irish gift retailer

Gifts, Home Accessories, Stationery, Tabletop, Crafts Vol. 3 - Issue 6

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Showcase Ireland 2011 Christmasworld 2011 International Toy Fair 2011 Ambiente 2011 Spring Fair 2011 Furniture & Home Accessories Fair 2011

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Jewellery from Azara Jewellery.

Winter Collection by Chanson Jewellery.

Spring/Summer II Collection

by Capiz.

3 & 17 Markets & Fairs

18-19 International Fair

Christmasworld 28 January – 1 February, 2011.

Ambiente 11-15 February, 2011.

International Toy Fair 2011 3-8 February, 2011 Nuremberg, Germany

20 New Products

4-15 Showcase Preview

Magic Face Towels

Exhibitor Listings.

Exhibition Floor Plan.

Exhibitor Previews.

– Magically expands in water.

22-23 Spring Fair International

16 Irish Services The Furniture and Home Accessories Fair 2011.

6-10 February, 2011 NEC Birmingham, UK.

Premier Publishing Limited can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributors’ articles or statements appearing in this magazine. Any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Premier Publishing and its Directors. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, editor and publisher. A reader should access separate advice when acting on specific editorial in this publication!

Managing Director: Colin Murphy Sales Director: Ronan McGlade Editor: Mike Rohan Business Development Manager: Susan Doyle Production Manager: Susan Doyle Senior Sales Executive Paul Lees and Advertising Susan Doyle

Irish Gift Retailer is published by Premier Publishing Limited,

Design, Origination and Separations by Fullpoint Design (057) 86 80873

51 Park West, Enterprise Centre, Nangor Road,Dublin 12

Printed by W&G Baird Ltd.

Tel: + 353 1 6120880 Fax: + 353 1 6120881 E-Mail: susan@prempub.com Website: www.irishgiftretailer.com

Annual Subscription (UK and Ireland) £95 Overseas Subscription £115

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

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Christmasworld 2011

New Trends and Innovations at 2011 - 28th January–1st February 2011, Frankfurt am Main

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hristmasworld is one of the world’s leading trade fair for festive decorations, presenting the latest trends and innovations for all the festivities of the year – from Christmas, Halloween and New Year to St Valentine’s Day, Easter and Summer parties.

Christmasworld is a leading industry forum and central order platform for the festive decorations sector. The innovative products on display are all showcased perfectly within the varied product ranges.

The main product groups include; Christmas decorations, annual and seasonal decorations, ribbons and packaging, floral decorations, party and festive items and many more. 2011’s Christmasworld has also extended its floral suppliers area, to make it even bigger, more colourful and more attractive.

In 2010, 976 exhibitors from 36 countries journeyed to Frankfurt to present their new products and trends for all the festivities of the year. The huge range of products to be seen for festive decorations attracted over 30,000 visitors from 106 countries. A truly international event!

Current Decoration Trends Christmasworld is not only a groundbreaking source of inspiration, it is also a driving force behind current decoration trends. For exhibitors the show is a must-visit event, providing exclusive information in relation to the latest industry forms, colours and materials, as displayed in the comprehensive trend brochure.

The impressive product presentations in the Trend Show are decisive in mobilising huge buyer interest.

The Trend Show 2011 at Christmasworld will demonstrate the

trendsetters of this industry which include; natural materials, influences from the most diverse of cultures, products manufactured nationally and new interpretations of classic products. Taking this as a starting point, the designers have developed four totally different style trends for the 2011/2012 festive season. The luxuriousness of Bountiful Scenery, the breadth of Gentle Horizon, the irrepressible energy of Element Force and the floral lightness of Delightful Garden are the new inspirational style trends for the next festive season.

New Feature Another new feature for the 2011 edition of Christmasworld is ‘Merry Marriage’. Two designers Rudi Tuinman and Pascal Koeleman from the Dutch lifestyle company 2Dezign will be showing how to turn a Christmas wedding into an unforgettable winter fairytale, with over 5,000 fresh chrysanthemums, 1,500 silk flowers and 1,000 Christmas balls.

The two creatives will be showing new concepts, not just a Christmas wedding. Florists, retailers, decorators and designers can look forward to a spectacular, special show, which provides inspiration for a unique wedding – from table decorations and wedding bouquets to floral hearts and designs for the church.

In 2011, the most important platform for the sector is set to give yet another impressive demonstration of its strength. The entire festive decorations industry eagerly awaits the world’s biggest highlight for the sector. Don’t miss your industry event!

To purchase an advance discounted ticket for the show visit www.christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com.

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

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Showcase Ireland 2011

Largest international fair in Ireland opens January 23 - Buyers from over 17 countries expected for

“Ireland’s Creative Expo”

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reland’s talented designers and craftspeople will unveil their latest innovative products and will be hoping to sign new lucrative contracts for 2011.

For the second year running Showcase will present “Creative Island” –a space dedicated to beautifully crafted products exclusively Imagined, Designed and Made in Ireland. The 75 craftspeople in Creative Island were chosen from a wide field by an independent jury for their creativity, innovation and craftsmanship. They include: Maureen Lynch Jewellery, Rachel Swan Designs, Castle Arch Pottery, Karen Morgan Ceramics, milliner Wendy Louise Knight, mens knitwear designer Edmund McNulty, Max Benjamin candles and The Handmade Soap Company.

For the second year running Showcase will present “Creative Island” –a space dedicated to beautifully crafted products exclusively Imagined, Designed and Made in Ireland. The 75 craftspeople in Creative Island were chosen from a wide field by an independent jury for their creativity, innovation and craftsmanship. They include: Maureen Lynch Jewellery, Rachel Swan Designs, Castle Arch Pottery, Karen Morgan Ceramics, milliner Wendy Louise Knight, mens knitwear designer Edmund McNulty, Max Benjamin candles and The Handmade Soap Company.

As well as crafted artisan products, Showcase features a wide range of other well known brands including Tipperary Crystal, Belleek, Avoca and Genesis.

Several County & City Enterprise Boards will this year be

Looking Out for U Products from Ta nique New lented Designer and Makers? s

Many new exhi bitors as well as more establ businesses will ished grace the Balco ny , off the Main this year. City Hall, and County En terprise Boards from all around (CEBS) the country su pport businesse showcase the be s to st each local area ha s to offer. Arraye all along the ba d lcony you will fin d talented jewell woodworkers, ers, inventive card makers, great fashion and kn new itwear, fashion ac cessories, ceram bed linen,toys... ics, the list goes on , there is no end talent on the ba to the lcony bazaar!

supporting many first-time exhibitors at special County Enterprise Stands, allowing buyers to ‘spot the future’ in craft design.

Showcase has an exciting Awards Programme for best new products; exporter of the year; excellence within the craft-led Creative Island, and an award for the highest standards of craftsmanship.

The Top 50 New Product Awards 2011 will be chosen by an independent panel of retailers and will be displayed in a specially designed area in the centre of the Main Hall. There will be winners and highly commended in four categories: Craft and Gift; Fashion, Knitwear and Accessories; Tabletop and Interiors; and Jewellery.

Showcase will feature free retail seminars in development, merchandising and trends forecasting.

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IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

For details contact:

AZARA JEWELLERY LTD., Strageliffe, Cavan, Co. Cavan Tel: 049 4362680 Fax: 049 4371791 E-mail: arlenee@hotmail.com

STAND No.: E2

Showcase Ireland 2011

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zara Jewellery, established in 1997 is a leading wholesaler in both silver and costume jewellery. Having gained a reputation for superior quality, design and service, this seasons collection boasts an extensive range of stunning yet affordable jewellery.

We will be featuring a large range of sterling silver at the forthcoming trade fairs to include our recently launched 'Little Angels' collection.

This is an affordable range of kids jewellery including pendants, bracelets, rings and earrings and comes with a beautiful presentation package. Many new items have been added to this collection including a selection of crosses etc suitable for the 'First Holy Communion' season.

Spring/Summer sees a new look for our costume range 'Absolute Jewellery' with an array of crystal bangles and large chandelier earrings.

A must for this season!! Also featuring new bold and chunky statement pieces.

As usual, pearls feature heavily in this seasons collection with colours to include pink, turquoise and natural.

Stand No: E2 Showcase Ireland, RDS, Dublin

Stunning sterling silver piece set with black cubic zirconia with matching bracelet and ring by 'Azara Jewellery'

Jewellery above from the 'Little Angels' collection.

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The bangle - a must have this season. Wear them all for a fab effect. Swarovski crystal bangles in various sizes by 'Absolute Jewellery'

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

Showcase Ireland 2011

CHANSON Design Jewellery

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ne of the important upper-market costume jewellery brands in Ireland is CHANSON, now well established throughout Ireland in boutiques and gift shops.

It is currently marketing its exciting Winter Collection featured in the photographs below - to its many customers throughout Ireland.

CHANSON DESIGNER JEWELLERY was brought to the Irish market by Wisart Ltd., an Irish company established in 1999 to bring unique products to the giftware trade, commencing with alabaster statues and chess sets.

In 1994 the company established a working relationship with leading producers in the upmarket costume jewellery sector in Italy, France, Germany and Spain and established a designer range which was introduced to the Irish market in the Autumn of that year.

The company's presence in the market and its sales expanded

rapidly in the following years and the CHANSON brand became established as a brand of quality in the costume jewellery arena.

Over recent years, the company has consolidated its range by concentrating on designs from one Italian (Milanese) producer, a first rate Spanish company which specialises in the use of semi precious materials and hand blown glass beads, and a very long established German pearl producer.

Allied to this, CHANSON has added its own Irish designed and produced range, designed by award winning designers Patricia Walsh and Helen Fearon.

The CHANSON Winter Range is now available in boutiques and gift shops around the country. The new Spring/Summer range will be available in February and more information can be had from Tom Walsh at Wisart Ltd. on 01-2845370 or Pat Canny on 087 9803978."

Rosalie Gifts by Ambiente Stand Number

A252 Shelbourne Hall Harold Elmes Ltd, Dublin 12 Phone 01.4551374 email sales@haroldelmesltd.com

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Showcase 2011, Dublin 4

aurence Carey Agencies will be showing an extensive range of the Ashleigh & Burwood Fragrance Lamps at Showcase Ireland in RDS Dublin on 23rd to 26th Jan 2011. The Lamp Sets continue to sell well , all products are tastefully packaged and point of sale for retailers is excellent and includes exquisite designed bags which complete the perfect present for MOTHERS DAY. The Fragrance Lamps are based on a century old concept designed

by French pharmaceutical chemist. Once the flame is extinguished, the hot catalytic stone purifies the air by destroying odours and airborne pollutants as room air is drawn over the stone.Simultaneously, the lamp disperses the unique Ashleigh &

Burwood fragrance into the air to fragrance the room.

Also showing on the Laurence Carey Agencies stand PURE JEWELLERY by COPPERCRAFT. This jewellery is MAGNETIC and therapeutic to the wearer. All jewellery gift boxed.

TRAVIS & LEIGH JEWELLERY. GOEBEL products also on show.

Visit Laurence Carey Agencies stand; Jan 23-26 Showcase Ireland, RDS Dublin, Main Hall Stand D79.

For further information Email: careylarr@eircom.net

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

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Showcase Ireland 2011

CAPIZ

– S/S ’11 Collections

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apiz will be launching their S/S ‘11 collections of jewellery, handbags and accessories at all the mainstream exhibitions, including Showcase, Dublin on stand number E1.

The main focus for this season’s collection is romance and whimsical, hearts play a large part in our designs from bold, statement pieces through to delicate crystal……there is something for everyone. With the colour pallet comprising of muted naturals and nudes, through to nautical stripes and denim tones, and pops of colour from many multi colour pieces. There is also a collection in silver metallic, which is predicted to sell strongly throughout the

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season.

Our handbag offering is as strong as ever, with price points from £5.95 (€7.40) - £23.95 (€29.00). Predicted best sellers include nautical stripe bags, and a patent mock croc notebook/laptop bag.

For S/S ’11 Capiz will be launching a “New Look” brochure, which will make ordering even easier, and their new “On Line” site for trade customers. Alternatively visit the stand E1 at Showcase, Dublin, to view the complete range, and place your Spring order.

For more information, a brochure, or for one of our sales agents to call, please contact: Angela or Paul Waldie Tel: +44 (0)1449 775566 Sales@capiz.co.uk www.capiz.co.uk

SHOWCASE DUBLIN – Stand E1

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

LAUNCHES ONLINE MARKETING SUPPORT FOR RETAILERS

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ankee Candle®, the world’s leading home fragrancing manufacturer launches an online marketing support service for retailers.

The Yankee Candle® Marketing Toolbox launches this autumn to all Yankee Candle® retailers, offering a 24 hour userfriendly site to access marketing information and images making it easy for retailers to support and promote the brand.

To access the information retailers need to log onto www.yankeecandle.co.uk and onto the wholesale section where the Marketing ToolBox will be available. Registering onto the Marketing ToolBox then requires retailers to complete their name, email address and Yankee Candle® retailer account number. Once this is complete full access to over 3,500 photographs, logos and promotions are all at the touch of a button.

Product photography, including the most recent autumn/winter catalogue plus gifts sets, accessories and styled shots will be available plus the approved Yankee Candle® logos.

As part of its support to retailers, Yankee Candle® also provides Plan-o-grams and merchandising support. These will also be readily available showing clear and concise information on stock levels, display and Point of Sale material.

“How To” videos will also be available with key tips on techniques such as merchandising and marketing the brand, giving retailers as much information and knowledge as possible to maximise sales opportunities.

Downloading images is simple by selecting a print or web file format option and the system will automatically print images in the selected size and format.

The Marketing ToolBox will be an evolving source of important information with new services developing over the coming years.

For further information on Marketing ToolBox please contact: Customer Care on 01454 454 500 or visit www.yankeecandle.co.uk

See Us At Showcase Ireland. 23rd - 26th January Stand: A213/214

Showcase Ireland 2011

Thomas Joseph

– Surfing A Wave

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he Whimsical World of Thomas Joseph started approximately ten years ago with prints sold by the artist from the boot of his car. Many original Thomas Joseph (Thomas Joseph Stephenson) customers will remember his visits, a cup of tea and Tom leaving with money in his pocket. A vagrant lifestyle incorporating stopovers to paint the barren wastes of Ireland and Scotland was enjoyed and is still enjoyed, but now with plastic in his pocket. Many former customers remember him and some still have social visits spending hours talking about the good old days. A small art gallery in Carrickfergus incorporates a studio, approximately one metre square, and passing customers are still the victims of the artist’s natter who are surprised and refuse to accept that he is the ‘real’ Thomas Joseph.

Morrigan Limited was introduced to Tom and thus began the road towards recognition and a perception of a two or three year relationship has developed into a lifetime journey with strong evidence of international interest. The current customer base is broad and from people of every nationality and any age who just like the silly naivety. The product does sell exceptionally well throughout the summer months to tourists and also has a growing domestic market with the recent introduction of mugs, coasters, placemats, etc. Many times Morrigan has been asked about concern for other sheep products on the market, the answer is that Thomas Joseph does not have the ewe-niversal rights to sheep. There are other successful sheep brands which coexist, including ‘Shaun the Sheep’ which has television and media association. There is a raw honesty, a ewe-niqueness, about Thomas Joseph which has a respectable position in the market and is difficult to displace.

In Ireland economic circumstances presented consideration of new markets which Morrigan has successfully gained for Thomas Joseph with solid roots for future development. Shows in 2010 in the USA proved successful with new distributors. This coming year indicates shows and distributors in France and Germany.

The licence with Ulster Weavers for kitchen textiles ended in 2010 and new textile products are currently being developed for launch in July and will be available in July 2011 from Morrigan. The new textile products will include tea towels, aprons and packable bags. Other new designs and products for 2011 are available including coaster/mug sets, coasters, placemats, crossstitch kits, cards, prints, notebooks, calendars, etc.

The journey continues. Tom was never a protective artist he laughs at himself and is amazed at the success and continues to paint silly sheep which make people smile, some people even laugh out loud.

Morrigan apologises for not exhibiting at Showcase Dublin for each of the past two years and genuinely hope they will soon return. John Ellison is on stand A249B should you wish more information about Thomas Joseph or contact h.aspley@morriganltd.com

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

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Showcase Ireland Exhibitors

IRELAND’S CREATIVE EXPO 23-26 JAN 2011

RDS, DUBLIN

Exhibitor 3D IRELAND AGENCY INTERNATIONAL AINE KNITWEAR AISLING MAHER DESIGNS ALAN ARDIFF ALL THAT GLISTERS ALLIED ALLISON GARDEN LAND LTD ALLJOY DESIGN LTD

ALPHA-ZED JEWELLERY ALPHABET JIGSAWS ALWAYS NATURAL AMANDA MURPHY CERAMICS AMETHYST DUBLIN AMIE ORGANICS

Stand Category F27 Irish/Heritage Giftware E45 Fashion/Textiles C52 Fashion Accessories D103A Fashion Accessories C49 Jewellery B23 Jewellery D85/86 Irish/Heritage Giftware A211a Interior/Home Accessories A222 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware B15 Jewellery D115 Toys/Children's Items A251a Fragrance/ Cosmetics C24 Interior/Home Accessories D78 Jewellery C2 Irish/Heritage Giftware F22/F25 Fashion/Textiles F38 Wall Art F26 Fashion/Textiles

ANA FAYE ANNABEL LANGRISH ANNE MARIE GRIFFIN ANNE MCDONNELL - FINE ART PRINTMAKER F20/F21 Wall Art ANNE O LEARY SILKS F5/F6 Fashion Accessories ANP C13 Interior/Home Accessories APPLE 'N' EVE A257 Interior/Home Accessories AQUA FORTRESS D114 Jewellery ARROO C19 Fashion/Textiles ART FROM IRELAND D111 Stationery ARTYSMARTY C51 Fashion A Accessories ASTRA TRADING E4a Jewellery ATHENA DESIGNS IK12 Fashion/Textiles AVOCA HANDWEAVERS E67/73 Fashion Accessories 12

Exhibitor AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES AZARA JEWELLERY B. SLOWEY LTD

Stand A203 E2 A287

BA-GOOSE FLEECE CLOTHING F35 BABOGBABY LTD B43 BALLYDOUGAN POTTERY C30

Category Other Jewellery Fashion Accessories Fashion/Textiles Toys/Children's Items Interior/Home Accessories

BALLYPOREEN FINE BONE CHINA A288 Irish/Heritage Giftware BARDOT E55a Other BEARHUG LTD F13 Fashion/Textiles BEBHINN MARTEN KNITWEAR IK14 Fashion/Textiles BELINDA NORTHCOTE DESIGNS F40 Interior/Home Accessories BELLEEK LIVING D66/D67 Other BIG LEAP DESIGNS B22 Stationery BLACKDRAGON CRAFTS A235 Jewellery BOG COTTON GIFTS F28 Tabletop BOG STANDARD D95 Interior/Home Accessories BOMBYX MORI - FELT & SILK ART B42 Fashion/Textiles BONZIE DESIGN F20/F21 Fashion/Textiles BORU JEWELRY D46 Jewellery BRANIGAN WEAVERS E58/59 Other BREDA HAUGH JEWELLERY C62 Jewellery BREEGE WALSH DESIGNS A202 Fashion/Textiles BREEOGUE POTTERY F22/F25 Interior/Home Accessories BRIAN CUBITT/ GRANGE CRAFT D93 Housewares BRIDGETS MANTLE F18/19 Fragrance/ Cosmetics BRITELITE CRAFTS A221 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware BROGEEN CRAFTS F32 Irish/Heritage Giftware BRONTE - A MOON & SONS LTD E17 Fashion/Textiles BROOKE & SHOALS A249 Interior/Home Accessories BULATTI & LIDO PEARLS E6/7 Jewellery BUNBURY BOARDS C20 Irish/Heritage Giftware

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

Exhibitor BUSY BEE CERAMICS

Stand Category C32 Interior/Home Accessories BUTTERCUP KNITWEAR E71 Fashion/Textiles BUTTON & CO GOLDSMITHS C39 Jewellery BUTTON STUDIO C54 Jewellery

BY HEART A245D Interior/Home Accessories

BY YVONNE C63 Fashion Accessories C. BONNER & SON LTD. IK10 Fashion/Textiles CADOGAN GIFTS A204 Jewellery CALLERY CERAMICS C8 Interior/Home Accessories CAPIZ LTD E1 Fashion Accessories CAPS FREIGHT SERVICE E30 Other CAROLINE POWER JEWELLERY C44 Jewellery CARRAIG DONN IK21 Fashion Accessories CARRICKMACROSS LACE CLARE SALLEY A246a Fashion/Textiles CARRIE ELSPETH LTD A222a Jewellery CASTLE ARCH POTTERY C1 Tabletop CASTLE OF IRELAND IK8 Fashion/Textiles CATHY VILLIERS DESIGN C46 Fashion/Textiles CD1 Distribution A238 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware CELEBRATION CANDLES D7 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware CELTIC ART D11 Wall Art CELTIC CLADDAGH CLOCKS F17 Interior/Home Accessories CELTIC CONSERVATION GROUP B2 Irish/Heritage Giftware CELTIC ROOTS STUDIO C10 Irish/Heritage Giftware CERAMIC ART & SCULPTURE C9 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware CHARLES BUYERS & CO LTD A310 Irish/Heritage Giftware CHARLES GALLEN IRISH LINEN D44 Interior/Home Accessories CHRISTINA BROSNAN C64 Jewellery CLAIRE K DESIGNS B33 Jewellery CLANDELA D35 Jewellery CLARA-BELLA C65 Fashion/Textiles CLARE JORDAN CERAMICS D103 Jewellery CLAYPIPE CENTRE / ETHEL KELLY B45 Irish/Heritage Giftware COLM DE RIS IRISH POTTERY LTD C14 Tabletop COMPLEAT TRAVEL ESSENTIALS A251C Other CORK COUNTY & CITY ENTERPRISE BOARD F32-F41 Other CORONA SILVER D75 Jewellery CP DESIGN D37A Toys/Children's Items

Showcase Ireland Exhibitors Exhibitor CRAFTWOODS CREATURE DESIGN CROSSOGUE PRESERVES CUSHENDALE WOOLLEN MILLS LTD CUSTOM QUILTING DBWOODCRAFT DE BRUIR DECLAN KILLEN LTD DECOGLAZE DIEM POTTERY DOLPHIN DI GIULIANI

DONEGAL DESIGN LTD DR. BEAR DRIGATE PRODUCTS DUBLIN CITY ENTERPRISE BOARD DULYN KNITWEAR DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY ENTERPRISE BOARD ECLIPSE FASHION ACCESSORIES

Stand Category B41 Interior/Home Accessories F18/19 Irish/Heritage Giftware F11 Gift Food

IRISH DECAL PRODUCTS LTD D34 C7 F39

Fashion/Textiles Interior/Home Accessories F7-F8 Interior/Home Accessories C28 Fashion Accessories C55 Jewellery A229 Irish/Heritage Giftware C21 Tabletop A224 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware E79 Fashion/Textiles E39 Fashion Accessories B1 Fragrance/ Cosmetics F15/F16 Other E72 Fashion/Textiles

F2-F4 Other A249A Fashion Accessories EDEL MACBRIDE LTD C48 Fashion/Textiles EDEN POTTERY C36 Tabletop EDMUND MCNULTY KNITWEAR C66 Fashion/Textiles EILEEN ABBOTT C79 Fashion/Textiles EILIS BOYLE D103 Fashion/Textiles ELENA BRENNAN A223 Jewellery ENCHANTE A212 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware THE ENCHANTED EARTH EOIN GALLAGHER EOIN O CONNOR ERIN KNITWEAR EssenC DESIGNS BY SINEAD CLARKE EVERYONE LOVES LILLY FACET JEWELLERS FADO LTD

Exhibitor Stand INTI LEATHERS C74 IRELANDS EYE KNITWEAR LTD IK29 IRISH CARD STORE F30 IRISH CELTIC ART STUDIO D113

B41 Other E94 Wall Art A300 Interior/Home Accessories E88 Fashion Accessories A200 B36 D22 C57

Fashion/Textiles Fashion/Textiles Jewellery Jewellery Accessories iLINENS F34 Interior/Home Accessories INDI ENTERTAINMENT LTD E52/57 Other INKDROPS B31 Other

THE IRISH DREAM CO.

F34

Category Fashion/Textiles Fashion/Textiles Stationery Irish/Heritage Giftware Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware Interior/Home Accessories

THE IRISH HAND MADE GLASS COMPANY

F20/F21 Irish/Heritage Giftware IRISH LOOMS D91 Irish/Heritage Giftware IRISH TABLE TOP GROUP D27 Tabletop IRON DESIGNS A245F Other ISLAND TURF CRAFTS C33 Interior/Home Accessories J.C. WALSH & SONS LTD D119 Irish/Heritage Giftware JACK & JILL E83 Fashion/Textiles JACK MURPHY E53 Fashion/Textiles THE JAMES CO LTD A210 Fashion/Textiles JAMIESON'S KNITWEAR E93 Fashion/Textiles JAPANESE PAPERCRAFT A251 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware JEAN BUTLER JEWELLERY E84 Jewellery JENNIFERE JEWELLERY D89 Fashion Accessories JENNY KELLY POTTERY B26 Interior/Home Accessories JERPOINT GLASS STUDIO C12 Tabletop JEWELLERY BY ADAM KING B30 Jewellery JMH MANUFACTURING D106 Jewellery JOE COOL UK LTD A280 Fashion Accessories JOHN HANLY & CO LTD E75/76 Fashion Accessories JOHN HINDE LTD D1 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware JOHN MOLLOY (ARDARA) LTD IK9 Fashion/Textiles JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN E32 Fashion/Textiles JONATHAN RICHARD & CO LTD D33 Fashion Accessories JULIAN SMITH CERAMICS C35 Wall Art JUVI DESIGNS C75 Jewellery KAREN MORGAN PORCELAIN C37 Interior/Home Accessories KELLY CARDS D87 Stationery KERRY COUNTY ENTERPRISE BOARD F28 Other KERRY CRAFTED GLASS C26 Interior/Home Accessories KERRY WOOLLEN MILLS B7 Fashion/Textiles KIERAN CUNNINGHAM B24 Jewellery

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

Exhibitor KILLARNEY CRYSTAL

Stand Category D24 Irish/Heritage Giftware KILLARNEY PRINTING LTD D16 Irish/Heritage Giftware KILLINEY ARTS A271 Interior/Home Accessories KIRKWOOD ENTERPRISES LTD A250 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware KISCO LTD A220 Other KLICKITY DESIGN F15/16 Interior/Home Accessories KNIGHT & DAY JEWELLERY A237 Jewellery KS DESIGN E89 Jewellery L PUTALI F37 Fashion Accessories LAF C56 Jewellery LAURENCE CAREY AGENCIES D79 Housewares LEE VALLEY CLOTHING LTD A225 Fashion/Textiles LEITRIM DEV CO ZERO DEGREES A221 Other LEKO HANDBAGS E41 Fashion Accessories LIFFEY ARTEFACTS E29 Irish/Heritage Giftware LILY HOWARD - CIAN JAMES E86 Fashion/Textiles LIMERICK COUNTY ENTERPRISE BOARD D103/D103A Other LINDA WILSON KNITWEAR C68 Fashion/Textiles LISA RYDER DESIGNS A221A Fashion/Textiles LISA SHAWGI C78 Fashion/Textiles LITTLE OAK DESIGNS B4 Stationery LITTLE RED WOODWORKS C22 Interior/Home Accessories LIVING GINGER DESIGNS B39 Interior/Home Accessories LIZ CHRISTY HAND-WOVEN IN IRELAND C15 Fashion Accessories LOCKIE OF SCOTLAND E11 Fashion/Textiles LOUIS MULCAHY D55 Interior/Home Accessories LOUTH COUNTY ENTERPRISE BOARD F7-F8 Other LYNDA GAULT CERAMICS C18 Interior/Home Accessories LYNDA GAULT CERAMICS F22/F25 Interior/Home Accessories M.S.P LTD T/A BROTHER EMBROIDERY D41 Fashion/Textiles MACQUILLAN DISTRIBUTORS (IRL) LTD A246 Interior/Home Accessories MADE 4 U B8 Fashion Accessories MAGEE CLOTHING E8/E10 Fashion/Textiles MAGNETIC JEWELLERS A251B Jewellery MAGPI ART A247 Irish/Heritage Giftware

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Showcase Ireland Exhibitors

IRELAND’S CREATIVE EXPO 23-26 JAN 2011

RDS, DUBLIN

Exhibitor Stand Category MAPS N' CHARTS LTD F41 Wall Art MARGARET MCEVOY DESIGNS D64 Fashion Accessories MARIANNE FLOOD B29 Fashion Accessories MARTINA HAMILTON C69 Jewellery MARTINA HAMILTON B25 Jewellery MATRIX FASHIONS E82 Fashion Accessories MAUREEN LYNCH JEWELLERY C43 Jewellery MAX BENJAMIN CANDLES C25 Other MC CUL CLOTHING LTD C50 Fashion/Textiles MC KERNAN SCARVES E4 Fashion Accessories MCCAW ALLAN D76 Irish/Heritage Giftware MEAB ENAMELS D26 Jewellery MEADOW MINIATURES F22/F25 Jewellery MEATH COUNTY ENTERPRISE BOARD F18/F19 Other MELANIE HAND DESIGN JEWELLERY F4 Jewellery MELI BONDRE F12 Fashion/Textiles MELISSA.CURRY C78 Fashion Accessories MERCIER PRESS LTD D81 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware MICHAEL KENNEDY CERAMICS D59 Interior/Home Accessories MICHELLE BUTLER CERAMICS A245 Interior/Home Accessories MILEEVEN G4 Gift Food MIZENHEAD ENTERPRISES E78 Fashion/Textiles A MOLINS & CO LTD A279 Jewellery MON PETIT POIS B37 Wall Art MOTH TO A FLAME LTD C6 Interior/Home Accessories MUCROS WEAVERS D92 Fashion Accessories MULLINGAR PEWTER/ SILVER SPIRIT D84 Irish/Heritage Giftware MYCIN OF IRELAND LTD D116 Jewellery

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Exhibitor Stand Category NAOMH PADRAIG HANDCRAFTS B5 Irish/Heritage Giftware NATURALLY IRISH GIFTS LTD D90 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware NATURES CRAFT A249b Irish/Heritage Giftware NESS E74 Fashion/Textiles NEW WORLD ODOUR A268 Other NEWGRANGE LIVING D112 Housewares NIAMH SPAIN B38 Jewellery NICHOLAS MOSSE POTTERY C4 Irish/Heritage Giftware NINE DESIGN B35 Jewellery O BRIEN CELTIC GIFTS D8 Irish/Heritage Giftware O'FLANAGAN PHOTOGRAPHY A258 Irish/Heritage Giftware OATFIELD LTD G8 Gift Food ORIAIN POTTERY F22/F25 Interior/Home Accessories ORLA O GRADY DESIGN STUDIO F7/F8 Jewellery ORO JEWELLERS B20 Jewellery PADDY MCCORMACK C16 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware PANDORA D14 Jewellery PAT O ROURKE PROMOTIONS A264 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware PAT WHYTE ACCESSORIES D13 Fashion Accessories PATRICK FRANCIS E56 Fashion/Textiles PATSY FLOOD O'CONNOR D118 Fashion Accessories PAUL COSTELLOE JEWELLERY E33A Jewellery PAUL MALONEY POTTERY C11 Tabletop PEARLS FOR GIRLS E29a Jewellery PENROSE CRYSTAL F1 Irish/Heritage Giftware PIGMENT PRODUCTIONS B31 Stationery PILGRIM E35/36/37/38 Jewellery PURRFECT GAMES & PUZZLES D104 Irish/Heritage Giftware

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

Exhibitor RACHEL QUINN CERAMICIST RACHEL SWAN RATHLIN KNITWEAR REACTION

Stand Category F22/F25 Housewares C40 Jewellery C61 Fashion/Textiles C59 Jewellery

READY READER MAN

A281 Fashion Accessories

REAL IRELAND / PICTURE PRESS LTD D72

Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware REBEKA KAHN ARTWEAR C70 Jewellery REIDS OF IRELAND D114A Jewellery RI NA MARA, IRISH SEAWEED COSMETICS D58 Fragrance/ Cosmetics ROBERTS WHOLESALE BOOKS LTD A234 Other ROCKET MEDIA LTD E94 Interior/Home Accessories ROSCOMMON COUNTY ENTERPRISE BOARD F29 Other ROSEACRE SOAPS A219 Fragrance/ Cosmetics ROSSAN KNITWEAR E18 Fashion/Textiles ROYAL COUNTY PRODUCTS A262 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware ROYAL TARA CHINA IRL LTD D9 Irish/Heritage Giftware SABA JEWELLERY C71 Jewellery SALLY MILLER COLLECTION F36 Fragrance/ Cosmetics SARAH MCKENNA CERAMICS F7/F8 Interior/Home Accessories SATTAL / GIFT WRAP A253 Other THE SCARF COMPANY E65 Fashion/Textiles THE SCULLERY G1 Gift Food SEAN EGAN ART GLASS F20/F21 Irish/Heritage Giftware SERANO SHAMROCK GIFT CO

D80 Jewellery E19/20 Seasonal/ Occasional Giftware SHANDON WORKSHOP B44 Jewellery SHANNONBRIDGE POTTERY D61 Irish/Heritage Giftware SHIRA DESIGNER JEWELLERY LTD D36 Jewellery SIMPLY IRISH KNITWEAR F5/F6 Fashion/Textiles SIMPLY SPECIAL HANDMADE CARDS C17 Stationery SIOBHAN WEAR A228 Fashion/Textiles SKARAMANDA B14 Jewellery SLATED F3 Interior/Home Accessories SLIGO COUNTY CEB 1 Other SMALLSPORTS LTD A245J Irish/Heritage Accessories

Showcase Ireland Exhibitors

Pictured is the Floor Plan for Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo which runs from the 23-26 January, 2011 at the RDS, Dublin

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

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Ambiente 2011 / Furniture & Home Accessories Fair 2011

New…DISNEY

2011 Willow Tree® Welcome to the

By BRITTO Collection

E

nesco’s exciting new collection combines today’s most sought after contemporary artist with the number one family brand, offering a truly unique collection.

Disney by Britto captures the fun and whimsy of best-loved Disney characters in the iconic, bold and colourful designs of Brazilian The collection includes: Mickey artist Romero Britto, creating a new array of Mouse figurines in an dynamic and trend forward contemporary array of decorative choice, plus lidded product for Disney and Britto enthusiasts alike. boxes. All come with eye catching About the Artist: Romero Britto packaging too.

Romero Britto is one of the premier artists of our times, a modern day pop culture phenomenon. Britto has created contemporary masterpieces with his vibrant colours, bold patterns and a continuous message of hope. ‘Art is too important not to share,’ says Britto. ‘It elevates the soul and nourishes the heart.’

His paintings and sculptures are currently exhibited in more than 100 galleries worldwide. He was the official artist of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. UK residents may recall his critically acclaimed 45-foot pyramid ‘King Tut Exhibit’ in Hyde Park.

S

usan Lordi’s new Willow Tree sculptures for 2011 strike close to our emotional core...The Quilt and Home speak of family love, caring for others, nurturing and tenderness, reminding us of those with whom we love to spend time.

Welcome Here and new angels Sunshine and You’re the Best give us three new ways to tell others how we feel about them…hospitality, friendship, appreciation.

These wonderful expressions are beautifully rendered with universal symbols and gestures. Susan keeps the collection fresh by exploring different techniques, materials and paint effects. Intricate carvings, gold leaf, glitter, cut metal…the result is classic Willow Tree, with always something new to love!

‘The title of Welcome Here (pictured) is from one of my favourite old Christmas Carols called “Welcome Here”. It’s cheerful and inviting.’ Says Susan. ‘I wanted the wreath to be a beautiful and intricate cut-metal design that appears to come forward and be presented as a symbol of welcome, home and hospitality. The wreath is dominant, but it’s also lacy and airy — almost musical in the repetition of its pattern. I think the contrast of dark rust against her white dress makes an interesting relief. Welcoming friends and family into our homes at any time of year, and particularly the holidays, is a universal joy. ‘Welcome Here’ celebrates this tradition.’

Please contact Customer Services: Enesco Limited, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, CA3 0EN. Telephone: 01228 404022 Fax: 01228 404041 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk

SHANAHAN for 2011 Furniture & Home Accessories Fair

R

enowned retail consultant Eddie Shanahan has confirmed his participation at the 2011 Furniture & Home Accessories Fair. He will be joining a seminar and workshop programme of top quality speakers as part of SMART RETAIL, an exciting new learning experience at the Furniture & Home Accessories Fair. In this difficult economic environment retailers need all of the information and help available to stimulate and grow their business and give themselves an edge over their competitors.

Other high profile SMART RETAIL speakers include Rowena Doyle, Visual Sense who will provide an insight into how visual merchandising can positively impact on retailers business; financial expert Bernadette McGrory Farrell who will be giving sound financial advice on how companies can survive our current economic situation and business consultant Brendan O’Hagan from iRUN who will show retailers methods for maximizing their sales and profits.

Taking place from 3rd – 6th April at RDS, Dublin the Furniture & Home Accessories Fair is Ireland’s flagship event for the furniture, interiors & gift trade. This feature driven Show continues to be THE industry event providing visiting trade buyers with inspiration on products ranges and designs at a one-stop

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shop in the heart of Dublin. It’s an essential event for the trade in both Southern Ireland and Northern Ireland and provides an opportunity for visitors to not only buy new products, but to find fresh ideas and to network face-to-face with their peers.

Other features at the Show include New Design Ireland which will once again provide a unique and designated area which will give up and coming Irish designers and manufacturers an opportunity to showcase their contemporary designs and create new relationships with the industry. Also don’t miss the ReFound pop up shop. This is an exciting new concept where you will find past-its-prime furniture transformed by the ReFound artists into unique functional pieces.

New for 2011 FLOORING @ Furniture & Home Accessories Fair will be the only exhibition for the Irish flooring market and your most cost The 2011 Fair takes place at effective option for reaching real buyers of flooring products Simmonscourt, RDS from: Sunday 3rd April – to Wednesday including rugs, wood, laminate, 6th April. Opening times are: vinyl, underlays and carpet.

Sunday – Tuesday 10am-6pm, and Wednesday 10am-4pm. www.irishfurniturefair.com For stand enquiries call Elish Bull on 00353 (0) 1 288 8821 elish@exhibitionsireland.com and for visitor enquiries contact Lorraine Walsh on 00353 (0) 1 288 8821 lorraine@exhibitionsireland.com

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

Ambiente 2011

2011

11th–15th February 2011 - Frankfurt am Main

A

corations, Seasonal & Outdoor Living and Passage Home & Garden.

In the Loft area young designers and trend shows will be featuring pure avant-garde home accessories, furniture, lighting and textiles will be on show.

mbiente is the world’s largest international consumer goods trade fair for the dining, giving and living sectors. It provides the meeting place for topics, trends and senior buyers to procure new products and innovations for the new season.

Ambiente 2010 ended on a highly positive note with over 4,300 international exhibitors offering a complete spectrum of products and concepts across all industry sectors. Ambiente is a truly international show with almost half the trade audience coming from outside Germany. 132,000 trade visitors from across the globe came to Frankfurt to discover new products, place orders and meet new and existing clients.

2011 Trends

Dining, Living and Giving Ambiente is unique in that it is split into three main sectors to display the product groups in an ideal setting. Dining, Living and Giving are also spilt individually to provide the best platform to place the newest innovations and designs in each sector.

Dining is an international leading trade fair for the tabletop, kitchen, houseware and indulgence sectors.

Presenting the newest innovations in this sector, this is where you can discover the latest kitchen trends and search for creative new ideas for the table area. The product groups include - Kitchen Trends, Kitchen Consumer Brands, Table Design, Houseware & Storage and Passage Table & Kitchen.

Giving is where you will find a full range of the newest products for gifts, games, jewellery and lifestyles. An attractive addition is the new product category, Beauty & Bath, consisting of accessories, personal care and wellness products, which is well placed in Ambiente to take advantage of buyers from all round the world.

Products in this area include; Collectables, Kids World, Young & Trendy, Carat, Personal Accessories, Passage Gifts and Gifts Unlimited.

Living is aimed at the living and decorations sector, with everything that makes a home more beautiful, from furniture and home accessories to home textiles and avantgarde designs. Product ranges in Living include; Loft, Interiors & De-

Ambiente’s trend team have interpreted international developments and encapsulated the market-relevant trends, to produce four areas that represent this. 2011 trends have a clear desire for simplicity and quality, for credibility and authenticity, shown through the four areas selected; Cute, Raw, Refined and Mash, outlining the lifestyle and consumer trends for the future.

Every year, Ambiente offers optimum launching conditions for the careers of young designers through promotional areas at the show. There are three such areas; ‘Talents’ for new designers to the industry focusing on interior design, gifts and personal accessories and for the first time a special area for the table and kitchen segments, ‘Next’ for young, creative niche suppliers, who are start-up companies in the field of avantgarde design and ‘A Mano’ for small handicraft manufacturers to find new international sales channels and to make contacts to representative of the trade press, all being given the chance to present their high grade products to an audience of experts.

Ambiente will stay refreshingly different in 2011, with its optimised structure giving way to more opportunities for making valuable contacts and its forward-looking trend presentations and design events will attract a discerning trade audience - making Ambiente the most important event in the year for new products and orders in the consumer goods industry!

To purchase an advance discounted ticket to the show please visit www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com.

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

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International Toy Fair 2011

Retailers draw three trumps at the

T

he International Toy Fair Nuremberg is basing its programme on the three trumps innovations, knowledge and contacts.

Visitors to Nuremberg from 3–8 February 2011 draw a good hand of cards for their year’s business. Approximately 2700 exhibitors from more than 60 countries join the International Toy Fair Nuremberg each year.

The organizer Spielwarenmesse eG sees its task as preparing the huge spectrum of products in an efficient and clearly arranged form for the traders and buyers. Its special shows highlight current topics and structures the products with extra display areas or in brochures.

These Toy Fair Specials create three main success factors for fair visitors: knowledge, innovations and contacts. First and foremost retailers and buyers come to Nuremberg to discover new products for their assortment. This makes the InnovationCenter in hall 4 the heart of the innovation programme, where visitors find an overview of the manufacturers’ new products and the ToyAward winners. The

18

knowledge offered at the International Toy Fair in 2011 includes the Toys go green special, the Global Toy Conference on 8.2.2011 and the daily series of presentations at the Toy Business Forum.

Furthermore, there are numerous networking opportunities at Nuremberg. Professionals for consumer goods from all over the world meet the International Toy Fair to make new contacts and cultivate existing ones. The LicenseCenter will become the gettogether for the licensing industry in the new central entrance area in 2011. Presentations of the license worlds and the International Trend Selection will be enhanced by a lounge. At their new meeting-point in the foyer of Brüssel hall, licensors, licensees and licensing agencies have the opportunity for talks until 7 p.m. daily from 3–5 February.

Two product groups of twelve are especially interesting to gift retailers. In 2010 the product groups “Wooden Toys, Craftworks, Gifts” in Hall 3 and “Festive and Trend Articles, Carnival” in Hall 9 showed products of more than 500 exhibitors. In some product groups, as much as 20 percent of the companies represented only exhibit at Nuremberg. The baby and infant articles segment forms a separate product group for the first time at the coming International Toy Fair. The special Baby’sWorld area in 2010 attracted a very big

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

International Toy Fair 2011

International Toy Fair Nuremberg 2011 the customers’ growing interest in sustainable products. Spielwarenmesse eG will also point out on the presentation area that green development will accompany business activities in the coming years.

Specialty retailers committed to provide good service to their customers will find many fancy products at the International Toy Fair Nuremberg. For further information, please visit www.toyfair.de or contact the Irish representative of Spielwarenmesse eG:

response as the forerunner of this product group. This baby and infant toys will fill the whole of hall 2 in 2011 again. School articles and stationery have grown into a separate product group in Nuremberg after the threeyear success of the special “Way to School” programme. Traders recognized the profitable interaction between the ranges, so that the suppliers are moving into hall 9 at the International Toy Fair permanently.

For the toy fair special Toys go green Spielwarenmesse eG will present many ideas to encourage the industry and trade to run their business operations in a more sustainable way.

The green oasis will occupy a key position in the newly built central entrance area (Eingang Mitte). Theme islands will take up various aspects of toys going green. Traders can gather ideas on environmentally compatible product presentations in the green area of the central entrance and at the same time adjust to

German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce Robert Dunne 46 Fitzwilliam Square IR-Dublin 2 Tel.: +353 1 64 24 321 Fax: +353 1 64 24 399 e-mail: robert.dunne@german-irish.ie

Special Of fer on i t p i r c s b Su

5 5 £ r o €60 he year for t

•Gifts •Home Accessories •Stationery •Tabletop •Crafts VISIT OUR NEWLY DESIGNED WEBSITE:

www.irishgiftretailer.com IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

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Product news

ROYAL DOPPLEGANGER RING SALES SOAR S

ales of a dress ring have sky rocketed at Debenhams following the announcement of Wills’ and Kate’s engagement last week due to uncanny likeness to the royal version. Although the department store’s version is a slightly different hue to Kate’s engagement ring it’s identical in every other way except from price – it is currently on sale for €9.50.

The stone cluster ring has been one the department store’s best selling styles for two seasons but has seen a massive 312% boost as customers identify it as a ‘ringer’ of the royal engagement ring.

Says Carie Barkhuizen, “Even though it’s a slightly different colour, this regal ring is sure to have a long and successful purple reign. It’s clear that our customers want to feel like a princess for a fraction of the price – and for €9.50 it’s a royal bargain!

“We are monitoring sales this week - if the ring continues to sell as it has over the last week, we will be looking to increase stock levels in the run up to Christmas!”

The €9.50 Vicenza ring is made from coloured glass surrounded by diamantes.

Following the engagement announcement, Debenhams buyers were flung into frantic planning sessions to develop commemorative product in time for the royal wedding.

Continues Carie Barkhuizen, “Kate and William’s wedding will be a special day all around the world - all of our departments including home, lingerie and womenswear are considering ways to mark the occasion.”

Some of the world’s most famous engagement rings include those of actress Elizabeth Taylor - she received a 30 carat emerald-cut diamond from Michael Todd, her third husband. She also received a

Krupp diamond of 39 carats, the Taylor-Burton pear-shaped diamond of 69.42 carats, and the heart-shaped 17th century Taj Mahal diamond.

More recently Jennifer Lopez was engaged to Ben Affleck with a pink diamond ring of 6 carats, which quickly drew public attention and became very famous. The pink diamond ring, complete with three baguette white diamonds and a platinum band on each side, was purchased for $1.2 million.

Since then Katie Price, Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole have all made headlines with increasingly large diamond rings.

Engagement or bethrothal rings were first used by the Romans but revived in the Western world in the 13th century. It is though that the first rings may have been made from leather, plants, or other degradable material that served not only to symbolize a union between two people, but also their connection with the land that sustained them.

As time passed, metal rings eventually became more elaborate, finally incorporating gemstones to add a measure of distinction and beauty. Symbolic patterns of birthstones were often used to illustrate the couple's parents as well as the couple themselves. For centuries, however, diamonds were too rare and expensive to be widely available or affordable.

The first documented use of a diamond ring to signify engagement was by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria in imperial court of Vienna in 1477, upon his betrothal to Mary of Burgundy.

Debenhams currently sells 43 styles of ring ranging in price from €9.50 to €18.50. There are also 29 branded rings ranging from €31 to €124.

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

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Spring Fair International 2011

Spring Fair International

3

,000 exhibitors, 500 new exhibitors, 300,000 brand new product launches, exclusive London 2012 Olympic Showcase and more new features than ever before

The organiser of Spring Fair International, Emap Connect, is delighted to unveil plans for the 2011 exhibition, the largest and most comprehensive retail trade show in the UK, covering 12 key buying sectors: Gift & Home, Design-led Gifts, Volume Gift & Home, Kitchen, Dining &

Housewares, Greetings & Stationery, Art & Framing, Toys, Gadgets & Party, Festive, Floral & Fireworks, Outdoor Living, Wellbeing, Fashion Jewellery & Accessories and The Jewellery Show Building on the success of Spring Fair International 2010, which saw 71,239 retailers come through the doors with a combined buying budget of £14.8 billion, the fair in 2011 will once again benefit from a major investment in new features and an influx of fantastic new exhibitors and companies returning to the event.

Some 3,000 companies have signed up to join the 2011 show, including 500 new exhibitors and 400 international suppliers, who between them will launch some 300,000 brand new products to the trade at Spring Fair International. There will be 1,000 exclusive exhibitors that you won’t see at any other show in the year ahead.

The managing director of Emap Connect Home & Gift, Louise Young says: “Spring Fair attracts one of Europe’s largest gatherings of retailers at a crucial time in the buying calendar. The new initiatives and crowd-pulling features are crucial to the development and expansion of Spring Fair International, as we continue in our quest to create a home and gift event that is more vibrant, more inspiring and more cosmopolitan – a show that makes our industry proud.”

In a renewed collaboration with the Giftware Association, the Gift of the Year Awards will be announced on Sunday February 6 during the exhibition, at the Gift of the Year Showcase, garden and retail lounge in Hall 3. Visitors will be the first to see the winning and highly commended products in one of the industry’s most prestigious competitions.

• Life Style area for design-led Kitchen, Dining & Housewares products (Hall 2) • Interactive Graffiti Café (Hall 3) The Trend House will showcase hot contenders for the following seasons’ best-selling products, based on themes provided by global trend forecasting service WGSN and its sister resource HomeBuildLife. This fantastic new feature - which looks set to become a key destination for 2011 and subsequent years - will offer retailers unique insight into future trend directions to help guide their buying. Briefings will take place on the hour and visitors can take away a complimentary trend pack.

Located next door to The Trend House, the Trend Café will provide light meals, snacks and refreshments, while a newly created fine dining restaurant will offer the perfect environment for business meetings and client entertaining for those in search of somewhere special to take their guests.

Fashion Jewellery & Accessories at Spring Fair International will be located in Hall 19 and 20, where a brand new Catwalk and Seminar Theatre is set to bring fashion centre stage at the biggest retail trade event of the year. Three live catwalk shows a day – taking place at 11.00, 1.00 and 4.00 - will bring a constant buzz to this growing sector of the exhibition.

The large Toy Demo Area in Hall 5 will be hosted by toy expert Peter Jenkinson of market-leading testing and review company Toyology. Six slots per day will give exhibitors the chance to demonstrate their latest products and allow visiting retailers to test run the latest innovations in toys and gadgets.

In the Gift Food & Confectionary segment of the show, the new Tasting Table will provide retailers with a wonderful opportunity to sample some of the delectable products at the show. (See Gift Food & Confectionary press release for more details).

Another exciting highlight of the fair will be the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games showcase in Hall 6 Stands F15/E14 and E15/D14.

LOCOG will bring 34 of its official licensees together on these group stand areas, where retailers will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to view the newly launched games merchandise, exclusively at Spring Fair. Categories will include Homewares, Clothing & Accessories, Toys & Souvenirs, Print,

Other NEW Features for Spring Fair International 2011 include: • Trend House, Trend Café and Fine Dining Restaurant (Hall 10) • Fashion Accessories Catwalk and Seminar Theatre (Hall 19) • Toy Demo Area (Hall 5) • Gift Food & Confectionary Sector and Tasting Table (Hall 20) • London 2012 (LOCOG) official Olympics merchandise showcase (Hall 6) • Revive relaxation zone to promote buyers’ Wellbeing (Hall 20)

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IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

Spring Fair International 2011

is set to deliver the goods Publishing & Music and Collectables. Many exhibitors in the group area will also have their own stands at appropriate sectors of the show.

Also located in Hall 20, located alongside the complementary Gifts and Fashion Accessories & Jewellery areas, Wellbeing will feature a brand new rest and relaxation area called Revive. Buyers can enjoy a soothing massage followed by a delicious fruit smoothie, or just put their feet for a while.

New to Kitchen, Dining & Housewares in Hall 2, the ‘Life Style’ zone has been created so buyers can source from a carefully edited, exclusive selection of design-led kitchen and housewares products. Exhibitors in this new feature area include: Alessi, Bobble, Blomus, Bodum, Forma House, Meyer Group, Menu, Camal Enterprises, Kozioi and PPD A new development for Hall 3 is Graffiti Café. Featuring the work of contemporary street artists, visitors to this interactive feature can sit back, enjoy the show atmosphere and listen to relaxing sounds from the resident Graffiti Bar DJ. Spring Fair International 2011 will also mark the first stage in a comprehensive expansion strategy for 2012 and beyond. The transformation will begin with a major investment made to improve traffic flow around the exhibition, designed to enhance the buying experience for retailers and their overall enjoyment of Spring Fair. This will see Hall 9 becoming the lynchpin of the gift and home halls and a must-visit destination for gift, home and design-led retailers. High presentational values will determine the look of Hall 9, where some of Europe’s best known suppliers and brands will be showcasing their new products.

For the first time, a covered walkway will connect Hall 9 to Hall 5, to facilitate visitor flow between the piazza and the atrium and ease footfall across the exhibition. This link will complement the existing walkway between halls 8 and 4. A new entrance will also be opened up in Hall 9, which will mark a new stopping off point for the free Circle Line bus service.

Also or the first time in 2011, Spring Fair International is joining forces with another market leading Emap Brand, World Retail Congress, which will host its advisory board meeting on Monday February 6 at the show.

The Congress, which brings together CEOs from the world’s largest retailers, takes place annually in September.

International buyers will further benefit from a dedicated buyers’ lounge in the Piazza Toute Suite, free internet facilities, free cloakroom and a comprehensive list of suppliers ready to export.

All these new developments will run alongside the popular existing features that helped bring a buzz to Spring Fair International 2010,

including: • Cook Live! Celebrity chefs will once again cook up a storm in the working kitchen theatre and demonstration area in Hall 2.

• Pandora Catwalk Café at The Jewellery Show: This stunning, crowd-pulling feature returns for the second year running.

• Spotlight: Featuring unusual products from smaller and new exhibitors, Spotlight will extend through Halls 3 and 4 for 2011, incorporating contemporary gifts, homeware and greetings cards.

• New Product Showcase: This crowd-pulling feature will be located at the back of Hall 3 for the 2011 exhibition.

• Workshop & Seminar Theatre: The Fine Art Trade Guild once again pulls out the stops with a fantastic selection of presentations from industry experts.

The 2011 show will once again include a series of product trails designed to facilitate the buying experience for retailers on the hunt for specific product categories. Visitors should keep their eyes peeled for the New Product, Creative Britain, Exporter, Retail Services (NEW), Licensed Product and Ethical Product trails while they browse the show.

With an eye on visitor comfort and convenience, the show organiser has positioned free waters stations at key locations throughout the show, in Halls 3, 4, 6 and 9, and increased both on-site catering facilities and available seating areas. Computerised Product Finding Points will be placed at the entrances to each hall and the free Circle Line Bus Service will operate throughout the show, with drop off points outside Halls 1, 2, 9, 10, 11, 6/20, the main Piazza entrance and The Jewellery Show.

Repeating an extremely popular initiative launched at Spring Fair 2012 as an added incentive to get retailers to the show in good time - early bird visitors will also be offered free pastries to help get them in the mood for some serious shopping. Hungry buyers will get further light refreshment in the link between Halls 5 and 9, where complimentary apples will be given away.

The Jewellery Show at Spring Fair International Also prepare to be dazzled by The Jewellery Show 2011: The Pandora Catwalk Cafe at the heart of Halls 17 and 18 will once again provide a stunning focal point for retail jewellers, while some of the most cutting edge jewellery designers around are to participate in Design Quarter Gems, produced in association with Houlden Group.

Spring Fair International, Autumn Fair International and The Jewellery Show are the only ABC audited retail trade exhibitions in the UK.

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

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Exhibition news

CLARION EVENTS ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF… A NEW SHOW FOR HOMEWARES AND INTERIOR ACCESSORIES – TO BE RUN ALONGSIDE AN UPGRADED AND ENHANCED TOP DRAWER IN JANUARY 2012.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME…

F

rom January 2012, the homewares and interior accessories industry has a new Home: a beautifully designed, dedicated trade show sitting alongside Top Drawer in the heart of London; the design capital of Europe and the world’s most visited city.

Home is the UK’s first dedicated show of UK and international suppliers of housewares, homewares and interior accessories, and is the perfect opportunity for UK and international buyers to source established brands, new ranges and fresh talent, at the first show of the European season.

Home’s inspirational product showcase will include lighting, small & occasional furniture, accessories for the kitchen and bathroom, soft furnishings, tableware, glassware and garden accessories.

"We like new ideas at John Lewis, and Home sounds like a great one: it's in London, it's at the right time and it fills a gap in the market for a stylish home products show. We're looking forward to it!"

Paula Nickolds, Buying Director Home, John Lewis The co-location of Home with gift and accessories show Top Drawer, makes this the perfect retail destination for the Spring season and a uniquely stimulating buying environment.

“In Home, the UK will finally have its own dedicated homewares and interior accessories show for trade professionals. Home’s organisers really care about design and quality, and they’ve given the show the best possible start in life by launching it alongside Top Drawer in London. I’m sure Home will be a success.”

Jill Web, Director, Conran Group Ian Rudge, co-founder of influential trade show 100% Design, is heading up the Home team for Clarion Events (organisers of Top Drawer London, Pulse and Home & Gift-Harrogate) supported by a dynamic steering committee made up of leading retailers, manufacturers, distributors and press. To ensure a compelling mix of exhibitors, Home will employ the same selection process as Top Drawer.

Home fills a genuine gap in the market for a dynamic, distinctive London event dedicated exclusively to products for the home.

Commercial, and cleverly designed, Home is not another design event, it is an appealing trade exhibition for discriminating retailers looking for stylish, well designed, modern and classic products at

24

price points that make sense.

Ian Rudge – Business Development Director, Clarion Events

TOP DRAWER ENHANCED AND UPGRADED In 2012, significant investment is also being made to Top Drawer, which will be enhanced and upgraded to feature even more gifts and accessories to better meet the needs of the buyers. Each of the five sections of Top Drawer which include Fashion, Gifts, Greetings, Children’s and Wellbeing will be developed to offer more international brands and new names and a greater breadth of choice for retailers. Plus, the already beautifully designed Top Drawer will be upgraded with a new show designer offering buyers and suppliers a new and exciting environment in which to meet.

“The launch of Home, plus the enhancements and upgrades to Top Drawer will deliver exactly what buyers and suppliers are asking for, by creating the UK’s definitive and the most exciting buying centre for all homewares, gifts and accessories combining great design and commercial appeal. I am overwhelmed by the positive response and support we have had for these developments and look forward to delivering the market something new!”

Neil Gaisford, Retail Portfolio Director For more information on the exciting plans for HOME, or to learn more about the new developments for Top Drawer, contact Ian Rudge on + 44 (0) 20 7370 8168 / ian.rudge@clarionevents.com. Ian will also be available for interview this weekend at Top Drawer, 1618 January at Earls Court, London.

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

Home – The definitive new homewares and interior accessories show Earls Court Two, 15-17 January 2012

Top Drawer London - Incorporating Fashion, Gifts, Greetings, Children’s Wellbeing - Earls Court One, 15-17 January 2012.

Product News

THE JEWELLERY SHOW 2011 – is hallmarked for brilliance T

he fastest growing, most exciting jewellery trade exhibition in the UK will bring the industry together at Spring Fair International 2011 Following a hugely successful re-launch in 2010, The Jewellery Show at Spring Fair International 2011 will once again set the pace for the year ahead and assert its position as the fastest growing, most exciting jewellery trade exhibition in the UK. Jewellery retailers attending the show (over 20,000 at last year’s event*) can look forward to seeing more than 40,000 new product launches from over 400 exhibitors, ranging from established international diamond suppliers to the best new design talent the jewellery trade has to offer.

For 2011 innovative design will be taking centre stage. In a NEW collaborative partnership with the Houlden group, The Jewellery Show organiser Emap Connect has refreshed and re-edited the Design Quarter in Hall 18. The arrangement will see Houlden Group sponsoring a brand new Design Quarter Gems feature and launching their inaugural Houlden Group Designers of Excellence Award during the show.

Some of the hottest designers in the UK will exhibit at The Jewellery Show for the first time under the Gems umbrella, including: Babette Wasserman, Katie Rowland, Ana de Costa, Alexander Davis, James Newman and SHO fine Jewellery. During the show, Houlden Group will choose one or more of these designers as recipient of their Award, providing a formidable opportunity for these companies to grow their business.

The winners will be announced at on Monday February 7 2011 at 4pm on the Catwalk. The chosen pieces will go on to be showcased in select Houlden Retailers throughout the year and the overall winning collection will also be offered 2 free showings at a Houlden Group’s Supplier Exhibition.

Event director Julie Driscoll commented: “The Houlden Group and The Jewellery show are both passionate about bringing inspirational

jewellery design to UK retail jewellers. The project is reflective of the creative thinking that Houlden Group retailers possess in abundance.

We are delighted and honoured to be able to launch The Houlden Designers Of Excellence Award during The Jewellery Show 2011” Also NEW for 2011, Dutch brand Ti Sento will make its debut at The Jewellery Show 2011 along with sister charm brand Charming, while top-selling supplier Hot Diamonds, Feniom and IBB are all to return to the exhibition.

Other NEW companies you can look forward to seeing at the show include Lola Rose, Kranz & Ziegler, Pranda UK, Moon Products and Step by Step Jewellery. The Company of Master Jewellers will also be present supporting the show.

Another big supporter of The Jewellery Show is Pandora, which has chosen the event as its exclusive UK trade exhibition and will once again sponsor the Catwalk Café area at the heart of halls 17 and 18 of the NEC. Three catwalk shows a day taking place at 12.00, 3.00 and 5.00. This will be Pandora’s only open UK trade launch since The Jewellery Show 2010. The Pandora Catwalk Cafe will showcase the very latest jewellery trends supplied by WGSN inspiring retailers to buy directional ranges to ensure a great return on investment.

A panel of industry experts will select key pieces from the Design Quarter exhibitors to feature in a scene on the catwalk. Jo Henderson, MD of the forward thinking retailer Wave, Rebecca Sherwood, purchasing director of award-winning independent Azendi, Stuart Laing, chairman of the Houlden group, Laura McCreddie, editor of Retail Jeweller and Lindsay Straughton of the BJA have already agreed to be part of the selection panel.

In between the runway shows a host of industry experts will present a series of seminars on topics such as online retailing and shop security to trend tips, specially designed to help retailers improve and grow their business.

Chamilia, Glasgow-based jeweller P Kennedy (featuring the Truth

IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

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Product News brand), Bransom Retail Systems and the Company of master Jewellers will also return as major sponsors and exhibitors of The Jewellery Show.

The managing director of Bransom, Chris Garland says he believes: “The Jewellery Show at Spring Fair International is a must for progressive retailers wanting to evaluate the latest trends and it gives retailers the opportunity to meet in one place to discuss what is happening in the trade.

Also speaking of the importance of The Jewellery Show to his business, P Kennedy/Truth owner Paul Kennedy commented: “As Spring Fair International is UK's largest retail exhibition, The Jewellery Show offers a great platform to launch our new Truth collection.

“With the growth and development of Truth we believe this is the most important trade event of the year to showcase our brand. We are eager to create a strong prominence at the show, which is reflected in the two major stands we have acquired and our sponsorship support of the show. This offers a great opportunity to engage with some of our most influential clients and buyers, in addition to offering the potential to meet new customers”.

Elsewhere in Hall 17, the popular Italian pavilion from the Regione Campagne will once again feature beautiful Italian designers, while the Hong Kong jewellery manufacturers pavilion will ensure that some Far Eastern inspiration infuses the show.

These companies join a host of regular exhibitors that between them supply an array of jewellery from pearls, silver, platinum, gold and palladium, to precious engagement rings, wedding bands, watches, charm bracelets and beads.

Domino, Gemex, Sea Gems, DMJ/Storywheels, International Bullion, Brown & Newirth, Henig Diamonds, Hockley Mint, Storm, Trollbeads, Pilgrim, Mark Milton, Clogau Gold and Euro Pearls are

just a few examples of the market leading companies and brands that will launch their latest products to the trade at The Jewellery Show 2011.

Domino will launch an exciting new stand and range at the event – and is also due to take part in the newly-launched Platinum trail in association with the Platinum Guild.

Retail jewellers interested in Fashion Jewellery & Accessories will find all they are looking for in adjacent Hall 19, which is part of Spring Fair International and is to include a fantastic array of costume jewellery and fashion product.

Also during The Jewellery Show, the British Jewellers' Association (BJA) will present their 2011 Award, which this time around will celebrate fabulous cuff designs in both precious and non-precious materials. There are two categories in the competition, which is sponsored by The Jewellery Show and supported by both Retail Jeweller magazine and the British Jewellery Giftware & Finishing Federation (BJGF): Precious Metal Cuffs can be created from any precious metal and may be adorned with either real or faux gemstones, pearls, patterns or textures. Fashion Cuffs in Non-Precious Metals may be constructed of any material, including plastic, resin, wood and natural fibres. Designs may either be plain or decorated. Designs with high-fashion catwalk appeal are likely to score highly. Products must be designed in the UK but may have been manufactured overseas.

Last but not least – in case you were thinking it might be all work and no play - The Jewellery Show organiser will host a buyers’ party at The Jam House in Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter, on the evening of Monday February 7. For more information contact Marketing Manager Alexia Emmerson: alexia.emmerson@emap.com

Baby Bamboo for Spring!

B

y popular demand, Samantha Holmes has introduced a beautiful tunic to her collection. Superfine knit with a fine butterfly motif with slouchy pockets and wavy hemline, it's available in a range of fresh Summer colours and 2 sizes.

It makes a stunning combo with her new long waterfall waistcoat which layers nicely and doubles as a versatile transseasonal garment.

Both items are made using using a new innovative yarn “BabyBoo”which combines 70% baby alpaca with 30% bamboo the ultimate in natural silky softness, lustre and drape. The bamboo content also enhances the hypoallergenic appeal and lends itself particularly well to babywear where softness on sensitive skins is so important. Bamboo also makes the yarn harder wearing, so there is less pilling or bobbling.

Delivery for April, both items are also available for forward ordering for Winter 2011/2012 in Samantha’s traditional, darker, earthier shades.

Please check visit the Trade Login on www.samanthaholmes.com for details of the rest of the Samantha Holmes collection.

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IRISH GIFT RETAILER Volume 3 Issue 6

coming home 11 – 15. 2. 2011

Be there!

This is where you’ll find the world’s largest and most international range of consumer goods. And everything to ensure the success of your assortment for the entire year. Discover products, trends and innovations. At the world’s leading Dining, Giving and Living international trade fairs, order what will enthral your customers.

Welcome to Ambiente.

Come and take a look. All information and admission tickets at: www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

Your personal contact: Tel. +44 17 84 41 59 50 info@ireland.messefrankfurt.com