Gifts Today

Independently audited ABC circulation of 7,093

Supporting your industry for 28 years

Month: Nov/Dec 2016 Issue: 1

1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016

Volume: 28

est: 2004

THE HOME OF

PERSONALISED GIFTS

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Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

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Contents November / December 2016

Regulars 6

News

10

Licensing News

34 GA News 44 Trade Talk 45 Ross Hewitt’s Social Media 46 New Products

Retail 16

Liberty London Head of Visual Identity Liz Silvester tells the incredible story behind this year’s Christmas windows.

Profile 12

Personalised Memento Company A closer look at PMC, leading personalised gift

Gifts Today team

manufacturer and supplier to the trade.

p 16

Features

Editor Sally Norton sally@lemapublishing.co.uk

20 Gifts for Special Occasions

Advertisement Manager

36 Personalised Gifts

Mark Horsnell markh@lemapublishing.co.uk

38 Top Drawer

Group Editor

40 Gift Books

Mirella Cestaro mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Group Advertisement Manager Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

Exhibition Guide

Publisher

Head here for news, views and the crucial information

Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

you’ll need for next year’s key shows.

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

p 12

48 Exhibition News 52

Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Ambiente

54 christmasworld 56 Harrogate Christmas & Gift 58 IHGF Delhi Fair Spring

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

60 Wales Spring Fair

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

62 London Stationery Show 64 Giving & Living

A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

68 UK Exhibition Diary Dates

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

69 Worldwide Exhibition Diary

p 40

Dates

15—17 January 2017 Olympia, London

ADVENTURES IN

GIFT Surround yourself with the finest lifestyle brands, expertly chosen to inspire your buying experience.

Release your inner style scout and explore the exclusively curated world of Gift at Top Drawer.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE Register now at topdrawer.co.uk

S/S 17 EDITION

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

H

Liberty p16 The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher. Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

“

As the new editor of Gifts Today, I’m really looking forward to getting out and about at next year’s shows and meeting lots of you

“

ello and welcome to the November/December issue of Gifts Today – the final issue of the year.

With any luck, the tills will be ringing up and down the country with Christmas sales. I do hope business is good for you this year and also that you manage to find a little bit of peace and quiet in the middle of all the hurly burly going on around you.

It’s been quite the year, hasn’t it? We’ve said goodbye to Bowie, woken up to Brexit, marvelled at our Olympians’ feats in Brazil and looked on as Trump has become President-elect. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be hoping for some calm and stability next year!

It’s a funny time of year for people in the gifts’ industry. After all the months of planning iy’s easy to feel quite Christmassed out by the time December rolls around. However, I had the pleasure of chatting to one woman who lives and breathes Christmas all year round – Liz Silvester, Head of Visual Identity at iconic London store Liberty. On page 16 she reveals the story behind this year’s Christmas windows and the store’s collaboration with the Royal Opera House and Royal Ballet this year to create a Nutcrackerthemed display – well worth a visit if you’re in London this festive season.

I’m hoping to start my own Christmas shopping this week and am already feeling inspired by some of the ideas I’ve come across when preparing this issue. The personalised gifts trend seems to keep on growing and you can read all about it on page 35. Our cover story about Personalised Memento

PMC p12 Company (PMC) is incredibly relevant too and well worth a read on page 12.

It seems it’s all about the personal touch when it comes to buying gifts for a loved one and perhaps that’s why special occasion gifts continue to be so popular. There are so many great ideas out there, designed to keep customers coming back for more and, bought cleverly, many items can cross categories.

We take a Culinary closer look on Concepts p20 page 20.

Of course, no sooner is Christmas over than we’ll be straight into buying season. And that’s why we’ve returned with our annual Exhibition Diary in this issue. It’s bigger and better than ever before, offering news, views and key information you’ll need to sort out your diary next year. I suggest you pour yourself a glass of mulled wine and settle down with our guide to make a few plans.

As the new editor of Gifts Today, I’m really looking forward to getting out and about at next year’s shows and meeting lots of you. I was also thrilled to have been invited to be a judge on the GA’s Gift of the Year 2017. The Giftware Association has been supporting suppliers and retailers in the Gift and Home industry since 1947 and these awards are a wonderful way of showcasing and celebrating some of the best products around.

Thank you for all your support throughout 2016 and we wish you all a merry Christmas and prosperous new year in 2017, whatever it may bring.

NEWS

regular

xxxx

ASHLEIGH & BURWOOD’S COFFEE MORNING TAKES THE CAKE For once, it was not only the sweet smell of home fragrance in the air at the Ashleigh & Burwood headquarters, as the pleasant aromas of home baking recently filled the offices. On 13 October, the company enjoyed another treat-filled Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

This year’s event was expanded to include savouries as well as cakes, resulting in an amazing number of wonderful bakes. Team members got creative in their kitchens, creating bigger, better and yummier bakes than before. Several familiar faces were welcomed back to take part in the morning, including Stella Broome, who worked with the company from its beginning until her retirement in 2014.

Organised by Sales Support and Customer Services Advisor Salvina Alexander, this year’s event has proved the company’s most successful yet with £245.70 raised in staff donations. This figure was matched

by Ashleigh & Burwood, resulting in a record-breaking £491.40 to go towards Macmillan’s admirable work providing support to those suffering from and affected by cancer.

Visit Ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

TRIPLE S SUPPLIES/ SCENTCHIPS UK SUPPLIES CLOSE THEIR DOORS Due to health issues it has been necessary for David Foss and his daughter, Lucinda Kerr, trading as Triple S Supplies/ ScentChips UK, to close their doors after 29 years distributing giftware in Scotland and three years after introducing ScentChips to the rest of the UK. They would like to thank all their customers and suppliers who have supported them over the last 29 years, especially the team at Joe Davies Giftware, who made doing business a pleasure not a necessary chore. They would like to take this opportunity to wish everybody all the best for the future.

snoozies! Jingle Bells

FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES JOE DAVIES TO DEBUT AT Blake, the leaders in envelopes and postal packaging have produced a series CHRISTMAS & GIFT of video shorts featuring little experts, Flossie and Issac. The cutest and most expert of the Blake family, the brother and sister team have lots to say on the subject of envelopes and packaging.

‘Flossie and Issac are part of our family run business and they have a real grasp on the intricacies of the business,’ said director Tim Browning. ‘We thought we would share their expertise with everyone on our website and through social media.’ blake-envelopes.com/pages/little-experts 6 gifts today

On their stand (C19) the company will be launching a number of exciting new Christmas ranges alongside some of their established collections such as their best-selling snoozies! Jingle Bells. Every item on their stand is available in ‘Little and Often’ quantities and with carriage paid orders of just £100 ordering is easy. All at Joe Davies look forward to greeting customers both old and new to their stand, C19. Call the Joe Davies Sales office on 0161 975 6300, Email sales@joedavies. co.uk or visit joedavies.co.uk.

Our first time at Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Harrogate Christmas & Gift 8th to 11th January 2017 - Stand C19 Harrogate International Centre 100’s of NEW Christmas lines Only £100 minimum order Fantastic, easy to use website ‘Little & Often’ Ordering System

ssnoozies!® no oozies ieess!®® BJingle oh ho BBells alleet snoozies!®

FREE next day delivery Award winning customer service

TOP SELLER

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Progressive Gifts Greats Awards 2016

14 times winners

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Joe Davies (Manchester) Limited 149 Broadstone Road, Reddish Stockport SK5 7GA Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk

The ‘Little & Often’ giftware supplier

NEWS

EARLY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING A SUCCESS AT SQUIRE’S Christmas came early at Squire’s Garden Centre in Badshot Lea and Shepperton when the company held a Prepare for Christmas shopping event. People enjoyed a fun and relaxing evening browsing Squire’s fantastic selection of Christmas goodies, while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine, live music, a Christmas Card making demonstration, and a charity raffle – which raised £390 for Squire’s local charities Change of Scene and White Lodge Centre.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Waverley attended the event at Squire’s Badshot Lea, and enjoyed it so much that they will be back at Squire’s to see their new Christmas Circus which runs from 26 November - 31 December. Tickets can be booked online now at: squiresgardencentres.co.uk.

SMALL BIZ SUCCESS FOR PADSTOW JEWELLERY COMPANY Zamsoe, a small Padstow-based jewellery design business, has been named among the 100 small businesses in the UK to be celebrated by Small Business Saturday on 3 December.

The company, whose jewellery collections are inspired by the beautiful landscapes around their studio in Porthcothan Bay, Cornwall, will be featured by the Small Business Saturday campaign, where one business a day is highlighted for the 100 days leading up to the big day itself. This is the fourth year of the campaign which last year saw £623m spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday, an increase of 24% on the previous year Zamsoe was created two years ago by Karen Wanless, shown here in her studio. The company has a wholesale business selling to more than 100 galleries and gift retailers across the UK and overseas.

8 gifts today

CHAIRMAN MICHAEL GIBSON CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AT GIBSONS The team at Gibsons are wishing their Chairman, Michael Gibson, a very happy 50th anniversary! Michael joined the family firm when he was just 20 years old in 1966, when the company sold indoor and outdoor games and pastimes.

Together, both Michael and Gibsons have come a long way since then, thanks to sheer hard work, gut feeling and his ingenious little idea of introducing jigsaw puzzles to the range back in 1986.

‘It’s been a very interesting journey over the last fifty years,’ states Michael. ’There have been tough times, especially in the early years, but I guess you could say that it never is going to be easy – that’s the way business works.

‘It’s a fantastic industry to have been a part of for such a long period and having seen so many companies come and go, I am incredibly proud that the family business that my grandfather started in 1919, which has been through wars, recessions, and a lot besides will be celebrating its centenary in just over two years’ time. I couldn’t have wished for anything better.’

Throughout those 50 years Michael has managed Gibsons through both the good and troublesome times, thanks to his keen eye for detail and excellent sense of humour. The Gibsons team say they would like thank Michael for his determination and commitment to the team and congratulate him on this momentous achievement!

WIDDOP AND CO’S WINTER WONDERLAND A thousand brand new Christmas lines, ten unique ranges and one magicalthemed showroom.

Widdop and Co’s Winter Wonderland Christmas 2017 Show will get off to a flying start on Monday 5 December in its North Manchester showrooms which have been transformed into several magical room sets each with their own distinctive theme.

Twelve carefully curated Christmas themes, mean that all the hard work has been done for you. Glitz and glamour are summed up in the Black

and Gold collection boasting an ultraluxurious look that is both modern and merry. Bring the outdoors indoors with the Woodland collection. Think Narnia and snow-covered forests and be inspired by the wintry outdoors to create a cosy woodland themed interior.

Christmas is a perfect excuse to let go of our inhibitions and decorate our homes, trees and tables with true abandon. And at Widdop and Co they’re doing all they can to make this happen.

www.villagecandle.co.uk Tel: 01254 300268

Email: sales@villagecandle.co.uk

licensing news

BE A BELIEBER Justin Bieber’s range has just launched in Claire’s Accessories.

Already available in the US, the singer’s UK fans can now get their hands on the Bieber-branded merchandise comprising everything from phone cases to bracelets to birthday cars.

RHS THROWDOWN Handcrafted pottery company Whichford has launched a RHS Wildflower Collection, celebrating forty years of Whichford and a long association with RHS. The Collection, designed by master potter Jim Keeling using the resources of the RHS Lindley Library, features seven finely modelled decorations that celebrate and showcase the beauty of British wildflowers, from common creeping clover to timeless wild daffodil.

Jim Keeling, founder of Whichford Pottery, says: ‘This range of pottery, inspired by the fabulous imagery available from the RHS Lindley Library, is, we feel, a memorable part of our celebrations — and a fitting tribute to our partnership with the RHS. Long may it continue!’

BIGGEST YEAR EVER FOR ROALD DAHL

NATIONAL GALLERY INKS PUBLISHING DEAL The National Gallery Company has partnered with Hachette Children’s Group and Octopus Publishing in a 10-year licensing deal for a series of books for both children and adults. First out will be a range of titles from artist Paul Thurlby for summer 2017, including a children’s guide to the Gallery and an alphabet series of art, A is for Art, for Autumn.

‘We are delighted to partner with the National Gallery Company and our colleagues at Octopus to offer a publishing program which showcases both the treasures of the gallery and the exceptional talent of our illustrators Paul Thurlby and James Mayhew,’ says Hilary Murray Hill, chief executive officer, Hachette Children’s Group. ‘Our aim is to entertain and inform with books for families to share, as well as inspiring in children a lifelong love of art.

10 gifts today

An incredible 295 new Roald Dahl products were launched at retail in 2016, using the much loved new branding – and there’s still lots more to come. Alicia Davenport, Licensing Director at DRi said: ‘It has been an absolutely amazing year for Roald Dahl and we’re excited to reveal the next whizzpopping chapter!’

JELC APPOINTED TO DESIGN BRAND ‘I LIKE BIRDS’ Jane Evans, founder and MD of global licensing group JELC has announced their appointment as exclusive licensing agent worldwide for the innovative and stylish design brand I Like Birds.

Having already made an impact on the greeting cards and paperware market, artists and company co-founders Stuart Cox and Alison Blair, decided to bring their ideas to a wider audience — which is how a small company based in Moray in Scotland became a finalist in License This! — the annual BLE competition which offers new creative concepts the chance to break into the global licensing industry.

Jane Evans, who was on the License This! judging panel, was immediately struck by the commercial potential of the design work submitted by Stuart and Alison, which takes the simple concept of bird-themed greeting cards and gifts and distils it into something unique and beautiful. In fact, she liked it so much so that she offered to put her branding and licensing expertise behind the pair’s work.

Xystos 'MBNF 'SBHSBODF t #BUI #PEZ

The UK’s No.1 Home Fragrance Supplier to the Gift Industry

Come and see us at the following venues Harrogate ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ Θ 'ŝŌ 8 - 11 Jan 2017

Scotland Spring Fair 22 - 24 Jan 2017 SECC, Glasgow

Stand D5

Stand G14

Spring Fair 5 - 9 Feb 2017 NEC Birmingham

Stand 4H50 - J51 For more info, contact our Customer Service Team Email: sales@xystos.co.uk or Tel: +44(0)191 499 1570 www.xystostrade.co.uk

Personalised Memento Company

The One Stop Personalised Gift Supplier With consumers constantly demanding more from the giftware sector, we discover what makes the UK’s leading personalised gifts supplier so successful.

T

he Personalised Memento Company (PMC) are the leading light in the personalised gift industry.

They have been providing their customers with unique and innovative personalised gifts for the past 12 years - giving them a unique perspective on what makes a good gift. Their strong market position and ability to produce all of their products in house allows PMC to provide personalised gifts to businesses of all sizes, from small independents to multi-channel high street retailers. All of their products are made to order and can be dropshipped straight to the end customer, making personalised gifts work for any business.

of PMC’s personalised range of gifts allows the company to provide giftware for every gifting occasion throughout the year. Their range has been broadened to introduce practical personalised gifts into expanding areas of the homeware and kitchenware sectors. The end result is a uniquely personalised gift that the recipient will treasure.

2016 has been a successful year for PMC’s in-house original designs too, as their fashion-forward Unicorn, Flamingo, Pineapple, and Cactus ranges all received a great response from their customers.

‘2016 has been a year for success.’

This year has been an exciting one for PMC, with over a thousand new products launched since January, including items from their new Paddington, The Snowman and the Snowdog, Country Diary, Miffy and Boofle licensed ranges. The expansion 12 gifts today

Their new personalised LED lanterns have also proven to be incredibly popular with retailers and consumers alike, thanks to their unique and innovative concept. They are available in a range of designs, ideal for Mother’s Day, weddings, Christmas and birthdays, making them an ideal gift throughout the year.

These designs were showcased at the Spring and Autumn Fairs, at which PMC had their biggest stands ever and were delighted to welcome visitors from businesses of all sizes.

One of PMC’s core aims is to provide an outstanding level of service to all of their customers.

To achieve this, PMC launched a customer satisfaction drive to ensure that the company is providing exactly

what their customers need – when they need it. This received a great response and allowed the company to make improvements to make selling personalised gifts more seamless than ever.

With the ecommerce sector continuing to grow at a rapid pace during 2016, customers are now expecting lightning fast despatch and delivery times and it’s more important than ever for suppliers and retailers to meet these expectations. PMC’s automated production system can provide this service – completing all products in-house and despatching them with an outstanding level of accuracy and reliability.

What’s in store for 2017?

2017 promises to bring many exciting developments for PMC. The strong growth of their personalised licensed ranges is set to continue with the acquisition of new character licences.

These will allow retailers to provide unique personalised giftware from instantly recognisable and well-loved brands.

Their range of ‘in house’ designs is also set to increase with the introduction of on-trend and cuttingedge collections, covering all gifting occasions and recipients. These designs will give their retailers the chance to provide fashionable personalised giftware that is exactly what the consumer is looking for.

PMC will continue to showcase their diverse product range at next year’s Spring and Autumn Fairs at the NEC in Birmingham. The stand will feature products from the company’s bestselling ranges, as well as an exclusive look at new products and designs before they are launched. This is a fantastic opportunity for customers new

and old to meet the PMC team face to face in order to see product ranges and to cherry-pick the products that will work for their businesses.

PERSONALISED BOOKS ARE SET TO MAKE WAVES FOR ALL OCCASIONS

The launch of personalised Boofle gifts proved to be a huge success for PMC in 2016. To continue the strong momentum of this well-loved brand, PMC will be launching an exclusive range of personalised Boofle gifts for weddings, birthdays, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. The range will also be expanded to include a selection of adorable personalised ‘It’s a boy’ and ‘It’s a girl’ gifts - providing a unique alternative to traditional new-born gifts.

2017 will also see brand new additions to PMC’s range of personalised books.

Thanks to the success of their licensed Tiny Tatty Teddy Learning Adventure Book, PMC’s design team have been working to expand their range to include new books from their Me to You licence, as well as specially written and illustrated in-house designs including activity books and nursery rhyme books for children. These new book designs are set to cover a range of gifting occasions, including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day meaning

that PMC will be able to provide customers with a personalised book for every occasion and recipient!

PMC will also be improving their free of charge affiliate program in 2017 - based upon feedback gained from customers this year. Their affiliate websites are a fantastic opportunity that gives both ecommerce and high street retailers the ability to sell personalised gifts without having to invest in their own website or stock.

It also allows retailers to expand their product range and their web presence in one easy way. Next year’s improvements will give retailers more flexibility and will make selling personalised gifts easier than ever.

gifts today 13

Personalised Memento Company

What’s behind the success?

The real secret to PMC’s success is their talented team of production operatives, designers, customer service reps and account managers.

Their dedicated team have helped to maintain PMC’s principles of quality, reliability and innovation. We find out a little more from two of their team.

Helen Clinton Sales Account Manager What are your day to day responsibilities?

I look after our biggest retailers by putting together product

would benefit from adding them to their ranges. I approach these retailers, show them the potential of personalised gifts and work with them to get them up and running. With some customers, I get them set up with white label sites and with other customers, I help implement their IT systems. I even write all the copy for for customers, based upon the selections I’ve put together. It all depends on the retailer’s individual requirements.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I’d say that meeting new people and building relationships are the most rewarding aspects of my role. It’s nice to have a friendly atmosphere in the gift industry and to really get to know our customers and to help them where we can.

It’s also rewarding to see their business grow off the back of work we have done together such as building catalogues with customers or developing other customer’s product range to include personalised gifts.

selections for them and continually analysing their sales and performance to see where we can improve.

We have regular meetings with our biggest retailers to see what their goals are to move forward within the personalised gift industry and to see how we can help them achieve those goals.

Another part of my job is to work with new retailers, so I’m always on the lookout for retailers that don’t currently sell personalised gifts who 14 gifts today

Cara Beech New Product Manager What are the day to day responsibilities of the role?

My main responsibilities are researching current trends to determine what designs will be popular in the coming year and developing new and exciting products based on customer feedback and sales. I guide new products and ranges through the set up process, ensuring that they meet our requirements and to make sure that they are right for the market.

I also ensure that our on-site showroom is always up to date with our latest ranges as it’s important that our visitors can see what we’re all about in one space. Our showroom space is a great way to showcase both old and new designs and we put a lot of work into displaying our products.

This really helps our customers to visualise how our products will look on their website or in their shops as a full range.

What have been your stand out new products this year so far?

Our Personalised Colouring books for Adults have taken off so well that we have launched several styles to cater for many personalities. Our recognisable licenses have also proven to be a big success. Paddington Bear, The Snowman and The Snowdog and Country Diary, were a welcome addition for us, our customers just love them. Make sure you pop along to our stand at the Spring Fair as we have

some very special new ranges that we will be launching!

What’s the best thing about working for PMC? We all get on really well. It sounds cheesy, but it’s the truth. When you enjoy coming in to work, there is a confidence in the atmosphere. This brings out the best in everyone and that can only pay off in the long run and we hope our customers can also see this when they speak to any of the team. There are opportunities for growth within PMC and management are quick to spot this in their employees.

Visit the PMC team at Spring Fair 5th – 9th February 2017 Hall 4 Stand 4E90-F91.

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Retail Interview

The Liberty Christmas windows entail months of planning, sketching and prop-building, and the magical results become a London attraction in themselves. Gifts Today’s Sally Norton spoke to Liz Silvester, the store’s head of visual identity, about this year’s window extravaganza…and discovered that, while the 2016 display contains moving puppets and beautiful sets based on the Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker, they actually don’t contain a single product you can buy in-store.

Taking Liberties F

or many of us, checking out the big stores’ Christmas windows are as much a part of the festive season as a trip to the panto and carols by candlelight.

For the retailers, it’s an opportunity for them to show off their own brand identity and make themselves stand out from the rest. After all, when the customer can choose to buy at any number of stores, it’s up to visual retailers to lure them into theirs. In short, an eye-catching window during the busiest shopping weeks of the year can be the difference between a customer passing by or walking in.

There are two main approaches retailers can take – cram the windows with the goodies that can be found in store, or focus on the meaning of the overall offering and show the magical Christmas journey that can be had inside. This year the beautiful Liberty on London’s Great Marlborough Street has definitely gone with the latter. ‘For us, it’s not products but the experience of the windows that draws people in,’ says Liz Silvester, head of visual

16 gifts today

identity. ‘We have created a magical light show that builds on nostalgia and creates a celebration of Christmas.’

When you consider that 15 million people walk past the store over the Christmas period, getting the windows right is incredibly important. Work starts early and Liz spends over a third of her annual budget on them. ‘This is significantly less than some other

‘For us, it’s not products but the experience of the windows that draws people in,’

stores,’ she says, ‘but hopefully we use it in a much more creative way.’

THE NUTCRACKER This year’s theme looks set to be a real show stopper, as Liberty have collaborated with the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera House to interpret that festive favourite, The Nutcracker.

‘It all started when we were given a brief to do something traditional,’ says Liz, who was a painter and sculptor before moving into visual merchandising. ‘We saw that as very tricky at first because we hadn’t done anything super-traditional for a long time; we like to think outside of the box at Liberty, to be alternative.

‘We started by thinking about what traditional actually means to people here in Great Britain when it comes to Christmas. And that’s when we thought about The Nutcracker.’

Liz, who manages a team of 20 including prop-builders, stylists and graphic designers - approached the Royal Opera House with the idea back

in March of this year. ‘Myself and Ed Burstall, the MD of Liberty London, went to meet Kevin O’Hare who is the creative director of the Royal Ballet. I was very nervous because I didn’t know how he would react to our interpretation of the production; after all, the ballet is supertraditional and still uses the original 1984 set. But I needn’t have been worried because he was immediately interested.’

THE WINDOWS Liz describes this year’s windows as gifts today 17

Retail Interview

a ‘moving light show, an experience to enjoy.’ There are five key scenes, over eleven windows, inspired by the Royal Ballet’s own version of the Nutcracker.

The scenes feature moving puppets in costumes, set against Liberty’s own take on the 1984 set designed by the late Julia Trevelyan Oman. ‘We pulled it apart and brought it to life with Liberty prints,’ says Liz. ‘It’s a celebration of the Liberty brand.

‘The first window is the opening tree scene, which is how the ballet

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itself opens. It’s the night before Christmas and everyone is opening their presents. And, just like the ballet, we have created a tree that grows! It’s done with lighting, really, and it’s been wonderful for my team to work with the production team at the Royal Opera House to create it.’

Next comes the workshop scene where Drosselmeyer starts to bring things to life. Drosselmeyer turns and spins like a corkscrew, and the set features spinning tools and cogs, with a Salvador Dali theme. And then comes the Snow Kingdom scene, featuring spinning tutus from the original production as well as automated ballet shoes

18 gifts today

beautiful staircase and the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

‘The gateway has been designed and laser cut from an original Liberty print, and the trees growing in the ceiling are from an iconic archive print called Caesar,’ explains Liz. The fourth scene is the Kingdom of Sweets, complete with spinning fans that open and close. ‘Liberty has a history of gathering goods from the East and the sweets shown will reference the chocolates, the jewellery, the amazing perfume inside the store,’ says Liz. The final scene shows the war, where Clara defeats the Mouse King. ‘Like all the scenes this one has movement,’ says Liz. ‘In this one, models based on traditional thumb toys fall down dead.’

The windows opened on 6 November but when we spoke, Liz and the team were in the final stages of production.

‘We’re currently trying to fine-tune exactly how Drosselmeyer works,’ she laughs. They were also putting the final touches to the grand opening event that involved building a sprung floor in the store for dancers from the Royal Ballet to perform on.

There was also the inside of the shop to dress. ‘We are swagging our central atrium to tell the story of Christmas,’ says Liz. ‘It will be lit like the Royal Opera House and there will be masses of red velvet and garlands everywhere. I love all the nutcrackers we have in store this year too. We’ll have hundreds and hundreds of different types,

‘Just like the ballet, we have created a tree that grows!’ from decorations to toys, as well as our own little Nutcracker edit. We’ll have Christmas trees all over the store and Diptyque will be scenting the ground floor for us.’

All in all, Christmas at Liberty this year looks set to be a nostalgic, multisensory experience.

CHRISTMAS 2017 Once this year’s windows are open and shopping is in full swing, Liz will fly to New York to start researching next year’s windows. ‘I have an idea which we’re thinking about already,’ she says.

Liz and the team look for inspiration everywhere. ‘I attend the design fairs in Milan and Venice. In London I do the craft weeks and all the graduate shows. It’s also really important that we go out and experience London to make sure we’re in line with how London celebrates culture. Liberty is known for that and it’s really important for me and my colleagues to know what’s going on in our own city.’

After this year’s collaboration with The Royal Ballet and Royal Opera House, Liz would love to do something with the V&A. Watch this space!

3 FACTS ABOUT THE NUTCRACKER For many, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to the Royal Ballet’s the Nutcracker.

1. Adapted from Hoffman’s children’s story The Nutcracker & the Mouse King, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker was first performed at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in St Peterburg in 1892, shortly before Tchaikovsky’s death.

2. The Royal Ballet’s current production was created in 1984 by choreographer Sir Peter Wright and remains unchanged.

3. The Christmas tree in the show starts off at 11 feet tall but grows to nearly 30 feet.

Profile - Aroma Home

Aroma Home branches out with new ranges for spring Aroma Home are launching a number of new ranges specially designed for the spring/summer seasons.

‘We have long been considered as a company that creates warming and wellbeing gift solutions predominantly for the Christmas season,’ says Managing Director Mike Foster. ‘We are introducing a number of innovative new products with spring/summer designs that are not warming and will fit perfectly with our existing ranges.’

The spring/summer 2017 brochure is now available with new lines targeting the first half of the year and key selling periods: Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. ‘These new ranges have been very well received by our retailers and we are looking forward to retaining space on our customers’ shelves on a more all year around basis,’ says Foster.

In 2016 the company saw the launch of four new Gift Sets - two targeted for the home and two targeted for outdoors. These have proved hugely successful and Aroma Home will be extending its range of Gift Sets in 2017.

There is also exciting news of a licensing agreement which will be announced later this year. This will be the first foray into licencing for the company.

In addition, the company will be launching further additions to its core warming and well-being gifts at NEC Spring Fair.

Aroma Home Bespoke is designing and producing own label gift ranges for an ever increasing customer base.

‘Following Brexit and the fall in the value of sterling, all retailers are having to look carefully at their margins for 2017,’ says Key Account Manager Gina Martin. ‘We have a wide range of international accounts and to some degree we are insulated from the fall in sterling. We can therefore absorb some of the additional sterling cost without having to pass on the full effect to our UK customers.’

‘Overall these are exciting times for Aroma Home,‘ says Martin.

AROMA HOME CONTACTS Email: katem@aromahome.com Call: 0203 735 9500 Get in touch to receive a spring/summer 2017 brochure and for further information on Aroma Home Bespoke or other ranges.

gifts today 19

Special Occasion Gifts

Key dates like Valentine’s, Mother’s Day and Easter are a great way to boost customer spending throughout the quieter times of the year. Investing in special occasion gifts can be the key to success – especially if you add some cross-category gifts into the mix, too.

S

tocking up on gifts for key occasions like Valentine’s, Mother’s Day and weddings is a great way to offset the dip in consumer spending after Christmas. ‘Whilst retail spending during the spring and summer months is typically lower than that of autumn and winter, there are some important events in the calendar that retailers can use to encourage consumer spending,’ says Samantha Dover, Retail Analyst for Mintel market research.

‘Special occasion gifts provide great additional selling opportunities for the retailer that, along with Christmas, really do boost their bottom line,’ says Tom Sykes from Xystos. ‘Carefully chosen, they say something about the giver and the recipient that gives both a warm glow.’ Sykes reports that Xystos continue to have tremendous success with HearthWick from WoodWick, their bestselling range.

‘These candles are continuing to fly off the shelves as retailers demand more, more, more,’ he says.

Monique Scott from Groovy agrees.

‘Everyone likes things that are specially chosen for them, and sometimes it takes occasions like Mother’s Day and anniversaries for some people to remember to do this,’ she says. ‘These gifts are a celebration of who someone is and what they mean to us. Even with just a card, it will be worth a lot to the receiver.’ Big sellers for Groovy this year have included the Look-Alite range, their character lighting products.

20 gifts today

‘There is nothing else like it on the market,’ says Monique. ‘They’re fat little super heroes that light up; they’re funny, cute and original. We have also developed a Batman logo projection light and everyone us amazed at how far it projects and how clear it is. We had a party outside and had it projecting through the window onto the lawn; for a Batman fan, it’s a must!’

Emily Hazelton for Culinary Concepts agrees that special occasion gifts are essential. ‘Having a wide range of unique and treasurable gift ideas to offer customers will help inspire and fulfil their desire to buy gifts for those who are important to them,’ she says.

‘Customers are always looking to buy the best gift possible to show their love and appreciation for others and, by stocking specific special occasion gifts, you are meeting the demands of many shoppers.’ Popular special occasion gifts for the company this year have included all things copper.

‘We have seen a huge interest and demand for our copper lighting, copper glasshouse lanterns and mini lantern ranges,’ says Emily. ‘People seem to be buying stylish and practical gifts not just for the person, but for the person’s home, too.’

When it comes to special occasions, Easter is the largest retail event of spring and summer and definitely worth stocking up for - it was worth an estimated £550 million in 2016, according to Mintel. ‘However, the date of the bank holiday weekend often

pexels.com

The special occasion equation

‘Whilst retail spending during the spring and summer months is typically lower than that of autumn and winter, there are some important events in the calendar that retailers can use to encourage consumer spending.’

Samantha Dover, Mintel impacts sales,’ says Samantha Dover.

‘As a result, Mother’s Day gift spending equalled that of Easter in 2016.’

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, it seems Brits do have a love/hate relationship with the celebration.

While 76% of them feel that the event

has become too commercialised, 49% of consumers still spend on Valentine’s Day. This suggests that whilst consumers acknowledge it is a commercial event there is some social pressure to buy around the day. (Source: Mintel) However, the

DID YOU KNOW?

Perfect Gifts For Special Occasions

Parents with children living in London may be missing out. A quarter (24%) of Londoners say that they send gifts by post on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day rather than visiting, compared to an overall average of 17%. report also suggests that there may be gains for retailers who tap into the ‘anti-Valentine’s’ feeling. It says there has been a rise in the number of products and services marketed as alternative Valentine’s gifts and experiences in recent years, with online marketplaces a hub for alternative gifts, offering personalisation and handmade products. For retailers who are looking to offer an alternative, both in terms of products and services, the report suggests they acknowledge the commercialised nature of the holiday and emphasise good value for money so that consumers who feel they must engage in the event do not feel they are being forced to paying a premium to do so.

Mother’s Day is worth stocking up for, too. And worth bearing in mind that men do a lot of the shopping. As Nick Carroll, Retail Analyst at Mintel says: ‘Mother’s Day is one of the biggest events in the retail calendar, with the majority of Brits purchasing for the event. The fact that men spend £12 more on the event than women is due in part to the fact that men are more likely to purchase gifts on impulse, pushing up the average spend. Men with young children may also have to purchase Mother’s Day presents for both their own mothers and their partners which additionally impacts the average spend.’

When it comes to Father’s Day, Nick feels there’s room to grow the market, especially for retailers engaged in the selling of entertainment products, such as DVDs, CDs or books, which is a popular gift category for the occasion.

If you’re worried about tailoring

products too closely to individual events and risking being left with unsold products, it’s worth considering adding plenty of cross-category products into the mix. ‘From a company perspective, cross-category gifts allow innovative and exciting product ideas not to be just exclusive to one small portion of the year,’ says Emily Hazelton from Culinary Concepts.

‘For example, heart-related items such as our Lovers’ Flutes may commonly be associated with the romance of Valentine’s Day, but are also fantastic as wedding and engagement gifts as the concept of hearts and love connects all these celebrated occasions.’

Looking ahead to 2017 ‘With visual social media like Instagram and Pinterest even more prelevant in today’s society, it may only take a simple ‘@’ tag and a winking emoji to – not so subtly – let someone know exactly what you’d like to be given for a special occasion.’

Emily Hazelton, Culinary Concepts

www.culinaryconceptsliving.com e: trade@culinaryconcepts.co.uk | 01252 852235

15th — 17th January COME & SEE US Stand: B538 Westpoint Exhibition Centre - Exeter

‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will be a massive hit and Groovy have designed exciting new ranges which include bathrobes, slippers, lighting and bags.’

Monique Scott, Groovy ‘There really is no stopping the rise of the candle! And if Brexit does, as predicted, hit consumers’ pockets, it is likely that they won’t be eating out as much and will burn more candles at home!’

Tom Sykes, Xystos

sales: fax: email: website:

01225 473873 01225 443447 sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk www.halfmoonbay.co.uk

Woodwick gifts today 21

Special Occasion Gifts Firefly Bottles and Mason Jars

HOUSE OF WINDSOR

Treat her on Mother’s Day to these three Woods of Windsor soaps in a pretty gift box. Available from Xystos, the home of flame and fragrance, they’re in four of mum’s favourite scents – Lily of the Valley (pictured), True Rose, Lavender and White Jasmine. RRP: £9.99.

Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk; Visit: xystostrade.co.uk

GLOW IN THE DARK

These magical Firefly Jars and Bottles from Joe Davies have proved to be a star seller for retailers this year. The jars really have the ‘wow’ factor and look stunning when lit up which is prompting strong repeat sales.

There are five different finishes in the series including brand new Sentiment Jars with heartfelt message and pretty white firefly lights. The jars make an eye-catching window display as the nights draw in and, as with everything in Joe Davies’ extensive range, are easy to buy in the company’s trademark ‘Little & Often’ quantities.

Call: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Visit: joedavies.co.uk

A MOMENT WITH MUM

THANKYOU, MUM

Call: 0117 316 1200 Visit: yankeecandle.co.uk

Call: 020 8735 2888 Visit: npwgifts.com

Yankee have launched new fragrance Cherry Blossom into the Pure Essence collection, allowing you to fill your home with the scent of spring-fresh blooms.

The company has also launched an exciting new range of gift sets for spring 2017, giving consumers a choice of beautifully boxed gifts for every occasion; including Mother’s Day.

Give a special thanks to your mum this Mother’s Day with NPW’s choice of gifts to surprise and delight her. With a range of queen themed and pamper products, treat your mum like the queen she is on Mother’s Day. The range includes Queen of the Shower Cap, Oh K! Cat Mug and Beauty Junky Jewel Duo Hand Cream And Lip Balm.

BOXING CLEVER Whatever the special occasion you can be sure Joe Davies have a gift to suit. The company has one of the largest collections of celebration and occasion products in the country with something to cover all of life’s special events.

These lovely Circle Keepsake Boxes are brand new and complement Joe Davies’ best-selling Circle Occasion Frames beautifully. As with all Joe Davies 10,000+ products, all occasion gifts are easy to buy in small quantities with a minimum order of just £100 and free delivery nationwide.

Call: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Visit: joedavies.co.uk 22 gifts today

Circle Keepsake Boxes

NEW season fragrances and gift sets available to order now

Special Occasion Gifts

IN PIECES

Gibsons, the UK’s leading jigsaw puzzle company, have launched two new jigsaws inspired by the popular show, The great British Bake Off. Licensed by Love Productions, the 1,000-piece and 500-piece jigsaws portray a montage of snapshots and best bits from series 7, such as Selasi’s jaw-dropping botanical cake and Andrew’s innovative Ferris-wheel mousse cakes. The 500-piece jigsaw, RRP £9.99, is presented in a compact square gift box, making it perfect for shops with limited storage space. The 1,000-piece puzzle, RRP £12.99, is presented in a much larger box.

Call: 020 8661 8866 Email: sales@gibsonsgames.co.uk Visit: gibsonsgames.co.uk

MUM’S THE WORD

Because mums are brilliant and they do so many little things throughout the year, Really Good have designed a present with a phrase they are sure most mummies would love to hear - ‘Goodnight kids.

Hello wine!’

Whether you’ve had a busy day at work, a hard time getting the little ones off to bed, or if you simply want to put your feet up and enjoy a nice glass of your favourite vino, this glamorous wine glass is a great gift. Comes supplied in a lovely gift box.

Call: 01235 537888 Visit: reallygood.uk.com

TICK TOCK

You won’t find predictable carriage clocks at Puckator, but you will find a fantastic range of clocks covering their most popular themes and licenses.

The new shaped Unicorn and Cactus clocks join their bestselling Yellow Submarine.

Tel: 0800 011 6969 Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk Visit: puckator.co.uk 24 gifts today

BATMAN V SUPERMAN

Groovy have designed a Batman V Superman range which includes super soft bathrobes with matching slippers. The Batman grey and black hooded bathrobe has the new bat logo on the back in a large satin motif with embroidery and the logo is also on the chest and main body of the slippers.

The Superman bathrobe shows his outfit colours of red and blue and also features the new logo on the back in a large satin motif with embroidery.

Sometimes you have to be your own hero! RRP: Robe £30, Slippers £10

Call: 0116 239 1105 Email: j.johnston@groovyuk.com Visit: groovyuk.com

HAPPY DADS

Head to Richard Lang’s for your one-stop giftware and soft toy shopping experience. They offer gifts for all occasions, including a wide range of goodies for the man in your life. From cushions to money boxes, beer holders to desk accessories, there’s plenty to choose from.

Call: 01332 340927 Email: sales@richardlang.co.uk Visit: richardlang.com

Why not visit Lang’s showroom in Derby to view the extensive range of exclusively designed products Richard Lang & Son Ltd 1 Little Chester Park, Alfreton Road, Derby DE21 4AA

w: www.richardlang.co.uk t: 01332 340927 e: Sales@richardlang.co.uk

Special Occasion Gifts

FATHER’S DAY FINDS

FUNNY FATHERS

Looking for Father’s day gifts? Head to NPW for a selection of hilarious gifts.

From the perfect TV Beer Glass for watching the footie to the Breakfast Of Champions Spoon that gets your exercise in at the same time as eating your breakfast, there are plenty of ways to give him a giggle this Father’s Day.

Call: 020 8735 2888 Visit: npwgifts.com

‘What can we buy dad for Father’s Day?’ That’s a familiar refrain as sons and daughters look for an alternative to after-shave and socks.

Something different comes in the shape of Kringle’s Grey range, distributed in the UK

by Xystos.

Director Tom Sykes says: ‘Just as personal grooming products have found favour with males, so too have candles.

‘Our feedback from retailers suggests that that they are self-gifted by men and are increasingly being seen as cool presents. Father’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to give dad a candle for his man cave.’

Call: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk Visit: xystostrade.co.uk

IN A GRUMP

The Mr Grump jigsaw is a great gift for any dad this Father’s Day. The 250-piece gift jigsaw is presented in a quirky tin depicting Roger Hargreaves’ lovable character. The tin features some of Mr Grumpy’s popular phrases, such as Your Joy is Offensive, and is great for keeping screws, batteries and other manly stuff in once the puzzle is complete.

Call: 020 8661 8866 Email: sales@ gibsonsgames.co.uk Visit: gibsonsgames.co.uk

26 gifts today

Special Occasion Gifts

LOVE TOKENS

Accessories by Park Lane have a wide range of jewellery that’s perfect for special occasions, especially Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Check out their heartshaped designs and contemporary classics that are ideal for all recipients. Free gift boxes are included with every piece, which adds value to the gift. Trade prices start at only £4.

Call: 01423 868362 Visit: parklaneonline.com

KUTUU CUTE

Kutuu’s new collection for Valentine’s 2017 features fun messaging and tiny details. The collection includes ‘wild about you’ pieces including a keyring, cufflinks and plant set that feature a botanical design which carries over to the ‘mr’, ‘mrs’, ‘his’ and ‘hers’ keyrings that also form part of the collection.

The playful messaging continues through to the ‘i’d be a mess without you’ bobbin keyring with your choice of coloured string which must be unwound to discover the hidden message beneath. As always, all the designs in the collection include ready to retail gift boxes and packaging that make for a cohesive display.

Visit: kutuuwholesale.co.uk

LIGHT OF LOVE

Bolsius adds a romantic touch to Valentine’s Day with their selection of beautifully packaged Decorative Candles. They come in neatly stacked, easy to use, shelf-ready packaging; perfect for displays at this romantic time of year. These delightfully fragranced candles make ideal gifts or accessories for decorating the home for a special Valentine’s surprise. With a delicate heart print, these beautiful candles give a clear Valentine’s Day message to customers and can be positioned just about anywhere in store.

Effortless to upsell around Valentine’s Day these candles are perfect placed near the counter to encourage a last minute purchase; they are reasonably priced at just £4.99 each RRP.

Call: 0800 169 5126 Email: sales@uk.bolsius.com Visit: bolsius.com/en

TOP DRAWER IDEAS

Alexander Thurlow are already preparing for the new year trade shows starting with Top Drawer London. This will be the first showing of their new season’s lines with natural looks and a slightly worn look seems to be the order of the day. This simple bangle with faux pearl is particularly eye catching.

Alexander Thurlow have been established since 1949 and continue to offer wonderful designs with great quality and customer service to match. They suggest visiting them on stand 265 in January, or visit their web shop for more great ideas.

Visit: alexanderthurlow.com 28 gifts today

Special Occasion Gifts

PEACE OF MIND GIFTS

Peace of Mind silver jewellery is a perfect stop for wholesaler of hand-made sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewellery, silver and gold plated fashion jewellery and scarf collections. The collection includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, corsages and scarves in styles ranging from classic to funky and contemporary to traditional.

Call: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com Visit: pom925.com

AS BRIGHT AS A NEW PIN

Equilibrium sentiment jewellery is one of Joe Davies’ most successful ranges to date so it’s no surprise that Pins to Cherish - a new concept combining both a lapel pin and a sentimental keepsake purse card - are so popular.

With captions for everyone, these attractive high quality pins feature heartfelt sentiments for loved ones to cherish close to their heart forever.

There are twelve brightlycoloured cards in the collection and they come complete with a stylish, clear acrylic counter display stand that offers an ideal solution for those retailers with limited space and enables them to maximize sales at the till point.

Call: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@ joedavies.co.uk Visit: joedavies.co.uk

Equilibrium Pins to Cherish 30 gifts today

A LOTTA LOVE

This Valentine’s Day, give a little love with Yankee Candle and their range of beautiful gifts and accessories, designed to inspire and seduce consumers for the most romantic event of the year.

Choose from an array of perfect products that have been specifically selected as a romantic gift for a loved one. From Classic favourites True Rose and Red Raspberry, that make a thoughtful gift, to stylish accessories that set the scene for a cosy night in. New for Spring, Yankee Candle has launched a personalised gift box, decorated with pretty pastel hearts, enabling consumers to pick and mix their desired fragrances.

Enhance the mood for love in store by supporting the collections with branded materials. Lead consumers to discover a world full of home fragrancing that evoke memories, and create new ones for years to come.

Call: 0117 316 1200 Visit: yankeecandle.co.uk

FRAGRANCE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH

Set hearts aflutter with the Valentine’s Day Collection from Xystos, the home of flame and fragrance. Fall in love with its gorgeously decorated medium Sweetheart hourglass and Sweetheart ellipse and ceramic vessels.

Call: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk Visit: xystostrade.co.uk

Minimum Mini imum order is £150 including free delivery Free gift packaging included.

www.parklaneonline.com tel: 01423 868362

new

packagi ng

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Agents available to visit you in selected areas.

Ag Visit our showroom in Harrogate or alternatively see the collection at the following exhibitions in 2017 •T oda • Top Drawer - London • Scotland’s Gift Fair • Spring Fair • Pure • Moda

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Special Occasion Gifts

STEP INTO SPRING TREAT THEM LIKE ROYALTY Rather than the traditional romantic gift, treat that special someone to laughter and joy with NPW’s range of Valentine’s gifts. Featuring their bestselling Queen and King for the day crowns, featured on the likes of superstar Rihanna and TV personalities Kylie Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, Mark Wright they have everything essential to treating your special one like royalty.

Yankee Candle has launched a new fragrance Happy Spring into their limited edition Easter range. Also returning for Easter is the hero, sweet-scented Jelly Bean, a popular consumer choice for evoking childhood memories. They will both sit alongside the Classic family favourite Vanilla Cupcake which will complete the colourful collection this Easter.

Hannah Jenkins, Brand and Marketing Director at Yankee Candle says: ‘Easter is a time for new beginnings and our new Happy Spring captures the essence of fresh blooms and celebrates the arrival of a new season. Finish the look with one of our new jar shades from our accessories ranges that will complement your home decor.’

Call: 0117 316 1200 Visit: yankeecandle.co.uk

Call: 020 8735 2888 Visit: npwgifts.com

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

BRIDAL BITS

From finding your dream dress to choosing the perfect decor, get set to wow with a beautiful gift for a beautiful bride. This glamorous tin from Really Good is the perfect place to keep all your bridal bits and pieces in one place.

The hinged lid is decorated with embossed lettering from The Bright Side.

A perfect stashing place for your garter, and perhaps a nip of your favourite tipple!

Call: 01235 537888 Visit: reallygood.uk.com 32 gifts today

The Culinary Concepts name is fast becoming one of the must-have brands for retailers.

Best known for their unique and timeless collections, inimitable style and effortless class, there really is something for everyone and indeed any budget that’s guaranteed to be forever cherished.

For the happy couple, their quirky solid beech wood ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ bottle stands or ‘Just Married’ chopping boards make fabulous gifts. Or for something just a little more special we love their stunning silver plated Lover’s Flutes and Champagne Cork Keepers.

You can catch them at Spring Fair, 5-9 February 2017 at the Birmingham NEC. Hall 6-7, Stand 7A20 - B21.

Visit: culinaryconceptsliving.com

2017 Diaries.

Delivered.

Stock still Available!

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Full colour licensed Desk, Slim and Pocket 2017 Diaries, exclusively from

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

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GA news

Latest developments from The Giftware Association, the trade association serving the gift and home industry since 1947.

GIFT OF THE YEAR – NEW COMPANIES LEAD THE CHARGE FOR AWARDS

Forty seven companies who are new to the award have already made their very first submission to the GA’s Gift of the Year 2017.

One such company to come under the gaze of the GA team of talent spotters at Autumn Fair was Dragon’s Den participant SplashMaps, which produces ‘wearable, washable, all weather maps designed for the real outdoors’.

It has entered a range of walkingscale maps printed onto fabric neck-warmers into the Outdoor Living category. ‘Our products offer something tangible, personal and almost indestructible, designed for the great outdoors where there are no satellite signals or replacement batteries,’ says managing director David Overton, who was employed as Innovation Manager by Ordnance Survey before setting up his company.

Having already won small-business and cartography awards, David says he knows ‘the power of winning’, and adds: ‘So it was great to be spotted at the show and to be able to have the Gift of the Year nomination card on our stand where it undoubtedly attracted interest. As 70 per cent of our products are bought as gifts, this is an award we would definitely be keen to win.’

Orange Tree Toys was also spotted at Autumn Fair and persuaded to enter its wooden Safari Play Set into the Gifts for Kids category. Set up by two sisters in 2000, it designs all its products in-house and is currently concentrating on raising awareness of its nursery products in the wider gift and home market and sees entering competitions as a good way of doing this.

Gift of the Year 2017 closes for entries on Friday, November 25. Then it will be all systems go for the judging panel which will begin assessing the products online five days later.

Those shortlisted for awards will be posted on the Gift of the Year website on December 21. Companies will then be asked to submit samples of those products not later than January 6 next year, with the winners selected at Judging Day on January 12. The awards will be presented at a special ceremony at Spring Fair after the show closes on Sunday, February 5. giftoftheyear.org.uk

34 gifts today

SARAH’S EXHANGE TALK HELPS RETAILERS A talk given by GA chief executive Sarah Ward about the possible effects of Brexit resulted in ‘unanimously positive’ feedback from gift and home retailers who attended the event at ‘The Great British Exchange’ in Harrogate.

The Exchange is a hub for trade buyers and sellers of British made products, helping retailers and manufacturers sell into more retail locations in the UK and internationally.

Its managing director, Matthew Hopkins, said: ‘It led to a discussion about how retailers could not only prepare for the impact of Brexit, but also stand out from the crowd and gear-up for increased footfall and better sales at Christmas. It was really helpful and informative.’

MORE SHOW DISCOUNTS ON WAY FOR GA MEMBERS As well as being eligible for The GA’s long-standing discounts on stand space at many of the best-known gift and home exhibitions - such as Spring and Autumn Fair, Scotland’s Trade Fair, British Craft Trade Fair and Giving & Living, - the Association’s members will soon be able to receive

discounts when taking part in The Baby Show, Asian Wedding, CHSI Stitches and the Furniture Show.

These special deals were negotiated by GA chief executive Sarah Ward with exhibition organisers on her visits to these shows. Details will be available soon.

www.ga-uk.org

notonthehighstreet

Personalised Gifts

Especially for you The trend for personalised products continues to grow, meaning it could be time to put your own stamp on this sector.

T

he UK personalised gift market is worth over £1bn according to a 2015 survey

by YouGov, showing that out of 1,000 adults surveyed, over 53% have sent a personalised gift. That’s 27 million people with an average spend of over £36 per gift. According to Sally Bendelow, Creative Product Director at online retailer notonthehighstreet.com, the sector is continuing to become increasingly popular. ‘’There is a growing demand in people wanting items that are truly bespoke to them,’ says Sally. ‘From picking the fabric on your sofa to having your name written on your coffee cup, customization is becoming an increasingly prevalent part of our dayto-day lives and meaningful gifts that we’re giving and receiving are part of that demand, too.’

Kat Grant from Signature Gifts agrees.

‘With the market place expanding year on year, customers are looking for something unique,’ she says. ‘They offer the ability to make something unique adds an extra special touch to any gift giving occasion. They say it’s the thought that counts, and a personalised gift made especially for them shows you’ve definitely put the thought in.’

Andy Bell, the ‘chief edible officer’ for boomf, the UK company that delivers marshmallows personalised with photos by post. thinks social media of the main reason personalised gifts have become so popular. ‘With social media, we’ve become used to our media being personal, so we want our gifts to be personal, too,’ he says. ‘A gift is a form of communication. Seen in this light, it is natural that gifts should be personalised. Perhaps it will be seen as a strange quirk of of the 20th century that for a while most gifts were massproduced.’

1,2,3 BENEFITS Suppliers like Signature Gifts deliver direct to the customer, meaning no stock holding and far less risk for retailers. Starting a business selling personalised gifts online has never been easier.’

Kat Grant, signature-gifts.co.uk ‘As all my experience is around direct to consumer, I’m no expert.

However, I once heard someone at Selfridges say that they can charge twice as much for a personalised gift, compared to the same gift non-personalised. That’s a pretty big benefit!’

Andy Bell, Chief Edible Officer, boomf.com ‘The benefit of personalization to retailers is that we can truly understand what our customers want and develop better products through co-creating gifts with them.’

Sally Bendelow, notonthehighstreet.com For the recipient it’s all about someone having made an effort to choose a special gift for them. As Andy Bell from Boomf says: ‘With ecommerce, buying a gift becomes so

easy that you need new ways to show you’ve made an effort.’

The company’s Boomf Bomb has been their smash hit this year. ‘It is a card that explodes out of its envelope

Boomf

in a spray-on confetti,’ says Andy Bell.

‘We only launched it a month ago. It had a great launch.’

At Signature Gifts, personalised books have been incredibly popular.

‘When personalizing gifts such as children’s books, each one is printed to order and completely bespoke. We have the widest range of personalised books available to trade, and we plan on increasing our number of titles.

Bringing in licenses such as Ladybird boosted sales massively.’

At nononthehighstreet.com the most popular gifts have incorporated hobbies, colours or memories that are specific to the recipient. ‘We’ve also seen customisation through photography popular with customers as well as current trends such as copper or brass,’ says Sally. In future she sees gifts that take personalisation to subtler levels. ‘We are moving away from the classic overt personalisation to secret or creative personalisation like the Greater Skies Personalised Map of the Stars print. Or hidden messages that represent a memory, date or location and not just a name.’

gifts today 35

Personalised Gifts

GLASS HALF FULL

Exclusively made by Signature Gifts, these ranges of personalised glass gift sets are a great gift for a special occasion. You choose the name and message that is seamlessly incorporated onto the label of your drink of choice, and add your choice of additional gift. From an original newspaper from your choice of date, a luxurious silk rose, or delicious hand-made Belgian truffles there’s a luxury gift to complement any taste. Once the bottle is opened the recipient can enjoy the contents in the glasses that are also available within the beautifully presented set. Choose one of five exclusive designs, or leave your glasses blank - there’s a set for every occasion. RRP from £19.99

Call: 01582 464 809 Email: sales@signature-gifts.co.uk Visit: signature-gifts.co.uk

THE GIFT OF LOVE

Boing has male gifts Covered this Valentine’s session with the introduction of their Personalisation Engraving service. All clasps can now be engraved, whether it’s a request from a customer or your own shop name - they can make things even more unique.

Boing’s climbing and sailing rope and leather bracelets make a stunning display with a free POS stand, the SRP starts from £30 with a 2.5 margin for stockists.

Boing also provide free embossed tins for each bracelet, giving a high end gift that everyone will love.

Call: 01628 789999 Visit: boing-inc.com

FRESH & QUIRKY

Solo has added over 50 exciting new products to their personalisation range with new, fresh and quirky designs. Personalisation is one of the fastest growing and most exciting sectors in the retail and online market, and Solo’s new collection extends from keyrings to photo frames and cigarette cases to pens. All of the new products can be personalised, but, of course, they are also fantastic just as they are and will make great Christmas Gifts, or Secret Santa gifts. Solo have been personalising gifts for over 20 years, and can offer personalised drop shipping, as well as plain stock.

Call: 01789 262900 Visit: solo.uk

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GET CREATIVE

Creation Express is the world’s first, in store, personalised card and gift system. Launched in June 2015, it has now increased national coverage to 200 retailers of all sorts, shapes and sizes. The greatest successes have been the traditional greetings card shop because the concept offers something new and unique to a captive market, not only at key seasons but especially minor seasons such as Thank You Teacher. Think – ‘Thank You for your help Mr Johnson, from year 4.’

Personalisation specialist retailers are now important in the Greetings and Gift industry because they are offering something ‘different’ and in demand. What’s more, consumer research shows that while 35% of people may prefer to buy online, 65% of people still prefer to buy in store, which has presented a tremendous opportunity for high street retailers to capitalise on this growing market. Products include luxury greetings cards, ceramic mugs, bone china mugs, iPhone covers, cushions, frames, money boxes and Christmas decorations.

www.boing-inc.com | kerry@boing-inc.com | +44 (0)1628 789999

Visit: creationexpress.co.uk

PERSONALISED HAYNES EXPLAINS MANUALS Marriage, teenagers, babies, and pensioners are all explained through these novelty manuals. For example, did you know, a teenager’s gearbox is automatic and can shift between gears at random? There are many difficulties that come with having (or being) a teenager, part of this handy range will help you to learn how to keep and maintain your teenager until this horrible period is over. 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. The ideal jokey gift for important milestones throughout life. Each edition is personalised and printed through Signature Gifts, including a name throughout and any message on the opening page. RRP £12.99.

Call: 01582 464 809 Visit: signature-gifts.co.uk gifts today 37

Captain Fawcett

KMI Brands

Inspiration & Curation Step inside the beautiful world of Top Drawer Spring/Summer 2017

A

t the very heart of Top Drawer, Gift presents an inspiring and expertly curated selection of the most original, beautifully designed products from UK and International brands. With more exclusive brands than ever at its Spring/Summer 17 (S/ S17) edition, Top Drawer is the style destination of choice for creative retailers embarking on an exploration of the finest new gifts across Gift, Wellbeing, Children’s and Greeting & Stationery.

Nkuku, Wild & Wolf, Rice, Cubic, Dassie, JellyCat, Kikkerland, Orange Tree Toys

Max Benjamin, Temerity Jones, Caroline Gardner, Image Republic and Skandi-Chic are amongst the key brands showcasing their new products and bestsellers. New to Tatty Divine for Wild and Wolf the show this year are Rex International, Sunnylife, Shepherd of Sweden, Fenella Smith, Locomocean and Santoro.

Buyers are now invited to register to Top Drawer S/S17 and discover 1000s of exclusive global brands across Home, Gift, Fashion and Craft.

Top Drawer 15-17 January at London Olympia www.topdrawer.co.uk

Katie Leamon

Makers & Merchants

Maxwell & Williams | Home G23 michael@valerie-graham.co.uk 02082005100

Tatty Divine for Wild and Wolf | Gift I61 alice.hughes@wildandwolf.com 01225 789909

Makers & Merchants | Food Emporium FB11 nick@nranda.com 01935 825510

Lisa Angel | Fashion 227

Cubic

katie@lisaangel.co.uk 01603 859111

KMI Brands | Gift K42 lisa.stone@kmibrands.com / 020 8614 4700

Orange Tree Toys | Childrens S49 clare@orangetreetoys.com 01242 244500

Katie Leamon | Greetings & Stationery W42 katie@katieleamon.com 07971013028

LA Bruket from Apothecary & Barbershop Supply Co | Wellbeing Q54 sales@aandbsupply.co.uk 020 7243 0319

Captain Fawcett | Wellbeing T53 info@captainfawcett.com 01553 833001

Cubic | Gift I45 hannah@cubicuk.com 0207 095 9399

Rice | Gift J61 heel@rice.dk 07738269874 Apothecary & Barbershop Supply Co

Lisa Angel

Maxwell & Williams

Rice gifts today 39

Gift Books

With book retailing on the up and back to 2007 levels, there are lots of good reasons to stock up on gift books to tempt shoppers. Gifts Today’s Sally Norton takes a look at the small print…

Hannah Forward

I

t’s official. People are buying books again. And print is more popular than it has been for years with around 187 million print books sold in the UK in 2015.

Recent research from market research experts Mintel found that three in five consumers have bought a print book in the last 12 months. ’Reports of the death of print, as Mark Twain might have said, have been greatly exaggerated,’ says John Worthington, Senior Analyst at Mintel.

‘For those who predicted an inexorable decline of physical books, the past 18 months have necessitated a re-think.

Far more than in other media sectors, book buyers and readers maintain an emotional connection with pre-digital formats.’

Perhaps it’s because they make wonderful purchases for special occasions, that books are so popular.

‘A book makes a great gift, it’s thoughtful, personal and there’s so much choice whatever your budget,’ says Lauren Woodsford from House Of Marbles. ‘We’re seeing a real revival in our children’s educational books.

They’re filled with beautiful illustrations that last a lifetime and customers reallyy value the added educa educational elements.’

SAL LOOK SET SALES TO STEADILY RISE RIS Even taking out the phenomenal sales of adult phen colouring

Curl up with a good book books, the value of print books increased by 4% in 2015. There was market recovery seen right across the print spectrum, with rises seen in most book categories including fiction, a segment that has struggled in recent years. Mintel reports that the revival of print appears likely to continue and perhaps accelerate further in 2016.

With market value up 11.4% year-onyear during the first quarter of the year to reach £312 million, the first doubledigit increase for the first quarter since

“Reports of the death of print, as Mark Twain might have said, have been greatly exaggerated.”

John Worthington, Senior Analyst at Mintel records began in 1998. The number of print books sold also increased by a further 7% during this quarter, while prices reached the average selling price highest level seen in over a decade.

THE SLOWDOWN IN E-READING E In their report Books an e-books – UK and 201 2016 – Market Size and Forecast, Mintel found that the total foun cons consumer market for both books and e-books increased in value by an increa estima estimated 5.7% in 2015.

They sa say that, at just over £1 £1.8 billion, the value of the m market has finally returned to levels last seen 40 gifts today

in 2007, prior to the recession.

However, it’s interesting that Mintel’s report continues to highlight the decline in book sales on e-readers such as Kindles and Kobos. A key reason for this downward trend is driven by the inevitable slowdown after the initial rapid take-off in the sector, reversing the, by now, familiar narrative seen across much of the media/ entertainment world of ‘physical down, digital up.’

There’s also the consumer yearning

for digital escapism to consider - just look at the trend for adult colouring books and healthy lifestyle books if you’re in any doubt. The overall result is that there has been a revival in traditional publishing over the past year.

As a result, while Amazon retains dominance of distribution right across the market, bricks-and-mortar sellers are learning to adapt to this reality and playing more to their own particular strengths, although they appear to have effectively abandoned the digital space to the online giant.

BOOKS YOU CAN TOUCH Books, and in particular gift books, often need to be seen in the flesh to appreciate the paper, the finishes, the special touches like foil and ribbons.

HOUSE OF…..BOOKS!

If you thought House of Marbles only sells toys and games, well you need to look at the range again. Customers can now choose from a huge collection of gift books to appeal to all interests and ages – from baby bath books through to adult humour, each one has been carefully selected to offer the very best in quality and entertainment.

New for autumn and just in time for Christmas is a selection of festivethemed puppet, puzzler and board books and some brilliant additions to their must-have Ladybird and Famous Five ranges for grownups.

Retail prices start from as little as £1.99 and titles can be ordered in small quantities making House of Marbles the perfect choice for the independent gift shop or anyone wanting to stock a wide selection of books. So if you’re looking for carriage paid orders that start from only £150 and bookss that will make a wonderful gift, make sure you get in touch with the team!

Three in five consumers have bought a print book in the last 12 months.

Email: uk@houseofmarbles.com Tel: 01626 835358 Web: houseofmarbles.com/trade

Source: Mintel Indeed, as lifestyles become more and more digitalised, it seems that consumers are now elevating the value of physical goods. You simply can’t recreate a gift book digitally because you really need to touch a book to appreciate its true quality.

‘Books are a popular gift with our visitors and we find that interactive books like our Pop-Up Kings & Queens title give a great opportunity to connect with the history of our Palaces,’ says Retail & Catering Director at Historic Royal Palaces, Gina George.

Whether it’s about pop-up features or beautiful paper, it’s the tactile appeal of books that means you really can’t beat a physical store when browsing for something special. Staff expertise and offering an oasis of calm to harried customers can also be helpful in drawing customers back in store.

In an era where nearly everything can be bought online, Mintel reports that traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers are recognising the need to offer something a little different to continue to engage their consumers. As a result, there is an increasing number of retailers using innovation to drive people back to traditional book shops.

In a bid to establish a point of difference and connect with the consumers who are influenced by a

pleasant bookstore experience, London store Libreria is amongst numerous retailers taking a strong stance on the purity of the retail environment by actively not providing Wi-Fi in store.

The bookshop has streamlined its stock offer into themes to encourage customers to make new discoveries, celebrating human curation over algorithmic rhythms. It also owns its own printing press in the basement, running courses that allow customers to print their own works.

Further afield, another example of book retail innovation is Morioka Shoten in Japan. The retailer stocks just one featured book which changes weekly, often accompanied by art and photos that complement the title. The owner, Yoshiyuki Morioka, created a space to spotlight just one literary work in a bid to address decision fatigue caused by having too many options.

Artist Hannah Forward sums it up when talking about the inspiration for her limited edition linocut New Book (artfinder.com) shown on previous page: ‘I love to read, so purchasing a brand new book on a Saturday in town or borrowing something stumbled across unexpectedly at the library then getting home and settling down to read it is always a joy. I wanted to create a miniature print about how this feels.’

TO THE ONE I LOVE

The Personalised Memento Company are continuing to develop their range of personalised books with their new licensed Me to You ‘The One I Love at Christmas’ book. The book features Me to You’s adorable Tiny Tatty Teddy characters and a heartfelt festive poem that is ideal for a couple during the Christmas period.

This charming book can be personalised with the happy couple’s names, both of which are worked beautifully into the artwork, appearing on each page.

What’s more, their range of licensed Me to You books is set to grow in the next year to include Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s day titles. PMC’s large range of personalised books and printed gifts are all available for quick production and despatch. PMC’s tried and tested drop-shipping solution is the perfect way to sell personalised gifts, without having to hold costly stock! Using their trade website, customers are able to cherry-pick the lines that best suit their business. Apply for your trade account today to get started with personalised gifts.

Email: sales@ personalisedmemento.co.uk Visit: personalisedmemento.co.uk gifts today 41

Gift Books

TIMELESS CLASSICS HOW TO GUIDES

Half Moon Bay are pleased to introduce four new entertaining how-to guides from Haynes. Covering the key stages of human life - Babies, Teenagers, Marriage and Pensioners - these tongue-in-cheek books are written in Haynes’ explanatory style, made famous from their car manuals. Each point is helpfully presented in a humorous way, as if the person in question was a car. The books also include flow charts and illustrations typical of Haynes’ Manuals. Each book covers specific subjects relevant to its life stage such as ‘identifying leaks’ and ‘emission control’ in Haynes Explains Babies and ‘pillow torque’ and ‘routine maintenance’ in Haynes Explains Marriage. Author Boris Starling’s writing style is relatable, and along with the humorous tone of these books he offers helpful guidance and advice to those who might need insight into family and friends who are going through any of these important stages. These amusing books make wonderful presents and will be great for Christmas.

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

FAMOUS FIVE

Enid Blyton books for grownups look set to continue to be be successful this season.

Building on a generation’s experience reading Blyton as children, bringing the Famous Five characters into our baffling adult world! Ideal Secret Santa gifts and stocking fillers.

bookspeed.com

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Showing that new and exciting things can happen even in the oldest of relationships, this year MGL’s gold-foiled British Library classic book cover licensed journals have been runaway bestsellers. The range so far includes Jules Verne’s beautiful Voyages Extraordinaires, Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes mystery The Hound of the Baskervilles and John Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, with more titles on the way for January.

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

FOLLOW THE PAPER TRAIL

There’s a book for every occasion within this delightful range from Signature Gifts.

It includes books for Easter, Halloween, and Hanukkah, and each book has been written and designed around a specific day or time of year, making the ideal gift for these special days. Family occasions can also be marked with books in this range.

For instance, Mother’s Day and Father’s day are marked in style with the My Mum and My Dad cheeky rhyming books. Or make a birthday special with a book about birthday wishes, or a countdown to read in the build up to the favourite day.

Christmas is also made more unique with the range of festive-themed personalised stories, some of which are available in premium embossed covers due to their massive popularity. Every book within this range is personalised with a child’s name throughout the illustrations, and often throughout the text as well.

RRP starts at £9.99

Call: 01582 464 809 Email: sales@signature-gifts.co.uk Visit: signature-gifts.co.uk

Trade talk

Gifts Today loves to hear your views.

From bestsellers to Brexit, trends to trade shows, it’s all up for discussion this month.

TREVOR CASH Mad Beauty, MD What have been your best sellers?

SIMON WILLIS Global Luxury Brands, MD What are the big trends you have noticed this year?

After a number of years when the traditional collectable market has been rather slow there has certainly be a reawakening of interest in quality collectables. The popular subject matter hasn’t changed much over the years but the demand for quantity and not mass-produced pieces does seem to be a key driver.

What have been your best sellers?

The main focus for us is certainly on subject matter and the collectors have not changed their interests over the years. In De Rosa, and Herend, cats are the biggest area of interest with owls and elephants coming in close behind. A degree of cuteness and fun is going down well and the pose of the model is very important.

What has been your favourite trade show this year?

I always love Harrogate just because the town is such fun and offers such a choice of restaurants and if we are lucky the weather is good. This year it was perhaps a bit too hot and as a result seemed quieter but it is still a great place to combine business with pleasure.

How would you describe the trading atmosphere post-Brexit?

This year has been a tough one from the start. As soon as the campaigns started in earnest consumer confidence slipped and sales became even harder to win. As we approached the vote and it looked like the status quo was going to be maintained things started to improve.

After that fateful morning things faltered a bit but came back strongly over the summer and so far have remained healthy. I suspect that as the inevitable price rises start to hit home things in early 2017 may get rather more difficult.

Are there any new products or developments for 2017 you are particularly excited about?

This year in the gift hall at Spring Fair we are launching both Revol, culinary porcelain from France, and Noritake Colorwave, a superb new range of stoneware.

We won the licensing deal to produce Never Too Old Disney, a comprehensive range of beauty and gift products inspired by the Vintage Disney Characters of yesteryear – Tinks, Alice, Winnie The Pooh, Happy & Grumpy – together with iconic quotes such as ‘I’m late for a very important date.’ The whole collection has been a huge success for us this year. Our Christmas Advent Calendars and beauty gift crackers look set to be our best sellers this quarter too.

What has been your favourite trade show this year?

This year we undertook both Harrogate Home & Gift Fair and the Spring and Autumn Fairs and at each show we launched some special Mad Beauty collections – each show brings its own successes.

How would you describe the trading atmosphere post-Brexit?

We feel challenges are ahead, but we are sure that we can meet them head on and have a strong positive 2017. As we always say – Mad Beauty designed in the UK by Mad People!

SARAH DIXON Yankee Candle, UK Marketing manager What are the big trends you have noticed this year?

From the unexpected, but most welcome, Indian summer this year, our flameless ranges continued to be in high demand. Colour has also been a key factor in consumer purchases – and this is something Yankee Candle are famous for. Our Christmas wax collection has a rich colour palette of green, red and orange with black and gold accessories. We’ve gone bold and they’re liking it!

What has been your favourite trade show this year?

I always really enjoy Harrogate. There’s a real eclectic mix of brands showcasing, and it’s a great opportunity to discover the innovation being brought to the home fragrance market. It’s a beautiful spa town too with a lovely atmosphere and not far from my native Newcastle!

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Are there any new products or developments for 2017 you are particularly excited about?

I think 2017 is going to be a very exciting year for us – we are pushing the boundaries more than ever before. I’m particularly excited about the new fragrances and gift sets we are launching into Pure Essence, available from January. The fragrances offer a sense of escapism to the consumer with scents that are fresh, soothing and perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day. My favourite is Cherry Blossom.

Social Media - Ross Hewitt

Boost your interest in pinterest I’ve always had a question mark over the relevance of Pinterest to UK brands and retailers, but that little punctuation symbol is shrinking more and more over recent months. Perhaps the time is now?

Let me position my historical scepticism first…

Pinterest launched in 2010, the same year as Instagram. Both offered an online experience that revolved around images yet Instagram today enjoys over half a billion users and Pinterest is still languishing around the 150 million active user mark. I say languishing, but when you consider that valuations of these online services are generally worked out by investors at $100 per user then it’s worth fifteen billion dollars! Not too shabby.

So, the user growth hasn’t been exponential when compared with its social media peers. But there are other reasons I have swerved my snake-like hips around Pinterest. It has always been so…well…so American! No matter what you search for, within a few seconds of scrolling a peanut butter and apple pie cookie recipe will appear. It’s all down to the user demographics. Pinterest has always verged on the secretive side when it comes to releasing statistics, but we do know that over 60% of users are American and around 80% of users are female. You can see how those cookie recipes get eyes on them now.

For gifts brands and retailers, it’s great that 80% of users are female. For UK businesses, not so great is that they all live in the U S of A. But as Bob Dylan prophetically sang decades ago, the times they are a changin’.

ComScore research has recently suggested that over 10 million people in the UK use Pinterest. Now, if we have a similar gender bias in that UK audience then there may actually be gold in them thar pins. Over 3 million pins occur every day on Pinterest in the UK so there is plenty happening on these shores.

Pinterest users spend over 15 minutes on average each time they use it. That’s big. Comprehensive research has also shown that 75% of Pinterest users either have purchased, or are planning to purchase something they have seen on Pinterest. That’s massive; no other social media service comes close to that.

“

For the gifting industry, this is a real opportunity.

Pinterest is prime milestone, occasion and event gift/ product planning territory.

”

SHARES….WHO CARES?

The ‘sharing’ bubble will eventually burst, and it is likely to be Facebook’s fault. Too much dribble gets ‘shared’ by individuals. For businesses, they have to pay through the nose to get their content shared with more than 2% of the people who actually clicked buttons because they want to see that very same content! Social media as

it is and has been will burn out. It’s not new anymore, and will become just another thing, like phone calls and email (how cool and exciting was email when you first started using it and how much of a pain in the ass is it now?).

‘Keep’ is going to become a far more powerful action than ‘Share’ and the scrapbook will have more value than the megaphone. Pinterest is perfectly positioned for this next wave of behaviour and indeed they don’t really see themselves as a social media platform provider. They state that their business is a ‘catalogue of ideas’ that inspire people to go and do or get something.

I think that is true. Pinterest is a great place for inspiration and users create their boards with projects and life events in mind. It’s the service that lets someone ‘keep’ the things they discover and build the plan for their next big moment.

For the gifting industry, this is a real opportunity and something we can build on. Pinterest is prime milestone, occasion and event gift/ product planning territory. For every one person who shares a photo on Facebook or Twitter of a Christmas gift idea they have I’m estimating there are thirty ‘quieter’ people building a Christmas Gift Ideas Pinterest board to help them finalise their present shopping list. Retailers can make the purchase even easier for them by adding ‘Rich’ pins to Pinterest which can show the price of the product on your website and whether you have stock or not!

Forget the user number statistics and look at the services themselves.

How many people do you know who actually love Facebook anymore?

Every Pinterest user I speak to smiles when they mention it. ‘Keep’ is coming, so get yourselves ready…

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: @Ross_Hewitt

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New Products

INTRODUCING THE ICONIC MALLARD FROM BIGJIGS RAIL

Bigjigs Rail, one of the UK’s leading toy train brands, has announced its latest collaboration with the National Railway Museum in York to produce a battery-operated replica of the iconic Mallard – the world’s fastest ever steam locomotive. It’s available to the trade and retail market now. trade.bigjigstoys.co.uk

EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSES FOR THE RHS

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced that their long-term licensing partner and multi award-winning manufacturer of garden and agricultural tools Burgon & Ball has launched an extensive new ranges of RHS-endorsed gardening gifts and tools called Flora and Fauna. They include a new design for the award-winning RHS Gifts for Gardeners range, as well as some highly attractive new hand tools and a collection of brightly coloured tools that even absent-minded gardeners won’t lose.

Find out more at burgonandball.com.

DOWN MEMORY LANE FOR 2017

Cherry Orchard’s Down Memory Lane range of cards and bone China mugs goes from strength to strength as the latest designs for 2017 have been released. There are 24 stunning new designs covering male and female milestone ages from 18 to 90, the year you were born and two special designs for people born in the swinging 60s and 1970s. With a RRP of £6.99 including a free gift box, they offer a quality gift in the under-£10 category.

EASY AS A, B, C

British artisan designer Julie Dodsworth has teamed with Canova of Hertfordshire to create an all new, made in THE UK alphabet candle range. Each pure soy candle is presented in a white gold tin decorated with Julie’s heritage design and colour. The first orders have been taken from Julie’s unique mini trade counter with a promise that any unsold letters can be swapped for new if desired. Free post is available with added social media for early takers.

Visit: juliedodsworth.co.uk

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cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk

Exhibition Diary

EXHIBITION DIARY 2017 Hello and welcome to our annual Exhibition Diary – an indispensable tool for anyone in the gifts industry trying to navigate the maze that is the world of exhibitions.

Inside this guide you’ll find the latest exhibition news, show previews and a comprehensive diary designed to help you organise your 2017 show calendar at home and abroad. Read on for more details.

Happy planning!

Sally Sally Norton Editor, Gifts Today sally@lemapublishing.co.uk

CONTENTS 48

Exhibition News Discover the facts, figures and faces behind some of the key shows next year. Shows covered comprise Spring Fair, Toy Fair, Source British, CHSI Stitches and Top Drawer.

51

Scotland’s Trade Fair Products from Scotland and beyond.

52

Ambiente Exciting news as the leading Frankfurt trade fair welcomes Great Britain as the partner country for 2017. Leading Scottish designer Janice Kirkpatrick is responsible for curating and designing the special showpiece.

54

56

christmasworld Introducing the presence of Floradecora at the show next year, offering fresh flowers and ornamental plants into the mix.

Harrogate Christmas & Gift The show now offers much more than Christmas gifts. There are eight halls packed with exciting new products.

58

IHGF Delhi Fair Spring More than 2,750 exhibitors will be showing at this comprehensive fair, offering home, lifestyle, fashion, textiles and gifts.

60

Wales Spring Fair Head to the Venue Cymru in January to kickstart the gift-buying season.

62

London Stationery Show A two-day stationery extravaganza at Islington’s Business Design Centre.

64

Giving & Living Head to Exeter to stock up for key seasonal occasions. This year’s Coastal Path feature is designed to help you navigate your way around the show.

68

UK Exhibition Diary Dates Our pick of the UK shows.

69

Worldwide Exhibition Diary Dates Buying opportunities around the world.

gifts today 47

exhibition news

5 REASONS TO VISIT TOY FAIR 1. Big names will be there. Companies already confirmed include Lego, Character Options, Playmobil, Vtech, Spin Master, Re:Creation, Schleich, Wicked Vision, John Crane, Flair, Tomy, Bandai, Marvin’s Magic, K’Nex and Revell to name a few.

2. Popular brands will be returning. Companies returning to Toy Fair after time away include Plum Products, Kids@Play, Bachmann and K-Play, while Tasma, Skip Hop, Great Pretenders, Elf on the Shelf, Brixies and Brian Clegg will all be first time exhibitors.

3, The Greenhouse is back. As is the ever-popular Toy Fair TV, hosted by Anna Williamson and Gavin Inskip.

4. All attendees from any of the past three Toy Fairs will receive a Smart

STOP PRESS Spring Fair, the UK’s No.1 gift and home trade event, is just around the corner..it’s the perfect place to discover the newest products and latest designs…it takes place at the Birmingham NEC, meaning the journey time will be within three hours for 70% of UK retailers…doors open on 5 February and close on 9 February…more than 64,000 visitors will be welcomed through the doors to trade with 5,000 exhibitors…you can sign up for seminars from successful names in the industry and there will the opportunity to receive some one-to-one business advice from these industry leaders…learn more by heading to springfair.com.

Link containing previous details so need only check, update and submit to receive a bar code email which will be required to gain access to the 2017 show. Visitors who choose not to pre-register or confirm their Smart Link will be required to pay a £15 entry fee on the door.

5. You can register for free. Just visit the show website. For operations and sponsorship enquiries email: majen@btha.co.uk.

The 64th annual Toy Fair returns to London Olympia on 24-26 January 2017.

Visit: toyfair.co.uk

NEW FOR JOE DAVIES Joe Davies are delighted to be making their debut at the Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair. On their stand (C19) the company will be launching a number of exciting new Christmas ranges alongside some of their established collections such as their best-selling snoozies! Jingle Bells.

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exhibition news

BEST OF BRITISH A brand new tradeshow for British brands expands into the U.S.

‘Many US buyers want to trade in sterling post Brexit as the rates are more in their favour - a great benefit for businesses wanting to export to the US now. They want British brands with provenance and a strong brand story.’

Olivett Asare, Event Director Source British is a new boutique trade show taking place in LA, California on 13 and 14 March 2017. Backed by leading exhibition organiser Upper Street Events, the trade show provides a platform for UK brands across homeware, gifts, fashion, accessories and shoes to access the US market and meet buyers from across the West Coast, Mid-West and wider USA. The unique selling points of British heritage, high quality craftsmanship and innovation in design provide huge opportunities for British brands.

The event has already confirmed many British brands including Molly Mac Living, Yellow Barley Limited (Love Jars), The Cheeky Monkey Company, Owen Barry, Jolly Awesome, Peak & Brim Designer Hats, Nadia Mink off, Animo Glass and Sarah Greaves Limited. Co-located with LA Fashion Market, the event already has access to 4,000 US buyers and distributors. Research to this audience showed a strong desire for a British tradeshow in the market with 97% stating they would want to attend.

Olivett Asare, Event Director concluded: ‘Many US buyers want to trade in sterling post-Brexit as the rates are more in their favour - a great benefit for businesses wanting to export to the US now. They want British brands with provenance and a strong brand story.’ sourcebritish.com

WHY NOT SEE IT FIRST AT TOP DRAWER SS17?

Expect world launches and exclusive brands at the very heart of Top Drawer’s SS17 edition at London Olympia from 15-17 January 2017. There will be four exclusively-curated selections of the most original, beautifully designed products from UK and international brands at the Show.

GIFT: The curated pick of giftware from UK and International exhibiting brands includes Nkuku, Wild & Wolf, Rice, Cubic, Dassie, JellyCat, Kikkerland, Max Benjamin, Temerity Jones, Caroline Gardener, Image Republic, SkandiChic and, new to the show this year, Rex International, Sunnylife, Shepherd of Sweden, Fenella Smith, Locomocean and Santoro.

WELLBEING: An indulgent choice of pampering products to nurture body, mind and soul from brands including Apothecary & Barber Shop Supply Co Ltd, Captain Fawcett, Durance, MOA and Solid State for Men. CHILDREN’S: The list of key kids’ favourites is joined for the first time by some new names to the show including Margarette Seiff, 1 Two Kids, Plain Lazy, amongst many more.

GREETING & STATIONERY: This is the place to discover the most beautiful and distinctive stationery, wrap, greetings cards and more from exhibitors including Wrap, Paprcuts, Katie Leamon, The Art File, Artebene, Lagom Design, Ohh Deer, Roger La Borde and Belly Button Designs.

DID YOU KNOW? Following a hugely successful debut at Top Drawer’s recent A/W16 edition, PaperFest and the PaperAwards, sponsored by G. F. Smith, will be hosted within Greetings & Stationery this January. topdrawer.co.uk

gifts today 49

exhibition news

WHAT’S THE STORY WITH CHSI STITCHES? Q: What does the show cover?

A: CHSI Stitches is firmly established as Europe’s leading trade show for the creative craft industry.

Q: Where is it held?

A: The 2017 show will be covering Halls 11 and 12 of the NEC, Birmingham, from 19-21 February 2017.

Q: What’s new this year?

A: For the first time CHSI Stitches will focus on fabric, yarn and textiles in Hall 11 with Hall 12 hosting papercrafts, art materials and hobby crafts. The 2017 CHSI Stitches will also host the largest ever Bright Sparks Pavilion in the show’s history, giving valuable trade exposure to new talent and start-up businesses and the opportunity for retailers and buyers to find the latest designs and contemporary products from innovative companies. Joining the Bright Sparks for the first time this year is That’s Crafty launching a new range of stencils; Ragged Life showcasing rag rug supplies and kits from expert and author Elspeth Jackson and printable fabrics for bespoke designs from Threads.

Q: Any other reasons to go?

A: There will be workshops and seminars, a catwalk show, an Itch to Stitch Information Centre and new product showcase areas alongside the main exhibition which hosts over 200 creative crafts companies from across the world.

The Itch to Stitch Education area will allow visitors to get hands-on with needlecraft products and discover their retail potential. It will be hosted by the prestigious Royal School 50 gifts today

of Needlework.

Visitors can update themselves on the latest products and techniques in the free workshop sessions that run through the show. These go on alongside the hugely popular free business seminars reflecting market trends and offering modern retailers the latest advice and information to support their businesses.

Social media guru Warren Knight returns with a Think Digital First, giving visitors a tutorial in making social media work for their businesses.

Joanne Dewberry will present digital marketing ideas to visitors based on her experience as an award-winning blogger and designer of handmade fabric party bags.

Creativity will be brought to life during the catwalk show, allowing exhibitors to showcase their products on stage, from beads and buttons to yarns and fabric.

Q: What are the organisers saying?

A: ‘We have had a great reception from key craft companies to the expansion of the show,’ says Adam Elkins, Sales Manager, ICHF Ltd . ‘Many major industry players are taking larger stands than ever before at CHSI Stitches including Designer Yarns, Creative Solutions, Creative World of Crafts, Lewis & Irene, The Warm Company, Cygnet Yarns and Hantex. These companies understand the value of exhibiting at CHSI Stitches and have seen the opportunity the expansion gives them to extend their space and introduce even more new product lines to potential customers.’ chsi.co.uk

Scotland’s Trade Fair

6 great reasons to visit Scotland’s Trade Fair For gifts that sell, head to Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring for three days of buying, selling and inspiration.

1. NUMBERS ARE UP!

5. EASY & EFFICIENT

Exhibitor numbers are well above last year. This year has generally been a positive one for independent gift shops with many reporting above average sales, helped by overseas tourists and the weak pound.

With its wide range of Home, Gift, Fashion and Craft, it’s a great place to seek out new products and ranges in January.

Scotland’s Trade Fair Director Mark Saunders adds: ‘With many retailers reporting a buoyant summer season, we are hoping for a good attendance and strong orders. We are now firmly established as one of the top gift buying arenas and we aim to make that buying experience as easy, efficient and inspiring as possible – this year will not disappoint.’

2. IN WITH THE NEW

6. SCOTLAND’S SPECIALITY FOOD SHOW

Among the 500 plus exhibitors, textiles and jewellery sectors are particularly strong and have many newcomers. Almost a third of all stands will be from new companies, while for many established ones this is the first chance to launch their new ranges for 2017. New to the Show are exhibitors such as Laughenirs, Rory Dyer furniture, Storm textiles, Great British Belt Company, and Molly Macs.

Established companies that do consistently well at Scotland’s Trade Fair include Sheila Fleet Jewellery, Eribe knitwear, Bronte by Moon, Ness Clothing, Isle of Skye Candles, Bomb Cosmetics, Ulster Weavers, Belltrees Forge and McLaggan Smith Mugs.

Exhibitor David Grant from Highland Stoneware said: ‘Scotland’s Trade Fair is a very good Show and we have lots of orders and positive interest from far and wide.’

3. GETTING CRAFTY The Craft Gallery, which was introduced last year, has expanded from 20 to 30 carefully selected high-end

Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring

Scottish owner makers such as Tessuti, Eileen Gatt, Fraser Knitwear and The Store Hus. The Launch Gallery as usual will host a raft of new companies entering the wholesale market such as Nixey, Nikky d’Aguilar, Top Munro and Michele Daykin Jewellery, demonstrating the variety of young producers across the UK, and especially Scotland. Historic Scotland buyer Jackie Elvery said: ‘We attend Scotland’s Trade Fair every year and it is key in helping us source quality Scottish made products from suppliers across the length and breadth of the country.’

The Show is run in conjunction with Scotland’s Speciality Food Show.

FACT FILE Scotland’s Trade Fair, Spring When: 22-24 January 2017 Where: SECC, Glasgow Organised By: Springboard Events Call: 01877 385772 Visit: scotlandstradefairs.co.uk

4. INDUSTRY EXPERTISE To make the visitor experience more complete, the Seminar Theatre features industry experts on subjects such as social media for business, maximising your business through Google, a gin tasting, retail advice from ex-Harrods buyer and much more. Best Product Awards are also judged on the opening day and offer retailers a snapshot of the best at the Show.

22-24

JAN 2017

SECC

for gifts that sell

To register for your free entry badge and for further information please visit

scotlandstradefairs.co.uk gifts today 51

Ambiente

How very British Leading trade fair Ambiente will welcome Great Britain as the partner country for the 2017 show in Frankfurt next February.

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he coming Ambiente show will celebrate all things British, with the products of UK exhibitors being shown in an extensive Partner Country feature in the entrance to Hall 4.1 it will be curated and designed by leading Scottish designer Janice Kirkpatrick.

Janice will base her design concept on some key observations and ideas:

• PATTERN Through digital production, pattern can be applied to any surface, providing designers with a way to overcome lengthy design development.

• WALLPAPER As Janice points out, this is a particularly British phenomenon.

• COOKWARE, CUTLERY & CERAMICS The British tendency to collect, order and display these items is inspired by stately home collections.

• TABLETOPS Looking at Britain as the world’s ‘service sector’ and king of the world’s tabletops with armouries of silverware and cutlery and cabinets of ceramics from Birmingham, Sheffield and Stokeon-Trent.

• PROVENANCE Products with provenance and deep roots are safe havens—solid, recognisable, reliable landmarks in a sea of generic things whose lack of anchorage makes them vulnerable.

• NATIONAL ANIMALS Janice chose the magnificent Clydesdale horse to represent Scotland, the wolf hound from Ireland, 52 gifts today

the White Park cow from England and the Balwen sheep from Wales. These are national animals that transcend fiscal boundaries.

BRITISH CLASSICS Janice’s Ambiente showpiece will incorporate products from British exhibitors that pack a major historical punch and which have survived wars, revolutions and other seismic societal shifts. Examples of these classic British products include: • Arthur Price & Co, 114-years old, supplied cutlery for HMS Titanic.

• Churchill China, 221-years of ceramics, glassware and cutlery.

• Dualit, 71-years of iconic kitchenware.

• Robert Welch Designs, creating modern cutlery for 61-years.

• Portmeirion ceramics, 56-years old and Spode founded in 1770.

….AND RELAX Also helping Ambiente celebrate all things British is award-winning furniture designer, Bethan Gray, who will create a special café in Hall 4.1 dedicated to British design. Winner of the Best British Designer award for 2013/4, Bethan’s signature style reveals a love of detail, tactile textures and luxurious materials. Her best-selling furniture collections and high profile pieces can be found in the likes of Liberty, Harrods and John Lewis. Bethan

said one of her main goals for the showpiece will be to provide a relaxing atmosphere, commenting: ‘I want to evoke an emotion. Trade fairs are often exhausting so I want the café to be calming and intriguing.’

DID YOU KNOW? The UK is consistently in the top ten of nations who send both exhibitors and visitors to the Frankfurt exhibition, the world’s largest consumer goods trade fair. In 2016 4,387 exhibitors from 96 countries joined the show, including 138 from Britain. Of Ambiente’s 137,000 visitors from 143 countries 3,249 were British.

Ambiente runs from 10-14 February 2017 at Frankfurt am Main. http://ambiente.messefrankfurt. com

the show 10 – 14. 2. 2017 Giving extends the interplay between creativity and product, individuality and trend, assortment and concept. At the world’s most important consumer goods trade fair.

Information and tickets at ambiente.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83 info@uk.messefrankfurt.com

Christmasworld

Blossom & Bloom at Christmasworld 2017 Head to Frankfurt am Main in January to discover seasonal decoration at its best. What’s more, the presence of Floradecora within this year’s show means you’ll also find a fabulous offering of fresh flowers and ornamental plants.

SHOW TALK Here’s what people said about previous Christmasworld shows.

‘This was our fourth appearance at Christmasworld and it went very well. Last year - 2015 - we were unable to come and the impact was noticeable. Our customers want to see the product in the flesh. A presence at Christmasworld is also important to attract business from new customers.’

Kjartan Antonsson Director, Willow Brocks

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hristmasworld 2017 is set to return from 27 – 31 January 2017 in Frankfurt am Main.

It’s time to discover outstanding presentations and creative inspirations at the world’s leading trade fair for seasonal and festive decorations.

Visitors can discover the complete spectrum of seasonal decorations and festive products to help businesses bloom.

It is the ideal international order platform where visitors can discover market leading innovations and designs from

over 953 exhibitors.

Together with Christmasworld, Floradecora will sow the seeds for profitable business in retail by presenting stunning floral arrangements and fresh cut plants in Hall 11.1 from 28 – 31 January 2017. In its own product hall this year, Floradecora offers buyers at Christmasworld fresh flowers, plants and flower arrangements as the perfect complement to seasonal decoration.

Book your ticket to success now: tickets.messefrankfurt.com/ ticket

DID YOU KNOW? The trend for easy and uncomplicated plants means that the market for succulents and cacti looks set to expand. ‘These plants benefit from the fact that they are not only very easy to care for but also very attractive,’ says Britta Tröster, Flower and Decorative Plant Product Manager of Agrarmarkt Informations-Gesellschaft mbH.

‘Our core business is the combination of plants and decorations, so we have already booked a stand in the new product group, Floradecora, at Christmasworld 2017. This is a positive development because more and more customers are asking for a complete decorative world with a combination of decorations and plants.’

Dennis Bunnik Managing Director, Bunnik Creations ‘The trade fair was fantastic: it was better than last year and my feeling is that there were also more visitors there. On Saturday, people kicked down our doors! We are very satisfied.’

Marina Betting-Hartmann Director of buying & marketing, Edelman ‘Christmasworld is the best trade fair for us because the international audience is extremely strong. America, Ireland, Iceland, Scandinavia, Switzerland and Austria are countries strongly represented here. It is here that we reap the benefits of our work over the whole year.’

Matthias Hedemann Sales Manager, designimdorf ‘All the trade buyers whom we would like to reach are here; for example, gift retailers, garden centres or furniture retailers. There are also a lot of stationery retailers here because of the Paperworld fair, which runs in parallel.’

Rainer Fischer Managing Director, Goldbach Geschenkartikel ‘Christmasworld went fantastically for us and is developing further. We are always strong in England but most of the new customers are from Germany, as well as from Italy and France.’

Johan Hugues General Director, Blanchere ‘Christmasworld is the most important Christmas decoration trade fair for us. Customers come to Christmasworld from all over the world. This year we had new customers from Turkey, Kenya, Angola and Morocco.’

Massimo Nencioni Key Account Manager, Global Concept ‘We were able to generate many new contacts with our Inspiration Table. The combination of decorations, plants and flowers is a good one. It is a good opportunity for us as growers to sell flowers specifically for Christmas time.’

Marc van Heijningen Schonefeld breeding 54 gifts today

Seasonal Decoration at its best 27 – 31. 1. 2017

Happy New Business!

The creation of a profitable product assortment starts at Christmasworld. Order the best decorations for all festive events during the year from top international exhibitors. And discover in the new Floradecora product area how to help stimulate sales with fresh flowers and ornamental plants.

Buy your ticket (including free public transport) at a discounted advance sale price: christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Growing trade show for the gift sector Harrogate Christmas & Gift has grown in significance for retailers and buyers in the gift industry in recent years, as the show has grown dramatically in size with the ratio of gift to Christmas products greater than ever.

56 gifts today

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his year, exhibition space at the show was completely sold out by September and the organisers made the decision to open two further halls. With the addition of the King’s Suite and Hall Q of the Harrogate International Centre, visitors to the show will now be spoilt for choice with eight halls packed with exciting new products.

Taking place at the Harrogate International Centre from 8 to 11 January 2017, the show has averaged a 10-percent growth in both exhibitor and visitor numbers year on year for the last five years and is now a firm favourite with garden centre buyers, attracting a great turn out from department stores and tourist attraction shops too. You will still find the best selection of Christmas products that any UK trade show has to offer, but the extensive selection of quality gift ranges for the entire calendar year makes this show a must for the gift industry too.

The 2017 show has attracted a host of exciting new exhibitors including Crystal World with beautiful glass and crystal gifts; Culinary Concepts with an extensive range of gifts for the home including dining accessories and candles; The Libra Company with interior design accessories and giftware; and The Original Metal Sign Company with quirky printed products such as mugs, wall art and coasters.

Joe Davies will be exhibiting at Harrogate Christmas & Gift for the first time in 2017 and will be displaying over 1,000 on trend gift and home décor items from their full Christmas range. New products from the Shudehill Giftware Collection, Equilibrium Jewellery and the very best of the Leonardo collection from Lesser and Pavey will make a debut alongside the best of their 2016 Christmas range.

The company will also be showing their best-selling Snoozies slippers – a great

seller in the key Christmas period.

Herman De Greef – also new in 2017 – brings an enchanting collection of modern day classics in porcelain and fine filigree metals ranging from candle ornaments to stand-alone room accents. The company has a whole host of new products, incentives on placing early orders as well as season discounts on its Fauna tea lights, hurricane lanterns and candelabra. It offers a totally bespoke product service where customers can re-design their own gift.

Those seeking products and gifts for children should check out new exhibitors Jomanda, with a collection of gorgeous soft toys and accessories; and Waxcrayon Ltd with magical children’s books. Also not to be missed is North Wales-based company Stands Out which supplies pocket money children’s gifts – all designed by its own innovative team –to attractions and gift shops all over Europe. The company will be displaying its brand new range of JingleBell Jewellery, which includes individually designed Christmas character pop-watches with matching jewellery and hair accessories.

Ackerman International will be presenting two fabulous new products – The Good Elf and Birthday Buddy. Both products are designed to help children count down to a big day – whether that is Christmas or their birthday. These incredibly cute characters come with fun interactive activities where adults can reward children with stickers for good behaviour.

Premier Decorations, which will once again fill Hall H of the Harrogate International Centre in its entirety, can thank its talented in-house designers for its beautiful collection of 2017 Christmas Stories. These are a range of products from baubles and hanging decorations; candle holders and plaques; to floral and table decorations

in colour schemes to complement and co-ordinate and create a harmonised effect for the home.

There are eight Christmas Stories to choose from including Noel Splendour with ‘on trend’ contemporary colours with a classic twist; Believe with vibrant colours guaranteed to instil excitement including the highly collectible ‘Elves’ range’; Snowflake Wishes with icy tones which are all the rage for 2017; and Grand Christmas with all the glamour of Hollywood with dark purple, burgundy and red tones.

Simon Anslow, show organiser, said: ‘Harrogate Christmas & Gift offers a fantastic opportunity for the gift industry to tap into new product ranges before they are launched at any other trade shows in the year, giving retailers and buyers a head start over competitors.

Product ranges include everything imaginable including numerous home ranges such as candles and floral displays; gifts for kids including toys and books; numerous party accessories and extensive collections for other notable occasions in the year such as Halloween and Easter too.

‘The show is not only a one stop shop with almost every major gift supplier in the industry attending, but it’s also great for networking and making new business contacts.’

For more information about Harrogate Christmas & Gift and to register to attend, visit harrogatefair.com.

DreamToys

Stocking thrillers

Drumming up excitement is something the toy industry excels at, and this year’s DreamToys is no different.

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he annual DreamToys event marks the start of the Christmas shopping season for many, and this year’s event is no different. Chosen by an expert panel made up of leading UK toy retailers, the selection committee pored over 2016’s innovations, new brands and refreshed favourites to make their decisions. This year’s picks make for an ‘incredibly diverse’ range of toys according to the committee’s chair Gary Grant, with a mix of well-loved brands and collectables - a hugely impactful category in 2016 - at its core.

Crucially to Gary and the panel, it’s an affordable list of playthings too, representing a full range of price points and play patterns. Whether it’s a modern twist on karaoke with Worlds Aparts’ SelfieMic or LEGO Star Wars Rebel U-Wing Fighter, there’s a toy for every child, as well as every family’s budget.

‘The one unifying thing that I see in the DreamToys selection this year is a sense of real family fun at the heart of many of the toys represented,’ he added.

‘I’m sure that’s what many families are looking for this year: great value toys and games that all the family can play.’

To be selected for a spot on the DreamToys list is a prestigious accolade for any supplier, and particularly special for Spin Master’s Marketing Director, Phil Hooper because ‘it is recognised as the UK’s number one independently voted for list of top selling toys.’

The company’s PAW Patrol Air Patroller, and newly launched Hatchimals have both been highlighted in this year’s DreamToys list, and Phil says it’s a true sign that ‘you have a toy that stands out in the market.’

Also with two entries this year, Hasbro’s UK and Ireland Marketing Director, Craig Wilkins: ‘To have two toys picked out, Nerf N-Strike Elite Hyperfire blaster and Speak Out for inclusion in the 2016 top toys list really means a lot to us all here at Hasbro,’ he says.

‘We hope they provide children across the UK and Ireland with a magical Christmas and lots of fun with all the family!’

A first time entrant in the annual top 12 list is Worlds Apart, this year hitting a high note with its SelfieMic. ‘We feel a huge sense of achievement,’ says Senior 58 gifts today

‘The one unifying thing that I see in the DreamToys selection this year is a sense of real family fun’ Gary Grant, DreamToys Chairman Brand Manager, Logan Stone.

Meanwhile the Character Options team is ‘honoured’ to have Snuggles My Dream Puppy chosen as one of the industry’s top bets for the crucial trading period. With expressive eyes and more than 35 different sounds, the cute and cuddly interactive pooch promises hours of play and a companion kids can nurture like a real pet.

‘It’s unbelievably cute and realistic,’ says Character’s Marketing Manager, Mark Hunt. ‘Demand for Snuggles is already very strong, but to make the list ensures it’s at the forefront of the consumer’s mind when selecting that all important toy for their kids.’

DreamToys Top 12 Toys 2016 • Friends Amusement Park Roller Coast LEGO • Hatchimals - Spin Master • Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage - Mattel • Nerf N-Strike Elite Hyperfire - Hasbro • PAW Patrol Air Patroller - Spin Master • SelfieMic - Worlds Apart • Shopkins Chef Club Hot Spot Kitchen - Flair • Silly Sausage - John Adams • Snuggles My Dream Puppy - Character Options • Speak Out - Hasbro • Star Wars Rebel U-Wing Fighter - LEGO • Thomas & Friends TrackMaster Sky-High Bridge Jump - Mattel

App-solute simplicity A DreamToys app was launched alongside the top toys list this year, making it easier for consumers to learn about the toys and pick their favourites with the swipe of a finger.

Shoppers can download the app to their smart devices and dive into this year’s top toys in the run up to Christmas.

Wales Spring Fair

Head to the Venue Cymru to to kickstart spring buying at the Wales Spring Fair 2017.

Wales Spring Fair I

t’s that time of year again when Venue Cymru is busy preparing for its annual trade show, Wales Spring Fair 2017, which takes place between 22-25 January 2017. There is no better place to start planning for next season’s giftware as Wales Spring Fair offers a fabulous opportunity to exhibitors to showcase their latest best-selling products.

Now in its 37th year the show is growing from strength to strength attracting new exhibitors as well as the usual favourites. Situated in the heart of North Wales, Llandudno is a beautiful Victorian town that comes alive every January during the 4 days of Wales Spring Fair.

The Wales Spring Fair 2016 was as popular as it was in 2015 with a slight increase in buyers from the Cheshire and mid-Wales areas, cementing the show’s place as Wales’s premier home and gift show. This has been recognised by the exhibitors. In addition to nearly all of last year’s companies rebooking their stands, a quarter of all exhibitors will be new to the Wales Spring Fair. This means that there will be something fresh and exciting for the buyers.

Buyers visiting the show will have the opportunity to discover all the fabulous new products, as well as all the latest product from their favourite suppliers.

Many of last year’s key exhibitors are set to return in 2017, including RBW group, Pendragon Wales, Richard Lang and Manav, plus many, many more.

Edith J Designs will be exhibiting for the first time this year as well as Crafty Kitty and The Welsh Books Council. Quinnell Candle Company are returning after showcasing their beautiful candles in 2016.

In response to increasing demand from buyers searching for high quality products, The Wales Spring Fair team have taken the opportunity to carefully source new exhibitors, looking in particular for more design-led, one-of-a-kind products that are handselected for their commercial appeal, quality and price. Whatever your retail focus, you’ll definitely find a whole host of new and innovative products to 60 gifts today

and a whole range of decorative items for the home.

Pretty Beautiful first exhibited at the show in 2014 and has never looked back.

Wales Spring Fair Event Manager Adrian LaTrobe explains: ‘Last year’s buyers specified a range of product areas that they would like to see more of at the Wales Spring Fair. One of the ranges that kept being requested were hand-crafted so this is where we have concentrated our focus.’

The mission to attract more of these key exhibitors has been a success with a host of new exhibitors coming on board, showcasing hand-made jewellery, unique artwork, hand-crafted shabby-chic accessories and design-led homeware. They have even created a new area for these designers where they can showcase their products as well as creating them whilst at the show.

Wales Spring Fair Marketing Officer, Anwen Jones says: ‘We targeted these exhibitors because our buyers asked us to, but in doing so we have enriched the offering of the Wales Spring Fair and greatly increased our target visitor market. By including these unique products, we hope to attract buyers from art galleries, boutiques and high-end gift shops who may not have previously recognised what the Wales Spring Fair had to offer them.’

please your customers.

Wales Spring Fair is such a great opportunity for designer-makers who are interested in developing commercial trade opportunities. Becky Underwood, proprietor of Flourish, reported after last year’s show: ‘I have had lots of re-orders from this year’s Wales Spring fair. It is a lovely show, well executed and very supportive and friendly. Thank you, keep up the good work.’

This year, organisers can confirm that Pretty Beautiful are also returning with their stunning dried fruit wreaths and garlands, teacup candle stands

Fact File Agencies including the Federation for Small Businesses and Grwp Llandrillo Menai will be offering free help and advice to retailers during the four days.

To register for your free entry today:

Call: 01492 879771 Email: walesspringfair@venuecymru.co.uk Visit: walesspringfair.co.uk

London Stationery Show

Hot stuff! stationery market continues to grow T

Writing and paper products have never been so popular with consumers and are a major sales opportunity for gift and lifestyle retailers.

Show Essentials: Dates: 25 & 26 April 2017 Venue: Business Design Centre, London Tel: 020 7772 8461 Email: hazel@oceanmedia.co.uk Website: www.stationeryshow.co.uk Twitter: @StationeryBytes Facebook: www.facebook.com/ stationeryshow The London Stationery Show is part of National Stationery Week (24-30 April 2017). For more information visit: www.nationalstationeryweek. com 62 gifts today

he growth of the annual London Stationery Show, now in its seventh year, and on track for its sixth consecutive year of growth in 2017, reflects these ever-increasing levels of interest shown in design-led and gift stationery.

The specialist trade show offers visitors the opportunity to browse a fantastic range of writing and paper products from around the world. It is the go-to show for a large and growing number of leading retail stationery buyers and suppliers who know they will always find something new.

Dedicated to writing products, wrap, gift and social stationery, calendars and diaries, notebooks, storage and much more besides, the product focus and friendly feel-good atmosphere of the two-day show continues to attract an unrivalled line-up of both established brands and new entrants to the stationery sector.

The exhibition is also part of National Stationery Week, the stationery industry’s biggest consumer awareness and sales initiative, which promotes the written word and all things stationery.

Now in its sixth year, it is organised by the London Stationery Show and includes World Stationery Day and the ‘Writing matters’ campaign. The 2016 event reached tens of millions of consumers and stationery fans, and generated millions of pounds’ worth of media coverage and sales, as well as massive levels of consumer engagement on social media.

Who is exhibiting in 2017?

New suppliers to date for next year’s show include Chase & Wonder, That Company Called If, Bostik, Pierre Cardin, Matador Pens, HK Trading, Kuretake and The Mouse Writer.

Returning exhibitors include Stone Marketing (MT, Faber-Castell, Nuuna, Tombow, Schneider), AT Cross/

Sheaffer, Leuchtturm1917/Semikolon, Pentel, Museums & Galleries, Lamy, ExaClair, Mustard, Nuco, Staedtler, Lime Stationery & Art (Original Crown Mill, Troika, Monteverde), Pyramid, Stabilo, Jakar/Caran d’Ache, GBA Pen (Fisher), Notable Designs, Kaweco, Sinclairs, Collins, Manuscript Pen, NPW/Moleskine, Maped Helix and Zebra Pen to name but a few.

In addition, a number of exciting new overseas bookings to date include CEM, Kemerbergaz and Levent Offset (Le Color) from Istanbul, MJB Design (MakeNotes) from Portugal, Toscana from Italy, KW Trade from Poland, Khien’s Studio from Thailand, Polar Pen from Canada, Chee Wah from Malaysia, Hindustan Pencils and Hamilton Writing Instruments from India, International Arrivals from the USA and Kevron Plastics from Australia.

name but a few. All styles and sizes of stationery retailers are represented, from the large multiple chains, to independents and online retailers.

Tim Willoughby, exhibition director, and COO of the show’s new owners Ocean Media Group, says: ‘With an ever-increasing list of exhibitors and brands, the London Stationery Show makes it easy for retailers and buyers to source from the biggest range of stationery and writing products anywhere in the UK.’

Who visits?

Great location

Fun, fashionable and stand-out stationery continues to extend its reach and relevance to many different retail channels. This is reflected in the many and varied types of buyers who attend the show; stationers and stationery specialists, card and gift shops, department stores, garden centres, bookshops, visitor attractions, student campus stores, printers, art and craft, office supplies and supermarkets to

The London Stationery Show takes place at the stylish Business Design Centre in the heart of Islington, North London. The venue is easy to get to and get around, and is just one stop on the underground (Angel) on the Northern Line from the mainline King’s Cross St Pancras station.

To see a full list of who is exhibiting and register for free entry, visit: stationeryshow.co.uk.

Writing and paper products have never been so popular with consumers, and are a major sales opportunity for gift and lifestyle retailers.

Don’t miss this two day stationery extravaganza... 1000s of products...100s of the biggest and newest brands from around the world, all in one place... top designers... new ideas... keynote presentations... great networking... there’s nothing else like it.

It’s where fashion meets function.

REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TICKET TODAY stationeryshow.co.uk @StationeryBytes

Giving & Living

Seaside Special If you’re looking to restock with gifts and homewares for the the buying occasions ahead, check out the Giving & Living trade show.

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Dates For Your 2017 Diary 14 February - Valentine’s Day 26 March - Mother’s Day 16 April – Easter Sunday 18 June – Father’s Day 64 gifts today

hen it’s cold outside, it can be hard to imagine the warmer times ahead.

The truth is, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, followed shortly

by Mothers’ Day, then the summer. Despite the fact that it might feel too chilly to be going out, make the Giving & Living trade show your next port of call.

Taking place from Sunday 15 January to Wednesday 18 January at the Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter, the show is perfectly timed for retailers to stock up for the year ahead of those key seasonal buying occasions, and even beyond.

Suppliers know this too, which is why companies such as Zamsoe, Country House Cards, Welink, Cole, Sawley Fine Arts, Sea Gems and Ashwood Gifts are all launching new products at the show. It’s a great opportunity to see the very latest new and exclusive 2017 gift and homeware product ranges before anyone else.

Giving & Living is also the show for buyers from retail outlets and attractions on or near the coast, and for those that are keen to order coastal merchandise to target the holidaymaker. The show has always had a fine selection of products ideal for this market and, new for this year, the show will have its very own Coastal Path which will lead visitors around the show to find the exhibitors that are perfect for

their business. These include Nauticalia, The Puffin Man, Beach Art Glass, and Elgate Products, who are launching a whole new range of Coastal products at the show.

The 2017 show will bring together up to 250 exhibitors and more than 3,000 retail buyers.

Amongst the familiar faces at the show - such as History & Heraldry, Price’s Patent Candles, Baileys Pewter, Dolphin Minerals and Talented - are many companies that are new to the show. For the first time you can see toys and gifts from Keycraft, delicious sweets and chocolates from Treats with a Twist, decorative melamine giftware and dinnerware from Melamaster, and unique colourful greetings cards and coasters from Bridget Wilkinson. With two halls to explore, and four days in which to do so, Giving & Living makes buying an enjoyable experience.

Special show features include a Newcomers’ area especially for first time exhibitors. The show offers special rates for new companies that have yet to exhibit at a trade show, giving them the chance to showcase their products to retailers. Companies this year include Silver Nugget Jewellery, Dollyhotdogs and Out and About Images. It’s a great opportunity to get ahead of the game and spot emerging talent and products.

Did ow?t one of n k u o y m that no

iles fro u know Did yo ore than 70 m nd nation isla sm ake us live are an e W d we m it. n ? t a s , a e o sid joy the c he sea a year to en g t s e v ips brin that lo illion tr we always he m 0 7 r , t e ove g hom gifts, making in n r u t Re ed nd ntos a oastal them meme c r t fo ous. marke enorm s t c u d pro The Designed & Made in Britain area is dedicated to unusual products of quality and authenticity, such as the wildlife sculptures from Oriele Bronze & Glass, the hand cast high quality stone statues from Devonshire Stone, and the decorative handmade etched glassware from Four Hands Etched Glass.

Many of these exhibitors only exhibit at Giving & Living, giving you exclusive access to locally produced items that discerning customers will love.

For retailers in search of products with a strong ethical and/or environmental background, the show attracts a range of exhibitors with the right credentials, including Purbeck Candles, Glebe Cottage, Gringo Imports and Silver Jewellery Cavern. These ‘Naturally’ companies will be clearly identified at the show, offering retailers the chance to track down products that are in keeping with their brand values.

Whether retailers are from large tourist attractions looking for high volume, or small independent outlets looking for that little something that is unique and different, Giving & Living will deliver.

Giving and Living has lots to offer. From gifts that can be personalised for your venue, to those that reflect the UK’s unique heritage, there’s a huge range of gifts & homewares on show. Giving and Living presents an unrivalled selection of products, from bags to books, cards to clothing, maps to mugs, soaps to sculpture, at a wide range of price points.

GIVING & LIVING. IDEAS THAT SELL. GIVING & LIVING IS THE LARGEST GIFT AND HOME TRADE SHOW IN THE SOUTH WEST AND COVERS MORE COAST THAN ANYONE ELSE.

15 - 18 January 2017 Exeter www.givingliving.co.uk

GIVING & LIVING For more information about the show, to book a stand, or register to attend, please get in touch.

Call: 01934 733433 Follow: @giving_living Visit: givingliving.co.uk.

SHOW STATS

85% of visitors placed orders at the show or shortly afterwards.

56% found 3 or more new suppliers.

93% of our visitors would recommend the show.

To secure your free trade entry call 01934 733456 or register online. Stands are selling fast – to enquire call 01934 733433. gifts today 65

Giving & Living

PUCKATOR Stand: A502/420

Puckator is a leading importer and wholesaler of giftware and home accessories, distributing to a broad range of customers worldwide. The UK-based design team ensures ontrend ranges.

The company is introducing many new unicorn products for the show – well worth looking at as the range is one of the company’s bestselling.

Call: 0800 011 6969 Email: customerservices@ puckator.co.uk Visit: puckator.co.uk

ARORA DESIGN

Stand: A255 Arora Design’s ethos is to create unique and distinctly different products, working with talented UK artists, sculptors and designs.

Their Gallery Collection is a stunning range of cold cast bronze figurines designed by the talented artist Dean Kendrick, smooth to the touch and highly tactile. The range comprises of dogs, cats and animals stylised in design but immediately recognisable.

Individually presented in a luxurious gift box with a gold foil blocked coloured sleeve, the figurines are carefully held in place in a sumptuous silk lined insert. Look out for a fabulous Artist’s Edition in 2017. All will be revealed at Giving & Living in January.

Call: 01386 861666 Email: sales@arora-design.co.uk Visit: aroratrade.co.uk

HALF MOON BAY Stand B538

Half Moon Bay are looking forward to exhibiting at Giving & Living.

With a selection of products from some of their best-selling licenses including Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, McVitie’s, Marmite and Oxo, Half Moon Bay wish to encourage their existing and any potential new customers to come and see what they have to offer.

Some highlights are sure to be their new Harry Potter range extensions and their bright and bold new Marvel license which includes favourite product formats such as boxed mugs, glassware, bowls and tinware. Both have seen great success since their launch in autumn/winter 2016, and new products will be added for spring/summer 2017. Don’t miss out on seeing two exciting new brand launches within their Nostalgia collection, which will be on show for the very first time at the show.

66 gifts today

Visit: halfmoonbay.co.uk

Contact Us: 0800 011 6969 www.puckator.co.uk customerservices@puckator.co.uk

UK Trade Shows: 15 – 18 January Giving & Living Exeter, UK Hall A, Stand 502/419 5 - 9 February Spring Fair NEC Birmingham, UK Hall 4, Stand C10-D11

Exhibition Diary

Time to get the diary out and plan ahead for the coming year. At home and abroad, check out our comprehensive listings.

2017 EXHIBITION GUIDE UKDATES JANUARY

Toy Fair

Cumbrex Trade Fair

When: 24-26 January 2017 Where: Olympia, London Web: btha.co.uk

MARCH

MAY

Hobby Crafts

Pulse

When: 2-5 March 2017 Where: SECC, Glasgow Web: ichfevents.co.uk

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

The National Wedding Show, Birmingham

Museums + Heritage Show

When: 3-5 March 2017 Where: NEC, Birmingham Web: nationalweddingshow.co.uk

When: 17-18 May 2017 Where: Olympia, London Web: museumsandheritage.com/show

Web: harrogatefair.com

Ideal Home Show

JUNE

East Anglian Gift & Toy Fair

When: 24 March - 9 April 2017 Where: Olympia, London Web: idealhomeshow.co.uk

Exclusively Housewares

When: 8-11 January 2017 Where: The Hydro Hotel, Bowness-onWindermere

Web: cumbrex.co.uk

Harrogate Christmas & Gift When: 8-11 January 2017 Where: Harrogate International Centre, Harrogate

When: 8-12 January 2017 Where: St Andrew’s and Blackfriars’ Hall,

Harrogate International Nursery Fair

Norwich

Web: eastangliangiftfair.com

The Trophex Show When: 15–16 January 2017 Where: NEC, Birmingham Web: awardsandimaging.co.uk

Top Drawer When: 15-17 January 2017 Where: Olympia, London Web: topdrawer.co.uk

Giving & Living When: 15-18 January 2017 Where: Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter

Web: givingliving.co.uk

Scotland’s Speciality Food Show When: 22-24 January 2017 Where: The SECC, Glasgow Web: scotlandsspecialityfoodshow.com

Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring When: 22-24 January 2017 Where: The SECC, Glasgow Web: scotlandstradefairs.co.uk

FEBRUARY Spring Fair When: 5-9 February 2017 Where: NEC, Birmingham Web: springfair.com

The Source Tradeshow When: 8-9 February 2017 Where: Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter Web: thesourcetradeshow.co.uk

The National Wedding Show, Manchester When: 11-12 February 2017 Where: Manchester Central, Manchester Web: nationalweddingshow.co.uk

Pure London When: 12-14 February 2017 Where: Olympia, London Web: purelondon.com

The National Wedding Show, London When: 17-19 February 2017 Where: Olympia, London Web: nationalweddingshow.co.uk

The Wales Spring Fair When: 22-25 January 2017 Where: Venue Cymru, Llandudno Web: walespsringfair.co.uk 68 gifts today

CHSI Stitches When: 19-21 February 2017 Where: NEC, Birmingham Web: chsi.co.uk

When: 28-30 March 2017 Where: Harrogate International Centre, Harrogate

When: 13-14 June 2017 Where: Business Design Centre, London Web: exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk

JULY

Web: nurseryfair.com

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

APRIL

When: 16-19 July 2017 Where: Harrogate International Centre,

British Craft Trade Fair

Web: homeandgift.co.uk

When: 2-4 April 2017 Where: The Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate Web: bctf.co.uk

The London Stationery Show When: 25-26 April 2017 Where: Business Design Centre, London Web: stationeryshow.co.uk

Harrogate

SEPTEMBER International Jewellery London When: 3-5 September 2017 Where: Olympia, London Web: jewellerylondon.com

WORLDWIDEDATES Autumn Fair When: 3-6 September 2017 Where: NEC, Birmingham Web: autumnfair.com

Top Drawer When: 10-12 September 2017 Where: Olympia, London Web: topdrawer.co.uk

JANUARY

CMC Gift & Home Market

Macef Milano

Exponoivos Lisbon

When: 18-21 January 2017 Where: California Market Center, Los

When: 6-8 January 2017 Where: Lisbon Marriott Hotel, Lisbon,

Web: californiamarketcenter.com

When: 27-30 January 2017 Where: Fiera Milano, Milan, Italy Web: macef.it

Portugal

Web: exponoivos.pt

Seattle Gift Show

Angeles, USA

Dallas Total Home & Gift Market When: 18-24 January 2017 Where: Dallas Market Center, Dallas, USA Web: dallasmarketcenter.com

Glee

When: 6-9 January 2017 Where: Washington State Convention

When: 11-13 September 2017 Where: NEC, Birmingham Web: gleebirmingham.com

Web: urban-expo.com

Decorex

Philadelphia Gift Show

When: 19-22 January 2017 Where: Messukeskus Helsinki, Finland Web: formamessut.fi

When: 6-9 January 2017 Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo

Bijorhca

When: September 2017 Where: Syon Park, London Web: decorex.com

100% Design When: 20-23 September 2017 Where: Olympia, London Web: 100percentdesign.co.uk

Center, Seattle, USA

Center, Philadelphia, USA Web: philadelphiagiftshow.com

Forma Spring

When: 20-23 January 2017 Where: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris, France

Hong Kong International Stationery Fair When: 9-12 January 2017 Where: Hong Kong Convention and

Web: bijorhca.com

Maison & Objet

Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair When: 9-12 January 2017 Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong

Web: hktdc.com

Heimtextil When: 10-13 January 2017 Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Web: ukfrankfurt.co.uk

The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishing Market When: 10-17 January 2017 Where: Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart, Atlanta, USA

Web: americasmart.com

Tradexpo

OCTOBER Brand Licensing Europe When: 10-12 October 2017 Where: Olympia, London Web: brandlicensingeurope.com

When: 15-18 January 2017 Where: Parc des Expositions, Paris, France

Web: tradexpo.fr

Formex When: 18-21 January 2017 Where: Stockholmsmässan, Stockholm, Sweden

Web: formex.se

Main, Germany

Web: christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com

Biloxi Mississippi Gift Show When: 28-30 January 2017 Where: Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum & Convention Center, Biloxi, USA

Web: wmigiftshows.com

Creativeworld When: 28-31 January 2017 Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Web: creativeworld.messefrankfurt.com

Paperworld

When: 20-24 January 2017 Where: Paris Nord Villepinte, Paris, France Web: maison-objet.com

When: 28-31 January 2017 Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am

Expo Hogar

Web: paperworld.messefrankfurt.com

Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong

Web: hktdc.com

Christmasworld When: 27-31 January 2017 Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am

Main, Germany

When: 21-24 January 2017 Where: Fira De Barcelona, Montjuc, Barcelona, Spain Web: expohogar.com

Showcase Ireland When: 22-15 January 2017 Where: Royal Dublin Society, Dublin Dublin, Ireland

Web: showcaseireland.com

International Jewellery Tokyo When: 23-26 January 2017 Where: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan Web: ijt.jp/en

Oslo Design Fair When: 25-28 January 2017 Where: Norges Varemesse, Oslo, Norway Web: oslodesignfair.no

Oasis Gift Show When: 26-28 January 2017 Where: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, USA

Web: oasis.org

Oasis Gift Show When: 27-29 January 2017 Where: Phoenix Convention Center Phoenix, USA

Toronto Gift Fair When: 29 January-2 February 2017 Where: The International Centre, Toronto, Canada

Web: cangift.org/Toronto-gift-fair

Toronto Gift Show When: 29 January - 2 February 2017 Where: The International Centre and Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, Canada

Web: cangift.org

FEBRUARY Intergift When: 1-5 February 2017 Where: IFEMA, Madrid, Spain Web: ifema.es

International Toy Fair When: 1-6 February 2017 Where: Nurnberg Exhibition Center, Nuremberg, Germany

Web: spielwarenmesse.de

Formland Spring When: 2-5 February 2017 Where: MCH Messecenter Herning, Herning, Denmark

Web: formland.com

Web: oasis.org gifts today 69

Exhibition Diary

NY Now

Sydney Gift

When: 4-8 February 2017 Where: Javits Center , New York, USA Web: nynow.com

When: 18-22 February 2017 Where: ICC, Sydney, Australia Web: reedgiftfairs.com.au

Market Square’s Galley Forge

Creativ Salzburg, Spring

Where: 5-7 February 2017 Where: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, Pennsylvania, USA

Web: marketsquareshows.com

The 83rd Tokyo International Gift Show Spring When: 8-10 February 2017 Where: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan Web: giftshow.co.jp/english

When: 24-26 February 2017 Where: Messezentrum Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria Web: creativsalzburg.at/en

Alberta Gift Show When: 26 February – 1 March 2017 Where: Edmonton Expo Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Web: cangift.org/Alberta-gift-fair

Australian Toy, Hobby& Nursery Fair

Hong Kong Houseware Fair

When: 5-8 March 2017 Where: Melbourne Convention &

When: 20-23 April 2017 Where: Hong Kong Convention and

Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia

Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong

Web: austoy.com.au

Web: hkdc.com/fair

The Atlanta Spring Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market

Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair

When: 8-10 March 2017 Where: AmericasMart, Atlanta, USA Web: americasmart.com

Sarcda International Expo When: 9-12 March 2017 Where: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesberg Web: sarcda.co.za

When: 27-30 April 2017 Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong

Web: hktdc.com

MAY Beautyworld Middle East When: 14-16 May 2017 Where: Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai

Vancouver Gift Expo When: 12-14 March 2017 Where: Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, Canada Web: vancouvergiftexpo.com

Osaka International Gift Show, Spring When: 15-16 March 2017 Where: Osaka Merchandise Mart, Osaka, Japan Web: jetro.go.jp

Ambiente When: 10-14 February 2017 Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Web: ambiente.messefrankfurt.com/

California Marketplace When: 17-19 February 2017 Where: Temps at the LA Mart Web: urban-expo.com

American International Toy Fair When: 18-21 February 2017 Where: Javits Convention Center, New York, USA Web: toyfairny.com

Mechelen Furniture Fair When: 28-31 May 2017 Where: Nekkerhal, Mechelen, Belgium Web: internationalmeubelfestival.be/

Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair When: 16-20 February 2017 Where: India Expo Center & Mart, New Delhi, India

Web: epch.in 70 gifts today

Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair When: 22-26 Feb 2017 Where: Impact Challenger, Bangkok, Thailand

Web: bkkgems.com

The Rocky Mountain Gift Show When: 24-27 February 2017 Where: Denver Merchandise Mart Complex, Denver, USA Web: denvermart.com

MARCH Hong Kong International Jewellery Show When: 2-6 March 2017 When: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong Web: hktdc.com

Cadeaux Leipzig When: 4-6 March 2017 Where: Leipziger Messe, Leipzig, Germany Web: cadeaux-leipzig.de

Web: beautyworldme.com

International Jewellery Kobe When: 17-19 May 2017 Where: Kobe International Exhibition Hall, Kobe, Japan

Web: ijk-fair.jp/en

Surtex When: 21-23 May 2017 Where: Javits Convention Center, New York, USA

International Home + Housewares Show

Web: surtex.com

When: 18-21 March 2017 Where: McCormick Place, Chicago, USA Web: housewares.org

International Contemporary Furniture Fair

Quebec Gift Fair

When: 21-24 May 2017 Where: Javits Convention Center, New

When: 20-23 March 2017 When: Place Bonaventure, Montreal,

York, USA

Web: icff.com

Canada

Web: cangift.org/quebec-gift-fair

National Stationery Show

APRIL

When: 21-24 May 2017 Where: Javits Convention Center, New York, USA

The 55th International Premium Incentive Show When: 8-10 April 2017 Where: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan Web: premiumshow.jp

Giftionery Taipei 2015 When: 20-23 April 2017 Where: Taipei World Trade Center, Taipei, Taiwan

Web: giftionery.net

Web: nationalstationeryshow.com

Licensing International Expo When: 23-25 May 2017 Where: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA

Web: licensingexpo.com

JUNE Fukuoka International Gift Show When: 1-3 June 2017 Where: Marine Messe Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan Web: giftshow.co.jp/english

International New Age Trade Show – West When: 9-11 June 2017 Where: The Crowne Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, Denver International Airport, Colorado Web: inats.com

Interior Lifestyle When: 14-16 June 2017 Where: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan Web: interior-lifestyle.com

Dallas Total Home & Gift Market

The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market When: 11-18 July 2017 Where: AmericasMart, Atlanta, USA Web: americasmart.com

Singapore Gifts & Premiums Fair When: 26-28 July 2017 Where: Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, Singapore Web: sgpfair.com

AUGUST India International Jewellery Show 2017 When: 3-6 February 2017 Where: Bombay Exhibition Centre, Bombay, India

Web: iijs.org

When: 21-27 June 2017 Where: Dallas Market Center, Dallas, USA Web: dallasmarketcenter.com

Seattle Gift Show When: 18-21 August 2017 Where: Washington State Convention Center, Seattle Web: urban-expo.com

SEPTEMBER Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show When: 13-16 September 2017 Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA Web: lvsouvenirshow.com

Vancouver Gift Expo

NOVEMBER Smoky Mountain Gift Show When: November 2017 Where: Gatlinburg Convention Center, Gatlinburgh

Web: urban-expo.com

Ocean City Resort Gift Expo When: November 2017 Where: Roland Powell Convention Center, Ocean City, USA

Web: urban-expo.com

When: 17-18 September 2017 Where: Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, Canada

Web: vancouvergiftexpo.com

Heimtextil Russia When: 20-22 September 2017 Where: IEC Crocus Expo, Moscow, Russia Web: heimtextil-russia. ru.messefrankfurt.com

Intergift Madrid When: 20-24 September 2017 Where: Feria de Madrid Convention Centre, Madrid, Spain

Web: ifema.es

Zuchex 2017 When: 21-24 September 2017 Where: Tuyap Convention Center, Istanbul, Turkey

Web: zuchex.com

Sydney September When: 23-26 September 2017 Where: Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Sydney, Australia

Web: reedgiftfairs.com.au

OCTOBER Tendence When: 24-27 June 2017 Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Web: tendence.messefrankfurt.com

Interior Lifestyle China

Christmas Fair South America

When: 14-16 September 2017 Where: Shanghai Exhibition Centre,

When: 5-8 August 2017 Where: Transamerica Expo Center, SĂŁo

Web: interior-lifestyle-china.hk

Shanghai, China

ChibiMart Inverno When: November 2017 Where: Fiera Milano City, Milan, Italy Web: chibimart.it

DECEMBER Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show When: December 2017 Where: Myrtle Beach Convention Center Myrtle Beach, USA

Web: grandstandgiftshow.com

Paulo, Brazil

Web: grafitefeiras.com.br

JULY ISOT 2017 When: 5-7 July 2017 Where: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan Web: isot-fair.jp/en

Melbourne Gift Fair, August When: 5-9 August 2017 Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia Web: reedgiftfairs.com.au

Please note: Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this Guide is correct at the time of going to press. However, we recommend you check before departure. gifts today 71

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Tel: 01582 464809

www.signature-gifts.co.uk

alist fin 2016