Friends ‘til the end of WINE ! September 2022
£90 You(International)canorganise this quickly and easily online at our secure site: www.max-subscriptions.net For assistance, please email publishing.co.uksubscriptions@maxISSN 2515-7523 31 7-15 News 19-23 Feedback: Retailer Round Table 25-31 Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts 37-39 Retailer Face To Face: Maybugs 40-41 In Profile: Wild Things 45-47 Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware 52-53 In Profile: Personalised Memento Company 55-59 Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing 79-81 Best Sellers
Ali AdvertisementFarrell Manager alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk
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There’s no denying that for all businesses, there are significant challenges ahead, but the gift industry, while not recession proof, is fortunately better placed than many industries to weather the coming months. If there’s one certainty we can all hold onto, it’s that Christmas always happens.
Inside
This Month
55 Above: Sue met up with Greg Rose (centre) and John Dale, co-owners of Maybugs, at the newly opened Bexhill-On-Sea store. Turn to pages 37-39.
Ian PublishingHyder Director ianh@max-publishing.co.uk
The UK gift and home industry is dynamic, innovative and vibrant and The Greats Awards reflect all of this and much more. Be a part of it! Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk to
And finally, with last minute Christmas buying in mind, the focus is now very much on Autumn Fair, with the PG&H team heading to the NEC on September 4. We look forward to seeing you all at the show, as well as at Top Drawer, which takes place at London’s Olympia from September 11–13. Turn to pages 9 and 11 respectively.
Sue Marks, Editor
Copyright 2021. 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.
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For personalised giftware supplier Personalised Memento Company, (PMC), at peak, some 20,000 personalised items a day are typically sent out in the run up to Christmas, confirmed PMC’s marketing director Keren Dicken. So what’s ringing up sales and what’s taking the company onwards and upwards this year? Turn to pages 52-53. Of course, nothing evokes the festive season like fragrance, with home fragrancing suppliers unveiling not only their Christmas themed ranges, but much more besides. We reveal the latest launches on pages 55-59, and hear from Jules Vahrman, founder and managing director of Wild Things, about the company’s dazzling new ranges. Turn to pagesPlus,40-41.Greg Rose and John Dale, co-owners of independent East Sussex gift multiple Maybugs, tells PG&H why being successful is all about location, location, location - turn to pages 37-39 - and to pages 7-15 for all the latest, most up-to-the-minute industry news.
Unfortunately, there’s no sugar coating the realities at the moment. On top of already soaring food and fuel costs, household energy bills will be tripling for many households this October, with interest rates surging to 1.75%. Nevertheless, at PG&H’s annual retailer round table, held at Harrogate’s Home & Gift in July, gift retailers were cautiously optimistic about Q4. Overall, ‘round tablers’ felt that while people would still be treating family and friends this Christmas, the spend would inevitably be lower. Find out what else a cross-section of gift indies had to say by turning to pagesStaying19-23.with Christmas gifting, products in the £10-£20 price bracket seem to be the order of the day, with suppliers revealing their Christmas crackers across jewellery, fashion accessories, games and more. Turn to pages 25-31 to see what will be hitting the shelves in the next few weeks.
Sue EditorMarks suem@max-publishing.co.uk
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide 5 Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 www.max-publishing.co.ukwww.progressivegifts.co.ukThehomeofmarketleadingtrademagazinesPublishers:JacquelineBrown,WarrenLomax,IanHyderandRobWillis
snoozies!® Pairables Family Owl Equilibrium® Jewellery Gift Sets Jolly Xmas Gonks SugarLane® Autumn/Winter Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk
Above: The winners of the 2022 The Gift Awards - both the Gift of the Year and The Greats - are shown on stage with their trophies at the Royal Lancaster hotel in London. Left: London’s Royal Lancaster.
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It’s all systems go for Gift of the Year 2023, with the competition officially launched. “We have no doubt that this year’s competition will be full to the brim of amazing products, and to match them we have a very impressive line-up of judges with products guaranteed to be seen by buyers, retailers and the trade media who all make up the judging panel,” enthused The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward. At every stage of the competition, which closes in December (date to be announced), entrants will receive promotional marketing material to boost their brand, as well as ways for companies to fanfare their achievements. All entrants will also be able to feature a Gift of the Year ‘Nominated’ logo. The winners will be announced at The Gift Awards 2023, which take place at London’s Royal Lancaster hotel on 11 May, 2023, alongside the winners of The Greats gift retailer awards. Visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk; awards@ga-uk.org;
Pop Up Cards
GOTY Open For Entries
The Greats And GOTYs Are Open For Entries
Scooping two awards was Home Countiesbased greeting card and gift retailer House of Cards, which won the Best Greeting Card Small Multiple award, and also the final award of the ceremony, the prestigious Greeting Card Retailer of the Year award.
The People’s Choice Cardology’s handmade Battersea Pop Up Cards were crowned the winner of the Gift of the Year 2022’s People’s Choice award at the Harrogate Home & Gift Sundowners party at the end of the first day of the show. Voted for by the public, it was the second consecutive year that the award has been presented.
Maybugs Opens Third Store
A third gift store, in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, has been added to The Greats award-winning Maybugs portfolio, with customers queuing for an hour before the doors opened at the beginning of July.
Buildingwww.thegiftawards.comonthesuccess of the inaugural The Gift Awards, which took place in May this year, the Awards, which bring together the Gift of the Year (GOTY) with The Greats gift retailer awards, will be back at the glittering Royal Lancaster hotel in London on 11 May, 2023. At the lavish, black tie event, both gift product excellence and gift retail prowess will be recognised and rewarded.
A supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Mary Poppins themed Retas Awards, which took place in midJuly, saw the crème de la crème of greeting card and gift retail stockists, from across the retail spectrum, crowned at a glittering event held at London’s Grosvenor House hotel on Park Lane.
The Gift Awards: Save The Date
Right: Cardology’s David Falkner received the GOTY People’s Choice award from the GA’s ceo Sarah Ward (right). Clarion’s portfolio director Zoe Bonser is on the left.
Adds Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net: “Following on from
Below: People were queuing to get in an hour before Maybugs new Bexhill store opened. such a successful Gift Awards in May, it’s very exciting to be looking forward to next year’s event, and to the 21st year of the prestigious Greats gift retailer awards which have become the retail gold standard in our industry. The competition will officially be announced in early Autumn, and we look forward to another bumper entry of self-nominations and nominations from the gift industry at large.”
The ownership and running of the Gift of the Year Awards remains under the stewardship of The Giftware Association while The Greats gift retailer awards are wholly owned and run by Max Publishing (publishers of Progressive Gifts & HomeSponsorshipmagazine/GiftsandHome.net).ofalltheawardcategories for GOTY and The Greats is managed by Max Publishing. Visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk Visit www.thegiftawards.com
Winners included Hugs & Kisses in Tettenhall, winner of the Best Independent Greeting Cards Retailer - North & Northern category; Mooch London, winner of the Best Non-Specialist Independent Retailer of Greeting Cards - South; and Lark London, winner of the Best Non-Specialist Multiple of Greeting Cards category.
“The Gift of the Year Awards entries are open, and I’m thrilled to see so many making the most of the early entry, which gives them access to so much more PR and marketing activity,” says The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward. “We are also looking to increase our prestigious judging panel. For the 2022 Awards we had over 70 industry judges working with us to determine which products should be crowned. This year, we are set to reach 100, and the calibre just gets better and better.”
Above: Lark’s co-owners Priya Aurora-Crowe (centre right) and Dominic Crowe (centre left) received the Best Non-Specialist Multiple Retailer of Greeting Cards award from Rosie Tate, (right), director of category sponsor Cath Tate.
Card Sharp At The Retas
Counsellor Paul Plim, Mayor of Bexhill, was given the honour of cutting the yellow ribbon to declare the new store officially open, with other guests including local dignitaries, business owners and the chamber of commerce. (See Location, Location, Location on pages 37-39).
The UK’s leading supplier of drop ship Personalised Gifts est 2004 DISCOVERWWW.PERSONALISEDMEMENTO.CO.UKsales@personalisedmemento.co.ukTHEENTIRERANGEOFPERSONALISED GIFTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
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Among POC’s 500+ members are Talking Tables, Fizz Creations, Rainbow Designs, Belly Button Designs, Glick, Keel Toys, Carousel Calendars, Danilo, Amscan and Wow! Stuff. Companies signing up at Autumn Fair will receive a 10% discount. Helena and POC advisor and net zero ambassador June Kirkwood will be at the show for all four days.
“It’s more and more apparent that conscious decisions are the future of retail,” states Autumn Fair’s event director Dan Mayhew. “Our emphasis on the popular Sustainability Trail ensures that brands which have made a commitment to reducing our global impact are highlighted and promoted. Plus, our Power of One campaign also energises suppliers, retailers and consumers to take small steps to change the world, one decision at a time.” Autumn Fair will incorporate four key buying destinations, Home, Gift, Moda and Design & Source, with 12 sectors including: Everyday, Home, Living & Décor, Housewares, The Summerhouse, Beauty & Wellbeing, Gift, Greetings & Stationery, Kids, Toys & Play, Footwear, Jewellery & Watch, Womenswear, Fashion Accessories and Sourcing. The show will also feature live speakers and seminars across the four day event.
“We all had a go, but when Nathalie produced hers it was an exact likeness,” recalls Hannah. “With dogs super popular in gifts and cards at the moment, we asked her to look at one or two of the top 12 breeds of dogs to see if we could do anything illustrations“whenContinuedcommercially.”Hannah,wesawherinitialtheyblewus away to the extent that we asked her to do all 12 breeds for our brand new Pooch collection, launched at Home & Gift, Harrogate, which includes plaques, coasters, mugs, bookmarks and cards, a range we are hoping to expand.”
“With a breadth of partners across multiple categories including brand owners, manufacturers and retailers, Products of Change will offer a cross-category expertise on implementing better sustainability and driving positive change across business,” says Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder and ceo of Products of Change. “We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand in Hall 6; H40.”
Top: Part of Coulson Macleod’s new Pooch range. Above: Artist Nathalie Rogers.
On Monday September 5 and Tuesday September 6, Mike Swain, founder of Pack IDS and senior advisor to the UK Packaging Council, will be speaking about sustainable packaging. James George, POC ambassador of circular principles and strategic advisor at Pyxera, will be focusing on the circular economy on Tuesday September 6 and Wednesday September 7. Visit www.autumnfair.com; www.productsofchange.com
revealedpackwhooldcompetition,funself-portraitaskedHannahMarkMacleod’sCoulsonco-ownersCoulsonandMacleodstafftodoaasabitofforasocialmedia22yearNathalieRogers,worksinpick,anddespatch,hiddenartistic talents.
Above: Products of Change’s Helen Mansell-Stopher and Rob Hutchins.
Left: Zimbabwe is among the worldwide ethical and sustainable manufacturers at Design & Source.
“This year we are introducing never seen before manufacturers and producers that include artisan gifts from Zimbabwe, textiles from Egypt, homewares from India and, for the first time, our fashion sourcing destination,” comments Suzanne Ellingham, Autumn Fair’s head of Design & Source. “Design & Source is the only international sourcing platform of its kind in the UK and is the leading destination for visitors looking to grow or start their own white label offering, with direct access to key fabricating regions without the hassle of travelling overseas.”
Visit www.autumnfair.com
Small SaturdayBusinessRoadshow
Small Business Saturday has confirmed plans to mark its ten year milestone anniversary with a special celebratory roadshow. Business owners across the country are being encouraged to sign up, with the campaign kicking off in Glasgow on 31 October, finishing in London in the run up to Small Business Saturday on 3 December. The tour will visit over 20 towns and cities this Autumn, alongside a digital programme of support and mentoring. Alongside the physical roadshow, the campaign will also offer a jam-packed daily schedule of online content - including free workshops and mentoring covering a vast range of relevant topics, as well as interviews with small businesses and experts. Visit www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com Below: An electric fleet of vehicles will be touring the UK to mark the tenth anniversary of the Small Business Saturday campaign.
Well Doggone It! When gift and card company
Autumn Fair SustainabilityChampions
Sustainability Trail Will Lead The Way Zimbabwe Pavilion Debuts At Autumn Fair Autumn Fair’s Design & Source sector will be bringing the international sourcing market to the UK this September with a spotlight on ethical and sustainable manufacturers from all over the world. With the first ever Zimbabwean pavilion confirmed, other represented countries include China, Ghana, India, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Tunisia, and Turkey.
Autumn Fair, (4-7 September, NEC), will be shining a spotlight on sustainability, championing a host of brands which are committed to making positive and impactful changes via a Sustainability Trail, which will run across Home, Gift, Fashion as well as Design & Source.
POC Partners With Autumn Fair Products of Change (POC), the consumer products sustainable membership organisation, is partnering with Autumn Fair to deliver a series of one-on-one and group educational sessions and workshops for visitors, as part of the next stage of its Power of One campaign to empower and energise retailers and consumers to change the future of retail, one step at a time. Visitors will be offered a ‘how to’ element to facilitate the implementation of sustainability measures at retail and across product categories.
Below left: Autumn Fair will be welcoming visitors back in September.
MiMi Wins A Trio Of Awards
Retail Revitalised
Going For Growth
Above: Multi-award winning MiMi in Hartley Wintney.
Above: Claire Leigh inside her gift shop Two Ducks in Woking. Double Celebration For St. Eval Home fragrancing company St. Eval recently had two exciting reasons to celebrate - the grand opening of their new factory and office expansion, wildlife conservation area and pond, and the presentation of the company’s 2021 Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development by the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and chairman of the Council. The award, presented to St. Eval’s owner and creative visionary Sarah Young-Jamieson, recognises and celebrates the company’s outstanding commitment and achievement in sustainability. The new office and factory expansion further supports this pledge, with renewable energy powering the building, and a wildlife conservation area and pond created as a haven for nature to flourish.
Top Drawer AW22 Is Back At London’s Olympia
Women Who Achieve This year’s Woman Who Achieves Awards was a very special one for Louise Welsby - the newly appointed chair of The Hawkins,AgencyBuy-FrommanagingCommitteeAssociation’sGiftwareNationalanddirectorofCreative-andMegtheacclaimed giftware and homeware watercolour artist and designer. Not only have the two women been friends for over 30 years, but both won awards in their respective categories - Louise for Marketing and Meg for Business Growthgiving them the added bonus of being able to celebrate their achievements together.
Above: The Highlands handwash and body lotion from Meg Hawkins’ new Signature collection.
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Above: Delighted smiles from Louise Welsby (right) and Meg Hawkins. Neartoo Reaches Product Milestone Bira’s Neartoo trading platform currently has over 50,000 products for sale by UK independent retailers. Two Ducks in Woking, Papyrus in Glasgow and LoveOne in Ipswich are among the independent gift shop stockists trading on the platform.
At gift and lifestyle retailer MiMi, which has stores in Hartley Wintney and Wokingham, owner Julianne Moore and her team were delighted to return from a recent fundraising charity trek - climbing Mount Snowdon and zip-lining back down again - to discover that they had significantly added to the store’s trophy cabinet. A past Greats winner, and a finalist in the 2022 awards, Julianne was delighted to discover that MiMi had won a trio of accolades - E2 Media Award Of Excellence Bespoke Women’s Wear Of The Year 2022; Global 100 Best Bespoke Clothing Retail Outlet 2022, and IE 100 Awards 2022 Winner - for the womenswear side of the business. The company has also been shortlisted in the Drapers Independents Awards, celebrating the best in independent fashion retailing, with the winners announced in September.
Leading design-led lifestyle and interiors trade show Top Drawer is returning to London’s Olympia from 11-13 September to showcase nine curated sectors in its AW22 edit. The show’s new season message - Retail Revitalised - will highlight how the world of retail is beginning a fresh chapter, looking ahead with a positive outlook. The September show will feature over 1,500 brands, to include Roka London, CHALK, Little Concepts, Aery, Broste Copenhagen, Bronte By Moon, Kikkerland Europe, Bookspeed, Plum & Ashby and Alex Monroe. Alongside top brands and household names, the show will also be a platform for promising new talent. Top Drawer’s Launchpad sector, which made its debut during the SS22 edition, will put new faces in the spotlight, giving them the opportunity to network with high calibre buyers. There will also be the return of the show’s partnership with the University of Arts London, as well as a selection of Young Furniture Makers, hand-selected to showcase their products. Other highlights at Top Drawer include exclusive trends, curated seminar sessions and expert advice. Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk Left: Broste Copehangen is among the exhibitors at Top Drawer in September.
Licensed To Thrill It’s a nail-biting time for the finalists in the Licensing Awards with the winners announced on Tuesday 13 September in the Great Room at the Grosvenor House hotel in London. Categories feature Product, Property and Retail, with Widdop & Co and Mad Beauty among the companies in the running for the Best Licensed Giftware Range, Home Décor, Tableware Or Housewares Range category. The Licensing Awards are owned and organised by Max Publishing media group.
Right: St. Eval’s Sarah Young-Jamieson received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development from the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and chairman of the Council.
In addition to winning a Woman Who Achieves Award, (see above), and being in the finals of the Licensing Awards with her licensed collaboration with Widdop & Co - Meg Hawkins Gift and Homewares Collection - watercolour artist and designer Meg Hawkins, founder of Meg Hawkins Art, has launched her brand new Signature Collection spanning bath and body and home fragrancing. There are four ranges: The Coast; The Highlands; The Meadow and The Orchard. Additionally, from September 22, the company will pass its best-selling, award winning confectionery range to the suppliers. “The Scrumptious biscuits range will be licensed by Farrahs of Harrogate, with our Chocolate range licensed by Gwynedd Confectionery. Plus, we have just completed an expansion of our product range with Nauticalia, Natural World by Meg Hawkins,” confirms Meg.
SAVING fast selling buy as
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PoM’s co-owners, Simon Beck and Chris Holden, have been putting their all behind the Trowbridge Homes For Ukraine project which is fundraising to bring Ukrainians to the UK to connect with their host families.
Below: Transomnia’s Rod O’Mahony and his fellow climbers at Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilamanjaro.
Marmalade has also created a special edition of the company’s award-winning Wellbeing Calm candle, with the slogan: “there will be light - there will be hope” in English and Ukrainian languages. The recipients of the box can light the candle to create time and a safe space to collectively remember family and friends and to mark important dates.
“We have so far raised over £30,000 thanks to the generosity of our friends, family and colleagues,” confirmed Simon. “However, we are now on our eleventh tour, and with each trip costing around £2,500 we need more funds. Since our first trip in April, our organisation has brought 120 people - plus quite a few cats and dogs, with passports of course - back to the UK and connected them with their host families.
Right: Calm is part of Marmalade of London’s Wellbeing range.
Summit Of Success Kilimanjaro Climb Raises Money For Charity
“This followed six days of trekking up the mountain, then the final seven-hour ascent, starting at midnight on Wednesday July 27, which was pretty brutal. While the aches and pains are fading, I have some fantastic memories which will stay with me forever.”
Fundraising For The People Of Ukraine
Industry NEWS
Above: Daisy jewellery from Shrieking Violet.
40 Year Milestone Walking stick specialists Classic Canes will be celebrating the company’s milestone 40th anniversary this Autumn, with managing director Charlotte Gillan, the daughter of co-founders Ben and Diana Porter, commenting: “It’s quite emotional because it represents 40 years of our family’s life as well as 40 years of the business. Naturally, it has made us look back over the years and has triggered many memories. It has been so interesting for us, taking us around the world to many countries and places we would otherwise never have seen.” Adds Charlotte: “We have suppliers and customers who have become close personal friends and, in common with all small business owners, we have learned an extraordinary number of skills and discovered talents we didn’t know we had.”
Above: Classic Cane’s managing director and designer Charlotte Gillan at work in her studio.
Currently, over 500 Bear Us In Mind psychological toolkits have been allocated to Ukranian refugee families throughout the UK.
Adds Rod: “huge thanks to everyone who supported the climb with a donation to Alzheimers Research UK via my JustGiving page. It's an immensely important and worthwhile cause, and every donation really does make a difference.”
To celebrate the company’s milestone 20th anniversary, award winning jewellery brand Shrieking Violet, cofounded by Lash Marah and Jez Goswell, is planting a tree for every item of jewellery that the company sells this year. In partnership with Ecosia, Shrieking Violet has currently planted 24,418 trees. In addition, the company is also offering its customers an environmentally conscious glass display packaging made from glass and cork. Shrieking Violet’s jewellery is handcrafted with sterling silver and tiny flowers which are encapsulated in resin, with Lash explaining: “our head gardener keeps a watchful eye on the flowers, tending them with love - and water - until they reach the perfect size. They are then carefully picked, preserved and arranged into beautiful creations to be worn as jewellery.”
PEOPLELeft: Miss Milly’s founder Sarah Watmore.
Once we realised how necessary the service was, and how more trips were needed, we increased our Just Giving target to £20,000 and have recently surpassed that, but the money is now all used up.”
At the end of July, Transomnia director Rod O’Mahony ambitiously set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise money for Alzheimers Research UK, achieving his goal on Thursday July 28. “I was delighted - and a bit stunned - to reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, at around 7am local time, just after dawn,” explained Rod, who has never attempted anything like this before.
Left: PoM’s Simon Beck and Chris Holden with the Trowbridge Homes for Ukraine minibus that brings Ukranians to the UK.
Home fragrancing company Marmalade of London is providing its eco-friendly warehouse in Gloucestershire, along with production and warehousing staff, to the Bear Us In Mind charity for storage, logistics and despatch of the Bear Us in Mind psychological toolkits, which have been designed to help children manage their grief and trauma, hold onto memories and rebuild strength and trust in individual ways.
Shrieking CelebratesViolet20Years
Piers Flook, ceo of Marmalade of London, commented: “We have been overwhelmed by the contribution our team at Marmalade have been able to make towards the logistical challenges of compiling and distributing the Bear Us in Mind Psychological toolkits. We are all broken hearted by what is happening and wanted to assist, and will continue our efforts as long as they are needed.”
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Marmalade Joins Forces With Bear Us In Mind
Jewellery and fashion accessories company Miss Milly was launched at Autumn Fair in 2012, and the September’s show sees the team back at the NEC celebrating the company’s tenth anniversary. “Existing and new customers at Autumn Fair will be offered the chance to spin a sparkly wheel and win jewellery goodie bags and discount vouchers on our stand E65 in Hall 7,” confirms founder Sarah Watmore.
Launched during the double dip recession of 2012, Sarah highlights that Miss Milly is now celebrating the company’s best year of financial performance alongside its tenth birthday, with Sarah also celebrating her 50th birthday during Autumn Fair week.
Celebrating Ten Years
Adds Simon: “As time goes on, the war in Ukraine slips further and further down the news headlines and into the back of people’s minds. Yet the need for charity and support is as great as ever. Every bomb or shell that hits a civilian area creates an exodus of people seeking refuge in the West.” Email simon@pom925.com
l Rainbow Designs is investing in and strengthening its sales team with the appointment of Jo Adger (right) as national accounts manager. She brings with her a wealth of industry and specialist toy knowledge, most recently at games company Winning Moves.
BESPOKE GIFTWARE FOR ARISTS & HERITAGE SITES Anne Boleyn Book of Hours Collection produced for Hever Castle Quirky Animals produced for Tales of Ballard & www.ballardandhill.comHill William Morris Giftware from Museum Williamwww.museumscollection.co.ukCollectionMorrisGiftwarefromMuseumDevelopYourOwnBrandwww.cdheritage.comsales@cdheritage.comTel07909539574 Come and view our entire collection at Autumn Fair Birmingham N.E.C Hall 7 Stand D50 By Talbot Fashions Est. 1980 Call now for our catalogue or place your order online Minimum order just £25 (Ex VAT & P&P) info@talbotfashions.com 01273 776415 www.talbotfashions.com Beautiful natural Paua shell New collectionbadgepin Progressive Gifts half page_Aug2022.indd 1 09/08/2022 10:28:11
The final day of this year’s Brand Licensing Europe ((BLE) showThursday 22 September - will focus on sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion, spotlighting new and diverse brands and voices in order to drive meaningful change. For the first time, there will be a keynote session focused on brands with purpose. “Through partnerships with Products of Change, Licensing International, Black Lives Matter Licensing as well as Junk Kouture and many more brands, all aspects of the day three programme will aim to educate, inspire and invite action within the brand licensing community,” states Anna Knight, svp licensing at Informa Markets. Five timed events will take place on the final day of the show, and Products of Change will have a dedicated lounge at the exhibition, as well as a sustainability café.
l Online gift retailer Michelle Henriksen has opened her first bricks and mortar storePersonalised Gifts in Ormskirk - with the store filling a gap in the market for made-toorder gifts, homewares and more besides.
Right: Frida Kahlo jewellery from Tatty Devine NEWS IN BRIEF
Left: Mary Portas has partnered with European curated marketplace Ankorstore.
The scheme has already broken the record for the number of businesses registered to take part in a local gift card scheme, more than double that of the UK’s previous biggest programme which had 300 businesses. Visit www.lovelocal.scot/glasgow Loves Local Record Breaking Gift Card Scheme Launches
FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 15 Industry NEWS
l Denby has confirmed that it is seeking new investors to further accelerate recent growth in the UK, North America, South Korea and China.
BLE runs from 20-22 September at London’s ExCeL. Visit www.brandlicensing.eu (See Spotlight on Licensed Giftware on pages 45-47)
Right: The GA’s ceo Sarah Ward
Scotland
Above: Visitors to January’s show.
A local gift card scheme to boost businesses across Glasgow will arguably be the biggest the UK has ever seen, with over 700 businesses already signed up to accept the Scotland Loves Local Glasgow Gift Card.Giftand home retailers include Born In Scotland, Papyrus, Design Works, Downstairs Design, Hoolit Gifts, Hell Yeah, I Am Nomad, Janet and John and Welcome Home. The surge in Glasgow businesses signing up to accept the card follows a decision by Glasgow City Council to provide financial support to 85,000 lower income households, providing them with cards pre-loaded with £105 each. It is hoped that the one-off stimulusworth more than £8m to local businesses - will encourage people across the city to effectively use them as local currency in the longer“Weterm.think the Glasgow Loves Local card is a fantastic opportunity for Glasgow’s independent businesses to benefit from a cash injection,” commented Papyrus’ owner Fiona Fabien. “It’s particularly welcome while household budgets are under huge pressure.”
The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward will once again join the judging panel of Brand Licensing Europe’s Kelvyn Gardner’s License This! competition. The show takes place at London’s ExCeL from 20-22 September, with the finalists pitching to the judges at a live final on the last day of the show (September 22). The competition boosts the profile of new brands, illustrators, inventors and product designers, helping them to successfully break into the $300bn global licensing market.
BLE Drives Meaningful Change
Above: Dunelm reported a strong performance.
l Expansion plans are on the horizon for Glee 2023, which returns to the NEC on 28-30 June, 2023. Home, Gift & Clothing will evolve into a complete village, reflecting the increased popularity of the product categories within garden retailing. Visit www.gleebirmingham.com
l A jewellery collection from Tatty Devine recently launched to honour Mexican artist and feminist icon Frida Kahlo. The collection features over 20 pieces and includes necklaces, earrings, brooches and pendants.
This summer marks Ankorstore’s first anniversary in the UK. Since its launch, the company has seen explosive growth in the UK and across Europe more broadly, amassing over 200,000 retailers and over 15,000 brands in the European region. Visit www.ankorstore.com
Christmas Gifting With Christmas buying in mind, Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn will be returning to the SEC in Glasgow from 18-19 September with a diverse array of suppliers across gifts,
visitorsnow,toBritishFoodwithwillThetextilesjewellery,homewares,stationery,andgiftfood.LaunchGallerybeback,alongtheSpecialityarea.“WithalotofpeopleoptingholidayathomeandforeignreturningtoScotland, shops will be ready to re-order in September,” predicts show director Mark Saunders. To register, visit www.scotlandstradefairs.com
Ankorstore Partners With Mary Portas
Ankorstore has announced a brand partnership with retail expert and broadcaster Mary Portas. The collaboration will further champion the UK independent retail scene, rejuvenating UK businesses following the damaging effects of the pandemic.
Jina Kwon, deputy general manager at Ankorstore, explains its mission is: "to level the playing field for small and independent retailers who are the backbone of the UK economy, especially after the hardships of Brexit and Covid, to ensure a more evenly balanced retail ecosystem. We are excited to have Mary on board as we work to ‘rewild retail’ expanding our platform and giving our growing community the tools they need to thrive.”
Left: Multiple gift retailer Born in Scotland is among the indies signed up to the Scotland Loves Local Glasgow Gift Card scheme.
l Dunelm’s latest figures reveal that the homewares and housewares multiple’s total sales were 16% higher than the 2021 financial year, and 41% higher than 2019.
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l Terry Newton, co-owner of Jumping Bean in Beckenham, East Dulwich and Honor Oak
Aga Marsden, owner, Highworth Emporium, Highworth
“The ‘shop local’ movement has been incredible,” highlighted Priya Aurora-Crowe, co-owner of ten Lark stores in and around the South London area. “We sell a little bit of everything - gifts, cards, homewares, clothing, beauty and children’s - and since the pandemic, we have been benefitting from more people working from home which has driven people into their local high streets, increasing footfall.”
Talking Shop
Retailer Round Table
l Carol Bairstow, owner, Pure Inspiration, Ramsey, Isle of Man
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l Nilou Noorbakhsh, co-owner of Jumping Bean in Beckenham, East Dulwich and Honor Oak
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Retailer Round Tablers 2022 (in alphabetical order)
l Chris and Tracey Bryant, co-owners of Expressions Cards & Gifts, Swindon; Polkadot, Keynsham and The Cats Whiskers, Bishops Cleeve
A group of independent gift and lifestyle retailers took time out at Harrogate’s Home & Gift show in July to talk shop at PG&H’s annual Retailer Round Table. Among the topics on the table were how business has been this year, online trading and the run up to Christmas.
Few would disagree that 2022 has been a year of discontent - the cost-of-living crisis, the constant threat of interest rate rises, political uncertainty and no sign of Covid disappearing - yet according to this year’s retail ‘round tablers’, high street gift and lifestyle retail is successfully weathering the storm.
l
Katrina Raill, owner, Etcetera, Hitchin Caroline Ranwell, owner, Hugs & Kisses and No.43 in Tettenhall l Jo and Mike Webber, Jo Amor, Tiverton
Above: Gift retailers talking shop at Home & Gift in July at PG&H’s Retailer Round Table. Below: Katrina Raill (left) and Carol Bairstow.
l
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 19 Feed back
“Because we sell furniture, alongside, gifts, housewares, clothing, beauty, toys and books, our average spend this year has been between £30-£50.”
l Sue Marks, editor, Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net (chair)
Terry Newton, co-owner of Jumping Bean, which has shops in Beckenham, East Dulwich and Honor Oak, said that he and his business partner, Nilou Noorbakhsh, had also experienced a particularly strong 2022. “The suburbs are where the customers are, and currently, we are 30-40% up on last year,” Terry confirmed.
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Vicky Packford, manager, Highworth Emporium, Highworth Andrea Pinder, owner, Presentation Cards & Gifts, Barrowford
l Priya Aurora-Crowe, co-owner, Lark (10 shops in and around South London)
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Interestingly, Carol Bairstow, owner of Pure Inspiration, located in in the seaside town of Ramsey on the Isle of Man, highlighted that 2021 was actually the shop’s best year. “During Covid, noone could leave the Isle of Man, so we were up by 70%! This year has been steady for us, with customers, on average, spending in the region of £20-£30. We’re also seeing more staycationers, with the current travel chaos putting many people off travellingAlongabroad.”withInstagram, online, linked in with Facebook boosts, has become another route to increasing sales, with Caroline Ranwell explaining: “I do boosts every two weeks for six days and it really helps to create awareness,” with Aga Marsden concurring that her Facebook boosts have become an important marketing tool. “If a product is performing well I boost it,” she explained. “I do it for two to three weeks, and also before special occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter and Christmas. It helps to remind people that we’reAshere.”fortransactional websites per se, Jo Webber said that her website continues to drive sales. “People screen shot product images to send to their mums and friends. We also offer gift vouchers so that recipients who live out of the area can shop with us,” while Andrea Pinder commented that while people take a look at her website, they prefer to come into her store to purchase. Nevertheless, Priya Aurora-Crowe underlined that maintaining a website is hard work. “People expect you to have one, and ours does well, but it takes a huge amount of time, both in updating and in processing orders,” with Nilou Noorbakhsh agreeing. “Our website gives Jumping Bean a presence online but it does take up a lot of time to be consistent. I see it more as a back up service to our bricks and mortar stores.” Added Priya, “we have also been on Trouva for a few years, and it does drive orders when certain of our products trend, thereby helping to turn stock around, but overall, it can be an expensive route to market and a challenge logistically.”
Feed back Retailer Round Table
Tracey and Chris Bryant co-own gift shops The Cats Whiskers in Bishops Cleeve, Polkadot in Keynsham, and Expressions card and gift store in Swindon, with Tracey explaining that due to building work obscuring Cats Whiskers from a major car park during the pandemic, this had a detrimental effect on footfall. “However, we gained from putting in clothing, as well as people wanting to support us by shopping locally, so thankfully, our trade has come right back,” she confirmed. Added Chris Bryant, “at Expressions, we are predominantly a card shop with a healthy gift offer, seeing between 120-150 customers a day. However, since the pandemic, while we’re seeing a reduced footfall, the spend is higher.” Also crediting clothing with upping the ante over the past 18 months, was Caroline Ranwell, owner of gifts, cards and lifestyle store Hugs & Kisses, and clothing outlet No. 43, both in Tettenhall. “We’re based in an upmarket village, and since the pandemic we’ve been incredibly busy. People have got out of the habit of going into the city to shop, preferring to stay local. In 2021, I put in one rail of clothing and it did so well that it led me to open a dedicated clothing store, No. 43, 300 yards further down the road last year, which is very successful. We are also doing very well with our Belgian chocolates.”
Also reporting a stand-out year was Andrea Pinder, owner of Presentation Cards & Gifts in Barrowford, whose store is based in a private village. “We’ve had an exceptional year,” she confirmed. “On an average weekday, we get around 35-40 customers, which goes up to 60 + on a weekend. The average spend is between £16-£20 per head. We’ve found that due to Covid, people are choosing to shop locally, and we have reaped the rewards. Plus, staycationers holidaying at the caravan sites nearby have become frequent visitors this summer.”
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 21 Continued on page 23
Down in Tiverton, Devon, Jo Amor too, is continuing to go from strength to strength. “We’ve learned a lot over the past two years,” reflected co-owner Jo Webber. “We’re based in a market town and the locals trust us. We offer a mixed edit – to include gifts, home, clothing, cards and children’s products – with customers really enjoying the in store experience, spending an average of £25-£30 when they visit. We giftwrap too, so their gifts, once bought, are ready to go. I also think that the high cost of fuel is encouraging people to take the decision to shop locally too, rather than travelling further afield.”
Left: Nilou Noorbakhsh (left) and Priya Bottom:Aurora-Crowe.Fromleft to right: Aga Marsden, Vicky Packard, Terry Newton and Nilou Noorbakhsh.
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Andrea Pinder agreed that the fourth quarter is likely to see a cap on spending, and that the average spend on gifts will drop. “Currently I’m looking for luxury nightwear and slippers, as well as candles, items I know will sell,” she highlighted. Nilou Noorbaskhsh believes that, in the coming months, people will also be looking for things that will last. “In our East Dulwich store for example, we’re seeing that with clothing especially, with customers prepared to spend more,” she confirmed.
Feed back Retailer Round Table
“Christmas is Christmas, and people will spend, whether that’s a bit earlier this year or in December,” predicted Terry. Added Nilou: “We’re very much a part of the local community and offer gifts across all price points, from £2 upwards. I think we’ll see an upsurge in people wanting to buy gifts where the recipient can make things, which could be fabric or connected to writing.” Priya Aurora-Crowe predicts that there will be less impulse buying this Christmas and more considered buying, commenting: “I think people will be increasingly planning their purchases this year.” Caroline Ranwell made the point that because gift shops sell smaller gifts, they could actually do really well. “I think it’s the shops selling the larger gift items that might have more of a problem,” she commented. Tracey Bryant said she felt optimistic about Christmas, “as customers will always find ways to finance it, but it could possibly be very late. I’m concerned about January as a consequence,” she added,
“We stock a lot of furniture and home products, and we always roll over, which means that when it’s gone it’s gone,” stated Katrina Raill. “Customers like that exclusivity, and I think it’s why we do so well at Christmas. Currently, everything across home is continuing to sell very well.”
Added Aga Marsden, owner of Highworth Emporium in Highworth: “at the end of September, we put in a dedicated Christmas room, and from conversations with our customers, we feel that people will be spending as usual. Last year we thought we couldn’t beat Christmas 2020 and we did, so I predict that Christmas 2022 will be another strong one for us. I’m feeling very positive.”
Jo Webber highlighted that she has learned to put her Christmas edit in earlier. “It’s good for people to come in to have a look at our festive offer in early Autumn, as it gets them thinking about Christmas gifting earlier rather than later, while from our perspective, we get a gut feeling about the products that are winners, giving us time to re-order. We also like to be the first shop in Tiverton to put up a Christmas tree,” added Jo. At Jumping Bean, co-owners Terry Newton and Nilou Noorbakhsh will be putting out their Christmas offer at the beginning of October.
Meanwhile, in a post-pandemic world, the home - and garden - have remained a focus for many families, so are independents inspired to look at different products when sourcing? “We buy way more items of furniture for the home, but with people spending so much time in their gardens nowadays, they see it as an extension of the front room. We have therefore been buying more garden furniture and accessories to tap into this, such as large parasols in striking colours that give a feelgood factor, as well as blankets, deckchairs and other outdoor accessories,” confirmed Nilou Noorbakhsh.
Priya Aurora-Crowe concurred. “I feel that takings will go down, so it’s about putting in the right business model, the right strategies.”
Concluding, the overall view was that one way or another, Christmas would happen, as it always does, with retailers across the board pulling out all the stops to make it the best it possibly can be this year. Left: Jo Webber. Below: Tracey and Chris Bryant.
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 23
Added Andrea Pinder: “I ventured into home products when my bistro, which is adjacent to the shop, closed during the pandemic, and although it’s re-opened, I’ve carried on with an edited range of planters, wall clocks, faux plants, vases and lamps,” she explained, with Tracey Bryant adding that if she had the retail space available, home and garden would be product areas that she would definitely like to venture into.
Stock issues however, remain a concern. “I feel confident that I will receive stock from suppliers manufacturing in Britain, but less confident about the companies who import from the Far East,” continued Andrea. “Last year, only some of the products that I ordered arrived in time,” with Katrina Raill concerned about stock arriving from Denmark and AsSweden.forthe all important fourth quarter, there were understandably, mixed feelings. “I think the next quarter, not including December, will be down, but that December will more than make up for it,” predicted Terry Newton. “However, it is looking very unpredictable at the moment.”
while Andrea Pinder emphasised that where independents score over multiples is in relation customer service. “Along with giving exceptionally great customer service at Presentation, we are fortunate to be able to offer a more personal service at the same time, to include a free giftwrap service. This is where the independent retailer achieves over the high street multiples.”
As for shopping for Christmas gifts, the overall view was that people will still want to treat their family and friends, but that the spend will be down. “From September onwards, locals call us the Christmas shop,” highlighted Katrina Raill, who co-owns lifestyle store Etcetera in Hitchin with her mum Anne, who opened the store 40 years ago this November. “Every year, we continue to fill a giant stockroom with festive gifts.”
At Jo Amor, Jo Webber commented that because she forward buys a lot of the clothing that the shop sells, she is already committed to Christmas. “However, without stock you can’t trade,” pointed out Jo. “So, we will have our eye on the ball, and will be making the most of social media and offers to encourage sales,” with Carol Bairstow adding that the cost-of-living crisis would inevitably see people tightening their belts. “You have to have the stock, and my buying hasn’t altered, but I’m sure that the spend will be lower in the next quarter. When we were in the pandemic, people had money to spend because they weren’t going on holiday or eating out. This year, with everything that’s going on, I feel that people’s belts will be much tighter.”
The Gift Of Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts
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At Joma Jewellery, founder and creative supremo Katie Loxton enthuses that Christmas is the time to sparkle, with the company’s Christmas selection priced at under £20. “From our Christmas crackers, each with a twinkling A Little Bracelet nested inside the festive packaging, to our new Christmas A Littles collection, embellished with the sentiments from Let It Snow to Feeling Festive, there’s something for every Christmas wish list,” saysMeanwhile,Katie. Miss Milly’s WatmoredirectormanagingSarahhighlights the company’s magnetic brooches. “They attach to bags, hats and scarves, as well as traditional jackets and coats, and all make lovely statement Christmas gifts,” says Sarah. Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
Christmas Giving
If one price bracket stands out, it’s gifts priced between £10 and £20, with jewellery and fashion accessories leading the way. Life Charms has launched new, silverplated Christmassybraceletsfestivefeaturingstyling decorated with zirconia stones and sparkling beads. “The new range includes bracelets with detachable charms and an adjustable bracelet in Christmas cracker-shape packaging,” highlights managing director Tony Barrett. “Plus, all our festive bracelets are packed in eye-catching themed luxury packaging to add a hint of magic and festivity.”
Right:collection.Joma Jewellery’s Christmas Crackers.
Gifts at a lower price point, but with perceived value, are likely to be at the top of the Christmas gift list this year for most people. With the cost of living crisis taking hold, exacerbated by energy prices rising in October, and an interest rate hike, gift retailers predict that people will still very much want to buy gifts for family and friends this Christmas, but will be looking for giftware that’s both affordable and special.
Above: Mad Beauty’s Nordic Nights beanie hat set. Left: Mitten shaped packaging adds perceived value to this festive hand wash, featured in Mad Beauty’s Nordic Nights
Bottom: Life Charms’ Christmas Crackers silver plated bracelets. Bottom right: A striking magnetic brooch from Miss Milly.
“Mad Beauty’s new Nordic Nights range of gifts, inspired by the snow-capped landscapes of winter in Scandinavia, and the warming hygge lifestyle, offers gifts to suit all budgets,” confirms Mad Beauty’s creative director Julia Cash. Products range from stocking fillers such as a sweater shaped fizzer and mini handwash to a beauty beanie hat set and mitten set, which include a knitted“Weaccessory.knowthis Christmas will be a cost sensitive one for the majority of people, so we hope that with prices starting from as little as £3.99 we can support our customers’ buying needs both with pricing and quality,” Julia comments.
The upcoming Autumn trade shows - to include Autumn Fair, Top Drawer and Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn - are the last exhibition opportunities for gift retailers to top up their buying for Christmas 2022. Mindful of the ‘sweet spots’ of £5 and under, £10 and under and £20 and under, PG&H reveals an array of products that put a tick on the list for teacher’s gifts, stocking fillers and Secret Santa presents, as well as more considered purchases.
@lang_and_son@langandson
“Our stylish range of fast-selling Christmas themed natural paua shell jewellery and accessories - supplied gift boxed - create a stunning window display, and makes a lovely gift for family and friends,” points out Talbot Fashions’ buyer and marketing manager Ginny Bryant. “Many of the designs are exclusive to us, designed in-house, with the very competitive price points allowing for a good profit margin.”
Continued on page 29
Left: A trio of Katie Loxton Christmas pouches. Below: Pom Pom candles from Lesser & Pavey. Below right: Gisela Graham’s Ginger boxed scented candle.
Home fragrancing products are winners all year round of course, but at Christmas
Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide 27
Adds Ginny: “Our red paua shell collection is also very popular and great for complementing Christmas partyAsoutfits.”forfashion accessories, Paul Hooker, managing director of Joe Davies, says that one of the hottest selling gift lines for the Christmas season is the company’s collection of Equilibrium branded boxed hats, gloves and scarves, which are available in designs for both men and women. “Retailing between the £10 and £20 key retail price points, they really fly off the shelves,” confirms Paul. “Beautifully packaged, they make a very special gift, and with lots of on trend designs to choose from they’re a firm Withfavourite.”sustainability and eco ever more important to retailers and consumers, products that tick all the boxes are sure to be high up on Christmas gift lists this “Ouryear.eco products retail at under £20, featuring eco scarves and ties,” comments Richard Borzelino, founder of convertedrecycledtiesEcocravatteBorzelino.InternationalScarvesfrom“Ourmen’s-madefromtwoplasticbottlesinto recycled yarn, are made in a solar powered mill in the UK. All our ties are presented on a euro hook eco card which retailers can hang on slat walling, or on our manufactured custom-made display stand. The ties make an impact on the environment by using 60% less energy consumption, 32% less co2 emission and 94% less water, making them ideal for Christmas and other special and seasonal occasions, as well as for a men’s gift or for working days where a tie is required.” Handbags too, always fly off the shelf at Christmas, with Katie Loxton’s Christmas collections including luxurious vegan leather Christmas pouches, which come in a selection of sumptuous hues with a golden stamped sentiment. Adds Katie Loxton, founder of her eponymous company: “Additionally, our festive hand creams make a lovely gift for the big day, with scents ranging from orange zest to sweet almond, complete with Christmas cracker packaging, and all under £20.”
Top left: Among the Christmas themed jewellery from Talbot Fashions. Above: Among this season’s Equilibrium branded boxed hats, gloves and scarves from Joe Davies. Right: Scarves International’s Ecocravatte ties.
Reeves & Reeves design and create an array of stunning and exclusive jewellery collections.
Based in the heart of the Dorset countryside, the husband and wife team are passionate about jewellery and their enduring designs reflect much of what is around them, from the fields and woods to the Jurassic Coast. Their Jewellery is contemporary in style with a unique fashion edge, at very competitive prices and superb attention to both detail and quality.
Email: heath@reevesandreeves.com | Tel: 01460 221630 www. reevesandreeves .co.uk
Heath, Caroline and their talented team have an innovative creative ability and empathy with their customers is a very unique selling point. They utilize a charming combination of sterling silver, 18ct yellow and Rose gold vermeil with accents of colour through the use of hand picked stones and exquisite enamel detail.
The varied collections range from the sleek and modern Stellar collection to imaginative animals and plant life designs, many with an elegant modern twist, evoking favourite memories from the past and creating new ones for the future. The Reeves & Reeves team really do love what they create and know that you will too.
Gifts At £5 &Under Humorous gifts always hit the spot for Christmas, with Gift Republic’s Christmas Dad Jokes at £4.99 ideal as a stocking filler or Secret Santa. “They come supplied in a stylish CDU, making them a handy impulse gift at the till in the run up to the festive season,” says sales director Phil Verrills. Above: Gift Republic’s Christmas Dad Jokes. Continued on page 31
“Our thoughts often turn to those friends and family members who are no longer with us, and our Those Forever Loved decorative stand makes a very thoughtful gift under £10, as it’s an affectionate reminder of our loved ones,” says Emma Auger, marketing manager at Richard Lang & Son. “The little pebble robin is always a very popular choice for customers, and the simple but considerate words bring comfort at an often painful and emotional time of year. It’s also small and folds flat, making it easy to post.”
Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide 29 pom range of candles fall under the £20 retail price point,” highlights Lesser & Pavey’s managing director Julian Hunt.
“When it comes to gifting, there is a growing demand by customers seeking out gifts that provide an antidote to the digital distractions,” says Stephen Illingworth, director, Widdop & Co. “Using quality materials, our Harvey Makin collection of wooden games provide retailers with gifts that are made to last, and bring family and friends around the table.”
Left: Santa’s Snowball Ski-Jump from House of Below left: A Harvey Makin rosewood boxed card and dice gift set from Widdop & Co. Below right: Rainbow Designs’ musical Snowman soft toy.
Looking to children’s Christmas gifting in the £20 and under price bracket, Anthony Temple, managing director of Rainbow Designs, highlights the musical Snowman soft toy from the company’s The Snowman and The Snowdog collection. “It plays We’re Walking in the Air and makes the ultimate Christmas gift for any child or nostalgic fan of Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman,” he comments. “It also makes an ideal addition as a seasonal display for independent retailers.” With retailers spoilt for choice, and Christmas orders on their way, it’s never too soon to catch those earlybird Christmas shoppers!
“They are very attractive, with a new metal lid on the sculptured glass jars and colourful pom poms in each one. The colours are seasonal, with the gold trim adding a hint of the exotic,” points out Julian.“Scented candles continue to be a ‘go to’ gift for the festive season,” concurs Piers Croke, director, Gisela fragrancing range is designed in-house, with best sellers always including the Christmas Pudding,Gingerbreadclassics,&Plumwiththerange also featuring fragrances with notes of fresh pine or spices. They are boxed, so easy to merchandise, and offer great value at £12.99GamesRRP.”too, are as much about Christmas as the turkey, with House of Marbles recently launching a brand new festive game, Santa’s Snowball SkiJump, as part of the company’s Christmas Fun range. “It will make a great addition to Christmas Eve boxes and is designed inhouse by the team making it ideal for independent gift retailers who want to stock seasonal games that are truly unique,” says trade marketing and online manager Lauren Williams.
While Christmas is, without doubt, the jolliest time of the year, it can also be an emotional occasion for many families.
Thinking Of You...
Left: Those Forever Loved from Richard Lang & Son.
Guess How Much I Love You Large Nutbrown Hare Cuddly Winnie-the-Pooh and FriendsBeautiful Classic Gifts Call 01329 227300 or v i si t www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk Follow us inspiring kids’ imaginations for 50 years Europe's foremost name in casesjewellery Mele & Co. Autumn Fair 4th to 7th September Hall 6 Stand H30 Come and see our full and extensive range of jewellery cases, watch boxes, children's musical cases and much much more. Including our new 2022 ranges.
Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide 31
As for gifts for gardeners, Bruce Bell, marketing director at Gallery Direct, says that the company’s pothanger designs make ideal gifts at Christmas as well as throughout the year. “They’re designed to add charm and character to planters and vases, with the latest additions to the collection sets of gonks in three subtle colours. Other pothangers in the range include two figurines as well as a selection of animals and birds from across the world,” Bruce highlights.Withgifts for tidy minded friends in mind, Rex London’s best selling storage tins continue to be inspired by vintage food packaging. “They’re ideal for organising kitchen utensils, stationery and crafts, with five brand new designs just released,” confirms ceo Nigel Biggs. “Each set includes two nesting tins that come in an eco-friendly home compostable bag - ideal for Christmas gift buyers who are looking to be kinder to the planet.” Meanwhile, gifts for pets and pet owners have really come into their own over the past couple of years. At Coulson McLeod, the company recently launched a brand new gift collection, Pooch, in time for the Christmas market, designed in house. It features 12 dog breeds, with giftware including a mini wooden hanging sign retailing at £8.50. Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without socks, with Eco Chic’s bamboo ladies socks giving gift independents some important USPs, points out Austin Lee, managing director of Faye (UK). “They contain 80% bamboo fibres, are made from FSC certified yarn, with the dye using standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, meaning that they have been tested and proven free of harmful levels of toxic substances.”
For people looking for gifts small enough to post, Meg designer/directorHawkins, of her eponymous company, highlights a lip balm duo from the Meg Hawkins Art beauty range that retails for under £10. “It’s a handmade luxury item that’s small, useful and vegan too,” highlights Meg.
Gifts At £10 & Under Left: Feather baubles from Personalised Memento Company (PMC). Right: Included in Coulson McLeod’s new Pooch range is a mini hanging sign for under £10. Shown is a Cocker Spaniel. Centre: Colour storage tins from Rex London. Bottom left: Gallery Direct’s new gonk pothangers. Below right: Eco Chic’s bamboo ladies socks feature a bee design. Below left: A lip balm duo from Meg Hawkins Art.
Decorating the Christmas tree is one of the joys of the festive season, with Personalised Memento Company’s marketing director, Keren Dicken, commenting: “as a result of household outgoings consistently increasing, sticking to a budget this Christmas is more important than ever. Our personalised feather baubles, retailing at only £9.99, are a wonderful way to give a thoughtful gift without the premium price tag. With the ability to add a personal touch with a heartfelt message or a family members’ name the gift can be treasured for years to come and will bring a smile every time it is hung on the tree,” points out Keren.
Tel: 01254 300268 Email: www.aromatizetrade.co.uksales@aromatize.co.uk Autumn Fair - Birmingham NEC 4th - 7th September 2022 Hall 7, Stand D40 10% discount on opening order. Quote TUMBLER10 (T&Cs apply)
4: Stress-Free Christmas It’s time to start planning for the most wonderful time of the year! Filled with pages such as budgeting, menu planning and more, this personalised Christmas planner from Personalised Memento is the perfect way to have a stress-free Christmas.VisitPMC’s website to see their full range of personalised gifts. PMC E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
5: Waxing Lyrical Wax Lyrical has created a host of gifts to celebrate this Christmas including the Yvonne Ellen advent calendar which boasts a fabulous fragrance medley of velvet peach, pear and red berries nesting on a base of soft vanilla, tonka bean and soothing white musk. Creating moments to Wax Lyrical about. Wax Lyrical
T: 01229 461100 E: customerservice@wax-lyrical.com W: www.waxlyricaltrade.com
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House of Marbles has just launched a fantastic new festive game ‘Santa’s Snowball Ski-Jump’ in time for the biggest trading season of the year. Their wonderful game will provide players with hours of entertainment as they battle to win the highest score by flicking marbles around the ski jump into the numbered pegs. It will make a great addition to Christmas Eve boxes and is designed in house by the team making it perfect for independent gift retailers who want to stock seasonal games that are truly unique. House of Marbles T: 01626 835358 E: uk@houseofmarbles.com W: www.houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk
New What s , Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Christmas products 1: Fill Your Christmas Stockings Rex London is ready for the festive season with its range of high quality and affordable stocking fillers, from matchbox puzzles and temporary tattoos, to traditional games and novelty stationery. Don’t forget the grown-ups! Rex London has a fantastic range of stocking fillers for men and women, including quirky gadgets, handbag essentials and home accessories. Rex London T: +44 (0)20 8746 1700 E: info@rexlondon.com W: www.rexlondontrade.com 2: Hanging Teddy Snowglobe Decoration Add a personal touch this Christmas with this cute Hanging Teddy Snowglobe Decoration from PMC. With its adorable design and the option to personalise it makes the perfect gift! Visit PMC’s website to find out how to become a trade customer of the one stop shop for personalised gifts. PMC E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
3: Festive Family Fun
Call 020 7708 4956 to book your appointment today! CMYCYMYCMYMCK Progressive Gifts August 2022_1.pdf 1 28/07/2022 16:40 Pooch 10% OFF our entire range when you pay with order Use code GIFTSEPT Offer30/09/22ends See the full range: Top Drawer Stand K38 coulson macleod. hello@coulsonmacleod.comcoulsonmacleod-trade.com01536419944CARDS | STATIONERY | PRINTS | GIFTWARE
4: Comforting Fragranced Products For Children Sleep Sakes is a brand with its heart in Wellness – offering comforting fragranced products made with natural ingredients, as well as, beautiful keepsakes to cherish. This collection is the perfect gift for children whilst offering complete bedtime bliss. The range includes chamomile infused bath bombs and fragranced plush & pillow mist. Plus, lively characters in the form of plush toys, lighting and money boxes. To take advantage of an opening order discount of 10% please quote SLEEP10 when placing your order. Aromatize Ltd Autumn Fair - Hall 7 Stand D40 T: 01254 300268 sales@aromatize.co.uk www.aromatizetrade.com Toe Tappers Music Gifts is launching what is arguably the first music-related LBGTQ+ gift, with appeal beyond the LGBTQ+ community, adapting a best-selling sock design to use the official Pantone colours for each of the treble clefs, as well as the rainbow of colours around the top of the sock. Available to pre-order now. Music Gifts T: 01202 570057 E: enquiries@musicgifts.co.uk www.musicgifts.co.uk
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1: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk
For this winter holiday, Puckator has a wonderful selection of fantastic products. The Winter Botanical range features gorgeous floral illustrations of Christmas favourites, holly, pine, and mistletoe. The standout from the range is the brand new infuser mug design. There’s also plenty of new mug designs including ones from Kim Haskins and Jan Pashley, as well as some from the rather lovely in-house design ranges, Christmas Village and Christmas Nutcracker.
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3: Roaring Fun Puckator now have jigsaw puzzles of their Zooniverse and Splosh ranges, sporting all your favourite exotic animals from monkeys, all the way to zebras. The twist is that which animal you get will be a mystery until you open the box. Not only are the designs great, but they are also incredibly eco friendly due to being made from recycled greyboard, using soya based inks for printing, and being 100% plastic free. This means that once your child has finished playing with them, you can recycle them with ease.
2: New Nordic Nights Collection
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Mad Beauty T: + 44 (0) 208 958 0555 E: sales@madbeauty.com W: www.madbeauty.com
New What s , Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Christmas products
Get that warm and toasty feeling even as you pamper yourself at home with Mad Beauty’s latest own-label collection inspired by the hygge lifestyle. For extra snugness, some gifts even come with knitted mittens or a knitted hat so you can keep the warmth in even when you venture out! Choose from the warming and festive fragrances of frosted cranberries, fresh pine and winter berries and vanilla and amber for a truly indulgent pampering experience.
A highlight though has to be the wonderful Glaze Relief stoneware, which comes in mugs, incense holders, and oil burners; and features a sleek, glossy finish with a Christmassy theme which will fit into any home.
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Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk
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Retailer Face To Face: Maybugs
Customers to Maybugs stores will also find an own brand range of candles and diffusers, as well as locally made merchandise, and a curated greeting cards offer. Product, to include cushions and coasters and much more besides, are customised to each location. Such was the Hailsham store’s success, that 12 months later, Greg and John took Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide 37 When Greg Rose and John Dale opened their first Maybugs gift store in Hailsham in 2018 they hit the ground running. Both brought a wealth of retail experience to the table, and today, four years on, their ‘pinch me’ moment was winning a prestigious Greats award as Best Independent Gift Retailer in the London, South, South East, Home Counties and East Anglia category.
John On Greg “With further expansion in mind, Greg keeps a map in his Eastbourne office circled with the locations he’s interested in.”
“Jellycat, Transomnia and Wrendale Designs were our three core brands, and continue to remain the cornerstone in all our gift shops,” confirms Greg, with Carrie Elspeth, Inis, Straits Trading, Candlelight and Wild Things among an array of other well known gift brands that also keep the tills ringing.
If things had worked out as planned, Greg Rose would by now be a famous fashion designer, feted by A listers and fashionistas. One of just 24 wannabe fashion designers in his year to get into the world renowned Central St Martins fashion school - with Stella McCartney among his contemporaries - he figured that there could only be one designer destined for success, and it wasn’t going to be him! So, he abandoned the course, much to his mum’s disappointment, to instead, pursue a career in retail, starting out on the buying floor of London’s Selfridges aged 20, and moving through the ranks of Jenners in Edinburgh, INDEX, Ideal Shopping, Matalan, Robert Dyas and Merlin Entertainments, building up experience in housewares, gifts and homewares and taking on senior roles across buying, merchandising and bespoke product, an area he loved.
“However, I also wanted to experience retail from the supplier side, so I worked at Transomnia, as head of buying, before becoming a gift agent for 18 monthswhere principals included Candlelight - while passionately wanting to open my own gift store,” he explained. John meanwhile, had enjoyed a long career in customer facing retail, enjoying providing that all important customerFinally,service.in2018, the couple joined forces to open their first Maybugs gift store in the East Sussex town of Hailsham. With its striking, bright yellow fascia, co-ordinating yellow carrier bags and design-led giftware, it was a hit with locals from the get go.
Location, Location, Location
Above: Phil Verrills, (right) sales director of Gift Republic, category sponsor, presented the winning Greats trophy to Greg Rose, co-owner of Maybugs. Comedian and compere Charlie Baker is shown on the Right:left.John and Greg outside the newly opened Bexhill-on-Sea store.
With a third Maybugs gift outlet recently opening in Bexhill-on-Sea, PG&H popped on a pair of sunnies and headed off to the seaside to discover the secret of their continuing success.
w:marmaladeoflondon.com e:sales@marmaladeoflondon.com t:+ 44 (0)1242 257509
All things considered, Maybugs is not the most auspicious name for a gift shop. By definition, a maybug is a large brown beetle which flies at dusk. “But their incredibly cute faces make up for their stupidity and erratic flying behaviour,” Greg explains. “Initially we were terrified of them! However, we’ve turned the worst thing about living in East Sussex into our favourite thing,” he smiles. Now he and John ‘fly’ around East Sussex in their respective Bugmobiles, aka smart back Jeeps, which sport eyecatching bright yellow Maybugs livery. There are also regular Maybugs ads on Sussex’s More radio, with the mayor, local VIPs and dignitaries attending the ribbon cutting at every store opening (with Greg himself proud to have been a former mayor of Crowborough). With customers queuing round the block ahead of the opening of both Eastbourne and Bexhill, Greg admits that he and John are stunned by the love for Maybugs. “It’s very exciting watching new customers discover us for the first time,” he enthuses. “It’s a bit like David Attenborough on a discovery to a new planet, with all the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as customers work their way around our stores inspecting every inch.” How are he and John viewing the fourth quarter of the year? “We’re very optimistic,” says Greg. “Our average spend of £15 per head has stayed the same since we opened on day one and we have no reason to think that it will be any different in the run up to Christmas. It’s the final week in December that determines whether it will be a great or a good Christmas, as that’s when men come in to shop for their wives and partners. We order from companies such as Jellycat a year in advance, to ensure that there won’t be any stock issues, we prepare well, and love to create exciting customer events in the build up.”
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He continues: “Maybugs has grown faster than we ever expected. Of course, retail continues to be tricky, and shopping patterns now are very different to pre-pandemic times. However, our bricks and mortar stores, combined with our brand new website, are enabling the business to grow both in store and online. We believe a strong high street presence, combined with a fully functional website, is the future for independent retailing.”
Yet it’s not only about retail. Part of the Maybugs’ ethos is also about being part of the community. “In addition to sponsoring the Hailsham Hockey Club and Eastbourne Pride we are thrilled to have partnered with Charity For Kids - a local children’s charity which provides help for disabled, sick, and terminally ill children - by launching their 2023 Bexhill fundraising calendar which has been selling like hot cakes this summer, along with diaries,” he confirms.
Left: Part of the interior at Maybugs, Below:Eastbourne.Exclusive product is a feature of each Bottom:shop.Products such as this Flying Lady lamp put a quirky twist on the Maybugs product offer.
So, what do Greg and John see as the secret of their success? “Location, location, location and sourcing the right products. Plus, of course, our enthusiasm and passion for retail,” says John. “We may not get everything right, but if you don’t get things wrong once in a while then you aren’t trying,” adds Greg. “We also love to find those quirky homewares items, such as our fabulous flying umbrella lamps, and are hoping to visit Maison&Objet in September to seek out some more cherries to put on the cake. Plus, of course, additional Maybugs gift stores are in the pipeline, where we will be expanding further afield from our East Sussex base.”
Greg On John
Retailer Face To Face: Maybugs
“Wherever John is driving, if he spots an interesting looking gift shop, he can’t help but pull over to have a look and a little ‘spy’ at what they’re doing.”
over the adjacent premises and opened Flowers by Maybugs - with both Greg and John training to be florists. (Most recently, despite moving house at 8.30am the following morning, they were delighted to create the lavish floral arrangements for a wedding at HeverLastCastle).year, after much scouting around for the ideal location, a second Maybugs gift store opened in the affluent, destination seaside town of Eastbourne, (a former Laura Ashley outlet), attracting not only locals and commuters but also staycationers and overseas visitors. A centrepiece is a huge faux blossom tree, (costing £1,200, they’ve sold two), which gives the shop the ‘wow’ factor, setting it apart. With Eastbourne up and running, a third, spacious, light, airy contemporary Maybugs gift store was opened in Bexhill-on-Sea this summer, (formerly a British Bookshops and Stationers outlet), which is already proving a magnet for locals and visitors looking for that something different. “As with all our stores, we made sure the location was absolutely right, including counting the footfall on random days, and ensuring that we were the right side of the zebra crossing,” points out John.
As for winning a Greats award in May, John says it was “like receiving an Oscar! We were recognised as a serious retailer and it’s made us feel that we’re now playing with the big boys. We may be a small independent business, but we like to think we can give the big multiples a run for their money!”
Although Jules has never had any formal design training, (he graduated in psychology), he admits to always having an arty streak, even as a young schoolboy. “I’ve designed from the off, starting commerciallyout with rainbow duringFranciscoworkedwhenholographicmakingbadgesIlivedandintheSanBayareathe‘70s.Wehadstars, hearts, butterflies and mandalas and these subsequently evolved into etchings, and a very successful range of etched jewellery. That collection in turn eventually mutated into Crystal Fantasies, one of our most successful lines,” he Today,highlights.Jules says that butterflies, hearts and stars remain hugely popular, along with the company’s Tree of Life design, confidently predicting that Wild Things’ brand new Crystal Dreams collection will become another best seller, launching at an RRP of £15 this September. “During the pandemic, people had time to think about things, and what was important to them. As we know, their homes became a focal point, with our products a very affordable decorative accessory, and/or gift,” he comments.
The company’s founder and managing director, Jules Vahrman, tells PG&H what else is in the pipeline for the business he founded almost 40 years ago.
Display is, of course, a key part of the company’s offer to retailers across the board, with Wild Things’ dazzling display booths a stand-out at trade shows, inevitably catching the eye of visitors as they browse the aisles. “Our new gold booth features a slowly rotating white tree that shows off the Best known for its top quality, colourful, rainbow making window ornaments, most notably sun catchers, Wild Things, which specialises in UK designed and manufactured bespoke crystals and jewellery, is excited to be dazzling customers this year with three exciting new ranges that feature over 100 new products.
Explains Jules: “It happened during lockdown, and while we were able to continue to supply garden centres, cathedrals and our mail order customers, I also had time to think about how best to take the company forward in terms of new product development. I’m therefore particularly proud of our three new coloured collections. Currently, there are 30 striking items in each range, with full colour motifs, in a wide range of designs, all rimmed with gold.”
Face To Face: Wild Things 40 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
Top left: Jules Vahrman, founder and managing director of Wild Things. Top right: Peacock Crystal Wonder with 30mm ball. Left: Wild Things’ new gold display booth. Above: The Tree of Life is now available in gold.
Over RainbowThe
It’s been very much all systems go at Devon based Wild Things this year, with the launch of three new ranges - the brand new Crystal Dreams, alongside Window Jewels and Crystal Wonders which launched at Spring Fair in February. However, managing director Jules Vahrman admits that the past three years have been a bit of a challenge for him businesswise, to say the least. “Our extremely wellknown main crystal supplier closed its lighting business, and in addition, banned companies worldwide from using their name in relation to their products. However, every cloud has a silver lining and it has allowed us to focus on the Wild Things brand. It did mean a reinvention of the product range, but we think it now looks stronger than ever.”
l Returning to Britain in 1983, Jules founded Wild Things (initially called Blast and then Chaos) in 1984, under Margaret Thatcher’s Enterprise Allowance scheme.
“During lockdown, we came out with our first full colour design - the ‘thank you’ rainbow - that helped to raise £1,200 for the NHS Together organisation,” he highlights.
“Also, to date, we have raised a four figure sum for Bees Abroad, giving a percentage of every sale we make to the charity, which promotes beekeeping to enable participants to generate income to enhance their livelihoods, alleviate poverty and improve their quality of life. Plus, every Christmas, each member of staff is given £150 to support a charity of their choice. Recently, Irena, our outwork organiser, who has relatives in the Ukraine, organised a fundraising initiative, and we were delighted to match the amount that she raised.” So, with a design career that’s now well into its fifth decade, what else is in the pipeline for Jules as he continues to take Wild Things onwards and upwards? “I’m really proud to have built a fantastic team at Wild Things - they really are a creative and driven bunch. For me, it’s therefore about enjoying hanging out with colleagues, working on new stuff and processes and seeing where it goes. We have a kaizen approach - never standing still, always tweaking products and processes. To quote a well known song, “I have to admit it’s getting better,” he smiles.
Face To Face: Wild Things Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide 41
“Despite the supply issues, Covid and Brexit, we’ve continued to do very well as a company, with staycationing among the reasons for our expansion in coastal towns. I’m delighted to say that business is way up on last year.”
With more and more retailers, both independent and multiple, looking to source products that are made in Britain, a big advantage for Wild Things, especially in the past few years, has been the fact that products are designed and manufactured at the company’s Exeter HQ. Internationally, some 50% of output is shipped to America, representing 35% of turnover. It’s the company’s biggest market, while in Europe, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Denmark currently lead the field. “Trustworthiness is at the heart of everything we do, based on long term relationships with our customers, suppliers and distributors,” underlines Jules. “Since Brexit however, shipping out to Europe has become a real headache,” he admits. “So much so that we are currently looking for a fulfilment house, and maybe in the future a European warehouse,” he confirms. “It will make things so much easier, ensuring that orders arrive much faster.”
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“additionally, because we manufacture here in the UK, we have the flexibility of being able to produce at the last minute, so we are rarely out of stock of products over Christmas, and stock a large range in our warehouse all year round.” On the sustainability front, all bubble wrap is now made from recycled plastic, and the company has significantly reduced its plastic bag use. Wild Things is also in the process of buying an electric van so that, in future, all home work will be delivered. “This will save literally thousands of miles homeworkerof car journeys,” he points out. He is also continuing to link Wild Things product areas to specific environmental charities, supporting the Devon Wildlife Trust, the Woodland Trust and other charitable organisations.
Wild Things: A Background l Wild Things had its origin in the San Francisco Bay area in the 1970’s, amid the fallout from the Haight-Ashbury explosion.
The business currently employs 15 people at its Exeter-based workshop and offices, plus three people on the road, as well as a team of over 40 homeworkers in Devon.
Jules Vahrmann: The Lowdown l Which words best describe you? “Obstinate; creative; social; a numbers man.” l What do you enjoy most about working in the gift sector? “Meeting people and coming up with ideas.” l How do you relax? “Walking holidays with my wife Vicky, who is also very much a part of the business, playing music and especially listening to drum and bass. Our son Fred, himself a musician, currently has a slot on Kiss FM.”
Meanwhile, back to the UK, and with the cost-of-living crisis beginning to bite, and an interest rate rise on the horizon, is he worried about a cautious consumer in the run-up to Christmas? “In the early ‘80s, our laser earrings were launched in a recession and they did very well,” he replies. “You can’t avoid the general environment we live in, and at Wild Things, I think we have a bright and colourful product offer, at an affordable price point, which fortunately tends to be recession proof,” he states.
l Hanging out on Telegraph Avenue, as part of the daily craft market, founder Jules Vahrman sold rainbow making holographic badges made on his dining room table. (John Lennon was famously photographed in the ‘70s wearing one of the company’s star badges).
colours to perfection,” states Jules. “It’s brilliantly lit by two extra strength LED sources and, at only 76cm wide, it’s arguably hard to find better sales per footprint ratio anywhere,” he points out.
Visit fizzcreations.com or email sales@fizzcreations.com Fizz Creations, 6 Commerce Way, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8TA Ice Cream machIne Ice Cream Powders Sauces Party Pack AVaILaBLe NOW FRoM FIZZ CREATIoNS
Licence: Snowtap Stationery and gifts company Blueprint Collections has partnered with graphic design and illustration brand Snowtap to create a range of gifts and social stationery that will launch in Spring 2023. Items will include mugs, notebooks, pens, pencil cases, sunglasses cases and drinksThebottles.newrange will feature artwork from Snowtap, which includes illustrations in watercolour, line drawings and hand drawn typography, with witty and motivational puns. “The imagery is stunning, taking inspiration from the natural world, featuring a range of animals,” explains Blueprint Collections’ managing director Lisa Shand.
Enesco Licences: Beatrix Potter, Disney, Grinch, Harry Potter, Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore, Lolita and Scion Enesco UK is renowned as a major distributor of high quality figurines and accessories featuring much loved global licenses that include Beatrix Potter, Disney, Grinch, Harry Potter, Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore and Lolita. For 2022, new figurines have been unveiled in the Looney Tunes by Britto collection; Game of Thrones; Peanuts by Jim Shore collection and the Disney Britto collection, along with a brand new licensing collaboration with Scion, a new baby and home gifting collection.
“Licensed gifts are at the core of our company,” states marketing & product director Helen Cottrill. “Earlier this year, we secured the licence for Beatrix Potter plush and went on to create our brand new reimagined Peter Rabbit soft toy collection. With sustainability an important part of our future, we have also updated our Beatrix Potter Home collection, moving from bamboo to a material which is 100% recyclable, dishwasher and microwave safe. Disney is, of course, a huge part of our success, and with the expansive licences Enesco holds across the globe, we are able to offer many different formats and collaborations.”
Above: Jasmine from Enesco’s Disney Britto collection.
Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware Brand Licensing Europe 2022: The Lowdown DATES: 20-22 September VENUE: ExCeL, London WEB: www.brandlicensing.eu
Above: Among the gift and stationery items from Blueprint Collections, featuring artwork from Snowtap.
Heathcote & Ivory
With licensing one of the most prolific, and fastest growing global sectors, September’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) is looking forward to welcoming visitors to ExCeL at London’s Docklands.
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PG&H reveals what’s new across licensed giftware.
Brand DeliverAnd
Adds Helen, “in addition, in recent months, we have also developed a collection of functional baby gifts across Peter Rabbit and Disney, and will be adding Scion and Flopsy Bunny to the offering.”
Blueprint Collections
Licences: William Morris At Home: Bullerswood; Nathalie Lete Brand new in Heathcote & Ivory’s William Morris at Home collection is Bullerswood, inspired by one of the famous William Morris Hammersmith carpets. The design features on an Advent calendar filled with 24 vegan, scented bath and body treats, along with a bumper beauty cracker with pocket hand creams and bath fizzers, as well as an opulent velvet pouch filled with hand creams and soap. In addition, with home fragrancing a new development for Heathcote & Ivory, Friendly Welcome is also brand new from the William Morris at Home brand, with the collection including room mists and candles that have a mood-enhancing benefit.
Additional products will include Winnie the Pooh Pot Buddies along with a Seed Ball Tin Alsorange.newfor Jardinopia is designer Emma Lawrence’s sub brand, Little Nature Explorers. The company will be developing a full range of children’s garden products, including gardenwear, tools and accessories, aimed at the younger gardener, with the first ‘Bugs' range hitting the shelves in Spring 23. This will be joined by a range of Emma Lawrence Designs EcoPot’s which are environmentally focused pots and planters, together with Grow Your Own kits.
Widdop & Co
Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware
Licences: Disney; Emma Lawrence Designs Home and garden gift brand Jardinopia recently launched a range of licensed Disney gardenwear, tools and bags aimed at adults and children. “We have developed a full range of garden products, to include the pot accessories we are best known for,” explains Jardinopia’s co-owner Tony Barnett. The range features products from Disney classics including 101 Dalmatians, Mickey Mouse & Friends and Winnie the Pooh, and includes gardening gloves and gauntlets, hip and wall tidies, aprons, kneelers, hand tools and gardening tool bags as individual items as well as gift sets.
Licence: Minecraft
Licences: Warner Brother’s Elf; Warner Brother’s Scooby Doo; Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Disney’s Hocus Pocus; Disney’s Bambi Autumn/Winter 2022 will see four brand new licences from Mad Beauty. “Our Warner Brother’s Elf bath and body collection ranges from yellow snow bath salts to fragranced bath spaghetti and an interactive ‘clausometer’ bath fizzer gift set,” comments creative director Julia Cash. “Plus, iconic Disney character, Mickey Mouse, gives a nod to nostalgia in our new retro-inspired gift range that includes a fun festive bath salts trio, wrapped bath fizzers and a gift filled Christmas stocking which can be re-used year after year.”
In addition, partnering with Hasbro for 2023, Widdop will be using the world famous gaming and toy properties of the past 50 years. “Plus, in summer 2023, there will be two home accessory focused gifting collections in partnership with greeting card publisher Raspberry Blossom,” highlights Widdop’s commercial director Stephen Illingworth.
Above: New from Puckator’s Minecraft collection is the Creeper travel pillow and eye mask in the Relaxeazzz range.
Above: Mad Beauty’s interactive Elf ‘clausometer’ bath fizzer gift set.
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Above: Mouse & Minnie Mouse children's garden wear from Jardinopia.
Also new on the licensing front from the company is a limited edition collection of Below: ChristmasWithin mind, a scented soap in a Nathalie Lete heart shaped tin from Heathcote & Ivory.
Above: Vases are among the products in the Bambi collection, part of Widdop & Co’s Disney Home range.
Licences: Disney Home; Harry Potter; DC Comics; Paramount; Hasbro; Raspberry Blossom
“For Christmas, our scented candle trio contains travel versions in a boxed gift set, with Bullerswood’s evocative Clementine & Clove Scented Candle inspired by Tudor pomanders,” explains Heathcote & Ivory’s creative supremo and co-founder Lesley Aaronson. “With re-purposing in mind, the jewel like containers also make fabulous caddies for make-up brushes. Everything we do can be recycled, re-used or re-purposed, so nothing is wasted.”
The newest addition to Puckator’s strong licence portfolio is Minecraft. “The Minecraft range fits in with existing designs, such as Game Over and PacMan, and includes homeware, lunch accessories and stationery,” confirms managing director Mark Howard. “Building a collection that already contains more than 15 individual products, this collaboration will continue to grow long into the future,” he confirms.
A raft of new licences have been announced by Widdop & Co spanning Autumn/Winter 2022 and 2023. They include: a new range of Disney Home categories across planters to vases; The Charms collection from Harry Potter featuring nursery accessories and gifts to complement Christmas decorations for Christmas 2022; Little Heroes, new from DC Comics, featuring nursery décor, gifts and accessories; plus, in partnership with Paramount, Christmas, Kids and Baby gifting and collectables will also be launching this December.
Jardinopia
Mad Beauty
Puckator
Continues Julia:“In addition, to tie in with the launch of the sequel to Disney’s Hocus Pocus, we will also be bringing out a collection of cosmetics and bath and body products, as well as launching a vibrant fan-focused Warner Brothers Scooby Doo collection. There will also be a Disney Bambi collection of florally fragranced bath and body gifts, ranging from a 3D moulded soap on a rope to a Thumper inspired pedicure set.”
Rainbow Designs T: 01329 227300 E: sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk W: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk
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PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 49 4: Prepare
New What s , Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest licensed giftware products to be showcased this month
3: New Face Masks From Friends Let Friends take care of your skin with this new multi-pack of printed sheet masks. All infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid to give your skin a fantastic dose of moisture and leave it feeling refreshed. These masks are not only the perfect night-in companions, they are also made from a biodegradable material. Choose from: Coconut, Raspberry, Black Tea and Pomegranate fragrances. Mad Beauty T: + 44 (0) 208 958 0555 E: sales@madbeauty.com www.madbeauty.com Yourself For A Spooky Season! celebrate the launch of the much anticipated Disney’s Hocus Pocus 2, Mad Beauty are launching a new Disney Hocus Pocus inspired collection this September. Treat yourself or a fan to some spellbinding gifts including a stunning 12-shade Spell Book Eyeshadow Palette, Multi-Masking Clay Mask Set, or even a bat themed accessories to bring your Halloween look to life! Beauty + 44 (0) 208 958 0555 sales@madbeauty.com www.madbeauty.com aboard the Hogwarts Express! This Platform 9¾ hot water bottle, amongst other designs are part of new additions to Groovy UK’s extensive Wizarding world range. Soft fleece, decorated with woven badge detailing; ideal for snuggling up in the colder months, whether on the sofa or in a four-poster bed in the Hogwarts dormitories! A great gift for any Potter fan to add to their collection. UK T: +44 (0) 844 372 7820 E: hello@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com
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2: Winnie The Pooh And Friends Rainbow Designs’ Hundred Acre Wood Collection brings to life Disney’s Pooh Bear, and his best friends, in a whimsical range of high-quality soft toys and baby gifts. Exciting new additions to the award-winning collection are three wonderful 25cm Cuddly soft toys of the lovable donkey, Eeyore, timid little Piglet and the bounciest tiger, Tigger, that have joined Rainbow’s best-selling Cuddly Winnie the Pooh soft toy.
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1: Make Lunchtime Fun Puckator has teamed up with Pusheen to provide a whole host of fantastic products with everyone’s favourite fluffy cat at the heart of it. The range of food storage options is a must have with their variety of bold and cute designs. The insulated snack pots are perfect for transporting hot food to work or to school. Puckator has also introduced the worldwide phenomenon Minecraft into its lineup. With Creeper themed Relaxeazzz travel cushions, getting your children to sleep on long journeys has never been easier and various lunch products are guaranteed to make your child the hotshot of the school cafeteria. Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk
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5: Hedwig Hooded wraparound Towel
1: Sweet Stuff... Posh Paws licensed range of Swizzels Love Hearts plush toys and gifting lines are one of the company’s most popular and highly sought-after collections, covering all key seasonal buying opportunities and everyday gifting with their fun and sentimental messaging that continue to deliver smiles and hugs to all ages. In addition to their extensive range of gorgeous plush characters, their mugs, mug & plush sets and decorative cushion gifting lines are perfect for all ages and any occasion.
New for 2022, Groovy has a magical line of Harry Potter kids hooded towels, featuring the ever-enchanting Hedwig. Our favourite owl is back and cuter than ever. Absorbent micro-fibre wrap-around towel measures 70x140cm with intricate embroidery on the hood. These are perfect for any young witches and wizards to wrap up warm after bath-time or why not pack for a trip to the beach? Groovy UK T: +44 (0) 844 372 7820 E: hello@groovyuk.com W: www.groovyuk.com
2: Disney Britto Collection Enesco, has unveiled new figurines inspired by Disney’s best-loved animated feature length films, into its ever-popular Disney Britto collection. This unique collection pairs the number one family brand with today’s most sought-after contemporary artist - Romero Britto. An international pop art sensation, he has interpreted some of the world’s favourite Disney characters in figurines through his signature style. Each figurine in the Disney Britto range is made from cast stone and has a carefully hand-painted, high gloss finish. Presented in a branded gift box, Disney Britto is a range with huge heart and guaranteed mass appeal, making them the perfect present for all occasions.
Enesco T: +44 (0)1228 404022 E: uksales@enesco.co.uk W: www.enesco.co.uk
Posh Paws International Visit: Autumn Fair - Hall 20, Stand G51 T: 01268 567317 E: sales@poshpawsinternational.co.uk W: poshpawsinternational.co.uk
3: Just One Kiss Enesco, are delighted to present a brandnew Deluxe Disney Princess luxury collectable figurine from one of its bestselling licenced brands, Disney Traditions by Jim Shore. This is the 4th Princess in this highly collectible series. Elegantly attired in a gown featuring flowing floral lily pad designs with accents of pearls and genuine crystal, this stunning Tiana from Disney’s Princess and the Frog is the fourth in Jim Shore’s Enchanted Princess Masterpiece collection.
New What s , Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest licensed giftware products to be showcased this month
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 51
4: New Flopsy Baby Collection
The new Flopsy Baby Collection, which will launch during the 120th birthday celebrations of Peter Rabbit this year, takes inspiration from the original illustrations of Beatrix Potter’s classic tales, featuring the little rabbit with her iconic red cape and wicker basket. Following the same ‘Come Rain or Shine’ pattern print as seen across the Peter Rabbit Baby Collection, this iteration has been given a slight update to include splashes of blushes, peach tones and shades of green, off-set against a cool grey background and trimmings of rosy pinks, to help make the colour of Flopsy’s cape really pop.
Enesco T: +44 (0)1228 404022 E: uksales@enesco.co.uk W: www.enesco.co.uk
Enesco T: +44 (0)1228 404022 E: uksales@enesco.co.uk W: www.enesco.co.uk
In Profile: Personal Memento Company
Along with personalised gifts for all recipients, PMC offers a fantastic range to cover seasonal gifts as well as an extensive range of licensed giftware, including the popular Me To You and The Snowman licensed“Baby’sranges.first Christmas and first birthday, for example, are always huge sellers for us. And, with couples holding weddings and
Established in 2004, PMC was among the first giftware companies to spot the insatiable appetite for personalised gifts. Since then, the company has made huge investments into operations and a fully automated production facility.
“The merger came at exactly the right time, as we were looking to expand our senior personnel. We have therefore been delighted to welcome Debbi and her team to join us,” says Keren. “Adding their knowledge of customers and products has definitely strengthened PMC’s position. And the addition of SPG’s giftware to the range has complemented our existing portfolio well.”
Earlier this year, Personalised Memento Company (PMC) acquired the intellectual property rights for all SignaturePG designs. This move strengthened the company’s position as, arguably, the UK’s largest supplier of personalised gifts across independents, multiples and ecommerce retailers.
52 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
“For retailers - bricks and mortar, online or hybrid - it removes the need to hold stock, offering the complete drop ship solution,” confirms Keren. “Naturally, we work very closely with our retailers to offer benefits, such as product preview, photo upload, exclusivity and bespoke order integrations.”
Making It Personal
With over 5,000 individual, personalised products currently available, PG&H caught up with PMC’s marketing director, Keren Dicken, and the company’s new sales director, Debbi Hancock, to discover more about what gives the business its edge.
Below: PMC’s Keren Dicken (left) and SignaturePG’s Debbi Hancock. Below and bottom left: PMC’s personalised LED controller stands. Bottom right: A personalised concrete pet planter.
From small beginnings 18 years ago, PMC has continued to go from strength to strength, expanding the business into a 22,000 sq ft warehouse. Today, the company boasts hundreds of personalisation processes, and over 50 core staff. All products are designed and made to order in-house at the company’s Stokeon-Trent HQ, which are then drop shipped direct to purchasers.
In June this year, PMC strengthened the company’s position still further by acquiring the intellectual property rights for all SignaturePG designs. The addition of SPG’s best-selling products and designs to PMC’s already extensive range further extends the comprehensive product catalogue. And in addition to the acquisition of the IP rights from SPG, a number of key team member have also joined PMC - SPG’s sales director, Debbi Hancock, along with the company’s product development & sales manager, operations manager and designer - bringing a combined 50 years of experience with them.
In Profile: Personal Memento Company Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide 53 Left: A personalised Mr and Mrs wooden ornament. Below left: A personalised baby wings
So, what’s in the pipeline over the coming months? “With SPG recently coming on board, it’s going to be about consolidation - the integration of designs, systems and staff, as well as taking on new customers,” says Keren. “On the product front, we have many new and exciting ideas being worked on. Increasing our range of photo upload products is something we are very excited about and it’s a market we are confident we will see growth in. Adding product to existing seasonal ranges is always important, but we are also focusing on occasions we haven’t previously designed for - for example, our Eid range this year was an absolute success.”
“We try to stay one step ahead, always looking for unique products and innovative processes,” says Keren. “We also welcome bespoke order requests and are regularly commissioned by customers for products that they cannot find anywhere else. Plus, in comparison to some of the smaller personalised gift companies - many of whom are one man bands who work from their garage - we are fully automated and can deliver next day when required to do so.” She continues: “At PMC we pride ourselves on our exceptional despatch times and believe that our strength is how quickly we can react to our customers’ needs. Although our standard production time is between one and three days, our ability to react to last minute gift orders is really what sets us apart from other manufacturers. Another key advantage is that we have a blank based product, where we add the design. This gives us a lot of flexibility in relation to buying patterns. We keep a close eye on what’s doing well, what isn’t and react accordingly.”
As with all businesses, there are, of course, challenges. “We’ve had two years of rising prices and costs, so it’s about staying competitive,” comments Keren.
Belowmemorial.right: A personalised A4 desk planner.
“Additionally, Halloween is now becoming a much celebrated occasion in the UK, so on the back of this, we offer products such as personalised lanterns and tote bags for sweets,” Debbi explains.
Naturally, Christmas is the most important time of the year, with PMC at peak employing 125 staff in production, and dispatching up to 20,000 personalised items a day. “During this busy time, we operate 24/7, which enables us to manage the increased volumes without it affecting our normal lead times and, as such, are able to manufacture and despatch orders during the lead up to Christmas Day,” confirms Keren. “It also means we are well covered for any spikes during the other key occasions throughout the year.”
In addition, personalised gifts for pets and pet lovers are continuing to go from strength to strength, with new cat and dog bowls added to the range.
“With LED light-up products, such as candles, jars and signs all top sellers, our new range of light up giftware is perfect for all occasions, with free text options that can be personalised to cover any event, including weddings,” highlights Debbi. “A brand new addition to our range of LED lights is a stand to put a games controller on. It fills a gap in the market for teenage gifts, which is often a difficult age group to buy for. We have also introduced a range of student-linked products, to include a personalised desk planner for those going off to university.”
“We’ve kept price increases to a minimum and absorbed as much as we are able. With good planning, we are managing things very well.”
parties that they weren’t allowed to do during the pandemic, anniversary and wedding gifts have grown massively this year,” Debbi confirms, “with the trend set to continue into next year and beyond.”
She continues: “the business is always moving, and we’re anticipating growth in 2023 on the back of a strong Spring Fair, which we feel is a huge marketing tool for us, so the future is looking very bright. Even with five full time designers, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day!” smiles Keren.
Unique New Products
Despite the current gloomy economic forecasts, both Keren and Debbi are optimistic that personalised gifting will be strong this Christmas, with retailers looking for products with perceived value. “This is where personalisation comes into its own,” says Debbi. “While the gift might not have a high price point, you don’t need to spend a lot for the recipient to feel that you care. A personalised gift can really set itself apart from a run-of-the-mill gift at a similar price. This year, we predict that popular stocking fillers will include chocolate bars, pencils, activity boxes and colouring books.”
So what gives PMC its edge?
This year has seen a bigger emphasis than ever on unique products from PMC. “It’s what distinguishes us and keeps us competitive,” states Keren. “We are constantly looking for product that we can develop for ourselves.” She highlights the growth of memorial - and the popularity of the company’s new ceramic wings in particular - along with new wooden signs, ornaments featuring Mr and Mrs, and a range of snow globes covering a variety of occasions.
At Aromatize, the company’s Woodbridge home fragrance collection is expanding with the introduction of brand new tumbler candle jars. The 16-candle range includes both core designs and six Christmas fragrances. Among them are Let It Snow, a cedar and cinnamon scent that has a hint of citrus, with the jar wrapped in a cheerful festive design showing a pretty snowy village; Season’s Greetings, a spiced fruit aroma with jolly snowmen on the wrap around label, and Winter Wonderland, a refreshing citrus fragrance teamed with an abstract Christmas tree pattern. The design has a neutral colour palette with a hint of “Thesparkle.collection is ideal for the festive season and gifting, and is available to pre-order now for delivery in September,” confirms Aromatize’s Sophie Aldred. “Every element of the jars has been thoughtfully chosen, with luxury design in mind - from the logo embossed gold lid to the colour co-ordinated wax and wraparound labelling.” Adds Sophie: “The candles have an 8% fragrance load and are fitted with three wicks, leading to a better fragrance throw, an even wax pool, and a cosier ambience, making them ideal for Autumn and winter evenings.” With the Christmas gift market in mind, Best Kept Secrets has rebranded its Christmas Elegance range. “It’s still in a festive gold tin, with our signature Christmas sparkle, but features 12 new candles to include Cozy Nights, Mulled Cranberries & Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide 55 Christmas may be on its way - with most home fragrancing companies offering a selection of Christmas product across all formats, especially candles, reed diffusers and wax melts - but it’s not only about the evocative festive scents and colours this year. With wellness still a big trend, there’s more choice than ever for this year’s discerning gift givers and self purchasers, as PG&H discovered.
“We’re bringing back three of our most loved festive fragrances - Christmas Spice, White Christmas and Frosted Holly - as well as adding a fourth new scent, Festive Fizz,” confirms Ashleigh & Burwood’s PR manager Deborah Bettinson.
Autumn/Winter is, arguably, the time when home fragrancing products really come into their own. And this winter, with energy prices sky rocketing, instead of flicking on a light switch, it could well be a case of lighting a candle or two, to add a cosy, fragranced ambience to the home.
Left: Four Christmas fragrances from Ashleigh & Burwood’s The Scented Home collection. Right: From Me to You, part of Best Kept Secrets’ Just Because Christmas collection. Below left: Three of the six Christmas fragrances in Aromatize’s Woodbridge range, which features new candle tumbler jars. Below right: Wax Lyrical’s Shimmer & Shine featuring gold, frankincense and myrrh.
For gift retailers hoping for early Christmas shoppers, there are Christmas fragrances aplenty to tempt customer to treat themselves, as well as purchasing a festive, fragranced gift for friends.
Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing
“All four scents are available in lamp fragrances and in The Scented Home collection’s candles and diffusers, with the festive candles and diffusers part of a larger selection of home fragrance gifting that includes gift sets, scented sachets and decorations.”
The company has also added a new special edition fragrance, Winter Jasmine & Green Leaves, to its Life In Bloom collection. “With its merry and bright colourway, it’s just right for festive gifting as well as for more general Autumn and winter home fragrancing,” says Deborah.
For Gift of the Year home fragrance category winner, Find Your Glow (FYG), the focus is on Seasons, a candle duo launched earlier this year that change fragrances as they burn. As FYG’s founder Demi Pendakis explains: “there are two three wick candles that burn for 120 hours - 60 hours per season. One candle reflects the fragrances of Spring/Summer, the other the Seasonal Fragrances
Above: Black Cherry & Cedarwood from Henry & Co.
Products contain essential oils, a cotton wick, natural sticks and vegan friendly soya wax, with the vessels re-usable.
At Wax Lyrical, the company will be launching three Advent calendars featuring licensed artwork from Wrendale Designs, Yvonne Ellen and Sara Miller London, as well Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh fragrances in two collections, Timeless Wonderland and Sparkling Snowflakes, and coconut wax in three collections - Botanic Garden, Sara Miller London and JustBe. Also new from Wax Lyrical for the Christmas season are tealight rotaries featuring festive fragrances Deck The Halls, Oh Xmas Tree and All I Want For Xmas. Meanwhile, St Eval’s new Christmas pillars and multiwicks feature the aromas of Orange & Cinnamon, Inspiritus, Figgy Pudding and Winter Thyme, all of which come gift boxed. The company has also introduced a new winter collection, Celestial, that takes its inspiration from the nightAtsky.Lesser & Pavey, beaded sparkle, reflecting the essence of the festive season, is at the heart of the company’s new range of Christmas themed Desire diffusers and candles, which come in three sizes, as well as a set of three. “The glass containers that house the fragranced oils feature sparkling red glass beads alongside sustainably sourced packaging and reeds, with fragrances including Sparkling Cinnamon,” highlights managing Widdop & Co’s The Aromatherapy Co brand also features an abundance of seasonal fragrances that include notes of vanilla, berries, mulled wine, pomegranate and gingerbread cookies.
Top left: Orange & Cinnamon, among the Christmas pillars and multi-wicks from St Eval. Above left: GingerbreadAromatherapyTheCo’sCookie from Widdop & Co.
Continued on page 59
Among the newest home fragrancing companies is Henry & Co., which entered the market place last year.
Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide 57 Orange, Pine Cones & Spruce and Plum Pudding,” highlights Best Kept Secrets’ managing director Vanessa Curry. “We have also created a new Just Because Christmas range along the same lines as our Just Because range. It features 12 candles in silver tins, each with a design, snowflakes, holly and sparkle. Plus, our sliding boxes offer a festive trio comprising three tea lights and three different fragrancesFrankincenseGold,and Myrrh, Hot Cinnamon and A Winter’s Tale.”
Above right: seasonalAutumn/WinterFYG’slayeredcandle.Left:Lesser&Pavey’snewbeadedDesireChristmasSparklingCinnamoncandlesanddiffusers.
“Our new Autumn fragrance, Black Cherry & Cedarwood, will be available from September, plus we also have a new Christmas fragrance, Spiced Citrus & Clove, which we are adding to our festive collection,” confirms Henry & Co’s founder and managing director Mark Rees. He continues: “in addition, we have also launched the Artisan collection - wax melts in our best-selling fragrances, decorated with natural inclusions, hand poured in Yorkshire - which are all supplied loose in minimal, eco-friendly packaging for customers to pick and mix their favourite scents.”
IT IS OUR BELIEF THAT EMOTION AND SCENT ARE ENTWINED. SCENT CAN TRANSPORT YOU TO ANY PLACE ON EARTH BUT MORE THAN THAT, IT CAN EVOKE FEELINGS OF PLACE AND TIME. CATEGORYWINNER Autumn Fair Hall 6 Stand 6L21 Top e:t:www.fyghome.comStandDrawerG40+442089147974+447813290833info@fyghome.com@fyghome MoonMakeupUK
In the company’s Back to Basics collection, Cedar & Jasmine and Orchid Noir are the newest fragrances across candles and diffusers, as well as washes and lotions. “Both of these fragrances are very popular with retailers forward buying for Autumn/Winter,” Demi confirms. Packaging, of course, is a huge selling tool for home fragrancing products, with Christina Brand, founder of The Candle Company, explaining: “for Autumn/Winter we’ve completely redesigned the packaging of our award-winning Flower diffuser and are also launching candle refills ready for Christmas. Each refill is wrapped in wax paper making them a lovely gift in their own right.”
Above left: With Love from Candlelight, LED light up Right:candles.A Christmas place setting cracker alternative from Cotton & Grey. Below: Ashleigh & Burwood’s new Naturals Mini Mood Boost set.
Left: Candle refills are new for The Candle Brand, which features wildflower seeded labels on candles and diffusers.
At Cotton & Grey, managing director Paul Banyard highlights the company’s handmade pure beeswax ‘twenty minute’ candles. “These relaxation candles are designed to help capture and cherish quality time out of the day, enhancing wellbeing and restoring inner calm,” comments Paul. New designs for Autumn include colourful wrap ranges Time for Me and Just to Say…
Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide 59
“Plus, our new Christmas place setting packs are a clever Christmas cracker alternative, containing six individually wrapped boxes in a pretty design to decorate the festive table,” explains Paul. “Each box can be personalised with the guest’s name to create the ideal seating plan with a thoughtful present included.”
Staying with wellness, Ashleigh & Burwood is launching Naturals this season, a year round collection designed around four natural fragrances, to help guide users through a mindful day. “Using natural and eco-friendly ingredients, and all-natural fragrances rich in aromatherapy benefits, the collection includes scented candles and reed diffusers as well as new product formats such as the ultrasonic diffuser and Mini Mood Boost set,” explains Ashleigh & Burwood’s PR manager Deborah Bettinson. “The set contains four small pots, each containing innovative fragrance beads infused with essential oils, which give an immediate aromatherapy boost as needed throughout the day.”
A Feeling Of Wellbeing Fragranced wellness products, such as candles, reed diffusers, melts, ultrasonic diffusers and oils, are recognised ways to help to calm the mind, relax the body and improve mood. They have been gaining in popularity over the past few years, helping people during the pandemic and beyond, with more and more users likely to embrace the benefits home fragrancing products offer during the difficult times ahead this year. “LED light up candles enable people to improve the ambience in their home space,” says marketingCandlelight’smanager Kate Winch. “For an iridescent appearance, we have launched our With Love range, where silver and gold glitter, embedded in the gel surround, creates a shimmering, glistening ambience. The fragrance is part of our Amber family of fragrances, considered to have soothing and relaxing qualities, and containing notes such as pine and leather, with a heavier, balsamic and slightly smoky aroma contrasting with shea butter. There are two colourways featuring silver and gold, which make lovely gifts for Christmas, Valentine’s or Mother’s Day.”
For gift retailers across the board, Christmas is the perfect opportunity to maximise sales, with this season’s innovative products ensuring that the tills will be ringing merrily on high.
Meanwhile, Potters Crouch has added a reed diffuser to the company’s Wellness range. “We have continued our drive towards more ethical and sustainable manufacture and removed all plastic from our packaging,” confirms the company’s David Brown. “A simpler, zero waste recyclable container, with a free seed card enclosed, has enabled us to keep the price down without compromising on our fragrances which are made from natural extracts and organic compounds.”
Meanwhile, the company’s Autumn/Winter collection features warm spices and sweet fruity scents which are available across the Flower diffuser and Burn & Bloom candles as well as the company’s wax melts.
fragrances of Autumn/Winter. Plus, each comes with a sustainable seeded dust card that can be planted in the garden to grow meadow flowers.”
Tel: 01254 300268 Email: www.aromatizetrade.co.uksales@aromatize.co.uk Autumn Fair - Birmingham NEC 4th - 7th September 2022 Hall 7, Stand D40
New What s , Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home productsfrangrancethismonth 1: Seasonal Warming Scents Enjoy the warmth of Smoked Chilli fragrance, one of three new seasonally warming scents, joining Ashleigh & Burwood’s range of signature Lamp Fragrances and The Scented Home Reed Diffusers and Refills. Smoked Chilli spices up the home with its fragrant, fiery blend. Warm smoked chilli gives an aromatic edge to notes of exotic pink pepper, uplifting incense and glowing amber. The new fragrance launches into both the Lamp Fragrance and The Scented Home collections, allowing customers to use the multiple products to layer the scents or choose which fragrancing format works best for them. Ashleigh & Burwood T: +44 (0) 1932 267060 E: COT@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk W: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk 2: Candles That Offer A Pom Pom Pom Candles form part of the Lesser and Pavey Desire Aroma range. These candles use the Lesser and Pavey signature glass jar, with new metal lid and colourful Pom Poms. The colours selected are highly popular colours perfect for gifting to friends and loved one. The candles come on three sizes with the following wonderful fragrances - Fresh Linen, Pomegranate Noir, Velvet Rose and Oud, Peony and Blush Suede, Lime Basil and Mandarin, and Oud and Bergamot. These new additions make the Desire range of fragrance products one of the largest that Lesser and Pavey have ever offered as we seek to meet the trend of adding fragrance to the home through quality products. Lesser & Pavey Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand J40-A41 T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk 3: A Perfect Gift For All Occasions We are super proud of our newly redesigned and rebranded Tea Light boxes. This is a perfect present for any occasion you could wish for. Is it a Birthday gift you are looking for or a little something to let someone know you are thinking about them? Maybe you are simply wanting to find a trio of complimentary fragrances to suit your mood or taste. Best Kept Secrets we have your needs covered. As well as our gorgeous newly redesigned Just Because candles, we have extended this bestselling range to our Tea Lights too! There is no need to buy an additional card with these as they also have wonderful verse on each box that totally captures what you want to say to the recipient. Best Kept Secrets Ltd T: 01670 512222 E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk 4: Luxury Bunny Tail Reed Diffusers Luxury fragrance with an ethical heart, CAHM's range of luxury bunny tail reed diffusers are already proving a 2022 hit and are sure to be popular this Christmas. Also including a range of candles, aromatherapy roll-ons and bath salts, CAHM seeks to spread a positive mental health message through beautiful design-led gift. Premium Quality. Vegan friendly. Cruelty free. Plastic-free packaging. Handmade in Yorkshire. Super-stylish. CAHM T: +44 (0)7487 264 762 E: amy@thecahmcollective.com W: www.thecahmcollective.com PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 61 5: Spoilt For Choice Puckator has a wonderful selection of oil burners available, making it easier than ever to make your home your happy place. Their oil burners come in all different shapes and sizes, from the cute animal designs such as the Cat’s Life range, to the zen of their Buddha and Chakra burners if you want to embrace your more spiritual side. The stand out however is the wonderful Eden range which sports fantastic sleek and stylish designs that will fit into any home. Puckator also has a selection of electric aroma diffusers which disperse a soft mist of fragrance, gradually filling your home with your chosen scent. The Eden diffusers look incredible on any shelf, but the best part is they change colour, creating an ambience like no other. Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk
FORMERLY HOME COUNTY CANDLE CO. AAutumn utumn Fair FStand air Stand 66F12 F12 We've rebranded! New Counties | New Name | New Look Come and see for yourself at Autumn Fair, Stand 6F12
FYG T: +44 208 914 7974 E: demi@fyghome.com W: www.fyghome.com
FYG has just launched its new Seasons range! Always looking to introduce something different, these come in a few options.2 x 1kg candles that change fragrance as you burn from Spring to Summer and separately Autumn to Winter which are finished off with a Seeded Dust Card to reuse the container growing your own meadow flowers. Or as a gift set of all 4 seasons together at 110g each. All made with 100% vegetable wax and essential oils. Sustainability, Quality & Beauty at the heart of everything we do.
4: New Premium Incense Fragrances Ashleigh & Burwood have added two traditional fragrances; Nag Champa and Palo Santo, to their range of Premium Incense. The latest additions coincide with an update to the product packaging design, which is more environmentally sustainable and better suited for shelf display. The new style packaging still fits perfectly within the existing product display stand. Each box is packed with 30 premium sicks for around 15 hours of aromatic scent. Ashleigh & Burwood T: +44 (0) 1932 267060 E: COT@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk W: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk
New What s , Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home fragrance products this month 1: Home Fragrance For All The Home County Candle Co. has rebranded! We are now the Home County Co! New Counties, New Name, New Look. Come and see it for yourself at Autumn Fair. We can't wait to reveal what we have been working on. Home County Co Visit: Autumn Fair – Stand 6F12 T: 01442 502221 E: info@homecountyco.com W: www.homecountyco.com 2: Just Because Christmas Following on from the amazing reception our Just Because candles have had since there update earlier this year. We have created a new Christmas range for our customers along the same lines. A perfect Christmas gift for all your friends, family and loved ones.Twelve new candles in silver tins, each with a different festive design, and a scattering of snowflakes, holly and not forgetting our signature sparkle. Best Kept Secrets Ltd T: 01670 512222 E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk 3: Create A Cosy Ambience In Your Home The Woodbridge home fragrance collection is expanding for Aromatize Ltd with the introduction of brand-new tumbler candle jars. Every element of these jars has been thoughtfully created with luxury design in mind. From the logo embossed golden lid to the colour co-ordinated wax and wrap-around labelling. The candles have an 8% fragrance load and are produced with three wicks. Multiple wicks lead to a better fragrance throw, even wax pool, and cosier ambience. Ideal for Autumn and Winter evenings! The 16candle range includes both every day and ChristmasFurthermore,fragrances.thereis an opening order discount of 10% available. Please quote TUMBLER10 when placing your order. Aromatize Ltd Visit: Autumn Fair - Hall 7 Stand D40 T: 01254 300268 E: sales@aromatize.co.uk W: www.aromatizetrade.com PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 63
5: Scents Of The Seasons
CAHM @cahmcollective www thecahmcollective com Luxury Fragrance & Well Being With an Ethical Heart Spreading a positive mental health message through beautiful design led gift Handmade in Yorkshire Trade enquiries please contact: amy@thecahmcollective com Fragrance + Bath + Cosmetics www.agnesandcat.org +44 (0)1142 677 723 enquiries@agnesandcat.org
New What s , 1: Fragrance With Hidden Bubbles A brand new addition to the Lesser and Pavey fragrance range of candles and diffusers, ‘Desire’, welcomes the highly popular Pink Champagne fragrance. Each item of the range comes in a multi coloured glass container with quality fragrance, tassel, reeds, all beautifully shiny foiled gift boxed featuring windows to show off the nice pearlescent bottles and candle jars. Lesser & Pavey Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand J40-A41 T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk 2: Pamper Yourself Nothing says self-care quite like your very own at-home pamper session. This new collection from Mad Beauty makes it even easier to enjoy with carefully curated kits which allow you to create your own pedicure, face mask or bath fizzers at home. You could even become your own beauty therapist and offer to treat a loved one! Mad Beauty T: + 44 (0) 208 958 0555 E: sales@madbeauty.com W: www.madbeauty.com 3: Feelgood Fragrances The Marmalade Wellbeing collection has three different fragrances - Calm, Balance and Energise - which come in a luxury glass candle, diffuser and burner oil. The candles are poured by hand in the UK and are made of natural soy wax with cotton wicks. The collection is beautifully presented in coloured glass that glows with a comforting ambience as it burns and releases the scent. Marmalade of London T: +44 (0) 1242 257509 E: hello@marmaladeoflondon.com W: www.marmaladeoflondon.com 4: The Gift Of Time Cotton and Grey offer a variety of cute little beeswax candle gift sets that have all the sentiment of a greetings card plus lots of other titles that appeal to a wide variety of interests. Each box comes with a ceramic holder and encourages the recipient to lose themselves for twenty minutes of guilt free restorative time by slowing down and living in the moment. Pure beeswax, our candles burn cleanly with a gentle honey aroma aiding relaxation and mindfulness. Cotton & Grey Visit: Autumn fair Stand No: Hall 20 A14 T: 07931 373756 E: info@cottonandgrey.com W: www.cottonandgrey.com PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 65 5: A Stunning Array Of Fragrances Woodbridge Candle Jars continue to be the most competitive candle available on the market. These all have an 8% fragrance load and dual wicks to offer a clean, even burn and wax pool which delivers a fantastic fragrance throw. These are produced using 100% food grade paraffin wax and fragrances from leading European perfume houses. There are over 40 fragrances available in the collection and each fragrance is also available as a wax melt pack. Aromatize Ltd Visit: Autumn Fair - Hall 7 Stand D40 T: 01254 300268 E: sales@aromatize.co.uk W: www.aromatizetrade.com Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home fragrance and bath and body products this month
Tel: 01254 300268 Email: www.aromatizetrade.co.uksales@aromatize.co.uk Autumn Fair - Birmingham NEC 4th - 7th September 2022 Hall 7, Stand D40 10% discount on opening order. Quote SLEEP10 (T&Cs apply)
Lesser & Pavey Visit: Autumn Fair - Stand J40-A41 T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk
3: Rustic Woodland Charm Sentiment, is an important category in the gift industry as it covers so many different relationships, Mums, Dads, Friends and loved ones. Joe Davies have this covered perfectly with the launch of their new Family Owls sentiment and home décor range. This affordable collection of Owl gifts hits the mark as a meaningful gift or simply to make a statement and turn a house into a home. The range has been designed in a natural rustic wood finish blended with subtle painted white and grey wood with heartfelt messages for Mum, Nan, Sister, Auntie daughter, friends and family. Owls have always been a popular choice and are available in a host of shapes, hanging hearts, a moon shaped table plaque with the owls perched on the moon, tea light holders, coasters and Photo frames all featuring cute wide-eyed owls.
4: Inspirational Interiors Hill Interiors is one of the UK’s leading importers and distributors of wholesale furniture, home accessories, artificial flowers and gifts. Join them at Autumn Fair to discover their carefully curated new collections and browse over 1,500 products, including C20-D21 Stunning Contemporary Designs need brand new colourful jewellery and scarves from Miss Milly in your store! Stunning, contemporary designs and an adventurous use of bold, seasonal colour make for standout pieces. New designs in the best-selling magnetic brooches. And scarves coordinate with the jewellery featuring floral, abstract and geometric patterns, creating enticing visual displays. Join our 10th birthday celebration with prizes. Prices are very reasonable and minimum order is £100 with no MOQs. Branded displays, packaging and POS available. Visit:MillyAutumn Fair - 7E65
Miss
New What s , Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest products showcasing at Autumn Fair
Richard Lang T: 01332 340927 E: sales@richardlang.co.uk W: www.richardlang.co.uk
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T: 01905 622509 E: hello@missmilly W: www.missmilly.co.uk
T: 01845 567044 E: sales.enquiries@hill-interiors.com W: www.hill-interiors.com PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 67 5:
Joe Visit:DaviesAutumn Fair, Hall 7 – C30/E31 T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk
1: Festive Mugs Who doesn’t love snuggling down around the Christmas tree with a cosy mug of frothy hot chocolate, or perhaps even mulled wine? Our red and white candy cane mugs are just perfect, with an embossed heart feature and cute message inside, your customers won’t be able to resist these beauties.
faux florals of unmatched quality and an elegant, handcrafted Christmas selection too. Their great terms include no minimum quantity per line, low minimum orders and competitive prices. Hill Visit:InteriorsAutumn Fair, Hall 19 - Stand
2: Gardening For Health And Fragrance Capturing all the essence of a herb garden Lesser and Pavey are delighted to introduce a brand new range from our in house art department for keen cooks and chefs.The range features popular kitchen herbs consisting of the usual tableware items such as quality mugs, gift sets, jug, butter dish, teapot, storage canisters, coasters, placemats, salt and pepper, egg cups, trays in three sizes, spoon rest, tea bag tidy, lap tray and glass cutting board, oven gloves and apron.
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Joe Visit:DaviesAutumn Fair, Hall 7 – C30/E31 T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk
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PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 69
Aromatize Ltd Visit: Autumn Fair - Hall 7 Stand D40 T: 01254 300268 E: sales@aromatize.co.uk W: www.aromatizetrade.com
Sentiment jewellery from Joe Davies’ bestselling Equilibrium brand has always been a hot seller, not only does it look good It makes the perfect gift especially as everything is packaged in luxury Equilibrium boxes making it easy to wrap. Classic heart shapes, stars and friendship knots all sit together with an array of heartfelt messages to capture that special moment or memory that you want to remind your loved one of. Finished in silver or gold plating this range sparkles with subtle diamantes giving each piece an extra special finishing touch, there are so many to choose from.
1: Stunning And Unique Designs Aromatize are pleased to announce the exclusive distribution rights of Michel Design Works. MDW is a long-established business based in the USA who offer consistently high-quality products packaged with beautiful distinctive signature prints. Each fragrance collection has its own stunning and unique design. Perfect to use personally or offer as gifts.The foaming hand soaps are loved all round the world, while gorgeous triple-milled soap bars and lotions feel as good as they smell. Scented room sprays complete the collection.
4: Make A Statement Hot Tomato will be showcasing a bevy of beauties at Autumn Fair - not least of which are these here is just a small some wonderful the coming sparkle is not some equally without the on Foodie Gifts Gift of the Year 2022 Spice Tin Spices Silk Sari “musthave” any foodie is interested in creating beautiful Indian at Perfect for all year Ideal Point of Sale Tin recipe every
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order. Award winning spices and food gifts from a mother and son team. Spice Kitchen T: 0151 245 1603 E: soldwithlove@spicekitchenuk.com W: www.spicekitchenuk.com
Gallery Direct Visit: Autumn Fair - Hall 20 - Stands D20E21 & H24-G25 T: 01795 439159 E: sales@gallerydirect.co.uk W: www.gallerydirect.co.uk
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2: Hand-painted Designs Gallery’s AW22 Collection offers a wonderful selection of new home accessories and textiles. The textiles feature a range inspired by wildlife, including these beautiful cushions, draught excluder and door stop which feature hand painted designs featuring snowy winter scenes. Gallery are showcasing their AW22 Collection, along with furniture and their Made to Order Upholstery in the Summerhouse at Autumn Fair. Go along to see them, to view their wonderful range of products, meet the helpful team and enjoy their hospitality. All their products are also available to view on their website.
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A range of exquisitely packaged, luxury personal care and home fragrance items imported from the USA. High-quality ingredients and long-lasting fragrance are the signature of this much-loved brand. Tel: 01254 300268 Email: www.aromatizetrade.co.uksales@aromatize.co.uk Autumn Fair - Birmingham NEC 4th - 7th September 2022 Hall 7, Stand D40 10% discount on opening order. Quote MDW10 (T&Cs apply)
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Autumn Fair. Zippy & George Visit: Autumn Fair – Stand 6K44 T: 01503 261491 E: sales@zippyandgeorge.co.uk W: www.zippyandgeorge.co.uk 5: Mermaid Collection Mele & Co. Europe’s
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Talbot Fashions are a leading UK based wholesaler of natural paua shell Jewellery. Tide Jewellery collection includes necklaces, pendants, pin badges, earrings, brooches & bracelets, certain designs are available in assorted colours of paua shell. Natural paua shell is still as popular as ever and they have exclusive designs proving to be real hot sellers these include the highland cow, thistles, kingfisher, moon gazing hare, owls, Christmas holly & robin to name just a few. All supplied in an elegantly branded gift box. Fashions 01273 776415 info@talbotfashions.com www.talbotfashions.com Exclusive Jewellery new? Lots of lovely texture, with a strong botanical feel, plants and hearts, beautiful pearls and of course some gorgeous new animals to add to our eclectic range… & Reeves 01460 221630 caroline@reevesandreeves.com www.reevesandreeves.com Cracking Gifts After successfully stocking Zippy & George signs in retail gift shops the opportunity to take on and develop this business enabled a long held ambition for school friends Brett and Ian to workAcquiringtogether.Z&G in December 2020 gave the opportunity to develop and relaunch from a purpose built workshop. Their early efforts were recognised by being shortlisted for of the led to an exciting of a new Aardman at foremost name introduced 50 Included in this is the new range of featuring a revolving mermaid Other new in this year’s range include jewel and bonded leather and
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New What s , Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest products showcasing at Autumn Fair 1: Magic Beans For Everyone New from Global Journey showing at Autumn Fair. A gift from nature as truly as magical as it sounds. Children and adults alike will get so much joy and entertainment watching in amazement as their name starts to appear on these mysteriously enchanting plants. Simply water the beans and let the magic begin. Global Journey Gifts Visit: Autumn Fair Hall 6, G20 T: 0161 872 0333 E: isamuels@global-journey.com W: www.global-journey.com 2: Exclusive Paua Shell Designs
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ProudlyMadeinTheUK thewheatbagcompany.co.uk E:sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk T:01747840499 HotWaterBottles DoorStops DraughtExcludersSoothingEyePillows NEW Autumn FairStand 6L35 Top DrawerStand H39
New What s , Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest products showcasing at Top Drawer 1: Award Winning Skincare British Brand Kushboo carefully select the finest essential oils & botanicals to create a range of exquisite 100% Natural, Plastic-Free skincare. Kushboo have established a multi award winning reputation for their artisan handmade soaps range & have since expanded to offer a range of beautiful Bath & Shower Oils, Salt Soaks, Shampoo Bars & Hair Care. Kushboo are excited to be launching new moisturising & grooming products at Autumn Fair & Top Drawer. Kushboo manufacture all products in-house in the 'Ribble Valley’ Lancashire. Kushboo E: hello@kushboosoaps.co.uk W: www.kushboosoaps.co.uk 2: Luxury Vegan-Friendly Gifts Goodheehoo offer beautiful, vegan-friendly handbags, accessories, stationery and gifts. All of our products have the designer look and quality – the difference is our very affordable prices. Goodheehoo T: +44 (0)1344 944 934 E: hello@goodeehoo.com W: www.goodeehoo.com 3: Gifts For Dog Lovers Coulson Macleod’s Pooch range just got bigger with the launch of their decorative canine Quote Card Packs. Each of the packs features artwork of a different dog breed, and include 10 different heavyweight cards featuring heart-warming quotes about man’s best friend. Each pack comes with its own metal bulldog clip, ready to hang on a wall. Display stands are also available. Coulson Macleod T: 01536 419944 E: hello@coulsonmacleod.com W: coulsonmacleod-trade.com 4: WellbeingAromatherapyOils. Each sensational blend of award-winning aromatherapy will boost your mood and wellbeing. Add 3-5 drops to oil burners, electric diffusers, a bath, or pillowcase. Ideal for spas and boutiques, these are a perfect pampering treat. Request a brochure today and discover the brand at Top Drawer. Visit:Chilliwinter Top Drawer – Stand H41 T: 07912 946 574 E: info@chilliwinter.co.uk W: chilliwinter.co.uk IG: @chilliwinter.wholesale 5: Relax And Unwind Our handmade eye pillows are filled with flaxseed. A brilliant way to soothe tired eyes, enhance relaxation and take a moment to unwind. They are available in unscented or with the addition of calming natural lavender and come in a range of our most popular fabric designs. They can be heated in the microwave for soothing warmth or chilled in a fridge or freezer for use as a cold compress. The Wheat Bag Company Visit: Autumn Fair – Stand 6L35 Top Drawer – Stand H39 T: 01747 480499 E: Sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk W: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 73
Celebrating 40 years in business 1982 - 2022 New collection for Autumn 2022 Please contact us for a trade catalogue: Tel 01460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk
Lesser & Pavey Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand J40-A41 T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk
The sensational ‘Leopard’ range- One of many ranges developed for independent artists by Ceramic Design Heritage. Vibrant yet sophisticated, the abstract Leopard design by ‘The Tale of Ballard and Hill’- manufactured by Ceramic Design Heritage in Fine Bone China and British Melamine. CDH specializes in Bespoke Giftware production for Artists and Heritage sites throughout the UK we can create your own Brand with Low Minimums and Set Up costs on a comprehensive range of Fine Bone China, British Melamine and Textiles. So much to be Proud of in British Design and Manufacturing! Contact Paul Travis Ceramic Design Heritage T: 07909 539574 E: paul@cdheritage.com
2: Heartfelt Gifts ‘Hearts Design Madelaine’ from Lesser and Pavey. With the help of Hearts Design studio, responsible for the super popular Mad Dots. This range has four titles of Love, Home, Friends, and Family. Every item feature gold foiling and is embellished with the diamante bow. Each of the range titles has a fine mug, candle, diffuser, and wine glass. The mug, candle and diffuser are all packed in premium round lidded boxes.
3: Vibrant Vintage Rex London is excited to add five new designs to its bestselling storage tins collection. Inspired by vintage food packaging, each set contains two tins and comes in home compostable packaging. These popular tins are ideal for storing kitchen utensils and gadgets, and customers also use them for storing crafts and stationery. A range of mini tins has just been added too, for a smaller (but no less stylish) storage solution. Rex London T: +44 (0)20 8746 1700 E: info@rexlondon.com W: www.rexlondontrade.com
New What s , Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 75 4: From Little Beginnings ‘Little Moments’ is the Lesser and Pavey new range of children and nursery items. The inhouse art department has designed this wonderful, cheeky range to appeal to little ones. The range includes photo frames, keepsake memory boxes, bookends, clock, money box and more. The wooden items and gift bags feature 3D cut out of the featured animals which adds a special detail adding to the item’s appeal. This range is set to grow with cushions and animal themed doorstops.
Lesser & Pavey Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand J40-A41 T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk
Hot Tomato Visit: Autumn Fair, Hall 20 - Stand H20 T: 01225 422188 E: sales@hot-tom.com W: www.hot-tom.com
1: Stunning Design and Product for Artists
5: Effortless Style We are loving the colourful textiles from Hot Tomato for this coming season. Rest assured, it’s all about keeping toasty through the winter months – hard to entertain in a heat wave but they’re on their way! Part poncho, part gilet and 100% gorgeous they make for an effortless, stylish wearwhether you’re walking the dog, popping down the pub or just snuggling on the sofa – ab fab!
There’s a gift for everyone with our Love Hearts range… Swizzels and Love Hearts are registered trade marks of Swizzels Matlow Limited. SMILESMILE FORFOREVEREVER I LOVEYOUI LOVEYOU BEAUTIFULBEAUTIFUL Gloucester House Basildon Essex SS14 3BX UK VISIT US AT HALL 20, STAND G51 HAPPYHAPPYBEBE MEKISSKISSME CUDDLECUDDLEMEME ALWAYSALWAYS
New What s , Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now 1: Eco-Conscious Gifts For Men Scarves International Ecocravatte men’s ties are made from two recycled plastic bottles converted into recycled yarn, made in a solar powered mill in the UK. Ties are presented on a euro hook eco card which retailers can hang on slat walling, or on the company’s manufactured custom-made display stand. A great men’s gift as well as for working days where a tie is required. Scarves International T: 07920 125124 E: ecocravatteuk@gmail.com W: scarveswww.scarvesinternational.co.uk/eco2: Love And Home Lesser and Pavey are delighted to launch a new range of house plaques at the Autumn Fair this September. The pretty plaques made for any home setting are a range of 3D double house plaques from the Lesser and Pavey in house art department. They feature sentiments in titles for Friends, Family, Love & Home. Lesser & Pavey Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand J40-A41 T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk 3: BodyInvigoratingScrub Infused with the invigorating scent of Inis the Energy of the Sea, our Body Scrub is formulated with skin polishing pumice, plus seaweed extracts and sea minerals to help smooth and brighten the skin. A spa-style exfoliating treatment for women and men, use at least once per week for skin that feels soft, smooth and refreshed. Inis T: +3531 286 7125 E: hello@inis.com W: www.inis.com 4: Wishing Fairies Collection These whimsical but feisty Wishing Fairies are the latest addition to the Bead & Button Blooms family, the brainchild of One Button Ltd. An unusual but thoughtful gift for anyone and any occasion…to say hello, thank you, I love you, congratulations or I’m thinking of you! Each Fairy is unique, 100% handmade and comes in a custom designed printed box with inner gift wrap. One Button Ltd T: 0116 2793715 E: info@onebuttonuk.com W: www.onebuttonuk.com PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 77 5: Walking Sticks With Style This folding stick is from Classic Canes’ latest collection and features adorable cats of many colours and breeds on a light brown background. Easily adjusted in height from 82 to 92cm, it will make a perfect gift for any cat-lover in need of a little extra balance and support. Don’t like cats? There are a further 16 patterns in the new range, featuring exclusive designs from dragonflies to safari animals, so there is sure to be a pattern to suit anyone. Classic Canes T: 01460 75686 E: info@classiccanes.co.uk W: www.classiccanes.co.uk
our fabulous AW 2022 ACCESSORY COLLECTIONS LAUNCHING ONLINE www.onebuttonuk.com; sign in to order and browse our new goodies email; info@onebuttonuk.com alternatively call our HQ team for friendly help T: 0116 279 3715 Hem&eDGe
A soya candle in a tin featuring pure, long lasting fragrances. An easy pick up Pure,gift.handmade and good for those people with sensitive skin.
Home
CATEGORY SUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT
Home OtherAccessoriesFashionAccessories&FashionHotHits
Robert Harrop: Edge AroraSculptures;Design: Little Paws Roka: Golunski:bags;small leathers Highbury: luggage Striking sculptures that are made in the UK. Character ornaments featuring dogs, cats and farm animals with friendly comic faces. Very Designercollectable.styling and great colours. Great range of quality purses and wallets in classic and contemporary designs. The checked and striped designs fly off the shelf along with matching travel bags.
By far our best selling homewares
Beautifulrange. designs. A great pick up product at under £5.
A small, independent gift shop on two floors, located on Ambleside’s main road. Christine Gainsley, director, Purdie Oak, Cleethorpes. A gift and lifestyle shop on a major main road, plus concessions in Atherton, Batley and Tarleton.
Above right: Frankie Daschund from Arora Designs’ Little Paws range. Right: Among the colourful, sustainable backpacks from Roka. GIFTS
PROGRESSIVE
SedberghMelt:coasterscandles;Soaps Company: MaterialemongrassRica: laser-cut; Victoria Lafford Garside: TurtleembroideredBags:string bags; Herdy: fold-up shoppers CambridgeLagom Imprint Best Years: knitted dinosaurs
A Spanish brand that’s quirky and Beautifulassertive. wildlife embroidered Ecojewellery.andfair trade. What’s not to like! Colourful designs from a best-selling Lake District supplier. Consistently current and contemporary in design and attitude. The smaller sheets of wrap are handy and outsell other wraps Afourfold.topseller, and not just for kids.
CATEGORY SUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT
Above right: LIGA Beach Clean coasters. Right: Turtle Bags’ string bags
& HOME WORLDWIDE 79
Heidi Schramli, owner, Detail Retail, Ambleside.
OtherGiftwrapGreetingAccessoriesFashionJewelleryFragrancedAccessoriesGiftware&FashionCardsHotHits
Best Sellers
LIGA: Beach Clean Naturalplacemats;Gift Store: wooden
Shrieking Violet ® handmade with REAL flowers 925Silver We plant a tree for every item sold! G70 Hall 7
A medium sized gift shop, on two floors, in the market town of Ampthill.
Above: A greeting card design from Michelle Fielder. Right: Stoneglow’s Leather & Saffron.
Jo Barber, owner, No.14, Ampthill, Ampthill.
Janie Wilson: candles and reed Stoneglowdiffusers;Candles: across the Reevesboardand
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE 81
Home OtherGiftwrapGreetingAccessoriesFashionJewelleryFragrancedAccessoriesGiftware&FashionCardsHotHits
Joma: across the board; Big Metal: across the board
Reeves: sterling WishStrings:silver; across the KatieboardLoxton: pouches and Powderscarves; Design: sunglasses Michelle Fiedler Design; Claire Giles Bookspeed:Glick books
ECP: Freckleface:Waltontableware;&Co:cushionsacrossthe board
Good value for money and lovely Ascents.fragrance for every taste, plus a wide selection of reeds, candles and refills. An excellent choice of sterling silver at competitive prices. There’s something for everyone. A wide selection of jewellery, and a great pick up for customers. Pouches and scarves remain a constant for us. An excellent range which our customers love. A quality product, with sunglasses especially a hit for us. A new addition and a hit with our Anothercustomers.new addition, offering a large choice of captions and designs. Paper Salad and Stephanie Dyment are always popular sellers. An array of books covering all genres. The kids’ books do particularly well in store.
Claire Jarvis, co-owner, The Tutbury Present Company, Tutbury.
Top: ECP’s blue and white Japanese range. Above: Katie Loxton pouches
The blue and white Japanese range has been an absolute hit for summer al fresco Ondining.trend in neutral colours, which seem to be taking over from greys and blues. The fragrances are incredible, but not overpowering. It’s definitely the year of the Alwaysmelt! the ‘go to’ for jewellery. This is the brand for those who want to self treat. Especially popular with the 20-35 age Thegroup.company’s AW22 range is already flying out. Their crossbody camera bags remain hugely popular and there’s always the opportunity to upsell a contrasting bag strap. The company is constantly introducing new ranges, and cover all occasions. Artebene has been a long term favourite for customers and for us. We do very well with toys, babygrows and Jellycat.
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Katie Loxton: across the Pureboard;White: leather bags Caroline Jellycat:ArtebeneGardneracrossthe board
A village gift and card shop based in a renovated 19th century Mill Mews that’s close to Tutbury Castle.
Fragranced Giftware FashionJewellery& OtherGiftwrapGreetingAccessoriesFashionCardsHotHits
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Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide 83 What better testimonial for products than those of your fellow retailers. Here's all the information you need to get in touch and start stocking! T:LIGA01872 275505 E: hello@loveliga.co.uk W: www.loveliga.co.uk T:POWDER 0131 331 2908 E: info@powder-uk.com W: www.powder-uk.com REEVES & REEVES T: 01460 221630 E: caroline@reevesandreeves.com W: www.reevesandreeves.com TURTLE BAGS T: 01299 827092 E: enquiries@turtlebags.co.uk W: www.turtle-bags.com JOMA JEWELLERY T: 01295 263430 E: enquiries@jomajewellery.com W: www.wholesale.jomajewellery.com ARORA DESIGN T: 01386 861666 E: sales@arora-design.co.uk W: www.aroratrade.com BIG METAL T: 0207 701 0005 E: info@bigmetal.net W: www.bigmetallondon.com T:ROKA07393 598 647 E: hello@rokalondon.com W: www.rokalondon.com KATIE LOXTON T: 01295 250879 E: enquiries@katieloxton.com W: www.wholesale.katieloxton.com Best Sellers
The UK’s favourite tradeshow for the festive sectormeet retailers and buyers from garden centres, gift shops, department stores, independent stores, tourist attractions, cathedral and heritage centres, events and venues and much more ... HarrogateCentreConvention 15thJanuary18th2023 www.harrogatefair.com - 01902 882280 - simon@harrogatefair.com ChristmasHarrogate&Gift
