Progressive Gifts & Home October November 2023

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023

www.Enesco.co.uk

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LEADER

EDITOR’S INSIGHT

Inset: Sue (left) with Lark’s co-owners Priya (holding baby Celine) and Dom Aurora-Crowe at the new East Sheen store. (Turn to pages 22-23).

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s we transition into winter and the festive season, it’s all to play for, with Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, among the many gift retailers delighted to see festive shoppers hitting the shops early this year. (Turn to pages 9 and 35). While shoppers are clearly looking to spread the cost, for gift givers, the unexpected events over the last few years have shown it’s good to be one step ahead.

Hopefully there won’t be a repeat of last year’s damaging postal strike, which impacted on the sending of Christmas cards as well as online gifts, with the GCA’s #Cardmitment campaign doing its utmost to encourage people to send cards and post them early. (See page 9).

Meanwhile, gift retailers know that they are going to have to be extremely eagle-eyed over the next few weeks, with shoplifting on the rise. Although facial recognition technology is now been used by the police, who will also be taking action against organised criminal gangs and responding to shoplifting incidents where there is violence, there will still be those who will slip through the net. Nine gift retailers reveal how they are dealing with what has, unfortunately, become an escalating epidemic. (Turn to pages 17-21).

Meanwhile, turning to what’s trending giftwise for Christmas, one gift sector that is really growing exponentially is pet gifts,

with Christmas the perfect opportunity to spoil a much-loved furry friend. We take a look at what’s ringing up sales on pages 2731. Plus, with festive parties in full swing next month, it’s time to put on the razzle dazzle, with jewellery suppliers revealing the latest designs in both classic and contemporary styles. Turn to pages 45-49.

Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without candles, with Vanessa Curry, managing director of Best Kept Secrets, highlighting the company’s latest launches and more besides on pages 32-33.

We also meet up with Priya and Dom Aurora-Crowe, co-owners of London and Surrey gift multiple Lark, who, despite the cost-of-living crisis, opened eight new gift stores this year. Turn to pages 22-23 to discover what Gail’s Bakery has got to do with it . . .

Inset: PG&H’s advertisement manager Ali Farrell with her fur babies, Staffordshire bull terriers Poppy (right) and Lola. (Turn to Pet Gifts on pages 27-31).

Plus, this issue also looks beyond Christmas too, reflecting that the majority of gift retailers will have placed their Valentine’s and Mother’s Day orders by the end of the year. Turn to pages 37-39.

Elsewhere in the magazine, Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association, advises businesses to take time out by “working on their business as well as in their business” (turn to page 25), while Product of Change’s Rob Hutchins highlights the latest in sustainability developments. (Turn to page 55). Plus, there’s all the very latest, upto-the-minute news on pages 7-15, to include the lowdown on all the key January trade shows.

Finally, we’re very proud to announce that our October/November issue launches The Greats Awards 2024 – the fabulous gift retailer awards that are now in their 22nd year! (Turn to page 7). If you’d like to see your shop’s name on a Greats trophy next May, we’d love to hear from you! Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk to find out how to enter.

As this is our last issue of 2023, we wish you all the best possible run up to the festive season and, on a personal level, the happiest of Christmasses!

Sue

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

Sue Marks Editor

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

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

Subscribe to Progressive Gifts from £60 (UK) to £90 (International) You can organise this quickly and easily online at our secure site: www.max-subscriptions.net For assistance, please email subscriptions@max-publishing.co.uk ISSN 2515-7523 Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. T: 020 7700 6740 E: hello@max-publishing.co.uk Copyright 2023. 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.

Editor SUE MARKS

Advertisement manager ALI FARRELL

Commercial manager JOHN BARRY

Creative director MARK GRAYSON

sue@suemarks.co.uk

alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk

johnb@max-publishing.co.uk

markg@max-publishing.co.uk

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Table of WHAT’S INSIDE 7-15 News 17 17-21 Feedback: Shoplifting 22-23 In Profile: Lark 25 InWithConversation . . . Sarah Ward On . . .

Pet Gifts 27-31 Spotlight Best 32-33 InKeptProfile: Secrets 35 Libby’s Lines On . . .

37-39 Spotlight Occasions On . . .

45-49 Spotlight Jewellery/ Fashion Accessories 55 Products of Change 58-59 Best Sellers

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Closing Date For Entries Is 20 February 2024 The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2024 - now celebrating their fabulous 22nd year – are open, once again setting out to recognise and reward the UK’s outstanding gift shops and gift departments. The closing date for entries is 20 February, 2024.

“Winning a Greats gift retailer award has become the pinnacle for gift retailers both large and small – a prestigious, coveted retail trophy that recognises excellence, initiative, innovation and professionalism at the highest level,” says Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net which organises and owns The Greats.

Continues Sue: “We’re therefore on the lookout for the ‘greatest of the great’, those extra special gift and lifestyle retailers, department stores and garden centres that, despite the challenges over the past year – higher energy bills, petrol, increased mortgages and rents all reducing disposable income - are nevertheless managing to stay at the top of their game. The Greats are a fantastic opportunity for gift retailers right across the board - from the tiniest village shop to the largest multiple – to bang the drum about their achievements over the past year. We know that there are some incredible retailers out there, and we want to hear from them!”

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Uniting the gift industry, The Greats gift retailer awards winners, along with The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year (GOTY) awards winners, will be revealed at The Gift Awards, a fabulous black tie awards event, to be held at the glamorous Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday 16 May. Visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk; www.thegreatsawards.co.uk; www.thegiftawards.com Alternatively, entries can also be emailed direct to suem@max-publishing.co.uk.

Tickets to the awards can be booked quickly and securely by visiting www.max-subscriptions.net/tickets/ or by contacting awards organiser Clare Hollick E: clare@createvents.co.uk T: 01183 340085 The ownership and running of the Gift of the Year Awards remains under the stewardship of The Giftware Association while The Greats gift retailer awards are wholly owned and run

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

The Gift Awards Sponsorship Opportunities

Gift indies in the ‘spooky’ spirit enjoyed a very positive Halloween, with tills ringing as more people decorated their homes to celebrate the event.

“We increased our Halloween stock this year and sold out on many lines,” reveals Samantha Gibbs, owner of three Nest gift stores in Stoneygate, Stoughton Grange and Thurlaston Garden Centre & Tea Rooms. “Sales online grew from early summer, with customers enjoying self-gifting for their homes. It’s a wonderful nod to the seasons changing and a prelude to Christmas.”

Heidi Hopkinson, owner of Serendipity House in Kirkham, concurred: “There were definitely more people decorating and for longer. They seemed to be approaching the occasion like Christmas and decorating their homes in the lead up, with the event proving very popular. We restocked twice on Jellycat Halloween which we launched early at the end

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With a closing date of 30 November, there’s still time to send entries in for the Gift of the Year competition 2024.

“We are seeing some amazing products being entered across the 20 categories,” states The Giftware Association’s PR and marketing manager Chris Workman, “with this year shaping up to be full of brilliant brands. The new category of Health & Wellbeing has attracted some great new products, as has the returning Pet category.

We are also excited to see so many exciting new brands - the future of the home and giftware world alongside awards favourites.”

On the judging side, there are currently over 70 judges committed, ranging from high street retailers to independents to garden centre groups. “Just by entering, companies are guaranteed to be seen by some very special judges,” continues Chris. “With the awards closing for entries on 30 November suppliers need to get their entries in as fast as possible so that we can start to promote them earlier - although one of our worst kept secrets is that we usually extend the closing date for a week, so watch this space!”

The winners will be announced at The Gift Awards 2024, which take place at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on 16 May, 2023, alongside the winners of The Greats gift retailer awards.

Visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk; awards@gauk.org; www.thegiftawards.com

of September. The Talking Tables range was great for us too, along with Langs.

We were careful with our choices but definitely very happy with them.”

At Mooch in Bewdley and Stourporton-Severn, Halloween was launched a month earlier this year, with co-owner Jon May reporting steady sales.

“Ceramic Light Up Jack-o-lanterns from Gisela Graham were popular once again, along with Halloween gonks from Gainsborough Giftware.

Online sales were very strong too,” stated co-owner Jon May. Right: A Halloween in store display at Nest.

FORFOR THETHE LATEST LATEST NEWS NEWS VISITVISIT GIFTSANDHOME.NET PROGRESSIVE

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Still Time To Enter The Gift Of The Year

For companies interested in finding out more about sponsorship opportunities for The Greats and The Gift Of The Year Awards, contact Ali Farrell (e: alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk; mob: 07872 113635); Ian Hyder (e: ianh@max-publishing.co.uk mob: 07525 634 306); Rob Willis (robw@max-publishing.co.uk mob: 07792 016832) or Warren Lomax (e: warren@max-publishing.co.uk; mob: 07977 572086).

Sponsorship of all the award categories in GOTY and The Greats is managed by Max Publishing.

Spooktacular Halloween For Indies

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The Greats Awards 2024 Are Open For Entry

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GIFTS & HOME

Left: Meadowfarm’s soy candle is among the Gift of the Year 2024 entries..

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Early Christmas Shoppers Boost Festive Spend

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How Christmas Is Shaping Up For Gift Indies Shopping early for Christmas seems to be the watchword this year, as people look to spread the cost of their gift buying for the festive season.

“We launched Christmas online on 1 October, which is payday for many people, and it was very well received with a flurry of early orders,” confirms Jo Barber, owner of Number 14 Ampthill, Ampthill. “We began drip feeding Christmas into the shop at the start of October, mainly cards and Christmas fragrance products, together with warm knits. We worked all day on 22 October, and into the early hours, to get the rest of Christmas out to coincide with half term, and the shop is now a winter wonderland! Best sellers so far are Jellycat Festive Follies, Shoeless Joe (across the range), ceramic lightup houses from Satchville and felt decorations from Gry & Sif.” It’s been an early start to Christmas shopping too, at Hugs and Kisses in Tettenhall. “We had all our Christmas gifts out on display in October, and they are already starting to sell, particularly our Crumble & Core earring cards and our Christmas Jellycat soft toys and matching books,” comments owner Caroline Ranwell.

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“We also have a lovely range of Christmas figurines and snow globes from Heaven Sends,” she adds.

“We noticed customers starting to shop for Christmas as early as August,” highlights Anne Barber, owner of In Heaven At Home in Market Harborough. “We discreetly launched our Christmas department in September in a small way for those customers who were asking for it, and have been adding newness each week ever since.”

She says that trending gifts include Marmalade of London’s aromatherapy diffuser, soft toys, to include Miffy, and items to keep people warm from The Wheat Bag Company. “Decorations are starting to sell too,” confirms Anne.

Adds Bev Yates, manager of Maddison in Harborne: “As always, Jellycat has pulled out all the stops with its Christmas selection, which is selling extremely well along with Indulgence jewellery.” For more on how the festive season is shaping up, see Libby’s Lines on page 35.

Above: A felt Christmas tree, part of Number 14 Ampthill’s winter wonderland.

Meg Hawkins Shortlisted For Two Major Awards Giftware designer and watercolour artist Meg Hawkins has been shortlisted as a finalist in two prestigious awards – in the Creator And Maker category at The Great British Businesswoman Awards, and in the Creative Businesswoman at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards – with the winners announced on 20 November and 22 November respectively.

Established in 2015, Meg Hawkins Art started life as Meg Hawkins Illustrations from Meg’s kitchen table. Since then, Meg has gone on to sign licencing agreements, and to produce her own homeware, giftware and greeting card ranges that are sold all over the world.

PEOPLE l Enesco has announced significant changes

to the company’s brand team. Iain McGeary has joined as senior brand marketing manager and will be heading up the brand team on a day to day basis. He is an experienced marketing and brand manager, who brings with him extensive knowledge gained during his most recent roles in the sports fishing industry, working for Rapala VMC Corporation. l Danae Dade has joined

BBC Breakfast Promotes Cardmitment In response to last year’s December postal strikes, the Greeting Card Association’s (GCA) #Cardmitment PR and marketing initiative received a huge boost in October with widespread media coverage, including on BBC Breakfast and a myriad of local radio stations, all sending out positive messages about the joy and importance of sending and receiving cards.

The BBC TV reporter Ben Boulos broadcast live from the Great British Card Company’s (GBCC) Gloucester warehouse and design studio, where the GCA’s ceo Amanda Fergusson was among those interviewed. “We’re encouraging everyone to commit to sending more cards this Christmas because it’s such a joyous thing to go downstairs and see a handwritten envelope on the mat from somebody you care about,” highlighted Amanda. “So start writing your Christmas cards now and putting little notes in,” she urged viewers.

A free retailer pack is available containing one of three A3 poster designs, a last postage dates tent card, and a flyer explaining the campaign, also downloadable from the GCA website.

Above:The GCA’s ceo Amanda Fergusson being interviewed on BBC Breakfast.

Enesco’s UK sales team , responsible for customers in the South West of England and South Wales. Danae has extensive experience in Above: Danae Dade. home and garden gifting and joins from Fiskars. l Giftware company Nemesis Now has

welcomed Nick Wells to the team as head of international sales. He will be responsible for planning and executing the US and rest of the world sales strategies, along with increasing the presence of Nemesis Now products and their availability in new territories and global retailers.

Right: Nick Wells.

A Trio Of Nominations For Hannah Dale

Oliver Bonas Sees Profits Soar It has been celebrations all round as gifts, homewares and fashion multiple Oliver Bonas celebrated the company’s 30th anniversary in September, alongside news that the business had rung up profits of some £9m in the year to 31 December, 2022. Eight new stores were opened, with the roll out continuing in 2023.

From one small shop in West London’s Fulham in 1993, the business has grown to over 80 stores in the UK and Ireland and counting.

Above: Olly Tress, founder and managing director of Oliver Bonas outside the Chichester store.

Wrendale Designs’ founder and creative maestro, Hannah Dale, is in the running for three categories at the National Business Women’s Awards: Business Woman Of The Year Medium (£10m-£25m turnover); International Woman’s Award, and the Northern England Business Woman Of The Year. Winners will be announced at the Hilton London in Wembley on 15 November.

For Wrendale, the news is especially exciting as the company is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary.

“I’m very proud of the amazing team, and have everything crossed for the awards in November,” enthuses Hannah.

Together with her husband Jack, Hannah has built the business from their farmhouse kitchen in Lincolnshire to a turnover of more than £15m, starting out with greeting cards and expanding into gifts and homewares.

Above: Wrendale Designs’ Hannah Dale.

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Lark’s Co-owner Interviewed On ITV1 London Left: Lark’s Dom AuroraCrowe was interviewed on ITV1 London news.

Below: Dom being filmed.

Catherine Simm suggested that the cost-of-living could be to blame, or that people are simply getting away with it. “It’s very stressful and it hurts every single time,” said Dom. “Someone steals from you and it really does affect you.” (See Feedback on pages 17-21).

• In addition to facial recognition technology, government plans are afoot to tackle shoplifting, with a dedicated national unit being set up to investigate organised crime. The police will also attend all violent cases of shoplifting.

JLP Unveils ‘How We Shop, Live And Look’ Report A decade on, the annual John Lewis ‘How We Shop, Live and Look’ report – first published in 2013 - has revealed that people are not only returning to the high street but that the Saturday shopper is back.

“Over the last ten years, our ‘How We Shop, Live And Look’ report has shown us how the nation’s shopping habits have evolved, with customers forming new shopping habits and traditions,” commented John Lewis’ commercial director Kathleen Mitchell. “Within the last 12 months we have really seen a return to the shops with numbers up 8% on last year.”

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Shoplifting Out Of Control Mid-October saw multiple gift shop Lark’s co-owner, Dom AuroraCrowe, interviewed by reporter Catherine Simm in a three minute slot on ITV1 London news, where he revealed that his portfolio of 19 stores in South and West London, as well as in Surrey, had had more items stolen in the last six months than in the past 20 years.

The news item showed a shoplifter in a Lark store who had stolen a pair of jeans which he hid under his coat. Spotted by Dom who tried to intervene, things got violent. “My wife grabbed him, he fell onto a table and smashed a load of things. We both chased him, but he ran out of the shop dropping the jeans on the way,” Dom explained. “Shoplifters are very brazen, they’ll take goods in front of you and walk out of the door.”

He added that the police never attend. “They ask you to fill in a report, send them some CCTV images and then two weeks later the case gets closed automatically.”

Questioning why these crimes are rising,

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Crumble & Core A Hit Stateside It’s been an exciting year for gift and greeting card design company Crumble & Core – co-founded by Jilly Mercer, Lucy Rigby and Louise Pike - who recently licensed 40 of the company’s designs to Rich and Zina Hocker, the husband and wife owners of the Pavilion Gift Company in the US. Adapting the sentiments to suit the market, such as changing ‘mum’ to ‘mom’, the company’s boxed silver jewellery cards are being snapped up by North American retailers.

“While in the production stage, Pavilion Gifts showcased us at trade shows in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Minnesota and Toronto, and by the time the first stock was released in mid-September, nearly all the lines had sold out,” director Louise Pike confirms. “We are also featuring our artwork on china products which Pavilion will be launching in the New Year.”

Above: A Crumble & Core boxed jewellery card adapted for the North American marketplace.

Above: John Lewis & Partners.

The report highlighted that customer numbers on Saturdays have increased by 11% compared with last year. Since the end of lockdown, online sales now represent 57% of sales, as customers return to the high street.

•JLP’s chairman Sharon White will be stepping down from her role in 2025.

John Lewis Opportunity For Small Brands The Great Brand Exchange (GBX) is once again offering small brands the opportunity to host a pop up in John Lewis. “By setting up a temporary store front, small brands will benefit from high footfall and potential new customers,” highlights GBX’s founder and managing director Matthew Hopkins.

“In addition to John Lewis, we also work with Harvey Nichols, Boots, Waitrose and Primark. Plus, we have a tailor-made distribution service to help retailers access a wide selection of small brands through a single source.”

E: info@thegbexchange.com Right: A colourful fashion accessories GBX pop up.

Maybugs Doing The Biz Following on from being selected as one of the UK’s 100 most impressive small firms by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign, multiaward winning gift indie Maybugs – which has stores in Bexhill, Eastbourne and Hailsham was celebrated across Small Businesses Saturday’s social media on day 27 of the #SmallBiz100 campaign in September.

“The #SmallBiz100 has been a great opportunity for us to grow our network and shout about Maybugs,” comments co-owner Greg Rose.

Above: Co-owners Greg Rose (centre) and John Dale (right) are shown with team Maybugs.

Enesco And PMC Among The Progressive Preschool Finalists Enesco and the Personalised Memento Company (PMC) are among the companies shortlisted as finalists in the hotly contested product categories section of the Progressive Preschool Awards, which will see the winners announced at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on Tuesday 14 November.

Enesco has been shortlisted in two categories – the Preschool Gift Range for its Peter Rabbit soft toy range, and the Eco Award category for its Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit Home Dinner Sets, with Personalised Memento Company (PMC) also shortlisted in the Preschool Gift Range for its Changing Night Light.

Left: Enesco’s Peter Rabbit soft toy range.

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Cash Is King For Independents Bira Reveals That Indies Still Rely On Cash A recent survey carried out by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), whose members include gift indies, has revealed that cash remains a crucial payment method that is keeping tills ringing for independent shops and small businesses.

The survey, which was completed by over 650 independent retailers nationwide, highlighted that the vast majority of independent stores continue to accept coins and banknotes, despite the rise of cards and digital payments, with cash still accounting for over 20% of sales revenue for 65% of retailers polled.

Over a third of respondents factor in the need to avoid copper coins, showing retailers still cater to cash-preferring customers. However, securing change is an issue, with 87% needing to obtain coins/notes from bank branches.

"While new payment technologies are growing, the survey highlights that the majority of independents still rely on cash to serve their customers,” states Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre.

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Above: A Bira survey revealed that most independent retailers continue to accept cash.

Left: Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre.

“As bank branches and ATMs close, safeguarding access to cash is vitally important.

The financial industry need to commit to making access to cash readily available, and not to rely on retailers offering cash back as an alternative.

Plus, not every customer is ready or able to pay by card - retailers serve entire communities, not just those embracing digital," he added.

The survey showed that 38% of retailers said they would only stop accepting cash if a bank branch or Post Office closed down in their area, indicating that most independents do not plan to go cashless in the near future.

Enesco Goes On Tour With Artist Jim Shore It’s been a busy time for award winning American artist Jim Shore who was welcomed back to the UK by Enesco, before embarking on a 17-day tour of ten signing events here and in Europe during September and October. Retailers reported record sales on the day, strengthening bonds with their customers.

The global event exclusive figurine, Here Together, Friends Forever, was available at all events, many pre-ordered, with each one an opportunity to introduce and showcase Jim, the artist behind much loved brands including Jim’s own Heartwood Creek, as well as recognised collaborations to include Disney Traditions, Peanuts, The Grinch and the Wizard of Oz. In addition to signing events in the UK, the tour included signings in Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium, finishing in Disneyland Paris.

Above: Fans queued for hours to meet artist Jim Shore at event signings in both the UK and Europe.

Following on from exhibitor, visitor and trade organisation feedback, both during and post September’s Autumn Fair concerning the new Connect meetings initiative - which received a largely hostile response – organisers Hyve Group has confirmed that Connect will not be part of its Spring Fair, Autumn Fair and Glee shows going forward, with the introduction of working groups to help shape the future of the shows.

Exhibitors and buyers are invited to share their opinions by emailing SpringAutumnFairMarketing@hyve.group.

Theo Paphitis Blasts ‘Unfair’ Business Rates System With business rates back in the news again recently following September’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures - which showed inflation remaining at 6.7% - analysts have been predicting that rates could rise again next April, as they Above: Theo Paphitis. are inflation linked.

Former Dragon Theo Paphitis, owner of Ryman, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue, has spoken out, saying that they “damage investment, damage business and damage our communities” by reducing the number of high street shops, with bricks and mortar retailers taking the hit, while online and major tech businesses are only taxed on their warehouses.

NEWS IN BRIEF l Despite rising costs impacting on profits,

homewares retailer Dunelm reported record revenues of £1.6bn, up 5.5% year-on-year. The retailer kept its prices low, passing on savings from lower freight costs, cutting the price of 1,000 products. l Carrie Elspeth was recently voted the Best

Creative Business Of The Year 2023 at the Vale Of Glamorgan Business awards.

Rosanna’s Art For The Table American tabletop and gift company Rosanna has launched a new collection – Antipasto Sfizioso – which celebrates Italian cuisine, reflecting founder, president and creative maestro Rosanna Bowles’ love affair with Italy. “We incorporated original Italian street art that I have collected from my travels around Italy, along with watercolour vegetables gracing each piece,” explains Rosanna.

“As the guest enjoys the antipasto the art is revealed, meaning that diners can enjoy the art as well as the delicious Italian food,” she explains.

Currently, the company is actively looking for a UK distributor as it expands its global reach. Visit rosannainc.com.

Right: Antipasto Sfizioso is new from Rosanna.

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Above: Carrie with her award.

l Talking Tables has been shortlisted in the

sustainability categories for two major Awards: the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and Scale Up Awards.

Your invitation to

Giving &Living TRADE SHOW 2024

Find your next best seller! Connect with your suppliers, touch and test the latest gifts, discuss personalising merchandise, compare and contrast offerings and negotiate the best deals!

Why visit?

PERFECTLY TIMED Order here and be first in the queue for new.

SHOW EXCLUSIVE Exhibitor offers - make your trip extra worthwhile.

MEET MORE ‘Designed and made in Britain’ exhibitors.

YOUR PATH TO PROFIT The best coastal and tourism gifts.

Register Register now for your FREE trade entry badge.

Just go to: givingliving.co.uk or, call us on 01934 733456.

Stand enquiries: 01934 733433.

This trade only event is organised by Hale Events Limited, Premier House, Old Church Road, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2BQ Telephone: 01934 733433 www.hale-events.com

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Top Drawer’s Retail Wonderland Over 25% Of Exhibitors Will Be New To The Show stellar line-up of key Top Drawer’s Spring/Summer edition industry figures. The returns to London’s Olympia from the 14Business Hub will be 16 January 2024, welcoming visitors to a back too, with visitors retail wonderland. “The countdown is on!” able to book says show manager David Westbrooke. appointments with “There will be more newness than ever, industry experts. Plus, the big name brands from home and abroad Trends feature, curated and top quality insight.” by show partner, The Thousands of new products will be launched across nine curated sectors: Better Trends Company, Above: Busy aisles at a recent Top Drawer.

Craft, Fashion, Food Emporium, Gift, will be unveiling three key Greetings & Stationery, Home, Launchpad, Play trends for the seasons ahead. and Wellbeing. Some 25% of exhibitors will be Brand new for 2024, Top Drawer will be new to the show, with over 10% hailing from presenting its Show Awards enabling visitors and overseas. exhibitors to celebrate the best of the talented The show’s Launchpad sector will be returning, retail industry across multiple categories. The curating 25 new designers across a range of awards will highlight brands, designers and product sectors. Also returning will be the products making their mark on the industry.

RetailFest stage which will be playing host to a Visitors can register at topdrawer.co.uk.

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Registration Is Open For June PG Live Dedicated greeting card show Progressive Greetings Live 2024, a ‘must attend’ for many gift retailers, is now open for registration.

The show, a highlight on the trade show calendar, takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday, 4-5 June, 2024, at London’s Business Design Centre.

“We already have well over 150 exhibitors who have booked their stands, with many more to follow, ranging from well-loved brands to brand new start-ups,” says operations director Jim Bullough.

Following on from the launch of the Springboard Intro section at this June’s show, organisers Max Exhibitions will be unveiling a vibrant Upper Village area for emerging companies. To register, visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com

Bumper Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2024 is set to be another bumper show, returning to the Harrogate Convention Centre from 14-17 January 2024, with the event almost sold out. With a total of eight halls filled to capacity, the organisers are looking to open up additional space to cater for demand.

“There has been unprecedented demand for exhibition space at the 2024 show,” confirms show organiser Simon Anslow. “While the show is advertised as predominantly a ‘Christmas’ event, it attracts almost every garden centre buyer in the UK, so it makes it particularly pertinent for companies that cater for this market.”

Returning brands include Premier Decorations; Festive Productions; Floralsilk; Kaemingk; Konstsmide and Gisela Graham.

Over 15 companies will be new to the show.

Above: Gisela Graham will be returning to Harrogate Christmas & Gift.

Above: Jumping for joy at PG Live.

Stands Selling Fast At Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring is almost fully booked after a huge interest in stands from new and established companies. Taking place at the SEC, Glasgow, from 21-23 Jan 2024, it demonstrates that confidence is high, say organisers Springboard, following a successful tourist season this summer, with exhibitor numbers back to pre-pandemic levels.

“The success of independent retail in Scotland is in part largely due to the big influx of tourists this summer, mainly from North America, India and the Far East,” states show director Mark Saunders, adding that companies still keen to take a stand should get in touch. “With the increased confidence in the Scottish market and influx of tourists, it looks likely that buyers will be flocking to the show to re-stock and source new products,” says Mark.

New exhibitors include Enesco, Shrieking Violet, The English Soap Company and The Little Dog Laughed, complementing the Launch Gallery showcasing new, young companies.

• Scotland Trade Fairs – Spring and Autumn - have undergone a refresh of the brand to include new logos and artwork. Visit www.scotlandstradefairs.com.

Above: Talking shop at Scotland’s Trade Fair.

Urban Gifts Showcased At Ambiente Ambiente will be returning to Messe Frankfurt from 26-30 January, 2024, alongside Christmasworld and Creativeworld, with Urban Gifts in the Giving sector of the show featuring gifts and personal accessories alongside Stationery and School.

The meta topics of sustainability, new work and digitalisation will be a recurrent theme across all three shows, with the Ethical Style program identifying exhibitors with ecologically and socially produced products. Visit www.ambiente.messefrankfrut.com.

Left: Giving at Ambiente 2024.

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

Product categories, which target the UK holiday market, offer a diverse showcase across gifts, fashion accessories, homewares and greeting cards as well as souvenirs, toys and bath and body, with selected exhibitors able to provide bespoke and own-brand merchandise.

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

Below: Visitors at last year’s show.

UK DU: 02.10.2023

FRANKFURT / MAIN

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

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

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FEEDBACK: SHOPLIFTING EPIDEMIC

With shoplifting almost decriminalised and unpunishable, there is now an escalating epidemic, with a 27% increase in reported incidents over the past 12 months, and total losses from customer theft alone exceeding £2.8bn annually, according to a recent British Retail Consortium (BRC) survey.

PG&H asked gift retailer up and down the country what steps they are taking to minimise the risks.

Daylight Robbery

Inset: Shoplifting has surged and is a growing problem for all retailers.

Below: Team Bill & Berts, Colchester.

Inset: Lark’s recently opened store in London’s Southfields.

We Have To Shout About It “Shoplifters target our 22 stores across South and West London mainly for clothes, perfumes and sunglasses,” highlights Lark’s co-owner, Priya Aurora-Crowe. “The shoplifters – usually several of them - pick up all the hangers on the rail and walk out with the clothes, coming in to shoplift from us twice a day – morning and afternoon. They do it brazenly, in broad daylight, and even say things to the staff such as ‘see you later babes!’. We have CCTV in all our stores, but really, there’s nothing we can do to stop them.

“We get the same guy breaking in at night every two weeks, so every two weeks we have to replace the shop window. Fortunately, we have a really good insurance policy that covers shoplifting, and it’s my strongest recommendation to other retailers, as not all insurance policies offer this type of cover.

Nevertheless, we have to pay the excess.”

Continues Priya: “From a retailer’s perspective, if you spot and apprehend a shoplifter and demand that they give the items back then you could be prosecuted for false imprisonment. It’s something I want to

highlight to other retailers too.”

As she highlights, “it’s easy for anyone to turn to shoplifting when Tik Tok tells its young followers how to steal from shops, pointing out when security guards at local, as well as major retailers, take their breaks. All we retailers can do is to go on shouting about it until the government listens to us.”

Prevention Is Better Than Arrresting “There is no such thing as zero shop theft,” says Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Bert’s in Colchester. “That said, what can we do about it? I believe at Bill & Berts the best way is with staff numbers. I have six people

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working every weekday, and seven to eight on Saturdays. Every customer is spoken to.

Stock is always filled, deliveries are sorted and everyone knows where everything is.”

Continues Bill: “Having cameras is great, but will the police or anyone truly follow up on these? Talking and putting yourself among any possible issue is the best way. Prevention is better than arresting. The biggest issues will be similar all over the country and the same as they have been for years (10-15 year old girls). Retailers need to ensure they know you know, and they will move on to easier targets.

“The national retailers have cut back so much on staff that I’m not at all surprised as to how much they are losing. I would rather pay out a bit more in wages than have a load nicked. Governments and the police won’t do anything, so it is down to us as retailers to make it hard for the shoplifters.”

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FEEDBACK: SHOPLIFTING EPIDEMIC

Engage With Every Customer “Shoplifting is on the rise and is very much something we have recently updated our staff about,” concurs Judy Evans, owner of Wiliams of Audlem in Audlem. “For example, recognising suspicious behaviour, and also distraction techniques - ie changing money, or being engaged by one person, while another might be helping themselves on the shelves!

“It's not possible to eradicate all shoplifting but there are small steps that can help guard against it, such as putting expensive or small items within easy view of the counter, and putting larger or low value items in any hidden/less well-lit corners. In addition, having CCTV signs clearly visible, putting valuable items in glass display units and, perhaps, most importantly, engaging personally with a customer as they enter the store. This immediately shows that you are paying attention to them. We also brief our staff how to respond to a blatant attack on the till so that they do not put themselves, or other customers in danger. It's a sad reflection on retailing today, but you can't pretend it doesn't exist on every high street, even in quiet backwaters.”

As Judy highlights: “It's also important to recognise that shoplifters come in all guises.

You never know what people's personal circumstances are, and what might be a driver for stealing from a shop they don't normally wear a mask and a black and white striped jumper. You have to be alert to it. That's all you can do.”

Inset: Williams of Audlem, Audlem.

Right: Brocante, Salcombe.

Non-Existent Police Response “We have had cameras put in to all our shops and are also in towns where it’s not that easy to get out quickly,” explains David Lorimer, co-owner of six Brocante gift and lifestyle stores located in both Devon and Cornwall.

“Fortunately, we have managed to catch people and make them pay.

However, the police response is nonexistent. Even when we had a break-in we were told they would come out only if there was blood.”

Observe, Approach, Retrieve & Ban “Like the bigger stores that have featured in the news, we too, have seen a marginal increase in shoplifting,” comments Julianne Moore, owner of MiMi fashion and lifestyle stores in Hartley Wintney and Wokingham. “Our lifters are the opportunists who, like so many, are struggling with rising interest rates, lower wages, increased bills etc.

Most of our lifting takes place in our changing rooms as we are unable to monitor via CCTV. We tag most items and count clothing items in and out now.

“Occasionally we get the lifter who doesn’t care and will steal in front of you. If seen, we will approach, retrieve and then ban them from our stores. We have instigated a WhatsApp group along both our high streets warning other stores of offenders immediately after things have happened.”

Adds Julianne: “Luckily for us we are not targeted often, and having a relatively small team, we are all trained and singing from the same policy hymn sheet. Observe, approach, retrieve and ban. The same applies with fake notes and cards for payment where we are vigilant with our checks. We have held several stolen cards and fake £20/£50 to get them out of general circulation. We work in tandem with our local post office as the banks have now left our high street.”

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FEEDBACK: SHOPLIFTING EPIDEMIC

We Publicly Shame On Our Socials “Shoplifting has sadly become part of the daily routine which we have to deal with,” says Greg Rose, co-founder of three Maybugs gift stores in East Sussex.

“We report every incident of shoplifting to the police -there were 12 in October - but as yet we haven’t had one visit from them. It’s a sad fact that the police don’t seem to care, or are so busy with other crimes that shoplifting has been accepted by them.”

Continues Greg: “If we have absolute proof that something has been taken, we post a picture on our socials from our CCTV, saying something along the lines of ‘this person loved our products so much they forgot to pay’, and that once the item is returned or paid for, we will remove the post. In 95% of incidents, we have had success in the item being paid for or returned. We even had someone’s boss phone up and pay as they were so ashamed. We can’t do it for every incident as our socials would be full of negative posts, but it does seem that people are more afraid of being publicly shamed on social media, and all their family and friends knowing, than they are of the police!”

People You Wouldn’t Suspect

We Can’t Watch Everyone

At Bringing The Outside In in Wells-NextThe-Sea, owner Martin Billings says: “Shoplifting continues to be a frustrating part of retailing. From experience we have found that there is very little the police will or can do and we question if it is a worthwhile use of their time. We quite often find that shoplifters are people you wouldn’t suspect, and despite doing our best to protect loss from our stores we accept that if someone really wants to steal they will find a way to do that.”

“We have had random instances of shoplifting mainly during the school holidays,” says Jo Williams, owner of Joco in Nuneaton. “We have cameras and the staff are very vigilant, but we can't watch everyone. Jewellery is the most popular item to be stolen, alongside crystals, as items are easily kept in the hand as the shoplifters walk out of the door.”

Right: Jo Williams, owner of Joco, is shown in her Nuneaton store.

Left Bringing The Outside In, Wells-Next-The-Sea. Bottom: A shoplifter caught in the act.

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Above: A post that recently appeared on Maybugs socials.

Left: Maybugs in Hailsham.

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IN PROFILE: LARK

In another challenging year for retail, multi-award winning independent gift and lifestyle retailer Lark has been on a roll, opening eight new stores across South and West London, as well as Surrey.

PG&H popped into the newly opened East Sheen outlet to meet husband and wife co-owners Priya and Dom Aurora-Crowe, to discover what’s firing their ambition – but what’s Gail’s bakery got to do with it?

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pening one new store is a challenge by anyone’s stretch of the imagination, but opening eight, one after the other, is quite an achievement, especially when you factor in that Priya (a former religious education teacher with a degree in theology) was pregnant with her and Dom’s second daughter, Celine. “It’s been a challenge,” admits Priya, who

Inset: Priya, Dom and Celine are shown outside the newly opened Lark store in East Sheen.

Below left: A glimpse inside the store’s interior.

introduced Celine to the world of gifts at Autumn Fair in September as a newborn in her arms.

Responsible for the buying, as well as the design, layout, music, and overall Lark vibe, plus much else besides, she explains that, “everyone at Lark reports to me” – ‘everyone’ being 120 staff across 19 Lark stores. In the past 18 months, as the business has grown exponentially, there are now two area managers, two merchandisers and two staff trainers, along with managers across operations, online, social media, marketing and music, all of whom work alongside individual store managers PROGRESSIVE

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and retail assistants.

Dom meanwhile, is in charge of the new store openings, where he carries out all the shop fittings and maintenance himself, (no mean feat!), as well as managing the builders, alongside the accounting and finance side of the business.

“And if there’s any IT support needed, Dom’s the one we call,” smiles Priya.

In fact, Priya credits Lark’s continuing success to delegation, making sure that she and Dom have separate roles. “You could say that I’m the visionary and Dom implements it,” she explains.

Interestingly, finding new Lark locations is the relatively easy bit. “We love London villages where we can grow in the

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IN PROFILE: LARK communities,” states Dom. “We work with the same Partnering Up letting agent as Gail’s bakery, Expanding Lark’s retail reach further still, Priya and Dom recently joined forces with South London retail multiple Jumping Bean (which has who want us in the same upmarket gift and lifestyle stores in Beckenham, Dulwich and Honor Oak locations that they’re in,” Park). “We have a lot of skill sets between us and work very closely with adds Priya, “so we are always co-owners Nilou Noorbakhsh and Terry Newton,” highlights Priya. open to new locations although, at the moment, we draw the line at gift is ‘what’s your favourite shopping centres.” colour?’” explains Lark’s South Describing the concept of Lark, Dom London merchandiser Libby Cole. highlights that the stores are “very bright, “We can then point people in the very open and very welcoming”, with Priya right direction. It helps to organise emphasising that they are inclusive of price our offer in an appealing way.” point, gender and age. “We’re an affordable In addition to physical stores, boutique experience, with our customers online remains a huge sales driver varying from a 13 year old girl to an older for the company, with local shopper in their ‘70s or ‘80s. In every customers browsing the website category, we offer entry, middle and top end, and then coming in to buy or using so that there’s a price point to suit every click and collect. Plus, browsers will customer. A myriad of product categories go also find a Lark store on the Trouva Inset: Colourful right across the board, ranging from clothing online platform. “To keep things women’s tops.

Bottom: Azuni jewellery is – women’s, men’s and babywear - to home running smoothly, we have gone among Lark’s best sellers. fragrancing, wellness and beauty, jewellery, into warehousing, separating stock Below left: An Elizabeth Scarlett pouch. home, interiors, children’s gifts, novelty and, for the online and retail sides of the of course, greeting cards. “They’re our bread and butter,” states Priya. “Most customers come in to buy a card – always and Dom feeling bullish? “Realistically, I think displayed near the front of the store - and a lot of people have been saving up or will then are quickly tempted by everything be using their November pay cheque to else that we offer.” splurge on Black Friday on 23 November,” She says that brands she especially loves Priya predicts. “However, we are feeling to work with include Elizabeth Scarlett, very optimistic nonetheless, because our which makes concept works, and we have already striking bold seen early Christmas shoppers – gift Lark: The Lowdown accessories, such buyers who want to spread the cost. l Dom, originally a website designer, started out in fashion retail over 20 years as eye masks, hot ago, joined in the business by Priya in 2011.

We’ve found that people’s mindsets are water bottles and l Since the start of the year, new Lark stores have opened in Blackheath, East focused on making considered Sheen, Esher, Putney, Richmond, Southfields, Weybridge and Woking, bringing the pouches, adorned purchases – buying better but buying total retail portfolio to 19. with colourful less – and with a budget in mind. It’s l Recent highlights for Lark include winning a Greats award in 2021 as Best Specialist Multiple Retailer of Gifts, along with a Retas trophy in 2022. embroidery - to therefore our job to be proactive as well include an as reactive, providing the best quality we exclusive range for Lark. business,” points out Dom. can to fit that festive spend. And when all is Also on Priya’s “love to work with” list is Reflecting on 2023, Priya says that, said and done, Christmas will always be award winning home fragrancing company unsurprisingly, it’s been defined by a more Christmas, so we’ll be open until 6pm on FYG, and local West London company cost-conscious Christmas Eve for those Azuni, which makes luxury, sustainable shopper, someone who last minute shoppers.” handcrafted jewellery. Plus, there’s another is looking for quality.

So, what’s in the favourite jewellery company, Lapis London “Affordability has been pipeline for 2024? Are whose biggest stockist is Lark - and Sugarhill key, along with there plans to open more of Brighton, renowned for its jumpsuits along people’s determination stores? “Not at the with its separates. As for men’s clothing, to ‘shop local’,” she moment, but we’re always Dom highlights that it is very unusual for a comments. “Mary open to new locations,” lifestyle store to stock men’s as well as Portas’ vision of a ’15 reveals Dom. “For now womenswear. “It’s one of our biggest minute city’ has though, we’re happy to categories and definitely gives us a point of worked well for us, with consolidate, and excited difference,” he underlines. working from home to see how our new Most products stocked by Lark are impacting positively in stores perform this sustainable and have links to charities. relation to all our Christmas.”

Merchandising follows the Mary Portas stores.” (*with apologies to strategy of colour blocking. “One of the first With Christmas just Ralph Vaughan Williams). questions we ask a customer looking for a weeks away, are she PROGRESSIVE

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IN CONVERSATION WITH...

Sar Ward

Step Away From Your Business

Above: Sarah Ward, ceo, The Giftware Association.

Below: Make time to work on your business as well as in your business.

No matter what size your business is, it’s not always about working in your business but on your business. You have to make the time, no matter what the distractions, if you want to be successful, says The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward.

I

often get asked by businesses how they can emulate their more successful competitors? What more can they do, and what gives other companies the edge when it comes to being a ‘go to’ brand for retailers. Inevitably, my answer is to take a good, long hard look at the company or companies in question, and to do that all important due diligence and competitor analysis. Then make a comparison. What are they doing that you’re not?

Prior to joining The Giftware Association in 2015, I spent a chunk of my career working for large corporate retailers, to include the Arcadia Group, as well as in the industry working for the Swan Mill Group/Penny Kennedy. Carrying out competitor analysis was non-negotiable and a vital business tool.

Therefore, if you fall into the category of looking at other businesses that seem to be getting it right, with busier stands than yours at events, you have to take a step back and ask yourself what might they have actioned prior to the show that ensured that their customers were eager to come to see them.

One thing’s for sure, they will have done a lot of pre-show marketing. They are likely to be appointment-driven, with a clear strategy in place. Companies don’t just rock up at exhibitions and hope they’ll take orders and sign-up new customers. Their strategy includes pre-planning for months in advance.

While competitor analysis is not an easy job, it’s a discipline that has to be part of a “

successful company’s DNA. There are a lot of good disciplines out there that are not out of date, but that do need to be looked at within the personality of a business, applying them in a way that feels comfortable. What you learn very quickly is that you can’t pluck out a few numbers and say this is what I want my business to achieve next year. You have to know that you can achieve it, and frankly, achieving it is hard at the moment.

In our busy world, you often hear phrases such as ‘there aren’t enough hours in the day’ and ‘I wish I had more time to plan’, yet it remains crucial for companies of all sizes to stand back regularly and take a good hard look at themselves – to work on the business as well as in it.

Strategy planning used to be along the lines of: ‘this is what my business looks like today, and next year I want it to grow by 5%’, followed by a business plan. However, in today’s environment, it’s sometimes difficult to see where that growth will come from.

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Additionally, in challenging times, business owners are often more emotional, finding it harder to be objective. It's why it’s vital for a company to step away and critique their own business, to look at it with fresh eyes, and to ask, where the business is going and to structure a plan. How do you know what you don’t know? I’m currently in talks with the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) which runs growth hubs - to get practical advice, resources, and support for members.

Even for a business that’s up and running, it’s still possible to get mentorship and support.

I often ask companies looking for advice, ‘what’s the one business question that keeps you awake at night?’ It’s a simple way to get to the bottom line. Fortunately, there’s always someone with the expertise, knowledge and experience who can help. So don’t be afraid to invest say, £500, but don’t spend £5,000 unless you’re sure it’s going to be money well spent. Ultimately, your goal is to see that investment in strategy planning paying off.”

Made in the UK

sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT ON . . . PET GIFTS

Inset: Pepper, aged 98 in doggy years, is the much loved pooch of Joe Davies’ managing director Paul Hooker.

Below: An array of personalised pet gifts from the Personalised Memento Company (PMC).

While many people love their cats, dogs it seems, are in the lead (pun intended!) when it comes to gifting, according to suppliers. As more and more companies expand their pet gift ranges, PG&H discovered what’s trending for the festive season and into 2024.

Four-Legged Friends S

ince the pandemic, it’s no secret that pet ownership has stepped up a gear, with gift suppliers focusing on thoughtful gifts that reflect the love people have for their four-legged friends, along with pet themed gifts for pet owners. “Pets have increasingly become a huge part of family life, whether that’s through getting them involved in the Halloween costume competitions or giving them their very own Christmas Eve box, with the gift sector heavily influenced by the growing demand for more human-like products for pets,” says PMC’s marketing director Keren Dicken.

The company’s AW23 range features Halloween-themed dog bandanas, photo upload Christmas decorations, treat jars, pet bowls and much more. “The range of personalised photo upload gifts for example, covers pets and their Inset: Scion Living Pet Collection parents. We offer a

range of photo albums for special photos, to include fun adventures together, as well as photo mugs enabling people to take their pets to work. Plus, our baubles can be personalised to celebrate a pet’s first Christmas or to remember the ones that have crossed the rainbow bridge. We also provide a large sentimental range that have been lovingly created to commemorate the loss of a pet.”

At Gift Republic, the company’s pet sector is continuing to expand. “We offer My Dog Journal and My Cat Journal keepsake scratch books, with ideas for activities and space for people to put in photos of their pets,” explains global sales director Phil Verrills.

by Enesco.

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Other pet-related giftware from the company includes How To Speak Dog and How To Speak Cat, cards that help pet owners to understand what their dog or cat is trying to communicate.

At Rex London, there’s also been increased interest in pet-themed gifts. “Our Mini Sausage Dog In A Little Box has been topping our bestseller list ever since it launched at the end of 2022,” confirms marketing co-ordinator Marta Pasikowska.

“It’s set to be this year's number one Christmas gift and has proven so popular that we are rapidly expanding our collection of products in the Sausage Dog design to include bathmats, puzzles, craft kits and

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SPOTLIGHT ON . . . PET GIFTS Inset: Puckator’s award winning Festive Gingerbread Cat Playhouse.

Cat-tastic While canine pet products are currently top dog, cats are also having their moment. “We are definitely seeing an increase in demand for products in the pet gifts market,” says Puckator’s content creator Alistair Brook. “A key example is our award-winning Festive Gingerbread Cat Playhouse which won the Gift of the Year Festive and Occasions category this year, as well as the Spanish gift competition organised by the Regalo Fama Association in collaboration with Intergift. It shows the interest that these kind of products can produce both domestically and overseas.”

Below: A spread from Gift Republic’s My Cat Journal scratch book.

Christmas decorations,” highlights Marta.

With UK pet ownership growing by some 3m pets during lockdown, Joe Davies’ managing director, Paul Hooker, points out that it’s certainly helped to give a sustained boost to sales of pet-related products.

“We’re still enjoying great sales on our engravable Pampered Pooch dog identity tags from Equilibrium and, at Christmas, we see a big uplift in sales of pet photo frames across our home ranges.

Additionally, our ceramics ranges feature the nation’s favourite breeds of cats and dogs from leading UK artists, such Bree Merryn and Emma Lawrence, which make super stocking fillers. However, a real winner for us this year has been our range of dog vases from Village Pottery, with brand new additions to the collection coming in the new year.”

D&J Glassware is well-known for its gift-led glass animals, which include cats and dogs. “It’s where we started out 12 years ago, and over the years we have seen a growing demand,” explains the company’s co-founder Jocelyn Roznowski. “Recently we created a range of candles, reed diffusers and wax melts, with the labels featuring Westies and Scottie dogs. We’ve also introduced a brand new range of pet-themed textiles that include cushions, oven gloves and aprons,” highlights Jocelyn.

Gifts For Furbabies As for gifts for pets themselves, there’s plenty around to delight the most discerning pet owner. “Dogs and cats are seen as an extension and beloved member of the family so deserve the same treatment as other family members, including receiving gifts,” says Enesco’s trade marketing manager Aylish Ellwood. “Pet parents take their

Inset: Rex London’s popular Mini Sausage Dog In A Little Box. Above centre: New from D & J Glassware: pet themed candles and wax melts.

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responsibilities very seriously, so wellgroomed dogs and cats receive good quality, attractive accessories, including collars, leads, beds and feeding bowls.”

The company has recently launched a Scion Living pet collection featuring fun, colourful accessories in bold, stylish prints for pet owners to spoil the most important member of the family. “They include co-ordinating dog beds, collars, leads and more, and are an affordable purchase this Christmas,” says Aylish.

“Having been asked by our customers to bring out additional items in our pet collection we introduced a brand new range in July which has been very popular,” confirms Wrendale Designs’ founder and Below: Joe Davies’ dog vases from Village Pottery.

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SPOTLIGHT ON . . . PET GIFTS Inset: The Squeaky Dog toy is creative director Hannah Dale. “Our pet Frank Barker range of collars, part of Heathcote & Ivory’s collection includes dog accessories, such as a harnesses and poo bags William Morris At Home Canine Companion range. walking bag, poop bag holder, treat bag and from Splosh! “They fun bandanas. Adding to the range we also complement the company’s have a dog treat tin, as well as collection of dog breed treat tins featuring other keyrings, with new breeds pets, including rabbits, increasing the range,” guinea pigs, adds David. hamsters and At Heathcote & Ivory, cats. They all the company’s William make great gifts Morris At Home Canine and selfCompanion range purchases,” continues to ring up points out sales. “Popular gifts Below: Dog bowls are part of Denby’s Hannah, “and we include the Squeaky Dog new pet bowls collection. are expecting pet toy and the Dog Walkers collection sales to Kit - a Gift of the Year finalist increase on the run up - which form part of our to Christmas.”

Christmas line-up for pets for At Designworks Collective, the this year,” says creative director company offers a treat making kit for pet Lesley Aaronson. owners enabling them to create their own However, it’s not only dogs that will be products. There is also a Dirty Dawg wagging their tails! With Christmas gift grooming kit and doggy playing cards buying underway, and so much pet giftware featuring lots of facts, plus a matching on offer, retailers are clearly going to be keyring and tag set. “Pets are very much a spoilt for choice. Woof, woof! growth category for us, although it’s mainly a dog collection, under the Field and Wander brand, designed in-house,” confirms sales director James Mountfield.

At The Little Dog Laughed, the company offers leads and collars, travel bowls and walking pouches, plus much Right: Wrendale else besides. “Super-popular at the Designs’ founder Hannah Dale moment are pet-themed zip purses and with her toy poodle Elvis. packable pet bags, as well as cushions Below: A dog and mugs,” reveals creative director treat tin from Wrendale Designs.

Anna Danielle. “When we started out, our cat mugs outsold dog mugs by ten Left Rottweilers Ruby (left) and Lottie (right) to one, but over the past 15 years we have belong to Keren Dicken, marketing director at seen that significantly change, with our PMC, who says they are very much an adored part of the office and love a fuss! retailers telling us that it’s dog-themed Below left: Pet themed zip purses from Little Dog Laughed. giftware that sells,” says co-owner Anna. In addition, the company also offers giftware Inset: Enesco’s featuring chickens and horses. “It’s niche, but trade marketing manager Aylish they are also pets for some people,” Anna Ellwood with Poppy, points out. a Staffordshire terrier/Labrador “Since lockdown, pets have become more cross. (Poppy is a part time dog, important to us all, with pet gifts a strong staying with Aylish category,” says David Lewis, owner of Inset: A dog treat tin and her family every from Wrendale Designs. weekend to help out Xystos, which recently launched the a family member).

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FINE PORCELAIN WWW.ROSANNAINC.COM

ERBE ITALIANE

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1: Faithful Friends

What s

New

Pets, dogs and cats have always featured in the Lesser and Pavey ranges, whether depicted on items or in a study form. It would seem we are a nation of animal lovers - the items may change over the years but our love for dogs and cats does not diminish as such Lesser and Pavey will always have them in its gift ranges. The new range, designed by the in-house team at Lesser and Pavey, is pretty, fun and practical as it offers a tin for treats or biscuits, pet bowl and fine mug for the owner. The bond between owner and pet is special - they are our companions, there for the ups and downs of life, and bring us joy, make us laugh and provide an unquestioning friendship. What better way to celebrate our love for pets than to have them on homewares and gifts.

Lesser & Pavey T: 01322 27922 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Pet gifts

2: Award Winning Pet Bed Topper The new topper has a soft fleece cover with an inner bag filled with cleaned British wheat and can be used either in a microwave or freezer. Giving comforting warmth or cooling relief for pets, this offers a natural way to soothe aches and pains.

The Wheat Bag Company T: 01747 480499 E: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk W: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

3: Scion Living Pet Accessories Alongside the eye-catching homewares and baby collection, Enesco has introduced Scion Living pet accessories (because all furry friends deserve a treat). The range is all about sharing simple joys that will please customers and their pets. The selection of accessories includes bowls, leads, collars, beds and bandanas in on-trend mustard or navy and feature all-time Scion favourite design, Mr Fox. Animals are often the stars of Scion’s characterful collections, so, Enesco is thrilled to have the chance to show its love for cuddly companions up and down the land.

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

4: Merry Woofmas Have a cracker of a Christmas with Green & Wild’s fabulously festive, yet eco-friendly, Christmas treats for dogs. All natural, healthy and delicious, with no added fillers or preservatives, they are pitched as the perfect treats for all good dogs over the festive period. With eye-catching, yet recyclable cardboard packaging and compostable inner wrappers, the Crackers make ideal stocking fillers or little gifts, while the Advent Calendar is 100% plastic free.

Green & Wilds T: 01225 890808 E: contact@greenandwilds.co.uk W: www.greenandwilds.co.uk

5: Unique Pet Accessories New from Quotable are Pet Collar Charms which aim to reflect the love you have for your pet and also their love for you.

Sharing meaningful and heartfelt messages, each charm is a unique accessory that will inspire you and everyone who loves your pet. 28mm square lightweight hard enamel with jump ring. Choose from 18 styles and order in fours (£2.90 each, £6.95 RRP. €3.75 each, €8.95 RRP).

Quotable Cards T: +1 44(0) 800 088 5020 E: info@quotablecards.co.uk W: www.quotablecards.co.uk

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IN PROFILE: BEST KEPT SECRETS

The past year has been one of expansion and growth for Morpeth-based home fragrancing company Best Kept Secrets, with managing director Vanessa Curry revealing what will be taking the company forward into 2024.

Inset: Part of the rebranded, giftled Just Because collection.

Below: Reed diffusers are a new addition to Just Because.

Smelling Sweet “I

nvesting in people, product and the planet has been the key focus for me since taking over the business from my parents, Denise and Alan Edwards, almost six years ago, having worked alongside them for almost ten years,” explains managing director Vanessa Curry.

Her daughter, Madeleine is the third generation to join the business, which was launched in 1996.

“Since taking the helm, it’s been about constantly bringing to market quality home fragrance products that reflect customer demands, that are kind to the planet, and that retain a price point of under £10. Our products embody joy and are loved for their fragrances, colourful wax and, of course, our trademark sparkly glitter toppings which are now biodegradable.”

Justifiably, she is extremely proud of the company’s growth in 2023.

“It’s been an incredible year for us as a brand,” Vanessa emphasises.

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choice, price and great customer service. We now have nine different candle collections and ranges that encompass tea lights, reed diffusers, wax melts and soaps, with the collections appealing to different types of retailers who I take time out to visit in order to build on the relationships we have with them. We have also made a commitment to sustainability, meaning that customers are safe in the knowledge that, across all our collections, we have been as kind to the planet as possible.”

Despite rising costs, Vanessa is keen to point out that the company has made a conscious decision to maintain its price point at under £10. “This commitment to affordability, without scrimping on quality, helps us to stands out as a brand in a very competitive market,” she states.

New Autumn/Winter launches include reed diffusers in the company’s best-selling Just Because collection - the brainchild of Vanessa some years ago - featuring meaningful or fun messages on colourful packaging, designed for a myriad of giftgiving occasions. “The rebrand and expansion of the range reflects our commitment to providing price-sensitive retail and consumer choice, with unexpected gifts often meaning the most,” she

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IN PROFILE: BEST KEPT SECRETS comments. “It could be to say thank you, or She continues: “For now though, we are Inset: Our Fragrant World was the first sustainable range launched by Best to brighten someone's day, or just because focusing on increasing our brand Kept Secrets earlier this year.

Left: The Spirit of Christmas range someone’s cares – even for no reason at all. I awareness, ensuring we share our story embodies festive fun. like to think that these home fragrancing with people to show them what we’re products help people to say about. We have also entered Gift of what they want to say through the Year for the first time the range.” which will hopefully Another Autumn/Winter help us to reach launch is Best Kept new buyers and Secrets’ new Spirit of increase Christmas collection, engagement featuring 12 candles with the brand, embodying festive fun. with garden They feature the centres also a company’s best-selling huge fragrances, along with its opportunity signature sparkles, with for us going designs including forward, whimsical woodland particularly in animals. the South.”

As for the inspiration behind the Best Kept Nevertheless, it hasn’t all been Secrets collections, Vanessa says that, in the smooth sailing, with the main, it comes from customer feedback. “We company’s biggest challenge really do listen to our customers, understand being the supply chains. “A robust what they need, and identify which gaps in review system is now in place and, the market we can fill,” Vanessa states. wherever possible, we try to work with “Giving our local suppliers as customers the best well, so that we Vanessa Curry: The Lowdown possible products build great great trade l Three words that best describe you? “Resilient, for any occasion, relationships that shows this year, I’m feeling very optimistic as passionate, thoughtful.” while being as ensure costs are we head into the festive season.” l What was the best business advice that you received? “It’s about people. Look after them.” sustainable as sensible. This She emphasises that customer service is a l What do you love most about working in possible, is what means we can critical factor for Best Kept Secrets’ the home fragrancing sector? “Coming up drives new pass it onto our continued success. “We place the customer with new ideas, seeing them evolve and brought to market. Nothing beats that buzz!” product customers and at the heart of everything we do. It’s all about l How do you switch off? “I live by the sea and development. In maintain our price the love, and we think we are a pretty good love taking my two Labrador puppies - Brother and Sister – for long walks on the beach.” addition, we point. After some bunch to do business with!” also follow trends very closely and use trend information from Above: Best Kept Secrets’ Below: Age-themed Seriously Scented Happy Birthday candles. fragrance houses to ensure relevance and managing director Vanessa Curry. innovation. I also love it when Pantone’s Colour Of The Year is announced! Creatively, we have great fun exploring our design opportunities. I work with a fantastic, creative team and we inspire one another.”

So, what will be taking the company forward into 2024? “There will be a further expansion of our Just Because Three Lites range, with the addition of a brand new vessel. We also have new fragrances being developed and a new collection that’s still under wraps. Additionally, we will also be expanding our export opportunities which currently represents 5% of the business. We have also been working on a new creative project - something completely new for us as a brand. This new product launch is a fresh idea and super gift-y, and is a work in progress at the moment. Plus, we are also releasing four new fragrances for Spring Fair 2024.”

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’ Libbys Lines It’s been getting to feel a lot like Christmas for some time at Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh as, in line with the large multiples and garden centres, owner Libby Holden began rolling out the shop’s gifts and decorations four weeks earlier than usual in response to customer demand.

C “

d

Inset: A quirky hanging ceramic tree decoration from Giftware Trading.

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last year and couldn’t get any more in, despite having a list of people waiting to get their hands on one. So, we upped our 2023 order and, once again, they are proving to be as popular as ever which is a huge relief for us!

The warmer weather meanwhile, had a huge impact on the sales of our Autumn/Winter clothing collection by comparison to last year. We launched the collection at the end of September, and despite the promotional material we prepared alongside it – to include social media as well as newsletters to our email subscribers – we were left disheartened by the reception it received. Understandably, people were not in the right mindset to start buying woolly jumpers and Christmas party dresses when it was still Tshirt weather outside. But it did allow us to sell through nearly all of our leftover summer stock, allowing us to start almost entirely afresh when we begin buying for Spring/Summer 2024.

We have also launched a new Christmas gift guide on our website to make the customer shopping experience as seamless as possible. As a small independent we are always seeking to provide a unique personal shopping experience to those who visit us, something that customers now actively seek from us. The gift guide, which is divided into various price points, seeks to give the effect of a virtual assistant guiding the customer to the ideal Christmas gift no matter who it is for, and what budget they have. We hope this simplification of the process will be beneficial and make the stress of Christmas shopping that little bit lighter for our customers.

Here's hoping for a prosperous Christmas for all small independents! And now you must excuse me as I’m off to do the Christmas windows…”

IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

dd

hristmas has most definitely come early here at Lovely Libby’s. We put out our Christmas decorations and gifts in mid-October – the earliest we’ve ever done that - despite a late summer seeing us sweltering in 25 degrees of heat! Admittedly, it did feel extremely weird to start transforming the shop into a winter wonderland. However, we spotted how early some of the bigger chain stores and garden centres were putting out their Christmas stock, with some even introducing it as early as July. In addition, from the beginning of September, we also had customers asking us when our Christmas cards would be available to purchase (which did panic us slightly as we hadn’t received all our deliveries!).

This observation, followed by interactions with customers, definitely highlighted that people would be spreading the cost once again, in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, shaping our decision to start the celebrations early to allow customers an extra month to budget for the festive season.

Interestingly, we’ve had a mixed response to this choice.

While some people are already embracing the Christmas spirit, others are edging more towards the attitude of Ebenezer Scrooge, preferring to get Halloween done and dusted before thinking about the next occasion.

Nevertheless, we had to do what we had to do.

At exactly the same time every year, we have a daunting panic about the amount of stock we have to shift in such as small amount of time. This year was no different, and with the added stress of the economic climate, it was a no brainer to give ourselves another four week opportunity to start selling. I predict that it is going to be this way for a good few years to come.

It might only be mid-October at the time of writing, but there already seem to be a few firm favourites in our collection, most notably our hanging ceramic tree decorations from Giftware Trading. A little more on the quirky side for us, we are pleased that this gamble is paying off as these little Foodie Friends are a huge hit. I mean, who could resist a carrot in a Christmas hat?! Last year’s bestseller is back too. We sold out of our LED Christmas Water Spinners in the first week of November

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See them illuminate!

In stock now

The magic of Disney brought to life with compelling storytelling, enhanced by beautiful effects of inner light, sculpted in fine porcelain.

Includes LED tealight plus 3 x LR44 batteries

www.enesco.co.uk

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

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SPOTLIGHT ON . . . OCCASIONS

With Christmas buying done and dusted, the focus for gift retailers is on the next big gift giving occasion, Mother’s Day, which takes place on Sunday 10 March, 2024.

With that in mind, PG&H takes a look at some of the gifts that will be trending for the industry’s second biggest gifting occasion.

Left: Fresh Daisies from Henry & Co.

M

other’s Day in March brings with it not only a change of season but also an opportunity for gift retailers to go to town with creative displays and gift giving ideas.

Candles of course, are always a winner, with Best Kept Secrets developing a new Just Because Mother’s Day collection that says it all. “It’s proved particularly popular for retailers looking for a cost-effective gift for the occasion, with sentiments including Happy Mother’s Day, I Love You To The Moon And

Mum’s The Word Back, Thank You, To A Lovely Mum and For a Gin Queen,” says Best Kept Secrets’ managing director Vanessa Curry.

“Even when economic times are tough, the British public still love a gift-giving occasion such as Valentine’s and Mother’s Day – an opportunity to indulge and spoil those who mean the most to us,” says Aylish Ellwood, Above: Eau Lovely from Enesco. trade marketing manager at Enesco. “Among our recent launches is home fragrancing from Ireland - Eau Lovely, Irish Botanicals and Herb Dublin.

Products range from single candles and diffusers to luxurious gifts sets reflecting the importance of relaxation, detoxification and life happiness.”

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Above: Happy Mother’s Day from Life Charms.

Above left: Mother’s Day sentiments from Best Kept Secrets.

Far left: Cotton & Grey’s new Mummy to Be Twenty Minute candle set.

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SPOTLIGHT ON . . . OCCASIONS

Above: Just For You Mum from Joma Jewellery.

Claire Sowden suggesting that the company’s Twenty Minute relaxation candles would be just the thing. “The candle sets are all about sending love and kindness, for someone to take time out of the day for themselves. They’re the perfect message to give to a busy mum to show she’s loved and appreciated.”

Continues Claire: “We also like to include soon-to-be mums in the celebrations, so have introduced the new Mummy to Be candle sets this season, in the Time For range, along with New Mummy.”

Jewellery, of course, is always a winner for mums of all ages and stages. “For those Inset: Gisela Graham’s pastel Flowers jug.

lucky enough to have the Queen of Mums, it’s the time to cherish and spoil her rotten,” says Crumble & Core’s director Louise Pike. “New additions to our Bright Blooms collection mark the special day with boxed candles and cards, boxed silver earrings cards, and foiled greeting cards,” highlights Louise.

“Each year, we give our customers a range of gifts to suit different price points to make sure everyone has the opportunity to celebrate the women in their life who have watched over them throughout the years, with sentiments including Marvelous Mum, Mum in a Million or World’s Best Mum,” comments Life Charms’ graphic designer Agata Werycha. “Of course, fresh flowers or a box of chocolates are traditional, safe gifts for Inset: A Lovely Mum mums, but our candle and card from Crumble & Core. range makes a

Inset: Joe Davies’ Equilibrium Mother’s Day Sentiment Collection.

Mother’s Day A Littles is the company’s new Love From Your Little Ones range which features matching necklaces, bracelets and earrings as well as elegant gemstone pendants.

Fashion accessories too, will always be appreciated by mums, with Katie Loxton’s latest Mother's Day collection sentiment pouches featuring Best Mummy and Wonderful Nan. There’s also a ceramic hanging diffuser and a Mother’s Day scarves collection featuring blossom print designs, as well as an exclusive gifting bundle with a scarf and pouch, presented in a gift bag.

Inset: Joe Davies’ Equilibrium Mother’s Day Sentiment Collection.

nice add-on to this type of gift.”

Joe Davies’ Equilibrium collection features necklaces and bracelets with specific mum sentiments, as well as other jewellery, “and as counterintuitive as it might seem, targeting a Mother’s Day gift range at mums is a great way to drive sales for this important season, as mums purchase for their mums, and often for their children’s gifts for grandmas too,” points out buyer Mary Caputo. “Therefore, creating a specific Mother’s Day display in store, using point of sale with key words, such as Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day, showcases the offer and can be a winner for retailers.”

Joma Jewellery meanwhile, has expanded its Mother’s Day collection with additional heartfelt sentiments. Joining the core

As for pampering, Mad Beauty is championing the gift of relaxation with its new Disney Winnie the Pooh inspired bubble bath. “It’s presented in a honeycomb-shaped bottle, with a honey dipper lid for the user to drizzle drops of the wildflower fragranced formula into a warm running bath,” explains creative director Julia Cash.

Also spreading the love is Lesser & Pavey’s Love and Affection range, which includes Mum and Grandma. “The collection is a

Saying It With Flowers “Mothers’ Day is a major gift-giving occasion and you don’t have to stick rigidly to the actual day,” points out Gisela Graham, founder of her eponymous company. “The ideal gift is something to keep and treasure, such as our pastel Flowers jug which is part of a new Spring collection and, of course, looks great when filled with flowers.”

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SPOTLIGHT ON . . . OCCASIONS manager Nicky Maynard: “Many people have grown up celebrating Mother's Day with their families, and they continue this tradition in adulthood.

Our Azeti collection of recycled aluminium heart dishes, tealights, bowls and platters are not only recycled but are completely recyclable and come in a plastic Inset: Celebrating Galentine’s Inset: A PMC with a Crumble & Core free presentation box Flower of the earring card.

Month mug. making them an ideal, Below: Wild At Heart bath caviar from Mad Beauty. eco-friendly gift for Mother’s Day.” reminder of the love and affection given As most people on the every day and lasts longer than cut lookout for a gift for Mother's flowers,” points out managing director Day would agree, finding a special gift for a powerful. Examples are Mums Julian Hunt. special mum or mum-to-be is nonMake A House A Home, Mum “Mother’s Day is a much bigger gift negotiable. And while a big hug and kiss, You Make Life Beautiful, and occasion than Valentine’s – apparently and breakfast in bed might be top of Mum Thank You For Helping because there are more mothers than her list, nothing beats seeing her face Me Grow.” lovers!” quips Wild light up when she tears off the With flowers the typically Things Gifts’ managing giftwrap to find a gift that she will go-to Mother’s Day gift, director Jules Vahrman. treasure forever.

Henry & Co has captured “Perhaps it helps that Staying with florals, among PMC’s the fresh scent of there is a bigger gap new products for Mother’s Day, is the Springtime with Fresh after Christmas, with company’s Flower of the Month Daisies, a range of home people feeling optimistic range, spanning framed prints, mugs fragrance products to as the days grow longer. and more besides. “We all have a extend floral scents With 2024 Wild Things’ special motherly figure in our life, around the home for 40th anniversary, we whether that’s a mum, stepmum, Mother’s Day and have been working hard grandma or special loved one that’s beyond. Along with a to bring some of our like a mother, with Mother’s Day an candle, there are also ideal occasion to show how wax melts and reed much she’s appreciated for all diffusers, “The fragrance Winning Hearts On Valentine’s Day that she does,” says PMC’s is an ideal gift for a mum At Mad Beauty, Valentine’s sees the launch of the company’s marketing director Keren on Mother’s Day,” says new Wild at Heart range, with a collection of bath, body and Dicken. “A personalised gift Henry & Co’s managing beauty gifts that include cherry fragranced bath caviar, a heart shaped bottle of bubble bath, a celebratory bottle featuring a special message director Mark Rees. shaped bath fizzer, shimmering heart shaped lip gloss and makes a unique and midnight massage oil. heartfelt gift.” many ideas to fruition, and what better year Also saying it with flowers is could there be to include a limited edition Widdop & Co. “The Cottage ruby Heart of Hearts.”

Garden is part of our For those looking for a way to give back Celebrations collection, with on Mother's Day, Boxer Gifts’ new Forest a nod towards the Family Don't Hog The Platter wooden greenhouse, and the charcuterie board makes a fun gift for associated connotations mums who love hosting, says the of cultivation and company’s managing director Thomas growth,” explains the O’Brien. “Alternatively, there’s our pastel company’s head of Crazy Plant Lady plant pot mug for mums marketing, who are green-fingered. Meanwhile, for eCommerce and something more heartfelt, our Mum luxe content, Catherine Inset: Joe Davies’ Equilibrium Mother’s Day Sentiment Collection.

Starlight bottle is filled with twinkling starPaul. “Nevertheless, Above: Boxer Gifts’ luxe Mum Starlight bottle. effect LEDs and a message that can it’s our strong emotive sometimes be hard to put into words.” sentiments and words Adds Tilnar Art’s sales and account that remain the most PROGRESSIVE

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Cotton & Grey

�

twenty minute candles

view our brochure: cottonandgrey.com/brochure.pdf 40_GH Nov 2023.indd 1

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1: Celestial Gifts To Cherish

What s

New

Enesco is inviting you to discover a world of heartfelt emotions with You Are An Angel. Crafted with love and attention to detail, the angelic figurines come in two sizes to perfectly fit any space and occasion.

Each figurine carries a unique sentiment, capturing the warmth and comfort you wish to convey. The Mother and Daughter figurine is a wonderful example of unwrapping not just a gift, but a cherished memory, as this and all angel figurines are thoughtfully presented in elegant gold embossed gift boxes, coordinating beautifully with the design on the figurine.

With rose gold wings and accessory engraved with the heartfelt sentiment ‘The love between mother and daughter is forever’, the figurine aims to celebrate the bond so many cherish. Whether celebrating milestones, offering solace, or sharing joy, You Are An Angel figurines embody the emotions that words sometimes find hard to express.

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

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest licensed gift products for all occasions

2: The Perfect Gift Of Time Following the success of Cotton & Grey’s revamped Advent candles, the popular ‘The Gift of Time’ has also been refreshed and repackaged into a double tiered gift box. The box contains 24, 20-minute candles and a ceramic holder. Take 20 precious minutes for your relaxation and wellbeing with these handmade pure beeswax candles from Cotton & Grey.

Light a candle, enjoy its warm glow and let the mesmerising flame restore your inner calm. See all the designs across five ranges on the website.

Cotton & Grey T: Claire on 07876763774 E: info@cottonandgrey.com W: www.cottonandgrey.com

3: Cheers!

Here’s to growing older but never growing up, as Enesco unveils new beer glasses to help celebrate big birthdays, in its ever-popular licensed collection from Designs by Lolita. The new Birthday Beer Glasses are perfect to raise a toast and enjoy a tipple or two, with a selection of age ranges to choose from. Measuring 14.8cm tall and holding a perfect pint, glasses in the collection include the 40th Birthday Beer Glass, 50th Birthday Beer Glass and 60th Birthday Beer Glass.

The glasses feature depictions of little yellow hops along the base of the glass, with a bright, bold and colourful crest in the centre of the glass displaying the big birthday milestone, topped off with a crown, stars and exploding fireworks – fit for any birthday celebration. The Birthday Beer Collection are carefully packaged and presented in a branded gift window box. Made from Kraft materials, the back of each Birthday Beer Collection box includes step-by-step instructions for pouring the perfect pint, making these glasses a wonderful gift or special self-purchase to celebrate and commemorate big birthday milestones.

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

4: Heartfelt Gifts The Lesser and Pavey in-house art department brings ladies with long lasting sentiments a a range of resin figurines for family, friends and loved ones to receive and enjoy. Each comes with a sentimental phrase and hanging word feature holding flowers, love symbols while offering charm and are presented in full colour gift box packaging.

Lesser & Pavey T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk

5: Gifts To Make Hearts Melt The new Animal Collection from Crumble & Core celebrates our adorable furry friends. Set on playful pastel backgrounds, there are Earring Cards, Boxed Candles with a matching Mini Greeting Cards and 24 Gold Foiled Cards and Gold Envelopes. The company has sourced loads of new earring designs like cute sloths, cats and dogs to name a few. The range covers everyday wording, along with some special sentimental wording.

Crumble and Core T: Louise Pike/Lucy Rigby - 01825 841412 E: crumbleandcore@gmail.com W: www.crumbleandcore.com

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20 - 21 FEBRUARY 2024 Curated by buyers, for buyers

INDX HOMEWARES Learn more at indxshows.co.uk Broughtto toyou you by Brought by Cranmore Park, Solihull, West Midlands 42_GH Nov 2023.indd 1

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ADVERTORIAL: INDX HOMEWARES

Inset: Talking shop in February.

INDX Homewares

BY BUYERS, FOR BUYERS Curated by buyers for buyers, and part of the INDX trade show portfolio, INDX Homewares is organised by Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the UK’s leading buying and services group for fashion, home and leisure.

The February 2024 dates follow a successful September 2023 edition, which showcased brands including Wax Lyrical, Captivate Brands, Denby, Le Creuset, Beam, DAD, Joseph Joseph, RKW, Sodastream, Ashley Wilde, Welspun, Bedeck, Turner Bianca, The Fine Bedding Company, RB Furnishings, J Rosenthal, and Riva Home.

"The September 2023 show had a lovely, positive and upbeat feel to it, and we are looking forward to building on that success for an even bigger and bolder February 2024 event,” comments Rachel Breen, Head of Home at AIS. “Planning is well underway, and across the two days there’ll be exclusives, product launches, demos and special guests.

Continues Rachel: “Picking-up from where the last show left off, we’ll continue to shine a spotlight on sustainability and eco-messaging, and alongside the latest market trends, insight and innovation, retailers can expect a commercially edited exhibitor line-up featuring over 150 international homewares brands.

“In addition, we’re delighted to confirm that the February 2024 presentation will also include a fantastic selection of pet lifestyle ranges – from coats and collars to homeware, grooming and gifts. This is a category which is back by popular demand and sits under the Pets@INDX banner.”

INDX Homewares will be back at its West Midlands venue, Cranmore Park, from Tuesday 20 February to Wednesday 21 February 2024, bringing together an expertly selected showcase across home accessories, kitchen & dining, small electricals, home textiles, soft furnishing and pet.

Show Information & Useful Links Free admission; free onsite parking; complementary barista coffee and refreshments and free breakfast pastries.

Opening Times Tuesday 20 February 2024: 08:30 - 18:00 Wednesday 21 February 2024: 08:30 - 16:00 Useful Links: INDX website: www.indxshows.co.uk INDX Homewares show information: www.indxshows.co.uk/indxhome/homewares/homewares INDX Homewares visitor registration: www.indxshows.co.uk/indxhome/homewares/registration AIS website: www.aistores.co.uk Follow @INDXHome for all the latest show news and updates: Facebook: www.facebook.com/INDXHome Instagram: www.instagram.com/indxhome/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/indxhome/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/INDXHome

Above: Among the products on the Captivate stand.

Right: Visitors on the Denby stand.

What Exhibitors Say . .

■ “The show is fantastic - we have been exhibiting at INDX Homewares for years and the professionalism and look and feel of the show have come on leaps and bounds.”

Stephanie Wright, Dartington Crystal ■ “I would recommend INDX Homewares to all my customers.”

Helen Marshall, Walton & Co ■ “The show is a great opportunity for us to meet our retail partners and the INDX and AIS teams are very helpful and supportive.”

Dan Flower, Studio William

With a unique buyer and business focused approach, INDX Homewares has become a must-visit for all home stockists, and each season the show attracts a quality visitor footfall including AIS members, garden centres, department stores, home and leisure specialists, gift retailers, lifestyle stores, farm shops, delis and leading e-tailers.

Renowned as a key order-writing show in the industry’s calendar, INDX Homewares is supported by a strong core of returning exhibitors each season and it also offers a platform for new and emerging brands.

INDX Homewares welcomes all retailers.

Although retailers do not need to be a member of AIS to attend the event, pre-registration is

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required. Simply go to the dedicated event page on the INDX website to sign-up: www.indxshows.co.uk/indxhome/homewares/homewares Event venue Cranmore Park is centrally located in the heart of the UK, just minutes from M42/M6/M5 links, Birmingham International, and Solihull train station.

Admission to INDX Shows is free and visitors can take advantage of free onsite parking, including bookable electric vehicle charge points. All attendees are also treated to complementary barista coffee and refreshments.

WHOLESALE SILVER JEWELLERY

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

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

cmejewellery.co.uk

0116 283 2240

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SPOTLIGHT ON . . . JEWELLERY & FASHION ACCESSORIES Inset: Pink tourmaline stones set in sterling silver from Sea Gems’ Silver Origins collection.

‘Timeless’ is a word that keeps cropping up in relation to jewellery for the coming season, ranging from everyday pieces to super-sparkle for special occasions, plus much more besides.

With the party season on its way, PG&H looks at what’s trending.

Classic Meets Contemporary F

rom a gift retailer’s perspective, jewellery has to rank as one of the most spontaneous purchases. Most female shoppers have overflowing jewellery boxes, but nonetheless, seeing a pair of earrings, a necklace, a ring or a bracelet in a gift Inset: Coral and shop is often the Mint’s signature catalyst for a selfstripe sets. purchase or a gift for someone else – especially in the run-up to the festive season - with anything that comes branded, boxed and ready to give seen as a bonus.

With the party season in mind, CME has

Inset: Sparkly jewellery from CME.

launched a plethora of sparkle, both subtle and spirited, highlights the company.

“The timeless tennis bracelet is spot on trend, both the classic design and also the design reimagined,, with different colours and stone sizes, and just the right amount of sparkle for everyday,” points out CME’s general manager Debbie Hunt. “We have also added necklaces in pink, turquoise and white cubic zirconia to meet demand. Spirited sparkle for evenings out meanwhile includes classic and contemporary droppers, anklets, necklaces and earrings, along with pave curb bracelets for both men and women.

“Whole hoops remain popular, and there is also a rising demand for glamorous dropper earrings embellished with cubic zirconia, pearl, amber and turquoise,” adds Debbie.

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pieces include the trend for year-round-wear anklets, with the bold statement chain overtaking a more delicate summer aesthetic.

“As a brand, we are continuing to focus on creating timeless pieces that can be worn everyday,” says Coral and Mint’s director Kate Stanley. “Our jewellery is minimalist, presented in premium gift boxes,

Above: Among the new designs from Crumble & Core.

Inset: Miss Milly’s Floria AW23/24 hand painted necklace and earring set.

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SPOTLIGHT ON . . . JEWELLERY & FASHION ACCESSORIES

Left: Joe Davies’ Equilibrium Te Amo collection.

Below: A selection of festive brooches from Hot Tomato.

Left: Joma Jewellery’s SS24 A Littles.

Below: Scream Pretty’s sparkling lightning bolt necklace,

Below centre: Wearable art from Wendy Bell Designs.

which make it not only giftable but relatable to a wider audience. We’ve seen a large appetite for our enamel collection that encompasses a bit of sparkle, so we’re adding several new pieces to the range, including our traditional hearts and stars, which are consistent firm favourites, as well as a new spiritual themed necklaces and earrings.”

Due to popular demand, the company is also launching its signature stripe sets, with each set including a necklace and earrings combined.

“With customisation still very much at the forefront of the gifting sector, Q1 next year will see the launch of our new ‘designed ‘by you’ collection,” highlights Kate.

“It’s a fully customisable range that will allow consumers to create their own jewellery pieces in store.”

Carded earrings meanwhile, are continuing to ring up sales for Crumble & Core. “Our floral Bright Blooms new larger stud earrings have been a great addition to our sterling silver jewellery collection,” confirms director Louise Pike. “Pretty pink designs are always favourites, so using Viva Magenta, Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2023, we’ve created a new watercolour rose triptych, with the roses Inset: Vintage Clover from and the jewellery Cavendish French. working really well on a vibrant background.”

The cubic zirconia earring studs sparkle on the backdrop of Fuchsia Pink and

Provence Blue, making an eye-catching gift.”

At Cavendish French, designers of contemporary sterling silver and stone set jewellery, the company is looking forward to 2024, with the trend for coloured cubic zirconia jewellery continuing to go from strength to strength. “With colours such as emerald green and citrine still the top sellers, we will also be launching additional colours to include softer greens, orangey red garnets and designs set with a rainbow collection of colours,” reveals director Anna Haynes. “Our Starlight range meanwhile, offers sparkling replicas of fine diamond and precious gem jewellery, but without the price tag, making it affordable for everyone. Plus, we will also be launching a unique collection of bold statement cocktail rings sets with vibrant coloured cubic zirconia gems, with our Vintage Clover collection also set to grow through the introduction of new colours and styles as we head towards 2024.”

For SS24, Joma Jewellery’s new season designs feature golden styles, heavily beaded bracelets and micro charms. “We’ve put our own spin on these soaring trends

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with the launch of Happy Little Moments, Boho Beads, and Mini Charms Collections,” confirms Joma’s founder and creative director Katie Loxton.

“Plus, when it comes to gifting, classic jewellery designs never go out of style, so with this in mind, we have also introduced new concept sterling silver 925 bracelets and necklaces.”

In addition, Katie Loxton’s eponymous brand has unveiled fashion-forward, waterproof jewellery as part of the company’s brand new SS24 collection featuring bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings. “We have been working on this for the last year and it meets an increasing demand for wearable pieces that withstand the test of time, sitting alongside the brand's signature bags and accessories,” explains Katie.

“With so many more gift and home stores now stocking clothing, keeping up to date with the seasonal colour trends is increasingly important,” comments Miss Milly’s managing director Sarah Watmore.

“We're well into the creation of our SS24 collection which will reveal another lively palette where we've tried to create a wideranging, adventurous selection.”

She adds that the love affair with green continues, with the company introducing

Beautiful natural Paua shell

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Progressive Gifts half page_Oct2023.indd 1

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@ecochiclondon

@ecochicldn

eco-chic.shop

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SPOTLIGHT ON . . . JEWELLERY & FASHION ACCESSORIES

Inset: Waterproof jewellery from Katie Loxton Jewellery.

Left: Winter fashion accessories from Joe Davies’ Equilibrium collection.

more yellow next season in acidic mixes featuring electric blue, fuchsia and lime green.

Electrifying the jewellery sector meanwhile is Scream Pretty which has given its signature lightning bolt a twist with sparkling designs created to mix, match and stack, all taking inspiration from the celestial. Pieces include a sparkling lightning bolt necklace along with starburst ear climbers. “Other key trends for us going into 2024 include dopamine dressing and colourful gems,” says founder Lucy Lee. Joe Davies meanwhile, has launched three brand new Equilibrium collections – Filigree, Silver Ice and Te Amo -with buyer Mary Caputo highlighting that the resurgence of silver jewellery as a preference over gold jewellery has been on the increase, with all three ranges designed with this in mind.

“With a name like Te Amo it’s no surprise that the focus is on hearts of all styles and sizes.

They are timeless and are always on trend,” she adds.

With so many different styles and price points, and cubic zirconia making classic jewellery affordable, jewellery is sure to be among the festive winners for many gift stores this year.

Inset: Midhaven’s Tribal Silver designs include Striking Scorpion

Right: A colourful walking stick from Classic Canes.

With Men In Mind Jewellery for men is continuing to trend, with Life Charms recently launching a masculine range, Gentlemen, inspired by semi-precious stones, and Midhaven introducing new additions to the company’s men’s bracelet range. They include Tribal Steel Leather in matt black, along with Tribal Steel Stainless where designs range from curbs to skulls and dragons.

Putting On The Glitz A trend that the My Doris team is loving this season is the brooch. “It’s a must-have for Autumn/Winter,” says in house designer Leanne Brown. “It was seen all over the runways, so we had to get involved and have added a Doris twist with our capsule of striking motifs, a playful way to dress up a blazer or bag.

“Most of our new motifs are not only available as brooches, but also as a make-up bag, purse and keyrings, along with a pair of supersized earrings, all of which make standout Autumn/Winter displays.” Looking to more practical winter fashion accessories the oversized chunky scarf in trend-led colours – such as Barbie pink – as well as chic fur bucket hats in different textures and patterns, are leading the way at Joe Davies this season, with both available in the company’s Equilibrium collection.

Staying with scarves Miss Milly’s AW23/24 collection features a super-soft cotton/viscose mix in all-year-weights. “We’ve introduced striking designs with great colours to coordinate with our jewellery palette,” confirms managing director Sarah Watmore.

Adds Caroline Gardner’s head of marketing Kyra White: “Quilting gives off the ultimate winter cosy vibes and can be seen in many of our bags with the crossover an ideal size for a phone, keys and lippy.”

Walking sticks have become a fashion accessory for many people too, with Classic Canes’ managing director Charlotte Gillan commenting: “We have some new designs that are contemporary versions of traditional floral and plant patterns - oak leaves, lavender and snakeshead fritillaries. For the more avant garde users, we also have designs inspired by modern art, such as modernist cosmos, magic circles, surrealist symbols and folk flowers. The colourful designs enable people to have fun with their walking sticks, underlining their personal sense of style. Being height-adjustable they make excellent gifts too.”

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Unique Jewellery since 2006

Tel. 01582 841158

50_GH Nov 2023.indd 1

sales@lilajewelllery.co.uk

www.lilajewellery.co.uk

02/11/2023 12:20

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1: Keep Warm And Toastie

What s

New

We’re approaching that time of year again, when staying cosy and warm is high on our agenda and, as usual, Hot Tomato has it covered. Added to the range of Wristies for this coming season are some extra-long Armies to help combat those pesky chills.

So, whether you’re stepping out or staying in, don’t forget to layer-up with these marvellous, must-have winter warmers and keep it toastie.

Hot Tomato T: 01225 422188 E: sales@hot-tom.com W: www.hot-tom.com

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest jewellery and fashion products to be showcased this month

2: Magnificent Jewellery for Men CME is inviting you to delight your male customers with its new range of men’s bracelets and necklaces.

The new range includes Diamond Cut Curb, Cube and Franco chains featuring signature clasps. CME is one of the leading importers of just-for-trade sterling silver jewellery in the UK and has been helping retailers large and small curate the perfect collections for its customers for over 40 years.

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

3: Create The Perfect Display Display challenges are a recurring theme in our industry and Hot Tomato is always one to watch for ideas and solutions. New to its POS range are these brushed stainless steel ‘T’ BARS. There is an adjustable bracelet/short necklace (featured), as well as a long necklace version. The stands are a great investment, providing an indispensable bedrock of adaptable, must-have merchandising instore.

Hot Tomato T: 01225 422188 E: sales@hot-tom.com W: www.hot-tom.com

4: New And Exclusive Designs Talbot Fashions is a leading UK wholesaler of high quality, sustainably sourced, inlaid paua shell in the gift boxed Tide Jewellery collection. Many designs are exclusive and designed in-house, fully tested and compliant with REACH regulations and competitively priced. New and exclusive designs that will enhance current collections of pendants, earrings, studs, brooches and pin badges include a harvest mouse, cat face studs, good luck pixie, badger, fox and moon with more to come. Christmas designs are in stock now and are selling fast. New additions that might not be in the catalogue are added to the website as soon as they are available.

Talbot Fashions T: 01273 776415 E: info@talbotfashions.com W: www.talbotfashions.com

5: Exciting New Bangle Collection Life Charms is showcasing new lines for AW23 along with lots of new designs perfect for the busy Christmas season including this year’s Christmas Range and a new bangle collection especially for children. The engravable baby bangles are suitable for boys and girls, are adjustable for the perfect fit and expand from approximately 45mm to 50mm in diameter. Each bangle can be extra engraved on the inside to add that extra personal touch, making it a perfect keepsake for memorable day such as a christening or birthday.

Life Charms T: +(44) 0203 488 2656 E: New customers: sales@lifecharms.co.uk E: Exisiting customers: info@lifecharms.co.uk W: www.lifecharms.co.uk

6: Fabulous Contemporary Jewellery Established over 45 years, get in touch to see more of Rodney Holman’s ever-evolving collection of fashion jewellery. The company offers great retail service including that of no minimum orders and also free delivery. New retail partners are welcome to make contact.

Rodney Holman T: 01285 656132 E: info@rodneyholman.co.uk W: www.rodneyholman.co.uk

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RRP £12.00 - £30.00

Free Tribal Point of Sale with £250 spend

RRP £8.00 - £35.00. 925 silver. Available in blue or white

www.midhaven.co.uk

stripe new in! signature boxed Gift sets

Tel: 01299 851513

info@midhaven.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1285 656132 | Web: www.rodneyholman.co.uk | Email: info@rodneyholman.co.uk

a fun, contemporary collection of stainless steel & enamel jewellery

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1: Fashion And Function

What s

New

Walking stick specialist Classic Canes has launched a new collection of exclusive patterned canes for the autumn and Christmas season. Designed in-house by managing director Charlotte Gillan, the seven heightadjustable models feature nature-inspired lavender, oak leaves and snakes-head fritillaries and modern-art derived modernist cosmos, magic circles, surrealist circles and folk flowers. All designs will be available from stock this autumn.

Classic Canes T: 01460 75686 E: info@classiccanes.co.uk W: www.classiccanes.co.uk

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest jewellery and fashion products to be showcased this month

2: Stunning Italian Jewellery For Men Midhaven is the sole UK distributor for H2on, a high-quality men’s Italian jewellery range of fine leather, 316L stainless steel with 18ct overlay and real stones. H2on is designed and manufactured in Italy and comprises of over 100 styles in assorted colours and finishes. Bracelets and pendants are beautifully crafted and have a rich, understated look (suggested range RRP: £30.00 - £150.00.

Simple hematite bead bracelets are ideal for layering or wearing next to a watch (RRP £29 £39 each); Leather ID with real 18ct overlay detail (RRP £62); Pendants, all with real 18ct overlay and 20” chain (RRP £59 - £70).

Midhaven Ltd T: 01299 851513 E: info@midhaven.co.uk W: www.midhaven.co.uk

3: Men’s Bamboo Boxers

By Eco Chic Super soft, breathable, lightweight and eco friendly, Eco Chic’s boxers are made from natural hypoallergenic fibres, making them kinder to sensitive skin. They also come with a free display stand.

Faye UK Ltd E: info@eco-chic.eu W: www.eco-chic.eu

4: Equilibrium When Robins Appear Collection Robins are often thought to be a sign that loved ones are close by and symbolise peace and hope. The Equilibrium ‘When Robins Appear’ collection from Joe Davies features touching pieces of jewellery each with the message ‘When robins appear, loved ones are near’. Keep your loved ones close to your heart with the attractive range of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, keyrings and sun catchers, which all come complete with signature luxury branded packaging. Joe Davies has a reputation for award winning service and a great range of gifts, jewellery and fashion accessories dedicated to the independent retailer. All products are available in its trademark ‘little and often’ quantities with a minimum order value of £100 and free nationwide delivery.

Joe Davies T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

5: Make A Statement D&X London is adding a splash of colour into its array of designs this party season. From sparkling jewel tones to simple metallic silvers and golds, there is a treasure trove of fashion jewellery to choose from. With a vast range of necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, brooches and hair accessories – you’re guaranteed to find something your customers can’t live without, and all at a reasonable price. Minimum order £100.

D&X LONDON T: 0208 310 3400 E: info@dandx.co.uk W: www.dandx.co.uk

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UNITING THE GIFT INDUSTRY Max Publishing in partnership with the Giftware Association

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arking a significant unified step forward for the UK gift industry, the GA’s Gift of the Year (GOTY) awards and The Greats gift retailer awards joined forces in 2022 to create The Gift Awards, with the winners of both awards programmes to be announced at a shared lavish black tie evening event in May, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

The two award programmes see both gift product excellence and retail prowess recognised and rewarded at an awards event to make the whole industry proud, attended by hundreds of gift suppliers and retailers.

Save the date for the most exciting gift sector event of 2024 now, sign up to newsflashes from GiftsandHome.net for updates.

SAVE THE DATE THURSDAY 16 MAY 2024 ROYAL LANCASTER HOTEL, LONDON 6:45pm UNTIL LATE, BLACK TIE

FIND OUT MORE AT THEGIFTAWARDS.COM

POC PG&H grid USE.qxp_Grid 31/10/2023 19:53 Page 2

Right: POC’s Rob Hutchins.

Left: Part one of Products of Change’s (POC) double bill. Shown are, from left to right: POC ambassadors Mike Swain and James George, and Helena Mansell-Stoper, founder and ceo of POC.

DAY OF PURPOSE A Day of Purpose at Autumn Fair saw Products of Change’s (POC) founder and ceo, Helena Mansell-Stopher, presenting two sessions focused on sustainability, with speakers including St Eval’s Ian Greaves, and Fizz Creations’ Zoe Ryan.

POC’s editor and community manager, Rob Hutchins, sums up the day.

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ne of the most thought-provoking questions businesses can be asking themselves right now is ‘are we ready?’ Innocuous enough on the surface, but when we layer it over the conversation of incoming legislation and the introduction of new Extended Producer Responsibility laws, we may find the answer to be rather unsettling. Because the answer will invariably be ‘no.’ At least, it was when Products of Change (POC) took to the Inspiring Retail stage at Autumn Fair where the team delivered a double-bill session on industry sustainability and the pathway towards it.

The blame can’t lie with business, entirely. The UK government has kicked the can of environmental legislation so far down the road, it’s almost come round full circle (and the irony isn’t lost there).

Diving deep into the legislative changes businesses operating in the UK and the European market face in the coming year – taking into account the introduction of frameworks such as the European Green Deal, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, and new Extended Producer Responsibility laws – the discussion was framed around the relaunch of a series of updated white papers created to tackle four of the most crucial topics within the wider sustainability conversation.

Subject experts and POC advisors, Mike Swain, POC’s packaging ambassador, and James George, POC’s ambassador for the circular economy, took to the stage to engage in a discourse exploring theories around the circular economy, laws around greenwashing, preparations to be made in alignment with incoming and current legislation, and the practices businesses really ought to be implementing if those national and international 2030, 2040, or even 2050 climate ambitions are going to be realised. The conversation explored the explicit need to move away from the linear principles of ‘take, make, and throwaway’ and towards more circular practices with aspirations of shifting to a circular economic model.

Part Two of POC’s double bill brought the story to life by PROGRESSIVE

introducing three brands and Autumn Fair exhibitors within the POC network: candle company St Eval, gift and housewares business, Fizz Creations and children’s apparel company MAI Clothing – each of them reflective of varying stages along the sustainability journey. Ian Greaves, ceo of St Eval, discussed the company’s business journey with B Corp accreditation, one the team secured in 2021 having launched into its journey of sustainable development with the installation of the ‘world’s quietest wind turbine’ in 2011, and, subsequently, the means to power the business through solar and Inset: A signed letter from Sir David Attenborough took pride of place on biomass energy in the years that Tina Salt's MAI Clothing stand. followed. Tina Salt, founder of MAI Clothing, spoke passionately about the purpose behind her business to support and raise funds for conservation charities through the production of children’s clothes made exclusively from organic cotton. Her efforts in the field have seen her recently receive a commendation from Sir David Attenborough.

Finally, Fizz Creations’ marketing manager, Zoe Ryan, offered audiences the perspective from a brand that was in the process of making changing to its operations through the implementation of more sustainable design in its packaging and taking a more ecoconscientious approach to its product offering.

Each brought points illustrative of the scale of ambition and the size of the job at hand to work to decarbonise business and reduce impact, while doing good for people and not, as St Eval’s Ian Greaves commented, “at the detriment of profit. A lot of what we are doing, and our ambitions for 2030, wouldn’t be, and will not be, possible without continuing to make profit.”

“The saying goes, when is the best time to plant a tree? Twenty years ago,” mused James at the close of the afternoon session. “When’s the next best time to plant a tree? Right now.”

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To learn more about Products of Change, contact Rob Hutchins at rob@productsofchange.com GIFTS & HOME

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1: Enchanting Musical Boxes

What s

New

House of Marbles has launched a fantastic array of toys that make the perfect stocking fillers and gifts this Christmas.

Among the highlights are enchanting musical boxes that play a delightful medley of classic tunes and captivating mini-insect kites. The latter is a new addition to the popular Natural World range, which captures the beauty of the environment around us.

House Of Marbles T: 01626 835358 E: uk@houseofmarbles.com W: www.houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk

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

2: Mushroom Glow The mushroom glow LED lamp collection from Joe Davies brings an element of the hot new trend of mushrooms in the world of home décor. This is the biggest design motif of 2023 - at one with nature, quirky and playful. The range features attractive ceramic LED mushroom lamps in three sizes and three popular mushroom shapes.

The charming lamps have a wooden-look base and are available in sage grey, cream, grey and pink – all colours will fit with most current home décor colour schemes.

Joe Davies has a reputation for great customer service and a vast range of gifts, fashion jewellery and fashion accessories.

All of the products are available in its trademark ‘little and often’ quantities with a minimum order value of £100 and free nationwide delivery.

Joe Davies T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

3: Steampunk Collection JJ Vaillant has welcomed a number of additions to its highly sought-after collection of steampunk creatures and bugs. The scorpion has a height of 20cm and, as with other pieces, has been meticulously crafted by the artist to incorporate superb detail. The mechanical heart also cleverly doubles as a trinket box.

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

4: Personalised Christmas Poinsettia Wooden Based LED Light With a timeless design and the option to personalise, this Christmas poinsettia LED light from Personalised Memento Company makes a lovely gift for the festive season.

Featuring a natural wooden base with a colour changing LED light. The colour changing light can be changed using the control pad to a range of different colours and settings. Visit the company’s trade website to find out how to add drop ship personalised gifts to your range.

PMC E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

5: Get Crafty Rex London has launched a collection of ‘Sew Your Own’ kits, pitched as perfect for introducing young ones to sewing. The kits come in a charming tube, ideal for gifting, and are available in five designs - fairy, lion, sausage dog, cat and koala. They come with everything a child needs to sew their very own companion, including a plastic needle for maximum safety points. The kits support the development of fine motor skills and can even boost cognitive skills and creativity. Best part of it all? They are less than £10 and can easily slide into a stocking.

Rex London T: 0208 746 1700 E: info@rexlondon.com W: www.rexlondontrade.com

PROGRESSIVE

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1: Holly Jolly Christmas Robin

What s

New

Sitting upon a bough of holly, the cheerful Robin, resplendent with his colourful plumage, is just one of Wild Things Gifts’ new festive Crystal Dreams, designed and made in the UK. Mirror finish gold motif with stained glass effect and complementary crystal bead runs, finished with a 20mm ball for fabulous rainbows.

Wild Things Gifts T: Lisa on 01392 211268 E: sales@wildthingsgifts.com W: www.wildthingsgifts.com

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

2: Fabulously Festive Bauble Cards are a hot seller for Love Country and the company has added new winter designs this year. Printed on quality card stock with a beautiful design and matching detachable bauble to hang on the Christmas tree. Great as a ‘card and gift in one’ product, they also have a magical winter story printed on the reverse, written by the artist. Retail price £4.99.

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

3: Personalised Dinosaur Adventure Book Learn all about the world of dinosaurs with PMC’s new personalised dinosaur adventure storybook. The child’s name features as the main character throughout the story and is also hidden within the colourful illustrations on each page, creating a unique gift that will be treasured for years to come. Visit PMC’s website to see its full range of personalised books.

PMC E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

4: Funky And Functional Lesser and Pavey has introduced a line of LED Text lamps. First seen at the Autumn Fair where they were highly popular with buyers, the lamps are now promoted more widely. Set on an antique gold base, each comes with a USB cable included. They are rechargeable and have dimmer function by holding the button down. Striking full colour gift box packaging guarantees appeal on retail shelves.

Lesser & Pavey T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk

5: Pretty Little Birds Have Landed After the huge success of its Pretty Little Bird launch at Autumn Fair, new stock from Wild Things Gifts has just flown in. Individually boxed, with six colourful designs, hand-crafted and embellished with 24-carat gold paint and a sparkly little crystal heart, they have already proven to be a hot seller. The starter pack comes with two versatile till-side displays. Visit the website to order your starter pack today.

Wild Things Gifts T: Lisa on 01392 211268 E: sales@wildthingsgifts.com W: www.wildthingsgifts.com

PROGRESSIVE

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BEST SELLERS CLAIRE AND HANNAH BISHOP, CO-OWNERS, CORNUCOPIA, WORCESTER A large gift and lifestyle store just off the main high street.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Nkuku: across the board;

Ethical, eco-friendly products that are handmade by different makers.

Gallery: vases

The textured vases come in complementary colours making a lovely display.

Chalk: soft furnishings

The throws and cushions are very popular with customers.

Above: A set of Gallery Direct textured vases.

Below: Mix and match soya wax melts from Freckleface.

Freckleface: Soya wax melts;

The two new Christmas fragrances are fantastic.

Plum & Ashby: across the board

Wonderful fragrances and striking packaging. The hand creams are very popular too. People treat themselves to both.

Tutti: across the board;

Customers add to their collection, mixing and matching pieces.

My Doris: across the board

Original, colourful designs that are easy to display. The seasonal earrings are great.

Greeting Cards

Caroline Gardner

Fresh designs that are consistently good sellers.

Giftwrap

Belly Button

We sell a lot of gift bags, particularly the smaller size for jewellery gifting.

Other Hot Hits

Emma Bridgewater: across the board

Lots of new designs. Consistently a top seller.

Fragranced Giftware

Jewellery

MIKE AND CAROLINE BURGESS, CO-OWNERS, THE COTSWOLD GENERAL STORE, CIRENCESTER A large store on a main high street.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Sophie Allport: homewares: Bees;

The company’s country designs tie in with the style of the Cotswolds.

Fragranced Giftware

Maison Berger: candles;

We have a room dedicated to home fragrancing that encourages repeat business.

Greeting Cards

Fikkerts: across the board

The garden range flies off the shelf.

Other Hot Hits

Toasted Crumpet

Very pretty cards with a regonisable style that’s refreshed all the time.

The Garden Trading Company: kitchenware

Products go across the spectrum from a nail brush to small kitchen shelving.

Left: A Sophie Allport Bees mug.

PROGRESSIVE

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Above: Kitchenware from The Garden Trading Company.

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TANYA AND SONYA HAANDRIKMAN, CO-OWNERS OF CELEBRATIONS IN CARLISLE A large high street gift and card store.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

La De Da Living!: Pebbles;

Pebbles has gone from strength to strength.

DCUK: Nordic Blush

This range has been very well received by customers.

Heathcote & Ivory: Sara Miller

Beautiful hand creams with matching make-up bags - a lovely gift.

Stoneglow: Infusion

A stylish range with appeal to our customer base.

Crumble & Core: earring cards

A good range with beautiful designs that appeal to a wide audience.

Life Charms: bracelets

The bracelets and new earring spinner are currently hot for us.

Zelly: across the board;

A fantastic range of scarves, gloves, hair accessories and jewellery.

Alice Wheeler: bags and purses

A great range, with colours and designs that are bang on trend.

Greeting Cards

Cherry Orchard: Grace & Grayson

These cards are doing particularly well for us across the board.

Giftwrap

Glick

The quality, designs and colours are fabulous.

Stephanie Dyment is a big favourite.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat: across the board;

Customers love the matching book and plush, almost always buying both.

The Gifted Stationery Company: Kissing Hares

Great prices and lovely graphics.

Fragranced Giftware

Jewellery

Fashion Accessories

Below: DCUK Nordic Blush duckling.

Right: Crumble & Core is floral Bright Bloom earring cards.

AGA MARSDEN, OWNER, HIGHWORTH EMPORIUM, HIGHWORTH A medium shop on a high street in a market town.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Gisela Graham: mini mugs and jugs;

Lovely designs and colours with good price points.

Widdop & Co: photo frames

Great designs and good prices, plus low minimum quantities.

Inis: reed diffusers;

A unisex fragrance with wide appeal.

Potters Crouch: Wellbeing

Strong fragrances, plus the reed diffusers have seed cards.

Fragranced Giftware

Jewellery

Joe Davies: Equilibrium

We never go wrong with this range.

Greeting Cards

Redback

Humorous cards which our customers love.

Giftwrap

Glick

Great quality, designs and colours.

Other Hot Hits

Legami: erasable pens

Something different that sells really well across a wide age range.

Right: Colourful Legami erasable pens.

PROGRESSIVE

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GIFTS & HOME

Above: A Wellness reed diffuser from Potters Crouch.

PRODUCT DIRECTORY cottonandgrey.com Little beeswax candle gift sets that encourage you to take twenty minutes of Me time out of your day!

Mr&Mrs Fragrance

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

Julie Dodsworth

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

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

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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

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MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER BOTTLE BRAND

SHORTLISTED

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

Distributed in the UK and Ireland

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

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1: Handmade Artisan Soap On A Rope

What s

New

Agnes + Cat has reinvented the idea and created a solution for soap to hang in the shower or on the taps. The complex, intense scent and balanced formula of Agnes + Cat Handmade Artisan Soaps on a Rope will certainly help improve your bathroom experience. The soaps are ecofriendly, SLS free, with no palm oil or artificial fragrances, and contain no parabens or preservatives. The packaging is also recyclable and 100% biodegradable.

Agnes + Cat T: 01142 677 723 E: enquiries@agnesandcat.org W: www.agnesandcat.org/acsr

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

2: Botanical Birds and Bees Collection.

Beefayre has launched founder Sharon Jervis’ Botanical & Bees print collection, taken from Sharon’s original art work created over the last decade. They are presented in mounts measuring 16 x20” with a backboard in a cello bag. They are printed on archival paper with colour fast inks and all are available online. Sharon’s inspiration comes from her passionate observation of nature; many of her subjects were found in her bee meadows at Beefayre. Her use of colour and pattern create a style much loved by Beefayre followers.

Beefayre T: 01858 434492 M: 07973 439945 E: sales@beefayre.com W: www.beefayre.com

3: New Julie Dodsworth Seasonal Fragrances New for autumn/winter 2023 is Angel Wood from Julie Dodsworth. The seasonal addition to the range is inspired by Sunday morning walks with Julie’s father as a little girl. “He gave me the priceless gift of opening my eyes to the changing of the seasons and the wonder of the world around us,” commented Julie. An autumnal Orange & Clove Fragrance is available as Wax Melts, Reed Diffuser, Candle Tin & Incense, all made in England and with retail prices from £6.99.

The new addition further strengthens the collection and two other seasonal fragrances, Christmas Eve and Figgy Fox. Broughton & Beech T: 01270 335034 E: sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk

4: F.Y.G Gift Sets F.Y.G’s Back to Basics range of candles is a careful curation of timeless classics with a modern twist, designed to enhance the living space and uplift the mood. Each fragrance celebrates not only a key aroma, but a distinct character. F.Y.G has now curated its new gift sets so consumers can choose from The Invigorate, The Indulge, The Ignite or The Iconic Collection of award winning scents.

FYG T: +44 208 914 7974 E: demi@fyghome.com W: www.fyghome.com

5: Festive Family Fun House of Marbles has added some new festive games in colourful packaging and at competitive prices. Santa’s Silly Stocking Search Game is billed as a must-have for retailers. The compelling game of memory and strategy comes in a one-of-a-kind gift box with a fun cartoon of Santa and vibrant stocking playing pieces. It will make an excellent stocking filler and be a family favourite during the holiday festivities.

House Of Marbles T: 01626 835358 E: uk@houseofmarbles.com W: www.houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk

PROGRESSIVE

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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!

LIFE CHARMS T: +44 0203 488 2656 E: sales@lifecharms.co.uk W: www.lifecharms-trade.co.uk

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

FRECKLEFACE HOME FRAGRANCE T: 01778 393699 E: hello@frecklefacehomefragrance.com W: www.frecklefacehomefragrance.com

POTTERS CROUCH T: 07867 537192 or 01727 836454 E: david@potterscrouchcandles.co.uk W: www.potterscrouchcandles.co.uk

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

TUTTI & CO T: +44(0)191 296 2855 E: contact@tuttiandco.com W: www.tuttiandco.com

MY DORIS T: 01284 247 010 E: info@mydoris.co.uk W: www.mydoris.co.uk

DCUK T: 01803 866316 E: mail@dcuk.com W: www.dcuk.com/trade

ALICE WHEELER LONDON T: 0121 459 9777 E: orders@fmgsales.co.uk W: www.alicewheelerlondon.co.uk

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