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Coffee Break Joe Puleo of Puleo International Gives us the answers to a number of our questions

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The Christmas Stocking Piers Croke of Gisela Graham traces the history of this Christmas tradition

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News

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GCA Update

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Floralsilk’s Festive style powered by imagination48 Powered by the magic of childhood stories

Step back in time

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Wallace & Gromit join the Snowtime family

Christmas World exhibition

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Spring Fair 2026

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Harrogate show intro Putting festive retail on the map

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Looking for something different?

52 Then Davies Products have the answers

Christmas cards and creative appeal 54 You can trust Tallon to get it right

Quality, Cost and Innovation from FDL Back showing in Hall ‘D’. See for yourselves

Autumn and Halloween 2026 when 44 two become one Premier Halloween have plenty to show visitors to their stand in hall ‘H’ Spreading Christmas cheer Fabulous Christmas cards with charitable connections

Retail Garsons of Titchfield, Hampshire Escapism and festive theatre Lloyd Farrand reveals all

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Features

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First time at Harrogate Bigjigs have some great toys for all occasions

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Something new for Christmas You can trust Joe Davies to come up with the goods

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Great pre-wrapped toys for Christmas grottos Padgett Bros. the name worth remembering

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Christmas full of character Keel Toys have some great new items, check out their Botanical collection

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Christmas with Premier couldn’t be easier M.D. John Athwal tells us why We love showtime Lesser & Pavey’s director Jonny Greves Can tell you

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A busy year for Giftware Trading M.D. Ben Jeffrey explains

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Leading the way for 2026 That’s Premier’s Tree Company – you’re spoilt for choice

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Magical growth and festive inspiration Smart Garden Products explain Festive family inspiration Puleo International can boast 4th generation at Harrogate

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Sustainability and style from Norfolk That’s the Bosk Collection

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Festive family artistry From Maple Moon

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Home, family and festive style 4 decades and still going strong that’s the Milford Collection

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The stuff of fairy tales That’s the Weiste headline. Back in Hall ‘M’

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Write on for Christmas Ling have 4 major card publishers to show you their 2026 ranges Growing at Harrogate Woodlodge are growing their ‘Snowlodge’ range really fast

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Licensed to thrill 40 Benross have tied up with Coca-Cola and several other licenses. See for yourselves at Harrogate

Contents

Leader page

Published by: Lema Publishing Ltd Unit 1, Broomstick Industrial Estate, High Street, Edlesborough, Buckinghamshire LU6 2JA www.christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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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.

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Leader 2026

here is no doubt that the Harrogate Christmas & Gift exhibition is the major U.K. show for all things Christmas.

Once again the 2026 show is totally full, very much against the trend for many U.K. exhibitions.

I welcome a number of new advertisers and exhibitors to our pages including Benross, a company that have added a licensed range for 2026 with Coca-Cola and the Smiley face license.

Also in Hall ‘G’ we welcome toy company Bigjigs with their range of toy products. Making a return to our pages are Peggy Wilkins with their soft furnishings and the Milford Collection.

I am sad to record the passing of longtime director of the show and exhibitor Terry Padgett. Terry first visited Hong Kong as a 15 year old working with then Harrogate exhibitor Woolman Bros. in the early sixties. Along with his brother David they created the A-Z series of pocket money toys – Padgett Bros. in the early eighties and continue to exhibit in Hall ‘A’.

It continues to be a tough year for all companies, with a government not helping to support commercial enterprises and a world situation that also brings a variety of challenges, so it is all the more impressive that Harrogate exhibitors continue to offer buyers visiting the show a huge variety of ideas and colourways that will create great opportunities for consumers around the country.

The retail interview this month is with garden centre Garsons, Titchfield in Hampshire. Their assistant manager Lloyd Farrand and his buying team always visit Harrogate where along with his team they finalise their various theme names.

Lloyd continued “The show really gets our creative juices going, it’s a really important show for us as it kickstarts the season.“ Innovation has always been key to the success of Christmas Decorative products.

When times are tough the public tend to overspend at Christmas and to forget their troubles. Premier Decorations sold out in 2025 quite early of their candle in a

“Innovation has always been key to the success of Christmas Decorative products.

When times are tough the public tend to overspend at Christmas and to forget their troubles” champagne glass. To add even more good cheer for 2026 the company have added wine, whiskey, Martini and even a Stout glass that looks very much like a glass of Guinness.

Cheers!

Piers Croke of Gisela Graham fame investigates the history of the Christmas

stocking, long a staple product at Christmas. Evidently the Dutch, who arrived in New Amsterdam (later to become New York) long before the English created the tradition, that historically started with St. Nicholas. I leave our readers to turn to page 10 to find out more.

Character licensing continues to play a big part in the creation of Christmas ranges, Snowtime have added to their ‘Snowman’ range with the addition of ‘Wallace and Gromit’. All will be revealed on their stand in hall ‘D’.

It is also great to welcome back Floralsilk after an absence of a few years.

You can read all about their plans for 2026 on page 48.

Our Coffee Break page 8 fires a number of questions at Joe Puleo of Puleo International. With Konstsmide not at the show, Puleo take their stand location in Hall ‘M’ enabling them to show even more of their ranges. Based in New Jersey, USA, but having had a U.K. presence for many years this 4th generation company enjoyed a great 2025 in the U.K. As usual we have a stand at the entrance to Hall ‘A’ where we shall be very happy to meet our readers as they enter the show.

Malcolm Naish

christmasinjanuary.co.uk Photo by Candis Hidalgo from Pexels

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COFFEE BREAK

With Joy From Our

Family to Yours Joe Puleo with son Steven

Can you give our readers an insight into the history of Puleo International?

JOE- Below is a history of our company.

Celebrate the Christmas Season with a Puleo Family Christmas Tree Christmas is all about family, and so is Puleo International. Known as “The Oldest Name for Christmas Trees in America®,” we are a fourthgeneration family-owned manufacturer and distributor of high quality, hand-crafted artificial Christmas trees and home décor.

The company was founded in 1954 when the family matriarch, Marian Puleo, purchased an artificial Christmas tree for her home. She loved it and envisioned ways to improve the tree by handcrafting it with lifelike details. She wanted to create the most beautiful Christmas tree imaginable, to bring to life the magic of Christmas.

She pictured family and friends gathered around the Christmas tree, celebrating the season and creating warm family traditions to be passed down through the generations.With Joy From Our Family to Yours The family brought her dream to life, making the first Puleo Christmas tree in their garage. By 1957, the business had grown big enough to move to a factory.In just a few years, the company had grown to be one of the largest manufacturers of artificial Christmas trees in the U.S., with customers throughout the world. Ever since, our business has continued to thrive thanks to you, our many loyal customers.

With a long and rich history dedicated to producing beautifully designed artificial

8 christmas in january

Christmas trees and home decor items, the Puleo family and its dedicated team of employees continues to deliver exceptional products of the highest quality and craftsmanship. This has enabled us to serve families like yours for more than 70 years…and counting.

How many years now have you enjoyed U.K. distribution as I can remember Puleo exhibiting at Harrogate in the nineties.

JOE- My brother Lewis started in Harrogate in 1993 You have been able to move your stand into Hall ‘M’ for 2026, how does that feel? It should be much easier for set-up!

JOE- We are very excited about our new location, which is much larger than our previous booth. The larger space will enable us to display additional trees and product. We feel we’ll see some new faces entering our stand being it’s by the main entrance.

With President Trump playing havoc with Import Duty into the USA from China and elsewhere, this must have presented Puleo with severe manufacturing and logistical problems, which fortunately I assume did not affect U.K. deliveries?

JOE- The UK was spared from the chaos the tariffs created in the USA. In fact, manufacturing the UK’s product became easier this year because 50% of our production moved to other SEA countries, which opened up production space in China.

The Green Lobby worldwide are forever talking up the purchase of real Christmas Trees as opposed to artificial. What do you have to say to them?

My response to the ‘Greens’ is not printable in a quality magazine such as Christmas in January!

JOE- very funny Malcolm! The trend in the purchase and use of artificial Christmas trees continues to rise. About 66% of the households in the UK set up artificial trees, while 58% use them in the USA. Artificial Christmas trees help make the sometimes hectic season a bit calmer, as you can display your tree early and leave it up late, with no worry of the tree drying out. Most of our trees come with both white and multi colored lights, which helps make everyone happy.

With all the problems that tariffs have caused this year, have you at least been able to organize the deliveries of your containers in an orderly fashion.

JOE- The China ports did not have congestions issues this year, being a lot of production was moved to other SEA countries.

Quite a few of your competitors have tended to sell ‘All things Christmas’ as well as trees, whilst Puleo have stayed true to their roots (no pun intended). Do you believe that by concentrating purely on Trees this will be your best way forward for the future?

JOE- We actually sell other categories in the USA like outdoor lighted wire, blow mold, animatronics and others. We’ll be displaying some on our stand at Harrogate.

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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GISELA GRAHAM LONDON

The Magic of the Christmas Stocking Piers Croke, Marketing Director of Gisela Graham London, traces the origins of this charming Christmas custom

Two of Gisela Graham’s Christmas stockings

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The Dutch got there first.

Long before it was it was New York, it was New (‘Nieuw’) Amsterdam. And it’s through the Dutch that so many of our “traditional” Christmas customs come down to us.

Let’s start with Santa Claus. The name started with the Dutch Sinter Klaas – St. Nicholas, to us nonDutch speakers. When the English colonists arrived they borrowed some of the Dutch Christmas customs – such as hanging up children’s stockings on Christmas Eve for Sinter Klaas/Santa Claus to fill with goodies.

St Nicholas is among our more long venerated saints, living some time in the 4th century. He’s celebrated through the Christian world as the patron saint of many professions: sailors, perfumiers, choirboys, bankers, thieves (??) among others.

He enters into the story of stockings through a slightly unnerving legend. It seems he learnt of the plight of three poor young girls. Their father, unable to afford the dowry to enable them to marry, planned to sell them into slavery. St

Nicholas told them to hang up their stockings overnight. The next morning the stockings were filled with bags of gold, saving the girls from a fate worse than death.

From this came the tradition of setting out a stocking (or, in some countries, a shoe) for the gift bringer to fill with treats and presents.

Originally stockings were hung above the fireplace which was logical; since it was down the chimney that Santa came and went.

Hanging up stockings is certainly an old tradition.

To our knowledge German children have been hanging up stockings hopefully on Christmas Eve since at least the 16th century and perhaps before that.

Nowadays children have to make do with a symbolic tangerine in the stocking toe, instead of the fabled bag of gold. Up at least to the age of seven, most children believe – including the author – it was filled by Santa.

And At Gisela Graham we’re more than happy to keep the secret of who fills the many stockings we offer.

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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NEWS

Wallace & Gromit

join Snowtime Trans-Continental, the company behind the wellknown brands SnowTime and SunTime, is pleased to announce the launch of a new licence to market Christmas products featuring Aardman’s beloved characters Wallace & Gromit. Managing Director Sara Murray commented ’this is an exciting opportunity to develop products based on such well-loved characters, known throughout the world.

Our designers have been working for months creating an exciting product range which will be showcased to customers in the new year. It is particularly pleasing as the creator of the series, Nick Park, is from Preston, just a few miles from our offices in Blackpool.’

The new range will complement the company’s other licensed brands, the highly successful The Snowman, The Snowman and The Snowdog and the hugely popular Richard MacNeil artwork.

For full details call on the Snowtime stand in Hall D at Harrogate

FDL FESTIVE DECO & LIGHTING Are urgently looking for an Account/Sales Manager.

Preferably South Manchester area.

Salary and sales commissions.

Please contact: Mr Frits van Diermen email: Frits@FDL.eu Tel: 0161 4747 772 +31 (0)88 8881888 14 christmas in january

Out of the Blue Studio helps spread a smile for Christmas The team at Out of the Blue Studios is hoping its Christmas 2026 range will raise awareness for a special charity that helps seriously ill children and young people.

The publisher has partnered with the charity Spread a Smile, which ‘’brings joy and laughter to seriously ill children and young people across the country’’.

Through in-person hospital visits, virtual sessions and family events, Spread a Smile’s entertainers – from magicians to musicians, artists, fairies and therapy dogs – enhance wellbeing and help young patients and their families cope with the pain and anxiety of serious illness and hospitalisation.

For 2026, Out of the Blue Studios has carefully chosen this charity partner to enhance its Christmas range and has made a minimum donation of £10,000.

All of the 2026 product range will feature the ‘Spread A Smile’ charity message and donation details.

Sales director/owner Pete Rawlingson said: ‘’We hope that you will support us in exposing the charity and the fantastic work it

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does to a wider audience through trading our Christmas Counter, Boxed, Gift Bags and Money Wallets.’’

In 2025-26, Spread a Smile will deliver more than 18,411 inperson hospital bedside visits and more than 2,860 virtual visits, in partnership with 39 NHS hospitals and six hospice partners.

It provides vital opportunities for distraction, meaningful engagement and the chance for seriously ill children going through the most challenging times to enjoy being a child again.

Find out more at spreadasmile.org Registered as a Charity No: 1152205 www.outofthebluestudios.co.uk / www.outofthebluedirect.co.uk

New golf day for Christmas in January

Wednesday the 1st July 2026 At Puckrup Hall – Nr. Tewkesbury Along with sister publications Toys ‘n’ Playthings, Nursery Today, Gifts Today, Greetings Today and Tableware International we shall be organizing an Industries’ Cup that will see players from all those industries vying for the ‘Industries Cup. Depending on the response we shall also have individual cups for each of our magazines. The day will begin with a nine hole Texas Scramble, followed by the afternoon individual Stableford, team four-ball and yellow ball competitions.

With good weather guaranteed we shall end the day with a barbeque and presentation of trophies.

Cost for the day will be £110 with bacon rolls and coffee/tea from 8 p.m.

The Hilton Hotel offers very good rates for staying overnight which I will be giving very soon.

They say that all work and no play, makes Jack a very dull boy, so forget work for the day and join us at Puckrup Hall.

Contact Tiger Naish on 0788 9991513 or email malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Christmas 2026 Collection Discover our biggest Christmas collection yet, with over 1,500 brand-new items across 6 inspiring themes.

VISIT US AT HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT FAIR

Inspiring customers for over

Hall B, Stands B2, B7 and B9 (or visit us in our showroom, Bourne, PE10 0BQ) www.floralsilk.co.uk/trade | sales@floralsilk.co.uk | 01778 425 205 YEARS

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GCA NEWS

Six Decades of Retail Dynamism

This year the Garden Centre Association marks its 60th anniversary. Sarah Welsh spoke to GCA chief executive Peter Burks about how six decades on the organisation is still a lifeline for its members…

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ack in 1966 the Garden Centre Association was founded, based on the ideas of innovative retailers who wanted to make plants available all-year round and gardening more accessible to all.

They recognised that by sharing creative ideas and expertise everyone could benefit, and six decades on the GCA is building on this premise year on year, with a brilliantly conceived and evergrowing e-learning offering for staff, popular annual conference and the highly competitive Christmas competition.

Peter Burks has just completed his third year as CEO, and says despite challenges ushered in by the 2024 Budget and huge positives with luck with the weather last year, his annual highlight is always the comradery among store teams he witnesses, how everyone works together to maximise sales and the incredible standards across the sector.

Of the 60th anniversary being celebrated in 2026 Peter reflects: “The Garden Centre Association was formed by some very dynamic individuals, at the very start of the garden centre era, who could see that the retail part of the horticultural industry needed its own organisation to promote its interest.

“Then, as now, the key benefits to the members were based on communication and the sharing of ideas and experiences. Those early members became good friends through this collaboration and now their second generations continue these links and in the promotion of the association.

“For me the main reason for joining the GCA was so that I could be part of a large organisation of likeminded people who were so willing to share their experiences. The Association also gave you feedback on how you were doing business

16 christmas in january

wise through the barometer of trade and from visiting other members centres you could get ideas on future projects.

“More recently the introduction of the GROW eLearning platform has much improved how we could train our staff in a very cost-effective way which has been a great benefit.”

Peter says the 2026 GCA conference held from 25 to 27 January, this year at Carden Park Hotel near Chester, will be the main point of celebration to mark the anniversary. The line-of up is speakers is always hotly anticipated by attendees, but this year it’s particularly stellar, with retail guru Mary Portas OBE, former MP and national treasure Gyles Brandreth and Edoardo Bortolami, who heads up Google’s massive customer sales team for Italy, Spain and Portugal, taking to the stage.

“Something like 400 delegates attend over the three days and each year we always ensure the conference is held in a different part of the country,” Peter says.

“Members have faced challenges since the 2024 Budget and with customers battling the cost-of-living crisis.

The whammy of the increase of National Insurance contributions for employers from last April has had a big impact on garden centre profits and it’s led to a lot of redundancies, and people not being replaced. I’d really like to know how much revenue the Government has actually raised from it.

“On the other hand, the

weather was amazing last year from early spring and garden centres were being mobbed week after week. But then when it was very hot in June and July, that’s not quite so good because customers are lethargic and don’t want to be shopping in a greenhouse and you also have hosepipe bans so people aren’t looking to plant things.

“Our sector is certainly unique in terms of how much we’re impacted by weather. We’re obviously a green industry but we’re also very mindful

the “GCAI joined so that I

could be part of a large organisation of like-minded people who were willing to share their experiences

”

of the environment and global warming. Saving water in water butts is important, as is composting for maintaining soil quality.

“Customers are increasingly looking to garden centre staff for expert advice – what plants are good for butterflies and bees, will something withstand the heat, which plants to choose, and the new type of peat-free compost. Our teams are not just about excelling at customer service, there’s also a big education piece going on.”

This is one of the reasons why the GCA’s e-learning platform, which launched in 2012, is so popular. The portfolio of courses

Peter Burks, the GCA CEO

on offer is ever-growing, and could reach 100 by the time of this year’s conference.

“We offer a 360-learning experience – that’s the aim,” Peter explains. “The courses cover everything from visual merchandising to compliance, health and safety, level 3 food hygiene and sexual harassment.

“The courses are now available to around 13,000 employees and staff love it because they can upskill in many areas.”

But why in such a tough retail market, and given its particular challenges, does Peter think the garden centre sector is continuing to thrive.

“Garden centres are very easy places to come shopping. From large free car parks, to quality merchandise, sustainable products, and amazing catering options that offer everything from a cuppa to a lovely multi-course meal, people travel sometimes a long way to come to our member stores.

“We offer an experience and it’s so lovely to see that positive retail story, bucking the national trend.”

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

Step back in time MalcolmNaish Naishlooks looksback backto to1993, 1993, 2002, 20002,2012 2012and and2017 2017 Malcolm

January1993 1993 January

Almost thirty yearsago, ago,these theseare aresome someofofthe thebig bignames namesininChristmas Christmas ●● Almost thirty years that didn’t last the course - Porth, K.D. Richards, Seasons International, that didn’t last the course - Porth, K.D. Richards, Seasons International, Thoubboron, Possible Dreams, Christmas Crafts, Widmann, Halsall, Mr. Thoubboron, Possible Dreams, Christmas Crafts, Widmann, Halsall, Mr. Christmas, Artificial Image and Christmas Consulting.

Christmas, Artificial Image and Christmas Consulting. ● The encouraging sign was that new companies were coming ● The encouraging sign was that new companies were coming through that totally changed the Christmas Decoration scenario. through that totally changed the Christmas Decoration scenario. ● Of course emerging companies such as Premier Decorations, ● Of course emerging companies such as Premier Decorations, Snowtime and existing companies such as Puleo, Gisela Graham, Snowtime and existing companies such as Puleo, Gisela Graham, Weiste, Noma, Konstsmide etc., were increasing their market share.

Weiste, Noma, Konstsmide etc., were increasing their market share. ● Late ordering from customers was still a problem and Gold appeared ● Late ordering from customers was still a problem and Gold appeared to be the most popular colour moving into ’93. to be the most popular colour moving into ’93. ● Seasons International had just closed down and were advertising a ● Seasons International just closed down and were a mega clearance sale had which must have impressed theiradvertising competitors! mega clearance sale which must have impressed their competitors! ● A certain Ian Jones is appointed sales director at Porth. ● A certain Ian Jones is appointed sales director at Porth. ● Gisela Graham were introducing ten new ranges out of the 26 to be ● Gisela Graham were introducing ten new ranges out of the 26 to be shown at Harrogate. shown at Harrogate.

January 2012 2012 January ● ●

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

LED’s were certainly King back in 2012.

LED’s were certainly King back in 2012.

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

Premier celebrate their 25th year.

Premier celebrate their 25th year.

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

Konstsmide celebrate their 70th year. During this time they have Konstsmide 70th year.

During thisto time managed tocelebrate persuadetheir almost every British home buythey theirhave managed persuade British home to buy their ‘Welcometo Lights’ , sincealmost copiedevery by many other suppliers.

‘Welcome Lights’, since copied by many other suppliers.

January2002 2002 January 2017 January ● I pose the question “Do buyers really need to go to Hong Kong when January 2017 I pose the question really need to go to Hong Kong when so many suppliers“Do havebuyers fantastic showrooms?” so many suppliers have fantastic showrooms?” ● Answers on a post card? ● Answers on a post card? ● Fibre Optics are a big sector and Britain leads the way and is well ● Fibre Optics areUSA, a bighaving sectorrecognized and Britainthe leads the way is well ahead of the potential farand earlier. ahead of the USA, having recognized the potential far earlier. ● There is a big shake-up at christmasworld in Frankfurt with 900 ●

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

One of the nicest companies in the Christmas sector celebrate their

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One of the nicest–companies thewere Christmas celebrate their 100th birthday Widmann. in They regularsector supporters of C.I.J. 100th – Widmann.

Theyupwere supporters of C.I.J.and and Ibirthday always enjoyed meeting withregular both Andrew Widmann and I always enjoyed meeting up with both Andrew Widmann andfor Vernon Butler each year to discuss their advertising and editorial the next year’s edition.

Widmann our front cover speciallyfor Vernon Butler each year to discuss graced their advertising and editorial fornext the year’s occasion and reserved this spaceour fivefront yearscover earlier.

They the edition.

Widmann graced specially a fantastic party atthis thespace Old Swan to ensure thatThey their 100th fororganized the occasion and reserved five years earlier. went with a real bang. organized a fantastic party at the Old Swan to ensure that their 100th real bang. ● went Still with goinga strong today, we interview Colin Roberts of Springtime Garden centre in advertisement Crews Hill, Enfield. ● We run a full page for Ceders of Dundee, I wonder they might beadvertisement now? ● where We run a full page for Ceders of Dundee, I wonder where they might be now? ●

10 christmas in january 18 christmas in january

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I am gutted to learn of the death of Premier’s Sean Looney. Sean Iand am Igutted to learn of other the death Premier’s Sean Looney. had known each sinceof the early seventies and forSean and I had known since the early seventies and forwas quite a few years each Sean other ran Premier’s Halloween division and quite a few years Sean ran Premier’s Halloween division and was known as Mr. Halloween. known as Mr. We quote thatHalloween. the effects of Brexit and the ascendency of

We quote that the effects ofHouse Brexit can andonly the ascendency of the Donald Trump to the White be positive for Donald Trump to theon, White cansoonly be positive for the industry.

Five years I am House not quite sure! industry. on, I earlier am notentered quite so sure!

Gardmaneight had ayears few years the Christmas

Gardman had a few years earlier entered the Christmas decoration arena, despite their well-known name, Gardman decoration arena, despite their well-known name, category, Gardmanthus eventually decided to withdraw from this product eventually decided withdraw from thisto product category, thus proving that it is nottothe easiest category become established. proving that it is notinthe easiest category become established.

I visit Riffelmacher their Bavarian H.Q. Ittowas a great visit I witnessed the manufacturing of their andvisit was Iwhere visit Riffelmacher in their Bavarian H.Q. It wastinsel a great most impressed bythe their determinationoftotheir build theirand U.K.was where I witnessed manufacturing tinsel business. most impressed by their determination to build their U.K. business.

In addition to Harrogate, we publish a preview of christmasworld.

Whilst wewe feltpublish it was aa great success, In addition to Harrogate, preview of insufficient advertising support sawwe another great idea bit the dust! christmasworld.

Whilst felt it was a great success, insufficient advertising support saw another great idea bit the dust!

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PROFILE Christmas 2026 previews with John Athwal.

Christmas with Premier

couldn’t be easier

It’s been a busy start to 2026 with Premier showrooms inundated throughout December, with customers visiting and spending good quality time with our sales team and the new 2026 ranges.

Having spoken with customers, it sounds as if despite the economic worries, most of ours seem to have had a good selling season and many reporting big uplifts from last year.

I have always said that during tough times, the public respond with Christmas cheer as if to forget the worries and the woes of the previous 12 months and we are hopeful 2026 will see more of the same.

As if to echo that very point, Champagne glass candles were reported to be a big hit with lots of retailers reporting selling out very early.

Premier of course have capitalised on this with the introduction of candles in Wine, Whisky and even Martini glasses! There’s also a dark Stout glass which looks very similar to a Pint of Guinness. All this in addition to the Champagne glass, backed up by a battery version of the Whisky tumbler which lights up as the candle wick burns. All supplied in full colour CDU’s, Premier have all bases covered.

To continue the candle theme,

20 christmas in january

“

Premier are introducing a new and very realistic batteryoperated flaming candle branded LUMABRIGHTS

”

Premier are introducing a new and very realistic battery-operated flaming candle branded LUMABRIGHTS. This patented ‘flame’ effect has 3D movement and even a pool of melted wax on the candle top.

Destined to be a big hit in 2026.

With the growth of creativity in outdoor displays, customers have been requesting suitable outdoor plastic LED candles that can be used in lanterns and porch displays. These products will be very price competitive but a word to the wise, make sure when comparing prices that the size is like for like. It has been reported that some suppliers are supplying candles measuring not only the body of the candle which is the industry standard but have measured to the top of the flame.

Therefore a 10cm candle is marketed as 13cm. Do your due diligence and make sure you know what you are buying.

Infinity mirrors continue to be a success story and have sold very well.

Premier have introduced an extremely competitively priced 4 foot and 6 foot series which can be used indoors and outdoors. Look out for the extended range of Infinities from the original 60cm as there are a few other sizes to suit all price points. The Robin series is one to make sure is on every order. As well as Infinity mirrors, Premier introduced the Stained Glass range of lit table-top decorations which were amongst the first to sell out in 2025. There are many additions to this very popular range including hanging options, new tabletop and even sun catchers.

National Tree continues to gather pace with many retailers reporting excellent sales indicating that the public are receptive to these better quality trees and a must stock range for 2026. Another must stock item is the Scentsicles range of Christmas fragrance which has been extended and now includes the new Gingerbread scent.

Another early seller that most customers

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under ordered was the revolving tree stand.

Whilst Premier had back up stocks, these were taken up very early so anticipating an increase in demand for 2026.

For those without front gardens, Premier continue to lead with an expanded range of products designed to dress windows from the inside of the home and doors from the outside. New ranges of Door Garlands and Window Curtains are proving a big hit with customers visiting the showrooms early including the new colour changing and neon options.

For those looking for inspirational items for the garden, we have released our new range of Golden Elegance sculptures which is a 2026 take on the gold ranges that are already in the market-place. With an increased bulb count, multi action LED’s across the collection and a more Premium looking gold finish than what’s out there, current feedback is that it’s a great move on

“

For those looking for inspirational items for the garden, we have released our new range of Golden Elegance sculptures which is a 2026 take on the gold ranges that are already in the market-place.

”

for what is still a popular look.

We often ask ourselves how can we make a great product better and offer even more value to the end consumer and better margins to our customers.

We are pleased to say we’ve done exactly that with improvements made to products across our range from adding Twinkling LED’s, Multi Action and Timers to many of the best-selling items in our collection as well as striving to offer lower prices despite this added value.

Premier continue to be market

leaders in Christmas Animation with many new and exclusive items added this year.

The “Nations favourite” Norbert, will be joined by some new Friends for 2026 and initial feedback already from customers is showing that the characters are going to be a success.

Our introduction of 8 inspirational showcases into the Premier range is inspiring customers to buy into the collections and we hope they will replicate what we are doing in our showrooms within their own stores. Showing how products can cross over from Decorations, Lights, Trees and Floristry to come together in one collection will make cross selling within the retail stores easy. Or as we like to say, Christmas with Premier couldn’t be easier.

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

Premier catalogue....

Your Christmas catalogue will have been delivered to you and we hope to see you at the Harrogate Christmas and Gift fair from Sunday January 11th to Wednesday 14th in Hall H. Come early as there will be many bargains in the Last Chance To Buy section and Show Offers which are exclusively for those that visit the Harrogate fair. These offers will end when the show finishes but there are numerous Volume Deals throughout the catalogue which will continue for the duration of the selling season. The production cycle in China continues to be demanding so get those orders in early to ensure that shipping takes place on time to deliver Christmas from July onwards. christmas in january 21

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SHOW PREVIEW Christmasworld

A truly global show that is not only unique but also promises to be an emotional experience, no wonder so many buyers are heading to Frankfurt. Sarah Welsh finds out what’s in store…

A New

Seasonal Perspective Something magical is brewing in the heart of downtown Frankfurt.

A retail event like no other dedicated to seasonal and festive decorations where trends and design innovation, high level networking, a keen focus on sustainability and a renowned events programme come together to create an unmissable five-day experience.

Christmasworld has long been seen as the global marketplace for holiday décor, retail design and inspiration for how to take customers on an emotional journey, and the 2026 edition being held once again at the Messe Frankfurt Exhibition Centre promises to be no exception.

Christmasworld brings together manufacturers, designers, wholesalers and retailers from all corners of the world. The breadth of product on offer is truly unrivalled and spans Christmas and seasonal categories, visual merchandising, wrapping and garden and florist supplies.

The show numbers from 2025 make for pretty spectacular reading. The show covered a gross exhibition area of 73,000 square metres, welcomed 665 exhibitors, more than 34,500 visitors and boasted 114 participating nations. Not only that but there was a visitor satisfaction rating of 96%! But the 2026 show will build on this incredible success, with trend presentations, keynote speakers and promises to offer something for everyone, whether buying for a boutique store or managing large-scale projects from shopping centres to city spaces to airports.

Christmasworld is held concurrently with its sister fairs, Ambiente and Creativeworld, ensuring that the experience maxmises efficiency and

opportunities to connect for visitors. It’s a one-stop shop like no other where you can source new product, network to the max and soak up merchandising expertise.

Highlights for the 2026 show will include, for the first time, a focus on natural Christmas trees with a new stand located in Hall 6.1 featuring Integrating dedicated producers and promising natural Christmas an emotive product experience. trees into “Integrating natural Christmas trees into Christmasworld directly Christmasworld responds to the industry’s directly responds demand and meaningfully to the industry’s expands the show’s product demand and portfolio,” says show director, meaningfully Stefan Schopp. expands the And continuing the eco-friendly theme, also trending for 2026 are show’s product creative home decorations made portfolio from natural materials, such as show director, woollen and knitted angels and Stefan Schopp. wooden festive trees. In terms of colour trends, bright colours from lemon yellow and orange to sky blue and lavender, look set to pop at the show.

“

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The festive product groups include: Christmas & Seasonal Decoration, covering the festive season to Easter and weddings and anniversaries, Visual Merchandising & Light, covering everything from large-scale illuminations to shop window and store concepts and Party Goods & Festive Items, where you’ll discover garlands, table decorations and novelty items.

There’s also Floral & Garden Decorations, with every product you might need for the green sector, Candles – as Christmasworld is also the world’s biggest candle fair, Ribbons & Wrapping, the mouthwatering Christmas Delights category, with everything from mulled wine to chocolates and gingerbread, and last but not least, Global Sourcing covering manufacturers with a focus on volume.

Christmasworld is the ideal setting to explore new markets, meet international retail partners and keep pace with evolving consumer demands.

What: Christmasworld 2026 When: 6 to 10 February, 2026 Where: Frankfurt Exhibition Centre Web: christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com 22 christmas in january

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SHOW PREVIEW Spring Fair

Seasonal Scale

and Style Spring Fair is a ‘cornerstone of festive buying’ according to the show’s portfolio director. Sarah Welsh spoke to Jackson Szabo about what to expect in Birmingham…

Fore more than 75 years Spring Fair has brought together the great and the good of British retail in the centre of the nation. And the festive category is a key part of the show’s success.

With a major move for the Christmas class to Hall 6 in 2026, there’s a real sense of anticipation for seasonal exhibitors and buyers heading to the show.

Portfolio Director Jackson Szabo joined Hyve Group – who mastermind the show – in October 2023 and lead on the transformation of the Spring and Autumn Fair portfolio, with the ambition to grow UK retail and ensure that as diverse a group of customers can be better served than ever before.

We spoke to him about the upcoming 76th outing for the show.

How important is the seasonal sector in the mix at Spring Fair?

We’re delighted to announce that Christmas, Festive & Floral has moved to sit in Hall 6 for 2026.

This is to give it a more direct affiliation to Home, Living & Décor, The Summer House Edit, plus the returning Glee at Spring Fair sector which hosts an inspiring edit of outdoor and garden brands. It will provide visitors with a much better offering and an enhanced experience with a better focus on adjacencies and alignment.

Do you think buyers are attracted to the NEC to finalise their buying for Christmas, or do you also get visitors who cover off all their Christmas buying and networking at the show?

Absolutely both. I think Spring Fair continues to be a cornerstone for seasonal buying due to its unparalleled scale, diversity, and the sheer breadth of product ranges on display. Unlike boutique shows, Spring Fair is not just about Christmas it’s about offering buyers a 360-degree view of retail trends and opportunities for the entire year.

For seasonal buyers, this means they can source Christmas collections alongside complementary ranges in gifts, home, greetings, fashion, and more, all under one roof.

Aside from outright Christmas decorative products, in their new Hall 6 destination, there is still a plethora of fun Christmas related and

24 christmas in january

seasonal gift products throughout the show and especially in the gift sectors.

Spring Fair is unique in terms of its sheer size and breadth - what’s the specific draw for seasonal buyers though?

The scale of the show ensures buyers have access to leading names, emerging brands, and international exhibitors that they won’t find anywhere else. It’s a destination for every season. From autumnal decor, floral arrangements and wreath foliage to full-on festive décor and show-stopping Christmas trees, buyers will find the perfect seasonal and floral products here.

How does your diverse background experience working across high level events, media and the conference sector add to your expertise when it comes to a show like Spring Fair?

Spring Fair is an industry showcase, a time stamp for everyone in the retail community to align from.

It’s also one of the most diverse platforms in B2B marketing with so many different companies and objectives - which means our team needs to ensure we’re able to cater to that wide mix of needs, pains and gains. My experience has uniquely positioned me to be able to cater to these two unique aspects of Spring Fair and ensure we are constantly evolving with the industry and not standing still.

What other new features can we expect for the show?

We’re extremely excited about all the new features and stages launching across the show and our bold new creative direction themed Retail Alchemists Masters of the Mix. This new era signals Spring Fair’s evolution from a traditional marketplace into an immersive experience, a living, breathing celebration of creativity and connection.

For over 75 years, Spring Fair has united thousands of brands, suppliers and buyers to discover, collaborate and shape the seasons ahead.

The 2026 edition builds on that rich heritage with a re-energised visitor experience, an expanded show footprint, and a bold new programme of content, networking, and design-led innovation.

Across the show, the new Retail Alchemists theme will be brought to life through beautifully curated spaces designed to engage all five senses, turning every aisle into a modern apothecary of ideas.

Which festive suppliers’ show stands are you particularly excited for?

Lotus Imports – they are taking their biggest ever footprint with 350sqm featuring not just elaborate floral designs, but they are also introducing a new Christmas collection. I’m also looking forward to seeing the new Christmas ranges from Coach House and Ascalon, and the new Christmas designs from Hill Interiors.

Do you have a real mix of big names alongside more boutique Christmas brands for 2026?

Yes, buyers will discover an inspiring mix of big names alongside new and up and coming brands.

It’s also worth taking a look at the New Business Pavilions and #SBS Village which give start-ups their first opportunity to showcase at a trade show.

Finally, what does Christmas mean to you personally Jackson?

Christmas for me is all about family. It’s that one time of the year that we all carve out to spend time, create memories, and show how much we care about one another. It is my most precious time of the year for these reasons and now with a two-year old, Christmas has taken on a whole new wonder that I get to fully appreciate again as a father.

What: Spring Fair 2026 When: 1 to 4 February, 2026 Where: NEC Birmingham Web: www.springfair.com christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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COVER STORY Lesser & Pavey

“We Love

Show Time!”

From a carefully curated bespoke show experience at Harrogate to what the team describe as their most important week of the year, retail events are big business for Lesser & Pavey. Sarah Welsh spoke to Director Jonny Greves…

Before we chat about Christmas & Gift show, can you take a look back at how 2025 fared for Lesser & Pavey?

I honestly can’t quite believe how quickly last year went by. It’s no big secret to say that trading conditions have been tough, but the retail industry continues to show strength and resilience. In times like this we strive harder to develop as much new as possible, with a view to offering exceptional value to our customers.

We had some really strong ranges in 2025. Our home fragrancing went from strength to strength and we have big plans to continue this growth this coming year. Our ‘Tuscany’ bowls and homewares were a huge hit last year, particularly with garden centres, and licensed ranges Bug Art and Madelaine from Hearts Designs also continued to grow. And of course we can’t forget Highland Cows! What a hit they were in 2025.

In terms of the Harrogate show, how important is it L&P alongside your busy showroom set-up?

Christmas & Gift in Harrogate is an absolute necessity for us. We do see customers in our showroom to preview Christmas 2026 as early as December, but the Harrogate show is the big launch where we hope to

26 christmas in january

Christmas “ 2026 will be our biggest festive range ever. We feel we have built on to our most popular ranges of 2025, as well as adding lots of brand new collections.

”

see all of our main Christmas customers.

They like to get their buying done early so if you’re not there you could miss out.

It’s a small show for us, compared to Spring Fair where we have our full range of 5,000 products, but the importance is huge. It’s also run really well by the organisers and it’s lovely to be in elegant Harrogate where exhibitors and buyers alike enjoy doing business.

How many ranges will you take to the show?

Over twenty. Christmas 2026 will be our biggest festive range ever. We feel we have built on to our most popular ranges of 2025, as well as adding lots of brand new collections. We’re excited to be launching brand new tableware ranges that we are so well known for, from our favourite long standing licensing partners, as well as some really nice new ones.

In addition, our Christmas food gift had another great year in 2025 so we’ve grown that nicely for 2026, with some new fun characters added. We also have brand new Christmas themed launches within our home fragrancing, LEDs, soft toys, ornaments, doorstops, and of course Highland Cows.

Last year you took 10 times as many items to the NEC for Spring Fair than you took to Harrogate.

How do you tailor your approach for each show?

As mentioned, our Christmas range will be the biggest ever in 2026, but it is still only part of what we offer. We take our full product range to Birmingham. It’s a fairly major operation, but is still in our eyes the most important week of the year. We love show time! It’s just a great opportunity to catch up with customers, meet new ones and show off what we’ve been working on. For 2026 our range at Spring Fair will be around 5,000 items, and of that I would say close to half are brand new.

Tell us about the product ranges you’ll be taking to Harrogate…

We have several brand new, full complement ranges in our licenced designs, including Santa, Robins, Snowmen and Highland Cows. We also have some exciting new designs from our in-house art department, including Tinsel Town, which comprises mugs, coasters, placemats, lap trays, fragrance, decorations and much more.

Lesser & Pavey is really well known for collaboration with artists.

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Can you tell us about any exciting additions to your long-standing partnerships with Jennifer Rose and Macneil Studios?

Both those partnership designs are very well recognised on our products and loved by our customers. Each year we enjoy working closely with them to see how we can innovate and improve the designs for our customers.

The MacNeil Studio personifies Christmas for me, such warm, traditional designs. We have a brand new Jolly old Santa, standing by his sleigh full to the brim with presents. Also a bright colourful Robin family in a frosty woodland setting and a Snowman family outside a beautifully decorated Christmas house.

Jennifer Rose has a more contemporary take on Christmas. This year we have another beautiful water colour painted Robin family, surrounded by festive flowers and foliage.

And also we have Highland Cows, again in Jennifer’s signature water colours, painted against a soft woodlands background.

What about your other art licensing partnerships?

Madelaine by Hearts Design has a new take on a Christmassy Hellebore Flower, on striking red, green, and cream backgrounds. All embellished with the diamanté bow and gold foiling.

This range will have fine china mugs and premium boutique hand poured

candles and reed diffusers in the following fragrances - Red Winter Berries, White Snowdrop, Pine & Eucalyptus Paper Shed has Down on the Farm at Christmas with eight new designs including British Wildlife, Dogs, Dachshund, Cats, a Highland Cow and Santa on a snowy farm background. This range will have mugs, coasters, trays, lap trays, candles and diffusers.

Finola Stack is back with Festive Friends, her signature fun cartoons of reindeer, snowman, elves helping Santa, and decorating the tree. All are available on a range of children’s melamine plates, bowls, trays, drinks bottles and also a range of wooden plaques and decorations.

And back once again, the ever-popular Bug Art in favourite designs our customers love – Santa, Rudolph, Kitten, Mutton, Snowman and Robin, and all available on mugs, coasters, trays, laptrays, candles and diffusers.

Finally, how did you spend last Christmas, before the madness of show season?

I remember looking at the diary with my wife Rosie, thinking it was going to be a busy one!

We hosted Christmas Eve at our house. Last year our twins were only a few months old but this time they were running around.

Then we spent Christmas and Boxing Day with our families. It’s all about quality time and making the most of it together.

For more information visit: www.leonardo.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall A, Stand A4 Spring Fair: Stand 5D10-E11, 5D20-E21 christmas in january 27

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PROFILE Straits Trading

Living Large in

Harrogate

Straits Trading has been a regular exhibitor at Christmas & Gift for 12 years – but this year they’re expanding…

Straits Trading has been attending the Christmas & Gift show since 2013 – and Harrogate is a crucial show for company.

Each year there is an increase in both the number of orders taken and the average order value. In fact, the overall value of orders Straits take at Harrogate is comparable to the revenue it generates from Spring Fair, which really highlights the importance of the event.

With that in mind, for 2026 the company has made the decision to move to a larger exhibition stand in Hall G. And not only that, but compared to its offering at the 2025 show, Straits has increased the number of Christmas items by 45%. In total the team will be bringing more than 700 lines to their customers for the 2026 festive season. So, you can see why a bigger show stand was necessary!

Marketing Manager Sophie Aldred says that another perk of the move will be the new proximity

to the Kaemingk stand.

“Our product offering is different from Kaemingk, so we complement each other and will sit well together in Hall G,” she explains. “Our existing customers seek us out at the show, so it will be great to entice new business through footfall.”

The bumper new Christmas collection has a lot to offer, from expanding and improving existing ranges to introducing brand-new products and themes.

Continuing its successful product line Straits has selected a wide range of light-up glassware and best-selling glitter water spinners, but for 2026 there’s a fresh theme for the products - ‘Festive with a Function’. This idea has worked well for Straits for several years and it’s a proposition that has grown with this collection. Beautiful decorations that have been developed to offer even more magic to the consumer.

This could be glitter water spinners with animated characters, more detailed casing (such as the beautiful Santa Carriage), or layered ‘3D’ illustrations within the spinner. They have lightup glassware that rotates to create a sparkling light show.

And it’s not just light-up decorations that have been given the magic touch either adorable plush characters sing with moving

mouths, showstopping Santas dance and play music, and even hanging decorations have been given their own light-up stand as part of a package offer.

In addition to the Christmas product portfolio, Straits will also be bringing some of their core autumn and winter lines to the show, such as lanterns and their Halloween collection.

The Halloween range follows the same ‘Festive with a Function’ theme. It includes a modest range of scary animated characters, moving decorations, and detailed spooky water spinners.

And buyers should prepare themselves for bumping into the clown!

It’s a truly exciting time for the company, but also for Sophie herself. “I have a seven-year-old, so Christmas is an incredibly magical time for me,” she says. “I look at products and imagine them through his eyes. Having a mummy who works at ‘Christmas Land’ is a proud boast for him too!”

For more information visit: www.straitstrading.com, call: 01254 300260 or email: sales@straitstrading.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show: Hall G, Stand G19 28 christmas in january

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PREVIEW

Putting Festive Retail on the Map

Beautiful northern spa town Harrogate is one of the UK’s most coveted places to visit, and as it happens the map for its Christmas & Gift show is just as enticing as the historic surrounds. Sarah Welsh caught up with organiser Simon Anslow…

From its lush gardens to the stunning Victorian architecture, the wellness heritage of this charming town to the fact it plays host to some of the most critical retail events in the British trade calendar, Harrogate is part and parcel of what people love about the Christmas & Gift show.

Located right in the heart of Harrogate at its renowned convention centre, with incredible restaurants and bars on the doorstep that make the show’s socialising and networking aspect part of its unique appeal, C&G first opened its doors back in 1950.

The roots of Christmas & Gift lie in festive decorations, lighting and home gifts, but in recent years this has expanded to include all seasonal celebrations, the wider gift category and an expansive home and interiors offering. As a show it has strong crossover appeal, attracting buyers from across the UK and all areas of retail – from high street names to independents, garden centres to cathedrals and visitor attractions.

There are more than 110 exhibitors

30 christmas in january

The show “thrives on its diversity—from exciting new companies with smaller stands showcasing unique, handcrafted, or bespoke products, through to our largest exhibitors

confirmed for the 2026 show, including many new brands, such as Matchstick Monkey, Love Coco and NJ Products.

Well-known returning names include Premier, Kaemingk, Joe Davies, Lotus Imports, Straits Trading and Floralsilk, and the hall layout is looking better than ever for the 76th edition of the show.

Hall G takes centre stage with Kaemingk enjoying an even larger show footprint this year, whilst Smart Garden Products is one of the main attractions in

Hall Q. Premier Decorations will be sitting pretty in Hall H, with Floralsilk in Hall B and LeisureGrow in Hall A. Whilst Festive will be shining in Hall C and Gisela Graham drawing visitors to Hall M. And in addition to catching up with exhibitors, visitors will also be offered a critical snapshot of trends for the year ahead. Show organiser Simon Anslow, who has been carefully curating Christmas & Gift for many years, let us in on what to look forward to at this year’s event…

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2025 was a stellar year for Christmas & Gift, with the 75th anniversary edition of the show - how are you planning to top it for 2026?

Absolutely—2025 was a landmark year for us, and celebrating the show’s 75th anniversary was a real testament to its longevity and continued relevance. Few trade shows can match not only the heritage of Harrogate Christmas & Gift, but also its sustained year-on-year growth.

Every year we find ourselves thinking, ‘How can we get more visitors to recognise that the Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair is the place to do your Christmas Buying?’

For 2026, momentum is already incredibly strong. Exhibitor space is almost fully booked, with over 110 companies confirmed. While that number may not sound enormous at first glance, many of these stands are substantial in size—so much so that they nearly fill all nine halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre. It’s shaping up to be another exceptional year, with even more to see, experience, and get excited about.

2026 will mark your 16th year at the helm. How have you seen things change in the festive retail sector over that time?

Over the years we have been organising the show the festive retail sector has evolved dramatically. When we started organising the show we were using six halls and only really filling three of them. The others were half full and we were selling 8,000 sq. metres - but now we are selling over 14,000 sq. metres.

Buyers used to visit Harrogate then advise exhibitors that they would place orders at Spring Fair. Spring Fair also had a big Christmas section plus Christmas in other halls, but overtime and luckily for us, as an exhibition the buying season for Christmas started to get earlier. Exhibitors now advise that buyers come to Harrogate to do all their Christmas buying.

Over time current exhibiters have grown their ranges and have asked for bigger stands.

What changes have you seen in terms of show stands and visual merchandising?

Many of our exhibitors want more space, but also want to stay in the same position, as competition as grown. We’ve seen Smart Garden Products increase their show stand in Hall Q to 750 sq. metres, whilst APAC have grown to 540 sq. metres in the same hall.

Harrogate Convention Centre built two new halls in 2011 and Premier Decorations moved to the new hall H in 2012. Gisela Graham has increased its show stand, and stayed in the same location. Heaven Sends and Shatchi both started in Hall Q, but now have bigger stands in Hall C. Festive Productions doubled its stand size and moved into Hall C, and last year Kaemingk moved to Hall G. That’s just to name a few!

For the 2026 show we have had more than 40 enquiries for space from new companies.

Social media has played a huge part in this transformation. Consumers are more inspired than ever by what they see online and are keen to recreate ‘Instagramworthy’ Christmas moments in their own homes. This visual culture has also raised the bar for retailers, who are now buying earlier and investing more in impactful visual merchandising, from show-stopping displays to imaginative stand designs.

Add in the impact of brands showcasing product ranges for other seasonal celebrations and all this has contributed to the increasing scale and influence of Christmas & Gift.

2025 was a “landmark year for us, and celebrating the show’s 75th anniversary was a real testament to its longevity and continued relevance

”

Interestingly we struggle to get buyers from the West Midlands, the turnout from Wales is low too and our exhibitors mention that there aren’t as many Irish buyers as there used to be. Harrogate remains the UK’s largest Christmasspecific trade show though, and we’d like to thank all buyers for attending – wherever they hail from.

Which exhibitors are you most excited about seeing at the show?

That’s always a difficult question, because we truly value all our exhibitors from those who have booked tiny show stands to those who have 1600 sq. metres and I hope to speak to them all. The show thrives on its diversity—from exciting new companies with smaller stands showcasing unique, handcrafted, or bespoke products, through to our largest exhibitors who anchor the event with core Christmas ranges, new colourways, and ever-improving technology.

Every exhibitor brings something important to the overall experience, and it’s this breadth and richness that attracts such a wide range of buyers—not only from across the UK, but from Europe and around the world.

Last year you were expecting more buyers from London and the south to make the trip to Harrogate. Did this come to fruition?

Yes — our expectations were fully met, and even exceeded. The 2025 show saw a fantastic turnout from the south of the country and the London region, the South East plus buyers travelling from as far afield as Cornwall.

What: Christmas & Gift show | When: 11-14 January, 2026 Where: Harrogate Convention Centre | Web: www.harrogatefair.com christmas in january 31

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PROFILE Smart Garden Products

Magical growth and

Festive Inspiration With plans afoot for two new dedicated Christmas showrooms and an expanded show stand at Christmas & Gift, Smart Garden Products are shining in the seasonal category. Sarah Welsh spoken to MD Jonathan Stobart…

Why is Christmas & Gift such a pivotal show each year for SGP? Christmas is SGP’s fastest growing category and we are launching more products than ever before in 2026 – primarily for Christmas but also for Halloween and Autumn. While we have many Showroom visits with customers that run from December through until March, the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair is an ideal launchpad for new products. And it’s especially convenient for our retail partners based in the top half of the UK.

What new ranges within this portfolio of product are you especially looking to showcase at Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair?

We have a mixture of extensions to Smart favourites such as Gonks and Plush Figurines, as well as Inlit Décor, Lanterns, SnowScenes and WhimScapes. We are also adding some completely new collections to our 2026 offer but you will need to come and see for yourselves what they are at Harrogate - or book a meeting at one of our showrooms. We know you won’t be disappointed!

Tell us about the plans to increase your stand for 2026 - you’re located in the first section of Hall Q? SGP have been in Hall Q for a number of years and we like this location as it straddles both sides of the hall and is sited in the centre of the show. Getting additional space in this area has been challenging but we are delighted that for 2026 we have taken over the conservatory which gives us extra floor space and much more flexibility.

In terms of festive trends what do you think the impact will be on your range for 2026 - what looks likely to be best-sellers for you?

There are new colour themes and trends every year and the latest ones will be reflected in our ranges such as Tree Décor and Homeware. SGP are confident that we have numerous high-volume sellers in our range, amidst a wealth of genuine product innovation.

Winners from last year will be supplemented by new designs while there are always a few unexpected stars that catch the eye and generate huge sales.

What’s the inspiration behind the visual aesthetic of the stand?

We have taken inspiration from our Christmas product ranges and new items while retaining a ‘Smart’ look which SGP have used at previous exhibitions, such as Glee. There will be some dramatic visuals and striking displays of lit items. Customers can both select products but also get ideas for their own instore displays – although most garden centres do a fantastic job merchandising, so at the same time SGP is also inspired by them!

Tell us about the expansion plans for the Three Kings collection?

SGP have expanded our product range dynamically every year for the last five years, although we are also very selective about which products are added to our collections. Every single item goes through a rigorous selection process where we review each product’s potential in terms of design, pricing and range ‘fit’.

The Three Kings category is now our second largest product group and it wouldn’t surprise us if it started to challenge Solar Lighting (our number one category) to be the largest category within the next few years. We are about to open new warehousing and showroom spaces dedicated to Christmas at both our Peterborough and Abingdon locations, so our intent is very clear!

As SGP’s influence on the festive market expands further tell us more about exciting plans for a new showroom and warehouse. Where will they be located?

In Peterborough we will have additional warehousing available from February 2026 plenty of room for a larger stock holding for the 2026 season. While we already have a substantial Christmas Showroom in Peterborough today, from next autumn SGP will have new dedicated Christmas Showrooms available in both Peterborough and Abingdon. They are 50% larger than our current ones, providing the perfect opportunity for customers from all over the country to come and visit at their leisure.

Finally, what do you personally love most about Christmas?

Everyone loves Christmas! It is such a delight to see the excitement on customers’ faces when they come to discuss Christmas, it seems to have a better feel-good factor than any other category.

We also love exhibiting in Harrogate which is such a beautiful place to spend a few days and the exhibition location in the town is really convenient.

For more information visit: www.sgpuk.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show: Hall Q, Stand Q1 32 christmas in january

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PROFILE Puleo

Festive Family

Inspiration

Puleo is one of those heritage Christmas brands with a story that warms the heart. Sarah Welsh spoke to Joe Puleo and Adrian Yapp ahead of the American company once again wowing at Harrogate…

In January at Harrogate Christmas & Gift Joe Puleo will proudly be joined on his family firm’s show stand by son – the fourth generation of worldrenowned experts in beautiful artificial trees and festive home décor.

It was Joe’s grandmother Marion Puleo who sowed the seed that would grow into the Puleo heritage brand. In 1954 she bought an artificial Christmas tree for her New Jersey home and set about adding handcrafted details to make it her own.

Fast forward to today and Puleo is an international brand and iconic name in the festive trade.

Joe, who himself started working in the Puleo Christmas store, then located on the first floor of the family’s factory building in Elizabeth, NJ, in 1968, has a fascinating story to tell.

“My grandparents Joe and Marion Puleo, my father Tony and my Uncle Sal and cousin Joe, both of National Tree Company, all helped shape who I am today,” he explains.

“In the 1970s and 1980s we all worked together at the factory, and from October through December

we’d help out in the retail stores. My grandparents instilled a work ethic that made it normal to work seven days a week during the busy season.

“And from unloading trucks to selling our trees we all worked hard, no job was beneath us.

“Our single Christmas shop morphed into multiple seasonal stores with patio furniture, grills and pools in the off season. I ran the retail stores until 2005 when we closed them to focus on the manufacturing, design and importing of Christmas trees and decorations.

“My father Tony is 90 but still involved with the company, along with my brothers Lewis and Chris.

I took over managing the UK and Europe in 2009 with Adrian and Raymond NG. “My son Steven then joined the business in September 2024 and will now absorb all of our knowledge, and create a future path for the company. I feel blessed to work with all the generations!”

Puleo are known for their high-quality trees, and the breadth of their range. Adrian Yapp from the UK sales team, says: “We have seen a growth in large trees such as the Grand Kensington Pine, perhaps the most majestic of all trees. Supporting this tree is the splendid Aurora, boasting 4758 short needle tips on the seven-foot size and with one thousand LED lights. This tree will dazzle any room.

“If customers need another choice, that’s where the Grand Nottingham fits the bill. A striking tree with an impressive index shape and an absolute delight to decorate, it will adorn a lounge with warmth and beauty.

“For a mid-priced tree, the Belmont Green and

Blue comes brimming with tight clusters of PE tips. There’s a grand, regular and a slim-line tree, supported with a wreath, garland and mini tree.

“Then there’s the Everett Spruce, a delight to decorate. It has a fascinating mixture of PE and PVC tips, with a refined ‘A’ shape and tranquil shade of green, giving it an instinctive forestry look.

“The Parque is the tree for those who want something more individual. Its down-swept tips offer an imposing look that will bring joy for years to come. The delicate Arlington design has fine, earthy green tips, whilst the Lymington has a wonderful cushioned appearance of handstretched downward tips.

“Finally, for those wanting a pre-decorated tree, the Connecticut Spruce has everything. There are regular and slim-line trees with complimentary wreath, garland and mini-tree, and all come with LED lights, baubles and pine cones.”

Adrian says Team Puleo are happy to offer expert advice in creating the right range for buyers. “Our UK showroom is available to visit any time – call 07766 140386, to make an appointment.”

And in terms of what the Christmas season means to the team personally, let’s leave the last word to Joe. “Believe it or not I never get sick of Christmas,” he says. “My wife Carolyn decorates our house like a festive wonderland, with baked goods galore.

“We celebrate with my father – my mum sadly passed away in 2021 – my brothers Lewis, Chris and their families, my three children and four grandchildren. It’s a joyous holiday.”

For more information visit: www.puleointl.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall M, Stand M22 34 christmas in january

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PROFILE The Milford Collection

Home, Family and

Festive Style

Family-run The Milford Company has been supplying beautiful product to the festive and gift retail sectors for more than four decades – so no wonder they instinctively know what customers want. Sarah Welsh spoke to MD David Blower…

“We have a phrase in Welsh called ‘Hiraeth’ which roughly translates as a longing for home and family which I think sums Christmas up perfectly,” says David Blower.

It’s a beautiful sentiment, and one that sits at the core of The Milford Collection, a family-run gift and Christmas distribution business hailing from rural Powys in mid-Wales.

Now, fresh from celebrating the company’s 40th anniversary in 2025, the team is once again heading for Harrogate and then on to Birmingham’s NEC for Spring Fair. Managing Director, David Blower, spoke to CinJ about plans for both shows…

The Milford Company has been supplying gifts for home and garden for 41 years now, what’s the secret to your continued success?

We have always strived to give customers quality products, at affordable prices and great customer service. Our core principle of keeping things simple have served us well during the more difficult years.

2025 must have been a special year for you with your 40th anniversary?

Celebrating 40 years was quite a milestone for us and it was great to share a celebration with our staff, some of whom have been with us since day one.

Do you think the fact you are a family company makes a big difference to your outlook?

I like to think it gives us more empathy with our customers and we are always prepared to go the extra mile. We are determined to remain the opposite of a ‘computer says no’ company!

How long have you been exhibiting at Harrogate and why is Christmas & Gift such an important show for you?

I can’t remember exactly the year we first exhibited at Harrogate but I remember with great clarity how it came about. We had applied to show at Top Drawer but it was deemed our products were not suitable for such a ‘prestigious’ event, so I managed to secure a last-minute stand at Harrogate Christmas. It was only a very small stand and we just had one large basket of our scented pine cones but it turned out to be one of our best trade shows ever.

We are now probably one of the largest suppliers of scented pine cones in the UK with Christmas & Gift our most important show of the year. To accompany our famous scented pine cones, we have now built up an exciting range of products which make up our ‘festive home’ range.

Innovative product design and customer care are key to your company, but what exciting new ranges can you tell us about that you’ll be showcasing at Harrogate?

We are having a total re-brand this year and bringing everything under our Festive Home banner. Our Hero product for Christmas 2026 will still be our Scented Pine Cones in the red organza bag but we are introducing a new Scented Tealight Advent Calendar which has created a great deal of pre-show interest.

Finally, what does Christmas mean to you personally?

I am going to sound very twee here but being a family business, I can honestly say Christmas is about family, especially when we have all been so busy with the pre-Christmas sales. it’s a time to slow down and share the quieter moments.

Are you also going to Spring Fair?

Yes, I first attended the Spring Fair in 1982 when I was working for the Welsh Government. I used to help the smaller craft companies based in Wales with their marketing and we would have craft stands underneath with a mezzanine floor for hospitality, our own stands at Spring Fair are slightly less salubrious. The Spring Fair is also an important show for us and keeps us connected with our customers and to showcase our new product launches.

For more information visit: www.milfordcollection.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall A, Stand A2 Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand C71 36 christmas in january

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PROFILE Weiste

The Stuff of

Fairy Tales

With four generations of festive expertise, Weiste will once again be bringing its beautiful collection of Christmas decorations to Harrogate. Product Director Johanna Weiste spoke to CinJ… There’s more than a century of magic to Finnish festive decoration specialist Weiste.

Hailing from the home of Santa Claus, this family company’s story began life in 1924. It all started with newsagent Kalle Weiste doing a roaring trade with Christmas tree top stars – and 102 years later the team is preparing to unveil a carefully selected preview of its 2026 collection at Harrogate, tailored specially for the UK market.

Trade is now led by the fourth generation of Kalle’s family, and Weiste has continued to focus exclusively on Christmas decorations.

“We’ve built a reputation for quality, consistency and distinctive design,” says Product Director, Johanna Weiste. “We’re particularly well known for decorative garlands, and our 40 years of supplying the UK market has given us a strong understanding of local retail trends and consumer preferences.”

The 2026 Weiste collection offers versatile themes designed to perform across a range of retail settings. Enchanted Luxe pairs rich burgundy with classic Christmas red and antique green, delivering depth and traditional appeal with a contemporary edge.

Cashmere Cocoa introduces warm, layered browns softened with subtle pink accents, ideal for modern interiors and coordinated displays.

And Arctic Diamond brings light and sparkle to winter merchandising, offering a fresh, elegant look with strong visual impact.

At the heart of Weiste’s offering is its inhouse design capability, allowing for cohesive

collections and reliable continuity season after season. Part of the company’s unique style is the inspiration it draws from the Finnish winter landscape, snow, ice and forest wildlife that gives the range a distinctive identity that appeals across international markets.

Weiste has been closely associated with tinsel since the company was founded. It was one of its earliest products and is still a best-selling category today. And while the collection has expanded significantly over the decades, tinsel continues to anchor Weiste’s product portfolio, alongside new developments.

The Christmas collection is also complemented by Weiste’s iconic decorative mice and elegant glass ornaments, offering retailers strong add-on potential and cohesive storytelling at shelf and display level.

So, with a balance of proven bestsellers, fresh design direction and market-led themes, the 2026 collection is set to provide retailers with a flexible and commercially sound assortment for the festive season ahead.

For more information visit www.weiste.com/en Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall M, Stand M25 38 christmas in january

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PROFILE Benross

Licensed to thrill

at Harrogate!

With exciting new licensing deals with Coca-Cola and The Smiley Company among the wealth of festive and gifting ranges they’re bringing to Harrogate, the Benross team can’t wait for Christmas & Gift. CinJ spoke to Benross’ Amit Juneja…

How long has Benross Marketing been trading, and what’s the story behind the company?

We have been trading for 26 years now.

My father took over Benross in 1999 when it went into trouble, and since then the business has undergone many changes, however Christmas has always been an important part of the business You offer a massive breadth of product across categories, but how important is Christmas to that offering?

We used to have over 5,000 products, but now it’s more like 1,600.

Christmas and gifting is still the biggest part of the business, doing over £10 million.

The business has two main categories. There’s myself heading

40 christmas in january

up seasonal and gifting, and Adam Freeman our senior brand manager on the household goods side where we offer iconic names such as Black & Decker in bins and laundry, Polaroid batteries as well as our own SDA brand Quest.

You have established a base in China, do you work exclusively with a lot of factories there? How much of an impact does this have on your festive product portfolio?

We have an office in Ningbo, where most of Christmas products do come from. It’s so important to us to have people on the ground there for sourcing but mainly for quality control, ensuring we work with the best factories. I go out several times during the year, and even lived in the Far East for a year in my early twenties so am very familiar with that side of the world.

Your showroom is in Liverpool - are you inundated with buyer visits with Christmas retail in mind?

With the onset of zoom and teams the showroom visits are less than what I remember before Covid. Personally, I still feel coming to the showroom and seeing everything, making those small changes is still the best way to do your festive buying. We have a wonderful showroom and are down the road from Liverpool Airport so have great transport links.

You offer festive lighting, artificial trees and decorations - what have been some of your bestsellers for Christmas 2025 and what product looks set to fly for Christmas 2026?

Infinity mirrored lighting still seem to be the best-selling items of the new

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ranges, and although we have seen a rush of new colours, warm white is still by far the favoured colour of LED lights people want. We have some other new lines where we simply did not buy enough so we look forward to sharing those with our customers at Harrogate.

showcase Christmas, and I’ve not met anyone who doesn’t love the town, its people and restaurants. We haven’t shown at Spring Fair for a few years now, but we are available for meetings and some specials in the Holiday Inn hotel during the NEC show.

“theOver last

decade we You’re also taking Halloween ranges to show - what you can tell us about have been the the collections you’ll be exhibiting for through buyers? pink, black We do a select range of Halloween and and white Autumnal décor of the best sellers we no one should be without. Autumn trees but feel décor has become bigger and bigger, with I think we Halloween now a clearly important fixture are back for households with children. to a more What ranges will you be showcasing at important are licensing traditional How Harrogate? collaborations for Benross? look now Licensing is about 30% of our sales so yes, very We are delighted to be bringing to life What trends are standing out for next Christmas - in terms of tree selection, lighting and also colour fashions for decorations?

Over the last decade we have been through pink, black and white trees but I think we are back to a more traditional look now. That’s my personal preference anyway, and if your artificial tree can look almost real, I think that’s the secret.

our Coca-Cola Christmas ranges, with the famous cola santa, polar bear, trucks and train. I’m sure it will spark the festive spirit to retailers and their customers.

We will also of course bring our own the Christmas Workshop new launches and Global Gizmos new ranges of gifts and gadgets.

We’ve been showing at Harrogate for over 15 years. For me it’s the only place to

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important for us, and it is listed with some of the greatest retailers in the world such as Tesco, and Costco. A blend of OEM and licenses is what every retailer should have, it gives confidence to customers, and that something different when someone wants it.

What can you tell us about new licensing deals with Coca-Cola and The Smiley Company?

In Coca-Cola we have festive décor and lights and novelty gifting. The response so far has been Great and we can’t wait to show the Harrogate faithful. The Smiley Company has huge collabs with some great companies so we are delighted to be able to bring exciting products such as night lights, lava lamps and more to our customers.

Finally, what does Christmas mean to you personally?

Well with two young children Christmas has an even more special meaning to me now as they are still believers and it is a magical time of the year. It means lots of warm food, theatre trips and nights out with friends. Also, fun fact, I proposed to my wife on Christmas day!

For more information visit: www.benross.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall B, Stand B18 christmas in january 41

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PROFILE FDL

Quality, cost and Innovation from FDL FDL will continue to supply the wholesale, retail and commercial design markets with the focus very much on QUALITY, COST AND INNOVATION.

The company will be presenting many new lines for 2026 extending the range of Firelamps and Simuflame candle sets.

FDL will also be introducing a new range of Festoon party lights plus a range of deluxe outdoor acrylic Reindeers.They will also be introducing a new range of XL-XP light strings and XP SYNCHRONE RGB remote controllable light sets.

FDL will be introducing the XP-aluminium frame motifs which are suitable for both commercial and domestic use.

The company would also like to invite you to make an appointment to view their complete range of products in their South Manchester showroom. Alternatively, they can have one of their sales team visit you at your preferred location.

FIRELAMP ™ The FDL Firelamp range has been extended for 2026. They supply lamps with both E14 and E27 fittings. 64 & 96 surface mounted diode (SMD) versions are available. The

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company also have the FIRELAMP TORCH which has proven to be extremely popular for both the summer and winter seasons and have introduced the FIRELAMP TORCH with solar power for 2026.

FDL believe that there are many inferior copies on the market and suggest you come and see the original FIRELAMP range for yourself.

SIMUFLAME™ The company now have an extensive range of Simuflame candles for 2026. Some with wax pool and deluxe flame. The collection includes sets of three, with both timer and remote in a variety of colours and diameters.

They also have a giant 15cm diameter candle range which can be powered by battery, giving an incredible 1,500+ hours of burning time. Alternatively, they can be used in conjunction with the SIMUFLAME power pack and plugged directly into the mains.

XP RANGE FDL have added XP SYNCHCRONE RGB light strings and XP-XL light strings to the already extensive range of XP products. The XP SYNCHCRONE is a remote controlled set with 8 colour modes, 6 function effects and 2 speed options.

The XL-XP is a 8mm LED with a 10mm concave cap and can be supplied either static or with a random twinkle. This product is proving popular in both the commercial and retail sectors.

CANDLED The company are exclusive distributors for this LED candle range made in Devon in the heart of the Tamar valley. Candled pride themselves on being a luxury brand with a real wax finish and an elegant life-like flame which contains 14 SMD’s per flame!

The candles are extremely realistic in colour texture, wick and flicker. Now used by the National Trust and event venues across the UK. They are a perfect addition for any setting.

For more information visit www.FDL.Li Contact: 0161 4747 772 or email: Frits@FDL.eu or Robert@FDL.Li christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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PROFILE Premier - National Tree

Leading the

way for 2026

After an exceptional year, The Tree Company is ready to build on its success with the launch of a vibrant new collection for 2026. This season introduces a refined selection of premium, top-tier trees at margin advantageous price points—while still delivering the outstanding quality and value our customers expect.

With nearly 4 decades of experience, we’ve taken our well-loved Natural Look collections and evolved them into a more curated, trendled range. Our latest developments have been shaped by shifting consumer tastes and invaluable insight from our trade partners.

Quality remains the cornerstone of everything we do. Every tree undergoes rigorous QA checks throughout the production process, and all trees and floristry items are made using flame-retardant PVC for enhanced safety.

Additional quality procedures, including tilt and sharp-point testing, are carried out at source to ensure each product meets our exacting standards.

In 2026, we’re further reducing nonrecyclable plastics and proudly maintaining our FSC® accreditation. Sustainability continues to influence how we design, manufacture, and package every product.

As retail demands evolve, so does our packaging. We’ve introduced durable, high-grade corrugated boxes engineered to perform through courier delivery systems.

Each box is now under 1.2m in length, reducing storage requirements and transport costs, while making trees easier to repack after the festive season.

To ensure lasting shape and beauty, we use 100% virgin PVC across most of our range. Our 8ft trees are now supplied in four simple, easy-to-assemble sections for greater durability and convenience.

“

In 2026, we’re further reducing non-recyclable plastics and proudly maintaining our FSC® accreditation.

”

Floristry was one of our strongest growth categories in 2025, and it continues to expand for 2026. The new collection includes everything from premium dressed floristry to excellent-value naked wreaths and garlands.

Wreaths are supplied in FSDUs for flexible in-store merchandising, encouraging crosssales with our tree range.

We understand the challenges of today’s fast-moving retail landscape. To support you, we now provide a comprehensive photo library for every product, including bright, modern lifestyle images , along with full specifications and media packages.

We are proud to announce that Premier Decorations continues as the EXCLUSIVE UK supplier of National Tree Company®

products. As a leader in festive and seasonal décor, we remain committed to bringing our customers the very best in quality, innovation and design.

National Tree Company® is a globally recognised brand with more than 60 years of expertise in crafting premium artificial Christmas trees and festive décor. Their trees are celebrated for their exceptional construction, impressive tip counts and unrivalled realism.

The range spans 6ft to 12ft, with selected models featuring the revolutionary ‘Real Feel’ PE Tip Technology. Developed from moulds of real branches, this technology delivers stunning natural detail and a remarkably lifelike appearance.

Traditionally known for the iconic A-frame American-style Christmas tree, National Tree Company® now also offers designs inspired by a more European aesthetic — combining natural form, realistic foliage and refined shaping to reflect evolving customer preference.

Built for both display and durability, every tree benefits from enhanced construction for longlasting enjoyment. Pre-lit options include a variety of bulb and LED styles, including the much-loved classic fairy bulb cap.

To complement the Premier collection, we also offer a full range of wreaths and garlands, crafted to the same exceptional standard.

This exclusive partnership ensures that Premier Decorations offers the most comprehensive range available in the UK market.

View the entire range at the Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair in Hall H Sunday 10th to Wednesday 14th January

For more information visit: www.premierdec.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show: Hall H 44 christmas in january

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Christmas Village Pottery

Xmas Treasures

Christmas Pebble Glass Frames

snoozies!® Pairables

Equilibrium Novelty Christmas Moving Earrings

Tel: 0161 975 6300 *LIWV 7RGD\ &KULVWPDV ,Q -DQXDU\ )3 LQGG

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

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PROFILE Out of the Blue Studios

Spreading

Christmas Cheer Out of the Blue Studios isn’t just about innovative greetings card designs and sustainability, the progressive take also extends to their charitable giving. Sales Director Pete Rawlinson told CinJ what they have in store for Harrogate…

Building on a brilliant debut at Christmas & Gift in 2025, Out of the Blue Studios will once again be bringing their festive range to Harrogate.

This award-winning company is well known for its Christmas Boxed Collection, Counter and Gift Bag range alongside ‘everyday’ products to shout about. But other big plans for them for this year involve partnering with carefully chosen charity Spread A Smile, which brings joy and laughter to seriously ill children across the UK, through hospital visits, virtual sessions and family events.

All of Out of the Blue’s 2026 product range will feature messaging about Spread A Smile, alongside donation details, and the company will be making a minimum gift to this incredible cause themselves of £10,000. The hope is to bring the charity to a broader audience via the Christmas Counter and Boxed collection, gift bags and money wallets. Sales Director and Coowner Pete Rawlinson told CinJ more about the brand’s festive plans…

How was your experience at the 2025 Christmas & Gift show, particularly as firsttime exhibitors?

We had a fantastic debut and it was a pleasure to be involved in such a welcoming event.

We had plenty of visitors to our stand to see launch of our Christmas Boxed, Counter and Gift Bags collection.

What are you looking forward to particularly at the 2026 show?

We’re excited to be launching our superb Christmas 2026 Boxed, Counter and even bigger Gift Bag Range. And this is alongside our new Everyday Gift Bag collection.

Harrogate is such a welcoming event for all exhibitors, and visitors seem to enjoy the whole experience of the show and the beautiful town as a whole.

How big a portion of your portfolio of card designs are Christmas ones?

About 30% of our designs are dedicated to Christmas and with such a large range we have designs to suit all tastes.

You’re known for award-winning designs.

What do you think it is that buyers look for when choosing card suppliers – particularly for the festive season?

I think buyers want up to date, fresh, commercial designs at attractive price points. Quality product is one of the key drivers to deliver on for our customers.

How important is sustainability to you as a business?

It’s very important. All of our products are free from glitter and produced on FSC accredited, sustainably sourced board and paper.

What ranges are you most excited about showcasing at Harrogate in January?

We have so much to shout about! Our Christmas 2026 collection is a superb range of Boxed, Counter and Gift Bags, which is now supported with our amazing charity partner, Spread A Smile.

Also, our brand-new Everyday Gift Bag collection is a must-see and complements our Everyday Counter Card and Wrap ranges.

For more information visit: www.outofthebluestudios.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall A, Stand A26 46 christmas in january

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Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair Hall A stand A5

Spring Fair Hall 5 Stands K30/L31

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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PROFILE Floralsilk

Festive Style Powered by

Imagination

Inspired by the magic of childhood stories, Floralsilk’s Christmas & Gift show stand promises to be poignant and memorable for 2026. Sarah Welsh spoke to head of marketing Kirsty Gaunt…

Floralsilk has been a veteran exhibitor at Christmas & Gift over the years - why is the show so important to you as a company?

Christmas & Gift has always been a hugely important date in the Floralsilk calendar. It’s the perfect event that allows us to present our new collections in person, enabling customers to experience the quality, detail and scale of the products firsthand. More importantly it gives us the opportunity to connect with our customers and meet many new ones!

Many of our customers return year after year so it is truly a delight to meet them again at Harrogate and walk them through the new collection. We strive to inspire and excite our customers so in turn they can inspire and excite theirs and Harrogate is the best place to do that.

You’re one of the main attractions in Hall B for 2026 - what can you tell us about your show stand and the visual merchandising inspiration you’ll be bringing to Harrogate?

This year our stand will be fully merchandised into distinct themes, taking inspiration from the magic of childhood stories — those timeless narratives that evoke warmth, nostalgia and imagination. Each themed area will tell its own story through colour, texture and detail, helping retailers visualise how

the collections can be translated into immersive in-store displays. Our aim is to spark creativity, offer practical merchandising ideas and remind visitors why Christmas décor should feel truly magical.

How important is Christmas to the company as a category?

As a brand we want to bring joy into consumers’ homes and Christmas décor is a perfect way of delivering that. Over the years Christmas has grown to become a significant category for us and one we love to build on year on year – our customers rely on us to bring newness and innovation and every new collection delivers on that, with this years’ range including at least 45% new designs.

Is this something that has grown significantly in recent years?

Yes, it has grown significantly. Demand has increased as consumers invest more in their homes and seek high-quality, long-lasting decorations. At the same time, retailers are placing greater emphasis on innovative collections and trusted suppliers, which has helped maintain Floralsilk’s strong growth momentum within the Christmas category

popular. Tree skirts to complement our artificial Christmas trees is a new addition to the range, and we’ll advent calendars and shatterproof baubles.

Building on the success of bouquets on our consumer website, we’ll also be launching seasonal bouquets as part of the collection What perennial best-sellers always go down well at the show?

Our faux wreaths and garlands and floral stems always do well and tree decorations of course! Every year we bring newness which is always a strong seller too if that counts.

And will you also be exhibiting at Spring Fair?

Not this year – Harrogate is our focus for 2026. But we will be showcasing some of our spring product at Harrogate.

Please can you give some detail about your decorating themes - colour inspirations etc?

Every year we do extensive research into up-coming trends, alongside a deep understanding of what our customers and the end consumers are looking for.

This allows us to create a collection, organised into clear themes to help the customer navigate easily through our biggest ever collection. Each collection is generally curated by complimenting colours, materials and finishes – which in turn inspire our customers as to how they can merchandise in their own displays.

What exciting new products will you be showcasing at Harrogate?

For 2026 we will be introducing new statement wreaths and garlands, as these always prove incredibly

For more information visit: www.floralsilk.co.uk/trade Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall B, Stands B2, B7 and B9 48 christmas in january

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Harrog Christm ate as & Gif t Stand A 14

“Join us at Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair 2026 and discover the latest from Maple Moon.

As we continue to branch out beyond Christmas, we are excited to present designs created for all seasons of the yer.

Explore our much loved Classic Enamel range, featuring timeless favourites alongside exciting new designs including the Official Tunnocks

Teacake, Tractor, New Baby, and a joyful selection of spring and Autumn decorations.

We are also delighted to introduce our brand new Felt and Fabric collection, showcasing decadent embroidered velvet decorations alongside charming, cute felted designs.

Beautifully made, full of character, and designed to delight. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand A14”

www.gibsonplus.com | 028 9191 8801 | sales@gibsonplus.co.uk

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INTERVIEW Snowtime

Wallace & Gromit

join the Snowtime family Trans-Continental, the company behind the well known Christmas brand SnowTime, has taken the decision to consolidate its activities and focus mainly on fob and direct container business in future.

Chairman Mike Withers commented “With the lease on our warehouse, which we have occupied for more than 25 years, coming up for renewal, and complications following the hacking of our systems by Russian criminals last year; we have decided to take this step. Many of our customers order in full container loads anyway and discussions as to the way forward have been ongoing within the company for a couple of years. The wild fluctuations in freight rates following the upheaval of the pandemic have rendered this step inevitable.

In acknowledgement of the fact that some smaller sized products, such as Christmas lights, can make filling a container difficult, we have been working for some time on offering customers a service whereby goods from different manufacturers can be shipped together. We are now able to consolidate goods from five separate factories into one container. There are no added costs for this service, meaning customers can be price competitive while not taking unnecessary risks with stock”.

CHRISTMAS TRENDS The Christmas market is evolving rapidly, where people used to wait until well into December before putting up the tree, we are now seeing trees going up and houses decorated from midNovember. This is having the effect of elongating the season (no bad thing) and bringing customers into retailer’s premises earlier than

50 christmas in january

used to be the case. Added to the much longer shipping times from the Far East, customers are requesting earlier delivery dates so as not to miss the start of the season. That, of course, relies upon retailers placing their orders in good time, certainly before the end of January. The perennial problem that British Christmas suppliers face is the priority manufacturers will always give to the vastly greater orders coming from the USA. Therefore, we strive always to utilise a factory’s low season to make our stock, before the so called “golden period” in June and July when production lines are full of goods earmarked for Home Depot and Walmart etc.

One trend we have noticed in recent years is the growing popularity of cluster or compact lights for trees. They do look more attractive than strings but consumers have to be aware that they are shorter than the traditional product and two or three sets may be required to dress the tree (again, no bad thing!).

We have also seen a growing trend for mixed cool and ice white lights, a combination we first tried 10 years ago, sometimes you can be too early.

Wallace and Gromit The company has announced the launch of a new licence to market Christmas products featuring Aardman’s beloved characters Wallace & Gromit.

Managing Director Sara Murray commented ’this is an exciting opportunity to develop products based on such well-loved characters, known throughout the world. Our designers have been working for months creating an exciting product range which will be showcased to customers in the new year. It is particularly pleasing as the creator of the series, Nick Park, is from Preston, just a few miles from our offices in Blackpool.’The new range will complement the company’s other licensed brands, the highly successful The Snowman, The Snowman and The Snowdog and the hugely popular Richard MacNeil artwork.

The company will be exhibiting at Harrogate where it will launch the new Wallace & Gromit range of licensed Christmas product.

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

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PROFILE Davies Products

Looking for something different?

For more information visit: www.daviesproducts.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall B, Stand 5B

52 christmas in january

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2026

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INTERVIEW Tallon

Christmas Cards and Creative Appeal

These days technology might be fast-paced, but there’s a lot to be said for slowing down for beautiful stationery. That’s certainly the view of Tallon International’s Creative Director, Barry Heath…

With more than 50 years of expertise, Tallon International are most certainly ‘the stationery people’ – a company strapline that has now become a registered trademark.

Founded back in 1972, the company remains family-owned and now employs over 50 dedicated staff at the Coventry base. Tallon has grown to become one of the leading suppliers of stationery, arts and craft supplies, seasonal products and diaries and calendars in the UK. Plus, with the brand’s full in-house studio there are perfectly placed to help other companies plan own-label projects. But for Harrogate Christmas & Gift and Spring Fair, it’s all about show-casing their stylish collections.

CinJ spoke to Creative Director, Barry Heath, to find out more…

The Tallon team is back at Harrogate for the 2026 show. What are you looking forward to?

We can’t wait to showcase our new collection in its entirety, and for this year, our evergrowing range of cards, wrap, bags and Christmas Artbox.

What exciting product ranges can visitors to your show stand expect to see?

We have just launched a brand-new Christmas Artbox collection featuring all kinds of creative play and activity products which are best sellers from our Artbox colour and activity everyday range, giving customers a very good sellthrough and profit options.

A reputation for being environmentally aware has been key to your success in recent years - how are you expanding on this?

We’re fully EUDR ready, and continue to be FSC certified on virtually ALL paper product across our range of 2500 SKUs. We implemented the OPRL recycle nomenclature over two years ago so are more than ready for the new regulations on recycling symbology for 2026.

Which ranges tend to sell well for you each year for Christmas?

Our extensive collection of gift bags but our Christmas activity collection is definitely set to cause a stir!

Stationery has historically and continues to be an important part of Christmas for consumers - with Christmas cards still really popular in an increasingly techdriven world. Why is this the case?

I feel technology is outpacing the needs of the general consumer so stationery is still a simple and functional part of everyday life, both at Christmas and all year round. We are ‘the stationery people’ - a strapline we have adopted over the past three years and it is now a registered trademark.

Finally, what does Christmas mean to you personally?

I’m a traditionalist so it means family time, relaxation and reflecting on the year past and the year ahead.

For more information visit: www.tallon.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall C, Stand C19 Spring Fair: Hall 1, Stand D11-E10 54 christmas in january

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

Come and see us at the

HARROGATE Christmas & Gift Fair

10th–14th January, /´úúǍ`ǚ

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

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PROFILE Bigjigs

Creative play to

move and delight Bigjigs Toys offers the ideal platform for timeless festive favourites and exciting new gift ideas. The 2026 collection has been thoughtfully designed to deliver strong gift appeal and lasting play value For 2026, Bigjigs Toys have an exceptional collection of playthings that will delight both children and retailers, and will be showcasing everything from their traditional wooden playsets, favourites from the Bigjigs Rail range, fresh Christmas-themed creative kits from their Fiesta Crafts and the Buttonbag range, along with new options from the Bigjigs Toys distribution brands, including the latest NeeDoh advent calendar.

Harrogate Christmas & Gift is a perfect opportunity for the company to highlight the gift value of their traditional wooden toys including the Nativity Set. This beautifully designed playset features everything you need to bring the story of Christmas to life, including all of the nativity characters, wooden stables with working doors and a felt floor for easy set-up. Made from premium quality, sustainable FSC Certified wood and coloured with child-friendly paints, the set not only provides a wealth of play and learning value but can also be used as a festive playroom decoration.

This playset is a charming gift that will stand the test of time, becoming a yearly Christmas tradition, making it a wonderful option for retailers looking for long-lasting classics.

From Bigjigs Rail, there is a collection of timeless wooden trains and train sets, including their Christmas Train. A great addition to any wooden railway set, the Christmas Train is the perfect small gift or stocking filler for the festive season. It features a quintessential red and green engine along with 3 carriages with present designs. Great for imaginative play and children’s motor skills, Children can spot Santa driving the train and a little elf sitting in one of the carriages as they move the train along the track, delivering presents as they go. This set also includes two pieces of wooden track and a buffer, so children can build up their collection, offering up more opportunities for retailers to expand their selection of wooden railway toys. The Christmas train is eco-friendly as it is crafted with sustainably sourced FSC Certified wood.

56 christmas in january

Bigjigs toys also introduce new additions to their Buttonbag range. The perfect Christmas gift for little crafters, these neat suitcases are filled with materials and tools to make different craft projects, from felt and clay to safe knitting needles and thread. For a festive creative session, try the Christmas Calendar Kit, which includes pre-cut shapes, pompoms and thread so you can make your own countdown to Christmas. You can also get creative with your tree ornaments using the Clay Christmas Decorations set, complete with clay, paints, stamps and threads. Each craft set comes in a handy suitcase for maximum portability, so children can engage in creative play on the go and tidy up easily when they’re finished.

These beautifully designed suitcases also mean that storing and displaying the Buttonbags is quick and simple.

For more creative Christmas inspiration, the Fiesta Crafts range offers up inspiring, imaginative toys and craft kits. The Santa and Elf finger puppets are intricately designed with wood and embroidered clothing. The Santa puppet, featuring a jolly red suit and matching hat with a charming belt detail to set the scene for Christmas, whereas the elf figures are crafted with bright costumes and bell details, adding a

bit of extra magic to playtime. Children can collect all the finger puppets to make their own Christmas scene or direct a puppet show in their own home. Highly collectable and perfectly sized for small hands the finger puppets are ideal stocking fillers.

Brand new from the Bigjigs Toys distribution brand, NeeDoh, is the latest version of the NeeDoh Advent Calendar. Always in high demand each Christmas, the NeeDoh Advent Calendar 2026 offers 24 days of merry squishes, with each door revealing a brand-new mini NeeDoh to squeeze and stretch. Safe, non-toxic and filled with NeeDoh’s signature dough-like material, each mini squish snaps back to shape after every squeeze. It’s a brilliant way to keep little hands busy and spirits bright all season long, making a fantastic gift for children aged 3 plus. Check out the full range of NeeDoh toys for more stocking filler inspiration with a collection of these fun and mindful fidget toys.

Bigjigs Toys offers the ideal platform for timeless festive favourites and exciting new gift ideas. The 2026 collection has been thoughtfully designed to deliver strong gift appeal and lasting play value.

With a continued focus on quality, sustainability and imaginative play, Bigjigs Toys remains a trusted partner for retailers looking to offer meaningful gifts that resonate with modern families.

For more information visit: www.bigjigstoys.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall G, Stand G8 christmasinjanuary.co.uk

Tel: 01686 629919. Email: john@milfordcollection.com www.milfordcollection.com HARROGATE CHRISTMAS: HALL A, STAND A2

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INTERVIEW Joe Davies

Something New for

Christmas

Last year Joe Davies were the comeback kings at Christmas & Gift, and for 2026 the team is returning once again with more festive flair than ever.

Sarah Welsh spoke to Sales Director David Cree…

2025 marked the first time in five years that Joe Davies exhibited at Harrogate. How was the comeback show for you?

We were extremely pleased to return to the Harrogate Fair in 2025 and the show went very well for us. Customers both old and new were really pleased to see us and we were absolutely delighted with their response to our range.

What is it about Christmas & Gift as a show in particular that is good for business?

The timing of the show is key really.

Customers have just come out of the busy trading season and what worked for them is fresh in their mind. The Harrogate show is the best place to meet Christmas-specific buyers and to help to put to bed a really key category before Spring Fair.

As an exhibitor it offers the perfect start to the year. It allows us to fine tune our Christmas ranges prior to the NEC show, and means we can get an early steer as to the key winners for 2026.

How many product ranges are you taking to Harrogate?

We will have hundreds of brand-new Christmas items across a number of collections at the fair. Highlights include new Christmas jewellery from our best-selling Equilibrium collection and hundreds of new Joe Davies branded items. As the UK’s

58 christmas in january

largest distributor of the Leonardo Collection from Lesser & Pavey, in small quantities, we’ll also be showing their Christmas range.

What’s the split between Christmas and general gifting ranges?

Sales of Christmas-specific products at the fair are important, but fourth quarter sales are not just about festive product. We will also have a huge range of gift lines that sell particularly well in this key season.

Highlights include our best-selling snoozies!® collection – a crossover between socks and slippers. They sell fantastically well, in fact we have sold enough snoozies!® for one in every 20 women in the UK to own a pair!

Other collections to look out for include our range of boxed Equilibrium accessories. Bang on trend and beautifully presented, this exciting range of hats, scarves and gloves are a tremendous present for men and women as well being an ideal self purchase.

And sales of our Nuzzles slipper socks also continue to be really strong. We have Nuzzles for ladies, men and kids with designs suitable for all ages and tastes.

With retail prices starting at just £4.99 for toddlers Nuzzles they are an ideal Christmas stocking filler.

We can even supply a free spinner for customers who order our starter packs!

Which product areas look like being the biggest festive sellers for you for 2026?

Highland Coos are definitely having their moment and their popularity looks set to continue. We have a number of ‘new coos’ to help make the most of this growing trend.

Light-up decorations are also getting bigger every year and we have lots of new additions to the collection. Practical and useful gifts like frames and kitchenware will be high on customer shopping lists, and snowmen, Santas and reindeers are also perennially popular.

What trends are standing out for you in terms of product design?

Christmas is a time where memories are made. People want to remember the better times and so more classic traditional colours will be making a comeback with metallic and light up decorations for some added fun.

Our range of glass trees have been in our collection for a long time and still are amongst our best sellers.

Ceramics always perform well particularly our Xmas Village Pottery Collection that goes from strength to strength, and is really collectable.

And Leonardo Christmas table top ranges are always well received.

What can you tell us about your plans for Spring Fair?

At the NEC we will have more than 8,000 gift ideas, including 1,500 brand new items on our spacious hall 4 stand.

Spring Fair has a number of unique benefits for us. It is the best attended fair by far and it gives us a unique opportunity to present our range to the all the key decision makers in the trade. Customers are not short on opinions, and you get instant feedback on your range from the thousands of people who attend.

It is also an international fair and we have many export customers who come to Birmingham.

For more information visit: www.joedavies.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall C, Stand C22 Spring Fair: Stand 4C10-D11, 4C20-D21 christmasinjanuary.co.uk

PROFILES

All Wrapped Up

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‘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

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PROFILE Keel Toys

A Christmas full of Character The catchphrase ‘loved by customers, trusted by retailers’ is snappy and memorable, but also on the money when it comes to beloved soft toy brand Keel Toys. Sarah Welsh spoke to Head of Design, Patrick Downs…

Keel Toys know exactly what it is that their customers – both festive and gift-led – are looking for.

They understand that for retailers, what’s on the shelves in a shop and how they are displayed, tell a very important story. That’s why they design soft toys that customers fall in love with, while also offering retailers what they need to succeed – dependable stock, competitive pricing and sustainability, via the Keeleco collection.

Keel products have built a loyal consumer following over the years because they look beautiful and are full of character. And now Keel is taking more than 100 new designs to Harrogate Christmas & Gift.

“The 2025 Christmas & Gift Fair was our most successful to date,” says Keel’s Head of Design, Patrick Downs. “Now the upcoming 2026 show promises to be even bigger and better for us.

“At Keel Toys we look at the Harrogate Fair as the perfect way to start the year off meeting our customers and also welcoming some new ones into the enchanting world of Keel Toys. It also provides our customers the very first opportunity to preview and order over 100 new items from the 2026 collection.”

Farm, Sealife and Dinosaur collections.

And Keel will also be introducing the Keeleco Botanical Garden – 12 beautiful plants and flowers made from the most luxurious velvet fabrics. The vibrant designs in this coveted collection include snowdrops to pansies and succulents to cherry blossoms.

Even the most unsuccessful gardener will be able to keep this wonderful collection in bloom all year round!

Six years of Keeleco Since the Keeleco range launched in January 2020 at London’s Toy Fair, Keel Toys has recycled over a billion water bottles in the manufacture of this truly remarkable range.

Harrogate visitors will be able to check out the Keeleco Wildlife,

Charm on your arm Keeleco Bag Charms offer a brilliantly comprehensive collection of charms, ranging from Sealife and Wildlife to Food and Plants. These mini masterpieces include an exclusive Keel Toys logo spinner. Paired with a specially designed display spinner stand, these charms will steal the spotlight in any store.

Seasonal delights Buyers heading to Christmas & Gift will also discover Keel’s seasonal ranges, highlighting cutting-edge fabric innovation. The huskies, reindeers and snowmen aren’t just simply irresistible, they’re also fashioned from luxe fabrics that are eco-friendly.

And the Christmas collection also allows retailers to add whimsical charm to their shelves with adorable cosy, festive-themed characters relaxing on their own mini sofas. For Halloween there’s spooky fun to be had with scented bakery, bats and cute mini ghosts.

Also, from Keeleco comes the Enchanted World range, featuring the most luxurious eco polyester ever seen on a soft toy. They have to be hugged to be believed! The collection has 12 captivating animal friends to choose from, including tigers, snow leopards, foxes and highland cows.

Open all hours Keel’s recently launched E-commerce platform puts everything buyers need at their fingertips, anytime, anywhere, 24/7. The platform enables you to access real time live stock availability, full order and invoicing history, downloadable product assets, and smart search tools - all designed to make sourcing simple, fast, and stress-free.

Keel recognises that when a retailer’s ordering system runs as smoothly as the shop floor, a business moves with ease.

For more information visit: www.keeltoys.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall A, Stand A11 Spring Fair: Hall 5, Stand H20-J2 60 christmas in january

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PROFILE Giftware Trading

A busy year for

Giftware Trading Christmas in January Editor Sarah Welsh poses a few questions to company M.D. and founder Ben Jeffrey

How has 2025 been for Giftware Trading and the team?

2025 has been another busy year. The start of the year is always extremely busy ensuring that the new Christmas ranges are all ready for Harrogate Christmas and Gift and then we move onto The Spring Fair. Orders were placed with our suppliers even earlier last year which meant getting deliveries earlier which seems to be more crucial than ever. We then have a buying trip in April selecting and working on the forthcoming Easter and Spring ranges which we show for the first time at the Harrogate Home and Gift fair in July. After the Summer fair in Harrogate our focus very much switches to the start of receiving Christmas deliveries. There is another buying trip in October where we are then working on all the new Christmas ranges for the start of the New Year. Christmas was extremely busy once again with repeat orders coming thick and fast right up to the last minute.

Receiving repeat orders is a great barometer to see how busy our customers have been.

Why is Harrogate Christmas & Gift always an important show for you?

Harrogate Christmas & Gift is the first time we show our new Christmas ranges and being able to see so many customers that early in the year really helps with planning. Customer were really keen to place orders early last year which helped so much with us being able to place orders earlier with our suppliers and confirm early shipping dates. Harrogate has become such an important show to us that we have managed to secure more space for 2026 which will enable us to show more Easter and Spring ranges which have become very popular.

You also exhibit at Spring Fair - what’s the particular appeal of the NEC show for you? It’s a real contrast to Harrogate do you find?

After Harrogate we have a week back in Bristol and then we are off again to The Spring Fair. Spring Fair has a very different feel to Harrogate and due to its wide selection of sectors attracts so many different buyers from so many different fields. Where Harrogate feels manageable and has its own unique charm the Spring Fair is vast and has a more international feel.

I think both shows really complement each other and many buyers we see in Harrogate will be buying for other areas at the Spring Fair rather than Christmas as they

would have almost completed this at Harrogate.

Which festive ranges are you looking forward to showcasing in 2026?

We always put a huge importance of offering many new ranges at the start of every year and 2026 will not disappoint. We will offer more new lines for Christmas than ever before and a real focus on our own developments which have proven so popular over the last few years. We have expanded certain popular ranges and hopefully customers will be thrilled with what they find!

What do you think will be the biggest selling trends for xmas 2026?

I think comical and items with personality will be popular and if something makes people smile then you may be on to something. I am sure festive Highland cows will once again prove popular if last year is anything to go by. I am sure more neutral colours will be popular and lastly trends which have a sense of nostalgia.

Finally, what does Christmas mean to you personally?

Having three children certainly makes Christmas busy but very enjoyable. Other family members descend on us for a few days which always gives Christmas a sense of tradition.

Thankfully our children have moved on from anything which needs assembling, now it is more a case of me asking them to help with some form of technology.

For more information visit: www.giftwaretrading.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show: Hall A, Stand A30 62 christmas in january

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PROFILE Premier Halloween

Autumn & Halloween 2026

when two become one There has been a huge amount of development work this year across our other divisions which customers have welcome during their showroom visits.

The Autumn and Halloween seasons beautifully overlap, sharing a rich, harmonious colour story – so we at Premier have combined them into one inspiring catalogue.

Our new Autumn range is unveiled in all its splendour, with tones of oranges, deep yellows, olive, and cinnamon across a wide range of home décor items. Explore our exclusive Flickabrights candles, elegant glass ornaments, charming lit and unlit houses, rustic woodland creatures, ambient lighting, and stunning floristry: a collection crafted to ignite excitement for the season ahead.

Scentsicles return to elevate the experience with captivating new fragrances Apples & Autumn. Pumpkin & Cider, and Into the Vanilla Woods each evoking the comforting warmth of cosy evenings and crackling fires as the nights draw in.

As we transition into Halloween, the palette comes alive with punchy hues of

lime green, purple, orange, and black.

This year’s collection takes on a softer, more playful tone, featuring room and party decorations, quirky plush characters, exclusive Ghost characters and our beautiful, exclusive Flickabrights candles paired with matching lanterns. Traditional favourites remain too - from trick-or-treat essentials and pumpkin carving tools to timeless classics like spiders, bats, skeletons, and animated figures galore.

Once again, Scentsicles bring their magic to Halloween with Witches’ Berry Brew and Pumpkin & Cider, adding an enchanting scented highlight to the range.

To make sure your shopping experience is as smooth as possible, you can order via our online portal at www.premierdec.com or get in touch with our friendly customer service team for personalised assistance. Our expert Premier Sales Account Managers are also ready and happy to assist you in making the best choices.

“

Our new Autumn range is unveiled in all its splendour, with tones of oranges, deep yellows, olive, and cinnamon across a wide range of home décor items.

We also invite you to join us at the Harrogate Christmas and Gift from Sunday 11th Wednesday 14th January 2026 in Hall H. It is the perfect chance to experience both ranges, first-hand and get inspired for next season.

We look forward to seeing you!”

”

For more information visit: www.premierdec.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall H, Stand H2 64 christmas in january

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PROFILE Norfolk Leisure

Sustainability

and Style It’s been two years since Norfolk Leisure unveiled their ownbrand BOSK range at Harrogate, and festive business is going from strength to strength. CinJ spoke to the team…

How was Norfolk Leisure’s experience at the 2025 Christmas & Gift show, and the reaction to your own BOSK range of trees and decorations?

2025 was a busy one and the launch of new styles and designs were received extremely well by the trade. The introduction of premium quality trees across all price brackets made the collection even more attractive to buyers.

2026 will mark two years since you launched the brand at Harrogate. How has sales momentum built since then?

2025 was very positive with the brand continuing to strengthen and penetrate the market successfully. As we continue to strategically curate a stand out, premium and competitive range appealing to all customers then the momentum will continue. It’s the small details that matter - the BOSK trees are made from unmatched premium materials for longer life and a beautiful natural look.

Do you think more people are opting for beautiful artificial trees due to sustainable shopping habits?

Sustainability is continuing to be at the forefront

of the consumer mind – purchasing an artificial tree that can be used for years along with energy efficient LEDS and recycled packaging will certainly be appealing Reveal some of the exciting new designs you’ll be showcasing at Harrogate?

Along with new Christmas designs we are excited to launch our new collection of autumnal wreaths and garlands inspired by the rich colours, textures and warmth of the season.

Beautifully crafted to capture the essence of autumn and bringing warmth to the homes, autumn wreaths in particular are growing in popularity and are seen adorning door fronts across the country.

Why is the Harrogate show an important event in your retail calendar?

As the key national Christmas buying event it is imperative to showcase the BOSK collection in a perfect environment, bringing together high quality buyers and strengthening our relationships. As with other exhibitors a huge amount of effort goes in to presenting our collections perfectly, whilst supporting our customers with good buying decisions.

For more information visit: www.norfolkleisurelifestyle.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show: Hall B, Stand B15 66 christmas in january

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PROFILE Maple Moon Gifts

Festive Family Artistry

The generational story behind Maple Moon Gifts is nothing short of enchanting, much like the beautiful festive ranges this family-run company will be bringing to Harrogate. Sarah Welsh spoke to Matthew and Susan Gibson from the brand…

In 1989 couple Brian and Jacqueline Gibson founded Gibson Plus, a family run business specialising in industrial engraving, printing and enamel school badges.

Fast forward 35 years, and in 2024 their children Susan and Matthew went on to launch Maple Moon Gifts.

What connects the brands is not just entrepreneurial spirit and artistic attention to detail handed down from one generation to the next, but a love of beautiful design utilising premium materials. And now the team behind Maple Moon is bringing a wealth of new designs across four product ranges to Christmas & Gift.

Specialising in bespoke wooden and enamel decorations, they also boast their own classic enamel range.

“The original business Gibson Plus began in our first family home in County Down,” Matthew explains.

“But then in Christmas 1994 we moved to Maple Cottage, which consisted of the family home, seven stables and several outhouses.

“That year we had the whole family round for a very makeshift Christmas. Everyone sitting around the Christmas table was at a different height as we were using every emergency chair going! I was only four but I still remember that holiday very fondly.

“Susan now lives in Maple Cottage with her family, which is lovely as her kids are always floating around the workshops causing mischief, much like we did ourselves growing up! And it’s obviously the inspiration for the name Maple Moon.”

The original idea for Maple Moon actually came in 2020 at the height of the Covid pandemic. The team were in need of creating more revenue, so Susan had the clever idea of utilising Gibson’s existing engraving machine to create Christmas decorations depicting

68 christmas in january

local landmarks. In October 2020 the first Landmark Bauble was sold, and just a month later the new brand had booked to attend Christmas & Gift in 2021.

Susan got to work designing and creating everything buyers would see on the Maple Moon show stand and business continued apace through the next few years. Wooden ranges were added to the festive collection along with a whole new range of classic enamel decorations.

“Our products were where we needed them to be – fantastic quality, with eye-catching designs and at prices people could afford,” Susan says. “Then late in 2023 we took the bold move to re-brand our Christmas ranges to Maple Moon, from 2024, and it’s all grown from there.

“We have a dedicated team of six now, but although Mum and Dad say they’re retired, there’s never a week that goes by when they aren’t helping us with something.”

But why is Harrogate such an important retail event for the business? “Having tried a few shows, Christmas & Gift is definitely Maple Moon’s stand out event of the year,” Susan explains. “It’s just so lovely. The second you set your foot through the doors you are back into Christmas.

We find the quality of leads there second to none.”

The brand is committed to putting high quality, durable materials at the heart of the design process, creating beautiful, handcrafted pieces that become treasured keepsakes.

“Our festive designs are inspired by the warmth and beauty of Christmas,” Matthew says. “We draw inspiration from timeless traditions, nature’s winter

landscape, twinkling lights and joyful spirit shared with loved ones. We craft gifts that evoke the magic and comfort of the festive season and our goal is to bring a touch of charm to every piece, making customer celebrations even more special.”

Maple Moon’s best sellers are the bespoke ranges they create in partnership with retailers, including the likes of The British Museum and Center Parcs.

Also top of the tree is the classic enamel range, in particular the Tunnocks Teacake decoration. This is followed closely by the brand’s Celtic range.

“With bespoke ranges our design process is highly flexible,” Matthew says. “Clients can either send us a detailed concept, or can just share a faint idea which we then develop into a polished, one-of-a-kind piece.

What sets us apart is our collaborative approach.

“We excel at transforming simple ideas into stunning, bespoke enamel ranges.”

For Harrogate this year visitors to the Maple Moon show stand can expect a wealth of new designs, across a quartet of ranges. A Hobbyist range made from maple veneer, a Felt & Fabric range, a Spring Easter range and an Autumnal range, both of which use felt and enamel.

“We’re really excited about Christmas & Gift and have no doubt it will be as crucial a show for us as always,” Matthew says.

“For us Christmas is about family, creating lasting memories and embracing the warmth of tradition. And that all translates into our products.

Each piece is a labour of love.”

For more information visit: www.maplemoongifts.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall A, Stand A13

FIND STRAITS IN HALL G-19

A NEW LARGER STAND FOR OUR BEST COLLECTION TO DATE

WWW.STRAITSTRADING.COM

sales@straitstrading.com 01254 300260 Hall G - Stand G19

J Write On, FOCUS Ling Design and co

for Christmas & Gift Four leading card and stationery companies are coming together at Harrogate to offer visitors what they believe is the largest launch of design-led Christmas paper products on a single show stand. But what does each have to offer…

The best things come in a quartet – at least when it comes to festive stationery brands at Christmas & Gift.

Ling Design, The Great British Card Company (GBCC), Penny Kennedy and The Gifted Stationery Company (Gifted) are joining forces for a mammoth Christmas display of cards, boxes, charity packs, crackers, advents, gift packaging, calendars and diaries. That’s more than 2,500 new products on

one show stand – G15.

David Byk, CEO of the brands, said: “We’ve been exhibiting at Harrogate for several years now and and it’s the perfect first show of the year to launch our new formats. We love seeing all our old customers and meeting new ones there.”

Ling Design

Penny Kennedy

The Great British Card Company

Gifted Stationery Company

Ling Design is introducing brand new product lines across their everyday collections and Christmas range. The most popular captions, including ‘Mum’, ‘Daughter’ and ‘One I Love’ will now be available as a collection of larger cards, alongside boxed single cards. And each design combines elegant artwork with luxurious finishes.

Ling Design has also teamed up with sister brand Penny Kennedy to release an exciting collaboration, the Penrose collection. It includes beautifully designed greeting cards using delicate floral patterns with a mix of finishes. And Ling has also rolled out 200 brand new open birthday designs.

Ling Design will be at Spring Fair in February. Find the show stand in Hall 3, Stand L10-M11. For more information, please visit www.lingdesign.co.uk.

The Great British Card Company (GBCC) is delighted to announce the launch of over 60 brand-new stationery and gift products that combine classic British charm with beautifully modern design, which are available for delivery from the beginning of January 2026.

The brand’s growing collection of stationery and gifts features a huge selection of thoughtfully designed products from well recognised designers, including William Morris, Cath Kidston, Paper Salad and Stephanie Dyment. Highlights include new pocked notebooks that come in a stunning selection of licensed designs.

There is also a new range of Cath Kidston stationery and gifts, which perfectly complements GBBC’s launch of Cath Kidston greeting cards. And GBCC will expand its greeting card offering with over 200 new releases this January.

As well as Christmas & Gift, you’ll also be able to take in GBCC’s incredible offering at Spring Fair, at Hall 3, Stand L20-M21. For more information, please visit www.greatbritishcards.co.uk.

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Penny Kennedy is set to delight retailers and consumers alike with inspiring new collections as part of their Spring/Summer 2026 catalogue.

The gift packaging specialist is renowned for not just its impeccable quality and attention to detail, but extensive list of established design collaborations including William Morris (Morris & Co.), Cath Kidston, Sara Miller, Toasted Crumpet and Raspberry Blossom – to name a few. And they’re adding two exciting new licenses to the portfolio – Eleanor Bowmer Ltd, that uses vibrant colour, uplifting print and hand illustrated design, and Jenny Zemanek, an American designer who describes her work as ‘stylised and graphic.’

In addition, the brand is launching an entirely new product category, premium 3-ply paper napkins, and expanding their use of reusable bags.

Penny Kennedy will also be at Spring Fair in February. Visit Hall 3, Stand L10-M11. For more information, please visit www.pennykennedy.co.uk.

The Gifted Stationery Company [Gifted] will be entering 2026 with a huge selection of new calendars, diaries and planners.

Having joined Swan Mill Group in late 2024, the teams have worked together to develop the offer and you will see that 25% of their range of square wall calendars are brand new titles for 2027, reflecting a full market review and the team’s ongoing commitment to supplying retailers with all the most popular and carefully consider titles and imagery at the best quality and value.

There will also be double the number of slim calendars for 2027.

Gifted is also collaborating with sister brand Ling Design, to bring their renowned ‘The Wildlife’ collection to life on a selection of 2027 calendars, as well as stationery and gifts.

In addition to Harrogate, visit Gifted at Spring Fair, at Hall 3, Stand Q15.

For more information visit www.thegiftedstationeryco.com.

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PROFILE Peggy Wilkins Textiles

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Family Run,

Beautifully Spun Christmas home décor and textiles is a hugely popular, expanding category – and Peggy Wilkins Textile Fashions top the list of expert companies. The design team spoke to CinJ… You’re a family run business, established back in 1973 - please could you provide a bit of background as to your business story and how things have evolved over the past 52 years?

The company was founded in 1973 by Peggy Wilkins and began as a small family-run business, a spirit that still guides us today. We started with table linens focused on quality and detail, and over time expanded into cushions, home accessories, and ceramics. Although we’re well known for our Christmas collections, our spring and summer ranges have grown significantly too. Today, we supply garden centres and home retailers across the UK and beyond with trusted, design-led home and tableware.

Christmas home decor has been such a Are you also exhibiting at Spring Fair? growing trend in the past few years - what do Yes we’ll be exhibiting at Spring Fair as well. you think has inspired this?

It’s a great opportunity to showcase our full Christmas home decor has grown because range beyond the Christmas collections, people are increasingly wanting to make their including our spring and summer textiles, homes feel special and personal during the home accessories, and ceramics. It also festive season. Social media inspires new ideas, allows us to connect with retailers early in but there’s also a real appreciation for quality and the year and share new trends and designs keepsakes, items they can enjoy year after year for the upcoming season. instead of disposable products. Decorating and in particular ‘Tablescaping’ has become part of What tend to be your best-sellers year the celebration, creating a warm, inviting space on year? that feels truly magical.

Our tapestry cushions are always a best-seller as customers love the sense of nostalgia Which ranges will you be showcasing at they bring. Our metallic ranges also perform Harrogate? strongly, along with collections featuring We’ll be presenting a broad selection of traditional Christmas motifs. Together, these Christmas textiles, including Festive Farmyard, pieces combine craftsmanship, classic festive Jolly Gingerbread, Woodland Wonder, Season’s charm, and quality that customers return to Song (Robin-inspired), and the pet-themed year after year.

Deck the Paws. Our popular novelty items and metallics will also be on display. This year, we’re What new designs are you most excited highlighting trending colours with the Midnight about?

Luxe range, featuring deep navy velvets with This year we’ve been developing some gold accents, alongside one of our favourites, exciting new embroidery techniques, Evergreen Jewel, in rich burgundy and green including a beautiful chain stitch that for a timeless festive feel. In ceramics, we’re features on several of our designs. We’re introducing two new collections: one with a also thrilled to be combining print and modern berry-and-stripe design, and another embroidery on rich velvet cushions, creating showcasing a delicate Christmas-inspired truly unique pieces that bring texture, depth, watercolour pattern. and a fresh twist to our collections.

For more information visit: www.peggywilkinstextiles.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show: Hall A, Stand A38 Spring Fair: Stand 6F10 christmasinjanuary.co.uk

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RETAIL Garsons Titchfield Customers coming into garden centres in the run-up to Christmas want to be transported somewhere magical, and at Garsons Titchfield the team are on that journey too…

Escapism and

Festive Theatre Knowing how to build a collaborative, hardconsistently scored brilliantly in recent years.

So, with hopes high once again for the working team with diverse skills and the 2025 results at the time of our interview, personality to charm customers is essential all Lloyd revealed all about how Christmas had year round in retail – but particularly during the come together once more in this beautiful Christmas season. corner of the country…

No one understands this better that Lloyd Farrand, assistant manager at the award-winning How did you come to work in retail Lloyd? garden centre Garsons Titchfield, in Hampshire.

I fell into retail back when I was looking for a Lloyd has been involved with seasonal retail Saturday job, having just turned at Garsons on and off for a People want 20. I ended up working for the decade, since joining the Disney Store for eight years in store. He says the team who to come in to Southampton. We weren’t staff take up to 18 months to the store and be members though, we were plan and execute the festive called ‘cast members.’ The whole extravaganza that is Christmas taken somewhere concept was to offer customers at the Titchfield store are different during the an escape from the everyday absolutely key to its success.

Christmas season. world, and there I learned the “When I’m recruiting and importance of really good I’m looking at someone’s We combine that customer service. skillset, I look for personality From there I moved to Build festive feeling right and charisma,” Lloyd explains. a Bear Workshop. I was the chief “People skills are so important, across product workshop manager and ran that rather than being great with a branch for eight years. spreadsheet! People who excel at categories Then a seasonal supervisor festive retail are just themselves – role came up at Titchfield and a decade on and if someone has a good sense of humour I can teach I’m still here! I’m now assistant manager for the them anything!” whole site specialising in clothing, giftware Garsons Titchfield placed second in the and seasonal. What we offer customers at Garden Centre category in the south region Christmas is entertainment, and I do think all in 2024 in the Garden Centre Association’s my experience plays into that. prestigious Christmas competition, and have

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What would you say are the key customer service ingredients during the Christmas period?

Escapism and theatre. People want to come in to the store and be taken somewhere different.

We combine that festive feeling right across product categories. It’s really satisfying – it takes so much work to put it together but you get the recognition from shoppers’ reactions.

In 2024 our festive themes were based on Narnia. They were all interactive, with photo opportunities, little log houses for the children.

Watching families’ reactions on our first opening weekend was properly emotional and so nice to see after the whole team getting stuck in. As staff we love it as much as customers do – but to see the joy in other people is really rewarding.

They’re making memories that will last forever. .

How long does it take for you to plan Christmas at Garsons Titchfield?

Between a year to 18 months. We bounce ideas between us and our other store, Garsons Esher, and it all grows from there. The key thing is having everything in place for when we need to get our festive orders in during January.

For 2025 our festive theme was the Wonderful World of Oz by Frank Baum. We took inspiration from the characters from this much-loved book series, but we went a bit deeper than just the classics. We built in other characters as well and

christmasinjanuary.co.uk

Personal Christmas connections Lloyd says: “I find the build-up more exciting that Christmas itself! I think from midSeptember onwards when all the festive colours come out the anticipation mounts, and then we go through Halloween, Fireworks Night, and the darker months creating that cosy feel.

Christmas Day is a bit of a rest really!

had stories within the themes. There were seven really excited about the Tik Tok theme last decoration themes and a couple of other mini year. We made the little robot character out “I love watching my nephews ‘trend themes’ that were more gift-based, plus a of recycled barbecues – they had damaged get really excited. I never get theme in our plush area as well. lids so we couldn’t sell them but they were festive overkill – I actually feel We had the ‘Scarecrow’ theme based on transformed. And for the Glynda theme we sorry for people who don’t burgundy, green and rich fruity had a great big peach ballgown, get to experience Christmas Our colours, ‘Glynda’ which was white, it was all really exciting. blue, peach and silver, ‘Tik Tok’ for much of the year. It’s the building has which was all about metallics What are consistently your best time of the year and the a greenhouse and ‘Tin Man’ which was our festive best sellers? associated nostalgia makes you gingerbread theme with red, white which poses White and gold are always top feel young again.” and candy canes. Then we had sellers, as are our woodland some logistical themes. Peacock colours are ‘Gayelette’ which was based on tones of ruby red, burgundy, gold always very popular too. Last challenges for We never put all our eggs in one basket. and opulent gemstones, ‘Emerald year our Emerald City theme that Christmas – we encompassed teal blues and We blend inspiration from supplier themes City’ which was greens, blues and to make it unique to us. We work with the big peacock colours, and ‘Polychrome’ have to work peacock shades sold well. We get names like Kaemingk, Premier, Floralsilk, APAC which was a bright, rainbow traditionalist families where the around some and Gisela Graham. A new company for us last coloured theme. In addition, we kids pick one decoration each year was eco, fairtrade supplier Namaste, who had a ‘Munchkins’ mini theme, year for the tree, all the way to features! We have lovely terracotta figurines and garlands based on blue and gold, and ‘King customers who buy a whole new focus on the made from recycled saris.

Dough’ was our plush theme. All the theme every year. themes were inspired by characters cosy nature of How important is the GCA Christmas from the books and were designed How does it work with you the space competition for the store? to get people thinking. suppliers?

Winning awards is an interesting one. It’s We have a real mix we work with, and the team mostly about the recognition for the entire What are the challenges of building generally start at Harrogate Christmas & Gift. team it takes to put our Christmas displays Christmas at the Titchfield store?

That’s where we finalise our theme names and together – delivery drivers, merchandisers, the Our building has a greenhouse which poses the show really does get the creative juices till team etc. Everyone plays an integral part some logistical challenges – we have to work going. It’s a really important show for us as it and it’s a hugely collaborative process. It’s a around some features! We focus on the cosy kickstarts the season. Sarah, our central buyer, really nice feeling to receive an award and also nature of the space and each theme has a also visits loads of different showrooms because a bit nerve wracking as well. dedicated area. We use different wall colours everyone has something different to offer. to show off festive stock and have a main display for each theme to tell the story. I was www.garsons.co.uk/location/garsons-titchfield

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PROFILE Snowlodge by Woodlodge

Growing at

Harrogate Woodlodge is heading to Christmas & Gift with its largest ever Snowlodge collection, and brand-new festive packaging. CinJ caught up with director Michael Woolridge…

2026 will mark Woodlodge’s fifth year taking its stylish Snowlodge range to Harrogate.

And the artificial pre-lit trees, lights, festive décor and plush, as well as retail solutions and products – all designed with quality and attractive pricing in mind – it offers, always goes down a storm with buyers.

So, it’s just as well that this January sees Woodlodge unveiling the largest ever Snowlodge Christmas collection. That’s 800 pieces of seasonal joy, or SKUs if you prefer!

“We’ve been exhibiting at Harrogate for five years, but this is our third with our new format – focused on a tighter range of product and specialising in specific categories within Christmas,” director Michael Woolridge says.

“Harrogate offers a good time for us to get in front of our customers with our complete Snowlodge range, and it’s a friendly show. Our pre-lit trees are always a good seller for us.

“In terms of trends,

for Snowlodge it’s about bright and exciting product that catches the eye, and most importantly at the right price point. We also have some fun, festive plush décor that I’m confident will sell well.

“Christmas for me means a good break with the family and the chance to spend quality time with the kids. But then starting the year at the Harrogate show offers more festive magic.”

The breadth of Snowlodge’s new festive collection is designed to help retailers create standout displays and drive strong seasonal sell-through.

It builds on the success the brand saw in 2025, continuing to focus on best-selling formats and proven price points that have consistently performed well in stores – whether that be garden centres or independents.

“The expanded assortment has been carefully developed to maximise margin while offering customers a broad, cohesive Christmas story,” Michael explains.

“A key light of the 2026 launch is our all-new Snowlodge packaging, designed to being Christmas spirit into store. It’s been created to all charm, warmth and theatre at shelf level, adding instant festive impact.”

Snowlodge doesn’t just offer breadth and new-ness to buyers, the team is also always mindful of the need to inspire through clever visual merchandising.

The updated range features a distinct Snowlodge look and feel, with coordinated colour palettes, premium finishes and strong brand cues that elevate the overall retail environment. From hero gifting items to impulse-friendly lines, the collection allows retailers to layer displays, tell a story, and encourage repeat purchasing throughout the season.

“Snowlodge is about more than products, it’s about creating atmosphere,” adds Richard Newton, Retail Director. “This year’s collection has been designed to help retailers build a truly immersive Christmas experience—one that feels magical, cohesive and easy to shop.”

For more information visit: www.woodlodge.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Queen’s Suite, Stand QS4 74 christmas in january

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