Christmas in January 2024

The UK’s only Christmas decoration trade magazine

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Weiste celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2024 From small beginnings, the Weiste family brand now celebrates its 4th generation

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Leader page

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Coffee Break With Mike Withers of Snowtime A year to remember

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Mike Wither’s star in the East to Harrogate Hall D is where the star finally stopped for Snowtime

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GCA chief executive Peter Burks outlines the GCA year

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Sustainable at its very core Keel’s eco-friendly plush range heads for Harrogate

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National Tree Company arrives at Premier One of America’s largest tree companies is now distributed by Premier

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Joyous greetings from Harrogate The Swantex group bring a trio of top Greeting card companies to the show Festive Wonders

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Richard Lang & Son unveil their 2024 ranges

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The perfect Christmas blend Davies Products showcase their 2024 ranges at Harrogate

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Jingles to distribute Twinkly to U.K. garden centres Jingles have just tied up the Twinkly range for the U.K.

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Kaemingk’s enchanting world Of Christmas A company British buyers love to visit

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It’s a recognized brand Konstsmide’s 80 years plus in the business of lighting leads the way

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Pineapple Circus Beautiful floral ranges at Harrogate

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Christmas complete inside and out Smart Garden tell us that they have Christmas all wrapped up

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Christmas Heritage, Festive Innovation 14 Christmas World show director Eva Olbrich tells all News

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Spring Fair update

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Bigger, Better and Brighter In 2024 Harrogate Exhibition Organiser Simon Anslow reveals all

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Harrogate Lights Up

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Step Back in Time

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Retail Festive Flair, Stylish Storytelling Garson Garden Centre’s Nikki Macey Speaks to Editor Sarah Welsh

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All is well at three well-established Garden centres in Belfast I visit three of Belfast’s finest

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Crucial at Christmas Dobbie’s Anna Service shares their Christmas spirit with us

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Features The Christmas Wreath Gisela Graham’s Piers Croke gives us all A history lesson the humble wreath

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Premier’s Showroom has been completely re-built Always at the forefront, Premier have completly re-vamped their HQ showroom

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Firmly on the ‘Good List’ Lesser & Pavey are Bringing something for everyone at Harrogate

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Full speed ahead Premier Halloween build their Halloween sales

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Rewarding, Exciting, Inspirational! and Giftware Trading’s M.D. Ben Jeffery really means it

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All wrapped up Padgett’s pint-sized Christmas Grotto Gifts are all wrapped up

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14 fresh tree designs for next Christmas Puleo bring majestic beauty of it’s Firs to Harrogate

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Dreaming of a ‘Bosk’ Christmas See Norfolk Leisure’s Bosk range at Harrogate for the first time Designed to Inspire Boutique brand We Love Season’s second Harrogate

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Christmas Covered Stationery and gift company Tallon are back at Harrogate

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Published by: Lema Publishing Ltd 1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts.

HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930

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

Contents

Regulars

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Leader 2024

024 sees the 35th year of publishing Christmas in January and whilst over the years there have been many improvements in all major categories with regard to design, safety and the use of modern technology, buyers still tell me that their number one reason for attending Harrogate and any other show is to look out for new product innovation.

The Harrogate Christmas & Gift show for 2024 will give visitors every opportunity to find just what they are looking for. The show is completely full with plenty of new exhibitors as well as those companies who have shown for many years.

Following the end of the 2022 season, there were plenty of reports of big stock carryover into 2023 that certainly affected sales of new ranges shown at Harrogate.

Moving on 11 months later and quite a number of suppliers have informed me that most of that carry over has gone It is pleasing to state that lighting in particular has sold through well.

Readers visiting Harrogate this year should be impressed with the new outdoor lighting that the show has arranged to brighten up the town. Festive Lights have created this light show that will start from Hall A, the Royal Hall, Hall M and then left up towards the Conference Centre making everyone well aware that there’s a show in town!

Last year with the government forever telling the great British public how they could best save on their energy bills, were hell-bent on pointing out as

Christmas approached that plugging your Christmas lighting into the mains was just ‘not on’. This of course was one big lie, as all of us in the know could easily prove that the minute amount of electricity used by the average family’s home for their Christmas tree lights and other Christmas lighting was miniscule compared to rushing out to and paying lots of dosh for their Duracel batteries.

This made me wonder whether it was about time that the Christmas Decoration industry might consider joining together to create its own industry association?

After all, other industries such as the

The Harrogate Christmas & Gift show for 2024 will give visitors every opportunity to find just what they are looking for. garden furniture industry have their own group as has many other sectors. In my situation with publishing b2b titles, the various industries they cover all have trade associations fighting their corner.

Over the years I can think of various industry problems, that if shared together as a group could have illustrated to the Public exactly what the current situation was and how best to solve the current dilemma.

Of course, I can understand that suppliers hate paying out for extra costs,

but sometimes a problem shared is a problem halved. For example, we publish a greeting card magazine, their association the GCA fight hard for members when the Royal Mail start charging more for postage stamps, or messing about with the size of envelopes. The toy trade also has an excellent association and over the years has fought for its members.

JUST A THOUGHT! One of America’s largest Christmas tree companies National Tree have appointed Premier Decorations to become their U.K. sole distributor. National Tree’s full range will be on the Premier stand at Harrogate.

2024 is a year for company anniversaries and leading the way is Weiste. This Finnish company are celebrating their 100th year of business as it was in Christmas 1924 that founder Kalle Weiste began making Christmas stars. They are now a fourth generation family company with Johanna Weiste working with her father Matti. It is also worth mentioning that Christopher McLean May along with his son Sam have looked after the U.K sales for quite a number of years also.

Celebrating 30 years in the Christmas business is Snowtime as it was in 1994 that Mike Withers was first shown Fibre Optic trees on his first trip to Hong Kong and the rest as they say ‘Is history’.

Harrogate Christmas & Gift opens it’s doors on Sunday the 14th January and promises to be as popular as ever. I look forward to meeting our readers from our stand A1 at the entrance to Hal A.

christmasinjanuary.co.uk Photo by Candis Hidalgo from Pexels

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COFFEE BREAK

Snowtime has been selling Christmas Decorative product since the early nineties, when the company’s founder Mike Withers brought back from the Far East the very first Fibre Optic Christmas Trees and have been a major player in the industry for many years.

I believe the first shipment of Fibre Optic trees were for your own garden centre plus a few select garden centres that you persuaded to join you in this venture?

I was shown the prototype of the fibre optic tree on my first visit to Hong Kong In 1994. I was told I couldn’t have it as it was earmarked exclusively for a large Christmas importer. The following spring the factory asked why I hadn’t ordered any and I answered, “because you wouldn’t let me!” It turned out that the large Christmas supplier had not seen the potential of the product and had made such a poor job of marketing it that there were no sales. I immediately ordered what became the first of many containers and the rest Is history.

Has owning a garden centre given you a great insight into what really sells in the Christmas Decoration industry?

Undoubtedly. We are able to test market products and gauge potential sales before placing large orders. Also, nothing beats interacting with the public on the shop floor and seeing the reaction to a new product. I have been in the garden centre business since 1984 and still own Sefton Meadows Garden Centre in Merseyside, which my son now runs. 41 years in the trade certainly gives you an idea of what might sell.

There seems to have been a large amount of 2022 stock that had to be carried over into this year. Was this a problem for Snowtime?

8 christmas in january

Yes. The pandemic, or more specifically the lockdowns, had a deeply distorting impact on almost all walks of life and certainly on retailing and the associated supply chain. It has been very volatile and uncertainty is what businesses fear most. How can you know how much stock to order when you don’t even know If you’ll be allowed to open your store? Given the fact that Christmas retailers must place orders 9 months before the season gets underway makes everyone nervous. It’s difficult enough in a normal year but impossible in such circumstances. We still haven’t seen the end of the disruption caused by those tumultuous years.

to be back. When I first went to the Far East all the action was in showrooms in Hong Kong but now It’s all China and Vietnam, with Cambodia coming up on the rails.

With container costs now closer to pre-Covid prices has this helped to reduce your selling prices to your customers?

Yes. Thankfully container rates are down 90% from their peak and this is feeding through to prices. Taking just one product as an example, our premium 6ft.pre-lit tree with 250 leds will retail below £100 this year. The sea-freight alone would have cost $50 two years ago, now It’s about $3. The impact is, of course, more marked on bulky products (like garden furniture) as a set of Christmas lights takes up far less room in a container.

What are your views on Spring Fair, where so many Christmas companies have stopped exhibiting?

The decision as to whether to exhibit at the Spring Fair always posed something of a dilemma. We did it for many years but I was always a little reluctant to show at Harrogate and then two weeks later have to do it all over again in Birmingham. It was not just the sheer hassle of dismantling the showroom, going to Harrogate then back to Blackpool, rebuilding the showroom and then repeating the whole process two weeks later, to meet largely the same people that we met at Harrogate!

It also meant that at the height of the selling season our sales team was off the road for four weeks. Then there was the ludicrous expense, I don’t understand why exhibitions in this country cost far more than in Europe or the USA. I suppose it’s the HS2 syndrome but let’s not go there!

With life returning to normal in China and Hong Kong have you and your buying team been visiting the Far East?

Yes. We returned to Hong Kong and China in September for the first time in three years. It was good

Are you still growing your export business and exhibiting in America and other overseas exhibitions?

We are still exporting to the USA and the business is growing. The Americans seem to like British designs and British branding, despite Harry and Meghan’s best efforts to do us down. Long may It continue.

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harrogateFullPageAdvertStyle2_2024_alt 18/12/2023 14:09 Page 1

See us in Hall D Sun 14th January to Wednesday 17th

SnowTime 2024 Collection

Buyers are invited to view the spectacular new SnowTime collection of Christmas products launching at Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair in January 2024.

30th Aniversary Join us for Champagne and Canapés on Monday afternoon from 4pm to celebrate our 30th aniversary

Email: info@transcon.co.uk Web: transcon.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1253 207799 Trans-Continental Group Ltd, Transcon House, Unit 4, Amy Johnson Way, FY4 2RP, Blackpool, United Kingdom

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GCA NEWS

A Year to

Remember

Peter Burks, the GCA CEO

With a new chief executive at the helm it’s been a year of fresh thinking and investment for the Garden Centre Association, but then there’s never a quiet moment in this fast-growing retail sector. Sarah Welsh spoke to Peter Burks…

T

he Garden Centre Association might have well-established roots when it comes to raising standards across this much-loved retail sector, but this is an organisation that is also always looking to the future and celebrating innovation.

Established back in 1966, the GCA now has around 200 members located right across the UK. Both long-established and new members alike receive a range of benefits, including its pioneering e-learning training programme with around 100 courses on offer, an annual inspection scheme and a wealth of support to achieve and maintain excellence in customer service, plant care and product knowledge.

Peter Burks, a previous chairman of the GCA with decades of experience in the industry, started in post as the new CEO at the beginning of January 2023.

He says his first year at the helm has absolutely flown by, but in the best possible way.

“It’s gone so quickly,” Peter says.

“When I joined it was great to see just how much was going on with various GCA workstreams.

We had a day looking at what we were going to concentrate on going forwards and came up with several focus topics.

“I’ve loved taking the lead on certain projects. There’s only three of us directly employed by the GCA, looking after different areas such as our annual conference, GROW e-learning platform and our inspection process.”

The latter has been something that Peter has really shone a light on over the last 12 months, updating

12 christmas in january

processes that are scrutinised when GCA members receive their yearly unannounced inspection.

“One of the main changes I’ve implemented is that we’re now looking at social media as a separate category. It’s so important for innovative marketing. And the environmental, sustainability side of things is now included when assessing every retail department, for example, looking closely at how packaging is sourced.”

Turning to the GCA’s hugely successful e-learning offering, Peter says that the aim is to be a complete ‘one stop’ training shop.

And with this in mind they have looked at buying in some legal compliance courses that weren’t included in the portfolio before.

“We were offering numerous courses, but members were still having to go elsewhere for some things,” he explains. “At the GCA we’re all about making things as easy as possible for our employers, so they can encourage their staff to take advantage of the learning on offer. January and February can actually be a great time to do this when things are a little quieter at our centres.

“Staff can access any of our courses, and they don’t have to be directly related to their day job either. You can choose to expand your knowledge in any area, from customer service to merchandising to plants. We’ve also just launched a course in store security.”

Peter says that security has been one of the biggest issues facing GCA members this year with an increase in shoplifting having a big impact on costs to centres. Energy costs and an increase in the minimum wage have also played their part in a challenging period.

“Getting in stock from abroad has also been an obstacle,” Peter

“It’s really important for us all to come together and everyone finds it enjoyable mixing with colleagues from across the industry” explains. “Container prices have rocketed and with items like garden furniture the impact has been massive because you can’t just pass on cost implications to customers.

“Bad weather also contributed to low sales of outdoor furniture.

Many centres have been really boosted by the catering side of things – be it our restaurants or farm shops. Homemade and locally sourced food continues to be popular with customers.”

Peter has seen a lot of change

in the nearly 20 years he’s been associated with the GCA, having first joined back in 2005.

“I’ve been in the industry throughout my career since first getting my degree in horticulture. I started in nurseries then moved into the garden centre selling side.

“I helped establish Sanders Garden Centre near WestonSuper-Mare, more recently working for Wyevale and then Blue Diamond. I’ve seen the GCA grow in terms of membership by 60 or 70 centres in the last two decades and we’re a much more proactive organisation now.”

Peter says that GCA members are looking forward to the annual conference taking place later this month.

“It’s really important for us all to come together and everyone finds it enjoyable mixing with colleagues from across the industry,” he says. “We’ve got a fantastic range of speakers and when I look at the levels of expertise it’s really amazing.

“I’m looking forward to a calm year, but I know that won’t happen! We’ll be rolling out the new inspection process, developing the Christmas inspection process as well and looking to grow in terms of members. I can always see the opportunities ahead!”

The GCA Conference takes place at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel near Cirencester, from the 28 to 31 January.

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

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SHOW PREVIEW Christmasworld

Christmas Heritage,

Festive Innovation Built on centuries of festive trading, Christmasworld is a truly global celebration of seasonal joy. But as show director Eva Olbrich tells Sarah Welsh, it’s also an event looking firmly to the future…

Frankfurt ‘am Main’ – or if you prefer on the River Main – is one of Germany’s most important cities, managing to combine perhaps the country’s most impressive skyline with its beautiful old town quarter.

And that is why there could be no more perfect setting for Christmasworld. The leading trade fair for seasonal and festive decorations is one that sits firmly at the festive cutting edge when it comes to the latest trends and seasonal products, but is also an event that celebrates heritage and nostalgia.

Frankfurt has effectively been home to the fair for some 800 years. Once a bustling market for medieval goods, the city has evolved into a high-performance centre for global marketing and is the location for the world’s leading trade fairs across consumer goods, textiles, architecture, technology and the automotive industry.

Frankfurt is also an incredibly wellconnected transport hub, and the Messe Frankfurt Exhibition Centre – home to Christmasworld – has its own subway and regional train stations, that connect to the German high-speed rail system via Frankfurt’s main station. So you can essentially take public transport right into the heart of the festive fair.

Last year Christmasworld welcomed more than 500 exhibitors from 46 countries, and 2024 promises to deliver even more. There are seven seasonal product categories including: Christmas and Seasonal decoration, Candles, Ribbons and Wrapping, Floral and Garden decorations, Visual Merchandising and Lighting, Global Sourcing and Christmas Delights.

The latter celebrates all things festive food and drink and is presented in atmospheric Christmas market area. And there’s also a wealth of trend information and an exciting

14 christmas in january

programme of events for visitors.

We caught up with show director Eva Olbrich to get the inside track on what else we can expect from this year’s show.

Last year’s Christmasworld followed two years of closure due to the Covid pandemic. You must have received amazing feedback?

We had an overwhelming uptake and tremendous international representation in 2023. It was an incredible comeback after the pandemic. Christmasworld, Ambiente and Creativeworld are new held together under the motto ‘Home of Consumer Goods’ and it’s a really successful, vast networking platform.

This new trade fair format is perfectly tailored to the needs of the trade. Exhibitors and visitors alike benefit from the synergies that we’ve created between the three events.

The visibility of the fairs has significantly increased as a result , it facilitates even more business and the top-class support programme is just another reason to visit.

Christmasworld seems to perfectly combine the intimate atmosphere of a smaller trade show with an opportunity for buyers to place orders for multiple needs. How do you strike that tricky balancing act?

What can you tell us about the product categories?

Visual merchandising and Lighting is undeniably a USP of Christmasworld. With our international exhibitors we literally light up emotions and that’s why hall 4.0 is also a magnet for visitors.

The comprehensive product range across categories will delight visitors, and last but not least is our incredible Global Sourcing segment. We’re going to have ‘everything Christmas’ virtually under one roof.

How many exhibitors and visitors are you expecting from the UK?

The UK is one of the top 10 countries when it comes to visitors, and we’re looking forward to welcoming a host of exhibitors from the UK across all relevant product segments.

Exhibitors from the UK will benefit from access to exports on a global scale.

Anything else new for 2024?

A must-see is the DECORATION UNLIMITED presentation. It promises to surprise visitors by transforming the traditional setting of a green, red and gold Christmas into a luxurious, modern-green oasis. The big festive colour theme for the coming season is green.

My advice is come and see for yourself!

We’re looking forward to having you.

Christmasworld is unique. With a modern approach and efficient product group management, which is reflected logistically in the floor plan, the fair manages not to lose its ‘strolling character’ despite What: Christmasworld the maximum product selection. Personal contact When: 26 to 30 January, 2024 is a central focus of our Where: Frankfurt Exhibition Centre planning.

Web: christmaswold.messefrankfurt.com christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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NEWS

Fabulous

40

Some forty years ago Gisela Graham started her business literally at the kitchen table; her first piece was a miniature dolls house made with outworkers around London.

This spring her company, recognised as one of the leading designers of Christmas in Europe, celebrated its 40th anniversary.

The enterprise, now grown to over 60 employees, enjoyed a sumptuous luncheon at the fivestar Cleveden House (now owned by the National Trust): there they are assembled in the grounds.

Return journey on the coach was very jolly indeed!

Premier Decorations sign up National Tree One of America’s largest Christmas tree companies – National Tree will now form part of Premier’s Christmas tree collection. Premier plan to make available the entire National Tree range and will run this alongside their own branded tree range.

Harrogate will give buyers the opportunity to see the 2024 range at first hand.

Jingles take over the U.K. Twinkly distribution to garden centres The Twinkly range will be on full display at their stand in Hall ‘Q’. This includes Strings, Curtain, Icicle and Festoon plus their more recent Candle designs for indoor use.

Staff at cleveden.

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SHOW PREVIEW Spring Fair

Festive Flair

Under One Roof Spring Fair is the ultimate ‘one stop shop’ for buyers looking to stock up for all calendar celebrations, and the show is back in Birmingham for its 74th edition.

Sarah Welsh spoke to Event Director, Soraya Gadelrab.

Established way back in 1950, Spring Fair has grown in size and value to its many visitors over the decades.

Billed as British retail’s biggest and most exciting marketplace, the show famously relocated to Birmingham’s NEC from Blackpool when the venue opened in 1976.

These days it welcomes tens of thousands of people through the doors every winter, excited to see the freshest products and style ideas from exhibitors ranging from hugely established brands to small artisan makers.

It boasts 13 product sectors across Home, Gift and Fashion and is often where new collections for the year ahead are unveiled.

Christmas, Floral & Seasonal Decorations sits in Hall 5 - also home to Gift, Kids, Toy and Play and Source Home & Gift categories – and features everything from stunning floral displays to life-size animatronic festive characters. And seasonal buyers also shouldn’t miss Greetings & Stationery in Hall 3, which includes Christmas cards, paper decorations and all things wrapping related, and Party & Celebration.

Exhibitors to look out for include Davies Products, CB Imports, Country Baskets, Lesser & Pavey, Joe Davies, Straits, Widdop & Co, Sass & Belle and Ling Design.

Christmas in January caught up with event director, Soraya Gadelrab, to find out what festive buyers can expect from this year’s event.

2024 marks 48 years since Spring Fair was first held at the NEC, what are your thoughts on the long history and heritage of the show?

As an annual gathering for the retail community, Spring Fair has witnessed and reflected so many developments, challenges and changes in the industry. We have celebrated company

18 christmas in january

milestones, welcomed and said sad goodbyes to a huge number of inspiring and talented people, and showcased the brilliance and innovation of millions of new products and creations that have gone on to become some of retail’s bestsellers and success stories. For years it has been a meeting place for creative minds and the largest and most inspiring showcase on the retail buying calendar.

How would you sum up Spring Fair’s unique character as a show and why do you think it is so key to the UK retail sector?

From our work to create an easy to navigate and efficient onsite experience to the hours of free content on trends and industry topics - our aim is to produce the best possible platform for showcasing new products. We want those products and the people that make them at the heart of the show.

With 13 product sectors covering everything from partywear to partyware, buyers know a visit to Spring Fair will offer much loved favourite brands, international and UK based businesses, sustainable and exciting new products and designers in abundance.

In terms of the seasonal hall, are there any major changes we should know about planned for the 2024 edition?

There will be a host of new activations across the show floor, so look out for our special Christmas ones.

What key seasonal exhibitors are you looking forward to seeing?

I love Christmas so I can’t wait to immerse myself in everything in the Christmas, Festive & Floral sector.

What seasonal/festive gift suppliers will

be showing at Spring Fair in 2024?

The sector will showcase everything from small seasonal decorations to life-size Santas and show-stopping floral décor and the latest trends from brands including Lotus Imports, Country Baskets, Christmas Inspirations, Davies Products, Florelle, plus The Seasonal Group who are back with their animatronic characters. With one of the largest offerings of Christmas decorations and floral designs on the market, CB Imports will also present their latest trends and product lines.

Any particular show stands from seasonal suppliers that stood out for you looking back to last year?

I’ve only been in the job for a couple of months, but the team has been raving about the scale and inspiration of the Country Baskets stand so I can’t wait to visit them this February.

What festive trends do you expect to be headline news at Spring Fair 2024?

Our onsite content programme is getting an exciting refresh and we’ll be launching an inspirational new Trend Talks stage – the go-to stage for discovering the latest retail trends and product innovations from future forecasters and creators.

The immensely popular New Products Showcase will also be situated by the stage so visitors can explore a curated edit of the latest new products at the show.

What: Spring Fair 2024 edition When: 4-7 February Where: NEC Birmingham Web: www.springfair.com christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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To Infinity and beyond...

Come check out our HUGE selection of infinity mirrors in full colour packaging.

Find us in

Hall Q

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Harrogate Convention Centre 14th - 17th January 2024 Open Saturday 10.00 to 18.00

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PROFILE Jingles

Jingles

over Hall ‘Q’ at It is always a pleasure to visit Iain Mercer and his team in Moira, Northern Ireland and so it was that I caught the early flight to Belfast to find out for myself how Jingles plan to use almost all of Hall ‘Q’ for the 2024 Harrogate Christmas & Gift show.

Having spent the last few years showing at the St. George, a total refurbishment meant that Jingles needed a new home for the show.

They will have their own dedicated front entrance in King Street, where buyers will be able to consider over 4,000 products for the forthcoming Christmas season covering all product categories.

Since I last visited, the company have grown considerably. Daughter Elise is now head buyer, responsible for product development that includes bespoke designs.

Along with her colleague Caroline Flood they handle quality control and testing to ensure that all of Jingles big range have the relevant safety certificates. With their own quality control staff in China, Jingles customers can buy with the knowledge that all of the products chosen comply with all current European safety standards.

I asked Iain what percentage of the range was changed each year “We replenish 80% of our decorative range and are constantly working well ahead and are already well advanced with new items for the 2025 ranges, which stands Jingles in very good stead for the future. This is one reason why our customers keep coming back!”

With their own entrance Iain plans to open on the Saturday from 10am-6pm and late on Sunday night until 9pm, where customers are invited to join us for a beer or a glass of wine on the stand.

On pricing for their 2024 ranges, Iain was confident that for 2024 Jingle’s prices in most instances would be cheaper than those offered in 2023.

When I asked “why was that?” he replied that apart from good housekeeping, the reduction in buying containers had reduced

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take

Harrogate considerably and those savings have been passed on to their customers.

The Jingles showroom was looking terrific and I was told the company have around 250,000sq. ft. of showroom/office/warehouse space in Northern Ireland with customers visiting from mid-November through to late December.

With a much increased presence in Hall ‘Q’ the Jingles team will be in Harrogate from the 2nd January to ensure an orderly set-up.

Whilst walking the showroom I was very impressed with the quality of Jingles Infinity Mirrors range. Iain explained that they were the first Christmas company to introduce them to the U.K. in 2018 and are very proud to have played a large part in the development of this category.

Iain was very excited at the prospect of handling the exclusive distribution of Twinkly retail product throughout the UK and Ireland for the Garden Centre sector. Twinkly are a high tech Italian lighting brand - they are fully mappable and can be programmed to

show a large number of colourful effects.

They have allocated a 36 square metre space on their stand at Harrogate to display this range, which includes innovative new products for 2024.

Iain was also telling me about their new website, which launched earlier this year. It allows trade customers to log In, view available stock and place orders via their own unique portal. Many customers have found this particularly useful when reordering Christmas product as they could access it 24/7.

Harrogate has for some years now been the biggest show for Christmas product and associated gifts and Jingles will be at the heart of what will be a full and bursting at the seams Harrogate show for 2024.

To find out more call them on 02892 619881 or email them at sales@ merceragencies.com or visit their website www.merceragencies.com to download their 2024 Christmas catalogue.

For more information visit: www.merceragencies.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall Q

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PREVIEW Harrogate

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Bigger, Better and

Brighter in 2024

Harrogate Christmas & Gift show is the most relaxed trade event in the business.

No wonder then that it’s expanded in size for this year’s edition, as Sarah Welsh discovered when catching up with exhibition organiser Simon Anslow…

C

hristmas is supposed to be the most magical time of the year, so seasonal buying should – in theory – be stress-free as well.

But with festive sales now key to the profits of retailers of all sizes – particularly the garden centre sector – what buyers really want is a Christmas trade event that is as straight-forward as it is successful in terms of networking and building on established relationships.

When it comes to Christmas & Gift, located

19 christmas in january

in the beautiful spa town of Harrogate, the ease is infectious – which explains why it is growing in size every year. In fact, the 73rd edition of the much-loved show promises to be bigger, brighter and better than ever.

For show organiser Simon Anslow who has been at the helm for the past 14 years, the excitement kicks off on New Year’s Day, when he travels to Yorkshire from his home in Wolverhampton. It means he can be on hand at the convention centre from 8am the next morning when some of the biggest names in festive retail arrive to start building their show stands.

“It can take two weeks to build some of the stands,” Simon explains. “Premier Decorations take the whole of Hall H for their display and there’s always a lot of anticipation with their show hall.

“Other big names who are also returning this year include Gisela Graham, Floralsilk, Festive Productions, Konstsmide, Sagedecor, Smart Garden Products and Ascalon Design.

“Snowlodge will also be back and exhibiting

in a much bigger space. They’re going all out with a new décor collection, with artificial trees and wreaths. Like the overall show, it’s bigger and even more festive!

“Personally I love it all – from watching the first lorries drive up and then the build with the contractors. In theory once the show actually starts on the 14th I can relax, because then it’s all about just ensuring everything is running smoothly.”

This year in Hall Q there are a few new companies exhibiting that Simon says will have huge appeal for buyers of all backgrounds.

“Jingles has taken a large 2,000 squaremetre stand,” Simon reveals. “They will be showing Christmas ranges, decorations, trees and garden furniture. Then there’s Apac which is a long-established floristry company and will be showcasing its festive ranges and seasonal florals.

“The feedback we’re hearing from festive buyers is that many want to come to Christmas & Gift for all their seasonal stock.”

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PREVIEW Harrogate

“Harrogate plays host every year to new exhibitors, but we have to date 23 new companies coming to the show this year. These include gift and Christmas company Widdop & Co and a selection of new greeting card companies, such as Penny Kennedy, Ling Design, Jackson Greeting Cards and the British Card Company.

“In general we’re seeing the scope for Christmas retail expanding and this means more brands are always going want to show at Harrogate. The feedback we’re hearing from festive buyers is that many want to come to Christmas & Gift for all their seasonal stock.

“Our show is manageable in terms of size and easy to navigate and that’s crucial when time is precious for everyone. Christmas & Gift is just simple and stress-free to work around, and it’s also based in one of the country’s most beautiful towns with lots of nice hotels, bars and restaurants.”

Whilst Christmas tops the tree at Harrogate, other categories that are growing in popularity at the show include calendar celebrations such as Halloween, Easter and Valentine’s Day, stationery and festive homeware.

Premier, We Love Seasons, Gisela Graham, Davies Products and Heaven Sends are just a few of the companies excelling at Halloween designs.

For stationery, as well as more card

“Our show is manageable in terms of size and easy to navigate and that’s crucial when time is precious for everyone. Christmas & Gift is just simple and stressfree to work around, and it’s also based in one of the country’s most beautiful towns with lots of nice hotels, bars and restaurants.” companies exhibiting, crackers are a product line still very important to the show. RSW International Ltd and Heart & Soul Studio are just two companies Simon mentions who specialise in crackers.

And for festive homeware, buyers will be flocking to visit the stands of Lesser & Pavey, The Satchville Gift Company and Portfolio Home, who Simon says are returning to the show for a second year, having booked a bigger exhibition space.

“Being located where we are, we do get a lot of exhibitors from across the north of England, as well as Ireland and Scotland,” Simon reveals. “But people will travel to be here, and we have a good crop of people from Devon and Cornwall – although London is a location we’re looking to build on in terms of brands.

“A lot of people want to come back to the same show space they’ve had before and that’s a great place to be, when exhibitors love their position. Whilst Christmas & Gift is growing year on year suppliers and buyers alike don’t want too much change.”

One thing that isn’t likely to alter any time soon is a change at the helm, as Simon’s love for this much-loved seasonal Harrogate extravaganza shows no sign of waning.

“We have seven show directors and I will keep working on the show for as long as they own it,” he insists. “So many people fall in love with both this town and Christmas & Gift. For me when it gets to 4pm on the last day I myself become like a deflated balloon. I do feel a bit flat for a while – but I end up bouncing back quickly in time for Toy Fair!”

What: Harrogate Christmas & Gift show | When: 15 to 17 January, 2024 Where: Harrogate Convention Centre | Web: www.harrogatefair.com 20 christmas in january

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

Harrogate Christmas & Gift - Hall C Stand C6

Phone: 07895 840 887 | email: sales@weloveseasons.com website: www.weloveseasons.com

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PREVIEW Harrogate

Harrogate Christmas & Gift show are lighting up Harrogate with lighting that will brighten up Hall A, the Royal Hall and Hall M. This will certainly give visitors a real lift in and around the show.

22 christmas in january

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PROFILE Premier

Premier Showrooms Have Been Completely Rebuilt…

With the new year bearing down very swiftly I managed to make some time to visit Premier Decorations in their just refurbished Ruislip showroom to see what all the fuss is about.

Upon entering the previously familiar setting it was immediately apparent that everything had changed. The old showroom completely gutted, ripped down, torn apart and binned. Whilst the previous look and feel of Premier showrooms was working for them over many many years, for 2024 there is a major upgrade and what comes across to visitors such as myself as an exciting fresh new start.

Not only has the way products are being presented to customers been overhauled, but the product range itself has again increased significantly including (in typical Premier fashion) whole new ranges never seen before in the UK market.

Having been able to visit the far east in 2023 for the first time in a number of years will certainly have helped and trade buyers across our industry should be testament to this as much as the Premier southern showroom is.

The situation in China since the decline of the global pandemic has settled down according to Premier’s Managing Director John Athwal. The country itself is still very much concerned regarding production being affected by any further policies that

24 christmas in january

of all decorations for example. may be implemented in the future but a Last year Premier’s lighting offer lot of the restrictions we saw in previous wowed with their Dream lights collection years, with regard to the movement of which I am now hearing has been selling labour forces for example, no longer out at retail level. Already ahead of the exist. People are able to move freely and game in 2023 with their own bespoke lockdowns are seemingly a tool of the designs for this range there is now much past. The supply of raw materials into the more on offer covering not only large factories has also improved as well as display products but also the ability to ship goods at a reasonable cost. All of this has The situation in smaller shapes and sizes designed for use inside in led to price reductions across China since the the home. I was further the board for Premier and blown away this year with certainly there are some deals decline of the a brand new collection of to be done. wall hanging motifs made When entering the building global pandemic using Premier’s Flexibright in Ruislip I was firstly hit with has settled This collection amazing graphics depicting down according product. is simply stunning and a beautiful winter night sky has to be seen to be fully complete with Santa and his to Premier’s appreciated. Again, it is sleigh with even the hint of Managing full of bespoke designs snow falling and gathering Director John that have been created on the floor. Together with from the ground up with the smell of hot coffee and Athwal. excellent pricing to boot.

Scentscicles in the air “It’s It is sure to do well in 2024 alongside Christmas…” were my thoughts and I other new lighting collections including was in the mood for it. Customers should dual colour switching multi action rattan be delighted with the work put in to Reindeers, an impressive collection of make their buying experience not only infinity mirror characters, brand new LED simpler but also more enjoyable with well blossom trees which include new types executed tweaks like the colour blocking

“

”

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

of floristry based product as well as new whereas Winter Glow showcases all most comprehensive range of Christmas style trees full of nothing but LEDs. Then shades of blue with glistening snow trees available within the UK market. there is an exciting collection of lit fabric white alongside warm gold accents Pricing across Premier’s entire range of banners which are seemingly a brilliant encompassing natural elements. trees and floristry is also down a huge move on from the old style lit canvases With the EU recently implementing amount owing to increased buying that did well in previous restrictions that affect the power and lower freight rates. All of this years. Premier’s own Rainbow culminates into more choice and better Christmas Tree importation of products colourway, first bought to containing glitter, Premier value for the customer. sales continue market in 2018, shores up have addressed this concern Please ensure that you book their lighting offer and has and are now offering many your showroom to be extremely seemingly swept the globe microplastic free appointment as buoyant with the more with it now being seen in products across a number of soon as possible with market increasing categories. Do not miss their your Premier sales pretty much every lighting product range on offer. perennial family favourite account manager year on year.

Decoration collections collections, Candy Cane, so you do not miss have also been expanded Gingerbread and Elves plus out on what is sure with an abundance of new items offering not forgetting our beloved furry friends to be an incredible exceptional value. As mentioned – a brand new pets collection for 2024. new year. If you are previously, Premier are now presenting Christmas Tree sales continue to be unable to travel into in colour groups which leads to a much extremely buoyant with the market either their Ruislip based easier method of selection for 2024 increasing year on year. Premier have or Wrexham based where customers are able to readily always offered a great wide range of showrooms then please incorporate Premier’s colourways into product covering all key price points and be sure to visit Hall their own chosen themes. Premier’s now, with the inclusion of National Tree H at the Harrogate new collections incorporate branded items within their catalogue, Christmas and Gift timeless classic seasonal it seems that Premier have possibly the Fair 2024. shades alongside an array of fashion colourways which follow growing seasonal trends.

Whimsical iridescent pastels are featured in the Dreamscape category, Natural Lux includes deep shades of plum, emerald green and rich gold. Then there is Christmas Allure, a cheerful sophisticated bright colour For more information visit: www.premierdec.com palette,

“

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Premier catalogues....

are available on request (if you do not already have one) and all SKUs can be viewed on the web via the online ordering portal at www.premierdec.com. This portal contains up to date stock availability as well numerous images for each product and video where applicable. A large library of point of sale material and all images and videos are available to Premier customers upon request for their own marketing requirements.

Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show: Hall H

christmas in january 25

Step back in time

Malcolm Naish looks back to 1993, 2001, 2012 and 2017

January 1993

January 2012 ●

Festive Productions were on the front cover back in 2012 and I state “I seem to detect far more optimism as we move into 2012.” This was borne out by suppliers generally being able to ensure that their deliveries to customers had been managed in a far more timely manner than in previous years, resulting in more impressive sell-through at retail.

●

LED’s seemed to be taking over from the more traditional ‘Fairy lights’, mainly due to the fact that the latter were hand-made and therefore more expensive.

●

Mounts Bay in Truro owned by Maggie Fisher was enjoying good business, being 25% up year on year. Suns, moons and stars in gold were amongst her better sellers back in 1993.

This was the year that Premier Decorations moved to the new Hall ‘H’, taken over in its entirety by Premier. ‘Wearables’ is the name given by the American market that takes in Santa’s hats, jewellery and Christmas headbands. I wonder if it made it into the Oxford Concise Dictionary?

●

●

Stewarts in Christchurch, Dorset are yet another garden centre still going strong today. Back in 1993 popular colourways were blue/gold and purple/pink.

2012 saw Premier Decorations celebrating their 25th year and it was also Konstsmide’s 70th year in the Christmas business.

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Hard to believe that the Harrogate show was celebrating it’s 63rd year in 2012.

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Amongst their most popular suppliers then were Weiste, Puleo, Mr. Christmas and Nomalites. They had sold out of Mr. Christmas’s ‘Santa’s ski run. This seemed a great product back in 1993.

January 2017

●

This was our 4th year of publishing Christmas in January and most certainly the old guard were giving market share away to newer more aggressive suppliers such as Premier and Festive.

●

It is interesting to learn what retailers 30 years ago were finding that sold well then. Leading the way was Animation and all 5 retailers spoken to were not that interested in the cheaper end of the market.

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Bents Garden Centre is still a major force today. Back in 1993 it was Ron Bent leading the way in Christmas products. As Ron said “Sometimes price is almost irrelevant, it’s what we think we can get from our customers that decides it.”

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Blue in Alnwick, Northumberland, owner Mary Dixon’s words “We’re having a belter”, referred to business at the time. A big Gisela Graham fan, she left the cheaper end to the likes of Boots and Woolies.

●

January 2001 ●

Uppermost in many suppliers’ minds had been the substantial fall in the dollar, which along with increases in freight costs had forced prices up, which of course had to be passed on to their customers.

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This was the first year that a new exhibition hall had been added to the Harrogate complex – Hall M.

●

After 22 years in the job, Graham Scott was retiring as Show Organiser with his assistant Janet Morley taking over the reins.

During his tenure, Graham had overseen the steady increase in Christmas decoration companies exhibiting at Harrogate, just a dozen or so back in 1981, that saw in 2001, this category being the most dominant at the show. I note that Focus Do It All had just bought Great Mills for a mere £285 million giving them a combined turnover of £1.5 billion and giving them a 15% market share of the do-it-yourself market.

●

I was saddened to report the death earlier in 2000 of Claus Benedict.

He was the founder of Porth Textiles and a major figure for many years in the business.

26 christmas in january

●

More price rises are on the way according to a number of suppliers I have spoken to. They seem to be blaming this on Brexit, explaining that buying is linked to the U.S. dollar.

●

The ‘Christmas Greats’ award dinner has become a great night of merriment at Harrogate and such a shame that 2024 sees very little in the way of organized partying at the show, even sadder that the awards night failed to last.

●

Fellow director of the Harrogate show – Warren Cornelius receives a personalized number plate on his retirement as a director of the Playwright Group that also celebrates his 50 years in the business. W50 COR is a great way to remember all those years of schlapping around Harrogate, quite often in the snow!

●

I visit the company H.Q. for Riffelmacher in Roth, Bavaria.

The company manufacture their own tinsel and baubles and were looking to continue their growth in the U.K. Sadly, despite promising sales, Brexit and finally Corona virus in 2020 made their prices too expensive for the U.K. market

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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COVER STORY Lesser & Pavey

Firmly on the

‘Good List’

Lesser & Pavey is a brand known for its breadth of design ranges, and homeware that champions the work of artists. Once again the gift and seasonal company will be bringing something for everyone to Harrogate.

Known for its beautiful tableware, homeware and vast array of gift product ranges, Lesser & Pavey has spent the past 53 years building an enviable customer base.

Also home to the brand ‘The Leonardo Collection’, Lesser & Pavey designs range from the traditional to the truly innovative, which is why they can boast offering something for literally everyone.

The company is also known for working closely with artists including a longestablished relationship with the MacNeil Studios and Jennifer Rose. And this year the Bug Art collection features a charming range of gift items exclusively licensed to Lesser & Pavey by this popular artist.

Sarah Welsh spoke to Director Jonny Greves to find out the company’s plans for Harrogate…

Jonny how long have you been with Lesser & Pavey and how did you first come to work in the gift retail sector?

My parents own an online gift wholesaler where I started working not long after leaving school. I then joined Lesser & Pavey in 2015 - almost nine years ago now. A

28 christmas in january

little-known fact is that I started on April Fool’s Day and was half expecting it to be a joke! I was made a director in 2019.

Giftware is a really lovely, fun and friendly trade to be in - I thoroughly enjoy it.

What can visitors expect from your Harrogate show stand this year?

Well, I think our customers will be pleased to see we have numerous options of brandnew designs in Christmas tableware and the giftware designs that we are known so well What do you personally love about for. Each year we introduce new items into the festive trade these ranges to add further shows and why does interest and diversity.

We’re launching Christmas & Gift stand We have traditional more than 500 brand out as such a unique designs, more contemporary event do you think? designs, and some really new products for our Tough question! I think trendy ranges too. You must 2024 Christmas range. check out the Starlightz LED it’s a combination of things. It falls not long lights. They’re really funky Tableware, Novelty after Christmas so the and come with an app so Lighting, Fragrance, festive spirit is still very the light display can be much in the air. Buyers controlled by your phone!

Decorative, Stocking are always pleased to be in Harrogate because it’s Fillers…

How many product such a lovely town, and ranges do you take the show isn’t huge so has a really nice to the show and how many will relaxed feel about it. be unveiled for the first time at Christmas & Gift enables us to see many Harrogate. of our customers and this then allows us We’re launching more than 500 brand to concentrate on everyday giftware at new products for our 2024 Christmas Spring Fair. range. Tableware, Novelty Lighting,

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Fragrance, Decorative, Stocking Fillers…

These include new licensed ranges, new ranges from our in-house art department as well as a few reimagined classics.

Lesser & Pavey is really well known for homewares. What pieces are you excited about showcasing this year?

We have been developing lots of new shapes this year which we are excited to showcase. Not only because we think it’s important to keep developing new products, but also we strive to continue offering top quality products at great value prices. We think this is more important now than ever and the reaction so far from customers has been very positive.

In terms of themes and colourways, which L&P products do you predict will be bestsellers for Christmas?

It’s an in-house discussion every year – which will be the bestselling – traditional or contemporary. Our range of Cozy & Comfy Socks, Gloves, Hats & Scarves is getting bigger and better by the year and we will have our biggest selection to date.

We’ve also introduced Kiddies microwave warmers and hot water bottles so they could be a big contender. We have some amazing Santas for next Christmas where the intricate detail and embroidery makes them unlike anything else in the market they’re a real wow.

In terms of the work you do collaborating with artists, are there any new names for 2024? And what about old favourites like the MacNeil Studio and Jennifer Rose You’re quite right, we’re excited to be launching brand new ranges from our loyal favourites The MacNeil Studio and Jennifer Rose. We have also added to our portfolio from Bug Art, which was one of our most successful licenses in 2023.

From MacNeil we have a new versions of our favourites – robins. This time a family on the wall of an idyllic country house, Santa

loading up his Sleigh outside his Workshop and the Reindeer Cabin, and a brand new ‘White Christmas’ Santa with Snowmen.

From Jennifer Rose, again we have the favourite winter robins, but with a really classy, contemporary take on the theme. It’s stripped back with delicate water colour robins. And alongside this we have a brand new range, a beautiful arrangement of Christmas poinsettias in soft water colours.

Finally how do you usually spend Christmas?

Always with family. Last Christmas we spent it with my wife’s family at her sister’s home in Broadstairs. We have a few presents in the morning, if I’m on the good list, then a walk and a beer before a big traditional lunch. This is followed by party games in the evening and hopefully there’s enough leftovers for a Boxing Day sandwich!

For more information visit: www.leonardo.co.uk Harrogate Christmas and Gift show: Hall A, Stand A6 Spring Fair: Stand 5D10-E11, 5D20-E21 christmas in january 29

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PROFILE Giftware Trading

Rewarding, Exciting,

Inspirational!

For veteran gift importers Giftware Trading, Harrogate Christmas & Gift is where it all comes together in terms of showcasing the company’s seasonal and Christmas collections. We spoke to Managing Director Ben Jeffrey ahead of the show…

Be under no festive illusion, for the brands who spend months preparing for the UK’s premier Christmas trade show Harrogate can be hard work.

But by the time the doors are thrown open to visitors the exhibitors show stands literally dazzle and there is simply no better place to showcase seasonal, celebratory and general gift collections.

Such is certainly the case for experienced gift import company Giftware Trading. The team travels to North Yorkshire from Bristol where their showroom is based, and they have been planning in anticipation of Christmas & Gift for months.

2023 proved another busy year for Giftware Trading, and the brand now boasts more than 2,500 different products covering the whole gifting spectrum, from everyday items to Spring, Easter, Halloween and of course Christmas.

“Christmas & Gift has become an essential fair for many buyers and the balance of exhibitors and size of venue is a perfect combination,” says MD Ben Jeffrey. “We’ve kept the same show stand location for a number of years – as have many other exhibitors – and this gives a great deal of familiarity to buyers.

“Having a show so early in the New Year does put a little pressure on ensuring that all the new samples have arrived and then of course we’re working on the displays, but it is exciting and rewarding when it all comes together.”

Over the past 12 months Ben says various obstacles impacting the industry since the Covid pandemic have eased, with physical trade shows taking place once more in China.

Giftware work with over 50 suppliers in Asia and are always sourcing new and unique avenues, as well as making sure they are

completely on top of the latest product trends, so for them in particular the shows are key.

Ben explains: “It was great to be visiting the Far East once again after a few years’ absence and things appear to be getting back to some form of normality. It was nice to be able to ‘walk the aisles’ again rather than trawling through hundreds of photographs on a computer screen, however my legs may tell another story!

“2023 was another hectic year for us.

Thankfully shipping has become more stable in terms of service and price which has been a welcome relief after the last few years.

“As we are all aware, times are still challenging with mortgage rates currently at their highest level in 15 years. Despite these challenges sales have been positive and customers appear to have been busy leading into Christmas.”

The Giftware Trading team has been hard at work on the company’s Christmas collection since the last buying trip and Harrogate is a great place to launch it for the upcoming year.

“The majority of the stand is dedicated to Christmas but we also show part of our Easter and Spring ranges which gives buyers a glimpse of some of our other collections,” Ben reveals.

“Last year we showed a small selection of Halloween products for the first time and the reaction was fantastic with many customers wishing to repeat on certain products. We have added more Halloween items for 2024 and these will complement some of the best-selling items from last year.

“Quite simply there is much that is new and exciting from Giftware Trading, and we can’t wait to show it all off at Harrogate!”

For more information visit: www.giftwaretrading.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall A, Stand A30 30 christmas in january

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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PROFILE Puleo

Beautiful Trees,

Family Dreams

With fourteen fresh tree designs for next Christmas, Puleo is once again bringing the majestic beauty of its firs to Harrogate…

Christmas wishes are powerful things, and for those who dream of lighting up their homes with a beautiful, incredibly realistic artificial festive tree, Puleo is often a first port of call.

At the Christmas & Gift show this year Puleo Asia Ltd will be showcasing an incredible 14 new styles of trees, with another seven established designs having been enhanced with either new lighting, reshaping or tweaking the shade of green.

But for those who know the heartwarming story behind this now cult Christmas brand, it will be little surprise that those all-important small details remain key to the Puleo success.

The company was founded back in 1954 when housewife and mother Marian Puleo purchased an artificial Christmas tree for her New Jersey home. She wanted to create the most magical festive display possible and thought up creative ways of enhancing the tree with handcrafted details.

Her dream was to celebrate the season whilst gathered around her tree with loved ones, but

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together the family took that dream further and began a Christmas tree business at home, at first working from the garage.

Four generations on the Puleo brand is still family owned with bases all over the world.

Back at Harrogate, and for 2024 Puleo’s two majestic trees of the Kensington Fir and the Washington Valley remain the flagships of the range. Their presence in any home makes a bold, grand statement, and once decorated they both become even more imposing.

New this year is the Iowa (pictured) and this design is for those who want to strike a pose. The PE branches leap out from the body of the tree to give a wonderful natural looking fir that you can visualise parading a mountain coppice. PE artificial trees have a 3D appearance which means they look extraordinarily realistic.

Also new is the Parque, with its copious array of short

needle PE tips gently cradling small cones. Portraying a classic ‘A’ shape this tree brings freshness with a distinguished look.

The Vermont design is also unique, incorporating the natural look of the prominent tips you could find on a live tree, intermingled with fluffy cashmere type tips and an outpouring of new short needle ones, which is bound to prove incredibly popular with customers.

Visitors to Puleo’s show stand will be able to ‘walk the tree line’, taking in the wonderment each design has to offer – whether it be designer, traditional, majestic, homely, and pre-lit or unlit.

Complimenting the range, as always, will be abundant quality wreaths, garlands, swags and mini trees. And the experienced Puleo staff will of course be on hand to advise and help create a sales winning range for customers.

For more information visit: www.puleointl.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall C, Stand C22 christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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INTERVIEW SnowTime

Weiste celebrates its 100th anniversary 2024 Johanna Weiste tells readers the history of this 4th generation family business

Like a fairy tale, but true The story of Weiste begins in Christmas 1924 and has all the elements of a fairy tale – Christmas spirit, bringing joy to people, through the hard work of an entrepreneurial single dad and followed by a chain of generations.

Our founder Kalle Weiste with his son Aarre Weiste in the late 1920s.

School teacher Kalle Weiste ran a paper shop in Helsinki in the 1920s. He once bought Christmas tree top stars for sale from abroad. Decorations were scarce at the time, but people had a desire to decorate their homes for Christmas. By Christmas Eve, all stars but one had been sold. Kalle got an idea and started manufacturing decorations made of silver yarn in Finland.

After making the decorations first at home, Kalle Weiste moved with his son Aarre to Pukinmäki in 1926. Later that year the first modest factory building was built, and additional building was completed in 1931. The majority of the current factory building was completed in 1946.

The beginning of export trade and new materials A subsidiary of Hanko, Koristevienti Oy, was established for the export trade of silver thread decorations in the spring of 1946. Our first export country was Sweden.

34 christmas in january

The 1960s marked the introduction of plastic that was to become the prominent raw material for decades. By cutting PVC films, it was possible to produce even more durable and colorful decorations, the material could even imitate tinsels and tree top stars made of precious silver threads – just like the decorations until then.

The season for the first plastic balls assembled from two halves was short when the production of hard mold blown plastic balls began as early as 1967.

Imports of toys rose alongside the Christmas decoration trade to balance the seasonal variation.

Aarre Weiste’s son Director Matti Weiste, has been leading production and exports to UK and grown it together with Christopher McLean May to flourishment.

Under the management of Aarre Weiste (19202001), the son of the founder, the company directed its efforts strongly to international markets.

When K. A. Weiste Oy was presented with the President’s Export Award in 1992, it was at the same time a recognition of Aarre Weiste’s life’s work. Back then, export already made up approximately 80% of the company’s production.

The turn of the millennium was a successful time for the company. Exports flourished and our products were found in almost every major department store and garden centre in Europe.

The number of exporting countries rose to almost forty.

New decorative designs were created at an accelerating pace. However, the aftermath of the financial crisis made export trade difficult from 2008 onwards.

Weiste found new growth in small, imported home decor products. Focus for Christmas decorations was in more demanding special items and in the development of our own innovative designs.

Our story continues Weiste’s own product design has been at the heart of our story from the beginning. Finnish nature is an endless source of inspiration for us, the snow, ice and forest animals have inspired many unique winter themes.

Today we are one of the few Christmas decoration manufacturers in Europe. Our factory in Helsinki still produces an exceptionally wide selection of decorative tinsel garlands, table trees, as well as large-sized ornaments. We also produce a wide selection of hand-finished filigree Christmas decorations. In addition, we import a comprehensive range of Christmas decorations, from glass balls to elves and from decorative crystals to angels and forest figurines.

Our latest innovative Christmas decorations are made from eco-friendly, responsible materials. We are the industry pioneers in the use of these bio-based material technologies.

Our long-term success is based on excellent customer relationships, innovation and our high quality products. The relationship with the U.K. is unique and together with McLean May family we have established a strong reputation for over 40 years.

It is a great honour for us to work on Christmas all year round – hopefully also for the next hundred years!

Sam May, Johanna Weiste, Matti Weiste and Christopher McLean May – two generations of Weiste and McLean May in charge of Weiste business in UK.

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

Konstsmide Konstsmide ‘Quality is remembered longer after the price is forgotten’ THE brand for all your quality Christmas Lighting

Visit us at: Visit us at: CHRISTMAS HARROGATEHARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFTS & GIFT th th 16 –19 January 13th - 17th January 2024 2022 Hall M StandStand M22M22

KONSTSMIDE (UK) Ltd Hardwick View Road, Holmewood Industrial Estate Holmewood, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S42 5SA, United Kingdom

Tel. +44 (0)1246-852140 Fax +44 (0)1246-854297 E-mail: sales@konstsmide.co.uk www.konstsmide.co.uk

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INTERVIEW SnowTime

Mike Wither’s ‘star in the East’ to Harrogate Perhaps it’s the optimism which comes with a New Year that lends Harrogate its charm, perhaps it’s the bonhomie of the people of our trade, in abundant evidence in the bars and restaurants throughout the town but whatever it is, I hope it never changes.

STAR IN THE EAST (Yorkshire).

Like the star which guided the Magi to Bethlehem, the Harrogate Christmas Fair draws the faithful to the heart of the Christmas world and, like those wise men 2,000 years ago, we gladly follow “yonder star”.

Is there a prettier, friendlier and more convenient town in which to hold a trade exhibition? If so, I have yet to find it.

SnowTime is 30 This Year.

It is a scarcely believable 30 years since I first booked a stand at the show for SnowTime and I still feel a frisson of excitement as the opening day approaches.

Launching SnowTime in 1994, before the internet and mobile phones were widely available, it was a different world. Many of the familiar Christmas names and brands have gone the way of all flesh but we are still here and there is always new blood to keep us on our toes. The products have evolved over the years, we no longer sell bead chains, once the hottest and most price competitive line in the country, Santa’s Marching Band is in retirement at the Chelsea Pensioners Home and the Carolling Bells no longer ring out.

However, the fundamentals remain, trees and lights will always be the basis of every Christmas range. Speaking of lights, we have come a long way from the set of 20 static fairy lights, over which there was always a price war in years gone by. Now the choice seems limitless, there has been a surge in exciting new development and we have added over 100 spectacular models to our huge collection. App controlled, voice controlled,

36 christmas in january

battery powered, USB adaptors and the familiar 8 function controller is now 12. The list of innovation goes on and on.

Pre-lit trees have been around for years but as they have become more competitively priced, so the take-up by the consumer has increased.

It is now possible to buy a premium pre-lit tree for less than the cost of a separate tree and lights and consign the hassle of putting lights on the tree to the past.

New Year The New Year is a time for renewal and with that in mind SnowTime will unveil its biggest ever collection of Christmas product, all displayed in our home from home in Hall D. For the first time in three years we were able to visit our factories in the Far East with the result that the SnowTime range is very considerably expanded. Over 70% of the total collection is new.

From an unparalleled choice of trees and lights via an exclusive range of Infinity mirrored figures (last year’s hottest line) to our marketleading micro-dot trees, we stay ahead of the competition.

The Snowman and the Snowdog.

The well-loved animated film, now in its 10th year, continues to grow

in popularity (check out its Facebook page). and we get calls from all over the world asking where our Snowman and Snowdog products can be purchased, our sales team direct enquirers to the outlet nearest their address. Every year we add more exclusive designs to the range and sales continue to grow season by season.

Richard MacNeil Also in our its tenth year is our license with the acclaimed artist Richard MacNeil. Last season saw a resurgence in the popularity of illuminated wall hangings, especially those with MacNeil designs. Many retailers are familiar with his work, which is featured on Christmas cards, jigsaw puzzles, confectionery and myriad other products.

SnowTime is introducing many new designs to complement our exclusive best selling collection.

The only way is up.

Following a challenging few years I believe we can now see Churchill’s “green, sunlit uplands” ahead.

Inflation is down, mortgage rates are down and prices in the shops are down, leaving our customers with more money in pockets and purses. The Christmas business is a joy in which to be involved and I hope to welcome customers to the SnowTime Harrogate stand for many more years.

Invitation This year, in celebrating our 30th Harrogate, we invite all customers, past, present and future to join us in Hall D for champagne, canapés and music on Monday afternoon from 4.00pm. What better way to view our fabulous collection of Christmas bestsellers than with a seasonal tipple among friends?

For more information visit: www.snowtime.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show: Hall D, Stand D1, D3 christmasinjanuary.co.uk

Konstsmide Konstsmide THE brand for all you quality Christmas Lighting THE brand for all your quality Christmas Lighting

Visit us at: Visit us at: CHRISTMAS HARROGATEHARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFTS & GIFT th th 16 –19 January 13th - 17th January 2024 2022 Hall M StandStand M22M22

KONSTSMIDE (UK) Ltd Hardwick View Road, Holmewood Industrial Estate Holmewood, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S42 5SA, United Kingdom

Tel. +44 (0)1246-852140 Fax +44 (0)1246-854297 E-mail: sales@konstsmide.co.uk www.konstsmide.co.uk

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INTERVIEW Keel Toys

Sustainable at

its very core Completely recycled, 100% loveable and coveted by all – Keel Toys eco-friendly plush range Keeleco looks set to be a huge hit once again at Harrogate. Sarah Welsh spoke to head of design, Patrick Downs.

Keel Toys has built an envied reputation as one of the most environmentally sound companies in the toy and gift sectors, and that’s certainly the case when it come to Christmas.

Back in 2020 Keel Toys launched Keeleco, now one of its signature soft toy brands, where every cuddly design is manufactured and filled with 100% recycled polyester made from plastic waste.

Harrogate’s Christmas & Gift show is key for the Kent-based company, as it’s where the completely new 2024 Keeleco Halloween, Winter and Christmas ranges will be unveiled to customers for the first time.

Head of design Patrick Downs explains why this commitment to sustainability is key for Keel

Can you tell us a bit more about the story behind the Keeleco brand?

Keel Toys has always been at the forefront of innovation and design within the soft toy and gift market, and our sustainability journey has been no different. We’ve used stuffing fibre made from recycled plastic for over 10 years throughout our range. And we then wanted to move away from single-use plastic in our iconic Keel Toys logo.

The natural next step after this was to work with long term partners at our factories and fabric mills to develop polyester fabrics made from 100% recycled content. Our goal was to create sustainable fabrics and products that were softer, and even more beautiful and huggable than before and in the Keeleco range we have more than succeeded.

Each and every toy in the collection is filled with 100% recycled polyester made from plastic waste, which gives plastic a second life.

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The logo and hangtag are now formed from FSC card and attached to the toy with cotton.

Even the shipping cartons are recycled and sealed with paper tape.

Have you seen more demand for sustainable ranges since launching Keeleco?

The reaction and demand for Keeleco has exceeded even our wildest expectations.

The range now includes Wild, Farm, Sealife, Dinosaurs, Teddy Bears, Puppies, Kittens, Nursery, Seasonal and Keeleco Adoptable World.

The collection features well over 450 products, 85% of the entire Keel Toys collection is made from 100% recycled materials and we’re committed to expanding this even more.

We’ve all seen the David Attenborough commentary on plastic waste in our oceans so it’s lovely the Keeleco brand includes sea life characters…

Our Sealife collection is such an important range for Keeleco. We think customers will love the whimsical Keeleco Pink range which is new for 2024. We’ve used exclusive fabrics and embroideries to being seahorses, mermaids, starfish, octopuses and even a clam shell to life, complete with eye-catching gold crowns and pink tutus!

What else can you tell us about the new designs for this year?

Our development for 2024 is heavily focused on our Keeleco ranges. We go into 2024 with a new collection of standing and sitting dogs, and all come complete with fashion focused dog outfits all made from 100% recycled materials.

Keeleco has further additions in store for its core ranges as well, with the playful magic of Wild, Farm and Dinosaur hand puppets, accompanied by a striking multi-sided floor standing display unit.

What can you tell us about Keel Toy’s plans for Christmas & Gift?

We are very excited to say that the Harrogate show offers an exclusive opportunity to preview and pre-order the completely new 2024 Keeleco Halloween, Winter & Christmas ranges.

Christmas & Gift is perfectly timed for us as a business. It allows us to unveil our new collections to customers and gauge the popularity of individual lines. We can then order accordingly to maximise our sales.

Plus the show also gives us the opportunity to start bespoke ownlabel projects for the upcoming festive season with our customers.

For more information visit: www.keeltoys.com Harrogate Christmas & Gifts: Hall A, Stand A11 Spring Fair: Stand 5H20-J21 christmasinjanuary.co.uk

Konstsmide Konstsmide THE brand for all you quality Christmas Lighting THE brand for all your quality Christmas Lighting

Visit us at: Visit us at: CHRISTMAS HARROGATEHARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFTS & GIFT th th 16 –19 January 13th - 17th January 2024 2022 Hall M StandStand M22M22

KONSTSMIDE (UK) Ltd Hardwick View Road, Holmewood Industrial Estate Holmewood, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S42 5SA, United Kingdom

Tel. +44 (0)1246-852140 Fax +44 (0)1246-854297 E-mail: sales@konstsmide.co.uk www.konstsmide.co.uk

J

RETAIL Garons Garden Centre

Festive Flair,

Stylish Storytelling

At Garsons Garden Centre there’s a literal art to creating one of the most uniquely stunning takes on Christmas you’re likely to see – and winning the top festive prize in the industry, as Sarah Welsh discovered…

At the heart of Christmas retail past, present and future is the gift of storytelling.

The ability to draw customers in, sprinkle some magic and take them on a journey is key when it comes to a successful approach to seasonal marketing and sales.

And nowhere does this play out better than the garden centre sector, with its huge store floor layouts, free out-of-town carparks, brilliant catering and food options and ability to gift families a proper destination shopping day out. It all adds up to being able to offer a carefully curated Christmas on a scale that’s hard to beat.

Nikki Macey is something of an expert in this field. Manager of Garsons Garden Centre in Esher, Surrey, she has been using storytelling to impressive effect when it comes to building Christmas at the beautiful and expansive glass-fronted store since she joined the business in 2015.

Someone who ‘loves telling a story through display,’ Nikki and her talented team have previously designed Christmas around broad visual concepts ranging from global festivals, to celebrating London, and, in 2022, gardens – which saw individual themes including rose gardens and water gardens.

But last year seasonal styling at Garsons was all about celebrating the Art of Christmas. And having scooped the coveted Destination Garden Centre category in the 2022 GCA Christmas competition there was certainly pressure to see if they could rise to the challenge once more…

“At Garsons Christmas really is an incredible joint effort… It’s all about layering the festive expertise.”

40 christmas in january

Nikki your own personal story is a fascinating one! How did you come to join the team at Garsons?

My background is in retail display and I was actually a regional window dresser with

Monsoon and then a display coordinator with them and Debenhams before I moved into the garden centre sector. As a single parent of four children I’ve always made and upcycled things and loved being creative, so in 2011 when I was made redundant I decided to go back to university and study garden design.

Three years later when I was looking for my graduation outfit on the Debenhams website I saw a job ad for a store display manager, so for a while I was doing that role with freelance garden design work on the side. Then the opportunity arose at Garsons and the rest is history. What’s really lovely is that three of my children have worked with me here too!

How important is the Christmas season to Garsons and how does storytelling play its part?

At Garsons Christmas runs right the way through our stores, both at Esher and in Titchfield, Hampshire. Our festive themes are located in the centre of the building in the Esher store, highlighting our space in the most effective way, but it starts from the entrance which last year was made in the style of the artist Kandinsky. We also have a large-scale hanging advent calendar in the window.

Consistent seasonal storytelling is key so

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it starts from our website and then from the moment you come into store. Christmas styling runs right across all product sectors from toys to gifts to clothes and food.

Christmas for us is about the garden centre as a whole, not just our seasonal team, and everyone ups their game.

What was the inspiration behind the Art of Storytelling festive ethos at Garsons last Christmas and the collection of beautiful themes that contributed to the overall look in-store?

Customer feedback is really important to us, and that goes for throughout the year not just at Christmas. Our customers like something a bit different and unusual at Christmas and they really do buy into our festive themes.

You’ll have core customers who still love the nativity, but with a contemporary twist, and sustainability is also key. With all this in mind when it comes to festive themes we look for really fresh new ideas and colour combinations.

Last Christmas we wanted to move away from the traditional and celebrate the art of the season, but in a flexible way. We had a red, green and gold Michelangelo theme, a fairytale Quentin Blake theme with baubles and rainbow colours, an E H Shephard woodland theme, a gingerbread red and white Gaudi theme, a Munch theme of pastel greens and copper and a Bob Ross theme of silvers, blues and natural tones.

Which of the themes was the most popular with customers?

In terms of sales our most popular festive theme last Christmas was a Van Gogh starry night theme where the key colours were deep blue and gold. We had a quartet of ‘mini artist themes’ that also went down really well. These included a Bridget Riley optical art black and white theme and a Frida Kahlo theme inspired by the rich colours of Mexico.

When did you start planning for Christmas 2024 and how long does it take your team to ‘build’ it in-store?

I started thinking about themes for this Christmas back in October. I mull them

over for a while but I know where I’m going to go with it by the time we have buying trips to Kaemingk and Gisela Graham in December. Our Christmas buyer Sarah is phenomenal and we try to introduce lots of suppliers to our overriding theme each year, making sure it’s fresh and no one else has something like it.

Physically the shop build for Christmas starts in-store the first week of September. I’ve started making display items for it in the January. Last year I made clothes for our Wind in the Willows characters at the start of the year.

At Garsons Christmas really is an incredible joint effort from the buyers, to marketing to the website and signage. And of course our maintenance team are the unsung heroes because they build everything. It’s all about layering the festive expertise!

think very carefully about different products.

For example, if we want to stock the most ethically sourced tinsel we know that nowhere else but Harrogate will you get the opportunity to see such a range of suppliers.

The show inspires us and we cherry pick a lot of new seasonal pieces there.

Tell us about winning “Harrogate has the GCA Destination taken over as the Garden Centre prize? been entering the key seasonal trade We’ve annual competition since event. We cherry I joined Garsons and are long-time supporters, so pick a lot of new we were so chuffed to win in 2022. It was recognition pieces there.” for the team’s hard work.

How important is Christmas & Gift Harrogate show to Garsons in terms of buying Christmas?

Harrogate is a vital show for us and I think it’s just taken over as the key seasonal trade event.

The show still has new exhibitors coming in each year and it is the place where we compare and contrast suppliers. We always

We’d previously come in third for the two previous years so it was lovely to be recognised in this way.

And finally, what does Christmas mean to you personally?

For me Christmas never grows old. I love seeing the happy faces of the people during the magical season, whether that’s my children coming down on Christmas morning or customers. And in-store that first day of walking into our finished Christmas themes, I don’t know whether to hop, skip or jump!

www.garsons.co.uk

Brands that Bring Festive Cheer What brands are important in the mix for Garsons at Christmas? Nikki says success is all in the variety of suppliers, which customers want.

“Sass & Belle have a really nice eco range, Hill Interiors, Floralsilk – all these are great for festive gift and homeware. Walton & Co has lovely festive tableware and throws and we also had a new Irish candle brand last Christmas, Chic Antique candles.

“Last Christmas Widdop & Co and Festive Productions were great for our Van Gogh theme. And Premier and Kaemingk are also important for us.”

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PROFILE Premier - National Tree

THE UK

National Tree Company® arrives at Premier Premier are thrilled to announce that they are now the EXCLUSIVE supplier of National Tree Company products in the UK. As leaders in festive and seasonal decorations, Premier Decorations is committed to bringing the best to their customers. This new partnership with National Tree Company - a renowned global brand known for its high quality artificial Christmas trees and festive décor - marks a significant milestone in Premier’s journey.

The trees in the National Tree Company range are premium quality with high tip count and other special features you would not find on any other Christmas trees. There is a large collection of trees available from 6ft to 12ft with selected trees featuring their innovative ‘Real Feel’ PE Tip Technology which has been moulded from real trees for a remarkably lifelike appearance, replicating the intricate details of real trees.

The ranges all enjoy a sturdier construction which helps display and also longevity.The prelit products feature a range of bulbs and LEDs including the very popular LED with fairy bulb cap. Alongside Premier’s exceptional Christmas tree selection, discover high-quality wreaths and garlands. Elevate your holiday decor with these meticulously crafted pieces, available exclusively through Premier Decorations in the UK. This new partnership gives them one of the most comprehensive ranges of Christmas trees in the UK market.

For more information visit: www.premierdec.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show: Hall H 42 christmas in january

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FOCUS Swantex Group

Joyous Greetings from Harrogate

‘Ink on paper’ experts the Swantex Group is bringing a trio of greetings and gift packaging brands to Harrogate for the first time. And with this sense of style and design-led brilliance they’ll have the show all wrapped up…

From luxe gift packaging that celebrates the best in iconic licensed brands alongside in-house design, to premium Christmas and greetings cards, visitors to show Stand Q11 at the Christmas & Gift show are in for a real treat.

Debuting at the show are a triple-threat of leading brands in the card and gift wrapping fields, The Great British Card Company, Ling Design and Penny Kennedy.

Penny Kennedy

The Great British Card Company (GBCC) GBCC is one of the UK’s leading greetings publishers, renowned for an extensive range of thoughtfully designed greetings cards – both individual designs and boxed selections. The brand has also built an enviable reputation for customer service excellence around the world.

The team at GBCC firmly believe that a greetings card publisher must have wonderful cards, and pride themselves on their array of styles.

Inspiration is often taken from the brand’s central location on the edge of the Cotswolds, and the in-house design team being a wealth of experience in greetings and fashion with a firm understanding of the market.

Alongside greetings the brand offers an extensive range of lifestyle stationery plus a full planning and brokerage service, The Great British Card Partnership (GBCP). The team is delighted to launch the new Cahristmas 2024 collection at Harrogate, including singles.

For more information visit: www.greatbritishcards.co.uk, or call: 01892 838574

Penny Kennedy is the first choice for luxury design-led gift packaging, offering world class collections from iconic licensed brands and inhouse design in over 30 countries.

The brand’s philosophy is that a brilliant gift deserves beautiful packaging, so whether it is a foil-finished gift bag, a gorgeous roll wrap or essentials like tissue and tags, Penny Kennedy has the perfect solution.

Protecting the planet is just as important to the brand as making a beautiful product and its tag packs and tissue packaging is completely plastic free, with roll wrap produced using FSC paper. The collection of beautiful Christmas crackers is also plastic free and the pieces contain wooden or metal gifts that are both useful and reusable.

This January Penny Kennedy is excited to launch its latest collection of Autumn/Winter 2024 designs at Christmas & Gift, including new licensed collections, Raspberry Blossom, Kate Rhees and Paper Salad. Plus, there are beautiful new designs from Morris & Co, Sara Miller London and Toasted Crumpet.

For more information visit: www.pennykennedy. co.uk or call: 01892 838574

Ling Design

Ling Design is a global greetings company with heritage. One of the longest-established publishers of premium greeting cards, it supplies 27 countries worldwide.

Each design in the Ling Design collection is created by the talented team of in-house artists, illustrators and designers. The team love to explore new design trends to complement the signature artist’s style, providing customers with a complete offering including Everyday, Occasion and Relations, and Christmas.

Recently awarded Winner of Best Christmas Box or Pack at the Henries Awards 2023, Ling Design is delighted to be exhibiting at Christmas & Gift for the very first time. And what a perfect place to launch the Christmas 2024 collection.

For more information visit: www.lingdesign.co.uk or call: 01892 838574

Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall Q, Stand Q11 44 christmas in january

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Richard Lang & Son are looking forward to unveiling the company’s newest seasonal and gift collections at Harrogate Christmas & Gift…

‘Tis the season to be jolly in January, and the incredible design team at Langs has been hard at work to make their customers’ displays the best yet!

Langs is inviting visitors to Harrogate to unwrap the joy of the festive period with the company’s enchanting Christmas 2024 product launch featuring an exquisite array of gifts and home decorations that embody the spirit of the season.

festive family traditions. Not just a decorative piece, but also a symbol of the enchantment that fills the air on Christas Eve. Hang it by the fireplace or under the tree.

Every piece in this collection helps to tell a story, so celebrate the magic of Christmas with this delightful collection designed to fill the hearts of children with joy and wonder.

Resplendent robins

The enchanting Christmas Cottage collection, ‘Home for Christmas’ is designed to infuse your home with the timeless charm of Christmas cottage scenes. It features delightful decorations with festive wording all wrapped up in the classic colours of Christmas.

Also included are cushions designed to bring warmth and joy into any setting, with faux fur backing and soft lighting. Let the festive words and phrases bring messages of goodwill into your home.

Central to the festive collection are the delightful robins – these charming birds that bring a touch of whimsy and warmth to the frosty winter landscape. Langs have created an array of robin inspired decorations that capture the essence of these feathered friends. From intricately designed ornaments to cushions adorned with robins and festive berries, the range is a celebration of nature’s beauty. These robins are not just decorations they symbolise joy, hope and renewal.

Exclusive fragrances Christmas is a feast for the senses, and what better way to enhance the festive ambience than with Langs’ exclusive fragrance sentiment collection. Immerse yourself in the rich evocative scents that transport you to a winter wonderland from the comforting aroma of freshly baked gingerbread to the crisp notes of pine. The brand’s scented candles, diffusers and wax melts are designed with love and great for gifting as each one has a special verse.

Something for the little ones Langs’ whimsical Christmas Cuties is a magical feast for kids and the young at heart, and at Harrogate they will be unveiling a collection of adorable characters that promise to bring joy to little ones. From jolly Father Christmas to playful reindeers, teddies and penguins.

Unlocking the spirit of Christmas wonder, Langs’ magical Santa key is a must have addition to

Charming and timeless

Gifts that bring a smile This Christmas get ready to jingle all the way with Langs’ collection of festive fun and humorous gifts, where sprouts, Christmas puddings and carrots take centre stage. Embrace the joy of the season with a dash of whimsy and a sprinkle of laughter. Step into the world of sprout humour, along with pud-tastic joy. Not forgetting the carrots – who said they’re just for the reindeer! And it wouldn’t be Christmas without Langs’ pigs in blanket buddies.

Festive anticipation Excitement is in the air as Langs get ready to showcase an array of enchanting collections at Harrogate Christmas & Gift. The team don’t just bring buyers the magic of Christmas, they’re also extending the celebratory festivities with the launch of Langs’ spooktacular Halloween and cosy autumn collections. Get ready for a journey of seasonal delights that promise to make every moment merry and bright.

For more information visit: www.richardlang.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gifts: Hall A, Stand A4 and A13 Spring Fair: Stand 4C22-D23 46 christmas in january

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PROFILE Davies Products

The perfect Christmas blend Davies Products looks forward to warmly welcoming you to see the launch of their 2024 Christmas collection at Harrogate.

We will showcase our whole Christmas range of strong selling, well priced lines and with more than 600 new exciting items there is certainly a lot to see!

Take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane, visit our Sugar Plum Sweet Shop, relax in Nordic Neutrals, wander in Winter Wonderland, enjoy cosy Nostalgic Nights and many more exciting themes.

Featuring a wide variety of styles and materials, you will also find a selection of attractive sustainable products. A perfect blend of contemporary and classic, we have something for everyone.

See our Christmas, Halloween, Fall, Spring and Easter ranges at Harrogate. Visit our extensive showrooms or find us online.

For more information visit: www.daviesproducts.com

Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall B, Stand B5 48 christmas in january

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Watch this space

Exciting new innovations, all to be revealed at Harrogate 2024 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.

For Showroom bookings contact your local sales representative or call 01462 744500

www.noma.co.uk

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RETAIL FOCUS Northern Ireland

All is well at three well established

garden centres in Belfast I have to thank Iain Mercer of Jingles for his help in visiting three family-run garden centres in and around Belfast.

All three were most positive when they described how their respective businesses were finding the build up to Christmas. Certainly better than 2022 with week-end footfall much improved.

Euro Garden & Home 95-97 Boucher Road, Belfast

This family-run garden centre is led by father and son duo Brian senior and Brian junior Canavan with over 40 years experience between them. A haven for locals throughout the year with the last three months a festive celebration of everything Christmas.

They offer a diverse selection of artificial and real trees, enchanting lights and captivating decorations. The store ensures there’s something magical for everyone during the holiday season.

The two Brians are supported by a knowledgeable sales team with extensive Christmas experience. Main suppliers include, Jingles, Premier Decorations, Norfolk Leisure and Smart Garden Products.

Colemans Garden Centre 6 Old Ballyclare Road Templepatrick, BT39 0BJ

M.D. Richard Fry has many year’s experience in the garden centre business and believes he is a bit of a trailblazer when it comes to selling Christmas. He told me that this year instead of ‘Santa’s Grotto’ they had decided to create a Farm shop within the selling area. When I visited in late November Richard told me that the farm shop was on track to do a third of its yearly turnover in the 5 weeks leading up to Christmas and open right up to Christmas Eve. I loved his description of his customer base for the Farm shop ‘The Pee and Tea Brigade’. With an average spend of £11 per head – a bit different to Silver Surfers!

Roughly 600 suppliers had their products on display within the farm shop and I was also able to meet one of Northern Ireland’s most well-known TV personalities Paula McIntyre who was giving daily demonstrations on making some very tasty local cocktails.

A real destination visit, over 400 coaches visit Colemans each year.

Hillside Nursery Centre

328 Doagh Road <Newtonabbey, BT36 6XL Hillside boast Northern Ireland’s largest Christmas shopping experience. The drive up to the entrance lead the way with several impressive lit trees and on entering I met Karen Palmer who showed me around.

Ready for business from the end of September, Hillside offer a choice of almost 5,000 Christmas-based items.

Karen has six beautifully themed rooms and told me that traditional Christmas has made a BIG comeback this year. Red and white Candy cane was another very popular theme this year. Sales of Christmas trees were also well up on 2022 with the larger trees creating impressive sales.

Hillside also had a stunning display of the Lemax collectable scenes that really stood out. Unlike Colemans, Karen has a magic walk through to their Santa’s Grotto where companies to provide product include the Seasonal Group, Padgett Bros. Premier and Kaemingk.

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Come and see us at the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair, 14th-17th Jan, Hall Q!

sales@ sgpuk.com or call +44 (0) 1235 424100

www.sgpuk.com

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PROFILE Jingles

Jingles to distribute Twinkly to U.K. Garden centres

Jingles by Mercer and Twinkly are proud to announce they are working together for 2024. Jingles will be exclusively looking after the garden centre channel with distribution of Twinkly’s retail product. The full range will be on display on the Jingles stand in Hall Q. Twinkly is the new generation of smart LED lights, controllable via the Twinkly app.

The technology has been designed in such a way to allow you to create any installation for any scenario using your WIFI connection. Thanks to their innovative mapping process,

via the app you can scan your lights and apply endless numbers of effects from the 16 Million Colours.

The Twinkly range is rich in variety: Strings, Curtain, Icicle and Festoon, plus the new in 2023 range Candies design especially for indoor and flexibility to use anywhere in the home, to name a fraction of the range.

We’ll also be showcasing some exciting new products coming through for 2024.

Call onto the Jingles stand in Hall Q to see them in action and learn more about this innovative product.

Email: Elise@merceragencies.com Tel:02892 619881

For more information visit: www.merceragencies.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall Q 52 christmas in january

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PROFILE Kaemingk

Kaemingk’s enchanting

world of christmas

features meticulously crafted, original designs that embody the festive spirit. Perfect for retailers seeking high-quality, unique items, these figurines are tokens of joy and love, transforming any space into a holiday wonderland. Elevate your festive offerings with Kaemingk’s magical touch – where each piece is more than decor; it’s a celebration of the season’s warmth and cheer.

For more information visit: www.kaemingk.com Harrogate Christmas & Gifts:Hall M – Stand M.1 54 christmas in january

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RETAIL Dobbies

Crucial at

Christmas Dobbies is a household name when it comes to garden retailing, but just how does a brand this big build festive spirit across its many stores nationwide. Sarah Welsh spoke to Christmas Buyer, Anna Service.

The story behind the shining retail success story that is Dobbies is a whimsical one, so just right for Christmas.

Now a well-known tale, the founder of the brand James Dobbie turned his love of gardening into a successful seed business in Scotland back in the 1860s. But did you know that it was actually a seed grown from a leek that meant James’ green-fingered hobby would in time go stratospheric.

In the 1980s Dobbies started expanding into garden centres and there are now many stores located right across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland and thousands of employees nation-wide.

And a year on from the chain opening a flagship store in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, in October 2023 the doors opened at Dobbies’ largest-ever branch – a gleaming 110,000 sq ft store at the Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim.

But just how important is Christmas in the Dobbies’ mix? One of the festive buying team, Anna Service, filled us in…

25% in December, which is driven by festive product lines but also our fantastic range of Christmas events.

With 77 stores nationwide, how does the visual merchandising side of festive sales trickle down at Dobbies? Are there festive themes that are introduced across all stores, or is there an element of each store laying out Christmas in the way that works best for them?

At Dobbies we roll out all our themes based on size of store, so the biggest stores stock all four of our bespoke Christmas themes, whereas smaller stores may only stock two or three.

The visual merchandising concept for each Christmas theme is designed centrally and packs are created for easy in-store installation and consistency across our brand. That being said, stores are free to be able to add any additional local magic to their set up.

“For Dobbies seasonal products in the run-up to Christmas make up 25% of our stock and account for around 7% of annual sales.”

As the UK’s largest garden retailer, how important are seasonal sales to Dobbies?

Just like most retail businesses, seasonality is really important to us and each year it’s crucial that we get Christmas right for our customers.

Seasonal products in the run-up to Christmas make up 25% of our stock and account for around 7% of sales each year. We also see a footfall increase across our stores of around

56 christmas in january

What festive products stood out for the group last Christmas?

Early results showed strong sales for our wreaths and garlands.

And our traditional red, white and green festive theme ‘Christmas Wonder’ was the best-selling, which was in line with the predicted seasonal trends for 2023 as more people wanted to create a timeless, quintessential Christmas.

In terms of overall festive themes, when did Dobbies’ seasonal buying team start looking ahead to Christmas 2024?

The initial meetings actually started taking place as far back as last July!

Where does the buying team start in terms of inspiration for those key themes? How important is colour to this process?

Each year it’s really important for us to monitor new and emerging trends to understand what customers are looking for and help us develop our key themes. We do this in a number of ways including scouring social media, monitoring inhome and overseas markets, trends forecasters, and trade shows.

Understanding the use of colour is really important as it forms the base of each theme and helps us develop them year after year to give customers new inspiration.

What colour storylines/themes do the festive buying team predict will be big for this Christmas?

Winter florals were an emerging trend in 2023 and we expect this will continue to be popular for this year as more people introduce festive arrangements to their homes.

Similarly, wreaths and garlands will continue to be a strong and growing category.

What trade shows/showroom visits are key for the seasonal buying team, and why?

We take an early successful Christmas development trip to explore opportunities for product development and then each January we attend relevant trade fairs for inspiration.

And finally, could you highlight a couple of Dobbies’ stores that really excel when it comes to Christmas offering and styling?

Well our brand new store in Antrim is our largest one yet and really showcased our full festive product range and seasonal events in 2023, including Santa’s Grotto, a Quiet Grotto experience for those with additional needs, Santa Paws, Santa’s Breakfast and more.

www.dobbies.com christmasinjanuary.co.uk

Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair Hall A stand A5

Spring Fair Hall 5 Stands K40/L41

Christmas Wrapped Up! • All price points • All ages • Choose from over 1000 toys

Padgett Bros (A to Z) Ltd

Warneford Avenue, Ossett, Wakefield, WF5 9NJ UK • Company No: 1968315

Tel: 01226 381188 Website: www.padgettatoz.co.uk Padgett Ad CiJ.indd 1

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It’s a recognised

brand

Konstsmide started their business over 80 years ago and from the very beginning insisted on quality over price.

The saying ‘Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten’ is still as true today as it was when Konstsmide first began manufacturing their lighting products.

So it was that I drove up the M1 to their offices and showroom in Clay Cross, just a few miles from Chesterfield to meet up with U.K managing director Oscar Johansson.

Konstsmide have been true innovators over the years and were the first company to introduce ‘Welcome lights’ in the early sixties. Over 60 years later and there are many different versions available, but the original design is still very popular.

Oscar informs me that in Sweden, young householders are buying up Konstsmide’s old, original Welcome Lights on ebay to re-paint and decorate to their own choice of colours and patterns. Could this catch on here in the U.K.?

Solar power lights

Oscar believes that this is the future for outdoor lighting. Their sales of solar powered lights are growing and as with any truly new innovation, it takes time for the great British public and possibly for that matter their customers’ buyers to recognize the potential. Sustainability is on everyones’ lips

This surely has to be the way forward!

Konstsmide’s designers have created a way to do away with having to connect to a mains socket. Simply The solar powered battery can be charged by either from your laptop or mains plug.

Once fully charged and placed in the garden next to the Christmas figure, you simply remove the transformer and 13amp plug lead and then plug directly into the solar-powered battery.

Also available is a battery box that uses 4 ‘D’

sized batteries for the same purpose.

The range is growing and comes with USB charger.

Another original design introduced a couple of years ago was their Cable reels. How many of us remember each year having to untangle our string lights. Certainly, I do. For me their cable reel does away with this problem.

Around 300 new products will be introduced at Harrogate and Oscar told me “I am looking forward to Harrogate and to see and hear what our customers are saying and how they see moving forward and want to work with us in the future.”

The lighting sector of Christmas is constantly evolving and Konstsmide are right up there in the forefront leading the way.

It has been a challenging year for the industry, but Konstsmide seem to have plenty of product that will keep both old and new customers coming back for repeat business.

For more information visit: www.konstsmide.co.uk | email:sales@konstsmide.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gifts: Hall M Stand M22 christmas in january 59

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INTERVIEW Pineapple Circus

Blooming Beautiful at

Christmas Five years ago luxury artificial floral company Pineapple Circus was born. And now the brand with a name as whimsical as its inspiring products is making its debut at Harrogate. Directors Darren Broxup and Mathew Dickinson spoke to Sarah Welsh.

What were your backgrounds in the industry?

Darren: The bulk of my professional career has been immersed in the floral and Christmas sectors. My journey started at Peter Harvey, a wholesale florist cash and carry, and I subsequently moved to a floral importer where I played a key role in expanding their Christmas collection. In 2019 we founded Pineapple Circus.

Mathew: I’ve always found my passion in life through plants and flowers. I worked in the horticultural industry for a decade and then fell into the world of flowers completely by accident. After training in floristry at the famous Constance Spry flower school I went on to work for Terence Conran. I now run my own florist business, decorating beautiful venues and I get to meet with an array of celebrities and wonderful clients. I also decorate using faux flowers, which is how I met Darren.

Why do you think there’s such a love for this product sector?

Mathew: People delight in home décor, regardless of the season and whether it involves flowers or Christmas decorations.

This enthusiasm is unmistakable from our bustling high streets too where we see increasingly elaborate shop displays and restaurant décor.

How much has sustainability and customer awareness of this been a factor for the brand?

Mathew: Customers are driving the desire to elevate living spaces, and there’s a huge emphasis on floral and Christmas displays on social media. Often these displays highlight products with a significant lifespan, which reinforces that culture of re-use and durability.

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Where did your unusual business name come from?

Darren: The enterprise has brought together a diverse array of talented people, encompassing creative flair, financial acumen, expertise in imports and trade and digital innovation. Mathew likened this collaboration to converging roads leading to a central point, much like the bustling hub of Piccadilly Circus.

So we initially considered ‘circus’ as the company name, but the addition of ‘pineapple’ injected a touch of whimsy and distinctiveness to the concept.

The story of the business is that you were brought together by a mutual friend, but what was it you saw in each other that made you realise you’d work so well together?

Darren: I guess it was the fact that we both shared identical ideals and objectives, coupled with a mutual desire to embark on something genuinely stand-out with Pineapple Circus.

Pineapple Circus is exhibiting for the first time at Harrogate Christmas & Gift this year - what are your plans for your show stand and what ranges will you be showcasing?

Darren: The aim is to present our floral collection and trio of Christmas themes in a uniquely captivating manner. We want to genuinely inspire people through these displays, sparking a desire to recreate the same magic in their own shops or garden centres. We want to leave a lasting impression!

What festive floral trends/colourways do you think will be big for next Christmas?

Darren: We anticipate the popularity of natural and wintry trends to continue, and we’ll be being a fresh perspective to these themes. The goal is to infuse unique elements into these well-loved styles. And we’re also excited to present a pastel theme with a snowy twist.

What do you think the next year is going to look like for Pineapple Circus?

Darren: As we gaze into the future our enthusiasm remains steadfast. We’re eagerly anticipating collaborating with current customers but we’re also thrilled at the potential to attract new ones, particularly at Christmas & Gift.

Despite the initial challenging hurdles posed by the pandemic, surging shipping rates and volatile market fluctuations, we maintain a profound sense of optimism for what lies ahead.

For more information visit: www.pineapplecircus.co.uk Harrogate show: Hall C, Stand C15 christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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INTERVIEW Smart Garden Products

Christmas Complete

Inside and Out

Smart Garden Products has the festive season all wrapped up – with hundreds of new seasonal pieces being unveiled at Harrogate. Sarah Welsh spoke to MD Jonathan Stobart…

Looking back on 2023, how was the Harrogate Christmas & Gift show for SGP? Why is Christmas & Gift an important event for the company?

The 2023 show was an extremely successful exhibition for our Three Kings brand, where we launched the highest number of new Christmas products in our company’s history! The feedback received from customers was overwhelmingly positive, and we’re looking to further extend our range for this show.

Christmas & Gift is incredibly valuable to SGP as it helps us to not only launch new products but also cement Smart as a key Christmas supplier.

Customers can explore complete product ranges at leisure and our sales managers can spend valuable time with customers. It’s fantastic to see so many customers face to face!

What can you tell us about what products/ ranges the brand will be showcasing at this edition of the show?

There are almost 500 new products being launched for 2024, our most ambitious year ever, with both completely new product groups as well as extensions to many of our popular ranges, including Gonks, Wreaths and Nutcrackers.

We’ll be showcasing a vastly expanded lighting range in our darkroom, with an updated layout to create a walkthrough experience, following catalogue order for customer convenience.

Two new collections that deserve special attention, are GlitterTwist and OpaLight, classic Christmas designs made from stunning silver and gold twisted strands and multi-coloured shimmering ribbons.

Wreaths continue to be popular so we’re introducing seven new families comprising a wide choice of matching wreath designs, garlands and candle table décor. And our Pets range is a must-see as well – every product group has been updated.

You also have a trio of completely new product groups as well?

Yes, we’re launching SnowScenes – an assortment of inlit Christmas micro-scenes, combining music and movement on selected designs.

Then there’s Looking Glass – inlit infinity mirrors in a range of popular Christmas figures and themes.

Finally there’s Léger Décor - a collection of ultralight Christmas décor, ideal for positioning in or on trees or decorating anywhere around the home and featuring a mouth-watering array of cakes, ice Creams and sweets, along with a vast selection of candy canes.

Within our Tree Décor, there is also a range of vintage baubles and a vast choice of pendants, many of which marry up to our plush and gonk families.

Will the Three Kings collection once again be taking centre stage?

Visitors can expect to discover various themed zones within the Three Kings space, all designed to show off the various collections to best effect. Each display will be accompanied by point-of-sale boards making it quick and easy for customers to identify and order products on the go.

What trends/colour themes are going to be big for SGP for next Christmas?

Three Kings is keeping it sweet this year, not only with extensions to our gingerbread and candy cane collections that were so popular last year, but now with our new Léger Décor line.

There is also a touch of opulence added to some of the collections with rich purple and champagne colours being introduced in plush and lanterns, as well as new shimmering wreaths and opalescent lighting pieces.

Our Gonk Gang is now established as a firm favourite and we’re confident that customers won’t be disappointed by the new entrants to the gang, including festive dino, turkey team, snow squad, Nordic Sven, to name a few - while our ever-popular nutcrackers are beefed up with BandCrackers, sequinned sergeants and more inlit options like the teddy parade. These help to make the whole shopping experience so much fun!

Sounds like you have a few surprises up your sleeve! Anything else we’ve missed?

We are happy to announce that as in our main range for 2024, we are reducing retail prices across all key products to drive even greater spend for our customers.

We are also introducing a completely new range beyond Three Kings at Harrogate - so visitors will have to come and see us at Hall Q to find out more!

For more information visit: www.sgpuk.com Harrogate Christmas and Gift: Hall Q, Stand Q1 62 christmas in january

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COLLECTION 2024 Shatchi invites you to visit us at Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair 14th - 17th January 2024 - Hall C Stand C2 to view our exciting new and existing ranges of

Decorations Trees Lights Fibre Optics Room Décor Outdoor Items and much more...

To order our New Christmas Collection 2024 catalogue or book an appointment at our Hitchin Showrooms please call 01462 432600

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PROFILE Premier Halloween

Full speed

ahead…

The past three years have been nothing if not challenging in every possible way for everyone in our industry and beyond. Seasonal trade, while occasionally shielded from major moves in market conditions has been no exception, this time. On the contrary, it has probably been one of the most challenged sectors

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remier Halloween are all looking forward to 2024 and are full of expectation and excitement. As the air turns crisp and leaves transform into a vibrant array of reds and golds, the arrival of October will once again signal the commencement of Halloween preparations.

Beyond the costumes and confectionary, one of the most delightful aspects of this spooky season is the artful array of Halloween decorations that transforms towns and villages into enchanting realms of mystery and magic.

With that in mind the Premier Decorations Halloween 2024 range draws upon the creativity displayed by individuals with their families and contributes to a collective sense of wonder with its massively expanded offer being once again full of new and exciting products.

Halloween decorations have evolved from simple jack-o’-lanterns to now elaborate displays as complex as haunted houses. The charm lies not only in the variety of products we see in use but also in the collective enthusiasm of people coming together to celebrate the spirit of the season.

Premier’s bright and lively colours sprinkled throughout their offer bring oomph and excitement into old favourites from candles to decorative pumpkins. Light strings with new colourways specifically designed for Halloween provide bright mixed colour LEDs on a flexible flat string that can easily adapt to any surface leading to less tangles.

This Flexibright light string has also been utilised to create a new outdoor twinkling silhouettes range that offer a spooky, yet bright and exciting visual to any house or Halloween display with minimum effort in a variety of shapes such as frowny eyes, incredibly effective spiders, scary pumpkins, floating ghosts and decorative looking skulls.

Pumpkins, perhaps the most iconic symbol of Halloween, become the canvas for intricate carvings and imaginative designs made possible by a vast array of carving tools that always sell well. These designs can be illuminated safely and easily

with the addition of one Premier’s many LED candle options.

They also feature in large statement products such as animation and inflatables, in standing and hanging plaques and appear as the smallest detail included in tinsel and tinsel characters, web, candy baskets and jars, lights and stakes as well as in an array of indoor harvest scenery display products for every corner of the house contributing to a perfect mythical and mysterious night. Premier decorations offers the most intriguing ranges which tickle all senses and create unforgettable experiences.

Amazingly fun activities that can be shared have been included in the 2024 Halloween Premier Decorations range by way of a variety of arts and craft kits. The artistry of creation is further strengthened by the communal joy created by families and their DIY Halloween decoration endeavours facilitated by innovations such as these.

Ultimately, Halloween decorations are a testament to the creativity and communal spirit that define this beloved holiday. Whether modest or extravagant, traditional or contemporary they contribute to the tapestry of memories that make Halloween a cherished tradition for families and communities. So, as the witching hour approaches, let us embrace the spooky charm of Halloween decorations, revelling in the magic they bring to our lives.

For more information visit: www.premierdec.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall H 64 christmas in january

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Co-ordinating Your Christmas

Hall C, Stand C19 www.tallon.co.uk

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PROFILES

All Wrapped Up ‘Padgett presents’ have been delighting pint-sized visitors to Christmas grottos for decades – about as long in fact as the company behind the festive magic has been exhibiting at Harrogate For the team at Padgett Bros (AtoZ) Christmas & Gift is now firmly part of the company’s festive traditions.

A staple date in the retail event calendar for them for many years, as Sales Director Alex Kenyon says, it’s special because it’s the first show of the year and every year they still gain new customers at the Harrogate Exhibition centre.

Padgett Bros Ltd has been in continual business since 1984, and is now one of the largest toy importers in the country boasting a huge range and variety of product designs. The Padgett collection encompasses more than 1,200 toy items catering for all age groups and categories. And a mainstay of the business is the grotto side of the group.

“We’ve been wrapping and labelling toys for Santa’s grottos since our inception,” Alex explains. “We offer value for money products that have a branded feel and that’s central to our business success. All toys fully conform with current toy regulations and we also have our own in-house quality control.

“We cater for all price points and all age categories and we don’t scrimp on the quality of wrapping paper that we

use. Once a child has a wrapped Padgett present in their hands it has a quality feel about it that delights the child but also satisfies the parent.

“In our experience with our word of mouth reviews – and with social media now being the main driver for grottos – you simply won’t get a complaint on the present that has been supplied by us.”

Alex says it’s always a good idea for customers to get their festive orders in early in the year, but Padgett Bros will also always come to the fore with repeats, even turning around substantial orders that often have to be wrapped and labelled the same day.

Alex adds: “We thank all customers for their business and welcome all new customers to our stand at Harrogate.

If you are running a Santa’s Grotto and need presents – please come to the best – Padgett Bros.

“If you cannot come and see us on the stand, then we have area managers that cover the entire country to give advice and help you choose the best present and age category. And our website can also be accessed at any time with our full range available to view.”

For more information visit: www.padgettatoz.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gifts: Hall A, Stand A5

Dreaming of a ‘Bosk’ Christmas Norfolk Leisure know their seasonal stuff when it comes to beautiful artificial trees and decorations.

And Harrogate is set to play host to their brand new collection…

Over the past decade Norfolk Leisure has built an enviable reputation for being top of the trees – Christmas ones, that is.

One of the leading distributors of garden furniture and accessories across the UK and Ireland, they are also experts in artificial trees and decorative festive pieces. Their passion for bringing ‘unique flair’ to every outdoor space, expands to interiors as well when it comes to Christmas.

And 2024 sees the launch of their new Christmas collection, titled Bosk, that will be introduced to buyers at Harrogate Christmas & Gift.

“We’ve noticed the increase in demand for high quality products” says Norfolk Leisure Director, Debbie Waudby. “Consumers want more from their tree, they want it to stand out from the rest and the current market doesn’t always offer that. The core values of our Bosk Christmas Collection are to create products

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that last a long time, are priced well, and of course, topped with a good sprinkle of magic!”

The new range includes a collection of illuminated ornaments including glistening reindeer, novelty snowmen or a heap of sparkling presents. LED lights and multiple colours and sizes are available with all of them, suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Another key part of the Bosk collection is a stunning selection of high-quality artificial Christmas trees. All come packed with festive features, including Natural Touch Tips, and are available in multiple styles and sizes.

Head of Global Sourcing for Norfolk Leisure, Aaron Sue, explains: “The standard of our Bosk trees and decorations is above anything we’ve ever seen before, the quality is unmatched, and we can’t wait to introduce them into the UK and Irish markets.”

visit: www.norfolkleisurelifestyle.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall B, Stand B15 christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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INTERVIEW We Love Season

Designed to

Inspire

Boutique brand We Love Seasons has cornered the market when it comes to stand-out Scandi style. Sarah Welsh caught up with the team ahead of the Harrogate show…

Looking back over the past 12 months, you can say with certainty that it has been a ‘year of learning’ for the small, close-knit team at We Love Seasons.

After exhibiting at Harrogate Christmas & Gift for the first time in 2023, founder and owner Malene Brondberg left her fulltime role in the cancer drug development industry in March to focus on the business.

Firmly at the helm of the boutique brand’s design process, Malene has since been creating more pieces right across the range of festive and seasonal collections. And having overcome various unforeseen obstacles in recent months, she’s now looking ahead with pleasure to this year’s Harrogate edition and Christmasworld in Frankfurt.

The story behind We Love Seasons is a truly heartwarming affair. First established as a hobby business, it is based on Malene’s family traditions during seasonal celebrations. Malene was inspired by her mother who was a hugely creative person.

She grew up in northern Denmark and remembers her mother making clothes, beautiful Christmas decorations and working hard in her kitchen garden.

We Love Seasons has since evolved into a Europe-wide brand – although based in the UK – and at last year’s Ambiente Fair Malene says they had lots of interest from shops all over the world. In particular several new Italian shops.

The breadth of visitors that travel to Harrogate is just one reason why Malene

68 christmas in january

loves the Christmas & Gift show. This year she will be showcasing even more of her own designs at the convention centre.

“I just wanted to make something very traditional and timeless,” Malene explains.

“I’ve redesigned our Christmas bowls so they are now not just designed but also made in the UK. And I designed a metal crown, some Halloween pieces and other smaller pieces. In terms of colours think white and gold, neutral tones and greens.”

Halloween is also an important category for the boutique brand and We Love Seasons will be taking many of its autumnal designs to Christmas & Gift. This range showcases the brand’s unique use of natural materials, including felt, stoneware and rope detail pumpkins.

“The minimalist look of our pieces is a real point of difference for us,” says Malene.

“The feedback we’ve had from other recent shows has been that customers love the Scandinavian style with a contemporary edge and a mix of colourways.

“Harrogate was a really great show for us last year when we debuted there and we built relationships with many new customers. We’ve kept the same show stand for 2024, located amidst other beautiful brands.

“There’s nothing really like We Love Seasons at Christmas & Gift, and the way we style our

show stand is distinct as well. People don’t just come to us for the collections, but also our styling ethos. Customers want to buy our key pieces that they can use again and again – that’s why we’re more of a lifestyle brand.

Less is more with us to some extent!”

Sustainability is of core importance to the brand, with use of natural materials and continuing to look for more UK and European-based suppliers. Some of We Love Seasons’ biggest sellers are indoor wooden items, small decorative items and of course the much-coveted Halloween collection.

The brand’s UK customer base tends to be bespoke gift stores and independent garden centres. The aim is to draw in new customers from right across the country in 2024.

Malene reveals. “Harrogate attracts a really broad mix of buyers and in general it’s just a great show for us. It’s relaxed, very well organised and not just about ‘sell, sell, sell.’ Christmas & Gift is always a hugely positive experience.”

In addition to the seasonal and Halloween ranges, visitors to the We Love Seasons stand can also look forward to seeing the Easter collection.

And as for the year ahead, Malene says it looks set to be one of real growth for this stunning Scandi-inspired brand. So watch this space!

For more information visit: www.weloveseasons.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall C, Stand C6 Christmasworld show: Hall 6, Stand D27 christmasinjanuary.co.uk

PROFILE Shatchi

Shatchi look for 2024 growth I caught up with sales director John McVey who, as usual was very upbeat about his company’s prospects for 2024. Once again showing in Hall C at Harrogate where buyers will as usual be able to view Shatchi’s exciting new 2024 ranges. The company took the decision to NOT exhibit at Spring Fair, so orders will need to be placed at the Harrogate show.

Despite a challenging 2023 where the U.K. Christmas sector had to contend with supply chain issues, the impact of the war in Ukraine and other U.K. issues such as the impact on the cost of living, Shatchi report that their sales were up on 2022 and that they saw an encouraging sell through from the majority of their customers, although a little bit patchy in certain areas.

With a varied product range, main categories will include artificial trees, fibre optics and LED lighting. Last year their Coronation party range was totally sold out well before the big occasion.

Like many of their competitors, Shatchi’s buying team visited China and also attended the April and October Canton Fairs.

Always known for value-for-money items, John and his team look forward to seeing both old and new customers on their stand in Hall C. Shatchi, 20 Wallace Way, Hitchin, Herts. SG4 0SE. Tel: 01462 432600. www.shatchi.co.uk

For more information visit: www.shatchi.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall C, Stand C2 christmas in january 69

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PROFILE Tallon

Christmas, Covered!

Tallon might be ‘the stationery people’ but this is also a company constantly moving forward in terms of design and exciting new product lines. Product Design Director Barry Heath spoke to CinJ ahead of Harrogate Visitors to Christmas & Gift who want to get things all wrapped up for the festive season should head directly to stand C19.

With more than 50 years of experience in the stationery and gift industries, Tallon International is returning to the Harrogate convention centre with a wealth of brand-new gift wrap designs, luxury cards, environmentally conscious product and stylish packaging solutions.

This is a company with serious stationery and seasonal gift wrap heritage. Founded back in 1972, today Tallon remains a family owned and run business where innovative ideas, ingenious designs and a real emphasis on excellent customer service combine to make them a force to be reckoned with.

“We’re thrilled to be coming back to Harrogate,” Barry Heath, product design director, explains. “The show has really evolved over the years and we cannot wait to unveil some really exciting new products at Christmas & Gift. With gift wrap in particular our show

stand is really going to shine and we can’t wait to meet up with customers old and new!”

Branding front and centre Tallon will be launching new branding for Christmas 2024, giving a modern boost to represent how the company is moving forward, developing new ideas and opportunities for the future.

Luxe card designs Tallon has developed a new range of premium cards intended for the very special people in customer’s lives. As well as their stunning designs, these cards boast a higher GSM, luxury finishes and a high-quality box to keep them in tip top condition.

Many people like to send a special Christmas card to show how much they care, and these beautiful cards are designed for that very purpose.

Sustainability Tallon strives to be an environmentally friendly business. The team is committed to developing sustainable product and packaging solutions, sourced responsibly.

Tallon also aims to reduce packaging waste and use more recycled materials, reducing single-use plastics. The brand’s products will now be designed with this in mind and will also display recycling logos that all consumers will recognise.

Coordinating Christmas Other new additions to the Tallon range include fresh wrapping papers designed with matching gift bags and tags. The design team has worked tirelessly to create co-ordinated ranges that customers simply won’t be able to say no to.

For more information visit: www.tallon.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift: stand: Hall C, Stand C19 70 christmas in january

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