Progressive Gifts & Home - March/April 2018

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The ONLY awards that celebrate gift retailing in the uk lunchtime thursday may 17 2018 the grosvenor house ballroom, park lane, london I would like to book………………place(s) at £168 per place + VAT With thanks to Claire Coxon and Image Source for supplying images from Claire’s Art Deco range.

I would like………………table(s) of ten at £1680 per table + VAT I would like………………table(s) of twelve at £2016 per place + VAT I enclose a cheque made payable to Max Publishing Debit my Visa/Mastercard (please delete as necessary) Card No...........................................................................................................

Expiry date........................................................................... Start date.......................................................................... Security code...........................................

Address if different to company address....................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Name................................................................................ Company Address......................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tel............................................................................................................................. Fax.................................................................................................................................... email....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

All bookings must be accompanied with payment. We will be unable to refund any cancellations after 1 May. Tickets and invoice will be sent to you once payment has been received.

Please return this booking form with payment to: Createvents Ltd, 450, Brook Drive Reading Berkshire RG2 6UU Tel: 01183 340085 or by E-mail: clare@createvents.co.uk www.createvents.co.uk

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www.maxpublishing.co.uk The home of market leading trade magazines

EXHIBITIONS

THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS

This Month

@Prog_Gifts

A double drum roll please! This issue, we’ve got two major announcements to make! Firstly, a huge thank you to all the wonderful, eclectic gift retailers who entered The Greats this year and to those of you who submitted nominations. It was definitely our biggest entry in the 16 years of the competition, making it a very closely fought contest indeed! For the retailers who have made it to the finals - to see who they are please turn to pages 6-7 - a massive congratulations to you! As you can imagine, the social media platforms have been in overdrive these past few weeks buzzing with the news!

It’s now a nail-biting few weeks until the winners are announced at the glittering Grosvenor House Awards lunch taking place on Thursday May 17. Tickets have been selling fast, so if you’d like to be a part of the industry’s most exciting and biggest networking day of the year, please contact our events manager Clare Davies at Createvents e: clare@createvents.co.uk or phone 01183 340085. For more details about the Awards, turn to page 9.

Secondly, we can now reveal the eagerly awaited findings of the recent PG&H Retailer Barometer, our annual survey that accurately pinpoints what retail was like for gift indies in the previous year. Asked to sum up retail in 2017, not unsurprisingly, the majority of respondents said that it was ‘challenging’. However, there were lots of positive descriptions too, and I’d like to add my own adjectives about the industry: the five ‘e’s’: entrepreneurial; evolving; energetic; eclectic and happily sometimes, a bit eccentric!

It’s easy to put bricks and mortar retail down - we all know, only too well unfortunately, how very tough it is - but we also know that it’s the retailers with self-belief and progressive thinking that drive success; retailers who are passionate about their business and their customers and who stay optimistic.

Which brings me to the two day Retail Week Live conference, held near London’s 02 at the beginning of March, that had me glued to my seat! Amid swirling rumours about the impending closure of Toys R Us and Maplin, some of the biggest names in high street retail - Steve Rowe, the ceo of Marks & Spencer, and John Rogers, ceo of Sainsbury’s Argos, to name just two of the speakers - took to the stage to share their vision of retail over the next few years. It was absolutely fascinating, so read what they had to say on pages 35-37.

Turning to products and trends for 2018, elsewhere in this issue you’ll discover what’s upping the ante in the all-important sector of men’s gifts (see pages 51-57); what’s driving sales in the expanding garden gifts market place (see pages 66-69); and why Made in Britain is continuing to drive export, with the Union Jack and Made in Britain ever more important (see 39-43). Plus, with the London Stationery Show opening its doors at the end of April, we shine the spotlight on what’s trending in the stationery industry (see pages 15, 27-31).

And finally, on the international show front, turn to our Global Perspective articles that reveal what was hot at both Frankfurt’s Ambiente (see page 71) and Milan’s HOMI (see page 73).

As always, happy reading!

Top: TV chef James Martin, shown with PG&H’s editor Sue Marks, was among the celebrities at Spring Fair in February. (See page 15).

Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivegifts.co.uk www.thegreatsawards.co.uk Publishers Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax and Ian Hyder

Design & Production

Cover: The Infusion range by Stoneglow Candles.

Progressive Gifts & Home is published 7 times a year.

Subscription: UK; one year £50, two years £85 or three years £110. Overseas; one year £75, two years £125 or three years £165. Please send your cheque to: Progressive Gifts & Home, Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax 020 7609 4222/020 7607 6411 email: ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

Russell Sutton

Subscriptions enquiries maxsubscriptions@marketingreinforcements.co.uk Tel: 020 8943 9541 ISSN 2515-7523

Copyright 2018. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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NEW

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NEW WINTER COLLECTION available to order now

Proud sponsors of the Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts Category

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Inside Jakki Brown Editor in Chief

6-7

The Greats 2018 FANFARING THE GREATS 2018 FINALISTS

9-19

News

20-25

Retail Barometer 2017 RETAIL DETAIL 2017

27-31

Spotlight On... Stationery PUTTING PEN TO PAPER

35-37

Industry Issue: The Future Of Retail A RETAIL REVOLUTION

39-43

Spotlight On... Made In Britain PUTTING THE ‘GREAT’ INTO GREAT BRITAIN

jw@max-publishing.co.uk

Sue Marks Editor suem@max-publishing.co.uk

39 Ian Hyder Publishing Director

67

66-69

Spotlight On... Gifts For Gardeners THINK GREEN

71

A Global Perspective: Ambiente INTERNATIONAL INNOVATION

73

A Global Perspective: HOMI A LABORATORY OF IDEAS

82-83

Best Sellers

86

On The Road: Helen McNeill

86

Last Word: Susan Moffett

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

61

Angie Bryant Advertisement Manager angieb@max-publishing.co.uk

48-49

In Profile: Lesser & Pavey PUTTING ON THE GLITZ

51-57

Spotlight On... Men’s Gifts MEN’S GIFT WITH WOMEN IN MIND

61-63

In Profile: Rex London LONDON CALLING

65

Gift Of The Year BUILDING ON SUCCESS PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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The Greats Finalists 2018

Fanfaring The

Greats 2018 Finalists!

It’s been a long wait for entrants, but this year’s outstanding Greats 2018 finalists have at last been announced, revealing a stellar line-up of gift retailers across the board.

The 2018 winners will be revealed at a glittering, glamorous, ‘Greats’ Gatsby event on Thursday May 17 in the Ballroom of the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane, and we’d love you to be there!

For more about The Greats Awards, and how to be a part of the most spectacular day on the gift industry’s calendar, turn to page 9.

(All finalists are listed in alphabetical order)

RETAIL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 2018 l Mark Alexander, retail manager, National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas l Peter de la Mare, store manager, England at Home, Brighton l Lucy Hamblin, operations manager, Forget Me Not and Lulu Loves, Stubbington l Monica Leeder, sales, In Time Studios, Hazlemere l Liana Moran, visual merchandiser, Cloudberry, Barnton and Blackhall l Angie Pipe, assistant manager, Alligator Pear, Tadworth

INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR LONDON (INSIDE M25) l The Indigo Tree, Streatham l Indish Design Shop, Crouch End l Maiden, Shoreditch l Max and Melia, Clapham l Mooch, Ealing l The Present, Barnet

INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR HOME COUNTIES, SOUTH AND SOUTH EAST l Alligator Pear, Tadworth l Calliope Gifts, Alton, Dorking and Haywards Heath l The Chocolate Frog Company, Oakhanger l Inklings, Hungerford l Millies of Hailsham, Hailsham l Something Special, Edenbridge 6

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR EAST ANGLIA l Buy the Light, Bury St Edmunds l Gifted, Norwich l Love It, Bury St Edmunds and Stamford l Loveone, Ipswich l Podarok, Cambridge, London and Oxford l Quest Gifts, Bury St Edmunds

INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR MIDLANDS AND WALES l The Alphabet Gift Shop, Burton on Trent and Mickleover l Daisy Chain, Stratford-upon-Avon l Mooch Gifts & Home, Stourport-on-Severn l Roobarb, Bridgnorth l The Tutbury Present Company, Tutbury l Uno, Mumbles

INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR NORTH & NORTHERN IRELAND l Belly Button Designs, Manchester and Stockport l The Gift Gallery, York l Imaginarium, York l Love Letters, Anlaby l Swags & Tails, Waltham l Utility, Liverpool

INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR SOUTH WEST l Bibi’s Home, Weymouth l Brocante, Fowey l Cats Whiskers, Bishops Cleeve l Just Trio, Barnstaple l Just Delights, Penryn l Frame of Mind, Illminster and Wellington

INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR SCOTLAND l Cloudberry, Barnton and Blackhall l The Gift, Beauly l Keekin’ Glass, Prestwick l Maia Gifts, Glasgow l Paper Tiger, Edinburgh l Pozzi, Buckie

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The Greats Finalists 2018

BEST NEWCOMER – SOUTH & WALES

BEST GARDEN CENTRE RETAILER OF GIFTS

l Bromley & Co, Ipswich l Highworth Emporium, Highworth l Josie’s, Bideford l Little Boat Gifts, Brightlingsea l Lulu Loves, Stubbington Green l Strawberry Blue, Bradford-upon-Avon l Stuff & Co., Midhurst

l Cannon Hall Garden Centre, Cawthorne l Caulders, Kirkintilloch l Frosts Group l Hawley Garden Centre, Hawley l Ransoms Garden Centre, St Martin l Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock, Whitchurch and Woodborough

BEST NEWCOMER – MIDLANDS, NORTH & SCOTLAND

BEST MUSEUM OR VISITOR ATTRACTION GIFT SHOP

l The Bonny Hoose, Alnwick l Jaine’s Giftbox, King’s Lynn l Joco Interiors, Nuneaton l MOOCH on St Giles Street, Northampton l Mysa, Edinburgh

l The Eden Project, Bodelva l Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover l National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh l National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas l Rheged Centre, Cumbria l ZSL London Zoo & ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

BEST SPECIALIST MULTIPLE GIFT RETAILER

BEST IN-STORE OR WINDOW DISPLAY

l Between The Lines (14 stores) l Chickidee (6 stores) l Huttons (5 stores) l Oliver Bonas (70 stores) l Smart Ideas (8 stores) l Vinegar Hill (11 stores)

l John Lewis, Oxford Street l Just Delights, Penryn l The Merchants House, Marlborough l Peppertrees, Northampton l The Pump Room, Bath l The Shop At The Emporium, Clitheroe

BEST DEPARTMENT STORE RETAILER OF GIFTS

BEST ONLINE OR MAIL ORDER GIFT RETAILER

l Barkers Home, Northallerton l Fenwick Bracknell, Bracknell l Jarrolds, Norwich l John Lewis, Oxford Street l Liberty, London l Strickland & Holt, Yarm

l Find Me A Gift l Oklahoma l Oliver Bonas l Prezzybox l rigby and mac l ZSL London Zoo & ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

BEST NON-SPECIALIST RETAILER OF GIFTS

BEST RETAILER INITIATIVE

l The Barn At The Hollies, Little Budworth l Bookends, Christchurch l Francis Iles Gallery, Rochester l Luxe Cookshop, Northampton l PennyClares, Newholme l Ruby & Scarlet, Felixstowe

l Alligator Pear, Tadworth: for its Mother’s Day and Father’s Day promotions l Dragonfly Cards & Gifts, Knaresborough: for its Design A Beanie Boo competition in conjunction with Ty l The Herbary, Troon: for its Gok Wan DreamSpace collaboration l The Hollies, Little Budworth: for its Monty the Mini initiative l Lulu Loves, Stubbington: for its Hygge Weekend initiative l Womacks of Bawtry, Bawtry: for its Christmas initiative

BEST LIFESTYLE OR HOMEWARES RETAILER OF GIFTS l Etcetera, Hitchin l Graham & Green, Bath and London l Love Thy Interiors, Thirsk l The Old School Beauly, Beauly l Orange Tree, Topsham l Robert & Ruby, Pockley

BEST GIFT RETAILER OF JEWELLERY & FASHION ACCESSORIES l Azure, Sidmouth l Feathering Your Nest, Rayleigh l The Herbary, Troon l MiMi, Hartley Wintney l Pozzi, Buckie l Soukous, Bristol

BEST SERVICE TO THE INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER (Companies are listed in alphabetical order) l Carte Blanche l East Of India l Enesco l Gisela Graham l Joe Davies l Lesser & Pavey l Parlane l Sass & Belle l Widdop and Co l Yankee

HONORARY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD No finalists are revealed for this special award.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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s d n 8 e 01 on 2 tr May Lond e rn 15 pia r — e o 13 lym h b O W re a The uk’s ultimate boutique trade event for inspiring new gifts, modern living and fashion accessories Register Now pulse-london.com

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Industry News

‘Great’ News!

The Greats 2018 Finalists Have Been Announced Whoops of joy, a flurry of emails, Facebook postings, tweets and blogs were just some of the ways that this year’s Greats 2018 finalists spread the exciting news about their fabulous success!

Speaking from the heart, Kate Everson, owner of The Gift Gallery, York enthused: “What wonderful news, it really means the world to us. We’re so excited and proud to be finalists!” “Can't wait to tell all the team. They'll be as over the moon as I am!” squealed Li Case, founder of Orange Tree, Topsham, excitedly. “We are sooo excited to be part of The Greats!” whooped Holly Tyne at The Emporium Interiors, Clitheroe, while Sarah Holland at The Hollies, Little Budworth, exclaimed, “oh my goodness, thank you so much, we are absolutely thrilled to have reached the final! We are always proud of what we do and it is lovely to be recognised for it.”

Other gift retailers who were palpably jumping up and down with excitement included Jo Williams, owner of Joco Interiors in Nuneaton. “OMG yeah!!!!! I'm jumping around the office. I’m going to go and tell the staff!”, while Julianne Moore, owner of MiMi (hw) in Hartley Wintney said: “it’s fantastic news, we can't wait to see you all in May and be part of such a fabulous day!”

“I am truly excited for all these incredible gift retailers who have made it through to this year’s final,” said PG&H’s editor Sue Marks. “Retail continues to challenge day by day, yet these wonderful entrepreneurs and marketeers have shown truly tremendous retail flair, tenacity and resilience over the past 12 months and really deserve their place in the final.”

Greats retailer finalists were decided as a result of an industrywide poll of gift suppliers, reps and agents as well as self-nominations from the retailers.

The winners will be announced on Thursday May 17 at the glamorous Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, with all strands of the gift industry - retailers, suppliers, reps and agents - coming together to enjoy the most exciting day on the gift industry’s calendar. For tickets contact Clare Davies of Createvents: clare@createvents.co.uk or phone 01183 340085.

The Greats Gift Retailer Awards are owned by Progressive Gifts & a ty Home, part of Max Publishing. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk Par

Let ’s

50th Store For John Lewis John Lewis opened a 23,000 sq ft store at London’s Westfield at the end of March, bringing the total number of stores to 50.

The new store’s Home department covers two floors and features over 500 homewares brands, with the focus on 23 customer services which range from a home design service to smart home technology. l The Partnership recently confirmed that, following a 77% fall in profits, announced at the beginning of March, jobs are set to be axed, with staff bonuses slashed for the fifth consecutive year.

Above: John Lewis’ new store at Westfield in West London.

Acquisition For My Gifts Trade Earlier this year, My Gifts Trade acquired ECP Design, with the company confirming that it will continue the legacy and ethos of ECP. Together, the companies will be introducing new products and designs for each season, working with existing designers as well as recruiting new talent.

L I K E G AT S B Y

Thanks Old Sport!

Having The Edge

Reflecting The ‘Greats’ Gatsby art deco theme, this year’s glittering invitations and menu cards have been designed and sponsored by Janie Wilson, founder of Janie Wilson Cards.

Once again, The Greats goody bags have been sponsored by Lesser & Pavey.

A One Button/Hem&Edge scarf recently featured in the latest McDonald’s advertisement which aired at the beginning of the year.

Enthused One Button’s MD Amanda Angless: “It was so exciting, especially as it’s the storyline/key focus - next to the burger of course!” (Visit https://youtu.be/4fadjiHCZQA). In addition, mid-January saw a One Button necklace featured on a Saturday night episode of Casualty on BBC1.

Left: The Greats Awards invitations will shortly be going out to guests.

The Greats Sponsors 2018 PG&H is delighted to be fanfaring an impressive line-up of Greats 2018 category sponsors who currently include (in alphabetical order): Ascential: Spring Fair and Autumn Fair; Ashleigh & Burwood; Boxer Gifts & Books by Boxer; Christmas & Gift Harrogate; Clarion Events: Home & Gift, Harrogate; Dansk; Gift Republic; Gisela Graham; Joe Davies; London Stationery Show/Manchester Stationery Show; NPW; PG Live; Premier Decorations; The Giftware Association and Yankee Candle.

What’s Trending At Pulse Looking ahead to the next season, Autumn/Winter trends will be very much to the fore at Pulse, with new products, brand launches and Christmas collections showcased at Olympia from May 13-15. “At Pulse, we are continuously on the hunt for talented new designer-makers and exciting new UK and international brands, making it easy for retailers to discover those unique gems, mid-season,” says Louise Morris, show director Pulse. “It’s the perfect place to shop the next big trends, the next best sellers and those stand out products that will really enhance a store’s offering and keep them one step ahead.”

Highlights include Makers, Jewellery Emporium, Fashion and Found, as well as UAL Now featuring emerging designers. Additionally, ShopTalk will be returning with inspirational talks and workshops. Visit www.pulse-london.com

Above: The One Button necklace that appeared in an episode of Casualty.

Smelling Sweet Joe Davies is extending its home fragrancing reach by becoming the UK distributor of Landon Tyler candles, diffusers and gift sets. The brand will join the company’s own candle and reed diffuser collection.

Above: Joe Davies to distribute Landon Tyler.

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Industry News

PG&H Retail Barometer Challenging Year For Gift Indies, But 58% Show Increase ‘Challenging’ is the word independent gift retailers feel best sums up trade as an indie in 2017. Respondents to this year’s PG&H Retail Barometer, which provides significant insights into life on the high street for independent UK gift retailers, cited competition from Amazon, other competitive websites, supermarkets, garden centres and charity shops as having impacted heavily on their trade in the last year. Business rates, rents, the National Living Wage and the minimum wage also remained serious concerns.

However, on the upside, some 58% of those surveyed said that business was better or the same as in 2016, while for 70%, the average spend increased or remained the same. The best performing products were candles, jewellery and greeting cards. Diversification too, was a positive factor, with almost all retailers surveyed introducing new products, and eco products entering the charts for the first time.

In terms of marketing, social media was way out in front, with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram regarded as the most effective way of engaging with customers.

Looking ahead to this year, encouragingly, some 84% of respondents said they felt that their business would see marginal or significant growth, or remain about the same, up on last year (80%). For the full findings of the 12th Progressive Gifts & Home Retail Barometer, turn to pages 20-25.

Record Breaking Profits For Portmeirion With dinner services back in fashion - according to the home interiors media that is - Portmeirion Group has reported record profits, with the UK and American markets hungry to buy its fine dining tableware.

The latest results, published in March, confirm that sales have grown for nine consecutive years to £84.8m, representing a 10.6% growth compared to last year. Profits leapt by 13% to £8.8m.

However, sales in South Korea, one of the Group’s biggest customers after the USA, nose dived by 32% to £6.6m.

“We are delighted to be reporting a ninth consecutive year of record revenue and a record profit before taxation,” stated Dick Steele, non-executive chairman. “Our core values of innovation, targeted product development and operational excellence remain unchanged, and we are pleased to report on the successful integration of the Wax Lyrical home fragrance business into the Group. Trading in the first two months of the current year is ahead of the comparative period in 2017. The outlook for 2018 is positive and we remain confident for the future.”

Left: Portmeirion’s new Westerly design was launched to commemorate what would have been founder Susan Williams-Ellis’ 100th birthday this year.

Strategies For Recruitment Among the independent retailer speakers at Retail Week Live, held in March, was Oliver Tress, founder and MD of homewares and fashion multiple Oliver Bonas. One of a panel that also included Kevin Keaney, ceo of The Works, Colin Temple, MD, Schuh, Kevin Walker, senior director of Indeed and Above: Oliver Tress left, was one of five retail experts Carin Hammer-Blakebrough, country HR manager at Ikea, he said that Oliver Bonas’ success discussing retail recruitment challenges at Retail Week Live. as a retail employer continues to be that the company has a clear philosophy when it comes to recruiting, so that people joining the company really understand what it’s about. “You have to have a workforce who share your values and passion,” stated Oliver.

The independent multiple retailer currently has 70 stores in the UK, with a further 10 in the pipeline for 2018, and employs just under 1,000 staff.

A Meeting Of Heritage Brands Leading tableware brand Spode, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2016, recently partnered with leading British lifestyle brand Mulberry for a Beyond Heritage event. The occasion launched Mulberry’s Spring/Summer ’18 collection during London Fashion Week and featured Spode’s iconic Blue Italian.

Bespoke cocktails and refreshments were served on key pieces from the range.

The event, which was held at London’s Spencer House, also included bespoke Spode workshops.

Above: Spode’s Blue Italian collection was much in evidence at the recent Beyond Heritage event.

A ‘Natural’ Distribution For Widdop New Zealand’s The Aromatherapy Company has joined the Widdop and Co portfolio, making it the latest distributorship to be acquired by the company. A major force in the natural products market, it has strong environmental credentials and focuses on premium, mindful products.

Above: Among the products in The Aromatherapy Company’s new collection, distributed by Widdop.

Retail Sector Council Launches Andrew Griffiths, the new Minister for Retail, chose Retail Week Live on March 7 (see A Retail Revolution on pages 35-37) to announce the UK’s first Retail Sector Council.

Members include Richard Pennycook, chairman of Fenwick, The Hut Group and Howden Joinery Group. Senior management from Boots, Amazon and other major retailers will also sit on the Council along with the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

“The UK’s retail sector is undergoing rapid structural changes with consumers increasingly favouring online shopping and rising operating costs for retailers,” stated Andrew Griffiths. “Our new collaborative Retail Sector Council will bring government and industry together to look at how best to ensure the industry adapts to meet the changing demands of consumers.” l In 2016, the retail sector added a gross value of £94.6 billion to the UK economy.

Above: Retail Minister Andrew Griffiths is shown at Retail Week Live.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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2018/19

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Industry News

We Love You Mum

Below: Gift hampers were the order of the day at The Herbary, Troon.

Gift Sales Buoyant With Mother’s Day a lovely excuse to recognise not just mums, mummies and mammas, but also mother-in-laws, step-mums, foster mums, grandmothers and female guardians, Mother’s Day was another success for most gift retailers, arriving a week or two earlier than usual in mid March.

“Sales were up this year for Mother’s Day,” confirmed Louise Bawcutt, owner of The Present in Barnet. “It’s always great for us, but this year we were even busier. It was condensed into the Friday and mainly the Saturday, but we were even busy on the actual Sunday too, with ‘last minuters’!”

Continues Louise: “The main sales were fashion accessories which have really grown for us in the last year or so, to include scarves, pouches, bags, kaftans and socks which we have just started buying in. Home fragrance always sells well so, as always, candles were another popular gift.”

At Something Special in Edenbridge, owner Karen Ebers confirmed that the shop had a very busy week leading up to Mother’s Day, “although this did follow a somewhat quieter week with both sales and footfall affected by the snow,” Karen pointed out. “We had a Mother's Day gift display in store with assorted merchandise featuring the words Mum or Mummy on photo frames, mugs, glasses, candles, reed diffusers, necklaces, bracelets, plaques, LED bottles and books, and we did especially well with Xpressions' Light Up glass plaques and glittering glass hanging plaques as well as the handbag gifts from Bath House. As always, balloon displays were as popular as ever.”

For Claire O’Donnell, owner of The Herbary in Troon, Mother’s Day was very much about thinking outside the box, “or the basket in this instance!” she quipped. “It was about offering our customers something new and exciting, giving them a reason to buy their leading ladies a gift from The Herbary. We came up with a hamper idea which worked really well, involving us making up hampers using our Madaraff baskets, and filling them with a bundle of goodies. All hampers offered a saving on individual retail which added to the appeal. It made us a one-stop shop for Mother’s Day gifts and brought us in on par with last year. However, had we not ‘reinvented’ this event I’m not sure we would have reached last year’s figure,” she adds.

“Mother’s Day is always a huge gifting occasion for us,” confirmed owner Alison Ireland, owner of Cloud 9 in Market Deeping. “We offer an wide range of gifts to suit an eclectic mix of customers, and locally, we are well known for offering something different that’s good value - not necessarily cheap - but definitely different!” l Treating mums to a personalised Yankee Candle was the theme of TV commercial aired in the run up to Mother’s Day. l A recent study by Mintel found that, on average, sons spent just over £40 on a Mother’s Day gift compared to just under £29 for daughters. Almost a quarter of men that bought Mother’s Day gifts bought them on impulse as a last minute panic purchase.

Ambiente 2019 Set To Restructure The opening of Hall 12 at Messe Frankfurt this Autumn will be an opportunity to replan the entire premises for Ambiente in 2019, confirmed organiser Messe Frankfurt, seen as an investment into the future of supply and demand. “The new Hall 12 will be ahead of its time in technical matters and will set standards, for instance, in energy consumption and in the production of solar power,” confirms Nicolette Naumann, Ambiente’s divisional manager. “Ambiente will also use the opening of the new building as an opportunity for fundamental restructuring in 2019, so it will become fit for the future across all product groups,” she added.

The rearrangement of the Living and Giving area will reinforce synergies through clear hall structures and through the effective channelling of visitors.

Ambiente 2019 takes place at Messe Frankfurt from February 8-12 with India chosen as the show’s eighth partner country. “With its population of over 1.3 billion, India has an incomparable diversity, a rich culture and also a tradition of art and craft,” commented Messe Frankfurt’s Detlef Braun, member of the Executive Board, at the show’s hand-over ceremony. See A Global Perspective on page 71.

Left: India receives Ambiente’s partner country globe. Shown from left to right are: TV star and designer Sylvie Meis, Pratibha Pakar, Messe Frankfurt’s Detlef Braun and Wepke Kingma.

Charting Success Puckator was ranked 92 on the Sunday Times Lloyds SME Export Track 100 for 2018 which appeared in the newspaper on February 25. With international sales of just over £9m, and average export growth of 38.99%, Puckator said it was delighted to be included. The company puts its success down to investment made in international trade fairs and websites, as well as to a warehouse and office extension at its head office in Cornwall, and product design from its new Sheffield office at Urban Splash's Park Hill development.

The Sunday Times Export Track 100 list ranks SME’s with the fastest growing international sales over the last two years.

HK Gift Show Unveils The Latest Design Trends PG&H’s editor Sue Marks is among the international press invited to attend April’s Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, which will welcome more than 4,300 exhibitors.

Providing a one-stop marketing and sourcing platform, the fair, arguably the largest show of its kind in the world, is renowned for its international appeal, with pavilions from the UK, Italy, Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Macau, Japan, Korea and Thailand.

This year, a brand new section has been added - the World of Camping & Outdoor Goods - linking in with global events that include the FIFA World Cup, the Asian Games and the Winter Olympics. There will also be a renewed focus on wellbeing and healthy living.

Returning will be themed areas such as the Hall of Fine Designs and the World of Gift Ideas, both featuring creative, trendsetting designs, along with lifestyle Luxury Gifts. Elsewhere, the Fashion Accessories zone will showcase handbags and fashion Jewellery, hair ornaments and sunglasses.

Other popular product zones include Licensed Gifts, Tech Gifts, Fine Porcelain Gifts, Advertising Gifts & Premium, and Party & Festive Items.

For buyers looking to spot the next big thing, the Startup Zone, introduced last year, will feature new entrepreneurs, with Smart Launch sessions held during the show to enable exhibitors to introduce their products and business ideas to industry players.

The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair takes place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 27-30.

Visit www. hkgiftspremiumfair.hktdc.com Above: The Hall of Fine Designs at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair.

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Industry News

Royal Wedding

Record Breaking London Stationery Show

Mugging Up On Souvenirs As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle get ready to say ‘I do’ next month, several gift suppliers have brought out souvenir collections to celebrate the couple’s big day.

Items include fine bone china mugs from Dunoon and McClaggan Smith, along with a tableware collection from Lesser & Pavey (see Putting On The Glitz on pages 48-49) and Widdop and Co., as well as tea towels from Ulster Weavers.

“We have had an excellent take up on our Harry and Meghan Royal Wedding mug with orders for the United States notable, no doubt because the Americans will have their own Princess!” says Dunoon’s sales director Peter Smith, “Our fine bone china mugs are made here in the UK and we can therefore respond quickly to demand at short notice.”

Also looking forward to the impending nuptials is Mask-arade, which is hoping that its royal face masks will feature as prominently in the celebrations as they have with other recent major Royal events.

“It never fails to amaze me how the British public gets into the spirit of a Royal occasion,” says commercial director Ray Duffy. He adds that the company is already seeing an increased demand for its Royal range, which has been expanded to include the new Prince Harry and Meghan masks.

Other Royal memorabilia includes a pair of dolls, a Harry & Meghan Dress Up book, and Harry and Meghan laser engraved wooden spoons.

Top: A commemorative Royal wedding fine bone china Wessex mug from Dunoon.

Above: It’s their names, not their faces, that are on the tea towels designed by Ulster Weavers.

Left: Mask-arade’s Prince Harry and Meghan masks are sure to get plenty of media coverage!

Spring Fair Cooks Up A Storm Popular fitness instructor and TV presenter Joe Wicks, along with TV chef James Martin, stole the show in Hall 9 at Spring Fair when they made guest appearances on the Meyer and Horwood stands respectively. Both men drew huge crowds to the stands. Also visiting the show were top interior design duo 2 Lovely Gays, Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead, who used their blog to encourage other designers to head for the NEC. On the Xystos stand meanwhile, Dana Schwarz, VP, ecommerce & brand management at Village Candle, enjoyed a ‘meet and greet’ to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary which was commemorated with a special anniversary candle.

For trend spotters, the new Atelier feature was a ‘must see’ for many buyers, with four room sets highlighting The Present, Autumn/Winter 2018/2019; Spring/Summer 2018/2019 and 2020. l Creative Tops received two highly coveted accolades during Spring Fair. The company’s V&A Alice In Wonderland collection was recognised for both its products and its packaging, with the range winning the top spot in the Tabletop Innovation and Packaging Innovation categories.

Above: James Martin demonstrates his cooking skills watched by fans.

Left: Joe Wicks too, was a popular face at Spring Fair in February.

Right: Village Candle’s 25th anniversary candle was unveiled by the company on the Xystos stand, which distributes the brand in the UK.

The organiser of the London Stationery Show, Ocean Media, has confirmed that this year’s show is on course to break exhibitor records when it opens at the Business Design Centre in London on April 24-25.

A central display of products, entered for the Stationery Awards, will be among the new features. A ‘first’ at the show will be the launch of the Good Design Award, with a new area designated to showcase the products which will also include a new On Trend product display curated by trend forecasters Scarlet Opus. The area will be supported by new Trend Tours highlighting eight to 10 products.

Also new this year will be a series of quick fire presentations covering The State of Stationery from independent retail and ecommerce consultant Rebecca Saunders, formerly in charge of Stationery, Wedding and Christmas at Notonthehighstreet.com. Other speakers will feature Phil Pond of Scarlet Opus who will be discussing key trends Ordinary, ECO 2.0 and Imperfect Beauty along with Michael Weedon of EXP2 who will review what’s happening on the high street.

Other highlights include Retail Masterclasses covering commercial planning, key decisions behind buying a range, and putting together a weekly marketing plan.

Returning will be the Creative Stationery workshops, supported by the Association for Creative Industries. Topics include calligraphy, paper-cutting and gift-wrapping, as well as the opportunity to test out inks and pens, with early bird bookers receiving a goody bag. l The 12 winners of the LaunchPad competition have received a free exhibition stand at the show, where visitors can see the products and meet the designers. l Exhibitor ExaClair will be celebrating the combined 250 year anniversary of its Exacompta and Clairefontaine brands, with the company’s stand its biggest yet. (See Putting Pen To Paper on pages 27-31) Visit www.stationeryshow.co.uk

New Distributorship For Xystos Following a soft launch at Spring Fair, Xystos will take over the UK distribution of Australian lifestyle brand Splosh on May 1.

Among the ranges already doing well are Fairy Houses, Adopt a Doorstop and Mugs To Give, with existing lines Above: Splosh Fairy Houses, distributed such as signature photo by Xystos. frames, numbers and moneyboxes landing this Spring.

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Industry News

PG Live 2018

PEOPLE

Greeting Card Show Celebrates 10 Year Milestone With greeting cards a strong part of the product mix for many gift retailers, PG Live, which takes place at London’s Business Design Centre on June 5 and 6, has become a ‘must visit’ show for gift retailers as well as greeting card retailers, fanfaring not only established names such as Wendy Jones-Blackett, Five Dollar Shake, Belly Button and Glick, but also some of the newest publishers to enter the market place.

In addition, the popular Springboard section will be bigger than ever, with fresh new design talent leading the way.

“We're so excited to be able to bring the fabulous greeting card community together again for the 10th year,” enthuses joint show director Warren Lomax. “We know how much hard work our exhibitors put into the show and we can't wait to see the amazing new ranges they have been busy creating! We love being able to be work with so many talented and imaginative people – plus, you can be sure we'll have a few extra Above: Amanda and Will Oscroft (back row), surprises in store to celebrate our decade of design!” owners of Love It in Bury St Edmunds Adds Warren: "It's no exaggeration to say that, as our new the and Stamford, are shown on the White tagline reveals, we're proud to offer the greatest collection of Cotton stand at last year’s PG Live. greeting card publishers in the world!"

As with previous years, all visitors will be able to enjoy a myriad of show extras that include free refreshments, a free course lunch, free use of the Henry Cole Buyers’ Lounge, a free show catalogue and a goody bag along with an invitation to a free post-show industry drinks party on Tuesday June 5.

Visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com

A ‘Really Good’ Search For New Design Talent This year, adding to the excitement at PG Live, will be the announcement, on the opening day, June 5, of the finalists in a nationwide search for new design talent by David Hicks, founder and MD of Really Good and Soul.

“There's a large pool of young design talent that I’m looking forward to meeting and nurturing. I still get excited about a new design, so it’s Above: The best selling Brightside exciting to think about who and what we might unearth,” enthuses David, Man tin from Really Good. who is well known for his maverick approach and gut feeling for product, having introduced many of the gift sector’s best-selling lines such as the Brightside’s Man Tin which has sold over 600,000 units globally.

The competition is now open to unpublished designers, with the overall winner announced in July at Home & Gift, Harrogate, with the winner having the opportunity to see his or her work published and taken to market globally. The winner will also receive a £1,000 cash prize.

The panel of judges includes Jakki Brown, editor of leading greeting card industry magazine Progressive Greetings, a sister magazine to Progressive Gifts & Home; one of America’s biggest distributors, Alan Harnik of Notes & Queries, and Jenny Cummins of Australia’s gift and card distributors McMillan.

Exhibiting In Style The Bangkok International Gift show (BIG), along with the Bangkok International Housewares show (BIH), have become part of Thailand’s new, all-in-one lifestyle Style show, with the exhibitions welcoming visitors through the doors at BITEC, Banga, from April 19-23. Products span home décor, gifts, housewares and wellness.

The exhibition also features fashion and furniture shows BIFF and BIL along with TIFF. Visit www.stylebangkokfair.com Left: Style will be opening its doors in April.

An ‘Exclusively’ Invitation New tabletop launches and Christmas collections will be to the fore at the Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electricals shows which take place on June 12-13 at the Business Design Centre in London. Along with an informative seminar programme, trend forecasters Scarlet Opus will be returning to share their predictions for future high street trends during 2018/1019. Visit www.exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk and www.exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk

p At an important stage in the growth of Village Candle, Clive Harper has joined the company’s leadership team as president of international sales. He brings a vast wealth of experience, spanning some 30 years in the European fragranced candle market, having started out with Bolsius BV. He subsequently joined Yankee Candle where he launched Yankee Candle Europe. “In 25 years, Village Candles has quietly grown into a leader in this industry,” comments Clive.

“The company’s quality products and brand recognition will make it a force in international markets and I’m excited to be part of the Village Candle team.” p Julie Livesley (right) has joined Boxer Gifts as sales director having previously worked for Talking Tables and NPW. “Boxer has the feel of a mad professor’s laboratory, which is the perfect environment for the innovative and fun products we produce,” she commented. p Wax Lyrical has appointed Warren Gell as sales and marketing director to help grow the business. He previously spent three years as head of UK sales at Portmeirion Group which acquired Wax Lyrical in 2016.

Warren will assume responsibility for developing Wax Lyrical’s portfolio of brands, leading sales both in the UK and across the company’s 42 export markets. He will be working closely with customers and overseeing marketing activity. p Matt Slade (right) has joined the sales team at Lesser and Pavey as sales executive for the southern part of the country covering the Home Counties and London. Having spent 16 year in the gift industry, he brings considerable experience to the company. p Widdop and Co. has welcomed Curtis Alder (right) to the company’s 17strong sales team. Curtis joins the company as the territory manager for East Anglia, Essex and the Eastern counties. He has spent 20 years working in a number of sales roles in both family and corporate companies. Curtis replaces Graham Miller who retires from the company in April after 14 years of sterling service. He is sure to be missed by his strong customer base but will hopefully go on to enjoy his well-earned retirement.

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• Beautiful rainbow lustre effect. • Delicately finished with gemstones.

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Industry News

GOTY Awards

NEWS IN BRIEF

And The Winners Are...

Comedian and impersonator Rory Bremner was the host in charge of this year’s very special 40th anniversary Gift of the Year awards held at The Vox, Resorts World, at The Genting, Birmingham.

Welcoming guests, Sarah Ward, chief executive of The Giftware Association commented: “What a long way Above: The winners of the Gift of the Year awards with their trophies. we’ve come since we first launched the Gift of the Year Awards! Our very first competition had three categories judged by six people. This year, we received over 1,000 entries judged by an impressive line-up of leading retailers and editors. Throughout its four decades, the competition has stayed true to its roots, producing success stories year after year, and it’s the world’s gift givers who make it possible, with gift suppliers driving both quality and innovation.”

This year’s winners were as follows: Home Product: Limited Edition Brighton Pavilion Print from I Drew This; Kitchen & Dining Product: Recycled Denim Apron from Ian Snow; Festive & Occasional Product: Christmas Roast Dinner Box from Ross & Ross Food; Contemporary Gift: Octagon One Desk Lamp from Gingko Electronics; General Gift: Hand Painted Gin Glass from Sunny by Sue; Gift Food: Indian Spice Tin and Handmade, Silk Sari Wrap from Spice Kitchen UK; Greetings & Stationery Collection: Mono and Pastel Greetings Cards from Peace & Blessing; Children’s Gift: Fantastic Dragon 3D Colourable from Ooly; Fashion Accessory: Sara Miller Silk Accessories from My Gifts Trade; Body, Bath & Home Fragrance Product: Handcare Range from Great British Bee Co; Under £10 Product: Gin & Tonic Handbag from Bath House; Garden & Outdoor: Green Picnic collection from Fallen Fruits; Licensed Product: Natural History Museum Gift in a Tin range from Apples to Pears; Hot Novelty Product: Prosecco Pong from Talking Tables; Shirley Frost Award (for designer-makers): Handmade Artisan Gift Wrap from Paper Mirchi.

The Judges Choice award was won by Gingko’s Octogan Desk lamp, the overall winner of this year’s winning products.

This year, Progressive Gifts & Home sponsored the Children’s Gift category, and its sister publication, Licensing Source Book, sponsored the Licensed Product category. See Building On Success on page 65.

A Seat In The Lords At the time of going to press, the GA’s chief executive, Sarah Ward, was on her way to the House of Lords to attend a discussion of the merits of lending, and how new opportunities Above: The GA’s House can help future SMEs increase business within the UK. Following a survey, the of Lord’s survey. concerns of members was very much on the agenda, to be voiced by Sarah. l The Giftware Association has announced that it will be the headline sponsor at The Benevolent Society’s annual Sponsors’ Dinner at the Goldsmiths Hall in London which takes place on June 14.

Meet The Buyers Events Members of The Giftware Association will soon have the opportunity to pitch their products to the buyers at the Tillington Group of independent garden centres. The event takes place on Thursday May 17 and will run from 11am1pm. Contact Simone Rose on simone.rose@ga-uk.org The event follows the successful Meet The Buyer Day held in midMarch at the Button Factory in Birmingham, where buyers included the RHS, Choice Marketing and The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. l The GA has also compiled its first ever yearbook featuring 90 of its members, which is being distributed to buyers.

Left: Exhibitors and buyers at the recent GA Meet The Buyer day held in Birmingham.

Trending At Tendence

Right: Bettina Bar, director, Tendence.

Highlights at this year’s Tendence, which takes place at an earlier dateline of June 30-July 3, include Outdoor Living, Paper & Friends, the Tendence Academy and the new Pioneers of Lifestyle. The show, which takes place at Messe Frankfurt, will be showcasing the latest winter and Christmas trends for living and giving as well as furnishings. It will also give high volume retailers the opportunity to place early orders for the 2019 Spring/Summer collections. “The high quality of the special presentations at Tendence is our unique selling proposition,” says Tendence’s director Bettina Bar. Visit www.tendence.messerfrankfurt.com

p London’s top people’s store Harrods was among the prestigious 2018 gia global honourees for retail excellence, announced at the International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago in March. p Marks & Spencer has plans to close up to 100 of its stores over the next two to three years, starting with six in April: Birkenhead, Bournemouth, Durham, Fforestfach, Putney and Redditch. A further eight stores are being considered for closure: Andover, Basildon, Essex, Bridlington, Denton, Keighley, Stockport, Fareham and Falmouth. p Village Candle has reached an agreement with international shipper Eimskip which will enhance the company’s ability to grow its European market by shipping out of Portland in Maine. It will reduce costs and improve delivery times to European markets, confirm the company. p Wild & Wolf has relocated to new offices, with the company now based at 20 Manvers Street, Bath BA1 1JW. p Reducing plastic waste to protect the planet was a recurring theme at March’s 2018 International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago. Hydration was at the forefront for many exhibitors, who revealed design-led re-usable water bottles suitable as self-purchases or as gifts. p Inaugural Creative Retail Awards have been launched by the Shop & Display Equipment Association (SDEA), featuring store design, visual merchandising, lighting, POP, lighting, signage & graphics The winners will be announced June 5. p Britons are expected to spend £893 million on chocolate, gifts, Easter eggs and other goodies this Easter, according to research conducted by finder.com. It is estimated that those planning to celebrate will spend an average of £24.41 each.

Hot Topics At Bira Conference Reggae Reggae Sauce founder Levi Roots is the keynote speaker at this year’s bira National Conference and Awards Dinner which is being held at the Jurys Inn Hotel, Hinckley Island on May 10. Other speakers include communications specialist Luay Alfaham who will be advising delegates on how to bear cyber crime.

Above: Levi Roots will be a key speaker at the bira Conference in

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Retail Barometer 2017

Retail Detail 2017

Like it or not, retail is continuing to hit the headlines, with 2017 figures from high street giants such as John Lewis, M&S, House of Fraser and Debenhams painting a less than rosy picture. Add to that the recent closure of Toys R Us and Maplin, both of whom started to wobble at the end of last year, and it’s clear that the growth of online retail is challenging the major multiples to considerably up their game.

(See A Retail Revolution on pages 35-37).

But how did gift independents fare last year? Our 12th unique, PG&H independent gift retail micro survey reveals what life was really like on Britain’s high streets; and given the seismic events of last year, it was good to hear that for the majority of respondents, business was up, albeit slightly on 2016.

2017 could well go down in the history books as one of the most eventful years in history. Theresa May triggered Article 50 that will see the UK officially leave the EU next March; a surprise General Election saw the Conservatives lose their majority. Donald Trump was inaugurated as America’s President. There were terror attacks in Manchester and London, and the horrors of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Few would disagree that it was a very tough year indeed, with some shocking front page stories, but fortunately, on the back pages there were some uplifting, memorable highlights: Mo Farah winning gold in the 10,000m World Athletics Championships and Lewis Hamilton achieving his fourth Formula One title. And, of course, for Royal watchers and romantics, there was the much anticipated engagement of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle.

At a grass roots level for independent gift retailers, despite an uncertain UK and global backdrop, 58% of those surveyed said that business was better or the same in 2016, with two thirds of those surveyed confirming that the general state of the UK economy had affected sales. However, 59% (up on 2016), confirmed that they had enjoyed a better year than in 2016.

According to 70% of respondents, the average spend increased or remained the same, with candles, jewellery and greeting cards in pole position as the best performing product areas that gift retailers couldn’t do without. Diversification too, was credited with having a positive effect by 60% of respondents, with 93% of those surveyed introducing new products, and eco gifts entering the charts for the first time. A quarter of respondents confirmed that they would be seeking out new suppliers in 2018.

Social media - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - were the star marketeers in getting information out to customers, along with customer evenings and events, charity and school link-ups and collaborations with other local businesses, plus much else besides.

Bugbears however, included the continuing expansion of supermarkets and garden centres into gifts and homewares, and the rise and rise of Amazon as a default setting, with over 90% of respondents confirming that the internet giant was their biggest competitor. Charity shops too, as well as the expansion of discount/deep value retailers, have climbed up the list of competitors having a detrimental effect on business in 2017.

However, overall, 58% of respondents said that last year, their business was better or the same compared to 2016.

As for 2018, 84% of respondents, (up on on last year’s Barometer findings), said that, despite the overall retail picture, they felt that their business would see significant or marginal growth or remain the same. Meanwhile, the same percentage (84%) are looking to grow their business or to simply keep it as it is this year, with 8% hoping to open another outlet. So what else did independent gift retailers reveal?

How Did Your Business Fare Over The Last Year?

PG&H looks back at seven years of Retail Barometer data 2017 v Better Same Worse

20

2016 37% 21% 42%

2016 v Better Same Worse

2015 56% 18% 26%

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

2015 v Better Same Worse

2014 50% 27% 23%

2014 v Better Same Worse

2013 53% 24% 23%

2013 v Better Same Worse

2012 46% 26% 28%

2012 v 2011 Better 31% Same 29% Worse 40%

2011 v Better Same Worse

2010 35% 21% 44%

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Retail Barometer 2017

How was Christmas 2017?

What main factors had a positive effect on your business in the last year?

(Last year's figures shown in brackets)

35% 41%

24%

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Diversification (-) Social media (3) Expansion into greeting cards (1) Staff (2) Upsurge of new customers (6) Shopfit (7) Promotional activity (4) Online/website (8) Local competition closing down (9)

Accentuating The Positives Unfortunately, Christmas 2017 was not as buoyant as independent gift retailers would have liked. However, a substantial 62% of respondents confirmed that their festive sales and average spend year on year had increased significantly, increased slightly or remained the same.

Average Spend Per Customer In 2017 2%

1%

29%

41%

27%

Almost 60% of respondents concurred that diversification had had the most positive effect on their business in 2017. Social media was a close second, seen as one of the most successful ways to engage with customers and promote products, while greeting cards continuing to be a ‘must have’.

Other positives included having the right staff as well as investing in shop improvements.

Matters For Concern Price increases were the biggest cause for concern for a whopping 69% of respondents in 2017, followed by business rates increases. Other factors that were detrimental to business last year was the UK economy, cited by two thirds of respondents, followed by Amazon and other competitive transactional websites selling gifts and homewares. Competition from the major multiples, supermarkets and garden centres was a continuing reason for concern, along with the rise of discount and deep value retailers and charity shops selling new gifts lines.

What main factors had a detrimental effect on your business in 2017?

(Last year's figures are shown in brackets)

What effect did the general state of the UK economy have on gift sales in your shop over the last year?

2% 7%

The UK retail economy Competitive websites Competition from multiples Expansion of discount/deep value retailers Charity shops selling gifts The National Living Wage/minimum wage Expansion of gift and home products in supermarkets Parking issues Rent reviews

67% (53%) 41% (38%) 40% (23%) 36% (38%) 36% (17%) 34% (38%) 30% (22%) 26% (39%) 21% (22%)

9%

38% 44%

What effect did the increase in the national minimum wage and introduction of the National Living Wage (for those aged over 25) have on your business in 2017?

Just over half of respondents confirmed that the introduction of an increased national minimum wage and National Living Wage had had no effect so far, with just over a third saying it had had a slightly negative effect.

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Retail Barometer 2017

Marketing Mettle The majority of Barometer respondents – 84% - confirmed that they had actively embraced marketing in addition to collaborating with other local retailers/businesses. In store money off/discount promotions were again way out in front for over half of respondents, with loyalty cards remaining an important way to encourage increased footfall. Just under a third of those surveyed invested in local press advertising.

1 In store money off/discount promotions 2 Loyalty cards 3 Collaboration with other local retailers/businesses 4 Free gift promotions 5 = Charity fund raising 5 = Press advertising 6 = Customer evenings 6 = Gift voucher scheme 7 Leaflets 8 BOGOF (or similar) 9 Radio advertising

3% 7%

38%

52%

What effect did the introduction of workplace pensions have on your business in 2017?

Almost three quarters of independent gift retailers who responded to the Retail Barometer survey said that the government's workplace pension scheme had not impacted on their business, although a quarter of respondents commented that it had had a major or slightly negative impact.

3% 6% 19%

72%

Investing In A Makeover Sprucing up their shops was a priority for those surveyed, with over a third giving their shops a full or partial refit, with new shop units high on the list. Just over a fifth invested in their website. Looking to this year, 54% are hoping to make improvements to their shops over the coming months.

Top Investments 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7

New shop units Partial refit Website Computer equipment EPOS equipment = Vehicles for the business = Full refit Shop extension

Staff Matters In line with last year’s Retail Barometer, the majority of indie gift retailers are not intending to invest in new staff over the coming year.

Over 80% of those who responded confirmed that staffing will remain at current levels with only 7% of respondents - roughly on a par with last year - looking to recruit, with 11% looking to reduce their number of workers.

22

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

Using Their Initiative Initiatives have become the norm for many gift retailers, with respondents highlighting social media activities, charity promotions, gift with purchase, anniversary milestones, shopping evenings, goody bags and product demonstrations as among the ways in which they encourage people to shop with them.

Recognition For Achievement Some good news was that just under a third of all survey respondents were recognised with an award in 2017. These included either winning or being a finalist in The Greats Gift Retailer Awards or The Retas (a similar competition open to greeting card shops and organised by PG&H's sister magazine Progressive Greetings), as well as the Muddy Stilettoes awards, or a window display competition.

That’s The (Community) Spirit Which local organisations were you involved with last year?

1 2 3 4 5

Charities Town centre retailing group Chamber of Commerce Schools Federation of Small Businesses

50% 44% 34% 29% 22%

What are your expectations for your business in 2018?

Despite so many external factors, to include business rates and the National Living Wage, gift independents remain confident about the next 12 months. Some 84% of respondents said they felt that their business would see marginal or significant growth, or remain about the same, up on last year (80%).

Significant growth 7% Marginal growth 42% Remain about the same 35% Slight decline 13% Major decline 3%

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Retail Barometer 2017

Diversification Impulse items have bounded up the diversification charts this year, from fifth place last year, to take the No. 1 spot. Home accessories have moved up a place to No. 2, with jewellery dropping down to third place. A newcomer is eco at No 4, showing the growing importance of sustainable products, along with fashion at No 8.

Which product areas would you like to further diversify into?

(Last year's figures are shown in brackets)

1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 10

Impulse items (5) Home accessories (3) Jewellery (1) Eco (-) = Stationery (2) = Greeting cards (7=) = Chocolates/confectionery (7=) Children’s non-toy products (10=) = Handbags (6) = Gardening products (-) Fashion (-) Giftwrap (8) = Toys (9) = Balloons (10)

On the exhibition front, Spring Fair and Autumn Fair out in front, attended by 90% and 53% of respondents respectively.

1. Visit from an agent/rep 2. Exhibitions 3. Reading trade magazines 4. Looking at other shops 5. Feedback from customers 6. Sourcing from the internet 7.Word of mouth

Made In Britain Products that are Made in Britain, and/or sourced locally are continuing to gain ground. Well over three quarters of respondents see them as very important or slightly important. (See Made in Britain on pages 39-43).

21% 34%

To See You, Nice

45%

For the first time, reps and agents have marginally pipped trade shows (87%) as the most important way to source new products. Trade shows came in second place, followed by sourcing product information from trade magazines such as Progressive Gifts & Home. Overall, some 86% of those surveyed attended a trade show in 2017.

Product Matters How did the following sectors fare in 2017 compared to 2016?

(Last year's figures are shown in brackets)

Category Bath and body Children’s clothing/accessories Collectables Confectionery/edible gifts Craft products Decorative home accessories Fashion accessories (eg scarves) Furniture Garden gifts Gift stationery/journals Greeting cards Giftwrap Home fragrancing Handbags Impulse items Jewellery Plush Seasonal gifts Tableware/kitchen gifts Toys & games Women’s fashions

Increased 36% (39%) 14% (20%) 15% (17%) 42% (29%) 24% (12%) 30% (40%) 49% (57%) 10% (0%) 19% (16%) 27% (36%) 68% (61%) 35% (36%) 36% (37%) 33% (25%) 44% (32%) 44% (53%) 24% (24%) 17% (30%) 8% (14%) 20% (31%) 36% (21%)

Stable 37% (37%) 64% (55%) 58% (46%) 40% (42%) 50% (52%) 56% (53%) 34% (30%) 21% (50%) 44% (47%) 57% (48%) 26% (30%) 51% (50%) 46% (41%) 36% (47%) 35% (55%) 35% (32%) 51% (52%) 56% (45%) 51% (55%) 47% (48%) 36% (43%)

Decreased 24% (23%) 21% (23%) 27% (37%) 17% (29%) 26% (36%) 14% (7%) 17% (7%) 69% (50%) 36% (37%) 16% (16%) 6% (8%) 15%(14%) 18% (22%) 31% (27%) 21% (13%) 21% (14%) 24% (24%) 27% (27%) 40% (32%) 33% (20%) 28% (36%)

Challenged By The Supermarkets With supermarkets continuing to expand their gift offer, it comes as no real surprise that 82% of respondents see them as a threat or a serious threat.

Hero Products Respondents confirmed that there were two products they couldn't live without. They were, in alphabetical order: Joe Davies’ Equilibrium jewellery and Joma’s ‘a little’ carded bracelets.

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Retail Barometer 2017

How do you view the supermarkets' continuing expansion into gifts?

17% 29%

54%

Talking Social Media It seems that, for the majority of independent gift retailers, social media has become a significant, important marketing tool, with all respondents using Facebook, and nearly half using Twitter and Instagram to engage with their customers.

Facebook 100% Twitter 43% Instagram 42% Linkedin 3%

Cashing In In store, cash remains King over credit card sales, with respondents confirming that 70% of their customers paid with cash or debit cards in 2017.

Feeling Optimistic Garden Centre Growth When asked how they viewed garden centre growth in the gift and home sector, 68% of those surveyed regarded this retail sector as a threat or serious threat, slightly down on last year’s findings.

Serious threat 24% Threat 44% Neutral 32%

Looking ahead to the foreseeable future, over a third of respondents - 35% - feel positive or very positive about the survival of independent gift shops over the next 3-5 years.

How do you view the future of independent gift shops in the next 3-5 years?

The Amazon Effect Over 90% of those surveyed see online giant Amazon as the biggest threat of all to independent retailers.

Serious threat 49% Threat 42% Neutral 9%

6% 2%

33%

30%

Third Party Selling Suppliers selling online direct to the public remains a thorn in the flesh, with a significant 84% of respondents viewing third party selling as a threat or serious threat.

Serious threat 45% Threat 39% Neutral 16%

Do you see geographical exclusivity of supply as an issue?

Yes No

56% 44%

29%

In A Word 'Challenging' remained the most commonly used word to describe the gift industry in 2017. However, on the upside, respondents also praised gift retail for being exciting, imaginative, interesting and friendly. Among the negative descriptions were the words tough and struggling.

Trading Online Over two thirds of respondents confirmed that they have a website as well as a bricks and mortar store, with 37% operating a transactional website and 63% having an ‘information only’ website.

Up on last year, over half of those surveyed confirmed that they were planning on further developing their existing website over the next 12 months. Almost 30% of respondents intend to develop a website over the coming year, with a third still undecided. Respondents operating a website concurred that the majority of sales were made in store.

A Royal Invitation Her Majesty the Queen topped the survey once again in regard to which female gift shop owners would most like to see walking through their doors.

TV chef James Martin the was winner in the male stakes.

As for the females least likely to get a warm welcome, Diane Abbott and Katie Hopkins tied for first place, with Donald Trump and Jeremy Corbyn both victorious as the men most likely to be asked to leave!

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Spotlight On... Stationery

Put ting

Pen ToPaper Now celebrating its eighth year, The London Stationery Show has evolved to become a ‘must visit’ show for trendy gift retailers. A bigger than ever event in 2018, it’s an exhibition that’s bursting with inspiration and new talent, with organisers Ocean Media getting ready to open the doors at London’s Business Design Centre from April 24-25.

PG&H asked some of the movers and shakers in stationery gifting what’s trending, as well as what’s driving sales for the social stationery market place.

Over the past decade, social stationery has gradually moved into the fashion accessories arena, making a strong statement about the user in the same way that, for example, a design-led handbag or a fashionable scarf does. Sustainability too, has become an important focus for publishers in the sector, with many using FSC-certified materials.

“Stationery is fundamental to most people’s day and is unquestionably considered a fashion statement whether it’s for home, work, school or general use,” states Blueprint’s MD Lisa Shand. “Fashion trends are now being evolved into stationery through the use of colours, shapes, textures and designs, with licensed products, such as movie, blogger or celebrity, showing an ongoing influence on people purchasing stationery items.”

Lisa adds that price, appearance and quality is also a key factor in a personal or

Above: ExaClair’s colourful Rhodiarama range.

Right: Portico’s Mini Moderns collection.

Below: Celestial from Blueprint.

gift purchase, with consumers likely to spend more on a gift, especially one that has unique and luxury packaging.

“For Spring/Summer 2018, we have seen a trend for print, pattern, travel and colour,” Lisa confirms. “Designers are also captivating positive mindfulness throughout their designs, providing pick-me-ups, reminders and happy thoughts when using every day products. Special finishes, including glitter and foils, have become a trusted trend in 2018, including star signs, constellations and deep navy Pantones, also seen in our Studio Note range, Celestial.”

Interestingly, at Portico, sales director Charlie Bassill points out that the company always uses the term ‘gift’ over ‘stationery’. “Historically, stationery has been associated with a generic pen and notepad. However, it has moved on significantly since then,” she emphasises. “Stationery is now an essential

lifestyle accessory which brightens up everyday ‘life-admin’ tasks.” Current trends are for block colouring and bold design.

“Textures, using different materials and substrates, are really important too,” she adds. “Collections should have a message and tell a story, with our collaboration with Mini Moderns encapsulating this concept.”

ExaClair’s marketing manager Clement Rouilliard concurs that stationery becomes an appealing gift or self-purchase when the products are well designed, on trend and attractive. “A notebook that is tactile, stylish and of premium quality will become a personal gift, a daily reminder to the recipient of the person who gifted it to them.” He highlights bright colours - as seen in the company’s Rhodiarama range of notebooks and desktop accessories - as a key trend.

“It’s important for retailers to offer a wide choice and co-ordinated ranges that customers can not only enjoy collecting but that also inspire gifting.”

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Spotlight On... Stationery At Castelli, marketing manager Tracey McCarthy says that one of the latest trends for Autumn/Winter 2018/19 is Imperfect Beauty, featuring the Japanese philosophy of WabiSabi and the art of Kintsugi, with the company putting together a small collection to reflect this. “It celebrates the art of Wabi-Sabi but holds true to our Italian heritage,” Tracey explains.

Nicci Gower, art director at Hammond Gower, also confirms that stationery is continuing to be a consistent seller for the company. “We’re still a few generations away from a paperless world, plus there’s something very comforting in writing things down. With everything pushed towards tech and ‘the cloud’, writing down a list is still the most therapeutic way of releasing tension.”

Nicci adds that the company is also finding that the more a consumer can relate

The Lowdown l

The London Stationery Show takes place on April 24-25 at London’s Business Design Centre. l Visit www.stationeryshow.co.uk Left: Imperfect Beauty from Castelli.

Below left: Caroline Gardner’s Green Dreamer stationery collection.

Below right: Designer Jessica Russell Flint’s range for Soul Luxury.

with the product the better. “It’s why we’ve focused on more relatable slogans with a bit of humour so that it fits within a purchase for friends, a relative or even a teacher. We’ve also continued our theme of slogans and popular phrases but have adapted this for Spring/Summer 18. Our colour palette tones are neutral pinks, metallics and black, and we’ve focused a lot on contrast to make the imagery and slogans ‘pop’. This ultimately helps the stores in bringing their shelves to life too.”

The popularity of stationery is also on the rise at Caroline Gardner. “The natural demand for stationery that is well curated, fun and bold is ever increasing,” confirms independent sales manager Luca Bridges. “This season, the current trends are metallic, either silver or gold. And with red coming

The Return Of Paper Planners Being able to note down diary entries digitally has become the choice of many, especially Millennials. But Jack Straw, MD of BrownTrout, reveals that what goes round comes round.

“We believe that dated planners have found their place in our lives again,” he confirms. “Of course, smartphones and tablets are here to stay, but people are also realising that traditional paper and pen planners are handier than popular digital devices.

They are better tools for planning life events and managing important to-do lists. Plus, with so much stationery on offer these days, consumers can really express their personalities through the stationery that they buy.” Ironically, Jack adds that social media has also played a huge part in popularising stationery again - Pinterest and Instagram in particular.

He highlights current design trends, ranging from pineapples, spots and dots to vintage florals and llamas, plus the all-important special finishes, with gold foil, holographic or glitter key for consumers. “To be a part of these trends, BrownTrout has long wanted to create a line of truly fashion-forward planners,” explains Jack. “Finally, we realised that our best possible partner in such an endeavour would be Pantone, the worldwide authority on colour, with Pantone’s brand personality, colour palettes, colours of the year and unique graphics revealed in our 2019 Pantone Planners.”

Above right: Bright colours, to include Pantone’s ‘colour of the year’ Ultra Violet, are revealed in BrownTrout’s 2019 Pantone Planners.

off the catwalks, we have teamed rose gold and red in our curated High Shine collection. Green too, is also a strong theme for us with green the new black,” highlights Luca. “Stationery can be a real asset to retailers as it’s an easy, small pickup item that is always needed, as well as a perfect add-on product.”

As Rachael Davidson, marketing manager at Really Good/Soul, comments: “New stationery evokes that nostalgic backto-school feeling. Even as adults, stationery makes us happy whether we are giving it as a gift or buying it for ourselves. And while many thought that the digital age would put a stop to the joy of stationery, notebooks, planners and pens seemingly have an enduring appeal, with the opportunity to switch off from the modern world. The cover of a new notebook, planner or journal represents a person’s personality, and we have seen a strong interest in notebooks and journals that hold a specific purpose, with the trend set to remain in 2018. Our existing Imagine range, which features a travel journal, birthday book and passwords book has also been extended to include a set of wedding stationery.”

Stationery does have longevity, as Rachel Ellen, founder and MD of Rachel Ellen Designs, explains.

“Partly due to the tactile nature of stationery there’s something special and even comforting about writing notes, lists, plans or memories into a journal that may be kept for years rather than keying the same into a mobile phone that will be replaced in 12 months time,” says Rachel. “In the main, our stationery is either purchased by or for females, so we work hard to create beautiful, functional and on trend products that have a broad appeal to people of all ages who want something lovely for a relatively low cost. Our most recent adult collections include the use of bright neon colours within bold designs, luxurious hot Continued on page 31

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Spotlight On... Stationery Left: Rachel Ellen’s brand new Lustre collection.

Right: Motivationsl quotes from Wrendale Designs.

Below Happy Jackson’s ‘happy’ new colour palette, from Wild & Wolf.

Below right: Elum, distributed by Widdop and Co. Bottom: Lesser & Pavey’s floral range of stationery is aimed at garden enthusiasts wanting to note down plant names and planting seasons.

foiling to include rose gold, marble effects and geometric shapes. Our new Lustre range brings together intricate designs with several high end mixed metallic finishes. The collections include notebooks, boxed pens, organisers, writing sets, greeting cards, gift bags and storage tins.”

Commenting on the enduring appeal of social stationery, Wild & Wolf’s marketing

Stationery: Shop Talk l “A range that’s held together by one design concept, theme or colour palette is so much stronger than the sum of its parts. It’s no different to clothing retailers dressing mannequins with co-ordinated hats, handbags, scarves, jackets and footwear.” Rachel Church, founder and MD, Rachel Ellen

manager Laura Driffied says that, either as a gift or as a self-purchase, stationery goes far beyond the practicalities. “It’s now a statement accessory, and this Spring/Summer, it’s all about pastels.

Happy Jackson has launched a new line of stationery and lifestyle gifts, ranging from fun pencil cases to outspoken notebooks, in a brand-new colour palette of fluoros and fresh sherbet brights.”

Spreading a positive, feelgood message is also a focus for Wrendale Designs. “Being grateful and spreading a positive message seems to be popular at the moment, so we’ve designed an inspirational collection of stationery items which includes journals, a motivational quote gift set and a boxed set of magnets,” says the company’s founder and

l “There is no difference between

stationery and a gift as stationery is a gift!

Retailers should therefore merchandise stationery stock alongside complementary gift collections, as customers are equally as likely to purchase a travel mug alongside a matching notebook for their handbag.”

Charlie Bassill, sales director, Portico l “Stationery can be an unemotional purchase, so for gift retailers, it’s about bringing emotion into the mind of the consumer. Bring a full range together, and engage the imagination of the customer as to how products could enhance their lives, be it through organisation at home, the office or new hobbies.” Clement Rouilliard, marketing manager, ExaClair l ”Stationery is all about telling stories grouping together themes within product ranges - which in turn should create an impressive display. This type of approach really captures the consumer’s eye and could lead to cross-selling other products.” Jack Straw, MD, BrownTrout l ”A stationery display that looks fully stocked with a range of products, creates a strong bright presence within the store. It attracts customers and pulls the purchase of the luxury stationery item.” Luca Bridges, independent sales manager, Caroline Gardner

creative director Hannah Dale. “We find that our stationery works well in a display with other gift items such as mugs, tinware and homeware. The display tells a story to a customer who will love to see what else they can collect from the range.”

“Stationery, to include pens, is increasingly an important part of what we do,” confirms Stephen Ilingworth, director, Widdop and Co. “We are expanding it across all our ranges where we offer some 300400 skus, along with the

distributorship of two American brands, Studio Oh and Elum. “This year, trends are very much about embellishments such as embossing, glitter and flitter as well as detailing.” Stephen puts the popularity of social stationery down to the fact that people are looking back to the past when life didn’t revolve around technology. “For example, most of us have fond memories of receiving a personally handwritten letter or journaling our thoughts and feelings,” he points out.

As Julian Hunt, MD at Lesser & Pavey says: “You can never have too many notepads! We offer notebooks of varying sizes that not only make a statement but convey a sense of fun and fashion, with our new range featuring sequin covers that complement our sequin bags and sequin cushions.”

As social stationery continues to defy the rise of smartPhones and tablets, with stationery increasingly being purchased a gift, it would seem to be a win win for gift retailers looking for an all year round best seller.

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the Stationery products to be showcased this month.

Powerful Pantone Pantone is the world’s most powerful and influential brand and BrownTrout is delighted to be offering a fantastic range of six planners - island aqua, ultra violet, sunset yellow, lime green, charcoal grey and tomato red - measuring 13.32cm wide x 20.32cm tall, 160 pages. Features weekly/monthly planning pages, journal pages, smooth writing paper, sturdy cover board with soft-touch finish, matching bookmark ribbon, elastic closure, expandable pocket with stickers.

FSC Wooden Cards Our mission is to delight people by providing them with emotionally strong product that exceeds their expectations. All products are made of natural and thin wood sources certified by FSC, This is natural product, because cards consist of 98% natural wood and 2 % cellulose – all are biodegradable. Producing of wooden cards requires five times less trees than those made of paper; Our products: greeting cards, bookmarks, calendars, notebooks and business cards.

BrownTrout Publishers Tel: +44 117 317 1880 www.browntroutuk.com London Stationery Show: Stand M621

Want To Get Organised?

850 collection is a versatile pouch that you can put many items in.

Featuring a good-quality tetoron mesh fabric and EVA coating, it is durable, sturdy and water repellent. What’s more the design makes it free to stand on its own.

Finished with a zip closure, it’s the perfect place to store your travel accessories, stationery or toiletries!

Three colours/four sizes available.

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Premier Plus Stationery Email: robert@premierplusstationery.com London Stationery Show: Stand M324

Opulent Opium Lavish gold foiling, combined with heady, exotic, and opulent imagery – Opium range shows our successful collaboration with one of Woodmansterne’s bestselling card ranges. This year’s prints include three new designs in Cheetah, Kingfisher and Toucan. Their exceptional foiled covers make them that perfect gift.

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Keeping It Natural Natural Kraft paper is the stationery covering of the moment. It has a lovely natural texture and is brilliantly hard wearing too. The covers of this A5 diary and planner are made from super-thick Kraft with rounded corners and spiral binding. Pops of colour are provided by blue tabbed dividers while an elastic closer keeps everything neat and tidy.

“All you need is faith, trust and a little Pixie dustâ€?. KARTOS fairytale collection now also includes Peter Pan. The prestigious smooth wrapping paper ennobled with gold powder covers a pen holder box containing 12 pens and bookmarks. The perfect gift for everyone who wants to spread a little bit of magic and a little bit of “gold fairy dustâ€?‌

KARTOS - Toscana Carte Pregiate Tel: +39 (0)572 525385 Email: info@toscanacartepregiate.it www.toscanacartepregiate.it London Stationery Show: Stand M731

Go Stationery Tel: 0208 799 6333 Email: sales@gostationery.net www.gostationery.net

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Industry Issue: The Future Of Retail

A Retail

Revolution Technology, technology, technology. Every day, we see, hear or read how technology is impacting on every aspect of our lives - especially how we shop now, and how we will be shopping in the future.

Fuelled by our expectations of digital, and with the preferences of Millennials changing how we eat, think and shop, retail power is now firmly in the hands of the consumer, say today’s retail titans.

PG&H took a seat on the front row of the recent high profile Retail Week Live conference, to hear a stellar line up of thought leaders and visionaries from some of the largest multiples - M&S, Argos Sainsbury’s and Ocado among them - reveal that VR (virtual reality) and AI machine learning (artificial intelligence) are already in an advanced state.

So where does that leave bricks and mortar retailing?

It’s no secret that in today’s world, the digital transformation is already underway. Every major progressive business is becoming a digital business empowered by new software initiatives, with AI set to power the next retail revolution and data a second language that has created a new, unprecedented openness that retailers are using as a way to digitally and physically bespoke products for customers. With social media mainstream for some 15 years, and over 1bn people active on Facebook, it’s never been easier to connect with new audiences.

“I have no doubt the challenges we are facing over the next 12 months will feel as daunting as they are exciting, but retailers always live through change - retail’s never been an industry for the faint-hearted,” stated Retail Week’s MD Chris Brook-Carter in his welcoming address. “Disruptive technologies and businesses are emerging in every retail corner and entrepreneurialism has never been more alive. We are in an

Above: Channel 4 broadcaster Cathy Newman chaired Retail Week Live, held at the Intercontinental London 02 at the beginning of March.

Below: Retail Week’s MD Chris Brook-Carter

compass to our digital world. Therefore the competitive advantage will be for those who understand pan-digital. Our response has to be to move faster, to embrace change and to step into the unknown.”

Chris added that while the challenges over the next 12 months are likely to be daunting, they will be exciting too. “It’s the forward thinkers who will create new benchmarks that will inspire. In fact, there’s never been a more fertile time for good ideas and for retailers to capitalise on them,” he concluded.

Convenience Will Be The Winner here’s never been a more interesting time to work in retail,” concurred Sainsbury’s Argos ceo John Rogers, a champion of bricks and mortar retail. “Online is clearly having a massive impact, as can be seen by the failure of Toys R Us and Maplin recently. However, as retailers, we have to think how we can combine the physical with the digital to give an advantage to our customers. We still believe that there is a role for physical stores, with Sainsbury’s and Argos a significant business model.”

He highlighted that the main attraction of the Argos acquisition was that the business had moved from a catalogue company into technology, becoming the third most visited website in the UK. “Argos is a technically driven business,” he emphasised, “and as Christmas showed us, there is a

“T exhilarating position and our responsibility is to move faster still.”

He stressed that to survive the digital revolution, retailers will need to remain open minded and curious. “We must also be in no doubt that this is a revolution, one that’s been with us since the dot.com era back in the mid ‘90s, so businesses need to make sure that they’re ready for the future,” he continued. “The need to respond faster gets ever more prescient, and there is no hiding from the challenges we face. We no longer choose to go online, it is a constant

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Industry Issue: The Future Of Retail

Becoming Emotionally Connected ith new consumer values radically changing the rules of retail, it’s forcing retailers to rethink the role of their stores, explained Trevor Hardy, ceo of The Future Laboratory. “Emotion is the new currency of experience, with more of our time spent thinking about feelings, and ‘emotion’ the single word that will drive the future. It will dominate every customer decision and government election, as well as every leisure activity,” he predicted. “Retailers and their staff therefore need to start focusing on the quality of a customer’s experience as alternatives to digital realities will become commonplace. So too, will the experiences that offer them, with sensory reality transforming the shopper’s state of mind from passive observing to active experiencing. Retailers will therefore need to create computing from the transfer of information to having that emotional experience.”

Summarising, he suggested that brands will need to rethink their consumer profile to create a more fluid definition of identity; to move forward from individual empowerment to collective strength; to create a place of sanctuary based on less rather than more; to reimagine the consumer journey; to make engagement more emotional and to design transformational experiences. “We are rapidly moving towards new values,” he stressed.

W

clear line between online and bricks and mortar, a clear distinction between those who have got online right and are successfully combining both channels.”

Continued John: “Click and Collect is growing faster than even home delivery. By 2025, 37% of shoppers will be using ultra convenience delivery because convenience wins. At Argos, our USP is FastTrack, a market winning proposition. You can order something online and have it delivered to your address within four hours or pick it up from one of 1000 locations. Today, successful retailing is about whenever, wherever and however.”

Above left: John Rogers, ceo, Sainsbury’s Argos.

Above right: Trevor Hardy, ceo, The Future Laboratory.

Right Paul Clarke, cto, Ocado.

Putting Digital First

S

teve Rowe, ceo of Marks & Spencer, has been with the company for 28 years - with breaks in service - starting out as a Saturday boy at the Croydon branch. “However, when I was appointed ceo, it was important to start with a blank sheet of paper to enable us to recover and expand the business. It gave us the platform, and we have decided to take a ‘digital first’ approach,” he confirmed. “We therefore have to ensure that we are building new apps and technology both online and instore, as a third of our business will be online within three years. Yet as 72% of merchandise is bought in store, we are increasing our touch points, with 60% or our profits continuing to come from the high street.

Inset: Steve Rowe, ceo, However, to create a digital culture, Marks & Spencer. everyone has to be in it together, and we have been integrating our way across the business. We have digital ‘warriors’ doing great things in terms of AI, and going forward we will be using that, for example, to help people when they’re trying something on.”

Added Steve: “The best piece of business advice I was given, and have given to others is that there are two types of people in life: people who do things and people who commentate. At M&S, we don’t ever want to be a commentator.”

AI: Overhyped And Underestimated rtificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionise the way we shop, work and how companies interact with their customers. “It’s definitely not hype, it’s happening, and we would not be in business without it,” emphasised Paul Clarke, cto of Ocado. “It’s AI that allows us to do really exciting things, and it will come a lot faster than people think.” Elaborating on the applications for retail, he explained that it falls within the area of personalisation. “It will be very much about learning about how people like to shop – for example, are they an expert or a novice? It also lets you shop through a gluten-free lens for example, and can help shoppers to make fewer mistakes. It’s about keeping them safer online or instore by filtering out the noise volume of data, which will only get more extreme. AI will, in fact, help to keep us sane!”

Paul added that ultimately, AI is about analytics, and will have a huge role to play in the supply chain. “It will help to spot problems in the early stages,” he pointed out. “Currently, it is overhyped and underestimated. However, there’s no choice but to embrace it. In retail it’s about not denying it and just doing it.”

A

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DAY FLOWER | NIGHT FLOWER Each collection is available in six alluring fragrances.

020 8595 8878 • stoneglowcandles.co.uk • sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk

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Spotlight On... Made In Britain

PUTTING THE INTO GREAT BRITAIN If giftware has a USP on today’s global stage, it’s that so many products are still manufactured here in the UK - from ceramics crafted in Stoke on Trent to glassware produced in Devon and candles made in the Lake District – plus much, much more besides.

For UK manufacturers, coupled with a weak £pound, it’s giving exports a tremendous boost, with countries worldwide - ironically including China - clamouring to buy products not only with a Made In Britain backstamp but an interesting back story too.

So what’s driving sales for British manufacturers in 2018?

When people think about products that are ‘Made in Britain’, it’s the Potteries in Stoke on Trent that still spring to mind.

“As consumers become increasingly interested in and knowledgeable about the brands from which they buy we are certainly experiencing an increase in demand for UK made product, but, more importantly for products that have authenticity and provenance,” says Phil Atherton, group sales and marketing director at Portmeirion. “Being based in the heart of The Potteries in Stoke-onTrent, and having a busy factory that produces quality Made in England product, is a huge asset to our business and one which we like to shout about.

Retailers also want to shout about the integrity of the brands they stock, so we have developed some striking POS blocks that communicate this to the customer.

They easily slot into any merchandise

display, singing loud and proud about our brands’ UK heritage. In addition, our export markets continue to grow, each with a passion for our brands’ British heritage. It seems that UK manufacture is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a ‘must have’ for a British brand to succeed in overseas markets and we’re very happy to have that in our armoury. We are seeing growth across most of our key export markets, particularly as we develop and expand our home and gift offer.”

Peter Smith, sales director at Above: Portmeirion’s Botanic Garden.

Right: The new Apple Blossom design from Churchill China.

Below: Dunoon’s Suffolk Country Garden design.

Dunoon, says that more and more customers are asking where product is manufactured. “As a UK manufacturer, we’re well placed to satisfy the demand for authentic ‘English fine bone China’,” he comments. “Our customers appreciate our quality, craftsmanship and design, wanting the history and origin behind the company. We export to 60 countries worldwide, with European markets consistently strong for us.

In recent years we’ve experienced excellent growth in Russia and China, and the fact that we make our mugs in the UK is a massive factor in the growth of these markets.”

It’s a similar story at Churchill China, where the company’s marketing communications manager Thomas Woodward says that products made in the UK definitely have a special aura around them. “With the market flooded with imported products, ‘UK made’ is something we should shout about, and it’s the reason why we have particularly focused on launching several UK produced dinnerware ranges. Producing product that reflects our heritage is very important to us, so we Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... Made In Britain Left: Amphora vases from Dartington.

Below middle: Wax Lyrical’s Fells collection.

Below right: Apothecary, among the new collections from Rose & Co. Bottom left Stoneglow’s Dhalia collection.

delved into our archives to reintroduce some classic mix and match patterns to fit with what consumers want. Overseas markets especially really take to UK produced items, and see the product as high quality due to its heritage, with our export market seeing some encouraging growth.”

Glassware too, has a special cachet all its own when it’s manufactured in the UK. “Many retailers like to know if it's ‘Made in Britain’ and support brands like ours,” confirms Dartington’s commercial director Richard Halliday. “We make it a feature where we can on product labels and packaging on our UK made items. We have grown exports in recent years and have good business in the USA and Australia which are established markets for a product like ours. We are also active in the Middle East and the Far East where our authentic British brand story is of real interest and has great potential.”

For many home fragrancing companies, manufacturing product inhouse is a way to create a USP for the brand. “Products that have been made in Britain have become very important and even

Made In Britain: Shop Talk

more so post Brexit,” says Stoneglow’s commercial director Louise Dooley. “All Stoneglow products carry the Union Jack logo and the ‘Made in the UK’ phrase, and we also support our retailers with a leaflet for use at point of sale which tells the Stoneglow story and how we make our candles and diffusers here in the UK.” She adds that over the past 24 months the company has also seen major growth in exports. “We do four to five international trade shows annually, and ship to all corners of the world, including Australia, Russia and China. In fact, if someone had told us that we would be shipping to China 10 years ago we would have

thought it was a joke, but the Far East is now an important market for Stoneglow.”

At Wax Lyrical based in the Lake District, MD Joanne Barber explains: “Our retailers truly understand the importance of buying British - it sells!

As a brand it’s something we’re very passionate about. Buying British stands for high quality, sustainable products that are great value to the consumer. It stands for innovative, market leading designs combined with unique new product developments. These foundations help deliver high quality, value products that strive to support

l “Grouping ‘Made in the UK’ gifts into themed displays in-store, or in a prominent window, is one way to make them stand out. Additionally, on websites, showing Made in Britain as a selling feature can help justify the value to the gift purchaser.”

Richard Halliday, commercial director, Dartington l “Shops should really show off UK produced product as it can be seen as a key selling point. Eye-catching displays in store are key to selling the product.”

Thomas Woodward, marketing communications manager, Churchill China

environmentally friendly initiatives.”

Continues Joanne: “As the UK’s largest home fragrance manufacturer, Wax Lyrical has led the way as a Made in England brand. In a competitive market, we create products that celebrate the best of British manufacturing and we design with quality in mind from the start. Every one of our candle wicks is hand placed, our packaging is sourced from sustainably managed forests and our factory is supported by an on site wind turbine. Retailers continue to embrace

Made in Britain brands safe in the knowledge that British made quality translates into excellent value, sustainable products with great on-shelf appeal and strong consumer demand. Our 40+ international export markets continue to thrive and ‘Made in England’ continues to generate a firm pull in the market.”

Many bath and body products too, to include Rose & Co., distributed by Joe Davies, continue to be manufactured in the UK. “The award winning Rose & Co collection is locally sourced and handmade in the UK using only the finest ingredients that are vegan friendly and not tested on animals,” confirms Joe Davies’ buyer Mary Richards. “Retailers highlight that the range has been Made in Britain to their customers via social media and point of sale. It adds value and a touch of luxury to the collection as they are supporting British jobs and reducing the environmental impact.”

Internationally, Mary says the collection is seeing massive export growth, with key markets France, Germany, Poland, Romania, Spain and Portugal.

At personalised gift company Signature Gifts, the company’s most important market overseas is the USA. “We already have many customers in the States, and with a brand new US trade portal built, and a sales account manager based in Chicago, we feel this market will only get stronger,” says trade marketing copywriter David Morris. “There is Continued on page 43 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Best Kept Secrets Ltd Morpeth, NE61 6JT Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Web: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Exciting New Partnership

Different fun messages for friends, family and special occasions.

Seriously Scented fragrances with sparkly toppings and plenty of glitter!!

Please get in touch with Best Kept Secrets to discuss the full range.

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Spotlight On... Made In Britain Left: Personalised books from Signature Gifts.

Below: Grace & Favour bages from the Great British Exchange.

Below left: Spice Kitchen’s Indian spice tin comes in a handmade silk sari.

Below right: Chakra is a new range from Carrie Elspeth.

a quintessential love affair that the Americans have with the Brits, and with the upcoming Royal Wedding, the fascination is not likely to end anytime soon. Following on from this, our American customers love our products, and the idea of their products being manufactured and shipped from Scotland only romanticises and adds value to their order.”

Looking at the UK market, he says that there are obvious advantages to buying local, delivery costs being one of them, but that there is also a traditional aspect that gift retailers are keen to hold on to. “Our products are all British made, manufactured and distributed from our purpose-built production

facility in Bladnoch, Scotland, so our customers are guaranteed to be purchasing British products of the highest quality.”

Recently spicing things up in the ‘Made in Britain’ gift food sector is the award winning Spice Kitchen, which offers an Indian Spice tin presented in unusual giftwrap - a silk sari. “We are definitely seeing an interest in our items because they are handmade in the UK, with this provenance and uniqueness of interest to both retailers and consumers,” confirms cofounder Sanjay Aggarwal. “We handmake our silk sari gift wraps in house, as well as every spice and tea blend. Consumers love that they have a direct connection to our

family business through this. We ensure that the fact our products are handmade in the UK is on the packaging and therefore associated with our brand. Although currently we’re mainly selling in the UK, we’re also seeing increasing interest from Europe - especially France, Germany and the Netherlands - and regularly send our products to the US as people tend to associate UK made products with high quality. Provenance is exceptionally important,” he adds. “We source high quality spices from approved suppliers all over the world, making spice and tea blends in small batches here in the UK to ensure freshness and flavour.”

As Matt Hopkins, founder, of the Great British Exchange (GBE), concurs, consumers are driving British made. “While we are all aware of destinations where we can buy cheap, there is a rapidly growing trend for people looking for quality products which offer a story and provenance.

Everything sold through the GBE is produced in Great Britain and the gifts we offer all have that provenance. To the consumer, this makes a more compelling gift with a more personal touch.”

Matt adds that shorter lead times and lower volumes are also among the key reasons British made goods are growing in popularity, giving greater flexibility to a retailer’s ranging. “With great prices and more and more newness why wouldn't you buy British?” asks Matt.

Carrie Elspeth has been producing design-led handmade jewellery in Wales for nearly 20 years. “There’s always been an interest in buying British and this has accelerated in recent years,” she confirms,

Made In Britain: The Lowdown

l British manufacturing output has risen for some nine consecutive months. l According to the Office for National Statistics, factory output rose by 2.3% in the final quarter of 2017.

“and we have taken on an increased number of customers looking for Welsh/British made products, especially since Brexit.

Independents and multiples are also interested in looking more locally too.

Retailers have been dedicating whole sections of their stores to this theme, printing posters and banners, doing in-store promotions and marketing which gives credence to the whole ‘Shop Local’ movement. Retailers are also getting much

more savvy about discriminating between Made in Britain versus ‘designed’ in Britain as importers try to jump on the bandwagon.”

She highlights that exports are continuing to increase for the company, partly due to the weakening of sterling. “This is particularly true for us in Ireland, Europe and the USA. Europe is a critical export destination but, of course, this may change wildly in the near future.” On the downside however, Carrie adds that manufacturing is under a lot of pressure in the UK due to the living wage rises, pension contributions, and other cost increases. “From an export perspective this less of a problem than for domestic sales, but as we move towards 2020 and a £9 living wage, this may not be enough. Shoppers definitely love to buy British but there is only so much they are prepared to pay for it.”

With Made In Britain a back stamp that both retailers and consumers both respect and trust, and a Royal Wedding this year adding to the fervour, 2018 could well be the greatest year yet for ‘Great’ Britain’s giftware manufacturers.

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the British Made gift products to be showcased this month.

Sentiment Occasion Candles Best Kept Secrets has joined forces with Tracey Russell Design to offer a unique new candle product. Tracey has a countrywide and an international reputation as one of the leading designers of greeting cards in Great Britain, and has now turned her design flair towards candles. The result is an amazing set of Occasion candles featuring different, amazing designs and sentiments with something for every event, ceremony and celebration.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Natural Wax Candles Stoneglow has just launched the new Infusion collection of natural wax candles with wooden wicks and matching high fragrance diffusers. Refresh your senses with this empowering range which features uplifting fragrances to boost your wellbeing and transform your mood, while the soft crackle of an alluring fire relaxes and soothes. Pre-order now for August delivery.

Made in the UK by Stoneglow Candles.

Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email:sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

Handmade Natural Soap Best Kept Secrets is delighted to announce the expansion of the Just Because range which now includes a fun collection of occasion handmade soaps celebrating family, friends and special moments.

Beautifully wrapped and presented, using our Rosey Geranium and Ylang Ylang soap.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Opulent Sophistication Ashleigh & Burwood launch their Midnight Collection Fragrance Lamp gift sets this season. There are six designs in the collection which is defined by its midnight black polished finish, each one encapsulating a different element, such as silver and gold flakes, jasmine petals and bamboo. The Fragrance Lamps take a strong cube form, featuring a sleek modern crown to give a final effect of opulent sophistication. Each design is available as part of a gift set that includes 250ml Moroccan Spice Lamp Fragrance.

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

Garden Scents Potager Garden is a new range from Stoneglow - natural wax candles and diffusers in familiar fragrances of herbs, fruits and vegetables - blended together to create an aromatic retreat to the garden. All beautiful presented in colourful gift packaging. Made in the UK by Stoneglow Candles.

New Tropical Fragrance Just launched into Lamp Fragrance and The Scented Home reed diffusers, one of Ashleigh & Burwood’s fresh new scents this season is Mango & Nectarine, a delicious mix of ripe, warm fruits. Sunny mango and nectarine, citrusy bursts of mandarin and a heart of juicy guava create this smooth, tropical fragrance to brighten your day.

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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O

riginating from an 18th century apothecary, situated beside Windsor Castle, Woods of Windsor is a premium English niche lifestyle & gift brand inspired by Windsor’s beautiful landscape and the nostalgic romanticism, charm & wildness of an English country garden.

Xystos Flame & Fragrance • Bath & Body

The UK’s No.1 Home Fragrance Supplier to the Gift Industry

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For more info, contact our Customer Service Team Email: sales@xystos.co.uk or Tel: +44(0)191 499 1570 www.xystostrade.co.uk

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the British Made gift products to be showcased this month.

Simply Hannah A set of 12 designs on Dunoon’s Orkney fine bone china shape, these are by a new artist to Dunoon, Hannah Longmuir. The designs feature very simple studies of wild animals, birds and insects drawn in Hannah’s inimitable style and coloured with delicate watercolour washes. Each mug has its own endearing subject, whether it be blue tits, hedgehogs or robins to name but a few.

Reed All About It Hassett Green has developed a stylish ceramic diffuser wand as one of the company's fragrance diffuser options, which allows the fragrance to fill the room. It can be left without the need for turning as the ceramic wand does not clog. The company's other 100ml reed diffuser, which uses fibre reed technology, is around 30% more effective than rattan reeds. With both options we cater for key price points, under £10, and the more premium gift at under £25. Contact paul@hassettgreen.com

Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

Eye-catching Earrings

Hassett Green Tel: 07909 539574 Email: paul@hassettgreen.com www.hassettgreen.com

Miss Milly, the British brand for gorgeous jewellery and scarves, is kicking off the year with a stunning array of new designs in pastel combinations of lilac, baby pink, soft greys and whites alongside striking magenta, cobalt and bright mint green. The most eyecatching to date, the collection is as reasonably priced as ever, featuring both bold designs and delicate pieces. Branded packaging and display stands are available, and the full catalogue can be ordered online.

Miss Milly Tel: 01905 622509 Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk www.missmilly.co.uk

Royal Wedding Memorabilia Ulster Weavers are delighted to have two Royal wedding tea towel designs available. Designed and made in Northern Ireland, the designs offer a choice between a bright contemporary design and a more traditional collectable tea towel. Both designs are available immediately and watch out for the new Royal baby tea towel when the happy event is announced.

Ulster Weavers Tel: 02890 329494 Email: sales@ulsterweavers.com www.trade.ulsterweavers.com

Nature’s fragrances Fruit and floral fragrances are once more to the fore this summer, typified by Di Palomo’s Orange Blossom and White Grape bath & body products, while its Black Cherry/Almond ‘Indulge Yourself’ is one of several gift sets that are flying out, The Naked Bee personal care Travel Kit and Mini Bee Kit will come into their own this summer as people make the most of weekends and holidays.

Its Orange Blossom Honey bath and body line has personal care needs covered from head to toe – from shampoo to restoration foot balm.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email:sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk

Dig This!

Woods of Windsor’s Gardeners Range from Xystos has sold extremely well in garden centres and other retail outlets. The unisex line comprises a hand wash, hand scrub, hand cream and hand balm/butter. There is also a counter display which holds four hand washes; five hand scrubs; five hand creams and six hand butters.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email:sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk

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In Profile: Lesser & Pavey

Putting On The

With Prince Harry set to marry Meghan Markle on May 19, it’s been a fantastic Spring sales boost for Lesser & Pavey, says MD Julian Hunt, with the company’s Royal Wedding collection achieving huge levels of sales, not only in the UK but around the world too.

Yet that’s not all that’s putting the sparkle into Lesser & Pavey this year.

A visit to the Lesser & Pavey showroom at the company’s HQ in Dartford, Kent, reveals enough glitz and glamour to rival the costumes on Strictly Come Dancing! From photo frames to fashion accessories, customers will find all this year’s biggest trends - llamas, unicorns, mermaids, flamingos and sloths - adorned with a generous sprinkling of sequins, glittering gold embellishments, and plenty of bling! “It’s totally eye catching!” says Julian Hunt.

“As always, we keep our eye on the trends and are constantly developing quality new ranges while still building on our most successful ones. We’ve already introduced numerous collections of trend-driven ‘younger’ gifts this year, with a myriad of new designs on the drawing board for the Autumn/Winter season, and our Christmas 2018 collections launched at Harrogate Christmas & Gift in January. All this newness, and much more, will be launched to new and existing customers during the course of the year.”

To give products the edge, there continues to be a big emphasis on attractive, quality gift packaging to ensure that everything - from silver glitter photo frames and sequin notebooks to fashion accessories, ceramics and glassware - is very 48

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

Above: Julian Hunt, MD, Lesser & Pavey.

Below: New from Mad Dots in 2018.

Bottom left: The Royal Heritage collection features Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

giftable, with the packaging instantly adding perceived value. “It’s something I believe Lesser & Pavey does better than anyone else,” states Julian.

Currently, a bone china Royal Heritage Collection is following in the footsteps of a Royal tradition for the company, which already boasts an unrivalled track record, says Julian. A Royal Wedding Collection was introduced to celebrate the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, which was followed by the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Collection, and subsequently by a range to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday in 2016. “All Royal ranges, which were designed inhouse, sold incredibly well for us,” Julian confirms. “In fact, the William and Kate Royal Wedding range was such a huge success that we brought out two further ranges after the actual wedding day, and it continued to sell worldwide for some 12 months after the wedding.”

Could sales be as buoyant for Harry and Meghan? “We’ll have to wait and see,” says Julian. “But based on Harry and Meghan’s worldwide popularity, it wouldn’t surprise me.

Certainly the additional sales in March that have been generated by these products have been a huge bonus. Additionally, as Meghan is an American, and such a well-known celebrity, we’re already seeing a lot of interest and sales in the States as well as other overseas markets.”

Royal occasions aside, Julian believes that the company’s overall success is down to the fact that everyone who works for

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In Profile: Lesser & Pavey Lesser & Pavey is encouraged to get involved and contribute in all aspects of the business. “We have a young, expanding in-house design team, and their ideas continue to flow,” he emphasises. “They look at everything with fresh young eyes, and constantly keep track of what’s trending on the social media platforms, translating this through to exclusive new product innovation, with the company currently offering over 5,000 skus.”

Continues Julian: “The days of buying off-the-shelf products from the Far East are long gone, although this is something that Lesser & Pavey has never relied on. We have always been strong in designing our own products, whether this is through using our own in house designers, or by working closely with exclusive factories and their skilled artists and sculptors, or by working with UK designers or through licensing.”

Productwise, sentiment and occasions are very popular and feature on many of the company’s best-selling items, with family and friends, home and love the top selling titles. Another major trend is for drink-related products, most notably anything to do with prosecco or gin. These feature strongly across Lesser & Pavey’s extensive Gold Edition - a range of mugs, glassware and gifts.

Left: Sentiment products, such as these from the company’s LED bottles range, are continuing to drive sales.

Below right: Part of Lesser & Pavey’s Christmas 2018 collection.

Below left: Sequinned cushions feature all the key trends.

Licensing too, remains a major part of the business, “with Lesser & Pavey an early pioneer in licensing, dating back to the early ‘90s,” Julian claims. “Although much of what we do today comes from our own in-house design department, our licensed ranges are very important. For example, the Mad Dots range, which we introduced a couple of years ago, continues to go from strength to strength. There are and will continue to be new product extensions to well established brands, such as the MacNeil Studio and Jennifer Rose Naylor Gallery, as well as new licences introduced.”

In addition, selling via the company’s trade website continues to grow, with Lesser & Pavey continually investing in the website to improve it. “We are doing more and more business via our website, with both existing and new customers,” says Julian. “The number of new customers, both in the UK and around the world, who find us is amazing. On the export side, and helped by a weakened £pound, international markets have grown since the Referendum in June 2016,” he continues. “Brexit has had a positive rather than a negative effect for us, and, in many ways, the company has benefitted. It’s not just brought us more business from overseas customers, but has helped make us better

Lesser & Pavey: The Lowdown

l Lesser & Pavey was established in 1971 by chairman and co-founder Ronnie Pavey, with

the company now among the leading UK trade suppliers of giftware and homewares. l Own brand The Leonardo Collection has become renowned worldwide. l The company’s HQ is currently based at Leonardo House in Dartford, a purpose-built

15,000 sq.ft building housing a showroom, a design studio and offices.

buyers. We have had to negotiate better prices and have had to improve products.

And, in many cases, to re-invent them to maintain the value for money and quality we pride ourselves on.”

What outcome would he like to see in regard to the Brexit negotiations? “We just want everything to carry on as before with a simple free trade deal,” Julian states. “We need them and they need us. The decision’s been made to leave the EU so let’s stop arguing and simply get on with it.”

How does he view gift retail in 2018?

“As costs rise, and competition increases, it’s imperative for retailers to look at their margins in order to survive. Additionally, with fierce online competition, it’s also about giving customers a good experience when they come in to shop. Driving interest

through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms, along with regular customer events, loyalty cards and promotions, are a must.” He adds that retailers also need to be as active as possible in their communities, joining their local BID and embracing events such as Small Business Saturday. “Today’s retailers have to be able to offer something else in addition to product in order to survive, with most of them already doing this extremely well and successfully.”

As for his view of the gift industry per se, he says that he’s feeling very enthusiastic. “There’s always innovation, there are always new ideas and, importantly, there are always new customers. For us there’s never a dull moment, and we see this year as a very exciting time for the company.”

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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celebrating Father’s Day 17th June

Gift Giving…all wrapped up Enesco Limited, Head Office & Customer Services, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0EN. Tel: 01228 404022 email: trade@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Tel: +44 1228 404066 email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk Distributed by Enesco All Rights Reserved, About Face Designs™ © 1999–2018, About Face Designs™ © 2018 Enesco Ltd.

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Men’ s Gifts With Women

Spotlight On... Men’s Gifts

In Mind

With Father’s Day on the horizon, gift retailers are sure to be keeping a keen eye out for men’s gifts, both contemporary and traditional, with novelty and humour continuing to be the big sales drivers.

PG&H took a look at what’s new this season as well as how the men’s category is gradually diversifying into new product areas.

Men’s gifts have tended to place both gift buyers and retail buyers in a bit of a quandary over the years, with both sides wanting to find that ‘something different’.

The good news is that, for lateral thinkers, there are plenty of trend driven ideas around that are taking men’s gifting in different directions.

“Men in 2018 are no easier to buy for than the men of yesteryear, with great gifts for males seemingly in short supply,” comments Thomas O’Brien, strategic operations director at Boxer Gifts. “Men make gift purchasing difficult by tending to buy anything they need as soon as they think of it, so suppliers have to provide the product they didn’t know existed, never Top: A portable barbecue from Gentlemen’s Hardware

by Wild & Wolf.

Above: Good morning!

Gift Republic’s Egg of Thrones.

Right: Fish & Black’s gift boxed Grizzly Man mug from Really Good.

Left: A novelty personalised beer opener from Boxer Gifts.

mind wanted - the novelty. Plus, men drink gin too, and their tastes are higher end. So £15 gift books and £13 glasses are cheap by comparison to expensive bottles of gin and exotic tonics.” Adds Thomas: “Men’s gifts needn’t be the hard category. They should be an inspiring section of products that spark the words ‘I never knew they made that!’”

Also looking at the success of novelty gifts for men is Gift Republic. “Men’s gifting has definitely diversified,” concurs designer Stephen Grace, “with consumers increasingly looking for men’s accessories for the kitchen and garden. An example is our Egg of Thrones egg cup, a fun, novelty gift, designed to bring some excitement to the morning’s egg and soldiers!”

Wild & Wolf’s head of marketing Laura Driffield highlights that it’s all about the outdoors this Spring/Summer. “Gentlemen’s Hardware by Wild & Wolf is therefore launching an eclectic new range of outdoor and camping gear featuring eight new lines to include a portable barbecue, barbecue tools and waterproof ‘survival’ playing cards,” confirms Laura.

“This year will see an increase in the popularity of tech goods, drink related items, pamper products and practical gifts that will be appreciated and used time and time again,” says Really Good’s marketing manager Rachael Davidson. “We’ve certainly noticed a demand for inexpensive, useful items such as shot flasks and home accessories, and earlier this year, we launched our new Fish & Black range which offers a modern collective of design-led gifts

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Spotlight On... Men’s Gifts

Left: Sass & Belle’s vintage map Wash and Go! bag.

Right: A multi-tool from Enesco’s M Gifts collection.

Below The Brewmaster collection from Widdop and Co. Bottom left: Dartington’s Perfect Beer range.

Far right: Among the cheeky socks from The Music Gifts Company’s Element range.

for both men and women, with the Grizzly Man mug already proving very popular.”

Chloe Mills, design manager at Sass & Belle, points to gifts trends featuring the fusion of fun and functionality, bold monochromatic colourways and scifi/popular culture related themes. “This year sees a brand new design from us for Father’s Day, bringing subtle elements of sci-fi and minimalistic blacks, whites and greys to useful gifts.” Other trends from the company include men’s grooming products and accessories, desktop/stationery items and parenting-oriented products.

Of course, drinking glasses remain a favourite male gift, with Dartington’s commercial director Richard Halliday highlighting the company’s handmade crystal whisky tumblers. “We have a new whisky collection for 2018 featuring a choice of handmade crystal tumblers and decanters for that special male gift,” comments Richard: “Beer too, is a good theme for male gifting with our Perfect Beer range of glasses and

tankard perfectly suited to beer lovers.

With the World Cup taking place this summer, a good stock of beer glasses makes sense.”

Also highlighting drinkware, along with travel, is Widdop and Co. “Currently, beverage is a very big trend for us, with a new range called Brewmaster

incorporating everything from microbrewing to gin and coffee. We also do men’s gifts that reflect travel aspirations, to include travel globes and travel accessories, as well as a selection of games for men, all of which are core lines.”

“At Enesco, we have an excellent male gift offering for 2018, across both our M Gifts collection and About Face Say What range, reflecting the trend for fun and functional,” says Helen Cottrill, director of marketing. “However, it’s interesting that women are still spending less on the men in their lives compared to their female relatives.”

Socks continue as a ‘go to’ gift for men, with The Music Gifts Company among those looking to shake up the traditional. “Over the last 12 months, we have found that wordy gifts are becoming increasingly popular,” says the company’s MD David Gee, “with our customers telling us that cheeky humour is the order of the day.

We now have a range of cheeky Left: Stress-busting socks from the Sock Academy.

Continued on page 55

Caning It When it comes to an older age group, Charlotte Gillan, MD of walking stick specialists Classic Canes, has noticed an increasing awareness of provenance among purchasers of men’s gifts. “Practical products that are made in Britain, and have an interesting story behind their creation, are in demand,” she confirms. “For us, this means walking sticks, featuring unusual and attractive woods that will become much-loved companions of the recipient.”

Left: New from Classic Canes this season is a pistol-grip stick.

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Spotlight On... Men’s Gifts

Seeing The Funny Side “A fashion in men’s giftware has always been humour, items that have a unique novelty about them, and we’ve never felt the need for a good joke more than in 2018,” comments Puckator’s designer Lauren Billingham. “One of the best themes for these kind of products stems from larger than life characters and the comical portrayal of their appearance, with Puckator nailing it with our new Presidential Solar Pal. It’s hard not to laugh when you catch a glimpse of him in action, with the range extended to include diningware and novelty keyrings.”

Inset: The Big Wig range from Puckator includes the President Smug mug.

gifts, both wordy and pictorial, to include ‘Golf is a game for Swingers’ and “Cycling is for those who like a good Ride’. It seems that we guys never grow up and still love our schoolboy humour.”

At Sock Academy, colour, brightness and quirky themes have been added to the company’s new collections - Stress Heads and Man’s Best Friend. “As men increasingly turn to their socks in order to inject some fun and colour into their day, we are responding with a Spring Summer 18 range that’s full of fun and frivolity,” says MD Gary Schaffer.

Left: Dad gifts from Lesser & Pavey.

Below: Baylis & Harding’s Fuzzy Duck’s Men’s Collection, distributed

by Xystos.

Bottom left: Cast metal hobby silhouettes from Gisela Graham.

“As a company, we’re very big on men's gifts as it is part of the market place that is always looking for inspiration something we found when our in house design department came up with unique, practical, gifts reflecting that a dad makes for 'awesome' children,” comments Lesser & Pavey’s MD Julian Hunt. The company has also gone down the DIY route of 'manly man' gadget gifts with multitool kits. “Men’s is

a unique market place, but one that we see growth in for the company,” says Julian.

“When buying gifts for men, it’s best is to think of their male lifestyles,” says Gisela Graham’s sales director Piers Croke, who highlights grooming, beer and handling household admin as examples. “Men also have hobbies - fishing, bikes, golf, skiing and sports - with Gisela Graham following all

Men’s Gifts: Shop Talk “Gift books, as a range together, on either a stand or shelves, work for men, but targeted to a category they work even better. Therefore a gift book addition to a man’s range is a must, adding class to the display. It is often an additional purchase.”

Thomas O’Brien, strategic operations director, Boxer Gifts these leads. Plus, currently, we’re having particular success with our new cast metal hobby silhouettes.”

For men who like to show off their beards, keeping them well groomed is a must, with grooming kits a growing trend.

“The internet has helped to drive sales of a much bigger selection of gifts with males in mind, be they grooming products, candles for a man cave or items of jewellery,” says Tom Sykes, director, Xystos. He highlights the Baylis & Harding Fuzzy Duck Men’s Collection, particularly the Beard Grooming Kit, which is fragranced with cedarwood and wild sage.

“It’s a beautifully packaged, affordable product,” states Tom. With such an eclectic range of products that have men’s diverse lifestyles at their heart, there's no longer any excuse for retailers, or gift givers, to see men as impossible to buy for!

Continued on page 57

“The internet has helped to drive sales of a much bigger selection of gifts with males in mind.”

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Spotlight On... Men’s Gifts

Making It Personal Personalisation continues to be one of the biggest gift trends around. “Our football books have been best-sellers for many years, with titles for British cycling, rugby, boxing, and Formula 1 close behind,” confirms Kat Whittingham, trade marketing manager at Signature Gifts. “Plus, offering a choice of covers gives customers the opportunity to upgrade their gift from a leatherette finish to a more premium leather bound book. Everyone has that one thing in their lives which they’re passionate about, “ Kat points out.

Jewellery For Men According to Joe Davies’ buyer Mary Richards, men’s leather jewellery continues to be a huge trend for Spring/Summer 2018 featuring prominently in the company’s Equilibrium for Men jewellery collection.

“Plaited leather bracelets with stylish stainless steel accessories and new engravable additions are proving highly popular, and are a core element of the brand,” comments Mary.

On the jewellery accessories front, Wolf’s ceo Simon Wolf says: “One of the runway trends for Spring 18 was mixing tailoring and colour which is reflected in the bright pops of colour in our Howard men’s collection which includes a watch roll, cufflink box and watch winder.”

Above: Equilibrium men’s bracelets from Joe Davies.

Right: A Howard single watch roll from Wolf.

Above: Signature Gifts’ personalised licensed Star Wars Galactic Atlas.

“‘No. 1’ themed gifts are continuing to be a strong trend for 2018,” comments Cara Beech, new product manager at PMC. “The trend ties in with personalisation, as our customers can personalise their ‘No. 1’ gift to include No.1 dads, grandads and uncles even teachers! Popular gifts in this category include personalised glassware and gadgets.” Adds Cara, “for 2018, we will be bringing the trend to a larger range of personalised gifts to include Me to You mugs, watches, tie clips as well as a man dish.”

On The Licensing Front

Above: Paladone’s PlayStation Icon light.

Below: Groovy’s Black Panther & Deadpool bathrobes.

“Comfort and pampering, in a masculine way, seems to be key, as reflected in our new bathrobe and slipper ranges,” says Groovy’s MD Monique Scott. “Black Panther has broken all box office expectations with our robe and slippers inspired by his outfit. In addition, Deadpool, the tongue in cheek Superhero, carries his twin swords on the back of his outfit bathrobe. The trend for men’s products, encompassing strength and comfort, continues to grow ever more popular.”

Key continuing trends for Paladone’s men’s gifting meanwhile, are eSports and their affiliated licences. “With the value of gaming easily comparable to that of the movie or music industries, it’s clear that this genre is becoming an evergreen gift reference for a male-biased audience,” says Paladone’s marketing manager Alex Ryan. “The licences we’re backing in 2018/19 are PlayStation, Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty. We’re also bringing breadth to our classic/retro licences including Super Mario, Pac-Man, Game Boy and The Legend of Zelda, plus introducing a new retro line of Space Invaders and SNES gifts. Outside of licensed product, a key trend that we’re addressing is Outer Space - a key fashion and pop-culture trend of 2017.”

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products for the male market to be showcased this month.

Simply Topping One is now enough when it comes to a glass of wine. Simply top your tipple with a Tipple Topper then sit back and relax knowing there are no more unnecessary walks to the fridge. With three generic and two age designs to choose from they are a perfect gift idea for any wine lover!

Motorsport Mug Dunoon has created this design on their popular oversized Argyll shape mug. The design features lots of information and is sure to appeal to the motorsport enthusiast.

Designed by Richard Partis, it’s made in fine bone china and in the heart of Staffordshire.

Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com

Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

Witty And Wise Adding to its hugely popular Say What? range from www.enesco.co.uk/our_collections/about_face/ About Face Designs for 2018, www.enesco.co.uk Enesco has unveiled new products that allow the gift giver to say everything they’d ever like to express and more! The Beer in Hand beer mug is an ideal buy as a birthday treat, or for Father’s Day, with the Dad Rocks Rocks glass also sure to raise a smile. Retailing with an SRP of £9.95 and £4.95 respectively, both are dishwasher safe too.

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk

Spiral Cufflinks Shown are Koru spiral cufflinks from the Tide Jewellery collection, inlaid with natural Paua shell and supplied gift boxed. Check out our website where you will find a range of wholesale men’s jewellery, with lots of different products and designs - from necklaces and pewter pendants to surf style and wood beads as well as more cufflink designs.

For Fuzzy Fathers

Talbot Fashions Tel: 01273 776415 Email: info@talbotfashions.com www.talbotfashions.com

1st Father’s Day Gifts With Father’s Day fast approaching, the Personalised Memento Company have launched a brand new range of gifts for new dads personalised Daddy Bear 1st Father’s Day gifts. Available on a fantastic selection of products, including greetings cards, mugs and frames, the range is set to be one of their Father’s Day best sellers.

PMC Tel: 01782 744900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Beards are proving to be big business for Baylis & Harding. The fashionable hirsute look for young and not-so-young men has seen its Fuzzy Duck Men’s Collection Beard Grooming Kit racking up strong orders and more big sales are expected for Father’s Day. With a fragrance of cedarwood and wild sage, it comprises a cleansing beard shampoo, revitalising face wash, conditioning beard balm and wooden comb. Available from Xystos with an RRP of £14.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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In Profile: Rex London

London Calling This April sees the major re-branding of both Rex International and consumer website dotcomgiftshop, with both acquiring a brand new name - Rex London. It joins both the trade and consumer arms of the business under a single banner, while sending a clear message to the company’s international customers that Rex has London in its DNA, having been conceived in the Portobello Road back in the mid ’70s.

As ceo Nigel Biggs told PG&H, it’s a very exciting move and the next chapter for the company which is continuing to expand its global reach. So what differentiates Rex London, particularly in the European markets?

Back in 1975, when flares, tanks tops and droopy moustaches were the order of the day, two young entrepreneurs - Eri, who was selling jeans and ponchos on London’s Portobello Road, and Rob, who was making and selling candles - decided to start a wholesale company importing giftware.

Sourcing mainly from India and China, they began to build a business that led to Rex International being launched 37 years ago.

Fast forward to today, and the company’s annual turnover stands at over £10m, with Eri and Rob taking a back seat

10 years ago. Nigel Biggs, who joined the company in 1989 as sales manager - when Rex International was still operating out of an old car park in London’s Kentish Town - took on the role of ceo, with the emphasis shifting to in house design as opposed to buying products off the shelf.

“We now employ six full time designers working under the lead of design director Les Whiteman who is responsible for the creative development of the company’s products,” explains Nigel. (One of Les’ iconic designs features Rusty the Fox, which can be found among the company’s classic children’s ranges). Other senior members of the team include Candy Smith, who is head of buying and product d evelopment, and Taig Karanjia, who is the company’s chief operations officer.

Top: Nigel Biggs, ceo, Rex London.

Above left: New ecofriendly children’s dinnerware.

Inset: Assorted design ceramic mugs from the Rex London Spring/Summer collection.

So why the decision to re-brand as Rex London this year? “The name change helps to reinforce the British legacy and design credentials of the company,” Nigel states. “Our in-house design team produce over 1000 new product lines a year that have an authentic British feel, thereby continuing the heritage.”

He adds that the name change will also appeal to the overseas market, with the new brand name helping to put an emphasis on the company’s UK background. “Particularly in Europe, having London in our name is a real cachet,” he points out.

Nigel emphasises that what gives the company its edge is that all of its products are unique, fun and colourful. “It’s this bright identity that particularly appeals to buyers worldwide, but especially to continental buyers,” he continues.

“Our design concept is consistently eye-catching, with our designers putting a unique twist on everything we do. For example, we have our own colour palette and our own distinctive look, and everything we source has to follow that criteria.”

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Discover our comprehensive collection of home accessories and giftware at www.rexlondontrade.com TRADE advert 2018 3.indd 1 62_GH_March_April 2018.indd 62

For more info, contact our Trade Team T: +44 (0)20 8746 1700 | E: info@rexlondon.com Showroom : Unit 3-4 Allied Way, London W3 0RL 07/03/2018 15:08:02 22/03/2018 09:56

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In Profile: Rex London A browse round the company’s showroom in West London reveals that products are also very trend driven - think, for example, flamingos and palm leaf designs - as well as being broad based within the individual product sectors. Brand new for Spring/Summer this year is a colourful, eco-friendly dinnerware and food storage collection featuring a selection of sustainable bamboo dinnerware for kids.

Plus another design exclusive has been the launch of a new Folk Doves collection in March, featuring women’s accessories, ceramics and glassware. It has a Scandinavian folk-inspired print which mixes floral with wildlife motifs.

Above: Rex’s Rabbit night light is a favourite both in the UK and globally.

Right: Tropical Palm oilcloth weekend bag, washbag and oilcloth make-up bag.

But retailers won’t find anything that’s too edgy. “We don’t set out to be too cool for school,” Nigel comments. “We like designs with a bit of traction as, ultimately, they have to be commercial. Being too far ahead of a trend can sometimes be a dangerous game.”

Unusually, the company has never operated a sales force, or employed gift agents, with business primarily driven through major trade shows that include Spring Fair, Maison&Objet, the Nuremburg Toy Fair, Ambiente and Tendence. Rex is also currently

Sensational Sellers When Nigel Biggs joined Rex International close to 30 years ago, novelty inflatables, such as chairs and bananas, the type used at football matches, were at their peak.

“Then we started to get into textiles,” he recalls. “Our Sun and Moon rugs became such amazing sellers in 1992 that people queued outside our building to buy the rugs as they were being unloaded from the containers!”

Another ongoing, huge hit for Rex has been the company’s colourful, original Jumbo storage bags which are multi-purpose and can be used for children’s nursery tidies, to people moving house, and much more besides. “Some three million have been sold across 75 original designs and they just go on selling,” Nigel states. “We’ve also sold two million lunch bags, with both products made from recycled plastic bottles.”

Within the last seven years however, it’s been the Rabbit night light that has been the company’s stand out product, with Nigel highlighting that Rex has sold over half a million to date, with the light still a favourite in Europe.

Of course these hugely successful products get copied, but having had experiences of taking action against copycats, the company tries its best to take a more pragmatic attitude. “Our instinct, our original creations, and our ability to develop and bring products to market at the right time and at the right price are the reason for our continued success,” Nigel emphasises.

in the process of operating two new stands in the Netherlands at a collaborative wholesale warehouse which gives brands a platform to showcase their stock. “It’s aimed at smaller retailers, with European suppliers wanting to support their independents,” Nigel explains.

Additionally, for the past 10 years, the company has also had its own retail website, dotcomgiftshop. Through extensive press coverage - currently driven by head of press Adrian Smith - Rex has steadily gained a reputation as a designer of quirky homewares and gifts. “We were one of the first suppliers to have an e-commerce website, although, of course, it’s commonplace now, and we are continuing to invest in it in order to improve it.” says Nigel. “We receive over 75% of our orders through the website, and because of our expansion in Europe, and the increase in our export market per se, we fully translate both our wholesale and retail websites into French and German.”

Social media too, has become a major part of the company’s marketing activities, with YouTube videos seen as the next stage.

As for the ongoing Brexit negotiations, Nigel is hoping that common sense will prevail.

“We’re praying for a soft Brexit, but even if the worse comes to the worst there will be no changes for our customers,” he says reassuringly. “However, for us administratively for example, it’s sure to be a nightmare!”

Whatever the outcome however, Nigel is in no doubt that the company will weather

Rex London: The Lowdown

l Rex International was officially launched in 1981. l dotcomgiftshop, the consumer arm of the business, was launched in 2007. l Rex International rebranded as Rex London in April 2017, with dotcomgiftshop following

suit in April 2018. l Currently, Rex sells to over 20,000 retailers in more than 70 countries. l Based in Acton, West London, the company HQ employees 70 people across its offices,

showroom and warehouse.

the storm and continue to thrive. “In nearly 40 years we have been through many evolutions. We’re still here and we’re still healthy and successful, so we must be doing something right,” he smiles.

If he has a survival tip for independent retailers it’s to listen to their customers’ feedback. “We listen to ours, and that has led to reduced carriage paid orders,” he reveals.

So what else is in the pipeline for the newly re-branded Rex London? “We are looking to break into the American market,” comments Nigel. “We have sole distributors

in Japan and Australia and will be actively targeting the USA this year. We are also looking to further our European expansion.”

The company also has plans to bring in more eco driven gifts and homewares. “Bamboo items are selling exceptionally well for us, so we will be putting a big emphasis on developing more ranges,” he confirms. In a move away from homewares, there will also be more ranges for children this year, as well as more fashion accessories. “I’m very passionate about what we sell,” Nigel states, “and what I love most about my job is that nothing is ever the same.”

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W F O ild LK

T: +44 7712 874399 E: info@wildfolk.uk.com

Wild Folk.indd 1

18/01/2018 14:56

Tel: 01584 873377

Email: sales@fallenfruits.co.uk

Environmentally Environmentally friendly friendly picnic picnic ware, ware, made made from from recyclable recyclable and and biodegradable palm leaf and paper.

The straws are biodegradable palm leaf and paper. The straws are styled styled like like bamboo bamboo stalks stalks and and can can be be composted composted when when finished finished with. with. The The range range includes includes napkins napkins and and table table cloths. cloths.

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Gift of the Year: Licensed & Children’s Winners

Building On

Success

The much anticipated Gift of the Year winners were announced at a special 40th anniversary dinner held during Spring Fair at the Vox in Birmingham. (See page 19 for the full list of winners).

Max Publishing, publishers of titles including Progressive Gifts & Home and the Licensing Source Book, sponsored two categories, Licensed Product and Children’s Gift, which were won by Apples To Pears and Great Little Rewards/Ooly respectively. So what gave the winning products – a DIY dinosaur and an inflatable DIY dragon - their edge?

With dinosaurs in the spotlight this year, largely driven by the release of a new Jurassic Park movie in June, it comes as no surprise to discover that dinosaurs were among the trend setters at this year’s Gift of the Year competition, with organisers the Giftware Association receiving some 14 dinosaur themed entries! But the winner of the Licensed Product category, sponsored by PG&H’s sister title the Licensing Source Book, was the Natural History Museum Gift In A Tin range from Apple To Pears.

“The team were really delighted as we have put so much effort into creating a beautiful range that captures the authentic essence of the Natural History Museum and Top and above centre: Tyrannosaurus Rex and Dippy the Diplodocus from Apples To Pears.

Below: PG&H’s advertisement manager Angie Bryant presented Clive Briscoe, MD of Apples To Pears, with the GOTY Award for Best Licensed Product, sponsored by Licensing Source Book.

Above: Receiving the trophy from PG&H’s editor Sue Marks in the Children’s Gift category was Marissa Weir Cardillo from Great Little Rewards/Ooly.

Below: The winning product was a DIY inflatable Fantastic Dragon.

the incredible dinosaurs that they have curated,” enthuses Apples To Pears’ MD Clive Briscoe. “With Dippy the Diplodocus going on tour, and the release of the new Jurassic movie, dinosaurs are a hot topic, and we’re expecting our Dippy the Diplodocus construction kit to do particularly well this year.”

Commenting on the partnership between the company and the Natural History Museum, Clive adds: “The partnership of two iconic brands has created a real edge for our range, where we have been able to pull our different strengths together to create products that represented both of our brands, which are more than just gifts. They are clever, engaging and educational as well as being great fun to build and play with. It’s this build and keep concept that adds value to a gift, making it something that can be enjoyed and then treasured.”

In the Children’s Gift category, sponsored by PG&H, the winner was

Fantastic Dragon - 3D Colourable Range from American supplier Great Little Rewards/Ooly, a DIY inflatable, double sided colouring toy that encourages creativity. “The concept of our products is that they are fun and functional, aimed at ‘create your own happy’ which is our tagline,” explains the company’s Marissa Weir Cardillo. “The dragon is a unique new product, one of 11 different styles to be launched into the UK market last Autumn.”

Adds Maria: “It was the first time we’ve entered the Gift of the Year competition, so we certainly got off to a good start and felt very proud to win the Children’s Gift category.”

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Spotlight On... Gifts For Gardeners

Think

Green

Wellbeing, the great outdoors, house plants and grow your own are just some of the key trends that are driving the market for garden themed gifts.

From high profile licensed giftware to seeds packaged as a bar of chocolate, there’s lots for both retailers and consumers to unearth!

With the smell of newly mown grass heralding the start of Spring, PG&H joined the green fingered brigade to find out what else is ringing up sales.

I

Top: A seed package storage tin from Burgon & Ball.

Above: Julie Dodsworth’s Lavender Garden range for Briers.

Right: An Orchard flower jug from Navigate.

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Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

t’s been widely publicised that having a houseplant at home, or in the work place, is a recipe for wellbeing, with even the humble cactus very much on trend both as a plant as well as a design icon. The spin off has been an increasing interest in gifts to give to gardeners, or to those who love being outdoors and want to bring the outside in.

“Overall, the consumer trend for gardenthemed gift products are quality tools at sensible prices, and the necessity for the product to look good through enhancement by beautiful and desirable designs or patterns,” explains Olivia Moores, head of brand, Briers. “Consumers want tools and products that are built to last but are also affordable. They don’t want what they consider to be low cost rubbish.”

At Burgon & Ball, Nicola White-Reed, head of design, concurs that the trend for practical gifts for gardeners has continued this year. “It’s something we’ve seen with our new Garden Supplies collection of gifts, storage solutions and sundries. People want to give something that has that ‘wow’ factor and looks beautiful, but they also want to know that the gift they give will also be used and loved by the recipient. A gardener might

have a favourite trowel, for example, and not need another, but a smart new seed packet storage tin will always be welcome.”

Another trend that’s growing steadily is the blurring of the lines between ‘home’ and ‘garden’. “Outdoor living is a key part of people’s lives in the warmer months, so increasingly, we’re seeing trends in interior design moving out into the garden,” continues Nicola. “Our Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball collection caters to the aspirational, style-conscious homeowner who wants to really enjoy their outdoor space, with clocks and thermometers proving especially popular. A third trend, according to Nicola, picks up on the continuing interior design trend for houseplants. “Plants for all round the home are a popular accessory with all age groups, with indoor pots increasing in popularity.”

Navigate too, has a collection of pretty and practical gifts for gardeners. It’s Orchard collection, part of the Beau & Elliot brand,

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Spotlight On... Gifts For Gardeners includes an enamel flower jug, mug, fabric tool bag, kneeler, string tin, watering can, seed box and herb pots. “We’ve seen a huge growth in gifts for gardeners, particularly within garden centres, a destination point not only for plants and flowers, but increasingly as somewhere to buy aspirational homewares and general gifts,” says marketing director David Atkinson. “Customers don’t want something that is ‘just pretty’. Gifts in this sector also have to be sturdy and practical.”

Sass & Belle’s design manager Chloe Mills adds that the gardening trend has broadened to a greater audience and age range due to the ‘outdoors in’ trend. “This desire to find creative ways to bring plants into the home has influenced the way this sector is perceived,” she comments. “The market has expanded from essential tools and seeds to pretty planters with personality

and stylish accessories. The cactus trend has played a big part in this development thanks to their easy maintenance. And since cacti became a gift within itself, the planter trend has grown too.”

Chloe adds that eco-consciousness, and the understanding of the air-purifying factors of indoor planting, is another trend in this sector. “Health and wellness plays a role in the love for all things natural and green.”

“Gardening isn’t all about the outdoors anymore,” agrees Wild & Wolf’s head of marketing Laura Driffield. “This year has seen the rise of indoor horticulture, with consumers Top: Orla Kiely hanging pots from Wild & Wolf.

Right: Heathcote & Ivory’s Gardeners Soft Hands collection.

Left: Sass & Belle’s Metallic Monochrome collection Eyes Shut planters.

Below right: A garden themed Cairngorm mug from Dunoon.

favouring hanging pots and floral displays at home.”

Laura says that as interest in gardening rises, as does the desire for quick wins. “Our ceramic hanging pots from Orla Kiely feature soft colour palettes in the statement ‘60s Stem print along with adjustable hanging cord for holding plants, herbs or blooms indoors.”

Bath and body products too, have gardeners in mind. “Garden themed gift products have diversified to include flora and fauna imagery in addition to traditional plant and flower related designs, reaching out to a wider audience now that garden centres have

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Peace And Quiet With ‘mindfulness’ a favourite buzz word, taking time out to ‘smell the roses’ is a top priority for many people, with finding an inner calm, whether indoors or outdoors, a must.

“Buddhas are a really strong look for Spring/Summer 2018,” says Mike Burgess, MD at Parlane. “As people increasingly look to their gardens as a retreat - a safe and peaceful haven from the hectic outside world - introducing a Buddha into this space, representing mindfulness and serenity, affirms this status. Among our range of calm featured buddhas are planters in different sizes and materials. These fun vessels can be potted up with favourite plants, but look just as fabulous with a froth of greenery poking out of the top.”

Above: Peaceful Buddha planters from Parlane.

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Spotlight On... Gifts For Gardeners

The Seed Of A Gift Idea Award-winning eco outfit Seedball, (by Projecy Maya), a finalist in this year’s Gift of the Year Garden & Outdoor category, recently launched a new Natural History Museum Wildflowers for Wildlife range designed to encourage and sustain garden wildlife in urban and rural environments The range, which includes Beetle Mix, Bat Mix and Bird Mix, has been developed in collaboration with scientists at London's Natural History Museum. Making an original gift for gardeners, the mix needs to be scattered on top of soil or compost in a pot or garden bed - an easy way to grow wildflowers from seeds.

Right: Seedball’s Wildflowers for Wildlife.

become a ‘one stop shop’ for both gardening and gift buying,” says Heathcote & Ivory’s marketing, PR and business development manager Amanda Pullen. “We’ve seen a surge in popularity for floral collections in recent years and, as such, we’ve recently launched the Neroli & Lime Leaves collection. In addition, our bestselling ‘Gardeners’ collection now features hedgehogs, representing Britain’s wildlife.”

For something really different that makes an unusual impulse gift, Sow Delicious from Clayspoon involves planting blocks of soil, that look like a bar of chocolate, in the garden. “It couldn’t be easier or more exciting as you then share your organic harvest, grown from ancient heirloom seeds,”

explains chief innovator Vanessa Jacobs.

“With a global trend towards health and clean living, we’re finding a new upsurge in the grow-your-own sector as people want to know where their food comes from as well as to recapture the taste and flavour. Garden focused gifts are getting people back into the garden, planting and spending quality time outside, with consumers looking for purpose, a story to identify themselves with.”

For gift retailers, clearly the time to make the most of garden gifts is now, while the sun shines!

Top left: Is it a chocolate bar? It may be shaped like one but it’s made out of soil by Sow Delicious and contains seeds to grow your own vegetables and herbs.

Left: Transomnia’s Garden range features fun products for the outdoors.

Below: Summertime from Gisela Graham.

The Importance Of Packaging l

“The role of packaging for gardening gifts is to allow the product to be attractive, clear and reflective of its purpose at first glance, for example, using earthy tones to reflect garden and nature aesthetics. This, paired with the ability to add style to the practicality of these products, makes a perfect packaging combination.” Chloe Mills, design manager, Sass & Belle l Packaging is vital in creating the gift sentiment as it adds something extra that takes it from being a quality functional tool to a desirable gift.” Olivia Moores, head of brand, Briers l “Customers in the garden sector are usually very environmentally aware. While gift packaging can normally add value to a product, we’ve found the juxtaposition is that our increasing awareness of the need to reduce waste and recycle as much as we can, means that there is a big appreciation of eco-friendly packaging. Gardeners, in particular, appreciate that.” David Atkinson, marketing director, Navigate

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Opening showroom

Outdoor Living Collection 2019 11 April 2018

1,400m

2

SHOWROOM

Make an appointment and be the first to view our new 2019 collection!

OUTDOOR LIGHTING:

Solar PE- and party lights

GARDEN FURNITURE:

Unique materials and designs

FOUNTAINS:

Indoor and outdoor

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A Global Perspective: Ambiente

International Innovation For international buyers looking for original or innovative products, Ambiente’s ‘young and trendy’ Hall 11 was certainly the place to visit in February.

From giftable candles with surprise messages to a phrase book on a scarf, PG&H also discovered how to stop drinks from spilling, and gained insight into the four key trends for 2018, predicted by leading German trend agency bora.herke.palmisano.

With 81% of Ambiente’s visitors coming from outside of Germany, the show continues to be among the largest global consumer goods trade shows in the world, attracting buyers from a record breaking 169 countries, complemented by growing numbers of international exhibitors.

Among the debut products at the show this year was CouchCoaster from British company Hit Products, with Ambiente the company’s first foray into mainland Europe. “It solves the problem of where to safely put your drink while watching TV on the sofa,” explained creator Barry Freeder.

Also making its debut at the show was the company’s new TableCoaster which follows the same ‘no spill’ concept.

As for candle innovation, German exhibitor Valina has taken the idea of the fortune cookie and transferred to it to a gift-able Fortune candle. “The wax melts after one to two hours enabling the recipient to able to see the message you’ve sent them,” highlighted director Jurgen Kreitmeir. “This could be as simple as Happy Birthday, or simply a feelgood message.”

Texi Yokohama meanwhile, has been developing a project that promotes new product development using recyclable materials, such as food packaging, to create home accessories that include wall clocks, photo frames and wall mirrors. “Using recycled material we have also created a Above: Fortune Candles from Valina. range of textiles that include a scarf and handkerchief set in four languages that is actually a phrase book with over 45 questions you may need to ask in a foreign country,” explains director Hirooka Umezawa.

Elsewhere, Team Green’s Jigzle 3D wooden puzzle and lifestyle brand revealed a trendy Modrian influenced portable DIY table and chair - made from FSC-certified wood - that can be assembled without tools or glue. “It’s ideal for someone tapping away at their laptop for example,” commented Ball Cheung, assistant design manager.

One of the most visited areas of the show was the Trends area, the home of four diverse ‘looks’ for the coming year. “Opulent is about creating something new from

Above: Entrepreneur, presenter, model and designer Sylvie Meis is shown with Detlef Braun, member of the Executive Board at Messe Frankfurt (see Going Dutch).

Left: Hit’s CouchCoaster cup holder wraps over the arm of the sofa.

Below: The colourful Jigzle computer table and chair comes in the shape of a dog.

something old,” explained Annette Palmisano, director, bora.herke.palmisano. “It’s about the past being shown as the future.”

At the opposite end of spectrum was Modest Regenerations, where the look was traditional yet contemporary, reflecting minimalism while radiating character and industrial charm. Elsewhere, colourful Intentions shone the spotlight on the kitchen, with products in eyecatching greens and oranges, combined with natural and recycled or upcycled materials.

Technology meanwhile, showcased its wellbeing side Technological Emotions connecting everyday self care with advances in technology. “This trend is about design and a need to be sensitive, while integrating technological emotion into our everyday lives, empathising with people’s need for wellbeing,” underlined Annette. l Ambiente 2019 will take place at Messe Frankfurt from February 812, 2019 with India chosen as the show’s eighth partner country.

Going Dutch Originally from Holland, but a TV star, designer and entrepreneur in Germany, Sylvie Meis was drawn to the Do Dutch presentation area of Ambiente, where the Netherlands was this year’s partner country. She highlighted her interest in the iconic designer lamps from It’s About RoMi and Silk-Ka’s collection of handmade silk flowers. “The show made me feel that I want to design and redesign my own four walls with new, small, cheeky and elegant details,” Sylvie enthused.

Left: The Do Dutch area at Ambiente was created by Dutch industrial designer Robert Bronwasser.

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A Global Perspective: HOMI, Milan

HOMI: A Laboratory Of Ideas Milan is renowned as one of the leading fashion capitals of the world, but where does it stand on gifts, homewares and housewares?

PG&H was one of 20 international media invited to Milan’s HOMI earlier this year, discovering plenty of Italian brands and classic design, along with the quirky and the innovative, that included watches and ties made out of olive wood and decorative clocks modelled on the female silhouette.

Looking to trends for Spring/Summer ’19, think Italian’nesse, wellbeing and emotional connections, revealed trend forecasters WGSN. HOMI has grown from a fledgling show launched four years ago, into an important home and gift show on the European calendar, attracting not only domestic visitors but also buyers from around the world - most notably from Russia, India, the Middle East, Japan, China and America.

The main attraction is the show’s unique Italian style which was evident across all sectors in January – from the living and giving sectors to home fragrancing, wellness, gifts, jewellery, fashion accessories, kitchen and dining “Our objective is to give visitors ideas and opportunities,” confirmed show director Christian Preiata. “We do this through the latest products, designs, colours and materials, but also, as importantly, showing our exhibitors new ways to distribute their products on a global stage. HOMI is therefore seen as both a laboratory of ideas and a platform to do business. It’s an observatory on changing lifestyles, giving visitors a better understanding of the market place and the culture of ‘living’.”

Top: The Duomo, over 600 years old, stands at the heart of Milan.

Above middle: Jewellery showcased in the Sperimenta sector of HOMI, an area dedicated to research, experimentation and craftsmanship.

Left: Italian’ness: Striking, colourful glass vases.

Right: Rustic tableware with a Mediterranean twist.

Looking ahead to Spring/Summer 2019, three macro trends were highlighted by trend forecasters WGSN: Italian’ness, The Good Life and Sensorial Tactility.

Italian’ness focuses on Italy’s national pride, with the concept based on a combination of urban elegance and rural simplicity. Colours and shapes have been linked to bold, graphic geometry and natural colours.

The focus for The Good Life meanwhile, is on self, based on a sense of wellbeing. The trend reflects comfort and the harmony through different shapes, with the colour palette reflecting the psychology of mood and light and their effects on emotional wellbeing. Also focusing on emotions is Sensorial Tactility shown in relation to objects. According to WGSN, the trend is predicted to change the homewares and home accessories sector next year and is based around having a healthy, positive lifestyle and a desire to connect.

“HOMI is a show that’s full of content,” emphasised Fabrizio Curci, ceo of Fiera Milano. “It’s an effective platform that generates business and knowledge, and, as lifestyles mature, the show is ready to continue to evolve.” l The next edition of HOMI takes place at Rho, Fieramilano from September 14-17.

Tableware With Movies In Mind Cult movies, both Italian and foreign, were the inspiration behind Conviviando, the art of dining in both the past and in the future. The exhibition, which took place at the Palazzo Reale, Milan, spanned 10 rooms in the Prince’s Apartments, interpreting 10 different table settings through the centuries. In each instance, a beautifully laid table was the spotlight, set with iconic tableware, cutlery and glassware. The tableware had been re-interpreted according to today’s contemporary tastes and styles through ideas, scenography, colours and symbolism.

Among the British movies that influenced the table settings were The Great Gatsby (art deco) and Emma (Regency). The final room showed a harsh, stark table of the future, with food replaced by tablets, and cutlery swept to one side as irrelevant, as envisaged by Cinzia Felicetti, editor in chief of Marie Claire Maison Italia who curated the exhibition. A computer screen took centre stage.

Right: A Regency picnic scene, created for the Conviviando exhibition, was based on the film Emma.

Left: A stark table setting, designed to shock, was based on the tableware of the future.

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It’s a Dogs life

Life is Better at the Beach

Believe in Magic

Nature Trail

Tropical Delights

Birds in Paradise

Giddy Up!

Bloomin’ Lovely

Go Wild!

Fun and quirky motifs of the moment Exclusive designs, beautiful gifts, £15-£40rrp See our brand new retailer website and request our latest 2018 catalogue.

Contact us to arrange a full presentation.

www.kitheathretailer.com

01271 329123

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Sterling Silver Jewellery

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the gift products which were showcased at Spring Fair

Boxing Clever These stylish new wish boxes from Joe Davies are right on trend, perfect for weddings and special occasions. They provide the opportunity to collect kind wishes and words of wisdom in the form of inspiration and advice from friends and relatives which become treasured keepsakes for years to come. The use of gold foiled wording and the clever use of colours adds a touch of glamour.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk

Handpainted Jewellery Joe Davies’ customers eagerly await their Equilibrium new product launches at Spring Fair each year and Spring Fair 2018 didn’t disappoint!

The new` Hand Painted collection, featuring pretty necklaces, bracelets and earrings, was a particular success. Stunning pieces, some incorporating the intricate detail of pave setting, which is the process of carefully setting stones very closely together with stunning results, was a massive hit and provided a unique and exciting new look for Spring/Summer 2018.

Pip Plush Launches GUND is introducing Pusheen fans to the latest plush product in its hugely successful collection. Fans of the social media sensation are fiercely loyal and keep up-todate with Pusheen’s sidekicks too, namely her younger siblings, Stormy and Pip. The Pip plush is suitable for children aged one year and over, is hand washable and comes with a lenticular hand tag. Pip plush retails with a SRP of £18.00 and will be a welcome addition to any Pusheen super-fan’s collection.

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.gund.co.uk

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk

New Toiletries Collection Following the huge success of Enesco’s Peter Rabbit adult accessories range, the contemporary gift company has unveiled a new toiletries collection. Launching in Spring 2018, it has been designed to complement the look and feel of the best-selling adult accessories range, showcasing Peter Rabbit and his literary friends in a classic, elegant style. The Peter Rabbit Clean Linen gift set contains one 70ml body wash, 70ml body butter, 70ml hand cream and 100g bar of soap. The Peter Rabbit Clean Linen Soap is also presented in a stylish small tin.

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk

Sandinavian Inspired Design Grow Your Own Llama We all love a llama, even if they do spit in our faces, but let’s face it, spit happens!

Luckily for you, our Grow A Calma Llama is a llama with no drama (apart from growing up to 6 x its size). Simply pop this little guy into water and watch it grow. Make sure you check out Boxer’s amazing new additions to their ‘Grow A’ range.

Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com

Rex International has enjoyed phenomenal UK and global retail success, with the consumer arm of the business, e-retailer dotcomgiftshop, helping to develop a reputation for designing quirky, continually refreshed ranges of homewares and gifts. Spring 2018 sees the company embark on its next evolution with both the trade and consumer arms of the business rebranded under one Rex London umbrella.

Additionally, the company is delighted to announce the launch of its new Folk Dove collection, a new range for Spring 2018 with a Scandinavian folkinspired print.

Rex London Tel: 0208 746 1700 Email: info@rexlondon.com www.rexlondontrade.com PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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w w w.t h e l i b r a c o mp a n y. c o . u k Open Week, 13th – 18th May, Libra Showrooms, Cambridge Road, Linton, Cambridge, CB21 4NN

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the gift products which were showcased at Spring Fair

Magical Lighting The world of gift has gone Harry Potter mad! The license has reached extraordinary heights for Groovy UK, who have now extended their collection to include: Dobby the House Elf, The Golden Snitch, Platform 9¾, Quidditch and The Deathly Hallows.

Product ranges come in bathrobes, slippers, bags and lighting. The Hogwarts Crest wall/table light is especially popular. With this new mood light you can bring a bit of magic into any room.

Groovy UK Tel: 0844 372 7820 Email: hello@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com

International Wonder Women

Strong Women In Mind Contemporary gift giving company Enesco has unveiled a new figurine joining the Willow Tree family, stylishly depicting the strength of the female character, making it a powerful and meaningful gift. Butterfly stands at 16.5cm tall and retails with a SRP of £34. The new addition to the Willow Tree collection is available to buy from Enesco.

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk

With female lead roles becoming more dominant in front and behind the screen strong role models are here to stay. International Women’s Day was a great success on March 8, and what better way to celebrate than with our own wonder women. Groovy UK love their strong female licenses, which include Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn and Frida Kahlo, a strange mix, but the success of these ranges is testimony to what customers really want. All ranges include bathrobes, matching slippers and bags.

Groovy UK Tel: 0844 372 7820 Email: hello@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com

Urban And Edgy Hot Tomato continues to inspire us with their fabulous earrings and Spring 2018 is no exception.

From these seriously pretty designs through to a more urban, edgy look, this little tiger of a company has it covered. With over 100 new designs added to their existing collection for the new season, this delightful company finds itself fast becoming your one stop shop for all things accessory!

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com www.hot-tom.com

Man’s Best Friend

Fabulously Feminine Who among us would not be up for a little extra loveliness in their lives? Then these fabulously feminine bracelets by Hot Tomato should do the trick. Signalling a lighter and more delicate vibe they truly are the prettiest of finds. Simply gorgeous worn solo or mixed together/stacked with other favourites. Sand beneath your toes and the warm glow of a summer skin anyone?

Ulster Weavers have taken their normal love of animals and created this fun design based around walking man’s (or woman’s) best friend.

The dogs have all taken on wonderful characteristics of their owners. Available now, please contact Customer Services on 028 90 329494 for further information.

Ulster Weavers Tel: 028 90 329494 Email: sales @ulsterweavers.com www.trade.ulsterweavers.com

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com www.hot-tom.com

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A4 Candle Ad 12.01.18 print.pdf

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the gift products which were showcased at Spring Fair

Green Picnic A great range of environmentally sound picnic ware, the range is made of recyclable or biodegradable materials such as palm leaf or paper. The straws are styled like bamboo and are made of paper so they can be composted when they are finished with. The range is lightweight and complemented by a range of napkins and tablecloths.

Fallen Fruits Tel: 01584 20873377 Tel: 01584 873377 Email: mailto:sales@fallenfruits.co.uk sales@fallenfruits.co.uk www.fallenfruits.co.uk

Jewellery With A Difference Branded natural Paua shell jewellery and accessories are extremely popular and it’s not difficult to see why it is so well-loved. Its transcendent quality makes it stand out from any other kind of jewellery on the market. The stylish gift boxes create a striking display and are a great gift line suitable for all types of retailers. With 600 designs to choose from, and new lines being added to the collection, it’s worth checking back with us frequently to see what’s new.

Gifts For Any Occasion Brand new from Lesser and Pavey is the Mad Dot range of bracelets carrying messages for Mum, Grandma, Nan, a Fabulous Friend as well as with Sparkle and Dreams. This range is exquisitely packaged in transparent frontage to show off the gold and silver coloured bracelets, hidden initially by a quality cover. When the cover slides perfectly across the front of the quality packaging the gift is revealed. This new range is perfect as wedding gifts for the proud mums of the bride and groom and the bridesmaids. Mad Dot is a large range offered by Lesser and Pavey licensed by Hearts Designs. All these items are and form part of the Mad Dots Collection which has been a huge success and continues to grow. It has just had a new wedding tabletop range of ceramics added.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email sales@leonarod.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk

Talbot Fashions Tel: 01273 776415 Email: mailto:info@talbotfashions.com www.talbotfashions.com

Crystal Fantasies The originals from Wild Things. British made in Devon using only the best Swarovski and other carefully chosen crystals. Accept no substitutes! We can even make to your design subject to certain minimum quantities. Current motifs include birds, trees, cats, dogs, butterflies and dragonflies, fairies, unicorns, sealife and many others. Coming soon - British wildlife and farm animals.

Wild Things Gifts Tel: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com www.wildthingsgifts.com

Lights, Movement, Sales Some 132 brilliantly lit, slowly rotating, quickly selling items in a 76cm wide space. All designed by ourselves, and featuring Swarovski crystals. Most made in Devon by our skilled team. 2 x 27w led bulbs and lit signage create a magnetic display for your customers. Free with a minimum spend. Register on our website.

Wild Things Gifts Tel: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com www.wildthingsgifts.com

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Got URBAN WORDS FOMO? Well get in touch and order now!

History & Heraldry Ltd Tel: 01709 730700 email: sales@historyheraldry.co.uk

Please contact us for a trade catalogue www.classiccanes.co.uk

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the gift products which were showcased at Spring Fair

Captivating Kit British designer jewellery brand Kit Heath’s new Spring/Summer collection is oozing with colour and new profiles. Stylish new model photography brings the collection to life with over 70 new designs. Following on from a strong, striking Autumn launch, the Spring season takes a more relaxed, casual and delicately feminine approach.

Personalisation is still the key theme, with emphasis on creating a unique look through layering, stacking and engravable designs. Every detail is considered with the wearer in mind.

Kit Heath Tel: 01271 329123 Email: sales@kitheath.com www.kitheathretailer.com

Clock This Shruti’s new Time & Co. clocks for SS18 come gift-boxed in three sizes and four colourways. A freestanding mantle clock with a 14cms diameter, a wall size with a 29cms diameter, and the everpopular over-sized feature wall clock at 50cms.

Each size is available in neutral contemporary matte colours - Cotswold Blue, Antique White, Slate Grey and Bamboo - to complement the modern home. All in lightweight wood finish, and battery operated.

Pom Pom Soft Furnishings Bringing an element of fun to your home, Shruti’s knitted co-ordinating blankets and cushions feature gorgeous pom-poms in the new season’s colours. With a soft woven moss effect, the blankets measure 150x125cms and are available in five neutral contemporary shades - Ash, Donkey, Mouse, Sky and White - and are machine washable.

Matching removable cushion covers, supplied with inner pads, feature pom poms to the sides, and are 45cm sq. A further colourway, Aqua, is also available.

Shruti Tel: 01985 847774 Email: michaela@shrutidesigns.co.uk www.junction18.com

Shruti Tel: 01985 847774 Email: michaela@shrutidesigns.co.uk www.junction18.com

Marvelous Miffy The much-loved classic white bunny, Miffy, has an appeal that spans generations. Recently launched by Rainbow Designs, the Home of Classic Characters, the new Classic Miffy Collection features the adored icon and popular preschool character as a series of plush toys in a style that portrays simplicity and innocence.

Rainbow Designs Tel: 013290227300 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Delectable Dew Adorable Animals Tickle’s adorable animals are a such a huge hit with the kids that we have had to call in more of their friends to decorate these delightful melamine sets which are guaranteed to make tea time more fun. For more details, visit our website or give us a call.

Soul Tel: 01235 537816 Email: smile@souluk.com www.souluk.com

Fun motifs is the new order of the day for Dew, the sterling silver gift collection by the award winning silver jewellery supplier Kit Heath. Capturing the popular lifestyle and gifting trends at key price points, from £15–£30, the eclectic collection is fresh off the press from the in-house design team. Our seasonally updated collections can be presented by your regional Kit Heath field representative, with the full collection available to view on the new B2B website.

Call the friendly sales team on +44 (0)1271 329123 or visit www.kitheathretailer.com.

Kit Heath Tel: 01271 329123 Email: sales@kitheath.com www.kitheathretailer.com PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Best Sellers Progressive Gifts & Home asked a selection of retailers about the products which have been flying off their shelves this month.

Nigel and Sara Morris, co-owners, Rhubarb and Rhubarb Home, Malvern Two large gift shops on a high street CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Raine & Humble: cushions;

Fabulous designs and quality, great colours and affordable.

With people starting to make their own cocktails at home, this is a fresh take on gin.

LSA International: Mixology

Fragranced Giftware

Marmalade of London: across the board; Bath House: Cocktail range and lip balms

Great fragrances. Products are locally made in Cheltenham using natural ingredients.

Our best-selling fragrances have been rose, prosecco and gin and tonic. Products are made in Cumbria.

Jewellery

Hot Tomato: across the board; Tutti: across the board

Eclectic, boho collections that are always on trend, and always changing.

A rebranding has given everything a fresh new look that has refreshed the collection.

Fashion Accessories

Powder: across the board;

Beautiful products, beautiful packaging. Good prices.

Greeting Cards

Coulson Macleod

Clever, design-led, unsentimental captions which have broad appeal.

Giftwrap

Belly Button

Pretty giftwrap that’s always on trend with colours.

Other Hot Hits

Light and Living: lighting

Great ranges from industrial to traditional lighting.

Joanne Sainsbury, owner, Bright Ideas, Stratford-upon-Avon A small gift shop on a high street CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Widdop and Co: Hestia tea light holder; Boxer Gifts: LED Starlight bottles

These are brilliant sellers that feature different motifs and styles.

A hugely popular item with sentiments and captions to include ‘mum’, ‘sister’, ‘friends’ etc.

Fragranced Giftware

Xystos: Woods of Windsor

A lovely range of bath and body products. We do especially well with the powder puff.

Jewellery

Byzantium: paua shell; Frank Ross: Poppies

Every single piece is different. An amazing seller for us.

The brooches, necklaces and earrings are very popular. For every piece sold, a donation goes to the charity SAFFA.

Fashion Accessories

Acess: scarves;

There is every type of scarf you can imagine in a fabulous range of colours. We do particularly well with the bobble scarves.

We do brilliantly with the Thomas Caldy range. They do matching wallets too.

Henderson: animal bags

Greeting Cards

Splimple; Pigment

Other Hot Hits

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Mulberry Studio: Wine Cellar

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

Splimple is a local publisher. Our best selling ranges are Wordies and Alison’s Animals.

Their cards are always a great laugh!

This range features personalised corkscrews and bottle openers.

They’re popular with locals and British visitors alike.

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Russell Yeoell, owner, The Secret Garden, Borough Green, Seveonaks A small gift shop on a village high street CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Sixtrees: photo frames;

Good designs at reasonable prices.

We do incredibly well with these bottles which have a good range of captions.

Witty slogans with wide appeal.

Boxer Gifts: LED Starlight bottles; Xpressions 4 U: plaques

Fragranced Giftware

Heart & Home: scented jar candles

Quality products, competitive pricing and fantastic fragrances. The lids are unique.

Jewellery

Talbot Fashions: Tide;

W J Sutton: sterling silver

This has been our best selling jewellery range ever.

It flies out of the shop!

A very good range of stylish, traditional jewellery.

Fashion Accessories

Scarf Heaven: scarves; United Oddsocks: across the board

The scarves generate a very high volume of sales. A best seller for us.

These ‘odd socks’ are lots of fun and very cheerful with great designs at good prices. A constant best seller and popular with all ages.

Greeting Cards

Tracks Publishing

Lots of great, humorous designs. The Fluff range has really caught the imagination and there are many more ranges too. A definite best seller.

Giftwrap

Glick

Lovely designs and good quality wrap. You pay more but it’s worth it.

Other Hot Hits

Orchard Toys: educational

Good prices and popular with children under 10. Parents like the fact that the products are educational and often buy them as gifts for children’s parties.

Heidi Schramli, owner, Detail Retail, Ambleside, Cumbria A small to medium gift shop on a high street CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Lush Designs London: across the board;

Customers find the quirkiness of these designs a little bit edgy.

We do well with planters, money banks, egg cups and more. Products are totally collectable and our customers love them.

The Herdy Co: across the board

Fragranced Giftware

Bespoke Aroma: natural vegan or vegetarian bath and body products; Melt: candles

Locally made products that come in beautiful packaging.

Made in Lancashire, customers love the incredible natural scents.

Jewellery

Lynsey Walters: handmade felt jewellery; FenandCo: vintage

Based in Scotland, the jewellery is handmade in amazing colours.

Customers love the impact the pieces make.

This jewellery features vintage prints that are lacquered onto wood.

Customers love them as they are.

Greeting Cards

Imagination Illustrated

The cards, designed by Nina Dogmetchi, always have an interesting design point.

Giftwrap

Lagom

Up-to-the-minute designwise, and streets ahead of the latest trends.

The timing has to be right to maximise on sales.

Other Hot Hits

Clockwork Soldier: children’s gifts

This company’s design and imagination is original and products are very fairly priced.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Best Sellers

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

HOT TOMATO T: 01225 422188 E: sales@hot-tom.com W: www.hot-tom.com

BELLY BUTTON DESIGNS T: 0161 902 0200 E: enquiries@bellybuttondesigns.com W: www.bellybuttondesigns.com

XYSTOS T: 0191 499 1570 E: sales@xystos.co.uk W: www.xystostrade.co.uk

HEART & HOME T: 01709 730700 E: info@heartandhome.com W: www.historyandheraldrygroup.com

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

TALBOT FASHIONS T: 01273 776415 E: info@talbotfashions.com W: www.talbotfashions.com

GLICK T: 01274 655980 E: info@glick.co.uk W: www.glick.co.uk

PIGMENT PRODUCTIONS T: 01423 520098 E: sally@pigmentproductions.com W: www.pigmentproductions.com

BOXER GIFTS T: 01133 955 595 E: sales@boxergifts.com W: www.boxergifts.com Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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ON THE ROAD

Helen McNeill

Above: Helen McNeill.

Below: Home & Gift, Harrogate, kicks off Christmas buying.

“Nothing can replace seeing a customer face to face,” says Scottish gift agent Helen McNeill, who’s been in the industry and on the road for over 25 years. Currently, Helen’s principals include One Button/Hem & Edge; Bath House and Marmalade of London. So how did Helen find this Spring’s three big gifting occasions Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter - in the all-important first quarter of the year.

With the Spring seasons a major buying period on the gift industry’s calendar, Helen highlights that her customers started to place their larger orders before Christmas with smaller orders following in early January. “However, while some retailers put in one big order to cover the season, other customers preferred to buy individually for Valentine’s Day and Easter, while placing a larger order for Mother’s Day,” she confirms.

“This time around, I’ve found that my customers have been looking for quality, colour and innovation, as well as products that their department store competitors

aren’t selling. Therefore, from my perspective, it’s always important to be able to offer something that is reasonably exclusive, and, of course, if the product sells well then little and often orders will follow.”

Helen points out that in the first quarter, she does a third of her business

LAST WORD

Susan Moffett

Above: Susan Moffett.

Below: A cup of tea is Susan’s favourite way to start her day.

Susan Moffett joined Arran Aromatics as head of field sales some two and a half years ago.

Having previously worked for Crabtree & Evelyn, Elizabeth Arden and Debenhams, Susan says that what she loves most about her current role is the variety of activities and the challenges it brings, especially helping customers grow their business, as well as working with people.

Three words that best describe you?

"Warm, friendly, professional."

Best piece of business advice you've ever received?

"Be transparent to customers and maintain their trust. It's the same advice I give to my team."

What was your first job?

"Sales and marketing at Northern Ireland Railways in Belfast."

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

"Tea! On work days, it’s looking forward to the day’s events which are always different - that suits me.”

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Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

Which book are you currently reading?

“Need You Dead by Peter James. I really enjoy getting totally lost in a good murder mystery."

What do you enjoy watching most on TV? "I love Cold Feet and The Apprentice."

What's your favourite film?

"The romcom The Holiday starring Jude Law, Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet."

for the year – wholly based around the Spring gifting occasions - with the remaining two thirds achieved in the Autumn selling period and the run-up to Christmas. Consequently, she sees trade shows as a very important part of her role.

“I find that Home & Gift, Harrogate, held in July, is that best show of the year for me, as retailers are buying for Christmas, with additional top-ups done at Autumn Fair.”

With 25 years to look back on, is she on the road as much as she used to be?

“I do a lot of business by phone and by email these days, but I still like to visit all my customers seasonally on a one-to-one basis,” she emphasises. “It’s very important to me, as I find that most of my customers prefer to see and touch the products before they buy. After all, being a gift agent – which is still a very nice place to be – is all about a trusting dual relationship involving myself and the retailer, and yes, I’m feeling very positive about the next three to six months. If I do have a concern, it’s that people have to try to understand that they need to buy from their high street shops if they want to keep them, and not to always shop online.”

If you could go anywhere on holiday where would it be?

"Italy. It's my favourite country. I’m hoping to go to Sorrento later this year."

What time does the alarm clock go off in the morning, and how do you usually start your day?

“6.30am, but I’m often already awake. I’m a lark and at my best in the morning. A cup of tea is followed by a brisk walk with our dog which is my favourite way of starting the day.”

How do you like to end your day, and what time do you go to sleep?

“The lark is rarely awake after 11. I like to end the day feeling satisfied I’ve done a good day’s work and looking forward to the next one.”

How do you like to fragrance your home?

"I have scented candles everywhere and use reed diffusers in most rooms.

My current favourite is Arran’s Ultimate Fig. It enhances the ambience I try to create at home which is calming, relaxing and welcoming.”

Which one item would you take to a desert island?

"My lip gloss which doubles as a blusher. I couldn't be without it!"

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BESPOKE

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It costs as little as £250 per annum to advertise in the Product Directory.

Contact Angie Bryant on 01993 212 994 for further information.

Just a few reasons to buy from Joe Davies

Wood, plastic, metal & glass frames.

Over 8000 gift items Low £100 minimum order ‘Little & Often’ order system Free carriage

T: 01908976443 E: sales@homsquare.co.uk www.homsquare.co.uk

Please contact our Award Winning sales staff for further details.

Tel: l 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies

www.joedavies.co.uk

GIFTS & GREETINGS

TRADE ASSOCIATION

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK’s gift and home industry with 70 years unique experience listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with or knowledge and contacts within the industry.

Website: www.ga-uk.org Email: enquiries@ga-uk.org Tel: 0121 237 1104 10 Vyse St, Birmingham B18 6LT

FAB ABULOUS OPPO ORTUNITY!

Giftsandhome.net - launching May 3, 2018 Launching on 3 May 2018, GiftsandHome.net will be the new online resource for the entire gifts and home sector. From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home, and the organisers of The Greats gift retailer awards, this new e-newsflash portal and website will deliver and be the hub of the very latest news, views, and analysis from across the gifts arena, covering both the supplier and retailer aspects of the trade.

Are you looking to upg grade your product po folio with fast

Launching with an unrivalled email subscriber base of over 8,000 readers, a twice-weekly newsflash (sent every Monday and Thursday) will land directly in the inboxes of everyone in this fast-paced sector.

A modern, easy to navigate website will provide a central resource for the trade too, offering pithy news, indepth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Gifts & Home, and much, much more.

PROFESS SIONAL SALES E AGENTS G S REQUIRED D

All advertising on the website is duplicated to each and every newsflash, giving advertisers huge visibility and a direct connection with retail buyers for a whole calendar month.

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

We’d love you to be part of it!

COUNTR O Y YWIDE

cardo ca d vati tiion@btc i @bt onnect. t com m TEL: 01954 0 260728

Advertising and Commercial Opportunities:

Advertisement Manager - Angie Bryant angieb@max-publishing.co.uk

BON BO ON Publications Ltd CA AMBRIDGE UK

Editorial and Content Opportunities:

Editor - Sue Marks sue@suemarks.co.uk

@Prog_Gifts

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