Fast selling products which capture natural light to bring home environments alive and inspire the imagination. AUTUMN OFFERS!
All original designs by Jules Vahrman Scan the code and go straight to our website to pick up a AUTUMN OFFER or two!
For Veterans with Dogs
Christmas is coming!
Pretty Little Birds
Birth Month Flowers
Pure Radiance
Classic Guardian Angels
Crystal Dreams and Fantasies
Fantasy Glass Angels
Flagship Displays
Get ready!
A starter pack with 15 fast-selling designs on one compact countertop fountain display. See our September offer on the website.
DREAMS AND FANTASIES
UK designed and made
Crystal Dreams (left) and Crystal Fantasies (Right). The originals, featuring the finest quality crystals. Designed by Jules Vahrman, handmade in the UK by skilled crafts people.
Buy with confidence display with style!
Flagship booth display -brilliantly lit, huge sales per footprint. Wall hanging unit for longer items.
Floor standing unit72 pockets holding up to 6 items each. And an assortment of counter displays for that ‘toe in the water’.
FLAGSHIP DISPLAYS
VETERANS WITH DOGS
Poppy Suncatcher 9170/POP
In aid of Veterans With Dogs. Helping towards the £20,000 it costs to fully train an assistance dog. ‘We were so impressed with the people we met, Becky, Julie, Craig - their commitment, the value of the amazing work they do, the beyond delightful puppies –such a pleasurable - and frankly humbling visit’. veteranswithdogs.org
FLOWERS
Birth Month Flower Suncatchers (9140)
A flower for every month.
Stained glass effect motifs, Austrian and Czech crystals. Starter pack available3 each of 12 designs, display plus flower guide.
PRETTY LITTLE BIRDS
Flyaway best-seller (5059)
These took even us by surprise!
Something about the handmade glass, the crystal, the design, the birds, the price pointall seem to have combined to produce a best seller!
Perennials (5080)
Amazingly consistent best seller. After more than 10 years, these are STILL some of our best sellers. Definitely Magical Timeless Gifts! Starter pack available - 6 each of 15 designs, display plus birthstone guide.
PURE RADIANCE
The range just got bigger
Following on from the hugely successful heart of hearts and tree of life. With richly coloured jewellery quality crystal hearts. Boxes included.
FANTASY GLASS ANGELS
Wild Things designmade by the same people who made our Pretty Little Birds. September offer.
September is something of a special month, one that not only heralds a new chapter – the start of a fresh new school year, and that ‘back to work after the holidays’ feeling for the rest of us –but also, the beginning of the fourth quarter of the year and the run up to Christmas for retailers. Will it be an Indian summer, with warm, sunny weather taking us into Autumn – giving a boost to fashion retailers, and gift retailers, desperate to sell off summer stock? Or will an early ‘nip in the air’ and crunchy Autumn leaves remind us that we’re heading towards Halloween and Christmas?
At PG&H’s annual retailer round table, (our 25th!), held at Harrogate’s Home & Gift in July, I asked a cross-section of gift retailers how they’re feeling about the run up to the festive season, plus much more besides. For example, what can the new government do to help the retail industry survive and thrive? For some very insightful answers, turn to pages 21-27.
Plus, staying with retail, a visit to The Voewood in South East London – winner of The Greats Best Non-Specialist Gift Retailer category – revealed how owner Nicola Hibon Jackson was destined for a career in gift retail, having attended Spring and Autumn Fair with her parents – owners of The Mugwump in Durham – at the tender age of four! Turn to pages 46-47 to discover
more about Nicola’s passion for retail.
Meanwhile, as we transition into Autumn/Winter, nothing evokes the festive season like fragrance, with leading home fragrance suppliers revealing their Christmas ranges. Turn to pages 37-41 to sniff out the scents of the season that will be fragrancing homes up and down the country.
www.max-publishing.co.uk
LEADER
can also find out more about the Giftware Association (GA) events that are getting the industry talking, sharing and networking on pages 60-61.
Plus, this October, the GA’s ceo Sarah Ward is delighted to be celebrating her milestone 20 years in the gift industry. Turn to page 29, as Sarah looks backwards and forwards at her career trajectory, while Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, ramps up her Halloween offer and gets ready for the festive season. Turn to page 33.
Elsewhere, David Brown, ceo of the recently launched The Fragrance House, discusses his vision for taking the company forward and how he’s already hit the ground running. Turn to pages 34-35. In addition, Lesser & Pavey’s Julian Hunt and Jonny Greves talk us through the company’s newest launches for Autumn/Winter. Turn to pages 30-31. You
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With the focus now very much on Autumn Fair - turn to pages 9 and 49 - and Top Drawer, see pages 11 and 69, the PG&H team looks forward to heading off to both shows this month, as well as to Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Turn to page 17 and to Licensed Giftware on pages 63-65. But first, turn to pages 9-17 for all the latest, most up-to-the-minute industry news.
Enjoy reading, and looking forward to seeing all of you at the upcoming shows!
Sue
Sue Marks Editor
The UK gift and home industry is dynamic, innovative and vibrant and The Greats Awards reflect all of this and much more. Be a part of it! Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk
Inset: Sue recently popped into Greats winner The Voewood in South East London to meet up with owner Nicola Hibon Jackson (left). Turn to pages 46-47.
Inset: PG&H’s Retailer Round Table, chaired by Sue, took place at Home & Gift in July. Turn to pages 21-27.
As Christmas buying beckons at Autumn Fair, when it returns to the NEC from 1-4 September, among the highlights of the show will be live merchandising masterclasses with visual merchandiser Debbie Flowerday. “The shop window is the face of your business, it's the cheapest form of advertising,” states Debbie.
With extensive knowledge and experience of the display and visual merchandising industry, working globally for well-known retailers including Max Mara, Mary Quant, Estée Lauder, Top Shop, Gucci and Royal Worcester, Debbie will host live merchandising masterclasses in the Buyers Lounge three times a day followed by audience Q&A’s on the Sunday to Tuesday of the show. A pop-up shop will be created by cardboard engineers N Smith who are exhibiting at the show.
through the elements of the display she created that morning and take audience questions. In between sessions, she will offer some 1-2-1 personalised masterclass sessions with buyers.
GOTY’s People’s Choice Winner Revealed
For the second consecutive year, Fox Under The Moon’s author and illustrator, Stacey McNeill, was crowned as the winner of the Gift of the Year People’s Choice award at Harrogate Home & Gift’s Sundowners party in July.
For each of the three days, Debbie will host a live installation session dressing a shop window within a specific theme and methodology including Gifting & Pyramid Merchandising, Seasonal & Repetition Merchandising, and Building a Collection & Grouping Merchandising.
During the first session of the day, visitors will be invited to watch live as she constructs the window display and brings the theme to life. For the following two sessions, Debbie will talk
“Visual merchandising is one of the most important elements in creating the look, feel and culture of a store,” states Autumn Fair’s event director Soraya Gadelrab. “Done well, it draws customers in, maximises the aesthetics of a product, can increase sales and create awareness as well as brand loyalty. We’re delighted to be working with Debbie and I can’t wait to see her displays at the show each morning.”
Over 800 exhibitors, showcasing more than 500,000 products across Gift, Home and Fashion, will be revealing their newest launches at the show, with 30% of exhibitors exclusive to Autumn Fair. Some 12,000 independent retailers and high street stores are set to attend, to include visitors from more than 60 countries. For more about Autumn Fair, turn to page 49. To register for Autumn Fair visit www.autumnfair.com/visitor-registration.
Gift Of The Year 2025 Open For Entries
It’s all systems go for the Gift of the Year Awards 2025, which were officially launched at the Harrogate Home & Gift show in July.
“We have 20 great categories, with the Made in UK category returning this year as we want to celebrate and champion gifts that are made and created in the UK,” explains PR and marketing manager Chris Workman.
“Some of the other categories have had a rethink too. For example, we have separated out Home and Garden into their own respective categories, as well and expanding our Fashion Accessories category to include textiles and clothes.
New judges include Moonpig, Lark London, The Voewood, Blue Diamond Group and The National Portrait Gallery, with many more to be added over the next few months.
At every stage of the competition - which closes on 30 November - 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 Gift of the Year winners will be announced at The Gift Awards 2025, which take place at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on Thursday 15 May 2025, alongside the winners of The Greats Awards 2025.
Visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk
“I’m absolutely delighted and blown away to have won the People’s Choice Award for the second time,” exclaimed Stacey. “I’m so glad to be a part of such a fantastic competition with so many other great brands as well. Winning in 2023 was the jumpingoff point for us being noticed and taken more seriously in the trade. This award reflects the personal connection I have with our customers.”
The People’s Choice category is voted for by the public, and all Gift of the Year shortlisted companies, finalists, and winners are eligible. This year, over 8,000 votes were received. Highly commended were Beevive and The Little Dog Laughed who each received 8% of the public vote.
Bill & Bert’s Celebrates Five Years
Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Bert’s in Colchester - crowned winner of the London, the South, South East, and East Anglia at the Greats Gift Retail Awards in May - celebrated the shop’s fifth anniversary at the beginning of August with a fiveday sale. “We held a party every day with lots of prosecco – and bargains – for customers,” enthused owner Bill Nettelfield.
Below: Visual merchandiser Debbie Flowerday.
Above: The GOTY People’s Choice presentation: from left to right: Home & Gift’s show manager David Westbrooke; Fox Under the Moon’s co-owners Jamie and Stacey McNeill and Sarah Ward, ceo of The GA.
Above: Bill & Bert’s has been celebrating the store’s 5th anniversary.
Top Drawer Expands Its Footprint
More Brands, More Launches, More Newness
Top Drawer will be returning to London’s Olympia from 8-10 September, with a larger footprint, hundreds of new exhibitors and thousands of product launches.
Over 10% of exhibitors will hail from overseas – notably Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan and the US. The overall event is on course to showcase almost 10% more brands than in 2023, with over 30% of the 2024 exhibitors making their Top Drawer debut.
There will be eight sectors - Gift, Home, Fashion & Jewellery, Play, Greetings & Stationery, Wellbeing, Food Emporium and Launchpad – showcasing over 500 exhibitors.
host over 30 new suppliers, selected by show manager David Westbrooke.
“There’s so much going on at the event this September,” says David. “More brands, more launches, more newness.”
Paper Tiger’s Fourth Store Opens In Edinburgh
Michael Apter, owner of award-winning gift and card shops Paper Tiger in Edinburgh, opened a fourth shop in the Stockbridge enclave at the end of July.
“We've packed our shelves with everything needed to celebrate life's moments, big and small, and are thrilled to be part of the vibrant Stockbridge community,” he enthused.
The new store will showcase a diverse collection of products to include unique, unusual gifts as well as products from local makers and producers.
Below: Paper Tiger’s new Stockbridge store.
Areas of the show enjoying especially significant growth include the Home and Greetings & Stationery sections, which will see over 70% and over 50% more exhibitors this year respectively. The Launchpad section, synonymous with new, emerging talent, is set to
Show highlights include Retail Revealed, Business Hub, Product Pitch, Spotlight Awards, an after-show party on Sunday 8 September, and a Women in Furniture Network event (WIFN). For more about Top Drawer and the show’s highlights, turn to page 69. Register at topdrawer.co.uk
Wrendale Designs Receives B Corp Accreditation
Wrendale Designs has become an accredited B Corp company joining a growing group of businesses, to include many in the gift industry, who are reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit.
“This is a huge milestone for our company and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ensuring that our business positively impacts our customers, our community, our colleagues and the planet,” stated Hannah Dale, founder and creative director of Wrendale, who won not only a Kings Award to Industry in May, but also The Greats Outstanding Achievement Award.
Shoplifting Addressed In The King’s Speech
The King’s Speech, delivered at the State Opening of Parliament in July, unveiled a new bill aimed at shoplifters who steal goods worth less than £200 from retailers, alongside the creation of a new offence for assaulting shop workers, and the introduction of Respect Orders to address antisocial behaviour.
Andrew Goodacre, ceo of Bira, expressed his support for the initiatives commenting: "We are pleased to see the government taking decisive action on issues that have become a blight on our high streets. For too long, our members have faced increased incidents of theft, greater volumes of stolen products, and rising abuse towards business owners and staff."
Below: The new government is cracking down on shoplifting.
Gift Indies Among The Retas Winners
Over 400 people headed to annual greeting card awards event, The Retas, (sister awards to The Greats), at the beginning of July, which took place at Mayfair’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
Among those who took home trophies were Andrea Pinder, owner of Presentation Cards & Gifts in Barrowford; Aga Marsden, owner of Highworth Emporium in Highworth, and Stuart Delahoy, owner of Set in Leicester, who proved they are not only great gift indies, but outstanding greeting card retailers too.
Something Different Integrates With TikTok Shop
Something Different Connect has launched the company’s new integration with TikTok Shop. The feature will transform the way users engage with ecommerce, combining the viral potential of TikTok with Something Different Connect, a leading dropship supplier in the UK for home and giftware products. The website enables customers to access exclusive products without the need to store stock, with deliveries made directly to the customer.
Gift Suppliers Are Up For A Licensing Award
The Licensing Awards 2024, taking place at London’s Grosvenor House on 10 September, will shortly be revealing this year’s winners.
In the Best Licensed Giftware Range, Home Décor, Tableware Or Housewares Range category, the finalists include Widdop & Co, Half Moon Bay and House of Disaster.
Above: Buyers at last year’s show.
Above: Wrendale Designs’ owners, Hannah and Jack Dale, (centre), with the team.
Above: Retas winner Andrea Pinder, owner of Presentation in Barrowford.
Major Garden Centre Acquisitions
BGC And Blue Diamond Expand Their Portfolios
The UK’s largest familyowned garden centre group, British Garden Centres, has strengthened its presence in Yorkshire with the acquisition of Langlands Garden Centres and its three stores in Shiptonthorpe, Whinmoor and Loxley.
The new stores, which give BGC a total of 65 locations across the UK, will benefit from BGC’s extensive buying power, allowing the company to offer customers a wider selection of plants, garden care products and homeware at competitive prices
Commented Charles Stubbs, founder and director of British Garden Centres: “Langlands has a long-standing reputation for quality products, expert advice, and a dedication to the communities they serve - values that perfectly align with our own.”
The Blue Diamond Group too, winner of The
MiMi Flooded Out
At the beginning of August, flash floods caused havoc for lifestyle and gift store MiMi in Hartley Wintney, with owner Julianne Moore seeing two floors of her shop severely damaged, with £40k of stock written off. As Julianne, who was interviewed on ITV and also had a visit from her MP, revealed: “It will take a minimum of three months to dry out.”
However, she said that the fight back has begun, with new stock and best sellers on the shop’s website. Her advice to other retailers is: “check your insurance to make sure that you are properly covered.”
Greats 2024 Best Garden Centre Retailer Of Gifts category, has also been on the acquisition trail, acquiring Frosts Garden Centre at Woburn Sands. Over the coming months, the centre will be given a refit to include a new look home department, with the fashion offer expanded.
“Frosts Garden Centre is a thriving and respected family business with a unique brand and excellent reputation within the local community,” states Blue Diamond Group’s ceo Alan Roper. “We intend to protect its heritage and core values while driving the business forward.”
The Group's purchase of Frosts' remaining garden centre at Willington, Bedfordshire, is expected to complete in September. The Blue Diamond Group now owns 45 garden centres in the UK and the Channel Islands.
Half Moon Bay Launches Pulteney Press Range
Half Moon Bay has launched a new range for autumn/winter, Pulteney Press, named after the company’s office location in Bath.
“Bringing literary classics to life, we have used the original illustrations and much-loved quotes to create a home and gift collection,” says Half Moon Bay’s sales manager Aimee Frew.
The first books out of the library are Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Sense and Sensibility and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, as well as Half Moon Bay’s Bookshop collection which celebrates the joy of reading, with an array of quirky books accessories and gifts.
Random Gifts Top Gift Survey
Rex London recently conducted a survey to find out what people like and dislike about gift giving. The results found that 48% of people expect to receive random gifts from their partners, with 92% preferring to give random gift than Christmas, birthday or gifts for other marked occasions. Some 91% said the same about receiving them.
Additionally, the survey asked respondents what the most important aspects of gift-giving are. Thoughtfulness came out on top, showing it really is the thought that counts. This was followed by effort, then uniqueness, practicality and, in last place, price. The findings also revealed that more than eight in ten people (84%) pretend to like gifts they dislike.
Style Sisters Launch Home Accessories Collection At Tesco
Lisle Licensing and Tesco have confirmed an exclusive agreement for leading celebrity organising and styling duo The Style Sisters, with the launch of their first homeware collection arriving in over 200 stores across the UK this August.
Marking their most ambitious project to date, Style Sisters Charlotte Reddington and Gemma Lilly, have personally designed and curated the range, with their signature passion for monochrome at its heart. Featuring 18 homeware items – to include luxe for less candles, diffusers, vases, knitted cushions, photo frames and a selection of practical storage boxes –prices range from £5 to £25.
Below: Part of the new Style Sisters homeware range for Tesco.
Left: Frosts Garden Centre in Woburn Sands.
Below: Charles Stubbs with James, Robert and Janet Ducker of Langlands
Above: Random gifts topped a Rex London gift survey.
Above: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes from Half Moon Bay’s Pulteney Press range.
Below: MiMi in Hartley Wintney was flooded.
PoC Sustainability Conference Rebrands
First Line-Up Of Speakers Revealed
Previously known as the Sustainability in Licensing Conference, (SILC), Products of Change has officially unveiled a new brand identity for its annual sustainability event, showcasing the depth and breadth of the industries and business sectors the sustainability education platform reaches.
For 2024, the Products of Change Conference – Sustainability in Brands, Licensing, Products and Retail - will be setting the tone with a line-up of speakers and representatives of some of the biggest, furthest reaching, and most impactful brands, retailers and product manufacturers.
innovative solutions and achievements not just of the last 12 months, but in cumulation of the past five years of industry development, too,”
states Helena
Enesco’s New Stitch FSDU
In response to the growing popularity of Disney’s Stitch, Enesco has launched a brand new floor standing display unit (FSDU) featuring the company’s Stitch range for retailers.
At the time of going to press (in midAugust), Primark, Tony’s Chocolonely and the LEGO Group are among the first names confirmed to be leading the conversation on the sustainable transformation of the global brand, licensing, and retail industries.
“As Products of Change enters its fifth year, we are honoured to showcase the industry’s
Mansell-Stopher, ceo and founder of Products of Change. “By continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible, we demonstrate the power of collaboration and highlight the incredible potential within our industry.”
The Conference will be held at the Royal Geographical Society in London on Wednesday, 6 November. Tickets for the Products of Change Conference are available to purchase now. Visit www.productsofchange.com
Talking Tables Birthday Survey Findings
Sustainability is a top priority for consumers when it comes to celebrating birthdays, according to a new survey by Talking Tables. The poll found three-quarters (75%) of respondents actively consider sustainability in their gifting and party choices, as consumers become more eco-conscious in their purchasing habits.
• Talking Tables’ founder and ceo, Clare Harris, was featured in an article in The Times at the beginning of August, talking about her 25-year trajectory at the helm of the company.
The Voewood In Line For Two Draper’s Awards
Following The Voewood’s success at The Greats in May, as winner of the Best NonSpecialist Retailer of Gifts category, owner Nicola Hibon Jackson was delighted to hear that the lifestyle shop, located in South East London’s Blackheath Standard, has been shortlisted in two Draper’s Record categories in the Drapers Independents Awards 2024 – Independent Star of the Year and Community Champion.
The winners will be announced at an Awards lunch taking place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on 19 September. To read more about The Voewood, turn to pages 46-47.
Above: The Voewood is up for two Draper’s Awards.
IND!E Partners With Ocado
IND!E (formerly GBX) has unveiled a commercial model designed to provide market access for SME challenger brands. The initiative, supported by Ocado, creates a unique opportunity for emerging brands to reach major retail platforms.
IND!E and Ocado will also host Pitch Live, a Dragons’ Den-style event where emerging brands and budding entrepreneurs can pitch their products and brands. The winner will secure a space on the IND!E shop-in-shop at Ocado, set to go live in autumn/winter 2024, providing a direct route to market.
“At IND!E, our mission is to empower and elevate emerging lifestyle brands by providing a curated platform that bridges the gap between SME brands, retailers and consumers worldwide,” states IND!E’s ceo Matt Hopkins.
“This fast growing franchise has seen its popularity go from strength to strength and is certainly set to continue with the much awaited release of the Stitch Live Action movie planned for spring 2025,” says Enesco’s trade marketing manager Aylish Ellwood. “Stitch is all about inclusivity, acceptance and how it is OK to be different which is very relevant in today’s society, certainly contributing to this licensed property’s success.”
Enesco’s breadth of Stitch product offers several formats across different price points, with products ranging from blind bags to home accessories, statement figurines, money banks and waterballs. See Licensed Giftware on pages 63-65.
Bookspeed Expands Its Space
Wholesaler Bookspeed will be boosting its warehouse capacity by more than 40% with an ambitious expansion project starting this summer.
The family-owned business has purchased the neighbouring building at its Edinburgh Salamander Yards site, where the company moved to in 2000. The expansion will increase its warehouse and office space by 12,000 square feet. Following a refurbishment, the new space is expected to be fully operational from spring 2025.
l Literacy Capital has appointed Penny Grivea as Ashleigh & Burwood’s new ceo She brings 25 years of consumer and retail experience to the brand, having previously worked for Selfridges, Harrods and Georg Jensen.
Right: Penny Grivea.
l Lesser & Pavey has appointed Jo Castle as regional sales manager for the South of England and South Wales. Having spent 12 years in the industry, Jo brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge to an already strong, talented sales team.
Right: Jo Castle.
l Messe Frankfurt shows Christmasworld and Creativeworld have appointed a new show director, Stefan Schopp, who takes over from Eva Olbric who retired at the end of July.
Right: Stefan Schopp.
Below: The 2024 Products of Change Conference takes place on 6 November.
Above: Enesco’s new Stitch floor standing display unit.
Above: Talking Tables has revealed the findings of a birthday survey.
PEOPLE
Source Home & Gift Champions
Social Enterprises
A New ‘Makers’ Section Showcases Craftsmanship
Source Home & Gift, which takes place in Hall 18 at the NEC on 1-4 September, has put the spotlight on the social enterprises that empower small artisan makers around the world to champion their unique craftsmanship.
Home & Gift. “I’m thrilled that the work we do in building a responsible sourcing platform in the UK and Europe is being so well received by our UK buying community.”
BLE Launches Discovery & Design Zone
Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, has introduced a Discovery & Design zone, a new accelerator launchpad for entry level licensing entrepreneurs.
They will be showcased in a new ‘Makers’ section, introduced to offer a dedicated space for artisan producers and include Sumaq Qara, Claybotik and Beyond Borders Fair Trade.
“Our aim is to create a show with beautiful, well-made products that don’t cost the earth, quite literally, and allow their makers –be it those who are in villages, or those in factories - to live well from their work,” says Suzanne Ellingham, event director of Source
• Overall, some 460 manufacturers are expected to show at the next edition making it the biggest show to date, covering eight sectors, gifts, homewares, toys, furniture, textiles, technology and services, and packaging, as well as stationery and greeting cards. Visit www.source-homeandgift.com
to revive the art of stoneware.
Source Advisory Board
An Advisory Board, dedicated to promoting responsible and ethical production in the home and giftware industry, will guide the future direction of Source Home & Gift, ensuring the show continues to deliver cutting-edge content across the entire supply chain.
On the Board are: Nicola Kirby, head of UK sourcing, John Lewis; Claire Bevan, head of retail, Natural History Museum; Alison Maynard, head of retail, Longleat Enterprises; Andrew Goodacre, ceo, British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) and Hayley Shore, design director, PepsiCo. Visit www.source-homeandgift.com
Source Home & Gift Partners With Retail100
Source Home & Gift and Source Fashion have announced an Intelligence Series partnership with Retail100 to provide guidance and insights into international sourcing.
Recorded in partnership with Retail 100 in the Source studios, the Intelligence Series is designed to provide valuable insights and practical tips to help navigate the world of home and gift sourcing.
The strategic and collaborative partnership across the Source portfolio of shows kicks off with a beginner’s guide to sourcing followed by a series of videos covering eight key sourcing regions.
Retail 100 provides international expertise and knowledge ranging across the retail sector including fashion, homeware, gifting, toys, seasonal, garden, and beauty. Visit www.source-homeandgift.com
Highland Fling
Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring will be returning to the SEC, Glasgow from 19-21 Jan 2025 showcasing gifts, homewares, crafts, textiles, jewellery, fine food and drinks. “As one of the first trade shows in the calendar year, Scotland’s Trade Fair plays a vital role for suppliers launching their new ranges and for retailers to re-stock their shelves,” says show director Mark Saunders. Visit www.scotlandstradefairs.com
The zone houses 14 entrepreneurs and is sold out for 2024. It sits within the Character & Entertainment zone, and adjacent to the content theatre, ensuring lots of traffic for exhibiting entrepreneurs which include a mix of smaller businesses and brands ranging from quirky greeting card companies and art illustrators to children’s authors.
BLE takes place from 24-26 September at London’s ExCeL. To register, visit www.brandlicensing.eu. For more about licensing, turn to Licensed Giftware on pages 63-65.
In The Christmas Spirit
Nine halls at the Harrogate Convention Centre will be packed with everything from Christmas trees, lights and decorations; home and gardenware; confectionery and drinks; pet products; large in-store displays; artificial flowers and gifts for almost every occasion, when the show returns to the Harrogate Convention Centre from January 12-15.
Exhibitors include major UK brands such as Gisela Graham, Lesser & Pavey, Premier Decorations, Jingles, Apac and Festive Productions, as well as some of the biggest names in Europe too, to include Netherlands-based Kaemingk, a regular exhibitor at Harrogate Christmas & Gift and one of the biggest Christmas brands in Europe, which is moving to the show’s new hall G.
“Harrogate Christmas & Gift continues to grow year on year and in now recognised internationally as ‘the’ Christmas buying destination,” comments show organiser Simon Anslow. “The show offers everything imaginable for the festive market and also caters comfortably for independent gift retailers and buyers looking for something a little bit different to offer their customers the entire year round.” To register, visit www.harrogatefair.com
Above right: Visitors browsing the aisles at a previous Source Home & Gift.
Above left: Source’s artisan exhibitor Claybotik is setting out
Above: Harrogate Christmas & Gift will be opening its doors in January.
Right: Visitors at a previous Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring.
Above: BLE will be welcoming visitors in September.
Above: Nicola Kirby.
Above right: Claire Bevan.
Above: Sarah Allbright (left) and Anna Berry.
The much-awaited NEC Autumn Fair is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all of you! We’re all set to showcase a stunning array of design-led homewares, accessories, gifting, home fragrances and our new range of furniture.
We’ve got you covered for those of you looking to stock up on the latest trends and must-have items, or those wishing to discuss own-brand development. With a low minimum order value of just £100, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on our fabulous products. Plus, for our UK & Ireland customers, we offer the added benefit of carriage paid at £250, ensuring a seamless and cost-effective shopping experience.
Please contact our sales team contact@candlelight. co.uk or call 01709 723000 for further information.
TALKING SHOP
A group of independent gift and lifestyle retailers took time out of their busy schedules 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 the new government, shoplifting and the run up to Christmas.
Retailer Round Tablers 2024 (in alphabetical order)
l Priya Aurora-Crowe, Lark (19 stores in South London and the South East)
l Sara Baines, co-owner, Ewe & Me, Grantown-on-Spey
l Tracey Byrant, co-owner of Polkadot, Keynsham; Expressions, Swindon, the Cat’s Whiskers, Bishops Cleeve and The Card Shop, Portishead
l Janet Hartree, owner, Ewe & Me, Grantown-on-Spey
l Sandie Jenkins, group buyer, Elphicks department store, Farnham
l Terry Newton, co-owner, Jumping Bean (5 stores in South London and the South East)
l Nilou Noorbaksh, co-owner, Jumping Bean (5 stores in South London and the South East)
l Andrea Pinder, owner, Presentation Cards & Gifts, Barrowford
l Mark Rees, owner, Henry & Co (9 stores in Derbyshire, Lancashire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire)
Chair: Sue Marks, editor, Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net
Among the first questions on the table at this year’s Progressive Gifts & Home Retailer Round Table was, with a new government in Downing Street, what measures would participants like to see introduced to help retailers? “I would like to see retail being taken more seriously by the new government, with more help for young people going into the sector,” said Janet Hargreaves, owner of Ewe & Me in Grantown-on-Spey. “In the past, there were college courses and retail initiatives which all seem to have come to nothing. We are such big employers, yet there’s no longer any funding, with retail largely dismissed, especially as a profession, because it’s not seen as ‘trendy’.”
Janet’s daughter, and Ewe & Me’s coowner, Sara Baines, felt the government could do more to encourage young people to do work experience in the sector. “It would help to show them different aspects of the retail industry,” she commented.
“The problem with offering retail experience is health and safety and insurance, with pages of red tape and hoops to go through which deters us from saying ‘yes’,” said Tracey Bryant, co-owner of Polkadot in Keynsham; Expressions in Swindon, the Cat’s Whiskers in Bishops Cleeve and The Card Shop in Portishead. “When you’re struggling with time as we are, unfortunately it’s easier to say ‘no’.”
Terry Newton, co-owner of five Jumping Bean stores in South London and the South East, highlighted that in London, giving retail work experience to young
people in school years 10 and 13 is quite normal, with co-owner, Nilou Noorbaksh, adding: “a lot of our staff are students who have second jobs, such as actors and musicians. I agree that working in a shop is not seen as a trendy thing to do these days, so I would love to see the new government
Above: A lively PG&H retailer round table took place at Harrogate Home & Gift.
Below: The round tablers listening intently.
Bottom: Nilou Noorbaksh.
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take retail apprenticeships more seriously giving young adults something to aim for that was really valued as a career. Ideally, they would be able to have apprenticeship work placements that would build into senior sales and managerial positions.”
Priya Aurora-Crowe, co-owner of 19 Lark stores in South London and the South East, said that she would like to see the new government bring back the fully subsidised Kick Start scheme for young people which stopped when Covid hit. “We still have people from that scheme working for us today,” she confirmed.
“I employ students aged 16 and 18, and what worries me is that the Labour government is saying that the 16 year olds will be on the same rate of pay of those aged 18 and over,” said Andrea Pinder, owner, of Presentation Cards & Gifts in Barrowford. “How are we meant to sustain that? Students are not qualified to work in retail and you can’t train them in a couple of weeks. When taking on 18 year olds in particular, it’s often just a stop gap before school and university. By the time you’ve put the effort into training them, the person leaves and you’re back to square one. Plus, since Covid, the younger generation put down a lot of stipulations about when they will and won’t work. We have to allow it, because if we don’t, we’re not complying with the government’s rules.”
challenges is on a macro level - how to create a high street environment that makes people want to be in it. “For pockets of London and tourist areas, it’s not so much of a problem, but for great swathes of the country, what can be done to regenerate high streets? How do we make them spaces that people want to be in? Currently, they are fragmented with no cohesive offer, with the added issues of not being able to park and the cost of parking. We need to create the right environment.”
Sandie
Jenkins, group buyer at Elphicks
For Mark Rees, owner of nine Henry & Co stores in Derbyshire, Lancashire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire, one of the
department store in Farnham, explained: “We don’t have eCommerce. We are a standalone independent department store and are very fortunate to be in an affluent area with a good catchment area. We haven’t got any empty premises in the town and we seem to have attracted quite a lot of independents which is one of the reasons that we get the customer visits that we do. It’s not the same old, same old homogenised high street, it’s a mix. And that is hopefully going to help encourage
new, interesting, innovative businesses into the town. I often think that local authorities don’t understand, or don’t want to understand high street retail because their objective is to create revenue. For example, at Christmas, we don’t have any concessions for parking. Yet I can remember when there were very positive initiatives taken to encourage people to come into the town. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen any more.”
On the question of should there be a Minister of Retail, there was a unanimous ‘yes’ from all round tablers, with everyone agreeing that positive changes can only be possible with help from local councils and central government. “Take business rates, when empty units come up they go to charity shops who get better rates, so it’s not a level playing field,” pointed out Tracey. “Someone, a Minister, also needs to look at the disparity between garden centres and high street retailers because business rates for garden centres are significantly lower,” stated Sandie. “They’ve got planning advantages as well because of the parking.
Inset: Tracey Bryant and Terry Newton. Below right: Janet Hartree. Below left: Nilou Noorbaksh.
Inset: Terry making a point
And while I know that they’ve got to have a certain percentage of revenue generated by plants and related products, they are becoming out-of-town shopping centres. Someone needs to look at what their business really is and then redefine the rates so that there is greater parity with other retail businesses.”
As for the escalation of shoplifting, which now stands at a record high, there were some hard hitting facts. “It’s become a crisis for us, where we’re constantly seeing repeat offenders, and it is not sustainable. Everything will have to go up because of the shoplifting crisis and we’ll all be paying for it,” said Priya. “The police would love to prosecute but they haven’t got enough resources or enough time. It happens again and again and I’m really getting tired of it. Shoplifters are also stealing to order from the dark web, picking and choosing what they want, then arriving on a moped to pick up the goods. How do you stop that?”
continued Priya. “Staff don’t want to come in to work because they don’t want to endanger themselves on the front line. It’s one of the reasons why we don’t hire young people - that girl is somebody’s daughter. So, who can I hire? It doesn’t help when Tik Tok tells people which shops are easy to steal from - that needs to be stopped. We need more police on the streets and more funding. London may have been the first city to have been badly hit, but shoplifting is spreading like wildfire and will eventually kill off the high street. The government is saying that it will prosecute shoplifters stealing goods worth less than £200, but I’ll believe it when I see it. Shoplifting and breakages used to represent 10% a year for us, now it represents 25%.”
Tracey and Terry pointed out that with supermarkets and supermarket ‘locals’ - as well as stores like Boots - getting hit the hardest, shoplifting spills into other shops, with Terry adding: “We’re getting hit by shoplifters as never before. And there’s a lot of organised crime going on too,” he stated. “One of our staff, a woman in her late ‘50s, who treats the shop as her own, got slapped around the face and the police said
they needed to be there when it was happening to prioritise the level of violence,” said Nilou. “Shockingly, I have also seen a member of staff being literally battered. She was groomed for a year by one of our regular customers. Although she was buying clothes, the woman had been stealing as well.”
At Elphicks, Sandie said there had been a significant increase in shoplifters and, for
gloves in July, because of the influx of international tourists, and we sold lots of umbrellas too.”
Sandie said that the category that has been most affected by the weather has been fashion. “You’ve only got a certain window, so instantly you’re having to move the stock on. However, as a department store, we have a lot of different categories so, for example, homewares hasn’t been significantly affected. But the rain has definitely impacted on footfall.”
the first time, the store now has a security guard walking around. “What we do know is that shoplifters go for the high value brands. We also know that there are some very organised gangs working in the area and that they come places such as Portsmouth.”
As for the deluge of rain this year, how were retailers affected? “Our shops that are exposed to the weather are more affected by it,” said Tracey. “We have a couple that are sheltered, that people can get to without getting too wet, but then there’s the other side of the coin as to what happens when it’s too hot. One example is that our Belgian chocolates melt!”
Sara commented: “Unseasonally, we were selling scarves and
As for the shipping crisis, with gift retailers now buying for the festive season, how is it affecting their decisions?
“Having placed some orders already, due to arrive in August, I’m currently not too worried about things,
Inset: From left to right: Janet Hartree, Sara Baines, Andrea Pinder and Mark Rees. Below centre: Andrea Pinder (centre) with Sara Baines (left) and Mark Rees. Bottom: Priya Aurora-Crowe.
including if the orders get delayed a bit,” commented Mark. “A lot of our suppliers brought in products earlier because they know they’ve got to have items in stock,” with Tracey adding that some of her suppliers had a cut off date of February, instead of March, for Christmas orders this year. “Placing and accepting orders earlier is something positive we can do to help our suppliers and that will be remembered when things ease off,” Janet pointed out.
However, as Nilou highlighted, placing Christmas orders early, and paying for them up front, can lead to cash flow issues. “There does have to be a balance between wholesalers and the retail side,” she commented. “There are so many great brands out there, so if something I’ve ordered doesn’t arrive then I can replace it with something else, but why should I be doing the chasing up?” something Sandie concurred with. “There does seem to be a lack of communication,” she agreed. “It’s not the first year that this has happened, it’s the third year, with last year tricky too. The main thing for all of us is that if you know where you stand you can avert it, or you can plan for it, or you can take a decision. It works both ways. This year, we will be very much on top of orders and will be checking, and double checking as to where things are to avoid that situation.”
coming in and I’m auntie Andrea/granny Pinder to all the children, giving each one a treat such as a chocolate lolly.”
At Lark, Priya asks her staff to dress up in Halloween costumes. “We have a competition and people really enjoy it and make an effort.”
As for Halloween, although it’s getting to be a bigger occasion in the UK, it’s not huge for gift shops. “We do more of an Autumnal window,” said Tracey, “adding a few Halloween items so that we touch it, but not in a big way.” Although Andrea also creates an Autumnal window, she does put in some more serious, colour-coordinated Halloween product. “We get lots of families
As for a hunch regarding how customers will be spending this Christmas, there was a general air of positivity. “I think we all agree that retail is a risk business, and there’s one time that hits peak, but we’re in a good area and people aren’t stupid with their money. So as long as we’re offering value for money people will buy into it. I also think it’s hugely important to make people feel confident when they enter the store, which means setting your stall out with well stocked shelves. Christmas is that one time of year when people will go that little bit further,” added Sandie.
“Obviously, in a cost of living crisis, people might have less in their purse, but we all need treats too, so I think they might spend even more this Christmas,” predicted Priya. “If we target it correctly, with more entry price points, I think our shops will be fine.” Added Nilou, “being independents, we can respond very quickly to that scenario, so giving people that feelgood factor when they come in will be important. We will therefore be
pushing all the buttons!” with Sara adding that shoppers might look to shop early and spread the cost as they have done over the past few years.
“I’m confident, but I always get nervous,” admitted Andrea. “If you’ve got the right products, and the price points meet most people’s needs, and items offer value, then it will be fine,” a view that was shared by Mark.
Continued Andrea: “We also offer a free, professional giftwrapping service, with an optional charity donation. In fact, we offer the same free giftwrap to people who haven’t bought gifts from us, because the donations add to the fundraising. It’s a service we pride ourselves on.”
As for fourth quarter trends, Priya highlighted everything relating to cowboy boots, Andrea pointed to wellbeing, bath and body products and sentiment candles, Mark championed wax melts and Nilou highlighted Korean beauty products. Clearly, it’s all to play for!
Above: Sandie Jenkins, Tracey Bryant and Terry Newton.
Below Left: Sandie Jenkins. Below right: Mark Rees and Andrea Pinder.
simon@harrogatefair.com
Sar Ward IN CONVERSATION WITH...
“Look back and see how far you’ve come, the mountains you have climbed. You’ll get there when you’re meant to, one step at a time.” (Stacey McNeill, Fox Under The Moon, Gift of the Year 2023/2024 People’s Choice winner).
The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward reflects on her 20 years in the gift industry, to include almost nine with the GA, and how far, professionally, she has come.
This October marks my milestone 20 years in the gift industry, something I am, of course, hugely proud to celebrate. Having spent my career working in the corporate world, where I held senior positions, as well as in the wholesale sector as a director of a successful major greeting card and giftwrap publisher, I truly feel that today I’m where I was meant to be.
When I was offered the opportunity to take the helm of The Giftware Association almost a decade ago – it will be nine years in October - it was not only a far cry from my previous roles, but also my experience. It meant joining a non-profit organisation for the first time and navigating my way along a new and unfamiliar career path, but from the get-go I was determined to put my own professional stamp on the role. For example, a stipulation of my taking the job was changing the GA’s branding, and today, nothing gives me greater pleasure, or is more humbling, than seeing the instantly recognisable Gift of the Year logo in print and online, as well as prominently displayed on stands at trade shows up and down the country, and in a growing number of retail outlets too.
And on the subject of the Gift of the Year competition, it has, of course, grown
20 Years On
exponentially over the past few years – a huge shout out to our marketing and PR manager Chris Workman! – elevating it to another level. The ever-increasing number of entries we receive each year is certainly a testament to that, and I’m proud to say that we now have a panel of around 100 judges. Additionally, to be at the helm of a nonprofit organisation for almost a decade has meant looking for interesting collaborations where we’re able to give more than we take in monetary terms. Through my previous business experience, I’m able to offer support and advice to all types of businesses, from a fledgling startup to a multi-£million company.
Our aim as a trade body is to help, inspire, innovate and, most importantly, support and relate to companies in the gift industry through the vast educational resources we offer – 130 pieces of content and counting. There are also our many events, our webinars, plus so much else besides. It feels good to know that every piece of advice we offer, and which is implemented, can make a positive
difference to someone’s business. Companies can really see the benefits of membership, regarding the GA as a very valuable business tool.
Over the past nine years, I like to think that the GA has become a brand that has filled its shoes and more, with a right to be at the party. Along with team members Chris, Victoria and Alina, we feel extremely proud to be making ourselves ever more relevant in the gift industry and to really belong in it. When we walk round a trade show, people know who we are.
It has, of course, been achieved one step at a time, but when we look back, we can really see how far we’ve come as an organisation, and as a team. It’s uplifting and rewarding to see and hear about the tangible difference we have made and are continuing to make. Every day continues to be a learning curve, and as I celebrate my 20 years in the gift industry in a few weeks’ time, I feel very inspired in taking the next steps for the GA as its proud ceo, building on the association’s many successes.” Email: sarah.ward@ga-uk.org
Left: The GA’s ceo Sarah Ward.
Below: Fox Under The Moon’s One Step at A Time greeting card range won the Gift of the Year’s People’s Choice Award this year.
A summer ‘open house’ at the company’s showroom in July saw Lesser & Pavey unveil over 1,800 new lines for AW24 which includes hundreds of new items featuring stunning new artwork from existing and new artists.
Now Autumn Fair beckons, (1-4 September, NEC, Hall 7J40-Hall 6A41), with managing director Julian Hunt, and director Jonny Greves, revealing some of the company’s newest launches.
NEW, New, NEW
Although our showroom is open all year round, including weekends by appointment, holding a summer event in July has been a really good way for buyers to see not only our new AW24 launches, but also the vast array of successful ongoing products” says Lesser & Pavey’s managing director Julian Hunt. “Customers enjoy coming to visit and they always get a very warm reception from our team and cannot wait to come back.”
explains. “Forest Friends is a new nursery collection featuring frames, plaques and melamine beakers, bowls and plates, to mention but a few. There is also a striking new Poppy Fields collection by Finola. Poppies have always been a top seller for
One highlight for the coming season is the introduction of new artist Finola Stack, who joins the likes of Bug Art, Hearts Design, Jennifer Rose, Lynsey Johnstone and The Macneil Studio - all of whom are now wellestablished best sellers for the company.
“We have a number of new introductions using Finola’s exclusive designs,” Julian
Lesser & Pavey, and its brightly coloured modern look is already proving extremely popular,” he continues. “We are also introducing another new collection from Finola named Animals Behaving Badly. This collection of mugs, laptrays, coasters and placemats features fun loving chickens, hares, ducks, pigs, cows, horses and Highland cows in brightly coloured, quirky designs.”
Staying with homewares, there are also brand new additions to the very successful Elements collection of reactive glaze
ceramics. “This is a range of mugs, kitchenware and snack dishes that we first introduced nearly two years ago,” Jonny explains. “These have been great additions to our range, sitting alongside our Tuscany bowls and mugs and are all top sellers for both kitchenware and giftware customers.” Additionally, sitting prominently on display in the showroom are new hand painted gin glasses, wine glasses and vases using the distinctive floral designs by Lynsey Johnstone. “Aside from glassware being very giftable, these products have become very collectable too,” Jonny points out, “with each piece containing a booklet inside the gift box showing other designs available.”
Also becoming very collectable are the company’s growing collection of Highland
Above: Eight new hand painted designs from Lynsey Johnson. Centre left: Julian Hunt, managing director, Lesser & Pavey. Centre right: Lesser & Pavey director Jonny Greves.
Inset: Rechargeable, portable table lamps can be used indoors and outdoors.
Inset: Plaques and giftware in the Love & Affection collection.
Cows which, having started as a range of cute pieces, has expanded to include sentiment themed pieces: Family, Friends, Love and Home.
Lighting too, is another growth sector, with Jonny Greves highlighting new portable and rechargeable table lamps, in a variety of colours and finishes. “They’re suitable for both indoors and outdoors and are an expanding part of our wider lighting range,” confirms Jonny. As well as traditional table lamps, all are supplied complete with complementing shades, with lights such as the new Squishy Kiddy night lights in different fun animal shapes.
Meanwhile, with home fragrancing continuing to go from strength to strength,
the company’s Desire home fragrance collection of candles and reed diffusers is expanding. “They’re an easy, popular purchase for any occasion,” says Julian, “with everything affordably priced in stylish packaging making them extremely giftable.”
Last autumn, the company introduced 500ml and 1 litre reed diffusers. “They make a big statement piece in any room, and are very popular with furniture and lifestyle retailers, as well as gift shops, with people buying them as a home décor ornament,” Jonny points out. “We’ve also got new and exclusive diffuser bottles and matching candles in autumn/winter tones that match well with trending interior colours.” These feature bespoke fragrances, including popular blends such as Oud & Bergamot, Pomegranate & Peony, Velvet Rose and Cashmere & Silk. Helpful for consumers, all sizes of diffusers have a tester at the side of the gift box which allows people to smell the fragrance without having to unpack and open the bottle. “It’s very simple and very effective and has, without doubt, helped increase sales for our customers,” Jonny explains.
Meanwhile, the company is continuing to increase its commitment to reducing its
carbon footprint. As well as eliminating the use of plastics wherever possible, last year, Lesser & Pavey introduced products made out of 100% recycled plastic bottles to include the Cute ‘n’ Soft RPET Pals – a collection of supersoft plush toys - and RPET travel mugs which replaced the company’s previous very successful range of bamboo-based travel mugs.
Plus, as Halloween becomes a bigger occasion year-on-year in the UK, the company has expanded its offering. “There’s definitely a demand to decorate the home, with people copying the influencers that feature more and more on social media,” says Jonny.
With the peak Christmas season on the horizon, how does Julian feel about the ongoing Red Sea shipping crisis? “The delays to the transit time have become the norm, and there’s no sign of anything changing in the foreseeable future, with goods currently taking an additional three to four weeks to arrive,” says Julian. “We have, for some time now, planed our buying accordingly, and are developing new products earlier than ever,” he continues. “This allows us to launch products earlier and, most importantly, to deliver them on time.”
What advice would Julian and Jonny give to retailers at the moment?
“Make quick decisions,” they state. “Order early, especially for Christmas, otherwise products may not be available further down the line. Also, retailers need to back their hunches when they see products they fancy, and to be brave and buy good quantities, as the best sellers probably won’t be repeatable.”
year including food gifts such as Christmas design mugs packed with hot chocolate & marshmallow bombs and Santa, Snowman and Rudolph footed bowls filled with cookies.
“Like the many customers who visited our showroom in July, we too, are feeling very positive about the coming months,” states Julian. “With so many innovative new products at such affordable prices, we’re looking forward to Autumn Fair in early September (Hall 7J40 – Hall 6 A41), and to welcoming both existing and new customers to our stand.”
As for the run up to Christmas, Julian says that over 95% of the company’s 2024 festive product ranges has been sold, with new additions this
Right: The popular Mice Family.
Inset: The Florenze glass range works with both traditional and modern interiors.
Inset: Colourful, patterned mugs.
Inset: Trending products include the Happy Highland Cow range.
Please contact us for a trade catalogue: Tel 01460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk
FUN FOR EVERYONE!
- One of our most popular collections of all time, now made from recycled materials!
- Year-round best-sellers, loved by children and adults alike!
- Featuring new & much-loved characters For more information or to view our catalogue: www.thepuppetcompany.com info@thepuppetcompany.com, +44 (0)1462 446040
The end of another academic year means one thing – it’s time to start gearing up and preparing for the madness to come in the fourth quarter with Halloween and Christmas!
As usual, we had an influx of children and their parents rushing into the shop to buy teachers’ gifts from the start of July. These purchases typically seem to range between £5 to £20, and it’s no surprise that our best sellers for the occasion this year were from our Life Charms’ bracelet range. Retailing at £15.99, they are the perfect pick up and go gift – even more so when they’re finished with a big, bright Lovely Libby’s bow! Our top sellers for teachers’ gifts were, of course, the ‘Best Teacher’ bracelet, along with the ‘Thank You’ bracelet, which a lot of people opted towards for learning assistant gifts.
On the topic of Life Charms, we couldn’t seem to keep our ‘Graduation’ bracelet in stock this year, and it’s definitely highlighted the need to hunt for a wider range of graduation gifts next year - in particular, graduation gifts for boys. Whether these be token keepsakes, or something a little more, our eyes will definitely be peeled at the shows!
A new teacher’s gift product for us that sold particularly well was the Rosie Made A Thing coasters. We’ve stocked the everyday range for a while now and customers love them, so we knew they’d love the teacher’s edition too.
We had three different designs, and they were a complete sell out, often being purchased as an add on gift with their enticing price of just £3.50.
Now, our focus has firmly turned to Halloween and Christmas, with our deliveries arriving thick and fast.
We’re definitely excited to see how our Halloween collection goes down this year, as we have opted towards the more gimmicky décor ranges for the first time ever. We’ve always played it safe with Halloween decorations in previous years, opting towards more interior friendly and aesthetic pieces. However, this year
Libbys Lines ’
With teachers’ and graduation gifts having made the tills ring in July, Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, is now firmly focused on Halloween and Christmas – as well as becoming a first-time mum in September!
In this her last PG&H column for now, Libby shares her approach to buying for the all-important fourth quarter.
at the shows, we found that pretty much every company was embracing the spooky season in its entirety, with ghosts, ghouls and witches around every corner – and witches are definitely a key theme for us this year. My favourites are the range we’ve sourced from Langs. Complete with a pointy nose and a broomstick, I’ve got a feeling they’re set to be this year’s best selleralthough, our range from Giftware Trading might give the witches a run for their money! Their ceramic range of smiling pumpkins and ghosts last year were by far the most popular pieces in our autumn collection, so we were over the moon when we saw they’d expanded this range while ordering at Spring Fair.
dThe newest edition is a little googly eyed hanging spider, one of which will definitely be coming home with me!
Halloween sales seem to be going from strength to strength as the years go on, but with the cost of living crisis and economic struggles, we would be lying if we weren’t a little apprehensive as to whether sales may be down in 2024 as a result – but I guess we will have to wait and see!
As for Christmas preparations, we’ve had to make sure we are extra organised this year as we have a new recruit joining us in September! Life is about to get even busier for me now as a first time mum running two shops and an online business at the busiest time of the year. Wish me luck!
GHOSTS, GHOULS AND WITCHES
Above left: Halloween witches are a key theme for Lovely Libby’s.
Growth Going For
Aand Jo Martin, co-owners of home fragrance company Potters Crouch, sold the business to family owned Société Grassoise de Parfumerie (SGP). “But the company said, we’re not only buying the brands we’re buying you,” explains David, who was appointed as ceo in the UK, where his remit is to purchase fragrance brands with the aim of replacing the existing fragrances with a better quality perfume at a better price. “Since I started out in business, I’ve always looked to produce product faster, better, cheaper and more effectively,” he states.
“Under The Fragrance House brand, in addition to our own brands, Potters Crouch, The Wellness Company and McKelvie Candles, we bought the Wired
Retail Group at the end of May, and their brands Wax Kind and Cosy Aromas,” highlights David. “Most recently, at the beginning of July, we also bought bath and body company Betty Hula and recently took over the commercial side of Ballard Home.”
In fact, Potters Crouch goes right back to the 1980s. “In 2011, it was left to Jo – now the
started to develop our own brands, and from then on it has always been my aim to increase the quality of the fragrances and lower the price. I believe in business, you either have to do something up to a standard or down to a price, and I have always been an up to a standard man. And it’s because Société Grassoise de Parfumerie/The Fragrance House owns the whole supply chain - from the flower to the fragrance - that we can achieve this.”
company’s creative maestro - as part of an inheritance,” he explains. “As a former business consultant, I’d been retired for some two or three years and hated retirement, so when Jo, an old friend, asked me to join her in the business - which, at the time, was only doing white label, something we dropped some years ago – I jumped at the opportunity, especially as I knew a bit about fragrance. In 2018 we
He believes that the panacea for retailers is to deliver to their customers the finest possible product at a modest price that totally belies the quality, and that that solution is now possible for all retailers of home fragrance, bath and body and more, with the partnership designed to cut a swathe through long supply chains and go straight from maker to seller. “We see it as a breakthrough solution to deliver ever improving quality at lower prices across the board,” states David.
From their base in Grasse, France, Société Grassoise de Parfumerie has embarked on a programme to drastically truncate the supply chain by taking raw materials, manufacturing the finest quality perfumery, and then making it into home fragrance finished
Inset: The Fragrant Life diffuser contains real flowers.
Below left: The Fragrance House recently took over the commercial side of Ballard House.
products. “The result is the finest scented candle fragrances on the market retailing for between £11 and £18,” David highlights. “Unrivalled quality reed diffusers are reduced in price to £17.99 etc.”
He continues: “This hugely exciting new approach gives us direct access to the very finest fragrances it is possible to make, and to do so at a value that allows us to wholesale them at modest prices. It means the retailer can sell a product that would otherwise be £30-40 for less than £20. Of course, in all of this, our value proposition around quality, sustainability, ethics and value will not change. We are registered and approved by PETA and adhere to the highest standards both in product quality and in manufacturing.”
product that they are blown away by the fragrance,” he explains. “So, we are working on giving retailers testers and point of sale material, as well as expanding our social media presence, with everything aimed at driving consumers into retailers. As an example, in our Fragrant Life range, we have recently launched a diffuser that has real flowers in it, but it will only be sold at retail –
As well as the successful brands that The Fragrance House has already acquired, David is on the lookout for other quality names who might be added to the SGP family.
“For example, we are currently in discussion with a major brand in the UK, and are actively seeking other brands, large and small, who could grow with us,” he explains. His view of the home fragrance marketplace is that there are those consumers who will always be price driven, but the growing sector is those who demand quality, sustainability and ethical standards and are no longer prepared to pay a premium for it.
Explains David: “Increasingly, consumers are no longer willing to turn a blind eye to things like animal testing or de-forestation. As a result, manufacturers are having to take greater care as to where they source supplies, and what they charge for formerly ‘premium’ features. For example, while the growth in demand for top quality reed diffusers continues, our research has shown that consumers want a good eight to 12 weeks life from the product, fine quality natural and organic fragrances, natural reeds and flowers, and minimal packaging – but they want all of that for about £20, and sales slow rapidly the further you exceed that perceived value point. At Potters Crouch for example, our biggest growth area this year has been our top quality Wellness range with reed diffusers well under the £20 price point and our Fragrant Life diffuser promoted at £19.99.”
He sees the biggest challenge for The Fragrance House as convincing retailers and consumers that the modestly priced brand is as good or better than some of the other higher priced brands in the marketplace.
“Currently, it’s only when people sample the
David Brown: The Lowdown
Words that best describe you? “Integrity, honesty decency.” What was your first job? “After leaving Dundee university, I became a consultant because I enjoyed, and still enjoy, solving business problems.”
What was the best piece of advice that you were given?
“My father said whatever you’re going to be, be kind, and I’ve tried all my life to be kind. I can sleep comfortably in my bed at night.”
What piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in business?
“On the one hand work hard, because no-one owes you a living. On the other hand, deal honourably. It will come back to bless you.”
not online - because we are committed to the retail trade.”
As for opportunities going forward, David says that when the time is right, he and Jo would like to add bath and body products to The Fragrance House collection to include soap, shampoo, conditioner and body wash.
“Ultimately, we want to be known as a fragrance company where you get absolute quality that doesn’t cost the earth, and quality that will have the consumer coming back time and again,” he states.
For now though, David is on the hunt for more acquisitions. “I genuinely have a huge passion for the business and love what I do,” he enthuses. “Even when I have an opportunity to relax, I drive round the country to visit our retail customers. That’s what reenergises me. I get a wonderful pleasure from that, and I couldn’t be more excited to be at the helm of The Fragrance House and driving the business forward.”
Left: David Brown, ceo, The Fragrance House. Below: Part of the Wellness range from Potters Crouch.
Above: Betty Hula is a recent acquisition.
It’s Getting To Smell A Lot Like Christmas
With gift retailers well and truly into their festive buying, Christmas fragrances are inevitably among the products at the top of the list, with suppliers bringing the traditional, as well as a few contemporary blends, into homes over the coming months. Longevity is also the name of the game, so look out for larger vessels for both candles and reed diffusers in response to consumer demand. PG&H did some sniffing around to discover what else is trending.
Nothing says Christmas like fragrance, especially those scents that conjure up nostalgic memories. Whether they’re cosy and warm, foodie and festive, or reminiscent of Christmas trees and the seasonal outdoors, they all help to create a festive ambience.
Candlelight’s marketing director Kate Winch says that LED candles continue to be increasingly popular for autumnal/Christmas decor due to their safety, longevity, and versatility. “We have experimented with vessels and colours to make these more attractive for the season,” highlights Kate. “We have also launched a
range of new fragrances for Christmas. Scents, such as Spiced Caramel Waffle, Blackberry Pancake, Fig and Apple, Cinnamon Buns, and Cabin In The Woods, which evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia that are perfect for the holiday season.”
She adds that for larger customers, candle pallet deals and floor standing display units (FSDUs) are becoming very popular, offering a quick turnaround for seasonal buys.
“The trend of ‘bigger is better’ is prominent in home fragrance in AW24,” she points out. “Consumers are gravitating towards larger vessels that hold more wax and multiple wicks, ensuring a longerlasting and more intense aromatic experience. This also extends to the larger reed diffusers that can last up to a year,” states Kate.
At Yankee Candle, traditional scents and colours remain strong over the festive season. “People naturally connect to these nostalgic scents evoking fond memories of joyful times,” says Enesco’s trade marketing manager Aylish Ellwood. “Bold reds and greens, buttery rich vanilla, sparkling cool grey, combined with festive spices, cinnamon, ginger and chilled bergamot, are as popular as ever.”
At Gisela Graham, the company’s
Christmas fragrance offer focuses entirely on candles, with a wide selection of warm, seasonal scents. “Presented in design-led boxes, and with matching printed glass pots, our unique candles, in two sizes, are ideal for gifting,” says the company’s commercial director Mark Jones. Popular festive fragrances include Christmas Pudding, Cinnamon, Apple & Ginger Snap, Gingerbread, Wild Berries and Mixed Spices.
Inset: Christmas fragrance from Yankee Candle. Bottom right: LED candles are leading the way for Candlelight. Bottom left: Gisela Graham’s Nutcracker scented boxed mini candles.
Staying with the foodie theme, Freckleface’s Christmas collection in collaboration with licensing partner the RHS, is Warm Spice, which includes six boxed wax melts. “It’s our best selling Christmas fragrance, with the products topped with botanicals,” explains Freckleface’s co-owner Tara Carlile-Swift. The scent features a heady mix of ripe fruits, spices and smoky undertones, with Wild Berries too, another collaboration with the RHS, also ringing up sales for the festive season.
Marmalade’s new Christmas range features four fragrances - Precious Spice, a rich warm festive fragrance in a dark red vessel/packaging and Winter Fir that smells like a Christmas tree and comes in a white vessel/packaging. There is also Wild Berry and Bramble featuring rich green cassis combined with earthy woods, in a dark green vessels/packaging, and Midnight Woods, a blend of black lilies, violets and vanilla. “We think that, more than ever, buying good quality British products will be
fragrance oils,” says Ashleigh & Burwood’s commercial director Ben Parkhouse. “We are keeping to the traditional festive colours of scarlet red, frosted white and mint green with this the first year that the majority of our Christmas range will be manufactured here in the UK.”
Best Kept Secrets meanwhile, has expanded the company’s Gift of the Year award-winning Just Because Three Lite Boxes range with a new Christmas collection which introduces three new festive scents:
“We're returning to the traditional Christmas spirit this year, fully embracing the festive colours of red, green and white, with our reimagined Advent Candles for Christmas 2024 enabling users to countdown to Christmas,” highlights Paul Banyard, co-founder of Cotton & Grey, Each box includes 24 candles, a pop-up Happy Christmas card and a ceramic holder. People can light one candle each day throughout Advent to enhance relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, and wellbeing.”
important to consumers,” says Marmalade’s co-founder Helen McLeod.
Ashleigh & Burwood too, is embracing the festive spirit with a wide of range of Christmas-themed home fragrance through the company’s The Scented Home and Ashleigh & Burwood brands. “By popular demand, we are continuing with our tried and tested most successful festive scentsWhite Christmas, Frosted Holly and Christmas Spice - across a number of key products including new 100ml diffusers, new 170g candles, new 50ml room sprays and new
Mulled Cranberries & Orange, Sparkling Snowflakes, and Warm Gingerbread. “These new fragrances capture the warmth, joy and nostalgia of the festive season, creating a cosy atmosphere in the home,” says managing director Vanessa Curry.
New for Christmas from Henry & Co. is Rhubarb & Cinnamon which has notes of cooked Apple, Sandalwood and Vanilla to give a subtle fruity scent. “Conjuring up the feeling of togetherness and community is a big focus in our festive fragrances this year,” confirms creative director Jo Ashton. “With the introduction of Rhubarb & Cinnamon we want consumers to be inspired with thoughts of baking in the kitchen, creating feasts for Christmas gatherings and family time.”
The new scent will be available across the range to include a candle, reed diffuser, wax
Inset: Freckleface’s Warm Spice. Top left: Cotton & Grey Advent candles set. Bottom left: The Precious Spice collection from Marmalade.
Below left: Ashleigh & Burwood’s The Scented Home Christmas range.
Below right: Best Kept Secrets Three Lite Boxes Christmas collection.
melts and the company’s Artisan wax melt bar.
Also adding to that festive feeling is Paddywax from Designworks Collective. Brand new are Christmas two wick candles that have been hand illustrated with Christmas scenes. “We’ve also got Christmas tree shaped candles for tablescaping,” confirms Design Collective’s sales director for the UK and Ireland, James Mountfield. “Plus, we offer giftable incense houses decorated with Christmas illustrations with everything in the Christmas range featuring our signature fragrance, Cyprus & Fir.”
Eucalyptus scents, with all fragrances coming in Christmas coloured containers, presented in deluxe gift packaging in 100ml and 200ml sizes.
Meanwhile, getting everyone in the Christmas spirit are new launches from Widdop & Co which include spirit/cocktail scents from Northern Lights, Mistletoe Martini, Cranberry Mimosa, Vanilla Hot Toddy and Winter Aperol Spritz.
Also introducing new Christmas fragrances and themed diffusers for the festive season is Lesser & Pavey, with the company adding to its festive home decorations with complementary fragrances. “The new range adds to our popular Desire range of diffusers and candles,” says Lesser & Pavey’s managing director Julian Hunt.
The new Christmas fragrances include Winterberries and Poinsettia, and Pine and
At Aromatize, customer care manager, Sophie Aldred, spotlights two different Christmas designs in the Silhouette range. “One is a traditional Merry Christmas message with a filigree inspired pattern, while the second is a snowflake and bauble design which is particularly effective as a carousel jar shade, with the heat of the candle turning the shade projecting
Festive Incense
Temple of Incense has unveiled an array of hand-wrapped, ethically crafted, vegan home fragrance gifts for Christmas to include The Ultimate Christmas Gift Set, which includes three seasonal scents - Festive Kiss, Vanilla Woods and Three Kings – as well as a Seven Chakra wide wooden incense holder. Also new from the company for the festive season is The Earth Gift Set and mitti, and a hand painted Heer Kashmiri incense holder which can be used as a trinket tray when not burning incense, and Three Kings incense sticks. Adds Temple of Incense’s cofounder Sam Aydee: “We have also introduced a new range of Kashmiri holders.”
the imagery. There are also new introductions to the Michel Design Works collection, where we have both Christmas and Halloween designs,” adds Sophie. Of course, in the run up to the festive season especially, home fragrance gift sets make a popular gift. “Our Ignite Collection includes Fireside and Frankincense & Myrrh,” says Demi Pendakis, founder and owner of FYG. Meanwhile, nothing says Christmas like robins, which artist and illustrator Meg Hawkins has featured on her debut Christmas range, The Hearth. “It features the fragrance Finross and reflects pine forests and the seasonal outdoors,” explains Meg.
For gift retailers, there’s a wealth of formats and fragrances to choose from, as people get ready to fill their homes – and treat their friends - to the scents of the season.
Above: New Christmas fragrances and themed diffusers from Lesser & Pavey.
Right: Rhubarb & Cinnamon is new Christmas fragrance from Henry & Co. Centre right: Winter Aperol Spritz from Northern Lights, distributed by Widdop & Co.
Below: Wacky Wax’s candy cane candles.
Above: Temple of Incense’s new Earth incense sticks.
Right: Aromatize’s Christmas Silhouette range.
Inset: The Hearth is a new Christmas fragrance from Meg Hawkins Art.
1: Scent-sational Unique Fragrances
Waxkind is new from The Fragrance House - a brand that is Earth Kind without compromising on fragrance. Nose kind, fragrances are made with natural and organic plant compounds and essential oils; Plant kind, no endangered plants are harvested for the fragrances and flowers are planted to give back to nature; Animal kind, all of the products are cruelty free and the company is accredited by PeTA; and Wallet kind which will hopefully have customers coming back for more. The products are also environmentally kind, with reusable moulds made from recycled plastic and packaging is FSC certified and 100% biodegradable. Hundreds of trees have also been planted from profits to offset the carbon footprint. There are 40 fragrances and being owned by a perfumery means all are unique to the company. With 60-90 hours burn time per 50g pack of wax melts, Waxkind really is the ‘Best Kind’. The Fragrance House
T: 01727 836454
E: enquiries@tfhltd.co.uk
W: www.tfhltd.co.uk
2: The Botanical Candles
FYG - Gift of the Year winner in Home Fragrance - has launched its new botanicals candles. A feel-good collection of fruity, floral, grass and woodland combinations, which seek to stimulate the senses and recreate the unadulterated pleasure of the great outdoors.Inspired by classic gardens from English literature, each candle celebrates the various benefits of the natural world on the mind, body and soul.
FYG
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 6L15
T: 0208 914 7974
E: demi@fyghome.com
W: www.fyghome.com
3: Fabulous New Fragrances
Following the successful launch of the Luminescence Collection in the spring, the award winning Best Kept Secrets has now introduced five new fragrances: Marshmallow and Green Pistachio, Sugared Violets and Vanilla, Soft Linen and Eucalyptus, Madagascan Vanilla and Salted Caramel, and Something Rouge. The additions further enhance the vibrant and affordable home fragrance range.
Best Kept Secrets
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 6M26-20A27
T: 01670 512222
E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
4: Freckleface Collaborates with Laura Ashley
Freckleface has unveiled a new range of products in collaboration with Laura Ashley. The range brings together two family founded businesses that launched at the kitchen table using traditional artisan methods. The three fragrances are all inspired by nature from Rosemary and Bay Leaf, to Daffodils and Wild Flowers and Freesias and Freshly Washed Linens. All scents are available in candles, diffusers, snap bars and scent sachets.
Freckleface Home Fragrance
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 20A11 & Glee, Stand 9H11
T: 01778 393 699
E: hello@frecklefacehomefragrance.com
W: www.frecklefacetrade.com
5: New Just Because Wax Melt Cards
After winning Gift of the Year in Home Fragrance this May, Best Kept Secrets is also expanding its popular Just Because collection with new products for special occasion gifting. The brand has launched new Just Because wax melt cards, featuring eight large or 16 small wax melt cubes in all Just Because range scents. The wax melts are ideal for celebrating friends, family and special occasions, and can be personalised like the popular tins, adding extra sentimental value. Responding to retailer feedback, Best Kept Secrets has also created personalised options for the awardwinning Just Because Three Lites Boxes. Customers can now add their own text to the boxes, making gifts more personal. The move underscores the brand’s commitment to quality, affordability and sustainability.
Best Kept Secrets
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 6M26-20A27
T: 01670 512222
E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
New What s
Progressive Gifts &
Home
highlights some of the latest home fragrance products to be showcased this month
1: The Scented Home Gift Sets
The Scented Home Gift Sets are readymade for gifting. A beautifully presented gift box houses a trio of popular scented products in petite sizes - a mini Room Spray, mini Reed Diffuser and Votive Candle. Available in three bestselling scents of warm Moroccan Spice, floral Peony and airy Fresh Linen, these gifts sets are perfect for layering scent in the home.
Ashleigh & Burwood
T: +44 (0) 1932 267060
E: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk
W: https://ashleigh-burwood-trade.uk
2: The Gateway To Peace And Tranquility
The new Earth Incense Sticks from Temple of Incense are a harmonious blend of amber woods, earthy musk, tonka bean and mitti (Hindi for soil). Capturing the raw, earthy elements that keep you connected and grounded, Earth will bring the outside in. Whether you’re meditating, practicing yoga or looking to sync your body to the natural rhythms of the earth, Earth Incense Sticks are the gateway to peace and tranquillity.
Temple of Incense
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 20A03
T: 07742401079
E: hello@templeofincense.com
W: www.templeofincense.com
3: The Scented Home Car Fresheners
Customers can now take their favourite scents on the go. The Scented Home Car Fresheners feature two wooden fresheners in each pack, scented with 10 popular fragrances offering choice across the fragrance families. With an elastic for hanging, these small scent solutions are ideal to fragrance the car interior. A printed CDU of ten units is available for merchandising in-store.
Ashleigh & Burwood
T: +44 (0) 1932 267060
E: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk
W: https://ashleigh-burwood-trade.uk
4: Delightful, Sustainable And A Kind Heart
Introducing KimmyB, with a focus on crafting a range of eco-friendly and sustainable products to enhance your everyday. The 100% soy wax candles and mineral based fragrance diffusers are designed to complement your daily life with subtle scents that don't overwhelm. The Fragrance Flower Diffusers are a sustainable alternative to the traditional reed sticks, while the Refillable Tea-cup Candles have become a customer favourite since launching in early 2024, offering 35 hours of fragrance. A collaboration with Pancreatic Cancer UK has also resulted in a new line of memory candles - the range holds the message ‘Your Light Shines On'.
KimmyB
E: contact@kimmy-b.com
W: www.kimmy-b.com
5: The Botanical 100G Wax Melt Bar
FYG - a Gift of the Year winner in Home Fragrance - has launched its new botanical 100g melt bars. Coupled with the candles and diffusers, and inspired by classic gardens from English literature, each Wax Melt Bar celebrates the various benefits of the natural world on the mind, body and soul. Fruity, Floral, Grass and Woodland combinations are available.
FYG
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 6L15
T: 0208 914 7974
E: demi@fyghome.com
W: www.fyghome.com
New What s
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home fragrance products to be showcased this month
Nicola Hibon Jackson, owner of independent gift shop The Voewood in South East London’s Blackheath Standard, was not only the delighted winner of The Greats Best Non-Specialist Gift Retailer category in May, but proud to be among the finalists in the Best Retailer Initiative category. PG&H popped in to meet her to find out more about this award-winning store that is often referred to as ‘a local Liberty’ by customers.
There’s no getting away from it, Nicola Hibon Jackson was born to be in gift retail! From the age four, she was a regular at Spring and Autumn Fair, trawling the aisles with her parents, Jean and Peter Jackson, owners of a three storey gift shop, The Mugwump in Durham – founded by Jean in 1966 – and still going strong. “By the time I was 12, I was working in the shop at weekends and school holidays where I loved chatting to customers and helping with window and in store displays. Even when I became a freelance journalist in my 20’s, working in TV and radio news, and also in PR, I would diary note the dates of all the major gift and home exhibitions as I really loved going to shows, and would still help in
The Mugwump whenever I could.”
Of course, the dream was always to have a gift shop of her own, so when a medium sized unit became vacant in Blackheath Standard’s Old Dover Road – a stone’s throw from where she was now living with her husband and two children – Nicola thought, if not now, when? “That was 2015, and I haven’t looked back, even though I’ve had to cope with a 50% rent increase backdated to the start of Covid, lockdown, and, more recently, staying on top of the cost of living crisis,” she points out.
Continues Nicola: “Owning The Voewood –which is Scandinavian for a stream in a wood - has given my parents the opportunity to give me advice, instead of the other way round, even though we’re in very different trading locations. While their customers are a mix of tourists and students, I’m in a residential South London suburb, on a secondary site, catering for regular locals. Blackheath Standard is not a glamorous retail space like Greenwich Village or Blackheath, but people come in again and again to shop with us, where we keep our offer fresh, while continuing to stock their favourite brands.” (These include St Eval, The English Soap Company, One Hundred Stars, Miss Shorthair and Arthouse chocolates).
“We also look to give ourselves a point of difference – a reason for people to come
back again and again, which is predominantly to buy a gift for someone, rather than to self-purchase. We sell so many kimonos as gifts that we often joke that we should be seeing people wafting around the high street in them!”
The shop is both inspirational and aspirational, a mid-priced gift, fashion and home/interiors store that offers dresses, tops, trousers, skirts, kimonos, jewellery, scarves, bags, women’s casual lace-ups, unisex boots, sunglasses, sun hats, table decorations, The Little Voewood for babies and children’s gifts, as well as cushions and throws, chocolates, greeting cards, giftwrap,
Inset: The Voewood in Blackheath Standard, South East London. Below: Scarves fly off the shelves.
stationery, fragrance, beauty, bath and body and chalk paint.
Nicola says that the concept of The Voewood is based around what she likes herself, finds useful or gets enjoyment from. There’s a board outside that says: “Beautiful things to wear, to use and to enjoy”. Explains Nicola: “Take our Frenchic chalk wall paint. I enjoy using it myself and love the fact a customer can buy it from The Voewood and quickly transform a piece of furniture, for example, in their home. Plus, it also brings people into the store from outside areas, such as Islington in North London, as we are their nearest stockist.”
come rain or shine!” She adds that the cost of living crisis has also had an impact, highlighting end of term teachers and key nursery workers gifts. “Four years ago, customers would spend between £25-£40 on an individual, but we aren’t seeing that kind of spend any more.”
So, what’s in the pipeline for the rest of the year? “With a current focus on the home, and to complement our chalk paint, I’m looking to bring in more product on the interior side, with my eye on brands such as Bloomingville and Tweed Mill, where I’m hoping to pull a cohesive look together for the coming season. There is also the possibility that I might do a collaboration with an interior designer too,” she adds. “Something else I would like to introduce is own brand candles and reed diffusers, and to bring in product fanfaring our location, such as mugs.”
Prices range from £5.99 for a gift-led lip balm or small chocolate treat to well over £100 for clothing and boots, which women come in to buy as a gift primarily for their menfolk.
With such an extensive range of product, merchandising is key to The Voewood, with experienced team members Jackie Stater and Jo Farris taking charge. “They bring a lot of passion and generosity of spirit to the role,” emphasises Nicola. “They are both very methodical and ordered, keeping control of the stock too, and the three of us work well together as a team.”
As for challenges this year, Nicola points to the weather. “The rain has definitely affected sales, particularly on the fashion side, where we buy clothing months in advance. However, fortunately, people still send cards
Will there be another issue of The Voewood magazine that saw Nicola shortlisted in The Greats Best Retailer Initiative category? “It’s definitely a possibility,” she states. “If we do bring out a fourth issue, then aside from gifts and fashion, I would like to include features on interesting local people as well.” Meanwhile, Nicola has been instrumental in putting up banners in and around Old Dover Road, promoting Blackheath Standard as the place to ‘shop local’ at independent retailers across the board, to include, of course, The Voewood.
Looking ahead to the festive season, Nicola says that she is
“super-excited” about Christmas which is always a big event for The Voewood. “Traditionally, we do a third of the year’s turnover in the last six weeks,” she confirms. “This year, we will be transitioning from Autumn to Christmas – giving Halloween a miss - putting the message out early in the hope that it will encourage people to kick start their gift buying. We’re bringing in a new brand, Ortegia, and will be doing a lot of the range with a real focus on gifting and putting on a show-stopping display,” she explains.
In the longer term, Nicola is already thinking about The Voewood’s 10th anniversary in 2025. “I’ll definitely be doing something very special,” she smiles.
Winning a Greats Award
When Nicola heard The Voewood’s name announced as winner of The Greats’ Best Non-Specialist Retailer category at The Gift Awards in May she can still remember the tingly feeling. “It meant everything, we were so thrilled, particularly as we are an independent,” she states.
“The Voewood is a passion project that’s come out of me growing up in retail and always wanting to have my own shop. Winning a Greats trophy this year was recognition that we have created something special.”
She continues: “I was thrilled, the team were thrilled and the customers were thrilled for us too. They came into the shop to congratulate us, and there was such a sense of pride, not only at The Voewood itself, but in the local area as well. Our local neighbourhood newspaper, the Westcombe News, did a page spread on our success, which helped to drive footfall into the shop - an added bonus!”
Inset: Fashion, especially kimonos, are a best selling gift purchase.
Inset: The Voewoods’s Greats trophy takes pride of place in the front window.
Inset: Nicola Hibon Jackson, owner of The Voewood, received her Greats trophy from Clare Harris, founder of Talking Tables, category sponsor. On stage with Nicola is her husband, Bastien Hibon.
Inset: The gift shop’s product mix includes footwear.
Autumn Fair (NEC, 1-4 September) is readying to be a pivotal occasion for retailers looking to stock their shelves for the allimportant Christmas period.
PG&H took a sneak peek behind the scenes at some of the show highlights.
Christmas Beckons
A Passion For Fashion
Othan 500,000 products across Gift, Home and Fashion, will be revealing their newest launches at Autumn Fair in September, with 30% of exhibitors exclusive to the show. Some 12,000 independent retailers and high street stores are set to attend, to include visitors from more than 60 countries.
“While the impact of the cost-of-living crisis cast a shadow over the festive 2023 period, the sector’s resilience shines through,” states Autumn Fair’s event director Soraya Gadelrab, event director of Autumn Fair. “Our exhibitors are feeling optimistic about an uplift in consumer spending on more personal, unique and meaningful gifts across toys, beauty & wellbeing, fashion accessories, and home décor.”
Located at the heart of Autumn Faire, Moda will again be showcasing UK and international leading brands as well as upcoming names across clothing, footwear, fashion accessories, and jewellery & watch collections. Brands include Nova of London, Dreams, Goose Island, plus many more.
On the growing fashion accessories front, brands include Lua, Miss Milly, Miss Shorthair, Miss Sparrow and Zelly. Also seeing growth is the luggage area where products span trend-led suitcases, backpacks, rucksacks and tote bags. Elsewhere, fine jewellery, silver jewellery, and fashion jewellery, along with jewellery designers, will be located in the jewellery & watch sector, which will be showcasing luxury, classic and contemporary designs, along with a dedicated area for jewellery creation. To register for the show, visit www.autumnfair.com
She continues: “As retailers navigate uncertainties, focusing on the Christmas trading performance is pivotal for delivering profitable growth in 2024. Autumn Fair offers an unparalleled showcase for this essential buying period.”
The Gift sector covers contemporary designs and trend-led ranges as well as unique, personalised and licensed gifts.
Exhibitors include Best Kept Secrets, Candlelight, FYG, Freckleface, Gift Republic, Lesser & Pavey, House of Marbles, Joe Davies, La De Da! Living, Life Charms, Rex London, Signare, Tilnar and Widdop & Co.
Meanwhile, the Home, Living & Décor halls will showcase homeware, occasional furniture, decorative accessories, and gifts,
Exclusive Collaboration With Faire
Brand new this season, Autumn Fair is exclusively collaborating with Faire, the world’s leading online wholesale marketplace, to bridge the gap between online and offline buying.
Visitors will get access to unique products, simplify their buying process and get discounts on Faire and Autumn Fair exclusive products at the show. Faire will also be offering an exclusive discount to Autumn Fair retailers who try the platform for the first time, with 50% off and free shipping on their first order.
To register for Autumn Fair visit www.autumnfair.com
with The Summerhouse unveiling new launches from Hot Tomato, Inis, Casa Verde and Bronte By Moon.
Elsewhere at the show, Beauty & Wellbeing is continuing to flourish offering a diverse range of products from holistic home fragrances and luxurious soaps to beauty essentials, hair care and grooming items.
Plus, Autumn Fair’s new Business Pavilion will be fanfaring small businesses - the next generation of makers and creators. “Despite challenges, the retail sector, including gift, home, and fashion segments, continues to see the entry of new businesses,” highlights Soraya. “These pioneering businesses are sparking change across every sector. They have boundless entrepreneurial spirit, and we want to support their path forward. Among the products on show will be handcrafted cushions and candles.”
Along with the hundreds of leading brands returning to Autumn Fair, over 25% of the exhibitor line-up is new.
To register, visit www.autumnfair.com l To help visitors navigate the show, Autumn Fair will be running daily tours of the Gift & Home halls.
Inset: The Moda catwalk. Below left: Gift Republic’s Festive Incense House. Bottom: Visitors browsing product at a previous Autumn Fair.
Paddington
1: New Colourful and Contemporary Ranges
An exciting colour palette for AW24/25 sees fresh, unusual combinations in the Miss Milly jewellery and scarf collections, with 200+ new pieces. A graduated, textured hand-painted style features in the jewellery, while new to the magnetic brooches are silk flower adornments and crumbles of semi-precious gemstones. Scarves co-ordinate with the jewellery, featuring striped, retro and abstract patterns, producing enticing visual displays. £100 minimum order and no MOQs. Branded displays, packaging and POS available.
Miss Milly
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 7D54-E55
T: 01905 622509
E: hello@missmilly.co.uk
W: www.missmilly.co.uk
2: Mushroom Craft Pottery Collection
It’s easy to see why vases and planters can really lift a room, adding a touch of style and individuality to a home. The rustic handmade look is constantly evolving, combine this with the current trend for mushrooms and you are sure to be onto a winner. The new Mushroom Craft Collection of vases and planters from Joe Davies does just that. Products are available in stylish, earthy colours, with a handcrafted textured finish and a variety of shapes and sizes including pretty ball vases, two sizes of planter and a mini mushroom cluster of stem vases. If you’re looking to add a modern touch to your home décor, this is the one for you. Renowned for its exceptional customer service and great range of gifts, jewellery and fashion accessories, Joe Davies offers all products in its signature ‘little and often’ quantities with a minimum order value of £100 for a carriage paid order.
Joe Davies
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 7C40-E41
T: 0161 975 6300
E: sales@joedavies.co.uk
W: www.joedavies.co.uk
3: Keep Looking Fabulous On The Go
Meanwhile at Hot Tomato…..tis the season (for stocking fillers that is)! We are loving these compact mirrors with their ‘full on colour’ fun, studded with teeny tiny sparkles. Tactile and weirdly satisfying to hold – remember those flip phones? Inside the double mirrors - one of which is magnifying (hallelujah!) make these a great little pressie – if you can bear to let go!
Hot Tomato
Visit: Autumn Fair, Hall 20, Stand E20
T: 01225 422188
E: sales@hot-tom.com
W: www.hot-tom.com
4: Snuggle Up In Style
Hot Tomato continues to tempt us to snuggle up against those autumn chills (you know they’re on the way!) with their textile offeringincluding these gorgeous faux fur snoods and infinity loops. Feel- factor is everything in this category and it makes these gorgeous winter warmers super hard to put down – once bitten, forever smitten!
Hot Tomato
Visit: Autumn Fair, Hall 20, Stand E20
T: 01225 422188
E: sales@hot-tom.com
W: www.hot-tom.com
5: Equilibrium Specs Chain Collection
Specs chains are no longer just a practical accessory, they have become a symbol of fashion and a current trend. The new Equilibrium Specs Chain Collection from Joe Davies features a variety of chain styles, all plated in real silver and packaged in signature Equilibrium boxes, making them perfect to give as gifts.
Joe Davies
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 7C40-E41
T: 0161 975 6300
E: sales@joedavies.co.uk
W: www.joedavies.co.uk
New What s
Gift • Children • Home
It’s never been easier for your customers to find that perfect gift, whatever the occasion. Discover Rex London’s bright and eclectic range of inspirational gifts and homeware today.
1: A Woofy Christmas!
Rex London has a new design for Christmas 2024: the festive sausage dog. Building on the success of the company’s existing Sausage Dog collection, the charming new print showcases the dachshund design with a festive twist - cheeky pups stealing Christmas decorations, trotting around in Santa hats and even kissing under the mistletoe. The range includes bestsellers including temporary tattoos, a 100% cotton tea towel and the jumbo bag. More information can be found on Rex London’s website, and a new autumn trade catalogue is available for free online or as a downloadable PDF.
Rex London
Visit: Autumn Fair, Hall 6, Stand L28-M29
T: +44 (0)20 8746 1700
E: info@rexlondon.com
W: www.rexlondontrade.com
2: Paddington Marmalade
One of the licensing events of the year will surely be the release of the new Paddington movie, arriving on 8 November, and accompanied by a number of collaborations and new products including the launch of a dedicated fragrance from Jo Malone and Rainbow Designs expanding its plush range. Tapestry gift company, Signare has launched Paddington Marmalade, a collection of tapestry bags and accessories featuring a fun new design. Signare will be running a competition to win a Jo Malone fragrance set at Autumn Fair, while visitors to the stand can receive a free Paddington Marmalade Zip Purse. Marmalade stock will be in-store by 1 October, but retailers need to order quickly as Signare is already on allocation.
Signare Tapestry
Visit: Autumn Fair, Hall 6, Stand F16
T: 01276 29483
E: info@signaretrade.co.uk
W: www.signaretrade.co.uk
Instagram: SignareTapestry
3: William Morris ‘Fruit’ Wooden Housewares
The new wooden housewares collection features the popular William Morris ‘Fruits’ design and include coasters, egg holder, napkin holder, egg house, tray, perpetual calendar, tissue box, letter rack, doorstop, key cabinet and hanging plaque. ‘Fruit’ is one of the most enduringly popular of William Morris’ designs. It was used in many artistic homes of the period, originally as wallpaper. William Morris’ prolific design work included tiles, embroidery, tapestries, wallpaper, and carpets and championed handcraftsmanship, natural dyes and beautiful patterns of subtly stylised natural forms.
Lesser & Pavey
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand J40-A41 (across halls 7 to 6)
T: 01322 279225
E: sales@leonardo.co.uk
W: www.leonardo.co.uk
4: Fabulous New Natural Home Collection
Rex London is embracing the trend for calm, organic interiors with its new Natural Home collection. Showcasing the beauty of natural materials, the range features stylish accessories made from corn husk, water hyacinth, seagrass and straw. Aligning with the ‘rattan revival’ trend, there is a mushroom house basket, ideal for storing crafts, while a birdhouse is perfect for offering shelter to small garden birds while adding rustic charm to any outdoor space. The retro-inspired style of the collection is complemented by a new range of kitchenware, bringing traditional products into modern life, including a classic glass butter dish and sugar pourer. For on-trend colour choices, look no further than an amber carafe, available with a matching tumbler. Both items are crafted from ribbed glass for a uniquely vintage look. More information can be found on Rex London’s website, and a new autumn trade catalogue is available for free online or as a downloadable PDF.
Rex London
Visit: Autumn Fair, Hall 6, Stand L28-M29
T: +44 (0)20 8746 1700
E: info@rexlondon.com
W: www.rexlondontrade.com
5:
Stylish Hydration On The Go
Lesser and Pavey has a range of new designs on large thermos mugs with a handle to carry along. Many include William Morris designs and others with fun slogans such as ‘Cool Vibes’, ‘Keep Cool’, ‘Stay Hydrated’ and more. Each one is a statement to carry along a hot or cold drink with you while on the move.
Lesser & Pavey
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand J40-A41 (across halls 7 to 6)
T: 01322 279225
E: sales@leonardo.co.uk
W: www.leonardo.co.uk
New What s
,
Our NEW Microwavable Wheat Packs, a follow on from our popular Microwavable Wheat Bags are larger in size making them suitable for placing on specific parts of the body to help to soothe aches and pains and keep warm. Also NEW to our range are our Microwavable Hand Warmers, these come in pairs and are perfect for warming in the microwave and popping in pockets to keep hands warm and toastie. We also have some NEW cotton and linen mix Wheat Bags which are proving to be very popular.
1: Pretty Poppy Field
The Leonardo Collection is welcoming ‘Poppy Field’ for Autumn Fair. The fresh addition to the houseware collections is from a new Lesser and Pavey designer, Finola Stack. It is a fine china quality housewares range which houses a full complement of tableware including mugs, coasters, placemats, trays, jugs, butter dish, lap tray and more. Lesser & Pavey
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand J40-A41 (across halls 7 to 6)
T: 01322 279225
E: sales@leonardo.co.uk
W: www.leonardo.co.uk
2: Tribal Steel Collection
Midhaven’s go to brand of men’s bracelets keeps on growing with new real stone bracelets. Red Agate, Hematite, Lava bead, Tiger Eye and Onyx with stainless steel motif of a skull, lion or Buddha (RRP £13.99). Leather and stainless-steel bracelets with ION and IPB detail on clasps. Tribal bracelets are available in multiple colours and sizes (RRP £19.95 - £35.00), while all bracelets come with a natural branded jute pouch. Carriage paid on website orders over £250 and POS is available.
Midhaven
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 7D53
T: 01299 851513
E: info@midhaven.co.uk
W: www.midhaven.co.uk
3: House of Marbles
Scratch Art Set - Christmas
Get into the festive spirit this Christmas with this fun craft set. It comes with a wooden scratch stylus and a range of colourful ribbons, letting you uncover bright colours hidden under a frosty layer. You can create eight Christmas shapes to add a personal touch to your decorations. This set is a great way to celebrate, and it also supports environmental care, with wood sourced from sustainable and responsible sources.
House of Marbles
Visit: Autumn Fair, Hall 20, Stand B50-C51
T: 01626 835 358
E: uk@houseofmarbles.com
W: www.houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk
4: Moovelous Cows
Lesser and Pavey is offering a new range of eight cold cast studies of fun time cows adding to already established very successful ranges of quality studies. The range is offered under the renowned brand name The Leonardo Collection and each item comes in quality gift boxing. Lesser & Pavey
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand J40-A41 (across halls 7 to 6)
T: 01322 279225
E: sales@leonardo.co.uk
W: www.leonardo.co.uk
5: New Fabulous Festive Fragrances
With the festive season approaching, Waxham Candle Company - the new candle brand from D & J Glassware - is launching two new Christmas Fragrances in beautifully designed packaging. Choose from Christmas Spice and Apple & Cinnamon. The hand poured candles and melts are made in small batches using British made soy wax, which is 100% vegan, biodegradable and is plantbased from a renewable and sustainable source.
D & J Glassware
Visit: Autumn Fair, Hall 6, Stand F19
T: 01953 450280
E: dandj.glassware@btinternet.com
W: www.dandjglassware.co.uk
New What s
1: Gorgeous New Range
The Wheat Bag Company has been busy working on product development, designing some New Microwavable Wheat Packs. These are a follow on from the popular Microwavable wheat bags which are larger in size making them suitable for placing on specific parts of the body to help to soothe aches and pains and keep warm. Also new to the range are the microwavable Hand Warmers, which come in pairs and are perfect for warming in the microwave and popping in pockets to keep hands warm and toastie. There are also some new cotton and linen mix wheat bags which are proving to be very popular. The company will be exhibiting at Autumn Fair where it will also be celebrating its tenth year of trading, so be sure to call by and have a glass of prosecco.
The Wheat Bag Company
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 20C34
T: 01747 840500 / 01747 840499
E: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk
W: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk
2: Ethical And Sustainable Gifts
Tilnar Art has been at the forefront of an influx of innovative gift and homeware products that are not only fair trade and handmade but also recyclable, reflecting a growing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable goods. Each product is meticulously handmade, ensuring uniqueness and high quality, while supporting fair wages and safe working conditions for the artisans.
Tilnar Art
Visit: Autumn Fair, Hall 6, Stand J30
T: 01277 297259
E: sales@tilnarart.co.uk
W: www.tilnarart.co.uk
3: Plantable Christmas Crackers
The new Plantable Christmas Crackers by Willsow have been designed in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society. The set of six luxury plantable Christmas crackers each contain a paper hat, a joke, a RHS fact and, of course, the plantable paper that can be planted to grow your very own wildflowers. Simply remove the snap and plant the paper.
Willsow
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 6G38
T: 0116 366 7500
E: letschat@willsow.com
W: www.willsow.com
4: The Botanical 200ml Diffusers
FYG - a Gift of the Year winner in Home Fragrance - has launched its new botanical 200ml diffusers. A feel-good collection of fruity, floral, grass and woodland combinations, which seek to stimulate the senses and recreate the unadulterated pleasure of the great outdoors. Inspired by classic gardens from English literature, each diffuser celebrates the various benefits of the natural world on the mind, body and soul.
FYG
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 6L15
T: 0208 914 7974
E: demi@fyghome.com
W: www.fyghome.com
5: Take Time To…. Collection
Midnight Rose from the Take time to… Collection is fragranced with notes of rose otto, peony and oud. The luxury glass soy candle is hand-crafted with the finest aromatic oud wood and peony petals.
Shifa Aromas
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 6L11
T: 07951 598526
E: enquiries@shifaromas.com
W: www.shifaromas.com
New What s
,
1: Brains vs Brawn
Get your brain and biceps ready to settle the age-old question: what’s better, brains or brawn? This game will have you in tears of laughter as riddles take on reps. Two players compete against each other, one answering the brain question and the other having to complete the brawn challenge. The remaining players bet a life chip on the person they think will be most likely to pass their test. The last player standing will be crowned the winner.
Gift Republic
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 20C20-D21
T: 0208 542 4836
E: info@giftrepublic.com
W: www.giftrepublic.com
2: New Inis Sea Nutrient Lip Balm
Inis has welcomed the new Sea Nutrient Lip Balm to its portfolio.
Formulated with many of the same nourishing ingredients used in its popular body care, the new lip balm refreshes and hydrates with seaweed, shea butter, coconut and jojoba oils, with a hint of lemon and mint.
Inis
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 20F24
T: 0800 0390 265
E: hello@inis.com
W: www.Inis.com
3: Discover British Wildlife With Fun
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of British wildlife with the ‘Pairs’ Card Game. Featuring illustrations of 18 different wild animals, the game offers both entertainment and education, highlighting each animal's scientific classifications, habitats and diets. Perfect for family game nights or a relaxing solo activity, it’s a great way for all ages to explore and appreciate the beauty of Britain’s diverse animal kingdom.
House of Marbles
Visit: Autumn Fair, Hall 20, Stand B50-C51
T: 01626 835 358
E: uk@houseofmarbles.com
W: www.houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk
,
New What s
“Events for The Giftware Association have always been part of our rich history, whether it’s an AGM, an educational workshop or an advisory board meeting,” states The Giftware Association’s marketing and PR manager Chris Workman. “There has, and always will be, huge added value in meeting face to face with members and industry peers.”
The GA’s Chris Workman reflects that, looking back over the years, it would be fascinating to discover how many people have walked through the doors of The Giftware Association’s Birmingham office, heading either to the boardroom for a
more intimate formal event, or to the Diamond Suite for a larger scale occasion, “and that’s not counting any of the events that we have done off site and at the may trade shows up and down the UK,” he points out.
“As a trade association at the heart of the industry, it gives us incredible insight into what the hot topic of the moment is. It enables us to be reactive in creating an event, as well as being able to carefully
curate events proactively to help our members. In fact, this ability to respond to what the industry wants to know more about has come a long way,” continues Chris.
As an example, he highlights holding a recent small finance sharing lunch. “We invited members to learn more about managing their finances, which was off the back off countless conversations we had had
Inset: A recent sharing lunch at Talking Tables was hosted by founder Clare Harris (shown at the top of the table).
Below: Attendees at a GA sharing lunch on the topic of sourcing.
Bottom: The GA’s 70th birthday event/AGM took place in 2017.
with members who were struggling financially and wanted to know how to do more with their business. Organising a successful event is also about having the right service provider in our network who can help to facilitate the occasions,” he adds.
“As a small team, a lot goes into planning an event - from the location and marketing to getting the right speakers and food and drink. It can be a constant juggle, but nothing is more rewarding than pulling off a really successful event and watching everyone in the room take something away that they can apply to their business.”
Continues Chris: “A memory of mine over the past few years is creating a trends seminar where we had colour experts and sustainable trend speakers talking about the future of giftware and trends to a very welcoming audience. However, for us, success is not about the size of the audience. And although we would love for all our events to be 30+ guests, what we’ve discovered is that people learn in different ways, so smaller scale workshops, which allow all schools of thought, are welcome. Our role is deemed a success when we have enlightened a brand to take action from something they have learned at one of our events.”
Points out Chris: “We are, of course, very lucky to be in an office that has ample event space upstairs, and it’s there that we have hosted countless Meet The Buyer events, AGMs, sharing lunches and much more besides. Returning to the workplace after the pandemic we were slightly hesitant to start hosting events again, but we shouldn’t have worried as there was a real appetite for businesses to get back out there, meet people face to face, and go back to normality. We therefore jumped in head first to allow for that to happen in this new world. We’ve subsequently created hybrid events,
Women In Gifts Event
Upcoming GA events include the successful Women in Gifts series, which is being held for the third time on 22 November. “Once again, it will be celebrating all the fantastic leaders and business owners in our great industry,” confirms Chris, highlighting that men too, are very welcome to come along!
“We have some great speakers in our industry who will be talking about their stories and background in the home and giftware world, to include Alison Burton and Natalie Duvall from March Muses, Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder of Products of Change, and Samantha Gibbs, owner of three Nest gift shops in Leicestershire.”
Previous speakers at this event have included designer Sara Miller, founder of her eponymous company Sara Miller London, and Hannah Dale, founder of Wrendale Designs, both at the helm of multi-award-winning international businesses.
“With the addition of book swaps, clothes swaps, workshops and more, it’s sure to be another entertaining day, with lots of interesting insight and collaboration,” says Chris. Additionally, an interactive retail panel Q&A session is planned, featuring experienced retailers who will be sharing their insights. Email: chris.workman@ga-uk.org
with people joining remotely if they can’t make it, as well as having people in a room. These are, of course, much more difficult, but equally as rewarding in their content and reach.”
Looking back over almost eight years since he joined the GA, what would be Chris’ personal stand out event? “It would have to be our 70th birthday celebration held seven years ago at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, so named as it used to be the site of the Birds Custard Factory,” he explains. “The day was both informative, educational and lots of
fun. We had speakers from within our industry talking about business topics such as GDPR, social media marketing and business trends, as well as a run-down of the GA’s rich history. The day moved onto a BBQ with circus entertainers, a huge cake - of course! – with the event attended by well over 100 guests from withing the industry.” He says that sharing lunches too, also stand out for him, as they highlight the importance of collaboration within the gift industry.
“We’re not the first, and we won’t be the last, to curate these events, but working hand in hand with the team from Talking Tables we have manged to successfully host many lunches together covering sustainable sourcing, guides to marketplaces, and conquering overseas markets. What makes these events so impressive is that they are very relaxed. Without a headline speaker it essentially allows everyone to voice their concerns and talk about solutions. We know that brands have come away from these events feeling invigorated and excited about what the future holds for them, along with creating many important friendships with giftware industry peers.”
However, as Chris highlights, it’s not only educational events that are so important to the GA. “We also organise social events around trade shows where we take people out of the show arena to highlight great areas in Birmingham and beyond. It’s a really good way for us to connect with GA members and non-members. Everyone in the industry is welcome, especially those that may struggle to get to more regional events unless they are at a show. There’s a very relaxed environment, allowing companies to connect with other like-minded businesses who they may never have met before, leading to the start of many great relationships.”
Inset: A picnic on the lawn at a sharing lunch in collaboration with the team at Hyve Group took place at the end of July. It linked in with the GA’s annual Giftware Development Board meeting.
Top: The Women in Gifts panel at the March event was chaired by the GA’s ceo Sarah Ward.
As Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) gets ready to mark its 25th birthday at London’s ExCeL from 24-26 September, PG&H takes a look at what’s new in licensed giftware in the run up to Christmas.
Brands New
Licensed giftware is more prolific than ever, with new partnerships spanning everything from home and gift, jewellery, bath and body, fashion accessories, tableware, housewares, books, jigsaws, baby and children’s, plus much else besides.
The Personalised Memento Company (PMC) has several new licensed products being released this autumn/winter to include a Tiny Tatty Teddy safari breakfast set, which is part of a wide selection of new Tiny Tatty Teddy products, including photo albums, money boxes and more besides. It also comes in a floral woodland design.
“Mealtimes are an important part of the day, and this set will encourage little ones to sit at the table to eat their food,” says PMC’s marketing director Keren Dicken. “Each piece features an illustration of Tatty Teddy, along with the child’s name, which adds an extra special touch.”
Fizz Creations, best known for its innovative lighting and quirky kitchen gadgets, has combined the company’s expertise with one of the hottest trends in toys – Squishmallows.
“Our vibrant neon lights feature Cam, Fifi and Winston, along with string lights, waffle makers and pancake pans,” highlights head of marketing Zoe Ryan.
The Wheat Bag Company, always keen to develop their own range of unique, bespoke
textiles, has recently worked with Emma Lawrence Designs to license ten exclusive designs for the company’s handmade fabric wheat bags, home accessories and handmade gifts. The designs feature Emma’s detailed illustrations of farm animals and 4x4 farm vehicles on a background of soft greens and duck egg blue, bringing the countryside into the home.
“Using designs which have already proved popular enhances the range,” says The Wheat Bag Company’s managing director Sally
Moore, who highlights The Wellie Boot collection. “Working with an illustrator who hand draws the designs fits in well with the ethos of The Wheat Bag Company brand. “It’s been great to work with Emma who has designed the fabric patterns exclusively for us.”
New from Eddingtons is a licensed range of textiles and baking accessories from the National Trust and The Snowman. In the National Trust range there are organic cotton tea towels and set of plant-based cleaning cloths to add to the current National Trust nature and Alfriston Clergy collection of glass worktop protectors. Both feature watercolour illustrations of countryside scenes, native flora and fauna, animals and insects reflecting the conservation work undertaken by the Trust and its team of rangers.
New for The Snowman meanwhile, is Alpine Adventure that features illustrations of The Snowman accompanied by the alpine fox, made famous in illustrations from the Raymond Briggs story books.
The kitchen textiles are available as a set of
Inset: Squishmallows Fifi the Fox lighting from Fizz Creations. Centre: Personalised Tiny Tatty Teddy Wild One Breakfast Set. Bottom left: Willsow’s RHS Christmas crackers.
Brand Licensing Europe Celebrates 25 Years
BLE, taking place from 24-26 September, is celebrating its 25th anniversary, with the show’s event director, Ella Haynes, enthusing: “This is a huge year for BLE, with exciting plans in the pipeline to thank everyone who has supported the show over the last quarter century. It’s been an amazing journey, and we feel honoured to have spent 25 years as the biggest meeting date in the European brand licensing calendar, helping thousands upon thousands of European retailers and manufacturers to discover brands to partner with and create much-loved, best-selling consumer products.”
cotton tea towels, double oven gloves, single oven mitt and an adult apron featuring an on-trend bobble decoration across top of the front pocket.
fizzer and a foot care set. "Creating new collections and coming up with fresh ideas is always a challenge, " comments Mad Beauty's creative director Julia Cash. "We look for four key elements that we believe represent the essence of the licence so that we can tell a great story. These include looking at products that are on trend, deliver our quality expectations as well as interpreting the fun and the magic of the properties.”
On the beauty, bath and body front, Mad Beauty is launching a series of new collections that have been inspired by some of the most iconic characters in entertainment. The Rocky Horror Show collection is a brand new licence for the company, with the range including a soap on a rope shaped like Rocky, a giftable cosmetic sheet mask collection featuring four printed masks and a glitter lip balm in a lip-shaped case.
Also launching is a Beetlejuice-inspired collection to celebrate the film’s sequel, with products including a bright green Beetlejuice-inspired body exfoliator, nonpermanent hair colour in purple and green, and a lip balm duo.
The Disney The Jungle Book collection meanwhile, features classic Disney art inspired by the original transformation. Products include a lip balm duo a Baloo-shaped sleep mask and a hand care set with a Mowglishaped nail file and hand cream. Mad Beauty is also celebrating Tom and Jerry with a nostalgic, fun, retro-inspired collection of beauty, bath, and body goodies featuring a Mousecara mascara, a cheese-shaped bath
Shrieking Violet meanwhile, has just launched its first licensed collection, partnering with the Royal Entomological Society to create a range of flower pendants with bee charms.
“The pendants symbolise the synergy between flowers and insects and the important role
Crumble & Core Expands Its Licensing Portfolio
they play in biodiversity,” explains Shrieking Violet’s co-founder Lash Marash. “We’re delighted to work with the Royal Entomological Society to raise awareness as well as funds for a cause that we all rely on, which ties in with our business, with all our jewellery handmade with real flowers.” Adds Lash, “For every pendant sold in the collection, 5% of the sale price – with a minimum donation of £2 – will go to the Royal Entomological Society.”
Crumble & Core, whose products include jewellery cards, recently signed a deal with Ravensburger that takes them into the jigsaw puzzle space. The agreement expands the company’s ambition to develop a range of licensed merchandise and comes hot on the heels of their new range with Mcllagan+co for mugs, and the company’s expansion in the US market through Pavilion Gifts.
The first jigsaw to be released is Secret Garden which features a bespoke design of an English cottage created by Crumble & Core’s artist, Jilly Mercer. “Having the opportunity to create a bespoke scene that jigsaw enthusiasts would find challenging but enjoyable was a new way for me to think about my work,” explains Jilly.
containing a hat and a joke. “Once the paper is planted, it grows and flowers, making the cracker the gift,” explained Willsow’s founder Tom Willday. The crackers complement the company’s recently launched RHS calendars which feature a different flower for each month of the year.
With the festive season in mind, Willsow has launched licensed plantable Christmas crackers in collaboration with the RHS. All feature RHS designs and recycled paper, with the cracker
For gift retailers, the array of licensed gift products is greater than ever this year, affording them the opportunity to tap into the latest licences across an extensive range of gift and homeware in the run up to Christmas.
DATES: 24-26 September, 2024 VENUE: ExCeL, London WEB: www.brandlicensing.eu
Inset: Three of Emma Lawrence’s exclusive designs for The Wheat Bag Company.
Below: Secret Garden from Ravensburger features licensed artwork from Crumble & Core. Left: The Beetlejuice exfoliator from Mad Beauty.
Inset: National Trust organic cotton tea towels from Eddingtons.
1: A Dress for Cinderelly
Enesco’s latest Disney Traditions collectable - A Dress for Cinderelly – has been exclusively designed by artist Jim Shore, and aims to capture the magic and creativity of one of the most beloved scenes from the iconic Disney’s Cinderella animated film. A Dress for Cinderelly replicates the moment where our industrious little allies, the birds, and mice, pool their talents to create a stunning pink dress for Cinderella. With intricate, hand-crafted details, each bird and mouse comes to life. As we approach the milestone 75th anniversary of Disney’s Cinderella, expect a surge in demand for themed merchandise.
Enesco
T: 01228 404022
E: uksales@enesco.co.uk
W: www.enesco.co.uk
2: Add A Personal Touch To Your Christmas
Personalised Memento Company's new Christmas collection for 2024 includes a range featuring the popular Tatty Teddy Bear. Spread across a wide variety of products including hanging decorations, mugs, candles and more, there is sure to be the ideal gift for your loved one. Each piece is fully personalised. Visit the trade website to find out how to add drop ship personalised gifts to your range. PMC
E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
3: When Dreams Come to Life
With Pinocchio's 85th anniversary in February 2025, Enesco is welcoming a new Disney Traditions figurine: “When Dreams Come to Life”, a Pinocchio Extra Large Figurine. Designed by artist, Jim Shore, the piece is an homage to the Disney animated film. Towering at 39cm, the figurine is poised to make a statement on any collector's shelf. The intricately crafted figurine vividly portrays the detail and nuances of his character, reflecting Pinocchio's persona and the magic that has entranced audiences for nearly a century.
Enesco
T: 01228 404022
E: uksales@enesco.co.uk
W: www.enesco.co.uk
4:
Get Your Marmalade Sandwiches Ready
Paddington Bear is the latest addition to Puckator’s licensed collection, arriving this summer. The company is especially excited about the new lines, which will feature its award-winning Relaxeazzz Travel Pillow, playing cards and a digital watch. In addition, keep an eye out for the Solar Pal coming later in the year. Get your marmalade sandwiches ready and stay tuned as Puckator prepares to welcome Paddington to its licensed collection.
Puckator
T: 01579 321550
E: Customerservices@puckator.co.uk
W: www.puckator.co.uk
5: Plantable Desk Calendars (A4 & A5)
Each month in this new calendar has a plantable insert that you can tear out and plant to grow your very own flowers. With top tips and facts on each page, the calendar is made using 100% recycled paper and printed in-house. Carefully designed to include a variety of flowers to bloom in different colours and sizes, this is a perfect gift for the new or experienced gardener.
Willsow
Visit: Autumn Fair, Stand 6G38
T: 0116 366 7500
E: letschat@willsow.com
W: www.willsow.com
6: Paddington Money Box
This winter marks the return of Paddington with the new film: Paddington in Peru. Everyone’s favourite bear returns for a new adventure and travels back to Peru. And you can save for your next trip with Half Moon Bay’s new Paddington shaped money box. Half Moon Bay
E: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk
W: www.halfmoonbay.co.uk
New What s ,
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest licensed gift products and ranges available to retailers now
The Museums & Galleries collection of organic cotton homeware takes our muchloved licensed brands and best-selling designs to a whole new level – and a new room in the home. For more information please visit our website or call our sales team.
Top Drawer is back for the show’s Autumn/Winter edition which will be taking place at London’s Olympia from 8-10 September. With a larger footprint, hundreds of new exhibitors and thousands of new product launches, PG&H highlights some of the brand new - and returning eventsthat will be taking place across the show’s three days.
Pitch Perfect
IIn addition to product sourcing, (see News on page 11), a brand new show feature at Top Drawer this September will be a live Product Pitch, taking place on Monday 9 September.
Top Drawer has joined forces with IND!E to offer four exhibitors the opportunity to pitch their products to a panel of industry experts – Jason Billings-Cray, a buyer at John Lewis; Marianne Carter, a buyer at Morleys Stores Group; Sara Allbright, co-founder and director of Retail100, and Matt Hopkins, founder and ceo of IND!E. Entrants will have the opportunity win a one week pop-up space in a major retailer as well as access to a network of retail buyers and wholesalers.
In true Dragons’ Den style, each shortlisted exhibitor will get five to ten minutes to pitch
merchandising.
After Show Party
A networking event aimed at building connections with the retail community will be held from 5.30pm on Sunday 8 September, at the end of the first day of Top Drawer.
l A highlight will be the announcement of the Spotlight Award winners.
to the judges to try to convince them that they deserve to win, with the winner revealed later the same day.
Staying with retail, Retail Revealed will be returning with an inspirational program of keynote presentations, masterclasses and panel discussions offering insights to help visitors shape successful retail strategies. Plus, the Business Hub will again be offering visitors free 1-2-1 sessions, with industry experts providing personalised advice on branding, buying and visual
Meanwhile, following their successful introduction in January, the Spotlight Awards will be back, celebrating the best brands exhibiting at the show across Gift, Home, Fashion & Jewellery, Play, Greetings & Stationery, Wellbeing, Food Emporium and Launchpad. All exhibitors are eligible and will be in with a chance of winning based on their newest products on the market, as well as being a stand-out newcomer. The categories are: Best New Product in Fashion; Best New Product in Play; Best New Product in Wellbeing; Best New Product in Food; Best New Product in Home; Best New Product in Gift; Best New Product in Launchpad; Best New Product in Greetings & Stationery; Innovation in Design; Best Newcomer, and Best Stand (across the whole show). Winners will be decided by a panel of judges to include Top Drawer organisers, invited retailers and designers.
“There’s so much going on at the event this September - more brands, more launches, more newness,” comments show manager David Westbrooke. “The team
Inset: Waiting for the doors to open. Below left: Visitors browsing the stands at a recent Top Drawer.
Bottom: Jason Billings-Cray, a buyer at John Lewis, is on the Product Pitch judging panel.
Gain the COMPETITIVE EDGE
The Giftware Association is here to help your business prosper within the gift, home, and craft industry.
Being at the heart of our industry allows us unparalleled access and insight to boost your businesss.
Great organisation to be a part of if you are a business in the UK designing and selling gifts. They really have your back, and you’ll get lots of help and support from them. One of the few organisations I’d say it’s absolutely well worth being a member of.
Our members, ranging from creative artisans to large suppliers, benefit daily from the wealth of resources, support, and networking opportunities we offer.
Our role is to facilitate your success, whether you’re a manufacturer, retailer, supplier, or service provider.
Talk to us to learn more about how The GA can help your business thrive...
A must if you’re in the giftware industry!
We love being a part of the fantastic giftware community which is glued together by the Giftware Association and the fantastic team that run it. Everyone is super friendly, helpful and they always go above and beyond to help. They provide a fantastic tool for networking, holding regular events and the team happily put you in touch with relevant and useful contacts. Initiatives like the Gift of the year awards are fantastic at giving brands a boost and more exposure to retailers. We love being members!
1: CAHM Wax Melt Boxes
CAHM is a luxury fragrance and wellbeing brand based in Yorkshire. Spreading a positive mental health message through consciously crafted products, CAHM aims to be more than just your average fragrance brand. Vegan friendly, sustainably sourced, cruelty-free, femalefounded, handmade in Yorkshire - visit the stand to experience the new summer, autumn and upcoming winter fragrances for 2024. A new trade website also makes ordering easy, with £150 minimum order. CAHM
Visit: Top Drawer, Stand J42
T: 07487 264 762
E: trade@thecahmcollective.com
W: www.thecahmcollective.com
2: Colourful Fun
Make a splash this summer with two new eatsleepdoodle colour-in gifts. Kids can colour and explore magical, fascinating underwater worlds with the new mermaid crossbody bag and new under the sea pillowcase – each comes with a set of 10 wash-out pens. When ready to dive into more colouring, simply pop the bag on a warm wash, the ink completely disappears and it's ready for more colouring fun –colour, wash, repeat. eatsleepdoodle
Visit: Top Drawer, Stand U31
T: 07464 292969
E: hello@eatsleepdoodle.com
W: www.eatsleepdoodle.com
3: It’s a Wrap
Gift Kindly is a new sustainable wrapping station from Talking Tables made from FSC certified paper from sustainably managed forests, plastic free and recyclable. With roll wrap, tissue paper, gift bags, gift tags, ribbon and paper tape, it coordinates with the company’s festive collections, making it an easy addition to your Christmas order.
Add style this Christmas with Artcuts’ new 3D decorations adorned in classic Liberty print fabrics. Totally unique, they capture elements of the rich heritage patterns and vibrant colours. With a focus on quality, the design-led decorations are made from sustainable FSC wood, produced and hand-finished in their workshops in Surrey. Explore the full collections at Top Drawer, including a novelty Literary range and a woodland set celebrating the British countryside.
Artcuts
Visit: Top Drawer, Stand M18
T: +44(0)1342 843843
E: sales@artcuts.co.uk
W: www.artcutstrade.com
5: Life Changing Luxurious
Soap
This handcrafted bar of natural soap changes lives. A vegan bar infused with pure essential oils that provides sustained employment, mental health and qualifications to people experiencing homelessness. The bar, Yin & Yang, is an activated charcoal and white kaolin clay swirled soap, which smells like a rose lavender waterfall and is made up of premium plant oils. It’s a product handmade for the home, so people can rebuild theirs.
Labre’s Hope
Visit: Top Drawer, Stand J40
T: 07518 021148
E: Aaron@labreshope.co.uk
W: www.labreshope.co.uk
New What s
1: Fabulously Festive
Joma Jewellery’s Christmas Collection features a festive red colourway, and a statement starburst gold foil print that can be seen across the packaging. New Earring Baubles join the popular Cracker styles, making the Christmas Collection one of the company’s strongest to date.
Joma Jewellery
T: 01295 263430
E: enquiries@jomajewellery.com
W: www.wholesale.jomajewellery.com
2: Hours Of Festive Fun
With a new updated design for 2024, the personalised Christmas colouring book from PMC makes a thoughtful gift for any child. It is filled to the brim with Christmas-themed colouring pages, to keep the fun going throughout the whole festive period. It is also personalised with the child’s name, not only on the front cover but hidden throughout the whole book, adding that extra special touch.
Perfect as a Christmas Eve treat or as a stocking filler and a part of PMCs large range of Christmas gifts. PMC
E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
3: Sublime Christmas Collection
Gifting sits at the heart of what Katie Loxton does, and this year’s Christmas Collection is bigger and better than ever. Festive-inspired sentiments join classic ones, while a colour palette of garnet red, pink and gold are complemented by a limited edition Christmas diamond print across the packaging. The new heartshaped presentation box also help to make the Christmas gift sets extra special.
Katie Loxton
T: 01295 250879
E: enquiries@katieloxton.com
W: www.wholesale.katieloxton.com
4: Industrial Metal Vintage Classics
J Vaillant has welcomed 10 different models in a new bare metal industrial finish, adding to its extensive range of top selling Painted Vintage models and decorative items. The company now stocks over 120 different items in total. Visit the website to see full details of the new classics.
JJ Vaillant
T: 0121 667 3629
E: info@jjvaillant.co.uk
W: www.jjvaillant.co.uk
5: Spoilt For Choice
The Straits warehouse is in the midst of receiving and dispatching its 2024 Christmas and Autumn/Winter Collections. These include furniture, lighting, vases, Magical Winter Village, water spinners and more. The company is also excited to launch its new Endless Summer and Spring/Summer ’25 Collections. Light-up garden ornaments, patio furniture and artificial flowers are just part of this bright and cheery range. The showroom is set up for SS25 now.
The Straits Trading Company Ltd
T: 01254 300260
E: sales@straitstrading.com
W: www.straitstrading.com
New What s ,
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now
1: Stunningly Stylish
Walking stick specialist Classic Canes stocks over 500 traditional and contemporary models of walking sticks. Some are brightly coloured and patterned but others are more discreet, such as the new range of adjustable derby-handled walking sticks with marbled handles. “Not everyone wants their walking stick to be a conversation starter,” commented md Charlotte Gillan, “so we always include some more restrained but still attractive and good-quality canes in our range. Available in black, brown and garnet red, these Europeanmanufactured canes are smart, very smooth and supportive to hold and accessorise easily with lots of different outfits.”
Classic Canes
T: 01460 75686
E: info@classiccanes.co.uk
W: www.classiccanes.co.uk
2: Uplifting Giftware For Everyone, Everywhere
Brighten up your giftware with a unique and timeless souvenir of your destination or home city with hand-painted pieces from The Littler Places. Architecture and landmarks are brought to life in colourful paintings, then made into UK-manufactured mugs, magnets, cushions, coasters and more. Perfect for gift shops and visitor centres with a range of artwork available, as well as bespoke packages and commissions upon request.
The Littler Places
T: 07903 544850 or 01829 771000
E: hello@thelittlerplaces.co.uk
W: www.thelittlerplaces.co.uk
3:
ECO Sockettes
The new knitted Sockette puppets with a squeaker in the tongue, are sure to get the conversation started around the Christmas dinner table. Designed to be both eyecatching and highly functional, the easy-to-use creations work well alone and look even more striking when used with some of their other Sockette friends. With larger than life characters, they are full of mischief with friendly faces and big mouths. Designed for both adults and children, the puppets are popular with young and old alike and make really unique gifts. What’s more, they are now made from recycled materials and embroidered eyes, with no plastic in sight.
The Puppet Company
T: 01462 446040
E: info@thepuppetcompany.com
W: www.thepuppetcompany.com
4: Give Them A Squeeze
New Queasy Squeezies are due to arrive this autumn at Puckator. Featuring a new bigger design and available in favourite Adoramals Wild characters, the new size is described as even more fun to squeeze and stretch. Plus, there are new characters from the growing Foodiemals collection, Adoramals Garden, Highland Coo, and a super cute Axolotl. Playful, tactile and fun for all, these are a must-have top seller.
Puckator
T: 01579 321550
E: Customerservices@puckator.co.uk
W: www.puckator.co.uk
5: The Gift Of Time
Take 20 precious minutes for your relaxation and wellbeing with the handmade pure beeswax 20-minute candles from Cotton & Grey. Light a candle, enjoy its warm glow and let the mesmerising flame restore your inner calm. The Little Box of range are candle gift sets that come wrapped in a life affirming message to lift the spirits and enhance mental health. There are 16 titles in the range. Supplied with an attractive point of sale stand for easy display.
Each box contains 12 candles with a ceramic holder. See all the designs across the collections at www.cottonandgrey.com/brochure.pdf
Cotton & Grey
T: Paul on 07931 373756
E: info@cottonandgrey.com
W: www.cottonandgrey.com
New What s ,
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now
Ready to find your
24-26 September
1: Beau & Elliot Carnaby Housewares
Introducing Carnaby from Beau & Elliot, a modern day classic with a distinctive 1970s influence. With feature embossing and retro print, designs are brought to life across a range of well thought out gifts for the home, kitchen, lunch-on-thego, stationery and travel accessories. The new collection of porcelain storage jars and canisters feature an embossed floral heart design, bamboo lids with sure fit seals and flush fitting handles.
Navigate
T: 01279 653249
E: david@navigate.ltd.uk
W: www.beauandelliot.com
2: Beautiful Tableware
Ceramic Tableware from Country Creation is perfect for everyday with a range of serving platters, placemats and coasters. Available as single pieces or as gift packs and all handmade in Suffolk from the company’s own original watercolour designs. Bring art to your table with the elegant ranges of Ceramic and Marble Tableware.
Country Creation
T: 01473 652 817
E: info@countrycreation.co.uk
W: www.countrycreation.co.uk
3: Magnificent New Woodland Collection
Introducing the Woodland Collection - in time for autumn 2024, Meg Hawkins has unveiled a new range, featuring a striking pheasant design. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or a treat for yourself, the collection has something for everyone - from homewares and bath and body products to stylish stationery and home fragrances.
Meg Hawkins
E: hello@meghawkinsart.co.uk
W: www.meghawkinsltd.com
4: Beau & Elliot Carnaby Lunch Collection
Introducing Carnaby from Beau & Elliot, a modern day classic with a distinctive 1970s influence. With feature embossing and retro print designs. As well as the housewares mentioned above, there is also a collection of Lunch Bags, Drinks Bottles and Travel Mugs, featuring an eclectic range of mid-century and postmodern heart shaped print designs.
Navigate
T: 01279 653249
E: david@navigate.ltd.uk
W: www.beauandelliot.com
5: Handmade Artisan Soaps On A Rope
This harmonising scent combines the fresh, herbal notes with the sweetness of amber and musk, almost resembling the aroma of cologne. The essence of Provence will take you to heavenly, dreamy villages and sun soaked fields full of wild flowers and herbs.
Agnes & Cat
T: 0114 267 7723
E: enquiries@agnesandcat.org
W: www.agnesandcat.org
6: Feathers McGraw is Back
Excitement is building for the return of the dynamic duo to our screens this Christmas in Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. The new film also marks the return of the villainous penguin Feathers McGraw. So pull up a chair and make a brew with Half Moon Bay’s cracking new Feathers mug.
Half Moon Bay
E: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk
W: www.halfmoonbay.co.uk
New What s ,
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now
GEORGIA BLACK, OWNER, PRETTY SHINY SHOP, FINSBURY PARK AND
THE OVAL
A small independent on Finsbury Park high street, with a second store located in a parade of shops at the Oval.
CATEGORYSUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT
Fragranced Giftware
Aery: jar candles;
Heaven Scent: Pretty Shiny Shop own brand
Jewellery
Fashion Accessories
Greeting Cards
Giftwrap
Other Hot Hits
Big Metal: across the board;
CME: across the board
Long & Son: vegan scarves
Pure Fashion: scarves; hair accessories
The Art File
Earlybird and Printer Johnson
Stuart Gardiner: tea towels
Customers love that the sentiment reflects good vibes.
Great fragrances; environmentally friendly.
Fabulous, affordable jewellery
Excellent quality and prices.
Affordable, quality scarves.
Fabulous scarves and hair accessories.
Beautiful cards in a variety of styles.
Unique and colourful flat wrap options.
Unisex, graphic designs. Ideal as a ‘new home’ gift.
PETE WHITEMAN, CO-OWNER, AMORE, WOODBRIDGE
A small gift shop on a high street.
CATEGORY SUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT
Fragranced Giftware
Inis: Energy of the Sea
Freckleface: wax melts
Jewellery
Fashion Accessories
Greeting Cards
Other Hot Hits
Miss Milly: across the board;
Joe Davies: Equilibrium
Roka: bags;
PoM: scarves
Rosie Made A Thing
Jellycat: across the board
A beautiful, fresh fragrance we’ve stocked for three years. We get repeat business every time.
People love the fact that the products are made in England, along with the beautiful fragrances which are created in Lincolnshire.
Hard wearing practical bags. Customers love the colours.
Beautiful quality and fantastic designs.
Sells on its laughter. We do well with the Gin & Frolics range.
Cute and innovative. Customers love this brand.
Below: Equilibrium from Joe Davies: Glam Rox.
Top: An Aery jar candle. Above: Semi precious stones from CME jewellery.
Right: A colourful Roka bag.
SANDIE JENKINS, GROUP BUYER, ELPHICKS, FARNHAM
A well-established independent department store in a market town.
CATEGORYSUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT
Decorative Home Accessories
Fragranced Giftware
Jewellery
Fashion and Fashion Accessories
Greeting Cards
Giftwrap
Other Hot Hits
Orchard Designs: cushions;
Blooms: faux branches
Aery: bath and body
Cache: across the board;
Zsiska by Prue Leith: across the board
Elie Beaumont: handbags;
Basket Basket: bags
Woodmansterne
Glick
Casa Verde: outdoor accessories
Beautifully embroidered cushions in different shapes and cottage garden colours.
Customers love the contemporary look they create.
From home fragrance to bath and body, this wellbeing brand has started to develop quite a following.
The classic, delicate look is still a winner.
Bold statement pieces in her signature brights, as worn by Prue on TV.
People love the mix and match guitar straps.
A really versatile, hand crafted beach basket style range in vibrant colours.
Cards cover every possible occasion.
This season’s brights in both bags and wrap have been great.
A shabby chateau look, with fabulous lanterns, planters and candles in dusty old rose and sage and grey.
SALLY MATSON, OWNER, RED CARD, PETWORTH A medium sized gift and card shop in a market town.
CATEGORY SUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT
Decorative Home Accessories
Fragranced Giftware
Jewellery
Fashion Accessories
East of India: across the board
Gisela Graham: candles;
Heathcote & Ivory: Bronnley soaps
Estella Bartlett: across the board
Roka: bags
Miss Sparrow: socks
Greeting Cards
Giftwrap
Other Hot Hits
I Drew This: Dogs
Glick
Powell Craft: Kantha bed throws;
Bruda: toys
Fantastic teachers’ gifts at great prices.
The company’s £12.95 candles make a great hostess gift.
The soaps are made in the UK and remind people of when they were a child.
Great girlfriend presents across all age groups.
Currently, these are hugely popular. They’re bright and robust with lots of different styles to choose from.
A great price point. The designs are really funky with something for everyone.
We have done four re-orders in three months Bright, eye-catching colours. Great price point and quality.
These 100% cotton throws are flying out. People love them.
Big toys for little boys, and big toys too, that are made in Germany.
Above: Mandarin & Matcha candle from Gisela Graham.
Above: Casa Verde lanterns.
Below: Colourful jewellery from Zsiska by Prue Leith.
Above: Powell Craft’s Kantha safari print cotton bed throw.
1: Roarsome Dinoplanters
Multi award-winning Jardinopia rolled out its new dinoplanters at Harrogate Home & Gift to huge acclaim. The initial range of six life-like planters for small indoor plants such as cacti and succulents proved a great success during launch week. The dinoplanters are designed to make a quirky indoor plant feature on a desk or windowsill and will appeal to fans of dinosaurs and indoor planting, young or old. Made from a blend of resin and crushed stone, the planters are as tough as they are realistic and available now for pre-order and delivery in October (Trade £10.45. RRP £22.99).
Jardinopia
Visit: Glee, Stand 9J71 (in the GIMA village)
T: 01935 826622
E: John@Jardinopia.com
W: www.Jardinopia.com
2: Resplendent Robin
Looking for beautiful pick-up items to sell this Christmas? Wild Things Gifts’ new range of bookmarks could be your solution. The robin pictured in this page is part of a range of 24 stained glass motifs which double as all-year round decorations. Two starter packs are available - a 12 pocket static and a 24 pocket counter spinner - on offer until 30 September.
Wild Things Gifts
T: Lisa on 01392 211268
E: sales@wildthingsgifts.com
W: www.wildthingsgifts.com
3: Make A Wish
Moon Fairy is a charming window ornament embellished with jewellery quality Austrian Crystal hearts, which would make a lovely addition to a child’s bedroom. The ornament is an extension to the Pure Radiance range which includes cats, angels, heart of hearts, butterflies, dragonflies, bees, hummingbirds and the tree of life.
Wild Things Gifts
T: Lisa on 01392 211268
E: sales@wildthingsgifts.com
W: www.wildthingsgifts.com
4: What is Munja?
Initially launched in August 2023, multi award-winning Jardinopia‘s fairtrade munja and sari designs were a huge hit at Harrogate Home & Gift. The wide range of fairtrade munja and reclaimed sari products cover everything from bird nesters and feeders to bee homes and hanging baskets. Made to withstand the UK weather, artisans in northern India create the colourful range of products by weaving the strong, waterproof munja grass over a powder coated metal frame and tastefully blend this with lots of colourful sari thread made from production off-cuts to create truly unique individual products. The munja and sari range has been an instant hit with customers, due to their large size, variety and the price point.
Jardinopia
Visit: Glee, Stand 9J71 (in the GIMA village)
T: 01935 826622
E: John@Jardinopia.com W: www.Jardinopia.com
5:
Cheeky Festive Stocking Fillers
New festive funny filth has landed at Go La La HQ, in the form of two designs from the bestselling Funny Smells fragrance stick range. The duo will certainly liven up the Christmas gift offering as they are great all round gifts, as well as perfect stocking fillers and Secret Santa surprises. Vegan, fragranced with essential oils in plastic free packaging. Sold in threes, they retail at £5.95.
Go La La
E: Info@golala.co.uk
W: www.golala.co.uk
New What s
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now
