Gifts Today May June 2025

Gifts Today

Month: May/June 2025 Issue: 6 Volume: 36

Meet the next reveal of mythical and magical plush from

Gifts Today Contents

Gifts Today team

Advertisement Manager Marian McNamara Marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Editor Clare Turner Clare@lemapublishing.co.uk

Layout/Design

Rick Vickers rick@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director

Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930 www.giftstoday.media

42 Shop Talk: Independent retailers share their Easter trading experiences, sales predictions for Father’s Day, and plans for the summer wedding season

48 Trade Talk: Gift suppliers look back at the ups and downs of trading in the first half, look forward to what’s hot for summer, and share some exciting plans for their brands

Columnists

19 Sarah Halsall, owner of Hand Picked by Henrietta in the Cheshire town of Poynton

20 Lee Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute

31 Bryony Taylor-Edwards, co-founder of Think BIG

45 Neil Amer, director and co-founder of Retail100 Consulting

51 Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association)

Cover Story

16 Bearhouse by Charlie Bears unveils its new Gargoyle Collection of five enchanting and utterly charming plush collectable characters

Fair Focus

10 Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair Review

22 Home & Gift Sneak Peek

Retailer Focus

32 Hannah Craven, co-founder of Polly and Tots in the Cheshire village of Tarporley

37 Natasha Colk, head of buying at Bakers & Larners in the Norfolk town of Holt

40 Natalie Yates, CEO of online retailer Gifts from Handpicked

46 Sara Clarke, lifestyle buyer of Jarrolds in the Norfolk city of Norwich

Product Focus

Message from the Editor

www.giftstoday.media

LinkedIn: @giftstoday

Twitter: @giftstodaymag

Instagram: @giftstodaymedia

Summer is around the corner! As the weather heats up, it’s time to celebrate the start of a new season. And, for the gift industry, there’s no better place to do that than at a trade show, with the promise of new launches galore to explore.

For June, key dates in the diary are Progressive Greetings Live and The Exclusively Show. For July, the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate is the place to be. And this year’s event promises “a spectacular display of the best in design, retail community, and summer festivities” - especially as the event is commemorating its 65th anniversary.

In the words of Langs director of design and buying Jane Bourne, who is looking forward to launching the company’s new Spring 2026 gift and home décor range at said fair, “one of the true joys of Home & Gift is the chance to soak up the vibrant summer atmosphere. Between browsing new collections, visitors can enjoy the relaxed vibe and indulge in great food and a beverage or two. Harrogate, we feel, brings a unique blend of business and pleasure, making it a highlight of the calendar, year after year.”

To whet your appetite, we’ve compiled a ‘Sneak Peek’ of Home & Gift for this issue, along with a special preview of The Exclusively Show. And keep your eyes peeled at this London exhibition for a surprise new product format from Museums & Galleries, which the company is keeping under wraps and will reveal exclusively on its stand!

There are plenty of other features to ignite your interest in newness too. We’ve shone the spotlight on baby gifts, pet themed gifts and novelty gifts. As our columnist Neil Amer, who is a director and co-founder of Retail100 Consulting, says: “Perhaps some of these could bring a fresh edge to your assortment?”

Plus, for our Trade Talk section, we asked key industry players to give their predictions for summer sizzlers - and to reveal some exciting plans in the pipeline for their brands.

We’ve also quizzed retailers in our Shop Talk section for their thoughts on two upcoming key

gifting occasions: Father’s Day (on June 15) and the peak wedding season.

Our new diarist Sarah Halsall, owner of Hand Picked by Henrietta in the Cheshire town of Poynton, says she’s currently “switching displays into the summer season with a little Father’s Day magic” and shares some gift themes for honouring dads, father-figures, and paternal bonds.

We know that you love reading about the experiences of retailers, so we’re pleased to say that we’ve interviewed some very different independent businesses for this edition: children’s shop Polly and Tots in the Cheshire village of Tarporley, online retailer Gifts from Handpicked, and department store Jarrolds in Norwich.

All have fascinating and refreshing perspectives on gift buying, which they were happy to share with us. We were also lucky enough to be given a tour of the newly launched dedicated pet department at Bakers & Larners in Holt by head of buying Natasha Colk, who “saw a real opportunity” and grabbed it by the tail, creating a range that focuses on products that “put a smile on your (and your pet’s) face!”

Last but not least, you will have noticed that Charlie Bears is our Cover Star, showcasing Bearhouse by Charlie Bears: the newest brand from the team, known globally for creating stunning, hand-made collectable “bears with personalities”.

Bearhouse by Charlie Bears stands apart by diving deep into the world of myth and magic, weaving storybook inspiration and fairy-tale aesthetics into every plush piece. Its new Gargoyle Collection of five characters is described as a celebration of fantasy, artistry, and nostalgia, that’s sure to excite retailers and collectors alike. Turn to page 16 to find out more!

We hope you enjoy reading this issue and, as always, if you fancy joining those suppliers and retailers who contribute their thoughts and opinions to Gifts Today, do get in touch. Just drop me a line or connect with me on LinkedIn. I look forward to hearing from you.

Clare Turner, Editor clare@lemapublishing.co.uk

News Register now for Autumn Fair

Registration is now officially live for Autumn Fair, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham from September 7 to September 10.

Bringing together more than 800 leading brands and 12,000-plus buyers, the exhibition is already breaking records, with a significant percentage of new-to-show brands and exclusive exhibitors.

New brands include Bedeck, Hedgeroe, Daphne Stephenson Designs, Attic Textiles, Baby Bambino, Cosz Enterprise, EverHarvest, Naturally Nepal, Òir Soap, Benjamin Button, Adhock Homeware, Chococo Wholesale, LIGA, Mischief Candles, Panya Global, Pookie Wookie, Robert Frederick, Strings and Dreams, Sweets by Zoia Kulesh, The Artistic Wanderer, Whiz Kid Games, Ziggle Baby, Heyyy, Forest Master, Animazombs, Fable and Bear, Finest For Baby, Happy Horse & BamBam, Make Believe Ideas, McHugs, Pawprint Family, Puzzle Post, Doli Yearning, Worgan Games, Foreva Young, Killstar, G7 Clothing, Girl in Mind, Aayra Curve, Arya Jewellery, Serena Atelier, Manhattan Portage, Milan Fashion Bags, KAPUCHE, Bill Skinner Studio, M.O. Studios, and Nudie Jewellery.

Making its debut is the Taste at Autumn Fair Pavilion, dedicated to the food gifting category. This new destination will showcase artisan treats, gourmet gifts, and consumables, with live sampling stations and curated brand experiences designed to meet retailer demand for edible gifting and cross-category sales opportunities. Plus, five New Business Pavilions will spotlight emerging and firsttime suppliers across all key show destinations.

Beyond the show floor, Autumn Fair will host a programme of expert-led content, including trend forecasting, visual merchandising masterclasses, peer-to-peer roundtables, and problem-solving workshops.

Buyers can also retreat to an invite-only Buyers Lounge: a dedicated oasis for meetings, refreshments, and strategic planning.

To register visit https://www.autumnfair.com/visitor-registration.

Lark London opens 20th store

Independent gift shop chain Lark London has opened its 20th shop, on Churchfield Road in Acton.

The 800sq ft store joins branches in Balham, Earlsfield, Tooting, Wimbledon, Streatham, Herne Hill, Askew Road, Chiswick, Clapham, Fulham, Raynes Park, Putney, Richmond, Woking, Southfields, East Sheen, Blackheath, Esher and Weybridge.

INDX unwraps gift show

Get ready to discover a fresh wave of gift inspiration with the launch of the INDX Gift Edit, billed as a dynamic new trade show set to invigorate the UK giftware market in 2026.

Designed to connect leading suppliers with UK and Ireland retailers, the INDX Gift Edit will arrive at Cranmore Park in the West Midlands on May 19 2026.

Responding to the evolving needs of the gift industry, the INDX Gift Edit promises a commercially curated selection of high-quality products spanning food and drink, homeware, fashion accessories, stationery, toys, artisan crafts, and much more.

Open to all retailers and free to attend, INDX Shows are organised by Associated Independent Stores (AIS): the buying services and event group for independent retail.

Jane Bartlett, Director of Events, AIS, and Cranmore Park, said attendees can look forward to a diverse range of exhibitors, networking opportunities, product demos, and workshops providing insights into the latest market trends and business strategies.

Suppliers interested in exhibiting are invited to submit their enquiry via https://indxshows.co.uk/application-form. Look out for visitor registration opening soon at https://indxshows.co.uk/shows/gift.

Buyer Priya Aurora-Crowe told Gifts Today: “We chose Acton because a gift shop in the area was shutting down and the owner asked us to come along, as she didn’t want to let down her local community.”

Priya said the response from Acton shoppers to Lark London’s arrival has been “extremely positive, as they were fearful of losing a local gift shop”. And she added: “More Larks will be coming, but I cannot disclose any information yet!”

Enesco extends distribution agreement with Newell Brands

With immediate effect, Enesco has announced a new European distribution agreement with Newell Brands.

Enesco is now exclusively responsible for selling and marketing three home fragrance brands in Newell Brands’ portfolio - Yankee Candle, WoodWick and Chesapeake Bay - into Germany and Austria, supplying the independent gift trade to both existing Newell stockists and Enesco’s existing customer base.

Enesco has been the exclusive distributor of Yankee Candle, WoodWick and Chesapeake Bay to the UK and Eire markets since March 2023. This new distribution agreement will undoubtedly strengthen the partnership between Enesco and Newell Brands, which are both committed to supporting and growing the independent retail channel.

Commenting on the partnership, Enesco sales director Greg Waters said: “Following the successful collaboration between Enesco and Newell in the UK, it seems only natural, using this experience, to extend this relationship to Germany and Austria. With the home fragrance knowledge and expertise of Newell and the distribution network of Enesco, this partnership can look forward to a bright future.”

Spotlight on stationery

Congratulations to the winners of the Stationery Awards 2025, which were announced at the London Stationery Show, held on May 13 and May 14 at the Business Design Centre.

The winners are:

Novelty Stationery Product of the Year: Legami Erasable PensTiger and Butterfly from Stone Marketing Arts & Crafts Product of the Year: Faber-Castell Polychromos & Pitt Graphite Matt Gift Sets from West Design Products

Writing Instrument of the Year (Up To £10): Floatune

Retractable Rollerball from Pentel (Stationery)

Writing Instrument of the Year (Over £25): The Wren Refillable Writing Pen from Tom’s Studio Children’s Stationery Product of the Year: Maped Creativ Pixel Factory from Maped Helix

Home Office Product of the Year: Exacompta AutentiK TINY BOX from Exacompta Clairefontaine (ExaClair)

Sustainable Stationery Product of the Year: Tutti Frutti

Stitched Notebooks from Coffeenotes

Diary/Organiser of the Year: A5 Seasonal Diary Collection from Rebel Stationery

Licensed Stationery Product of the Year: Licensed Fidget Pens from Blue Sky Studios

Notebook/Journal of the Year: Notebooks 411 from LEUCHTTURM1917

Filing & Storage Product of the Year: Endless Companion Leather Pen Pouch from Mann Inc

The Icon Award: STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Highlighters, Pack of 8, Assorted Colours from STABILO International

Best Independent Stationery Retailer - North: Stationery Supplies, in Marple and Wilmslow

Best Independent Stationery Retailer - South: The Stationery House, in Somerton, Clevedon and Winscombe

Best Multiple Stationery Retailer: Ryman Group (Ryman, Ryman Design and London Graphic Centre)

Best Online Stationery Retailer: Under The Rowan Trees

Get ready for Glee

Following the success of Glee 2024, the garden and outdoor living trade show is riding high. Now, as excitement builds for the 2025 edition - which takes place at the NEC Birmingham from September 16 to September 18 - the show organiser has confirmed that an unprecedented wave of fresh talent will be taking to the halls.

A raft of new brands have already signed up, including many that have never exhibited at any trade event before. Among those confirmed are: A Little Bird Company, Biolan Oy, Buzz Into Beekeeping, Coffee King, Donkey Works, Einhell UK, FENTO Knee Protection, Grow-Genius, Hoppy Pets, Inspirational Gifting, James C Brett, John Cotton Group, Kefi Textiles, Kirsty Todd Illustration, Long Clawson Dairy, Mediterranean Pottery, Nisa Retail, Paper High, Smoked Bishop, Sowvital, Spike Innovations, The Amazing Chocolate Workshop, The Evergreen Agency, The Happy Garden, Twisted Vanilla, Visions Innovation Co., Welford Trading Inc, and Yolo Inc 1.

To find out more about all of these brands - plus many more confirmed for Glee 2025 - visit the exhibitor area at www.gleebirmingham.com.

Widdop & Co. wins business award

The prestigious North West Family Business Awards 2025 has crowned Widdop & Co. as North West Family Business of the Year 2025.

L-R: Sophia Agnew (marketing, showroom and events manager), Dan Illingworth (managing director), Stephen Illingworth (CEO), Lindsay Townsend (head of national accounts), Rachel Keavey (finance director)

The fifth-generation family-run gift and homeware company also received the Wholesale Visionaries Award in the wholesaler category during the event organised by The Family Business Community: an organisation committed to supporting and championing family-owned businesses across the UK and the rest of the world.

Established in 1883 by clock and watchmaker William Widdop, Widdop & Co. has evolved into a market leader in the UK gifting industry. Today, the company operates from its expansive head office and distribution centre in the Greater Manchester town of Oldham, managing a diverse and expanding portfolio of 35 brands and approximately 11,000 products.

In 2023, after 35 years under the fourth generation of the Widdop family, brothers Stephen and Dan Illingworth acquired the business outright in a management buyout, in the roles of CEO and managing director respectively.

Stephen said: “We’re immensely proud of our heritage and so excited about our future. Receiving these awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire Widdop family.”

Dan added: “Stephen and I are Illingworths, so we naturally see all of our Widdop team as part of the Widdop family. These accolades wouldn’t be possible without their unwavering commitment and passion.”

The GOTY & Greats winners revealed

The winners of The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards 2025 were announced on May 15 during an evening ceremony at the Royal Lancaster London Hotel in the capital, alongside the partner awards programme The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2025.

The Gift of the Year Awards honour outstanding products that capture the spirit of giving across the retail landscape - and this year saw a recordbreaking number of entries and some of the most inventive, heartwarming, and sustainable gifts the industry has ever seen.

The winners stood out for their exceptional design, innovation, and ability to wow the judges - who were made up of buyers and retailers - and ultimately will see their products in the hands of consumers, whether on the high street, online, or in boutique stores across the country.

The Giftware Association PR & marketing manager Chris Workman said: “The quality of entries this year was truly outstanding. Gift of the Year continues to shine a spotlight on the most exciting talent in the home and gift industry, and our 2025 winners are a testament to the creativity and resilience of this vibrant sector.”

He added that with the spotlight now on them, winners will benefit from increased industry exposure, trade opportunities, and the prestigious honour of wearing the Gift of the Year 2025 badge - as well as a special trophy that can be showcased around the world.

The Gift of the Year Awards 2025 winners are:

A ordable Gifts: The Bouquet in a Book by David & Charles

Beauty, Bath & Spa: Mineral Bathing Infusions by Wild-Olive

Branded Gift: The Gru alo Collection by Blade & Rose Cards, Wraps & Stationery: Write Me Roses by Pikkii

Children’s, Educational and Pre-School: Trixie Bathtime Range by Trixie

Contemporary Gift: Burgon & Ball Collector Range by Burgon & Ball

Design & Craft: Van Gogh Felt Sunflower Pack by The Crafty Kit Company

Ethical and Sustainable Gift: Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit by Urban Farm-It

Fashion Accessories, Textiles and Jewellery: Sterling Silver Jewellery by Hollie Tree

Festive & Occasions: Pirouette Countdowns by SANTORO

Food & Drink: Asian Meal Gift Sets by Tyga Foods Company

Games and Puzzles: Zip It! by Pikkii

Garden and Outdoors: Thirsty Planter by Pikkii

Health & Wellbeing: Thoughts and Feelings Collection for Children by Fox Under The Moon

Heritage Gifts: Royal Shakespeare Company x Nicole EldersMaster of Insults by Nicole Elders

Home and Kitchen: Magnificent Mugs by Rosie Made A Thing Home Fragrance: Paddywax A Dopo by Designworks Collective Made in the UK: British Wool Throw Collection by Bronte by Moon

Novelty, Tech And Gadgets: Cheese & Crackers Game by House of Marbles

Pet Gift: Doggy Ice-Cream Kit by Dog & Bond by Dog & Bond

To view details of all the winning and highly commended entries, head to www.giftoftheyear.co.uk.

The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2025 winners are:

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - London, South, South East & East

Anglia: The Voewood, Blackheath Royal Standard

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - Midlands & Wales: Cornucopia Home and Gift, Worcester

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - North, N. Ireland & Scotland: Strickland & Holt, Yarm

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - West & South West: Highworth Emporium, Highworth

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - Scotland: Bijou, Elgin

Best Newcomer Gift Retailer: Orange Blossom Home & Gift, Pollokshields

Best Specialist Multiple Retailer Of Gifts: Oliver Bonas

Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts: Barkers, Northallerton

Best Non-Specialist Retailer Of Gifts: Jeyes of Earls Barton, Earls Barton

Best Garden Centre Retailer Of Gifts (1-4 centres): The Mains of Drum

Garden Centre, Banchory

Best Garden Centre Retailer Of Gifts (5+ centres): Longacres

Best In-Store/Window Display: Attico, Westbourne

Best Retailer Initiative: The Celtic Company, Welshpool, for its Urdd Eisteddfod schools competition

L-R: British Allied Trades Federation President Gert Schyberg, Candlelight Founder Mike Winch, Candlelight Head of Sales Kate Winch

Mike Winch wins top award

Mike Winch, founder of the family-run home fragrance and decor company Candlelight, was named as the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award at The Gift Awards.

In his acceptance speech, Mike said: “Our industry is about the home, the house, the family, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Easter… and it’s not easy. I’ve had a rollercoaster ride of 53 years of developing our business, and my kids sat me down and said: ‘Dad, if you get our act together, you’ve got a good future with us!’

“But I’ve got to say this: it’s a real creative industry. You can make things happen. You can think out of the box. What you haven’t got to do is stand still and go backwards. And it’s a wonderful industry. I’ve had 53 fantastic years travelling the world and learnt about all the people in the world - and we’re all the same. We want a good life, and we want to look after our family, whether we’re in China, India, Africa, or wherever.

“It’s a fantastic industry and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved - and you guys should be proud of what you’ve achieved, and what you’re going to achieve - because you can do anything you want. So be creative, think out the box, and make a good life and a good business for yourself.

“It’s a beautiful industry. I’ve enjoyed the challenge right from day one, and even after 53 years, I’m so excited about developing the business and creating the succession. I’m happy to be part of their team - and it’s very nice that I’ve got quite a good future!

“It’s an exciting industry that we’re in. We can make things happen. We can develop things, we can be as creative as we want to be, and we can work hard and take all the good things out of it. Thank you, from an ex-coal miner made good!”

Winners’ feedback

Health & Wellbeing winner:

Fox Under The Moon founder/ creative director Stacey McNeill said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that our children’s journal and affirmation cards have been crowned winner in the Health & Wellbeing category. A heartfelt thank you to the amazing judges who recognised our work, and to our brilliant retailers who present our range so beautifully in their stores.”

Health & Wellbeing: Thoughts & Feelings Collection for Children by Fox Under The Moon

Branded Gift winner:

Blade & Rose director/founder

Amanda Peffer said: “This award is a testament to the passion, creativity, and dedication that goes into every product we create. The Gruffalo Collection has been a phenomenal success, selling out thanks to the love and support of our loyal customers and retail partners.

“As we celebrate our 15th birthday this year, this win feels especially meaningful. It’s a moment of recognition not just for this collection, but for the journey we’ve been on as a brand.

“The awards night was a truly unforgettable evening - full of joy, connection, and inspiration. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who shared in this celebration with us. Your support made the night even more special. Here’s to many more years of bringing joyful, imaginative gifts to families around the world.”

Branded Gift: The Gruffalo Collection by Blade & Rose

Festive & Occasions winner:

SANTORO head of design Tara Strickland said: “We are absolutely overjoyed with the recognition. To win with our Pirouette Countdowns and be highly commended for our Book Café Swing Card is incredibly humbling. Both products are labours of love, and this acknowledgment inspires us to keep pushing creative boundaries.”

Festive & Occasions: Pirouette Countdowns by SANTORO

COFFEE BREAK

Gifts Today takes a break with Sarah Watmore , owner of British jewellery and fashion accessories brand Miss Milly , who is celebrating a successful spring season and busy preparing for Home & Gift

2025 is becoming quite the year for Miss Milly. The Worcestershirebased supplier of jewellery and fashion accessories continued to champion colourful style with the January launch of its stunning recycled leather handbag collection.

Handcrafted in India, these vibrant and beautifully made accessories o er retailers the opportunity to provide customers with an ecofriendly alternative to conventional handbags.

In February, Miss Milly won the fashion accessories category of the Spring Fair’s ‘75 Years of Excellence Awards’ in recognition of its Robin Magnetic Brooch. Miss Milly owner Sarah Watmore says: “The magnetic brooch collection has been a storming success since its launch five years ago and the robin, in particular, has been a favourite for garden centres and gift retailers throughout the UK and Ireland.

“The range grows every season and the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival [taking place in July at Harrogate] will see the biggest update yet, with a fantastic mix of new designs alongside bestsellers.”

And in April, the brand was announced as a finalist in the Micro Business of the Year category of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2025.

Sarah commented: “I’ve put my heart and soul into Miss Milly, and to be told during the finalist interview that the passion, resilience and success shone through in our application was fantastic to hear. We have our fingers crossed for the awards presentation evening on June 12.”

Call: 01905 622509

Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk

Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk

SHong Kong

Seven trade shows spanning gifts, housewares, fashion, printing and packaging, and IP licensing attracted some 100,000 global buyers to Hong Kong in April

even large-scale trade events organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), covering lifestyle products and licensing opportunities, wrapped up on April 30, attracting some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions.

The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair recorded some 36,000 buyers, Home InStyle drew over 20,000 buyers, and Fashion InStyle attracted over 11,000 buyers, while the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong saw over 11,000 buyers attend the concurrent events.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) attracted over 20,000 buyers, and the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) featured nearly 20 international licensing industry leaders as speakers.

Non-local buyers at the six fairs came primarily from Mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia, highlighting Hong Kong’s influence as an international trade platform.

HKTDC deputy executive director Sophia Chong said: “The seven major events held by the HKTDC in late April brought together some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Despite the current challenges in the global economic and trade environment, we actively attracted buyers to our fairs to enhance trade resilience and assist exhibitors in gaining a foothold in new markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN regions.

The Hall of Fine Designs at the Gifts & Premium Fair featured renowned brands, including Hong Kong exhibitor China Pearl (HK) Company Limited, which showcased Thomson Pottery’s porcelain tableware

Home InStyle collaborated with the European Product Design Award to present the “Best of Show Award”, recognising innovative housewares designs, with seven winning entries standing out this year

“The HKTDC remains committed to promoting cross-sector and international trade co-operation among exhibitors, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international trade hub and showcasing its unique advantage in building connections regionally and globally.”

The events, spanning gifts, housewares, fashion, printing and packaging and IP licensing, helped to foster cross-industry collaboration for exhibitors and buyers.

A German buyer at the Gifts & Premium Fair, Michael Baumann, a partner in Know How International GmbH & Co KG, said: “I source souvenirs and giveaways from various countries such as India, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Mainland China. My clients are mostly based in Europe, including a European football league sponsor.

“At the fair, I identified a sports bag supplier and a recycled paper box supplier from Mainland China, as well as a metal souvenir supplier from Hong Kong, with a potential total order value of US$2.3 million to US$2.8 million. I’m also highly interested in the licensed figures from a mainland exhibitor, with a potential order value of around US$600,000.”

In response to global trade challenges, exhibitors were prioritising market diversification and actively pursuing new customer acquisition. Hong Kong exhibitor Moral Team Holdings Ltd has participated in the Gifts & Premium Fair for 17 years, focusing on the development of eco-friendly bag products.

The company’s marketing & ecommerce manager Charlotte Chui commented: “The new

highlights

US tari policies have impacted 10% of our export share, prompting us to focus more on the Asian market at this stage.

“The Gifts & Premium Fair provided us with a platform to connect with buyers from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. Our mid- to long-term plan is expanding into the Australian and European markets. The concurrent fairs attracted interest from fashion and housewares buyers. On the first day alone, we secured several orders from the Asian market and anticipate achieving total sales of over US$500,000.”

This year saw the launch of NEXT@Fashion InStyle at Fashion InStyle: a new highlighted zone organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government. Han Chong, founder and creative director of Self-Portrait, joined as the zone’s ambassador. NEXT@Fashion InStyle was dedicated to establishing a collaborative platform for sustainable and new materials for buyers and exhibitors, as well as designer brands.

The Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong also created business opportunities for the industry. Zahoor A Qurashi, CEO of Regal Pack, a buyer from the UK, shared: “The fair featured a wide range of sustainable products, including luxury options such as skincare and perfume packaging, as well as ribbons, alongside practical everyday solutions like food and beverage packaging.

“I placed an order worth US$80,000 with one supplier and I’m optimistic about future collaborations. Additionally, I made an initial order of US$40,000 with another supplier for heat-expandable cups, which has the potential to grow significantly, possibly reaching US$1 million.”

Organised by HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Company (Hong Kong) Limited, DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong displayed a wide range of premium packaging products for jewellery, fine wines, watches and cosmetics

For the first time, the HKTDC London O ce collaborated with the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) to bring 11 UK brands to debut their first showcase at Home InStyle.

The participating brands were Sue Ure Maison, Wrendale Designs, British Colour Standard, Freya Rose London, Art of Scarves, Talking Tables, Skyline Chess, Pure Table Top, Bothy Threads, Meg Hawkins Art, and McLaggan+Co.

Sue Ure Maison’s Ambit porcelain tableware collection was recognised as a European Product Design Award winner at the Home InStyle “Best of Show Award”.

The Ambit range features a quiet play of gloss and matt finishes, black and white porcelain, and a hand-applied fine coloured line in five options. Each piece is designed in France and made in small batches by a family-run factory in Sri Lanka.

The capsule collection includes mugs, jugs, bowls, and the brand’s recent mini shallow bowl: a versatile piece that can also be used as a saucer or small plate.

“I aim to design pieces that feel good to use and that sit quietly but confidently on a table,” said Sue Ure, founder of Sue Ure Maison. “This award is a fantastic acknowledgement of that approach, and it’s very much appreciated.”

Flying the

The Joint Networking Reception for the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair and Home InStyle

Gift brands fl ock to Exclusively

Savvy retailers can discover trending gift ranges and must-have products at The Exclusively Show, held in the heart of London on June 10 and June 11

The Exclusively Show returns to the Business Design Centre in Islington on June 10 and June 11, o ering gift retailers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest trends and products in the housewares, tableware, and small domestic appliances sectors. With over 130 exhibitors showcasing more than 250 brands, the event is a key date in the retail buying calendar.

Discover new and returning brands

This year’s show features a diverse range of exhibitors, including new names such as Selbrae House, Beamfeature Limited, Hamilton Beach, HOME & LINENS, Kleine Wolke, JVL Homeware Solutions, Frank Green, Victorinox, Keter, Circular & Co, Gtech, and Japanese Knife Company

They join returning favourites like Museums & Galleries, Denby, Portmeirion, Bodum, Minky, International Cookware & Pyrex, Aarke, ABS Pottery Barista & Co Zero Water and Premier Housewares

“It’s an unmissable event for anyone buying in the gift and home sectors - whether you’re a major retailer, an independent shop, or an international buyer”

Exclusive incentives for buyers

To enhance the visitor experience, Exclusively 2025 o ers several incentives. These include travel reimbursements of up to £75 for visitors travelling from outside a 50-mile radius; a limited number of free hotel stays for multiple and overseas buyers; a £100 gift voucher for independent retailers, redeemable against orders of £300 or more placed at the show; a complimentary two-course lunch for all visitors; and an invitation to the Tuesday evening drinks reception - providing excellent networking opportunities.

Insightful trend forecasting

A highlight of the show is the renowned Trends Showcase, curated by leading trend forecaster Scarlet Opus. This feature offers a glimpse into major consumer trends for 2026 and beyond, highlighting emerging themes, colours, and materials set to shape the industry.

Retailers can also book guided trend tours for expert insights into the most commercially promising products on display. Additionally, the newly rebranded Press & Influencer Area will present a curated selection of standout products, live demonstrations, and exclusive brand interviews.

Will Jones, chief operating o cer of BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association) and chair of the BHETA-owned Exclusively Show, commented: “Exclusively is a key destination for retailers looking to discover emerging trends, innovative products, and fresh market opportunities.

“With its curated mix of top brands, inspiring insights, and exclusive show o ers, it’s an unmissable event for anyone buying in the gift and home sectors - whether you’re a major retailer, an independent shop, or an international buyer.”

Exclusively 2025 is exclusively aimed at retail and e-commerce buyers, as well as press, influencers, and bloggers. For more information and to register your interest, visit the o cial website at www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk.

What: Exclusively Show

Where: Business Design Centre, Islington, London

When: June 10-11

Call: 0121 237 1130

Email: info@exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk

Visit: www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk

The Gift Fair is back!

The Gift Fair UK is back for an Autumn 2025 edition from September 8 to October 24, and over 85% of exhibitors from the first edition - which took place from January 8 to February 28 - have already signed up for the next edition.

Show organiser Fabian Santoro stresses that the Autumn edition is by no means a replica of the Spring edition. “With new exciting partnerships, it’s easier to use, packed full of extra features, and filled with new brands,” he says. “This show is set to be bigger and better.”

But before that show, The Gift Fair is travelling across the pond to America. The Gift Fair USA premieres this summer from July 14 to August 28. Many UK exhibitors have signed up as well; to help expand the network they already have in the US. And some are using it to help kickstart their business stateside.

Founder’s associate Bethany Hambly comments: “It’s a really great time for UK businesses to work with US companies. The team is actively speaking to over 900 brands for the US edition.

“The prevailing sentiment is that American retailers are looking for people who don’t make their products in China and mainly make their products in the UK or Europe. Many established American suppliers are struggling to supply US stores as their products are made in China. So it’s a great opportunity for new companies to start conversations with US stores and to build partnerships internationally.”

To help exhibitors do this, The Gift Fair is running two free webinars in the lead-up to the show. These will be hosted by an expert in the US retail market, Sarah Shaw. A fashion entrepreneur, product designer and business coach, Sarah is the founder and CEO of Sarah Shaw Consulting, where she teaches product designers and fashion

entrepreneurs how to launch, market and sell their products into boutiques, get media placements and gift celebrities. This is a fabulous opportunity to get real insights and tips to help UK companies expand into the US.

Some of the brands already signed up from the UK and the US include BroadStreet Publishing, Cognitive Surplus, Boxer Gifts, Of Life & Lemons, Gilded Words Sienna Glass Stabo Holy Mackerel Baseball Seams Co., F.Y.G., Fizz Creations, Brownstone London, Paper Mirchi and many more.

There is still plenty of time to get signed up for either show. If you have any questions or would like to know more, the team behind the shows is happy to help talk you through how it works and will be by your side throughout the show.

If you want to take part in either edition of the show, please contact the team via info@xpofairs. com or 0208 781 1106. Also, you can head to www.thegiftfair.com or www.thegiftfair.us.

Baseball Seams Co.

Cognitive Surplus

F.Y.G.

Paper Mirchi

Brownstone London

New products

Mix it up

Rachel Ellen Designs

Dolly Mix is a brand-new range inspired by colourful confectionery. Neon inks and touches of gold foil combine with strong graphics to create 15 open birthday designs that are sure to brighten anyone’s day. These eye-catching cards are supplied with a vibrant neon pink envelope, ensuring they make an impact both before and after they’ve been opened!

And this year’s Christmas range is a mix of proven bestsellers - such as advent calendars, advent cards and jigsaw cards - brandnew card ranges, an expansion of stationery and gift lines and, for the first time, Christmas roll wrap.

On trend

Joe Davies

The humble friendship bracelet is o cially back, and it’s just as stylish in its beaded form as it is in more precious iterations. The new Equilibrium Beaded Friendship Bracelet Collection comprises 16 bracelets featuring three or five rows of colourful beads.

Designs include hearts, flowers, and diamonds, and all come complete with a compact acrylic counter display stand which is a perfect size for your till point, ensuring you don’t miss out on those last-minute impulse sales.

This trend is mainly down to the American singer and songwriterTaylor Swift but, thanks to this pretty collection, you don’t need the skills or patience to make the bracelets yourself. So go ahead and layer up with these stylish yet playful designs! Meanwhile, the dog tag necklace has long been a symbol of identification, originally worn by soldiers. Today, this design has evolved into a chic fashion statement, and the new Equilibrium Luxe Tag Collection brings a fresh and elegant twist to the trend. It showcases an array of ladies’ gemstone-encrusted tags in various shapes and sizes, alongside sleek, minimalist designs. Matching earrings and bracelets complete the look. Call: 0161 975 6300

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

Having been asked for Christmas roll wrap for many years, Rachel Ellen Designs finally took the plunge after the huge success of its everyday range. These festive designs are bright, colourful and fun, appealing to the young and the young at heart. The range is completed with co-ordinating premium quality gift bags and packs of matching printed tissue paper.

Call: 0115 970 0321 | Email: sales@rachelellen.co.uk |

Write away!

Puckator

Puckator has launched a range of stationery featuring an array of products that combine practicality with personality. Among the standouts are Everlasting Pencils, which o er a twist to traditional writing tools; they never need to be sharpened and last far longer than typical pencils. Also new are Erasable Pens, for those who want to write with confidence but also need the freedom to correct the odd mistake. After all, no one is perfect!

The company brings charm to the collection with fun and quirky designs, from animal-shaped sharpeners to themed highlighters, which are guaranteed to add fun to any desk or pencil case. These playful designs are not just for kids - they also appeal to adults looking to add a touch of whimsy to their workspace. What’s more, many products feature exclusive characters - all hand-designed by Puckator’s UK creative team - giving the stationery a sense of artistry and individuality that stands out in a crowded market. Call: 0800 011 6969

Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk | Visit: www.puckator.co.uk

Literary inspration

Lily Charmed

Lily Charmed’s new The Secret Garden jewellery collection celebrates the enchantment of discovering hidden spaces, nature’s healing power, and the transformative journey of friendship. It is inspired by Lily Charmed founder Lucy Lee’s memories of the eponymous classic children’s novel, which tells the story of orphan Mary discovering a private walled garden. Each piece in the collection carries symbolism. For example, The Key Charm represents unlocking potential and new beginnings, just as Mary discovered her secret sanctuary.

The Bee Charm embodies community, hard work, and the sweet rewards of patience - reflecting how Mary learned to nurture both her garden and relationships. And The Lily of the Valley Charm represents the return of happiness and purity of heart, echoing the garden’s revival. These talismans make e ortless keepsakes, each wearer with their own story and personal connection. Call: 01753 424160  | Email: hello@tradelilycharmed.com | Visit: www.lilycharmed.com

Fresh arrivals

Lesser & Pavey

Lesser & Pavey is delighted to offer a new range of fragranced products to help you relax and unwind, in bath and body gift sets. Pictured are the Madelaine Cosmetic/ Bath and Body Gift Sets.

These beautifully packaged gift sets include hand and lip care, soap and hand cream, bath fizzers, hand wash and cream; a bath and shower set with a foaming sponge; and a five-piece pamper set with a sponge.

Some carry illustrations from the William Morris design, with complementary fragrances of Willow Bough fresh linen, Fruits Lemon and pomegranate, Lodden fresh linen, and Redoute Rose velvet rose, and bold pinks of cherry blossom and vanilla. Others depict the fragrance in coloured packaging with transparent panels to view the quality of the items.

Also new are eight cold cast studies of fun time Highland cows called Hughie. There are currently 35 designs in the Hughie range but it is expanding as its popularity grows. Featuring hearts and messages of love and kindness, this range is offered under the renowned brand name The Leonardo Collection and comes in quality gift boxing.

Call: 01322 279 225

Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk

Visit: www.leonardo.co.uk

Pack smart

Stackers

Wave goodbye to travel chaos with the new Wave Collection of summer travel essentials. Each product has been thoughtfully designed to help keep holiday essentials blissfully organised, from toiletries and jewellery to passports and accessories.

The range includes a Travel Tote Bag, described as the ultimate bag for all your holiday essentials, whether you’re heading for the beach or taking a weekend break. It features a spacious interior, a clear zipped pouch which is ideal for lotions or cosmetics, a detachable purse, and a jewellery pouch. Meanwhile, the Family Passport Holder is the perfect travel organiser for the whole family. With space to store up to four passports as well as travel documents, cards and cash, it’s ideal for overseas trips.

The Collection is available in two new coastal-inspired colourways of Seafoam and Desert.

Call: 01622 716000

Email: admin@lc-designs.co.uk

Visit: https://stackers.com/trade/

A magical second

Bearhouse

by Charlie Bears unveils its new Gargoyle Collection of

five

enchanting and utterly charming plush collectable characters

Mythical creatures, luxurious plush, and timeless charm… Bearhouse by Charlie Bears invites you to discover its enchanting new collectable characters.

Following the successful launch of the company’s first collection earlier this year, which introduced five whimsical and vibrant dragons, Bearhouse by Charlie Bears returns with a magical second reveal that’s sure to excite retailers and collectors alike.

This time, the fantasy continues with five utterly charming gargoyles, each brimming with personality, folklore charm, and the softest plush imaginable.

Bearhouse by Charlie Bears is the newest brand from the team behind Charlie Bears, known globally for creating stunning, hand-made collectable, “bears with personalities”. Bearhouse by Charlie Bears stands apart by diving deep into the world of myth and magic, weaving storybook inspiration and fairy-tale aesthetics into every plush piece.

“I’m so excited to be launching Bearhouse by Charlie Bears,” said Charlie Morris, founder of Charlie Bears and the creative force behind the new line. “I feel like a child in a sweet shop, as designing these characters is pure indulgence for me. Expect whimsical, folklore, mystery and more as we continue to launch more magical, new characters throughout our 20th anniversary year.”

The new gargoyle collection continues the Charlie Bears tradition of quality, craftsmanship, and character. Designed to appeal to children of all ages, and the inner child in us all, these delightful gargoyles are perfect for plush enthusiasts, fantasy lovers, and retailers looking to bring a little wonder to their shelves.

Made with the highest quality plush, each gargoyle is brought to life with expressive faces, huggable paws, and tactile textures. The smallest characters are Moat and Portcullis, standing just 8in tall in soft oatmeal grey and regal purple respectively. Featuring adorable horns and wings, these are mini guardians with mighty charm.

Standing slightly taller at 10in, Drawbridge is a standout character, in shimmering aqua blue, complete with curled horns that add a whimsical edge. Spires, in rich green tones, boasts a delightful plush chest tuft, while Bartizan

comes cloaked in warm hazelnut hues with a distinctive hair tuft that gives him a wise, ancient look.

Beyond their undeniable cuteness, these characters tap into a wider retail trend. As demand grows for unique, mythically-inspired gifts and collectables, Bearhouse by Charlie Bears o ers retailers a chance to align with this flourishing movement.

“I’m

so excited to be launching Bearhouse by Charlie Bears.

I feel like a child in a sweet shop, as designing these characters is pure indulgence for me. Expect whimsical, folklore, mystery and more as we continue to launch more magical, new characters throughout our 20th anniversary year

”The bold colours and distinctive design make these gargoyles an easy addition to any shop looking to enchant customers with something truly special.

Each Bearhouse by Charlie Bears character is non-jointed and suitable for collectors aged 18 months and older, making them perfect for a wide demographic, from imaginative children to seasoned plush connoisseurs.

Whether displayed on a boutique shelf or nestled in a nursery, Bearhouse by Charlie Bears’ new gargoyle collection is a celebration of fantasy, artistry, and nostalgia. With Charlie Bears celebrating its 20th anniversary, there’s no better time to discover the magic of Bearhouse.

The full gargoyle and dragon collections from Bearhouse by Charlie Bears are available to order now. To add them to your shelves, contact the UK sales team.

gift reveal

Cubs family!

The latest adorable characters from Cuddle Cubs by Charlie Bears have just been revealed, and they’re perfect for farm shops, gift retailers, and attractions welcoming families for fun-filled days out.

Each Cuddle Cub character in this latest launch is farmyard-inspired, pocket-sized, and made with the same high-quality plush craftsmanship that you would expect from the team behind the renowned UK collectable brand, Charlie Bears.

Designed with children in mind and priced for pocket money budgets, these charming cubs are loved by kids and trusted by parents. Cuddle Cubs by Charlie Bears are ready for adventure and make ideal impulse buys or souvenir gifts.

Don’t miss out on stocking the latest characters from this growing brand, because they’re set to fly o shelves. Contact the UK sales team today to bring Cuddle Cubs by Charlie Bears to your store.

New season, new styles

Museums & Galleries shines the spotlights on several additions to its tabletop and gift o er, set to make their debuts this summer

The tabletop and gift o er from Museums & Galleries (M&G) is set to dramatically increase this summer, with extensions to its kitchen textiles range, new coaster sets, new insulated bottles and travel mugs - and a surprise brand-new product format which the company is keeping under wraps, and will reveal exclusively on its stand at The Exclusively Show in June.

M&G launched its first range of coaster sets at Spring Fair in February, and the response has been so encouraging that it is adding six new sets for June, including a Matisse from the Tate Gallery, Vincent Van Gogh’s Almond Blossom, and new designs by customer favourites Angela Harding and Helen Ahpornsiri for Wild Press.

M&G’s new licence signing from the springLondon designer Emily Burningham - also joins the coaster collection with her phenomenally popular Saxifrage design. Emily’s sophisticated designs explore the relationship between distinct eras of art and design and draw influence from traditional woodblock printing techniques, both from Europe and Asia. Her designs have a graphic quality that is unmistakably her own.

Emily says: “Maybe designing is my salvation. I think the job of a designer is to try and lift the mood of people and bring happiness to their homes. If I can do that, then I’ve succeeded. It makes me happy to do that.”

Classic, restrained, and subtle, Emily’s work has been a huge hit with M&G’s audience since the launch of her card range in January, and M&G is delighted to be releasing kitchen textiles, bottles and travel mugs this summer.

M&G creative director Ben Dorney comments: “The Emily Burningham brand is distinctive and stylish, with Japanese-inspired simplicity and a unique palette. It sits at the crossroads between ‘cards & stationery’

and ‘home & interiors’ and we believe it will be a perfect fit for the growing range of M&G products across di erent categories.”

Other kitchen textiles additions include the premiere launch of long-standing and major M&G licence, the outstanding British designer Matthew Williamson, in an exclusive collection of aprons, oven gloves, tea towels and napkins, as well as insulated bottles, insulated travel mugs, and PLA mugs.

Matthew is one of the foremost British designers excelling at repeat pattern, and his work is characterised by signature bold colours and maximalist botanicals and exotic animals. Uncompromisingly contemporary, he nevertheless stands in the tradition of British design, extending from Zandra Rhodes to William Morris.

Now expanding his activities into interior design, Matthew’s ambition is to transform bland and neglected corners into technicolour paradises. Last year he launched his book “Living Bright” and won the prestigious Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year award.

Finally, Fans of M&G’s classic character licences will be thrilled to learn that the company is adding the exquisitely detailed miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge to its kitchen collection.

Already available as a coaster set, playing card pack, and tote bag, now aprons, oven gloves, tea towels, and insulated travel mugs will be available.

Jill Barklem’s beloved classic illustrations transfer magnificently to home products that suit her tranquil and loving domestic themes.

Diary of a gift shop

Our new diarist Sarah Halsall, owner of Hand Picked by Henrietta, gives the lowdown on what’s new, what’s hot, and what’s next at her gift shop in the Cheshire town of Poynton

Hi there! I’m Sarah, the owner of a gift shop. I’ve been in the greeting card and gift industry since before I left schooland I opened my first shop when I was 23.

Married to Darren, I’m a mum to boys and a dog, and a shopkeeper who loves yoga, walking, bees, and a pint. I have two greeting card and gift shops, and I spend most of my time at Hand Picked by Henrietta, in the Cheshire town of Poynton.

I’m busy switching Easter displays into the summer season with a little Father’s Day magic. Easter was successful saleswise, and especially noticeable was the trend for more ‘Easter Gifts’ - it seemed like parents and grandparents were looking for chocolate alternatives.

I’ve already started planning Easter hampers for next year after a customer really liked them this year. We also sold more gift vouchers, with grandparents letting their grandchildren choose their own gifts. I should probably advertise our vouchers more!

But now, all our attention is on Father’s Day. Here are some themes for Father’s Day gifts…

1

. Adventure Awaits: think outdoorsy! Being on the edge of the Peak District, we have a lot of adventures on our doorstep. So, camping gear, hiking backpacks, and fishing accessories… Good sellers for us are Sass & Belle’s Out of Office enamel black mug, and the ‘Cheshire: 40 Favourite Walks’ book from Pocket Mountains

2 . Tech-Savvy Dad: gadgets galore, from smart home devices to the latest

headphones - and fun tech toys such as the Harvey Makin Multi Tool Pen from Widdop & Co. , which is an ideal gift for a DIY enthusiast. I find it really helpful that I can order small quantities from Widdop & Co. to update our men’s collection. Picking a few new lines refreshes the offering without spending too much which is great, especially when we have a lot of regular customers.

“I’m busy switching Easter displays into the summer season with a little Father’s Day magic”

3

. Culinary King: kitchen gadgets such as the Dapper Chap Bike Pizza Cutter from CGB Giftware , gourmet BBQ sets, or a personalised apron for the dad who loves to cook.

4 . Sports Enthusiast: gear such as a custom home shirt for his favourite football team (Stockport County, Manchester City, and Manchester United are our local clubs) or, for the active dad, we stock football socks from White Cotton

5

. Classic Fatherhood: timeless gifts like personalised cufflinks or a classic watch that he will treasure forever. An example from us is the Equilibrium For Men leather wallet from Joe Davies . Again, this supplier’s £100 order value gives ‘little but often’ delivery options.

6

. Pamper Him: let his skin feel soft, moisturised and scented with natural essential oils. Wild-Olive’s shaving bar is a gift that he’ll want to add to his daily skincare routine, and the brand’s shaving bar is always popular too. It’s handmade with natural ingredients and smells amazing; customers come back to buy more! It also has a readymade Mr Collection Treat Tin that I’ll be topping up.

Hopefully, this Father’s Day will be unforgettable with the tills ringing. Like many towns, the general feeling on our high street is that customers are being a bit cautious with spending, since household bills seem to be rising every month.

The latest budget changes need some time for people to adjust to. And the dreaded car park costs have risen again. Like in most areas, parking is a real problem here and it’s getting worse.

Finally, I was recently surprised to unexpectedly receive the most gorgeous A4 Christmas card from Five Dollar Shake. It’s so luxurious and pretty, and was certainly created to make the recipient feel special. Do you plan your stock so far in advance?

Their cards are hand-finished, and I’m sure they’d love to get a head-start on the hand-finished detail - so don’t leave it to the last minute to order. These will surely make the Golden Quarter shine. It definitely made me check out their new designs!

We’ll keep you posted on our daily shop updates on Facebook or Instagram. You’ll recognise us by our pink hippo logo there: @handpickedbyhenrietta

2026 colour trends will say ‘welcome home’

Colour

expert

Lee Eiseman reveals her insights into the Pantone View Home + Interiors 2026 Forecast, which was unveiled at The Inspired Home Show 2025

Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2025

In December, the global colour authority Pantone announced that PANTONE 171230 Mocha Mousse is its Colour of the Year for 2025. It describes the shade as ‘a warming rich brown hue’ which ‘nurtures with its suggestion of the delectable quality of cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort’.

Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said: “Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230

Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence. Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, it extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.

“Infused with subtle elegance and earthy refinement, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse presents a discreet and tasteful touch of glamour. This flavourful brown shade envelopes us with its sensorial warmth.”

Pantone noted that there is a growing movement to align ourselves more closely with the natural world. Characterised by its organic nature, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse ‘honours and embraces the sustenance of our physical environment. Imbued with authenticity, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse finds harmony and balance between the demands of modernity and the timeless beauty of artful creation’.

Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, added: “The everlasting search for harmony filters through into every aspect of our lives including our relationships, the work we do, our social connections, and the natural environment that surrounds us.

“Harmony brings feelings of contentment, inspiring a positive state of inner peace, calm, and balance, as well as being tuned in with the world around us. Harmony embraces a culture of connection and unity as well as the synthesis of our mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing.

“With that in mind, for the Pantone Colour of the Year 2025 we looked to a colour that progresses our embrace of the feeling of our PANTONE Colour of the Year 2024 - PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz - into another dimension, extending further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others.”

Visit: www.pantone.com

As consumers around the world continue their search for balance and beauty in their homes and lives, colour expert Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman explained to attendees at The Inspired Home Show why ‘Welcome Home’ was selected as the theme of the seven palettes of the PantoneView Home + Interiors 2026 forecast, which were highlighted at the Show in the Pantone ColorWatch display.

Lee is a colour specialist whose expertise is recognised globally as the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and director of the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training.

In explaining the ‘Welcome Home’ theme in her keynote address, she said: “These are two words, when used together, that express the most deepseated and intrinsic human needs. It’s a theme that’s highly relatable and well understood, as a welcoming home provides the roof over our heads, whether it be a condo in the city, an expansive loft that has reminders of its industrial origins, or the relaxed elegance of a country cottage with a revisit to not so shabby chic.”

The 2026 colour trends will be deeply rooted in the past, according to Lee, with a mixing of different eras. “When people are uncertain about the future, they invariably look to the past,” she said, quoting Vanessa Friedman, the fashion director and chief fashion critic of The New York Times.

Lee told the full-house audience that the 2026 palettes were also heavily influenced by

Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2025 Mocha Mousse [see box], which she described as an “evocative, soft brown that transports our senses into thoughts of pleasure and deliciousness”. She reminded attendees: “If you can get a colour to evoke an emotion that involves the senses, and you involve more than one sense, it really captures the eye.”

She then explained each of the seven palettes in the Pantone View Home + Interiors 2026 forecast, sharing how they take existing elements to make the palette fresh and modern. “The home needs to provide a functional and organised workspace for us to live within, but also for us to make a living in,” she said, o ering a variety of palette options for di erent lifestyles and play styles.

An audio recording of the presentation is on the Show’s website at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/education/#keynotes. Hosted by the International Housewares Association (IHA), The Inspired Home Show was held from March 2 to March 4 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

Buyers from more than 100 countries joined 1,600 homeware and housewares companies to explore new products, new insights and countless opportunities to strengthen partnerships and drive growth. The 2026 event runs from March 10 to March 12. Visit: www.TheInspiredHomeShow.com

The seven home palettes for 2026 are:

• Out of the Ordinary: Lee called this “Scandinese style,” blending time-honoured Scandinavian and Japanese design principles. The palette includes familiar neutral colours with a few warmer ones that are “out of the ordinary” to represent the imperfect beauty of nature. This palette embraces homeostasis, where a balance of warmth and coolness helps to regulate the temperature of the person living within that environment.

• Ancestral: This palette is designed to remind people of our human heritage: think caves and early native dwellings with raw, earthy warmth. Ancestral largely has warm colours with some cooler colours, like neutral grey, and is a warmer alternative to black and white.

• Modern West: This is where Western classic meets modern style and cowboy/cowgirl couture. Browns are balanced by green - a neutral colour in nature. Global influences from countries like Argentina, Australia and the Czech Republic add some brightness with turquoise. This palette is also influenced by indigenous patterns and authentic Western embellishments.

• Augmented: In this palette, surreal and abstract design is inspired by AI (Artificial Intelligence), as well as immersive and digital experiences. This is a vibrant combination of reds, pinks, oranges and yellows, with blue and grey to balance the brightness.

• Rustic Revival: This is all about sustainability and industrial design with a softer, outdoor cabin feel. It’s a muted, subtle palette with sienna and grey tones that represent transforming waste into functional home elements.

• Exotic Retreat: Lee said this palette is perhaps the most fun. It touts nature’s maximalism with vibrant shades and is a beautiful balance of cools and warms, including fuchsia, purples and browns. With tropical glamour meeting boho paradise, it helps to bring vacation colour and design back home.

• Futura: Inspired by the cosmos with celestial motifs and galactic influences, Futura is minimalist and high tech. But it’s not cool like you might think, said Lee. There are nuances of colour that add a bit of warmth.

Augmented

Rustic Revival

Exotic Retreat

Futura

Fun and festivities await…

… at Harrogate, when Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival heads to Yorkshire in July for its biggest edition in a decade. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s happening at the show

Get ready to dive into the excitement at the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, which celebrates its 65th year in the North Yorkshire town of Harrogate from July 20 to July 23. This year’s summer sourcing exhibition promises a spectacular display of the best in design, retail community, and summer festivities.

Home & Gift is set to be an unmissable event, featuring more than 500 brands across four halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre and three Design Points. After significant expansion in 2024, the show is on course to be larger again this year, with DP1 extending by a further 10%.

About 30% of exhibitors are new to the event in 2025, with even more returning after an absence, allowing attendees to explore over 20,000 products spanning the home, gift, and lifestyle spectrum, and providing the perfect one-stop shop for retailers looking for their next bestseller.

Visitors can look forward to the announcement of the coveted Gift of the Year Awards’ ‘People’s Choice Award’ on Sunday, in partnership with The Giftware Association. Judged by over 100 industry professionals, this award has seen a diverse range of entries, from start-ups to multinational brands, all vying for the prestigious title. Throughout the show, attendees can also browse a physical showcase of Gift of the Year winners in Hall B.

One of the standouts of this year’s festival is the exclusive Trends Feature, expertly curated by Home & Gift’s o cial trends partner, The Better Trends Co. This installation will showcase three specially curated and immersive trends, as well as an insightful talk on how to source with trends in mind.

The Better Trends Co.’s co-founders Natalie Alexander and Louise Healy have also designed this year’s ‘Summer Soiree’ show theme. Louise explains: “For a huge brand anniversary such as 65 years of Home & Gift, we knew it had to encapsulate everything the show represents. The Summer Soirée theme is the perfect embodiment of outside dining, stylish stripes, and elevated tablescapes, blended with Home & Gift’s British heritage and retro summer party atmosphere!”

Famed for its networking and social elements, visitors and exhibitors alike can mingle and raise a toast to a successful first day at the famous Sunday Sundowners, dance the night away with the rest of the industry at the Show Party on Monday evening, and enjoy Drinks on the Lawn as the show closes for the day on Tuesday.

Loyal visitors and VIPs will have access to the exclusive Indigo Lounge, located in the stunning Majestic Hotel, where they can relax and enjoy complimentary refreshments, while they plan their day in the comfort of the beautiful Victorian surroundings.

Home & Gift attracts 6,000 quality buyers from across the UK and beyond, including independents, internet retailers, garden centres, multiples, department stores, and museums, with 33% of the visitors attending for the first time last year.

Finally, as an exciting new addition to the show, Home & Gift has partnered with Retail Revealed - the digital destination for the retail community across gift, lifestyle, home, furniture and fashion categories - to bring an exclusive set of digital sessions from top experts in the retail sphere.

Whether you’re looking to source new products, network with industry professionals, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere, Home & Gift is the place to be. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to rejuvenate your collections and make valuable connections in the picturesque Harrogate atmosphere. Register now to secure your free badge at https://homeandgift.co.uk/

What: Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival

Where: Harrogate Convention Centre, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

When: July 20-23

Visit: https://homeandgift.co.uk/

Get into the good books

Fox Under The Moon

The hot news from Fox Under The Moon, which specialises in greeting cards, gifts and picture books, is that the creator of the award-winning brand - author and illustrator Stacey McNeill - has landed herself a publishing deal. Her new illustrated gift book entitled ‘Fox Under The Moon: Seasons of Comfort and Hope’ will be released by Quercus (Hachette UK) on October 23.

This new full-colour hardback gift book aims to offer readers of all ages a journey through the seasons, exploring themes of hope, resilience, love, and change. It invites them to walk alongside a small fox and a wise old moon, exploring life’s ups and downs and finding light even in the darkest seasons.

Stacey said: “This book is a collection of my heart. I wanted to create a safe space: a little world where it’s okay to feel, to hope, and to heal. I hope it brings comfort, encouragement, and a little magic - just when readers need it most.”

Details for preordering this new title will be available via email or on the stand. Combining tender artwork with heartfelt reflections, Stacey’s work has built a global community of over 285,000 followers.

Stand: B-A29

Call: 07979 600587

Email: info@foxunderthemoonart.com

Call: www.foxunderthemoonart.com

A fragrant trio

Cereria Mollá 1899

This is Spanish home fragrance brand Cereria Mollá 1899’s first appearance at Harrogate following a highly successful UK debut at Spring Fair. The company says: “Home & Gift represents a key opportunity to connect with independent and premium retailers ahead of the crucial Q3 buying season, making it the perfect stage for launching three cornerstone collections.”

The Wax Melt Tin Discovery Set introduces four of Cereria Mollá 1899’s signature scentsBergamotto di Calabria, Santal & Tonka, Mediterranean Blue, and Black Orchid & Lily - housed in sleek, easy to use, tins. Designed for use with the Cereria Mollá 1899 Wax Melt Burner, the set offers an elegant entry point into the brand’s olfactory world.

The Limited Edition Christmas Collection comprises a Christmas Cracker and Mini Cracker which both feature a selection of Cereria Mollá 1899 favourites and include new wax melt tins and a signature candle. There are two new Spanish-inspired festive fragrances: Spiced Valencian Orange, and Andalusian Nutmeg & Ginger.

Finally, the new Limited Edition Oud & Leather fragrance opens with a warm, spicy glow of cloves and frankincense, softened by creamy white sandalwood. At its heart, the scent deepens with the golden warmth of ambergris, smoky labdanum, and earthy patchouli.The base lingers with a fusion of agarwood (oud), robust cedarwood, and smooth, aged leather. This is available for a limited time in candle and reed formats.

Stand: A-A21

Email: info@CM1899UK.com

Visit: www.cereriamolla.com

Winter warmers

PoM

PoM’s upcoming A/W collection features more exclusive designs, recycled products, luxury ranges and gift ideas than ever before.

Discover exquisitely crafted gift jewellery, luxury 14k gold-plated jewellery, and handmade silver jewellery collections for the perfect finishing touches this season. From classic styles to contemporary twists, you’ll find PoM jewellery is beautiful, desirable and perfectly priced.

Bring warmth and comfort to the new season with cosy hats, gloves and scarves featuring recycled yarns, matching sets and sumptuous styles. Hot water bottles are new this season, with luxury sleepwear returning in gorgeous new prints, along with PoM’s bestselling exclusive velvet home accessories and so much more. Winter never looked so good!

Stand: DP1-D41

Call: 01225 777749

Email: sales@pom925.com | Visit: www.pom925.com

PHOTO: Fox Under The Moon

Let’s catch up…

Langs is looking forward to launching its brand-new Spring 2026 gift and home décor range at Home & Gift. Director of design and buying Jane Bourne tells us more…

One of the true joys of Home & Gift is the chance to soak up the vibrant summer atmosphere. Between browsing new collections, visitors can enjoy the relaxed vibe and indulge in great food and a beverage or two. Harrogate, we feel, brings a unique blend of business and pleasure, making it a highlight of the calendar, year after year.

What we’ve been up to

It’s been a busy and inspiring time here at Langs. Our creative design team has been hard at work bringing fresh ideas to life from hand-drawn illustrations and original artwork that capture the essence of the season with vibrant colour palettes.

We’ve been developing lots of new collections, and adding plenty of charm and heartfelt touches, from beautifully crafted home accents to thoughtful gifts for every occasion, to bring you a first look at our brand-new Spring 2026 gift and home décor range, launching this July at Home & Gift!

The advantage of pre-season ordering

With pre-season ordering, you get the joy of selecting your Spring 2026 collection as early as July. This gives you a valuable head-start, allowing you to plan and secure your collections before the Halloween and Christmas festive season kicks in.

Spring has become one of the most popular buying seasons. It’s the first major collection to be displayed after Christmas and it covers key gifting moments like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter.

Best of all, our pre-season ordering is risk free: you can secure your stock without the pressure of immediate delivery, allowing you to manage budgets, space and time.

Floral Serenade

Bursting with the joyful energy of spring, Floral Serenade is a vibrant collection that captures the essence of the season in full bloom. Hand-painted by one of our talented artists in Derby, this beautiful expressive artwork features a chorus of seasonal favourites including daffodils, anemones, tulips and hyacinths, dancing together in a palette of fresh uplifting colour.

This delightful floral celebration spreads across an extensive range of products, from mango wood, textiles, glassware and ceramics, offering endless options for creating a co-ordinated and colourful display.

Love and Kindness

In a world where small gestures mean so much, our Love and Kindness collection offers the perfect way to express what words sometimes can’t. This heartwarming collection is brought to life through delicate hand-painted elements, inviting colours and meaningful messaging, designed to capture those moments when a little kindness goes a long way. It’s a versatile collection with a heartfelt ‘thank you‘, an ‘I love you’ or simply a ‘thinking of you’ sentiment.

Meadow Fields

Step into Meadow Fields: a whimsical new collection that captures the gentle beauty of blooming countryside meadows. At the heart of this range is a series of hand-painted rabbits, full of personality and character, playfully nestled among wildflowers and grasses.

Blended with soft pastel tones, the collection offers a calming, nature-inspired palette. Whether it’s a decorative touch for the home or a thoughtful present for family or friends, these pieces are sure to enchant and brighten any shop floor.

We will be showcasing all our beautiful new Spring 2026 collections at Home & Gift and we would love to see you there.

Stand: A-A30

Call: 01332 340927

Email: sales@richardlang.co.uk

Scent appeal

Henry & Co.

Following a bold rebrand earlier this year, Henry & Co. is heading to Harrogate for Home & Gift to showcase its new fragrance collection.

Every product in the updated range now comes with a note explaining how the scent is designed to make the user feel - creating an intuitive and emotionally engaging retail experience. From calming to uplifting, each scent invites the customer to shape a moment of feeling. This approach underpins its new positioning: ‘Fragrance the Moment’.

The brand will also be launching a new trade portal, making it easier than ever for stockists to place orders and access resources. Its stand will feature the complete range, including summer bestsellers Watermelon Lemonade, Mango Nectar and Lemongrass & Ginger, as well as a preview of its upcoming Christmas collection.

Stand: A-B21

Call: 03331 882006

Email: orders@henryandcompany.co.uk

Visit: www.henryandcofragrance.co.uk

Go wild!

St. Eval

St. Eval invites you to discover two new scents that capture the beauty of the wild: Sea Moss & Driftwood and Hawthorn & Berries.

Sea Moss & Driftwood is a scent of the ocean’s edge. Salty and invigorating, this fragrance captures the crisp freshness of the coast. Then wander inland to meet Hawthorn & Berries. Juicy, floral and enticing, it’s a scent that’s alive with the beauty of the wild hedgerow and grounded in nature’s quiet abundance.

That’s entertainment…

University Games & Lagoon

University Games and Lagoon will have its extensive product line-up on display at Home & Gift, from the new Birthday in a Box to the How Things Work series and much more.

Lagoon’s Birthday in a Box range is billed as the ultimate birthday gift. Available for milestone ages from 18 to 60, as well as a general Happy Birthday format, it contains everything needed to make a friend’s or family birthday perfect. A Birthday Trivia Card Game, Booklet of Birthday Fun Facts, Happy Birthday Badge, a Cake Topper and Confetti, are just some of the goodies included.

The National Geographic How Things Work range is a new series designed with creative play in mind. These beautifully styled 3D puzzles use card and other materials to create a ‘build and play’ range of STEAM science toys. The eight-line range includes a Periscope, Monocular, Hydraulic Lift, Blast O Rocket and Parachute Launcher, that all come with an instruction booklet that outlines fun facts about the unique build, to help children understand How Things Work.

Plus, everyone loves a good old pub game and the new Lagoon collection of Classic Pub Games is certain to hit the mark. With a Card Game Compendium of more than 50 di erent card games, a Dice Game Compendium, and a Pub Coasters Game, this range o ers great entertainment, whether played at home with family or at the pub with friends.

From licensed preschool and children to family and adult games, and puzzles ranging from 100 to 4,000 pieces, there is plenty of fun to be found on these stands.

Stands: DP1-D81 & D91

Call: 020 7254 0100

Email: sales@ugames.uk.com | Visit: www.university-games.co.uk

The B Corp certified company says: “From our cli top home in North Cornwall, we work with nature to create wildly scented candles. Crafted with care and rooted in nature, each one is a love letter to the land we call home. These fragrances are available in tin candles and tealights, and are made with a commitment to tread lightly on the earth.”

Stand: DP1-B41

Call: 01841 540850

Email: info@st-eval.com

Visit: https://www.st-eval.com/

Colour up

Miss Milly

Preparations for the next season and new jewellery and scarf collections are well underway at Miss Milly. An interesting core fashion palette forecast of light yellow, claret, sky blue, coral and navy has led to some unusual combinations - used in both updating existing jewellery bestsellers and the introduction of brand-new designs. As always, Home & Gift will be an adventure in colour as Miss Milly embraces in-stock summer orders and forward ordering for Autumn. Make sure to stop by to see all the gorgeous newness, including gecko, squirrel and poppy magnetic brooches, magnetic clasp necklaces, additional recycled leather bag styles and soft velvet pouches.

Stand: DP3-B07

Call: 01905 622509

Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk | Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk

Aloha! from Enesco

Boasting an enviable portfolio of more than 70 Stitch-themed items, gift supplier

Enesco is super excited about this lovable character being back in the spotlight

The team at Enesco has witnessed the popularity of the much-loved, super mischievous Disney character Stitch go from strength to strength over the past decade. Stitch’s unique combination of infectious charm, playful manner, and cuteness has proved to have broad appeal, captivating fans of all ages and from all walks of life.

The live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ movie is finally here and, as a leading licensee for Disney, the leading contemporary gift supplier has a host of Stitch-themed gifts and lifestyle products - exclusively from Enesco - which are available and in stock now.

The assortment of more than 70 items includes Stitch blind bags (complete with countertop displayer), a ‘pocket money’ item for younger fans to have - not only as a reminder of their trip to the cinema, but there are also numerous variations to collect - figurines by award-winning artists Jim Shore and Romero Britto, night lights, hanging ornaments… the list goes on. Each and every piece celebrates the storytelling behind this beloved character.

Expectations are high for the blue alien from Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ as Stitch has remained a popular character for almost 25 years and, more recently, has reportedly become the fastest-growing Disney franchise.

Enesco is renowned for masterfully weaving storytelling into its products. Turning each piece into more than just a collectable, it becomes a treasured narrative. Stitch’s personality makes him impressively versatile, which has allowed the product development team at Enesco to be highly creative: resulting in fun, vibrant, quality items with multi-audience appeal. Examples include Flu y Hawaiian Elvis Stitch, Beauty and the Stitch (with Stitch dressed as Beast), and Halloween Spider Stitch.

Helping to make a true Stitch statement in-store, Enesco is supplying retailers with a vibrant, eye-catching FSDU which is perfect for showcasing the breadth of Stitch product on o er and helping to create an impactful in-store experience.

Enesco also recognises that social media has helped drive Stitch’s overall popularity. So its latest marketing campaign includes supplying Stitch social media kits to retailers, promotions, on shelf point of sale, and even allowing Stitch to take over their website, in true Stitch chaotic style!

expectation is that Stitch will become a huge evergreen character. Remember, it is okay to be di erent!

Ticking so many relevant boxes - including inclusivity, nostalgia, and the importance of family and friendship - there is no doubt that Stitch has been a huge trend over recent years. But with the release of the movie, followed by the annual 626 Stitch Day (celebrated on June 26: think Experiment 626!), the

To see the Stitch collection in its entirety and more licensed Enesco gifts, including Disney, Willow Tree, Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit, Yankee Candle and more, visit www.enesco.co.uk. Call: 01228 404022

Oh, baby!

The arrival of a baby marks a joyous occasion, as parents welcome a new addition to their family. So plan ahead with a choice of gifts to celebrate their little bundle of joy

Soft and playful

Rainbow Designs

Rainbow Designs offers a wonderful collection of beautiful and thoughtful gifts for babies and infants, featuring many classic story time characters. With a prestigious portfolio that includes Peter Rabbit, Guess How Much I Love You and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, Rainbow brings these characters to life in classic yet contemporary soft and playful infant toys, brimming with developmental features, to make treasured gifts for babies and newborns.

The Peter Rabbit Signature Collection features Beatrix Potter’s much-loved characters Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny. The range of soft toys, comforters, and ring rattles also features the Signature Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny Gift Sets, which include a baby soft plush toy and knitted blanket packaged in an illustrated keepsake box.

The Disney Classic Pooh Always and Forever range is a collection of Winnie the Pooh soft toys and baby gifts, including gift-boxed soft toys, comforters and ring rattles - and joining the range this summer is a super soft Winnie the Pooh Muslin Comforter.

Rainbow’s popular collection of Guess How Much I Love You soft toys and gifts makes the perfect present for any special occasion. New additions to the range this summer include the super soft and cute Nutbrown Hare Muslin Comforter and Activity Cube, as well as the adorable Soft Toy and Milestone Cards and Soft Toy and Muslin Gift Sets. These heartfelt gifts make a beautiful way to express just how much you love them.

Call: 01329 227300

Email: sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Visit: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Adorable essentials

Blade & Rose

Award-winning UK baby gifting brand Blade & Rose has expanded its beloved range with the launch of ultrasoft, co-ordinating two-pack bibs and muslin cloths. Known for its fun, functional, and fashion-forward designs, the brand’s newest additions are no exception. Designed to match this year’s summer collections - or shine as stylish standalone accessories - these bibs and muslins combine practicality with premium quality.

Crafted with babies’ comfort in mind, the pieces are made to Oeko-Tex Standard 100, ensuring they’re free from harmful chemicals and gentle on delicate skin. Even better, they’re budgetfriendly too: wholesale just £5 for a two-pack of bibs and £5 for a two-pack of the soft muslin squares.

Perfect for gifting, these charming essentials are available now and are sure to be a hit with parents and babies alike.

Call: 01539730880 | Email: wholesale@bladeandrose.co.uk

Visit: www.bladeandrose.co.uk

Animal magic

CuddleCo

CuddleCo has unveiled its new collection of standing animals, featuring adorable giraffes and unicorns!

The giraffes come in three sizes (small, medium, and tall) with realistic markings, making them a fantastic alternative baby gift. The two unicorns - Rainbow and Gold Dust - are designed by kids, for kids. These whimsical creatures bring a magical touch.

These delightful statement pieces add personality, fun, and a dash of enchantment to any space, making them a perfect fit for children’s rooms, nurseries or playrooms.

Email: sales@cuddleco.co.uk

Visit: www.cuddleco.co.uk

Make memories

Joe Davies

Joe Davies has expanded its sentiment gift offering with the enchanting Little Bear Collection: a charming range designed to tap into the ever-popular baby and nursery market.

Ideal for baby showers, christenings, and early birthdays, this range combines timeless appeal with a high perceived value, making it an attractive proposition for retailers.

The collection features beautifully crafted keepsakes and nursery accessories such as wall plaques and ceramic hearts. With its on-trend colour palette and emotive messaging, the range is expected to resonate with a broad customer base, from new parents to gift-givers.

With signature ‘little and often’ small order quantities and carriage paid orders starting at just £100, Joe Davies ensures that your buying experience is both simple and enjoyable.

Call: 0161 975 6300

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

For little learners

Orchard Toys

Loved and trusted by families, Orchard Toys has extended its expertise in educational games and puzzles into the infant toy market, with the launch of its Baby and Toddler range.

Designed for little learners aged nine months and up, it offers retailers an opportunity to expand their offering to parents and gift buyers of this age group.

Leading the range is Under the Sea, a beautifully illustrated wooden nesting puzzle featuring five chunky sea creatures that nest inside one another, to help develop size recognition, fine motor skills, and early problem-solving.

Also in the collection are Match and Feel, which is a tactile twist on traditional puzzles; See and Sound flashcards, providing an introduction to farm animals and the sounds they make; and Woodland Puzzle: a delightful and durable wooden puzzle featuring seven easy-to-hold animal pieces.

Call: 01953 859539

Email: sales@orchardtoys.com | orders@kayes.co.uk

Visit: www.orchardtoys.com

Product Focus

Baby Gifts

So pretty! Personalised Memento Company

Brand-new from Personalised Memento Company (PMC) is a lovely set of Personalised Woodland Animals Baby Milestone Cards. Presented in an Organza bag, they make heartfelt gifts to celebrate a newborn or baby shower. Each set contains 24 cards including week/months old, first tooth, first steps and more! Record baby’s progress and capture precious memories by taking a photo with the card to create an everlasting snapshot of their latest milestone.

And encourage your little one to sit at the table for every meal, with a Personalised Fairy Princess Breakfast Set from PMC’s brand-new collection of children’s gifts. Each item is personalised, making this an extra special gift that is sure to bring a smile to their face day after day. The pretty fairy design is featured on a large variety of products, including jewellery boxes and ornaments. The range is also available in an adorable woodland animal design.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Plush pal Ravensburger

Ravensburger's Play+ baby and toddler range introduces a wealth of plush friends that are packed with developmental play, making them an ideal gifting option. The collection brings together more than 30 toys and books, including a selection of activity plush toys at a range of price points.

supplier snapshot

Gifts Today spoke to Rainbow Designs’

Head of UK Sales Gary Hughes to find out his thoughts on the baby gifts scene

How has the baby gifts sector evolved over the years?

Babies are born all year round, so baby gifting in general is not seasonal! However, trending new occasions associated with the arrival of a new baby such as Baby Showers and Gender Reveals, as well as birth, Christening and Naming Days, have all added to the gifting opportunities surrounding pregnancy and newborns.

Soft toys often become baby’s first friend and comforting companion that transcend infant years, and a new arrival - coupled with the cute factor that comes with plush - makes for good photo opportunities as well as social content, which many of the Gen Z era love to capture. If a gift retailer only had room for one product or range, what would you recommend?

Among them is the Shake & Chirp Bird: a handy take-along toy made with supersoft plush, which features a tactile, real wood loop. Full of details to explore, baby will love activating the fun chirping noises when the birdie is played with. The colourful fabrics, ribbons and textures o er lots for infants to discover - and the loop ensures the toy is easily attached to a pushchair.

Call: 01869 363800

Email: sales@ravensburger.com | Visit: www.ravensburger.com

Choosing just one product collection from our extensive portfolio of licensed character infant plush ranges is a hard task, but our Signature Peter Rabbit collection is a beautiful range featuring Beatrix Potter’s much-loved characters.

This high quality, deluxe range of Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny soft toys, comforters and ring rattles make thoughtful baby gifts. And, coupled with an essence and quality that will last a lifetime, they make a gorgeous keepsake that can be passed down through generations.

If I had to pick one product from this range, it would be the Soft Toy and Knitted Blanket Gift Sets, that come beautifully packaged in an illustrated keepsake box. It makes the ultimate gift that will last a lifetime and be treasured by all.

What trends can we look out for?

Within the baby plush category, toys that focus on developmental features continue to trend. Our Paddington for Baby, Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit and Disney Winnie the Pooh on the Go Activity toys, as well as our Very Hungry Caterpillar Developmental toy and Unfold and Discover Activity toys, are always extremely popular gifting options and sought-after by parents and grandparents to help entertain and educate their little ones.

A trend that we will see continue to grow is the call for environmentallyfriendly, sustainable toys. Ranges like our Disney Winnie the Pooh Always and Forever collection that is created using recycled fabrics and filling, and our new Sri Lankan born Tikiri Toys range, with a signature line-up of organic, non-organic soft toys and natural rubber toys (that will be available this summer), are always wellreceived by new parents.

Anything you are working on for this sector?

A large portion of our entire catalogue is focused on classic character baby and infant plush. Characters such as Paddington, Peter Rabbit, Guess How Much I Love You, and Disney Winnie the Pooh, most certainly bring their heritage.

But we’re constantly reviewing and developing to ensure we bring modern concepts to these classic character ranges and deliver them in a fresh and appealing way - like our new Disney Baby Dumbo range that is arriving this autumn. The collection includes a My First Dumbo Activity Toy and Dumbo Story Chain, both packed with features and activities for little ones to enjoy.

We’re also excited about our new Tikiri Toys range of soft Bonikka Dolls, arriving this summer, which features Cherub Baby Dolls in blue and pink and the adorable Baby Grace in a carry-cot - all of which promote the early concepts of care and nurture for little ones.

Let’s talk about… developing a buying strategy

Do you have a buying strategy? If not, you need one! So says Bryony Taylor-Edwards, co-founder of Think BIG, who shares seven principles for long-term business success

Awell-defined buying strategy is the foundation of a successful retail business. It ensures that your product range is cohesive, aligns with your brand values, and meets the needs of your target audience.

In an increasingly tricky market, retailers who curate their offerings with intention and clarity will stand out, attract the right customers, and drive sustainable growth. Here’s how to develop a buying strategy that strengthens your brand and enhances customer trust…

1

Define your brand values - and stick to them

Before selecting any products, defining your brand’s core values is essential. These principles should guide every buying decision you make. Are you committed to sustainability, craftsmanship, or affordability? Do you prioritise ethical sourcing or local production or both? Is your brand about luxury, exclusivity, or accessibility?

Once your values are clear, ensure that every product in your range aligns with them. Customers value consistency, and a mismatched product offering can erode trust in your brand.

2 . Know your audience inside out

Understanding your target audience is critical to making informed buying decisions. Invest time in researching your customer base. What are their demographics, preferences, and shopping habits? What problems do they need solutions for? How do they engage with trends? And what are their values?

A deep understanding of your audience allows you to curate a product range that resonates, ensuring your store becomes their go-to destination.

3

. Dare to niche down

One of the biggest mistakes retailers make is trying to be all things to all people. Instead, find your niche and commit to it. ‘Niching’ means marketing to your core client base more

specifically. Examples could vary from gardeners who have medium-sized gardens, to home owners who love interiors. Who exactly are you talking to?

A focused approach helps you establish expertise and authority in your category, create a stronger emotional connection with your audience through targeted marketing, reduce inventory bloat, and make more strategic buying decisions based on your niche.

When customers trust you to deliver exactly what they need, they will return time and time again. It’s called assertive retailing.

4

. Pricing strategy: balance margin and perceived value

Your pricing should reflect your brand positioning and customer expectations, while maintaining healthy profit margins. Research competitors in your space to gauge pricing benchmarks. A higher price should be justified by quality, branding, or exclusivity.

Offer a mix of entry-level, mid-range, and premium products to cater to different customer segments without diluting your brand identity. Make sure they have a thread that weaves them together.

5

. Be assertive and trend-led

Successful retailers don’t just follow trends - they lead them. Customers rely on you to curate the best and most relevant products. So don’t be afraid to take calculated risks on emerging trends, drop underperforming products swiftly, and innovate within your niche to stay ahead.

Being an authoritative buyer means customers trust your judgment, making your store the preferred destination for fresh and exciting products.

6 . Align presentation with perception

Your product selection is only as good as how you present it. Visual Merchandising (VM) should reinforce your brand values and enhance perceived value.

Luxury items should be displayed in a premium way, so avoid cluttered layouts, use quality display fixtures, and incorporate aspirational storytelling. Budgetfriendly products should feel inviting and accessible. Ensure you have clear pricing, organised shelving, and engaging displays to enhance their appeal.

And ensure consistency across all channels. Whether online or in-store, branding and product presentation should feel seamless.

7 . Monitor and adapt your strategy

A great buying strategy is never static. Regularly assess: sales data to understand bestsellers and slow movers, customer feedback to refine your range, and industry trends to anticipate shifts in demand. Flexibility and responsiveness will keep your offering relevant.

A well-planned buying strategy ensures range cohesion, strengthens brand identity, and builds customer loyalty.

By defining your values, understanding your audience, niching down, pricing strategically, leading with trends, perfecting visual merchandising, and continuously adapting, you position your business for long-term success.

Thoughtful curation isn’t just about stocking products - it’s about crafting an experience that keeps customers coming back.

Bryony Taylor-Edwards is co-founder of Think BIG - a community dedicated to empowering purpose-led founders to build their business confidence, master a growth mindset, and have lasting impact.  Email: bryony@thinkbigleadership.com Visit: www.thinkbighuddles.co.uk

A family affair

Gifts

Today catches up with Hannah Craven, co-founder of Polly and

Tots, which is a finalist in the best children’s business category of Cheshire’s Muddy Stilettos Awards 2025

Ialways dreamt of having my own business. My husband Joe and I started to make the dream a reality in 2017 when we opened a little gift shop, which included some children’s giftware. Then we opened another gift shop in 2018.

In February 2020 we had the opportunity to open a children’s shop. I wanted better choices, easily available for parents/carers and family members - organic cotton, sustainable toys, and gifts that were kind to skin and the planet. Fast forward to today, and we are a small family-run shop on the High Street in the Cheshire village of Tarporley.

Polly and Tots officially opened its doors just seven weeks before the first lockdown at the start of the pandemic - not exactly the start we’d planned! We had our beautiful little shop full of carefully chosen products, and then suddenly everything had to pause. It was a sink-or-swim moment.

We quickly pivoted to online, packed orders at home with our daughter Polly in tow (who was a toddler at that time), and connected with customers however we could. Looking back, that challenge actually shaped the business into what it is now: more resilient, more community-focused, and even more personal.

The highs have definitely been seeing the shop grow into a space that people love to visit. We have customers who started o buying newborn

gifts now coming in with their toddlers. That kind of relationship means the world to us as a small, family business.

Of course, there have been quiet weeks, and plenty of moments where we’ve questioned everything, like most small business owners do! But every kind word from a customer, every returning visitor, and every excited child who walks in makes it all so worthwhile.

“We’re incredibly proud to have reached our five-year milestone”

I think what sets us apart is that Polly and Tots has always been more than just a shop to me. It’s where, at the beginning, I’d have Polly with me behind the till and interacting with customers. Then we had her brother JJ, and he came to the shop from newborn too.

It’s a family business run by a family, so there is a personal touch behind everything we do. From the moment you walk in, I want it to feel like you can talk openly about every aspect of parenthood and the little ones in your life. It’s lovely to build and have a community like that.

It’s also the moments when we can help customers choose a first outfit or cuddly toy or

find their little ones a new book or game. There is so much heart behind it all – from the small ethical brands we support, to the way we get to know our customers and their families.

Our range is a curated collection of thoughtful, sustainable products for babies and young children. We stock timeless wooden toys, creative games and activities, baby essentials, organic cotton clothing that’s gentle on little one’s skin, and a handpicked selection of books.

Having two young children gives us a great insight into what a customer wants from a product AND what a child wants. I always start by asking: would I give this to my own children? It must be well-made, safe, and something that encourages creativity, curiosity, or connection. We look for toys that are open-ended, durable and made from natural or sustainable materials whenever possible, especially wood, organic fabrics, and plastic-free packaging.

We try to balance practicality with a sense of joy - everything is chosen not just for how it looks, but for how it feels, lasts, and inspires. We’re proud to support small, ethical brands that share our values, and we aim to o er a mix of everyday essentials and special keepsakes under one roof.

When it comes to sourcing merchandise, we love going to trade shows. We used to attend as many as possible, because that was the best way for us to meet new brands and see new and upcoming products.

In particular, we attended Spring Fair, Autumn Fair, and the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival. Since having children, it’s not been as easy to get to all the shows, but we try to go to as many as we can.

For children’s clothing we enjoy visiting the INDX National Kidswear Show. We’ve also been lucky enough to have been invited to some brands’ showrooms, which is always a good chance to really get a feel for products and build those all-important relationships. We often order via email or directly through suppliers’ websites. We also use the platforms Faire and Creoate.

We currently carry seven brilliant brands of clothing: Frugi, Kite Clothing, Pigeon Organics, Little Green Radicals, Piccalilly, Ducky Zebra, and Blade & Rose

“Summer always brings a fresh energy into the shop”

We’re also proud stockists of Lanka Kade, Janod, Lilliputiens, Pebblechild, Ziggle, Cheeky Chompers, Cotton Twist, and Apples to Pears, to name a few.

Plus, our range of Best Years toys is always popular, especially the octopuses which are ideal from birth, as their tentacles replicate the umbilical cord which help comfort babies as they already have the grasp reflex. And we love Kaloo. Its Bunnies are perfect gifts, from new baby to helping to celebrate birthdays. Their extra-long ears are ideal for little hands to hold.

We’ve just started stocking Scrunch toys and they are great warmer weather toys: perfect for sand and water play, from at home playing to staycations, or even being packed into a suitcase and taken anywhere in the world.

Summer always brings a fresh energy into the shop, and I can’t wait to help families get ready for their adventures - big or small! We’re really looking forward to stocking bright adventure-ready clothing, sun hats and some swimwear: everything that little ones need for beach days, garden play, and holidays.

With warmer months approaching, we’re already selling more outdoor games such as the classics like Garden Quoits and bat and ball games. We’ll also have some lovely outdoor toys, and nature-themed activity kits and books that are perfect for long sunny afternoons.

It’s definitely been a challenging start to the year - which may be a more ongoing theme than everyone in retail would like to admit. Like many small independents, we’ve felt the pressure of rising costs and cautious consumer spending, which has led to footfall being unpredictable.

Despite the ups and downs, we’re staying committed to what we do: offering beautifully made, thoughtful children’s items with a personal touch. We’ve also seen real support from our local community and loyal customers, which has meant the world to us and kept us going.

So, how do we get the word out there? As a small business owner, managing everything - including social media - can be a real juggling act. Running the shop while balancing family life means finding the time to post regularly, reply to messages, and come up with fresh content is a challenge. It’s a lot of work, but when someone walks into the shop and says they found us or saw something on social media, it feels completely worth it.

By the till, we have a little display of posters and flyers for local businesses and services that we think our customers might find helpful: everything from prenatal classes to mum clubs. It’s our small way of supporting fellow independents and creating a sense of community around the shop. We usually have a few of our bestselling small gifts or pocket money toys nearby too, for those lastminute little treats that kids love to spot!

What’s next for Polly and Tots? The biggest obstacle in our way is the size of our shop. As beautiful as it is, we’re limited on space, so we constantly look at ways to improve how we display our products and how we can display more of them.

We cover a lot of product categories but are always on the lookout for new ones. If something fits all our criteria then we make sure that we have the room to stock it.

We’re incredibly proud to have reached our five-

year milestone. The journey so far has been full of learning and growth. We are always talking about where we would love the business to go next. We have dreams of where we would like to be in five, 10, 20 years, but for now we are focusing on what we have in front of us and how we can make that the very best we can.

We’re working on building a stronger online community and presence and continuing to grow with purpose, always keeping the heart of Polly and Tots at the centre of everything we do.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding part has been creating a little world of joy for families, even as we navigated so many of life’s big moments ourselves. We’ve watched two children grow, survived a pandemic, faced the ups and downs of a tough economy – all while building a business rooted in love, creativity and care. Seeing our products become part of other families’ special moments is incredibly moving.

Pet approved…

We’re a nation of animal lovers, with 10.6 million pet dogs and 10.8 million pet cats in the UK. So if anyone is deserving of a pet-themed gift, it’s our loyal four-legged companions - and their devoted owners. Check out these special treats for fur babies and their parents

Prowl with pride

Bare Kind

Bare Kind is on a mission to help save animals with every step, as its super soft bamboo socks help to protect the animal on the sock! The company recently launched brand-new cat and dog socks - which are perfect for pet lovers who want to make a di erence.

Director and co-founder Andrew Kemp says: “With every pair sold from this collection, 10% of profits go directly to Woodgreen Pets Charity in Cambridgeshire, supporting its incredible work caring for and rehoming cats and dogs in need.

“We’re so excited about this new partnership, as our team have loved watching the wholesome Channel 4 TV show, ‘The Dog House’ [which follows the sta at Woodgreen Pets Charity in Godmanchester as they try to match homeless dogs with potential new owners].

“So whether you’re a feline fan or a dog devotee, you can wear your heart on your heels while helping our furry friends find loving homes.“

Call: 07899 004764

Email: hello@barekind.com

Visit: https://barekind.co.uk/

Pooch portraits

Joe Davies

Bringing a playful twist to home décor, the Top Dog Cushions range from Joe Davies is a must-have for retailers looking to cater to the ever-growing pet lover market.

Featuring charming canine portraits styled in aristocratic attire, this eyecatching collection blends humour with high-end aesthetic appeal.

Each cushion is made from premium-quality materials with a plush feel and vibrant print detail, ensuring they not only look great but also o er comfort and durability.

With a variety of popular dog breeds featured, the range appeals to a broad demographic of pet lovers and gift buyers alike. Whether displayed individually or as a full set, Top Dog Cushions make a bold visual impact in-store!

Joe Davies specialises in supplying to the independent retailer, o ering its trademark ‘little and often’ quantities and a minimum order value of just £100 for a carriage paid order.

Call: 0161 975 6300

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

Dapper dog dads

Wool & Whiskers

A Yellow Knitted Dog Bow Tie from Wool & Whiskers is a charming accessory to show your appreciation for the dog-loving dad in your life.

Crafted with care in the company’s Amsterdam garden studio, each bow tie is knit to order using sustainable, high-quality yarns. Available in three sizes, from tiny pups to large breeds, these bow ties ensure every dog can look their best. Plus, the yarns are deadstock from renowned fashion houses, adding an exclusive touch.

More than just a stylish accessory, the Yellow Dog Bow Tie is a conversation starter. It’s a ‘pawfect’ gift, reflecting both your chap’s love for his furry baby and your commitment to supporting sustainable, small-batch craftsmanship. Call: 0031683 143998

Email: info@woolandwhiskers.nl

Visit: www.woolandwhiskers.nl

Animal attraction

Miss Milly

In Miss Milly’s brooch and keyring collections, you will find plenty of animals and birds, with cats and dogs by far the most popular due to their status as our most-loved pets.

There are also designs that are rarer as pets but are still much-loved animals that we see often in the British countryside, such as owls, hedgehogs, cows and mice. Incoming for A/W are new magnetic brooch designs featuring new style cats and dogs, and geckos; another more unusual pet.

And on the tropical theme, the brand’s turtle magnetic brooch has been its bestseller this year: an animal that is not a common pet but is still high on the list for most people to interact with. With the popularity and success of the magnetic brooches, it’s a range that Miss Milly would definitely recommend to all gift retailers to try out.

Call: 01905 622509

Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk

Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk

Practically pawfect

Namaste

Brighten up your cat’s meal times with Namaste’s cheerful rainbow stripe ceramic bowl. Each piece is hand-painted with vibrant hues, making every bowl completely unique.

The playful design adds charm and character to any pet’s corner while complementing home décor with a splash of colour. Crafted from durable ceramic, the bowls are easy to clean, sturdy, and safe for your feline friend.

Whether used for food or water, these eye-catching

Whether used for food or water, these eye-catching bowls combine practicality with personality: perfect for cats who love a little flair. Make mealtimes magical with Namaste’s colourful collection!

Feline focus

Quercus

“Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism” by Stewart ‘Brittlestar’ Reynolds is a stylish hardback book sharing hilarious - but well observed - tips for toppling tyranny, from cats: the original masters of stealth, sass and strategic chaos, which have been teaching us survival tactics for centuries.

You’ll learn to confuse oppressors by refusing predictability, with your wild leaps from the sofa to the bookshelf; rest unapologetically, because naps are resistance; knock over the symbols of power - metaphorically and literally - and generally walk through life with the swagger of a cat who knows the world is theirs to command.

Use cuteness as a secret weapon, because sometimes the flu est paw packs the hardest punch; occupy spaces with boldness and purpose; keep your claws sharp, and when the moment comes, scratch back.

Perfect for anyone who’s ever felt powerless, this book is a rallying cry for readers to persist and pounce!

Call: 020 3122 6000

Email: events@hachette.co.uk

Visit: https://www.quercusbooks.co.uk/

Of course, every pet deserves a special place for their favourite toys, and this charming basket from Namaste is just the thing for your four-legged friend. Handcrafted from natural, sustainable seagrass and decorated with hand-painted black paw prints, this round basket is both stylish and practical. It’s the perfect spot to store your pet’s beloved squeaky toys, chew bones or cosy blankets.

Strong, lightweight, and naturally stain-resistant, seagrass is ideal for creating versatile, eco-friendly storage. Use the basket tall with its sturdy plaited handles, or fold it down into a shallow bowl shape for easy access. The fanned weave base adds extra stability, keeping it upright even during playful rummaging!

Whether you’re tidying up or adding a rustic touch to your home, this basket does it all with a paw-sitively adorable twist.

Call: 01756 700790

Email: sales@namaste-uk.com | Visit: www.namaste-uk.com

Take art

Happily

Art Dogs is a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring illustrated ‘Art Dogs’ by the acclaimed illustrator Nia Gould. Made in the Netherlands, the product is printed with vegetable-based ink using sustainably-sourced highquality FSC paper, 100% recycled board, and zero plastic. The finished puzzle size is 68 x 48.5cm.

Call: 07712 321 907

Email: hello@happilypuzzles.com

Visit: www.happilypuzzles.com

Bark life

D for Dog

The Dogfather hoodie is a fun way for the dog lover in your life to show o his favourite role of being a proud dog dad. Whether he’s walking his waggy pet, running errands, or simply relaxing at home with his furry sidekick, this wardrobe staple combines comfort with a playful sense of style.

The classic unisex hoodie features an iconic retro-inspired The Dogfather logo with a bones and puppet strings design. Made from soft brushed cotton, it’s a gift that’s fun, practical and can be enjoyed for years to come. Printed in the UK using eco-friendly, vegan-safe inks, it ticks all the boxes as a present for devoted dog dads.

Plus, the Dogfather baseball cap is designed to be worn with pride. Made from 100% breathable cotton, it’s lightweight with a five-panel flat peak design, an adjustable metal clasp for the perfect fit, and a quality internal mesh structure. It’s the kind of gift that gets a genuine grin and, because he will want to walk the dog to show it o , it brings happy tail wags too!

Finally, 3D Photo Engraved Crystal Blocks are a beautiful way to honour the bond between a dog dad and his four-legged best friend. Using cuttingedge laser technology, your favourite photo is transformed into a lifelike 3D engraving, inside a flawless crystal cube or rectangle.

Whether you choose a playful pooch portrait or a cherished moment between man and dog, the result is incredibly detailed and surprisingly lifelike. Each piece is crafted from high-quality crystal and comes in a lined gift box. You can also add a personalised inscription onto the crystal, at no extra cost. Just like the love between a devoted dog dad and his loyal companion, this stunning gift endures.

Call: 01895 717255

Email: contact@dfordog.co.uk

Visit: https://www.dfordog.co.uk

Beloved breeds

Hardie Grant

Vintage Dogs tests your memory with a 50-card matching game featuring 25 pairs of the world’s most beloved dog breeds, beautifully rendered in vintage illustrations.

The accompanying 80-page guidebook is full of vintage full-colour illustrations by Arthur Wardle, as well as descriptions of each breed’s origins, physical characteristics, and temperament - perfect for both dog enthusiasts and prospective pet owners. Memorise and learn about breeds including Irish Setters, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Basset Hounds, Beagles, Great Danes, Corgis, Spaniels galore, and a Terrier for every day of the week. There is also information on 25 additional related breeds, all illustrated. This beautifully packaged set is an ideal gift for dog lovers, art fans, or anyone looking for a fun, educational game to play with their friends and family.

Pamper & play

Mad Beauty

Global gifting specialist Mad Beauty has launched a fun, feel-good pet gifting range designed to delight both pets and their parents alike.

From gentle cleansing and conditioning formulas to essential grooming tools and entertaining play props, the pawsome line-up of eight pampering and playtime treats has been thoughtfully crafted for pooches and cats.

Presented in fun and vibrant packaging, the collection o ers the ideal gifts for our furry friends! It includes a Dog Shampoo & Conditioner (available individually and as a set); a Gift Set Tin, featuring a mini oatmeal and chamomile fragranced shampoo and conditioner and cute animal print pet bandana; a Calm Paw & Nose Balm, formulated with oatmeal and chamomile to soothe and moisturise the skin; a moulded Dog Slicker brush with a handy stand to hold it in place, housed in a kennel shaped box; and a selection of Catnip Filled Toys.

And, capture precious memories using a seven-piece Photo Booth Props set. Use the quirky props to strike adorable poses with your pets against the included cardboard frame. With a variety of fun accessories, this set is perfect for creating snapshots that celebrate the special bond between you and your fur babies.

Call: 0208 958 0555

Call: 020 7840 8400 | 020 7010 3000

Email: penguinorders@tbs-ltd.co.uk

Visit: https://www.thebookservice.co.uk/

Email: sales@madbeauty.com

Visit: www.madbeauty.com

Paws a while

All Jigsaw Puzzles

When it comes to finding a special gift, it can be tricky. Enter All Jigsaw Puzzles, with its selection of personalised and aesthetically pleasing puzzles that make a truly thoughtful gift.

All Jigsaw Puzzles’ personalised photo puzzle is a wonderful present to celebrate special moments. Simply share a high-quality snap to receive a unique sentimental gift, o ering the recipient the chance to rebuild a happy memory piece by piece.

All you need to do is provide a high quality image that is important to you, and All Jigsaw Puzzles can turn it into a puzzle and matching box. You just need to start by choosing which piece size you want - for example, 500 and 1,000 pieces are popular sizes of jigsaw puzzles for adults in the UK. You will receive a 3D digital proof to sign o and then it normally takes four weeks to produce.

Call: 01837 811 313

Email: Clare@alljigsawpuzzles.co.uk

Visit: https://tradejigsaws.alljigsawpuzzles.co.uk

“A real opportunity”

Natasha Colk, head of buying at Bakers & Larners in the Norfolk market town of Holt, takes us on a whirlwind tour of the store’s newly launched dedicated pet department

Bakers & Larners has been in the heart of Holt since 1770 as an independent, family-run department store with eighth and ninth generations of the Baker family actively involved in the business today.

We are a full line department store, selling everything from women’s clothing to garden bulbsand with a fabulous new deli too!

As head of buying, my buying strategy is to focus on o ering our customers quality, interesting products that tell a story. We also try to source local and UK-made items wherever possible.

We’ve always sold a range of pet products but it was very small and the o ering didn’t align with my buying pillars. Being in North Norfolk (a very doggy area), I felt this was a real opportunity. So I began sourcing new suppliers and products, and the sales started to grow. With new interesting and premium products, pet soon outgrew its space, leading us to launch a new dedicated department.

The range now focuses on products that put a smile on your (and your pets’) face. Every product has been carefully selected because I feel it will bring joy to you and your pet.

We’ve worked to create a whole new department, with purpose-built fixturing and display solutions. This has enabled us to showcase our beautiful product to its full potential. We’ve tried to have a bit of fun too, with bow tie bunting, a fruit and veg (toy) market, and custom-made doggy mannequins to show o the coats.

Product handling is very much ‘lifestyle’ which I hope will inspire our customers and create a more interesting shopping experience, which will hopefully increase sales. Our department sells a wide range, mainly focused on those extra special pieces you won’t find in everyday pet stores.

We have a great selection of treats, toys, beds, bowls, collars, leads, coats and jumpers. At Christmas we will add in more gifting lines, because your pet is another member of the family and deserves to be treated too!

Our key supplies include Sweet William (collars, leads, bow ties, brushes, toys, bowls), Scru s (pet beds, bowls), YETI (dog bowls), Le Creuset (dog bowls), Norfolk Natural Living (pet bed refresher, paw cleaner, doggy shampoo, dog cologne), Pooches (Norfolk-made dog treats), Petface/ The Dog Deli (toys and treats), William Morris (bed, bowl, coat), Barbour (coats, beds, blankets, collars and lead, toys, grooming), Pup & Kit (blanket and bowls), Creature Clothes (handmade in the UK beds, bandanas, leads, bow ties, treat pouch, toys), Storeys & Tails (UK-made collars and leads including leather), Ru ngtons (dog patisserie), Sophie Allport (bowls, collars and leads, toys), Bugalugs (grooming), Natural Treats (UK-made natural treats ‘pick & mix’), and Bakers & Larners’ locally-made dog treats.

We love to welcome pets to our store - and they might even get a little treat from us!

Novelty Gifts

A standout line

Joe Davies

Retailers on the lookout for bold, eye-catching novelty gifts with a collectable edge need look no further than the Steampunk Collection by Joe Davies.

Chill out!

Canal Toys

Meet the So Chill Mini Fridge Infinity. Designed to create the next level of chill, the So Chill Mini Fridge Infinity is the ideal companion for gamers, students, and those who appreciate a touch of style.

This isn’t just an ordinary fridge; it’s a statement piece. Featuring a mesmerising, mirrored door with 12 colour-changing LED lights, it creates a unique and eye-catching display - and keeps drinks and snacks chilled with its four-litre capacity and e cient cooling system.

Call: 01904 379123

Email: enquiries@canaltoys.uk

Visit: https://canaltoys.co.uk/

Cute & colourful House of Marbles

Looking to brighten up your novelty range? The Rainbow Sticker Stamper from House of Marbles is filled with colour, creativity, and shelf appeal - making it the perfect choice for retailers looking to o er something a little di erent.

Each stamper is packed with 160 vibrant stickers featuring everything from rainbows and unicorns to butterflies and more. Suitable for children aged three and up, this cute novelty toy guarantees hours of fun for little ones and will be a popular party bag filler or small surprise gift.

Presented in an eye-catching counter display, it’s easy to merchandise and would stand out by tills, kids’ corners, or themed gift sections. With its year-round appeal and high impulse-buy potential, it will be popular all year long. A low carriage paid of just £200 (UK mainland) makes stocking up easy and a ordable, whether you’re an independent gift shop, garden centre, or visitor attraction.

Call: 01626 835358

Email: uk@houseofmarbles.com

Visit: www.houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk

This striking range of metallic-look figures - including dragons, grim reapers, robots, and mythical beasts - combines fantasy themes with industrial steampunk styling for maximum visual impact.

Packed with character and intricate detailing, these resin figures are perfect for customers seeking something unique. With their broad appeal across fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and gothic design, they’re an ideal gift pick for alternative stores, tourist shops, and novelty-led gift retailers.

With its signature ‘little and often’ small order quantities, and carriage paid orders starting at just £100, Joe Davies ensures that your buying experience is both simple and enjoyable.

Call: 0161 975 6300

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

Playful twist

Puckator

Bring a touch of calm and cuteness to your day with Puckator’s exclusive Capybara range. Designed in the UK, this charming collection includes mugs, water bottles, nail files, and compact mirrors - each one celebrating the gentle, friendly spirit of capybaras.

Whether they are lounging in the sun or soaking in a steamy onsen, these lovable animals are the perfect companions to brighten any space. With their quirky appeal and relaxed vibe, capybaras are truly the animals of the moment. Add a playful twist to your home or o ce and let the capybara fun begin!

Call. 0800 011 6969

Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk

Visit: www.puckator.co.uk

Disney delights

Mad Beauty

Trevor Cash, director of global gifting specialist Mad Beauty, says: “One of our USPs at Mad is that we create our own trends. Our experience has shown us that originality is exactly what our customers are looking for. No idea is too bold or too wild, and if it sounds a little ‘Mad!’ that’s our cue to dive in and figure out how to bring it to life.

“Our new Disney’s Lady and the Tramp range is a timeless collection that will pull on the heartstrings of consumers and dog lovers alike - and this year the original movie celebrates its 70th anniversary!”

Providing a romantic rendezvous of delicate florals and indulgent treats, the Mad Beauty team has taken inspiration from key moments in the movie and used their creativity to convert these into an innovative and fun beauty line.

And, hot on the heels of Moana 2 and ahead of the live-action release in 2026, sail on a self-care voyage with a new collection of bath, body and beauty delights developed to honour and enhance every individual’s uniqueness. The Moana collection embraces tropical beauty and the spirit of independence: perfect for leading customers into summer with confidence.

Call: 0208 958 0555

Email: sales@madbeauty.com

Visit: www.madbeauty.com

Page turner

Spidling Productions

“Don’t Forget to Flush!” by John Eaton is the perfect gift for men who love a good laugh and a clever turn of phrase. Packed with sharp wit and cheeky observations on life’s everyday absurdities, this hilarious poetry collection is delightful and escapist reading for the ‘smallest room’ in the house.

Funky funghi

Namaste

Add a pop of playful colour with Namaste’s Neon Funky Mushroom Collection. Hand-carved from natural soapstone and painted in vibrant neon shades of pink, lime and turquoise, each piece is a unique work of art.

Choose from a photo holder, incense holder or trinket dish - each designed to bring a fun and quirky touch to any space.

Made by a World Fair Trade Organisation approved supplier, these handcrafted mushrooms celebrate artisan skill and ethical production. Natural variations in colour and form add to their charm, making every piece one of a kind. This is a joyful gift or vibrant accent for any colourful, curious soul!

Call: 01756 700790

Email: sales@namaste-uk.com

Visit: www.namaste-uk.com

The author’s verses blend the ridiculous with the relatable, poking fun at modern life, relationships, and domestic dramas with warmth and mischief. Whether your chap is a poetry fan or simply enjoys a quick chuckle with his morning co ee, “Don’t Forget to Flush!” is guaranteed to raise a smile with its tongue-in-cheek tone and cleverly crafted rhymes. Add a roll of loo paper for extra laughs!

Spidling Productions marketing and development Director Guy Tomlinson says: “With consumers increasingly seeking gifts that feel personal, practical, and thoughtful, books check every box. They o er escapism, entertainment, and emotional connection - all wrapped in one package. Humorous and themed books, especially those tailored for ‘dad humour,’ are particularly trending, reinforcing the book’s place as a go-to, evergreen Father’s Day gift.”

Call: 07485 087736

Email: spid@spidthespider.com

Visit: https://spidlingproductions.com/books

Cheers to 17

Clare

Turner chats to Natalie Yates, CEO of online retailer

Gifts from Handpicked, which is celebrating its 17th birthday

What’s your career background?

I studied hotel and catering management and went on to work in contract catering as a cook, progressing to an area support manager for the Nottinghamshire area.

Why did you decide to move into online gift retailing?

On a trip to Harrogate for my 30th birthday, I went into a small gift shop and got chatting to the owner about her lovely business. She told me all about the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair and the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, and really inspired me to start looking into gift retailing. I still visit these exhibitions today 17 years on, to source new products, talk to current and new suppliers, and find the newest trends for the seasons ahead.

Tell us a bit about Gifts from Handpicked. My business launched in April 2008. I started selling at ladies’ house parties and local shows, then expanded onto eBay, my own website, and then Amazon - all from my spare room and garage.

Soon, the success outgrew this, so we moved to premises to accommodate working from home with small children. As the children grew, so did the business. So in 2016 we moved into a 1,500sq ft premises in North Hykeham, south of Lincoln.

In 2021 it was time to move again, and we are now settled in a 4,500sq ft warehouse on Sadler Road in Lincoln, which has enabled us to be e cient and service our orders in record times.

“The gift industry is by far the friendliest, exciting and creative place to be, and I adore it”

What’s your company mission?

We believe in making every gift you give a special experience. Our mission is to deliver unique gifts that reflect the care and thoughtfulness behind giftgiving - while also providing exceptional service, quick delivery, and a friendly experience that customers want to come back again and again for.

How would you describe your range?     We stock more than 2,500 products from over 40 well-known brands to cover gifts for all occasions and decorations for all seasons.

What are your key categories?   Christmas, Easter and Halloween gifts and decorations, homeware accessories, gifts for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, christenings, weddings, engagements, thank you gifts, special birthdays, novelty gifts, new home, and retirement gifts.

Who are your key suppliers?    DCUK, Wrendale Designs, Widdop & Co., Gisela Graham, Heaven Sends, Elite Tins, Emma Bridgewater, Sara Miller, French Connection, Garden Trading, Ginger Fox, Rachel Ellen Designs, Sass & Belle, Shoeless Joe, Warmies, Life Charms, United Odd Socks, Disney, East of India, Alice Wheeler London, Wax Lyrical, Portmeirion, WPL Gifts, Gentlemen’s Hardware, Giftware Trading, Floralsilk, Happily Puzzles, Heart & Soul Studio, Joe Davies, Kikkerland, Mclaggan + Co, Mustard London, Originals International, and Portico Designs

How do you find products?

We expand our range using rep visits. We also go to the Spring Fair, Autumn Fair, Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair and Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival. We are judges at the Gift of The Year Awards too, which inspires our new product launches.

What’s your selection criteria?

We select trending gifts that we know do well from other categories and expand our ranges and choose based on what we know people want.

We look for a price point of between £10-£20+, and value for money. Plus, we choose products that make great sets or hampers: so, a similar range of products that go together nicely. We go for branded products that we know people know and love, but then also smaller brands with great products that fit with our range.

What’s proving popular at the moment?

Throughout April, it was our bestselling Easter & Spring decorations range. We also do lots of travel accessories like travel maps and travel planners, and have a great novelty tinware selection.

What are some of your new arrivals?

We update our ‘Just Arrived’ page daily and are always adding new items to the website. We recently added loads of DCUK ducks, Rachel Ellen Designs writing sets and stationery, Garden Trading home accessories, and Sass & Belle homeware.

How has trading been for you so far this year: any challenges or highlights?

This year has felt di erent with Mother’s Day being earlier and Easter being later. Every year the business faces di erent challenges and changes based on external factors, politics, and the news. We try to be proactive and turn a challenge into a resolution, so we can continue to be supportive of our brands and sustain our business growth.  Highlights have been seeing the sta ’s e orts on TikTok, and the fun they have trying to keep up with the latest trends!

years!

What are you most excited about seeing/ stocking for the next season?

We’ve had some exclusive Christmas decorations made, and seeing these come to life - from design to listing them to getting our first sale - is an exciting process.

Who are your typical customers?

Women aged 21 to 65-plus, but we sell our gifts and homeware to anyone and everyone. We’ve had hotels order our homeware items, and well-known brands order our decorations in huge quantities for parties and as gifts. We’ve sent products all across the world and deliver them internationally daily.

How do you get the word out there?

We run social media marketing via ads on Facebook and Instagram. We have a great community of email subscribers who we send details of ‘new in’ items, popular trending items, offers, and more. We have a great community of repurchasers who come back time and time again to decorate for certain seasons or to buy gifts for different occasions.

Do you offer any services?

We offer click and collect to our warehouse and

advertise this over social media and on our local Facebook page for the local community. We also offer loyalty points which customers can redeem on further purchases.

What’s next for your gifts?

We’re constantly expanding our ranges to keep up with changing trends. We are currently expanding our ‘gifts for men’ range for Father’s Day. And we are continuing to work closely with our suppliers to expand ranges with them.

What’s next for your business?

We’re working very closely with a handful of brands to ensure they are properly represented online. With years of experience on different marketplaces and operating a successful website - linked with staff continuity - we have the skills and knowledge to work smarter with existing brands, to ensure they have the brand protection (i.e. we take proactive measures to professionally represent their products by enhancing their listings via images, descriptions and so on) and correct online presence.

“We’re constantly expanding our ranges to keep up with changing trends”

What do you like most - and least - about your role?

Compared with the catering Industry which I loved, the gift industry is by far the friendliest, exciting and creative place to be, and I adore it. Buying products, growing the range, and increasing orders is what I like most.

What do I like least? The rules and regulations of selling online, and the words Product Compliance mixed with emails from a very well-known marketplace! I will leave it there!

What are your current favourite gifts on your virtual shelves – and why?

I love walking down the DCUK aisle in our warehouse and seeing a name tag of someone I know. And I enjoy walking past gifts I didn’t know had come into our warehouse… Back in the day I knew every product and every SKU. But now, with over 2,500 lines, that is impossible!

Finally, Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’ve met so many lovely people in the gift industry and I’m so lucky to represent so many well-known brands. As well as my own work method of “work hard, play hard,” I couldn’t have done this journey without the passion and dedication of my wonderful staff. So a big thank you to them all!

Top 5 Best Sellers

1. Widdop & Co.

Bright Side Drugs Tinnovelty pill storage box

2. Xystos

Personalised Travel Map

Pinboard from Splosh - small

3. Widdop & Co.

Bright Side Charger Cablesnovelty storage tin

4. Elite Tins

Emma Bridgewater Biscuits

Design Tin Barrel

5. United Odd Socks

Cool Uncle Gift Setassorted odd socks for men

Gifts Today SHOP TALK

A selection of independent retailers share their Easter trading experiences, sales predictions for Father’s Day, and plans for the summer wedding season

David Lorimer

Director

Brocante

10 shops across Cornwall & Devon

How was Easter trading for you?

Easter trading was good. I was really pleased with the footfall, which was greatly helped by the weather being perfect for shopping (sunny but a bit too cold for the beach).

What are your plans for Father’s Day?

We only do a little bit of Father’s Day and don’t tend to bring in new lines apart from cards. But we change our window weekly so there’s always newness, and we will display stock such as bottle holders and glassware.

Are you celebrating the summer wedding season?

We don’t do a lot of specific wedding seasonal gifts apart from cards etc but we have a huge range of items which are suitable for wedding gifts. We also have a great range of crockery which people can buy as a gift - and this can be added to. We definitely use a lot more giftware such as glassware and home fragrance in the seasonal windows.

Linda McBride

Owner

Gibbles Gifts, Cards & Home

Anstruther

Scotland

How was Easter trading for you?

Easter decorations were a big hit, particularly from Gisela Graham. More people are decorating their homes for this occasion, which is growing year-on-year. Also, ceramics from Langs with a Spring theme were good sellers.

We took in scented car diffusers from a small company, Rosy Roo, and these proved very popular - I’m not sure this was surprising as they’re keenly priced and smell delightful. We have reordered already!

“Easter decorations were a big hit”

What are your plans for Father’s Day?

Father’s Day doesn’t tend to be such a big occasion for us as we’re probably a ‘girly’ shop. We’ve just ordered more Bawbags (cool men’s underwear with a definite rugby slant) and some new designs in the Mr Sparrow range of socks.

We stock the Thistle & Black Pepper range of body/face products from Scottish Fine Soaps which will hopefully sell well for dads. We’ve also just ordered more coasters from Fife company LT Creations. These are |oak-veneered with a tartan backing, and have quirky Scottish sayings such as Crabbit, Numpty, and Gallus - brilliant for popping dad’s beer or wine glass on! We’ll put together a ‘male-themed’ window but won’t host any special events.

Pollyanna Williams

Owner Snoop

Shrewsbury

Shropshire

How was Easter trading for you?

This was our second Easter so we decided to tap into that market, which we didn’t last year. Alongside some beautiful Easter cards from UK-based maker Kitty Kenda, we added some lovely playful chocolates to our shelves.

Think hollow bunny rabbits, life-sized speckled quail eggs, and embellished Easter eggs, which went down a treat - one gentleman had to come back twice as he ate his first chocolate selection before he gifted it in time for Easter!

The sunshine was also on our side, so our BAGGU picnic blankets were a huge hit while people were preparing for picnics and weekends at the beach through the school holidays.

What are your plans for Father’s Day?

We stock a range of men’s gifts all year round. However, we’re increasing our range for Father’s Day to include some new portable and rechargeable lamps from German brand Remember, which will be perfect for camping or evenings in the garden.

We also stock bath/shower products, Le Bon Shoppe socks, cookery and adventure books, CRA-YON unisex perfumes, Silmachy beard oils, and Gentlemen’s Hardware multi-tools, which have been very popular with the chaps.

Are you celebrating the summer wedding season?

We don’t tend to stock themed goods as such, but we have many gift ideas available for something a bit different. Our &Klevering coupe glasses have been a hit for summer weddings for the past couple of years. Coming in a set of two, they’re perfect for enjoying a celebratory prosecco or cocktail.

We’ve also recently started stocking London-based jewellery brand Wolf & Moon. Its statement earrings are the perfect addition to any wedding outfit. Continuing with the foodie movement you’re seeing across fashion & interiors, we’ve chosen earring designs such as tinned sardines, a pair of lobsters and our favourite - a plate of jelly!

Richard Barker

Director

Cilla & Camilla

Four stores in West Dorset:

Beaminster, Bridport, Sherborne

How was Easter trading for you?

Easter trade was slightly difficult to assess, given that the Easter weekend was so much later this year than last. However, taking our sales for March and April together, we were about 5% ahead this year compared with 2024 which, on balance, we were happy with.

Although we get some uplift from the Easter holiday period, much of that business is a general uplift across the board, resulting from the increase in visitor numbers to the West Country.

Only a very small portion of our sales during the period come from Easter specific stock. That said, we sell more Easter cards each year, which (speaking as someone who has never even considered sending an Easter card) continues to surprise me.

What are your plans for Father’s Day?

Father’s Day is not terribly important for us - we see nothing like the level of sales which Mother’s Day generates (as a father of five, I bear no grudge). We do okay with greeting cards (which are around 50% of what we sell for Mothering Sunday), and we do buy a small amount of Father’s Day specific stock, but not enough to warrant real attention. We’ve tried harder in the past, but have never been able to generate great interest.  Falling as it does in June, Father’s Day is of little importance compared with the general level of uplift we see from visitors to West Dorset. We will have one of our main display windows dedicated to Father’s Day, although the stock will tend to be quite generic from across our business. We do see some uplift in our cookshops - there are a lot of men who like a good kitchen gadget! But, again, it is pretty small beer.

Are you celebrating the summer wedding season?

It’s pretty much the same story for weddings. There will be a window dedicated to spring/summer weddings as part of our late spring timetable, but the stock will not have been bought specifically for a weddings promotion.

The lines that do tend to do well include glassware from LSA International, Dartington Crystal and La Rochère, and jewellery for bridesmaids from Hot Tomato, Joma Jewellery and Life Charms. We also see an uplift in our fashion sales, where a decent run of good weather boosts sales - and there will always be wedding guests looking for a new outfit.

Samantha Gibbs

Owner Nest

Stoneygate & Thurlaston Leicestershire

How was Easter trading for you?

Easter trading was strong in the shops. Good weather and people staycationing meant we had some fantastic days of trading. We have some new plush ranges, namely Palm Pals and Ebba from Aurora World, that did really well - along with creative kits such as those from Clockwork Soldier: all fun for the kids.

Plus, we’ve recently introduced Studio Roof’s butterfly, bee, bird and beetle wall art, and Seedball which have added a lovely fresh feel to spring. These little tubes [containing 20 seed balls, each packed with British wildflower seeds] are doing well at the moment

“We don’t specifically stock for weddings, but our scarf collections are always bestsellers for bridesmaids and mothers of the brides”

What are your plans for Father’s Day?

Father’s Day already has a slot in the window which is great, as people have started asking. It’s never going to be our best occasion of the year but it certainly gains interest. We are adding extra ranges of mugs, some vintage tins, new multi-tools and some new notebooks too, so there will be plenty of choice!

We will fully change the window to Father’s Day after the May bank holiday, and it’s always the mugs that are the easiest choice for customers! Keith Brymer Jones’ Word range from Forma House and the Moments range from Widdop & Co. are particularly strong sellers.

Are you celebrating the summer wedding season?

We don’t specifically stock for weddings, but our scarf collections are always bestsellers for bridesmaids and mothers of the brides. Our two newest suppliers are Passion Accessories and Black Ginger.

Gifts Today SHOP TALK

Bill Nettelfield

Owner

Bill & Bert’s Colchester Essex

How was Easter trading for you?  Easter trading continued our very impressive Mothering Sunday trading. Both March and Easter were over 30% up year-on-year. With the dates of both - along with the school holiday - being later, this proved to be great for trade, and the warmer weather was helpful as well. We started stocking Emma Bridgewater in January, so it was great to see how strong sales were here, for both Mother’s Day and Easter. One of our other best lines for both occasions was La de da! Living’s square pebble pictures.

What are your plans for Father’s Day?

We have so many gifts that we stock all year round that are dad-related, so we’re very hopeful for a similar increase in trade to Mother’s Day. As with every gifting occasion, we will have a Father’s Day themed window display. We are fortunate to have four great windows; our displays are always changing and are one of the features of the whole shop.

Are you celebrating the summer wedding season?

We do really well with the wedding season because so much of what we sell is suitable. As this is our first year stocking Emma Bridgewater, we have high hopes for the whole range. We also have Jamie Oliver’s Big Love collection of tableware and serveware from Lifetime Brands, which we expect to do well.

“We do really well with the wedding season”

Priya AuroraCrowe

Buyer

Lark London 20 stores across London

How was Easter trading for you?

We are up from 2024, so we are very happy.

What are your plans for Father’s Day?

We will be increasing our men’s wellbeing range with Heath London for men’s grooming, along with our collection of cotton and bamboo socks from Sock Talk UK.

Are you celebrating the summer wedding season?

Yes, with lots and lots of photo frames from Widdop & Co.

Sally

Wilde Owner Planet Sal Honiton

Devon

How was Easter trading for you?

I had a good Easter, as the sunny weather in the run-up brought lots of visitors to the area. So many say “we just don’t have shops like this in our area” and they like to buy a few fun bits to take back for their families.

Easter gifts from Talking Tables sold better than usual, and games to play in the holidays - mostly from One For Fun and Thames & Kosmos - were very good. Chocolate gifts were again disappointing, although I did buy more than usual to give it a good try!

What are your plans for Father’s Day?

Father’s Day is usually very good for me. I always buy in extra gifts for it and have a fun window display. I still find men’s gifting the hardest category to find really interesting products for.

I look for fun but useful items, but find that so much out there is beer-related - or mugs and socks. Some £9.99 gadgets would be great, and I will look for those. I will also buy more men’s jewellery items from Life Charms, as I sold out over Christmas. But very often I’m asked if I have anything for a dad who just lies on the sofa and watches TV all the time!

How are you celebrating the summer wedding season?

I do keep wedding gifts: usually nice keepsakes from CGB Giftware or Gainsborough Giftware. It’s not a big season for me, but I make up an anniversary and wedding window after Father’s Day.

Nicola Hibon Jackson Founder

The Voewood Blackheath

South East London

How was Easter trading for you?

We embraced Easter early and used it as a moment to pivot the shop interior from late winter straight into bright spring pastels. Gisela Graham was a central offer, with beautiful faux flowers selling well, along with well-priced decorative candles. We always stock a nice range of highquality chocolate and we introduced Pump Street Chocolate this year, with cute chickens and artisan eggs which were popular. However, year-on-year chocolate was less popular, and Easter as a whole was less of an event than Mother’s Day.

What are your plans for Father’s Day?

We’re focusing on men’s accessories such as Roka bags and hats, and men’s toiletries, plus bringing in a new range of products aimed at outdoor life with portable BBQs!

“We embraced Easter early and used it as a moment to pivot the shop interior from late winter straight into bright spring pastels”

The range of gifts for men always feels rather limited, but we’re getting some specially made mugs in, that we hope will hit the mark. We will be creating a Father’s Day window with decal and an outdoor theme.

Are you celebrating the summer wedding season?

We’re focusing on homeware for wedding gifts, with HKLIVING always proving popular. Plus, we’re stocking more decor to support both weddings and summer parties, with bunting, outdoor candles and lanterns.

And we’re developing a collaboration with an independent wine retailer and plan to create tasting events around both the wedding season and Father’s Day.

Retail’s rollercoaster ride

Retail100 Consulting director and co-founder Neil Amer discusses navigating

The first half of the retail year is always challenging to assess.

Unlike the more structured patterns of Autumn/Winter trade, Spring/Summer is shaped by multiple seasonal moments - such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Easter - that shift around in the calendar.

This lack of year-on-year consistency makes it difficult to compare and track performance effectively. Now that Easter has passed, brands, suppliers, and retailers finally have a chance to roll up the numbers and gauge how trade is shaping up.

It’s tempting to look at previous years for guidance, and 2019 stands out as the last time Easter fell in a similar position in the calendar. But the world was a different place then. The retail landscape has evolved significantly, accelerated by the pandemic, changing consumer behaviours, and the continued shift towards online and omnichannel strategies.

While the direct comparison isn’t perfect, understanding how trade turned out in 2019 can still provide valuable context. Was there a steady build-up to Easter, or did demand peak suddenly? Were shoppers leaning into novelty, personalisation, or classic gifting options? Reviewing past patterns, even in a changed world, can highlight useful lessons for decision-making today.

With Easter behind us, attention now turns to the upcoming June trade exhibitions: The Exclusively Show and Progressive Greetings Live. These events are pivotal moments for brands and retailers alike, marking the point where businesses begin securing their Autumn/Winter ranges.

For retailers, understanding their performance in the first half of the year is crucial in making informed buying decisions. If trade has been softer than last year, what does that mean for the second half? Should they replicate last year’s strategy, or look for new opportunities?

Perhaps novelty gifts, pet accessories, or experiential products could bring a fresh edge to their assortment. Retailers will need to decide whether to play it safe or take calculated risks, while brands and suppliers will need to be prepared for shifting priorities.

For suppliers, the stakes are equally high. Buyers coming into these shows will be focused on hitting their numbers for Half Two and ensuring they have the right mix to make up for any softer performance earlier in the year.

If Half One hasn’t delivered as expected, they may be looking for something new to reinvigorate their offering. This means brands must not only present strong product

ranges, but also be attuned to buyer sentiment.

Will retailers double down on proven categories, or will they be in search of fresh opportunities to drive excitement in-store?

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for brands to optimise their success at these events.

While Half One can be complex and sometimes frustrating to measure, it ultimately provides the road map for what’s ahead. Retailers and suppliers who take the time to assess their numbers will enter the Autumn/Winter buying season with confidence. Whether the results align with expectations, or suggest a need for recalibration, staying informed and agile is the best strategy.

But, before we wade into the fast waters of peak trading, we first must pivot and focus towards high summer assortments. This transition brings fresh opportunities but also new challenges, as weather-driven categories become increasingly important.

Neil Amer is a director and co-founder of Retail100

Consulting, which is a consultancy firm with 100 years of retail experience that helps retailers and brands grow. Coming from a retail background, Neil worked as a merchandiser for John Lewis for 17 years, gaining extensive experience in the retail industry.

Email: hello@retail100consulting.co.uk

Visit: www.retail100consulting.co.uk

www.linkedin.com/company/retail100-consulting

Suppliers and brands need to stay agile, ready to react to changing conditions and retailer demands. Whether it’s outdoor living, summer gifting, or travel accessories, the ability to quickly adjust and capitalise on seasonal moments will be crucial.

A sudden heatwave or an early start to holiday shopping could dramatically shift buying patterns, and those who are prepared to respond with the right stock, at the right time, will be best positioned to maximise sales in this dynamic retail period.

Looking ahead, there’s every reason to remain optimistic. The gifting space thrives on adaptability, and strong planning now will help businesses navigate what’s to come.

As Spring/Summer trade continues to unfold, there is still time for momentum to build, and retailers, brands, and suppliers alike will be hoping for a strong finish before the all-important Autumn/Winter season that so many in the industry rely on.

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

Staying ahead of

Clare Turner talks to Sara Clarke, lifestyle buyer of Jarrolds in the Norfolk city of Norwich, about the retailer’s ever-evolving gift o er

What’s your career background?

My background is in fashion (predominantly menswear), working my way up to buyer through various buying o ces including River Island, Arcadia and The Disney Store.

Wanting to relocate outside London, I approached Jarrolds in Norwich and have been here ever since (25 years and counting!).

I have bought for various departments and now I’m the lifestyle buyer - which incorporates gifts, housewares and Christmas - for our main department store Jarrolds [on London Street], our more contemporary furniture, home accessories and gifts store The Granary [on Bedford Street], and another exciting new project about to take shape.

Tell us a bit about Jarrolds. Jarrolds is a family-owned, seventh generation independent department store based in Norwich. It also has several other stores around Norfolk, and has been a part of the county’s life for over 200 years.

How would you describe your range?

Our gift o er is ever-evolving to keep pace with trends, seasons and, more often than not, the evolution of neighbouring departments. Being in a busy, progressive department store means the product surrounding gifts is often changing, so our gift mix needs to flex to suit new adjacencies.

We relocated the china & glass department next to gifts just before Christmas, which gave us the opportunity to display lots of gift pieces amongst the tableware, creating a really strong seasonal dining destination.

Subsequently, we were able to introduce more giftable ranges within the typically static china & glass category, like Eleanor Bowmer and Yvonne

Ellen. So the gift o er has unintentionally grown!

Having The Granary in the same city means we can o er a more design-led product mix here in a more contemporary setting. It also allows us to try new brands and products in this space, before we potentially move them into the main store.

What are your key categories?

Key categories would be home fragrance, to which we’ve just added Freckleface with easily shoppable wax melts, alongside some great local brands such as The Noor Company [based on the North Norfolk coast]. We also have St. Eval and Stoneglow, which continue to be best sellers.

“We have worked hard to o er a more ‘lifestyle’ approach of mixing products across floors to add interest”

We have created a large area for Nkuku which is always one of our top performers saleswise. It looks especially strong when displayed on its fixtures with some furniture pieces mixed inand what really interested us was its ethical and sustainable message, which is something our customers are increasingly looking for.

What’s selling well?

As is the case for most retailers at this time of year, outdoor product such as plant pots sell incredibly well, especially Grand Illusions and Casa Verde. And adding in some lovely avocado and acorn vases from Ilex Studio has made the area come to life with their sample shoots.

Easter took up a big space in the gift department with pieces from Wikholmform, Gisela Graham and Floralsilk. Having a large deli on the lower ground floor also meant we could add lots of chocolate eggs to the displays too.

We have worked hard to o er a more ‘lifestyle’ approach of mixing products across floors to add interest, and gift product has definitely benefitted from being picked up and purchased on other floors.

How do you find products?

We generally go to all the UK trade shows and often visit other independent stores and garden centres for inspiration. We also see reps in-store, and they are a wealth of knowledge.

What’s your selection criteria?

Alongside quality and price, our selection criteria is always: would we buy it ourselves? We are lucky to have a very vocal team, both in the gift department and around the store, who often find new ideas for us to follow up.

In The Granary, we really have fun with more directional brands; the quirkier and more colourful, the better! Seletti, Alessi, Bordallo Pinheiro, British Colour Standard and Musango add lots of colour pops to the understated palette of the contemporary furniture here. As illustrated with Nkuku, we’re always on the lookout for more sustainable brands.

How do you get the word out there?

Being a department store, we’re fortunate to have an in-store marketing resource at our fingertips. We’re always looking at ways to add theatre and experience to our o er, with suppliers coming in for workshops and o ering GWPs [Gift With Purchase]

the game

- and we host several customer evenings each year with food, wine and music.

We can also introduce new brands and run edits of gift product to suit occasions through our social channels, which can be actioned quickly to suit our timelines.

Do you offer any services?

We have a Jarrolds loyalty scheme to stay connected with customers and o er them treats and discounts throughout the year. This obviously enables us to keep in touch with new brands and products they might be interested in.

“We’re always looking at expanding into new product categories”

What’s next for your gifts?

We’re always looking at expanding into new product categories. We currently have a reclamation company adjoining the gift department which has brought in a completely new customer, and given us the ability to use several of its reclaimed furniture pieces and vintage finds as fixturing and in-store displays.

For Christmas, we added a local market into the home floor, with local suppliers taking turns to have stalls on the shop floor. While initially a concern to our own gift o er, it ended up becoming a real customer draw - so much so that we introduced an Easter Market, and the Christmas Market will be expanding for 2025.

What’s next for your business?

We’re in the process of building an own-brand o er, which began with own-brand food and is now expanding into several other categories across the store - including gifts.

What’s the most challenging - and rewarding - part of your job?

The most challenging part is the eternal search for newness and exclusivity. While Norwich is a destination shopping area (especially with tourists in the summer), many of our customers are local and they’re looking for us to keep refreshing our o er and introduce them to something new.

Norwich is a city with lots of thriving independent gift stores, so trying to stay ahead of the game is always a challenge. It’s also what makes the job so enjoyable, as researching and exploring to find new product - and ways to introduce, display and sell it - is what I like most.

Trade talk

Eight key gift suppliers look back at the ups and downs of trading in the first half, look forward to what’s hot for summer, and share exciting plans for their brands

Aylish Ellwood

Senior Marketing Manager

Enesco

How has trading been for you so far this year?

There’s no doubt that the first half of 2025 has continued to be challenging. However, we did have a very positive response to many of our new year launches, highlighting many welcome opportunities to build on throughout the rest of the year. Sell-through, where products represent particularly good value, has been good.

At Enesco, we’re lucky enough to work with some huge brands from the likes of Beatrix Potter, Yankee Candle, Willow Tree, and Disney. In challenging times, instant recognition, trust, reliability, resilience, quality, and good value - all attributes we associate with great brands - become more attractive to the consumer.

“Our Beatrix Potter gift and plush collections are enjoying a strong performance”

What lines do you predict will do well over summer?

Our Beatrix Potter gift and plush collections are enjoying a strong performance this year. Brand awareness is strong, and the product is creative, affordable, and accessible to all.

From listening to our customers as they share the wants and needs of consumers, we believe Peter Rabbit, Flopsy and friends continue to tick all the boxes: appealing to a wide audience of gift-givers, tourists, and those who want to fill their homes with beautiful, affordable accessories which ooze nostalgia.

For lovers of Disney, the summer is all about Stitch! It would be an understatement to say how much we’ve been looking forward to seeing Lilo & Stitch return to our cinema screens. For retailers and consumers, Stitch is all about having fun - as giftware should be!

At Enesco we have a breadth of product - with over 70 Stitch-themed products in stock - to celebrate the love for this mischievous but lovable character. From affordable pick-up items to statement figurines, giftable money banks, and the trending blind bags, there’s something for everyone.

What’s next for your business?

Our A/W25 launches, including Disney, Boyds Bears, Yankee Candle, and WoodWick, will be hitting the stores in the coming months, with lots of new releases still planned for the rest of the year. At Enesco we are always looking for the next exciting opportunity, and 2025 is no exception. All I can say is… watch this space!

Zara Grindrod Brand and Marketing Director Rainbow Designs

How has trading been for you so far this year?

We’ve had a good start to the year. However, we’re very aware that there are still tough times out there economically. The toys sector, and in particular the infant plush category, is historically both a stable and resilient category, so we’re excited to see how this year progresses - especially with our exciting new launches arriving later this summer. We can’t wait to get our new Bing, Mr. Men Little Miss, and Tikiri ranges out into the marketplace.

“We have some exciting new brand announcements coming later in the year”

What lines do you predict will do well over summer?

As babies are born all year round, many of our infant plush collections are perennial bestsellers, such as our Signature Peter Rabbit, Disney Winnie the Pooh Always and Forever, and Guess How Much I Love You collections, which make beautiful gifts for newborns and special occasions.

When it comes to summer, our Very Hungry Caterpillar range of infant toys and gifts, which lends itself well to the gardening and outdoor months, and iconic British characters such as Paddington, Winnie the Pooh, and Peter Rabbit, are always very appealing - to both domestic and international tourists. All these classic character ranges are strong performers for us during the summer season.

What’s next for your business?

We have some exciting new brand announcements coming later in the year. But for now, we just can’t wait to bring the iconic Mr. Men Little Miss brand back to the marketplace. Our new vibrant collectable plush collection of these much-loved characters - which includes Mr. Tickle, Mr. Bump and Little Miss Sunshine - will be in stores very soon!

Our beautiful new Bonikka Dolls range from Tikiri Toys will also be available this summer, and this exciting range offers children a plush comforting companion that helps foster empathy, imaginative play, and nurturing values.

The series of Bonikka Dolls offers a compelling option for retailers looking to differentiate their soft toy range with a product that blends heritage, heart, and responsibility.

Keith Edmondson

Joint Managing Director Langs

How has trading been for you so far this year?

We’ve had a very positive start to the year, with Q1 performing strongly and Q2 showing encouraging signs of continuing that trend.

The recent spell of good weather has contributed to an uplift in footfall for many of our customers, particularly garden centres. Their unique combination of free parking, on-site cafés, and a diverse product range has created an attractive and convenient shopping experience for consumers.

While our business has not been directly impacted by the recent tari s, the topic was hard to avoid during a recent visit to the Canton Fair. Notably, there was a clear drop in attendance from American buyers, highlighting the broader e ects on international trade.

Are you exhibiting at any upcoming trade fairs?

Home & Gift in Harrogate will be the exciting launch platform for our Spring 2026 collections. Our valued customers are in for a real treat, as [director of design and buying] Jane Bourne and her talented team of designers have been hard at work creating a fresh selection of exclusive designs.

Many customers are genuinely surprised to learn that when we say, “Designed in Derbyshire,” we truly mean it. Each range is personally assigned to a member of our in-house design team, who brings it to life from a blank canvas: sketching, painting, and illustrating every detail to create the beautiful products our customers know and love.

What lines do you predict will do well over summer?

Langs is well known for o ering unique gifts and décor products that deliver strong profit margins while maintaining competitive retail prices. I believe this distinct advantage will help our customers thrive, even during these challenging times in the marketplace.

What’s next for your business?

We will be continuing our in-house team-building days, which bring the entire Langs team together to enjoy time away from the usual day-to-day routine.

After many years of dedicated service, our highly respected sales agent for the North of England, Mark Misaljevich, has decided it’s time to retire. On behalf of myself and the entire team, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Mark and wish him all the very best for the future.

Stepping into this important role is Caroline Thompson, who will be representing Langs for the first time at Home & Gift. We’re confident our customers will enjoy working with Caroline and benefit from her enthusiasm and expertise.

Mark Rees

Managing

Director

Henry & Co.

How has trading been for you so far this year?

2025 has been a year of momentum and transformation for Henry and Co. Our brand relaunch at Spring Fair marked a fresh chapter, followed now by our second major outing at Home & Gift in Harrogate.

The biggest shift has been aligning our fragrance storytelling with emotional wellbeing. Each product is crafted to fragrance a moment in your life. The challenge has been supporting retailers through this transition while reinforcing the value of our new approach.

“Our uplifting summer blends are already proving popular”

Are you exhibiting at any upcoming trade fairs?

We’re excited to exhibit at Home & Gift in Harrogate. It’s our second showing since the rebrand, and we will be showcasing the full updated range. Each fragrance now comes with a simple guide to how it’s designed to make you feel. The feedback has been hugely positive and we’re excited to build on that momentum.

What lines do you predict will do well over summer?

Our uplifting summer blends are already proving popular, particularly Watermelon Lemonade, Mango Nectar, and Lemongrass & Ginger. These refreshing, fruit-driven scents are perfect for brightening homes and lifting moods during the warmer months.

What’s next for your business?

We’re working on a new collection for later this year, continuing our focus on mood-enhancing blends. We’re also streamlining the ordering experience for our retail partners, with a new trade portal launching soon to make browsing, ordering, and accessing brand assets easier than ever.

Sally Moore Managing Director

The Wheat Bag Company

How has trading been for you so far this year?

At The Wheat Bag Company, we embraced the spring season with productive and bustling trade shows at Spring Fair and Top Drawer. We introduced several new products, notably the launch of Beddy Buddies - comforting soft toys filled with English flaxseedand microwavable for gentle warmth. We were delighted with the response from our customers. It’s always a pleasure to welcome both new and returning customers and we’ve experienced encouraging growth in our company.

Are you exhibiting at any upcoming trade fairs?

At our headquarters in Wiltshire, we’re busy developing new products which we will be bringing along to our next trade show: Home & Gift in Harrogate. We’re focusing on expanding our wellbeing range of products, and working with new artists designing some new fabrics for A/W.

Trade talk

Sarah Watmore Owner

Miss Milly

How has trading been for you so far this year?

Trading has been excellent for us. Spring Fair was our best ever trade show in 12 years and sales have been strong since, with some really good new accounts coming onboard and doing brilliantly.

Of course, as seems to be the pattern for the past five years, it’s never going to be plain sailing and we’ve had challenges getting compliant for the General Product Safety Regulations and the Windsor Agreement. It’s more about understanding what’s actually required than practically doing it!

And as a brand that manufactures in China, Trump’s tariffs will probably put a halt to our fledgling US sales through Faire.

Are you exhibiting at any upcoming trade fairs?

We’re excited for Home & Gift, which is our favourite trade show of the year. We’re looking forward to showcasing our gorgeous new collections, from bold, colourful jewellery to new recycled leather bag designs, and brand-new velvet pouches.

As we can commute to the NEC, going further afield means it becomes a mini break too. We’re staying on after the show to really enjoy North Yorkshire.

What lines do you predict will do well over summer?

It currently feels like retailers are really embracing colour, and our yellow jewellery has sold far more than we predicted, which is fantastic. As a brand, we enjoy adventures in colour - coming up with new and interesting tonal mixes and colour combinations - and when our customers love them too, it’s really satisfying.

Our new turtle magnetic brooch has been a star seller so far this season and we expect it to carry on, along with many of the other designs we’ve launched.

What’s next for your business?

We’ve just had our finalist interview for the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. We’re on the shortlist for Micro Business of the Year and will find out the results at an awards event on June 12.

The interviewers from the Chamber and The Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership liked the passion, resilience and success we demonstrated in our application, and so we’re keeping our fingers firmly crossed!

Evan Lewis

CEO/Founder

VENT for Change

How has trading been for you so far this year?

While enjoying a positive start with lots of new accounts opened, the feedback we’re getting from our existing retail stockists is one of anxiety and a sense of unease, worry and nervous anticipation.

The Trump tariffs have had a very big impact on our key accounts in the US. However, with the di minimis threshold remaining at $800 per consignment, our sales to individual stores continue to build.

Are you exhibiting at any upcoming trade fairs?

The new VENT for Change Orchard Collection that was showcased at Spring Fair will officially launch at Home & Gift in Harrogate.

What lines do you predict will do well over summer?

Pre-launch sales from the sneak preview of the Orchard Collection at Spring Fair have been strong, and therefore we expect it to sell well throughout the summer months.

What’s next for your business?

More beautiful ranges will be launching for Christmas - keep your eyes peeled!

Paul Hooker

Managing Director

Joe Davies

How has trading been for you so far this year?

Despite UK businesses having to deal with a challenging budget, set against a backdrop of generally gloomy news internationally, the resilience of independent retailers has really shone through.   We’ve been focused on making sure our customers have had plenty of new lines and stock to make the most of every opportunity. Trump’s tariffs may, in the short term, help a little with lead times from the Far East, but consistent stable trade globally is to everyone’s advantage.

Are you exhibiting at any upcoming trade fairs?

Our next trade show is Home & Gift in Harrogate, where we will launch more than 2,000 lines for Autumn/Winter. We’ve just returned from the Canton Fair in the Far East where we found some great new ranges to develop in time for the show. What lines do you predict will do well over summer?

Equilibrium summer bags, totes and rucksacks have been an unexpected hit, with sales really taking us by surprise. Village Pottery Garden houses are in huge demand. Our Spring Meadow Collection, Petite Pottery and our Ceramic Planter Collection are also all performing very strongly. Our much anticipated new branded plush collection from Gus Fink Studios has sold exceptionally well, and should build nicely into peak season trade.

What’s next for your business?

We’re now well into our second year as a 100% employee-owned company. In many ways it’s business as usual, which is exactly how we wanted it to be. That said, it gave us great pleasure to make a small taxfree payment, paid equally to every member of staff, following our first full year results.

The green scene

Going green isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business too, says Andrew Goodacre , CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association)

The phrase ‘sustainability’ often conjures up images of hemp shopping bags, recycled packaging, and perhaps a slight premium on prices. But what if I told you that going green could actually save your business money?

This isn’t wishful thinking. It’s the reality uncovered in episode seven of Bira’s High Street Matters podcast. What struck me most while listening to ‘Greening the High Street - Smart Solutions for Sustainable Retail’ wasn’t the environmental benefits (though they’re substantial), but the compelling business case for sustainability.

Consider this: an outdated refrigeration unit can consume 30% more energy than its modern counterpart. That’s not just carbon emissions - that’s

In the spotlight

Bira members are being offered the chance to be featured on the association’s website in its Spotlight On… series (with those all-important backlinks to their own online platforms).

Spotlight On… articles are an opportunity for retailers to gain visibility, enhance their brand’s reputation, and connect with other members. They include a feature on Gifts Today’s diarist Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone gift shop in Ipswich.

She shares insights into her retail journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and the power of community engagement. Read all about Cathy and her business at https://bira.co.uk/ resources/spotlight-on-loveone.

To take part, members just need to fill out the online form, providing as many details as possible along with pictures, and send it in! Find more details at https://bira.co.uk/Spotlightcallout.

cold, hard cash evaporating from your business every month.

Victoria Robertshaw, founder of Green Street [an organisation that helps to develop greener British high streets and generate greater prosperity in the retail and hospitality sector], mentions a business in Newcastle that saved hundreds of pounds annually just by replacing an old fridge with an energyefficient model. These aren’t insignificant sums for independent retailers operating on tight margins.

“What we’re witnessing isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how successful retail operates”

Victoria calls this phenomenon “sustainability paralysis” - businesses wanting to do the right thing but stuck in place, overwhelmed by conflicting advice. The result? They do nothing at all. It’s a pattern I’ve witnessed firsthand in shops across Britain.

What makes this podcast particularly valuable is its practical, no-nonsense approach. It’s not preaching environmental virtue; it’s outlining a business strategy that happens to benefit the planet.

Take the zero-waste shop Our Precious Earth in Minehead, owned by Keith Hunt. His business isn’t thriving despite being sustainable - it’s thriving because of it. His last quarter’s takings exceeded his entire previous year’s revenue. Why? Because he’s tapped into a growing consumer demand while simultaneously running a tighter, more efficient operation.

The timing couldn’t be more critical. With recent budget changes and ever-rising energy costs, retailers need every advantage they can get. LED lighting, proper insulation, and smarter heating strategies aren’t just green initiatives - they’re competitive advantages in a challenging market.

Then there’s the latest legislation. Since March, businesses with 10 or more employees legally need to separate recycling and food waste. Getting

ahead of these requirements isn’t simply good citizenship. It’s smart planning that prevents costly last-minute scrambles.

But perhaps the most compelling insight from the podcast is about customer expectations. Victoria points out that while customers may not notice (or care) if you have solar panels on your roof, they absolutely notice single-use plastics. It’s one of the top consumer concerns in retail experiences today.

What we’re witnessing isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how successful retail operates. The businesses that thrive will be those that recognise sustainability not as a cost centre but as a profit driver.

For too long, we’ve framed environmental responsibility and business success as opposing forces. What this podcast demonstrates - through real examples from real British high streets - is that they’re increasingly aligned.

So before you dismiss sustainability as too expensive or too complicated for your shop, consider this: can you afford not to embrace it? With energy prices soaring and consumer preferences evolving, sustainable practices aren’t just good ethics - they’re good economics.

The question for independent retailers isn’t whether to embrace sustainability but how quickly they can implement these common-sense measures before their competitors do.

Listen to the episode on all major podcast platforms, and discover how making your business greener could also make it more profitable. Find more details, and view other episodes, at https://bira.co.uk/ resources/high-street-matters-podcast-greeningthe-high-street/.

Call: 0800 028 0245

Visit: www.bira.co.uk