Gifts Today

Supporting your industry for 28 years

Independently audited ABC circulation of 7,090 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017

Month: May/June 2018 Issue: 6

Volume: 29

O NE STO P S H O P FO R P E R S O N A L I S E D G I F TS miffy

est: 2004

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Contents May/June 2018

Regulars 6 8 10 28 59

News Licensing News Exhibition News Ross Hewitt’s Social Media Julie Dodsworth

Retail 29 Baltic Gift Shop Named Best Shop at the 2018 ACE Best Product Awards, the Baltic Shop in Gateshead is known for its witty product offering and intelligently bought ranges. We catch up with head buyer Sara Ley to discover the secret of the store’s success.

32

Trade Talk Leading figures in the industry talk top trends, licences and the difference between men and women when it comes to gifting.

Gifts Today team

p 14

43 Retailers’ Panel Key gift retailers talk summer trade shows, gifts for women and plans for the year ahead.

p 29

Editor Sally Norton sally@lemapublishing.co.uk

Cover Story

Advertisement Manager

14

Mark Horsnell markh@lemapublishing.co.uk

Steiff The makers of the world’s very first teddy bear

Layout/Design

still produce beautiful toys designed to appeal

Rick Vickers rickv@lemapublishing.co.uk

to today’s children.

Group Editor Mirella Cestaro mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Special Features

Group Advertisement Manager

16

Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival A sneak peek at what’s in store at this year’s show – and catch up with some key exhibitors

Publisher

to learn what they’ll be unveiling at the show.

Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director

34 Gifts for Women

Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

We look at gifts your female customers will want

Managing Director

to buy for themselves, as well as give advice for

Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

those who are buying for them.

45 Harry Potter Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

We’re wild about Harry as we look at the wide

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

range of giftable licensed products for fans of the boy wizard.

52 A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

We look at the profitable ‘kidult’ market and learn why it’s important to stock up on toys for

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

Games, Toys and Puzzles

p 34

all ages.

2018/19

Discover at Tendence the latest fashion accessory and jewellery must-haves, as well as lots of other highlights from the home and gift segments for the autumn/winter season and the coming spring/summer 2019.

All details can be found at: tendence.messefrankfurt.com info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

International trade fair for consumer goods.

GB DU: 02.04.2018 66252-018_TE_Fashion_GiftsToday_M2_240x315 • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • tg:20.02.2018

must haves

Message from the Editor www.gifts-today.co.uk Instagram: @giftstodaysally

p16

When I first joined Gifts Today back in September 2016, it seemed that everyone I worked with and met had something great to say about the show. Having been brought up in Yorkshire, I knew Harrogate, but even I was bowled over by Home & Gift – the great product on offer, the special atmosphere, the creative feel. We take a sneak peek at Home & Gift 2018 in this issue, and give you the chance to see what some of our friends will be unveiling at the show. I can’t wait to

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

p14

see what trends will be revealed at the show – and to discover what will be joining all the mermaids, flamingos and llamas on the stands! Personally, I’m also looking forward to seeing what changes Show Director Louise Morris will be bringing to the show. Definitely a date for everyone’s diary. Read more on page 16.

At the first shows of the year – such as Spring Fair and Top Drawer – I couldn’t help noticing just how big all things Harry Potter are at the moment.

Incredibly, it’s been more than 20 years since Harry

p34 came into our Muggle world and, yet, the appeal of the boy wizard is stronger than ever. More than 500 million Harry Potter books have been sold worldwide, making it the bestselling book in publishing history – time to get a bit of the action by turning to page 46.

There’s also the great opportunity in this issue to discover more about a favourite company of mine, Steiff. I particularly enjoyed talking to Leyla Maniera, a former teddy bear valuer from Christie’s, about the history of Steiff and why teddy bears are still as special as ever. Read more on page 14.

In this issue we also look at the Gifts for Women category – an incredibly important category for all gift shops. What struck me was the research I came across which reveals that, while women actually enjoy the process of shopping for gifts

“

I knew Harrogate but even I was bowled over by Home & Gift – the great product on offer, the special atmosphere, the creative feel

“

I

’ve always loved a gift shop; the chance to bring back a memento from a holiday, the opportunity to buy something special for a friend or family member, a place to treat myself. So, as the editor of Gifts Today, gift shops have taken on even more of an allure for me – I see them as a chance to see products I love in a beautiful setting, to discover how buyers and merchandisers mix their offering up to perfectly suit their own customers.

A particular love of mine are gift shops in museums and galleries. Not only do you have a lovely day out, but you also get the chance to feel cultured and do some shopping into the bargain!

So when I heard about the award-winning Baltic Shop in Gateshead, I couldn’t resist learning more from head buyer Sara Ley about how she goes about putting together such a quirky, successful offering. I particularly love the ranges from the wealth of local designers and makers in the shop.

You can read more about her and the Baltic Shop on page 29.

Sara describes herself as an ‘aisle walker’ when it comes to shows, saying she loves to see everything on offer in case there’s just the perfect product out there to complete a range in-store. Whether you’re an aisle walker like Sara or someone who, like me, takes a more ‘organic’ approach to buying at the shows, there’ll be plenty to catch your eye at this year’s Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in July.

or selfpurchase, many men find it a lot trickier buying for the women in their lives.

I guess this means that while retailers need to ensure p46 that the shopping experience is really good in-store – something that bricks and mortar retailers can definitely do better than online ones – we also need to ensure that those who don’t enjoy gift shopping can ‘shop and run’ – preferably with an item that’s been gift wrapped for them! You can read more on page 34.

All this and news, views and expert comment, too. Enjoy!

NEWS

GA members’ views heard at House of Lords Sarah Ward, the CEO of the Giftware Association, took the results of an industry survey to the Genesis Initiative meeting recently.

The Genesis Initiative was formed to improve the quality of the debate on SMEs and create economic reform, driven by SMEs and supported by Parliamentarians. The GA gathered the industry’s views through a survey sent out to the wider home and gift industry about its experiences in getting access to finance either through bursaries and grants or normal lending from their business banks.

Survey results highlighted a need for further education around the process of accessing finance and where to look for it. Many respondents reported they were aware of some - but not all finance options, and the survey highlighted an overarching theme of lack of trust in the UK’s economy and banks.

Charlie Dimmock opens new Squire’s The gardening expert and TV presenter opened a new branch of the garden centre in Woking, Surrey.

The star hosted a number of gardening activities, including planting up pots to raise money for the charity Greenfingers. Said Charlie: ‘It was a fun day and great to see so many children learning about gardening, too.’

Fresh face at Lesser & Pavey Edd Cannan has joined

Civilized time for Gibsons The jigsaw puzzle and board game company hosted a party to celebrate the re-release of the classic strategy game Civilization. Designed in 1980 by legendary games inventor Francis Tresham - who attended the event - Civilization is a board game that pits players against each other in their quest to lead a nation to the pinnacle of development.

Sweet news from Calico Cottage The confectionery manufacturer which supplies some of the UK’s top tourist attractions is phasing out single-use packaging for a compostable alternative - a first in its industry. The Ely-based company is offering business customers the option of stocking its impulse bags of sweets in compostable, transparent packaging which breaks down and disappears in soil in just six to 12 weeks, under the brand of Cambridge Confectionery Company. MD Nigel Baker said: ‘We are hugely passionate about this and have been working long hours to come up with a solution using a range of technologies and I am proud that we have brought it to market so quickly.’

GIMA names President Richard Pyrah of Kelkay took over the role from Chris Ramsden of Hozelock at The Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association AGM in April.

New council members for 2018/19 were also announced and include Dan Durston of Durston Garden Products, Neil Sims from The Scotts Miracle Gro Company, and Gardman’s Scott McCabe, the latter of whom was previously coopted onto Council.

the giftware company as sales executive for the Midlands and Wales. MD Julian Hunt said: ‘We’re are delighted to announce this new appointment of Edd to the Lesser & Pavey sales team. He brings with him youthful enthusiasm as well as years of retail experience.’

6 gifts today

Something new for Something Different The fast-growing UK-based giftware importer welcomed former Lesser & Pavey representative Peter Hammett to their team as their European Sales Manager. Peter, who has over seven years’ experience in the import industry, will be responsible for leading the Area Sales Managers across the UK, Ireland and Europe.

licensing news

The Licensing Awards 2018 – now open for entries The countdown to the big event on September 11 in London starts now. Entry and nomination forms for all the awards categories are now available from the website.

The Licensing Awards categories cover all aspects of the UK licensing industry – product, retailer, property and marketing, as well as Honorary Achievement Award. Entry is free. For the third year in a row, the LIMA Rising Star Award will be affiliated to The UK Licensing Awards.

Anna Knight, brand director for Brand Licensing Europe, said: ‘We are thrilled to, once again, be headline sponsors for The Licensing Awards. We are already counting down to September!’ thelicensingawards.co.uk

Seedball mixes with NHM Award-winning eco outfit Seedball has launched a new and exclusive Natural History Museum um range, designed to encourage and sustain importantt garden wildlife in urban and rural environments. environments Developed in collaboration with scientists at London’s Natural History Museum and sales of the Seedball range will help support the work of the Museum.

Rocket Licensing to manage The Elf on the Shelf The independent licensing company has been appointed

by US based licensor CCA and B, LLC, to develop and manage the UK and Eire licensing for the brand based on the enormously popular illustrated children’s book and Scout Elf box set — The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. Rocket will be focusing on a number of major categories including gifting, Christmas decorations, apparel, social stationery, homewares, food and confectionery, partyware and dress up, games and puzzles and accessories.

Santoro wins Queen’s Award for Enterprise

Sweet deal for RHS The Gourmet Candy Company has extended its Royal Horticultural Society confectionery range and expanded the network of retail outlets supplying the range. Along with the existing selection of chocolate gift boxes, nougat and bonbons, the range now includes fudges and chocolate-coated honeycomb bars. All items in the range will use packaging designs inspired by the RHS Lindley Library, the world’s finest collection of botanical art.

London-based Santoro Licensing, founded in 1995 by Meera and Lucio Santoro, was awarded the International Trade Award by HM The Queen. A major factor in this growth is down to the global phenomenon of Santoro’s Gorjuss brand, which has already become a £120m brand. Meera Santoro stated: ‘We feel incredibly proud to have received this Award.

Our licensing division has been responsible for many of the company’s achievements to date.’

Alice Tait partners with welovecushions The deal between the British illustrator and the cushion company was brokered

by Alice’s agent Metrostar. The ‘Alice Tait London’ collection captures Alice’s hand drawn illustrations of the sights and landmarks of the nation’s Capital city, combining them with witty sayings such ‘I’d like Royal Treatment please’ and ‘Shall we Soldier on?’

8 gifts today

More partners for Bulldog The company has announced yet more deals for hit comedy-action animated TV series, Zag Heroez Miraculous - Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, the superhero phenomenon that centres on Marinette and Adrien who have been given the ability to transform into superheroes. The latest deals will see H&A produce a health and beauty range, whilst Sambro is on board for arts and crafts.

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exhibition news

Best of British at BCTF Time for Tendence Head to the trendsetting consumer goods fair in Frankfurt to buy for the second half of the year.

The show covers gifts, jewellery and fashion accessories, as well as furnishing, decorating, tableware, kitchenware, home textiles and outdoor living. With around 1100 big-name international exhibitors and more than 20,000 visitors, the event in Frankfurt offers a perfect overview of the market. Here are some of the key highlights to look out for:

More than 400 British designermakers headed to Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground for April’s British Craft Trade Fair. Said organiser Margeret Bunn: ‘The 2018 show has had a great buzz and positive, upbeat atmosphere with many top-end buyers in attendance. This is our second year in the new hall, a wonderful, purpose built venue which provides the perfect environment for buyers to source new products. Feedback from both exhibitors and buyers has been overwhelmingly positive and we are delighted at how the show has been received, a good time has been had by all.’ The next edition of the BCTF will take place from 7-9 April 2019. bctf.co.uk

• Concept Stores Discover new products and ideas for Concept Stores where you’ll find an array of exciting products in a contemporary setting.

• Talents In the Modern Crafts (Hall 9.0) and Accessories & Jewellery (Hall 11.1) areas, young and dynamic designers exhibit their products and show which trends will inform the future of innovative design.

• Paper & Friends At the perfect time of the year for ordering calendars, Paper & Friends comes with an inspiring product mix of calendars, cards, stationery and gift books from well-known brands and innovative newcomers.

‘With the clearly focused content and careful choice of exhibitors, we will be offering stationery, gift and lifestyle shop owners a product mix that is diverse, but where everything goes together,’ says Bettina Bär, Director of Tendence.

• Tendence Academy This year’s programme of events includes advice for subjects as diverse as window design, start-up help and online marketing. There are also lectures for jewellery and accessories buyers and the green sector, held at the stage in Hall 9.1.

• Outdoor Living area Set to be bigger with more exhibitors than in 2017, garden plants will be displayed together with outdoor lifestyle products between the Galleria and Hall 10 and on outdoor area F11.

• Gardiente: trade fair for garden living Visitors to Tendence have for the first time the opportunity to visit Gardiente as well. From 1-3 July, this trade fair for garden living will be showcasing new product ideas for garden furniture, sunshades, parasol stands, barbecue equipment, textiles and accessories. With the free bus shuttle service, you are When: 30 June to 3 July 2018 taken directly to the exhibition Where: Frankfurt am Main grounds in Wallau – a journey Visit: tendence.messefrankfurt.com that takes up to 30 minutes.

Fact file

10 gifts today

Christmas & Gift 2019 open for booking After a bumper event in 2018, next year’s show is now taking bookings for 13-16 January 2019. The show for manufacturers and suppliers of festive, all-year-round gift and garden ranges is a favourite for multiple, independent and garden centre buyers sourcing new products.

A supplier says…

‘2018 was a record show for us in terms of footfall, physical orders and quotations. Harrogate Christmas & Gift is the most important show of the year for us, our customers prefer Harrogate.’

James Marshall, sales director, Festive ‘Harrogate Christmas & Gift has seen significant growth in the last five or six years filling seven halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre and attracting almost 5000 serious buyers,’ says Simon Anslow, show organiser. ‘Products on show have diversified from simply Christmas decorations to a large range of toys, gifts, greetings cards, aromatherapy products, confectionery, garden ornaments and even furniture ranges. The show is a favourite with garden centre buyers - so almost anything found in this type of retail setting can now be sourced at the show.’ harrogatefair.com

Fantastic new games & puzzles available now!

PAUL LAMOND GAMES LIMITED 31 Newington Green, Islington, London N16 9PU Tel: 020 7254 0100 Fax: 020 7254 3400 Web: www.paul-lamond.com

See us at Harrogate Home & Gift Show Stand DP1 – C67 New range June 2018 Advert Gifts Today.indd 1

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exhibition news

Three for Glee Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, with a focus on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories.

‘It’s safe to say Glee is in great shape. We’ve a number of exciting developments and updates on the horizon so it’s great to see the garden retail industry responding so positively’ Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director 1. Relocation With a relocation to NEC halls 6, 7, 8, 19 and 20, over 300 exhibitors are already confirmed to attend.

2. Return of the Retail Lab Combining interactive content, with inspirational product displays and tangible business advice, the Retail Lab cemented itself last year as a thriving hub

Rising stars at Pulse Europe’s largest Art and Design University presented up-andcoming designers at London trade show Pulse, 13-15 May 2018 Visitors to University of the Arts London’s (UAL) feature stand at Pulse London got an exclusive preview of new products by emerging designers.

The University presented a hand-picked selection of design products, created by 13 of its students and alumni at the show. Many had never exhibited at a trade show before, making UAL’s stand the place to discover the names to watch.

Said Vicky Creevey, Enterprise & Events Manager, Careers and Employability at UAL: ‘Our partnership with Pulse provides UAL students and graduates with a platform to launch their businesses to the world, making our stand the place to discover exciting up-and-coming designers.’ pulse-london.com 12 gifts today

of inspiration and knowledge at Glee. This year, the area will once again be supported by Creative Director Romeo Sommers, leading trend predictors, WGSN, as well as the HTA and Paula Parker of PP8 Marketing.

3. Pets at Glee A dedicated Pets at Glee section will introduced in 2018, bringing with it a leading showcase of pet brands and educational content. Bigger and better than ever before, this thriving and enhanced section of Glee will make it even easier for garden centre pet buyers to directly When: 10-12 September 2018 source 2019 ranges, whilst also benefiting Where: NEC Birmingham from unrivalled networking and educational Visit: gleebirmingham.com content.

Fact file

Exclusively yours Now in its 17th year, visitors will have the opportunity to see 120 leading housewares suppliers and brands showcasing their latest launches, listen to trends talks, and participate in the seminars. There’s also complementary refreshments, including lunch between 1pm and 3pm.

Expect emerging brands and established brands exhibit to showcase to one of the best UK audiences of buyers. Show director Simon Boyd comments: ‘Our visitors come to expect a broad selection of new brands and suppliers that make up the back bone of the industry giving, and the latest trends to ensure a great line up and stimulating show of the very latest innovations for our many visitors every year.’

When: 12-13 June Where: Business Design Centre, London Visit: exclusivelyshows.co.uk

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Steiff

Let Steiff be your teddy bear P The inventors of the world’s very first teddy bear still produce beautiful toys designed to appeal to today’s children. Gifts Today takes a closer look at the fascinating heritage of this heritage brand and discovers what makes them as relevant today as ever.

roud of their heritage, yet as forwardlooking as ever, Steiff have a long history of producing high quality, hand-crafted ranges, easily identified by the famous ‘button in ear.’ It was back in 1880 when Margarete Steiff created the world’s first soft toy, followed by the invention of the first teddy bear by her nephew Richard Steiff. As Margarete herself said: ‘For children, only the best is good enough.’

However, Steiff aren’t a company who just look back. Still renowned for their excellent quality and for creating unrivalled ‘life like’ animals, they have recently created the ‘soft cuddly friends’ collection, including a range of Paddington Bears that are sure to become friends for life. Consumers can be assured that when they buy a modern Steiff piece, they are still buying into the company’s amazing history and reputation for quality.

Ready, teddy, go

We talk to expert Leyla Maniera, a former teddy bear valuer from Christie’s, about the history of Steiff and why teddy bears are still as special as ever.

Leyla, what makes a Steiff teddy bear different from the rest?

When first introduced to Steiff in 1988 my very first thoughts were pure admiration and respect, knowing all collectors held their name in high regard. Their high standards and attention to detail is unrivalled.

Steiff invented a toy which took not just the toy Industry but also the world by storm. Those very first thoughts still remain true with me today. Steiff have a style all their own, quality and attention to detail unrivalled and often immediately recognisable.

When did Steiff invent the teddy bear – and how did this come about?

After joining his aunt’s company in 1897, Richard Steiff was to become, after his aunt, the second 14 gifts today

‘For children, only the best is good enough’

most influential figure in the toy industry and the most important figure in the history of the teddy bear. His passion and admiration for real bears fuelled him with the determination to design a soft toy bear, and in doing so he breathed new life into the world of children’s toys. In 1902, he created the very first string-jointed bear - the first such toy in the world and a bear gifted with movement. The first jointed bear was called Bär 55 PB and was to make his public debut at the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair

Why do Steiff bears have a button in the ear?

The overwhelming success and popularity of the Steiff Teddy bear caused quite a commotion within the toy industry, and thus opened doors to imitations as many competitors attempted to copy Steiff’s designs.

In 1904, Steiff had the foresight to design and apply a trademark to its products, a trademark that would easily distinguish their creations from competitors.

Which teddy bear has proved to be the most popular for Steiff?

Where do you begin? If you want a limited edition collectable, there are so many to discover, but probably at the moment Paddington bear is pretty much number one! There’s also a cuddly plush version that is fully jointed, but even he struggles to keep up with the cuddly Honey Teddy bear from the soft cuddly friends range. The great thing about Steiff is that the choice is enormous and I haven’t mentioned all the animals either…

‘Proud of our heritage yet forward-looking and venturesome, Steiff never stops chasing dreams’

What’s the story behind Steiff’s first venture into the world of licences?

News of Peter Rabbit’s success in 1902 soon reached the Steiff factory in Giengen. Steiff were captivated by Beatrix Potter’s little character and in 1904 produced one of the best-loved toys ever made, making Steiff the very first company to produce a Peter Rabbit doll.

Another historical tribute was undoubtedly that one made by Steiff who won the commercial licence rights for Mickey Mouse. When Walt Disney sold all commercial rights to Geo. Borgfeldt & Co., Steiff obtained marketing rights and soon a wide and wonderful range of the wonder mouse was leaving Giengen.

By 1931, in one year alone, the modest factory was to produce some 30,000 pieces of the lively movie star. He was not only a hit on the screen but as a three-dimensional Steiff sensation.

fabulous new collection. Soft and Cuddly Friends are available in many designs and in three sizes, retailing at £14.90, £22.90 and £34.90. Proud of our heritage yet forward-looking and venturesome, Steiff never stops chasing dreams.

What are the qualities that make the new range of Soft Cuddly Friends still identifiably Steiff?

The company’s new ‘Soft Cuddly Friends’ embrace all the ingredients that made Steiff famous – ultra-high quality materials, intricate hand craftsmanship, and the famous ‘Button in Ear’ – in a fresh new collection of contemporary styles designed to appeal to today’s children. This new range is, of course, machine washable and manufactured to the highest standard. But what will surprise you is the pricing that accompanies this gifts today 15

Home & Gift

Summer lovin’ Open for four days and with 13 halls jampacked with thousands of new launches, Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival offers the perfect summer buying trip for any new or seasoned buyer. It’s well worth the trip! We look forward to just some of the highlights of this fabulous show.

New Show Director Louise Morris has been named new Show Director for 2018, taking over from Cleere Scamell at next year’s Home & Gift, bringing a wealth of experience in the social and marketing side. ‘I’m so excited about the challenge,’ Louise told the Daily News at last year’s show. ‘Harrogate is such a special, unique show and I’m really looking forward to bringing it to a wider audience.’ Louise also continues her role as Show Director for boutique retail event Pulse.

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J

oin thousands of likeminded buyers in Harrogate this summer from 15-18 July for a buying experience like no other. With 1000s of brands, five marquees, eight halls and even more local showrooms, Home & Gift offers the biggest choice of new products, big name brands and emerging designers to satisfy all your buying needs.

Buyers will discover their favourite brands with new product lines, including Pacific Lifestyle, The Libra Company, Nkuku, Grand Illusions, Culinary Concepts, Bronte by Moon, Rader, Tweedmill Textiles, Voyage Interiors, Portmeirion, Gisela Graham, Sophie Allport, Lifestyle Brands, Winter In Venice, Nauticalia, Smith and Canova, Fizz Creations, Paladone, GMC Distribution, Sandy Bay London, Steiff, Ultimate Products and Skip Hop. Arch & Ivy, Yankee Candle Co (Europe), Kate Guest, Art File, The Handcrafted Card Company and many more.

Home and Gift is an enjoyable gathering for buyers and brands, offering visitors a wide range of products. Whether you’re on the lookout for design-led or traditional gifts, homeware and interior accessories, jewellery and fashion products or greeting cards and stationery, you’re sure to find your next best-sellers at Home & Gift, whilst making the most

of the fantastic opportunities in such a relaxed and open setting. Reasons to visit:

First show It’s the first show of the autumn/ winter buying season, creating fantastic buying opportunities.

Set in the beautiful and easily accessible spa town of Harrogate,

Home and Gift is a great place to do business in the summer months.

Retail Forum Don’t miss out on an inspiring line-up of speakers at the Great Northern Retail Forum.

New sectors This year, there will be brand new areas of the show available.

Taste will be a dedicated area to food and drink gifts.

Design Now will focus on emerging brands and innovative products.

Made will host a collection of beautiful handmade products.

The design-led home and interiors hall will be located opposite the very popular DP1 and will double the existing home offer, bringing more opportunities to this show’s allinclusive buying experience.

Get it in the diary!

Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival runs from Sunday 15 July – Wednesday 18 July.

Sunday 15 July:

9am – 6pm

Monday 16 July:

9am – 6pm

Tuesday 17 July:

9am – 6pm

Wednesday 18 July:

9am – 4pm

Visit: homeandgift.co.uk gifts today 17

Home & Gift

An eye for colour Miss Milly Stand DP3-8

Miss Milly, the British brand for gorgeous jewellery and scarves, is jumping right into summer with a stunning array of jewellery featuring hearts, flowers, leaves and abstract and geometric designs. From gorgeous combinations of pastel lilac and baby pink with soft greys and whites to striking fuchsia, blue and bright mint green, the flagship Floria Collection is the most eye-catching to date and still as reasonably priced as ever.

Made with lovingly crafted resins combined with paper, fabric and shell for appealing effects, the jewellery has a growing following and a collectable nature. It is bold in design but very wearable. Team the jewellery with the company’s soft, viscose scarves printed in colour co-ordinating tones for a great in-store display. Miss Milly has a low £100 minimum order and branded packaging and display stands are available. The full catalogue can be ordered online and sales agents are available in some areas.

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

Time to entertain Dartington Crystal Ltd Stand B-40

The destination for home and entertaining products.

Stemless Gin Copa Party Every home needs a good set of gin glasses and Dartington’s latest serving suggestion has both good looks and great practicality. This set of six wide. bowl shaped tumblers lets you mix a great G&T with lots of ice and infuse it with any favourite garnish. Being stemless they are great for outdoor entertaining, easy for dishwasher use and save precious storage space in the home. Supplied in attractive full colour packaging they make a great gift for any home.

Serenity Designed by Hilary Green, the Serenity collection features four lovely vessels that can be used to bring soft light and a warm atmosphere to any room space.

A simple footed votive and floating candle bowl are complemented by a mini hurricane that can house a church 18 gifts today

candle. The tall candlestick can hold a ball candle in the upper glass bowl or can be filed with water to let a tall candlestick float and burn in safety. Any of these versatile gifts will be used and appreciated.

Totem Totem offers a bold new look in hand made glass gift accessories. Designer Hilary Green has created a selection of practical pieces featuring tall ribbed glass walls that refract light to add a sparkling optical effect to each piece.

A choice of vase sizes includes a wide vase that will hold a lovely floral display and can be used as a hurricane candle lamp. The multi-function theme is completed by a versatile deep bowl and mini votive.

Visit: dartington.co.uk

3158_WW Gift Today ad_315x240.ai

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Home & Gift

Get gifting Apples to Pears Stand DP1-B36

The Cotswold company with a growing reputation for creative gifts that delight, and outstanding customer service, Apples to Pears was first established in 2002. Renowned for attractive and practical gifts, today Apples to Pears is best known for its multi award-winning Gift in a Tin brand, which consists of gift ideas that can be built, crafted, played-with, used when travelling or when pottering in the garden.

The Natural History Museum is the latest addition to Apple to Pears’ licence portfolio, winning Gift of the Year ‘Licensed Product’ 2018.

Exciting new ranges are launching for 2018, including an all new garden range: Heritage - The Cotswold Collection. Apples to Pears are also going in a completely new direction with a homeware gifts range licensed by Scottish artist Ailsa Black.

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

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A family affair Alexander Thurlow Stand C24

The enduring British family business are passionate about jewellery with a special emphasis on quality, design and unrivalled customer service. They have been producing a new range of scarves to mark the centenary of the RAF. Shown is the Spitfire Scarf that has been developed along with a few other bespoke products for a number of air museums around the country.

The company also has a new range of poppy products that they will be showcasing, based on the touring ceramic poppies from the Tower of London exhibition.

Call: 020 8766 6466 Visit: alexanderthurlow.com

Home & Gift

Eye for detail

Peace of Mind (PoM) Stand DP1-A63 PoM are going big on scarves, hats and bags this season. Gorgeously soft suede totes and clutches in stunning colours, embroidered velvet purses, cross body bags with metallic tints that add touch of glamour and reversible cotton beach bags in a range of lively prints, perfect for beach life.

Their scarves, as always are a must-have, exclusive designs, beautiful fabrics and that all important eye for detail. Let PoM take you on a journey through style and design that will be loved by you and your customers.

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

Get puzzling Gibsons Stand DP1-20A

This year Gibsons will return to Harrogate Home & Gift Show with plenty of exciting new products to show to customers. Amongst the selection will be three brand new Christmas puzzles with an array of piece counts to suit the entire family.

The first is the Christmas Street: 12 Days of Christmas Calendar. Unbox twelve festive surprises this December with Gibsons Christmas countdown puzzle. Behind each door you’ll find an irresistible treat in the form of an 80-piece jigsaw. The twelve puzzles eventually create one gorgeous, panoramic, Christmas scene. Let the countdown begin.

Santa Scramble is the ultimate festive gift that is bound to spread some Christmas cheer. Adorned with twinkling snowflakes, this gorgeous bauble may look like an innocent tree decoration, yet encased inside are 250-pieces of Christmas chaos. Illustrated

by Armand Foster, the jigsaw inside this festive trinket will provide hours of entertainment and look magnificent in any tinsel-laden Christmas tree.

Finally, Gibsons will be showing their sixteenth limited edition Christmas puzzle, Driving Home for Christmas. With celebrations in the village well under way, residents make their final journey home before Christmas. Greeted by warm mugs of mulled wine, sleigh rides and the brightly lit carousel, everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit!

This ever popular 1000-piece puzzle contains a serial numbered certificate, making it the ideal collector’s gift.

Call: 020 8661 8866 Email: sales@ gibsonsgames.co.uk Visit: gibsonsgames.co.uk 22 gifts today

Splish, splosh

Xystos Stand Hall Q, Stand C17, 18 & 20 Xystos always have the capacity to surprise, as they demonstrated at Spring Fair when they announced that they would be distributing Australian line Splosh and their own Birch Bark candles under the Cello brand – as well as the stunning Himalayan Glow salt crystal candle holders and lamps. Buyers at Home & Gift will witness the launch of Cello home fragrance products which have been in development for the past three years.

A star that will be burning bright on the Xystos stand in Harrogate is Village Candle - celebrating its 25th anniversary this year - which has taken the industry by storm with its beautiful Shimmering Metallic collection.

And retailer favourites Di Palomo and Baylis & Harding will also bring the best of their bath and body products to the show as Xystos lay further claim to being the home of flame and fragrance.

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

SIMPLY GORGEOUS

JEWELLERY AND ACCESSORIES

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Home & Gift Stand DP3-8

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

Home & Gift

Give your home a lift

Yankee Candle Co Stand Q-E39 Add a touch of sophistication and style to the home this autumn with the new Elevation Collection from Yankee Candle. Available in-store and online from September 2018, the new Yankee Candle Elevation Collection has an elegant silhouette and stylish aesthetic that is enhanced by integrating the lid as a base. The dual-purpose lid has been specifically designed to securely fit into the bottom of the glass, providing stylish protection for most surfaces and creating a unified look – the perfect home accessory.

The Yankee Candle Elevation Collection has been developed using a balance of the high quality glass and contemporary, clean lines, to create a distinct shape that complements the style of any room. Smooth soy wax and modern, on-trend fragrances lead to enjoyable, sensory experiences. Creating enjoyable, room-filling fragrance experiences, the large-sized statement and medium-sized décor candles contain multiple wicks to allow for an even burn.

The collection’s chic design paired with décor-focused palettes and artistic water colour imagery will complement each and every room. The collection is specifically nuanced to embrace each scent’s major note, with newly developed complex and on-trend fragrances to help appeal to the refined consumer. The new Yankee Candle Elevation Collection candles are available in 12 indulgent core fragrances. The hero scent is Velvet Woods – a fragrance reminiscent of a stroll through rich woods teeming with exotic interludes of warm amber and a hint of sweet fruit blossoms.

The other fragrances are: Evening Star, Magnolia & Lily, Citrus Grove Dark Berries, Sheer Linen, Shore Breeze, Coastal Cypress, Sweet Nectar Blossom, Harvest Walk, Ginger Pumpkin and Pear & Tea Leaf. This stunning new Yankee Candle collection will be available in three new sizes: the statement jar (553 grams), the décor jar (347 grams) and trial jar (96 grams).

Call: 0117 316 1200 Email: sales@yankeecandle.co.uk Visit: yankeecandle.co.uk

Accentuate the positive Richard Lang Stand B-18

The female empowerment movement, focusing on positivity and strength in numbers as women support one another, is becoming increasingly prominent in the market and with this in mind Lang’s would like to introduce two new contrasting giftware collections.

The first of the two collections, ‘Positivity,’ embraces the idea of a positive mental attitude and self-belief even when you might be going through a tough time. You’ll love their six assorted wooden plaques with their rainbow watercolour backdrop and gold metallic text - the perfect gift for a beautiful friend!

In contrast, their ‘Simplicity’ collection is about the importance of slowing down, taking time for yourself and being thankful for life’s little pleasures. Their gorgeous, simplistic mugs would make a lovely gift to help a special friend remember to ‘take life one sip at a time’. So here’s to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.

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

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Party Time!

See us at Home & Gift Fair Harrogate Hall B Stand B40

Please contact us for a trade catalogue. www.classiccanes.co.uk

01805 626226 sales@dartington.co.uk

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Home & Gift

In style

Culinary Concepts Stand M-18 Culinary Concepts are devoted to creating inspiring, design-led home accessories from superior, on-trend materials. Their thoughtful new designs for 2018 bring creativity and unique twists to classic pieces that create features in the home to be admired and treasured for years to come. This year has seen the introduction of over 250 new additions.

Inspired by the current revival in Art-Deco trend, their new collections of occasional tables, statement velvet chairs, pendant lighting and drinks’ trolleys embrace the symmetry, bold shapes and glamour that define this iconic style.

Creativity is at the forefront of this year’s lighting range which has been expanded to include outstanding contemporary pieces.

Fashionable brassy tones, industrial cage-like shapes, polished silver and contemporary glass all feature; perfect for making a statement.

The ever-popular Octopus range has stunning new additions that feature darker finishes and evocative gold detailing. The majestic Stag Collection has grown to include even more enchanting pieces and intricate detailing.

Call: 01252 852235 Visit: culinaryconceptsliving.com

Scent-sational

Heaven Scent Incense Stand Q-E87 Beautiful ranges of naturally scented candles that are ethically sourced and all hand-poured in England. Their glass is recycled and so is most of their packaging.

The first to create a natural alternative to a paraffin wax candle over 25 years ago, they created a unique blend of plant wax that burns cleanly and effectively infused with fine fragrances and essential oils. They also offer other natural products to complement their scented candle range.

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

It’s playtime

Paul Lamond Games Stand DP1 – C67 Paul Lamond Games will launch over 30 exciting new games and puzzles this year and many of these new lines will be on display at the show alongside renowned best sellers. There will also be a little magic along with some football fever this summer too!

Nanostars is an ingenious new a brick-based construction range with top football licences, is set to hit the shelves as football fever gets into full swing this summer. The colourful brick-based construction range is based on top football club licenses including: Liverpool FC, Chelsea FC, Arsenal, Manchester City, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The football-focused range includes Pitch Sets, Stands, Changing Rooms and even Team Bus sets. The unique products, developed for ages five and over, make the perfect gift for any young football fan.

There is also more magic in store from Jamie Raven this summer, as one of Britain’s most talented and inspiring magicians launches the Ultimate Magic Set ahead of his new UK Tour ‘Making Magic’. Budding magicians can learn directly from the best as the phenomenal magician, who shot to stardom on the 2015 series of Britain’s Got Talent when he finished as ‘Top Human’, teaches 50 of his favourite mind-blowing magic tricks.

If it is board games you are after then look out for the new, hilarious, fast-paced, game of modelling mayhem - Kersplatt! New this summer are the brilliant and 26 gifts today

entertaining family board games; Stupid Deaths, that comes packaged in a tombstone shaped box; and the exciting new trivia board game, Reveal, the game with no questions, only answers!

When it comes to jigsaws, the games and puzzles specialist will be not only display their successful World of David Walliams’ range of 250-piece puzzles but also an exciting new series of Roald Dahl Puzzles. The 250-piece jigsaws star some of the famous author’s most loved characters; Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG. A new Matilda Card Game ‘Dodge the Trunchbull’ will also be available this summer.

For teenagers and adults, the new Hanayama Brain Teaser Puzzles, renowned for their quality and difficulty, are set to challenge even the most proficient of puzzlers. The range of six solid cast metal puzzles include the Enigma, the Vortex and the Labyrinth.

The first challenge is to take the puzzle apart, the next is to put it back together!

Call: 020 7254 0100 Visit: paul-lamond.com

See us at

HARROGATE HOME & GIFT 15th-19th July Stand No. DP1-A93 Beautiful hand poured candles, home fragrances and luxurious hand care.

St.Eval embrace nature, encourage recycling and produce sustainably on their farm in North Cornwall.

Share your St Eval experiences @stevalcandles

www.stevalcandlecompany.co.uk

Social Media - Ross Hewitt

Today’s consumers are upwardly mobile It’s likely that your online audience are stuck to their mobiles – could be time to start building your campaigns around mobile devices.

I

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

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generally dislike Travelodge hotels but frequent them too often for my liking. They desperately want to avoid having any staff in them and would prefer to just put everything guests might want or need in a vending machine that doesn’t take the new pound coin. They will try to sell you anything like they are doing you a favour…even the beds you sleep on in the room are available for sale.

You have to buy wifi access. Come on, who still charges for that?

So, when I’m sat in a Travelodge room and have stumped up my £3 wifi payment I tend to go all Martin Lewis and try and get my money’s worth. These tend to be the occasions where in the privacy of my room, away from prying eyes, I do what any red-blooded middleaged marketing man would do…I dig and delve deep into Google Analytics. One of these sordid data sessions happened just a few nights ago.

My work involves being privy to quite a lot of data across many different clients and organisations and it is a healthy mix of brand and ecommerce activity, so all bases are covered, as well as some B2B parts of the industry. Most of these websites have a few years of continual data to play with and the sample is big enough to pick out some consumer behaviour trends.

The one that leapt out the most during this orgy of mouse clicks was just how stuck to their mobile devices website visitors are. I’m curious to know how many of you reading this have an accurate handle on the habits of your online audience. How often do you monitor how people are accessing

your website? Taking a sample of 10 consumer-facing websites with over 150,000 visitors a month between them I am seeing an average of over 80% of visits are happening on mobile devices (including tablets).

Looking at data from three years ago it was around 67% and less than 45% in 2012. I know, I’m not breaking any new ground here… ‘Yay, Ross has pointed out that mobile devices are

“

Maybe it is time to start building your campaigns around mobile devices exclusively

”

popular…we’re saved!!’

Those numbers are big, but they have bigger implications in the wider context of your digital marketing.

Consider any advertising that you do, either on Facebook or Google AdWords. Have you optimised your campaigns for mobile or did you set them up on your desktop and then just quickly click through the settings for mobile adverts?

Maybe it is time to start building your campaigns around mobile devices exclusively. Have a look in Google Analytics and I am sure you will all be getting at least 75/80% of your consumer visits from mobiles.

Don’t waste money chasing the 2025% and go after the bigger numbers.

Consider running some campaigns on Instagram…it is pretty much a 100% mobile-focussed service with a core audience of gift product

purchasing age. Make sure your Google AdWords campaigns have the Call Extensions added to them, so a mobile user can tap to call you (these call buttons can be timed to only appear when you are open).

Block a couple of hours out of a day soon to do a full pass through your website on your mobile. Does it hang together OK? Will a consumer be able to read about your products on their phone and quickly find out how to contact you, or check where your store is located? If you sell online, can they easily make the purchase there and then?

Is your website responsive? If it isn’t then you have optimised it perfectly for around 20% of your audience while the other 80% will become frustrated. Can your telephone number be tapped to start a call or is it built into an image so needs to be written down and tapped in manually - just one of the most frustrating things to have to do.

Tweaking for mobile is long overdue if you haven’t done it for a while or even at all, and a few changes can make all the difference.

Sort out the website experience first though if it is lacking and then tackle the advertising, not the other way around. It’s a false economy to turn the tap on faster when there is a big hole in the bucket. If your website’s very old and has no chance of looking good on a mobile device, then it’s time to plan an upgrade.

Don’t be scared of costs and do investigate a WordPress website as a low-cost entry option - you’ll be able to update it yourself.

Right, back to the Travelodge website…that £29 room they always seem to advertise must be on here somewhere!

Retail Interview - The Baltic Shop

True North

Named Best Shop at the 2018 ACE Best Product Awards, the Baltic Shop in Gateshead is known for its witty product offering and intelligently bought ranges. Editor Sally Norton caught up with head buyer Sara Ley to discover how she has built the store’s gift offering.

Sara, how important are gifts for your retail offering?

Increasingly important. We learnt early on that we couldn’t survive solely as a bookshop. We introduced

talent in the North East and some of our bestselling products come from local designers and makers.

As a gallery we support regional and internationals artists and this carries

‘We introduced gifts not only as a way of increasing profits but to satisfy the needs of our visitors who aren’t all arts specialists and simply wanted a memento of their visit’ gifts not only as a way of increasing profits but to satisfy the needs of our visitors who aren’t all arts specialists and simply wanted a memento of their visit. There is a wealth of design

Northern Soul

What is your career journey to the role of Head of Retail?

I studied Fine Art so have always been interested in arts and culture. I started out working in galleries in London and then for a short while in publishing. My move up north was never intentional.

I was recommended to the then Director of Baltic to set up the shop prior to the gallery opening. I saw it as a great opportunity so jumped at the chance, believing I’d move back down to London once my work was done.

That didn’t happen, I love it up here

through into the shop so long as the products fit with the style and ethos of our brand.

The Baltic Shop is housed in the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art on the banks of the River Tyne in Gateshead. It’s a converted flour mill and opened in 2002. Originally the shop stocked predominantly books and was fairly specialist, but over the years they have adapted their ranges to better suit their visitors. ‘We still sell books but our main focus is now gifts, including jewellery, prints and homewares,’ says Sara Ley.

and have been at Baltic ever since.

What is your main responsibility?

To generate income! I oversee a team of five staff who together manage the operational needs of our shop and online shop. I do a majority of the buying and range planning and am responsible for the strategic development of our retail areas.

What makes your job so special?

The creative freedom I have. Baltic doesn’t have a permanent collection, therefore the exhibitions and artists we

show are always changing.

Whilst this can be challenging - trying to link products to exhibitions - it also allows me to think beyond just our programme and extend our ranges to appeal to a wider customer base. Baltic is a publicly funded organisation and a registered charity. With the continued funding challenges the arts sector faces, self-generated income has become increasingly important. All the profits from our shop support our exhibition and learning programme so that we can continue to bring great art to everyone. gifts today 29

Retail Interview - The Baltic Shop

‘Whilst we like to be aware of trends, we don’t overtly follow them or will put our own twist on em them’

ACE up your sleeve

Promoting excellence in cultural trading is at the heart of the business of ACE. ACE is an association of Members and Associate members who are passionate about their work in the cultural and heritage sector.

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You have a bricks and mortar an and online presence – which works best for you?

They go hand in hand. We get up to 500,000 visitors a year to Baltic so our shop is an important asset and for some has become a destination in its own right. Although our location is quite central to Newcastle and Gateshead, we’re not on the high street and so our online presence has allowed us to maintain a relationship with our customers, whilst also extending our reach both nationally and internationally.

Do you have a typical customer?

As we’re housed in a gallery our customer type fluctuates throughout the year and depends on the types of exhibitions we have on. Aside from that we do get a lot of families and because our building is so iconic and situated on the riverside, we attract the tourists too.

Our average spend fluctuates according to time of year and exhibition programme. On average it’s approximately £35-£40 online and around £12-£15 in the shop.

What is your mix of products like?

Quite varied. We stock everything from limited edition prints to

homewares but with a contemporary/ quirky edge to them. We don’t want to be too specialist so look beyond what’s going on in our galleries to widen our appeal.

What’s your biggest selling category?

Despite reducing our book offer over the years, sales are still strong, predominantly with gift and children’s books. We tend to do well with those impulse buys rather than the larger, expensive art books. Artists’ products do well for us, particularly online. There’s an artist called David Shrigley whose humorous illustrations adorn a myriad of

products – from shoelaces to inflatable swans. People can’t get enough of him, the ranges keep growing and so does his appeal.

Bestsellers over the past year?

Baubles and enamel badges – not your typical art gallery products! We commissioned a David Bowie bauble a couple of years ago which we had some media success with. Sales took

off and so last year we added three more designs to the range – a second Bowie design, Bill Murray and Frida Kahlo. All did really well, got picked up for gift guides and now our customers are eagerly awaiting our next design, which is great. Enamel badges have also been popular – from celebrity faces to feminist slogans. We probably sell close to 50 designs, and more and more suppliers are catching on so I’m expecting this craze to carry on.

What trends do you predict will be big over the next year?

Whilst we like to be aware of trends, we don’t overtly follow them or will put our own twist on them so we retain our USP. Cacti and pineapples seemed to be everywhere last year and will probably reappear this spring/summer,

Particular challenges for 2018?

This summer, Newcastle/Gateshead are hosting the Great Exhibition of the North, the biggest event taking place in England in 2018. Baltic is one of the main hubs so whilst it’s a fantastic opportunity and will no doubt increase footfall, we have to ensure we get our offer in the shop right. Prior to this we’re refurbishing our shop so it’s going to be a really busy few months.

Where does most of your inspiration come from?

It comes from all over the place – the shows, the high street, the internet and just working in a creative environment every day. I always attend Top Drawer and find Maison & Objet inspiring.

I’d love to go further afield but unfortunately my meagre travel budget won’t allow for this so I do a lot of trawling the internet.

as well as bold floral motifs. On a topical note, the #MeToo campaign has sparked huge interest in feminism and celebrating women in general. This has been a catalyst for new products and books and will no doubt continue well into the year.

Do you commission any special merchandise?

Yes, and we’re currently commissioning a couple of ranges for the Great Exhibition of the North. I’m working with a designer called Andy Tuohy who has an existing range we already stock.

We liked his style and thought it would translate into a great range for this particular exhibition. We’ve just signed off the initial design, which is an A-Z of the North East, and are now applying it to various products to see what works best. We’ve been working on it for the past six months and it will be available from June.

What advice would you give to other independent retailers?

Be creative and inventive in the way you select and merchandise your products. Mixing things up can give your shop and products a new lease of life.

What next? Plans for the future?

We’re excited about the refurbishment of our shop. It’s been over ten years since it was last done and our product ranges have changed dramatically since then. It should make a real difference both for our staff and customers. Our online shop is also going from strength to strength so we’ll be focussing on potential developments to be made there also.

How do you shop the shows?

I’m an aisle walker. Even if a section of a show isn’t necessarily relevant, I’ll still check it out in case there’s that single product that can complete a range. I tend not to buy at the fairs but quietly take it all in and do the planning and buying when I get back to the office that way I can be sure I’m making an informed decision and have a better overview of what I’ve seen

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Trade talk

Gifts Today loves to hear your views.

Leading figures in the gift industry talk top trends, licences and the difference between men and women when it comes to gifting.

Charlotte Gillan MD, Classic Canes Top gift trends this summer?

Things you can wear, things you can use. Affordable accessories are always important when the economy is a bit quiet.

Upcoming shows?

Autumn Fair at the NEC in early September.

Should gift retailers target men and women differently when it comes to gifts?

Yes, but not just men and women. Different age groups, walks of life, town or country people all have different tastes and needs - retailers shouldn’t try to simplify their product offering to the point where they can only please one type of customer. When it comes to gifts for women, I would focus on the useful and the wearable: silver jewellery, silk scarves, small vases the right size for garden flowers, pretty folding canes.

Are there particular licences that do well for women?

Our National Gallery line of canes sell predominantly to women.

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Sarah Watmore, Owner, Miss Milly Top gift trends this summer?

Colour is our favourite thing to work with and our S/S18 palette is bursting with lime, fuchsia and turquoise. We will soon be launching a range of colourful ponchos to complement our scarf collection and coordinate with our beautiful Floria collection jewellery. We are seeing growth in the sale of chunkier bracelets, particularly anything without a fiddly clasp. And consumers are looking for stand-out jewellery that has a bold design but is still easy to wear.

Upcoming shows?

Home & Gift Harrogate and then Autumn Fair to launch the A/W18 collections.

Should gift retailers target men and women differently when it comes to gifts?

Women like to browse and find hidden treasures whilst men like a much more direct ‘go into the shop, find something appropriate and buy it’ approach, so retailers need to think about creating both aspects. When I had a shop, I found that ease and convenience was key for men buying for women. They tended to opt for buying the whole set of something that they vaguely remembered their partner pointing out to them, so displaying a co-ordinating scarf with a jewellery set could easily increase the transaction value. And offering to take off prices and gift wrap the purchase was always a hit.

Paul Hooker Commercial Director, Joe Davies Top gift trends this summer?

Fairytale themes featuring sentiment messages, such as mermaids, unicorns and fairies; also performing well is our llama-themed collection. As the summer nights get longer, LED message jars and bottles are going to be in high demand and drinking themes, particularly gin, is a real trend. Sunny by Sue hand painted Gin Glasses have been selling through in large numbers and it’s been difficult at times to keep in stock. Our Equilibrium Jewellery featuring hand painted insects and flower themes is showing very strongly; we have also seen a great response on stationery and glass items in our Bug Art Collection.

Helen Cottrill Director of Marketing, Enesco Top gift trends this summer?

Function will remain key - mugs, cosmetic bags, scarves are all hot products for us right now. With the economic uncertainty around Brexit we also find that people do spend more on their home environment, rather than consider big purchases, this in turn results in self-purchase on figurines and home or garden accessories.

Should gift retailers target men and women differently when it comes to gifts?

Typically women like to browse - they like the experience, beautiful displays, a coffee shop / gift shop combination. However men want simplicity, clean displays, easy to find, ideally gift boxed. Willow Tree resonates with women and we have also had huge success with our adult Beatrix Potter gift line. Display branded gifts together, so they are easily found and offer a gift wrap service. From experience if a man finds a brand he knows someone likes he would potentially go over budget to get something he knows will be liked, rather than take a risk on something different. Always provide a receipt!

Upcoming shows?

Harrogate Home & Gift is a show we really enjoy attending.

It’s a great showcase for our spring/summer collections and it’s where we’ll be launching the bulk of our autumn/winter range. This is followed in September by the very busy Autumn Fair at the NEC.

Should gift retailers target men and women differently when it comes to gifts?

Most of the gift shopping in non-specialist stores is either by females, or by men buying for women. Vibrant colours in fashion, hand-painted finishes on home items and jewellery and sentiment sayings that reflect an individual’s personality and lifestyle are all trends that are featuring strongly.

Are there particular licences that do well for women?

Snoozies!, Poo-Pourri, Rose & Co cosmetics, Sunny

by Sue gin glasses, Sock Society and Equilibrium Jewellery.

Cara Beech New Product Manager, Personalised Memento Company Top gift trends this summer?

Designs and patterns that draw upon summer holiday themes, reminding us of far-flung getaways in warmer climes.

It’s clear that llamas, flamingos, and cacti fit within this remit and will continue to be popular throughout the rest of 2018. Geometric patterns are set to be big this year. Influences from the 80s are creating an array of designs that mix pastel colours with natural textures, such as white marble effects. In terms of practical trends, jewellery holders will also be big this year. Within jewellery itself, bright florals and rose gold are still set to be popular.

Special news?

Toward the end of the summer, we will be launching our revamped trade website, ensuring a fresh new look and complete ease of use for all customers. The website will also be adapted for use as a selling tool for shops too.

Should gift retailers target men and women differently when it comes to gifts?

Fast turn-around items such as greetings cards, chocolate bars and mugs also work really well for us, with something available for all women.

These kind of items are a great way to start out with personalised gifts, particularly for shop based customers.

Are there particular licences that do well for women?

For us, our personalised Me to You, Rachael Hale, Bang on the Door, Boofle and Country Diary licences sell particularly well for women.

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Gifts for Women

Gifts she’ll love While women enjoy shopping for gifts or self-purchase, research shows that men find it tricky buying for the women in their lives. We ask the experts for gift ideas for your female customers – as well as for the men who are buying for them.

Did you know?

Just 40.9% men enjoy gift shopping for occasions such as birthdays or weddings, compared with 61.5% of women.

GlobalData

W

ith men admitting to struggling with gift shopping, retailers must target male and female shoppers in different ways and focus on creating a simple and more enjoyable experience, according to leading data and analytics company GlobalData.

‘With male shoppers much more likely to panic buy, retailers have the opportunity to stand out from competitors by providing fast delivery options,’ says retail analyst Zoe Mills.

‘While female shoppers are more price savvy, purchasing gifting items on promotion, male shoppers are much more likely to leave their shopping to the last minute, resulting in a limited opportunity to shop around and find the cheapest option.’

Helen Cottrill from Enesco agrees.

‘In the main, women love to shop and also love to give thoughtful gifts. For Enesco, the highest spend occasion after Christmas is Mother’s Day, with consumers spending far more on the women in their lives than the men!

Put thought into your displays, and

A retailer says…

encourage upsell - for example, if you sell hand cream, display it with a nail file and a cosmetic bag, or bundle them in a mug. Personally, I like the recipient to know that I have spent time considering what they would like and presentation is key.’

Items that are considered a ‘treat’ are always likely to be well received.

‘Personally, gifts for women is about products that are desirable and not essential,’ says Sarah Watmore, owner of Miss Milly. ‘There are the things we need, such as saucepans and practical clothing, and then there are the things we want, like a pretty, floaty scarf to brighten up our winter coat or a sparkly ring, just because it matches our favourite top.

‘We are naturally drawn to attractive displays and the range of products available to fulfil this category makes for great, colour-themed displays of mixed product, including jewellery, scarves, bags and purses, small homeware items, such as vases, candles, trinket boxes and contemporary ornaments.

Adding a mannequin with a poncho, hat and bag adds height and diversity. ‘

‘Women make up 85% of our shopper demographic, so the shop is always packed with many options for women’ Soni Ahmed, Maia Gifts, Glasgow 34 gifts today

Gift Giving…all wrapped up Enesco Limited, Head Office & Customer Services, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0EN. Tel: 01228 404022 email: trade@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Tel: +44 1228 404066 email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk Distributed by Enesco. All Rights Reserved, About Face Designs™ © 1999–2018, About Face Designs™ © 2018 Enesco Ltd.

en8236-gifts-today-af-ad-apr18.indd 1

30/04/2018 13:21

Gifts for Women

‘Targeting men and women differently makes the shopping experience easier’

Charlotte Gillan, MD of Classic Canes, reminds us: ‘Oscar Wilde once said you should never give a woman something she can’t wear in the evening.

“I could gift wrap it for you, sir” will sell many a present to men too!’

When it comes to trends, Charlotte reports building demand for what she calls ‘artistic’ products. ‘People seem to be becoming more interested in showing how cultured they are rather than how much money they’ve got,’ she says.

Speed and efficiency are key when targeting male customers, according to GlobalData, in their 3000 respondent all-year gifting survey in 2018. ‘With male shoppers much more likely to panic buy, retailers have the opportunity to stand out from competitors by providing fast delivery options,’ says Zoe Mills. When it comes to online shopping, she says: ‘Express delivery should be highlighted online to encourage male shoppers to invest time in browsing for gifts, as they know they can get the item delivered in time.’ She highlights the company Moonpig, which allows customers to add important dates for reminds to their account, and suggests other retailers can capitalize on this functionality, with many already allowing customers to 36 gifts today

record their own r birthday within b their accounts. t Also, Marks & Spencer is a retailer that many r could learn from c when segmenting w gifting options. g Its It hampers and gifting tab allows g customers to c filter for gifts by recipient, interest, age and occasion, allowing them to easily navigate through its extensive assortment.

As Cara Beech, new product manager for Personalised Memento Company (PMC) says: ‘It’s important for retailers to remember that customers usually have a recipient in mind when they’re buying. Targeting men and women differently makes the shopping experience easier, as customers can more easily choose a gift from a gendered selection.

‘However, there is also a significant market for gender-neutral gifts that can appeal to all. This is where personalisation really shines, as gifts can be tailored to a recipient through a personal message, or even simply by personalising a gift with a name.’ PMC’s soon-to-be-launched new website will also be able to be adapted for use as a selling tool in shops, too.

A retailer says…

‘We’ve been doing well with Ester & Erik tall taper candles recently - they are stunning candles in a wide range of colours. We’ve helped quite a few men choose them for their wives and they’ve come back afterwards to say thank you. The wives have loved the look and the fact that the husbands have paid attention to the colours in their homes!’

Tabi Marsh, Papilio (Heritage), Bristol

A Taste of Morocco

Shabby Chic

For trend inspiration in your store, request our Setting the Style home ware guide, or for even more inspiration, book an appointment to visit our showrooms.

Vicky Yorke

Pastel Blooms

To become a stockist of our Home Living collection visit our website or contact our sales office: www.widdop.co.uk | 0161 688 1226 | sales@widdop.co.uk Broadgate, Broadway Business Park, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 9XE

Gifts for Women

NHM Butterfly Charm collection The Carat Shop

Just heavenly Heaven Scent

Emerging from winter, luxury Natural Candles made by Heaven Scent will fragrance a home throughout the year, not just at Christmas. Heaven Scent has over 80 different seasonal fragrances to choose from, and the most popular are Wild Flowers, Buttercup and Bluebell. With an uplifting light fragrance and mixed with their eco-friendly plant wax and high quality perfume oils, the burn is clean, and produces very little soot. Heaven Scent has also many different vessels to choose from allowing shops to easily change their look and appeal to their customers.

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

After months of design work and working closely with the Natural History Museum, The Carat Shop have produced a stunning collection of silver plated jewellery, including a range of beautiful butterfly charms and necklaces.

Each butterfly charm comes on an official Natural History Museum card, displaying the name of the species depicted.

With six vibrant designs to choose from, customers have the freedom to mix and match the species they choose, or just simply pick out their favourite. These butterfly charms clip perfectly onto the adjustable Natural History Museum charm bracelet, which is also available.

As with every product that the Museum and The Carat Shop have coproduced, these butterfly charms have been approved for anatomical accuracy and, of course, a percentage of every sale made of these items is invested back into the funding of the Museum and their science research.

All silver-plated charms have an RRP of just £4.99.

Call: 01279 739 239 Email: info@thecaratshop.co.uk

Special occasion Lesser and Pavey

Brand new from Lesser and Pavey is the Mad Dot range of bracelets carrying messages for Mum, Grandma, Nan, a Fabulous Friend as well as with Sparkle and Dreams. This range is exquisitely packaged in transparent frontage to show off the gold and silver coloured bracelets, hidden initially by a quality cover - when the cover slides perfectly across the front of the quality packaging the gift is revealed.

This new range is perfect as wedding gifts for the proud mums of the bride, groom and bridesmaids. Mad Dot is a large range offered by Lesser and Pavey licensed by Hearts Designs – the range has been a huge success and continues to grow. It has just had a new wedding table top range of ceramics added.

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

Sticks of style Classic Canes

Walking stick suppliers Classic Canes specialise in products that are elegant fashion accessories as well as functional aids to balance and mobility. Managing director Charlotte Gillan explains: ‘There are thought to be over 11 million disabled people in the UK, many of whom use a walking stick some or all of the time.

‘For many of them, it is a source of frustration that so many mobility products are very basic in their design and offer no way for them to express their personal sense of style. An elegant cane can make a big difference psychologically. For example, we have a beautiful range with smooth acrylic handles, which are very comfortable to hold all day and look very chic and contemporary too. There is a range of colours, from neutrals to bright ruby and emerald shades, so there is something for everyone, whether buying for themselves or as a gift.’

Call: 01460 75686 Email: charlotte@classiccanes.co.uk Visit: classiccanes.co.uk 38 gifts today

Driven by a fascination of Nordic style and living, Founder Betina Stampe established Bloomingville in 2000. Since then she has shared her passion for creative ways of keeping the home in a mode of constant change with people all across the globe. Along the way Betina’s husband, Simon Stamp, became CEO and Bloomingville has in the past 15 years grown into one of the main global brands for home interior.

As part of this continuous mission for growth it is time to focus on the UK. Bloomingville are now looking for Sales Agents covering most areas (excluding N.I and R.O.I) Reporting to the Country Manager via Filias Agencies Ltd the successful candidates will be supported with: • 2 Main seasonal collections • 5 Express collections • 1 Christmas collection • Customer data base, active and historical • Regular sales leads generated from Bloomingvilles excellent website • Regular repeat business via Bloomingvilles B2B web shop • 10% commission on all sales As market leaders Bloomigville desires only to work with the very best.

To this end we welcome inquiries from commercial agents who: • Are well connected and respected within the Home Fashion and Interiors arena • Have contacts with small to medium boutiques and gift shops plus upmarket garden centres • Are passionate and enthusiastic With an existing database the mission is one of growth, year on year, with all the rewards that this will bring.

If you feel that this is you then please contact: Simon Pykett - Country Manager Mob: 07967 209156 • Mail: spy@bloomingville.com Web: www.bloomingville.com

Area Sales Manager Required

Due to continuing growth, we have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Area Sales Manager to join our ambitious sales team.

The Role As an Area Sales Manager you will be expected to develop and grow a new region for the company, identifying new customers and building relationships with them and existing customers in the giftware industry. You will be expected to understand your customers’ businesses and their buying patterns to maximise sales opportunities within your region and introduce them to new products and ranges that you think they would be interested in stocking, as well as acting as liaison between the customer and Head Office in the event of any issue.

The Person You will be expected to achieve regional sales targets by using a consultative sales approach. This is a field based role and you must be able to manage your time effectively and remain highly motivated in this environment.

You may be required to work in other regions or attend meetings outside of your region or attend trade fairs to represent the company so the ability to be flexible in regard to work is essential. You should have a reasonable level of IT literacy as you will be expected to update spreadsheets and the CRM, as well as take card payments online from customers.

The Company Something Different Wholesale was established in 1999 and is now one of the fastest growing companies in Wales. Many of our products are designed in-house by our team of Designers and are exclusive to us and distributed from our Head Office and Warehouse in South Wales If you want to work for an organisation that truly values its people in an exciting Sales role with a massive earning potential including a great basic salary with uncapped quarterly incentives, generous car allowance, 29 days annual leave plus Birthday Day Off, this could be the role for you.

To apply, please email your CV and covering letter, outlining why you are the right candidate for this role, to jay@somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk Something Different Wholesale is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and values diversity.

Gifts for Women

Natural selection

Peace of Mind (PoM) PoM promises to re-awaken all of your senses this summer with their stand out collection.

Gift jewellery brings welcome mellow tones with warm washed gold and silver plate.

Inspired by organic shapes, natural and botanical themes, it’s thoughtfully designed and exquisitely made. Sterling silver is sleek and pared down, simple shapes create a subtle statement, with delicate stacking rings and bracelets creating that relaxed summer look.

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

Perfect Punch

Valerie Graham Ltd New Punch Neoprene: Designed in Australia, Delivered to you.

Sophisticated and simple, Punch bags are the hottest selling handbag sweeping the world and are now available in the UK. Made from neoprene with soft, sturdy rope handles, this new release into the UK slips easily from outdoors to sidewalk in a range of gorgeous on trend colours such; black, charcoal, grey, olive green & metallic rose gold and silver. Chic and capacious, they carry all that you need and all that you want.

A light carryall bag that keeps its form and is easily cleaned (handles washing machines), Punch Neoprene is the ultimate go-to everyday tote.

Designed in Australia, Punch is dust and waterproof with large sides that you can pop right in. With a coin purse attached to the rope and placed inside, rest assured that all your essentials are safe and sound. Punch neoprene and the new suede with tassel bags will be available in the UK from May 2018.

Call: 020 8200 5100 Email: sales@vgltd.co.uk 40 gifts today

Say what?

Enesco

Enesco has unveiled series of tongue-in-cheek gifts for women from About Face Designs. Adding to its hugely popular ‘Say What?’ range from About Face Designs for 2018, Enesco has unveiled the addition of new products, that allows the ladies to say everything they’d ever like to express…and more.

Witty and wise with its words, yet fun and frivolous too, the ‘He Said I Was Delusional’ Cosmetic Bag is an ideal buy as a birthday treat, for Mother’s Day or just simply to help give a girlie giggle to the receiver. Measuring 16.5cm tall and 18cm wide, the ‘He Said I Was Delusional’ Cosmetic Bag is perfectly proportioned to hold all those must-have make-up pieces and cosmetics.

Presented in a vivid purple shade of translucent wipe-down material, the side of the make-up bag reads in a bold white font ‘He said I was delusional, I nearly fell off my unicorn’. Sure to raise a smile amongst women who have ever been accused of having their heads in the clouds, while playing to this season’s massive unicorn trend.

Also in the range is ‘The Sarcasm is Real, The Nails are Fake’ Nail File. For women ever accused of sharpening their talons or having a tongue that could cut glass, this is the gift for them. Measuring 18cm and made from a firm board with coarse filing fabric, ‘The Sarcasm is Real, The Nails are Fake’ Nail File is ideal for shaping natural as well as acrylic or gel nails, and can easily be popped in a handbag or the ‘He Said I Was Delusional Cosmetic Bag’. One side of the file is black while the other is white. Reversed out on each side of the file is the slogan ‘The Sarcasm is Real, The Nails are Fake’.

Retailing with an SRP of £6.95 and £1.50 respectively, both the ‘He Said I Was Delusional’ Cosmetic Bag and ‘The Sarcasm is Real, The Nails are Fake Nail File’ are available to buy from Enesco where the About Face Designs range continues to be a big hit with its slightly off-the-mark, below-the belt, yet hilariously honest remarks with families and friends alike.

Visit: enesco.co.uk

Seriously stylish Wax Lyrical

The company has announced a collaboration with up and coming British designer Yvonne Ellen who only creates hand-crafted products she’d love to own herself. Previously working in ceramics and stationery, Yvonne has now moved into home fragrance. With a quirky, unique style, the range comprises a fragranced candle, reed diffuser and gift set with three votives. Available from 1 May.

The scent of home HomeScenter is a collection that changes the way we fragrance our homes, designed to complement individual rooms throughout the house. From the kitchen to the bedroom, living room to home office, the fragrances have been created to enhance the key qualities in each area of the house. What’s more, each one contains a smell-controlling ingredient, meaning this range doesn’t just make the home smell great, it does a vital job too.

Call: 01229 461166 Visit: waxlyricaltrade.com

Daisy Picking Something Different

This new and exclusive range has been designed by the Something Different design team and features an eye catching bee and daisy motif. With a product range which includes makeup bags, compact mirrors, mugs and sentimental miniature signs, this gorgeous giftware collection is certainly one to pick.

Call: 01792 793610 Email: customercare@somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk Visit: somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk

Personalised jewellery Personalised Memento Company

The Personalised Memento Company’s collection of personalised jewellery continues to go from strength to strength, with new, fashion-forward designs in the works for summer 2018.

Their best-selling range includes this charming silver plated disc necklace, which can be personalised with any message. PMC’s collection of jewellery also includes charming rose gold bracelets, as well as a range of classic pearl products. PMC even supply a huge range of jewellery specifically for him, from engraved dog tags to stylish bracelets.

See PMC’s full range of personalised jewellery and fashion accessories on their trade website. There, you can also sign up for your trade account and take advantage of PMC’s fast and reliable drop-ship service, which includes no minimum order requirement.

Call: 01782 744900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Visit: personalisedmemento.co.uk

The NEW BBC Earth greetings card and gift stationery range from Museums & Galleries features iconic imagery from the landmark series Blue Planet II, Planet Earth II and beyond.

This innovative and inspiring collection launches exclusively at PG Live – STAND 218.

sales@mgml.co.uk Tel: 01373 462165 www.museumsgalleries.co.uk The BBC Earth logo is a trademark of the BBC and is used under licence.

Blue Planet logo © BBC 2001. BBC logo ™ & © BBC 1996.

gifts today 41

Gifts for Women

Fair trade style Namaste

Namaste have an extensive range of Gifts for Women including clothing, bags, scarves, jewellery and many gift items. New ranges for spring are many, including new handmade leather accessories produced on a Fair Trade basis in India. Designs are embossed on to the surface of the leather then skilfully hand painted and glazed. The leather is then stitched, lined and lacquered for a durable finish. Choose from a variety of styles and designs, including purses, glasses cases, card holders, wallets and so on, in rainbow, paisley or animal designs.

With a huge range of products, efficient service and very good stock availability, Namaste is well worth a look. Their very generous discount structure combined with such an extensive collection of design-led yet fairly traded products is a very compelling offering. For a set of free catalogues and website access please call Namaste’s friendly sales team.

Call: 01756 700790 Email: sales@namaste-uk.com Visit: namaste-uk.com

Fruit & floral

Women will love Di Palomo’s Orange Blossom and White Grape bath and body products from Xystos, which typify the fruit and floral fragrances that will be to the fore this summer.

Its Black Cherry/ Almond ‘Indulge Yourself’ is one of several gift sets that are particularly popular, while the company’s Handbag Essentials are a must for busy ladies on the move. Orders are also strong for Baylis & Harding’s ontrend ‘summer fizz’ products, which include the rose prosecco fragranced luxury diffuser.

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

42 gifts today

Be inspired

Widdop and Co The Aromatherapy Company Launched at the Spring Fair earlier in the year, The Aromatherapy Company is a leading international brand in strong, pure and natural products. Made in New Zealand using essential oils, it has been creating premium environmentally friendly and mindful products for the last 30 years. The brand includes diffusers, hand cream, body lotion, pulse points and candles. It even includes specific formulations and fragrances such as mandarin, mint and basil that are designed for the kitchen to help eliminate kitchen odours. Pulse points, which combine aromatherapy oils and strategic placements on the body, help promote internal harmony and overall wellbeing.

The minimalist design of the products combined with the company’s strong environmental ethics makes this brand a perfect addition to any spring/summer collection. With a focus on the mind, body and soul it capitalises on the latest well-being trends.

Compendium ‘Live inspired’ is the mantra behind the award winning North American brand, Compendium and the leading gift book publisher has made its debut here in the UK via the distributorship of Widdop and Co. The focus is primarily on gift books which combine fresh, vibrant designs with thoughtful and inspiring words. Each hard back book offers inspiring words and imagery - producing a gift that turns an everyday occasion into a memorable event.

In addition, guided journals, greeting cards and social stationery all feature in the range celebrating the best parts of the human spirit and what it truly means to be inspired.

Gift books are a brand new product category for the company complementing its strong existing sentiment offer in the market place with a unique take on traditional giftware, bringing fresh designs and inspiring copy.

Call: 0161 688 1226 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk Visit: widdop.co.uk

Retailers’ Panel

Gifts Today Retailers’ Panel Key gift retailers talk summer trade shows, gifts for women and plans for the year ahead.

Soni Ahmed Maia Gifts, Glasgow Do you buy specifically – and differently – for women and men?

We grow our men’s collection considerably for Christmas but also for Father’s Day. For the remainder of the year we find that the male market is a little slower for us. ‘Men are so hard to buy for’ is something we hear all the time. It seems that picking the right item for men is tougher as there aren’t always the obvious choices in the way there are for women. However, novelty items are a popular pick year round and anything that gets a laugh works well. Women make up 85% of our shopper demographic so the shop is always packed with many options for women. From bags and fashion accessories, to

jewellery and candles, there is something for most women. Sentimental gifts that carry a touching message also work well for women’s gifts.

Summer shows?

We attended the Harrogate show in July for the first time last year as we wanted to get better prepared for Christmas. It allowed us to get the autumn/winter ranges in earlier and work on making them available on our website. We will be looking for a whole variety of things to grow our collections in the lead up to Christmas.

Plans for the year ahead?

We’re looking at some big giveaways on our social media this year. We are also looking to attract more of the tourist market that visits Glasgow, with adverts in city maps and tourist publications.

Last year saw a record increase in the number of visitors to Glasgow so we want to make sure that they know about Maia.

Emma Paisey Daisy Park, South Molton, North Devon How’s the retailing year been so far?

To be honest, retail has been steady and pretty much on par with last year. We have had three great seasons with Valentine’s, Mother’s Day and Easter seeing great improvements. The snow days did concern me but we actually only lost one day in store because we had to close. However, online kicked in as I guess everyone was at home and, I suppose, had the time to shop.

Do you buy specifically – and differently – for women and men?

Buying for women is certainly easier as there is so much more choice to pick from. Everything seems so much more geared towards women and being one helps. Gifts for women at Daisy Park can be anything from hand creams, to sentiment-led hearts and dishes from East of India, to a Cath Kidston or Pip Studio mug. When it comes to men and children buying for gifts, I find it’s a combination of a larger gift like a purse, handbag or teapot with smaller token and sentiment based items.

Summer shows?

We are still undecided about which shows because we want to see how the next quarter goes for us, but generally I really like attending Harrogate and try to find

something new if possible.

Plans for the year ahead?

We’re continuing to develop our ranges and there is always something new from many of our suppliers. We are in our 11th year of trading and I’m glad we’re still here even though it is tough still out there at retail. We have two new members of staff and hope to continue to grow in this unsettled climate. Looking after social media is a full time job in itself. We try to not just promote product but ourselves and what we love to do and what we enjoy outside of Daisy Park. Instagram and Facebook seem to be the key platforms for us and we have less to do with Twitter these days. Instagram is easy and visual, whilst Facebook helps with product launches or events in store more. gifts today 43

Jenny Morrison Top Drawer, St Andrews, Scotland Do you buy specifically – and differently – for women and men?

Chris Beards Mantons Cards, Isle of Man

We stock lots of gifts specifically for women, men less so, unless they are into golf as we have lots of unique ‘St Andrews’ themed gifts which always sell well throughout the summer with all the visiting golfers and tourists. For women, we stock lots of candles and diffusers from the likes of Stoneglow and McKelvie Candles, glassware from Jo Downs, Glass By Kathryn and Pam Peters Designs, bone china mugs with lots of different designs on them from Dunoon, mantel and wall clocks from Thomas Kent Clocks and cards and stationery from Berni Parker Designs – all women love these when they see them in the shop.

How’s the retailing year been so far?

Summer shows?

The big highlight is having the road directly outside the shop re-open, as it was shut this time last year resulting in a drop of 70% in footfall. The bad weather at the start of the year didn’t help, but retail feels easy compared to last year’s road closure!

I won’t be able to attend this year, but will be keeping up to date with all the Harrogate Home & Gift news on all their social media pages.

Plans for the year ahead?

Do you buy specifically – and differently – for women and men?

I am hoping for a sunny and warm summer after our long winter. We’ve been busy this week stocking up on new cards from White Cotton Cards, Wendy Jones Blackett and Tracey Russell Design as well as new gifts from Pam Peters Designs and Dunoon mugs to take us into the summer and wedding Season.

Women buy far more gifts and women also get brought more gifts so obviously we stock a larger range of gifts for them. Younger children love giving a gift that has Mum, Mummy, Grandma on it, and older children mostly look for a gift similar to something that their relation already has.

Summer shows?

We’ll be attending Harrogate this year. I have attended other shows in Harrogate but this will be the first time at Home and Gift. We are looking for new suppliers for ranges like bath bombs and children’s clothing, and we are always looking for quality gifts that offer a decent margin and will be exclusive to us locally.

Plans for the year ahead?

Last year was the 30th anniversary of Mantons and, in August, it’s ten years since we took over. We have won 16 major national awards since taking over and were in seven finals last year, so hopefully we are able to add to the trophy cabinet this year.

Angela Neal Blueberry, Minehead, Somerset How’s the retailing year been so far?

We’ve found that it’s been a quiet year so far - the Beast from the East certainly didn’t help!

Do you buy specifically – and differently – for women and men?

There’s a lot more of a girly spin to a lot of what we have. From Boozi Bodycare’s cocktailthemed body care products to Bomb Cosmetic’s bath bombs, we’ve noticed that cosmetics are a good seller. Low priced, dainty silver jewellery is also one of our strongest selling ranges

Plans for the year ahead?

We’re really looking forward to relocating to bigger premises in Minehead. Whilst the benefits of having a smaller shop create a more personal atmosphere, we really wanted to showcase our ranges and do them justice.

JOIN OUR RETAILERS’ PANEL! Fancy having your say about the gift industry? Want to share news about your business? Just drop editor Sally Norton an email at sally@lemapublishing.co.uk. Look forward to hearing from you!

44 gifts today

All aboard!

Known for their fantastic licensed offer, Museums & Galleries’ latest collaboration sees them working with Transport for London and the London Transport Museum.

M

useums & Galleries are celebrating one of the world’s oldest and most iconic mass transport systems though the amazing artwork they have created and archived throughout their history, starting with its innovative graphic posters from the 1920s and 30s. All the life of a major city is here – from sport and leisure activities to famous buses and historic landmarks.

Along with licensing manager Eddie Clarke, the creative team at M&G scoured the archives and selected the most greetings-friendly images aimed at a variety of popular sending situations, many particularly relevant to masculine interests.

There are 20 designs in the launch range, with a suggested retail of £2.35 each, and the collection is

accompanied by stationery products including gift wraps, notebooks, bookmarks and calendars with more items to follow shortly.

Aisling Smith is the licensing manager at TBSA Group, the licensing agency who work on behalf of TfL, and she said: ‘TfL partnered with Museums & Galleries to showcase the large range of posters that have been created for London Underground over the last 150 years.

‘This is an extensive collection of over 5000 posters, and they have quickly unearthed a range of images that reflect the breadth of the collection.

Museums & Galleries are a pleasure to work with and are constantly coming to us with new ideas and creatives.’

Call: 0116 230 4197 Visit: museumsgalleries.co.uk

U NCOVE R TH E U NCOM M ON

ALL SECTIONS OPEN SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 JAVITS CENTER, NEW YORK CITY

AROMA PORCELAIN DIFFUSER, MYST COLLECTION BY CHANDO

REGISTER NOW AT NYNOW.COM

gifts today 45

Harry Potter

Wild about Harry It’s been more than 20 years since the young wizard came into our Muggle world and, yet, the appeal of Harry Potter is stronger than ever.

Recognised as one of the hottest licences of 2018, there’s never been a better time to stock up on gifts and merchandise for all the superfans out there.

T

Credit: Promark

Fact File

• The first book, Philosopher’s Stone, was published on 26 June 1997.

• The first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was released on 16 November 2001.

• The books have been translated into 80 different languages, including Albanian, Azerbaijani, Hawaiian and Manx.

• It’s estimated by Bloomsbury that one in fifteen people in the world owns a Harry Potter book.

46 gifts today

hink of Harry Potter, think of books…films…clothing… jewellery….tableware…board games…the list goes on. The phenomenon that is the boy wizard is so much more than simply the books, more than the films – JK Rowling’s story about Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has become one of the biggest franchises of all time, so much bigger than its constituent parts would suggest.

‘Licensed product popularity has exploded and none more so that the world of gift, it’s gone Harry Potter mad!’ says Monique Scott, founder of Groovy UK. ‘The licence has reached extraordinary heights for us at Groovy.

Due to the desire for new lines we have now extended the collection to include: Dobby the House Elf, The Golden Snitch, Platform 9 ¾, Quidditch and The Deathly Hallows which caused quite a stir at Spring Fair this year.

Product ranges come in bathrobes, slippers, bags and lighting. The bags are especially popular due to their

Did you know?

unique designs which include vegan leather.

There is definitely something for every Wizarding World fan at Groovy.’

Harry Potter is big news for CID Merchandise, too. ‘The reaction to the Snap-back caps has been beyond expectation,’ reports sales director Nick Morley. ‘Customers have loved the colour combination of the peaks matching the House colours. We are expanding the range as quickly as possible.’

The magic keeps on going, and there’s plenty of new product out there for those who need more Harry in their lives. Time to stock up.

More than 500 million Harry Potter books have been sold worldwide, making it the bestselling book in publishing history.

Harry Potter

Hurrah for Harry CID

Completely Independent Distribution Ltd have been associated with Warner Brothers for many years and DC Comics had been the leading franchise until last year when Harry Potter really came into its own.

This was due to the rise in popularity again of everything Hogwartsrelated and to CID’s unrivalled collection of apparel with designs across t-shirts, hoodie sweat tops, crewneck sweat tops, varsity jackets, caps and beanies.

This year sees the twentieth anniversary of the release of the first Harry Potter book, the Philosopher’s Stone. At the end of the year the next chapter of the Fantastic Beasts franchise, this time set in Paris, is released worldwide in cinemas.

CID have a diverse licensed range covering character, gaming and music properties so do get in touch.

Call: 0116 284 4789 Email: salesteam@cidmerch.com Visit: cidmerch.com

Harry to a T

Spike Leisurewear is delighted to announce several new additions to its very successful range of Harry Potter t-shirts. There are now 14 different designs available from stock, as well as a lovely range of children’s t-shirts.

Spike has been selling Harry Potter merchandise for several years and is constantly updating the range, bringing in new designs throughout the year.

Also available in the 2018 collection are officially licensed t-shirts for Star Wars, NASA, Mr Bean, The Beatles, Wallace & Gromit, Paddington Bear and many other brands.

Call: 020 8427 3740 Email: info@spikeleisurewear.co.uk Visit: spikeleisurewear.co.uk

48 gifts today

Harry Potter

Harry Potter jewellery embellished with 100% genuine Swarovski crystals The Carat Shop

A world’s first project between Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Swarovski was unveiled by The Carat Shop back in September 2017 at the NEC Autumn Fair, bringing one-of-a kind pieces to the jewellery scene. This range comprises various acclaimed designs from the Harry Potter franchise, all embellished with 100% genuine Swarovski crystals.

The continued success of The Carat Shop’s classic Harry Potter Sterling Silver Collection meant that new opportunities to expand their ranges were highly sought after.

After months of design work and liaising closely with Swarovski as an Ingredient branding partner, an exclusive collection of Rings, Charms, Necklaces and Earrings were developed in a select range of premium Harry Potter Jewellery. Distinct features such as the Lightning Bolt and Golden Snitch have been embellished with Swarovski Crystals giving them an unmistakable glimmer, along with others like the Whomping Willow and of course the Deathly Hallows.

All of these exclusive products come presented in the Official Harry Potter branded Gift box showing the Warner Bros. Logo on the reverse.

Furthermore, as proof of authenticity, The Carat Shop have included a Swarovski branded tag with a unique code in the box, in which customers can enter into the Swarovski website which will confirm they have purchased a genuine Swarovski product.

Call: 01279 739239 Email: info@thecaratshop.co.uk Visit: thecaratshop.co.uk

Perfect Potter Groovy UK Ltd Magical Lighting

The world of gift has gone Harry Potter mad!

The licence has reached extraordinary heights for Groovy UK, who have now extended their collection to include: Dobby the House Elf, The Golden Snitch, Platform 9 ¾, Quidditch and The Deathly Hallows.

Product ranges come in bathrobes, slippers, bags and lighting.

The Hogwarts Crest Wall/ Table Light is especially popular and with this new mood light you can bring a bit of magic into any room. There is definitely something for every Wizarding World fan at Groovy.

Fwooper Bathrobe and Bag With the success of Harry Potter reaching extraordinary heights for Groovy UK, their Wizarding World licence now also includes Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The second film is due to launch in November 2018 where the Magizoologist Newt Scamander joins forces with wizard Albus Dumbledore in 1920s Paris.

The first film saw Newt searching for an array of magical creatures which Groovy have included in their new product ranges, such as the Fwopper range and Newt Scamander bathrobes, slippers and bags.

Groovy’s other licences include Star Wars, Marvel, DC Comics, Assassins Creed, Mr Men and Frida Kahlo.

Call: 0844 372 7820 Email: hello@groovyuk.com Visit: groovyuk.com 50 gifts today

Spike Leisurewear T: 020 8427 3740 E: info@spikeleisurewear.co.uk www.spikeleisurewear.co.uk

Games & Puzzles

The gift of play for all

With the profitable ‘kidult’ market continuing to grow, it makes sense to ensure your games and puzzles offering appeals to all ages.

Retailers talk…

‘We stock a large range of jigsaw puzzles both for adults and kids, and have found you need to devote a large amount of space to jigsaws and stock a comprehensive range.

Gibsons run a loyalty scheme for its independent bricks and mortar stores and that is a big help in competing with the internet and multiples. We also stock some plush, mainly from Enesco and Aurora.’

Chris Beards, Mantons Cards, Isle of Man ‘Games and toys are an area of growth for us as there are no other retailers in the town selling them.

We’re increasing our range for older children rather than babies and toddlers, which we currently stock.

Our top ranges currently are Moulin Roty soft toys and Cath Kidston baby wear. Orange Tree toys are perfect grandparent gifts and really appeal as they are good quality wooden toys with a nostalgic feel.

We are also introducing Djeco toys and games next month, which appeal to older kids and are great pocket money pick-ups.’

Emma Paisey, Daisy Park, Devon 52 gifts today

G

ames, puzzles and toys can be big business for the gift retailer. According to Mintel’s 2017 UK Toys Retailing report, it’s estimated that the toy and games sector in the UK grew by 6.1% in 2016 to £2.5 billion, driven by new products coming to market and strong growth in categories such as collectables and STEM toys. The market is forecast to rise 13% over the next five years to reach £3 billion in 2021.

‘Parents view shopping trips as a way of bonding with their kids,’ says Tamara Sender, senior retail analyst, Mintel. ‘This means it’s more important than ever for retailers to make the in-store shopping experience more fun in order to encourage families to see them as a destination venue where they can spend time playing as well as shopping for toys.’

What’s more, there’s a big part of the market that retailers overlook at their peril – adults! Recent research by Barclaycard reveals that almost half of British adults buy toys for themselves, with colouring books, cuddly toys, board games and jigsaws topping the list.

A staggering 44% of grown-ups take a trip down memory lane by buying toys they owned as kids. This is backed up by retail analyst group NPD’s 2017 report which found that the ‘kidult’ toy industry is worth over £300 million – and is growing three times faster than the toy sector overall.

‘The wide variety in the toys adults are buying for themselves reveals the many reasons older people buy toys: from playing board games with adult friends to building sophisticated models, drones and robots,’ said Frederique Tutt, global industry analyst NPD. ‘And the collectable market has expanded beyond the timeless classics of dolls, plush and action figures to include pop culture models. Rather than a nostalgic trend, I’d say much of this is providing an escape from the stresses and strains of modern day living, fulfilling our need to find downtime. The growing kidult trend shows that where manufacturers and retailers can understand and meet the evolving needs of their audiences, they can grow sales in a very competitive and fast-paced sector. That is equally true whether your brand enjoys a strong heritage or features the very latest cool pop culture figure.’

Says Steven Russell, Senior Marketing Executive, Jumbo: ‘Puzzles for adults & children are perfect for

‘The wide variety in the toys adults are buying for themselves reveals the many reasons older people buy toys: from playing board games with adult friends to building sophisticated models, drones and robots’ gift shops, as there’s a puzzle for almost every seasonal and celebratory occasion, and with puzzles seeing a huge increase in popularity and demand, retailers can certainly take advantage of this. Merchandising them alongside other similar themed gifting items will help consumers see them and see how ideal they are to give as a gift.’

So if you’re looking to attract adults and children into your store, it may be time to stock up on product for all ages.

THE NUMBER 1 UK ADULT PUZZLE BRAND!*

NEW

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OVER 20 BRAND NEW PUZZLES PUZZLES FROM 200XL TO 4x1000 PIECES

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CONTACT YOUR JUMBO SALES REP FOR MORE INFORMATION Jumbo Games, 2 Carters Row, Hatfield Park, Hatfield, UK, AL9 5NB Telephone: 01707-289289 Email: uk.saleshotline@jumbo.eu www.jumbo.eu

JUMBO GIFTS TODAY WASGIJ-FALCON June 2018.indd 1

09/05/2018 11:19

Games & Puzzles

Retro fun

House of Marbles House of Marbles has been designing, making and selling entertaining games and puzzles for 45 years. From novelty puzzles to beautifully packaged games, there’s something for everyone.

The latest collection is packed with family favourites, including a wonderful selection of vintage-inspired board games. Look out for their Tea Party Ludo, Bingo and Magnetic Fishing Game if you want to stock a selection of games that offer great value and appeal to all age groups. These classics have been delighting families for generations and the company’s latest versions have been refreshed with gorgeous illustrations and high-quality contents. They all come presented in colourful gift boxes making them a great choice for instore displays.

If that wasn’t tempting enough, you can also pick from a popular assortment of challenging puzzles, party games, toys, novelties, books and much more!

So make sure you speak to the team if you’re looking for expert advice on a wide range of products and a fast next day delivery service.

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

All aboard

Gibsons Games Founded in 1919, Gibsons have been entertaining generations for almost a century, and are devoted to providing fun pastimes for the whole family. This year they have several new releases to add to their collection of high quality board games.

The first addition is a much-requested expansion pack of the best-selling game, 221b Baker Street. Having sold out every Christmas since its re-release in 2014, the Sherlock Holmes-inspired game encourages players to roam the streets of London in a search for clues to solve a mysterious case. Presented in a smart burgundy box that sits handsomely besides its counterpart, the expansion pack includes 50 brand new cases that are just waiting to be solved.

Gibsons are also excited to announce that they are launching a brand-new game, Crystal Hall in June. Developed by games inventor, John Power, the game urges players to lead their troupe of wizards into the Crystal Hall in a quest to collect four magical crystals that are hidden among the 36 face-down tiles.

The first player to visit each of these tiles and extract the crystals is the winner.

However, there’s a twist, as there are more than just crystals under the tiles… cauldrons, potions, curses, even enchanted swamps await each player. And the other twist is that as witches and wizards, each player has lots of disruptive spells up their sleeves that can be used to ensure that they are first to get their hands on the mystical crystals of power…do you have what it takes to be the most powerful wizard in the Crystal Hall?

Call: 020 8661 8866 Email: sales@gibsonsgames.co.uk Visit: gibsonsgames.co.uk Home & Gift Stand DP1-20A

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Games & Puzzles

Grown-up games Jumbo Games

Having continued its double-digit growth in the adult puzzles category throughout the first quarter, Jumbo is getting ready for the next set of new releases that are available in June. Highlights include three new puzzles from the hugely popular Wasgij range, starting off with the Wasgij Original 29 ‘Catching Wedding Fever!’ and Wasgij Mystery 15 ‘A Typical British BBQ!’ both across 1000 piece formats. Also launching from the popular Wasgij Christmas range will be number 14 Santa’s Little Helpers! 1000-piece puzzle that also includes a free 1000-piece puzzle as a special treat.

Continuing the growth of its traditional range of nostalgic jigsaw puzzles, Falcon de luxe, range Jumbo have added ten brand new puzzles in April and will be launching a further ten brand new puzzles in June.

New puzzles that you’ll want to keep an eye-out for include the new Falcon de luxe ‘Seasons in the Village’ 4x1000-piece box set and The Sunflower Garden, Wartime Summer 1000-piece puzzles, as well as the Christmas Market 500-piece and this year’s must-have Christmas Shopping 1000-piece puzzle, that like the Wasgij Christmas puzzles, includes a free 1000-piece puzzle for added-value.

To support all these brand new puzzle releases, Jumbo have the demand for accessories covered with their market-leading Portapuzzle brand, featuring the high quality and ever-popular Portapuzzle Deluxe storage case.

Highlights to Jumbo’s growing licensed portfolio include Beatrix Potter’s much-loved, Peter Rabbit collection of high quality adult puzzles. a 1000-piece and 500-piece puzzle, to complement the existing children’s Four Shaped Puzzles and Giant Floor Puzzle, that will be available in June.

Jumbo will also be expanding its licensed Adult Disney Puzzle portfolio later this year, with the release of a Snow White and Bambi 1000-piece movie posters puzzles. And to kick-off the celebrations of Mickey’s 90 Years, Jumbo will launch an eye-catching 1000-piece montage puzzle that shows the magic of Mickey throughout the decades.

Visit: jumbo.eu 56 gifts today

It’s a puzzle Emma Ball

Emma Ball Ltd has taken delivery of their Gibson area jigsaws... available for Cornwall, Yorkshire, Northumberland, Suffolk, Sussex, Highlands, London, Derbyshire and North Wales. These 250-piece jigsaws, packaged beautifully in a tube are available only from Emma Ball Ltd and retail at an attractive price of just £10 - the perfect gift! Emma and her crew are taking a break from Harrogate this year- but do contact them for any details- they’re always happy to help.

Call: 0115 9858081 Email: sales@emmaball.co.uk Visit: emmaball.co.uk

Learning is fun Paul Lamond Games

Games and puzzles specialist, Paul Lamond, has already launched an abundance of exciting new products this year including the hilarious and fast-paced new children’s game Kersplatt!, as well as Now That’s What I Call Music Card Game and The Highway Rat Stand and Deliver Board Game but there is still more to come!

Don’t miss the eagerly awaited new family board games launching this summer. Reveal is an exciting, trivia-style board game with a difference: there are no questions, only answers! Players must guess the hidden movie, TV show and song titles to gain medals and walk the red carpet to crowned Champion of the Titles.

Stupid Deaths is a brilliant and entertaining family board game that comes packaged in a tombstone shaped box. As a game of grave humour, Stupid Deaths asks ‘just how did these people meet their end?’ requiring players to work out whether the implausible and sometimes amusing demise is true or false. It’s then a race against Death to be the first player home!

There are also plenty of new additions to Paul Lamond’s Preschool category. To entertain and educate little dinosaur fans there is a colourful 35-piece puzzle featuring a community of bright, bold dinosaurs; The World of Dinosaur Roar! New in this summer is The World of Dinosaur Roar Domino Set, a prehistoric matching game presented in a colourful easy-store embossed in.

Preschoolers can also practise counting, collecting and puzzle-building with the new and entertaining Let’s Feed the Hungry Caterpillar board game.

Also available is a colourful 24-piece Giant Floor Puzzle and Memory Card Game starring Roald Dahl’s famous beastly character; The Enormous Crocodile.

Call: 020 7254 0100 Visit: paul-lamond.com

NEW! Available July 2018

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T WELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS JIGSAW PUZZLE CALENDAR

Unbox twelve festive surprises.

Behind each door is an irresistible 80 piece jigsaw.

The twelve puzzles come together to create a festive panoramic scene.

Come and see us!

The Home & Gift Show Stand DP1, C16

250 piece puzzle.

The perfect festive gift!

sales@gibsonsgames.co.uk • www.gibsonsgames.co.uk • 020 8661 8866

Limited Edition 1000 piece puzzle.

Sixteenth in this ever-popular series.

Contains a unique serial numbered certificate.

Painted by Marcello Corti.

@gibsons_puzzles @gibsons_puzzles facebook.com/gibsonsgames

New Products

Catch a Pokémon Moleskine

Italian notebook brand Moleskine have written a global licensing partnership with the world of Pokémon. As a result of this new deal, five separate Pokémon limited edition notebooks: two large size, two pocket size and one numbered Collector’s Box will be available at retail through Moleskine’s global stores, online and via wholesale.

The indomitable Pikachu and Charmander, the Pokémon with the fire-tipped tail can be found snoozing on the covers of the large notebooks, while Jigglypuff and Snorlax can be found on the covers of the pocket-sized notebooks in a cheerful motif and are perfect for filling up with inspirational ideas on the run.

Additionally, the collection includes a must for Pokémon fans, the Collectors’ Box set - of which there are only 9999 pieces- which draws inspiration from the Poké Ball, with its bold and distinctive red, white and black graphics. The notebooks are enriched with signature Moleskine detailing such as the side elastic band closure, a series of dedicated stickers and the ‘in case of loss’ label on the front flyleaf.

Visit: moleskine.com

Make a wish Joe Davies

These stylish new wish boxes from Joe Davies are right on trend and have already proved to be a huge hit since their launch this spring. Perfect for weddings and special occasions, these fabulous wish boxes provide the opportunity to collect kind wishes and words of wisdom in the form of inspiration and advice from friends and relatives which become treasured keepsakes for years to come. The use of gold foiled wording and the clever use of colours adds a touch of glamour to any occasion.

Ordering these beautiful boxes couldn’t be easier with Joe Davies ‘little and often’ ordering system and their amazingly low minimum order value of just £100 for free delivery nationwide.

Call: 0161 975 6300

Summer entertaining

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

Creative Tops

Aventura by Mikasa This collection celebrates a hand-crafted look for the table with its uneven shaping and strong colour that spills over edges. Aventura’s reactive glaze creates beautiful depth and a unique pattern for each individual piece.

Drift by Creative Tops Take meal times outdoors with Drift melamine picnicware. Products are made of durable melamine with a tropical textile pattern of a rainforest canopy and a striking hummingbird in flight.

Festival Folk by Katie Alice Harmonising the vibrancy of outdoor festivals with vintage Katie Alice style, Festival Folk celebrates the eccentricity of the bohemian lifestyle. It utilises pressed bamboo, a natural material that is lightweight and durable. creative-tops.com 58 gifts today

Full of fizz Xystos

Orders are strong for Baylis & Harding’s on-trend ‘summer fizz’ products, which include the rose prosecco fragranced luxury diffuser.

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

Julie Dodsworth

Being yourself on purpose Staying true to who you really are can be the secret to success when building a business.

O

n a recent adventure to Tennessee, I was fascinated by the success of their Smoky Mountain heroine Dolly Parton.

Dolly is one magnificent business lady who, thanks to everything she has achieved, is awe-inspiring on every level. Her rags to riches story is of a girl born into backwoods

poverty, who used her music ability and sound business practice to become a shining success of our time.

Reading up a little more on Dolly, I fell in love with one of her most famous quotes: ‘Find out who you are and do it on purpose’. Simple but brilliant, and I believe we can all apply this to ourselves and our businesses alike with extraordinary results.

For instance, I recently came across a themed cafe and gift shop in Driffield, Yorkshire, run by one Mr Simon Field. Simon is a stylish gentleman who loves attention to detail. His café `Molly & Jean’ has a 1940s theme, and has every style and

“

My willingness to serve and please for better or worse is, well, just who I am

”

detail beautifully followed through - the decor, the staff clothing (even hair and make-up) are all used to create the experience he was looking for. Molly & Jean is so ‘him’. He has found who he is, what his business is and is doing exactly ‘that’ on purpose.

Earlier that month I was taking the two-hour train journey from York.

It was a red letter day - I was to be the guest speaker at a Good Housekeeping event in London. I was a little nervous but excited for the challenge. A gentleman sitting

opposite struck up conversation and asked about my day. I explained I was an artisan who had products which sold on the high street, and that I am often invited to speak at such events as the Good Housekeeping Institute to help others who wish to take their own art further.

The gentleman seemed aghast that without any formal art or public speaking training I should be a) making things and b) speaking about it! Not fluffed by his thoughts, I explained that I was proud of my artisan living and that I had worked all my life with my hands (and business head!). Even my humble beginnings, which he saw as ’a great impingement’, was for me to find the positive. ‘My willingness to serve and please for better or worse is, well, just who I am.’ This was it, this was me. In a sentence I’m more than happy to follow Dolly’s advice and ‘keep being who I am on purpose’.

Riding home from the the Good Housekeeping day it would seem the day had gone well - being ‘just Julie’ had been exactly what the Good Housekeeping team wanted. Back to being a ‘pleaser’- it was nice to feel I’d delivered.

Of course for all of us in business, our roads have many miles to go and tweeks, changes and adaptations will be made to keep us on the road to success. Dolly had realised her unique selling point was simply just being her own wonderful self on which she could just keep improving.

And so on that note, I’ll leave you with another Dollyy quote to ponder. ‘I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb and I also know I’m not blonde.’ Go gett ‘em, Dolly!

Julie Dodsworth is a British artisan whose lifelong business in her plant and display company gave birth to her homeware business in more recent years.

Gifts Today has invited Julie to share with us her inspirations, the great ideas of others she meets along the way and what she feels has been amazing advice in business.

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