Gifts Today February 2024

Month: February 2024 Issue: 4 Volume: 35

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The finest British brands, all in one Collection.

NEC Spring Fair, Hall 3, Stand 3L30-M31 museumsgalleries.co.uk E: sales@mgml.co.uk 01373 462165

Design-led Homeware since 1972

The much-awaited NEC Spring Fair is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all of you! We’re all set to showcase a stunning array of design-led homewares, accessories, gifting, home fragrances and our new range of furniture.

We’ve got you covered for those of you looking to stock up on the latest trends and must-have items, or those wishing to discuss own-brand development. With a low minimum order value of just £100, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on our fabulous products. Plus, for our UK & Ireland customers, we offer the added benefit of carriage paid at £250, ensuring a seamless and costeffective shopping experience.

Please contact our sales team contact@candlelight. co.uk or call 01709 723000 for further information.

Candlelight Products Ltd, Ustan House, Waddington Way, Aldwarke, Rotherham.

01709 723000 | contact@candlelight.co.uk | |www.candlelight.co.uk

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Papillon Message Collection

Timeless Posy

Village Pottery

Moonlight Couple

Mushroom Hedgehogs

Tel: 0161 975 6300 *LIWV 7RGD\ '36 LQGG

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

www.joedavies.co.uk

Floral Accents

Anklets

Men’s Jewellery

Ceramic Collection

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p 54

p 74

p 64

Message from the Editor

LinkedIn: @giftstoday Twitter: @giftstodaymag Instagram: @giftstodaymedia

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elcome to our Spring Fair preview issue! There’s always a keen sense of anticipation and enthusiasm in the air in the run-up to this show - which bills itself as the UK’s most popular, diverse and trend-led marketplace for home, gift, and fashion - and this year is no exception. p 32 The event takes place at the NEC from February 4 to February 7, and speaking to readers for this edition, the ‘Birmingham buzz’ is palpable.

Buyers who plan to attend are looking at this exhibition for inspiration, and suppliers who are exhibiting are aiming to deliver it in spades.

One common theme among retailers quizzed for our Spring Fair-themed Shop Talk feature is the sheer excitement of finding new brands and new products. As our columnist Greg Rose says: “Not knowing what lies around the corner to be discovered is a lot of fun.”

The good news is that we have already laid some of the groundwork for you. This edition is brimming with the hottest 10 News 22 Spring Fair Preview releases set to make their debut at the show, along with hints 60 Coffee Break: Opticaid managing and trend-spotting tips from exhibitors. director Gill Marchbank shares the story Needless to say, my colleague Marian McNamara and I will of the contemporary eyewear supplier, 66 Karen Ebers, owner of Something be there, and we’re looking forward to meeting you all - and which is celebrating its 35th anniversary Special in Edenbridge, shares the story checking out the fresh lines ‘in the flesh’. Do stop and say hello of her Kent gift shop business, which 62 Trade Talk: With Spring Fair just if you see us wandering the aisles! celebrates its silver jubilee this year around the corner, we ask a selection

Contents Regulars

Fair Focus

Retail Focus

Clare Turner, Editor clare@lemapublishing.co.uk

Gifts Today team Advertisement Manager

Marian McNamara Marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

of exhibitors what they are planning to launch at this key trade exhibition

72 Shop Talk: Retailers reveal their

Spring Fair hopes, expectations, and suggestions to help you make the most out of your visit to the Birmingham trade show

Columnists

Product Focus 14 60 67 68 70

New Products In Style Giftable Stationery At Home Male & Father’s Day Gifts

13 Anna Berry, director and co-founder

Editor

of Retail100 Consulting

Clare Turner Clare@lemapublishing.co.uk

16 Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone gift

Layout/Design

17 Greg Rose, co-owner of Maybugs gift

Rick Vickers rick@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director

Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director

Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

shop in Ipswich

shop chain in East Sussex

p 58

20 Stephen Spencer, founder of

retail consultancy Stephen Spencer + Associates

21 Steve Powell, owner of Steve Powell Agencies

Cover Story

Lema Publishing Ltd

18 Marking its 30th anniversary milestone, Enesco shares a trip down memory lane and reveals details of new product launches for 2024

www.giftstoday.media

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

Chairman

Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk 1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930

est 2004

Come and see us at Spring Fair!

Hall 4 stand 4J10 DISCOVER THE ENTIRE RANGE OF

PERSONALISED GIFTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

WWW.PERSONALISEDMEMENTO.CO.UK

sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

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News Brookpace Lascelles

joins Acctim Clocks

Acctim Clocks has acquired the fine art manufacturer Brookpace Lascelles. Since 1928, Acctim has been putting great design and innovation at the heart of everything it does, and bills itself as the UK’s most successful clock company.

Acctim managing director Kevin Leonard said: “For more than 35 years, Brookpace has been transforming interiors with one of the most comprehensive collections of wall art and clocks. The diversity in collections, and its constant quest for using quality materials has impressed us for a long time, and we are delighted to secure the UK manufacturing and take the company forward into the next 35 years and beyond.”

Brookpace Lascelles founder Gerard Bendien is remaining within the business.

The acquisition comes at a time when Acctim continues to scale, having doubled sales in the past two years alone. The company said: ‘With a dedicated sales team working with national and independent retailers, and a growing presence in Europe and the US, now is the perfect time to bring a greater offering to the industry.’

L-R: Acctim managing director Kevin Leonard with Brookpace Lascelles founder Gerard Bendien

Bira launches ‘Show

Some Love’ campaign

Bira (British Independent Retailers Association) has set its sights on championing the high street by unveiling its ‘Show Some Love’ campaign.

The trade association, which works with more than 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, aims to strengthen the love of the high street through the initiative.

Timed to coincide with Valentine’s Day, the campaign encourages both in-store and online shopping, emphasising the importance of supporting local businesses.

Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre said: “We know high streets and our shops need additional support in the face of anticipated challenges in 2024. Recognising upcoming hurdles, we want to offer extra support to our indies.

“Valentine’s Day marks a pivotal moment in the calendar for retailers, and this campaign aims to empower them to market themselves more effectively than ever.”

Open to all retailers, Bira offers a comprehensive bundle of resources and information, irrespective of membership status. The toolkit includes social media posts, posters, and a complimentary guide on effective customer marketing.

The campaign will be further supported by Bira with the campaign tag #BiraShowSomeLove which will help further boost social media reach and coverage in retailers’ areas.

For more information and to download the free toolkit, visit https://bira.co.uk/valentines-day-2024.

10 Gifts Today

Enesco introduces new pricing model

Enesco has announced an initiative aimed at benefiting all retail partners nationwide. The gift supplier is introducing a more competitive pricing model, accompanied by improved retail margins.

With immediate effect, last year’s 2.2 markup will be improved to 2.4, with the exception of its Home Fragrance brands (Yankee Candle, WoodWick, Chesapeake Bay, Eau Lovely, Irish Botanicals, Herb Dublin and Fern).

In addition, for brands such as Disney, Warner Brothers, Jim Shore, Beatrix Potter and Willow Tree, Enesco’s focus is on standardising pricing, and aggressively achieving crucial retail price points. There will be a large number of reductions in RRPs as well as the improved margin.

The new pricing model represents Enesco’s focus on creating strong and mutually beneficial relationships with retailers. The company said: ‘By offering improved retail margins, we aim to provide greater flexibility and profitability, ultimately contributing to the growth of your business.’

All pricing has been updated accordingly and retailers will receive the benefit on any new, or back orders in place, with immediate effect.

New agent for

House of Marbles

House of Marbles has recruited a new agent, covering the northwest of England.

Jamie Longman has seven and a half years of experience as an agent in the gift trade. He originally started with WoodWick Candles and Baylis & Harding, and now represents Powder UK and Lily-Flame in addition to House of Marbles.

He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to become part of the House of Marbles team. I‘m looking forward to bringing such unique and timeless products to retailers in my area.”

Jamie will be joining House of Marbles on its stand at Spring Fair. His contact details are 07712567598 and longman.jamie@outlook.com.

Giftware Association unveils GOTY shortlist The Giftware Association (GA) has announced the shortlist for its prestigious Gift of the Year (GOTY) Awards 2024.

This annual programme celebrates innovation, creativity, and excellence in the home and giftware sector, recognising outstanding products and ranges that have captured the hearts of the judges, which are made up of retailers and buyers.

GA PR & marketing manager Chris Workman said: “After careful consideration and evaluation by our panel of esteemed judges, we are delighted to reveal the amazing products that have made it into this year’s shortlist. The selected entries demonstrate exceptional quality, design, and a true understanding of market trends.

“The products span across 20 categories, showcasing the diversity and innovation within our creative sector. From imaginative designs to practical solutions, each represents the pinnacle of achievement in the home and giftware world.

“We would like to extend sincere congratulations to all the shortlisted companies and their outstanding products. Being shortlisted is a remarkable accomplishment, and reflects the dedication and talent of those involved in bringing these products to market.

“It’s a job that gets harder and harder each year for our judges, as more and more innovative and design-led products enter, but to make it through this far is such an achievement. Just by entering, your products would have been seen by over 100 judges.”

The shortlisted products will now be judged for the second time in-person at Spring Fair, where they will be on display for the show’s duration to an international audience.

For more information about the Awards and the shortlisted products, visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk/2024-categories.

Fruu: shortlisted in the Beauty, Bath & Spa category

Beevive: shortlisted in the Branded Gift category Paladone Products: shortlisted in the Branded Gift category

Pajama Pantry: shortlisted in the Ethical & Sustainable Gift category

INCLUDING

14-15 April 2024 | ExCeL London

The home of natural health & wellbeing If your business stocks ethical living products, there is no better place to visit.

Plus, you can network with your colleagues while hearing the latest trends and research.

I couldn’t think of a better introduction to so many of our suppliers and an even greater opportunity to discover many more.”

Dulwich Health

REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TRADE TICKET FEATURING

naturalproducts.co.uk #NOPEX 0SHBOJTFE CY

Gifts Today 11

News Fresh face at

Henry & Co. Bella Ghale has joined Henry & Co. as an agent, covering the southeast territory of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, and Hampshire.

She started as an agent in the greeting card and gift sector with the Really Good Company 12 years ago. In 2020, she joined the gift giant Wrendale on an exclusive basis, looking after her territory in the south of England. She was soon appointed national account manager and was then promoted to UK sales manager.

Having decided that she missed being clientfacing and being on the road meeting people and building new relationships, Bella made the decision to go back to being a freelance agent in June 2023.

She said: “Henry & Co. have made a big impact on the home fragrance sector, and I’m keen to continue the growth of the brand across the southeast utilising my contacts across the region.” Bella will be on the Henry & Co. stand at Spring Fair.

Lip-smacking deal for Joe Davies Joe Davies has been appointed by Amber House as exclusive distributor for the Read My Lips brand of licensed lip balms across independent retail.

The full collection of Read My Lips, featuring best-selling licensed brands such as Pepsi, Jelly Belly, Hershey’s, Reese’s, Fruit-tella and Mentos, will be available. The range consists of single lip balms, multi-packs and tear ‘n’ share packs - all with flavours and packaging co-ordinated to each brand.

Joe Davies managing director Paul Hooker said: “We are very excited to be working with Amber House, and our customers will love the fun Read My Lips collection. It’s a great impulse purchase line, perfect for children and adults alike.”

Read My Lips will launch on the Joe Davies stand at Spring Fair.

NOPEX returns to London NOPEX (Natural & Organic Products Expo previously Natural & Organic Products Europe) will open its doors to thousands of retailers on April 14 and April 15 at ExCeL London.

Now in its 28th year, the trade show NOPEX provides a platform to explore a diverse range of unique and eco-friendly products, allowing you to curate a more exciting and sustainable gifting selection for your customers.

More than 600 brands will be exhibiting across four shows: Natural & Organic Products Expo (health, wellness and eco-friendly lifestyle products); Natural Food Expo (natural & organic food and drink); Natural Beauty Expo (natural skincare & personal care); and Vegan World (plant-based products).

12 Gifts Today

These brands are at the forefront of sustainable sourcing, low-waste packaging, ethical practices and natural formulations. There’s no better place to meet specific suppliers that share a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Event director Carol Dunning said: “NOPEX has always been the flagship show for the industry, because it sets the stage for sustainable innovators to showcase product launches and for buyers to get ahead of consumer trends.

“We’ve built a wonderful community of likeminded professionals over the years who have a shared interest in sourcing purpose-led products, as well as meeting up with their current suppliers.

And now we have the government’s Net Zero

targets to contend with, there’s even more reason to attend the show.

“NOPEX is the place to explore a vast array of products in one location. This eliminates the need for travelling to multiple supplier meetings throughout the year, ultimately saving time and costs, which is very important for our visitors.

“We also have a fantastic free speaker line-up planned; full of invaluable market insights. We can’t wait to share more details with you soon. We hope everyone loves the new rebrand too!”

Free registration to NOPEX will open soon. For more information, visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk.

OPINION

Let’s talk about...

the first

quarter

Retail100 Consulting director and co-founder Anna Berry discusses key seasonal gifting opportunities

I

love the fact that in retail, you can constantly reinvent and refresh your assortments for the season ahead. Christmas stock has (hopefully) sold through, and the fresh new season stock for the key first quarter arrives.

We seem to jump straight from Christmas to Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, and then the peak of Easter - which are, of course, all key seasonal gifting opportunities.

January and February are very busy months in retail. Trade exhibitions such as Top Drawer and Spring Fair are ideal places to look for the next trends, see new colours and products, and find more sourcing options.

The shift in retail to online means that you can buy anything from anyone, anywhere, any time, and at any price. This puts the pressure on bricksand-mortar retailers to up their game on newness and offer differentiated products at great prices.

But the gift industry benefits from this first seasonal quarter where thoughtful, personalised gifting is key to winning customers’ hearts and minds.

I’m definitely one of those people who spends hours looking at gifts and greeting cards to make sure they connect with the recipient - I need to absolutely smash it. The wrap has to be perfect too, and if both can be sustainable and ethical, that’s really important to me and my family and friends.

Woodmansterne was among the first greeting card companies to remove all plastic outer wrapping and is an example of how a thoughtful and ethical supplier can provide beautiful products. It has added giftwrap to its offer now - an important benefit to retailers who want to reduce supply bases and buy more from trusted

suppliers who provide excellent service - building long-term relationships in the process.

There are many options to buy sustainable ethical gifts. VENT for Change’s new Ocean range is one example. It uses recycled ocean waste plastic and all its paper is recycled (its products are also beautiful).

Willsow is a really cool ethical brand from a team which keeps innovating.

Its plantable books are made in the UK and printed with vegetable-based ink on special paper embedded with real seeds. When the paper is planted in a pot of soil, vegetables will grow from the paper. And its plantable greeting cards are packed with wildflower seeds. This company does not preach; its message is educational and fun.

The importance of wellbeing and self-care are also key categories post-Covid. Thoughtful gifts - which support and show the recipients that you understand what they need at that moment - have always been popular, but now they’ve taken an extra step into personalisation.

What will the recipients respond to - what is important to them? This is particularly relevant for Valentine’s

occasions such as Valentine’s Day Day and Mother’s Day gifts and cards. and Mother’s Day, and then Easter The ubiquitous candle has always followed by Father’s Day - all offer been popular as a gift, but now it great opportunities for gifting. has an added personal element, with Revitalising your assortments reusable votives and ethically sourced to deliver beautiful, ethical and soya and recycled wax in a number thoughtful products is critical to entice of ranges. And there is an increasing customers to treat those who they trend for candles featuring mantras or care about.

And there will undoubtedly thoughtful statements. be many innovative brand-new ranges Recognised is an example of a to inspire you at the trade shows, company that focuses on the causes proving once again that the gift that the recipients have connections industry is up for the challenge. with, and what is important to them.

Its beautiful jewellery pieces are meaningful gifts which also Recognised support charitable donations - which is the ultimate in thoughtful gifting.

An example is the Recognised Gold Vermeil Female Empowerment Popon: 100% of the profits are donated to a charity recognition Willsow project of the recipient’s choice VENT for Change such as the Luminary Bakery social enterprise in London or the Pink Letters Initiative.

It’s going to be a challenging 2024. However, birthdays will still happen every day, and seasonal

Anna Berry is a director and co-founder of Retail100 Consulting, which is a consultancy firm with 100 years of retail experience that helps retailers and brands grow.

With more than 33 years of retail experience - both on the shop floor and in the head office - Anna was Head of Buying for Gifts, Cook and Dine at John Lewis with a team of over 60 and sales of close to £400 million. She has also covered many buying categories in menswear, sport, fashion and beauty.

A driven leader, Anna is strategically agile and known for her passion for people and product, with trust and mentoring at the heart of her leadership style.

Email: hello@retail100consulting.co.uk Visit: w ww.retail100consulting.co.uk www.linkedin.com/company/retail100-consulting Gifts Today 13

New products

Sweet

scent

Henry & Co.

Celebrate nature Classic Canes

The walking stick specialist Classic Canes stocks a large collection of floralpatterned walking sticks, which are ideal for spring accessories and gifts.

New to the collection are these elegant lavender and snakeshead fritillary patterns, created for the essential Britishness of these much-loved flowers.

Managing director Charlotte Gillan says: “Many buyers come to us looking for products that celebrate the natural world, and these two patterns are full of charm. They make a walking aid into a conversation starter and pretty accessory, which is greatly appreciated by many stick users.”

Henry & Co. has revealed another new fragrance launch for Spring Fair. As one of the global fragrance favourites, Vanilla is the base note of many fragrance blends. With this in mind, the team at Henry & Co. has created a blend of fragrances to bring you Soft Vanilla.

This rich mouth-watering vanilla pod fragrance is blended to include soft powdery hints of creamy coconut, white chocolate, and a whisper of fresh candy floss. To add an earthy tone, it’s teamed with white musk, crystalline, amber and precious woods.

Henry & Co. takes pride in crafting high-quality wax melts, candles, reed diffusers, and oils - each handmade in the UK using natural ingredients. Creative director Jo Ashton says: “I’m excited about the new fragrance. Vanilla is a complex fragrance that can have so many fragrance tones. We’ve captured a unique blend, and I’m certain it will become a best-seller and a hit with retailers and consumers alike.”

Call: 0333 1882006 | Email: hello@henryandcompany.co.uk Visit: www.henryandcofragrance.co.uk

Call: 01460 75686 | Email: info@classiccanes.co.uk Visit: www.classiccanes.co.uk

A new brand town!

Stylish & in The London sustainable Exacompta Clairefontaine These eco-friendly laptop sleeves are available in a choice of 13-14in or 15-16in sizes. Containing 58% post-consumer recycled polyester, the GRS-certified sleeves make a truly sustainable statement, as the material used is derived from recycled water bottles (rPET).

The thin and lightweight sleeves offer comfort and protection for your devices by featuring a reinforced foam padding, a retractable handle and internal elastic support, as well as a front pocket section. The innovative L-shaped zip opening can also help prevent contents from falling out. There are a range of designs, and a display unit is available for those wishing to profile the whole range in-store.

Call: 01553 696600 Email: sales@exaclair.co.uk Visit: www.exaclairlimited.com 14 Gifts Today

Train Case Co.

Reminiscent of a bygone age, the train case has long been the ultimate companion for discerning travellers, from its origination in the vintage days of global journeys and romantic adventures. Nowadays, the train case has become a must-have storage and travel accessory used by professionals and all beauty lovers.

The London Train Case Co. (LTC) has created a range of train cases, featuring zip-around fastening and a top-mounted carry handle, crafted in textured vegan leather in a range of two-toned colourways. Each case boasts a generous compartment and is fully lined with partitions and pockets to keep everything organised.

LTC also offers a luxurious range of leather train cases, handcrafted and available in neutral colours. A modern take on a timeless classic, these exquisite investment pieces are perfect for those who want quality and style.

Call: 0121 459 9777 Email: orders@fmgsales.co.uk Visit: www.fmgtrade.co.uk

Cheeky and

cheerful!

Bang on trend

Personalised Memento Company

In case you haven’t noticed, mushrooms are trending in a big way in the home decor world. If you’re looking to add a touch of playfulness to your home or garden, look no further than the Mystic Mushroom collection from Joe Davies.

The range includes quirky, brightly coloured toadstools in a variety of sizes and styles, fun mushroom houses, and cute mushroom hedgehogs - all suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Joe Davies is also pleased to introduce the brand-new Equilibrium Ceramic Jewellery Collection. The resurgence of craft-style jewellery has taken centre stage recently, and this pretty collection seamlessly embraces this artisanal aesthetic.

Featuring charming blue and pink floral ceramic beads, the range exudes an effortless chic and refreshing vibe, making it a versatile choice that complements a wide array of outfits. Its timeless appeal makes it the ideal accessory for those eagerly anticipated summer getaways. Indulge yourself with this must-have trend… you heard it here first!

To see this collection in its entirety and more of Joe Davies’ new gifts, visit its stand at Spring Fair. With a minimum order value of £100 for carriage paid orders and ’little and often’ quantities, customers can also enjoy the added benefit of free nationwide delivery.

Personalised Memento Company (PMC) is working with Hotchpotch to create some brilliant gifts for Valentine’s Day. With a mixture of heartfelt and cheeky gifts, there’s sure to be the ideal pick for your partner!

The brand-new range includes jewellery, mugs, candles, and more - so keep an eye on PMC’s website to see the full range, or visit its stand at Spring Fair to see the selection of new products and designs for 2024.

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

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

Joe Davies

Gifts Today 15

OPINION

Diary of a gift shop Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone gift shop in Ipswich, is busy preparing for upcoming gifting occasions - but faces an unexpected challenge

I

n the weeks since Christmas, I’ve been planning and preparing for the seasons ahead. Valentine’s Day was already in the bag by the end of November. Mother’s Day, Easter and Father’s Day still need a bit of tweaking though, especially when it comes to the window displays.

The impact of a good window can never be underestimated. But this year it may be even more significant for me to offer an attractive beacon of independent loveliness, because I’m facing a challenge from an unexpected source: the artisan gift fair.

I’m speaking as a retailer based in Suffolk - I can only assume this may be happening around the country. As my retail journey has progressed over the past 16 years, I’ve met many challenges, from the changing high street and societal shifts in shopping habits, to the rise of the supermarket, the garden centre, and the internet. I had not anticipated this latest threat until now.

I’m experiencing a drift of customers away from my high street to a seemingly moveable one: the gift fair, the pop-up, and the artisan market. They appear to be literally springing up everywhere - but not into empty shops!

As someone who organises two street markets a year and has been a champion of the local maker, I’ve been surprised by this effect. For instance, last November on the day of our Christmas Street Market, I counted at least 10 other similar events within a five-mile radius of Ipswich. Many of these events are hosted at venues that can offer free parking, an ‘experience’ (especially if connected to a stately home), free coffee or something similar.

This is very hard for many small retailers to

16 Gifts Today

compete with, particularly in a town like mine.

In Ipswich, the retail offer has suffered in recent years, and parking is generally not free, so our offer to consumers is often limited. “Not enough small shops, not enough to do for me to justify a visit to Ipswich” is a statement I hear often. There was a time when many of these artisans would be keen to open a bricks-and-mortar business - I did!

Small businesses need to be encouraged to come back into bricks-and-mortar, into our towns and city centres. I know it’s a complicated issue, but I will be watching closely as we approach the general election to see who champions our high streets, and which party stands out and grasps the nettle.

Rest assured, I will still be championing the artisan, the designer, and the local maker. Many will grow into businesses of the future. But we need to work harder to welcome them into our communities in our urban spaces. These are the very people who shape and make our places colourful, interesting, unique, and truly local.

As for my plans for the rest of this year, I will be continuing my collaborations with other local businesses, many of which are on our high street.

I work with a florist, a flower grower, a bookshop, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, an art collective and charities.

But I will also be working with our local authority to pull together the small business community to work more effectively as a whole, and to start planning early for Christmas to decide: what is our Ipswich Experience going to be?

And yes, I will try to enjoy the seasons in between! I will be running an art workshop at the coffee shop next door and who knows what else?

As retailers, we never stay still… watch this space!

“Small businesses need to be encouraged to come back into bricks-and-mortar”

OPINION

The word on the street...

Maybugs co-owner Greg Rose is back to dish the dirt on what’s hot, what’s not and what’s new at his three-strong gift shop chain in East Sussex

What’s Hot? It’s the season of love and with Valentine’s Day upon us soon, we’ve seen the usual expected rise in sales of jewellery over the past few weeks.

We aim to provide a selection of quality jewellery to meet all budgets, from brands such as Gracee, Carrie Elspeth and Miss Milly.

Following on from this, we’ve also had a rise in card sales, particularly Valentine’s cards, as well as blank cards - and we’ve noticed that some customers buy in bulk in preparation for the year of celebrations ahead. Let’s just hope they remember they have already purchased them!

Freckleface wax melts continue to be a hit, especially at this time of year when we have darker evenings. These, alongside scarves and Wrendale Designs socks, continue to sell well, as customers seek ways to keep warm while still looking fashionable.

What’s Not? Further to my column in the January issue, we decided to do a full range review of our core Christmas products for 2024. Having now had time to fully review sales, for the second consecutive year decorations, lights, and Christmas

cards saw a decline in sales for us, which we were a little surprised by.

We’re looking forward to the Spring Fair to see what newness we can discover in the festive category, and we are looking to expand in the food gift area!

“We’re looking forward to the Spring Fair to see what newness we can discover in the festive category” Other areas showing a bit of a slowdown currently are wooden toys, general men’s gifts, and signs and plaques.

So we’re on the hunt for something fresh to breathe new life into these areas.

What’s New? We are very much looking forward to launching our new Spring range from Langs, which includes a huge selection of new ceramic homeware, chosen by me and our area manager at last year’s Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate.

It was such a long time ago that we’d

forgotten what we had ordered! However, we were pleasantly surprised when we started reviewing the order sheets.

This year, Jellycat is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The buzz around the new collections started just before the new year, and the phones were ringing off the hook with customers from all over the country trying to get their hands on them - and that’s before they had even been released!

The new Jellycat Jack, Fergus Frog and Amuseable Lovelocks have been such a hit. We ordered a huge quantity (more than ever before) and it still sold out within days. Jellycat continues to be a cornerstone of our business, with no signs of slowing.

And this year we are delighted to once again be the official main sponsor of Eastbourne Pride. Plans are well and truly underway to help make the day a success.

We have already started to sell early bird tickets for the event, and plan to hold a fundraising stall on the actual day.

We see supporting community events like these as not only fantastic feel-good things to do, but they also help drive sales from indirect advertising, which works out much cheaper than the traditional alternatives.

Gifts Today 17

Cover Story...

Enesco

Celebrating 30 years

of storytelling Keen to tell its own story, Enesco shares a trip down memory lane and reveals details of new product launches for 2024

A

fter months of planning, the team at Enesco is looking forward to showcasing its impressive portfolio to the world of giftware at Spring Fair.

This year is extra special for the company, as it will present its newly designed stand and start the celebrations for its 30th anniversary.

Enesco prides itself on compelling storytelling, and its rich heritage of craftsmanship and innovation, through global brands such as Disney, Harry Potter, Beatrix Potter and Willow Tree. So what better opportunity is there than Spring Fair, to tell its own story with a trip down memory lane?

In 1994, Enesco acquired the renowned British miniature collectibles brand Lilliput Lane, known for its intricate handcrafted cottages, and Border Fine Arts, an esteemed company located in the Scottish Borders, known for its exceptional handcrafted sculptures and figurines. Success stories such as Cherished Teddies (one of the leading collectables of its time), Walt Disney Art Classics, and premier soft toy company GUND were to follow - plus all the recognised brands of today .

Enesco is all about branded giftware. Everything included in its offering is exclusive to Enesco, with 18 Gifts Today

the majority being licensed, and a number including very unique artist collaborations. A great example is award-winning artist Jim Shore: the artist behind Heartwood Creek, Disney Traditions, Looney Tunes, Willy Wonka, The Elf, and The Grinch. A showcase of new introductions will be exhibited at Spring Fair.

For more than 30 years, Enesco - following on from Border Fine Arts - has been a Beatrix Potter licensee: a strong partnership which Enesco is extremely proud of. Categories within the Beatrix Potter collection have been shortlisted and won a number of awards over the years.

The brand boasts a breadth of product including Gift, Baby, Home, Soft Toys and Souvenir. The highlight of the 2024 collection is the reimagined Ladies Accessories range, now adorned with the all-new English Garden design.

This intricate and picturesque pattern

graces a variety of products including a cushion, sofa/bed throw, umbrella, compact mirror, wash bag, tote bag, glasses case, scarf, vase, keepsake box, and a selection of mugs. The English Garden design seamlessly blends Beatrix Potter’s timeless charm with a touch of contemporary elegance.

For 2024, Enesco has a brand-new distribution partnership. It has added the enchanting world of Le Petit Prince to its portfolio of licensed giftware, and is offering a selection of products that include beloved characters and stories from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic novella.

Le Petit Prince is known for its timeless and heartwarming tale and has captured the imagination of readers worldwide since 1943.

Now, through this partnership, Enesco will be a distributor of Le Petit Prince products, bringing a touch of literary magic to many households. From the endearing Little Prince to the wise fox, retailers can showcase an array of crafted merchandise inspired by the playful world of Le Petit Prince.

The initial product range will include a selection of stationery items, figurines, water bottles, pin badges, keyrings, mugs, tote bags, and badges.

There is no doubt that the past 12 months have been tough for the whole industry. However, consumers certainly don’t stop buying gifts for new babies, weddings, and birthdays. But when watching the pennies, they might change what they buy.

Enesco supplies quality, thoughtful - and affordable - branded gifts accessible to all, from brands which consumers trust such as Disney, Harry Potter, Yankee Candle and Beatrix Potter.

Since March 2023, Enesco has been in a distribution agreement with Newell Brands, distributing Yankee Candle, WoodWick, and Chesapeake Bay to the UK and Eire markets.

Combined with Enesco’s Home Fragrance ranges from Ireland - Eau Lovely, Irish Botanicals, Herb Dublin and Wild Fern - Enesco has become a major supplier in the home fragrance category.

Spring Fair will see the highly-anticipated launch of the Autumn/Winter 2024 collection from Yankee Candle and WoodWick, as well as a showcase of the Spring/ Summer 2024 collections. The future is bright for home fragrance, with growth in consumer demand. For some, it’s about evoking memories.

For others, fragrance plays an important part in relaxation and maintaining a balance and wellbeing. Enesco has something for everyone.

Kloche is Enesco’s first ecofriendly collection. With a timeless design, produced with a glass dome and from sustainablysourced wood, this world of miniature now includes a birthday milestone offering, which fits perfectly with Enesco’s 30th anniversary.

From the same design team in the UK as Kloche - and

featured on the front cover of this issue - Wild & Wood is brand new from Enesco for 2024, and is set to put a smile on the faces of those lucky enough to receive one. These unique wooden flower 3D figurine cards can be delivered in person or straight through a letterbox!​The gift receiver can choose to keep the flowers on display in their gift box or arrange them on their own. Assembly is simple.

Enesco is optimistic about the year ahead and is committed to working with independent retailers by continuing to offer: a breadth of product and price points, exclusive licences and products not available from any other sources, generous payment plans and promotions, excellent customer service support, and a comprehensive B2B website, which is available 24/7 and incorporates a free image library. There really is no better time to join Enesco at Spring Fair and hear more about the Enesco story!

Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand B60-C61 & C60-D61 Call: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Visit: www.enesco.co.uk Gifts Today 19

iStock | Chonlatee Sangsawang

OPINION

Take a fresh view… … of roles and relationships in our industry, says Stephen Spencer, founder of retail consultancy Stephen Spencer + Associates,

B

y the time you read this, Noddy Holder’s inimitable (or do I mean imitable) cry of “IT’S CHRISTMAS!!!!” will be but a distant memory - as will, I hope, at least a majority of the stock bought for Christmas by retailers up and down the country.

All being well, the legacy of that stock is a welcome financial cushion and some funds for the Spring trade shows.

I had intended to frame this column in the context of making New Year’s resolutions, and to encourage every reader to reflect on how much latent potential there is in your existing business to enhance your customers’ experience, engagement, spend, and loyalty.

I also planned to encourage readers to think hard about how they can inspire their teams this year to enhance their engagement, loyalty, and productivity. If you would like to do this, there is a link to a free copy of my Ambience Playbook available to download at the end of this article.

But just before Christmas, I was a participant in some energetic debates around the future of trade fairs. And having been both a buyer and exhibitor, I could literally see both sides.

To summarise, exhibitors want trade fair organisers to provide a better experience and increased footfall.

They want to find ways to offset the ever-rising costs of putting on a show, while delivering an experience 20 Gifts Today

that will attract more exhibitors and more buyers.

As for the consumers: they weren’t represented directly in the discussions, although as a customer experience specialist I would suggest that they want a better High Street experience - with all the economic and social benefits that would deliver.

“Let’s make 2024 the year we move from survival to renewal” My takeaway is that this year there should be no sides. We have our High Street to fight for, reimagine, and save; and we have our great giftware industry to protect, and reinvigorate.

So to paraphrase President John F Kennedy, the 60th anniversary of whose passing was commemorated last November: “My fellow gift industry professionals, ask not what your trade fairs and suppliers can do for you - ask what you can do for your trade fairs and suppliers.”

Okay, I acknowledge that JFK’s words were more elegant. However, if our industry is to thrive, and the many gift shops, giftware departments and indeed latent start-ups, are to survive - in the face of the most adverse environment we have possibly ever

iStock | metamorworks known - we need to use trade fairs to kickstart a conversation involving all parts of the industry.

Whether it’s about sustainability, the demand for so-called immersive experiences, the role of technology, the cost of living, or future shocks - be they geopolitical, environmental or economic - in every challenge, there is an opportunity. And for every opportunity, there is a collaboration. And for every collaboration, there is a potential new revenue stream.

Whether you make (let alone break) New Year’s resolutions or whether you don’t, this year please attend as many trade fairs as you can. Have as many conversations as you can, and challenge as many established ways of doing things as you can.

Take advantage of trend and expert presentations, walk the aisles in both directions, and try to see the offering through your customers’ eyes and not your own. Let’s make 2024 the year we move from survival to renewal.

Stephen Spencer is founder and Ambience Director of Stephen Spencer + Associates: a retail consultancy that aims to maximise ROI by triggering emotions at every level.

For a free copy of the Ambience Playbook, go to: www.stephenspencerassociates.com/ambience-playbook-registration Call: 07921 812253 Email: stephen@stephenspencerassociates.com Visit: stephenspencerassociates.com

OPINION

W

hat do I do for a living? I’m often asked this question, admittedly by people not familiar with selling or in the retail business. But I also find to my surprise that even when speaking to some in the gift industry, the term ‘sales agent’ still isn’t quite understood as well as you might think.

So apologies to those of you who are well aware of the role; this column is aimed at those who may not be, or who are curious about what the job involves.

I’ve worked with sales agents for over 30 years, initially as a fellow colleague employed by companies in a mixed team of sales agents and sales representatives.

I was then promoted to be a national sales manager, managing teams with a mix of both.

“Agents will always look at each client as an individual and aim to nurture partnerships and trust” I always had respect for the agents I worked with and the way they managed the businesses and customers they had, and had a growing yearning to one day become one myself.

So when I became unemployed during the pandemic, and employed sales opportunities were limited, I knew that it was now or never.

It was a big risk and, as we all know, it was a very hard time for everyone. But I decided to take the plunge and use my knowledge and contacts to see if I could make it work.

So what is a sales agent? They are self-employed and sell on a commission-only basis which, as you can see, is where the risk lies when starting out. It does require a strong level of commitment and finances to help you through the early months and years, before the commission you earn reaches a level to support you fully.

As the term suggests, selfemployed means that agents pay for all of their overheads themselves, such as their car, fuel, meals and hotel costs. And like any business, they need to balance these costs against commission earnings and maximise

the potential business for each day.

When you have experience, contacts and industry knowledge, this makes agents a very useful commercial alternative for companies of any size, but particularly for start-ups and medium-size businesses that want to get into certain retail categories, and are looking to maximise their sales but keep their own overheads and risk to a minimum too.

To have a totally employed sales team does have its advantages, as they are totally focused on one company’s products and ranges. But they are very expensive to run when you consider the cumulative cost of salaries, cars, insurance, paid holidays, pension contributions (and hotels and meals for trade shows), which all need to be paid by a company for each salesperson.

This outlay for an employed sales team is only really affordable for larger businesses with longstanding track records of business and a mature customer base.

So let’s break down what a sales agent is and what they do...

A sales agent is an independent professional who earns a living by selling someone else’s products or services. These manufacturers or suppliers are called ‘principals’, and an agent sells on their behalf to the purchasers of those products and services: the agent’s ‘clients’ or ‘customers’ (retailers).

Agents’ income comes from commissions, which they invoice to their principals. These are calculated on a percentage of the sales previously paid to the principal by the client. Agents use their industry and product knowledge, and existing and new customer relationships, and seek to create strong relationships with their clients.

These tend to work in the same sector, or at least purchase the same type of product or service that the agents offer. They are usually based in the same geographical area or ‘territory’, and the agents arrange visits and meetings to maximise sales calls.

Overall, agents will try to sell across complementary ranges from their principals’ portfolios and services to a single client, and then they try to replicate this format with other clients.

Very importantly, agents will always

Ask the

agent Steve Powell talks about the role of a sales agent in the gift industry look at each client as an individual and aim to nurture partnerships and trust from the client, and therefore will suggest products and ranges that complement the clients’ customer demographic, to maximise their sales and profitability.

This benefits all parties, from the client who receives the best service and product selection from a single and trusted point of contact; and the principal who gains product distribution and sales growth with minimal outlay; to the agent who brings the two together and hopefully makes a decent living at the same time.

I hope this explanation helps you understand the role of an agent better and may help those of you who may be either contemplating

becoming an agent yourself, or a company or manufacturer looking to have agents represent your business.

To finish, I’d just like to let you know what I personally love about my job. As a sales professional, I’ve always enjoyed interacting with people, believing in and selling quality gift and fragrance products, and having the freedom of being on the road to manage my own business. As a sales agent, I get to do all three every week.

A fourth factor is trade shows. I love the buzz and coming together of all aspects of our industry at these exhibitions.

So I look forward to seeing you soon at Spring Fair and INDX Homewares.

Steve Powell is a sales agent (Steve Powell Agencies) who covers the Wales and Midlands area and a selection of regional and national accounts. His principals are Henry & Co., Broughton & Beech, Acctim, Global Journey, and Laura’s Confectionery.

Call: 07931 153730 Email: stevepowell@stevepowellagencies.com Gifts Today 21

Preview SPRING FAIR

“The magic of discovery” Billed as the UK’s most popular, diverse, and trend-led marketplace for Home, Gift, Fashion and Everyday, Spring Fair offers retailers great opportunities to find their next best-sellers from a star-studded line-up of brands

W

ith 13 product sectors across home, gift, fashion and the everyday volume sector, Spring Fair is a one-stop-shop for sourcing the newest products in UK retail.

With 1,200-plus exhibitors and more than 100,000 new products, the show offers a huge assortment of the latest and most popular ranges on the market. In the Gift destination, sectors include Gift, Beauty & Wellbeing, Greeting Cards, Stationery & Wrapping, Party & Celebration, and Kids, Toys & Play.

Event director Soraya Gadelrab says: “Spring Fair 2024 is all about the magic of discovery, putting products and their creators at the heart of the show. We’re excited to have the opportunity to bring the retail community together and let the products be the stars, while also shining a light on the people behind them to find out what inspired them to create their designs. There’s a real buzz of anticipation for the show.

“We aim to create a seamless buying experience that brings maximum delight and efficiency” “We’re also upping the bar with our onsite experience - delivering more education, trends, inspiration, networking, and fun. We aim to create a seamless buying experience that brings maximum delight and efficiency.

“A one-step registration for buyers ensures a more personalised and efficient experience pre-show, and our new information points offer quick resolutions to buyers’ queries during the show. We also hope the new Sip & Shop Happy Hour will be a very welcome distraction to close a successful day’s sourcing.”

Buyer Concierge Information Points will be located near hall entrances, helping buyers with their onsite journey and experience and highlighting all the experiences taking place at the show.

These include the Inspiring Retail Stage, the Masterclass Studio, Trend Talks, Pitch Live, the BIRA/BHETA Pavilion, the Cardgains Village, the #SBS Village, the GCA Debut Pavilion, the Tableware Showcase, plus the Debut First areas for launches in Beauty, Gift, Kids, Home, and Moda.

As well as hosting the live judging round of the Gift Of The Year Awards organised by The Giftware Association (GA), buyers will be able to immerse themselves in an art gallery 22 Gifts Today

style display in Hall 5 of all of the shortlisted products, and an education and information space including a historic photo timeline of Spring Fair’s partnership with GA and Gift Of The Year. The popular New Product Showcase will return too.

In all, the show will welcome hundreds of home and gift brands including: Coach House, Garden Trading, Widdop & Co., Sass & Belle, Lesser & Pavey, Rex London, Oli Olsen, Powell Craft, My Gifts Trade, Hill Interiors, Suck UK, Oli Olsen, Willsow, Pacific Lifestyle, Libra, Fallen Fruits, De Ree, Joe Davies, History & Heraldry, Half Moon Bay, Burgon & Ball, Chalk UK, Sandy Bay, DW Collective, Paladone, Heaven Sends, Malini, StoneGlow, Inis, HugRug, Jellycat, Weaver Green, Bloomingville, Blooms by Samuel Baker, Ian Mankin, Nordic Style, Fifty Five South, Gallery Direct, Deluxe HomeArt, Chic Antique, Quirky What: Spring Fair Barn, Hines of Oxford, Febland, Where: NEC Birmingham McGowan & Rutherford, Walton & Co, Ivyline, Piffany Copenhagen, Dutch When: February 4-7 Imports & Daughters, Searchlight, Email: visitor@springfair.com Kaemingk, Lows of Dundee, Peggy Visit: www.springfair.com Wilkins and Riva Home.

NEC Spring Fair Hall 3, C20

Alice Wheeler L ONDON

for further information please contact: Email - orders@fmgsales.co.uk / Call: 0121 459 9777

Preview SPRING FAIR

Beary

big news!

Camal Enterprises Hall 4, Stand A68 Camal Enterprises is thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration between The English Ladies Co and Charlie Bears.

These quintessentially English brands both specialise in producing the highest quality products in their field, and in delighting customers with their highly collectable ranges.

The English Ladies Co is the first ever licensing partner for Charlie Bears.

Founded in late 2005 by owners Charlie and Will, Charlie Bears launched with a small collection of only 12 bears.

These dozen bears are incredibly rare and are celebrated in this new ceramic collection, starting with Jake, the bear who lends his face to the Charlie Bears logo. Also featured is Frost (pictured), one of the most popular Charlie Bears. All are launched in a strictly limited edition of only 600 pieces worldwide.

On first seeing the pieces, Charlie Bears product and production director James Dennis said: “The team at the English Ladies Co have captured the Charlie Bear essence in ceramics! They are all really lovely, and have the same charm and appeal as their inspiration.”

The figurines are complemented by a range of beautiful teaware, combining the signature styling of the English Ladies Co

with the personality of the Charlie Bears brand. For example, the teacup is ‘Just My Cup Of Tea With Two Sugars’, while the coffee can has ‘Always Room For One More Bear’.

Every figurine is handmade and handdecorated in fine bone china, complete with a hand-numbered certificate. The teaware features real gold and platinum accents, and the whole range is presented in branded gift boxes.

The English Ladies Co Disney collection will also feature prominently at Spring Fair, with additions to the Villains, Disney Princess and Alice in Wonderland ranges.

In addition, classic favourites Winnie the Pooh and Mickey and Friends are joined by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, to celebrate 30 years of the franchise.

Premiering at the show will be the new Paddington collection of collectable figures, celebrating the iconic artwork of Peggy Fortnum, as well as a brand-new childrensware concept. Be sure to call by the stand to see it.

Camal Enterprises Call: 01782 344900 Email: sales@camalents.com Visit: www.englishladiesco.com Charlie Bears Call: 01566 777092 Email: headbear@charliebears.com Visit: www.charliebears.com

24 Gifts Today

T 01359 250720 Handmade in Suffolk

www.manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk

Hall 3 Stand: T31

Drawer Liners | Drawer Sachets Hand Wash & Moisturising Lotion | Pot Pourri Reed Diffusers | Room Sprays | Scented Candles

Preview SPRING FAIR

Designs on

kitchens Museums & Galleries Hall 3, Stand L30-M31 In a major move, Museums & Galleries (M&G) is launching a comprehensive kitchen textiles collection this Spring. It comprises oven gloves, adjustable aprons, tea towel sets, and cotton napkins - all in organic cotton and certified for kitchen use. Aimed at being both beautiful and useful, they will make fantastic gifts or wonderful self-indulgences.

The products are accompanied by a small collection of cushions and join existing paper napkin packs, insulated bottles and mugs, PLA travel mugs, tote bags and pouches in M&G’s new Home and Giftware portfolio within its catalogue.

The collection comprises 12 hero designs repeated across all the formats, allowing consumers to match options, and retailers to build ‘get the look’ stories in-store. The collection arrives with an ingenious merchandising solution ready-made for retailers (minimum orders apply).

M&G is offering retailers the chance to harness the power of its stunning new and expanded home and giftware products with a free bespoke stand providing 360º of display.

With an eco-friendly look and materials, the stand allows for mix-and-match display or complete sets of M&G’s new organic cotton, insulated bottles and mugs, and PLA travel mug gift

products. The stand measures 160cm high, 100cm long by 36cm deep.

M&G’s exclusive collection of Home & Giftware brands includes the V&A, TATE, The British Museum, Catherine Rowe, Wild Press and more, as well as iconic designs from the wider M&G collection.

The stand can come fully merchandised, or alternatively customers can create their own product mix by selecting from M&G’s range. Initial minimum order totals apply.

The stand joins M&G’s extensive collection of attractive and useful point of sale options, from a selection of card spinners, gift wrap displays, and the popular and proven stationery and journal spinner.

Full details are in M&G’s 2024 catalogue, and the new display will be on view on M&G’s stand at Spring Flair.

M&G general manager Tom Williams is enthusiastic. “The new stand answers an urgent retailer need,” he says. “It packs a lot of product on a relatively small footprint in a very attractive and sales-friendly way, offering a big bang for your buck!”

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

26 Gifts Today

UK VAT registered and exhibiting at Spring Fair Hall 7 - Stand 7 E30-6A31.

Simon Pykett Country Manager spy@bloomingville.com Mobile: 07967 209156

www.bloomingville.com

Preview SPRING FAIR

A gamut of gifts Joe Davies

Spring Fair marks the beginning of a New Year in the gift industry, and Joe Davies is thrilled to showcase brand-new collections to existing and new customers.

Its extensive stand is poised to be busy with customers exploring great new ranges. From special occasions and home décor to elegant jewellery, there is something for all tastes.

The Village Pottery Collection has remained a standout best-selling range for some time, proving a consistent favourite of both retailers and customers alike. Each piece has a distinctive rustic charm and handcrafted look.

Get ready for an exclusive showcase of exciting new styles such as simple croft houses with cute little sheep at the front of them, and sweet shops and village stores in pretty colours. Plus, the quaint garden houses have been extended, featuring picket fences and garden pots.

Other exciting additions are more dog vases and planters: choose from a dalmatian, springer spaniel, chihuahua, Frenchie and many more dog breeds, as well as a cat.

The Equilibrium molten metal collection will debut at Spring Fair too. This range offers elegant style and detailing that gives it a distinctive shape and look. The range is inspired by the fluidity of melting molten metal, and the attractive and unusual bracelets, necklaces, and earrings are designed to impress, with the emphasis on quality, packaging and individuality.

Joe Davies will also introduce the new Country Hedgehogs collection, which is bound to bring a smile to everyone’s face. These charming character figurines are ideal for home gifting, whether placed on a windowsill, mantlepiece or shelf. Their appeal is enhanced with the addition of red and white toadstools, bringing a delightful splash of colour.

Also being showcased is a brand-new collection of celebration photo frames. These offer a timeless and elegant way to display your most cherished moments.

28 Gifts Today

Hall 4, Stand C10-D11

With a classic silver frame and delicate diamantes, they are sure to be a hit. Available with various captions, they cater to a range of occasions including anniversaries, christenings, welcoming a new baby, and weddings.

Decorative figurines still play a distinctive role in home décor, and Joe Davies has introduced a new figurine series called Moonlight Couple. An elegant collection of couples embracing, kissing, and relaxing, the figurines are romantic and meaningful. The soft grey and clean white sit beautifully with current home décor, while adding personality and interest.

Free nationwide delivery, carriage paid orders of just £100, and an easy to buy ‘little and often’ ordering system are all hallmarks of Joe Davies’ award-winning service. Add a vast array of gift, jewellery and fashion ranges, and this is a stand you won’t want to miss.

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

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Preview SPRING FAIR

A sensory

journey

Candlelight

Hall 4, Stand E18-F19 Call: 01709 723000 Email: contact@candlelight.co.uk Visit: candlelight.co.uk

As we eagerly anticipate the Spring/Summer 2024 season, Candlelight is poised to offer retailers an exquisite range of fragrances, vessels, and colours that align with emerging trends.

The company’s Brights collection is set to captivate customers with a delightful fusion of two-tone themed fragrances boasting fruity scents and vibrant hues. The playful combination of fragrance and colour creates an immersive experience, making these candles an irresistible addition to any home.

For those with a penchant for wanderlust, the New Destinations line draws inspiration from locations around the globe, blending diverse scents that transport customers to far-off places.

Each fragrance is named after its thematic origin, providing a sensory journey for users.

In response to the growing demand for sophisticated aesthetics, the Frosted Hues collection introduces pastel-coloured fragrances encased in elegant frosted glass vessels. This visually appealing and fragrant ensemble, available in four distinct scents, adds a touch of refined luxury to any living space.

Furthermore, recognising the importance of holistic wellbeing, the Wellness collection combines coloured glass vessels with invigorating fruity scents. With fragrances named Revitalize, Harmony, Serenity, and Tranquil, this collection smoothly integrates aromatherapy into consumers’ daily lives, promoting balance and calm.

Looking into the broader home fragrancing sector for 2024, Candlelight anticipates a continued 30 Gifts Today

emphasis on experiential and wellness-oriented products, with consumers seeking both aesthetic appeal and therapeutic benefits in their purchases.

The supplier is committed to staying at the forefront of these trends, ensuring that its retailer partners can meet the evolving preferences of its discerning customers.

In anticipation of the months ahead, Candlelight also predicts a soaring demand for its innovative candle-making kits. In recent times, there has been a significant shift in consumer preferences, with more individuals expressing a keen interest in crafting their candles rather than solely relying on store-bought options. This burgeoning trend is fuelled by a desire for personalisation and a handson creative experience.

Candle-making has become a popular and fulfilling hobby, allowing enthusiasts to tailor scents, colours, and designs to match their unique preferences. Recognising this growing enthusiasm, Candlelight has strategically incorporated candlemaking kits into its product offerings, integrating them into its Apothecary range, and the upcoming New Destinations collection.

The kits empower customers to embark on a sensory journey, creating candles that resonate with their tastes and preferences. Whether it’s the traditional allure of the Apothecary range or the global influences captured in the New Destinations collection, Candlelight envisions these kits as the catalyst for a personalised and immersive experience in home fragrance - and anticipates they will be a hot commodity for 2024.

Preview SPRING FAIR

Quality and style Alice Wheeler London Hall 3, Stand C20 Established in 1932, with more than 92 years of knowledge and experience supplying great quality products to UK and European gift retailers, Fancy Metal Goods (FMG) is never guilty of resting on its laurels!

Launched in 2019, Alice Wheeler London has been a remarkable success story: from originally introducing a capsule range of accessories in the same year, to an outstanding 2023 which has elevated it into one of the leading go-to accessory brands with an outstanding range of fashion and beauty accessories.

Spring 2024 is the start of a new season, incorporating newly discovered materials, innovative designs, and an array of colourways to suit all tastes and complement any wardrobe.

Nappa is the latest collection by Alice Wheeler. It’s a celebration of luxurious faux leather and suedette combinations, offering a sophisticated range of cross-body and messenger bags, including a classic Milan tote and a stunning Lisbon boxed camera bag - both using the latest woven leather techniques. Nappa has many additional designs to complete the story available in three textbook neutral colourways.

This is a must-see range showcasing at Spring Fair.

Soho cross-body bags remain one of Alice Wheeler’s top-selling boutique

designs. New for Spring is a fabulous pastel collection incorporating cool sugared almond and macaroon colourways. This is a capsule range of vegan leather designs offering four of the brand’s best-selling styles: Soho CB, Bloomsbury messenger, Bromley purse, and Bath card/coin purse. It’s a must-have colour range for Easter.

To complement the cross-body collection, this season brings a new range of Banana CBs crafted in textured vegan leathers with co-ordinating designer straps, Alice’s signature honeybee key charm, and five classic colours.

There is a strong selection of gifting this season with a range of vegan leather glasses’ cases in belly band sleeves, and all-new fivepiece manicure sets. Both are gift-boxed and offer plenty of colour options. Plus, Beauty offers a new midi train case, adding further value to Alice Wheeler train cases - a true success story and a must-have for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter.

Finally, look out for FMG’s new brand introduction, The London Train Case Co.,, which takes its extremely successful faux leather train case design in two sizes with a cool colour palette, flashes of pop coloured zip fastening, and matching interiors. It includes three leather options in classic neutral colours. These are investment pieces, which are perfect for those who want quality and style.

Call: 0121 459 9777 | Email: orders@fmgsales.co.uk Visit: www.alicewheelerlondon.co.uk 32 Gifts Today

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Preview SPRING FAIR

A fun

assortment House of Marbles Hall 5, Stand E18-F19 Based in the southwest of the UK, House of Marbles has been a leading supplier of timeless gifts and funfilled products to retailers for more than 50 years.

The team is looking forward to launching its eagerly-awaited 2024 range at Spring Fair.

Customers will find a growing assortment of new products across all the company’s collections, and will see the unveiling of the Memory Lane range, which offers affordable and engaging treasures that connect generations, spark fond memories, and create new moments of joy and learning.

The collection features classic toys such as a vibrant Diamond Kite and entertaining Diabolo, presented in vintage-inspired counter displays.

They make a brilliant choice for retailers seeking a hassle-free and visually striking display option.

House of Marbles’ dedication to a greener future is evident in its expanding array of toys and games made from FSC-approved wood, and it has removed single-use plastic from many of its products. It is also exploring eco-friendly

alternatives for plastic - and this year, it is introducing an innovative Flying Cowpat Disc made from recycled plastic and chewing gum!

If you want a thoughtful selection of gift books to complement your gift shop, there is also a wonderful array of children’s and adult books at a variety of price points to suit all budgets. Topics span from inspirational quotes and beautiful illustrations to niche interests, so there’s plenty to encourage customers to make that additional purchase.

House of Marbles is excited to welcome you to its stand at Spring Fair, where the team is ready to assist you in making the perfect selections for your 2024 offerings.

Call: 01626 835358 | Email: uk@houseofmarbles.com Visit: www.houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk

Purr-fect for pet lovers Gift Republic Hall 4, Stand H24-J25 Gift Republic is delighted to be expanding its pet category and launching some great new gifts for the four-legged friends in your family.

The company’s Dog and Cat Birthday Kits provide everything you need to throw your pet a paw-some birthday party, from a party hat and bandana for the lucky birthday boy or girl, to bunting and a recipe book for birthday treats to ensure the party is a huge success.

The supplier also has a new addition to its always popular Scratch Off range, with a ‘100 Things To Do With Your Dog’ Scratch Off poster, which would make a fantastic keepsake for any dog lover. Packed with ideas for adventures for you and your best pal, once completed it is a beautiful reminder of all the fun times you have enjoyed together.

Call: 020 3146 9511 | Email: sales@giftrepublic.com | Visit: www.giftrepublic.com 34 Gifts Today

Preview SPRING FAIR

Nordic style Gifts Today catches up with Bloomingville sales director Camilla Vestertjele, in advance of the brand exhibiting at Spring Fair

Bloomingville

Hall 7, Stand E30-6A31

Bloomingville has been trading in the UK successfully for a number of years now. How was 2023 for you?

It was a very interesting year. The first half saw us maintaining our market position, but in the second half we went back to growth - and the order book in December for our S/ S24 collection broke all records! This continued into January so we believe 2024 is going to be another great year in the UK. What factors do you attribute to this growth?

Our sales team in the UK, managed by Simon Pykett, reverted back to the old-fashioned sales approach of knocking on doors. Covid saw many Zoom calls and appointment-only visits. But as business went back to normal, so did Simon and his great team.

It’s always been important to us to make regular store visits to maintain close relationships with our customers, to know their businesses better, and help them select products which are right for them.

Tell us about your S/S24 collection.

This has been an amazing journey, which began on November 16 in Denmark at our ‘Kick-Off,’ where sales agents from all over Europe came to view the new collection. I can honestly say that as I enter my fifth year as sales director, I’ve never witnessed such a well-received collection by experienced sales agents who know their markets well.

The collection presents an enjoyable selection of Nordic and cosy interior and furniture for every home, inspired and embraced by white spaces, shapes of nature, and soft pastels.

And for the first time, we’ve manufactured one of our best-selling outdoor furniture collections to comply with UK FR rules, so Bloomingville can be enjoyed outside in the UK as well.

Simon spoke to us last year of a change to Bloomingdale’s price structure and the way you invoice in the UK. Can you expand on this?

Indeed I can. Throughout November we conducted a major price comparison exercise in-house, checking where our products sat in the market compared with similar products.

Where it was clear that we needed to be more competitive, we lowered our prices significantly in some areas.

36 Gifts Todaycx

This wasn’t just applied to the new collection.

We’ve also seen many price reductions on existing best-sellers. This new price structure was warmly received by customers who now make better margins when selling our great brand.

Also, a significant change for us is that we are now registered in the UK and charge UK VAT. This takes away all of the headaches which came from Brexit, because customers can trade with us as though we are a UK business, without all those hidden charges.

Combine this with a great new collection, and a re-energised and motivated sales team, and perhaps it’s not surprising that we’re doing so well!

What’s the best way for retailers to see the new collection?

We will be exhibiting at Spring Fair where you can find us in The Summerhouse. Simon and I will be there for this important event.

In addition, we’ve seen an increase in UK retailers visiting our showroom in Denmark.

Everyone is welcome and Simon will always fly over to greet customers, collecting them from the airport and driving them back again, so that we know they get home safely.

Anyone wishing to receive a warm Bloomingville welcome can contact Simon.

Call: 07967 209156 Email: spy@bloomingville.com Visit: www.bloomingville.com

M O D E R N

C L A S S I C S

A beautiful classic design in ten captivating fragrances, chosen for their unique identity and good fragrance throw. High fragrance. Available in 10 fragrances, in Scented Candles, Reed Diffusers, Gift Sets, Fragrance Oils, Home Mists, Perfume Mist Diffusers, Soy Wax Melts and Bath & Body.

Visit us at Spring Fair Summer House – 7C40-D41 020 8595 8878 • stoneglowcandles.co.uk • trade@stoneglowcandles.co.uk

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Preview SPRING FAIR

Going for

gold

Alexander Thurlow Hall 3, Stand F20 With Spring on the horizon, Alexander Thurlow is blooming into the season with items that are new and improved. The delicate Lilies has received a recent upgrade, ensuring it represents the true beauty of its real-life form. Furthermore, the collection is going gold, bringing additional versatility to the range of styles that the company has to offer.

Ensure your shelves are set for Spring, and stock up on a colourful array of floral bestsellers, courtesy of Alexander Thurlow.

Call: 020 8766 6466 Email: sales@alexanderthurlow.com Visit: www.alexanderthurlow.com

Colourific!

Miss Milly

Hall 3, Stand F11 Miss Milly will be launching into Spring and Summer with a blaze of colour. Now in its 12th year, the British brand has established its position as a reliable, friendly company offering beautifully designed, great value jewellery in a palette of colours covering seasonal trends, and accompanied by co-ordinating scarves.

With on-trend iridescent shimmer and yellowblue colour combos, and striking new hand-painted statement sets, you’ll find so many gorgeous new pieces in the S/S24 jewellery collection.

And choose from floral, watercolour and vibrant retro designs in Miss Milly’s new super soft scarf range, which will attractively complement the jewellery.

There are lots more new designs in the supplier’s popular magnetic brooches.

In addition, making its debut is a brand-new capsule collection of handmade raffia flower and hoop earrings in lovely, seasonal colours.

Miss Milly has a strong belief in its products and makes it easy for retailers to try them out for little investment, with a low £100 minimum order and the opportunity to buy in singles.

Plus, the company is happy to put starter orders together for you, to a set budget and style and colour preferences. Branded displays, FSC-certified packaging, and POS are all available to help with the full brand experience.

Call: 01905 622509 | Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk

Cosy up Warmies

Hall 5, Stand H34-J35 Warmies is proud to be returning to Spring Fair; a show that has been an integral part of its business for more than 25 years. As a go-to destination for heatable and heartwarming gifts and toys, Warmies continues to captivate buyers with its cosy plush products, and is excited to welcome both new and familiar faces to its stand.

The company will introduce a new range of practical yet cosy additions to its product lineup. Check out its newly launched children’s pyjamas, which strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. The soft-touch and high-quality cotton takes comfort to new heights, and gives cosy a new meaning. The pyjamas are available for ages two to five and come in six styles; Dinosaur, Sloth, Unicorn, Puppy, Cat and Bear.

Warmies’ friendly sales team can’t wait to welcome you and showcase its new ranges, along with its extensive collections.

Call: 01933 679 777 | Email: sales@warmies.co.uk | Visit: www.warmies.co.uk 38 Gifts Today

More from Meg Hawkins Meg Hawkins Art Hall 4, Stand K10-J11- 312 Meg Hawkins Art returns to Spring Fair with a brand-new collection of gifts, stationery and homeware that reflects the growth of the brand and its commitment to quality and sustainability.

Now in her 10th year, founder and artist Meg Hawkins has created a global giftware company, taking her family business from the kitchen table to gift shops, garden centres, retailers and distributors all over the world.

Her products span greeting cards, stationery, homeware, bath & body, clothing and accessories - and her designs have been licensed by some of the biggest names in the industry.

At Spring Fair, Meg and her team will launch the brand-new Signature Collection, as well as showcase the company’s full range of products, and introduce new Christmas lines.

Call: 07811 672460 | Email: hello@meghawkinsart.co.uk Visit: www.meghawkinsltd.com

Forever toys and gifts Rainbow Designs

Rainbow Designs will showcase many of its beautiful licensed character ranges of highquality forever toys and gifts at Spring Fair.

Best-selling nursery gift ranges on display will include: Peter Rabbit Once Upon a Time and Deluxe Signature Peter Rabbit collections, Classic Paddington and Paddington for Baby, and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Hundred Acre Wood and Always and Forever ranges, alongside the luxury Mickey Mouse Memories collection.

Rainbow has many exciting launches, as well as a number of important character anniversaries to celebrate in 2024. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s The Lion King, Rainbow will welcome its new Disney Baby Lion King range, which will include the My First Simba Soft Toy, Simba Comforter and Ring Rattle, as well as the adorable and stimulating Simba Sensory Play Mat. There will also be a new addition to its award-winning Bedtime Cuddles Nightlights range, that includes Paddington and Peter Rabbit, with the Bedtime Cuddles with Winnie the Pooh, available for Autumn/Winter.

In addition, Rainbow will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Guess How Much I Love You, the 35th anniversary of Elmer, the 55th birthday of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and the 90th anniversary of Disney’s Donald Duck next year, with exciting new product releases!

Paddington is the nation’s favourite bear, and 2024 is set to be a huge year for this adored character, with the highly-anticipated release of a new movie and the third series

Hall 3, Stand M10-N11 of the award-winning TV preschool show, The Adventures of Paddington.

This year will also see new product launches across all three of Rainbow’s best-selling Paddington ranges: Classic Paddington, Paddington For Baby, and The Adventures of Paddington.

Joining the Classic Paddington collection will be the Cuddly Paddington wearing a Union Jack Scarf, Paddington in Boots presented in a classic Phone Box-style packaging, and the Classic Collector Paddington in a keepsake box decorated with the classic Peggy Fortnum illustrations.

Don’t miss all these best-selling licensed collections, that will also be joined by firm favourites Spot, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Maisy, Bagpuss and Giraffes Can’t Dance!

Call: 01329 277300 Email: sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk Visit: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk Gifts Today 39

Preview SPRING FAIR

Eco-friendly

adventures Keel Toys

Hall 5, Stand H20-J21 Step into the world of Keel Toys in 2024: the proud home of Keeleco, a remarkable range crafted from 100% recycled materials.

Keel Toys has been at the forefront of design innovation within the gift market for many years, and its sustainability journey has been no different. The company’s goal was to create sustainable fabrics and products that were softer, and even more beautiful than before - and in the Keeleco range, it has more than succeeded.

Each and every Keeleco soft toy is manufactured and filled with 100% recycled polyester made from plastic waste, recycling more than 250 million water bottles in the process since the range launched in 2020.

With more than 450 products and counting, Keel Toys remains committed to expanding this eco-collection, and at Spring Fair it is offering customers an exclusive opportunity to preview and pre-order over 100 brandnew items from the 2024 range, including all-new Halloween and Christmas ranges.

Get ready to embark on an eco-friendly adventure as you explore the Wild, Farm, Sealife, Dinosaurs, Teddy Bears, Puppies, Kittens, Nursery, Seasonal, and Keeleco Adoptable World collections.

The whimsical Keeleco Pink range continues the enchantment with beautifully designed, textured toys.

Exclusive fabrics and embroideries bring Unicorns, Seahorses, Mermaids, Starfish, Octopuses and even a Clam Shell to life, complete with eye-catching gold crowns and pink tutus.

Keeleco Baby, which made its debut in 2021, welcomes new friends Squish Starfish and Terry Turtle to add to the super cute natural range of Marcel Monkey and Ezra Elephant. All are available with a variety of retail solutions and POS.

And indulge your senses with the Bakery range: an exquisitely designed collection of scented cupcake character animals that will steal your heart. The theme is carried on with soft and stretchy cake and patisserie characters, which are so cute you’ll have to collect them all!

The beloved Bobballs range receives an adorable makeover too, featuring cute and collectable food and plant-themed Bobballs.

But the surprises don’t end there with Keeleco.

Experience the playful magic of Wild, Farm, and Dinosaur hand puppets, accompanied by a striking multi-sided floor standing display unit.

There is also a new collection of standing and sitting Keeleco Puppies, which comes complete with fashion focused dog outfits - all made from 100% recycled materials.

Make sure to visit the Keel Toys stand for a warm welcome and a fantastic selection of products!

Call: 01233 506363 | Email: sales@keeltoys.com | Visit: www.keeltoys.com 40 Gifts Today

From slippers to skin care and gifting to home fragrance, we’ve got you covered!

Flickers like a real fire!

Spins when candle is lit!

Come and see the fu full

range and more at Spring Fair NEC. Hall 4 Stands G64, G70, H71

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

Preview SPRING FAIR

Gifts galore Lesser & Pavey

Hall 5, Stand D10-E11, D20-E21 William Morris Over the years the William Morris ranges of tabletop from Lesser & Pavey have been a real success, with the designs lending themselves to fine ceramics for the home. Now the company has introduced Willow Bough, which is full of leaf shapes and colouring that meets today’s home interior trends. This design is already seen on the high street as textiles.

New shapes have also joined the regular items of William Morris tabletop, which were met with enthusiasm when previewed to select customers before Spring Fair.

There are more contemporary shapes for Tea For One, the teapot and the butter dish, plus new shapes of mugs and stacking mugs, and a new sugar bowl with matching canister.

Melamine picnicware is also available in this pattern, alongside the regular features of coasters, placemats, trays, a lap tray, a cutting board and a drinks flask.

Jumping for Joy Introducing Henry and Harry: the cute Hare family designed by Lesser & Pavey’s in-house art department. This fun range is marketed under the brand name of The Leonardo Collection. Each piece is handcrafted to form a resin ornament, presented in a full colour gift box.

Love the Garden?

Friends and family who have green fingers will love this new range. Designed by the in-house art department, it includes gift items for those that love to potter in the garden. The range includes fine mugs, matching coasters, placemats, and trays, which are perfect for the greenhouse or the lunch table.

In addition to wooden plaques and a gardener’s tool carry box, the range includes stationery to assist gardeners with planning, and a tin mug for use while out and about in the garden.

Sentiments of Love Love and Affection is a range of wooden plaques and homeware created by the in-house design team. It features a fresh butterfly design, mixed with soft colours and natural wood, making heartwarming sentiments to hang around the home.

There are plaques for friends, family, loved ones, and the home, plus gifts such as a letter rack, perpetual calendar, and a set of four wooden coasters.

Christmas 2024 Lesser & Pavey’s new Christmas collection includes decorative products to make any home festive. Soft plush is at its best on the stand with a new pet’s corner, while wood advent calendars and wall hangings with seasonal messages offer tradition and items that last more than just one Christmas.

Warming hats, gloves and socks add another dimension to the range, and Christmas-themed Desire diffusers are available in different sizes with fragrances that reflect the essence of the season, including cinnamon.

Call: 01322 279 225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk | Visit: www.leonardo.co.uk 42 Gifts Today

X Be the first to see the brand new Transport for London collection

Find us at Spring Fair Hall 4, Stand H60-J61

No minimum order.

Free delivery available. rexlondontrade.com

The roundel is a trademark of Transport for London and registered in the UK and other countries. All rights reserved.

Preview SPRING FAIR

Scent appeal Manor House Hall 3, Stand T31 Manor House managing director Darren Ellis says: “2023 proved to be another amazing year for us. We continued to build upon our brand, and welcomed many new stockists.

We are expanding our already large fragrance offering with new launches at Spring Fair. These include Berries, Grapefruit & Cedar, and Raspberry & Pink Pepper - with more exciting new scents to be added during the summer. These will complement the last year’s launches of Antibes, Mustique and Portofino, all of which have sold very well.

Last Spring’s launch of Soy Wax Candles in Tins (silver tins for year-round and gold for Christmas) have sold beyond all expectations, and are fully available in all 32 fragrances that we are now offering.

Our new 2024 collection encompasses 32 gorgeous fragrances to choose from, which is our largest offering to date. And we are in the process of creating new fragrances to continue to add to the collection.

The fact that our products are hand-made in England is what so many stockists want. Our pot pourris are all designed in-house, using the finest botanicals available to purchase. They are fragranced using high-end oils, and then finished with individual flowers, petals and seed pods, before every box and bag is hand-tied ready to display.

Our fragrance oils are great for refreshing pot pourri or for traditional and even electric oil burners, and these remain one of our top-selling products.

Our Botanical Candles have again sold far more strongly than expected and, being available in four sizes (from small single wicks to extra large luxury 5 wick versions), enables stockists to build a stunning collection.

All our Botanical Candles are produced using the highest quality waxes and fragrances to match with the pot pourris, and have hand-placed flowers and seed pods added before hand-wrapping and tying. And our glass candles are both simple and stylish, and offered in matching gift boxes - again, ready to display.

Our Reed Diffusers, Diffuser Refills and Room Sprays are hand poured with a high percentage of fragrance before being boxed and again, hand-tied to complete the collection. Many also include our newly relaunched luxury hand wash and moisturisers to add a practical and useful addition. All the lotions are created for us. They are not tested on animals and are safe to the environment and not harmful in any way.

44 Gifts Today

In addition, Drawer Liners are also hand-printed and infused with fragrances, along with our triple fabric bags and cushion stacks - all for use in clothes’ drawers and wardrobes to gently fragrance.

Our Facebook page (Manor House Home Fragrance Ltd), Twitter account (ManorHouseHome1) and Instagram (Manorhousehomefargrance01), which link our business with our retailers and final-end customers and clients, are gaining many followers and numerous positive comments.

Finally, Private Label Home Fragrance is increasing dramatically year-on-year and we are currently working with more and more leading retailers to produce private label collections incorporating clients’ thoughts, ideas, fragrances and branding, to offer bespoke and unique one-off collections.

We also now offer a standard selection of on the shelf gift boxes in various colourways to suit slightly smaller retailers.”

Call: 01359 250720 Email: sales@manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk Visit: www.manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk

A BEARY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! We will be unveiling our very first joint collection at the NEC Spring Fair, Stand 4A68

Camal Enterprises Limited Contact sales@camalents.com 01782 344900 to arrange an appointment

Charlie Bears Ltd Contact headbear@charliebears.com 01566 777092 Bears with Personalities

Preview SPRING FAIR

Sustainable scents Best Kept Secrets Hall 4, Stand B36 Best Kept Secrets is a family-owned British home fragrance company, now in its 28th year. Its products embody joy and are loved nationwide for their stunning fragrances, colourful wax, and trademark sparkle.

The best-selling home fragrance products are lovingly hand-poured in the company’s workshop in Morpeth in Northumberland. As a brand, Best Kept Secrets is proudly local and ambitiously global, conscious of the role it plays in creating gorgeous products that customers love, which are also as sustainable as possible.

One of the most popular collections that embodies this commitment to sustainability is Our Fragrant World. Made in collaboration with artist Nicky Dawson, the entire collection has been created to be environmentally-friendly, while still delivering fabulous fragrances, colour, and sparkle into homes.

Each candle is made from a renewable and sustainable crop using certified coconut and plantbased wax, so you can enjoy beautiful, colourful fragrances, knowing that every step has been taken to be kind to the planet.

For gift retailers, the Just Because collection is a best-seller, and was expanded in 2023 with the introduction of new Just Because Three Lites vessels and reed diffusers. Created to give the perfect gift for any occasion, the Just Because Collection comes in a vessel containing meaningful or fun messages for every occasion.

Managing director Vanessa Curry says: “This expansion of our home fragrance range reflects our commitment to providing cost-effective options for consumers without compromising on quality. It’s the unexpected gifts that often mean the most. Whether it’s to say thank you, brighten someone’s day, or simply because you care (or for no reason at all!), I like to think 46 Gifts Today

our products help you say it in a sweet and simple way.”

Best Kept Secrets is known for its unwavering commitment to providing quality, affordability, and sustainability. This, together with its close working relationships with retailers to ensure the best retail solutions for them, means the company is rapidly growing and will have so much to offer buyers at Spring Fair.

At the show, Best Kept Secrets will launch four new fragrances and a new collection, all of which offer something completely different. The new fragrances will not only work seasonally, but will also ensure that there is something new for all.

One of the highlights of the Spring/Summer 2024 collections is the introduction of a brand-new vessel design for a home fragrance range, in decorative glass with a stunning ombre effect. The vessels offer a touch of luxury without the premium price tag.

Vanessa comments: “One of the reasons we have been so successful over the years is the fact that we understand retail, and work closely with our retailers to deliver retail solutions that enable them to sell our products and bring joy to their customers. We work incredibly hard to turn orders around quickly. Even at full capacity, we ensure customers get their goods within a few days.

“Customer service is at the heart of all we do, so we work incredibly hard to be the best supplier. We talk, we listen, and we react. Our retail customers have also found that our POS options are fantastic retail solutions, particularly when selling seasonal products.”

Call: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Visit: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

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Preview SPRING FAIR

Discover the world

of fragrance Stoneglow

Hall 7, Stand C40-D41 Stoneglow is optimistic for 2024, with more than 100 lines launched for Spring/Summer, and four trade shows including Paris, Milan, and for the first time, January Furniture Show held at the NEC. Of course, you will also find the company at Spring Fair in The Summerhouse, which is renowned for its curated brands. And, on top of all that, two Stoneglow collections have been shortlisted for the Gift of The Year Awards!

Commercial director Louise Dooley says: “Stoneglow has been inundated with requests for wax melts, so for 2024 we have delivered them in two popular collections: Modern Classics and Elements.”

The best-selling Modern Classics collection is available in 10 gorgeous scents, soft pastel soy wax cubes, and presented in the iconic Modern Classics packaging. Stoneglow has even added into the range two contemporary ceramic wax burners, to complement the new wax melts.

Other newbies added to the Modern Classics range are the luxury size diffuser at 460ml (nearly four times the size of the best-selling standard diffuser), and cute scented candle tins with a black metal finish.

New for 2024 are botanical soy wax melts, which are vegan-friendly and gift-boxed.

Every soy wax disc has been lovingly made in the UK with botanicals placed by hand, making each one unique.

Part of the popular Elements range, they are available in eight stunning fragrances individually selected for the character of their elemental name, and inspired by the ancient ideology that each element has a relationship to life and nature.

48 Gifts Today

There are matching aromas available in soy wax gift-boxed candles, reed diffusers/refills and reusable gel candles.

Stoneglow is honoured to have this collection shortlisted for the Gift of the Year Awards.

Also new is the on-trend Explorer Collection. Stoneglow knows only too well that fragrance has the ability to evoke memories and transport you to a time and place without having to pack your bags.

The Explorer Collection consists of six destination-inspired fragrances that transport you home, or back to your favourite cities. Discover the world of fragrance in scented soy candles and a new look 150ml reed diffuser. This is the second collection by Stoneglow to be shortlisted for the Gift of the Year Awards.

With many more new fragrance launches, Spring Fair is the place to indulge your senses!

Call: 0208 5958878 | Email: trade@Stoneglowcandles.co.uk Visit: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

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Preview SPRING FAIR

New arrivals Enesco

Hall 4, Stand B60-C61 & C60-D61

Wild & Wood

Kloche

Enesco is thrilled to introduce its newest brand: Wild & Wood. Under the Wild & Wood label, Enesco will present 3D Wooden Letterbox Flowers, which combine the beauty of wooden flowers with the convenience of letterbox-friendly packaging.

The Flowers are handcrafted using premium quality wood and designed in the UK. A standout feature is their convenient letterbox-friendly packaging. This means distant loved ones can receive the gift without having to be home for delivery.

The floral arrangements can be assembled in a couple of simple steps. With clear instructions included, anyone can enjoy the pleasure of assembling their own bouquet, creating a sense of accomplishment and a personal touch.

Happy Birthday 3D Wooden Letterbox Flower is already predicted to be the bestseller in this collection, alongside seven other designs covering key occasions such as ‘Get well soon’, ‘Thinking of you’ and ‘New Home’.

The latest figurine in Enesco’s Kloche collection is the 30th Birthday Kloche Figurine. This 8.5cm miniature decorative piece makes a wonderful gift to commemorate a loved one’s 30th birthday. It’s part of a wider birthday milestone collection being launched for 2024. The full range includes the key milestones of 21, 30, 40 and 50.

Kloche is Enesco’s first eco-friendly collection. Designed in the UK and produced using sustainably sourced wood and glass domes instead of plastic, the items are presented in a branded gift box created from biodegradable packaging.

Le Petit Prince Enesco is delighted to announce a partnership to add the enchanting world of Le Petit Prince to its portfolio of licensed giftware. Antoine de SaintExupéry’s classic novella Le Petit Prince has captured the imagination of readers worldwide since 1943.

Now, through this partnership, Enesco will be a distributor of Le Petit Prince products.

The initial range will include a selection of stationary items, figurines, water bottles, pin badges, keyrings, mugs, tote bags, and badges.

Disney by Romero Britto Also new for 2024 is a range of Disney-inspired figurines in the Disney by Romero Britto range, featuring iconic characters in classic outfits with a refreshed modern twist.

Mickey Mouse leads the team in the new Band Leader Mickey figurine. He looks dapper in his multi-coloured coat with gold detailing, raising his baton as he marches.

The 20cm cast stone figurine stands on a gloss black base featuring the Romero Britto signature, making this a premium display piece.

And it’s not just Mickey being reimagined with the bright colours and bold patterns of Romero’s styling. New Minnie Mouse, Steamboat Willie, Jiminy Cricket and Stitch figurines are being introduced too.

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

Pick of the crop The Wheat Bag Company Hall 4, Stand G80 The Wheat Bag Company is launching some new designs for 2024. Managing director Sally Moore says: “We have the beautiful William Morris fabrics and our own exclusive The Wellie Boot Collection by Emma Lawrence an award-winning Illustrator, author and designer. These designs will be available in all our products, including doorstops, draught excluders and hot water bottles. They are 100% cotton and all handmade in the UK.” She adds: “After a difficult 2023 for so many, we’re pleased that we had another successful year and hopefully this will continue in 2024.” Sally and her staff, at their HQ in Wiltshire, have been busy prototyping some new products which will be coming later this year.

50 Gifts Today

Call: 01747 840500 | Email: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk Visit: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

Function meets style Rex London Hall 4. Stand H60-J61 Rex London has been expanding its homeware range, inspired by retro and contemporary themes. The emphasis is put on functionality with style, which transforms ordinary chores into fun and easy tasks.

Latest additions include wooden brushes (long-handled for cleaning pans and bottles, and short-handled for more powerful scrubbing), table pan and brush sets, and single and double oven gloves.

If your customers are keen on cohesively decorating their kitchens, they will be delighted to know that the gloves come in the best-selling Wild

Flowers design, also available on other homeware products from Rex London, such as storage tins, tea towels, mugs, and more. Together, they create a lovely setting with a hint of cottagecore.

Alongside the new homeware launches, a new design collection has been growing. Following the success of Rex London’s Mini Sausage Dog in a Little Box, the company decided it was time to bring to life a brand-new Sausage Dog design. It will be showcased at the Spring Fair and will include products such as jumbo bags, craft kits for kids, lunchware, and more!

Call: 020 8746 1700 | Email: info@rexlondon.com | Visit: www.rexlondontrade.com

Let’s go eco!

Opticaid UK Hall 4, Stand B41

Opticaid is proud of its ever-growing Eco Collection of Remaldi fashion reading glasses and sunglasses. There are now more than 50 reading glasses and 20 sunglasses made from recycled plastics and drinks bottles, which represents at least 50% of its latest range. The readers are available in six reading strengths and the sunglasses all come with UV400 lenses.

The recycled plastics are cleaned and shredded into pellets, then coloured and melted to create new frames. The resulting modified material is tough, heat-resistant and lightweight: a win-win for eyewear. Whilst the lenses are still made from new ‘virgin’ material, the Opticaid team is trialling options for the future.

Popular styles so far are the bold square-framed Henley in four colourways, geometric-shaped Genoa in three colours and the more classic Bourne Blue and Tortoise.

The company says: ‘It’s nice to see different frame shapes gaining popularity such as cat’s eyeshaped Antibes and angular readers like Iona and Tooting. This is our largest range yet, and there’s definitely a frame and colourway to suit everyone!”

For product enquiries and a copy of Opticaid’s latest catalogue please contact the team. The new eco range will be on show at Spring Fair.

Call: 0113 239 1400 | Email: sales@opticaid.net Visit: www.opticaid.net

Paw-fect gifts

Personalised Memento Company

Hall 4, Stand J10 Personalised Memento Company (PMC) has gifting for pets covered, with its large range of personalised gifts for your furry friends. Its range of photo upload gifts make great presents for pets and pet lovers alike. With the ability to add your own photo, they can be easily adapted for any pet, from dogs to guinea pigs!

PMC has also created a sentimental range that has been lovingly designed to commemorate the loss of a loyal animal companion, keeping them in your thoughts now and forever.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk Gifts Today 51

Preview SPRING FAIR

“Bringing creativity

and innovation” Xystos

Gifts Today talks to Xystos head of sales Paul Travis about the gift and fragrance distributor’s product portfolio and plans

Cello/Luminara: Hall 4, Stand G64 | Splosh: Hall 4, Stand H71 | Di Palomo: Hall 4, Stand 4G70 Tell us about Xystos.

Xystos Flame & Fragrance Limited was formed in the 1990s as the wholesale division of Collectables, which has 10 gift stores based in the northeast of England. It also has a large digital presence in the gift marketplace. Xystos was established to bring 10 years of retail experience to the general market, creating innovative brands and products using its direct sales knowledge.

What sets it apart from other gift and fragrance distributors?

Xystos’s major advantage is its retail division and digital sales operation. This enables the company to test-market all its brands and products in a retail environment prior to launch to the trade.

The business also reacts rapidly to market changes, bringing creativity and innovation to its product portfolio.

In the past 10 years, like most companies, we’ve had to re-focus our products on market needs, and have done so successfully.

What types of products does Xystos offer?

We operate in three categories: Flame and Fragrance for the Home, Personal Body Care, and Occasion Giving Gifts.

Our brands are Cello which covers all home fragrance, ultrasonics, electric melt burners, reed diffusers, and decorative candle diffusing domes and plugins, along with candle products with a difference!

We have our own brand Di Palomo Bath and Body range, we distribute the US bath and body brand Naked Bee, and we also work closely with the major Australian gift brand Splosh as its sole distributor.

Finally, we took over the distribution of the living flame candle brand Luminara, and have continued to develop it with major success in John Lewis Partnership and latterly QVC. Does Xystos have any upcoming releases?

New introductions for Q1 2024 will be previewed at Spring Fair, where we will have three brand stands in Hall 4.

Splosh has the largest product launch with two completely new collections. Telulah is a superb designer range of giftware, and Blossom is a Spring/Summer collection - again, with a full product range. In addition, there will be a Mother’s Day collection. Keepsake Pins are another amazing launch tested in our stores (selling 400 per week across 10 sets): a superb profitable range, taking

Call: 0191 499 1570 | Email: sales@xystos.co.uk | Visit: www.xystostrade.co.uk 52 Gifts Today

little space with its dedicated display.

Cello has a number of new launches within the brand including Convection Birth Stone Candles with six different fragrances. We are also launching new Electric Melt Burners at Spring Fair; this is a growing sector in the fragrance market. Another major launch for 2024 is our Artisan Range of Fragrance Melts and Burners under the new brand Naked Cello.

Luminara will launch a Fragrance Diffusing Candle Package and a great value for money promotional Pillar Candle Pack of 3. We will also relaunch Outdoor Luminara for Spring/Summer - which I believe is the only IPX4 tested weatherproof LED. What’s next for Xystos?

The business will continue to develop all of its brands, as well as looking for new ones. With my appointment as head of sales, I’ve restructured the sales team over the past six months, and I’m pleased to say we have a strong customer service-focused group of agents, supported by a strong internal sales office headed up

by Amy Marshall.

Preview SPRING FAIR

Great brands abound Designworks Collective

Hall 4, Stand H30-J31

Paddywax Nashville-based Paddywax is famous for bringing the party to the world of candles and home fragrance, and this season at Spring Fair is no exception. It has colour, fun and beautiful scents in abundance.

The brand’s new ‘a dopo’ line has been inspired by the Mediterranean. Quirky, hand-painted ceramic vessels have been hand-poured with clean-burning soy wax and seven stunning fine fragrances, including its best-selling scents Lush Palms and Cactus Flower.

Following on from the phenomenal success of its Cowboy Boot Match Holders, Paddywax has launched a quintessentially British version for S/S in the shape of Wellington Boots! The glossy ceramic Wellingtons come with 25 safety matches and a striker on the sole.

Designworks Ink For Fox Sake! No Prob Llama! Designworks Ink’s Vintage Sass collection of journals and mugs has developed a cult-like following that transcends generations, and for Spring it is launching several new phrases and new formats which still have all the same ol’ sass!

There are 10 brand-new A6 notebooks and pens to choose from, and at £15 RRP they make great pick-up giftable stationery lines.

Look out for the brand’s beautiful new Undated Planners too, which have room for your priorities and space for your daily gratitude. Tabbed pages make it easier to keep track of important dates, bucket list goals, bills and contacts. There is a fabulous sticker sheet and, as always from Designworks Ink, these are printed on 100 GSM acid-free paper with soy based inks.

Gentlemen’s Hardware The men’s gift brand Gentlemen’s Hardware has more than 200 lines to choose from at Spring Fair - and this season is all about the Outdoors. It is launching brand-new gifts for the man that loves camping and hiking, which are also great for festivalgoers or those who simply enjoy relaxing at home in the garden grilling.

A highlight of the new collection is the Waterproof Field Notebook with Pen. Printed on stone paper, it includes guided content for making travel plans, and at £10 RRP represents great value for money.

54 Gifts Today

Call: 01225 931322 Email: sales.uk@dw-collective.com Visit: trade.designworkscollective.co.uk

All New

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Inspired Collection A beautiful baby collection full of sensory features

Find us at

Spring Fair

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4th to 7th Feb. Cardgains stand Hall 2, 3+3a Stand: 3M10-N11

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It’s no secret that Warmies® are loved around the world.

Join us at Spring Fair 4 - 7 February 2024 Find us on stand: 5H34-J35

W: www.warmies.co.uk E: sales@warmies.co.uk T: 01933 679 777

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Preview SPRING FAIR

Newness at the heart Henry & Co.

Celebrating its one year anniversary at Spring Fair, Henry & Co. has newness at the heart of this year’s exhibition as the brand showcases new products, fragrances, and gift concepts.

Since making its debut at Spring Fair 2023, Henry & Co. has made an indelible mark on the home fragrance market, boasting a network of hundreds of retailers and garden centre groups across the UK and Ireland.

With an ambitious growth strategy for 2024 and beyond, the brand has committed to product development and supporting retailers to attract new customers and encourage repeat purchases.

A new agent has joined the business to enhance the growth of the brand. Bella Ghale has a wealth of experience and contacts, having worked with The Really Good Company and more recently, the gift giant Wrendale Designs. She will be covering the southeast including Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, and Hampshire.

New fragrances which have joined the collection and are available to order at the show include Spring Flowers, which captures the scent of spring flowers with hints of natural patchouli teamed with white cedar.

This fragrance offers a revitalising and uplifting experience that leaves you feeling invigorated, refreshed and ready to fill your home with springtime.

Fresh Daisies is a fresh, light fragrance encapsulating the scent of a bouquet of daisies - perfect for crisp spring days.

Teaming floral and fruit scents is Pear & White Freesia, which offers a hint of the honey sweetness of this climbing floral. Along with a base of rhubarb, subtle patchouli aromas and sweet fresh green pears, it’s a perfect fragrance combination.

Another new fragrance is Soft Vanilla: a rich mouth-watering vanilla fragrance with soft powdery hints of creamy coconut, white chocolate and fresh candy floss, harmonised with sensual white musk, crystalline, amber, and precious woods.

Finally, English teatime wouldn’t be the same without a cup of Earl Grey - and Earl Grey & Bergamot captures the unmistakable aroma of the black tea blend, teamed with bergamot, jasmine and citruses.

56 Gifts Today

Hall 4, Stand 4D72 - E73 All new fragrances join the Everyday collection and are available in all formats.

Other products also making a debut at Spring Fair include the Wax Melt Gift Set, paired with a Classic Melt Burner, featuring two Wax Melts at an attractive price point - a perfect gift solution. Plus, there’s a gift set featuring the four best-selling wax melts in classic gift set packing.

Known for its wax melts, Henry & Co. is also launching a brand-new concept: the Artisan Wax Melt Bar. This novel approach resembles a wax-crafted chocolate bar.

Consumers can control fragrance intensity by breaking off differing sizes of wax. With its fun aesthetic appeal and gift-worthy packaging, the Artisan Wax Melt Bar is poised to be a standout hit at Spring Fair.

Henry & Co. looks forward to seeing existing customers, welcoming new customers, and working with Bella and the team at the show.

Call: 0333 1882006 | Email: orders@henryandcompany.co.uk Visit: www.henryandcofragrance.co.uk

Spring Fair Hall 4 Stand G80

The Wheat Bag Company are excited to be launching some new designs for 2024.

William Morris and The Wellie Boot Collection.

These designs will be available in all of our products, including Door Stops, Draught Excluders, Hot Water Bottles. 100% Cotton, all Handmade in the UK. thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

e: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

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Preview SPRING FAIR

Woven art of timeless

classics Signare

Hall 4, Stand B21

Signare is commemorating its 15th consecutive year at Spring Fair. Evolving from a modest gift supplier into a titan of woven tapestry, the company’s journey is marked by resilience, innovation - and a commitment to weaving a narrative of timeless classics. Actively contributing to the rich tapestry of the Spring Fair legacy, Signare has become an integral part of this renowned event.

The brand stands out by creating special tapestry designs which celebrate our history and culture. What makes it unique is its partnerships with famous names such as V&A, Beatrix Potter, Paddington Bear, and The British Museum.

The company has more than 10 licences from well-known museums and characters. It operates in the UK and US, providing woven tapestry accessories to more than 2,000 customers around the world. Signare claims to proudly hold the title of being the biggest brand for woven tapestry accessories globally.

Embedded within the brand’s commitment to innovation, 2024 sees the introduction of an eco-friendly art pashmina. Meticulously crafted from recyclable materials, it radiates both warmth and taste. Each art pattern is a testament to conscious elegance, emphasising its profound commitment to sustainability.

The pashmina features Signare’s all-time best-selling patterns which co-ordinate with its matching tapestry bags, including William Morris Strawberry Thief, Golden Lily, and a more contemporary Chic collection with Leopard, Zebra, and Cow prints.

Masterpieces of Van Gogh, the classic Royal Stuart Tartan (which has been favoured by customers in Scotland for years), and The British Museum licensed patterns Chinoiserie and Egyptian will also be launched - together with their matching patterns tapestry range - celebrating the first official collaboration with Signare. The full range creates a seamless fusion of fashion and environmental consciousness.

Call: 0127629483 | Email: info@acjade.co.uk Visit: www.signaretrade.co.uk 58 Gifts Today

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Coffee Break

Gifts Today takes a break with Gill Marchbank, managing director of contemporary eyewear supplier Opticaid, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary Tell us about Opticaid.

Nature inspired Joe Davies

Floral jewellery and designs inspired by nature should be in everyone’s trinket box this season - and if you want to make a statement, the new Equilibrium Floral Accents Collection is definitely for you!

Delicate mother-of-pearl flowers in soft pinks and neutral creams, combined with pretty freshwater pearls and dainty shimmering beads, ensures each piece embodies the essence of S/S. Modern and elegant, these lovely items make wonderful gifts for someone special, or why not just spoil yourself?

Renowned for exceptional customer service and an extensive range of gifts, jewellery, and fashion accessories, Joe Davies offers products in its signature ‘little and often’ quantities, with a minimum order value of just £100 and free nationwide delivery.

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

Bright

idea Classic Canes

A distinctive walking stick is a great way to make a style statement. Classic Canes managing director Charlotte Gillan explains: “A walking stick is a very personal item, so your choice signifies a lot about your individual sense of style. Some people like a discreet option, while others like something fun and exuberant.

“We offer a multitude of styles to suit all tastes, with the latest introductions based on various styles of modern art. Our Surrealist cane features motifs such as moustaches, lobsters, pipes, eyes and apples; all associated with the Surrealist movement and bound to prove a conversation opener for their owners. As with all our patterned canes, it’s height-adjustable and can easily be altered to fit its user, which makes them great gift choices too.”

Call: 01460 75686 | Email info@classiccanes.co.uk Visit: www.classiccanes.co.uk 60 Gifts Today

Opticaid was founded in 1989 by my father-in-law Roger Marchbank. While his Greg and Gillian background was in woollen textiles, he had Marchbank plenty of entrepreneurial spirit and realised there was a growing market for quality off-thepeg reading glasses.

Our own eyewear brand Remaldi started a few years later. Though it sounds like it originated from Italy, it came all the way from sunny Yorkshire! It’s Roger’s initials REM and a tweak to his mother’s christian name of Addy (Adelaide).

This year is our 35th anniversary and we’re still proud to be a family business.

I work alongside my senior management colleague and friend Linda Whitfield, as well as a dedicated and loyal team and my husband Greg has just joined as operations director.

Like many small businesses we’ve got lots of ideas and not enough time, so having an extra pair of hands and a different viewpoint is already beneficial. I’m glad Greg has come on board, as I’ve been asking/nagging for a few years now!

Tell us about your products.

We sell design-led ready reading glasses in six reading strengths (we have more than 100 to choose from), sun reading glasses and sunglasses, as well as gifts for spec wearers such as glasses holders, contemporary chains, cases and optical cleaning cloths.

In addition to our own brand, we have developed a range of frames, cases, cloths and RFID blocking wallets in collaboration with the award-winning brand I Like Birds. The glasses cases and premium cleaning cloths are shortlisted for the Gift of the Year Awards, so we’re thrilled!

What are your best sellers?

Our reading glasses - it’s our largest range too. Last year our sunglasses did particularly well too, despite the poor weather; we’ve widened their appeal and they are more trend-led. Both ranges are excellent quality and represent great value.

Since you start wearing reading glasses from about the age of 40, we sell bold oversized fashion frames in modern shapes and bright colours, through to the more classic everyday in blacks and browns.There’s definitely a range of frames for every retailer, whatever their target market.

What about new ranges?

Our new eco-friendly range of reading glasses and sunglasses continues to be popular. We launched it last year and it’s almost doubled in size. We now have over 50 reading glasses and 20 sunnies made from recycled plastics such as water bottles.

We’ll have a new eco range of sustainable reading glasses which is intended to sit alongside our current recycled range. We hope to launch this at Harrogate Home & Gift. We’ve been working on it for a while, so fingers crossed!

How do you support retailers?

We provide great personal customer service (just ask our customers!). Some like to handpick the styles themselves, while others prefer us to pick based on our experience. We can do whatever suits. We offer free display stands with qualifying initial orders - it’s a reasonable quantity too. We want our customers to repeat on the styles that are selling for them.

Call: 0113 2391400 | Email: sales@opticaid.net Visit: www.opticaid.net

Over 500 models available from stock

Blue hues Miss Milly

Miss Milly founder Sarah Watmore says: “Most years we have a range of jewellery that fits an oceanic theme in terms of colourway - and 2024 is no exception. Blue is our best-selling colour but we can break that down into navy, cobalt, electric, turquoise, aqua and sky blues. And for S/S, we like to create pieces that use a combination of turquoise and aqua, and bring in minty and beach glass greens.”

For 2024, Miss Milly has used this to great effect, playing on the trend for iridescence and shimmery pastels, which work so well in resins to catch the light and create an illusion of movement in the jewellery. Some pieces definitely resemble the semi-natural treasure that is beach glass, while other hand-painted designs feature the incredibly popular oceanic colour combinations.

Call: 01905 622509 | Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk

Silver

Please contact us for a trade catalogue: Tel 01460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk

Timeless

belle patterns Sea Gems

Signare

A family-run jewellery company with more than 40 years of design heritage and experience, Sea Gems has created brand-new collections for S/S24. It crafts silver jewellery and gift collections designed in Cornwall that capture the essence of its iconic landscape and Celtic heritage.

The Silver Origins brand features contemporary sterling silver with delicately textured and polished surfaces, together with gold vermeil or semi-precious stones. You will discover striking organic designs, beachcomber shells, botanical, and wildlife, as well as fun, whimsical motifs.

The Celtic Lands collection celebrates Sea Gem’s heritage with stunning and elaborate knotwork. New designs give a fresh look to this already successful brand.

The art of fine enamelling creates truly unique jewellery and gifts in the firm’s Mackintosh, Celtic and nature ranges. Gift ranges include pens, bookmarks, compact mirrors, pillboxes, and scarf-rings.

Signare is thrilled to announce its new licensing partnership with The British Museum, with the anticipated launch of two tapestry designs. Both feature timeless pattern collections from the museum.

Chinoiserie is a European decorative style popularised in the 18th century influenced by art and design from China and East Asia, while Egyptian is inspired by the shapes and symbols of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.

As the first woven tapestry accessories licensee, Signare is proud to bring these patterns into woven tapestry for the first time! The first launch will feature new and classic models of Signare woven tapestry handbags, as well as recyclable art pashminas.

The new ranges will be available to order at Spring Fair, and through Signare’s trade website and regional sales agents and international wholesale team.

Witness the fusion of artistry and sustainability that defines the new face of Signare!

Call: 01736 335840 Email: sales@seagems.co.uk Visit: www.seagems.co.uk

Call: 0127629483 Email: info@acjade.co.uk Visit: www.signaretrade.co.uk Gifts Today 61

Trade talk With Spring Fair just around the corner, we ask a selection of exhibitors what they are planning to launch at this key trade exhibition Jonny Greves

Director Lesser & Pavey Hall 5, Stand D10-E11, D20-E21 Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

Lesser & Pavey has exhibited at Spring Fair every year since it started in 1976. For us, it’s the biggest launch platform of new products and ranges for the year, and is an opportunity to meet existing and new customers from all over the UK and the rest of the world.

It’s the perfect time for customers to buy collections for the spring and summer months, as well as sourcing Christmas product ranges.

What can visitors expect to find on your stand?

We have new William Morris tabletop ranges, and new licensed ranges from Jennifer Rose and The MacNeil Studio featuring on fine tabletop items.

We also have six new designs in the highly popular Kooks range of giftware and stationery from Bug Art. This was one of our most successful ranges in 2023 and is still growing in popularity. We have more gardenrelated products, which make perfect gifts for keen gardeners.

“More than 2,000 new products will be on display” Will you be using the show as a launchpad for new ranges?

We certainly will. In fact, more than 2,000 new products will be on display.

Post-Covid, it’s been good to travel and meet our designers face-to-face to develop for launch this month.

Our focus, as well as using British designers and our in-house design team, has been to enhance the ranges and meet with manufacturers - this includes developing new fragrances for the Lesser & Pavey Desire diffusers and candles.

It’s always been important for us to enable our customers to refresh their displays in shops, shop windows as well as online, with brand-new, on trend, quality tabletop and giftware.

What’s the biggest news on your stand?

It has to be ‘R’PET Pals’: a brand-new range of soft toys made out of recycled plastic bottles. Wherever possible we look to reduce our carbon footprint and keep sustainability at the forefront of our product development, which is a trend that should be followed in all industries. These toys are 100% recycled with no compromise to the softness or the cuteness!

What hot trends have you spotted for 2024?

We’ve developed a number of trends for the start of 2024. One is our Strawberry Field range of tableware and melamine picnicware. I think we’ll see lots of strawberry designs in the spring.

Another is our LED Text Bulbs. Neon signs are once again on trend, and we have a really cool range of lights with large bulbs with neon wording displayed inside the bulbs.

Finally, there’s our Starlightz range. These novel interactive LED lights can be controlled with a phone app and synchronised to any music of choice.

Any survival tips for the show?

Comfortable shoes are a must, for visitors and our team. With such a large stand in hall 5, I easily do my daily steps quota. Stay well hydrated, as it can be a long day under the bright lights - and don’t forget to eat!

62 Gifts Today

Mark Reece

Managing Director Henry & Co. Hall 4, Stand D72-E73 Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

Henry & Co. has had a phenomenal 12 months and it all started at Spring Fair 2023. This is an important show for us. It gives us the opportunity to meet existing buyers and new retailers face-to-face and show our new product ranges and how the brand is evolving.

What can visitors expect to find on your stand?

Newness! We not only have fragrance launches to the Everyday Collection but new products too. We’re excited to launch our Artisan Wax Melt Bar. It’s a brand-new concept for wax melts, which is the core of our range and what we are best known for.

The Artisan Wax Melt Bar is not only a great purchase for those that love our product but, with a good price point and packaging, it makes the perfect gift solution for gifting opportunities throughout the year.

Will you be using the show as a launchpad for new ranges?

Yes: new fragrances, new concepts, new gifting solutions, and new for Christmas 2024.

What’s the biggest news on your stand?

It’s the growth of the business. This time last year we were the new brand on the block. Now, with a steady growth in retailers, new product development, new fragrances, new agents, and successful marketing, we have made massive progress and are here to stay. This will give those that are sceptical about working with a new brand the confidence to move forward with us and join the Henry & Co. journey.

What hot trends have you spotted for 2024?

Wellbeing continues to be at the heart of consumers’ minds when purchasing home fragrance products. Creating a sanctuary in the home to help balance the mind and create a relaxing environment is a priority in this busy world we live in. All of the Henry & Co. products’ fragrance blends are alcohol-free, natural wax and the highest quality fragrance oils. We have wellbeing at the heart of all our products.

Fragrance is a very personal choice and can evoke different memories - a person, place or time - that will bring a smile to faces. At Henry & Co. this is so important to us that we make fragrances as authentic as we can to keep people smiling.

Any survival tips for the show?

Comfy shoes are a must. Plus, water to keep hydrated, regular breaks and a visit to our stand!

Meg Hawkins

Founder/Artist Meg Hawkins Art Hall 4, Stand K10-J11- 312 Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

We’ve exhibited for a number of years now, working closely with our friends at Widdop who also license some of our designs.

This year is particularly special, as we will be launching our brand-new Signature Collection, which we have been developing for the past 18 months and can’t wait to showcase.

Paul Hooker

Managing Director Joe Davies Hall 4, Stand C10-D11 Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

For us, Spring Fair not only heralds the start of the New Year in our trade, but is also the culmination of a huge amount of work and development on our new range which started 12 months before the show. It’s the perfect place to launch our new range, meet our customers, and open new accounts.

What can visitors expect to find on your stand?

Our entire current range of more than 7,000 lines. There will be plenty of new additions from all our customers’ favourite brands including Shudehill, Equilibrium, Leonardo, Xpressions, Nuzzles, snoozies and many more. Visitors to our stand will receive a very warm welcome and plenty of refreshments.

Will you be using the show as a launchpad for new ranges?

We always use Spring Fair as the place to launch our entire Spring Summer Collection.

In all, well over 2,000 lines will be making their UK debut.

What hot trends have you spotted for 2024?

Rural motifs are featuring strongly, and robins, mushrooms and toadstools are coming through on regular gift lines and even moving into fashion and jewellery. For jewellery, in addition to rural themes, molten metal and strong crystals are also trending.

Sentiment remains a significant trend in wooden frames, angels, and home décor. And slip glazes on ceramics are strong. Look out for heavy glass lamps and vases with mottle, crackle and swirl finishes.

Any survival tips for the show?

Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and take your time - there’s so much to see.

When walking a show, we always start at one end of a hall and walk every aisle - the best line of the show could be just around the corner! Another top tip is to always ask suppliers what their best sellers are.

“Walk every aisle - the best line of the show could be just around the corner!”

What can visitors expect to find on your stand?

Every year we try to develop our stand design to complement the new collections we release that year. This year it’s bigger and better than ever!

My husband Ade is the genius behind our stand builds, and he’s been working for weeks on the most beautiful stand, which will really do justice to our new Signature Collection launch, which the team is incredibly excited about.

Visitors will discover our new Signature Collection, which spans cards, stationery, homeware, clothing and accessories, and bath & body. This is the biggest show to date for us, so we are really looking forward to meeting customers old and new.

Oliver Woodyatt

Sales Director Alice Wheeler London/FMG Hall 3, Stand C20 Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

Spring Fair has - and continues to be - the launchpad for our latest collections, new colourways for the season, and new brand introductions.

What can visitors expect to find on your stand?

This season is a celebration of new brands, fresh and innovative ideas, the latest materials, and exquisite designs. And let’s not forget our mainstay and continuity ranges; they’re the backbone of Alice’s fashion and beauty collections and continue to deliver year on year.

Will you be using the show as a launchpad for new ranges?

Yes. We have a fabulous new range of Faux Nappa fashion accessories - already, January pre-sells are off the chart. This is elegance personified, and my top tip for 2024.

Alice Wheeler introduced a modern take on a classic train case last year, and it’s been an extraordinary success story. For Spring, we are launching a new brand to market: The London Train Case Company. This is a wider range of train cases and offers two substrates, a textured vegan leather collection, with two-toned colourways, and our first luxury range of leather train cases handcrafted and available in three neutral colourways. The train case should be on everyone’s list to review, and we have an amazing range on offer and available in February.

What’s the biggest news on your stand?

Alice Wheeler London is a great investment: 2023 was a phenomenal year, but S/S24 is our strongest category launch ever and shouldn’t be missed.

Malini Pashley

Marketing Director Camal Enterprises Hall 4, Stand A68 Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

We are delighted to be back at Spring Fair to reveal our newest licensed collections: the evergreen Paddington Bear and the hugely popular Charlie Bears. Being at the NEC allows us to touch base with both old and new customers and to make a brand statement.

What can visitors expect to find on your stand?

As well as the new collaborations, we will have our gorgeous Disney range, with launches in Stitch and Nightmare Before Christmas. Customers looking for premium quality, heritage gifts and collectables which are relevant for today’s consumer need look no further.

Will you be using the show as a launchpad for new ranges?

Yes! Our brand-new Paddington and Charlie Bears ranges will sit alongside new Disney collections.

What hot trends have you spotted for 2024?

The ‘Buy Once, Buy Well’ trend is gaining traction and we are seeing more and more people investing in quality.

Gifts Today 63

Trade talk Sarah Watmore Owner Miss Milly Hall 3, Stand F11

“We will be launching an exciting new capsule collection of earrings, perfect for the season”

Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

We couldn’t not exhibit; it’s such a key show for us and a great way to reach an interested audience of existing and potential customers with our S/S24 collections.

What can visitors expect to find on your stand?

A riot of colour! Just looking at the samples laid out together makes us smile, and that’s before we’ve created the colour-blocking jewellery and scarf displays that we’re now well-known for. We’ve added lots of new designs to the magnetic brooch collection, and expect that to continue in popularity through 2024.

Will you be using the show as a launchpad for new ranges?

Yes, we will be showcasing our new S/S jewellery and scarf collections with new designs and seasonal colour updates through both categories.

And we will be launching an exciting new capsule collection of handmade, raffia flower and hoop earrings, perfect for the season. We’re really looking forward to getting feedback on these after receiving some mixed (but mostly positive) reactions on social media, when we were deciding whether to go ahead with them. They’re not core Miss Milly but they fit our colour aesthetic, and we’re not afraid to try new things.

What’s the biggest news on your stand?

That we’re doing more of what our customers love! Well-designed jewellery at very reasonable prices and in a gorgeous array of colours.

With the drop in scarf sales during S/S over recent years, we didn’t

launch any new designs for S/S23.

But following a hugely successful A/W23 season, and our scarves bringing in new retailers, we’ve created a S/S24 collection and are looking forward to seeing how it’s received. With watercolour flowers and vibrant retro circles, the designs and colours sit brilliantly with the jewellery and will really enhance the display.

What hot trends have you spotted for 2024?

We’ve worked on the trend for iridescence and shimmery pastels, along with the bold colour combos spotted on the catwalks of electric blue with yellow, and lime green with fuchsia. It’s perfect colour blocking that works so well for our brand and translates easily into our resin designs.

Any survival tips for the show?

If you’re walking the show for multiple days, having a change of shoes is a good idea. And a rucksack rather than a bag on one shoulder will balance the weight of any brochures and samples.

Dressing in layers is recommended as the heating and air-con varies in the halls. And bringing a water bottle will help keep you hydrated; filling stations are mainly at the hall entrances.

Most importantly, while you may have a list of exhibitors to visit, don’t underestimate what else you might find walking the aisles, and build in some time for that.

Aylish Ellwood

“Treat the show as four days of brainstorming” Trade Marketing Manager Enesco sure this will be welcome news to our Hall 4, Stand B60-C61 & C60-D61 customers.

Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

Spring Fair is a fantastic platform to showcase our extended licensed portfolio to the world of giftware. Meeting new customers from all channels is very important to us, as is introducing new brands to our existing customers and showcasing ourselves as a leading licensee, proud to working with such high profile brands as Disney, Willow Tree, and Beatrix Potter.

What can visitors expect to find on your stand?

We will be unveiling our newly designed stand, which allows the customer to focus on individual gift categories in a relaxed environment.

2024 is our 30th anniversary, and we are inviting the industry to join us on a trip down memory lane and look back to when we were two much smaller companies - Lilliput Lane and Border Fine Arts - and our journey since that time.

Will you be using the show as a launchpad for new ranges?

Absolutely - there’s no better place. Despite a very digital world, seeing and handling the product first-hand is the best way for the quality and aesthetics to be truly appreciated. Of course, home fragrance only works in person!

What’s the biggest news on your stand?

In January, we announced a raft of positive changes to our price offering, which included realigning our selling prices across our ranges. These changes are designed to support our retailers and help increase sales. I’m 64 Gifts Today

What hot trends have you spotted for 2024?

As we are still experiencing a tough economic climate, functional and good value gifts are still high on the list for many consumers.

In such uncertain times, we must remind ourselves that people will still continue to buy gifts, and often household names such as Disney, Beatrix Potter, and Willow Tree become more attractive as they are deemed safe purchases.

Apricot is the colour for the new season, and we’re delighted to be launching a new Disney Home range which follows this trend very nicely. It ticks all the boxes: apricot tones, functional and good value for money.

Any survival tips for the show?

My top tip is enjoy it! Giftware is a fun industry, with so many great products to make us smile. And follow the quote: “You only get out of it what you put into it.”

Spring Fair is the biggest annual gathering of the industry. From suppliers to customers from every channel, publishers and artists, the list goes on… So treat the show as four days of brainstorming. Listen and share ideas, thoughts and experiences, and I guarantee you won’t leave disappointed!

Cindy Qiu

Founder/Managing Director Signare Tapestry Hall 4, Stand B21 Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

It’s our 15th consecutive year at Spring Fair. We go to meet our existing and new customers. It’s an annual opportunity for us to catch up and showcase our new products. There’s a saying that if you’re in the gift industry and you’re not at Spring Fair, you’re singling yourself out from the game.

What can visitors expect to find on your stand?

We’re introducing a new colorway of the original Paddington Bear, two new patterns developed in collaboration with The British Museum through our new licensing team, and unveiling a fresh design created in partnership with the V&A. Our innovative range includes recyclable art pashminas featuring Signare’s existing and newer best-selling patterns.

We’re very proud to showcase these for the first time to both our existing and new clients. Spring Fair 2024 is undoubtedly the show where we are launching the most new products ever.

Will you be using the show as a launchpad for new ranges?

Yes, and we have been doing this for more than a decade. We use Spring Fair to launch new products each year and typically expand our range, which is usually released during the Autumn Fair.

What’s the biggest news on your stand?

This year marks an exciting transformation for Signare. We’re delighted to unveil our latest venture, featuring the launch of a new licensed range for our classic tapestry accessories.

However, the true star of our showcase is the introduction of our eco-friendly art pashmina, crafted entirely from recyclable materials. These luxuriously soft pashminas are set to make a significant impact in 2024, symbolising Signare’s bold step towards becoming a green brand. Each intricate art pattern is thoughtfully designed, and you’ll also discover matching bags.

It’s not just a fashion statement; it’s a commitment to sustainability and style. Visit our stand to explore the harmonious blend of elegance and environmental consciousness that defines the new face of Signare!

“This year marks an exciting transformation for Signare”

What hot trends have you spotted for 2024?

We’ve spotted a resurgence of classic and timeless designs. In contrast to a decade dominated by undelightful street fashion, we’re witnessing a notable shift back to styles that stand the test of time.

Particularly since mid-2023, our clientele has seen a significant increase from the heritage and museum sectors, diverging from traditional fashion boutiques. This signals a notable change in consumer interest, leaning towards telling stories about designs rather than being solely focused on brand narratives. We anticipate that the marvellous Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts designs of accessories will soon experience a flourishing renaissance.

Vanessa Curry

Managing Director Best Kept Secrets Hall 4, Stand B36 Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

Best Kept Secrets is now in its 28th year and it feels like we’ve been exhibiting at Spring Fair for almost as long! It’s always a great show for us, and I’m so looking forward to coming back so we can showcase our new products, fragrances, and do what we do best: talk to our customers and sell our candles.

What can visitors expect to find on your stand?

As always, we will be there with the full range of our joyous, sparkly, occasion-focused home fragrance products, but I’m particularly excited about the launch of our new Luminescent collection, as well as the introduction of four new fragrances, which we think our customers will love.

Visitors will, as always, find our team ready to welcome them and share their passion for the brand. One of the reasons we’ve been so successful over the years is the fact that we understand retail, and work closely with our retailers to deliver retail solutions that enable them to sell our products and bring joy to their customers.

Customer service is at the heart of all we do, so we work incredibly hard to be the best supplier - and visitors will see this in action when they visit our stand.

“I’m particularly excited about our Luminescent collection”

Will you be using the show as a launchpad for new ranges?

Absolutely. We will be launching what is set to be a highlight of our S/S 2024 collection: the Luminescent Collection, which features a brand-new vessel design and stunning, sustainable candles in a new decorative glass with a stylish ombre effect. These vessels are set to become statement pieces in any home, offering a touch of luxury without the premium price tag.

What hot trends have you spotted for 2024?

For us, it is all about quality gifting under £10. Best Kept Secrets remains steadfast in its commitment to providing exceptional quality, affordable prices, and sustainable practices.

We are dedicated to making eco-conscious choices and ethical production processes, as we continue to innovate by introducing home fragrance collections that remain under £10.

Gifts Today 65

RETAIL INTERVIEW

Something Special

A very special

anniversary Karen Ebers, owner of Something Special in Edenbridge, shares the story of her Kent gift shop business, which celebrates its silver jubilee this year What’s your background?

My early career was in the hotel industry but I’ve also worked in real estate and at an early years nursery. I also supported my husband when he had two high street greengrocers when my children were pre-school age; I took a career break to stay at home and look after them.

Tell us a bit about Something Special.

My father, his partner and her son opened Something Special when my youngest daughter was about to start school, so I asked if there was a part-time position available. Over the years, the original three owners have subsequently moved on, resulting in me now owning the business.

Something Special launched in 1994 in the Surrey town of Oxted, and a second branch followed in the Kent town of Edenbridge (which is

Top 5 Best Sellers 1. Jellycat plush 2. Allsorted children’s books 3. East of India Porcelain Hearts 4. Ashleigh & Burwood Scented Home Reed Diffusers 5. Pioneer Europe helium balloons 66 Gifts Today

seven miles away) in 1999: both on the high street, measuring 120sq m and 115sq m respectively.

We sold the Oxted shop in 2004, and will have been trading in Edenbridge for 25 years in October 2024.

Describe your gift range.

We stock a diverse range of adult mid-priced gifts including home fragrance, gifts with sentiment, gifts to mark life events, jewellery, stationery, small leather goods, scarves, photo frames, mugs and socks.

Over recent years we’ve changed our focus, concentrating on children’s games, toys, books and plush. Adult gifting has diminished, with gift ‘experiences’ and vouchers becoming ever more popular.

“I keep my eyes peeled for inspiration whenever I’m out and about, whether shopping or on holiday!”

Our key suppliers include Jellycat, East of India, Joe Davies, Widdop and Co., Galt, Usborne Books, Life Charms, Allsorted, Ashleigh & Burwood, Inside Out Toys, Pioneer Europe, and Depesche, to name but a few.

I always attend Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, read the trade press avidly, and have good relationships with many reps and agents, having spent almost 30 years in the industry.

I also visit other exhibitions such as Toy Fair, Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, London Stationery Show and the Speciality & Fine Food Fair.

In addition, I’m on the judging panel for the Gift of the Year Awards, which presents a wide and varied selection of products to me to judge, many yet to be launched to market. I also keep my eyes

peeled for inspiration whenever I’m out and about, whether shopping or on holiday!

When choosing items to stock, the questions I always ask myself are: would it appeal to my core customers? Is it affordable? Does it offer value for money? And is it nicely presented/well packaged?

How’s trading for you?

The past 12 months have been hard work. Sales are steady, but overheads and the cost of goods have gone up. Margins are being eroded and that’s not going to change.

The public’s shopping habits have altered since Covid - footfall is down. The customers we see are spending well, but it would be nice to see a few more people supporting their local high street.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

I enjoy hearing all the positive comments from our customers. We are regularly told what a lovely shop we have.

And the most challenging?

Making time for me! Having your own business can easily be a 24/7 job. However, it’s important to step back, take time out, and have a life outside work as my husband keeps reminding me!

Plan your big day

Product Focus Giftable Stationery

Personalised Memento Company

The joy of journalling Museums & Galleries Inspired by its growing expertise with organic cotton, the design and production and marketing teams at Museums & Galleries (M&G) decided to marry textiles with stationery to create a new premium range of cloth-bound Journals.

Around A5 in size, the journals have hardback covers wrapped in printed organic cotton, rounded corners, ribbon bookmarks, and contain a substantial block of 240 lined pages. The bindings are smyth-sewn, which allows the journals to lie flat without bending the spine. Colour or foil paper edging completes the luxurious look and feel.

There are eight titles in the initial launch: three from the V&A, and one each from Matthew Williamson, the Natural History Museum, the British Museum, Catherine Rowe, and Helen Ahpornsiri for Wild Press.

All are proven hero designs across M&G’s portfolio. You can see the new journals on M&G’s stand at Spring Fair, along with refreshes of existing journals and notebook ranges.

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

This Personalised Floral Watercolour Wedding Planner from Personalised Memento Company (PMC) is a great way to keep on track and stress-free during the wedding planning process. It’s filled with useful pages for the special day, from the initial wedding planning all the way up to the honeymoon, and includes checklists, wedding essentials, and notes pages.

The Planner is part of PMC’s floral wedding range, which offers matching guest books, photo albums, and more. With a growing range of on-trend giftware and selling solutions to suit all retailers, there has never been a better time to sell personalised gifts.

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

Elegant memento Exacompta Clairefontaine

These new Ringflower Photo Albums make perfect wedding or anniversary gifts. With a circular window and elegant gold foiling, they seamlessly blend sophistication and sentiment.

The window offers a captivating preview of a cherished photo, creating a timeless and personalised keepsake, while the gold foiling and leather-effect paper add a touch of luxury.

Meticulously crafted, the albums celebrate the beauty of shared moments and serve as a joyous reminder of love and commitment. A choice of hard bound (29x32cm) or screw bound (37x29cm) formats are available, in a selection of white or latte colours.

For stationery lovers Meg Hawkins Art

Meg Hawkins Art will launch luxury notebooks, jotters, keychains and magnets at Spring Fair.

Featuring the unique watercolour designs of award-winning artist Meg Hawkins, this brand-new giftable stationery collection has been created with the brand’s commitment to offering quality, sustainable, design-led gifts.

The range will appeal to consumers year-round, with gift solutions for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, and thank you presents for teachers. Coupled with POS and retail solutions, the company invites you to talk to the team and discover the collection at Spring Fair.

Call: 07811 672460 | Email: hello@meghawkinsart.co.uk Visit: www.meghawkinsltd.com

Call: 01553 696600 | Email: sales@exaclair.co.uk Visit: www.exaclairlimited.com

Noted!

Santoro

The new Gorjuss Whatever the Weather collection from Santoro features an extensive range of giftable stationery. Each charming item is designed with intricate artwork and embellishments relating to two new Gorjuss girls: Ray of Light and Little Storm Cloud.

Luxury journals boast protective hard covers with 200 lined foil edged pages, and a faux leather strap closure for that extra special touch of privacy.

Stationery sets come gift-ready inside a reusable ziplock plastic pouch with iridescent foil detailing, and include a planner notepad, memo pad, paper tape, and black ink needlepoint pen.

Email: sales@santoro-london.com Visit: www.santoro-london.com Gifts Today 67

Product Focus At Home

Flower

power Enesco

Offering a touch of luxury

Best Kept Secrets At Spring Fair, the home fragrance brand Best Kept Secrets will launch what is set to be a highlight of its Spring/Summer 2024 collection: the Luminescent Collection.

This on-trend candle range features a brand-new vessel design: a new decorative glass with a stylish ombre effect.

The Collection features four new fragrances, which will appeal year-round to retail. As with all Best Kept Secrets products, the range comes with a number of retail solutions to suit retailers of all sizes.

Best Kept Secrets remains committed to providing exceptional quality, affordable prices, and sustainable practices, and this new home fragrance collection from the brand remains under £10.

The Luminescent Collection is set to become statement pieces in any home, offering a touch of luxury without the premium price tag.

Call: 01670 512222 | Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Visit: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

High tea Camal Enterprises

Iconic Disney characters are featured on this limited edition handmade and hand decorated tea set, which is part of the D100 Collection that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company. Made of real platinum, the set is gift-boxed.

Call: 01782 344900 | Email: sales@camalents.com Visit: www.englishladiesco.com 68 Gifts Today

Inspired by the blooming beauty of Spring, Enesco is proud to present the very latest glass in its Designs by Lolita collection: Pretty as a Peony Wine Glass. This glass encapsulates the essence of delicate floral elegance.

Expected to be another best-seller, it coordinates well with other items from the Lolita collection, while adding to the collectability appeal for customers. Featuring vibrant colours and elegant artistry, it exudes an enchanting spring floral feel, perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any occasion.

Every Lolita glass begins life as a sketch.

The glasses are then blown using traditional techniques and hand-crafted. As all the glasses are made using this method, very slight variations can occur in the thickness of the rim or the weight of the product - all adding to the charm that is a Lolita glass.

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

Coastal charm Joe Davies

The introduction of the delightful Sandy Bay collection from Joe Davies allows you to effortlessly infuse the beachy vibe into your home. This charming range features plaques, photo frames, key hooks and decorative houses.

All items incorporate natural textures such as rope, soft seaside colours (with a touch of red), and tactile weathered wood, as well as traditional seaside elements such as anchors, lighthouses and boats.

These decorative pieces make for perfect home accessories or thoughtful gifts. So bring the coastal charm into your home with the Sandy Bay collection: a seaside escape within arm’s reach!

Buying from Joe Davies is a breeze, thanks to its ‘little and often’ quantities and an exceptionally low minimum order value of just £100 for carriage paid orders.

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

Light up Meg Hawkins Art

The launch of the new homewares and home fragrance collection by Meg Hawkins is widely anticipated in the industry, and Spring Fair is the launchpad for the new products. The brand’s commitment to British-sourced, quality, and sustainability means this is its most hotly anticipated collection launch to date.

The new homewares collection features china mugs, aprons, tea towels, chopping boards, and coasters - all featuring Meg’s watercolour artwork.

The team at Meg Hawkins is particularly excited about the launch of its new home fragrance collection, which features a new on-trend vessel design and comes in a variety of earthy, trending colours for 2024.

Spring Fair will see the launch of new vessels and fragrances in the wellbeing-focused home fragrance collection. You will be able to choose from candles and reed diffusers, which all come with POS and retail solutions to ensure the greatest consumer impact.

Call: 07811 672460 | Email: hello@meghawkinsart.co.uk Visit: www.meghawkinsltd.com

Personalised Memento Company Brand new from Personalised Memento Company (PMC) is this Personalised LOVE Rustic Black Lantern, which features a botanical home design and four lines of free text. Creating a cosy atmosphere in any room with an ambient warm glow and realistic flame effect, this versatile gift can be used for all occasions from celebrating a new home or as a keepsake for a loving couple on their special day. Keep an eye out for the full product range coming soon! Head over to PMC’s website to register for free.

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

Design

debuts Dunoon

Dunoon has introduced fresh designs to its portfolio of mugs, which are made of fine bone china and handcrafted in Staffordshire.

The company has added three designs to its informative collection on the Glencoe mug shape: World of Yoga, World of Skiing and World of Birds. The trio features interesting facts and are illustrated

by Caroline Dadd.

Bird Garden is a set of three designs on Dunoon’s Suffolk shape, which would make a perfect gift. Each mug depicts a collection of garden birds amongst studies of pretty wild flowers - all carefully captured in fine watercolour detail by Jane Fern.

Blue Seas is a set of two seascapes on Dunoon’s Cairngorm shape. Each mug features scenes of calm blue sea with colourful fishing boats, both captured in artist Vega’s inimitable style.

Finally, Hanging Out is a set of two quirky designs on Dunoon’s Cairngorm shape.

It features cute cats and dogs having fun in the garden on wash day, in the laundry basket and on the washing line. Both designs are illustrated by Kate Mawdsley.

Call: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk Visit: www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Gifts Today 69

Product Focus Male & Father’s Day

Boys’ own Father’s Day is a big event in the occasions calendar - and this year it falls on Sunday June 16. It’s a holiday honouring dads, grandpas, father-figures, and paternal bonds.

But there are also lots of other opportunities for your customers to celebrate their favourite chaps. So plan ahead with a choice of gifts to spoil first-class males!

Strut

smart!

Flying high Exacompta Clairefontaine Elevate Father’s Day with the charm of Flying Spirit Notebooks. Radiating timeless sophistication, the Clairefontaine Flying Spirit notebook is a unique Father’s Day gift, seamlessly blending vintage elegance with creative inspiration.

Poetical illustrations grace the interior of the lambskin leather covers, available in a choice of colours including a smooth black or white, aged beige leather, and glossy cognac leather.

Beyond a simple notebook, it becomes a canvas for ideas with 90 sheets of Clairefontaine’s premium ivory, PEFC-certified 90gsm brushed vellum paper.

Each notebook features a ribbon bookmark and is presented in a Kraft gift box, elevating your father’s writing or sketching experience with a touch of refined charm that embodies both assurance and a sense of enduring style.

Call: 01553 696600 | Email: sales@exaclair.co.uk Visit: www.exaclairlimited.com

Crafty accessories Joe Davies

At walking stick specialist Classic Canes, great emphasis is placed on ensuring that practical walking aids are also smart accessories. This makes them thoughtful and useful gifts.

Managing director Charlotte Gillan explains: “Many people who need a cane find the hospital-style sticks a bit dispiriting and are reluctant to use them. This is often where friends or family step in with a gift of a beautiful walking stick that reflects the user’s personal sense of style.”

Pictured is Classic Canes’ best-selling beech derby cane with a carved spiral decoration, which is suitable for everyday use and yet elegant enough for the smartest occasions.

Men are notoriously difficult to buy for, but the Equilibrium for Men collection from Joe Davies has this covered, with a contemporary range of leather jewellery for men meticulously crafted to complement any outfit.

The subtle fusion of leather and intricate design achieves a flawless equilibrium for all ages and tastes and is the perfect Father’s Day gift. Whether you seek a straightforward woven leather bracelet, or a multi-bracelet featuring various styles for a stylish wrist stack, there’s something for you.

Call: 01460 75686 | Email: info@classiccanes.co.uk Visit: www.classiccanes.co.uk

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

Classic Canes

70 Gifts Today

Join the stag party Meg Hawkins Art

For buyers looking ahead to Father’s Day, Meg Hawkins has a number of stunning gifts that make the perfect gift solution for retailers.

Inspired by her travels in Scotland, founder and designer Meg Hawkins has created a range featuring stags she photographed on her journey.

Watercolour stag designs can be found on cards, stationery, homeware, clothing and accessories, and bath & body.

With relevant POS and retail solutions to accompany her products, you can discover all Meg Hawkins Art’s Father’s Day gift ideas at Spring Fair.

Call: 07811 672460 Email: hello@meghawkinsart.co.uk Visit: www.meghawkinsltd.com

A finishing touch Miss Milly

Following a drop in popularity during lockdowns, cufflinks are enjoying a resurgence - and Miss Milly offers a capsule collection of resin designs.

In striking, bold colours, there are two styles: a circular design and an oval one. They come in four colours with different finishes, from classic marbled to eye-catching aluminium foil and fabric, as well as a tin foil scratched effect.

The new cufflinks co-ordinate with colours from the S/S season and also into A/W. They are presented in a silver gift box to tie in with Miss Milly branding, and can be purchased individually or as a set of eight for a lower price.

If you’ve not yet taken the plunge with Miss Milly, the minimum order is only £100 and the company will happily put together a starter package for you.

Call: 01905 622509 | Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk

Eye up Opticaid A new arrival from Opticaid which will appeal to any gadget lover is the innovative Eyeslide reading glasses.

These super slim lightweight readers feature a very clever lightweight case. Together, the readers and case weigh only 26 grams, so they are a great solution for on the go reading.

The case has a side button mechanism so, with just one motion, your glasses slide out of the case. However, the frames remain protected and secure even when held upside down!

Eyeslide is ideal for popping in your pocket and even comes with a 3M adhesive strip so the case can be attached to your phone case. The glasses feature a strong stainless steel arm and BlueVue anti-glare lenses - ideal for looking at screens.

Eyeslide is available in three best-selling colourways and five reading strengths. Opticaid also offers a retail counter display stand that holds 30 pieces.

Call: 0113 239 1400 | Email: sales@opticaid.net | Visit: www.opticaid.net

Liquid asset Personalised Memento Company Presented in a silk lined presentation box, these personalised hip flasks from Personalised Memento Company (PMC) are available in a variety of designs. Add your own special message or the recipient’s name, to make a unique gift for Father’s Day that shows your dad or grandad how thankful you are for all that he does. Visit PMC’s trade website today to register for your account and get started.

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

Fashion & function Paul Oliver Designs

Paul Oliver Designs is a British luxury lifestyle brand, offering classic men’s accessories fused with contemporary accents.

New for Spring is a functional range of silicon wash bags, which include an oversized nylon zip fastening and a generous compartment for essentials. Plus, they’re waterrepellent, so you can rinse them inside and out. They look cool, and are made with a super lightweight material, which means they are easy to pack into your sports bag or for weekends away.

Paul Oliver Designs also has a collection of vegan leather washbags, messengers, backpacks, and gifting accessories perfect for Father’s Day or any other occasion. And joining the range this Spring is a Train Case crafted in vegan leather which boasts a generous compartment with partitions and pockets to keep everything organised.

Call: 0121 459 9777 Email: orders@fmgsales.co.uk Visit: www.fmgtrade.co.uk

Gifts Today 71

Gifts Today

SHOP TALK Retailers share their Spring Fair hopes, expectations, and suggestions to help you make the most out of your visit to the Birmingham trade show

Bill Nettelfield Joint Owner Bill & Bert’s Colchester, Essex

What do you enjoy about the show?

It’s the first real chance of the year to catch up with our suppliers - and there’s nowhere better than trade shows to find new lines and companies so we can keep Bill & Bert’s looking fresh and inviting for our customers.

What are you keen to see?

We go to all the shows with very open minds as to what we might find to keep the range in our shop exciting. But food gifting is a huge growing market, so we will be on the lookout within this area.

Which stands are on your must-visit list?

Last year we found Pinns trousers [Perfection Clothing], which have proved great sellers. So we will be looking forward to seeing if they have anything new.

What’s your favourite Spring Fair ‘discovery’?

Reordering from The Little Dog Laughed last year was great; it’s such a lovely company. Also last year we had a great time on the Pachamama and Powder Design stands.

Lindsey Scott-Walker Owner Feather Robins Gifts,Northampton

Which stands are on your must-visit list?

My Doris. I increased their jewellery offering last summer and it’s been well-received by customers in-store - and is incredibly popular online. The collections are real statement pieces which are great fun, with a good price point. The quirkiness totally encompasses the essence of Feather Robins Gifts.

What’s your favourite Spring Fair ‘discovery’?

I stumbled across Chic Antique and knew instantly that it was a brand I needed to stock. The room sets were inspiring and made it too easy to buy their collections!

Anything else you are looking forward to at Spring Fair?

I’m thrilled to be a judge of The Gift of the Year Awards, and I’m looking forward to seeing the shortlist of entries that will be on display. It will be exciting to be part of the live round of judging that takes place at the show. It will also be great to put faces to names with many of the brands I’ve been working with.

I’m always hunting for new trends and brands that I think will be perfect for my shop and customers. There’s no better place than the Spring Fair for this!

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Claire Hembrough

Owner Strawberry Blue and Collectable @ Strawberry Blue Bradford-On-Avon, Wiltshire What do you enjoy about the show?

After the madness of Christmas, it’s a good chance to get inspired for the Spring season and plan for next Christmas while it’s still fresh in your mind. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new suppliers and to reconnect with existing ones too.

Which stands are on your must-visit list?

Musts are Gallery Direct (Art Marketing) for home and interiors, Ancient Mariner for unique furniture (they also do great water pots!), Peace of Mind (PoM) for jewellery and fashion accessories, and Heathcote & Ivory for the best hand creams.

What’s your favourite Spring Fair ‘discovery’?

Sassy Shop Wax and their gorgeous whipped soaps (who knew it was a thing?) and The Bottled Baking Co’s doggy treat mixes.

Anything else you are looking forward to at Spring Fair?

I always look forward to getting away for a few nights with my friend [and fellow retailer] Kris, owner of Cadeaux & Co in Wells, Somerset. We used to work together at Vinegar Hill in a former life! It’s good to talk shop over dinner and put the world to rights.

I’m also a judge again for The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards, in between getting in at least one talk from the Inspiring Retail Stage. And, if I’ve got time, I love to watch the Moda catwalk show. It takes me back to my Next fashion roots (another former life).

Karen Carter

Giftware and Seasonal Purchasing Manager Woodlands Garden Centre Sevenoaks, Kent What do you enjoy about the show?

I love to see my suppliers showcasing their products, and see a whole host of new suppliers exhibiting products that may catch my eye, to hopefully diversify our gift offering.

I can see firsthand the upcoming trends, and it’s good to see my reps en masse, as sometimes the show is the only time I get to meet them in person.

What are you keen to see?

The Country Candle Co. stand. I stock Stoneglow Candles and Best Kept Secrets and have been looking for a while to stock a range to run alongside.

Jellycat is always a fabulous stand and we’ve been lucky enough to have recently opened an account with them. We have an introductory range, so I can’t wait to see more of their quirky and innovative soft toys.

Which other stands are on your must-visit list?

Kaemingk, Sifcon International, Heaven Sends, Joe Davies and Widdop & Co., to name a few, but I will also spend some time looking for some potential new suppliers.

The Gift of the Year Awards area will be especially interesting this year as I’m a judge!

And the New Product showcase allows you to see products from across all sectors before they hit the stores, which is useful when thinking ahead for new in-store launches, displays and promos.

What’s your favourite Spring Fair ‘discovery’?

Undoubtedly Accessories by Park Lane. Price point is spot on, and no matter how much stock I order, it never seems to be enough.

When the girls are merchandising a new delivery on the shop floor, the customers are like bees around honey! The brand also runs well alongside our other fashion suppliers: D&X, Equilibrium and Katie Loxton.

Bryony Taylor-Edwards

Head of Marketing & Home, Gift & Fashion Buyer Yarnton Home & Garden Oxfordshire What do you enjoy about the show?

Spring Fair is a brilliant show to kick off the buying season. It’s certainly a fair that you have to spend a lot of time at, as some of those special finds take a while to find.

I use it to pre-order with existing suppliers, and I enjoy seeing and touching ranges in person. I also always leave with a few undiscovered gems.

Which stands are on your must-visit list?

I love to see all the books from Bookspeed and touch all the Jellycats. I will certainly be looking to see any new toy collections from House of Marbles and various other suppliers.

What’s your favourite Spring Fair ‘discovery’?

Probably the stone bath mats with writing or imagery on from Artsy Mats. They have been a great seller for us. Who knew towelling bath mats were a thing of the past?!

Greg Rose

Co-owner Maybugs Three stores in East Sussex: Hailsham, Eastbourne, Bexhill What do you enjoy about the show?

New brands and new products are the most exciting things about the show. Yes, we visit all the brands we already trade with, but not knowing what lies around the corner to be discovered is a lot of fun.

What are you keen to see?

We’re looking to expand our range of clothing, so we can’t wait to get stuck into an area which we haven’t really ventured into previously.

Which stands are on your must-visit list?

Widdop & Co., Langs, and Candlelight, as they are all very key to the core of our business. We also like visiting the jewellery stands, as a picture never does the smaller items justice.

What’s your favourite Spring Fair ‘discovery’?

Accessories By Park Lane. They have grown with us as a brand, as we have grown too. They have supported us so much, and we love the new collection launches each season.

Anything else you are looking forward to at Spring Fair?

It’s always nice to have a few days away for the business following the Christmas madness, to regroup and plan for the year ahead.

Jean Grant

Head of Product Find Me a Gift website

What do you enjoy about the show?

I like the anticipation of seeing something new and exciting.

Just like when I used to manage retail stores and got so much enjoyment out of opening up deliveries of new product, I get the same feeling when going to a trade show: what will I discover?

What will work on our site? Could I find the next big thing?

I enjoy meeting our strong supplier base: catching up, having oneon-one chats with our contacts (something that it is difficult to carve out time for otherwise), hearing industry gossip, and reminiscing… But overall, I like improving communication with suppliers and coming away feeling we can improve our business - for both them and us.

Georgia Burness & Libby Holden Manager & Owner Lovely Libby’s, Rayleigh, Essex & The Olive Branch, Billericay Essex

What do you enjoy about the show?

Spring Fair is definitely up there as one of our favourite shows. We usually go to Harrogate Christmas & Gift to do the bulk of our Christmas buying, so for us Spring Fair is all about the summer season, which puts us in a super positive mood!

It’s also the first time in the new year that we see the majority of our regular suppliers, such as Joe Davies, Widdop & Co., and Lesser & Pavey. We always enjoy seeing all the new goodies on offer - as well as having a chat over a glass of fizz!

What are you keen to see?

Spring Fair is going to be an even bigger show for us this year. We recently took on The Olive Branch in Billericay, after the owner Tracy [Libby’s mum] took the decision to retire after 25 years. So, this is the first year we will be collectively buying for both shops.

We will be excited to see all the new Christmas collections and trends in their entirety. Our favourite brand for Christmas (actually, for all seasonal occasions) is Giftware Trading. Their ceramic decorations have been bestsellers for us year after year, and we repeat order every Christmas on some of their decorations - special shout-out to their chubby ceramic reindeer family, which both shops have stocked since about 2019! We sold out AGAIN by midDecember at Lovely Libby’s.

Tracy actually decided not to order them for The Olive Branch as we had stocked them for so many years, but customers were specifically asking for them, so they’ll definitely be on our wish list for Christmas 2024. We also can’t wait to see what new bits they have; they never fail us!

Which other stands are on your must-visit list?

If we’re entirely honest, apart from our regular supplies, we choose which stands to visit based on what catches our eyes the most.

We don’t tend to study the exhibitor list too closely. Our approach is: if it stands out to us in the flesh, it’s going to stand out to the customer too.

We absolutely love finding little gems from smaller companies. It helps to fine-tune our collection and enables us to stand out as a destination full of unique and quirky gifts that you might not see anywhere else.

In terms of go-to suppliers, we’re looking forward to seeing Langs. Their products really do make up the bulk of our collections all year round, so we spend a lot of time on their stand.

We love the way everything is laid out cohesively within their specific collections. It’s almost like each section tells a story, which in turn is much more appealing and enticing from a customer perspective. You can see how much thought goes into designing the products to sit perfectly alongside each other.

From a retailer’s perspective, it’s great for allowing yourself to imagine how you’re going to integrate and display the pieces when they arrive in-store - much more than if each product was just lined up on a shelf.

Anything else you are looking forward to at Spring Fair?

Since Spring Fair is our first show of the year, we are eager to go and get started on buying for the months ahead. It sets the tone for the year, and gets us aligned and organised in the shop.

Of course, we’re also looking forward to meeting up with retailers and suppliers alike for a good old catch-up. As the saying goes, work hard, play hard!

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Gifts Today

SHOP TALK Sally Wilde

Owner Planet Sal Honiton, Devon

What do you enjoy about the show?

After a long period of thinking, talking, panicking, and dreaming about Christmas stock, it’s great to start the new season buying at Spring Fair. It’s a time to share what’s working and what isn’t with other lovely retailers, and catch up with valued suppliers.

Spring Fair is the big launch for new products and I have an added interest this year, as I’m massively honoured to have been chosen as a Gift Of The Year Awards judge.

What are you keen to see?

I always enjoy rushing to the Dolphin Minerals stand as soon as I get through the door. They have limited stock to choose from, so the early birds win! I do so well with their range.

House of Disaster always has an exciting display and Moomins are continuous sellers for me. Talking Tables is another must, along with Lisa Angel jewellery. But all my suppliers work so hard on new products and their displays.

Suzanne Chapman Owner & Founder Much Love Gifting website

What do you enjoy about the show?

I enjoy seeing all the newness and finding that hidden gem… the next big thing! Some of the exhibitors are already my suppliers, and in most cases, I would have seen anything new before the show.

It’s also a great opportunity to catch up with people, network, and hear about what’s working well and not so well in the industry.

What are you keen to see?

I always enjoy going on the Jellycat stand. As a huge fan (along with my daughter!), I can literally spend hours looking at their new characters. The range of product they offer, and the ‘collectability’ of the range, is so interesting. It’s such a commercial product range and can fit in with most retail environments, attracting all ages.

Anything else you are looking forward to at Spring Fair?

Getting a break from the day-to-day running of an online gift business is always a treat. It’s a chance to have a change of scene, meet up with old friends, and hopefully meet new ones!

And I always find the Trend Talks of great interest, as I think it’s important to keep your finger on the pulse. Even if it’s a product or style that doesn’t fit your business model, it’s important to be aware of new trends on the horizon - and Spring Fair is the perfect platform for this.

What’s your favourite Spring Fair ‘discovery’?

Kingsley Ryan body piercing jewellery. I’ve increased the range massively, as it does so well.

I knew nothing about the category, so initially some of it made me a bit queasy thinking about it all!

I only have my ears pierced, so it took a while to get used to customers chatting about their belly, tongue and nipple piercing experiences.

Now I find it all fascinating (some elaborate ear-piercing jewellery becomes a work of art), and customers never have any problems with Kingsley Ryan’s products.

Anything else you are looking forward to at Spring Fair?

A change of scene away from the shop is always good, and I love to meet up with past colleagues and customers from my repping days. But my judging role is going to be the very best part this year - although I know it will be a very tough task.

Jo Williams

Owner/Director Joco Nuneaton, Warwickshire What do you enjoy about the show?

The size and variety of suppliers. It’s local to us, so we go for a number of days to ensure we cover everything. Having visited for several years, I know where things are located - and that makes navigating the halls much easier.

What are you keen to see?

Home fragrance stands such as Freckleface, Heyland & Whittle, The English Soap Company and Ashleigh & Burwood. Also, Edge Sculpture because seeing their products in the flesh makes you appreciate the work that goes into what they create; and McGowan & Rutherford to see their quirky home interior accessories, which we are well known for bringing to our customers - and this is something set to increase this year.

Anything else you are looking forward to at Spring Fair?

I’m looking forward to seeing other retailers I’ve met over the years, and meeting my fellow Gift of the Year judges for the final stage of this year’s Awards. I also enjoy visiting the Inspiring Retail Stage presentations.

But the main reason I enjoy visiting the show is because I get a chance to see all the wonderful new products that I can bring to my customers. I like to see new up-and-coming brands and support them on their journey, as well as my loyal suppliers which I’ve used since starting out in 2015.

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Priya AuroraCrowe Director Lark London 19 stores across London

What do you enjoy about the show?

I love how big the show is! You never know what you are going to find regarding brands, and we always find new little gems here, rather than at other shows during the year.

What are you keen to see?

I’m really looking forward to seeing what newness Sass & Belle will be showcasing. Their stand is always a highlight with their vibrant displays and alcohol slushies!

Which other stands are on your must-visit list?

Sifcon and Paddywax candles, as their amount of newness is always surprising.

What’s your favourite Spring Fair ‘discovery’?

I discovered a brand last year called Tallon. I love working with them and order regularly. They have fantastically priced gift bags and Christmas card packs. They also provide great stationery that our shops always need.

Anything else you are looking forward to at Spring Fair?

I’m looking forward to having inspiration for new trends for 2024, and bouncing off Nilou and Terry from our sister shop Jumping Bean to find the new hottest product.

It’s really nice to focus on just the buying side of the business rather then the overall running of the shops, which normally takes over my working week. Buying is my favourite part of the business - and coming to shows is the highlight of having shops to be honest!

Samantha Gibbs Owner Nest Three stores in Leicestershire: Stoneygate, Thurlaston, Stoughton Grange

What do you enjoy about the show?

There’s no better way to see new products than in the ‘flesh’. I buy far more than when I’m looking at the same products online. I love accessing the quality, and building a relationship with the brand.

What are you keen to see?

For the first couple of days, I specifically look for new ranges and new companies; for the last couple, I look at new ranges from existing companies.

Which stands are on your must-visit list?

Professor Puzzle, Gift Republic, Jellycat, Talking Tables, The Somerset Toiletry Co., Forever England, and Designworks.

Then I want to have a good look at Suck UK and Kikkerland.

What’s your favourite Spring Fair ‘discovery’?

Last year it was Forever England which has been a lovely new addition for us.

Anything else you are looking forward to at Spring Fair?

I will specifically make time for the Inspiring Retail Stage and listen to a handful of interesting presentations.

Tracey Blenkin

Retail Manager and Buyer The Alnwick Garden Gift Shop and Lilidorei Gift Shop Alnwick, Northumberland What do you enjoy about the show?

I like to explore all the new trends that the show brings. Spring Fair is diverse, with a great atmosphere, and is a great destination for new suppliers and unique products.

There is a vast variety of traders - some new and some old - but both with great products for the coming seasons. It takes a good few days to look around because the venue is big, but it flows well.

“I will be looking at more sustainable products to join our ranges in both shops” What are you keen to see?

I will be looking at more sustainable products to join our ranges in both shops. So, any ecofriendly products that are toxic-free and make our homes and gardens safer are what I’ll be searching for, as we are aware that people have become increasingly conscious of the impact their choices have on the environment when buying from us.

Which stands are on your must-visit list?

Gisela Graham is a definite for me. Last year their Christmas range was a massive hit with all our visitors. Their Gingerbread ranges were exquisite, and I can’t wait to see their ranges for 2024.

Also, I’m looking forward to seeing Nemesis Now. We’re doing ‘Year of The Poison’ in The Alnwick Garden this year, and their ranges will sit perfectly in the shop. The products are stunning and very reasonably priced. From skulls to goblets, it will be great to get some on our shelves.

Nicola Scarff

Director Noah Home & Gift Boutique Silverburn Shopping Centre and Braehead Shopping Centre, Glasgow

What do you enjoy about the show?

Spring Fair is an event that I look forward to every year. It’s the perfect time to take a ‘break’ after a busy trading period, and focus on our business and its product ranges.

I love the thrill of discovering new brands that I know our customers will adore. The seminars are also a great source of inspiration and help get new ideas flowing.

“I love the thrill of discovering new brands that I know our customers will adore” What are you keen to see?

Thanks to an introduction by our lovely local agent, we recently started stocking Joe Davies products. We’re thrilled with the positive response from our customers, and are excited to explore the range further to select additional gift ideas.

Which other stands are on your must-visit list?

We’re keen to see the latest offerings from East of India, Best Kept Secrets, and Langs.

What’s your favourite Spring Fair ‘discovery’?

We were particularly impressed with the range of LED decorations from Light Style London in 2022. Unfortunately, we didn’t order them due to lack of space, but I always regretted it. Last year, we stocked them for Christmas, and they were a huge hit.

Sarah Halsall Owner Hand Picked by Henrietta Poynton, Cheshire

What do you enjoy about the show?

It’s the biggest show of the year which I attend, and there’s always plenty to see. I like catching up with suppliers and new product launches.

What are you keen to see?

I like to smell new fragrances. We stock Fern and Eau Lovely from Enesco, and Wild Olive, so I will be checking out their new scents.

It’s just impossible to do this via the internet or catalogues. Fragrance is so personal but it’s fine detail like this that sets you apart from the competition. I will also be looking for under £20 gifts with sentiment.

“It’s always great to spot new brands”

Which other stands are on your must-see list?

Jellycat and the greeting cards hall are musts.

What’s your favourite Spring Fair ‘discovery’?

There have been many over the years! It’s always great to spot new brands.

Anything else you are looking forward to at Spring Fair?

I’ve not had a chance to see many of the stage presentations in the past.

I’m definitely going to try to make time to stop and listen. There’s always something to learn.

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