Gifts Today March April 2022

Gifts Today

COTSWOLD MANOR | VINTAGE CHIC DOWN TO EARTH | BOTANICAL Come, soak up the Cotswold vibe and draw inspiration from our latest Spring/Summer 2022 Collection. What better way to do this than to pay us a visit in our Cotswolds showroom, Bourton on the Water.

The Parlane collection features luxurious finishes and materials, each range can be displayed with equal measure in a traditional or contemporary setting. We also have a fabulous selection of brand new textiles and faux botanicals to complement the collection.

The showroom will be open from 25th April. Special Sunday viewings by appointment on 1st and 8th May. Call your Account Manager or Head Office number below to book.

Want more? Our Cotswolds showroom is also the home to our sister brands, Light & Living and Present Time – 5 brands under 1 roof.

Gifts Today March/April 2022

Contents

Regulars 5

Message from the Editor

6

News

32 Retailers’ Panel: 10 retailers share their trading experiences and sales predictions for Mother’s Day and Easter

p 14

38 InStyle: Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman reveals the hottest new hues for the home 41 New Products

Columnists 10 British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) CEO Andrew Goodacre discusses what life has in store for independent businesses post-Covid

Gifts Today team Publisher

Mark Horsnell markh@lemapublishing.co.uk

p 20

Editer

Clare Turner Clare@lemapublishing.co.uk

Cover Story

Assistant Editor

14 Bizzotto presents distinctive lifestyle pieces with a commitment to high quality, sustainability, and beauty

Naomi MacKay naomi@lemapublishing.co.uk

Layout/Design

Rick Vickers rick@lemapublishing.co.uk

Product Focus

Managing Director

Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director

Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

12 The Giftware Association chief executive Sarah Ward reflects on the industry’s resilience and creativity

20 Giftable Stationery

p 22

22 Gifts for Garden Centres 40 Men’s Gifts

Fair Focus 8

The Exclusively Show

28 London Stationery Show Lema Publishing Ltd

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

www.giftstoday.media

36 British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) 37 Gift of the Year 2022 judging day at Spring Fair

Retail Interviews 16 Yarnton Home & Garden, Kidlington

p 46

18 Brookfields Garden Centre, Nottingham 44 Half Moon Interiors, Wigton 45 Loveone, Ipswich 46 Two Ducks, Woking 47 Planet Sal, Honiton

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 40

p 42

p 38

Message from the Editor

p 16

www.giftstoday.media Instagram: @giftstodaymedia

T

his is my first issue of Gifts Today as I have also caught up with four independent Editor and in just a few short weeks gift retailers (page 44-47), to find out about I have spoken to some wonderful, their businesses, what’s selling well for them, enthusiastic retailers; amazingly knowledgeable and what their future plans are. I’ve no doubt and creative suppliers; and a wealth of home their insights will be of interest to fellow fragrance specialists - all with new and exciting retailers reading the magazine! ideas to share.

And there is yet more retailer input as I The giftware industry is certainly a warm, find out what 10 indies are expecting to be friendly, and inspiring place to be - which I big sellers for two of the most important dates knew of course as I previously spent 21 years in the gift retailers’ calendar - Mother’s Day as an Editor within the housewares space - and and Easter. I wonder if your experience will be I’m looking forward to connecting with more of similar or very different to theirs? I would love you as the months go on. to hear from you – I’m keen to ensure many I have joined Gifts Today at what can only of our readers’ comments and experiences are be described as an shared within the interesting time. I know magazine. Do get in We may now be facing more that the past couple challenges, with global conflict touch if you would of years have been like to take part in our challenging to retailers, and the rising cost of living, but Retailers’ Panel or be it’s clear that everyone is feeling the subject of a retail with lockdowns and last-minute closures, interview. optimistic and determined to but from what I’ve I joined Gifts remain successful learned so far, you are Today just as Spring an incredibly resilient Fair began, and it bunch. We now may be facing more challenges, was wonderful to see so many of you at the with global conflict and the rising cost of living, event, especially after such a long time with no but it’s clear that everyone - both retailers and opportunities to meet face-to-face. Happily, we suppliers - is feeling optimistic and determined do seem to be heading back towards some sort to remain successful. of normality - and so you will find previews of Garden centres have certainly entered the several upcoming shows within the following gifts arena with gusto. Julie Dachey-Jenkins pages, including The Exclusively Show (page 8) at Brookfields Garden Centre in Nottingham the London Stationery Show (page 28) and the (page 18) says the centre has been growing British Craft Trade Fair (page 36). I do hope to its gift offering for the past 25 years and it is meet more of you there - if you see me walking now a key part of the business. Meanwhile, around the aisles, do stop me and say hello.

Yarnton Home & Garden (page 16) is a much If you don’t see me at a show, you can of newer kid on the block - as Bryony Fletcher course connect with me on LinkedIn or drop explains. When she joined four years ago, me an email at clare@lemapublishing.co.uk. I the gift offering was very small. Again, it has look forward to meeting/e-meeting you soon! developed and is now a major part of the business, supporting sales in other areas of the garden centre.

Clare Turner, Editor

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

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‘

p 24

p 36

News Ashleigh & Burwood shares

virtual stand replica

Ashleigh & Burwood has provided a virtual replica of its stand at Spring Fair for customers and prospective retailers.

The 360-degree footage, recorded on the company’s stand at the show, creates a digital portal where users can explore all that Ashleigh & Burwood has to offer this season.

The virtual representation allows retailers - who may have missed the home fragrance company at this year’s exhibition - to tour the stand on screen and view all the products and displays while moving around the space at their own pace. Additionally, site visitors can click on new products featured at the event for further information.

With other international spring shows that Ashleigh & Burwood would normally attend cancelled or postponed, the virtual show stand enables the firm to reach international clients too, who would otherwise miss out on seeing the new products in person.

Highlights include new Frosted Earth Fragrance Lamp Gift Sets, spring/summer fragrances added to The Scented Home and Lamp Fragrance collections, three bright new colours and scents launched into the Life in Bloom collection, and a preview of what’s new for Christmas 2022.

To explore Ashleigh & Burwood’s virtual stand go to https://seekbeak.com/v/

Spring Fair impressions

from Enesco

Giftware company Enesco has created a video of its impressions of Spring Fair 2022.

In the YouTube film (https://youtu.be/ IuKk_LIy6eQ), team members summarise their impressions of the trade show, which was held at the NEC Birmingham in February, and describe their delight at reconnecting with customers and seeing how the new gift and homeware ranges launched during the event were so well-received.

Giftware Association donates to

Ukraine Appeal

The Giftware Association (GA) has donated £5,000 to the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis.

Alongside association partners in the British Allied Trades Federation, GA has donated the funds to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to help provide much-needed food and supplies for those fleeing the conflict. While hope continues for a peaceful resolution, millions of Ukrainian refugees require immediate support, and donations will be used to provide urgent supplies where they are needed most.

The UK Government has pledged to fund match donations to DEC up to a total of £20 million, meaning contributions are automatically doubled. DEC brings together 15 UK aid charities in times of humanitarian crisis including British Red Cross, Action Aid, Oxfam, and Save the Children, to respond quickly to overseas disasters and emergencies.

The Giftware Association encourages and supports member companies to contribute to this vital appeal in any way they can at www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal.

6 Gifts Today

New face at

Classic Canes Walking stick specialist Classic Canes has welcomed Donna House to its office-based sales team.

Donna will be helping UK and international customers with their orders, and brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Parlane set to rejuvenate showroom Parlane has embraced some positive changes over the past year. As well as a slight change to its branding and a new head buyer, it has also welcomed its sister companies - the home accessory wholesaler Light & Living and Present Time - to share its recently extended showroom at Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds. There are now a total of five brands on display under one roof, which all complement each other.

The showroom is currently hosting its Spring/Summer and Autumn/ Winter 2022 collections and is set to be rejuvenated in May to keep it looking fresh.

Parlane said: ‘If you haven’t visited us for a while, we think you will be bowled over by the incredible modernisation of our head office and showroom areas. We are very proud to have created a stunning space where customers feel inspired and appreciated. We will be opening the showroom on some special Sunday dates in May. Please contact us for further details and to arrange an appointment.’ Call 01451 812712 or email sales@parlane.co.uk to book.

Take a tour with

Present Time Present Time has renewed its showroom at Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire and is keen to show buyers around - and reveal its new collection of 300-plus items.

The new products are separated into two themes. The main one is the company’s popular theme of Natural Nirvana, which is all about soft, neutral tones, while some sand and clay tones have been added to the summer collection. This theme has a pure, clean look with a natural feel. The use of different materials such as ceramics, teddy, bouclé and polyresin make it interesting to mix and match different items together.

The second theme, especially created for summer, is Pastel Paradise.

This theme is a little more colourful, with soft greens, pink tones, and vanilla accents. The colours are used as accent shades to add a fresh summer feeling to home interiors. And because the Pastel Paradise colours are used as an accent, this theme works well combined with all the items from the main theme of Natural Nirvana.

There are also new products such as knot candle holders and cuckoo clocks designed by the company’s own designers. Other additions include a black furniture rage called Marve and mirror LED alarm clocks, which feature in new themes such as magic marble, garden greens and Natural Nirvana.

The showroom is open now, and visitors are welcome to schedule an appointment. The company’s sister brands - Light & Living and Parlane are also present on the premises. To book, email uk@presenttime.com.

New SS22 collection available now at www.lenebjerre.com/pages/become-retailer Simon Pykett | Country Manager spp@lenebjerre.com | Mobile: 07967 209156

“We deliver to the UK tariff free”

FairFocus The Exclusively Show

Exclusively: T ‘a must for gift buyers’ Exclusively 2022 opens its doors on June 14 and 15 at the Business Design Centre in London

he Exclusively Show is a perfect showcase for gifts and a great place for multiple buyers, garden centre buyers and specialist independents alike to see the very latest in products, trends, and merchandising ideas.

And with a £75 travel cost incentive, free hotel rooms on a first-come-first-served basis for buyers travelling over 50 miles to attend, and a £100 discount voucher for all independents who place orders at the show, there is no better reason to attend.

Not only does the majority of product categorised as housewares or small domestic electrical have gift potential, but the 2022 show also features exhibitors with traditional and consumable gift products. So, whether you’re buying for a luxury emporium, a wedding list specialist or a small independent gift and card shop, Exclusively has everything, from high-end dining and glassware to designer cookware, kitchenware, electricals and decorative items.

But Exclusively is not just about product. It has a reputation for predicting commercial trends and a proven track record for enabling brands to get in front of buyers and the media. Popular features such as the Trend Talks and Tours led by forecasting agency Scarlet Opus, and the Brand Showcase (which provides media with a curated insight into the best new products) have been expanded this year.

Trend predictions are a particular draw for savvy buyers and at a briefing meeting for exhibitors, Scarlet Opus director Phil Pond gave a sneak preview of three trends he expects will start to come through from Autumn/Winter: • Homestead is all about serene sanctuaries brought to life by a sophisticated combination of dark surfaces, against a backdrop of earthy browns and greens. It offers cottage core cosiness, with a feeling of connected remoteness.

• Escapism | Phygital introduces a futuristic world where virtual reality is the norm and blurs the lines between physical and digital. Bright, confident shapes bring this to life, with a punky shocking pink projected to be the key colour.

• Wellness and Comfort focuses on calm minimalism. Incorporating both psychological and physical comfort, this trend is subtle but not bland. Dreamy, soft shapes come together with a palette of light, pastel tones to create a nourishing space that is reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s. The palette works well for kitchen products, while luxurious textiles such as silk and faux fur bring the comfort element to life.

New features at this year’s show include tastings with drinks expert Olly Smith (pictured), the wine columnist for Mail on Sunday’s You Magazine who appears regularly on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen.

With 130 exhibitors and 300 brands, one of the great things about Exclusively is the level playing field that it offers all companies - large, small, and new to the market ensuring that buyers see leading names, major launches, and many items they will not have found anywhere else.

Will Jones, chair of Exclusively and chief operating officer of BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association) which owns the exhibition, said: “Everyone can be confident of enjoying a great show, especially as it’s Exclusively’s 20th anniversary.

The opportunities to see the latest product, talk to suppliers, and gather all manner of excellent content and market intelligence is second to none. Exclusively is a real must for gift buyers.”

Call: 0121 237 1130 Visit: www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk 8 Gifts Today

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GT CONTRIBUTOR BIRA

No room for complacency Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association), discusses what life has in store for independent businesses post-Covid

F

irst, we ended plan B, and recently we saw the end to all Covid restrictions in England, with the other devolved countries following suit. As we hopefully leave Covid behind, businesses have a whole new set of challenges to face.

If you thought running your own business would be easier without Covid, you may want to think again.

In the past few weeks there has been plenty of media coverage about the rise in the cost of living. Unfortunately, there are also significant increases in the costs of being in business. We are already seeing energy prices increase by 300% for some small shops.

In April we will see significant increases to NI and the national minimum wage, and in real terms business rates will double (compared with 2021). For the average small

retailer this could be as much as £20,000 in extra business costs for this year alone - and that’s before we factor inflation in the supply chain.

2022 will be challenging and that’s why it’s so important for retailers not to relax, but to keep doing the positive things that have helped them through the pandemic.

Developing a hybrid business model (combining a physical store with a digital footprint) and engaging with the local community is more important than ever. Embracing sustainability is what consumers want to see from high street retailers.

Bira is already helping members move in this direction with the launch of Neartoo.co.uk: a lowcost online market place for indies (see box). We are introducing new partners to help members move towards sustainable retailing.

We have also introduced new partners to reduce overheads - we have a new insurance partner who offers great value.

With rising costs being a given, retailers will have to be creative and even more determined to succeed.

There are some positive signs, with retail sales in January higher than expected and showing growth. Also, we are trying to live with Covid, and hopefully this will encourage more people back to the high street. We don’t know yet if increased sales will be enough to cover the extra costs, but we do know there is no room for complacency, with 2022 set to be (in many ways) more challenging than the past two Covid years.

CEO Andrew Greenacre

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

Gift indies sign up for Neartoo Bira is calling on shoppers to support indies with its new online trading site Neartoo. co.uk. The nationally-advertised platform, which launched on March 7, not only allows shoppers to find out which retailers they are ‘near to’ but also enables them to shop further afield - knowing they are still supporting independent traders.

Neartoo ecommerce manager Jayne Weldon (pictured above with Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre) said: “We are thrilled to be launching this. It’s so important that we support the high street, especially now that restrictions have been lifted, as it will give local businesses that added boost after what have been a very turbulent two years.”

Two gift shop owners who have already signed up are Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone in Ipswich, and Claire Leigh, director of Two Ducks in Woking.

Cathy commented: “I knew straight away this was something I wanted to be a part 10 Gifts Today

of. It’s really important that small indies are able to have their profile raised and have a platform and extra voice out there. It will bring the high street to more customers, especially as more people are working from home.”

Claire added: “Neartoo will give us access to a much wider national market through its marketing than we can afford ourselves, and its commission is really reasonable for an independent store. The back-end of the system is really simple to operate and we get exposure locally as well as more broadly.”

Read more about Loveone and Two Ducks on pages 45 and 46.

Visit: neartoo.co.uk

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GT CONTRIBUTOR: The Giftware Association

Trends in gift trading The Giftware Association chief executive Sarah Ward reflects on the industry’s resilience and creativity

B Sarah Ward

‘

12 Gifts Today

‘

It’s been great to see these changes and trends emerge right in front of our eyes, and for gifts to be at the forefront of our nation and as important as ever

eing the head of a trade association for our industry over the past few years has certainly been very interesting navigating our way through seismic events like Brexit, the pandemic and its lockdowns, trade show cancellations, the recent shipping crisis, and the eventual rising costs associated with the aforementioned events.

Being at the forefront of our industry has proved just how resilient and creative the gift and homeware world is. We have seen businesses pivot to digital before you can say PCR test, non-technical members create consumer-facing websites to reach end-consumers and bypass closed high streets, and the rise of digital marketplaces fast-forwarded by the need to reach customers through different and exciting channels.

It’s been great to see these changes and trends emerge right in front of our eyes, and for gifts to be at the forefront of our nation and as important as ever.

As things return to normal, trade shows are opening their doors again, and we have visited over 12 in the first few months of this year alone! It’s so good to not only speak to people face-to-face, but to get insights into what they’re doing and the changes they’ve made. Here are some trends that we’ve seen so far:

Sustainability We know, we know - it’s not a trend, it’s here to stay. But it’s more relevant and noticeable than ever. One of our compass points for emerging behaviours is our Gift of the Year competition (see page 37). We added the ethical and sustainable category a few years ago, and it’s fast become one of our largest categories. The ethical element is not just limited to this category either, as sustainability spills across the whole contest as more companies change processes to become more eco-friendly. We are currently highlighting these companies through our own campaign, which showcases the changes that firms have made for the better. As the goal is non-competitive, it’s great to share, and learn from businesses who have made those initial steps. We have also partnered with the Products of Change educational hub, which can help your business take those first important steps to becoming more sustainable.

Convenience An important consumer trend we’ve noticed in the past 24 months is convenience. As retailers are offering the full omnichannel shopping experience, consumers are more likely to use your business based on the choice you offer and how convenient it is for them. Think of multiple ways to pay, including part

payment options (Klarna, PayPal), free shipping and returns, and clickand-collect options. A recent study

by Kantar revealed that 66% of consumers choose retailers based on the convenience and services they offer, compared with 47% whose priorities were pricing and value. If you can’t offer these, then you will be overtaken by your competition.

Social media Social media has always been massive, and again probably isn’t a ‘new’ trend, but as the world goes digital it has become increasingly evident that businesses need to be on this channel to reach new audiences. One thing the pandemic has taught us is that companies have to move fast and evolve quickly when needed. Many brands took to ‘social’ like a duck to water and found new audiences - and, in turn, social developed new ways of reaching customers such as increased ads and longer reels to showcase products.

It’s also a great way to reach new audiences, with statistics suggesting that Gen Zers use social to find gifts - which is only going to increase with generations that are native to new and upcoming apps.

Tel: 0121 236 2657 Email: enquiries@ga-uk.org Visit: www.ga-uk.org

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Cover Story: Bizzotto

Sensual Italian

indoor & outdoor design Bizzotto presents distinctive lifestyle pieces with a commitment to high quality, sustainability, and beauty

E

motive design forms the foundations of Bizzotto’s brand philosophy. Purveyor of indoor and outdoor designs since 1946, Bizzotto collaborates with partners across the globe to create thousands of design-led pieces with a commitment to high quality, sustainability, and beauty.

Each year, the company presents its three lifestyle brands - Homemotion, Bizzotto, and Yes - which debut designs across the cost spectrum to achieve Mr Bizzotto’s core principle of creating “a beautiful and original home for everyone”.

Bizzotto is new to the UK and Irish markets but is certainly not a new kid on the block. In 1946, innovative businessman Andrea Bizzotto became a purveyor of local handicrafts in the Italian Veneto region. Over the proceeding decades, the Bizzotto brand built upon the resounding success of this collection and travelled all around the world to form relationships with talented artisans and skilled producers to create exclusive interior and outdoor designs.

Bizzotto has evolved its brand into three best-selling collections, featuring thousands of pieces of indoor and outdoor furniture, accessories, and seasonal decorations, which seek to excite and enlighten homes and gardens. Bizzotto is looking forward to creating relationships with exciting independent 14 Gifts Today

businesses across the UK and Ireland. If you’re interested in becoming a stockist or would like to arrange a visit to its Venetian showroom to

Bizzotto introduces effortlessly sophisticated Italian design across a spectrum of aesthetics, from clean, utilitarian pieces to contemporary recycled wood creations and classically glamorous design view its complete collection, please contact its UK agency, The Orangery Collection.

Bizzotto’s interior collection is designed to create positivity in the home space. Bizzotto introduces effortlessly sophisticated Italian design across a spectrum of aesthetics, from clean, utilitarian industrial pieces to contemporary recycled wood creations and classically glamorous designs. To complement its core aesthetics, this season Bizzotto’s interior collection showcases three key trends: Botanical, Boho Chic, and New Memphis.

Botanical The Botanical trend stands against the unobtainable conception that beauty is defined by symmetry, scarcity, and refinement - instead, embracing wild, eccentric, and unpolished aesthetics. The Botanical trend is created by embracing the holistic philosophies of biophilic design, which is founded upon mankind’s innate desire to be surrounded within elements of nature, which fuels positive wellbeing. In this trend, large faux botanical trees meet recycled wood surfaces and earthy colour hues, which are enhanced by gilded botanical oil paintings and distinctive teak root mirrors.

The 2022 interior season presents the Sahal collection. Constructed with an architecture of teak branches and lacquered in a sophisticated whitewashed nitrocellulose finish, the Sahal collection presents a series of tables, sofas and mirrors, which effortlessly showcase the inherently divine form of natural design.

Boho Chic Inspired by global design, Bizzotto’s Boho Chic trend utilises a collage of materials and textures with eccentric form, and a vibrant colour palette to introduce character and charm into home spaces. Boho Chic is encapsulated in Bizzotto’s free-thinking Peacock design, which evokes retro 70’s bohemian energy with its curvaceous openweave structure and ornamental appearance.

New Memphis In an explosion of colour and geometry, the New Memphis trend exudes effortless metropolitan chic. Attributed to the style of

the Memphis group, Bizzotto’s New Memphis trend is a wonderfully bold disharmonious harmony: large-scale abstract oil-painted canvas and contemporary metal coffee tables are complemented by art deco style cabinets and pop art inspired accessories.

Homemotion Bizzotto’s Homemotion interior and outdoor collection of furniture and accessories is motivated by reactionary design. Created with an eye to the future, Bizzotto’s Homemotion collection features designs with a contemporary aesthetic created, where possible, with natural, sustainable, and recycled materials. Endurance is a key consideration when designing responsibly; the Homemotion collection utilises high-quality metals, woods, and manufacturing techniques to ensure lasting durability in the pieces.

This season, we love the desk from the Manchester collection. Characterised by its geometric steel and mango wood form, furniture from this collection features striking contrasting draws, which utilise recycled wood and cement. Create a cosy desk space by pairing this quirky piece with its retro art deco inspired table lamp and a greenery-filled vase from its recycled glass collection.

Bizzotto curates a festive wonderland in its 2022 Christmas catalogue, which presents more than 7,000 new seasonal designs.

Highlighting classic and playful aesthetics, the Christmas collection showcases an eclectic array of distinctive tree decorations and baubles, from traditional solid colour glass baubles to quirky novelty designs, to help curate the perfect wintertime aesthetic. To stage its decorations, Bizzotto also presents a collection of faux pine trees in a variety of styles and sizes, as well as yuletide wreaths and frosted garlands, to create a beautiful Christmas display.

YES Bizzotto’s YES collection exhibits essential home and garden designs. Utilising colourful lightweight materials and boasting a low price point, the YES collection introduces solutions for all types of spaces and requirements.

Bizzotto believes that the garden space is a part of the home and, just like the interior, should be adorned with design-led pieces.

Outdoor Bizzotto’s outdoor collection displays a harmonious collision of contemporary, classic, and eclectic outdoor designs. Across the outdoor

editions of their Homemotion, Bizzotto and YES catalogues, they intermingle effortless Italian design with practicality to form the aesthetic of their 2022 outdoor catalogue. Its signature design collections feature extendable and heightadjustable tables, stylish stackable chairs, and precisely engineered parasols.

Bizzotto believes in reactionary design to charge social and environmental change.

Corporate social responsibility is a key component of the Bizzotto design brand.

Through close collaboration with its valued producers, Bizzotto ensures that its partners achieve exemplary labour standards. With an understanding of its environmental responsibilities in material procurement, all Bizzotto’s wooden designs possess certification in FSC and/or SVLK (Indonesian legal wood).

The Orangery Collection is the exclusive agent of Bizzotto. To enquire about how to become a stockist, please contact:

Call: +44 787 2606 299 Email: sales@theorangery.org Visit: www.bizzotto.com Gifts Today 15

RETAIL INTERVIEW

Yarnton Home & Garden

‘Gifts are a huge

growth area for us’ Gifts play a very big role in the retail offer at Yarnton Home & Garden, says head of marketing and home, gift, and toy buyer Bryony Fletcher Tell us a little about Yarnton Home & Garden.

Set within 12 acres, Yarnton Home & Garden is based just north of Oxford, close to Woodstock and the surrounding Cotswolds. The centre has been in existence for over 50 years. It was originally owned and run by twin brothers Richard and Nigel and formally known as Yarnton Nurseries. In 2016 it was acquired by investors and the rebrand to Yarnton Home & Garden began.

When did you start developing a gift offer?

When I started in 2018 there was very little by way of gift. I started small with garden gift and a small toy/food offer. It has grown from there and now we have a dedicated toy shop, food hall and home and gift area.

We also have a new card, wrap and stationery shop where you can buy everything you need to make your gifts look stunning.

We have about 150,000sq m of floorspace and I’d say over half of that is now dedicated to gift in its various forms.

Is giftware an integral part of your business?

Yes, 100%. Gifts support our sales throughout the year. They are a huge growth area for us.

Being a business that is very much in touch with the seasons, we can really amplify our gift offer around key dates such as Easter, Mother’s Day, and Christmas. Gifts are a lovely addition 16 Gifts Today

to our garden and plants offer and create a point of interest and conversation for our customers.

“Gifts are a lovely addition to our garden and plants offer, and create a point of interest and conversation for our customers” How would you describe your range?

Our gift range is expansive. We have whole ranges of beautifully chosen gifts that align with our company values: a love of nature, the importance of time together, sustainability and community.

What are your key categories?

We have a very big store, so we have many categories. Our hero categories are garden gift, bath and body, home fragrance, food, and toy, to name a few.

How many suppliers do you deal with?

We have too many to mention, but some of our much-loved suppliers include Gisela Graham, Jellycat, Bookspeed, Elite Tins, Sting in the Tail, Bramley, and Toasted Crumpet

How do you source products?

We source products in all sorts of ways. We visit trade shows and read the trade press, of course. We also stay tuned to see what’s new and trending on social media and locally to us.

What’s your selection criteria?

Our gifts have to be of a certain quality. We also love things that are in keeping with the garden, so botanical gifts and books. And we really value sustainability. For instance, we were the first garden centre to stock Ocean Plastic Pots - the first plant pot made entirely from sea plastic.

What’s proving popular?

Garden-inspired gifts are popular ahead of the gardening season, and now that we have Mother’s Day and Easter upon us, we’re seeing an uptake in food gifts such as tins of sweets and biscuits, alongside plant gifts such as potted flower arrangements. People are also interested in sustainability, and buying gifts that have a great story behind them.

What lines have you started stocking recently?

We recently launched clothing and some lovely accessories to complement this range. We have also increased our stationery gift offer, and this has proved hugely successful.

Are you looking at expanding into new categories?

We’re currently expanding on the craft/creative kits that we sell. It will be interesting to see how these do. In terms of brand new areas, right now we’re focusing on clothing and accessories.

Do you offer any gift-related services?

We certainly do. We have gift cards, we offer gift wrapping, and we often help people pick and choose a selection of gifts, which we then wrap for them.

What do you offer that high street gift retailers don’t?

Gosh, so much! We try to go out of our way to offer what the high street can’t. We have some wonderful gifts from smaller - often local -

suppliers, as well as products with a more sustainable focus.

Because of our size, we’re lucky enough to be able to have a really extensive range of gift products. We also have some great brand partnerships on site, such as Present Time and Bloomingville, with their own ranges of fabulous home gifts.

This means people can come here, park easily, enjoy all the shopping opportunities and relax in our newly refurbished café.

“We have a very big store, so we have many categories”

Any tips for gift suppliers keen to work with garden centres?

Really do your research on the garden centre you would like to be seen in. Take the time to look at the other products they sell, to ensure your products align with their offer. Despite us all being garden centres, our retail space and gift choice can vary dramatically.

Plus, sending samples can be really effective, especially if they come with a handwritten note and more information.

What’s next for your business?

Our focus this year is to launch the Yarnton Clothes Boutique and make sure this is enjoyed by our customers. We are also looking to play host to new workshops and events; giving people a chance to gather and learn a new skill, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Top 5 Best Sellers • • • • •

Biscuits Soaps Spring bulbs in gift pots Candles Books (cooking/ gardening) Gifts Today 17

RETAIL INTERVIEW

Brookfields Garden Centre

‘Always

evolving’ The gift offer at Brookfields Garden Centre has grown consistently since it was introduced well over 25 years ago, says gift buyer and marketing manager Julie Dachey-Jenkins

“The gift department sets the ‘tone’ of our offer and gives visitors a viewpoint on what we stand for and what, as customers, they can expect to see elsewhere in the centre”

Tell us a little about Brookfields Garden Centre.

Brookfields Garden Centre is an independent family-owned business at Mapperley in Nottingham, which is on land that has been used for horticulture since the 1920s. It has developed from a small selection of nursery greenhouses to a business with all the sectors you can expect from a garden centre and more unusually - a pets & aquatics department run in-house and not by a concession.

When did you start developing a gift offer?

The gift offer has grown since it was originally introduced well over 25 years ago and is always evolving, in line with trends and consumer spending.

How much floor space is allocated to gifts?

Floor space does vary to a degree with the seasons, but gift inhabits about 55-60% of the interior space (this doesn’t include the pet department or coffee shop).

Is giftware an integral part of your business?

Gifts contribute over 25% of the turnover of the business, with the contribution being a much higher percentage in the last quarter. The gift department sets the ‘tone’ of our offer and gives visitors a viewpoint on what we stand for - and what, as customers, they can expect to see elsewhere in the centre.

How would you describe your range?

An eclectic mix of lifestyle collections that includes a wide variety of products, ordered to work with the seasons. And our core range is constantly reviewed to ensure that ‘newness’ is part of our offer throughout the year.

What are your key categories?

They are all key categories as they all play a part in a well-curated offer, but the list includes

18 Gifts Today

home fragrance, lifestyle (artificial flowers, vases, textiles, and decorative pieces), jewellery, accessories and clothing, games and puzzles, books, greeting cards, toys, and food gift.

How many suppliers do you deal with?

Too many to mention. Gisela Graham, Ashleigh & Burwood, Stoneglow, History & Heraldry, Widdop, Enesco… I could go on!

How do you source products?

Trade shows are still key. During the Covid era, I really noticed how much less inspiring ranging is when you can’t get out and visit suppliers at all, particularly in a dynamic environment.

I’m probably a bit of a dinosaur but Zoom meetings and virtual showroom tours just don’t work for me at all. I want to touch product and interact face-to-face.

I’ve been seeing a limited number of reps.

Generally, I only work as a rule with reps and agents who work hard to support us in our business. There are some stars in there, but it would be unkind to others to name them!

What’s your selection criteria?

Design, quality, and a price that works for our well-researched demographic; uniqueness; sustainability and eco credentials; exclusivity for smaller ranges; and standard of service and support.

What’s proving popular?

It’s impossible to answer this at the moment because sales are completely different compared with the past two years. Even within the restrictions, 2020 was different to 2021 as we were closed for lockdown 1.0 but allowed to remain open, when others weren’t, for lockdown 2.0. So, I’m looking at sales for 2019 as a comparison, as they are more realistic.

I can say that those categories with enormous growth in the past two years - namely home fragrance, homeware and puzzles - could well have a tougher time this year.

By contrast, we struggled with clothing, accessories, jewellery, and toiletries when people were not able to go out as much or have holidays. Sales are now increasing rapidly in these areas.

What lines have you started stocking recently?

Our most recent injections of stock have been seasonal ranges bought from Gisela Graham, Kaemingk and Candlelight.

“Food gift is showing extraordinary growth so we will continue to develop that, potentially including small homewares collections where relevant” Are you looking at expanding into new categories?

Food gift is showing extraordinary growth so we will continue to develop that, potentially including small homewares collections where it is relevant.

Do you offer any gift-related services?

We sell gift vouchers and run an all-year-round gift hamper service.

What do you offer that high street gift retailers don’t?

A garden centre visit is as much about the whole experience as it is about the purchases.

We are able to offer great dining options and free parking. Dogs are permitted - which is a big attraction given the number of new dog owners there are - and we’re a very child-friendly environment, which is relaxing for everyone.

The biggest single attraction is that we can run events, from tasting events with local suppliers offering gin tastings, for example, to parties for kids. We are running princess and action hero parties during school holidays with tickets selling out as soon as they become available. It’s all about the entertainment.

Any tips for gift suppliers keen to work with garden centres?

Don’t assume that just because we are a garden centre, we will sell the same products as other centres.

I’ve been in retail in numerous roles for more than 45 years and have never found a business as diverse and complex.

Gifts Today 19

Top 5 Best Sellers 1. Henry & Co wax melts 2. Bath Bubble and Beyond bath marbles 3. Wild Things crystals 4. Robotime wooden puzzles 5. Keeleco plush We are in a very urban location, so we have a very different demographic to rural centres that do not have major retailers literally minutes away. So: do your homework. Deliver on time. And keep it fresh and relevant.

What’s next for your business?

We’ve just changed the entrance to the store and the route through, which now runs right across the centre of the main gift department, which is a real boost for us.

My major driver this year will be to run more events, with food tastings, shopping evenings and kids’ activities. These will bring people in and, while we are looking our best, are bound to increase our opportunities.

Spotlight Stationery

Designs on stationery Designworks Ink

The very giftable trend of journaling and wellness is at the heart of Designworks Ink’s new season collections Designworks Ink has launched more than 60 new lines for Spring/Summer and the very giftable trend of journaling and wellness is right at the centre of its new season collections.

Luxury Guided Wellness Journals and beautiful ombre hourglasses complement each other to encourage the ones you love to take a little time out each day to reflect, take note, check goals and therapeutically journal.

Available in three unique uplifting designs, these A4 twin wire journals are all printed on acid-free paper with soy ink, and have 200 pages of guided content and gold foil stickers. Colourful hourglasses are in 30-minute and 60-minute sizes.

For a little more fun, Designworks Ink’s incredibly popular Vintage Sass collection has been extended for Spring/Summer with the

20 Gifts Today

launch of four new designs of A5 softtouch, hardcover journals.

These premium sassy quote journals are iconic for the brand and feature 240 lined pages, with informational content that has been printed using soy ink on acidfree paper. And for this season, the tongue-incheek quotes speak to nature lovers! There are 13 A5 notebooks in this series.

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

Hard Wearing Tools Gentlemen’s Hardware is the go-to partner for men's gifting to customers worldwide.

We craft superior, durable and functional products for life’s adventures.

Our stylish collection of multi-tools make the perfect gifts for Father’s Day. Gentlemen's Hardware is part of the Designworks Collective brand portfolio.

Scan the QR code on this page to register on our B2B site and download our latest catalogue, or contact a member of our Sales Team for more information. +44 (0)1225 9312322 | SALES.UK@DW-COLLECTIVE.COM WWW.DESIGNWORKSCOLLECTIVE.CO.UK

Product Focus

Gifts for Garden Centres

Fragrance buddies

A walk on the

wild side Classic Canes

Check out these nature-themed walking sticks Walking stick specialist Classic Canes offers a wide range of sticks, folding canes, patterned canes, rustic country sticks and orthopaedic canes that make perfect gifts for garden centres, being both practical and pretty.

Managing director Charlotte Gillan explained: “Whether for men or women, and whether for hearty walkers or those in need of attractive means of support, there is a stick for everyone. Many models are height-adjustable, which makes them convenient presents, and we have new patterns such as ladybirds, bumble bees and song birds, which sit perfectly with other garden centre giftware.”

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

Broughton & Beech

Scented offerings for cars take centre stage Italian brand Mr&Mrs Fragrance’s car fragrances are an ideal product for garden centres - where the majority of visitors drive.

Mr&Mrs Fragrance is distributed in the UK & Ireland by Broughton & Beech. Richard Wood, director of Broughton & Beech, said: “We have found that the most successful retailers place the products in multiple locations around the store - near the restaurant and tills for example, where our price points and impactful displays make for an impulse purchase. Our fixture options [a free-standing dedicated display or individual countertop CDUs] give flexibility, manoeuvrability, and strong rates of sale.”

Cesare is the original character in the range and comes in 12 colours and fragrances from vibrant Peppermint to the sophisticated Orange and Sandalwood and the most popular Cedar Wood.

Gigi is a cute character available in six fragrances and colours, including Salted Caramel, Wild Strawberry, Mulberry, and Passion Fruit. Forest is available as five characters - Frog, Snail, Fern, Butterfly, and Mushroom - with four colourways in each design.

Call: 01270 335034 Email: sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk Visit: www.mrandmrsfragrance.co.uk

Targeting green fingers The gift department is an integral part of most garden centres, which serve as great shopping destinations for consumers keen to pick up larger gifts along with impulse purchases

Al fresco style Parlane Living

The nation embraced outdoor dining last year, and with a heatwave forecast in April, be prepared for this popular pastime Available in three neutral colour tones, Parlane Living’s crisp natural table linens are the perfect accompaniment to a stylish outdoor dining experience. Dining outdoors is all about laid-back style.

Dressing a table with these pure linen placemats, runners, and napkins, allows a relaxed feel that exudes elegance.

Call: 01451 812712 Email: sales@parlane.co.uk Visit: www.parlane.co.uk 22 Gifts Today

Flower power Alexander Thurlow

Translating the beauty of nature Alexander Thurlow’s Love Nature, Love Flowers collection is perfectly placed to stock the shelves of garden centres this season.

Proving popular is a new range of smaller intricate pendants which, the company says, has received wonderful compliments since its recent launch and, as ever, bluebells steal the show as the best sellers.

Keep your eye on Alexander Thurlow as it continues to grow its range, bringing in a flock of British birds to the collection too.

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

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Product Focus

Cuddle and play

Gifts for Garden Centres

Rainbow Designs

Wheat-filled wonders The Wheat Bag Company

The Wheat Bag Company is an established company which manufactures microwavable Wheat Bags and other items, all handmade in the UK. Wheat Bags come in a variety of designs to suit all tastes, including a bespoke range of fabrics and luxury velvets. Each Wheat Bag is filled with cleaned English wheat and optional lavender buds. Paired with Cotswold essential lavender oil, they make wonderful gifts. The product range also includes handcrafted PADi pillows, door stops, and lavender sachets.

The company is always coming up with new ideas. The latest examples include Roller Towels, available in its bestselling fabrics, which are both practical and stylish and suitable for use as an Aga towel or simply just a hand towel for utility rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Then there’s luxury 2L and extra-long hot water bottles, with a quality handmade removable fabric cover for lasting comfort and warmth. And finally, Eye Pillows: made with a removable cover and filled with flax seed, they are a versatile tool to help soothe tired eyes and enhance relaxation.

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

Rainbow Designs has an extensive range of soft toys and gifts to brighten any garden centre display .

Passionate about creating designs for all ages, Rainbow Designs has beautiful contemporary newborn gifts including comforters, rattles, and baby gift sets, through to joyful wooden toys.

There are also plenty of character toys to choose from, and not just for little ones: Rainbow’s portfolio has a cuddly character for fans of all ages.

A favourite garden character is the Peter Rabbit Once Upon A Time collection. Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit is commemorating its 120th anniversary this year, and to celebrate, Rainbow Designs has added a wooden toy collection to its best-selling range that includes soft toys and nursery gifts. The new range, created from FSC wood, includes a Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny Pull along, a five-piece Shape Puzzle and a 28-piece Domino Set. Rainbow’s Disney Winnie the Pooh collections include the whimsical Hundred Acre Wood Collection, featuring the much-loved bear and his friends in an array of plush toys, comforters, and ring rattles, and paying homage to A.A. Milne’s beloved woodland stories. New for 2022 is the Classic Pooh Always and Forever collection, designed to last a lifetime, and with a focus on sustainable materials. This range features a bespoke nature-themed print.

As a gift for all ages, the Classic Paddington Bear range really does have a bear for everyone!

Inspired by the Peggy Fortnum illustrations and created from the highest-quality fabrics with exceptional attention to detail, each Paddington Bear in the range wears his distinctive super-soft lined duffle coat, battered red felt bush hat, and his ‘Please look after this bear. Thank you’ tag.

Call: 01329 227300 Visit: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Here come the

gonks!

Joe Davies

Gonks continue to be on trend and Joe Davies has it covered with its new range The new Grassy Garden Gonk collection features stone-look gonks with eccentric grassy hats. These cute characters are all set to help in the garden, with their spades, flowers, and trowels. The range even has some sweet little toadstool houses with grassy green roofs.

Joe Davies offers free nationwide delivery, carriage paid orders of just £100, and an easy-to-buy ‘Little & Often’ ordering system.

Call: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk 24 Gifts Today

Bird is the word!

Parlane Living

Commemorate British garden birds Celebrating British wildlife, Parlane’s bird collection is a series of tealight holders, mirrors and pot hangers featuring popular British birds that are native to the UK and regular visitors to our gardens.

The tealight holders come with Bluetit, Goldfinch, Robin and Woodpecker designs, while the mirrors feature a Bluetit and Goldfinch, and the pot hangers are adorned with a Bluetit, Goldfinch, Robin and Woodpecker.

The company has created these items as enjoyable gifts for those who appreciate wildlife and love their gardens. All are in stock and available to order.

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

Adorable Gifts for all those Special Occasions p Occa First abbit™ Peter R ties Set Boo

Guess How Much I Lov Soft Toy with Muslin e You Gift Set

My First Peter Rabbit™ and Flopsy Bunny™

Ring Rattle and Comfort Blanket Gift Set

Cuddly Winnie-The-Pooh Guess How Much I Love You Large Nutbrown Hare

Very Hungry Caterpillar Large Plush

inspiring kids’ imaginations for 50 years

The Home of Classic Characters

Product Focus

Gorgeous fragrances

Gifts for Garden Centres

Manor House

The 2022 collection is the company’s biggest yet Manor House’s 2022 collection encompasses 28 gorgeous fragrances to choose from, which is its largest offering to date. The products are all handmade. Pot pourris are designed in-house using the finest botanicals available, fragranced using high-end oils, and then finished with individual flowers, petals, and seed pods. Every box and bag is then hand tied ready to display.

Its Botanical Candles are produced using the highest-quality waxes and fragrances to match with the pot pourris - having hand-placed flowers and seed pods added before hand-wrapping and tying. The glass candles are simple and stylish and offered in matching gift boxes.

The reed diffusers, diffuser refills and room sprays are hand-poured with a high percentage of fragrance, before being boxed and tied by hand. Many also include newly relaunched luxury hand wash and moisturisers. All the lotions are created bespoke for Manor House and are not tested on animals. They are environmentally-safe and are not harmful in any way. The drawer liners are hand printed and infused with fragrances, along with triple fabric bags and cushion stacks.

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

Indoors & out Something Different Wholesale

Botanical Mum was designed with garden centres in mind, and is filled with appealing gifts decorated with a colourful floral design. Gifts include hanging decorations, terracotta plant pots, mugs, and coloured glass plant misters.

The new Life in the Garden collection offers a blend of garden accessories - from a toadstool-shaped bug house to decorative wooden hanging signs and delightful men and women pot planters.

For something a little different there's the new Gothic Garden range, filled with tongue-in-cheek humour, with plant pots featuring wording such as ‘RIP Plant’ and tombstone-shaped plant markers that read ‘Water Me’. Also new are additions to the ‘Bee Happy’ collection, including natural hessian doormats and accessories including a travel umbrella, lunch bag and reusable water bottle.

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

Inspiration for crafters ExaClair

ExaClair Limited, the UK distributor for Décopatch, has launched three new kits to complement its mini kits range, containing everything required for a new Décopatch project - all in one convenient box.

The new mini kits - featuring a teddy bear, dragon, and turtle - are suitable for kids and adults alike.

Each contains one papier mâché shape, Décopatch paper, glue, and a brush. Other kits include unicorn, dinosaur, elephant, and dachshund. For 2022, the packaging of the mini kits has been refreshed, and all mini kits are set at a low minimum order quantity of five units per design and benefit from an attractive price point, making them an ideal gifting item.

The company can also offer demonstration solutions for events.

Call: 01553 696600 Email: enquiries@exaclair.co.uk Visit: www.exaclairlimited.com 26 Gifts Today

Proudly made

in Britain D & J Glassware

Eye-catching home textiles Building on the success of its colourful fused glass animals, D & J Glassware launched a stylish collection of home textiles at Spring Fair. The company’s co-founder David Roznowski explained: “Over the past 20 years, we have built up an enviable reputation for quality products, so it was important that our textiles embraced this. We were delighted to have this confirmed by visitors to our stand.''

The collection comprises tea towels, aprons, double oven gloves and cushions - all made in Britain. The bold colours are right on trend, too. 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, while the cushion pads (also British-made) are filled with ethically sourced feathers.

Six designs are available: Highland Cow, Puffin, Donkey, Sheep, Dogs and Garden Birds.

Call: 01953 450 280 Email: dandj.glassware@btinternet.com Visit: www.dandjglassware.co.uk

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FairFocus London Stationery Show

‘A celebration T of stationery’

wo packed days of trends, product releases from 150 brands, talks, workshops, clinics and more makes London Stationery Show 2022 an unmissable event for anyone in the stationery industry. Whether you’re a small independent shop, online store, high-end department store, or a dedicated stationery business, this exhibition has something for you.

The two-day event is a celebration of stationery and truly is a hub for the industry.

The UK’s only trade event dedicated to the stationery industry will take place at the Business Design Centre in London on May 17 and 18

Big brands and new names Big names including Semikolon, Faber-Castell, Caran D’Ache, Moleskine, Wrapuccino, Storigraphic, Lego Stationery, Manuscript Calligraphy & Stationery will return to the event once again to showcase their latest launches and bestsellers.

Alongside the industry’s well-known brands, the show is delighted to welcome new names including Eirkru, Once Upon and Tuesday, Sylvia Prince, The Dybdahl Co, Perfect Planner Company, Crown Greetings, Heraldblack and Gabi & Gaby, plus many more.

Top picks

“It brings me such joy to see visitors eager to find out how they can improve their business through our educational content, and I’m thrilled to say that this year’s line-up is our best yet” Event director Alex Butler

The topic of sustainability is at the forefront of most industries in 2022. Both individuals and businesses know that they need to reassess their practices and actively find ways to improve their impact on the environment. Visitors and exhibitors will be invited to hang their sustainability pledge on the tree sculpture at the entrance to the show. Whether it’s deciding to be more conscious about recycling, walking to work rather than driving, or taking on an ecofriendly supplier, every business can make a change for the better.

The Boutique Collection also returns to the exhibition this year. This area of the show shines a light on independent businesses with unique design concepts and products.

Retailers looking to support smaller brands will be sure to find something in this carefully curated section.

For the independents The team at London Stationery Show understand how difficult it is to run an independent business. And with trends and marketing techniques constantly changing, it’s important to have a destination for business owners to visit to learn new methods and hear from experts.

The Retail Matters Live Talks and Indie Matters Business Advice Clinics provide educational content for businesses looking for guidance on key topics or those hungry to learn how to take their shop to the next level.

Confirmed Live Talks will cover 2022 and beyond trends, a PR masterclass, how to sell on Instagram and more. Plus, The Resilient Retail Clinic and the Small Business Collaborative will host 121 sessions in the Indie Matters Business Advice Clinics.

Event director Alex Butler said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the capital this Spring for London Stationery Show 2022. It was incredible to see brands and buyers meet once again face-to-face in October and after a short turnaround, we’re back. It brings me such joy to see visitors eager to find out how they can improve their business through our educational content, and I’m thrilled to say that this year’s line-up is our best yet. Registration for retailers and buyers is free of charge, so head over to our website to sign up for fast-track entry.”

Visit: stationeryshowlondon.co.uk 28 Gifts Today

LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 17-18 May 2022 Business Design Centre

Register today The UK’s only trade event dedicated to stationery, showcasing the biggest selection of writing and paper products from around the world.

Scan the QR code or head to stationeryshow.co.uk to register and enter code GIFTSTODAY for the chance to have your passes upgraded to VIP.

Spotlight Preview Stationery

Scribe in

style

ExaClair The new Kenzo Takada Stationery Gift Box from Clairefontaine exudes opulence with its rich red colour and gold silkscreen highlights, along with an ivory velvet lining Described as the perfect gift for stationery addicts, each gift box contains two notebooks, one fine art pad of assorted maya papers, one memo pad, 10 correspondence cards and envelopes, a calligraphy glass pen, one 10ml bottle of red and gold glittery Shogun ink, three bookmarks with ribbons, and a luxury scented Jacques Herbin candle.

The premium stationery collection also includes notebooks, desk accessories and pencil cases, many of which are presented in black and gold versions.

The Kenzo Takada collection is named after its brilliant Japanese designer who passed away in 2020, and is inspired by the luxury home and lifestyle K-3 brand. The range is available from ExaClair Limited, the UK supplier of Clairefontaine.

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

Making it

personal

Something Different For those who use their stationery like an extension of themselves, this new selection from Something Different is sure to appeal Inspired by thoughts and interests such as tattoo ideas and magical workings, these A5 notebooks offer plenty of space to jot down notes, inspirations, and illustrations in one handy place.

Call: 01792 940288 Email: customercare@ somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk Web: www.somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk

30 Gifts Today

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Gifts Today

RETAILERS’ PANEL

As we leave winter behind, Mother’s Day is one of the first key retail opportunities of the year, followed by Easter. And this time around, people can celebrate these occasions in a more normal way. We ask retailers: how is trading for you, and what gifts do you predict will do well for these events?

“We expect both occasions to be big for us, especially if the weather is on our side”

Bryony Fletcher Head of Marketing and Home, Gift and Toy Buyer

Cathy Frost Owner Loveone Ipswich, Suffolk

At the moment, trading is a little slow - I think the current situation in Ukraine is affecting people’s spirits along with the obvious concerns over cost-of-living increases.

But as the weather gets better and the days get longer, I’m fairly optimistic for the coming months.

Mother’s Day is usually a good event for us, and we have a great selection of gifts and cards on offer. Easter is less of an occasion for us - we do sell chocolate and create a spring window, but it’s more about selling products for the spring home /conservatory.

Yarnton Home & Garden Yarnton, Oxfordshire

Gift trading is very consistent. Like most retailers we have an uptake in sales during key gifting times of the year (Mother’s Day, Easter, Christmas), but in between, we see a consistent level of sales now. We have a Magic Garden play barn, where we also host children’s parties. This certainly helps us with sales in our toy shop.

For Mother’s Day and Easter, we expect both occasions to be big for us, especially if the weather is on our side. People are in the mood to celebrate and spend time with their loved ones. The act of giving gifts is very important for people after a lot of time spent apart.

We expect to sell lots of plant gifts, smellies and food-focused gifts. We also expect to see an uptake in faux flower bouquets.

“People are in the mood to celebrate and spend time with their loved ones” 32 Gifts Today

credit Eddie Judd Photography

Claire Leigh Director Two Ducks Woking, Surrey

Trading is pretty good on average each week. We also have a fashion department and a coffee shop at the rear, so that all helps to bring customers in. We had the best February we’ve ever had!

What do I expect to do well for Mother’s Day and Easter? Glick gift bags, Parkminster candles, Betty Hula body products, hamper gift boxes, The Chocolate Gift Company, Lisa Angel dried flowers and jewellery boxes, Grand Illusions glassware, and Sass & Belle homeware.

Gifts Today

RETAILERS’ PANEL

Jon May & Luke Jacks Co-founders Mooch Gifts & Home Two stores in Stourport and Bewdley, Worcestershire

Erica Coombes Buying, Events & Experience Manager Denby Pottery Village Denby, Derbyshire

Denby Pottery Village has had a really good start to the year. Being a tourist destination, we are benefitting from good footfall. It will be interesting to see how the year pans out, given the ongoing rises in the cost of living set against the desire to go out, with people having been confined to home for so long.

Denby displays are updated regularly to mark the seasons or events. The Denby Shop displays also reflect the marketing campaigns being undertaken by Denby. Mother’s Day is a huge gift opportunity for us, and we hold a special afternoon tea on Mother’s Day. Easter is always marked with great fun on site and includes an Easter egg hunt and activities for our younger visitors.

We expect our customers to spoil their mums as they do every year, so our stores are crammed with lots of fabulous gifts and cards. We’ve launched Easter earlier this year, having not physically sold Easter products for two years now due to lockdowns.

Easter is always a key moment in our stores’ calendars for the start of the busy tourist season, which we hope will continue this year with many people choosing to staycation. While we understand many people will be looking at what they spend their money on this year, we hope our range of quality, affordable products will tempt them.

“We’ve launched Easter earlier this year, having not physically sold Easter products for two years now due to lockdowns”

Samantha Gibbs Owner Nest Two stores in Stoneygate and Broughton Astley and a concession in Thurlaston Garden Centre, Leicestershire

Trading is really strong. 2021 was our biggest year and 2022 is already overtaking last year’s figures. We are confidently buying with the objective of going into our strongest Q4 yet to finish the year.

Our Mother’s Day cards always draw footfall in, particularly Rosie Made a Thing, Think of Me, and Paper Salad - they are all so bright and positive, which is so important at the moment. Jellycat will do well for us at Easter. That is a very year-round product anyway, yet it does peak in all the school holidays.

34 Gifts Today

Julie Dachey-Jenkins Gift Buyer and Marketing Manager Brookfields Garden Centre, Nottingham

Sales are steady rather than growing quickly. We are holding our own well, considering the many issues that are troubling many people and will (in my opinion) inevitably impact on the national mood and consumers’ buying habits. This year is not going to be a walk in the park, so I’m keeping the stock tight and aim to be nimble with our ranges to ensure we always have new and interesting items.

Mother’s Day will be far more about spending time with mums than buying into gifts so much. Chocolates and consumable treats are always going to work, but the time is right for creating memories rather than buying ‘stuff’. We offered special afternoon teas to book in-store or as a collection - and we completely sold out within days! Easter is likely to be the chocolate fest it always is, and we also do a small range of Easter gifts from Gisela Graham, which will sell through.

“For Mother’s Day we offered special afternoon teas to bookin-store or as a collection and we completely sold out within days!”

Sally Wilde Owner Planet Sal Honiton, Devon

Nicola Scarff Director Noah Home and Gift Boutique Glasgow, Scotland

After a strong Q4 we’ve seen the usual dips in January and February. March has started slower than expected but we are hoping things will pick up for Mother’s Day. Our Scottish mugs and sentiment-based jewellery always do well for this occasion.

With such a small space to work with, we don’t tend to stock Easter-specific gifts. We opened in Silverburn Shopping Centre - a large out-of-town mall in Glasgow - on a retail merchandising unit (small cart) in the centre of the mall in May 2013 before having our own purpose-built kiosk in November 2015. We opened our second kiosk at Braehead Shopping Centre in Glasgow in October 2019.

I’ve found throughout my years on both sides of the counter that world events can really affect retail. The current situation in Ukraine is in all our thoughts. I think this, along with concerns about future utility bills rising, is making people cautious. It’s difficult timing after the past two years, but I do have a loyal following locally and I think that the ‘Shop Local’ message has really taken hold after the pandemic, so that gives me hope.

So far, Mother’s Day has been a bit slow to get going but has picked up today (March 17) and I’m expecting both card and gift ranges to go well in the coming week. In ‘normal’ years it’s my best week outside of Christmas.

However, I’ll never forget the heartbreak of 2020, when people came in to find a gift that would fit through their mum’s letterbox, and then had to wave to her through the window. Last year it was full lockdown of course, so I hope more will be able to see their mums in person this year.

Easter is never too busy a time for me, but it’s great to be able to fill the shop and window with brightness and look forward to spring, at last.

Laura Cooper Owner Handmade Design Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Trading overall has been good for us since reopening in April last year. We’re located in a tourist area, so benefited greatly from a boost in UK tourism last summer. For Mother’s Day, I’m expecting candles, jewellery, and little keepsakes to do particularly well. In the run-up to Easter, our handmade chocolate will be our best seller, I’d imagine.

Gifts Today 35

FairFocus BCTF

Flying the flag

The UK’s only trade exhibition dedicated to the British handmade craft and design market is back at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate on April 10 and 12

B

ritish Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) is returning to a physical format this April, following a two-year hiatus. The show, owned by Kerrison Exhibitions, will take place from April 10 to April 12 at its usual venue of the Yorkshire Event Centre (YEC) in Harrogate.

Having run for more than 45 years, BCTF is a very special event in the trade show calendar and unique in its focus on purely handmade British goods. From hand-wrought jewellery and works of fine art to ceramics, woodwork, metalwork, paper products, textiles and more, BCTF is proud to fly the flag for British artisans.

With the appetite for locally made, impeccably sourced products at an all-time high among the British public and overseas consumers, the 2022 event promises to be a real treasure trove for discerning retailers keen to champion British handmade products.

Show director Kane Thomas said: “We’re delighted to be bringing BCTF back to Harrogate this April. We’re investing in far-reaching promotion to ensure we deliver the highest possible quality and volume of audience to the Fair. This is in addition to direct mail, email, and social activity to our existing database of qualified and registered buyers, which exceeds 10,000 names. Our line-up of more than 250 carefully vetted exhibitors is excellent, with many well-known faces and established brands participating in the show - and this year they will be joined by a huge intake of talented newcomers.

“I warmly invite all retailers and gallery owners with an interest in British craft to come along in support of these fantastic makers, who are eager to showcase their inspiring new products and collections to the trade.”

36 Gifts Today

2022 is THE year for British Artisans Kerrison Exhibitions says all the signs are there that conditions are ripe for further growth in the booming British craft market, with consumers willing to spend that bit more on thoughtful investment pieces that will stand the test of time.

The Crafts Council Market for Craft report found that craft sales in this country increased from £883 million in 2006 to £3 billion in 2019: a figure that’s likely to rise still higher as the British public strengthens its determination to support homegrown talent and pursue more sustainable product offerings.

Almost three-quarters of British adults bought craft in 2019, amounting to 25 million handmade items, while 10.3 million were reported to be buying crafts online: a number which has trebled over the past decade. Eight out of ten want to buy British-made goods and will happily pay more for items made in this country, which puts British crafters in an incredibly strong position.

BCTF is ideally placed to help makers and retailers alike capitalise on this huge potential for authentically hand-crafted products, which are also free from the supply chain problems currently affecting much of the consumer goods market.

These findings from the Crafts Council are also backed up by the Made in Britain Buying British Report, which confirms that consumers want to support local businesses and buy more sustainable products - all they need is the reassurance from retailers and suppliers that the products they are buying have the necessary credentials.

Visit: www.bctf.co.uk

And the finalists are…

FairFocus Spring Fair

The Giftware Association has revealed the finalists of the Gift of the Year 2022 Awards It’s the news that the giftware industry has been waiting for! Following a live judging day held on February 9 at Spring Fair, the judges’ votes have been counted, and The Giftware Association (GA) has announced which six products are the finalists in each category for the Gift of the Year (GOTY) 2022 awards.

The winning and highly commended products will be announced at The Gift Awards, which will be held at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on Thursday May 12. The ceremony will bring together the GOTY awards and The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2022. In addition, GOTY finalists are in with a chance of winning the coveted Judges’ Choice award, presented in previous years to Gingko, Go La La, and Talking Tables.

GA chief executive Sarah Ward said: “It was great to be back to live judging again as it was sorely missed last year. And being able to hold the judging during Spring Fair - the most important exhibition on the gift industry’s calendar - makes perfect sense.

“We are delighted that Gift of the Year 2022 has been so well supported by the whole gift community from [Spring Fair organiser] Hyve Group’s commitment as headline sponsor to our strong roster of category sponsors - in addition to the widespread engagement from the suppliers who entered, and the great care and attention to detail from our enthusiastic judges. I can’t wait for everyone to celebrate together at The Gift Awards on May 12!”

Once again, the GOTY awards will be announcing the People’s Choice award, which is judged by the general public. This year, GA has opened it up to all shortlisted products, so there is still an opportunity for a shortlisted company to get through to become the second-ever People’s Choice winner.

Beauty, Bath & Spa Beefayre Hand Creams 60ml, Beefayre Marmalade Wellbeing, Marmalade of London Men’s EDT & Soap Bars, Heyland & Whittle NovaPure Naturals, NovaPure Naturals Remedial Aromatherapy Candle Collection, ChilliWinter Isle of Wight Sugarcane Tube Gift Sets, BettyHula

Branded Gift Battersea Pop Up Cards, Cardology London Transport Museum Fair Trade Tree Decorations, Just Trade Mug & Puzzle Gift Sets, Fizz Creations Peter Rabbit Collection, Blade & Rose SevenYays Countdown Gift Calendars, Atlas Four T/A SevenYays Transport For London Games, Gibsons

Cards & Wrap FLOREVER by Origamo, Origamo Greens & Greetings, Shroot Plantable Seed Cards (Gifts to Grow range), Love Country Reversible Crackle Wrap, Wrag Wrap Rocket68 Wooden Postcard Collection, Rocket68 Say it with Songs, Say it with Songs

Children’s, Educational and Pre-School

Ethical and Sustainable Gift Bamboo Bee Revival Kit, Beevive Recycled Colour Changing Rain Macs, Blade & Rose Reusable Christmas Crackers - you can pull, Keep This Cracker Sow & Co. Grow It Range, Gift Republic The Plantable Children’s Book, Willsow Viking Ecoline, Inside Out Toys

FASHION ACCESSORIES Bamboo Bee Revival Kit, Beevive Birth Flower, Life Charms Camilla Ostrich Umbrella, Emily Smith Men’s Recycled Polyester Beanie Hat/Men’s Vegan Leather Gloves/Men’s 100% Viscose Scarves, Peace of Mind .925 The Breton Collection, Nadege Honey Design Whistler Tree Cork Collection, Blank Canvas Eco

Festive & Occasions 24 Days of Stationery Advent Calendar, Martha Brook Bauble Christmas Cards, Love Country Christmas Garland Felt Sewing Kits, Crafty You Crafty Me Emma Bridgewater Advent, Elite Merry and Bright Village Advent Calendar DIY Craft Kit, Two for Joy Reusable Christmas Crackers You Can Pull, Keep This Cracker

Food & Drink

Build Your Own Mini Builds, Adrenalin Marketing Colour & learn heroines of history tablecloth, eatsleepdoodle Eco Walking Puppet, The Puppet Company & Wilberry Toys Pop-Up Theatre Production, Fiesta Crafts ReCycleMe, Inside Out Toys The Plantable Children’s Book, Willsow

Gin Maker Kits, Swash Consulting T/S Gin Etc Greens & Greetings, Shroot Hot Smoking Chips Range, Hot Smoked Indian Spice Tin with 9 Spices and Silk Sari Wrap, Spice Kitchen Scrumptious, Meg Hawkins Art The Halal Food Hall, Ibadah London

Commemorative, Collectable and Charitable

Home and Garden

Hope & Glory, Heyland & Whittle Peter Rabbit by Jim Shore, Enesco Pride Range, The Recycled Candle Company Right Royal Spectacle, Talking Tables The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Accessories Range, Just Trade Wetland Wildlife Origami, Clockwork Soldier

Contemporary Gift

Bamboo Bee Revival Kit, Beevive Brass Bumble Bee Ring Door Knocker, Brass Bee Cottage Garden, Sass & Belle Laundry Balls, Little Beau Sheep Window Dressing, Fallen Fruits Zen Garden Grow Kit, Gift Republic

Ambit, Sue Ure Maison Art in a Glass, ORIGINAL PRODUCTS Halo Cotton Dish Covers, Clayspoon Insulated Snack Pot, Puckator Ocean Olive Wood Coasters, Samantha Lois Illustrations The Tableware Collection, 2Som T/A Concrete & Wax

My Gift of All Time A Little Box of Mindful Moments, ChilliWinter Isle of Wight Build A Mega-Bot, Clockwork Soldier Journals Of A Lifetime, From You To Me Laundry Balls, Little Beau Sheep The Junior Plush Collection, Wrendale Designs The Modular Collection, 2Som T/A Concrete & Wax

Novelty Heinz Grow Your Own Tomatoes Kit, Kimm & Miller (UK) Mini Me, L&S Prints Digital SevenYays Countdown Gift Calendars, Atlas FourT/A SevenYays The Scandal: Escape Room In An Envelope, Puzzle Post Upside Down Mug, Puckator Wine Escape Room, Boxer Gifts

Own Label 5 Star Review, The Lagoon Group ChipSafe, Leather Guild Death By Chef’s Knife Murder Mystery Case File and Murder of the Underground Case Files Puzzle, The Lagoon Group Impressions Silver Plated Frames, Widdop & Co. Party Game Compendium, The Lagoon Group Wetland Wildlife Origami, Clockwork Soldier

Pet Gift Bake at Home Dog Biscuit Kit, Kelso and Titch Battersea Pop Up Cards, Cardology Doggie Treat Bag, Leather Guild Doggy Baking Co - Baking Paw-Licking Treats For Your Dog, The Bottled Baking Co Kobe Hiking Kit, Kikkerland Europe BV Make Your Own Dog Treats, Rex London

Stationery Ferrule, Makers Cabinet Parenting Journals - Bump to Birthday & The Story Of Us, FROM YOU TO ME Sucseed Notebook, VENT for Change Vegan Leather Embossed Notebooks, Martha Brook Wildlife Botanical fabric journals, Lola Design Wooden Elephant Stapler, WITH Creative

Home Fragrance

Bright Ideas Collection, Steepletone UK Phenomenal Women, Talking Tables Puzzles, Big Potato Games Reusable Foldable Water Bottle, Puckator Smart Moon Lamp, Gingko Electronics Twenty Minute Candles, Cotton & Grey

Canova Sculpt, Canova Coastal Collection, Large Pots, St. Eval Laundry Ball & Oil, Little Beau Sheep Memories Candles Collection, FYG Remedial Aromatherapy Candle Collection, ChilliWinter Isle of Wight Wildlife Botanical candles, Lola Design

Design & Craft

International

Create Your Own Giant Panda Head, Clockwork Soldier Gin Maker Kits, Swash Consulting T/A Gin Etc Hungry Little Piggy Bank, Clockwork Soldier Personalised Handmade Wool Felt Cushions, Jonny’s Sister ReCycleMe, Inside Out Toys Sustainable Craft Kits, Stitching Me Softly

Kitchen & Dining

Eco Chic Thermal Coffee Cup, FAYE UK Jugend double pot holder, AllGoodThings Julia Gash X Neil Varsity Line, Julia Gash Enterprises London Calling Global Collection, Rocket68 WALKYTALKIES, WALKYTALKIES B.V.

Gifts Today 37

instyle

A chromatic

vision

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, reveals the hottest new hues for the home

Pantone’s 2022 Colour of the Year: Very Peri

After two years of pandemic shutdowns, consumers are ready to emerge, experience new things, express themselves in new ways, and explore the changed world around them. That’s the view of Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Speaking on March 7 at her annual keynote address at North America’s largest housewares trade exhibition, The Inspired Home Show in Chicago, Leatrice noted: “More than ever before, there is an ability to connect with our consumer in a very personal way, enabling them to emerge from their personal challenges to experience and express new realities.”

The colour combinations in the Pantone View Home + Interiors 2023 - which were unveiled at the Show - reflect the complexity and diversity of what’s going on in the world around us and what we can expect in the future. Featured colours range from down-toearth artisanal tones to highly digitised vibrant hues to intensely robust hues.

These palettes were designed in part to represent how our physical and digital lives are emerging in new ways. Leatrice explained: “Digital design, with its vivifying effects, stretches the

38 Gifts Today

limits of our imagination, opening a door to a dynamic virtual world where we can explore new colour combinations.”

In the art world, Leatrice is excited by the immersive art trend, which she says is very intimate and “takes your breath away”. She’s also watching the resurgence of the quirky and colourful style of Niki de Saint Phalle, whose work recently appeared in a new exhibit at MoMA [The Museum of Modern Art] in New York City.

In the entertainment industry, she noted the rich colour in the prequel to the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie (due out in 2023) and the regency-style colours, costumes and scenery in the second season of the Netflix period drama series Bridgerton.

The continued strength of the environmental movement offers many applications for colour, as well as design and texture.

Leatrice is particularly inspired by the use of leftover fruit peels and apple cores to make creative new fabrics. “There are always going to be people who are attracted to neutral colours,” she commented. “The difference today is that neutrals and highintensity brights can now co-exist.”

Likewise, there’s always a need for classic black and white stylings in homeware products. Bold red is always a top choice but mixing “rose pinks and bottled greens gives black and white a touch of newness these days,” she said.

Mixing the old with the new also was critical when selecting Pantone’s 2022 Colour of the Year: Very Peri. “The decision was made to bring a novel perspective and vision to the most reliable, trusted and beloved blue colour family around the world,” said Leatrice. “For the first time, we opted to create a new Pantone blue to symbolise our new realities and changing points of view.”

Lee concluded her presentation by detailing each of the seven palettes in the Pantone View Home + Interiors 2023 forecast: Pantone’s Theme Wall

Artisan Invention Earthbound

Intoxicants

• Tropic Refresh: This is your place to “dream big and enjoy, to escape from the challenges of everyday realities”.

Conjuring up images of sky, sand and sea, it offers a balanced feel with both warmth and coolness.

• Epic Tales: An escape of a different kind, this palette evokes the aesthetic of the medieval and mythical past - one that’s been popularised recently in gaming, movies, and books. Robust and rich colours are featured, while metallics bring handwrought detail.

• Honesty: Honesty is a simple colour combination that suggests health and wellness. It features neutral colours that are joined by “some nourishing vegetal yellow-green shades that are set off by a sole blue green”.

• Earthbound: This palette has a utilitarian look of earth tones mixed with

Epic Tales

some metallics for an updated approach. It reflects the fact that “people are longing for that ability to reach out and touch right now”.

• Unexpected Reality: Lighter pastel shades are contrasted by unexpected bright hues including “a vibrant yellow, a sulfuric yellow-green, and a bright orchid”. There is an undertone of technology that energises this palette.

• Artisan Invention: Drawing inspiration from the boho trend and manipulated fabrics, Artisan Invention has “an eclectic effect that is both rustic and sleek”. Mixing the old with the new is a theme here as well.

• Intoxicants: It’s all about brightness with Intoxicants, though there’s a bit of mystery involved too. Purple, magenta and violet are joined by red, green, orange and an electric blue to “express celebration and aspiration for better days ahead”.

Honesty

For more information about The Inspired Home Show, visit

TheInspiredHomeShow.com.

Tropic Refresh

Unexpected Reality

Gifts Today 39

Spotlight Preview Mens Gifts

Walk

tall!

Classic Canes

Practical presents for men are a speciality of walking stick wholesaler Classic Canes Classic Canes offers a wide range of walking sticks, which make great gifts for men. Smart beech derby canes are ideal for everyday use, while hiking staffs and trekking poles are suitable for active men, and formal canes such as those featuring dog or horse heads are perfect for all those chaps who love collecting interesting and eccentric objects.

Folding walking sticks are also excellent gifts, as they are easily adjusted in height, and are available in a wide range of colours and handle shapes to suit personal preferences.

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

Get set for

A great

finishing touch Joe Davies

Men’s jewellery has grown in popularity and is no longer a niche market, as more chaps choose to wear jewellery to complete their overall look.

The Equilibrium for men collection of jewellery from Joe Davies features a timeless range of sleek, minimalist leather jewellery for men of all ages and walks of life. Braided leather bracelets and necklaces featuring stainless steel embellishments ensure a look that is both simple and unfussy - perfect for the modern man!

Joe Davies specialises in supplying to the independent retailer in its trademark ‘little and often’ quantities, with carriage paid orders of just £100 and free nationwide delivery.

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

Father’s Day! Gentlemen’s Hardware

Men’s gifts are notoriously difficult to source, but if that’s been your experience of buying gifts for men, you probably haven’t discovered Gentlemen’s Hardware yet!

With more than 150 lines in stock, men’s gift specialist Gentlemen’s Hardware really is a one-stop-shop to find presents for the men in your life this Father’s Day. It has gifts for gardeners, cyclists, golfers, adventure seekers, cooks, campers, gamers, the well-groomed and even wannabe bartenders!

This season, the company has expanded its Adventure Begins category, as the trend for the big outdoors continues into 2022, and has introduced new summer picnicware, which includes an eco-friendly Bamboo Cutlery Set, Adventure Camping Blanket, and a 20L Insulated Cooler Backpack.

For those looking for adventure closer to home in the garden, there’s an expanded range of gardening tools and gift sets for gardeners. But the top pick for Father’s Day is the terracotta Plant Water Drippers to keep plants hydrated all summer - and put empty wine bottles to good use!

Call: 01225 931322 Email: sales.uk@dw-collective.com 40 Gifts Today

Catering

for home chefs

Something Different Wholesale

Designed with men in mind, this new housewares collection offers a feast of great gift ideas For any man with a passion for feeding family and friends, the Foodie Father collection includes thoughtful and useful gift ideas including barbecue tools, pizza boards, aprons, and fun decorative signs, which are perfect for letting everyone know who’s ‘King of the Kitchen’.

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

New products Bringing joy everyday Enesco

Give the gift of joy with premium products across these collections Allen Designs Allen Designs is a collection that strives to bring a smile to people’s faces through creative, high-quality, and functional products. Created by artist Michelle Allen, this whimsical home collection is the perfect addition to any home, featuring quirky designs across formats such as clocks, planters, and kitchen and ladies’ accessories.

Demdaco Demdaco gifts strive to lift spirits in times of celebration when comfort is needed most. Filled with heartfelt sentiments and fun activities, these home accessories, games, and hanging ornaments are fit for any occasion. The first Demdaco portfolio launch includes six collections. Heartful Home features gifts by artist Tracy Peshe; Impressions brings real leather wall art and glass storage jars and vases together with inspirational messages; Inspired Every day is a collection of bell-shaped hanging ornaments with sentimental messages; Meaningful Moments features on-trend succulents with hand-stitched messages plus stoneware hanging ornament sets; Quiet Moments has calming ceramic oil diffusers in pots; and Together Time aims to bring families together in a fun way with a selection of activities and games.

Disney Baby Collection The new Disney Baby Collection features Simba from Disney’s The Lion King, Dumbo from Disney’s Dumbo, Marie from Disney’s The Aristocats and Thumper from Disney’s Bambi. This range includes an array of gender-neutral baby products, perfect for newborns. Made from fabrics that are either machine washable or easy to wipe clean, each piece is crafted to the highest quality. All the items have been tested to UK and EU standards.

Kloche Kloche is Enesco’s first eco-friendly collection, produced using sustainably sourced wood and glass domes instead of plastic - and packaged in a fully recyclable cardboard gift box.

The range of decorative miniatures, made from glass with a wooden base, make a wonderful gift or home adornment.

Featuring heartfelt and traditional sentiments, these emotive themes are ideal for any gift-giving occasion.

There are three collections. The Spirit of Christmas is a collection of wooden decorations which captures the essence of that special time of year. The Little Wooden Bear is a bear that will make you smile, with sentiments to suit every occasion. And Tiny Town is a town where characters are no bigger than a matchstick, and a place where celebrating good times is an everyday event.

Beatrix Potter Enesco has been producing Beatrix Potter giftware since gaining a licence in 1987, and the range has grown in popularity and content over the years. The company’s artists have captured the essence of Beatrix Potter’s lovable characters by bringing to life her original drawings, creating a selection of figurines and giftware, which appeal to Beatrix Potter fans of all ages.

2022 celebrates 120 years of Beatrix Potter - and what better way to mark the occasion than with the introduction of some new hand painted and gift-boxed collectable figurines, depicting wintery scenes from Penguin’s latest style guides?

Make 2022 the year you add this multi-award-winning baby collection to your offering. Order now while stock is available for immediate delivery.

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

Flying high

Alexander Thurlow

A new flock of British bird inspired jewellery is swooping onto shelves Having finished an extremely successful Spring Fair, Alexander Thurlow is moving forward to further enhance its Love Nature Love Flowers brand.

The company said that among its best sellers, the delicate bluebell has proved very popular and the new range of small, intricate pendants received ‘wonderful compliments’.

To add to the collection, Alexander Thurlow is developing a new flock of British bird inspired jewellery, including this graceful swallow brooch & pendant, with more designs to follow.

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

Gifts Today 41

New products Stationery sorted ExaClair

A plethora of new product options for pen and paper lovers Décopatch additions ExaClair, the UK distributor for Décopatch, has added two new limited-edition packs to its already extensive range of foil papers.

These new packs contain four exclusive designs of papers (each sheet measures 30 x40 cm). The Garden of Paradise contains fresh pastel floral designs, and the Gourmet Boudoir features bright summery confectionery patterns. The textured papers feature foil highlights which accentuate the designs and give lustre to the decorated items.

Décopatch paper perfectly moulds to the shape of the object (smooth or textured) and can be used on materials including papier maché, wood, plastic, iron, glass, polystyrene, metal, terracotta, ceramic, and cork.

ExaClair marketing manager Lawrence Savage says these new paper packs give additional choice when selecting papers for a project. He explained: “The co-ordinating sheets are perfect to create harmonious decorations for the home or office, or to upcycle old fashioned, damaged, or faded items to bring them back to life. Décopatch is a simple creative activity for children and parents. It offers an imaginative and enjoyable way for the family to spend time together and create unique items for the home. In addition to a number of in-store merchandising options, such as our popular Bunny FSDU, we can also provide retailers with a variety of online marketing collateral to support sales, as well as offering demonstration solutions for events and open days.”

A tropical theme ExaClair, the UK supplier of Clairefontaine, has introduced the Jungle Harmony collection of premium stationery, which is based on a depiction of the Amazonian forests. The delicate designs create a blend between tropical plants, birds, and butterflies, which will look stylish in any environment.

Perfect for enthusiasts of tropical patterns, the central theme of this collection is being in touch with nature to help create a positive working environment. The pastel green background adds to this feeling with its calming and soothing colour.

The notebooks are available in a range of sizes and styles, and all contain the PEFC-certified, super-smooth 90gsm Clairefontaine brushed vellum paper that is loved by pen fans globally. The collection also features desktop accessories including letter holders, pen pots and magazine files. Lever arch files, elasticated folders and storage boxes that provide filing solutions for a tidy desk are part of the selection too.

More eco-friendly options ExaClair has added new silkscreen printed notebooks to the popular Jeans and Cocoa collection from Clairefontaine, which features recycled denim fibres and cocoa shell fibres within the selection of notebooks, pads and filing products.

The Jeans notebooks depict underground maps from five cities (London, New York, Paris, Berlin, and Milan) printed in silver silkscreen, while the Cocoa versions feature drawings of cocoa shells in three designs in white silkscreen printing.

The Jeans selection includes items with a protective covering made from a combination of 50% FSC-certified sustainable wood fibres and 50% recycled jean fibres, using offcuts from the denim industry.

Items from the Cocoa range feature a protective covering made from 70% cocoa shells and 30% FSC-certified sustainable wood fibres. Clairefontaine uses the parts of cocoa husks which are disposed of by the confectionery industry when producing chocolate.

Both these styles result in attractive, on-trend designs that pique the interest of consumers looking for environmentallyfriendly products.

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

From gemstones to socks Joe Davies

Colourful crystals and fun footwear make their mark The brand new Equilibrium Gem Stone Collection from Joe Davies features the ‘must have’ trend for Spring/ Summer 2022 of colourful crystals. Hailed as the new Stone Age, 2022 promises to be the year of crystals. The company said: ‘The world has gone crazy for these glistening rocks, which are a decorative sign of hope and are believed to help us stay positive both mentally and physically. The range is a real winner in the trend stakes and incorporates Amazonite, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Citrine and many more natural quartz crystals into each stylish piece.’

Meanwhile, Sock Society is a highly successful Joe Davies brand of quality socks, and the mini spin-off Dog Society collection features many popular dog breeds. Border Collies, Labradors, West Highland White Terriers (commonly known as Westies) and many more make up this new exciting range, which is the perfect gift for all dog lovers among us.

Joe Davies specialises in supplying independent retailers with its trademark ‘little and often’ quantities, carriage paid orders of just £100, and free nationwide delivery.

Call: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk 42 Gifts Today

Fresh shapes and styles Lesser & Pavey

From body art and fine art to reusable flasks, make a statement with these new lines The beauty of the human form has been captured by artists through the ages. From masterpieces captured on canvas to the craftsmen of sculpture, the curves of the female form have featured in scenes of love, romance, religion, and history. The Body Vases from Lesser & Pavey provide a new angle on the female form, providing a functional product to display and, as with the human form, available in different sizes of breast and bottoms.

Meanwhile, a new Lesser & Pavey range of William Morris designs features on housewares gift products this year, offering a hint of nostalgia and romance brought to the marketplace as individual gift-boxed items at affordable prices.

The range bought together makes a perfect wedding gift or a housewarming present. But whatever the occasion, Golden Lily is a comprehensive collection. It includes fine mugs, a mug and coaster, mugs in gift sets, a jug, a butter dish, a teapot, storage canisters, coasters, placemats, salt and pepper, egg cups, trays in three sizes, a spoon rest, a tea bag tidy, a laptray, a cake stand and a glass cutting board.

William Morris is renowned worldwide as a British textile designer, poet, and novelist, associated with the British Arts and Crafts movement, and a major contributor to the revival of traditional British textile art. What better gift to receive than something that enhances a kitchen setting or coffee table - as well as being a quality vessel to drink from and display cakes on?

Finally, Lesser & Pavey’s drinking flasks give refreshment on the go - with no need for plastic bottles. The products, which feature seals to stop leakage, are slim in shape to ease carrying, and come in a number of eye-catching designs. More than ever, consumers are aware of the damage that single-use plastic causes our planet. A reusable flask is just one way to reduce reliance on single-use plastic - and tackle plastic pollution and protect our environment in the long term.

Call: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk Visit: www.leonardo.co.uk

Puzzling it out Museums & Galleries

A picture perfect range of jigsaw puzzles for Spring

Serve up sweet treats Love Country

Whet your appetite with these tasty biscuit tins

Museums & Galleries (M&G) unveiled this new range of 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles at Spring Fair and the positive reaction from visitors delighted the M&G team. Pre-orders since the start of the year have been brisk, and now stocks are flying out of M&G’s Corby warehouse.

Particularly admired was the vibrant print quality, the very retail-friendly size and shape of the boxes, and the design of the box as a sturdy reusable component with a printed liner.

Envisioned as entertaining puzzles and a work of art in one, M&G luckily had a few puzzle enthusiasts in its design team to select and road-test the chosen designs. A star Arts & Crafts design from the V&A, Charles Voysey’s Birds of Many Climes made an excellent puzzle choice as did Vincent Van Gogh’s Farms Near Auvers from the Tate and Hokusai’s Great Wave from the British Museum. One of designer Matthew Williamson’s stunning mural wallpapers - a vibrant jungle scene painted in homage to Henri Rousseau - makes a fantastic challenge and is one of the range’s early best sellers.

The jigsaw puzzle was invented in 1766 by John Spilsbury, a British cartographer and engraver, as an educational toy for teaching geography. Fittingly, one of M&G’s launch puzzles is a 17th century Four Hemisphere World map from the British Library collections.

Call: 01373 461455 Email: sales@mgml.co.uk Visit: www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

Love Country has just launched a delicious new offering with its colourful range of biscuit tins. The Suffolk-based company has teamed up with biscuit maker Farrah’s of Harrogate to produce an eye-catching range of teatime treats.

The collection offers a 200g drum of biscuits in a variety of flavours and designs including bunnies, hedgehogs, pheasants, donkeys and more. There is also a Luxury Biscuit Canister (full of biscuits, of course) which can be used as a kitchen storage jar, offering great value for money and reducing waste. With 15 designs to choose from, and mouthwatering flavours to taste, there is something for everyone. The range even includes an adorable dog and cat design, making these perfect gifts to thank pet sitters or fellow animal lovers.

Each design has been chosen from Love Country’s popular watercolour artwork, including some new designs specifically aimed at gifts for men. Look out for the adorable puffin! Every tin is packed with luxury biccies, along with a poem or story written by the artist, wrapped up inside as a little extra gift for the recipient.

Small orders are welcome, and all designs can be mixed and matched with small MOQs, offering great flexibility to make a fabulous shop display. All the products are made in Britain.

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

Gifts Today 43

RETAIL INTERVIEW

Half Moon Interiors

Vive la différence

Gifts Today talks to David and Vanessa Davidson, owners of Half Moon Interiors What’s your background?

I (David) have a background in banking, export sales, planning, performance report and project/ programme management. My wife Vanessa was a secondary school history teacher for 23 years.

Why did you decide to open a gift shop?

Vanessa had always wanted her own business and the time was right to take the plunge. I help at weekends and do most of the back-office jobs so Vanessa can concentrate on customer service and merchandising.

Tell us about your business.

Half Moon Interiors opened in September 2017.

The shop is on Wigton High Street in Cumbria, and we are very lucky to have the original 1850s shop frontage. We doubled the retail floor area in 2021 by opening up the first floor of the building and vastly increased storage in 2022 by moving into the second floor. The shop has four distinctly different rooms and a double height stairwell and landing ideal for displaying wall items. We stock home accessories, gifts (of an interior type), small furniture items, lighting, and nursery gifts.

How would you describe your range?

Wide-ranging, eye-catching, and different. These are the words we hear from our customers. We never stop looking and researching for products, even when we are on holiday! We mainly work on gut instinct.

Our categories flex with the seasons and our customers’ needs. Christmas is of particular importance, and planning starts around 13 months before the Big Day, but at all times we relate back to our reason for being, which is ‘Interiors’.

We constantly change the shop layout and window 44 Gifts Today

displays and like to ensure our products are different, not run of the mill.

created to focus more on general furniture.

“We are extre excited t mely of Bizzo o be par t tto in the U ’s launch K via Oranger The y”

Who are your key suppliers?

We work with a large number.

In many cases we import goods ourselves to ensure we can maintain a diverse range. The Orangery, agent for PTMD and Bizzotto, is one of our main buying points of contact. They get our trade as the products meet and often exceed our requirements/expectations and, most importantly, the ethos of The Orangery and the brands it represents align with our ethos and the continued importance of high street retailing.

What lines have you started stocking recently?

We like to work with agents and suppliers that support small independent high street retailers, understand the issues they face, and are willing to be open to collaborative working. We have worked with The Orangery for a number of years, buying from PTMD. This year we are introducing, again via The Orangery, items from Bizzotto. We are extremely excited to be part of Bizzotto’s launch in the UK via The Orangery.

Are you expanding into new categories?

Due to Brexit, we lost our key nursery furniture supplier and have not been able to find a suitable replacement. So, we are going to use the space

Do you offer any services?

Gift wrapping is free of charge, we have gift vouchers, you can browse and enquire about products on our webshop, and we have a private appointment booking facility on our website.

How is trading for you?

The people of Wigton and beyond are very supportive of our business.

What’s next for your business?

There are a number of enhancements we are looking into for our webshop, now that we have increased storage facilities. These will support the existence of the physical shop. Kerb appeal and first impressions are very important, so after a couple of years where the planning of shop facade upkeep has been difficult, this summer the whole building will get a refresh.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Keeping the High Street of Wigton vibrant and alive.

And the most challenging?

Suppliers who don’t understand the importance of independent high street retailing and choose to diverge from principles that are required to ensure independent high street retail flourishes. We have recently taken the hard decision to remove suppliers from our supply list who have chosen to follow strategies that are detrimental to the wellbeing of independent high street shops.

RETAIL INTERVIEW

Loveone

‘It’s great to be back

in the community’ Gifts Today chats to Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone gift shop in Ipswich What’s your background?

I started my career in local government as an environmental health officer, had a career change in my thirties and retrained as an interior designer, set up my own business, and then opened Loveone in 2007.

Why did you decide to open a gift shop?

Simply because I love shopping and beautiful things - and there wasn’t anything like this in Ipswich at the time. So, I combined my interiors business into a homeware store. But following the recession of 2009/10, I had to change direction: I became more of a gift shop, helped start a street market (which is still going), and began working with local artists and designers.

Tell us about your business.

The shop is on St Peters Street in the Suffolk county town of Ipswich. St Peters Street is in an area known as the Saints, that has many indies and eateries. It’s a secondary high street, forming a link between our main high street and the waterfront area (we have a river frontage and marina). Loveone is in a small 16th century timber-framed building. It’s very quirky, and also home to Hex Vinyl records on the first floor.

How would you describe your range?

Broad and eclectic: many products are made locally or from the wider Suffolk area. Our key categories are cards and giftwrap, toys and puzzles, jewellery and accessories, home

“The future is to d consolidartaetea”n collabo fragrance, clothing, houseplants and plant-related gifts. Our main suppliers are Jellycat, Plum & Ashby, Black Colour DK, Lisa Angel, True Grace, Ark, Lagom cards and Art Angels.

We source from a variety of places: Top Drawer, reps, Instagram, magazines, and the trade press.

I look for products that are quirky, colourful and make me smile - and I’m now looking at sustainable origins too.

Popular products at the moment are cards, gluggle jugs (that emit a cute ‘guggle’ sound when poured), jewellery, and toys. Recently introduced lines include Grand Illusions Soaps, houseplants, and Laura Stoddart cards.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

It’s rewarding when someone feeds back that the

gift they purchased was perfect or well received.

Plus, being on the high street - it’s great to be back in the community.

And the most challenging?

The worst bits are the hours and the current worries; the big picture stuff that affects my business, but which I have no control over.

What’s next for Loveone?

We are developing the website more. And we are offering plant parenting workshops and related craft events in conjunction with our next-door neighbour: a coffee shop. For me, the future is to consolidate and collaborate.

Top 5 Best Sellers 1. Jellycat toys 2. Lisa Angel jewellery 3. Lagom cards 4. Ark keyrings 5. Plum & Ashby bath salts and hand cream Gifts Today 45

RETAIL INTERVIEW

Two Ducks

A destination gift

boutique

Gifts Today catches up with Claire Leigh, director of Two Ducks in Woking What’s your background?

I have a background in marketing within the tech, property, and charity industries. I’ve also trained as an actress and acted professionally for three years!

Why did you decide to open a gift shop?

It was a long-term dream of mine to have a space I could fill with all my favourite unique design-led gifts from around the globe.

Tell us about your business.

We launched in 2013 doing gift parties in people’s houses. This progressed to a pop-up shop in Woking town centre for six months. We were then offered a shared space in a retail unit in nearby St. John’s village. The delicatessen we shared with decided within a year that it wasn’t meant to be, and we took over the whole space in 2014. We’ve been there ever since. Why is it called Two Ducks? When I was dreaming about having a gift shop, I decided to let my daughter name it. I said: ‘Whatever you choose will become the name.’ She said ‘ducks’ (her vocabulary was quite limited!) and, as she was two years old, I made it Two Ducks.

Eddie Judd Photography

“We are always getting in new brands to keep loyal customers coming back” Eddie Judd Photography

How would you describe your range?

Colourful, contemporary, design-led, and unique. Key categories are women’s accessories, homeware, body and bath, stationery, children’s and men’s gifts. Our main suppliers are The Eclectic Gift Company, Ellie Beaumont, Ombre, Pom Boutique, Lisa Angel, Parkminster, Illumens, Steepleton, Grand Illusions, Liga, The Chocolate Gift Company, Secrid, Swole Panda, Orbitkey, Pig & Hen, Gingko, Blade & Rose, Bob & Blossom, and Jellycat.

How do find products?

Mainly by researching online (websites and social media) and visiting other stores around the country. I also attend trade shows and showrooms. My criteria? Quality, uniqueness, style, functionality, and price point. A lot of brands approach me proactively by email, but we don’t select many this way.

Proving popular at the moment are homeware, male gadgets, clothing, and stationery. We are always getting in new brands, designer maker products and new fashion to keep loyal customers coming back. We recently started stocking Steepleton, The Eclectic Gift Company, Hook & Needle, By Eloise, and Petite Pommes. As for adding new product categories, I’ve always been interested in makeup but I’m not sure we have room to put it anywhere!

Do you offer any services?

We have our coffee shop (created after lockdown 1.0) to encourage customers to make Two Ducks a destination to visit, catch up over coffee and cake, and then have a browse.

We also host events that tackle important issues that our customers are facing like our menopause cafe, and beauty and skin events: we get in specialist speakers such as the former beauty editor of Glamour Magazine, and a leading skin consultant to give an anti-ageing Q&A. We run workshops too, such as candle making, modern calligraphy and wreath making.

And we offer gift wrapping, gift vouchers, personalised hampers for corporate gifts, wish lists, and private shopping events.

What’s next for Two Ducks?

Mainly working more on our events and driving online sales. I’m also involved with Bira [British Independent Retailers Association], both as a non-executive director and member of LPAC [Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee] to have more influence on national retail issues.

Top 5 Best Sellers

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Choosing beautiful stock and fashion, seeing really happy customers, having fun on social media, and running successful events.

And the most challenging?

Multi-tasking: managing all the suppliers, managing a team, and managing sales in-store and online in a challenging retail environment.

Oh, and motherhood sits in that mix.

46 Gifts Today

1. Home County Candles’ Surrey candle 2. Pom jewellery and scarves 3. Caroline Gardner cards 4. Jellycat toys 5. Secrid wallets

Stardust

RETAIL INTERVIEW

Planet Sal

and smiles Sally Wilde, owner of Planet Sal, shares her story What’s your background?

I started as a barmaid and then decided to be less sleep-deprived and was lucky enough to be accepted by Kitchens of Bristol cookshop as a sales assistant. I had a great time there for 10 years. I then spent several decades as either a rep or agent in the home, gift, and greetings sectors, working for some amazingly inspirational companies. There are lots of fantastic people in those sectors and many are lifelong friends.

Top 5 Best Sellers 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Mugs Socks (adult and baby) Books Jewellery Coasters

Why did you decide to open a gift shop?

I had begun to miss the retail side for some while. In the gift industry, especially, there was some fantastic creativity going on at that time. Sadly, in my last role I was made redundant. It was heartbreaking at the time, but it freed me up to really think about a change of career. I had been calling on several retailers who had stores with a real edge to them, which I loved. When I mentioned an empty premises I’d seen in the Devon town of Honiton, they all encouraged me to take that leap of faith. Planet Sal was born in 2018.

Tell us about your business.

Planet Sal celebrates its fourth birthday on June 1. The shop is in a privately owned historic courtyard, along with seven other businesses and several residential flats. It’s gated at night - a big plus - and is a pedestrian cut-through to the High Street from two car parks and the train station.

It’s also very accessible, due to all the business entrances being level with the street. Although the shop is quite small at about 68sq m (including storage), I make sure I allow space for walking aids and buggies to get around.

How would you describe your range?

My ethos is that, although my gifts are as unique as I can source (plus often quite amusing), they all ultimately have a use, such as mugs, soap, planters, socks, and coasters. Even my Boris Bog Roll has a use! I don’t really have key categories - I just buy things I like. Mugs are a must-have though, as are coasters and jewellery. But at Spring Fair I went completely off-track and bought some gorgeous door knockers! I couldn’t resist. I found a great range of gin-infusing kits from Gin Etc there too.

My key gift suppliers are Cinnamon Aitch, Boxer Gifts, Rosie Made A Thing, Dean Morris, Brainbox Candy, Transomnia and Worry Less. I mainly source products at trade shows, although reps and agents have excelled themselves throughout the pandemic by keeping me updated. My favourites exhibitions are Spring Fair, Autumn Fair and Top Drawer - but I have found some little gems at the Giving & Living show. I also find physical catalogues much more useful than emailed ones, as I refer to them often.

What’s proving popular?

I have a ‘Cheeky’ section which is incredibly popular for male gifting. Lots of giggling comes from that area, which I call my Naughty Corner! I’m also selling a lot more sentimental items recently, as life has been difficult for all of us, so a thoughtful gift is especially meaningful at the moment.

Jewellery gifting is also very strong.

What’s next for Planet Sal? I was thrilled to win the South West Prestige Award for Card and Gift Shop Of The Year 2020/21.

I had planned to expand to a second shop before the pandemic and would like to do so next year.

Currently, I’m concentrating on more ranges bespoke to the shop.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

That’s very easy! The customers, the people in this wonderful industry, and the laughter and smiles in my shop every day.

And the most challenging?

Budgeting. I want to buy EVERYTHING at trade shows, but I have to be strict. Spring Fair was very tricky! I do buy mainly from small companies, though, which helps with their low volumes and carriage-paid limits.

Gifts Today 47

“I have a ‘Cheeky’ section which is incredibly popular for male gifting”

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