Gifts Today

Supporting your industry for 28 years

Independently audited ABC circulation of 7,093 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016

Month: March/April 2017 Issue: 4

Page 01 Groovy.indd 1

Volume: 28

23/02/2017 10:32

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O NE STO P S H O P FOR P ER S O N A L I S ED GI F TS

Personalised Gardening Gifts kbt

G I F TS FO R W E D D I N GS

G I F TS FO R CH I L D R E N

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www.personalisedmemento.co.uk The UK’s leading trade supplier of personalised gifts PMC.indd 1

09/03/2017 11:37

Contents March/April 2017

Regulars 6

News

12

Exhibition News

20 Licensing News 58 Ross Hewitt’s Social Media

Retail 21

Heritage in Thornbury Tabi Marsh, owner of a gift shop/café in Gloucestershire, remembers the day her business went up in flames and reveals how she got the business back up and running

44 Retailers’ Panel Our panel members introduce their businesses and tell us what they’re buying for the season ahead

Gifts Today team

Profiles p 21

24 Cover Story: Groovy

Editor We talk to Groovy UK about how the licensed

Sally Norton sally@lemapublishing.co.uk

gifts company began, the power of creativity,

Advertisement Manager Mark Horsnell markh@lemapublishing.co.uk

and the company’s exciting plans for the future

55 Welcome!

Group Editor Mirella Cestaro mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Lee Speakman from Artsy Doormats tells the

Group Advertisement Manager

story behind the family-run company that

Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

produces quirky doormats

p 24

Special Features

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

26 Licensed Gifts

Managing Director

38 Gifts for Gardeners

Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

46 Exhibition Profiles – looking forward to the spring and early

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

summer shows

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930

• British Craft Trade Fair • Pulse • The Stationery Show

A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited ABC circulation of 7,093 July 2015 to June 2016

• Tendence

p 48

• Exclusively Housewares

England DU: 01.03.2017

be first.

24 – 27. 6. 2017

From 2017, the latest international product ideas from the home and gift sectors for the autumn / winter and spring / summer seasons will celebrate their premiere in June.

new date

Further details at: tendence.messefrankfurt.com

info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

Tendance.indd 1

16/03/2017 09:16

64667-010_TE_allg_GiftsToday_240x315 • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • cp: 16.02.2017

new seasons ahead.

Message from the Editor www.gifts-today.co.uk Twitter: @giftstodaymag

Page 18

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

lost our way to the right car park after an evening event when buses were a bit scarcer. Mark and I found ourselves with two colleagues climbing over fences in the pitch black and pouring rain as we tried to find the way – we can laugh now. Just!

“

I created my own fantasy gift shop while I was at the show

“

H

ere it is at last….Spring! I had a great time at Spring Fair with Gift Today’s Advertisement Manager Mark Horsnell, walking the Halls and meeting as many of you as possible. Colleagues had warned me we’d clock up the miles (we did) and advised me to wear comfortable shoes (I did). What I wasn’t quite prepared for was how just how BIG the event is. How much product there is, how many people I would meet.

It was incredible and, I must admit, I was still processing everything I had seen and conversations I’d had for several days afterwards. The overall impression I came away with was awe for the people manning the Stands, the knowledge and passion they have for their products; and also awe for the buyers who walk the aisles and make their choice from such an incredible range of products out there. I don’t know how you do it. I must admit, I created my own ‘fantasy gift shop’ while I was at the show – stocking it with such a huge range of wonderful things that I’m not sure Harrods would be big enough to house it all.

I was surprised to find how easy the Fair was to navigate – though, after chatting with Portfolio Director Nick Davison, I learnt how much thought goes into planning a buyer’s journey through the show. It’s a shame it wasn’t quite so easy after we

Page 38

Page 50 The GOTY awards ceremony was worth wrecking a pair of shoes for, though. A Personalised Lightbox called ’10 Things I love About You’ by Giggle Beaver was the overall winner this year. And the title of this product inspired me to write a list of a few things I love about this issue: • My interview with Tabi Marsh, owner of gift shop/café Heritage in Thornbury that burnt down in 2015 due to a fire in a neighbouring business.

Her and her family’s sheer resilience at getting the business up and running again is incredible. It’s an amazing story and you can read it on page 21.

• The Gift of the Year ceremony. Having been part of the judging panel, it was exciting to see the awards handed out at a lovely ceremony at Spring Fair. Read more on page 18.

• Our cover story Groovy. Our profile feature takes a closer look at this clever and innovative company.

See page 24.

• Licensed Gifts. This growing sector gets ever more interesting and there’s now a licensed gift for everyone. See page 26.

• Gardening Gifts. This sub-sector has really started to come to the fore this year –what’s clear is that gifts for gardeners can prove to be a lucrative

line for many retailers. See page 38.

• Our preview of upcoming shows. There’s so much to look forward to at the likes of BCTF, Tendence, Pulse and The London Stationery Show. Coverage starts on page 46.

I hope you enjoy the issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

Page 26

NEWS

Award for Ashleigh & Burwood’s Agent of the Year At their recent annual sales meeting, Ashleigh & Burwood presented their Agent of the Year 2016 Award to Geoff Hutchins, their agent for the South, to recognise the growth he has facilitated in his sales area.

Speaking on his success, Geoff was keen to emphasise the importance of cooperation between agents and customers. ‘I find that customers who work closely with me achieve good results. I’m in a strong position to be able to advise on product choices that suit the particular trading environment and this is where growth can be seen. A collaborative approach definitely works.’

He also had high praise for his assistant Clare Tibble, whom he employed just over a year ago.

Geoff commented: ‘We work well as a team; after I’ve taken an order Clare will follow once stock has been delivered and will merchandise it in-store to create a strong visual display. Working this way effectively doubles our capacity and provides the best service for our customers.’ ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

Arora Design launch new B2B website

Double Birthday Celebrations for Dartington Crystal

Quality giftware company Arora Design Limited now offer a new Business to Business website.

Informative, customer friendly, and easy to use, the site was created by their local IT & marketing company Zig Zag. Visit the site and register for your login details today to view a host of innovative and distinctly different products. aroratrade.co.uk

Dartington Crystal hosted a special celebration at the Spring Fair to mark the Company›s 50th anniversary. A special guest was Tony Laithwaite, (founder and Chairman of Laithwaites’s Wine) who has collaborated with Dartington to create the Tony Laithwaite Signature Series of glassware. Pictured with Tony Laithwaite on the Dartington stand is MD Neil Hughes.

Celebrations continued at the recent Ambiente show in Frankfurt, Germany, where actress Liz Hurley visited the company’s display booth as part of her appearance in support of British business at the international trade event. ‘We were delighted she chose to visit our stand and liked our British-made products,’ said Neil Hughes. ‘The show was already busy for us, and her appearance added to the buzz around our stand that day.’ dartington.co.uk

It’s a Triple for Emma Ball at National Calendar Awards Emma Ball was pleased to have made the journey to the Awards ceremony in Stationers’ Hall, London on January 25 as she scooped three trophies, including the coveted Elephant Award for the best retail calendar overall.

‘I can’t believe it,’ said Emma, who only entered for the first time this year.

‘And to think I nearly didn’t come because I’ve just had an epic drive down from Glasgow today back from Scotland’s Trade Show Spring.

‘It’s fantastic!

Honestly, it really means so much to me – I think the Excellence In Design was the one that meant so much as I took it away from the printer a couple of years ago and started again from scratch. I’m so buzzing right now, and full of ideas for the next one.’

The current Master of the Livery Company Ian Bennett also spoke: ‘The calendar industry continues to thrive despite all the efforts of the digital brigade and remains a very important industry for the UK and, of course, for the Stationers’ Company. Wandering around the hall looking at all of the entries, it’s not difficult to see why the calendar is so much a part of our business and private lives. The photography and design skills have merged into a really exciting exhibition.’

6 gifts today

Aromabotanical appoints Enesco Limited The Australian-made fragrance company Aromabotanical is delighted to announce Enesco Limited as exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland for its range of home fragrance. ‘The quality and presentation of Aromabotanical fits perfectly with our product portfolio for 2017,’ said Ken Johnson, Managing Director, Enesco Limited. ‘The contemporary designs and exceptional fragrances are exactly what we were looking for in a home and body fragrance offering.’

‘I am very excited to have the opportunity for Aromabotanical to be able to join forces with Enesco Limited who are highly respected in the industry and world renowned for their innovative products and customer service,’ said Craig Allen, Business Development Manager for Aromabotanical. enesco.co.uk

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22/02/2017 15:03

NEWS

New website for GA The GA have announced the launch of their new website, aiming to provide visitors with an easier way to learn about the Giftware Association, about what they do and how they can help businesses thrive. They have updated the Services and Discounts sections with all the benefits that the GA can offer.

The site includes a new blog, which will feature constantly-updated news and content from the GA, their members and service providers, allowing a broad range of topics, views and opinions. The GA will now send out a monthly email directing members to the blog to check out the current news stories.

‘The need for a new website was paramount and we have worked hard, looking into which website designs work best and are easy to navigate, as we continually aim to be the first point of call when you need help,’ said Sarah Ward, Chief Executive of the GA. ‘The way the website is designed allows you to see a snapshot of what we can offer you. I have already had many compliments from members and potential members from the shows that we have visited. Having the website fully mobile optimised has also made it easier to show people want we do and complements our app, too.’

Visit: ga-uk.org

Making Music While at a trade show in Anaheim, California, in January, Debbie Knight, USA distributor for The

RHS partners with Mr Fothergill’s The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced it has partnered with seeds and plants supplier Mr Fothergill’s Seeds Ltd to launch joint-branded vegetable and flower seed ranges for the 2017/18 season.

Each cultivar in the new collections has earned the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit- a seal of approval for gardeners that the plant performs reliably in the garden. Packets will appear on two separate single-sided displays — one for flowers and one for vegetables — with bespoke point-of-sale material.

The range will launch from May 2017 and will be available for delivery into retailers from August 2017. The market for the range, as for all Mr Fothergill’s products, is gardeners of all ages, from the amateur to the enthusiast. David Carey, Mr Fothergill’s Joint Managing Director, said: ‘We are delighted to be working as the preferred seed partner for the RHS. The packaging and display that we have developed together will really lift this range in-store and will complement our existing offer.’

Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager, said: ‘Mr Fothergill’s has a well-earned reputation for its passion to supply the very best quality gardening products, underpinned by the highest levels of customer service, a reputation reflected in its presence in thousands of gardening outlets. We are delighted to be able to partner with this exceptionally well-regarded company.’

Music Gifts Company had a surprise visitor to her stand – American music icon Stevie Wonder. As if this wasn’t enough, she won Best Stand In Show. A result all round! musicgifts.co.uk

Online growth for gift sector surges There was an incredible 62 percent year-on-year growth for the online gifts industry, an eight-year high, according to the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index in February. Overall online retail sales in the UK began 2017 on positive note, with sales up by 12 per cent year-on-year in January. According to the latest figures, growth in January was up by 15 per cent when compared with December.

The average basket value for online retailers was recorded as £85 in January 2017 – up from £79 a year earlier and making it the highest value for that month since January 2010. In addition, the index average in 2016 was £81.

IMRG managing director Justin Opie told Retail Gazette that, while these figures indicate a steady start for the Freepik.com year, the effects of Brexit and rising costs would create challenges for online retailers. ‘The most pressing one relates to the devaluation of the pound following Brexit, as it means price rises are looming for an industry where retailers often get pressured into a cycle of discounting to stimulate sales activity among customers,’ he said.

8 gifts today

Old Tupton Ware As many of the existing customers know Tim Penny has taken back Old Tupton Ware from Widdop & Co. Tim is pleased to say that sales are on the up from Widdop & Co customers and many of his old customers like the very successful patterns being introduced.

Old Tupton Ware is made in the same factory as it was when Tim together with Tony Fisher started designing the product back in 2000 and they are pleased to say the quality still as good as it always has been. Arriving soon this spring will be the popular Honey Pots, Spectacle holders and Teddy Bears together with new shaped vases The product can be viewed on www.old-tupton-ware.co.uk or you can speak with Tim personally on 01938 553355.

www.aromatize.co.uk Tel: 01254 300268 Email: sales@aromatize.co.uk

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16/03/2017 09:57

NEWS

The House of Turnowsky celebrates 77 years Little Concepts secures Scribble Down distribution Little Concepts is bringing Scribble Down’s line of products to the UK and Ireland as part of a new distribution deal. As well as the 15 classic designs, Little Concepts will launch four new bumper packs, which boast an extra large scene and over 100 transfers from a quintessential London street scene and pirate adventure to a fairy princess ball.

‘We are absolutely delighted to be working with the Scribble Down team to bring their unique products to the UK and Ireland,’ said Luke de la Mare, cofounder of Little Concepts. ‘The Scribble Down brand fits perfectly with our portfolio of classic toys and games. The high quality nature and price point of the product is also a selling point and we can see the brand working well for many retailers.’

Squire’s customers raise £24,758 for local charities Squire’s Garden Centres have presented cheques totalling £24,758 to various charities across the South East, including Change of Scene, Quest Riding for the Disabled, Alzheimer’s Dementia Support and Cherry Trees.

Squire’s customers donated this huge sum of money primarily in return for a visit to see Santa, who was handing out gifts in his grotto across Squire’s centres during the Christmas period.

Sarah Squire, Deputy Chairman at Squire’s commented: ‘As always our Christmas grottos were incredibly popular, and it was fantastic to see such generous charity donations from our customers. Each of our garden centres chooses which local charity they would like to support for the year, and all donations from the public go directly to that charity.’

Iconic luxury greeting card, stationery and lifestyle design brand, The House of Turnowsky, celebrated 77 years in business at Paperworld 2017, launching 15 new collections for spring/ summer 2018. What’s more, the company achieved sales of 10 million greeting cards worldwide in 2016, a figure that is on track to be surpassed in the year ahead. Chief Executive Kobi Tadmor, said: ‘The fact that 10 million people all over the world showed their love for Turnowsky by choosing so many of our cards is really wonderful.’ turnowsky.com

Signed Helmet for Village Candle’s ‘Patriot’ Paul Paul Aldrich (shown here with his wife Sally), president of leading US candle manufacturer Village Candle, is used to backing winners.

So, it would have been unthinkable for two representatives of Xystos – Village Candle’s UK and Ireland distributor – to ignore his advice to place a bet on the New England Patriots to win Sunday’s Super Bowl final clash with Atlanta Falcons in Texas.

They didn’t. Director Tom Sykes and UK sales manager Des Docherty each put £30 on the Patriots to win – which they did, in overtime. And while Tom and Des won’t be able to retire on the proceeds, they repaid Paul’s faith in his team by presenting him with a New England Patriots’ football helmet – bought from Football America UK on a neighbouring Spring Fair stand – and signed by themselves, managing director David Lewis and the rest of the Xystos team.

Top Trumps At Spring Fair The Trump Duck on the Yarto stand at Spring Fair caused a stir when one visitor threatened to burn it. ‘He wasn’t even American but got very angry indeed,’ said managing director Michael Grant. ‘We’ve had a mixed reaction to the duck, but most people have a good laugh when they see it and whether they love Trump or hate him, they still want to buy it.’ yarto.com

10 gifts today

Enesco Celebrates Thirty Years in Partnership with Peter Rabbit 2017 marks thirty years since Enesco became the licenser for Beatrix Potter and to celebrate this momentous occasion they launched a 30th Anniversary figurine - Peter Rabbit in Garden - with a Beatrix Potter themed tea party in their Carlisle Showroom. Along with over twenty guests, they enjoyed a presentation by Thomas Merrington, Head of Product Development and Brand Manager of Peter Rabbit at Penguin ventures and Licensing Executive, Jennifer Greenway and also shared some their future plans with the attendees. enesco.co.uk

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15/02/2017 09:22:30 20/02/2017 14:48

exhibition news

WELKOM NEDERLAND! The Netherlands have been named as the Ambiente 2018 Partner Country. Following the United Kingdom in 2017, the Netherlands will be the seventh Partner Country of the world’s leading consumer-goods fair.

The Netherlands will make a special presentation illustrating the country, and anyone who thinks simply in terms of tulips, canals and windmills will be very wide off the mark. ‘The Netherlands is renowned for outstanding design, which is no less minimalistic than experimental, no less innovative than unconventional’, says Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt GmbH. During a ceremony with numerous guests from business and politics, Tony Sims, OBE, Counsellor and Director of the Department for International Trade Germany, passed on the Partner Country Globe to Antonius Lansink, Consul General of the Royal Netherlands Consulate General in Düsseldorf, who said: ‘We will present numerous interesting products and are looking forward to the opportunities that will arise from this collaboration.’

In 2018, the international Ambiente Consumer Goods Fair will be held from 9 to 13 February. ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

TWICE THE GLEE Glee, the UK’s leading annual exhibition for the garden retail industry, will become a biannual event with the opening of a Glee concession show at Spring Fair 2018, complementing Glee’s main exhibition at the NEC each September. It will be held in Hall 3 and will have the signature wide boulevard synonymous with the September layout.

Glee at Spring Fair will give retailers the opportunity to see new and best-selling ranges ahead of the spring season, and give retailers an opportunity to refresh their ranges for key retail spikes.

Glee in February will also provide garden buyers with the latest Mike Burks, The Gardens concepts and trends for 2018, Group helping them to direct their buying.

Categories that retailers can look forward to sourcing will include garden care, landscaping and garden decoration, and outdoor entertaining.

Long-term Glee visitor, Mike Burks of The Gardens Group said: ‘Glee’s new Spring Fair concession is a great idea. By providing a garden centre hub it will help Glee’s visitors at Spring Fair focus on the products most relevant to them.

Additionally, the presence of these garden related exhibitors will introduce products to those buyers that wouldn’t normally see them. The Gardens Group buying team will be sure to visit in 2018.’ gleebirmingham.com

‘Glee’s new Spring Fair concession is a great idea…the Gardens

Group buying team

will be sure to visit in 2018.’

4 REASONS TO VISIT THE FARM SHOP & DELI SHOW 1) The 2017 show is set to be the biggest yet Over 450 exhibitors will be on hand to showcase their food, drink, gifts and equipment products.

2) Industry experts will take to the stage at Farm Shop & Deli Live All sessions will be chaired by chef, broadcaster and writer, Richard Fox, and include guests The Fabulous Baker Brothers, BBC Apprentice candidate and TV presenter, Saira Kahn, Paul Hargreaves CEO of Cotswold Fayre, Patricia Michelson Founder and Director of La Fromagerie in London and award winning beer writer and sommelier Melissa Cole.

3) Awards to celebrate success The show will once again play host to The Farm Shop & Deli Awards which recognise independent retailers selling regional fresh farm produce or with a deli counter. Categories include Baker, Butcher, Cheesemonger, Fishmonger, Delicatessen, Greengrocer, Market, Village Store and the ever-increasing Online Business.

4) Learn something new Innovation is at the heart of this event as the Farm Shop & Deli Show showcases concepts and creations in ingredients, equipment, drinks, products and digital tools to aid customer service, inspire and boost profits. Visitors will be able to touch, taste, try and talk to the exhibitors to see how they can grow their business.

Fact File: Where: NEC When: 24-26 April 2917.

Visit: farmshopanddelishow.co.uk 12 gifts today

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17/03/2017 15:34

exhibition news

MADE IN BRITAIN Giftag is the brand new home and gift fair for London. Giftag will offer the discerning retail buyer the opportunity to source products and services that are vetted by the organisers – responsible for the development and management of The British Craft Trade Fair for over 25 years - as being designed or manufactured in the UK or Ireland. Buyers who visit the fair will benefit from the following: Quality – ‘British Made’ has always had a great reputation.

Unique product – The UK leads and others follow.

Value for money – current economic climate makes British products more affordable.

Service - dealing with local manufacturers direct gives you far

more control.

Unrivalled design – The UK has led the way in design for many decades and has a global reputation for this.

Contribution to keep economy buoyant in the UK – helping to preserve the future of British manufacturing, creating UK employment and preservation of UK manufacturing skills.

Giftag will be housed in The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London E1 from 10-12 September 2017. The trade fair will feature several seminars and workshops for buyers and exhibitors and there will be plenty of networking opportunities. To register as an exhibitor or a buyer, visit: giftag.london

KEEP YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE New for 2017 edition of Pulse, the leading boutique trade event for gifts and fashion accessories, is the launch of Makers, the UK’s first retail event dedicated to emerging creative talent. Makers unites a fresh new wave of up and coming designer-makers and, with over 150 brands exhibiting, it’s a great place to find original, distinctive design.

Also at Pulse 2017 is Found, an international trail of discovery bringing you the very best in unseen design talent from around the globe.

Undiscovered brands at Pulse include French stationery brand All The Ways To Say, Spanish jewellery brand Nathnit, Japanese giftware brand Shibaful and Swedish home décor brand Lykalia K. Louise Wallace, Event Director, Pulse comments:’ From getting first choice of the new Christmas must-haves to discovering the latest unseen design talent, Pulse is designed by experts to give retailers the best tools to make an impact. The incredible buying opportunities are complemented by an excellent conference programme in Shoptalk. With the launch of Brands and Makers, Pulse 2017 will be our most unique buying experience to date.’

When: 14-16 May 2017 Where: Olympia, London Visit: pulse-london.com

14 gifts today

REVIEW: SCOTLAND’S TRADE FAIR As the biggest Show for 10 years and the highest number of visitors for eight years, Scotland’s Trade Fair has been deemed a big success. Combining the show with Scotland’s Speciality Food Show together in the same hall, proved popular, with many buyers appreciating the one-stop buying experience.

Overseas visitor numbers had a 19% increase on last year, principally due to the low pound, with many buyers from USA and Ross Hunter from Whisky Canada, Japan and western Frames European countries.

The Best Product Awards, judged on the opening morning of the Show, helped boost interest in the winners’ products. Ross Hunter from Whisky Frames, which won the Launch Gallery section, said: ‘We have had a phenomenal Show taking on about 45 new trade customers. The Award validated our product and drove so much business to our stand, taking our business to the next level.’

‘We have had a phenomenal Show taking on about 45 new trade customers.’

DID YOU KNOW? The first House & Garden Festival is coming to Olympia from 21-24 June, aiming to bring consumers a taste of summer and stylish living. Showcasing a treasure trove of interior, garden and lifestyle brands, the show will welcome over 23,000 visitors. The show is still accepting applications from exhibitors in the gift, lifestyle, interiors and food world. houseandgardenfestival.com/event/exhibiting

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20/02/2017 09:47

exhibition news

SPRING FAIR Q&A With Spring Fair in full swing, Sally Norton caught up with Nick Davison, Portfolio Director at Ascential Events and responsible for running the event, and asked him to share his thoughts on putting it together.

Q: What experience do you try to create for the buyer at Spring Fair?

A: We aim to take away the needle in a haystack approach, to make the show as easy to shop as possible. If you’re looking to buy candles, we want to help you find the candle suppliers, and to shop in a structured way. However, we also try to encourage buyers to spend as long as possible at the show and to explore – it’s about getting a balance between core buying and exploration. I believe that the more people explore, the better their experience at the show will be. We want to encourage people to do cross-over buying - for home stores to stock cards, card shops to stock gift items and so on.

Q: What trends did you spot this year?

A: The whole Scandi, cosy thing is huge, with darker metals coming through now, too, things like dark golds and coppers. It’s incredible how things change and if you were to look at this show just five years ago, it’s amazing how different things are. That’s the nature of it, I suppose. Back when the show started in Blackpool in 1950, there were sections called things like Smoking Paraphernalia because in those days that was an acceptable gift. Today, the sheer number of candles here is incredible – it’s a perfect product to sell!

I’ve also spotted gifts for gardeners are a new big thing. With less people moving these days, home owners are looking at their gardens and new ways to make their homes look more attractive.

Q: What about other content?

A: I believe people come to the show for two things – to learn how to retail better and to find new products. We want to give visitors other content they will want to engage with. People want to hear from entrepreneurial people and learn some tricks of the trade and that’s why we didn’t have just one keynote speaker at the show this year – we had Mary Portas, Roger Saul and Karren Brady.

There’s a lot of stuff around social media, too, and people want to learn about getting online, even small independents, and we aim to provide content to help them.

16 gifts today

Q: How would you shop the show if you were a buyer?

A: I would try to pre-plan as much as I can based on the edit I want within my shop. I would look at new entrants to the show as well as some of the old favourites. I’d spend my first day just looking, browsing, trying to pick colours and ranges. Then I would use the second part of the trip to do some buying because if I’m going to get some good deals, it’s going to be here. However, I would also try to keep some time to look for that something special you can’t do through pre-planning and to

think about how I display goods – there’s lots of inspiration and opportunities from manufacturers and distributors here.

Q: How do you help people navigate the show?

A: It can sometimes be hard for me to see the show through fresh eyes, so I always ask new members of staff – especially those on the marketing side – to walk the show and let me know what they think.

Post-show we sit some buyers down that have come to the show and ask them how it was. How did they shop it? What did they like? What didn’t they like? And out of that come amazing little titbits, new ways of displaying directions and floorplans.

We are very conscious that people consume information in different ways. We can’t assume that visitors consume it digitally, or in print all the time.

We aim to try to get the best mix we possibly can and cater for them all.

Q: What will be new for 2018?

A: We will be working more closely with our partners at Glee to have a sort of concession within Spring Fair, allowing them to bring their traditional garden care and landscape products into the Fair so that garden centres have every possible product they need to purchase.

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13/03/2017 14:15

Gift of the Year: 2017

Gift of the Year 2017: in pictures Gifts Today editor Sally Norton was delighted to be part of the judging team that selected the Gift of the Year 2017. Check out our highlights of the awards ceremony held on the Sunday evening at Spring Fair.

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1.

THE GIFT OF GIVING

2, Food & Drink

Sarah Ward introduced the evening’s awards, saying their growing popularity reflected the strength of an industry in which retail is now reported to generate £326 billion in sales a year. ‘We salute the suppliers and retailers who have made such a huge contribution to this success story,’ she said.

Cure your own salmon in three days.

The Homemade Curing Kit…Salmon, Ross & Ross Food

1. AND THE OVERALL WINNER IS….

The most prestigious award, the Judges Choice, went to 10 Things I Love About You – Personalised Light Box from Giggle Beaver. The Light Box was also winner of the Home Accessories category. Jean Grant, purchasing manager, shown here, said: ‘I am so proud of this award, it is the culmination of lots of hard work by so many people. It reaffirms how good our product development process is and how amazing the team at Giggle Beaver is. We strive to bring unique, personal and desirable products to the market and with this Personalised Light Box, I think we have really achieved that; it’s a unique gift for anyone.’

gigglebeaver.com 18 gifts today

3. Occasion Build a tower of special wishes on your special day.

Build a Block Guest Book Alternative, Ginger Ray

4. Seasonal Open the doors to reveal a beauty treat.

12 Days of Christmas calendar, Mad Beauty

5. Pet A photo booth for your pet.

Animal Adventures, Padalone Products

6. Eco Friendly Scatter far and wide to encourage bee and butterflyfriendly flowers to grow.

Seedball, Project Maya

Did know ?

3.

OTHER WINNERS INCLUDE… 7. Body, Bath & Spa A dozen beauty discoveries inspired by fashion-forward Korea.

Oh K! 12 Days of Beauty, NPW O

7.

8 Branded & Character/Hot 8.

Novelty N Pe Personalise these popular titles with any name and your m message.

Personalised Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups, Signature Pe Gifts G

Cards, Wrap & Stationery C O Open the card to reveal a moving, musical scene.

Music Box cards, My Design Company M

Commemorative & Collectable C 8.

B British Br Colour Standards – on a mug British Colour Standard mugs, Designed In Colour Br

9. Craft & Handmade 9

4.

M Make your own felt rocking horses.

Felt Rocking Horse Kit, Corinne Lapierre Fe

Fair Trade Fa De Designed in the UK, handmade by WFTO producers in India.

Ind Fair Trade Fairy Tutu. Believe You Can Fa

9.

10. Fashion Jewellery & Accessories 10 Adjustable rings with floral details.

Shrieking Violet

Fine Jewellery D Dainty yet striking pieces.

Petit Paragon, Anakao P

10.

5.

11. Garden & Outdoor 1 F up with some classic VW style.

Fire Volkswagon BBQ Hamper, Fizz Creations V

Home Fragrance H A novel gift for would-be candlemakers. See the interview in our Home Fragrance supplement. in Candlemaking Kit, Northumbrian Candleworks C

11.

Kids & Teens K M Make dinnertime a game.

Dinner Winner kids’ dinner tray, KitchenCraft D

12. Kitchen & Dining/Made in the UK Stylish apron with gloves attached.

The Lobster Apron, Lobster Homeware

6.

12.

Nursery Soft and fluffy – and ears, too.

Rufus Rabbit Bunny Bonnet, The Little Dog

Under £10 Turn any empty wine bottle into a light.

LED Bottle Light Kit, Transomnia gifts today 19

licensing news

SMILEY FACES ALL ROUND AS BRAVADO TAKES ON EMOJI BRAND Bravado, Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management company, has signed as exclusive licensing and merchandise partner for emoji company GmbH’s iconic brand within the UK and Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

David Boyne, MD of Bravado UK, said: ‘We are delighted to confirm this deal with emoji company and are very much looking forward to working with Marco Huesges and his team. The emoji brand is a unique and fascinating partner for Bravado and it offers huge depth and potential across so many product categories and channels of distribution to meet global demand, the opportunities are truly limitless!’

With more than 6 billion digital icons used daily, emoji company has helped transform the face of today´s digital communications into a lifestyle brand by creating the official emoji brand and thousands of copyright protected icons, patterns and styles, instantly recognised by billions of consumers around the world and available for cross category licensing. bravado.com

Personalised Enid Blyton for Grown Ups Signature Gifts have snagged another licensing deal to create fabulous book gifts. Six new titles are now available personalised through Signature Books, all of which are drop-ship delivered, meaning no holding stock. These tongue-in-cheek additions to Enid Blyton’s original series are personalised with a name on the cover and at the header of pages throughout. Visit: signature-books.co.uk

GARFIELD GETS SOCKS APPEAL Bulldog Licensing has inked a new deal that will see Misirli produce a range of socks featuring legendary cartoon cat Garfield. The new agreement will also see Misirli produce Garfieldbranded slipper socks and children’s nightwear.

This adds to Garfield’s major presence in the UK licensing sector. Other partners include Sambro (bags and stationery), Ravette (publishing), J Fox (accessories), and SNI Optometric (eyewear). Garfield apparel is also a major seller on the high street through lines from Blues, Poetic Gem and BCI. ‘Both kids and adults love Garfield, which makes the brand highly versatile and profitable,’ says Bulldog Licensing MD Rob Corney. ‘This crossgenerational appeal has allowed us to build a very strong programme, which I’m sure will continue to expand.’

20 gifts today

PORTMEIRION INVITES PEPPA PIG TO DINNER This spring, Peppa Pig and Portmeirion have joined forces once again to make every meal time a moment to enjoy, with two adorable themes which Peppa fanatics, both big and small, will treasure.

Bringing the excitement of the programme straight to the table, the first new collection showcases Peppa Pig and her brother, George, exploring the sights of London.

The second features George dressed as a fun-loving pirate or astronaut alongside his sidekick, Mr Dinosaur.

Each design will be available as a 3-piece set - the perfect way to serve tasty treats to little ones and have them dine with their favourite TV characters. portmeirion.co.uk

CHOCOLATE SWEETENS RHS DEAL Luxury chocolate producer Amelie Chocolat will produce a range of RHS luxury chocolates and confections, in packaging inspired by RHS Lindley Library art collection.

The Royal Horticultural Society has licensed Amelie Chocolat, a producer of luxury continental chocolates, to produce Chocolates by Nature – The RHS Range. It will comprise six superb collections, all containing handmade chocolates or nougat confections sourced from Belgium and Switzerland.

Natalie Levy, Founder and Director, Amelie Chocolat, says: ‘Our customers expect us to deliver the very best chocolates from Europe’s highest quality suppliers — and now we can also offer them the very best in botanical art through this wonderfully presented collection.’ ameliechocolat.co.uk

EYES DOWN Childhood classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is to be turned into eyeshadow palette book with Storybook Cosmetics.

Storybook Cosmetics announces a collaboration with the Roald Dahl Literary Estate for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The iconic children’s book served as inspiration for the latest Storybook Cosmetics eyeshadow palette book that will feature 12 Whipple-Scrumptious colors. The palette will come in a life-size custom hardcover storybook and feature a dozen cruelty-free highly, pigmented shades that range from mattes, metallics and pearl finishes.

‘We are so excited to be teaming up with the Roald Dahl Literary Estate on this,’ said Missy Maynard. ‘My sisters and I have been huge fans of the legendary Roald Dahl works since we were little kids. We guarantee that this palette will do the iconic story justice.’ storybookcosmetics.com

Retail Interview

The day my shop went up in flames Tabi Marsh, owner of gift shop/café Heritage in Thornbury, will never forget the phone call that woke her on the morning of 5 September 2015 telling her the family business was on fire. She shares her memories of that day – and what she learned from the following 15 months - with Gifts Today editor Sally Norton.

‘D

ad rang me at ten to seven

on the Saturday morning, saying I needed to get to the shop, there was a fire, and it was serious. That was pretty much all he said before he hung up. I just shoved some clothes on, jumped in the car, and arrived to find the High Street full of smoke and cordoned off by police. I spoke to a policeman, burst into

tears and said please let me through, it’s my shop that’s on fire.

‘Dad and I had only bought the business 18 months before and had finished a major series of investments just two weeks before the fire. Heritage of Thornbury had been going for more than 40 years, the original owner was really well known in the gift trade. I’d had a Saturday job in a gift shop when I was at school in the Midlands and really got the bug – I’d been really enjoying putting my own stamp on the shop.

‘As I started running down the street I saw a fire engine, then another, and another. Heritage is in a listed

building and the fire brigade were really worried they were going to lose the whole High Street. At one stage in the morning, we had nine fire engines at once; apparently once you get over five then they have to have full incident support so we ended up with thirteen appliances including a vehicle to provide drinks and showers. It was just crazy.

‘As I stood there, trying to work out what had happened, I thought back to how I was the last person out of the shop the evening before. I’d stayed behind late to take some photos for our customer email going out on the gifts today 21

Retail Interview

Saturday. As I ran through it, I knew I’d left everything safe, which was a relief.

We later heard from our electrician, who had only finished work on the new kitchen a few weeks earlier, that he also had a bit of a panic. Anyway, it quickly became apparent it wasn’t our fault and that a fire in the chip shop next door had caused it.

‘By the time my mum and brother arrived from Birmingham, they found me and dad sitting on the windowsill outside the shop shell-shocked. We spent the morning turning away staff who were turning up for work, trying to get hold of the insurance company, trying to work out what on earth we were going to do.

‘Half the shop had burnt down and the fire brigade had to smash down various doors so once the fire was out, we had to secure the building. We weren’t allowed to move stock because we had to wait for the insurance people, but we did some damage limitation, things like moving the café chairs that were now sitting in water.

‘Later that evening, I wrote an email to all our customers and send it out.

It was very different email to the one I was supposed to be sending out that day, the one about autumn trends and new stock.

‘By the day after the fire, we knew that if we didn’t get the gift shop side of the business open for Christmas, financially it wouldn’t be worth keeping the business going. We set ourselves a target of the last week in October; in fact, we re-opened the Gift Shop on 6 November.

‘On the Monday, two days after the fire, the loss adjusters arrived and then the insurance company’s forensic person. They really grill you and want 22 gifts today

to know everything. He went round, sifting through the rubble like they do on CSI, taking photos, writing his report. It was upsetting but of course we understood it had to be proven to the insurance company that it wasn’t our fault. Fortunately, I am pretty hot on processes and because of the building work we had just revised all our Fire Policies, plans etc. We had also replaced all of our halogen lights with LEDs which got a big tick – halogen spots are notorious apparently ‘Two days after the fire, I was at Autumn Fair. I still came because I had to see my suppliers, tell them what had happened. And I needed to ask for extended credit terms because I had no money at this stage. The likes of Voyage Maison, Ashleigh & Burwood, Art Marketing, Alex Clark Art, Straits Trading – they were all amazing. They let me buy stock and hold off paying till I had money from the insurance company; they held back Christmas orders for me and their Reps came in and saw me in a derelict, damp smoky

non-electric building to do my orders!

‘The first insurance payment came through quite quickly because, amazingly, we had installed the EPOS system in the gift shop ten days before the fire, which meant we could immediately give the insurance guy our up-to-date stock list. It was a relief not to be in there counting and valuing the stock and EPOS paid for itself at that point, it really helped.

‘From there on it got more complicated - and depressing. One of the worst times was seeing all my carefully chosen, damaged stock driven off in a massive truck to be sold as fire-damaged goods.

‘We really saw the best of the gift trade and we couldn’t have done it without them. Over the last 15-18 months, cash flow has been hard at points and they have helped with things like extended credit. We couldn’t have done it otherwise. In fact, the only company we had problem with was a coffee shop supplier, and so we are not using them now we’re open again.

We only owed them £250, which was nothing compared with what I owed the others.

‘For the first two months I was running on shock and adrenaline.

Dad pretty much moved to Bristol with me as we got the gift shop back up and running. Our customers were amazing, too. It turned out that people had been holding off starting their Christmas shopping because they wanted to spend their money with us.

Local support was incredible.

‘Getting the coffee shop back up and running was much harder because of the damage and it took 15 months in all. The worst bit was making the difficult decision to make the coffee shop staff redundant once we realised how long the rebuild was going to take.

‘All coffee shop paperwork was lost;

‘We really saw the best of the gift trade and we couldn’t have done it without them.’ all recipes, all menus had gone and we had to start from scratch again. I had the odd photo of the menu boards on my phone, so I could at least check what our coffee prices had been – I couldn’t remember!

‘If we had understood how little practical help insurance companies offer, how long it would go, how much we would have to do – I’m not sure we would have done it. When people say how well we coped, we joke that if anyone had explained that not coping

was an option, we would have seriously considered it.

‘Dad project managed getting the Gift Shop stripped and re-equipped himself and did a lot of the work himself.

Local volunteers from the Friends of Thornbury Carnival came in to help us paint and put up shelves. Without them and help from family members, we couldn’t have done it.

‘We rent the building, which means our landlord’s insurance company was responsible for rebuilding the rest of

the shop and this slows things down as there’s not the same incentive for the landlord’s insurers to get the shop going again.

‘Our business interruption insurance is two years which, I realise now, isn’t quite long enough because we’re a listed building and this means things take longer – our new policy has three years. Now I’m always telling people to look closely at their business interruption insurance and also to check the exact wording in their lease.

For instance, when it says repairs have to be done in a “timely manner,” it’s hard to decide what this definition really means legally.

‘The coffee shop opened properly in November 2016, but we won’t celebrate properly until we’re done with the insurance company - which will probably mean September.

‘We noticed how our customer base really changed over those 15 months because footfall was down and we didn’t have coffee shop customers who might also pick up a card or gift on the way out.

‘At least now I can start investing my time in truly building the business back up again. We have introduced a Loyalty Card, started putting on customer events. And I want to start using the EPOS system to its fullest and analyse sales data. We also have an outbuilding I’d like to do something with rather than just use it for storage but, realistically, this probably won’t be until next year.

‘I can also see the friends I ignored, spend time with the babies I missed being born – I really dropped off the radar while all this was going on. Most of all, I can reclaim my life.’ gifts today 23

Profile - Groovy

Feeling We talk to Groovy UK about how the licensed gifts company began, the power of creativity, and the company’s exciting plans for the future.

THE THRILL OF THE NEW Groovy UK have a great design team who are constantly coming up with new ideas, thinking of original concepts for existing products and introducing a new collection every season.

The company originally started with bathrobes and expanded into lighting, onesies and loungers before introducing slippers. Star Wars and Batman are the company’s most successful ranges but a surprising increase in the interest of Harry Potter has inspired a new collection of Hogwarts bags, bathrobes and slippers which have sold exceptionally well. Top new launches include: Lighting. Look-Alites are fun, little lights with characters ranging from Star Wars, DC Comics, Marvel and many more. This original line in lighting has now been extended to include a mini size and handy keychains. Neon lights were introduced in 2015, as well as lava lamps and paper shades.

Bags. In 2016 the company introduced a range of bags and this category is growing as they add new licenses to increase their offering to retailers.

Christmas Stockings. Groovy’s Christmas stockings have also had a great response, with the first range launching over Christmas 2016.

Batman Projection Light. This product was launched a year ago, but is so successful due to the fact that there is no other gift product on the market with the size and quality of the Batman logo, which projects over 20M away!

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE ‘We aim to expand,’ says Monique.

‘We’d like our Look-ALite to become a household name and sell all over the world. With the Halloween sector growing, especially in the US, we have created a very Groovy range

24 gifts today

of Halloween Look-Alites which include a Mummy, Skeleton, Dracula, Zombie and more. Groovy are always talking to other businesses about the possibility of collaboration and the success of this is our main aim for 2017/18.’

Licensing has always been strong for Groovy retail and distribution. ‘We did tremendous business with Hello Kitty, South Park, Bagpuss, Clangers, Mathmos lava lamps, Storm watches and Star Wars,’ says Monique. ‘I think in 2017 licenses are far stronger due to social media as people have so much more access through marketing and social networking like Facebook and Twitter. Branding seems much bigger now.’

Groovy’s First license was Rocky and this license is still in the company’s Top Five. ‘Our biggest by far was Playboy, totally female driven and wonderful to work with,’ says Monique. ‘Today Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, Grumpy Cat and Shaun The Sheep are our ladies’ brands and we are growing this area every year.’

Now, however, it’s all movies: Star Wars, Batman and Superman, Wonder Woman, Suicide Squad, Iron Man, Hulk, Guardians of the

Galaxy (especially Groot!), Assassin’s Creed and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. And let’s not forget Harry Potter, which grows from strength to strength for the company.

The secret of Groovy’s success is that it originates and innovates, so products are often everyday lines but with a twist.

Bathrobes and slippers are commonplace but with glow in the dark Superman logos they become different. A bathrobe that looks like a Jedi robe and a fleece robe that looks like Del Boy’s sheepskin coat is not every day!

‘Our success is we’re niche and our products are often unique and aimed mainly at adults; the eternal child,’ says Monique.

‘Having a product with a unique selling point is often what makes the difference and we supply that on all our products.

‘The Gift industry is fun to be in as it has the same challenges as other businesses but we are surrounded by creative projects and design. It’s important to get the balance right but to be able to create from our imagination then make money from it; I can’t imagine doing anything else.’

groovyuk.com

Q&A WITH MONIQUE SCOTT Groovy UK’s MD tells us about the history of the company.

Q: How did Groovy UK begin?

products?

A: It started in 1991 when I opened two shops in Leicester. I loved unusual things and this was a way of collecting them and then selling them in order to be able to buy more. When I couldn’t find enough unusual products, I decided to design and manufacture my own unique items for the stores. Through a series of contacts, I discovered manufacturing and importing from China.

A: We distribute through the UK and most main EU territories, with Germany being our biggest. We also expanded into the USA last year. Our market is growing each year and customers range from independents to multiple retailers to distributors.

Q: How did you start selling to other retailers?

A: Groovy started to bring in stock and sell the surplus through trade shows such as the Spring and Autumn Fair at the NEC, Top Drawer and Ambiente. After a period of time, we were making more money selling the surplus to other retailers than in our stores, so we closed down the shops and our biggest competitor on the high street – The Gadget Shop - became our biggest wholesale customer. This led to me working for them as a buyer for a period of time.

Q: How has the company grown over the years?

A: The company has had highs and lows and often turnover wasn’t matched with profit but after its biggest low five years ago, Groovy has gone from strength to strength. New people are being introduced to help take the company to the next level, which will include distribution in the USA.

Q: Which type of retailers stock Groovy’s

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges facing wholesalers in 2017?

A: The unsteady financial market at the moment is a big challenge due to Brexit and the US dollar. Also the cost of manufacturing in China has risen with prices of plastics, fabrics, paper and labour going up, but every company faces challenges. Market fluctuations and trends change things for a while, but if you have good products at good prices business will always continue.

Q: What are the main reasons behind the company’s success?

A: Groovy people and amazing licenses have a lot to do with it – let’s face it, it’s all Star Wars, Star Wars, Star Wars at the moment! But we also have Harry Potter, Marvel, DC Comics and on top of that we have Assassin’s Creed, Ghostbusters, Doctor Who and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Looking ahead and beyond the present market fuels our inspiration and development making the introduction for new products every year.

gifts today 25

Licensed Gifts

A License to sell Time to reap the benefits of brand loyalty and innovation with the latest raft of licensed products.

B

rand licensing is big news.

Brand Licensing Europe 2016 was the biggest yet, with 7,578 visitors flooding through the doors of Olympia over three days in October, with people coming to spot the latest trends, secure new deals and network with the European industry. Bringing brands together is a brilliant way to exploit hitherto untapped and yet profitable new markets and the result for the retailer is a huge range of goods to choose from.

Mention licensed gifts to many people and they’d immediately think of the huge franchises like Harry Potter, Star Wars and Disney but, the truth is, these are just the tip of the iceberg with many more licenses out there, offering the perfect choice for every gift recipient. Think everything from Peter Rabbit to RHS, Ladybird to Designers Guild, Flower Fairies to Snoopy and lots, lots more.

When customers see a new product that’s linked to a trusted brand, the confidence is passed along. Many believe that licensed merchandise can be a safe bet when buying a new range as there’s already a track record, and this can give a certain sense of security and confidence that might not 26 gifts today

otherwise be there. Sarah Fisk from Groovy agrees: ‘Having a movie or a book behind a product helps the sales a great deal,’ she says. ‘The big trends for us in 2017 are unique gift ideas but with some marketing weight behind them to help them sell.’

‘Licensed gifts have formed an important part of our product range,’ says Keren Dicken from Personalised Memento Company. ‘A benefit of supplying licensed giftware is that we are able to access an established and recognisable brand that provides for a variety of gifting occasions throughout the year. The wide appeal of general gifting licenses like Me to You and Boofle have resulted in the strong performance of those ranges.’ What’s more, the right licensed gift can attract customers you’ve never managed to bring in before.

‘Tapping into an existing fan base can be an extremely powerful tool,’ says.

Keren from PMC. ‘Licenses are an ideal way to access a new market of fans and collectors who have to have the latest offering from their favourite licensed brand. This also allows retailers to command a higher price, as fans are more likely to be driven by the desire to collect all available products.’

Helen Shield from Enesco certainly

agrees that licensed gifts are doing well. ‘My week has been dominated by our Pusheen brand,’ she reports.

‘We have exclusive rights for the plush sector and this, led by our mystery box series, is creating a huge amount of interest. We have had an extremely strong Spring Fair with the brand and our USA HQ are reporting a fantastic Toy Fair. Products are selling for nearly 100 times the SRP on eBay this week and we just can’t keep products in stock! Our strength definitely lies in licensed gift and it’s a great feeling when you hit on something like Pusheen. The excitement is contagious!’

Get the product and the licence combination right and you have a winner on your hands. ‘An appropriate license elevates the value of the stationery product,’ says Eddie Clarke, Rights & Product Manager at Museums & Galleries Ltd. ‘The prestige of the brand becomes an affordable and desirable luxury, excellent properties in a gift. Stationery is very tactile and relational, making it a great avenue for brand awareness and participation.’

Overall, when the right license and the right product come together, a sort of magic happens, with each party boosting the appeal of the other.

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17/03/2017 15:31

Licensed Gifts

ENESCO CELEBRATE 30 YEARS WITH PETER RABBIT

2017 marks thirty years since Enesco became the licenser for Beatrix Potter and, to celebrate this momentous occasion, Enesco have revisited one of their very first pieces — Peter Rabbit in Garden - and given it a modern makeover. Only produced during 2017, the figurine features Peter Rabbit in his most iconic pose, gathering onions in his spotty handkerchief.

The early pieces in the collection were issued in beautiful gift tins and so it seemed fitting that this commemorative piece should be packaged in a tin too. The tin has been given a vibrant new look using new styles and artwork, giving it a fresh look for 2017. This new piece is a wonderful example of the Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit collection’s rich history and this up-to-date redesign truly celebrates how the collection continues to evolve.

Call: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Visit: enesco.co.uk

PERSONALISED MIFFY PHOTO FRAMES

The Personalised Memento Company are embracing all things Miffy with their new collection of personalised poster and name frames. The collection includes a mixture of gentle and striking colours, all while staying true to Miffy’s iconic and bold illustrations.

PMC’s new poster and name frames join their existing collection of personalised Miffy gifts which includes cutlery, decorations, night lights, clocks, height charts and children’s plastic mugs.

PMC’s range of personalised licensed gifts is constantly growing, with new licensed personalised gifts launched regularly. PMC’s current licensed line-up includes Miffy, Boofle, Me to You, Paddington, The Snowman and the Snowdog, Country Diary, Purple Ronnie and Bang on the Door. This puts PMC in a unique position to provide personalised licensed gifts for every occasion and recipient. Visit PMC’s website today to discover how personalised gifts can work for your business.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Visit: personalisedmemento.co.uk 28 gifts today

Groovy Full page.indd 1

02/03/2017 09:55

Licensed Gifts

A PETER RABBIT GUIDE FROM SIGNATURE

A hundred and fifty years after Beatrix Potter’s birth, Signature have struck a deal with Penguin publishers and Frederick Warne & Co to produce these beautiful Peter Rabbit guides.

Excerpts from Beatrix Potter’s original tales, along with the original illustrations are brilliantly teamed with frank advice to create these three charmingly cheeky books.

Those that love the original tales will enjoy reading the lessons in morals given and, with their name on the header of each page, they’re sure to treasure this thoughtful gift. A personal message can also be included on the opening page, and the book is presented in a beautiful gift box.

Every order can be drop-ship delivered direct to customers, meaning no need to hold stock. RRP £24.99 including the beautiful gift box embossed with Peter Rabbit himself. These beautiful books were Highly Commended in the Nursery category for Gift of the Year 2017. Books available are The Peter Rabbit Little Guide to Life, The Peter Rabbit Little Book of Harmony and The Peter Rabbit Little Book of Virtue.

Call: 01582 464 809 Visit: signature-books.co.uk

PUT IT ON PAPER

Museums & Galleries Ltd launch three new gift stationery product formats this spring, with suggested retail prices falling in the crucial £10 - £13 band range. All are attractively produced to M&G’s customary superlative standards.

The products make their debut with premium licenses the V&A museum and Matthew Williamson, featuring the best of British pattern design. Luxury foiled notecard boxes contain 16 cards (two designs) and envelopes, ribbon wrapped in an attractive foiled keepsake box.

New Grande Journals supersize M&G’s popular elasticated journal format. The Matthew Williamson set includes a stunning new pattern from the designer’s 2017 collection, Jaipur Jem. The three V&A Grande Journals reinvent classic Victorian patterns with a 21st-century twist, colour blocking pages and spot-varnishing covers.

Colourways are right up-to-the-minute, reflecting the museum’s mission to inspire contemporary design.

The third new format M&G launches is gift ballpoint pens - barrel printed and presented in a pretty box. Featuring twist action and a chrome clip, the pens are refillable with widely available ink refills. The pens cleverly match the V&A Journals, making a tempting cross purchase.

Call: 01373 462165 Email: sales@mgml.co.uk Visit: museumsgalleries.co.uk

30 gifts today

Paintings created for Hallmark by the renowned Spanish surrealist painter, Salvador Dali, have not been seen in public for over 60 years and now inspire the new gifts and homewares from Enesco‌ works by

Three designs linked by a butterfly motif‌

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Enesco Limited, Head Office & Customer Services, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0EN. Tel: 01228 404022 email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Tel: +44 1228 404066 email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk Produced by Enesco Ltd. under licence by Hallmark Cards, Inc. Š Hallmark Cards, Inc.

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27/02/2017 10:50

Licensed Gifts

JIM SHORE CELEBRATES 15 YEARS WITH ENESCO LICENSE TO GIFT AT WIDDOP

Licensed gifts play an important role at Widdop and Co. In 2017 they have broadened their licensed offer to incorporate new product categories such as homeware, building on the success of the current licenses in both men’s and women’s gifts, introducing new charity licenses and continuing to design and innovate in their highly successful existing licenses.

Greeting card publishers have proved a rich vein of inspiration for their gift licensing programme thanks to publishers such as Pigment Design, Rachel Ellen, Paper Salad and Wendy Jones Blackett. A card design that is performing well in the market place, makes a logical translation over to a gift collection. Widdop know the design is commercial.

This year they are introducing a new charity range from the RSPCA. Designed for the discerning animal lover, the Heritage Collection draws on classic vintage designs from the RSPCA archives.

One of the advantages of licensing proven designs for giftware is that it removes some of the risk element for retailers. Where the designs are already recognised in the market place and performing well as greeting cards within a retailer they are much more likely to add the gifts as a higher ticket item within the range. This also gives the retailer the opportunity to cross-merchandise and cross promote.

New figurines join the Disney Traditions Collection as Jim Shore celebrates fifteen years with Enesco. Two figurines, A Magical Moment and Catch The Wave, are added to the endearing Disney Traditions Collection which combines the beauty and universal appeal of Disney characters with the artistry of Jim Shore’s Heartwood Creek designs.

In A Magical Moment, Mickey Mouse is portrayed on bended knee proposing to Minnie Mouse. The study doubles as a ring tray and additional details such as the heart-shaped base, hand-painted decoration mean every figurine is different, and the sparkling ring makes this a great gift for couples and Disney fans alike.

Catch The Wave marks the success of the popular film Lilo and Stitch. The figurine captures the joy of Disney’s adventurous characters Lilo and Stitch as they surf the majestic Hawaiian seas and hand-painted details including Jim Shore’s trademark designs add humour and colour to the captivating scene.

Also check out Puppy Love…from Peanuts by Jim Shore. Designed to evoke nostalgic moments we’ve all grown up with, Peanuts by Jim Shore celebrates the favourite comic strip characters Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang in colourful hand-crafted figurines. ‘Peanuts is a tradition in my house,’ says Jim, ‘The characters are so familiar, friends who make us laugh, touch our hearts and sometimes make us look in the mirror.

It’s humour with a foundation of decency and good will, a heartfelt look at life that never forgets we’re all in this together.’

Call: 0161 688 1226 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk Visit: widdop.co.uk

Call: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Visit: enesco.co.uk

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www.exclusivelyelectrical.co.uk

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Licensed Gifts

GIFTWARE FROM HALF MOON BAY

The company has seen huge growth in sales of Heat Changing Mug and has launched 12 new designs across licensed ranges.

The hotly-anticipated Wonder Woman film is due for cinema release on 2 June 2017 and will mark the first time this female superhero has appeared in a stand-alone film. Half Moon Bay have developed a humorous new range of giftware items aimed at women which is likely to appeal to movie-goers and anyone who remembers the 1970s TV series.

2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone.

Half Moon Bay have expanded the selection of merchandise for this license including a special Harry Potter branded counter unit for their extended range of keyrings and pin badges.

Half Moon Bay have introduced new giftware lines to complement the brand featured such as snack sized tin-ware for the McVities brand and a PG Tips bone china Tea-for-One set. The Bird’s Custard Jug and the McDougall’s flour shaker are popular lines.

Call: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk Visit: halfmoonbay.co.uk

CARAT SHOP

Specialising in the manufacture of high quality branded jewellery, watches, cuff links and keyrings, The Carat Shop is a must-visit destination for official Harry Potter merchandise.

As well as Harry Potter, the company also offers Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them official merchandise. With easy online ordering and free next day delivery, they’re a vital destination if you’re aiming to please Harry Potter fans.

Shown here is a selection of the Carat Shop’s most popular, bestselling products from their Harry Potter ranges – beautiful charm bracelets and necklaces.

Call: 01279 739239 Email: info@thecaratshop.co.uk Visit: the caratshop.co.uk 34 gifts today

Timeless Quality.

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National Account Manager (South)

Independent Sales Agents (Nationwide)

Intelex Group are the world’s leading manufacturer of Heatable Soft Toys and Gifts and they dominate this increasingly popular “warming” category with their exciting range of Warmies® fully microwavable products.

Established in London in 1995, Intelex Group invented fully heatable soft toys and they now supply over 100 different fast selling SKU’s to both multiple retailers and large independent stores. They have an impressive list of existing customers that includes: Sainsbury’s, Debenhams, New Look, River Island, Boots, Co-op, Lloyds, WHSmith, Smyths Toys, Amazon etc.

Due to a successful rebranding strategy recently, Intelex are now looking for an experienced National Account Manager to join their growing sales team and to report directly to the Sales Director in Northamptonshire.

Key responsibilities: • Manage and grow existing multiple retailer accounts.

• Identify and open new multiple retailer accounts.

• Provide detailed and regular sales reports to sales director • Manage and attend UK trade shows • Achieve and exceed set targets for growth YOY • Attend regular meetings at head office in Northants • Visit customers nationally as required Role requirements: • Experienced national account experience essential, preferably within the gift industry.

• Must be hard working, self-motivated and goal orientated.

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be fully computer literate.

• Friendly, confident and professional manner.

• Proven record for achieving sales targets with excellent references.

• Ideally based in the South, for an easy commute to buyer’s offices in London and Intelex’s head office in Northamptonshire.

Intelex offers an opportunity to grow sales to some of the UK’s largest national accounts, in return for an attractive salary, bonus scheme, company car, and other benefits associated with a National Account manager role.

If this position is of interest to you, please send your CV to Darren Ingram (sales Director) darren@intelex.co.uk

Intelex Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of Heatable Soft Toys and Gifts and they dominate the increasingly popular “warming” category with their exciting range of Warmies® fully microwavable products.

These fast selling products are particularly popular with Independent account including Gift Shops, Garden Centre’s, Pharmacies, Department stores, Toy Stres etc.

Due to a very successful rebranding stratedgy, Intelex now require Independant Sales Agents to cover multiple territories.

We offer: • A proven range of fast selling products.

• Fresh new product designs each year.

• Competitive commission structure.

• Full national marketing support including trade shows, trade advertising, PR etc.

• Full sales support service, including brochures, samples, order forms, e-commerce etc.

See our new 2017 Collection at the London Stationery Show: Stand M448 Role requirements • • • • •

Experience selling into the gift industry.

A portfolio of existing customers.

Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.

Friendly, confident and professional manner.

Working knowledge of excel and word.

If this role is of interest to you, please send your CV to Darren Ingram (sales Director) darren@intelex.co.uk sales@mgml.co.uk Tel: 01373 462165

www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

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17/03/2017 15:39

Licensed Gifts

GET GROOVY

Turn any room from the Dark Side to the Light with Groovy UK’s Star Wars Neon Lights. Bright neon tubing surrounds a high quality PVC print of their favourite characters including a Storm Trooper, Darth Vader, Light Sabers, Death Star and Star Wars logo.

No knowledge or grasp of the Force is needed to light up – just plug it in (it comes with a EU main plug adapter too) and enjoy the lightsaber-esque glow it gives off. A fantastic gift for Star Wars fans, it stands upright on its base and looks great on mantelpieces, office desks, or coffee tables. Unique and eye catching with an RRP of £25.

Call: 0844 372 7820 Email: info@groovyuk.com Visit: groovyuk.com

SIGNATURE HAYNES EXPLAINS MANUALS & LADYBIRD LAUGHS

Marriage, teenagers, babies, and pensioners are all explained through these novelty manuals. Written in the style of a mechanic’s manual the cover promises that ‘Every manual is based on a stripdown and rebuild.’ Advice on identifying leaks in babies, rust prevention for pensioners, the horn for teenagers, and pillow torque for married couples can all be found within these pages.

Each edition is personalised and printed through Signature Gifts, including a name throughout and any message on the opening page. Dropship delivery takes the risk of holding stock out of the equation too. These quirky licensed gifts were Highly Commended for Gift of the Year in the Branded & Character, and Made in the UK categories. RRP £12.99.

Written in the style of the children’s books we all loved, the delightful range of Ladybird Books for Grown Ups is worth a look, too. These highly praised books won Gift of the Year in the categories of Branded & Character and Hot Novelty.

Clear text and repetition gives the tone of a children’s book, but the content highlights stereotype of how adults cope (or don’t cope) with life. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text, these cheeky books show the inner workings of an average grown up. Each book includes your chosen name and a personal message on the opening page, the nostalgic feel of this gift will have you laughing (or crying) at the fact you’re a grown up now! All RRP for £12.99

Call: 01582 464 809 Visit: signature-books.co.uk

36 gifts today

Area Sales Manager (South East) Enesco Limited is a leading international company in the design, manufacture and marketing of licensed and proprietary branded giftware, with product lines including Beatrix Potter, Willow Tree, Disney and Gund.

Wrap up in Style.

The Role Reporting directly to our Sales Director and working as part of our field sales team, you will be responsible for our territory comprising of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire and Dorset.

Your key will include: y responsibilities p • Achievement of your annual sales plan

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• Maximising product placement

• Identifying and development of new business opportunities • Providing a great service to our independent retailers • Effective and efficient and territory management

The person You will ideally have experience off selling into and understand the independent retailer customer base.

You will be driven by results and hold proven track record of identifying and maximising new business opportunities.

You will deliver excellent customer service at all levels and ensure that our customers maximise on the delivery of our products to the consumer.

Enesco offer a competitive salary and bonus scheme, company car, company pension as well other benefits associated with a market leading business.

Interested?

Visit our website www.enesco.co.uk for further details.

If you are convinced that this is the right role for you, apply in writing and tell us why (please include a full CV) to hr@enesco.co.uk. Please include details of your current salary and package.

Previous applicants need not apply - No Agencies

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Independent Sales Agents (Nationwide)

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Intelex Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of Heatable Soft Toys and Gifts and they dominate the increasingly popular “warming� category with their exciting range of WarmiesŽ fully microwavable products.

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These fast selling products are particularly popular with Independent account including Gift Shops, Garden Centre’s, Pharmacies, Department stores, Toy Stres etc.

Due to a very successful rebranding stratedgy, Intelex now require Independant Sales Agents to cover multiple territories.

We offer: • A proven range of fast selling products. • Fresh new product designs each year. • Competitive commission structure. • Full national marketing support including trade shows, trade advertising, PR etc. • Full sales support service, including brochures, samples, order forms, e-commerce etc.

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See our new 2017 Collection at the London Stationery Show:

Stand M448

Role requirements • Experience selling into the gift industry. • A portfolio of existing customers. • Excellent communication skills, written and verbal. • Friendly, confident and professional manner. • Working knowledge of excel and word.

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If this role is of interest to you, please send your CV to Darren Ingram (sales Director) darren@intelex.co.uk

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sales@mgml.co.uk Tel: 01373 462165 www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

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17/03/2017 15:41

Gifts for Gardeners

Digging deep With winter behind us and warmer months on the way, there are 10 good reasons to join the growing trend for gardening gifts.

1. There are 27,000,000 gardeners in the UK

4. We know gardening is good for us

With so many avid gardeners in the UK and a growing trend to become self-sufficient and organic, it’s time to discover the new crop of gifts for green-fingered friends and family. The increasing range of gardening gifts means they can be a great option for those difficult-to-buy-for friends and family members.

‘We are seeing gardening being promoted increasingly by the medical profession to help improve both our mental and physical health,’ says Susan Grant from Widdop & Co. ‘And the number of keen gardeners is growing exponentially and not surprisingly so are the ranges of gifts on offer for this growing army.’

2. Gardening centres have given inspiration

5. It’s not just about seeds and tools…

Garden centres have become destination outlets for many customers, offering restaurants and leisure facilities along with a wealth of gift ideas. With free parking and plentiful space, they have become great places to pick up everything from cards to books, scarves to confectionary. As a result, customers are more aware of what’s out there and are starting to look for gardening gift ideas in other outlets.

…. though products with a design edge are good choices here.

Gardening gifts can cover patio ornaments, lanterns and spinners – and even products with purpose now have a design element. Take a look at the award-winning Belightful Butterfly

3. It’s not just about country dwellers The Wyevale Garden Centres released their first ‘growing forecast’ early in 2017 and predicted that products to suit ‘convenience gardening,’ urban and rental lifestyles are increasing in popularity. While Britain’s younger gardeners may not have the same horticultural knowledge as generations that have gone before, they do want to make the most of their outdoor and indoor spaces.

Oasis from Belightful design which uses sleek Scandi design to connect form and function. The quirky outdoor gift does not go amiss either. ‘Check out a cosy bird house that will look good in the garden as well as attract feathered wildlife to become part of the garden,’ says Susan from Widdop.

Consumers are viewing the outdoor space as an extra room for relaxing and socialising and are keen to make the most of it, however big or small.

6. Greenery is the colour The colour specialists at Pantone selected 15-0343 Greenery as their Colour of the Year for 2017. According to the company, this fresh and zesty yellow-green shade evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive,

38 gifts today etsy.com

restore and renew. Pantone have taken their popular Colour of the Year concept a stage further this year and partnered up with the accommodation site Airbnb to bring more Greenery into the daily lives of people travelling to cities, towns and villages around the globe. It goes without saying that this shade’s perfect for a whole plethora of gifting goodies, from mugs to trowels, candles to kneelers.

7. Glee is opening at Spring Fair next year Annual garden retail exhibition Glee is set to become a biannual event with the opening of a Glee concession show at Spring Fair 2018 at the NEC - complementing Glee’s main

belightful

September exhibition. The February edition of Glee also means that Spring Fair will now benefit from having a dedicated garden centre hub at its heart. Glee at Spring Fair is a natural home for these garden and outdoor suppliers, the organisers add, and will make it even easier for home and gift retailers to tap into these thriving and highly profitable product sectors. Glee at Spring Fair will take prime location in Hall 3, and will have the signature wide boulevard synonymous with the September layout. Glee event director Matthew Mein explained: ‘Retailing is a constantly evolving business, and we appreciate that the buying cycle for gardening, outdoor living gifts, and design-led products stretches across the whole year.’

8. Tap into the fragrant garden trend Gifts don’t always have to be practical – home fragrance and body care

products can tick all the gardening boxes too if they’re presented in the right way. Tom Sykes, director of Xystos says: ‘Pampering products for busy gardeners always make welcome presents – and so much the better if they are themed to appeal to those with green fingers. Packaging is of prime importance in a crowded market place.’

9. Gardening will be in the news BBC 2’s flagship show Gardeners’

World celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

10. Gifts to remind them of the garden Even when it’s cold and rainy outside, certain gifts can remind gardeners of their green spaces.

‘Over the years we have found that keen gardeners are often keen puzzlers, too, as both hobbies are therapeutic and tactile,’ says Kate Gibson, MD of Gibsons Games. ‘Puzzling is a great pastime when the weather is too miserable to spend in your garden, which is why many of our puzzles feature flourishing gardens and blossoming plants.’ gifts today 39

Widdop & Co

Gifts for Gardeners

HEAVEN SCENT FOR GARDENERS

Heaven Scent have a simple story to tell that supports their business ethos. Based in the beautiful countryside of Wiltshire, Heaven Scent created a clean burning plant wax candle and other natural products to offer people an alternative to products that use strong chemicals and paraffin wax.

Heaven Scent test and improve on their formulas all the time, and they want to offer high quality natural products and are about to launch a new body product range.

Another great service that Heaven Scent offers and has done for over 15 years, is a bespoke labelling service. Today retailers are responding to their customers and want to offer something unique and not mass produced and that tells a lovely story. Shops are able to have their own labels designed and created for them with a small minimum order. With their stamp on the product shops can introduce an aspect of localism to their shop.

Call: 01225 868788 Email: contact@heavenscent.co.uk Visit: heavenscent.co.uk

BELIGHTFUL BUTTERFLY OASIS

You can make the most of your garden, backyard or patio with this award-winning butterfly feeder.

Belightful Butterfly Oasis re-imagines and enhances the visual language of wildlife care in the most extraordinary way. Sleek Scandinavian design is connecting the form into function. It offers a fun way to support butterflies and nature. Feeders are made with the environment in mind from durable, recyclable materials. The innovative feeding cavities work perfectly with the butterfly’s proboscis and prevent the access of other insects to the enclosed nectar source.

Oasis is available in three colours - lilac, pink and yellow. These colours are borrowed from the natural flowers known for attracting butterflies. With the nectar and the sponge included in the package; Oasis is ready to use after only adding water into it. Every product package includes an individual code for an option to register the Oasis. This enables access to topic-related content and additional tips for using the Oasis.

Oasis is packed in a beautiful, colourful box, and no additional gift wrap is needed. It is indeed a perfect gift and a must-have conversation piece of every summer soirée.

Call: 0358 44 2401 353 Email: support@belightfuldesign.com Visit: belightfuldesign.com 40 gifts today

GREEN THUMBED GIFTS

The Personalised Memento Company have recently launched a selection of new personalised gardening gloves, which are ideal for gardeners everywhere.

Available in black and lilac designs, the gloves are made from soft leather and nylon and are a stylish way to spruce up a garden after a long winter.

PMC’s designs include options for men and women, making them ideal for Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays and grandparents. PMC’s new range of gardening gloves are the latest in their growing range of original and cutting edge personalised gifts. With over 7,000 personalised gifts available through their trade website, all personalised and drop-shipped to order, it has never been easier to add personalised gifts to your product range. Visit PMC’s website to sign up for your trade account today.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Visit: personalisedmemento.co.uk

Spring has sprung at Lang’s with lots of exciting new products and in-house designs.

For the avid gardener, we have really gone to pot with our new assortment of funfilled quirky gifts, which are sure to plant the seeds of inspiration in garden lovers everywhere. Our favourite is the Watering Can Stand with 6 assorted fun phrases; this makes a truly lovely gift.

Every hour is Happy Hour at Lang’s! We have got it all covered for your summer drinks party, with a sparklingly vibrant collection. We’ve used metallic silver, with colourful accents of pink and lime green. We personally love the Slate Hanging Hearts which will quickly become a ‘must’ for gin lovers out there!

All you need is Lang’s - there is something for everyone!

Richard Lang & Son Ltd 1 Little Chester Park Alfreton Road Derby DE21 4AA T: 01332 340927 E: sales@richardlang.co.uk W: www.richardlang.co.uk

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Gifts for Gardeners

PAMPERING GIFTS FOR GARDENERS

HEAD INTO THE GARDEN WITH WIDDOP

Country Living is bursting at the seams with gorgeous gifts for gardeners. From colourful metal animals designed to brighten up the darkest corner of the garden to the cutest bird house that will have every bird in the area flocking to it, this brand blends the rural rusticity of country living with high quality, modern design.

New for 2017 is a delightful collection of metal outdoor animal figurines.

With a touch of gold, they have been designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Metal outdoor furniture brings a touch of class to any patio – from patio table and chairs to a quirky cart designed to show off the best floral display.

Call: 0161 688 1240 Visit: widdop.co.uk

Pampering products for busy gardeners always make welcome presents – and so much the better if they are themed to appeal to those with green fingers.

The Woods of Windsor Floral Fragrances Collection from Xystos fits the bill perfectly. It has taken inspiration from modern and vintage flower illustrations, the beauty of the Great Park and the romance of Windsor Castle, as well as the delicate flora and fauna of the fragranced English garden, to develop a fresh, new take on its heritage.

Hard-working gardeners can choose from a super-hydrating moisturising hand wash, moisturising bath & shower gel, luxury soap, eau de toilette spray, nourishing hand cream and dusting powder.

Xystos also distributes The Home Fragrance Collection from Woods of Windsor, which is inspired by three of English Heritage’s historic English landmarks and includes luxury scented candles, room fragrances, diffusers, drawer liners and wardrobe sachets.

Each range is available in three fragrances: Tudor Rose, inspired by Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden; Citrus & Basil, inspired by Eltham Palace; and Sea Spray & Freesia inspired by Osborne. All are beautifully decorated to reflect these monumental sites.

Says Tom Sykes, director of Xystos: ‘Packaging is of prime importance in a crowded market place. Woods of Windsor have managed in these two collections to create distinctive decoration – on the one hand appealing to traditionalists, and on the other embracing modern designs that will appeal to buyers across all age ranges.’

Call: 091 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk Visit: xystostrade.co.uk

ANIMAL WORLD

Visit Richard Lang’s showroom in Derby to view their extensive range of gift, home decor and novelty items. There’s a huge collection available. As a family import and wholesale business, established over 50 years ago, they have a proven track record of offering innovative and unusual gifts. They specialise in finding ‘something different’ and providing value for money without losing sight of quality.

Call: 01332 340927 Email: Sales@richardlang.co.uk Visit: richardlang.co.uk

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Retailers’ Panel

Gifts Today Retailers’ Panel Key gift retailers around the UK introduce their businesses and tell us what they’re buying at the moment.

JENNY MORRISON Top Drawer, St Andrews, Scotland What’s the story behind your shop?

I bought Top Drawer in December 2011 after moving from my hometown of Aberdeen. With a degree in Textile Design, I have always been interested in the arty side and left my last job in the Oil Industry to take on the challenge of moving to St Andrews and running my own business!

What makes you stand out from the rest?

I made the decision to stock gifts and cards which are unique and not available in any other shops in St Andrews. Staying on trend and changing the stock offering regularly, keeps the shop looking fresh and interesting.

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when setting up your company?

Do your homework before you make any move. Try and fully understand what products will work in your chosen location and be careful how and when you introduce them.

What are you stocking up on at the moment for SS17?

Candles and diffusers for the home as these make great presents for family and friends or just a treat for yourself. I’ve also been stocking up on sentiment-type gifts. I have just had my first delivery of beautiful handmade, ceramic hearts with messages on from Jamali Annay.

Which trade shows will you visit?

This year I went to the Spring Fair and Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring and I hope to go to PG live, Home & Gift Harrogate and Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn later in the year.

topdrawergifts.co.uk

BERITH LOCHERY Broc-Mor, Aberystwyth What’s the story behind your shop?

Broc-Mor means driftwood in Welsh. We opened our doors in 2011.

At that time, there was a real need in Aberystwyth for an Independent gift shop with a strong emphasis on new Welsh products.

What makes you stand out from the rest?

We update our stock and displays frequently which means our look is always fresh and gives customers a reason to come back and check out what’s new.

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when setting up your company?

Have a clear understanding of what your customers are looking for and come up with a plan to help you get through quiet periods.

What are you stocking up on at the moment for SS17?

Quinnell Candles and Cadenza cashmere blend wraps.

Which trade shows will you visit?

Autumn Fair

brocmor.co.uk

44 gifts today

DERRICK ARMITAGE Present Perfect, Melrose What’s the story behind your shop?

How long have you got? My partner, Brian Hitchcock and I have lived and worked overseas, then after returning to UK in 1990 we owned a couple of guest houses (St. Andrews followed

by Ballachulish) for some 16 years. Guests had always been complimentary about our taste in décor, so after moving to the Scottish Borders we decided to swap guest houses for retail and opened the shop, offering a mix of cards, gifts and home décor items.

What makes you stand out from the rest?

We do have a particular love for candles and we aim to maintain a policy of stocking greetings cards that cost no more than £2.50.

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when setting up your company?

I would advise always keeping an open mind and being prepared to be flexible.

What are you stocking up on at the moment for SS17?

We have stocked up on ever popular WoodWick candles and ordered a new range of Scottish-themed hanging decorations/ keyrings/magnets from Southbeach Design. We also have stag aprons and tea towels licensed by the Woodland Trust from My Gift Trade. We continually restock animal silhouettes made from recycled wood by local artist, Lynda Marwood under her Kittiwake Design brand. Fair trade handbags and accessories from another local business Earth Squared are next on the list.

Which trade shows will you visit?

We visited Scotland’s Spring Trade Fair at the SECC, Glasgow in January and will attend Harrogate in July and probably Scotland’s Autumn Trade Fair in September. We have cut back on trade fair attendance being happy to order online from known suppliers.

presentperfectmelrose.co.uk

SIOBHAN BELL

KAREN GREIG

Delilah Petal, Crewkerne, Somerset

Destined For Home, Edinburgh, Scotland

What’s the story behind your shop?

I was working as an artist and illustrator but longed for years to start a gift shop and when my Mother Tess who ran a recycling charity wanted a career change we decided to open a shop together. After searching a long time for the right premises in our semi-rural county of Somerset we found the shop for us and in May 2010 opened the doors of Delilah Petal Crewkerne and began trading. In 2012 we took Delilah online too and in 2015 we opened a unit in a large store with forty small shops within it in Wellington, Somerset.

What makes you stand out from the rest?

Our customers say that we stand out in our town because they always find something that they want to buy and that everything they find is a bit different. We search constantly for unusual, exciting, beautiful and good quality products for a reasonable price to bring to our regular customers who return again and again. We do our best to offer great customer service by being friendly and trying to help our customers to find the gifts that are perfect for whoever they are buying for. We also have a small play area for customers’ children which means that they can play happily while their parents browse. Parents tell us that this makes their shopping experience a lot calmer and easier.

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when setting up your company?

Don’t try to stock everything that people ask for, it is good to listen to your customer’s opinions and wants but you are not a department store, you can’t sell everything.

What are you stocking up on at the moment for SS17?

We are really enjoying restocking our shops for Spring after a good Christmas and January Sale. We are already selling a lot of products, especially scarves in pretty, softer spring colours. We are analysing our bestsellers and worst sellers of last year and expanding our selection of greetings cards which make up a large proportion of our sales. We have just restocked our Heathcote & Ivory toiletries, one of our favourite colours for this Spring is navy blue and their fabulous William Morris ‘Love is enough’ collection fits beautifully with this. We have some fresh new jewellery that we discovered at Spring Fair and we are revisiting previous suppliers such as Noa jewellery and the perennial favourite Kate Hamilton Hunter. We are also off to a flying start with all this season’s lovely new products from East Of India.

What’s the story behind your shop?

I’ve lived and worked in Leith for many years and after having worked for over 30 years, I was made redundant before deciding to start this business. It was born from my desire to find products that weren’t mass produced and that had their own story and integrity. My journey has introduced me to many talented British designers; many of whom are small business owners designing and making products themselves.

What makes you stand out from the rest?

Hand-picking high quality, unique gifts and interiors from the amazingly talented creators and designers we have here in the UK. I don’t deal with large companies, preferring to deal with the maker or designer themselves – then you find out their story and it’s more personal.

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when setting up your company?

Take your time, do lots of research, and always go with your gut instinct.

What are you stocking up on at the moment for SS17?

Beautiful dressing gowns and kimonos, make-up erasers that can take off waterproof mascara with just water, soy candles.

Which trade shows will you visit?

Pulse, Top Drawer, Home & Gift and Glasgow

destinedforhome.com

NIC STONE The Bottle Kiln, West Hallam What’s the story behind your shop?

The Bottle Kiln was set up by my father in 1985 as a gallery and café, and has evolved into what it is today; a contemporary visitor attraction selling “good food, beautiful objects.”

What makes you stand out from the rest?

The Bottle Kiln is entirely unique – the buildings themselves are like no others, and the combination of a strong family culture, fabulous fresh food and the best of modern giftware in a characterful surrounding make us stand out.

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when setting up your company?

Be patient – it takes a few years to make any money! And choose your staff carefully, you will spend more time with them than your family!

What are you stocking up on at the moment for SS17?

Jewellery, scarves, cards, watches. Garden products are just starting to come in.

Which trade shows will you visit?

We will visit Pulse, Harrogate, Autumn Fair and Autumn Top Drawer this year. We went to Spring Fair and Top Drawer, and may go to Progressive Greetings.

bottlekiln.co.uk

Which trade shows will you visit?

This year we have visited Spring Fair and Top Drawer. We hope to get to Harrogate and Pure later in the year. We also like to try and find new makers and suppliers by visiting craft markets, galleries and open studio events.

delilahpetal.com

JOIN OUR RETAILERS’ PANEL! Fancy having your say about the gift industry? Want to share news about your business? Just drop editor Sally Norton an email at sally@lemapublishing.co.uk. Look forward to hearing from you! gifts today 45

Exhibition Preview

Exhibition ProďŹ les Time to get the diary out and plan ahead for the trade shows coming up this spring and early summer. Over the following pages we look at: British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) 2-4 April Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate bctf.co.uk

The London Stationery Show 25-26 April Business Design Centre, London N1 stationeryshow.co.uk

Pulse

14-16 May Olympia, London W14 pulse-london.com

Tendence

24-27 June Messe Frankfurt, Germany tendence.messefrankfurt.com

46 gifts today

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24/02/2017 14:07:05 16/03/2017 09:18

British Craft Trade Fair

Buy British Head to Harrogate from 2 to 4 April for the only trade fair in the UK that exclusively promotes British craft and design.

N

ow in its 42nd year, The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) is one of the oldest established gift trade fairs in the calendar. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never been a better time to stock British product and this fair is a great place to find some new makers for your shop or gallery. Check out some of them below.

Over 500 exhibitors will be showing their work and ready to supply retailers at trade prices. Getting there is easy as parking is free at the venue and the organisers provide a free courtesy car service from and to Harrogate train station and Leeds Bradford airport.

The fair will be held in the magnificent newly built halls at the Yorkshire event centre. If you are not already registered as a buyer for the fair, please sign up for your free invitation.

bctf.co.uk

BELLA ART

Artist Lucy creates paintings of woodland animals Inspired by her surroundings in Suffolk. After her expressive paintings grew popular in print and card format, she decided to expand her range and create textile patterns for cushions, lampshades, table runners and napkins.

Call: 07919 103496 Email: lucy@bellaart.co.uk Visit: bellaart.co.uk

CREATED BY THE RIDLEYS

FROM BRIGHTON WITH LOVE

From Brighton With Love was started by designer/ maker Sally Evans in 2012 when she moved to the city after many years living and working in London. She makes beautiful knitted home accessories in colours inspired by Brighton and the surrounding area.

Call: 07970 781311 Email: sally@frombrightonwithlove.com Visit: frombrightonwithlove.com

High quality yet affordable tweed products and gifts designed and made in Darlington. The hip flasks are particularly popular as they can be personalised by embroidering a name or initials onto the fully-lined tweed sleeve. Operates a strict one stockist per area policy, to ensure your customers find that something different in your shop.

Call: 07825 671280 or 01325 246849 Email: tracy@createdbytheridleys.co.uk Visit: createdbytheridleys.co.uk

FELLTARN

Inspired by the beauty and variety the Lake District offers, Claire and Amy created the Felltarn Friends 96-page family guide book to help showcase the countryside as a wonderful place to visit and enjoy. Felltarn have also designed a wonderful selection of greetings cards.

Call: 01539 738788 or 07846 805602 Email: amy@felltarn.co.uk Website: www.felltarn.co.uk 48 gifts today

HOUSE BY HAZEL A Cornish homewares company creating contemporary maximalist home accessories, combining vibrant jewel-like colours with Hazelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own illustrated imagery. Hazel uses her small studio environment to advantage, enabling her to keep the local integrity of the brand.

Call: 07823 554486 Email: housebyhazel@gmail.com Visit: housebyhazel.com

KATE WIMBUSH JEWELLERY

Kate Wimbush creates wearable, figurative jewellery from silver and 9ct gold, accented with colourful resin.

Graduating in 2005 with a degree in Design: Craft, and now based in Cheshire, Kate uses traditional handcraft techniques combined with computer technology to construct her jewellery.

Call: 07855 323193 Email: katewimbush@gmail.com Visit: katewimbush.co.uk

JANE CRICK

Jane uses her colourful and contemporary illustrations to produce beautiful high-quality gift wrap and greetings cards - printed to high environmental standards using paper from well-managed sustainable sources. Living in East Anglia, working on her allotment and tending gardens, all provide a diverse range of subjects for Jane - inspiring her best-selling Allium range as well as her popular Christmas, Floral and British Seaside designs.

Call: 07731 158840 Email: info@janecrick.co.uk Visit: janecrick.co.uk

LIMELIGHT BATH

Fabulous scented candles, reed diffusers and home fragrances, all hand-made in a workshop just outside Bath. The company use blended soy wax and the finest French fragrances to give the very best scent throw. The core collection will be on show at BCTF, along with a new fragrance launch.

Call: 01225 742984 or 07884 073956 Email: catharinebiggs@limelightlimited.com Visit: limelightlimited.com

MEGAN ALICE LONDON

A contemporary gifts and homewares brand, specialising in hand printed textiles. Megan is a textile design graduate with a passion for screen printing. Based in Cheltenham, she has created a range of prints inspired by her surroundings.

Call: 07856 983872 Email: info@meganaliceengland.co.uk Visit: meganaliceengland.co.uk

SUZI THOMPSON PRINTMAKER JANICE DAUGHTERS

Janice produces pen and ink drawings of a variety of subjects, including floral, animals, birds, mechanical and architectural studies; mostly in black and white, although some with accents of colour. Prints form the original artwork are available in several sizes. A range of greeting cards is available of Janice›s work, including enchanting bear illustrations.

Call: 07860 633490 Email: mail@janicedaughters.co.uk Visit: janicedaughters.co.uk

Suzi Thompson is a printmaker based in South Yorkshire working with collagraph, drypoint and relief printing processes to create limited edition prints, artists’ books and a range of hand printed, bound and stitched notebooks.

Call: 07870 510818 Email: info@suzithompson.co.uk Visit: suzithompson.co.uk

‘BRITAIN IS GREAT’

This government sponsored incentive is one that many UK retailers and consumers are supporting. gifts today 49

Pulse

Keep your finger on the Pulse Breaking the boundaries of design and innovation, Pulse is the UK’s ultimate boutique trade event for inspiring new gifts, modern living and fashion accessories.

P

ulse offers buyers and retailers an unrivalled edit of unexpected products, undiscovered brands and wall to wall inspiration. Held on 14-16 May at the stunning venue of Olympia London, it is a must-see for any savvy retailer. Check out some of the of the must-see gift exhibitors at this year’s show

All the Ways to Say A specialised paper goods brand based in France, founded in 2015 by Claire Leina, an illustrator, art director, and young mum.

The illustrations are handmade, and the greeting cards collection is based on watercolour technique. All the Ways to Say focuses on the highest quality materials available to create the finest products, by choosing really good papers to print on, and by working with brilliant local printers in the South of France.

Makers C27 • Makers – new for 2017. This category unites a fresh new wave of up and coming designer-makers. With over 150 brands exhibiting, it is the origin of distinctive design.

• FOUND - an international trail of discovery bringing you the very best in unseen design talent from around the globe.

• Brands - located at the very forefront of Pulse is an inspiring new feature, dedicated to new product launches from 20 of the industry’s most iconic brands.

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James Barker

A London-based illustrator who creates design-conscious illustrated goods with a pinch of wit. Formerly known as Chá Con Letras, James - together with Joana - launched his first children’s book before the venture expanded to stock illustrated home and paper goods as well as accessories. All products are designed by James and carefully sourced and produced in Britain whenever possible.

Makers C35

U Studio

Works with some of the best and brightest artists, illustrators and photographers around to produce design-led cards and giftware with just the right amount of quirk. They design and develop all of their lovely art-based products in an equally lovely Bristol based studio.

Living H22

pulse-london.com StolenForm Specialises in repurposing industrialised objects and transforming them into ceramic home accessories and giftware products. Christian Marsden is the designer-maker behind StolenForm and has long been inspired by the urban environment. Years spent journeying through London’s streets led him to notice afresh features of the city that are so often overlooked: a brick, a manhole cover over a drain or a piece of piping could be reclaimed and elevated to a new level of function and aesthetic value.

Living M26

Shibaful

The world’s first lawntextured iPhone case, created with Yoyogi Park of Tokyo in mind. The original blend of pile was planted into an iPhone case by Japanese craftsmen using electrostatic flocking technology.

Makers L55 *LIWV 7RGD\ $G )ODW SGI

FEAT. sock co.

A bespoke, South African sock brand focused on maintaining a high-quality product while creating eye-catching feature socks that become a talking point for the wearer. The company cares about supporting the South African manufacturing industry. They create socks with a sense of wonder - inspired by adventure and all of their favourite things.

Living K33a

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Nathalie Bond Organics

Founded in 2014 by husband and wife duo, Nat and Andrew Bond.

The independent company makes small batches of beautiful skincare with organic ingredients that are truly effective and also pretty good for the planet. The range includes handmade soap blocks, liquid soap, lip salves, skin balms, body oils, body scrubs, bath salts and essential oil candles.

Living L28

Pulse DPS.indd 2

17/03/2017 18:27

Stationery Show

London Stationery Show We catch up with the COO of Ocean Media Group as he takes the helm for the first time, and take a look at the winners of the show’s new LaunchPad competition.

T

im Willoughby started working as event director on LSS in 2016 when Ocean acquired the show from LMC Media. He has worked in the events industry for 17 years, with the last 12 in senior leadership roles. As one of two managing directors at Ocean Media, Tim also looks after Ocean’s Housing business, which makes for a varied and exciting role. Variety has been a consistent theme in his career, having also led events businesses in retail (Retail Week), legal, education and technology. Tim brings a track record of growing event brands, through improved sales and marketing performance, new product development, geo-roll out and product extension.

Tim Willoughby, COO of Ocean Media Group gives the lowdown on his team’s preparations in the run up to April’s show.

Q: What is your role in the Stationery Show?

A: When the London Stationery Show was bought by Ocean Media last September I took over the role of Event Director from the show’s founder Chris LeonardMorgan, who is still involved with the show this year. His knowledge of the people and products in the stationery sector is second to none – he’s good to have at the end of phone!

Q: What did you do before?

A: I was Director of Events for Retail Week and helped to develop their portfolio of sector events, awards and conferences.

Q: How many people at Ocean Media are involved?

A: We have a regular team of five: Hazel Fieldwick on ops and stand sales; Pam Board, sales; Vanessa Fortnam on marketing and PR: Julia Faiers looking after our social media and myself working on the show. When we get onsite we add the Business Design Centre venue staff, our two-woman ops team, a photographer, videographer and get some great ‘hands on’ help from Henri Davis for the Stationery Awards.

Q: What’s the most challenging aspect of putting together the show?

A: We want to keep the show feeling fresh, without changing things just for the sake of it. It’s also important that the show reflects the ever-changing stationery world; this is why we’ve introduced the ‘Creative Hub’ this year – we want to show how stationery can come alive off the 52 gifts today

shelf and add a little theatre and personality to stores.

Q: How do you juggle meetings, emails, being out and about?

A: I have a written to do list in my Moleskine, because scribbling out is far more satisfying than clicking delete.

My diary is in Outlook and and I manage email by diverting all emails I’m copied to into a folder which I review once a day. I delete emails as soon as I have responded and I use the phone more than email as it is much quicker.

Q: Most memorable moment in the run up to this year’s show?

A: The best moments so far for me have been the successful outcome of our new LaunchPad competition and coming to understand that everyone likes stationery in some form or another!

Q: What do you think the future of stationery is?

A: Many thought stationery would be subsumed by digital alternatives, but paper and writing products have always inspired passion. We are seeing parts of the stationery sector establishing new positions as premium alternatives to digital communications and finding ways of absorbing digital into their offer. Most people use a combination of paper, pen and a smart phone and it’s great to see suppliers creating desirable and fashionable products for this market.

Q: Any secrets about the show you can share with us?

A: The Stationery Show is on an incredible growth trajectory. This year’s show marks the start of a new chapter in an exciting journey. We are now looking at what next, or maybe where next... it would be great to add another Capital city to the logo!

FIRST-EVER LAUNCHPAD WINNERS ANNOUNCED Judges had the task of identifying 12 winning entries to take part in this year’s show free of charge.

Aimed at individuals and companies eager to break into the booming UK stationery industry, each of the 12 winners have been allocated a free display space at the show, which runs on 25 and 26 April at the Business Design Centre in London.

The three judges were: Rebecca Saunders, head of development at nononthehighstreet. com; Kim Harrup-Brook, graphic designer and founder of Elegant Stationery Made In England; Sally Newall, editor of IndyBest, the product reviews section of The Independent.

The winners are; Archivia, Berjo Creative,

By Mrs Carter, David Hayward Designs, Elmo Paperstories, Foggish, My Pretty Circus, Offlines, Ortiedesign, Spots & Stripes Design, Think Trigg and Treewise.

stationeryshow.co.uk

Tendence

Take off for Tendence With new dates at the end of June, this year’s Fair will be bigger and better than ever.

T

endence is the first big buying event in the second half of 2017 and this year there will be new halls for visitors to discover.

To give an improved trade-fair experience, Messe Frankfurt has made more space available and introduced a new hall configuration with six halls – 8.0, 9.0, 9.1, 10.1, 11.0 and 11.1 – in use. Here’s the lowdown to what’s on offer in the different halls…

Hall 8.0: Seasonal Decoration and Home Seasonal Decoration is aimed at boutique buyers and wholesalers, offering a complete spectrum of seasonal decoration ideas for all festive events. Home offers furnishing ideas for home and garden in all styles, from romantic and nostalgic to Nordic and fresh.

Hall 9.0: Pure & Elegant This special product show – a blend of department store and boutique – illustrates how to create a concept store that makes customers want to see more and stay longer in the shop. Expect international furnishing concepts with high-quality furniture, textiles, lighting and home accessories – classic, minimalist and contemporary styles are all here. There will be guided d tours of the pavilions twice a day.

accessories for children. It also offers Culinary Gifts like premium edible oils and tea specialties as well as accessories for cooking, dining and entertaining.

Hall 11.1: Accessories & Jewellery

year. The extensive portfolio covers products for home, furnishing, decorating, giving, jewellery, fashion accessories, home textiles and outdoors.

messefrankfurt.com

Expect jewellery and watches, leather goods, bags, fashion accessories, travel luggage, beauty accessories, bodycare and wellness products.

Tendence (24 to 27 June 2017) is Germany’s most international order venue for the second half of the

Hall 9.1: Gift Classics There will be gifts from all over the world – stationery, handicrafts, candles and promotional items. You’ll also find the Tendence Academy – a programme for the European retail trade where you can find great impulse buys for shop displays and window dressing and information for making a start in the world of e-commerce. At the stage in Hall 9.1, visitors will have a choice of lectures aimed at jewellery and accessories buyers and the green sector.

Hall 10.1: International Sourcing Head here for international high-volume trade for all sorts of products, including gifts, games, handicrafts,, jewellery, home accessories, small furniture, textiles, lights, seasonal decoration, outdoor accessories, table, kitchen and household.

Hall 11: Young Gifts and Culinary Gifts This is the Trend Hall and is the setting for Young Gifts, s, featuring souvenirs, stationery and games, toys and gifts today 53

Exclusively Homewares

The 2017 Exclusively Housewares and Electrical Shows have their sights firmly set on what will be in the kitchen of the future. Visit to discover more.

Discover the kitchen of the future A

s Exclusively Housewares marks its 16th show, and Exclusively Electrical its third, organisers Brooke House have confirmed that ‘what comes next for housewares’ will be a key theme for both shows.

‘We are building a specific Tomorrow’s Kitchen feature to look even further into what the future might hold for housewares,’ says show director, Simon Boyd. ‘We see product development driven by increased interest in recycling, the need for smarter storage, the desire for lowfat, healthy cooking, better portion control, cooking and sharing food as entertainment, the desire for colour co-ordinated kitchen gadgets and appliances and a continuing interest in the gifting of functional products which also look fantastic. The more ideas and information we can show and share the better prepared the industry will be, not only to face next season, but to develop and present the sorts of products consumers want to buy.’

Product Demonstrations and Seminars in Tomorrow’s Kitchen • Ken Hom, the Chinese chef, legend of the wok and pioneer of fusion cooking, will be appearing in the demo

kitchen on Tuesday in conjunction with regular Exclusively Housewares exhibitor, DKB Household UK Ltd. He will be joined by a selection of exhibitors who have new products and retail sales ideas to present.

• The demo kitchen will transform into a seminar area for the second day of the shows. The seminar programme will feature trend forecasters Scarlet Opus, who will cover three separate topics; Christmas 2017, spring/ summer 2018 and technology in the kitchen.

Popular ‘Trend Tours’ to return In addition, the Trend Tours led by trend forecasters Scarlet Opus, introduced last year in a new initiative sponsored by BHETA, will run again this year. Each Trend Tour, which encompasses both shows, is a 25-30 minute tour of 8-10 products around the shows which the trend forecasters feel sum up the key consumer trends that will be playing out in the housewares market in the coming months. Following requests from last year, visitors will be offered the opportunity to request their own team tour, or they can simply book a place on a timed tour. Places are limited to 6-7 people on each tour.

FACT FILE Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical run on Tuesday, 13 and Wednesday 14 June at the Business Design Centre in London. The shows are free to visit for bona fide trade buyers.

54 gifts today

2017 Exhibitor Line Up Exclusively Housewares has 120 leading housewares suppliers exhibiting, representing many more brands. Show regulars include Bodum, Denby and Le Creuset. Companies new to the show this year include Jersey Pottery, Kambukka and Lavazza Coffee. In addition, Brewed by Hand, Ladelle, LSA International, What More and Zak Designs are making a welcome return to the show after a break.

In Exclusively Electrical there are 50 suppliers and brands represented including Dualit, KitchenAid and Magimix. They are joined this year by some great new names, including Ecovacs Europe, Espresso Supply and SMEG.

BY THE INDUSTRY, FOR THE INDUSTRY Through its links with the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) the Exclusively Shows stay in

close touch with the industry’s leading housewares and SKA/SDA suppliers and can respond to growth in certain product areas and retail channels, adapting its marketing strategy and product mix for the show accordingly.

The shows’ legendary hospitality means that all visitors are very well looked after, with free refreshments, including free tea and coffee trolleys, sponsored by Brita, that tour the show floor and a two-course lunch. A Buyer’s Lounge, with free refreshments and Wi-Fi available is also available and is sponsored this year by RKW brands Tower, Morphy Richards and Swan.

Call: 0121 237 1130 Visit: exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk or exclusivelyelectrical.co.uk

Sales Manager, Global Mints UK, London

Salary £40k plus bonus depending on experience Description POSITION: Sales Manager for Global Mints (tins of mints and sweets) Global mints is a US manufacturer of premium mints and sweets that prides itself on producing the highest quality product coupled with creatively designed packaging.

As part of the team you will be responsible for: • Develop the route to market in the UK and across Europe • Driving sales and profit of your product categories.

• Manage sales agents and distributors across Europe • Develop a calendar of promotional opportunities • Working with the merchandisers to deliver the stock strategy for the category • Negotiating terms with suppliers • Developing visual merchandising guidelines for implementation To do this effectively you will need the following skills and experience: • Previous Sales Manager experience in the UK and Europe • Experience of working in a design led Gift business • Negotiation experience • Strong analytical skills, numerate • Proficient with Excel • Good planning and organisational skills • Enjoy building and leading an energetic team and a good team player Full time (35 hours per week), Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Interested applicants should send their CV together with a brief covering letter to: iain@amusemints.co.uk

AGENT REQUIRED Organisation Chairworks Ltd Areas

South East England South West England Central England North West / North East England Scotland

Commissions 15% on NET sales but lower on certain products and where discount involved.

Description

Chairworks Ltd are a major distributor of woven baskets and garden products for many years.

We need a well established agent who has a good connection with gift retailers and garden centres.

We Offer

A range of past selling products of very attractive designs A list of current customers over a 100 per area Full sales support, catalogue and samples etc

Please contact Nick Smyth 0208 247 3700, 07769 651428, info@chairworks.info.

Made in the UK No MOQ Custom designs available with local sayings

FOR OUR LATEST CATALOGUE OR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US: www.artsydoormats.co.uk +44 (0) 1253 531400 info@artsydoormats.co.uk Gifts Today.indd 1

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17/03/2017 17:48

New Products

CHEERS!

Vacu Vin, the leading wine accessories brand and the inventor of the multimillion unit selling Wine Saver is pleased to announce the launch of The Wine Show range of Vacu Vin powered wine accessories, as a result of their partnership with the TV show.

‘As avid viewers of the TV show ourselves, we’re delighted that we’ve been able to make this collaboration,’ says said Christian Dalton, UK Country Manager for Dutch Creative Brands. ‘Opening up and reaching an entirely new market of consumers that love their wine and indeed their gadgets is something that we’re incredibly excited about!’

LOOKING SHARP

Call: 01299 250480

Creative Tops is showcasing heritage brand Sabatier, which has grown from offering professional knives into a men’s lifestyle brand that crafts the complete gourmet kitchen experience. New cast iron oven to tableware, carbonized bamboo serving boards and electroplated brass-effect chip baskets create a durable, aesthetically striking collection.

Creative Tops is a leading tableware, kitchen and home décor company, specialising in the creation of trend-driven products for the home.

Visit: vacuvin.com

Visit: creative-tops.com

Introducing... Artsy Doormats

A

rtsy Doormats are a family-run company specialising in humorous and witty high quality door mats for the home. Hand finished, they have a selection of fun and quirky designs to create an impact as soon as guests step through the door.

We caught up with Artsy’s Lee Speakman to find out more about the company.

Q: Artsy is a family-run company. What family members are involved?

A: There’s me, Lee Speakman, and I’m the designer and owner. My father Geoff helped to start the company by spraying the mats and managing logistics.

Q: How did you come to set up the company?

A: There was a gap in the market. I’d seen very nice doormats on a website in the UAE and thought we could do a similar thing, but aiming at the UK marketplace.

Q: What makes your company really stand out from the rest?

A: We offer British designs aimed at the British public.

Q: What are your bestsellers?

A: Everything alcohol! These include ‘Come in if you have prosecco…Knock knock it’s gin o’clock…’ Also ‘Remove your choos’ and a leopard print design.

56 gifts today

Q: How does the personalised doormat process work? (i.e. Is it something a retailer can get involved in?)

A: Online retailers mainly! The customer chooses the text, 12 characters per line, 3 lines.

Q: The quirkiest mat you have made?

A: The unicorn one that’s coming soon.

Q: What mat do you have on your doorstep?

A: ‘No Negativity.’ I made the design for myself because I’m not interested in negativity round here!

Q: Plans for the future/new developments.

A: To offer three size options for our main sellers and new POS. New trending designs are added monthly.

Q: What’s the best way for retailers to get in touch and learn more about Artsy?

A: Call us, write us a postcard, letter or, best of all, simply just email us. Get in touch and we’ll make sure we solve all your needs!

Email: info@artsydoormats.com Call: 01253 531400 Mobile: 07896208481 Visit: artsydoormats.com

Old Tupton Ware

Tube lined pottery at an affordable price Back with its one of its original founders contact Tim Penny on 01938 553355 or 07976 287048 Web: old-tupton-ware.co.uk Email: timpenny2@aol.com

Alexander Thurlow Fashion Jewellery Est 1949

Visit us at Home & Gift Harrogate C24

A British Company

Fine Fashion Jewellery Visit Our Online Webshop For More Jewellery Ideas

www.alexanderthurlow.com London Tel: 020 8766 6466

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17/03/2017 17:51

Social Media - Ross Hewitt

Mind the knowledge gap If you don’t know an awful lot about digital marketing and IT, it’s time to start climbing up the learning curve one topic at a time. Your business could be richer and healthier for it.

I

Ross Hewitt, Managing Director of Secret Pie and author of ‘Savvy Social Media’. Ross began his digital marketing career in 1998 when social networking was something you only did in a pub. He set up Secret Pie in 2010 and has been helping clients get found and loved online ever since. www.secretpie.co.uk | Ross@secretpie.co.uk | 01904 410027 | Twitter: @Secret_Pie

58 gifts today

n my general dalliances with business owners I often find that the senior management team can be somewhat detached from the digital marketing aspects of the business.

Sometimes there are very good reasons for this, and they generally revolve around a lack of time (understandable) or a deep-seated trust in the people that manage it for them (admirable).

Now and again it is simply because they don’t understand it, or know a little bit about it, but it seems to work so no need to dive in and learn more (again, understandable).

I believe we are now at a point in time, though, where the knowledge gap needs to be bridged by senior managers and it’s time to start lifting the bonnet and poking around a bit more.

Digital is not a bunch of new stuff anymore. Facebook was 13 years old last month…let that sink in for a moment. Email marketing has been a serious communication tool for over 16 years and websites have been something brands and businesses have en-masse for 18 years now. It is feasible for some business owners that you now employ someone who was born after you launched your very first website!

Not knowing enough about how this ‘stuff ’ works is just not cool any more.

Maybe this is the year to increase your knowledge and start asking more questions of your team and suppliers?

A good starting point is to establish a monthly digital marketing report if you don’t have one already. To make yourself a little more unpopular than you might already be, you should also ask for a retrospective report to be created for every month in

2016. Well, you need a benchmark to measure 2017 against, don’t you?

Here are a few areas that a useful monthly report should cover: • Website visits and unique visitors (how many visits happened and how many individuals visited) • Average length of time of website visits (how long do people stay on your site)

“

If you are a senior manager and you don’t know an awful lot about digital marketing and IT, then trust me your team knows that already.

”

• Average number of pages viewed (how many pages do people look at on your site) • Bounce rate (the % of people who land on your website, look at that one page and leave) • Top 5 or 10 most popular pages (which pages get the most visitors) E-commerce data (if you sell online – how much revenue came through the website) • Social Media Audience (how many followers, number of ‘likes’, comments, messages per platform) • Email Marketing (if you send them, how many people opened them and clicked a link)

If you have Google Analytics installed on your website, then most of this is available very quickly and can be reported on by date ranges that you choose. If you don’t have Google Analytics, then make that your web person’s first job. Pretty much every email marketing platform gives analytics and reports per email campaign sent. There might be a little bit of manual work to do with social media reporting and it might be difficult to get historical data, but going forward it needs to be measured.

The data is usually all there somewhere within a business but I am surprised how infrequently it gets looked at by senior folk. Data leads to conversations and questions and your marketing will be better and more productive when it gets analysed and discussed.

If you are part of the ‘team’ and not a business owner, but you know you have all this data at your fingertips, then now is a good time to step up and start creating these reports. If you know you need more of your time to be ringfenced for digital marketing activity, then use data to prove your case.

For example, if an email newsletter usually brings in over £1,000 of sales but you never get given the time to write and send them as regularly as you should then present that case…sales and money usually talk.

If you are a senior manager and you don’t know an awful lot about digital marketing and IT, then trust me your team knows that already. You will have proved that to them many times in the past without even realising it when you have made comments in meetings.

Be honest and tell them you have a thirst for knowledge and start climbing up the learning curve one topic at a time. Some new ideas and initiatives might get unlocked and your business could be richer and healthier for it.

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