Christmas in February 2023

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Shatchi Are Delighted to Announce our exciting and extensive new ranges of Trees Lights Fibre Optics Room Décor and Gifts for 2023

Come and see us at: Birmingham Spring Fair NEC Hall 1 Stands A30 -B31 and D40 Sun 5th - Wed 8th Feb 2023

"To order a catalogue or book an appointment at our Hitchin Showrooms please call 01462 432600"

Leader page

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G.C.A.Celebrating Christmas 6 Successful display competition winners Step back in time

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Harrogate review with show organizer 18 Simon Anslow Spring Fair Preview 20

Retail Cherishing all things Christmas An interview with British Garden Centre group who now own 60 garden Centres employing 2,700 staff

Publisher: malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Malcolm Naish

Features Editor:

Sarah Welsh

Advertisement Manager: marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Marian McNamara

Production Director: paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Paul Naish

Layout: rick@lemapublishing.co.uk

Rick Vickers

Circulation: robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Robert Thomas

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Features Premier continues to make Christmas Magic An update on Premier’s most successful Harrogate show

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The Lighting Pioneers Sarah Welsh interviews Mat Higginson and Richard Butterfield of Festive Lights

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It’s all about innovation and not being 24 a me-too business Frank Kaminski gives an update on Noma’s range for 2023 Building on early success Jonny Greves let’s us know what’s in store for customers visiting their stand at Spring Fair

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34th year of publication

Great deals to be had at Shatchi John McVey has some great deals for buyers visiting their showroom and the Spring Fair show

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Davies Products See Davies Products in Hall 5!

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Published by: Lema Publishing Ltd

It’s all about the details this season Premier Halloween have a great range of 2023 goodies

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Bringing festive happiness home Seasonal style starts with Kaemingk

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1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts.

HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930 Fax: 01442 289950 Email: info@lemapublishing.co.uk

The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher. Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

Contents

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Leader 2023

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o how was the Harrogate Christmas & Gift show for you? From my point of view, the many visitors that I spoke to as they walked the show was very positive.

Harrogate is a great show to find new companies and certainly the 2023 exhibition answered all the questions.

Attendance was 11% up compared to the 2022 show which seems to prove that visitor numbers are recovering post-Covid.

Speaking to Frank Kaminski of Noma, Frank told me that on the Monday and Tuesday of the 2022 show they enjoyed record numbers of buyers on their stand and at that time didn’t believe those numbers could be bettered, but those same two days this year were even busier, much to Frank’s pleasure and surprise.

It was also clear that many garden centres and virtually all types of outlets had a big carry over of festive stock that has led to a much more cautious approach to buying. One industry expert put this as high as 50% in some cases. Normally, very little stock is packed away for the following season, but with such high

carry over much has been packed away for the 2023 season.

With tumbling prices this has also led to Chinese manufacturers reducing their selling prices by as much as 30/35%. Look out for some really silly prices being offered by some suppliers.

During the show Festive Productions celebrated their 40th year with a drinks reception, congratulations to them and their team.

“Harrogate is a great show to find new companies and certainly the 2023 exhibition answered all the questions”

With the lifting of Covid restrictions in China and Hong Kong I initially thought that this would mean that many Brits would be heading to the Far East shortly.

This does not seem to be the case. I spoke to quite a number of Christmas suppliers over the days of the show and almost all of them had reservations. Most have showrooms in Hong Kong staffed by local personnel

who have been coping really well since Covid first struck in March 2020. Three years on and everyone has managed really well with Zoom calls and of course from a buyers perspective, there is certainly caution in deciding whether their buyers need to spend time in the Far East when so many U.K. companies have fantastic showrooms in the U.K. Cost savings in not going to Hong Kong for many of the larger retailers and on-line companies must be considerable.

There seems to be a growing sense that inflation should be coming down over the ensuing months. Freight rates have been tumbling compared to 2022, energy prices are also reducing and all of us as sensible Brits have managed to cut back on energy use.

Our retail interview is with British Garden Centres who have 60 garden centres and employ over 2,700 staff across the U.K. Finally, we include an interview with Simon Anslow on the recently held Harrogate Christmas & Gift show.

The dates for 2024 are the 14th to the 17th January.

christmasinjanuary.co.uk Photo by Candis Hidalgo from Pexels

GCA CHRISTMAS COMPETITION

Brimsmore Gardens, Yeovil

Celebrating

Seasonal Success The Garden Centre Association’s annual Christmas competition sets the standard for festive innovation and displays, visual merchandising, savvy retail pricing and sustainability – and last year’s contest was the best ever, as Sarah Welsh discovered…

There’s not much better than standing out in your industry for being the leading light for ambition and success, and that recognition surely shines even brighter at Christmas.

Staff at the 44 garden centres who entered the 2022 Garden Centre Association (GCA) annual festive contest know this only too well, with last year’s competition hotter than ever – despite the freezing conditions in the run-up to last Christmas.

The competition is made up of two categories – the Garden Centre prize which is contested by smaller stores, and the Destination Garden Centre category, and judging takes place over a month, kicking off last year in early November. The timing is carefully considered so that the lucky winners can be given the good news whilst their Christmas sales season is still in full swing.

All festive retail categories come under close scrutiny, including real Christmas trees and environmental factors, and

6 christmas in february

the 2022 competition was again judged by industry expert Phil McCann, who also does some spring and summer inspections for the GCA. Phil, who graduated as a plant scientist, has vast experience within the garden centre sector.

“Yet again the Christmas display competition produced truly outstanding results,” Phil says. “The standard throughout the country increased from the already very high level we’ve come to expect and the number of centres chasing the coveted top three-place slots flourished even more.

“Attention to detail was astounding and superb retail practices continue to impress.

Environmental considerations

were judged and included in the scores with many centres fully embracing and taking forward this valuable aspect to all retail experiences.”

Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil scooped the coveted Garden Centre prize, whilst Garsons Garden Centre in Esher took the top spot in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category.

Barton Grange Garden Centre, Preston, and Bents Garden & Home, Warrington, with the third-place prize going to Gates Garden Centre, Oakham – the subject of our retail profile feature in Christmas in January.

Ian Richardson, Managing Director at Garsons, says: “Garsons are delighted to be recognised as the Best Christmas

“The standard throughout the country increased from the already very high level we’ve come to expect and the number of centres chasing the coveted top threeplace slots flourished even more.

Second place in the Garden Centre category went to Perrywood Sudbury, while the ‘bronze medal’ was taken

by Parker’s Garden Company, Frinton-on-Sea. Second spot in the DGC category was taken by both

Destination Garden Centre 2022.

We’re so lucky as an industry to have such enthusiastic teams who go that extra mile and take such pride in creating amazing displays. Christmas is a magical time of year for families and

For more information visit:

www.gca.org.uk, email: info@gca.org.uk, or call: 01244 952170. Or follow the organisation at twitter.com/gc_association, or at facebook.com/GardenCentreAssociation christmasinjanuary.co.uk

Brimsmore Gardens, Yeovil

Gates Garden Centre, Oakham

Garsons, Esher to be a special part of their experience is extremely rewarding for the whole team.

“With such wonderful displays in all the GCA centres the competition was always going to be won or lost on very fine margins. I’m extremely proud of my team, as this achievement rewards their hard work, innovation and attention to detail.”

Adam Wallace, Manager of Brimsmore Gardens adds: “We’re over the moon to have won first prize in the GCA’s annual Christmas Competition, having come so close in previous years.

As with everything we do at Brimsmore Gardens we’re always looking to innovate and improve, so this award is a reflection of the team’s unwavering commitment to these principles.

“Sustainability has been central to our thoughts year-on year and we’re very proud to have made such huge strides in making Christmas as kind on the planet as possible.”

The winners received their awards during the GCA’s annual conference which was held in late January at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa. Peter Burks, who has just taken over the reigns as Chief Executive at the GCA, says the Christmas season has now grown to become a huge part of the garden centre industry’s total sales – with December often the largest sales month for many sites, overtaking the tradition peaks of April and May. “Garden centres have a great ability to produce fantastic festive experiences as they usually have large, free car parks, large internal areas for spectacular displays and grottos and good external under cover sections where customers can choose their tree regardless of the weather.

“Centre restaurants add the extra seasonal dimension, both regarding the opportunity to have a relaxing coffee and snack whilst browsing, or to meet the extended family for

lunch before taking in a visit to Santa’s grotto, an ice rink or other significant attraction that garden centres have the space to put on.

“And of course they house the breakfast and tea with Santa experiences too. Last December was a big month as usual, with sales similar to 2021, but one unexpected highlight was that many centres reported record restaurant takings on certain days as well.

“Christmas food sales are also getting stronger for garden centres, with many stores now having full blown farm shops where more upmarket, luxury gift food is popular as it’s locally produced or home grown. And of course festive hampers have become a very big sales line.”

GCA Chairman Tammy Woodhouse adds: “The entrants were judged on general ambience, creativity, stock range, flow and tidiness and customer service. I’d like to say thank you to everyone who created some truly joyous and memorable displays.”

Garden Centre

Category Winners 1. Brimsmore Gardens, Yeovil 2. Perrywood, Sudbury 3. Parker’s Garden Company 4. Busy Bee Garden Centre, Ryde 5. Ramsgate Garden Centre 6. Poundbury Gardens, Dorchester 7. Pughs Garden Village, Wenvoe 8. Charlbury Garden Centre, Chipping Norton 9. Klondyke Garden Centre, Polmont 10. Tarporley Garden Centre

Destination Garden Centre Category Winners 1. Garsons, Esher 2. Barton Grange and Bents Garden & Home 3. Gates Garden Centre, Oakham 4. Garsons, Titchfield 5. Sunshine Garden Centre, Bounds Green, London 6. Ruxley Manor, Orpington 7. Castle Gardens, Sherborne 8. Ransomes, Jersey 9. Perrywood, Tiptree 10. St Peters Garden Centre, Worcester

christmas in february 7

Step back in time Malcolm Naish looks back to 1993, 20002, 2012 and 2017

January 1993

January 2012

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Almost thirty years ago, these are some of the big names in Christmas that didn’t last the course - Porth, K.D. Richards, Seasons International, Thoubboron, Possible Dreams, Christmas Crafts, Widmann, Halsall, Mr. Christmas, Artificial Image and Christmas Consulting.

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So ten years ago I open my ‘Leader’ page with a quote that the suppliers who ensured that their stock was delivered into the U.K. in good time to supply their customers benefited the most when it came to tot up their figures at the end of 2011.

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LED’s were certainly King back in 2012.

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The encouraging sign was that new companies were coming through that totally changed the Christmas Decoration scenario.

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Of course emerging companies such as Premier Decorations, Snowtime and existing companies such as Puleo, Gisela Graham, Weiste, Noma, Konstsmide etc., were increasing their market share.

The ‘Greats’ Christmas awards at Harrogate were very popular, but sadly are no longer a feature at the Harrogate show – such a shame as in their current format, the awards do not work so well. I mention a new word from the USA - ‘wearables’ – this relates to Christmas jewellery, headbands and Santa hats.

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Late ordering from customers was still a problem and Gold appeared to be the most popular colour moving into ’93.

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Premier celebrate their 25th year.

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Seasons International had just closed down and were advertising a mega clearance sale which must have impressed their competitors!

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A certain Ian Jones is appointed sales director at Porth.

I visit Kaemingk and are once again blown away by their brilliant dressing of their foyer/reception area that is dressed to look like a ski scene complete with ski lodge and ten ski pods.

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Gisela Graham were introducing ten new ranges out of the 26 to be shown at Harrogate.

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Konstsmide celebrate their 70th year. During this time they have managed to persuade almost every British home to buy their ‘Welcome Lights’, since copied by many other suppliers.

January 2002 ●

I pose the question “Do buyers really need to go to Hong Kong when so many suppliers have fantastic showrooms?”

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Answers on a post card?

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Fibre Optics are a big sector and Britain leads the way and is well ahead of the USA, having recognized the potential far earlier.

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There is a big shake-up at christmasworld in Frankfurt with 900 exhbitors having to move to totally different halls – talk about confusing!

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One of the nicest companies in the Christmas sector celebrate their 100th birthday – Widmann. They were regular supporters of C.I.J. and I always enjoyed meeting up with both Andrew Widmann and Vernon Butler each year to discuss their advertising and editorial for the next year’s edition. Widmann graced our front cover specially for the occasion and reserved this space five years earlier. They organized a fantastic party at the Old Swan to ensure that their 100th went with a real bang.

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Still going strong today, we interview Colin Roberts of Springtime Garden centre in Crews Hill, Enfield.

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We run a full page advertisement for Ceders of Dundee, I wonder where they might be now?

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January 2017 ●

I am gutted to learn of the death of Premier’s Sean Looney.

Sean and I had known each other since the early seventies and for quite a few years Sean ran Premier’s Halloween division and was known as Mr. Halloween.

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We quote that the effects of Brexit and the ascendency of Donald Trump to the White House can only be positive for the industry. Five years on, I am not quite so sure!

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Gardman had a few years earlier entered the Christmas decoration arena, despite their well-known name, Gardman eventually decided to withdraw from this product category, thus proving that it is not the easiest category to become established.

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I visit Riffelmacher in their Bavarian H.Q. It is a great shame that Covid seems to have ended their products being sold to the U.K. consumer

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In addition to Harrogate, we publish a preview of christmasworld. Whilst we felt it was a great success, insufficient advertising support saw another great idea bit the dust!

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

PROFILE Premier Decorations

Premier continues

to make Christmas magic.

With Harrogate Christmas and gift 2023 now behind us, our overriding comment has to simply be “What a show!”.

The Premier stand in Hall H with its new configuration proved an exciting experience for customers both old and new… and many customers there were. The show was packed with hungry buyers ready to embrace a new season after what has been a tough few months for many. This event kicking off 2023, has certainly been very much welcomed by both suppliers and customers alike. With so many issues to discuss, customers were delighted to attend and conduct meetings face to face, whilst exhibitors went to great lengths to ensure the show buzz lived up to expectation . Premier were attending for their 35th time no less!

Their all-new stand was simply incredible.

The wide range of items on display was outstanding and one could easily fill their

literal Christmas boots with exciting new products. Premiers’ reputation of being THE “One Stop Shop“ for Christmas is again assuredly justified.

The new innovative stand configuration was extremely well received. Readily shoppable, with an effective presentation style that allowed retail buyers to easily visualise their own in store product displays.

For example, a full 4 metres dedicated to an all encompassing impressive display of brand new lighting product, namely Premier’s FlexibrightsTM - an inline bulb construction without whiskers, that alleviates previously annoying tangling issues!

Visitors were truly inspired by these new product developments alongside current

“Sustainability remains at the forefront of Premiers company ethos – recycled glass, FSC paper products and Mango wood all being very well received at the show”

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market leading light ranges - twinkling silhouettes and Premiers ever popular TreebrightsTM - all merchandised to create an amazing bold lighting spectacle. The lighting presentation wowed, showcasing old favourites, outdoor lit blossom trees and lit acrylic animals to name a few. However the real show stopper was the brand new range of Premier LED “Dream Lights“. The magical visuals achieved by these never seen before items is radiated by sculptured iridescent material built around a wire frame and lit from within - a genuinely breath taking effect day or night!

Premiers’ new seasonal table linens offer has also been a huge hit, with show orders surpassing expectation in this stunning new range. Amazing quality at very competitive prices.

Sustainability remains at the forefront of Premiers company ethos – recycled glass, FSC paper products and Mango wood

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all being very well received at the show.

The core shatterproof range was a real customer highlight (now more than 70% of the range produced from recycled materials).

Customers also loved new sustainable packaging on display. It is evident that Buyers are now clearly demonstrating a true desire to source environmentally friendly seasonal items.

Other show winners included the novel new plush Santa bears with striking braid jackets. Old category favourites, namely the new wider range of “Paint your own“ and DIY Christmas items, alongside Garden Stakes, were both in great demand.

Building on last year’s success, Premier’s

themed decorations clearly have gone from strength to strength, with many glass items amongst the best sellers. Lower starting price points, and a focus on core colours alongside six stunning tree presentations have truly inspired!

It also feels as if Premier have never had a more complete tree and floristry range and this was more than evident at the Harrogate show with interest in tree ranges at an all-time high. Tree RRPs have suffered greatly due to increased freight costs over the years and

“Their all-new stand was simply incredible. The wide range of items on display was outstanding and one could easily fill their literal Christmas boots with exciting new products”

so, as retail prices are lowering, trees are once again flourishing. With such a diverse offer, from the entry level pre-lit Douglas Fir to the best in its’ class Portland Pine, Premier has the range to suit any retail environment.

The buzz around the show was exhilarating and the new products available were well needed. Customers have been rewarded at Harrogate not only with great product innovation in so many categories, but also with the added bonuses of significant price reductions, coupled with exciting show offers – Premier continues to make Christmas magic. See for yourself! Book your showroom appointment as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Premier Decorations Limited | 020 8624 5555 | sales@premierdec.com

christmas in february 11

RETAIL British Garden Centres

Cherishing All Things Christmas Last year’s festive sales season rung the changes in many ways for the garden centre sector following a challenging period. Sarah Welsh spoke to Evelyn Chiu, from leading family-owned group British Garden Centres to get the expert take…

The seeds from which the thriving nation-wide business British Garden Centres has grown were sown in beautiful rural Lincolnshire back in the 1980s.

Launched by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs in the village of Woodthorpe, Charles actually got the ball rolling whilst he was still at school, selling seedlings to neighbours and passing customers from a stall set up at the end of the family’s drive.

Now more than 35 years on from the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre, and British Garden Centres is the largest family-owned group in the UK, boasting more than 60 centres and Woodthorpe Leisure Park.

Since 2018 the business has rapidly expanded and the group garden centres now cover from Carmarthen to Ramsgate and Wimborne, Dorset, to East Durham. The group employs around 2,700 staff and at the heart of it all is still the passion for plants that started this retail success story.

But this is combined with expertise in all other retail categories that shine in this sector – from outdoor furniture to, of course, Christmas. So who better to talk about all the challenges and joys of festive retail than BGC Group Christmas Buyer, Evelyn Chiu.

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BCG is perhaps best placed to comment on just why Christmas has become so important for the garden centre sector in recent years. Is this a retail trend that’s only going to grow?

think people cherished the Christmas period more last year, following the subdued festive holidays during the pandemic.

In terms of the cost-of-living crisis,

how did this impact Christmas The garden centre market has evolved consumer spending last year? hugely since we started with our stores Looking ahead, are that sold plants and “With many high street consumers likely to buy tools. We’re constantly seasonal products in a seeking to identify new names sadly going into more considered way? ways of growing the administration, this has Inflation saw consumers stores and providing deal-hunting and looking for year-round sales allowed our garden more affordable options. With opportunities, and prices rising, we forecast that Christmas has resulted centres to differentiate would be looking in us branching out from town centre stores shoppers for smaller gifts that make a into new product bigger impact last Christmas, ranges to broaden with our Christmas and the sales bore out that our demographic prediction. profiles and reach new offering.”

With energy bills and customers looking food prices putting a serious squeeze on for gardening-related gifts and festive household spending, we have seen shoppers decoration ranges all under one roof. in-store with a maximum budget per gift to We want to provide as much of a festive keep costs down. They are also looking for experience as possible and Christmas 2022 goods that are thoughtful and reusable as was different from the past couple of ones we collectively aim to be less wasteful, so with pent-up demand from consumers. We christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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RETAIL British Garden Centres

Festive figures ■ L ast year British Garden Centres group ordered more than 29,900 fresh cut Christmas trees.

■ M ore than 25,000 artificial trees were also available in their stores.

■ B GC calculated that 29,925 metres of wrapping paper was used by customers – that’s almost 100 miles.

■ B right sparks BCG also had 1,325,450 metres – 823 miles – of Christmas lights available.

■ H ungry customers also booked around 15,000 Christmas dinners in BCG Gardener’s Retreat restaurants.

presents that last the test of time have been popular. We have seen a higher demand for quality gifts at an accessible price rather than lavish luxuries.

There are many reasons why the garden centre sector ‘does’ Christmas so well. What’s your take on this?

We start sourcing for next year before the previous Christmas has even finished! There is no rest for the wicked - my life is Christmas and I’m constantly on the lookout for new trends and products that will appeal to our customers.

Our Christmas buying team start planning themes and ranges, visiting trade shows and researching the latest trends so British Garden Centres is at the forefront of Christmas in 2023.

We are in constant contact with our suppliers and start sourcing and purchasing products to deliver to stores in August and September.

With garden retailing changing and evolving we have found ourselves diversifying into new categories to become destination shopping experiences, with a particular focus on being a one-stop shop that is profitable all year and survives any seasonal What trade shows do you think are downturn. This allows us to employ more important in terms of Christmas people all year round than we used to. Our buying opportunities for BGC Christmas departments and experiences members? Are there any brand keep customers coming back for more. With showrooms you class as ‘must see’? many high street names sadly Our buying teams always “My life is going into administration, this attend Harrogate Christmas has allowed our garden centres Christmas and and Gift, as well as Spring to stay ahead and differentiate Fair as both are at the prime from the town centre stores with I’m constantly on time for us as a retail business our unique offering and having and for our buyers to start the lookout for everything for a family Christmas. planning our Christmas ranges new trends and for the latter part of the year.

How much shop floor As for brands, we work with products that space do your stores a wide variety of suppliers will appeal to our who offer fun, family-friendly allocated to their festive offering?

Christmas products alongside customers.”

Our stores put anywhere strong imagery, displays and between a third and half of merchandising offerings for their indoor floor space towards Christmas our stores. I love visiting all showrooms as merchandising. This gives them the space to you know there will be that special Christmas create a magical retail theatre. We split the product lurking in the corner and the smaller Christmas area into different themes that showrooms are great for merchandising will appeal to all tastes and suit all homes. inspiration for our smaller centres.

These are often based on interior trends that consumers might want to incorporate into Can you pick out the festive offering Christmas and include popular favourites at a couple of BGC stores - ones that such as tree and room decorations, really impressed last Christmas? ornaments, baubles, tinsel and stockings, I have to give a shoutout to Studley Garden plushes, and indoor and outdoor lighting.

Centre near Redditch and Charlbury Garden Centre in Oxfordshire for their spectacular When does BGC start planning for Christmas displays in 2022, which have been the following Christmas - when recognised in the prestigious Garden Centre would they have started looking Association (GCA) Awards. ahead to the 2023 festive season?

Both stores created a magical festive

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wonderland for their customers with ‘wow factor’, and the teams went above and beyond with their innovative and inspirational merchandising.

Finally, can you highlight any festive product trends that you think will be big for 2023?

A trend that has emerged since the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis is consumers wanting to bring colour into their homes after going through bleak periods. 2023 is set to continue with this trend and we can expect to see vibrant colours and atypical Christmas décor in the home for a fun and playful vibe.

Also, celestial trends are immensely popular at the moment, so we think that deep rich blues paired with luxurious warm gold looks set to be a big Christmas trend next year too.

Sustainability will continue to be an important focus next year with consumers actively seeking out products with eco credentials. We expect to see more natural decorations, handcrafted, wooden and recycled glass decorations, with accents such as reusable wrapping paper and crackers. www.britishgardencentres.com

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Harrogate Christmas & Gift

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PROFILE BRAND PROFILE Festive Lights

The Lighting

Pioneers Customers with a spark of an idea when it comes to lighting know that Festive Lights is the business with the expertise and design innovation they need. Sales Director Matt Higginson and Operations Manager Richard Butterfield told Sarah Welsh why they thrive on a challenge…

Are you looking forward to Spring Fair?

Matt: We had a really good show in Birmingham last year, and this year we will again be one of the stand-out lighting specialists at the NEC. Spring Fair tends to be the show that everyone goes to and the fact that it’s centrally located is a real plus.

The sheer footfall and the real range of buyers at the show means that on top of established and new customers, we may also get people who may not even have travelled to the show with the intention of buying lighting but once they see what’s on offer with us their mentality can flip!

Richard: Another facet of Festive Lights that customers love is the B2B service we offer with our network of specialist installers, based across the UK. People who come to buy festive lighting at Spring Fair ranges from theme parks to farm parks, garden centres, hotels and bars, wedding venues, local authorities, destination shopping centres – the list is endless.

Matt: Our show stand is also going to be spectacular this year, as it was in 2022. We had an

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eight metre tree last year and let’s just say that it stood out across the hall. This year our show stand will be double the size of last year, meaning even more features will be on display.

You’ve been leading the pack, selling festive lighting since 1999, but it’s fair to say you’ve seen massive growth in this retail category over the past decade?

Matt: The scale and breadth of festive and celebratory lighting sales is quite something. We’ve seen a real expansion in leisure sites and garden centres, out of town centres, purchasing lighting, and also a real boom in visitor attraction lighting trails and woodland trails. The National Trust is just one big-name customer that comes directly to us for some of their lighting trails.

We have multiple specialist partner installation companies that we work with to make these events a reality. When we took on the exclusive UK distribution rights for Italian lighting brand Twinkly and Twinkly PRO (back in 2018) we demonstrated it and put the resources in place to get it out to the market. We installed a few of our first big projects to set the standard, and then took a step back on that front and started working with specialist companies and it works brilliantly for us, our partners and our customers. One great example of this is one of our partners who does all the Center Parcs sites. Another is Manchester City and Liverpool Football Clubs that had amazing Twinkly PRO displays last Christmas, brought about by us working with relevant partners.

“We’re not going to settle when it comes to innovation and design – we work with our customers to ensure their lighting vision works.”

Your Projects Team and Project Space plays a big part in all this. Can you tell us more?

Richard: We have a bespoke project space that’s 8,000 square feet, and that means if somebody wants something different we can make it happen. Working with fully accredited partners means we can showcase our incredible lighting products and best use their skillset in terms of installation – ensuring we stick to our strengths.

Matt: If a customer comes to us with a custom design we can make it happen.

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

“Our Spring Fair show stand is going to be just as spectacular this year as it was in 2022.”

We haven’t come unstuck on a project yet! We’re not the number one UK lighting company for fairy and connectable lights for nothing. A new product we’ve recently been developing using the Twinkly brand is a modular tunnel lighting system aimed at garden centre clients. It enables them to have a visitor attraction display with a tunnel that’s 2.5m high, 2m wide and 3m long, so people can walk through it. Not only that but it can be extended and there’s no limit on the length of lighting you can create. We’re not going to settle when it comes to innovation and design – we work with our customers to ensure their lighting vision works.

Tell us about some of the big-scale lighting projects the business was involved in last Christmas season…

Matt: The Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is famed for its Christmas tree, which did hold the record for being the tallest in the UK. We worked with an installation partner to light the inside of the tree, and came up with a bespoke 24m frame

with a mirror backing to really bring the custom perimeter light panel wall to life. Hundreds of thousands of people walked through it. It was the first time we’d worked on that tree so the experience stood out.

Richard: Another memorable lighting project we were involved in during 2022 was Powderham Castle in Exeter. We supplied the lights and the visitor attraction’s in-house team of electricians worked tirelessly to install them. The finished effect was absolutely stunning and it was fantastic to see our products in action there.

Twinkly is obviously a very strong brand for the business, but what about your other lighting systems?

Matt: We jumped in there early with Twinkly and got hold of the brand exclusivity, which has paid dividends for us – but we’ve also been in the lighting business for almost 25 years. Our other core lighting systems equate to more than 80% of our overall revenue. Our interchangeable Connect PRO and

For more information visit: www.business.festive-lights.com Spring Fair show stand: 5H71

GO light strings are incredibly versatile and bring us year-round revenue. We have fairy lights, rope lights, icicle lights – to name just a few – there are so many options. Festivals, hospitality and wedding venues, shopping centres – these are just some of the customers who want lighting year-round and we always have the stock to cover demand.

What about the use of lighting in homes?

Matt: We’ve been retailing lighting since 1999 and as pioneers of trends there’s not much we haven’t seen. One thing is certainly that many homeowners want to refresh their festive lighting every year.

Richard: Over the last four to five years we’ve also seen a trend for more people using lights all year round. Whether it’s spring lights and outdoor decorations at home, solar lighting, and also in bars and restaurants.

2022 was a challenging year in many respects – how did you overcome the market hurdles and turn things to your advantage as a business?

Matt: The cost of living crisis meant that we saw a definite impact on sales and the marketplace was even more competitive.

Richard: At Festive Lights we react quickly to the market though, which is very important. If we need to push on something we’ll quickly arrange a photoshoot, target different sectors, flip things on the website and look at SEO. That’s what experience and leading on e-commerce sales does for us – we’re not afraid to react or be proactive. One example of an investment like this was an energy calculator on our website so customers could easily calculate what lighting would cost them. It offered that reassurance they needed to order.

Matt: We’re optimistic that next Christmas sales will be smoother though, hopefully at pre-Covid levels. Fuel prices have come down and people will have had a chance to adjust more. It’s going to be a good year.

christmas in february 17

REVIEW Harrogate

That was

the show that was Having exhibited at my 56th Harrogate show, beginning in 1966 when Harrogate was the first toy fair of the year, I caught up with Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair organizer Simon Anslow to ask him a number of post-fair questions This is your 13th year of running the show, did this year’s show differ very much from your first show in 2010?

That’s a difficult question but I think the number of companies who started exhibiting in Hall Q and have since moved to a prime spot. I’m thinking of exhibitors such as Heaven Sends, Puleo and National Tree/ Norfolk Leisure and Premier Decorations expanding from hall C to the whole of hall H. I understand that attendance figures were just over 11% up on the 2022 show which was a great result for business placed?

It was good to see not just the increased footfall, but also the top quality of those attending, rather than ‘tyre kickers’. This was emphasized time and time again to me by the exhibitors.

Why do you think we saw this big increase?

Harrogate has more Christmas/Seasonal exhibitors than any other U.K. show and that is why we have seen this increase with so

18 christmas in february

many more make the journey from the South and South West of England. Harrogate also welcomed a lot more visitors from Scotland and Ireland.

Piers Croke “I would like you to know that we had an outstanding fair with record orders and still counting, so please may we reserve our stand space for next year?”

Fiona McAllister “I just wanted to thank you for putting on such a good show this year. It was lovely to be back.”

“I would like you to know that we had an outstanding fair with record orders and still counting, so please may we reserve our stand space for next year?”

Piers Croke Were there any trends that you picked up from the show this year and would you say that exhibitors in the main were happy with their results from the show?

I spoke to a lot of exhibitors who told me that despite quite a number of their customers having a high stock level carry over, they were delighted with the reaction to their ranges that resulted in orders placed Here are just two comments from Gisela Graham and Heaven Sends.

Have Harrogate City Council any surprises in store that will apply to the 2024 exhibition.

No, but they are hugely disappointed not to have received funding from the government to refurbish the exhibition halls as part of the government’s leveling up scheme.

Finally, is there any message you would like to send to your exhibitors moving forward?

A BIG thank you to all our exhibitors for your support and I look forward to your bookings for the 2024 show. The dates are 14th to the 17th January

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

Innovation meets nostalgia Visit us at our inspiring showroom in Hertfordshire where you can explore the NOMA forest, walk around our lighting wonderland, and enjoy a Grillstream BBQ lunch in the LeisureGrow Bokkie.

Alternatively visit our showroom remotely with our immersive, highly detailed virtual guided showroom tour.For Showroom bookings contact your local sales representative or call 01462 744500

www.noma.co.uk

SHOW PREVIEW Spring Fair

History & Heraldry

Clarity Blend

The Ultimate Festive

Marketplace

What: Spring Fair 2023 edition | When: 5-8 February | Where: NEC Birmingham | Web: www.springfair.com

The seasonal hall at Spring Fair has always been about coming together to celebrate the best of Christmas, but that sentiment promises to be more important than ever at this year’s outing of the show. Sarah Welsh takes a look at what to expect…

Spring Fair is a trade event like no other in that it manages to be many things to the thousands of retail buyers and visitors who descend on Birmingham’s NEC each winter.

The sheer scale of the show means that buyers can often wrap up the vast majority of their orders for the year, regardless of whether they represent independent or boutique shops, department stores, garden centres, high street favourites,

hospitality venues, tourist and leisure attractions or heritage centres. The list of people for whom Spring Fair marks an essential four days in their calendar is seemingly as endless as the array of products they can check out there and the networking opportunities the show provides.

The central location of the event within the UK also guarantees impressive footfall, with three key buying categories – Home, Gift and Moda (the long-established that has now become an integral part of Spring Fair) – and 14 clearly defined product sectors.

Sitting within Gift is Hall 5, traditionally the Christmas hall, that has been re-named as ‘Christmas, Floral and Seasonal Decorations’ for 2023. Key exhibitors within this section include Festive Lights, Davies Products, Lesser & Pavey, Kaemingk, Swift Imports, Country Basket Imports and Florelle International Visitors to the hall will enter a retail wonderland, with show stands that offer true festive theatre, and can expect to encounter everything from lifesize Santas to towering Christmas trees, beautiful seasonal homewares to delicate single-

stem flowers and wreaths.

“Christmas, Floral & Seasonal Decorations is a key part of Spring Fair,” says Dan Mayhew, Spring and Autumn Fair Event Director. “It boasts leading brands showcasing inspirational products across 2,000 sqm and visitors will find festive trees, garlands, decorations of all trends and colours and finishes for all budgets.

Whether you’re looking for hand-finished baubles or sixmetre-high trees and character themed animatronics, you’ll discover all this and more in Spring Fair’s Christmas hall.

Davies Products has Moved to Hall 5!

After more than 40 years showing in the volume hall, Davies Products has Moved to Hall 5!

We will be showing our full Christmas range and much more!

Including, our Scream Machine Halloween range, along with our fabulous Easter, Floral and Fall collections.

Hundreds of new items will feature in wonderfully themed ranges, showcasing perfectly co-ordinated decorations designed to give your 2023 seasons a fresh new look. Fabulous products at amazing prices!

Visit Davies Products in Hall 5 L50-M51

www.daviesproducts.com 20 christmas in february

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

PREVIEW Spring Fair

Taking Centre

Stage

Ivy Line

Robin Reed

Christmas also benefits from being amongst the Floral sector with their individual artificial stems, bouquets, plants, trees and all things mother nature.

Created from a variety of different materials, from recycled to silk, and with hand painted details.

“The show sector attracts department stores, garden centres, independents, florists, interior designers, visual merchandisers and party planners – to name a few. We cater for everyone at Spring Fair.

At last year’s show one brand received a large order from a stately home gift shop who wanted all products in a colour to match their heritage attraction.

“Across Spring Fair 2023 buyers will also find Christmas themed tabletop and decorations in Party & Celebrations, and festivethemed gifts across Gifts, Beauty & Wellbeing and Housewares, Christmas cards and wrapping in Greetings & Stationery, and more

across the show – the cross over opportunities are unrivalled.

“More and more garden centres are diversifying their offering, making Spring Fair a must-attend show with thousands of relevant products all under one roof. The show is also perfectly timed at the beginning of February, enabling suppliers to take important orders, placing them with manufacturers ensuring they are ready for production to hit the shelves that year.”

A Spring Fair partnership with trend experts TrendBible has also highlighted festive trends to look out for with next Christmas season in mind. And it seems that the pandemic is still having an impact on the sector, with an emphasis on coming together and celebrating with loved ones being hugely important alongside festive products that spark joy, and a fresh, vibrant colour palette.

The key trend showcased by

TrendBible’s research is All is Bright, which they describe as: ‘A joyful trend driven by hope for the future, healthy boundaries, fresh starts and a desire for change.’

Think ceramic and clay decorations painted in pastel shades, beautifully simple festive patterns and minimal decoration style, metallic streamers, long tassel trims, contemporary Christmas stockings, advent colours in fresh colour combinations and simple typographical prints.

Commenting on Christmas, Naomi Pollard, Head of Publications for TrendBible, says: “Being together is what matters most. An opportunity to put fun and togetherness at the heart of the Holiday season, which allows us to embrace somewhat imperfect – but utterfly joyful – aesthetics that send a clear message of creating a relaxed spirit. Intimate moments and real connections are the focus.”

It’s not just about networking and checking out the best of seasonal, home, gift and fashion products at Spring Fair.

The trade event’s Retail Stage content programme also promises to offer a packed schedule of inspiring industry speakers along with insights about trends to watch out for.

The range of events taking place includes topical looks at how retail is adapting to cope with the current costof-living crisis, financial experts showcasing ways to boost business and increase revenue and the latest innovations in sustainability.

TrendBible will be showcasing home and lifestyle trends set to be big news in 2024, whilst brand experts will look at how to ‘sell with soul’ on TikTok. What’s more Theo Paphitis, of Dragon’s Den fame, with be the special guest at an ‘in conversation with’ event on Tuesday afternoon.

Make sure you check out the full line up!

Christmas Inspirations

Coach House Christmas

22 christmas in february

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VISIT OUR (DIGITAL) SHOWROOM Make your (digital) appointment now!

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PROFILE Noma

It’s All about Innovation and not being a ‘Me-too’ Business Malcolm Naish caught up with LeisureGrow’s Marketing Director and Category Director for NOMA, Frank Kaminski, at the Harrogate show. Frank told me that he was very happy with how the year had gone.

“Christmas started late for many retailers and as a result they became a little nervous.

A year ago, it was all talk about the price of containers, but at least now prices are getting back to normal with many Chinese manufacturers nowhere near as busy and as a result far more flexible.” he continued.

Frank’s take on the market is that 2023 will be a

very tough year with plenty of stock out there. No one is expecting a record year, but he is confident that by 2024 everything will be back to normal.

NOMA have some great new ranges for 2023 and Frank is very excited with the huge reaction to their D.I.Y. Christmas Craft range consisting of 10 items all retailing at under £10 for children to make for themselves. These include paper chains, lanterns and other traditional Christmas items. I can imagine plenty of Mums, Dads and Grandparents helping their kids, creating fantastic Christmas memories.

With more stand space than ever before NOMA have set aside a space to display their garden lighting to help freshen up and create theatre to the retailer’s stock. This includes their ‘Add-a-long’ connectable range of lighting plus a growing range of Festoon lights for both winter and summer.

Part of the LeisureGrow group is a thriving Pet division and Harrogate was the launchpad for their brand new ‘Petface’ Christmas range and The Kings Coronation range some of which retail at under £10.

NOMA are known for their acrylic designs and again 2023 sees a number of innovative new items, all designs by the NOMA UK team.

Trees are an important part of the NOMA offering and 2023 sees the introduction of the Silverdale Pine – a medium priced tree that Frank described as “Going down a storm.”

Their new ‘Duo’ bulb range allows for a choice of bulb colour white/ warm white or a fantastic mix of both which has a wonderful twinkly/sparkly effect.

Also receiving a great welcome at Harrogate has been NOMA’s range of fibre optic string lights.

The jewel in the NOMA crown must be the ‘Nostalgic’ 240-volt light sets that have been given a make-over allowing them to now work off a low voltage transformer, but still giving the same effect, thus saving the consumers’ electricity usage.

To help consumers best understand how to use their Christmas lighting, Noma have produced a series of banners and POS for their retail customers to illustrate how cheaply their lighting can be used to keep running costs to a minimum.

Frank concluded by telling me that the 2022 show saw Noma’s busiest ever Sunday and Monday at Harrogate and he thought that this could not be replicated again, BUT those same two days this year have proved once again to be just as outstanding. This has led to a very happy NOMA team proving most definitely that they are not a ‘Me Too’ Christmas company.

This article offers a snapshot of what NOMA have to offer for 2023. A visit to their showroom at Hinxworth near Hitchin would be very worthwhile.

For more information visit: www.noma.co.uk or call 01462 744500 24 christmas in february

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PROFILE BRAND PROFILE Lesser & Pavey

Building on

Early Success Following a rewarding show at Harrogate, the team at Lesser & Pavey is now looking forward to big things at Spring Fair – and they’ll be bringing an array of bright, colourful products with them. Director Jonny Greves let us in on what’s in store…

For many savvy retail buyers Spring Fair is the show they visit to stock up on celebration and gift products that meet customer demand across the seasons.

Lesser & Pavey have been the master of this craft for more than five decades, with a breadth

26 christmas in february

of product ranges and design styles to suit from as many customers as possible at literally any taste. The company’s festive Harrogate so we can then turn our attention to portfolio is always stunning, but at Spring Fair every day ranges at the NEC – but we do sell a every day ranges and the partnerships with lot of Christmas there too. We tend to dedicate fine artists they’ve become known for also one end of our stand to our festive range and it take centre stage. gets a great deal of attention.

And this year Lesser & “We’ve had a really “Spring Fair is the best show of Pavey’s NEC show stand is year for us to catch up with positive reaction the sure to surprise and delight customers. There’s always such both established and new a buzz around the show and and some great customers, also building on people are generally refreshed feedback and the brilliant reception their from the Christmas holiday and ranges received at Christmas orders to our new looking forward to buying lots of & Gift in Harrogate. new products for the year ahead. ranges” “Harrogate has been great “We’ve got lots of brand for us this year,” Director Jonny Greves new, bright and colourful pieces. We’re reveals. “We’ve had a really positive reaction excited to be launching a range with bright and some great feedback and orders to our lemons, a nice new pink rose, brand new new ranges. We find that it’s really good to William Morris products, ‘Bright Eyes’ garden be able to focus on Christmas at the start ornaments and lots more.” of a new year with as many customers as In terms of the festive offering from possible, freeing up time at the Spring Fair.

Lesser & Pavey this year, the sheer scale of “We try and take as many festive orders what’s on offer ranges from tabletop fine

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

china pieces to soft, decorative items.

The Christmas 2023 tabletop ranges feature nostalgic scenes, but are also highly practical as well as beautiful to look at. Exclusive to Lesser & Pavey are the illustrations of British artist Jennifer Rose, with her new festive designs of a red robin and young fawn set amongst wintery woodlands. Her illustrations are stylishly showcased on several household items, including cruet sets, spoon rest, fine china mugs, coasters and placemats.

For this Christmas Lesser & Pavey has also been working with the MacNeil Studios, with products bringing to life their ever-popular snowy festive scene with warm lights shining from a snow-covered cottage, featuring British wildlife, Santa at the Christmas tree and all the magic of the season. The range includes homewares such as mugs, plates, butter dishes, placemats and coasters.

The Christmas range also includes new glassware, LED lights, cushions and stockings – along with gift sets, melamine trays and

accessories, lap trays, doorstops and cushions.

The beautifully crafted glass containers that The decorative trend continues with soft encase the fragranced oils and candle wax plush, with new giant Mr and Mrs Gingerbread are made from sparkly red glass beads with characters with noses ruddy from the cold, sustainably sourced packaging and reeds. dressed either to cook Christmas lunch or ready The fragrances on offer includes cinnamon, for outside fun. They come in two assorted sizes perfect for Christmas. But the company’s and sit perfectly alongside snowmen and Santa festive fragrances, traditional illustrations and soft plush and figurines, in quality Christmas gifts can also be large and small sizes.

“A firm favourite last enjoyed all year round.

Lesser & Pavey is also Unveiled at the show will be a offering reindeer characters year were the gonks, brand-new range of giftware in in a range of sizes, dressed with their big noses collaboration with Lesser & Pavey’s either as Santa or ready new licensing partner, Bug Art. for the cold outside. These and tall, floppy hats” There is a range of six Christmas lovely pieces are a must for retailer’s windows or characters within their Kooks collection Christmas-themed shop floor displays.

Rudolph, Robin, Gonk, Mutt, Kitten, and A firm favourite last year were the gonks, Penguin. And each design is showcased with with their big noses and tall, floppy hats. fine china mugs and coasters, trays, glasses, They return for this coming Christmas with baubles, cushions and premium gift bags. new additions of sparkles and lights, and With this array of products on offer, Spring decorated with snowflakes and glitter streaks. Fair can’t fail but be a huge success for Lesser & Lesser & Pavey are also the experts when Pavey this February. it comes to festive fragrance. At the show “Most of all we’re looking forward to will be Christmas-themed ‘Desire’ diffusers, meeting all of our customers – both valued available in 100ml, 200ml and 500ml sizes, as current ones and hopefully lots of new ones well as a set of three 50ml pieces, offered with as well, and showing them our new ranges,” beaded sparkle alongside a range of candles.

Jonny adds.

Lesser & Pavey are also the experts when it comes to festive fragrance. At the show will be Christmas-themed ‘Desire’ diffusers, available in 100ml, 200ml and 500ml sizes, as well as a set of three 50ml pieces, offered with beaded sparkle alongside a range of candles.

For more information visit: www.leonardo.co.uk Spring Fair show: Hall 5, Stand D10-E11 christmas in february 27

PROFILE Shatchi

Great deals to be had

at Shatchi

Christmas in February met up with sales director John McVey to find out how they had fared at the Harrogate show and to find out more about their new ranges for 2023.

John told me “We increased our stand space in Hall C by 20% and see this as the next step up the ladder. This enabled us to give more space, particularly for our themed decorations. As everyone is aware, it has been a tough year, but as we offer such great value for money, we have more than weathered the storm with our key ranges as popular as ever.”

Our readers love to find out what might be new, so I asked John exactly that.

“We have a new range of baubles, offered in five sizes and 21 colour variations. The sizes begin at 3cm and move up in size to 5, 6, 10 and 15 cms.

New packaging plus brilliant pricing, including pallet deals gives our customers great margins.”

Other new ranges include wooden Nutcracker figures ranging in size from just 10cms. Up to

180cms. Home Décor features strongly in 2023 and was a strong favourite at Harrogate.

It was hardly surprising that Shatchi need more space as their Christmas offering has grown to plus 3,500 pieces.

Last year the company launched a collection of party products for the Queen’s Diamond jubilee that included Union Jacks, bunting etc.

Such was the success with Shatchi completely selling out by the beginning of April.

With this in mind their King’s Coronation party range introduced at the show is following the same pattern. John McVey urges our readers and customers to NOT delay in placing orders, because once stocks are accounted for, there is no chance that Shatchi can increase their orders in good time for the selling in season for the Coronation.

IMPORTANT NEWS Shatchi have moved their stand at Spring Fair from Hall 5 to Hall 1 and can be found on stands A30, B31 and D40.

So all in all, very positive vibes from Shatchi who have more than justified their investment in a larger stand at Harrogate and are looking to continue the success story at Spring Fair.

28 christmas in february

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PROFILE Davies Products

See Davies Products in Hall 5!

Davies Products is looking forward to welcoming you to their NEW stand location at Spring Fair We will be showing our full Christmas range and much more! Including, our Scream Machine Halloween range, along with our fabulous Easter, Floral and Fall collections. Hundreds of new items will feature in wonderfully themed ranges, showcasing perfectly co-ordinated decorations designed to give your 2023 seasons a fresh new look.

A wide selection of inspirational Christmas themes has been brought together with all our customers’ needs in mind – quality, great style and importantly an emphasis on competitive pricing.

Come and browse Candy Cane Corner, Alpine

Adventure, Woodland Wonder, Magical Metallics, Polar Perfection, Traditional Times, Fabulous Frost, Sensational Sparkle and Elegant Opulence.

You will find a wonderful selection of traditional and contemporary Easter and Spring products. With a focus on natural materials and a soft pastel colour scheme, our beautifully characterised Easter bunnies, floral wreaths and home decor are truly inspirational and coordinate with our Spring floral ranges.

Welcome Autumn with our wide selection of Fall wreaths, stems, picks and garlands.

Davies Products’ Scream Machine 2023 Halloween collection of accessories and

decorations features lots of new items that are suitable for all styles, ages and occasions.

Fabulous products at amazing prices!

For more information visit: www.daviesproducts.com Spring Fair show stand: Hall 5, Stand: L50-M51

32 christmas in february

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PROFILE Premier Halloween

It’s all about the details

this season.

What a start of the year! With showrooms opened as early as November and a great show in January, 2023 looks very promising for Premier Halloween!

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ustomers are very excited about the new range and eager to place orders. It seems to be all about the details this season. Besides the traditional interest in core items, there is a large amount of interest in items that give that little extra touch.

The completely refreshed Halloween range from Premier Decorations provides for this with much desired animated items, lighting, carving and all you need for trick or treat, but they have also introduced new and on trend products to help decorate homes in style during the still growing UK Halloween season.

With a new mantelpiece range, velvety porcelain pumpkins, scented colour changing wax candles, but also confetti, balloons, tablecloths and glow in the dark cobweb Premier Decoration is a one stop shop and can satisfy fully all customer needs in this market.

With these customer needs in mind Premier helps their online retailing customers with extended photography and professional videos of any item provided upon request. This extensive library of media is in continual development and is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how focused this company is on what their customers need.

Be sure to come and see for yourself! Book your showroom appointment as soon as possible and Premier will be glad to receive you in either of their 2 UK locations. One in the North of England in Wrexham and the other near London in the South East. Wishing you all the best for 2023…

For more information visit: www.premierdec.com 34 christmas in february

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

PROFILE Kaemingk Santa’s Bakery

Bringing Festive

Happiness Home

Fairy Forest

For many Kaemingk is one of the most trusted and celebrated names in the Christmas trade, and their show stand promises to be as dazzling as ever at Spring Fair…

Following a very busy Harrogate Christmas & Gift show, the company are looking forward to greeting more buyers at Spring Fair.

Seasonal style starts with Kaemingk. Time and again buyers tell us that their festive planning begins with a visit to the Christmas Collection showroom located in Aalten, The Netherlands, or stopping by their show stand at Christmas & Gift.

And it is little wonder when you consider this festive heritage brand is considered to be Europe’s market leader in Christmas decorations, with 85 years’ experience in supplying retailers of all size and type.

Kaemingk’s ranges are all about offering customers the chance to bring festive happiness home. Every season the company aims to design a complete and distinctive collection, building on the latest trends and their reputation for creative styling and perfect presentation. And this is combined with brilliant customer service and logistics.

Kaemingk’s themes offer innovation and inspiration, each with its own unique style, colours and products.

Christmas on stage – Tonight is a special night out!

This luxurious theme puts classic Christmas centre stage in the theatre. The façade of the building is old, but still in perfect condition and imagine a beautiful awning and atmospheric lighting. The red carpet is rolled out with golden poles and velvet cords, with festive soldier characters at the entrance.

Inside there is an atmospheric stage with immaculately dressed Christmas trees and in the spotlight, a luxe golden nutcracker. This nostalgic theme is inspired by Art Deco style.

Festive Ballroom – Dining, Dancing & Romancing!

Key to this theme is florals, romance and art nouveau and inspiration for it came from the

Regency era. This theme is set in a beautiful old villa with a curved window and attached orangery.

Here and there against the façade winter flowers grow and as you walk through the imposing entrance you come across an impressive dining room with a beautifully set Christmas table – ready for a festive ball. Adorned with tablecloths in soft shades and crystal cut champagne glasses, there are vases filled with scented bouquets and tall slender candlesticks with pastel tapers. There are green garlands covered in snow, birds and butterflies. Every little detail has been thought of.

Santa’s Bakery – All you need is love and Christmas cookies!

The setting for this scene is a lovely coffee shop, ‘Claus & Co.’ It’s set in an authentic Amsterdam canal house complete with red shutters and a pulley to load goods inside. You can smell the roasted coffee beans and chocolate from miles away. The house is lighted dusted with snow and lights hang above each window.

Outside a green van is parked unloading delicious orders of coffee, cake and Christmas packages. Everything is wrapped in traditional ribbon. Inside Santa’s little mice helpers and the Christmas elves are busy baking, piping and wrapping lovely sweet treats.

Christmas on stage

Festive Ballroom

Fairy Forest – a place filled with joy and wonder!

As you wander deep into the forest you’re surrounded by woody mushrooms and even a forest elf or two. These magical creatures play with the animals in the forest and light up the tree-covered canopy as night falls.

Following the fairy tale path you walk past various decorative items, and further in the forest you see a wooden house with a flat roof, completely covered in mosses and ferns.

On the porch a fire pit with fireplace blocks is glowing. There is also an old chair with checkered plaids - a wonderful place to listen and enjoy the sounds and smell of the forest.

For more information visit: www.kaemingk.com/en Spring Fair: stand 6A50-B51 christmas in february 35

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