Progressive Gifts & Home January 2024

JANUARY 2024

Join us at Enesco Limited, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle CA3 0EN UK Customer Services: Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Telephone: +44 (0) 1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk

SPRING FAIR NEC, Birmingham, 4 — 7th Feb 2024 Hall 4, Stand B60 - C61 & C60 - D61 SCOTLAND’S TRADE FAIR SEC, Glasgow, 21 — 23rd Jan 2024 Stand F12

SHOP OUR ENTIRE COLLECTION OF GIFTWARE AT ENESCO.CO.UK

Join us on

/ E NE SC OL I MI TE D

BEATRIX POTTER™ © Frederick Warne & Co., 2023.

All Rights Reserved.

BP-BPOT-MKT4524-progressive-gifts-front-cover-dec23.indd 1 FC_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

14/12/2023 14:20 15/12/2023 16:33

Spring Brochure ����

�

Come and see us at: Top Drawer - J�� Scottish Trade Fair - K�� Spring Fair - �E��

cottonandgrey.com

Cotton & Grey

cottonandgrey.com/brochure.pdf

‘Little Box Of’Collection

03_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

15/12/2023 14:17

The Collections...

‘Mono’Collection

‘Thank You’Collection

Get a FREE POS with every £��� order - contains �� boxes, � x �� designs.

Order a complete unit or mix and match from across our ranges £�.�� each. RRP £��.��

‘Just to say’Collection

‘Time For’Collection Carriage paid £���

*NEW FOR SPRING ����*

‘You’ re Lovely’Collection. Mix and match your titles use coupon add-free-stock to get 10% extra free product, at retail value, of order total. offer minimum order £300

BESPOKE

Add your branding to our candles. White label available across our ranges.

Call ����� ������

info@cottonandgrey.com cottonandgrey.com/brochure.pdf

facebook.com/cottonandgrey . instagram.com/cottonandgreyltd . youtube.com/@cottonandgrey

04-05_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

15/12/2023 12:18

04-05_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 2

15/12/2023 12:18

10_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

12/12/2023 19:09

PG&H Leader 2024.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2023 21:56 Page 1

LEADER

EDITOR’S INSIGHT

Inset: PG&H’s Sue met up with Father Christmas at December’s Women In Gifts event. Turn to pages 29-31.

Below: PG&H’s ad manager Ali Farrell gets into the festive spirit with polar bear Sid!

F

irst and foremost, a very happy, healthy New Year to all our readers, and with New Year resolutions doing the rounds, mine is to definitely do more thoughtful, spontaneous gifting in 2024!

This was prompted by a close friend’s birthday in December, who had a big celebration planned, but was forced to cancel it due to a fall. I asked myself how I could somehow make her day special and, on impulse, sent her a beautiful birthday cake. She invited the neighbours round, held an impromptu birthday party in her kitchen, and told me it was one of her happiest birthdays yet!

A few days later, I too, was equally surprised and delighted with a thoughtful, spontaneous gift of a bouquet of flowers, presented to me by The Giftware Association at the first ever Women In Gifts event on 6 December, to commemorate my 25th anniversary as editor of Progressive Gifts this month.

And then thoughtful, spontaneous gifting came up again when Claire Sowden, who co-founded Cotton & Grey with Paul Banyard, told me that a gift for a friend during the pandemic led to the couple starting a new business in 2021 which is continuing to go from strength to strength.

Turn to pages 38-39.

Returning to the inaugural Women In Gifts event, it was an incredibly motivating day, with inspirational speakers and some amazing women in the room. I was

privileged to be invited to be a panellist, alongside the GA’s Sara Ward – turn to page 27 for Sara’s column Talking Tables’ Clare Harris; Retail 100’s Sara Allbright and Retail Huddle’s Abi Rabheru.

Turn to page 13 and pages 29-31 for the full lowdown.

Meanwhile, serendipity was definitely in the air for Jason Billings-Cray, gift and card buyer at John Lewis, with an article he read in the company’s magazine while working at Waitrose as a student kicking off his buying career with the company. Turn to pages 32-33. On the product front meanwhile, with home still the main focus for many people, we take a look at what’s trending in decorative home accessories – turn to pages 48-49 - and also spotlight the massive trend that is wellness, with our bath and body article revealing some of the products that will be on the shelves for Spring/Summer. Turn to pages 57-59.

Elsewhere, our columnist Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, shares her festive cheer on the run-up to Christmas - turn to page 41 – and industry stalwart

www.max-publishing.co.uk The home of market leading trade magazines Publishers: Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax, Ian Hyder and Rob Willis.

Andrew Illingworth looks back on his time in the gift industry, spanning some 45 years. Turn to pages 62-63.

Of course, 2024 is sure to have its challenges, but there will be opportunities too, with leading names in the industry making their predictions. Turn to pages 35-37. Plus, you’ll find all the latest industry news and views on pages 11-19.

And finally, I couldn’t be more excited to fanfare The Greats gift retailer awards 2024! Turn to pages 11 and 23-25. The competition, which has a closing date of 20 February 2024, is well underway now, with an entry form enclosed with this issue, so don’t delay if you’d like to enter or if you’d like to nominate an outstanding retailer.

Entries and nominations can be emailed to me direct at suem@max-publishing.co.uk.

For more details visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk Enjoy reading PG&H, and wishing you all the happiest and healthiest of New Years!

Looking forward to seeing you all at the January trade shows.

Sue

Sue Marks Editor

The UK gift and home industry is dynamic, innovative and vibrant and The Greats Awards reflect all of this and much more.

Be a part of it! Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk

Subscribe to Progressive Gifts from £60 (UK) to £90 (International) You can organise this quickly and easily online at our secure site: www.max-subscriptions.net For assistance, please email subscriptions@max-publishing.co.uk ISSN 2515-7523 Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. T: 020 7700 6740 E: hello@max-publishing.co.uk Copyright 2024. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

PROGRESSIVE

Editor SUE MARKS

Advertisement manager ALI FARRELL

Creative director MARK GRAYSON

sue@suemarks.co.uk

alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk

markg@max-publishing.co.uk

07

GIFTS & HOME

WHOLESALE SILVER JEWELLERY

Create a Valentine's Collection to Call Your Own High-quality silver jewellery, without the high prices.

Vis cmeje it us at welle to vie ry.co.uk wo exten sive r ur ang qualit y jew e of ellery

cmejewellery.co.uk

0116 283 2240

08_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

15/12/2023 12:19

PG&H CONTENTS 2024.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2023 19:12 Page 2

Table of WHAT’S INSIDE 11-19 News 23-25 The Greats Awards 27 InWithConversation . . . Sarah Ward 29-31 Women In Gifts Face To Face: 32-33 Retailer Jason Billings-Cray,

48 38

57

John Lewis Feedback: Challenges and Opportunities

35-37 38-39 In Profile: Cotton & Grey 41 Libby’s Lines On . . .

42-43 Spotlight Harrogate Christmas & Gift

48-49 On . . .

53 Spotlight Top Drawer On . . . Bath, 57-59 Spotlight Body & Wellness 62-63 Memories Are Made Of This 70-71 Best Sellers Spotlight On . . .

Home Décor

32 35 62

PROGRESSIVE

09

GIFTS & HOME

42

4TH - 7TH FEBRUARY 2024

NEC BIRMINGHAM | HALL 4 C10-D11

Papillon Message Collection

OVER 2000 BRAND NEW LINES!

Village Pottery

Bridgewater Pen Company - Wedding & Anniversary

Tel: 0161 975 6300 2023 12 - Progressive Gifts FP.indd 1 10_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Celebration Frames

Sandy Bay

www.joedavies.co.uk 15/12/2023 04:48:21 PM 17/12/2023 18:36

09_11_13_15_17.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2023 17:29 Page 11

I

Calling All Gift Retailers The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2024 Are Open The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2024 - now celebrating their fabulous 22nd year – are open, once again setting out to recognise and reward the UK’s outstanding gift shops and gift departments.

The closing date for entries is 20 February, 2024.

“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,” says Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net which organises and owns The Greats.

Continues Sue: “Therefore we’re on the lookout for the ‘greatest of the great’, those extra special gift and lifestyle retailers, department stores and garden centres that, despite the challenges over the past year – higher energy bills, petrol, increased mortgages and rents all reducing disposable income - are nevertheless Above: Greats 2024 trophy.

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!”

Uniting the gift industry, The Greats gift retailer awards winners, along with The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year (GOTY) awards winners, will be revealed at The Gift Awards, a fabulous black tie awards event, to be held at the glamorous Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday 16 May. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk; www.thegiftawards.com to download an entry form.

Alternatively, entries can also be emailed direct to suem@max-publishing.co.uk.

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

The ownership and running of the Gift of the Year awards remains under the stewardship of The Giftware Association while The Greats gift retailer awards are wholly owned and run

by Max Publishing (publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home magazine/GiftsandHome.net).

For companies interested in finding out more about sponsorship of The Greats and The Gift Of The Year Awards categories, contact Ali Farrell (e: alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk; mob: 07872 113635); Ian Hyder (e: ianh@max-publishing.co.uk mob: 07525 634 306); Rob Willis (robw@max-publishing.co.uk mob: 07792 016832) or Warren Lomax (e: warren@maxpublishing.co.uk; mob: 07977 572086). Sponsorship of all the award categories in GOTY and The Greats is managed by Max Publishing.

U

S

T

R

Y

Bumper GOTY Entry

Some 800 entries were received for the Gift of the Year Awards, organised by The Giftware Association, with PR and marketing manager Chris Workman confirming that 120 companies were brand new to the competition this year.

“It shows that we have widened our reach considerably with the growth of the awards ceremony and our new partnerships with #SBS and ‘Dragon’ Sara Davies,” Chris told PG&H. The first round of online judging takes place on 4 January, with the shortlisted products showcased at Spring Fair from February 4-7, where the second live round of judging will take place. The 2024 finalists will then be announced on 14 February.

• Spring Fair will again be hosting the live judging of the Gift Of The Year Awards, as well as the GOTY finalists showcase, with a 5% discount offered to all GA members to help with exhibiting costs. Visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk; www.springfair.com

Above: Judges browsing the Gift of the Year 2023 entries at Spring Fair earlier this year.

Shop Local Leads The Way Good news for gift indies in the run up to Christmas was that a whopping 98% of respondents were keen to support local businesses, revealed research from local gift card company Town & City Gift Cards.

Left: Shop local was the watchword this Christmas.

It was an early start to Christmas shopping too, at Hugs and Kisses in Tettenhall. “We put all our Christmas gifts out on display in October, with our Crumble & Core earring cards and our Christmas Jellycat soft toys and matching books all selling well, along with a range of Christmas figurines and snow globes from Heaven Sends,” confirmed owner Caroline Ranwell.

At In Heaven At Home in Market Harborough, owner Anne Barber added: “We discreetly launched our Christmas department in September, with trending gifts including Marmalade of London’s aromatherapy diffuser, toys, to include teddy bears and Miffy, and items to keep people warm from The Wheat Bag Company. Customers also loved our wooden decorations from Lottie Murphy, and our cute felt and knitted hanging decorations, particularly the Christmas Jumper.”

Shopping early for Christmas seemed to be the watchword this year, as people looked to spread the cost of their gift buying.

“We launched Christmas online on 1 October, as it was payday for many people, and it was very well received with a flurry of early orders,” confirmed Jo Barber, owner of Number 14 Ampthill, Ampthill. “Best sellers included Jellycat’s Festive Follies, Shoeless Joe across the range, ceramic light-up houses from Satchville and felt decorations from Gry & Sif.” Left: Above: Anne Barber holding Lottie Murphy wooden Christmas decorations.

FORFOR THETHE LATEST LATEST NEWS NEWS VISITVISIT GIFTSANDHOME.NET PROGRESSIVE

D

N EWS

Sponsorship Opportunities

Early Christmas Shoppers

N

11

GIFTS & HOME

THE 2024 COLLECTION See our NEW stand at SPRING FAIR 2024: Hall 3, 3L30-M31

12_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

15/12/2023 12:20

09_11_13_15_17.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2023 17:30 Page 13

I

Max Publishing Acquires London Stationery Show

D

U

S

T

R

Y

N EWS

The Show Will Take Place On May 14-15 Max Publishing, known for its strong roster of B2B retail trade media and awards, as well as its Progressive Greetings Live trade show, has acquired London Stationery Show from Ocean Media Group. The show is the UK’s only event dedicated to the stationery, arts, crafts, paper and writing instruments sector.

The acquisition also includes Stationery Matters magazine/online and National Stationery Week.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome London Stationery Show into the Max Publishing family and look forward to really getting to know the stationery community,” commented Rob Willis, coo at Max Publishing who concluded the acquisition with Ocean Media Group. “Ocean Media Group has done an outstanding job in the last few years, elevating London Stationery Show as the most important event in the stationery industry’s calendar.”

As Jakki Brown, co-founder of the company added: “Every market has its own nuances, but with Max Publishing being so entrenched in affiliated retail sectors through our magazines, awards and our PG Live trade show, notably greeting cards, gifts and licensing, this wonderful synergetic opportunity to extend into the wider stationery field was too good to miss.

We are already overflowing with ideas and can’t wait to get deeply involved in this fascinating

N

Gift Retailer Wins Display Competition

and fast-moving retail sector.”

London Stationery Show 2024 will take place, as planned, 14-15 May at London’s Business Design Centre, and Chantelle White has joined the Max Publishing team from Ocean Media to continue as its event manager.

As well as further developing London Stationery Show, Max Publishing is fully committed to expanding Stationery Matters both as a magazine and digital news platform as well as further elevating National Stationery Week, which falls on 13-19 May 2024.

To find out more about stands and sponsorship opportunities, contact Chantelle White on chantellew@max-publishing.co.uk or +44 (0)7795 951244.

Founded in 1990, Max Publishing is an independent media business, wholly owned and run by its four directors, Warren Lomax, Jakki Brown, Ian Hyder and Rob Willis.

Above: From left to right: Warren Lomax, Rob Willis, Chantelle White, Jakki Brown and Ian Hyder.

As winner of a recent Talking Tables display competition, winner Lucy Eason, owner of gift, homewares and card store George’s in Whitstable, received her prize of a visit by visual merchandising expert Debbie Flowerday, who helped to create two of Lucy’s six festive windows, as well as offering her some practical tips for building eye-catching displays.

Right: George’s Lucy Eason with Debbie Flowerday.

Dunelm Opens Its First Shopping Centre Store Dunelm has opened its first shopping centre store at the Atria centre in Watford. The occasion was celebrated with carol singers, face painting, goody bags and golden tickets, with the doors opening to a queue of customers waiting to see the new shop.

Dunelm’s latest opening is a 33,000 sq ft store, located in the former John Lewis site, with products including home accessories and a Little Dunelm for children’s items.

Right: Customers queued outside the new Dunelm store in Watford.

Recognition For Achievement A Message From Sara Davies MBE As a ‘Dragon’ and a hugely successful woman in business, Sara Davies MBE, founder of retail multiple Crafter’s Companion, was a surprise speaker at the inaugural Women In Gifts event, which took place on 6 December.

Unable to be there in person, she popped up on screen with some inspiring words for delegates: “It’s important for all of us to share our experiences about running a business because as much as we do have our successes and wins, which we are more likely to shout about, it’s also really crucial, especially at the moment, for people to talk about challenges and failures, so that we can learn from them and learn from each other. We all want this industry to succeed, so I guarantee that if you ask another business they will be willing to share their experiences as well. Running a business can be hard, so take a little bit of time for yourselves because we’re all often our worst critics,” advised Sara, Ending on a positive note for 2023, she stated: “Keep pushing forward with your brands and your businesses. Remember to ask questions, and don’t be afraid to explore lots of new opportunities.” Turn to pages 27-29 to read the full Women In Gifts article.

Above: Sara Davies MBE.

For two women in gifts, awards were the order of the day recently, with Hannah Dale, founder and creative director of Wrendale Designs receiving the silver award in the Business Woman Of The Year Medium (£10m-£25m turnover) category at the recent National Business Women’s Awards, as well as being a finalist in the International Woman’s Award, and Northern England Business Woman Of The Year sectors.

For Julianne Moore, her Wokingham MiMi gift and clothing store was named Community Business Of The Year in the town’s inaugural awards run by the borough council, with the staff recognised for their unwavering commitment to serving the town, going above and beyond to ensure customers feel at home while browsing.

The nomination entry described the team as “one of a kind, lovely and deeply caring”, even offering glasses of water to those who could do with refreshment, and added: “Wokingham wouldn’t be the same without them.”.

Above: Hannah Dale in her studio.

Right: Team MiMi, Wokingham.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GIFTSANDHOME.NET PROGRESSIVE

13

GIFTS & HOME

Harrogate REGISTER TODAY! Visit the UK’s favourite trade show for festive goods and gifts. Seven halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre packed with everything from Christmas trees, decorations, lights, candles & ornaments, indoor & gardenware and gifts for EVERY occasion.

www.harrogatefair.com

www.harrogatefair.com Tel: 01902 882280 simon@harrogatefair.com

Progressive Gifts November 2023.indd 1

14_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd.indd 1

Harrogate Convention Centre 14th - 17th January 2024

25/10/2023 12:16:54

15/12/2023 12:21

09_11_13_15_17.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2023 17:30 Page 15

Joe Davies Vintage Carousel On The Repair Shop Owner Delighted To See It Working Again

Ashleigh & Burwood Expands Its Reach Stateside

years since the toy had last worked, and one of the horses had broken off. She wanted to be able to put the working carousel out on display again, as she was now in a place of her own.

“The cherished carousel showed how important a simple gift can be, especially when loved ones are going through a tough time or they just need a little something to make them smile,” Paul Hooker, managing director of Joe Davies, told PG&H. “Watching the Repair Shop breathe new life into one of our carousels was fascinating and a pleasure to watch, eclipsed only by the joy the carousel clearly gave the owner and her delight at having it restored. Seeing a Shudehill item from yesteryear feature was very rewarding.”

The full episode is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

The episode – series 9 – was originally shown on 8 November last year on BBC 1 and was repeated the following day on BBC 2.

Left: Ashleigh & Burwood is taking on the US market.

Marking a milestone in Ashleigh & Burwood’s 30-year history, the home fragrancing company has taken its brands and ranges of scented products to the US for the first time, a leap in its global expansion.

The business has partnered with a state-ofthe-art 3PL company in the heart of the Midwest, which will serve as the brand's operational hub, ensuring efficient distribution and customer service for its growing American

customer base.

“Our expansion into the United States is a testament to our dedication to delivering our diverse range of quality home fragrance products to a global audience,” states director of international, Steve Lloyd.

The brand kicked off its American journey in October with an exhibition in Washington DC, presenting everyday brand The Scented Home.

Gift Category Winners At PPS Awards

Enesco Staff Roll Up Their Sleeves As demand for Enesco’s licensed giftware - to include Disney, Willow Tree and Yankee Candle - increased in the run up to Christmas, weekends and evenings saw an extended team pull together, which included directors, customer Above: All hands on deck at service and marketing Enesco’s Carlisle warehouse. teams, family members and ex-employees.

People from across the company joined hard working colleagues in the Carlisle warehouse to pick, pack and ship the all-important orders for Christmas sales.

For the owners of Lucky & Gray in Derby, November 14 was definitely their lucky day, with Amber and Rich Kavanagh scooping the Best Independent Gift Retailer Award at the Progressive Preschool Awards which took place at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel.

Also walking off stage with a trophy were the Rainbow Designs team, with the company winning the Best Preschool Gift Range for their Mickey Mouse Memories Range.

Above: Amber and Rich Kavanagh with their Progressive Preschool trophy.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GIFTSANDHOME.NET PROGRESSIVE

15

GIFTS & HOME

N

D

U

S

T

R

Y

N EWS

Left: Chloe with the Joe Davies Shudehill carousel.

One of Joe Davies’ vintage Shudehill musical carousels was featured on the popular BBC 1 TV show The Repair Shop recently, showcasing the meticulous restoration process that brings timeless treasures back to life.

Chloe Foster, who brought in the carousel, was in and out of hospital as a child, with her mum buying her the carousel to help to keep her occupied during the long hospital appointments. Chloe played it over and over again, but it was many

I

Wilko Returns To The High Street Following its collapse into administration in August, much-loved retailer Wilko has returned to the high street with new concept stores recently opening in locations to include Plymouth, Exeter, Luton and Watford ahead of a national roll-out under ownership of The Range.

Above: Wilko is back.

Tesco Relaunches Paperchase Following Tesco’s purchase of the Paperchase brand and related IP earlier this year, the supermarket has relaunched Paperchase in 250 of its stores and online.

The offer includes a range of gifts, home accessories, stationery, cards, giftwrap, calendars and diaries, as well as party decorations and accessories, with the Paperchase products complementing Tesco’s existing ranges.

Paperchase went into administration in January 2023.

Above: Paperchase has been re-launched in 250 Tesco stores and online.

PEOPLE l Hyve Group has appointed two new leaders to the team, Jackson Szabo as portfolio director for Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, and Soraya Gadelrab as the new event director for Spring Fair and Autumn Fair.

Right: Jackson Szabo and Soraya Gadelrab.

l Alison Graham has joined the Clarion Retail

portfolio, where she will spearhead the commercial team on flagship trade show Home & Gift. She joins Clarion having spent over two decades working at Spring and Autumn Fair and, more recently, on logistics event Deliver, bringing a wealth of experience and contacts to the role.

Right: Alison Graham.

l A new addition to the sales team at Straits Trading and Aromatize, is Karen Warburton who was recently appointed as territory sales manager to look after customers based in the North of England and North Wales, as well as the North Midlands territory.

Purexjatc_progressivegifts_ad_210x265mm.pdf

1

13/12/2023

09:42

London Festival of Fashion A trade collective of global designers, brands, buyers, creative minds and inspiring trends.

Register at purexjatc.com

16_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

15/12/2023 12:22

09_11_13_15_17.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2023 21:18 Page 17

The Light Fund Raises £125,000 Some 25 Charity Projects Will Benefit Industry charity The Light Fund has raised an impressive £125,000 this year which is to be put to good use funding 25 different charity projects in 2024, helping men, women and children across the world.

“We can’t thank everyone in the gift industry enough for their generosity and support for The Light Fund this year, meaning we have raised over £125,000 for charities,” stated Trevor Jones, The Light Fund’s chairman. “This means we are delighted to confirm that we are able to fund 25 very worthwhile and diverse charity projects which will go ahead in 2024.”

In addition to raising funds through raffles, including at the Gift Awards and other events, Belly Button Designs donated over £8,000 as a result of sales of its charity Christmas cards.

Funding a helpline for cancer sufferers, providing an assistance dog for an autistic child, covering the costs of a roadshow to raise awareness of prostate cancer, paying for a chicken farm for a village in Kenya, an incubator for premature babies in a UK hospital, a wheelchair for a disabled child and information

N

D

U

S

T

R

Y

N EWS The Puppet Company Teams Up With Save The Children Family-run puppet and soft toy business The Puppet Company recently teamed up with international children’s charity Save the Above: The Puppet Children for its Company’s Christmas Jumper annual Christmas Bear & Friends puppets.

Jumper Day campaign. Launching an exclusive selection of eco Christmas Jumper Bear & Friends puppets, the company has been helping to raise much needed funds for Save the Children’s work.

To further help to raise funds, The Puppet Company and its sister company, Wilberry Toys, also created a specially selected Christmas collection of puppets and soft toys for stocking fillers and gifts.

Above: The Light Fund committee and voters.

support for those with Crohn’s & Colitis are just some of the ways The Light Fund’s 2023 monies raised will be used.

Submissions were invited from any UKregistered charities, and The Light Fund committee and other major supporters then voted individually as to which charity projects they would most like to see funded.

As a result of the 2023 fundraising, The Light Fund has now raised over £2.2m and will have helped 170 different charities since its inception in 2004 when it was founded by Max Publishing directors Ian Hyder and Jakki Brown and likeminded folk.

Spring Fair’s New Campaign A new Spring Fair campaign is placing a focus on discovering new products alongside the people and stories behind them. “We are pulling out all the stops to produce a show dedicated to the magic of product discovery, inspiration, and community,” states Hyve’s divisional managing director Nicola Meadows, “with product and people at the heart of everything we do.”

She confirmed that some sectors are already sold out, with many returning exhibitors taking bigger stands reflecting a revived demand for new products. “We’re also thrilled to welcome many big names exclusively to Spring Fair, as well as seeing

I

Theo Paphitis To Speak At Spring Fair the reappearance of businesses who haven’t shown since before Covid, with a snapshot of this newness in the next edition of the Little Black Book,” she added.

Spring Fair has also created a community team as a valuable resource for exhibitors and buyers, headed up by Laura Rae, head of community.

The show takes place from 4-7 February 2024 at the NEC. Visit www.springfair.com Above: Talking shop on the Sass & Belle stand at Spring Fair 2023.

Spring Fair, (4-7 February, NEC), has announced 12 new winners of Theo Paphitis’s #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative who each receive a free stand in the #SBS Village at the show. Theo will be among the speakers on the Inspiring Retail Stage on Tuesday 6 February, sharing his thoughts on the opportunities and challenges of 2024 for retailers, and visiting the #SBS Village in Hall 4 on the day.

“We know how much buyers love to discover newness and our partnership with #SBS not only enables us to support brilliant up and coming SMEs but also offers buyers access to these wonderful new businesses,” comments Soraya Gadelrab, event director, Spring Fair.

Source Home & Gift Continues To Expand International sourcing platform, Source Home & Gift, (4-7 February, NEC), will be increasing in size by 25%, with Above: Theo Paphitis with a 2023 producers from the UK, China, India, #SBS winner in February. the Philippines and Nepal among those showcasing product, and pavilions from Senegal and Ghana making their debut.

Above: Above: Among the homeware products being “We are doubling down on quality products and championing not only the large-scale global manufacturers but also the makers and showcased. social enterprises that are really making a difference to communities around the work,” states director of sourcing Suzanne Ellingham.

The show will also be showcasing the manufacturing and products coming out of specialist regions across China such as the Fujain region.

In addition, there will be a content stage, dedicated to presenting and discussing the latest trends and topics in responsible and sustainable manufacturing from industry professionals. Visit www.source-homeandgift.com

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GIFTSANDHOME.NET PROGRESSIVE

17

GIFTS & HOME

zippyandgeorge.co.uk • STFS – Stand: L31

Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring 21-23 January SEC Glasgow

Home & Gift Fashion & Accessories Food & Drink Craft

Register now at www.scotlandstradefairs.com STFS Progress Gifts 134x185mm ad.indd 1

16_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

04/12/2023 13:57

12/12/2023 19:16

09_11_13_15_17.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2023 17:31 Page 19

I

N

D

U

S

T

R

Y

N EWS

Top Drawer Reveals Business Hub Line Up

Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring 10% Bigger

Visitors Can Book Free 1:1 Sessions With Experts The Business Hub is among the highlights visitors can look forward to when they head for Top Drawer Spring/Summer, taking place at London’s Olympia from 14-16 January. There will be industry experts on hand across all three days of the show, with different people speaking on each of the days. Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk/business-hub.

The line-up of experts have a combined career history spanning multiple areas, from branding, buying, visual merchandising, PR and more, with visitors able to book free 1:1 20 minute appointments with an expert to discuss

Above: Retail Huddle’s Ami Rabheru will be among the speakers.

a current challenge or their new move for their business or product. Appointments can be booked in advance via the website for the opportunity to gain personalized, tailormade advice. To see the line up and to book an appointment visit www.topdrawer.co.uk/business-hub. To register, visit topdrawer.co.uk.

For more about Top Drawer Spring/Summer 2024, turn to New, New, New on page 51.

RetailFest Line-Up Top Drawer (14-16, London’s Olympia), has announced the RetailFest line-up for the SS24 edition, a hub for inspiring content and thought-provoking conversations with experts, influencers and inspiring brands within the industry, with visitors able to gain practical, actionable tips.

A stellar line-up of speakers will be taking to the stage, offering insights and advice on key topics that include branding, influence marketing, sustainable retail, customer experiences and more. Visit topdrawer.co.uk/retailfest-s-2024 for the full line up of speakers.

Left: Platform’s Stacy Chan will take to the RetailFest stage on 14 January.

Giving & Living Highlights Coastal gift show Giving & Living will be back at Westpoint, Exeter, from 14-16 January 2024, with highlights including the Coastal Path, Designed & Made in Britain, and Naturally, reflecting the significant growth areas for retail, along with the locally made and sustainable ethos that drives the independent trade.

“Thanks to another strong tourist season we’re looking forward to a brilliant edition of Giving & Living this January,” says Hale Events’ managing director Mike Anderson. “Our show stands out for its unique focus on coastal gifts and souvenirs, including speciality foods and locally made gifts and accessories. Whether it’s beach balls, flip flops or sticks of rock, seashell jewellery, puffin prints or artisan ice-cream, we’ve got it all! We’ve also been delighted to see our Designed & Made in Britain sector grow as the consumer appetite for locally made products has got stronger.”

Product categories targeting the UK holiday market offer a diverse showcase with selected exhibitors able to provide bespoke and ownbrand merchandise.

New for 2024, this year the Giftware Association will be displaying a Above: Visitors at last year’s show. selected range of shortlisted and award-winning Gift of the Year products, with the GA team on hand to take orders and connect retailers to the companies behind the awardwinning products.

Visit www.givingliving.co.uk; tel: 01934 733433 or email mail@hale-events.com

Bumper Harrogate Christmas & Gift Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2024 will be returning to the Harrogate Convention Centre from 14-17 January 2024, with the event almost sold out.

“There has been unprecedented demand for exhibition space at the 2024 show,” confirms show organiser Simon Anslow, “with over 30 companies new in January.”

Turn to ‘It’s Getting To Feel A Lot Like Christmas – 2024 That Is’ on pages 40-41. To register visit www.harrogatefair.com Far left: Lesser & Pavey will be among the exhibitors.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GIFTSANDHOME.NET PROGRESSIVE

19

GIFTS & HOME

Over 400 suppliers will be exhibiting at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring - which takes place at the SEC, Glasgow, from 21-23 January 2024 - a 10% increase on 2023’s Spring Show, with Wellbeing a dominant theme.

A quarter of suppliers are new or returning, featuring a mix of Scottish suppliers and British brands.

Elsewhere, the Talking Shop Seminar Theatre will be featuring a schedule of talks, panel discussions and masterclasses, with the Best Product Awards judged on the opening morning of the show.

The exhibition is co-located with the Speciality Food & Drink Show where over 120 top fine food and drink producers will be showcasing product. Visit www.scotlandstradefairs.com.

Above: Talking shop at Scotland’s Trade Fair.

What’s New At Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld Major trade fairs Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld will once again be held concurrently in January 2024 at Messe Frankfurt.

An array of products will reveal numerous synergies, with visitors also benefitting from a content-rich programme of events featuring expert lectures and special presentations, as well as the Ambiente Trends 24+, Christmasword Trends 24 + and Creativeworld Trends 24+ areas.

The shows will address future themes – from sustainability and New Work to lifestyle, design, digital developments and tomorrow’s retail, highlight show organisers Messe Frankfurt, with the latest global product ideas and innovations featured across all three formats.

Ambiente and Christmasworld take place from 26-30 January, with Creativeworld opening one day later on 27 January, 2024. Visit www.ambiente.messefrankfrut.com.

Above: Giving exhibitor Lizas Jewellery.

4 Great new products from Global Journey for 2024

Mugs & Coasters

These super bright white mugs, with matching ceramic coasters, are the latest lifestyle range from Global Journey Gifts.

With full colour glaze and intricate designs inside the mugs that complement the outside wording beautifully, this specialist range of Mugs & Coasters is as unique and innovative as it is colourful and attractive.

Not to mention surprisingly affordable and competitively priced.

With high temperature decals inside and out, they are also fully microwave and dishwasher safe.

Hall A Stand 31

20-21_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

Hall 4 A41

15/12/2023 12:24

Looking for something new and exciting, something chic and on-trend, then look no further than our new INSPIRE range of wood and metal signs. Designed and Manufactured in the UK, these great quality signs are certain to adorn any home and garden.

NED AND MA SIG DE

••

•••••••••

••

NED AND MA SIG DE

••

D KINGDO ITE M UN

CTURED in t FA he NU

D KINGDO ITE M UN

CTURED in t FA he NU

••

••

•••••••••

••

Dimensions H180cm x W45cm

Made from ultra durable plywood for outdoor use modified by an innovative treatment that makes the panel exceptionally durable.

20-21_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 2

15/12/2023 12:24

SF_Progressive Gift & Home_ad_211mmx297mm.pdf 1 11/9/2023 5:39:05 PM

20_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

12/12/2023 19:17

23-25 PG&H GREATS 2024.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 16:29 Page 2

SPOTLIGHT ON . . . THE GREATS 2024

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 22nd year, and a closing date of 20 February, 2024, we want retailers to tell us why their shop could be a winner!

A ‘Greats’ Opportunity

Inset: London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel.

Inset: The Greats and the Gift of the Year 2023 winners are shown on stage with their trophies.

O

nce 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 the challenges of the past year, are nevertheless managing to stay at the top of their game.

With the competition well 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

or garden centre – 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. “For the award winners, hearing their shop’s name called out is a very special moment that they will always remember,” she emphasises.

Maybugs, which has stores in Bexhill-onSea, Eastbourne and Hailsham, won The Greats Best Retail Initiative category in 2023, with co-owner Greg Rose explaining: “Being nominated and winning a Greats

PROGRESSIVE

23

GIFTS & HOME

award is just the most wonderful feeling.

We see it as the pinnacle of what we can achieve in our industry. Our customers love to see us doing well, so we always shout about it on our socials and in the local press. In fact, those social posts have some of the biggest reach and engagement we achieve in the whole year. We also like to celebrate with our team, giving them all a small prize for being part of the winning team. In addition, we take someone from the team to the awards each year – someone who has given exceptional service, as a reward for all their hard work,” adds Greg.

“Winning the award was amazing for the business,” confirms Jo Williams, owner of

23-25 PG&H GREATS 2024.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 16:29 Page 3

SPOTLIGHT ON . . . THE GREATS 2024

Your Chance To Nominate Those Special Gift Retailers The cost-of-living crisis has, and is continuing to be a testing time for retail, with gift retailers responding to the challenges by demonstrating ingenuity, resilience, resourcefulness and commitment ensuring that they not only survive but thrive.

And while gift retailers are encouraged to self-nominate, suppliers, reps and agents also have a fabulous opportunity to bang the drum by nominating the retailers that they feel are a cut above the rest.

Visit 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 gift departments, both regionally and nationally, deserve to have their name on a Greats trophy in 2024. What have they done to make their shop stand out over the past year?

Nominations should be sent direct to: Sue Marks at suem@max-publishing.co.uk.

The closing date for both nominations and self-nominations is 20 February 2024.

gift shop Joco in Nuneaton, who cried “happy tears” when the shop was announced as the winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – Midlands & Wales category. “We had giant posters designed for the windows to highlight our incredible success, and received local press and radio coverage, which brought in new customers.”

At Brocante, which has seven gift and lifestyle shops in Cornwall and a store in Devon, co-owner David Lorimer explains:

The Greats 2024: Categories l Independent Gift Retailer of The Year London, South, South East & East Anglia l Independent Gift Retailer of The Year Midlands And Wales l Independent Gift Retailer of The Year North & Northern Ireland l Independent Gift Retailer of The Year - West & South West l Independent Gift Retailer of The Year - Scotland 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

Inset: Stephen Illingworth, (then commercial director and now ceo) at Widdop & Co, category sponsor, presented the winning Greats trophy to Joco’s owner Jo Williams (centre).

Adds Karen Ritchie, owner of The Rowan Tree in Budleigh Salterton: “Winning the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year West & South West category meant so much to me, having worked so hard for almost 20 years to make the Rowan Tree such a special and much loved shop. It is a team effort, the win was for all the staff,” she emphasised.

“From the outset, The Greats Awards, launched in 2003, set out to recognise and celebrate the gift retailers who have shown entrepreneurial flair in responding to the changing retailing landscape,” states Sue. “So, with the Greats 2024 already attracting entries, we want 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.”

“As the delighted winners of The Greats Best In-Store or Window Display category, we let everyone know on our social media.

We also featured the trophy in the windows in different shops which created an exciting talking point with customers.”

He continued: “Our customers love hearing about our success, and we actively get regular customers asking us how we did. It’s a huge morale boost for the team.”

Inset: David Lorimer (second left) and Kieron Cockley, co-owners of Brocante, together with visual merchandiser Katy Warnes, received their Greats trophy from Lou Hunt, sales representative at Gisela Graham, category sponsor (right).

Above right: A delighted smile from winner Karen Ritchie, owner of The Rowan Tree, who received her Greats trophy from Greg Warrington, ceo of Sourcing Support Asia.

PROGRESSIVE

24

GIFTS & HOME

An entry form is enclosed with this issue of Progressive Gifts & Home. Alternatively, visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com which feature details on how to enter The Greats, 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 and nomination entries is 20 February 2024.

First launched in 2003, The Greats Gift Retailer Awards are owned and organised

by Max Publishing and Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide.

23-25 PG&H GREATS 2024.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 16:29 Page 4

SPOTLIGHT ON . . . THE GREATS 2024

Outstanding Achievement Award Do you know a very special person who deserves the 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award? If so, we want to know more about them, what makes them stand out, and how have they contributed to the gift industry at large. Nominations are completely confidential and can be emailed direct to Sue Marks at suem@max-publishing.co.uk

Win A £50 Golden Ticket As an extra 'gift', all independent finalists and winners of The Greats 2024 will receive a £50 bonus that can be spent against orders placed at dedicated

Glittering Black Tie Awards Evening

Right: The Greats Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), was presented to Clare Harris by BATF’s head of central services, Louise Hadfield.

Bottom: Guests having a flutter at the after party casino at The Gift Awards in 2023.

Below: Jumping Bean’s co-owner Nilou Noorbakhsh spent her Greats £50 voucher with Stormy Knight’s director Sarah Jackson at PG Live 2023.

greeting card show PG Live, organised by Max Exhibitions, which takes place on 4-5 June 2024, at London's Business Design Centre in Islington.

Uniting the gift industry, The Greats gift retailer awards, which joined forces with The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year (GOTY) awards in 2022, will once again see all winners – both The Greats and the GOTY - revealed at a fabulous black tie awards event, to be held at the glittering Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday 16 May. Tickets to the awards can be booked quickly and securely by visiting www.maxsubscriptions.net/tickets/or by contacting awards organiser Clare Hollick at clare@createvents.co.uk (tel: 01183 340085).

Tickets cost £220 (+VAT) and tables of 10 and 12 are available. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com

The Greats Awards 2024: The Lowdown DATE: May 16, 2024 VENUE: The Royal Lancaster Hotel London CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: 20 February 2024 CLOSING DATE FOR NOMINATIONS: 20 February 2024 CONTACT: suem@max-publishing.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

25

GIFTS & HOME

The Gift Awards Sponsors Once again, the Gift Awards 2024 have been enthusiastically supported by a strong roster of sponsors. These include (in alphabetical order): Aspin; Autumn Fair; BATF; Cardgains; Carte Blanche Greetings; Clarion Retail; Gift Republic; Gisela Graham; Harrogate Christmas & Gift; Life Charms; London Stationery Show; Messe Frankfurt; Progressive Gifts & Home; Progressive Greetings Live; Scotland’s Trade Fair/Springboard Events; Spring Fair; The Giftware Association and Widdop & Co.

• H andmade in D orset •

chains &

charms

New sentiment jewellery range launching at Top Drawer - come and see us on stand 327

www.coralandminttrade.com no minimum order

carriage paid £100

next day delivery

Multi Award-Winning Soap & Skincare Made By Hand in Small Batches with the Finest Essential Oils & Organic Ingredients Come & say hi at Top Drawer, Stand M87

W ho l e s al e av ai l ab l e : w w w . b r am b l e w o o d s o ap . co . uk I ns t ag r am : @ b r a m b l e w o o d . s o a p

01873 812255 www.mandarinarts.co.uk

INVITATION THE FIRST LOOK AT OUR NEW COLLECTION! For the first time browse our new collection of Premium Artificial Christmas Trees & Illuminated Ornaments at Harrogate Christmas and Gift Show 14th - 17th January 2024.

HALL B STAND B15

BOSK 26_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

Please call for a copy of our latest catalogue

17/12/2023 13:21

27 Talk with Sarah Ward.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 17:11 Page 2

IN CONVERSATION WITH...

Sar Ward

Left: Sarah Ward, ceo, The Giftware Association.

Below: Making It in The USA: Clare Harris, founder of Talking Tables, recently hosted a fourth Talking Together event in partnership with The Giftware Association.

Forward Thinking The Giftware Association has surpassed its goals for recovery from the pandemic, significantly up versus budget, and tracking ahead of targets in both membership and the Gift of the Year competition, with ceo Sarah Ward adding, “It's certainly not been easy . . .”

As we head into 2024, Sarah shares with PG&H the Association’s forward-thinking goals for the next five years. “

T

he past five years have delivered a global pandemic; global wars and political instability; Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis, and what those years have taught us is the power of resilience and reactivity – striving to maximise our relevance to all members during increasingly turbulent times.

Looking ahead to the next five years for the gift industry, we see it being dominated by AI and data economy; clean growth and sustainability, and global mobility and innovation, with the GA ensuring that it has pillars of support and activities in place that directly relate to these issues: education; people/skills; digital innovation; collaborations; business support and mentoring; the Gift of the Year competition and global opportunities. Our five-year objectives are therefore as follows: Education Our aim is to develop a leading industry education platform that provides vital and specific training and development for our members, no matter what stage they are in in their business and wholesale journey.

People/Skills We will be bringing on board new people – whether that means employing extra staff or

developing our service provider members to share their expertise – people with the relevant skills to deal with technology, education, global opportunities, and sustainability. A key driver for our five-year strategy will be to work on cultural development, ensuring we have an Association that is inclusive and diverse, one that is truly reflective of our industry.

Digital Innovation We will be developing our own website capability so that we are the leading trade association for web and digital benefits for members. We will also be working collaboratively with digital innovators and AI experts so that we understand how the landscape is changing, enabling us to support our members accordingly.

Collaborations We will be looking to develop a variety of events that enable opportunity. Above all else, these will be collaborations between brands, suppliers, retailers, and service providers, so that our members can learn, support and thrive alongside each other.

Business Support & Mentoring Continued professional development for the team, together with developing our patrons and service provider members, will ensure PROGRESSIVE

27

GIFTS & HOME

that we can provide the most beneficial business support and mentoring for our members to help them both mastermind and navigate what is to come over the next five years.

Gift of the Year/Global Mobility The Gift of the Year competition will continue to significantly grow year on year, creating opportunities for our members to increase trade and export opportunities. The Awards will continue to be No. 1 for suppliers and retailers internationally, providing the global mobility support so many of our members need.

Of course, there will be challenges ahead.

Currently, the key challenges highlighted by our members include supply chains and logistics; Brexit; technological innovation; trade show relevance and the rising costs of goods, all of which are likely to continue in the years to come.

Only by understanding the dominant developments in the industry, and ensuring we have relevant support mobilised to face each of these challenges for ourselves, and our members, will The GA continue to thrive.

I’m delighted to say that we are very well placed to do that.” Visit www.giftwareassociation.org

Completely RE-IMAGINED

Come and see

our newly-designed stand as we celebrate our 30th anniversary

Enesco Limited, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle CA3 0EN UK Customer Services: Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Telephone: +44 (0) 1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk

SPRING FAIR NEC, Birmingham, 4—7th Feb 2024 Hall 4, Stand B60—C61 & C60—D61 SCOTLAND’S TRADE FAIR SEC, Glasgow, 21—23rd Jan 2024 Stand F12

SHOP OUR ENTIRE COLLECTION OF GIFTWARE AT ENESCO.CO.UK

Join us on

NW-YANK_MKT4525_B2B_UK_progressive_gifts_print_ad_jan24.indd 1 28_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

/ E NE SC OL I MI TE D

15/12/2023 10:36 15/12/2023 12:33

29_31 PG&H Women in Gifts.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 17:27 Page 2

THE GIFTWARE ASSOCIATION

Five panellists, four inspirational speakers, some 40 amazing women who work in the gift industry, and Father Christmas too! What more could you ask for at the first Women In Gifts conference?

Organised by The Giftware Association and held at the GA’s HQ in Birmingham at the beginning of December, the lively, informative event was brimming with positive energy featuring a jampacked agenda, combined with plenty of fun too!

Inset: Wrendale Design’s founder Hannah Dale with the GA’s Sarah Ward.

Inset: Among the delegates at the first Women In Gifts event.

Women + In Gifts F

rom inspirational women in gifts, alongside inspirational speakers who generously shared their knowledge and expertise, December’s inaugural Women In Gifts seminar was a fascinating, informative, inspiring networking event that ticked all the boxes.

Organised by The Giftware Association, the day opened with an upbeat welcome speech by ceo Sarah Ward, who advised delegates, “take a look round the room at the women you don’t know and now have the opportunity to meet.”

A lively panel discussion followed, chaired by Clare Harris, founder of Talking Tables, where the thought provoking questions included what can women as individuals within the gift industry do to raise their profile; what are the characteristics, we all need to be the next Emma Bridgewater, Cath Kidston or Jo Malone; and what can we do together to raise the profile of the gift industry, to include the hugely important role women play?

(See who the panellists were on page 29).

Designer Sara Miller, founder of her eponymous company Sara Miller London - winner of numerous industry awards -was the first speaker to take to the stage, PROGRESSIVE

29

GIFTS & HOME

Inset: Networking was the order of the day.

sharing how the company she launched in 2016 has gone from strength to strength.

Showcasing her love of playful prints, vibrant patterns and vivid use of colour, she chose New York’s licensing show Surtex as her first trade fair, receiving a phenomenal reaction.

Exhibiting at Progressive Greetings Live followed, along with Spring Fair, with Penny Kennedy (where the GA’s Sarah Ward was then at the helm), and The Art File becoming Sara’s first two licensing partners. “We now have 19 partners, including Portmeirion and Wax Lyrical, with licensing partnerships for categories across gifts, home fragrance, handbags, bath and body, stationery, tableware, greeting cards, giftwrap, luggage, watches, glassware, bedding, wallpaper and upholstery,” Sara confirmed.

“We also do some of our own manufacturing, but while licensing has been

NEW! Off The Shelf Fine Bone China Ranges from the Bespoke Specialist

NEW! Off The Shelf Fine Bone China Ranges from the Bespoke Specialist

New Honey BeeTableware

New Honey BeeTableware

Seven Giftware Ranges from William Morris including “Persian” design

Seven Giftware Ranges from William Morris including “Persian” design

Weave Your Story in Style Contact info@acjadetrading.co.uk +44 0127629483 B2B: www.signaretrade.co.uk Join the Aristocracy with Lordshop & Ladyship range of Fine Bone China

Come and see us at Top Drawer Olympia Stand G32

28_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

Join the Aristocracy with Lordshop &

Up Coming Trade Shows

Ladyship range of Fine Bone China

Top Drawer 2024-LONDON 14-16 JAN, Stand No.G37

Come and see us at Top Drawer Olympia SPRINGFAIR 2024-BIRMINGHAM 4-7 FEB, Stand No.4B21 Stand G32

www.cdheritage.com

www.cdheritage.com Global Licensing Partners

paul@cdheritage.com

paul@cdheritage.com

Tel 07909 539574

Tel 07909 539574

12/12/2023 19:22

29_31 PG&H Women in Gifts.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 17:28 Page 3

THE GIFTWARE ASSOCIATION Left: Father Christmas was a surprise guest.

Below: The panellists, from left to right: Clare Harris; Ami Rabheru; Sue Marks; Sara Allbright and Sarah Ward.

Ho, Ho, Ho! Photo opps and videos ramped up the fun with the arrival of Father Christmas during the afternoon. A jovial Santa handed out festive red ribboned scrolls to everyone, with gifts that included a bundle of Gift of the Year entries; a night at a hotel during a UK trade show, and getting expert business advice and networking opportunities.

an amazing business model for me and my brand, it is however, a personal decision,” Sara pointed out.

Kicking off the afternoon session was Hannah Dale, the founder and creative director of multi-award winning Wrendale Designs, which won a Queen’s Award in 2019. Speaking about the company’s journey from the kitchen table to becoming a multi-award-winning, multi-million £pound business, employing over 70 people, with a turnover of £15m, Hannah highlighted the five key things that she’s learned.

“The first is to define your vision and values,” she stated. “Every decision you make drives a vision. Also, put things down on paper. I took the decision to employ staff, and the result is the Wrendale family, an amazing team that drive the success of the business.” Hannah also advised “don’t sweat the small stuff, admitting: “I used to let making mistakes get me down, but now I don’t waste my energy worrying about things. It’s also important to know your ‘why’,” she continued, “and my ‘why’ has changed. Today we are more about product than profit, with my husband and I currently involved in turning over our 300 acre farm to rewild. My second ‘why’ is looking after our team. We have introduced a four day working week, flexible working hours and a generous maternity package because

everyone we employ is like family to us.

Plus, be kind to yourself – looking back to the beginning, I would definitely have told myself to go a bit easier - and lastly, enjoy it! Gifting is a wonderful industry to be in. We touch people’s lives at special and important moments and it’s fantastic to do that.”

Meanwhile, for companies still considering how Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and AI can help to promote their businesses, social media coach Kat Rose, founder of Sharpfox Social, was on hand to explain how to maximise the potential. “A well-crafted social media strategy is vital to gain exposure,” she emphasised, with Kat sharing her expert knowhow on how to go to the next level.

The event ended on a positive, reflective note, with Heather Agan de Visser, a self leadership and confidence coach, inviting delegates to ‘Make 2024 Your Best Year Yet’ using an inter-active presentation. “It’s time to reconnect and remember who we are, making time to listen to our intuition, our gut,” she advised.

And there was still more to come. During a lively Women In Business dinner, Ami Rabheru, founder of Retail Huddle, gave

On The Panel Panellists (in alphabetical order) l Sara Allbright, director, Retail 100 Consulting l Sue Marks, Editor of Progressive Gifts & Home l Ami Rabheru, founder of Retail Huddle l Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association Moderator: Clare Harris, founder of Talking Tables

everyone a challenging question to answer that got the table thinking, talking and laughing too.

Building on the success of the first event, there are already plans afoot to hold a second Women In Gifts conference in 2024.

Book Swap Above: Progressive Gift & Home’s Sue Marks was presented with a bouquet of flowers to celebrate her 25th year as editor this December.

Inset: Listening intently: Retail 100’s Sara Allbright (centre left); Sara Miller London’s Sara Miller (centre right).

PROGRESSIVE

31

GIFTS & HOME

During lunch, a book swap took place, organised by book lover and GA chair Louise Welsby, with everyone asked to bring in a business book that meant something to them.

Delegates shared titles that included Good Vibes, Good Life; The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down and Creativity.

32-33 PG&H John Lewis.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 20:49 Page 1

FACE TO FACE: JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS

Inset: The John Lewis Partnership.

CREATIVE THINKING The art world’s loss is clearly John Lewis’ gain, with Jason Billings-Cray, a History of Art graduate, joining the Partnership in 2012 as an assistant at Waitrose while studying for his degree, which was followed with an MA in Contemporary Art Theory.

Eleven years on, PG&H met up with Jason – now John Lewis’ buyer for gifting and cards - at JLP’s HQ in London’s Victoria to hear how he’s combining his creativity with the aesthetics of putting together curated lifestyle collections in collaboration with some leading gifting brands.

F

Inset: Jason Billings-Cray.

or most students, taking a part time job while they’re studying is a rite of passage, but for Jason Billings-Cray, unknowingly, it was a stepping stone to a career with the John Lewis Partnership that is continuing to go from strength to strength.

“I worked at Waitrose throughout my four years at university and loved the Partnership ethos and the business model of shared ownership – it something I was really passionate about it,” he states.

Interestingly, Jason’s move into buying came by chance. “We used to have a Waitrose partnership magazine called the Chronicle, which is now known as the Gazette, and I read a fascinating interview with Paula Nickolds - who was then the head of fashion and who went on to become managing director. I thought her job was so interesting and wanted to know more about a buyer’s role within JLP as it sounded as if it could be a good fit for me.”

Continued Jason: “I emailed Paula to see if there were any internship opportunities, and subsequently did a month with the tabletop team at John Lewis, and have never looked back. For the past seven years I’ve been a buying assistant on curtains, then an assistant buyer on cushions, moving on to become the junior buyer on Christmas. In July 2023, I was appointed buyer for gift collections and cards.

“I buy into lifestyle brands and own brands,” he explains. “Anything can be a gift making it a very varied job which I find very exciting. I buy everything from wash bags, drawer liners and umbrellas to candles and diffusers if they sit within a lifestyle brand. Another interesting part of my role is working with other JL buyers as I get a feed-in from their expertise in a pure product area.”

Jason Billings-Cray: The Lowdown l Three words that best describe you? “Creative, ambitious and thoughtful.” l Did you have a Plan B? “Having studied art for so many years, I initially thought that a career beckoned working for a gallery.” l How do you switch off? “I love to socialise with my friends and family.”

PROGRESSIVE

32

GIFTS & HOME

32-33 PG&H John Lewis.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 20:49 Page 2

FACE TO FACE: JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS Explaining what defines a lifestyle collection, Jason says it’s an opportunity for customers to immerse themselves in every element of a brand. “Sara Miller is a good example, with products ranging from hand creams that address the beauty side to products for the home.”

Of course, lifestyle brands are all different, and as Jason points out, “It’s not one size fits all.” He cites Tinc as an example of a stationery-focused children’s brand that does fun, novelty products, which include pens, erasers, backpacks and lighting, and Stackers which offers stackable jewellery boxes and accessories where there’s an emphasis on storage and travel.

Another favourite is Caroline Gardner, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in Autumn 2023, with JL having an ongoing collaboration with the company for almost three decades. “Although the brand originally started out with greeting cards, which we still stock, the company has also had great success within their homewares sector – especially mugs, plates, coasters and double oven gloves – which are loved by our customers.”

While Caroline Gardner is a well-established brand, an exciting new gifting brand for JL is Elizabeth Scarlett. “The company creates velvet pouches and wash bags embroidered with animals,” explains Jason.

“It’s a very ethical, sustainable brand too, with 2% of the profits donated to wildlife charities.

We know that our customers love animals, so there’s an important synergy. In collaboration

with other JL pure buyers, products in the gifting collection include wrapping paper and crackers. It’s a stretch across several categories, rather than solely a focus on gifting,” Jason highlights.

Additional favourites also include Katie Loxton, with the retailer about to introduce the brand’s new Birthstone pouches as a JL exclusive for Spring. “We also offer Katie Loxton sentiment product that’s directed to the recipient, such as a mum mug, grandma mug, friendship mug etc,” Jason adds.

Encouragingly for JL there’s been a return to the weekend shopper, with families regularly having a day out at one of the stores. “Within the lifestyle brands that I’m buying for, customers are looking for the perfect edit the curation of perfect gifts from each of the companies.”

He says that despite the cost-of-living crisis, gifting is up at JL, showing growth on the year.

“People are buying as normal and we’re expecting that to continue, as we offer something for everyone and for all budgets.”

Jason says what he loves most about his job, is

What’s Trending: Spring/Summer 2024 John Lewis prides itself on setting the trends rather the following them, with Jason highlighting travel as the biggest trend for Spring/Summer 2024. “Post pandemic, people are delighted to be able to travel again, so we will be introducing travel-related products from brands such as Katie Loxton (sunglasses and passport covers), along with travel manicure sets, wash bags and shoe shine kits from men’s gifting brand Gentleman’s Hardware, (a sub brand of Designworks Collective), all with the recipient in mind,” says Jason.

Also trending at JL are alcohol gifts, with Gentlemen’s Hardware tapping into this trend too, offering whisky stones, whisky tumblers and beer glasses which tie in with JL’s alcohol collections.

Post-pandemic, wellbeing too, remains a strong trend. Explains Jason: “In the gifting space, I’m looking for product for customers who come in to buy a gift, but also self-purchase at the same time.”

Seasonality is also becoming a bigger trend across all occasions throughout the year, with customers not only celebrating Christmas, but also Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, Easter and Halloween which are all becoming bigger events.

“Easter in particular has become a much bigger event, where we offer Easter trees, decorations, crackers and more,” Jason confirms. “Plus, we also do Autumn-scaping, with people wanting to put a wreath on their front door. It starts with an Autumnal wreath in September and goes through to Halloween in November, and then Christmas in December. There’s no reason to stop decorating and stop celebrating.”

PROGRESSIVE

33

GIFTS & HOME

Inset: Whisky stones from Gentlemen’s Hardware.

Bottom: Elizabeth Scarlett is a new JL lifestyle collection.

Below center: Caroline Gardner homewares.

working with a cross-section of brands, with creativity a big part of his role. “I love working with people and collaborating,” he states.

“Working on collections is very much about creativity, and it revolves around what I can create through those collaborations. My art education was about aesthetics, understanding colours, shapes and trends as well as analytics. Buying is quite similar because it’s a balance of both creativity and analytics so it actually suits me perfectly.”

Award-winning humour cards...

We're absolutely thrilled to have snagged the coveted Henries Award for the best humorous collection not once, not twice, but a whopping five times!

34_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

15/12/2023 12:34

00-00 PG&H FEEDBACK.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 16:09 Page 2

FEEDBACK

What does 2024 hold for the gift industry? Of course, without a crystal ball it’s impossible to predict.

But to get a steer, PG&H asked some leading suppliers for their opinion.

Challenges & Opportunities Multiple Challenges

Think More Sustainably

“I think the retail environment will continue to be challenging in 2024,” says Clare Harris, founder of Talking Tables. “After all, our consciences are being told to spend less money on new stuff and keep what we have or go to a charity shop. This is an important direction for the planet, but, of course, contradicts splurging out on newness.

However, giving and treating remain human pleasures, so I think well-considered, wellmade product remains valid and secure on the high street.”

Clare adds that today’s consumers are more tuned into the place of manufacture of an item, with many customers not wishing to give their pennies to products made in China.

“As a producer this is hard, as the Chinese are great at manufacturing and easy to work with. So as a business, we are switching

“The really big opportunity is to think more about sustainability in giftware,” says Hannah Dale, founder and creative director of Wrendale Designs. “Consumers and retailers are becoming more and more discerning about partnering with brands, and finding brands that have got strong sustainability values. Therefore, I think there are opportunities to make big improvements, to think more about sustainability as there’s a big opportunity there.

Meanwhile, the cost-of-living crisis continues to be a challenge,” continues Hannah. “People have got less money in their pockets to spend, so they’re thinking a lot harder about what they’re buying and being very careful about how they spend their money, especially if it’s on something special, I therefore think we have to think more and more about the economic climate.”

production to other territories but that comes with some pain and potentially new, higher price points. Plus, as an independent wholesaler, we have to track a trend, aim to do it uniquely, but be ready to de-stock once the category goes mass.”

She adds that Talking Tables will also be starting to measure the carbon output of all of its SKUs as part of the company’s journey to net zero. “This is quite a science and requires multiple pieces of data. It may also throw out some interesting outcomes as transporting in a densely placed shipping container from the Far East may emit less carbon than a vehicle travelling within Europe. So, 2024 will continue to throw up multiple challenges in all sorts of flavours. But no one promised us an easy ride and that’s what keeps us on our toes!”

PROGRESSIVE

35

GIFTS & HOME

Better Things To Come “With retail footfall and spend down, and consumers feeling the financial pinch, I think we would all agree that 2023 has been a very challenging year for our industry,” states Alan Pimm, managing director of SIL/Sifcon.

“However, there is definitely a sense of better things to come. With an increased flow of customers coming to our showroom, all with a more positive outlook, and loving our new ranges, we feel that there will definitely be an upturn in 2024. We already have very good appointments for the early trade shows at Harrogate Christmas & Gift and Spring Fair and these should kick start what we believe will be a successful year.”

Far left: Clare Harris.

Above: Hannah Dale.

Left: Alan Pimm.

UK DU: 02.10.2023

FRANKFURT / MAIN

ThE LIFESTYLE MOvEmENT The most impressive selection from the world of gifts and personal accessories – with its Giving area, Ambiente offers a diverse and out-of-the-ordinary mix, ranging from designer and lifestyle gift items to writing instruments, stationery, school supplies and sustainably produced trend products.

Your industry, your community: ambiente.messefrankfurt.com/giving info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 84

36_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

15/12/2023 12:35

75163-028_AM_AZ_GIVING_Progressive-Gifts-Home_210x297 • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • cd |

26.– 30. 1. 2024

00-00 PG&H FEEDBACK.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 16:10 Page 3

FEEDBACK

Forecasting Is Going To Be A Challenge

Above: Evan Lewis.

Importance Of Responsible Purchasing “The uncertainty in the retail environment for both retailers and suppliers will be the biggest challenge for 2024,” predicts Evan Lewis, founder and managing director of VENT For Change. “While the public at large struggle to make ends meet in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, it is becoming increasingly difficult to forecast the demand for gifts and stock up accordingly.”

As for opportunities, Evan adds: “As a growing environmental and social business, there are still retailers and consumer that want to buy responsibly and choose the right product that protects the planet and the people. Responsible purchasing remains a cornerstone of people’s purchasing decisions and could become even more important throughout 2024.”

"One of the biggest challenges for business in 2024 will be uncertainty in the marketplace,” states Heather Watherston, founder and creative director of Whiz Kid Games. “It used to be that if you had a good January and February, you knew the rest of the year was going to continue in a similar vein and that made planning easy. But now, post Brexit, post Covid, and with all the current geo-political unpredictability not just a war being waged in Europe, but the current situation in Israel potentially threatening stability in the Middle East, and perhaps beyond - forecasting is not going to be quite so easy!”

Continues Heather: “In these uncertain times, and with the gift industry being so seasonal, we are going to have to make some pretty tough decisions when doing our forecasts in 2024. But what we need to remember is that business plans and budgets are forecasts. They aren’t cast in stone. So, we will need to continually reappraise our business strategies as we go through the year and, if we need to, adjust our plans correspondingly.

“We also believe the demand for sustainable gifts will continue in 2024, but with the cost-of-living crisis, we are conscious of the need to keep an eye on costs. Therefore as well as bringing out exciting new titles in our Go Genius board game range, such as the Go Genius IQ, we will also be looking to bring out some smaller, lower-priced card games."

Right: Trevor Cash.

Far right: Andrew Goodacre.

Increase In “The challenges are easy to see,” says Andrew Goodacre, ceo, British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA). “We will still have a cost-of-living crisis that will reduce consumer confidence and expenditure on the high street. However, I am hopeful that inflation will continue to fall, interest rates will be lowered and spending power will be increased. Shoppers have shown they want to spend in shops, as sales online have reduced over the past 12 months. Therefore, there will always be retail opportunities, but small local retailers will have to work harder than ever to really understand their customers, and then make sure that those customers know what’s available in their local shops.”

PROGRESSIVE

37

GIFTS & HOME

Above: Heather Watherston.

Design, Value For Money, Quality “The challenge for 2024 is to continue to be able to offer competitively priced products that combine great design, value for money and quality,” says Mad Beauty’s managing director Trevor Cash.

“With the continuing pressure on the costof-living, it is vital to hit these three metrics every time. The ultimate goal for gifting, in our opinion is to delight not only the receiver but also the giver and we always strive to bring a little joy, not just with our packaging but also the user experience.”

00-00 PG&H Cotton & Grey.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 20:50 Page 1

IN PROFILE: COTTON & GREY

Twenty Minute Candles, the brainchild of Claire Sowden and Paul Banyard, started out as a gift for a friend during the pandemic.

Three years on, despite a saturated home fragrance marketplace, the candles have been such a success that the range not only reached the finals of the Gift of the Year competition in 2022 and 2023, but has grown exponentially, with new products launching for Spring/Summer 2024, and a global market beckoning.

The Gift Of Time Inset: The Little Box Of Hugs range.

Below: A Little Box Of . . . POS trade bundle.

‘‘

Claire  Paul

He thinks he is in charge

D

uring the pandemic, like a lot of people who were stuck at home, Claire Sowden and Paul Banyard were looking for a new project, but say that it was purely serendipitous when they decided to make a homemade gift for a friend.

“It subsequently led us to launch Twenty Minute Candles as a business venture,” explains Claire. “In our other businesses, we have often found that the best ideas came from a personal need for something that wasn’t out there. But it was our friend’s reaction to the gift, and the reactions of the other people that she showed it to - who also loved it - that made us think there was room for a product like this.

It’s how our Twenty Minute Candles gift set, with affirmation cards, was born and, before we knew it, the candles were in the

’’

Gift of the Year finals!”

As Claire points out, lockdown left a lot of people feeling a bit flat, with mental health becoming ever more important. “Our product is essentially a ‘Gift of Time’ for personal use, or to give as a caring present, and from the off it seemed to capture everyone’s imagination. It offers an opportunity to promote wellbeing while enabling people to gift support and love to someone they care about, as we did with our friend. We think it’s a big message in a little box about the important things in life.”

With Claire and Paul both having been involved in the gift industry for many years across various products, there isn’t much they don’t know about bringing a product to market, including the pitfalls. “We are both creative and design-led, and while Paul’s e-commerce background is

PROGRESSIVE

38

GIFTS & HOME

00-00 PG&H Cotton & Grey.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 20:50 Page 2

IN PROFILE: COTTON & GREY extremely useful, my background in the greeting card industry, and all the sentiment that goes with it, has proved incredibly helpful,” points out Claire, “and we are so lucky that our combined skills merge well.”

They share the day to day running of the business and both get involved in all aspects of it, which they enjoy. “After both previously running businesses on our own it’s great having each other to bounce ideas off,” Claire states. “We believe it makes the products and business stronger, and we have been so thrilled by its success and feel very

‘‘

Paul  Claire

Inset: Cotton & Grey’s new Lovely range which covers all family relation titles.

She thinks she is in charge

’’

grateful to be running it together. Keeping up with the demand, as well as moving the product forward, is proving more than a fulltime job for two people! Our original product was the Twenty Minute Candles gift sets, with affirmation cards, and the all-important ceramic candle holder,” continues Claire.

“This was developed as a self-care product and seemed to fit the mood as we came out of the pandemic.”

With Christmas 2021 approaching, Claire and Paul developed the mini box gift sets with titles such as Yoga, Meditation and Relaxation Candles, and as it was such a new product, they wanted the title to explain their use. “These new titles really caught people’s imagination, so we developed the mini ranges and added some sentiment to the box titles, rather like a greeting card - and the rest is history. Over the past two years we have never looked back. We now have six title ranges in the mini range, with more to come. The idea of taking some time out of your day for wellbeing, in a caring gift, with a kind thoughtful message, has proved to be a winning combination.”

The candles are 100% pure beeswax and have a subtle, honey aroma. “We don’t add fragrance as the candle is essentially a timer, so we want to use a natural beeswax for its simplicity and the mesmerising quality of its clean burning flame,” Claire highlights.

As for packaging, she emphasises that the whole customer experience is hugely important and can be felt in the quality of the packaging overall. “We take considerable time writing the message for each title, as well as in creating beautiful designs for each collection, aiming to achieve the right look on our ranges. In fact, we are great believers that quality packaging is everything and is a vital part of our product.”

With wellness a huge global industry now, and the cost of living crisis ongoing, Claire concurs that they have been very lucky with the candle sets. “The concept is perfect for

Inset: Cotton & Grey’s co-founders Paul Banyard and Claire Sowden.

tough times like these, with a great RRP price of just £14.95. We haven’t noticed any resistance during the financial downturn and the shops keep coming back for more – for which we are very grateful.”

To date, one of the most important highlights for the couple has been getting into the finals of Gift of the Year competition for two consecutive years – in 2022 and 2023. “Entering the Gift of the Year, and being successful, really did help get our product seen by so many people so soon after we launched,” enthuses Claire, who adds that another highlight has to be the look on people’s faces when they first see the product and understand the message behind it. “It reminds us what giving is all about.”

PROGRESSIVE

39

GIFTS & HOME

As for opportunities for Cotton & Grey going forward into the new year, Claire says that she and Paul are very excited about 2024. “We don’t feel we have touched the surface of the products potential in the UK gift market and beyond. We have many more title releases to bring to market and are keen to develop our collaborations with other businesses offering our white label ranges. We also intend to develop our overseas market. The climate is tough at the moment, no one can deny that, but we still have so many avenues to explore.

“Our current new launches will be unveiled for Spring/Summer 2024 at Top Drawer, Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring and Spring Fair, and as the Cotton & Grey products continue to grow organically, we’re very much looking forward to the next 12 months, and are feeling very optimistic that we’ll have a strong first quarter.”

Inset: The 20 Minute Candle gift set.

40_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

18/12/2023 14:26

00 Libby's lines.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 17:08 Page 2

’ Libbys Lines Inset: Lovely Libby’s festive windows.

Below: Libby Holden welcoming customers.

It may have been a slower start to Christmas than Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, was expecting but fortunately, December has been a festive frenzy, with the average spend up, as a delighted Libby reveals. “

W

d

we were completely overwhelmed by the response.

I think as Black Friday has risen in popularity, people are becoming more aware and sympathetic of the detrimental effect it can have on small businesses. Therefore, while we still appealed to customers by offering a discount, (albeit only on certain ranges), there was definitely more drive to choose to support small over one of the biggest weekends of the year in retail.

We also held our usual late night shopping evenings, offering free fizz and mince pies as a little thank you to those choosing to shop local. Not only do these events help to create a real buzz and sense of community around the shop, they also give people who find it hard to get to us during working hours the opportunity to come and buy with us. Both definitely contributed to helping us get as many people through the door as possible, and it’s something I would urge all small businesses to take part in.

Overall, 2023 has been a tough year for retail – but it’s nothing that we haven’t faced before! Last year was our first full year out of lockdown. Everyone was on a high, happy to be out and we found that this definitely resulted in more lax spending over the Christmas period as people seemed to just be grateful to share precious moments with family. However, this year brought quite a different story.

With an impending cost-of-living crisis, people began to tighten their belts, and everyone seemed unsure as to what the year may bring. But – we made it!

We’re not too sure what 2024 will bring, but we know that now, more than ever, we will focus on buying the right products at the right price, continuing to fly the flag for small independents and to injecting life into the high street.”

TILLS ARE JINGLING

d

riting this mid-December, we are definitely in the midst of the Christmas madness here at Lovely Libby’s! And, it would appear that this festive season has certainly arrived with a bang. Contrary to what we predicted, it seems that customers have concentrated the bulk of their shopping in late November and December as opposed to spreading the cost in light of the cost-of-living crisis. I won’t lie – we were worried when November began and there was a severe lack of festive feeling around. Customers were constantly telling us Christmas was the last thing they wanted to think about, but it was obviously all we could think about!

The weather has definitely played its part in shaping shopping habits this year. With the late summer, we almost jumped to winter overnight, and there seemed no time for any transition into the Christmas build-up. It seems to have literally dawned upon customers in the blink of an eye, which explains the sudden surge in spending late November and December.

The concentrated spending has result in a higher average spend for us. Whereas in previous years customers have come in and bought bits here and there, we are finding that they’re now coming in with lists of what to buy and who to buy for. This has had a positive outcome for small independents like us. Customers seem to be overwhelmed with how quickly Christmas has come about. We are known for devoting time to each individual shopper, ultimately giving them a personalised shopping service which you don’t get in a big chain store. This, combined with our free gift wrapping, definitely pulled in stressed-out shoppers to shop local and support the high street.

We have been doing everything possible to entice customers to shop small, such as hosting our first ever Black Friday event in-store. We participated last year online as a means to promote the website, and while it was successful, we were apprehensive about taking part this year. As an independent we simply cannot afford to offer the kind of deals that the big boys do, and I know there was some talk about boycotting Black Friday in support of small businesses. However, we chose to take the risk and offer a discount in-store and online on all Alice Wheeler, Katie Loxton, and our entire clothing collection, and

d

d dd

PROGRESSIVE

41

GIFTS & HOME

42-43 PG&H Harrogate.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 16:55 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT ON . . . HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT

It’s Getting To Feel A Lot Like Christmas – 2024 That Is Inset: Stem trees from Kaemingk with real, FSCcertified wooden trunks, made in Europe.

Below: Among the new Christmas 2024 launches from Lesser & Pavey.

H

arrogate Christmas & Gift 2024, now in its 74th year, is set to be another bumper show, with the event close to selling out. “This year, there was unprecedented demand for exhibition space, with the show 25% bigger than 2023, and over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest launches,” confirms show organiser Simon Anslow. “While the exhibition is fanfared as predominantly a ‘Christmas’ event, it attracts

As gift retailers wave goodbye to Christmas 2023, it’s Christmas 2024 that’s on their minds as they head to the Harrogate Christmas & Gift show which will be opening its doors at the Harrogate Convention Centre from 14-17 January.

But it’s not only Christmas that’s being showcased. Visitors will find the latest 2024 launches for Easter and Halloween too, as well as what’s new in giftware, as show organiser Simon Anslow explains. almost every garden centre buyer in the UK, so it makes it a ’must visit’ for companies catering for this retail market. An example is Smart Garden Products, which exhibited for the first time in 2019 and this year have taken a stand that’s more than treble the size.”

Over 30 new companies will be exhibiting in January, alongside a myriad of the industry’s favourite names, with festive products PROGRESSIVE

42

GIFTS & HOME

spanning everything from Christmas decorations, trees and lights to Christmas cards and crackers. In addition, there will be a wealth of gift ideas ranging from home fragrancing and bath and body to plush toys and garden ornaments, with many exhibitors showcasing products for other special occasions during the year too, to include Halloween and Easter.

42-43 PG&H Harrogate.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 16:56 Page 2

SPOTLIGHT ON . . . HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT

Returning brands include Lesser & Pavey, Gisela Graham, Norfolk Leisure, Premier Decorations; Festive Productions; Floralsilk; Kaeming and Konstsmide. Lesser & Pavey's brand new launches for 2024 feature decorative items to include soft plush, with a new pet’s corner showing dogs, for example, looking smart in festive hats. Other new products on the company’s stand will feature of high-quality artificial Christmas trees to the wooden advent calendars and wall hangings Bosk collection, with features including natural with festive messages, all of which can be touch tips. used for Christmases to come.

“Consumers want more from their tree, they And on the fashion accessories front, hats, want it to stand out from the rest, and the gloves and socks will add another dimension current market doesn’t always offer that,” to the Lesser & Pavey festive comments Norfolk collection, along with Leisure director, Debbie Harrogate Christmas Christmas themed Desire Waudby. “The core & Gift: At A Glance diffusers, featuring values of our Bosk When: January 14-17, 2024 fragrances such as cinnamon Christmas collection are Where: Harrogate Convention Centre to reflect the essence of to create products that Tel: 01902 882280 Email: simon@harrogatefair.com Christmas. Meanwhile, a last a long time and are Web: www.harrogatefair.com Kooks range, in collaboration well priced.” through a licensing As for newcomers to partnership with Bug Art, offers six new the January show, they include Tallon additions – Christmas characters Rudolph, International which will be introducing the Robin, Gonk, Mutt, Kitten and Penguin Festive Wonderland Christmas range, across fine china mugs and coasters, trays, unveiling six trends that range from traditional glasses, baubles, cushions, and premium and kid-centric styles to festive brights, all of gift bags.

For buyers looking for festive firs and more, Christmas tree specialists Inset: Norfolk Leisure’s Norfolk Leisure will be sparkling reindeers are part of the company’s new 2024 introducing Bosk, the Christmas collection. company’s new Christmas Collection, featuring their own range of Christmas lights and Christmas trees for 2024.

The range includes a collection of illuminated ornaments, such as glittering reindeer, novelty snowmen and a stack of sparkling presents, with LED lights suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

The company will also be introducing a new range PROGRESSIVE

43

GIFTS & HOME

Inset: Visitors browsing the aisles at Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2023.

Below: Jingles is one of 30+ newcomers to the January show.

which are available in co-ordinating collections, alongside bags, wrap, cards and tags.

Jingles meanwhile, will be unveiling Christmas across seasonal themes, decorations, lights and trees, while also exhibiting for the first time will be fair trade gift company Namaste-UK, which offers a Christmas range in addition to other gifting sectors.

“We’re looking forward to a bumper turnout,” enthuses Simon, “as we know that visitors will be totally spoit for choice as they plan their purchases for Christmas 2024.” Visit www.harrogatefair.com

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM Make your appointment now!

Harrogate Christmas & Gift 14 – 17 January Hall M | Stand M1 NEC Spring Fair 4 – 7 February

Embrace the

Hall 6 + 7 Stand 6A50-B51

Festive Magic & Celebrate the Season!

Contact us via

WWW.KAEMINGK.COM or contact your sales representative

44_GH January 2024.indd 1

18/12/2023 19:10

45_47_Harrogate WN.qxp_52-53/55 18/12/2023 13:36 Page 1

,

1: Glassware To Reflect The Home

What s

New

The new ‘Azure’ range from Lesser and Pavey features a vase, bowl and platter. These are from the ‘Vincenza Glass Collection’ and all pieces in the range are handmade by skilled workers capturing a marble like pattern of differing colourways to create a look of movement within each item. The items are also offering unique in shape and finish, while the colourways are a good reflection of the home décor and upholstery that is trending currently with the consumer.

Lesser & Pavey Visit: Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Hall A, Stand A6 T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk

2: All Things Merry And Bright The Straits Trading Christmas Collection for 2024 is certainly merry and bright. The company has chosen a range of over 450 products including Christmas trees, glitter spinners, decorations and ornaments. Many products in the range are fitted with LEDs to ensure there is lots of sparkle. There is also a selection of animated and musical decorations in the Magical Winter Village, with the charming scenes helping to capture the spirit of the festive season.

The Straits Trading Co. Ltd Visit: Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Stand C41 T: 01254 300260 E: sales@straitstrading.com W: www.straitstrading.com

Harrogate Chrisstmas & Gift 14th - 17th Jan nuary 2024

3: Everything You Could Wish For And More Norfolk Leisure is starting 2024 with not just new hopes and dreams like the rest of us, but with plans for a new Christmas collection, Bosk. Experts in distributing Christmas trees over the last 10 years to its catalogue of loyal garden centres and online retailers, Norfolk Leisure has begun the journey of distributing its own range of Christmas lights and Christmas trees for 2024. The new Bosk range features a collection of illuminated ornaments to fill your showroom with glistening reindeer, novelty snowmen or a stack of sparkling pressies. LED lights and multiple colours and sizes are available with all of them suitable for indoor or outdoor use. To complete the range, Norfolk Leisure is introducing a new range of artificial Christmas trees to the Bosk collection. All are packed full of features, including Natural Touch Tips, and are available in multiple sizes and styles. Head of global sourcing for Norfolk Leisure, Aaron Sue, believes: “The standard of our Bosk trees and decorations is above anything we’ve ever seen before, the quality is unmatched and we can’t wait to introduce them into the UK and Irish markets.”

Norfolk Leisure Visit: Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Hall B, Stand B15 T: 01553 811717 E: enquiries@norfolkleisure.co.uk W: www.norfolkleisurelifestyle.com

4: Brighten Up Your Coffee Break These super bright white mugs, with matching ceramic coasters, are the latest lifestyle range from Global Journey Gifts. With full colour glaze and intricate designs inside the mugs that complement the outside wording beautifully, the specialised range of mugs and coasters is as unique and innovative as it is colourful and attractive.

Not to mention surprisingly affordable and competitively priced. With high temperature decals inside and out, they are also fully microwave and dishwasher safe.

Global Journey Visit: Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Hall A, Stand 31 and Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand A41 T: 0161 872 0333 E: isamuels@global-journey.com W: www.global-journey.com

5: Desirable Home Fragrance Lesser and Pavey’s Desire range of fragrance products has been expanded with a new range of diffusers. With pastel coloured containers, bamboo reeds and matching floral feature, the new addition is ideal for the spring. Fragrances include the six bestsellers - Velvet Rose and Oud; Pomegranate Noir; Lavender and Chamomile; Vanilla and Anise; Fresh Linen; and Fig and Lotus. Each diffuser comes in complementary gift packaging.

Lesser & Pavey Visit: Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Hall A, Stand A6 T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

45

GIFTS & HOME

HARROGATE

STAND Q12

WE’RE BACK

and better than ever WIDDOP.CO.UK WIDDOP.CO.UK 46_GH January 2024.indd 1

18/12/2023 21:39

45_47_Harrogate WN.qxp_52-53/55 18/12/2023 14:28 Page 2

,

1: Dog ‘n’ Bone Pet Signs

What s

New

A new range of 32 signs from Global Journey consists of eight dog bone lead hangers and 24 hanging signs.

The products are made from ultra durable plywood for outdoor use, modified by an innovative treatment that makes the panel exceptionally durable. Exceptional surface quality, stability, lightness and ease of machining, thanks to its wood sourced from sustainably managed fast-growing plantations.

Global Journey Visit: Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall A, Stand 31 and Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand A41 T: 0161 872 0333 E: isamuels@global-journey.com W: www.global-journey.com

2: Stunning New Floral Gift Packaging

Harrogate Chrisstmas & Gift 14th - 17th Jan nuary 2024

Design By Violet’s new floral gift packaging can support your plant and cut flower sales by giving you not just a solution, but a reason for people to buy more plants and flowers to give as a gift. A revolution for the plant and flower gift category and one that will give customers incremental sales, not only for plants but also for gift wrapping products. You can see the new collection at Harrogate Christmas & Gift or Spring Fair, or pay a visit to the company’s showrooms in Manchester.

Partisan Products Visit: Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Hall B, Stand 4 and Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand J12 T: 01942 409409 E: sales@designbyviolet.co.uk W: www.designbyviolet.co.uk

3: A Fresh Take on Traditional Décor Introducing Everlands' new FSC certified Stem Trees, a fresh take on traditional décor, sourced straight from Europe. The trees are not just products; they aim to symbolise our commitment to sustainability and quality. A perfect addition to your assortment, they bring a touch of European sophistication, ready to transform any space. With Everlands, you're not just selling trees, but an experience of style and sustainability.

Kaemingk Visit: Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Hall M, Stand M1 T: +31 543 49 88 00 E: info@kaemingk.com W: www.kaemingk.com

4: Exciting New Candle Brand D & J Glassware has unveiled its newest brand: Waxham Candle Company. Taking its name from a favourite place on the Norfolk coast, the brand’s Soy Wax Candles and Melts are hand poured in small batches in the heart of Norfolk. There are 12 fragrances to choose from including Christmas designs: something for all tastes. The recyclable tins are decorated with colourful designs, with some inspired by D & J Glassware’s fused glass animals. Bespoke labelling is possible for tailoring a range that is unique to the retailer or visitor attraction. Contact David and Jocelyne for further details or visit the company’s stands at Harrogate Christmas and Gift, Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring and Spring Fair.

D & J Glassware Visit: Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Stand Q40, Scotland’s Trade Fair, Stand J20 and Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand B13 T: 01953 450280 E: dandj.glassware@btinternet.com W: www.dandjglassware.co.uk

5: Fabulously Funky Introducing the Lesser and Pavey balloon ceramics dogs, inspired by the balloon dogs that many a clown or entertainer created out of balloons at children’s parties. Now they have become popular with adults as an imaginative home accessory. Numerous Hollywood movies have featured large balloon dogs in action such as the Night at the Museum and Spider-Man, and video games such as Grand Theft Auto Online. Lesser and Pavey has already seen significant success with the initial balloon dog range in a variety of colours. The new range of superbly finished dogs come in colours that are reflective of current home décor trends pearlescent, gunmetal grey and iridescent.

Lesser & Pavey Visit: Christmas & Gift: Hall A, Stand A6 T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

47

GIFTS & HOME

48-49 PG&H Home Decor.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 18:08 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT ON: DECORATIVE HOME ACCESSORIES

Home is where the heart is, and never more so since the pandemic, when people not only got out their paint pots and paintbrushes, but also looked at updating their decorative home accessories to give rooms a new look and feel.

PG&H took a peek at some of the upcoming launches for 2024.

Home Sweet Home Inset: Part of the Scion Living Home collection from Enesco.

F

ew would disagree that making a house a home is all in the detail: frames showcasing much loved family photos that bring back happy memories; vases and plant pots filled with flowers, fresh or faux; decorative reed diffuser vessels that add to the decor; candlesticks for the table, at the ready for special occasions; a quirky wall clock for the hall or the kitchen, trinkets and ornaments for a dressing table or shelf... the list is endless. And the best thing about decorative home accessories is that, for the most part, they don’t cost the earth, and can be mixed and matched or replaced and updated as trends dictate.

“How we want to decorate our homes has recently shifted,” says Enesco’s trade marketing manager Aylish Ellwood. “As a nation we are looking and hoping for a more

Right: Wrendale Designs’ tea, coffee and sugar canisters.

Inset: Lesser & Pavey’s ceramic balloon dogs.

positive outlook, and a big part of that is creating a happy place, a happy home. Our new, upbeat Scion Living Home features zesty colours, clean Scandiinspired designs and fresh ideas across coordinating vases, planters, candles, trinket trays, place mats and coasters, showcasing the brand’s iconic Mr Fox and other inspiring designs, all of which are designed to make people smile.”

Decorative home accessories are an important category for Joe Davies too, with

the company developing new ranges and additions, all of which will be launched at Spring Fair. “For example, customers can expect some great new developments in our best-selling Village Pottery collection of tea lights, planters and

Something Different At Lesser & Pavey, high quality ceramic balloon dogs are proving a winner say the company, inspired by the dogs that clowns and entertainers create out of balloons at children’s parties.

“Many Hollywood films have featured large balloon dogs in action too, to include Night at the Museum and Spiderman, as well as video games such as Grand Theft Auto Online,” points out managing director Julian Hunt.

He says that nowadays, ceramic balloon dogs are popular with adults too, as an imaginative home accessory. “We have seen significant success with our initial balloon dog range in colours that are reflective of home decor trends, such as pearlescent, gunmetal grey and iridescent.”

Other decorative home accessories from the company include the Azure range featuring glass vessels and bowls from the Vincenza glass collection. “All the pieces are handmade and unique in their shape and finish, capturing marble-like patterns of different colourways to create a look of movement, with the colours reflecting trends in home decor and upholstery,” states Julian.

PROGRESSIVE

48

GIFTS & HOME

48-49 PG&H Home Decor.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 18:09 Page 2

SPOTLIGHT ON: DECORATIVE HOME ACCESSORIES Left Mushroom ceramics are among the home décor products currently trending for Joe Davies.

Tip Top Home Décor Trends oil burners,” confirms managing director Paul • 2024 will see an explosion of vibrant patterns Hooker. “Bold colours are in, along with and daring prints, featuring different ways to garden and Spring themes.” experiment and incorporate playful designs into the home by using statement pieces or mixing He adds that 2023 rounded off the year with and matching bold patterns. some upcoming trends that the company will • Also trending is a nostalgic revival, with ‘90s interior style giving homes a sense of retro charm be extending into 2024. “They include slip and playful eclecticism through bold, colourful glaze pottery and mushroom-themed patterns, geometric shapes and metallics.

(Source: Press Loft) products which are really coming into their own now,” emphasises Paul.

At Gisela Graham, the company has 500 new interior products at the end of 2023, launched a range of floral design ceramic the company’s 2024 interior season has put a vases and pressed glass pastel bud vases for focus on tactility, introducing irregular, organic Spring. “The range is fresh, pretty, soft and form and touchable textures. “Launching in delicate - ideal for the start of a new year, January, the new interior collection will with vases continuing to be a strong category showcase thousands of new lines across for us and in all mediums,” confirms the accessories, furniture and Christmas company’s home and Inset: Ceramics are part gift buyer, and NPD Inset: PMC’s personalised of the Ourea range hanging slate. manager Nahal Khaligh. from Widdop & Co’s Hestia collection.

Meanwhile, new for Widdop & Co in the company’s Hestia range is Ourea, with head of marketing, eCommerce and content, Catherine Paul highlighting its timeless appeal. “It’s a fusion of rustic warmth categories,” confirms Lolly Lee, managing and contemporary coolness that embraces director of The Orangery Collection, principal natural textures, blending earthy tones, agents for Bizzotto in the UK & Ireland. “The terracotta shades, and stoneware to create colour palette is a mix of deep forest a harmonious balance,” she explains, greens, dusty pink adding that, “Ourea marries weathered and rich mustard elements with modern décor across tones which are wood, linen, stone and ceramics.” contrasted against a Following Bizzotto’s showcase of monotone palette.”

Inset: Gisela Graham’s new vases for Spring.

PROGRESSIVE

49

GIFTS & HOME

Inset: New from Bizzotto.

For those who like to add personalisation, PMC’s new homeware accessories for 2024 include the company’s Flower of the Month range, which includes slate signs and ornaments. “Featuring soft, neutral colours, the range complements all types of décor and home styles,” says marketing director Keren Dicken. “People can add a subtle personalised element too, with our freestanding heart for example, making a lovely gift for grandparents. Or they can add their own family names.”

Kitchens too, are an ideal place to display decorative items, either co-ordinating with, or brightening up worktops. Comments Wrendale Designs’ founder and creative director Hannah Dale: “Decorative accessories, or unique kitchen items, help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, with our tea, coffee and sugar canisters illustrated on every surface. They look lovely sitting on a counter, bringing a little bit of the countryside into the home.”

With the home very much where the focus is, decorative home accessories is a category that gift retailers are happily tapping into.

est 2004

Come and see us at Spring Fair!

Hall 4 stand 4J10 DISCOVER THE ENTIRE RANGE OF

PERSONALISED GIFTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

WWW.PERSONALISEDMEMENTO.CO.UK

sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

THE UK’S LEADING SUPPLIER OF DROP SHIP PERSONALISED GIFTS

50_GH January 2024.indd 1

18/12/2023 13:59

51_Home Decor WN.qxp_52-53/55 18/12/2023 18:16 Page 1

,

1: Papillon Collection

What s

New

Shabby chic is a popular and romantic alternative to the more opulent styles that are currently trending in home décor. The new Papillon collection from Joe Davies falls into this aesthetic and features wooden style photo frames, plaques, coaster sets, tealight holders and hanging hearts all with a stylish, yet warm and welcoming look. Pretty 3D butterflies, elegant cut out captions and the all important heartfelt message all give this range an elegant, worn look. Captions for the range include Mum, Nan, Home, Friends and Family and each piece has been designed in soft muted tones that will sit well in most homes making them perfect to give as gifts. Joe Davies is well known in the industry for its signature ‘little and often’ quantities and its low minimum order value of £100. Its friendly, award winning team will be waiting to welcome you onto the stand at Spring Fair and show the extensive range of new gifts.

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 home décor products available to retailers now

2: New Unique Home Décor Range Concrete & Cacti is a North Yorkshire-based studio specialising inhandcrafted concrete pots, homewares and gifts paired with easy-care houseplants, succulents and cacti. It offers a great range of home decorations. Each of the concrete items are individually handmade, which makes each one unique in character. The company loves the raw and rustic nature of concrete paired with the simplistic beauty of bright green leaves. Surface pattern and texture is celebrated.

Concrete & Cacti Visit: Top Drawer, Stand A16 and Scotland’s Trade Fair, Stand LG14 T: +44 7568 360714 E: trade@concreteandcacti.com W: www.concreteandcacti.com

3: Daisy Daisy Collection Berserks Glass Works designs and creates beautifully handcrafted wholesale fused glass interior statement pieces, gifts and home décor. Tactile textures and an expansive colour palette showcase the Daisy Daisy Collection, a perfusion of daisies with sparkling, jewel-like glass centres. Inventive techniques, liberal amounts of new discoveries, eccentricity and laughter result in unique pieces fused with the magic of handmade and the essential essence of the West Country.

Berserks Glass Visit: Giving and Living, Stand 739 T: Matt Jones on 07725834945 E: info@berserks.co.uk W: www.berserks.co.uk

4: Colourful New Products For The Home Tilnar Art has some fantastic new products lined up for 2024. The company has a new fresh Brushed Forest Green Collection due in February 2024. The striking items are Fair Trade and handmade by Indian artisans working in cooperatives, the products are made from recycled aluminium and come in differing colours. The designer gift comes in a gift box to make the perfect present for loved ones.

Tilnar Art Visit: Scotland’s Trade Fair, Stand K13 and Spring Fair, Hall 5, Stand E22 T: 01277 297259 E: sales@tilnarart.co.uk W: www.tilnarart.co.uk

5: Personalised Floral Name Plaques Personalised Hotchpotch plaques from Personalised Memento Company will help to show your mum how much you care for years to come. Adorned with dainty flowers and your own sentimental message, the personalised plaques make a wonderful gift for any occasion, including birthdays and Mother’s Day. Part of PMC’s new licensed range of Hotchpotch gifts. Keep an eye on the website to see the full range of products due to be released soon.

PMC Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand 4J10 E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

51

GIFTS & HOME

52_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

15/12/2023 12:36

53 PG&H Top Drawer.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 21:33 Page 2

SPOTLIGHT ON . . . TOP DRAWER SPRING/SUMMER 2024

A bigger show, brand new awards, the new Business Hub, as well as the return of RetailFest and Launchpad, are just some of highlights visitors can expect when they head for Top Drawer Spring/Summer 2024 in January, with organisers Clarion Retail getting ready to welcome everyone to a retail wonderland.

New, New, New V

isitors to Top Drawer Spring 2024 (taking place at London’s Olympia from 14-16 January) will be treated to the show’s most diverse product offering yet, say organisers Clarion Retail, with over 25% of the floorplan playing host to brand new exhibitors making their show debut. “There will be more newness than ever, big name brands from home and abroad and top quality insight,” enthuses show manager David Wesbrooke. Some 25% of exhibitors will be new to the show, with over 10% hailing from overseas. Due to unprecedented demand, the company is expanding the Wellbeing and Greetings & Stationery sections for 2024, with the sections on course to see over 50% growth at the January show.

Among the show highlights is the introduction of the inaugural Spotlight Awards, highlighting the best in class across

all sections of the event, with 600 hand-picked contemporary brands presenting their new collections to over 10,000 retailers. “As we strive to remain at the forefront of creativity and design, we wanted to celebrate the amazing talent we have exhibiting with us each year, and I’m delighted to launch these awards to highlight all the unique and wonderful products that have caught the judges’ eyes this season,” continues David.

A distinguished judging panel, made up of industry experts including retailers, designers and members of the Top Drawer team, will select the winners for each category, with the results announced at the show on Sunday 14 January.

For retailers looking for inspiration and practical advice, the hottest trends will be on display courtesy of Top Drawer’s show partner The Better Trends Company, with the trends area helping buyers to discover what’s going to be influencing consumer habits in 2024.

Also returning will be RetailFest which will once again hold a range of sessions covering the most important PROGRESSIVE

53

GIFTS & HOME

Inset: Busy aisles at Top Drawer.

Below left: Visitors browsing one of the stands.

Below: Quirky reed diffuser from The Eclectic Lifestyle Company who will be among the exhibitors in the Gift sector.

issues that retailers are likely to face in the coming year. And after its successful introduction at Top Drawer Autumn/Winter last September, the Business Hub will also be returning across all three days of the Spring/Summer edition with an expanded line up of industry experts on hand to give tailored guidance to retailers to ensure that they’re ready to hit the ground running. Plus, the show’s Launchpad sector will be returning, curating 25 new designers across a range of product sectors.

The show’s nine curated sectors feature Craft, Fashion, Food Emporium, Gift, Greetings & Stationery, Home, Launchpad, Play and Wellbeing. To register, visit topdrawer.co.uk

Notebooks made using recycled ocean waste plastic and 100% recycled paper.

Sustainable stationery with style Protecting the planet and supporting children’s education projects worldwide with every item sold. retail@ventforchange.co.uk

52_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

www.ventforchange.co.uk

12/12/2023 19:25

55_Top Drawer WN.qxp_52-53/55 18/12/2023 18:17 Page 1

,

1: Stunning Design and Product for Artists

What s

New

The ‘Walter Crane Swan range is one of a number developed for the new Off-the-Shelf Fine Bone China Collection from Ceramic Design Heritage. For the first time, Ceramic Design Heritage is offering a range of ready-made Fine Bone China Tableware and Giftware Ranges. The collection will feature historic giftware featuring William Morris and Walter Crane designs and a Table and Teaware range featuring Honey Bee, Rosehip and Rainbow Scallop Collections. CDH has traditionally specialised in bespoke giftware production for artists and heritage sites throughout the UK and can create your own brand with low minimums and set up costs on a comprehensive range of fine bone china, British melamine and textiles.

Ceramic Design Heritage Visit: Top Drawer, Stand G32 T: Paul Travis on 07909 539574 E: paul@cdheritage.com W: www.cdheritage.com

2: New Chic Collection In response to the dynamic voices echoing in the market about designs for the younger generation, Signare is thrilled to present its latest venture - the Chic Collection.

The company is proud to unveil a collection that captures the untamed and free spirits of wild animals, Leopard, Zebra and Cow, all done in the most eco-friendly manner.

Signare Tapestry Visit: Top Drawer, Stand G37 T: 0127629483 E: info@acjade.co.uk W: www.signaretrade.co.uk

3: New Garden Path Collection Nestled in North Cornwall, St. Eval combines traditional and contemporary methods to sustainably craft candles and home fragrance with people and the planet at heart.

Inspired by the essence of secret gardens and flourishing blooms, St. Eval’s new Garden Path collection is home to a trio of delicate aromas that guide you through a botanical haven of nature’s finest scents. Presented in beautiful pots adorned with soft pastel shades that echo the joyous hues of spring and summer.

St. Eval Visit: Top Drawer, Stand H53 T: 01841 540850 E: info@st-eval.com W: www.st-eval.com

4: Ocean Waste Plastic Notebooks VENT for Change, the sustainable stationery brand that protects the planet and supports children’s education projects, is launching its new Ocean Collection of notebooks made using recycled ocean waste plastic and 100% recycled paper along with matching recycled pencils.

VENT for Change Visit: Top Drawer, Stand N56 T: 07395 284 788 E: lucy@ventforchange.co.uk W: www.ventforchange.co.uk

5: You’re Lovely Collection Launching in January 2024 the ‘You’re Lovely’ collection of 20-minute relaxation candle gift sets are titled with all relations, male and female, with mix and match patterns.

The box contains 12 20-minute candles and a ceramic holder. Take 20 precious minutes for your relaxation and wellbeing with the handmade pure beeswax candles from Cotton & Grey. Light a candle, enjoy its warm glow and let the mesmerising flame restore your inner calm. See all the designs across the company’s collections at www.cottonandgrey.com/brochure.pdf Cotton & Grey Ltd Visit: Top Drawer, Stand J88, Scotland’s Trade Fair, Stand K32 and Spring Fair, Stand 4E81 T: Claire on 07876763774 E: info@cottonandgrey.com W: www.cottonandgrey.com

6: Luxurious Shower Experience BrambleWood’s natural Shower Steamers have been created to offer a beautiful new aromatherapy experience at home. The new product contains 10 individually wrapped handmade shower steamers. Each steamer is created using the finest essential oils and decorated with a beautiful array of dried botanicals to transform an ordinary shower into a luxurious, spa-like experience.

Bramblewood Soap Visit: Top Drawer, Stand M87 E: bramblewoodsoap@outlook.com W: www.bramblewoodsoap.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

55

GIFTS & HOME

56_GH January 2024.indd 1

18/12/2023 14:00

57_59 PG&H Bath & Body.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 17:50 Page 1

SPOTLIGHT ON . . . BATH, BODY & WELLNESS

Inset: Scottish Fine Soaps Naturals Coriander & Lime Leaf collection.

Mind & Body Matters

Below centre: BrambleWood Shower Steamers are new for 2024.

Wellbeing is not just a buzzword; it’s a physical and mental state that has evolved from the pandemic, with people seeking out products that will help them to de-stress and to take good care of themselves and those around them.

The good news for gift retailers is that there’s a wealth of gift-led product on the market.

W

ith mental health a mainstream topic, bath and body companies have been paying attention, with a myriad of products on offer ranging from oils and roll-ons to soaps and bath salts.

“Consumers are increasingly conscious about what they use, as well as the impact the products they purchase have on the environment, and as a brand we have reacted to this,” explains Scottish Fine Soaps head of sales Kim Reid.

“Our100% naturally derived formulation for the Scottish Fine Soaps Naturals Coriander & Lime Leaf collection includes a luxurious body cream infused with vitamin-rich avocado oil from damaged avocados that are not suitable for retail, as well as UK sourced flax seed oil. It’s an indulgent gift that looks after the environment and was shortlisted this year for a UK beauty award.”

She continues: “Meanwhile, given the current trends around self-care, mindfulness and wellbeing, it’s the reason we launched our Aromatherapy collection in 2023.

Each product contains essential oils specially blended to help with the day-to-day, with our Men’s Grooming Collection, Thistle & Black Pepper Beard Oil, also shortlisted for a UK beauty award in 2023.”

Kim adds, that many of the company’s ranges are also suitable for vegans. “We continue to see an uplift in plant-based products with traceable ingredients, and in 2024 we are excited to be launching additions to our key collections to include Sea Kelp hand wash refill in a larger format 1.2L recyclable pouch, refilling our 300ml bottle four times and infused with the same locally and sustainably sourced seaweed and kelp extracts,” she confirms.

“The bath, body and wellness industry is witnessing a significant shift, as consumers increasingly opt for natural, organic products free from preservatives, colourants and SLS,” comments Laura

PROGRESSIVE

57

GIFTS & HOME

Cullen, founder of BrambleWood Soap Co, winner of the Gift of the Year 2023 Best Beauty, Bath & Spa Product or Range category. “The trend underscores a growing consciousness towards health and environmental sustainability.”

As more people seek transparency in their skincare and wellness products, she says that there's a noticeable gravitation towards handcrafted, small-batch products. “This movement is a reflection of a deeper change in consumer values,” Laura continues. “People are more informed and concerned about the impact of the products they use.

Inset: Calm & Unwind from Freckleface.

T 01359 250720

www.manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk

Drawer Liners I Drawer Sachets Hand Wash & Moisturising Lotion I Pot Pourri Reed Diffusers I Room Sprays I Scented Candles 58_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd.indd 1

15/12/2023 14:27

57_59 PG&H Bath & Body.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 21:06 Page 2

SPOTLIGHT ON . . . BATH, BODY & WELLNESS Inset: A Wellness box from Herb Dublin distributed by Enesco.

We are committed to sourcing only the finest natural and organic ingredients. Each of our products is handcrafted in small batches, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. For 2024, we are launching new natural, individually wrapped handmade Shower Steamers scented with the finest essential oils to transform an ordinary shower into a luxurious, spa-like experience.”

Also putting a focus on bath, body and wellbeing products is Freckleface. “They counteract the mental health issues and stresses we are currently seeing in the world around us,” says co-founder Tara CarlileSwift. “The sector is very important to us and something we have started to build on already by creating four essential oil blends, available in rollerball and essential oil, that are aimed at managing different moods/issues.

For example, our Calm & Unwind range encourages good mental health and helps to combat stress. We hope to launch a new bath bomb in 2024 too.”

Herb Dublin meanwhile, distributed by Enesco, has put together a Wellness box, with Enesco’s trade marketing manager,

Inset: Fiesta Forever pinata gift set from Mad Beauty.

Aylish Ellwood, pointing out that, in preference to professional beauty services, people are looking for products designed to nourish their bodies and minds and improve their physical and mental well-being.

“They’re selecting DIY home alternatives, and as we go into 2024 there will be a big focus on sleep,” she predicts, “with the ritual being about running a bath, adding Epsom detox salts or a bath bomb Inset: FYG supplies spas, as well as hotels with essential oils, then and gyms.

Smelling Sweet exfoliating and Below centre: Heathcote For many home fragrance companies, bath, & Ivory’s Intensive stimulating the skin with body and wellness has become a growth sector Body Care Set. in relation to the hospitality industry too. a dry brush. This ritual “Our products are predominantly for hotels, could also include spas and gyms who want to create a certain identity or ambience,” explains home lighting a candle, fragrance/bath and body company FYG’s dimming the lights to founder and managing director Demi create a relaxing Pendakis. “Our larger bottles can be refilled for a sustainable lifecycle, with key fragrances ambience, and using a including Lemongrass & Ginger, Black pillow mist spray.”

Pomegranate and Rock Salt & Driftwood.”

In response to the evolving landscape of the bath, body, and continue the forest bathing ritual theme wellness sector, Mad Beauty is aligning its three new self-care sets which encompass new launches for Spring both bath - with Refresh & Reset - and body 2024 with current consumer with the Intensive Body Care Set. Plus, there’s trends. “Post-pandemic, an exciting new tack, with the third new there's been a significant product a Hair Scent & Style Set, which consumer shift towards brings wellness hair fragrance and a playful prioritising wellness, with a style to our offering.” focus on enhancing physical Meanwhile, Widdop & Co’s brand and mental health amid development manager, Joanne Cunliffe, challenges related to the highlights the company’s recently introduced cost of living,” states Mad Aromatherapy Company Naturals range. “It Beauty’s creative director aligns with the self-care trend through its Julia Cash. “Consumers are selection of soothing yet indulgent scents. actively seeking costPersonally, I find the warming Rose Jasmine effective strategies to provide a sense of wellbeing into their homes. Our Inset: Aromatherapy Company Naturals range products are designed not from Widdop & Co. only to facilitate the coveted 'spa at home' experience, but also to introduce playful concepts that surprise and delight users, adding an element of joy to self-care routines.”

New Mad Beauty launches for Spring 2024 include the introduction of the Veggie Friends collection, the Fiesta Forever collection, inspired by the vibrant spirit of Mexico, and the Wild at Heart collection. “It’s a range of bath, body and beauty products that adds a touch of excitement to self-care routines, whether it’s bought as a self-purchase or as a Oud to be the ideal scent gift for someone special,” says Julia. for unwinding at the end of the day. “ At Heathcote & Ivory, creative director With Valentine’s and Mother’s Day on Lesley Aaronson highlights new the horizon, and wellness the order of the developments for SS24 in the company’s day, as suppliers and gift retailers are William Morris At Home Forest Bathing range. discovering, a self-care gift for a special “We are launching new products that someone ticks all the right boxes.

PROGRESSIVE

59

GIFTS & HOME

60_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

15/12/2023 12:37

61_Body and Bath WN.qxp_52-53/55 18/12/2023 18:38 Page 1

,

1: Beautiful Gift Ideas

What s

New

Since its origins in 1974, Scottish Fine Soaps has built an international reputation for quality products, sophisticated fragrances and beautiful gift ideas. Its products are sold around the world and it is proud to remain a Scottish, family-owned business based near the Ochil Hills in Stirlingshire. The 2024 catalogue includes the 100% naturally derived Coriander & Lime collection, the classic Au Lait range and the bestselling marine scented Sea Kelp products.

Scottish Fine Soaps Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 3A, Stand 3W10 T: 01324 573402 E: sales@scottishfinesoaps.com W: www.scottishfinesoaps.com

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest bath and body ranges available to retailers now

2: Perfect Relaxation Bath Kits Encourage self-love, gratitude and inner healing with the herbal ritual bath kits from Something Different Wholesale. The natural and vegan bath salts are made with Himalayan salt and infused with essential oil to boost self-esteem and relaxation. Light a spell candle, visualise a goal and transform bath time into a ritual focused on selfnurturing. Ritual bath kits for happiness, self-love, abundance and stress-less are available.

Something Different Wholesale T: 01792 940288 E: customercare@somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk W: www.somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk

3: Spoilt For Choice 2023 was a superb year for Manor House as it continues to welcome more new stockists on board. The company launched Antibes & Portofino & Mustique to its already extensive offering. Meanwhile, the newly launched collection of Soy Wax Candles in Tins – silver tins for year round and gold for Christmas – exceeded all expectations; they are offered in all 30 of the fragrance collections and feedback has been positive. The collection encompasses 30 fragrances to choose from – the company’s largest offering to date – and is complemented with a range of luxury hand wash and moisturising lotions. 2024 will see further new additions, with creative work well in hand.

Manor House Home Fragrance Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 3T31 T: 01359 250720 W: www.manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk

4: Back To Basics Range FYG, UK’s Home Fragrance Gift of the Year Winner, is excited to be bringing its washes and lotions from the popular Back to Basics range to Top Drawer. Covering all fragrances from Citrus, to Fruity, to Woody/Musk, the 500ml and 300ml options are popular among stockists, spas and hotels.

FYG Visit: Top Drawer, Stand L60 T: +44 208 914 7974 E: demi@fyghome.com W: www.fyghome.com

5: Ultimate Aromatherapy Bathing Experience Calm your senses and detoxify your body with Agnes and Cat Bath Salts. Each Bath Salt has amazing benefits and with added pure essential oils will create an ultimate aromatherapy bathing experience - the perfect way to treat both your body and your mind.

The Himalayan, Epsom and Dead Sea salts are unscented.

Agnes and Cat bath salts are mixed and packed in small batches in the company’s production room in Sheffield. It uses natural and vegan friendly ingredients, with all bath salts beautifully presented in a box with attached wooden scoop that can be used as a measuring tool.

Agnes & Cat T: 0114 26 777 23 E: enquiries@agnesandcat.org W: www.agnesandcat.org/acsalt

6: Bath And Body Gift Set That Ticks All The Boxes The gift box that keeps on giving from Bettyhula. The exquisite set not only provides a pampering experience with a wash, luxurious sea salt and cane sugar scrub, plus a bamboo cloth, but also ticks all the right boxes for your conscious customers – vegan, proudly British, crafted with natural ingredients, and thoughtfully packaged in ecofriendly sugarcane tubes. They are also perfect for Mother’s Day. Bettyhula T: 01943 880296 E: bettyhula@bettyhula.co.uk W: www.bettyhula.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

61

GIFTS & HOME

62-63 PG&H Andrew Illingworth USE.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 18:55 Page 1

LOOKING BACK: ANDREW ILLINGWORTH

Memories Are Made of This Former Widdop & Co sales director Andrew Illingworth may have retired from the company this summer, but his love of the gift industry remains as strong and as enthusiastic ever.

The good news is that he will be a familiar face at the upcoming Spring trade shows, meeting and greeting old industry friends and colleagues and doubtless sporting one of his stylish, colourful ties!

Talking to PG&H, he reflects on his lengthy career at Widdop, spanning some 45 years.

B

y his own admission, Andrew Illingworth has always been a people person, loving nothing more than engaging on every level with the gift industry, but, most especially, meeting and greeting customers on the Widdop stand at trade shows, treating every visitor as a valued friend.

He was born into a business that was founded by his great, great grandfather William Widdop 140 years ago in 1883, with Andrew (who describes himself as “driven, dependable and impatient”) working in the warehouse and helping at trade shows from an early age. Aged 17, he was driving the company’s vans and doing deliveries as well

Inset: Andrew in his home office.

Below: Andrew and his brother Stuart on their first visit to Hong Kong.

Bottom left: Andrew proudly holding The Greats Honorary Achievement award 2016.

as assembling grandfather clocks which, he remembers, included movements from the Black Forest and cases made in the UK. “My brothers and I went to boarding school, and as we had very long holidays, our dad, Robert, (known as Bob) would encourage us to spend time working in the business,” he points out.

That ingrained work ethic meant that he was eager to start work, rather than continuing his education. So, after studying for a while at a college in Leeds, he took a job at Ratner’s the jewellers in Manchester’s Arndale Centre, before starting at George Makin in Shudehill – a wholesale jeweller that Widdop acquired in 1980.

“On my first day at Makin, I was told by an old hand to remember two things - profit is sanity, turnover is vanity (in other words, to get your priorities right), as well as manners maketh the man, meaning that you should treat everyone as you wished to be treated yourself. He also told me that, as a salesman, I PROGRESSIVE

62

GIFTS & HOME

should always listen, and to retain my humility at all times. I have followed his advice ever since, and it has served me well. The customer is always right.”

While at Makin’s, Andrew worked through all the departments, keeping his ear close to the ground. “It was a very busy showroom at the time, serving the jewellery and gift trades in the North West, and I focused on customer requirements, listening to what they wanted,” he recalls.

He always knew that his natural abilities were in sales, and the people side of business, which tapped into his love of networking. The business soon diversified into varied outlets and products, with many garden centres opening accounts with the company. “In the early years they were just experimenting with gifting but today, garden centres represent a

62-63 PG&H Andrew Illingworth USE.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 18:55 Page 2

LOOKING BACK: ANDREW ILLINGWORTH

Personally Speaking On a personal level, a truly memorable career high point for Andrew was being presented with The Greats Honorary Achievement Award in 2016. “It came completely out of the blue and was extremely humbling,” he states.

Plus, as chairman of The Giftware Association, a post he held from 2012-2014, he says, “it was a privilege and honour to present a Greats Honorary Achievement Award to Oliver Tress, founder and managing director of Oliver Bonas, in 2012.”

Andrew served on The Giftware Association’s national committee for ten years, commenting: “It was the great people in the trade that stand out to me the most, as well as how diverse the product offer was across the committee and the industry as a whole.”

Inset: Andrew Illingworth with his dog Walter.

huge part of mystique and adventure. Although it was 38 Widdop’s sales,” he years ago, I can still remember the smell of emphasises.

Hong Kong, with some of Although Andrew Widdop’s suppliers officially started working today among those for Widdop the same we met on that trip. year that the company Previously we had acquired Makin, he had been buying unofficially started working remotely.” for the company part time Another milestone some five years earlier. For him there was moment for Andrew was moving into never a ‘Plan B’. “I was determined to make Widdop’s purpose-built 120k sq. ft warehouse things work out for the good of both me and in Chadderton, in 1998, which had a state-ofthe business,” he states. “I had boundless the-art distribution centre, with airenergy, but I was never conditioned offices complacent. I always and a “brilliant” Making Time to Relax . . . worked tirelessly to make showroom facility.

Although Andrew is now involved with property development, as well as being a it happen and to support He says his Trustee of a local charity, he likes nothing our team.” everlasting better than taking his fox red Labrador Walter out for a walk.

His early years at memories will “He is a young animal and requires a lot of Widdop were always be the walking and exercise. This is my greatest predominantly spent countless trade pleasure, as well as being out in the garden during the summer months.” selling UK shows he has been manufactured/sourced a part of over the goods that included Queen Anne silver plate, years, and of stock rooms. “When I started as well as brands such as Ianthe, Cooper out in the early years, Blackpool was still in Ludlam, Westclox, Smiths Clocks, Acctim, operation. It was smaller, but still important, Bentima, LCC, plus numerous suppliers of long after the show moved to the NEC in the 24% lead crystal, as well as Oneida cutlery, ‘70s. As a company, we have done many J A Main jewellery and a myriad of other regional shows over the years, to include jewellery/gift and fancy goods ranges. He exhibitions in Glasgow, Newcastle, explains: “Gradually, we saw a massive Manchester, Cardiff, Exeter, London, Brighton, change in the industry, and as UK suppliers and Dublin, as well as in Europe and East came and went, the need for innovation saw Asia. The one constant has been the us sourcing from overseas.” fellowship of all the customers and staff I In a career that has spanned well over four have met over the decades, who have decades, there have, of course, been many supported Widdop and myself so loyally memorable highlights. Among them is flying and for which I give immense thanks into Hong Kong’s old airport, Kai Tak, in 1985 and appreciation. In fact, I keep in with his brother Stuart. “I was an extremely touch with many of our retired excited 25-year-old, and we went out to employees as well as customers.” enhance our offer as well as to source He continues: “The industry has products and see suppliers face to face for always been full of characters, and this the first time. It was a big thrill, with a certain has never changed in 40+ years.

PROGRESSIVE

63

GIFTS & HOME

Technology has continued to evolve, and at Widdop we have always had pride in keeping ahead of the game. Being nimble in our attitude to change our IT investment over the years has set us apart – to include being early adopters of the internet and online selling and boy how that has changed all of our lives for ever!”

It comes as no surprise that Andrew still pops into the office to see the company’s loyal team, “some of whom I have known for more than 30 years,” he points out. “However, my role now is to look after my family, particularly my wife Susie, who is my biggest asset, and who has been my rock for over 35 years. After a devasting brain diagnosis of my oldest daughter Gemma in November 2021 at 28 years old, our lives have changed forever both for her and for us as a family. We now care for her 100% of the time with great support from RDS (Rare Dementia Support) who are funded by the National Brain Appeal charity (nationalbrainappeal.org). Along with family and friends we have great support, but it is tough and heartbreaking. Meanwhile, my passion for Widdop will never run dry. For me it is a lifetime of work, and I would like to thank my brother Stuart for all his support over the years, and wish Dan and Stephen Illingworth all the luck and the same enjoyment that I have experienced.”

Inset: A young Andrew at the NEC some 30 years ago.

64 Giving & Living WN.qxp_52-53/55 17/12/2023 13:29 Page 1

,

1: Grow Something Different

What s

New

Gardening for Kids is all about getting kids off screens and getting outdoors and experiencing the world around them. Entice them with easy-to-grow, eco-friendly kits to grow their own flowers, fruit and veg. If they’re feeling adventurous, check out the Grow Something Different range and grow some interesting plants they may not have seen before.

Gardening for Kids Visit: Giving and Living, Stand 459 T: 01440 847817 E: hello@gardeningforkids.co.uk W: www.gardeningforkids.co.uk

2: Whirlpool Waves Designed and handcrafted in-house at the Berserks Glass Studio, the Whirlpool Shoaling Wave Art collection showcases magical fusion, textures and merging colours, pitched as perfect for bringing beachy vibes right inside your home or workspace.

Discover how Berserks Glassworks creates beautifully handcrafted wholesale fused glass interior statement pieces, gifts and home décor by visiting the company at Giving and Living in January.

Berserks Glass Visit: Giving and Living, Stand 739 T: Matt Jones on 07725834945 E: info@berserks.co.uk W: www.berserks.co.uk

3: Irresistible Iridescent Jewellery With on-trend iridescent shimmer and yellow-blue colour combos, as well as striking new hand-painted statement sets, you’ll find many gorgeous new pieces in the SS24 jewellery collection. Choose from floral, watercolour and vibrant retro designs in the new super soft scarf range, while there are lots more launches in the popular magnetic brooches. Reasonable prices and £100 minimum order with no MOQs. Branded displays, FSC certified packaging and POS available.

Miss Milly Visit: Giving & Living, Stand 618 T: 01905 622509 E: hello@missmilly.co.uk W: www.missmilly.co.uk

4: New And Exclusive Designs Talbot Fashions is a leading UK wholesaler of high quality, sustainably sourced, inlaid paua shell in the gift boxed Tide Jewellery collection. Many of the designs are exclusive and designed in-house, fully tested and compliant with REACH regulations, as well as competitively priced. New and exclusive designs which will enhance current collections of pendants, earrings, studs, brooches and pin badges include a harvest mouse, cat face studs, good luck pixie, badger, fox and moon, with more to come.

New additions that might not be in the catalogue are added to the website as soon as they are available at www.talbotfashions.com.

Talbot Fashions Visit: Giving and Living, Stand 516/415 T: 01273 776415 E: info@talbotfashions.com W: www.talbotfashions.com

5: Stunning New Collections Fair trade brand Earth Squared will be attending Giving and Living for the first time and will be showcasing its new spring 2024 collections. Featuring handbags, scarves, purses and more, Earth Squared is a verified B Corp and designs all products in-house with a focus on quality and value for money. With a minimum order £100 ex VAT, great customer service and new collections in stock, visit www.earthsquared.com for more information and to order.

Earth Squared Visit: Giving and Living, Stand 520 T: 01620 892289 E: sales@earthsquared.com W: www.earthsquared.com

PROGRESSIVE

64

GIFTS & HOME

65_Scotland Trade Fair WN.qxp_52-53/55 18/12/2023 18:18 Page 1

,

1: For The Love of Scotland

What s

New

The team at Zippy & George is proud to produce new items under licence from North Coast 500. In recognition of the fantastic partnership, Zippy & George will be showcasing the new giftware range at Scotland’s Trade Fair.

Zippy & George Visit: Scotland’s Trade Fair, Stand L31 T: 01503 261491 E: sales@zippyandgeorge.co.uk W: www.zippyandgeorge.co.uk

2: Pretty As A Peony Inspired by the blooming beauty of spring, Enesco’s latest glass in its Designs by Lolita collection is the Pretty as a Peony Wine Glass.

The glass encapsulates the essence of delicate floral elegance. Pretty as a Peony Wine Glass is expected to be another bestseller and will coordinate well with other items from the Lolita collection, while also adding to the collectability appeal for customers. Featuring vibrant colours and elegant artistry, it exudes an enchanting spring floral feel, perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any occasion.

Every Lolita glass begins life as a sketch. The glasses are then blown using traditional techniques and are hand-crafted. As all of the glasses are made using this method, very slight variations can occur in the thickness of the rim or the weight of the product — all adding to the charm that is a Lolita glass.

Enesco Visit: Scotland’s Trade Fair, Stand F12 T: 01228 404022 E: uksales@enesco.co.uk W: www.enesco.co.uk

21-23 January

SEC Glasgow

3: Stunning New Designs A new collection from Reeves & Reeves includes a Silver and Golden Hummingbird Necklace which is a new take on the bestselling Hummingbird design. The company has added touches of 18ct Gold Vermeil to the exquisitely textured sterling silver to create the necklace.

Reeves & Reeves Visit: Scotland’s Trade Fair, Stand E90 T: 01460 221630 E: caroline@reevesandreeves.com W: www.reevesandreeves.com

4: Brighten Up Your Walls Celebrating great UK locations has been at the core of Zippy & George’s approach to giftware.

In response to demand, the team has introduced accompanying gift items to its established and highly recognisable wooden arrows and plaques. High quality products are designed and printed in Cornwall and the team works closely with stockists of all sizes to provide bespoke and customised items. New licences have been secured and now include Emma Lawrence Designs and North Coast 500.

Zippy & George Visit: Scotland’s Trade Fair, Stand L31 T: 01503 261491 E: sales@zippyandgeorge.co.uk W: www.zippyandgeorge.co.uk

5: Perfect Gift for Special Birthdays Introducing the perfect way to celebrate a special milestone, Enesco is proud to present the latest figurine in its Kloche collection – 30th Birthday Kloche Figurine. Keeping with its classic vintage style, the miniature decorative piece is crafted to perfection and makes a wonderful gift to commemorate the milestone birthday.

Not only does this figurine invoke nostalgia and inspire new adventures, but it is also launching at a time when Enesco is celebrating its own 30th anniversary. The 30th Birthday Kloche is part of a wider birthday milestone collection being launched for the 2024 season. The full range includes the key milestones of 21, 30, 40 and 50. Kloche is Enesco’s first eco-friendly collection, designed in the UK and produced using sustainably sourced wood and glass domes instead of plastic.

Enesco Visit: Scotland’s Trade Fair, Stand F12 T: 01228 404022 E: uksales@enesco.co.uk W: www.enesco.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

65

GIFTS & HOME

New Advert Jan 24.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2023 11:03 Page 1

66_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

15/12/2023 12:37

67_69_General WN.qxp_52-53/55 19/12/2023 10:33 Page 1

,

1: Stunning Stud Earrings

What s

New

CME invites you to ring in the New Year with its new range of stud earrings. Pearls, CZ, amber, hearts, flowers and animals all feature, and they are pitched as being perfect for gift collections for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. CME is one of the leading importers of just-for-trade sterling silver jewellery in the UK and has been helping retailers large and small build perfect collections for their customers for over 40 years.

CME Leicester Limited T: +44 (0)116 283 2240 E: sales@cmejewellery.co.uk W: www.cmejewellery.co.uk

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

2: Fun And Funky Key Rings Hot Tomato always has some fun and funky key rings / bag clips and their new clutch – some of which are featured here – are no exception. So why not shimmer and shine your way into the new season with these fabulous, affordable and practical pieces – they make for a great gift too if you can bring yourself to part with them that is!

Hot Tomato Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 7, Stand A71 T: 01225 422188 E: sales@hot-tom.com W: www.hot-tom.com

3: What’s New Pussycat This cat on the roof is really retro, inspired by a holographic badge from the 80s. Last year Wild Things made a huge investment in Austrian crystal in order to maintain quality. It means that the company can create this special midnight colourway - just right for a straggly old cat gazing longingly at the object of his desire across the rooftops.

Wild Things Gifts Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand B22-C23 T: 01392 211268 E: sales@wildthingsgifts.com W: www.wildthingsgifts.com

4: Equilibrium Molten Metal Collection The molten metal jewellery trend takes jewellery to a whole new level and there is no better or more unique way to elevate your look. The new Equilibrium Molten Metal Collection from Joe Davies offers elegant style focusing on detail that gives it a distinctive shape and look. Inspired by the fluidity of molten metal, the necklaces, bracelets and earrings have been designed to spark the imagination, while there is an emphasis on quality, packaging and individuality. Ordering from the Joe Davies gift and jewellery collection is both easy and affordable using the company’s ‘little and often’ ordering system.

Joe Davies Visit: Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand C10-D11 T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

5: Beautiful Vintage Inspired Brooches We are head over heels with the latest vintage inspired brooches from Hot Tomato – a few of which are featured here. They are super-fun and provide an easy way to edit your individual look.

With prices averaging £7 to £12 in-store they make for a wonderfully affordable gift, too.

Hot Tomato Visit : Spring Fair, Hall 7, Stand A71 T: 01225 422188 E: sales@hot-tom.com W: www.hot-tom.com

6: Relaxeazzz Puckator will be attending this year's Spring Fair with a whole bunch of fantastic new products.

Back with a bang after its 2020 GOTY win in the Novelty category, the Relaxeazzz travel cushions range has expanded with some new characters and designs including Henry the otter, and Puff the pufferfish. The travel cushions are pitched as being perfect for keeping kids comfy on long journeys.

Puckator T: 0800 0116969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

67

GIFTS & HOME

Eco-friendly - recycled & recyclable Fairtrade & handmade by Indian craftsmen

NEW FOR 2024

The market is seeing a rise in new green coloured products, reflecting a growing trend towards eco-friendly and sustainable choices.

Tilnar Art is excited to again be at the forefront and be launching a fresh new Brushed Forest Green Collection to its existing Azeti range of recycled gifts in 2024!

Spring Fair – 4 – 7 February 2024 Hall 5 Stand E22 – NEC Birmingham sales@tilnarart.co.uk www.tilnarart.co.uk 68_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

15/12/2023 12:38

67_69_General WN.qxp_52-53/55 18/12/2023 18:20 Page 2

,

1: Create The Perfect Ambience

What s

New

Creating a nice home environment to live in is so important, after all it is where you retreat to after a busy day. To help perfect your ambience, Puckator has launched a selection of new soapstone incense burners. Coming in bright colours and bold designs, the Tree of Life and Om ash catchers fit perfectly in more vibrant homes. For more home fragrance options, head on over to Puckator.co.uk.

Puckator T: 0800 0116969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

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

2: Personalised Dinosaur Book and Toy Set PMC is excited to announce its new matching personalised dinosaur book and wooden toy set. The set makes a wonderful gift for any little one, encouraging development in a fun and exciting way.

The child can count along with the beautifully illustrated book as they play with the corresponding dinosaurs, and find their name hidden within each page. Visit PMC’s website to see its full range of personalised books and make sure to visit the company at Spring Fair to see the wide selection of new products and designs it has for 2024.

PMC Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand 4J10 E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

3: Hours Of Fun Every house needs a pack of playing cards or two - for those relaxing rainy evenings inside with the parents or playing in the back of a car on long journeys. Puckator is bringing out a whole bunch of new playing cards this winter. Coming in a range of different designs from the gothic skulls and roses, through to the jungle themed Animal Kingdom, you are guaranteed to find your perfect style.

Puckator T: 0800 0116969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

4: Strike A Pose Ever wondered what animals get up to when we are not looking?

The new Selfies range by Love Country gives us a peek at what these cheeky characters would get up to if we left a camera unattended.

Fun and quirky, the Selfie Card Collection offers your customers a humorous range packed with character. Printed on quality FSC card supplied with envelopes packed or unpacked, the cards are launching in January ready for spring displays.

Love Country T: 01502 507352 E: support@lovecountryuk.co.uk W: www.lovecountryuk.co.uk

5: Gifts to Love “I think these lovebirds are going to fly,” commented Jules from Wild Things. “I’ve been meaning to do a lovebirds design for ages, found time recently and I’m really happy with the result. Definitely one to drive the winter blues away. Stained glass effect with Austrian and Czech beads and a rainbow making crystal ball – what’s not to like?”

Wild Things Gifts Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand B22-C23 T: 01392 211268 E: sales@wildthingsgifts.com W: www.wildthingsgifts.com

6: Faithful Friends These charming dog figurines standing 21cm high will appeal to all animal lovers. Crafted from polyresin, the body is coated with a beautiful brown flock which gives a velvet fun touch. Available singularly or as a pair.

JJ Vaillant T: 0121 667 3629 E: info@jjvaillant.co.uk W: www.jjvaillant.co.uk PROGRESSIVE

69

GIFTS & HOME

70-71 Best Sellers.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 17:59 Page 1

BEST SELLERS SARAH HALSALL, OWNER, HANDPICKED BY HENRIETTA, POYNTON; BLUEBIRD’S NEST, CHAPEL-EN-LE-FIRTH Both are small to medium gift and card shops in the centre of village high streets.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Fragranced Giftware

Wild Fern Ireland: Christmas Spice;

Smells of Christmas.

Beautifully packaged.

Wild Olive: box of mixed wax melts

Beautiful scents. Packaging is eco and completely plastic-free.

PoM: across the board

Well priced, on trend designs.

Joe Davies: Equilibrium

A consistent best seller. Price points are on point.

Greeting Cards

Cherry Orchard: Nature’s Diary

A birthday month collection that features the UK's nature and wildlife through the months.

Giftwrap

Glick

Great high quality wrap.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat

The company will be 25 in 2024 so customers have grown up with Jellycat and are becoming collectors.

Jewellery

Right: Wild Fern.

Below right: Nature’s Diary from Cherry Orchard.

OLIVIA REILLY, OWNER, LITTLE BOAT GIFTS, BRIGHTLINGSEA A coastal gift shop on a small high street.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

House of Disaster: mugs;

Customers love the range of coastal-inspired home accessories, especially the mugs with hidden details inside.

Below: Kew Gardens

Shoeless Joe: mango wood

Bowls and tableware feature simple but stunning coastal designs which do especially well during the summer.

The English Soap Company: Kew Gardens;

Amazing quality and beautifully wrapped soap.

We have continued to expand our display.

The Country Candle Company: Polkadots and Superstars

The candles in a tin are made in the UK and are vegan friendly.

Fashion & Fashion Accessories

Miss Sparrow: bamboo socks

These were a hit in the run up to Christmas, featuring fun, colourful designs for both men and women.

Greeting Cards

Alljoy Design

The most popular range is Message In A Bottle. They’re definitely keepsake cards.

Giftwrap

The Unique Paper Company;

We love their different colour combinations and choice of a craft or more glamorous glitter design.

Cinnamon Aitch

As well as beautiful cards the gift bags are beautifully designed with contemporary designs.

Love Cocoa confectionery;

Delicious chocolates in both truffles and biscuits in beautiful classic packaging.

Orange Tree Toys: mini puzzles

Wooden toys in plastic-free packaging. Customers particularly love the new mini puzzles in drawstring bags.

Bergamont and Ginger soap.

Fragranced Giftware

Other Hot Hits

Above: A large costal-themed cup from House of Disaster.

PROGRESSIVE

70

GIFTS & HOME

70-71 Best Sellers.qxp_Grid 18/12/2023 17:59 Page 2

CAROLINE RANWELL, OWNER, HUGS & KISSES AND NUMBER 43, BOTH IN TETTENHALL A village gift shop and fashion boutique on a high street.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Richard Lang: across the board;

A great range of photo frames, mugs, coasters, jugs and small plaques.

East of India: across the board

Best sellers are sentiment mugs, coasters and hanging plaques. Plus, the little matchboxes featuring a small ceramic token and a message.

Inis: across the board;

The fragrance is amazing across candles, diffusers, perfume, shower gel, hand cream and more.

Marmalade of London: candles and diffusers

A gorgeous range of top quality candles in tins or glass jars, with matching diffusers.

Crumble & Core: boxed cards;

Lovely boxed cards that come with a pair of pretty sterling silver earrings.

Envy: costume jewellery

High quality jewellery; beautiful designs at a great price with lovely packaging.

PoM: across the board;

Fabulous scarves, socks, gloves and jewellery.

Chalk: clothing

We do well with their sweatshirts and jumpers. Amazing quality.

Greeting Cards

Five Dollar Shake

Stargazing is a best seller. The range is beautiful and sells so well.

Giftwrap

Glick

Best sellers are Stephanie Dyment, Paper Salad and Rachel Ellen juvenile wrap.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat: Amusables fruit, veg and cakes;

Lovely, high quality plush with matching books.

Rosie Made A Thing: across the board

Coasters, bookmarks and notepads match their best-selling cards. A perfect pick-up line.

Home Fragrancing

Jewellery

T

Fashion & Fashion Accessories

Above right: Crumble & Core floral Bright Blooms boxed jewellery cards.

Right: A humorous coaster from Rosie Made A Thing.

ANDREA PINDER, OWNER, PRESENTATION, BARROWFORD A large village gift shop and bistro.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Rader: lighthouses and tea light holders

Beautiful designs in white porcelain with gold finishes.

Fragranced Giftware

Marmalade of London: candles;

Top of the list for candles and body products.

Henry & Co: wax melts

They fly out of the shop.

Jewellery

Joma Jewellery: sentiment bracelets and earrings

All are silver plated in lovely packaging.

Fashion & Fashion Accessories

PoM: across the board

Hats, scarves and gloves for men and women in matching fabrics. Lovely packaging.

Greeting Cards

Five Dollar Shake

The price is high, but our customers love them.

Giftwrap

Partisan Products

Great quality and design.

Other Hot Hits

Warmies: slippers and hot water bottles;

All are microwavable, beautiful to touch and suitable for adults and children.

Jellycat: across the board

We sell Jellycat products every day.

Right: Henry & Co Christmas collection wax melts.

Above right: New ‘A Littles’ bracelets from Joma Jewellery.

PROGRESSIVE

71

GIFTS & HOME

PRODUCT DIRECTORY Cotton & Grey

twenty minute relaxation candle gift sets to calm the mind

cottonandgrey.com/brochure.pdf

Mr&Mrs Fragrance

Distributed by Broughton & Beech Ltd 01270 335034 sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk www.broughtonandbeech.co.uk

Julie Dodsworth

Produced under license by Broughton & Beech Ltd 01270 335034 sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk www.broughtonandbeech.co.uk

Over 1000 items in stock with no minimum order rexlondontrade.com

ai167949764918_INIS_95x78_ProgGiftHome_04.pdf

1

22/03/2023

15:07

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

72-73_Product Directory.indd 1

18/12/2023 14:01

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

COLOURFUL HOMEWARES & ACCESSORIES CONTACT: T: 07791 903201 E: emily-smithdesigns@outlook.com W: www.emily-smith.uk

3

MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER BOTTLE BRAND

SHORTLISTED

Klean Kanteen is a must have to meet consumer demand for great products built with integrity and care for both people and the planet.

Distributed in the UK and Ireland

by Whitby & Co (UK) Ltd  sales@whitbyandco.co.uk  01539 721032

72-73_Product Directory.indd 2

18/12/2023 14:01

Bestsellers.qxp_New Grid 18/12/2023 21:35 Page 1

BEST SELLERS

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

CRUMBLE & CORE T: 01825 841412 E: crumbleandcore@gmail.com W: www.crumbleandcore.com

JOE DAVIES T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

POM T: 01225 777749 E: sales@pom925.com W: www.pom925.com

MARMALADE OF LONDON T: + 44 (0) 1242 257509 E: sales@marmaladeoflondon.com W: www.marmaladeoflondon.com

HENRY & CO T: 0333 1882006 E: orders@henryandco.co.uk W: www.henryandcofragrance.co.uk

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

PARTISAN PRODUCTS T: +44 (0)1942 409 409 E: sales@partisanproducts.co.uk W: www.designbyviolet.co.uk

THE COUNTRY CANDLE COMPANY T: +44 (0)1249 478660 E: sales@thecountrycandlecompany.com W: www.thecountrycandlecompany.com

ENESCO T: 01228 404022 E: uksales@enesco.co.uk W: www.enesco.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

74

GIFTS & HOME

IBC_GH January 2024.indd 1

18/12/2023 14:03

OBC_GH Jan Feb 2024.indd 1

15/12/2023 14:23