Gifts & Home October November 2020

October/November 2020

Mind if we fill up your wallet?

Every day is an opportunity for your customers to buy beautiful gifts when they come at such beautiful prices

Gifts of random kindness

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RexLondonTrade.com

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celebrating 65 years

The collectable collection Ten different collectables available from October 2020 at retail partners such as De Bijenkorf, The Conran Shop and Homeless HK

info@mercis.nl Š Mercis bv

www.miffy.com

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of brand heritage

The Mercis Digital Catalogue The Mercis Digital Catalogue, B2B–only ordering platform, offers a vast range of Miffy products. For more information, including availability in your country, please contact mdc@mercis.nl. follow Miffy online: Illustrations Dick Bruna Š copyright Mercis bv, 1953-2020

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Stepping into Christmas 2021 Meet numerous buyers, from independent gift retailers, department stores, garden centres, cathedral shops, museum shops, National Trust outlets, theme parks, event organisers and many more ...

Visit the website for latest show information

HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT

27 February to 3rd March 2021 - Yorkshire Event Centre

www.harrogatefair.com • Tel: 01902 882280 / 880906

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

THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS

This Month

@Prog_Gifts

As we go to press on November 11, the fantastic news that we’ve all been praying for is that, at last, a vaccine breakthrough has been announced, giving us a much needed injection of hope that, fingers and toes crossed, we’ll be back to normal by the Spring!

Hooray! A true glimmer of sunlight in a dark year.

Gift retailers meanwhile, are ticking off the first week of lockdown 2.0, with most justifiably angry about the Above: The PG&H/Max Publishing government’s definition of ‘non-essential’ shops. Nevertheless, this team watched The Greats from time around, with the benefit of hindsight and with renewed resilience, home this year. Turn to pages 1723 to share in the occasion. they are rising to the challenge in what is, undoubtedly, the busiest time of the year. See what they have to say on page 9.

Fortunately, people were out Christmas shopping from early September, with the pre-lockdown splurge significantly boosting October’s retail sales figures. (Source: BRC). Find out what was ringing up sales for gift shops on pages 27-35. Elsewhere, we reveal how global phenomenon Miffy has been celebrating the brand’s milestone 65th year. Turn to pages 24 and 25.

And finally, a key date for the industry in an extraordinary year were the virtual Greats Awards 2020 held on September 30. Despite not being able to get together physically, everyone was determined to make the most of the occasion, with champagne glasses clinking in shops, offices, restaurants and homes, as the winners were announced. We re-live the Awards on pages 17-23.

As this is our last issue of 2020, here’s wishing all of you a very special Christmas and a healthy, happy and successful 2021. Hopefully things can and will get better!

Sue Marks, Editor

Inside Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivegifts.co.uk www.thegreatsawards.co.uk

7-15 17-23 24-25 27-35 44-45

News The Greats Awards 2020 In Profile: Miffy’s 65th Anniversary Feedback: Christmas Special Best Sellers

Publishers Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax and Ian Hyder Subscribe to Progressive Gifts from £60 (UK) to £90 (International).

You can organise this quickly and easily online at our secure site: Max-Subscriptions.net For assistance, please email maxsubscriptions@marketingreinforcem ents.co.uk or call 0207 700 6740.

Sue Marks Editor

Jo Pilcher Advertisement Manager

Ian Hyder Publishing Director

suem@max-publishing.co.uk

jop@max-publishing.co.uk

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

Copyright 2020. 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.

ISSN 2515-7523 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

5

2020 GIFTWARE available NOW at

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF

POKEMON IN 2021!

LOOK OUT FOR OUR BRAND NEW RANGES COMING SOON!

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Industry News

The Greats Awards 2020 Winners Announced!

PROUD WINNER OF

The Greats Awards 2020 may have been held via live streaming on GiftsandHome.net this year, but there was plenty to celebrate when the winners were announced by compere Alan Dedicoat - the National Lottery’s ‘voice of the balls’ and the voice-over on Strictly Come Dancing - at the online ‘ceremony’ held on September 30.

Winners and finalists put on their posh frocks and smart suits, opened the bubbly and couldn’t wait to share their videos on GiftsandHome.net.

In an introduction to the event, PG&H’s editor Sue Marks told attendees: “When non-essential retailers closed their doors on March 23, so many of these outstanding retailers rose to the challenges. They were resilient and resourceful, finding ways to stay in touch with their customers, continuing to sell products and often delivering them personally, especially to the vulnerable.

“They put rainbows in their windows, they helped to raise money for the NHS and their local communities. They created websites where necessary and enthusiastically engaged on social media.”

She continued: “And when they were allowed to re-open, their reward was that their loyal customers were not only thrilled to see them back behind the till, but happy to queue round the block. It is these retailers, with their passion for gift retail, that we are celebrating - retail stars both pre and post lockdown.”

She also paid tribute to The Greats Awards 2020 sponsors, who all gave their support to the change in format for this year, as well as to their ongoing commitment to The Greats 2021.

See A Greats Night Was Had By All on pages 17-23.

Left: Greats award winners Lucy and Paul Hull, co-owners of From The Love Of The North.

Recognition For Achievement One of the most hotly anticipated categories at the virtual Greats Awards was the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award, with Will Gatacre, co-founder and managing director of quirky plush brand Jellycat announced as this year’s winner.

In her citation, Jakki Brown, joint managing director of Max Publishing (which owns Progressive Gifts & Home and GiftsandHome.net), explained: “With this special accolade, we shine the spotlight on an incredible person who, through the brand they co-founded over 20 years ago, has lifted the spirits of millions and generated significant revenue for their loyal retail stockists.”

She paid tribute to “the constant stream of innovation, continuous investment in their product range and wholehearted support for their retail stockists and talented team mates.”

Responding, Will commented: “in reality, this award goes to everybody at Jellycat... It is also you, our customers, who make us what we are. We are very appreciative of your trust and friendship on this journey.”

Above: Winner Will Gatacre, Jellycat’s cofounder and managing director.

Hitting The Headlines With so much negative press dominating the headlines, local newspapers were eager to seize on a good news story, with Greats winners delighted to receive plenty of column inches fanfaring their success.

“It's great to get this sort of publicity, particularly as the Bury Free Press gave us virtually half a page,” enthused Lesley Bancroft, winner of the Independent Gift Retailer Of The Year - East Anglia category. “Lots of customers saw the article and have been dropping by to add their congratulations. We've even had the odd person through the door that didn't know of our existence!”

In Welshpool, Rachel Bates, owner of The Celtic Company, winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of The Year - Midlands and Wales category, made headlines in MyWelshpool. Commenting, Rachel said: “So many people have popped in and expressed how lovely it is to have some good news for a change.

It really does feel as though this is a win for our high street and town.”

But it wasn’t just newspapers that seized on the story. BBC Radio Wiltshire was fast off the mark to invite Aga Gabrysiak, co-owner of Highworth Emporium in Highworth, winner of the Best Retailer Initiative category, to do a telephone interview with the programme Make A Difference to talk about her award-winning Shop Local Christmas campaign. “We also discussed how shop local is now more important than ever, and how familiarity and trust are bringing more customers to our shop,” Aga told PG&H. Other winners who received media coverage included Brocante in Cornwall, co-owned by David Lorimer and Keirion Cockley, and Ewe and Me and Ewe Too in Grantown-on-Spey, owned by Janet Hartree.

Above: Lesley Bancroft, owner of Buy The Light in Bury St Edmunds, was featured in the Bury Free Press.

Left: The Badenoch and Strathspey Herald featured the success of Ewe and Me and Ewe Too.

Bucking The Retail Trend In early October, Liz Kemp, owner of gift shop Kemps General Store - winner of The Greats’ Independent Gift Retailer Of The Year - North & Northern Ireland category - not only moved into much larger premises next door to her previous location in Market Place, Malton, but has also added a bookshop - Kemps Books under the same roof.

Liz, who also owns gift shop Kemps on the Coast in Whitby, explained: “The books are a mix of gift books and good reads, an expansion of our current wide non-fiction collection and significant children’s section, all showcased within a dedicated informal and inspiring space.”

Liz plans to extend her popular gift buying evenings and craft workshops, with the bookshop a place to visit for book events such as evenings with authors doing talks and signings.

Above: Kemps General Store and Kemps Books in Malton.

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Industry News

Lockdown 2.0: Gift Indies Fight Back Retailers And Trade Associations Lobby The Government Trade associations, to include the Greeting Card Association (GCA) and the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), have been actively lobbying the government to allow gift and greeting card retailers to be classified as ‘essential’, with gift retailers too, doing their utmost to get the message out there.

Following the start of lockdown, Jon May, co-owner of Mooch Gifts & Home, which has outlets in Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn, told PG&H: “I’m shouting from the rooftops here in Worcestershire! As well as a long phone call with my local MP on November 6, BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester’s outside broadcasting team interviewed me in the shop on November 9. I’m also trying to get coverage on our local TV station.”

Added Jon: “Since lockdown, we have launched 'mooch hampers', a mix of food and gifts, which we are featuring on 'mooch Live' in QVC style. We have also launched a Facebook competition, which is a great way to promote to our customers that we are still very much trading in four ways - click, call, email or message us. Plus, our Christmas windows have been launched to showcase everything we have to offer.”

Also doing all they can to drum up trade are Dominic Crowe and Priya Aurora-Crowe, coowners of Lark London, which has six gift and lifestyle stores. The couple have come up with an idea called ‘pick and go’ to help save the high street, which is “as simple as a takeaway coffee,” explains Priya. “Customers wait outside the shop, tell the assistant what they want and then pay.” (A video showing the idea has been uploaded to YouTube).

“While click & collect was a reasonable and valid suggestion offered by the government, many of our customers do not use online shopping which therefore discriminates against these types of shoppers,” continues Priya. “It seems only logical that click and collect could work harmoniously with ‘pick and go’ as they are equally safe and appeal to different types of customer which could consequently help the survival of many retailers.”

Championing card and gift retailers, the Greeting Card Association’s ceo Amanda Fergusson sent a letter to the Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, urging government to class greeting card shops as ‘essential’, while the British Independent Retailers Association’s (Bira) ceo Andrew Goodacre is calling for government intervention over the types of 'non-essential' retail still taking place despite the lockdown.

Above: Jon May on ITV Central in April during the first lockdown.

Left: Lark London demonstrates ‘pick and go’ on a YouTube video.

Gearing Up For Christmas Lockdowns in Wales and England notwithstanding, gift shops made sure that they had plenty of festive stock in store to encourage their customers to shop early for Christmas.

“We displayed ‘Christmas’ a couple of weeks earlier than usual and had a really good, positive response from customers,” confirmed Louise Rolfe, owner of The Present in Barnet, North London. “I think it was a combination of customers making a point of shopping locally and using the high street, as well as wanting to get organised with Christmas shopping in case of further restrictions,” she continued. “Sales were definitely up for the time of year and people were coming to the counter with multiple gifts. The spend was up with lots of sales of around £60 to over £100 more than the usual average of £20-£30.”

It was a similar story at Spirito in Glasgow, with owner Denise Laird explaining: “We brought Christmas forward as it felt like we had a shorter window to showcase products. We focused on quality, sustainably and more meaningful and useful gifts. The average spend was higher with customers buying more selectively.”

‘Non-Essential’ Fury The closure of ‘non-essential’ shops on November 5 came as an unwelcome blow to retailers, with gift shops among those heavily relying on the run up to Christmas to keep the tills ringing.

“We have been badly let down by government who ignored their own advisers’ advice!” fumed Adam de Wolff, co-owner of The Indigo Tree in South London’s Crystal Palace and Streatham. “To have shut us down for a month or more will be at least triple the damage the entire three-month lockdown had. This is hard to swallow as we have made significant seasonal purchasing investments, adding thousands of new products online. We currently have an afternoon click and collect time window at our shops seven days a week, and have employed a social media whizz who is hopefully going to help us weather this storm and move the business up a few notches!”

At The Bottle Kiln in West Hallam, owner Nic Stone, concurred: “It’s really strange to be closed in November after 30 years. The last three days before lockdown were like the days up to Christmas usually are, and then suddenly so quiet! I am very angry that the garden centres are still open.

They are basically gift shops in November and will simply take all of the other retailers' trade after their summer bonanza.”

Rachel and Paul Roberts, co-owners of five MOOCH gift shops in Northamptonshire, Towcester and Olney, added: “This time round we are more prepared for lockdown even though it was pretty short notice - and have switched straight over to our online business. The big difference is that click and collect is permitted this time around and we've already seen quite an appetite for that.

It is never going to replace what we'd normally be taking at this time of the year in the shops, but it's something, and we're very grateful to have it.”

Top: The Indigo Tree in Crystal Palace, South London.

Below: The new MOOCH store in Rushden Lakes.

Above: A striking Christmas display at The Present in Barnet.

Left: Christmas was brought forward at Spirito in Glasgow.

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Puckator Ltd. Lowman Works, East Taphouse, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 4NQ, UK 0800 011 6969 customerservices@puckator.co.uk www.puckator.co.uk

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Industry News

Britain’s Best Small Shop 2020 Finalists Two Gift Indies Are In The Finals Hot on the heels of being crowned winner of The Greats 2020 Best Display category last month, gift and home store Cornucopia, based in Worcester, has been shortlisted in Britain’s Best Small Shop competition which celebrates the commitment and creativity of independent retailers on UK high streets and the central role they play in their local communities.

"This is a real boost in these uncertain times as we launch our Christmas collection online and in store,” said co-owner Hannah Bishop. “Independent retailers are the heart of the high street and it’s great for us to be recognised in this way.”

In addition, a second gift and home shop, Ruby and the Angel, based in Debenham, near Stowmarket, has been shortlisted in two categories. With its offer of “fun, quirky gifts and fashion” it has become a beacon on the high street. “This would be a great win for Suffolk so fingers crossed!" commented owner Tammy King.

As well as being shortlisted for the main award, Ruby and the Angel has also been shortlisted for a special award to be given to the independent retailer that has demonstrated specific innovation to combat the impact of Covid-19.

During lockdown, the shop utilised its website to offer free postage and free local deliveries. It helped the elderly and vulnerable with weekly window displays that made people smile. Tammy also sourced new stock, ran competitions, and delivered face masks to customers, donating a percentage of the income to NHS charities.

The Best Small Shops competition is managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation whose member trade associations include the Greeting Card Association (GCA) and the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira). The winners will be announced during November.

Sustainable Eco Range Launched GB eye has launched a brand new eco-range, in collaboration with a local Sheffield manufacturer, to offer a more sustainable gifting solution for consumers.

“The eco-range has been a core focus for us throughout 2020 as we continue to look at ways in which to reduce our carbon impact on the environment,” explains GB eye’s head of product Nicola Hallam. “Expanding our product ranges to include more sustainable products is the first step as we explore new ways to better protect the world around us. We look forward to adding to the collection in 2021 with further internationally recognised licensed names.”

The inaugural range launched in midOctober, with the introduction of new stainless-steel water bottles available across a collection of licences including Pokémon, PlayStation, Harry Potter and DC Comics.

Joining the range later this year will be a tote bag collection - across DC Comics, Harry Potter, Dragon Ball and Stormtrooper - that is produced locally from natural fibres, helping to reduce the number of single-use plastic bags.

Above: New from GB eye, a Pokémon Pikachu stainless-steel water bottle.

Top: The team from Cornucopia with their Greats winner’s certificate.

Above: Tammy King, owner of Ruby and The Angel.

Gift of The Year 2021 Entries are rolling in for the Gift of the Year 2021 competition, organised by The Giftware Association (GA), which closes in December. Brand new this year is a People’s Choice Award, voted for by the end consumer, with the GA asking the general public, consumers, friends and family to vote for their favourite products in each of the categories.

Also new is an Earlier Products Award, a result of the disruption caused by Covid-19 to the gifts and home industry, with the GA now accepting products and ranges new to the market in June and July 2020.

Finally, a new Gift of the Year Prod-Cast features current entrants, previous winners, as well as those inbetween, who are currently sharing their experiences of the awards by highlighting their products on a podcast, as well as talking about their life in the home and gift industry.

To enter this year’s competition, visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk, where a blog also features the companies that have already entered their products. Contact awards@ga-uk.org

‘Small Biz 100’ Companies 2020 Small Business Saturday kicked off in September by announcing the inspirational companies making up Small Biz 100, which provides a major profile boost to small businesses across the UK. Among them are two gift shops, Joco in Nuneaton, owned by Jo Williams, (winner of the recent 2020 Woman Who Achieves Special Recognition Award), and Little Boat Gifts in Brightlingsea, owned by Olivia Reilly.

Marking the 100 days building up to Small Business Saturday on December 5, there has been a daily celebration of each of the Small Biz 100 companies through social media.

Above: Joco in Nuneaton.

Left: Little Boat Gifts in Brightlingsea.

Gifts Of Random Kindness Building on the current be kind to others vibe, Rex London recently introduced a new brand message as well as a new logo and a fresh look to reflect the company’s style and originality. Focusing on non-occasion giftware, the range has been named Gifts of Random Kindness.

“A special occasion doesn’t have to be a birthday, or Mother’s Day or Christmas. It can just be, I saw this and thought of you,” explains Anna Williams, marketing and communications manager.

The new look can be seen across the company’s updated wholesale website rexlondon.com, which includes live stock availability from the warehouse and immediate ordering with no minimum order.

The company has also launched an online trade catalogue featuring the new products and collections that would have made their debut at the Autumn trade shows. Visit rexlondon.com/trade-fairs Above: Rex London’s Salt & Pepper storage tins.

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Industry News

Spring Fair Cancelled The Show Will Return As A Physical Event in 2022 Spring Fair will not take place as a physical event in 2021, organiser Hyve Group has confirmed. The decision was taken following new UK government restrictions on the re-opening of business conferences and exhibition halls. The next show will be Autumn Fair (together with national footwear show Moda) at the NEC Birmingham from September 5-8, 2021. Spring Fair will return as a physical event from February 6-10, 2022.

Hyve is now working to deliver an ‘enhanced virtual forum’ with product features and exclusive seminar content, designed to educate and inform participants. More information on Spring Fair@Home will available shortly on the Spring Fair website (www.springfair.com).

“While it is regrettable that we won’t be able to meet in person at Spring Fair and Moda in February due to the new UK government rules, we are incredibly excited to host Spring Fair@Home and Fashion Together,” said Julie Driscoll, md UK retail at Hyve Group.

“Following the success of this year’s virtual forums, we’re looking forward to providing our clients and customers with another touchpoint to be inspired and stay connected with the retail industry.”

“Spring Fair@Home will be a great networking opportunity for the industry and a chance for businesses to stay connected,” added Sarah Ward, chief executive of The Giftware Association.

“I am delighted that we are able to host the Gift of the Year 2021 Awards with Spring Fair as part of the virtual forum.”

Above: The next physical Spring Fair will be in 2022.

Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring will become a virtual event next year and will remain online throughout 2021 to provide a resource for buyers all year. It will be supported by a series of mini virtual events throughout the year to provide a focus on specific product sectors and retail themes to help visitors with buying and sourcing.

Top Drawer To Go Digital Following the reintroduction of further Covid-19 restrictions, Clarion Events has confirmed that January’s Top Drawer will be held digitally.

“While we had hoped we could deliver a safe and successful event for the community, we have also been busy planning for such an eventuality and can confirm that the SS21 edition will now take place as a virtual event,” stated show director, Alejandra Campos. “Once more, our digital platform - Top Drawer On Demand - will allow the retail community to come together and access new opportunities to connect and trade.”

She highlighted that the digital programme will provide UK and overseas buyers with easy access to new products, as well as expert advice and trend forecasting, along with live product launch sessions and enhanced networking tools.

Alejandra continued: “As ever, we are incredibly thankful for the support and feedback we have had from our exhibiting brands and our audience of buyers and designers. We look forward to welcoming them back to On Demand at the start of next year, where they can continue to discover new products and brands, connect with both new and prospective suppliers, and access invaluable industry insight.”

Above: Visitors at Top Drawer in January.

‘Hybrid’ Ambiente Moves To April 2021 Due to the pandemic and continuing travel restrictions, Ambiente will be joining forces with Christmasworld and Paperworld as a one-off hybrid event, named the International Consumer Goods Show - Special Edition, which will be held at Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt am Main. Messe Frankfurt believe a later date in April 2021 offers both exhibitors and visitors greater planning safety.

For the first time, the new live trade fair will be flanked by the digital offerings of Consumer Goods Digital Days, which will run concurrently with the show, offering matchmaking, live streaming and information.

In addition, Messe Frankfurt’s B2B marketplace Nextrade, specifically for the home and living industry, will add virtual showrooms for the product segments of Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld.

Above: Visitors are shown browsing at Ambiente in February.

HOMI To Go Ahead The organisers of HOMI, the Lifestyle Trade Fair, have confirmed that the show will go ahead, taking place from January 29February 1, 2021 at Fieramilano, Rho, colocated with Festivity.

Focused on living and home accessories, categories will include gifts, home fragrancing, jewellery, fashion accessories, homewares, table accessories, kitchenware and home textiles.

Visit www.homimilano.com Above: Fade will be among the exhibitors at HOMI in January.

New Date, New Location Due to the Harrogate Convention Centre being used as a Nightingale Hospital the Harrogate Christmas & Gift show will be relocating to the Yorkshire Event Centre (YEC).

The event will now take place from February 27 to March 3, 2021.

Visit www.harrogatefair.com; email simon@harrogatefair.com or tel: 01902 882280 /07798 737077.

New Spring Dateline South West gift and home show Giving & Living has been moved from January to May 10-12, 2021, and will be taking place at its usual venue, Westpoint, Exeter. “These dates will allow businesses to trade though Easter and the early Spring,” explained Mike Anderson, managing director of show organisers Hale Events. The South West is set to be one of the leading UK destinations in 2021.

Make It A Date The organisers of the London Stationery Show have announced May 1819 as the new dates for 2021. The show will take place at London’s Business Design Centre.

“The health and safety of everyone involved will continue to be at the core of our planning, and we will be working hard to communicate our plans to ensure everyone feels confident attending the show,” said event director Alex Butler.

Visit stationeryshow@oceanmedia.co.uk.

Autumn Sourcing Week Following on from the success of the debut Summer Sourcing Weeks Go Online, the HKTDC has announved its next online exhibition Autumn Sourcing Week Online (ASWO) which starts on November 16. Categories include gifts, homewares, stationery and baby products. Visit asw.hktdc.com

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Talking Interactive Plush Rodney Uncle Albe

Del Boy

“MY NAME’S NOT DAVE, IT’S RODNEY”

“LOVELY, JUBBLY”

“THIS TIME NEXT YEAR WE’LL BE MILLIONARIES”

“FOUGHT IN THE WAR DIDN’T I”

“WHAT’S YOUR GAME DEL?”

Mr. Bean Car Interactive Plush

PLAYS THE THEME TUNE

“OH ERM, HELLO. I’M BEAN, MR BEAN!”

Mr. Bean Talking Plush

“TA DA!”

“BRILLANT!”

“HA HARR! HA HARR”

“GRUMBLE”

Talking Interactive Plush Will

“FIESTY ONE YOU ARE!”

Simon

“OH FRIEND”

Jay

“BEEPITY BEEP BEEP! TIME FOR ANOTHER TARA UPDATE”

Neil

“HOW LONGS MY LUNCH HOUR?”

PLUS

4 X-RATED PHRASES for each character BBC and ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES (word marks and logos) are trade marks of the British Broadcasting Corporation and are used under licence.

BBC logo © BBC 1996. Only Fools And Horses logo © BBC 1981.

Series created and wri en by John Sullivan. Licensed by BBC Studios.

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Mr Bean™ and © Tiger Aspects Productions Ltd 2002.

All rights reserved.

The Inbetweeners® © 2020 Bwark Productions Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Industry News

Taking The Show On The Road Widdop And Co Headed South With Autumn trade fairs unable to take place, Widdop and Co took to the road this Autumn to visit their retail customers in the South West and South East, with a 450 sq ft mobile showroom featuring over 700 products across 14 key product launches, along with a full range of catalogues and digital materials.

“The roadshows meant that we could safely meet our customers and show our new launches giving our retail customers even more flexibility as they juggle running their businesses day to day in the new environment,” explained Widdop’s creative director Stephen Illingworth.

The company’s signature product launch was Cheerfull by Celebrations, sales of which supports the NHS Charities Together programme with a 7% donation made on all purchases.

Other new Look On The Brightside Autumn launches featured Brightside giftware and a Martin Gulliver Designs collection of children’s melamine dinnerware.

Left: Inside the mobile showroom.

Gifting A Positive Message Tara Illingworth, the wife of Widdop And Co’s creative director Stephen Illingworth, has launched online and wholesale gift company Mail Your Mark (MYM), with the hope of lifting people’s spirits by empowering them with positive affirmations.

The initial launch is focusing on affirmation cards for children and mothers, as well as a 24 Days of Christmas Kindness calendar.

“The initial reaction has been better than I think even I hoped,” Above: Affirmation products from enthused Tara. “I’ve had a continual sales flow and have already had Mail Your Mark. three re-orders. I’ve also had some positive conversations with trend-led boutiques in America who are looking to stock our items. I would love to see more of that here in the UK.”

Brand New Showroom Following on from the opening of a North Yorkshire viewing room in the old coach house at Newby Hall in March, home fragrancing company Ashleigh & Burwood has opened a second showroom at its Heritage House HQ in Surrey.

“We’ll be continuing to work on ways to bring our products in front of retailers in an interactive way, but for now, having showrooms in the north and south of the country is a great step in the right direction,” said PR manager Deborah Bettinson.

The dedicated showroom space features the full range of Ashleigh & Burwood products, plus fixtures and PoS. Covid safety measures are in place.

Above: Ashleigh & Burwood’s new showroom at the company’s HQ in Surrey.

Spreading The Love September’s Thinking Of You Week greeting card initiative, organised by the Greeting Card Association (GCA), was the biggest and best campaign yet, and a success for gift shops as well as greeting card retailers.

Retailers of all shapes and sizes, to include gift shops, were among those participating, along with the major supermarkets and specialist multiple card retailers.

Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA, which launched the initiative seven years ago, commented: “We had a fantastic take up for Thinking Of You Week 2020, and it has now extended to gifts, with many retailers not only encouraging people to send a gift with their card as they reached out to loved ones, but also seeing engagement from gift producers and bloggers.”

A High Five For MOOCH Rachel and Paul Roberts, co-owners of MOOCH in Northampton, Olney and Towcester, have ventured off the high street by opening a fifth gift and homewares shop in out of town retail park Rushden Lakes in Rushden, Northamptonshire.

Left: The interior of MOOCH at Rushden Lakes.

PEOPLE p Sarah Ward (right), chief executive of The Giftware Association (GA), has been appointed managing director of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), which includes the GA, and will lead the Federation’s restructure process. Sarah joined the GA five years ago. p Russell Kirby (right), who worked for bespoke software company Aspin in the ‘90s, has re-joined after 24 years.

Current giftware clients include Joe Davies, Lesser & Pavey, Wax Lyrical, Half Moon Bay, Enesco, Widdop and Co., Yankee Candle and Caroline Gardner.

NEWS IN BRIEF p According to a recent John Lewis survey, conducted prior to lockdown by OnePoll, only 2% of respondents were planning to leave their shopping until Christmas Eve this year. p The British Retail Consortium’s ‘Shop Early, Start Wrapping, Enjoy Christmas’ campaign was rolled out on national and local radio stations last month and ran across national print and social media channels. p Joe Davies, exclusive UK distributors of snoozies!, confirmed that sales of have soared past the 1m pairs mark since the company first launched snoozies! in the UK in 2012.

Right: snoozies! are distributed by Joe Davies.

p A five year plan was unveiled by the John Lewis Partnership in October, with the retailer committing £1bn over five years to accelerate its online business and transform shops. p Following the cancellation of the Autumn Budget, the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), is lobbying for the business rates holiday to be extended after April 2021. p Licensing agency Caroline Mickler is representing Norman Parkinson, with opportunities for gift companies to get on board.

“Norman Parkinson’s body of work is still highly relevant,” states Caroline.

Right: Norman Parkinson is among the most celebrated fashion photographers of the 20th century.

p Artisan designer Julie Dodsworth has created a promotional film to showcase her new giftware products and designs.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GiftsandHome.net PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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CHRIS TMAS H A S A RRIV ED! ‘Tis the season of giving! To celebrate Christmas at Katie Loxton, we’ve designed magical gifting opportunities featuring festive packaging and sweet sentiments created to captivate. Our ‘With Love This Christmas’ collection features a navy blue colour palette and calming fragrances such as Cinnamon & Nutmeg Chai. Similarly, at Joma Jewellery, Festive ‘A Littles’ and brand-new Christmas Crackers take centre stage with sparkling ‘A Littles’ nestled inside for the perfect gifting moments. Shop our SS21 collection from the comfort and safety of your own home via our virtual showroom – there’s everything you need and more to make this a holly jolly Christmas!

DISCOVER OUR WORLD AT WHOLESALE.KATIELOXTON.COM | WHOLESALE. JOMAJEWELLERY.COM

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With large gatherings unable to take place, a virtual event at the end of September marked a ‘first’ for The Greats Awards, with finalists, sponsors, their friends and families getting together at home, in shops, offices and restaurants, to hear this year’s winners announced online.

PG&H invites you to take a look through our Greats Awards 2020 scrapbook to see how the very special night unfolded!

A GREATS NIGHT WAS HAD BY ALL Let ’s get the party started

Below: Dear Grace’s co-owners Victoria and David Johnson, (second left and second right) took the team out for dinner. The shop won the Best Lifestyle, Homewares and Gifts category.

Left: Jo and Mike Webber, co-owners of Jo Amor in Tiverton, and finalists in the Retailer Initiative category, were in the party mood.

Below: Harriet and Adam de Wolff, co-owners of two South London The Indigo Tree stores, enjoyed a glass of fizz before the results were announced.

Left: Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts &Home and GiftsandHome.net, welcomed everyone to the virtual awards.

Right: Compere Alan Dedicoat, the ‘voice of the balls’ and Strictly Come Dancing, announced the winners.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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18 Times Winner of the Progressive Gifts Greats Awards

Gold Award Winner 2020

Best Service to the Independent Retailer We would like to thank all our wonderful customers for voting for us. We are extremely proud and honoured to have won the Gold Award for ‘Best Service to the Independent Retailer’.

Joe Davies, 149 Broadstone Road, Reddish, Stockport. SK5 7GA Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk 2020 10 - Progressive Gifts Greats Award Thank You FP.indd 1 18_GH_September 2020.indd 1

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Inset: The team from Ewe and Me and Ewe Too in Grantown-on-Spey. Back row: owner Janet Hartree (left) and daughter Sara Baines; front row: Sara’s daughters Lucy (left) and Annie (right).

Right: Yay! We did it! A big smile from Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Bert’s, Colchester, winner of the Best Newcomer – South and Wales category.

Inset: The (socially distanced) Joe Davies team celebrating the company’s Gold Award in the Best Service To The Independent Gift Retailer category.

“Our success has made us really, really happy and proud.” Liz Kemp, owner of Kemps General Store and Kemps Books and Kemps on the Coast in Whitby. (Winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – North & Northern Ireland category)

”It was a totally unexpected and truly wonderful surprise.” Harriet de Wolff, co-owner, The Indigo Tree, Crystal Palace and Streatham, S London. (Winner of the Independent Gift Retailer Of The Year – London category)

Below right: The Celtic Company’s owner, Rachel Bates, fanfared the exiting news on a blackboard. The company won the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – Midlands & Wales category.

Left: David Lorimer (left) and Keiron Cockley let out a roar of delight when they heard that Brocante in Cornwall had won the Best Multiple Specialist Gift Retailer category.

Below: Cheers! The RHS Wisley Gift Shop’s gift buyer Hazel Small tastes success in the Best Garden Centre Retailer of Gifts category.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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The UK’s leading supplier of drop ship Personalised Gifts

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For Him - For Her - For Children - For The Home For All Occasions

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Among The Many Tweets . . .

“The team worked really hard to create some exciting marketing campaigns. The award means so much to us.”

Katie Loxton, founder and creative director, Joma Jewellery (Winner of the Best Supplier Marketing Award)

Right: Clare Bishop, (centre), owner of Cornucopia in Worcester, winner of the Best Display category, is shown with the team, to include daughter Hannah (second right).

Below: Celebrating success! The team at Highworth Emporium, winner of the Retail Initiative category. From left to right: Richard Marsden, (co-owner), Emily Milton, Aga Gabrysiak, (co-owner), Paula Zielinska and Gill Ackling.

“It’s very gratifying to have a lot of hard work, by a lot of people, recognised.” Richard Barker, owner, Cilla and Camilla, Beaminster, Bridport and Sherborne. (Winner of the Independent Gift Retailer Of The Year – South West)

It ’s Official!

Above: The Best Specialist Multiple category winner’s certificate took pride of place in Brocante’s shop window.

The retailer has four shops in Cornwall.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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The owl has been a long standing symbol of knowledge and wisdom, ever since its representation of Athena, The Greek Goddess of Wisdom in ancient Greek mythology.

These are not the only attributes that the owl represents, this elegant bird is also associated with patience, balance, independence, power and protection. An owl will guide you and offer you the inspiration necessary to explore all the wonder and magic that life offers.

Wise Wings™ is a collection of decorative and contemporary owl designs accompanied by a meaningful quote of wisdom. Every beautifully packaged owl has a unique and colourful design making it the perfect gift for a friend or loved one to help guide and inspire them through life’s journey.

125mm In addition the hugely successful You are an Angel™ ranges are having their ranks swelled by 5 new colourful arrivals and a stunning new Gratitude Journal a beautiful gift for life’s great occasions.

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155mm

Especially for Christmas the ever popular LED personalisable baubles will be updated for 2020 and for the rest of the year you can celebrate with the ever popular Here’s to You™ ranges of Wine and Gin glasses by renowned British designers.

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Right: All lit up! Lesley Bancroft, owner of Buy The Light in Bury St Edmunds, which won the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – East Anglia category.

Left: Barkers and Barkers Home, Northallerton, won the Best Department Store category. Shown are Geraldine Burke (right) and Sharon Wake (left), joint managers/buyers for cookshop and gifts.

“It was great to have such recognition in a time which is so bleak for the retail sector.”

Alan and Jill Cubbage, owners, Jewel in St Andrews. (Winner of the Best Jewellery & Fashion Accessories category)

Above: All smiles! Ella Bradbury, shop manager at Forget-Me-Not in Stubbington, winner of the Retail Employee of the Year 2020 category.

THE WINNERS OF THE GREATS AWARDS 2020 ARE: l RETAIL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 2020 Ella Bradbury, shop manager, Forget Me Not, Stubbington l INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR – LONDON (INSIDE M25) The Indigo Tree, Crystal Palace and Streatham l INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR – HOME COUNTIES, SOUTH AND SOUTH EAST All About Rose, Thame l INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR – EAST ANGLIA Buy The Light, Bury St Edmunds l INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR – MIDLANDS AND WALES The Celtic Company, Welshpool l INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR – NORTH AND NORTHERN IRELAND Kemps General Store, Malton l INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR – SOUTH WEST Cilla and Camilla, Beaminster, Bridport and Sherborne l INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR – SCOTLAND Ewe & Me and Ewe Too, Grantown-on-Spey l INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR – BEST NEWCOMER SOUTH & WALES Bill & Bert’s, Colchester l INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR – BEST NEWCOMER MIDLANDS, NORTH AND SCOTLAND For The Love Of The North, Corbridge and Whitley Bay l BEST SPECIALIST MULTIPLE GIFT RETAILER Brocante, Fowey, Mevagissey, St Ives

l BEST DEPARTMENT STORE RETAILER OF GIFTS Barkers and Barkers Home, Northallerton l BEST NON-SPECIALIST RETAILER OF GIFTS The Hollies, Little Budworth l BEST LIFESTYLE OR HOMEWARES RETAILER OF GIFTS Dear Grace, Colchester l BEST GIFT RETAILER OF JEWELLERY & FASHION ACCESSORIES Jewel, St Andrews l BEST GARDEN CENTRE RETAILER OF GIFTS Blue Diamond Group l BEST MUSEUM OR VISITOR ATTRACTION GIFT SHOP RHS Garden Wisley Gift Shop, Wisley l BEST IN-STORE OR WINDOW DISPLAY Cornucopia, Worcester l BEST RETAILER INITIATIVE Highworth Emporium, Highworth – for its Christmas campaign 2019 l BEST SUPPLIER MARKETING AWARD Joma Jewellery l BEST SERVICE TO THE INDEPENDENT RETAILER BRONZE AWARD WINNER 2020 Lesser & Pavey l BEST SERVICE TO THE INDEPENDENT RETAILER SILVER AWARD WINNER 2020 Widdop And Co. l BEST SERVICE TO THE INDEPENDENT RETAILER GOLD AWARD WINNER 2020 Joe Davies l OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER 2020 Will Gatacre, co-founder and managing director of Jellycat

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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In Profile: Miffy’s 65th Anniversary

Celebrating

Miffy This Autumn/Winter sees the global launch of a limited edition Miffy Fashion Design Collection, a very special initiative that involved international art and fashion academies in the UK, Hong Kong, Italy, Mexico and the Netherlands, with the event specially created to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Dick Bruna’s universally adored white bunny Miffy.

As the collection rolls out in specialised stores around the world this Autumn/Winter, PG&H met up with Mark Teunissen, senior project manager at Dutch company Mercis, (which represents and manages the global entertainment brand), to hear more about plans to expand the reach of the brand through licensed partnerships in the gift and home sector.

When Dutch author and illustrator Dick Bruna first introduced Miffy (Nijntje) to readers in 1955 - a small white female rabbit depicted with thick black lines, a simple shape and primary colours - he could not have imagined that this endearing character would evolve to become a timeless, global entertainment brand, loved by millions around the world.

“Dick was inspired by many great artists, especially Matisse, and that led to his

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Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

distinctive style,” explained Mark Teunissen, a senior project manager at Mercis in Amsterdam (which celebrates its own milestone 50th anniversary in 2021). “We therefore thought it would be fitting to mark Miffy’s 65th year with an initiative involving design and fashion students in five countries across three continents, who would each be invited to create a new outfit for a 3D Miffy doll, in a global challenge, marking Miffy’s

Below: Mercis’ Mark Teunissen.

Below left: The Miffy Fashion Design Collection.

65th landmark year.

We wanted to see how the students would re-interpret Dick Bruna’s simple design and character of this global icon by putting a contemporary twist on the 65 year old design to give it a fresh new look. As well as being inspired by all kinds of artists, Dick Bruna experimented with different techniques and we therefore wanted to leave room for the students’ imaginations. There was a mix of philosophy in the space that they were given.”

Five international art and fashion academies took part - to include the UK’s Nottingham Trent University - with some 82 students designing a contemporary, sustainable Miffy doll inspired by Dick Bruna’s work. “The students all went for different concepts, while epitomising what Miffy stands for,” explained Mark. “It was wonderful to see how students and teachers got together to collaborate, with a teacher, Massimo Giancom, at Instituto Europeo di Design Milano in Italy, creating his own Miffy too, such was the excitement and interest in the project and a willingness to be part of it.”

The students responded to the brief which included requirements for simplification, sustainability and material safety - with a variety of imaginative and topical concepts and, in some cases, offthe-wall approaches. “Some students used Miffy’s evolution over 65 years as their starting point, others chose Dick Bruna’s artistic influences and his use of colour, with some deconstructing the character’s form,” continued Mark. “One student even made an outfit for Miffy in space as an environmental statement to protect Mother Earth. Mexico came up with an amazing design that was

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In Profile: Miffy’s 65th Anniversary minimalist yet bold and colourful, reflecting the country’s culture.”

Ultimately, ten winners were chosen two from each of the participating countries with their designs going on to form the Miffy Fashion Design Collection, a signature range of exclusive 33cm plush dolls, manufactured

by Dutch soft toy company International Bon Ton Toys.

Launched in October, the limited edition is currently being sold via high-end retailers worldwide and online. “The designs have created a highly original and collectable range of merchandise,” Mark emphasised. In addition, all 82 entries are being showcased in an international touring exhibition, which kicked off at the Centraal Museum in Utrecht in mid-June. “The Miffy Fashion Design Challenge exposure has been very important to us, due to the pandemic and the absence of trade shows this year,” Mark pointed out.

“So this project has really given Miffy visibility.”

Mercis puts Miffy’s huge appeal down to the fact that the design is kept as simple as possible. “We always turn inwards to find

Digital Platform For Independents Two years ago, Mercis created a digital platform connecting the brand’s many licensees, which was developed for smaller retailers around the world who struggled to place large orders.

“Over the past ten years, the Miffy brand has really grown in stature, with independent retailers looking to stock the collection,” explained Mark.

“This digital tool has given them an opportunity to test the market, ordering little and often using one sourcing channel, rather than having to go to individual licensed suppliers,” highlighted Mark. “It’s also given them the opportunity to upscale, with many retailers ordering Miffy items as props too. It’s been a change as well as a challenge for us, as we normally deal with licensees, but in the absence of trade shows, this digital tool has given independent retailers the opportunity to source what they need and to see the new collections.”

Above: The Mercis digital catalogue.

answers,” confirms Mark. “The vision is that everything should be long term, and we keep perfecting what we do. On a global stage, there are huge cultural differences, so we leave a lot of room around that while sticking to certain design criteria: not busy; keeping

Spanning The Generations Miffy, Dick Bruna’s much-loved white bunny, has been an adored member of the Rainbow Designs’ family for more than 20 years and continues to go from strength to strength at retail.

“Loved by parents, Miffy’s simplicity in design - that remains contemporary - not only appeals to both parents and design enthusiasts, but spans the generations, and we continue to see this at retail with both our classic, bold coloured Miffy range as well as our pure white, Simply Miffy collection for baby and nursery,” stated Anthony Temple, managing director of Rainbow Designs.

Right: Rainbow Designs’ white Classic Miffy.

to the essence of product and Dick Bruna’s vision. We have a strong philosophy and we correct any mistakes very quickly. Within restrictions, creativity thrives! Dick got something so right with his artwork, and we only use his illustrations which are being applied in a modern way. He really did create something unique. People have tried to copy it but they can’t. He even mesmerises us at times!”

Mark adds that the secret of the brand’s success is that Miffy speaks directly to children. “There are no barriers. Miffy appeals to the kid in us all, with Dick capturing that essence in his design. It is genuine and works all over the world. Our mission is therefore to share Dick Bruna’s philosophy with as many people as possible.

Miffy has been around for 65 years and hopefully she will be around for another 65!”

Commemorative ‘Miffy 65’ Giftware Having initially appealed to children, Miffy is now a brand with strong adult appeal, generating leading licensing partnerships in many key sectors, especially in giftware and homewares.

In celebration of Miffy’s 65th anniversary this year, an exciting array of new licensed products have been launched across a wide variety of categories.

Magpie launched a range of cups, coasters and napkins featuring classic Dick Bruna colours in a fresh way; Edinburgh-based luxury leather goods specialist Strathberry created a limited edition range of Miffy bags and purses; Licensed to Charm introduced a range of silver and gold vermeil jewellery for the teen and adult market; Stitch and Story created four new 3D crochet kits of Miffy and her friends; Star Editions developed a new gift range featuring fresh floral patterns, as well as a special, large format, limited edition birthday print.

In clothing, high-end childrenswear company Tobias and the Bear launched a third Miffy baby and toddler collection with new styles added this Autumn.

Additionally, baby and girlswear lines have launched in Next and M&S, while in publishing, a new treasury of four classic stories was introduced by Simon & Schuster in October. In addition, Museums & Galleries brought out a Miffy calendar for 2021.

Left: Part of the new Miffy collection from Magpie.

Above: Commemorative stationery from Blueprint.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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The UK’s leading supplier of drop ship Personalised Gifts

est 2004 WWW.PERSONALISEDMEMENTO.CO.UK

sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Licensed Football Gifts

For Him - For Her - For Children - For The Home For All Occasions

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Will 2020 Be A Christmas Cracker?

While the last few Christmasses have seen retailers - to include gift shops - having to hold their nerve until December, this year, it’s a very different story, with people anxious to stock up on gifts as early as possible to stay ahead of the lockdown restrictions.

It’s been good news for gift shops and gift departments, both large and small, especially as many consumers are choosing to shop locally and support their local retailers.

PG&H took a look at some of the most popular gifting Above: Gifting has taken on a new importance this Christmas.

Below: Pillar candles and other non-scented home fragrancing sectors, and asked gift retailers what’s been ringing products are currently among the trends at John Lewis & Partners.

Bottom: Christmas shopping started early at the department store. up sales both in store and online.

Smelling Sweet

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ne product sector that has really came into its own this year is home fragrancing. With the vast majority of people working from home during lockdown, and choosing to continue to do so, fragrancing a home office area has become a priority, with candles, reed diffusers and wax melts among the many ways people are choosing to create a fragrant space to work in.

“We’re seeing a big spike in home fragrancing in the run up to Christmas,” confirms Sara Allbright, gift and candleshop buyer at John Lewis & Partners, “with earlier purchasing than ever before. We started to launch our Christmas fragrances during September, and they sold faster than they would have normally done at that time of year.”

Sara highlighted that home fragrancing was a resilient category during lockdown with sales increasing, and the sector not showing any signs of slowing down.

“During and post lockdown, messages around wellbeing and lifestyle were popular, with people buying into brands that they know and trust, as well as into key new brands. If someone has made the effort to go shopping, home fragrancing products are

a great impulse purchase, making them a key product within a shop environment.”

Sara confirms that recent trends in the sector include a greater interest in ultrasonic diffusers. “They have really taken off this year, from the plain and the practical to more decorative pieces. Plus, the fragrance oils tie in well with the trend for wellbeing.”

So, has the pandemic put an end to testers? “Our customers like to be able to touch, feel and ultimately smell our home fragrancing products, and it’s something they are still able to do,” points out Sara. “We have got sanitising stations in store and are focused on keeping everything as safe as we possibly can. However, it’s not only about scented products. We are also seeing a trend for non-scented products such as pillars and tealights, as well as for candle holders.”

As Sarah adds: “People really do seem want to make more of Christmas this year, primarily driven by their concerns about the current situation getting worse, but also to tell people that they’re thinking of them although they are unable to see them.

Everyone is feeling they need this Christmas to cheer themselves up, which is why they started their shopping much earlier to make sure they can find want they want to buy.

This has definitely helped us as the normal Christmas traffic we get can be very last minute. People deciding to shop earlier is helping us to pace it.”

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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The Walking Stick Specialists

INTRODUCING 10 EXCLUSIVE NEW PATTERNS

Please contact us for a trade catalogue: Tel 01460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk

SIMPLY GORGEOUS JEWELLERY AND SCARVES

BRITISH TRAVELGOODS AND ACCESSORIES ASSOCIATION

Buy online at missmilly.co.uk or call: 01905 622 509

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Making A Statement

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ith current restrictions precluding big festive get togethers, putting on the bling is likely to be more important than ever, with everyone looking forward to dressing up and getting into the Christmas spirit, albeit virtually, to party on screen!

Plus, with so many Zooms for work as well as socially, there’s been a spike in necklaces and earrings, as people look to make a virtual fashion statement. But perhaps, most important of all, as Christmas gets closer, sentiment jewellery continues to be a lovely way for gift givers to tell others how they feel about them.

“As we enter the crucial Christmas quarter we all look to tried and tested favourites, such as jewellery, fashion accessories and scarves, to put some much needed cash over the counter - or at least a contactless touch!” says David Robertson, managing director of Bijou in Elgin.

“Sentiment continues to be a massive part of the gift giving experience because people want their friends and family to know that they care, and whether it’s a simple ‘minding’ as we say in Scotland, or a specific gift, this is a crucial part of sales.”

Highlights David: “Our proven winner, which continues to have legs like no other product, is the Joma ‘A Little’ range. There’s literally a bracelet for every occasion and customers love to buy them and to receive them, with the packaging enhancing the product. The positive messages, thoughtfulness, ease of postage and relative low cost, coupled with customer brand

Above: Winter scarves from Miss Milly.

Below: Joma Jewellery’s ‘A Little’ bracelets.

awareness, all help to make it not only one of the strongest ranges in the jewellery sector, but in gift stores period.”

For a premium range of jewellery, David says he finds Coeur De Lion hard to beat.

“With less stockists, and the company elevating it into more and more jewellery stores, those of us who can still retail it are grateful for the higher price point and improved service from them.”

As for Autumn/Winter fashion accessories, David highlights Powder’s capsule collection. “Although smaller, it’s still excellent, with the company’s multiband proving a real winner. In fact, we repeated on it in October. Additionally, PoM’s fashion range is extensive, covering socks to scarves to accessories. We have

been delighted with the sell through so far this season, with several designs selling out in days. An added bonus is that the range is in eco-friendly packaging and attractive and easy to either give or to post. The company holds high ethical beliefs, so retailers and consumers can buy with confidence, as we are finding more and more customers putting a value on this.”

Other brands ringing up sales for Bijou include Miss Milly scarves. “The company offers different designs with complementary jewellery, while for beautifully packaged product, Brandwell does a range of scarves, gloves and gifts.

The product is good but the box elevates it to a special gift,” points out David.

Face masks too, are, unsurprisingly, flying of the shelves. “They are a massive part of our retail trade, something we could not have imagined this time last year,” he states. “Companies such as Gracee, H&H, Zelly and many others give different options and price points. In fact, one stocking filler we have definitely earmarked for the more discerning customer is The Glasgow Mask’s new range of Mulberry Silk which lifts the retail price and gives a more luxurious twist on this new essential.”

Concludes David: “Christmas will, of course, happen and I think this year, more than any other, we will all want to give gifts that are something special.”

Home Sweet Home

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esearch has shown that the home décor sector has been significantly less impacted by the pandemic than other sectors, with the sector seeing a boost as people spend more time at home. In fact, since the start of the pandemic, our homes have never been more important to us, with the three month lockdown affording people the time and enthusiasm to give them a DIY make-over Above: There’s a homely, Christmas - from a change of décor to new decorative home accessories. feel at Barkers Home.

Good news for the gift and home industry is that this surge is expected to continue.

“We’ve been extremely busy in the run up to Christmas, and our display team are replacing accessories and pictures every day,” confirms Cara Allinson, lighting Continued on page 31 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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and accessories manager and buyer at Barkers Home. “Customers love the collections and are definitely shopping early for the festive season. We have introduced a wide range of accessories that are bringing a sparkle to our home store this Christmas, using a range of Christmas inspired items to dress the furniture department. They include warm Autumn shades of green and burgundy, ornamental Christmas trees and floral arrangements by Floralsilk. Potted plants, trees and flowers are all doing very, very well, and we have topped up several times since re-opening in June. Succulents in decorative pots have flown off the shelf and we do several floral arrangements in resin which have also been popular with our customers.”

Continues Cara: “The large potted trees sell well throughout the summer and have stayed popular through Autumn, with these products used all over the store. Cushions and throws too, have been massive and,

Left: Culinary Concepts’ stag champagne bucket makes a striking centrepiece on a beautifully laid Christmas table.

again, we are replenishing them every week.

Plus, our walls are full of beautiful artwork with large pictures by Artko and Compleat Colour featuring embellished coloured stags.

In keeping with the theme, we offer candle holders and champagne buckets with stags

by Culinary Concepts. Our aim has been to

give the home that extra special homely feel for families to enjoy together this Christmas.”

Adds Julie Poynton, linens/homewares buyer, who also looks after Christmas: “In home furnishings, Dora Designs’ doorstops and draught excluders have really been flying off the shelves, while in home fragrancing, Melt candles and reed diffusers tend to pick up ten fold at this time of year. Meanwhile Inis is another home fragrancing and beauty brand we replenish constantly. Every day is a busy day at the moment which is wonderful. It’s great to see customers so passionate about their homes and furnishings.”

Child’s Play and egg cups, “while our big hit of the season has been the fantastic Squelch Wellies - a Gift Of The Year 2019 double winner - which come in sizes 22 to 30.

They’re transparent with a huge range of themed socks to create endless outfits. The tiny sizes come in a My First Wellies bag too cute!” smiles Liz. Staying with babies, she highlights that Kemps has always stocked Five Minutes UK’s

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ith Christmas such a magical time, regardless of how tough times are, people will always dig deep for little ones.

Environmentally friendly and sustainable products are much in demand, especially for babies, along with plush, puzzles, activity kits, inter-active products, and most importantly, something that will keep youngsters occupied. But for most gift retailers, it’s having something that’s not runof-the-mill that rings up sales.

“We always try to have gifts for children which are different, low on plastic and packaging and either involving some kind of interaction and educational benefit or something with a long life,” explains Liz Kemp, owner of Kemps General Store and Kemps Books in Malton, and Kemps

On The Coast in Whitby. “Our customers buy for grandchildren and children, and we also have younger customers buying for their friends, so we have a range of price points to suit all pockets.”

Liz says that during lock-down, parents valued gifts which kept kids occupied.

“Obviously jigsaws were a big hit, but kits such as those from A Clockwork Soldier, Pop Up Pets and classic colouring books have continued to be popular.”

She adds that grandparents meanwhile, love the Herdy money boxes Above: A Herdy money box.

Right: The Usborne Christmas Magic Painting Book.

Left: A huge hit for Kemps has been Gift of the Year award winning Squelch wellies.

Wee range. “It includes wonderful organic cotton swaddling sheets, teethers and stroller toys through to soft books, and even books to read in the bath,” she points out.

“Therefore in the run-up to Christmas, when buying for babies and children, our customers have been looking for interactive, quality, considered gifts, with a good price point, while at the same time, wanting gifts that are ‘different’.”

Continued on page 33

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

Seriously Scented Candles

Beautiful Fragrances & Plenty of Sparkle!

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Left: Talking Tables’ sparkly bow tie for dogs.

Below left: My Cat Bites reward treats.

Below right: The Donald Trump Pet Hates toy makes a humorous gift.

Gifts For Pets

T

he pet market, which is predicted to be worth some £7bn in the UK in 2020/2021, is going from strength to strength, with pet lovers putting Christmas gifts for their furry friends high on their festive shopping list. As well as being about the practical, there’s a huge demand for pet themed sentiment giftware, as well as the cute and the humorous.

With pet ownership at an all-time high, and pet gifts one of the fastest growing markets, what have pet owners been looking for in the run up to Christmas?

Mooch Gifts & Home, which has stores in Stourport on Severn and Bewdley, launched Pooch @ mooch last year, primarily focusing on canine gifts, with Mooch’s co-owner Jon May confirming that the range is going from strength to strength.

popular as they clip onto a dog's collar, with new Christmas designs making them an ideal gift for a pet. We also have a fabulous sparkly dickie bow-tie from Talking Tables, which is perfect for pooches to wear on Christmas Day. Plus, following the success of our ranges from Sophie Allport, we have a new range of beds, toys, collars and leads featuring a country theme that’s a great fit for our trading area.”

“Our customers love the quality accessories and gifts we sell for their four-legged friends and owners,” he states. “In our area of trading, we find that dog-led products and gifts are much stronger, although we do a few gift items for cats, such as foodie My Cat Bites tins, and we also do well with Sweet William of London’s The Mog Father mugs as well as The Dog Father mugs.

They’re presented with ribbon, in a gift box, making it an easy wrap for Christmas.”

For those looking for a bit of a giggle however, Mooch offers just the thing. “Since we launched the humorous Pet Hates toys last year we have seen them fly out of the shop, not only for dogs but as human gifts too. Donald and Boris have been very popular, and we have recently taken delivery of three new lines - Priti, Michael and Keir so we’re hoping for some bumper sales with these characters.”

Another doggy brand that is doing well for Mooch is Wren & Rye’s BowDangles which was highly commended in the Gift of the Year 2020 awards. “They are very

As for stocking fillers, Jon says that My Dog Bites make a great pick up gift.

“They’re 100% natural dog treats in a handy, pocket-sized metal tin, while the Travel Dog Tin has also proved very popular as it features essentials you need when you are out and about with your dog.”

In the run-up to Christmas, Jon highlights that Mooch will also be stocking Sarah Kelleher’s Christmas dog themed bags, as well as The Art File’s Frank The Sausage Dog Christmas cards, gift wrap and gift bags.

Sentimentally Speaking

S

entiment giftware has long been a ‘must have’ for gift shops, but this year, it has really come into its own, with people longing to tell their nearest and dearest what they mean to them and how much they’re missing them. Whether it’s through a plaque or a mug, or sentiment jewellery, there’s a huge need to interact with others and to share thoughts and feelings.

“We generally put out our Christmas stock at the very end of October, leaving our general stock on display for as long as

Left: Among the array of sentiment gifts that are ringing up sales.

possible, but this year, people started their Christmas shopping in early October, so we went out a bit earlier with our giftware, although not anything overtly Christmassy,” explains Savita Marsh, owner of Northwood Cards & Gifts in Northwood.

“Sentiment gifts have been very popular, and we stock a wide selection of brands, with customers buying plaques, coasters and Continued on page 35

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hanging signs from East of India, as well Joma Jewellery’s ‘A Little’ bracelets and Blue Mountain Arts’ bookmarks and plaques.

These type of gifts are especially relevant this year, as, depending on restrictions, people may not be able to see their family and friends, so they will be looking not only for gifts that they can post, but also gifts that express their feelings. Joma’s ‘A Little’ bracelet, for example, is a great all year round seller - in fact, we re-stocked in midOctober - and feel sure they will be a winner this Christmas.”

Savita adds that mugs with sentiment on have also been ringing up sales, to include designs from Rosie Made A Thing, Katie Loxton, Rachel Ellen and WPL, with Joe Davies’ sentiment plaques and Family & Friends wooden photo frames saying it all.

Left: A Rosie Made A Thing mug from Mclaggan Smith Mugs.

Below: Northwood Cards & Gifts in Northwood.

“These past few weeks we’ve also been feeling the love in the shop, to include the love between our customers and ourselves, and between the customers themselves, who we’ve noticed are wanting to interact more. They’re being polite and friendly about social distancing and seem happy to chat to each other as they wander round the store.”

Humour & Fun

I

n a surreal year that has seen the pandemic turn everything on its head, some light relief is definitely the order of the day for Christmas, with novelty gifts the ideal stocking fillers to cheer someone up.

“It’s been a very weird year, so I think many people are dealing with the horrible situation we’re in with humour,” says Davina Parkhouse, owner of quirky gift shop The Bean Hive in Kettering and The Bean Hive By The Sea in Falmouth. “It’s

one of the reasons that people started their Christmas shopping early this year - in our case, a week after the schools went back in September and students went off to university. We all need cheering up and something to look forward to, with humorous gifts a strong sector for us.”

Davina strives to make The Bean Hive different, with a twist being that there is a ‘shop within a shop’ upstairs - Sweary Mary’s - that’s packed full of humorous gifts, games, books and cards that get customers giggling.

“The gifts are light-hearted, some are a bit rude or risqué, but everything is tasteful,” she confirms. “For example, one of our best sellers is a book from Boxer Gifts called Track and Trace which is hilarious. We normally buy in small quantities, but when we saw this product we knew the book would be a best seller in the run up to

Left: Track and Trace from Boxer Gifts.

Far left: The Bean Hive in Kettering.

Christmas and that we had to up the order. Our hunch was right because we’ve sold a huge number of them. It was a similar story with a slightly risqué sanitiser from Icognito. We sold out virtually as they soon as they came into the store. Anything that’s apt seems to work.”

She adds that, normally, Christmas shopping goes crazy in December, especially during the last week, but adds that she can’t imagine that happening this year. “The government may decide to do a Christmas lockdown when the schools and universities close, which is why all our customers are saying to us that they want to do their Christmas shopping now. In fact, we started to see an early splurge at both our stores in October.”

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WHAT’S NEW

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

Classic Wooden Toys Orange Tree Toys offer traditional, brightly coloured, hand painted, environmentally friendly wooden toys.

New for

2021

They are durable and high quality, but also highly

PPEERSONNAALISSEED

collectable with classic childhood favourites including Winnie the Pooh and Disney.

I ERS A TISE AND SANI

Orange Tree Toys T: 01242 244500 E: sales@orangetreetoys.com W: www.orangetreetoys.com

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Keeping Things Cool

The coolest way to keep kids’ meals fresh.

Coolbags from Global Journey are collapsible when empty and compact when full. They are easy to clean and an exciting, fun way to carry kids’ snacks and lunches. These new bright, vibrant and insulated cool bags are personalised with the most popular kids’ names.

Global Journey T: 0161 8720333 E: isamuels@global-journey.com W: www.global-journey.com

Licensed Gifts Posh Paws’ Love Hearts collection is full of brightly coloured and cuddly ‘characters’. Bestsellers in the range include Alan the Avocado and the new ‘Foodie Friends’ characters; Dolly Doughnut, Frenchy Fries and Patrick Pizza which have fun messaging.

Posh Paws T: 01268 567317 E: sales@poshpawsinternational.co.uk W: www.poshpawsinternational.co.uk

Fun Prints for Kids Fun Mealtimes

Stock Rex London’s matching sets of new kids’

Cheer up meal times with new melamine

pencil cases, wallets and washbags. Made from

tableware in three popular Rex London prints. For

waterproof oilcloth, they are easy to wipe clean.

little ones there’s a tray with handy sections, and

Choose from Space Age, Prehistoric Land, Wild

for older kids there are plates and bowls.

Wonders or Butterfly Garden prints.

Complete the set with a matching cup and spoon

Rex London

- all dishwasher friendly.

T: 020 87461700

Rex London

E: info@rexlondon.com

T: 020 87461700

W: www.rexlondontrade.com

E: info@rexlondon.com W: www.rexlondontrade.com

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WHAT’S NEW

Planning Ahead With Valentine’s Day and Mothering Sunday on the horizon, Best Kept Secret’s ‘Just Because’ range of candles celebrates friends, family and special moments. A lovely gift

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

using its classic cotton fragrance and, of course, plenty of sparkly toppings.

Best Kept Secrets T: 01670 512222

Decorative Diffusers

E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Ashleigh & Burwood has added royal blue and amber glass

W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

vessels to its Heritage Collection of decorative diffusers. With reeds and a selection of five nostalgic fragrances sold separately, these home fragrance pieces are easy to personalise to suit fragrance preference.

Ashleigh & Burwood T: 01932 267060 E: customeroperationsteam@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk W: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

Winter In A Candle Monochrome with a red colour pop, is the signature design for ‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’, the modern winter home fragrance range from Wax Lyrical. Each complex and decadent scent features a charming character illustration to bring a stylish touch of winter to any home.

Wax Lyrical T: 01229 461111 E: customerservice@wax-lyrical.com W: www.waxlyricaltrade.com

Candles for charity ChilliWinter has recently launched its remedial Aromatherapy collection and partnership with Hospice UK. Each handmade candle combines pure soy wax and blended essential oils, with each blend designed to enhance wellbeing. Choose from Breathe, Calm, Energise, Rest and Uplifting and for every 150g candle sold, ChilliWinter will donate £3.75 to Hospice UK. ChilliWinter T: 07912 946574 E: info@chilliwinter.co.uk W: www.chilliwinter.co.uk

Vintage-inspired Fragrance Lamps Ashleigh & Burwood presents new elegant swirl effect glass fragrance lamps in muted jewel colours. The lamps offer all the same air cleansing benefits as those in its core collection. Each one is beautifully packaged and has a cut away window, allowing the colours to be seen immediately on shelf.

Ashleigh & Burwood T: 01932 267060 E: customeroperationsteam@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk W: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

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WHAT’S NEW

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

Winter Warmers Hot Tomato has a new range of super-soft, brushed acrylic scarves and co-ordinated gloves. The scarves drape beautifully and are wonderfully tactile and the faux suede gloves sport strategically placed embroidered flowers.

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

Christmas bracelets Each WishStrings bracelet is presented on a beautifully designed card with an inspirational saying, quirky graphics and empowering words. A new range of Wishstrings is available for Christmas 2020 with several festive themes to choose from.

WishStrings T: 07988 753284 E: wishstrings@hotmail.co.uk W: www.wishstringswholesales.co.uk

Fashion that gives protection Lesser and Pavey bring to the marketplace face masks and scarf masks that offer protection, as well as a fashion accessory. They come in six designs, are made with 100% cotton outer fabric and have a removable PM2.5 filter that protects against airborne particles. Each mask comes in a reusable zip lock storage bag.

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

AW20 collection The AW20 collection from Miss Milly includes new magnetic brooch designs and magnetic pendant gift sets both perfect for gifting, as well as winter-weight scarves, resin cufflinks and a plethora of colourful resin and painted jewellery. Branded packaging, POS and display stands are available.

Miss Milly T: 01905 622509

Festive Jewellery

E: hello@missmilly.co.uk

poems. Each shimmering stretch bead bracelet has

W: www.missmilly.co.uk

been designed using silver-plating for the most special

Joma Jewellery’s brand-new festive ‘A Littles’ range features seasonal sparkles, dainty charms and festive

gifting moments. This Christmas, navy blue packaging is decorated with a metallic silver snowflake print.

Joma Jewellery T: 01295 232782 E: customercare@jomajewellery.com W: www.jomajewellery.com

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WHAT’S NEW

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

Portable Straw This is the Last Straw, a reusable and portable telescopic straw with keychain case from The Last Company. The telescopic straw is made from food grade stainless steel and extends up to 19cm. It’s dishwasher safe and comes with a cleaning brush. Available in seven colours and comes in ready to display boxes filled with 30 units.

The Last Company E: katie@thelast.company W: www.thelast.company

Personalised Dog Bandanas PMC has launched new designs for this festive season for its personalised dog bandanas. Featuring an adjustable strap with buckle, they can be personalised with the dog’s name. There are nine designs to choose from, with an ideal style for every personality of pooch!

Personalised Momento Company

Shower Entertainment

T: 01782 744900

Add a splash of colour to bathrooms with a portable

E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

bluetooth speaker from Rex London that is water

W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

resistant and has a suction cup for attaching to the wall. Perfect for playing something soothing during a relaxing bath, or for blaring upbeat tracks in the shower to get the day off to an energetic start.

Rex London T: 020 87461700 E: info@rexlondon.com W: www.rexlondontrade.com

Hot & Cold Drinks Cup This cup from Puckator is made from durable, corrosion resistant stainless steel providing the perfect alternative to single use paper cups. The insulated design means the outer layer remains free of condensation whilst keeping drinks cold for up to eight hours and warm for up to six - so many great reasons to replace your daily disposable!

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

Rainbow Angels

Christmas Canes

Joe Davies has introduced its brand new beautiful

New from walking stick specialist Classic Canes in

rainbow themed angel figurines. A combination

time for Christmas is an exclusive new range of

of a colourful soft rainbow and cloud with its

folding canes. The patterns reflect the hobbies and

bestselling angel figurines.There are twelve

interests of many stick users including nature,

designs to choose from with heartfelt messages

gardening, dogs and horses. Designs vary from a

for Mum, family, friends and even just messages

very striking ladybird print to a subtle montage of

of hope and positivity to brighten someone’s day.

British owls.

Joe Davies

Classic Canes

T: 0161 9756300

T: 01460 75686

E: sales@joedavies.co.uk

E: charlotte@classiccanes.co.uk

W: www.joedavies.co.uk

W: www.classiccanes.co.uk

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WHAT’S NEW

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

Festive & Fun Face coverings Joe Davies has got the back end of the season covered with glitz and sequins and fun Christmas characters within its snoozies face coverings range.These reusable and fashionable masks are made of three ply layers, from high quality fabrics that are super soft making them extremely comfortable to wear.

Joe Davies T: 01329 227300

Christmas Collaboration

E: sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk

classic scents inspired by mulling spice and fir needle. The collection

In partnership with Spode, the iconic Christmas Tree collection, which dates back to 1938, has been brought to life by Wax Lyrical with two

W: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

includes a tealight gift set, reed diffuser nutcracker tin, a candle tin gift set, an advent calendar and a musical candle tin.

Wax Lyrical T: 01229 461111 E: customerservice@wax-lyrical.com W: www.waxlyricaltrade.com

New Paddington Range The highly-anticipated ‘Adventures of Paddington’ preschool toy range from Rainbow Designs will feature a super soft and cuddly Deluxe Paddington Plush, standing at 33cm tall and wearing his famous red hat and duffle coat with real toggles, that can be removed for extra play value.

Rainbow Designs T: 01329 227300 E: sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk W: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Christmas Face Coverings Puckator’s new Christmas face coverings collection features designs for both

Personalised Christmas Bauble

adults and children ranging from cute

This new personalised Christmas bauble from the

elves and festive greetings, to a not so

Personalised Memento Company is sure to raise a

subtle ‘kiss me quick’ under the

smile. Bringing a little ray of sunshine in a cloudy

mistletoe! The best feature is the masks

time, featuring a festive twist on the symbol of

come with adjustable straps so each

hope. Able to be personalised on the front and

wearer can find the perfect fit for them

include a special message on the back, these

and there’s over 20 holiday designs to

keepsakes are posted direct to your customer.

choose from.

Personalised Memento Company

Puckator

T: 01782 744900

T: 0800 011 6969

E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk

W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

W: www.puckator.co.uk

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New for

2021

PERSONALISED

HAND SANITISERS 30ML VOLUME

New Shaped Bottle

The coolest way to keep kids’ meals fresh.

Coolbags are collapsible when empty and compact when full. They are easy to clean and an exciting, fun way to carry kids’ snacks and lunches.

These new bright, vibrant and insulated cool bags, personalised with the most popular kids’ names are certain to be the hottest and coolest new product for 2021.

Optional display available with 24 generic designs.

Global Journey’s great, new and fun children’s Hand Sanitisers are an essential product for all hands.

These scented, non sticky, antibacterial pocket / bag sized hand gels are a great pick up line retailing for only £2.99.

Ideal to attach to school bags or keep in pockets, or clipped to kids’ belts, these cool hand sanitisers are a must-have item for children of all ages.

There are 72 names, and 24 fun generic designs, including Flamingos, Unicorns, and Superheroes.

Insulated to keep meals tasty and fresh.

To order

00_GH_November 2020.indd 1

Call us on : 0161 872 0333; email: isamuels@global-journey.com; visit: www.global-journey.com or scan here:

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WHAT’S NEW

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month Charity Crystals Handmade in the UK and inspired by the outpouring of support for the NHS, this limited edition Crystal Fantasy from Wild Things is the perfect way to say 'thank you' and has become the ultimate bestseller of the year in gift outlets across the country with 50 pence of every sale goes directly to NHS Charities Together.

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

Christmas outfits Children can really get into the festive spirit with Blade & Rose’s Christmas collection. With gift sets available which include knitted leggings, ‘I believe’ long sleeved t shirts, and socks, all featuring a festive theme and seasonal colours.

Blade & Rose T: 01539 730880 E: amanda@bladeandrose.co.uk W: www.bladeandrose.co.uk

Festive fragrances The Winter Wonderland collection is an extension of the original Wrendale Designs home fragrance collection by Wax Lyrical. It celebrates designer Hannah Dale’s most quintessentially British

Christmas kitchen storage

animal illustrations which have become a hugely popular

Keeping festive bakes fresh in Nordic

collectable range, and the festive fragrances are no exception.

Wax Lyrical T: 01229 461111

Christmas style are these Rex London

E: customerservice@wax-lyrical.com

napkins, or amp up your window display

W: www.waxlyricaltrade.com

with coordinating present wrapping

cake and mince pie tins. Create a seasonal table setup with the matching

goodies, such as tissue paper and washi

Gifts for little ones Ziggle has several gift sets available for little ones for the festive period. With eye catching designs and soft colourways the sets include variations of different products including muslin cloths, hats, bibs and blankets.

Ziggle T: 01625 569530

tape.

Rex London T: 020 87461700 E: info@rexlondon.com W: www.rexlondontrade.com

E: customercare@ziggle.co.uk W: www.ziggle.co.uk

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Best Sellers Progressive Gifts & Home asked a selection of Greats 2020 winners about the products which have been flying off their shelves this month.

Rachel Bates, owner, The Celtic Company, Welshpool A large gift shop on a high street.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Richard Lang: homewares/Bee range

Great quality and a perfect price point for a pick-up gift.

Home Fragrancing

Arran Aromatics: Sense of Scotland and After The Rain’s Apothecary range; The Original Welsh Candle Company

We love the quality of the products and the striking packaging.

Jewellery

Carrie Elspeth: Core collection; Suzie Blue: chunky wooden jewellery

Perfect AW2020 seasonal tones. The jewellery delivers on price and range.

New for us this year, the colours and price points have been a hit with customers.

Fashion Accessories

Powder: across the board;

The mix of Autumnal tones and quality items in beautiful packaging are especially popular.

Gorgeous colours. Lovely, luxury Christmas presents.

Above: Homewares from Richard Lang.

Right: Autumn fashion accessories from Powder.

Cadenza Italy: cashmere blend ponchos, snoods, wrist warmers

One of our fastest selling items.

Homemade in Wales. Beautifully packaged.

Greeting Cards

Alff A Bet Cards

The new range for Welsh and blank cards has been a best seller.

Giftwrap

Glick

Paper Salad’s Cats & Dogs range are outselling everything else.

Other Hot Hits

Sass & Belle: children’s homeware; Coco Pzazz Gin & Tonic Fudge

The bamboo plates, spoons and nightlights have flown out, with best sellers the woodland and fox ranges.

This sold out so quickly! We’ll be stocking the gingerbread range for Christmas.

Lesley Bancroft, owner, Buy The Light, Bury St Edmunds A medium sized shop on a secondary site.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Edge Sculpture: across the board; Jomali Annay Designs: ceramic handmade hearts

Customers love this range. They really have ‘wow’ appeal as their construction is so unusual.

Really popular with customers. The hearts have simple sentiments and are individually made.

Home Fragrancing

Maison Berger: Lampe Berger fragrance lamps; Classic Candle: reed diffusers

Customers love the quality and wide range of perfume options.

Amazing fragrances. They last for months.

Jewellery

WishStrings: sentiment corded bracelets;

A constant best seller, they are reasonably priced and perfect to post.

Fashion Accessories

Pure Fashions; scarves Red Cuckoo: handbags

These sell all year round.

Good quality, value fashion bags in seasonal colours.

Greeting Cards

Berni Parker

The amusing Ladies Who Love Life range appeals to women of a certain age.

Giftwrap

Alex Clark Art

Customers like the innocence of Alex’s dogs, cats, bees and flowers.

Above: Maison Berger Christmas collection.

Right: Jamali Annay ceramic hearts.

44

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Harriet and Adam de Wolff, co-owners of The Indigo Tree in Crystal Palace and Streatham Medium sized, high street gift and card shops.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Gisela Graham: ceramic flower pot covers; ceramic mugs; Transomnia: mini twin and five concertina wooden photo frames

The flower pot covers have unusual designs, while the patterned mugs make a great gift or self-purchase.

These affordable frames are consistently in our top sellers lists.

Perfect for photo cut-outs.

Fragrancing

The Indigo Tree: candles, diffusers and incense sticks;

Our own range has always been popular, with fragrances Inspiration, Relaxing and Happy reflecting current times.

A wide range of gorgeous fragrances, with both products beautifully illustrated and packaged.

Above: Among The Indigo Tree’s own brand candles.

Right: A popular Eco Chic face mask.

The English Soap Company: Kew Gardens soaps and hand creams

Jewellery

Siren Silver: birthstones and precious stones; Old Farmhouse Jewellery: silver and brass charms

This beautiful, well made range of sterling silver jewellery is great value.

Stunning, unusual jewellery that makes great everyday and statement pieces.

Fashion Accessories

PoM Boutique: hats and gloves; Eco Chic: face masks

Every season brings new designs and colours that accessorise with everything.

We’ve sold over 1,000 masks in the last 90 days. That says it all!

Greeting Cards

Think Of Me Designs

Our out and out top seller this Autumn.

Giftwrap

Glick, Artebene and The Art File

All have been extremely strong in this sector.

Other Hot Hits

Ziggle: bibs, socks, muslins

This range has been fantastic for us.

Clare Bishop, owner, Cornucopia, Worcester A large gift and home store on a secondary site.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Garden Trading: across the board;

Functional, well designed products for the home that are popular with customers.

Stoneware candle holders and lamps are high in demand.

One World Trading: across the board Home Fragrancing

Stoneglow: perfume mist diffusers; St Eval: tealights and tins

Jewellery

Joma Jewellery: ‘A Little’ bracelets Tutti: across the board

Great for a small, sentiment pick up gift, and easy to post.

Lots of new collections and different layers that makes the jewellery stand out.

One Button: scarves;

Bold, colourful, good value fashionled scarves.

Beautiful products in many sectors.

The hairbands and face masks have been helping to cheer people up.

Above: Perfume mist diffuser from Stoneglow.

Right: Caroline Gardner face masks.

Fashion Accessories

Stylish, competitively priced with lovely oils that encourage repeat business.

We do extremely well with the tealights and candles in a tin. Some lovely Christmas fragrances too.

Caroline Gardner: hairbands and face masks

Greeting Cards

Art Angels

A great range that sells all year round.

Giftwrap

Toasted Crumpet

Creatively designed, to include illustrations of animals.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat: across the board

Products excel, especially at Christmas, with great products for all the family.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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

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

With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 7,559 readers and industry leading open rates, - largely dominated by retail buyers, the twice-weekly this fast-paced sector.

The modern, easy to navigate website provides a in-depth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Gifts & Home, and much, much more.

Advertising and Commercial Opportunities: Advertisement Manager - Jo Pilcher jop@max-publishing.co.uk

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

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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!

ECO CHIC T: 020 8813 8545 E: website@eco-chic.eu W: www.eco-chic.shop

ZIGGLE T: 01625 569530 E: nicole@ziggle.co.uk W: www.ziggle.co.uk

JOMA JEWELLERY T: 01295 232782 E: customercare@jomajewellery.com W: www.jomajewellery.com

WISHSTRINGS T: 07988 753284 E: wishstrings@hotmail.co.uk W: www.wishstrings.co.uk

TRANSOMNIA T: 01892 703660 E: sales@transomnia.com W: www.transomnia.com

ONE BUTTON E: info@onebuttonuk.com W: www.onebuttonuk.com

TOASTED CRUMPET T: 01372 635359 E: hello@toastedcrumpet.co.uk W: www.toastedcrumpet.co.uk

RICHARD LANG T: 01332 340927 E: sales@richardlang.co.uk W: www.richardlang.co.uk

CARRIE ELSPETH T: 01446 771271 E: sales@carrieelspeth.com W: www.carrieelspeth.com Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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