Gifts Today July 2019

Gifts Today Month: July 2019 Issue: 7 Volume: 30

Gift's Today Front Cover May 19.pdf 1 13/06/2019 14:59:03

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- The UK’s leading supplier of Personalised Gifts for 15 years -

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Gifts Today

Contents

Regulars

July 2019

5 8 14 16

Message from the editor News Licensing news Exhibition news

p 30

Cover Story 26 Ashleigh & Burwood The home fragrance experts introduce The Heritage Collection, bringing the character of a bygone era into the modern age with fragrances created to infuse the home with a sense of pure luxury

Retail 36 Sophie Conran

head of the interior designer and author’s A appearance at Home & Gift, Sally Norton caught up with her to talk colour, design and the trends she thinks are going to be big in the gift, interior and tableware worlds this year

42 Trade Talk

Gifts Today team

p 14

Editor

Leading figures talk trends, consumer confidence and, of course, Home & Gift

50 Retailers’ Panel

Sally Norton sally@lemapublishing.co.uk

Jodi Lee Laverty, owner of Mr Benn’s Emporium in New Radnor, Powys, shares the story of her new business and her excitement at joining the gift industry. And new members of our Panel – from Suffolk, Leicestershire, Hertfordshire, Dorset and South Yorkshire tell us what sells well for them and what makes their fabulous shops so special

Advertisement Manager

Mark Horsnell markh@lemapublishing.co.uk

New Business Sales

Marian McNamara marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

Layout/Design

Rick Vickers rickv@lemapublishing.co.uk

p 26

Managing Director

Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

30 Preview

e catch up with some key exhibitors to learn W what they’ll be unveiling at the show

62 InStyle

Production Director

Jewellery and fashion accessories to discover at the show

Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Chairman

Special Features

Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

24 Dofta

p 50

We introduce this Swedish lifestyle company to the UK and discover why the company is such a breath of fresh air!

78 New products Fabulous new ranges from leading giftware companies

Opinion

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

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

p 36

22 The Insights People 28 Ross Hewitt’s social media

The Luna collection offers opulent textures and luxury materials, combined with sumptuous perfumes for a decadent fragrance experience. A new fragrance for Autumn 2019, Velvet Gardenia & Tuberose. Intoxicating and enticing floral notes of tuberose, warmed with vanilla and sweet patchouli, mingling with fresh rose petals and velvety gardenia.

$: $GYHUW [ 9 LQGG

p62

Message from the Editor www.gifts-today.co.uk

I

always know summer’s just around the corner when I started preparing the July issue of Gifts Today – our bumper Home & Gift issue. Our preview starts on page 30 and I’m already looking forward to heading to beautiful Harrogate to catch up with friends in the gift industry. As show director Louise Morris told me, ‘Home & Gift is unlike any other trade show and that’s why it is loved by the industry.

Not only is it the perfect time to secure orders for the most important retail season, but it is also where the industry comes together and relationships are celebrated.’ So true.

Every exhibitor I’ve spoken to while preparing this issue seems to be looking forward to the show. ‘Harrogate is special for so many reasons and the sum is much more than its part; it’s less frenetic than the NEC, it’s independent focussed, in a great location, the weather is (usually) with you and everyone always seems to be very happy,’ says Paul Hooker, commercial director at Joe Davies. The company – along with Harrogate’s Bettys tearoom – are celebrating their 100th anniversary at the show this year and I, for one, will definitely be toasting their success with a glass of prosecco on their stand.

Retailers love the show, too. Caroline Boydell, owner of Hugs & Kisses in Wolverhampton, first attended some thirty years ago and, when asked what she enjoys about the show, had a long list for me. ‘It’s the mix of companies, new and old, the place and the people... it’s so, so good for networking’.

Talking of retailers, make sure you head over to page 50 for our three-page Retailers’ Panel feature, as there are so many great stories to discover. I love Jodi Lee Laverty’s sheer enthusiasm about the gift industry, and the story behind her new business in New Radnor, Powys.

I was also pleased to discover how useful she finds this magazine. ‘Gifts Today is really helpful for finding out how the industry works and connecting with potential suppliers,’ she told me.

Instagram: @giftstodaysally I’m always on the look out for new members of our Retailers’ Panel – it’s free to join. Just drop me an email on sally@lemapublishing.co.uk if you’d like your business to be featured in the magazine. I’d love to hear from you.

On page 26, we catch up with our cover stars Ashleigh & Burwood who will be unveiling The Heritage Collection at the show. This new range has been designed to bring the character of a bygone era into the modern age, and I can’t wait to head over to see the range on display at the show. Hopefully I’ll see you there!

I also enjoyed my chat with interior designer and author Sophie Conran. The daughter of Habitat-founder Terence Conran, Sophie visited the show about 25 years ago as a junior buyer and told me she recalled being too shy to talk to any of the suppliers, and just ‘stuffed all the information into my bag and followed it up afterwards’! She’ll be in Harrogate on the Tuesday of the show, talking about ‘Confidence in Colour.’ She’s given Gifts Today readers a sneak peek of the trends she’ll be revealing during her talk – read more on page 36.

Of course, the fab team here at Lema Publishing will be creating the Daily News at the show – the glossy publication that hits the hotel breakfast tables on the first three days.

Visitors can also pick up this must-read on the shuttle buses and at the entrances – do stop to say hello if you spot me racing around the show gathering news and pictures for the next day’s edition. I’d love to see you.

I do hope you enjoy this issue. It’s been fun to put together and I hope you find it useful.

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

p36

‘

Gifts Today is really helpful for finding out how the industry works and connecting with potential suppliers

‘

p30

p56

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News

Enesco’s colour run Enesco staff have brought some colour into their fundraising for Eden Valley Hospice, with a 5k run through foam and paint, raising £400 in the process.

Five women from the gift supplier’s marketing, HR, accounts and warehouse departments - Cara Martin, Claire Binnie, Harriet Armstrong, Sara Wilson and Vicki McAulay - took part in the Carlisle Colour Run organised by the hospice last month and had a bright and vibrant day completing two circuits of the town’s racecourse running five kilometres through foam and paint stations.

GLB acquires Goviers of Sidmouth Global Luxury Brands have acquired the iconic mail order china and giftware business, Goviers of Sidmouth. Simon Willis, owner of GLB and Alan Morgenroth, owner of Goviers of Sidmouth, first met in 1994 when Simon was sales & marketing director of Royal Crown Derby. Over the next 25 years Simon and Alan worked closely together as supplier and customer and also as friends who share a common appreciation for quality products and outstanding customer service.

When Goviers of Sidmouth Simon (left) and Alan shake on the deal moves to Staffordshire in July, GLB intend to continue to support the same high quality brands and hope to provide the knowledgeable and friendly customer service for which Goviers have become renowned. Simon says, ‘We want to carry on the business in the style that has made Goviers what it is today, but will try to inject new ranges where appropriate as well as developing the online business and would welcome discussions with new suppliers.’

Growth for Insights People

GB eye makes a move The leading giftware licensee, GB eye, is expanding its operation by moving premises to accommodate its continuing growth and consolidate its business into one site. Having spent almost 20 years in its current location, the new 40,000ft² site will also house GB eye’s long serving senior management team, comprising of ten people, clocking up an enormous 220 years’ service and experience.

MD Charlie Chester, says: ‘An opportunity arose for us to add extra units to our headquarters, which spurred the decision to consolidate our two sites into one.

The move comes at a time of strong growth and development for the business and we are looking forward to further expanding our services and ranges in the new premises, enabling us to further exceed our customers’ expectations.’

8 Gifts Today

The leading market intelligence company specialising in kids, tweens, teens and parents has made a series of promotions, as well as bringing in four new faces across its UK and US operations as it looks to build on a successful start to 2019.

Jenny Kieras becomes chief operating officer, while Jonathan Watson is promoted to chief product officer, where he will oversee the future development of The Insights People’s award-winning portal and the creation of the 48 insight reports produced each year. Toy and licensing stalwart David Martin joins as chief commercial officer, bringing with him a wealth of experience of the toy and licensing industry and will be responsible for driving further growth.

Expanding the team means the company has outgrown its current Northern Quarter premises, so it is relocating to a new office on Oxford Street in central Manchester. Chief executive Nick Richardson says: ‘These additions and promotions are going to be key in helping us reach our ambitious targets.’

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News Groovy UK eyes growth The wholesale and giftware company has received a £250,000 loan from MEIF Maven Debt Finance to invest in its growth plans and invest in its product portfolio and licensing agreements.

Groovy sources and designs hard-to-get giftware products and supply them to major high street and online retailers. With experience in both designing and manufacturing a mix of original products, Groovy’s clients include the likes of Argos and Harrods. The company’s in-house design team creates its own collections in line with current trends in film, TV and fashion, and has exclusive UK and European distribution rights via licences with popular blue-chip names, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel and Doctor Who. New licences are currently being finalised and set to include other well-known family favourites. Monique Scott, MD at Groovy said: ‘This is an exciting time for the business, and we look forward to working with Maven in the coming years.’

New design talent joins UAL’s ‘not just a shop’ University of the Arts London’s popular retail space ‘not just a shop’, which sells products by students and alumni from the university’s six prestigious arts colleges, has unveiled its latest cohort of designer-makers.

The new designers, sourced through open-calls, are all students and alumni from the university’s six prestigious art colleges (Camberwell College of Arts; Central Saint Martins; Chelsea College of Arts; London College of Communication; London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts). notjustashop.arts.ac.uk

Gemma cease trading After 34 years as a leading licensed greeting card company, the Andover-based licensed greeting card, giftwrap and partyware company has announced it is to cease trading.

‘It is with great regret that I am writing to inform you that Gemma International has announced that it will cease trading,’ said MD Amanda Parkin. ‘The Directors have resolved to put the Company into an insolvency process known as a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation.’

Gemma were set up in 1984 by Lindesay and Margaret Rudd-Clarke, parents to Amanda and licensing director Tim Rudd-Clarke, after they moved on from the toy shops they founded in 1977 and diversified into cards and wrap. They have spent the past year trying to save the company by cutting costs, including significant staff losses, and appointed PwC to try selling the business, but to no avail.

Are you a high street hero?

At the end of July customers will have the opportunity to nominate a shopkeeper, independent business owner or trader for the High Street Hero 2019 Award, part of the Great British High Street Awards for 2019. This could be someone who stands out for their contribution to their local high street or someone who makes a positive difference within their community. Head to the website for more details. thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk

First female chairman at John Lewis The company have appointed Sharon White on a £990,000 salary. Sharon, who will take over when Sir Charlie Mayfield steps down early next year, is currently chief executive of communications services regulators Ofcom, and was previously second permanent secretary at The Treasury.

‘I readily recognise that Sharon is not the conventional retail choice,’ Sir Charlie said of his replacement, ‘but these are not conventional retail times, nor is the Partnership a conventional company. Sharon is an inspirational leader with the personal and professional skills to ensure the Partnership continues to innovate and change while at the same time retaining and strengthening our distinctive character and democratic vitality.’

Sharon said: ‘Social purpose and commercial success flourish best together, which is why I’m looking forward so much to working with Partners as we move ahead together.’

12 Gifts Today

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Licensing News Into the Night Garden for Signature Gifts LIMA rebrands as Licensing International The licensing industry trade body has been rebranded to better reflect the multifaceted, increasingly global ‘licensing industry of tomorrow’.

Under the new banner and with a refreshed brand identity, the organisation is reinforcing the central role it plays in advocacy and support for the global licensing trade around the world.

The overhaul is the organisation’s most significant repositioning since it was founded in 1985. Then, around 70 per cent of the world’s

licensing revenue was produced in North America. Today, international markets claim more than 40 per cent of the $270 billion that licensing generates annually.

Maura Regan, Licensing International president, says: ‘Our debut as Licensing International symbolises a new chapter for the community, and demonstrates our dedication to the licensing industry of tomorrow.’ licensinginternational.org

Rhubarb, rhubarb for RHS The Royal Horticultural Society launched its Electric Rhubarb fragrance in partnership with Floral Street to coincide with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. Described as ‘an unexpected and bubbly white floral’, the fragrance has launched at selected retailers including John Lewis and online at floralstreet.com.

‘The Floral Street RHS fragrance is a delightful addition to the RHS Licensing programme, and a perfect partnership of two respected brands with very strong floral associations,’ says RHS licensing manager Cathy Snow.

The UK personalised gifts company has announced a new agreement with DHX Brands with a range of branded items from the CBeebies preschool series. Fans of the show can have their name and picture next to their favourite characters, such as Igglepiggle and Upsy Daisy, on a wide range of quality gifts including breakfast sets, memory boxes, photo frames, message cards and Christmas baubles.

Debbi Hancock, MD, Signature Gifts, says: ‘We are ecstatic to be producing this wonderful range of gifts and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with the highly talented team at DHX Brands.’

To the Half Moon and back Licensing Link Europe, which manages licensing in the UK and Ireland for IFL Science (‘I f****** love science’), the world’s leading digital science channel, has announced a major UK books and gifting agreement for the property with leading licensed giftware company Half Moon Bay together with its subsidiary publishing house Ice House Books.

Among the products this agreement will bring to market, Half Moon Bay will be launching a series of IFL science-branded gift books for spring/summer and autumn/ winter 2020. The books, like the website, will be light-hearted but underpinned by scientific fact.

The company also plans an AW20 gifting range that will include ceramics, kitchenware, glassware

and bags, all reflecting specific themes including chemistry, space and save the planet.

Michele Kuprewicz, head of retail & Licensing, IFL Science says: ‘We wanted to find a gifting partner that could bring our focus on ideas and facts delivered in a light-hearted and memorable way to high-quality, appealing gifts. Half Moon Bay offers all of this and more.’

The Point.1888 to launch Bree Merryn range The new collections from the Yorkshirebased wildlife artist have been created in conjunction with giftware supplier East West and will include china mugs, stationery, fridge magnets, keyrings and gift bags.

Bree’s ranges of artwork and textiles are already stocked by over 500 stores in the UK and Ireland, including gift shops and garden centres.

Barry Minal MD of Bree Merryn says: ‘In East West, we were delighted to find a partner who appreciated Bree’s artwork and could closely replicate the images onto a range of high quality complementary products. By working with The Point.1888 and East West we have achieved this and more.’

14 Gifts Today

Exhibition News IHGF Delhi Fair, Autumn 2019 IHGF is amongst Asia’s largest gifts and handicrafts fair, held biannually and organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). The 48th IHGF Delhi Fair will bring together 3000+ exhibitors, with a choice of 2000+ products and more than 300 trend specific design developments across gift, fashion, home and collectable categories.

It is set to run 16-20 October at the India Expo Centre & Mart, New Delhi NCR. The show draws buyers from over 100 countries, including USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, South America, Middle East and Asia.

Expect woodcrafts, textiles, art metal ware, EPNS ware, furniture & accessories, glassware, fashion jewellery & accessories, handprinted textiles, shawls, stoles & scarves, embroidered goods, lace, toys, houseware, decorative, gifts & general handicrafts, home textiles and home accessories, candles & incense, pottery, terracotta & ceramics, nautical instruments, Christmas and floral decorations, dry flowers & potpourri, handmade paper products, crafts made of leather, lacquer and marble.

Visitors to the fair also get access to the 900 permanent showrooms of leading Indian manufacturers of home, lifestyle, fashion and textile products in the Mart, spaced out on four levels at the India Expo Centre. Exclusive, handcrafted and hand-embellished products is what sets this show apart, and the balance between size and quality of display and number of buyers creates a winning combination, giving unique business value to all trade partners.

IHGF Delhi Fair is organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the apex body representing handicraft manufacturers and exporters in India. EPCH facilitates its 10,500+ members to customise and offer unique styles and quality products to the global sourcing community.

Beyond providing unparalleled business platforms to buyers and sellers, EPCH also provides comprehensive information about the sector to international buyers and ensures optimal interface between the Indian handicrafts industry and international buyers, facilitating harmonious business. epch.in

Vernon Kay hosting 2019 GIMA Awards Following in the footsteps of Stephen Mangan, Rufus Hound, Tim Vine, Russell Kane and Hal Cruttenden, it has been confirmed that Vernon Kay, star of TV and radio, will host the 39th annual GIMA Awards GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall said: ‘The GIMA awards are considered by many as the social event of the year for the garden retail sector. The awards are a fabulous night of entertainment, networking and celebrating the amazing efforts our supplier members undertake to create exciting product innovation and market-leading services.

‘I’m so pleased that Vernon Kay will be able to join us. He is a well known face (and voice!) so am sure those attending this year’s awards will be excited to see him take to the stage. Vernon will certainly provide a fun and entertaining element to the night. We look forward to seeing him – and all the garden retail industry – in just a few weeks.’

Vernon will host the awards ceremony, sponsored by Glee, entries for which are now closed. The winners will be announced at the GIMA Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday 4 July, once more held at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport South Wales.

Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn is a gift

16 Gifts Today

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as well as get ahead of competitors and order for 2020. With established companies such as Earth Squared, Hole in my Pocket, Siabann, Ness, Glen Appin, and Just Slate there will be a huge array of gifts to order.

Show director Mark Saunders says: ‘Nothing quite beats meeting suppliers and negotiating orders that can only be done face to face at trade shows, especially as many of our exhibitors will only be at this Show. However, our Autumn Show is more than just buying, it allows shops the chance to find out what is on-trend in the marketplace, discover new exhibitors, offers the opportunity for networking and catching up with suppliers and is a welcome day out after what we hope will be a busy summer season.

‘With many British When: 22-23 September 2019 people opting to holiday at home, plus many Where: SEC, Glasgow foreign visitors flocking to Scotland, many shops Call: 01877 385772 should have an excellent Visit: scotlandstradefairs.co.uk summer and will be ready to re-order in September.’

Nothing quite beats meeting suppliers and negotiating orders that can only be done face to face at trade shows

‘

With a completely refreshed layout and added Craft Gallery, as well as an extended Launch Gallery, this Show promises to offer visitors something special and unique with a raft of innovative and exciting exhibitors. Around 180 exhibitors, many of whom can only be seen at this Show, will display their cards, homewares, gifts, textiles, jewellery and food, which will be perfect for shops for their Christmas customers, as well as gaining ideas for 2020 stock.

In The Launch Gallery new companies such as Kushboo, Sandwich Bay Candles, The Wee Book Company, Mella Soap, Seddon and Davison and Woollyhatz will be exhibiting for the first time at this edition.

This Show provides the perfect time to make last minute orders for Christmas,

Celebrating iconic style.

New from Museums & Galleries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an exclusive collaboration with Dame Zandra Rhodes, one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recognisable, distinguished and exciting fashion designers. This new signature range celebrates her fiftieth year in fashion and a lifetime of bold prints, vivid colour and irrepressible style.

Please visit our website, contact your local agent or ask our sales team for more information.

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Exhibition News

Destination Asia for gifts Hong Kong will again be the centre for Asian sourcing as over 4000 companies based in Asia and abroad present their new products during seven important trading days, with over 50,000 buyers set to attend.

New sourcing zone for Autumn Fair

October 20-23

With the global retail sourcing and procurement market expected to grow by nearly 12% in the period up to 2024, Autumn Fair 2019 will look to support retailers in sourcing the very best goods internationally. Sourcing at Autumn Fair 2019 is a brand-new sector that will enable manufacturers from key sourcing regions around the world to exhibit new products and showcase techniques to a new and relevant retail market.

Throughout Hall 10 international manufacturers coming to Autumn Fair from Portugal, Indonesia, China and India, amongst other nations, will be bringing products relevant for buyers for gift, home, toys, fashion and kitchen and dining.

Julie Driscoll, Managing Director at Autumn Fair says: ‘The new sourcing hall will bring the best of the world to our door, ensuring that buyers who ordinarily wouldn’t have the resource to commit to costly trips abroad to visit potential suppliers can make connections here at Autumn Fair. Not only that, but we’ll be pushing to attract more international retailers to buy from the UK-based suppliers that are the foundation of our show.

‘We’ve gone to great lengths to ensure that we share the latest trend intelligence for international vendors to ensure that they’re bringing the most relevant products for the UK market.’

Autumn Fair runs from 1-4 September at NEC Birmingham. It’s a great place to find amazing new brands and the latest products from thousands of suppliers. autumnfair.com

‘

We’ve gone to great lengths to ensure that we share the latest trend intelligence for international vendors

‘

18 Gifts Today

There will be five co-located shows of the mega show series, namely the Asian gifts and premiums show, the Asian housewares and kitchen show, the Asian toys and baby products show and the Asian festive, Christmas and seasonal show. In addition, this year marks the debut of the Asian sporting goods show.

October 27-29 The three co-located shows the Asian gifts and travel goods show, the Asian stationery show and the Asian sanitary and bathroom accessories show will round up the final showing.

All shows take place at the downtown venue, the Hong Kong convention and exhibition centre. In 2018, over 33 countries were represented by 3972 companies, whilst the 51,000 buyers originated from 132 countries, ensuring its market position as a leading global sourcing event, and as vital buying and selling platforms and key date fixtures in the southern china autumn sourcing season.

A key drawcard for international buyers apart from the volume and quality of products on show is the variety of suppliers from all over the world. In addition to suppliers based in Asian countries, buyers can meet with suppliers from Asia/Pacific, USA, South America and Europe. Expect To Meet Companies From Australia, Bangladesh, China, Czech Republic, France, Guatemala, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Myanmar, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Sri Lanka, The Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, The Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK, USA And Vietnam. There are official country pavilions from Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, UK And Turkey.

Registration for professional trade buyers is available online and a special sponsorship programme is available for international buyers with full details and application form available on the show’s website. comasia.com.hk

WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY DANISH CHRISTMAS! view the full collection at iclauvring.dk

UK/EIRE COUNTRY MANAGER

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Exhibition News

Famous faces at Exclusively Not just for Christmas…

‘

For any company involved in festive products – or gift ranges which tend to have prominence at Christmas – the key UK trade show to target key buyers is Harrogate Christmas & Gift, 12 -15 January 2020.

This show has certainly set itself firmly on the map as the UK’s most prominent Christmas trading event in recent years, with the 2019 show reporting another increase in visitor numbers for the seventh consecutive year. Retailers and buyers attending made it clear that they are planning a bumper 2019 festive season with Piers Croke of Gisela Graham many exhibitors reporting a record number of orders taken.

Piers Croke of Gisela Graham said: ‘We had an excellent show, picking up new customers and seeing just about every regular customer we had hoped to see and took some good orders. We had expected a low-key atmosphere bearing in mind the general Brexit-related uncertainty but were agreeably surprised that there was quite a buzz in the air.’ Bill Cornelius of Playwrite Group, which produces novelty toys and gifts that are particularly suitable for Santa’s grottos and pocket money ranges, added: ‘For us, Harrogate Christmas & Gift is becoming an ever more important event and our sales team always looks forward to the show.’

Simon Anslow, show organiser, comments: ‘We are delighted Harrogate Christmas & Gift has taken such a huge upturn in participation in recent years. The show has fast become a favourite with garden centre and tourist attraction buyers looking for festive decorations as well as year-round gifts ranges and the diversity of their requirements is attracting exhibitors with a huge array of products. As well as everything you would expect to see for Christmas, ranges include garden products, food and confectionery, greetings cards and gifts for the entire year. In fact there are very few products, that don’t sell well at the show.’

We had an excellent show, picking up new customers and seeing just about every regular customer we had hoped to see

‘

Bookings are now open for Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2020 – for more information about exhibiting and visiting visit harrogatefair.com.

20 Gifts Today

The Exclusively shows drew a raft of celebrities back in June, including Lorraine Pascale, with Haden Appliances, Jeremy Pang with School of Wok, Dexam, Ed Kimber and Martha Collison from The Great British Bake Off, and Aggie McKenzie from My Weekly & How Clean Is My House?

‘The show team are delighted with the mix and quality of retailers that attended, said Simon Boyd Operations Director. ‘The show embraced many new retailers who are championing new and evolving routes to market, alongside large respected high street names and, of course, our hard working and determined Independents, embracing change from all corners of the UK’.

Exclusively, the UK’s premier showcase of housewares, tabletop and small electrical, will take place at the Business Design Centre again next year next year on 9 and 10 June.

Philipp Ferger named MD of nmedia GmbH Messe Frankfurt has acquired a stake in nmedia GmbH, the European market leader in the field of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), with which it is setting up the Group’s ‘nextrade’ digital B2B marketplace. Philipp Ferger has been appointed second managing director of nmedia GmbH and will share management responsibilities with Nicolaus Gedat. He will remain responsible for Tendence and Nordstil as vice president.

Senior vice president of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, Stephan Kurzawski, says: ‘Philipp Ferger’s many years of experience in the trade fair business and his specific sector expertise will stand him in good stead in his new position as Managing Director – and will be instrumental in meeting the strategic objectives of Messe Frankfurt in coming years. In this way, we – together with nmedia – will provide our new, digital order tool online with a view to helping to meet the challenges faced by the sector.’

GT CONTRIBUTOR: THE INSIGHTS PEOPLE

Are you ready for price-sensitive parents?

This generation of adults is entering parenthood in a world that is constantly changing. The range of products and services available to them has never been greater, so the only way to understand where their priorities lie is to ask them directly, which is exactly what the team at The Insights People specialise in. They explain more here.

22 Gifts Today

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Interest in gifts will always be strong, with traditional events like births and birthdays providing a steady stream of demand

‘

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e survey 200 new and expecting parents every week – more than 10,000 a year – to gain an unrivalled understanding into how the increasingly fragmented landscape is affecting their behaviour, attitudes and habits. We also survey over 400 kids aged 3-18 across the UK every week, and a further 1200 throughout five countries worldwide.

Our latest Parents Insights research shows that at a time when factors like Brexit are weighing heavily on their minds, parents are becoming increasingly pricesensitive, placing less importance on the quality of their purchases and greater emphasis on price. We survey 11 major product categories, and all have seen a fall in the emphasis on quality during 2019, with luxury items suffering the most. Holidays saw a 50-percent drop, days out 41-percent, and devices like smartphones and tablets a 17-percent decline.

Conversely, the importance of price rose across nine of the product categories, with only groceries and financial services not seeing price become a more important factor during the buying process. This trend is not restricted to a specific demographic either; our data shows households earning between £50,000 and £100,000 per year are just as likely to be becoming more price-sensitive than those earning less than £50,000, and the trend is constant among parents of all ages. This is a clear indication that consumers are more reluctant to

part with their money regardless of which demographic or market segment they fall into – something brands and retailers must be prepared for.

Friends and family recommendations are counting for more In the past year we’ve seen websites and online sources are consistently important sources of information for this generation of parents, but as purse strings tighten, parents are turning to family and friends for recommendations when they are looking to make purchases and placing less importance on the views of bloggers and online reviews reverting back to trusted networks and being less inclined to cast their net wider when seeking information.

Seventy percent of those aged 35 and over turn to those close

to them for help, and while this figure drops to 68-percent among 25 – 34s and 61 per cent for under 25s, it is still higher than the second strongest influencer – reviews posted on retailers’ sites. These reviews seem to carry far more weight than reviews posted on a separate specialist site – one reason why Amazon is so popular among consumers.

So what does this mean for the gifts market?

Interest in gifts will always be strong among new and expecting parents, with traditional events like births and birthdays providing a steady stream of demand, coupled with a new generation of events like baby showers and baby’s first Christmas, which are a growing market for personalised gifts – especially among the Instagram generation.

With our research showing

demand is becoming price-centric, and that this is likely to continue as economic confidence shrinks, it is more important than ever that all parties in the retail chain – manufacturers, distributors and stores - are able to be agile, not just on price but on all aspects of their operations. Understanding the audience and what they want is key – and this is where our data will prove invaluable throughout 2019 and beyond to overcome challenges and seek out new opportunities.

Organisations that are fully informed about this generation of parents will be better placed to take advantage in what is an everchanging market.

For a complimentary report and a demonstration of the award-winning portal visit: kidsinsights.co.uk/giftstoday or call 0330 159 6631

Understand your audience The Insights People is the leading provider of market intelligence on all things kids, parents and families; providing clients with access to the most comprehensive and dynamic insights on their attitudes, behaviours and consumption.

In the last 18 months they have been honoured and delighted to work with many leading brands, including: Crayola, Disney, Hasbro, Keycraft Global, Sambro, Vivid and Warner Bros.

Surveying more than 400 UK kids a week (21,300 per year) and 200 parents (10,000 per year) they produce four insightled reports across the Kids’ ecosystem and a further four across the parenting environment, every 12 weeks. Additionally, they are expanding globally now survey an additional 1600 different children in six countries across the US and Europe. kidsinsights.co.uk/giftstoday

THE SIGNATURE DIFFERENCE With added thickness, the insulation of your SwigTM now keeps your drinks hot for upto 9 hrs or cold for upto 12 hrs. All Signature Swigs are dishwasher safe. The new Signature SwigTM Collection features a branded silicone non-slip base that is noise-reducing and keeps your SwigTM in place wherever you go.

SwigTM drinkware uses double-wall, vacuum-sealed insulated technology, which means the space between the stainless steel walls is void of matter. With no medium for heat to transfer, your drink’s temperature will not be impacted by the outside temperature.

VALERIE GRAHAM LTD ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION FOR THE UK AND IRELAND FOR THE IPURO RANGE OF HOME FRAGRANCES. Ipuro has revolutionised the market by blending a selection of exquisite fragrances in a highly aesthetic product design.

Adhering to the ambitious goal of providing room fragrance solutions for all tastes.

The portfolio of nine must-have products ranges from a light sea breeze to citrus scents and floral, powdery fragrances, making it as diverse as the target audience of ipuro itself.

ECOLOGY IS INSPIRED TO CREATE LONG-LASTING, FASHION-FOCUSED LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS. Based in Victoria Australia, Ecology’s distinctive look is earthy and organic with natural tones and fluid, hand-drawn designs that resonate with a modern sophisticated customer. The focus on creating products of beauty is coupled with a high emphasis on quality, ensuring the longevity of every piece that carries the Ecology name. Ranges Include CANVAS white bone china to mottled Porcelain, patterned Stoneware, Vases, Vessels, Mugs & Wooden Boards.

Valerie Graham will be launching these new exciting Collections at Home & Gift Harrogate on Stand DP1-A99 from 14-17th July.

Contact: Valerie Graham Ltd. T: +44 20 8200 5100 E: sales@vgltd.co.uk

GT PROFILE: DOFTA

A breath of fresh air Introducing Dofta, the Swedish fragrance-led gift brand that has now arrived on British shores

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f you love fragrance, you will love Dofta, the Swedish niche fragrance brand that’s family owned and operated. Situated on the west coast of Sweden, the brand started in the family farm kitchen about 10 years ago. Since then the brand has grown organically and Dofta is now Sweden’s top fragrance-led gift brand, with export to more than 24 countries.

Anna Riller who is the Creative Director and the ‘nose’ behind the brand, has together with her son Rex (business development), and her longtime ‘significant other’ partner Stefan (production chief and mechanical engineer), developed Dofta into an incredible Scandinavian success story.

All Dofta fragrance items are designed, developed and produced in Halmstad, Sweden.

They make amazing fragrances you can’t find anywhere else. They don’t do the traditional lavender, orange or eucalyptus; they create unique and sophisticated compositions from the base up.

All ingredients are carefully selected to provide a clean, high quality product, where the fragrance is truly the star. Their products are free from: • phthalates • parabens • sulphates • paraffin • dyes 24 Gifts Today

And of course, they are vegan-friendly and not tested on animals.

To make their products even more desirable, the packaging is divine! Dofta have designed beautifully handcrafted gift boxes with the most luxurious finish. Inside, the gift boxes are lined with cushioned delicate silk in matching colours and, on the outside, the boxes are decorated with mirror golden decals and finished off by a lavish grosgrain ribbon on top. The Dofta products are truly a ready-made gift for any occasion.

Enjoy the love of fragrance - welcome to Dofta!

Email: order@dofta.com Visit: dofta.com

Did you know?

Dofta products are veganfriendly and are not tested on animals

Manor House Home Fragrance Ltd

England

T 01359 250720 www.manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk

GT COVER STORY: ASHLEIGH & BURWOOD

Vintage luxury with a modern twist Home fragrance experts Ashleigh & Burwood introduce The Heritage Collection, bringing the character of a bygone era into the modern age with fragrances created to infuse the home with a sense of pure luxury. Ahead of its debut at Home & Gift, we take a closer look at this wonderful new Collection and talk to product development manager Anna Borrett about the new range and how it came to be developed

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Home & Gift Stand B65

26 Gifts Today

ontinuing their mission to shake things up in the world of Home Fragrance, the Ashleigh & Burwood team are continuing to build on their sensational re-imagining of their brand with an exciting new launch at Home & Gift.

The past two years at the British, family-owned company have seen them introduce their fabulous Wild Things collection - colourful, quirky candles and diffusers in animal-inspired vessels - as well as a fabulous range of stationery and soft furnishings.

Their classic ranges have been redesigned and their iconic Fragrance Lamps have gone from strength to strength. Now, Ashleigh & Burwood are building on their success with The Heritage Collection, that blends vintage luxury with a modern twist.

Taking inspiration from the simple elegance and sophisticated style of the Twenties, jewelled glass vessels in sleek Art Deco-esque designs are paired with the clean modern simplicity of metal candle vessels in muted, dusky tones reminiscent of vintage treasures. Warm and comforting, the Collectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nostalgic fragrances are the gateway for a sensory journey to a forgotten time. In dusky hues borrowed from vintage paint swatches, The Heritage Collection Scented Candles feature a gold metallic interior to enhance the natural warm golden glow of candlelight. Made in the UK and hand-poured at Ashleigh & Burwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HQ in Surrey, the candles are created with a specially designed, low melt point refined mineral wax that provides a 45-hour burn time.

Set to make a style statement within the home, The Heritage Collection Decorative Diffuser Vases are created from jewel coloured glass in Art Deco inspired designs. Using black fibre reeds for enhanced fragrance delivery, each piece is individually mouthblown by artisan craftsmen and accented with antique gold. Ashleigh & Burwood are offering an element of bespoke choice with this Collection. The customer can select their diffuser vase and fragrance separately, allowing them to mix and match between vessels and fragrances to fit their own personal tastes.

The fragrance stories Recline on a velvety chaise, luxuriously warmed by golden sunlight streaming through the glass. The ripening scents of plum and cassis drift to you from fruit trees through the open window, while blossoms of jasmine and patchouli lend an uplifting sweetness to the air.

Stroll through the verdant kitchen gardens rich with herbaceous scents mingled with floral jasmine, orris and violet.

The lush fragrance of oud rises from the warm earth, as the bright sunshine scent of bergamot bathes you in golden light.

The billiard room rings with the music of laughter and the splashing of amber scotch. Amid smiling freshly-washed faces and lungs full with clean air from the day outside, energetic notes of citrus and lively black pepper sparkle in the air, mingling with the deep cedarwood and vetiver scent of the wood-panelled walls.

Retire to the drawing room, full to contentment from good food and good company.

An evening of music and frivolity lie ahead as rich, smoky notes of cedar, vetiver and sandalwood burn brightly in the heart of a stately fireplace.

Anna Borrett Q&A product development manager

What’s the story behind Ashleigh & Burwood’s new Heritage Collection?

Our offices are in lovely Surrey and we’re naturally influenced by our beautiful surroundings, including stately homes, gardens and the historic Hampton Court Palace less than two miles from the office. These locations provided wonderful inspiration for the fragrances and overall look of the Collection, as did visits to local antiques fairs at Ardingly and Kempton Park.

We’ve looked at interior colour trends closely too, so the new colour palette in the collection should fit perfectly into modern homes. With The Heritage Collection, I’ve tried to bring all the character of antique pieces into the modern age, to suit a modern style-conscious shopper.

When are you launching the Collection?

As well as debuting at Home & Gift in Harrogate, we’ll be showing it in Birmingham at Autumn Fair and in Paris at Maison & Objet. The products will be available for customers to order from July.

Do you have a specific customer in mind?

Customers with a sense of style and love of interiors. The decorative statement pieces in the collection would look great teamed with on trend velvets, deep coloured walls and golden metal accents. It’s an affordable luxury.

Our initial inspiration came during a trip to India. A lot of design work followed, from the development of their final shape to provide the best candle burn and most aesthetically pleasing look, to selecting the right combination of vintage paint swatch-inspired colours to decorate their exterior. We’re so pleased with the finished product; the golden glow on interior is a lovely contrast to the matte painted colours on the outside.

What’s the story behind the beautiful glass Diffuser Vases?

We wanted a 1920s-inspired look for the glassware in the collection and we found three beautiful vase designs during our sourcing trips. We have four colours so, on display, it really gives that eclectic antique shop feel. We designed and commissioned gold metal tops for our vases to create an original look and to add to the luxury feel.

How important is in-house design?

It’s really important. We know and understand our customer, our collections and our market better than anyone else could. At every stage we benefit from this in-depth knowledge. The design and development processes involves us performance testing and adapting and refining all our fragrances. We test in both in our lab environment and in our own homes to experience the product as the consumer would.

Team members from across the company get involved in trialing product at home, and it’s a really invaluable insight from people who are passionate about the company and our products.

We’ve looked at interior colour trends closely too, so the new colour palette in the collection should fit perfectly into modern homes

Get in touch!

Call: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk.

How does this new range fit in to your existing collections?

It fits our brand aspirations to offer something extra, something unexpected, something with style and creativity. It’s a highly decorative collection, but in a completely different way to Wild Things or our Fragrance Lamps. In terms of price point the new Collection bridges the gap between The Artistry Collection and Wild Things.

Is this part of a further move into home decor for Ashleigh & Burwood?

Home fragrance and home décor trends fit hand in hand and the launch of our Accent Cushions into Wild Things last year has proved to be a good partnership, creating a show stopping display in-store and taking the collection into new areas. However, our main focus always remains on fragrance, as this is where our company’s 25+ years of experience sets us apart.

Can you tell us about the metal vessels?

Their look is something really new for the market and has been a long time in development.

info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk.

Gifts Today 27

GT CONTRIBUTOR: SOCIAL MEDIA - ROSS HEWITT

Hiding in plain sight Trying to find new customers on social media? The secret is to help them find YOU!

28 Gifts Today

‘

local audience. Consider using geographical keywords in your advertising campaigns or targeting local areas. Remember that over 80% of your audience is visiting or finding you on a mobile device, so you might just appear in a search result while that person is near your store and you will certainly be appearing on people’s screens who live within striking distance of where you operate.

You need to spend time doing things that make new customers FIND YOU games then you can build a campaign on Facebook to do just that. Few people go to Facebook though to search for specific products and they don’t really go there to get inspiration, so do bear that in mind when you are working out how to spend your budget.

The aim of this game of hide and seek is to turn it upside down. You don’t really want to be spending time trying to find new customers that are hiding in plain sight. You need to spend time doing things that make new customers FIND YOU. They are already searching.

They don’t know that they are searching for your business (yet) but they are looking for the products you offer. Social media might also not be the perfect solution, so always bear that in mind.

Google’s advertising platform is excellent for targeting a

Freepik

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

have either already purchased or are planning to purchase something they have seen on the site. Double up with Instagram and you will be covering lots of bases as people actually search for products on these two pictorial platforms.

Facebook has pretty much everyone on it and if you want to find specific people then you need to spend money on their advertising tools. If you need to put your content in front of males aged between 25 and 45 who live within 60km of the centre of Derby and have interests in reading, geek culture and board

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onsidering that in the UK over 35 million people use Facebook regularly, the same number again uses YouTube, 13 million are on Twitter, 22 million on Instagram and over 10 million access Pinterest it can easily be argued that nobody in the UK is hiding online. In fact, the ‘new customers’ challenge always needs to be posed better.

‘Where can I find new people who might like to visit my gift business?’ is a much better question to ask. Now we can start to discuss matters. Where is your gift business? What sort of products do you sell? What type of person do you want to come into your shop? Business owners need to learn to ask better questions.

Think about the questions you want answers to with regards to finding new customers. Then break them down into more focussed discussion points. Once you know the type of person you would like to find then you can engage in a few rounds of hide and seek as one of the fundamentals of that childhood game is knowing who you are looking for.

This is where you need to think about the social media platforms available to your targets and who uses them and how they get used.

Does Instagram match your desired audience? Around 85/90% of users are under the age of 35. The gender split is in favour of females at around 56% of the user base to 44% male. People are ten times more likely to engage with brands and retailers on Instagram than they are on Facebook.

Pinterest could be the go-to platform if you are looking to engage primarily with women as 70-80% of the user base is female. Research suggests that around 75% of Pinterest users

You also need a blog and you need to write shareable articles that your target customers will enjoy reading and telling their like-minded friends about.

Articles that search engines will discover and rank so that people find you in natural (non-paid for) search results when they are looking for the specific products or themes that you wrote about.

Articles that you can also share yourself on social media.

You create genuine customers rather than one-off sales by being found and loved. That way is so much better and easier than searching for people yourself and then trying to drag them back to your place…and that’s just creepy when you think about it!

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

Summer lovin’ Set in beautiful Harrogate, Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival is a great place for any new or seasoned gift buyer to do business in the summer months. Open for four days and set across four marquees and seven halls, this sociable show is well worth the trip

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Exhibitors say…

‘Harrogate is special for so many reasons and the sum is much more than its part; it’s less frenetic than the NEC, it’s independent focussed, in a great location, the weather is (usually) with you and everyone always seems to be very happy.’

Paul Hooker, commercial director, Joe Davies ‘The after-show social scene in this great town enables buyers and sellers to mix business with pleasure and discuss their concerns as well as their successes. I think that’s what makes Home & Gift unique.’

Tom Sykes, director, Xystos ‘The great thing about Home & Gift is Harrogate itself. The place puts the customers in a good frame of mind and hopefully the weather makes it a pleasurable place to come to as well. If the customers are happy then the exhibitors are too.’

Simon Willis, international sales agent, Global Luxury Brands ‘The majority of our staff all live in and around Harrogate, as do all our friends. These days it is a lovely sight to see the Hill livery wagons parked around the conference centre area, with our friends beeping and waving, as the stock is being unloaded into the halls.’

Julian Potter, MD, Hill Interiors

30 Gifts Today

ith more big name brands, exciting new show sectors, unmissable keynote speakers, new networking opportunities and an improved show layout, there are so many new reasons to visit Home and Gift this July. The show runs 14-17 July in Harrogate. Loved by retailers and exhibitors alike for its perfect timing, expansive offering, unique location and summer setting it’s no wonder that Home and Gift is such a summer favourite.

For 2019, the experience has been enhanced further to satisfy even the most seasoned buyer. With access to more than 800 exhibitors and three brand new beautifully curated sectors, it’s a great place for visitors to discover unseen brands and emerging talent, as well as find leading names. They will also have the opportunity to relax in the newly refurbished Majestic Hotel and hear from high-profile thought leaders at the new ShopTalk stage.

The 2019 show will also see the launch of Match, a new initiative to connect the right suppliers with the best retailers through a VIP hosting programme and a range of online tools. Show Director, Louise Morris says: ‘Home & Gift is unlike any other trade show and that’s why it is loved by the industry. Not only is it the perfect time to secure orders

for the most important retail season, but it is also where the industry comes together and relationships are celebrated.

‘Retailers and exhibitors can do business against the beautiful backdrop of Harrogate, making it the most majestic buying experience.

In this challenging climate it’s more important to us than ever before

‘Home & Gift is unlike any other trade show and that’s why it is loved by the industry.

Not only is it the perfect time to secure orders for the most important retail season, but it is also where the industry comes together and relationships are celebrated’

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Years Home & Gift has been running

Retailers say… that the 2019 show is a platform for meaningful connections, shared learnings and festivity; a truly unmissable event.’

New big name brands to Home & Gift 2019 include Premier Decorations, Transomnia, Kikkerland, Le Toy Van, S’ip By S’well, Designed in Colour, Tyrrell

Katz and Caspari. Returning favourites include Jellycat, Caroline Gardner, Wild and Wolf, Sass & Belle by RJB, Stone, Gisela Graham, Joe Davies, Pacific Lifestyle, Nkuku, Sophie Allport, Container Group Buying, Heathcote & Ivory and Village Candle.

homeandgift.co.uk

‘We’re heading North to Home & Gift this summer for the first time. Can’t wait!’

Karen Hardwick, Cranbornes of Shaftesbury, Dorset ‘My first visit to Home & Gift was 30 years ago this year! It is my favourite show for many reasons - the mix of companies new and old, the place and the people... it’s so, so good for networking.’

Caroline Boydell, Hugs & Kisses, Wolverhampton Gifts Today 31

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

The Wild Things are here!

Wild Things Gifts Hall B, stand 74 They’re packed up and ready to go! Liz and Kate are ready to show off some new designs and colourways at this year’s Harrogate Show. What’s more, you will find their stand even bigger and brighter thanks to a redesign timed to celebrate their 35th anniversary.

The Devon-based company produce and design stunning suncatchers here in the UK, and most of their dazzling designs use Swarovski crystals. Their products are popular with all age groups and make perfect gifts and impulse purchases. The bestselling Crystal Fantasy range comes in two sizes; the mirrored metal motifs accented with Swarovski crystals. New additions to the range include llamas, flamingos and toucans. The bumblebee motif is proving to be particularly popular amongst buyers as we head into the summer season.

Wild Things also offer handmade glass and jewellery products plus the best-selling guardian angels range available as suncatchers and pins. Customers to the show stand can claim exclusive discounts on counter-top displays featuring specific ranges - or carry the whole spectrum in an illuminated display booth. Various options will be on display at the show. Make sure you visit and join them for a celebratory drink and a browse, and they’ll be delighted to show you their products that can bring increased revenue to your business.

Summer romance – be wild!

Wild Things have come over all romantic this summer. As well as launching their new confetti colourway, the wedding season has seen a dramatic increase in demand for their Heart of Hearts design.

Following on from Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, the motif, (which consists of a mirrored heart containing eight Swarovski crystal jewellery quality hearts) has become a popular token of affection. The design can be purchased in rainbow, rose and confetti colourways, and also makes an elegant decorative object to use at wedding venues.

Call: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com Visit: wildthingsgifts.com

Soft & cuddly Margarete Steiff Stand DP1-D36 When Margarete Steiff created the world’s first soft toy in 1880, little did she realise the enormity of the gift that she was giving to children everywhere. In 1902, her nephew Richard designed the Steiff company’s signature invention - the Teddy bear! Now a new exciting development has arrived from the very same buildings in Giengen, Germany, that the world first Teddy bear was born.

The company’s new ‘Soft Cuddly Friends’ embrace all the ingredients that made Steiff famous – ultra-high quality materials, intricate hand craftsmanship, and the famous ‘Button in Ear’ – in a fresh new collection of contemporary styles designed to appeal to today’s children.

Steiff has always devoted itself to making the very best soft toys for children and embracing innovation imagination and perfection. As Margarete Steiff herself said: ‘For children, only the best is good enough.’

Still renowned for creating unrivaled ‘life like’ animals, Steiff are thrilled to add this extra dimension of playful characters that are sure to become friends for life. Soft as soft can be, always ready for the biggest cuddle possible, the new kids in town are guaranteed to be a big hit with children of all ages. They’re destined to become a child’s most cherished companions, day in and day out.

This range is of course machine washable and

32 Gifts Today

manufactured to the highest standard. But what will surprise you is the pricing that accompanies this fabulous collection. Soft and Cuddly Friends are available in many designs and in three sizes. A full range of gift boxing is available plus floor and shelf displays to support as POS. At the Harrogate Home and Gift show, the full range of Soft cuddly friends will be on show, including the latest hits in the series, the Seaside range of Octopus, Turtle and Star fish hand puppet, and the company will premiere their new Narwhal plus the all new winter collection.

Call: 01483 266643 Email: leyla.maniera@steiff.com Visit: steiff.com

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

Seasonal style Stoneglow Candles Hall A, stand 32 Seasonal Collection Stoneglow have a new addition to their Seasonal Collection for the festive period - fun yet sophisticated House Votives Candles, designed to match the geometricinspired seasonal trend. These are perfect gifts and stocking fillers with the box useable as a tree decoration. Available in six chic fragrances.

Urban Botanics Urban Botanicals is the range that aims to bring the outdoors in. The exotic aromas, packaged in vibrant vessels, will transport you to a relaxing urban oasis.

The stunning collection of ceramic diffusers and candles are now available in five uplifting, punchy scents and tropical colourways. These are sure to make a wow statement. Made in the UK by Stoneglow Candles. Also at Autumn Fair (Hall 20, stand D61) and Maison & Objet (Hall 5A, stand F44-G43).

Traditional toys House of Marbles DP1-D91 If you want to stock some of the best-loved toys and games of all time then head straight to House of Marbles at Harrogate Home & Gift. Established in 1973, the company has a wealth of experience in the gift industry and offers everything from traditional wooden toys to vintage-inspired games.

Look out for their brand new range of pocket-money novelties and family games that will be launched at the show. All set to be a bestseller from the collection is their Compendium of Games. Jam-packed with over 50 traditional family favourites including Tiddlywinks and Snakes & Ladders, this great value set comes in a vibrant gift box making it the perfect gift for all occasions.

If you’re looking for unique stocking fillers, there’s plenty of Christmas additions to get excited about as well including a must-see collection of Christmas Snow Globes and a fantastic festive version of the traditional Snap Card Game.

You’ll receive unique counter displays to present your range in and carriage paid orders start from as little as £150. To make sure you don’t miss out, you can visit the House of Marbles stand at Home & Gift or their easy-to-use website to see the range first.

Call: 01626 835358 Visit: houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk 34 Gifts Today

Call: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk Visit: stoneglowcandles.co.uk

GT INTERVIEW: SOPHIE CONRAN

Sophie’s choice Sophie Conran, daughter of designer Sir Terence Conran and cookery writer Caroline Herbert, is one of the big design names set to take to the stage at Home & Gift this July. Ahead of the interior designer and author’s appearance at the Harrogate show, Editor Sally Norton caught up with her to talk colour, design and the trends she thinks are going to be big in the gift, interior and tableware worlds this year

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hen it comes to business and design, you could say that it’s in the blood for Sophie Conran. After leaving school at 17, she joined the fashion team at her brother Jasper Conran’s studio, before working as a buyer for The Conran Shop. Today she has her own online shop – sophieconran.com – selling everything from hand printed tablecloths to baskets, candles to beautiful bedding. She’s also well known for the kitchen, glass and tableware ranges she designs for her own range with Portmeirion Group.

Sophie, you’re appearing at Home & Gift this year. Have you visited the show before?

Yes, about 25 years ago, when I was a junior buyer for the Conran Shop. I remember it all as wonderful, new and exciting, though I do remember feeling a bit overwhelmed and not really being able to talk to any of the suppliers. I just stuffed all the information into my bag and followed it up afterwards!

Your talk on the Tuesday of the show is called ‘Confidence in Colour’. Can you give us a sneak peek of what you’ll be covering?

I use a lot of colour in my interiors and I think it can really bring a wonderful atmosphere to a space. I’ve got a pink kitchen at home and I think it’s almost impossible to be unhappy there because it’s such a joyful colour. I’ll be talking about how we sort of ‘wake up’ when we see colour, and how it can really have an effect on how we’re feeling. It can be very invigorating or can be very relaxing.

36 Gifts Today

And you don’t have to paint a whole room a bold colour – you can start with cushions or bedlinen.

Why is colour so important?

While white is great for places like museums, I think lack of colour is sad. In your home, you can use colour to create a mood and show your life’s journey. For gift shop owners looking to brighten their stores, I’d just give them a paintbrush a paint catalogue and ask them what they love. I think shop fittings can be a bit dull and they look great if you paint them. Colour can help set off merchandise and bring personality to the store.

And I think that shoppers want that, they want something that comes from the heart. I don’t think they want things that are mass-produced and the same as everyone else.

What’s on trend colour-wise this year?

Well, coral is really big. Just fantastic and I love it. And green’s big too, part of the whole botanical trend. And also yellow, which is such a happy colour.

In the second half of the year I think we’ll tone it down a bit and see lots of burnt oranges and golden hues.

It’s probably more of a feeling. I definitely have a philosophy that if you’re happy at home, everything else in life falls into place. That’s what I have I mind when I put the selections together. I have lots of the products in my own home, with a current favourite being some beautiful coral-scalloped bed linen.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Definitely tradeshows. I go to Frankfurt, and the big ones in the UK like Spring Fair, Glee, Top Drawer, Pulse and so on. We go to Portugal for textiles and then India. We’re also looking at Mexico. I also love Instagram and like saving things that catch my eye into folders.

What do you think’s on trend for the tableware industry?

Well, giftable tableware is always lovely, and it’s nice to get something in a lovely package. And the sea is going to be a huge inspiration, and we have lots of seashell shapes with Portmeirion this season. Finally, I think tableware that brings people together ‘family style’ is nice. Lots of bowls, table decorations, mixing and matching glassware, people taking pride in putting it together and making it a special occasion.

How did you come to set up your own company?

I grew up with design around me and it’s become a reflex. Because mum was a cookery writer and dad founded Habitat, design was all around the house. Lots of people – designers, suppliers - came to stay and the house really was the hub, where everything happened. And I always wanted a shop. I had a hand-me-down toyshop called Sebastian’s Store when I was a small child, and I used to love it. I guess I’ve always been making things, making a home. I’m the same now. I’ve always got a project on.

‘

In these days when everything seems to be coming out of computers, I wanted to get a sense that this is something that comes from the earth, that it’s the human hand creating it.

‘

You offer a complete range of home and garden products on your website. Is there a specific ‘Sophie Conran look’?

How did your collaboration with Portmeirion come about?

About 12 years ago, I was having dinner with a friend Antonia, who is a PR. She told me one of her clients was Portmeirion and wondered if I’d be interested in talking to them about a range?

So that’s what we did and it’s been a life changer, totally incredible. I’d say that design-wise, working with Portmeirion has been my proudest achievement. The range is timeless and fits in with any interior. It looks great in a farmhouse setting and looks classic in a more modern home.

In these days when everything seems to be coming out of computers, I wanted to get a sense that

this is something that comes from the earth, that it’s the human hand creating it.

What other companies have you collaborated with in recent yers?

We do gardening tools with Burgon & Ball, especially designed for the female hand. I wanted them to be tools you’d cherish, like jewellery.

Another big one is cutlery with Arthur Price, a great family business, and fourth generation.

Biggest challenge of running your own business?

Definitely keeping to the time line within the online business. There can be so much going on, you can get slippage in the time line. We work with a lot of long-lead companies, so we have to pay for product long before we get it into the store.

Plans for the future?

I can’t wait to show everyone what we have for Christmas. So excited already! sophieconran.com

Gifts Today 37

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

Eco-friendly

‘

Each of its plants is chosen for its healing qualities

Xystos

Hall Q, stand C17 Xystos will launch three fragrance-without-flame ranges at Home & Gift as they respond to public demand for more ecofriendly product.

The Newcastle-based company have signed UK & Ireland distribution deals with two of Britain’s hottest bath & body manufacturers – Faith in Nature and Grace Cole. They already have leading pampering brand Di Palomo and The Naked Bee in their portfolio.

‘Consumers are seeking out more flameless fragrance product and less plastic packaging,’ says Xystos director Tom Sykes, who points to the success of the company’s own-brand Cello reed diffusers that were added following the successful introduction of their candles in Harrogate last year.

Faith in Nature, the largest independent UK based manufacturer of natural beauty products, began creating their recipes from humble beginnings at the kitchen sink 45 years ago. They use the highest quality, cruelty-free ingredients of 99% natural origin, with 100% natural fragrance. Each of its plants is chosen for its healing qualities. Crafted by in-house experts, the products are made with organic essential oils, are free from parabens, SLS and MI and suitable for vegans. And Faith in Nature always uses recycled bottles when available. Xystos will distribute its conditioners, body and hand washes, shampoos and handmade soaps.

Grace Cole owner and CEO Tracy Mort founded the business from her kitchen table in 2007 with a mission to produce premium bath and beauty products. It has since garnered numerous business, enterprise and product awards, with the collections now found in more than 80 countries. Xystos will supply its Boutique and Luxury Bathing Company ranges, which are bang on-trend.

Look out too for five new light-up Fairy Houses from Splosh – Dinosaur, Pirate, Elephant, Teddy and Space, while The Naked Bee’s additions include an everyday facial cleansing gel and a moisturiser with Vitamin C, and foaming hand soaps.

‘

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

38 Gifts Today

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

Half Moon Bay DP1-C23 (Half Moon Bay and Ice House Books) DP1-B33-C33 (Shruti)

Great gifts Apples to Pears Ltd DP1 – B25 Within the multi-award-winning Gift in a Tin range, the company will be displaying four fantastic new ideas. The first is an addition to their popular metal construction kit range Fighter Plane! They have very high hopes for this tin as others such as Tractor, Camper Van and Scooter have been so successful.

The second is Be a Superhero, a fun dress-up set for little girls and boys to become a real superhero. It includes a cape, mask, cuffs, identity card and stickers. One for the baking (and eating) lovers is Biscuit Baking Fun. With five stainless steel sea creature cutters, a recipe card, food bags, starfish stickers and pen, little ones can make their very own sea friend biscuits to pack up in the food bags and give as gifts to their family and friends. Their Butterfly Nectar Feeder is also back with a beautifully redesigned tin.

The Gift in a Tin range traditionally consists of children’s gifts, but at Harrogate they will be unveiling their ‘Gifts for Grown-Ups’ a collection of great gift ideas for adults. The initial collection will be launched in September 2019 and consists of seven products themed around alcohol, gardening, sport, DIY and pets.

Call: 01453 826759 Email: sales@applestopears.com Visit: applestopears.com

Licensed giftware company Half Moon Bay bring their three divisions, Half Moon Bay, Ice House Books and Shruti, to Home & Gift for the first time this year, showcasing over 150 new products.

Half Moon Bay’s new Mr. Men Little Miss range will delight fans spanning generations, as popular characters are brought to life on formats such as drinkware and stationery. Their Friends range that launched earlier in the year has received new additions, including a Central Perk cushion, ‘I’d Rather Be Watching Friends’ slogan mug and a novelty photo frame magnet in the style of the famous yellow frame that hangs on Monica’s apartment door. New additions to the Game of Thrones range include metal hip flasks and travel mugs, as well as a brilliant set of two White Walker frosted tumblers and a Night King 3D shaped mug.

Working with licences such as Beryl Cook, Aardman and May The Thoughts Be With You, Ice House Books has launched over 30 new products this season, including books, gift sets and recipe cards. Ice House Books has also released own brand content, with titles such as So You Want to Heal the Planet and Self Help for Superheroes, as well as Classic Moments from famous literary titles Pride & Prejudice and Little Women.

Shruti’s new collaboration with the award-winning May The Thoughts Be With You brand has produced a fantastic range of giftware featuring the inspiring and colourful illustrations and messages of positivity by Charlotte Reed.

The brand new William Morris range features classic patterns from the 19th century designer with high attention to detail and a beautiful colour palette, adding classic elegance and sophistication to any home. Shruti’s new autumnal range Fallen Leaves is inspired by the changing of the seasons.

Featuring on-trend grey and ochre and paired with stylish nature-inspired patterns, the range features some of Shruti’s favourite gifting formats including accessories, drinkware and stationery.

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

40 Gifts Today

Harrogate

DP1 D36

Trade talk

Gifts Today loves to hear your views

Leading figures talk trends, consumer confidence and, of course, Home & Gift

Paul Hooker

Commercial director, Joe Davies How important is Harrogate Home & Gift to your business?

It’s one of the most important events in the Joe Davies calendar as it’s when we debut our AW collection and really sets us up for the busy trading season. We’ve been attending the show for over 30 years and are in full swing with our 100-year anniversary celebrations – there’ll be some special treats for customers on our stand.

What are your top products at the show this year?

As much of the product is new at the show - over 2000 lines - it’s hard to know what the winners will be. We always do well with snoozies, Christmas and Equilibrium Jewellery; but we are also expecting strong performance from Bree Merryn, Sunny by Sue and the Leonardo Collection. Stand out ranges from our own Shudehill Collection include Scrabble Frames, Tree of Life vases and Starlight lanterns.

Any big trends you’ve spotted so far this year?

Countryside themes are in, bees, pastel flowers and homemade style sentiment items.

How would you describe consumer confidence?

It’s a difficult retail trading environment for many on the high street, with consumers having a cautious approach, but they are willing to spend money on the right product.

Tom Sykes

Director, Xystos How important is Harrogate Home & Gift to your business?

We’ve been visiting the show for 12 years and do good business in Harrogate, which is our only consideration when exhibiting at any show. Home & Gift is well attended by buyers from across the retail spectrum and the relaxed atmosphere at the show allows them to carefully consider new product and place their orders.

What are your top products at the show this year?

We’re delighted to be introducing bath & body ranges – two from Grace Cole and another from Faith in Nature.

Any big trends you’ve spotted so far this year?

Consumers are seeking out more flameless fragrance product and less plastic packaging, which is why we are particularly happy to have Faith in Nature and Grace Cole as our new partners. The success of our own-brand Cello Ultrasonic Diffusers is a further illustration of changing times. It appears that flameless fragrance solutions are bang on trend.

How would you describe consumer confidence?

Not as shaky as you might believe. Garden centres appear to be doing well. And while, for some businesses, the temptation in uncertain political times is to tread water, other retailers are still looking for ‘new, new, new’, which is why no supplier can afford to rest on their laurels: they must continue to provide a good selection of new products for consumers. People are prepared to spend if they find the product that is right for them. Occasions – birthdays, weddings and so on – still provide great opportunities for retailers, whatever the political climate.

42 Gifts Today

Simon Willis

International sakes agent, Global Luxury Brands How important is Harrogate Home & Gift to your business?

We always love coming to Harrogate and it is always a key entry in the diary for the year. We still find that as a niche supplier we need to see customers face to face and for them to see the new products that we have to offer. Although we are not looking for many new retailers, we would still love to come away with a few new accounts.

What are your top products at the show this year?

We’ll be showing a much wider range of Goebel and some of the new larger pieces of De Rosa. We took over as exclusive UK agents for Goebel this year and were delighted at the reaction we got from customers at Spring Fair and we have seen a really encouraging increase in business despite the challenging times we are all working in.

We’ll also be showing lots of new Britto pieces and some really super Christmas ranges that we think will do really well. In De Rosa we will have a much bigger selection of the prestige limited edition pieces – the new Chinese dragon is quite simply superb.

Julian Potter

MD, Hill Interiors How important is Harrogate Home & Gift to your business?

Harrogate Home & Gift is essential for Hill Interiors due to its timing and it’s the only show we have ever been successful with in the summer. We are not the type of company that takes sales in the spring for delivery through the year; we sell the items we have in stock and that are in stock very shortly. The spring months are full of shows where we fill our order books, but those are usually all despatched by Easter and we are then reliant on repeat orders. Home and Gift in July is then a great boost to see us through the summer months before we hit the busy autumn show period and the run up to Christmas. We have over 500 individual products on special offer at the show.

What are your top products at the show this year?

Hill Interiors offers a full range of interior accessories from sofas and beds to candles and frames. However, at Home & Gift, we notice the larger items don’t sell as well as the smaller pick up lines. I predict our new range of multi-wick candles and new ‘British Growers’ inspired faux flowers will prove to be the best sellers.

Any big trends you’ve spotted so far this year?

On product the surprise has been the incredible increase in sales of the prestige pieces we offer. Large limited editions at over £500 have been the hit of the year and we’ve had to vastly increase the stock that we have available to service this demand.

How would you describe consumer confidence?

Things are very difficult for everyone at present. There’s no certainty and that’s making customers and consumers cautious about taking in too much stock or making snap buying decisions. We have to support that by making sure we can react quickly and give the service that’s needed.

Suzanne Chapman

UK country manager, Village Candle How long have you been attending the show?

This will be the first year we are offering our direct model to our UK customers. It is very exciting for us as we have the chance to meet and build important relationships with our customers, old and new.

What are our top products at the show this year?

We are offering something new and very special in our limited edition Halloween and Christmas collections, along with our new AW seasonal fragrances. All have been carefully developed and crafted with our fragrance house partners to ensure we deliver a quality experience that our customers have come to expect and appreciate.

Any big trends you’ve spotted so far this year?

Definitely the theme of ‘time for me’ will be key for 2019 across all categories of gifting. Experiencing a fragrance from our Presence collection, exquisitely crafted with soy and essential oils, will certainly have you in the right state of mind for rest and relaxation.

How would you describe consumer confidence?

Online businesses are booming, high street is struggling, but the lack of popularity of the high street at the moment means there are some awesome deals available for those who are flexible and can take advantage of rates only deals.

Gifts Today 43

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

Cut glass class Model gift Brainstorm Hall Q, stand B71 Brainstorm will visit Harrogate Home & Gift Show showcasing their brand new eco-friendly gift range, EUGY. The innovative new arts and crafts collection is distributed exclusively in the UK

by Brainstorm.

Created in New Zealand by Dodoland, EUGY is an eco-friendly craft collectable that allows children to create their own 3D models using environmentally friendly, biodegradable card, each printed with natural eco-friendly non-toxic inks. The simple numerical sequence assembly belies the intricate creations children can make – a collection of cute animals and creatures including dinosaur, panda, elephant and lots more.

Children can collect them all and enjoy the fun educational facts accompanying each model. The range launched in January with 10 different SKUs and three more will be available from august including Giraffe, Clownfish and Llama. A freestanding CDU is available to display product to full effect incorporating a ready-made model so customers can see the finished product.

Call: 01200 445113 sales@brainstormltd.co.uk Visit: brainstormltd.co.uk

44 Gifts Today

Dartington Crystal Hall B, stand B2 Dartington Crystal will showcase a host of new collections at Home & Gift 2019. The Aspect range of etched gift glasses offers new and exciting choices to add to this popular collection. The hand-made Cushion vases designed by Hilary Green will be refreshed with four lovely new colour options. As well as new vase collections, Dartington will present new drinkware designs in both cut and clear glass. The new hand-cut Limelight collection features two design options - Mitre and Ice. Both offer contemporary cut crystal barware at great value in attractive gift packaging.

Gifts for whisky drinkers feature highly in the Dartington selection, and a new Whisky Experience Glass tasting set joins their gift list.

As always for Home & Gift, Dartington’s other gift brands will feature strongly.

Look out for a clutch of new art-glass paperweights - all 100% made in Scotland from Caithness Glass. From John Beswick, there’s a fantastic new collection of gift mugs featuring the most popular artworks of LS Lowry.

Each mug is supplied in a matching gift tin making them a perfect present idea.

The Lowry mugs will be joined by new Beswick wild life studies and additions to the best-selling Silhouette D’Art vases.

Call: 01805 626226 Email: sales@dartington.co.uk Visit: dartington.co.uk

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Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

On paper Ambiente Europe Hall DP1 stand B75 Ambiente Europe are one of the leading European producers of printed paper napkins and coordinate accessories based in South East Holland. They produce two major collections each year covering many seasonal events such as Easter and Christmas and the designs lend themselves to virtually any occasion or celebration. Designs range from contemporary to traditional in colour and style and Ambiente Paper can also make your own Private Label designs. They are suppliers to a variety of retailers including garden centres, department stores, giftware and kitchen hardware shops.

Their napkins are made in 3-ply/FSC-certified paper in packs of 20 in 25x25, 33x33 and 40x40, and packed in outers of 12. In the collection they have a large range of plain coloured embossed napkins that match many of the prints. Their coordinated collection includes many accessories including candles, matches, handkerchiefs, porcelain mugs, teapots, cushions, trays and their popular napkin holders in over 20 designs and sizes. This year they are introducing some very exciting new products – bamboo travel mugs, placemats, glass bottles and tablecloths – in a range of designs all matching their napkins.

Ambiente also offer a range of free sales aids available to all customers so they can maximise their sales of their collections. They will be making special offers to new customers at Harrogate Fair.

Call: 07956-424482 Email: richard@ambproducts.co.uk Visit: ambiente.eu

Top of the range Global Luxury Brands Hall A, stand 20 GLB are delighted to be back at Home & Gift. This year they have taken over as exclusive agents for Goebel Porcelain and will be showing a much larger range than they had at Spring Fair. The reaction there was amazing as it was the first time the ranges had been seen at a trade show for many years.

The Britto Pop Art range had a great reaction and sell-through has been really strong.

This will be shown along with the wonderful Christmas range and established favourites like Rosina Wachmeister and Artis Orbis. De Rosa have excelled themselves with the superb Chinese Dragon that will be GLB’s centrepiece this year. New additions from Cmielow include new sizes of Puffin and Herend have new rabbits and elephants to show.

‘In 2015 I went to my first trade show as GLB,’ says Simon Willis. ‘At the time I had no customers and a De Rosa range that many had not even heard of let alone seen. It seems like a brave, or foolhardy, move now but we left the show having met some really good new accounts, some old friends and having had a good time! Four years on we have almost reached our target for accounts and the range is now in some great locations around the country.

Goebel is new to us this year and the range is one that always surprises us.

‘Although some of the designs are known here there are lots that are not and it is those that we are excited to showcase. The Britto range is both unique and highly admired with the variety of consumers amazing us. New items are always being added to make this a highly collectable collection. We started to work with Cmielow a few years ago and this year more new models have been added further enhancing the range. We are still looking for a few new accounts to complete our careful coverage of the country.’

Call: 01538 807780 Email: info@glb.uk.com Visit: globalluxurybrands.co.uk

46 Gifts Today

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

‘

Another beautiful line extension is a new colourway for the Botanic Garden Harmony collection in a beautiful white

‘

Gift offering Portmeirion Group Stand M2 Portmeirion Home and Gifts are expanding their gift offer even further this year with the extension of the Christmas collection from the Sara Miller London Portmeirion collaboration. Mug and tray sets, trinket box and trays, dipping bowls and a selection of baubles featuring illustrations of penguins and geese are on offer, all presented in extremely striking gift packaging.

Another beautiful line extension is a new colourway for the Botanic Garden Harmony collection in a beautiful white - the perfect addition to this heritageinspired tableware collection ideal for creating a mix and match table setting.

48 Gifts Today

Portmeirion are also building on the success of the Royal Worcester Wrendale Designs collection with a new selection of fine bone china mugs, coupe plates, festive Christmas tree baubles, and an adorable pet collection that features Hannah Dale’s charming watercolours.

Call: 01782 744721 Email: homesales@portmeiriongroup.com Visit: portmeiriongroup.com

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Gifts Today

RETAILERS’ PANEL The latest members of our Panel – key gift shop owners around the UK – introduce their businesses and tell us what makes them so special

Jodi Lee Laverty Mr Benn’s Emporium, New Radnor, Powys What’s the story behind your shop?

Radnor is a small Welsh village with around 400 residents and a fantastic community spirit. There are only two shops - one of which is ours! I run it with my aunt Sharna and uncle Kim and we only opened in march this year.

My uncle Kim set up a picture framing business and, as the shop floor’s quite large, he split it to include a gift shop.

The 2019 Spring Fair was our first ever experience at a trade show and as soon as I walked in, I felt I had found my calling in life! I was completely overwhelmed but fascinated by it all.

What makes your business special?

We showcase many local makers/products/crafts in store, as well as retailing the more high-end gifts and trend-led novelty items. We get a lot of holidaymakers, families, bikers and walkers.

What mix of gifts do you offer in-store?

Rachel Ellen for gifts and stationery, Caroline

50 Gifts Today

Gardner and Paper Salad for cards and wrap, Gillian Arnold & Melin Tregwynt for home, Burgon & Ball for gardening, Sass & Belle for trend-led gifts. Unicorn everything, eco-chic, country glam and sheep-themed gifts are hugely popular! Local crafts also go down a treat because they are unique to our area.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I love social media and I would say that is where I get most of my ideas. My aunt has a natural flair for interior design and draws inspiration from the projects she’s worked on. We also read Gifts Today and have found it really helpful for finding out how the industry works and connecting with potential suppliers.

Biggest challenge?

Trying to cover all bases with a small opening budget. Also endeavouring to be known as a one-stop gift shop that people are willing to travel a few miles to visit. Getting people here is our main focus but once they do, we know they will return.

Michele Elliott House of Elliott, Hemel Hempstead What’s the story behind your business?

I opened my shop in the historic Old Town of Hemel Hempstead nearly 18 years ago. My previous job was as an HR Manager and after 20+ years I really wanted a change and a job that was less stressful and easier to combine with a family. Our typical customer is female and in the 20-60 age bracket. I have a couple of staff that help me out but mainly I am in the shop, as I love the contact with people.

I can 100% say that I love my shop now as much as the first day I opened it.

What makes your shop special?

We pride ourselves on having a gift shop that is fresh, with constantly changing stock. We strive to create a nice friendly atmosphere for customers when they shop - a lot of our customers are local and have become friends.

What’s your mix of gifts?

Our best selling companies include East of India, Joma Jewellery, Katie Loxton, Lily-Flame candles and diffusers, and Jellycat toys. We also have a few local stockists, as we like to help local businesses. We sell a range of clothes and jewellery by Tempest, Kate Hamilton-Hunter and Treaty. For home fragrance we have Lily-Flame, Illumens and Potters Crouch. Jellycat and Maileg do well for baby gifts, and general gifts come from Heaven Sends, East West, Something Different, Bluebell 33, East of India and Sass & Belle. A recent new item is chocolate from the Gourmet Chocolate Pizza Company. We also sell cards from Five Dollar Shake, Blue Eyed Sun, Rosie

Peter Whiteman Amore, Woodbridge, Suffolk What’s the story behind your store?

The store was opened nearly six years ago to complement our card store Dzodzo that had been trading already for six years. We got to the point that there just wasn’t enough room for everything in one store, and Amore was born.

What makes your shop special?

The store is also the largest stockist in East Anglia of the Wrendale range and this now covers over 450 products from greeting cards to cushions to ceramics. We are also the largest stockist in town for local souvenirs, most of which are branded with our own image of the beautiful Tide Mill. This comes from a watercolour painting by my mother in law, from whom Dzodzo originated its name.

Made A Thing, gift wrap from Glick and gift bags from Belly Button Designs.

Trends?

Personalised items sell very well, be they initials or ages.

Fair Trade and eco products do well, too, as do things made in the UK and by local craftspeople. On-trend items at the moment include llamas, unicorns, gin and Prosecco.

Plan for the future?

I have recently moved to bigger premises so I am focusing on improvements to my new shop. I hope to install a changing room at some point for trying on clothes and a new upgraded lighting system.

Samantha Gibbs Nest, Leicestershire What’s the story behind your business?

We have three bricks and mortar shops plus our website. Our first shop is nearly 19 years old. I was a designer before I opened Nest, working in London and making and selling my work to private collectors and national/ international galleries and buyers. My husband was also a designer, and we moved back to Leicestershire (having both left Loughborough after graduating) after he decided to change careers to become a firefighter. Nest was way before its time in that we wanted to champion local craft designer makers and support companies that had good ethics and principles we could stand by.

What makes your business so special?

We are relevant to today’s market. It is so important to be one step ahead of the high street and offer the trends and themes directly to your customers before the large retailers do. With so many years trading behind us we are very lucky to have important brands wanting to work with us and therefore we always have something unique to offer the area. There isn’t a week that goes by when new stock isn’t being delivered to the shops. It’s so important to have an ever changing selectionespecially when you have loyal customers that come back week in, week out. We are always happy to support local designer makers and have a lovely selection of Leicestershire craft.

Gifts Today 51

Gifts Today

RETAILERS’ PANEL

Karen Hardwick Cranbornes of Shaftesbury, Dorset What’s the story behind your shop?

Shaftesbury is probably most famous for its Gold Hill, which featured in the famous Hovis bread advert. The shop was opened in October 1993 by Jonathan and Elizabeth Patterson, and I joined in 1997 as a sales assistant, becoming buyer/manager two years later. I became the owner this January, along with my partner Tony King, when Jonathan and Elizabeth retired. We have five members of staff ranging from 16-66 years of age. Our customers range from young to old, locals and tourists. Mostly women shop with us but we do see men on the special occasion days!

What makes your business special?

We are the local stockists of Neal’s Yard Remedies that are now made just down the road in Gillingham, Dorset. The town also hosts a food and fringe festival that’s growing larger every year.

What mix of gift do you offer in-store?

Gifts out-sell everything and we have such a large and varied range that covers all ages and taste. We stock Wrendale designs, Dartington glass, Hampton Frames, Boxer books, Transomnia, Emma Bridgwater and Arty Farty pottery, to name just a few. Cards are our bread and butter, we are known locally for having the best selection in town, including funnies, cute and arty ones. The Art File, Archivist, English Graphics, Paperblanks, Museums & Galleries are just a few of the large selection we stock. When it comes to accessories, Hot Tomato, Powder, PoM, Pia Rossini, Troop, Kris Ana our are main companies.

What advice would you give to others setting out?

Keep it fresh and new, and always keep changing your window displays. It’s like the end aisle in a supermarket – you need things to tempt you!

52 Gifts Today

Carl Dunn Cards & Gifts, Sheffield What’s the story behind your store?

We opened in June 2017. I’d had a card shop before in Norfolk, but sold that to be with my new partner. I spent a bit of time as a bus driver but realised I wanted to be my own boss again, so I opened this shop.

What makes your business special?

It’s the individual customer service we offer.

What mix of cards do you offer in-store?

We stock UKG, Cherry Orchard, Tatty Teds, Words n Wishes, Second Nature and Nigel Quiney. Cherry Orchard’s Down Memory Lane card and mug range flies off the shelf.

Biggest challenge since opening?

Definitely the scaffolding that’s been near my shop for 20 months, with no work being done. This has definitely caused a downward trend in customers and increase in anti-social behaviour.

JOIN OUR RETAILERS’ PANEL! Fancy having your say about the gift industry?

Want to share news about your business?

Just drop editor Sally Norton an email at sally@lemapublishing.co.uk.

Look forward to hearing from you!

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Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

Leopard frenzy!

Langs

Hall A, stand 19 With Harrogate Home and Gift Buyers’ Festival just around the corner, it’s all go at Langs in Derbyshire as they make the final touches to their stand. Their new autumn/winter 2019 catalogue will be hot off the press and available on their Harrogate stand - please note they have moved this year.

Their in-house talented creative design team in Derbyshire exclusively designs all their products, so you can be sure to find unique product lines at Langs. This year, their hand-painted ranges have proved very popular with customers and new for this autumn season they’ve launched ‘Country Ducks’ using soft greys with hints of colour – a collection of perfect gifts for any occasion. Also new is ‘Painterly Animals,’ a new take on the everpopular Highland Cow and Graceful Stag, and they’re sure this collection will add a warm rustic feel to your home.

Everyone has gone wild for leopard print and Langs have done their own take, mixing grey tones with silver metallic – check out the showstopper of a gin glass. The sparkly ‘Gin Den’ sign is very on trend and is sure to be a great gift for the coming autumn season.

Langs now offer smaller and more manageable pack quantities to help you start off and re-order with ease. And remember that many of their products are supplied with point of display stands to help merchandise them effectively in store. They also offer a bespoke design service where their creative team of designers work with you on items tailored to meet your requirements.

The Langs team can always offer friendly support and advice is always available. They are here to help and work with you.

Call: 01332 340927 Email: sales@richardlang.co.uk Visit: richardlang.co.uk 54 Gifts Today

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Gifts Today July.indd 1

13/06/2019 10:14:11

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

Happy 100!

Joe Davies Hall Q, stand E18 The leading company’s centenary celebrations continue at the show.

The team at Joe Davies are looking forward to personally thanking their Harrogate customers with a cool glass of Prosecco!

Joe Davies will introduce over 2500 brand new gift, home décor, jewellery and fashion accessories at Home & Gift - the largest selection at the show. Here are a few product highlights: Equilibrium fashion accessories really come into their own in the months up to and including Christmas. Gorgeous boxed scarves, gloves, purses and wallets are a highlight, as is the new Equilibrium For Men collection. snoozies!, The cosy little foot coverings from the States have been Joe Davies’ best-selling product for the last six years and this year will be the biggest yet. New snoozies! include brand new Pairable snoozies!, with attractive and amusing matching designs, lovely new classic snoozies! designs, snoozies! for men, a great new Christmas collection and the luxurious Sherpa socks that sold so well last year. In all, there are 14 new ranges to choose from.

Sock Society socks. With a free, low footprint display stand, these are a must for any store. Repeat sales are amazing and there are dozens of new designs at Harrogate.

Other new introductions are almost too numerous to mention but include hundreds of new occasion and sentiment products, Bree Merryn and Bug Art licensed gifts, best-selling Sunny By Sue Gin Glasses, all that’s good and new from the Leonardo Collection, lovely new faux flowers at great prices, new clocks, vases, figurines and lanterns, and a huge and varied Christmas collection - the list goes on and on.

All in all, over 8000 products will be on show on Joe Davies’s comfortable, spacious stand. Everything is attractively merchandised and clearly priced for easy selection. The minimum order is an industrybeating £100 carriage paid. Delivery is free nationwide and all products are available in small quantities to suit the independent retailer.

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

56 Gifts Today

35 years old in July After a nine-year gestation in the San Francisco Bay area, Wild Things was born in a disused shower room in Leamington Spa back in July 1984.

For 35 years Wild Things founder Jules Vahrman has focussed on developing a range of products, the majority of which are both designed and made in the UK. The result is a range unique to Wild Things.

The early days saw the development of ‘laser’ holographic earrings, which sold all over the world. Later came glow in the dark toys and illusion bookmarks, then ‘designer’ photo-etched jewellery, which included Liberty in London amongst its customers.

Finally, the company concentrated on crystal window ornaments ten years ago, since when the only way has been ‘up’.

These rainbow-making designs are popular with all age groups and embellished with crystals from Swarovski®. Prices start at only £4.95rrp for a Guardian Angel pin, and most items are under £24.99rrp.

These include the bestselling Crystal Fantasy™ ranges and current favourite the Heart of Hearts, illustrated here.

Continuous evolution is the creed, and the new innovative display booth is its current apotheosis.

74-watts of bright LEDs beam down onto a slowly rotating tree holding 132 sparkling crystal Rainbow Makers, creating a spectacle guaranteed to brighten up any retail space!

‘Wild Things products are consistently one of the best performing ranges within gifts, and their customer service is second to none.’

Adrian Heath – Bernaville Nurseries, Devon

sales@wildthingsgifts.com t. 01392 211268 wildthingsgifts.com

Come and join us for a celebratory drink and a browse, and Liz and Kate will be delighted to show you the range.

HARROGATE HOME & GIF T 1 4 - 1 7 J U LY – H A L L B STA N D 74 AUTUMN FAIR, BIRMINGHAM NEC 1-4 SEPTEMBER – HALL 7 STAND D50

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

In full bloom Parlane International Hall M, stand 26 and 31

Marvellous mugs Dunoon Hall B, stand 20

Fabulous florals High quality handcrafted flowers – the petals are screen-printed or hand-painted, shaped by hand and then applied to the stems.

Faux stems also bend easily into shape to create the most fabulous displays. Floral trends for AW19 involve keeping the look natural and relaxed. Mix together large golden-brown hydrangea heads or huge cream proteas with light brown eucalyptus and burnt orange berries to create an incredible statement bouquet.

The full collection can also be seen at the showroom in Newby Hall Stables, Ripon.

Terrific terrazzo Terrazzo is really on trend. The technique originated in Venice over 500 years ago where it was traditionally used for flooring, hence the name Terrazzo, meaning ‘terrace’ in Italian. It is created from coloured fragments of marble and glass that are mixed into cement, and then a dye can be added to form the base colour.

This is polished to produce its characteristic highly decorative and hardwearing surface. This has been used on a range of planters, tables and decorative balls to create a clean, contemporary look.

Call: 01451 812700 Email: sales@parlane.co.uk Visit: parlane.co.uk

86 Gifts Today

Founded in Scotland in 1974, Dunoon now produce fine bone china mugs in Staffordshire, England, the traditional home of British pottery. Using local craftsmen, the mugs are three times fired and feature all variety of patterns for which Dunoon is famous. With over 1000 different mug designs in the range at any one time, Dunoon introduce over 350 new patterns each year. Aiming at the top end of the mug market, Dunoon sells to over 60 countries worldwide. Look out for: Glencoe Healthy Eating and Physics Using the large Glencoe shape and colourful designs by Caroline Dadd.

Cairngorm Moonbeam A black cat, a hare and a fox, designed by Kate Mawdsley, on the large Cairngorm mug.

Orkney AbraCATabra AbraCATabra is a spellbinding design by Kate Mawdsley on the Orkney shape. This mug features black cats, and kittens, spiders and bright orange pumpkins with a decorative web background.

Call: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk Visit: dunoonmugs.co.uk

Vegan-friendly Heaven Scent Hall Q, stand E87 Heaven Scent have always produced vegan friendly candles since they began making candles back in the 90s. Then it was very niche word used by what people called ‘alternatives’ (whom Heaven Scent are happy to say were their customers).

Twenty years later at their last trade show, they noticed a marked change, with nearly every customer asking ethical questions about their products. In particular, lots asked about their vegan-friendly products, and wanted to talk about sustainability and plastic-free alternatives. They are glad to say that, as a company, they have been ahead of the curve and are able to meet the demands of the new emerging ‘conscious’ buyer.

By autumn, a new Vegan range will be available which will consist of candles, reef diffusers and soaps that will have the word ‘Vegan’ branded on them. They are currently developing a ‘Shampoo bar’ that will address the issues for many customers seeking a ’plastic-free’ alternative. In the future they will hope to address the issues of plastic packaging in their body products.

Visit: heavenscent.co.uk

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

So plush!

Intelex Group Hall B, stand 81 Intelex Group, the inventors of the world’s first microwavable soft toy, are delighted to launch 10 new Warmies Plush Characters to their ever-popular collection, expanding their full sized plush range to a total of 38 characters. The range will feature llamas, a flamingo and a swan, along with many other playmates including unicorns, dragons, dinosaurs and dogs. Customers can just pop them in the microwave to take the chill off cold days and frosty nights.

Intelex will also be showcasing some of these familiar faces into their new range of Warm Hugs range that are guaranteed to melt your heart.

These seven-inch twin characters offer double the fun and are supplied in attractive gift packaging.

Call: 01933 679 777 Email: sales@intelex.co.uk Visit: intelex.co.uk

Traditional style St Eval DP1-A93 Nestled on an eco-farm in North Cornwall, St Eval have used traditional methods to craft high quality candles by hand for over 25 years. Their unique pots, wax blends and fragrances are all inspired by nature and the beautiful Cornish countryside. They will be showcasing a range of high-quality candles, soaps and lotions and home fragrances at the show.

Garden of Eden Featuring delightful fragrances of geranium, tabac and fig, with beautifully embossed pots. Now available in tins and tealights too, complete with the same botanical design.

Christmas Collection This new Collection is launching at Home & Gift. Their popular festive scent Winter Thyme is returning, as well as Inspiritus, Figgy Pudding, Embers, Sandalwood and Orange & Cinnamon - all true scents of Christmas. They’ll also be debuting their new Christmas pots, elegant and stylish to complement a range of festive décors.

Call: 01841 540 840 Email: info@stevalcandlecompany.co.uk Visit: st-eval.com

86 Gifts Today

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Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

Silver surfers

A retailer says…

Hall C, stand 15

Sea Gems Cornwall, a family run company with over 35 years’ experience in design- led jewellery and gifts, is launching brand new and exciting collections for summer 2019.

‘We sell a huge amount of costume jewellery so I make sure I have a good look around for any new jewellery companies.

It’s so important to be able to see the quality of what you are buying.

Life Charms is a lovely jewellery company that I first ordered from after meeting them at Harrogate two years ago and they are still selling really well.’

Designed in Cornwall, they offer unique silver jewellery and gift collections that capture the essence of their iconic landscape, nature, wildlife and heritage.

The Silver Origins jewellery brand features contemporary handcrafted 925 sterling silver, cleverly combining high polished and textured surfaces together with gold vermeil or semi – precious stones enhancing the beauty, spirit and story of each piece.

The Celtic Lands silver collection evokes and celebrates their rich heritage with timeless motifs and elaborate knot work.

Launching new designs that give a fresh look and feel to the already successful brand.

Caroline Boydell, Hugs & Kisses, Wolverhampton

3 of the best: Just for kids

There are some great treats for stylish kids at the show e Clothing 1 Selfi DP4-16

Dinosaur colour-in top with fabric pens

2 Powell-Craft Hall A, stand 2

Children’s clothes with a nostalgic feel

1

Threadbear 3 Design DP1-D108 Say hello to Fred the Bear cotton apron

The art of fine enameling, with its fusion of vibrant colours creates truly unique jewellery and gifts in their Mackintosh, Celtic and Nature ranges, with every piece individually handcrafted to bring to life the purity of each design. Inspired gift ranges include pens, bookmarks, compact mirrors, pillboxes and scarf- rings.

Hall C, stand C15

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Joe Davies will introduce over 500 new Equilibrium® lines for Autumn Winter at Harrogate Home & Gift. Everything is available in our trademark â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Little & Oftenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; quantities with minimum orders of just £100.

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Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

It’s all in the detail

Must visit

When it comes to accessories, it’s the

Miss Milly

DP3-8

little things that make a difference.

The British brand for gorgeous jewellery and scarves is looking forward to a vibrant, colourful winter carrying on from a rainbow summer. The stunning seasonal palette includes red, dark purple, teal and a touch of yellow with some new, and unusual, colour combinations.

Look out in particular for a vibrant shade of hot orange, which will really fire up dull autumn days.

The best-selling Floria Collection jewellery has evolved yet again with revamps of popular lines alongside the introduction of stunning new resin and enamel pieces. This season sees a new form of resin known as imitation paper, giving a scrunched foil effect, adding to the popular marble, shell and metallic resins already available.

Try these for size…

White Leaf Company DP3 – 38 Known for their delicate and elegant designs with a contemporary edge, White Leaf’s faux pearlembellished hair clips add style to sleek hair

Created By The Ridleys Hall Q, stand D21 Founded in 2014, the company is the go-to place for Celtic-inspired gifts like these Harris Tweed cufflinks

Elizabeth Scarlet DP2-16 Since founding her business in 2015, Elizabeth has grown into a global fashion accessories brand.

This Zebra Travel Pouch makes a

100

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modern statement

Spotted!

Powder Design Ltd, DP3-14

Created in 2009 by award-winning design director Lisa Beaumont, Powder has developed a reputation for creating unique accessories that women love to wear. ‘I’m passionate about colour, texture and attention to detail,’ says Lisa. ‘Pull these elements together and you can create something loveable and quite irresistible.’

Featured here is the Lana Hat, available in two colours.

Visit us on stand DP2-7

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Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

3 of the best: earrings My Doris DP1 – B74

Triple Star Matte Gold Earrings

Pachamama Knitwear DP10C7

Tutti & Co DP2-10 Keep it simple with these lovely Jasper earrings

Last True Angel DP3-38 Crystal Stigma Resin Flower earrings in Tortoiseshell

20

Spotted!

Elspeth has been Number of years Carrie ndmade jewellery to supplying beautifully ha the UK and Ireland. over delighted customers all ramount importance to Since 1999 it’s been of pa inues to be handmade y cont el of Carrie that her jeweller ovides an exceptional lev urful pr e sh at th d an UK e in th ty, colo plement the high quali customer service to com d numerous awards, including designs. She has receive World Small Business Award ar, a pendent Welsh Woman of the Ye Best Service to the Inde e Gift r fo st ali fin es tim e re and th with th hieved numerous wins Retailer. She has also ac for her Gemstone bracelets and ly of the Year, most recent her accessories. at Le er itt Gl nch of one of Carrie’s Autumn 19 sees the lau rant collections yet. most colourful and vib semi-precious gems Crammed with luscious ss this range has and gorgeous Czech gla y one of your something to make ever joy. customers jump for ver Head to DP1-D60 to disco 66 Gifts Today more.

Trading since 1990, the company specialises in handknitted accessories made from 100% wool.

Did you know?

Owner Lisa from Lisa Angel sold her car to fund her dream of creating and selling beautiful accessories and jewellery back in 2004. Now she has two retail outlets, a website and a growing wholesale business spreading the brand further. Check out her range of make-up and wash bags in DP1-B59.

Time for bed!

Pretty in pink Pretty You London

DP1-D69

A British brand specialising in slippers and nightwear, all designed to make women feel special. This pink nightshirt is made from sustainable bamboo and is part of their bestselling range.

Lounge in style One Hundred Stars Trading Ltd

DP1-B103 Lounge in style with the Magnolia White Gown from the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ollaboration with Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.

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Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

In the bag KMI Brands

DP2-7 ‘We have three new gifts from Orla Kiely,’ says commercial director Lisa Stone. Check out the latest addition to the washbag range. Beautifully made, using leather zips and 100% cotton – all in Orla’s iconic designs.

Spanish style Head to Hall C, stand 43, to check out Abbacino, a

Best of Bubble

Pure London’s Festival of Fashion is set to grow with the growth of kidswear section Bubble at the show.

Catering for style-conscious parents, this growing category includes everything from mini-me dressing to innovative designs. A curated selection of kids’ fashion, accessories and maternity collections await from brands and designers including Playcloud, Kidsbury, Lola Starr, Old Soles, You ‘N Me, Yumster, Alitsa, Avito, and Annafie, as worn by The Duchess of Cambridge’s eldest son George. The now aptly named Prince George romper is the collection’s best seller!

company known for their feminine, urban style. Best known for their handbags, they also offer belts, gloves, scarves, glasses and hats.

A retailer says…

‘The accessories that really work for us are handbags and scarves. For scarves SSP Hats and Joe Davies offer a great selection of inexpensive entry points under £10.

Quintessential silk scarves are a steady best range for us, although we did meet a fellow retailer who announced that they were her entry point… they are our best range!’

Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens, Broxburn

Best foot forward Socks make a great little in-store treat.

Miss Sparrow

Hall C, stand 56 Go wild with a pair of stylish Leopard Print Socks

Popasox DP4-39

Hoping to put an end to odd socks, Popasox can be ‘popped’ together after wear, so they’ll stay paired in the wash, on the line and in your sock drawer!

Just for him…

Check out these fashion finds for your male customers…

Goodeehoo This Omani Organiser Tray comes from the design-led, veganfriendly company, founded in 2018.

Find them in DP4-8a

SIMPLY GORGEOUS

JEWELLERY AND ACCESSORIES

Lund London The Cork’d range from this fashionled company features an exciting mix of natural cork with splashes of bright neon colour. Head to DP1-D65

Midhaven Ltd Tribal Steel bracelets are designed with the active male in mind. Hall C, stand 22

Shepherd of Sweden Men’s slippers with a Scandi design. Walk over to Hall M, stand 20

HOME & GIFT Stand DP3-8

Buy online at missmilly.co.uk or call: 01905 622 509

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

It takes a Village Village Candle Hall A, stand 3 Proudly making candles and home fragrance for more than 25 years, Village Candle will be highlighting their bestselling and ‘must-have’ seasonal fragrances, as well as introducing 12 limited edition fragrances at the show.

Highlighted fragrances include Glam Apple, Confetti Prosecco, and Royal Nutcracker.

There will be two new collections celebrating Halloween and Christmas. The ghostly Halloween Collection glows with three new haunting fragrances; Haunted Mansion, Ghost Cemetery and Pumpkin Scarecrow. Christmas comprises Royal Nutcracker, ‘Tis the Season and Winter Sparkle. These two unique collections are a limited extension to their Fun Fantasy Collection, which will also be on display at Home & Gift. Village Candle is excited to continue the adventure with these standout collections at the show.

Village Candle are also bringing the giftable collection of Presence that launched this spring with seven extraordinary fragrances.

The fragrances are handcrafted with soy and essential oils, embracing a ‘less is more’ approach with a simple design yet powerful fragrances to enjoy.

Email: enquiry@villagecandle.com Visit: villagecandle.co.uk 70Gifts Today

GIFTS

LIMITED EDITIONS

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

creative solutions for tabletop, gifts and accessories.

Come and see us at Home & Gift 2019. Hall A, Stand A20 or contact us for more details on our exciting new product introductions and existing collections from our exclusive portfolio of luxury brands Email: info@glb.uk.com Telephone: 01538 807 780 www.globalluxurybrands.co.uk

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

Home for Christmas Ashleigh & Burwood Hall B, stand 65

‘

There will be new festive fragrances for Fragrance Lamps, The Scented Home, Earth Secrets and Wild Things

The A&B Christmas Boutique is a beautifully-curated gift store, packed with the home fragrance company’s full range of festive collections.

It ranges from great gifts such as reed diffusers, scented candles and Fragrance Lamp gift sets, to decorative touches such as Snowflake Reed Toppers and their brand new Secret Scent Sticks for the Christmas Tree. There will be new festive fragrances for Fragrance Lamps, The Scented Home, Earth Secrets and Wild Things, as well as brand new festive candles added to The Scented Home and Earth Secrets. All imaginatively displayed by the company’s resident merchandiser, Olivia Collins.

There’s a brand new Christmas FSDU for The Scented Home, delivering a cost saving for retailers, and a special promotion to be offered to consumers.

The unit is designed to hold 108 diffusers and 72 candles in a selection of Christmas fragrances and customers can choose two diffusers, two candles or one of each in any fragrance. It incorporates stunning graphics and has a compact footprint making it easy to relocate around the store.

Home & Gift will also see the debut of a major new collection for Ashleigh & Burwood - The Heritage Collection. Read more about it on page 26.

‘

Call: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk Visit: ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

Getting in the swing Culinary Concepts Hall M, stand 18 Culinary Concepts are celebrating their 20th anniversary and are celebrating with some spectacular new products for 2019. Check out the distinctive Swing Collection, inspired by the big American bands of the 30s and 40s.

These musical-themed pieces take upcycling to the next level, with recycled instruments turned into statement lights, lamps and side tables.

The Rosolino Trombone floor lamp, quirky DeFranco table lamp and Swing lighting are an imaginative way to light any space especially when paired with a glass-topped tuba or trumpet side table.

Have a Culinary Christmas. From exquisite hanging decorations and baubles to cheerful garlands, these luxurious decorations have vintage styling, etched glass and elaboratelybeaded decorations. There are also enamelled freestanding shapes, glass and beaded Christmas trees, etched jars and perfume bottles and a whole collection of glass and jewelled tea light holders.

Visit: culinaryconceptsliving.com

72 Gifts Today

Free floor stand with orders of 24 pieces or more

www.intelex.co.uk sales@intelex.co.uk 01933 679 777

14 cover designs to choose from 3 NEW chunky cable knit covers for 2019

RRP ÂŁ19.95 Visit Us at Harrogate on 14th - 17th July. Stand B81

FIND US AT HOME & GIFT, STAND DP1-A93

New scent sensations from our evocative Garden of Eden Collection FIG | GERANIUM | TABAC

Nestled on an eco-farm in North Cornwall, St. Eval use traditional artisan methods to craft high quality candles by hand.

Available in a variety of pots and pillar candles, hand poured with our unique blends for a premium quality.

info@stevalcandlecompany.co.uk www.st-eval.com

01841 540850

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

It’s a mad, mad world Mad Beauty DP1-A47 Mad Beauty are launching a huge range of new products at the Home & Gift show.

As leaders in the field of design-led gifts within the bath, body, toiletries and cosmetic sector, it is always exciting for their designers to see the first reactions by the trade to the new designs.

The company will be showcasing for the first time under the Mad Beauty brand new designs for Christmas under the name Let It Snow featuring Beanie hat lip balms, sanitizers, bath fizzers and hand care sets. Also launching is the ‘All the Single Ladies’ and the Snow globe ranges of gifts. And, if that’s not enough, there is also the Cosmic Galaxy range, Turkey & Christmas Pudding shower caps and new Advents - including a men’s version and lots more!

Branded in the ‘Never Too Old For’ licensed ranges under Disney for grownups, Mad Beauty are extending the Aladdin, Dumbo, Classic Animal and Villains lines as well as launching the Lion King Bath & Body range. Additionally, the incredibly successful Face Mask line up is joined by masks featuring Star Wars, Marvel and Frozen characters.

Also launching is the 1950s Barbie range to help celebrate Barbie’s 60th anniversary celebrations and the Hello Kitty metallic series.

All of the above will be displayed alongside many other Mad beauty favourites for a fantastic selection of all year-round gifting opportunities.

Call: 01208 958 0555 Email: sales@madbeauty.com Visit: madbeauty.com

Handcrafted D & J Glassware Hall Q, stand D23 Head to D & J Glassware’s stand to see the best in handcrafted glassware. A firm favourite with quality retailers, the company’s stunning Tree of Life balls and Friendship collections are a real delight.

D & J Glassware’s ever-growing menagerie of gorgeous fused glass animals continues to grow and Home & Gift will see some exciting new introductions.

As well as discovering beautiful mouth-blown and fused glass designs, visitors will be able to see – and smell - the popular fragrance collections. The stylish Simply Chic range has proved a real winner amongst stockists with the five new iridescent colours appealing to those preferring an understated elegance. The new fragrances are ontrend and echo this theme.

British-made Pot Pourri and Room Sprays make D & J Glassware a onestop shop for a stunning fragrance offering.

Call: 01953 450280 Email: dandj.glassware@btinternet.com Visit: dandjglassware.co.uk

74 Gifts Today

Show offers available C h r i s t m a s · A u t u m n · Ev e r y d ay 2 019

gifts for grown-ups

NEW Sept 2019 – See us at Home & Gift DP1-B25

HOME & GIFT HARROGATE · JULY 14-17 2019 · HALL DP1 · STAND B75 AUTUMN GIFT & HOME FAIR DUBLIN · AUGUST 18-21 2019 · STAND H8 AUTUMN FAIR NEC BIRMINGHAM · SEPT 1-4 2019 · HALL 6 · STAND C20 Contact Richard Weitzkorn 07956 424482 richard@ambproducts.co.uk Come and See our New Christmas Autumn Everyday 2019 collection!

Stand DP3-30

Made from sterling silver and 18ct gold vermeil - classic, contemporary jewellery designed and created in England.

Lime Tree Design hello@limetreedesign.com | www.limetreecollection.com | 01636 894043

FIND OUT MORE:

applestopears.com • 01453 826759 • sales@applestopears.com

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

Local heroes Hill Interiors Hall Q, stand KS-10 Hill Interiors have taken their largest stand ever at this year’s show, taking every single line, and launching over 150 new products. They’ll take up the whole of the King’s Suite and the entrance to Hall Q as well.

They have over 500 show offers and a well-stocked bar for visitors!

They are launching a new Christmas collection, as well as home interiors.

Within the collection there is a range of real wax true glow candles, each with its own timer installed.

Furniture in the collection includes a variation of elegant yet comfortable chairs, alongside a set of coffee tables. The collection also includes a variation of eye-catching centrepieces.

Then there’s also the Recipe Flower brand that will see launches of the ‘British Growers’-inspired collection and much more.

Call: 01845 567044 Email: sales.enquiries@hill-interiors.com Visit: hill-interiors.com

So original!

Lime Tree Design DP3-30 Lime Tree Design’s collection of jewellery and original gifts, including their quirky lavender fish, is created and made in their Nottinghamshire studio. Having started as a kitchen table company, the collection is now sold worldwide in department stores, independent boutiques and galleries.

Lime Tree Design’s jewellery includes original charms cast in sterling silver, gold and rose-gold vermeil. What’s more, 14ct gold is also available. There are new designs for earrings, adjustable and stack rings and bracelets, plus new ranges using ever-popular birthstones. They specialise in lockets that are made using traditional skills in the UK. New for Harrogate are gift boxes of Liberty hankies and Bird lavender sachets to join their successful boxes of handmade lavender fish drawer sachets made from Liberty lawn and silk. Launching at Home & Gift are screen-printed tea towels in their own geometric prints featuring fish, birds, bees and apples.

Call: 01636 894043 Email: hello@limetreedesign.com Visit: limetreecollection.com

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Home & Gift, Harrogate.

Hall Q Stand D23

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

ting Exci New gns Desi

PERFECT FOR CHRISTMAS • GREAT RATE OF SALE

Come and see the UK’s favourite glassware supplier: where quality meets design

www.dandjglassware.co.uk

01453 826759 • sales@applestopears.com

Tel: 01953 450280

NEW Sept 2019 – See us at Home & Gift DP1-B25

Old Tupton Ware Limited Agents required

Old Tupton Ware is a well established Tube Lined Pottery at a very affordable price, as well selling our Old Tupton Ware range and Redwood Nighlights. We have also been appointed UK distributors for the terrific range of Stoobz Figurines in Multi Colours.

You will be supported by our web sites and trade shows We are looking for agents in the following areas.

Scotland – North East –North West- East Anglia – South East England and South West England.

Old Tupton Ware has a loyal customer base of which accounts would be handed over and expected to be serviced, the opportunity with Stoobz is huge as there is nothing like it in the UK. Please apply by email giving the following information Area Covered by County Existing Agencies A mobile telephone number you can be contacted on.

To tim@oldtuptonware.co.uk

New products Life is good Valerie Graham

Take a closer look at these three great ranges from the company.

Call: 020 8200 5100 Email: sales@vgltd.co.uk

Ecology Valerie Graham Ltd have the exclusive UK and Ireland distribution for the Ecology range of homewares. Ecology launched its very first collection in 2008, creating long-lasting, fashion-focused lifestyle products that are inherently versatile and highly functional.

Ecology is one of the fastest growing lifestyle and homewares brands today in Australia and around the world.

Based in Victoria, Australia, Ecologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinctive look is earthy and organic with natural tones and fluid, hand-drawn designs that resonate with a modern sophisticated customer. The focus on creating products of beauty is coupled with a high emphasis on quality, ensuring the longevity of every piece that carries the Ecology name. Ranges Include Canvas white bone china to mottled Porcelain, patterned stoneware, vases, vessels, mugs and wooden boards.

Ipuro Valerie Graham Ltd have the exclusive distribution for the UK and Ireland for the Ipuro range of Home Fragrances.

Ipuro has revolutionised the market by blending a selection of exquisite fragrances in a highly aesthetic product design. Adhering to the ambitious goal of providing room fragrance solutions for all tastes.

Pleasantly subtle fragrance creations with minimalist designs, Ipuro Classics fit individually into every home

environment. The portfolio of nine must-have products ranges from a light sea breeze to citrus scents and floral, powdery fragrances, making it as diverse as the target audience of Ipuro itself.

Essentials by Ipuro is a product line to introduce customers of the price sensible self-service-segment to room fragrances. Available in 10 attractive fragrances and three sizes of bottle, as well as gift sets, scented candles, car fragrances and room sprays.

Swig For AW19, Swig have unveiled new bold crimson and green colours in their hydration range, together with striking two-tone colourways of purple/yellow base, navy/orange and orange/purple. The eye catching range includes stemless wine/drinking cups, mugs, tumblers and bottles.

New for men are Swig Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Metro Collection, adding neutral, trend-forward matte black and stainless steel to the ever-growing family of colours and prints. With the added thickness, the insulation of Swig now keeps drinks hot for up to nine hours or cold for up to 12. All Signature Swigs are dishwasher safe and the new Signature Swig Collection features a branded silicone non-slip base.

Visit: swiglife.co.uk 78 Gifts Today

Hot homeware

Just for you

Call: 0116 239 1105 Email: hello@groovyuk.com Visit: groovyuk.com

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

With cooking so on trend, what better to have than a range of kitchenware to show off to your friends? Groovy have created a collection with Brandalised, an urban graffiti license with high visibility and recognition with a collection of artworks and photographs of Banksy graffiti, the world’s most famous graffiti artist.

Groovy UK have developed ranges with iconic images such as ‘Lizzie’ The Queen and The Guard Dog (a balloon dog). All ranges have unique features that sit perfectly with the Brandalised brand. The ranges include tea towels, aprons, oven gloves, coasters, placemats, bags, purses, keyrings, mugs and stationery.

Or if you wanted something a little magical, bring Harry Potter into your own home with Groovy’s new range of homeware. Cotton tea towels, aprons, oven gloves, coasters & placemats incorporate Hogwarts and the House Logos.

The extensive new ranges also carry bathrobes, slippers, bags, keyrings, pins and lighting in Platform 9¾, Hedwig the Owl, Love Potion, Patronus, Quidditch, The Golden Snitch, Dobby the House Elf & The Deathly Hallows. Groovy is a one-stop shop for everything Potter shaped. Groovy’s other licences include Star Wars, Marvel, DC Comics, Fantastic Beasts, Mr. Men, Frida Kahlo, Gudatama and Brandalised.

Following on the popularity of their balloon gin and bottle of wine glass, the Personalised Memento Company have now expanded their personalised giant glassware range.

The new massive beer glass can hold over two and a half pints (enough to see you through a football match without losing your seat!) and with its clear personalisation across the front, it makes the perfect novelty gift for any beer connoisseur.

Not one to leave out the classier drinkers in society, PMC’s brand new personalised Prosecco flute can hold an entire bottle of Prosecco. A great gift for hen parties, birthdays, or just for a Prosecco enthusiast.

Groovy UK

Personalised Memento Co Glassware range

Personalised water bottle With a certain programme back on televisions and in full swing, PMC’s new personalised water bottle is proving to be a hot seller. Perfect for lazing by the pool, or working out at the gym, this personalised water bottle is great to keep hydrated while looking fierce. Its flip top lid means no nasty leaks and its handy loop top means it’s easy to carry; perfect for commuters or busy people on the go. Available in a range of designs, it really makes a great gift, even for the trickiest recipient. Another prime example of how PMC are constantly adapting and keeping ahead of new giftware trends. To see more of their diverse range, visit their website.

Personalised glitter glass & frame PMC have launched a new personalised glitter glass frame with a square 4x4 aperture, ideal for Instagram snaps. Perfect for an Insta fan to display a treasured photo, this frame makes a great gift all year round. With an array of designs to choose from, this frame is a fantastic gift for weddings, new homes or to celebrate a milestone birthday.

This new item fits in perfectly to PMC’s existing varied product range, from classic gifts to more contemporary styles. Personalised Memento have something to suit all needs and occasions.

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New products

any.

Back to school Finest home fragrance Liberty Candles

Email: sales@libertycandles.co.uk Visit: libertycandles.co.uk Candles Warmers Etc have had a major increase in their sales recently with the trade. They last around three times longer, have no flame, no sooting and are available as gift sets.

Airome Diffusers have launched the pluggable range and there are new children’s lovable character diffusers and night-lights. In a gift set, too. Keep an eye out for the Airome Essential Oils’ launch later this year.

Both ranges have high quality retail packaging. Liberty offer a drop shipment service for the Candle Warmers and Airome Diffusers.

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Puckator

Visit: puckator.co.uk Let Puckator gear up your store ready for the hectic back-to-school rush. Their exciting new ranges are aimed at excitable little tykes ready to start the new school year in style.

Keep those little monsters happy and focused with Puckator’s delightful Monstarz range. This collection of rucksacks, pencil cases, fluffy pom poms and water bottles, starring friendly inquisitive characters, will bring any child’s imagination to life. They can direct all those wonderful ideas straight onto paper in their awesome fluffy note pads, ready to gobble up all those thoughts.

If the Monstarz are just a little too cute and cuddly for your liking, Puckator also have a charming Shark Cafe range to tempt you, don’t worry, the products are not as ferocious as the name suggests. These sorely misunderstood creatures of the deep can be seen having a whale of a time, happily smiling and playing along in the depths of the ocean. Featuring on an awesome shaped rucksack, finished with a happy enamel pin and a hilarious fluffy pom pom, these cool blooded characters are going to swim into hearts everywhere.

Last but not least now landing in stock, Puckator’s new Space Cadets range is readying for orbit and blasting its way to your shelves this summer. The key features of this futuristic design include bright, bold rockets whizzing past a range of colourful planets set against a background of striking blue. Products currently available include a pencil case, lunch boxes, cool bag and stationery, perfect for all the young budding astronauts and explorers out there to rocket back to class come september.

To the Manor born Manor House

Manor House’s products are produced by hand in Suffolk, England, to a very high quality. Manor House work with many leading retailers to produce private label collections incorporating clients’ thoughts and ideas, fragrances and branding to offer bespoke and unique one-off collections.

This year’s collections encompass pot pourris, scented botanical candles and boxed candles in glass, room fragrances, diffusers and refills, drawer liners and sachets along with a beautiful collection of hand woven Suffolk silk bags and mini cushions for fragrancing clothes and wardrobes.

Manor House are sowing their Christmas Collections, and the popular Scented Pine Cones are selling extremely well. They specialise in Private Label work for many high-end clients and can use your own branding, ribbons and fragrances to make a stunning and unique product.

Call: 01359 250720 Visit: manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk

High fashion

Museums & Galleries

M&G’s launch of high fashion brand Zandra Rhodes stationery and gifts contains three gift packaging suites showcasing the brands most iconic textile designs: ‘Lipstick Squiggle’, ‘Feather Sunray’, and ‘Chevron Shawl’. Each suite consists of sheet wrap, gift bags, and matching gift tissue hang packs.

Accompanying the gift packaging are six notebooks - four A5 luxury soft cover journals and two deluxe notebooks. Six

bookmarks, 12 blank cards and two notelet wallets complete the stationery range. Other launches from M&G include an extension to the Travelling Mugs range, six Everyday Roll Wraps and Natural History Museum notebooks.

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

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New products Excellent Enesco So much to discover at the contemporary gift-giving company Visit: enesco.co.uk New Willow Tree figurine Enesco has unveiled Sanctuary, depicting the bond between a mother and her newborn baby, making it a beautiful gift to celebrate a new arrival’s birth, christening or naming ceremony. Like all Willow Tree figurines, artist Susan Lordi hand-carves the original figure from her studio in Kansas City, Missouri. The pieces are then cast from her original carvings, with the figurines communicating their expression through gesture only.

Frightfully good fun!

Enesco launches new range of creepy collectables – Fugglers. With more than 50 unique Fuggler characters to collect, rare characters can also be discovered by checking for glow-in-the dark teeth and eyes and the gold BUTT-on hole.

Lolita Gin Copa glasses In response to growing customer demand, Enesco presents a new range of four ‘blinged-up’ Copa gin glasses from Lolita - Butterfly, Ladybug, Heartsa-Million and Dragonfly.

‘My first Christmas’ Peter Rabbit Perfect for your customers’ celebrating their first Christmas with a baby, the collection features three new items including the Peter Rabbit My 1st Christmas Bib, Peter Rabbit My 1st Christmas Stocking, and Peter Rabbit My 1st Christmas Bauble.

1, 2, 3

Lesser & Pavey Call: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk Visit: leonardo.co.uk 1) The Christmas ranges are licensed from the MacNeil Studio and feature wintery scenes called ‘Christmas Robins’, ‘Santa’ and ‘The Magic Of Christmas’. Each range includes single mugs, mug sets, jug, coasters, placemats and festive trays. There’s also an LED cushion, canvas and present stocking, as well as festivethemed glass tea light holders, candle plates and oil burners.

2) The brand new collection of eight reading glasses offers a range of colours, strengths of quality lenses (1.0 – 3.5) and packaging. Each design is supplied on a customer display unit which features an easy-to-use eye test to distinguish which strength is required, as well as a mirror to try on different colours. More designs on their way.

3) This is a brand new range as part of the Mad Dots Baby range, and is licensed from Hearts Design Gallery. The pink and blue range welcomes baby with ‘hello baby girl’ and ‘hello baby boy’. The other new Bird and Ellie range, designed by the in-house team, features a charming elephant character holding a pink or blue love heart. This extensive range also offers photograph frames, ‘my first’ money bank, memory box, bamboo feeding set and trinket box, as well as a fine china two-handle cup to be used as the little one grows up.

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Home & design Lauvring A/S

Email: spp@iclauvring.dk Visit: iclauvring.dk Originally founded in 1987, Danish company Lauvring A/S offers a wide range of on-trend homeware and design products, with new launches throughout the year.

There’s so much to choose from, including glass vases, home decor items, jars, baskets and lanterns – as well as a huge number of special ranges for florists and garden centres Known for keeping up with trends, colours and new designs, these are perfect for style-conscious consumers. Their ranges are stocked in leading retail shops in Scandinavia and Germany, and they have a showroom in Denmark, where many customers visit them every day.

Just your cup of tea!

Something Different Wholesale Call: 01792 940 288 Email: customercare@somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk Visit: somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk Designed by Something Different Wholesale, these new mug sets have been created for couples and make perfect gift ideas for occasions such as weddings, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day. The mugs were developed to offer new variations of existing popular designs

by Something Different including the ‘Mr Right and Mrs Always Right’ set (as featured on ITV Love Island Christmas Reunion 2018) and the ‘She Said Yes’ set.

Neatly presented in cardboard window box tied with twine, the mugs have a simple, contemporary design in muted shades of black, white, grey and cream that will appeal to both men and women. Made from ceramic, the mugs are also dishwasher and microwave safe.

If you’re interested in stocking these new mug sets, you can find them on the Something Different website along with a selection of their other popular mug designs.

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