Progressive Housewares July August 2020

July/August 2020

COOK IT

BAKE IT

SERVE IT

STORE IT

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Advertorial feature

A clean home is a

home Left: 12 in 1 steam mop.

Since the 1950s and 60s, it was the biggest manufacturer of cleaning and safety equipment and has continued to deliver dependable products at competitive prices to its customers. Beldray lay claim to being the first manufacturer of the ironing board with adjustable height - now a household essential, while it continues to provide everything that consumers could need for the home, including clothes-airers, pedal bins, fans, electric fires and steam mops.

B

y making innovative technology and high-spec gadgets affordable, Beldray is ensuring that every home can keep clean, tidy and free from germs.

Spanning a wide range of products since 1872, Beldray is a brand that retailers can trust, and one that consumers choose time and time again.

The Power Of Steam

For trade enquiries email sales@upgs.com

About Ultimate Products We source. We brand. We distribute.

We do everything to get the best products on the shelves, both in the UK and around the globe. For over 20 years, we've provided well-known retailers with the latest, progressive and innovative products, and we continue to grow every day...

“97% of consumers who own a Belday product would buy something else from the brand.”

Choose water, not chemicals. Killing up to 99.9% bacteria with just water, steam cleaning is an efficient way to keep surfaces sanitised and sparkling. With specialised attachments for different jobs, Beldray steam cleaners can be used in every room and are great for keeping germs at bay.

On Hand, Whenever You Need Beldray has a full range of cordless cleaners that whizz from room to room, clearing mess just as fast as it’s made. The new Roller Cordless features an 80,000 RPM brushless motor, providing twice the suction of other Below: Folding garment steamer.

cordless cleaners. Or the handy Revo is perfect for small spills, crumbs and mess, making light work of keeping the home and car clean. Cordless. Convenient. Affordable.

Flexible, To Fit In With You From 2-in-1 irons, to foldable garment steamers, Beldray has the technology to keep up with today’s hectic lifestyles. The ranges are at the cutting-edge of design as they invest heavily in product development.

As a widely-recognised and trusted brand, Beldray is a name that should be on the shelves of every house and homewares retailer. If you’re not already stocking Beldray products, find out more about the retailer benefits by getting in touch with the team.

Below: Roller cordless vac.

Below: 10 in 1 handheld steam cleaner. Below: 360° cordless iron.

Right: Revo hand vac.

Cr Chep oceolMatak e er Fountain

Stay in, and make cooking fun.

er Maker akss Flo Cre anpdeyM

Delivering high spec products that provide hours of fun for kids and adults alike, Giles and Posner brings the party to your home.

Filled with innovative ideas to help you to get creative in the kitchen, including candy floss makers, ice cream makers and chocolate fountains Brand new! Mini me range including waffle maker and snack maker – homemade bite-sized treats for everyone to enjoy. @GilesAndPosner

erack Maker kn a S M e e M p ie r in CM

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@Prog_Housewares

Editor’s comment I

Max Publishing Ltd, United House North Road, London N7 9DP T: 020 7700 6740 F: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivehousewares.co.uk www.max-publishing.co.uk www.housewaresnews.net Subscriptions Subscribe online at Max-Subscriptions.net While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in Progressive Housewares, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.

t’s no coincidence that two of this issue’s Food for Thought commentators are from different retail outlets in Suffolk. I enjoyed a couple of busman’s holiday visits while on a trip to the east of England this summer. So, I can speak from these experiences (as well as visiting my local cookshop and other friendly outlets since lockdown eased) in recognising how cookshops and housewares stockists are providing reassuring havens, offering both guidance and inspiration for consumers as we venture out in the new world of physical shopping.

It is amazing how valuable the human factor is now. A welcoming and confident face at the shop’s doorway makes you feel secure in the knowledge that shopper numbers are being monitored and we’re all using the hand sanitiser and following the guided routes so we can feel relaxed when browsing.

It’s not a surprise to hear feedback about strong local support for cookshops and housewares stockists all around the country (see Food for Thought, and Holly Wilson’s From the Frontline).

Moreover, Google noticed the massive rise in searches for local businesses during lockdown and has been running a campaign to help businesses ensure they are getting noticed via the search engine. There is a surge in ‘shop local’ messages in local newspapers, Visa’s Above: PH editor Jo campaign and the Government’s push to #ShopLocal in August. The latter highlighted Howard visiting The Woodbridge Kitchen eight reasons to shop locally including ‘A better shopping experience,’ stating, ‘As the Company.

UK continues to recover from the pandemic, the experience of buying locally from a friendly face offers a dose of normality that many people may have missed.’

While the well-deserved appreciation is evident for many cookshops, we are also seeing the massive knock-on effect of lockdown on our high streets and shopping centres. The accelerated shift to online is leading to restructuring and re-shaping, particularly as larger businesses adjust to the new realities of shopping.

On a positive note, with consumers’ passions for cooking ignited, housewares stockists appear to be in a stronger position than many other sectors going forward. Recognising the nation’s new interest in cooking, and keen to source innovative products to help with a retail ‘bounce back’, a fantastic panel of prominent housewares buyers and cookshop owners have been enthusiastically judging this year’s Excellence in Housewares Awards.

While it was sad that we could not bring everyone together for the usual wonderful day of retail chat and comparison, the virtual judging enabled participation from judges from around the UK, as well as involvement from whole judging teams from Lakeland and John Lewis. A huge thank you to all those retailers who have taken time out to look at every product entry and help to ensure that – whatever stage we are at with the pandemic – housewares suppliers and retailers will be recognised and rewarded for their innovation and excellence in 2020.

Jo Howard in house

Editor

In this issue

JO HOWARD Editor joh@max-publishing.co.uk

5- 11

News

26-27 Exclusively Digital’s Trend talks

JAKKI BROWN Editorial director jw@max-publishing.co.uk

12

BHETA news

28-31

JOHN BARRY Advertising manager johnb@max-publishing.co.uk

13

Bira news

34-37 Market focus: Bakeware

ROB WILLIS Publishing director robw@max-publishing.co.uk

14-15

Face to face: Good Housekeeping

17

Holly Wilson’s From the frontline

39-41 New products

19- 21

Food for thought: Retail life

43

EMMA CAIN Product page editor emmac@max-publishing.co.uk MICHELLE BOARD Contributing editor michelleb@max-publishing.co.uk MARK GRAYSON Creative director markg@max-publishing.co.uk WARREN LOMAX Joint md warren@max-publishing.co.uk

after lockdown

cookware classic

HELENA HOWARD Photography

03

and baking

Shelf portrait: Frankie and Johnny’s Cookshop

24-25 Advertorial: Instant pot – a

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Judges eagerly log in Above: The winners of the coveted EIH 2020 trophies will be revealed in December.

Excellence In Housewares Awards moves to December As Progressive Housewares monitors the Covid-19 situation closely, the Excellence In Housewares Awards 2020 has moved to a later date of Wednesday December 9 2020, at the same great location of the Royal Lancaster London Hotel.

Speaking of the date change, Rob Willis, director at Max Publishing (organiser of the Excellence in Housewares Awards) said: “We’re certainly not kidding ourselves that even the later December date won’t be problematic, but it seemed a logical option to take up the opportunity given by the venue to add in several months of additional time. I can assure the industry that we will only go ahead with the physical awards event if it will be safe - first and foremost, and indeed up to its usual high standard.

Feedback from sponsors has been positive with many referring to it as ‘the big reunion’ but, again, we will continue to monitor the overall picture and make decisions based on safety as the absolute number one priority.

Whatever happens, there will be finalists and there will be winners - even if we can’t all be in the same room.”

Above: Dunelm saw sales rise by 20% in June.

Strong demand at Dunelm Revealing its fourth quarter trading results, Dunelm said it was ‘pleased with the strong customer response since re-opening.’ The retailer saw an overall sales decline of -29% for its total sales in trading quarter from March 8 to June 27. However, total sales in June leapt up by +20%.

Overall like-for-like sales for Dunelm’s stores were down 49.7% for the quarter, while online grew by 85.2%. The retailer reports that home delivery fulfilment from its central distribution facility exceeded previous record levels in every week since April.

The retailer has been championing various shopping options, including virtual personal shopping appointments and bringing click & collect orders directly to consumers’ cars.

The Product Judging for The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2020 was coming to a close as PH went to press, involving nearly 40 prominent retail buyers in the virtual judging process. The product finalists will be announced on HousewaresNews.net and featured in the next issue of PH. Prior to judging, buyers expressed their eagerness to view entries, particularly given the lack of physical trade shows and sales meetings and need to stock up on innovative products. Suppliers were able to present their entries to the panel entirely free of charge by uploading images and product information via the Awards’ online portal. The new portal was created to ensure the continuation of the industry’s leading awards despite lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions.

Above: Matt Thomas (pictured) took part the judging alongside colleagues One of the trio of judges from John Lewis, Nicola Hattersley, in Elaine Hooper and Nicola Hattersley from tabletop buyer, acknowledged the opportunity that the John Lewis.

Awards presented, noting: “Despite our world of lockdown Below: Louise Lee from Robert Dyas was one of the eager product judges. there is still demand from consumers, and retailers need to be more focused in selecting the best products to put before their customers.” Matt Thomas, utility buyer for John Lewis described the Excellence in Housewares Awards as “a fantastic window” for suppliers to show their best products to buyers.

One of many proactive independent retailers on the panel, Holly Wilson at Prep Cookshop and Richard Dare (London) was typical of many buyers prior to the product judging, stating: “Having missed out on all the shows this year I'm desperate to see some new ideas and re-immerse myself in product.”

Fenwick buyer Helen Miller concurred, urging suppliers prior to the judging: “This year, more than any other year, you should definitely think seriously about entering your products to be judged by prominent housewares and cook shop retailers.”

Kathryn Farrell, Lakeland’s kitchenware buyer, explained that the team of Lakeland judges would be looking for “product that isn’t just innovative and different but something that performs exceptionally at whatever it does.” She added: “We’re not into gimmicks here; we want to see products that amaze and excite on all levels.”

Robert Dyas’ senior buyer, Louise Lee enthused prior to the judging: “Really excited to be involved in the Excellence in Housewares Awards again this year! I’m looking forward to seeing the new and exciting innovation that 2020 brings.”

The stellar line-up of product judges included Harts of Stur, ProCook, Trevor Mottram, Art of Living, Lords At Home, Borough Kitchen, Aldiss, Potters Cookshop, The Wedding Shop and Prezola, Dinghams, Divertimenti, Cook Central and many other leading independents from around the UK. The virtual judging process (following online nominations and entries) for the retailer awards categories is also underway to ensure that - regardless of the situation-at-large suppliers and retailers would still be recognised and rewarded.

The September/October issue of Progressive Housewares will showcase all of the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2020 product, retailer and supplier finalists. In the meantime, HousewaresNews.net will feature all Awards announcements.

Morrisons’ debuts standalone store concept Morrisons has opened a ‘one-of-a-kind’ store at Bolsover dedicated to Home and the retailer’s own brand Nutmeg clothing. The store’s Home section includes aisles dedicated to kitchenware, tableware, alfresco dining kits, food storage and ‘on the go’ products as well as ‘on trend’ cushions, bedding and candles.

Local shoppers have welcomed the new store, which is situated opposite a regular branch of Morrisons that opened last November.

Above: Some of the Home offering at the first stand-alone Morrisons store.

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Exclusively Digital success July’s virtual show Exclusively Digital (which took the place of the Exclusively Shows) attracted high visitor numbers across housewares buyers, press and influencers, with impressive visitor profiles.

In its first two weeks, Exclusively Digital attracted 10% more individual visitors than the two-day live show, and twice as many overall visits. BHETA (show owner and organiser) explained that, ‘While the comparison is not like-for-like in the sense that each visitor to a website spends a smaller proportion of time ‘at the show’ vis-à-vis Above: Products by Ladelle were an in-person visit to the live event – which typically lasts at least one among those highlighted by Scarlet Opus in the Exclusively day - drill-down into the detail on digital attendees still proves just Digital webinar discussing the ‘Soul Searching’ trend (see how popular the online event has been.’

The virtual show’s visitors included national retailers including B&M, Trends focus).

Lakeland, Robert Dyas and John Lewis as well as buyers from garden centres such as Bents and Garden & Home as well as supermarkets including Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury's and Tesco. There were also international buyers visiting the website, such as Vanderweens in The Netherlands. Over 100 influencers visited as well as over 200 journalists, including representatives from The Sunday Times, Living Etc, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 1 Life Hacks, Your Home, Which?, Simply Vegan, ITV's This Morning, Ideal Home and The Daily Telegraph.

Visitors were able to view over 200 housewares and gift brands showing new and on trend products, as well as show features like the new Launchpad for start-up suppliers and the popular Trend Hub. The latter saw over 300 online views of trend forecaster, Scarlet Opus’ predictions for key design and lifestyle trends for 2020, 2021 and beyond (see Trends focus pages 26-27).

Feedback from visitors reflected the positivity around the concept of a digital alternative to a massively popular live show in challenging times. Influencer Charlotte Osborne of charlieslittlegreyhome said: “This is absolutely amazing! Well done to you and all the amazing people who have come together to do this.”

From Exclusively Digital’s exhibitors, Grunwerg’s managing director David Grunwerg said, “Given the tough challenges in this unprecedented economic landscape, Exclusively Digital has been a unique opportunity for suppliers and retailers to re-connect.”

BHETA’s chief operating officer and chair of Exclusively, Will Jones confirmed that, while looking forward to physical networking at next year’s event, “Exclusively will be retaining the many features and benefits of its digital self as we move forward into the coming year.” See www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk/

Above: Exclusively’s Richard Watts welcomed members of the press and influencers at the 2019 Exclusively Shows’ Brand Showcase.

Exclusively delivers influencer insights The programme of webinars running through Exclusively Digital week included practical advice for independent cookshops and housewares retailers who want to increase their sales by engaging with social media influencers.

Focusing on Instagram, Exclusively’s Richard Watts (who also runs PR agency Ever Forwards) outlined straightforward strategies, acknowledging how indies are reaping rewards from collaborations with passionate influencers. He advised retailers to use key word searches (reflecting their business) to find appropriate influencers, and to look for relevant local businesses with the potential for collaborative in-store events (such as barista-led coffee workshops).

“Don’t miss trends or hot topics,” Richard highlighted (using an example of National Pie Week to show searches that could also tap into local businesses.) He outlined how ‘gifted collaborations’ can help to drive publicity and ultimately product sales, with minimal investment for cookshops.

“Nano influencers” (with 2,000 to 5,000 followers) “can have great results,” noted Richard, who also recommended that retailers host in-store events to show products to influencers, who then “create the buzz.”

THE ASSURE COLLECTION Quality, safety and functionality in one knife

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John Lewis’ ‘digital first’ future Above: Cooking demonstrations on the NordicWare stand at last year’s show in Chicago.

Summer in Chicago The Inspired Home Show will be held physically on 7-10 August 2021 at McCormick Place Convention Centre in Chicago. The event had previously been scheduled for its usual time frame of March 13-16.

“As the pandemic continued into the summer, we had multiple conversations with our board of directors, exhibiting members and retail buyers, all of whom were experiencing apprehension about the ability to safely convene the industry as soon as March of 2021,” said Derek Miller, president of the IHA (which organises the show.)

“While the Show continues to be a critical part of their businesses, the health and safety of our industry is our first priority and moving the event to later in the year allows more time for authorities to successfully manage this crisis.”

Derek confirms that the retail community has welcomed the new date, stating: “We spoke to a number of key retailers, both domestic and international. All have been very vocal about their desire to have a face-to-face Show in 2021 and are enthusiastic about holding the Show later in the year.”

• To explore inspirational resources, presentations, global trends and new products, and to register interest for next year’s show, go to www.theinspiredhomeshow.com

PEOPLE l Diethelm Keller Group has appointed Rene Stutz as group ceo for DKB Household, taking over the role from Will Symonds, who has left to pursue other business interests. Rene’s extensive industry knowledge will help shape the strategic direction of DKB Household. Rene joined the company in February as md of DKB Household UK. DKB has also appointed Jane Mason in the newly created position of UK sales and ecommerce director. Jane has a wealth of housewares experience, having spent 14 years with Le Creuset, with her most recent position being global sales director for Craster. l Josh Muir has joined Black + Blum as sales manager, bringing an extensive and varied sales background, most recently working for 20th Century Fox, and prior to this with Danone and Coca Cola. l Eddingtons has paid tribute to stand designer Peter Limmer, who recently passed away. Peter was involved in the industry for over 20 years where he operated mainly behind the scenes: designing, organising and building trade stands.

Richard Walker, commercial director said: “Peter’s bright disposition, willingness to resolve issues and go the extra mile to assure perfect project delivery was second to none."

The John Lewis Partnership outlined the progress of its strategic review at the end of July.

Chairman Sharon White acknowledged changing shopping habits (particularly with younger people) and the acceleration of Above: More John Lewis Home products will be available in Waitrose stores. online retailing due to the pandemic.

Sharon stated: “We expect John Lewis to be a 60% online retailer, from 40% preCovid-19; and Waitrose to rise above 20%, from 5%.”

The retailer envisages John Lewis as “the ‘go to’ brand for life’s big moments,” including “first home, first day at university, wedding or civil partnership”. There will be a strong focus on Home - with a new home collection and expanded gift lists launching this autumn.

Sharon describes the new home collection as offering “more exciting and inspirational design; more affordable ‘entry point’ pricing; stronger ‘curation’ so that shoppers can find what they want easily; and more local assortments that reflect the diversity of our customers.”

John Lewis will “become digital first”, with Sharon emphasising that: “Shops will always be crucial to the brand, but they will be in support of online.”

Over the next five years the retailer expects to “rebalance” its shop estate to ensure it has the “right space in the right locations where people want to shop.” This includes incorporating John Lewis Home into Waitrose and experimenting with store formats.

“Shops will showcase our brilliant products - displaying great design with more space given over to experiences that cannot be found anywhere else,” says Sharon. * Eight John Lewis stores that were already ‘financially challenged’ have not reopened, including At Home stores in Croydon, Newbury, Swindon and Tamworth and two full size department stores in Birmingham (which opened in 2015) and Watford.

Autumn Fair @ Home September’s virtual forum Autumn Fair @ Home (September 8-9) consists of The Home & Living showcase to include: The Everyday Edit, The Summerhouse Showcase, Design & Source Showcase, The Living Edit (Day 1) and Home, Living & Décor Showcase (Day 2).

Retailers will be able to discover new products, engage with suppliers via “The Virtual Showroom”, and hear market-leading content from Above: A scene from Autumn Fair, which will retailers and trend forecasters. return in its physical The forum is part of organiser Hyve Group’s ‘Refuelling Retail’ initiative. Julie form in 2021.

Driscoll, UK regional director of Hyve Group said: “There is no doubt that Covid-19 has impacted retail this year, however, we believe that now is the time to help refuel retail and help our community to bounce back. We hope that the free forums that we are offering to our customers this September really help to kickstart product discovery.”

See https://www.autumnfair.com/

Germ-free drinking

Right: A Kumbukka Etna bottle.

Kumbukka (from Bibo Brands) is highlighting recent research that suggests that ‘90% of mugs in workplace kitchens are coated in germs.’ The brand is pitching its ‘easy to clean’ range of personal bottles, mugs and food jars as ‘the perfect solution’ for consumers who are returning to workplaces and schools.

The brand boasts an ‘industry first’ with its patent-pending Snapclean technology. Users are able to ‘pinch and pull’ to remove the drinking mechanism to enable thorough cleaning.

Meanwhile, WAKEcup has launched a self-cleaning water bottle utilising UV-C technology in the lid, which cleans the inner surfaces of the bottle by eliminating bacteria, viruses and mould.

Asobu (from Ad-N-Art) has also launched a UV Light Purification Bottle, as well as Copper Lined bottles, which are reportedly effective in slowing down viral distribution.

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Selfridges to ‘change the way we shop’ Selfridges has launched Project Earth, a ‘transformational’ sustainability initiative with five-year commitments and ambitions Above: The Solutions Store at Selfridges encourages refilling and re-using. to change the way consumers shop. The initiative will help Below: Reusable bottles in one of Selfridges’ consumers reduce waste, choose ‘forest friendly’ products, and Project Earth windows. chose recycled or ‘pre-loved’ products.

According to Anne Pilcher, managing director of Selfridges Group, the launch of Project Earth is particularly timely as the pandemic marks “a moment of change in our customers to a more considered mindset.”

Housewares brands that are highlighted by Selfridges for reducing waste include Le Creuset, Stasher, Black + Blum, Corkcicle, Stojo, Stay Sixty, Last Straw, 24 Bottles, Takenaka and W&P Design.

Situated in the Kitchen and Home department, Selfridges has launched a dedicated sustainable Solutions Store with over 300 products. Solutions Store incorporates a refill station with eco-friendly clothing detergent from Lab Co, along with new and exclusive brands that provide sustainable solutions for the kitchen, bathroom and everyday tasks. These include Phox, an eco-friendly water filter that is refilled with carbon granules that gradually dissolve with use, and The Organic Company’s tea towels, cotton bags for food storage and re-usable cotton tea bags.

“Project Earth is about us taking radical action in response to the climate crisis. Our ambitious commitments to science-based targets and a net-zero future underpin this, alongside our commitment to ensuring that the most environmentally impactful materials used right across our business come from certified, sustainable sources,” said Daniella Vega, director of Sustainability for Selfridges.

The initiative includes a programme of webinar discussions on sustainability, including Ethical Consumerism (September 18) and Eco Innovations (October 15).

LSA is Among the Trees

Above: Part of Barton Grange’s display of Ashley Thomas kitchenware from DMD, using trestle tables and crates.

Barton Grange wows with Ashley The Cookshop at Barton Grange Garden Centre near Preston has won DMD’s Ashley Thomas retail display competition for its glorious floral displays that put Ashley’s new range centre-stage. Designer Ashley judged the competition herself.

CellarDine’s coolest kit

LSA International’s Canopy collection of glassware (in collaboration with the Eden Project) is featured in a display of ‘geodesic trees’ in the window of the Festival Terrace Shop at the Hayward Gallery at London’s Southbank Centre. The display coincides with the ‘Among the Trees’ exhibition, which reopened its doors in August.

Right: Displays by LSA International at London’s Southbank.

Phil Green: ‘legend of retailing’ Phil Green - known for his substantial contribution to building the housewares business at Robert Dyas – sadly passed away in July.

Having been instrumental in developing business at Woolworths in the 1990s, Phil joined Robert Days as commercial director in 2008. He became chief operating officer of the housewares and hardware chain before leaving in November 2013 to start Connexions, his own sourcing and supply chain consultancy for international retail.

Paying tribute, sales director of Ultimate Products, Eddie Edwards describes Phil as a “legend of retailing, whose integrity and honesty were held in very high esteem by our industry.” Eddie reflects: “It was Phil who gave me the opportunity to build our strong working partnership that continues today with the current Robert Dyas management team.

Above: Phil Green pictured in July Phil was a true gentleman and it was always a pleasure to deal with him.” 2009, judging The Excellence in Paul McDermott, who was Robert Dyas’ head of trading from 2008 to Housewares Awards 2017, describes Phil as “calm and considerate,” stating: “You could always talk to Phil about the business; he was a good listener and would support you in your decisionmaking. Phil was highly respected among the commercial team plus many other areas of the business.

He was good at mentoring the junior buyers and some of them remain as senior team members today.

Phil introduced a very successful Far East business on his arrival using his wealth of experience, and that strategy thrives today.”

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Hot on the heels of coverage in The Daily Mail, CellarDine recently received good reviews in The Independent’s Indy Best’s 10 Best Wine Coolers.

The newspaper applauded both the looks and functionality of CellarDine’s Caddyo (pictured), stating; ‘We absolutely love this – it's essentially luggage for cold wine.’

CellarDine’s ChillCore was one of the two products picked for the Indy Best’s ‘verdict,’ highlighting its appeal for gadget lovers.

The top ten also featured Robert Welch, Vacu Vin and KitchenCraft's BarCraft.

Hot sales in July Sunny weather, tourism and enthusiasm for kitchenware contributed to an excellent July trade for Cilla and Camilla Cookshop in Sherborne, with sales up more than 40% on last year.Co-owner Richard Barker comments: “Virtually all that growth appears to be driven by new customers who gained a new (or renewed) passion for cooking and baking during lockdown.

Further growth has been limited by poor availability of some lines from key cookware suppliers.” (See Food for Thought).

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NEWS IN BRIEF l Retaissance - a new digital global buying

platform for independent retailers has launched its buyer access, meaning brands and buyers are able to register on the site and start connecting with each other.

Housewares brands are already building showcases.Buyers can match preferences on price, features and sustainability. l Jarrold of Norwich has restructured as a result of losses due to the Covid-19 lockdown, with 90 job losses across the group including its chief executive Minnie Moll. l In the eight weeks since store re-opening, Marks & Spencer’s total sales for Clothing & Home were down 29.9% (to August 8) with ‘trends steadily improving’. Online sales represented 41% of M&S’ total Clothing & Home sales. l Argos is to stop publishing its catalogue after almost 50 years. The bi-annual catalogue – affectionately known as the ‘book of dreams’ – launched in 1973. At its height, it was Europe’s most widely printed publication, with only the Bible in more homes across the UK. l Thermos UK has taken over

management of the Lifefactory brand in the UK. Established in California in 2007, Lifefactory is a leading designer of ‘on the go’, glass hydration products. l A big hit during lockdown, Véritable’s

Indoor Garden was recently featured on ITV1’s Grow Your Own With Alan Titchmarsh. “Véritable impressed with its automatic watering and lighting abilities,” says Paul Shelley, md of distributor Haus. l Online cyclist magazine Singletrack.com recently put three of Barista and Co’s coffee brewers to the test in the great outdoors. The reviewer described the Twist Press as “ingenious”, enthusing over its secret compartment for storing coffee and the gadget’s pressure method for a full-bodied coffee. l What More’s Wham Upcycled range has

been shortisted for The European Recycling Awards - Best Recycled Product, and the National Recycling Awards Recycled Product of the Year. The company has also been shortlisted for the Social Value Initiative Award (for its Community Engagement Programme) plus three of Insider Media ‘Made in the North West’ awards.

TOP STORY

New era for Lakeland

Brothers Sam, Martin and Julian Rayner step down from the board at Lakeland from September (although retaining family ownership of the business). Lakeland’s current chief executive Catherine Nunn takes on the role of deputy chair, in line with the retailer’s succession plans. The plans have been accelerated, along with a review of Lakeland’s structure, as a result of the pandemic.

The retailer states that its new ‘smaller board will allow Lakeland to be more agile while focusing on the most important areas of strategy and operational delivery.’ It is set to announce further changes to company structure and jobs.

The immediate changes see Steve Knights (hitherto Lakeland’s commercial director) take up the role of chief executive. The board also includes Paul Lewis (chief financial and operating officer), Scott Jefferson (chief commercial officer) and Neil Piggot (chief customer officer). Gary Marshall, operations director has left Lakeland after 16 years.

Sam Rayner expressed his pride in how the Lakeland team has risen to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, stating: “In all my 46 years at the helm of Lakeland, I have never been so grateful to our colleagues, who responding to the recent unprecedented events, transformed and changed our company in just a few days to meet the challenges we all faced.”

Looking to a “new era” for Lakeland, with its new board, Sam stated: “We believe that Lakeland’s overall strategy remains even more relevant now than ever before and will provide clear focus and direction for the years to come.”

Sam, Martin and Julian (sons of Lakeland founder Alan Rayner) jointly received The Excellence in Housewares Awards’ Honorary Achievement Award in 2010 for their contribution to the housewares industry.

Where You Shop Matters Visa is continuing its support for independent retailers with a new focus on helping small businesses to adjust to new business models, including helping shops to trade online and keep connected with consumers.

Visa’s Where You Shop Matters campaign is on course to help 50 million small businesses globally to adapt.

Housewares stockist Hoos in Glasgow is one of the retailers highlighted in the campaign. Its online sales went up by more than 200% during lockdown.

Top Drawer’s ‘meaningful connections’ Lasting for the whole month of September, Top Drawer on Demand is described as ‘a unique digital platform’, giving access to curated design-led brands.

Registered buyers can search for products and brands through virtual showrooms, and connect with suppliers via live chat, appointment requests and video calls. “In a time when retailers, designers and brands need our support more than ever before, we are delighted to be bringing our community a month-long opportunity to make meaningful connections and do business,” commented show director Alejandra Campos.

Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk

Right: Top Drawer’s Autumn Winter 2020 edition is a virtual show.

l In KPMG’s Customer Experience

Excellence ranking for 2020, Lakeland retains its place in the top ten at number seven. John Lewis goes up nine places in the rankings, coming fourth in the list, while shopping channel QVC takes second place (up eight places). M&S Home and Clothing is up ten places from last year, making it number nine. l Nextrade - the B2B marketplace for the home and living industry (from nmedia) - is expanding its international marketing in the UK. It features over 300,000 products across home and living sectors.

Above: Lakeland’s Sam, Martin and Julian Rayner will no longer be part of the board.

Free-range ironing The success of the easyCharge 360 iron by Morphy Richards is the catalyst for a huge multi-channel consumer media campaign running through to October. The easyCharge 360 enables 360 docking, using Strix technology, which is more commonly used on cordless kettles.

Morphy Richards’ multi-channel consumer media campaign comprises TV, print and digital and social media, including high profile slots on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Channel 5, Sky 1, Sky Atlantic and More4.

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Above: The innovative easyCharge 360 from Morphy Richards.

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Lockdown trade ‘better than expected’ Inset: Bira’s Jeff Moody.

A multi-channel focus BHETA has invested in a series of webinars advising members on how to maximise sales via upcoming retail channels including ecommerce, third party online platforms (such as eBay), and bricks and mortar opportunities highlighted by the ‘Shop Local’ campaign.

The latest webinar featured Jeff Moody from Bira (British Independent Retailers Association), who highlighted opportunities selling via independent specialist and reviewed how the sector performed during pandemic restrictions.

Jeff talked about how Bira Direct is increasing business for suppliers and members, and its investment and growth strategies.

BHETA’s webinars to help suppliers develop their digital capabilities (hosted by new business service provider Brew) resume on September 8 (covering setting up in ecommerce, creating a commercially sound overall digital strategy and driving sales with social media).

Webinar success BHETA’s one-day Virtual Sales course (accredited by the Institute of Sales Management and CPD) on July 22 sold out within hours after being promoted online. Attendees received a course manual and supporting materials, as well as unlimited email and telephone support after the event.

Commenting on the volume of enquiries, BHETA’s Steve Richardson said, “Clearly this is a sign of the times and it’s great that BHETA is in a position to offer something so topical. As with previous sales courses we have offered, delegates enjoy a 34% discount on provider, Management Training and Development’s standard rates.

“Talking to members, sales to all routes to market including online - but also reemerging bricks and mortar outlets in the High Street - are crucial, but the store visit may no longer be the way forward.

So, it is vital that experienced and knowledgeable salespeople can adapt their roles to the virtual environment whenever that is required.” * See www.bheta.co.uk

Below: The rise of home cooking and baking increased demand for some housewares during lockdown and since lockdown has eased (see Bakeware and Baking feature).

Some 83% of BHETA members have reported that sales during lockdown were ‘better than expected’, while 63% said sales were ‘much better.’

These are the top line findings from The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA)’s latest member survey. Remarkably, more than three quarters of survey respondents said that they expected to hit or exceed budget for 2020, despite the pandemic and the effects of the resulting recession.

The comprehensive survey, published in full at the end of August, looked at the economic realities of the lockdown period (covering the impact on sales, business structure, strategy and future planning). Over 100 BHETA members from housewares and home improvement sectors responded to the questionnaire.

Commenting on the findings, BHETA marketing manager Steve Richardson said, “The pandemic and resulting lockdown has been a huge tragedy and the country is struggling with the resulting recession.

However, the encouraging truth for many homewares’ suppliers is that a large proportion have been pleasantly surprised by a positive trading experience over the past few months, in particular those who could sell direct to the end consumer though their own websites, through ‘local’ retailers who stayed open, or quickly re-opened, or through retailers with good e-commerce sites.”

He continued: “One of the obvious outcomes of the lockdown has been an increased spend on home-related projects as furloughing, working from home and the limited alternative outlets for disposable income combined to focus attention on home improvement, home baking and gardening. BHETA’s most recent data suggests that these trends are continuing post-lockdown as new-found skills and rediscovered enthusiasm for all things home and garden provide a positive legacy for the whole sector. BHETA will certainly be continuing to support its members in making certain they can access consumer demand by tailoring their sales strategies accordingly.”

BHETA lobbies for safety mark clarity

Below: SKA suppliers will be affected by changes to the necessary safety marks on product packaging. Pictured is the Salter Go Healthy Electrical Soup Maker from Ultimate Products, a member of BHETA’s Small Electrical Appliance (SEA) committee.

BHETA has joined forces with a collective of trade associations that are lobbying the Government on the future of the CE safety mark after Brexit.

The CE (used by housewares suppliers as a signifier of safety approval on electrical products and products powered by lithium batteries) will cease to exist as of December 31 in the event of a no deal Brexit.

While the CE mark is due to be replaced by a UKCA safety mark, the criteria for applying the mark is not yet clear, potentially impacting on all housewares suppliers with electrical or lithium battery-powered products. BHETA’s marketing manager, Steve Richardson explained, “This is an issue for many BHETA members and those impacted first are those who import from overseas where lead times dictate the need for the soonest possible guidance. The detail of the new UKCA mark is vital to briefing overseas manufacturers and it needs to be available as soon as possible, given that it is very possible that product for sale from January 2021 needs to carry the appropriate information.”

Steve continued: “The potential issue has come to the fore since The Small Electrical Appliance Marketing Association (SEAMA) became part of BHETA. The Environment and Operations Standards Committee originally formed by the former SEAMA is now making its knowledge and expertise available across the BHETA membership.”

SEAMA’s 14 members - G25Ltd, Meyer Group, Igenix (Pik-a-Pak), RKW, MPL Home, Vita-Mix, Ultimate Products, HoMedics, Magimix, Spectrum Brands, Morphy Richards, Group SEB, Conair, De’Longhi Group – became individual members of BHETA in July where they were not already. While SEAMA’s name became dormant as a legal entity, the collective operates as a fourth BHETA committee (SEA) alongside Above: The familiar CE mark. the Housewares, DIY and Export committees.

Right: The proposed UKCA safety mark.

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00 Bira_muk.qxp_23 27/08/2020 15:44 Page 13

I

t’s fairly safe to assume that we all accept the road to retail recovery post-Covid will be fraught with uncertainty.

There are the immediate challenges of trying to entice shoppers back to our high streets, making them feel safe enough to do so.

And then there are the long-term concerns of how lockdown has fundamentally changed the way we shop; the rise in internet trade during this period was unprecedented. Some people may decide never to go back to bricks and mortar retail when online shopping can be so convenient.

However, if people are going to get back on to the high street and into our independent shops, we need to make it as straightforward as possible.

That’s why Bira is making a direct plea to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to stop unnecessary post-Covid road closures, and to reopen our high streets.

Road closures and accessibility issues are not new to Bira; fighting for better access to high streets is one of our core values; it’ll be a key feature of our upcoming manifesto.

However, excess road closures, increased pedestrianisation and the loss of car parking spaces in recent months have become a real blight for independent retailers and their customers.

Bira conducted an exclusive members’ survey asking about post-Covid road closures, and of those affected 75% said trade had been detrimentally impacted – more than half of those said they’d been ‘significantly impacted’. 80% of the issues had been identified as happening ‘after lockdown’.

Janet Swift of Swift’s Hardware and Home in Longridge said sales had ‘plummeted’ since road closures had been imposed with ‘no discussion’. Meanwhile, Kate Lacelles of Lavender Blue, a gift and homeware store in Market Harborough, added: “Footfall has massively decreased due to road closures. There are no queues in our streets – just very low footfall numbers.”

As you can see, the problem runs the length and breadth of the country, from Perth in Scotland to Shaftesbury in Dorset, England.

I have spoken personally to many members who have expressed huge fears their businesses will collapse if these measures are not stopped and, in many cases reversed.

While we want shoppers to be safe, and for there to be quality paths Below: Road closures and cycle routes, the high street has to remain accessible to motorists are affecting housewares retailers. and those using public transport. There needs to be short, and longer stay parking at affordable prices – ideally with periods of free parking.

Grant money and government-backed loans may have propped up businesses during lockdown but it will all be for nothing if people can’t actually get to the shops that have managed to survive so far.

We’ll be continually challenging local authorities who charge ahead with road closures in community high streets, particularly where the correct consultation process has not taken place.

Yes, the road ahead maybe full of challenges – but we must make sure that road remains open.

If you would like to discuss any of this article with us, or would like to find out more about the support we give independent retailers, then please contact our membership team on 0800 028 0245 or visit bira.co.uk

Andrew Goodacre, ceo, Bira

(British Independent Retailers' Association)

Rainy Day Trust welcomes funds From start of lockdown until the end of June, Bira offered independent retailers the opportunity to sign up for a free three-month Coronavirus Membership Package in return for a nominal donation to The Rainy Day Trust.

The offer, taken up by 266 indie retailers, raised over £1,000 for the housewares and home improvement industry charity. Expressing his gratitude, Bryan Clover, ceo of the RDT reminded Bira members: "The Trust has a range of help that members can call upon and we are tapped into the entire charity sector, and have the specialist knowledge to hunt down the help that people need.”

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Keeping up appearances Bira member Frankie & Johnny’s Cookshop in Bishopthorpe Road, York provides a heart-warming example of the resilience of independent cookshops and housewares retailers.

When the shop was legally required to shut on March 23, its owners Jo and Tim Asquith did not let the opportunity to boost engagement with customers go to waste.

They spent the first few weeks reorganising the shop, redecorating, and preparing it for a new sanitised retail environment.

However, as Jo explained, they also used the time to creatively decorate their shop window, changing it every week, to give people queuing for nearby ‘essential’ shops something lovely to look at. Jo said: “It certainly worked as we received messages asking us to save things for when we were open.”

An active social media presence also gave Frankie & Johnny’s a boost ready for reopening on June 15.The shop’s reopening campaign on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram culminated in a short video, which featured time lapse footage of the shop’s new sign being painted and a ‘5,4,3,2,1’ countdown highlighting a range of products.

“The first week was amazing – so many customers coming through the door and buying lots of different items. Some things that had been broken during lockdown were being replaced, but mostly people were happy to be out shopping again and wanted to support us,” she said. Jo confirmed that now the business is going from strength to strength and she’s feeling positive about the future.

Andrew Goodacre, Bira ceo comments:“I believe that it’s this type of creativity and resilience, which will help the independent retail sector survive and thrive.” (For more on Frankie & Johnny’s Cookshop, see Shelf Portrait).

Above: Teapots in the shape of a three, in Frankie & Johnny’s ‘Countdown to Re-opening’ video.

Top Frankie & Johnny’s Pride window.

14-15_PH GHK_muk.qxp_Grid 27/08/2020 14:25 Page 14

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’S BIGGE BRITAIN’S BRITAIN

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

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

L

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

“Life has never been more uncertain,” comments Good Housekeeping’s editor-inchief Gaby Huddart.

“People need a trusted source of answers to the everyday challenges they face. Underpinned by our expert testers at the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI), our magazine and website both give readers trusted solutions, delivered with simplicity at the time they need it most. We are read by everyone who wants to search less, make good decisions and buy with confidence.”

As chief brand officer Sharon Douglas

adds: “Good Housekeeping has been influencing the customer purchasing journey since the day we launched and our 100th Anniversary plans offer potential licensees the chance to be part of an entire year of celebrations starting in time for Christmas in October 2021. We are looking for brands and partners that share our values of trust, quality and design.”

Sharon explains that there are “three angles potential partners can get involved with” as part of the brand’s licensing plans. “First, there is the nostalgia opportunity celebrating the last 100 years, and to support this we are releasing previously unseen artwork from the early covers and features that will look stunning on gifting, stationery, homeware and toiletries.”

The second is food. “Food is by far the biggest reason readers come to Good

Gaby Huddart: The Lowdown Inset: Good Housekeeping’s editorin-chief Gaby Huddart.

l Gaby started her career in journalism 30 years ago, moving on from trade magazines to consumer women’s lifestyle magazines in 2005. l She joined publishing house Hearst seven years ago and was appointed editor-in-chief of Good Housekeeping in 2017. (“It’s is my dream job, the greatest privilege in journalism.”) l Home is a ‘60s townhouse in SE London, where she lives with her husband and two teenage daughters. (“I’m hoping to give it a more contemporary look and will definitely be asking the style editor for advice this year!”).

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Face To Face: Good Housekeeping

Inset: The Good Housekeeping Institute.

Below: Preserving Without Sugar front cover. (Price: Three pence).

Below right: Good Housekeeping’s chief brand officer Sharon Douglas.

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

Housekeeping and that’s not just mum,” Kenwood, De’Longhi, KitchenAid, Panasonic, reveals Sharon. “Our readers include men Whirlpool, Morphy Richards, Siemens, Bosch, and younger audiences leaving home and Neff, Russell Hobbs and DKB. “The GHI searching our huge database of recipes that continues to underpin all of our Tried Tested have been triple tested and are guaranteed Trusted product reviews,” states Gaby. “And, to work every time,” she explains. of course, there are also our GHI readers The third angle is future facing and relates cookery courses, making it a ‘live’ touchpoint to what Good Housekeeping stands for for the brand.” which is practical, trusted home solutions.

A recent trend has, of course, been the rise “We are looking to partner with top of the ‘cleanfluencers’, most notably Mrs innovators and design led brands to Hinch and declutter queen Marie Kondo. “In being for people to go meat free for part of create Good Housekeeping fact, we were the original the week. Food trends move very quickly, branded products that have a cleanfluencers,” smiles Gaby. and for me, fermented foods have recently fabulous design or a practical “Our experience goes back become a favourite, especially pickled application with an extra useful over 98 years and is featured cabbage, better known as kimchi.” twist,” states Sharon. across all social media Ethical consumerism too, is a recurring Partners can also benefit from platforms, and on our theme, with beeswax wrap now widely Good Housekeeping’s Approved website which has 6m unique available in the supermarkets and highlighted or Reader Recommended users, so they’re simply in the magazine. certification. As Sharon explains, adding weight to what we tell Enthuses Gaby: “I am incredibly honoured “we can test product before or our readers. In fact, at the to be at the helm as we take after launch at the Good end of March, we launched a this great British Housekeeping Institute. This is standalone Spring cleaning institution through its powerful brand endorsement. In surveys, magazine called the Good Housekeeping 100 year celebrations 87% of people say they are more likely to Clean and Declutter Collection with a lot of and, of course, the buy a product with Good Housekeeping our heritage going into it. The tips are as unique opportunity for endorsement and four out of five readers relevant to today as they were back in 1922.” partners is that once say they take action after reading Moving onto the food side of the magazine, we know what licensed Good Housekeeping.” she says that one of the biggest changes has product is planned From the very first issue, the core mission been people having access to such a huge my editorial team has been about staying resolutely true to and exotic variety of ingredients, reflecting can get millions Good Housekeeping’s DNA which has those found in cookbooks and used by TV of readers always been about making people’s lives chefs. “Everyone can experiment by cooking very excited easier so that they have more time to enjoy the same food at home,” points out Gaby. about it.” themselves. Right from the start, the core “Whether it’s baking a cake or making a content has consistently been about food, curry, the difference between then and now fashion, beauty and travel, based on the is that those extraordinary ingredients premise that, back in the day, readers weren’t available. Today, of course, it’s all had a well-run home and a life that was about healthy eating, with a current trend well organised.

A USP for the brand is the GHI, with a raft of housewares brands, from the l Sharon Douglas is chief brand officer for Hearst Lifestyle and smallest to the largest appliances, oversees revenue brand strategy and diversification for Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Prima & Red. coming in for testing. Manufacturers l She has held positions in daily newspaper and magazine publishing that have received GHI accreditation for over 30 years and leads the licensing programme at Hearst UK. l Home is Lyndhurst in the New Forest with her husband and two dogs over the years reads like a ‘who’s who’: Baxter and Layla. of kitchenware suppliers: Philips,

Sharon Douglas: The Lowdown

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Holly Wilson’s

From The Frontline Can the summer really be over already? I just can’t believe that it’s almost time to send the kids back to school – finally. I’m still a little concerned as I’m sure we all are at the thought of sending them back, but even more so at the thought of more homeschooling.

Juggling acts

W

e were very lucky and managed to have a two-week holiday in Devon where my parents live during the heatwave in London so we got to be at the beach and also avoid the dreadful London heat. It was our first time outside of London since March so it felt pretty amazing and was wonderful to see my family.

Incredibly, we heard people saying though how nice it was to get a break from the pandemic. Sadly, people seemed to think that, as they were on holiday, distancing guidelines and Covid-19 didn’t apply. The local businesses were really struggling to manage, which was tough to see. My Inset: Karolina Langner – one of Holly’s team parents’ town went from a winter population at Prep Cookshop in Stoke Newington. of 2,000 to a holiday population of 25,000 and there were sadly five confirmed cases such a tourist destination in a normal find an item in a local shop. I haven’t been while I was there. I find it hard to believe summer. Even though tourists don’t buy able to reopen my Trouva accounts as yet as people can be so thoughtless. pots and pans, they do come in and buy getting in enough stock to supply the shop Back in London and the shops are doing small items and we have felt the pinch and online is too much at the moment. I feel OK. It is such a hard time to have to open without them. Our regulars, as always, have the missed sales, and so it is something that and to try and get back into good stock headed off to their country homes and we I am running the numbers on hard to see when the footfall and sales just aren’t there. wait with baited breath to see how I can make it work.

After the initial them return in September, Supplier stock is also another hurdle we are excitement of hopefully with a real vigour all navigating. Understandably, there are lots opening, as predicted, to spend. of ‘out of stocks’ within the supply base and sales fell, and with the Meanwhile, the support we no real idea when items will return. It is hard introduction of masks have felt though these months on us all to juggle when we don’t know what dropped even further. has been heart warming and may or may not turn up, and not knowing People aren’t set up to community has become even when ‘out of stock’ items will come back. remember their masks more important. I hope and We are all in the same boat though and yet so it has eliminated believe that everyone everyone is hustling to find alternatives and browsers and people appreciates their local stores work with what we have. We just need the just nipping in to have more than ever. I guess we are customers to be a bit more understanding a quick look. If we’d also going to benefit from on occasion! had to wear masks Inset: Holly Wilson inside Prep Cookshop people not wanting to head We are trying to be brave and buying with from the beginning it with mask and face shield. into Central London to shop confidence so that, when everyone returns would have been a and trying harder to find what in September, we have the stock to support different story, I they need locally. the sales. Fingers crossed that works out. believe - but what do I know?

However, more than ever, we have to Stay strong everyone.

To be fair, Prep has managed to get pretty compete with Amazon and online. It has close to last summer’s sales figures, so I can’t Holly Wilson is the owner of two north London become even more of an instinctual choice complain. However, the stock costs are cookshops: Prep, Stoke Newington and Richard Dare, Primrose Hill, and is the Bira Cookshop & Housewares to purchase online from the safety of your higher having had to restock to reopen.

Retailer of the Year 2019. sofa without even contemplating trying to Richard Dare is having a harder time. It is

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HousewaresNews.net is the online resource for the entire housewares sector. From the publishers of Progressive Housewares, and the organisers of The Excellence in Housewares Awards, this e-newsflash portal and website delivers and is the hub of the very latest news, views and analysis from across the housewares sector – covering both supplier and retailer aspects of the trade.

With an expertly qualified email subscriber base of 3547 (and rising) readers, the twice-weekly newsflash lands directly in the inboxes of everyone in this fastpaced sector. A modern, easy to navigate website provides a central resource for the trade too, offering pithy news, indepth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Housewares, and much, much more.

All advertising on the website is duplicated to each and every newsflash, giving advertisers huge visibility and a direct connection with retail buyers for a whole calendar month.

HousewaresNews.net is published by housewares sector experts, for housewares trade experts.

To sign up for the HousewaresNews.net newsletter please visit www.HousewaresNews.net

Advertising and commercial opportunities: John Barry advertisement manager johnb@max-publishing.co.uk Rob Willis publishing director robw@max-publishing.co.uk Editorial and content opportunities: Jo Howard editor joh@max-publishing.co.uk 32_HW_Nov_Dec 2019.indd 22_HW_July August 2020.indd321

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Food for thought

Life after

lockdown

Feeling safe, being able to stock up for cooking at home and enjoying an in-store experience have all been hugely important for consumers in the past weeks and months. PH spoke to four cookshops and housewares retailers in different locations for their views on trade since reopening their bricks and mortar stores.

Inset: Chloe Flatt in the area now devoted to kitchenware at Snape Maltings.

Creative cross merchandising Changes at Snape Maltings (the destination location housed in around the old maltings buildings in Snape, Suffolk) are proving popular with visitors since the retail and leisure site reopened after lockdown focusing on customer safety. With some retail areas (such as Books & Cards) still closed at the site, the retailer is incorporating “pop up areas” in its House & Garden Shop, and mixing up product categories. Kitchenware has a new location near the food hall, with cookery books merchandised in the same area.

“You can choose a cookbook and then pick up all the tools and equipment you need for a recipe,” highlights interiors buyer Chloe Flatt.

She enthuses: “We’re matching products in a way that we haven't done before.” Coffee and tea are now located near to coffee and teapots, and wine near to bar gadgets.

Snape Maltings’ own bespoke range of mugs, tablemats, coasters and home fragrance is displayed near to greeting cards

for a full gifting opportunity, and a display of housewares for the outdoors (such as travel cups) is next to garden gifts.

“We’re getting really positive feedback from visitors, with lots of comments on how beautiful the shop looks,” says Chloe, confirming that some of the changes will be carried forward. She adds: “We’re doing our utmost to keep our customers and staff safe while ensuring a beautiful shopping experience.”

A member of staff outside the Foodhall welcomes visitors at a hand sanitising station, as well as regulating numbers, ensuring that - once inside - visitors can safely browse without feeling rushed or crowded. “We have so much outdoor space that if there is wait to come into the Foodhall and House &

Garden, visitors are happy to go for a walk or visit the café or Craft Shop,” notes Chloe.

The one-way route guidance (with arrows), which leads customers from the Foodhall into the House & Garden area “provides visitors with an enjoyable journey of discovery, and means they don't miss areas they might have walked passed before,” Chloe acknowledges.

Below: Wooden Spoon The Cookshop in Derby.

Average sale is up For Lee Smith, owner of Wooden Spoon The Cookshop, trade in the Derby shop (within the intu Derby shopping centre) is “great” while the branch in Burton’s Coopers Square Shopping Centre is “hit and miss”. The latter has not had time to get established, having opened last October: “It takes a year or two to build up,” notes Lee. Footfall at intu Derby is down 40-50%, according to Lee, but the fewer customers that are coming into Wooden Spoon are spending more. “We’re not far off last year’s figures at the moment as our average sale is up by £10,” explains Lee. “People have been coming in for knives and saucepans in particular. Having cooked more during lockdown, customers have realised they need something decent, and so we’ve sold more good, mid range priced products, such as Grunwerg’s Equilibrium Knives and Tower Saucepan Sets from RKW. People are also tending to go for the reassurance of brand names.

We’re also selling a huge amount of face masks.”

The Wooden Spoon launched an ecommerce site in June – this is “encouraging people to come in to the shops to buy things they have seen online,” notes Lee.

Inset: Plenty of room to browse at Snape Maltings House & Garden, where blue arrows sign post the customer’s journey.

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Food for thought

Left: Barkers is showing that it is taking all necessary precautions to keep customers and staff as safe as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Below: Staff members of Barkers thank customers for supporting Northallerton’s local shops.

Adapting to the new normal Sharon Wake and Geraldine Burke, buyers/managers for Cookshop at the independent department store Barkers of Northallerton comment: “Business has generally been good since reopening after lockdown. When we reopened in June, we were overwhelmed with the footfall throughout Cookshop. Nobody knew quite what to expect so we have been pleasantly surprised. We feel that because we are in a rural market town, some customers feel safer shopping in this environment than in a busier city centre.

Barkers has been doing everything it can to make customers feel safe and has publicised this on social media.

Kitchen electricals were very much in demand, especially food mixers, which were flying off the shelves in the first couple of weeks as everyone seemed to have taken up home baking throughout lockdown. On the whole, all our kitchen electricals are selling really well

Confidence in local shops The Woodbridge Kitchen Company, Woodbridge reopened along with other homewares outlets (including Homebase and Dunelm) before lockdown was eased.

Co-owner Paul Venediger reflects: “It’s a weird situation having been open for several months but with many suppliers’ sales teams still furloughed. Our biggest challenge at the moment is stock. I’m not criticising suppliers as nobody could have foreseen this situation.

Some 20-30% of every order is unavailable and when products come into stock, they often disappear very quickly. The length of time taken to fulfil orders is lengthy too – I could spend all my time working on the stock situation!

June was down but only by 15-20% compared to last year, while July was way up on last year. I think we’re benefitting from the gentle demise of bigger high street retailers and the fact that people want to shop locally.

although we are finding it increasingly difficult to get hold of stock now. Bakeware and cookware are also trading up on last year but again we are now finding it tough to buy all the stock we need. Another area where we have seen an increase in trade is on coffee machines – many people really missed good coffee during lockdown.

Customers have accepted the changes to how we shop, although there are occasions when we have to

Customers feel more secure knowing the business and seeing that we're a safe shop to browse in. Once shoppers have come in once, they come back again.

People want to see a smiling, confident face greeting them at the door and our approach is – as always – to be helpful and share our knowledge.

Local customers are valuing

remind them about social distancing and standing behind the screens at the till points.

It has slowed slightly since face coverings became mandatory. All the members of staff are wearing masks and visors despite it not being required of us. It was felt it gives a more consistent message if we do. Unfortunately, it seems as though they are here to stay for the foreseeable future. We feel that the customers will adapt to this new normal, as we all have to do.”

Inset: Friendly and confident faces at the Woodbridge Kitchen Company (in the market town of Woodbridge, Suffolk): Petra Fennelly (left) and Becky Airey.

the small businesses in their market town and people who are working from home can pop in to see us during their breaks. The tourist trade is a boost too.

August is not as good as last year, but not far off, and who knows what September will be like when schools go back.”

Left: Woodbridge Kitchen Company’s ‘Shop Local’ window display. According to co-owner Paul, shoppers are showing support for local businesses.

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Phone: +44 (0) 20 3176 4558 contact@tramontinauk.com - tramontinauk.com

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Our portfolio is about much more than a tangible collection of products - it’s about a way of life.

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Advertorial feature

A Cookware

Classic

Inset: Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 10-in-1 Multi Pressure Cooker is a next generation multi-cooker which combines ten appliances in one.

America's best-loved multi-cooker has been available in the UK and across Europe for the last five years, but new UK country manager Carl Branigan has plans to take the cookware classic to the next level.

He speaks exclusively to Progressive Housewares to explain why the cooking community is at the heart of his plans.

“We're so lucky to have a brand where our consumers are as passionate and knowledgable about the products as we are, if not more so,” begins Carl. “The more people get excited about trying out recipes and using one of our cookers to make their lives easier, the better!”

Instant Pot is by no means new to the UK – it has been here since 2015, building up a £10m distribution business across the UK and Europe before being sold back to the American parent company last year. Carl joined the team nine months ago to take care of business this side of the Atlantic and hasn't looked back.

A Canadian innovation, Instant Pot first launched in 2010 and became a runaway success in the US, where it 'went bonkers' almost immediately. Stocked by all major retailers, Instant Pot quickly established itself as a household name with a business which is currently worth upwards of $800million in America alone. Now Carl intends to bring that magic to the UK and Europe.

“Instant Pot is a phenomenon in the US,” he explains. “Of course the product is great, but what's really exciting is that we also deliver a best-in-class digital presence with an incredible amount of videos, tutorials and recipes, making us really accessible for both retailers and consumers looking to buy into the brand.”

Instant Pot, Everyday Magic The Instant Pot is a remarkable kitchen appliance that prepares healthy and delicious meals, simply and quickly. Now America’s most-loved multi cooker, and one of the bestselling small kitchen appliances in the world, it has a global community of passionate home cooks and food lovers. Combining consumer-friendly technology with a passion for good cuisine, Instant Pot is committed to helping people get healthy and delicious meals on the table, quicker and easier than ever before.

Inset: A selection of Instant Brands' bestselling multi-cookers and air fryers.

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As one of the best-selling small kitchen appliances in the world, Instant Pot has grown an enthusiastic global community of home cooks and food lovers, whose passion for the brand has inspired countless recipes, books and online content.

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Advertorial feature Inset: The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer has been selling out across the UK.

“Our Facebook commmunity in the US is over 2.8 million strong and a lot of our digital content is driven by them,” Carl points out. “There's a huge amount of organic, consumer-generated content which is created entirely by the fanbase. A real community feel has evolved around the brand – we like to think of it as being a metaphorical arm around the shoulder of the consumer who is working out how to use the product and looking for tips, tricks and new recipes.

We aim to educate, inspire and ultimately make cooking easier for everyone.”

Carl is already well on the way to replicating that success in the UK, with over 30,000 fans on the official Instant Pot Facebook page and 21,000 members in a 'UK Instant Pot Community' Facebook group – both of which have an impressively high level of interaction and engagement, thanks to a varied mix of organic and scheduled content.

“Our social channels have a continuous cycle of content and feedback which keeps people engaged, excited and inspired,” he reveals. “We have seen what works in America and it's really exciting to be recreating that across the UK market as well.”

As such, Instant Pot sees the independent retail market as an essential part of its UK strategy and will be offering exclusive products and collections, accordingly.

“We have spent time getting our foundations in place and now we are ready to showcase Instant Pot to the UK and Europe as a complete brand – we have investment, people and resources and are in a position to come to the

“Our Facebook commmunity in the US is over 2.8 million strong and a lot of our digital content is driven by them.”

Bringing the UK and European business back in-house has been a positive move for Instant Pot, but it's still early days for the brand, which intends to replicate the US model as closely as possible thanks to a strong retail network.

“There's still a lot of transactional business to be taken care of,” Carl continues. “Our main objective is to continue to do business with Amazon, Costco, John Lewis and Lakeland and then grow on that. We need to reflect the same principles that made Instant Pot such a runaway success in America and that includes diversifying our retail partners. We are looking to achieve a steep growth curve while not losing sight of the brand heritage and quality.”

With such a strong heritage and a great story behind it, it's clear that Instant Pot knows exactly what it is doing to accelerate the UK market, with a focus on inspiring and educating consumers and offering a top-level after-sales experience, mirroring the consumer relationships which form the foundation of the brand's success in the US. “There are so many reasons for retailers to join us and be a part of our community,” Carl finishes. “We have a lot to bring to the table and so we are now looking to have direct conversations with retailers with the aim of developing strong, mutually beneficial relationships – we are here and we mean business!”

market with a full set of assets and ideas,” Carl states.

“We want retailers to be aware of that and to invite them to come and talk to us about how we can work with them to make them part of our rapid growth and consumer engagement campaign.

We have some incredible products, but we also believe that the consumer journey is absolutely critical to the brand's success.”

The Instant Pot Revolution Continual development means that consumers have a wide range of Instant Pot models to choose from, with new functionality and ‘ease of use’ features inspired directly by user feedback, ensuring that the collection continues to improve with each new launch. A new range is set to launch in 2021, bringing the latest in cookware innovations to the Instant Pot fanbase.

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Inset: Instant Vortex 4in-1 Air Fryer allows users to air fry, roast, bake and reheat.

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Trends focus

Future

thinking

The housewares industry should address consumer needs and desires for ‘travelling via the kitchen’ and enjoying the ‘rituals of food preparation,’ as well as providing on-going sustainable solutions. PH shared some of the insights Scarlet Opus’ Phil Pond delivered for Exclusively Digital’s Trend Talks.

The home retreat The Trends Talk webinars from Exclusively Digital (the virtual show that took the place of this summer’s Exclusively Shows) contained a wealth of insights for housewares retailers and suppliers. Phil Pond, director of trend forecaster Scarlet Opus focused on three themes: Soul Searching, Earth Age and Eco-Living.

Understanding these trends “will take the uncertainty out of your marketing and product offering for next year,” Phil told the housewares community.

The ‘Soul Searching’ design trend for 2021 sees consumers wanting to “escape to a happy place,” embracing imagery of spiritual and wellness retreats and sparking desires to “travel with our kitchens.” Significantly, travelling “via the kitchen” (and the food made in it) will replace actual travelling for many consumers.

Moreover, homes and gardens are becoming “restaurants, bars and pubs and holiday resorts” and, Phil emphasises: “The housewares sector has to roll to facilitate that.”

Retailers should highlight products that connect with ‘on-trend’ south east Asian street food (for example, Spice Kitchen’s spice sets and Le Creuset’s rice pot), as

Inset: Evergreen tableware by Dutch company Gusta from My Gifts Trade brings nature to the tabletop and was one of the ranges picked by Scarlet Opus to illustrate the Soul Searching design trend.

well as featuring this cuisine in blogs and cookery classes. Windows are another (under-used) opportunity to engage consumers, Phil highlighted (he recommended looking to Anthropologie and White Stuff for good examples of inspiring displays that don’t just focus on product).

Key colours for “Soul searching” (and its sense of happy travels) are Mellow Yellow (with its optimistic and uplifting properties), Papaya (along with the motif), cocoa browns, teal and lifeaffirming jungle greens. Popular patterns will suggest “laid-back luxury

Above: Scarlet Opus’ image to reflect the Soul Searching design trend.

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living” as well as far-flung travel, for example: palms, banana leaves, paisley, elephants and tigers.

Phil cherrypicked various products that fit the “Soul Searching” trend, including DRH Collection’s Tropical Leaves glassware and NordicWare’s flower shaped bundt tins, as well as ‘on trend’ colours from Brabantia, Scoof, My Gifts Trade, Dualit, Stasher and Aladdin from Burton McCall.

Below: Reflecting a rise of tea drinking in 2021 and consumers’ interest in new flavour experiences, Scarlet Opus selected Tea Venture’s Noveltea as one of its Soul Searching trend highlights. The giftable drinks are tea-blended with alcohol, which can be enjoyed either chilled or warmed.

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Trends focus

Enjoying rituals: the new Earth Age ‘Earth Age’ is a nurturing design trend (winter 2020 onwards) that embraces “conscious cooking and conscious eating” (ie enjoying food preparation, evaluating ingredients and appreciating taste and textures). In an age of technology and extended screen times, the trend reflects a greater focus on how “we can connect with ourselves and each other without connecting to the internet.”

“Simple rituals in the kitchen have become very important to us during lockdown,” reflected Phil, citing examples such as the baking, cutting and sharing of a loaf of bread, or making a pot of tea and drinking it with family or friends. He also highlighted the fact that: “A huge percentage of under 25s have enjoyed the family meal,” during lockdown.

Natural palettes and materials fit the Earth Age trend, including Indigo Blue, brass, earth and soft terracotta shades, clay, marble and stone. Serve-ware that appears primitive, products that look “rugged, informal, authentic, comfortable,” and patterns inspired by ancient cultural beliefs and mythology (such as the moon and the hamsa hand) will be influential. Connecting to the elements, cooking with real flames (for example barbecuing) is also part of the Earth Age theme for 2021. Images of cooking with fire will be important.

Phil highlighted colours used in products from Tower (by RKW), Tala and Navigate (among others), and patterns by DMD and Alliinox, as well as “natural connections” such as the Typhoon Elements Board (from The Rayware Group.)

Re-evaluating the trends announced last year by Scarlet Opus for 2020, Phil acknowledged that the Japanese-influence Satori trend (evident in products and campaigns by the likes of Le Creuset and Mikasa by KitchenCraft) will have an extended life as the world media will focus on Japanese culture and tradition in 2021, when the Tokyo Olympics is set to take place.

Inset: Natural Meals are “becoming more of an experience and an occasion,” emphasised Phil, wood – Peugeot linking this with the ‘Satori’ trend, and time spent on rituals surrounding food and Merible mill from drink. Understandably, the pandemic has “fast forwarded” the trend for people Burton McCall. wanting to create experiences in their homes.

Inset: Midnight Indigo is an Earth Age colour – * To view Scarlet Opus’ Trend Tour videos for each theme, as well as see the Tower’s Cavaletto Rose Gold and Blue Kettle and trend forecaster’s selections of ‘must stock’ products go to Toaster are pictured. www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk

Christmas traditions

table settings, sitting down to a meal and clearing away. The popular ‘look’ for Christmas 2020 will be Earth Age – with deep blues contrasting metallic – or the comforting blend of traditional gold, red and green.

Retailers could expect an early start to Christmas trade this year, with some consumers starting to plan their perfect festive season during lockdown. Pinterest noticed Christmas-related searches as early as April.

Phil Pond points out the pandemic has “strengthened the desire” for all of the homely rituals of Christmas. He also links the enjoyment of rituals to the Earth Age trend – the traditions of food preparation,

Left: Scarlet Opus’ montage of images for an Earth Age Christmas.

Life lines: Eco-Living

Inset T&G’s Ocean is an example of conscious consumption.

Left: Samuel Groves’ Pan for Life service is an excellent While the Soul Searching and Earth Age Trend Talks at Exclusively Digital were example of a sustainable solution. about design trends the third, Eco-Living, Phil described as “not a trend” but a new way of living.

“The global pandemic has fast forwarded this movement by five years,” stated Phil in his webinar focusing on Eco-Living. “We’ve got to start running again as businesses to catch up with consumers.”

Showing that you understand this shift is “crucial” (“regardless of recession”), emphasised Phil. He quoted Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of England, who said in 2019: “Firms ignoring the climate crisis will go bankrupt.”

Phil discussed changing consumer behaviour, such as the inventiveness of home bakers in what is now the “hour of flour,” and the rise of “grow your own,” as well as the increase in plant-based foods. He provided plenty of ideas for retailers and suppliers, including re-formatting old products, and some exciting innovations using food waste and marine products that are being applied to packaging and housewares.

Via social media and blogs – as well as the under-used medium of window display - retailers can show that they are siding with consumers in the journey towards sustainability. Phil suggested that retailers could link up with a local college to create a thought provoking window display on the theme of sustainability, “rather than just another window full of products that people walk by.”

Phil highlighted products from Exclusively exhibitors, such as Samuel Groves’ “pan for life” service (whereby the Birmingham-based manufacturer will replace rivets and re-coat pans) as well as GastroMax Bio (made from sugar cane ethonal and spruce) from Orthex Group, Kilner’s Nut Milk Making Set from The Rayware Group and Allinox’s Kitchen Fun Discover Pan (with packaging that becomes a pan protector) and Black + Blum’s new glass food pots. Phil also showcased ranges that recognised “conscious consumption” – such as T&G’s Ocean range donations to Plastic Oceans and Bee Bee Wrap’s donations for the NHS.

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Licensing focus

The opportunities for exciting licensed and celebrity endorsed housewares collaborations continue to grow, as recognised by the inaugural Licensed Award in this year’s Excellence in Housewares Awards. With The Festival of Licensing as well as The Licensing Awards taking shape for later this year, PH takes a look at some current highlights across housewares categories.

Inset: Lynsey, Queen of Clean with her range by Addis.

The licensing

lowdown

Time to sparkle 'Queen of Clean' – aka ‘cleanfluencer’ Lynsey Crombie - has launched her ‘must-have’ collection of cleaning kit in collaboration with Addis. The bestselling author, business woman and ITV This Morning's official homecare expert, is famed for her game changing natural cleaning hacks, shared globally with her audience of 200,000 Instagram followers.

Lynsey’s range of 18 cleaning tools are designed to make cleaning in the home easier and more effective, with many items showcasing market leading eco innovation.

Lynsey (who uses a ‘2 step’ cleaning system) explains: “When it comes to keeping our skin clean, we cleanse and tone to make sure we remove all unseen dirt from our faces, and it is vital we also adopt this method in our household cleaning.”

She continues: ”High traffic areas in the home that get a lot of touch, need to be cleaned thoroughly and need detailed attention. My specially designed range of bamboo cloths and sponges allow for a deeper clean, to lift away dirt and leave surfaces spotless.”

The range started by bringing together

Lynsey’s colour coded cleaning concept (now well established in online cleaning communities) and Addis Super Sponges (100% microfibre and non-scratch).

Lynsey was a huge fan of the results achieved by the sponges, originally sold separately. Each colour-coded Super Sponge in Lynsey’s five-pack set has a dedicated job for cleaning in the home to avoid cross-contamination, ie Pink for sink, Blue for loo, Green for clean, Yellow for washing-up and wiping down, and Grey for stainless steel.

The new cleaning products and tools in Lynsey’s collection incorporate her colour coded cleaning system. Products include cloths and sponges made from bamboo PROGRESSIVE

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a renewable resource with naturally antibacterial properties - and ‘Scrub & Wipe’ double-sided cloths, made from biodegradable cellulose.

Meanwhile, What More UK’s Flash range of cleaning products (licensed by P&G) continues to go from strength to strength in the UK, with the range due to be distributed in Europe (under the country relevant brand names) by 2021.

Tony Grimshaw, director at What More notes that Flash “is a proven top quality range of cleaning product with a really strong brand which is instantly recognisable.” He emphasises: “That helps consumers because they know it’s a name they can trust.”

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Licensing focus Below: A touch of charm for the kitchen, by bestselling homewares designer Ashley Thomas.

Beautiful pieces Homewares designer Ashley Thomas went ‘back to her roots’ when launching her collection of linens, tableware and bakeware with David Mason Design (DMD) earlier this year. The bestselling designer’s first job as a college leaver was at the company and she has always kept in touch.

Ashley reflects on the development of her new range: “Working on the collection for David Mason Design was such a fantastic experience. They have a clear understanding of their clients’ needs and what really works for their customers. They absolutely get what my brand is all about and gave me such creative freedom in designing the range, which was a breath of fresh air.”

She continues: “I really enjoyed our collaboration in developing a unique range of tableware and baking products that will stop people as they shop and make them smile. The collection really adds a touch of charm to people's homes and has a heirloom feel as the quality of the products are just so beautiful.”

Ashley confides: “My favourite pieces are the two pie dishes; I love the wax relief pattern which has a beautiful artisan feel, the shape and edging detail are just beautiful. They are so versatile: a must have for keen bakers making homemade pies and crumbles or they are even great simply for the weekday staple shepherd's pie.” * For more on licensed and celebrity endorsed bakeware developments, see this issue’s bakeware and baking feature.

Inset: Mary Berry’s love of gardens inspired the bird and flower designs for her English Garden collection, which include mugs, bowls and jugs that make treasured gifts.

Mary’s perfect gifts Captivate Brands had a “fantastic reaction” to Mary Berry’s time spent on the stand at February’s Spring Fair, where she talked to customers and potential customers about her ranges, The Signature Collection and The English Garden, reflects Matt Sampson of Captivate Brands.

Matt reports: “We have steadily built up our distributorship of the brand now and on the whole are finding that retailers see the value of taking on a wide selection of product, to create the whole ‘story’. Both collections are gaining traction in the consumer media too and Mary is such a well-loved and popular figure! Recent press includes the Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Mirror Notebook magazine and we are talking to the media about Christmas Gift Guides.”

When talking to PH at Spring Fair, Mary noted that her ranges are ideal for gifting.

Using pieces from The English Garden as

examples, she highlighted the jugs as a particularly good gift (to give and receive), stating: “When we go to friends and take a gift, or when someone buys something for me, I like it to be both practical and useful,

You can give a jug as a gift and put roses in it from your garden, or the jug can be used for milk, cream, custard, sauces or gravy. A jug has many different uses and is also a lovely keepsake for the recipient.”

Meaningful tableware Monsoon Mandala - the latest collection from the Monsoon Home range by Denby – is one of the ranges selected by trend forecaster Scarlet Opus to illustrate the ‘Soul Searching’ design trend for 2020-2021. It includes tableware and patterned teal accessories, such as placemats, coasters and etched amber glassware.

The pattern is inspired by a kaftan dress (which features an intricate mandala pattern) from Monsoon’s fashion archives. Claire Bond, Denby’s head of brand partnerships explains its significance: “Known for bringing positive energy to a space, the mandala pattern is used in many different interior designs. The mandala symbol, meaning circle in Sanskrit, is derived from Indian culture and the circular form is symbolic of the wholeness of a connection to spirituality and the outside world. “ According to Claire, the collection is “ideal to use for informal gatherings and special occasions, and highlights the importance of spending time together with family and friends, enjoying good food and making meaningful memories.” With various differently sized plates and bowls it is also the “perfect choice for serving up global inspired dishes including Indian or Moroccan, as well as a variety of other cuisines.”

Pieces such as the ceramic platter (a new addition to the collection) can be used along with tealights or a candle “to add ambience to any room,” and, Claire adds, “The new serving bowl is ideal for presenting food and is beautiful as a stand-alone decorative piece.”

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Inset: Decorative and practical Monsoon Mandala tableware by Denby.

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Licensing focus

Positive accents This year Royal Doulton has added to its popular ED Collection designed by the comedienne and US TV celebrity Ellen DeGeneres, who says: “"ED is an extension of my lifestyle and is inspired by who I am.

ED is design I want to share with everyone."

With its artisanal, handcrafted finishes, the range is filled with ‘mix and match’ pieces that are ideal for casual dining, now complimented by the Taupe Accents Collection for 2020.

Fiskars UK PR and communications manager, Samantha Walters explains that the new range features Ellen’s hand-drawn designs that reflect her love of word play, with designs for “love, kindness, smile and joy.” Samantha states: ”Designed to be used as accents with Taupe Stripe and Brushed Glaze pieces – the taupe colour is neutral, contemporary and versatile.”

Below: Part of Anniversary House’s Peter Rabbit range.

The charm of Peter Rabbit Anniversary House has added to its Peter Rabbit licensed range with two new cake toppers and a cupcake topper set featuring many of the children’s book’s lovable characters. Shayna Bowles, Anniversary House’s product and marketing manager describes the licence as a “timeless British classic with nostalgic, mass appeal.”

She adds: “The theme is perfect for baby showers, first birthdays, preschool celebrations and more, as we’ve seen heavily displayed across social media. Launched last year, our Peter Rabbit resin cake topper has been a top-selling customer favourite and Instagram star! The hand-painted topper doubles as a keepsake, adding to the nostalgia and consumer appeal.”

Inset: Add positivity, motivation and inspiration to everyday living with Royal Doulton Taupe Accents by Ellen DeGeneres.

The Festival of Licensing This year, the licensing trade show Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) has transitioned to form part of a new virtual global event – the Festival of Licensing – running over a four week period, from October 6-29 2020.

“We are incredibly excited to announce Festival of Licensing and proud of the opportunities and experiences it offers to the global licensing industry,” enthuses Anna Knight, Global Licensing Group’s vice president. “Although the decision to transition Brand Licensing Europe to an all-virtual event was a difficult one, and we will miss seeing everyone at ExCeL this year, I’m proud that we have a comprehensive offering in its place and look forward to the European event kicking off the Festival of Licensing.”

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

“We had great feedback from June’s Licensing Week Virtual, so we know that there is huge potential and appetite for industry connection during this challenging time when meeting face-to-face is difficult,” highlights Anna.

“We also want Festival of Licensing to offer amazing experiences for everyone who joins us. One of the joys of virtual is that it can make the previously impossible possible, and we plan to use the power of the platform to fuel the imagination, delight and inspire in a fitting celebration of this industry and the people within it.”

The festival will conclude with a Licensing Leadership Summit taking place October 28-29.

Visit www.festivaloflicensing.com

Let’s drink to Peaky Blinders Half Moon Bay and Kimm and Miller are one of six licensees with new ranges inspired by the multi-award-winning hit series Peaky Blinders.

The new product ranges (as announced by Endemol Shine Group, together with brand owner and production company Caryn Mandabach Productions) will be available this autumn.

Already an existing licensee, Half Moon Bay, which has a successful range of glassware, will be launching a premium range of mugs, shot glasses, whiskey stones and hip flasks.

Meanwhile Kimm and Miller is launching a range of bespoke gift sets, which will include a tea and ceramic mug gift set.

The season five launch of Peaky Blinders on BBC One in autumn 2019 delivered the programme’s highest ratings yet.

Right: Milk jug and bowl from Kimm and Millers’ Vintage Kelloggs tableware.

“Distinctive” and “reassuring” Looking forward to October’s Festival of Licensing (see section), exhibitor Pink Key Licensing specialises in the development of licensing programmes for brands including Vintage Kelloggs (developed into successful housewares ranges by Portmeirion and Kimm and Miller).

Pink Key’s managing director Richard Pink shares his thoughts on the growing appeal of licensed housewares: “People want distinctive and personal looks for what they have in their houses. Tastes have changed and people are getting more design-led. Not so long ago having a brand on your housewares (whether it was an entertainment brand, vintage, food or any other) might have been perceived as having an element of ‘promotion’ about it. This has changed; the creative use of assets has seen beautiful designs made out of logos and visuals from many brands, which has lifted them into the realm of ‘art’, and this lends itself beautifully to this category.”

Richard reflects on two reasons for housewares’ strong performance during lockdown: “Firstly, the availability of product - many fashion stores have been closed but housewares have been available in stores that remained open during lockdown. Plus, they are a safer ‘buy' online as they don’t have issues surrounding ’sizing’ that you have when buying clothes. Secondly, in these weird times, people have felt the need to fall back on things they trust and feel comfortable with. In this environment nostalgia will always do well as it gives people reassurance.”

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Inset: A scene from the BBC tv hit series, Peaky Blinders.

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kenwoodworld.com/uk

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24/08/2020 14:08

KENWOOD LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN, TO INSPIRE EVERY DAY COOKING Kenwood kicks off new communication campaign to show audiences that Kenwood CAN handle anything a passionate home cook throws at it.

In March 2020, Kenwood unveiled a new £1.5 million TV, Digital and In-store communication campaign - Kenwood CAN. The new platform aims to inspire audiences to say ‘yes’ to the joys of everyday cooking. Showcasing how Kenwood products are created to keep up with all cooks in the kitchen.

Key to the new campaign, is growing the long term retail value of the Food Preparation category. Focusing on the insight that when you love cooking, losing yourself in the process can be even more rewarding than devouring the food you create. This has been combined with the brand promise that Kenwood CAN handle anything a devoted cook throws at it.

The communication showcases how Kenwood’s range of appliances can create delicious and meaningful dishes. No matter how much time Brits have on their hands, Kenwood want families to know they have the ability to create delicious food, with ease.

The new adverts focus on life in the UK & Ireland for cooks of all levels. Showing how no matter what your challenge, Kenwood

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can help to solve it. The new spot highlights the importance of bringing families together with food, through the lens of the cook and the person they’re cooking for.

Alex Pickering, Marketing Director at Kenwood said, “Kenwood has been famous the world over for innovation, quality and great design. In particular, the Kenwood Chef has become iconic in our kitchens. Today, we are excited to launch our new communication that encompasses everything that Kenwood CAN do for every devoted cook, family or beginner.

We have products that ensure every meal is delicious, whatever you want to cook, Kenwood CAN. What’s more in these uncertain times, home cooking and baking is something core and fundamental that allows us to provide some comfort to those we love and those in need.

Due to the success of the March campaign, Kenwood are launching a second round of TV and Digital campaigns in September”.

kenwoodworld.com/uk

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Market focus

Inset: Standing out from the crowd: the new Jamie Oliver bakeware collection.

Bake action In these exceptionally strange times, bakeware and baking product sales have been booming, with a new audience realising the pleasure and comfort of fresh baked bread, homemade cakes and handcrafted cookies. PH finds out how bakeware suppliers have been meeting rising demands and takes a peek into the oven to see what's new to the market.

Inset: James Martin’s Bakers’ Dozen. Horwood has been targeting the large “audience looking for trusted brands and professional endorsement” with its advertising during May and June. This focused on the Stellar James Martin range, also boosting bakeware’s overall category performance.

D

uring the months of lockdown from the end of March, consumers have been seeking out familiar brands to help them with newly found passions for home baking.

At George East Housewares, product manager Laura Squire reports on the “dramatic increase” in demand: “Sales of all our bakeware ranges, especially Tala Performance, have increased by between 100%-200% during the worst months of lockdown. Tala is a well-known brand, with a rich heritage that consumers trust; both new and existing consumers seek the reassurance of a brand.”

Rebecca Jarvis, Meyer Group’s business

development manager concurs that: “Despite the challenges retail has faced as a result of Covid-19, bakeware has been a hero category at Meyer, which is well positioned to cope with the unprecedented

changes in both shopping and lifestyle habits.” She reflects: “With the UK in lockdown, consumers have searched for ways to feed and entertain families from home, and we’ve seen a huge 90% rise in bakeware sales across our websites alone, which has been driven by roasters, oven trays and bakeware sets.”

Meyer is now launching Aerolift, a new Prestige bakeware range with a new

Jamie’s good-looking bakeware “Baking has gone crazy this year and we really believe this is an exciting to time to be able to launch the new Jamie Oliver bakeware collection, which has everything the aspiring home baker will need,” states Grant Race, global marketing and new product development director at DKB. The comprehensive range has been developed with Jamie and his food team. As Grant points out: “The great thing about working with Jamie is that we have a development kitchen at our disposal; all products are tested in a real life working kitchen scenario and only after this rigorous testing is each item approved.”

The collection has two parts: the bakeware range (consisting of 14 items made from high grade carbon steel and with two layer Whitford Quantum 2 non-stick) plus a range of baker’s tools and accessories.

Grant acknowledges that – with its custom mixed Atlantic Green colour – Jamie’s bakeware “stands out from the sea of black and grey that predominates the category.” He continues: “Attention to detail is key and working with Jamie and his food team (who are all passionate about what they do) really means that this is a range made by foodies for foodies. We even mark up each base with the dimensions for quick reference.”

Jamie’s tools and accessories include a palette knives, dough scraper, sieve, cake lifter, digital scales, oven thermometer and a blow touch. “Every home baker knows that the finishing touches are as important as the bake and, with this new range, Jamie has pretty much covered every base,” notes Grant.

DKB is developing a range of digital assets, including video footage featuring Jamie. Grant concludes that the new collection “adds a fresh dimension to the category from one of the UK’s best loved chefs and, just like Jamie and his recipes, you get what you see and quality is assured.”

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Market focus

Edd’s a Naturals baker Edd Kimber (the first winner of The Great British Bake Off) has collaborated with NordicWare, with the publication of his hew recipe book, One Tin Bakes, coinciding with the UK launch of NordicWare’s Naturals Bakeware range.

Published at the end of June, One Tin Bakes swiftly reached ‘bestseller’ status, attracting rave reviews, not least from fellow bakers, including Nigella Lawson who describes it as a ‘must have.’

Pauline Clements at NordicWare explains: “The book focuses on our 9 x 13 cake pan with all 70 recipes being baked using just this one piece. Both book and pan have been exceptionally well received by consumers as they showcase the current trend of customers’ needs for everyday bakeware that is durable, reliable, consistent and multi-purpose.”

Pauline reports: “In the USA our Naturals range is repeatedly rated number one by food writers and consumers.” NordicWare has registered the trademark in the EU for Naturals Bakeware.

cushioned base designed for perfect nonstick performance. The versatile range also benefits from internal measures, large handles, and is freezer and dishwashersafe. Rebecca states: “We’re also developing additional sets specifically for online retail to cope with the increased demand.”

Rebecca is among those noting the surge in demand for loaf tins to meet demand from a nation baking their own bread at home. Moreover, at Tala (from George East) Laura reports: “By far the largest increase was in bread making and as flour sales increased so too did loaf pans.

Our Tala Performance 2lb loaf pan saw sales increase by over 200%. Our new 3lb Loaf Pan was also the perfect size for bread makers and sold out quickly.”

Richard Sharp, marketing manager at Horwood concurs that interest in the “core elements” of loaf tins, along with sandwich tins and baking trays has soared since businesses started to reopen at the

Inset: The ‘One Tin’ used by Edd Kimber in One Tin Bakes is from NordicWare’s Naturals range.

end of April, meeting consumer needs “to cover all the main ‘must have’ requirements in one purchase.”

Richard also acknowledges: “Bread making has clearly become a real passion for many people over the lockdown period and we’ll also be launching a

Below: Prestige Aerolift from Meyer Group has a cushioned base.

bread maker under the Judge brand in late November to give us a really comprehensive offering for bakers of all abilities.”

At Dexam, Rosa Woodrow observes: “Amid the coronavirus pandemic, online searches for recipes boomed as home bakers took to the kitchen for comfort and entertainment.” Bakeware and baking related sales shot up (as well as cookware, kitchen textiles, knives and sharpeners for general cooking), with Dexam’s British cookie cutters topping the list, along with its stainless steel mixing bowls and its award-winning Scion Living Kitchen scales.

Not surprisingly, baking took on an educational Below: Storage solution: The MasterClass Vertical as well as Stacking Bakeware range entertaining (launched at Spring Fair & Ambiente) from KitchenCraft. role during

Kneading to relax Claire Budgen, marketing director at KitchenCraft reports on why and how KitchenCraft has addressed consumers’ needs for baking tips and inspiration: “We have seen a totally widespread transition to full on baking, which we have termed ‘Kneading to relax’. Consumers baking their way through anxiety or uncertainty is nothing new; it is a wholesome at-home activity that can bring on feelings of comfort, control and simpler times.

Google documented an all-time high in searches for bread recipes, including how to make bread without yeast and reported a 54% increase in global searches for banana bread in April. This is combined with more than a fifth of Brits now cooking every meal from scratch as opposed to an eighth before lockdown. Participation in social media has been huge both from a learning new skills perspective and then showing them off!

We embraced this fully and set about creating easy to follow recipe guides with our retained chef, Peter Sidwell. When consumers were locked up at home, we used Peter in the videos as a personal guide and focused on recipes which were simple but different to ensure consumers including young, aspiring bakers were learning but never felt out of depth.

We have since adjusted the videos to encourage consumers to cook, but, being mindful that time is no longer necessarily something to fill, we have edited them so there are videos that are good to review in under two or three minutes, which is useful for Facebook and Instagram. All of our retailers can use these short videos in their social media, on their websites or in-store.

As well as bakeware, we saw a rise in associated products such as spatulas, mixing bowls and also our newly introduced brand at Spring Fair and Ambiente, Taylor scales, timers and thermometers.

This brand became an immediate hit with the ‘touchless’ tare element of the scale. A simple wave over the sensor returns the scale to zero, enabling the addition of further ingredients - something unique and perfect for kids to use when baking.”

Above: KitchenCraft’s chef Peter Sidwell demonstrates how to make delicious lemon buns in one of the company’s new short videos.

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ALWAYS INSPIRED TO EXPLORE IN THE KITCHEN THAT’S THE MARK OF A MAKER

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Market focus

Cakes across Europe Lockdowns led to a rise in home baking all around Europe, with online searches for baking recipes up 136% between March and June.

London-based online cake shop Jack and Beyond analysed search volumes for the most popular cakes across Europe to discover each country’s current favourites. The retailer concludes that the UK’s favourite cake is chocolate, with a massive 90,500 searches a month.

Muffins top Germany’s searches, and cupcakes are The Netherlands’ preferred sweet treat, coming second on the UK’s list.

The most searched-for cake across Europe is tiramisu, a favourite in France, Italy and Belgium. Spain’s favourite is carrot cake, with 34,000 searches a month. Carrot cake came joint third in the UK’s searches, along with red velvet cake and cheesecake (a favourite in the Czech Republic and Greece).

lockdown, as parents became teachers.

“As the schools closed, baking with children became really important to keep them occupied and provide treats, along with a return to baking for families,” reflects Laura at Tala. “As lockdown progressed it appears baking confidence grew, so, while all our mini tins sold well for those with kids, we also saw increased sales in more specialist tins.”

At Anniversary House, Shayna Bowles, product and marketing manager reveals that cookie cutters fulfilled a variety of home schooling needs. She states: “Cookie cutters have seen a lockdown upward trend as parents used them to entertain children in more than the traditional baking sense. We’ve seen number and alphabet shaped cookies being used in home school lessons, cutters used to make salt dough and clay creations, shaped sandwiches made for snacks and parties, and of course just baking to decorate and enjoy.”

that are built to last, with less impact on the environment. The renowned and longestablished Mermaid bakeware brand is benefitting from U Group’s ownership of Samuel Groves, with Lee McDonagh at the helm as managing director.

Added sparkle Anniversary House’s product and marketing manager Shayna Bowles observes that the recent lockdown has encouraged consumers “to get more hands on” with cake decorating.

Shayna notes: “Our aim has always been to create products that are simple but effective cake decorating solutions, so even completely novice bakers and decorators can achieve a professional result. We’re continuing with this in mind for our new product development, thinking about how candles can double as decorations, expanding our range of glitter cupcake and cake topper picks, and creating trend-led sugarcraft designs that help achieve a professional finish with very little stress or hassle.

“We see glitter, foil and iridescent treatments continuing to trend across cake decorating. The metallic finishes create such an eye-catching and contemporary look, and span a wide target market. Rose Gold in particular continues to perform as a top-selling colour for us.” Shayna also highlights the popularity of navy blue – Pantone’s colour of the year, with new navy glitter candles proving popular.

Baking for Britain Two UK manufacturers consider the significance of making bakeware close to its home market: “We think the bakeware boom will continue after lookdown is over,” states Tony Grimshaw OBE, company director of What More UK. “On the strength of that belief, we have invested £1 million in an on-site tool room. We have increased our design team and invested in new state of the art automatic and automated machines.”

Tony continues: “We are manufacturing in Burnley, Lancashire, not Beijing China. That means we can react immediately to an increase in product demand, whether it’s plastic or metal. Our products are travelling hours, not weeks and months and that’s important because tastes and fashions can change quickly, especially in housewares.”

Meanwhile, Birmingham-based Samuel Groves is establishing its brand ethos of manufacturing high performance products

Above: Chocolate cake is the UK’s favourite (according to online searches from March to June). Picture from Anniversary House, featuring one of its popular celebratory cake toppers.

Lee acknowledges: “As a British made product, Mermaid bakeware will play its part in the recovery of the British economy, and it has a lower carbon footprint: factors that are very desirable for today’s conscientious consumer.”

Above: Bakeware is booming for What More, including its Pushpan range, with a patented silicone base that is “appreciated by professionals and aspiring professionals alike,” notes Tony Grimshaw. He adds: “The lockdown has introduced the Pushpan range of products to a whole new audience.”

Right: For a lifetime of roasting and baking – robust and durable Mermaid bakeware has increased by 30% in thickness and weight. Photo by Sophie Rushton-Smith @TheCornerPlot.

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ECO LIVING PRODUCTS

Haden and luxury lifestyle brand Poodle & Blonde teamed up to bring you an exclusive limited-edition range of kitchen appliances. Inspired by Haden’s pioneering kettles, originally launched in the 1950’s, discover the Margate kettle and toaster set featuring Poodle & Blonde’s best-selling Tottenham Dalmatian print. This collaboration combines traditional design and shape for a truly one of a kind kettle and toaster set.

Haden Appliances T: 01909 544 570 E: info@hadenappliances.com W: www.haden.com

BAKEWARE PRODUCT

Transport your foods and beverages in style with the new PURE Natural Cork Lunch Bags available in two popular designs; Green is The New Black and Active. The natural cork lunch bag is produced from sustainable cork materials and has been designed with insulated lining to coordinate with this beautiful range and keep your lunch fresher, warmer or cooler for longer. The range includes existing double walled stainless steel bottles, decorated glass bottles, travel mugs and bamboo fibre lunch boxes for a complete set.

Rayware T: 0151 486 1888 E: sales@rayware.co.uk W: www.typhoonhousewares.com

Designed to meet consumer demand with regard to materials, size, shapes and colour, the popular Vermont bakeware range is now more versatile than ever with the addition of new lines including cake moulds, a three-piece set with removable A stylish water bottle that will keep your water cool for up to nine hours. Stay hydrated throughout the day without the use of single-use plastics. The Aladdin Chilled Thermavac™ Stainless Steel Water Bottle was selected in this years Trend Hub at Exclusively Digital for co-ordinating with the ‘Soul Searching’ trend and is available in five different

base and a savarin style mould, as well as tart moulds, including a six-piece mini tart mould set.

This non-stick coated aluminium range not only offers versatility for wide ranging baking requirements, but also adds a touch of style to the kitchen with on-trend colouring of brown outer and burnished bronze interior.

colours.

Tramontina UK

Burton McCall

T: 020 3176 4557 / 020 3176 4558

T: 0116 234 4611

E: contact@tramontinauk.com

E: sales@burton-mccall.com

W: www.tramontina.com

Haden’s latest Highclere Collection brings retro glam back as vintage flair in home décor is still going strong in 2020. Vintage inspired Highclere collection combines timeless feel with sophisticated features. The Highclere kettle and toaster are available in matte poole blue and elegant Cornish cream colours.

The kettle features 1.5ltr capacity, ergonomic grip handle, water level gauge, a light indicator during boiling and includes a spare filter. A matching four-slice toaster features convenient cancel/defrost/reheat settings, self-centering function and a removable crumb tray for easy cleaning.

Haden Appliances T: 01909 544 570 E: info@hadenappliances.com W: www.haden.com

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To see our range of homewares and gifts for the cook, please visit dexam.co.uk 01730 811811 • sales@dexam.co.uk

Stay hydrated all-day long with style and without single-use plastic

Made from Wheat fibre

Made from wheat fibre – an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic, the manufacturing process uses excess agricultural waste and turns it into useful kitchen gadgets. The range includes a colander, can opener, garlic press, tongs, measuring cups, peelers and more. Food safe, tough and durable and biodegradable.

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Chilled ThermavacTM Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Distributed by Burton McCall Ltd T: 0116 234 4611 E: sales@burton-mccall.com

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EXCLUSIVELY DIGITAL REVIEW Pictured is Teema Honey from iitala - an iconic range brought up to date in this elegant honey tone.

Created by legendary designer Kai Franck, each piece is derived from the basic shapes: a circle, square or triangle. A vivid yet soft Honey tone combines perfectly with white or powder colour and enlivens any table setting with its pleasant shade.

Honey was first launched in a mug and now the colour is brought to plates in various sizes. Teema provides unlimited possibilities to create the right atmosphere for any occasion.

iitala T: +358505666101 E: noora.hostikka@fiskars.com W: www.iittala.com

LICENSED PRODUCT

FOOD PREPARATION The Organic 3-Piece Knife Set with matching Chopping Board comes with a utility knife, paring knife and chef knife, the perfect set of knives that can be used for a variety of food preparation from chopping vegetables to slicing meat. The contoured handles that have been crafted from 35% wheat fibre, provide maximum comfort while the matching chopping board is a handy addition to any kitchen, keeping your chopping surfaces separated making everyday food preparation as effortless as possible.

Rayware T: 0151 486 1888 E: sales@rayware.co.uk W: www.viners.co.uk

The Winchester Collection has been inspired by the Gatsby era with elegant shapes and highly transparent glass used to create a coherent set of vintage barware. Each glass is made from at least 20% recycled glass and features long vertical lines and a diamond design that depicts a premium look and feel. The collection comprises of a variety of glassware from wine glasses with a cut glass style bowl to mixer glasses that are ideal for serving celebratory cocktails, whiskys and more.

Rayware T: 0151 486 1888 E: sales@rayware.co.uk W: www.rayware.co.uk

Pictured is the Atlantic Green Bakeware collection from Jamie Oliver, in stock with DKB Household this September. A stunning new collection of bakeware and baking tools covers every base, with a wide selection of tins, beautiful acacia wood handle tools, digital add and weigh scales and even chefs blowtorch.

DKB Household T: 01252 522322 W: www.dkbhouseholdltd.com

The all in one kitchen appliance which takes the hard work out of food prep. Sleek in design, compact and lightweight, this power pack is the ultimate companion in the kitchen. Not only can you chop, puree, whisk and more, but you can also quickly mix up pastry with the SliceSy attachment for those baking dishes too.

Burton McCall T: 0116 234 4611 E: sales@burton-mccall.com

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NEW products

Whether for professional use or at home, copper means one thing and that’s cookware. Investment in a Samuel Groves 4-ply Copper pan means its future proof. Not only are they perfect for use in today’s kitchen, they will be perfect for kitchens of the future as they’ve been optimised for use on Induction hobs, moreover they are handmade and built to last. These pans are created by an extraordinary 4layer material. The layers are composed of an outer layer of desirable, thermally superior copper, then a sandwich of stainless-steel, thermally efficient aluminium and stainless steel. The outer copper layer from the base is cleverly removed, leaving the smooth induction friendly (430) stainless-steel surface ensuring they have outstanding performance on induction hobs.

Samuel Groves T: 0121 7646400 W: www.samuelgroves.com

Introducing the new William Morris range that

Pictured is the Zyliss Twist & Seal Storage.

captures the original designs, class and quality of

Available in seven sizes, this space-saving

the artwork, and presents these desirable

modular design storage has an easy-twist sealing

illustrations in practical forms for the home. This

mechanism and a tough grip which means the lid

new bold range ‘Strawberry Thief’ with its red

won’t pull open. The silicone sealing ring in the lid

background and feature birds after the fruits of

provides an airtight seal, keeping food fresher for

the flora leaf design covers this new range of fine

longer. In stock with DKB from September.

ceramics, tea-for-one, fine china mugs and plates,

DKB Household

jug, salt and pepper pots, cold bottle, lunch box,

T: 01252 522322

melamine trays and true environmentally friendly

W: www.dkbhouseholdltd.com

bamboo travel mugs.

Lesser & Pavey T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk Smidge has launched four new colours in its popular bottle and travel cup ranges. As with all Smidge products; the thoughtful design, brilliant functionality and beautiful craftsmanship shines through in these new additions. The reusable bottles and travel cups allow you to stay hydrated with your choice of hot or cold beverage while cutting down on disposable alternatives. The 100% leak proof lids prevent accidental spills making them perfect for bringing with you on a weekend away, trip to the park or your daily commute to work.

Smidge E: sales@wearesmidge.com W: www.wearesmidge.com

The Lyon forged aluminium collection is the latest member of the Tramontina cookware family, adding yet another substrate to join its cast iron, stainless steel, tri-ply and non-stick ranges. With precision forged, extra heavy gauge aluminium construction and a four-layer ceramic reinforced non-stick coating, Lyon is suitable for all hob types, for use in the oven and can even be used on gas or charcoal barbeques. This versatile collection comprises casseroles, saucepan, frypan and the Lyon 360 square casserole.

Tramontina UK T: 020 3176 4557 / 020 3176 4558 E: contact@tramontinauk.com W: www.tramontina.com

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Retailer profile

THE TOP

5 SHELF PORTRAIT

POST-LOCKDOWN, THE SHOP’S TOP SELLERS ARE: l Eco Chic Facemasks from Faye UK l Scrubbies from CKS l Tala Loaf Tins from George East Housewares l Kilner Clip Top 2 Litre Jar from The Rayware Group l Greeting Cards by Elliot Harrison, local artist

FRANKIE & JOHNNY‘S COOKSHOP Frankie & Johnny’s Cookshop is

Above: Frankie & Johnny’s VE Day window in May – the shop continued to change its windows even when closed during lockdown, to provide some cheer to passers by (see Bira news).

situated in Bishopthorpe Road, a hub for independent retailers in York, and was taken over by two of its customers Jo and Tim Asquith in October 2018. PH spoke to Jo to find some of the shop’s facts and figures.

Below: An eclectic mix: inside Frankie & Johnny’s Cookshop.

Above: One of Raspberry Blossom’s new greeting card designs: ‘When life is sour let me give you a squeeze.’

Above: Gift wrapping at Frankie & Johnny’s.

KEEPING IT NEW “Frankie & Johnny’s newest supplier is Raspberry Blossom, whose greeting cards are “going very well.”

The best thing Jo is proud of the Cookshop’s “eclectic mix of cookware and bakeware, cards and gifts, “ stating: “We offer a variety at different price points and all put together a bit differently.” Jo also highlights the shop’s atmosphere and high level of customer service: “We automatically offer to gift wrap.”

Family matters Jo does the buying and Tim the accounts, while their daughter Chloe helps in the shop when not at university. Frankie & Johnny’s also employs four part timers that work either morning or afternoon shifts.

Full circle Jo used to be a buyer for wholesale wines, spirits and glassware before doing a PhD in Education and working on Brexit for Defra. When Frankie & Johnny’s Cookshop came up for sale, she and Tim were keen “to

Facts and stats l Frankie & Johnny’s Cookshop is approximately 450 square foot in size. l There are over 5,000 SKUs in stock. l The shop is made up of roughly two-thirds kitchenware, and one third gifts and greeting cards. do something different.” They loved the shop as customers and have now added “lots of newness and moved things round” to add their own stamp to the shop's character, variety of stock and displays.

Getting noticed “We do something on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram practically everyday – often something that’s funny or quirky - and we change our window displays regularly,” says Jo. “We get a lot of business by words of mouth. We’re part of Indie York – which promotes independent shops with a map PROGRESSIVE

which we give out – and the Bishopthorpe Road Trading Association, which normally holds events including a street party. The road won High Street of The Year a few years ago, and we still get asked to go on the radio and in the press to talk about retail issues.”

At your service When asked what her best recent customer bought, Jo reports: “A woman came in this morning and spent over £200 on Polish Pottery as a gift for a friend. We’re one of the biggest stockists in North Yorkshire and a lot of people collect it.”

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ON THE WAY UP “Greeting cards – we’ve expanded our selection – and face masks as we sell Eco Chic’s range which has lots of good designs and a reasonable price point, as well as sustainable products.”

UPS AND DOWNS “Beeswax wrap was huge for us, but sales have gone done as fewer people have been taking packed lunches to work and school. Likewise hydration and lunch boxes slowed down but they are now going up again.”

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