Progressive Gifts & Home October November 2022

VENT for Change

Sustainable stationery with style

Editor’s Insight

Welcome to the October/November issue of Progressive Gifts & Home, and what a rollercoaster few weeks it’s been for us all. Here at Progressive Gifts & Home, we were all deeply saddened by the passing of our magnificent, much-loved Queen, with many in the industry paying tribute to her life of dedicated service. Turn to page 9.

Meanwhile, with a new PM and Chancellor at No. 10, a ‘hit the ground running’ radical September mini budget has pushed the financial markets into turmoil. In addition to the worries concerning the energy crisis and rampant inflation, the soaring rise in interest rates has seen an inevitable drop in consumer confidence, with everyone looking to seriously reduce their outgoings. So what do suppliers and retailers have to say about the challenges for the gift industry? Turn to pages 17-19 for some insightful comments.

Meanwhile, amid the talk about how people are going to cope financially over the coming months, there’s also very real concern about increased anxiety and the nation’s mental health. Home fragrancing companies give their views on how simply lighting a candle, or burning essential oils, can promote a feeling of calmness, helping people to relax mentally as well as physically. Turn to pages 37-39.

During the pandemic, for many people, pets were seen as an effective way to promote wellbeing and aid mental health, so with Christmas around the corner, we look at some affordable gifts, not just for our furry friends that are part of the family, but also for pet owners themselves. Turn to pages 2527 to see what’s trending.

Additionally, we shine the spotlight on collectables - once the money-spinning darling of the gift industry - to see where the sector is now and what, with Christmas in mind, a new generation of consumers are enthusiastically collecting. Turn to pages 47-49.

Plus, we’re delighted to congratulate Boxer Gifts on the company’s 40th anniversary, with ceo and ‘chief of fun’, Thomas O’Brien, carrying on the family tradition that focuses on fun, funky products that aim to give retailers and their customers something to laugh about. Turn to pages 44-45.

Left: Sue (right) caught up with Morleys Group Amanda Bell, buying director - home, in the gift department at Elys in Wimbledon, S W London. Turn to Location, Location, Location on pages 34-35.

Below left: PG&H’s advertisement manager Ali Farrell with her fur babies, Poppy and Lola. Turn to Man’s Best Friend on pages 25-27.

As for colour trends, think pink! A winner on the fashion front this year, pink is now big news in gifts and homewares. Turn to page 33 to discover more.

On the retail front, with gifts, lifestyle and home a very important part of the product mix at Morleys Group of eight department stores, we caught up with Amanda Bell, buying director - home, to discover what’s on offer for customers in the run up to Christmas. Turn to pages 34-35.

Plus, Andrea Pinder, owner of multi-award winning Presentation Cards & Gifts in Barrowford - which won The Greats North, N. Ireland & Scotland category in May - reveals what gives her gift store and bistro the edge in today’s challenging times. “It’s time to cosy up!” says Andrea. Turn to pages 22-23.

We’re also delighted to welcome a guest retail columnist this month, Libby Holden, owner of gift and lifestyle store Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, winner of The Greats 2022 Best NonSpecialist Retailer Of Gifts. Libby not only discusses life on the high street, but also highlights the best-selling product sectors that are driving sales. Turn to page 21.

And finally, you’ll find all the very latest industry news and views on pages 7-15 too; so, with this being our last issue of 2022, come what may, we wish you the best possible run up to the festive season.

Enjoy the issue!

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Deck the Halls

Our Winter Collection for 2022 features over 320 new lines, extending our popular festive offering to over 680 products. This collection embraces two different trends, a sophisticated neutral Nordic style and a timeless new traditionall feel. The introduction of our new candle collection, which features both real and LED options is a welcome addition to the range, creating ambience that is essential for an effective display.

Scan the QR code for more

Xmas Gingerbread

Equilibrium® Bamboo Socks

Xmas Village Pottery

Bree Merryn

Xmas

Gonks

Xmas Santa Gonks

The Greats Awards Are Open For Entry

Date

The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2023 - now in their 21st great and glorious year – are open, setting out to recognise and reward the UK’s outstanding gift shops and gift departments. The closing date for entries is14 February, 2023.

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

Uniting the gift industry, The Greats gift retailer awards winners, along with The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year (GOTY) awards winners, will be revealed at The Gift Awards, a fabulous black tie awards event, to be held at the glamorous Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday May 11.

Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com. Entries can also be emailed direct to suem@max-publishing.co.uk.

Seaside Store For Brocante

A brand new gift and lifestyle store has been added to multi-award-winning Brocante’s portfolio, with co-owners David Lorimer and Keirion Cockley delighted to be besides the seaside with their new Perranporth shop.

Brocante’s other stores are located in Cornwall’s Mevagissey, Fowey (x2), St Ives and Charleston.

At the beginning of October, Keiron and David, took part in the London Marathon raising over £3,000 for The Children’s Society.

Below: A glimpse into the interior of the new store.

Continues Sue: “Therefore once again, we’re on the lookout for those extra special gift and lifestyle retailers, departments stores and garden centres that, despite the challenges this year, are nevertheless managing to stay at the top of their game. The Greats are a fantastic opportunity for gift retailers right across the board - from the tiniest village shop to the largest multiple - to bang the drum about their achievements over the past year. We know that there are some incredible retailers out there, and we want to hear from them!”

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

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

High Five For KeepSakes

Game On For Gift Of The Year

It’s all to play for at the Gift of the Year Awards 2023 with a brand new category, Games, introduced by organisers The Giftware Association.

‘We’re really excited about the new category as it gives space to celebrate all those fantastic games, as well as the brands that create them,” said Chris Workman, The Giftware Association’s PR and marketing manager.

“We spoke to a lot of companies over the Autumn trade show season and it was evident that there needed to be a category to celebrate them.”

Visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk; www.thegiftawards.com

Right: Games is a new Gift of the Year category for 2023. Shown is a past winner from Whiz Kid Games.

Back To The Future

Multi-award winning gift and lifestyle retailer Joco Interiors in Nuneaton has relocated for a fourth time, moving into a bigger store on the high street where it all began.

“It will allow us to have late night openings, special events, members nights and charity fundraisers, as we did previously in our very first shop,” explained Joco’s owner, Jo Williams. “We’re in a prime location, due to the £multi-million investment programmes happening in Nuneaton at the moment, and will be facing the new Hilton hotel and open plaza area when the development is completed in two to three years time.”

Left: The new Joco store in Nuneaton. Jo Williams is shown with her son Cameron, and colleague Fiona Withey.

KeepSakes Scotland recently opened a fifth gift store in Ayr’s town centre. “This is our biggest store to date and we are delighted with how it’s turned out,” said co-owner Scott Nichol. “We have expanded on product ranges, as well as bringing in some new additions that are exclusive to the Ayr store, receiving a great welcome from the town.”

The first KeepSakes store opened in March 2020 in Pitlochry, with stores following in Loch Lomond, Inverness and Stirling. “So far, the season has been really busy for us which is great, and we now have plans to open our sixth store in Dundee later this year,” confirms Scott.

Below: Keepsakes co-owners, Scott and Stephen Nichol, are shown with their mum Rosemary, at the new store in Ayr.

Above left: The winners of The Greats and the Gift of the Year awards will be announced at London’s Royal Lancaster London hotel next May.

Gift Industry Pays Its Respects

Tributes To The Queen Pour In

Following the sad passing of the Queen on 8 September, the gift industry - both suppliers and retailers - expressed their deepest sadness, remembering her with much love and gratitude for a lifetime of devoted service.

Julian Hunt, managing director of Lesser & Pavey commented: “She was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to serving her country with dignity, loyalty and humility. She has been a huge part of our lives and will be greatly missed.”

Sharing his thoughts, Bruce Bell, marketing director of Gallery Direct said: “her service and devotion to our country throughout her reign was inspirational,” while Gisela Graham’s director Piers Croke added: “if we think back to the 80’s when we started our business, we remember how much has changed: the end of the Soviet Union, the internet and turmoil in the Middle East. Throughout those years, our Sovereign alone stood unchanged, a beacon of stability and hope for us all in the United Kingdom and respected around the world. We shall miss her steadfastness.”

Scott Nicol, co-owner of gift retail multiple KeepSakes

Scotland said: “the Queen was always a tower of strength and dignity for our country. She loved Scotland and Scotland loved her back, with people turning out in their thousands to pay their respects to an exceptional woman.”

Gift retailer Karen Ritchie, owner of The Rowan Tree in Budleigh Salterton, concurred: “such a very special lady who devoted her whole life to the country and to us all. A beautiful, wise and charismatic person whose memory we will all cherish forever.”

Also sharing her thoughts was gift retailer Maggie Thornton, owner of Alligator Pear in Tadworth, Surrey. “We adored the Queen and it’s hard to put into words how we feel now. A lot of customers and, indeed, some of the staff chose to wear black the next day as a sign of respect.”

Above: HM The Queen: 21 April1926 - 8 September, 2022.

HRP Seeks Licensees

Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) - the charity that cares for the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens - is expanding its licensing programme both in the UK and internationally.

Licensing agency The Point.1888 is looking to grow the existing programme alongside the HRP team, as well as securing new partners across categories including homewares, jewellery, tabletop, stationery, garden, toys and games, health and beauty and publishing.

Licensees will have the opportunity to be inspired by an extensive asset library which includes imagery, patterns, prints, grand architecture, interiors, collections of fine art, furniture, fashion and gardens.

Above: Hampton Court Palace.

Wrendale Honours The Queen

Having won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade in 2019, Hannah Dale, founder and creative maestro at Wrendale Designs, has honoured the Queen with a piece of artwork that is raising money for charity.

“The Queen has been an enduring presence for as long as most of us can remember, therefore I wanted to create a fitting tribute to a wonderful Queen who dedicated her life in service to our country,” explained Hannah. “I painted a piece of artwork that felt reflective and peaceful while capturing enduring love.”

Continued Hannah: “in tribute to Her Majesty, we had a lovely response to the artwork, with lots of requests for the design to be made available as a print. We therefore decided to offer a limited number with all profits from the print going to The Dogs Trust - a favourite charity of Her Majesty.”

Right: The artwork and limited edition print created by Wrendale Designs’ Hannah Dale.

Industry NEWS

Remembering Her Majesty

Lesser & Pavey is remembering the Queen through the company’s brand new rangeRoyal Heritage. “Our in-house design team have put together a range in celebration of her reign depicting the Queen from 21 April 1926 to 8 September 2022,” explains managing director Julian Hunt. The range includes a cup and saucer, mugs, trays, plates, a keyring, place and coaster mats, spoon rest and gift sets, with items packaged to reflect the contents.

“We chose the design and colours based on our knowledge and pedigree from previous very successful Royal Wedding and Jubilee collections we have sold,” continues Julian. “Given the historic importance of the collection, we want the commemorative range to be a constant reminder of our Queen, the longest ever reigning monarch.”

Orders are being taken now. Limited stock is available.

Above: Part of the Royal Heritage collection from Lesser & Pavey.

A Floral Tribute

To celebrate the life of the Queen, designer Victoria Eggs has created a Queen Elizabeth commemorative collection which includes a bone china mug, tea cup and saucer, a tea towel, canvas tote bag, a bauble and a magnet.

Featuring Her Majesty’s crown, surrounded by a spray of flowers, each representing England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, along with pine from the gardens of Balmoral and lavender and rosemary, (for remembrance), from the grounds of Windsor Castle, (which featured in the Queen's memorial service floral arrangement, poignantly hand-selected by King Charles).

“A simple message on each item reads: ’Thank you for everything’, the words of Paddington Bear, and a tender sentiment that reflects our gratitude,” highlights Victoria Eggs, founder of her eponymous company. The collection will be available from December.

Above: A commemorative tea towel from Victoria Eggs.

Left: Mooch Gifts & Home created a special window in tribute to the passing of the Queen.

US And Canada Beckon For Marmalade Ambitious Plans In The Pipeline

Home fragrancing company Marmalade of London will be increasing its footprint across the US and Canadian retail market, expanding its offer to include new permanent showrooms in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Las Vegas (recently opened) and Toronto.

The company has secured a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK, which will also enable the business to purchase and fitout a new, 25,000 square foot environmentally-friendly warehouse and office facility, complete with machinery and showrooms. The new premises features low air permeability design, high performance insulation and cladding, as well as electric vehicle charging points. A thousand new trees have also been planted around the site to benefit the local environment. The increased space is expected to triple Marmalade of London’s production capacity.

“It’s an exciting time for our business,” confirms Marmalade’s Piers Flook. “We’re

increasing our domestic and international business, expanding our product range to enter new markets including skincare, and increasing our investment in innovation. Our new, ecofriendly warehouse facility will also decrease our CO2 emissions and our occupying costs.”

All Marmalade home fragrancing products feature natural ingredients, to include shea butter, soy wax and essential oils, with the Marmalade Wellbeing collection highly commended in the Gift of the Year Awards 2022.

Joe Davies Acquisition

Joe Davies recently acquired the brand, stock and assets of importer East West (Europe) Limited which specialised in supplying licensed products from leading UK artists across a range of homeware, gift lines and kitchen.

Following completion of the deal, Joe Davies signed new licencing agreements with Bree Merryn, Emma Lawrence, LoveLilly Art, Paper Shed Designs, Sunny by Sue, Louise Tate and Siobhan Harrison.

“We have been working with East West for several years and know the collection and brand intimately,” explained Joe Davies’ managing director Paul Hooker. “The range is perfect for independent retailers and a firm favourite with our customers. We’re very pleased to have secured a number of licensing agreements with some of the UK’s leading artists to help us develop the East West brand within Joe Davies in the future.”

Above: Emma Lawrence’s farm animal mugs.

Lathering Up

In a positive move that significantly reduces the company’s carbon footprint, The Somerset Toiletry Company has invested in bringing its soap manufacturing in-house. Previously working with overseas partners, single soap bars will now be produced by the company in a new facility based in North Somerset. “We are proud to be manufacturing in the UK and feel strongly about the environment, doing what we can to protect and conserve with full transparency,” states chairman Sakina Buoy.

Following the initial success of the eco-friendly, triple milled Ministry of Soap collection, new 200g soap bar additions are available featuring Animal Print, Gift Note and French Fancy.

Flavours Of Italy

Currently celebrating the company’s 40th anniversary, American tabletop and gift company Rosanna Inc., has launched a new collection - Erbe Italiane - which takes its inspiration from the herbs used in Italian cuisine, reflecting founder, president and creative maestro Rosanna Bowles’ great love affair with Italy. So what’s next for the company?

“We are actively looking for distributors globally and want to increase our presence abroad,” states Rosanna. “When we were distributed in the UK some years ago, I loved seeing our products in Selfridges and John Lewis & Partners, where we were, arguably, the first tableware company to sell dishes as a gift in beautiful gift boxes.” Visit www.rosannainc.com

Above: Erbe Italiane is among the latest launches from Rosanna Inc.

On The Scent

Ashleigh & Burwood has unveiled a raft of new home fragrancing collections at the company’s showrooms at Heritage House, Surrey; Newby Hall, North Yorkshire and Barton Mill, North Lanarkshire, all of which offer retailers the opportunity to see the company’s full product collections all year round.

“Our investment in these showrooms demonstrates our commitment to working more closely with our retail partners,” explains managing director Andrew Nettleton. “We’re delighted to provide these dedicated spaces across the UK that enable us to showcase our products and fragrances throughout the year. Going forward we see the showrooms as an important supplement to the established trade fairs.”

Above: Ashleigh & Burwood’s Heritage House showroom.

Licensing Award For Mad Beauty

Among the delighted winners to be crowned at the Licensing Awards, held at a glittering ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House hotel in September, was Mad Beauty, which won the Best Licensed Giftware, Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range category, for its Winnie The Pooh Bath & Body Collection.

"We have always loved the Pooh range and felt it delivered on all our goals of trying to make cosmetics fun,” said Mad Beauty’s co-founder Julia Cash. “It was therefore tremendously exciting and very rewarding that the retail judges thought so too. It makes all the hours spent on concepts and design worthwhile."

Above: Mad Beauty’s award winning Winnie The Pooh Bath & Body Collection.

NEWS IN BRIEF

l D & J Glassware is celebrating the company’s 20th anniversary. Visit www.dandjglassware.co.uk

l Demi Pendakis, founder of FYG, winner of the 2022 Gift of the Year home fragrancing category, has co-launched a fashion brand, Fika, with business partner Helen Barker.

l Robert Welch has launched 12 Days of Christmas stainless steel decorations based around the popular festive song.

Right: Christmas decs from Robert Welch.

Below: Marmalade of London is expanding internationally.

Right: Animal Print is a new addition to the Ministry of Soap collection.

How We Shop, Live And Look JLP Reports Home Fragrancing Up 265%

John Lewis & Partners’ latest annual reportHow We Shop, Live and Look - revealed the retailer’s biggest shopping trends in 2022, based on its sales data.

Along with the status symbol of a white sofa, other products that defined the year included home fragrancing products (up a staggering 265%), pet accessories (up 100%), champagne flutes and wine glasses (up 88%), plant pots (up 66%), and mugs, where sales almost doubled compared to the previous year. In addition, shellthemed tableware sales were up by 47%, confirming that hosting and entertaining at home is still on the up.

Soaring home fragrancing sales confirm that people want to their homes to smell as good as they look, with the house plant trend continuing unabated as consumers continue to show an insatiable appetite for faux plants and dried flowers (20%), along with plant pots.

As for the leap in mugs sales, the retailer highlights that it’s been important for people to

take a moment to enjoy the little things in life, such as a mug of tea or coffee.

The analysis of John Lewis’ trends has led the retailer to retire its 97 year-old Never Knowingly Undersold promise and replace it with For all Life’s Moments, as it identifies what it terms as ‘the moments economy’ in the report.

The retailer said that the research showed that shoppers are making more of everyday moments, rather than just the big experiences.

Over the next few months, John Lewis will be revamping its stores, enabling customers to browse by ‘moments’ rather than category sectors.

Above: JLP has published its annual How We Shop, Live and Look report.

SmallBiz100 Line Up

Among the 100 small businesses profiled in this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up - which showcases the best of Britain’s vibrant small business community - are a clutch of independent gift retailers: For The Love of the North, Whitley Bay; Lovely Mama, Inverness; Tailor Made Living, Enfield, and Wakuda, an online market place for black-owned brands.

The SmallBiz100 line-up are being showcased each day as part of the official 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday which returns on 3 December. Visit www.smallbusinesssaturday.uk.com

Wine Not? Launches

As gift retailers welcome early shoppers, Wine Not? is an affordable, fun gift book that makes an ideal add on to Rosie Made A Thing greeting cards.

Recently published by HarperCollins, Wine Not? A Book Of Grown-Up Decisions, features a collection of card publisher owner Rosie Harrison’s humorous cards, based on the everyday lives of ordinary people. “The idea came about following customers’ requests, and we had a lot of fun putting the book together, going back to my very first cards and trying to organise the silliness into coherent chapters,” explains Rosie. “We’re really proud of our little gift book which is full of funnies and is out just in time for Christmas gifting!”

Home Entertaining Driving Sales

Amid the current financial turmoil, it seems that everything stops for tea, with Zoe Wiseman, buyer at Morleys Group of department stores, highlighting afternoon tea collections as one of the strongest tableware categories.

“We’ve seen a big demand for tableware, as so many people focused on their homes during lockdown,” confirms Zoe. “We’ve found that people are looking for more sustainable, iconic pieces, items that will last, and we’ve also seen a massive increase in people wanting to buy afternoon tea collections, to include cups and saucers, tea plates and cake stands. I think the trend has stemmed from the pandemic, when people entertained friends and family in their gardens, and it has carried on. We’re seeing less of a trend driven customer and more of a classic buyer wanting tableware with longevity.”

The Group, named after the original store - Morley and Lanceley - first opened its doors in Brixton, South London, in 1927.

Above: Zoe Wiseman, buyer at Morleys Group, is shown at Elys in Wimbledon.

Industry NEWS

Home Spa Experience

Wax Lyrical has teamed up with multi-award winning spa based JustBe Botanicals to offer a new JustBe at home collection.

Featuring seven pure aromatherapy blends, the collaboration focuses on a desire to restore emotional balance and enhance a sense of wellbeing.

Founder of JustBe Botanicals, Scottish aromatherapist Gail Bryden comments: “In addition to the scent of the pure essential oils, the eco-friendly gift boxes encourage people to engage with their other senses and elevate their experience. There is also a QR code that links to the JustBe in-tune music enabling users to listen to the sound of the oils. It’s like having a spa experience in the comfort of your own home.”

The candles are made from a new coconut wax blend which is renewable and sustainable.

Below: JustBe Botanicals from Wax Lyrical.

l Two new faces have joined the Spring & Autumn Fair team, with Nicola Meadows (right) and Alejandra Campos combining their 35 years’ experience to join show organiser Hyve Group.

As the new portfolio director for both shows and the Moda fashion area, Nicola brings 15 years’ experience leading world-class brands across multiple channels including ecommerce, digital, sponsorship, publishing and exhibitions to all three trade shows across home, gift, fashion and sourcing.

l Alejandra (right), who brings 20 years’ experience to her new position, joins as event director of Moda, with her most recent role being as event director of Top Drawer London. She brings high level experience working on trade exhibitions, consumer shows, conferences and awards ceremonies across a variety of countries and sectors, to include giftware, homeware, fashion, wedding, healthcare and automotive.

PEOPLE

Left: For The Love of The North, Whitley Bay.

Above: Wine Not?, by Rosie Made A Thing founder Rosie Harrison.

Moving the future

St Eval Receives B Corp Certification

MD Says It’s The ‘Highlight Of My Career’

Family-owned home fragrancing company St. Eval has been awarded certification as a B Corporation (B Corp), joining a growing group of companies reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit. St. Eval has been certified by B Lab, the not-for-profit organisation behind the B Corp movement, as having met rigorous social and environmental standards representing its commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit.

Managing director Harry Young-Jamieson believes a key element to achieving the accreditation is the people at the heart of the business. “B Corp certification is a huge achievement for us, representing the innovative spirit of our company and the many people, past and present, who have driven it forward while remaining true to their values and those of St. Eval.”

Harry continued: “The St. Eval B Corp journey has taken place during times of extraordinary change, uncertainty and resilience.

Now more than ever, the world needs companies committed to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. Becoming a Certified B Corp company has been one of the highlights of my career.”

Achieving B Corp certification means conducting a rigorous assessment of social and environmental standards.

“The road to certification was challenging,” confirms Harry. “It required us to look at ourselves with a renewed sense of purpose and rigour. I am immensely proud to work for a B Corp company alongside people who continue to innovate and challenge the status quo. Our success comes from finding new ways of doing things that positively impact the world we share.”

St. Eval has been pioneering ethical and sustainable manufacturing on their farm since 1993. Using centuries-old traditions, the company keeps the artisan craft skills of candle making alive while innovating the process to make the best use of renewable energy sources and recyclable packaging.

Talking Tables Leading The Way

Proud to be one of the first in its sector, Talking Tables, the recyclable home, gifts, party accessories and games company, has also received certification as a B Corp, certified by B Lab having met rigorous social and environmental standards.

“We are honoured to be an early receiver of the B Corp certification within our industry and within the UK,” states Clare Harris, founder of Talking Tables. “We’ve found that the B Corp application process has provided an invaluable framework for us and its emphasis on continued improvement inspires us to strive to be better and develop new initiatives.”

New for Spring/Summer 23, these include less reliance on virgin materials with recycled glass, paper products and bunting produced from fabric remnants. The season will see a continued emphasis on sourcing closer to home, plus the collection will be 96% single use plastic-free.

Ambiente, Christmasworld, Creativeworld

Ambiente, co-located with Christmasworld and Creativeworld, will be back at Messe Frankfurt in 2023, with the show taking place from 3-7 February.

All three shows will be providing an overview of new products across the consumer goods sector, to include gifts and lifestyle, with trend seminars taking place each day.

With over 4,700 exhibitors, Messe Frankfurt says this will be the biggest trade fair platform of its kind. Visit www.ambiente.messefrankfrut.com

New Zone At Just Around The Corner

Just Around The Corner has announced dates for AW23, with Manchester taking place at a new venue, the Manchester Central Convention Centre, on 19-20 January, and London returning to Brick Lane’s Truman Brewery on 8-9 February. A new Beauty & Lifestyle zone will be debuting at the London show, to include beauty, skincare, grooming, fragrance, wellness, jewellery and home, curated by industry veteran Karen Berman. Visit www.justaroundthecorner; e: karen@justconsultancies.co.uk

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT

NEWS

Besides The Seaside

Taking place from 15-17 January 2023, coastal and tourist gift and home show Giving & Living will be returning to Westpoint, Exeter.

The exhibition will be showcasing a wide range of gifts and homewares, with a focus on giftware, for the coastal and UK tourism markets. Retailers will also be able to find companies able to provide bespoke and own-brand merchandise, as well as niche products reflecting Britain’s heritage.

Show highlights include the Coastal Path, Newcomers, Naturally, and Designed and Made in Britain. Visit givingliving.co.uk Above: Among the products at Giving & Living.

Stellar Line-Up For Harrogate Christmas & Gift

A wealth of exhibitors - both returning and new - have signed up for leading festive show Harrogate Christmas & Gift which opens its doors at the Harrogate Convention Centre from 15-18 January, 2023. Six halls will be packed with the latest, upcoming products ranging from trees, lights and decorations to gifts, homeware and garden.

“Unlike many other product types, Christmas and gift items tend to be less brandrelated and retailers and buyers rely on seeing, touching and even smelling items to see if they will fit well on their store shelves,” states show

organiser Simon Anslow. “Visitors in 2022 were keen to get business back on track and placed valuable orders with many exhibitors at the show. We’re looking forward to a similar vibe next year.”

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

Above: Visitors at Harrogate Christmas & Gift earlier this year.

Left: Sea Salt scented tin candle from St. Eval.

Above: Talking Tables has received B Corps Certification.

Left: Lasting Ideas is among the key trends at Ambiente 23+.

Riding The Storm

Having caused a furore since the Chancellor’s mini budget was announced at the end of September, financial markets have been in turmoil, with people worried about paying increased energy bills and higher mortgage re-payments due to rampant inflation and soaring interest rates.

At the time of going to press in mid-October, PG&H spoke to leading suppliers to see how they view the current situation and how it could affect their business, and the gift and home industry, over the coming months.

Optimistic In Challenging Times

Below: Julian Hunt, managing director, Lesser & Pavey.

“What isn’t helping in my opinion is the press/media that is incessantly peddling bad news and often exaggerating or sensationalising stories,” says Julian Hunt, managing director of Lesser & Pavey. “After the initial drama following the mini budget, we are still finding business is good. We believe business is always product-driven so if you have the products customers want they buy them and you do well. An example of this is our new Bewilderbeest and Camilla & Rose collections based on greeting card brands, both of which won awards in the prestigious Henries 2022 recently, with these products in high demand.”

Confirms Julian: “we continue to be optimistic in these challenging times, and I’m sure many other companies are the same. Let’s not forget every day is an occasion, someone’s birthday,

Long Term View

“While it’s never easy to ignore short term news and financial turmoil, we always try to take a bit of a longer term view at Joe Davies,” says managing director Paul Hooker “Already there are signs that things will settle down after the statement, and it is still very early days. Our stock for the busy season is already on the water or in stock now, meaning good stable prices from Joe Davies to our customers. Therefore, we will just sit tight and continue to provide great value products ‘little & often’, and be here for independent retailers as they need us.”

Above: Paul Hooker, managing director, Joe Davies.

Weak £pound A Challenge

“With the financial turmoil the world is experiencing, we all know the current economic environment is tough,” comments Bruce Bell, marketing director, Gallery Direct

“The weakness of the £pound is a challenge to supply chain procurement, but with our forward planning, strategy to hold stock in the UK ready for immediate delivery, and our Wiltshire manufacturing factory, Gallery continues to support clients with a wide range of value for money products.

Continues Bruce: “To help, we have lowered 725+ lines in our Autumn drops and are here to support our loyal clients who themselves continue to work hard in offering outstanding products and services during these challenging times.”

Inset: Markets have been volatile since the mini budget.

Industry Issue: Reactions To The Mini Budget

Right: Bruce Bell, marketing director, Gallery Direct.

Navigate Our Way Through

“Just when we thought we were weathering the worst of the turbulent trading climate, we find ourselves back in the eye of the storm,” comments Widdop & Co’s commercial director

Stephen Illingworth. “Dealing with the consequences of inflation being the highest it has been in 40 years, is just one of the many challenges we are dealing with.

“Businesses are faced with two extremely risky options right now,” explains Stephen. “Either pass on huge price increases when undoubtedly spending will already be down, or to maintain the stability of their business, consider making compromises. We would never compromise on the quality of our products and services and so creativity and agility have a big part to play in how we operate going forward.”

Emphasises Stephen: “we are a stable business. Next year we celebrate our 140th year, so we are well versed with business challenges. Experience, lessons learned and how best to deal with this crisis have been passed down through the generations. We will therefore navigate our way through by keeping our sight on our customers’ needs and priorities. With that in mind, as of October 1, we lowered the prices on over 850 products. This is incremental to our clearance, promotional and sale activity. This decision is a purposeful action, taken to help our customers remain buoyant and trade successfully in the run up to Christmas. We trust it will bring some early Christmas cheer.”

Left: Stephen Illingworth, commercial director, Widdop & Co.

Volatility In Exchange Rates

“Undoubtedly the biggest challenge we are facing at the moment is the extreme volatility in exchange rates with the US $dollar reigning supreme against most other currencies in general, and the UK £pound in particular, following on from the global concerns raised by the recent mini budget,” states Puckator’s ceo Mark Howard

“At the time of writing, the government U-turns do seem to have restored some market confidence, but whether this is the start of a recovery in GBP, or a short-term correction ahead of a further slump, remains to be seen. While exposure to currency movements remains a concern longer term, for now at least, with the application of hedging products, Puckator’s position is protected. Nonetheless, sterling’s current weakness is not good news for the economy, with the impact of increased prices on imported products which consequently further fuels inflation. Fortunately, though, after the hikes in freight rates over the last 18 months, these are returning to something approaching more normal

Costs Of Doing Business Are Sky-Rocketing

“There are tricky times ahead for the whole industry,” comments Scott Clarke, Rex London’s head of sales and operations. “The inflationary pressures we are experiencing have existed for a few years now, with the rising cost of raw materials and the increase in shipping costs since the pandemic. The rapid acceleration of this trend since the war in Ukraine means there are really difficult decisions to be made, especially regarding pricing. In general, we try to keep pricing as consistent as we can for our customers, but, like everyone, we have had to put more prices up recently than we ever have before. Of course, we are trying to keep our pricing as competitive as possible, but we have to accept the reality that the costs of doing business are skyrocketing. The support on energy prices was a welcome relief, even for a relatively low energy-use business like ours. However, if government policy leads to further damage to the already weak £pound, then that support will pale in comparison to the increased costs businesses will face when importing goods from abroad.”

Continues Scott: “The other major consideration for many at the moment is interest rates. We at Rex London are in a fortunate position in that we are not, as a business, reliant on borrowing, so this will not have an impact on us in the same way that it might affect others. Despite all the problems, we remain positive as always. It is hard to speculate too much about what is coming, as things seem to change rapidly from one day to the next. We just have to be flexible with the situation as it unfolds, and hope that sensible decisions are made by those in power, whoever that happens to be.”

Above: Scott Clarke, head of sales and operations, Rex London.

levels, so, to an extent, this helps to offset the currency market difficulties currently experienced.”

Mark adds that there is no avoiding the fact that significant challenges lie ahead with the cost-of-living crisis, the increasing cost of energy, interest rates, and a slowing economy, all of which impact on business operating costs and people’s disposable income.

“However, at Puckator, we have seen a continued resilience in sales, and marketing a range of affordable and fun products does still seem to find a ready market even in times of economic turmoil,” Mark confirms. “Undoubtably, the addition this year of significant new licences such as Minecraft and Pacman to our portfolio of licensed products has helped, together with new licences in the pipeline, including Moomin and Warhammer, and extensions to some of our existing licences, among which are Stormtrooper, VW, and Yellow Submarine.”

Left: Mark Howard, ceo, Puckator

Industry Issue: Reactions To The Mini Budget

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LIBBY

S LINES

Versatile Gifting

Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s gift and lifestyle store in Rayleigh, was the winner of The Greats 2022 Best NonSpecialist Retailer of Gifts award, and was also shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Initiative category.

With a challenging few months ahead, Libby shares her approach to the cost of living crisis, as well as to the run up to Christmas.

“It’s safe to say that the past few years certainly haven’t been easy for small independents! I certainly didn’t expect to have to come up against a global pandemic and several lockdowns within my first two years of trading! Now, with a cost-of-living crisis and the threat of inflation dominating the news, it would be easy to simply surrender and throw in the towel - but that’s certainly not going to be the case for Lovely Libby’s!

I have seen a HUGE increase in people choosing to shop local, with many vocalising their renewed awareness of the benefits of shopping small, particularly the personal approach that sets small businesses apart from big brands. This became very apparent to me when a customer messaged our Facebook profile earlier in the year, acknowledging that Lovely Libby’s had become an ‘asset’ to the local community.

However, I’d be lying if I said the current economic situation hasn’t affected me at all. It’s everywhere you look. So, it’s safe to say that when all our Christmas stock began arriving in August, I definitely had a moment of panic. The stock room in the shop, and my own garage at home, were full to the brim with everything from Christmas decorations to winter clothing for our boutique, and all I could think was “am I going to be able to sell this?”

But if I’ve learnt anything from the past few years, it’s that the world keeps turning. Babies are still born, birthdays still come once a year, people are still getting married. We might be tightening our belts, but customers will still want to celebrate and acknowledge these milestones. We’ve known for a while that we could be in for a rocky time economically, so that was definitely at the forefront of our mind throughout our buying for the season. Price

Above: Libby Holden.

Below: Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, Essex, is a gift and lifestyle shop which includes a boutique and a tearoom.

novelty gifts. A good example is our focus on barware gifting - quirky nibble dishes and cheeseboards, as well as gorgeous sets of champagne glasses - based on the thinking that people are likely to host their friends and family in their own homes over the coming months, rather than eating out. In the boutique, we’ve focused on transitional pieces and wardrobe staples that can take people through the year as opposed to buying into micro-trends that are only fashionable for the season. We’ve also bought lots of jumpers and scarves in reaction to the rising cost of energy bills.

point has been more influential than ever, and, at trade shows, we have constantly been on the search for new and exciting products that won’t break the bank. We definitely bought more into gifting ranges and held back on buying an excessive amount of Christmas decorations.

While sourcing our stock for the season, we also tried to focus on what we’ve come to call ‘versatile gifting’- products that wouldn’t be ‘one-use wonders’, such as

Meanwhile, social media has become an integral part of the business since lockdown. We now have over 10,000 followers on Instagram and have created an amazing online community who continue to engage and interact with us. We will therefore continue to do our regular live videos, such as our hugely popular prosecco Friday Night Lives, but with a Christmas twist, and are even thinking of doing a mini series of gift guide videos, that directly link to our website, which would enable customers to shop at leisure while they watch.

Overall, am I optimistic about the fourth quarter? It really does depend on the day! I just have to look forward and sit tight - I keep telling myself that it’s only the third year of Lovely Libby’s, and if I can survive a global pandemic and countless lockdowns, I can survive an economic crisis! Plus, I have every confidence that our customers will continue to shop small - something we’re all going to need more than ever now!”

ALL IN THE

Few would disagree that 2022 has been a stand-out year for Andrea Pinder, owner of multi-award winning gift and lifestyle store Presentation Cards & Gifts, based in Barrowford, Lancashire. “In addition to the thrill of winning a Greats award as winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year North, Northern Ireland & Scotland category, we’ve had an exceptional year in so many ways,” she states.

“On an average weekday, we get around 35-40 customers, which goes up to 60 + on a weekend, with the average spend between £16-£20 per head. We’ve found that, post pandemic, people are still choosing to shop locally, and consequently, we are reaping the rewards.”

The polar opposite from a UK high street in decline, Barrowford is, in fact, a thriving village, filled with high end independent designer shops that include women and men’s fashions, shoes, jewellery and a ‘posh’ Booths supermarket.

The only gift and lifestyle store in the affluent Lancashire village, Presentation displays products on three levels, with the lower level of the shop offering homewares and everyday gifts, to include gifts for men, with a separate room leading off that’s

As a passionate gift and lifestyle retailer Andrea Pinder, owner of multi-award winning gift and lifestyle store Presentation Cards & Gifts in Barrowfordwinner of The Greats 2022 Independent Gift Retailer of the Year North, Northern Ireland & Scotland category - tells PG&H how she is approaching the festive season, as well as what gives her store the edge in today’s uncertain economic times.

Left: Andrea Pinder, owner of Presentation Cards & Gifts, was presented with her Greats 2022 trophy by David Cree, (right), sales manager of Joe Davies, category sponsor.

Right: The exterior of Presentation features a Greats winner’s vinyl in each of the windows. Below: Pet accessories are seeing sales soar.

dedicated to greeting cards. (Following popular demand, a small party area has been added with the addition of helium balloons that cover all occasions).

The middle floor is very much about special gifting occasions, to include new baby, wedding, anniversary and age-related, alongside plush and gift books, while on the upper level, customers can find jewellery, fashion accessories, bespoke giftware and home fragrancing as well as bath and body. Yet even that’s not all. Just off the jewellery area is Presentation’s popular bistro and coffee shop, Bistro 7, that not only serves delicious food but also features interiors products such as wall clocks, more of which later. “As we have a licence to sell alcohol, we stock giftware that ties in, to include gin sets,” Andrea explains. “Plus, we also have a chocolate counter selling high end, luxury chocolates from the House of Sarunds.”

Coach House, LSA International, Straits Trading, Gallery Direct, Enesco; Widdop & Co., Langs, Katie Loxton, Joma Jewellery, Pilgrim, Marmalade of London, Jellycat, Bookspeed, Inis, Dansk, Edblad, Tuti, Shrieking Violet, Zelly, Big Metal, Heaven Sends, LilyFlame and Ryan Town are just some of the store’s many core brands.

Retailer Face To Face: Presentation Cards & Gifts, Barrowford

“I try to sell mainly design-led or bespoke, and source from British companies where possible,” Andrea points out. “Home fragrancing company Melt is an example of a company that manufacturers locally in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley. In addition, I’ve recently invested in wax melts from Henry & Co, which co-ordinate with its bespoke candles and diffusers, while Janie Wilson’s bespoke candles match her greeting cards.”

How is she feeling about receiving stock in the run up to Christmas? “Confident that I will receive stock from suppliers manufacturing in Britain, but less confident about the companies who import from Europe or the Far East,” she responds. “Due to shipping issues, last year, only some of the products that I ordered for Christmas arrived in time.”

With most of her Autumn/Winter and Christmas orders placed at Harrogate’s Home & Gift show in mid July, Andrea reveals what her customers can look forward to. “I have

Home Cooking

When Andrea bought Presentation Cards & Gifts eight years ago - at the time, she already had three shops - and took over the existing coffee shop, she says it was something of a challenge to turn its fortunes round.

“However, within three months it was paying its way,” she emphasises. “We make everything ourselves and to a high standard. I have a background in hospitality, coffee in particular, and during my career met so many varied chefs in different kitchens that it inspired me to take on the challenge. Currently we offer seafood and antipasta paddles, paninis, salads and bagels, as well as homemade soups, cakes and scones. I personally cook in the bistro two days a week, and when our chef Lisa is off I take over in the kitchen, with someone covering for me in the shop.”

Interestingly, when the bistro was forced to close during the pandemic, Andrea used the space to expand into interiors, and now stocks small furniture items, mirrors, vases, clocks, cushions, planters, faux plants and artwork in the main store, as well as selected items for sale in the bistro.

With the cost-of-living crisis starting to bite, Andrea concurs that the fourth quarter is likely to see a cap on spending, predicting that the average spend on Christmas gifts will drop by 15-20%. “Nevertheless, there are still shoppers that are in a more fortunate position than others and therefore, despite the rise of inflation, this won’t affect them as much as others - it won’t stop them from spending the same amounts as usual. However, where others are slightly less fortunate, their spending will be capped,” believes Andrea.

Regardless, one thing Presentation customers can be sure of is that every gift they buy will be beautifully gift wrapped free of charge. “It’s a service we are delighted to offer,” Andrea states.

always had a good selection of scarves and accessories for women with the added addition of Paul Oliver accessories for men.”

Staying with men’s gifts, she has also added a new skincare range for the coming season, and expanded her male-oriented ranges of mugs, scarves, gloves, travel accessories and pens. “We also offer beer and whisky glasses, as well as Ginology glasses from Enesco. As we sell gin truffles too, I encourage an add-on sale by putting the truffles into the glasses,” she explains.

Interestingly, one product sector that has really seen growth this year is pet gifts, with Andrea highlighting dog biscuits from The Bottled Baking Company and the new doggy range from Katie Loxton, where products include a poo bag holder, a matching dog collar and lead, and a pouch for treats. “The collection looks very design-led and is proving a strong seller for us already,” she confirms.

With saving energy currently the dominant concern, Andrea predicts that candles, especially tealights, will be a massive seller this winter, helping to bring warmth, light and comfort into people’s homes. “I have also invested in throws, scarves, gloves, slippers and leisurewear to snuggle up in,” she confirms.

Andrea says that what she loves most about being in the gift industry is the creative side - seeing new products and trends - and

best of all, the excitement of seeing the products that she has personally chosen sell. As for Christmas gift buying per se, despite the current external factors, she says she’s feeling positive. “It may slightly affect us, but Christmas always happens,” she states.

So, what does Andrea see as the secret of Presentation’s success? “Aside from being enthusiastic and passionate, and knowing what will sell, it’s about making customers feel at ease when they come in, being able to speak to any type of customer at any level. I think that being interested in your customers is the secret to successful retail. It’s about having that personal interaction with them, and also going the extra mile. All my customers call me Andrea, and they come in to have a bit of a laugh as well as buying from me. I’m happy to pick them up if they need me to, and to take them home if it’s raining. We’re also happy to deliver their purchases to them. Everything we do comes from the heart, and that’s what we’re all about.”

Retailer Face To Face: Presentation Cards & Gifts, Barrowford

Above left, above right and below: Cosy fashion accessories are leading the way for Autumn/Winter.

Man’s Best Friend

With pet-themed giftware riding high, it comes as no surprise that suppliers have been wagging their tails with delight, quick to respond to consumer demand for giftware for both dogs and furry felines, along with gifts for devoted pet owners themselves. With Christmas gifting in mind, there are a huge range of gifts across all product categories, designed to make pets and their owners go ‘woof! woof!’

Well doggone it! Wherever you look in the gift industry nowadays, there’s a gift for a pet, or a special something for a pet lover, with dogs arguably leading the field.

“We have a very special love affair with our pets,” concurs Paul Hooker, managing director of Joe Davies. “During lockdown, over three million pets were purchased, which is certainly helping to boost sales of pet related gifts.”

For pets, the company has launched Pampered Pooch, a collection of engravable doggy identity tags under the Equilibrium

Above left: Pampered Pooch from Joe Davies.

Right: Katie Loxton’s pet collection features new additions to the range.

Above right: Bewilderbeest is brand new from Lesser & Pavey.

brand, with each piece featuring a humorous saying. Throughout the range, there are also a myriad of gifts for pet owners, with comprehensive collections of kitchenware featuring cats and

dogs, dedicated pet photo frames, money boxes and ranges of stylish fashion jewellery. “Other popular pets are rabbits and horses, with very good sales on our equestrian and countryside collections of Equilibrium jewellery,” confirms Paul.

Katie Loxton, founder of her design-led, eponymous company, points out that pets have become an integral part of our culture, with the pet gifting industry experiencing

explosive growth as consumers continue to embrace the petowning and pet-loving lifestyle.

“Following its success, we’re adding red and black colourways to our pet collection to include dog collars, leads, treat bags and doggy bag covers paired with our signature Katie Loxton attributesvegan leather, gold-tone hardware and sentiments,” highlights Katie.

“Quite simply, Brits love their pets,” says Julian Hunt, managing director of Lesser & Pavey. “During

Spotlight On... Pet Giftware

lockdown, many discovered the fun a pet can bring to the lives of all members of the family as they do funny things. Our new licensed range, Bewilderbeest, is taking the fun side of pets a step further with a play on words. The collection offers practical items that are animal related while being quality and price conscious too.”

Dogs have also become a huge hit with Coulson Macleod customers. “Our bestselling greeting card from our best-selling range is a dog’s quote card, so we had toyed with the idea of releasing more dogrelated designs,” explains director Hannah Macleod. “However, when we discovered that Natalie, our pick, pack and dispatch

team member could draw, it was only natural that we asked her to start with dog breeds, as 27% of us have a dog at home which is a staggering 10.2 million dogs. It would be silly to ignore this market.”

As Denis Aronson, managing director of Heathcote & Ivory says, while we’ve always been a nation of pet lovers the new norm of mixed working has inspired the growth of the market for both families and singles.

Corgis Lead The Way

When the Queen sadly passed away on 8 September, searches for Corgis increased tenfold over the following week, according to Pets4Homes.

“Unique to us in the pet-related market are our shareable William Morris At Home Canine Companion gifts for both dogs and owners. A dog is a member of the family and these are great shareable gifts that strengthen the bond at a time when people are celebrating at Christmas,” he points out.

Gifts With Cattitude

But it’s not only about dogs. Cats too, remain much loved. Alistair Brook, content creator at Puckator, reveals: “with the UK averaging 1.5 cats or dogs per household, and 3.2 million households getting a pet during the covid-19 lockdowns, with a total of 17 million pet owning homes, the demand for pet gifts in the UK is looking better than ever. We have made products with pet owners in mind for a long time, such as our Cat’s Life range, and have recently delved into gifts for our beloved furry friends too, due to the demand.”

He continues: “starting with the introduction of pet food bowls in the Feline Fine and Dog Squad design ranges, we have also launched brand new cat houses to give a cat a place to call their own - a cute milk carton, a cafe themed collaboration with Pusheen - and a gingerbread house which is ideal for the upcoming Christmas holiday season.”

Right: Puckator’s Pusheen milk carton cat house.

Left: William Morris At Home Canine Companion gifts from Heathcote & Ivory include a velvet pet stocking.

Far left: Coulson Macleod’s Pooch collection includes a cockapoo ceramic coaster.

Below right: The Little Dog Laughed’s new calendar and diary.

New launches for AW22 include a William Morris At Home festive stocking set with a luxurious velvet pet stocking, dog shampoo, ‘twinning’ dog bow tie and hair scrunchie, and a Morris print bandana wrapped gift with a Blackthorn print dog bandana and moringa and calendula hand cream.

“When we first started out, cat imagery on products was popular but not so for the dog. In two decades however, that seems to have flipped completely,” states Anna Danielle, creative director at The Little Dog Laughed. “Our brand still specialises in rescues and celebrates common behaviours in all dogs rather than a specific breed, with

Spotlight On... Pet Giftware

Furbaby Cards

the popularity possibly linked to the rise in knowledge regarding mental health and wellbeing, as many believe their pets are fundamental for keeping them sane. Lockdown and the rise in pet ownership adds to this theory.”

Continues Anna: “With pets holding a special place in our hearts it seems obvious to want to buy them treats and choose gifts that focus on this affection. Our new launches for Christmas include dog collars and leads as well as accessory gifts for the dog owner including treat pouches, walking pockets and travel bowls which are all very

popular. We also have a broader range offering in pet related gifts, to include unique calendar and diaries for dogs and cats that have real animal muses illustrated on each month, chosen from a competition we hold annually that attracts thousands of entries every year. Another popular line is our new packable bag collection which features many of our best selling cat and dog designs.”

“When covid hit, and the months of isolation dragged on, we saw an unprecedented increase in people buying pets,” says T & G’s head of marketing Laura Llewelyn. “These furry family members became a playmate to children, a training partner to mums and dads and a caring companion to all.”

Soaring Sales

Pet accessories sales jumped by 100% according to the findings of the annual John Lewis How We Shop, Live and Look report, published in early September.

Spotlight On... Pet Giftware

Left: Dogs are featured on a Classic Cane walking stick.

Below: Gifts For Pet Lovers wooden chopping boards from T&G.

As Laura says: “gift giving is a joy if the receiver is a pet parent, and products with Illustrations, quotes or pictures of their beloved companion always makes a perfect gift.Our Gifts for Pet Lovers natural oak wood serving boards bring whimsical illustrations and cute quotes together to offer an Christmas gift for pet lovers and foodie’s alike.”

At walking stick specialists Classic Canes, the team are all devoted dog lovers, with managing director Charlotte Gillan pointing out that the company has naturally included some of them in their designs. “We have a wide range of canes suitable for dog, cat and horse lovers, as well as many styles featuring our feathered friends, with gundogs such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers also finding their way onto the handles of our long, country sticks.”

For gift retailers, clearly pet and pet related gifts are going to be among this year’s biggest Christmas treats!

Keeping It Personal

Personalisation continues to be big news across all categories of course, to include personalising giftware for pets and their owners.

Personalised Memento Company’s (PMC) marketing director, Keren Dicken, confirms that the company has seen a huge increase in gifts for pets and pet lovers alike, pointing out that they are a great way to treat a “pawfect” best friend or pet lover to a unique gift.

“We have recently released a large range of new designs across a variety of products, including cat bowls, dog bowls, placemats and pet-themed photo products, with more gifts added to the range this Autumn. Plus, our new matching spotty dog bowls and dog mum mugs are available in both blue and pink, making co-ordinating Christmas gifts,” she points out.

Gifted Wholesale’s Nick Norton sees the increased popularity and growth of the pet gift sector as one the most exciting developments in the gift and homeware industry for a long time. “The last two years have seen a surge in pet ownership and these fur-babies are sure being pampered!” he comments. “A typical pampered pooch has his own stocking hung on the mantel piece and gifts under the tree,” he points out. “New from us this year are doggie treat bags, with three new concepts in the pipeline for 2023.”

Right: PMC’s new spotty dog bowl and co-ordinating mum mug.

Left: New from Gifted Wholesale are treat bags.

“A key trend that’s continuing to grow is the increasing demand for From The Pet cards, which is now big business,” says Daniel Prince, managing director of Danilo.

Fill your store with festive joy

1: Something To Woof About

PMC’s brand new personalised Santa Paws white wooden crate is the perfect Christmas gift for a special pet. It can be filled with treats and toys which is sure to result in lots of excited tail wagging on Christmas morning. Visit PMC’s website to see its full range of personalised gifts.

PMC

E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

2: Miaowy Christmas

Are you looking to stock the ‘purrfect’ present for feline loving shoppers this Christmas? This holiday season Puckator has a selection of fantastic cat themed products with amazing designs from artists such as Jan Pashley, Kim Haskins and Angie Rozalaar - each sporting a unique style of feline fellows. There’s a bunch of brand-new Christmas themed mugs, along with matching coasters to complete the set. A favourite has to be the brand new infuser mugs which comes with a strainer for loose leaf tea, and a lid to ensure its warmth whilst snuggled-up under a blanket to escape the winter chill.

Puckator

T: 0800 011 6969

E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk

W: www.puckator.co.uk

3: A Helping Paw In The Kitchen

T&G Gifts for pet lovers includes natural oak wood serving boards bringing whimsical illustrations and cute quotes together, to offer a perfect Christmas gift to pet lovers and foodie humans alike.

T & G Woodware

T: 01275 841841

W: www.tg-woodware.com

4: Stepping Out Feline Style

This folding stick is from Classic Canes’ latest collection and features adorable cats of many colours and breeds on a light brown background. Easily adjusted in height from 82 to 92cm, it will make a perfect gift for any cat-lover in need of a little extra balance and support. Something more than cats? There are a further 16 patterns in the new range, featuring exclusive designs from dragonflies to safari animals, so there is sure to be a pattern to suit all your shoppers.

Classic Canes

T: 01460 75686

E: info@classiccanes.co.uk

W: www.classiccanes.co.uk

5: Sit… Stay

Making the home feel homely and cosy is becoming more and more important to people, and an often overlooked home accessory is the door stop. Finding the right one can be like finding the perfect mascot - welcoming people into the home. Puckator has a wonderful selection of different cuddly animal door stops for all the animal lovers. For consumers partial to the more traditional British woodland animal then there is a very twee looking duck, owl, and rabbit, or if those shoppers have a pet cat or dog then their respective door stops will be perfect items to stock.

Puckator

T: 0800 011 6969

E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk

W: www.puckator.co.uk

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Pet gifts

1: Walkies

Highlighting Gifted Products best-selling range of Walkies Pet Products. Personalised travel pet bowls and treat bags – featuring the top 40 breeds. Available for retail with handy, purpose built displays.

The company has been working tirelessly to bring retailers the best in functional, affordable pet gifts. Both the travel bowls and treat bags retail at less than £5 ensuring that these products can be enjoyed by all.

Gifted Products T: 01797 223186

T: 07702817910

E: sales@giftedwholesale.co.uk

2: Canine Companion Dog Walker’s Kit

The ultimate kit for shared pampering, six products in a reusable William Morris Blackthorn print box. In addition to the hand warmer, hand cream and paw balm found in Paws & Palms Kit, this bumper set includes clip-on William Morris print pouch for poo bags, matching paw cloth and to share, a Lavender & Patchouli calming mist.

Heathcote & Ivory

T: 0207 483 8383

E: salesadmin@heathcote-ivory.com

W: www.heathcote-ivory.com

3: Gifts For Dog Lovers

Coulson Macleod’s Pooch range just got bigger with the launch of its decorative canine Quote Card packs. Each of the packs features artwork of a different dog breed and includes ten different heavyweight cards featuring heart-warming quotes about man’s best friend. Each pack comes with its own metal bulldog clip, ready to hang on a wall. Display stands are also available for retail.

Coulson Macleod T: 01536 419944

E: hello@coulsonmacleod.com

W: coulsonmacleod-trade.com

4: New Canine Companion Festive Stocking Set

A fun and heart-warming gift for gift shoppers to share with a favourite canine companion, a velvet pet stocking with matching Blackthorn print dog bow tie and hair scrunchie, plus a lavender and patchouli dog shampoo - pH balanced blend with softening oat, skin-kind aloe vera and conditioning jojoba oil.

Heathcote & Ivory

T: 0207 483 8383

E: salesadmin@heathcote-ivory.com

W: www.heathcote-ivory.com

5: Woof Notes

Feeling a bit woof? are you needing to jot down some pawsitive and impawtant notes or just paws to doodle while you enjoy a coffee break? These fabulous new A5 dog notebooks are great quality, with 100 lined pages featuring great dog quotes, dog facts, dog doodle pages and much, much more. The range consists of 30 of the most popular dog breeds displayed on a slimline stand, retailing for only £9.99.

Global Journey Gifts

T: 0161 872 0333

E: isamuels@global-journey.com

W: www.global-journey.com

New What

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Pet gifts

TRENDS: PINK

Think Pink

Few would disagree that pink has been the colour of the year, sashaying down the most fashionable of catwalks, to include MODA at September’s Autumn Fair.

With a new Barbie film due for release next year, the colour, in all its hues, is now finding its way into the home, making its mark across gifts, lifestyle and interiors.

Above: ‘Bright Pink Everything’ was a key trend at the MODA catwalk shows at Autumn Fair.

Left: A pale pink pillar candle from Gisela Graham.

Above: Katie Loxton’s pink Wellness jewellery roll.

Right: Talking Tables’ pink boho glass candle holder.

Below: Bedtime bath bombs from Sleep Sakes, distributed by Aromatize.

Below: Bettyhula pink-themed, talcfree Delicate Dusting Powder.

Above: A Goodeehoo vegan friendly pink Tucuman tote bag and Nicobar notebook.

Below right: A set of Orchid Pink VENT For Change pencils, part of the company’s Ideas collection, made from recycled CD cases.

Location, Location, Location

Morleys is a group of eight, much loved local department stores, seven of which are in and around the Greater London area, with one in Newbury, Berkshire. The Group named after the original store - Morley and Lanceleyfirst opened its doors in Brixton, South London, in 1927.

With gifts, lifestyle and home a very important part of the product mix, PG&H caught up with Amanda Bell, buying director - home, to discover what gives the stores their edge.

Above: Amanda Bell.

It’s some 95 years since the doors of the first Morleys department store opened in Brixton, but the vision remains the samefor each of its eight stores to be loved, valued and the first choice of locals.

“Our values centre on caring about people,” confirms Amanda Bell, buying director - home, “with our aim being to provide good quality merchandise that offers both value for money and products that meet the needs of our local customers.”

Amanda, who began her retail career as a graduate trainee with Fenwick in Newcastle, joined Morleys in 2019, having previously been the cookware buyer at Bentalls, and subsequently head of home. “We had an extremely strong housewares business here at Morleys, prior to my arriving, with all our stores very diverse, based on their different locations and demographics,” she states. “Elys in Wimbledon, for example, is a highend premium store, across all categories, whereas our Tooting, Holloway and Enfield stores are more promotionally driven. It’s therefore been about getting a balance across different mechanics.”

She says that what she has brought to Morleys is a greater focus on the individual

outlets. “For example, there has definitely been a trading up at Elys and Camp Hopson [based in Newbury], while at other stores in the Group we are continuing to be more promotionally aggressive. Plus, post-pandemic, there has been a greater focus on the customer profile, linked to the individual stores. Most important though, is that all have kept their original names,

Above left: Candles are a top seller.

Left: Bespoke product includes Wimbledon mugs.

Below: Tom Dixon is among the premium brands at Elys.

enabling them to retain their heritage and their engagement with local shoppers.”

Buying is centralised. “Before I joined, gifts were very category driven, but over the past two to three years I have introduced premium brands such as Tom Dixon and Georg Jensen,” she highlights. “What we aim for is a balance between a category, such as gifts, lifestyle and home, and the branded story,” continues Amanda.

“Customers expect products in certain areas in a department store and look for things in

Retailer Face To Face: Morleys Group

certain ways. As they tend to come in for one thing, and are enticed by something else, display and merchandising are key.”

With gifts, lifestyle and home among the growth areas for the Morleys Group, among the biggest sales drivers are candles. “Candles are huge for us, seeing year on year growth,” confirms Amanda. “At Elys and Camp Hopson we have been trading up with brands such as Aery, Neom and Skandinavisk, with upmarket Australian brand Peppermint Grove currently looking interesting too. Aery, in particular, has a strong sustainable message which is doing well across of our stores.” But it’s not just candles. “Reed diffusers do very well too, and are even more popular than candles in some of our stores,” adds Amanda.

Morleys Group: Background

l 1927: Morley and Lanceley, Brixton, bought. (Now Morleys).

l 1955: Smith Bros, Tooting, bought. (Now Morleys).

l 1959: Bodgers, Ilford, bought. (Closed in 2018).

l 1968: James Selby, Holloway, bought. (Now Selbys).

l 1996: Elys, Wimbledon, bought.

l 2009: Roomes, Upminster, bought.

l 2010: Pearsons, Enfield, bought.

l 2014: Camp Hopson, Newbury, bought.

l 2017: Morleys, Bexleyheath, bought.

Also ringing up sales for the store in the home category are faux flowers, tailored to the stores’ individual locations - most notably selected silk stems and botanical plantspremium gift food and alcohol, and gifts for pets, especially dogs. “This category has become one of the biggest, alongside candles, and has been gradually building since last year. Currently we offer a wide selection of treats, toys, coats, leads and bed accessories, with some of the items coordinating with two of our big fashion brands, Joules and Barbour.”

Shoppers can also find location-bespoke giftware such as mugs and tea towels featuring Wimbledon SW19, with some featuring the Elys name too.

As for sustainability-led gift and homewares, Amanda highlights the ethical and sustainable brand Nkuku. “We feature a display in Elys, with May and August the months that, as a Group, we promote sustainability, vegan, repurpose, reuse and recycle across our all stores.”

With people currently shopping for Autumn/Winter, and the all important final

story has been an important change for Morleys over the past two years. “It’s a teaser, inviting people to experience what’s inside the store,” Amanda emphasises.

What does she see as the challenges that lie ahead for Morleys? “Stock availability,” she replies. “It’s better than it was this time last year, but it’s still tricky. In addition, prices are having to increase, with business costs going up massively - not least our energy bills - so price points have to go up while still remaining competitive.”

So, what else is currently in the pipeline? “Our biggest project at the moment is a complete refurbishment of our Brixton store,” Amanda confirms. “It was bought by our chairman’s grandfather in 1927, and almost a century on, the customer profile has completely changed, especially in the last ten years. Originally it was a very traditional store, but now the area is younger, wealthier, trendier and ethnically diverse, with a big advantage

Above: Pet gifts and accessories are a strong category this year.

Below: Nkuku is one of the Group’s leading ethical and sustainable brands.

run up to Christmas getting closer, the stores have invested heavily in faux fur, “fleece at different levels,” explains Amanda. “This year, it’s all about keeping warm, snuggling up and being cosy. It’s not only about saving energy, but also the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. I therefore think that gifting for the remainder of this year will be more practical, less indulgent. It’s likely that people will choose to spread the cost over a longer period, buying gift items that people can use and enjoy - such as candles and throws - something that they may not be able to treat themselves to.”

She adds that their loyalty scheme‘Rewards’ - enables customers to earn points which can then be spent in-store. “In excess of 50% of our weekly sales are from our loyalty customers visiting week on week, rising to in excess of 60% at Elys and Camp Hopson, with the ATV significantly higher with customers who visit more often,” says Amanda. “And because we have these customers in our database and are able to see their spend history, we can therefore be more targeted and focused with our marketing, driven by customer buying behaviour.”

Interestingly, using the front of store windows to tell a more appealing, lifestyle

being that the store is on the high street and opposite the tube station. The project was supposed to happen pre-pandemic but unfortunately had to be delayed.”

Among the changes will be the repositioning of the Cook, Home Appliances and Dining department. Previously in the basement it will be moving to the second floor, along with Gift, Lifestyle, Furniture and Bedding, thereby creating a destination area, giving the sector a more urban feel as well as a lifestyle presentation. “Our ceo’s vision is a boutique store, and we’re all very excited about the re-opening in November,” she smiles.

Retailer Face To Face: Morleys Group

mood boosting aromatherapy

Candles and reed diffusers available in seven essential life fragrances containing natural ingredients and essential oils, to restore emotional balance and enhance a sense of wellbeing.

Proudly designed and made in the UK by Wax Lyrical. For further information please contact Wax Lyrical on 01229 461100

From the experts in home fragrance, introducing:

In The

With our homes seen as a safe, relaxing space, far away from the worries of the world, the gentle flicker of a candle flame, coupled with a relaxing mood enhancing fragrance not only helps to create a reassuring, meditative ambience, but warmth and light too.

Some 50 years ago, Candlelight, founded by Mike Winch, his wife and some friends, was born out of the miners’ strike in 1972. “It’s interesting to reflect that many of the issues faced by the country back then resonate with the energy crisis of today,” points out the company’s marketing manager Kate Winch. “The group made candles in a shed, selling them during the blackouts of the 1970s. Five decades on, the company is still pushing forward, having adapted over the decades to meet the needs of the customer, while still fundamentally selling candles. So as the dark nights close in, and the need for that extra jumper, or the ‘big light

Home Sweet Home

The findings of a recent survey on the things that turn a house into a home, included lighting a scented candle which made it into the top ten at No. 8. (Source: Plenty).

Right: Candles make a home ‘homely’. Shown are St Eval pillars and multiwick candles in orange and cinnamon.

If one product is making the world seem a better place this Autumn/Winter it’s a wellbeing candle, with John Lewis alone seeing its candle sales soar 265% this year, according to the retailer’s latest report, How We Shop, Live and Look.

With people looking to save energy by turning off the lights, keeping the heating down and enjoying some quiet time for mindfulness, candles sales are predicted to soar over the coming months.

Left: Jeff Banks Home from Candlelight.

Below: Wax Lyrical’s JustBe Botanicals.

off’, we predict a huge increase in the sale of candles over the coming months due to the current issues the country is facing.”

New from the company, and offering two different types of ambience and fragrance, is the Jeff Banks Home collection. “Taking the same approach he uses for his men’s fragrance line, Jeff wanted to collaborate on an upscale candle brand,” explains Kate. “For daytime use, the fresh, lighter fragrance of Acacia has been presented in a grey colour scheme, while Oleander, which is deeper and richer, is an alternative in aubergine as a fragrance choice for the evening.”

Head of R&D at Wax Lyrical, Dr Will Locke, says that the simple act of lighting a candle creates a calming reassurance, an instant sense of feeling better. “The flame

lights up the room, warms the heart and by blending the right fragrance, helps our wellbeing,” he states. “We all know the power of fragrance and the impact it can have on our mood and energy, but fragrance also transports you to a memory, a feeling or a specific moment in time and create an instant moment of nostalgia, adding to the relaxing and comforting feeling in the home. Our JustBe Botanicals has been consciously developed to restore emotional balance and enhance a sense of wellbeing. The seven fragrance blends have been selected and curated by Scottish aromatherapist Gail Bryden, and each blend is 100% natural, containing pure essential oils to help boost positive emotions, reconnect with feelings and feel consciously alive, with the box design unveiling Italian glass vessels containing essential oils to feel relaxed after

Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing Mood

activity, cleansed with detox, happy, energised, inspired, pure and tranquil.”

Adds Stephen Richardson, Portmeirion Group UK sales director: “many of our existing fragrances will also be much needed staples. For example, Fresh Eucalyptus, a fresh oceanic fragrance, creates a relaxing mood, reduces exhaustion and benefits concentration, while our Aromatic Sandalwood is a rich, sensual fragrance that includes bergamot, ginger and vanilla to promote calmness, lower stress and improve sleep quality.”

At Ashleigh & Burwood, the company has launched a Naturals collection featuring four distinct aromatherapy blends designed to be used at different points of the day, centred around natural ingredients and essential oils. “They have been selected and blended for their wellness benefits,” confirms managing director Andrew Nettleton.

The collection, which includes scented candles, reed diffusers, essential oils, an ultrasonic diffuser and Mini Mood Boost, a gift set containing four mini fragrance pots. “Every product from the collection is created to provide an affordable boost to wellbeing, ideal as we head into the colder months, but also throughout the year,” states managing director Andrew Nettleton.

At Best Kept Secrets, managing director Vanessa Curry says it’s difficult to ignore the cost-of-living crisis we’re facing this winter. “With many people once again feeling low and anxious, our Daydream tea light set and Cosy Night candle make a thoughtful gift for a friend or as a self-purchase.”

Aromatize meanwhile, has introduced new ultrasonic diffusers in a neutral wood effect case, which have colour changing LEDs. “They provide a relaxing light show while dispersing the fragrance of the added essential oil,” explains the company’s Sophie Aldred. “They’re ideal for meditation, yoga and prebedtime rituals and, of course, for creating ambience in the home.”

Meanwhile, for Julian Hunt, managing director of Lesser & Pavey, wellbeing equates with happiness. “Happy smells bring pleasure thereby boosting our wellbeing,” he comments.

“With more time spent indoors during the winter months, fragrances

Top: Ashleigh & Burwood’s Naturals collection.

Above middle: Cosy Nights from Best Kept Secrets.

Above right: Madelaine, part of the Home Is My Happy Place collection from Lesser & Pavey.

Left: Aromatize Accessories ultrasonic diffuser.

There Will Be Light, There Will Be Hope

Marmalade of London recently joined forces with charitable project Bear Us In Mind, which helps Ukranian children impacted by separation, loss and bereavement.

As well as providing its eco-friendly warehouse in Gloucestershire, along with production and warehousing staff, to the Bear Us In Mind charity for storage, logistics and despatch of the charity’s psychological toolkits, the company also created a special edition of the its award-winning Wellbeing Calm candle.

Featuring the slogan: “there will be light - there will be hope” in English and Ukrainian, recipients are being encouraged to light the candle to create time and a safe space to collectively remember family and friends as well as to mark important dates.

Right: Calm is part of Marmalade of London’s Wellbeing range.

Lightening Up

A nationwide study found that 81% of the 1,500 Britons polled said that scent had a big impact on their mood, with 44% saying that they actively surrounded themselves with fragrances that calmed them or made them feel better. (Source: blu)

are known to help to change our moods, with the sense of smell relaying many different emotions, from memories to happiness and from fright to unpleasant. As with the smell of bread fresh from the oven, or the freshness of linen, the sense of smell is a powerful force of nature that influences our moods.”

The company’s new range - 'Home Is My Happy Place' - is all about the home and ideal for Christmas gifting, says Julian. “Not fixed to festive colours or fragrances,

it’s about the love of the home, with candles and diffuser fragrances featuring velvet rose and fig, along with peony and blush suede. The packaging is delicate with 'home' or 'love' wording, a gold trim and diamanté bows,” he adds.

With so much choice for retailers, as well as for the end user, there’s every opportunity for those who want to switch off from everyday worries to create a relaxed frame of mind.

Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing

1: Luxury Fine Fragrances

Christmas with Noble Isle… includes evocative fine fragrances, with vegan, cruelty-free and sustainable products. British made, luxury bath and body products which make for exceptional gift retailing.

Noble Isle

T: 0800 157 7838

E: customerservices@nobleisle.com

W: www.nobleisle.com

2: Relax With A Retro Vibe

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

Every Nook

E: emma@everynook.co.uk

W: www.everynook.co.uk

3: Midnight Angel

Sassy Shop Wax are delighted to introduce their newest collection Midnight Angel. This fragrance is an iconic blend of sensual patchouli, dark amber and mysterious musk on a bed of tuberose petals and tonka. Available in Home Fragrance and Bath & Body.

Sassy Shop Wax

T: 07593 955735

E: sales@sassyshopwax.com

W: www.sassyshopwax.com

4: Just Because Christmas

Following on from the amazing reception its Just Because candles have had since update earlier this year, Best Kept Secrets has created a new Christmas range for its gift retail customers. A perfect Christmas gift for all friends, family and loved ones, this is twelve new candles in silver tins, each with a different festive design, and a scattering of snowflakes, holly and not forgetting its signature sparkle.

Best Kept Secrets Ltd

T: 01670 512222

E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

5: Scents Of The Seasons

Always looking to introduce something different, FYG’s new seasons range these come in a few options. Two x 1kg candles that change fragrance as they burn from spring to summer and separately Autumn to Winter, finished off with a seeded dust card to reuse the container to grow meadow flowers. Alternativey stocked as a gift set of all four seasons together at 110g each. Each product is made with 100% vegetable wax and essential oils. Sustainability, quality and beauty.

FYG

T: +44 208 914 7974

E: demi@fyghome.com

W: www.fyghome.com

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

PROGRESSIVE

1: Pamper Yourself At Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner and with it comes shorter days and colder weather. In times like these a bit of TLC is required to get people through these winter months. Luckily Puckator has prepared for this with brand new bath bombs and other pampering products.

The bath bombs come in three design ranges, Christmas Nutcracker, Festive Friends and Winter Botanical each having their own tantilising scents to invigorate your bath time. All of which bring a lovely Christmassy ambience into your bathroom, and are all completely vegan and cruelty free. Puckator are also bringing out 2 new Christmas themed hand creams in the Winter Botanical and the Gingerbread Lane ranges, which will give you a wonderful Christmassy feel to your moisturising routine.

Puckator

T: 0800 011 6969

E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk

W: www.puckator.co.uk

2: Stunning Luxury Gift Set

A new Sara Miller London home fragrance collection with the highly celebrated Chelsea range in ceramic candles, reed diffusers and giftset in four travel inspired fragrances of: Geranium, Patchouli & Vetivert; Mandarin, Tuberose & Wild Musk; Sandalwood, Cardamom & Oudwood; Amber, Orchid & Lotus Blossom. Containing specific essential oils and a new coconut wax blend.

Wax Lyrical

T: Customer Service: 01229 461100

E: customerservice@wax-lyrical.com

W: www.waxlyricaltrade.com

3: The Gift Of Time

Set aside some precious time with these handmade pure beeswax twenty minute candles from Cotton & Grey.

Helping to capture and cherish quality time, these relaxation candles aim to enhance wellbeing and restore your inner calm.

The ‘time for’ range is a selection of sixteen titles. Supplied with a point of sale stand, each box contains twelve candles with a ceramic holder. Attractively wrapped, this thoughtful gift is the perfect way to show you care.

Cotton & Grey Ltd

T: 07876763774

E: info@cottonandgrey.com

W: www.cottonandgrey.com

4: Mood Boosting Aromatherapy Blends

JustBe Botanicals has been consciously developed to restore emotional balance and enhance a sense of wellbeing with 7 mood boosting aromatherapy blends. Beautiful Italian glass vessels containing essential oils with coconut wax candles and low VOC blend reed diffusers. Creating moments to Wax Lyrical about.

Wax Lyrical

T: Customer Service: 01229 461100

E: customerservice@wax-lyrical.com  W: www.waxlyricaltrade.com

5: Beautiful Fragrances With Floral Display

Broughton and Beech is pleased to announce a new partnership with Cocodor.  Established in 2002 Cocodor has quickly established their brand in numerous countries around the world with their unique blend of floral home fragrance products.

“We are delighted and excited to be working with the team at Cocodor. Its range of floral diffusers utilising faux and preserved florals are an ideal gift or a self-purchase treat. Alcohol free, vegan and with retail prices starting from £14.99 these products offer exceptional value and are supplied with free display testers. The addition of Cocodor adds further diversity to our portfolio.”

Richard Wood, Director at Broughton and Beech. Broughton & Beech are now taking pre orders for its January launch.

Broughton & Beech

T: 01270 335034

E: sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk

W: www.broughtonandbeech.co.uk

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

Purveyors Of Fun

From novelty condoms, willy care kits and poo signs to topical, quirky gifts that include Zooms and WFH signs, Boxer Gifts has come a long way since founder Jamie O’Brien, a former gift agent, started up a new company in 1982 - subsequently joined by his wife Heather - with a goal to add some quirky fun to the gift sector.

Forty years on, their son Thomas is continuing the family tradition, taking the company from strength to strength by focusing on fun, funky products that aim to give retailers and their customers that ‘something different’.

“I t’s a strange feeling being the head of a 40 year old company at 42 years of age,” muses Boxer’s ceo and selfproclaimed ‘chief of fun’ Thomas O’Brien. “I’ve been involved with Boxer all my life - I still have a photo of me as a toddler helping to stick labels on products - but I’ve only taken on the top job properly in the last five years. Mum and dad are the ones who got Boxer to this ripe old age, which means that, despite our excellent product mix, right now,

I feel the pressure to not to c**k it up after four decades! However, the Boxer team are the ones who matter now, and my main aim is to continue the legacy of a fun place to work, where everyone has the chance to be successful.”

As he explains: “Boxer’s innovation is what defines us as a company. As innovators we have to take risks, but that means we launch into the market first, leading what product is out there.”

Boxer’s Top Three Sellers

l Wine Escape Room Game (“MUST stay focused…”)

l Deeply Satisfying Poo In Progress sign (“Who doesn’t need to ‘Give it 10 minutes’)

l Knitting Mugs (“in particular, Knit Happens, which as we know from the economy, it really does!”)

Left: Deeply Satisfying Poo sign.

Below: Phone Escape Room.

Bottom: Thomas O’Brien, ceo, Boxer Gifts.

He highlights that, over the years, the company launched one of the first hen night lines, along with age products, most notably mugs and T-Shirts. “In the ‘80s our old age kit was groundbreaking,” he recalls. “The products that scared us, but sold massively, are always remembered fondly, such as Starlight bottles, the ball scratcher and the poo sign. Before they launched they felt like a risky bet, but these lines defined the company at the time and continue to sell strongly now,” he confirms.

Overall, the company’s key novelty range represents almost 40% of what the company sells. “The old favourites - senior moments, farting and poo - never seem to go out of fashion, but there’s always

interesting in our lives that becomes a fun line,” Thomas explains. “Currently it's virtual meetings and WFH. Next year the cost of a home, or gas bills, could be on the cards.”

On the export front, 25% of the company’s sales are in the USA, with a further 10% “elsewhere in the world,” as Thomas puts it. “Exporting is a tough gigespecially the USA - but it’s vital for the UK economy, and I’d recommend new businesses to work hard for this. Yes, the

In

margins are lower, but initial production runs are shared around more customers, meaning cheaper costs for our UK customers allowing us to be a little wilder - it’s hard to stop us! - in development.”

Meanwhile, the biggest challenge for the company going forward is innovation. “While it’s our biggest challenge it’s also our greatest strength,” he points out. “It frightens me half to death each season thinking ‘how will we find another winner?’, but somehow, each year, our launches look fresh, and our ranges look better than ever. It’s a brave buyer who marches past the Boxer stand at Spring Fair without taking a look, with our independents the most savvy of all. They may not buy at every show, but they always check out what crazy lines we’ve locked on to!”

He says that a key strength is Boxer’s independent customer base, “they’re our core customers who ride the product highs and lows with us. They try our new lines

Is Trying to Kill You game. “Overall, the current Boxer range looks the best it ever has, having moved on a lot over the past couple of years,” he highlights.

As for Christmas 2022, Thomas remains optimistic. “Christmas always comes,” he comments. “We know there’s a lot of uncertainty around right now, but a merry Christmas is something the British never miss. As one of the companies lucky enough to trade through a few recessions we know there’s always cash for a fun gift or game that will bring joy to friends and relatives. Consumers don’t buy new houses, cars or kitchens. So, presents will be bought,

every year and give them a chance, taking the risk with us on untried product, but reaping the rewards by being in front of the trends and taking the majority of scarce stock on a hot new line.”

Reflecting on this year’s winners, he reveals that fun games are currently the growth area. “While we have never stopped producing impulse games retailing for between £10-£25, our team has come up with some great ideas for 2022 including Biggest Loser and Phone Escape Room. All our games are easy to play and perfect for evenings with friends and family. They’re a great fun activity that’s ‘off screen’ too,” he adds. Other new product ranges that are ringing up sales include the Gardeners Kneeling Mats and How To Spot If Your Cat

shops will be busy and the pubs will be full,” he confidently predicts.

So what’s in the pipeline going into 2023? “We’re looking at a few acquisitions that will complement the products we already do,” confirms Thomas. “At Boxer, we have a great setup and understand that exiting owners want a legacy of the brand they built, while moving on with financial security. My door is always open for a chat, as it can quickly reveal if there’s the makings of a deal or if both sides want different things.”

He says that what he loves most about the gift industry, and running Boxer in particular, is the product that is developed. “How all the innovative companies like ours keep coming up with new lines consistently amazes me. Creatives, like our PD team think differently, sparking brand new avenues of product. My dad, in particular, was never concerned about new lines. He would often come up with brilliant lines from simply deciding that he needed some. I also love the people we get to work with every day - customers, our team and the factories. I always remind our team that we’re not saving lives, we’re selling poo timers, so we can work hard without being too serious!”

Between The Covers

In addition to novelty gifts, Boxer also has a successful book publishing division, Books By Boxer, which Thomas says is gaining a lot of traction.

“We now have over 80 own published books which are only available direct, which gives a huge point of difference to the gift book range we offer compared to other wholesalers,” he explains.

“When we brought in the 30 year old book distribution company Powerfresh in 2012, we were distributing around 600 gift books, of which only seven were own published. The larger publishing houses were producing great gift books, so the market was covered. Unfortunately, over the five years since the adult Ladybird books were published, most of the novelty gift books haven’t really cut it and we struggled to find titles that we needed. However, since then, we’ve been growing our own published book range, with top selling titles like Workplace Mood Swings, Adult Nursery Rhymes, Classic Insults and Crystal Clear which are specifically targeted at the gift market and are only available from Boxer.”

Right: Gift books include Are You A Psychopath?

In Profile: Boxer Gifts

Above: How To Spot If Your Cat Is Trying To Kill You.

Biggest Loser.

Spotlight On... Collectables

Collectables, Collectors & Collecting

Since the pandemic, there’s been a desire to be part of a community, to be part of a group, which, for the collectables market place, has seen more people wanting to collect and to connect with like-minded others.

However, in today’s collectables world, it’s not only about figurines but characters and collections of coordinating products, as PG&H discovered.

With a cost-of-living crisis that is seeing people spending more time in their homes, as they look to reduce their outgoings, could the sector see a revival, but with a twist?

In days gone by - especially in the ‘80s,‘90s and early Noughties, when china and glassware shops were king - collectables ruled the roost, with a myriad of collectables companies offering limited edition figurines that were destined to be the heirlooms of the future for generations to come. Although, as we know, the bubble did eventually burst - homes got smaller, there was less space to display things, and younger generations weren’t interested in becoming custodians - collectables, collecting and collectors have continued to evolve nonetheless.

“I believe the success of our collections are the wide variety of characters we offer,” says Helen Cottrill, marketing and product director of leading collectables company Enesco, “where we don’t only focus on the main characters. For example, we have just launched Meeko, the racoon from Pocahontas, and Timothy, the

Below: Disney Traditions’ Snow White Apple Scene is a new introduction from Enesco.

Below left: Among the myriad of Betty Boop figurines from JJ Valliant.

Bottom left: Lesser & Pavey’s dog breeds are part of the company’s Leonardo Collection.

Bottom right: Among the bird collectables in Widdop & Co’s Treasured Trinkets collection.

mouse from Dumbo. These ‘personality pose’ figurines can be collected as a series or alongside other characters relating to a specific film, and the introductory size and price makes the collection accessible to a younger audience of future collectors too.”

As Helen emphasises: “collecting is a personal thing. Most people collect something without considering themselves a collector,” she points out. “And filling your home with things you love can only be a good thing. During covid we saw a rise in collectables, and typically, in an economic crisis, we still see people purchasing

products for their home where they are now spending more and more time.”

She says that Disney continues to be Enesco’s number one collectable, led by Disney Traditions, closely followed by Disney Britto. “Our collectors love the collaboration between Disney and an artist that is relatable to, with the larger-than-life Jim Shore having a huge following, and the new collections getting better and better. Plus, Jim embraced social media during the pandemic, bringing him closer to his worldwide fans than ever before. In this economic climate, the consumer wants something special, that represents good value. The Carved by Heart and Storybook collections are always best sellers for us, with the latest Masterpiece Collection introduction the Snow White Apple Scene. With Disney Britto, we’ve just launched a new Midas collection, for delivery in 2023, which will appeal to both the current and a new audience looking for something a little different.”

At JJ Valliant, managing director Jonathan Valliant reveals that Betty Boop has been the company’s most

popular collectable character for some 15 years, with collectables per se a big part of the company’s success. “Betty Boop’s appeal lies in both her timelessness and nostalgia,” he explains. “We offer Betty Boop in many different colours with the glittery figurines in particular doing extremely well both in the UK and Europe.”

Animal figurines are always highly collectable of course, with Julian Hunt, managing director of Lesser & Pavey, confirming that the company’s range of dog studies continue to be very popular due to people’s love for dogs. “Some people focus in on a breed whereas others just like to collect dogs,” he points out.

“We are continuing to expand our collectables offer at Widdop in line with demand, ranging from our miniature clocks in our WM Widdop clock brand through to Disney Classic collectables and Magical Beginnings,” confirms head of marketing and E-commerce Catherine Paul. “We have also

personality, and how and with whom they want to be associated. Often collections touch on a sentimental meaning or memory, taking the collector back, or to, a happy place.”

At DCUK, head of marketing, Steve Manser, explains that the company chooses to call their wooden ducks ‘characters’, “opening the door for customers to project their personalities, hopes, fears, memories, emotions and sentiment straight onto them, with the co-ordinated ‘collections’ taking a fashion house approach to marketing and engagement,” he explains.

“Having a collector and customerfocused mindset helps us reframe with language and terms. Off the back of an ongoing customer engagement programme, we’re planning a series of collector-type activities and initiatives in person and at brand level.”

Jules Vahrman, founder and managing director of Wild Things, says that there are many theories as to why people love to collect. “And it’s not just we humanssapphire bower birds collect blue things to show their females they are ready and willing!” he points out, “although I don’t think people necessarily collect to entice a partner! But we do like to organise things into patterns because a collection is like a display. You notice things more in a group.”

New Year, as well as creating displays to match, as we see collectables as a huge growth area for us in 2023.”

As Paul Hooker, managing director of Joe Davies points out, “when collecting any range, people like products that have that something special, products that stand out from the crowd, with a unique look and feel, and there will be many reasons why people collect. For some it will be the challenge and thrill of the hunt. For others it will have progressed from an interest or hobby. The overriding factor for most is that collecting is fun and gives a great sense of satisfaction. And while it’s great to have a line that’s been created as a collectable perform well, it’s always a very nice surprise when it happens unexpectedly.”

increased our product development within our Treasured Trinkets collectables, specifically around the theme of birds, which are intricately detailed and hand painted with an enamel finish.”

Meanwhile, eagerly anticipated developments that Widdop has been working on are the company’s collaboration with Disney, as part of Disney’s 100th anniversary. “This will be truly magical and a real moment in time, offering keepsakes for all Disney collectors,” states Catherine.

As to why people love to collect, she says it’s very much about connections and identity. “It’s an extension of someone’s

Continues Jules: “We’ve all seen and registered products specifically geared to collectors, such as Franklin Mint, stamps, coins etc. However, in my naivety, I didn’t realise that anyone collected our products until we started getting enquiries from people wanting a display for our suncatchers. In talking to them, we discovered that a lot of people have collections of crystals all around the house. Our latest crystal collectable range is Crystal Dreams, which we’re working on expanding in the

An example is the company’s Village Pottery tealight houses and oil burners. “They have really taken on a life of their own, with consumers now collecting across the range,” highlights Paul. “This increased demand has seen our team developing a multitude of new designs, all featuring the quirky, unique signature that makes Village Pottery so successful.”

“Whether someone is collecting as a hobby, for enjoyment, or to seek status within a certain genre, the collectables market remains extremely popular with people seeking those must-have iconic designs,” says Richard Wivell, creative manager at Nemesis Now. “We work with world renowned licences in TV, film and gaming to create innovative products, something we’re really proud of.”

Collectables may have evolved over the decades, but clearly there’s still a big consumer appetite for them.

Spotlight On... Collectables

Left: DCUK’s Strawberry boot ducks.

Below left: Crystal Dreams’ Peacock, in a lavender colourway, from Wild Things.

Below right: Joe Davies’ Village Pottery tealight houses have become an unexpected collectable.

Bottom: Nemesis Now’s Harry Potter hand painted Dobby bust.

Loved-Up Gnomes

In preparation for the season of love this Valentine’s Day, the award-winning creator of Heartwood Creek, Jim Shore has unveiled a brand-new collection of gnome figurines. With gnomes growing in popularity thanks to the gonk trend that remains an all-year-round sensation and not just a seasonal surge in sales at Christmastime, these loved-up gnomes from Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore will have your customers queuing up to get their hands on these en vogue pieces. Using quilting techniques synonymous with Shore’s style inspired by American folk art, each of the new gnomes make a perfect gift for someone special this Valentine’s Day or as a lovely self-purchase seasonal piece of home décor.

Enesco

T: +44 (0)1228 404022

E: uksales@enesco.co.uk

W: www.enesco.co.uk

2: Vibrant Crystals

The kingfisher motif glows aquamarine and burnt orange in the window. The 20mm ball crystal reflects rainbows onto the wall. Just one part of a collection of bird motif Crystal Dreams from Wild Things Gifts, designed and made in the UK. Other collections feature cats, symbols, butterflies dragonflies and bees, fairies and unicorns, Guardian Angels, symbols, marine and more. Floor-standing and counter displays available. Call Lisa on the telephone number below.

Wild Things Gifts

T: 01392 211268

E: sales@wildthingsgifts.com

W: www.wildsthingifts.com

3: Love Takes Flight

New for 2022, critically acclaimed artist Jim Shore will bring some of the world’s best-loved Disney characters and their iconic sidekicks to life as customers have never seen them before, through seasonal pieces simply perfect for Valentine’s Day and Easter. A hero piece of the collection is set to be Love Takes Flight. The figurine sees Disney’s most iconic couple – Mickey and Minnie Mouse –enjoy a hot air balloon ride as their love takes flight. Other pieces in the Valentine collection include Dumbo with Heart and Pooh and Piglet, with the sentiment of each piece open to interpretation, making them the ideal gift for loved friends and family this Valentine’s Day who are also big fans of Disney.

Enesco

T: +44 (0)1228 404022

E: uksales@enesco.co.uk

W: www.enesco.co.uk

4: Me To You

It really is the most wonderful time of the year and there's no better way to celebrate than with a Me to You gift. Featuring rich and festive berry reds and a touch of gold with Champagne bubble motifs, perfect for a magical Christmas. Available to pre-order now.

Carte Blanche Greetings

T: Customer Service Team: 01243 792600

E: info@cbg.co.uk

W: www.cbgtrader.co.uk

5: Peter Rabbit

To celebrate the 120th anniversary of the launch of Beatrix Potter’s literary classic, The Tales of Peter Rabbit, Enesco is delighted to announce for new storybook figurine into its hugely popular Beatrix Potter by Jim Shore collection. Loved by children and grown-ups alike across the generations, the new piece in this exciting collection paw-fectly capture the characteristics of everyone’s favourite bob-tailed bunny, Peter Rabbit, along with his furry friends. With each piece cast in stone, lovingly hand-painted by skilled artisans, and presented in a branded gift box to create a highquality and highly collectible product, these pieces are set to be a must-have for young and old alike who enjoy The Tale of Peter Rabbit™ and other stories from Beatrix Potter that have stood the test of time, as we mark the 120th anniversary of the launch of the very first book in 2022.

Enesco

T: +44 (0)1228 404022

E: uksales@enesco.co.uk

W: www.enesco.co.uk

New What

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Collectables gifts

1: Decorative Art Prints

Coulson Macleod has launched many of its bestselling art prints as sets of three at a discounted price, just in time for Christmas. Each pack of three unframed prints are available in three different sizes – A5, A4 and A3 – and themed to work as a set. Shown here is the William Morris print set sized at A3, with a recommended retail price of £25.

Coulson Macleod T: 01536 419944

E: hello@coulsonmacleod.com

W: coulsonmacleod-trade.com

2: Heartfelt Angels

Sentiment is at the heart of a new range of pretty Heartfelt Angel figurines from Joe Davies. The love between family and friends are shown in the loving messages engraved onto a metallic painted heart held in the arms of the angels making them the perfect gift for that special person. These celestial angels are painted in subtle colours of cream and a metallic champagne gold so they will fit with any home décor as well as offering thoughtful messages for mum, nan, sister, auntie and friends.

Joe Davies T: 0161 975 6300

E: sales@joedavies.co.uk

W: www.joedavies.co.uk

3: Magical Christmas Decoration

Add some magic to your in-store gift retailing this Christmas with PMC’s personalised Snowman wooden star shaped decoration. With its timeless design and the option to fully personalise it will be treasured for years to come. Visit PMC’s website to see the full range of Snowman gifts available including mugs, LED lights and more.

PMC

E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

4: What A Gem

The Gemstone Jewellery trend has dominated the jewellery market in 2022 and has become increasingly popular within the gift sector. Following the huge success of the Equilibrium Gemstones

Collection of fashion jewellery from Joe Davies the company has launched Equilibrium Tumblestones which are a collection of natural quartz stones. Each stone is unique in shape and colour and silky smooth in texture - they are also small in size making them easy to take anywhere.

The collection is available in 12 different styles, including amethyst, rose quartz and amazonite and also offers branded bags to hold the stones to ensure they stay in pristine condition. The package comes complete with an attractive CDU for a compact, eyecatching display at retail.

Joe Davies

T: 0161 975 6300

E: sales@joedavies.co.uk

W: www.joedavies.co.uk

New

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

5: Picture This

With style and affordability at its core, Gallery Direct’s autumn price-drops offer a significant 24% decrease in price, on average, across 725+ lines across its seven product categories. Its catalogue includes a wonderful selection of wall art, offering a wide variety of styles, from soft and subtle to bold and colourful, suiting different tastes and interiors. The collection includes Pindo and Sabal Framed Art which feature close-ups of palm leaves, finished with white mounts and wood effect frames which perfectly complement the prints, for a subtle natural look. For your shoppers who prefer a bolder piece, the Tide Framed Art features a statement monochrome geometric design.

Gallery Direct

T: 01795 439159

E: sales@gallerydirect.co.uk

W: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

Surprise your customers

1: Exclusive Jewellery

Talbot Fashions is very excited about its new jewellery designs that will all be available very soon and will enhance the current collections of pendants, earrings, studs, brooches, trinket, pill boxes and pin badges. These include stunning poppies, lily of the valley, forget-me-not, daffodils, cow parsley, daisies, unusual floral designs, geometrics. A crescent moon, sun studs & moon & star to add to our Celestial collection. For our animal and pet lovers, it has introduced a curious cat, spaniel, labrador, hedgehog, boxing hare, leaping fox, fox in the moonlight, woolly sheep, donkey, pig and rabbit.

Talbot Fashions

T: 01273 776415

E: Info@talbotfashions.com

W: www.talbotfashions.com

2: Adorable Bunny Craft Kit

The Crafty Kit Company's Bertie Bunny needle felting kit contains everything needed for gift shoppers to make their own delightful bunny rabbit. With step-by-step instructions and clear photographs, users will be shown exactly how to create the bunny using the materials in the kit. Suitable for beginners and from ages 10+. Designed and made in Scotland.

The Crafty Kit Co

T: 01620 860907

W: www.craftykitcompany.co.uk

3: Eco-Friendly Luxury Reusable Crackers

Love crackers but hate the waste? Keep This Cracker is the answer. A reusable cracker that can still be pulled. Designed and made in UK using responsibly sourced materials and flatpacked in reusable packaging, ready to pop into shape and fill with the customer's own choice of gifts. They pull like standard crackers, but here is where the similarity ends because these eco-friendly crackers don't tear. They come apart and can be put back together again by simply replacing the broken snap with a new one. Each cracker comes with an ecosnap that pops without the loud noise, making these crackers pet-friendly too. But for those who like their crackers to go bang, Keep This Cracker works equally well with standard noisy snaps.

Keep This Cracker

E: bea@keepthiscracker

W: www.keepthiscracker.com

4: Refillable Week Planners

VENT for Change, the UK’s leading sustainable and social stationery company launches a new collection of refillable weekly planners and journals. Made in Italy with covers produced from recycled leather and various refill options made using 100% sustainable paper, these slim A5 format planners feature non-dated diary sections along with lined or plain coloured paper refills. Available in seven colours to match its best-selling Make a Mark collection of notebooks and accessories.

VENT For Change

T: 07395 284 788

E: lucy@ventforchange.co.uk

W: www.ventforchange.co.uk

5: Perfect Gift For Food Lovers

The Emile Henry Cheese Baker is ideal for preparing cheese to be served hot: melted brie-based appetizers, mini-fondue, or French ‘raclette’ style dinners. Not only that but the dish is truly versatile and allows for cooking smaller oven bakes and desserts, it can also be used as a serving dish or a beautiful centrepiece. The practical lid helps keep the cheese moist and infuses the flavours. It also helps retain aromas and keeps the cheese hot until served. And thanks to the Emile Henry High Resistance ceramic, it will also keep your dish warm until the last bite. The bright glaze is resistant, non-porous, durable, and easy to clean. Now available in the Belle-Ile colour as a unique new colourway.

Haus

T: 01782 572910

E: info@inthehaus.co.uk

W: hauswares.co.uk

6: Luxurious Leather Accessories

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

Saddler Accessories

T: 0141 354 8907

E: sales@saddler-accessories.com

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

1: Journey Into A World Of Flavour

A delicious mix of its best-selling, awardwinning spice blends. Beautifully packaged in eye-catching trio sets, this eclectic collection offers something for all shoppers. Blended in small batches to stay fresh for longer. A great gift choice for a foodie or anyone who loves cooking with spice. The range includes The Curry, Middle Eastern, Chilli and BBQ Collection, The Chef’s Selection and a create-your-own custom collection.

Spice Kitchen

T: 0151 245 1603

E: soldwithlove@spicekitchenuk.com

W: www.spicekitchenuk.com

2: Tribal EARTH Collection

Midhaven has launched its new range of mens recycled leather bracelets with 316L stainless steel. Made from genuine sustainable leather offcuts and scraps which are shredded and processed into strong, recycled leather. Choose your stock from over 20 styles in assorted colours and sizes. The RRP ranges from £19.95£35.00. Prices are extremely keen, quality is high with attention to design, comfort and durability –and the Tribal Earth range is guaranteed for 12 months. All bracelets come in natural jute Tribal Steel pouches. POS is also available for orders over £250.

Midhaven

T: 01299 851513

E: info@midhaven.co.uk

W: www.midhaven.co.uk

3: Beautiful Hand-Made Jewellery

Carrie Elspeth is mad about creating amazing jewellery, using the most exciting beads and if a retailer hasn’t discovered its award-winning jewellery yet, now is the time. The family business has been hand-making beautiful beaded jewellery in Wales for 23 years. It offers an exceptional level of customer service with quick turnaround on orders, supported by fabulous packaging and point-of-sale material. The brand new autumn/winter 2022 collection is available now, get in touch for a catalogue.

Carrie Elspeth

T: 01446 771271

E: sales@carrieelspeth.com

W: www.carrieelspeth.com

4: Award Winning Stationery

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

VENT For Change

T: 07395 284 788

E: lucy@ventforchange.co.uk

W: www.ventforchange.co.uk

5: Celebrating Her Majesty

Queen Elizabeth II

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is remembered through the Lesser and Pavey brand new range of quality items released through brand name Royal Heritage. Lesser and Pavey’s in-house design team has put together a range in celebration of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s reign depicting the queen from 21 April 1926 to 8 September 2022. Queen Elizabeth II reigned gloriously over the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, as well as the Commonwealth realms, for 70 years and 214 days the longest ever reigning British Monarch. The range includes a fine cup and saucer, mugs, trays, plates, keyring, place and coaster mats, spoon rest and gift sets. Each item is beautifully packaged to reflect its contents. Orders are being taken now (limited stock available) with delivery available in October 2022.

Lesser & Pavey

T: 01322 279225

E: sales@leonardo.co.uk

W: www.leonardo.co.uk

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

1: Festive Mugs

Who doesn’t love snuggling down around the Christmas tree with a cosy mug of frothy hot chocolate, or perhaps even mulled wine?  Our red and white candy cane mugs are just perfect, with an embossed heart feature and cute message inside, your customers won’t be able to resist these beauties.

Richard Lang

T: 01332 340927

E: sales@richardlang.co.uk

W: www.richardlang.co.uk

2: Dinner Time With Peter Rabbit

The Peter Rabbit Dinner Set features artwork of everyone’s favourite bob-tailed bunny wearing his iconic blue jacket, with some scrumptious food like carrots and radishes, no doubt taken from Mr McGregor’s garden. As well as the Peter Rabbit Dinner Set, there is also an alternative Flopsy Dinner Set available, featuring Peter’s younger sister wearing her iconic red cape. Other items in the new-and-improved collection include Plates, Bowls, Beakers, Mugs, Egg Cup Sets, Fork & Spoon Sets and Snack Boxes. All items are available using the Peter Rabbit or Flopsy colour-ways and artworks.

Enesco

T: +44 (0)1228 404022

E: uksales@enesco.co.uk

W: www.enesco.co.uk

3: Christmas Tree Bling

Christmas doesn’t always have to be red and green. Rex London is adding to its festive range of Christmas decorations with a totally unique collection, ideal for customers who love unconventional décor. These wooden hanging decorations include a baby pink Christmas tree, a baby blue bird and an orange horse, all featuring brightly coloured tassels and gold glitter.

Rex London

T: +44 (0)20 8746 1700

E: info@rexlondon.com

W: www.rexlondontrade.com

4: Relax And Unwind

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

The Wheat Bag Company

T: 01747 480499

E: Sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

W: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

5: Stylish Retro Mugs

Morning brews, sorted. Rex London has added a selection of stylish mugs to its new Retro Pantry collection. Inspired by vintage food and drink packaging, these unique ceramic mugs feature bright retro prints that will catch the eye of any coffee-loving customer. Visit the Rex London trade website to shop the full Retro Pantry home collection, including matching storage tins and stationery.

Rex London

T: +44 (0)20 8746 1700

E: info@rexlondon.com

W: www.rexlondontrade.com

6: Gift For The Wine Lover

The perfect gift for wine enthusiasts of all levels. Contains 4 x Vacu Vin accessories in a special gift box allowing you to enjoy your wine to the fullest. Open your wine without effort with the Single Pull Corkscrew. Actively chill your wine within 15 minutes and keep it cool till the very last drop with the Active Wine Cooler. Serve your wine without spills with the Wine Server and preserve your wine for up to 10 days with the Wine Saver. All the above is packaged in a premium sleek gift box for a flawless unboxing experience.

Haus

T: 01782 572910

E: info@inthehaus.co.uk

W: hauswares.co.uk

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

UNITING THE GIFT INDUSTRY

Max Publishing in partnership with the Giftware Association

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

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

Save the date for the most exciting gift sector event of 2023 now, sign up to newsflashes from GiftsandHome.net for updates.

Best Sellers

CATEGORY SUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT

Decorative

Accessories

Wrendale Designs: across the board; Gisela Graham: Bluebell

Fragranced Giftware

Jewellery

Fashion & Fashion Accessories

Greeting Cards Giftwrap

Other Hot Hits

Widdop & Co: Serenity; The English Soap Company

Joe Davies: Equilibrium Hot Tomato: elastic bracelets

Powder Designs: across the board; Black Ginger: across the board

Redback

Glick

Jellycat: across the board Eco Chic: thermal water bottles

The range sells really well for us across all categories. Bluebell has been a particularly strong seller.

We do especially well with candles. Luxury products that are made in England.

Our No. 1 seller all year round. Always on trend, always something new. The elastic bracelets fly out. This is a very strong brand for us.

We do especially well with scarves and summer hats.

A very good range humour-wise. Everything sells well across the board.

Jellycat is always a winner. These are doing extremely well for us, with a clear eco message for customers.

Decorative

Widdop & Co: Moments;

Dartington: vases

Fragranced Giftware

Sassy Shop Wax: wax melts; Ashleigh & Burwood: fragranced lamps

Jewellery

Fashion & Fashion Accessories

Greeting Cards

Giftwrap

Other Hot Hits

Life Charms: boxed bracelets; Ancient Wisdom: men’s leather bracelets

Powder: scarves; Butterfly: across the board Cherry Orchard

Glick Nemesis Now: skulls

sentiment plaques and

are strong sellers for us. A great option for customers looking for a special gift.

Absolutely amazing and a huge hit.

Customers love to try the new fragrances.

A great gift for all occasions. Lots of styles and colours to choose from.

Amazing quality with gift bags that complete the purchase.

A great range for snuggling up with.

Stunning, great quality cards which cover male relations.

High quality giftwrap. A great addition to our offer.

A constant best seller with an ever-changing range.

Top: Bluebell from Gisela Graham.

Eco Chic’s thermal water bottles.

Karen Ebers, owner, Something Special, Edenbridge.

A medium sized independent gift and card shop on market town Edenbridge’s high street.

CATEGORY SUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT

Home Accessories

Fragranced Giftware

Widdop & Co: photo frames

Lesser & Pavey: Desire aroma lamps; The English Soap Company: luxury gift soaps

Ashleigh & Burwood: The Scented Home reed diffusers

An evergreen product for us.

We keep on selling these day after day.

The soaps are beautifully packaged in recyclable materials. They’re vegan friendly and made in East Sussex. Ashleigh & Burwood remains our most popular brand.

Jewellery

Fashion & Fashion Accessories

Giftwrap

Other Hot Hits

Life Charms: Just Because;

Joe Davies: Equilibrium

Golunski: small leather goods; Alice Wheeler London: bags

Glick

Pioneer and Amscan: helium balloons

With so many captions there’s always one that fits the bill.

A well priced collection with a variety of styles.

A comprehensive collection of good quality purses and wallets.

The clutch bags in particular are very popular.

The range just keeps on getting better and better.

We stock a large number of designs and sell balloons every day.

Scott Nicol, co-owner and director, KeepSakes, Scotland.

A family run business with five small and medium sized gift and lifestyle stores located in Ayr, Inverness, Loch Lomond, Pitlochry and Stirling. All are situated on high streets.

CATEGORY SUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT

Joe Davies: Nordic Lights;

Lesser & Pavey: faux leather Leonardo doorstops

Arran Aromatics: After The Rain; Isle of Skye: Scottish candles

A very popular and affordable collection with plenty of choice.

A wide variety of styles. Customers love them.

Everything is made in Scotland making the range hugely popular. The Scottish range, in stunning tartan packaging, is inspired by the Highlands, which is a great selling point.

Life Charms: across the board; Heather Gems: across the board

Customers repeat buy for themselves or buy as a gift.

Made in Scotland, this is a unique range that’s made out of heather stems.

Fashion &Fashion Accessories

Alice Wheeler London: cross body bags; Mala: Bella The Highland Cow bags and purses

Bags come in a wide range of colours and have interchangeable, quirky, funky straps.

Super popular with locals and tourists, there’s a glasses case too.

Greeting Cards

Giftwrap

Other Hot Hits

Alljoy Designs; Wrendale Designs

Tilnar Art: AluminArk;

Wraptious: Katherine Williams

The Message In A Bottle range of 3D pop up cards are a huge hit with customers.

We offer a large selection of Wrendale products, with the gift bags a great add-on.

Loads of designs and colours which match the rest of the company’s range. There are different sizes too. The Scruffy Coo artwork flies off the shelves.

Top: Faux leather doorstops from Lesser & Pavey.

Above: Mala’s Bella the Highland Cow range.

Decorative Home Accessories

Fragranced Giftware

Above: Among the latest designs in Joe Davies’ Equilibrium jewellery collection.

Right: Photo frames from Widdop & Co.

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