JULY 2019
FOR HOME & LIFESTYLE RETAILERS. EST.1975
Keeping up appearances Why store design and VM are intrinsic to your brand
Trend alert: What will be hanging on Christmas trees in 2019?
Criminal minds The impact of theft on retail
GIFTGUIDE is published by
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26 in this issue 8 design Lucy Given shares her tips 12 visual merchandising Christmas inspiration from retailers great and small 18 trends what to look out for this summer 22 christmas trends what will be hanging on Christmas trees? 26 product focus top 10 toys for store shelves this Christmas 28 Q&A with Iain Marr of Cotton Candy Imports 30 instore the impact of theft on retailers 32 products great finds to stock your shelves with this Christmas
08
contents
30 22 28
12
July 2019  5
Keeping up appearances Store design and visual merchandising are intrinsic to your brand and identity. With the most important selling season just around the corner, LUC. Design store owner, Lucy Given, shares her tips.
Store design and visual merchandising are intrinsic to your brand and identity. LUC. Design store owner, Lucy Given, shares her tips.
8  giftguideonline.com.au
design
I
nspire, excite and engage—these
2. We want to make sure our customers can feel
are the three words that reflect the holy
at ease, we want them to stay as long as possible
grail of contemporary retailing.
3. We want to make sure our customers can find
Where visual merchandising might
be an art, store design is a science. First
products in store, and that they have all the relevant information they need to buy with confidence
impressions count and being able to create a
4. We want to inspire
retail space that is inviting and interesting is key
5. We want to make sales!
to having a successful store:
Here are my tips to ensure your brand
1. We want to avoid overwhelming or confusing the customer
and the experience within your store is represented cohesively.
CLICK
+ TO READ MORE July 2019  9
JUMBLED ONLINE
DAVID JONES
TELLING A STORY Get inspired by these amazing Christmas displays from stores all around the world
HARRODS
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DESIGN MERCHANTS
FREEDOM AUSTRALIA
visual merchandising
BERGDORF GOODMAN
BLOOMINGDALE’S
KOSKELA
MERCI
July 2019 13
visual merchandising
MYER
WINDOW SHOP NYC_GUCCI
WINDOW SHOP NYC_RALPH LAUREN
STORY
14  giftguideonline.com.au
visual merchandising
OPUS DESIGN STORE
PIGEONHOLE AUSTRALIA
WINDOW SHOP NYC_MACY’S
WINDOW SHOP NYC_INTERMIX
BACK TO CONTENTS 16 giftguideonline.com.au
Filll your Christmas with colour Gifts with meaning T: 1800 811 598 E: info@kohliving.com.au kohliving.com.au
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July 2019  19
Magical Chri with continu glitter and
Cotton Candy Imports P: 03 9782 0262
istmas decor uous swirling d LED lights
2 E: mail@cottoncandyimports.com.au
22  giftguideonline.com.au
christmas trends
Trend alert:
UNIQUE BAUBLES
& SUSTAINABLE
DECORATIONS Classic or quirky, what will be hanging on Christmas trees in 2019? Christmasworld exhibitors show us the trends.
July 2019  23
christmas trends
T
he countdown has begun: in
surfaces and warm, burnt tones. In contrast,
a few weeks’ time, retailers will be
sweet traditions bring joy and charm into the
putting on show the latest Christmas
home: surfaces remind us of icing and sugar
trends with original accessories,
pearls, with handwritten messages and hand-
unique Christmas tree baubles and ideas for
drawn images. At the same time, naïve motifs and
sustainable decorations.
also Norwegian patterns are equally indicative of
Tender festivities, essential ceremonies, sweet traditions and luminous celebrations—that is
this style, as are fresh colours such as peach, red and berry tones.
how stilbüro bora.herke.palmisano describes
When it comes to luminous celebrations the
the four major trend scenarios for the up-coming
clue is in the name: elegant, luminous and dark
2019/20 festive season.
shades with intense colourings and shimmering
Tender festivities is a calm and peaceful trend,
metallic colours, iridescent surfaces, sequins,
with a reductionist style. Central features are
sparkly discs, ultra-glossy finishes and lurex
unusual shapes and surfaces, combined with
effects, as well as velvet and feathers conjure
matt finishes, stone effects, crushed, creased or
glamorous Christmas decorations.
pleated surfaces and high-quality paper.
Four trends, four worlds, each with their unique
Naturalness and modernity, combined with
product ranges. But what have people actually
raw, rustic features are the distinguishing
ordered in especially large numbers? What will
characteristics of essential ceremonies. This is
we be able to find in stores and in online retail
a trend that finds expression in raw, untreated
sites in a few weeks’ time?
CLICK 24 giftguideonline.com.au
+ TO READ MORE
for cool
TOO SCHOOL Kids love getting messy and creating something cool that they can play with. Let’s see what’s on offer for the upcoming silly season.
Plush Llama
26 giftguideonline.com.au
product focus
Multicoloured Rainbow Glitter Wand
Crunchy Putty Bright Pearl
A
s Christmas is getting closer, kids everywhere are already working on their wish list to give to Santa, which will, as always, include lots of toys and gadgets. TNW Australia supplies the gift industry with innovative
toys, gifts and accessories that will look good on any Christmas list.
Mouldable Crazy Sand
We list the top 10 trends that retailers should look out for when stocking their shelves for the festive season.
1 Llamas, llamas and more llamas Llamas are definitely the animal du jour and they come in many different sizes, materials and colours. If you want a cute and colourful cuddle pal, TNW’s Plush Llama ticks all the boxes. This fluffy and adorable rainbow coloured Llama has sparkling feet and crystal blue eyes... what’s not to like? If you’re looking for sweet companion to keep you company and keep you focused then meet the no drama llamas. These Cushy Frizzee Light Up Llamas are sensory toys with soft, spiky and stretchy exteriors, they make excellent tactile toys and they light up a rainbow of colours when lightly tapped or shaken. CLICK
+ TO READ MORE July 2019 27
make believe
THE MAGIC OF
We chat to Iain Marr from Cotton Candy Imports about the company’s journey so far and its latest product ranges. Can you tell us a bit more about
We are currently working with our creative team
Cotton Candy Imports?
developing new Christmas ranges for 2020.
Cotton Candy Imports was launched in 2015
What are some of the current trends
after seeing a gap in the market for creative
to look out for?
niche toys and giftware. We were very fortunate
Glitter Lanterns have a big following, and our 2019
to have early success, we put it down to fresh
range has had a massive reception. Our in-house
designs and hard work.
design team works closely with our manufacturers,
We won Toy of the Year from the ATA for our Chloe’s
making sure we always have new and unique
Garden Fairy Garden Village, which was designed
products relevant to the Australian market.
with our daughter, Chloe. We have also expanded
Any advice for (new) businesses in
our business to be an international business.
this tough environment?
28 giftguideonline.com.au
Q&A
Take pride in your shop, make stories of
expecting to sell out pretty quickly
products and try to be different to the retailers
What are your tips for retailers on
around you, make sure your shop is clean and
how to display your products?
change your displays regularly to keep your
Create a story, don’t have just a couple of pieces,
shop looking fresh and inviting. Also, pay your
if you make a story consumers are more likely to
staff first and yourself last.
purchase several pieces to recreate your display
What are you looking forward to at
at home.
the August Melbourne Gift Fair?
This is how our Christmas range works, in
We are expecting a bumper fair in August, the
particular our light up Christmas lanterns, we find
customer feedback we have already on our
that consumers prefer to have several of them to
new lantern range is phenomenal, so we are
create a magical atmosphere at home.
BACK TO CONTENTS
July 2019  29
THICK AS THIEVES Theft has always been a major concern for retailers, especially around the Christmas holidays when numbers seem to spike.
30  giftguideonline.com.au
instore
A
ccording to the first
the research shows that thieves have upped their
dedicated retail crime survey
game and retailers need to adapt to stay ahead.
for Australian and New Zealand
“Loss prevention technologies are still the best
retailers there has been a major
deterrents for opportunistic shoplifters and when
increase in customer theft, which now accounts
combined with good customer service will often
for more than 50 per cent of revenue lost from
significantly reduce theft in stores,” he says.
stores due to crime.
“It has also become clear that retailers have
The report estimates that crime-related loss
lost confidence in law enforcement’s response
is 0.92 per cent of revenue, revealing a $3.37
to retail crime and this has allowed shoplifters
billion direct cost of crime to the industry in
to become bolder. These findings should
the 2017/18 financial year. Sixty-seven per
encourage retailers to invest in further theft
cent of retailers says that it is difficult to combat
prevention measures. There has been a major
shoplifters with their current resources because
focus on cybercrime and cybersecurity in retail.
of the diverse and sophisticated ways that
Yet this push towards protecting digital assets
criminals are now targeting retailers.
has apparently left a gaping hole for shoplifters
Mark Gentle, vice president of Checkpoint
to take advantage of gaps in retailer’s security
Australia, which sponsored the study, says that CLICK
in stores.”
+ TO READ MORE
July 2019 31
1 Everything you need for the festive season
4 3
2
1. Set of 6 Aboriginal art Christmas baubles, wholesales for $11.35. Alperstein Designs, 03 9584 5333, marc@alpersteindesigns.com.au, www.alpersteindesigns.com.au 2. Christmas Cheer coolers, wholesale for $4.49. Lisa Pollock, 07 5576 2369, office@lisapollock.com.au, www.lisapollock.com.au, facebook.com/LisaPollock.ArtFromTheHeart, instagram.com/ lisapollockartist/ 3. Gumnut design wrapping paper collection, wholesales for $3.25 per roll. Vandoros Fine Packaging, 02 9966 8868, sales@vandoros.com.au, www.vandoros.com.au, facebook.com/vandorosfinepackaging, instagram.com/ vandorosfinepackaging 4. Me to You M7 Cuddles Jumper Bear, wholesales for $12.25. Jasnor (Australia), 03 9562 9900, sales@jasnor.com, www.jasnor.com.au, facebook.com/JasnorAUS, instagram.com/JasnorAUS 32  giftguideonline.com.au
products
1 2 3
5
4
1. I’m Toy Pastel Stacking Cow, wholesales for $13.45. Artiwood Australia, 02 8294 3030, sales@artiwood.com.au, www.artiwood.com.au, facebook.com/artiwoodaustralia/, instagram.com/artiwoodaustralia/ 2. Gold & silver Xmas wreath, wholesales for $32. DWBH Homewares, 07 3907 7567, info@dwbh.com.au, www.dwbh.com.au, facebook.com/dwbhhomewares, instagram.com/dwbh_homewares 3. Cool Stuff Super Soft Gorilla Plush, retails for $18.50. TNW Australia, 02 9559 1300, sales@tnw.com.au, www.tnw.com.au, facebook.com/tnwaustralia, instagram.com/tnw_australia 4. Circle of Angels tealight holder, wholesales for $8.40. Terracotta Clayworks, 07 3376 7437, orders@terracottaclayworks.com.au, terracottaclayworks.com.au/, facebook.com/terracottaclayworks/, instagram.com/terracotta_clayworks/ 5. Hutch Cassidy Christmas card, wholesales for $2.95. Vevoke, 02 9882 2278, info@vevoke.com, vevoke.com, facebook.com/vevoke, Instagram.com/vevoke July 2019  33
2
1
3
5 4
1. Christmas Angel Range, wholesales from$7.53 to $15.56. Annabel Trends, 07 5593 4755, sales@annabeltrends.com, www.annabeltrends.com, facebook.com/annabeltrends, instagram.com/annabeltrends 2. Holly and Berries pink wrapping paper, wholesales for $45 per roll. Vandoros Fine Packaging, 02 9966 8868, sales@vandoros.com.au, www.vandoros.com.au, facebook.com/ vandorosfinepackaging, instagram.com/vandorosfinepackaging 3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & Clarice activity toy, wholesales for $15.90. Jasnor (Australia), 03 9562 9900, sales@jasnor.com, www.jasnor.com.au, facebook.com/JasnorAUS, instagram.com/JasnorAUS 4. Les Chat candles, wholesale from $8.25 to $13.80. Gibson Importing, 03 9581 3666, enquiries@gibimp.com.au, www.gibsongifts.com.au 5. Spirit Floral Christmas cards, wholesale for $5.99. Spirit Publishing, 02 8354 0091, mail@spiritpublishing.biz, www.spiritpublishing.biz, facebook.com/spiritpublishing/, instagram.com/spiritpublishing/ 34  giftguideonline.com.au
products
3
1 2
1. Marvel Iron Man Infinity War figurine, wholesales for $431.80. Royal Selangor, 03 8797 0750, sales.au@royalselangor.com, www.royalselangor.com, facebook.com/royalselangor 2. Cool Stuff Dinosaur Egg Crystal Putty, retails for $5.50. TNW Australia, 02 9559 1300, sales@tnw.com.au, www.tnw.com.au, facebook.com/tnwaustralia, instagram.com/tnw_australia 3. Pampet Santa’s Little Helper bandana on collar, wholesales from $10 to $12.73. Dog Bless You, 1800 040 740, sales@dogblessyou.com.au, www.dogblessyou.com.au, facebook.com/DogBlessYou.com.au/
Summer 2020 Christmas 2019 Melbourne Fair STAND QQ11
1800 000 496 | ausales@frenchcc.com.au | frenchcountrycollections.com.au
July 2019  35
1 2
3
5 4
1. Chill Me range, wholesales from $9.07 to $13.60. Gibson Importing, 03 9581 3666, enquiries@gibimp.com.au, www.gibsongifts.com.au 2. Alpine Christmas paper garland with string, wholesales for $3.50. Vandoros Fine Packaging, 02 9966 8868, sales@vandoros.com.au, www.vandoros.com.au, facebook.com/vandorosfinepackaging, instagram.com/vandorosfinepackaging 3. Cool Stuff Super Doll and Animal Balloon Kit, retails for $28.95. TNW Australia, 02 9559 1300, sales@tnw.com.au, www.tnw.com.au, facebook.com/tnwaustralia, instagram.com/tnw_australia 4. DCUK Santa Duckling & Reindeer with Red Jumper, wholesales for $29.50 each. Jasnor (Australia), 03 9562 9900, sales@jasnor.com, www.jasnor.com.au, facebook.com/JasnorAUS, instagram.com/JasnorAUS 5. Blank Christmas cards, wholesale for $2.95 each. Vevoke, 02 9882 2278, info@vevoke.com, vevoke.com, facebook.com/vevoke, Instagram.com/vevoke 36  giftguideonline.com.au
products
1
2 3 5
4 1. Mickey Mouse 90th Anniversary collection, wholesales from $7.70 to $545.43. Royal Selangor, 03 8797 0750, sales.au@royalselangor.com, www.royalselangor.com, facebook.com/royalselangor 2. Greeting cards, boxes of 10 wholesale for $5.90 or $6.80, Candle Bark Creations, 02 9516 0926, hello@candlebark.com.au, www.candlebark.com.au, facebook.com/candlebarkcreations, Instagram.com/candlebarkcreations 3. Cool Stuff Shaker Slime with Confetti, retails for $3.50. TNW Australia, 02 9559 1300, sales@tnw.com.au, www.tnw.com.au, facebook.com/tnwaustralia, instagram.com/tnw_australia 4. Spirit Vintage Christmas cards, wholesale for $5.99. Spirit Publishing, 02 8354 0091, mail@spiritpublishing.biz, www.spiritpublishing.biz, facebook.com/spiritpublishing/, instagram.com/spiritpublishing/ 5. Me to You Tiny Tatty Teddy M5 Boxed Bear, wholesales for $9.05. Jasnor (Australia), 03 9562 9900, sales@jasnor.com, www.jasnor.com.au, facebook.com/JasnorAUS, instagram.com/JasnorAUS July 2019  37
products
2
1
3
5
4
1. Avize and Cala crosses, wholesale for $8. DWBH Homewares, 07 3907 7567, info@dwbh.com.au, www.dwbh.com.au, facebook.com/ dwbhhomewares, instagram.com/dwbh_homewares 2. Indigo Jamm Bernie goes to Australia book & matching block cars, wholesale for $4.50 and $11.35 respectively. Artiwood Australia, 02 8294 3030, sales@artiwood.com.au, www.artiwood.com.au, facebook.com/artiwoodaustralia/, instagram.com/artiwoodaustralia/ 3. Cool Stuff Assorted Fingerboard Games, retails for $5.50. TNW Australia, 02 9559 1300, sales@tnw.com.au, www.tnw.com.au, facebook.com/tnwaustralia, instagram.com/tnw_australia 4. Holly and Berries navy wrapping paper, wholesales for $45 per roll. Vandoros Fine Packaging, 02 9966 8868, sales@vandoros.com.au, www.vandoros.com.au, facebook.com/vandorosfinepackaging, instagram.com/vandorosfinepackaging 5. BigMouth Inc Ginormous sprinklers, wholesale for $54.52. William Valentine Collection, 02 4647 2866, sales@williamvalentine.com.au, www.williamvalentine.com.au, facebook.com/williamvalentinecollection/, instagram.com/williamvalentinegiftware/ 38  giftguideonline.com.au
BACK TO CONTENTS
giftguideonline.com.au Source new products, find suppliers and read the latest news all in one place. Sign-up to receive our eNewsletter, twice weekly. instagram.com/ausgiftguide facebook.com/australiangiftguide twitter.com/ausgiftguide pinterest.com/ausgiftguide/ linkedin.com/company/australian-giftguide ISSUU
FOR HOME & LIFESTYLE RETAILERS. EST.1975
continued from page 8 Define your space
bricks and mortar space is well organised, and as
First things first, defining your space is all about
intuitive and easy to use as possible.
your brand and image, how it gets people into your store, and what they do once they’re there.
A customer who enters a store should have a clear path to follow, with different categories of products
This is the big picture—what are you selling,
clearly sign-posted or displayed, logical and clear
and who are you selling to? There needs to be a
product groupings, and a means of quickly finding
consistency of style and function in your store that
help if they need it.
reflect all of these different factors, to tie the whole
A well organised store is one that makes
shopping experience together.
customers feel safe and comfortable, and is
Organising the space
structured so that they can get what they need and
When a customer shops online, they have an entire
where they need to go without wasting time.
store at their fingertips, with the ability to look at
Offer a consistent sequential experience
multiple different types of products at essentially the
Successful stores deliberately plan the customer
same time. This isn’t quite the same for the in-store
experience, both figuratively and literally. Literally,
shopping experience. But, just like a well-thought-
it’s about planning the store’s layout for the optimal
out, intelligent website, it’s important that your
customer experience; figuratively, it’s more about the
BACK TO CONTENTS 40 giftguideonline.com.au
design
chronological path a customer takes to get there—an
to participate actively in their shopping
awareness and knowledge, through marketing, that
experience—for example, by ensuring that
encourages them to come to the store (whether
staff members are available and clearly visible
print, web, online socials or even just the store-front
as such, and providing the opportunity for the
window), then exploring the store and browsing
customer to have different types of experiences
products, and finally, making a purchase. The
within the store.
experience needs to be consistent—your style, your
With the massive shift that online shopping
fonts, your colours, your service… your brand.
has brought, this part of the physical store
Provide visual communication
design process is paramount—it is about offering
Visual information includes signage, branding,
experiences that the customer can’t get online,
and other written and graphical information that
whether it’s one-on-one help, education and advice
communicates essential information to customers.
from staff, hearing the back story and history of the
It should be clearly legible, visually consistent and
product, or the opportunity to try products out
provide only important information that will actually
before purchasing.
enhance the customer’s experience, and ideally,
Online shopping should be seen to
each element should conform with the store’s visual
complement in-store shopping rather than
branding design.
conflict with it. This means that the need for
For example, you can take inspiration from
retailers to create compelling experiences to
suppliers at Life Instyle, Reed Gift Fairs and
ensure shoppers have a reason to visit again and
AGHA Gift Fairs, where the focus is on providing
again has never been greater.
information quickly and succinctly, to focus people’s
Your store should be the physical manifestation of
attention when they are divided between multiple
your brand. Your logo, your colours, the experience
different brands at once.
within the store, the product you sell is the identity
Visual communication needs to be immediately
of your brand.
recognisable, and provide information that can be
Lucy Given is the owner of LUC. Design in
interpreted and used quickly.
Hobart, Tasmania. She will be speaking at Life
Invite customer participation
Instyle in Melbourne on creating an online retail
Good visual communication invites customers
destination for your business. July 2019 41
continued from page 24
“The fat-ball bird feeder, the key holder and
“We thought, to begin with, that a contrasting
the reindeer figures—all products in wood,”
item on the tree—ie one in lighter wood—would sell
recommends Benjamin Wolffs, marketing director
well, but the darker one is more popular. Basically,
at Designimdorf.
the star is definitely our strongest Christmas item.”
This company is all about original products that are
On the other hand, it is the key holder that is the
modern, reductionist in style and characterised by a
buyers’ favourite, when it comes to gifts at Christmas
concern for sustainability.
time. In general, Wolffs observes, there is a growing
“There is a trend for traditional items with a reductionist slant and that is reflected in our sales figures,” he explains. Also getting lots of orders is
customer base for high-quality and sustainably produced products. “We are also finding that wholesalers and retailers
the ‘Smoky Dwarf’ and the house shaped fragrance
are increasingly interested in manufacture and
burner, as well as a laser-cut star made from walnut
materials. They want to know how the wood is
to hang on the Christmas tree.
treated, what oils we use, for instance. However, the
42 giftguideonline.com.au
christmas trends
end customer is not yet really ready to pay the higher
decorate their trees on 1 December and display it
price. And sustainability, too, simply costs more.”
proudly. In our neck of the woods, it often doesn’t
Quality is something that interests buyers. Christian Schmidt from Gift Company agrees.
happen until Christmas morning.” As far as colours are concerned, Helmut Schmidt
“Products, which, from a craftsmanship point of
can see no overall trend. “Whilst we offer countless
view, involve more work, are the ones that are in
different colours—over 100 with the Oberfränkische
demand,” he says.
Glass brand, for example—Christmas remains, in
“We get a clear sense of that. It has to be either
my view, a relatively conservative business. Red and
very cheap or very expensive, there’s not much
gold are the classics and so are natural colours ie
activity in the mid-range,” he suggests. And he has
greens and browns.”
been observing this for some time. “So, for instance, our labour-intensive vases have
Variety is then provided in a whole range of different shapes and forms. Sometimes owls seem
been getting plenty of good orders. Being able
to be a strong trend, then birds in general. Things
to apply enamel over such a large surface needs a
are, he suggests, different when it comes to the
huge amount of skill and that’s what makes these
Sereno brand. “Here, our ‘fun’ items are aimed
vases special.”
rather more at a young target group. The Star Wars
In addition to that, the little glass pine tree has
figures for the Christmas tree are part of this, too.
been very popular. Its charm lies in the fact that
They are now into their third season and still going
you decorate the inside with pinecones and even
strong,” continues Schmidt.
flowers or strings of lights and it is this variety that has appealed to buyers, he adds. Indeed, there is an increasing trend for more and better quality, says Helmut Schmidt, managing director of Weihnachtsland. “At all events, in my experience, it is the Americans and the Swiss, who are more willing to spend more for better quality. That may have something to do with the fact that the Americans July 2019 43
continued from page 43
With their Christborn selection, on the other
Weihnachtssterne Manufaktur is also noticing.
hand, the company offers things like the ‘Italian’
The company was founded in 2012 and produces
theme, for instance. This includes a Christmas tree
Christmas stars in various sizes, made from paper
bauble in the form of a Fiat, a Vespa, a pepper,
and folded, cut, glued and painted all by hand.
a lemon and some round spheres, painted
“Whilst our main customers are in Germany,
like Amalfi plates. These are proving popular,
Austria and Switzerland, we also sell to Japan and
particularly with Americans, says Schmidt. But
the US—Las Vegas and New York, for example,” says
Made in Germany is definitely a recommendation,
owner, designer and founder, Nicola Tennie.
from a buyer’s point of view. “For us, German
“German handicraft work is highly valued there, as
products are nothing unusual, but for Americans
is the fact that we produce high-quality one-offs that
they are something a bit special.”
are all handmade. That is proving very popular.”
German craftsmanship is in demand across regional borders, too, something that the Deutsche 44 giftguideonline.com.au
The company offers the stars in gold, silver, red, white and copper. “Gold is the runaway best-seller,
christmas trends
it is, of course, the most natural one to go with stars,”
cones, acorns, birds and, indeed, a little dog or a
says Tennie. She has also noticed that dark red has
child with skis.
been more popular this year. But, then, that is also a traditional Christmas colour. Red is also an important colour at Inge’s Christmas Decor. The Red and Glorious principle, for instance, has been doing really well for the company. “In previous years it has been rather a purist
Christmas decorations are unthinkable without animals and this, too, is evident by the figures at Vondels. “Nature is a major trend, without a shadow of a doubt; greens are modern, together with any of the animals that inhabit the natural world,” Owner,
approach that people wanted, but this recent trend
Loesje Donner-Raedts comments. “So, our best-
is for more opulence and weight,” says designer
sellers are the lobster, the tiger’s head and also the
Birgit Müller-Blech. “In terms of the details, it is
unicorn cake and our funky lips.”
characterised by reds, blues and gold, accented
In her view, the upcoming festivities will be
with black, pinks and purples. To go with it are floral
dominated by animal prints. There’s nothing to
patterns, jewels and an exotic bird that has been
stop Christmas decorations being just good fun,
selling really well.”
particularly the items for the tree. It’s fashionable, as
In the US, on the other hand, it is food motifs that have been doing well including cheese and cooking pans as well as all sorts and kinds of
she puts it. High-quality and uniqueness are a trend that Vondels also cater for in its collection. But quality doesn’t necessarily mean conservative.
animals and birds. According to Müller-Blech,
“Younger customers, in particular, have, for some
things related to the Real and Calm theme have
time, no longer decorated their homes in traditional
received lots of orders.
fashion, but more according to individual taste and
“It’s a quiet, peaceful range, with rock grey, snow white and warm beige tones, combined with stripes. Animals to go with it are typically golden eagles—and rams, too,” she explains.
mood. Our pouting lips are a good example of that,” she adds. Orders for candles have been relatively traditional. “Flat-top pillar candles are among those that have
A third scenario that is popular with buyers is,
always sold well and continue to do so. But it’s
moreover, Warm and Protected, which includes
our marbled candles with a rustic look that are
warm reds and toffee shades, together with
increasingly in demand,” says Vanessa Wagner July 2019 45
continued from page 45
from Wiedemann. “We’ve seen significant growth
towards zero and make a contribution to
in this area. In summer, it’s ice-blue, pink and biscuit
environmental protection.
that are the trendy colours, in winter, traditional
However, on the other hand, Tavio Piller,
colours do best including red, gold, silver and
designer and owner of Shishi, can’t distinguish any
cream. And there’s a shade of olive that is particularly
one single real trend.
in demand this year and has been doing very well. “As far as traditional candles for the tree are
“We have around 3,500 Christmas products and sell in over 60 countries worldwide; so, it’s difficult
concerned, red sells best, followed by gold.
for me to talk about a single trend,” he says.
Consumers remain traditional in this area. But I am
“And even when it comes to colours, we offer
not surprised to see that other colours, too, are
almost the same spectrum and the whole range is
extending the Christmas spectrum more and more
used. From where I am standing, all the collections
amongst younger customers,” she says.
are selling almost equally well. At all events, the
Customers are increasingly interested in
trend is for high-quality products, including luxury
the ‘Greencandle’ label from Wiedemann,
ones. That much I can say. Just like the trend for
too—candles where particular care is taken
sustainability, not least in terms of packaging, too.”
in manufacture to reduce the Co2 emissions
christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com
BACK TO CONTENTS 46 giftguideonline.com.au
christmas trends
All photography: Christmasworld/Messe Frankfurt
July 2019  47
continued from page 26
2 Let’s have some fun
container. When you are happy with what you’ve
Clay has been around for many years and has
made leave it out to dry. When fully dry it hardens
always been a fun way for kids to create anything
into a sponge like texture that can be squashed in
they liked. Despite the influence of technology in
your hand but keeps its shape and form.
their lives, moulding clay is still a very popular past time for many. Children can get moulding and make whatever their
Kids can make figures, animals, trees, cars, whole scenarios... the possibilities are endless with Super Light Moulding Clay.
heart desires and show off their sculpting abilities with
3 Everyone is going crazy for Crazy Sand
the Super Light Moulding Clay Kit from TNW.
Years ago, TNW launched Super Sand and kids
Each kit includes 8 x 20g coloured clay, one set of
were obsessed with the stuff, it looked and felt just
three modelling tools, and one detailed booklet with
like wet sand and was awesome for building sand
various step by step projects and a colour mixing chart.
castles amongst other things.
This moulding clay has a great feel and is easy
It’s 2019 and there is a whole new sand craze.
to use. It starts off soft and mouldable and can
TNW’s mouldable Crazy Sand comes in six vibrant
be reused again and again if kept in an airtight
colours, this dynamic sand is super light and soft,
Growing Mermaid Growing Panda
Extra Large Glitter Spring Musical Jewellery Box - Dome Butterfly
48 giftguideonline.com.au
product focus
Plush Pink Bear with Sequin Heart
Fingerboard Games
Mouldable Crazy Sand
is stretchable, squeezable, mouldable and even
4 Snap, crackle and crunch
floats in water. Starting off as a solid wet sand like
Straight from another cosmos is Crunchy Putty; it
texture, if stretched or torn it becomes fluffy and
is filled with tiny colourful balls that make crackling
airy like marshmallows or fairy floss. On the other
crunchy sounds when squashed or stretched.
hand, it can be moulded and retain accurate detail as a solid piece and cleanly cut into shapes.
Currently available in two types, Bright and Glitter, it has the consistency of chewing gum
Crazy Sand is coated in a stretchy substance
and a bright shiny look. Both varieties have four
which allows the sand to stick together so it can
assorted colours and come in punchy packaging
be moulded and cut without making any mess.
exclusively designed at TNW.
Another cool feature of TNW’s Crazy Sand is
5 Make it glitter
that it never dries, allowing you to work on or add
Take the classic spring to the next level with
detail to your creation for days or even weeks.
the giant rainbow glitter spring. Watch it walk July 2019  49
continued from page 49
down the stairs like a rainbow coloured
6 Turn up the music
sparkly elephant.
Music boxes have been loved throughout the years
Bounce it up and down and watch the colours of
by young and old. TNW’s dazzling dome shaped
the rainbow flow and sparkle through the air.
jewellery boxes are adorned with stunning butterfly
Twirl it around and watch it sparkle. The
and floral arrangements and a soft pink flock interior.
perfect wand for a little princess or lovers of
Twist the lever on the back and open the lid and
rainbows is the Rainbow Coloured Glitter Wand
you’ll be delighted to discover a twirling ballerina
that shimmers as you sway or spin them through
dancing gracefully in front of the mirror to her
the air.
favourite jingle.
It is a great accompaniment to a fairy outfit or to
7 Grow as you go
show off your gymnastic or dancing skills. Each
If you want to teach your kids some responsibility
wand is rainbow coloured and filled with glitter
in a fun way then the Growing Panda and Mermaid
and water and has soft rubber tips.
are the perfect gift for them.
BACK TO CONTENTS 50 giftguideonline.com.au
Super Light Moulding Clay Kit
product focus
Pearl Coloured Slime Making Kit
be set free by you. Just be aware, they won’t stay little for long. 8 To slime or not to slime Kids love slime, always have and always will. But now it’s time to make your own slime. So put on your science cap and get ready to experiment with this awesome sensory experience. TNW’s slime kits come with everything you need to make a variety of quality slimes. The Ultimate Slime Kit makes 525ml of slime in the following varieties; Neon (six colours assorted), Glow in the Dark, and Glitter (two colours assorted). 9 Sports on any level Foosball fanatics behold, it’s time to play the world’s biggest game on a super small scale. With football becoming more and more popular in
Laze about on your couch as your cute panda friend starts to hatch with the super popular Growing Panda. Simply disperse this little tree trunk in water and
Australia, this is a great gift for any budding player. If football (aka soccer) isn’t your thing, try out TNW’s fingerboard ice hockey, golf or American football game. Sold in an assortment of four, these
in 24 to 48 hours its outer layers will start to crack.
make an excellent novelty gift.
Within 78 hours your Panda friend will appear.
10 Think pink
Move the Panda to a new container where it will
For all the little girls (and boys) out there who love
continue to grow.
pink, TNW’s Plush Pink bear with Sequin Heart is
TNW is also introducing the Growing Mermaid, each one with a unique look and style. Stuck
the perfect gift. Make this fluffy pink companion your new best
inside the pretty little pink and green shells are
friend. It comes with a bright pink sequin heart
some pretty little underwater beauties ready to
which turns silver when you run your finger over it. July 2019 51
continued from page 31
Indeed, thieves are becoming more brazen adds
Many people think that retail crime is a victimless
Dr Emmeline Taylor, lead researcher and reader in
crime—that the large retailers build expected
criminology at City, University of London.
losses into their profit margin—but it couldn’t be
“We have seen this in the recent ‘steaming’ technique used by gangs to overpower
further from the truth. “We calculate that $3.37 billion is enough to
mobile phone shops in broad daylight, often
employ 85,000 supermarket checkout staff for a
intimidating staff and pushing customers out of
year,” she says. “We know that the retail industry
the way to reach the stock,” she explains.
is one of the major targets for criminal behaviour
“Thieves now tell me that it’s easy to get away
and the findings from this report highlight that
with petty theft. Reward greatly outweighs the
the costs of crime to the sector have reached
risk. There are multiple factors that could be
significant levels. Every time someone steals,
contributing to this including the introduction
every time property is damaged, and every time
of self-service checkout and changes in
fraud is committed, businesses have to make
criminal behaviour.”
adjustments—this might be increasing prices so
52 giftguideonline.com.au
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that honest customers foot the bill or employing
There are variations in how employee theft
fewer staff which impacts on communities.
is defined and measured. Some take a very
“One of the major findings is the level of
broad view to involve all activities that might
customer theft. The study found that this is
result in the employer incurring unanticipated
estimated to have cost the industry $2.26 billion
cost. For some, taking unauthorised long lunch
in 2017/18. Retailers are struggling to respond
breaks, embezzling money, stealing goods, and
to the sheer number of thieves operating in their
misusing sick leave all come under the banner of
stores, both opportunistic amateurs and more
‘employee theft’.
organised professional thieves.” According to the study, customer theft and
Others have been more limited in scope defining it as the unauthorised taking of merchandise, cash
dishonest employee theft remain primary concerns
or property. Such variations in what is considered
for retailers in Australia and New Zealand. Theft of
to be ‘theft’ translate into difficulties in gaining an
merchandise was ranked highly across the entire
accurate picture of its frequency.
sector, while theft of cash was not as common,
Although the survey participants attributed
signalling a shift away from cash towards electronic
dishonest employees to 22 per cent shrinkage
payment and mobile commerce.
(compared to 57 per cent for customer theft),
The techniques used by shop thieves are limited
employee theft remains a long-standing concern.
only by the imagination. There are, however, some
Dishonest employee theft is estimated to have
recurrent trends. For example, most thieves will
cost the industry $0.88 billion in 2017/18.
attempt to try and conceal items such as on their person or in a bag. Other techniques include distracting staff so that items can be concealed without raising the alarm. This was particularly prevalent in hardware stores but also grocery, department stores, pharmacies and sports and recreation stores. Self-service checkouts were regarded as being particularly vulnerable to thieves using this modus operandi. July 2019 53
continued from page 51
The often temporariness of retail work can mean
exception-based reporting (POS EBR) on cashier
that employees have not built up a sense of loyalty
transactions to identify dishonesty.
to the company for which they work and the threat
So what can retailers do?
of losing their job is less worrying if they perceive
Given current resource levels and constraints,
it to be short-term in any case. Added to this, is
69 per cent of retailers reported that it was
a relative lack of training that temporary staff are
somewhat difficult or extremely difficult to recruit
offered and/or undertake.
Loss Prevention staff with relevant experience
In addition to temporary and part-time workers,
and expertise. The increased sophistication of
weak pre-employment screening procedures
criminal behaviour (such as online fraud) and the
and a lack of supervision contribute towards
willingness to use violence and force, has seen
creating an environment ripe for employee theft.
retailers in Australia and New Zealand struggle to
The findings from this survey demonstrated that
control losses and protect their employees.
retailers are more commonly using point of sale
However, Gentle says that Australians are
54  giftguideonline.com.au
instore
collaborating more with each other, with bodies
All respondents who provided details on their
such as the Profit Protection Future Forum
security solutions were using some form of
bringing retailers together twice a year to discuss
Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) with the
new developments in the industry.
most popular devices being Radio Frequency
“Knowledge is power and Australian retailers
EAS (used by 57 per cent of respondents),
are beginning to realise that sharing information
spider wraps and keepers (used by 50 per cent
within the industry will keep the industry, as a
of respondents), and secure cable devices (used
whole, ahead of the game.�
by 36 per cent of respondents). RF EAS has
Instore physical loss prevention strategies are
been widely adopted due to its flat footprint, the
broadly broken into two levels: product level
convenience of adhesive tags, and relatively low
(individual items are protected), and store level
installation costs compared to hard tags.
(store-wide monitoring and protection).
Store level
Product level
Closed circuit television (CCTV) and other forms
Retailers are now utilising far more sophisticated
of visual monitoring continues to be heavily
technologies to safeguard products from theft.
invested in and the types of technology being
July 2019  55
continued from page 55
used is becoming diversified. For example,
constant and open communication on these
cameras are now being installed above self-
issues. We have seen from the survey that
service checkout machines to record customers
shoplifters are becoming bolder because
with the aims of promoting honest behaviour.
of the lenient repercussions of retail crime.
While this is likely to offer some deterrence for
In many instances, retailers don’t report the
opportunistic and amateur thieves, it will have
crime due to a lack of resources to submit
less of an impact on professional thieves who
these reports. This has led to an incomplete
simply walk out with the goods.
picture of the extent of retail crime in the
“Technology is an important piece of the puzzle but not the most important. Technology
region,” says Gentle. Semi-professional thieves and organised
such as RF EAS and RFID not only deter
gangs steal to sell goods on. Disrupting the
shoplifters but also provides retailers with
market for stolen goods is another way in which
insight into how shoplifters are behaving.
theft can be tackled, adds Taylor. This requires a
RFID can tell retailers what shoplifters are
coordinated approach between businesses and
stealing and when they are stealing it. This
law enforcement if it is to be successful.
kind of information empowers retailers to act
“Bricks and mortar retailers have a clear idea of
appropriately to protect their merchandise,”
where they are losing stock, but pure-play online
explains Gentle.
or omnichannel retailers are not immune to this
With regards to formal law enforcement,
trend. They are challenged with a lack of visibility
just 20 per cent of respondents feel that they
of last-mile deliveries where the stock could go
are receiving sufficient support to tackle retail
missing due to being stolen from the doorstep,”
crime. While of course the police have to target
says Gentle.
their resources at serious violent crimes, the
“Alternatively, dishonest customers are claiming
lack of response to retail crime makes stores
they have not received items that were actually
more vulnerable to attack. This was a view
delivered. I think we will start to see this becoming
shared by offenders.
a bigger problem as more and more bricks and
“Law enforcement needs to work more closely with retailers to ensure that there is 56 giftguideonline.com.au
mortar retailers transition to online retail.” Source: ANZ Retail Crime Survey 2019
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There are a number of ways for staff to steal from employers • straightforward theft of goods and money • under-charging customer accomplices • adjusting delivery dockets • under-ringing purchases at the cash register • deliberately damaging goods to buy at staff discount • using company time and facilities for personal projects • dishonestly adjusting shrinkage records • increasing creditors’ invoices and keeping the difference • replacing perfect items with seconds in the
warehouse or store • adding a last-minute item to the receipt but not ringing it up • picking up receipts for later inclusion in the register as ‘voids’ or ‘refunds’ • keeping a forgetful customer’s change • fraudulent refunding • conspiracies of middle management employees Source: (Geason and Wilson, 1990) Preventing Retail Crime. Australian Institute of Criminology)
July 2019 57
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