Progressive Gifts & Home September 2020

September 2020

Timeless moments of inspiration.

Made In England Christmas Collection

Christmas Ranges Now Available

To place your order email customerservices@wax-lyrical.com or call 01229 461111. www.waxlyricaltrade.co.uk FC_GH_September 2020.indd 1

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This Month As I write this, we couldn’t be more delighted to be back with the September issue of Progressive Gifts & Home!

In these topsy turvy times, it’s been truly inspiring to see how the industry has risen to the challenges; and with the dreaded virus unfortunately with us for the foreseeable future, there have been some tough decisions to be made as we learn to live and work with its continuing, unwelcome presence.

One very difficult decision we had to take was to make The Greats Gift Retailer Awards a virtual event this year as large gatherings are still unable to take place.

Therefore, we hope as many of you as possible will join us online from 7.30-8.15pm on September 30 to discover who this year’s fantastic winners are. We’ll be including a link on www.GiftsandHome.net shortly so please keep a look out!

www.max-publishing.co.uk THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE MAGAZINES

EXHIBITIONS

@Prog_Gifts

Meanwhile, if the pandemic has had a silver lining, it has been to sharply bring into focus the importance of wellness, being kind to others, saying thank you and really meaning it. We take a look at some of the legions of rainbow-themed products out there (turn to pages 35-37), as well as what’s trending in re-usable face masks and gift-led sanitisers.

(Turn to pages 27-31).

Plus, with so many people working from home, the desire to fragrance the workspace is increasing. So, turn to pages 45-47 to discover what’s trending.

And finally, retailers reveal what’s life’s been like behind the counter post-lockdown (turn to pages 23-25), while leading suppliers share their views on how manufacturing in China has been affected by the pandemic (turn to pages 17-21).

It’s a lively issue, so enjoy reading!

Left: Sue going into her local

Sue Marks, Editor THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS

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

Oliver Bonas branch in Muswell Hill, N London.

Copyright 2020. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

Subscribe to Progressive Gifts from £60 (UK) to £90 (International).

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

ISSN 2515-7523

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Inside 7-15

News

17-21

Industry Issue: Manufacturing In China THE ROAR OF THE DRAGON

23-25

Feedback: Retailers FROM THE FRONT LINE

27-31

Spotlight On... Face Masks & Hand Sanitisers FACING FACTS

35-37

41-43

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

29

Ian Hyder Publishing Director ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

45-47 Spotlight On... Rainbows & Kindness CHASING RAINBOWS

Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing HOMING IN ON FRAGRANCE

51

Consumer Feedback THE NEW NORMAL

Face To Face: Good Housekeeping TRIED, TESTED & TRUSTED

56-57

Best Sellers

Jo Pilcher Advertisement Manager jop@max-publishing.co.uk

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Industry News

The Greats Awards Go Virtual This Year

Autumn Fair @ Home

Winners Will Be Announced On September 30 With large gatherings still banned in the UK, a digital Greats Awards event will see the winners announced online this year, with the cream of gift retail recognised and rewarded at a ‘ceremony’ to be screened from 7.30pm8.15pm on Wednesday September 30.

An industrywide invitation will be sent out shortly, with further details revealed on GiftsandHome.net. The Awards will be free to attend by all Greats finalists, their families and friends, as well as other retailers, gift suppliers and agents.

“We held off making the decision about The Greats as long as possible, recognising their importance not just to the worthy finalists, but the gift industry as a whole, as a highly enjoyable networking event,” explained Jakki Brown, joint managing director of Max Publishing, owners and organisers of The Greats. “However, with the ongoing effects of Covid-19 precluding us from bringing everyone together physically, creating a virtual ceremony seemed the best option for this year.”

Adds Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home and GiftsandHome.net: “Over the past 18 years, The Greats Awards have become one of the most exciting and hugely anticipated occasions in the gift industry’s calendar, and while we are all extremely sad that we won’t be able to hold the event in its physical format this year, this way we can still celebrate the outstanding winners and finalists who have shown true grit and determination in confronting the challenges of the current situation. Our thanks to The Greats sponsors who have all given their support to the change in format for this year, as well as their ongoing commitment to The Greats 2021.”

Looking ahead to 2021, The Greats Awards will be held on May 12 at a lunchtime/afternoon event the Honorary Artillery Club (HAC) in London.

A two day digital experience took place last week on September 8 and 9 replacing the physical Autumn Fair.

Attendees were able to connect with two dedicated product showcase streams Home & Living and Gifts - as well as sustainability and ethical initiatives, Made In Britain and clearance. Exclusive live content featured product trends and industry news, with speakers including Trend Bible and Colour Hive.

Giving & Living To Go Ahead Mike Anderson, managing director of Hale Events, owners of the South West’s specialist gift show Giving & Living, predicts that 2021 will be a bumper year for staycations in the UK, with the event set to take place at Westpoint from January 17-19, 2021.

Mike says that Giving & Living has been redesigned to take on board the ‘new normal’, including putting safety measures in place as well as holding it over a shorter period to help reduce costs. It has also been given a new look, with an updated identity and refreshed website. Show highlights include the Designed and Made in Britain area which has been extended.

Visit www.givingliving.co.uk.

Below: Talking shop at January’s Giving & Living.

Left: The HAC will host The Greats 2021.

The Greats 2020 sponsors include (in alphabetical order): Candlelight; Gift Republic; GiftsandHome.net; Gisela Graham; Good Housekeeping; Harrogate Christmas & Gift; Joe Davies; Lesser & Pavey; Miffy; Progressive Gifts & Home; Premier Decorations; Progressive Greetings Live; Spring Fair and Autumn Fair; Top Drawer Spring/Home & Gift, Harrogate; Wrendale Designs and The Giftware Association.

Top Drawer On Demand With exhibitions not permitted in England until October 1, a physical Top Drawer was among the Autumn shows that was regrettably forced to cancel. However, Top Drawer On Demand, the show’s new digital platform, is offering new opportunities to network and expand trade throughout September.

Registered buyers are invited to search for products and brands through virtual showrooms, as well as connecting with them through tools such as live chat, appointment requests and video calls.

“At a time when retailers, designers and brands need our support more than ever before, we’re thrilled to be bringing our community a month-long opportunity to make meaningful connections and do business,” states show director Alejandra Campos. “As stores continue to return to full operation, we wanted to ensure that our audience doesn’t fell restricted or rushed in accessing content, instead able to discover exciting brands, exclusive product launches and insightful seminar sessions whenever it suits them best through Top Drawer On Demand.” The unique digital platform will give attendees unrivalled access to new products from a selection of curated design-led brands, as well as original seminar content.

Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk

A Date For The Diary The next edition of London Stationery Show will take place on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 April 2021 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, when the show will celebrate its belated 10th birthday.

The event was originally moved from April to a new September date at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Visit www.stationeryshow.co.uk

Left: Top Drawer’s show director Alejandra Campos.

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Industry News

Face Masks A Sell Out For Gift Indies Retailers Report Queues With Shoppers Multi-Purchasing Gift retailers have experienced a welcome stampede for face coverings following the Government’s decision that masks must be worn in shops in England.

“As soon as the announcement was made our online store went into meltdown, with people waiting outside to buy when we opened the following morning, meaning we sold out in minutes,” reported Jon May, co-owner of Mooch Gifts & Home in Bewdley and Stourport on Severn.

He continued: “It’s been a positive move to help boost the confidence of shoppers, although actually policing and enforcing it shouldn’t really be the job of shop staff, so let’s hope we see a more physical presence of the police on our high streets.”

Lara Wares, owner of Threads in Harpenden added: “The moment we get an order in it sells out straightaway!

When the announcement was made we had queues outside the shop every day. Customers are buying masks Above: A customer at The Present for the whole family, with some people wanting to co-ordinate them in Barnet wears a trendy Eco Chic face mask that co-ordinates with with what they’re wearing. Let’s hope it continues - we could do her dress. with a new trend!”

It was a similar story at The Present in Barnet, North London. “People have been buying four to six at a time,” reported owner Louise Rolfe, “and I suspect they’ll continue selling quickly in the weeks to come.”

Up in Scotland, where mask wearing in shops has been compulsory since July 10, Fiona Fabien, owner of Papyrus in Glasgow, believes that while having to wear a face covering may have dissuaded some customers it has to be balanced with the soaring sales of face masks in store.

“I think that the public are getting used to mask wearing as 95% of our customers come in wearing them now,” said Fiona. “Customers who are not wearing them make a beeline to our masks and buy one.”

(See Facing Facts on pages 27-31).

Parlane Secures A New Owner Light & Living (Lightmakers B.V.) of the Netherlands is the new owner of Parlane International which went into administration earlier this year. Parlane’s range of exclusively designed and sourced products, along with the company’s long history of offering handcrafted, traditionally-produced lifestyle/home accessories, will complement the collections offered by Light & Living.

At the beginning of 2019, the company was purchased by the holding company that also owns Gallery Direct.

Below: The Parlane stand at Spring Fair in February.

Covid-19 At Home Protection

University Games has purchased gift-led Lagoon Games specialists in gifts, games, puzzles and books - from the Asmodee Group, with University Games’ president and cofounder Bob Moog confirming that the company plans to keep Lagoon Games “true to its British roots.”

Explains Richard Wells, managing director of University Games UK: “The Lagoon product line complements the University Games and Paul Lamond Games ranges. Our sales force has known the Lagoon range for years and is really looking forward to introducing it to our broad base of retailers.”

The acquisition of Lagoon is the 14th for University Games and the company’s third purchase in the UK.

Following an independent laboratory test, Ashleigh & Burwood’s fragrance lamp technology has been verified as effective against reducing both surface and airborne coronavirus. The company commissioned a specialist accredited microbiological laboratory, based in the US, to test the fragrance lamps’ efficacy against coronavirus.

The tests showed that using the fragrance lamp for 30 minutes reduced the virus on surfaces by up to 60% and airborne virus by 97%, making them an effective way for consumers to protect themselves at home.

“This is especially good news as the WHO and media organisations around the globe are reporting on the growing evidence that the virus does spread through airborne transmission,” explained managing director Andrew Nettleton.

Above: David Walliams’ Classic Card Games from Lagoon.

Below: Fragrance lamps from Ashleigh & Burwood.

Playing The Game

Taking On A New Agency

Below: coz-e-living from Broadwalk.

Boardwalk Supply Co, owners of the coz-e-living and CRAGGI brands, have commissioned Tom Sykes of TS Supplies, (previously with Zystos), as the exclusive wholesale sales agent for the company’s lifestyle collections in the UK and Ireland.

“I believe the contacts and relationships built by Tom, along with his in-depth industry knowledge across categories, will benefit the roll out of our brands to retailers in the UK,” said Stuart Ogg, managing director of Boardwalk. “We have stock availability for AW2020 and Tom will be discussing the opportunities with his retail contacts in the coming weeks.”

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Industry News

Wax Lyrical Receives £1m Investment The Company Will Launch A Personal Care Sector Next Spring Wax Lyrical’s parent company Portmeirion Group is investing approximately £1m in the development of a personal care plant, annexed to its existing site in Cumbria, which is due to be completed by early 2021. The investment and extended facilities at the Cumbria factory will be used to support growth of personal care manufacturing operations.

The company will be launching handwash and lotion, and body wash and lotion, a natural evolution for the company’s fragrance experts who have been monitoring the personal care sector with the intention of launching Wax Lyrical’s own range.

“The extension to our site in Cumbria reflects the ambition for the brand, which is exporting British-made home fragrances globally, with new territories in the pipeline for 2021,” commented Wax Lyrical’s ceo Jacqui Gale. The personal care collections will feature alongside the company’s candles, reed diffusers and other home fragrances.

The brand has also committed to continuing to produce its 70% alcohol hand sanitiser and 65% alcohol surface spray, and is predicting continued demand for the product.

Above: The Wax Lyrical site in Cumbria will be expanding to include a personal care plant.

Left: Jacqui Gale, ceo, Wax Lyrical.

A ‘Thumbs Up’ From The Government Wax Lyrical was recently commended by the Government on its agility during the Covid-19 crisis, with the brand receiving national recognition for its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The company was listed among 80 UK businesses in the government’s international marketing campaign, ‘GREAT Inspirations’, delivered by the GREAT Britain campaign.

Wax Lyrical transformed its home fragrance business in March to manufacture hand sanitiser and surface spray.

Within 10 days from planning to production, the company made its first delivery to the NHS, providing much needed products to local hospitals, care homes and pharmacies.

The factory worked relentlessly to meet the demand for sanitiser, with over 1m units delivered to trusts, health authorities and retail in the three months of production.

PEOPLE p The London Stationery Show’s founder, and stationery supremo Chris Leonard-Morgan (right), has been appointed as a special advisor on the future development and direction of London Stationery Show. p Mad Beauty has expanded the team.

Wendy Kent (right) has joined the company as operations director, supporting the company’s continued strategy for international growth. Also new to the team is Jonathan Tomkin (right), who has joined as head of commercial. p University Games has welcomed Jessica Foreshew (right) to the team as national account manager, following the acquisition of The Lagoon Group. (See page 9).

Jessica will work alongside Mark Jones, head of sales at University Games, on major national accounts across both the toy and gift sectors.

Right: Wax Lyrical’s hand sanitiser and surface spray.

Wrendale Partners With Wax Lyrical On Home Fragrance Launch Wrendale Designs and Wax Lyrical recently partnered to bring out a debut 15 piece licensed home fragrance collection, featuring classically British animal illustrations on ceramic scented candle jars and reed diffusers. A Christmas extension will follow later in the year.

“In creating this range, it was really important that the fragrance had a fundamental connection with the artwork,” explained Hannah Dale, founder and creative head of Wrendale Designs.

Adds Wax Lyrical’s product development manager Rachel Holmes: “From trinkets to egg cups, each piece in the collection can have other uses in the home once the fragrance has come to an end.”

A Double Success For Santoro For the second time in two years, character brand Santoro has been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade. The Award is regarded as the UK’s most prestigious and highest accolade for international business success.

A division of the London based design house Santoro, Santoro Licensing was founded in 1995 by Meera and Lucio Santoro.

Above: Santoro’s Gorjuss Autumn Leaves and Little Wings design.

Left: Wrendale Designs’ first home fragrance collection.

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Industry News

Looking On The Bright Side Widdop Unveils A Five-Pronged Autumn/Winter Campaign Acquisitions, huge product investment in 14 new product lines, the launch of a brand new collection to support NHS Charities Together, as well as a host of innovative activities to engage with retail customers, have been the key elements in Widdop and Co’s strategy in embracing the all-important Autumn/Winter season to support its retail customers.

“It’s been a whirlwind few months, something none of us could have ever predicted, and that hasn’t been experienced in generations, if ever before,” states Stephen Illingworth, Widdop’s head of product development and national accounts sales. “Our focus is to ensure that even in a shifting marketplace, we continue to offer our customers the very best products, the most exciting trends and the most innovative new designs alongside our trademark, award winning service.”

The company is leading with an ambitious, five-pronged Autumn/Winter campaign: Look On The Brightside. The multi-faceted programme is currently under way and will run through until Friday October 20, incorporating a host of brand new ways of showcasing the company’s 700 new products, across 14 key product launches, and inspiring retail customers.

Included will be Widdop and Co’s signature showroom event at its Manchester HQ; a 450sqft socially distanced, appointment only roadshow in 20 locations in the South West and South East; an eCrm show for baby gifts; The Evening Sessions, where customers will be able to book evening digital tours of the company’s showroom; digital catalogues, as well as a programme of webinars.

“These new options will mean we can safely meet our customers and show our new launches with the virtual options giving our retail customers even more flexibility as they juggle running their businesses day to day in this new environment,” explained Stephen. “We have focused our marketing efforts on measures that will reach the most appropriate people quickly and appropriately this Autumn.”

Top: Widdop’s Look On The Brightside campaign Left: Stephen Illingworth.

Reasons To Be Cheerful On the product front, Widdop’s signature product launch is Cheerfull

by Celebrations, a bright, bold, impulse gift range, sales of which will support the NHS Charities Together programme with a 7% donation made on all purchases.

In addition, as part of the company’s Look On The Brightside Autumn launch, the company has signed a distribution and manufacturing agreement for The Brightside giftware from Really Good and will be working closely with the brand’s namesake, Rachel Bright, to further develop new products. The brand will also feature in new Brightside Awards that Above: Top Bloke from Widdop and Co’s new Widdop will be presenting to retailers who have shone during the pandemic.

Cheerfull range.

Also adding to Widdop’s portfolio is the acquisition of Martin Gulliver Designs, best known for its highly popular children’s melamine dinnerware.

“As two industry greats retire - David Hicks, founder of Really Good, and Martin Gulliver - we are thrilled to take over the design and manufacture of these two signature collections that still sell brilliantly among some of the UK’s favourite independent and national retailers,” states Widdop and Co’s head of product development and national accounts sales Stephen Illingworth.

Visit www.widdop.co.uk/brightsideshow

Mad About Friends Following a new partnership with Warner Bros Consumer Products, Mad Beauty is continuing to expand its licensing portfolio brand, developing a collection inspired by iconic brands such as Friends, DC and Looney Tunes.

The first collaboration is a collection inspired by the hit TV series Friends. Launching this Autumn/Winter, the collection features beauty, bath and body essentials as well as lifestyle accessories.

Below: Friends hair clips from Mad Beauty.

BLE Goes Virtual Global licensing trade show Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) will not be taking place as a physical show this October. Instead, it will be transitioning to form part of a new global event - the Festival of Licensing - which will run over a four week period, from October 6-29.

The event will feature four regionally tailored events in key licensing territories, with a two or three day focus in each area.

“We want Festival of Licensing to offer amazing experiences for everyone who joins us,” comments Anna Knight, Global Licensing Group’s vice president.

The Festival will conclude with a Licensing Leadership Summit taking place on October 28-29. Visit www.festivaloflicensing.com for more information.

Below: Anna Knight, Global Licensing Group’s vice president.

What’s Trending At Christmasworld Three joint trend statements - contemplative approach, heirloom feelings and spirited response – will mark a new era for Christmasworld and Paperworld - where ‘Together’ will be a central theme, with both shows scheduled to take place at Messe Frankfurt at the end of January.

“The concept of recycling and upcycling is gaining ever greater momentum and these are themes that we will increasingly be seeing in the product collections at Christmasworld and Paperworld,” explains Annetta Palmisano, designer at bora.herke.palmisano style agency.

Christmasworld takes place from January 29-February 1, 2021, and Paperworld from January 30-February 2, 2021.

Visit www.christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com Visit www.paperworld.messefrankfurt.com

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Industry News

New Gift of the Year 2021 Website Four Additional Award Categories Join The GOTY Programme A dedicated Gift of the Year website has been launched to give entrants and buyers a more user-friendly experience, confirm organisers The Giftware Association.

Recognising new trends in the industry, four new categories have been added for 2021: International, Own Label, Tech and Gadgets and My Gift of All Time.

“After the year we’ve had, we want it to be the best year yet and really show of the creativity and innovativeness of our industry that has been somewhat suppressed over the last few months,” states the GA’s ceo Sarah Ward. “The competition needed to grow and the new website will allow us to develop on new areas of the competition for the benefit of those that enter.”

The website, which includes a blog featuring interviews with entrants, will be a sourcing guide for buyers and retailers who can also view the winning products from previous years.

“Entrants will be able to upload more images, videos and links to their sites, furthering their opportunities with the retailers and buyers that judge the competition,” adds PR & marketing manager Chris Workman.

Sponsors include Spring and Autumn Fair and Press Loft.

GA Chairman Takes Over The Reins Sebnini’s founder Gert Schyberg has begun his two year tenure as chairman of The Giftware Association with a clear vision to help to take the Association onwards and upwards.

“As chairman, I look forward to continuing to support the excellent work done by our ceo Sarah Ward and her team at The Giftware Association HQ,” he told PG&H. “I recognise the immense value the GA offers and the vast potential the Gift of the Year Awards and Meet the Buyer initiatives hold. My priorities over the next years are therefore to expand these offerings while continuing to be the industry’s trusted partner for regulatory information, best practice webinars and other educational programmes.”

Adds Gert: “I also look forward to welcoming new members to the GA while finding ways to maximise our value, support and advice for existing members.”

Leftt: New GA chairman Gert Schyberg.

John Lewis Looks To The Future John Lewis’ chairman Dame Sharon White recently unveiled the company’s strategic review, promising “green shoots in performance over the next nine to 12 months, and profits recovering over the next three to five years.” Future plans include a spotlight on home and nursery gifting, and a ‘digital first’ future where shops will support online trading.

A new home collection and expanded gift list will launch this Autumn, with the emphasis on inspirational design, more affordable entry point pricing, stronger curation and greater local product selections to reflect the diversity of the brand’s customers.

Over the next five years, initiatives include incorporating John Lewis Home into Waitrose and vice-versa, as well as experimenting with store formats.

Above: A strategic review has been undertaken for both John Lewis and Waitrose.

Left: John Lewis’ chairman Sharon White.

NEWS IN BRIEF p John Lewis has launched its online Christmas shop with searches for festive items increasing by 370%. p Selfridges is pioneering a five year Project Earth initiative to help shoppers to reduce waste, choose forest friendly products and recycled or ‘pre-loved’ products.

Below: Selfridges spells it out to passers-by.

p From September 14-18, Maison&Objet will host a Digital Fair via its online platform MOM (Maison&Objet and More). p British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) will be holding a second interactive online event on September 20-22. p Gift and home designer Yvonne Ellen (right) has secured two nominations in the prestigious National Business Women’s Awards.

Winners will be announced next month. p A Gift From The Gods has unveiled a range of branded chocolate bars, complementing the company’s jewellery, stationery and gift wrapped sleepwear. p A lockdown project, featuring two mini glass rainbows, saw Ann Maitland, founder of Dragonfly Dichroic, win The Giftware Association’s first Gifts of Hope competition.

Above: Award winning rainbows.

p Jo Williams, owner of Joco Interiors in Nuneaton, put pen to paper for the 2020 edition of the book ‘I Am A Woman Who’. A photo of Jo is featured on the back cover. p The Music Gifts Company has appointed The Music Stand as the company’s a new distributor for USA and Canada. p Scottish gift agents Lucy Sharp and Darran McBride teamed up to open an Autumn/Winter ‘pop up’ showroom in Edinburgh during August.

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On TV A/W 2020

University Games UK Ltd

31 Newington Green, Islington, London N16 9PU

Telephone 020 7254 0100: Email: oďŹƒce@ugames.uk.com www.university-games.co.uk

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Industry Issue: Manufacturing In China

The Roar Of

The Dragon With the world still in the clutches of the Covid-19 pandemic, will China continue to be a major source of manufacture and supply for the UK gift and home industry, or will there be a shift to other countries in the Far East? Without the physical Canton Fair and other Far East trade shows, what effect is it having on sourcing? And with so much negativity about China per se, will consumers avoid buying products that have been imported from there?

Leading names in the industry share their views and insights.

Short And Long Term Implications “Covid-19 is likely to have huge short and long-term implications for manufacturing in China and the Far East,” says Stephen Illingworth, head of product development and national accounts sales, Widdop and Co. “In the short term, survival of the supply chain and trying to get back to some sort of dependability will be the key for all of us. Many small factories who have lost significant business at this time from all over the world will struggle to get sufficient demand to survive. If they do survive, as they cut their workforce to adapt to lower demand, their ability to maintain lead times and shipping dates will result in many delays to shipments and the extension of Right: Stephen Illingworth.

the time taken to get replenishment stock on good products. In addition, with seasonal, short term labour filling the peaks of resource needs, their inexperience will potentially lead to a lot more quality problems, especially for factories, where skilled craftsmanship has been the key to their success.”

Continues Stephen: “Aside from what we already know we want to order, the biggest challenge we all face in the short term is locating great product and factories without actually travelling there in person. For years we have relied upon looking at quality first hand at shows or factories, spending time looking the owner in the eye and assessing whether they will be someone to partner with, depend upon,

and that will maintain, in Widdop’s case, the extremely high standards of ethical and technical standards we expect to be upheld across our supply chain.

“In the long term, aside from the normal volatility that economic crises have upon cost prices and currency, we also cannot ignore the intangible, and hugely unfair, damage this crisis has done to the perceptions and opinions of product imported from China. We will have to look closer to home for affordable manufacturing and we will have to interrogate our supply chain more to maintain the highest standards we seek as compromises are made by factories saving costs.”

Forward Thinking Factories “China is the global centre of manufacturing for our industry,” points out Paul Hooker, commercial director, Joe Davies. “Certainly the inability to travel to the region without entering quarantine, and the cancellation of major trade shows such as the Canton Fair, will make things more difficult. Product development too, is hampered without global demand, and it is unlikely that ‘normality’ will return anytime soon.

However, Paul highlights that the Chinese are very resilient, with many forward thinking factories that are already developing and delivering new products.

“All that said though, the sad reality is that not all retailers, suppliers or manufacturers will make it through, and there will be Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Industry Issue: Manufacturing In China

Right: China remains an important source of manufacture and supply.

Left: Paul Hooker.

some causalities as a direct result of Covid-19 through no fault of their own.

“While things, in the short term, will be different, at Joe Davies we are continuing to work hard with our factories and suppliers to bring new products to market as usual.

While the pandemic and lockdown had a profound impact on our high streets, already we are seeing orders pick up again.”

As Paul says: “At the end of the day, people love to shop, and our industry is filled with many vibrant, motivated and hardworking independent retailers that will shine through. It’s our job to make sure they are supported with outstanding service, a great product choice and value for money.”

Far East Is Resilient “In the long term, I don’t think Covid-19 will have any big lasting effects on Far East manufacturing,” predicts Julian Hunt, managing director of Lesser & Pavey.

“In years gone by, these countries have shown their resilience and I am positive they will again. Their efficiency, quality and work ethic is something still largely unrivalled in our opinion.”

Highlights Julian: “Sea freight and air freight has had its ups and downs throughout the pandemic. Unfortunately, when demand goes up, so do prices and that’s not something we are used to seeing in lots of industries - we saw oil go below $0 a barrel this year! However, I must say it is a shame that shows have suffered cancellations through the pandemic. We work hard throughout the year so that we do not have to rely on Far East shows to do our buying, but there are lots of companies that do. We have launched hundreds of new products this year and still have lots of ranges still to be launched, but we are always on the lookout for new, so it would have been nice to visit the shows as well.”

Above: Julian Hunt.

Below: Sea and air freight prices have gone up considerably this year.

Virtual Showrooms Are Helping “Manufacturing in China has bounced back pretty quickly,” says Nigel Biggs, ceo of Rex London. “The overall disruption was limited and amounted to not much more than a six week delay to our incoming products. Now the flow of goods is completely back to normal we’re still bringing in many new products as we would at any other time. We have some good long-term relationships with our partners in China and envisage that continuing.”

Nigel adds that, of course, the manufacturers, like everyone, will face the impact of the economic slowdown which will probably see a drop-off in demand for some types of goods, at least in the short term. “But even though the manufacturing is up and running again, it isn’t completely the same. Our small team of buyers usually travel to China twice a year to search for new suppliers and visit existing ones.

This year, both trips have been cancelled which has meant we’ve needed to find new ways of working.

Our suppliers have more than risen to the challenge though, with more regular communication and innovations such as virtual showrooms.”

Above: Nigel Biggs.

Continued on page 21 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Industry Issue: Manufacturing In China

Inset: Hong Kong has historically played an important role in the UK’s trade with China.

China Is On The Rise “As the global hub for manufacturing, China’s manufacturing sector has continued to be the major driver of growth in the Chinese economy. Now the second biggest economy after the USA, China is still very much on the rise,” states Greg Warrington, ceo and co-founder of Sourcing Support Asia, which specialises in sourcing giftware, greeting cards, wrap, gift bags and stationery from China and Taiwan, as well as acting for retailers and distributors, based both in the UK and overseas.

“While China will need to manage the impact of the world blaming them for coronavirus, a trade war with the US and a potential row with the UK/EU over Hong Kong, I think it is unlikely to make a significant difference to the world’s continued reliance on China’s manufacturing capability and low competitive prices.

However, during the next ten years, there are other internal influences that will see China becoming less reliant on its manufacturing base with a much higher reliance on its own economy.”

Explains Greg: “This started to become more obvious when China held the Olympics in 2008. With the eyes of the world very much on China, there was a dramatic improvement in how factories treated their employees. Higher wages, longer holidays and a significant reduction in people living and working in a factory hundreds of miles from their home for all but two weeks a year.

This extra wealth channelling into the world’s biggest population, a staggering 1.5bn people, is fuelling growth in their domestic market and with that comes higher personal expectations on how to live, work and acquire material possessions.

Not unlike previous manufacturing economies such as the UK, US, Germany and Japan, a population with more disposable income will see China starting a

structural shift to reposition the country as a service-based economy and push the manufacturing sector from low-end manufacturing toward higher valueadded production.”

He points out that this is significant for the industry, “as we would largely be classed in the low-end manufacturing sector. The interesting question here is where will this manufacturing output end up? I think a lot will depend on whether the Chinese business owners drive this move into other Far Eastern countries or whether business leaders look closer to home for low cost manufacturing options.

Personally, I think we will start to see more manufacturing in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and South Korea.

“For now though, after a slow start at the beginning of the year, and then a delayed return after Chinese New Year, due to the virus, factories now are up and Above: Greg’s wife and business partner Maranda on the company’s stand at the Canton Fair in 2019.

Left: Greg Warrington.

running and hungry for business. There has been a sharp increase in air freight as there are fewer commercial flights that normally take much of the spare capacity. Courier companies such as DHL and Fedex are also charging significantly more. So, it’s prudent to plan a purchase quantity sufficient to justify sea freight, where costs are largely unchanged.

The other significant thing is the cancellation of the major exhibitions.

Whether buying or selling, all major shows have been cancelled to date in 2020 and, at this point, it does not look good for the October shows in Hong Kong and Guangzhou.”

A Hard Year For Manufacturers “With certain bigger customers - although not too many I’m pleased to say - there is a reluctance to buying from China, or products associated with China at present, to include, in particular, the EU, Canadian, American and Australian customers,” highlights Terry Taylor, director, EastWest.

“I feel that in certain commodities such as gifting, Chinese manufacturers are in for a hard 12 months. Plus, due to the current retail issues here and overseas, and the cancellation of trade shows such as the Hong Kong and Canton Fairs, this will seriously impact on the makers and trading houses in terms of showing goods to buyers and like all trade shows - attracting new customer contacts.”

Left: Exhibitors and visitors doing business at the 2019 Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair.

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Feedback

Retailers

From The

Frontline

Inset: Shoppers are having to get used to a new normal.

A mixed start to shops re-opening in June saw sales soar for some retailers while others, mostly those in shopping malls and city centres, had a quieter start. PG&H delves deeper to discover how gift retailers across the spectrum have fared in the past few weeks, given that there’s been a sizzling heatwave, dramatic thunderstorms and confirmation that the UK is in recession.

Sales Have Soared “Blue Diamond as a whole traded very well during initial lockdown period because we launched our online website for Gardening and Plants,” says the garden centre group’s Angie Goosen, category manager - books, greeting cards, gifting & giftwrap.

“However, home and gifting wasn’t included in the launch, so that took a hit for the six weeks we had to shut,” she explains. “Nevertheless, we were grateful to have been included in the shops allowed to open and trade earlier than others and saw a massive uplift in sales from day one. We’re certainly not going to recover all losses made during shut down period - mask/sanitiser sales aside! Our bathroom category manager did a brilliant - impossible - job of sourcing and securing face mask and hand sanitiser stock, while still managing to maintain the quality and fashionability we strive to achieve within the home and gifting departments. Sales have understandably sky rocketed.”

On the visitor front, Angie adds: “our customers have been fantastic and we’ve had no issues at all with them adhering to all face mask, sanitiser and distancing guidelines. We’ve made it easy for them by ensuring there are hygiene stations in almost all departments within our stores, and I take my hat off to all those customers who have fervently adhered to the guidelines, even with the extreme heat we faced in August.”

Left: Buyer Angie Goosen at the Blue Diamond Garden Centre in East Bridgford.

We’re Opening A New Store “It was wonderful to welcome our customers back into our stores in June and trade has been much better than expected,” enthuses Florian Kleinlercher, managing director of Between The Lines which has 15 stores in the South of England. “While we are still tracking slightly lower compared to last year, the difference is far smaller than we had anticipated and budgeted for. Our new face mask ranges are selling very well, especially adult sizes, and we are also very successfully selling the hand sanitiser we offer in-store to our customers which features naturally derived ingredients, Vitamin E and 70% organic alcohol.”

He adds that customers seem happy to wear face masks while shopping in store. “We have made huge efforts to ensure our stores are 'Covid-secure' for both staff and customers and this has been well received,” continues Florian. “Rainy weather still seems to put people off, as they worry about having to potentially queue outside in the rain which does keep shoppers away, so sunny days are noticeably busier for us. Overall, we are delighted with the way trade has recovered and are still on track with the re-introduction of ecommerce and another physical store before Christmas.”

Above: Between The Lines in Midhurst. A 16th store is on track to open before Christmas.

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Feedback

Retailers

Home Fragrancing Is A Winner “Business has generally been good since reopening after lockdown,” confirms Sharon Wake, buyer/manager, Barkers, North Allerton.

“Nobody knew quite what to expect, so we have been pleasantly surprised. We feel that because we are in a rural market town, some customers feel safer shopping in this environment rather than in a busier city centre. Many people were decorating and doing home improvements during lockdown and, as a result of that, since re-opening, we’ve seen sales of home gifting doing well.”

On the home fragrancing front, Sharon highlights that candles, and in particular reed diffusers, are continuing to sell well. “The new Wrendale collection from Wax Lyrical has had a very good initial response and Stoneglow also continues to be very popular with customers,” she confirmed. “Photo frames too, have been a strong performer, perhaps to display photos of loved ones not seen for many weeks.”

Sharon says that customers have accepted the changes to the new way to shop, adding, “although there are occasions when we have to remind them about social distancing and standing behind the screens at the till points. However, numbers have also slowed slightly since face coverings became mandatory.”

Above: Barkers, Northallerton.

Shoppers Staying Local “Since we re-opened, trade has been better than expected, by some measure,” says Richard Barker, owner of four Cilla and Camilla shops in West Dorset, to include a gift store in Beaminster. “Our established shops have, as a group, traded in line with last year - which, itself, was a good year. Our customers have been generally well-behaved, conscientious and supportive - this is, after all, West Dorset! There is some clear evidence that shoppers are staying local and, in our case, not travelling the 60 minutes or so to Bristol or Exeter.”

Richard confirmed that clothing sales have been strong, “although we have given away a lot of margin in favour of clearing stock and generating cash. Our cafe took part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme where we saw repeat customers actively seeking the discounts.

“However, our Cookshop in Sherborne has been the star of the show with sales in July more than 40% ahead of last year. Virtually all that growth appears to be driven by new customers who gained a new or renewed passion for cooking and baking during lockdown.

“Overall, we are delighted to be trading in three prosperous market towns, where local residents are loyal and supportive and where we are seeing a strong influx of seasonal visitors. Our towns are not immune to recession, but the effects are certainly cushioned.”

Above: Cilla and Camilla, Beaminster.

Mixed Trading “We have continued to open more stores across the UK over the last few weeks and we have loved welcoming so many of our customers back in,” says Oliver Tress, founder and chief executive of Oliver Bonas. “We have had overwhelmingly positive feedback about the measures we have put in place to make shopping safe for our team and for our customers. We continue to see mixed trade throughout the summer months, and while our high street and community stores have largely been trading well, our office and train station stores have struggled while we wait for more people to return to work and travel on public transport.”

Above: Oliver Bonas stores are continuing to re-open.

Positive Bounce Back “The sizzling heatwave at the beginning of August had a negative effect on sales on Saturday August 8, otherwise, trading has been good with a positive bounce back,” confirms Bill Nettelton, owner, Bill & Bert’s, Colchester. “The more shops that are open the better as it’s getting people onto the high street and out shopping. In fact, the biggest boost was Rishi Sunak’s Eat Out To Help Out scheme which definitely boosted footfall from Monday to Wednesday during August. We’ve had very few complaints about wearing face masks and using hand sanitiser, with most people being very sensible about it.”

Bill says he strongly believes that, ultimately, it’s the independent retailers who will win out over the multiples. “They have over complicated things, and don’t offer the service that we do. For example, we’re allowing customers to try clothes on in our changing room, and then steam clean the garments before putting them back on the rail, whereas most national clothes retailers have kept their changing rooms closed.

Looking ahead, he says that the only potential negative he can see in the run up to Christmas is if Black Friday is allowed to go ahead by landlords. “It doesn’t work unless you have crowds and big queues, and in today’s socially distanced environment that should not be allowed to happen. As independents, what we desperately need is normal trading in the run up to Christmas.

Black Friday affects all retailers for two weeks after it happens.”

Above: Bill & Bert’s in Colchester.

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Spotlight On... Face Masks & Hand Sanitisers

Facing Facts While product trends that existed before lockdown are still as popular as ever - home fragrancing among them - there’s been a wave of new gift-led products hitting the shelves in recent months, most notably reusable face masks/coverings - this year’s ‘must have’ face fashion - especially now that they have become mandatory in shops and on public transport, as well as in museums, cinemas, places of worship, banks, beauty salons and other indoor spaces.

Unsurprisingly, gift shops are seeing masks sell out in minutes, meaning that suppliers are being inundated with re-orders.

“With face coverings fast becoming mandatory in many public spaces worldwide, one thing is for sure, they’re here to stay,” comments Puckator’s designer

At the start of lockdown, who would have thought that the prosaic face mask could look so pretty or be such a money spinner for gift retailers? Or that hand sanitisers would be seen as a gift as well as a self-purchase item?

PG&H took a look at some of the new wave of wellness gifts that have evolved from the pandemic.

Above: Witty, washable face masks printed with ‘of the moment’ quotes from Five Dollar Shake.

Left: A personalised, rainbow themed face mask from PMC. Below left: Puckator’s wide range includes masks for both adults and children.

Below: Among the best selling designs from Eco Chic/Faye UK.

Laura Billingham. “They have quickly become a staple on the giftware shelves this year, and we have been working on exciting designs for both adults and children, with our colourful, fun designs for youngsters including Space Cadets, Cutiemals, Shark Cafe and Monstarz mouths. There are lots of new designs for adults too, covering a wide range of interests.” As Laura points out: “There’s no reason to be dull and drab when taking personal safety seriously.”

At PMC, marketing manager Kristina Ruffell says: “We have seen increased interest for our range of face coverings, due to the fact they can be personalised with any positive message that the individual customer chooses. They’re an ideal way to spread some joy in an uncertain world. Increased sales have reflected that consumers are looking for an element of trend led design as well as function.”

At Eco Chic/Faye UK, Richard Marsden confirms that since the launch of the company’s new recyclable face covers in mid-June, weekly sales have got stronger and stronger. “Consumer

feedback is very strong, with our quirky, colourful, cheerful designs capturing the mood of defiance as Britain braces to continue its fight against the pandemic.”

Eurostick meanwhile, created a new reusable face masks brand, The Glasgow Mask Co, in response to customer demand during lockdown. “We were able to use our established supply base to fulfil some of the urgent demands,” confirms designer Louise Main Dalziel. “As a gift, souvenir and accessory company we are always inspired

by national tradition, but we were also very aware that our customers would need to pivot their usual buy to appeal to a purely domestic customer.”

With that in mind, she says that it has been great fun sourcing ditsy florals, palm prints and paisley patterns, alongside the company’s Union Jack and tartan stories.

“Our Tartan collection was an instant Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

27

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Spotlight On... Face Mask & Hand Sanitisers Left: New designs from The Glasgow Mask Co, a new brand for Eurostick.

Right: Plain masks from Spice Kitchen are ringing up sales.

Below left: A selection of designs from Lesser & Pavey.

Below right: An eyecatching rainbow mask from Global Journey.

success, but as mandatory face coverings have gone nationwide, we are now seeing a fantastic uptake on all designs, and are launching around five news designs a week.”

Also new on the face mask scene are snoozies! adult and children face coverings, distributed exclusively in the UK by Joe Davies, in fun designs, to include sequinned masks for the party season along with Christmas prints.

Lesser & Pavey too, has recently launched a collection ranging from pink, black and silver bling to floral and pastel shades, as well as pink and green camouflage, butterflies, the colours of the rainbow and plain.

For Global Journey, face masks are complementing the company’s sanitisers and were a natural followon. Sales director Ian Samuels explains: “They’ve been in stock since the beginning of July, with the face protectors selling out in days and customers reporting sales of 100 pieces.

They’re an ideal product to site next to the checkout/till area, alongside the sanitisers.”

But not all face coverings are patterned or have something to say. “Our masks are plain as opposed to designed and we have seen a real demand for them,” confirmed Spice Kitchen’s co-founder Sanjay Aggarwal. “The plain masks appeal to adults who want a more subtle look, as well as kids, especially males, who want their mask to fit in with a more urban fashion style.”

Left: Snoozies! masks are available from Joe Davies.

Right: Fun children’s masks from Kidcentral.

On The Case With scrupulous face mask hygiene uppermost in everyone’s minds, Signature PG has come up with a handy carry case.

“There are a lot of personalised face masks in the market, and we wanted to provide a better quality mask and, more importantly, to provide a case to keep the masks as clean as possible,” confirms Signature PG’s managing director Debbi Hancock. “They can be kept in the car, at work, at home or wherever people need to have access to their mask.”

Amy Smith, marketing manager at Kidcentral, says the company’s Zoocchini organic masks protect little ones while staying fun. “There are co-ordinating patterns to suit any style, and help kids feel more excited about wearing a face covering,” she points out.

Among the greeting card publishers bringing out face masks is The Art File. “We wanted to make sure that we had a collection of stylish face coverings available to our customers,” explains managing director Ged Mace. “Naturally, we wanted the coverings to be comfortable to wear, as well as being

practical, and we’re delighted to be able to offer a collection of eight face covering designs featuring some of our most popular designs, such as Frank the Sausage Dog and the bestselling Bee’s and Bicycle gift wrap designs among others.”

Ged adds that a re-sealable bag means that the face covering can be kept safe and clean when not being used, instead of being placed in a pocket with other items such as keys and a mobile phone.

Clearly there’s a mask to suit everyone, with both gift retailers - and consumers spoilt for choice!

Above: A personalised mask case from Signature PG.

Continued on page 31 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

29

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Spotlight On... Face Mask & Hand Sanitisers

‘Brand’ New

Above: The Art File’s Frank the Sausage Dog.

Licensed face masks too, have, of course, become a big trend. “Focused on hugely popular franchises including Batman, Superman, Rick & Morty, Friends, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, and Looney Tunes, Pyramid International’s face coverings offer a fun, personal option,” says the company’s marketing manager Robert Ling. “The bold designs catch the eye and are a great fit for the current retail climate with an FSDU unit available to make them stand out in store. Phase one launched in late August and is proving very popular.”

Museums & Galleries too, has launched a brand-new range of face coverings developed in collaboration with its national museum licences. They showcase works of art and design from the museum’s collections and are digitally printed with a full-colour design on the front and contrast colour on the reverse. The range offers 12 different designs, with the majority coming from national museums to include the V&A, Natural History Museum, the Tate Gallery and the British Museum, with the full range available in a counter-top display unit.

Above: A Batman face mask is one of several popular franchises from Pyramid International.

Left: Mondrian from the Tate Gallery is one of 12 designs from Museums and Galleries.

On Hand To Sanitise Since the pandemic, hand sanitisers have been elevated to a new status, seen as an on the go ‘must have’ for both men and women, with gift suppliers going all out to capture sales.

For Wax Lyrical, hand sanitisers have been a new addition to its portfolio, with the company addressing the national shortage of sanitiser at the beginning of the pandemic by adapting its factory facility which usually manufactures home fragrancing products - to create 65%

alcohol hand sanitisers and surface sprays.

The sanitiser has since been repackaged in a 60ml format and 100ml surface spray, fragranced with lemon and verbena.

Also introducing sanitiser into its portfolio has been tableware and housewares manufacturer David Mason Design, with the range launched in mid-July. “The response from our customers has been very encouraging, with many retailers adding it to their regular orders,” confirms director of

sales and sourcing Rob Blackburn. “Hand sanitisers are a long way from the type of products we normally sell to our customers, but we are always looking at different products to add to our ranges. We wanted the sanitisers to sit with the designs in the ranges so we have added colours to the liquid and designed the labels to match.

We’ll be looking to add further similar products in the near future.”

At Heathcote & Ivory, sanitisers have been flying out of the door, with the company introducing an array of new products for Autumn/Winter to include a new Vintage & Co Forest Folk range - a collaboration with artist Nathalie Lete.

“Our low alcohol hand sanitisers, which kill 99.99% of bacteria, combine effective sanitising properties with the feelgood factor of lovely fragrances and kind-to-skin

formulations. They are also a great looking product for a handbag’s ‘eye candy’ factor, making them popular as a gift,” confirms the company’s beauty editor Emma Hill.

Gift-led hand sanitiser has also been a winner At Mad Beauty. Comments managing director Trevor Cash: “During lockdown, sanitisers went crazy, especially as we have a 68% alcohol content and tested 99.99% kill rate, but our Clip & Clean sanitiser gels came into their own as they have a carabiner clip which attaches onto handbags, lanyards, backpacks and belt hooks making them easily accessible.”

Above middle: Sanitiser is a new product sector for Wax Lyrical.

Above right: David Mason Design’s new range.

Above left: Heathcote & Ivory’s Meredith Wing sanitiser spray comes in the shape of a dress.

Right: Mad Beauty’s Keep It Clean trio of sanitisers.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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WHAT’S NEW

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest face coverings and hand sanitiser products to be showcased this month Hands On David Mason Design are proud to offer The English Tableware Company’s range of hand sanitising gel. The range is high-quality, has 70% alcohol content and is manufactured in the UK. It is quick drying, leaving hands feeling clean, soft and lightly scented. It comes with a dispenser pump as standard and should be used direct from the bottle.

David Mason Design

It’s A Cover Up

Tel: 01246 260500

Eurostick has launched The Glasgow Mask Company with the company enjoying

Email: info@davidmasondesign.com

sourcing and designing everything from ditsy florals and tartans to camo and

Web: www.davidmasondesign.com

clown designs. Having brought to market five designs per week they have enjoyed great success with a quality product. Their next developments include luxurious silk and creepy Halloween ranges.

Eurostick Tel: 0141 4118228 Email: info@eurostick.biz Web: www.glasgowmaskcompany.com

Fashion Accessory Lesser and Pavey’s face masks range from pink and black to floral and pastel shades, with each mask well designed and made with 100% cotton outer fabric. They have a removable PM2.5 filter, a rubber adjuster on ear loops for a tailored fit, and are made from natural

Works Of Art

breathable cotton. Masks come in a reusable zip lock

M&G is launching a range of 12 face coverings designed

storage bag.

with the V&A, the Tate Gallery, the British Museum and

Lesser & Pavey

the NHM. They are 100% cotton, pleated fit, and printed

Tel: 01322 279225

with a full colour design front side and contrast reverse.

Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk

Other features include adjustable elastic straps, a filter pocket and a matching cotton bag for storage.

Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

Museums & Galleries Tel: 01373 462165 Email: sales@mgml.co.uk Web: www.museumsandgalleries.co.uk

Designs A Plenty Eco Chic’s reusable face covers are comfortable, durable and reduce the need for disposable face masks. With a colourful polyester exterior, and a soft cotton interior, these shaped masks fit snugly over the mouth and nose. The mask is secured with two adjustable ear loops, giving a secure fit and preventing glasses from fogging up.

Eco-Chic Tel: 0208 8138545 Email: website@eco-chic.eu Web: www.eco-chic.eu

Personalised Face Coverings Stay safe with Personalised Memento's (PMC) new personalised face coverings. They feature black elastic ear loops and are double layered with a 100% cotton inner. There are several new designs to choose from and personalisation means they are ideal for customer facing roles or to put your own positive message or quote.

Personalised Memento Company Tel: 01782 744900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

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Spotlight On... Rainbows & Kindness

Chasing Rainbows With rainbows seen as an iconic symbol of hope during the pandemic, as well as supporting the NHS, gift suppliers have been fast off the mark with products to reflect the trend.

One of the upsides of recent months, has been the kindness factor, an innate wish to help, reward and thank front line workers in particular, with gifts for nurses, doctors, teachers, postmen and binmen among those that people have most wanted to say ‘thank you’ to.

The result has been a huge upsurge in rainbow-themed gifts, as well as those that have been designed to lift people’s spirits.

Cheerfull, Widdop and Co’s signature product launch this Autumn, is a bright, bold, encouraging impulse gift range which supports the NHS Charities Together programme, with a 7% donation made on all purchases.

“Cheerfull came about as a response to the need for positivity in the current social climate,” explains Widdop and Co’s head of product development and national accounts sales, Stephen Illingworth. “Obviously, the last few years have been dominated by the tension and uncertainty surrounding first Brexit and then Covid-19. People need something uplifting which is the whole methodology behind Cheerfull. It features colourful designs, including rainbow motifs, which are all the more poignant at this time as the symbol for supporting our NHS, and sweet sentiments for friends and family.”

Photo frames, colourful novelty socks, mugs and sentiment rosette plaques make

Top: Rainbow stationery from Rex London.

Above: Part of Widdop and Co’s Cheerfull range: Besties Forever.

Below left: Mini rainbow designs from Transomnia.

Below right: Gift Republic’s rainbow soap.

up a core of best-selling categories, while new for Autumn/Winter, the company is introducing hand sanitisers with carabiner clips and face masks. “These PPE items all feature the uplifting and colourful Cheerfull designs so that people can accessorise and stay safe,” explains Stephen. “We also have a range of hanging decorations for key worker professions on a branded display stand that can be personalised. They are extremely affordable, pick-up items making them great impulse purchase items with eyecatching style,” he adds.

At Rex London, marketing manager Louisa Jean-Charles adds: “Our rainbowthemed activity kits, such as our Magic Rainbow sponge painting set and Rainbow scratch art kit, were popular during lockdown, as there was a surge in demand for kids’ arts and crafts at home. Rainbows have become a rallying symbol to support the NHS and have created a sense of close community - especially with parents encouraging their kids to put

up rainbow drawings on windows as a way to share hope.”

She continues: “Even though lockdown has eased, our DIY activities and rainbow stationery have remained top sellers. At this particular time, we think people really appreciate being able to bring in more colour and brightness into their homes.”

Also adding rainbow themed giftware to its portfolio is Transomnia. Explains director Rod O’Mahony: “Rainbows were already on our radar as a possible design theme for Spring 21. With the new added symbolism that rainbows have acquired, we decided to bring that idea forward. We have therefore launched two new mini ranges - one with

traditional bright primary rainbow colours, and the other taking the rainbow arc - but using pastel colours and different print effects to create a much softer look that will probably suit a wider range of environments, each with its own appropriate text.”

The new ranges include mugs, coasters, hanging decorations and trinket dishes.

“They’ll be available as a mid-season introduction from October,” confirms Rod. Sam Wahid, managing director of Gift Republic points out that the current situation has afforded some great opportunities to Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

35

A Prickle of stunning Frith Hedgehogs!

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Spotlight On... Rainbows & Kindness really driven sales. Plus, we have some great new positivity and wellness products coming out for the new season.”

As for fashion jewellery, rainbow designs will feature prominently in Joe Davies’ Equilibrium collection for A/W 2020.

“Rainbow necklaces, brooches, bracelets and earrings - some hand-painted and others featuring brightly coloured crystals will drive sales for the back end of the year,” highlights buyer Mary Caputo.

Staying with jewellery, Carrie Shapiro, founder and creative director of Carrie Elspeth, adds: “Strong colours and rainbows have always been a fundamental cornerstone push products and release some innovative of Carrie Elspeth enabling me to create new ideas. “Our rainbow soap bar has sold really pieces that I could start selling within hours. well, given the stricter guidelines on hand The other main driver has been sentimentwashing, with the rainbow becoming the based jewellery especially my Stay symbol of unity against Covid-19 Strong, Stay Safe range which and support for the NHS. I brought out the day Additionally, our Wellness lockdown started. Being Shower Steamer range flexible and fluid has been great since with designs has we released it in the been critical.”

Inset: Carrie Elspeth’s Rainbow Spring, as many On the Polaris necklace. people are having to stationery front, find new ways to relax Caroline Gardner’s without leaving the independent sales house. Therefore, manager, Luca products such as these, Bridges, reveals that our Digital Detox Cards and the company designed its our 100 Yoga Poses Poster, have the Bright Side AW20

Above left: Among the new rainbow jewellery in Joe Davies’ Equilibrium collection.

Above: Caroline Gardner is “embracing the Bright Side” with a new rainbow-themed stationery collection.

rainbow collection back in September 2019, inspired by how a rainbow is the colour in people’s lives after the rain. “However, the rainbow has taken on new meaning during the pandemic, brightening our days in lockdown and becoming a way to say thank you,” says Luca.

A popular giftware design before lockdown, rainbow designs - as a symbol of hope in 2020 - are surely on course to become an important part of our history.

Thinking Of Others Since lockdown, there has been an innate desire to connect with friends and loved ones with a ‘thinking of you’ or ‘thank you’ gift a way to stay in touch when seeing people physically isn’t possible.

As DCUK director Craig Wensley puts it: “we all felt a profound need to thank friends, neighbours and strangers who were carrying society’s burden. Suddenly, our Nurse Duckling seemed almost symbolic of the times, and we started receiving photos of our handmade Nurses received as thank you gifts by NHS staff. We feel very humbled that our ducks have helped people to connect and to express their love and gratitude.”

Like so many others, David Wilkinson and his team at Blue Poppy Art (owners of Frith Sculpture) were incredibly impressed by the dedication, bravery and selflessness shown

by NHS workers and all front line staff, and felt that the most fitting tribute they could make would be a sculpture which could be given to anyone affected by the pandemic. They came up with the idea of Clapping Hands in memory of the British public coming out of their front doors on Thursdays at 8pm to clap as a way of thanking all of those who risked their lives to save those affected by the virus.

“Jonathan Sanders sculpted the hands in a couple of days and cleverly designed it so that they can be viewed from all angles,” explains David. “This work of art will have a significant impression on so many, and will encourage people to remember what the world went through in 2020.” (Blue Poppy Art is donating £10 to NHS charities for every sculpture sold).

Adds Debbi Hancock, managing director of Signature PG: “Our range of personalised wellness gifts have been very successful, especially during lockdown, helping to keep people connected, letting them know that they are thought about and cared about. The majority have been for friends and family who have been, or still are, self-isolating covering birthdays, anniversaries and thinking of you gifts.”

Above left: DCUK’s Nurse Duckling.

Above right: Blue Poppy Arts Clapping Hands was created and sculpted by Jonathan Sanders.

Right: From Signature PG, a rainbow LED light.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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What's New page 39.qxp_52-53/55 07/09/2020 18:09 Page 83

WHAT’S NEW

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest thank you gift products to be showcased this month Thank You Gift Sentiment Pebble Art

Wild Things is proud to

This eye-catching Pebble Art

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a perfect gift for anyone you want to say

pebble figurines combining sentiment

‘thank you’ to. When hung in a sunny

and craft-style. In tough times, sentiment

window it will spread rainbows all around the

from the heart is always a popular choice.

room. It is embellished with crystals

Each piece features a heartfelt message

from Swarovski, with a proportion

for mum, family, friends and many more.

of the proceeds going to NHS Charities Together.

Joe Davies

Wild Things

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Colourful Seasonal Tree Wild Things seasonal tree comes in all the colours of the year.

Shown here are confetti colours - reminiscent of weddings and summer - a lovely gift full of romance. Following on from the hugely successful chakra tree of life this too, has become an instant classic. Embellished with jewellery quality crystals from Swarovski.

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

New Bronze Sculptures Blue Poppy Art’s new designs are available now within a new division, Creative Bronze, featuring 14 models of the company’s best sellers. They are available in pure bronze, and packed in an exclusive black and gold gift box which reflects the sculptures’ quality. The company is offering samples to their stockists.

Blue Poppy Art Tel: 01666 577110 Email: david@bluepoppyart Web: www.frithsculpture.co.uk

Inspirational Bracelets WishStrings present a delightful range of WishStrings Wish bracelets handmade in the UK by an in house team. Each Tibetan silver charm is hand strung and

Mini-Me Ducklings DCUK’s Dinky Ducks may have to quack a bit louder, but being the smallest in the family opens up a world of opportunities. Handcarved from naturally-sustainable bamboo root and presented in beautifully illustrated gift box homes, these mini-me ducklings in colourful spotty welly boots don’t want to miss out on those lovely puddles!

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knotted on 30cm of the finest waxed cotton cord. Every WishString is presented on a luxury 350gsm display card with inspirational sayings, quirky graphics and empowering words.

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PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Face To Face: Good Housekeeping

Tried, Tested & Trusted

Below: The first issue of Good Housekeeping that was published in March 1922.

Below middle: The Good Housekeeping Library of Cooking.

If there was ever an award for being a national treasure, Good Housekeeping would be a top contender. Some 18 months shy of its 100th year anniversary, Good Housekeeping is still the UK’s biggest selling women’s lifestyle magazine brand. It boasts a loyal readership of over 3m people every month, and each year over 250,000 licensed products are sold alongside 2,500 products tested at the Good Housekeeping Institute. (GHI). In fact, it is the only magazine brand ever to be awarded the trademark ‘Tried, Tested & Trusted’.

So what’s the secret of the brand’s unstoppable success, and what licensing opportunities lie ahead? To find out, Progressive Gifts & Home put editor-in-chief Gaby Huddart and chief brand officer Sharon Douglas under the spotlight.

Launched in March 1922 - in a decade when the stove was first introduced, along with dishwashers, toasters, percolators and irons - Good Housekeeping has continued to be a trusted friend to its readers who today embrace, two, even three generations.

“Life has never been more uncertain,” comments Good Housekeeping’s editor-inchief Gaby Huddart. “People need a trusted source of answers to the everyday challenges they face. Underpinned by our expert testers at the Good Housekeeping Institute, our magazine and website both give readers

trusted solutions, delivered with simplicity at the time they need it most. We are read by everyone who wants to search less, make good decisions and buy with confidence.”

As chief brand officer Sharon Douglas adds: “Good Housekeeping has been influencing the customer purchasing journey since the day we

launched and our 100th Anniversary plans offer potential licensees the chance to be part of an entire year of celebrations starting in time for Christmas in October 2021. We are looking for brands and partners that share our values of trust, quality and design.”

Sharon explains that there are “three angles potential partners can get involved with” as part of the brand’s licensing plans.

“First, there is the nostalgia opportunity celebrating the last 100 years, and to support this we are releasing previously unseen artwork from the early covers and features that will look stunning on gifting, stationery, homeware and toiletries.”

The second is food. “Food is by far the biggest reason readers come to Good Housekeeping and that’s not just mum,” reveals Sharon.

“Our readers include men and younger audiences leaving home and searching our huge

Gaby Huddart: The Lowdown l l l l l l l

Gaby started her career in journalism 30 years ago, moving on from trade magazines to consumer women’s lifestyle magazines in 2005.

She joined publishing house Hearst seven years ago and was appointed editor-in-chief of Good Housekeeping in 2017. (“It’s is my dream job, the greatest privilege in journalism.”)

Home is a ‘60s townhouse in SE London, where she lives with her husband and two teenage daughters. (“I’m hoping to give it a more contemporary look and will definitely be asking the style editor for advice this year!”).

One of the most special gifts she has received was from her mum. (“It was a book she made of my daughters’ growing up. It’s filled with memories and means so much to me.”)

Her happy place is a long soak in the bath filled with the luxury bath oil Relax from Aromatherapy Associates. (“It makes the top floor of the house smell like a spa.”)

As for her desert island ‘must have’, it would be a lovely, framed photograph of her family.

Her favourite GH tip from the archives comes from the 2000s: “Don’t let emails take over your working life. Read messages once in the morning and once in the evening.” (“If only!”)

Left: Editor-in-chief Gaby Huddart.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Face To Face: Good Housekeeping

Sharon Douglas: The Lowdown l

Sharon Douglas is chief brand officer for Hearst Lifestyle and oversees revenue brand strategy and diversification for Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Prima & Red. l She has held positions in daily newspaper and magazine publishing for over 30 years and leads the licensing programme at Hearst UK. l Home is Lyndhurst in the New Forest with her husband and two dogs Baxter and Layla.

Left: Chief brand officer Sharon Douglas.

to Good Housekeeping’s DNA which has always been about making people’s lives easier so that they have more time to enjoy themselves.

Right from the start, the core content has consistently been about Fo HOMr Ethe food, fashion, beauty and GARD & travel, based on the EN premise that, back in the day, readers had a wellrun home and a life that was well organised.

Today, that content has grown massively, to include interviews with Royalty and ‘A’ list celebrities; features with fascinating, everyday women who have a back story to tell; recipes that range from speedy, triple tested midweek suppers to entertaining friends and family, healthy living tips, product reviews, AZINE MAGA LE MAGA cleaning hacks, and, of course, stunning home and gardens spreads, H RH HR HR es s ountess Count The C The ssex with helpful tips Wesse of We of on a cause that’s very dear to her heart & the throughout the magazine o tance of listening impor PER that make the features a SUPER SUPE RS PERS SUPPE SUPP our your err y ver eve hatte whatev ood! mood! ‘must read’. food m food 7 7 On the home front, 7 location houses are GH DEALS! used for the photoshoots with styling Cocktail glasses, £44 for 4, Audenza

that reflects people’s living space in 2020.

Inspiration comes from visits to retailers who are ahead of the curve, to include John Lewis & Partners, Heal’s, Oliver Bonas and Graham & Green, backed up by trade shows such as Maison&Objet in Paris, as well as London’s Top Drawer, where the team are on the lookout to find the smaller designer/makers.

‘Lookbooks’, samples direct from wholesalers and suppliers, as well as press shows, are other ways that the team reflect what’s on trend.

Enthuses Gaby: “I am incredibly honoured to be at the helm as we take this great British institution through its 100 year celebrations and, of course, the unique opportunity for partners is that once we know what licensed product is planned my editorial team can get millions of readers very excited about it.”

platter, £18, John Lewis & Partners

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Above: A page from a Good Housekeeping gift guide.Left: The front cover of the October 2020 issue.

GH’s Top Home Trends l Japandi: a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian design in soft muted colours. l Natural Home: natural wood, recycled glass, glazed stonework, with an emphasis on l l l l l

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database of recipes that have been triple tested and are guaranteed to work every time,” she explains.

The third angle is future facing and relates to what Good Housekeeping stands for which is practical, trusted home solutions. “We are looking to partner with top innovators and design led brands to create Good Housekeeping branded products that have a fabulous design or a practical application with an extra useful twist,” states Sharon.

Partners can also benefit from Good Housekeeping’s Approved or Reader Recommended certification. As Sharon explains, “we can test ’S BIGGE AIN’S BRITAIN BRIT product before or after launch at the Good Housekeeping Institute. ot,, Reboot Reb This is powerful brand rresh, reffresh endorsement. In surveys, W EW ENE ENE REN R 87% of people say they are pdates autumn uupdates autumn more likely to buy a product youu ake yo make to m to goood eally g el rreally ffeeel side inside he in on tthe on with Good Housekeeping o oo! utside, ttoo & ooutside, u your Clear you Clear endorsement and four out , R, R ER E T LUT LUTTE CLUTT C ur your sort yo sort of five readers say they ...

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GH GUEST STAR about staying resolutely true

The GH G gift guide

provenance and sustainability.

Coastal Cool: blue and white with a textured finish. (“It’s my personal favourite,” says Gaby) Tuscan Retreat: tan, soft ochre, plastered pink, terracotta, rattan and soft geometrics.

Greenhouse: reflecting the mood for house plants and faux plants.

Royal Blue: based around Pantone’s colour of the year, Classic Blue.

SoHo House: Hotel chic featuring rich, sumptuous colours, sleek designs and walnut furniture.

£65,, Liberty y London

DECEMBER 2019 GOOD D HOUSEKEEPING

93

Hearst Fact File l Good Housekeeping is part of Hearst

UK, one of the UK’s biggest lifestyle publishing houses where licensing has already proven to be hugely successful. l Hearst has partnered House Beautiful, Country Living and Elle Decoration with major high street retailers and brands such as DFS, Carpetright, Sainsbury’s, Hillary’s and Crown, selling over £200m in RSV last year. l The Country Living Coast to Coast Hotels won the B&LLAs 2019 Inspired Innovation Brand Licensed Product Award. l Alongside these well-known lifestyle magazines, Hearst UK also publishes global brands including Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, Elle, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Red and Prima.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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

Just Because Candles

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing

Homing In On

Fragrance

In a world that has been turned upside down by the Covid-19 pandemic, one product sector that has remained a constant is home fragrancing. With many people now choosing, or being asked, to work from home, lighting a candle or buying or refilling a reed diffuser has become the norm - a way to create a positive vibe.

At Ashleigh & Burwood, Deborah Bettinson, PR manager (trade) says: “Retailers have told us that scented candles and reed diffusers have been a ‘go to’ product for those wanting to enhance their working space. Many are looking to fragrance with invigorating notes, such as citrus to help

provide a mental boost. Plus, our fragrance lamps are experiencing a high demand since independent test results in July confirmed that the lamps are able to reduce airborne coronavirus by 97%. Their ability to both cleanse and fragrance within the home has really captured people’s attention.”

For the coming Autumn/Winter season, the company’s new product launches include nostalgic additions to the Heritage collection, as well as festive add-ons in The Scented Home range featuring decorative tin candles and 150ml reed diffusers in festive fragrances.

With working from home becoming the norm for many people, candles, reed diffusers, melt burners and lamps are receiving a welcome surge in sales thanks to people wanting to fragrance their home offices.

As fruity, floral summer scents give way to spicier, festive, more nostalgic Autumn/Winter fragrances, PG&H sniffed out some of the leading suppliers to discover what will be trending over the coming months.

The company has also added three fragrance lamp gift sets its new Design Anthology collection, with the lamps decorated with contemporary print designs which are carried through to the gift packaging.

At Candlelight, sales director Emma Yeardsley concurs: “with working from home the new way of life for many people, having the right environment and space to work in is very important as it can increase productivity.

Since the end of March, we have seen a rise in sales of our candles and diffusers, especially our Spa collection. There are three scents - lavender and vanilla, aloe and cucumber and green tea - which give a calming, relaxing aroma.”

For Autumn/Winter, two new collections from Candlelight feature animal luxe and chinoiserie. “The animal luxe’s gold and black colour palette adds a touch of glamour, with each candle and diffuser complemented by a midnight pomegranate fragrance.

Meanwhile Chinoiserie features bright colours, teamed with Top: Among the new fragranced lamps from Ashleigh & Burwood.

Above left: Candlelight’s glamorous new animal luxe collection.

Above middle: New from Xystos in flame free home fragrancing.

Right: Hollyberry Balsam, among the festive scents in Wax Lyrical’s heritage Colony range.

floral artwork and oriental scents with notes of lily and shea, giving an uplifting aroma,” says Emma.

“After spending more time at home, the desire to fragrance the home is increasing, and the sales of electric melt burners and ultrasonic diffusers are on the rise,” agrees David Lewis, managing director of Xystos.

“Wax melts and diffusers are currently the most popular way to fragrance the home as they are flame free and come in a variety of different styles to match different home décors,” he continues. “Wax melts and essential oils mean that people can frequently change their home fragrance without creating clutter.

Our new range of ultrasonic diffusers come in a selection of modern styles with colour changing lights which help to create a calming atmosphere.”

At Wax Lyrical, product development manager Rachel Holmes, explains: “Scents trigger nostalgia and our Autumn/Winter collections are always a celebration of the fragrances that are reminiscent of the festive period and are much-loved year after year.”

Colony is the company’s heritage range, with this year’s three Autumn/Winter fragrances featuring Clementine Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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

Trade Price £3.75 + vat RRP £8.99 Seriously Scented Candles at Sensible Prices

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing Left: Marmalade’s Nordic Fir. Below left: Spicy Hot Cinnamon from Best Kept Secrets.

Below right: Winter fragrances from Gisela Graham.

Spice, Hollyberry Balsam and the brand’s best-selling winter fragrance, Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh.

A key trend continues to be home fragrances in reusable vessels. “Shoppers buy into the design of a product as much as the scent, so it’s important that each piece can have a permanent place in the home - or, in the case of our Autumn/Winter collections, become a treasured Christmas accessory,” states Rachel. “This year we’ve extended our new Wrendale Designs home fragrance collection to include a Winter Wonderland fragrance which is available in a robin illustration reed diffuser and candle trinket, a robin and goose candle gift set and the classic Wrendale hare designed candle,” Rachel confirms.

Staying with Christmas, Helen Flook, director of Marmalade of London, highlights the company’s Nordic Fir for winter, featuring top notes of snow capped fir, pine needles and crisp eucalyptus, along with middle notes of leather and smoky woods and base notes of musk. “There is no doubt that people want to enhance their homes, and having beautiful fragrances is a big part of that,” she says.

Vanessa Curry, managing director of Best Kept Secrets, suggests that a consumer’s fragrance choice tends to pre-

Below: Nutmeg and Cedar triple wick candle from Pintail’s Paint Pot collection.

Right: Price’s Fragrance collection features Argan, Spa Moments and Coconut.

empt the up-coming season. “It’s why people will be looking for deeper fragrances with a spicy touch this Autumn,” she states.

Of course, it comes as no surprise that rainbows, which have become an iconic design for hope, (see pages 37-39), have made their

All Lit Up With wellness an increasingly strong, ongoing trend, consumers are looking for different ways to incorporate it into their lifestyles, with Lesser & Pavey introducing a range of gift boxed, Desire aroma lamps combining fragrance and light.

“These multi-coloured lamps are all about wellbeing,” confirms managing director Julian Hunt. “They are touch sensitive, projecting light that can be used with wax melts and aroma oils which are also available. Some have remote control and can play music by Bluetooth.”

Three ceramic humidifiers, that change colours, are included in the range which also includes fragranced candles and diffusers in decorative glass containers.

Right: Lesser & Pavey’s Desire aroma lamps.

way into the home fragrancing sector. Explains James Long, managing director of Pintail: “Rainbow has organically become the Pantone Colour of the Year and these bright cheery colours are reflected in our vibrant Paint Pot candle range. It features a vivid palette of 40 colours and fragrances including Cinnamon & Orange, Log Fire and this season’s new Nutmeg & Cedar. Plus, over the past few

months, we have seen more people sending candles to reach out to their loved ones or to thank someone for a kindness. Our Occasions candles have been very popular, with customers choosing to send heartfelt messages. It's a trend we expect to continue as we head towards Christmas.”

Chris Adams, national sales manager at Price’s adds, “working alongside our Candle Mood trend for 2020, we have found that people have been using candles and reed diffusers to add something extra to their homes. Within all the current madness, they want to ensure that their small piece of tranquillity is looked after, especially as they have spent more time there than ever before.”

Gisela Graham’s sales director Piers Croke agrees, adding that working from home has had an influence on people’s homes and habits, “hopefully a lasting one,” he emphasises.

“With more people working from home, we have seen great sales across our candles and reed diffusers and have expanded our home fragrance range of Gisela Graham designed candles spanning floral, herbal and fruity notes.”

As people get ready to hunker down for winter, formats that fragrance the home, as well as the home office, would seem to be a sure fire winner!

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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by

T: +44 (0)1932 267060

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E: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

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WHAT’S NEW

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products for the Home Fragrance market to be showcased this month Trio Of Festive Fragrances Best Kept Secrets offers three Christmas ranges Christmas Elegance, the Mistletoe collection and the Tracey Russell friends and family Christmas collection - all made with the very best fragrances, designer labelling and, of course, plenty of sparkly toppings. All candles are hand poured in Northumberland using high quality wax and sophisticated fragrances.

Christmas In A Bag

Best Kept Secrets

Woodland Delight is new for AW20 and attracting strong orders.

Tel: 01670 512222

A mix of pine cones, citrus and berries in a clear bag finished with

Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

a satin ribbon, it’s ‘Christmas in a bag’! It joins the company’s

Web: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

festive fragrance collection which includes pot pourri, reed diffusers, room sprays and scented pine cones in organza bags.

D and J Glassware Tel: 01953 450280 Email: dandj.glassware@btinternet.com Web: xwww.dandjglassware.co.uk

Vintage Inspired The Heritage Collection from Ashleigh & Burwood has been extended with new reed diffusers that feature swirling, vintage-inspired designs in five

Scent Of The Sea

shades of the collection’s signature jewel-toned glass.

With a scent as uplifting as a sunny

The new reed diffuser sets are packaged as complete

day by the sea, our scented candle,

items incorporating a matching 150ml

fragrance diffuser and scented

fragrance and black reeds. The colourful gift boxes have cut away windows.

sachets will brighten any

Ashleigh & Burwood

room of the home with the

Tel: 01932 267060

sparkling clean scent of Inis the Energy of the Sea.

Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

Presented in our

Web: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

sparkling seas packaging with cotton rope handles, they make a lovely gift with no wrapping required.

Come And See Us Inis Fragrance

Aromatize is distributing this high-quality Village Candle collection again, having negotiated improved UK

Tel: +353 1 2867125

selling prices to be even more competitive, The

Email: info@inis.co.uk

collection features the Traditions range along with the

Web: www.inisfragrance.com

Spa and Fantasy collections. Christmas fragrances are also available. All are available to view in the Aromatize showrooms. Please ensure you book in advance.

Village Candle Tel: 01254 300268 Email: sales@aromatize.co.uk Web: www.aromatizetrade.co.uk

Fashion Led Home Fragrance The Design Anthology is Ashleigh & Burwood’s latest contemporary home fragrance collection. One of three fashionable styles that characterise the original collection, Rainbow Safari features a striking animal print pattern in tropical colours.

In the new fragrance lamp gift set, the lamp is paired with the fresh floral scent of Yuzu & Coconut Water.

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk Web: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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East Anglia/Home Counties: 07738 219882 - Barbara 07786 980906 - Dawn Midlands: 07535 367599 - Helen Wales: 01225 422188 - Office

London: Scotland: 01225 422188 - Office 07770 724802 - Jennie North: South East: 07940 953875 - Ruth 07741 018298 - Tamsin N.Ireland: South West/Home Counties: 07802 914599 - Linda 07738 963774 - James

www.hot-tom.com . 01224 422188 . sales@hot-tom.com

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Consumer Feedback

The New

Normal

Mandatory face masks; hand sanitiser; social distancing; clothing steam cleaned and cash not accepted. For all of us, popping into a shop is a very different experience to pre-lockdown.

Four consumers told PG&H how it felt when they shopped at a variety of gift stores while out and about this summer.

Buy Don’t Try! During a family holiday in Suffolk student Helena Howard headed for Amore in Woodbridge.

“There was a cute Wrendale Designs’ 'Keep 2m' poster in the window and someone at the door counting in seven people at a time. Once inside, there was a sanitiser station and distance markers. I bought a Kew Gardens Magnolia and Pear hand cream as a ‘thank you’ gift for my violin teacher, but had to buy it on its description and pretty packaging rather than knowing what it smelt like, as testers aren't much use when you have a mask on! However, we did notice someone taking their mask off to smell something, which was a bit worrying! My sister and I also chose new face masks by Eco Chic for each family member. I paid through a Perspex screen with my debit card, having learned my lesson when visiting a gift shop in York where cash wasn’t accepted."

Above: Helena Howard outside Amore in Woodbridge.

Free To Roam During a visit to see her in-laws in Bideford last month, Amanda Murray, managing director of an events company, went into Sunshine & Snow to buy a greeting card. “The shop floor was clearly marked out with how far apart you needed to be and hand sanitiser was displayed on a nice stand. I told my husband I would be five minutes, but I stayed in the shop for a good half an hour as there were so many lovely things to look at and I was free to roam! I eventually came out with two greeting cards and a dress. In fact, I saw two that I liked and was surprised that I was allowed to try them on. However, I was assured that every item is steam cleaned afterwards.

There were screens over the payment desk and I paid with my debit card.”

Left: Sunshine & Snow was a magnet for Amanda Murray.

A Helpful Welcome Primary school deputy head Jenny Power describes Harriet & Dee in Manchester’s Didsbury, as her “’go to’ shop for gifts and cards”.

Wanting to buy a housewarming gift for a colleague, as well as a treat for a friend, plus a card, Jenny masked up and headed there.

“Irene [Bayliss, the shop’s owner], is always so welcoming and helpful, that I know it will never be a wasted visit,” she commented.

“The layout of the shop means that, under the current circumstances, only a few customers can be accommodated at any one time.

However, reassuringly Irene is positioned behind the till to gesture customers in.”

From the various products Irene suggested, Jenny plumped for a decorative utensil holder from Rader’s Get Together range for her colleague and a box of melts from Pour London for her friend. She then selected a wren design greeting card from The DM collection. “I think lockdown has made people more aware of their natural surroundings and appreciation of birds, which is why I so loved the card I bought,” said Jenny.

Above: Jenny Power (left) during her shopping trip to Harriet & Dee in Didsbury.

Friendly And Relaxed While Sam Bennellick-Jones, a stage manager, was visiting a friend in SE London she popped into gift shop Bunka in Forest Hill.

“The overall experience was friendly, calm and relaxed,” she confirmed. “There was a ‘meeter and greeter’ at the door and I was given the space to browse. Social distancing occurred somewhat by default across the shop owing to its layout - there is an island of gifts in the middle which naturally lends itself to distancing although a couple of parts are narrow.

There was signage displayed requesting masks to be worn, as well as being available for purchase on the first stand nearest the door.

I browsed for around 20 minutes and came out with a couple of Kikkerland snack zip bags, a product that I had bought before and have found really useful.”

Right: Sam Bennellick-Jones was pleased with her purchase.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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www.boxer.gifts Boxer Gifts, Leeds, UK LS13 4BS Sales Telephone: 01133 955 595 sales@boxergifts.com

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WHAT’S NEW

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month Counting Down To Christmas This unique, interactive Christmas Plasticine Advent calendar from University Games’ Lagoon range is ideal for children and adults to have fun with as they countdown to Christmas. The Advent calendar contains 450g of real Plasticine in a variety of colours - a childhood favourite with great nostalgic appeal.

University Games Tel: 0207 2540100 Email: info@ugames.uk.com Web: www.university-games.co.uk

Bold New Designs The new William Morris range from Lesser and Pavey captures the original designs, with this new bold range, Strawberry Thief, featuring birds and a fruits of the flora leaf design. Included are fine ceramics, tea-for-one, fine china mugs and plates, salt and pepper pots, a lunch box and bamboo travel mugs.

Lesser and Pavey Tel: 01322 279225

New For Autumn

Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk

Miss Milly’s range of jewellery and accessories

Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

have a low £100 minimum spend, offer easy online ordering and no MOQs. AW20 brings new magnetic brooch designs and magnetic pendant gift sets, winter-weight scarves, resin cufflinks and colourful resin and painted jewellery. Branded packaging, POS and display stands are available.

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

Eye-Catching Statues Lesser and Pavey’s new Groovy Art features sitting and standing Bulldogs, Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, skulls and cats. These 60’s inspired psychedelic statues similar to the highly successful Graffiti range introduced last year - range from 30-50cm, with bold colours and artwork making them an eye-catching decorative item.

Lesser and Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

Personalised Decorations Personalised Memento Company (PMC) has launched an exciting new range of full colour metal decorations offering a modern twist on a traditional theme, with each

Environmentally Friendly

one personalised with a name and a special message.

Following the success of their stainless steel water

The full range includes Christmas tree, jingle bell, and

bottles, Rex London has not only released the

reindeer designs. All are personalised and drop-shipped

original 500ml size in new prints, but also

direct to the customer.

launched a smaller version with a 260ml capacity.

PMC

Like their larger counterparts, these

Tel: 01782 744900

environmentally friendly bottles keep drinks hot

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

or cool, and are perfectly proportioned for

Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

children.

Rex London Tel: 0208 7461700 Email: info@rexlondon.com Web: www.rexlondontrade.com

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www.aromatizetrade.co.uk

Tel: 01254 300268

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WHAT’S NEW

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month Festive Coaster D & J Glassware’s fabulous fused glass designs are a celebration of quality handcrafted glassware. New for AW20 is this gorgeous robin coaster that’s perfect for the festive table! It is sure to be a popular addition to the company’s successful Robin collection, comprising plates and stand-up figures, which sell strongly all year.

D & J Glassware Tel: 01953 450280 Email: dandj.glassware@btinternet.com Web: www.dandjglassware.co.uk

What’s Trending The new Equilibrium Autumn/Winter collection of fashion accessories is sure to excite. Pretty metallic scarves, boucle gloves and modern two tone gloves with zips are just a few of the new fashionable accessories on offer.

With the growing importance of face coverings these contemporary scarves make chic face coverings as well.

Stylish Canes

Joe Davies

Walking stick specialists Classic Canes are renowned

Tel: 0161 975 6300

for their high quality designs, including this elegant

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

design featuring gold swallows on a black

Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

background. Being height-adjustable, it suits a wide range of users and makes a convenient and stylish gift. It is one of over 80 folding cane model stocked by the family firm.

Classic Canes Tel: 01460 75686 Email: info@classiccanes.co.uk Web: xwww.classiccanes.co.uk

Scented Home

Four Legged Friends

Aromatize’s vast portfolio includes brands such as Aroma

A fine new range of china mugs from Lesser and Pavey

Accessories, Woodbridge and Village Candle. No company

that feature photographic images of cats and dogs with

offers as many designs or variations of electrical wax melt

messages alongside, made up of 17 mugs. Each mug

burners, electrical diffusers and non-electric accessories at the

comes in an open fronted box and is available to order

most competitive prices. The company’s showrooms are

now for immediate delivery.

available to visit. Please book in advance. Catalogues or a sales

Lesser & Pavey

representative visit is available on request.

Tel: 01322 279225

Aromatize

Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk

Tel: 01254 300268

Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

Email: sales@aromatize.co.uk Web: www.aromatizetrade.co.uk

Design Led Lesser and Pavey introduces new ranges of social stationery - to include Butterfly Meadow – with the artwork also featuring on tabletop items. Another range, Compton, takes the artwork from William Morris capturing the original designs on bamboo items as well as gift stationery. Other designs from William Morris artwork are also featured in this range.

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

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

Julie Hunter, director, Hunters, Limavady, Co. Londonderry A large gift shop on a secondary site.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Parlane: vases and flora; Art Marketing: clocks

Fabulous collections.

A wide range of tonal colours.

Home Fragrancing

Eau Lovely: Herb collection; The Electric Lifestyle Co: Paddywax candles

Lovely fragrances. Well priced.

Unusual scents in a reusable container.

Jewellery

Knight & Day Jewellery: designer; Danks Smykkekunst: contemporary

Luxury designer styles at affordable prices.

Chic Danish minimal jewellery.

Fashion Accessories

Estella Bartlett: contemporary; Katie Loxton: across the board

Purses and pouches in high fashion colours.

Stylish handbags, pouches and scarves.

Greeting Cards

MEG Cards & Gifts

Fantastic, wide ranges, especially from The Art File.

Giftwrap

Artebene

Gift bags and rollwrap that is distinctly different.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat: across the board

Jellycat always delivers, especially for books and giftware sets.

Above right: Vases from Parlane.

Right: among Katie Loxton’s fashion accessories.

Rona Stevenson, co-owner, Within Reason, Sheffield A large lifestyle shop selling gifts and fashion in the city centre.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

East of India: ceramics; Quail: ceramics

Personalised gift items with heartfelt sentiments.

Lovely eccentric English ceramic giftware.

Home Fragrancing

Heaven Scent: Within Reason’s own label; Bath House: across the board

Our own beautifully packaged candles and reed diffusers.

The new range includes hand sanitiser, refills, soaps and hand balm.

Jewellery

Island of Stars: across the board; Big Metal: across the board;

Well-priced fashion jewellery.

My Doris: earrings

Striking pieces to include geometric and Perspex.

Niche, ethnic, artisan jewellery. Good prices.

Fashion

One Hundred Stars: across the board

Our own range of gowns, kimonos etc., as well as bags, scarves and headbands.

Fashion Accessories

Estella Bartlett: across the board

The travel jewellery case is a winner.

Greeting Cards

Lola Designs

Gentle, naturalistic designs.

Giftwrap

Imprint

Stunning printed paper that’s artisan and hand-crafted.

Other Hot Hits

Bookspeed: children and young teens Jellycat: across the board

We sell lots of books, especially titles for children and young teens, that address current issues.

Super soft materials. Our Chinese customers love Bashful Bunny.

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Above: One Hundred Stars.

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Janet Hartree, owner, Ewe & Me and Ewe Too..., Grantown On Spey Large gift shops on a high street.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Grand Illusions: artificial flowers and pots; Shoeless Joe: Coastal

A cost effective way of bringing new life to an area in the home.

A great range covering everything from mirrors and shelves to seashell hearts and sea birds.

Home Fragrancing

Shearer Candles: candles and diffusers;

A constant best seller with Amber Noir top of the list. Long lasting fragrances; good price point.

Our everyday best seller is Sea Kelp which includes bath salts, body lotions and hand care creams.

Scottish Fine Soaps: bath and body

Jewellery

Sheila Fleet: across the board; Susie Blue: fashion jewellery

Beautifully made in Orkney with new ranges added regularly.

Fashion Accessories

PoM: scarves; Earth Squared; bags

Good quality, design and price. Our best selling scarves this summer.

The Tweed collection is our No.1 best seller. Styles include purses and matching scarves.

Greeting Cards

Woodmansterne

Our core supplier, with humour cards doing well for us. They are eco friendly too, which customers like.

Giftwrap

Glick

Eye catching bags, giftwrap and printed tissue. Brilliant value for money.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat: plush

We have expanded the baby range with books and soothers that are good for christening gifts.

Eye-catching colours and a good price point.

Above: A bag from Earth Squared’s Tweed collection.

Bill Nettelfield, owner, Bill & Berts, Colchester A large gift shop on a secondary site.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Wrendale Designs: across the board;

Quality and price points are spot on, with a huge collection ranging from water bottles to bookmarks.

Beautiful, decorated white jugs featuring a varied range of animals. The giraffe is our best seller.

Little Weavers Arts: animal themed jugs

Home Fragrancing

Ashleigh & Burwood: fragrance lamps;

Above right: Fragrance lamps from Ashleigh & Burwood.

Right: Wrendale Designs’ brand new plush range.

Freckleface Home Fragrance: wax melts

Jewellery

Tinsmiths: recycled jewellery

Unique jewellery made out of recycled tins. Great prices, great service.

Fashion Accessories

Powder: across the board;

Socks, scarves, sunglasses gloves.

Everything comes beautifully packaged; great service.

Second to none with an incredible choice of colours. Some are made from recycled bottles.

Roka: rucksucks

Stunning lamps, with a huge range of fragrance refills. People self-purchase and come back to buy them as gifts.

A small, family-run company producing possibly the best wax melts. A very easy repeat sale.

Greeting Cards

Rosie Made A Thing

Our best selling range. In the past year, we have repeated every three to four weeks.

Other Hot Hits

Chilly’s: re-usable water bottles and food pots; Gingko

The gift of last Christmas, with the trend set to continue.

A range of Gift of the Year award winning speakers, clocks and lights.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

57

SIMPLY GORGEOUS JEWELLERY AND SCARVES

®

GRUFFALO PLAYSET BRITISH TRAVELGOODS AND ACCESSORIES ASSOCIATION

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

In early autumn, we will launch our first licensed play set based on the wonderful Gruffalo book. The set will be a woodland scene and will have all the well known characters to play with. Our ordering system can take advance orders or expressions of interest.

Contact: team@playpresstoys.com www.playpresstoys.com

Come and see the exciting new fragrance collections from the UK’s favourite Beautiful designs with British glassware supplier. fragrances from the UK’s favourite Spring Fair, NEC glassware supplier.

Hall 4 Stand A58

Order Now!

www.dandjglassware.co.uk Tel: 01953 450280

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Tel: 0131 467 8100 www.bookspeed.com

08/09/2020 10:08

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

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

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

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

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

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

02/04/2019 09:48 10:42 08/09/2020

www.aromatizetrade.co.uk

Tel: 01254 300268 Gifts Today.indd 2

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