Gifts Today July 2022

ai16559868179_Gifts Today Ad jul 22.pdf 1 23/06/2022 13:20:18

Gifts Today Month: July 2022 Issue: 6 Volume: 33

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Gifts Today July 2022

Contents

p22

Regulars 5 Message from the Editor 6 News 90 Trade Talk A selection of Home & Gift exhibitors reveal what they are hoping to achieve at the show 96 Retailers’ Panel Six independent gift retailers share their Home & Gift expectations, and tips for a successful visit

Columnists

Gifts Today team Publisher

Mark Horsnell markh@lemapublishing.co.uk

p 66

10 British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) CEO Andrew Goodacre 12 The Giftware Association chief executive Sarah Ward 14 Retail100 Consulting director and co-founder Neil Amer 16 Diary of a Gift Shop by Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone in Leeds 18 Let’s Talk About… Buying with Yarnton Home and Garden gift/home buyer Bryony Taylor-Edwards

Editor

Cover Story

Layout/Design

20 Ashleigh & Burwood has launched its first collection of 100% natural fragrances, which is rich in aromatherapy benefits

Managing Director

Fair Focus

Clare Turner Clare@lemapublishing.co.uk Rick Vickers rick@lemapublishing.co.uk Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

22 Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival Preview

Production Director

Retail Interviews

Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Chairman

Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

p 86

38 Strawberry Blue, Wiltshire 54 Mantons Gifts & Cards, Isle of Man 66 Casa Fina, Salisbury 76 Mooch Gifts & Home, Worcestershire

68 At Home Special Lema Publishing Ltd

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

www.giftstoday.media

72 74 75 78 80

Bloomingville Parlane Wax Lyrical Manor House D & J Glassware

Product Focus p 74

82 New Products 84 In Style 86 Giftable Stationery

Supplier Focus 85 Something Different Wholesale 88 Love Country 89 Lesser & Pavey

T 01359 250720 Handmade in Suffolk

www.manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk

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

p 22

p 22

p 20

Message from the Editor www.giftstoday.media LinkedIn: @giftstoday | Twitter: @giftstodaymag Instagram: @giftstodaymedia

W

elcome to Gifts Today’s annual Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival preview issue.

The four-day show opens its doors in the Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate on July 17 and, talking to retailers and suppliers for this edition, it’s clear that there is huge affection for this event, which is keenly anticipated each year.

With more than 800 brands to choose from, set across four marquees and seven halls, Home & Gift is billed as ‘the largest showroom in the North’. And, taking place in the middle of the summer, it’s well timed for retailers to start putting together their A/W collections.

But as much as Home & Gift is a great buying opportunity, it’s also a celebration of the industry.

The relaxed environment allows for meaningful connections to be made and real business to be done. And the informal and sociable element of the fair allows for even more networking possibilities, with drinks receptions held throughout the course of the show creating a deep sense of community.

From the exhibitor mix of household favourites to emerging designers, to the unique environment and setting, indies interviewed in the Retailers’ Panel section of this issue all agree that Home & Gift is well worth a visit.

Their comments range from ‘it kick-starts my Christmas thinking’ to ‘my favourite show for gift buying: so many fabulous companies in an amazing location - and at the perfect time of year.

It’s a very social show too. I catch up with friends in the industry: suppliers and fellow retailers.’

We also spoke to several exhibitors for our Trade Talk section, who share retailers’ enthusiasm for Home & Gift. In the words of Stephen Thurlow, director of Alexander Thurlow: “We have a great fondness for this event. The customers always arrive in a buoyant mood, the sun always seems to be shining, and there’s always some great socialising at the end of the day.”

We asked for their thoughts on gift trends for the second half too, and their forecasts make fascinating reading. Best Kept Secrets managing

director Vanessa Curry notes that with the bite of the cost-of-living crisis continuing, it seems consumers are shopping more wisely: they are looking for quality gifts at sensible pieces.

D & J Glassware co-founders David Roznowski & Jocelyne Royou-Roznowski say: “Times are tough and sadly there’s still much uncertainty in the world. We believe this will strengthen the trend for buying gifts with a meaning or purpose or that are uplifting. The focus is very much on family life, so gifts that enhance the home will sell strongly.”

Enesco marketing and product director Helen Cottrill suggests functional gifts will be key: “In times when the financial environment is uncertain, we do see a shift towards mugs, home fragrance, frames, planters and clocks. However, babies will continue to be born and birthdays, weddings and anniversaries celebrated.”

Suppliers are reacting fast to these challenging times. As Miss Milly owner Sarah Watmore says, the cost-of-living crisis is going to put pressure on everybody, and value will be incredibly important in the golden quarter. So, “while price increases have been unavoidable in raw materials, production and shipping, we have worked hard to minimise the impact”.

For retailers looking for pointers on how to adapt to these inflationary times, our columnist Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association), has suggestions on how to cut costs in key areas including stock management, overheads, and pricing.

So, how is trading for you - and what are your predictions for the coming months? I’m always delighted when readers are keen to take part in a feature within the magazine. So, if you’d like to share your story, please do get in touch at clare@ lemapublishing.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. I look forward to hearing from you.

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

Clare Turner, Editor

p 72

p 38

“As much as Home & Gift is a great buying opportunity, it’s also a celebration of the industry”

News Miss Milly means business!

Gift Universe

acquires Prezzybox Gift Universe, the parent company of gifts and gadgets retailer Menkind, has officially completed the acquisition of Prezzybox, an established brand in the gifting industry and the creation of founder Zak Edwards.

The deal, which was made for an undisclosed sum, will enable the company to extend its reach into the female gifting market alongside Menkind’s male focused proposition, and follows Gift Universe’s recent acquisition of Hawkin’s Bazaar, which furthers its strategy to develop specialised highly targeted offerings.

Family-run Prezzybox was founded in 2000 with the mission to ‘to create moments of happiness by delivering the extraordinary’. The acquisition will see no significant change to Prezzybox, with the company maintaining its brand name, identity, ethos and value proposition. Gift Universe will look to use synergies in terms of buying, marketing and finance to the benefit of the company and its customers.

Prezzybox commercial director Barney Edwards commented: “We’re pleased that the business is going into Gift Universe’s capable hands and look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength in the future. As a family, we have put a huge amount of effort into building the business and we are happy to pass it on to a company that can help it achieve its potential.

“We are thankful to all the external stakeholders we have worked with and, most importantly, would like to thank our many

team members from over the years. Despite growing into a big operation from a small family business, we have always felt like one big family.”

Gift Universe CEO and founder Paul Kraftman added: “We are excited to continue the growth of our business through the acquisition of this well-established family brand. The acquisition of Prezzybox provides further opportunity to develop and grow our offering and increase our foothold in the gifting industry, enabling us to continue to expand our customer base.”

Gift Universe is a multi-channel business sourcing, developing and selling products in the novelty, gifting and gadgets market.

Founded in 2002, the company operates an expansive network of Menkind stores across the UK. Under the direction of Paul Kraftman, Gift Universe has grown organically as well as via several successful mergers and acquisitions since its inception. With an in-house product development team, it is able to offer a diverse product range spanning several gifting categories, with 70% of revenue generated from original products designed in-house.

Channels include 50 permanent stores (expanding up to 70 at peak trading through seasonal pop-ups), and B2B distribution to blue-chip and independent retailers, and ecommerce platforms and marketplaces.

“We’re pleased that the business is going into Gift Universe’s capable hands and look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength in the future”

6 Gifts Today

Miss Milly recently took part in the inaugural Sustainability Basics course offered by Small Business Britain.

A six-week course run with Oxford Brookes University, Small99 and Sustainable Pathways, the programme began with an introduction to sustainability and how to caalculate your carbon footprint, and then looked at different areas in more detail such as energy, transport, supply chain, and carbon offsetting.

Miss Milly owner Sarah Watmore said: “With interactive webinars and an engaged Facebook group, the course was - and continues to be - a great help in our aim to be more sustainable.

We have already made some changes, but now have several other projects ongoing, and will be including information on what we’re doing on our new website, which launched in June.”

Small Business Britain is running a second course from September 6 and Miss Milly would encourage other businesses in the gift industry to get involved. Sarah commented: “Sustainability is a minefield, and many of the smaller wholesalers and independent retailers would struggle with B Corp certification. But this course gave us lots of suggestions and advice on where we could improve and how. Every positive change you can make at work and home, no matter how small, really is worthwhile.”

Licensing update from Love Country Love Country has announced a licensing partnership with Tracks Publishing.

The company said: ‘The lovely people at Tracks fell for the heartwarming designs by artist Sarah Reilly and have licensed Sarah’s entire design collection. These are available as greeting cards and packs, which feature a story on the reverse written by Sarah.’

A new licence for this summer includes the new 2022 Seed Card Collection, which received a Highly Commended accolade in The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards 2022. With 24 designs, the collection features wildlife and flowers and is 100% plastic-free.

More festive products have been developed and you can find Sarah’s work on advent calendars and advent cards available for pre-order now.

'&$1 . !$ $ *'%

+ !'& + '-$ &P, '+, , *,

+(*!& +-%% * !& +,' # &'/ + $$!& '-, +, A new fashion brand with a sustainable twist! Designed in the UK, our collection is unique, exclusive, and created with our planet in mind.

0161 975 6300 *LIWV 7RGD\ 6XJDU/DQH )3 LQGG

sales@joedavies.co.uk

www.joedavies.co.uk

News Moda gets set to sparkle at Autumn Fair

Countdown to Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn returns to the SEC in Glasgow on September 18 and September 19, with a diverse array of around 120 exhibitors across the gift, greeting cards, homeware, stationery, jewellery, food and textiles sectors, including established names such as Barrhead Leather, Glen Appin, Pocket Mountains, Shearer Candles, Pink Pig, Ness and Urban Outline.

In The Launch Gallery, companies such as Christine Allan Art, Fiona Matheson Studio, Joy Nevada, Christine Gilbert Art and Surya Luna Naturals will be exhibiting for the first time at the Autumn edition of Scotland’s Trade Fair. And the Speciality Food area is once again in high demand, featuring companies such as Och Vegan, Cold Town Beer and Scotia Spice Foods.

Show director Mark Saunders said: “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 gives retailers the chance to find out what’s on-trend in the marketplace and discover new exhibitors. It also offers the opportunity to network and catch up with suppliers - and it’s a welcome day out after what we hope will be a busy summer season.”

He added: “With many Brits opting to holiday at home now, plus many foreign visitors returning to Scotland, shops are hoping to have a good summer and will be ready to reorder in September.”

Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring returns to its normal timing in January and will be held at the SEC in Glasgow from January 22 to January 24, 2023.

One of the UK’s longest standing fashion trade shows, Moda is now an integral destination at Spring Fair & Autumn Fair, with the next edition taking place at Autumn Fair from September 4 to September 7 at NEC Birmingham.

Visitors will discover new designs and collections within Jewellery & Watch and Fashion Accessories from Sea Gems, Big Metal, Lisa Angel, Suzie Blue, Amber Hall Jewellery, Cavendish French, Kali Ma Designs, Lido Pearls, Shrieking Violet, Midhaven, Ping Ping Jewellery, Scream Pretty, Silver Jewellery Cavern, Reeves & Reeves, Ronin Jewellery, Siren Silver, Spoke 925, Bluelily925silver, The Old Farmhouse Jewellery, Clementine Jewellery, Icon Watches, Paradise Jewellery, Eliza Gracious, Gracee Jewellery, Pura Vida, and many more.

Attendees will also uncover the latest handbags, hats, scarves and statement pieces, making Moda the perfect place to find those finishing touches to your collections. Look out for new brands such as Annie with Alex, Esoteric London, and Weartrade, and returning favourites including Miss Milly, Glen Appin of Scotland, Nova Leathers, Yvette Collection, Talbot Fashions, Flick Fashions, Miss Shorthair, Ashwood Leather, House of Shen, Zelly UK, Berber Leather, Mag Mouch Sophos, Miss Sparrow, Black Yak, Earth Squared, ENVY, Peace of Mind, Nomads, Mala Leather, Angelababy, Thistle Gem, Passion Accessories and Moca Fashion.

Simon Lau, event director of Moda at Autumn Fair, commented: “Moda has been the key fashion destination at Spring and Autumn Fair for two incredibly successful seasons, and returns to Autumn Fair in September with an ever-growing portfolio of inspiring and trend-led designers and brands.

“With its long-standing heritage as a leading womenswear and footwear show, Moda still provides an essential hub for creativity, collaboration and trading, while claiming its place as the new fashion destination at the UK’s largest marketplace for home, gift and fashion, with visiting retailers benefiting from the vast cross-buying opportunities and inspiration. We look forward to welcoming all our returning and new brands and delivering another brilliant show for our visitors.”

Curated Meetings at Autumn Fair has announced its first round of confirmed brands selected to showcase products to buyers in pre-scheduled, one-to-one 15-minute meetings. The line-up so far includes Clarity Blend, Giffi Creations, Esoteric London, iBeani, The Jewel Jar, Kidzon, Kingfisher Cards, Alex Clark Art, Huboo Technologies, Erda Ally, Yoshi, Kingsley Ryan, Lichfield Leather, The Old Farmhouse Jewellery, Àníké TLC, Fox Under the Moon, Upper Canada UK, Aroma Home, Dojo, Body Jewellery, Annie with Alex, FLB Group, Vespucci Adventures, Shifa Aromas, Feel the Glow, Shu Da Living, and Beevive. Approved buyers can apply for a financial contribution to cover expenses and international buyers could receive £350 and 2-nights’ accommodation at The Moxy Hotel at NEC Birmingham.

For further information, visit https://www.autumnfair.com/curated-meetings.

GA appoints new chair and collaborates with the Creative Industry Association

Gert Schyberg and Louise Welsby 8 Gifts Today

The Giftware Association (GA) hosted its AGM on June 22 and announced details of the new officer selection for the next two years.

Louise Welsby, managing director of creative agency Buy-From, was appointed as chair. She succeeds former chair Gert Schyberg, founder and managing director of luxury candle supplier Sebnini, who has stepped into the deputy chair role. Mark Jones, commercial director of gift supplier Gisela Graham, was named vice chair.

Louise said: “It’s an honour to be the first service provider in the association’s 75-year history to take on the chair role. I’m looking forward to continuing the excellent stewardship of Gert and I’m keen to get to work on supporting the GA with new initiatives, including the development of its digital marketing and educational benefits.”

The GA also welcomed two new members to its national committee: Tabi Marsh, owner of Papilio At Heritage gift shop in Bristol and Stephen Illingworth, senior vice president of gift supplier Widdop Bingham & Co. Jeremy Corner, managing director of greeting cards distributor Blue Eyed Sun, stood down from the national committee and was thanked for his service and support over the years.

The GA has taken over the operational, management and memberships activities of the Creative Industry Association. Both bodies have huge synergies which will benefit their respective members. GA CEO Sarah Ward will also take on the CEO role of the Creative Industry Association. Craig De Souza, CEO and founder of the Creative Industry Association, will become an ex officio member of the GA national committee.

17—20 July 2022 Harrogate

The Summer Buying Festival

Register now homeandgift.co.uk

Tips for inflationary times Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association), shares suggestions on how retailers can survive during an inflationary period and learn how to cut costs

W

ith inflation higher than it was almost 30 years ago, many of today’s high street retailers will not have experienced running a business in such an inflationary period. In this instance, inflation is being increased due to cost price pressures rather than consumer demand - and that type of inflation is even more challenging for businesses to manage.

We have been taking the time to talk to Bira members to obtain some ‘top tips’ for retailing when inflation is increasing, and have identified four key areas for addressing inflationary pressures that all retailers need to consider:

1 •

•

•

•

Stock management Probably the single biggest cost to a retailer is the cost of stock. We would urge you to consider the following: The cost of stock sold is not just the original cost price, but more importantly the replacement cost ie the cost of buying the stock back in. That means that if you can increase the sale price of existing stock before you sell it, you have sufficient cash to replace it.

Stock up on key products if you expect costs to rise. If you think a product range will continue to rise, it would be wise to buy more stock now while prices are lower. Obviously, this is only possible if the business has the cash and is able to tie up more money in stock.

With that in mind, best practice would be to focus on the faster selling lines so that the stock is moving.

Reduce stock range performance with the objective of removing or not reordering slower moving stock/products. This will reduce the amount of money being held in stock and will release cash to help finance the higher cost of other stock.

Secondary branding may be an option for some retailers: substituting ‘branded’ products with ‘own branded’ alternatives which are often cheaper. This must be done carefully, as these replacement branded products need to be of sufficient quality to not damage your reputation with shoppers.

Review supplier base/terms. Are you sure you are obtaining the best possible price, or the best possible terms?

Photo: /stock

•

Photo: iStock | arthon meekodong

OPINION

CEO Andrew Greenacre

10 Gifts Today

3

Changing consumer purchasing patterns

“In the past two years, we have seen massive changes in the way consumers pay for their purchases”

2

Pricing

Invariably, rising cost prices result in higher retail prices, with businesses keen to retain their normal profit margins.

However, this is easier when the inflation is fuelled by consumer demand. Furthermore, the high street is much more competitive, especially with the large online companies disrupting the market.

Understanding pricing strategies is a key retail skill. You need to think about the following options: • Increase prices little and often. Customers will notice larger, more infrequent price changes. So, it is best to adopt a smoother approach to pricing. More work, but worth it. A price rise to keep up with inflation may actually create more profit for the retailer.

• Adopt a balanced approach and know your ‘Known Value Items’ (KVIs). A KVI is often a popular sales line, and the price is ‘known’ by the customer. For example, for supermarkets/ grocery stores, KVIs often include the cost of a pint of milk or a loaf of bread. These are items bought on a regular basis and often in isolation, so the customer becomes used to the price.

• It is the cost of KVIs that often determines the perception of how expensive a shop might be in the eyes of the shopper.

The strategy for KVIs should be to minimise the price increase on these products and spread any increases across the wider product range. Protecting the KVIs significantly increases the perceived value for money that you offer your customers. However, it’s not always easy to identify the KVI in every retail outlet.

• When setting prices, base the retail price on the replacement stock cost, rather than the current stock cost. Most EPOS systems will do this for you, but you need to set this parameter. If you know new stock orders will be more expensive, the retail pricing should reflect that reality.

This approach also allows the retailer to ‘smooth out’ the increases.

• The reaction of the shopper. Ultimately the retailer has to remain competitive in an increasingly competitive market, and so it’s not always possible to retain the profit margins through price. Independents should know their local market but cannot take it for granted. If prices rise too much, demand may well suffer - and the retailer will be left with expensive stock on the shelves.

• Use price promotions as a means of off-setting general price increases.

4

Overheads

Retailers are experiencing the same pressures as suppliers in terms of rising energy and labour costs. All too often, people in general can be too apathetic when reviewing their costs. It’s therefore important for business owners to review all their overhead costs, especially some of the larger costs such as: • Energy: speak to your energy supplier and other suppliers to obtain the best rate possible. Some Bira members have already saved significant amounts by doing this. Bira has an energy partner called Energy Options and it’s certainly worth talking to this company.

• Insurance: obtain a new quote rather than just staying with the same provider. Bira has a new insurance partner who can offer competitive quotes, and many Bira members have already saved a lot of money by moving to this partner.

• Review opening hours in line with your sales trends: this may well save energy and labour costs.

• Review staffing requirement for periods of the day: many retailers are now looking at revising working hours to reflect changing consumer store visits. You will need to take legal advice when changing staffing contracts, but flexibility is key now more than ever.

In conclusion, running a business in an inflationary period is never easy, but it is important to be proactive and consider your options. There are not necessarily any right or wrong answers - it’s about finding the best pricing solution/s for your business.

Call: 0800 028 0245 | Visit: www.bira.co.uk

“Many of today’s high street retailers will not have experienced running a business in such an inflationary period”

Photo: iStock | takasuu

Photo: /stock

Photo: iStock | arthon meekodong

In the past two years, we have seen massive changes in the way consumers pay for their purchases. Card transactions have reached upwards of 58% of all retail transactions in the UK for adults aged under 45 years old. With this in mind: • Review the costs of taking payment by cards. Remember, it’s the debit card rate you should be looking at, as this - for most independent retailers - will be at least 75% of your card transactions. Ask for a review from your current card acquirer.

• Look at new payment schemes such as Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) for high value purchases. Last year, one in three adults in the UK used a BNPL scheme to buy goods.

OPINION

Thoughts of a chief executive The Giftware Association chief executive Sarah Ward muses on mentoring, mapping and meetings

I

‘

Sarah Ward

We have proved ourselves to be an incredibly resilient industry; embracing new technological marketplaces, focusing on collaboration over competition, and innovations in sustainability all mean that we have an opportunity to grow and thrive

‘

12 Gifts Today

n the past month, there has been so much activity that determining the tone of this column was a bit tricky. A lot of my time so far this year has been spent providing oneto-one mentoring sessions with our members, as they seek to navigate their way through the challenges before them.

Multiple stakeholder and parliament meetings have taken place, including one at the Bank of England, which provided crucial insight into our industry, and we have been mapping out the next couple of years as best we can with a clearer understanding now of the ongoing challenges we face as a nation - not just within our industry.

The Queen’s Speech on economic affairs and business made for sobering reading when the insights were published on May 5.

The fallout from the ongoing war in Ukraine has caused inflation to rise beyond problematic levels caused by the pandemic.

Looking forward What we are starting to understand is our need to map out a turbulent two years of managing unpredictable costs, problematic supply chains, and further changes to consumer behaviour.

But I don’t believe this is a time to panic. We have proved ourselves to

be an incredibly resilient industry; embracing new technological marketplaces, focusing on collaboration over competition, and innovations in sustainability all mean that we have an opportunity to grow and thrive.

At the Bank of England meeting at the end of April, I was invited to speak first at a round table event with key stakeholders from the world of business.

These meetings take place regularly, so please email me to discuss critical topics affecting your business so that I can raise them at future events.

The Giftware Association’s Head of Membership Victoria Louise and I have also had the pleasure of attending several Embassy meetings in the past few weeks, with the aim of enabling stronger trade links and opportunities for our members.

The most recent meeting was with the French Embassy, providing us with invaluable resources for our members, including trade opportunities, understanding the French market, gifting trends in France, and distribution routes to enable greater access to French markets and beyond.

Please contact us if you would like to receive a report covering all of the above.

New members I’m pleased to report that we have signed up more than 30 new members so far this year, as a direct result of our trade show activities and increased member engagement.

One of the key benefits that members can access is one-to-one mentoring with me.

Chatting to Victoria, we realised that we have delivered 60-plus mentoring sessions so far this year - each lasting over one hour masterminding members’ business challenges and connecting them with service providers who can help to further their journey.

It’s one of the great privileges of my role and provides a fantastic insight into how our members are developing and growing their businesses.

The next few weeks are set to be exciting for The Giftware Association, with a new website launch and the start of our Shared Lunches, with the first hosted by Talking Tables on the topic of sustainability.

As ever, please email me if you have any questions about The Giftware Association at sarah.ward@ga-uk.org.

Call: 0121 236 2657 Email: sarah.ward@ga-uk.org Visit: www.ga-uk.org

Harrogate Christmas & Gift

+DUURJDWH &RQYHQWLRQ &HQWUH

WK WK -DQXDU\

7KH 8.·V IDYRXULWH WUDGH WUDGHVKRZ IRU WKH IHVWLYH VHFWRU PHHW UHWDLOHUV DQG EX\HUV EX\ IURP JDUGHQ FHQWUHV WUHV JLIW VKRSV GHSDUWPHQW VWRUHV LQGHSHQGHQW VWRUHV WRXULVW VKRSV GHSDUWPHQW VWRUH V WRXULVW DWWUDFWLRQV FDWKHGUDO DQG KHULWDJH FHQWUHV HYHQWV DQG YHQXHV DQG PXFK PRUH ZZZ KDUURJDWHIDLU FRP VLPRQ#KDUURJDWHIDLU FRP C&G 2023 Gifts Today - July 2022.indd 1

20/06/2022 12:03:43

OPINION

L-R: Sara Allbright, Anna Berry, Neil Amer and Elaine Hooper

Photo: iStock|howtogoto

Merchandising: it’s not what most people think!

Retail100 Consulting director and co-founder Neil Amer gives an insider’s view of the role of merchandisers - and his insights may surprise you…

I

f I had a pound for every time someone thought a merchandiser dresses windows, I’d be a rich man. In fact, I can’t think of a group of people less qualified to dress windows - the skill sets needed for merchandising and visual merchandising could not be more different.

As a former merchandiser, I must say that the wonderfully creative visual merchandising teams have a talent I could only dream of. However, it’s no surprise the two get confused: call something by the same name and what do you expect? But the similarities really do end there.

Budgets, spreadsheets, KPIs [Key Performance Indicators], WSSIs [Weekly Sales, Stock and Intake]… welcome to the world of merchandising. The reality of merchandising is to manage financial risk. We work hand in hand with buyers to deliver a market-leading range, 14 Gifts Today

manage stock, and maximise sales and margins. Buyers can find great products, negotiate great prices, or find great sources to manufacture. But without a merchandiser, none of this would come to market.

A merchandiser sets a framework or boundaries for a successful and profitable trading environment. We plan sales and stock budgets, plan the number of options a buyer can buy, produce forecasts for suppliers, and work with logistics and warehousing to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of stock. We monitor sales patterns, deal with underperforming ranges, and plan financially viable ways to exit stock.That’s just a few of the things we’re responsible for. It’s quite often the case that a merchandiser’s head is in three seasons at once - the one you are currently trading in, the next one where you are trying to make sure everything is on time, and the one eight to 12 months ahead, which you are planning for.

To be a successful merchandiser, you need to have many skills, but my top three would be: multi-tasking - you

need to keep many a plate spinning; prioritising - as you simply cannot do everything that’s asked of you; and collaboration - because you need to work closely with people/teams (not least the buyers) to deliver results.

For the best results, buyers and merchandisers work closely together, often referring to each other as ‘work husband’ or ‘work wife’ as they spend so much time collaborating, celebrating, and arguing (or do I mean healthy tension?).

I believe the best merchandisers love the product as much as they love a spreadsheet, and the best buyers love a spreadsheet as much as they love the product. It’s very much like a Venn diagram, where the skill sets should overlap, but it’s the skill sets that don’t overlap at the opposite ends of the spectrum that call us to become a merchandiser or buyer.

This can be even more complicated in a small business, where the buyer and merchandiser roles can often fall upon the same person. One skill set will shine through, most probably the buying one as this is more focused on the ‘sexy’ product. It will often be

Neil Amer is a director and co-founder of Retail100 Consulting, which is a consultancy firm with 100 years of retail experience that helps retailers and brands grow. Coming from a retail background, Neil worked as a merchandiser for John Lewis for 17 years.

Email: hello@retail100consulting.co.uk Visit: www.retail100consulting.co.uk; www.linkedin.com/company/retail100-consulting

difficult to have that ‘healthy tension’ in one person’s thought process, so I fear merchandising is often overlooked. You may not be great with a spreadsheet, nor know what a WSSI is or have the tools to forecast, and that can be okay: your business can succeed without these things. But I guarantee that if you don’t have a framework or a proper grip of your stock intake versus sales (essentially the finances), your business will not be as successful as it can be.

A huge generalisation, I know, but in my experience most buyers are extroverts and most merchandisers are introverts and as such are often referred to as the unsung heroes of a buying office.

So, to all you merchandisers out there, whether your family and friends think you dress windows, work in a shop, or are Meryl Streep in A Devil Wears Prada: I know how tough it can be when you feel the weight of millions of pounds on your shoulders. And, you have my word: I will never stop banging the drum for you. Because behind every great buyer, there is a strong, powerful and expert merchandiser.

A GIFT RANGE WITH STYLE. From Jigsaw Puzzles to Drinks Bottles, the M&G 2022 collection is positively brimming with iconic designs and must-have products to make your year a sustained sustainable – success. Request your catalogues – and sustaina via-our sales sal team or visit our website to view.

E: sales@mgml.co.uk *LIWVB7RGD\B)3DJHB0D\B-XO\B LQGG

museumsgalleries.co.uk

Tel: 01373 462165

OPINION

Diary of a gift shop Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone gift shop in Ipswich, is looking forward to taking part in an ‘experiential’ event this summer

A

s the dust settles on the Jubilee celebrations, Ipswich is preparing to host more than 100 owl sculptures this summer, scattered around our town.

The Big Hoot is a free art trail brought to Ipswich by creative producers Wild in Art in partnership with Suffolk charity St Elizabeth Hospice, following the success of Pigs Gone Wild in 2016 and Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk in 2019.

Until September 3, the trail will see 50 Big Hoot owls individually designed by artists, and 65 Little Hoot owls decorated by local schools and groups, popping up in special locations. Each Big Hoot will be sponsored by a local business and auctioned to raise funds for the

16 Gifts Today

hospice at the end of the trail.

Loveone is hosting one of the Little Hoot owls. Our owl, Unity, was designed by the winner of a drawing competition created by Suffolk Fostering & Adoption and can be found front and centre in our window.

“As a small indie, this is a great opportunity to be part of a truly collaborative initiative” Footfall hopes For me, as a small indie, this is a great opportunity to be part of a truly collaborative initiative, linking community, charity, business, Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Central. It also brings a chance to be part of a truly ‘experiential’ high street - an expression I hear a lot. The trail, maps and app are available to help signpost people, and to encourage visitors to explore the town, and residents to reconnect to their place. This summer we are expecting a rise in footfall throughout the town due to the trail, coming at a time when it will be much needed.

We were fortunate to play host to a Little Pig and a Little Elmer in the previous trails. On both occasions, we experienced a significant uplift in both footfall and income. Ipswich,

like many locations, has suffered since the lockdown with the slow return of the office sector. This event may at least in the short term go some way to alleviate this shortfall.

Before the first trial (Pigs Go Wild) I was a little sceptical of the projections from Wild in Art of visitor numbers.

Thankfully I was proved wrong, and on day one of the trail I met a visitor from York (160 miles from Ipswich), who travels around the country visiting all the trails: maybe we will see him again!

Our Little Pig was decorated with fingerprints in many colours by children at my kids’ primary school, so over the summer of 2016 I met pupils, parents, teachers, aunts, uncles, grandparents - many of whom had never been in my shop! And one afternoon I played host to an entire Brownie pack; things got very cosy, and I ended up in many photos that year.

Owl themed products This year, having learned a lot from the previous trails, we are expanding our product offer to include lots of owl themed products. We have Jellycat plush owls, leather keyrings from Ark Colour design, greeting cards from Art Angels, and a beautiful card/

mask from East End Press. We have a very vibrant art/design community in Ipswich, and I will be selling prints from Marie Souls Illustration and Verena Arts; I’m sure this will increase as more artists find us.

The trail is being promoted on all social media platforms, which is another positive reason to be involved.

It helps to raise our profile, enables us to help promote and fundraise for our local hospice, and encourages more people to visit us and our town.

Given the challenges facing us all this year, I welcome The Big Hoot to Ipswich this summer: something free for all the family to be involved with and a positive collaboration for the small indies.

For more information go to www.thebighoot.co.uk.

NEW

goalbooks

metallic colours

The perfect journal!

extra ordinary since 1934 Contact us today for more details of the full Rhodia range: www.exaclairlimited.com • enquiries@exaclair.co.uk • 01553 696600

Let’s talk about… summer buying Bryony Taylor-Edwards, head of brand and home, gift, food, and toy buyer at Yarnton Home and Garden in Oxfordshire, shares her favourite natural skincare products

A

poll commissioned by Card Factory in 2021 revealed that 60% of UK adults prefer the feeling of giving, over the feeling of receiving. Another survey conducted

by OnePoll claimed 57% of people believe the thought that goes into a gift is as important as the cost. Would you agree? I certainly would. I mean, I would never throw away my plethora of pasta necklaces from my children.

“Being a gift buyer comes with a big responsibility. If giftgiving makes the giver and the receiver feel good, that’s a lot of happiness on my shoulders” Okay, one more statistic for you.

Did you know that according to a Card Factory poll of 2,000 people, on average we buy 32 gifts per year? Now that’s a lot of gifts. For me personally, I buy double that. The gift-giving list is now endless, from presents for friends, family, partners, teachers, village do-gooders, and more. It seems that gift-giving is a national art form and one that’s showing no sign of abating (thankfully for us all!).

10

Gifts Today

Why am I telling you this?

Well, because being a gift buyer comes with a big responsibility.

If gift-giving makes the giver and the receiver feel good, that’s a lot of happiness on my shoulders.

Therefore, I give gift buying careful consideration. Not only must I understand my consumers and their needs, hopes, and dreams (no pressure!), but I must also stay abreast of trends and national moods. Remember, a large proportion of what we gift buyers choose now, will not hit the shelves for another nine to 12 months.

Luckily for me, the fact that we are a garden centre unifies my demographic around a central pillar - a love of the garden and the great outdoors. So that inspires much of what I buy, from garden-inspired books and botanical-inspired tipples to nature-inspired gifts for children.

What I’ve learned is that this theme is wonderfully seasonal and uplifting, and one I will be sticking with for the foreseeable future. As I venture into the buying season over the summer, these thoughts will be in my mind.

How can I delight and please with the gift of giving?

Bath & Body Summer’s arrival brings the opportunity to indulge in wearing fewer layers and a little more self-care.

I love hot temperatures but would be lying if I said there’s not a small part of me that’s slightly worried about what lurks underneath said layers!

That’s why for me, summer gifting is all about bath & body products.

For us, skincare must be as natural as possible and kind to both the skin and the environment. The first bath & body range I chose for Yarnton Home and Garden was Bramley. Why? Because the Bramley ethos closely aligns with ours: sustainability, care, and quality. Its ranges are inspired by the British countryside. They are made in Britain and the focus is on natural ingredients that cause no harm to the environment or your skin. For us, this range has been a huge success. The company now has wonderful skincare ranges for children and dogs, both of which we stock. Once you’ve smelt Bramley, there’s no going back.

If you are looking for some intensive love for your skin, then Batch #001 holds the key. This organic skincare range for dry or sensitive skin is the wonder bolt that everybody needs. Made from natural beeswax and high-grade essential oils, the balms in this collection are truly magical.

But let me reassure you, good bath & body doesn’t have to be boring. My discovery of Bath Noodles from Paper Plane has brought joy to colleagues and customers alike. It feels like these nifty noodles should be in the food hall but in fact they are 100% natural, vegan body wash noodles in plastic-free biodegradable packaging.

The perfect gift to elicit a smile, I would say!

Email: Bryony@yarntonhomegarden.co.uk Visit: www.yarntonhomegarden.co.uk; www.instagram.com/yarntonhomegarden

Photos: Clive Rose

OPINION

New Seed Card Collection 2022

Ü >Û> >L i Ó{ `ià } à Li``i` Ü Ì y ÜiÀ Ãii`à v À Ì i Liià £ää¯ V À i ` Þ° Õ Þ L `i}À>`>L i° * >ÃÌ V Àii

Dog Lovers Calendar 2023 } Þ ÕÃÌÀ>Ìi` Ì À Õ} ÕÌ i } ÌvÕ ÃÌ ÀÞ i>V Ì Ƃ ÕÃÌ v À } ÛiÀÃ ƂÛ> >L i v À «Ài À`iÀ Üt

ÜÜÜ° ÛiV Õ ÌÀÞLÞÃ>À> Ài Þ°V °Õ

i > \ ÃÕ«« ÀÌJ ÛiV Õ ÌÀÞÕ °V °Õ /i \ ä£xäÓ xäÇÎxÓ *)RFXV$ 0D\ LQGG

Cover Story...

Ashleigh & Burwood

Home fragrance the

Naturals way Ashleigh & Burwood has launched its first collection of 100% natural fragrances, which is rich in aromatherapy benefits to uplift the mood

S

ince Ashleigh & Burwood’s inception, at the heart of the company’s mission has been a desire to share fragrances that create a comforting, relaxing and fresh ambience in the home.

With an increased awareness of the everyday challenges to mental health and the importance of wellbeing, the firm is now taking this mission to improve happiness in the home further. Its latest collection of fragrances is designed to uplift the mood as well as the home, using natural and ecofriendly ingredients, and all-natural fragrances.

The power of natural ingredients Placing wellbeing at the centre of the new collection’s design, it was important that fragrances should be crafted from all-natural, essential oils, due to their aromatherapy benefits which can help elevate the mind and mood.

Extracted from flowers, leaves, stems and other botanical sources, essential oils have a long history of use in fragrancing and aromatherapy. They confer their benefits by stimulating the olfactory 20 Gifts Today

system when the scent of the oil is inhaled, triggering different wellbeing effects depending on the scent. As well as aromatherapy benefits, the scent of each essential oil blend also fragrances the home beautifully.

Wellbeing-inspired fragrances The Naturals collection is made up of four fragrances - Awaken, Focus, Rebalance, and Sleep - which are designed to follow the rhythms of the day, boosting mood and soothing the senses when most needed. To do this, a set of rituals involving each product is included in the product packaging to help guide the user on a peaceful path through a mindful day.

Notes of invigorating lemongrass (a stressreliever that will infuse the morning with positive vibes), giving way to brain-boosting spearmint and refreshing peppermint, make the uplifting Awaken fragrance the perfect morning pick-meup to start the day with.

The Focus fragrance is a mid-morning hero,

combining floral jasmine that soothes away stress and anxiety with zesty mandarin to bring calm and balance to the mind, while brightening bergamot evokes happy feelings.

For the after-work unwind, Rebalance features citrus notes of lemon to calm anxiety, and a comforting base of sandalwood and patchouli to soothe lingering stress and sadness.

Lastly, the scent of Sleep is a bedtime musthave. It is expertly crafted from a blend of comforting lavender (a time-honoured sleep aid), jasmine to help relax the mind, and a soothing base of sedative cedarwood.

As well as fragrances crafted entirely from natural essential oils, all-natural ingredients have been used in the collection wherever possible, including a 100% natural blend of coconut, rapeseed and beeswax for the Naturals candles.

The products The Naturals collection offers a diverse product range in the four fragrances, with a mix of home fragrance favourites like Scented Candles

and Reed Diffusers alongside innovative scent solutions such as an Ultrasonic Diffuser and the Mini Mood Boost set.

The collection’s Scented Candles, handpoured in the UK, use an intensely fragranced coconut-rapeseed-beeswax blend for excellent scent throw, and the long-lasting, UK-made Reed Diffusers come with chunky rattan reeds for excellent fragrance delivery.

The Ultrasonic Diffuser features three different time settings and a seven-colour LED light system, and can be used to help bring balance to the home and mood with four 100% natural essential oil blends (made in the UK), releasing refreshing bursts of scent.

The Mini Mood Boost Set provides on-thego fragrance with four petite sniff boxes that impart an instant burst of aromatherapy fragrance whenever and wherever needed.

Eco-conscious materials The Naturals collection concept has been built around wellbeing and for Ashleigh & Burwood, as it moves towards a more sustainable future in all it does, it was hugely important that the new collection should place equal emphasis on the wellbeing of our planet.

Plastic elements have been eliminated where possible, allowing Naturals to evoke the feeling of a soothing return to simplicity through natural design elements and materials, such as the smooth ceramic body of the Ultrasonic Diffuser and simple glass vessels to complement any room..

Eco-consciousness is at the forefront of the packaging too, which is 100% recyclable (where current recycling processes allow). The collection’s vessels can also be repurposed around the home after use as desk tidies, vases, tea light holders and more.

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

Preview

Home & Gift

returns for 2022!

Harrogate will play host to the summer buying event of the season when the four-day Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival opens on July 17

T

he Harrogate Convention Centre will soon be opening its doors to Home & Gift: the gift industry’s favourite summer trade show.

This annual exhibition, organised by Clarion Events, promises to be one of the best yet, with a carefully curated collection of top brands across multiple sectors including design-led gifts, home and interiors, food emporium, gifts, jewellery, and fashion.

Buyers will be able to discover the latest products from names such as

By Molly & Izzie, Gallery Direct, Red Cuckoo, Alice Caroline, Carrie Elspeth, CHALK, Spice Kitchen, and lots more!

Plus, this year will see the launch of the new Furniture Collection taking over Hall Q, along with Home & Gift’s ample networking and social events.

Many favourite brands will be returning to the show including Mary Ann Rogers Gallery, Forma House, One Hundred Stars, My Doris,

By Eloise, The Art File, and Icon Watches - along with new exhibitors such as Cotton Clara, Playpress Toys, Grace and Blume, GRUFFPAWTRAITS, Olor and Vurchoo.

Shop Talk Home & Gift is known for being more than just a traditional trade show, with buyers getting to enjoy much more than just easy shopping opportunities! Before attendees even arrive at the event, they will be able to enjoy a series of virtual masterclasses and discussions from industry experts in the Shop Talk seminar series, gaining top tips from the best in the business, along with proactive advice on a variety of topics, which will be released soon.

Home & Gift will also host its lively calendar of social events, with the annual Sundowners evening plus numerous evening networking events for buyers and exhibitors. So, both parties can make the most out of their time at the show.

The wait will soon be over, and you will be able to enjoy all that Home & Gift has to offer! Keep an eye on the website to view the latest updates on Shop Talk seminars, browse the exhibitors’ list, and plan your days.

‘Home & Gift is known for being more than just a traditional trade show, with buyers getting to enjoy much more than just easy shopping opportunities!’

Furniture Collection Following the success of the Manchester Furniture Show at Home & Gift last year, buyers will be able to explore a larger offering of home and furniture brands in the new Furniture Collection. This exclusive capsule collection of brands will showcase contemporary furniture pieces along with fashionable home accessories to help update and refresh everyday spaces.

With many retailers expanding their furniture and home accessories offerings, Home & Gift wanted to give buyers the opportunity to shop industry-leading brands including Kettle Interiors, Shankar, Smart Trading, AWS and IFD, Gallery Direct, T A Interiors, Bronte by Moon, Zinc Home, Deluxe Home Art with more to be announced soon.

22 Gifts Today

At A Glance What: Home & Gift 2022

Where: Kings Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire When: Sunday July 17 9.30am-6pm Monday July 18 9.30am-6pm Tuesday July 19 9.30am-6pm Wednesday July 20 9.30am-4pm Call: 020 7384 7863 Email: marketing@homeandgift.co.uk Visit: www.homeandgift.co.uk/contact-us

FairFocus Home & Gift

10 Home & Gift reasons to visit

There are plenty of reasons to visit the 2022 edition of the gift industry’s favourite summer trade show, as organiser Clarion Events reveals…

1

Discover the brand new Furniture Collection This year sees the launch of the Furniture Collection, taking over both Hall Q and the Kings Suite at the Harrogate Convention Centre. After the huge success of the Manchester Furniture Show co-locating with Home & Gift last year, Home & Gift organiser Clarion Events wanted to offer buyers an even bigger helping of contemporary furniture and stylish home accessories in 2022. In addition to its traditional offering, retailers will now also be able to browse the very latest collections from Kettle Interiors, Shankar, Smart Trading, AWS and IFD, Gallery Direct, T A Interiors, Bronte by Moon, Zinc Home, and Deluxe Home Art - plus many, many more.

2

Top brands showcasing their latest products Home & Gift is well known for bringing together the best of the best in giftware suppliers from around the UK and this year’s line-up doesn’t disappoint! More

than 800 brands are exhibiting, including returning favourites such as Jellycat, Kikkerland, Joe Davies, The Art File, Lagoon Group, Enesco, D&X, Orange Tree Toys, Richard Lang & Son, House of Disaster, Powell Craft, Bomb Cosmetics, Caroline Gardner, Hot Tomato, ROKA London, Wrendale Designs, Tilley & Grace, Blomus, CHALK, Talking Tables, and LV Clothing, to name just a few.

3

Ample networking opportunities Over the course of the four days of the show, buyers and exhibitors are able to take advantage of multiple networking opportunities. Home & Gift’s buzzing social calendar provides its audience with a unique chance to connect over a cold drink (or two!) under the Harrogate sun. The Sundowner drinks on the Sunday evening is a fantastic platform for exhibitors and visitors to relax and network after a busy first day, and every day there is Gin on The Lawn, which is always a great opportunity for everyone to mingle in a relaxed atmosphere.

4

Quintessential British buying festival Harrogate’s quaint countryside village setting helps buyers feel right at home under the July sunshine. The charming setting is perfect for visitors to relax and shop with ease, while exhibitors get to enjoy the summer sun as well!

5

Unique show sectors The show is unlike any other, as buyers will be able to browse and discover products over four marquees and seven halls at this year’s Home & Gift. Across the show sectors Design-Led Gifts, Food Emporium, Gift, Home & Interiors, Jewellery & Fashion, along with the Furniture Collection - buyers will be able to discover the very best of everything, from classic giftware to stationery, gift food, and home accessories.

6

Browse & Meet connect before you arrive Home & Gift is giving suppliers and buyers multiple

opportunities to make those crucial connections, and this year it’s starting the networking early online! The new networking platform Browse & Meet gives buyers the chance to peruse brand new products from exhibitors before they even arrive at the show, create their own Product Wishlist, and message exhibitors about their products. Most importantly, in advance of the show, buyers can also request appointments with exhibitors on-site to ensure they don’t miss out on meeting any of their brands.

7

Shop Talks online digital content Clarion Events wants to offer buyers more than just shopping opportunities at Home & Gift through its Shop Talks online series.

Buyers will be able to learn from the best in the industry in this series of online masterclasses and discussions in the lead-up to the opening of the show. Keep an eye on the Home & Gift website for the full roster, which will be released soon!

Gifts Today 23

Preview

8

Buyers from the biggest retailers Brands will be able to meet buyers from some of the biggest retailers in the country at this year’s show. Buyers that have already confirmed their attendance include representatives from Dobbies Garden Centre, Hoopers, Science Museum Group, John Lewis, Pretty Little Thing, Soho House, Wilko, Weavers of Ireland, Visit Scotland, Next, Southbank Centre and many more.

9

Perfectly timed with the A/W buying season Taking place in the middle of summer, Home & Gift is the perfect time for buyers to start putting together their Autumn/ Winter collections. Exhibitors will

be showcasing their latest product launches for visitors to snap up first!

10

Discover new brands across the show Due to the expansion of the show, this year more than 25% of exhibitors are brand new to Home & Gift, including Butterfly Fashion, Designworks, THUN, Aery, Little Concepts, Klean Kanteen, Opinel, Flick Fashions, All Mapped Out, William Morris, Olor, Kind Bag, Albetta, Sam Wilson Studio, Heart & Soul Studio and many more.

The Home & Gift team has worked incredibly hard over the past year to provide attendees with unparalleled levels of newness - come and see for yourselves!

“‘Newness’ is everywhere to be seen” Show manager David Westbrook describes why he believes Home & Gift is the place for buyers to be this month “Home & Gift has always been one of my favourite shows.

It’s a combination of the utterly unique Harrogate setting (where else can you enjoy a tipple of gin on the lawn between meetings?!) and the sheer breadth of the offering available for retailers - from fashion and gifts, right through to interior accessories and furniture.

“I’ve been attending the show in one form or another for almost two decades, but this year there are some amazing highlights.The team has worked incredibly hard over the past 12 months, and I’m pleased to say visitors to the 2022 edition will be able to explore a whole extra marquee stuffed full of exciting new ranges.

“Plus, of course, we’re launching the Furniture Collection as well, so ‘newness’ is everywhere to be seen - more than 25% of the brands we’re presenting this year have never exhibited with us before here. So, if you’re looking to source something new for your shelves, Home & Gift is the place to be this July!”

Browse all the exhibitors and register to attend at www.homeandgift.co.uk 24 Gifts Today

natural soy wax candles in sustainable packaging with positive affirmations

the addition of gemstones to each candle strengthens their message of protection, relaxation, love and healing to the consumer

www.Enesco.co.uk

ENESCO LIMITED, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle,Cumbria, England, CA3 0EN UK Customer Services phone: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services phone: +44 (0)1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk 2022 eau lovely ltd.

(1 % % 8. HDX ORYHO\ JLIWV WRGD\ SULQW DG MXO LQGG

Join us

at: Home and Gift Harrogate

A3

17—20th July 2022 hall 4, stand A3

Preview

Affordable, quality,

functional gifts Enesco Stand: A3

Enesco will be exhibiting at Home & Gift for the first time in over a decade - but prepare to be surprised!

On a much smaller stand at A3, the Enesco team will be at Home & Gift to answer all your second half stock dilemmas. Its stand will be packed with proven best sellers - all available this year - and many with in-store display solutions.

The company says: ‘In an economic crisis, we understand the need for affordable, quality, functional gifts, and our 2022 launch is just that.’

Visitors can view the highly successful Demdaco Portfolio Collection: a stunning range of decorative bells, planters, glass, and leather home décor, plus a delightful games selection for those times spent at home with loved ones. With beautiful eco-friendly thoughtful packaging, emotive sayings and uplifting quotes, this collection is perfect gifting for all demographics.

And, having launched Allen Designs at Spring Fair, visitors can check out these quirky clocks, planters, water bottles, home, kitchen, and ladies (or men’s) accessories. Michelle Allen (pictured) brings her own unique style and colour palette to this gift collection. With eco-friendly packaging, the quality is outstanding; turning everyday items such as tea towels and aprons into giftable items. Made from the highest quality cotton, folded, and supplied with a branded kraft strap, these are so easy to display in-store. Plus, the double-lined and beautifully decorated water bottles, which keep drinks hot or cold, are gift boxed.

Lolita drinkware will be on display too. These items are gift boxed and, with a style and price point for everyone, they are a must for any gift shop. Lolita designs are all hand-painted and handembellished, with Instagram fans all over the world!

Gin drinking shows no sign of going out of fashion and the Ginology collection is testament to this. Designed in the UK, the Copa glasses are decorated with simple and pretty florals for all seasons. Each one is supplied in an eco-friendly fully recyclable box: the perfect gift for this summer season.

Finally, everyone loves something in miniature, and the sheer level of detail in the Kloche collection is outstanding. Little scenes, florals,

26 Gifts Today

animals, and birds, are all expertly cut from sustainably sourced wood, hand assembled, coloured, and then protected by a glass dome. To make this offering fully sustainable, the box is entirely made from kraft cardboard and cleverly folded to support the product. Floorstanding and counter-top display solutions are also available.

Enesco concludes: ‘We could not be happier to be back at this major summer show, and we look forward to welcoming customers both old and new to our stand.’

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

N

NE W

NE

NEW

EW

W

NE

W NE W

For our full range of gorgeous Warmies® visit: www.warmies.co.uk WARMIES LUXURY WELLNESS LAUNCHING 2 NEW COLOURWAYS FROM RRP £16.99

WARMIES LONG HOT WATER BOTTLE LAUNCHING 8 NEW COLOURWAYS FROM RRP £24.99

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

NEW

N

EW NE W

NEW NEW N EW

WARMIES CHILDREN’S BOOKS LAUNCHING 6 NEW DESIGNS RRP £9.99

Contact us at E: sales@warmies.co.uk T: 01933 679 777 W: www.warmies.co.uk :DUPLHV )XOO 3DJH $G +DUURJDWH +RPH DQG *LIW LQGG

Join us at Harrogate Home and Gift 17 - 20 July 2022 Hall B, 81

FOLLOW US

WARMIES 13” PLUSH LAUNCHING 12 NEW DESIGNS RRP £16.99

WarmiesUK Warmies_UK Warmies_Official Warmies_UK

Preview

Autumn

appetisers Richard Lang & Son offers a diverse range of gift products, homeware, and greeting cards almost all of which is exclusive and designed by its in-house team Richard Lang & Son Stand: Hall A A19 Autumn 2022 is the latest collection to launch from Richard Lang & Son and will be showcased at Home & Gift. The company’s director of buying and design Jane Bourne says: “Our in-house design team has worked extremely hard to develop fresh new products that will appeal to our broad variety of customers. Here are some of our top picks for the season. We are sure you will love them as much as we do!

Family Tree “Our Family Tree ranges have always been very well received, so we are excited about this newly designed launch, with its elegant style and beautiful message. The subtle shades on washed woods, linen fabrics, and ceramics, will appeal to all. The comprehensive range offers small family gift lines through to large home décor pieces, enabling you to select and build a range that’s a perfect fit for your store.

Doggy Days “Featuring hand-painted artwork in a sketchy linear style in soft neutral tones, Doggy Days makes an easy edition to the home or a lovely treat for dog lovers. We’ve also launched a co-ordinating Mischievous Moggies range that’s purrfect for those with feline friends!

Woodland Berry “Hand-painted woodland animals have always been a firm favourite with our customers. This season we’ve added some whimsical Autumn foliage, juicy forest berries, and delightfully cheerful toadstools as a backdrop to our endearing hare, hedgehog, robin, and squirrel.

Sage Home “Sage green tones continue to be popular for home décor, working as a new neutral that brings the outdoors in. Our new collection features simple linear florals with natural wood finishes and soft textiles to create a clean, fresh feel.

And that’s not all…

“In total we’ve launched 25 new collections, so there’s lots more to see at the show covering key themes such as friendship, pets, bathroom, kitchen, birthdays, angels, and so much more. Our Summer, Fall and Christmas collections for 2022 will also be on display, so you really will be spoilt for choice. We look forward to seeing you all at Harrogate - pop over to Stand A19 in Hall A for a chat.”

Call: 01332 588659 Email: sales@richardlang.co.uk Visit: www.richardlang.co.uk 28 Gifts Today

VISIT US AT HARROGATE TO SEE OUR NEW COLLECTIONS!

Equilibrium® Pure Elegance

snoozies!® Pairables

Bumble Bee Gonks

Village Pottery Planters

Tel: 0161 975 6300 *LIWV 7RGD\ )3 LQGG

Equilibrium® Hats, Scarves, and Gloves

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

www.joedavies.co.uk

Preview

‘New

product aplenty’ Global Luxury Brands’ strong focus Global Luxury Brands on quality and exclusivity ensures its Stand: A20 ranges will never be seen everywhere, Global Luxury Brands (GLB) managing director Simon Willis says: “Three years have gone by since which is one of its great selling points GLB last exhibited at Home & Gift, and much has changed both in the market and with us.

“Our team has expanded with sales manager Alison Peverley joining my wife Janet Willis and I to drive the business to even greater success, as we see normality returning slowly.

“Our brands have not stood still in the past three years, and there is new product aplenty to see in the flesh for the first time. Our focus on quality and exclusivity remains: our ranges will never be seen everywhere, which is one of our great selling points.

“De Rosa’s team of skilled sculptors is always looking for new subjects to add to its extensive range. Each piece is based on a detailed original sculpture and is hand-carved and hand-painted, which makes each one a unique piece of art. The range goes from adorable and highly collectable miniatures through to large and limited edition prestige models.

In between, there is something for everyone.”

Simon claims that “Herend has long been the world leader in hand-painted giftware and tableware, and a visit to the factory is an inspirational experience for anyone with a keen eye for ceramics. The range starts with small and affordable pieces and stretches to the hugely impressive and expensive. Totally 30 Gifts Today

hand-painted and a treat for the eye, come and see a small selection of the massive range.”

He continues: “Goebel’s team in Germany develops extensive new ranges each year across a wide range of categories. The Pop Art Range of Britto has been a particular success over the past two years and is well worth a look.

“Christmas ranges have increased massively in popularity in recent years, and the Goebel range has been a great success.

The Artis Orbis range of art-inspired giftware is constantly refreshed to maintain its relevance. It’s ideal for museums and art-focused retailers.”

Simon concludes: “We believe that all our ranges offer something that is a little bit different and, as a result, that gives our selected stockists a competitive advantage.

“We are looking forward to seeing customers old and new at Harrogate, as we all prepare for what we hope will be a positive and successful show and a busy second half of 2022.”

Call: 01538 80 77 80 | Email: srw@glb.uk.com Visit: www.globalluxurybrands.co.uk

ChEcKmAtE Hand painted, checkered porcelain candle vessels, designed to be repurposed as a vase, mug, or statement piece.

ĜŸĜƋ ƚŸ ±Ƌ ƋĘå BŅĵå ¼ :ĜüƋ ƚƼåųŸű 8åŸƋĜƴ±ĬØ B±ųųŅč±Ƌå ĜĹ %{ŎØ Ƌ±ĹÚ ŎĂ ƋŅ Ÿåå ±ĬĬ Ņü Ņƚų ÏŅĬĬåÏƋĜŅĹŸ ±ĹÚ Ņƴåų ƖLjLj ĹåƵ ŞųŅÚƚÏƋŸ Ĭ±ƚĹÏĘĜĹč üŅų eƚƋƚĵĹx ĜĹƋåų ƖLjƖƖţ {±ÚÚƼƵ±ƻØ %åŸĜčĹƵŅųĩŸ FĹĩ ±ĹÚ :åĹƋĬåĵåĹűŸ B±ųÚƵ±ųå ±ųå ±ĬĬ ޱųƋ Ņü %åŸĜčĹƵŅųĩŸ ŅĬĬåÏƋĜƴåţ Ï±Ĺ ƋĘå } ÏŅÚå ŅĹ ƋĘĜŸ ޱčå ƋŅ ųåčĜŸƋåų ŅĹ Ņƚų Ɩ ŸĜƋå ±ĹÚ ÚŅƵĹĬŅ±Ú Ņƚų üƚĬĬ ϱƋ±ĬŅčƚåŸţ ťĉĉ ŠLjšŎƖƖĂ ĿƐŎƖƐƖƖ È eX) ţ UÄ% ě kXX) F )ţ ka È ţ%) F:c k U kXX) F )ţ kţ U

Preview

Eco-friendly

options

The artisan soap and home fragrance company is showcasing new additions and a special product and display package

Heyland & Whittle Stand: M23

The nation’s growing awareness for the need to care for the planet today to create a better future for tomorrow has created a real change in ecoconsumers’ shopping wants.

Ursula Heyland, director of the artisan soap and home fragrance company Heyland & Whittle, explains: “The launch of our Eco Collections of fragrant hand blended and poured soy candles and diffusers has been welcomed with open arms by our retailers - so much so, that we have introduced three beautiful new true to nature fragrances to the original collection.

“Customers love the recycled and recyclable glass containers. They reuse the containers as flower vases, juice jugs, glasses, coffee cups and more. It is a ‘use more, waste less’ ethos, which really appeals to the growing number of eco-shoppers who are looking for eco-friendly lifestyle choices to use in their homes.”

Meanwhile, Heyland & Whittle’s Soap Table Package is an ingenious product and display package that helps eco-conscious shoppers make more eco-friendly lifestyle choices. The package includes the company’s full range of 100% natural, handmade palm-free soaps and best-selling accessories which can be displayed on the custom-made, sustainable, pre-used scaffold board display table (worth £300) which is supplied FOC and delivered for free with an opening order of £1,200 ex-vat.

A popular best seller, the Heyland & Whittle cold processed soaps are made with pure ingredients including essential oils, herbs, spices and natural colourings, and are palm-free, paraben and sulphate-free. In addition, many of the soaps are vegan, and none are tested on animals. The table makes the perfect setting to display the full range.

Call: 01293 525825 Email: sales@heylandandwhittle.co.uk Visit: www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk 32 Gifts Today

Preview

Home

style D & J Glassware is celebrating its 20th anniversary at the show where it all began, way back in 2002!

D & J Glassware Stand: Hall A A8

D & J Glassware celebrates its 20th anniversary at the show and is looking forward to welcoming customers to its stand.

The company says: ‘After a couple of years away from Harrogate due to the pandemic, it will be fantastic to meet up again and exhibit our wonderful ranges.’

The firm’s delightful Fused Glass Animals always make people smile. There is a whole menagerie to choose from and the collection keeps growing. Proven to be highly collectable, these pieces are an easy way for retailers to gain incremental business.

New for 2022, the fabulous Cool Cat Band joins D & J Glassware’s colourful range. Each one is completely handmade in fused glass and will appeal to music lovers, cat lovers, and anyone who enjoys a touch of whimsy!

There’s George on Guitar, Boots on Double Bass, Mogs on Accordion, and Tiddles on Trumpet.

Meanwhile, the company’s Tree of Life globes have the real ‘wow’ factor. Made from crystal glass reclaimed from the manufacture of high-end wine glasses, they are utterly breathtaking. There are globes to represent every sentiment and they make thoughtful and cherished gifts.

If quality and unique home fragrance products are what you seek, then check out D & J Glassware’s reed diffusers and wax melt burners. Stunning mouth-blown glass with gorgeous British-made fragrances make a perfect combination, and with 17 scents to choose from, there really is something for everyone. A new introduction for 2022 is a collection of glass diffusers in a range of colours. The attractive packaging adds to their shelf appeal in-store.

Also new for 2022, the Home Textile collection is selling through well following its launch at Spring Fair. Each design is inspired by D & J Glassware’s popular animals.

The collection comprises tea towels, aprons, double oven gloves and cushions: all made in Britain and embracing the reputation for quality for which the

company is renowned. Competitively priced, the designs feature bold colours that are right on trend.

The tea towels have useful hanging loops, the aprons are a great size to fully protect even the messiest of chefs, and the oven gloves protect the wearer against heat and steam, exceeding the industry standard. The cushions are a generous 45cm square and have a design on the reverse to complement the front; the cushion pads, also Britishmade, are filled with ethically sourced feathers.

Six designs are available: Highland Cow, Puffin, Donkey, Sheep, Dogs, and Garden Birds. Each is stylishly packaged for maximum appeal in-store.

Call: 01953 450280 | Email: dandj.glassware@btinternet.com | Visit: www.dandjglassware.co.uk 34 Gifts Today

Harrogate Stand DP1 stand B9

Z PDUPDODGHRŴRQGRQ FRP H VDOHV#PDUPDODGHRŴRQGRQ FRP W

Preview

Cornish

inspiration Sea Gems Stand: C15

Sea Gems is launching new and exciting silver jewellery and gift collections An established family-run jewellery and gift company with more than 35 years of design heritage, Sea Gems’ beautifully presented, highquality original products are aimed at boutiques, gift shops and jewellery shops that are looking for something different at affordable prices.

Designed in Cornwall, the company has created silver jewellery and gift collections that capture the essence of the southwestern county’s landscape, nature, and wildlife.

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

Inspired by Sea Gems’ Cornish roots, you will discover striking organic designs: the intricate beachcomber range, delicate botanical and wildlife

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

36 Gifts Today

designs, and fun, whimsical motifs that celebrate moments of love and life.

The Celtic Lands silver collection evokes and celebrates Seam Gems’ rich heritage with timeless motifs and elaborate knot work. New designs give a fresh look and feel to the already successful brand.

The art of fine enamelling, with its fusion of vibrant colours, creates truly unique jewellery and gifts in the company’s Mackintosh, Celtic and nature ranges, with every piece individually handcrafted and fired. Gift ranges include pens, bookmarks, compact mirrors, pillboxes and scarf-rings.

Sea Gems says: ‘We are one of the most well established and innovative suppliers to the jewellery and gift trade, with a proven track record. [We offer products] exclusively designed in Cornwall with beautiful packaging and POS available, and easy online ordering with friendly customer support.’

Home and Gift Harrogate 17–20th July 2022 DP1 Stand D36

Join us!

E ~ ¤ ϴ g g ϴ . s £ À S ¤ S . ¬ ϴ ¡ g . ¬ . ϴ . q S g ϴ ¹ ¤ $ . ¬ g . ¬ À e Ҁ ¬ ¹ . S E EϽ ~ q ϴ ~ ¤ ϴ ~ s ¹ ¹ ϴ À ¬ ϴ × S ϴ ¬ ¹ . S E E À e Ͻ ~ q

RETAIL INTERVIEW

Strawberry Blue

A passion

for interiors Claire Hembrough, owner of gift shop Strawberry Blue in the Wiltshire town of Bradford-on-Avon, tells Gifts Today why Home & Gift is her favourite fair What’s your background?

I worked for 15 years as a manager for Next and spent 10 years with Vinegar Hill (a chain of stores offering homeware, gifts and clothing).

Why did you decide to open a gift shop?

I always wanted to own my own business - and I have a passion for interiors.

Tell us a bit about Strawberry Blue.

It opened in 2016. I took over a china & kitchen shop at Bradford-on-Avon in The Shambles (one of the Wiltshire town’s oldest streets) and transformed it into Strawberry Blue Home & Gift Store by giving it a fresh, airy, country style interior. Why is it named Strawberry Blue? Because that’s my favourite fruit and favourite colour!

I’ve retained some of the existing suppliers such as Sophie Allport, but I also showcase local makers such as candle maker Lucy from Kitchen Scents based at Corsham.

How would you describe your range?

Unique, stylish home interiors and gifts. We have something for everyone.

What lines have you started stocking recently?

The Recycled Candle Company, which is based in Devon, produces some wonderful smelling candles from recycled wax.

How do you find products?

I enjoy seeing sales reps and bouncing ideas around and discussing best sellers (the free coffees they bring along aren’t bad either!).

Trade shows are great for checking out the latest trends and finding new suppliers, and I particularly love going to Home & Gift as it’s such a social event.

For years I tried to get to Harrogate for Home & Gift, and I finally made it up there last year with my friend (a fellow shop owner and agent).

We had a wonderful time buying, meeting new people and enjoying Bettys’ Afternoon Teas! We rebooked our hotel rooms straight away when we checked out, for a return visit to the show this year.

What are your key categories?

Cards (I sell a lot!), candles, fashion accessories (particularly Powder UK), Evoqua essential oil candles (amazing scents), and Sophie Allport china and home accessories.

How is trading for you?

I’m currently up on last year week-on-week.

Bradford-on-Avon is very much becoming a tourist destination as it’s part of The Great West Way (a touring route from London to Bristol). Plus, we’re benefiting from the postCovid trend to staycation.

What’s proving popular?

Kimonos and headbands from Powder UK (they are very glamorous!).

Are you looking at expanding into new product categories?

At the end of last year, I opened a new store

38 Gifts Today

in the basement of Strawberry Blue called Collectable: a lighting and lifestyle emporium of industrial style lighting, sustainable lifestyle products, and hand-picked vintage finds.

“Trade shows are great for checking out the latest trends and finding new suppliers, and I particularly love going to Home & Gift as it’s such a social event” What’s next for your business?

I’m working with my web designer on an online shop for Collectable, which will be launched in the second half of the year.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Meeting people and being part of a community.

And the most challenging?

Not working as part of a team. It can be quite insular, which is why going to trade shows and meeting sales reps really helps.

Preview

Welcome to

Wellbeing Marmalade of London is a British brand that aims to create a little indulgent luxury for every home

Marmalade of London Stand: DP1 B9 Marmalade of London has a passion for fragrance and design, which is seen in its contemporary packaging. Fragrance is very personal and different scents can remind us of a person, a place, or a moment in time, so Marmalade of London has created its fragrances to suit different tastes.

All the brand’s products are made in Britain. The candles are poured by hand and are made of 100% natural soy wax with cotton wicks and essential oils, while the bath & body ranges contain natural ingredients including shea butter, vitamin E and aloe vera.

Among the collections on show at Home & Gift will be Marmalade Wellbeing, which won a highly commended accolade in the beauty, bath & spa category of The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards 2022.

40 Gifts Today

Wellbeing has three different fragrances - Wellbeing Calm, Wellbeing Balance, and Wellbeing Energise - which come in a luxury soy wax candle, luxury reed diffuser, and burner oil. The collection is beautifully presented in coloured glass that glows with a comforting ambience as it burns and releases the scent.

Calm is designed to calm your mind with a soothing and relaxing blend of essential oils, with top notes of bergamot and chamomile, middle notes of lavender and ylang-ylang, plus base notes of sandalwood and amber.

Balance is designed to balance your mind with a restorative blend of essential oils, with top notes of white flowers and cassis, middle notes of violet and eucalyptus, and base notes of cedar wood and vanilla.

Finally, Energise is designed to energise your mind with a recharging blend of essential oils, comprising top notes of mandarin and lemon, middle notes of cardamom and geranium, and base notes of patchouli and oakmoss.

Marmalade of London sales director Helen Flook says: “We are over the moon at how well our new Marmalade Wellbeing collection has been received. Shops that are stocking it here and in the USA [the brand has showrooms in Atlanta, Dallas, and Las Vegas] are reordering time after time.”

Call: 01242 257509 Email: hello@marmaladeoflondon.com Visit: www.marmaladeoflondon.com

Preview

Choices, choices!

Fancy Metal Goods Stand: A22

Explore this must-see collection of timeless accessories by Alice Wheeler London From super chic designs, to dazzling colourways and gorgeous textures, Alice Wheeler London Autumn 22 is a curated collection of wonderful must-haves perfect for any occasion.

With effortless designs created to add that finishing touch to any wardrobe, finer details such as Alice’s signature honeybee insignia provide that additional flourish and a quality synonymous with all Alice Wheeler designs.

Whether you are looking for the perfect camera crossbody bags, a super range of handbag styles, or the ultimate collection of co-ordinating beauty accessories to satisfy the appetite of all beauty-conscious lovers everywhere, you’ll be spoilt for choice with this fabulous autumn range.

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

42 Gifts Today

Home of the Natural Candle Heaven Scent Stand: A35

Heaven Scent boasts not only a private label service, but a heritage in producing sustainable candles Home of the Natural Candle, Heaven Scent created an alternative to the paraffin candle nearly 30 years ago in an attempt to sell a more sustainable product, using vegan ingredients and keeping packaging to a minimum. The company is proud to still be offering a product that stands up in today’s environment.

All the ingredients that Heaven Scent sources for its candles, reed diffusers, incense and body products are wholly transparent, and the firm updates its ingredients regularly in line with legal requirements.

Heaven Scent said: “We work hard to remove certain allergens or ingredients that are deemed to be no longer fit to be burning in a candle or using in our body products. Our labelling system is robust, making sure that our customers know exactly what is in their candle.”

The firm offers this service free when working with its private label clients.

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

Autumn collection 2022

if you would like to become a stockist and require further information, please contact our team See our full range of designs at Harrogate Home and Gift stand A22 Call: sales 0121 459 9777 Email; orders@fmgsales.co.uk

Preview

What’s new for

2022?

Best Kept Secrets has been working hard to produce some Seriously Scented candle gifts at sensible prices Best Kept Secrets Stand: Hall A A9 The build-up to Christmas is when most gift retailers hear the tills ringing loudest. So it goes without saying that anticipation, excitement and joy felt by customers is felt equally by retailers. Best Kept Secrets has produced three new ranges, so there’s a candle to suit all tastes.

Christmas Elegance

This new design is absolutely stunning, and it certainly is elegant! There are 12 new tins, each in a different colour, with an abundance of Best Kept Secrets’ signature sparkle. Still in the glorious gold tin with a few new names to entice customers, both new and existing, there are Cozy Nights, Mulled Wine & Cranberries, Pinecones & Spruce, and a fabulous Plum Pudding.

Just Because Christmas Tins

Following on from the amazing reception that the company’s Just Because candles received, Best Kept Secrets decided to create a new Christmas range for customers along the same lines. Described as the perfect festive gift for friends, family and loved ones, there are 12 new candles in silver tins, each with a different colour and design. Along with a scattering of hearts and snowflakes, there is an endearing verse on each too.

Festive Tea Lights

Best Kept Secrets has been blown away by the response to its newly rebranded tea light boxes. They are flying off the shelves. So, it made perfect sense to have these magic little sliding boxes in a festive trio too. Inside each box are three tea lights, each with 10 hours of burn time: Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh; Hot Cinnamon Buns; and A Winter’s Tale. They are wonderfully festive and full of colour with, of course, plenty of sparkles!

44 Gifts Today

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

GIFTS

LIMITED EDITIONS

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

creative solutions for tabletop, gifts and accessories.

Brands of Distinction from Global Luxury Brands.

All our brands that have a proven track record with unique yet commercial products, excellent service and delivery.

Come and visit us at Home & Gift 2022, Stand A20 or contact us for further details on all our prestige brands.

Email: info@glb.uk.com Telephone: 01538 807 780

www.globalluxurybrands.co.uk

Preview

New

patterns and products Broughton & Beech is launching more than 50 products with its Julie Dodsworth and Mr & Mrs Fragrance brands

Broughton & Beech Stand: DP1 - C48 Home & Gift is the first major trade show for Broughton & Beech since the company launched to the trade in 2021. It will be exhibiting 50-plus new products with its Mr & Mrs Fragrance and Julie Dodsworth brands.

The Julie Dodsworth range of home fragrance and bath & body products has been developed under licence with the Yorkshirebased artist. The range currently consists of plant-based candles, diffusers, votives and hand cream, and will see the addition of melts, incense and soaps - all made in the UK. There will also be new patterns such as Angel Wood and Honeysuckle to complement the existing portfolio.

Mr & Mrs Fragrance is an Italian brand synonymous with design, and amazing fragrances will also be added to this portfolio. A new range of Niki Car Fragrances and a creative

display case will be launched, alongside new display formats for the rest of the giftable car fragrances. Queen & George II, a decadent decorative diffuser range available in up to 1000ml sizes, and an innovative pod-based Bluetooth speaker with portable fragrance diffusion, will also be on display.

Broughton & Beech director Richard Wood said: “We know that we are in a challenging environment with the rising cost of living yet to be impacted fully. We therefore took the decision earlier this year to focus our NPD on price points between £4.99 and £9.99 that create an affordable luxury.

“We have had such a great reaction to our products and ranges over the last 12 months, and we are very proud and excited to be exhibiting at Harrogate for the first time.”

Call: 01270 335034 mail: sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk Visit: www.broughtonandbeech.co.uk 46 Gifts Today

!

"#

$ % & ! '( ) *

(

Preview

Step into

the garden Alexander Thurlow is showcasing an array of fashion jewellery inspired by nature

Alexander Thurlow Stand: DP1-A63 Established in 1949, Alexander Thurlow is one of the UK’s major suppliers of wholesale quality fashion jewellery to gift shops, major retailers, museums and independent jewellers.

The company says: ‘The beauty of nature can be appreciated all year round, but summer brings out its best.’ Gorgeous, feathered friends can be found within Alexander Thurlow’s new range including a robin, woodpecker and swallow. What’s more, with smaller intricate flower lines adding a delicate touch to the collection, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

And don’t miss out on other new lines too, such as a vine leaf brooch and a playful bee on a sunflower pendant.

Taking a look at Alexander Thurlow this season is like a visit to a familiar garden, where products are at their peak - you’d be a fool to miss them!

Call: 020 87666466 Email: sales@alexanderthurlow.com Visit: www.alexanderthurlow.com

48 Gifts Today

120 years of the Teddy bear Steiff Stand: DP1-D36 At Home & Gift, Steiff will be showcasing the Steiff family - Mama, Papa, Ben and Mila - in both its Limited Edition and children’s ranges, along with its new Limited Editions for Autumn/Winter. With a new release in the company’s Steiff Rocks! series, exciting additions to its Disney range including D100 pieces, and its very own E.T, you won’t want to miss out! In addition, the firm will be showcasing its baby and children’s ranges, including My First Steiff and Disney Soft Cuddly Friends. There really is something for everyone.

The company says: ‘We, Margarete Steiff GmbH, are the worldrenowned manufacturer of collectables, soft toys and children’s clothing. For over 140 years, we have been the epitome of the highest quality, first-class materials, perfect design and highest safety standards.

“When our founder Margarete Steiff made the Elefäntle pin cushion in 1880, she saw how the little felt elephant instantly won the affection of children and became their favourite cuddly toy. Designing and creating wonderful toys for children was the basis of her lifelong ideology and remains to this day. Her guiding principle - ‘For children, only the best is good enough’ - is still our company philosophy today and shapes our work as well as each of our products that leave our production facilities.

“In 1902, Margarete’s nephew Richard invented the first jointed bear, which soon adopted its world-famous name ‘Teddy bear’ inspired by [American president] Theodore Roosevelt and brought our Steiff brand its international breakthrough.

“To mark the great 120th anniversary of the Teddy bear in 2022, Steiff has introduced its very own Steiff family - Mama, Papa and siblings Ben and Mila - who are looking to share lots of cuddles and adventures.

“Steiff is a heritage brand, and with retail pricing starting from £20, there’s no reason why every child shouldn’t have their very own Steiff to treasure forever.”

Email: tradesalesuk@steiff.com Visit: www.steiffuk.com

Preview

Breba Trading Stand: Hall B, B50

Say hello to

Breba Trading!

New to the UK, Breba Trading will be exhibiting at Home & Gift with Noxxiez: a brand which specialises in hand, foot warmers and novelty blankets for children A family business based in the Netherlands, Breba Trading was founded in 2010.

It designs, creates and distributes plush items all over the world. New to the company’s portfolio is The Cozy Noxxiez Special Plush collection, which is babysafe and subject to strict safety requirements. Breba Trading says: ‘Attention is paid to the quality standards that our collection should live up to.’

What’s new for 2022?

Our new styles of Hand Warmers featuring fruit such as Strawberry, Pineapple, Avocado, and Watermelon, plus our new Animal Hooded Blankets in Bunny, Elephant, Yeti, Penguin, Unicorn, and Panda designs.

Do you have warehouse and distribution facilities in the UK? Yes, we do. These facilities minimise the delays of stock arriving on time for our customers. We also have our main offices in the Netherlands, with further support, which distributes around the world.

Will you be exhibiting at trade fairs in the UK? Breba Trading will be exhibiting at Home & Gift with Cozy Noxxiez Special Plush, and we look forward welcoming you to our stand in Hall B (B50). We also plan to exhibit at Autumn Fair at NEC Birmingham later in the year, and at Spring Fair in 2023!

Do you operate a sales team in the UK? Yes, we do. Our sales team has many years of experience within the gift trade and is more than happy to support your business needs. UK

Call: 07989 501756 | Email: sales@noxxiezuk.com Click: www.noxxiez.com Netherlands Call: +31 (0)6 41 56 07 59 Email: info@noxxiez.com Click: www.noxxiez.com 50 Gifts Today

ORQGRQ &20( $1' 6(( 86 $7 7+( +20( *,)7 +$552*$7( 67$1' 0

*2 (&2 UHF\FOHG JODVV _ UHF\FODEOH _ UHXVH UHSXUSRVH ORYLQJO\ KDQGPDGH LQ WKH XN ^^^ OL`SHUKHUK^OP[[SL JV \R c L!ZHSLZ'OL`SHUKHUK^OP[[SL JV \R c [!

Preview

Bespoke giftware

for artists Ceramic Design Heritage has expanded its bespoke fine bone china services by working with renowned UK artists to create stunning giftware

Ceramic Design Heritage Stand: DP5 B12 Ceramic Design Heritage’s focus has always been on producing bespoke fine bone china, and working with other UK firms to provide matching melamine and textile products focused on the heritage sector. It offers an affordable bespoke design and production service with flexible minimums. All you need to do is send your image, and the company can create your own unique brand.

It currently creates fine bone china ranges for artist brands Robert Fuller, Katie Cardew, Tim Hall Powderhound, Aurina Lambert, Alice Peto, and The Tale of Ballard and Hill.

Ceramic Design Heritage has worked with renowned wildlife artist Robert Fuller for more than five years and has developed the Katie Cardew range over the past three years, providing quality product at competitive prices, supported by strong customer service.

But it’s not just mugs: the supplier’s range encompasses cups and saucers, plates, teapots, jugs and giftware including trinket boxes, thimbles and clock boxes.

In order that a customer can have a full giftware offering with only one design fee, it works closely with Stuart Morris Textiles and Melamaster to give clients a one-stop-shop for bespoke product.

Demand for UK production has grown strongly in the past two years, which has resulted in Ceramic Design Heritage doubling its turnover. Recruiting skilled staff for its Stoke-onTrent factory has been challenging, but it has succeeded by creating new workplace apprenticeships. What has also helped are the massively increased costs of importing from the Far East, combined with long lead times and high manufacturing minimums. Artists wish to work with UK suppliers and touch and feel products, giving them confidence in service and quality.

Ceramic Design Heritage produces goods using a mixture of traditional decorating, screen-printing skills and dye sublimation, all based at its factory in Hanley in Staffordshire.

The first step is to set up a no commitment conception 52 Gifts Today

meeting with one of its team, headed up by Paul Travis who has more than 40 years of experience in the gift and home market. The team will guide you through the process. Then in-house designers, who can work with most images, will create your bespoke design at a low flexible cost. Your bespoke range can be sampled, completed and in stores in under six weeks from concept to stock, with repeat orders on a 14-day lead time - no long delays or stockout risk from Far East production.

In the past year, Ceramic Design Heritage has taken production for Alice Peto with its tableware wedding range and, more recently, The Tale of Ballard and Hill designer artist collection. View the collection by visiting The Tale of Ballard and Hill in DP5 on stand B12, where Paul will be present to discuss your needs.

Call: 07909 539574 Email: sales@cdheritage.com Visit: www.cdheritage.com

RETAIL INTERVIEW

Mantons Gifts & Cards

Island scene Chris Beards, owner of Mantons Gifts & Cards in Port Erin on the Isle of Man, explains why the Home & Gift show is a ‘must’ for him to attend each year What’s your background?

I’ve only ever worked in my own businesses and, after an internet company that I started was sold at the start of 2008, I was going to take a year off - but seven months later I bought Mantons.

Why did you decide to open a shop?

At the time Mantons was a card and toy store and was in danger of closing down. I’m passionate about saving high street retail and wanted to not only save Mantons but grow the business and bring

benefits to our team members and our community.

And, since sending my grandma a greeting card at a very young age and seeing her delighted reaction, I’ve always wanted to be involved in the greeting cards industry. So buying Mantons was the perfect opportunity. Since taking over we have added high-quality gifts to the store, as well as massively extending the range of greeting cards.

Tell us a bit about your business.

Mantons opened in 1987 and has been in the same location ever since. Port Erin is a seaside town on the Isle of Man, and we are located right opposite the end of the line of the steam train that runs during tourist season. We own the whole fivestorey building but just use the 2,500sq ft of space on the ground floor for retail.

How would you describe your range?

We stock high-quality gifts that are mostly exclusive to us on the Isle of Man. Our key categories are jewellery, fragrance, greeting cards and designer housewares.

How do you find products?

Mostly by potential new suppliers contacting us. We are always interested in looking at new suppliers that can offer us a quality product. We don’t attend many trade shows any more, but we will be going to Home & Gift.

The show is a great way to catch up with some of our suppliers and other retailers that we are friendly with. We are able to swap ideas and always have an enjoyable time.

We will look at all the halls but aren’t looking for any specific category. Usually, some potential new suppliers contact us before the show, and we will make sure to visit the stands of anyone that looks like they would be a good fit for Mantons.

What’s your selection criteria?

Mostly quality, margin, and exclusivity.

54 Gifts Today

What’s proving popular?

Nothing is standing out at the moment; it’s a little bit of everything that is selling.

What lines have you started stocking recently?

We have recently taken on new children’s clothing suppliers.

“The show is a great way to catch up with some of our suppliers and other retailers that we are friendly with. We are able to swap ideas and always have an enjoyable time” What’s next for Mantons?

We want to continue improving the store and our fundraising (we have raised more than £30,000 for local charities) and our community work.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Winning awards [such as the coveted Bira Independent Retailer of the Year award in 2015 and a RETA Greeting Card Retail Award in 2011] has been a highlight, but the most rewarding thing is being able to delight our customers, provide a fantastic place to work for our team members, help our community, and support our suppliers.

And the most challenging?

For the past two years it’s been dealing with Covid.

This year and next, I think it will be the higher costs and people having less disposable income.

"1/ 1 ʼn 21 2 $8 / 8 /: :

$OH[DQGHU $OH OH[DQGHU 7KXUORZ 7 UORZ

" 0 " 8 1 " 12/ " ! "

7 0 1 $2/ 8 0 $, 9 " /1 2/ $8ō $!

:H DUH DW +DUURJDWH +RPH '3 $

k=[Jkƀ=[Ju=]HJjmQnj[_tōF_\ IJĴIJ ĺĹĸĸ ĸĶĸĸ

*LIW

Preview

A scented selection A flourishing crop of products The Wheat Bag Company has been focusing on product development and will be introducing a new selection of wellbeing and homestyle products

The Wheat Bag Company Stand: DP3 - 1 The Wheat Bag Company is an established firm which manufactures microwavable Wheat Bags and other items, all handmade in the UK. Growing from strength to strength, it is excited to be expanding its product ranges further.

The supplier has been focusing on product development and will be introducing a new selection of wellbeing and homestyle products which include Eye Pillows, Multi-Purpose Accessory Pouches, and Draught Excluders.

■ Eye Pillows: These handmade, soothing, weighted eye pillows are a natural product filled with flaxseed used to soothe tired eyes and enhance relaxation. Block out the light and take a moment to unwind.

Each pillow is available unscented or with the addition of calming natural lavender. It can also be chilled in a fridge or freezer for use as a cold compress.

■ Multi-Purpose Accessory Pouches: Available in the company’s most popular designs, each bag comes with a practical waterproof lining and a handy zip to keep contents safe. This little pouch has many uses, from storing makeup and cosmetics to sewing kits and pencils.

■ Draught Excluders: Stylish and functional, the Draught Excluders are available in a range of the supplier’s most popular designs and are perfect to keep the warmth in and the chill out.

■ Wheat Bags: Each Wheat Bag is filled with cleaned English wheat and optional lavender buds. Paired with The Wheat Bag Company’s Cotswold essential lavender oil, it makes a wonderful gift and comes in a variety of designs to suit all tastes, including a bespoke range of fabrics and luxury velvets.

The firm’s product range also includes handcrafted PADi pillows, door stops, hot water bottles, roller towels and lavender sachets.

Call: 01747 840 499 Email: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk Visit: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk 56 Gifts Today

The Emotif range of fine fragrance products for the home are the natural, organic and eco-friendly option

CorinCraft Stand: DP1-D59 Aromatherapy Stones

Sustainable and vegan-friendly, CorinCraft’s Aromatherapy Stones are 100% natural Italian volcanic rock infused in organic essential oils. Each blend has been specifically created to help reduce stress and enhance personal wellbeing. Simply remove the lid and allow the power of aromatherapy to work its magic! Choose from Lavender & Chamomile Sleep Stones, Snore Stones, Spa Stones, Stress Stones, Happy Stones, Smart Stones and Sensual Stones.

Natural Home Fragrance This stylish and sophisticated collection embellishes everything that is pure and natural in the production of home fragrance. Complemented by equally sustainable packaging, and simplicity in design, the Emotif range is a proven success with discerning individuals seeking modern natural alternatives to home fragrance that are not only contemporary but effective.

Room Diffusers, Aromids, Pebble Jars, and Tea Light Holders fragrance your surroundings with the bespoke collection. The Room Diffusers employ a natural capillary action to draw your chosen home fragrance from the decorative glass into the complex molecular structure of the heart or flower. These offer an ornately distinctive, natural, and effective alternative to plug-ins and aerosols.

Mini heart and intricate flower-shaped Fragrant Fresheners are great in the car, cupboards, handbags, or drawers. Create your own display - the possibilities are endless! Available in 10 individual fragrances, the Fragrant Fresheners will last up to six months and can be refreshed with CorinCraft’s concentrated oil.

Stinky Feet These four stylish handmade trainers can be placed anywhere to neutralise bad odours, and will revitalise footwear overnight. Sweet, stylish, and funny yet practical, they are the answer to whiffy trainers, smelly sock drawers, and gruesome gym bags. Stinky Feet are available in Fresh Linen, Lemon Grass, Aphrodite, and Peppermint.

Concentrated Refresher Oils All CorinCraft’s products can be rejuvenated with its 100ml bottles of Concentrated Refresher Oil, which is available in more than 19 fragrances. And when CorinCraft says ‘concentrated’, they certainly are - just a small amount will revitalise the fragrance for a further few months. All products are natural, sustainable, vegan friendly and made by hand in the Sussex countryside.

Call: 07771 855869 Email: robin@corincraft.com Visit: www.corincraft.com

Preview

Read on to find out where you can find Warmies at Home & Gift, news of its latest launches, and more

Warmies’

secret is out!

Warmies Stand B81

Home & Gift has been an integral part of Warmies’ business calendar for well over 20 years and is something the brand still looks forward to today.

Each year, Warmies uses Home & Gift as a way to showcase its newest products before they launch in the Autumn, and this year is no exception.

Warmies is incredibly excited to welcome buyers to its stand, both old faces and new. Many may notice the custom-made exhibition stand, new for 2022, which brings innovation to how its wide array of products is displayed and captures the essence of the brand perfectly.

From soft toys to hot water bottles, this year’s Warmies has it all, and it’s been keeping a big secret, too. Warmies is branching out on a new endeavour - stepping into the world of children’s books. The books will be released alongside other new products in the Autumn.

The collection is made up of six books, telling the stories of some of its best-selling plush characters. They delve into the world of Lavender Land, following the adventures of the Warmies Sloth, Puppy, Unicorn, Pig, Baby Penguin and Sheep as they learn the importance of a warm hug. All books can be purchased separately and will be a great addition to any budding reader’s collection, as well as a perfect gift for a little one, alongside the matching soft toy.

In addition to this launch, Warmies is welcoming 39 designs to its ever-growing collection. You can look forward to the release of two opulent new colourways to add to the incredibly popular Luxury Collection, which hit the ground running last year.

This comprises boots, bottles, neck wraps and slippers, thoughtfully created using the softest faux fur, and its success is proof of just how fabulous these products are. Almond and Blossom are the latest colourways to be added, offering even more choice from this highly sought-after collection.

And if that wasn’t enough, Autumn will see the release of 16 soft toys, which Warmies is confident will be incredibly popular. Expect to see designs including an Avocado, Platypus, Red Panda, Dachshund, Otter, Donkey and Rainbow Dragon, to name but a few. All furry designs will mirror the benefits that help Warmies stand out from the rest. Not only will they be fully heatable and weighted, but the

58 Gifts Today

products will be filled with lavender and grain. This means users can benefit from the effects of aromatherapy including sleep improvement, soothing muscle aches and pains, and even helping to calm anxiety.

Warmies has also come up with a new and innovative way for retailers to store its products. If you’ve been a fan of Warmies for a while, you’ll be familiar with its long hot water bottles and the long, aesthetic boxes they come in. The branding team has been hard at work ensuring that all product packaging is not only visually pleasing, but also offers a practical solution. It has created a new range of the long hot water bottles, packaged in a shelf-ready, small box; perfect for in-store displays and gift-giving alike. But don’t worry if you’re a fan of the long boxes - they’re sticking around!

This is a busy year for the Warmies team, who are ready to welcome you to their stand. You can find them at Stand B81, where they will be waiting with answers to any questions you may have.

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

Be k:e ) Bka) ¼ :F8 Bk Ŏƀ BěƖLj B I X¥

ec% ŎĂ

) e: ) a ţ kţ U

× ťĉĉ ŠLjš Ŏƀ Ɛƅ ƐƐĂí ĉLj )× Ÿ±ĬåŸÄŸå±čåĵ ŸţÏ Ņţƚĩ $OO GHVLJQV SURWHFWHG E\ 6HD *HPV &RS\ULJKW 'HVLJQ 5LJKW

SIMPLY GORGEOUS JEWELLERY AND ACCESSORIES X

HOME & GIFT STAND DP3-8 BUY ONLINE www.missmilly.co.uk or tel: 01905 622 509

FIND US

Preview

Bold

and

fun

Carrie Elspeth DP1-D60 Carrie Elspeth Jewellery wants to help you beat the blues this Autumn season with a refreshing spritz of colour, sparkle and sophistication.

Creative director Carrie Shapiro said: “Bland is off the menu. Bold, fun colours are set to lift displays and get the tills ringing this Autumn and my A/W22 range brings this in abundance.”

From semi-precious jewels to luxurious enamels, her latest collection is sure to delight and, as Carrie suggests, “it will be my first show in a while, so come and say hello and see my entire new collection, plus new heartfelt sentiments and Zodiacs, at stand DP1-D60”.

Call: 01446 771271 Email: sales@carrieelspeth.com Visit: www.carrieelspeth.com

Colour and

style Eyes

right!

Miss Milly Stand: DP3-8

Opticaid UK Stand: A31

Miss Milly will be showcasing S/S lines for immediate delivery as well as new designs and colours for A/W. Celebrating its 10th year in the industry, this popular British brand’s jewellery is made with a mixture of resin, paint and metal, forming intriguing designs and catching the eye with stunning colour combinations. While the traditional darker, jewel colours always feature at this time of year, Miss Milly continually throws away the rule book to keep the bold and bright at the forefront. Yellow, lilac, orange and turquoise are all still there, but mixed with navy, teal and aubergine to suit the season.

New scarf designs include funky stripes, bold geometrics and a full zebra print. The collection is made with a super soft mix of 20% cotton and 80% viscose. Miss Milly dropped polyester from its portfolio last year and all its scarves come in compostable packaging, as does all the jewellery apart from magnetic brooches (which are perfect for Christmas gifting, so look out for great new designs in this range). The brand is working on its sustainability in various areas - products, packaging, and logistics - with knowledge and help from a course run by Small Business Britain.

The Miss Milly team is really looking forward to seeing retailers and industry colleagues and has its fingers firmly crossed for the best Harrogate weather!

Opticaid UK will showcase its ever increasing range of quality Remaldi reading glasses as well as its gift lines.

The company has more than 80 different reading glasses in addition to sunglasses, overglasses and optical accessories. Among the many new reading styles are oversize styles Bampton Berry, Clapham Blue and Green, and new colours in the popular Leeds style. All reading glasses are available in six strengths and come with a Remaldi branded storage pouch.

The firm will also showcase its new sustainable reading glasses for the first time. These glasses are made from recycled car headlights and other recycled polycarbonates, and 100% of the frame is recycled and can also be recycled going forward. The range is also supplied in compostable bags rather than conventional recyclable plastic, to further reduce environmental impact.

Opticaid UK’s range is suitable for a number of fashion and gift outlets and can be supplied with display stands, subject to qualifying quantities.

The team has also recently updated its branded optical stands, so the frames are now shown off to their full advantage.

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

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

60 Gifts Today

Be k:e ) Bka) ¼ :F8 Bk Ŏƀ BěƖLj B I X¥

ec% ŎĂ

) e: ) a ţ kţ U

× ťĉĉ ŠLjš Ŏƀ Ɛƅ ƐƐĂí ĉLj )× Ÿ±ĬåŸÄŸå±čåĵ ŸţÏ Ņţƚĩ $OO GHVLJQV SURWHFWHG E\ 6HD *HPV &RS\ULJKW 'HVLJQ 5LJKW

Preview

A quartet of go-to

gift brands

Designworks Collective Stand: DP1-B15 Field & Wander Designworks Collective will launch its stylish new pet brand Field & Wander at Home & Gift. This 21-piece collection includes natural rope dog collars and leads with engraved brass hardware, a Poop Bag Dispenser, On-TheGo Water Bowl, and Treat Bag made from durable waxed canvas - as well as a fun line of toys that are guaranteed to please every breed.

Designworks Ink Following its UK launch last year, Designworks Ink has had an incredible 12 months of success as a go-to brand for gifting, and is now well recognised as a one-stop-shop for stocking fillers, puzzles, games, stationery, home décor, travel accessories and more. At Home & Gift, it will launch more than 40 products that are all in stock now for immediate delivery to catch the back-to-school/university/ workplace trade.

The brand’s extensive collections of journals and notebooks has been expanded with the addition of luxurious suede-feel cloth journals and gratitude journals. Bullet journaling has been a global phenomenon and continues to drive sales, making

these perfect thoughtful wellness gifts.

The wellness theme continues in home décor: coloured glass hourglasses have proved to be a very popular ‘gift of time’ and to complement these, Designworks Ink has added a Perpetual Wall Calendar to style your home workspace.

Paddywax Paddywax has been “burnin’ wicks since ’96” but never stands still when it comes to innovation and new product development in the home fragrance category.

This Autumn is no exception, with the launch of more than 35 lines at Home & Gift.

Expect to see stunning new tinted glass candles, tapered candle holders, and the UK launch of one of its most successful ranges ever - that doubles up as a vase or a mug once the wax runs out! Checkmate is a 311g candle poured in hand-painted porcelain vessels that are both microwave- and dishwasher-safe, so they can be repurposed for your favourite coffee.

Tinted glassware continues to be a huge trend globally and the new Aura collection takes inspiration from this trend to create 170g 2 Wick candles in vibrant jewel tone glass goblets, that are food-safe

and designed to be repurposed as dessert bowls.

And don’t miss Paddywax’s seasonal range - Cypress & Fir - which includes candles shaped as winter trees, and stunning ornamental ceramic incense houses which bellow scented smoke out of the chimney.

Gentlemen’s Hardware For men’s gifts, look no further than Gentlemen’s Hardware. With more than 30 products launching for A/W, the brand now has nearly 200 lines available to find something for the man who has everything.

This season sees the launch of themed jigsaw puzzles that will challenge his skills, while teaching him a thing or 20 about survival skills, knots and beer.

Beautifully packaged in gift tubes with a keepsake poster, these 1,000 piece puzzles complement new lines of Trivia and classic wooden coffee table games.

Also new in the brand’s Adventure Begins category are some brilliant stocking-filler items, including stainless steel luggage tags with a handy bottle opener and air fresheners which can be hung in the car or at home in the cupboard.

Call: 01225 931322 | Email: sales.uk@dw-collective.com | Visit: designworkscollective.co.uk 62 Gifts Today

Join us at Stand A8

Tel: 01953 450280

YEARS

LE

BR

AT

IN

G

www.dandjglassware.co.uk

CE

@DandJglassware

2002 - 2022

ZĞŵĂůĚŝΠ E Q P V G O R Q T C T [ GG [ G Y G C T

ďLJ KƉƚŝĐĂŝĚ

553·V IURP NŸ Ŏs Ř _ ǣ ss Ȗǣ Ǽ ǢǼ Ř _ ˢˠ

˟ˠˠˢ ˡ ˡˢ˨ ˠ ˠˣ˟˟ ǣ Ķsǣ˔ŸƼǼÞO Þ_ʳŘsǼ ɠɠɠʳŸƼǼÞO Þ_ʳŘsǼ

9LVLW X XV DDW VVWDQG $ $

Working with Artists to, Create their Own Bespoke Fine Bone China Brand See us at Harrogate Home & Gift - Stand DP5 -B12

Contact - Email: sales@cdheritage.com Tel : 07909 539574 Website - www.cdheritage.com

Preview

Joe Davies Stand: B 66

Gifts galore From gonks and socks to handbags and scarves, Joe Davies has one of the largest ranges of gifts in the industry and has been trading for over 100 years You will not want to miss Joe Davies’ stand at Home & Gift. The company will be showcasing the popular Equilibrium jewellery and fashion accessories collection, alongside its newer brand: SugarLane sustainable fashion.

snoozies!

These cosy little foot coverings have been one of Joe Davies’ best-selling ranges for more than 10 years with in excess of 2 million pairs sold. Brand new for 2022 are 11 new pairable designs, all designed in-house by the company’s UK design team.

The pairables include on-trend designs such as gonks, zebra, bees, cat and dog, and the addition of some specific captioned family snoozies!

Choose from Mum, Dad, Nan, Grandad and Best Friend. Also debuting are the luxurious Frosty Fur ladies’ snoozies! Super soft and snuggly, you will never want to wear any other brand! Add to this the stylish ‘wild side’ fashionable animal print snoozies! that are bang on trend this season. What’s more, an attractive 64 Gifts Today

and practical free spinner is available with any order of 144 pairs.

Sock Society Sock Society is a highly successful Joe Davies brand of one-sizefits-all quality socks. Exclusive to Joe Davies in the UK, they are machine washable, stylish, and very comfortable to wear. The socks are available to buy with a free spinner stand display which consists of 192 pairs of assorted socks, or by individual designs. There are eight exciting new designs to choose from including zebra, darts, space, and crocs, to name but a few.

Gonks Gonks still continue to be hugely popular, and Joe Davies has lots to choose from. Brand new this season is a family of bumble bee gonks.

These cute little guys are fun, cheerful and will definitely brighten up the home or garden. Available in three sizes and different styles, the cheeky chappies are decorated with fun springy pom-pom antennae and pretty organza wings.

No fuss fashion

Lime Tree Design is building on the success of last year’s limited edition block print cotton clothing collection with new designs and styles

Lime Tree Design Stand: DP3 - 29 and DP3 – 30

Joe Davies has a reputation for award-winning service and a great range of gifts dedicated to independent retailers. What’s more, products are available in ‘little and often’ quantities, with a minimum order value of just £100 and free nationwide delivery.

Equilibrium Equilibrium handbags are a real must in the run-up to Christmas and this A/W it’s all about traditional classic shapes and styles, a bit of luxury, and special touches of texture and decoration.

Cross bags are always a big hit with customers as they are stylish and practical for work, leisure and the party season. New designs include a traditional school satchel style with a long cross body strap or a cute little handle, which come in tan, navy and black.

Also trending is a smaller phone size cross bag - perfect for nights out when you just need a phone, money, lip gloss and keys! Texture and embellishment is heavily showcased throughout this range, with fur, tassels, lace-up detail and interwoven texture - all current looks on the catwalk.

Equilibrium fashion accessories also continue to be a hot accessory brand, and A/W is all about cosy accessories that keep you warm and snuggly.

Luxurious colour blocked scarves, elegant faux fur crossover scarves, soft suede feel gloves, modern cable knit scarf and glove sets and so much more will debut at Home & Gift. There are also new boxed scarves for men.

Featuring long kimonos in floral prints and restyled cool cotton pyjamas, along with easy to wear tunics, Lime Tree Design’s ‘no fuss fashion’ collection is relaxed and casual. Designed for comfort, it is forgiving for the fuller figure.

The lavender heart, bird and fish sachets, and cotton hankies made with Liberty Tana Lawn continue to be best sellers with new prints added every season. The lavender bags come boxed and are all handmade by a team of needlewomen in the company’s local village of Collingham in Nottinghamshire. Ideal for Christmas, the hankies come in gift boxes of three, or individual boxes in a counter display, and are made in UK. New for Lime Tree Design’s jewellery collection is the Eclipse range: an elegant look in both sterling silver and 18ct gold vermeil, with mixed polished and brushed finishes. This popular, colourful, enamel range, is hand enamelled in UK. It can be bought as a capsule collection of earrings, pendants and new adjustable rings. And new for Harrogate is a palette of fresh summer colours.

The full collection can be seen on the company’s new trade website (see below).

Call: 01636 894043 Email: studio@limetreecollection.com Visit: www.limetreecollection.com

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

Gifts Today 65

RETAIL INTERVIEW

Casa Fina

A new

chapter

Shop photos: Noorie Parvez

When Salisbury interior accessories and gift shop Casa Fina was offered the chance of a makeover for a TV show, owner Susi Mason jumped at the chance.

Clare Turner finds out more

B

“The design brief talked about updating our look while keeping the essence of what Casa Fina is all about”

BC One’s ‘Interior Design Masters’ is a reality competition TV series, hosted by presenter and comedian Alan Carr, which pits aspiring interior designers against each other for the opportunity to win a life-changing contract. Each week, a different challenge is set, designed to test the contestants’ ability to meet client briefs in various commercial and residential settings. Their efforts are judged by former Elle Decoration editor-in-chief Michelle Ogundehin, who is joined by a rotating panel of guest judges.

In the ‘Shops Week’ episode, which aired on March 30, (but was filmed last summer) six designers visited Salisbury to transform three very different independent stores, and retail expert Mary Portas was the guest judge. The businesses were interior accessories and gift shop Casa Fina, bridal shop Brides by Victoria, and lingerie shop Annie’s Just Jane. In Alan’s words: ‘All were in need of a makeover to help them compete in an age of online shopping.’

Working in pairs and with a budget of £3,000, the designers had just two days to give the boutiques a completely fresh look. But before they hit the high street, they first had to meet their clients to pitch their design ideas. Casa Fina owner Susi Mason takes up the story: “2021 was already proving to be a year like none other in retail when I received an email from a TV production company asking me if I would be interested in Casa Fina taking part. As a fan of the show, I leapt at the chance to find out more.

66 Gifts Today

We were visited by producers, design advisors and logistics people who worked out which three Salisbury independents would work well together to offer contrasting challenges. Every measurement was written down, plans were drawn, and the shop was photographed from all angles, inside and out. After a week or two I heard that Casa Fina had been chosen, and we started to think about the task ahead.

Casa Fina has been on Salisbury’s High Street for 38 years, since my mother and I opened the shop in 1983. Over the years the stock has changed dramatically, and we have had mini

5 Best Sellers 1. Thomas Kent clocks 2. Pacific Lifestyle lamps 3. Addison Ross photo frames 4. Floralsilk flowers and plants 5. Anthony Steuart bins, trays and tissue box covers

Photo: Christopher Ison

revamps (the last in 2015) but some things remained - like the ugly and inefficient lighting and the fretwork screen that we’ve always used as a backdrop to our window.

The design brief talked about updating our look while keeping the essence of what Casa Fina is all about. Streamlining our till area was a must, as it was messy and disorganised, and I wanted to highlight our lamps and shades as they are such an important part of what we sell.

On a hot summer’s day, I was filmed meeting Fran and Dean - the designers with whom I would be trusting my business - as they pitched their ideas to me. Dean went first. He suggested painting blocks of bright colour on the walls and floor for a more contemporary look. Fran’s pitch was very detailed, using Farrow & Ball tones and referencing the shop’s history and story. She must have looked at every social media post, newsletter and blog as she knew our history so well.

I chose Fran to be lead designer, but I really liked Dean’s attention to the lighting in the shop and his retail experience meant he would be vital when it came to remembering that we were a business that needed practicalities. I felt like I’d landed a dream team.

On Sunday July 18 the Casa Fina team gathered to pack away around 30% of the stock.

I’m blessed with wonderful staff, and they cracked it - leaving me to remerchandise so the shop looked full enough for filming the ‘before’ shots the next day.

Monday was tough where the stress might well have overtaken the excitement as the rest of the stock had to be packed away – every glass and mug and all the furniture – the shop hadn’t been this empty since 1983!

Lying awake that night, I really wondered if I’d been wise. Several other indie business owners said they just couldn’t have taken that leap to trust someone they didn’t know with their livelihood. I kept telling myself that the production company had undertaken to put everything back as it was if it really didn’t work, but of course the hope was that it would. A

five-minute chat with Fran and Dean in the morning made me feel so much better. I was worried that there wouldn’t be enough display space but was reassured.

On Wednesday I kept myself busy with paperwork and online meetings. Thursday morning went on forever! I was due to go in after lunch to view the makeover and just couldn’t settle: was this a new era for Casa Fina or the beginning of an un-makeover?

“I’m so happy that I was involved” I was filmed walking into the shop, and they must have just caught my gaping mouth – I LOVED IT. Fran and Dean had worked so hard through the heat (the entire production crew who were on site were amazing). The front of the shop was transformed with seating for passers-by or ‘bored husbands’. There was new signage too – I did feel rather embarrassed that I hadn’t updated it myself after a change of logo.

Inside, the shop felt light, airy and calm. The display shelves had been merchandised to reflect my style, so it felt like home, but the counter area had been completely transformed with a feature made of all our fabulous faux plants. The screen was no longer in the window but had been suspended, which immediately gave me display ideas, and the window area was changed from a room setting style to a more modern display.

It didn’t stop there. An old door that I’d spotted before I left had been transformed into a jewellery display, and a blocked-up doorway was filled with crates to display our home fragrance and bath & body lines. In the second room there were clever shelves for our pictures and space for our lamps and shades. A table had been created for use either as a display space or for discussing shade choices with customers. It could also double as a workshop area.

The third room in the shop was left (so the

three competing shops were comparable in size) - we had a stock room again after 35 years! This area would be vital in keeping the calm, uncluttered atmosphere. Instead of putting out every item that arrived, we could now just put out one or two, storing the rest for replenishment.

It was wonderful to see the faces of the staff as they saw the shop for the first time.

And customers have been so complimentary, with one or two kindly saying that they hadn’t thought it could be improved.

Since the show aired on March 30, we’ve had lots of people popping by, both familiar faces and some new ones, to say they watched the programme and loved the makeover. Everyone says how open, light, and spacious the shop is now. Before it was rather cluttered and chaotic but it’s now a calm and relaxing experience.

What a success!

A few people miss the ‘search’, but we know that clutter and hidden products aren’t the greatest sales technique. The biggest test, however, wouldn’t be the vox pops but the sales figures. Could we still achieve similar figures with 25% less floor space? We found we were selling more lamps and more pictures because they had been given prominence in the new layout. Items such as our fabulous tin waste paper bins flew out, and the display shelves behind the window started to be a good location for sales after years of customers bypassing that corner.

Waiting for the show to air was a drag; we couldn’t publicise the programme but, of course, word got out locally after Alan Carr posted on Instagram from [Salisbury’s] Cathedral Close and stopped for selfies in the street. Now that it’s been on TV, it’s certainly a relief that we can all talk about the experience.

I loved watching the show. The design brief was continuity through the shop and flexibility for display and we have that abundantly. I’m so happy that I was involved. Another chapter in the history of Casa Fina, and, as Mary Portas said, ‘a long-established business has had an update.’ Hooray!”

Gifts Today 67

Product Focus At Home

Soothing scents Joe Davies Curating a pleasant home ambience has become increasingly important with more people working from home, and staying in for movie nights and entertaining, as the cost of eating out goes up. With this in mind, Joe Davies is excited to announce the launch of the Miranda B at home collection of Serenity Garden luxury scented candles and reed diffusers.

The soothing scents include fragrances such as cotton linen, sandalwood, lemon, basil and mandarin, and orange and bergamot. The collection is available in six vibrant colours, including jade green, raspberry pink and indigo, which have been carefully chosen to sit with current home décor trends.

Joe Davies is showcasing the range at Home & Gift (stand B66), and looks forward to welcoming you to its stand.

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

The appeal

of bells Enesco

Featuring everything from home accessories to hanging ornaments, the Demdaco collection strives to lift the spirits of all in times of celebration, when comfort is needed most, or just to put a smile on someone’s face - through the sweet sound of bells.

Demdaco features six sub-collections, one of which is the newly launched Inspired Everyday range, which seeks to raise the spirits in a fun and calming way through a suite of beautifully handcrafted bells that help to mark any occasion.

The Inspired Bell range features a calming aesthetic and light versatile colour palette which is perfect for any home. With gentle hues of creams and golds, earthy tones of stone and grey, and relaxing shades of pale lavender, blues and greens; these delightful hanging decorations feature a twine handle and are presented in a gift box which 68 Gifts Today

includes a tag containing a sentimental message.

Bells in the Inspired Collections range include pieces that are perfect to capture emotions, such as Gratitude, Love and Hope & Healing, as well as gift-giving specific occasions such as Wedding, Two of Us and Faith - and not forgetting recipient-specific pieces too, like Mum, Grandma and Friends.

Each piece in the Inspired Collections range measures between 18cm and 30.5cm tall.

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

[[[ TEVPERI GS YO

8IP

3DUODQH³V EHDXWLIXO RI[ XI\XMPI GSPPIGXMSR IHDWXULQJ FXVKLRQV WKURZV DQG WDEOH OLQHQ FRPSOHPHQWV HDFK VWRU\ LQ WKHLU 6SULQJ 6XPPHU FROOHFWLRQ QRZ SURYLGLQJ D FRPSOHWH UDQJH RI GHFRUDWLYH DFFHVVRULHV IRU HYHU\ URRP RI WKH KRPH

2YHU

FRORXUV DQG VW\OHV

7KH FROOHFWLRQ GHYHORSHG DQG GHVLJQHG E\ RXU LQ KRXVH EX\HUV LV DYDLODEOH QRZ :H KDYH VRPH XQLTXH FRPELQDWLRQV DQG DPD]LQJ GHWDLOV WR VKRZ \RX 'LSSWI JVSQ IPIKERX NEGUYEVHW PSSWI ORMXXIH GEWYEP PSSOW ¾SVEP IQFVSMHIVMIW MR TEWXIP XSRIW ERH VIJVIWLMRK FPYI ERH [LMXI TEXXIVRW 8LI PEMH FEGO 1SVIXSR 7XVMTI GYWLMSRW ERH XLI WXYRRMRK FPYI ERH [LMXI GSPSYV GSQFMREXMSR SJ IQFVSMHIVIH GYWLMSRW WII MQEKI EVI EPVIEH] TVSZMRK TEVXMGYPEVP] TSTYPEV [MXL 4EVPERI´W GYWXSQIVW

$OO QHZ FXVKLRQV LQFOXGH D 9HJDQ DQG $OOHUJ\ IULHQGO\ ¼OOLQJ

:H QRZ RIIHU D SOHWKRUD RI WH[WXUHV WR VSUXFH XS \RXU OLYLQJ URRP³"

&RPH DQG KDYH D ORRN LQ RXU VKRZURRP

XLI FIWX I\TIVXMWI 4EVPERI´W XI\XMPIW

XLIMV JYVRMXYVI SV VIHIGSVEXIH XLIMV

:MWMX XLI MRWTMVEXMSREPP] WX]PIH WLS[VSSQ

SVMKMREXI JVSQ RSVXLIVR -RHME [LMGL LEW

LSQIW XS IRNS] XLI I\XVE XMQI WTIRX EX

EX &SYVXSR SR XLI ;EXIV MR XLI

FIIR EX XLI GIRXVI SJ XI\XMPI HIWMKR ERH

LSQI

'SXW[SPHW =SYV TIVWSREP WLSTTIV [MPP

TVSHYGXMSR JSV GIRXYVMIW 8LMW EVIE SJ

8LI TPEGIQIRX SJ SYV GYWLMSRW SR

KYMHI ]SY XLVSYKL XLI 7TVMRK 7YQQIV

-RHME LEW XLI ORS[PIHKI GVIEXMZMX] ERH

[MRHS[ WIEXW ERH WSJEW FVMRK GSPSYV ERH

GSPPIGXMSR MR MXW IRXMVIX] ERH LIPT ]SY XS

WOMPPW XS GVIEXI WSQI SJ XLI FIWX UYEPMX]

PMJI XS E VSSQ ERH EHHW WSJXRIWW ERH

FYMPH ]SYV GSPPIGXMSR WTIGM½G JSV ]SYV

XI\XMPIW SR XLI QEVOIX

XI\XYVI XS ]SYV WXSVI HMWTPE]

FYWMRIWW RIIHW

'HFDGHV RI H[SHUWLVH LQ WH[WLOHV %P[E]W EMQMRK XS WIIO TVSHYGIVW [MXL

0EWX ]IEV TPIRX] SJ TISTPI IMXLIV YTKVEHIH

%RRN DQ DSSRLQWPHQW QRZ

4EVPERI 0MZMRK )QEMP WEPIW$TEVPERI GS YO 8IP ;IFWMXI [[[ TEVPERI GS YO

Product Focus At Home

More than just a candle!

Bolsius Bolsius has introduced a new range of candles to play on the quick growth of the Home Ambiance segment.

During the winter season, Home Ambiance is more relevant than ever. Consumers want to enhance the mood in their homes, and candles contribute highly to this due to their highly decorative attributes and ability to create a warm atmosphere when lit.

Bolsius’ new Rustic Winter collection combines rustic candles in natural tones with a festive silhouette, tapping into the relevance of the winter months. They come in different sizes and designs, inspired by textures and colour tones from nature, and are made with passion, skilled craftsmanship, and a love for people and the planet. The candles are created without palm oil, but with natural vegan wax.

Second placement in retail is a key driver for sales. Recent research shows that purchase decisions are made in-store and a large part of sales is generated via second placement; Bolsius has the perfect solution to maximise this in-store.

Packing a

For the festive season, a display has been created which incorporates its on-trend coloured Rustic candles and new Festive fragrance. Contact the APAC team to discuss display opportunities: a perfect solution for your festive department.

Since 1870, Bolsius has been making quality products to create cosiness and a warm ambience in homes. The company inspires, connects, and warms people with the magic of candlelight and fragrances that tickle the senses. It’s how you can make every moment a special one - for yourself and for everyone around you.

Bolsius | Call: 07391017288 | Email: kam.badesha@uk.bolsius.com APAC | Call: 0116 2302555 | Email: sales@apacgroup.com

punch

Love Country A fabulous new country style summer fragrance sachet collection is now available These luxury scented sachets pack a punch of fragrance as well as style. Made with vegan-friendly fragrances and environmentally-friendly packaging, they are ideal for when you don’t want to burn a candle. The sachets also fill smaller spaces with fragrance without a flame or liquid – so there’s no spills or mess. With a festive collection on the way too, these are great little gift items to scent all around the home, car, or office space.

Call: 01502 507352 Email: support@lovecountryuk.co.uk Visit: www.lovecountryuk.co.uk 70 Gifts Today

Home comforts

The Personalised Memento Company

The Personalised Memento Company (PMC) has a huge array of gifts in the homeware category including cushions, cushion covers, ornaments, poster frames, signs, candles and accessories - all personalised!

The firm has launched an exciting range of homeware including these personalised cushions. With a variety of designs, these are a perfect gift idea for someone who has recently moved home or got married.

Each one is personalised with a name or a message and is available as part of PMC’s range of giftware covering all occasions. Every gift is individually personalised and drop shipped directly to the customer, meaning you don’t hold stock. Visit PMC’s website to register for your trade account today!

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

supplying the UK tariff free Contact us for our July ‘free stock’ offer

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

Product Focus

‘Our consumer is an ‘every day designer’’

At Home

Bloomingville CEO Lars Krog talks about the company’s Autumn/Winter collection and reveals details of a special offer for customers How is business for you in the UK?

How would you describe a Bloomingville consumer?

We have experienced unprecedented growth in the UK over the past three years and this year remains strong.

Of course, we do not take this for granted, and there is much happening in the wider world bringing challenges to our business. But we remain positive that the second half of 2022 will continue to give impressive results.

The Bloomingville consumer stretches far and wide.

Our collection contains more than 3,400 references, many with good entry point retail prices. Bloomingville consumers are young people moving into new homes, new parents decorating their nurseries, and established families who love our style and the atmosphere we bring to the home. Our consumer is an ‘every day designer’: someone who will go from room to room, making small changes to the décor of their home - small changes which look and feel significant.

How would you describe a typical Bloomingville stockist in the UK?

This isn’t so easy as our customers are diverse. We have a number of large online-only retailers who continue to be strong, but we also trade with a multiplicity of small to medium sized independent retailers, each with their own characteristics and local appeal. Whether they be a large garden centre such as Yarnton Home and Garden in Oxfordshire where we have a dedicated space which they manage and promote so well, or The Lillian Daph Store, which is a truly delightful lifestyle and interiors store in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Bloomingville has product to cover their diverse local needs. We have something for everyone.

72 Gifts Today

‘Free-Throw’ in the comments section when ordering online. Or, of course, they can place an order with their local sales agent who will do this on their behalf.

Questions can be directed at our Country Manager Simon Pykett (contact details below). New customers may also log their interest by visiting our website and submitting their details through the ‘Become a retailer’ link.

Tell us about Bloomingville’s Autumn/ Winter collection.

We have two main themes. Nordic Living is characterised by the rawness of nature, beautifully composed with the colours of deep blue, brown, nature and white. And, as the name suggests, it has a very Nordic look. Cozy Living welcomes us inside a warm and vibrant universe offering distinctive textiles with tassels and patterns mixed with ceramics and glassware, giving a vintage look.

Is it true that you are offering ‘free stock’ to UK customers in July?

Absolutely yes! At Bloomingville we have an environmentally conscious mindset and strive to make responsible decisions. Within our collection we have a selection of recycled cotton throws which have been hugely popular with our customers and consumers alike.

For July, we will add a free pack of Giano throws, beautifully woven in recycled material. Whether you are an existing customer who has yet to order any of our recycled throws, or a new customer who would like to open an account with us, this offer is open to all who place an order above the free freight level in July.

How would a retailer claim this offer?

All we require is for the customer to add the claim code

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

ǓǹǓLjȖƺȠǩǿǠ ࢶࢱ ΡǓƺȖș ȅǟ XȅȖȠǾǓǩȖǩȅǿ ȅȠƺǿǩlj (ƺȖǏǓǿ ȠƺLjǹǓΛƺȖǓ ƺǿǏ ljȅȅǷΛƺȖǓॹ ΛǩȠǦ ȠǦǓ ǹƺȣǿljǦ ȅǟ ǟȖƺǠȖƺǿljǓǏ ljƺǿǏǹǓșॹ ǏǩА ȣșǓȖșॹ ǦƺǿǏ ΛƺșǦ ƺǿǏ ǹȅȠǩȅǿঀ ΚƺǩǹƺLjǹǓ ǩǿ ǟȅȣȖ LjǓƺȣȠǩǟȣǹ ǏǓșǩǠǿș ƺǿǏ ǿƺȠȣȖƺǹ ǟȖƺǠȖƺǿljǓșঀ

eȈȝDzȘDzȸȸ ȝȤȝDzȞȿȸ ȤǾ ȈȞȸȱȈȵǙȿȈȤȞ ǾȤȵ Ȥ͠Dzȵ ࠏࠋ ͧDzǙȵȸ XȵȤɂǮȘͧ ȝǙǮDz ȈȞ ȿȅDz h?

Tel: 01229 461100 Waxlyricaltrade.com

Product Focus At Home

Ceramic

appeal Parlane continually delights customers with its diverse ceramics collections, which appeal across the board to a variety of customers

O

ver the years, Parlane’s ceramics - and in particular its vase collections - have always been at the very cutting edge of interior fashion. The products are designed using the latest shapes and forms and interpreted in Parlane’s own style. Providing subtle colours and textures, stylish elements, and offering different sizes, the company always makes the items visually appealing, so each style stands on its own as a decorative piece - making the vases suitable to display with or without floral assistance!

In each season’s collection, there’s often a spot of humour on hand to amuse. Vases with stylised faces remain on trend and are still present in their updated form. Vases drawing inspiration from female curves are a new trend, which adds a contemporary and a bit of a cheeky (pardon the pun!) edge to the collection.

Whether it’s contemporary, rustic, classic, or humorous - and whether you want to make a statement or keep it understated - Parlane is bound to have something to suit in its beautiful showroom in The Cotswolds.

Call: 01451 812712 Email: sales@parlane.co.uk Visit: www.parlane.co.uk 74 Gifts Today

Product Focus

At Home

Creating moments More than ever, consumers are looking for gifts which bring joy and so much more.

Wax Lyrical has created a host of advent calendars and gifts to celebrate Christmas

F

or the best-selling Sara Miller London design, Frosted Pines, Wax Lyrical has created four exotic all year fragrances in candles and reed diffusers, plus one festive fragrance for a tealight advent calendar. It includes a new Sara Miller London decorated glass tealight holder and a different festive illustration for each day.

Also perfect for someone special is a luxury popup gift box, in both Frosted Pines and the muchloved Chelsea collection, containing a high quality Portmeirion mug and candle ceramic vessel, made with a renewable and sustainable coconut wax blend and fragrance-specific essential oils.

The Frosted Pines fragrance continues in Wrendale Designs with a ceramic candle, reed diffuser and the launch of new reed diffuser box gifts, candles, reed diffusers and a new advent calendar.

From another world-renowned designer, the Yvonne Ellen advent calendar boasts a fabulous fragrance medley of velvet peach, pear and red berries, nesting on a base of soft vanilla, tonka bean and soothing white musk. The fun Ellen Studio London range, launched earlier this year, has expanded for winter with Arctic Breeze - a frosty fragrance of snow lily, soft jasmine and amber, with hints of fresh peppermint and bergamot available as a boxed candle; reed diffuser and refill, hydrating hand wash, and moisturising hand lotion.

Arctic Breeze is also joined by three quirky designs to create the very popular Giftscents reed diffuser letterbox gift.

Christmas is the time to ‘shimmer & shine’ and to add glamour to the home with festive fragrance. The Wax Lyrical Sparkling Snowflake collection of Christmas fragrances is teamed with snowflake decorated candles, tea lights and reed diffusers, to create moments of indulgence using metallics to reflect the light.

This year, Wax Lyrical has also introduced a wonderland of three retro-inspired fragrances to transport you to Christmases past, embracing nostalgia and creating comfort throughout the home. Vintage references and traditional craft and print techniques bring timeless charm to seasonal décor and desirable gifts. Made in the UK, there are three fragrances available in candles, reed diffusers, gift sets, tealights, and a tealight rotary in three designs.

Wax Lyrical head of research and development Dr Will Locke said: “We are always excited and proud to unveil our latest collections, styles and inspired new products, and there are several Christmas collections to decorate the home or make perfect presents. New or timeless favourites, all have the same quality, expert science and fragrance blended throughout and of course are proudly made in the UK, creating moments to wax lyrical about.”

Call: 01229 461100 Email: customerservice@wax-lyrical.com Visit: waxlyricaltrade.com Gifts Today 75

RETAIL INTERVIEW

Mooch

Seven up!

Gifts Today talks to Jon May, co-founder of the award-winning retailer Mooch Gifts & Home in Worcestershire, which has just celebrated its seventh birthday How did you feel when you heard the news that you had won the best instore/window display category of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2022?

It was a huge shock when our name was called out! We are always extremely proud of our windows but the field of finalists was very strong, so we were happy just being shortlisted.

We always aim to bring some London magic to our window displays, especially at Christmas.

Our window lettering is handmade by us, with real garlands outside. So they really do set us apart on the high streets where we trade.

What’s your background?

I was a local food buyer at Asda, and prior to that worked in local food marketing for over 10 years.

Why did you decide to open a gift shop?

Following a holiday in Cornwall - and having those holiday blues - plus getting fed up with making other people money, [co-founder] Luke Jacks (pictured above right with Jon) and I decided to bring something different to our local high streets and thought: ‘Let’s open a shop!’

Tell us a bit about Mooch Gifts & Home.

In June we celebrated seven years in business. We have two high street stores in Worcestershire: at Stourport on Severn and Bewdley. At Stourport we trade over three floors while Bewdley is tiny - on one floor - but trades extremely well. We also have a very successful online store (set up in 2015) which has seen a huge uplift in sales since the pandemic.

76 Gifts Today

Describe your range.

It falls into three key areas: cards, gifts and home. We always look to work with British designers and makers where possible, and source products that offer something a bit different to our competitors.

What are your key categories?

Home fragrance, jewellery, ladies’ fashion, and nursery.

Who are your key suppliers?

We have traded with Transomnia since day one; their team is wonderful and their support has been amazing. We also trade with Gisela Graham, Rainbow Designs, Gibsons, Sweet William Designs, East of India, Quail Ceramics, Katie Loxton, Joma, Hot Tomato, INIS, and Moorland Pottery, to name a few!

How do you find products?

We tend to source from the major trade shows but have built up great relationships with reps over the years too. We attend some suppliers’ showrooms, and being judges for awards [the Gift of the Year and the Henries] is a great way to find new products as well.

What’s your selection criteria?

Quality, packaging, price, and suppliers’ trading terms.

What’s proving popular?

The seasonal ranges from Gisela Graham, particularly the Daisy & Bee Collection. And we recently introduced a range of wooden toys from House of Marbles that is doing well..

How is trading for you?

People shopping locally, staycationing, and having more day trips, has certainly helped us maintain pre-Covid trading levels.

How do you maintain the interest of existing customers and attract new ones?

We find social media is key, especially with our online store. But many people find us through word of mouth - or they have heard we have won an award.

Top 5 Best Sellers 1. Gisela Graham eg Daisy & Bee Collection 2. St. Eval Candle Tins eg Bay & Rosemary 3. East of India Sentiment Hearts and wedding gifts 4. Quail Ceramics 5. Moorland Pottery bespoke Stourport & Bewdley mugs

We also offer gift vouchers in-store and online, a gift-wrapping service, and a greeting cards message writing service (online). Plus, we have various themed hamper boxes and letterbox gifts available online.

“While space in our stores is at a premium, we are always looking for exciting new items” Where are you taking your business next?

With so much uncertainty with increased costs everywhere, we have decided to maximise sales in our shops and online for the next 12 months, rather than open another new store. However, we would like others in years to come. While space in our stores is at a premium, we are always looking for exciting new items.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Winning awards is obviously the icing on the cake. But seeing happy customers return time after time is very rewarding, because then we know that what we’re doing is right.

And the most challenging?

Things that happen which you have no control over, like lockdowns. However, we rose to the challenge and came out stronger.

Winning displays

“We always try to create some magic in our windows”

Mooch Gifts & Home co-founder Jon May says: “We always try to create some magic in our windows, so for Halloween we featured stock from Gisela Graham - where the majority of our Halloween stock was sourced - along with sweet treats from Cocoba, Buttermilk Fudge and The Treat Kitchen.

We dressed the windows with cobwebbing and each window featured floating candles to give a Harry Potter style feel.

Each window took around three hours to create.

For Christmas, our windows in both stores were dressed as lounges featuring a magical vintage TV with a moving snow scene, with a penguin family; the little ones playing with presents and mum and dad on the sofa.

Letters on the windows spelt out ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’. We used a local graphics company to make them, and we applied them ourselves - which can be very tricky in November as normally it’s very cold, which is not ideal for applying!

Each store was dressed on the outside with handmade real garlands created by me: the Stourport branch’s garland was 10m in length and Bewdley was 5m. These alone took 10 hours to make at home, and then were transported to each store to hang.

Our Christmas windows take around eight hours to install (usually on a Sunday), but the reaction of our customers always makes it so worthwhile.

We start to plan our windows for Christmas in January, with the Spring Fair a key event to source our display items. But this year will see us breaking the tradition of a Christmas-themed window - we are really excited to launch in November.”

Gifts Today 77

Product Focus At Home

Christmas is coming!

The festive season is fast approaching, and several Manor House clients have already placed their orders for the company’s fragrance collection

M

anor House’s 2022 collection encompasses 28 gorgeous fragrances to choose from, which is its largest offering to date, and the supplier has already begun creating new fragrances for 2023.

After a superb return to Spring Fair back in February, Manor House welcomed many new stockists on board to start the year on a high - and business has continued to stay buoyant, with even more stockists coming on board.

Christmas is fast approaching - production started on June 1 - and several clients have already placed their orders. The company says: ‘It’s already looking like Christmas 2022 will be our busiest to date.’ It adds: ‘We are about to launch with a major charity fundraiser, which will show our product to more end users, which will be great!’

The supplier says the fact that the products are handmade in England is what so many stockists want. Its pot pourris are all designed in-house using the finest botanicals available to purchase, fragranced using high-end oils, and then finished with individual flowers, petals, and seed pods, before every box and bag is tied by hand ready to display. Meanwhile, its fragrance oils are great for refreshing pot pourri or for traditional and even electric oil burners, and these remain one of the firm’s top selling products.

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

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

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

The Facebook page Manor House Home Fragrance Ltd, the Twitter account ManorHouseHome1 and the Instagram account Manorhousehomefragrance, which links the business with retailers and final end customers and clients, are gaining many followers and numerous positive comments.

Private Label Home Fragrance is increasing dramatically too, and the company is working with more and more leading retailers to produce private label collections incorporating clients’ thoughts and ideas on fragrances and branding to offer bespoke and unique one-off collections. Manor House also now offers a standard selection of on the shelf gift boxes in various colourways to suit slightly smaller retailers.

78 Gifts Today

Call: 01359 250720 Visit: www.manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk

6': B*LIWV7RGD\$GYHUW-XQH9 SGI

&

0

<

&0

0<

&<

&0<

.

Product Focus At Home

Two decades of inspiring designs

Gifts Today talks to David Roznowski and Jocelyne Royou-Roznowski, co-founders of D & J Glassware, which is celebrating two decades of trading What’s your background?

I (Jocelyne) am a chartered accountant with experience of both large multi-national and small family-owned companies. My husband David worked for many years in a senior sales role for blue-chip companies, latterly in the horticultural industry.

Why did you decide to launch D & J Glassware?

We had travelled throughout Europe and seen beautiful glassware that was not available in the UK. We were particularly impressed by the design and use of colour.

So, to use that well-worn phrase, ‘it seemed a good idea’ to start a business importing the lovely glass we had seen.

We ignored the advice of going into business in an industry where we already had experience and contacts. Instead, we started with a blank piece of paper on our kitchen table and took it from there. D & J Glassware launched in 2002.

Tell us about your range.

We specialise in handcrafted products that show flair and are of 80 Gifts Today

great quality. Our offering has changed considerably over the past 20 years to reflect changes in the market and consumers’ tastes.

We were the first UK company to introduce the amazing Tree of Life globes to the market. They are still extremely popular: made from recycled crystal glass, these beautiful pieces epitomise true craftsmanship.

In addition to mouth blown glassware, we introduced our fused glass collection in 2011. What started with just a few cats and owls is now an ever-growing menagerie

“We have always seen our presence as a long-term commitment, and we are proud of the relationships we have forged with our stockists over the past 20 years” of colourful animal designs. Our stockists love the quirky nature of these items and often tell us that they make their customers smile.

Our home fragrance collections are something we enjoy, as they combine great quality glass with heavenly Britishmade fragrances; to date we offer 17 different scents.

And we are very excited to have launched a fabulous range of home textiles, inspired by our glass animals.

These are also British-made products - even down to the ethically sourced feather cushion pads.

What’s the inspiration for your products?

We have learned over the years to follow our instincts and do our own thing rather than follow trends although, of course, we have to keep abreast of what our customers want from us.

While we have no formal design training, we both have very active imaginations and put these to use in developing our designs. Often, we get inspiration on long walks in the beautiful Norfolk countryside and along the coastline, which we are lucky to have on our doorstep.

Rough sketches are then refined, modified and developed into the designs you see in our collections.

What sets you apart from your competitors?

Our passion for what we do, our attention to detail, our friendly approach and, of course, our unique designs.

Everyone who works in the giftware industry has their own strengths, and customers have their own favourites.

We have always seen our presence as a long-term commitment, and we are proud of the relationships we have forged with our stockists over the past 20 years.

How are you finding the current trading climate in the UK? The past couple of years have been tough for everyone’s wellbeing. After 20 years in the industry, our established routines have all been challenged and many have had to be adapted. Nobody really likes change, but we are learning to take each day as it comes. Old ways such as short lead times have gone, at least temporarily, and we have to accept it.

We think that the next year or so will continue to be challenging and we have all got to be realistic and support each other. Fortunately, that’s something the giftware industry does rather well.

Twenty years is a great achievement. How will you celebrate?

Final preparations have to be made, but there will definitely be a glass or two of bubbly... and cake!

What can we expect next from your company?

More exciting new designs and developments into new product areas.

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

Celebrating 40 years in business 1982 -2022

INSPIRE AGENCIES LIMITED ARE SEEKING AGENTS TO REPRESENT INSPIRE agencies are seeking experienced and well-connected sales agents across the UK to represent one of our brands – Dutch Faux Flower and plants specialist – Silk-ka – www.silk-ka.com Silk-ka design and wholesale the finest quality faux flowers and plants, the collection spans over 3000 products from flower picks to the most unbelievably realistic plants and trees. We have an amazing showroom located in Bracknell, Berkshire which offers customers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the amazing Silk-ka displays and shop the collection from the extensive flower market.

Experience selling faux or fresh flowers is desirable and a creative flair is important!

We are looking for hardworking, motivated agents to develop the Silk-ka brand targeting customers across lifestyle stores, garden centres, Interior designers and more!

Interested? Please contact UK Country Manager Paul Francis to apply or for further details. paul@inspireagencies.co.uk

Over 700 models in stock.

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

New products

For the wellgroomed gent

More than just a fragrance!

Personalised Memento Company

Brand new to Personalised Memento Company (PMC) is this personalised Beard Kit with everything a man needs to keep his face in top condition!

With two designs to choose from, the padded canvas bag comes with a 300ml bottle of beard conditioner & face moisturiser, a 300ml bottle of beard shampoo, and a 30ml bottle of beard oil. Light and non-greasy with a subtle, contemporary masculine fragrance, the products are blended from the finest natural ingredients which are not tested on animals and are suitable for vegans.

PMC’s production and drop-shipping service is able to adapt effortlessly to seasonal peak demand. This service ensures that orders are fulfilled quickly and accurately, leading to an outstanding customer experience. Visit PMC’s trade website to discover how personalised gifts can work for your business.

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

Bolsius

Surprise your customers with the new True Joy Winter Edition in the Secret Forest scent: an alluring blend of spicy wood notes, pine resin and a touch of eucalyptus.

The warm, wintry scent will make the holidays extra special. Tip: combine these with candles from the Rustic Winter collection to get your interior ready for the holiday season!

Made with natural extracts and an alcohol-free formula, this intense fragrance experience lasts up to 10 weeks (reed diffusers).

Bolsius | Call: 07391017288 | Email: kam.badesha@ uk.bolsius.com APAC Call: 0116 2302555 | Email: sales@apacgroup.com

New additions ExaClair

Following the success of its Exacompta pencil cases, which were introduced last year, ExaClair (the UK subsidiary of the Exacompta-Clairefontaine Group) has expanded the range with a new selection of items.

The versatile Teksto pencil case can be used in the traditional way for carrying essentials or, with its innovative design, can be easily converted to a pen pot that stands on a desk. Made from rPET (recycled plastic water bottles) with a recycled polyester lining that resists ink and dirt, this Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certified item comes in two colours - turquoise and water green - to match the Teksto filing and desktop items.

Maїa pencil cases are a practical option with a large capacity and two zipped openings. The front flap has six elasticated loops to store pens. Made from rPET with a recycled polyester lining, the items are available in four bright colours to complement the Maїa filing and desktop ranges: blue, magenta, orange and water green.

There are also some extra Exacompta pencil case selections. These include the round PU leatherette Glitter models that feature a glittery look in four assorted colours, plus some rectangular synthetic fur models, which incorporate cute furry faces across four assorted colours. Finally, the round Dream pencil cases include four assorted themed designs: Llama, Nautical, Space, and Unicorn.

Call: 01553 696606 | Email: enquiries@exaclair.co.uk Visit: www.exaclairlimited.com 82 Gifts Today

Festive fun House of Marbles

Call: 01626 835358 | Email: uk@houseofmarbles.com Visit: www.houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk House of Marbles has just launched some fantastic seasonal games for gift retailers in time for the biggest trading season of the year. Customers won’t want to miss the family board games Santa’s Snowball SkiJump and Festive Flip-Out! Both designed in-house, they will make great additions to any Christmas Eve box.

Meanwhile, the company’s range of children’s books goes from strength to strength. They make perfect gifts and have great added value in terms of education and entertainment. The selection is constantly changing and some fabulous new sensory books for early learning, and Christmas titles, have been added which are sure to be a must-have for the festive period.

If you’re looking for masses of great new products, quick delivery, and customer service that is second to none, head to House of Marbles and see what they have to offer!

A seaside supper Emma Ball

Call: 0115 9858081 Email: sales@emmaball.co.uk Visit: www.emmaball.co.uk Summer holidays are now upon us, and the new Mr & Mrs Fish range from Claire Henley at Emma Ball has proved popular.

The range follows the couple and their dog called Chips on their idyllic travels around the UK - and who doesn’t love a round of fish & chips? The range includes tea towels, melamine trays, mats, coasters and stationery.

Call or email the company for a full and up-to-date catalogue. Did you know that Emma Ball now also has an extensive craft catalogue?

Business FOR SALE

Design led giftware manufacturing business based in North West England Customers include over 400 independent gift shops, charities, garden centres and export destinations including EU, North America and Scandinavia ■

■ ■ ■

I n house range, customer’s own label products and exclusive UK distribution of 3 brands.

Trading for over 30 years Turnover £0.5m – £1m per annum Strong cash flow and development potential

For more information contact kh9240948@gmail.com

Gifts Today 83

instyle

Poolside accessory

Practical and fun Joe Davies

Walking stick specialist Classic Canes has a cane to match almost every outfit, including this tropical fish cane that will be the perfect poolside accessory this summer.

It is fitted with a non-slip rubber ferrule and is height-adjustable, which makes it an easy gift to sell.

And the brightly-coloured tropical fish design ensures that this is a cane that will make a bold fashion statement, and open many a conversation.

Equilibrium fashion accessories from Joe Davies are a real must-have during the run-up to Christmas and are always popular for the A/W season.

While style is fun, scarves and gloves are practical items to have in your wardrobe and this is key to their success.

Up-to-the minute designs, including colour blocking, animal prints and chunky cable knits, along with great quality and affordable prices, are all hallmarks of this much loved brand. What’s more, the addition of luxury branded packaging for many items make them not only easy to display but the perfect gifts for customers as they are so easy to wrap - a win-win situation!

Joe Davies’ Equilibrium collection of jewellery and fashion accessories will be on display on its Home & Gift stand (B66) alongside its range of gifts. Everything is affordable and easy to buy using its ‘little and often’ ordering system.

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

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

Classic Canes

Magnetic attraction Miss Milly

Miss Milly says introducing magnetic brooches about three years ago was one of the best product launches it has ever undertaken. Each season the collection is refreshed and added to, and the items consistently sell out.

Once you look at them, it’s easy to see why. Brooches have made a comeback over the past five years, but pin clasps leave holes in their wake and can be fiddly to use. With a magnetic brooch, you just pull the two pieces apart, place it where you want, and attach back together.

The magnet is strong and reliably holds in place. And you don’t have to limit use to coats and jackets: you can jazz up bags, hats and even use the brooches as scarf pins.

And be creative with your displays, by attaching them to other accessories for an increased transaction value or by using radiators, metal sheets, or Miss Milly’s own acrylic display stands or strut cards.

Selling brilliantly all year round, these lovely items are also great for Christmas gifting. And there will be plenty of new designs on offer for the A/W season.

Call: 01905 622509 Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk 84 Gifts Today

Focus On...

Something Different Wholesale

Note to self:

Must stock these!

Explore Something Different Wholesale’s new selection of notebooks and accessories that make thoughtful, fun and practical gift ideas Jot it down

Put pen to paper whenever inspiration strikes with Something Different Wholesale’s new selection of quirky A5 notebooks and journals. Designed by the company’s in-house creative team, the notebooks are inspired by thoughts and interests, and feature alongside other gifts as part of the company’s bestselling collections such as Gothicat, Fortune Teller, Black Magic and more. These are a perfect gift for merchandising in a complementary product display, ready for shoppers to jot down their ideas in one handy place.

Magical gifts

Spiritual and magical themed gifts continue to trend as consumers embrace mindfulness through spiritual studies, the zodiac and meditation. From Himalayan salt lamps and oil burners to gothic and tarot themed gifts, Something Different Wholesale has it all.

The new Kitchen Witch collection is inspired by the popularity of gothic

and spiritual themed gifts with a contemporary twist. From wall décor displaying popular healing herbs, to recipe boxes and notebooks ideal for storing spells and concoctions, Kitchen Witch is perfect for those who love to work their magic in the kitchen.

Tree of Life

Commonly representing growth, rebirth and the sacred connection between worlds, the Tree of Life collection is inspired by the spiritual symbol found in various cultures around the world. This range features garden and home accessories such as wind chimes, oil burners, clocks, and jewellery, which will make loving gifts for family members or close friends.

Call: 01792 940288 Email: customercare@somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk Visit: www.somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk Gifts Today 85

Product Focus Giftable Stationery

New colours from Rhodia ExaClair

ExaClair, the UK supplier of Rhodia notebooks, has added metallic colours to its soft cover Goalbook and notebook ranges. Rhodia is renowned for its premium quality notebooks, which contain super-smooth 90gsm brushed vellum paper that is loved by writers around the world. The soft imitation leather covers are now available in five colours - gold, copper, bronze, titanium and white - each having a metallic sheen which gives a luxurious and chic appearance.

The A5 size Rhodia Goalbook is perfect for journalling, as each book contains 240 pages (224 numbered pages, six-page index and two perpetual calendars) with a choice of white or ivory paper printed with a subtle dot grid. They also feature an expanding pocket for items such as tickets and receipts, elasticated closure, two ribbon bookmarks and a pen loop. The Rhodia notebooks are a handy A5 size and contain 160 pages of lined ivory paper, an expanding pocket, ribbon bookmark and elasticated closure.

According to ExaClair marketing manager Lawrence Savage, the addition of the new metallic colours gives consumers additional choice when it comes to choosing a notebook or journal to suit their style. He said: “The richness and opulence of these new books is bound to be welcomed by those individuals who appreciate the finer things in life and like to make an impression in meetings and in the office.”

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

Calling dog

lovers!

Love Country

Love Country has two lovely calendars on offer. Its first dog calendar is packed full of furry characters. Featuring all new artwork and stories, this delightful calendar is sure to warm dog-loving hearts everywhere.

Proudly made in Britain, the 2023 Love Country Calendar is available with the classic wildlife characters we have come to love, alongside newcomers like the puffin, highland stag and a rather adventurous duck!

Each month features a fun story or poem to keep you smiling through the seasons.

Call: 01502 507352 Email: support@lovecountryuk.co.uk Visit: www.lovecountryuk.co.uk

86 Gifts Today

A multifunctional

tool

The Personalised Memento Company The Personalised Memento Company is embracing its love of personalised stationery with this new multi tool pen - perfect for a handy man on the go!

The product features a ball point pen, spirit level, centimetre ruler, inch ruler, cross head screwdriver, flat head screwdriver, and screen stylus, as well as your own personalised message.

Providing the perfect personalised gift for all occasions and recipients is one of PMC’s core aims. With a growing range of on trend giftware and selling solutions to suit all retailers, there has never been a better time to sell personalised gifts. Visit PMC’s trade website to register for your account and get started.

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

Gift dressings Museums & Galleries

While Museums & Galleries (M&G) has produced heritage-based and inspired gift wraps since its inception almost 40 years ago, the past few years have seen a major expansion into the gift dressings area.

Everyday sheet wraps are now produced in single-sided and double-sided formats, as well as foiled, gift bag sets, gift tissue, and, in the past couple of years, roll wraps. Christmas sheet and roll wraps, bags and tissue have also seen expansion.

M&G has a proactive approach to sustainability issues, and all paper used is FSC-certified. All plastics are being phased out across the company’s supply chains, which means M&G is currently phasing in recyclable card packaging for the gift tissue formats and roll wraps.

As the company name suggests, M&G sources gifting designs from its many museum and gallery licences, as well as significant British designers such as Matthew Williamson, Cressida Bell, Sarah Campbell, Catherine Rowe and Helen Ahpornsiri.

M&G’s premier gift wrap licence is the V&A, with a particularly comprehensive collection of the museum’s iconic design collections, from Victorian Arts and Crafts designers such as William Morris, CFA Voysey and William De Morgan, painters and illustrators like Edward Lear; and beautiful Chinese and Japanese lacquers and textiles, right up to modernist 1970s’ designs.

M&G also has a collection of character-based wraps: Paddington Bear, Roald Dahl, Guess How Much I Love You, and The Tiger Who Came To Tea. As M&G is predominantly art and design-based, general fashion trends don’t have an immediate impact on the company’s offerings and, as a result, there is no strikingly singular trend in terms of imagery or colour. But Asian design is very popular in the range, and birds seem to be a very welcome motif. Catherine Rowe’s foiled Bees design, introduced last season, has done extremely well indeed, foiled wraps as a whole are still much desired. M&G sees everyday roll wraps as a significant growth area, with the range doubling in size this year.

Call: 01373 462165 Email: sales@mgml.co.uk Visit: www.museumsgalleries.co.uk Gifts Today 87

Focus On...

Love Country

Irresistible new summer releases

Love Country is excited to launch a host of new products this summer, including a rather sweet offering…

N

ew for this season, Love Country is introducing a range of Belgian chocolate bars, which are beautifully illustrated with stylish country-themed flowers and wildlife, to give your customers something special.

Available in eight summer styles, the bars are part of a growing range of country style designs which will also include a festive design collection later in the year, along with handmade fudge and festive spicy biscuit boxes.

The company said its current biscuit collection has been so well received that it couldn’t resist adding these lovely chocolate bars to the range.

They are the perfect pick-up countertop gift and make a vibrant shop display. And for any Welsh stockists, look out for the Welsh language version of a cheeky pair of sheep coming soon!

Love Country has also just released a colourful collection of seed cards. After receiving a highly commended plaudit in The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards, this new and improved range offers a wider choice of 24 designs along with larger cards, which are 100% plastic free. These cards have proved to be wildly popular with stockists and are a hot trend product to stock this year, with customers seeking eco-friendly products now more than

88 Gifts Today

ever before.

A fabulous new summer fragrance sachet collection has also been launched by Love Country, featuring its popular artwork. These little sachets pack a punch of fragrance as well as style. Made from recyclable material, they offer a no-flame and mess-free solution for fragrance lovers for the home, car and office - and a festive collection is also on the way.

Finally, paws up if you love a dog calendar! Love Country is thrilled to launch its first dog calendar packed full of furry characters. Featuring all new artwork and stories, this delightful calendar is sure to warm hearts everywhere.

Made in Britain, the 2023 Love Country Calendar is also available with the classic wildlife characters we have come to love, alongside newcomers like the puffin, highland stag, and a rather adventurous duck! Each month features a fun story or poem to keep you smiling through the seasons.

Call: 01502 507352 Email: support@lovecountryuk.co.uk Visit: www.lovecountryuk.co.uk

Focus On...

Lesser & Pavey

Lesser & Pavey has been hard at work developing lots of new ranges and hundreds of new products for the second half of the year

Exciting new ranges D

42 Gifts Today

espite the ongoing challenges we are all facing today, Lesser & Pavey has set its focus on developing and buying as many new exciting ranges as possible, and has kept in mind that it’s more important than ever that the products represent excellent value for money. So no matter what the occasion, someone can find a gift for a friend, a loved one, or even that little treat for themselves, without breaking the bank.

The company has been working with the talented artist Lynsey Johnstone for more than two years now. Having watched her handpainted designs go from strength to strength, Lesser & Pavey is excited to now offer her new Fruit designs, not only on gin glasses, but also on new hand-painted glass carafes: a perfect addition to the collection.

As part of the Desire Aroma home fragrance brand, the firm is also pleased to offer new floral reed diffusers. Available in 100ml and 200ml bottles, each diffuser comes packed in a beautiful open window gift box which makes a perfect display of these products for retailers. There are six different fragrances available: Hydrangea & Hyacinth, Lily & Black Orchid, Eucalyptus & Pomegranate, Poppy & Dark Amber, Daffodil & Jasmine, and Peony.

These will be sure to keep summer indoors all year round!

Also within the Desire Aroma brand are gifts aimed more at those who prefer to drink champagne and party. Who doesn’t? Lesser & Pavey is excited to offer a range of Pink Champagne candles and diffusers. They are presented in the company’s signature glass jars and bottles, in a colourful pearlescent effect.

Once again, these all come in classy window gift boxes so that the colours of the glass are seen and have real impact. In this collection there are candles available in three sizes, and diffusers in 100ml, 200ml, 500ml sizes, as well as the usual top-selling candle and diffuser gift sets.

Finally, introducing their Royal Highnesses: The Lion King and Queen. Check out these trendy black and white photos of the Lion & Lioness with their gold & jewelled crowns taking pride of place. In this range, designed

by Lesser & Pavey’s in-house art department, you will find fine china mugs, sets of mugs, coasters, placemats, lap trays, and plush velvet cushions. There are also wall clocks, doorstops and more. The full range can be seen on the company’s website, in its showroom, or at the Autumn Fair.

Call: 01322 279 225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk Visit: www.leonardo.co.uk

Trade talk

With the 2022 edition of Home & Gift just around the corner, we ask a selection of exhibitors what products they are most excited about launching at the Harrogate event, and what they are hoping to achieve at the show Richard Wood Director Broughton & Beech Why are you exhibiting at Home & Gift?

Stephen Thurlow Director Alexander Thurlow Why are you exhibiting at Home & Gift?

“We have a great fondness for this event”

We feel this is probably the best time to have a trade show. It’s perfect for the forthcoming Winter season. It also gives us time to see how our new ranges are being received, and if we need to tweak any products.

What products are you most excited about launching at the show?

We are launching a new selection of animal designs. We have managed to recreate some wonderfully lifelike designs - which is what has been so important in the success of our Love Nature products.

What are you hoping to achieve at the show?

For us, the main point of the show is to meet new customers and keep our brand at the forefront of people’s minds. We advertise in trade magazines heavily before Harrogate, so hopefully this is picked up by some of the retailers (large and small) that we are keen to work with.

Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?

Because we are concentrating on producing our own unique designs, it’s not something that’s really on our radar at the moment.

What makes this show special for you?

Well, we have been showing at Harrogate off and on since the very first show. I still have a show catalogue from 1954! So we have a great fondness for this event. The customers always arrive in a buoyant mood, the sun always seems to be shining, and there’s always some great socialising at the end of the day in the town.

Any top tips for visitors?

Stay for at least two days, to give yourself time to get around.

There really is a lot to see. And enjoy not only the show, but Harrogate itself.

90 Gifts Today

This is our first time exhibiting as Broughton & Beech and although the trade show is not new to me, we believe it is a great opportunity to showcase our new product ranges and home fragrance solutions. We have a great location in DP1-C48 and plan to bring more than 50 new products across both our Julie Dodsworth and Mr & Mrs Fragrance brands.

What products are you most exciting about launching at the show?

We have a diverse range, including melts, incense, hand cream, soap, electrical diffusers, candles, reed diffusers, and car fragrance, most of which will be exhibited for the first time. We are excited to share our new patterns and designs that Julie has created, and the evolution of her brand alongside the unique and unmistakable products and characters from Mr & Mrs Fragrance.

What are you hoping to achieve at the show?

We are looking forward to spending time with our existing customers and sharing all our newness, while also looking for new retailers and partners.

What makes this show special for you?

The show environment and setting are unique and one that is keenly anticipated every year. I have been exhibiting or visiting the show for nearly 25 years and it is my favourite: that view, I know, is shared by retailers and exhibitors alike. The mix of young and mature businesses, and some amazingly creative and talented individuals, make this show a source of inspiration with a great sense of community that is shared across this wonderful industry.

Vanessa Curry Managing Director Best Kept Secrets Why are you exhibiting at Home & Gift?

Home & Gift is our favourite show of the year. It has a totally different feel; it’s more relaxed, with a real buzz around the halls.

And not to mention it’s a treat to go to Harrogate every year!

It’s the start of the busy season for us: a chance to reconnect with our customers and show off our new fragrances and candle ranges that we’ve been working on over the past few months.

What products are you most excited about launching at the show?

We launched our rebranded Just Because candles and boxed tea lights at Spring Fair and we’ve been blown away by the volumes of sales - so much so, that we’ve extended the range to include new titles to celebrate friends, family and special occasions.

And following on from the amazing reception for our Just Because candles, we’re launching a new Christmas range along the same lines. A perfect Christmas gift, there are 12 new candles in silver tins, each with a different festive design and a scattering of snowflakes, and holly - and not forgetting our signature sparkle.

The build-up to Christmas is when most gift retailers hear their tills ringing loudest, so it goes without saying that anticipation, excitement, and joy felt by customers is felt equally by retailers.

And we’re excited to announce that we have rebranded our Christmas Elegance range. The new design is fab, with a sophisticated elegant twist. In a festive gold tin with a few new names to entice customers, we have Cozy Nights, Mulled Cranberries & Orange, Pine Cones & Spruce, and a fabulous Plum Pudding.

What are you hoping to achieve at the show?

To reconnect, refresh and renew relationships with our current customers - and build long-lasting relationships with new customers.

What makes this show special for you?

“Home & Gift is our favourite show of the year. It has a totally different feel; it’s more relaxed, with a real buzz around the halls”

Home & Gift is a great show. Visitors always seem happy and relaxed and have a little more time - and, of course, they enjoy the refreshment experience (the Gin Bar!). For us, the whole experience is a positive one, from its location, to its well organised build-up and break-down procedures, to welcoming customers onto our stand. We are really excited to attend every year. And once the doors close, we too enjoy the refreshment experience!

Any top tips for visitors?

Restaurants and hotels can get very busy, so plan ahead. There’s some super restaurants in Harrogate so get your reservations booked.

Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?

For consumers, Christmas can be an expensive time, but with the bite of the cost-of-living crisis continuing, it seems consumers are shopping more wisely. They are looking for quality gifts, at sensible prices.

Retailers are well aware of the magic price point of under £10 and that’s why we have held firm with price rises, allowing our candles to sell at £9.99. By doing this, we have met the needs of the retailers and consumers, with quality candles at sensible prices.

Gifts Today 91

Trade talk

Helen Cottrill Marketing & Product Director Enesco Why are you exhibiting at Home & Gift?

Spring Fair turned out to be a great opportunity to open new independent accounts, and many of our new collections proved to be very popular with these customers. So we then decided to take a small space at Home & Gift to showcase these to a potential new audience. Everything we will be showing will be in stock in 2022 and perfect for those all important Q4 sales.

What products are you most excited about launching at the show?

Paul Travis Sales & Marketing Director Ceramic Design Heritage Why are you exhibiting at Home & Gift?

Harrogate gives us an early opportunity to meet our retailers, finding out their trends and requirements, and getting ahead of the market. We feel Harrogate is the strongest second half show for designer gifts.[Show organiser] Clarion Events seems to understand the sector, with this show and Top Drawer.

“Harrogate is really the last of the traditional shows: combining business with pleasure, and making everyone smile while achieving their objectives”

What products are you most excited about launching at the show?

We are launching a complete range of bespoke giftware with The Tale of Ballard and Hill. Co-founder Susan Ballard Leigh’s designs are so stunning: bringing gallery work to the creations from her original paintings.

What are you hoping to achieve at the show?

We hope to continue our strong growth seen over the past two years and work with new inspired designers to create their own branded giftware.

What makes this show special for you?

Harrogate is really the last of the traditional shows: combining business with pleasure, and making everyone smile while achieving their objectives. And don’t forget the odd cocktail too!

Any top tips for visitors?

Buy early, as there will be supply issues in the third quarter, and also the possibility of further price increases.

Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?

Gifts for the home, with functionality being a plus, is a strong area.

We are finding designs that are different are strong, taking over from some of the old favourites. Buying from independent designers gives retailers a point of difference, encouraging consumers to visit their stores. I feel there will be a continuing move towards UK suppliers with all the increased cost and shipping issues from the Far East.

92 Gifts Today

“After two years of isolation it’s a fantastic opportunity to catch up”

We will be bringing our new Demdaco Portfolio collection. This is a superb offering of both functional and sentimental gifts for all occasions, presented beautifully and at extremely good price points. The show also gives us a perfect opportunity to present Allen Designs to a wider audience. Since we launched this at Spring Fair, we have been overwhelmed with the response. This bright, colourful and quirky collection is exactly what the marketplace needs right now!

What are you hoping to achieve at the show?

We are always looking for new independent stockists, garden centres, visitor centres and, of course, we hope to see as many of our existing customers as possible. After two years of isolation it’s a fantastic opportunity to catch up. And, of course, the team will no doubt be doing a little bit of socialising!

Any top tips for visitors?

Enjoy! It’s great to be able to talk to people again and look for something new. Consumers visiting the high street want to see new, inspirational gifts and in-store displays. Selling the same product does not generate the same spark! And plan your activity calendar and buy accordingly. Social media is also a great platform for retailers, so talk to your stockists about support with imagery and so on. Stand out from the crowd!

Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?

I think functional gifts will be the key to 2022. In times when the financial environment is uncertain, we do see a shift towards mugs, home fragrance, frames, planters and clocks. Large purchases could be put on the back burner. However, babies will continue to be born and birthdays, weddings and anniversaries celebrated.

David Roznowski & Jocelyne Royou-Roznowski.

Co-Founders, D & J Glassware Why are you exhibiting at Home & Gift?

quality at a realistic price will be key in the second half.

After the restrictions of the past two years or so, it’s important for the industry to get together again. Suppliers need retailers and retailers need suppliers!

Home & Gift gives everyone the opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones in a relaxed environment. We are looking forward to displaying our beautiful collections and introducing everyone to our new arrivals.

What makes this show special for you?

What products are you most excited about exhibiting at the show?

Make sure that you allocate sufficient time to look around every hall and marquee. Try to keep an open mind as you walk around: that’s the only way to find that ‘hidden gem’! Apart from that, remember to wear comfy shoes and drink plenty of water.

Can we say everything?! Seriously though, we are really excited to be able to show our beautiful new home textile collections. The colours are fabulous, and the designs feature our adorable glass animals. They are superb quality and, what’s more, they are made in Britain.

Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?

Times are tough and sadly there’s still much uncertainty in the world.

We believe this will strengthen the existing trend for buying gifts with a meaning or purpose or that are uplifting. The focus is very much on family life, so gifts that enhance the home will sell strongly. Good

Harrogate was D & J Glassware’s first show! This year we’re celebrating 20 years in the industry, so it will be very special to be part of Home & Gift 2022. We have many memories and have met some lovely people over the years.

Any top tips for visitors?

“Harrogate was D & J Glassware’s first show! This year we’re celebrating 20 years in the industry, so it will be very special to be part of Home & Gift 2022”

Paddy & Ursula Heyland Joint Managing Directors Heyland & Whittle Why are you exhibiting at Home & Gift?

Home & Gift has always been one of our most successful trade fairs. It’s always a beautiful looking show, with a great variety of companies exhibiting, which we are very proud to be part of.

What products are you most excited about launching at the show?

We have repackaged one of our most popular collections to meet the needs of our discerning customers and keep focused on our brand identity and consumer demands.

Harrogate is the first opportunity in our buying calendar to launch our Winter/Festive collection, which we will proudly reveal!

What are you hoping to achieve at the show?

We look forward to meeting loyal customers and welcoming new customers to our stand to see the innovative collections of natural handmade soaps and home fragrance that we are known for.

Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?

We believe we have been market leaders in our development of an eco collection which includes 100% recycled glass vessels for our reed diffusers and candles, and eco packaging which has been the emphasis for Heyland & Whittle: to follow a path of sustainability and to reuse and repurpose.

What makes this show special for you?

Harrogate is a fabulous town for mixing business and pleasure with fellow exhibitors and buyers after the close of the show each day. It offers a superb choice of bars and restaurants and, with the exhibition hall being located in the centre of this vibrant town, it’s advisable to make the most of all of its facilities for a truly enjoyable experience.

Any top tips for visitors?

Book early, plan your trip, keep an open mind about product choices, buy British by supporting UK manufacturers, and visit Heyland & Whittle: we will give you a good welcome!

“Harrogate is a fabulous town for mixing business and pleasure”

Trade talk Paul Hooker Managing Director Joe Davies Why are you exhibiting at Home & Gift?

The timing of Harrogate is perfect for launching our entire Autumn Winter Collection, while at the same time having available the best of our current range for immediate delivery.

Independent retail is at the centre of everything we do and there is no better place to support our customers than at Home & Gift - it’s a firm fixture in our exhibition calendar!

What products are you most excited about launching at the show?

With such a broad church of product there is plenty to get excited about. Christmas always features strongly at Home & Gift and we are also launching the Autumn/Winter collection from our new fashion brand SugarLane.There are some amazing developments too across Equilibrium Jewellery and a whole new range of snoozies! pairables that will make their debut. For general gift, we have hundreds of new products; particularly exciting is a new home fragrance collection called Serenity, which also extends into a lovely range of home sentiment plaques.

What are you hoping to achieve at the show?

Most important for us is that all our customers, new and old, receive a warm Joe Davies welcome and see first-hand our entire collection at the show. Nothing makes us happier than seeing customers leave the stand happy, having made a great selection across the range.

Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?

General gifts featuring houses, bees and gonks are coming through very strongly, especially where they feature sentiment messages.

Frames, tealights, ceramic plaques and oil burners are on the up. There is also a developing trend in gingerbread themes for Christmas.

What makes this show special for you?

Home & Gift is a lot less frenetic than other exhibitions: customers are much more relaxed and there is nowhere quite like Harrogate in the summer. This all goes into making a truly unique and very special atmosphere that is unmatched at any other show.

Any top tips for visitors?

Only for people to take their time around the show, visit everywhere, and always take a moment to ask suppliers what their best ranges are - you will usually always get a good steer.

“Home & Gift is a lot less frenetic than other exhibitions: customers are much more relaxed and there is nowhere quite like Harrogate in the summer. This all goes into making a truly unique and very special atmosphere that is unmatched at any other show” 94 Gifts Today

“Home & Gift is our favourite trade show, for the location and atmosphere. It’s very important for launching our A/W season and works especially well for our customers from Scotland and Ireland” Sarah Watmore Owner Miss Milly Why are you exhibiting at Home & Gift?

It’s our favourite trade show for the location and atmosphere. It’s very important for launching our A/W season and works especially well for our customers from Scotland and Ireland.

What products are you most excited about launching at the show?

All of them! Just seeing the new collection all together and properly displayed for the first time is always a buzz.

We love colour and that comes through strongly as we exhibit by colour blocks for maximum impact, and to help retailers with display ideas. It’s often only when you set it all out - the jewellery co-ordinating with the scarves that you make your best guess as to the top sellers for that season.

More specifically, we have a new style of resin that we know will be popular and a great combination of popular styles in new colours, alongside brand new designs.

What are you hoping to achieve at the show?

The perfect balance of orders for immediate dispatch and pre-orders for Autumn, from both existing and new customers. The show will also hopefully be the first time we get to use our new digital ordering system, so we have our fingers firmly crossed for a smooth transition from paper and pen, and a more efficient order confirmation and turnaround process for customers.

What makes this show special for you?

Home & Gift is the only trade show where we don’t commute daily, so it’s a bit like a mini-break away from the kids and the daily routine, with a peaceful breakfast and dining out in the evening! And, if the forecast is good, I will take my bike and get a couple of local rides in too.

Any top tips for visitors?

For anybody visiting a trade show for the first time, comfortable shoes has to be the top tip, along with a decent rucksack if you’re going to be picking up literature or samples.

Specifically for Home & Gift, I’d say: have a plan but don’t be rigid about it, and take advantage of the outdoor seating areas and the music and entertainment.

Often, the chance to chat with other retailers and share recommendations is a great way of finding new suppliers you might otherwise overlook. And don’t forget us in DP3; the hall looks a bit unassuming from the outside, but it’s full of great small businesses and has the best air-conditioning and toilets!

Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?

The cost-of-living crisis is going to put pressure on everybody this year and value will be incredibly important in the golden quarter.

While price increases have been unavoidable in raw materials, production and shipping, we have worked hard to minimise the impact and Miss Milly products still represent great value for money with the vast majority coming in at an RRP of below £25. We expect our best-selling magnetic brooch collection to gain even greater traction; offering a fantastic gifting choice in a wide range of styles and at an excellent price point.

Gifts Today 95

Gifts Today

RETAILERS’ PANEL We ask a selection of independent retailers about their Home & Gift show hopes and expectations, and tips for a successful visit

Maggie Thornton Owner Alligator Pear Tadworth, Surrey

Becky Abbiss

Owner/Buyer With Love Gift Shop, Oakwood, Leeds What’s your favourite thing about this show?

Its location in the beautiful town of Harrogate, its proximity to our shop, and the upbeat ambience at the show. Plus, being able to get some fresh air, clear your head and walk outside between the marquees. The Pimm’s tent and the live music make it extra special. Lots of our suppliers attend this show, so it makes buying easier.

Will you be looking for any categories/products in particular?

New gift ideas for Christmas buying.

Is there any stand you especially want to see?

I love seeing all the Jellycats in person! And Gisela Graham for its fabulous displays, and SC Brands for its Christmas robins.

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?

Wear very comfy shoes and cool clothes, as the marquees are always warm. Plus, have an idea of what you would like to see before arriving there. I pre-register and get a programme/supplier list in advance, so I know who and what I’m looking for. I always make a list of who I want to see and pre-book some appointments on stands.

“The Pimm’s tent and the live music make it extra special”

What’s your favourite thing about this show?

The fun, relaxed vibe, usually in the sunshine. It makes a change from the NEC and Olympia where it’s stuffy - and Harrogate certainly feels less tiring.

It kickstarts our Christmas thinking as it’s our first show after Spring Fair. And it makes us look forward to planning Christmas and finding new lines, in what feels more like a holiday atmosphere.

Also, it’s the first time some of the suppliers are showing Autumn/Winter ranges, particularly fashion accessories, and it’s important to get orders in early.

Will you be looking for any categories/products in particular?

I will be looking primarily for new lines and new suppliers. We buy across the board, but fashion accessories are really important in the second half, so new suppliers there would be good.

Is there any stand you especially want to see?

Joe Davies is always important to us for the Equilibrium jewellery.

Will you be looking for sustainable/ eco-friendly products?

We don’t find that enough of our customers are interested in choosing sustainable products.

What’s your earliest Home & Gift memory?

My earliest memory is about 35 years ago. I think exhibitors were using the theatre for showing as well, as I remember lots of red curtains and a stage! After that, I remember the card suppliers housed in the basement… it was really hot down there!

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?

If you are short of time and have a design-led store, then the marquees are the go-to place to start. The exhibition halls include more established suppliers, but sometimes little gems are found there. And it’s the first showing of Christmas ranges for some of the fashion accessory exhibitors, so don’t forget them: get in early!

“It kickstarts our Christmas thinking” 108 Gifts Today

Richard Barker Owner Cilla & Camilla Five lifestyle businesses in Dorset at Beaminster, Bridport, and Sherborne What’s your favourite thing about this show?

Sitting on the lawn, in the sun, with a cold drink, believing myself to be at work!

Will you be looking for any categories in particular?

No, not particularly. We will be looking for new products which will be for Autumn/Christmas to freshen and extend existing ranges.

Is there any stand you especially want to see?

The one I wasn’t expecting to see but which turns out to have that new product which is just right for our customers.

Will you be looking for sustainable/eco-friendly products?

Yes, but as a secondary consideration. First the product has to be ‘right’. If that product also happens to be eco-friendly, so much the better.

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?

Don’t just go for the show. Turn it into a UK mini-break and enjoy what Yorkshire has to offer.

Caroline Ranwell Owner Hugs & Kisses Tettenhall Wolverhampton

“Harrogate is my favourite show for gift buying: so many fabulous companies exhibit in an amazing location, and it’s at the perfect time of year too”

What’s your favourite thing about this show?

Harrogate is my favourite show for gift buying: so many fabulous companies exhibit in an amazing location, and it’s at the perfect time of year too.

Home & Gift is a very social show too. I catch up with friends in the industry, suppliers and fellow retailers. It’s always great to chat with other retailers about new companies, new lines and so on.

Will you be looking for any categories in particular?

I will be looking for new gifts in general and also jewellery, scarves and accessories.

Is there any stand you especially want to see?

I will definitely be visiting MSH and POM to see their new collections, as I much prefer to see and feel the product rather than order from a photo online.

What’s your earliest Home & Gift memory?

My earliest memory is from 1989 when I was working as a sales rep for the legend Andrew Brownsword. (I was one of the first sales reps for Andrew Brownsword Gifts, which was the sister company to the Andrew Brownsword Collection. I worked for him for almost 10 years and absolutely loved every minute of it.) I had literally been in the job for three weeks, and we drove up to Harrogate to work on the stand. I was amazed at how busy it was and just how friendly this industry is. Oh, and wow, it was so hot that year!

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?

My advice to any first-timers would be book your hotel well in advance and also your restaurant for your evening meal. Prepare a list of must-visit suppliers, and take at least two pairs of very comfy shoes!

Gifts Today 97

Gifts Today

RETAILERS’ PANEL Sally Matson Owner Red Card Petworth Petworth West Sussex What’s your favourite thing about this show?

Red Card’s shop manager Karen West and I always go to Harrogate together and we usually have quite a bit of fun at the show! We love Home & Gift because it feels like a summer mini-break. It’s not frantic like some of the other shows can be, and we tend to be more relaxed while wandering around, with time to really look at everything on offer.

Dawn Hookway Owner The Manor Gift Shop Barton Cambridge What’s your favourite thing about this show?

That it’s not overwhelmingly huge. The layout is perfect, with the different marquees and rooms (and not too many suppliers in each room). Plus, there is outdoor space - perfect for a hot July. You can sit outside and eat your lunch or have an ice cream on the lawn.

Will you be looking for any categories/ products in particular?

Gift ideas for Christmas and new suppliers: it’s always great to support companies that are just launching.

Is there any stand you especially want to see?

None in particular; I just enjoy wandering round them all.

Will you be looking for sustainable/ eco-friendly products?

Yes, we are starting to look at products in these areas.

What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?

Drinking Pimm’s on Parlane’s wonderful stand, and enjoying an ice cream in the sun with my Mum while we worked out what orders we wanted to place.

Also, the time we got stuck en route at York train station and had to share a taxi to the show - we ended up meeting lots of lovely other shop owners and buyers.

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?

Plan your route around the show so you don’t miss anything - and wear comfy shoes.

98 Gifts Today

Will you be looking for any categories in particular?

We mainly look for Christmas gift items, but also usually find some late summer/ early autumn top-ups.

Is there any stand you especially want to see?

We are looking forward to seeing so many companies at the show. The following are all top sellers for us during the festive season, so we will be placing some big orders: Lua, Lime Tree Design, Repeat Repeat, Powder UK, Heathcote & Ivory, Hot Tomato, and MSH. Will you be looking for sustainable/ eco-friendly products?

We are always on the lookout for sustainable and eco-friendly products and also anything made in the UK. What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?

We have many: our Peaky Blinders moment was fun (an exhibitor was selling flat caps in the year that the TV series was very popular), as was Karen trying to climb on a horse displayed by a company that was exhibiting large leather animals! And we also always manage to fit in a visit to Bettys Café Tea Rooms, for afternoon tea and Harrogate souvenirs.

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?

Make sure you’re there for Sunday night drinks - it’s such a fabulous way to start the show and meet friends and colleagues from the Home & Gift family. And, if you’re at the show for more than one day, make sure you book dinner reservations as the local restaurants book up quickly. Take your time and enjoy the show!

“We love Home & Gift because it feels like a summer mini-break. It’s not frantic like some of the other shows can be, and we tend to be more relaxed while wandering around, with time to really look at everything on offer”

Candle collection With natural vegan wax Palm oil free

New

Hand Painted