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September 2015
DU: 20.08.2015
England
Seasonal Decoration at its best 29. 1 – 2. 2. 2016
Your seat on the front row!
61187-001_CW_allg_ProgressiveGifts_210x297 • CD-Rom • ISO 39 • CMYK • cp: 05.08.2015
Keep a step ahead of the competition. Discover the latest trends and top exhibitors for your future business on an international stage. Start a successful year at the world’s leading trade fair for seasonal and festive decorations – with the best the industry has to offer. Order your tickets now: www.christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83
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www.max-publishing.co.uk The home of market leading trade magazines
From baby to toddler to starting school
EXHIBITIONS
THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS
15
Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivegifts.co.uk www.thegreatsawards.co.uk
This Month
One of my favourite 'get togethers' each year is the ‘retailer round table’ meeting that I chair at Home & Gift, Harrogate, in July. It's an opportunity for a cross-section of independent gift retailers to meet up to chat about the ups and downs of life on the high street, and for me to learn more about their triumphs and challenges which I suspect represents a slice of a typical independent gift retailer's life. Naturally, Christmas was a key topic at the event, focusing on how this year's 'round tablers' were approaching it - which products are likely to be best sellers, the type of Christmas cards that get the tills ringing, along with the growing importance of events such as Small Business Saturday. (See pages 25-27). Although not a retailer, someone who nevertheless has a real passion for retail is Michael Weedon, deputy ceo and communications director for the British Independent Retailers Association, known as bira. Michael's role includes "doing good things for retailers" as he puts it, and to achieve this, he can often be found lobbying politicians and civil servants. Michael is also the man the media - press, radio and TV - go to when they want a comment about something that is retail related, so his name may well be familiar to you. As our guest Sounding Off columnist this month, he writes authoritatively about, among other topics, the brand new Consumer Rights Act, which comes into force in October, and the new National Living Wage and its likely impact on retailers. The new legislation is as good as round the corner, so savvy gift retailers need to familiarise themselves with what's involved as soon as possible. Staying with retail, have you ever wondered how fragrance brand/retailer Jo Malone became a household name? I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to meet Jo during a recent trade show, and was fascinated by her back story. Jo remains a true entrepreneur, who continues to bang the drum for retail. "Wherever I go in the world, I always try and encourage people to think how great it can be to become a shopkeeper," she stated and meant it. To find out more about Jo's life and career, turn to A 'Shot' At Fragrance on pages 31-33. As Jo points out, retail, despite its challenges, offers many rewards too. Meanwhile, as the final quarter of the year approaches and we begin the countdown to Christmas, elsewhere in this magazine you'll find a strong Christmas product theme, starting with Christmas decorations on pages 35-37, Christmas gifts at the £5, £10 and £20 'sweet spots' on pages 39-43, and the latest trends and festive fragrances on pages 51-57. The features are packed with everything you need to know about how to have cool yule, with suppliers revealing exciting new products across the gifts spectrum. As I mentioned at the beginning of this column, it's always good to get together, so I’m very much looking forward to seeing lots of you at the Autumn trade shows.
Above: Sue (centre) with this year's 'retail round tablers' at Home & Gift in Harrogate. Turn to pages 25-27.
Cover: WoodWick Trilogy - Christmas Classic from the WoodWick range distributed in the UK by Xystos.
Publishers Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax and Ian Hyder
Design & Production Russell Sutton
Subscriptions enquiries: maxsubscriptions@marketingreinforcements.co.uk Tel: 020 8943 9541 ABC figure 6,788 July 1st 2010 - 30th June 2011 Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation.
Progressive Gifts & Home is published 7 times a year. Subscription: UK; one year £50, two years £85 or three years £110. Overseas; one year £75, two years £125 or three years £165. Please send your cheque to: Progressive Gifts & Home, Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax 020 7609 4222/020 7607 6411 email: ianh@max-publishing.co.uk Copyright 2008. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
3
6-9 SEPTEMBER 2015
Hall 5, Stand C10/D11
Sheaffer 100 Series
Equilibrium Sentiment Bangles
snoozies!速 Artisan Knit
Equilibrium Leather & Sparkle
Leonardo History Mugs
Equilibrium Blanket Scarves
Warm Glow Lanterns
Light-up Butterfly Sentiment
Woodland Fox Message
Modern Copper Frames
Joe Davies Limited 149 Broadstone Rd, Reddish, Stockport SK5 7GA 004-005_GH_September 1 2015 07 Autumn Fair Prog2015.indd Gifts DPS.indd 1
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6-9 SEPTEMBER 2015
Birds on Wood
Hall 5, Stand C10/D11
Equilibrium Party Bracelets
Butterfly Blossom
Equilibrium Double Disc Pendants
Star Cluster Anniversary Albums
Robot Money Boxes
Rustic Floating Frames
Over 2000 brand new gifts 7500+ lines to choose from Only £100 minimum order FREE Next Day Delivery ‘Little & Often’ Ordering System Award Winning Customer Service Progressive Gifts Greats Awards 2015
13 times winners Aqua Glow Candle Holders
Equilibrium Cross Body Bags
Best Service to the Independent Retailer
Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk 004-005_GH_September 2 2015 07 Autumn Fair Prog2015.indd Gifts DPS.indd 2
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MODERN APOTHECARY
www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk
ART COLLECTION LIME & MANDARIN
Art Collection NEW colour/fragrance SPICED FRUITS PINK PEPPER & AMBER A spicy accord opening with pink pepper, cardamom, thyme, frankincense, lime and lemon, leading into a heart of clove, patchouli and lily. Fruity notes of apple, plum and raspberry sit on a base of amber, tobacco, cedar wood and musk.
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Autumm Fair NEC Hall 5 - Stand H27
BUSINESS AWARDS 2015
WINNER BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
Tel: 020 8 595 8878 email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk
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Inside
9-21
News
23
Gift Of The Gab SHOPLIFTERS WILL BE PROSECUTED
25-27
Feedback: Retailer Round Table IT'S GOOD TO TALK
29
Sounding Off INTENTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES
31-33
Face To Face: Jo Malone A 'SHOT' AT FRAGRANCE
35-37
Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations DECK THE TREE WITH CHRISTMAS BAUBLES
PAGES 35-37
PAGES 51-57
39-43
Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts IT'S GETTING TO FEEL A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
47-49
Face To Face: Ashleigh & Burwood INVESTING IN CUSTOMERS
51-57
Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing A VERY MERRY BERRY CHRISTMAS
65-67
Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware BRANDS NEW FOR AUTUMN
71-75
Spotlight On... Mugs THE MUG BUG
115-117 Best Sellers 120
On The Road: Jemma and Tom Reynolds
120
Last Word: Sharon Jervis, founder, Beefayre
Sue Marks Editor
Angie Bryant Advertisement Manager
Ian Hyder Publishing Director
suem@max-publishing.co.uk
angieb@max-publishing.co.uk
ianh@max-publishing.co.uk
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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Industry News
Have You Heard The Buzz? The Greats 2016 Theme And Sponsors Announced There’s a lot of buzz already about The Greats 2016 gift retailer awards - and with good reason! The sponsors line-up is building, with a host of leading names having pledged their support. Details of The Greats 2016, which has taken Birds, Bees and Butterflies as it theme, will be announced online during September - visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk - with selfnominations and nominations invited from gift independents through to department stores, garden centres and niche retailers, such as jewellery shops selling gifts. In addition, all Greats category sponsors, gift suppliers and gift agents are invited to nominate the shops that they feel have really upped the ante over the past 12 months. The winners will be announced at a spectacular Awards lunch at the Savoy in London on Thursday May 5, 2016, home to The Greats for the past three years. Entry forms will be enclosed with the October/November and January issues of Progressive Gifts & Home. The last two Greats Awards have been a sellout, so for those that would like to be part of the gift industry's most prestigious event of the year - a great chance to network! - please contact The Greats event organiser Clare Davis at Createvents on 01183 340085 or email Above: Hooray, we've won! A joyous moment for the 2015 Greats Awards winners. Clare at clare@createvents.co.uk. p A limited number of sponsorship categories are still available. For further details please contact Angie Bryant on angieb@max-publishing.co.uk.
The Greats Sponsors 2016 As The Greats 2016 gets underway, PG&H is delighted to be fanfaring an impressive first line up of category sponsors to include Joe Davies, Gisela Graham, Kaemingk, London Stationery Show/National Stationery Week, PG Live, Premier Decorations, Really Good/Soul, Parlane International, Root Candles, Wild & Wolf, The Giftware Association, Xystos and Yankee Candle.
Gifts 'Found' At New John Lewis Store Opening In Birmingham A selection of giftware will be included in FOUND at John Lewis, a new fashion and lifestyle concept set in a boutique environment, to be unveiled in the new John Lewis Birmingham department store, which opens on September 24. FOUND will also consecutively launch on the store's website. The concept will subsequently roll out as part of the refurbishment of the John Lewis Liverpool fashion floor later this year. “FOUND at John Lewis will bring together fashion, home and technology products in a way we haven't done before,” explains Paula Nickolds, John Lewis' brand and buying director. "Through our customer insight we know our customers want an edited selection of product and they like all parts of their life to reflect their style, extending beyond their clothes to the candles in their homes and the headphones that they wear." Continues Paula: "FOUND will create this for our customers seamlessly, creating an effortless boutique shopping experience that is both engaging and unique in terms of product and environment." Among tableware and designer gifts being introduced will be Normann Copenhagen, Poole Pottery, Jessie Harris jewellery, Tom Dixon lighting and stationery from The School of Life. At the new Birmingham store, FOUND at John Lewis will evolve every six weeks and will be used as a space for experiences, installations and brand pop ups. Dedicated specialist employees, chosen for their style expertise, will be on hand to provide expert knowledge and advice. Left: John Lewis' new Birmingham New Street store will be opening at the end of September.
Is Indie Growth Enough? The bira quarterly sales monitor has revealed that bira members across the board grew their businesses by an average of 2.35% in the second quarter, with retailer anxiety at its lowest level since the beginning of 2014. Seven out of ten respondents are either 'confident' or 'very confident' of the year ahead, according to the survey. Only two product sectors suffered falls: gifts and fashion, with both "only just the wrong side of zero" says bira. Home-related sales saw strong growth for the ‘big ticket’ items, while housewares put in a second strong quarter, along with garden. However, bira’s deputy ceo, Michael Weedon, highlighted the need for growth, given the barrage of rising costs for independents. “They have already had to deal with a business rate increase of 2% and unless the Chancellor repeats his discount of £1,500 next year, will see huge further increases. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) rises by an inflation busting 3% in October before the new National Living Wage (NLW) arrives in April adding a further 7.4% on top of the October increase.” Michael also highlighted pension contributions, and the fact that anticipated interest rises will mean less consumer spending for variable rate mortgage payers. p Asked by bira about the impact of the new rate of the National Minimum Wage, initially £7.20 per hour rising to £9, 63% of respondents said this would lead to fewer jobs in their business. See Intentions And Consequences on page 29.
Could Free Parking Become A Reality? The suggestion of free parking has been in the news recently, initially led by Marcus Jones, the minister responsible for high streets, who told the Daily Telegraph that the Conservatives planned to ensure that local authorities stopped using parking charges and fines in small towns as a 'cash cow'. He suggested that the focus should move to supporting town centres and motorists. This was further backed up when four parking ticket machines were vandalised in Cardigan's main car parks in June, with a surge of visitors heading for the Welsh town centre, and jubilant local retailers seeing their sales increase by a whopping 50%. Now, following a government request to the AA to see whether further steps should been taken to ensure that parking supports local shops and high streets, the Association's poll has suggested that free parking should extend to larger towns too. This would enable motorists to park without the threat of a parking fine, thereby helping to boost the bottom line for many local retailers.
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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FORTHCOMING EVENTS Autumn Fair NEC
6-9 September 2015
NEC Hall 3 Stand P20
Open Week 7 Preview
1-4 November 2015
Libra Showrooms
+44 (0)1223 895800 Cambridge Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire, CB21 4NN View our collections at www.thelibracompany.co.uk or visit the blog www.thelibracompany.co
T F P L #INSPIRINGINTERIORS
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Industry News
Autumn Fair
Seasonal Buying Report
Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot With tropicana still a big trend in the gift and homewares market place, one of the highlights of Autumn Fair - which takes place from September 6-9 at the NEC, Birmingham - will be a group pavilion organised by the Caribbean Export Development Agency featuring 12 design-led companies representing eight different Caribbean islands. Marking the first European showcase ever put on by the collective, exhibitors will be displaying an eclectic mix of home accessories, handmade cosmetics, jewellery, indigenous pottery and ceramics, leather crafts and natural body and bath products. “Some of our participants are already retailing in the UK while others are looking to get in to the UK market," explains JoEllen R Laryea, PR and marketing manager. Also debuting at the show will be Abigail Ahern Designs. As well as producing her own range of faux flowers for the first time, and expanding her faux plant collection, Abigail will be showcasing new furniture, lighting and accessories. Adding to the show 'firsts' will be The Light Show, in partnership with the Lighting Industry Association, incorporating up to 100 brands. Gift will occupy Hall 5, which it will be sharing with Children’s Gifts, Toys & Gadgets and Brands of China. Contemporary Gift, Greetings, Stationery & Craft. Fashion Jewellery & Accessories, will be adjacent in Hall 4. Elsewhere at the show, the Home sector - buoyed by a strengthened economy and housing market - will be located in Halls 2 and 3, while Gift & Craft, and Fashion Jewellery & Accessories, will be sharing Hall 4 with Greetings. Also attracting visitors to Halls 3 and 4 will be the Fashion Accessories catwalk. Elsewhere, Retail Shop, a growth area at Autumn Fair, will be offering insights into multi-channel development as well as instore solutions, while the WGSN Trends Theatre will be highlighting four key trends - Artisan, Elemental, Remaster and Offbeat. Visit www.autumnfair.com Left: Among the products being showcased on the Design Carribean stand at Autumn Fair.
Autumn Fair Wish List To help visitors to pre-plan their visit to Autumn Fair, i2i Events, show organisers, are inviting buyers to 'make a wish list' in advance. The company has unveiled a new product-led website that includes a ‘wish list’ function providing a year-round exhibition shopping experience, and enabling browsers to add favourite items to an online shopping cart. The same technology will be rolled out later this year for Spring Fair 2016.
According to the latest Seasonal Buying Report from Inside Retail, commissioned by i2iEvents, organisers of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, one in two retailers spend 50% of their annual budgets closer to the season. Highlighting that it is now harder for suppliers to predict their customers' behaviour and spending patterns. Christmas continues to be the dominant buying season, with respondents confirming that it is worth up to 40% of annual turnover. The report also highlighted that retail buyers are more inclined to buy stock frequently and reactively, enabling them to be able to respond faster and closer to the season.
Priceless Feedback Price’s Candles has opened a new trade shop at its Bedford HQ. "We see this as a brand new way for us to connect with local and regional businesses, and it can also act as a secondary showroom for any of our customers to visit us and see our products in the retail environment," explains Price's sales manager Laurence Whiting. "Through the shop, we can also gain further valuable customer interaction, allowing us to enhance our product and point of sale offerings in the future. The new trade shop can also act as a test ground for our business customers." Adds Laurence, "Having been in Bedford for 15 years, we look forward to welcoming all trade customers and strengthening our ties with the local community. We will also be running various seasonal promotions throughout the year." Above: Laurence Whiting, sales manager at Price's Candles, cuts the ribbon to declare the company's new trade shop officially open.
Emma Bridgewater Takes To The Stage Iconic tableware designer Emma Bridgewater, based in Stoke-onTrent, will be discussing her brand’s export journey at Autumn Fair. The event, in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment, takes place in the Ecommerce Theatre in Hall 2 on Tuesday September 8 from 2-2.30pm. Other influential speakers at the show include Julie Deans, ceo of The Cambridge Satchel Company, Martin De La Fuente, senior buying manager at Ocado and giftwrapping expert jean Means. p The Giftware Association's vice-chairman, Henri Davis, will be holding a series of seminars on setting up in independent retail, both on the high street and online. Visit www.autumnfair.com Above: Emma Bridgewater is Autumn Fair's keynote speaker. Left: Seminars will also be given by Henri Davis, the Giftware Association's vice-chairman.
Designs From The East Bangkok International Gift Fair (BIG) and Bangkok International Houseware Fair (BIH) will be bringing together over 400 exhibitors and designers across Thailand and Asia to showcase brand-new designs as well as the latest collections of lifestyle products across 1600 booths. The show is organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with the Thai Lifestyle Products Federation and the Design & Objects Association. The show takes place at BITEC in Bangkok, and is open to the trade from October 19-21. Visit www.bigandbih.com
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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Industry News
Widdop Bingham’s On The Button A Wrap On The Knuckles For Eurowrap Giftwrappings company Eurowrap has acknowledged, and officially apologised, that one of its keepsake boxes ‘substantially replicates’ Widdop Bingham’s Button Corner keepsake box. As a result of receiving a complaint from Widdop Bingham, Eurowrap has withdrawn the item from sale, agreed to pay Widdop Bingham’s legal costs and also, to make a substantial donation to a charity of Widdop Bingham’s choice. “Innovative new product development is the life-blood of Widdop Bingham with thousands of new lines being developed every year by ourselves," says Stephen Illingworth, business development manager of Widdop Bingham. "We will vigorously contest any infringement on our design copyright and, in this instance, acknowledge Eurowrap’s apology and the actions they are taking to put this right.” Above: A Widdop Bingham Button Corner keepsake box.
Clutch Of Awards For Portmeirion It's always good to receive recognition for achievement, and for Portmeirion Group, 2015 has been an exceptional year on the awards front. Hot on the heels of the company's Investment in Young People Award, received earlier this year, the company has also received official recognition as an Investor in People (IIP) at silver level. The Group was also shortlisted as a finalist in two categories - the International Trade Award and Young Apprentice of the Year Award - at this year’s Staffordshire Business Awards, where the company was also commissioned to design and produce the trophy plates. This followed on from the company's West Midlands Business Masters Awards success, where Portmeirion Group walked away with the prestigious Exporter Large Award. “To have reached the final in two categories at the Staffordshire Business Awards is fantastic," comments Phil Atherton, group sales and marketing director at Portmeirion Group. "Apprentice Ben Foster has been outstanding over the last 18 months and is now a great ambassador for not only the business but for all young apprentices." Adds Phil: "On a personal level, I’m also particularly proud to have been shortlisted in the International Trade Award category." Above: Phil Atherton, group sales and marketing director at Portmeirion Group. Left: Portmeirion's star apprentice Ben Foster was a finalist in the Staffordshire Business Young Apprentice of the Year Awards.
Portmeirion Group Continues To Prosper Portmeirion Group has revealed another strong performance over the past six months, with revenues increasing to £27.9 million, an increase of 14% over the previous year (2014: £24.5 million). Pre-tax profits also rose 45% to £1.8 million (2014: £1.2 million). The Group continues to build on its successful start to 2015 following the launch of its exclusive new Ted Baker Portmeirion ceramic range and the installation of a new kiln, which will create 80 new jobs and see its UK manufacturing capacity increase by 50%. “The performance of Portmeirion Group in the first six months of 2015 has been strong," comments Dick Steele, non-executive chairman at Portmeirion Group. "We remain confident of the outcome for the full year to December 31, 2015.” Portmeirion Group encompasses four brands - Portmeirion, Spode, Royal Worcester and Pimpernel.
Kenro Launches New Trade Website Kenro has launched a new trade website, aimed at making it easier for retailers and trade users to order stock, providing dealers with a 24-hour ordering facility, with fast shipping on all in-stock items. All standard orders received by 1pm (Monday-Friday) will be dispatched the same day. "We have listened to our trade customers and taken on board their comments," says md Paul Kench. "I'm confident our new trade website will better meet the needs of those who need to place orders at a time that suits them. Product descriptions are better and stock availability is more up to date, as well as a much cleaner and easier way to make the ordering process more enjoyable." Paul adds that the company is also in the process of adding demonstration videos for its most popular products that dealers can share from their own website in order to help generate increased sales.
Libby's Scoops Top Retail Award Chesterfield-based independent gift retailer Libby's was recently named Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year at the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards. The event was organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Learning Unlimited. Describing itself as ‘a shopping emporium within the unique small department store environment,’ owner Libby Morris said: “This award means a lot for the business. It will hopefully put us on the map and more people will visit us to discover what a wonderful team we have here. I feel very honoured to work with such an amazing group of women." She adds: “My philosophy is simple. Shopping should be a pleasurable and enjoyable experience. I travel extensively throughout the UK and Europe to source beautiful things, making sure that I meet the suppliers and understand their business ethics and practices. We’re different and our collection isn’t to be found everywhere. My team and I care passionately about our customers and I always buy with them in mind.” Over 600 nominations were received from the public, with the winners selected from 36 finalists. The awards recognised the very best independent shops, high street stores and market traders in Chesterfield. Below: From left to right: Libby Morris, Ann Barker, Julie Legden and Jackie Meakin.
Left: Botanic Garden among the winners for Portmeirion Group.
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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Industry News
Top Drawer/Home Biggest Show To Date Top Drawer and Home - the two co-located shows for gifts, lifestyle, interiors and housewares - will be coming together for the biggest edition to date, say organisers Clarion Events. The shows run from September 13-15 at London Olympia, across four halls on two levels, with the event fanfaring the second consecutive edition of Home in September, which will be showcasing modern, classic and vintage homewares. Many exhibitors are international and have never exhibited at the show before, while some 90% of exhibitors are exclusive to the event. A new seminar programme, featuring a line-up of retail experts, has been tailored for retailers, and will take place at The Academy. "Home and Top Drawer are leading the way in redefining the trade show experience with their dynamic blend of fresh, contemporary products and inspirational seminars in a bustling London location," states Clarion Events’ brand director Ian Rudge. UK and international exhibitors will be covering all aspects of the home, from interior accessories and kitchen and dining, to soft furnishings and furniture and lighting. Top Drawer, meanwhile, will be bringing together the latest trends spanning five main product sectors: Gift, Stationery & Greetings, Fashion Accessories, Children’s and Wellbeing. In total, visitors will be able to see over 1000 leading UK and international brands. Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk and www.homelondon.net Ledt: A personalised Christmas decoration from We Are A Scamp, among the exhibitors at Top Drawer.
Future High Street Summit Sets Out Its Stall With increased footfall on the high street close to all retailers' hearts, the team behind the successful Future High Street Summit is launching a one-day conference on November 11, at the Nottingham Conference Centre, to enable town teams, BIDs, councils and town centre managers to create, organise and hold engaging events in their local areas. The conference will be encouraging delegates to learn from expert advice, to share ideas for events and to meet solution providers. “Feedback from Future High Street Summit delegates earlier this year proved that town centre stakeholders find case studies and implementable ideas most useful for their professional objectives,” explains Clare Above: Clare Rayner, founder of the new Future High Street Summit. Rayner, founder of the new conference. “With this in mind, we have created an exclusive conference, entirely dedicated to sharing ideas for town centre events and helping delegates to engage their local communities with fantastic activities." The Community Engagement through Events conference will focus solely on activities that help to bring a town together. "Attendees will enjoy a day of case studies, practical advice and proven solutions that will allow them to leverage events within their areas,” confirms Clare. The conference will address an array of town centre event topics, across eight sessions, including event management, Christmas and other seasonal events, speciality markets, art and culture, supporting businesses, campaign events and social responsibility events. Visit events.futurehighstreet.co.uk/register
Footfall Up, Vacancy Rate Down The latest report from the British Retail Consortium/Springboard Monitor for July reveals that footfall was 1.1% lower than a year ago. The good news however, was that it was up from the 1.5% fall in June, which was slightly above the three-month average of -1.2%. There was also a first dip of below 10% in the vacancy rate. “For years, structural changes within retail have been challenging the role of the ‘traditional’ high street," comments Helen Dickinson, British Retail Consortium's director general. "Many high streets up and down the country have been working to meet these challenges by reshaping themselves - in some cases becoming smaller and working hard to establish their own unique offer as well integrating it with a digital presence. Despite this, the vacancy rate has remained stubbornly high – the dip below 10% for the first time may be indicative of successful attempts to reshape Britain’s high streets in some locations." But Helen adds that a clear note of caution can be found in the footfall figures. "No matter how successful high streets are in re-inventing themselves, if they can’t deliver increased footfall we could easily see vacancy rates climbing again. Although the footfall decline has slowed this month, it still has a way to go. The numbers seem to indicate that some British high streets are beginning to solve their space problem, but have yet to capitalise on this and drive up shopper numbers." Adds Helen: "This is a delicate balancing act and could easily be derailed. Reducing the burden of business rates would give high street operators the opportunity they need to allow more of them to finally flourish.”
A Stand Apart Taking the gift industry as its theme, former PG&H columnist George Lancaster has written his first novel, A Stand Apart. According to George, the book is a humorous, action-filled adventure set in the crazy world of gift fairs! "Dan is a budding gift exhibitor facing life-threatening encounters, overseas embarrassments and a beautiful nemesis," he explains. George, who has been involved in the Above: Is it a first? A novel by gift and homewares George Lancaster set in the industry for more than world of gifts and home. 20 years, was previously international md for the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market show, and most recently worked for the Australian Gift & Homewares Association.
Seeing The Funny Side When a Mini crashed into the side of their newly refurbished gift shop in July, Chris and Tracy Bryant, owners of Expressions in Swindon, decided to do some positive thinking. Instead of wallowing in the negatives, to include £thousands worth of damage, the resilient husband and wife team, who have owned the shop since 2012, rolled up their sleeves and set about getting the shop fit to welcome customers again. Just one week after the accident took place, Chris and Tracy managed to re-open, relying on a sense of humour to see them through. Using social media, the couple invited Facebook users to send in quips which were then posted in the shop window. Among them were "drive thru closed to a Mini crisis" and "it was on the cards" with the couple revealing that they were swamped with posts! Along with a split ceiling, an estimated £15,000 worth of christening and baby items were destroyed, with the right hand wall boarded up and only a limited amount of stock available. Chris and Tracy confirm that there's still a long way to go before the shop is back to normal. Below: Seeing the funny side, Chris Bryant, co-owner of Expressions in Swindon.
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Industry News
Licensing Awards 2015 Giftware Companies Make It Into The Finals Over 5,000 products were entered for this year's Licensing Awards (organised and owned by Max Publishing, which also owns PG&H). The entries were judged by almost 100 retail buyers from across the retailing spectrum. The winners will be revealed at a sell out Licensing Awards extravaganza on Tuesday September 15 which will be attended by 1,400 people, taking place in The Great Room at London’s glittering Grosvenor House Hotel The finalists in the Best Licensed Giftware Range are: Cinderella adult jewellery collection from Icon Live; IWM Victory Is In The Kitchen range from Kimm & Miller; Despicable Me Minion plush backpacks from Posh Paws; The Makery giftware range from Wild & Wolf; Mr. Men and Little Miss grow kits from Gift Republic, and the Winnie The Pooh Classic gift range from Widdop Bingham. Other finalists include Portmeirion Group's Ted Baker Portmeirion Rosie Lee Collection, Elite's Happy Jackson storage tin range and Star Wars Homewares Collection from Half Moon Bay, all of which are among the companies shortlisted in the Best Licensed Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares range. Elsewhere, Historic Royal Palaces' gardening collection from Briers has been nominated in the Best Licensed Brand Range category. Above: Portmeirion Group's 41 piece Ted Baker Portmeirion Rosie Lee collection is among the finalists. Left: Widdop Bingham's Classic Winnie the Pooh collection of baby gifts has made its debut in The Licensing Awards Best Licensed Giftware category.
VW Debuts At Brand Licensing Europe VW has confirmed its attendance at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe, marking its first ever appearance at a licensing event, with the largest stand in the show’s Brands & Lifestyle zone. The company is exhibiting at BLE to grow its global retail footprint by investing in DTRs and co-branding initiatives with retailers and brands which are a suitable fit. Current UK official VW gift licensees include Enesco, Elgate, Half Moon Bay, Fiesta Studios and Red Hot Lemon. Volkswagen Zubehoer and IMG have grown Above: VW will be making its debut at Brand Licensing Europe. Volkswagen’s licensing programme in just over three years to retail sales of over $280m, spread across more than 170 licences worldwide. The exclusive global representation covers all of the Volkswagen brands, but has focused to date on the history, design features and personality of the iconic Beetle, Camper Van and Golf GTI. In the next three years, growth is expected from existing licensees and new signings in categories such as apparel, accessories, bikes, luggage, watches, eyewear, furniture, camping and outdoor, consumer electronics. Among the other new names joining the 300 strong exhibitor line-up at Brand Licensing Europe this year are: Pepsi, Stanfords, NOW That’s What I Call Music, Lee Stafford, PGA TOUR, Vimto International and The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Elsewhere, food and beverage, beauty, music, publishing, sports and heritage are just some of the categories represented by more than 44 new exhibitors at this year’s show, which takes place from October 13-15 at Olympia, London. Visit www.brandlicensing.eu (See Brands New Autumn on pages 65-67.
A Flavour Of Italy Inspired by Milan's Expo exhibition, design-led show HOMI in Milan, will be taking place at Fieramilano from September 12-15. Special areas of the show - which is dedicated to the home, the table and food - have been created in honour of the World's Fair, with inter-connected areas and initiatives. New trends include colourful, versatile kitchen items and an exhibition/workshop based on the interaction between Made In Italy and the country's cultural heritage. Following the themes of Expo 2015, the show will reveal seven tables inspired by old style feasts. Elsewhere, Homisphere will unveil a structured look at new lifestyles relating to wine, food and hospitality. Left: The table will be a main feature at HOMI, held in Milan in September.
CBG's One Stop Shop In a move that will mean less hassle for independents, as of September 1, all Carte Blanche Group products will be fulfilled from one location. Customers placing orders for plush, gifts and greeting cards from across the company's portfolio of brands - to include Me to You, Hotchpotch and Wishing Well Studios will receive one consignment and one invoice. The company has also invested in new fulfilment partners, DPD and Interlink Express, to significantly improve service to independent retailers. The company says it is actively responding to the feedback it receives from its customers. CBG celebrated the official opening of the new fulfilment operation with a BBQ for staff. Above: CBG's chairman and founder, Stephen Haines (left) with Simeon Furniss of the fulfilment centre team, who officially cut the ribbon to welcome the team to tours of the new operation.
IJL Set To Sparkle The exclusive Designer Brands area at IJL 2015, taking place at Olympia Grand from September 6-8, will be featuring a group of award-winning fine and contemporary jewellery designers who will be launching their new collections, as well as showcasing signature pieces. “We are especially proud of the international line-up of global creativity, and the fact that many newly-established designers are showcasing alongside established names - a truly eclectic and exciting mix,” comments Sam Willoughby, IJL's event director.
All Made Up Designer Laura Colebrooke of Truro College won The Giftware Association’s award for students at this year’s Pewter Live event, for her Camelia make-up brush set, which was judged to be ontrend with real commercial viability. Laura has been automatically entered into the GA's Gift of the Year 2016 competition. Highly commended was Stacey West from Plymouth College of Art and Design for her Found Treasures handmade necklace featuring mixed pewter with silver and precious gemstones. The awards were presented by internationally renowned designer Nick Munro. The annual competition, staged by The Worshipful Company of Pewterers, promotes the versatility of pewter and its use in the manufacture of contemporary household objects. Above: Laura Colebrooke, the GA's Pewter Live prize winner, with her award winning make-up brushes.
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AUTUMN FAIR NEC 6th - 9th September 2015
HALL 3 STAND 3B10-C11 E: sales@silplc.com | T: 01992 718033 www.silplc.com
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Industry News
Bira’s Summer Tour
NEWS IN BRIEF
'Shop Local' Promotion Kicks Off Bira has hit the road again this summer to speak to independent retailers via road shows across the UK. The association is working with the 2014 winning locations of the Great British High Street to spread the word about supporting local trade. The events are giving retailers a range of time and money-saving ideas as well as looking at how collaboration within the towns can encourage footfall Above: Retailers across the board, and increase spend. “As an association that has supported independent retailers to include gift retailers, can use the 'bira says Shop Local' stickers for over 116 years, we have a wealth of knowledge in how best to support to help to generate footfall. retailers and help their bottom line,” comments Julie Conway, national membership manager. Towns on bira’s tour include Barnoldswick, Belper, Broxburn, Colwyn Bay, Kingston Upon Thames, Norwich and Wantage. p The ‘bira says shop local’ campaign is a key focus of the association's summer tour and is open to all retail independents, not just bira members. Retailers are being invited to share local initiatives that would benefit from linking up with bira to generate more footfall. Promotional tools include 'bira says Shop Local’ stickers for shop windows, tweeting photos @biraofficial, and tagging the campaign on Facebook, and Instagram @biraretail using #shoplocal. Email kate.godber@bira.co.uk.
Claim Up To HK$2000 Hotel Rebate The organisers of Global Sources & Gifts & Home, which takes place at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong from October 18-21, are offering a hotel rebate of up to HK$2000 to visitors who pre-register for the show. They will also receive an Octopus cash card worth HK$150 for shopping and transport in Hong Kong. The show offers a wide range of sourcing options featuring a huge selection of innovative, high-quality products to include kitchenware, household goods, bags and luggage. New to the show this year will be the Sports Event and Athletic Club Souvenirs pavilion. The Fair features the largest bags collection in Hong Kong - over 10,000 fashion and promotional bags will be showcased - while the Product Showcase offers hundreds of featured products, mostly from non-exhibitors. Some 90% of suppliers exhibit exclusively at the show, with most exhibitors being direct manufacturers, giving buyers the opportunity to source directly at competitive prices. Elsewhere, sourcing & trend Seminars feature industry experts who will lead seminars and answer questions in interactive panel discussions. Topics include new market trends and China sourcing strategies. Visit www.globalsources.com Left: Sourcing options at Global Sources in Hong Kong.
Bigger And Better Show New exhibitors at Harrogate Christmas & Gift this year include Global Journey, Lemax Europe and Koopman of Holland. Premier Decorations has booked Hall H in its entirety, launching new ranges from its Christmas, Outdoor Living and Halloween collections. Gift supppliers Heaven Sends and RJB Stone have both significantly increased their stand sizes for 2016. “Harrogate Christmas & Gift continues to go from strength to strength and is now considered the number one trade show for garden centre and visitor attraction buyers as well as department stores and independent gift retailers," comments show organiser Simon Anslow. "We have experienced a year on year increase in visitor numbers for the past five years and, with so many new exhibitors joining the show, we can expect another bumper event in 2016.”
A 'Fresher' Feel At Harrogate Despite a mix of sunshine and showers at Home & Gift in Harrogate last month, show director Cleere Scamell remained buoyant. "The show felt fresher this year, with visitors confirming that it is increasingly relevant in a complicated retail market," he told PG&H. "The new circular route also proved popular." Added Cleere: "An important investment in the show this year was a navigational app giving visitors year round engagement." p Harrogate was recently crowned as the happiest place to live in Britain for the third consecutive year in an annual survey by property website Rightmove.
p A series of guides to help retailers comply with the new Consumer Rights Act, coming in to force in October, has been created on the government-backed businesscompanion.info website. The guides were compiled under the guidance of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. p According to a recent government paper, potential good news for high streets is that local councils and mayors may soon be given the power to control Sunday trading hours, while out-of-town shopping centres risk facing trading hour restrictions. p Home fragrance company madebyzen, owned by Europium World (UK), is expanding its global distribution with entry into the Indian market. The brand has plans for listings with over 3,000 stores across India. (See A Very Merry Berry Christmas on pages 51-57). p Katie Loxton, co-founder and creative director of JOMA Jewellery, has launched her own eponymous brand based on fashion accessories and accessories for the home. The collection includes bags, scarves and scented candles. p Burleigh was the official partner of Afternoon Tea Week 2015 in August. The historic brand created a mini movie, The Burleigh Tea Fountain, which can be viewed on You Tube. The fountain took 40 bags of Twinings Strawberry and Raspberry tea, and two gallons of water, to bring it to life! Right: Regal Peacock by Burleigh, set for afternoon tea.
p Customer reaction to Dunelm’s new 45,00 square foot concept Bristol store, based in Tramway Retail Park, Brislington, has been “fantastic,” enthuses Claire Sollis, director of buying. Elements of the new look will be rolled out to other stores where relevant. Situated on one floor, the store uses lifestyle imagery to showcase trends. p The rate of economic growth strengthened in the three months to July, according to the latest CBI growth indicator. “A healthy pace of growth puts the economy on a firm footing going into the third quarter and it looks set to stay that way through the rest of this year," says Anna Leach, CBI Head of Economic Analysis. "However, the strength in sterling continues to cause headaches for exporters trying to sell inside the Eurozone." p The number of retail chains going into administration in England fell by 32% this year. (Source: Deloitte) p Over the past year, there are 376 more occupied units in the top 650 town centres in the UK. (Source: Local Data Company) PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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Giving & Living Ideas that sell. A vibrant trade show – packed with a year’s worth of ideas.
Entry is free for trade buyers. Call 01934 733456 or register online. Stands are selling fast – to enquire call 01934 733433.
Exeter 17-20 January 2016 www.givingliving.co.uk
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Gift | Coast | Home
This trade only event is organised by Hale Events Limited, Premier House, Old Church Road, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2BQ Telephone: 01934 733433
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Industry News
Thinking Of You Week Toolkit Is Live For Retailers To Tap Into With greeting cards continuing to be a strong growth area for many retailers, the Greeting Card Association (GCA) is encouraging all retailers who sell cards to participate in its Thinking Of You campaign, which takes place from September 21-27. The initiative however, is not only for retailers as suppliers are also being encouraged Above: The Thinking Of You flyer. to get on board and organise events within their organisations. Following on from the success of the inaugural event last year - which set out to encourage people to send a greeting card to a different person every day - the second event is now underway, with a free toolkit available for retailers to download from the GCA's website. It features inspirational ideas for activities and events, with downloadable imagery including banner branding, a flyer, an event poster, social media cover imagery, a sticker and label templates, together with a template press release and a list of local press contacts. "Thinking Of You Week has already got off to a cracking start, with awareness set to soar in what is only the second year of the event," states Sharon Little, chief executive of the GCA which instigated the event. As with last year, there will be prizes for Best Event and Best Window Display, with retailers invited to share or email their photos to Sharon - gca@max-publishing.co.uk - during the campaign. Several larger retailers - and their magazines - have already pledged their support. In addition, top consumer magazine Crafts Beautiful (readership 100,000) is also on board. Visit www.greetingcardassociation.org.uk/news/launch-of-the-thinking-of-you-week-toolkit-2015.
British Heritage Debuts In Paris Maison&Objet Paris sees a shake up this year, with some 70% of exhibitors re-located to refresh its format in an evolving market place. Among the UK exhibitors at the show - which takes place at Paris-Nord Villepinte September 4-8 - will be luxury fine bone china company Chamberlain & Co, from the Royal Porcelain Works in Worcestershire, founded over 200 years ago by Robert Chamberlain. Debuting at the show are four new Chamberlain & Co collections, with each article created by hand and finished to exacting standards, confirm the company. Heritage, botanicals and Georgian splendour are the main themes of the inaugural anthology, with chinoiserie reminiscent of The Potteries in their prime. Left: Chamberlain's Heritage Garden Broadway vase.
The Gift Of Giving Returning Giving & Living exhibitor Oriele Bronze & Glass was recently announced as the winner of a marketing package, worth over £1,250, with the prize draw open to companies who booked their stand in July. The company, which produces a range of sculpture, featuring mainly British wildlife, will be exhibiting in the Designed & Made in Britain area. A second exhibitor prize draw will be held in September. A highlight of the show in January, will be a special area dedicated to targeting the holiday market, with products showcased alongside general giftware and homeware. Items range from 50p pocket money gifts to oneoff British made gallery pieces. The show, organised by Hale Events, takes place at the Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter, and runs from Sunday January 17 to Wednesday January 20 2016. Visit www.givingliving.co.uk.
Write On In 2016 Building on its huge success this year, the 2016 National Stationery Week will take place April 25-May 1, 2016, with the London Stationery Show taking place on April 26-27, and World Stationery Day on April 27. “National Stationery Week is driving the debate about the importance and relevance of writing by hand in a digital age, and championing stationery and writing products to the consumer,” says organiser Chris Leonard-Morgan. This year’s National Stationery Week, Get Britain Writing and Get Kids Writing campaign, organised by the London Stationery Show, achieved record levels of retailer and consumer engagement, attracting £millions worth of coverage, with OTS figure in excess of 60 million. The event, now in its fifth year, saw major and independent retailers - including Paperchase, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Tesco and The Pen Shop - getting involved in store, online and on social media with many running special promotions. Visit www.nationalstationeryweek.com
Fashion Trends Unveiled At Tendence Fashion accessories, to include scarves, shawls, handbags and belts, will be showcased by over 350 exhibitors at Tendence, taking place at Messe Frankfurt, from August 29 to September 1. “Buyers will find fashion accessories and jewellery likely to be in demand during the coming season with the product lines an ideal addition to other core assortments,” says Yvonne Engelmann, director of Giving at Tendence. "Buyers always have to think a season ahead, so summer is the time to order what will be in the shops next winter. Meanwhile, a glance at the accessories collections for the coming season shows that opposites will dominate this Autumn/Winter, with feminine and gaudy '60s and '70s styles clashing with a Gothic look." Alongside 1,200 international exhibitors showcasing unlimited gifts, interiors, seasonal decoration, personal accessories and fashion, this year’s edition will be showcasing a modern arts and craft sector too. Over 24 designers will be presenting their innovative designs in the Talents area of the fair. Visit www.tendence.messefrankfurt.com
With Christmas In Mind Exhibitors will be showcasing their Christmas ranges at Scotland's Trade Fair Autumn, which takes place at the SECC, Glasgow on September 20-21. “Many retailers like to wait until the summer season is over before ordering Christmas stock," says Mark Saunders, md of organisers Springboard Events. "The focus of many exhibitors is for impulse purchase, well designed and commercial gift ideas which are perfect for small presents and stocking fillers, as well as larger Christmas presents.”
Five Star Furniture Show The January Furniture Show, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham from January 24-27, is expanding in Hall 5 confirming its position as the UK's biggest furniture and furnishings event. Explains co-director Laraine Janes:"We have extended Hall 5 to increase the offering to visitors and to add greater variety, making it a ‘one stop shop'. Our aim from the beginning has always been to keep the show focused and relevant so while we have expanded we are controlling the growth so that it's to the benefit of the visitors and exhibitors." Over 50 new companies have signed up to join the 2016 show. Visit www.januaryfurnitureshow.com Above: Visitors at last year's January Furniture Show.
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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GIFT OF THE
GAB
Shoplifters Will Be
Prosecuted
Guest columnist Sam Malvern, owner of Inside Out in Cheltenham, recounts a shoplifting incident earlier this year that has made her more vigilant than ever. So how are she and her staff are deterring would-be thieves, and what practical tips can she pass on to other gift independents? "Like many independent retailers, my shop is my baby. I do everything I can to protect it. I nurture it, and watch it grow, so when that is jeopardised it’s heartbreaking. A few months ago Inside Out fell victim to shoplifters. Unfortunately, I’m not naive enough to think this is the first time it’s happened, but it was the first time we caught someone red handed as we watched the events unfold on our CCTV. It was a busy Saturday morning in May when staff noticed some items had disappeared from the shop floor. Neither one had sold the items so they started to look back through the CCTV footage. Once they had realised who it was, they called the police. In the meantime, the shoplifters were heading back towards my shop. This was a perfect opportunity for the police to come and arrest them at the scene. However, because the crime wasn’t deemed threatening, we were put through to the 101 service to get a crime reference number. It took until the following Wednesday for a police officer to collect our statements and evidence. While this is an ongoing investigation, so I can’t go into too much detail, it has made me very determined we won’t fall victim to shoplifting again. We’ve stepped up on security, customer service and a general approach to daily shop life. Customer service has always been so important to us, so, after the shoplifting incident, we continue to make sure we greet every single person who walks through the door, which would deter most potential shoplifters to start with. When the shop
Top: Sam Malvern, owner, Inside Out. Above: The shop was recently targeted by shoplifters.
becomes very busy, we make sure one staff member is circulating the shop floor, asking customers if they need assistance, while another one is behind the counter. We are also all very aware of who is in the shop at any given time. Last year, we invested in CCTV for extra peace of mind after we extended the shop to a second floor. It was money well spent as, without it, we would be very unlikely to have been able to identify the shoplifter. One thing I have done since though, is to have more CCTV posters with ‘shoplifters will be prosecuted’ around the shop. I have also made the TV screen behind the counter more visible to show that the cameras are actually recording. Mirrors have also helped to eliminate a few blind spots in the shop. Our CCTV system records over itself every 48 hours, so if you have an incident you
need to make sure you have saved it to an external drive within the given time frame. Like many gift shops, mine is full to the brim with all types of products and can be easy for something to go missing without you realising. Inside Out hasn’t currently got an EPOS system, so I make a conscious effort with merchandising, making sure products are neat and tidy so that I can tell at a glance if something is out of place. I’d been planning to get an EPOS system before this happened, but now I really think it will help me to get a full understanding of stock levels on a daily basis. It will also enable me to see if there is still an issue with shoplifting and, if so, to what extent. In addition, since the incident, my employees and I have made sure we communicate even more with one another. For example, we double check with each other about what we have sold each day and make sure we are aware of anyone looking particularly suspicious. Sadly, shoplifting has increased in Cheltenham recently, with reports of some shoplifters becoming violent - and timestrapped police aren’t always able to attend when called. Businesses are writing the theft off as it’s not worth staff getting injured and the courts don’t seem to feel shoplifting is serious. Therefore prevention is key. As independent retailers we need to make sure we are not an easy target, and to make it really difficult for someone to even consider putting something in their bag without paying for it first!"
Sam's Top Tips For Gift Retailers
❐ Be alert at all time, especially during opening and closing. Get to know what merchandise is most appealing to shoplifters and place it in prominent area where employees can see it. ❐ Inspect all purchases. At the register, take a minute to double-check merchandise, such as purses and baskets, that can be used to store and steal additional items. Even if you’ve got a customer making a purchase, there’s still the chance an extra item or two ended up inside.
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Feedback
Retailer Round
How do independent gift retailers feel about Christmas 2015? What will be driving sales? What are their bugbears? How do they view the future of retail? These were just some of the probing questions PG&H asked a selection of indies at PG&H's annual retailer round table held at Home & Gift, Harrogate, in July.
Table
With the last, and arguably, most important quarter of the year honing into view for retailers, gift buyers are already shopping for Christmas... but not necessarily for festive themed gifts. "Most of what we sell won't be Christmas related, although people do buy Christmas themed presents for Secret Santas," comments Michelle Ellingham, owner of Box of Delights. "However, we have three large windows to fill, so I will be buying Christmas specific items, especially as I always find that whatever I choose as the statement centrepiece is the first item to go. Silver stags are a good example!" highlights Michelle. Liz Killick, owner of Calladoodles, also tends to avoid Christmas specific gifts, although she will be putting lots of Christmas decorations into her shop window. "Locally, we like to have a co-ordinated Christmas high street, so as shop owners, we get together to come up with ideas so that we fit in with each other," she explains. However, Christmas themed products do come into their own when it comes to gifts for stocking fillers, teacher's gifts and Secret Santa presents, with this type of gift tending to be price-led at ÂŁ5 and ÂŁ10. As for the most popular Christmas gifts for friends and family, in addition to
Retail Round Tablers
(in alphabetical order)
l Michelle Ellingham, owner, Box of Delights, Flitwick (25 years); l Liz Killick, owner, Calladoodles, Carshalton (5 years); l Angela and Sam Malvern, owner, Inside Out, Cheltenham (3 years); l Sara Park-Patterson, manager, Bluestone, Barrhead, Largs and Lochgilphead (3 shops); (15 years); l Andrea and David Pinder, co-owners, Presentation, Barrowford, Unit 7, Manchester and Birmingham; and Party Planet, Colne (4 shops); (22 years); l Natalie Yates, owner, Gifts From Handpicked (online gift shop); (8 years) l Sue Marks, editor, Progressive Gifts & Home (chair) jewellery, fashion accessories, home fragrancing, mugs and sentiment gifts, David Pinder at Presentation, Unit 7 and Party Planet, points to jigsaws, especially those that don't have an image on the front of the box making them "addictive and challenging" for adults too. Andrea Pinder highlights retro games, toys and books, such as tiddlywinks, snakes and ladders and Ladybird books. "They're all hugely popular and making a comeback for the younger generation," she points out. Staying with books, Liz Killick will be buying not only children's books but also adult colouring books. "They are a big trend, quite complex in terms of design," she adds. Above: This year's retail 'round tablers'. From left to right: Sara Park-Patterson; Michelle Ellingham; Andrea and David Pinder; Sue Marks; Angela Malvern; Liz Killick; Sam Malvern and Natalie Yates. Above left: Liz Killick. Left: Down to business. The group discuss issues affecting independent retailers.
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The Bangkok International Gift Fair 2015 and Bangkok International Houseware Fair 2015, or BIG+BIH 40th edition, the most comprehensive one stop shop exhibition of lifestyle products, is returning again. Be indulged with thousands of chic, trendiest and stylish lifestyle products from gifts to premiums and houseware with top export quality from 500 Thai and international manufacturers/exporters, 1,600 exhibit booths on 40,000 sqm.
Be the rst to select distinctive and unique product designs in eight categories as follows: Gift and Premiums
Dazzle with special feature zones in the show, such as
• An exhibition of pet product market development project in Japan. • Lampang ceramic product cluster match-making community level ceramic product entrepreneurs in Thailand and Japan, leading to reciprocal market expansions in both countries. • 60+ Project, Showcasing products for the elderly in Japan in a “Select Shopâ€? setting, including furniture / home decorations for the elderly, as well as jewelry, cosmetics and spa products. • Exhibition on Chiang Mai gift and souvenir cluster developing Chiang Mai gift and souvenir cluster entrepreneurs among 20 member companies in 6 products. • Design Hall d with selected trendiest quality products. • DEmark, an exhibition of products receiving “Design Excellence Awardâ€? • Top of OTOP, showcasing nest quality products from throughout Thailand. • I+D Style Cafe’ and TTM + PM Award: Designed as new modern cafe‘ with comfort, relaxing and friendly ambience to welcome visitors, the new look cafe’ is decorated with ecological and innovative products. Also displayedinside are products receiving Prime Minister’s Award and Thailand Trust Mark (TTM). Advisory services will be available for manufacturers/producers to participate in numerous projects by Of f Design and Innovation for Trading Promotion with special emphasis on utilization of green and eco-friendly rawmaterials. • DITP Logistics Pavilion project facilitating and providing fully integrated logistic services.
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Feedback Left: Michelle Ellingham. Right: Sara Park-Patterson. Below: Natalie Yates. Below middle: David and Andrea Pinder. Bottom: Angela (left) and Sam Malvern.
LED 'letter lights' are also seen as one of the big trends this year, highlighted by Michelle Ellingham of Box of Delights, Sam Malvern of Inside Out and Natalie Yates of Gifts From Handpicked, working especially well for window displays where they are big attention grabbers. When it comes to Christmas cards, boxed cards are still in the frame for some gift independents, such as Inside Out, Box of Delights and Bluestone, but Andrea Pinder says that her shops have lost boxed card sales to the supermarkets. "We still sell them, but not as many as we did a few years ago. We've found that as long as the quality is there, people will buy boxed Christmas cards wherever they happen to be doing their shopping." But while Inside Out does well with charity cards, the Unit 7 shops are hit by charities who are supplying their cards direct to local high street businesses such as banks. "At this time of year, it's independent card shops like ourselves who really need their support, so it doesn't sit well with us at all," states Andrea. Christmas singles however, continue to ring up sales for gift independents. "We have customers who know their brands and are happy to spend £4.50 on six Five Dollar Shake cards," confirms Michelle Ellingham, with Sara ParkPatterson highlighting that Bluestone customers are most likely to justify purchasing special, or higher priced individual cards for relations and close friends. "They know the quality will be appreciated," she points out. As for when Christmas starts for independents, the general consensus seems to be that it begins in September, with a small selection of giftware going onto the shelves, and Christmas cards going on display during the second week of October. Christmas windows displays are naturally seen as the most important selling platform, with eye-catching, good quality decorations and baubles a must. Social media too, has become a crucial a promotional tool, along with open evenings and late night shopping, as well as involvement with local schools and organisations. "We also promote Small Business Saturday," says Inside Out's Sam Malvern. "It's definitely catching on, but last year, it unfortunately clashed with the Black Friday weekend." Bluestone meanwhile, works closely with its local Business Improvement District (BID). "It's something I'm quite passionate about,� says Sara Park-Patterson.
But it's not all about Christmas over the next few months. Online gift retailer, Natalie Yates says that, aside from Christmas, Halloween is becoming a bigger occasion. "American trends are getting stronger over here," she states. "Halloween is a good example, but baby showers too, are becoming a bigger gift giving occasion in the UK." However, Halloween has seen bricks and mortar gift retailers lose sales to the supermarkets. Comments Michelle Ellingham, "we used to sell a huge number of hurricane lamps and Heartwood Creek collectables, but the likes of Tesco and Asda have really killed off Halloween for us." As for other bugbears, third party selling is one of the biggest bones of contention, with all 'round tablers' believing that suppliers should show loyalty to their customers. "Companies have to ask themselves, are they a trade supplier or a retailer?" questions Michelle Ellingham, while Andrea Pinder highlights that some suppliers are operating on an uneven playing field, offering their online customers additional free-of-charge products to encourage them to buy, while trumping their trade customers. Adds David Pinder: "People who are price conscious will always turn to the internet first, so the challenge for gift retailers is to find things that are not on there. Ultimately, people do like to see and touch items, which they can't do on a website.� Meanwhile, Natalie Yates' main concern is that some of her suppliers are selling direct to Amazon. At Inside Out, Angela Malvern highlights the ongoing bugbear of charity shops. "We have five charity shops selling new products, and the big gift companies are supplying them, usually with end of line products," she comments. Meanwhile, David Pinder points to garden centres and farm shops evolving into gift shops, while Andrea Pinder reveals how frustrated she gets when suppliers tell her that something is in stock and then only half an order arrives or no order at all. Looking back at 2015, how has the year panned out so far? Most 'round tablers' agreed that footfall had increased. "For me, the average spend has increased too," confirmed Natalie Yates, while Sam and Angela Malvern confirmed that less people have been leaving Inside Out empty handed. Looking to the future, David Pinder points to more challenges for independent retailers, not least the spectre of personal pensions. "It's still voluntary, but if staff want to do it, then employers will have to contribute. As we currently employ 20 people it is sure to have an impact," he points out. He believes that other things will change too. "If the government isn't taking enough in business rates, then an internet tax is highly likely," he predicts. Meanwhile, on a positive note, the overall view was that Christmas 2015 is going to be a good one, with all retailers looking to place 'little and often' orders. So, as the countdown to Christmas begins, it's fingers crossed across the gift retail spectrum that the tills will soon be jingling! PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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MICHAEL WEEDON
SOUNDING OFF
Intentions And Consequences This month, PG&H is delighted to welcome guest columnist Michael Weedon, deputy ceo and communications director for the British Independent Retailers Association (bira). In his first article for the magazine, Michael takes a look at the impact of the new Consumer Rights Act that's coming into force in October, and also points out the cost to independent retailers regarding the new Living Wage introduced in the Chancellor's Summer Budget. But that's not all that's in the pipeline for independents in the coming months, reveals Michael. "In an ideal gift-giving situation, everyone is happy. The giver is happy to make the recipient happy, and the gift retailer is happy that they are both happy and makes a living out of the nett sum of happiness. The actual consequences, and the intended consequences of the transaction match, and the world is a better, happier place. If only all consequences matched intentions. I have a slightly odd job, working for a trade association that exists solely to do good things for independent retailers and, paradoxically, this requires us to spend a lot of time dealing with bad things - the unintended consequences of well-intentioned actions. Sometimes we get the chance to help avoid unintended consequences before they happen. One of our jobs is to work with government, sometimes with politicians, sometimes with civil servants, to help inform the decisions that they are making. These decisions affect millions of businesses, and tens of millions of people, so this is a job that has to be taken seriously. For example, for the past three years, we have been working with officials in a development that will impact on every retailer or service provider everywhere in the UK. You all know the Sale of Goods Act by heart right? If you do then you are unusual. A few years ago Which? did some research that
showed, starkly, that not only did consumers not understand their rights, neither did most people who work in shops – and the biggest knowledge gap was with independents. Faulty product? “You’ll have to contact the manufacturer.” Right? Wrong: the contract has always been between the retailer and the consumer. Now, the vast majority of sales transactions have happy endings, as per my introduction, but a small proportion don’t. From October this year, they will be covered by a brand new Consumer Rights Act which says, among other things, that if a product is faulty (not satisfactory quality, not as described, not fit for purpose) then within 30 days of the purchase the shopper has the right to all their money back. The rules are not that different to those under the old Act. Within six months they can get all their money back after one attempted repair or one replacement, and for up to six years they may be due some of their cash back. It’s all still a little bit complex when it gets to the real world – especially where the beneficiary is not the buyer. “She/he didn’t like it” is difficult to deal with here and the rules still say that the consumer does not have a legal right simply to change their mind. So the government proposed that there be a formal notice of a consumer’s rights
at every point of sale in every shop. The problem was - what would it say? The representatives of consumer interests wrote one version and we wrote another and eventually it was boiled down into an A5 leaflet that says what the consumer’s rights are - but also includes the information that they do not simply have the right to change their minds. You might be happy for them to do so, but that will be your decision, not their right. Had that line not been included the consequences for understanding the law might have been unhappy. Oh, and, at least at first, displaying the notice will be optional, not mandatory. This is a little example and one where it has worked out well, so far, but like all of this type of issue can affect huge numbers of businesses. The intentions behind the new National Living Wage are, doubtless, good, but for shops to fund one 11% increase and four annual 6% increases in a row when shop prices have been falling for two years, inflation is effectively zero and bira members are reporting, at best 1% growth in turnover, all means that something will have to give. This is on top of the new 3% pension contributions that most small shops are now expecting to have to pay. A majority of our members are saying that what will give will be either hours or whole jobs. Other well-intentioned changes coming include compulsory Alternative Dispute Resolution (coming soon), the business rates review (who knows?) and card interchange fees (how will the card companies react?). Will these turn out to be gifts that put smiles on everyone’s faces? In an ideal world they would, but in the real world, consequences can turn out to be quite different to intended outcomes. We keep trying to make sure that it’s smiles all round." PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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Face To Face: Jo Malone
A 'Shot' At Fragrance The name Jo Malone needs no introduction. The Queen of Fragrance, who sold her eponymous business to EstĂŠe Lauder in 1999, is now madly excited about her pioneering Jo Loves Shot Candle Collection, a groundbreaking venture in personalised fragrancing. (The idea came to Jo as she was queuing up for customised Pop-Tarts in Times Square, New York!). Now celebrating her 21st year in retail, and the launch of a successful second brand, Jo Loves, it's clearly another chapter in the rise and rise of Jo Malone MBE, who started out some 35 years ago with four jugs and two saucepans creating fabulous scents in her tiny kitchen. or people who love candles, the name Jo Malone is synonymous with among the most expensive, the most distinctively packaged and the most aspirational of scented candles, fragrances and bath and body products. The fact that Jo - who, as a dyslexic, left school at 15 without a single academic qualification - became the Queen of Fragrance was, she says, in part, through, as a child, helping to create face creams with her mother who worked for Revlon. She also got her first taste of retail helping her artist father with his weekend market stall aged eight, before working for a florist in Belgravia's Elizabeth Street when she left school. The dyslexic Jo was asked to sort flowers by colour, rather than by name, and put them into buckets of water. Somehow, she messed
F
sold them in the room next door. One day, when my surveyor husband, Gary Wilcox, came in from work and made a cup of tea, he wasn't too pleased to find that it had bath bubbles in it. And when he spread a face mask from the fridge onto his toast, he suggested I find a shop to run my business from!" Jo laughs. The rest, as they say, is fragrance history. Within 24 hours of opening her eponymous outlet on London’s Walton Street in 1994, Jo tells the story that she was offered $1m to sell when an American with a fat cigar came in and told her he'd been sent by one of his clients to buy the business. "I didn't sell, of course, because I felt I was just starting out on the most wonderful adventure," she smiles, which, of course she was. "I wanted to do things differently. I wanted the shop to make people feel that they had walked into my home." Jo quickly realised that she had an
it up. "My then boss got angry with me, and I threw the bucket of water all over her and was fired!" recalls Jo mischievously. She then moved down the road to work for Justin de Blanc's food shop at No.42 Elizabeth Street, which is the very same shop she returned to in 2013 with her new retail venture Jo Loves. "Life often brings you back to where you were, but as a different person," she reflects. By the age of 21 - having also cleaned houses and cooked for a living in the interim - the entrepreneurial Jo was married and working as a facial therapist in her own skin care 'clinic' based in the couple's small flat in Chelsea. "I made the products by hand in my kitchen, and also
Inset: Jo Malone in her innovative 'tapas brasserie bar', where tagines, shot glasses and paintbrushes are used to create personalised fragrances for customers. Left: Jo Loves at 42 Elizabeth Street.
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Face To Face: Jo Malone
Jo On...
What Makes An Entrepreneur? p A person who uses tough times to make themselves resilient. p Someone who embraces undiluted creativity and doesn't seek to control destiny. p A person who seeks creativity and perseveres with warrior like tactics.
exceptional and instinctive talent for creating scented products. Word spread, and she was soon struggling to keep up with demand. "The business grew and grew," she states. As concession after concession opened in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Hong Kong, Estée Lauder came knocking. Eventually, Jo sold the business to the company 16 years ago, but stayed on as creative director until 2006. (During this period, helped by the finest medical treatment in New York, she also battled and survived breast cancer having initially been told she didn't have long to live). Although she still believes that selling to Estée Lauder was the right decision for the business, it wasn't necessarily the right one for her. "I can't drive, I can't swim, I can't tell my left hand from my right hand, but every day, I smell before I see or taste, and even though I worked on the BBC TV show High Street Dreams, giving advice to young businesses, and sat on the board of various companies for the next five years, I didn't
Above: A swirl of red gives the new shop its stylish interior, and is carried through into the company's distinctive red and black packaging. Left: Pomelo, the first fragrance Jo created for her new brand Jo Loves.
Jo On...
What Drives Her p Passion p Resilience p Creativity
know what to do creatively," she admits. Desperate to launch another business, she sat at her kitchen table in 2011 with four plastic jugs and two saucepans... "We all start with a vision, a dream. The first fragrance I created for Jo Loves was Pomelo, inspired by sitting on a beach," recalls Jo. Then, five years after leaving Estée Lauder, she opened Jo Loves in the Autumn of 2013, a fragrance 'tapas brasserie bar' for the nose, taking her back to her roots in London’s Elizabeth Street, where she now focuses on new scents, bath, body and candle collections. "It was my 50th birthday. My husband handed me the keys to the shop and said, 'go and be a shopkeeper again'." (A Jo
Loves store has since 'popped up' in Shanghai where Jo delightedly reveals that people were queuing eight deep). Customers can choose fragrances to create a personal plate of scented 'tapas'. Her Bath Cologne is warmed in a tagine and released via a cloud of scented steam; the Bath & Shower Gel is shaken over ice and strained into a shot glass and the Body Lotion is whipped and foamed before being painted onto the skin. The retail outlet has also allowed Jo to pioneer new products. Her latest innovation is the Jo Loves Candle Studio Shot Candle, which allows people to customise their own candle fragrances using a paintbrush 'shot' and a fragrance base. The two waxes are then sealed together customising the fragrance and taking fragrance personalisation to a new level. "This is the first time I have designed a product which invites someone to become part of the creative process making the candle unique to them," she explains. (Currently, she is waiting on a global patent). "When a brand engages with you something amazing happens," Jo enthuses. "It's like your first kiss!" So what else is on the fragrance canvas for the entrepreneurial Jo? "I spend a great deal of my time going around the world telling people how I built two brands, turning creativity and design into a business success. And, of course, I always try and encourage people to think how great it can be to become a shopkeeper," she adds, beaming. (See A Very Merry Berry Christmas on pages 51-55).
Left: The Jo Loves Shot Candle Studio. Right: A Fig Trees Mint Mojito, showcasing the new DIY 'shot' candle concept.
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A4 Christmas Ad - Sept 15-2-PRINT.pdf
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The new Christmas Stories brochure from Premier; including this years latest colour trend swatches for Christmas Tree Trim, Room and Table Decorations launches at the end of September . . .
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DESIGN-LED DECORATIONS AND ACCESSORIES FOR CHRISTMAS AND ALL YEAR ROUND! Find out more at www.premierdec.com or call 020 8624 5678
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Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations
Deck The Tree With
Stylish, mid-market Christmas decorations are growing in importance for gift retailers, with many making them a focus of their Christmas offering to customers. PG&H spoke to some of the leading companies in the market place for their views on how gift independents can create a bit of Christmas magic in their shops over the coming months, as well as what's trending for Christmas 2015.
Create Christmas 'Stories' "Christmas is obviously a prime time for retailers to maximise sales, and gift retailers in particular can benefit from customers not only looking for gifts for loved ones, but also indulging themselves with accessories to enhance their own homes to provide a festive feel," says Joanne Marsden, buyer at Premier Decorations. "Every family celebrates Christmas differently, whether they prefer a traditional approach with a wide variety of bright colours and homemade decorations, or a contemporary themed approach, so it’s wise to cater for everyone’s taste," continues Joanne. "We have a Christmas Stories brochure which helps retailers to choose their themes. Candy Apple and Santa’s Magic, for example, include bright and bold traditional Christmas colours such as red, green, gold and white, with accents of blue, pink and purple. “For a more subtle approach, All is Calm and Swan Lake features a stylish blend of brown, cream and white, and gold, white and crystal respectively, projecting a feeling of warmth and opulence." There are also plenty of decorations with children in mind. Santa’s Magic is a new theme for 2015 and includes fun, novelty decorations which include knitted teddies, frogs and penguins, as well as Santas, reindeer and snowmen in a variety of guises. Meanwhile, for children who want to get creative with their baubles for the tree, there's a range of Christmas arts and crafts, including colour-your-own decorations which come with pens, paint your own pre-stencilled baubles and ceramic decorations.
Get Ready For The Christmas Groupies Piers Croke, sales director at Gisela Graham, highlights that Christmas decorations are as much in demand as teacher presents, not to mention presents for the sort of difficult person who seems to have everything! "Many of our gift shop customers will be getting their Christmas decorations out early in October to attract the flurry of early buyers - known affectionately as the 'Christmas Groupies'!" comments Piers. "November sales are steady, but sales really pick up in December, so for retailers, it’s worth thinking about changing shop window and shop displays in the run-up to the festive season." Despite so many places for shoppers to buy their Christmas tree decorations, he Below: An Old Time Christmas decoration with a twist from Gisela Graham.
Top right and left: Contrasting looks: the sophisticated Swan Lake for adults and the cheeky Santa's Magic for children, both from Premier Decorations.
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Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations points to the hundreds of Gisela Graham gift shop customers who buy them and sell them successfully every year. "Gisela Graham made her name in the independent gift business and that’s where the company's heart still is," he states. "Decorations definitely deserve a place in gift outlets, giving an instant, festive atmosphere both in the shop and in the window - especially at night, where they create a magical feel and help to sell everything else." As he points out, as space is often at a premium, gift shops tend to concentrate on a small range of really special pieces retailing at £4 or £5 - items that can't be found elsewhere on the high street, such as really special hand decorated glass baubles, or old-fashioned blown glass shapes. "These look even more appealing if there is a display that is also a ‘dispenser’, such as a mini tree or a wooden mug tree," Piers points out. "To add to the occasion, retailers should wrap them in tissue to make them even more special, as only a good gift shop can do." The company creates around a dozen themed ranges each year comprising hundreds of unique products that are highly collectable. "We mostly don’t repeat a product the following year, but always aim to sell out to make room for new designs," Piers explains. "We’ve found that some of our smaller, lower-priced pieces get used as embellishments on wrapped presents too." The established genres and colourways in Christmas decorations are all covered of course, but with a new design twist every year. The company also offers unusual looks that reflect current design fads in the wider design field. One is the retro 1940’s concept.
"We’ve got a fun range inspired by the Bing Crosby film White Christmas," confirms Piers. "We’ve picked up a young, urban, mildly iconoclastic vogue for saturated colours, purple, magenta, orange, lime green and royal blue, with a range in that slot. These more sophisticated looks are developed with the gift shop customer in particular in mind. But there will always be traditionalists, as tradition is what Christmas is all about after all. So while red-green-gold has to be represented, we always try to give it a new slant." For children meanwhile, there is Jolly Santa where the company designs consciously jokey, childish products such as tin wobblers and animal decorations. "Most children help to decorate the tree and we’ve always catered for that," confirms Piers. Below: A Gisela Graham classic Simply Nordic red and white design.
Create A White Christmas At Retreat Home, the company is focusing on whites in different shades and textures, across wood, metal and paper, alongside mirrored antiqued glass, and new designs in the company's collection of nickel decorations. "There will always be room for the traditional, it’s what Christmas is all about," says md Sam Green. "But these days it comes with a twist for example, good old-fashioned red and white is reinterpreted with a Scandi feel. Also, metallics are a great, accessible way to give Christmas decorations a modern twist - silver and gold look stunning. They merchandise well and are contemporary without being too avant-garde." Left: Retreat Home adds a metallic feel to its Christmas decorations.
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Make An Early Start "Independent retailers should plan their Christmas stock in advance," says Liza Davies, UK sales executive at RJB Stone/Sass & Belle. "Decorations sell out quickly, so it’s good to be ahead of the game," she states. "The earlier retailers start to sell decorations, the less likely they are to be left with any post-season overstock. A keen eye for the coming year’s interior seasonal trends will keep retailers in line with the competition. We suggest that during the Christmas run up, retailers offer a wide selection of decorations to reflect the diverse range of interior styles. Excellent displays will increase sales, so it's worth investing in several comprehensive ranges to allow for upselling." The company says that the most popular colour themes in Christmas decorations continue to be traditional reds, whites and golds, mixed with woodland themes. "Warm lighting instantly gives homes a festive feel, with classic fairy lights remaining a popular choice, but this season’s trend for warm metals has enhanced this look," emphasises Joyte Brown, PR & communications executive. "Christmas is a fun time for children, therefore cute, whimsical characters are favoured by families, along with Santa slogans and sayings which add a touch of magic, and uplifting, humorous sayings which reflects the good cheer of the season." Above and below: Among the Christmas decoration trends from RJB Stone/Sass & Belle.
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Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations
"Personalisation is such a huge driver in the gift market now that it’s something which retailers have to give really careful thought to in order to maximise Christmas sales." Sell A 'Look' "We’ve noticed a very positive vibe among our gift shop customers while they were compiling their Christmas ranges," highlights Stefan Koldeweij, sales UK and Ireland for Kaemingk. "We feel that independent gift shops are able to make a difference and create that extra 'wow' effect, persuading their customers to buy into the festive season." He says that Chrisrmas is all about enjoying the season with family and friends, the sparkle of the Christmas tree and decorating the house. "So this should reflect in the offering, with relevant products that match - both in terms of style and colourwise so that consumers can identify themselves in the 'look'. For independent gift retailers, I therefore think it’s key to have a well-balanced range," Stefan advises. He adds that while compiling ranges, the company always suggests to customers that they identify their key tree decorations, with a lights set for each theme that they wish to display, buying more in depth instead of offering a very wide scale of products. "This will enable retailers to create a look, and sell the look throughout the season instead of revamping the area over and over again in a season that is already very busy." Each year Kaemingk also offers a child-orientated theme, with a variety of product suitable and appealing to kids. "In addition, we often incorporate a kids section in a more grown-up theme so the style is easy to combine," highlights Stefan. "As a company, it’s an ongoing trend, as young families are a core customer group for many of our customers." Above and right: Two different Christmas 'looks' from Kaemingk: Winter Light and Christmas Morning.
Personalise Baubles With personalisation on the up, Gaeltag Keltika is among the gift companies offering retailers the opportunity to personalise Christmas baubles for their customers via Build-A-Bauble. "Personalisation is such a huge driver in the gift market now that it’s something which retailers have to give really careful thought to in order to maximise Christmas sales," says director Lorena Golfetto. "Consumers are looking for ways to make things special for themselves and their family and this trend is only going to increase." Although consumers can personalise the baubles themselves, it's a service that retailers can also offer too. "This has already proved successful with our other personalisable bauble range, Your Name in Lights," Lorena confirms. Right: Gaeltag Keltika's new personalisable, LED flashing Build-A-Bauble.
Offer Something Different Christmas for the independent market is all about offering something different to the consumer. "There’s no point trying to compete with the big sheds," says Alison Polley, head of sales at Heaven Sends. "We constantly strive to bring the retailers great value gifts and accessories, and by keeping our pack sizes small, retailers can offer a really wide selection of gifts to their customers." The company recommends that retailers should choose a couple of strong themes to bring their displays to life. "For example, they could use our light-up trees or some of our festive plush characters as centrepieces to catch the eye of the consumer. Also, they shouldn't be afraid to try something different!" With over 15 different themes, the traditional range is dominated by the classic Christmas colours of red and green, with Midnight Splendour on trend with black and golds, bringing a more contemporary feel to the Christmas tree. Other popular choices include Nordic themed goodies in Scandi red and white, alongside Santa’s Workshop featuring wooden tree trims and gifts. Adds Alison: "However, for those retailers looking for something that little bit different, we’ve launched Reindeer Lane, detailed decorations in a colour palette full of pastels and highlights of rich coral reds." Top and above: Heaven Sends' Midnight Splendour and Santa's Workshop.
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Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts
Christmas
It's Getting To Feel A Lot Like
As the Autumn trade shows get underway, gift retailers across the spectrum are going to have Christmas gifts festive themed and non-festive themed - very clearly in their sights as they trawl the aisles. PG&H did some early Christmas shopping looking at gifts for £5 and under, £10 and under and £20 and under.
£5 An
ith impulse gifts a winner for d Unde gift retailers all year r round, quality gifts in this price bracket really come into their own for the festive season, either as a token gift for someone, or as an add-on gift to a main present. "This price tag is great as it encompasses children's presents right the way through to people you don't really know very well," says Clare Davis, md of Clare Davis London "Token presents are a great all rounder to show you care just enough, and having these goods displayed in small baskets in a table or near the till with other staggered price tags will allow consumers to make the decision as to how much they want to spend. In fact, they may even move up to the £10 bracket!" Adds Clare: "An example are our Christmas shot glasses at £5.99, where we've just managed to hit that 'pick up as an extra gift' mark to make a £10 sale with a card, and not a £3 card without a gift!" “Our entertaining collection of pocket money
W
Top: For gift retailers everywhere, it's time to stock up for Christmas! Above: With children in mind, among the pocket money toys at House of Marbles. Left: Clare Davis London's Christmas shot glasses. Right: Thinking ahead to holidays, trendy sun glasses from Lesser & Pavey.
of the rainbow as well as stylish sunglasses with a quality lens, to protect the eyes while reading in the sun, from 1.5 strength to 3." Adds Sally, "to make the most of festive products, retailers should set themes in store with dedicated areas 'for her' (mum, grandmother, sister, friend), 'for him' (father, husband, son, brother-in-law), for little ones (first grandchild, niece, god daughter) and for the home."
£10 And
toys are hugely popular at Christmas," confirms Lauren Woodsford, sales, House of Marbles. "Their price points mean they are easy to sell and they make good stocking fillers for lots of festive fun. Many are presented in eye-catching counter displays which look good on their own or as part of a window display offering gift shops an easy way to maximise sales." "A fun idea as a practical stocking filler for a daughter, wife, mum or girlfriend are reading glasses for every day for under £5 at retail," says Sally Pavey, PR executive, Lesser & Pavey. "We have quality reading glasses featuring virtually all the colours
ll suppliers agree that £10 and Under under is a key price point at Christmas, and ideal for stocking fillers, Secret Santa's and teacher's gifts, with a wide spectrum of product hitting this 'sweet spot' for giftware. “Key price points are an important factor within the giftware market, especially at Christmas when customers are faced with a long list of friends and family to buy for and a tight budget to stick to," comments Carrie
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Above: Carrie Elspeth's Merry Christmas Gold Star bracelet.
Shapiro, creative director at Carrie Elspeth. "Our Christmas Sentiments bracelets fit the bill both in terms of price and design. They are made with sparkly gold and silver Czech glass beads, a silver-plated charm and are presented on gold card with a heartfelt Yuletide message, with a retail price point of just under £10.” To achieve volume sales, £10 and under is key, says David Cree, sales manager at Joe Davies. "Our decorative glass bauble Christmas tree tealights retail at £8.99, and Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
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GiftScribes offer a beautiful range of high quality 6” x 4” photo frames. Every themed design allows for personalisation at the point of sale, with family names or a short message; making each one as unique as our extensive range of hanging Christmas decorations. This captures a special moment or creates a lasting memory for display on the wall or as a free standing frame anywhere around the home.
Proven demand • Good margins Small minimum orders • Personal service Christmas by GiftScribes Gifts
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eMail: sales@giftscribes.co.uk Call: 01584 811 190
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Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts combine the important aspects of a great selling seasonal line in that they marry attractive Christmas design with a practical purpose." Continues David: "Of course, retail display is also very important. Merchandised en mass, and well lit, the trees make a truly stunning focal point for a retailer's Christmas selection." Piers Croke, sales director at Gisela Graham, steers retailers to candles. "Christmas without candles? Unimaginable! So anything candle-related is a must for gift shops," states Piers. "Our damask design shimmers with the flickering flame of the candle and will hopefully be a hot seller at £9.99 retail." Another company with home fragrancing and bath and body products in mind is Di Palomo. Rob Tyler, sales director, suggests that at £10 and under, consumers are looking for high quality products that are not ‘over-sized’ but offer value for money. "Highlighting the under £10 items from mid-
Above: An opulent damask candle from Gisela's Graham. Below: United Oddsocks’ Christmas collection.
Above left: A decorative glass bauble Christmas tree from Joe Davies. Above: Mustard's fun Coffee Cup Crew mugs have 'ears' and are ideal for people on the go. Left: Di Palomo's Fig & Grape 'handbag essentials' gift set. Below: Enesco's Cats @ Work range includes stationery as well as mugs.
inside and doesn't splash onto clothes when people are on the move," explains md Reuben Utudjian. Meanwhile, Enesco's Cats @ Work collection of mugs and stationery fit the bill for the office Secret Santa. "The entire collection is under £10 SRP and includes mugs, tumblers and memo cubes," confirms Helen Shield, director of marketing at
higher priced brands with POS material, counter displays and bespoke displays is a great way of maximising these opportunities and differentiating them to the consumer," he underlines. Mugs, of course, come in all shapes and sizes with the range from Mustard quirkily featuring ears. "Coffee Cup Crew mugs, which retail at £10, are double walled so they're cool to touch and use, while the drink stays warm. The quirky silicon lid ensures the beverage stays Below right: The Bright Side's Best Dad's mug from Really Good/Soul.
Enesco. "Kathy Weller's creations all feature witty proclamations about working late, pesky deadlines and using coffee as a cureall! Also, from a retailer's perspective, they're easy to display in a small space." With dads in mind, Lisa Marcuccio, sales manager at Really Good/Soul, points to the company's Bright Side Best Dad Ever mug. "It's a good price point for a boxed item and Continued on page 43
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Seasonal decorations Christmas trees
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Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts makes a lovely gift for £10," she highlights. "Retailers can make the most of the mugs by displaying them with the boxes as a gift, and theming their products for their target audience, putting all the 'men stuff' together rather than just a collective groups of mugs." Meanwhile, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without socks, and putting a new twist on them is United Oddsocks. "For the first time, we have produced some fantastically odd stocking fillers to complement our range of ever popular Christmas gifts," explains md Gary Schaffer. "Each set contains colourful 'odd socks' with Christmas themes to mix and match throughout the festive period. With retailers in mind, they come with hanger packaging for shelf-appeal and easy display. While the adult socks retail at £5.99, the kids size retails for £3.99."
£20 S And U
carves, jewellery and other fashion nder accessories are year round best sellers for gift shops, but adding to the fashion accessory spectrum, and with Christmas gifting in mind, One Button/Hem & Edge has launched a new, warm lined, jersey, embellished glove collection for under £20.
"Exclusively designed, and just a little bit different, they are a real conversational piece as well as a very chic and welcome gift," says One Button's creative director Amanda Angless. "It's a tight collection, with colours and trimmings to suit everyone." Katie Loxton, creative director at JOMA Jewellery, says that £20 and under is an important price bracket for all retailers in the run up to Christmas, but especially for independents. "It holds the golden £15 gift budget, with customers wanting the most for
Above: Dansk Smykkekunst's Othilia drop earrings. Below: Alphabooks from That Company Called If.
their money as it is a considered spend. Our carded 'a little' collection retails at an average price of £12.99, and works because the bracelets are completely focused on sentiment - from love, to free spirit to Christmas - which allows customers to choose a thoughtful gift. Also, the bracelets are an expandable size and all come in beautiful packaging making Christmas easy." At just over the £20 mark - £20.70 at retail - Dansk Smykkekunst's new jewellery collection offers elegant earring designs in a range of colours. "Our new Othilia drop earrings make a lovely gift for a special person at Christmas," says creative designer Malene Storm. "We also provide tissue paper, gift wrapping and packaging free of charge to finish the look." On the stationery front, That Company Called If suggests giving upmarket stationery.
Above: One Button's/Hem & Edge's red gloves with lips. Below: 'a little' Happy Christmas bracelet from JOMA Jewellery.
"Alphabooks are attractively patterned lettershaped blank books in line with the trend in home décor for spelling words or names," comments Sarah Tyson, international sales. "Their style is an appealing hybrid of contemporary and vintage, and the beautifully crafted books are already proving to be a fantastic line for independent shops. Priced at £12.99, an Alphabook is a thoughtful, quality gift that is also affordable." Meanwhile, with home fragrance in mind, Beefayre will be launching new room sprays in gift-able packaging that also have the festive season in mind. "A lovely fragrance evokes happy memories, and Winter Berries is our flagship scent," founder and md Sharon Jervis explains. "We also provide eye-catching POS in deep pink which helps to give Winter Berries that rich autumnal/winter feel." Sue Grant, marketing manager at Widdop Bingham, points out that the £20 price point enters the realm of a more considered purchase. "The purpose of this gift changes," she comments. "It’s no longer a stocking filler or small token of appreciation given to a work colleague or a neighbour. It’s a gift for a family member or friend - someone people are much closer to and so will know more about their preferences. Finding just the right gift at the right price point is critical and consumers will spend longer choosing this gift. Widdop Bingham ideas at this price point include a smart gent's cufflink and tie set in a special gift box, a set of Colonial fragranced candles or a festive robin Treasured Trinket collectable." Above right: Spiced Orange room spray from Beefayre. Above: A festive Robin in Widdop Bingham's Treasured Trinket's collection.
Christmas Trends 2015 l l l l l
Combined copper and pink colourways. Red, gold and silver tealights and glitter cushions. Black vases, lobster, caviar and champagne bottle shaped baubles. Natural shapes, pine cones, hearts and stars. Decorative penguins, polar bears and reindeer in wood, fabric and porcelain.
(Source: Christmasworld, Messe Frankfurt)
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Christmas gift products to be showcased this month.
Quips And Quotes Sure to raise a few smiles, Quips and Quotes from Fairmont & Main offers the solution to any gift-giving dilemma with a collection of mugs, aprons and tea towels featuring a host of witty phrases with universal appeal. All aprons and tea towels are made from high quality pre shrunk 100% cotton drill, with aprons featuring a split front pocket, adjustable neckband and long ties. The traditional tankard mugs are manufactured from high quality earthenware and presented in individual gift boxes. Fairmont & Main Tel: 01924 848300 Email: sales@fairmont.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand F06
Christmas At Its Best Disney Traditions combines the magic of Disney with the artistry of Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore. Highlights from the June launch include: Opposites Attract, to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Lady and the Tramp; Winnie-the-Pooh Story Book Hip, Hip, Pooh-Ray!; plus Baby’s First Mickey Mouse, Pyjama Pals and Baby’s First Minnie Mouse, Bed Time Besties, with the range focusing on Christmas-themed figurines. Don’t miss the new range of Frozen hanging ornaments: Elsa Ornament, Anna Ornament and Olaf Ornament. Each figurine comes in a branded gift box. Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk
Starry Heart Beautiful high quality hanging plaques with a difference. Each heart and star is stamped by hand with fun, sentimental quotes creating a stunning keepsake. Stockists are also able to offer a personalised service where consumers can add special memories, names and dates to create a truly unique gift. With Christmas fast approaching, these gorgeous decorations are a must-have retailing at only £14.99. Come and view this collection, along with all things La de da!, at Autumn Fair. La de da! Living Tel: 01242 250 653 Email: enquiries@ladedaliving.co.uk Www.ladedaliving.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand L30
Christmases Of Yesteryear Christmas at Temerity Jones is a very nostalgic affair, all candy canes, tinsel and vintage baubles. The range sits together well, evoking Christmases of yesteryear spent with family and relations, playing Ker-plunk in the front room and sneaking into the drinks cabinet for a snowball! Add to that our great selection of gifts for him, her and the home, and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! See the full range on our stand at Autumn Fair, online or at our showroom in Waltham Cross. Temerity Jones Tel; 01992 807 477 Email: sales@temerityjones.com www.temerityjones.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand P22/Q23
Countdown to Christmas Music & Movement June 2015 saw a wonderful selection of new festive items to Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore. There are two revolving figurine musicals: Santa and Angel, and a stunning One Starry Night (nativity musical waterball). But the star of the show has to be Toy Soldier Express (Christmas train musical masterpiece), a magical, musical masterpiece depicting Santa in his train that journeys around the beautifully decorated Christmas tree guarded by toy soldiers. Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk
Countdown to Christmas in style with Yankee Candle’s limited edition Advent Calendars, part of the new Baby It’s Fun Outside and Cosy Inside collection. With two brand new designs to choose from – the wonderfully traditional Carousel or charmingly festive House – consumers will discover either a votive or tealight candle in a selection of festive fragrances behind each door, with a special treat on Christmas Eve. Yankee Candle Tel: 0117 316 1200 www.yankeecandle.co.uk
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The home of British vintage hand stamped cutlery
The home of British vintage hand stamped cutlery
Autumn Fair, 6th - 9th Sept Hall 3, Stand L30
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Face To Face: Ashleigh & Burwood
Investing In
Customers In the fiercely competitive world of home fragrancing, Ashleigh & Burwood is setting out to increase brand awareness by offering its customers stylish, contemporary, flexible in-store display units that recognise that one size doesn't fit all. The company is also making important strides down the digital route in terms of product, POS, its trade website and social media, as well as launching a new ceramics range of fragrance lamps, doubling its annual product launches with mid-season introductions, and appointing its first national field sales manager. But even that's not all, as Amanda Hiscock, the company's sales and marketing manager, reveals to PG&H.
aving invested over ÂŁ2 million in expanding the business over the past three years, Ashleigh & Burwood - best known for its attractive air cleansing fragrance lamps, and eye-catching, giftable packaging - is currently investing in its retail customers, setting its sights on providing the ultimate in in-store service. From flexible, bespoke, modern display units to digital POS material; from product demonstrations to retailer initiatives, the company is determined to raise its game, with a diverse selection of display options that work for the tiniest independent gift shop, as well as for multiples, department stores and garden centres. "We are very sensitive as to how retailers want to display their stock and want to give everyone the opportunity to be creative, although we're always here to advise," states sales and marketing manager Amanda Hiscock, who joined the company last December.
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Above: Amanda Hiscock. Right: The Amora complete floor display stand. Inset: The new Simply Ceramic fragrance lamps.
Recent introductions include a 'store within a store' illuminated boutique stand, which sits against a wall or fits into a corner; a cube 'destination island' that can be positioned within a central area allowing products to be viewed from all four sides, and, soon to be introduced, a nest of tables which will give retailers even more merchandising opportunities in terms of seasonal and year-round products. There is also a bespoke stand for Ashleigh & Burwood's upmarket, ultrasonic Amora scent hubs, which allows the retailer to easily display and demonstrate the product especially the two models which enable Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
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Face To Face: Ashleigh & Burwood people to play music via an integrated Bluetooth speaker connected via a Smartphone or tablet. With young savvy consumers in mind, a QR code will soon be featuring on the product enabling people to zap it and watch a demonstration video. Explains Amanda: "We created a separate display unit for Amora because we felt we had to demarcate this new home fragrance method from Ashleigh & Burwood's core range of fragrance lamps which are bought by an established market segment loyal to this particular fragrancing method." So why give retailers so much choice when it comes to display units? "With so many of our products appealing to different age groups, not all of our brands sit comfortably together on one unit. Plus, we want to give our retail customers the opportunity to build up their own modular fragrance design areas in terms of how they display our products in store. We are also working with specific retailers to show them what we can do using their own fixtures and fittings, merchandising the products for
Left: The Cube stand for The Scented Home. Below right: The new interactive ‘shelf wobbler’. Below left: Jasmine & Damson, one of Ashleigh & Burwood’s seasonal fragrance introductions.
maximum impact to make the offer stronger. For example, products can be grouped into fragrance categories such as Fresh & Natural or Woody & Spicy, helping customers to see at a glance what they're looking for, and making it easier to buy at the point of purchase." POS too, has been given a makeover, with a fragrance lamp-shaped shelf wobbler which features a QR code, linking to an informative film about the use of the fragrance lamp. "It not only connects the brand to a younger market, but also increases interaction and engagement with the end consumer," highlights Amanda. Meanwhile, taking hold of the reins on the ground is the company’s ‘eyes and ears’, Steven Powell, who, with 12 years’ experience in the home fragrance industry was recently appointed to the newly created role of national field sales manager. An important part of his new role includes a brief that involves working face-to-face with customers, offering advice on both merchandising and how to increase sales. But it's a two way street, as he is equally delighted to relay customer ideas and suggestions to the senior management team at Ashleigh & Burwood's HQ in Walton-onThames in Surrey, headed up by md Andrew Nettleton, and his father John, the company's chairman. "By this time next year, we will have a new stand and fixtures based on feedback from an Ashleigh & Burwood customer," Steve reveals, "making it the first time we have had a joint effort in this way. People like the fact that we are listening,
Amanda Hiscock: The Lowdown
l Amanda Hiscock graduated in Drama and Theatre Studies, starting work at Proctor & Gamble, followed by a career in beauty, where she worked for companies such as Coty. l Before joining Ashleigh & Burwood, she worked in online and print advertising media, based in Dubai. l Her favourite London store is Selfridges, which she admires for its product, merchandising and inspiration. l She says what she loves most about her job is the one-to-one meetings with customers, and the personal satisfaction of being able to deliver whatever it is that they've asked for.
that we care, and that the company has a head office in the UK and is not remote." Also part of the 'investment in customers' equation is the company's revamped trade website, which allows retailers to order direct online, to check their product history, and also, to see what's in stock and what the current special offers are. In a further boost to the company's online marketing activities, aimed at raising the brand profile, there is also a regular blog, written by in-house PR assistant Katy Smith. On the product front, new this year is a colourful ceramics range of fragrance lamps, Simply Ceramic, that sits alongside Ashleigh & Burwood's original crackle mosaic design, as well as new fragrance limited editions although if any of the fragrances prove popular they will almost certainly be added to the range. (For news about Ashleigh & Burwood's festive fragrances, see A Very Merry Berry Christmas on pages 51-57).
So what does Ashleigh & Burwood see as the next generation in home fragrancing products? “Products which offer the ability to create a bespoke and personalised home fragrance experience," says Andrew Nettleton. "There are a few formats already in the market place which offer this flexibility quite easily, such as the now ubiquitous wax melts, and we think that this will continue to grow." Adds Andrew: "According to our distributor in Japan, personalising home fragrancing is already happening in the prestigious upmarket Tokyo stores. So in the UK, with everything being customised to avoid bland and mass produced, I think we'll be seeing the same." In the meantime, he's happy to put the power of the sale into the hands of the company's customers. "We are listening and we are delivering," he states. Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
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Long, Dancing Flame with the Cozy Comfort of a Glowing Fireplace
For more info please email sales@xystos.co.uk or call 0191 499 1570
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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing
AVery Merry Berry Christmas Chestnuts roasting by an open fire... and winter berries fragrancing people's homes. Some of the top home fragrancing suppliers reveal Christmas will be all about traditional aromas this year leaving retailers spoilt for choice! Deck the halls with boughs of holly, but don't forget the candles, tealights, votives and reed diffusers! "Christmas is all about igniting memories and filling the home with colourways and scents reminiscent of the things we hold close to our hearts," says Jacquie Russo, marketing and communications manager for Heart & Home/History & Heraldry. Kitchen aromas that convey cosy nights around the fire are part of the company's choice for this year and include Waiting for Santa and Christmas Cupcake. "For outdoor aromas, we have concentrated on those fragrances that intimate icicled, snowy exteriors such as Winter Berries and Christmas Tree, which are both brand new for Winter 2015," Jacquie reveals,
"with all fragrances having unique decorative lids complementing the scents, alongside votives, tealights and scented wax melts. We also have a range of matching accessories to help retailers with those all-important incremental Christmas sales." Meanwhile, bringing back fond memories of Christmas mornings is Root Candles, with the company’s Christmas candle filling the home with the full sensory experience. “These all natural candles, fragranced with essential oils and coloured with vegetable dyes will create a real festive feel,” says Stephen Senior, ceo of Root Candles Europe. Laurence Whiting, national sales manager at Price's Candles, highlights that every Christmas, consumers are becoming more stylish, with colour trends often extending throughout the
Top: Heart & Home's new Winter Berries. Bottom left: Price's Signature Damson Rose diffuser. Below left: Di Palomo's Limited Edition Mulberry.
house instead of only focusing on the living room. "This can be true for home fragrancing too, with people creating fragrance trails throughout their homes, with diffusers in less frequented rooms and candles in the main entertaining areas," he suggests. "Variety on a theme is a great way to create this effect. "For example, using three or four different wood or foodie fragrances throughout the home can be used to create the overall effect while keeping it interesting." However, he adds that while we'll be sniffing 'evergreen' fragrances in 2015 such as cranberries and mistletoe - there will also be more sultry and exotic fragrances on the shelves. "This is a continuation from the Spring/Summer season, bringing with it more heady florals and plenty of woods and spices. Examples from our Signature collection include Damson Rose and Prestigious Woods." Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
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Seasonal collections from the world’s best loved candle Advanced orders now being taken +44 (0)117 316 1200 www.yankeecandle.co.uk
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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing
Still Going Strong Pot pourri may seem like a retro way of fragrancing the home, but it has never gone away, and is currently enjoying a renaissance in retail outlets across the gift spectrum. "In the UK and Ireland, our customer base is largely garden centres and small independents," explains Claremont & May's marketing co-ordinator Rob Knight. "What we produce are affordable luxuries that can’t be found in high street multiples, with four exclusive fragrances at Christmas, from the traditional warm Celebrations fragrance to the more cutting Above: Claremont & May’s All edge White Gold. While pot pourri is much harder for consumers Festive pot pourri gift bags. to find in stores, it is a strong selling niche line for Claremont & May, and even more so at Christmas when demand for traditional lines is so strong. We sell pot pourri loose in 2Kg drums, individual gift bags, in glass bowls and in large bags of Exotics."
Creating a signature fragrance for the home is definitely on trend, concurs Rob Tyler, sales director at Di Palomo. "Consumers are looking for more and more sophisticated fragrances for their homes this Christmas, and we've been asked for diffusers that create a soft, inviting atmosphere with hints of fruit and berries. Also, extending the same scent into soaps and bathing products helps to create a signature fragrance for the home, and one that's becoming an increasingly popular trend." At The Country Candle Company, creative director Hamish Smith emphasises that fragrances encompassing berries will be a hot trend for this year, to include pomegranate, cranberry and fig. "For the festive season, home fragrancing needs to be enticing and comforting to include spicy, foodie scents," he highlights. "Spiced citrus, cinnamon, ginger and eucalyptus are all great examples, so fragrances that include notes featuring these scents are going to be popular." Stoneglow's head of design and product development, Hazel Simmons, says that the Above: Wonderwick Blanc from The Country Candle Company's Black Pomegranate collection. Below: Stoneglow's Winter Flowers.
Left: Wax Lyrical new decorative crackle glass additions include snowmen. Below: Ashleigh & Burwood's The Scented Home Christmas Time collection.
company's gel candles remain at the top of the list when it comes to Christmas. "Our customers can’t seem to get enough of them," states Hazel. "Best-selling favourites such as Cinnamon & Orange and Winter Spice, are still the most popular, with newer additions Redcurrant and Cranberry, and Plum and Blackberry, also becoming firm favourites." Also new from Stoneglow for Autumn/Winter is Winter Flowers, as well as the vibrant new red diffuser in the company's Art Collection. Also revealing new fragrances this year is Wax Lyrical. These include Christmas Cookies & Manadarin & Cranberries in the company's Colony range, and Find the Sixpence in its Timeless range, as well as brand new artwork in the RHS Fragrant Garden range for Vanilla & Cinnamon, Orange & Clove & Fig & Plum. The Made in England range also features Mince Pies, a new Christmas scent. Comments md Joanne Barber: "We also
have a huge demand for some of our existing fragrances, such as Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh, where we’ve added a pillar candle this year. Home fragrance accessories are also popular at Christmas, and a new introduction for us is a range of decorative Christmas crackle glass." At Ashleigh and Burwood, marketing manager Deborah Bettinson says that good Christmas scents evoke a sense of nostalgia for Christmases past. "Consumers like to be reminded of Christmas traditions and good times they’ve enjoyed during the festive season," highlights Deborah. "So much of Christmas is about food, so it’s no surprise that a gourmand influence plays an important part in many successful Christmas scents. Continued on page 55
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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing Our Christmas Time Scent answers this hunger with fruity notes of apple and pear and warming spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. The scent is available for use in our fragrance lamp as well as in a diffuser, pomander and room spray in The Scented Home collection." “The end-user demands new and imaginative candle offerings throughout the year,” states Xystos' general manager Tom Sykes. “Christmas is no exception, with users increasingly looking for candles which not only give their homes a traditional look, but make a lifestyle statement.” He says that WoodWick’s new Trilogy candle illustrates the creativity of Virginia Gift Brands. "The company's Christmas Classic gives consumers three evocative festive scents in one product - Cinnamon Cheer, Frasier Fir and Candy Cane Cupcake." As Melanie Stack, president and general manager EMEA of Yankee Candle Europe, says, Christmas is a time for being with
Below middle: New winter fragrances from Yankee Candle. Below left: WoodWick's new Trilogy candle which offers three festive scents in a single candle.
Left: Winter Berries from Beefayre.
Set For Success
family, showing them how much you care, and sharing fun times together. "Consumers are therefore looking for fragrances that are reminiscent of these memories, or other happy occasions, that evoke those emotions, whether as a way of enhancing the mood, or giving to a loved one as a gift. Christmas fragrances, inspired by seasonal food and
What Else Is New? Another form of home fragrancing that has been gaining ground are products that use technology to create a fragranced ambience in a room. "What consumers are looking for at Christmas is often defined by who they are buying for, so products that have broad appeal are attractive," explains Deborah Bettinson, marketing manager for Ashleigh & Burwood. "Our Amora Scent Hubs offer a unique set of features that appeal to the gadget lover as much as they do to the interior style conscious and the fragrance fan." The company's Apollo and Harmonia designs add music too, via an integrated Bluetooth speaker, with music streamed from a Smartphone or iPod for a multi-sensory experience! Also offering new ways to create home fragrancing is madebyzen, one of the front-runners in this new generation of product. "Scentscaping creates an atmospheric mood though fragrance," comments md Dharmesh Bhayani. "Altering specific moods in key living areas not only makes friends and family feel welcome, but can transform a home and set the stage - warm, festive and fun for the living areas." Above: Ashleigh & Burwood's Amora Scent Hub. Left: Athena Pink from madebyzen
More and more home fragrancing suppliers are recognising how important gift sets are for retailers, with Wax Lyrical among them. "Christmas is always a great time for us, so much so that for this year, we’ve entered the Christmas gifting sector with our new gift packs which have already proven to be hugely popular with our customers," says md Jo Barber. Also looking to gift sets is The Classic Candle Company. Says distributor Richard Walkling, "as we move into our first festive selling period expect to see plenty of spices and true festive fragrances included in some of our gift sets which are always a winner for retailers at Christmas." drink, crackling log fires and fond festive memories, still remain key favourites at this time of year. We continue to see a strong demand for the seasonal scents launched last Christmas and anticipate that they will still be popular this year, as an alternative option to our new range of fragrances for 2015. Joining our festive range, and bringing the season to life, is Baby It’s Fun Outside… and Cosy Inside, Winter Glow, Bundle Up, Cosy By The Fire and Berry Trifle. These are all feel good fragrances for the season." For Beefayre, everything has been inspired by the season and nature, with the company introducing three festive fragrances, Spiced Orange, Winter Berries and Figs. "We are using metallic on all our glass containers in silver, gold and pink," highlights Sharon Jervis, founder and md of Beefayre. "The range is a combination of design, fragrance and packaging with the glass print matching the wrap. Both Spiced Orange and Winter Berries contain essential oils, with Christmas the only time that we produce a three wick candle in the Winter Continued on page 57
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scented candles natural soaps fragranced gifts Just relax and see the Seriously Scented ranges from Best Kept Secrets. COME AND SEE US AT
AUTUMN FAIR, NEC BIRMINGHAM // 6-9 SEPTEMBER 2015 // STAND 3G-40 T. +44 (0)1670 512222 E. sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Best Kept Secrets, Coopies Field, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6JT, UK www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing Berries fragrance. Across all our products, we try to stay true our nature vibe." At Heaven Scent, the company is launching its own Christmas candle, Nutmeg and Cinnamon, to complement its already successful Christmas range. "The aroma will be there in candles, reed diffusers and newly launched room sprays," says Sarah Bellis, who is responsible for label design and marketing at the company. "Nothing puts people in the Above: Among the new festive fragrances from Village Candle. Left: Heaven Scent's new Christmas candle. Below left: Paddywax's Happy Holidays. Below right: Best Kept Secrets' luxurious new reed diffuser range.
holiday spirit more than the smell of freshly baked foods with the aroma of holiday favourite spices like cinnamon and nutmeg." Rachel Parker, marketing manager at The Fragrance Lounge, says this sense of wellbeing can also be enhanced with the use of opulent colours to create a soft glow in a room, such as Paddywax's Blue Apothecary which epitomises winter. Adds Rachel: "For gifts Paddywax is offering Happy Holiday, a range of candles that work for stocking fillers and Secret Santa
gifts featuring fun patterns, seasonal fragrances and relevant anecdotes." Village Candles' md, Marvin Lomax, also points to fragrances that capture the warmth and nostalgia that the festive period delivers. "Our dual wicked candles create a fantastic ambience to further enhance this experience. Mulled Ciders, Cedar & Pine, Ground Nutmeg & Cinnamon, Nantucket Cranberries, Mandarin & Siberian Balsam, Rum & Berries, Damask Plum & Pomegranate are just a few of the fragrance combinations we have available to ensure all homes can re-ignite that special memory or create the perfect Christmas environment.� Adds Sue Grant, marketing manager at Widdop Bingham, which distributes Colonial Candles in the UK: "Festive aromas evoke a sense of nostalgia, with blends of familiar fragrances taking centre stage. Candles holders and wax melters are an important finishing touch to the home fragrancing sector as consumers look to use home decorative accessories to add to their Christmas decoration."
Of course, it's not just candles that evoke memories at Christmas. Reed diffusers too, remain as popular during the festive season as they do all year round. With this in mind, Best Kept Secrets has introduced a new series of reed diffusers reflecting the fragrances in the company's candle tins and glass candle ranges. The diffusers also complement the new gift set ranges to include Super 7’s and Three Lites. "We have increased the product range, and added value with colour reeds, great new packaging and a cubed crystal clear glass diffuser," explains director Denise Edwards. "This makes the whole product look and feel much more luxurious and ensures it is a quality seasonal gift." New fragrances include Hot Cinnamon. With so much innovation, both retailers and consumers are going to be spoilt for choice!
Inset: Widdop Bingham's Colonial Candles collection.
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Home fragrance redefined MADE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
New Christmas fragrance Nutmeg & Cinnamon 01225 868788 email: contact@heavenscent.co.uk www.heavenscent.co.uk Facebook.com/heavenscentincense, Twitter/ heaven scent incense @SarahBellis1
Visit us at the Autumn Fair NEC Birmingham 2015 Hall 5 Stand 5H39. Request our brochure: t 01225 794920 e sales@thecountrycandlecompany.com www.thecountrycandlecompany.com The Country Candle Company 路 Aroma House 路 Unit 10 Hercules Way Bowerhill Industrial Estate 路 Melksham SN12 6TS
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest candle and fragranced gift products to be showcased this month.
Shining Star
Seasonal Fragrances Voluspa continues to expand its ranges of beautifully fragranced handmade candles and diffusers, together with striking packaging. We are launching Maison Holiday at NEC Autumn Fair with seasonal fragrances of Vision of Sugar Plum, Spruce Cuttings and Cinnamon, Ceylon and Copal. Visit our stand and see all the Voluspa ranges. Aroma Home Tel: 01793 487684 www.voluspa.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand G60
Stoneglow’s new Modern Apothecary range is the company's shining star for 2015, as proud winner of the Gift of the Year competition. The range comprises both candles and reed diffusers across six fantastic fragrances. New for Autumn/Winter are travel candles and a gift pack. All candles are made from Stoneglow's unique new natural wax blend which offers an unrivalled fragrance throw and performance against other natural waxes. Stoneglow Candles Tel: 0208 595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H27
Noir et Blanc The Country Candle Company has announced the launch of the Wonderwick Noir collection, to add to the Wonderwick Blanc collection, an unrivalled favourite with retailers. The black glass features gold lettering, while the reed diffuser has a smoked blackened glass holder with dark wood effect reeds. Packaging is again black with gold lettering and representative images. The candles offer the same Wonderwick technology with a comforting crackle sound effect. Wonderwick Noir et Blanc are available to order at Autumn Fair. The Country Candle Company Tel: 01225 794920 Email: sales@thecountrycandlecompany.com www.thecountrycandlecompany.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H39
ScentChips UK Launch ScentPearls
Stylish Seasonal Scenterpiece Yankee Candle has revealed a stylish new Scenterpiece Easy MeltCup Warmer for Christmas. Crimson Flurries is the latest addition to the innovative Scenterpiece range, which simplifies flameless home fragrancing into one easy process, and forms part of the Baby It’s Fun Outside and Cosy Inside collection. Scenterpiece Warmers and Easy MeltCups allow customers to quickly swap fragrances without the cooling, scraping and pouring normally associated with traditional melt warmers. Yankee Candle Tel: 0117 316 1200 www.yankeecandle.co.uk
ScentPearls are colourful fragrant beads for use in a ScentPearl electric warmer. Using a low wattage light bulb, the combination creates a warm ambient glow while delivering a powerful fragrant experience. With no naked flame or molten wax, ScentPearls are a safe alternative way to deliver fragrance. For more information contact David or Lucinda. ScentChips UK Tel: 01259 751009 Email: service.uk@worldofscentchips.com www.worldofscentchips.com/uk/en www.triplessupplies.co.uk
New Room Sprays Stoneglow Candles will be introducing room sprays into two of the company's most popular ranges. In Modern Classics, sprays will be available across all eight fragrances in a lovely presentation box and bottle shape to match the best-selling reed diffusers. In White Orchid, sprays will be available across all 10 fragrances in a stylish bottle printed with the black orchid design and presented in a gift box. Stoneglow Candles Tel: 0208 595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H27 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest candle and fragranced gift products to be showcased this month.
Midnight Gold Ashleigh & Burwood is unveiling a new luxury fragrance lamp gift set to its Natural Elements collection. The gift set features new square-cut fragrance lamp design Midnight Gold, which sports a black and gold colour scheme and nails current interior décor trends. A striking, opulent addition to the Natural Elements collection, Midnight Gold comes complete with a Moroccan Spice lamp fragrance in an eye-catching black gift box. Competitively priced, Midnight Gold is the ideal luxury gift set for Christmas. Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand G06-H07
Scented Melt Fusions Best Kept Secrets has recently launched its own scented Melt Fusions range, with a dozen of their best selling scents now available in heart shaped wax melts, with an emphasis on fragrance quality and vibrant colours, and glitter finishes to the melts. A starter pack has been produced for new retailers, which offers everything you need to introduce the range to any retail environment. Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand G40
Seeking Balance The sanctity of myrrh, and the elegance of jasmine, calms the mind and focuses your energy. Taking you further into the world of quiet contemplation, these fragrances are elevated by clover, amber, and the champaca flower. Root Candles' Seeking Balance line combines the science of aromatherapy and colour therapy, allowing the stresses of your day to fade away. Made entirely with natural waxes, fragrances containing essential oil, with a sustainable, crackling wooden wick. Root Candles Tel: 01484 850059 Email: office@rootcandles.co.uk www.rootcandles.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand K66
Christmas Time
Sparkling Champagne Inherently tied to the French culture, this beverage is named after the region where the grapes are grown. Champagne has become the quintessential celebratory beverage. Effervescence, orange zest, peach nectar and ozonic notes complement the berry and pear subtleties. À la vôtre! Contact Hester Rayner for further information. Root Candles Tel: 01484 850059 Email: office@rootcandles.co.uk www.rootcandles.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand K66
Launching in The Scented Home collection this year is Ashleigh & Burwoods’ latest seasonal scent, Christmas Time. The delicious new scent is a welcome addition to The Scented Home collection, a go-to range for adding delicate and creative touches of fragrance to the home. Christmas Time is available in some of the most popular products in the collection, including the popular scented pomanders which have proved to be an exceptionally strong seller, especially during the festive period. Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand G06-H07
Colourful New Diffusers A newly launched range of 12 fragranced diffusers has received an excellent reception at trade shows across the Autumn period, with plenty of positive feedback from customers on the appeal of the range for Christmas gifts. The new range comes with additional aesthetically coloured reeds, and a high quality cube bottle with a replaceable pull off cap to ensure the fragrance quality is exceptional. Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand G40
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Sugared Grapefruit
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products on show at Autumn Fair, 6-9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
New from Luminara Luminara from Xystos, the home of flame and fragrance, gives the realistic illusion of a dancing flame without the worry or risks associated with real candles. New indoor colours are gold and silver, which joins ivory, the only outdoor version available. Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Top Drawer: Stand U50
Crackling Candles Xystos, the home of flame and fragrance, has introduced a further 12 core fragrances to the WoodWick range, whose candles crackle as they burn. There are more than 150 jar products, available in 10oz, 22oz and 3.4oz sizes. The gorgeous Gallerie collection has 18 pieces with intriguing names such as Bourbon Crème Brulee and Lemon Verbena, while Inspirational features uplifting messages on its vessels. Pictured is one of the new products, Cranberry Cider. Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand H01 Top Drawer: Stand U50
Subtle Aquiesse Aquiesse has subtle scents and beautiful product presentation that distinguish this high-end range from other brands. Aquiesse’s Portfolio Collection comprises 40 products – 11oz and 5oz candles in gift boxes and 2oz travel tin candles. There are also reed diffuser gift sets. The same sizes are available in the Black Currant and White Currant collections. Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand H01 Top Drawer: Stand U50
WoodWick With Men In Mind
New From Kringle Candle
The famous WoodWick brand from Xystos continues to delight a loyal and fast-growing customer base. The range comprises hundreds of products across a series of collections, including Reserve, which is designed with men in mind. It has fragrance notes from a male perspective and names such as Driftwood, Leather and Canyon. Each of the candles is presented in a substantial piece of glass with stylish architectural detailing and a front label made of stamped leather. Pictured is Black Tea. Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand H01 Top Drawer: Stand U50
Autumn Fair will be the first opportunity for many retailers to see new additions to the Kringle Candle range from Xystos, which has partnered with the American company. The 11 new scents added to the current 34 include Grey (pictured) which brings together a blend of citrus, florals, exotic woods and musk. Undertones of vanilla and Tonka bean provide an elegant base. Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand H01 Top Drawer: Stand U50
HearthWick Keeps On Giving HearthWick is the gift that keeps on giving for retailers. It’s flying off the shelves, and supplier Virginia Gift Brands is working overtime to keep up with demand from UK stockists. It has been the star of the Xystos portfolio in 2015 with the gorgeously crafted vessels and sensational scents responsible for fantastic repeat business. Retailers can choose from scores of HearthWick products such as Dew Drops, Jasmine and Marionberry. Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand H01 Top Drawer: Stand U50 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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New Range Launch AUTUMN FAIR 6–9 SEPTEMBER, HALL 3, STAND T02-U03 TOP DRAWER 13–15 SEPTEMBER, STAND D29
Tel: +44 (0)1225 789909
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Spotlight On... Licensed Gifts
Brands New For Autumn As the licensing industry continues to grow, more and more brands are realising the potential licensing can bring, with gift suppliers getting behind everything from Star Wars to Kellogg's to L S Lowry to launch exciting new product ranges. PG&H takes a look at what's new for Autumn/Winter.
Xpressions 4U Star Wars
The latest Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, opens on December 18. "Our top secret Episode 7 giftware launches in September, with both classic movie art as well as exclusive new characters and collectables," says Hannah Nallappane, creative development manager at Xpressions 4U. "Star Wars is iconic and resonates with people across all ages. The hype around it has gone from strength to strength, and with the release of Episode 7 this winter, we felt we just had to be part of it."
Puckator Frozen
Frozen has enjoyed massive commercial success as the highest-grossing animated film of all time. "We wanted to expand our licensed giftware range," explains Mary Overmeer, exhibition co-ordinator for Puckator, "and Disney’s Frozen is so popular that we knew it would sell well. We received so many requests for Frozen items that we thought these hand warmers and hot water bottles would be ideal for the Autumn/Winter season as they fit in well with our current festive product ranges." Above: Puckator's Frozen range of hand warmers and hot water bottles.
Above: Xpressions 4U Star Wars Classic.
Widdop Bingham Star Wars
Widdop Bingham has linked up with Lucas Film and Disney to launch a new collection of Star Wars licensed gifts for Christmas. Widdop Bingham will be running some 15 lines across paper wrap and tin storage covering both new material and retro imagery. “This is an amazing link-up with a huge global brand which has stood the test of time," says Stephen Illingworth, head of product development. "Star Wars is a widely recognised franchise offering retailers a huge opportunity during the last quarter of 2015." Left: Widdop Bingham's new Star Wars collection.
Enesco
VW Camper Van By Brisa
Right: Among the giftware products in Enesco's VW Camper Van by Brisa.
Volkswagen is known globally, not only for the nostalgia surrounding the Camper Van and Beetle, but also as a brand synonymous with quality. "Our collection is created by German company Brisa and we are distributing it in the UK and Ireland," confirms Enesco's director of marketing Helen Shield. "From mugs to BBQ tools, each product has a quality look and feel. Many of the items are supplied in embossed branded gift tins, with the branding evident in even the small detail. We were also further encouraged by VW's stance on copyright, with the company actively targeting suppliers of 'illegal' gift product in the UK."
Half Moon Bay
Peanuts And Snoopy A new Peanuts and Snoopy movie is being released this Autumn. Among the licensees is Half Moon Bay, whose Peanuts range features a large biscuit tin, bowls, glassware, a variety of mugs and a retro bag. "There is a new film being released this Autumn which will attract fans from the original cartoon and bring a new generation to the lovable characters," comments Ben Craddock, Half Moon Bay's marketing manager. "The dog bowl represents a new product format for Half Moon Bay and we feel sure it will be a big hit with dog owners and fans of Snoopy," Above: Half Moon Bay's Snoopy bowl.
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Spotlight On... Licensed Gifts
Blueprint
Elite
Having first launched in 2006, House of Holland is now firmly established in the international fashion arena. “Our new House of Holland range appeals to a teen and young adult market that Blueprint currently doesn’t reach with its character and social ranges,” explains Pippa Chamberlain, design and product Above: Blueprint's new House of Holland collection. development director. "The stationery ranges include two distinct design looks. The first is a classic design which features cool, edgy slogans combined with Henry’s classic spot. A second, more 70’s floral style capsule range, follows Henry’s Spring/Summer ‘15 collection and is inspired by 'groupies'."
Rubik's Cube has sold over 350 million cubes worldwide, making it the world's top-selling puzzle game. "The Rubix Cube appeals to not just my own generation, but one much younger, with the original puzzle cube still selling to kids today," highlights James Brierley, owner of Elite. "While Rubix has retro appeal, it is still a current and popular brand, working for our customers in a much broader and more commercial sense. "Our newly tooled novelty Dice tin lends itself perfectly to becoming a Rubix Cube and makes a great addition to our sweet filled offerings."
Rubix Cube
House of Holland
Below: Elite's new Rubix Cube Dice tin.
Rainbow Designs
Shaun The Sheep Rugby World Cup The 2015 Rugby World Cup will be hosted by England from September 18 to October 31. “Shaun the Sheep is a long standing license of ours, and our new licence for this Autumn is the official merchandise for the Shaun the Sheep Rugby World Cup 2015 range," comments Anthony Temple, md of Rainbow Designs. "It will be a momentous occasion, and it has been fantastic for us to be able to create an official merchandise range to include plush and window stick-ons." Left: Rainbow Design's Shaun the Sheep Rugby World Cup 2015 plush.
MAD Beauty
Kellogg's Vintage Froot Loops And Pop-Tarts The latest Kellogg's properties to become 'vintage' Froot Loops and Pop-Tarts - have recently been added to the Kellogg’s roster further enhancing the brand's recognition. "Once again, these brands have allowed our designers to get creative," says MAD Beauty's md Trevor Cash. "In addition to these two new properties, Kellogg’s has further extended the license to include the stationery category, where we won two prizes at the London Stationery Awards earlier this year."
Fiesta Studios L S Lowry
L S Lowry painted people and places in an instantly recognisable style, often recording the industrial landscapes around him. "We felt the license could become a huge success following on from Tate Britain’s successful exhibition, which was visited by more than 250,000 people," comments Ian Perkins, in house designer at Fiesta Studios."His artwork strikes a chord across generations and the appeal of his paintings stretches globally." The company will be launching bags, make up bags, purses, keyrings, magnets, compact mirrors, mugs, coasters, cushions and trunks. Below: The Lowry collection from Fiesta Studios.
Left and above: Among the products in MAD Beauty's PopTart and Froot Loops ranges.
Brand Licensing Europe 2015 Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) takes place from October 13-15 at London's Olympia, and is the only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension. Last year's show was the biggest event to date hosting products from 306 exhibitors and 7,164 visitors from 69 countries. Visit www.brandlicensing.eu
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest licensed gift products to be showcased this month.
Happy Birthday Peanuts Available from Enesco, the Peanuts by Jim Shore Designs features the characters from the ever-popular Peanuts comic strip including Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy and Woodstock. The second launch to the popular figurine collection includes a special celebratory piece and eleven other figurines. The witty personalities expressed by each piece are enhanced by Jim Shore’s colourful folk-art inspired decorations. In Hooray!, an iconic figurine to mark Peanuts’ 65th birthday, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the gang dance and sing in celebration. Cheerful Christmas themed pieces reveal Snoopy and his endearing friends full of festive spirit as they sing carols and take part in the Nativity Play. Additionally, two amusing models show Snoopy entangled in fairy lights as he trims the tree and with Woodstock adding the finishing seasonal decorations to his home. Meanwhile, at an impressive 38.0cm in height, the figurine Friendship Comes in all Shapes and Sizes, is the perfect gift for friends. Later this year, The Peanuts Movie will hit cinema screens worldwide. Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk
Star Wars Pewter Royal Selangor has collaborated with Walt Disney Southeast Asia to launch a Star Wars themed pewter merchandise and accessories collection, which will unveil in the UK at Autumn Fair 2015, Hall 5, Stand 5K60. The first collection will comprise pewter figurines, including limited editions, diorama, tumblers, mugs, flash drives, trinket box and cufflinks. Prices range from: £45.00 - £649.00 RRP. For further enquires contact Royal Selangor UK sales manager, David Mills. Royal Selangor Tel: +44 (0)7766 494 293 Email: david.mills@royalselangor.com www.royalselangor.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand K60
Official Football Alcohol Signature Gifts has done it again! Not only can the company boast that it holds the official licensing for personalised alcohol for Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspurs, but now Sunderland AFC have now joined the party. From bubbly champagne to pure distilled vodka, there’s a tipple for every taste. This extensive range of personalised wines and spirits gifts has been professionally designed using matt and gloss labels for authenticity, and foil printing for a premium look and feel. RRP starts at £10.99. Signature Gifts Tel: 01582 464 809 www.signature-gifts.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand F51
Beano Gift Range Long term Beano comic licensee Lagoon Games has developed fantastic new products to add to the company's successful Beano gift range. New products include water pistols, catapults and spud guns which capture the spirit of The Beano. The Beano also has a strong presence in the adult gift market, with companies such as Gibson's Games, Wild & Wolf, Hype, Jennie Maizels and Comic Art involved in the programme. It is an ideal brand for gift shops. For more information contact Ian Downes at Start Licensing. Start Licensing Tel: 0208 337 7958 Email: ian@startlicensing.co.uk www.startlicensing.co.uk
Transport for London A profusion of iconic designs prevail throughout Tradestock’s core kitchen and dining collection, thanks to a variety of licensing partnerships, the latest of which, Transport for London, has resulted in the company launching new FreeForm trays featuring two versions of the London Underground Map. Meanwhile, the company’s partnership with Royal Mail has allowed for the creative reproduction of stunning artwork from Royal Mail archives including The Definitive Collection, while established artistic partner Howard Shooter’s striking food, lifestyle and abstract photography oozes style and individuality across many ranges. Tradestock Tel: 01823 661717 Email: sales@tradestockltd.co.uk www.tradestockltd.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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Spotlight On... Mugs
The
Mug Bug No matter how many mugs are stacked precariously in the mug cupboard, amazingly there's always room for one more! From humour and text, to florals, sport, hobbies and licensed, people can't help but 'mug up', whether it's for themselves or as a gift. Ahead of the Autumn trade shows - where Christmas sales will be uppermost in retailers' minds - PG&H drinks in what's new for Autumn/Winter and offers tips on how independent gift shops can boost sales over the coming months. Mugs, a bit like scented candles, are the 'go to' gift when gift buying proves challenging, with Christmas in particular a key season for ringing up mug sales. They make a handy gift to pop into a Christmas stocking, or to give to a teacher or a colleague for a Secret Santa present, as well as a gift solution for a male that's impossible to buy for. But mugs are also bought as a selfpurchase - often when a design or colour catches the eye or the humour or featured licence is appropriate. "Gift mugs are a huge category in the autumn for retailers, with sales peaking in November/December, particularly for those male related gifts all for under £10," says Peter Goodman, director, Xpressions 4u. "The trends we follow are mainly in licensed properties which are very hot at Christmas. Among the most popular are the Boofle boxed mugs, with grandad and dad being the top selling captions. Also best sellers are Only Fools & Horses."
Looking to the coming season, Peter predicts that, following the movie launch and DVD launch later this year, Minions mugs will be huge this Autumn, along with Frozen mugs for girls wanting the latest designs, plus, of course, Star Wars Episode 7 mugs that coincide with the latest film launch. "Every fan aged from 5 - 75 will surely get a mug in their stocking!" jokes Peter. Helen Shield, Enesco's director of marketing, agrees that everyone loves a mug. "Most people have a favourite mug at home or work. In fact we rarely launch a new product collection without a mug offering," she confirms. Within Enesco's June launch, the company introduced mugs across its VW collection, as well as Betty Boop, Cats @ Work, Wild About Words and Our Name Is Mud ranges. "Price point is key," highlights Helen, "with the majority of our mugs priced at under £10 SRP." Display is also important, as is offering a good selection, which can Top: One of Xpressions 4u's new Minion mugs. Above right: Portmeirion Group's Wrendale collection. Left: Also new from Xpressions 4u, one of the latest Frozen mug designs. Far left: A design from Enesco's Cats @ work range.
easily be displayed by occasion or recipient. Alternatively, branded displays work well too. Our VW collection looks stunning when it's all shown together." Another company offering an impressive range of licensed mugs is Portmeirion Group. Designs include Morris & Co., Wrendale Designs, Sanderson and Vintage Kellogg's. Under the company's Royal Worcester brand, Wrendale has been particularly successful in gift shops, with the range including an array of fine bone china mugs. New designs will be launched for 2016.
Sue Grant, marketing manager at Widdop Bingham, says that mugs are the must-have gift offer that every retailer should carry, particularly during the coming months. "They offer an easy option to the consumer that won’t break the bank, and make an ideal gift for both a man and a woman, with the choice of mugs on offer covering a range of different occasions - a milestone birthday or wedding, a special sentiment for a special person or a humorous saying." Adds Sue: “Licensed is one of the biggest markets for mugs nowadays, with licenses that tie in with movie or DVD releases among the hottest gifts." Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
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Spotlight On... Mugs As Lisa Marcuccio, sales manager at Really Good/ Soul points out: "Mugs are not just a vessel to drink out of - they have a message," she comments. "If you have a strong brand like the Bright Side for example, it is preferable to display the mugs - complete with their gift boxes - as a tableau feature alongside the other coordinating brand items within the range. This promotes the product’s identity and message rather than simply stacking all the mugs together in one area, treating the product as a utility item and not as a gift experience. Our Really Good and Soul mugs are bone china and a good medium size, packed in a gift box, so they are easy to wrap and deliver as Christmas gifts." Adds Lisa: "Mugs are fun too! They give the user an identity. For example, are they grumpy without their caffeine fix? Are they
Café Culture To promote the café culture experience at home, Creative Tops has introduced more espresso, cappuccino and latte style mugs into its collections. "This season we are also seeing a return to the traditional, with rustic stoneware, copper glazes, deep Autumn colours and influences from tapestry prints," confirms Katrina Lawton, marketing and PR manager. "These trends have been reflected in our new collections from, for example, La Cafetiere and Into the Wild." Above: Among the designs in Really Good's Bright Side collection. Below left: Mugs with men in mind. Widdop Bingham's Ministry of Chaps collection. Below right: Among the latest gift boxed mug sets from Puckator.
the best mum in the world? Are they incredibly rude or suggestively witty? The choice is up to the retailer." Mary Overmeer, exhibition co-ordinator at Puckator, says that gift shops should make the most of mugs during the festive season by having a good variety of designs and ensuring competitive pricing. "Making sure that there’s something to suit everyone is easy, especially with so many ‘his and hers’ ranges now available. Also, as well as an eye-catching display, showing the packaging provided with the product adds value for the customer." She adds that mug gift sets are a great item for gift shops as they are excellent value for money and come ready packaged in a decorative box.
Below: Creative Tops' new La Cafetiere range.
"Novelty and themed mugs are also top sellers," she emphasises. "We have a new range of shaped-handle mugs to suit everyone - festive themed for Christmas fanatics, builder themed with tool-shaped handles, and London icon shaped mugs for London lovers!" Continued on page 75
Size Matters If you thought a mug was just a mug when it comes to shapes, think again! Peter Smith, director at Dunoon highlights the popularity of the company's oversized mugs - around half a litre in capacity. "Because our oversize mugs have been so successful, we introduced the Argyll shape this year, a taller version of our Cairngorm mugs, on the basis that if people are buying a single mug as a gift, they want to give the person they're buying it for something that's extra special good quality bone china that's been Made in England. One oversized mugs make a much greater statement than six cheap mugs at £5," Peter points out. He adds that, in the UK, retailers are performing very well with the company's oversize Cairngorm shape and, in particular, with the Warm Hearts, Starburst and Hot Spots design. "Based on the success of these, we have put the most popular six onto our brand new Argyll shape which is a similar capacity to Cairngorm. Designer Caroline Bessey has also developed 'Blobs!' for Cairngorm which has already received a good response from UK retailers." Also looking to oversized mugs, especially at Christmas, is Boxer Gifts. "Our mugs hold around 600ml of liquid, with our giant mugs perfect gifts for coffee monsters and tea fiends who might otherwise be impossible to buy for," states Thomas O'Brien, sales director at Boxer Gifts. At the other end of the spectrum however, for those that like their drinks piping hot, especially in the winter, Portmeirion Group points to smaller mugs keeping drinks hotter. "To avoid hot drinks going cold too quickly, a mug or cup with a small surface area is preferable," reveals Phil Atherton, group Above: Dunoon's Cairngorm sales and marketing director. shape mugs.
Hot Tips For Retailers
p "Retailers should highlight any gift packaging that comes with the mug, ie gift box, gift bag or tag, as this will really help to sell the item as a gift that's ready to go. Also they should highlight the price point. Anything around £10 is a winner." Phil Atherton, group sales and marketing director, Portmeirion Group p “A mug which tends to be between £6 and £9 is an easy add on to another purchase. We find that retailers tend to use mugs as pick up lines near pay points especially around seasonal times such as Christmas." Cara Roberts, retail marketing communications manager, Churchill China p “For gift retailers, the shop window is the best way to light a spark. Creating a themed window display draws attention." David Gee, md, The Music Gifts Company
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
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Spotlight On... Mugs
Mugs With Man Appeal With men always seen as the most difficult to buy a gift for, David Gee, md of The Music Gifts Company, highlights that mugs play a very important part in the men’s gifts market, especially at Christmas. "It's why we've just launched a range of mugs within our new men’s gifts brand - elements. We have gone down the sports theme route, as there is such a broad spectrum of interests. We feel a lot of colour is popular for these type of mugs, which also act as a contrast to our music mugs which are predominantly black and white." Thomas O'Brien, sales director at Boxer Gifts, says that mugs need to match the recipient. “From the dad who has everything, to the person who wants a bit of bling with their morning brew, we find that our bestselling mugs seem to reflect people’s personalities. How many times have you spotted a mug and thought, 'I know who that reminds me of!'? Of course, no one can ignore the trend for using hashtags in social media and we’ve been inspired to create a range of fun mugs, featuring a hashtag shaped handle and four different phrases.” Above: Among the men's designs in the The Music Gifts Company's new elements range. Left: A Boxer Gifts hashtag mug.
Above right: Among Lesser & Pavey's double walled travel mugs. Right: Gisela Graham's gingerbread man mug. Below right: Novelty Santa and Snowman mugs from Premier Decorations.
Cara Roberts, retail marketing communications manager at Churchill China, agrees that mugs which come in gift boxes make the best gifts. "We try to add at least a swing tag onto mugs so that it still feels like a gift," points out Cara. The company will be launching three new mug ranges for Autumn/Winter: the About Time' collection; Chasing Rainbows and Country Pursuits. As Katrina Lawton, marketing and PR manager at Creative Tops puts it: "Boxed mugs transform a loose mug into a beautiful ready wrapped present. We offer a collection of boxed mugs from the V&A in which all Above: Churchill China's bone china Chasing Rainbows collection. Below: New from Valerie Graham, Christopher Vine Design for Maxwell & Williams.
designs used are from the archives." Michael Stein, md of Valerie Graham, confirms that the company has seen a tremendous increase in UK sales of mugs, which not only offer consumers a good value purchase or gift, but also afford retailers the opportunity to achieve maximum sales. "As our ranges are packaged in matching gift boxes. This also helps retailers build eye-catching displays to strengthen sales and attract impulse purchases, particularly in the run up to Christmas," says Michael. For 2015, the company is also unveiling a collaboration of an exclusive mug collection by Christopher Vine Design for Maxwell & Williams. "This complements the different Maxwell & Williams own designs, meaning we can offer retailers an
even more comprehensive and innovative selection,” Michael explains. At Lesser & Pavey, fine china mugs are a major part of the company's ranges, with everything from wildlife and sporting scenes to occasions, florals and dots, with mugs making up parts of other ranges. "Licensing is key to some of our ranges, with fine china mugs working well when adapting artwork into 3D forms," confirms md Julian Hunt. Adds Julian: "Mugs are practical as well as being something that perhaps you don't buy for yourself. They can help with a celebration for an anniversary, important birthday or hobby, and are an affordable item that makes an attractive gift. Our ranges of mugs cover various sizes and shapes and include travel mugs." "Mugs are great for gift shops at Christmas," emphasises Piers Croke. "They're good for mass displays, prompting impulse purchase, and ideal as unisex minor presents and stocking fillers. Our customers fill them with seasonal treats, such as marshmallows, hot chocolate mix or real gingerbread men. Ultimately, it’s all about the design." For gift retailers on the look-out for a Christmas winner, it could be time to do some mugging up before the festive season gets underway!
What's Trending
p ”Dogs are trending everywhere, with Soul at Really Good launching a new range, Fritz & Dino, which is canine inspired and includes a practical enamel mug." Lisa Marcuccio, sales manager, Really Good and Soul p "Dogs are really popular this season, especially pugs, featured in our Christmas Pugs & Kisses range. Slogans are also very trendy. We have combined the two and created items with animals and cute slogans.” Mary Overmeer, exhibition co-ordinator, Puckator p "Animals are a huge hit, especially our Wrendale designs. Another trend that’s taken off are environmentally friendly ceramic travel mugs. Consumers want more from their mugs and cups, so those with a dual function are currently doing very well. Mugs and cups that are also a candle are a good example." Phil Atherton, group sales and marketing director, Portmeirion Group p "Travel mugs are appearing more and more linked in with the current trend of hydration on the move." Katrina Lawton, marketing and PR co-ordinator, Creative Tops
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest mug and teacup gift products to be showcased this month.
Smug About Mugs Our Name Is Mud products are bold and quirky in size, shape, colour and statement, making them the perfect choice for a fun gift that will last — but they have also been designed to be used on a daily basis. Highlights of the June 2015 launch include Advice for the Bride and Advice for The Groom mugs featuring witty text the perfect gift for a new couple. Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk
Mugging Up Kitchen Craft’s growing mug collection has been enhanced with the introduction of new designs, many of which have new matching teapots and other kitchen accessories. Blue Flower and Blue Trail allow for a mix and match opportunity with items such as teapot, coasters, placemats, glass worktop savers and textiles. Kitchen Craft’s vast mug collection covers classic and contemporary patterns, shapes, materials and prices. A bespoke merchandiser, which holds over 260 mugs in 0.36sqm is also available. Kitchen Craft Tel: +44 (0) 121 604 1111 Email: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk www.kitchencraft.co.uk
Willow Patterns Time for Tea Bringing back the traditional cup and saucer, Lesser & Pavey, renowned for quality chinaware, introduces new ranges of cups and saucers in floral patterns and of the highest quality. The William Kilburn Trellis design is but one design, with neutral base colour and floral that stands out. The ranges also come in blue and black base colours. Each item is beautifully gift boxed to make the perfect gift. The range includes coasters, small tray, travel mug, jugs, medium size tray and placemats. Lesser & Pavey Tel: (+44) 01322 29225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand E02/F03
Blue and white willow patterns enter the ranges of fine chinaware at Lesser & Pavey. Fresh, almost crisp, the new pattern way and style is nostalgic in that it sits so well with today's fashions. The range consists of sets of four fine china mugs with lap trays, canisters, cake tins, cutting boards, cup and saucer, jugs, teapot, tea for one, cake stand, trays, coasters and matching placemats, knives, spoons, fork and cake slice. Lesser & Pavey Tel: (+44) 01322 29225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand C02/F03
Exclusive Mugs Valerie Graham, UK and Eire distributors of Christopher Vine Design and Maxwell & Williams, present an amusing collection of mugs for A/W 2015. Quirky, fun, witty and colourful - that’s the message with this contemporary range of mugs from Christopher Vine Design made especially for Maxwell & Williams. A perfect gift, there’s a Novelty Mug for everyone, from fashionistas to music and animal lovers. Each design is gift boxed and retails at £4.95. Valerie Graham Tel: 020 8200 5100 Fax: 020 8200 5150 Email: sales@valerie-graham.co.uk www.valerie-graham.co.uk
All The Right Elements Autumn Fair has a unique new collection of men’s gifts – elements - based around men’s hobbies to include cycling, golf, football, rugby, tennis, cricket, fishing, motorracing and more. Gifts include mugs and coasters, cufflinks, socks, hankies, key rings, pins and birthday cards. Founder David Gee comments: “The whole concept fills an important gap in the marketplace. With 20 years experience in designing and supplying gifts to the trade, we have taken great care to ensure that the brand has the right key elements." Element (part of The Music Gifts Company) Tel: 01202 57 00 57 Email: info@elementgifts.com / orders@musicgifts.co.uk www.elementgifts.com / www.musicgifts.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand X37 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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DISCOVER A BRITISH TREASURE Gluggle Jugs by Wade Ceramics A market leader in the design and production of high-quality ceramic products, for you.
T: +44 (0)845 481 0206
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest mug and teacup gift products to be showcased this month.
Live To Ride
Hashtag Mugs In this age of social media and online communication, everyone knows someone with the habit of adding a #hashtag to everything they say. Our innovative mugs offer an apt and amusing gifting solution for the #personwhohashtagseverything! From members of the Twitterati to silver surfers, we’ve got the #mug for them. The mug features a 3D hashtag-shaped handle, with the choice of four phrases: #needcoffee, #brewtime, #justsayin and #dealwithit. These mugs are perfect when they’re in need of #refreshment! Boxer Gifts Tel: 0113 395 5596 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand A10
Cycle widows and orphans always struggle to find the perfect gift for their bike-mad husbands, wives, dads, mums, uncles, brothers and grandparents. Bike parts are expensive and the fancy, technical stuff is a mystery to the uninitiated, so seek a different route to their gifting needs! Our bike mug is the perfect present for cyclists. The white mug features a 3D bike-shaped handle and the phrase Live to Ride, the mantra of every keen cyclist. Boxer Gifts Tel: 0113 395 5596 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand A10
Blast From The Past Personalised Birthday Mugs New to the Personalised Memento Company is their range of personalised Purple Ronnie Birthday Mugs. These licensed mugs make great birthday gifts as they can be personalised with any age, not just the milestones! It can be made even more personal with a name on the front and an extra special birthday message on the back. What’s more, these mugs are personalised and despatched in 24 hours, making them an ideal last minute gift. PMC Tel: 01782 744900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk www.personalisedmemento.co.uk A Trio Of 'Blobs' Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand K03 Blobs! is a new range of three designs on Dunoon's Cairngorm shape. It features bold watercolour painted splodges in random patterns and is provided in three different colourways. This range continues Dunoon's popular theme of brightly coloured and contemporary designs such as Splat! and Drizzle to name a few, which have all proved to be best sellers. Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk
Dare Devils is a range of six mugs on Argyll, featuring designs in a retro style. They portray super-fast speedsters including a classic racing bike, a Grand Prix racing car, the Steam Age (train), the Spitfire and Velodrome – cycling and a rocket blasting into space. The rich coloured backgrounds suit the streamline shape of Argyll, with the style remembering the futuristic comics and posters which were very modernistic in their day, and are still on trend today. Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email : sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk
Stacking Up Fairmont & Main’s new mug collection offers something for everyone with a varied selection of shapes and vibrant designs, all on high quality bone china. Designs range from sophisticated wildlife sketches, comical quips, retro designs and colourful animals to fun themes such as Angels & Rascals and Mr & Mrs. Additionally there are stacking mug sets, each with a design motif on the hidden foot, which makes them look impressive as individual mugs and when stacked together. All mugs are presented in eye-catching gift-boxes. Fairmont & Main Tel: 01924 848300 Email: sales@fairmont.co.uk www.fairmont.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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Be inspired. Visit us in Hall 3-Y02 Contact us today: gifts@maranda-ti.com | 01628 523866
Even more stunning Glamour Collection designs to collect
8
NEW DESIGNS
Featuring 12 unique illustrations created by our favourite artist Marilyn Robertson.
Fabulous and fashionable handbag essentials Matching designs: Compact mirror, Lipstick Case, Note Pad & pen, Pill Box and Keyring
CDUMINI MINI DISPLAY 180mm wide x 405mm high x 220m deep
Change sleeves to match the season A collection of twin-sets with interchangeable sleeves showing seasonal messages.
CDUMAXI MAXI DISPLAY 65mm wide x 405mm high x 220m deep
Come and see our new season collection at the fair Hall 3 – Y02
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products on show at Autumn Fair, 6-9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
Sweet Shop Style Brand new from Busy Bee Candles, Magik Beanz Sweet Shop Style Collections - wax melts that really pack a punch. Each themed collection jar contains 150 Magik Beanz in 10 specially selected fragrances, enough for around 200 hours of incredible home fragrance. At an RRP of just £17.99, these are sure to energise your home fragrance display. You can also find stunning new electric tart warmers, beautiful new scented advent calendars and much more at the Busy Bee Candles stand at Autumn Fair. Busy Bee Candles Tel 01550 750419 Email info@busybeecandles.co.uk www.busybeecandles.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand K72
Ready-Made Gift Sets Ashleigh & Burwood introduce two new fragrance lamp gift sets in special edition gift boxes for festive sales. The clever home fragrance solution that cleanses the air whilst infusing it with delectable Ashleigh & Burwood scents, make the perfect present this Christmas. The ready-made gift sets take the fuss out of shopping; complete with fragrance lamp and a lamp fragrance, they make a lasting and thoughtful gift that keeps on giving! Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand G06-H07
Vintage Ladybird Relive childhood memories with The Lagoon Group this Autumn Fair as the games and puzzles specialist is launching a Vintage Ladybird Books collection. The 15piece range includes mini jigsaws featuring artwork from Ladybird's best-selling fairytale range, a memory game and a fabulous cookie kit. To see these and much more, visit our stand at Autumn Fair. The Lagoon Group Tel: Freephone: 0800 252723 Email: sales@thelagoongroup.com www.thelagoongroup.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand T45/U46
The Blue Room Drawing inspiration from the prediction of inky blues being very much on trend in AW15 and beyond, this collection is luxurious, rich and decadent. Its palette is that of a jewel-like Victorian drawing room – deep cobalt blues pop against coppers, ambers and rich garnet tones. For the finest in gift and home, visit Libra. Libra Tel: 01223 895800 sales@thelibracompany.co.uk www.thelibracompany.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand P20 Open Week Event 1 - 4 November 2015, Libra Showrooms, Cambridge
Pre-Historic Dinosaur Gifts Fill your stores with dinotastic gifts this Christmas - The Lagoon Group is launching a range of Natural History Museum dinosaur games and puzzles. The 8-piece range includes dinosaur jigsaws and dinosaur tile puzzles as well as games like dinosaur snap and dominoes. All artwork comes from the NHM archives and all facts have been contributed by the museum's palaeontologist making them highly original, informative and fun. Take a step back to the pre-historic era and visit Lagoon at Autumn Fair. The Lagoon Group Tel: Freephone: 0800 252723 Email: sales@thelagoongroup.com www.thelagoongroup.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand T45/U46
Magnificent Manoir Detailed and intricate, yet grand and magnificent, the Manoir collection features natural wood with gentle, rustic distressing, finished with stunning contrasting materials, be that antiqued mirror, traditional caning, raw aluminiums and dove grey paint. For the best in furniture, lighting and decorative accessories, visit Libra. Libra Tel: 01223 895800 sales@thelibracompany.co.uk www.thelibracompany.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand P20 Open Week Event: 1 - 4 November 2015, Libra showrooms, Cambridge PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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Carrie Elspeth
Visit us at Autumn Fair 2015 Hall 5 K03
EXCLUSIVE DESIGNER JEWELLERY H A N D M A D E I N WA L E S
Huge Selection of Personalised Gifts
Autumn Fair 4G36 & Top Drawer Y31 Showing Autumn & previewing Christmas 2015
New
Owl Range PROUD-MEMBER-OUTLINED.pdf
Tel: 01446 771271 Email: sales@carrieelspeth.com www.carrieelspeth.com
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All products are designed and manufactured at our Stoke On Trent premises
C
Find out how to Register Here
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www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products on show at Autumn Fair, 6-9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
Persian Art
Woodland Wildlife Get close to our native wildlife, even when it’s raining, with these stunningly realistic umbrellas. Choose from the fox, pheasant, deer or duck, and why not take along a matching shopping bag, with the male of the species on one side and the female on the other. You will feel like you are walking in beautiful woodland with every use. RRP £11.99 (umbrellas) £2.99 (bags). Fallen Fruits Tel: 01584 873377 Email: sales@fallenfruits.co.uk www.fallenfruits.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand N31
Hot Tomato has launched the prettiest of trinket boxes and storage solutions to adorn any dressing-table, as well as to complement their fashion accessories collection. The Persian art of paper mache travelled to India hundreds of years ago and is still handmade and painted in the traditional way. Now made in Kashmir, this enduring, beautifully crafted legacy provides a pretty and purposeful solution for your trinkets – what’s not to love! Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tomatouk.com www.hot-tom.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Q10 (Summerhouse)
Sensational Snoozies! Snoozies!, Joe Davies’ best-selling ‘cozy little foot coverings’ from the States, caused quite a stir at the recent Harrogate show where six ground breaking new ranges were introduced. Original snoozies! are also seeing a huge boost in sales following significant reductions in price that Joe Davies is delighted to pass on. They now retail at £6.99 (down from £9.99). All snoozies! will be on display on Joe Davies’ stand in Hall 5 (C10/D11). Don’t miss out demand is high! Joe Davies Tel: 0162 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand C10/D11
Tall And Cooling
Albums & Frames Kenro will be displaying their range of photo albums and frames at Autumn Fair. New albums include the Cottage Flower and Candy series which will feature alongside the new Patchwork baby albums. Lifestyle albums, including Summer Breeze and Tundra, will also be shown as well as the extended holiday range. New frames, including Chester, Toulon and the Kington series, will be shown with the new Lytton and Milton ranges. Kenro Tel: 01793 615836 Email: sales@kenro.co.uk www.kenro.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand K05
Lesser & Pavey introduces tall, quality glass drink dispensers, which have a sealed top to stop the flies, and a tap to stop the spills. They come in two sizes, from 4 litres to 8 litres, and can contain juice or beer. The drink dispensers follows the success of the company's drinking jars with a screw top lid and straw. Come and visit us at the NEC fair this September. Lesser & Pavey Tel: (+44) 01322 29225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand 5 E02-F03
A Moustache Is For Life We’ve all admired the moustaches – now support the Movember Foundation by stocking this collection of gent’s gifts from Widdop Bingham, with 30 different gifts to choose from. Autumn Fair will see exclusive packs of Movember product with POS. And look out for our Movember competition on our Facebook page during November. As a Movember partner, Widdop Bingham is donating 10% of its nett sales of all these lines to the Movember Charity. Widdop Bingham & Co Tel: 0161 688 1226 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk www.widdop.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall5 stand L2/M3 and L11 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products on show at Autumn Fair, 6-9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
Jonathan Brett Illustrations Fiesta Studios have linked up with another artist to produce the brilliantly quirky collection, A Very Unusual Peloton. The series of illustrations by Jonathan Brett feature a badger, a fox, a walrus and more, racing their vintage bicycles. The gifts in the collection include cushions, coasters, and tiles. Keep your eyes peeled for more additions at fiestastudios.com. Fiesta Studios Tel: 01460242464 Fiestastudios.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H02-J03
Colourful Combinations Build Your Own Bauble New for this Christmas is Build-a-Bauble, a range of personalisable flashing LED Christmas baubles. Consumers simply pick a bauble colour, choose their stickers from five themed designs and letter sheets and decorate. It’s a fun, creative concept which parents will love children to get involved with. It also offers retailers maximum flexibility. The choice of sticker themes means the selling period can extend beyond the Christmas season. Fully merchandised stands are available for £799. Gaeltag Keltika Tel: 020 8998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com www.gaeltagkeltika.comhttp://www.cowparade.eu Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand YO4
If you need to add colour to your jewellery offering, visit Miss Milly. Renowned for supplying on trend and seasonal colours, this Britishdesigned jewellery brand has quality pieces at reasonable prices. Look for cranberry, teal and amethyst alongside new gold and rose gold plating. Cotton and viscose scarves are offered in co-ordinating colourways. Branded gift packaging and display stands help create striking in-store displays. All products available now. Register online or call for trade access. Miss Milly Tel: 01905 622509 Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk www.missmilly.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand H48
Metal Wall Art Our unique and vibrant metal wall art is produced at exceptionally high quality. Official VW, Ford, Route 66, Lambretta, MG, Shell, Eddie Stobart and Will Patrons license holders showcasing exclusive designs 2015. The eye-catching and captivating exclusive signs make us one not to miss! Innovative and bold, our approach is different and our signs…well, they do the talking for us! For great new product, join the RHL experience! Red Hot Lemon Tel: +44 (0)121 552 5338 Email: jo@redhotlemon.co.uk www.redhotlemon.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand Y25
Personalised Puzzle Book The Royal Furmily Gaeltag is delighted to present a brand new licensing link-up with UK artist Emily Stracey, who specialises in characterful animal imagery. Her designs have now been translated into a ‘purrfectly’ appealing and humorous gift range entitled The Royal Furmily Pawtraits based around four ‘aristocratic’ ceramic cat figurines. They also feature on mugs, a tea-for-one teapot, tea towels, apron, oven gloves and fridge magnets. Product will be available to order for the first time at Autumn Fair. Gaeltag Keltika Tel: 020 8998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com www.gaeltagkeltika.comhttp:// www.cowparade.eu Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand YO4
Signature Gifts, located in Hall 5 on stand F51, will be premiering an extensive range of giftware, including their exclusive range of personalised books, to include a personalised 50 page puzzle book. The cover includes the recipient's name, with a quiz based on the year chosen and space for a personal message on the opening page. The puzzle book comes in a ring-bound travel size version, and a deluxe cloth hardback, which comes gold embossed with the recipient’s name. RRP from £19.99. Signature Gifts Tel: 01582 464 809 www.signature-gifts.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand F51
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products on show at Autumn Fair, 6-9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
Sentiment Is The Watchword At Autumn Fair, Joe Davies will be building on the success of the company's popular Apothecary message vases with the introduction of brand new Watchword vases. There are a dozen vases in the series featuring fashionable pastel glazes and the unique inspirational sentiment messages that are currently proving so popular. The Watchword vases join over 3000 exciting new gifts on the company’s stand in Hall 5 (C10 D11). Minimum orders are just £100. Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand C10/D11
Say It With Beer Happy Birthday beer mugs, special occasions - 18yrs, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th - or just Ice Cold Beer, Beer O’Clock, and Free Beer Tomorrow, Lesser & Pavey brings something different to the male gift market in the form of beer gifts which include the above as well as toppers. The large standing version comes in three designs - Beer O’Clock, Free Beer Tomorrow and Ice Cold Beer. Fun and practical, there are smaller versions using the same design, as well as a beer tankard to match. Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand C02-F03
Winning Collection Dew, the essential everyday sterling silver collection from the team at Kit Heath, is brimming with great gifts or that special treat for her, whatever the occasion. The Dew customer has a pretty feminine style, and with a gorgeous new collection of delicate floral pieces, using freshwater pearls and combinations of rose and yellow gold, Dew has a winning collection coming for Autumn! Kit Heath Tel: 01271 329123 Email: sales@kitheath.com www.kitheathretailer.com
Light Up The Home Lesser & Pavey will be lighting up the Autumn Fair with LED signs to illuminate the home. It started with Xmas and continues this Autumn with the LED Route 66 plaque, alongside Diva, Beer Bottle, Wine Bottle, Heart Star and Arrow. To see these and many more original gift ideas, visit the Lesser & Pavey stand at Autumn Fair. Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand C02-F03
Bronzed Style Pieces Large and bold, of first class quality and finish, Lesser & Pavey will be launching a new range of style pieces at Autumn Fair. Shown is the artistic bronzed Jockey, but stand E02-F03 in Hall 5 will also have on show bronzed Bulldogs, Horses, Lion, Stag and Fawn, Darwin’s Mistake (a monkey sitting with books), a Pug and a Greyhound. The new range of style pieces will make a bold statement on the stand this Autumn. Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand C02-F03
Gift Crates T&G have a selection of great Christmas presents for the kitchen at under £20, £10 and £5. Newly launched are a range of unique gift crates which are ideal for making and giving something special and unique this Christmas. Each crate is made from rustic acacia wood with different text printed on the front, from 'jams, preserves and pickles' to 'home-made, home grown, home picked'. Suggested retail prices are from £6.99 to £11.99. T&G Woodware Tel: + 44 (0) 1275 841841 Email: sales@tg-woodware.com www.tg-woodware.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand E02-F03
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products on show at Autumn Fair, 6-9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
Celebrating 21 Years! In July 1994, Frith Sculpture was started - and 21 years later they are celebrating the anniversary this Summer and Autumn. Managing Director David Wilkinson comments, "it seems like yesterday we took the gamble and put some shelving and samples in the car and exhibited on a tiny stand at Autumn Fair for the first time. Here we are, 21 years on, with many fantastic stockists and a growing business worldwide! "We now have over 200 sculptures listed giving customers a wide choice of subjects to choose from. Many are sculpted by talented artist Paul Jenkins but we also include the work of six other sculptors. All of our sculptures are produced and finished by hand in our special bronze finish by our talented crafts people on Exmoor." To mark the occasion, Frith is introducing 21 new designs for the Autumn. The creative talents of six of their sculptors is involved and subjects include the new Running Hare, two charming Springer Spaniels, a pair of Highland Cattle Heifers and much, much more. Frith offers a wide range of subjects. Best sellers are Hares followed by Dogs, Cats, and Highland Cattle. Also included are Farmyard subjects as well as Dancers, Lovers and Nudes. Recent introductions have been Stags which have already proved to be good sellers. Special discounted offers and new catalogues will be available on the stand together with a very special anniversary present for all orders over £500. Please contact Frith’s head office if you would like the catalogues sent to you. Contact David Wilkinson. Blue Poppy Art Tel: 01666 577110 Email david@bluepoppyart.co.uk www.bluepoppyart.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 on Stand J45
Rainforest Fragrances Celebrating colour and design from the carnival trends of 2015 and beyond, the exciting new Rainforest collection completes the 'Explore. Dream. Discover' trilogy, launching this Autumn. Designed with gifting in mind, the collection comprises a variety of indulgent fragranced treats for the bath, body and home. Products range from stocking fillers, such as the hanging hand cream at just RRP £3.00, to the exotic glass oil diffuser adorned with tropical birds at RRP £20.00. No parabens or sulfates. Heathcote & Ivory Tel: 020 7483 8383 Email: info@heathcote-ivory.com www.heathcote-ivory.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand H23
Vintage Chic Collections The new Vintage & Co collections by Heathcote & Ivory comprise a selection of very British vintage prints, sourced from a wide range of archived mediums, up-cycled and re-worked to create two new vintage chic collections - Fabric & Flowers and Patterns & Petals - offering an appreciation of the past yet forward-looking designs. Products range from beautifully packaged single lines such as hand cream or lip butter through to gift sets in a variety of sizes and prices. RRPs from £4.00 - £12.00. No parabens or sulfates. Heathcote & Ivory Tel: 020 7483 8383 Email: info@heathcote-ivory.com www.heathcote-ivory.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand H23
Silver Figurines Animals have always been hugely popular for Fiesta Studios with the new collection of silver resin animals on show for the first time at Autumn Fair. It’s an eye-catching array of animals, from cats and dogs to hares and elephants. There’s a distinctive handmade-style to these sculptures which makes them stand out. See them for yourself at Autumn Fair. Fiesta Studios Tel: 01460 242 464 Email: info@fiestastudios.com www.fiestastudios.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H02-J03
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Joe Davies have been appointed by Sheaffer® as their official distributor of pens and pen sets to the Independent Gift Market. Over 50 designs across 3 ranges Beautifully packaged and ideal for gifting Unique designs and finishes Internationally renowned brand Available in ‘Little & Often’ quantiities
Hall 5, Stand C30/D31
Joe Davies Limited. Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk
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Toys t f o S e l b H e at a WARM ME IN A MICROWAVE The perfect bed-time companion. Warm in a microwave to soothe, relax and comfort
See us at the Autumn Fair, Hall 5 J16 - K17 or visit www.intelexgroup.com Progressive Gifts Advert - Intelex.indd 1
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products on show at Autumn Fair, 6-9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
Rose Gold Personalised Jewellery
Stoneware Collection Launches Full of rustic charm, with an organic contemporary edge, Vie Naturelle is a fresh new stoneware collection from Fairmont & Main that will be showcased at Autumn Fair. Beautifully formed in a hand-thrown natural style, the collection features an outer matte satin glaze, coupled with an inner glossy crackly glaze. The collection comprises seven items in five colourways – large, medium and small plates; large and small bowls; a mug and a small jug. All items are microwave and dishwasher safe. Fairmont & Main Tel: 01924 848300 Email: sales@fairmont.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand F06
After the huge success of our silver plated personalised jewellery we have now designed a collection in rose gold plate. With this colourway being so on trend, the new range has been very well received after the launch at Harrogate Home & Gift. Exclusively designed by Rita & Dominique, combined with each charm being hand-stamped by the team here at LDD HQ, there is nothing else like this on the market. View this collection along with all things La de da! at Autumn Fair. La de da! Living Tel: 01242 250 653 Email: enquiries@ladedaliving.co.uk www.ladedaliving.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand L30
Vintage Collection Maranda Ti’s Mi Torch collection is still going from strength to strength. We will be launching our fabulous new Vintage collection at Autumn Fair, a selection of artistic creations inspired by yesteryear. Maranda Ti Tel: 01628-523866 Email; gifts@maranda-ti.com http://www.maranda-ti.com/ Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand YO2
All Lit Up Autumn Fair marks Temerity Jones' first birthday, which will be the launchpad for new designs of the amazingly popular Carnival lights, as well as lots of new, really cool gift ideas for the upcoming gift season. Our Christmas range is nostalgia all the way, and there will be a preview of our exciting new story for delivery in Jan 2016. Pictured is the new range of Temerity's box lights: Stage Door, On Air and Cinema, with others available online and on our stand at Autumn Fair. Temerity Jones Tel: 01992 807 477 Email: sales@temerityjones.com www.temerityjones.com Autumn Fair: Stand 3P22/Q23
Handbag Accessories Simply elegant Handbag accessories from Maranda Ti. Great designs, fabulous counter pack solutions give our retailers flexible point of sale options. Our twin sets come with seasonal slip sleeves to help position our products for Christmas, Valentine's or Mother’s Day events. Maranda Ti Tel: 01628-523866 Email; gifts@maranda-ti.com http://www.maranda-ti.com/ Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand YO2
Cosying Up Bringing the different elements of the festive season to life, the new Yankee Candle Baby It’s Fun Outside, Cosy Inside collection includes four enticing new fragrances: Winter Glow, Bundle Up, Cosy By The Fire and Berry Trifle. Each scent is available as large, medium or small jar candles, tea lights, votive candles or wax melts, and is complemented by a new collection of accessories. Yankee Candle Tel: 0117 316 1200 www.yankeecandle.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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A STAND APART A humorous, action-filled adventure set in the crazy world of gift fairs. Dan is a budding gift exhibitor facing lifethreatening encounters, overseas embarrassments and a beautiful nemesis. Will he survive in the end? More importantly, just how much will depend on his inept handling of the nail gun?
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What a wild ride! And so close to the truth it’s scary. You’re going to love it no matter what you do for a living! -Dene Freeland, Australian supplier/ exhibitor
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BIO – George Lancaster has been involved in the gift and homewares industry, particularly in the trade shows, for more than twenty years. This is his first novel.
To purchase this book visit Amazon Books and type A Stand Apart into the search bar or alternatively for Kindle visit www.amazon.com/dp/B00MOQ100C
Sterling Silver Jewellery
New designs for AW 2015 Contemporary sterling silver jewellery to make every day a special occasion. www.kitheathretailer.com | 01271 329123 | sales@kitheath.com
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products on show at Autumn Fair, 6-9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
Gifts for Music Lovers Whether for keeping time or examining the detail, these individually boxed clock/paperweight and magnifying glasses are each available in two designs - treble clef or quaver. Each metal framed item is hand finished and features a single crystal, adding sparkle to any performance. Clere Concepts Tel: 01635 297911 Email: info@clereconcepts.co.uk www.clereconcepts.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand D02
More Cheese Please Creative Tops presents the Gourmet Cheese collection, a classic range with a rustic edge. Canvas, stoneware, wood and glass all come in to play in this collection that sees a strong mix of materials across a cream and black colour palette with hand painted names of favourite cheeses. Featuring a range of products including cheese bakers, wooden handled cheese knives, canvas baskets, cheese labels, wooden boards and more, this is the ultimate spread for the discerning cheese connosieur. Creative Tops Tel: +44 (0) 1536 207710 Email: sales@creative-tops.com www.creative-tops.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand G23
Luxury Bridge Sets The lightly textured boxed sets are available in four colours. Each is made up of two packs of high quality playing cards, four pencils and a scoring pad. The magnetic lid closure ensures the contents are safely stored and the compact size makes the set easily transportable. Clere Concepts Tel: 01635 297911 Email: info@clereconcepts.co.uk www.clereconcepts.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand D02
Cafetiere For Coffee Lovers The La Cafetiere Pisa collection has been rigorously tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute and has passed their Quality Assessment tests, with the Pisa cafetiere an exclusive design to La Cafetiere. Made from heat resistant borosilicate glass, and encased inside a stylish stainless steel frame with a soft touch handle and knob, it looks incredible on any breakfast table. Produced in gun metal black and chrome, with 3 cup and 8 cup sizes, it’s great for coffee lovers or as a gift for coffee connoisseurs. Creative Tops Tel: +44 (0) 1536 207710 Email: sales@creative-tops.com www.creative-tops.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand G23
Jumbo Jigsaws New for Autumn are Lanka Kade’s stunning jumbo jigsaws, a great educational, fun toy and an eye catching window display too. Visit us at Autumn Fair in Hall 4 Stand A30 and also at Top Drawer! Lanka Kade designs all their own products and is a proud member of BAFTS. Lanka Kade Tel: 01858463850 Email: info@lankakade.co.uk www.lankakade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand A30
Going Wild Wild Things from Devon have been madly busy re-vamping their product range, with products ranging from handmade glass to crystal earrings. Most products are locally made and incorporate Swarovski crystal. Customers range from independent gift shops to garden centres, with 70% of sales going abroad. New designs in suncatchers include glass guardian angels and Pegasus (illustrated). Others include puppies, cats, songbirds, teddy bears, owls and the tree of life. New guardian angel pins, necklaces and earrings are on offer too! Register on the company's website. Wild Things Tel: 01392 211268 www.wildthingsgifts.com Autumn Fair Hall 5 Stand J20 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products on show at Autumn Fair, 6-9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
One Stop Shop The Personalised Memento Company (PMC) is an established supplier in personalised gifts, with a huge product range including personalised ceramics, glass, silver, wood and slate to name a few. They personalise each gift for all occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, gifts for her and for him, to personalised home and kitchenware gifts. PMC are a reliable drop shipper with a passion for quality and service. The majority of lines available to be despatched for next day delivery - the one stop shop for personalised gifts. PMC Tel: 01782 744900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk www.personalisedmemento.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand K03
Exotic Warmies Heatable toy inventors Intelex Group are showcasing their latest line-up of Warmies at Harrogate. Keen to capitalise on new trends, Intelex has this year launched their Cozy Pets and British wildlife range including Badger, Fox and Hedgehog, along with more exotic animal characters including a delightful dinosaur, a pretty Panda and an utterly adorable Unicorn. Intelex’s Warmies range can be gently warmed in the microwave to make brilliant bed warming companions. RRP £11.95. Intelex Group (UK) Tel: 01933 679 777 Email: sales@intelexgroup.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand J16/K17
Natural Wax Candles Parks, manufacturers of natural wax candles fragranced with the highest quality perfume containing essential oils, have introduced some fabulous gift sets. Each set contains 10 candles in 5cl tot glasses, all packaged in a luxury gift box. There are seven assorted sets available, comprising the most popular fragrances selected from the company's Aromatherapy, Nature’s Own, Moods, Parks Exclusive, Fine Fragrance and Black Magic ranges. Especially created for the more discerning and sophisticated, these are wonderful gifts to give and receive or even to indulge oneself with a pampering experience. Parks Candles Tel: 44 (0) 208 8830 6300 Email: info@parkscandles.com www.parkscandles.com
Accessory Cushion coz-e-reader is a funky and practical accessory specifically adapted to hold e-readers, mobile phones and tablets of all shapes and sizes. Our stylish handmade cushions are perfect for supporting ereaders and tablets in bed, in the car, on the train, in a coffee shop, at work or simply on the sofa. coz-ereaders come packaged in their own boxes and create the perfect gift. Twinfin Tel: 0161 794 6963 Email: stuart@twinfin.co.uk and laura@twinfin.co.uk www.coz-e-reader.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand A10
Bee good to yourself The Naked Bee pampering products from Xystos continue to attract an increasing number of consumers who are increasingly careful about what they put on their skin. In Naked Bee they have an easy-to-carry range of products that contain “all the good stuff, none of the bad stuff.” The Orange Blossom Honey bath and body products have personal care needs covered from head to toe – from shampoo to restoration foot balm. There is a free counter display for the range, which includes hand and cuticle healing salve, body wash and body lotion, as well as hand sanitiser, lip balm and soap. Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Top Drawer: Stand U50
Quirky Drinking Jars Xystos, the home of flame and fragrance, is famous for WoodWick jar candles, HearthWick, Kringle Candle and Aquiesse. But it is also enjoying strong sales of its quirky Cello Drinking Jars which are available in numerous colours. From October there will be additions to the range: the new Skull and Owl jars are in three colours, while Milk Bottles are offered in nine colours. Each has an RRP of £4.99. Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Top Drawer: Stand U50 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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COME AND SEE US AT 5H02-J03 FIESTASTUDIOS.COM
Unit 11, Lopen Business Park, Lopen, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5JS Tel: 0140 242464 096_GH_September 2015.indd 1
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products on show at Autumn Fair, 6-9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
Vintage Style Fine China
Festive Diffuser Gift Sets New from Ashleigh & Burwood are two festive reed diffuser gift sets incorporating traditional seasonal colourways and warming spicy scents. The attractive gift box is designed to stand out in store, featuring a stylised gift ribbon and a colourful red and gold insert to hold and display the product beautifully. The two new sets pair the Little Treasure vase with Oriental Spice fragrance and Dragon’s Eye vase with Moroccan Spice fragrance. Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand G06-H07
We are an exciting new brand called Bettimay. We produce beautiful British handcrafted homeware with a vintage style and a touch of happiness. We specialise in fine china which is handcrafted in the traditional way and we love tea. Everything we do comes in a special gift box which is the perfect for loved ones, particularly at Christmas. We are considerably proud that we are a totally British brand, and although we have a vintage style, our use of powerful colours give our product a modern twist perfect for any kitchen or dining table. The brand is named after my two late grandmothers, Betty and May and these are the two collections available, which are based on their memories and heirlooms. Our beautiful use floating florals, gold gilt and contemporary retro roses, mixed with gorgeous sweet shop colours, mean we stick out from the crowd. There isn't a colour you can't falling love with. Eat; Bake; Love Cake, come join the tea-party. x Bettimay Tel: 01792 548932 Email: trade@bettimay.co.uk www.bettimay.co.uk
A Stand Apart Dan is abandoned at the altar, aggrieved from cross-cultural embarrassments, and emotionally torn by a delectable nemesis; his business partner's beautiful daughter. Dan can’t anticipate how elephant pee, used to disguise a bomb, hidden in a box of imported pillows, will change his life for the better. Of course, everything hinges on his inept handling of the nail gun. To purchase this book visit Amazon Books and type A Stand Apart into the search bar or, alternatively, for Kindle visit www.amazon.com/dp/BOOMOQ1OOC
Trendsetting Luxury Brand Jayley is a pre-eminent affordable luxury brand with a distinctive heritage identity focused on creating glamorous trendsetting designs. The epitome of style and elegance, it can be worn on any occasion, with digital luxury across innovative fabrics of silk, devoré, cashmere, lace and suede. Every Jayley piece in AW15 carries with it close to a century’s worth of artisanal quality and unparalleled contemporary design, cut to look beautiful from all angles, flatter and feel comfortable. JayLey Tel: 01782 658947 Email: sales@jayley.com www.jayleycollection.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand G40 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products on show at Autumn Fair, 6-9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
Light Up Your Christmas Tree
Natural Tree Selection This Kaemingk Everlands tree range is completely inspired by nature. With realistic branches, shapes and colours, these are the most authentic looking artificial Christmas trees! All include a 12 years guarantee. Contact Stefan Koldeweij for further information or visit our website. Kaemingk B.V. Tel: +31 543 498 800 Email: s.koldeweijj@kaemingk.com www.kaemingk.com
Decorating a Christmas tree with lights has never been so easy. 1-2 Glow only takes five minutes, then you're done! 1-2 Glow are LED Christmas lights that you can put on your tree in two simple steps: 1. Hang over top; 2. Wrap the lights around your tree. Kaemingk B.V. Tel: +31 543 498 800 Email: s.koldeweijj@kaemingk.com www.kaemingk.com
Decorative Lighting SIL have done it again. This season they have launched an impressive range of Edison style decorative lighting. You will find any size and shape of bulb you could wish for alongside an extensive array of ceiling and table top lamps. Our particular favourite is the retro floor standing room fan light! Come and visit us at Autumn Fair. SIL PLC Tel: 01992 718033 Email: sales@silplc.com www.silplc.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand B10/C11
Green Porcelain The Light Show Featured on Mandarin Arts’ stand at The Light Show at Autumn Fair, this striking ‘bough with cherry blossom’ design porcelain lamp demonstrates the fine decorative skills of Chinese craftsmen through the centuries. Take a peek at other iconic lamps, from the well-known blue and white to pale green celadon and on to rich red and turquoise, many lamps are complemented by matching vases, plates, lidded dishes and incense burners. Mandarin Arts Tel: 01873 812255 Email: info@mandarinarts.co.uk www.mandarinarts.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 2 Stand F43-E42
Ru Yao porcelain was produced near Kaifeng in the North Song dynasty for imperial use. The glaze contains small amounts of iron oxide which oxidises and turns green when fired. With the current interest in the health benefits of drinking green tea, this delicate teapot will certainly be popular. A small Fu dog is the handle, a brown stylised cloud pattern the design, a matching cup doubles up as a teapot stand. Mandarin Arts Tel: 01873 812255 Email: info@mandarinarts.co.uk www.mandarinarts.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 2 Stand F43-E42
Midnight Bloom SIL introduces Midnight Bloom, a dramatic and sophisticated new range for Autumn 2015 featuring graceful floral patterns and timeless scents of Amber Ginger Lily and Wild Fig with Cassis making the perfect accessory to brighten your home this winter. SIL PLC Tel: 01992 718033 Email: sales@silplc.com www.silplc.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand B10/C11
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AMELIA ART GLASS Autumn Additions
AMELIA ART GLASS Tel: 01622 820677
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www.ameliaartglass.co.uk
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products on show at Autumn Fair, 6-9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham and Top Drawer, 13-15 September 2015, at Kensington Olympia, London.
UK Debut
Christmas Collection Thinking ahead to the festive season? Not only has Carrie Elspeth produced a stunning Autumn collection, but this award winning Welsh jewellery company also has a gorgeous Christmas collection ready to launch! Your customers will be thrilled at the variety of striking, sophisticated styles that Carrie creates and, by purchasing any Carrie Elspeth items, they will be supporting a genuine Made in the UK company. Visit our stand and try your hand at our fun-filled Lucky Dip! Carrie Elspeth Tel: 01446 771271 Email: sales@carrieelspeth.com www.carrieelspeth.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4G36 Top Drawer: Stand Y31
Kids Utopia Cosmic thrills from another world! Join Wild and Wolf this Autumn for the one stop toys and games collection Ridley’s Utopia! With classics such as the yoyo, table tennis, domino rally, giant pick up sticks, metal puzzles, wooden puzzles plus new fun giant springy, chattering teeth, kendama, spud gun, moustaches and magic 8 ball! From beyond the stars come the ultimate games for kids and big kids alike! RRP from £3.95. Wild and Wolf Tel: 01225789909 Email: sales@wildandwolf.com www.wildandwolf.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand T02/U03 Top Drawer: Stand D29
Each Qualy item has been thoughtfully designed to make everyday life joyful. Michael, pictured, is not just a friendly face - he's a desk bin or tissue holder. Their well-loved keyring creatures welcome you home with a whim of design and shelter your keys. See Qualy in its own light for the first time in the UK, with a wider range of styles and new items for Autumn. Qualy Email: alice.jackson@qualy-uk.co.uk www.qualydesign.com Top Drawer: Stand A19
Men In Mind Tour de Space and Time with Ted’s new men’s collection featuring handsome brogues and a collage of cyclists through time. The new Ted Baker collection features a watch case, accessory tray, glasses case, notebooks, hip flask with cups, bike clip, bike repair kit, show shine kit and more… RRP from £9.99 Wild and Wolf Tel: 01225789909 Email: sales@wildandwolf.com www.wildandwolf.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand T02/U03 Top Drawer: Stand D29
All Wrapped Up Puckator will be launching a fantastic collection of gift wrap designs at the NEC Autumn Fair and Top Drawer. The new designs include Donuts, Unicorns, Flamingos, Dinosaurs, Pugs, Woodland Friends, Cute Foxes and many more! All available in single sheets with a tag included. Puckator also have a great selection of Christmas gift wrap for the festive season including their very popular Christmas Pugs & Kisses! Puckator Tel: 0800 011 6969 Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk www.puckator.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand K02-L03 Top Drawer: Stand D41
Jewellery Personalisation The market for creating unique and personal gifts has never been bigger. So this Autumn, PoM are proudly launching their own Jewellery Personalisation Kits. Each kit comes complete with silver plated initial charms or beautiful birthstones, pliers and jump ring tool, so your customer can turn any piece of PoM jewellery into something really special. Contact Hayley Smith. Peace Of Mind Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com www.pom925.com Autumn Fair: Stand 4G31 Top Drawer: Stand ZA31
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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month.
Maison & Objet Debut Chamberlain and Co, creators of luxury fine bone china in Worcestershire, make their debut at Maison & Objet, Paris, this September. The Chamberlain name, and that of the Royal Porcelain Works that Robert Chamberlain founded, have been synonymous internationally with quality, decorative excellence and exclusivity for over 200 years. Re-imagined for modern interiors, the new Chamberlain and Co ornamental range features shapes and hand painted patterns inspired by the rich heritage of British ceramics. In addition, the company also creates bespoke pieces. Chamberlain & Co Tel: 01684 310888 Email: enquiries@chamberlainco.co.uk www.chamberlainco.co.uk Maison & Objet Hall 7 J143
Luxury Lighting 2015 heralds an exciting return to luxury lighting from one of England’s most famous and established ceramic makers. Wade invites you to share in its passion for great design and innovation. These exclusive pieces are hand-crafted in Staffordshire and are finished to the highest standards. Offering a bespoke design and development service, Wade delivers unique pieces which enable you to stand out from the crowd – for all the right reasons. Wade Ceramics Tel: +44 (0)845 481 0206 Email: enquiries@wade.co.uk www.wade.co.uk
Pearl Fairies
Ceramic Bakeware
Pearl Kingdom is a new, exclusive collection of Pearl Fairies designed in the UK by Elgate Products. This ‘next generation of resin figurines’ provides a top quality sculpture and finish for each Pearl Fairy figure. The collection consists of 14 beautifully designed figurines with hand crafted wings, a pearlised finish to the white garments and pearls of each fairy. The Pearl Fairy figurines are individually gift boxed. Elgate Products Tel: 01843 609200 Email address: sales@elgate.co.uk www.elgate.co.uk
Wade Ceramics are very experienced in the development and production of ceramic products. These new products, from the Milton Brook range, are made using the finest porcelain. Wade’s bakeware has been thoughtfully designed and manufactured to deliver the very best cooking experience for bakers around the world. These expertly crafted pieces are produced in a range of shapes and sizes to suit all of your cooking requirements. Wade Ceramics Tel: +44 (0)845 481 0206 Email: enquiries@wade.co.uk www.wade.co.uk
Soup It Up Parlane has teamed up with another new, talented graduate, Clair Rossiter, who has created some beautiful illustrations especially for us. Take these creative soup recipe designs that we have printed onto a selection of cotton teatowels and a porcelain soup mug, all exclusive to Parlane. Both sold in packs of 6. Parlane International Tel: 01451 812700 Email: sales@parlane.co.uk www.parlaneinternational.co.uk
Make Light Fall in love with our functional, contemporary products, many of which are designed by Parlane and therefore are exclusive to our brand. Make light of your situation with our new Autumn Winter 2015 collection of showbiz lit wall art, decorative light signs and cool garland bulbs. Parlane International Tel: 01451 812700 Email: sales@parlane.co.uk www.parlaneinternational.co.uk
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SEE OUR SPECIAL OFFERS AT AUTUMN FAIR HALL 3 STAND J45 AND COLLECT OUR NEW CATALOGUES! INTRODUCING 21 NEW SCULPTURES TO CELEBRATE OUR 21ST ANNIVERSARY!
www.frithsculpture.co.uk Frith Sculptures.indd 1
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Innovations
Autumn Fair
A Selection of products on show at Autumn Fair, 6 - 9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
Pets Win Prizes UK Greeting is launching new products into its Studio Pets by Myrna licenced range. There are new gift wraps, bags and a new card range on offer featuring the adorable baby animals photographed in super cute settings, with stylish props and stunning and fashionable graphics. There’s also a new downloadable app to view videos staring the lovable pets! UK Greetings 01924 465200 Cardgains Village Hall 4 Stand E20-F21
Get Knitted Flitter Fantasy The new Ooh La La card collection from Cherry Orchard is a gorgeous new relations and occasions range of 28 designs. Using delicate pastel palettes and retro images, such as ornate vintage birdcages and bicycles, the range is embellished with delicate floral displays and a flitter finish in a contemporary square format with inserts and coloured envelopes. Cherry Orchard Publishing 01684 295500 www.cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk Cardgains Village Hall 4 Stand E20-F21
Say It With Beer Lesser & Pavey brings something different to the male gift market in the form of beer themed gifts, including Happy Birthday Beer Mugs for milestone birthdays and other fun captions including ‘Ice Cold Beer’, ‘Beer O’Clock’, and ‘Free Beer Tomorrow’. There are also bottle openers in large and small versions and a beer tankard to match. Lesser & Pavey 01322 279225 www.leonardo.co.uk Hall 5 Stand E02-F03
Finishes Line
Blue Eyed Sun is releasing Knit Wit at Autumn Fair, a new range based on original hand-knitted artworks by textile artist, Jo Corner. This colourful eye-catching range includes eight Valentine’s designs, sized 130mm x 179mm, all sold wrapped with a red envelope. Blue Eyed Sun 01273 823003 www.blueeyedsun.co.uk Hall 4 Stand D03
Launching at Autumn Fair with everyday, relations and occasions designs will be Portfolio’s brand new range - T’too by Ashcroft Designs. Based on the decorative designs of actual tattoos, this range offers specialist finishes, including embossing, and is set to make an indelible impression! Everyday and occasions titles are sized 165mm square, relations cards are sized 165mm x 195mm and all are sold wrapped with a silver envelopes. Portfolio 020 8960 3051 sales@portfoliocards.com Hall 4 Stand E02
Birds Of A Feather Chloe Gardner has released new cards into her very cute Penguins range, gorgeous designs taken from Chloe’s original artwork made out of Guinea fowl feathers and inspired by the penguins in Edinburgh Zoo. There are now 15 cards in the range, covering everyday and Christmas, with two types of Christmas packs, one in a mini square format and three in a 7” x 5” format, all with six cards of one design. Chloe Gardner 0131 3315004 www.chloegardner.com Hall 3 Stand DL12 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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® NEW LOWER PRICES
Due to the huge success of snoozies!® globally, production costs are falling. For 2015 we have our lowest ever prices. There are copycat products but NONE offer snoozies!® quality and choice.
MORE CHOICE
25 collections • Over More than 150 designs • Huge array of fabrics • Adults, Kids, Tweens and baby •
ADULT ® FROM
MORE COMFORT
Sherpa Fleece lined • Double High quality fabrics • NEW improved Ballerina Sole • Heavy fabric and fleece weights •
£6.99
RETAIL
MORE SALES
have sold enough snoozies • We for 1 in every 25 women in the UK brand has many end user repeat customers • The More choice and more comfort = increased sales •
Joe Davies Limited Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk
03/08/2015 09:36:31
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Personalise
your Winter
Wonderland GiftScribes hanging Christmas decorations are highly collectible as personal keepsakes, because they are personalisable for all of the family, at the point of sale. We offer one of the largest collections of hanging and table top decorations for the UK and all are manufactured to a long-lasting high quality; with attention to detail and unique designs.
Proven demand • Good margins Small minimum orders • Personal service Christmas by GiftScribes Gifts
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www.giftscribes.co.uk
eMail: sales@giftscribes.co.uk Call: 01584 811 190
Hand-Woven Tapestry Wall Hangings Hand-Woven Tapestry WallwallHangings Exclusive in the UK, five unique collections of stunning hand-woven hangings from Sage Green Designs. Our Floral, Nautical, Animal, Seasons and Countryside collections feature Exclusive in thecolourful UK, five images, unique collections stunning hand-woven wall hangingsaccreditation. from Sage richly textured, which are of ethically sourced with “GoodWeave” Green Designs. Our Floral,souvenirs Nautical, and Animal, Seasons and Countryside collections feature They are ideal for gifting, interior design, with prices starting from £8.25. richly textured, colourful images, which are ethically sourced with “GoodWeave” accreditation. They are ideal for gifting, souvenirs and interior design, with prices starting from £8.25. 3 Ash Gardens, South Marston, Wiltshire, SN3 4XX T:Ash 01793 686 516 F: 01793 250Wiltshire, 013 3 Gardens, South Marston, SN3 4XX Email:sales@sagegreendesigns.com T: 01793 686 516 F: 01793 250 013 www.sagegreendesigns.com Email:sales@sagegreendesigns.com
www.sagegreendesigns.com
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Innovations
Autumn Fair
A Selection of products on show at Autumn Fair, 6 - 9 September 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
All Things Bright Six new additions to Really Good’s the Bright Side range are being launched at Autumn Fair bringing this ever-popular block printed quirky greetings range to 115 designs. There are five relations cards and one birthday all sized 145mm x 174mm, blank inside and supplied wrapped with white envelopes. Really Good 01235 537888 Hall 4 Stand A01
Totter Ye Not Heart Beat Tomcat Cards has added another new artist to its talented stable, with its Rhythm of Life range from Rhonda Davies. These bright and colourful cards come in two sizes, 24 in 6" square and 12 in a 7" x 5" format. Ranging from the slightly whimsical to the uplifting, all the designs are beautifully printed with lots of bold colours. Tomcat Cards 01243 837300 www.tomcatcards.co.uk Hall 4 Stand D21
All Together Now
Every week for over 21 years, Annie Tempest’s Tottering-By-Gently cartoon strip has appeared in Country Life magazine. The Tottering characters are endearingly absent-minded and tipsy, surrounded by Labradors, horses, guns, Agas and endless bottles. Some of her most iconic images are now available as cards from Peartree Heybridge, initially comprising 38 open and 12 occasions cards sold wrapped and with burgundy envelopes. Peartree Heybridge 01423 876311 www.peartreeheybridge.co.uk Cardgains Village Hall 4 Stand E20-F21
Berni Parker is adding new designs into her Loving Life Together range with lots of couples in the humorous and loving everyday situations that all couples experience. The range now has 21 designs covering everyday, occasions and anniversaries. These art cards are sized 150mm square and sold wrapped with antique silk envelopes. Berni Parker Designs 01299 406098 www.berniparkerdesigns.com Hall 4 Stand E19
Duck’s Ditty
Moomin Fun In The Sun
All About The Bird is a fun range of cards from Claire Louise, featuring her very popular duck character all dressed up to the nines for different occasions. There are 12 designs in this range, all blank inside, sized 155mm square and supplied cellowrapped with brown fleck envelopes. Claire Louise 07715 373344 www.clairelouise.eu Hall 4 Stand F30
Following the film Moomins on the Riviera launched in June of this year, Hype has released 10 new Moomin cards using images from the film. There are now 42 designs in the range and new Moomin giftwrap, as well as new additions to its existing ranges. Visit and see what's new! Hype Associates 0151 702 7788 www.hypa.com Hall 4 Stand F12 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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Innovations
Top Drawer
A selection of cards on display at Top Drawer, 13-15 September 2015, at Kensington Olympia, London.
Bright As A Button
Heart Of A Lion
New to Pearl and Black’s offering is Waterloo House, an artisan publisher producing handmade ceramic and porcelain button cards. The buttons are hand-tied onto each card and can be detached as a keepsake or even sewn onto a garment afterwards! There are Everyday, Christmas, Valentine’s and Mother’s Day cards on offer, all sized 155mm square and sold wrapped with high quality envelopes. Distributed by Pearl and Black 020 74353352 www.pearlandblack.com Stand N22
Proud To Present
Wraptious is extending its best-selling range by Paul Robbins. A Welsh illustrator, Paul works in traditional media such as pens and watercolours to produce striking and unique animal imagery, guaranteed to stand out! All the cards are sized 120mm x 170mm and supplied with recycled kraft envelopes. Wraptious 0161 738 1440 Stand P35
Foody Feast Stormy Knight has added a host of cheery new designs to its punfilled Super Food range, bringing this to 16 designs. All the cards are sized A6, printed onto 100% recycled board and sold with recycled envelopes. Stormy Knight 07875027551 www.stormyknight.co.uk Stand N14
Hot Stuff There’s loads of stuff to have a good old laugh at on the new look Dean Morris Cards stand of pure pleasure at Top Drawer. There’s over 30 new everyday cards and gifts ranging from mild to wild, and plenty more seasonal, including new Christmas, Valentine's, Mother's and Father’s Day. Dean will also be launching lots of new coasters and six cheeky new mugs to place on those coasters. Time for that brew! Dean Morris Cards 01902 560247 Stand P25
Shapely Lady
Proud Couture’s best selling Ink Lady range is being expanded at Top Drawer, with more cards being added into its summer and winter collections. Wintery ladies are in festive reds, blacks and golds and summery ladies have added watercolour in light pinks and blues to give the girls a flowing, floaty and spring-like look. Most of the cards have added glitter or a touch of diamante, all are sized A6 and sold with plain white envelopes. Proud Couture 07967 590771 www.proudcouture.com Stand Q37
Rose Hill is launching a whole new look with her new range Geo Patterns. Lots of geometric shapes and patterns in new colour palettes will be on offer in this 12 card A6 sized range. All the cards are sold wrapped with complementing coloured envelopes. Rose Hill Designs 07742 347603 www.rosehilldesigns.co.uk Stand P13
Magnificent Obsession Slightly obsessed with animals, especially dogs, and inspired by her creative companion Rocky the Frenchie, Lola of Lola Design has set about creating her signature look - beautiful sketched dog breeds with floral accents. There are 12 designs in the Floral Dogs range, all sized 150mm square and supplied wrapped with a crisp white envelope. Lola Design 07796 692559 www.loladesignltd.com Stand Q39 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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Order our attractive counter display unit to showcase our wonderful designs & create a stronger visual impact!
...created with zest
Innovatively wonderful decorative Metal Wall Signs, passionately designed in-house and exclusive to Red Hot Lemon. We provide you with captivating giiware with a truly unique approach! Our ranges include Kitchen, Motorcycles & Scooters, our General range and we have our own fabulous brands Pardon The Pun and Straight Talkin’. We are also proud to be oocial license holders for Volkswagen, Ford, Eddie Stobart, MG, Lambretta, Shell and many more. Go to our website where you will see more exclusive designs‌ and lets not forget our Heavy Duty Steel range which is completely unique!
+44 (0)121 552 5338
Red Hot Lemon Ltd
jo@redhotlemon.co.uk
Unit 28 Springfield Estate, Manchester Street, Oldbury, West Midlands, B69 4HH, United Kingdom
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www.redhotlemon.co.uk Come see us at
Hall 3 Stand Y25 6th - 9th Sept 2015
Come see us at
Hall 6 Stand Q32 7th - 11th Feb 2016
NEC Birmingham, UK
NEC Birmingham, UK
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Innovations
Top Drawer
A selection of cards on display at Top Drawer, 13-15 September 2015, at Kensington Olympia, London.
A Bird In The Hand
Flight Of Fancy Alison Finch of OriginaliArt is launching her Bird Collage Collection at Top Drawer. Colourful birds feature in this collection of 12 cards created from a mix of photography, painting and torn paper, collaged to create contemporary country and urban scenes. All the cards are sized 120mm square and sold wrapped with white envelopes. OriginaliArt 07973158123 www.originaliart.com Stand R39
Made With Love Evermade has worked with a host of illustrators and designers to produce its exciting and varied Collection of A6 cards. Featuring a range of styles from photorealistic to hand-drawn to foiled detail, there is a unique card for every occasion. Evermade 07988 733085 www.evermade.com Stand M37
The Birds in Hats collection is a quirky, beautifully illustrated card range designed by Alice Tams, featuring a different bird in different hats for birthdays, anniversaries and 'just becauses'. The cards are printed in the UK and come wrapped with quality coloured envelopes. Birds in Hats 07731 462130 www.birdsinhats.com Stand R19
Reining In The Deer Social enterprise ARTHOUSE Meath is launching new additions to its highly original Christmas card range. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Blitzen showcase images by Phillippa Whatmore and are hand silk screen printed onto a series of cards in warm metallic colours. All ARTHOUSE Meath artists live with severe epilepsy, learning and physical difficulties and 100% of its sales revenue goes towards sustaining the project, helping it grow and evolve. ARTHOUSE Meath 01483 425273 www.arthousemeath.com Stand Q38
On The Up Re-wrapped is launching lots of exciting new wrap designs at Top Drawer. One new range from debut designer Louise Thomas is a fabulous children’s wrap collection of three designs featuring gorgeous animals and vibrant hot air balloons which are printed onto 100% recycled paper and are sold in 50cm x 70cm sheets. Re-wrapped 07561 103848 www.re-wrapped.co.uk Stand N33
Artist’s Impression HartDeco is extending its Art Cards range with eight new ink and watercolour nature or botanical images depicting the colours and moods of the four seasons. All are sized 150mm square, and sold wrapped with recycled kraft envelopes. HartDeco 07894 354320 www.hartdeco.co.uk Stand P15
Fun With Puns #trending is a new range of 17 designs from Nocturnal Paper – adding a personal touch to communication by creating hand illustrated punning cards. Inspiration comes from life, food, people, chart topping songs and the hashtags that go viral. All the cards are sold wrapped with a brown kraft envelope. Nocturnal Paper 07555 352 159 www.nocturnalpaper.com Stand Q41 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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13 -15
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Publisher Face To Face
The Spice Girls “My how time flies… when you’re having fun!”, exclaims Sara Burford and Sarah Danby, founders and designers for card publisher Cinnamon Aitch, who are celebrating 20 amazing years in business this September. With thoughts of cinnamon and celebratory cake, PG&H asks the pair to reminisce over the sweet and successful years of the company.
S
arah Danby and Sara Burford both met at Nottingham Trent University studying textile design. They weren’t really friends at this point. It wasn’t until after they’d graduated and went on a trip to Paris to Premier Vision, a large international trade fair, that they became firm friends and have remained so ever since. “We found this trade show really corporate and uninspiring so we knocked on doors of the Parisian couture houses over there in the hope of finding some inspiration. I had a shoebox of my fabric designs in my backpack and Sarah had a selection of her work in tow too”, says Sara, adding, “We got into the studio of Christian Lacroix and the designers there were so enthusiastic and excited with our work - they claimed they had never seen anything like it!” Both Sara and Sarah seemed to be on the same page; both targeting the same markets and their textile styles sat happily together. Sarah reveals, “We were then spurred on to see if there was a market for an embroidery service for fashion designers in Paris and London, embellishing designer’s couture and ready to wear garments. We found that there was and so Cinnamon Aitch was born.”
Above: Sarah Danby (left) and Sara Burford 20 years ago when Cinnamon Aitch was first formed. Right: A hooray for a Henries award! Cinnamon Aitch won Best Relations And/Or Occasions Range category with its gorgeous Buttercups & Clover range in 2012. Below left: Birthday celebrations on a Cinnamon Aitch Thimble card. Sarah and Sara would like to say "a big thank you" to their team, agents, suppliers and of course their customers "who still believe in what we do."
That was way back in 1995, and Sarah and Sara had no idea that they would be working in the greeting card industry, let alone still be in business 20 years down the line. But by the year 2000 the pair had decided to make the move into greeting cards and apply their design skills and innovative, beautiful stitching to cards. September Top Drawer 2000 was Cinnamon Aitch’s first greeting card trade fair, which saw the new publisher exhibit alongside fellow designers under a Prince’s Trust umbrella. “The show was phenomenal. Our offering was eclectic and experimental to say the least,” says Sara. The duo spent the duration of the show sidestepping buyers to allow them into their 2m x 2m stand as they frantically scribbled Above right: Sara and Sarah's textile background can be seen within all their card designs. Left: Cinnamon Aitch's Hello Sunshine notebooks can be seen at this month's Top Drawer Autumn.
Left: An early Cinnamon Aitch design from its Disco range. Right: A cute bird from one of the publisher's Gypsy designs. Inset: The background imagery is part of a recent CH Cornflower design.
orders down. Spurred on by their success they then went on to refine and evolve the ranges and build on those relationships made, many who still remain customers today. “Over the years there have been many gorgeous card ranges designed from our sunny Birmingham studio. Some hum-dingers in there too! Styles have changed, trends have come and gone and changes in production have been embraced,” explains Sarah. But the changes haven’t always been whole-heartedly embraced… “dragging us into the 21st Century to update our website was a daunting task but eased somewhat by the fab IT folk at hand. And transferring our production over to our finishing company was another scary moment but a move we have never regretted, enabling us to grow and grow,” Sara confesses. And then the Cinnamon Aitch kids came along and juggling a company and children is always a challenge. “Sometimes there is not enough headspace and
something gives… usually our sanity! But we are lucky that we can be relatively flexible with our hours so that we can spend important time with the children.” So still going strong and still working together Cinnamon Aitch goes from strength to strength, and to celebrate its 20th year PG has been told there will be a ‘do’, and of course there will be cake, possibly cinnamon cake! ● If you’d like to congratulate Cinnamon Aitch, it will be at Top Drawer Autumn, Stand N46. PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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Best Sellers Progressive Gifts & Home asked a selection of retailers about the products which have been flying off their shelves this month. Emma Woodward, co-owner, Aspire Style Five gift/fashion shops in the Midlands CATEGORY
SUPPLIERS/RANGES
COMMENT
Decorative Home Accessories
Transomnia: across the board; RJB Stone: across the board
Pretty gifts that often hit on the latest trends. Great new products each season help to keep our offer fresh and new.
Fragranced Giftware
Heathcote & Ivory: Cath Kidston; KMI: across the board
A fabulous collection at great prices. Products come in lovely packaging. The company has links with great brands such as Orla Kiely.
Jewellery
Estella Bartlett: costume jewellery; G McKenzie: sterling silver
Fabulous packaging makes it a perfect gift.
Fashion Accessories
Nica: handbags; Disaster Designs: across the board
Good quality handbags and consistently strong designs. Fabulous, unique designs that change every season.
Greeting Cards
Cardmix
Great prices and pretty designs that complement our vintage inspired stores.
Giftwrap
The Art File
Attractive designs with a high quality finish.
Other Hot Hits
Closet Clothing: women's wear; Fever Clothing: women's wear
Great clothes that are made in the UK.
Above: Aspire Style.
The collection offers something a bit different.
A vintage inspired brand that fits in with our style.
Frances Doran and Rhonda Jardine, co-owners, The Bottom Drawer, Portadown A small gift shop on the high street CATEGORY
SUPPLIERS/RANGES
COMMENT
Decorative Home Accessories
Parlane International;
The company's mix of unusual and quirky makes our store unique. These clocks make great gift ideas.
Thomas Kent: clocks Fragranced Giftware
Bog Standard: candles; bath and body; Lilyflame: candles
The packaging makes it an ideal gift range. There are a wide range of fragrances. The colourful tins are very eye-catching.
Jewellery
JOMA Jewellery: across the board; Pranella: semi-precious stones
JOMA Jewellery is loved by our customers both as a gift and for a selftreat. Great prices. A favourite of ours. The quality is superb.
Fashion Accessories
Orla Kiely: bags
Perfect for yummy mummies!
Greeting Cards
Janie Wilson
Fresh designs, greats colours and good quality cards.
Giftwrap
Caroline Gardner
Customers love that the giftwrap and gift bags co-ordinate. Quality products and quirky designs.
Other Hot Hits
Sophie Allport: mugs
Well priced, gift boxed mugs. The designs are simple and customers like the fact they are made from fine bone china.
Above: The Bottom Drawer, Portadown.
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Caroline Irons, co-owner, GiftsMade4u, Northants A small gift shop in a market town CATEGORY
SUPPLIERS/RANGES
COMMENT
Decorative Home Accessories
Widdop Bingham: clocks and photo frames;
There is a wide choice of good value 'relatives' gifts. Their clocks and photo frames offer good value to the customer. Gorgeous sentimental hanging gifts.
East Of India: Sentiment
Fragranced Giftware
Yankee Candle: across the board;
Bomb Cosmetics: across the board
A huge variety of candles, reed diffusers and plug-ins make the shop smell delicious! Handmade bath treats that our customers can't get enough of. They come beautifully packaged too.
Jewellery
Joe Davies: Equilibrium
Customers love the sentiment message bangles, making them great gifts for loved ones.
Fashion Accessories
London Scarves: scarves
Excellent value and a huge choice of designs and colours.
Greeting Cards
Blue Eyed Sun
These greeting cards are proving to be very popular with customers.
Other Hot Hits
GiftsMade4u: personalised signs
The wedding and Mr & Mrs signs are our best sellers. The signs are unique, made by us in the shop, which is seen as a welcome bonus by customers.
Above: GiftsMade4u, Northants.
Claire North, owner, The Dinky Dove, Chertsey A small shop in a shopping precinct CATEGORY
SUPPLIERS/RANGES
COMMENT
Decorative Home Accessories
Parlane International: across the board;
A huge range of well designed, good quality products. A well known brand offering fantastic designs and unusual giftware.
Gisela Graham: across the board
Fragranced Giftware
The Country Candle Company: reed diffusers;
St Eval: candles
Stylish products and lovely fragrances that come beautifully packaged. The candles are made in Cornwall, and the lovely fragrances encourage repeat business.
Above: The Dinky Dove, Chertsey.
Jewellery
JOMA Jewellery: 'a little'
Customers love JOMA because there's something for every gifting occasion.
Fashion Accessories
Lua: handbags
Great quality bags in trend colours.
Greeting Cards
Pigment
There are lots of different designs from one publisher.
Giftwrap
Think Of Me
Quality wrap with great designs at affordable prices.
Other Hot Hits
Smiling Faces: Up In Lights
Wooden initials that light up people's names. Popular for weddings.
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Best Sellers
THE COUNTRY CANDLE COMPANY T: 01225 794920 E: sales@thecountrycandlecompany.com W: www.thecountrycandlecompany.com
What better testimonial for products than those of your fellow retailers. Here's all the information you need to get in touch and start stocking!
PARLANE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED T: 01451 812700 E: sales@parlane.co.uk W: www.parlaneinternational.co.uk
LILY-FLAME T: 01963 240 463 E: info@lily-flame.co.uk W: www.lily-flame.co.uk
from
JOE DAVIES T: 0162 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk
PIGMENT T: 01423 520098 E: sales@pigmentproductions.com W: www.pigmentproductions.com
BLUE EYED SUN T: 01273 823003 E: sales@blueeyedsun.co.uk W: www.blueeyedsun.co.uk
SMILING FACES T: 01444 882323 E: sales@smilingfaces.co.uk W: www.smilingfaces.co.uk
WIDDOP BINGHAM T: 0161 688 1226 E: sales@widdop.co.uk W: www.widdop.co.uk
BOMB COSMETICS T: 01202 859059 E: sales@bombcosmetics.co.uk W: www.bombcosmetics.co.uk Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
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On The Road Husband and wife gift agents, Jemma and Tom Reynolds, have worked together for four years, with Tom taking care of Wales and Jemma looking after the North West of England. While their joint principals are Ashleigh & Burwood and Richard Lang, Jemma also represents JOMA Jewellery and the newly launched Katie Loxton brand. Both Jemma and Tom are looking forward to a positive run-up to Christmas. "The confidence is definitely back in gift retail," confirm agents Jemma and Tom Reynolds, "with June and July both strong months. However, we are very lucky that between us we both cover tourist areas, to include Pembrokeshire, Abersoch and Llandudno as well as the Lake District. For example, following recent major global events, more people have been holidaying in the UK this year, so there's been an increase in domestic as well as international visitors. As a result, gift shops in coastal and tourist areas have done particularly well and have been stocking up, little and often, throughout the summer." Jemma adds that for those gift shops stocking jewellery, sentiment jewellery, especially sentiment bracelets, have been a
winner. "They are often bought as a multiple purchase making them a very giftable line for retailers. In fact, shop owners tell me that some of their Above: Jemma and Tom Reynolds. customers collect them!" Adds Tom: "In other gift sectors, there still seems to be a continuing demand for sentiment, including family and friendship products across the board, with signage in particular still really popular. The most important thing from our perspective is that gift retailers want products that will sell through." As for the run-up to Christmas, both Jemma and Tom are starting to see orders filtering through. "While Christmas decorations are bought mainly in the first quarter of the year, Christmas gifts are bought in the third and fourth quarters," Tom highlights. So will it be a strong Christmas? "Retailers seem to be very positive this year," comments Jemma. "Sales of general giftware are increasing," adds Tom, "with Christmas themed giftware definitely more of a niche purchase. Home fragrancing, for example, is a huge market and is rapidly expanding, with a huge interest in boxed gift sets." Adds Jemma: "The gift boxes make all the difference as they are easy to give as a gift. Overall, we both think it's going to be a very good Christmas and we're looking forward to showing our retail customers the new products."
Last Word Sharon Jervis, renowned wildlife artist, conservationist, bird watcher and beekeeper, launched Beefayre in 2012 with her son Sam, following a visit to Romania two years earlier, where she became inspired by the biodiversity and health of bees. Today, the company offers a collection of home fragrancing and bath and body products, with 3% of the profits going to Buglife and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. p Three words that best describe you?
"Happy, lucky, creative. I feel lucky to feel so happy and that comes through being creative." p A quirky fact that we don’t know about you? "I passionately wanted to be a taxidermist." p What do you love most about your job? "The creativity of drawing wildlife and popularising what I'm feeling passionate about at the time." p The best advice you have ever been given? "You must know what is coming in and going out. A business won't get anywhere without understanding the financial factuals." p The best advice that you would give to someone else? "Find your passion and go for it." 120
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Jemma and Tom Reynolds
Sharon Jervis
p Your favourite TV programme?
"Orange is the New Black and anything by Sir David Attenborough." p Your favourite film? Sharon Jervis. "Virunga on Netflix." p Your favourite books? "The Bees by Laline Paull and The Buzz in the Meadow by Dave Goulson." p Your favourite holiday or place to visit? "Africa." p What time do you start work, and how to you begin your day? "I wake up very early and feed the animals. My best time for working is in the afternoon which carries through into the evening." p What time do you finish and how do you usually end your day? "I'm obsessed with putting the hens to bed so that the foxes don't get them." p What was the best gift you have ever received? "My Kindle which got me reading again, and my dog Freddie, bought for me by my brother, when my cat died. Also, Sam [Sharon’s son] surprised me with a balloon ride!" p Who would you most like to spend an evening with? "Sir David Attenborough." p Which one item would you take to a desert island? "Binoculars."
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COUNTER ROLLS
GIFT IMPORTERS & DISTRIBUTORS
Just a few reasons to buy from Joe Davies: Over 7500 gift lines Low ÂŁ100 minimum order ‘Little & Often’ order system Free carriage Please contact our award winning sales staff for further details Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk
www.joedavies.co.uk
TRADE ASSOCIATION bsite paid “The EPoS system and welf months.� ha a d an r for itself in fou dred
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The Giftware Association is the UK’s long established trade association serving retailers and suppliers in the gift and home industry, offering a wide selection of money-saving services, including free marketing, product offers, discounted hotel rates, legal advice and much more.
Rachel - Customer Services
Website: www.ga-uk.org Email: enquiries@ga-uk.org Tel: 0121 237 1104 10 Vyse St, Birmingham B18 6LT
Call us on 0845 68 00 126 or email info@intelligentretail.co.uk
GIFTS & GREETINGS
It costs as little as ÂŁ250 per annum to advertise in the Product Directory. Contact Angie Bryant on 01993 212 994 for further information.
PRODUCT MANAGER As one of the foremost specialist card publishers in the UK, we are known for our breadth of product styles and ongoing innovation in new design. $V SDUW RI D SODQQHG SURJUDPPH IRU ERWK JURZLQJ DQG UHĹľQLQJ RXU product portfolio, we are seeking a Product Manager to work with our Commercial, Sales and Creative teams, advising on new product development within existing brands. This will be based on sales analysis, retailer interaction, market trends and plan requirements. Candidates should have a minimum of three years experience in a retailing or publishing environment and be able to demonstrate a SURYHQ DELOLW\ WR HQHUJLVH DQG LQĹśXHQFH D SURGXFW RIIHU ZKLFK GHOLYHUV top line sales growth on a consistent basis. They will be an excellent communicator, well organised, and have a sharp appreciation of the importance of deadlines, plus be able to prove an impressive level of use in standard PC applications including Word and Excel.
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This is a new role and represents a fantastic career opportunity for an individual who is determined to make a difference. As a key manager within The Great British Card Company, this position FRPHV ZLWK DQ H[FHOOHQW VDODU\ DQG EHQHĹľWV SDFNDJH DQG ZLOO EH EDVHG DW RXU +HDG 2IĹľFH RQ WKH RXWVNLUWV RI *ORXFHVWHU Please apply with fully detail CV, including current salary to: Jan Tredgett (ref PM), The Great British Card Company, Waterwells Drive, Gloucester GL2 2PH or e-mail jan.tredgett@greatbritishcards.co.uk
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CLASSIFIED
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A Fantastic Career Opportunity
Area Sales Representative
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Good Agents are wanted for both of the above independent publishers in several areas Paying top rates of commission promptly plus BONUS! Card designs can be viewed on the following websites
We are back as Odey Designs and need new agents to help put Odey back out there. If you would like to see more designs please visit our website www.odeydesigns.co.uk
www.colneisgreetingscards.com www.colourhousegraphics.co.uk
If you want to join our team please contact Beccy 07730195587 or beccy@odeydesigns.co.uk Apply to either of the following email addresses: colneiscards@btconnect.com colourhousegraphics@hotmail.com
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the more discerning stag… we’ve got giftware all wrapped up
View the collection…
6th – 9th September Autumn Fair International NEC, Birmingham, Hall 3, Stand 3W04–X03
Enesco Limited, Head Office & Customer Services, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0EN Tel: 01228 404022 Fax: 01228 404041 email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Tel: +44 1228 404066 Fax: +44 1228 404080 email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk © 2015 Enesco Limited.
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