Progressive Gifts & Home September 2019

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September 2019

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Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivegifts.co.uk www.thegreatsawards.co.uk Publishers Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax and Ian Hyder Subscribe to Progressive Gifts from £60 (UK) to £90 (International).

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This Month

@Prog_Gifts

If 1967 was the Summer of Love, then 2019 will go down in the history books as the Summer of Brexit. Has all the fussing and fighting, and Boris moving into No.10, deterred gift retailers from forging ahead with their plans? Not a bit of it. At PG&H’s annual retailer round table, we spoke to a collective of ambitious, realistic independent retailers who are all breaking the retail mould, acknowledging that high street retail remains tough, but who are nevertheless ploughing on with confidence. Turn to Look Who’s Talking on pages 27-31 for a no holds barred article on the banes and bonuses of independent retailing, and why Christmas can’t come soon enough. And while on the subject of breaking the mould, we chatted to newcomers Rachel and Paul Roberts, co-owners of four MOOCH gift stores in Northamptonshire and Bucks, about their fast track expansion over the past two years. (Turn to pages 37-39).

We also caught up with gift suppliers Wild Things, who are celebrating 35 years, to hear more about their exciting expansion plans (turn to pages 77-79), as well as Boxer Gifts, which remains on a mission to put the fun into gifting. (Turn to pages 69-71). And if you thought collectables had had their day, then think again. Enesco’s managing director Rob Freestone reveals the myriad of big licensed brands that are continuing to take the company onwards and upwards. (Turn to pages 51-53).

With Christmas shopping kicking off at Home & Gift in Harrogate in July, we’ve got some great ideas for the sweet spots of £5 and under, £10 and under and £20 and under, (turn to pages 41-45). And staying with Christmas, for retailers still looking for Christmas decorations - an increasingly important category for gift shops - we asked some of the leading suppliers to tell us what’s trending for the festive season. (Turn to pages 33-35).

There’s more news on the product front too, with home fragrancing coming into its own over the next few months. (Turn to pages 57-61). We also get a handle on giftable mugs that will make the perfect self-purchase, Secret Santa gift or stocking filler. (Turn to pages 81-85).

Meanwhile, with Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) not only celebrating 21 years this October, but also moving to ExCeL, in London’s Docklands, we’ve put the spotlight on the licensed brands that will be making their debut this Autumn. (Turn to pages 73-75), You can also read what The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward has to say about the licensing sector in relation to the gift industry and why it’s growing in importance for gift retailers. (Turn to page 55).

But first, our thoughts are very much on a re-edited, trend-led Autumn Fair (September 1-4, NEC), and, as always, a cutting edge Top Drawer (September 8-10, Olympia). There’s lots going on, and you can find out more about both shows by turning to pages 11, 15 and 17 respectively.

See you at the shows and enjoy the issue!

Top: Sue (centre) with this year’s ‘retail round tablers’. (Turn to Look Who’s Talking on pages 27-31).

Above left: Taking time out to chat at Home & Gift last month, Sue is shown with Sean Camm of The Hollies Farm Shop. (Turn to The Hollies Celebrates 60 Years on page 19).

Cover: The Cello range from Xystos.

Progressive Gifts & Home is published 7 times a year.

Subscription: UK; one year £50, two years £85 or three years £110. Overseas; one year £75, two years £125 or three years £165. Please send your cheque to: Progressive Gifts & Home, Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax 020 7609 4222/020 7607 6411 email: ianh@max-publishing.co.uk Copyright 2018. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

ISSN 2515-7523 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Inside

Seasonal Decoration at its best

24. – 28. 1. 2020

9-23

News

25

Gift of the Gab EASY DOES IT

27-31

Feedback: Retailer Round Table LOOK WHO’S TALKING

33-35

Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations DECK THE HALLS

37-39

Retailer Face To Face: MOOCH, Northamptonshire MOOCHING AROUND

41-45

Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

51-53

In Profile: Enesco COLLECTIVELY SPEAKING

55

In My Opinion LICENSED FOR SUCCESS

57-61

Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing SCENTS OF THE SEASON

69-71

In Profile: Boxer Gifts FUN IS OUR BUSINESS

73-75

Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware BRANDS TALKING

77-79

In Profile: Wild Things INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

81-85

Spotlight On... Mugs HOT STUFF

113

Sounding Off ALL WORK AND NOT MUCH PLAY

Here you’ll find the widest range of seasonal and festive decorations.

114-115 Best Sellers 118

Behind The Counter: Marion Johnston, Spirito

118

Last Word: Artist Bree Merryn

We look forward to seeing you! christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com

info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

Sue Marks Editor

Angie Bryant Advertisement Manager

Ian Hyder Publishing Director

suem@max-publishing.co.uk

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ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Scotland | Alistair Ritchie - 07970 867829 - aragencies@aol.com The North West | Could this be you? - We are looking for an agent to cover The North West Yorkshire & NE | Tina Wagstaff - 07882 579906 - tinawagstaff@talktalk.net East | Howard Keizer - 07834 771224 - howard@brandselect.com

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BREAKING NEW GROUND HERE IN THE UK NATIONAL INDEPENDENT COVERAGE

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Midlands | Garin Offer - 07973 255790 - garin@sapphiresales.co.uk Ireland | Aidan Brett - 00 353 87 285123 - aidanbrett@gmail.com South West | Guy Currie - 07768 822610 - guycurrie@icloud.com South East | Could this be you? - We are looking for an agent to cover Greater London & South East

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Industry News

Fanfaring The Greats 2020!

Trendy New Venue, Contemporary New Look To celebrate and fanfare the milestone 18th year of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards in 2020, the event has not only moved to an exciting new London venue, but has also had a makeover with a contemporary new logo.

“We have moved the event to a stunning new venue - the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) and Artillery Garden, next to London’s trendy Shoreditch area,” explains Progressive Gifts & Home editor Sue Marks.

“It’s a unique, vibrant venue that’s steeped in ancient history, reflecting this year’s theme of the Victorious Greats which ties in with the 75th anniversary of VE Day on May 8.”

An impressive line-up of sponsors to date include (in alphabetical order): Candlelight, Gift Republic, Gisela Graham, Joe Davies, PG Live, Wrendale Designs and The Giftware Association.

Once again, The Greats Awards will be open to all gift shops and gift departments. Details of how to enter, along with the closing date for entries, will be announced shortly.

Winners will be announced at a glittering Awards lunch held on Wednesday May 13, 2020. For ticket information, visit Max-Tickets.net or contact Clare Hollick at Createvents tel: 01183 340085 e: clare@createvents.co.uk First launched in 2003, The Greats Gift Retailer Awards are owned and organised by Max Publishing and Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide.

Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk Left: The Honourable Artillery Club is the home of The Greats 2020.

Gift Shop Takes On The Multiples Four years after opening gift shop Joco Interiors in Nuneaton, owner Jo Williams, winner of The Greats 2019 Independent Gift Retailer of the Year Midlands & Wales category, has expanded yet again by moving into the Ropewalk shopping centre.

“We are one of the only independent retailers within the shopping centre, nestled between The Body Shop and Pandora, but also alongside Costa, Muffin Break, Topshop, Monsoon and others,” Jo pointed out.

Jo held a grand reopening at the beginning of July, with the highlight a visit by Nuneaton entertainer Hoop Guy, a past finalist in Britain's Got Talent, who created a spectacular show outside the shop.

Joco first opened in April 2015 with a tiny shop on the Queens Road, Nuneaton, but moved to a much larger shop at the Abbeygate Shopping centre two years later.

“We outgrew that shop too, needing more space to be able to offer our increased services which include gift wrapping and same day local delivery with our own van,” Jo explained.

Above: Jo Williams, owner of Joco Interiors, is shown with Hoop Guy at the opening of her new shop in the Ropewalk shopping mall.

It’s ‘Great’ To Talk Celebrating her success at The Greats 2019 earlier this year as winner of the Best Newcomer South & Wales category, Aga Gabrysiak, co-owner of Highworth Emporium in Highworth, and her assistant manager Paula Zielinska, were recently invited onto Swindon 105.5 community radio’s programme Roundabout Swindon to join Verity Manners for an hour long programme. “Entering any award is a great time to sum up your business, look at it from a distance and actually be proud of the success you have created,” Aga told PG&H. “Working hard every day you don’t really have time to stop and think about how great your stuff is, how many great reviews your business has received, how many new customers are coming through your door, how successful your social media activity is and so much more. We actually skipped quite a few songs to be able to talk through everything.”

Above: Greats winner Aga Gabrysiak, co-owner of Highworth Emporium, Highworth, with assistant manager Paula Zielinska, are shown in the Swindon 105.5 community radio studios.

Thinking Of You Week With the countdown to the GCA’s Thinking Of You Week initiative already underway - which this year takes place from September 22 September 28 - gift shops, along with greeting card retailers, are being invited to download the branded Thinking Of You Week PoS material, which includes a banner, poster and flyers from https://www.thinkingofyouweek.cards/toolkit/ The concept behind the initiative is to create a wave of happiness and caring through sending greeting cards.

"Thinking of You Week, now in its sixth year, is attracting more and more retail involvement each year,” states the GCA’s ceo Amanda Fergusson. “Retail promotions have highlighted the opportunity to send a card to someone you care about, just because, to share a joke or beautiful image, or just to say ‘Thinking of You’.”

During the week, those taking part will be encouraged to share photos, videos and stories via social media using the hash tag #Thinkingofyouweek Thinking of You Week has now become an international event, held in the USA and Australia, as well as other large card sending nations.

VIP ‘Meet & Greet’ Exhibitors at Home & Gift in Harrogate were delighted when the Mayor and Mayoress of Harrogate District, Mayor Peter Martin and Mayoress April Martin, took time out of their busy schedules to pop into the show on the last day.

“We’ve been talking to businesses about how the past four days have been for them,” the Mayor told PG&H. During the show, exhibitor Wrendale Designs held a drinks party on its stand to celebrate the company’s Queen’s Award to Enterprise: International Trade, which was followed by a special event at the company’s HQ in Lincolnshire in August to thank customers for their support.

Above: Shown from left to right are Wrendale Design’s founder Hannah Dale, PG&H’s editor Sue Marks, Lisa Marcuccio, head of sales, and Nigel Williams and Miles Robinson (right), coowners of House of Cards.

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

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Industry News

Sustainability Leads The Way Autumn Fair Announces Talks And Workshops With customers demanding products that eschew plastic and are kinder to the planet, sustainability is growing in importance for gift retailers, with September’s re-edited Autumn Fair - which, this September, has moved to the Atrium at the NEC - aiming to bridge the gap between retailers and suppliers.

The show will host talks and workshops from leaders in sustainability, to include Jeremy Corner, chairman of The Giftware Association and managing director of Blue Eyed Sun, and a distributor of BambooCup, who will be speaking about how retailers can cut single-use plastics. “I recently shot, edited and shared 31 videos about my Plastic Free July Challenge to raise awareness and experience how challenging it was,” Jeremy Above: Jeremy Corner, the UK told PG&H, “and I will be sharing that with attendees in my talk Going distributor of BambooCup, will be speaking about sustainability Plastic Free: Where do you start and why?” at Autumn Fair in September.

Other leading sustainability names at the show include James George, business engagement manager at the Ellen Macarthur Foundation, who will be discussing the evolving nature of the circular economy and what true sustainability looks like; Agnès Gendry, head of buying at Lush Cosmetics, who will be explaining how the company works with suppliers to understand their ethical and sustainable credentials in order to drive visibility in their supply chain; and David Meller, responsible sourcing director at NSF International, whose session ‘Plastic Isn’t The Problem’ will educate buyers on the bigger plastics picture.

A new international Sourcing zone is also being launched in Hall 10 at Autumn Fair this year for retailers looking to benefit from markets outside of the UK. Autumn Fair takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from September 1-4. Visit www.autumnfair.com (Blue Eyed Sun will be exhibiting in Hall 6; stand A43).

Celebrating 20 Years This summer, Let’s Go Round Again in Wombourne celebrated the shop’s 20th milestone anniversary. “We had an amazing day supported by customers old and new and a fabulous team of shop ‘fairies’, plus a guest appearance by Adam Starr who did live Facebook and Instagram posts throughout the day, helping to drive customers into the shop,” enthused owner Hilary Jones.

She says that the highlight of the past 20 years has been winning a Greats award in 2013. “It's an amazing day to relive in my thoughts and I'm really proud of how far I've come since opening the shop with my mum in 1999 while still working part time at a 'proper job'.”

Below: Hilary Jones, second on the right, is shown at Let’s Go Round Again’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

Sustainability Achievable In Three Plus Years

Carrie Elspeth Diversifies

Following a major study conducted by Spring Fair, Autumn Fair and Pure London, part of the ITE Group, two thirds (66%) of UK retailers believe it will take their business three years or more to achieve true sustainability. UK retailers said that they hoped to increase the percentage of products that are sustainable by 33% on average by the end of next year.

To celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary year, Carrie Elspeth, best known for her colourful beaded jewellery, will be diversifying into scarves this Autumn.

Some 20 colourful designs, designed by the company’s founder and creative director, Carrie Shapiro, will be launching at Autumn Fair (Hall 9; stand F90) which takes place from September 1-4 at the NEC in Birmingham.

“As with all my jewellery, retailers will find well designed quality products, reasonably priced with colour in abundance,” she told PG&H. “We’ve been wanting to do another product for some time, and scarves fit in well.

As a company we are all about colour and the scarves reflect that.”

Adds Carrie: “The scarves retail for around £15, which makes them very competitively priced.”

Totally Thai October’s STYLE Bangkok will be bringing together lifestyle products ranging from gifts and home décor to fashion and accessories, furniture and housewares when the show returns to BITEC in Bangna, from October 1721. Among the themes will be eco lifestyle products as well as global and Asian trends.

Show highlights include the new Art zone, which will be featuring rare art pieces from renowned as well as up-and-coming Thai artists, and the Inspiration zone, featuring innovative products with modern designs in both the Innovation and Design Showcase and Design Bazaar. The zone will feature several lifestyle ‘masterpieces’ developed from different projects to include those designed from waste and eco products.

Elsewhere, STYLE will be highlighting the Talent Thai & Designers’ Room zone showcasing close to 70 aspiring fashion and lifestyle designers, with products ranging from gifts, fashion, jewellery and accessories to home décor and furniture.

Also taking centre stage will be the Trend Spotting niche Showcase zone which will highlight four fast growing trends in niche markets - from items for pets, to products for Mom & Kids, and products specially catering to senior citizens. A variety of local Thai crafts from all regions of Thailand, will also be exhibited. Visit www.stylebangkokfair.com Above: Among the products at Style Bangkok in October.

Above: The new range of Carrie Elspeth scarves will be packaged in stylish gift bags.

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Industry News

Mary Portas Headlining At Autumn Fair

Gift Of The Year 2020 Launches

Successful Retail Is About Being A Visionary, Says Mary

The Giftware Association has announced the launch of its 2020 Gift of the Year competition. There are 20 gift and home categories, with the Judges’ Choice category sponsored by Progressive Gifts & Home.

Now in its 42nd year, the Association says that the 2020 competition is set to be the ‘biggest and best’ yet, with products and ranges given an exclusive platform that will be seen by buyers, retailers and industry experts.

There is no limit to how many products or categories companies can enter, or how many categories the same product can be entered into.

A panel of retailers, industry experts and trade press, to include Progressive Gifts & Home, will judge each entry on its commercial merits.

Visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk or call 0121 237 1142.

‘Queen of Shops’ Mary Portas will taking part in a live Q&A at 2pm on Monday September 2 at Autumn Fair, discussing how retailers should be creating ‘communities’ through focusing on their loyal customers.

The retail consultant and broadcaster will also be talking about the retail sector’s fundamental need to change its attitude to talent, based on too few young people viewing retail as a viable and rewarding career path, with Mary explaining why the sector needs to embrace and value soft skills and more traditional attributes, such as empathy, instinct, kindness and trust.

Her seminar will offer a vision for how Autumn Fair visitors can drive change in the retail sector, with 200 visitors receiving a free, signed copy of her book Work Like A Woman.

Ahead of her talk she states: “Now’s a time for visionaries. The old dinosaurs and faceless corporations are on the out and retailers who place people and community at the heart of their business are on the up. I truly believe there’s never been a more exciting time to be in retail and I’m excited to see what’s on offer at Autumn Fair this year.”

Commenting, Julie Driscoll, regional director of Spring & Autumn Fair adds: “Mary Portas has been a true champion of the UK retail sector for much of the past two decades and will bring a renewed sense of optimism in the great British high street to the show, along with her characteristically unique, creative ideas as to how the sector can improve and grow into its future.”

Autumn Fair takes place from September 1-4 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Visit www.autumnfair.com Above: Mary Portas will be the keynote speaker at Autumn Fair.

Left: Mary will be giving away 200 signed copies of her book Work Like A Woman.

Theo Paphitis Returns To Autumn Fair Following the huge success of the #SBS Pavilion at last year’s Autumn Fair, the show has once again teamed up with retail entrepreneur and former Dragon Theo Paphitis, who will be sharing his views on the last 12 months in retail at 2pm on Tuesday September 3. Plus, there will be a special Q&A session with three of last year's #SBS Pavilion winners who will be talking about the impact that showcasing at Autumn Fair has had on their business over the past 12 months.

As with last year, 12 #SBS companies – selected from 36 businesses that were shortlisted in Theo Paphitisis’ #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative – will be showcasing their products in the #SBS Pavilion.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to bring the #SBS community back to Autumn Fair,” states Theo. “As we saw last year, the chance to exhibit at Autumn Fair can have a fantastic impact on a fledgling business’s sales, connections, leads and brand exposure.” #SBS Small Business Sunday is an online business community founded by Theo.

Above: Theo Paphitis, the keynote speaker at last year’s Autumn Fair, will be back at the show at 2pm on September 3.

Celebrating A Trio Of Shops

Above: Polkadot in Keynsham.

Tracey and Chris Bryant, the owners of Expressions in Swindon, and The Cats Whiskers in Bishops Cleeve, have added a third shop, Polkadot in Keynsham, to their portfolio.

“We have received such a warm welcome from the people of Keynsham that we feel very at home already and are very excited,” said Tracey. “Polkadot sits perfectly alongside The Cats Whiskers as they sell similar lifestyle products - which also feeds our website www.catswhiskersuk.com - with Gisela Graham, Jellycat and East of India featuring among our top gift suppliers. In the longer term, we hope to have our website fulfilled by all three shops.”

GA’s Oliver Bonas ‘Exclusive’ Opportunity In a ‘scoop’ for The Giftware Association, members are being offered the opportunity to showcase their products to a team of buyers - to include the head buyer of prestigious multiple retailer Oliver Bonas - at a Meet The Buyer event on Thursday October 24.

The retailer will be looking for products in five categories: branded gifts; cosmetics/wellness; novelty products; gardenware and confectionery.

The curated event will take place at The Giftware Association’s offices in Birmingham, with members invited to submit photos of either their products or their catalogues for review by the Oliver Bonas buyers.

The companies whose products are selected will then be invited to attend the Meet The Buyers day, where they will be able to have 20 minutes of quality time with a member of the Oliver Bonas buying team, enabling them to discuss their products in more detail. Visit www.ga-uk.org Above: The Oliver Bonas store in London’s Blackheath.

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

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A/W 19

Image Credits: Broste Copenhagen | DOIY by Manta Gifts | Emma Johnson Ceramics | Sibilia

OUT OF THE ORDINARY

BREAKING BOUNDARIES, DEFINING TRENDS At Top Drawer we search the globe for an extraordinary and distinctive edit of design-led brands across the lifestyle spectrum so you can create an offering that is out of the ordinary.

topdrawer.co.uk/PGH

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Industry News

On The Eco Trail Top Drawer Ups Its Eco Focus The Giftware Association’s chairman Jeremy Corner (and managing director of Blue Eyed Sun) will be curating this year’s eco trail at Top Drawer, which takes place at London’s Olympia from September 8-10.

“I’m honoured to be curating the eco-trail at Top Drawer which is made up from an exceptional group of suppliers that are leading the way in facilitating this important shift in consumer behaviour,” comments Jeremy.

“The world is rapidly waking up to environmental concerns and the need to consume more consciously. Retailers, suppliers and supply chains are vital to this change, both in the actions they take and the way they share their stories to spread the word. I respect Top Drawer’s decision to recognise and support brands taking action in regards to sustainability. It is certainly reflective of the steps needed to be taken by the industry as a whole.”

Blue Eyed Sun will be exhibiting at Top Drawer on stand P31. Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk Above: Top Drawer eco trail exhibitor Bear Essentials’ handcrafted wooden sunglasses and wooden watches.

Left: Eco trail curator Jeremy Corner.

DesignTalk Debuts At Top Drawer Autumn Following its successful January debut, Top Drawer’s DesignTalk - a dedicated seminar stream for interior professionals and design-led retailers - will debut at the show in September, presenting specialist advice, trend analysis and discussion from leading interior designers.

The seminar programme will complement the popular RetailFest programme.

In addition, MR. and the MR. Lifestyle product trail will be making their debut at the show, having successfully launched at Top Drawer January.

Other show highlights include Pulse, co-locating with both Top Drawer and Spotted for the first time, which will be turning the spotlight on emerging talent and new brands. Returning meanwhile, will be the PaperAwards (see right) and the Spotted Award highlighting industry innovation and trends.

In all, ten curated sectors - Home, Gift, Fashion, Greetings & Stationery, Play, Pulse & Spotted, Craft, Food Emporium, as well as the brand new Retail Clinics - will enable visitors to discover the latest trends and gain expert advice.

“Top Drawer has always been at the forefront of industry trends and cutting-edge content,” states show director Alejandra Campos. “The co-location with Pulse, which is known for presenting the next wave of design talent, makes for the perfect complement to our existing offering. With the amalgamation of the two shows, visitors will have the ability to explore the largest presentation of commercially-ready emerging brands and design, as well as the industry’s bigger, more established names.”

Top Drawer will be taking place at Olympia from September 8-10. Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk Above: Men will have a big focus at Top Drawer in September, with the Men’s Society among the exhibitors.

Left: Top Drawer’s show director Alejandra Campos.

Down Memory Lane Currently celebrating the company’s 30th anniversary, Arran Aromatics founder, Janet Russell, has been interviewed for a special Channel 5 documentary, where she will be speaking about Arran Aromatics’ heritage.

The programme will be shown later this year focusing on a behind-thescenes look at how the company started and how it has evolved.

Top Drawer’s PaperAwards Up The Ante The winners of Top Drawer’s PaperAwards will be announced prior to the show which takes place from September 8-10 at London’s Olympia.

The categories are Best Stationery Design, Exciting Use of Colour, Emotive Design and Engaging Print, with seven finalists in each category - one more than previous years - due to the calibre of entries that impressed the judges.

Commented Top Drawer show director Alejandra Campos: “The entries this season were some of our most exciting yet and I’m thrilled for retailers to see the exciting Greetings & Stationery offer at the show this September.”

Retailers are currently being asked to vote for their favourite entries by visiting the Top Drawer website www.topdrawer.co.uk Each winner will receive a prize worth more than £1,000.

Above: Alphablots have been shortlisted in the Exciting Use of Colour category.

Double Triumph Gift retailer MOOCH, which has a shop on St Giles Street in Northampton, as well as newly opened stores in Olney and Towester, and a concession in Bell, triumphed at the recent Retas greeting card retailer awards in July, hot on the heels of having won The Greats Best Newcomer Midlands, North and Northern Ireland category in May. (See Mooching Around on pages 37-39).

Other winners on the day included John Lewis, (winner of the Best Department Store Retailer of Greeting cards category) and Blue Diamond Group (winner of the Best Garden Centre Retailer of Greeting Cards category) which was also crowned Greeting Card Retailer of the Year.

The event took on a ‘Frida Fiesta’ theme after the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

Above: Rachel and Paul Roberts, co-owners of MOOCH, triumphed at The Retas Awards.

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Industry News

Portmeirion Group Acquires Nambé For $12m Purchase Will Increase The Group’s Sales In The US Portmeirion Group has paid a cash sum of $12m to acquire Nambé, a US-based premium, branded homewares business which reported sales of $18m in 2018.

The acquisition provides the Group with additional scale in its key US market and strategically complements its existing US subsidiary while continuing to diversify the company into new homeware product categories.

Portmeirion Group intends to leverage the Nambé product ranges through its existing US sales channels and global sales infrastructure.

“Having been working with Nambé for nearly a year on potential synergistic opportunities, we are delighted to acquire this historic US brand together with a strong management team,” states Portmeirion Group’s chief executive Lawrence Bryan. “Nambé is synonymous with market leading design in homewares and we are hugely excited to take the brand on the next part of its journey.”

Adds Dick Steele, Portmeirion Group’s non executive chairman: "The acquisition is highly complementary to our existing business and provides further access to the key US market. We see the acquisition as an exciting milestone for Portmeirion. The Board expects the acquisition to be earnings enhancing in the first full year of consolidation through top line growth along with sales and cost saving synergies."

Above: Nambé barware.

Trade Show Accolade Enesco’s design and manufacturing were recently confirmed as ‘market leading’ by trade show Tendence, which took place in Frankfurt at the end of June/beginning of July.

The show’s Form#2019 set out to find the most exemplary products from this year’s exhibition which were included in a special showcase to highlight the diverse range of quality designs on offer, with Enesco’s Department 56’s Hogwarts Great Hall chosen to feature prominently.

“Messe Frankfurt also presented us with a certificate to be displayed on our stand, highlighting that Enesco products were some of the best on offer at the show,” stated Enesco’s marketing director Helen Cottrill. (See Collectively Speaking on pages 51-53).

Below: Harry Potter from Enesco.

The Hollies Celebrates 60 Years This year is a very special one for The Hollies Farm Shop in Little Budworth, near Tarporley in Cheshire, whose retail complex includes the award winning The Barn gift shop, as well as the newly opened The Living Shop lifestyle outlet.

It was exactly 60 years ago that Richard Cowap started the business with a vegetable stand on the side of the road that had an honesty box.

Some 60 years on, as well as two gift outlets, the retail destination includes a farm shop, butchery, coffee shop, evening restaurant, delicatessen, plant nursery and five star luxury Forest Lodges.

In 2007, another The Hollies Farm Shop and coffee shop was opened at Lower Stretton, along with a boutique hotel in the Scottish Highlands. A second boutique hotel opened on Tarporley high street last year.

“We have worked really hard over the years,” comments Richard. “It’s not been easy, but we’ve forged our way through the hard times. I’m so proud of my children Ed, Phil and Sue and what they have achieved with The Hollies.”

He says the family’s passion lies in its sourcing along with providing the best customer service through every part if the business while maintaining the Cowap family values.

Above: Keeping it in the family. The Cowap family are currently celebrating The Hollies Farm Shop’s 60th anniversary.

Pure Living Launches This October, a brand new trade exhibition, Pure Living, will be opening the doors to overseas trade in partnership with headline partner Turkel Fuarcilik A.S. and The Giftware Association.

Product categories include home décor and accessories, furniture, lighting, home textiles, kitchen and dining, kids living and outdoor living. Many of the products will be crafted from sustainable materials, confirm the organisers Elite London Events.

Supported by The Giftware Association, and with Turkey as its international trading partner, the new trade show will be bringing together contemporary lifestyle and homeware companies, many of whom have never exhibited in the UK before.

The exhibition takes place at London’s Business Design Centre from October 21-22.

Visit www.purelivingfair.com Above: Pure Linen will be exhibiting at Pure Living.

Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn Eight exhibitors will be showcasing Scottish crafts in the new Craft Gallery which is among the highlights of Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn, along with the Launch Gallery, which has sold out.

Around 180 exhibitors, many of whom can only be seen at the show, will be showcasing gifts, homewares, jewellery textiles and food.

Mark Saunders, show director, comments: “This summer has once again seen the tourists and staycationers flock to Scotland so many independent retailers, especially those on the tourist routes, have had a good season and are ready to re-stock at our show in September. We have a very varied and innovative offering of exhibitors that will allow buyers to find new suppliers and re-engage with existing ones.”

The show takes place at the SECC, Glasgow, from September 22-23.

Visit www.scotlandtradefairs.co.uk

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Industry News

Teachers Gifts Go Top Of The Class Gift Retailers See Sales Soar As Term Ends According to a recent report by personalised gift retailer GiftPup sales of teachers’ gifts have soared by more than 250% this year.

“We definitely saw an increase in demand for small token gifts and thank you cards,” says Emma Paisey, owner of Daisy Park in South Molton. “We made a display at the front of the shop which was a huge success and inspired last minute shoppers to get something to thank their children’s teachers. We also sent out a newsletter and made a blog post giving inspiration for what to buy.

It was great to see teachers using their gift vouchers in the shop.”

In Barnet in North London, Louise Rolfe, owner of The Present, said that the shop has definitely seen an increase in teachers’ gifts over the past couple of years, “although gifts that say ‘teacher’ on them are less popular,” she points out. “We therefore tend to re-display existing stock. While candles and jewellery are good sellers, this year we saw an increase in higher priced items such as Katie Loxton pouches. We also noticed that people came in and bought 10 or 12 presents at once for teachers and teaching assistants.”

Up in Scotland, Fiona Fabien, owner of Papyrus in Glasgow, concurs that the teachers’ gifts sector continues to grow, with sales remaining buoyant. “As price point is important, we saw gifts around £10 and under selling well,” she confirms.

Meanwhile, at Something Special in Edenbridge, owner Karen Ebers highlighted that gifts specifically aimed at teachers have been declining over past few years. “However, we found that customers were choosing alternative items such as pens, notepads, bath bombs, scented candles, mugs, scarves and necklaces,” Karen highlighted.

Above: The teachers’ gifts display that was showcased in the front window of Daisy Park in South Molton.

Retailers At The Heart Of BLE As Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) gets ready to celebrate its 21st anniversary from October 1-3 at new London venue ExCeL, the organisers have confirmed that there will be a packed programme for retailers, to include new daily breakfast briefings, as well as a Retail Trends Lounge and a dedicated educational programme.

“The number of retailer visitors attending BLE last year rose by an incredible 24%, and our investment to not only bring even more retailers to the show this year but also to increase the number of overseas retailers coming to London, continues in earnest,” comments BLE event director Anna Knight.

“The Trends Programme will deliver valuable and practical insight into consumer trends and forecasting, and the networking events will facilitate knowledge-sharing with peers.”

Retailers will also be invited to join a group tour of BLE’s new Gaming and eSports Activation led by co-creator PowerStation Studios.

In addition, BLE’s VIP Matchmaking Service will ensure that retailers not only get in front of leading brands, but also receive help to identify and reach out to the brands from an experienced and knowledgeable concierge team. Through the service, retailers are also being invited to arrange one-toone meetings with BLE’s 2019 partners.

There will also be a Retail Mentoring Programme featuring 68 buyers from 21 retailers, designed and managed by BLE. New delegates for 2019 include Moonpig, Amazon, Next and Cool Clobber.

The show has grown exponentially since its launch in 1999 and currently brings together over 7,800 licensing professionals from all over the world to do business with over 260 brand owners from across the licensing spectrum. l The event will remain at ExCeL until at least 2024, the show organisers have confirmed.

Visit www.brandlicensing.eu Above: Moonpig’s licensing executive Vikki O’Connor.

The RHS Returns To Brand Licensing Europe After a five year lapse, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) will be returning to Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) confirming the Society’s strengths both as a licensing partner and as a brand. The popular heritage brand will be unveiling new style guides, new licensees and new categories.

Visitors to the RHS stand, (B366), will be able to see multiple design assets - including the first-ever RHS style guide for children’s products and new artwork - as well as the RHS Lindley Collections art.

Among the main target categories will be toys, games, apparel and tools for young gardeners. The RHS is aiming to announce the first product partnerships at BLE.

PEOPLE p Leading UK gift and gadget retailer MenKind has appointed its first managing director since the company launched in 2001. Simon Calvert (right) took up the position at the beginning of August, and will be leading the consumer retail side of the business. Past brands he has worked with include The Conran Shop, Republic, BHS and Bon Marché. p Wrendale Designs has appointed Kirsty Hicks (right), a former card buyer for Waitrose, into a newly created role of head of product development.

Mad Beauty Expands Into EMEA Award winning, gift-led bath and body company Mad Beauty is building on its success in the UK - where it has seen dramatic growth over the last two years with Disney extending the company’s licence to allow expansion from the UK to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Israel and Eastern Europe, further strengthening the partnership between the two companies.

Eco-Friendly Charity Bags Gift, stationery and greeting card brand, Caroline Gardner has partnered with Waitrose and Jutexto to produce a range of shopping bags in support of UK charity Meningitis Now. The range includes pouch bags, made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, as well as large shopping bags made from a blend of jute and cotton, (juco), with both bags available in two designs.

“We’re thrilled to put our newest print on this iconic juco shopper, along with an exclusive colourway of our signature heart print,” commented Caroline, cofounder of the business. “Not only are the foldaway bags an essential handbag item but it’s fantastic that each bag is made from 3.5 recycled plastic bottles.”

The environmentally friendly bags are priced at £4 for the pouch bags and £6 for the large juco bags, with 40p from the sale of each pouch bag and 50p from the sale of each large juco bag, being donated to the charity.

Above: One of Caroline Gardner’s charity bags for Waitrose.

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Industry News

Bira’s Challenges To Boris Johnson Bira Sets Out Three Key Challenges For The PM In a heartfelt plea, the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has challenged the Government to resolve some of the ongoing issues that are burdening independent businesses, to include gift retailers, in order to ensure the future of our high streets.

They include a pro-business Brexit that ensures an inclusive deal and allows for a transition period; a request to make the business rates discount permanent, and for the Government to encourage local councils to provide more free and accessible parking in town centres, “With two months to go until we leave the EU, time is of the essence for the new Prime Minister,” says Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre. “As a result of Brexit, 91.96% of Bira members are expecting cost price increases, whether modest or significant, and this will only add to the drop in footfall. Without a probusiness Brexit that includes a deal, independent retailers will not be able to compete, and it would lead to more business closures.”

Bira has already successfully campaigned for a 30% reduction in business rates for the smallest retailers, but wants the Prime Minister to take action to ensure the retail discount is made permanent.

Above: Bira wants Boris Johnson to take action to protect Britain’s high streets.

Left: Andrew Goodacre, ceo, Bira.

Bira Partners Down Your High Street Independent retailers recently came together at the OXO Tower in London to celebrate the ongoing success of the national online selling platform Down Your High Street, (DYHS), alongside partners the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) and event organisers Network & Chill.

“Down Your High Street is an ideal platform for our members and we are proud to work in partnership with DYHS to provide an opportunity for bricks and mortar retailers to embrace online sales in a simple and affordable way,” commented Bira’s national membership manager Julie Holden.

With workshop sessions from DYHS supporter Mark Hayes, a stylist on ITV’s Lorraine programme, and a motivational talk from The Apprentice winner Sian Gabbidon, the event’s aim was to inspire retailers, encourage networking and to get a deeper understanding of the platform which now has 600 independent retailers trading on it.

Left: Dan Whytock, ceo of Down Your High Street, addressed delegates at the OXO Tower in London.

The Licensing Awards Finalists Announced The finalists in The Licensing Awards 2019 product categories have been revealed, with the Best Licensed Giftware Range companies as follows: Britain’s Got Talent Personalised Range from Evode; Loungefly Captain Marvel Collection from Funko; Disney Aladdin Collection from Half Moon Bay; Mary Poppins Accessories from Difuzed; Miffy Craft Kits from Stitch & Story; Moomin Collection from House of Disaster; Peter Rabbit Baby Range from Enesco.

Overall, 4,000 licensed products were entered into the awards this year, with 150 top retail buyers judging the entries, individually selecting which five products they considered to be the best in each category.

The winners in all categories will be announced at a glittering ceremony on Tuesday September 10, held in The Great Room at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

Tickets and tables are available to buy online at Max-Tickets.net, or from Createvents on 01733 294524 or email clare@createvents.co.uk.

NEWS IN BRIEF p Wrendale Designs is increasing its distribution in Europe, with the appointment of a raft of new sales agents, as well as investing in, and upping its presence at trade shows. p Award winning lifestyle store the Old School Beauly in Invernessshire is embarking on an Autumn TV advertising campaign on the STV channel, for the first time, to further promote the store.

Right: Helen and William Crawford, co-owners of The Old School Beauly.

p Inspire Gifts & Gallery in Lancaster was named as the Best Gift Shop in Northern England at the England’s Business Awards in July. p British artist Julie Dodsworth has appointed award winning licensing agency Start Licensing to represent her eponymous brand. The company’s primary role will be to develop new business in categories such as food and food gifting, seasonal gifting, homewares, apparel, publishing and crafting.

Above: Artist Julie Dodsworth at work in her studio.

p Over 50 major retailers, to include John Lewis & Partners, Fenwick and Harrods, came together in mid-August to demand that the Government takes action to fix the broken business rates system. The initiative was spearheaded by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). p New findings revealed in the Digital Tipping Point report, commissioned by law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD), predict that over the next 10 years, online shopping will account for over 50% of retail sales. p According to the High Street Sales Tracker (HSST), published by BDO, homewares was the lone bright spot on the high street with instore sales up by 5.6% in June.

Green Ideas At HOMI Outdoor Green product ideas will be one of the key trends at HOMI Outdoor Home&Dehors, which will be making its debut from September 13-16 at Fiera Milano.

The event is dedicated to outdoor accessories, furniture and décor, representing a wide range of products that combine design, functionality and research, with the show anticipating sector trends in synergy with the HOMI lifestyle exhibition that will now be held annually in January.

Italy’s outdoor furnishings sector is worth five billion euros, and looks set to get bigger still, say the show organisers. Visit www.homimilano.com Right: Avanti will be among the exhibitors at September’s HOMI Outdoor.

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Left: Nic Stone.

Below: Amazon makes ordering so easy.

Below middle: Bookspeed gets the thumbs up from Nic.

GIFT OF THE

GAB

Easy Does It Nic Stone, owner of The Bottle Kiln in West Hallam, reflects on where Amazon gets it right (and wrong!), and gives his opinion on ordering from websites per se - both the good and the bad. But what’s all this about friction? Over to Nic! “A really useful word has come up several times recently in books and articles I have read about retailing, and that word is ‘friction’. We all know what friction is, and in a retailing context it is anything that slows or impedes the process of making a sale. For someone running a shop this may mean easy parking, opening hours, the number of staff/tills, the technology for taking sales in the quickest way, and so on.

Even having the stock that the customer wants in the shop on the day that they want it.

Friction is saying ‘we have to order those in specially I’m afraid’, ‘we’re closed for stocktaking today’ or ‘we don’t take those credit cards here’. And we all know who the experts in doing away with friction are: our old nemesis Amazon.

Personally I hate them. I hate them for being ruthless, bullying and most of all for paying no taxes. But even I resort to using them when I need to search something unusual and get it delivered in a hurry. It’s just so easy!

Obviously you spend hours afterwards each time trying to get out of Amazon Prime that you accidentally signed up for (again), but the whole sale process, once your details are in there, is so darn quick.

Of course friction isn’t everything. If you need a new part for the broken vacuum cleaner or printer cartridges then quick matters. But in our business most of our customers probably visit us with no clear idea of what they are going to buy.

Our job is to help them to find the right 50th present for auntie Violet or just to make them feel they absolutely have to have that Danish necklace to go with their new summer outfit. But if we don’t close the sale quickly and efficiently the customer won’t want to bother next time.

I have been reminded of this recently as we increasingly move our buying away from catalogues, reps and shows to online wholesale websites. We still go to the trade shows, and very often select the new season’s goods there, but most reordering is now done online. And the difference between the best and the worst of our suppliers’ websites is

incredible. The best of them remember the password you originally set and don’t constantly tell you it’s changed for some reason. The worst seem constantly to move the goalposts so that each time you log on it feels like a battle. Can you imagine if Amazon did that? Or if we stood at the doors of our shops requiring complex information from customers before we let them in? I get that a site needs a certain amount of security, but

for the most part they don’t keep our credit card details so what’s the worst that can happen?

The best wholesale sites keep a checkout/order total that you can drop in and out of without losing the order. They keep your delivery details and account setup without having to re-input them every time. They put the new product up front not at the back. Ideally they let you know about the availability of what you are ordering. My personal favourite is book supplier Bookspeed who, once you are logged in, gives you a history of the books you have ordered so far that year and in what quantities. Given that there are thousands of books on the site, and that you have already selected the ones you want to stock at the shows, it is an incredible time saver to have that stock information all kept on your behalf with even the capacity to see what your own bestsellers have been. How great it would be if everyone did that?

I know that getting technology right is difficult and doubtless very expensive, but the suppliers that succeed will surely reap the rewards in the future. Assume we are idiots and make it very easy. And I speak as possibly Britain’s most technophobic person. I am fearful just writing this article (especially this close to the end) that I am going to accidentally press some button and lose the lot. So if I can use these sites anyone can. And for any company that needs a techno-moron to idiot-proof their systems, I am available at the usual rate. Logging out now.”

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Feedback: Retailer Round Table

Look Who’s

Talking

Inset: PG&H’s editor Sue Marks (centre, front) with this year’s retail round tablers.

Bottom: Mike Webber, co-owner of Jo Amor, Tiverton.

In a year that’s seen Brexit dominate the In alphabetical order, this year’s round tablers were: headlines and retail CVAs becoming l Carol and Doug Bairstow, co-owners, Pure Inspiration, Ramsey l Aga Gabrysiak, co-owner, Highworth Emporium, Highworth commonplace, how have independent gift l Tabi Marsh, co-owner, Papilio at Heritage, Thornbury retailers fared? Which product sectors are on l Anna and Katrina Raill, co-owners, Etcetera, Hitchin the up, what are the current bugbears and l Rachel and Paul Roberts, co-owners, MOOCH, Northamptonshire how are gift shops approaching Christmas? l Jo and Mike Webber, co-owners, Jo Amor, Tiverton (Chairing the round table was Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & These were just a few of the myriad of Home and GiftsandHome.net). questions put to a cross-section of independent Greats 2019 winners at PG&H’s Also finding June a disappointing month annual retailer round table held at Home & Gift in Harrogate in was Tabi Marsh at Papilio at Heritage, Thornbury. “For us, the year started well, but July, resulting in some honest answers.

June was a washout, making it the first time But first, how has the year been so far?

In terms of footfall and sales, overall, 2019 seems to have typically been a mixed bag.

At Etcetera in Hitchin, Anna Rail commented: “So far it’s been a very up and down year. June in particular was a bad month because of the weather. 2007 was a tough year, but 2019 has been unprecedented. We’ve had a few decent months where we have been up but others where we have been down. Business is hard to predict nowadays.”

in 15 months that we did fewer transactions than the previous year.”

However, it was a much brighter story In Tiverton, Devon. Jo Amor’s Mike Webber confirmed that the gift side of the business has been thriving this year. “Ultimately, it’s down to us to persuade people to make a purchase,” he pointed out.

Also bucking the trend has been MOOCH in Northamptonshire, where the business has continued to expand. “We’ve had a very exciting year so far, opening a Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WB SHIELD: © & ™ WBEI. WIZARDING WORLD trademark and logo © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)

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Feedback: Retailer Round Table Left: Rachel and Paul Roberts, coowners of MOOCH, Northamptonshire.

Below right: Katrina (left) and Anna Raill, co-owners of Etcetera, Hitchin.

Below middle: Aga Gabrysiak, coowner of Highworth Emporium, Highworth.

Bottom: Retailers chat among themselves about day-to-day issues.

shop in Olney and a shop in Towcester to build on the success of our shops in Northampton and Bell. We have also increased the space fourfold at our Bell concession,” highlighted Paul Roberts.

However, Aga Gabrysiak pointed out that she has had the toughest year since she opened Highworth Emporium three years ago.

“Nevertheless, we’ve seen 5-6% growth year on year, and in July we were 8% up.”

Interestingly, Pure Inspiration’s Carol Bairstow said that Saturday is no longer her bread and butter day. “It could now be any day of the week,” she confirmed.

Are the myriad of ‘shop local’ campaigns helping to boost footfall? “I think the Visa TV ad ‘shop local’ at Christmas made people more aware of shopping with local retailers,” said Aga. “To reinforce this, we held a raffle with local shops donating prizes.” Katrina and Anna Raill took a stall to support their local Independents’ Day, which was held at the beginning of July.

“Although we didn’t sell very much from the stall, it really helped to increase footfall in store,” Katrina confirmed.

As for the products that have been ringing up sales this year, greeting cards have been among the winners. “We can’t seem to stock enough,” commented Tabi. Rachel concurred. “We leave the cheap cards to the supermarkets and do really well with the more expensive cards, such as Five Dollar Shake.

Meanwhile, other best sellers for us this year has been the Ginology range from Enesco which taps into the gin trend.” Jo highlighted success with Redback’s cards which fit in well with both the shop’s gift and fashion sides, with fashion accessories such as hair bands and hair clips also flying off the shelves. At Pure Inspiration, Carol said the shop has seen a soar in wedding gifts sales, along with products featuring bees, cows and hares, especially those from Bree

Merryn, with greeting cards a huge contribution to the bottom line. “We’ve also done well with pictures and cushions,” she added. Meanwhile, for Aga, balloons have been the high flyers.

Interestingly, sales of furniture too, have been on the up. “Occasional furniture has done very well this year, along with LSA stemware,” confirmed Katrina, which was backed up by Rachel and Paul who are also seeing higher price furniture sales increase, including chairs that retail up to £300.

With sustainability riding high, re-usable water bottles have also been ringing up sales, with Chilly’s, Swig (distributed by

Valerie Graham) and Weaver Green all getting the thumbs up.

Investment too, has been an important part of the mix. Both MOOCH and Highworth Emporium invested in CCTV systems this year - “we get a lot of people stealing from us,” highlighted Aga - while Jo and Mike have given the outside of Jo Amor - which dates back the 1700s - a fresh coat of paint. With four shops, Rachel and Paul Continued on page 31

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Feedback: Retailer Round Table also invested in their EPOS system, increasing functionality, while Tabi Marsh concentrated on upgrading the store’s huge garden. “It’s a part of our café and massively drives footfall,” she emphasised.

As for bugbears, parking charges are the No. 1 cause for concern for Rachel and Paul. “In our new Olney and Towcester stores, there is free parking available nearby. However in Northampton, where parking charges apply at all times, customers are always in a rush to dash back to their cars before their parking tickets run out which is a great shame, as the longer they stay in store the more likely they are to buy.” Tabi Marsh concurred. “We notice it too, with people rushing out of our coffee shop and bypassing the gift shop because they’re worried about traffic wardens.” With one hour’s free parking in Ramsey, Carol says that the traffic wardens go round in pairs with an eagle eye for parking tickets that have expired.

Charity shops stocking new products remain irksome for Carol and Tabi , with Tabi revealing her frustration with the minimum wage, sick pay and pension contributions for the 18 staff that the company employs. “It’s had a massive impact on the business and we are therefore being much tighter on staff levels, especially in the coffee shop,” she stated. Carol also highlights only receiving part of an order as another frustration. “When I place an order, I want the whole range,” she points out. “To only receive part of an order is very frustrating. I also have an issue with animal fur. Suppliers tell me it’s not fur, but when I bring it into the shop it’s questioned by customers. In fact, I’ve been told by some of them that if I don’t remove it they won’t shop with us again.”

Above: Doug and Carol Bairstow, co-owners of Pure Inspiration, Ramsey.

Below left: Tabi Marsh, co-owner of Papilio at Heritage, Thornbury.

Below right: Jo Webber, co-owner of Jo Amor, Tiverton.

As for what’s trending this year, sustainability is at the top of the list, with customers wanting less plastic, meaning a bigger emphasis on products such as unwrapped eco soaps, shower and shampoo bars and beeswax food wraps. Tabi highlighted a growing number of requests for vegan products and a trend for ‘naked’, unwrapped greeting cards, something Aga said she had introduced into Highworth Emporium three years ago.

When it comes to the ‘B’ word, the continued uncertainty surrounding Brexit is starting to have an impact. As Jo pointed out, “we can see that it is affecting customers. However, we remain very positive,” with Rachel adding philosophically: “there’s nothing we can do about it so we are continuing to adjust and adapt to make things work.”

As for the importance of trade shows, Carol said that she continues to find them very inspiring, not just in terms of product but also for merchandising ideas. “I get my phone out and take lots of pictures that inspire my displays when I get back to the shop,” she explained. Jo meanwhile, was among those attending the social media ShopTalks during Home & Gift. “We are quite Londonesque with our buying, always on the lookout for gifts, cards, fashion and fashion accessories that complement each other. We post on social media while we are at shows to let customers know what we have seen. It means that when we get back, people come in and feel part of our world. With Instagram in particular, images are very important. Within a few minutes of posting about socks, someone came in to buy them!”

Facebook and Twitter too, remain key sales drivers, as highlighted by Rachel and

Tabi. “I always tag our suppliers in the hope that they’ll re-post thereby getting the story out to more people,” Tabi commented.

As for Christmas, buying early and putting product in, around the October half term was clearly the norm, with most agreeing that their customers start asking for Christmas gifts during the summer.

“You can never put Christmas in early enough,” stated Jo, with Aga confirming that she puts her Christmas ranges during the last week of September. “We turn one room into a Christmas room,” she explained, “with customers seeking out gifts as early as June.” At Etcetera, Katrina and Anna buy ‘stories’ and introduce them from mid-October to mid-November. “Our stockroom is always full, and we say we will never sell everything but we always do,” Anna commented. “In fact, we invest so heavily that people think we are a Christmas shop!” As Carol points out, you have three wages packet opportunities September, October and November - “so we invest heavily in Christmas.” At

MOOCH, Rachel and Paul start their buying at Harrogate Christmas & Gift in January. “By Home & Gift in July we’re out looking for those killer gifts!” Carol meanwhile, is always on the look out for statement pieces. “Christmas is huge for us. We have Christmas music playing and we get older customers dancing and singing. In fact, it’s not unusual to have the whole shop singing away!”

With such pro-active retailers, there is seems to be an overall feeling of optimism in the run up to Christmas. “With four shops in our portfolio we’re feeling very excited about the next few months,” enthused Rachel.

Adds Aga, “I’m already playing with ideas for the festive season and feeling very optimistic that it’s going to go well!”

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NEC Autumn Fair 2019 : Hall 6 : 6C31 (Greetings and Stationery) Email : sales@emartbuy.co.uk 032_GH_September 2019.indd 32

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Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations

Deck The Halls The main trends, themes, colourways and concepts for Christmas 2019 are revealed by the some of the industry’s leading suppliers.

As well as traditional strong reds and greens, think grey, soft pink and blue, say companies, who have also suggested some top tips for eye-catching displays.

A Twist On Tradition “Christmas is all about tradition, and our 2019 collection strongly supports tradition in colour and style in many of our ranges, but new ideas can and do creep through to modify that,” explains Gisela Graham’s sales director Piers Croke.

He continues: “For instance, who would have thought that peacocks and peacock colours would make it to the Christmas tree? Yet they have, and we offer a wild version of the trend for 2019 featuring ruby reds, purples, green and deep blue. Meanwhile, for people who like their Christmas to be pretty, we’ve also created Swan Lake, with a hint of blue finding its place onto the Christmas trees of the fashion conscious. Copper too, is making an appearance, something that we’ve added to accent our Doves & Roses cream-and-gold collection which also features a hint of green. In addition, we offer ranges that are a riot of colour featuring the wackiest of imagery to include Animal Fantasy.”

Piers’ top display tips: “Success in selling tree decorations is all about display.

For those retailers that haven’t got trees to decorate, or room to have one, a good idea is to try to decorate a tree bough.

But either way, it’s important not to stint on the display budget. A decorated tree or bough will bring customers in to do their more serious Christmas gift shopping with you.“ Left: Gisela Graham’s Doves & Roses collection.

Below: Frosty Snowman from Joe Davies.

Shades Of Grey “Grey is currently popular in home décor and has made a natural progression into Christmas,” says Joe Davies’ buyer Mary Caputo.

“A key trend for Christmas 2019 is the handcrafted look, whether in traditional red and green colours or the more modern new colours of soft pink and grey. New is our Frosty Snowman collection featuring cute handcrafted decorations, an example of both the new colourway and the trend.”

Mary’s top display tips: “The introduction of new concepts and products into a Christmas display will create interest as will theming by colour or style. Plus, highlighting key price points and value price points is also vital to maximise sales during the festive selling period.”

Above: Visitors are shown looking at Christmas decorations at last year’s Autumn Fair.

Going Wild “Wild creatures are a big theme for Christmas 2019,” confirms Parlane’s head buyer Matthew Baldock. “Within our Woodland Christmas look, the collection features lots of bears in particular. However, we’ve also included Christmas decorations in the form of squirrels, foxes, reindeer, owls and cute mice.”

Matt says that another of this season’s trend is for a mythological Scandinavian character called a Tomte - meaning ‘homestead man’ - which is thought to protect the home. “With his long white beard, large nose and tall pointy hat, this comical looking fellow fits perfectly into the Parlane range,” highlights Matt. “Each one is individual in size and material and is either depicted sitting or standing.”

Colours for the look are soft greens, cement grey, fresh white and platinum.

Sue Inward, display manager’s tips: “Twinkly fairy lights around displays create a festive atmosphere, but retailers need to make sure that tree decorations are hung so that they can be properly viewed in situ to inspire customers’ imagination. Plain wreaths should be dressed with tree trim, ribbons, lights and faux flowers or berries.

For more a more contemporary feel, wreaths can be hung in a more creative way from the ceiling, with decorations and lights effectively cascading down. “ Above: Parlane’s new mythological Tomte collection.

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Stepping into Christmas 2020 HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT

12 - 15 January 2020 - Harrogate Convention Centre www.harrogatefair.com • Tel: 01902 882280 / 880906 Progressive Gifts Advert - Aug19.indd 1 034_GH_September 2019.indd 34

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Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations

Colour & Co-ordination

Festive Fun

“Christmas is not just about celebration, but a time for families to share traditions and express their own personalities and styles with an array of decorations in anything from bright primary colours to cool contemporary shades,” says John Athwal OBE, founder and managing director of Premier Decorations.

“We believes that quality, choice and inspiration provide the key for retailers to ensure busy festive sales, while our collection of Christmas stories provide everything needed to get the season off to a glittering start.”

For Christmas 2019, stories include Jolly Holiday featuring bright reds and greens; Chalet De Noel which embraces traditional Christmas colours with a Scandinavian element of comfort and cosiness; All That Glitters, featuring glitter, metallics and sequins, and Holly & Ivy which adds crisp simplicity while highlighting botanics and florals.

Explains John: “Each collection creates a ‘put-together’ feel, featuring products that co-ordinate and enhance each of the themes. Lighting is one of our specialities with our Christmas lights combined with dancing-flame candles, mirror plates and candelabras.”

John’s top display tip: “The way that a retailer presents Christmas products is key to their success, particularly as many Christmas purchases are impulse buys. The consumer needs to be presented with the whole concept so that they can imagine how the products would work in their own homes. It’s therefore important to make sure that everything on display co-ordinates effectively and is all in working order.”

Baubles are leading the way at Gift Republic this year, aimed at Secret Santa and office party gifts. “Some of our fun tree decorations, such as our festive Boozeballs and our light-up festive necklace, make great gifts and add an element of fun to decorating the tree,” says the company’s designer Isaac Michael.

“We have also launched mini festive plant baubles. With the rise of the houseplant in modern homes, the kit means you can turn any plant into a Christmas tree to make cacti, while aloe vera plants look like they’re part of a festive wonderland.”

Above: Among the Christmas themes from Premier Decorations is Jolly Holiday.

Champagne Chic “The traditional Christmas colour themes of red, gold, green and silver are perennial, providing that opulence we all remember from childhood,” says Widdop and Co’s marketing manager Sue Grant. Combined with iconic Christmas characters, such as Santa, reindeers, robins, nutcrackers and elves, you can create a real sense of seasonal nostalgia by embracing the colour tend.

However, Sue adds that the emergence of the Champagne Chic Christmas look is a strong one, with blush pink, pearlised pastel finishes and glittering silver and gold embellishments providing glitz and glamour. “It’s a look that millennials really love,” Sue emphasises. “The Scandi vibe is also a vital Christmas trend, combining bold red with more neutral and muted grey and white. Cute characters and stylised minimalist patterns make this trend popular with lovers of hygge and other home trends centred on simple comfort.”

Sue’s top display tips: “Think big and don’t be afraid to make a real song and dance out of a Christmas display. Also, in the era of social media, something that is Insta-perfect and suitable for a festive selfie is a great way to draw in the punters. It’s also important to create themes using distinct colourways. Christmas is all about pomp and ceremony, so creativity and boldness is key. By creating a display with distinct zones and cohesive colours, retailers can create a journey for the customer which really evokes the spirit of the season and provides an activity which people will engage with on a deeper level, driving average sales value up and increasing the time people spend in store.”

In terms of colour, Isaac highlights that there are a lot of bright, shiny, popping colours in Christmas decorations this year. “Think shiny gold, bright green and bright blue baubles with lots of glitter,” he states. “Retailers can use this to their advantage to make some eyecatching Christmas displays using really bold colours.”

Isaac’s top display tip: “Retailers need to have products out of the packaging and on show. It’s tempting to make Christmas displays out of gift boxes to make them look like wrapped presents, but if you display a product out of its packaging, it becomes more eyecatching. It also helps customers to understand a product much better before they buy it.”

Above: Gift Republic’s festive Boozeballs.

Above: The Champagne Chic Fairy Queen collection from Widdop and Co.

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Willow & Company Greetings

36 designs suitable for both girls & Boys

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Retailer Face To Face: Mooch, Northamptonshire

Mooching Around

Left: Delighted smiles from Rachel and Paul Roberts, co-owners of MOOCH who are shown with their Greats trophy.

Below: The concession in Bell.

Bottom left: The newly opened store in Olney.

When Rachel met Paul, they were colleagues at retail giant Dixons, both working in retail operations but with divergent roles. Now, 18 years on, they’re married, and the co-owners of three gift shops in Northamptonshire - St Giles Street, Bell and Towcester - as well as one in Olney, Milton Keynes, with the Towcester and Olney stores opening within weeks of each this summer.

PG&H caught up with the dynamic duo who recently won the Best Newcomer Midlands, North & Scotland category at The Greats in May to find out what gives them the edge as independents.

In the age old tradition, looking for a gift for a friend, and being unable to find one, was the catalyst that saw husband and wife Paul and Rachel Roberts set up an online gift shop during a six month sabbatical in 2016.

They subsequently opened their first gift shop, MOOCH on St Giles Street in Northampton, in May 2017, with a concession in Bell following in 2018. A third shop in Towcester and a fourth shop in Olney both opened in 2019.

“Rachel had had the itch for a while, and while we were taking a few months out from our busy consulting jobs, we did some local gift fairs and markets, continuing to test the water by launching our own online gift store,” explains Paul. “It did so well that a few

months later we started to look for premises.

Having spent the previous 15 years as colleagues and store managers for Dixons, and before that working in retail as teenagers, we had been through every facet of retail so felt we knew the ropes.”

However, finding premises was challenging. “Despite having retail in our blood, managing agents dismissed us because we had no history to fall back on,” Rachel explains. “The shop we eventually ended up with on St Giles Street was our third choice, but it couldn’t have worked out better as there is lots more space on the first and second floor, which allowed us to expand six months after we opened, literally doubling our retail space overnight.”

From the off, the concept of MOOCH has been to enable customers to find gifts that are not available anywhere else.

Currently, products range from decorative accessories, home fragrancing and bath and body to jewellery, fashion accessories, clothing (ponchos) and children’s products, as well as gift books and greeting cards.

New introductions in the run-up to Christmas will include hand puppets for both adults and children, Intelex Warmies hot water bottles and bespoke wooden boxes and trays.

“Our shops sell beautiful, good value giftware and we spend a lot of time editing the range to make sure our customers find it easy to choose the best gifts for their friends. Best price, best choice, best service,” says Rachel.

“Our gift books for example, are among our best sellers as they are an easy purchase for those hard to buy for friends and family.

Currently we are selling a huge number of books about mindfulness as well as about living plastic free.”

Rachel admits to loving candles but focuses on quality products, made with natural wax and quality fragrance. “A priority Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Retailer Face To Face: Mooch, Northamptonshire for me is knowing how the candle burns from top to bottom” she comments, “with Heaven Scents contracted to manufacture bespoke candles for us.”

Greeting cards too, are a magnet for locals. “They have taken over our lives and we love them,” says Rachel. “Since we first opened our doors we have expanded our ranges two or three times and have found that the more expensive quality cards are our best sellers, such as Five Dollar Shake.” (Rachel and Paul were recently thrilled to win a Retas award in the Best Non-Specialist Independent Retailer of Greeting Cards - South category).

Customer service is, of course, paramount, with Rachel and Paul selecting their team very carefully. (Currently, there are 17 staff on the payroll to include five students). “The people we take on are warm and friendly. No-one does any selling as such, but we do do lots of storytelling, with our team going through a big process of learning how to gift wrap too. One of our early recruits worked for the White Company and knew a lot about professional gift wrapping so ours is simple but beautiful.”

Rachel says that what she loves most about working at MOOCH are the conversations with customers. “We make sure that every customer gets a warm and friendly

is the pressure we put on ourselves and we have each other as support. It started off with just myself and Rachel working in the shop every day. Now we work in the stores about four days a week but we would prefer to be in there every day.”

So what’s it like working with your partner? “From our Dixons days we knew that we worked well together, although admittedly, there can sometimes be a healthy tension,” smiles Rachel. “I’m a bit maverick and I trust my gut instinct for a lot of things, while Paul is more measured. He has a healthy respect for risk and deals more in facts and figures. He makes me work things through in detail, and I often find myself pitching ideas to him. If we were both the same it wouldn’t work.”

Rachel: My Three Favourite Gifts l One Hundred Stars kimonos l Pilgrim jewellery l Inis bodycare products

and more expensive furniture. “Our furniture is more expensive than our mainstream products, but it is really good value,” points out Paul, “and recently we’ve been selling a lot more on the furniture side.” Has Brexit had an effect on how people shop? “Most of the time the gifts we sell are not big investments,” he points out. “People will often talk about politics in passing, but it doesn’t affect their buying.”

As for the website, it’s still ticking over, trading with a few key products to include some of the more expensive furniture items.

“Interestingly, we sell quite a lot to customers in Kent and Scotland as well as in Northern Ireland,” Paul highlights. “However, it’s a work in progress and going forward we need to fine tune our online operation.”

Of course Christmas is the most important quarter of the year for retailers across the board, with Rachel and Paul getting ready to make the most of it. “On an Paul: My Three Favourite Gifts average week in l Guardian Angel crystals December we take l The Rosie Mac Rhubarb & Ginger candle five times what we l Wiggle Sheep take in an ordinary week,” states Rachel. “Our shops are packed, and we learned a lot from our first Christmas. We had so many winners where we sold out and couldn’t repeat order in December, so this year, although we feel more confident, we will be making sure that we constantly check, check, check. The trick is having something for everyone so that’s where having a really broad range of product comes in. We want someone who has taken the day off to go Christmas shopping to be able to find everything they need in MOOCH. We put our fast giftwrappers on ‘hello’ and a fond farewell, and we have built the till, and our chatty members of staff at up good relationships with the people who the front of the shop.” come in,” she explains. “Even early on, people Rather than changing their themes in were describing themselves as regulars, and November and December Rachel and Paul we have always made a point of interesting stay with one theme throughout the festive ourselves in their lives. We also challenge season. “We prefer to work really hard to get ourselves to have something new and fresh in one theme right rather than to chop and store so that our offer is always evolving.” change,” Rachel explains.

Pricewise, products start at £1 for As Paul says: “Retail is hard work, but we notebooks, handmade gift tags and small aren’t afraid to get stuck in, and we can keepsakes, going up to £3,000 for art items dictate the pace. The only pressure we have

Above: MOOCH on St Giles Street.

Left: MOOCH Towcester.

Looking ahead to 2020, the couple say that there will be a bigger focus on sustainable gifts. “It is being driven by customer demand. The upcoming generation, Generation Alpha, is more responsible, continually teaching their parents,” observes Rachel. “Currently we’re on a quest to find a bar of shampoo!” Next year the couple will also be looking to explore taking on apprentices. “A lot of the younger people we talk to are very genned up on trends and our existing students are a real an asset,” she points out.

Summing up the last two years Rachel enthuses: “ I genuinely believe that I have the best job in the world because I get to take to customers every day. I feel so lucky to do what I do.”

Will there be more shops to add to the portfolio? “Probably not in the next six to 12 months,” says Rachel. “Our aim will be to consolidate what we have and to make our gift shops the most brilliant places to shop in.”

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Progressive Gifts Ad Aug19.pdf 1 17/07/2019 09:51:48

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Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts

Have Yourself A Merry Little

Christmas £5 & Under

he £5 and under price point is a critical one for Christmas gifts,” comments Widdop and Co’s marketing manager Sue Grant, “with gifts in this bracket ideal for stocking fillers, Secret Santas and novelty pick-ups. Our new men’s gift collection, Harvey’s Bored Games, offer stocking filler novelty gifts to include Mini Table Basketball, Desktop Golf, Mini Table Tennis, Magnetic Mini Table Darts and Booze Pong, in colourful packaging.”

Also offering gifts for under £5 is Best Kept Secrets. “Our Tracey Russell Christmas soaps are beautifully presented and

“T

Above left: Widdop and Co’s Mini Table Basketball makes a fun gift for a sports fan.

Above right: Among Best Kept Secrets’ Tracey Russell Christmas soaps.

Right: Mad Beauty’s trio of three hand sanitisers.

The upcoming Autumn trade shows - to include Autumn Fair, Top Drawer and Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn – are the last exhibition opportunities for gift retailers to top up their buying for Christmas 2019.

Mindful of the ‘sweet spots’ of £5 and under, £10 and under and £20 and under, PG&H did some early Christmas shopping to discover the ‘must have’ products that put a tick on the list for teacher’s gifts, stocking fillers, Secret Santas and those more considered gifts. look as good on the outside as they are on the inside,” says the company’s managing director Vanessa Curry. “The wrapper is colourful, cute and sentiment driven, great as a gift for family and friends at Christmas.

Grouped together the soaps are very eyecatching and encourage people to buy multiples. As an add-on for retailers, the soaps are complemented by our matching Tracey Russell candles.”

Also offering gifts at under £5 is Mad Beauty.

“Our Jingle Ladies range features three hand sanitisers, lip balms and sleep masks, all of which make a perfect stocking filler, with prices starting at £2.99,” says creative director Julia Cash.

£10 & Under

ary Caputo, buyer at Joe Davies points out that in difficult trading times, the ability to hit key price points is crucial. “The £10 and under bracket is probably one of the most important, especially during the run up to Christmas,” she points out. “Our new Equilibrium Tis The Season To Sparkle… collection of Christmas jewellery has an RRP of under £10 representing excellent value for money. It’s a lovely Christmas gift as well as being an ideal pick-up line for the Christmas party season.”

M

Above: Joe Davies’ Tis The Season To Sparkle collection.

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

Tracey Russell Christmas Candles

Celebrating Love, Family and Friendship Trade Price £3.75 + vat

RRP £8.99

Autumn Fair NEC Hall 20 Stand 6K42 –L43 Scotland’s Trade Fair L12

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Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts The range features reindeer, a snowman, a Christmas tree and snowflake brooches and earrings, all plated with real silver and boxed in eye-catching, contemporary pyramid style packaging.

Adds Mary: “The collection comes with an attractive acetate display stand for the till point area ensuring retailers maximise on additional sales over the busy festive period.”

Also highlighting jewellery is Hot Tomato’s director Alex Machin. “Our lovely Christmas tree brooch, retailing at £9.99, is a lovely jewellery item that will keep ‘giving’ year after year. The twinkly tree provides that

elusive double whammy by seamlessly crossing the boundary between decoration and accessory making it a memorable festive gift.”

Ticking the boxes re sustainability are T&G’s Ocean soap dishes, retailing at £9.99, which come in an array of colours.

“Giving someone the soap dish, together with an add-on, Ocean lavender and rosemary organic soap, retailing at £4.99, makes a lovely gift for those that want to

Left: Hot Tomato’s Christmas tree brooch.

Right: Ashleigh & Burwood’s Earth Secrets candles.

Below left: T&G’s Ocean soap dish and soap.

help the environment and make a wave of change,” says marketing manager Jenny Handley. “Plus, for every sale, we make a donation to Plastic Oceans UK.” With men in mind, Really Good’s useful charger and cable bags have a £9 RRP and work as a stocking filler for all ages and genders, says the company’s key accounts manager Fiona Burge. “It’s a place to store cables and plugs for endless electronic devices. From a retail perspective, retailers can make a statement in store with a colourful stack featuring all six designs.”

Candles, of course, are always a welcome gift, with Ashleigh & Burwood’s new festive Earth Secrets scented candles priced for impulse self-purchase and gifting at £6.50. “The 125g candles are handpoured, using a refined mineral wax blend.

They come in an attractive decorative tin that customers will want to repurpose after the candle is burned,” suggests PR manager Deborah Bettinson.

“They feature a decorated lid which also functions as a dust cover in-store, as well as at home, as it helps to keep the wax clean.” Adding a practical note for retailers, Deborah explains: “separate testers are not necessary for the four festive fragrances, as the removable lid allows customers to try before they buy.”

Stoneglow meanwhile, has launched a fun, new addition to their Festive Seasonal collection retailing at £10.

“These little candle votives, which come in six festive fragrances, are hand finished in the UK making lovely gifts and stocking fillers,” says Stoneglow’s head of design Winnie Wong. “Plus, the packaging can also be hung onto the Christmas tree.”

In licensed giftware, the Lagoon Group has created a Christmas Plasticine Advent calendar and Model Your Own Nativity Scene to add to the festive fun. It contains instructions Above right: Festive Stoneglow votives.

Left: Really Good’s charger cable bags.

Right: Christmas Plasticine Advent calendar from The Lagoon Group.

hidden behind each day’s window as well as the Plasticine needed to model Christmas favourites such as reindeer, snowmen, holly and Father Christmas, while the Model Your Own Nativity scene includes a fold out stable backdrop and Plasticine to model your own Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus and all the classic nativity characters. Enthuses director Heather Watherston: “Plasticine is one of our best-selling licences and has huge nostalgic appeal.”

Continued on page 45

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Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts

£20 & Under ith gin-related giftware and homewares continuing to be a massive seller, Dominique Fracasso-Stroud, director, La De Da! Living, says that the Jolly Gin Van, which forms part of the company’s Gin Fizz collection, has been a best seller with stockists pre-ordering for Christmas since February. “Retailing under £20, the packaging and concept make this, along with all the other items in this collection, a fantastic Christmas gift range to have in-store.”

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Continues Dominique: “Gin and prosecco are huge gifting themes, especially at Christmastime, and with such attractive price points, this collection is guaranteed to be extremely popular with independent retailers and, more importantly, their customers.”

Jewellery too, is a ‘must give’ gift.

For under £20, Joma Jewellery’s Above: La De Da! Living’s Jolly Gin Van. Right: A Katie Loxton votive candle.

Below: Heathcote & Ivory’s Grand Circus collection.

popular ‘A Littles’ are back with festive finishes and sparkly new facetted beads that shimmer in the light. Sentiments range from A Little Merry Christmas to A Little Season to Sparkle. In addition, the company has added new fragrances to its Words to Live By collection. “These festive inspired scents create the perfect winter setting with sentiments such as Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year,” says Joma Jewellery/Katie Loxton’s wholesale manager Lauren Hourihan.

“A pricing category of £20 and under offers scope for so many possibilities general gifting, teacher gifts, stocking fillers and more,” says Heathcote & Ivory’s marketing, PR and new business manager Amanda Pullen. “Whether a collection is non-festive or festivethemed, gift products in this price range are popular and offer the solution to a wide range of needs.

This Autumn we are launching the Vintage & Co Grand Circus collection in vibrant packaging, with RRPs ranging from £5-£14.”

With sustainability and eco issues increasingly important to retailers, up-to-the-minute hydration solutions will be high on Christmas gift lists this year. “The first collaboration between Built and the V&A offers a range of reusable bottles and travel mugs, inspired to help avoid the amount of single-use plastic bottles and paper-based coffee cups we use day-to-day,” explains KitchenCraft’s marketing manager Katrina Lawton. “They retail at £19.99 and are illustrated with designs from the V&A’s extensive archive from Alice in Wonderland to wallpaper patterns – so they will keep gift receivers hydrated in style.”

Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a mug gift, and at Right: Built and the V&A’s reusable Alice in Wonderland water bottles from KitchenCraft.

Above: Royal Worcester Wrendale Designs Deer Santa mug and coaster set.

Below: A Gift From The Gods.

Portmeirion Group, group sales and marketing director Phil Atherton says that the Royal Worcester Wrendale Designs Deer Santa mug and coaster set makes an affordable Christmas gift at just £16.50.

“The set is a welcome change from the standard mug gift, offering a matching ceramic coaster to help protect surfaces,” Phil comments. “Packaged in a festive red aperture gift box, retailers can easily display the mug without taking up too much shelf space.”

Meanwhile, for those looking forward to winding down after a hectic Christmas Day, A Gift From The Gods’ giftwrapped, ready-togive sleepwear make the ideal present at under £20. “Because our pyjamas come giftwrapped they’re easy for smaller stores to merchandise,” points out the company’s managing director Jane Reucroft.

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Christmas Gift ideas to be showcased this month

Personalised Paisley Perfect for lavish weddings, Personalised Memento Company's new personalised paisley wedding range makes a fantastic gift, or the ideal personalised addition to your big day.

Capturing a traditional paisley print of rich gold and ruby red tones, with a touch of personalisation, truly makes this whole range an opulent choice.

Angel Ornaments

PMC Tel: 01782 744900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Dahl Delights This delightful range of giftware from WIDDOP and Co. brings all your favourite Roald Dahl characters and tales to life and is sure to bring a smile to any face. Golden ticket coin purses are ideal children’s pick up lines or stocking fillers, while bedroom night lights, or a character book shelf for all those Roald Dahl books, add the finishing touch to any book lover’s bedroom.

Widdop & Co Tel: 0161 688 1226 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk www.widdop.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 7 Stand D60 – E61

Commemorate a loved one with Personalised Memento Company’s new personalised resin angel ornament. Silver foil effect wings and heart add a touch of sparkle to this elegant personalised angel ornament; perfect for remembering someone special. PMC have recently added to their range of personalised memorial items. See their website for more details.

PMC Tel: 01782 744900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

For Men On The Go Perfect for dapper gents who are often on-the-go, have your morning grooming routine on hand with this Travel Ready Kit from Gentlemen's Hardware. With the Oak Moss scented, vegan friendly 3-in-1 shampoo/shower/shave wash, Jumpstart face wash and hydrate moisturiser, you'll feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day. It’s packaged in a stylish gift-ready presentation box featuring a bespoke landscape illustration.

Wild & Wolf Tel: 01225 789909 Email: sales@wildandwolf.com www.wildandwolf.co.uk Maison Et Objet: Hall 1 Smart Gift Hall, Stand G36-H35

Power Planning This Goal Planner from Yes Studio features a gold spiral binder and the words 'Power Planning' printed on the sturdy card cover. Not just your average planner, it includes loads of things you need to run the world: stickers, yearly overview, monthly view, daily progress pages, plus loadsa fun bits in-between! Power through daily, weekly and monthly goals with 418 pages that will keep you on track for a fab year!

Wild & Wolf Tel: 01225 789909 Email: sales@wildandwolf.com www.wildandwolf.co.uk Maison Et Objet: Hall 1 Smart Gift Hall, Stand G36-H35

Animal Crackers A long-awaited addition to Skip Hop’s much-loved Zoo Collection is the new plush Zoo range, enabling children to take home their own favourite zoo character to cuddle in bed or take with them on their adventures.

These super soft, 8-inch plush toys are available in six signature Zoo characters, including Darby Dog, Blossom Butterfly, Dakota Dino, Ferguson Fox, Marshall Monkey and Eureka Unicorn. For further information on Skip Hop or for trade sales please contact us.

Skip Hop Tel: +441582 434 250.

Email ukoffice@skiphop.com Autumn Fair: Hall 7 Stand B72 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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cell Cello Electric Melt Burners Available in 10 New designs

Ultrasonic Diffuser

Available in 16 contemporary designs and 18 different fragrances.

For 2,000 years the salt crystals have been mined by hand in the Himalayan Mountains. Each piece is chosen for its translucent pink colour and faceted beauty. The salt lamp, when lit, gives off an almost primordial glow – one part sunset, one part molten lava.

See the full range at...

Autumn Fair NEC Birmingham 1 - 4 September 2019

Hall 8, Stand 8C40-D41

Glee NEC Birmingham 10 - 12 September 2019

Stand 7G21

For more info, contact our Customer Service Team Email: sales@xystos.co.uk or Tel: +44(0)191 499 1570 www.xystostrade.co.uk

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Christmas Gift ideas to be showcased this month

Wizard Goblets Adding to its ever-popular collection for 2019, Enesco presents Harry Potter goblets from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter collection. The goblets feature the iconic Hogwarts house crests, prominently featured throughout the Harry Potter film series. With five goblets in the collection fans can take home a decorative item that represents their Hogwarts house. Highly collectable, these items are expected to fly off the shelves.

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk

Festive Hit The Nordic Noel collection harnesses Jim Shore’s distinctive style of folklore art and quilting patterns throughout its design. The hero piece is Greetings From The Guard and is already generating a lot of buzz with our retailers. It’s set to be a much-loved festive hit that will become part of your customer’s Christmas décor traditions year-after-year.

Retailing with SRP of £49.95.

Festive Themed Throws Presented using soft white fleecy fabric, Snowpinions throws take on the style of a super-cute animal, such as a polar bear or an elephant. With the throw rolled neatly to create the body of each creature, they carry delicate detailing bringing each animals’ features to life, with the throw tied with a red ribbon. The individual design elements of each animal, such as ear muffs and scarves, are also presented in the same ruby tone.

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk

Limited Edition Building on the success of the 2018’s White Woodland Father Christmas limited edition, Jim Shore has created a new version of this piece with the addition of luxurious fabric clothes – a new and very different direction for Jim’s trademark style. The Possible Dreams, Jim Shore Winter White limited edition, is only being produced in 2019 and is an exquisite addition to the Possible Dreams collection. It’s set to be a highly sought-after piece with your customers.

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk

It Pays To Display Poppy Display Lila jewellery is offering a range of innovative displays to their customers free of charge with their order. They range from a fantastic transparent floor display to simple but highly effective display racks that will fit on most shelves.

Lila are expecting a big Autumn for their best-selling poppy range, and their displays will only help them sell out even faster! Please contact Frank Ross or Jane Miller for more information.

Lila jewellery has designed a range of innovative displays to support their top selling fashion jewellery. “We think it’s terribly important to support our customers with great PoS,” says Frank Ross, managing director of Lila Jewellery. “We’ve developed an exclusive range of high quality transparent displays that do just that. Our aim is that whatever the customers budget we can help with the right display.”

Lila Jewellery Tel: 01582 841158, Email: sales@lilajellery.co.uk www.lilajewllery.co.uk

Lila Jewellery Tel: 01582 841158, Email: sales@lilajellery.co.uk www.lilajewllery.co.uk

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Poppy oppy Collection 10% of rrp shared with these charities

Choose from over 50 designs Call: 01582 841158 Email: sales@lila.jewellery.co.uk www.lilajewellery.co.uk

A customer favourite: mismatched socks that are responsibly crafted with care and made with recycled cotton yarn.

Don’t miss out on what is New for Autumn.

Cozy. Colourful. f Made with Love.

Autumn Fair Stand 6G21

We are working hard to make sustainability fashionable & fun.

Request our catalogue to learn more about recylced cotton.

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In Profile: Enesco

Collectively Speaking Below left: Rob Freestone.

Below right: Greg Waters.

Far left: Harry Potter Village.

Bottom: Born Showman from Disney Traditions.

Collectables a thing of the past? Not if you’re Enesco! A year on from the appointment of Rob Freestone as the new managing director, PG&H visited the company’s HQ in Carlisle to find out how the business is evolving its portfolio of some of the biggest licenses on the planet.

As for collectors events, they’re a growing phenomenon and going from strength to strength, just ask Enesco’s sales director Greg Waters!

Enesco has long been synonymous with the UK’s leading collectables brands - think own brands Lilliput Lane and Border Fine Arts which blazed a trail in their heyday. However, today, as a subsidiary of its American parent Enesco LLC, the company has become a major distributor of high quality figurines and accessories featuring a ‘who’s who’ of the world’s favourite licences. The list is endless, currently including Beatrix Potter,

Disney, Harry Potter, Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore and Lolita as well as Peppa Pig and DC Comics.

In addition, the company continues to distribute the much-loved Willow Tree figurines, as well as GUND plush, and the company’s own, in-house designed Beatrix Potter. It’s an impressive roster of brands by anyone’s standards.

“Over the past three years, we’ve moved away from traditional collectables, where

people would have 50-60 of one brand in their homes,” reflects Rob Freestone, who joined the company in 1988.

Having previously held the role as Enesco’s finance & operations director, he took over as managing director last summer, following the retirement of Ken Johnson. “The figural side is still huge, of course, but we’re finding that there is a move into more functional gifts. An example is Beatrix Potter, where we have moved into candles, scarves, toiletries and a range of nursery products which are helping us to find new markets and generate growth.”

Also helping to grow sales is social media, with passionate collectors chatting to each other online about their favourite brands and new introductions. Collectables retailers are able to interact with them, thereby driving footfall to their bricks and mortar stores or to their websites. “It’s the difference between buying from Amazon or a retail specialist,” states sales director Greg Waters who joined Enesco five years ago. “A specialist collectables retailer is able to discuss the colour of Belle’s dress or Peter Rabbit’s jacket in person with you. You can’t do that on Amazon. Brand awareness is huge, with collectors seeing the licensed brands as more than simply figurines.”

He cites the company’s recent and phenomenally successful collector’s events, which have evolved from the collectors clubs of yesteryear. Last Autumn for example,

Enesco Europe flew over the American artist Jim Shore, who carried out a series of signings across Europe, as well as in the UK, to meet fans of his Disney Traditions and Heartwood Creek collectables. “When we arrived at the event in the UK, there was a huge line of people already queueing around the block in the pouring rain, such is the emotional connection to Jim’s work.

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In Profile: Enesco In all, over 400 people turned up, and Bottom: Enesco’s Beatrix Potter collection.

Jim spent time with every one of them.

Inset: Bloomin from the Interestingly, almost everyone paid in company’s LIHIT Lab range. cash, an indication that they had put money away and saved up to be able to buy the pieces that they wanted.”

Far from those collectors being the so called ‘anoraks’ of days gone by, Greg is quick to point out that there were a lot of younger people in the queue. “For many adults, especially young adults, Disney movies hold a special place in their hearts, with the figurines important to them as a way of bringing back nostalgic memories,” he comments.

Building on the success of the inaugural events, Jim will be returning this Autumn for a further seven signings across Europe, to include a visit to Spalding in Lincolnshire at the beginning of November. There will also be a trip to Ireland, and a very special collectors event at Disneyland in Paris.

An equally successful event was MCM Comic Con held earlier this summer. Miss Mindy Presents Disney was available on the collectables store their licensing partner. “Brands are at the Dandy Island’s stand, with fans able to meet heart of our business and licensors know the colourful Miss Mindy herself. (Even that they can trust us,” Rob states. “We also Enesco’s marketing manager, Aylish Ellwood, offer great distribution in terms of the type of who is surrounded by the figurines at work, channels we sell to, as well as in terms of got swept up in the excitement of the event, our customer base. Each brand has its own unable to resist buying two signed pieces!). brand manager, and through our sales Unsurprisingly, plans are afoot to bring Miss teams, we pass on our own enthusiasm to Mindy back for another collectors event later our retail customers.” in the year.

Export too, is another strength for the One of Enesco’s biggest strengths company. Explains Rob: “Through distributors aside from knowing when a collectable range and agents, we export to over 40 countries has had it its day - is that the company is including Scandinavia, Germany, Holland, extremely attractive to licensors, with some Belgium, Russia, South Africa, Greece and of the biggest global brands around Australasia - while Enesco France, based in enthusiastically wanting to have Enesco as Nice, distributes to France, Spain and Italy.”

He adds that another major strength is that Enesco Europe is a subsidiary of a large corporate American business, giving the company the opportunity to trial ideas before bringing them to market. “There is also the opportunity to take on board

Company Culture Despite being the subsidiary of a major American corporate, there is something of a family atmosphere at Enesco’s Carlisle HQ, with many of the staff having been with the company for over ten years, and some for well over 20 years.

Explains Rob: “From the staff’s perspective, it’s much more about the bigger picture, rather than about working specifically in sales or marketing or logistics for example.

It’s very much about working together, so everyone is encouraged to put forward their ideas.”

successful incentives being run by Enesco in America,” Rob highlights.

“And, of course, we have the agility to run things our own way here in the UK.” With two launches each year January and June - what’s going to be new for Spring 2020? “It’s too early to say, but what I can tell you is that January 2020 will see numerous line extensions to existing brands, and a consolidation of Peppa Pig, Harry Potter and Enchanted Disney. There will be a soft launch for customers here at our showroom in Carlisle in January, with the main launch showcased at Spring Fair in Hall 3.” (Stand Nos. C20/21 and D20).

Continues Rob, “under Greg as sales director, and Helen Cottrill as marketing director, we have harmonised our home and export sales and marketing approaches. To help to boost export sales, we will be doubling our stand space at Ambiente in 2020.” (Hall 11, Stand No. 97). “As previously mentioned, we do things a little differently in continental Europe, and our stand will reflect that,” adds Greg.

So what challenges lay ahead for the rest of year, moving into 2020? “Making sure we have the right product at the right time,” smiles Rob. “Securing new licenses, and growing the business through new retail channels. They’re all ways in which we will be moving forward, ensuring that our collectables business continues to go from strength to strength both in the UK and globally.”

What’s Trending In Collectables Despite people living in smaller homes, there remains an insatiable appetite for large, statement collectables. “A Stitch figurine with an SRP of £125 is a good example,” points out Greg. “Its success has blown us away, with people willing to spend that sort of money if they feel they are getting value for money. He says that there is also a trend for ’twinning’ and functional gifts. “Our Beatrix Potter Mummy, Daddy, Me differently sized mugs illustrate ‘twinning’ perfectly, with the brand’s accessories range reflecting licensed product that has a practical use.”

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o t u o y e t i We inv et r c e s a e r explo ay w a e d i H Garden

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In My Opinion: Sarah Ward, ceo, The Giftware Association

Licensed

For Success

The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward will be making her debut on the judging panel of Brand Licensing Europe’s (BLE) annual License This! competition, which nurtures entrepreneurs with new IP. Ahead of the show, which takes place at the beginning of October, Sarah told BLE’s event director Anna Knight that when it comes to the gift and home industry, she’s a huge believer in the importance of licensing.

Left: Visitors at last year’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE).

Below left: The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward is joining 2019’s License This! panel.

Below: BLE’s event director Anna Knight.

2019 is an extra special year for Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), which takes place from October 1-3. Not only is the show celebrating its 21st year, it is also moving to a brand new ‘home’ at London’s ExCeL, where it will remain for the next five years, with dates already in the diary.

“Supporting the License This! competition, and the licensing industry as a whole, is a matter that’s very close to my heart,” The Giftware Association’s Sarah Ward told BLE’s event director Anna Knight.

“A lot of our members want to get into licensing to boost their brand as they know that it will be licensed across different brands and will therefore have a stronger presence in the industry.”

She highlighted that in terms of the gift industry, all categories of licensed gifts are very popular, particularly with regard to stationery, featuring on everything from notebooks and notepads to pens and pencils. “With the rise of the wellness trends, lifestyle gifts such as water bottles are currently big news. Plus, toys and licensing go hand in hand - from big movie tie-ins to high profile TV shows and children’s series so these too, will always be popular for retailers following media trends,” Sarah pointed out.

Commenting on the current ‘state of the nation’ in terms of the gift sector, Sarah

praised it for being, “very strong and resilient, with incredible design and great opportunities. The socio-economic and political climate will always create a level of uncertainty, especially with headlines about big multi-nationals closing, yet more independents than ever are opening, lifestyle brands are becoming increasingly popular and retailers are doing more to create experiences in store to attract customers back to the high street. The online market is also growing in terms of spend, with the sector taking advantage of ecommerce opportunities. Therefore in a

market worth £1bn in the UK alone*, there is everything to play for.”

She added: “We’re seeing lots of companies react and evolve into being fit for the future, whether that’s taking a more ethical stance, or diversifying into new areas.

In addition to creating experiences, retailers are utilising new and emerging technologies, or joining forces, to make shopping trips easier and stress free, as well as boosting share of wallet. Also, the political turmoil our country has led to suppliers looking at markets in Europe and further afield for new opportunities.” *(Source: yougov survey 2018)

License This! 2019 The License This! competition - which showcases new licensing talent and helps entrepreneurial brand owners to break into the $271 billion global licensing industry - features two award categories - Character & Animation and Brand & Design - with no limit to the number of brands who can enter. Six finalists will be chosen at the judging day on September 5 to pitch against one another live at BLE. “We’ve seen winners and runners-up from previous years get picked up by agencies to represent them, and the programmes built are now themselves winning excellent sales and also licensing awards,” comments LIMA UK managing director and License This! chair Kelvyn Gardner.

The two winners will receive a free exhibition stand at BLE 2020, one year’s LIMA membership, PR support and advice from a panel of industry experts. Previous entrants both winners and finalists - have successfully signed lucrative agent and licensing deals off the back of the competition.

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New for 2019 seasonal mini candles available in six festive chic fragrances, beautifully packaged in cute hanging gift boxes. This range also encompasses an array of products from Boxed Candles | Diffusers Tin Candles | Cracker Gift Sets | Botanical Gels and many more.

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing

Scents Of The

Season Deck the halls with boughs of holly, but don't forget the scented candles, tea lights, votives and reed diffusers! “Winter revolves around being as cosy as possible,” comments Dharmesh Bhayani, managing director of madebyzen.

“Whether you are entertaining or relaxing, the colours, textures and scents around you should reflect the feeling of warmth and cosiness.

Products that help with wellbeing are also very much in demand and can be seen in the colour and scent themes that are trending this winter.” He continues: “Metallic finishes such as copper continue to grow in popularity, reflected in our compact, portable copper Liv aroma diffuser used with festive scents that include Clementine & Wood, Christmas Spice and Aspen, or with essential oils to aid wellbeing such as Eucalyptus and Sweet Orange.

Scents such as Aspen, from our Signature range, are also on trend for the winter months featuring evergreen, pine and citrus notes.” Dharmesh adds that there’s also a growing focus on sustainability and caring for the environment, with the company’s ultrasonic diffusers now including a large selection which use materials such as sustainably sourced wood, ceramics and glass.”

At Best Kept Secrets, managing director Vanessa Curry believes that every home should be filled with delicious, vibrant festive scents at Christmas, with the company’s new fragrances for Christmas including

Traditional Christmas fragrances - such as cinnamon, orange, pine, clove, nutmeg and cranberry – are leading the way for the festive season, but there are some trendy alternatives too.

On the colour catwalk, think rich heritage hues, such as deep plum, and be on the lookout too, for vessels that have been designed to make a super-sized statement.

Cinnamon, Clove & Orange, and Redcurrant & Vetiver, along with Cranberries & Orange.

“Our new Mistletoe collection of candles are presented in festive gold tins with beautifully colourful labels and classic Christmas sentiments such as Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Dreaming Of A White Christmas and Meet Me Under the Mistletoe,” highlights Vanessa. With Christmas sales in mind, she says that colour is always a purchasing influencer for retailers with striking reds, russet oranges and vibrant blues in strong demand this season.

Price’s Candles has launched three festive fragrances - Gingerbread, Enchanted Forest and Seasonal Delights - into its Fragrance collection featuring special edition products which are available in three wintery scents.

“The collection includes five candle

sizes and a 100ml reed diffuser,” confirms marketing manager Yvonne Hambridge.

Yankee Candle meanwhile, will be welcoming the changing seasons with new Autumn fragrances - Fig & Clove and Tonka Bean & Pumpkin - and winter fragrances Arctic Frost and Holiday Garland, which are available in the company’s Elevation collection with Platform Lid. “This new collection of contemporary candles is

Above left: madebyzen’s copper Liv aroma diffuser.

Above right: Gingerbread is a new festive fragrance from Price’s Candles.

Left: Among the Christmas candles in Best Kept Secrets’ Mistletoe Candle collection.

Right: Artic Frost, available in Yankee’s Elevation collection with Platform Lid.

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4 BRAND NEW LUXURY COLLECTIONS FOR AUTUMN

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing inspired by the latest trends for Autumn/Winter and offers a chic design,” comments Yankee Candle’s Hannah Jenkins, marketing director, EMEA, “with the smart lid doubling as a stylish base.” Other winter fragrances can be found in the company’s Alpine Christmas collection, which includes gift sets. Returning will be Yankee Candle’s Advent calendars in new festive designs featuring new and classic winter fragrances.

At Pintail, managing director James Long says that the festive trend for fragrances and colours looks to be warm, spicy and mulled. “The craze for all things gin and juniper continues unabated while the revolution for vegan, green and wild is growing.”

Village Candle’s range of limited edition fragrances for AW19 includes Snoconut and Glam Apple, as well as favourites such as Christmas Spice and Balsam Fir. “All our traditions candles, both limited edition and core, are adorned

Home Fragrancing: Top Display Tips l “Imaginative displays are key, along

with offering customers a scent experience.” Louise Dooley, commercial director, Stoneglow l “Ensure you have the key festive fragrances covered for the holiday season - cinnamon, pine, cranberry and spice - which should be merchandised in the high footfall areas of their shop. Offer a variety for the customer to buy into, hopefully increasing basket spend.”

Suzanne Chapman, UK country manager, Village Candle l “Displaying products of similar colours together will always catch the customer’s eye.” Vanessa Curry, managing director, Best Kept Secrets l “Put testers out on display - rather than in their boxes - so that customers get to see the full product design and experience the fragrances.” Rachel Holmes, head of product development, Wax Lyrical

with a new contemporary lid and have two cotton wicks which provide a slow, even, clean burn,” explains UK country manager Suzanne Chapman. The company has also launched a new Halloween collection, featuring three new fragrances - Haunted Mansion, Ghost Cemetery, and Pumpkin Scarecrow - in both large and petite jars.

“Home fragrance in the winter months is always exciting with fragrances charismatic and opulent,” says Sandy Burns, director, Sandy Bay. “Enigmatic colognes and warm tones have allowed for the candle vessel to be strong weighty shapes featuring luxurious intricate patterns with packaging to match. This Autumn, we will be launching our brand

Super-Sized Statement Statement vessels are currently a huge trend in home fragrancing. “The aesthetic of home fragrance pieces continues to grow in importance and demand for design-led pieces which make a statement in the home is on the rise,” says Ashleigh & Burwood’s new product development manager Anna Borrett. “This season we've launched The Heritage Collection that combines unique vessel designs, guided by interior style trends, with our superior quality home fragrances. Our glass diffuser vessels feature tactile finishes and are extra large to make a super-sized style statement in the home.”

Meanwhile, florals are in full bloom for the company for Autumn/Winter, with lamp fragrance introductions of Black Orchid, Rhubarb & Rose and Parma Violet, which combine florals with complementary notes.

Right: Ashleigh & Burwood’s new super-sized Heritage diffusers.

Top left: Christmas co-ordinate candles from Pintail.

Above left: La De Da! Living’s new Christmas sentiment candle range.

Far left: The limited edition Snoconut from Village Candle.

Left: Among the designs in Flatz’s Christmas range.

Far left: Sandy Bay’s new Baises et Bois range.

new Baises et Bois collection, a scent that features a collective mix of berries and woods.”

La De Da! Living meanwhile, has brought out a new Christmas range to complement the company’s Gin Fizz collection and recently introduced face masks. “We’ve used pops of colour with fun Christmas sentiments,” highlights director Dominique Fracasso Stroud.

Nostalgia of course, is part and parcel of the festive season. “Memory inducing scents that create experiences are on the rise and customers are looking for something that can take them back to festive and family memories and ignite the Christmas mood at home,” says Adomas Bukauskas, Flatz’s business development manager (UK).

“Colours such as white, blue, red and green, mixed with scents that extend that, and create a memorable experience, is something to look out for this season.”

With so much choice and innovation, clearly both retailers and consumers are Continued on going to be spoilt for choice!

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Celebrating the story of Christmas through the Scents of Christmas range.

A yuletide extravaganza of our famous festive fragrances presented in opulent styling.

Featuring an evocative Frankincense & Myrrh, a magical Midnight Mass and a walk in a Winter Wonderland.

New this season is a mystical Winter Solstice. With 12 seasonal fragrances to choose from, we are certain to have the perfect Scent of Christmas for you.

To see this eye-catching festive show stopper, come along to our stand at Autumn Fair, Birmingham NEC, Hall 6 Stand K60.

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing

The Colour Catwalk: What’s Trending Each Christmas, consumers become more stylish when it comes to home fragrancing, choosing colours that complement their home décor. “Rich heritage colours are a big trend for this winter - classic designs reinvented with old and new contrasting in the home,” highlights Louise Dooley, commercial director at Stoneglow. “We have

introduced a new deep plum in our popular Luna collection, fragranced with Velvet Gardenia and Tuberose for a luxe touch.

Additionally, pinks and navy are popular alternatives to the festive red and greens with our Seasonal range taking this trend to the high street with price points to suit all budgets.”

At Candlelight, sales director Debbie Isles highlights that the Bohemian trend is very strong for Autumn/Winter, reflected in the company’s Bohemian range

of candles and reed diffusers. “The rich patterns of the packaging with plum, navy, ochre and gold detailing is offset by some fabulous fragrances.

Plus, our Gin & Prosecco candles and reed diffusers are always great sellers for the Autumn/Winter season, with packaging featuring an innovative ring top design, giving customers a unique gift experience.

Testers have been designed so that customers can easily smell the fragrance without the need to open the tin, and the fun, eyecatching packaging designs have been designed to maximise shelf appeal.”

Aimed at the Christmas market, Baby It’s Cold Outside is a new range from Wax Lyrical. “An on trend monochrome design makes this home fragrance collection stand out as a modern alternative to traditional festive colours,” says Wax Lyrical’s Rachel Holmes, head of product development.

“There are four fragrances - Baby It’s Cold, Festive Treats, Winter Morning and Ski

Above left: Deep plum features in Stoneglow’s newest Luna collection.

Top right: Wax Lyrical’s monochrome Baby It’s Cold candle.

Right: Candlelight’s Bohemian collection reflects rich patterns.

Lodge - plus, a new deluxe book-style advent calendar features 25 tealights in the four premium fragrances along with a glass tealight holder. All products come in luxury gift boxes or bags,” she adds.

Futuristic Design At Xystos, director Tom Sykes says that the company is pioneering some of the most futuristic designs in the marketplace through its own Cello ranges, to include the new ultrasonic diffusers – Neptune, Diamond White, Cactus, Diamond Black, Polygon and Pineapple.

Used with the brand’s essential oils four gift sets have been added - the multifunctional mode allows the user to enjoy a continuous fountain of cool, fragranced mist, or an intermittent burst.

There is also a colour changing light control to suit different moods, while introducing a contemporary look to the home.

Director Tom Sykes comments: ‘The fragrance sector is one of the most competitive in the industry and it is vital to stay in the forefront of change if you want to be a leading player. We are also conscious of the public appetite for less plastic packaging and more flameless fragrance product and are reflecting this in our portfolio.”

Below: Cello’s ultrasonic Purple Pebbles from Xystos.

Inset: A newcomer to the UK home fragrance sector is Ipuro, distributed by Valerie Graham. There are two ranges, Classics and Essentials.

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What’s New

Garden Hideaway

Yankee Candle recreates a secret garden, a peaceful sanctuary created with rich floral fragrances with citrus Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products twists; a place where family and friends can come to for the Home Fragrance market to be showcased this month escape and unwind. The aromas of garden herbs and homemade desserts on a spring Debuting for SIL this Autumn Fair is our Peacock range, a rich blend of afternoon, while relaxing with the fragrance teal, navy and gold which evokes the classic glamour of the Art Deco of garden picnics and zesty cocktails on a era. Central to this collection is an impressive range of home fragrance. summer’s day. Email for further information As well as scented candles, or book a slot with your dedicated Area diffusers and scented Sales Manager. Additionally, come and see satchets, we’ve added us at Autumn Fair. beautifully packaged gift Yankee Candle boxes of scented votives.

Tel: (+44) 117 316 1200 Enjoy this range and many Email: sales@yankeecandle.co.uk more at Autumn Fair. www.yankeecandle.co.uk SIL PLC Autumn Fair: Hall: 6,7 & 8. Stand: 7F66-6A67 Tel: 01992 718033 Email: sales@silplc.com www.silplc.com Attention to De Tail is one of two inspired new designs Ashleigh & Burwood has introduced Autumn Fair: Hall 8 C60-E61 to their Wild Things collection. Strutting through majestic halls alight with sparkling

Art Deco Peacocks

Inspirational Designs

ornaments, the sapphire plumage and dazzling emerald feathers of a proud peacock dance amid the rich scents of mandarins bejewelled with cloves, warm vanilla and opulent musk. The new fragrance is available in limited edition luxury reed diffusers and scented candles.

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Autumn Fair: 7B40-D40

A Bygone Era Ashleigh & Burwood introduces The Heritage Collection, a brand new range, designed to bring the character of a bygone era into the modern age and to add an air of pure luxury to the home. The collection’s nostalgic fragrances are partnered with beautiful hand poured scented candles in metal vessels and decorative diffuser vases in Art Deco-inspired, jewel coloured glass.

The collection appeals to customers with a sense of style and a love of interiors.

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Autumn Fair: 7B40-D40

Pure & Natural The Aromatherapy Company is a leading international brand in strong, pure, natural products that are made in New Zealand using essential oils. The brand includes diffusers, hand cream, body lotion, pulse points and candles, as well as specific formulations and fragrances designed for the kitchen to help eliminate kitchen odours.

With a focus on the mind, body and soul it capitalises on the latest well-being trends. To enquire about becoming a stockist of The Aromatherapy Company, visit our website.

Widdop and Co Tel: 0161 688 1226 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk www.widdop.co.uk

Harmony In The Home Lesser & Pavey has launched three ceramic Desire humidifiers, available in September, that change colours and are presented in a colourful gift box. As dry air can contribute to itchy skin, sore throats and general respiratory concerns, the humidifiers add moisture to the air which also helps wooden furniture to avoid cracks. They make a perfect practical and colourful gift.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 8 Stand E60-F61

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

Seriously Scented

Beautiful Fragrances & Plenty of Sparkle!

Trade Price £3.75 + vat RRP £8.99 Extensive Range Of Seriously Scented Fragrances

Autumn Fair NEC Hall 20 Stand 6K42 –L43 Scotland’s Trade Fair Stand L12 064_GH_September 2019.indd 64

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products for the Home Fragrance market to be showcased this month

Triple Wick Candles The Elements candle range has burst on to the Christmas scene and is now available in a brand new large triple wick size. Cinnamon & Orange, Log Fire and Christmas Spice feature alongside super chic Gin & Tonic and Rhubarb Gin. Meanwhile, new Avocado & Nettle perfectly captures the trend for all things green and wild.

Pintail Candles Tel: +44 (0)15395 59007 Email: info@pintailcandles.com www.pintailcandles.com Autumn Fair: Hall 6 Stand K60

Seasonal Fragrances Price’s Candles Luxury Range is launching exclusively at Autumn Fair and has been meticulously designed with richness and opulence in mind. This is reflected in the beautiful, fine quality waxes and elegant gift boxes, giving a unique, premium feel to the products. The range is launching with four seasonal fragrances in two sku’s – a 100ml reed diffuser and boxed jar candle - both ideal for gifting.

Price’s Candles Tel: 01234 264500 Email: sales@prices-candles.co.uk www.prices-candles.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 7 Stand 7F50-6A51

Festive Fragrances Price’s Candles is delighted to announce the launch of three festive fragrances into their best-selling Fragrance Collection.

Designed to embrace the magic of yuletide, the special edition products are available in three wintery scents, each with six sku’s, including five candle sizes and a 100ml reed diffuser.

Fragrances available are Gingerbread, Seasonal Delights, Enchanted Forest. Contact Price’s Candles to pre-order now.

Price’s Candles Tel: 01234 264500 Email: sales@prices-candles.co.uk www.prices-candles.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 7 Stand 7F50-6A51

Tropical & Trendy

Pre-Fragranced Reeds Introducing new pre-fragranced reed diffusers for AW19. The new technology allows for instantly diffused, true-to-life fragrance. Skip the oil and add the reeds for a long-lasting fragrance experience. Featuring three vessels designs to complement home interiors.

Available to order now. For more information, contact sales@yankeecandle.co.uk or book a slot with your dedicated Area Sales Manager. Additionally, come and see us at Autumn Fair.

Yankee Candle Tel: (+44) 117 316 1200 Email: sales@yankeecancle.co.uk www.yankeecandle.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall: 6,7 & 8. Stand: 7F66-6A67 Autumn Fair: Hall 8 Stand E60-F61

The tropical interiors trend is here to stay, and our Urban Botanics has had a fifth edition added this season. Cattleya Ylang Ylang is beautifully scented with velvet orchid petals mingled with sweet ylang ylang and aloe, uplifted with sparkling citrus notes to create a fresh and exotically floral aroma.

Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk Autumn Fair– Hall 20 Stand D61 Maison Object - Hall 5A Stand F44-G43

Perfect Plum Rich heritage colours are a big trend for this winter, classic designs reinvented with old and new contrasting in the home. At Stoneglow we have introduced a new deep plum in our popular Luna collection, fragranced with Velvet Gardenia and Tuberose for the luxe touch. Made in the UK

by Stoneglow.

Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk Autumn Fair– Hall 20 Stand D61 Maison Object - Hall 5A Stand F44-G43 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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fragrance + Bath + Cosmetics

www.agnesandcat.org - 0114 26 777 23 enquiries@agnesandcat.org visit our Showroom mon-Fri 9:00-15:00: Unit 1, Parkwood Business Park, Parkwood Road, Sheffiffiield, s3 8AL

visit us at autumn fair! hall 6 stand h13

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-vegan Friendly Products -Natural ingredients -FREE ShopfififfiitTings -starter packs -order Today

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products for the Home Fragrance market to be showcased this month

Festive Sparkle New for the 2019 season, our ever-popular Christmas Elegance range now features festive gold coloured tins with matching embossed lids. They come in 12 different fragrances and feature beautifully designed labels. As always they come with sparkly toppings and plenty of glitter.

Sweet Dreams

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

madebyzen’s newest offering, the Olly ultrasonic aroma diffuser, is packed full of exciting features. With a Bluetooth speaker and colour changing mood light there’s something for everyone.

Designed specifically to aid sleep, the Olly will lull you into a peaceful slumber with your choice of soothing music and sleep enhancing light settings. A firm favourite, this diffuser sports a sleek modern design and retails at £69.99.

madebyzen Tel: 0161 2573644 Email: info@europiumworld.com www.madebyzen.com Spring Fair 2-6 Feb 2020 Hall 4 A10-B11, Maison Object Paris 17-21 Jan

Christmas Occasion Candles Best Kept Secrets has joined forces with Tracey Russell Design to create a unique new candle product for Christmas 2019. Tracey has a countrywide and an international reputation as one of the leading designers of greeting cards in Great Britain. She has now turned her design flair towards candles - 14 different occasion candles that celebrate family, friends and loved ones at Christmas.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Twin Wick Ceramic Candle Wax Lyrical’s best-selling Fired Earth collection has been expanded with a range of new products for 2019, all inspired by the timelessly beautiful tile designs synonymous with the brand’s namesake. A new ceramic twin wick candle makes an excellent addition to this sophisticated range, comes presented in a stylish gift box and is available in all existing and well-loved fragrances.

Wild About Wildscents Wax Lyrical’s RHS Wildscents range is a refreshed collection of floral-inspired candles and reed diffusers that follows the popular interior trend of incorporating insect and wildlife elements into the home. Natural wax and alcohol-free reed diffusers make this special range more environmentally friendly and perfectly suited to the eco-conscious consumer, and the elegant packaging means every product in this collection highly giftable.

Wax Lyrical Tel: 01229 461166 Email: info@waxlyricaltrade.com www.waxlyricaltrade.com

Wax Lyrical Tel: 01229 461166 Email: info@waxlyricaltrade.com www.waxlyricaltrade.com

A Healthy Glo Combining state-of-the-art technology, a sleek modern design and the ancient healing properties of Himalayan rock salt, the Glo ultrasonic aroma diffuser brings you the best that aromatherapy has to offer.

The soft, ambient glow of the Himalayan salt lamp and fragrant cooling mist envelope the user in an oasis of calm and tranquillity. The perfect addition to any home, retailing at £89.99

madebyzen Tel: 0161 2573644 Email: info@europiumworld.com www.madebyzen.com Spring Fair 2-6 Feb 2020 Hall 4 A10-B11, Maison Object Paris 17-21 Jan PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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99p RRP

Ideal for all sorts of celebrations and occasions!

Come and see us at the Autumn Fair, Hall 7 E60

CDU Dimensions: Height (Including Header) - 613mm Width - 332mm Depth - 80mm

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Fun

In Profile: Boxer Gifts

Is Our

Business Above: Thomas O’Brien, managing director of Boxer Gifts.

From novelty condoms, willy care Left: Grow A Sloth is ringing up sales.

Below left: Poo signs are the company’s best kits and poo signs to a Blame May seller.

Below right: Office Excuses Decision Dice toy and word candles, Boxer Gifts has come a long way since founder novelty gifts, games, gadgets, Jamie O’Brien, a former gift agent, quirky housewares, pocket money started up a new company in the toys, gift books and occasion giftware targeted at gift and greeting card shops. As early ‘80s - subsequently joined by his Thomas says: “we are designers, innovators, wife Heather - vowing to revolutionise creators and manufacturers of unique, the gift trade and add some fun to interesting, original quality gift ideas which what he saw as a “boring” product mix make people laugh and which they will of china, glassware and collectables. definitely remember.

Today, with their son Thomas Born and bred into the family business as a two year old, some 37 years ago, confidently at the helm, the company is continuing to go Thomas has been involved for as long as from strength to strength, focusing on fun, funky products he can remember, (“I still have a photo of that aim to give retailers that ‘something different’. me as a toddler helping to stick labels on PG&H paid a visit to the company’s Leeds HQ to products”), working full time in the school meet up with Boxer’s holidays, coming into the business 16 Chief of Fun. years ago, and gradually taking over the

f there’s one thing that really infuriates Boxer Gifts’ Thomas O’Brien more than any other, it’s ‘me too’ products.

“From the off, our business was founded on being different, on being fun and quirky, and on being first to market with products and that’s still our philosophy today,” he states. And there you have it in a nutshell. The definition of a business that has had its rollercoaster moments, but one that has stayed true to its origins.

Today, the business offers a wide variety of products, to include fun

I

company operations. Today Boxer continues as a family business, with Thomas’ wife, cousin, uncle and nephew all working within the team.

“In the early days, as my father’s ideas got wilder, the company grew, leading to us manufacturing 100% of our products in Bradford, Yorkshire,” Thomas recalls.

With 60 production workers at its peak -often including a young Thomas - the company exported their novelty gifts around the world, as well as to forward Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Prohibition Era Style Gin Bloom Glasses • 2 X GENERIC TITLES • AGES 18 - 70

PACKAGING FINISHED WITH ATTRACTIVE GOLD FOIL DETAIL

Come over to our gin joint at the Autumn Fair,

Hall 7 E60

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In Profile: Boxer Gifts thinking, progressive independents in both the UK and Ireland, which remain the company’s key markets.

“We were first into market with novelty condoms - which were hugely successful when condoms weren’t readily available - fun mugs, slogan Tshirts, old age and hen night novelties, as well as many other well-established staples,” Thomas recalls. “We had a great market share and constant fresh new product ideas.”

However, as Far East importing grew, British manufactured goods at a higher price lost their appeal. “British manufactured margins were eroded to practically nothing in this new chapter which left us struggling on the sidelines,” he admits. “We believed that UK manufacturing jobs, both in our factory,

and with our suppliers, were important to ensure consumers had work, as well as to support the wider economy. However, unfortunately, this led to our competitors producing similar products that were available at half the cost.”

After trundling on for a few years and scraping a living, the company eventually took a decision in 2001 to get out to the Far East and use the lower costs to execute their innovative ideas at a price that was competitive. Explains Thomas: “We completely changed our business model, which was a challenge, but innovation and the right price led to a renaissance in our gift ranges.”

Working with some 50 factories in the Far East allowed the company to expand its ranges. Export took off and the company’s

Left: The Art of Logging Out from Boxer Books.

Below left: ‘Friends’ Starlight bottles are in the company’s top three.

Below right: New Letter candles will be showcased at Autumn Fair.

ideas were sold to more and more countries. “UK retailers loved the extra quality that we added to the Far East imports, so despite the cashflow problems, as the transition from British manufacturer to importer took place, we flourished,” Thomas recalls.

Of course, the right staff have always been integral to the success of the business, with Thomas highlighting that he likes to employ fun people. “You can’t maintain fun in a mundane environment,” he points out.

“We’re whacky and we want free thinkers.

It’s in our DNA and in our mindset. ‘Because we’ve always done it this way’ is the enemy of us all in this trade! At Boxer, we want all gifts to create an impact. Gifts should be fun, wild, quirky, interesting and, above all, be better than before. We aim to bring product into the gift trade faster than anyone else, and our over-riding message is to ‘slay the mundane’.”

In 2012, Boxer bought ailing book company Little Black Dog (formerly Powerfresh). “Having been around for over 20 years they had a great gift book reputation and loyal customers,” Thomas continues. “We brought in their sales team, expanded their range and increased their own published books list to add a new division in our expanding company. Gift books are a good staple for men and those difficult to buy for people. They’re an ideal impulse purchase and a great add on for a gift shop. Recent successes in adult Ladybird books, Starlight bottles and Desk Warning signs have allowed us to invest in the future and make sure the gift trade stays fun and, where relevant, a little bit wild!”

He adds: “Today we are a fun, well-established family business with great product, with some of my father’s ideas, such as the poo sign, still among our best sellers. Our design team

Boxer Gifts: Best Sellers 1.Poo signs 2,Grow A Sloth 3.Friends Starlight bottles create 80% of our non-book products inhouse, with the remaining 20% exclusively sold by us. The detail we put into our products shows our passion, making them stand out from the crowd. In fact, you will never find a ‘Boxer’ gift from another supplier that hasn’t originated from here.”

He continues: “Over the past 37 years 16 of those as my proper job - I have seen the company move forward in terms of product, export expansion - especially in relation to Europe, the USA and Canada - and in terms of technology. In fact, we have just launched a brand new trade website that we’re extremely proud of. It’s a great tool for our agents and office sales team. Plus, we’re constantly looking for new niche areas and new opportunities. At Autumn Fair in September we’ll be unveiling new word candles, new unicorn tissues, and a new man’s cooking apron in a welder’s style. We’ve also added new fun office lines including the new Office Excuses Decisions dice.”

As for retail and the recent spate of CVAs, he says that as stores get big and disappear it’s good news for independent retailers as long as they ensure that they have ranges that set them apart and product lines that are ahead of the curve. Is he bothered about Brexit? “Of course, because it affects trade prices and margins,” he comments. “But a fun gift will sell whether we are in the EU or not. The uncertainty is a much bigger deal for suppliers, retailers and consumers alike.”

Looking to the future Thomas jokes that he can’t wait for 2030 when his two daughters will be old enough to let him relax and bask in his long-forgotten glories. “Until then we’ll just have to produce great gifts - as we’ve always done,” he smiles. “Our mantra is to stay interesting, to stay relevant and to be first to market. We know that new product and fresh ideas are the lifeblood of gift sales despite Brexit, the struggles on the high street struggles and the weather!”

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OUR NEW AUTUMN / WINTER COLLECTION IS AVAIL ABLE NOW VISIT US AT MAISON ET OBJET HALL 1 SMART GIFT, STAND G36-H35 T: 01225 789 909 sales@wildandwolf.com www.wildandwolf.co.uk

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Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware

Brands Talking This October’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) is a very special one, with the show celebrating its milestone 21st year at a brand a new venue for the show, ExCeL, at London’s Docklands.

With licensed giftware more prolific than ever, and with a fresh range of licences and licensees launching at the Autumn shows, PG&H reveals who is launching what for the coming season.

Nemesis Now: Metallica

EastWest: Tache EastWest recently signed an extensive licensing agreement with greeting card company Tache for gifts, homeware and stationery products.

Samples of selected products will be launched at Autumn Fair with the full range available from December.

Designs from Tache’s popular card brands, to include Lashes, Krafty and the London range, will be featured on notebooks, keyrings, ceramics and glassware.

“We spotted the company at PG Live in June, and were very impressed with the breadth and original look of the ranges the brand offers,” explains Terry Taylor, director of EastWest. “We immediately saw the potential of taking the greeting card artwork and translating it onto gifts and stationery, providing EastWest with something different for our customers.”

Tache joins other licensed greeting card brands at EastWest, to include Bug Art, Rose Hill and American card company SE Hagarman, as well as art brands that include Bree Merryn, House of Turnowsky and The National Gallery.

Below: The EastWest licensing arrangement with Tache covers its Krafty, Lashes and London ranges.

Formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, Metallica remain one of the founding ‘big four’ bands of thrash metal, alongside Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer. Currently on a mammoth three year WorldWired tour, finishing in November 2019, Nemesis Now has added the thrash metal juggernauts to its portfolio.

Inspired by the artwork from Metallica’s third studio album, Master of Puppets, the range features high quality resin sculptures, tankards, goblets and shot glasses, as well as a collection of printed hip flasks, wallets, purses and crystal clear pictures.

“Designed with an electrifying passion, our range of Metallica merchandise was created and 3D sculpted in our Staffordshire headquarters,” explains Nemesis Now’s managing director Andrew Norman Smith. “Our aim was to create products that any metal militia member would be proud of because after all ‘Nothing Else Matters…’,” quips Andrew.

Working closely with the licensing company, he says that Nemesis Now has managed to immortalise the bands spirit, with the collection formally released at Autumn Fair in September.

Above: Metallica from Nemesis Now.

BB Designs: Hype Hype started life in 2011 as a self-funded project designing printed clothing and accessories and has now grown to become one of the UK’s most recognisable brands.

“We will be introducing a new range of Hype stationery, drinkware and accessories which will be available to order from September 2019,” confirms BB Designs’ head of operations, Sagar Brahmbhatt. “The collection features edgy, cool and individual styles with a focus is on bold prints, cool colours and lifestyle ready designs.”

Above: The Hype collection from BB Designs.

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Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware

Rainbow Designs: Classic Winnie The Pooh

Widdop And Co: Roald Dahl This Autumn, Widdop and Co will be launching a licensed giftware collaboration with Roald Dahl, whose stories have captured the imaginations of generations of children.

“Our gift collection brings to life Roald Dah’s four most popular books: Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, James & The Giant Peach, The BFG and Matilda,” confirms Widdop and Co’s marketing manager Sue Grant.

The range features mugs, photo frames, resin money banks, night lights, clocks and much more. “It’s ideal for creating magical displays in store,” says Sue. Above: Widdop And Co’s new Roald Dahl range.

As a natural progression following the launch of Rainbow Designs’ award-winning Classic Winnie the Pooh Hundred Acre Wood’ collection, the company will be launching a new Disney Classic Pooh collection.

“The range of collector pieces has been created for Winnie the Pooh fans of all ages,” confirms Rainbow Designs’ managing director Anthony Temple.

The keepsake Made With Love Classic Winnie the Pooh will be available this Autumn, featuring a characteristic homespun feel. “It’s a large, nostalgic Winnie the Pooh featuring an embroidered Snuggly Sort Of Day message as well as Classic Winnie the Pooh in a Union Jack Bag,” highlights Anthony.

Right: Classic Winnie The Pooh from Rainbow Designs.

Captivate: Mary Berry The English Garden by Mary Berry is a debut licensed range from Captivate which will be available from October.

“As an ambassador for the Royal Horticultural Society, and President of the National Garden Scheme, plus an avid lover of gardens, Mary’s passion for wildlife is represented with some very special illustrations,” explains Captivate’s managing director Kevin McKay. He highlights that all the designs have a warm, timeless appeal featured on clean, classic product shapes. “Simple drawings of classic flowers and birds feature on each of the products to bringing the outside in,” he comments.

Products in the range include mugs, serving bowls, coasters, jugs and kitchen storage.

Above: Captivate’s The English Garden by Mary Berry.

Fizz Creations: Pacman and Space Invaders Half Moon Bay: Disney Villains Half Moon Bay has launched a brand new Disney Villains range for Autumn. The range launches ahead of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, the follow up to the 2014 feature film starring Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning.

“With a darker take on Disney, the range showcases iconic Disney villains such as Maleficent, Evil Queen, Cruella de Vil and Ursula, and features splashes of neon green, pink and purple across otherwise dark designs,” highlights Half Moon Bay’s marketing assistant Emily Moores.

Formats include water bottles, a heat changing mug, a cosmetic bag, notebook and planner pad, glitter keyring, accessory dish and 3D sculpted mug.

Auteur UK: Corkcicle

Fizz Creations is reliving the iconic 80’s videogame classics Pacman & Space Invaders with a range of tabletop and keyring games.

“With authentic sounds and gameplay, they all feature an LCD display with 4-way directional controls,” says Fizz Creations’ sales director Phil Verrills. “They are brilliant little gadgets that make a great birthday or Christmas gift for videogame fans and big kids that want some oldschool arcade nostalgia.”

Right: Fizz Creations’ Pacman and Space Invaders.

Above left: Disney Villains from Half Moon Bay.

Right: A Keith Haring bottle by Corkcicle.

With re-usable bottles and travel cups one of the fastest growing product sectors for gift shops, Auteur UK’s Corkcicle brand has collaborated with the estate of Keith Haring to use Keith’s iconic artwork for a range of limited editions bottles and travel cups. The range will be launched at retail in September.

Through his pop art style and vibrant graffiti-like paintings, Keith is recognised for his huge contribution to New York’s 1980’s street culture, with a Keith Haring exhibition on show at the Tate Liverpool until November.

Brand Licensing Europe 2019: The Lowdown DATES: October 1-3, 2019 VENUE: ExCeL, London TEL: 020 7921 8615 WEB: www.brandlicensing.eu

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In Profile: Wild Things

Investing In The Future A new mini booth, a significant investment in a back office MRP software system, and new staff joining the team, are just some of the many ways that Wild Things has been taking the company forward as it celebrates its 35th milestone year.

With exciting new products launching for Autumn Fair, and a major move on the horizon next year to accommodate Wild Things’ ongoing expansion, founder and managing director Jules Vahrman has lots more to shout about, as PG&H discovered.

With trade shows the ideal place for companies to showcase what’s new, Wild Things’ founder and managing director Jules Vahrman couldn’t be more excited to unveil not only new product for Autumn/Winter, (more of which later), but also a brand new version of the company’s hugely popular all singing, all dancing rotating display tree booth.

In fact, as Jules freely admits, the original mini booth - featuring 132 hanging products and lit by two 27w LED cluster bulbs, first launched in 2018 - has given a massive boost to the company’s UK business, with sales surging ahead by 30% compared to the previous year.

“The mini booth has been a game changer,” Jules admits.

“Customers are currently purchasing two booths because they work so well.

It’s helping to increase our presence in garden centres and, thanks to our collaboration with a new supplier, current versions have been upgraded, with the new improved booths available at Autumn Fair. In the background we are also working on a counter top version which will be available later this year.

Following on from the success of the mini booths, we have streamlined our catalogue in order to concentrate on the different product mixes - all British made, wildlife, and general

Wild Things: The Lowdown

l Wild Thing was founded by Jules Vahrman in 1984. l In addition to designing and manufacturing for the

retail trade In Exeter, bespoke work is also carried out for visitor attractions. l The business currently employs 12 people at its Exeter-based workshop and offices, plus three people on the road, as well as a team of 30 homeworkers.

Left: To celebrate Wild Things’ 35th anniversary, the company recently introduced new branding, which features a brand new logo, a new typeface and the by line: ‘Bespoke Crystals And Jewellery Since 1984’

Above left: Jules Vahrman, founder and managing director of Wild Things.

Above: Fantasy glass butterflies, handmade and hand-painted exclusively for Wild Things.

Below left: The ‘game changer’, now with even more light and an improved design.

Below right: This years’ new colourway for Confetti.

best sellers. Within those categories are Angels on the top layer, Crystal Fantasies on the second layer, Fantasy Glass and Marine Glass on the third layer, and Heart of Hearts, large Fantasy, Radiance and Cascade at the bottom.”

This surge of interest in the mini booths has meant that Wild Things - which specialises in UK designed and manufactured rainbow making window ornaments, such as sun catchers, as well as jewellery incorporating Swarovski crystals has had to up production. “All our efforts have gone into increasing orders, which in turn has meant that we have had to train additional staff to keep on top of both the orders and the components needed to make the rainbow glass,” Jules points out. “And it’s because we have experienced such rapid growth, that our focus has been very much on the production side of the business, with the recent implementation of a Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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In Profile: Wild Things Materials Resources Planning system (MRP) helping to make production more efficient. It’s been a huge investment, but it’s already starting to pay dividends.”

In fact, creativity permeates every facet of the business which was started by Jules in 1984, with his wife Vicky joining him a few years later.

“Wild Things was originally the name of one of our collections, and at the suggestion of a fellow exhibitor at the British Craft Fair in the late ‘90s, we changed the company name,” Jules explains. “At the time, we were selling etched jewellery based on Aztec and Inca designs, extending to geckos, iguanas, seahorses and other creatures, which eventually mutated into Crystal Fantasies

which has become our most successful line.”

Internationally, some 60% of what the company manufacturers is shipped to America, representing 45% of turnover - followed by Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan.

“We’re thinking about exhibiting at the German shows in 2021, and possibly doing more with the Japanese market too,” Jules confirms. “The long term idea is that rather than having distributors we will sell direct.”

Looking ahead to 2020, Jules is already working on new designs and formats for Spring/Summer, which will be showcased at Spring Fair in February, where the company have greatly increased their stand size.

There will be a brand new jewellery collection, static collectables, and a few “surprises”, says Julian. And if all of that wasn’t enough, Jules and Vicky are currently looking around for new premises to cater for an ever-expanding workforce and the need for consolidating the warehouse operation.

For now though, there’s Autumn Fair to look forward to, and having had a very successful Home & Gift, Harrogate, show in July, Jules and team Wild Things are excited to welcome visitors to their Autumn Fair stand (D50 in Hall 7). New Top: Wild Things Crystal Fantasy bee with bee sticks.

Left: Angel Winged Heart, the follow up to the successful Heart of Hearts design.

Above right: The latest addition to the Wild Things British Birds range of Crystal Fantasy Rainbow Makers.

Right: The best-selling Crystal Radiance, with a mirror bright tree of life topped with a stream of Swarovski crystals.

Charitable Causes For many years, Wild Things has been conscientiously linking the business to specific environmental and wildlife charities such as the Devon Wildlife Trust, The Woodland Trust and Bees Abroad. And even that’s not all, with the company also handing out seed stick giveaways at, for example, trade shows, to encourage people to plant wild flowers.

Continues Jules: “We also support other charities too, to include Cruise Bereavement and the local St Julian Homeless charity. Plus, at Christmas, we give £100 to each member of staff to donate to their favourite charity. The year before last we have gave a specific member of staff a donation to a charity that builds walking machines for patients.”

Being environmentally friendly is another cause close to the company’s heart. “We are working to reduce our plastic consumption, and have moved away from bubblewrap,” Jules confirms. “Instead, we have invested in a paper crunching machine so that we can use it for packing, and if we do have to use bubblewrap – all our products are very delicate and fragile - we make sure it’s recycled or recyclable. We are also using more boxes. It’s all about awareness,” he adds.

products include the debut of a Christmas collection featuring snowflakes and Christmas trees, and a number of new designs and colourways in the Crystal Fantasy range. “The British Birds Collection has been extended and look out for the beginnings of a new, larger suncatcher format too!” enthuses Jules.

Staff Matter A raft of new members of staff have joined the company this year, to include a merchandiser/sales person, Anita Powley, who is already making her mark in the North of England.

“Taking on Anita was a big step for us, but the decision means that we now have more or less nationwide coverage and are a step closer to the end user,” points out Jules. Other new appointments have included an extra quality controller, (“we only use the finest components and therefore quality control is hugely important to us”), as well as a customer services person and a warehouse organiser, with the company also on the look-out for a new graphic designer.

Interestingly, when taking on new staff, Jules is always drawn to people who are creative in some way. “An example is our MRP person Sam Norbury who is an outstanding illustrator. She specialises in animal drawings and is sponsored by Derwent Pencils, while our warehouse organiser, Paul Williams, is an impressive woodworker, selling his food presentation boards on Etsy. Sarah Protherough is a professional - and superb! wood carver. In fact, just about everybody at work does some form of art or craft either professionally or as a hobby.”

Something the company is passionate about is encouraging staff to carry on extending their career credentials through paying for them to go on training courses. An example is Wild Things’ bookkeeper, Kerry Abrey, who recently qualified as a certified accountant, while Paul and Sarah are studying routing to take their woodworking designing skills a stage further. “We are passionate about lifelong learning, so helping our staff to develop their talents is something that we are very happy to finance,” states Jules.

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Hot Stuff

Spotlight On... Mugs

As the festive season kicks off, suppliers have upped the ante when it comes to their mug offering, seeing mugs as an ideal gift for Secret Santas and stocking fillers among other gifting occasions, and as a gift that spans all ages and stages.

From humour and hobbies to the latest licences, there’s plenty for gift retailers to mug up on.

There’s something about mugs that makes people not only want them, but want to hold onto them, be it a sentimental attachment, a humorous caption or simply down to a size that suits a favourite hot drink. It’s why most people have bulging mug cupboards, yet always find room for one more! With Christmas fast approaching, mugs really come into their own, with many individual mugs and mugs sets coming gift boxed and ready to give.

Mindful of the growth in the specialty tea market, and the increase in tea sales during the Autumn/Winter period, mug specialists Dunoon has launched a range of ten different decorated fine bone china tea infuser mugs, that come complete with a lid and a stainless steel infuser. “They’re ideal for Autumn/Winter as well as for the upcoming gift season,” comments sales director Peter Smith.

KitchenCraft’s vast range of mugs come in all shapes, sizes, colours and designs

Above: Three colourful tea infuser mugs from Dunoon.

Left: There are new designs in Royal Worcester’s Wrendale Design collection

by Portmeirion Group.

Below left: Alphabet mugs from KitchenCraft.

Below: Splosh’s Design Your Own mugs, distributed by Xystos.

reflecting hobbies and passions, as well as current trends, making them great impulse purchases, say the company. “To maximise sales and make the most of impulse purchasing, the display and merchandising of mugs is paramount, along with attractive packaging which is at the fore throughout our mug collections,” comments marketing manager Katrina Lawton.

“Our Alphabet mugs offer the option of mix and match, and the creation of names or motivational words for decorative kitchen shelves, which is very hip in home décor at the moment.” She adds that the company is also seeing success with the colourful new Pete Cromer collection for Maxwell & Williams.

“It’s a bright, playful range that includes mugs and coasters in compatible designs, making them collectable too,” Katrina adds.

Portmeirion Group meanwhile, fanfares new additions to Royal Worcester’s Wrendale Designs collection, to include a selection of coloured mugs. “As the consumer builds up their collection they build an affinity with the store of choice and this in turn builds trust between the shopper, retailer and the Royal Worcester Wrendale Designs brand,”

comments the company’s group sales and marketing director Phil Atherton, with the brand bringing out two new festive designs for Christmas. Additionally, the company is also continuing to celebrate the Arts and Crafts Movement with a new range of mugs from the Spode and Morris and Co. collaboration featuring the iconic William Morris designs Snakeshead, Compton and Marigold.

As Xystos’ director Tom Sykes comments: “Mugs are one of the staples of the gift industry which is why we consider them to be an important element of our portfolio. We distribute a trio of mug ranges from our Australian partner Splosh to include

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Spotlight On... Mugs

the Design Your Own mugs, which tap into personalisation, enabling the purchaser to paint it, bake it in the oven and gift or keep it. Mugs are also part of the Splosh Precious Pets collection featuring images of dog breeds as well as cats.”

Highlighting Splosh’s Mugs to Give, which come in handbag-inspired packaging, Tom points out that retailers always appreciate wellpriced pick-up gifts. “Especially popular are those showing love and appreciation of friends and relatives, as exemplified by the range,” he states.

Focusing on travel and holidays, and an increasing number of globetrotters, Lesser & Pavey’s new World Travellers range joins the company’s already extensive mug portfolio. Reflecting

on the popularity of mugs, managing director Julian Hunt says: “Mugs capture many hobbies, slogans, floral and wildlife, always reminding the receiver of the giver, as well as bringing back happy memories of a birthday, wedding or other special occasion.”

Also expanding the company’s mug collection is Candlelight. “The Bohemian trend has been extended from our candle collection through to our mugs,” highlights sales director Debbie Isles, “with new additions to our Milestone mugs too, which celebrate ages from 21 to 60. We will also be expanding our mugs in the Lips & Kisses range for Autumn/Winter, and have introduced mugs into our new Deco Dream collection of dinnerware.”

Mugs That Make You Chuckle Humorous mugs can’t fail to be winners, with Thomas O’Brien, managing director of Boxer Gifts concurring.

“Mugs tick a lot of boxes for a gift to give. They’re extremely useful, they’re kept long after receipt and they’re a great potential for a fun message or sentiment a must for all gift shops. However, the savvy gift retailer must make themselves stand out from a crowded market place. Rule 1- don’t compete on price. Card Factory has this covered and will make even the cheapest end of lines look expensive. Rule 2 have interesting sentiments. Leave World’s Best Dad for the grocers and mass market. Rule 3 - add value with interesting shapes, targeted sayings and gift boxes. The range must stand out from the online print on demand market which works really well for very niche sayings and personalised which are impossible to stock.

Great mugs enhance existing categories and still inspire gift buyers to spend a bit more for the right line.”

At Cherry Orchard, marketing manager Helen Pallen highlights the simple deadpan humour of the Wot a Mug range which ‘says it like it is’, with the captions on the mugs reflecting a trend in humour that has a sardonic sentimentality. “They make an eye-catching display that becomes a talking point as customers stop and smile at the funny captions,” she reveals.

Above: Boxer Gifts’ Tee Time golf mug.

Right: Wot A Mug from Cherry Orchard.

As Sue Grant, marketing manager at Widdop and Co says: “Mugs come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes and are a blank canvas for creative designs, heartfelt sentiments or collectability. They offer something for consumers of any age and with any interest. New from Widdop is our new Quicksilver collection, which comes with a branded display stand, while our new Best of Breed mugs, featuring watercolour illustrations of favourite dog breeds and fun facts, help retailers to tap into the lucrative

Top left: World Traveller is new from Lesser & Pavey.

Above: A selection of Quicksilver mugs from Widdop and Co. Left: Candlelight’s Milestone mugs celebrate birthdays.

Top Retailer Display Tips

l “Mugs are very much a tactile product particularly bone china, which is much nicer to handle than porcelain or earthenware, so retailers should display them in a way that encourages them to be picked up. In the run up to Christmas, if retailers can make people smile they are already on to a winner.” Stuart Williams, marketing manager, Mclaggan l “Showcasing the wide range of mug designs on offer is key, allowing the customer to see the selection and choose a design that’s right for them.” Phil Atherton, group sales and marketing director, Portmeirion Group l Maximise the shelf space by displaying both the mug and the gift box. Retailers also need to ensure that they are labelled as a ‘new collection’ and that they are located in a prominent position in the store.” Debbie Isles, sales director, Candlelight l Displayed in the right way as a collective which tells a story, mugs can make a real impact and provide a great return on investment for a retailer in terms of cost and space.” Sue Grant, marketing manager, Widdop and Co l Retailers should aim to wow customers with big, bold displays. Adding multiples of each mug can add visual impact and presence so aim to go big.” Lauren Billingham, designer, Puckator Continued on page 85 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Frith Sculpture Passionate about Sculpture - Since 1993 -

NE BurkW Bronzina es hot cast b ronze collec tion

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sales@carrieelspeth.com | 01446 771271 | www.carrieelspeth.com

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Spotlight On... Mugs pet market which is tipped to top £7bn this year.”

At Puckator, designer Lauren Billingham says that Great Britain loves its hot stuff, and is well known for being a nation of tea drinkers. “With mugs the most purchased gift item, we’re currently experimenting with heat changing mugs with four new designs available for Autumn/Winter. Pop in some mulled wine or something equally warming and you can watch them come to life!” enthuses Lauren.

With a wealth of designs to choose from, and the added bonus of so many mugs coming attractively gift boxed, for the giver, they’re an easy present to give, not just at Christmas but all year round. Far from being a mugs game, gift retailers who get a handle on what’s out there are guaranteed to hear the tills jingling, with the mug either a gift in itself or an add-on to a card. It’s a win, win!

Left: Puckator’s heat change mugs.

Licensed Mugs: What’s Trending With licensing continuing to be a growth sector in giftware, and new licences coming out this year, mugs make an ideal format for licensees. Alex Ryan, marketing manager at Paladone explains: “Our most exciting mugs this year are a variety of shaped mugs developed to support key box office releases. We’ve recently put a classic Dumbo mug and a classic The Lion King mug out to market, with Disney’s live action reworks of these timeless stories stirring up a lot of nostalgia around the original animated characters. And, of course, we couldn’t ignore the Avengers: Infinity Wars phenomenon, where we’ve included a striking Black Panther mug in our extensive range which will be ready for sale in the middle of September.”

Outside of the world of licensing, the company has focused on some key trends, such as the Tea-Ki mug and Koala-Tea mug that tie-in with the current trend for tropical lines. “We also have a toilet shaped mug to sit alongside the ‘gross’ trend that seems to have been inspired by the emoji-poop,” confirms Alex. “Meanwhile, great for Secret Santas, we’ve also created mugs for gardeners, lovers of a good pint, plus a mug and socks gift set for football fans.”

At Enesco, marketing director Helen Cottrill says that the company also has a strong gift mug offering in the run up to Christmas. “Our limited edition Peter Rabbit mug, the first in a series, and limited to 2019 production, is made from bone china with gold

Right: Rosie Made A Thing from Mcllagan.

Left: A Lion King mug from Paladone.

Below: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas mug from Portmeirion Group.

Bottom left: Daddy, Mummy and Me mugs from Enesco.

leaf accents and is presented in a gift box,” she comments. “In addition, following the huge trend for ‘twinning’ with your parents - and with family Christmases in mind - we have created a set in both Dumbo and Peter Rabbit, featuring Daddy, Mummy and Me mugs.”

Also forging ahead with licensed mugs is Mclaggan. “For the season ahead, we have new designs from some of our most popular existing ranges - Orla Kiely, Sir Quentin Blake and Rosie Made A Thing - plus brand new ranges from lifestyle and greeting brands Katie Abey, Sally Scaffardi and Snap To Grid, “ confirms marketing manager Stuart Williams. “We’ve found that mugs with a humorous twist work well for gift stores, whether it’s a witty pun or a tongue-in-cheek slogan, with Rosie Made A Thing’s range continuing to be among our bestsellers. Mugs for the family are also a good option, as customers buy them as a set rather than individually. Our First, Middle and Last Child mugs have been some of our bestsellers again this year.”

Meanwhile, Portmeirion Group’s licenced ranges also continue to impress with several new mug launches in their collections.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar this year, two colourful ceramic mugs have been introduced into the collection with the addition of a Christmas themed mug. “They feature bright, fun designs making them an ideal gift for little ones,” says group sales and marketing director Phil Atherton.

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Frith Sculpture Passionate about Sculpture - est. 1993 -

All ptur ed

by B ritis h Ar tists & Ma de in THE UK Scul

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1-4 September 2019 — Hall 20 Stand H41/J40 contact us or visit us to receive our new catalogue 01666 577110 / sales@frithsculptures.co.uk / www.frithsculpture.co.uk

The Walking Stick Specialists

NEW DESIGNS FOR AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 Autumn Fair: Stand 9G100-F101 or please contact us for a trade catalogue.

Tel 01460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 1-4th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Art Deco Dinnerware Candlelight are delighted to launch their new dinnerware range, Deco Glam. Pretty mix and match, inspired by art deco luxe. Soft blush and high shine gold is the go to colour for this trend. Linear fan motifs are complemented by more loosely scattered flecks of gold. The dinnerware range includes mugs, bowls, plates and tapas bowls.

Inspired By The Orient ’Shangri-La’ and ‘Kyoto’ are two spectacular new designs

by David Broadhurst on Dunoon’s Skye shape mug. The bold designs are inspired by the Orient and are colour themed in blues and yellows. Also highlighted in metallic 22 carat gold to make the mugs extra special. The large size Skye mug is very popular due to the fineness of the fine bone china making it light to hold and a pleasure to use and a perfect vehicle for David’s designs.

Candlelight Tel: 01709 723000 Email sales@candlelight.co.uk www.candlelight.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 8 Stand D81

Dunoon Ceramics Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

Monkey Tables

Taking A Nap

Candlelight are introducing new and vibrant designs to their very successful home décor range. This unique monkey table will add individuality to any room in the home. Available in both silver and gold, this 52.5cm tall, 37cm diameter table makes the perfect talking point. The monkey table is finished in amazing detail and can hold up to 10kg.

‘Sleepy Cats’ is a set of two designs on Dunoon’s Nevis shape. These mugs features cute cats fast asleep on piles of cushions with a few crafty mice taking their chance while the cats are sleeping. The mugs are colour themed with one in pinks and the other in blues. Designed by Kate Mawdsley.

Dunoon Ceramics Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

Candlelight Tel: 01709 723000 Email sales@candlelight.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 8 Stand D81

Spooktacular Mugs ‘AbraCATabra’ is a spellbinding design on Dunoon’s Orkney shape. This mug features black cats, and kittens, spiders and bright orange pumpkins with a decorative web patterned background and would make a spooktacular gift. Designed by Kate Mawdsley. Made from fine bone china and in the heart of Staffordshire, England.

Dunoon Ceramics Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

Boxing Clever Emartbuy is a family-run company that offers an extensive range of gifting products, covering gift boxes, gift bags and stationery-related items. The boxes are available in matt, textured, metallic and shiny finish, and in a variety of trendy shapes and sizes. In addition to the existing range of boxes, Emartbuy will be releasing a variety of brand new velvet gift boxes this year that are ideal for Christmas gifting.

Emartbuy Tel: 0121 2330986 / 2362322 Email: sales@emartbuy.co.uk www.emartbuy.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 6 Stand 6C31 Top Drawer: Stand K38 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 1-4th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Lighting The Way With newness at the heart of its Autumn Fair offer, one-stop shop Xystos will again show a diverse range of product, which will include Edison Lamp melt burners (pictured)and portable, battery operated, low energy elegant lamps from its own brand Cello, as well as homewares and giftware introductions from Australian partner Splosh. Look out too for the new Christmas Couture Collection from Shearer Candles, and more new pampering products from Di Palomo and The Naked Bee.

Xystos Tel 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Stand 8C40-D41

Bathing Bliss Xystos is now supplying the Grace Cole Luxury Bathing Company and Boutique ranges. Launched in 2007 with a mission to produce premium bath and beauty products, it has garnered numerous business, enterprise and product awards, with the beautifully packaged collections found in over 80 countries. The spring/summer and autumn/winter ranges will be seen on the Xystos stand at the NEC (Autumn Fair Stand 8C40-D41). Fragrances include Bergamot, Ginger & Lemongrass and English Pear & Nectarine. RRPs £5-£25.

Xystos Tel 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Stand 8C40-D41

Distributor Xystos has formed its latest partnership with bath and body company Winter in Venice, which is renowned for its hand finished reusable gifting ideas. The range includes this gorgeous Striped Advent Calendar (RRP £49.50). Infused with natural extracts of sage, nectarine blossom, orange blossom, bergamot and neroli, it is packed with premium pampering products.

Xystos Tel 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Stand 8C40-D41

Nature’s Fragrances Faith in Nature’s conditioners, body and hand washes, shampoos and handmade soaps are now being distributed by Xystos (Autumn Fair Stand 8C40-D41). Faith in Nature uses the highest quality, cruelty-free ingredients of 99% natural origin, with 100% natural fragrances, including Turmeric & Lemon, Seaweed & Citrus and Lavender & Geranium. Plants are chosen for their healing qualities. The products, made with organic essential oils, are free from parabens, SLS and MI and suitable for vegans. Recycled bottles are used when available. RRPs £2.29-£5.99.

Well Saved Mini Change Boxes make it easier to save for the little things in life – such as that morning cup of coffee – or even Botox injections. Splosh has a box for each – as well as a Don’t Swear Fund one for those who turn the air blue! The diverse Splosh range from Xystos also includes Travel Maps for those who want to ‘pin’ where they’ve been and want to go, and Mushroom ornaments bearing sentimental messages.

Xystos Tel 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Stand 8C40-D41

Counting The Days

Xystos Tel 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Stand 8C40-D41

On Trend The new Cello ultrasonic diffusers from flame and fragrance specialist Xystos are visually stunning, modern and on trend. Used with a range of gloriously scented essential oils, the company’s own-brand designs such as Neptune, Diamond White, Cactus, Diamond Black, Polygon and Pineapple enable users to enjoy a continuous fountain of cool, fragranced mist, or an intermittent burst. And for those who want surroundings to match their mood, there is also a colour-changing light mode.

RRP: £44.99.

Xystos Tel 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Stand 8C40-D41

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0800 011 6969 customerservices@puckator.co.uk www.puckator.co.uk

1 - 4 September NEC Autumn Fair Birmingham, UK Hall 8 Stand 8F60-7A61

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 1-4th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Creatures Great & Small This highly stylised quality resin range of figurines feature a washed silver finish and are unique as an exciting new addition. Lifestyle pieces include hares, horses, elephants, lions and tigers, with busts and full size sculpts available. In smaller creatures, a new range of mirrored glassware features Gold Glitter Bees which will be launched at the Fair. The range includes frames, tea light holders, candle plates, coasters, placemats, jewellery boxes and clocks.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 8 Stand E60-F61

When it comes to babies, consumers are looking to be environmentally friendly, so this brand new range from Lesser & Pavey is to be congratulated and welcomed.

Buyers can view the full range of bamboo feeding sets at the Autumn Fair. Colourful pirates come out to play in this 5-piece bamboo feeding set, which includes feeding tray, bowl, beaker and cutlery. It’s all re-usable, environmentally friendly and made from eco-friendly, sustainable and natural bamboo fibre.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 8 Stand E60-F61

King Of The Jungle The Jungle Fever range captures the Leopard walking through jungle foliage, with the range featuring quality print ceramics and melamine kitchen and tableware accessories, extending to a wash bag, glasses case, shopper bag, passport holder, bamboo travel mug and lunchbox. The range of William Morris designs continues with birdsong in teal, featuring a wash bag, glasses case, shopper bag, passport holder, bamboo travel mug and lunchbox.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 8 Stand E60-F61

Pirates Ahoy

Copa Gin Glasses Sunny by Sue are excited to have added these adorable Little Wings large copa gin glasses to their Gift of The Year winning gin glass ranges.

Sue’s distinctive, modern take on hand painted glasses are available in beautiful bees and lovely ladybugs.

Each one is hand painted and decorated in the unique Sunny by Sue raised decoration style. Not only beautiful but great for added grip!

Available from East West (Europe).

EastWest (Europe) Sunny by Sue Tel: 01442 205 636 Email: info@eastwest.co.uk www.eastwest.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 7 Stand E40

Mirror Mirror On The Wall Drawing inspiration from vintage restaurant and bar interiors, Temerity Jones have reinvented this classic decorative printed mirror to fit seamlessly into the modern home. With a nod to the golden era of the French restaurant, and the great British pub, the designs are new yet familiar. They’re made with sturdy painted solid metal frames and printed in black and gold. See them and many more fabulous gifts at Autumn Fair.

SIL Tel: 01992 718033 Email: sales@silplc.com www.silplc.com Autumn Fair: Hall 8 stand B60-C61

Oriental Lady SIL’s brand Temerity Jones celebrates all things Eastern with the expansion of their hugely successful Koi range. Their latest star is a beautiful traditional Oriental lady surrounded by delicate blossom, swaying bamboo and Cranes in flight.

Besides her, you’ll find all the classics that have been missing from our lives for too long. Beautiful paper parasols with a traditional Chinese knot on the handle, giant wall fans and large paper lanterns.

SIL Tel: 01992 718033 Email: sales@silplc.com www.silplc.com Autumn Fair: Hall 8 stand B60-C61 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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D IS COVE R

T H E IR

pe fect gift DISCOVER OUR WORLD AT K A T I E L O X T O N . C O M | J O M A J E W E L L E R Y. C O M

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 1-4th Sept, NEC Birmingham Going Dotty For the past few years snoozies!, have been Joe Davies’ bestselling product with this year set to be the biggest ever. Part of the range is the fabulous Lots A Dots snoozies!, Available in six different on trend colours and bright embroidered multi coloured dots you will be dotty for these cosy slippers. They are finished off beautifully with a luxurious Sherpa fabric inside to keep toes nice and cosy and warm.

Catwalk Colours Shimmering shades of sage green and teal make up this pretty new Equilibrium Sage Tones collection from Joe Davies. Dress to impress in this hand-painted range which feature popular Autumn/Winter colours straight off the catwalk. The collection features necklaces, bracelets and earrings in imaginative designs which include the popular tree of life and cascading hearts to name but a few of the inspiring creations on offer.

Joe Davies T: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 7, Stand A60- B61

Joe Davies T: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 7, Stand A60- B61

Eternal Flame When the weather turns colder there is nothing better than staying cosy inside, and these traditional style lanterns with an antiqued distressed finish make the perfect gift and give any room a warm inviting glow. The soft realistic flickering flame effect simulates the look of a real log fire and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. This great collection from Joe Davies is sure to give you a warm glow.

Joe Davies T: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 7, Stand A60- B61

Ready To Fly The latest addition to the Wild Things British Birds range of Crystal Fantasy Rainbow Makers. A beautiful mirror bright metal kingfisher motif surrounded by Swarovski crystals and, of course, handmade in the UK. Robins, barn owls, blue tits, puffins, swans and eagles are already available – and there are more on the way.

Wild Things Gifts Tel: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com www.wildthingsgifts.com Autumn Fair: Hall 7 stand D50

Adding To The Romance Following on from the massive success of their Heart of Hearts design, Wild Thing are introducing this Angel Wing Heart Rainbow Maker at Autumn Fair.

Featuring a 28mm Swarovski crystal heart, topped by a rainbow or romantic rose colourway cascade (shown here) and arriving similarly boxed - it promises to another winner.

Wild Things Gifts Tel: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com www.wildthingsgifts.com Autumn Fair: Hall 7 stand D50

Big Cat Art These on trend, black and white big cat pictures make inspiring art to transform any home décor, with Joe Davies introducing more images, based on the success of this striking range of artwork prints, with 21 to choose from. They feature iconic big cats with pops of bold colour within the images, great to liven up the room and make a feature wall.

Visit the company’s stand at Autumn Fair to find that perfect piece.

Joe Davies T: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 7, Stand A60- B61

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La de da Living Ltd AUTUMN FAIR HALL 6 STAND H59 01242 250 653 enquiries@ladedaliving.co.uk www.trade.ladedaliving.co.uk

RD BRANDS UK Launch Date: 1st September 2019 Bringing thousands of exclusive gifts and home accessories to UK retailers.

Exciting product categories including occasional furniture, kitchen, seasonal decorations and gifts.

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 1-4th Sept, NEC Birmingham Friendly Monsters New at Puckator, the Monstarz range features a bright friendly monster rucksack which can be accessorised with his Pompom pal. There’s a matching fluffy notepad, pencil case and travel sized pencil pot as well as character filled stacking lunch pots. With a matching water bottle, everything can be kept cool in a Monstarz repeat pattern cool bag. The perfect setup for sending little Monsters out ready to wreak educational havoc.

Think Green In true Parlane style, the exclusive Rochelle collection of lightweight metal planters and vases has been created in verdigris green, with a distressed finish that effectively mimics the aged patina of copper, and a beautiful organic texture to the surface. The design is given a hit of glamour with a striking band of silver to the tops of the planters and bases of the vases. These vessels are eye-catching, especially when displayed with a selection of Parlane’s stunning white faux flowers.

Parlane International Tel: 01451 812700 Email: Sales@parlane.co.uk www.parlane.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 20, The Summerhouse, Stand F60 – G61

Puckator Tel: 0800 0116969 Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk www.puckator.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 8 Stand 8F60-7A61

Two New Licences Shruti has created the first ever licensed giftware range for Charlotte Reed’s May The Thoughts Be With You brand, and has worked with the William Morris Gallery to produce a gorgeous range of homewares using Morris’ famous designs. Shruti brand Fallen Leaves is the perfect range for Autumn, including fashion, stationery and drinkware formats with a lovely grey and ochre theme.

Shruti Tel: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk www.halfmoonbay.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 6, 7 & 8 Stand 6B50-C51

Luxury Faux Fur Get cosy with Parlane’s new luxurious faux fur collection. Their three fabulous throws have finely woven velvet on the reverse and come in a variety of exotic patterns. Choose from wildcat fur in grey or black, hyena in shades of brown or imitation falcon feather. Each throw has a matching cushion – all incredibly soft and tactile - making them the perfect Autumn Winter accessories for a bed or sofa. You can view the whole AW19 collection at Autumn Fair.

Parlane International Tel: 01451 812700 Email: Sales@parlane.co.uk www.parlane.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 20, The Summerhouse, Stand F60 – G61

Leaping Ahead Previous seasons have seen Puckator launch new licensing partnerships and this Autumn will not disappoint. Fresh from, Aardman Animations, Shaun the Sheep will be leaping his way into the hearts of consumers this October with a new feature length film. Puckator will be showcasing their new extensive licensed Shaun products this Autumn to coincide with the release of the new movie. Featuring the lovable rogue and all his hilarious pals this range is definitely one to watch.

Puckator Tel: 0800 0116969 Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk www.puckator.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 8 Stand 8F60-7A61

Disney Villains The Autumn/Winter season sees the addition of three new licenses to Half Moon Bay’s portfolio. New to the line-up is Disney Pixar Toy Story 4 and a new Disney Villains range ahead of the release of Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil in October. A range of colourful drinkware and stationery products for the ever-popular Mr. Men Little Miss brand will also be released.

Half Moon Bay Tel: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk www.halfmoonbay.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 6, 7 & 8 Stand 6B50-C51

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 1-4th Sept, NEC Birmingham Marvellous Milly The gorgeous new Floria collection jewellery from Miss Milly features a stunning seasonal palette, including hot orange, cranberry red and grape purple. A new foiled paper resin finish adds depth and sparkle, and the designs are as eyecatching and affordable as always. Plus, there’s brand new winter weight

Big Cat Trim It’s fair to say we are smitten with Hot Tomato’s new range of faux suede gloves with their big cat trim. Shown here in glorious grey, these wonderful winter essentials are available in two further colours: vintage pink and bitter chocolate. They also sport a clever embroidered ‘flower-spot’ on the forefinger and thumb, allowing you to operate your smart screen without getting your digits cold. Happy, toastie days ahead!

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com www.hot-tom.com Autumn Fair: Hall 20 Stand D50

scarves and stylish purses. Great quality and efficient, friendly service. £100 minimum with no MOQs. Branded packaging and display stands available. Register online or call for trade login.

Miss Milly Tel: 01905 622509 Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk www.missmilly.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 9 Stand F81

Heavenly Headwear Hats off to Hot Tomato with their lovely new collection of headwear.

From faux fur pom poms atop classic rib-knits to some gorgeous hand knitted ‘flapper’ style beanies with their fabulous flower motif (available in four colours). Knitted berets are also a thing (not shown) and form part of their hand-crafted range, all new for this season. Makes us look forward to a little chilling off!

Perfect Packaging We’re launching a brand new range of plain vibrant wrappings called Pure Zest. The gift bags have been produced with no plastic based lamination and a recyclable paper handle. It’s always worth noting that gift bags are widely recycled by the recipient in their own gift sending. We are working hard to source material components that are kind to the environment while still producing beautifully designed and manufactured products that are appealing to the consumers.

We have double sided rolls and gift tag multipacks within Pure Zest which match the bags and are a great addition to our ever changing roll wrap collection. Our new shirt and jewellery box range is great value comprising 26 boxes nested in one large and one medium shirt box and 12 large and 12 small jewellery boxes in a mix and match of core Pantone colours.

Glick Tel: 01274 655980 Email: sales@glick.co.uk / trade.glick.co.uk www.glick.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 6 Stand A01

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com www.hot-tom.com Autumn Fair: Hall 20 Stand D50

Hand Painted Vases Why should the flowers have all the fun! Award winning Sunny by Sue has recently added these stunning, individually hand painted vases to their extensive range of unique glassware. Great for beautiful freshly cut flowers but also perfect for Christmas decorations and festive table arrangements. Available in five gorgeous designs perfectly created in the distinctive Sunny by Sue style.

East West (Europe) Tel: 01442 205 636 Email: info@eastwest.co.uk www.eastwest.co.uk.

Autumn Fair: Hall 7 Stand E40

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- The UK’s leading supplier of Personalised Gifts for 15 years -

personalised memento co - est 2004 -

THE ONE STOP SHOP FOR

Personalised Gifts WWW.PERSONALISEDMEMENTO.CO.UK

sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

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

Slot at the top

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 1-4th Sept, NEC Birmingham Delightful Doggy Designs Shrieking Violet have added some new designs of dog breeds including this gorgeous French bulldog. Other popular pooches include a west highland terrier and a daschund. Come and see these and all our designs at the Autumn Fair.

Hand Woven Jewellery Shrieking Violet have some wonderful new additions to their popular jewellery collection.

Hand woven nylon thread bracelets with sterling silver, semi-precious stones and real flowers are available in 15 designs. Other new designs include sterling silver anklets, snake chain bracelets, Frenchie and scotty dogs.

Shrieking Violet Tel: +44 (0) 20 8521 9151 Email: sales@shriekingviolet.co.uk www.flowerjewellery.com Autumn Fair: Hall 9 Stand A62

Shrieking Violet Tel: +44 (0) 20 8521 9151 Email: sales@shriekingviolet.co.uk www.flowerjewellery.com Autumn Fair: Hall 9 Stand A62

Here’s To You

Angel Additions Gaeltag Keltika is delighted to announce new additions to the hugely successful You Are An Angel range. There will be a new angel dedicated to grandmothers among the three new designs in the 155mm size, as well as two new designs in the 125mm size. There will also be updated versions of four of the existing titles. Available for delivery from early August and to view at Autumn Fair at Gaeltag’s Keltika’s new location 6 K50.

Forget the dreaded ‘B’ word! We are focusing on the ‘G’ word… gin. The tipple has had a remarkable recovery in the last couple of years so Gaeltag Keltika are joining in the celebration with four new classic Spanish fishbowl style gin glasses presented in Gaeltag’s renowned gift boxes. In collabration with Paper Salad and Megan Claire, we are introducing our Gintastic and Gincredible designs, Let The Fun Be Gin! Available in September at Autumn Fair. New Location: Hall 6 K50.

Gaeltag Keltika Tel: 0208 998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com www.gaeltag.com Autumn Fair: Hall 6 Stand K50

Gaeltag Keltika Tel: 0208 998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com www.gaeltag.com Autumn Fair: Hall 6 Stand K50

Can You Bee-Lieve It? A family business since 1949, Langs is a much loved UK gift and homeware supplier celebrating their 70th anniversary.

Our brand new Mummy Bee collection will be launching ahead of the ever growing Mother’s Day gift market season. Our hand painted bee is mixed with pretty spots and sweet bee pun sentiments with some key pick up price point gifts. Alongside Bee, we will have our floral Mother’s Day range. mum and friendship gifts are a huge part of Lang’s gift product offer so we have added this lovely new collection with pretty hand painted florals and touches of metallic silver. Both ranges are on clean soft grey tone and white bases so they’ll easily sit in any home making them the perfect gift for your wonderful mum! Our new collections will be available to view and order at the NEC and you can also visit our showroom, shop online or make an appointment with one of our agents.

Langs Tel: 01332 340927 Email: sales@richardlang.co.uk www.richardlang.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 8 Stand B62/C63 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 1-4th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Thoughtful Words This pretty little ceramic range of sentiment plaques and mugs from Joe Davies makes a perfect selling solution for any gift shop. The dainty designs picked out in gold with heartfelt messages are made from porcelain and are produced in a range of different quirky shaped hanging plaques and a modern mug, all packaged in trendy Kraft boxes. These are available to sell on a fully loaded spinner or by individual design.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 7, Stand A60-B61

Free Counter Display

Fresh Faced There are 12 new and exclusive Christmas designs in this best-selling gift and beauty collection. With an RRP of only £6.99 these face mask sheets make the perfect stocking fillers and pick up purchases for the coming season.

La de da Living Tel: 01242 250 653 Email: enquiries@ladedaliving.co.uk www.trade.ladedaliving.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 6 Stand H59-J59

The fast-growing trend for cutting single-use waste - thanks to Plastic Free July and documentaries like Blue Planet II - is creating a wave of change in consumer behaviour. You can get involved by stocking up on eco-friendly products like market leading BambooCup from chic.mic distributed by Blue Eyed Sun. Made from bamboo fibre, with a patented lid, BambooCup is fully independently safety tested

by TÜV Rheinland. Dishwasher safe, odour free and taste neutral, BambooCup is available in over 50 on trend designs. Eco-friendly bamboo fibre lunchboxes, kid’s bottles and water bottles are also available. A free counter-top stand is on offer to all Progressive Gifts readers on their first BambooCup order placed by the end of October 2019 (quote ‘PGF19’).

Blue Eyed Sun Tel: 01273 823003 www.blueeyedsun.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 6 Stand 6A43

Step Out In Style

Handmade Gift Wrap With jewelled colours for Autumn 2019, Globe Enterprise has the ultimate range of handmade gift wrap papers, complemented by gorgeous ribbons, gift bags and boxes for all your packaging needs, as well as fabulous Christmas baubles, tea light holders, stocking fillers, fine stationery and much more. Quality and style with competitive prices.

Globe Enterprise Tel: +44 208 845 5057 Email info@globeenterprise.co.uk www.globeenterprise.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 20 Stand A67 Top Drawer Autumn: Stand H39

Walking stick specialist Classic Canes is to launch a collection of adjustable walking sticks and folding canes in a range of exclusive new patterns. The derby-handled canes will feature colourful animal friends patterns while new folding canes will be available in contemporary chic patterns .

The new canes will be formally launched at Autumn Fair. Other new products will include an ultra-petite folding cane for stick users who are not very tall and some new dog head collectors’ canes featuring spaniels and Labrador retrievers.

Classic Canes Tel: 01460 75686 Email: info@classiccanes.co.uk www.classiccanes.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 9 Stand G100-F101

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INCENSE

SOFT FURNISHINGS

FURNITURE

R EC YCLE D

Autumn | Winter Collection

HOME FURNISHINGS

G I F T WA R E

HAND MADE

We are proud to launch our Autumn/Winter Collection, view it on-line at www.namaste-uk.com, give us a call for free colour catalogues on 01756 700790 or drop us an email to sales@namaste-uk.com FA I R T R A D E

Minimum order only £150 plus VAT SHOWROOM

SNAYGILL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

TEL: 01756 700790

SKIPTON

NORTH YORKSHIRE

BD23 2QR

Home & Gifts • Incense • Home Furnishings • Furniture • Clothing • Accessories • Jewellery

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Ethical • Hand Crafted • Eco Friendly

EMAIL: sales@namaste-uk.com

www.namaste-uk.com

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 1-4th Sept, NEC Birmingham and Top Drawer 8-10 Sept, Olympia London

Colourful Carrie For A/W19 Carrie’s latest jewellery collection is crammed full of colourful jewels using Czech glass, semi-precious stones and crystals.

The exciting launch of her brand new and exclusive scarf collection at Autumn Fair is something Carrie is most thrilled about. “When asked what to expect, Carrie said, “expect what you have with my jewellery, well designed products of fantastic quality, reasonably priced with colour in abundance!”

Living Your Best Life La de da! Living introduces RD Brands UK, bringing exclusive gifts and home accessories to retailers across the UK - thousands of products ranging from soft furnishings, kitchen and furniture to seasonal decorations. Launching on September 1, 2019. Please contact us for further details.

Carrie Elspeth Tel: 01446 771271 Email: sales@carrieelspeth.com www.carrieelspeth.com Autumn Fair: Hall 9 Stand 9F90

La de da! Living Tel: 01242 250 653 www.trade.ladedaliving.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 6 Stand H59-J59

Sculpting Surprises The start of 2019 continued where 2018 left off, with the entire portfolio of our exceptional Edge Sculpture range being pursued with an unparalleled energy and appreciation from our stockists that is very flattering indeed.

Motivation if ever needed to continue to create, sculpt and release even more diverse pieces that serve to maintain Edge's unique style of work, alongside investment in our production team from casters to fettlers, to painters and packers.

Released at Spring Fair, the Sea Turtle, Elephant Calf (pictured here) and Puffin were popular additions to the range, and Matt Buckley has been extremely busy sculpting yet more exciting new pieces for launch at Autumn Fair, including an Eagle bust (pictured here) and Giraffe bust among some other surprises! We hope to see you at our new stand location in what promises to be an exciting Autumn Fair.

Edge Sculpture Tel: 01952 884804 Email: sales@edgesculpture.com www.edgesculpture.com Autumn Fair: Hall 18 & 19, Stand 19E20

Colourful & Cosy Whimsically mismatched, American-made, comfy Solmate Socks. Made from recycled cotton yarns, these socks are colourful, cosy and oh-so-fun!

Available in adults, children and baby sizes, we have socks for the whole family. Join in on the mismatched sock fun today!

Sporting Chance Worry Less Design will return to Top Drawer for AW19, where they will showcase their signature collection of gifts and greetings cards for sports enthusiasts and launch several new products for the season ahead.

Products making their debut at Top Drawer AW19 include a new range of socks, a stylish insulated thermal travel cup, and several new greetings card designs all branded with Worry Less Design’s iconic artwork for sports enthusiasts.

Solmate Socks Tel: +44 (0) 1926 356 550 Email: wholesale@socklady.co.uk www.socklady.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 6 Stand F53

Worry Less Design www.worrylessdesign.co.uk Top Drawer: Stand M24

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 1-4th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Velvet Star Lights Namaste have some fabulous home accessories and soft furnishings for the season ahead. These hand crafted velvet star lights are produced using 100% recycled cotton waste. The stars come flat packed with a lighting frame of LED lights. There are four beautiful jewel colours to choose from, produced by Namaste’s supplier in Jaipur, and each one has a different punched pattern. Give Namaste a call for free colour catalogues or a logon to their website.

Namaste Tel: 01756 700790 Email: sales@namaste-uk.com www.namaste-uk.com

Tree of Life Namaste’s range of aluminium embossed gifts includes jewellery boxes, trinket boxes, chests, coasters, incense holders etc. The range (pictured) is an impressively detailed tree of life design in a silver finish. There is also a lovely elephant design in rose gold finish, and a pretty flower design in champagne gold. All jewellery boxes are lined with cotton velvet for a quality finish. Give Namaste a call to receive free colour catalogues or for a log-on to their website.

Namaste Tel: 01756 700790 Email: sales@namaste-uk.com www.namaste-uk.com

Inspired By Amalfi’s Coastline Dolce Vita is inspired by the beauty and vibrancy of Italy’s Amalfi coast portrayed in the cult 1960’s film by Federico Fellini. This citrusy, woody fragrance opens with fresh vibrant, bergamot, lemon, mandarin and orange, leading to a floral, aromatic heart of jasmine, rose, rosemary and sage. A base of patchouli, vetiver, amber and musk lies beneath, adding the perfect end to this fragrant journey along this picturesque Italian coastline.

Sandy Bay London Tel: +44 (0) 1992 579 949 Email: enquiries@sandybaylondon.com www.sandybaylondon.com

Fabulous Face Masks Mad Beauty UK are spreading even more magic launching three brand new Frozen 2 sheet face masks in time for the release of Frozen 2 in November, which are set to be huge for Q4. Printed with the characters of Elsa infused with rejuvenating passionfruit, Olaf with hydrating coconut, and Pearl made with pearl powder to brighten. The Mad Beauty team will be showcasing new Disney products, including Star Wars, Marvel & Maleficent as well as an inspiring selection of all yearround gifting.

Mad Beauty Tel: +44 (0) 208 9580555 Email: sales@madbeauty.com www.madbeauty.com Autumn Fair: Hall 6 Stand: 6H60

Limited Edition Barbie

Making Its Debut Launching for the first time at Autumn Fair, under the Mad Beauty brand, is the company’s Jingle Ladies bath and body range: Santa I Can Explain sleep mask, hand sanitisers and lip balms including Mince Pies before Guys, Candy Cane bath salts and body butter Christmas Tree. Exciting leaders in their field of design-led gifts within the bath, body and cosmetics sector, it’s always exciting to see what they are showcasing. Drop in and say hello!

Mad Beauty Tel: +44 (0) 208 9580555 Email: sales@madbeauty.com www.madbeauty.com Autumn Fair: Hall 6 Stand: 6H60

Celebrating Barbie’s 60th anniversary Mad Beauty is launching a new limited edition range. Inspired by the golden age of cosmetics their designers wanted to recreate the classic look for the era with 1950’s radio and retro fridge gift tins. Featured alongside is a Shimmer Puff bauble, hair band ball and retro hand cream. Mad Beauty favourites, including beauty Advent calendars, as well as new Disney and Marvel, will be displayed, giving you an inspiring selection of all year-round gifting opportunities.

Mad Beauty Tel: +44 (0) 208 9580555 Email: sales@madbeauty.com www.madbeauty.com Autumn Fair: Hall 6 Stand: 6H60

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AUTUMN FAIR 2019 Stand 6H60

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What’s New Progressive Gifts and Home highlights some of the lastest gift products to be showcased this month

Mugging Up Start your day off right with your favourite coffee or tea, by order of the Peaky Blinders.

This white mug, with the Shelby Brothers stamp of approval, is a must-have for fans of the show. It wouldn't look out of place on the breakfast table of the Shelby house and will be a great addition to any household.

Bring the world of Peaky Blinders home.

A Glass Act The 1920s is synonymous with jazz, bathtub gin, flappers and bootleggers. Today Peaky Blinders brings the highs and lows of the 1920s to our screens. This Peaky Blinders approved glasses set is perfect gift for any fan of the show to sit back and enjoy their favourite tipple while watching the Peaky Blinders. Alfie Solomons said it best: “Whisky, now that…that is for business.”

BB Designs Tel: +44 (0) 1923 804 805 Email:customerservices@bbdesignsonline.com www.bbdesignsonline.com

BB Designs Tel: +44 (0) 1923 804 805 Email:customerservices@bbdesignsonline.com www.bbdesignsonline.com

2-In-1 Garden Tools In a decorative 15 piece CDU, and functional as both a trowel and bottle opener, these stainless steel garden tools come complete with a leather cord and gift tag. ‘Stop for a Beer Grandad’, ‘Dad’s Beer Break Kit’ and ‘Thirsty Gardener’s Tool Kit’ make a collection of three unique designs.

Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com

Grow Your Own Ladies That Lunch Groovy’s stylish, practical Frida Kahlo lunch bags are made from Neoprene, with a zip closure and custom zip pull, helping to keep food fresh and cool for longer. They’re small enough to fold away but large enough to fit a healthy lunch and water bottle inside. With the iconic artist Frida so on trend it could be mistaken for a handbag! RRP £15.

Groovy UK Tel: +44 (0)116 239 1105 Email:hello@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com

Love Frenchies? Grow your very own with this fun, novelty toy!

Just pop this little pup into water and watch how he grows six times his original size. Complete in cute, bright packaging, this little companion makes a brilliant gift or a perfect pocket money spend! (No need for ‘walkies’!)

Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com

Magical Products Harry Potter continues to be a fabulous license with lots of amazing new lines. A brand new Hedwig range has been introduced which includes a super soft bathrobe with sparkle fleece and fluffy 3D slippers plus a cool vegan leather shoulder bag with embroidery detail and custom zip pulls. Harry Kawaii bathrobes, slippers, bags and lighting are flying out faster than the Golden Snitch!

You can’t help but love these adorable characters in our mini mood lights.

Groovy UK Tel: +44 (0)116 239 1105 Email:hello@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com

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Recycled, Plastic Free, Handmade & Fair Trade A Beautiful British Designed Eco Friendly Gift

Autumn Fair 1-4 September Hall 6, 7 & 8 Stand 8A61 GLEE 10-12 September Hall 6 Stand S80

The Meg Hawkins Collection combines Tilnar Art’s signature range of recycled food safe aluminium bowls, coasters and dishes with Meg Hawkins stunning wildlife paintings.

They are Fair Trade and hand made by Indian artisans.

The products are cast, then rough polished and enamelled before being beautifully finished with a smooth polish. Every one of these items is individually made to the very highest quality. Each product is not only recycled but is completely recyclable and comes in a superb plastic free presentation box making a perfect eco-friendly gift.

Meg Hawkins is a licensed, award winning British watercolour artist. Meg works from her studio in Shropshire, from where she sells her work all over the world. Now you have the chance to own a Meg Hawkins piece of artwork on a handmade, Fair Trade and Recycled Aluminium bowl, coaster or dish.

COLLECTION

by Tilnar Art

Both at the NEC Birmingham

01277 362 815 sales@tilnarart.co.uk www.tilnarart.co.uk

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What’s New Progressive Gifts and Home highlights some of the lastest gift products to be showcased this month

Festive Sparkle Joma Jewellery’s new collection is filled with a little festive sparkle and magic, including brand new facetted additions to the bestselling ‘A Little’ range.

These beautiful silver charm bracelets have a shimmery winter twinkle and lots of new sentiments that are sure to send lots of Christmas love. Joma Jewellery has also introduced beautiful new, readyto-gift sets including new Occasion gift boxes and special Sentiment sets, filled with the ultimate sparkling treasures.

Joma Jewellery Tel: 01295 263430 Email: enquiries@jomajewellery.com www.jomajewellery.com Top Drawer: Stand 205

Marvellous Miniatures Among many exciting new designs, Frith Sculpture are expanding their very successful miniature collection MINIMA. Introduced two years ago. Managing Director David Wilkinson comments that they are satisfying a demand not previously available in sculpture. “Exclusive, well designed by artists, boxed and retailing at only £27 they provide an unusual and individual present – ideal for the person who has ‘everything’!” Frith are confident their retailers will achieve high sales with them this Christmas.

Frith Sculpture Tel: 01666 577110 Email: sales@bluepoppyart.co.uk www.bluepoppyart.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 20 Stand H40

Wizard Snow Globes Add a little Potter magic to your room with a Harry Potter snow globe featuring some of your favourite characters from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. With eight different character snow globes to collect these cute collectables are perfect for fans of the Harry Potter books and films. This product is made using BDP -which stands for Breakdown Plastic – an organic additive that helps plastic decompose at landfill.

Funky Feet United Oddsocks have teamed up with artist Sketchy Nelly to create this irresistible collection of foot friendly felines. But what makes them so impossible to resist? Is it the kaleidoscope of cuteness or simply those big hypnotic eyes…those big hypnotic eyes…those big hypnotic… And back in the room! Snap out of it and try to remember what you’ve seen: you’ve seen the most Purrfect collection of six mixable Oddsocks.

Sock Academy Tel: 01582 882124 Email: sales@sockacademy.com www.sockacademy.com Autumn Fair: Stand 6D70-E71

Perfect Pouch Whether it’s a perfect gift or little treat, Katie Loxton’s Autumn Winter 2019 collection is filled with goodies that are sure to be on everyone’s wish lists. This season the brand has introduced lovely new Perfect Pouch gift sets, containing two of their signature and most loved pouches.

Wrapped up and ready to put under the tree, they’ve also designed scarves in gorgeous gift boxes as well as beautifully scented, festive-inspired candles.

Katie Loxton Tel: 01295 250879 Email: enquiries@katieloxton.com www.wholesale.katieloxton.com Top Drawer: Stand 205

Paladone Tel: 01273 230037 Email: info@paladone.com

Magical Advent Calendar Give your build up to Christmas Day a magical twist with this superfun Harry Potter cube Advent calendar. Far better than the average advent calendar, open 24 doors throughout December, and behind each one you’ll discover a different Harry Potter gift. The gifts inside include pin badges, character backpack buddies, wand backpack hangers, and a wonderful Harry Potter snow globe.

www.paladone.com

Paladone Tel: 01273 230037 Email: info@paladone.com www.paladone.com PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Christmas Gift ideas to be showcased this month

Very Advent-urous This 12 day make your own, contemporary, Advent wreath is a beautiful asymmetrical creation to hang in the home, or to take pride of place on the front door. It has step-by-step ‘how to’ guides behind each door, along with a new element to add on to the wreath. This will vary from preserved eucalyptus and foliage, herbs and dried flowers to seasonal chalk dusted ornaments (ceramic stars/bells and robins). Throughout the experience there are helpful, fun tips. The wreath contents are specifically designed to dry out over time, which will add to the wild aesthetic. Due to its simple nature it’s suitable for all skill levels. All products for the wreath are sustainably sourced. Packaging is environmentally friendly and fully recyclable.

Enchanted Floristry Tel: 07542290160 Email: hello@enchantedwreath.co.uk www.enchantedwreath.co.uk

12 Days of Christmas Signature Gifts won’t be offering any partridges in pear trees, but you can be assured that they have you covered throughout the 12 Days of Christmas. A range of personalised gift boxes containing treats such coffee, tea and prosecco that are designed to take you through each of the 12 days of Christmas and into the New Year. Think less ‘Lords-a-Leaping’ a more ‘Beer-a-Brewing’. Each box is personalised with the recipient’s name.

RRP from £29.99

Signature Gifts Tel: 01582 464809 Email: jed.barton@signature-gifts.co.uk www.signature-gifts.co.uk

Pride Of Place Signature Gifts’ personalised Lion King book and Simba plush toy gift set is sure to take pride of place in the home of any young cub. This brand-new product features an adaptation of the animated Disney classic which includes a bonus story featuring the child. The book is embossed with the child's name which will also appear on the opening page alongside a personal message and a photo of your choice. A cute and cuddly Simba plush toy is also included.

RRP £49.99

Stylish Hydration Solutions With up-to-the-minute hydration solutions high on Christmas gift lists this year, the first collaboration between Built and the V&A offers a stunning range of reusable bottles and travel mugs, inspired to help avoid the amount of single-use plastic bottles and paper-based coffee cups used day-to-day. Illustrated with designs from the V&A’s extensive archive, from Alice in Wonderland to wallpaper patterns, this innovative and ecofriendly hydration range will help you stay hydrated in style!

Signature Gifts Tel: 01582 464809 Email: jed.barton@signature-gifts.co.uk www.signature-gifts.co.uk

KitchenCraft Tel: +44 (0) 121 604 1111 Email: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk www.kitchencraft.co.uk

Hip Hip Hooray BarCraft’s gifting solutions are destined to inspire buyers, especially in the run up to the festive buying period. The new Palm House collection features a striking on trend palm design on a selection of items such as a wine cooler, cocktail shaker and a fabulous 175ml stainless steel hip flask. Along with a host of other barware accessories they make ideal gifts across a range of prices from stocking fillers to larger gifts of distinction.

KitchenCraft Tel: +44 (0) 121 604 1111 Email: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk www.kitchencraft.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Be a part of The Greats 2020… victorious celebrations that will truly reward the best gi retailers in the UK

THE GREATS 2020 AWARDS HAVE LAUNCHED!

…there’s fresh new branding …the awards event will take place on Wednesday 13 May …at the wonderful Honourable Artillery Company in the heart of London …and, in keeping with the 75th anniversary of VE Day, The Greats 2020 will take on a victorious theme “My dear friends, this is your hour. This is not victory of a party or of any class. It's a victory of the great British nation as a whole.” – Sir Winston Churchill May 1945

Contact PG&H’s Angie Bryant about becoming a Greats sponsor on angieb@max-publishing.co.uk or 01993 212994 Contact Clare Hollick of Keystone Communications about tickets The Greats awards on clare@keystonecomms.co.uk or 01733 294524 Keep your eyes peeling for entry and nomination forms, coming soon.

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LESLEY DUNNE

SOUNDING OFF

All Work And Not Much Play Owning a gift shop is not for the faint hearted says columnist Lesley Dunne, owner of Feathering Your Nest in Rayleigh. In fact, with so many pressing day-totoday pressures, there’s barely time to take a breath, not to mention have a day at the seaside.

“John Lennon once said: ‘Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.’ During our time as shopkeepers, we constantly plan ahead with our buying, arranging cover for holidays and busy periods. We're dreaming up window displays, looking at up and coming trends and assessing how they will fit into our offering, moving our shops around, doing mini refits the list goes on and on. But life happens too. We grow older, we age, our children grow bigger, change school, go off to university, get married, get divorced, holidays come and go, parents, friends and partners grow older. I for one can't do all the ludicrously long hours and work 24 days during December in a row any longer. It damages our health along the way.

But I get so wrapped up in Feathering Your Nest that I almost forget there's a big wide world out there.

Some days I feel as if I'm living in a bubble, especially around the Christmas and Mother's Day periods. Practically everything I do somehow revolves around the business.

In some way, Feathering Your Nest weaves its way into our lives. To coin the over used phrase, ‘it's a lifestyle’!

I've played many different roles prior to the shop, from the Inland Revenue and being a department manager in Knightsbridge and the

West End, to beauty therapy and counselling, but I never really dwelled too much on my work after I walked out the door at 5pm other than office politics and who was having the latest office fling with whom!

However, now I own my own shop, from the moment I open my eyes, I'm sucked into the Feathering Your Nest vacuum at high velocity, checking WhatsApp to make sure nobody has called in sick. What's the weather like? Which deliveries are due today? How many people have ‘liked’ the latest Instagram and Facebook story? Has Jo remembered to order extra tissue paper, book a hotel for that trade show? And Christmas is coming!

The Etruscan Shrew has 1511 hpm but who's checked the average retailer's hpm lately, especially with a no deal Brexit in the offing.

Having a business is allconsuming, and sometimes I think that Mr D and I speak of little else, as most of our conversations seem to somehow wind their way of back to the shop. Not that I mind. After all, it's my passion, my pride, my fourth child. It's our reputation, it's a big part (but not all) of who I am over the last 14 years.

Feathering Your Nest quietly crept into my life 14 years ago. Bit by bit it took over a very large chunk of it, but when your passion drives you to do something you choose to do, it kind of isn't like working! Hang on I hear you cry...yes we are exhausted, yes we work more hours than many employed

Above: Feathering Your Nest, Rayleigh.

Below: Lesley with her husband Chris.

people, yes we have more responsibility, more worry, more insecurity than most.

However, I couldn't dream of working for someone else these days, unless they were a nice boss like me, haha!

A few start-ups have sought my counsel over time, only to hear them, a few months or a year down the line, whine how it took over their life, so they gave up their dream.

Perhaps they are the sane ones, who knows! That old chestnut of being selfemployed, working when you want and not taking orders from anyone is a bit of a fallacy really if you own a shop. We are at the demand of our customers, they pay our wages, mortgages and holidays, our cars and our food.

Recently, Mr D suggested having a chill out day at the coast. But with WhatsApp pinging at all hours who can cover the date? We've had a delivery but no delivery note; I've got a flat tyre and may be late; the dog's died; the Biffa bin hasn't been emptied; and so-and-so called for you. You get the picture!

Growing up watching my own parents run their manufacturing businesses (aka sweat shops in Brick Lane!) over the years, I should have heeded the warnings - all hands on deck to meet deadlines - quietly fretting during off peak season and yes, family life revolved around the business. But we were a very happy family albeit not in the traditional sense of a 9-5 one. So I suppose it's no surprise to hear at family gatherings, ‘you're your father's daughter!’ Hmmm. The sins of the father!”

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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

Helen Crawford, co-owner, The Old School Beauly, Beauly A large lifestyle store on the outskirts of a village.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Highland Stoneware: ceramics

Products are made by artists from the Highlands. They’re very collectable.

Fragranced Giftware

Pintail: across the board;

The scents are very natural for home fragrancing and customers love the variety. They’re also at a good pick up price.

These are a more considered purchase, but the fragrances encourage repeat purchases.

Max Benjamin: Seychelles and Maldives Jewellery

Joma: across the board; Carrie Elspeth: across the board

Good price points, lovely packaging and sentiments, as well as special sentiments.

Affordably priced. Everything comes boxed.

Fashion Accessories

Caroline Gardner: accessories

Lovely quality, colours and designs across bags, totes, pouches and purses.

Greeting Cards

The Art File

Intelligent cards with appeal to our more mature customers. Very thoughtful and special.

Giftwrap

Artebene

Well priced lovely designs. There’s something for every occasion.

Other Hot Hits

Scottish Fine Soaps

Keenly priced and beautifully presented. People are loyal to the brand.

Hilary Jones, owner, Let’s Go Round Again, Wombourne A small village gift shop.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

East of India: across the board;

The company manages to update its look while still keeping its brand recognisable.

Dcuk always seems to find new ways to ‘dress’ its ducks and put a smile on our customers’ faces.

dcuk: ducks

Fragranced Giftware

Best Kept Secrets: Just Because scented candles

The most popular candles are those mentioning ‘friend’, ‘sister’ or a specific occasion on the tin. We also do well with our own personalised candles.

Jewellery

Kalima: sterling silver;

Kalima is our top seller, especially the marcasite range which is that little bit different.

We have recently started selling birthstone pendants which seem to be very popular with customers.

Gecko: birthstone pendants

Fashion Accessories

Joe Davies: scarves; Katie Loxton: clutch bags

The company does a great range of scarves, some boxed, which fly off the shelves.

We do very well with these clutch bags, which come with great packaging.

Greeting Cards

Abacus

Great humour cards and male ranges, as well as relatives and occasions. We love Abacus’ latest Clare Maddicott cards too.

Other Hot Hits

Ty: beanies

Its newest range of sequin ‘flippable’ animals is fantastic, managing to keep up with the latest trends.

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Julie West, owner, The Gift Boutique, Fraserburgh A large gift shop on a secondary high street.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

East of India: ceramic love heart plaques;

We adore these, as do our customers. Great quotes for family and friends.

A stunning Scandinavian range that make great statement pieces.

Cooee: vases

Fragranced Giftware

Stoneglow: Infusion Millefiori: natural fragrance diffusers

Jewellery

Joma: ‘a little’ bracelets; Bailey & Brooke: across the board

Fashion Accessories

Stunning packaging and quality fragrance.

Customers love the contemporary design and excellent fragrances.

Our customers’ all time favourite. Great for any occasion. Beautiful packaging.

Very keenly priced and excellent packaging.

Joe Davies: Equilibrium scarves; Bessie Bag London: handbags

Beautiful colours and a consistently good seller.

Greeting Cards

Hallmark Cards: Signature

Top end, bold and fun. They make unique keepsakes. We also do well with Hallmark quality giftwrap.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat: plush

We love the more quirky items such as the Pom Pom range. Great gifts for both adults and children alike.

Always on trend.

Tracey Bryant, co-owner, Expressions, Swindon; The Cats Whiskers, Bishops Cleeve and Polkadot, Keynsham Expressions is based in the Old Town; The Cats Whiskers is in a village location and Polkadot is on a high street.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Gisela Graham: across the board;

Constantly one of our best sellers. Superb quality and design.

Parlane is quite new to us but has proved so popular we now have it in two of our shops.

Parlane: across the board

Fragranced Giftware

Michel Design Works: across the board;

Marmalade: candles

The company works with a range of foaming hand soaps to candles to napkins.

This is the dominant candle brand at the Cats Whiskers. Beautiful fragrances.

Jewellery

Joma: across the board; Joe Davies: Equilbrium

Joma is very strong for us.

A popular choice in all three shops.

Fashion Accessories

Zelly: scarves

These continue to be as popular as ever, as do Peony scarves.

Greeting Cards

Woodmansterne

A broad range that works across all three shops.

Giftwrap

Glick

We love the quality and designs.

Other Hot Hits

Chilly’s: re-usable bottles

A very popular and re-usable alternative to plastic. We are finding that re-usable straws are popular too.

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Max filler advert 2019 A5.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2019 14:35 Page 1

Market leading trade magazines

Market leading trade awards

Market leading digital platforms

Market leading trade exhibitions

Max Publishing, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP For further details please contact us on T: 020 7700 6740 or www.max-publishing.co.uk or email ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

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Best Sellers

What better testimonial for products than those of your fellow retailers. Here's all the information you need to get in touch and start stocking!

GLICK T: 01274 655980 E: info@glick.co.uk W: www.glick.co.uk

JOE DAVIES T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

JOE DAVIES T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

JOE DAVIES T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

PINTAIL CANDLES T: 015395 59007 E: info@pintailcandles.com W: www.pintailcandles.com

GLICK T: 01274 655980 E: info@glick.co.uk W: www.glick.co.uk

THE ART FILE T: 0115 8507490 E: sales@theartfile.com W: www.theartfile.com

GISELA GRAHAM T: 0207 708 4956 E: sales@giselagraham.co.uk W: www.giselagraham.co.uk

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

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BEHIND THE COUNTER

Marion Johnston

Above: Marion Johnstone.

Below: Spirito, Glasgow.

Having trained and worked as an embroiderer for many years, Marion Johnston made a career step change 19 years ago when she went to work for Spirito in Glasgow which had just opened its doors.

A finalist in The Greats 2019 Retail Employee of the Year category, Marion says, “I cannot even begin to count how many thousands of gifts I have wrapped for customers over the years!”

“I was a very late starter in retail which happened after I had retired from my original career as an embroiderer,” explains Marion. “I’m godmother to the shop owner Denise Laird and joined the team when Spirito first opened its doors back in 2000.”

She says that what she loves most about retailing is building relationships with customers. “It’s a fun, fast moving, fabulous environment with lovely products, and as customers are often buying for a memorable occasion it’s always nice to be able to help them find their ideal gift or card.”

She continues: “I’m very much a people person, so my favourite part of the job is definitely out front assisting the customers. Over the years, many people who started off as customers have become good friends and we often catchup over a coffee at one of the local cafes.

The social aspect of the shop, and being part of the Spirito team, is great fun. I enjoy helping to plan and prepare for special occasions and particularly enjoy the run up-to the big events such as Mother’s Day and Christmas when all our days are really busy and time just flies past. We are so fortunate that the shop is

LAST WORD

Bree Merryn

Above: Artist Bree Merryn.

Right: EastWest’s new Bree Merryn licensed giftware collection.

The work of wildlife and portrait artist Bree Merryn can be found on a new licensed range for EastWest, which was unveiled at the recent Harrogate Home & Gift show. Products range from giftware, homewares and stationery to ceramics and gift bags.

What was your first job?

“I worked in retail for Rackhams as a visual merchandiser.”

Over your long career as an artist, what was the best piece of advice you’ve received?

“Keep at it. It’s what I tell my children.”

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Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

What’s your favourite film?

“Currently it’s Bohemian Rhapsody.”

What’s your favourite TV programme?

“I love all the creative programmes on TV, especially The Great British Bake Off and The Great British Sewing Bee.” Can you tell us what your home is like?

“It’s an Edwardian house. We have a lot of figurative work on display, such as flamenco dancers.”

Where’s your studio based?

“It’s on the top floor of the house. It overlooks the Yorkshire Dales, so when I look out I can see sheep and cows.”

Three words that best describe you?

“Creative, happy, prolific.”

What was your career ambition?

“To develop my ability as an artist, and to hone my skills to see where they took me.”

located within a lovely community which we all feel part of.

“Working for an independent shop does make me feel very much part of the team and the business and also part of the local community. We are always encouraged to give our opinions, share our experiences and make suggestions for improvements and all the staff feel responsible to make the business achieve its full potential.

Ultimately, it is all about the customer and we all focus really hard on giving the customers a great experience. We have a good mix of youth and experience among the staff and I think that this helps us better understand what a wide cross-section of customers are looking for when they come in to shop with us.”

What advice would you give to someone today?

“Follow your dream and do what makes you happy.”

What do you most enjoy reading?

“I love to read family sagas, as well as thriller/mysteries such as Girl on the Train.”

What do you love most about being an artist?

“The aspect I love most is capturing the essence of what I’m working on and bringing the character to life.”

Which possessions would you take to a desert island?

“Paints, pens and canvasses.”

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Please contact our Award Winning sales staff for further details.

Tel: l 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies

GIFTS & GREETINGS

TRADE ASSOCIATION

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK’s gift and home industry with 70 years unique experience listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with or knowledge and contacts within the industry.

Website: www.ga-uk.org Email: enquiries@ga-uk.org Tel: 0121 237 1104 10 Vyse St, Birmingham B18 6LT

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

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

News, Editorial and Content Opportunities:

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

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The modern, easy to navigate website provides a central resource for the trade, offering pithy news, in-depth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Gifts & Home, and much, much more.

Advertising, Recruitment and Sponsorship Opportunities:

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