funds. We are extremely frustrated as we can see that this move was already on the cards, yet they continued to take orders from small shops. However, we are very fortunate in that we are able to take this financial hit.”

Daniel Whytock created website Yourhighstreet.com nine years ago, with a mission to support local retailers. The website was subsequently rebranded to Downyourhighstreet and focused on working with independent retailers to help them sell online, In 2019, with crowdfunding, the website went live. A Think Where You Shop campaign was launched during the pandemic.

JATC Launches New Zone

Just Around The Corner (JATC), among the UK’s fastest growing B2B fashion and lifestyle trade events, has launched a new zone to provide a curated accessible platform for independent, emerging, niche brands in the gifting, home, lifestyle, jewellery, accessories, beauty, skincare and grooming arena. The event takes place at London’s Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London E1, on Wednesday 8Thursday 9 February 2023.

“The brands have wanted to have a ‘voice’ to speak with buyers but could not find a suitable platform to open dialogues with UK retailers and beyond, spanning the premium department stores sector as well as independent retailers and e-commerce platforms,” explains the zone’s creator Karen Berman.

Visitors to the show will be able to enjoy complimentary food, coffee, pastries and beverages from an eclectic mix of street vendors. Visit www.justaroundthecorner.co.uk; E: karen@justagroup.co.uk; Mobile: 07725 543142.

Above: Jewellery will be among the gift-led product sectors in the new zone at Just Around The Corner.

INDX Homewares

INDX Homewares (formerly INDX Housewares & Linens), will be taking place at the Cranmore Park Conference & Event Centre in Solihull on 21-22 February, covering gift and fragrance, tabletop and soft furnishings, as well as cookshop, small electricals and bedding. The show is organised by Associated Independent Stores (AIS). Visit www.indxshows.co.uk

Fizzing With Joy

Fizz Creations’ Gruffalo Baby Collection triumphed at the Progressive Preschool Awards in November as winner of the Best Preschool Gift Range category. In addition, Toys4You in Sutton Coldfield was announced as the winner of the Best Independent Giftware Retailer category.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the awards, the event included a pre-lunch speech from Dragons’ Den investor Touker Suleyman.

Right: The Best Preschool Gift Range award was presented to Fizz Creations’ Zoe Ryan, by Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net, category sponsor.

Wrendale Designs’ Regal Fund Raiser

Having won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade in 2019, Hannah Dale, founder and creative maestro at Wrendale Designs, honoured the Queen with a piece of artwork that went viral, and has gone on to raise £15,000 for The Dog Trust.

“We’re delighted,” commented Wrendale’s founder and creative maestro Hannah Dale. “It was very special to all of us here at Wrendale and we were so thrilled with the response to it.”

Within hours the image had caught the imagination of the public, so far clocking up 1,200-plus shares and over 14,000 likes on Facebook, 500 on Twitter, plus 9,847 likes on Instagram.

Above: The Wrendale Designs’ limited edition print that went viral.

NEWS IN BRIEF

l Fenwick has sold its Bond Street store in London to Lazari Investments in a multi-million £pound deal in order to fund significant investment in its online business and its other stores. The closure decreases Fenwick’s physical presence to eight stores

l Talking Tables was recently named the Best Sustainable Tableware Manufacturer at the Greater London Enterprise Awards.

l Bagpuss, Maisy and Giraffes Can’t Dance have joined the Rainbow Designs’ classic character portfolio. The initial range for each of the new literacy licences will feature soft toys of the main characters.

l Blenheim Palace’s gift shop received a starring role on Channel 4’s Christmas At... programme, with the store credited as being “one of Blenheim’s most important money spinners.”

Last year, the retail team generated a third of Blenheim’s revenue over the festive season.

Above: Blenheim Palace.

l Figures from Which? showed 41% were planning to buy fewer gifts this Christmas, with around half of consumers cutting back on festive spending.

A ‘Greats’ Opportunity

Winning a Greats gift retailer award has become the pinnacle for gift retailers both large and small - a prestigious retail trophy that recognises excellence, initiative, innovation and professionalism at the highest level.

With the competition now in its 21st milestone year, and a closing date of 21 February, 2023, there's still time to tell us why your shop could be a winner!

Once again, Progressive Gifts & Home, organisers of The Greats Awards, is excited to be on the lookout for those extra special gift and lifestyle retailers, department stores, garden centres and newcomers to gift retail, that, despite a tougher than ever retail climate, are nevertheless managing to stay at the top of their game.

With the competition well and truly underway, it's all systems go to discover the extra special gift retailers that stand out from the crowd. “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 for their achievements over the past year, with a

myriad of PR and social media opportunities for the winners and finalists that can help to boost awareness and footfall,” comments PG&H’s editor Sue Marks.

Sue adds: “From the outset, The Greats Awards, launched in 2003, set out to recognise and celebrate the gift retailers who have shown entrepreneurial flair in

Above: Could your shop’s name be on a Greats trophy in 2023?

Left: London’s Royal Lancaster hotel.

Below: The Greats 2022 winners are shown on stage at the Royal Lancaster proudly waving their Greats trophies in the air.

responding to the changing retailing landscape. We urge gift retailers of all shapes and sizes 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. Entering The Greats gives gift retailers a moment to stop and think about their business over the past 12 months and to shout about their achievements.”

For the award winners, hearing their shop’s name called out is a ‘pinch me’ moment. “We were over the moon to have won this award!” enthuses Greg Rose, coowner of Maybugs in Hailsham and Eastbourne, winner of The Greats 2022London, South, South East & East Anglia category. “We had special bottles of fizz made, with Maybugs labels on, which we gave to everyone in the team.”

Highlights Greg: “It meant so much to everyone at Maybugs to have been

recognised at such a high level within the industry that we love.”

Outstanding Achievement Award

Do you know a very special person who deserves the 2023 Outstanding Achievement Award? If so, we want to know more about them. Nominations are completely confidential and can be emailed direct to suem@max-publishing.co.uk

Left: Ronnie Pavey, founder and chairman of Lesser & Pavey, is shown proudly holding the prestigious Greats 2022 Outstanding Achievement Award.

At the three Nest stores in Broughton Astley, Stoneygate and Thurlaston, owner Samantha Gibbs, winner of The Greats Midlands & Wales category, commented: “When I heard Nest being called out it was an absolute shock, and a huge honour to be part of such an amazing bunch of contemporary forward thinking shops.”

Added Sam: “With The Greats success behind us, it has given us a wonderful boost, as if to say, you know what Sam, keep going, you’re doing okay!”

In the North of England, Andrea Pinder, owner of Presentation Cards & Gifts in Barrowford, 2022 winner of the North, Northern Ireland and Scotland category, admitted that she was: “totally shocked, with an overwhelming sense of emotional achievement.” Stated Andrea: It’s a night I won’t forget that’s for sure! Our trophy

The Greats 2023: Categories

stands very proudly in our window.” Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com which feature details on how to enter The Greats Awards 2023, together with a downloadable entry form. Entries can also be emailed direct to Sue Marks at suem@max-publishing.co.uk. The closing date for self-nomination entries is 21 February, 2023. An entry form is also 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.

l Independent Gift Retailer of The Year - London, South, South East + East Anglia

l Independent Gift Retailer of The Year - Midlands & Wales

l Independent Gift Retailer of The Year - North, Northern Ireland & Scotland

l Independent Gift Retailer of The Year - West & South West

l Best Newcomer Gift Retailer

l Best Specialist Multiple Retailer Of Gifts

l Best Department Store Retailer Of Gifts

l Best Non-Specialist Retailer Of Gifts

l Best Garden Centre Retailer Of Gifts

l Best In Store/Window Display

l Best Retailer Initiative

Your Chance To Nominate

Above: Dan Illingworth, (right),

Glittering Black Tie Awards Evening

Uniting the gift industry, The Greats gift retailer awards have once again 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 11 May.

Tickets to the awards can be booked quickly and securely by visiting https://www.maxsubscriptions.net/tickets/ or by contacting awards organiser Clare Hollick at clare@createvents.co.uk (tel: 01183 340085).

Tickets cost £215 (+VAT) and tables of 10 and 12 are available. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com

Below: Hitting the dance floor at the 2022 The Gift Awards were Enesco’s Phil Atherton with colleagues Sophie Ferguson (left) and Helen Cottrill (right).

Win A £50 Golden Ticket

As an extra 'gift', all independent finalists and winners of The Greats 2023 will receive a £50 bonus that can be spent against orders placed at dedicated greeting card show PG Live, organised by Max Exhibitions, which takes place on 6-7 June, 2023, at London's Business Design Centre in Islington.

Below: Greats finalist Aga Marsden, owner of Highworth Emporium in Highworth, spent her £50 Golden ticket at PG Live 2022 on the Cardology stand.

The past 12 months have been a testing time for retail, with gift retailers across the board demonstrating ingenuity, resilience, resourcefulness and commitment. And while gift retailers are encouraged to self-nominate, suppliers, reps and agents also have a fabulous opportunity to bang the drum (very loudly!) by nominating the retailers that they feel are a cut above the rest.

Take a look at the Nominate tab on www.thegreatsaward.co.uk that gives the industry at large a chance to say why they think specific gift shops and departments, both regionally and nationally, deserve to have their name on a Greats trophy in 2023. What have they done to make their shop stand out over the past year?

Nominations can be emailed direct from The Greats website, or be sent direct to: Sue Marks at suem@max-publishing.co.uk. The closing date for nominations is 31 January, 2023.

head of independent and export sales at Widdop & Co, category sponsor, presented the winning Greats trophy to Samantha Gibbs, owner of Nest, winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - Midlands & Wales category. On the left is compere Charlie Baker.

To B Corp Or Not To Be

“At the end of November 2022, the homewares specialist, Pure Table Top joined the founder of the sustainability consultancy, Fair Enough, to talk Products of Change members through the process of becoming a B Corp.

While Products of Change - a membership community with the goal of educating and connecting industry peers to drive positive and sustainable development across the consumer products sectors - is

sustainable category to its Gift of the Year competition - and it’s been the fastest growing category ever since.

At the Hong Kong Trade Development Council towards the end of 2022, Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association, joined Products of Change’s founder Helena Mansell-Stopher to speak broadly on the “major, positive shift” seen across the giftware, home and creative sectors in the last few years.

“These shifts are driven by consumer behaviour as well as environmental and industry demands,” said Sarah. “We need to learn from each other about how our businesses can make small, incremental changes to improve the impact we make on the environment.”

Talking Tables, the femalefounded, London-based gift specialist, achieved B Corp status in 2022. A member of Products of Change, Talking Tables recognises that its sphere of influence is the impact it can have on its stakeholders. Up and down the supply the chain, from source to consumer and its local community, this is a business that acts to leave a positive impact. People, Planet, Profit.

At Pure Table Top - a POC member who is now awaiting its B Corp status to be finalised to top off “a superb 2022”, head of sustainability, Tom Sellicks, has been active in driving a local circular economy by placing end of line stock with local charities.

known for hosting its regular online meetings and guest speaker educational sessions, it was the first time the platform had dedicated the spotlight solely to the topic of becoming a B Corp.

True, B Corp is an accreditation that has been around for the last 15 years. But with consumers today more conscientious, discerning, and increasingly aware of the impact of the products they purchase on the environment than ever before, the competitive benefits of ‘business for good’ are becoming ever more tangible.

The gift and home sector knows this, of course. Four years ago, The Giftware Association added in an ethical and

And that means looking beyond simply the products you are putting onto the marketplace. How can your business begin to operate more sustainably? And ultimately - perhaps the most direct question of all - how is the world a better place because of it?

Tom, who told Products of Change members that being a B Corp is “like being in the best club in the world”, also encourages those perhaps apprehensive or tentative about the process, that getting started “really isn’t as difficult as it may appear.” And it’s why Products of Change was established two years ago - to help our fantastically creative industries on their journey with sustainable development.

The Products of Change community is a vibrant and fast-growing one that shares a commonality across the entirety of the consumer products sectors - that positive change can be driven through collaboration, communication and the desire to see business as a force for good. B Corp or not, it’s a vision of a better tomorrow we all share.”

For more information on joining the Products of Change community contact editor Robert Hutchins on Rob@Productsofchange.com

Left: Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder of Products of Change, is shown with Rob Hutchins editor and community manager. Below left: Talking Tables received B Corps accreditation in 2022.

Bottombove: Pure Table Top’s xxxxx.

Feed back TrendTastic What’s Trending

As we go into 2023, a new year, and, hopefully, a new more positive narrative, which products and product sectors are going to be the winners for Spring/Summer?

Retailers and suppliers share their predictions, while Pantone announces its Colour of the Year.

Red Hot

At the beginning of December, Pantone unveiled its Colour of the Year for 2023, describing Viva Magenta as ‘vibrating with vim and vigour’. The shade, according to the company, is rooted in nature, descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength.

‘Brave and fearless’, (according to Pantone), the pulsating colour is aiming to promote a joyous and optimistic celebration.

“In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute. “Viva Magenta galvanises our spirit, helping us to build inner strength.”

Other colours predicted to trending in 2023 include purple, lavender, lilac and shades of berry, which will translate across gifts, homeware, accessories, clothing and textiles.

Above: Country Mouse’s cerise Merino throw has been inspired by Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Viva Magenta. The colour gives neutral interiors a pop of colour.

Food Glorious Food

Food Gifting On The Rise

“We definitely predict food gifting sales will be increasing in 2023,” states Jon May, co-founder of Mooch Gifts & Home. “We introduced food gifts two years ago and have seen sales increase steadily over that period, with a star preforming product currently the Indian Spice Tins from Gift of the Year 2022 winner, Spice Kitchen. Therefore for 2023 we will be sourcing more food gifts for the upcoming key season events, starting with Valentine’s, Mother’s Day and Easter. Our key focus is to only sell products made in the UK from regional artisans which seems to be so important for our customers in terms of reducing food miles.”

Adds Jon: “With the current economic climate, shoppers are increasingly mindful of just buying a gift for the sake of it. Food gifts can be bought as a treat, or as a useful main gift for someone, with the Indian Spice Tin a good example, enabling the selfpurchaser or recipient to create their favourite authentic curries at home.”

Above: Among the Indian Spice Tins from award winning company Spice Kitchen.

“In the run up to Christmas, food gifts was a sector that really stood out - especially ready to make food mixes - notably The Bottle Baking Company’s baking bottles,” highlights Andrea Pinder, owner, Presentation Cards & Gifts, Barrowford “We did exceptionally well with the Doggy Baking Bottles, as well as the traybake and cookies. They make a great gift, and a fun, shared baking experience for recipients. Also trending was Sarunds chocolates. They continue to be a big add on for us as they cover every occasion.”

Predicts Andrea: “going into 2023, with so much anxiety around, the emphasis on wellbeing will still be as strong, with Marmalade of London’s Wellbeing candle collection a winner for us. Plus, reflecting people’s continuing focus on their homes, Rosie Made A Thing coasters have been ringing up sales as an ideal add on to Rosie’s greeting card range, while Joma Jewellery’s sentiment bracelets say it all, with gift givers wanting to tell friends and loved ones how much they mean to them, especially in today’s uncertain times.”

Abovet: The Doggy Baking Co, winners of the 2022 Gift of the Year’s Pet Food category.

The National Gallery Recycled Collection

Eco Chic is proud to present our brand-new collaboration with the National Gallery, featuring some of our most popular reusable bags made from recycled plastic materials, and featuring famous paintings currently on display at the National Gallery, London.

Designed for you and the planet

Gifts With A Purpose

“Thoughtful gifting that not only delights the recipient but also supports a positive cause is in the front of people’s minds,” says Lesley Aaronson, cofounder and creative maestro at Heathcote & Ivory. “For example, we have created Busy Bees, vegan honey hand and body care gifts, with money donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust with every purchase. Going into 2023, the hand and lip tin and Busy Bees mug with hand creams are our key Mother’s Day gifts in this range. Plus, the trend for wellness and mindfulness gifts will also carry through, mirrored in two new launches for 2023. Moving away from sleep, our Flower of Focus collection boosts energy with a pick-me-up fragrance that’s been scientifically proven to help people power through. The range includes a Pick Me Up set and a Top To Toe kit.”

Above: Heathcote & Ivory’s new Busy Bees collection is both a thoughtful and a useful gift, supporting the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

Feed back What’s Trending

Growth In Sustainable Giftware

“Going into 2023, retail will be an even more interesting time for most of us,” predicts Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Bert’s in Colchester “The challenges that lie ahead will, more than ever before, be in making sure we have what our customers are looking for. When money gets tighter, the right stock becomes ever more important. I see big growth in quality sustainable products, but this must be great quality, practical and beautifully presented. The likes of Roka of London, Swole Panda, Freckleface wax melts and Tilnar Art, to name just a few, have got this very right at the moment.”

Bill adds that in 2023, attending trade shows will become even more of a ‘must do’. “With our customers in mind, touching the stock before I buy anything new is a critical point in getting it right.”

Right: A selection of sustainable giftware at Bill & Bert’s in Colchester.

A Passion For Fashion Accessories

“As we’ve become more sensitive to the fragility of our planet, and sustainability has become increasingly important, the decadent complete overhaul of fashion from one season to the next has happily slowed down,” highlights Miss Milly’s founder and managing director Sarah Watmore “We now see colour palettes shifting gradually rather than a wholesale transformation from one set of shades to something completely different. And in a cost-of-living crisis, when people are unlikely to be renewing their wardrobes every few months, jewellery and accessories are set to play an increasingly important role in refreshing outfits and sparking interest.”

Pet Gifting ‘Explosive’

With pet-themed giftware riding high, suppliers and retailers have been quick to respond to consumer demand for giftware for both dogs and furry felines, along with gifts for devoted pet owners themselves. And while gift givers were predicted to be cutting back on Christmas spending, pets were likely to be spared from the impact of the cost of living crisis, according to a survey from multiple retailer Jollyes The Pet People (which has 80 stores in the UK). “The survey confirmed that pets come first when it comes to gift giving,” stated Jollyes head of marketing, Phil Turner-Naylor. Almost 70% of pet owners said that they would be putting a present under the tree, and only one in ten (11%) planned to spend more on their friends and families. (Source: Cison/Maru).

Katie Loxton, founder of her eponymous company and Joma Jewellery, points out that pets have become an integral part of our culture, with the pet gifting industry experiencing explosive growth as consumers continue to embrace the pet-owning and petloving lifestyle. “Following its success, we’ve added red and black colourways to our pet collection to include dog collars, leads, treat bags and doggy bag covers paired with our signature vegan leather, gold-tone hardware and sentiments,” highlights Katie.

Above: Katie Loxton’s red and black themed pet collection.

Baby Love

“We see year on year growth with our top performing brand Jellycat, which has universal appeal to all age groups, with baby gifts especially flying out,” says Paul Lewis, merchandise director at Austins department store in Newton Abbot

Left: The latest jewellery launches from Miss Milly reflect the trend colours for Spring/Summer 2023.

“We’ve also seen more interest in children’s books and more sentimental gifts of friendship across both home and fashion accessories. In addition, the Heathcote and Ivory ranges are looking really strong for SS23 on the back of a very successful AW22.”

Right: Part of the Jellycat offer at Austins in Newton Abbot.

Gifts For

Marvellous Mums

Year on year - especially since the pandemicMother’s Day gift buying seems to have gone up a gear, with many gift givers on the lookout for that special something to make their mum’s day.

Ahead of the Spring trade shows, PG&H takes a peek at what’s trending for Mother’s Day 2023 - which falls on Sunday 19 Marchthe second biggest gift giving occasion in the gift industry’s calendar.

Buying a gift for our mums or mother figure - such as step mums, foster mums, grandmas, godmothers, aunties and even sisters - to tell them how much we love and appreciate them, is very special, and something people of all ages and stages look forward to doing every year when Mother’s Day comes around. While flowers, chocolates and a bottle of fizz will long remain the most traditional gifts, suppliers

Forever My Friend and Love You Mum, while our sparkling silverplated designs are predicted to be a favourite among customers, ranging from our bestselling A Littles, to our luxurious Celebrations sets. Plus, our brand new vegan leather jewellery rolls can be used for a mum to store her beautiful new pieces.”

At Life Charms, graphic designer Agata Werycha says that every year, the company offers its customers a gift range suited to different price points. “It’s to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to celebrate the women in their life who have watched over them throughout the years,” she comments. Sentiments across the company’s designs include Marvellous Mum, Mum in a Million and World’s Best Mum, with a choice between

Above: A selection of Mother’s Day pieces from Joma Jewellery.

Far left: Among the Mother’s Day bracelets from Life Charms.

Left: Daffodil themed jewellery from Talbot Fashions. Below: Miss Milly’s pastel butterfly necklace.

elastic bracelets with heartshaped charms, and gift boxes containing a set of three bracelets.

agree that it’s a day when a gift for a special mum needs to have longevity, serving as a loving reminder throughout the year, not only in the short term.

Jewellery of course, is among the most popular gift sectors, with Katie Loxton, founder of her eponymous company and Joma Jewellery, commenting that it speaks from the heart. “Our new Mother’s Day collection is set to make the special day even more memorable. It’s filled with heartfelt sentiments such as First My Mum

Also highlighting the popularity of jewellery for mums, to celebrate her special day, is Talbot Fashions’ gift buyer Ginny Bryant. “Our hearts and sentiment collections are always very popular gifts for Mother’s Day,” she confirms. “We’re excited about our new designs that will enhance our current collections of pendants, earrings, studs, brooches, trinket/pill boxes and pin badges.” (These include poppies, lily of the valley, forget-me-not, daffodils, cow parsley, daisies and unusual floral designs).

Adds Ginny: “Geometrics too, are lovely for a special Mother’s Day gift, with a crescent moon, sun studs, and a moon and star added to our fast selling celestial collection. In addition, for animal/pet lovers, new introductions include a cat, spaniel, labrador, hedgehog, boxing hare, foxes, sheep, donkey, pig and a rabbit.”

Reeves & Reeves design and create an array of stunning and exclusive jewellery collections.

Based in the heart of the Dorset countryside, the husband and wife team are passionate about jewellery and their enduring designs reflect much of what is around them, from the fields and woods to the Jurassic Coast. Their Jewellery is contemporary in style with a unique fashion edge, at very competitive prices and superb attention to both detail and quality. Heath, Caroline and their talented team have an innovative creative ability and empathy with their customers is a very unique selling point.

They utilize a charming combination of sterling silver, 18ct yellow and Rose gold vermeil with accents of colour through the use of hand picked stones and exquisite enamel detail.

The varied collections range from the sleek and modern Stellar collection to imaginative animals and plant life designs, many with an elegant modern twist, evoking favourite memories from the past and creating new ones for the future. The Reeves & Reeves team really do love what they create and know that you will too.

Adds Sarah Watmore, managing director of Miss Milly: “We find that we sell more of our floral and butterfly pieces than usual when it comes to Mother's Day, and often in more traditional colourways.” For Spring/Summer, the company has introduced a pastel butterfly necklace with matching earrings in dusky pink, lilac and silver. “The softer jewellery, often with a natural theme, sells better as people look to express their love for and appreciation of their mums,” Sarah confirms, “Given the events of the last couple of years, people will be looking for an extra special gift to show that mums are thought of all year round,” says Joe Davies’ managing director Paul Hooker. He

highlights a trend for simple sentiment messages, across a range of product types, featuring mum, grandmother and nan. “Photo frames are traditionally strong, and all our new ranges feature a mum, and often a nan item in the collection,” he confirms. “Sentiment message figures on pebbles are also trending, with our Equilibrium sentiment jewellery offering extra additions for Mother’s Day this year.” Adds Paul: “It’s also snoozies! season. For Mother’s Day in particular, our pairables and regular collections do very well.”

For gift givers looking to treat their mum to a new bag, Katie Loxton’s Mother’s Day collection features meaningful pouches, paired with trend-led silhouettes that their mums already know and love. “They include our Mother’s Day pouches, a

Above: Lesser & Pavey’s I Love You Mum collection.

Far left: Photo frames from Joe Davies.

Left: Willow Tree from Enesco.

Below left: Among the bags and candles in Katie Loxton’s Mother’s Day collection.

unique relationship. However, Mother’s Day can equally be very difficult for many people, so we try to be sensitive to that with our diverse Mother’s Day offering.”

selection of women’s handbags and home fragrances too,” says Katie.

“I think that the relationship between a mum and her children is so unique, no one gift type suits all,” states Helen Cottrill, marketing and product director at Enesco. “In fact, consumers probably spend more time looking for the perfect gift or message for Mother’s Day than for any other occasion, be it sending love, saying thank you for support, or just acknowledging that

She adds: “With Mother’s Day a key day in our calendar, we do have specific product with meaningful targeted messages, but many more of our products are ideal for a mother figure, with Willow Tree, now in its third decade, the most popular choice, covering new mums and mums to be, to those expanding their family or becoming grandparents. Meanwhile, for those looking for something more trend led, our Allen Designs collection features quirky clocks, planters, water bottles, tote bags and aprons, all with bright, bold designs. Michelle Allen herself is a mother and grandmother, and family is at the heart of her collection. And brand new and launching in 2023 is EttaVee, featuring bright abstract designs, on fun, functional formats, which we are looking forward to presenting at Spring Fair.”

Lesser & Pavey’s managing director Julian Hunt concurs that people will be looking for something that means so much

Keeping it Personal

A personalised gift for Mother’s Day, is, of course, an extra special way to tell a mum you love her. “People will be looking for a unique gift that represent how thankful they are for all of the love and support they’ve received over the years. Plus, a special gift doesn’t need to be expensive to show how much you appreciate mums and all that they do,” says PMC’s marketing director Keren Dicken. “With the ability to personalise our large range of gifts with a personal sentiment, items can be easily adapted for mums, grandmas, step mums or any other important motherly figure in someone’s life, which will be treasured for years to come.”

Keren highlights that currently, botanical elements have become the latest trend within home décor, “which has influenced gift-giving themes too,” she points out. “Our botanical designs therefore make a great alternative to standard floral inspired gifts that are usually gifted on Mother’s Day, with our range spanning a variety of products, including delicate hanging decorations and functional plant pots.”

Right: PMC’s personalised botanical flower vase.

more than flowers - something that is seen every day as a reminder of the Mother’s Day gift - something that reflects the depth of care and love shown to a mother, and something that will last long after the flowers have wilted and the chocolates have all gone. “Our I Love You Mum range by British artist Jennifer Rose features a fine china mug, ceramic coaster, mug and coaster gift set, stemless wine glass and tumbler, glass vase for floral arrangements, as well as a three-dimensional heart plaque, fragranced diffuser and a candle,” he comments. “We have also added new Mother’s Day items

company offers a myriad of giftware that fits in with the occasion.

“At William Morris At Home for example, we are launching Forest Bathing, a range of eight efficacious products, inspired by shinrin-yoku, the Japanese ritual of spending time among trees to de-stress and slow down. The Take A Breath Set is like breakfast in bed but better, with a Morris print tea mug and velvet eye mask to treasure, and a fragrance mist that really does bring mum the calming equivalent of a walk in the forest. It’s an ideal gift to show appreciation for a wonderful mum.”

The company is also offering smaller gifts at entry price points for younger shoppers. “For example, a pocket money friendly gift for a green fingered mum could be our In The Garden exfoliating soap, wrapped and tied with twine, or the body scrub in a reusable ‘plant pot’,” highlights Lesley. “Across our ranges, hand cream trios can be split to make little individual Mother’s Day gifts too. Plus, a foot care set has joined In The Garden which is ideal for mums who are always on their feet.”

Pointing to a floral trend in 2023, Catherine Paul, head of marketing, eCommerce and contents at Widdop & Co., says that getting back to nature, and appreciating the beauty in botanicals, has certainly rekindled a love for florals and country cottage vibes. “For

Top: Coulson Macleod’s art print for step mums.

Left: Heathcote & Ivory’s Take A Breath collection.

Mother’s Day, this was a must have trend to ensure we provided our customers with a strong visual presence in store with excellent sell through,” she states. “Our Country Garden collection has Mother’s Day at its heart, but we have also extended the naming conventions to include aunties, friends, gran, grandmas, nan and nanas.”

Adds Piers Croke, director, Gisela Graham: “Flowers are always going to be tops for Mother’s Day - accompanied by a gift of course - and with this in mind, we’re launching more products to make a floral gift longer lasting - new, elegant, ceramic pot coverswhich are additions to our fast-selling range. They’re well priced and great for display with real or faux flowers.”

As suppliers, retailers and gift givers would all agree, Mother’s Day, regardless of budget, is, as always, a special day for special gifts for special mums.

Game On

ready for March 2023, enhancing the range to include fine china mugs, a wine glass, candle and diffuser.”

Coulson Macleod’s Hannah Coulson, director, mum and step mum, confirms: “We pretty much have all relations covered, including very important step mums. The bonus of the art print is that the giver doesn’t need to think of anything else to say, just to giftwrap it and watch her step mum cry on Mother’s Day!”

“At Heathcote & Ivory, we are a community of fabulous mother figuresgodmothers, grannies, aunties, sisters, best friends and mother-in-laws - with our new ranges covering all the above,” says the company’s creative supremo and co-founder Lesley Aaronson, who highlights that the

Above right: A Loveliest Mum reed diffuser from Widdop & Co.

Below: Floral pot covers from Gisela Graham.

Fun Mother’s Day gifts too, are also the name of the game for many giftware companies, with Gift Republic developing a '100 things to do with mum’ scratch book which not only contains 100 activities for a mother and child to discover together, but can also be personalised by adding in photos, highlighting the activities.

“This makes it an ideal memento of their time together, providing mums with a memory book to keep forever,” says sales director Phil Verrills. “In addition, for those looking for inspiration in finding things to do with their mum, we have also introduced 'things to do with mum scratch cards', where users are provided with 52 mystery activities, featuring an array of fun things, for them to choose at random.”

Above: A spread from Gift Republic’s '100 things to do with mum’ scratch book.

1: Luxurious Leather Accessories

Saddler is a quintessentially British leather goods brand that traces its heritage back more than 30 years. Born out of a passion for leather, every Saddler piece combines the finest leathers hand- crafted by artisans employing traditional leather skills with creative design and eye catching colour that makes any Saddler piece an ideal gift. To learn more about Saddler, its product ranges or how you can become a stockist, please contact by email.

Saddler Accessories

T: 0141 354 8907

E: sales@saddler-accessories.com

2: Celebrating Mums

Fields full of delicate wildflowers, buzzing with bumble bees in delicate hues of pink, buttercup yellow and poppy red are the trend inspiration behind this must have range. Celebrating mums in all their guises, there are gifts galore, packed full of sentiment for Nan, Mum, Mummy and those that are like a mum at this special time of year. New gift formats include homeware, baking and pampering treats and gifts for plant mamas – after all, we all know that ‘love grows wherever mum goes’.

Carte Blanche Greetings

T: 01243 792600

E: info@cbg.co.uk

W: www.cbgtrader.co.uk

3: Brand-New Birthflower: A Littles

Joma Jewellery is all about celebrating every moment, however big or small, which is why it has added to its ever-growing selection of birthday gifts this season; say hello to its Birth flower, A Littles. Featuring the classic customer-loved A Little design touches, like silver-plated beads and charms, sweet sentiment, and wrist stack-ability, these adorable styles include the Birthflower’s traits to the card and the Birthflower outline stamped on the charm.

Joma Jewellery

T: 01295 263430

E: enquiries@jomajewellery.com

W: www.wholesale.jomajewellery.com

4: Brand-New Signature Collection

This season, Katie Loxton welcomes its brand-new Signature Collection to the family. This stunning selection includes multiple colourways - including offwhite, taupe and black - and styles, all boasting a statement monogram logo that was designed inhouse by creative director and co-founder, Katie. In true Katie Loxton fashion, this collection has been designed in the softest vegan leather and included luxe gold-tone hardware. They’re predicting these pieces to be best sellers.

Katie Loxton

T: 01295 250879

E: enquiries@katieloxton.com

W: www.wholesale.katieloxton.com

5: Fab-Ewe-Lous Friends

If you’re looking to stock modern sentiment gifts with a quirky twist, then look no further than the brand new ‘Fab-ewe-lous Friends’ range from Joe Davies. Cute sheep with sentimental messages... the ones that make you laugh and cry happy tears at the same time are simply the best way to tell someone how much you care. Available in a range of captions, including mum, dad, nan and friend these magical, meaningful gifts are a real talking point.

Joe Davies

Visit: Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand C10-D11

T: 0161 975 6300

E: sales@joedavies.co.uk

W: www.joedavies.co.uk

6: The Perfect Unique Gift

New from Bead&Button Blooms for SS23 are exquisite hand-crafted garlands, wreaths and meadow nymphs, imaginatively created with organza, Mother of Pearl, copper wire, miniscule seed beads and embroidered flowers. The collectable Boxes of Beaded Bugs are charming! The perfect gift boxed Blooms have evolved and the collection has grown with new materials sourced by the company - and everything comes with the often admired gift boxes.

Bead&Button Blooms

Visit: Spring Fair - Stand 4G76

T: 0116 2793715

E: info@onebuttonuk.com

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gifts for Mother’s Day

We Do Love To Be Beside The Seaside

While for many people, 2022 was a year of uncertainty, for multi-award winning retailers Kieron Cockley and David Lorimer, it’s been one of expansion and personal happiness, with the couple - they officially tied the knot in mid-November on their 25th anniversary - recently adding a further gift and lifestyle store to their burgeoning Brocante retail portfolio in Cornwall, bringing the total to six branches.

As winners of the Best Multiple Retailer category at The Greats 2022 Awards, PG&H took a trip to the West Country to hear more about David and Kieron’s plans for the coming year.

Some 17 years ago in 2006, Kieron Cockley and David Lorimer - who met in the late ‘90s while David was working as an area manager for Warehouse, and Kieron was studying retail management at Bournemouth University - opened their first Brocante gift and home store in a small fisherman’s cottage in Mevagissey, South Cornwall (which subsequently re-located to larger premises). Fowey followed a year later, with a store in St Ives opening on the high street in 2018. “From the start, the vision has always been to create something unique and beautiful in gifts and home, with each of our

Above:

Top: Mevagissey was Brocante’s first store.

Left: A glimpse into Perranporth’s interior. The store opened during summer 2022.

David On Kieron

shops exuding a warm, friendly, inviting ambience when customers push open the door,” emphasises David.

Today, there are six Brocante gift and lifestyle shops, with two more in the pipeline - a second store in St Ives, and a first Brocante store outside of Cornwall. In addition to Mevagissey, and two shops in Fowey, (the second store is located in a former Lloyds Bank building), they join St Ives and Charlestown, (the latter formerly a disused chapel in the harbourside village), which opened in 2021. Last summer, a sixth store was opened in Perranporth. “It fitted into our business model of a popular seaside coastal destination, with the store already showing itself to be a positive addition to the offer in the town,” confirms Kieron.

David and Kieron’s innate love and passion for retail runs deep, with David’s career including working for several major national retailers, to include Philip Green’s

an amazing eye for bringing brands together and creating an interesting shopping environment. He remembers what is in every shop, which is a huge skill, and is passionate about the merchandising of the shop alongside our visual merchandiser to create an exciting experience.”

“Kieron

Kieron

On David

“Without David I would find it difficult to get all the tasks I need to get done, so I can delegate all the HR and development side of things to him. He is great at the bigger picture and I get to delve into the detail.”

has

Brocante’s co-owners, Kieron Cockley, (second left), and David Lorimer, (second right) were presented with The Greats 2022 Best Specialist Multiple Gift Retailer trophy by Jonny Greves, director of Lesser & Pavey, category sponsor.

Arcadia Group. David also spent five years on the road as a gift agent, with principals including Culinary Concepts, One Button and Marmalade of London. Kieron meanwhile, on graduating with a degree in retail management, went onto to work for Russell & Bromley in Manchester, always harbouring a dream of owning his own shop.

Increasingly, the two men found themselves spending a lot of time in Kieron’s home county of Cornwall, and it was on one of their visits that they spotted and fell in love with the Mevagissey store. It was for sale and the rest is Brocante history.

“The decision to move to Cornwall and become self employed in 2006, combined with our retail backgrounds, saw us jump at the opportunity,” confirms Kieron. “I felt I had a few ideas that could add something to the retail mix that was around. I love my home, so it was natural to sell products that both David and I are passionate about, with the product mix evolving over the years to include furniture, lighting, mirrors, artworks, clothing, fashion accessories, beauty, children’s products and greeting cards.”

Fashion Forward

When Brocante trialled a tiny range of tops from La Cote one winter in their Mevagissey clothing and lifestyle store (also named La Cote), they found the demand was so strong that they expanded it, dedicating an entire room of the shop purely to clothing. “We also had several rails dotted around the store,” recalls Kieron. “Ten years later, we have clothing in all our shops, and find that one size items sell the best, with affordable prices that mean customers don’t have to overthink whether or not to buy something.”

He continues: “although we’ve found that easy to wear is the biggest customer turn on, in the last couple of years, we have also introduced some higher price point items from quality brands such as Chalk UK and Robell, which we merchandise separately, and which continue to do incredibly well.”

Right: Clothing continues to be an expanding sector for all Brocante stores.

the Eden Project, have subsequently created an all year round trade that wasn’t there ten to 15 years ago. It means that, unlike other parts of the country, there is a constant change flow of new customers every week looking to spend and enjoy their time. As retailers, we strive to better the offer they see at home by giving them a unique experience. It also means that both our loyal customers and seasonal visitors don’t have to travel to the big towns for the best products, with each of our stores created and designed to inspire a haven for uniqueness, reflected in our beautiful products across the board.” (Core suppliers include Gisela Graham, Culinary Concepts, One World Trading, David Fussenegger and Tweedmill, as well as Jellycat).

to the business,” states David. “They all treat the stores as their own and are as passionate about Brocante as we are.”

As David points out: “Cornwall is full of good independent retailers, so the competition has always been strong, which is why, right from the get go, we set out to offer items that nobody else was selling. Almost two decades on, we continue to spend a lot of time making sure the shops look as beautiful as possible, never resting on our laurels and keeping our displays fresh so that customers never know what they will find.”

Kieron points out that the West Country has always had some of the most incredible scenery in the world, with fantastic beaches. “However, a growing number of top class restaurants and tourist destinations, such as

Over the years, as their retail portfolio has grown, David and Kieron have recruited staff carefully - to include family members such as Kieron’s brother James Cockley as logistics manager (“who makes sure everything gets to the right place at the right time”); Josh Douglas as contents manager; Katy Warnes as visual merchandiser. Maria Norman, formerly contents manager, dual site manager at Fowey, with Abbie Clark taking on dual site manager for St. Ives. “Each member of staff adds something

Above left: Home interiors are very much a part of the product mix.

Right: A dazzling festive window display at the Fowey Bank store was a showstopper in the run up to Christmas.

Interestingly, Christmas has become a much more important trading time for Brocante over the last few years, with a longer season and increased footfall, outside of the traditional summer season, enabling David and Kieron to rely less on the summer trade. “When we first opened, a lot of shops would close for the winter in Cornwall, but thankfully this has become less common,” says David. “The towns here have great Christmas markets which really boost sales for the independents, as people like to shop where they can find more unusual gifts. Each of our stores has at least three Christmas trees, and we also like to spread our festive items around, hence lots of foliage and garlands and tealights. For us, these lines are as important as the normal tree decorations, and as for our front window displays, incredible Christmas lighting and some stunning pieces always create show stopping festive windows.”

With the cost of living crisis and a recession dominating the headlines, how are David and Kieron feeling about the first few months of 2023? “We’re lucky to be in seaside locations that, since the pandemic, have been helped by the increase in staycations. We also have a lot of people with holiday home rentals, which pulls in new customers every week. We’re therefore hoping it’s going to be business as usual.”

Retailer Face To Face: Brocante

Table Talk

Could making and baking banana bread during the lockdowns of 2020/2021 have kick started an enduring love of home cooking? It’s not as far fetched as it sounds, with many of us re-opening our recipe books and thumbing through the pages to find recipes not only to feed our families but also, to entertain our friends, as we look to save on eating out by choosing to eat in instead.

Along with products that help home foodies to prep and cook their culinary masterpieces, gift and lifestyle retailers have been seeing a demand for home entertaining items that are decorative and design-led, to include tableware, glassware, barware and bar accessories, with Insta-tablescaping another driver to creating a well-dressed table.

“Once again, the home is becoming an ever more important sanctuary,” says Amanda Bell, buying director - home, at

Spotlight On... Home Entertaining

Left: Lolita glassware from Enesco.

Below: Produced by Denby 70 years apart - Vintage Denby Ode from the 1960s, with Denby porcelain Stars launched in 2022.

Below middle: Reflecting the classic look for the table is Captivate Brands’ Mary Berry Signature collection.

As the recession begins to bite, people are being forced to seriously tighten their purse strings, with eating out only for special occasions, and home entertaining a key trend that is being embraced by many gift retailers in response to demand.

As people are discovering, the trend for home entertaining can be an opportunity to gift or selfpurchase beautiful tableware products that won’t break the bank. So what will home cooks and foodies be looking for as we head into 2023?

Morleys Group of eight independent department stores. “We are all entertaining and cooking more at home, as we did during the lockdowns, with home delivery services such as Hello Fresh and the Mindful Chef allowing people to cook meals to restaurant standard, creating additional opportunities for our Cook and Dine sectors.”

At independent gift and lifestyle store Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, owner Libby Holden highlights: “based on people likely to host their friends and family in their own

Buon Appetito

New

(Source: HOMI: CasaDoxa Observatory)

Left: Barware from Arte in Olivo, among the exhibitors showcasing product at HOMI in Milan in January.

homes we have put a focus on barware gifting - quirky nibble dishes and cheeseboards, as well as sets of champagne glasses.”

“I think we will see a rise in hostess gifts in 2023, something thoughtful but inexpensive,” states Enesco’s marketing and product director Helen Cottrill. “Our Eau Lovely collection is ideal for this, with lovely messaging and positive affirmations, to include Grateful, Loved, Amazing and Special.”

Adds Helen: “Making your home Instagram perfect is also key to 2023. We are no longer expected to be minimal. Your home is your own sanctuary to be as quirky or themed as you like, with people encouraged to fill their home with things that they love. Beautiful glassware can make a dinner party really special, with our Lolita collection featuring many designs for all occasions, from a Summer BBQ to a Mexican-themed evening. In 2023 we are

relaunching our Lolita Cocktail collection, each with a recipe to make at home, a lovely way to welcome guests.”

Sustainability and longevity are naturally ever more important. “Linked to sustainability, consumers are preferring to buy products which last rather than replacing them regularly,” says Jason Maughan, Denby's head of sales. “The company often advises consumers which of its contemporary patterns match their vintage ones, with the mixing of patterns on the table something that is considered very acceptable, where once tableware had to match. It makes each mealtime look slightly different on the table, with perhaps a theme or colourway dominating the look rather than the having a full tableware set in the same pattern.”

Adds Jason: “In addition, the flexibility of products is important - items need to have a multi-use to earn their place in the cupboard. Colourwise, green seems to be on the ascendancy and will feature in our new launches for 2023.”

particular in what they like to use for dining and home entertaining,” says Kevin McKay, managing director of Captivate Brands, whose licences include Mary Berry and Eleanor Bowmer. (Artisan St. is an own brand). “It helps to make a statement about them, especially over the last couple of years, when gatherings of friends and family proved difficult, giving people a reason for them to show off!”

He says that while some home entertainers prefer subtle and classicwith oven dishes, dinner plates, glassware and cutlery creating an overall look for a more formal occasion - others are looking for fun and vibrant, featuring brightly coloured ceramics for individual cake stands, cake plates and nibbles. Alternatively, as he points out, there may be a preference to mix dark woods with light ceramics. “There is an element in sophistication in all of these and there is a definite gifting element to many ranges too,” says Kevin.

Highlighting the importance of sustainability meanwhile, is Louise Llewellyn, head of marketing at T&G. “Consumers are looking for, environmentally-friendly products, such as cork, which will be a growing trend in 2023,” says Louise. “With this in mind, we have expanded our cork products offering a range of botanical motifs in our new Green House collection.”

Adds Jo Jeffrey, head of brand development at Talking Tables, which recently received B Corps accreditation: “People are increasingly valuing their time

Retailer Top Tips

l “Retailers should set out to design a great customer experience which can be achieved by merchandising product in an interesting way and mixing up textures, patterns, colours and materials.” Louise Llewellyn, head of marketing, T&G

l “Understanding a product’s green credentials is important. Sustainability, craftsmanship and quality are the key guiding words for 2023.” Jason Maughan, sales manager, Denby

l “Gift retailers can make the most of co-ordinated collections by focusing on hero or statement pieces to draw the consumer in, taking advantage too, of the quality packaging which tends to bring a collection together.” Kevin McKay, managing director, Captivate

spent with those close to them rather than on buying ‘things’,” she states. “We have therefore come up with the concept of ‘TTing your night in’, putting together five inexpensive items that can elevate a home get together. We recently did one for an informal Christmas Eve with friends and we are also doing one for Valentine’s Day.”

As for trends going into 2023, Jo says that the company is seeing demand for design-led but sustainable products. “For Spring, we have some new initiatives, building on our plastic free and recyclable products. We’re introducing recycled glass bud vases and upcycled fabric bunting with our new Souk collection. We also have a collection called Spring Meadow that features seed paper place cards that can be planted, transforming into wildflowers, and napkins made from recycled paper.”

Bowls too, have really come into their own since the pandemic, with American giftled tableware designer Rosanna Bowles,

founder and president of Rosanna Inc, pointing out: “due to the challenges of the past two years, some good trends have surfaced that are fun and have become a part of our lifestyle. For example, with so many people working from home, bowls as a dinner plate are now used as we moved away from the dinner table to different parts of the house. Pasta, big salads, wholegrain meals and vegetarian substitution for meat, such as grain bowls with vegetarian protein, makes a meal bowl an ideal vessel when entertaining too.”

Plus, of course - and gift retailers please take note! - for the ‘wow’ factor, hosts and hostesses should be encouraged to make sure their table is tablescape worthy with the addition of lovely candles - scented or tapered in candle holders - and pretty faux, or fresh, flowers too. Just the thing for Valentine’s or Mother’s Day!

Above: A selection of versatile, colourful bowls from Rosanna Inc.

Left: Talking Tables’ Spring Meadow is new for 2023.

Left: T&G’s new Green House collection.

1: Martini Cocktail Set

The Martini Cocktail Set makes the perfect gift for cocktail lovers and home entertainers alike. This set has all the items needed to make the classic martini, including two dishwasher safe martini glasses, a metal cocktail shaker, two handy shot glasses for measuring spirits and metal sticks to hold any olives in place.

Rayware

T: 0151 486 1888

E: trade@rayware.co.uk

W: www.rayware.co.uk

2: Raise A Glass

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of American glassware brand Designs by Lolita, contemporary gift retailer Enesco is delighted to launch a brand-new collection of celebratory cocktail glasses. What all started with a girls night out two decades ago when Lolita personalised and sold her first Marini glass, to mark the momentous occasion, the US designer is launching a brand-new set of Martini-inspired cocktail glasses, in a nod to that now infamous night. With ten new Cocktail glasses to choose from, with designs inspired by iconic cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan, Negroni and Lemon Drop, customers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to raising a glass of their favourite tipple or two.

Enesco

T: 01228 404022

E: uksales@enesco.co.uk

W: www.enesco.co.uk

3: Stylish Viners Multi Storage Knife Block Set

Keep kitchen worktops organised with the new multi storage knife block set. Separate compartments allow users to safely store kitchen knives and utensils, alongside two chopping boards in one compact block. Included in this set are five different knives with soft touch handles, for optimum grip. The front holder doubles as a tablet or phone holder, ideal to use when reading a recipe.

Rayware

T: 0151 486 1888

E: trade@rayware.co.uk

W: www.rayware.co.uk

4: Alpine Fondue Set

One of its most popular fondue sets, the Alpine Meadow is a very generous 24cm, which makes it perfect for dining with friends. The fondue pot (caquelon) will work on any hob type, including Induction - make cheesy fondue on the hob and transfer to the heated stand (Rechaud) when ready. Fondue forks, paste burner and a pack of methylated spirit paste are all included in the pack so all people need to add is the tasty stuff.

Kuhn Rikon

T: 01902 458410

E: sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk

W: www.kuhnrikon.co.uk

5: Vacu Vin Premium Wine Set

The perfect gift for wine enthusiasts of all levels, the set contains four Vacu Vin accessories in a special gift box allowing users to enjoy wine to the fullest. Open the wine without effort with the single pull corkscrew. Actively chill wine within fifteen minutes and keep it cool until the very last drop with the active wine cooler. Serve wine without spills with the wine server and preserve your wine for up to ten days with the wine saver. All the above is packaged in a premium sleek gift box for a flawless unboxing experience.

HAUS

T: 01782 572910

E: info@inthehaus.co.uk

W: www.hauswares.co.uk

Investing In

the Future

Having built a very successful, family-run home fragrancing business over the past three decades. Ashleigh & Burwood has taken a step change to upscale and re-position the business.

Going forward, investment company Literacy Capital plc will be helping to build on Ashleigh & Burwood's already impressive growth, seeking potential bolt-on acquisitions and diversification opportunities.

With an exciting year ahead, as the company celebrates its 30th anniversary, PG&H spoke to Ashleigh & Burwood’s co-founder and managing director Andrew Nettleton, and Literacy Capital’s Jed Kenrick, chief operating officer, to hear more about the company’s plans over the short and the longer term.

In a hugely competitive marketplace, what continues to stand Ashleigh & Burwood in good stead is the company’s long experience in the home fragrancing sector that goes to back to its launch in 1993. Co-founded by a then newly graduated Andrew Nettleton, and his parents, Louise and John, the business was conceived in the time honoured way at the family’s kitchen table.

Over the past three decades, the business has gone from strength to strength, with the company’s values remaining the same - fragrance, quality and creativity. And just as the ground-breaking launch of mosaic fragrance lamps at Ambiente in 2007 was a game changer for the company - taking the business onto an international stage - so the decision to partner

with Literary Capital in 2022 marks another giant and significant step change.

It has brought on board a wealth of impressive business experience, with Jed Kenrick as hands on chief operating officer, whose role is to scale up operations - having previously served in similar roles at Dyson and Travis Perkins - and Tony Buffin as nonexecutive chairman, who successfully led Holland & Barrett as ceo, and previously served as chief financial officer at Travis Perkins and Coles Group in Australia.

So, what made Ashleigh & Burwood take the leap? “When my parents, now in their ‘80s, took the decision to retire in the summer, I felt the time was right to bring in outside business experience,” states Andrew. “As a family, we had taken the business as far as we could, yet were still confident of its untapped potential. The decision to partner with Literacy Capital was taken based on shared values - the company fully understands the family ethos of Ashleigh & Burwood, which is something they will carry forward as we continue to grow and develop. In just a few short months, Jed and Tony’s collective business experience, acumen and support have created a fresh way of thinking, adding an all-importantand previously missing - layer, without changing the dynamics. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary and enter our fourth

decade, it’s the new Ashleigh & Burwood, but very much the same Ashleigh & Burwood,” states Andrew.

“Coming from the outside into any business is always fascinating. Ashleigh & Burwood has a fantastic foundation to build on which has been vastly underplayed, so the potential is great.” emphasises Jed. “It’s a branded UK, international and OEM business, with in-depth expertise, not just in fragrance products but in the whole home fragrance sector. This gives us a great opportunity to build on its growth potential.

“The company’s culture is one of the most important things, and is the embodiment of its co-founders, John, Louise and Andrew. We will therefore be helping to build on the impressive growth to date - especially in relation to the company’s fragrance lamps, a hidden gem that we will be taking to the next level - while, overall, broadening brand awareness,” continues Jed. “As the business moves forward, we will be seeking out potential bolton acquisitions that will add further scale to the business, while also providing diversification opportunities. Although we will be staying within home fragrancing and giftware, we will be looking at other types of overlapping complementary sectors, such as wellbeing and skincare, with

Literacy Initiative

hand soaps an obvious starting point.” Highlights Andrew, “there are consumers we are not talking to, so we will be looking to partner with other companies that share our values, and where we feel there are synergies. Our door is always open for businesses interested in talking to us about joining forces.”

There will also be a focus on expanding the business internationally. Currently, export represents around a third of its sales, with Ashleigh & Burwood candles, reed diffusers and lamps sold in 32 countries - the strongest markets being distributor-led Japan, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic - but Jed sees a broadening of the company’s global reach as a huge opportunity. (The company already has a distribution centre and warehouse in Germany, along with an EU trade website, to better service the company’s European customers post Brexit). “We are finding that a lot of countries have discovered the brand, to include Nigeria, so we will be starting to target them to create new overseas markets,” confirms Jed.

Additionally, going into 2023, there will be an increased focus on exploring available marketing channels, especially in relation to social media. “Part of my role will be to help consumers really understand the Ashleigh &

Also significant to Ashleigh & Burwood’s decision to partner with Literacy Capital is that the company has an active, unique charitable objective at its heart, which is to advance the education of children - and adults - in the UK by promoting or supporting the development of literacy in communities where they are struggling. The idea came from Literacy Capital’s chairman Paul Pindar’s wife Sharon, whose mother struggled with literacy.

“As a young child, Sharon had to step in to help her mother with everyday tasks, such as reading letters and bills, so this project is very close to her heart. Literacy Capital makes an annual donation equating to 0.9% of the group’s net asset value, providing consistent, long term, growing charitable donations as the fund increases in size. Since its creation in 2017, over £4.3m has been donated to charities focused on improving UK literacy,” explains Jed.

One of the key beneficiaries of the annual donation is the Bookmark Reading charitywww.bookmarkreading.org - which provides oneonone reading programmes between volunteers in the community for children aged 58 who need extra support with their reading.

“We’re proud to be contributing to the Bookmark Reading charity both as a business and as volunteers,” Andrew highlights.

Burwood brands,” says Jed. “The key objective will be to get in front of users both digitally and physically.”

Given the events of 2022, what do Andrew and Jed feel people will be looking for over the coming year? “In a recession, it’s life’s little luxuries that hold up,” points out Jed, “with research showing that 72% of people say that their mood is influenced by scent.” Adds Andrew: “we offer affordable luxury, and although I would never say that home fragrancing products are recessionproof, they do offer a boost, especially during the dark, cold winter months. They help to create a personal space, where someone can come in, close the door and shut the world and its problems out. Fragrancing your home or work space helps to create not only personal joy but also a safe space.”

Are they feeling optimistic about 2023? “There’s a lot of uncertainty around, and while inevitably Q1 and Q2 are going to prove tough, I predict that Q3 and Q4 will be better as inflation comes down,” says Andrew. “Having mined the depths, by this

time next year we will all, hopefully, be in a much better place, with retailers that understand their local demographic doing well. There is a still a lot of positivity around.”

Adds Andrew: “Currently, we’re very much looking forward to showcasing our products, to include our brand new Naturals range, at Christmas & Gift in Harrogate in January, and at Spring Fair and Ambiente in February. We feel very lucky to have a strong, stable business going into 2023, and with the support of Literacy Capital, we will continue to do what we do and to do it well. We feel confident - and optimistic - that we can do that. The company has been built on the longevity of relationships with suppliers, customers and staff, so we will continue developing them, sharing in our growth as we move forward.”

In Profile: Ashleigh & Burwood

Inset: Ashleigh & Burwood Naturals collection. Below: Jewel collection fragrance lamps.

Spring Scents

For home fragrancing aficionados, the first scents of Spring - from freshly mown grass to floral and fruity fragrances - are sure to translate swiftly into the home, with people looking to change the mood and brighten up their living and working space.

PG&H asked suppliers to reveal what’s trending for the coming season, which includes two big gift giving occasionsValentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

As a New Year gets underway, when it comes to home fragrancing, it’s sure to be out with the old and in with the new. “Our new fragrances are about Springtime, the return of floral displays in the garden and in the home, welcoming in the freshness and colours of spring scents as plants burst back into life,” concurs Lesser & Pavey’s managing director Julian Hunt. The company’s floral diffusers offer a raft of floral fragrances to include Hydrangea and Hyacinth; Lily and Black Orchid; Eucalyptus and Pomegranate; Poppy and Dark Amber; Daffodil and Jasmine, and Daffodils. “The new ranges reflect the positive feel of a new Springtime and the warmth and colour it brings,” highlights Julian.

A Date With Home Fragrance

New research into search trends by Beauty Daily has revealed that advent calendars are one of the fastest-growing gifting options in the UK.

The research revealed that, within home and interiors, Brits are crazy for candle calendars, with 14,180 searches a month.

Scented candles take pole position as the calendar of the season, with 9,030 searches a month for related terms.

Broughton & Beech meanwhile, recently secured the distribution rights for Cocodor, an innovative range of reed diffusers with preserved and faux florals. “The products are plantbased, alcohol-free and have exceptional fragrance throw and longevity,” highlights managing director Richard Wood. “We have developed a programme that follows the seasons with tulips and daffodils for Spring and rose and camelia for summer.” (The Autumn/Winter collection will be launched at Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair in January).

Within the Julie Dodsworth collection, Broughton & Beech has added a new fragrance and pattern, Honeysuckle. “It’s a fresh vibrant floral with a design that reflects the fragrance,” comments Richard. “We also have new products in all fragrances including melts, incense and a reed diffuser refill in a glass bottle.”

Meanwhile, the company’s Mr&Mrs Fragrance now has a room mist which has been introduced to complement the Queen range of reed diffusers. “Plus, there are new additions in our Niki car fragrance range, as well as new finishes and an improved design to allow the fragrances to diffuse for longer,” points out Richard. “We have worked hard to mitigate any price

Right: Sara Miller London’s Frosted Pines candle advent calendar from Wax Lyrical.

Below left: Lesser & Pavey’s new Desire Springtime collection.

Below: Cocodor Tulip from Broughton & Beech.

increases this year which will continue into the first quarter of 2023.”

At Marmalade of London, sales director Helen Mcleod comments: “We think people will be looking for exceptional quality that doesn’t cost the earth, with our eco policies helping people to enjoy our products without destroying the planet.”

Peony Blossom, in dusty pink packaging, is a new fragrance for the company, with Helen explaining: “As peonies blossom in Spring it makes it an ideal fragrance for the coming seasons. Additionally, with everyone’s mental wellbeing so important, we are also launching a new ultrasonic cool mist diffuser which can be used in conjunction with our Wellbeing dropper oils.”

Staying with eco-friendly products, Best Kept Secrets will be launching a brand new candle collection at Spring Fair - Our Fragrant World (a collaboration with Nicky Dawson at Turtley Creative, a former Price’s Candles designer). “It’s inspired to be more eco-friendly and give the best possible throw of scent along the way,” explains Vanessa Curry, managing director of Best Kept Secrets. “Working together, the development has been to build a brand which concentrates on looking after our world for the next generation.”

The vegan friendly candles are made in the UK from renewable and sustainable crop using certified coconut and plantbased wax. They also use recyclable components, reusable jars and biodegradable sparkles.

At Aromatize, ten new fragrances have joined the Woodbridge tumbler candle collection. “The consumer is certainly price conscious at

the moment, which is something we always take into consideration,” emphasises the company’s Sophie Aldred. “The embossed lids have a brushed silver finish to offer a different styling to the previous gold lids, with the new fragrances specially selected for their fresh, clean blends. “The scents are complex and memorable, with each candle featuring a striking design wrapped around the jar, in bright colours, stylish greys and pretty pastels,” explains Sophie.

Along with the floral scents of Spring, wellness continues to be a huge trend in home fragrancing. As Enesco’s marketing and product director Helen Cottrill points out, in these uncertain times, consumers are looking for more than just home fragrance. “Being able to turn your home into a sanctuary, or to be able to give the gift of wellbeing, is

launching the Naturals collection featuring four distinct aromatherapy blends designed to be used at different points of the day, centred around natural ingredients and essential oils. “They have been selected and blended for their wellness and moodenhancing benefits,” emphasises managing director Andrew Nettleton.

The collection includes scented candles, reed diffusers, essential oils, an ultrasonic diffuser and Mini Mood Boost, a set of four fun mini fragrance pots designed to be kept in handbag or desk drawer.

“Each product in the collection has been created to provide an affordable boost to

Top left: Calm from Marmalade of London.

Left: Among the new Woodbridge tumblers from Aromatize.

Above: Eau Lovely’s Calm candle from Enesco features Hematite stones.

Below: Ashleigh & Burwood’s Naturals collection.

Below left: Our Fragrant World, featuring eight fragrances, from Best Kept Secrets.

so important, with functional, well priced and thoughtful gifts key to 2023.”

Explains Helen: “The beauty of our Eau Lovely collection is that it is not based around seasons. It has a much more holistic approach, with the concept focused on wellbeing, positivity and uplifting fragrances.

The addition of the semiprecious stones, all with their own individual properties that can be kept after the candle has burned, makes this collection an ideal gift, but it is also very much a selfpurchase. The timeless pale green packaging fits with the brown glass vessel, and each candle is hand-poured in Dublin using soy wax.”

Staying with wellness, Ashleigh & Burwood will be

wellbeing, ideal for use during the colder months, but also throughout the year, with a strong focus on mood enhancement which is particularly resonant in the current economic and geopolitical climate” states Andrew. (See Investing In The Future on pages 42-43).

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. Or simply to breathe in the floral fragrances of Spring.

1: Free Stand Promotion

“We launched our Free Stand promotion late 2022 and they sold very well. The crate stands are ideal for gift shops and farm shops, available in two sizes, freestanding and counter top, the stands come loaded with the best sellers of the Liberty Candles and Candle Warmers Range.

“We are proud to announce we have almost completed our new showroom where the full ranges of Liberty Candles and Candle Warmers Etc will be on view, also there will be products that can be manufactured for customers in their own brand label. There will also be room sprays –deodorants – variety of candles, jars, tins, diffuser sets and all year round gift boxes. Appointments can be made from January 2023.”

Liberty Candles

T: 01942 677448

M: 07836 718499

E: frank@libertycandles.co.uk

W: www.worldoverhomeliving.co.uk

2: Fairies Do Exist

Lily-Flame have created a new range of Gold Lidded Glass Jars to complement its Signature Scented Tin Candles. Best-selling scents including the ever-popular Fairy Dust are included in the brand-new range of stylish and slim, frosted pastel coloured luxury glass jars, finished with a Lily-Flame gold metal embossed lid. Like all Lily-Flame products, the new Glass Jar range is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.

Lily-Flame Ltd

T: 01963 240463

E: info@lily-flame.co.uk

W: www.lily-flame.co.uk

3: New Julie Dodsworth Range

Following a successful 2022 for the relaunched Julie Dodsworth Home Fragrance Collection from Broughton & Beech, 2023 will see more newness added to the range. Hand poured melts, hand dipped incense and reed diffuser refills will be added to the range along with a new honeysuckle fragrance. All made in England and with plantbased ingredients and essential oils. “We sold out of our Christmas melts and incense this year, so it was an easy decision to add them to our 2023 collection,” said Richard Wood of Broughton & Beech. “We also know that Honeysuckle will be a strong addition to the range as our pilot trials have been very successful and the fragrance is exceptional.” The range extensions will be available from January 2023 and retailers can also see the new Christmas 23 ranges at The Harrogate Christmas & Gift show.

Broughton & Beech

Visit: Harrogate Christmas & Gift – Stand A33

T: 01270 335034

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

4: Relax With A Retro Vibe

Light up the retro vibe with every nook. Candles created to add the finishing touch to an eclectic retro interior. Using nostalgic scents, joyful colours and unique prints. In time for peak candle season, every nook has launched a new large double wick soy wax candle. With a 50hr burn time, it’s perfect to enjoy as the nights draw longer or as a gift this Christmas.

Every Nook

E: emma@everynook.co.uk

W: www.everynook.co.uk

5:

Exquisite Decorative Room Mist

Mr&Mrs Fragrance have added an exquisite Decorative Room Mist to their Queen collection.

Available from January 2023 this 100ml glass bottle is supplied gift boxed and is available in the six fabulous Queen fragrances. Also from Mr&Mrs Fragrance the new Niki car fragrances. These now popular refillable products are available in eight designs and fragrances and supplied in a dedicated display travel case. New vibrant packaging, improved fragrance diffusion and longer lasting performance create a lasting impression in store. It doesn’t stop there, yet more newness will be launched at Maison & Objet in Paris.

Broughton & Beech

Visit: Maison & Objet, Paris – Hall 5A, Stand C46-D45

T: 01270 335034

E: sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk

W: www.broughtonandbeech.co.uk

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home fragrance products to be showcased this month

A Personal

Passion

Rather like the King, Evan Lewis has always been extremely innately passionate about sustainability and protecting the environment. “For as far back as I can remember, I was what I call a pale greenie. I did what I could on an individual level because it just felt the right thing to do, but I didn’t take it any further. I realised most of the change could and should come from industry and businesses. To help protect the environment, buyers needed a green option for corporate purchases, not just as individuals.”

Offering businesses the right choice seemed the obvious and most effective way to make change, he points out, and it was the reason why, in 2005, Evan - who started out as a sailing instructor - launched an environmental wholesale business supplying eco-friendly promotional merchandise. “In 2014, as part of the company’s growth and development, I bought an ageing, run-down set of machinery to make pencils from recycled CD cases,” he explains. “After 18 months of hard work and improvements, the team was producing a million pencils a year more than we were selling into the

promotions market. Therefore, when we launched a range to complement our pencils, it made absolute sense to indulge my personal passion for stationery and design a collection of notebooks and more besides.”

But there was another, humanitarian side to the endeavour too. Explains Evan: “at around the same time, there was a string of devastating natural and manmade disasters which were affecting children worldwide, especially their education,” he points out. “Whole communities had been affected by natural disasters,

Left: VENT For Change’s Gift of the Year award winning Sucseed Notebook.

Below: Lucy Heath, head of sales at VENT, was presented with a Gift of the Year trophy by Jakki Brown, managing director of Max Publishing/PG Buzz, sponsor of the Best Stationery Product or Range category at The Gift Awards 2022.

war and conflict, as well as extreme poverty. Children had lost their chances of going to school. So, with pencils the most iconic educational tool, which go back for centuries, I wanted to do something with them, but something inspirational.”

After months of research, speaking with NGOs (non-profit organisations), and charities large and small - local, national and international - he says it was clear that education was a priority the world over. “I had a potential one million spare pencils, but the key was money,” he explains. “Money to rebuild schools, pay teachers and provide essential materials. However, I fell upon a solution which was to sell some of the pencils and other stationery here in the UK and, from the proceeds, support existing education projects around the world. It was my chance to do something for the people as well as the planet.”

Before he launched the range, and started making contributions to projects from sales, Evan set up an education day in the UK, teaching school children in primary and secondary schools the importance of education, why millions of children worldwide are missing out on

Winning A Gift Of The Year Award

How did Evan feel about hearing the company’s name called out as the winner of the 2022 Gift of the Year’s Best Stationery Product or Range category?

“Receiving awards for our ethical and sustainable philosophy is fantastic of course, but to be chosen as the winner of the Best Stationery Product award has put us in the mainstream and taken us out of a niche category,” says Evan. “Plus, to gain the recognition against all our peers was a wonderful feeling.”

education

Multi-award winning VENT For Change initially started out by selling sustainable pencils, driven by founder and humanitarian Evan Lewis’ innate passion to drive sustainability in business. PG&H asked Evan what his goals and ambitions are for taking the company forward in 2023?

Above: Evan Lewis, founder of VENT For Change.

and the impact that has on them, their families and their communities. Established in 2017, two years before the company’s first retail collections were launched, Share a Pencil Day had engaged over 250,000 school children across the UK in the initiative, totally free of charge.

Today, VENT For Change donates 10% of its net turnover to children’s education projects worldwide. “It’s not based on profit, it’s hard to come by,” says Evan. “It’s built in as a cost of sale, and it’s up to us to make sure every purchase has that guarantee underpinning it.”

Given the events of 2022, and the current cost of living crisis, what are his views on the coming months? “I worry a lot about the first half of 2023,” he admits. “I think confidence will fall further after Christmas once the heating bills have started to bite. Inevitably, consumers will start to tighten their belts, and will be far more selective about their purchases.”

He says that honesty, passion, a focus on great quality, and a genuine desire to make change, continue to be the secrets of VENT For Change’s success. “We’re not greenwashing or jumping on the bandwagon of cause marketing. This is who we are and what we believe in throughout the team. People realise that and want to get behind us and our range. However, stock is our biggest issue, having enough to keep growing at the pace we are without overstretching ourselves. Cashflow and inventory are the worst of enemies, and while it’s a great problem to have, it’s sometimes as hard to manage as other business hurdles and challenges.”

Overall, all businesses will have to be managed carefully, he reflects, with the possibility that some retailers and suppliers will suffer. “But looking ahead, I believe we’re on a strong growth path.”

He says that it’s the feedback and support the company receives that is all

Evan Lewis: The Lowdown

l Which three words best describe you? “Chaotic, compassionate and collaborative.”

l A quirky fact that we don’t know about you? “I had a pet fox for 11 months during lockdown.”

l What was the best piece of business advice you received when you started out, and who was it from? “Create what you love and aspire to, and others will want it too, which came from my friends. Watch out for bad debt, from my accountant.”

l What advice would you give to you a young entrepreneur today? “Don’t wait until it’s perfect, it’ll never be perfect. Get going and make the improvements with the feedback received.”

l What do you enjoy most about being in the stationery/gift industry? “Being creative. I believe the stationery sector is, when done well, highly design-led and I love great design.”

l How do you like to relax? “Being outside, walking, sport, sitting on a cliff top or in a woodland glen. Just being out there, surrounded by nature, is enough to clear my head and help me relax.”

from ocean waste and 100% recycled paper. Therefore, we’ll be showcasing the collection, along with a few other new fresh concepts, at Top Drawer and Spring Fair.”

As Evan explains: “every time we develop a new collection I look at the materials available that are environmentallyresponsible. The sustainability of materials and ethical supply chain practice are at the very core of all our decision making, as it’s in our DNA to keep striving towards more sustainability and sounder business practice. Therefore, our goal continues to be to lead by example and set a standard that other manufacturers or brand owners can aspire to.”

Above: The company’s latest refillable, recycled weekly planners are made from recycled leather with 100% certified sustainable paper.

Riight: Children receiving pencils from VENT For Change’s Ambassadors.

Below: Share a Pencil Day.

important. “It’s fantastic to get a constant stream of support and positivity from all quarters. It makes our work and our drive worthwhile. Seeing images of our Ambassadors giving away free VENT pencils in communities and school projects around the world also reminds us of what small changes can make to people’s lives.”

With stands at both Top Drawer and Spring Fair, what’s new for Spring/Summer? “I can’t say exactly when our next collection will launch, as I never launch a new product until it’s absolutely perfect,” he underlines. “This can take time as we’re working with non-standard materials, but we’re hoping in the first half of 2023, at some point, to launch the OCEAN collection, a range of books with covers made

As he points out: “we’re a small team, so we’re heavily focused on the UK market and our existing independent retailers that have been supporting us over the last few

years. Keeping them happy and listening to their feedback is essential. But having said that, we have got a few irons in the fire overseas but need to be certain we’re ready to take them on properly. There is still plenty of growth opportunity here in the UK and we’re still learning how to walk properly before lining up for a run. Meanwhile, our goal continues to be to lead by example and set a standard that other manufacturers or brand owners can aspire to.”

In Profile: VENT For Change

Christmas Cheer

“By early December Christmas was definitely in full swing here at Lovely Libby’s and, despite the anxieties that this year has brought us, I have certainly realised a buzz and determination among the community to support local.

Coming off the back of Small Business Saturday on 3 December, and the shift in supporting local high streets, people are definitely realising the importance and perks of shopping small. They are not only getting

to see a general excitement in the air about finally being able to celebrate Christmas ‘normally’ with family and friends. There’s been a noticeable trend for home entertaining, with people buying into our barware range - nibble dishes, serving plates, and gin glasses - self-purchasing in preparation for hosting friends and family over the festive season, and reflecting that spending has been diverted into different areas!

Graham, with the most popular one a hanging red postal box with ‘ER’ on the front. Special decorations such as this are not only decorative they embody a memory and are something that will be put out year after year.

a product, but also getting an experience. At Lovely Libby’s, we’re a friendly face and listening ears. We giftwrap items free of charge and give a personalised shopping service. Thankfully, there’s definitely been a step change regarding shopping local, and long may that continue!

Meanwhile, given the cost-of-living crisis, customers were definitely shopping earlier in order to spread the cost, with the trend remaining consistent. Plus, another change we noticed was a shift in the number of people that Christmas shoppers were buying for. Many were choosing to only buy for immediate family, with some mentioning that the family had organised their own Secret Santa to minimise the cost of gift buying this year.

Yet, despite the doom and gloom in the news, we’ve nevertheless been delighted

One thing we did change this year was holding off from buying ‘novelty’ Christmas gifts - the kind of things that you keep out for the festive season and then put in a drawer never to be seen again. People want to feel they’re getting the most out of their money, with a definite shift towards purchases with longevity which can be used all year round.

We also limited the amount of Christmas decorations we bought this year as we knew they were not going to be a priority purchase for many. Instead, we focused on what we knew would be popularand of course, that included a lot of gonks! We also decided to buy more collective pieces, decorations that are timeless and hold significance, an example being our London Christmas collection, much of which came from Gisela

Above: A dazzling Christmas window at Lovely Libby’s.

Right: The sell-out LED water spinner Christmas tree.

Reflecting on what I wish I had bought more or less of brings me to me to our brand new LED water spinner Christmas tree. It was so well received that it sold out before December! We couldn’t get them in again from the original supplier, and searched high and low for an alternative but to no avail. That decoration still haunts my sleep - we could have sold them 10x over, but I guess that’s just the reality of working in retail!

Meanwhile, December saw us increase the number of live videos we featured on our social media accounts, doing up to three a week. Videos were themed, focusing on everything from Christmas jumpers to gifts for under £20. They’ve been a great way to showcase our products, enabling us to reach and interact with customers near and far, essentially seeing us become personal shoppers. Making these live videos as fun as possible has the further benefit of allowing customers to get to know me and the girls, showing them that there is a real person behind the business.

As I write this, in mid December, given the fact that people are being forced to tighten their purse strings, I can’t deny that I’m not feeling just a little sceptical about Christmas and New Year. However, I’m also feeling heartened that in true British spirit, our customers seem to be taking things in their stride. Yes, they’re being cautious, but they’re also excited for a Christmas spent with family and friends after so long apart - an incentive you cannot break. A very Happy New Year everyone!”

Libby Holden shared the Christmas run-up at her awardwinning gift and lifestyle store, Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh.

1: A Complete And Distinctive Christmas Collection

Kaemingk is Europe’s market leader in Christmas decorations. With 85 years of experience in garden centres, DIY stores, wholesalers and various retailers. Every season, it aims to design a complete and distinctive Christmas collection. It always searches for the latest trends and has a reputation for creative styling, perfect presentation, as well as having an extremely efficient and reliable logistics and quality management system. Its Christmas themes offer innovation and inspiration, season after season. Each theme has its own style and products with innovative colours, materials and shapes. This makes it easy to put together a collection for a specific target group.

Kaemingk

T: +31 543 49 88 00

E: info@kaemingk.com

W: www.kaemingk.com

2: Sustainable Soft Toy Range

Keel Toys is delighted to announce in the three years after launching Keeleco it has recycled the incredible figure of more than 100 million water bottles in the manufacture of the range, 70% of the entire Keel Toys collection is made from 100% recycled materials including our magnificent Christmas collection.

Keeleco Mini Adoptable World is the newest part of the sustainable soft toy range and the first fashion eco soft toy, a collection of 24 cute and collectable characters.

Keel Toys Limited

Visit: Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair- Hall A, Stand A11

T: 01233 506363

E: sales@keeltoys.com

W: www.keeltoys.com

3: Global Journey

Cash

Generating Dispensers For 2023

For 20 years Global Journey vending machines containing £1 gifts have been reaping amazing returns for customers. A great way to generate extra add on cash sales while the tills are busy. Ideal for all retail environments. Fast and simple to refill. Secure self service with an excellent return for 0.5 sqm. No theft and amazing quality £1 gifts. New for 2023  gemstone discs, obelisks and ovals.

Global Journey Gifts

T: 0161 872 0333

E: isamuels@global-journey.com  W: www.global-journey.com

4: Nordic Blush Range

Every DCUK original is hand carved from bamboo and carefully painted individually, making each one unique. Arriving with their own name tag, the DCUK Pin is added to each character who passes our smile and quality tests. Its friendly trade partnership team would love to work with anyone who shares its passion for helping people to smile, especially those who see the value in offering original, quality, memorable gifts.

DCUK

T: 01803 866316

E: mail@dcuk.com

W: www.dcuk.com/trade

5: Deck The Halls

Can you believe that we have just enjoyed all the Christmas festivities and its nearly time to launch the Christmas Edition 2023? Throughout the second half of last year the Langs designers get their Elf hats on and start creating the magic of a new Christmas launch. The research begins with shop visits along with a buying trip to India and includes some of its top selling Christmas lines from this season, then the magic begins. The first glimpse of Christmas edition 2023 will be at the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair. Get ready to sparkle on stand A4.

LANGS

T: 01332 340927

E: sales@richardlang.co.uk

E: jane@richardlang.co.uk

W: www.richardlang.co.uk

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights the newest ranges at Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair 2023

1: New And Exclusive Designs

Talbot is excited about its new and exclusive designs that will enhance current collections of pendants, earrings, studs, brooches, trinket/pill boxes and pin badges. These include stunning poppies, lily of the valley, forget-me-not, daffodils, cow parsley, daisies, floral designs & geometrics. A crescent moon, sun studs & moon and star pendant are additions to its popular celestial collection. Animal/pet lovers will adore the curious cats, Spaniel, labrador, hedgehog, boxing hare, leaping fox & fox in the moonlight.

Talbot Fashions

T: 01273 776415

E: Info@talbotfashions.com

W: www.talbotfashions.com

2: Elegant Tweed Cross Body Bag

Heather Hats & Accessories is introducing a new range of Harris Tweed bags all trimmed with genuine leather. The Mina cross body bag is slender, stylish and lightweight. There is an open pocket to the front and a zip security pocket on the reverse. This elegant bag is fully lined and has an adjustable shoulder strap. Available in three tweeds and retailing at around £95, this will make an elegant addition to your shop.

Heather Hats & Accessories

T: 01768 865023

E: sales@heather-fashions.com

W: www.heather-fashions.com

3: Dreamy Cat

Felix the cat gazes longingly at his feline friend across the rooftops!

A new take on Valentine’s Day. Part of a massive expansion of the Wild Things Crystal Dreams range, now available in a packaged version displayed on a choice of floor or counter spinner. The unpackaged version is shown here. Ideal for garden centres, card and gift shops, visitor attractions and mail order companies. With sentiments and poems guaranteed to inspire.

Wild Things Gifts

T: 01392 211268

E: sales@wildthingsgifts.com

W: www.wildthingifts.com

4: Walkies

Gifted Products best-selling range of Walkies Pet Products. Personalised Travel Pet Bowls and Treat bags – featuring the top forty breeds. Available on handy, purpose-built displays. It has been working tirelessly to bring gift retail the best in functional, affordable pet gifts. Both the travel bowls and treat bags retail at less than £5 ensuring that these products can be enjoyed by all.

Gifted Products

T: 01797 223186

M: 07702817910

E: sales@giftedwholesale.co.uk

5: Playtime

Bachmann Europe plc is delighted to announce that it has been appointed as sole distributor for the UK and Ireland of PepPlay, a new children’s art/craft range aimed at 3-6 year olds that will be launched on Stand 620 at Giving & Living Exeter in January.

PepPlay is a premium, aspirational, ecoconscious brand which focuses on stimulating imaginations, incorporating real life skills and building motor skills in children. With a passion for quality and safety the brand aims to bring the best quality art experience products for children that are eco-friendly yet cost-effective and meet the strictest of international standards Bachmann Europe plc

Contact: Pauline Hinkley

E: sales@toyway.co.uk

W: www.toyway.co.uk

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights the newest ranges at the Giving & Living Show

1: Hello Dolly

These Hot Tomato bags certainly add a muchneeded splash of colour to kick-start the new season. Inspired by the original, classic Dolly Bag they have been reworked and updated with the gorgeous colours & patterns seen here. Measuring 37 x 44cm they make for a great everyday size, come with a colour coordinated lining, shoulder straps & drawstring closure - cheerio boring, hello Dolly!

Hot Tomato

Visit: Top Drawer Stand 405 Spring Fair: Hall 7 A71

T: 01225 422188

E: sales@hot-tom.com W: www.hot-tom.com

2: The Gift Of Time

Set aside some precious time to relax and recharge with these handmade pure beeswax twenty minute candles from Cotton & Grey. Designed to help capture and cherish quality time out of the day, these relaxation candles aim to enhance wellbeing and restore inner calm. The ‘Just to say…’ range features a sweet sentiment for every occasion and come attractively wrapped around a thoughtful gift, these are the perfect alternative to a greeting card. Supplied with an attractive point of sale stand for easy display. Each box contains beeswax twelve candles and ceramic holder. Cotton & Grey Ltd

Visit: Top Drawer Stand No: J88

T: 07876763774

E: info@cottonandgrey.com W: www.cottonandgrey.com

3: Luxury Fragrance With An Ethical Heart

CAHM's range of luxury bunny tail reed diffusers are this year's must have. Complimented by a range of candles, aromatherapy roll-ons and bath salts, CAHM seeks to spread a positive mental health message through beautiful design-led gift. Premium Quality. Vegan friendly. cruelty free. Plastic-free packaging. Handmade in Yorkshire and super-stylish.

CAHM

T: 07487 264762

E: amy@thecahmcollective.com  W: www.thecahmcollective.com

4: Bespoke Designer Giftware For Heritage Sites And Artist

CD Heritage specializing in manufacturing quality bespoke Giftware for Heritage sites across the UK and for Independent Artist.

Vibrant yet sophisticated designs created for clients by its in-house illustrators, manufactured in UK by Ceramic Design Heritage in Fine Bone China and British Melamine and Textiles. It also produces off-theshelf collections like Lordship and Ladyship from its Museum Collection, where clients can add their own backstamps as required. (www.museumscollection.co.uk) Why sell other brands when you can create your own with minimum cost and risk? So much to be proud of in British design and manufacturing.

CD Heritage

Visit: Top Drawer Olympia – Stand i79 T: 07909 539574

E: paul@cdheritage.com W: www.cdheritage.com

5: Snuggle Up With Snoopy

Rainbow Designs will have many of its muchloved and inspiring nursery and gift collections on display at Top Drawer, that showcase some of the most nostalgic and cherished characters from children’s literature. Collections include Disney’s Classic Pooh Always and Forever, Peter Rabbit Signature, Peanuts’ Snoopy, the ever-popular Guess How Much I love You and the exciting new Mickey Mouse Memories ranges.

Rainbow Designs

Visit: Top Drawer Stand L58 T: 01329 227300 W: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gifts for Top Drawer

1: Exclusive Jewellery

What’s new? Lots of lovely texture, with a strong botanical feel, plants and hearts, beautiful pearls and of course some gorgeous new animals to add to our eclectic range.

Reeves & Reeves

T: 01460 221630

E: caroline@reevesandreeves.com W: www.reevesandreeves.com

2: Quirky Animals Collection

The sensational Quirky Animals Collectionone of many ranges developed by Susan Leigh founder and wwner of Ballard Home. Vibrant yet sophisticated, the abstract Love Ducks design from Ballard Home is one of many winning new Quirky Animals for 2023. Manufactured in UK by Ceramic Design Heritage in fine bone china and british melamine and textiles. Ballard Home’s focus is on the independent retail sector offering vibrant design with a point of difference, ranges Oceanic, Sunflower and new Chicks collection. So much to be proud of in British design and manufacturing.

Ballard Home

Visit: Top Drawer Olympia – Stand i79 Spring Fair Scotland – Stand LG26 Spring Fair Birmingham – Hall 4 Stand F76

T: 07769 619939

E: sales@ballardhome.co.uk

W: www.ballardhome.co.uk

3: A Work Of Art

Eco Chic is proud to present its brand-new collaboration with the National Gallery, featuring some of its most popular reusable bags made from recycled plastic materials, and featuring famous paintings currently on display at the National Gallery, London.

Eco Chic

T: 0208 813 8545

E: info@eco-chic.eu W: www.eco-chic.uk

4: New Stylish Watch Collection

For Glen Ogal’s new watch collection, the Astronomer series, the skies offer a magnificent source of inspiration. The range of high-quality affordable watches makes a wonderful addition to any gift or jewellery store.

Glen Ogal

T: 0131 503 0004

E: info@glenogal.com  W: www.GlenOgalTrade.com

5: Making A Difference

Looking for a new product for the increasing number of environmentally conscious customers this summer? Look no further than Thriving Earths' colourful bamboo socks. Made from organically grown bamboo, these socks not only feel great on your feet but make the world a better place with each step taken, as for every pair sold a free pair is donated to a homeless charity.

Thriving Earth

T: 01738 718719

E: info@thrivingearth.com

W: www.ThrivingEarth.com

6: Stunning Casas

Door Furniture

Showcasing the latest additions to its door furniture, Dreamair has added drawer knobs to complement their best-selling range of door knockers. Unveiling and exhibiting for the first time at Scotland Trade Fair.

Dreamair

Visit: Scotland Trade Fair - Stand D10

T: 01782 332480

E: mair@dreamair.co.uk

W: www.dreamair.co.uk

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gifts for Scotland Trade Fair

Gif tsandHome.net is published by gift sec tor exper ts, for gift trade exper ts

Gif tsandHome.net is published by gift sec tor exper ts, for gift trade exper ts

GiftsandHome.net is published by

By Bachmann

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

From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home, and the organisers of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards. gift

From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home, and the organisers of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards

With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 10,419 readers and industry leading open rates, - largely dominated by retail buyers, the twice-weekly this fast-paced sector.

With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 10,419 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.

With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 10,419 readers and industry leading open rates, - largely dominated by retail buyers, the twice-weekly this fast-paced sector.

GiftsandHome.net is published by gift sector experts, for gift trade experts Advertising and Commercial Opportunities: Advertisement Manager - Ali Farrell alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk Editorial and Content Opportunities: Editor - Sue Marks sue@suemarks.co.uk With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 10,419 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. From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home and the organisers of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 000_GH_March April 2019.indd 1 02/04/2019 10:42 Gif tsandHome.net is published by gift sec tor exper ts, for gift trade exper ts

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.

Adver tising and Commercial Opportunities:

Advertisement Manager - Ali Farrell alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk

tising and Commercial Opportunities:

Adver tising and Commercial

Advertisement Manager - Ali Farrell alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk

With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 10,419 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.

From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home and the organisers of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 000_GH_March April 2019.indd 1 02/04/2019 10:42

From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home, and the organisers of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards Editorial and Content Opportunities: Editor - Sue Marks sue@suemarks.co.uk

With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 10,419 readers and industry leading open rates, - largely dominated by retail buyers, the twice-weekly this fast-paced sector.

Advertisement Manager - Ali Farrell alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk

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

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

Editor - Sue Marks sue@suemarks.co.uk

Gif tsandHome.net is published by gift sec tor exper ts, for gift trade e With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 10,419 readers and industry leading open rates, - largely dominated by retail buyers, the twice-weekly Advertising and Commercial Opportunities: Advertisement Manager - Ali Farrell alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk

Editorial and Content Opportunities:

000_GH_March April 2019.indd 1 02/04/2019 10:42

The modern, easy to navigate website provides a

1: Gorgeous Hearts

Break out from winter with stunning, fresh colours and gorgeous hearts for Valentine’s Day. Miss Milly has a wide selection of heart designs in colours from traditional pinks and reds to purples and blues with co-ordinating necklaces and earrings. Try the bestselling fuchsia pink resin heart with tin foil backing to give a contemporary, scratched metal appearance. Prices are very reasonable and minimum order is £100 with no MOQs. Branded displays, packaging and POS available.

Miss Milly

T: 01905 622509

E: hello@missmilly.co.uk

W: www.missmilly.co.uk

2: Keep Looking Good On The Go

Hot Tomato have further extended its hair accessories range and amongst the new clips and clamps are these fab, acrylic combs and mirrors. The small comb they call ‘secret’ size (9cm) will easily fit into a purse or wallet, as will the co-ordinating mirror. All make really lovely, practical gifts in their own right or when bought as sets and the icing on the cake - life is just a little less dull.

Hot Tomato

Visit:Top Drawer Stand: 405 - Spring Fair: Hall 7 A71

T: 01225 422188

E: sales@hot-tom.com W: www.hot-tom.com

3: Me To You New Plush And Gift Range

The anticipated Me to You Everyday plush and gift range hits stores in April with a refreshed look and new formats for Signature and Essentials ranges along with beautiful capsule collections. Lakeview, a collection of pampering gifts with a calming watercolour palette to transport consumers to their happy place, and Tropical Oasis which embraces the great outdoors with fresh and vibrant gifting lines that speak to the sanctuary at home trend.

Carte Blanche Greetings

T: 01243 792600

E: info@cbg.co.uk W: www.cbgtrader.co.uk

4: Gifts For All Occasions

If you are searching for high-perceived value at lowcost gifts for all occasions, the Frametigo silverplated photo frames offer no less than that. You will find a unique selection of silver frames which make perfect gifts for all special occasions, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, christenings or just because and at very affordable prices too.

Frametigo

T: 07876330832

E: sales@frametigo.co.uk

W: www.frametigo.co.uk

5: Iconic Betty Boop

Introducing JJ Vaillant’s 2023 certificated limited edition of 1000 Betty Boop Leg up. This year's model is in fantastic yellow glitter finish which is proving very popular throughout the range. As usual, it will be auctioning number one on eBay giving 100% of the sale price to Cancer Research. Normally they fetch four or five times the retail price of £39.95.

JJ Vaillant Ltd

T: 0121 677 3629

E: info@jjvaillant.com

W: www.jjvillant.com

6: Equilibrium Paua Shell

The revival of Paua Shell jewellery taps into several current trends. The 1970’s revival in fashion, 90’s kitsch and the oceanic, beachy vibes dominating design on the catwalks for Spring/Summer 2023.

The brand-new Equilibrium Paua Shell Collection from Joe Davies showcases stunning Paua Shell alongside shimmering gemstones, a combination with the ability to transport its wearer to the sea.  The collection is both colourful and affordable and there is a wide choice of necklaces, bracelets and earrings to choose from.

Joe Davies

Visit:Spring Fair - Hall 4 Stand C10-D11

T: 0161 975 6300

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

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now

Best Sellers

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT

Designers Guild: floral range; Lily-flame: candle tins

Heyland & Whittle: diffusers and candles

Accessories by Park Lane: earrings; Envy: across the board

PoM; Powder: scarves; Sabbott: hats

Janie Wilson; Five Dollar Shake Artebene

Joe Davies: snoozies slippers; The Wheatbag Company: across the board

This has flown out. Beautifully packaged. A perfect Secret Santa gift and the scents are divine. Another best seller for us.

Hundreds of designs with lots of sparkle. A great Secret Santa or self purchase. Affordable necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Gift-led with gorgeous packaging. The fur bobble hats have been really popular.

Fun, cute, with a bit of sparkle for relations’ Christmas cards. In our top ten. Cards sold out prior to December.

The rollwrap is great quality at a fabulous price. Affordable and super sparkly. Great for aches and pains or as a hot water bottle.

Top: Joe Davies’ pairables snoozies.

Above: Lavender wheat bags from The Wheatbag Company.

CATEGORY

COMMENT

Wrendale Designs: ceramics;

Talking Tables: table accessories

Portmeirion Group: Sara Miller London candles St Eval: festive range

The

Beautiful product and packaging.

Wonderful scents – particularly Orange & Cinnamon - with whimsical illustrations on the packaging.

Skagen: watches; Joma Jewellery: across the board

PoM: fashion accessories Elie Beaumont: bags

Caroline Gardner Thought:

A great range for us. Simplistic styles which suit all ages.

Great price points and packaging.

Fingerless gloves have flown out! Great mix and match bag strap options. New shapes have hugely helped sales.

Brilliant designs and colours. Great pick me up cards to add to a gift purchase.

Wonderful range that offers single pairs or boxes.

Top: Sara Miller London home fragrancing.

Above: A Littles from Joma Jewellery’s Mother’s Day range.

Julianne Moore, owner, MiMi, Hartley Wintney and Wokingham. Two large clothing and gift shops. MiMi in Wokingham is located in Peach Place Plaza.

Claire O’Donnell, owner, The Herbary, Troon. A medium sized gift shop on the West coast of Scotland.

CATEGORY

Decorative Home Accessories

Fragranced Giftware

SUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT

Eco Chic: across the board

Lola Designs: across the board

Bomb Cosmetics: candles in a tin;

Scentimental Candle Company: lidded jar candles; Glasgow Soap Company: soaps and bath salts

Eco-friendly refillable coffee mugs, bottles, backpacks, socks, shopper bags and umbrellas. Beautiful, functional products.

Bright, fun appealing fragrances, and among the best value on the market. Our customised lidded jar candles have been popular all year. Excellent shelf appeal and good value.

Jewellery

Fashion Accessories

Greeting Cards

Giftwrap

Other Hot Hits

Miss Milly: across the board

PoM: scarves; Lua: bags and purses; Miss Sparrow: bamboo socks

Tatty & Co.

Glick

Otter House: calendars and diaries

Quality jewellery with a broad appeal at a great price point.

These are our best sellers. The new range of bags and purses are going down a storm. Our customers can’t get enough of them!

Exquisite designs - in a class of their own.

Vibrant colours and co-ordinated ranges.

These have been consistent sellers since July!

Top: Bamboo socks from Eco Chic.

Above: A necklace for Spring/Summer 2023 from Miss Milly.

CATEGORY

Decorative Home Accessories

SUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT

Richard Lang: across the board;

Transomnia: across the board

Fragranced Giftware

Marmalade of London: across the board;

Inis: Energy of the Sea

Jewellery

Envy Jewellery: across the board

Crumble & Core: across the board

Gift items featuring pretty matching vases, photo frames, jugs, plaques, mugs, coasters and much more. Sells consistently well across photo frames, mugs, plaques and pick-up items.

Beautiful packaging and a gorgeous range of fragrances. A beautiful fragrance in a lovely range of body care, perfume, candles and diffusers. Customers absolutely love it.

A stunning range of jewellery which sells really well in both shops. Small, boxed watercolour greeting cards with sterling silver earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Absolutely gorgeous.

Fashion/Fashion Accessories

Greeting Cards

Giftwrap

Other Hot Hits

PoM: across the board

Wendy Jones-Blackett: Quicksilver

Unique Paper Company

House of Sarunds: Belgian chocolates

Beautiful scarves, gloves and jewellery. Lovely quality and a good price too.

This fabulous, colourful range has been a best seller across all captions for many years.

A super sparkly range of wrap and giftbags has been a best seller for years, especially at Christmas.

We package the loose chocolates in pretty gold ballotins tied with satin ribbon.

Top: Among the scented candles from Inis: Energy of the Sea.

Above: Crumble & Core boxed cards with jewellery.

Caroline Ranwell, owner, Hugs & Kisses and clothing store Number 43, Tettenhall. Both are located on a village secondary site.

Judy Evans, owner, Williams of Audlem, Audlem. A large village gift-cum-mini department store dating back to 1862.

1: Illuminate Your Life

This is the perfect lamp for spring, a classic blue and white ginger jar shape with a white plum blossom design on a rich, dark ink blue background.  A frieze around the base of the lamp shows stylised waves rising from a blue sea. The brushed brass base contrasts with the gold bands and the lamp is crowned with a golden faux silk shade, total height of lamp and shade 75cm.

Mandarin Arts Ltd

T: 01873 812255

E: info@mandarinarts.co.uk

W: www.mandarinarts.co.uk

2: Relax And Unwind

Fantastic handmade eye pillows filled with flaxseed. A brilliant way to soothe tired eyes, enhance relaxation and take a moment to unwind. They are available in unscented or with the addition of calming natural lavender and come in a range of our most popular fabric designs. They can be heated in the microwave for soothing warmth or chilled in a fridge or freezer for use as a cold compress.

The Wheat Bag Company

T: 01747 480499

E: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

W: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

3: Me To You Range

Brand new from PMC for 2023 is this beautiful range of Me To You gifts. With wonderful designs across a variety of products there is sure to be the perfect gift for any loved one. Each item in the range is personalised, making these the perfect heartfelt gift that can be treasured for years to come. Visit PMC’s website to see their full range of Me To You personalised gifts.

PMC

E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

4: Award Winning Stationery

VENT for Change, the UK’s leading sustainable and social stationery company launches NEW addition to their Award Winning SUCSEED collection. Following the success of there A5 version (Gift of the Year Award Winner 2022) VENT has added a smaller pocket version to the collection. Made in Italy with covers produced from with 100% recycled paper. Supplied as standard with numbered to-do lists, plain and lined paper throughout.

VENT For Change

T: 07395 284 788

E: lucy@ventforchange.co.uk

W: www.ventforchange.co.uk

5: Heaven Sent

PMC have been busy creating a range of brand new designs and sourcing unique new products ready for this years upcoming occasions, including these beautiful ceramic angel wings. Make sure you visit the Spring Fair stand - hall 4, J10, to see the fantastic selection of brand new products and designs it has for 2023.

PMC

E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now