Gifts Today October 2019

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Gifts Today

Contents

Regulars

October 2019

5

Message from the editor

6

News

8

Exhibition news

12 Licensing news 54 Ross Hewitt

p 30

Cover Story 14 Groovy UK We check out our cover star’s latest range of licensed collections and catch up with founder Monique Scott about the company’s exciting plans for the coming season and beyond

Retail 22 Williams of Audlem In the month we celebrate Gifts Today’s 30th

Gifts Today team

anniversary, we catch up with Judy Evans from Williams of Audlem, the Cheshire gift shop that’s

Editor

been run by her family for an incredible 157 years

Sally Norton sally@lemapublishing.co.uk

34 Trade Talk Leading figures in the gift industry talk fragranced

Advertisement Manager

Mark Horsnell markh@lemapublishing.co.uk

gifts, trends and Christmas

24 Retailers’ Panel

New Business Sales

Introducing the latest members of our Panel – key

Marian McNamara marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Layout/Design

Rick Vickers rick@lemapublishing.co.uk

gift shop owners around the UK

p 22 p 46

Special features 10 Autumn Fair review

Managing Director

Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

13 Licensed gifts We discover why, when the partnership is right,

Production Director

great brands always sell well

Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

25 Toys, games & gifts for children 30 The Wood Life Project

Chairman

Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

We catch up with Hazel and Jimmy Russell, cofounders of this family business that aims to replace everyday items with eco-friendly, Britishmade wooden products

31 Giftware Association 36

Fragranced gifts

With both home and personal fragrance in fine health, we talk trends and discover why it’s a great

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

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

time to stock up on this category

p 14

50 InStyle 52 New products Fabulous new ranges to discover from leading giftware companies

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

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

W

ell here we are already – the Golden Quarter.

Our aim with this issue is to help you prepare your business for the run-up to Christmas, new year and beyond.

It all started with our trip up to Birmingham for the re-edited Autumn Fair. There was a lot of talk in the industry ahead of this September edition of the show with its newly organised halls designed to improve visitor flow and facilitate greater crossover buying opportunities.

We spoke to hundreds of people over the four days and, I must say, the overall verdict was that the show was a real success. Many retailers I spoke to reported finding their usual suppliers easily and discovering some new ones along the way; most exhibitors said they were happy with the new look and many reported good business.

Julie Driscoll, UK Regional Director for the show told us, ‘our aim has been to ensure visitors and show attendees leave Autumn Fair feeling informed, inspired and excited for the year ahead – and initial feedback suggests we’ve delivered one of our best shows ever.’ Our review’s on page 10.

From the NEC, we headed south to Top Drawer in London’s Olympia. It was brilliant to speak to friends old and new, and to catch up on so many trends. The Gifts Today team came away feeling very inspired – quite something in these turbulent times.

So back to the issue you have in front of you, which is packed with ideas, trends and comment.

Let’s start with our look at licensed gifts, headed up by our cover stars Groovy UK. They are such an inspiring company who always seem to get the combination of great design and brilliant licences just right. As Lima UK’s Kelvyn Gardner says,

Instagram: @giftstodaysally ‘for every consumer product there’s a suitable brand. For every brand there’s the right consumer product.’ Do check out their latest collections – mainly aimed at women – on page 14. I think the Wonder Woman robe’s going on my Christmas list this year!

We also look at the category of toys, games and puzzles, as well as gifts for children that sit well in the gift shop setting. Perhaps it’s because we’re living in times of uncertainty, or perhaps because we crave time away from screens, but traditional toys and games are doing well. They offer a perfect way for families to spend quality time together and are quick to set up and get playing – ideal over the coming Christmas period. Read more on page 25.

And then of course there’s our look at fragranced gifts, starting on page 36. This category is definitely worth considering if you don’t already stock it. It’s described as ‘buoyant’ by Ashleigh & Burwood’s Steve Powell, and ‘at its highest’ by Price’s Candle’s Lisa Fuller.

I particularly enjoyed my chat with Judy Evans from Williams of Audlem, the Cheshire gift shop that’s been run by her family for an incredible 157 years – yes, you read that right! It felt very timely to talk about her business at the very time Gifts Today celebrates its 30th anniversary of serving the gift industry. It was back in October 1989 that Lema Publishing’s chairman Malcolm Naish launched this very magazine. And I’m thrilled that we have a very special publication celebrating our industry accompanying this issue. It was lovely to put together and I do hope you enjoy reading it.

So, plenty for you to read and enjoy. See you next month.

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

p36

‘

I particularly enjoyed my chat with Judy Evans from Williams of Audlem, the Cheshire gift shop that’s been run by her family for an incredible 157 years

‘

p10

p14

News

Gibsons abseil for charity Three generations of the family abseiled down Peacehaven Cliffs for the #Gibsons100 Challenge, part of the puzzle company’s Centenary celebrations.

The Gibsons family abseiled all 100ft of Peacehaven Cliffs in Sussex - Michael and Kate Gibson together with her 9-year-old daughter and 10-year-old nephew took to the cliff with other friends and family. The #Gibsons100 Challenge has raised over £1500 to date for Jigsaw4U, which helps children and young people put the pieces back together by providing bereavement counselling and supporting those who have been affected by crime.

Kate Gibson, managing director, comments: ‘This was a huge challenge for me, and I had to dig deep to conquer my fear of heights, but taking on the challenge alongside my dad and daughter was a huge comfort.’

New retail sales director at Vent for Change The sustainable stationery brand that supports children’s education projects worldwide has announced the appointment of Lucy Heath in the role. Lucy comes with a wealth of experience in the retail sector, most recently as sales director at Gemma International where she worked for 11 years.

‘We are very excited to have Lucy join the team, her expertise and experience in the retail sector is going to help us enormously. The further she can spread the range nationwide, the more support we can give to children’s education projects worldwide,’ says Evan Lewis Founder Vent for Change.

Widdop debut Fringe Studio Widdop & Co’s brand new and exclusive lifestyle stationery and ceramics distributorship, Fringe Studio, made its UK debut at Top Drawer. Straight out of South California, the stylish stationery and premium ceramics collection reflects the carefree, easy-going vibe of its homeland.

Maped Helix sponsor NSW in 2020

Get the high street online Polly Barnfield OBE, a member of the government’s High Street Task Force, took to the stage at the Chesterfield Investment Summit 2019 in September to urge shops and market traders to adopt social media and use it to deliver both improved footfall and sales on demand.

Ms Barnfield, named as one of the top 100 most influential women in technology, revealed that up to 74% of high street retailers do not have an active social media presence. She says she believes events and localised social media activity could be the key to revitalising and growing our high streets.

‘Social media is fundamentally changing the rules of doing business.

It’s not a question of a business being online or offline anymore – they must be both. There has been a huge shift in human behaviour over the last 15 years driven by social media. For the first time ever, people now spend more time on their mobile phone than watching TV. ‘Retailers should post on social media every day and talk to their audience, not just about what is happening in their business but also about what is going on around them.’

6 Gifts Today

It has been the stationery staple of classrooms, homes and offices for over 130 years and now Maped Helix is adding to its proud history by announcing its sponsorship for National Stationery Week 2020.

The company supports the campaign to get the nation writing as a sponsor of the stationery extravaganza next year to help promote #WritingMatters and extol the virtues of using stationery in all its forms.

National Stationery Week will run 20-26 April 2020, with plans in place to make the campaign bigger and better than ever before to bring the nation together in the celebration of stationery and the written word.

20th celebrations for Somerset Toiletry Company Founder Sakina Buoy is planning a team event to fundraise for a local cause and consider the direction for the 20 years ahead. ‘Our 20th year makes us conscious not only of our creative path but also of our environmental legacy,’ she says.

The team from the bodycare and home fragrance company will be walking 20 miles across the Mendip Hills. This team-building exercise will be used to fundraise for The Happily Ever After Dog Rescue (HEA), a local family-run charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals in need.

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Exhibition News Not just for Christmas For any company involved in festive products – or gift ranges which tend to have prominence at Christmas – the key UK trade show to target key buyers is Harrogate Christmas & Gift, 12 -15 January 2020.

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

Piers Croke of Gisela Graham said: ‘We had an

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

Simon Anslow, show organiser, commented: ‘We are delighted Harrogate Christmas & Gift has taken such a huge upturn in participation in recent years. The show has fast become a favourite with garden centre and tourist attraction buyers looking for festive decorations as well as year-round gifts ranges and the diversity of their requirements is attracting exhibitors with a huge array of products.

As well as everything you would expect to see for Christmas, ranges include garden products, food and confectionery, greetings cards and gifts for the entire year. In fact there are very few products that don’t sell well at the show.’

Bookings are now open for Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2020 – for visitors and exhibitors. harrogatefair.com

Giving & Living 2020 Gift, coast, home - ideas that sell Giving & Living in Exeter is the perfect opportunity to hit the ground running in 2020.

Get ahead of the game well before Easter, Mother’s Day and the main summer season, and get your hands on new and exclusive gift and homeware product ranges ahead of the competition.

Hosted at Westpoint, just outside Exeter, and with about 300 exhibitors and 4000+ retail buyers attending, it’s the biggest regional show of its kind. Spread over four days, it provides an unhurried and convivial environment in which to make important buying decisions and build valuable personal relationships.

The show offers something for everyone in the sector with an extremely wide range of general gifts and homeware for all occasions and situations. However, if you operate a retail outlet or attraction near the ocean and are eager to net lots of holidaymakers, there’s nowhere better for discovering beautifully crafted gifts and unusual home accessories inspired by sun, sand and sea. Just follow the clearly marked Coastal Path.

The central ‘Coastal Product Revealed’ feature area showcases a specially curated selection of merchandise from companies on the Path, providing a space where you can focus on their products in your own time.

8 Gifts Today

It’s important to refresh your offering every year and the Newcomers’ area will help you find exciting new companies embarking on their very first trade show outing. If you are keen to source unusual products that combine high quality with a distinct local flavour and a great story, then don’t miss the Designed & Made in Britain area.

What’s more, many of the companies have a very strong ethical and/or environmental focus and these ‘Naturally’ companies are clearly identified at the show, making it easy for you to source products that are sure to attract the increasing number of caring consumers.

From ceramics to cards, fashion to furnishings, jewellery to jams and fudge to fossils, you’ll find an extraordinarily wide selection of merchandise at very different price points.

When: 12 - 15 January 2020 Where: Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter, Devon Call: 01934 733433 Visit: givingliving.co.uk

Seasonal Decoration at its best

Hello New! Spring Fair 2020 Spring Fair, the February home and gift show, has launched ‘Hello New!’, its show theme for 2020. Reflecting the constant evolution facing the retail industry, the theme showcases all the freshness and innovation that will be at the fingertips of visitors at the show, which will run 2-6 February at Birmingham’s NEC. Julie Driscoll, UK Regional Director at Spring & Autumn Fair said: ‘Consumers’ needs and wants are evolving, and the retail industry is evolving with them. At Spring Fair, we want to quench the thirst for newness that inspires the sector and ensures its continued success. Our show theme for 2020 brings the innovation at the heart of Spring Fair to life.’

Just one of the significant changes planned for Spring Fair 2020, backed by a major investment programme from organisers ITE Group, is a transformational reshuffle of the show floor to form two distinct sourcing destinations – Gifts and Home & Living. This follows a successful re-edit of Autumn Fair 2019, which created a renewed look and feel for the must-attend marketplace for product discovery.

Julie added: ‘We’re delighted with how successful the re-edit of Autumn Fair has been, and we can’t wait to implement the refreshed feel for Spring Fair 2020. However, the re-edit isn’t the only exciting change for next year’s show. We’re keen to keep some of the really bold initiatives and features we will have under wraps for now – but we’ll be announcing these as we get closer and closer to February.’

Here you’ll find the widest range of seasonal and festive decorations.

We look forward to seeing you! christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com

info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

springfair.com Gifts Today 9

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24. – 28. 1. 2020

Exhibition News Great reviews for new-look Autumn Fair The team from Gifts Today headed to the NEC for the four days of the re-edited show that took place in a new location, the Atrium There was a lot of talk in the industry ahead of the 2019 edition of Autumn Fair.

Following major investment by new organisers ITE Group (now Hyve Group Plc), the newly organised halls were designed to improve visitor flow and facilitate greater crossover buying opportunities. Across 11 carefully curated show areas, visitors and exhibitors were able to make connections, drive deals and, thanks to a worldclass seminar line up, source expertise and inspiration for the upcoming year.

Speaking about the show’s success, Julie Driscoll, UK Regional Director for Spring & Autumn Fair, said: ‘The show’s new look-and-feel has injected a new sense of vibrancy and excitement this year, and we’re delighted with how well our exhibitors have welcomed the show re-edit. Our aim has been to ensure visitors and show attendees leave Autumn Fair feeling informed, inspired and excited for the year ahead – and initial feedback suggests we’ve delivered one of our best shows ever.’

Inspiring retail leaders Headlining the show were speaker sessions from renowned retail experts and personalities, Theo Paphitis and Mary Portas. Talking to Ashley Armstrong, retail editor at The Times, Portas discussed her latest book, Work Like a Woman, and explained her belief that the sector needs to embrace and value soft skills. She explained how this would mean a comeback for more traditional attributes such as empathy, instinct, kindness and trust.

During his session with Grace Bowden, head of content at Retail Week, Paphitis also spoke about the current challenges facing retailers, as well as offering practical solutions and expert advice. ‘We’re going through such a seismic change in retail,’ he said. ‘Very little of what we’ve learnt in the last 30-40 years is relevant now. Consumers are promiscuous, they can move on with just the click of a finger.

I believe the next five years will put this period in the shade, but where there is disruption, there is opportunity. You can now reach customers at the other side of the world and I think this situation will find its level.’

View from the show floor One of the major changes for 2019 was the addition of a dedicated Sourcing Hall that introduced visitors to a global snapshot of on-trend products from international suppliers. Exhibitors from across North Africa, the Middle East and Far East Asia were on hand throughout the show to talk to buyers about how best to maximise the growing international retail sourcing and procurement market.

Discussing their show experience for 2019, Lucy Howard, sales manager at Emma Ball Ltd said: ‘Sunday was our best ever trading day for orders in 18 years of business. The show’s been getting better every year. Value of orders also seems to be higher.’ Paul Hooker, from exhibitor Joe Davies, agreed: ‘the new location is working well and there’s a nice buzz about the hall. All our regular customers are finding us and it’s great to be opening so many new accounts in our new location.’

Looking ahead Visitors and exhibitors can now register and book for Spring Fair 2020, which will take place at the NEC 2-6 February next year. autumnfair.com

10 Gifts Today

Coming home for business Head to Frankfurt am Main on 24-28 January for Christmasworld, the show that supplies the international decoration trade with new products and eyecatchers for the busiest and most emotional time of the year.

Around 1000 exhibitors are expected to take part in the world’s leading trade fair for seasonal and festive decorations. ‘Christmasworld combines emotion and business with presentation magic to generate business success’, says Eva Olbrich, Christmasworld Director, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH. In addition to the products shown by the exhibitors, the complementary programme of events offers a host of fresh ideas for assortment compilation, which attracts customers to browse and buy.

Prepared by the designers of StilbĂźro bora.herke.palmisano, the three major Christmasworld trends for 2020/21 will be shown under the motto ‘family

matters’ and spotlight the desire for an urbane yet mindful lifestyle coupled with greater sustainability. • Green Ritual: Experience the calm and colour of natural vegetation. A contemporary feel with grey, taupe, sand and light fern green shades hinting at spring shoots to come. • Happy get-together: Fresh and vibrant with sustainability at its heart.

Tangy, milky hues, craft techniques and a homely feel. • Silken party: Elegant, feminine and refined. Shimmering, translucent materials and fresh sorbet shades.

Head to the Trends Information Stand in Hall 11.0, C.40, to pick up trend cards free of charge so you have all the relevant colours, shapes, materials and designs to hand at all times. christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com

GIVING & LIVING

TRADE SHOW 2020

Ideas that sell

SHOW STATS

87% of visitors placed orders at the show or shortly afterwards.

81% of our visitors would recommend the show.

Book your stand at the largest Gift & Home trade show in the South West - it covers more Coast than anyone else.

Meet a wide range of buyers and connect with the region’s thriving tourism sector.

12 - 15 January 2020 Exeter www.givingliving.co.uk

85% will be back in 2020.

To get your hands on your free entry badge: Register online or call 01934 733456. Stands are selling fast - to enquire call 01934 733433.

Organised by Hale Events Ltd www.hale-events.com

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Gifts Today 11

Licensing News BLE Event Director promoted In her new role as VP, Global Licensing Group, Anna Knight will oversee strategic and commercial performance of BLE, Licensing Expo, License Global and associated events.

Anna has worked for Informa Markets (formerly UBM) for 10 years, most recently holding the position of event director for Brand Licensing Europe. Said Informa Market’s North American president Rick McConnell: ‘we are delighted that Anna will be stepping up to take on the role of group Vice President. She has done an amazing job of reinvigorating BLE over the last four years, smashing every target possible along the way.

‘Over the last two months, she has proved that she knows this market inside out – and is incredibly well-

Mad for Disney connected and well-respected within it – and has really exciting and quite ground-breaking ideas for propelling the group forward, revolutionising the products within it and further cementing our position at the heart of the global licensing community.’

Very Derry Independent licensing company Rocket Licensing, which manages the UK and Ireland licensing campaign for the hit Channel 4 comedy series Derry Girls on behalf of independent production company Hat Trick, has announced the first four licence agreements for the comedy sensation, which is now confirmed for a third series. The licences cover daywear, sports and leisure apparel, wall art and gifting, paperware and social stationery. Highlights include a social stationery range with Danilo, wall art and drinkware with Pyramid International and clothing with Park Agencies.

Lesser & Pavey x William Morris Lesser & Pavey revealed new additions to their William Morris ranges of quality tabletop at Autumn Fair. Check out the Bird Song range in a new teal colourway. It includes a wash bag, glasses case, shopping bag, passport holder and more.

12 Gifts Today

Mad Beauty UK have gone full-on Disney with three new Frozen Sheet Masks, building on the amazing success of their Disney Sheet Face Masks over the last two years. Elsa, Anna and Olaf masks – all printed with a face - will be available in time for the highly anticipated film due for release in November.

Blueprint for stationery Blueprint Collections, which designs, develops and sells quality licensed stationery, bags, accessories and gifts, has announced that it is to produce a range of National Geographic children’s stationery, bags and gift items for the UK market.

A wide range of useful, decorative and fun items in this collection includes notebooks, pencils, pens, sticky notes, erasers, pencil cases, backpacks, key rings, umbrellas and more. All the items in the range will use minimal packaging and, where

possible, either make reduced use of plastics or use recyclable materials in line with National Geographic’s multiyear effort to raise awareness about the global single-use plastic crisis.

Arriving at retail in February 2020, the items are aimed at a core target audience of primary school children and gift givers.

Walker Books say ‘I do’ Walker Books, the world’s leading wholly independent publisher of English-language children’s books, has announced a number of new launches from BOO contemporary jewellery for Guess How Much I Love You. Aiming the licence at adults, there will be silver jewellery, keepsakes and a very special range of gold and diamond rings. Rings for Valentine’s, engagements and weddings are to be launched in spring 2020.

Licensed Gifts

Brand licensing new!

Our recent trip to BLE in ExCel London revealed there’s plenty for the gift industry to discover in the world of licensing

I

f you think licensing is all about bright plastic toys and t-shirts with characters on them, then think again. While characters, films and TV shows are undoubtedly big news, there is a growing interest in the heritage sector too.

Four of the world’s best known heritage brands, Natural History Museum, V&A, Van Gogh Museum and Style Library (with Morris & Co), were at the show in a new themed

these old designs can easily align with the modern times.’

It’s this interest and appreciation of heritage brands that led to the installation at the show. ‘Generating more than $1.17 billion in 2018, the heritage sector stands as one of the most exciting and authentic sources of inspiration for licensees and retailers,’ explained BLE event director Anna Knight ahead of the show.

Another heritage brand gathering a lot of interest was the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which returned to BLE after a five-year absence. Cathy Snow,

mix, though surprisingly many of our Harry Potter customers are over the age of 30.’

It really is a matter of keeping up with trends, as Michelle Withers from online boutique Three Little Bears comments: ‘Licensed gifts have always been a big part of my stock ranges. I try to bring in the latest licensed trends, keeping a close eye on new movies that are released later in the year.’

Licensing expert Monique Scott from Groovy UK sums it when she says: ‘It is all about the customer and demographics in your particular area. In

‘It is all about the customer and demographics in your particular area’

installation. Situated in the show’s Brands & Lifestyle Zone, it showcased the prestigious licensing programmes of these brands focusing on their extension into luxury interiors.

‘Many heritage designs are as relevant today as ever,’ said licensing designer Ellie Walton at a talk entitled Heritage Brands: How They Evolve To Stay Relevant. ‘Colours, patterns and textures are having a resurgence and

licensing manager, unveiled the society’s latest launches, its first children’s style guides. The guides combine existing assets with new designs, aiming to inspire children’s consumer products, from toys and games to books and garden tools. ‘There are four themes – flower power, trees & leaves, home grown and I bug you!’ she says. ‘We are quite flexible, wanting people to do what is right for the audience they know.’ The company have already signed Scholastic with a range of children’s books in the pipeline for April next year.

It’s all a matter of matching the licence to your customers. As Judy Evans from Cheshire-based shop Williams of Audlem says: ‘We are primarily in a rural, animal loving area and licences in this area work well for us. We buy WaggyDogz, Leslie Gerry, Villager Jim and Bree Merryn.’

Says Joanne Williams, Joco Interiors: ‘Harry Potter is by far the most popular licensed product that we stock and it explains why it has a dedicated area within the shop. Other brands tend to follow trends, such as a new film or series being released. Our ranges cover all ages and therefore we have a great

wealthy areas we are seeing licences such as William Morris, RHS, Frida Kahlo and Yvonne Ellen. They tend to be very environmentally aware, so look at the trend in bamboo travel mugs and reusable metal straws.

‘We find the mid-market to contain lots of quirky comedy or interesting gifts that are unique and quick pick up gifts that can’t be found on the mass market. Here the customer is willing to pay more for a unique product with quality and great design features. Here you could have a very popular licence like Wonder Woman or Batman but the products are like nothing you have seen on the market, which is what we aim for at Groovy.’

Gifts Today 13

GT COVER STORY: Groovy UK

Into the Groove Founded in 1991, Groovy UK are known for their original designs developed in line with current trends in movies, TV and fashion. We check out our cover star’s latest range of licensed collections and catch up with founder Monique Scott about the company’s plans for the coming season and beyond

W

ith its own brilliant in-house team, Groovy UK is well known for creating its own collections. Fresh for the coming season are licences and new ranges designed to appeal to your female customers, as well as a new kids’ range for Harry Potter fans. We take a closer look…

Q&A We chat to Groovy UK’s founder Monique Scott.

Monique, great new ranges. Can you tell us why you have opted for female-orientated ranges this season?

Our customers our predominantly male because of the licences we hold, Star Wars, Marvel, DC Comics. Obviously we have female fans/ customers for these licences but the majority are men. However with Harry Potter the female fan/ customer far outweighs the male, allowing us to push female ranges like the Golden Snitch and Hedwig. Most of the ranges are unisex, though, for example Gryffindor and Hogwarts, but it has been nice to go super girly with the likes of the women Luna Lovegood range which is pink and shiny, with rabbits and pompom trinkets!

We have also seen a massive shift in the female superheroes or icons such as Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, Super Girl, Black Widow and Harley Quinn and stand-alone films and TV series have been based on these characters where previously it was a very male dominated arena. So we see girl power coming to the forefront and reflected in the needs of our customers.

Harry Potter Mood Light

Hogwarts Wall Light 14 Gifts Today

Particular highlights of the new launches?

We are very excited this year as the Groovy design team have gone all out on innovative finishes for products, so we have a Harry Potter Dobby robe in an all-over star print with gold foil,

Friends

which looks amazing. We have used some really interesting new fabrics on our Marauder’s Map and Luna Lovegood bag collections, which are like nothing we have seen on the market yet. We have introduced kids’ sizing into our robes and slippers for Harry Potter and DC Comics, which has proved a great success and look fabulous on our super cute kids’ models.

Did you know?

Friends has been so successful for Groovy, they sold out before they even came into stock, and so are already replenishing them.

Captain Marvel has been very well received, with her amazing suit inspiring her bathrobe – again, styling and detail go all out for this collection and our female consumers love this. We are constantly expanding our product ranges and this year we have included home and kitchenwear, which includes tea towels, aprons, oven gloves, placemats, coasters and trays and our most recent introduction being rugs. We have designed a selection of Harry Potter and Friends’ rugs that will put the finishing touches to any superfans’ room.

Your robes are incredibly popular – why do you think this is?

It’s all in the detail. We have taken an everyday object and created something that makes someone

Harry Potter kids’ robes

Luna Lovegood

smile. Our bathrobes don’t just hold the licensed logo but careful thought is put into allowing the customer to feel like a certain character. For Harry Potter’s Hedwig owl robe, we have chosen a sparkle thread fleece and embroidered the letter of acceptance into the pocket and a flying Hedwig onto the chest. On Marvel’s Venom robe, his head and jaws are embroidered onto the sides of the hood (scary!). Thanos has his gold panelled outfit with an embroidered jewelled gauntlet. We have also introduced premium ranges, which go all out on luxury fabrics and design features, but despite being in a higher price bracket they have sold just as well as our other ranges because the customer can see they are special. These are Groovy’s USP. It’s what our customers are looking for, something that nobody else has.

The Golden Snitch Wall Light

You offer exclusive designs for companies now – why is this and how does it work?

Again we like to provide a unique service or product that helps our customers in an ever increasingly saturated market. RRP pricing can tricky for a wide range of our customers who sell the same products at the same price but if we provide exclusive designs, this helps alleviate some of these problems.

Get in touch!

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

Hedwig, Harry and Love Potion shoulder bags Gifts Today 15

Licensed Gifts

VE Day celebrations Moocow Studios Ltd

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Moocow Studios have produced a range of commemorative gifts featuring images from the allied forces including spitfires, tanks and battleships as well as traditional imagery from 1945.

The products all feature the Union Jack’s colours of red, white and blue, and will be available on tote bags, aprons, tea towels as well as coasters, wooden plaques and hip flasks.

There are also pens, bunting, fridge magnets and much more.

Call: 01424 310057 Email: sales@moocowstudios.co.uk Visit: moocowstudios.co.uk

I Like Birds Opticaid UK

The home of quality ready reading glasses, sunglasses and overglasses has collaborated with I Like Birds brand and designer Stuart Cox to create a range of eight premium ready reading glasses with matching cases.

‘We started with over 200 variations and have ended up with eight frames and designs but we think we’ve got something for everyone,’ says buyer Gillian Marchbank. ‘The range appeals to those who already love the I Like Bird brand, or those who need a pair of really cool or slightly quirky readers. This is our first licensing venture and Stuart held our hand through the whole process. It really is a true collaboration between the brand and our business.’

Each design is gift boxed and comes in six reading strengths. Stock and retail display units are available from November 19. The team will also launch their new I Like Bird’s RFID blocking credit card wallets at the same time. The wallets protect your contactless credit cards from been remotely scanned by fraudsters. They make great gifts and feature the brand’s best selling designs.

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

16 Gifts Today

Licensed Gifts

The old & the new Museums & Galleries Ltd

The UK is renowned both for its sensational archives and museums of art and design, and for the originality and vigour of its contemporary creative sector. Museums & Galleries Ltd leads the way in creating desirable licensed gifts and stationery from these creative riches, adding and refining new products every year. 2019 saw the introduction of bamboo-composite traveling mugs (keep cups), featuring gorgeous fullcover artwork from the V&A and Natural History Museum, amongst others, and blank-paged hardcover sketchbooks.

Excellent sellers year round but particularly suitable as Christmas gifts are the company’s varied selection of journals and notebooks. Boxed notelets, pens, pencil sets and bookmarks make great stocking fillers, and everything can be wrapped in M&G’s gorgeous array of gift tissue, bags, and wraps. For Christmas 2019, M&G has curated a boutique collection of roll wraps, and a new bottle-sized gift bag.

M&G has noticed a healthy growth in sales for stationery as gifts, and expects to see this trend continuing for the future. In terms of imagery trends, lush tropical vegetation and jungle animals and birds have been big this season and with this look being highly pronounced on the fashion catwalks of Milan, Paris and London for spring/summer 2020 this trend will continue to build - the wilder side of nature. A secondary look that will come into its own is Japanese art and design, as the world celebrates the Tokyo Olympics in summer 2020.

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

18 Gifts Today

Natural History Apples to Pears

Gift of the Year winners 2018, the company’s Natural History Museum licensed range includes two wooden model sets: Dippy the Diplodocus and a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Both sets include the wooden pieces to create a dinosaur model, glue, instructions and some amazing dinosaur fact cards - when people have finished building, they can learn all about their favourite dinosaurs.

These kits are great fun for children and adults alike, or as an activity for the whole family to complete together.

These Amazing Dinosaur Model Kits are great value for money and ideal Christmas presents or stocking fillers. So, what are you waiting for?

Hop on the trend while Dippy the Diplodocus is on tour – the made-up Dippy model is a whopping 48cm long (nearly as big as the real one…).

All sales of these products support the Natural History Museum.

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

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Licensed Gifts

No half measures

Half Moon Bay Ltd

A

‘Half Moon Bay has an extensive and successful range of Classic Disney and Star Wars product, but we’re very proud and excited to support these theatrical releases with specific ranges that we know our customers will love’

dding to their impressive portfolio of licences, Half Moon Bay is excited to launch two new filmspecific licensed ranges, available now. As one of Disney’s key licensors, Half Moon Bay have worked closely with the entertainment powerhouse to launch their Frozen 2 and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker ranges this October. Head of Licensing and New Business Development Iain Wakefield commented: ‘Half Moon Bay has an extensive and successful range of Classic Disney and Star Wars product, but we’re very proud and excited to support these theatrical releases with specific ranges that we know our customers will love.’

The Disney Frozen 2 collection uses brand new artwork from the animation, featuring key characters Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven. While the range heavily features Frozen’s recognisable cool tones of blue, the new designs emphasise a more autumnal feel with swirling leaves in warm shades of red and orange as well as eye-catching deep purple accents.

Formats include some of Half Moon Bay’s top-sellers: a heat changing mug; A5 lined notebook; cosmetic bag and bamboo travel mug, as well as newer products in the form of a small metal water bottle and a shaped Olaf accessory dish. Nature-inspired phrases including ‘Spirits of Nature’, ‘In my Element’, ‘Believe in the Journey’ and ‘My Destiny’s Calling’ are featured throughout the range, inspiring fans to follow their own empowering journey.

Design and New Product Development Manager Gemma Swift commented: ‘Our Frozen 2 range encapsulates all the excitement of the sequel, featuring the loveable Olaf and sisters Elsa and Anna.’

Having enjoyed great success with their innovative shaped mugs with the format becoming a highlight across many of their ranges, Half Moon Bay have developed two brand new designs in celebration of the upcoming addition to the Star Wars saga, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Episode 9 characters Kylo Ren and a Sith Trooper have been brought to life in the shaped mugs, both featuring high-quality glazes and realistic hand-painted details, allowing fans to discover the power of the Dark Side at home.

Design and New Product Development Manager Gemma Swift commented: ‘We are definitely feeling the force with these products. The characters translate perfectly to shaped mugs, making these collectable yet functional gifts.’

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

20 Gifts Today

The home of the finest arts brands

gifts for grown-ups /&8 4FQUFNCFS

FIND OUT MORE:

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

From world-renowned arts and character brands to the cutting edge of fashion, the Museums & Galleries collection has everything a smart retailer needs to stand out from the crowd. Please contact your agent or request a brochure for more information.

E: sales@mgml.co.uk

museumsgalleries.co.uk

Tel: 01373 462165

RETAIL INTERVIEW: Williams of Audlem

Back to the future As we celebrate Gifts Today’s 30th anniversary, editor Sally Norton caught up with Judy Evans from Williams of Audlem, the Cheshire gift shop that’s been run by her family for an incredible 157 years

B

ased in the small rural village of Audlem in South Cheshire is a gift shop that was first founded in 1862 by the great great grandfather of the current owner Judy Evans.

Originally set up as a draper and stationer, Williams of Audlem has developed over the years into the award-winning gift and card shop it is today. Recently given a retro makeover with some of its original fixtures and fittings, the shop is, nevertheless, as forwardlooking as it has ever been – in fact Gift

Today’s first contact with the shop was through its Instagram pages!

Could you tell us about you and your shop?

Williams of Audlem was set up in 1862 by my great, great grandfather Eli Williams and I grew up living above it. We certainly don’t suppose we are the oldest gift shop in Britain, nor are we the best gift shop, but we are perhaps one of the more unusual, since the business has been run by the same family for 157 years! It just illustrates perfectly just how long a career you can have in retail, if you are prepared to work at it!

As a child, I used to help my grandma wrap products up with brown paper and string and I often looked after the shop for my parents when they took their holidays. After university I worked for Laura Ashley (Manufacturing) Ltd in their Mid Wales textile plant for 17 years before

Eli Williams is shown here, seated in the middle row with his arms folded. His son George stands behind him, hand on hip. George’s son Stanley is the baby in the centre of the shot. The shop was eventually passed down to Hilda Williams, Judy’s grandma.

returning to take over the running of the shop in 2002. My parents retired fully in 2013 after over 50 years in the business.

What makes your business so special?

Our heritage and longevity make us special, and we have always worked hard to be central to the village community. My late father was on practically every village committee, except the WI, in his time and I do my best to also get involved in village activities and fund raising - as much as my spare time allows.

‘I felt the shop was at a crossroads and took the decision that perhaps the best future for the shop was in fact the past’ When I fully took over the business, I felt the shop was at a crossroads and took the decision that perhaps the best future for the shop was in fact the past - especially as there was already a growing trend towards nostalgia and retro styles. My parents had semi-modernised the store in the 1970s but, fortunately for me, they had kept most of the old fitments and fittings.

So, what items I could not salvage from the garage, I bought from eBay and reclamation yards and replaced the 70s strip lights, with beautiful Edwardian-looking glass pendants.

In 2018 when looking to get our original cash register restored, we were accepted to take part in BBC’s The Repair Shop programme (episode 11 series two) and this has had the added bonus of bringing many more visitors into our shop.

22 Gifts Today

‘It just illustrates perfectly just how long a career you can have in retail, if you are prepared to work at it!’

Despite our long past though, we are most definitely forward looking - keeping an eye open for market trends, consumers’ preferences and new and exciting products.

What mix of gifts do you offer in store?

We have soft toys such as Jellycat, Wilberry and traditional wooden toys from Orange Tree Toys. scarves from Peony, Pure Fashion and PoM and a super sock range by Miss Sparrow.

We have candles from Bomb Cosmetics, reed diffusers by Ashleigh & Burwood, velvet purses and bags from Lua Designs, cushions from Evans Lichfield and Bree Merryn, household gifts from Country Matters, Ulster Weavers, Moorland Pottery and Morrigan, fancy goods from Widdop, Puckator, Joe Davies and Half Moon Bay and soaps from Emma’s Soap, Friendly Soap, Scottish Fine Soap Company and Heathcote & Ivory.

We stock jewellery by Miss Milly and Wish.

Our card selection is huge - we stock top brands such as Otter House, Tracks and Abacus, as well as some of the smaller ones like Sarah Kelleher, Stephanie Dyment, Tatty & Co, Tomcat Cards. We support many local artists too, who are trying to launch their own card ranges.

What trends have been doing well for you?

First, the obvious - the trend towards products that reduce waste and packaging, like reusable bamboo mugs, shampoo soap bars, multi-use shopping bags, cards without cello-wrap. We’ve been backing it up by engaging directly with the movement ourselves - for example we have signed up to the national campaign to refill water bottles with free

tap water, and switched from plastic to paper bags.

There’s also been an increasing demand for veganfriendly products - especially in the soap and candle markets. And, finally, products incorporating bee designs have been massive this year - anything from cushions, to mugs and trays, to jewellery are all popular.

What trade shows do you visit?

We always do Spring Fair and this year we went to Harrogate for the first time in 20 years and, I must say, I really enjoyed it for its special vibe and stunning location. We also popped into the Autumn Fair - the guest speakers were exceptionally good this time - and I felt that I learnt lots, as well as having time to place some pre-Christmas orders.

Where else do you get inspiration?

I find trade magazines like Gifts Today useful for both inspiration, and motivation. I also like to look at the Facebook and web pages of any award winning gift stores and I do make a point of visiting other shops and talking to fellow shopkeepers about what’s hot and what’s not.

Biggest challenges?

Constant change! Adapting to change is key to any business whether it is social or economic - I guess we wouldn’t be here today if we’d stuck to selling the corsets, buttons and off the roll fabrics that we sold in 1862!

your market. If possible find a unique selling point and create your own identifiable brand that is true to your business. Never underestimate the power of your shop window, nor the first impression you or your staff make on your customers! Use cost effective advertising such as social media and work together, with other retailers in your town (and in other areas), to find way of growing footfall to all your shops. Never stop learning - no matter how long you have been in business.

Plans for the rest of 2019, especially Christmas?

I’m planning a special Christmas window this year. Also, together, with other local traders, we are planning a new Christmas event in the village, to drive more trade, on the run up to Christmas. For 2020 we plan to carry on with our retro refit and want to establish a strong brand identity, so a new shop logo and distinctive colour choice, that will reflect our heritage, is planned.

Looking back, what advice would you give?

Do your research; decide who your customers are, and decide what price range is most appropriate to Gifts Today 23

Gifts Today

RETAILERS’ PANEL The latest members of our Panel talk bestsellers, trade shows and Christmas

Matthew Bates The Pier, Blackpool What’s the story behind your business?

I opened my shop in June this year in a residential area of Blackpool where I’m the only gift shop.

What mix of gifts do you offer in your store?

For children’s gifts Jellycat is hugely popular, and Ashleigh & Burwood for home fragrance. I also stock brands such as Gisela Graham, Shruti and Woodmansterne for greeting cards.

Eco-friendly products have been massive for me, and people are a lot more aware of their impact on the planet. I’m finding that even customers that aren’t sure what they can do are asking for advice. I also support local artists and makers by stocking a selection of their work.

What trade shows do you visit?

I visit Spring Fair religiously and I visited Home and Gift for the first time this year. I also plan to visit Top Drawer in January.

Michelle Withers Three Little Bears, online boutique What’s the story behind your business?

I started back in 1998 with giftware party plan and a weekend market stall. I was a working mum and wanted to try to open my own business so I could work around my family. In 2012, after three years of having a bricks and mortar shop, I found it too restrictive and had growing overheads, so went back to online sales only.

What mix of gifts do you offer?

A large mix. Some of our most popular ranges are Pusheen, Leonardo, Willow Tree, Disney Traditions, Naked Bee and Norfolk Lavender. Bling, animal print and Eco ranges also do well.

Where else do you get inspiration?

I am always checking social media for inspiration and trends. Gifts Today is also a great resource as you can find some great new products and suppliers.

24 Gifts Today

Where else do you get inspiration?

Instagram is massive for me - it’s so easy to get to grips with. I also like to visit garden centres - a lot can be learned from visiting the right garden centre at the right time!

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced since opening?

Surviving August! It was such a hard month and with only six weeks trading under my belt it was such an upsetting and worrying month. Going from a strong first full month in July to taking a quarter of sales for the whole month was hard.

What advice would you give to others on the same journey?

Get to know people with similar shops in totally different areas to bounce ideas around with. Secondly, utilise your reps and agents because they know their companies better than anyone. Ask questions and do not be afraid.

Plans for the rest of 2019, especially Christmas?

With this being my first Christmas I need to make sure it’s a magical one.

I have new products coming into store and themed shopping events.

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

Want to share news about your business?

Just drop editor Sally Norton an email at sally@lemapublishing.co.uk. and you could see your business featured in the pages of Gifts Today!

Look forward to hearing from you.

Toys, Games & Gifts

Get ahead of the game With the golden quarter upon us, it’s a great time to build a games and puzzles offering that appeals to both adults and children alike

T

he games market continues to go from strength to strength.

And, thanks to its universal appeal – offering something for everyone, from preschoolers to adults – there really is no other category that has such a wide-ranging target audience to appeal to.

Perhaps it’s because we’re living in times of uncertainty, or perhaps because we crave time away from screens, but traditional toys and games are doing well. They offer a perfect way for families to spend quality time together and are quick to set up and get playing – ideal over the coming Christmas period.

Showing customers how to play the games in-store or setting up board games nights can be a great way to introduce them to new games and concepts. ‘We have seen a staggering increase in board game

and IQ puzzles games over the past 18 months,’ says Jonathan Amphlett, Toytastik in Chepstow. ‘This may have been helped by our drive to open and play all our games with our customers – which presents a wonderfully fun and constructive opportunity to build a rapport with new and existing customers.’

‘Traditional play continues to be extremely popular and activities such as board games and puzzles are driving the growth in this segment of the market, most notably for adults,’ says Steven Russell, marketing manager at Jumbo Games. ‘Board/card games are always being talked about and consumers are spending more money on them and more time playing them – it’s the social, screenfree elements that are winning over millennials and older generations,

as well as giving consumers an experience they can share.

‘Adult puzzles are less social, but more focussed on the mindful benefits and the ability to enjoy some me time in the comfort of your own home. Doing something that is just for you is what’s most appealing about them.’

Russell also refers to the NPD report that the Games & Puzzle category is one of two that showing an increase in sales YTD and Adult Puzzles is doing its part to drive the increase – which is why companies like Jumbo have invested heavily in their adult puzzle portfolio. ‘Whilst we know NPD doesn’t account for the full market, when we analyse our own sales out to customers not including NPD, we’re seeing strong growth,’ he says. ‘I would recommend investing in puzzles aimed at older consumers, as they are the ones looking for cost-effective alternatives to going out and that can be enjoyed alone or socially.’

If the UK follows US predictions, then the trade will be ‘poised for growth in 2020.’ As reported in TnP. Media, a drop in US toy sales this

year is expected to bounce back in 2020 and continue to grow in 2021, according to the latest findings by the NPD Group.

Did you know?

Indie puzzle and board game company Gibsons are planning to eliminate plastic packaging by 2021.

Their children’s puzzles are already entirely recyclable, and adult puzzles are set to follow suit soon.

The industry tracker expects three of its super categories to perform best this year - and this includes Games/Puzzles as well as Action Figures & Accessories and Dolls, with even more adults and kids choosing to spend their free time on tabletop pursuits.

Back this up with a selection of soft toys and giftable traditional wooden toys and you have something for everyone.

Gifts Today 25

Toys, Games & Gifts

Time to play Gibsons Following the success of Gibsons’ first jigsaw puzzle calendar and bauble last year, they have revamped them to bring two brand new designs that are available now. Christmas is Coming and Moonlit Magic complement each other as they are both finished in a stylish grey and purple colour scheme, making them ideal Christmas products to display in gift shops.

Gibsons’ Limited Edition Jigsaw Puzzle is back once again, and Secret Santa is the 17th puzzle in the popular series. Finished with gold foiling, this 1000 piece puzzle has been painted by talented artist, Tony Ryan, and comes with a serial numbered certificate, making it the ideal gift for collectors. As with all Gibsons’ jigsaws, the beautifully illustrated pieces are made from the highest quality 100% recycled board and are therefore a pleasure to work with again and again.

Two Memory Games were added to Gibsons’ Little Gibsons range in August, both of which accompany an existing puzzle in the range, Sweet Dreams and Superhero City. Each game includes 36 tiles and players must match the pairs that include characters from the corresponding puzzles.

Keep an eye out for two brand new puzzle designs including a 48 piece You are Awesome, and Animal Party, a 24-piece puzzle featuring our favourite furry friends.

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

Sock it to ’em Sockatoos by Bites Babywear Sockatoos are unique all-in-one trousers with built-in socks for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Invented by a UK Mum who was fed up of endlessly losing little socks, Sockatoos have been designed with ultimate comfort and practicality in mind. No more lost socks!

No more losing socks in the wash, the supermarket, the park, the car... no more chilly feet or piles of odd socks. Little ones can ramp up their street cred while keeping their feet warm. Made from 100% thick, soft cotton, Sockatoos provide quality and durability that your customers can trust. They provide excellent features for active youngsters, including all-important non-slip grips on the soles and adjustable drawstrings at the waist. The jeans style is also fully lined with soft jersey.

Sockatoos are ideal for soft-play, nursery and playgroup, or for avoiding pesky trouser-and-sock gap when in the baby carrier or wellies. Great for travelling; perfect for crawling, toddling, running and dancing… without slipping on hard floors. Importantly, they provide fuss-free wash-and-wear and timesaving for parents.

Sockatoos make fun, original gifts. There are no others like them. Launched in 2017, Bites Babywear is a young company that cares about its products and customers. The Sockatoos branding was created in 2018 and the company expanded into wholesale in summer 2019. It values its growing retailer base and is very excited to welcome new stockists.

Sockatoos come in a variety of sizes (three months to four years) and a range of colour accent options to suit every little personality. They are currently available in jean and jogger styles, with fabulous new designs planned for 2020.

Call: 07738 608 972 Email: natalie.hull@bitesbabywear.com

26 Gifts Today

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Toys, Games & Gifts

Games of Thrones University Games and Paul Lamond Games As the hit fantasy drama series Game of Thrones aired its final episode earlier this summer, University Games and Paul Lamond Games launched the ultimate Game of Thrones’ gifts at Autumn Fair.

The games and puzzles’ specialists have brought to market stunningly intricate and detailed 3D puzzles to create three of the epic landscape locations from Game of Thrones including Red Keep, the residence of the

King of the Andals; Winterfell, the capital of the Kingdom of the North; and King’s Landing, the capital and largest city of the Seven Kingdoms.

The high-quality 3D puzzles, with up to 430 pieces, can be assembled without the need for glue or scissors to create stunning keepsakes of the epic eight-season series.

Visit: paul-lamond.com

On the cards Wildcard Games Games are more popular than ever at Christmas, so check out these popular Christmas gifts from leading family games specialist Wildcard Games.

With over £6million in retail sales in the UK, and recommended all over the national press, their award-winning board games and card games sell particularly well in gift shops and, with 5% off a first order in October, now is the perfect time to order.

Successful present buying is all about matching the gift to the interests of the individual, and they make shopping easier with fun games that cover a wide range of popular interests and game types, so there is something for every member of the family, young and old. From travel, maps, skiing and space, pirates, quizzes or anarchic party fun, they’ve got the game for you.

Proven top sellers Mapominoes, Who Knows Where, Ski Run, Globe Runner, Frenzi and Backpacker and award winners Arithmanix, Ah-Harr and Astronauts are joined this year by two exciting new family quiz games:

Guessed List

A fun fast party game for all where you choose a List Title and then have 30 seconds to shout out answers to try to guess a name on the List and win the card.

Lists cover all popular trivia topics so everyone can play.

1st To Worst!

The revealing party game of preferences. Based on classic conversations and debates, the aim is to correctly guess another player’s order of preference from three choices. A great conversational game.

Wildcard Games provide in-store marketing support and there is free carriage on all orders from as low as £130. To order or find out more or receive the catalogue, along with a 5% first order discount, get in touch.

Call: 07916 349942 Email: info@wildcardgames.com or Visit: wildcardgames.com

Ragtales Posh Paws Posh Paws International is thrilled to be the new home of Ragtales, a range of traditional soft toys and rag dolls with true heritage and character. As Posh Paws continues to grow its presence in the gift market, the addition of Ragtales was an obvious choice to bolster its long-term commitment to the sector.

Ragtales are renowned for producing high quality British designed rag dolls and soft toys that take inspiration from the heritage of British Life. Utilising the highest quality fabrics and textiles, Ragtales creates quirky characters with unique personalities. Roddy Bridges, managing director, commented on the addition: ‘We are delighted to be partnering with Posh Paws, the future is looking very exciting and together we will put Ragtales back on the map.’

Alan Smith, managing director of Posh Paws, commented: ‘Posh Paws’ plush toys have long been cherished by children and in line with the company’s exciting evolution; we felt Ragtales presented the perfect opportunity to continue this.

‘Ragtales are known for their high-quality products and we couldn’t think of a better brand to now be part of the Posh Paws’ line up. We look forward to working with the Ragtales team to further establish their presence in the UK and International markets, as well as work on new ranges in the long-term.’

Call: 01268 567317 Visit: poshpawsinternational.co.uk 28 Gifts Today

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GT PROFILE: The Wood Life Project

Living the wood life

Gifts Today caught up with Hazel and Jimmy Russell, cofounders of The Wood Life Project, to learn more about their family business which aims to replace everyday items with eco-friendly, British-made wooden products Hazel and Jimmy, when did you found The Wood Life Project - and why?

We incorporated the company in January 2019.

Creating The Wood Life Project was borne out of concerns we had for the future of our planet following the birth of our two boys. We worried about the world we had brought them into and the legacy that was being left behind for them and future generations. It felt as if every day we were learning more and more facts about the deterioration of our planet and we had the realisation that we could no longer accept this fate. We decided we needed to create a brand that would see the end of the plastic revolution, the throwaway mindset of our generation.

A brand that would inspire others and change the way people buy forever.

What’s the ethos behind the brand?

We manufacture wooden, eco-friendly products that help replace plastic items in our homes and workplaces. We manufacture in the UK and use wood harvested from trees in the UK. This is what makes us truly eco-friendly. We do not have the thousands of carbon footprint miles that other eco-brands have.

How would you describe your products?

We’d describe them as innovative, beautifully crafted, eco-friendly and tactile.

Key ranges you’d like to shout about?

Our children’s plates make wonderful, guiltfree gifts to all the children in our lives. We have the bear, the fox and the rabbit. We also have a Jigsaw plate range, which comes as a base plate, with interchangeable ears. Our plates help to make mealtimes and snack times more fun and engaging, and the separate ear sections are perfect for fussy little eaters!

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Other ranges customers should check out?

We have some grown-up products too, such as our lunchbox, which has a magnetic fastening, and these are selling really well. We also have ID card holders, which we are currently working on with a big corporation who are interested in replacing their plastic versions. These make a great visual representation for the individual or a company, demonstrating passion for protecting the environment and commitment to corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Reaction to the range so far?

Our launch at Top Drawer was a great success; we have attracted many retailers already and are working on building relationships with many more. Due to the nature of our products, we are able to personalise or brand our items too; this has also attracted a lot of attention.

Typical customer?

A parent, grandparent, auntie or uncle who has children in their family or within friendship groups, who wants to buy great quality gifts for birth presents, christenings, early-years’ birthdays and Christmas. They want a better future for the children, so want to buy more eco-friendly products. They want to move away from plastic, they love the cute designs of the items they buy.

Plans for the future?

We want to continue growing our wholesale. We have many more products we want to bring to market, ranging across homeware, gifting, children and corporate.

Email: info@thewoodlifeproject.com Visit: thewoodlifeproject.com

GA News

Join the Giftware Association!

Our members make up this exciting, creative and vibrant community and we are there for them to learn from, lean on and offer support when needed, and ultimately share in the success of their business as we see them thrive in difficult times

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he American writer Margaret Wheatley states: ‘There is no power for change greater than community, discovering what it cares about’. As a trade Association, this quote rings very true with us, as we see ourselves as part of the wider community of the home and giftware world.

As communities are thriving and growing everywhere, with social media being used as the main connecting technology, being part of a community has never been more important. They are a place to ask questions in a safe place, a place to learn from others to ask specific advice. So, if you are in the home and giftware world, please ask us how we can help. We can connect you with other members facing similar problems, we have seen collaborations rise through membership to our Association and it’s this connectivity that we pride ourselves on.

However we still need the help of a larger community, spreading to all corners of the gift industry. This will make our voice stronger. As an Association the larger we are, the larger our voice is. We can take your views to government and lobby successfully for on your behalf.

It’s this sense of belonging that has helped the Giftware Association through its 70-year history but, to be around for another 70 years, we need the support of the community around us. We are a fairly sizeable Association at around 800 members but, if we can get to more than 1000, we’ll really have a voice. Our industry’s valued at £367 billion and yet GA members at Spring Fair would probably only fill a single hall.

We would specifically like to ask some of the bigger players to join, because we could invite them to come with us to Parliament and support the GA in its endeavours about issues that affect the High Street and the retail world, ensuring the best for our members.

Being a part of our community, you will be part of one of the most creative, helpful, informative communities out there. We can help your business thrive through training seminars, business consultations and one-toones. We will always strive to find a solution to your questions, whether that is finding a certain type of manufacturer or offering advice on which trade shows to exhibit at both internationally or here in the UK. To find out more about joining our community and making our voice louder in the wider industry, speak to our fantastic team on 0121 237 1145, or visit our website to read our blog and events’ pages about what we do and how we can help your business thrive. ga-uk.org

‘We can take your views to government and lobby successfully for on your behalf’

Gifts Today 31

Toys, Games & Gifts

Get puzzling!

Jumbo Games

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ith autumn upon us, Jumbo want to make sure you have everything you need to drive sales and offer your customers the best selection of puzzles and games that customers are on the lookout for, whether that be for themselves, gift ideas for activities that can be enjoyed socially and in the comfort of their own home.

When it comes to puzzles, Christmas-themed ones top the charts for fans that are buying for themselves to enjoy and for those looking to pick up a gift that the whole family can enjoy together during the festive holiday.

With this in mind, Jumbo have left no piece unturned when it comes to Christmas puzzles and have two fantastic offerings for you with their brand-new Falcon de luxe Santa’s Special Delivery and the latest Wasgij Christmas 15 Santa’s Unexpected Delivery! 1000-piece puzzles. What makes Jumbo’s Christmas puzzles stand out from the crowd is that each of them includes a free 1000-piece Christmas puzzle in the box – so your customers are getting two 1000-piece Christmas puzzles for the price of one.

To complement all Jumbo’s puzzles up to 1000-pieces, the Puzzle Mates range of accessories is ideal for any puzzler and continues to be highly sought-after, especially in the autumn months. The Portapuzzle range of high-quality puzzle storage, sorting and carry boards is the most popular choice for puzzlers, with the Portapuzzle Deluxe and Standard 1000-piece items being the leading sales drivers. Jumbo also have a range of puzzle mats, sorting trays and fixative available.

And with only a month to go until the highly anticipated sequel to Disney’s box office phenomenon Frozen hits cinema screens, Jumbo have every piece covered with their range of five brand-new Frozen II jigsaws for children aged 3+ with the 4in1 Puzzle Pack, Puzzle & Colour, 4 Shaped Puzzles, Movie Collection Poster and 4in1 Round Puzzles. But that’s not all, Jumbo have developed a new game, titled True Friendship Board Game that is a co-operative game for 2-4 players. Get in touch to receive a copy of Jumbo’s Christmas puzzle and games catalogue.

Call: 01707-289289 Email: uk.saleshotline@jumbo.eu Visit: jumbo.eu

Jumbo says…

‘When it comes to building a successful games/puzzles offering from scratch, it’s crucial that the customer and manufacturer sit down and look at who the customer is and why are they coming to their store – this way the manufacturer can select a range that meets the needs of the retailer, so that they are offering a range of products perfectly suited. Less is more in today’s climate and building the foundation of a toy category with carefully selected ranges is key to this growth. If they have the space, investing in Point of Sale (that the manufacturer should supply) will no doubt help build the awareness and interest in what is being offered.’

Steven Russell, marketing manager, Jumbo Games 32 Gifts Today

Trade talk

Gifts Today loves to hear your views

Leafing figures talk Christmas, trends and spring/summer 2020

Steve Powell

National field sales manager Ashleigh & Burwood What ranges do you have high hopes for this Christmas?

We are really pleased and excited by how well the recent launch of The Heritage Collection has been received and bought into and we have great expectations that this range will go from strength to strength up to and beyond Christmas.

How healthy would you say the fragranced gifts market is right now?

We feel that the market is very buoyant. We are experiencing some really strong sales at present, with many existing customers extending ranges with us and with an increasing number of new customers coming on board too.

What are the major trends in home fragrance?

We’re seeing a growing trend for environmentally sound and ethically sourced products and packaging together with a growing trend towards lifestyle fragrance products that enhance the home living environment both through fragrance delivery and performance and with visual impact.

Big trends in spring/summer 20?

We feel the natural trend will continue with bold nature prints and designs being a feature, together with colour accents that mirror the home decor and fashion trends. Ornate glass, metals and ceramic vessels will feature ever more strongly into SS20.

How can the independent retailer build a successful home fragrance offering from scratch?

The key to this is understanding who your potential customer is and what their shopping habits are - the demographic of your customer is key. Then to marry a range of home fragrance products from trusted suppliers that this customer base is looking for with entry/impulse level priced products through to ranges that offer depth of product including gifting solutions for key seasonal periods of the year.

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Debbie Isles Sales director Candlelight

What products/ranges do you have high hopes for this Christmas?

Candlelight’s three new metallic ranges, including Rose Gold, Gold and Silver waxfilled pots. The ranges include small and large embossed metallic lidded jars. Our range of Wellbeing wax filled pots, with the Peace message in attractive silver foil effect packaging. Also, our exquisite Midnight Pomegranate fragrance in an attractive seasonal-red wax filled pot.

How healthy is the fragranced gifts market right now?

Very healthy. Fragrances are more authentic than ever and are following trends in fashion, with designer packaging that is really enhancing the gift-buying experience. Check out Candlelight’s Bohemian range.

Big trends in spring/summer 20?

We expect our Deco Glam look to continue its success and we have now extended this popular trend to our fragrance collection with a gorgeous Blush & Gold Art-Deco feel, for the ever-so popular Prosecco fragrance.

To add some glamour to our collections we will be introducing our Animal Luxe range. This black and gold look will certainly add some theatre.

Our spa collection is available in three new ‘calming’ fragrances and colourways. Our Chinoiserie collection with its vibrant colours, images of exotic birds and new style packaging and ribbed vessels is so on trend for 2020. Finally, we are very excited to announce our first licence on fragrance, with Katie Alice on board. We will be launching three new collections in February 2020.

How can the independent retailer build a successful home fragrance offering from scratch?

This starts with a good display. We recently introduced a new display unit for our Candle collection to ensure independent retailer can maximise their sales.

The new A-frame style stand comes fully assembled and presented in contemporary grey. Available in one standard size, the footprint of the new Candlelight display stand is approximately 1m2 so maximises floor space.

The retail unit is available free of charge for retailers who purchase a full display of Candlelight’s candles and home fragrances.

Paul Hooker

Commercial director Joe Davies

What products/ranges do you have high hopes for this Christmas?

Fashion Jewellery, boxed scarves and gloves have all had huge interest. Snoozies have had their biggest sell with the new pairables collection and Nordic socks performing particularly well. We are also into our third season on Sock Society and some of these lines are already sold out. On the gifting front our ceramic Thoughtful Words collection and Village Pottery have both been really well received.

How healthy would you say the gifts market is right now?

High streets are having a tougher time than destination sites like garden centres, but despite all the political uncertainty people are buying. There are plenty of great, well run, vibrant independent retailers that are passionate about what they do. These independents are leading the way.

How can the independent retailer build a successful fashion accessories/jewellery offering from scratch?

If embarking on a fashion offer for the first time it’s important to have a dedicated area and some depth of range, although you don’t need to go

Steven Russell Marketing manager Jumbo Games

What products/ranges do you have high hopes for this Christmas?

We continue to invest a lot of marketing support, both in-store and digitally, in our latest Christmas Puzzle releases for both Wasgij and Falcon de luxe, so we are expecting these to remain popular choices for consumers.

By including a free 1000-piece Christmas puzzle in both the Wasgij Christmas 15 ‘Santa’s Unexpected Delivery!’ and Falcon de luxe ‘Santa’s Special Delivery’ 1000-piece puzzles, we’re really giving retailers a fantastic offering for their customers who are looking for self or gift purchases.

How can the independent retailer build a successful puzzle offering from scratch?

It’s crucial that the customer and manufacturer sit down and look at who the customer is and why are they coming to their store – this way the manufacturer can select a range that meets the needs of the retailer, so that they are offering a range of products perfectly suited. Less is more in today’s climate and building the foundation of a ‘toy’ category with carefully selected ranges is key to this growth. If they have the space, investing in PoS (that the manufacturer should supply) will no doubt help build the awareness and interest in what is being offered.

mad. It’s easy to co-ordinate, scarves, gloves and jewellery and initially go with what you like. We often get asked to put together the initial collection and it really is in our interest to make sure it’s a good one. Setting a budget really helps, we usually recommend about £500 to get started - some of our biggest fashion accessory customers started this way and have really grown.

What do you feel will be the big trends in spring/summer 20?

The hotly tipped trends for spring/summer 2020 are country themes across various product groups from jewellery to ceramics, featuring birds, bees, hedgehogs, rabbits and the like. Bright Mandala patterns are coming through, along with classic spring and summer colours. Also look out for pebble themes and sentiment token keepsakes.

Lisa Fuller

UK sales manager Price’s Candles What products/ranges do you have high hopes for this Christmas?

We have recently launched our opulent and elegant Luxury range, consisting of four luxurious winter scents, comprising Snowdrops and Jasmine; Morning Frost; Spiced Cookies and Winter Warmer.

How healthy is the fragranced gifts market?

I would say the fragranced gift market is at its highest - retailers that traditionally haven’t specialised in fragranced gifts are entering the market. We’ve noticed department stores and garden centres are increasing their candle offering too.

What are the major trends in home fragrance?

This modern market is all about design and catching attention through social media channels in order to create a theatre around the products. Packaging is using more fashion led and freehand, illustrative design by artists, instead of just using packaging designers, which in turn create different looks and appeal to a wider market.

What do you feel will be the big trends in spring/summer 2020 Fresh herby and sea salt scents will be big along with mint and summer sweet fruits.

Gifts Today 35

Fragranced Gifts

Fall in love with fragrance With both home and personal fragrance in fine health, we talk trends and discover why it’s a great time to stock up on this category

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rom candles to wax melts, sustainability to reed diffusers, there’s a lot going on in the fragranced gifts category.

Candles really are big business for gift shops Did you know that the UK candle economy is worth £1.9bn? Indeed, small businesses have reported a significant increase in sales of candles, shifting 71% more than they were in 2016, and 33% more than a year ago. The new report released in 2019 by Vend revealed that Brits buy an average of six candles per year at £7.40 a go, meaning the country collectively spends £1.9bn on them annually. Vend’s data found that candle buying spikes around Mother’s Day in March as well as over the festive period. Small businesses are capitalising on the British love affair with the humble candle, which is helping independent gift stores to trade more.

Forty two percent of respondents to Vend’s survey said they buy candles to make their house smell better, and more than one third (36%) said a candle relaxed them.

A similar number (34%) said that burning a candle at home made them feel cosier. Meanwhile, over one in ten (13%) said that lighting a candle puts them in the mood for 36 Gifts Today

love, with 8% admitting that they and their partner light candles in the bedroom. One in ten said they like to be surrounded by candles when taking a bath and 6% of British adults light a candle while doing yoga or Pilates in the house.

Higor Torchia, UK country manager at Vend said: ‘Our data reveals that candle sales are giving independent gift boutiques in the UK a much-needed boost. As the consumer hunger for unique products and unique in-store experiences grows, it’s smaller retailers that are best placed to cater to these trends.’

So many ways to scent While candles are still the best sellers, reed diffusers are snapping at their heels, perhaps due to the safety aspect for customers with small children and pets. ‘Our

A retailer says…

‘Fragranced gifts are changing to move with the sustainable market, meaning bars of soap are becoming more popular than shower gel and 100% organic products are always a winner.

fragrance lamp or a reed diffuser have been popular around special events such as Mothers Day and Christmas.’

The trend for sustainability

customers love candles, but reed diffusers have definitely grown in popularity over the past two years, says Judy Evans from Williams of Audlem, Cheshire.

Fragrance lamps and electric diffusers are also growing in popularity, as are wax melts which allow customers to really personalise their home scents to suit a mood or function. Incense and essential oils are also seeing growth, with a new generation of consumers now identifying them with pared-back Japanese style and ceremony rather than hippies’ bedrooms!

‘Our incense ranges are very popular and are a great pick up line that have grown in popularity recently,’ reports Joanne Williams from Joco Interiors in Nuneaton.

‘Generally customers want their homes to smell fresh and give an uplifting feeling, so the use of a

Whether it’s packaging or ingredients, it all counts. Consumers aren’t expecting companies to do everything just yet, but customers are looking for brands that are trying to do better for the good of the planet. ‘Many people are opting for Fair Trade or pure fragrances, as they are becoming more aware of environmental issues,’ says Joanne Williams. ‘Sustainable products are becoming more popular and are seen to help the planet.’

‘This September at Top Drawer we picked up a new candle and diffuser company, Purbeck Candles, and are now stocking their award winning Aromatherapy Range made nearby in Corfe Castle in Dorset.

Also we found a newbie to Top Drawer - Freckleface wax melt candles.

We liked the fact the candle ingredients are non-toxic and paraben-free, the ingredients are sourced locally and the packaging is plastic-free.

‘We stock four bodycare companies – Neal’s Yard Remedies, Somerset Toiletries, Pure Lakes and Fikkerts. We have been stocking Neal’s Yard for the last 23 years and products are mainly brought for selfpurchase. The company is just down the road from us, and it’s our top seller – customers are looking for local products.

‘Somerset Toiletries is a good middle price range and sells well for self purchase and gifts, especially their hand creams. Pure Lakes and Fikkerts are new to us this year, after we discovered them at Top Drawer back in January.’

Karen Hardwick, Cranborne’s of Shaftesbury, Dorset

Building brand loyalty More than a quarter of UK households regularly buy scented candles already, according to research company Kantar. Get your offering right to encourage repeat purchase across all age ranges.

‘Home Fragrance is massively important to my shop,’ says Matthew Bates, The Pier, Blackpool.

‘Customers are a lot more aware of what products and brands they are using. If you get your product mix right then customers will return again and again and remain loyal.’

Gifts Today 37

Fragranced Gifts

A touch of luxury Price’s Candles

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he Luxury Range is a brand new line for Price’s Candles with the initial four fragrances introduced to coincide with buying for the festive season. With all the high quality you would expect from the company’s products, the Luxury Range has a premium, giftable feel. The initial scents comprise: • Snowdrops and Jasmine: A soft, floral fusion of crisp white snowdrops blended with the subtle aroma of silky sweet jasmine, to produce a seductively lingering fragrance, evoking memories of meandering through wild woodlands.

• Morning Frost: This exquisitely charming fresh fragrance produces a crisp, clean aroma, inspired by the delicate early morning frost glistening in soft winter sun.

• Spiced Cookies: The deeply comforting aroma of saccharine vanilla combined with a deliciously warming hint of nutmeg produces this tantalisingly moreish fragrance, reminiscent of an indulgent seasonal treat.

• Winter Warmer: This majestic fragrance is rich and sumptuous, featuring top notes of crisp, succulent apples blended with cosy base notes of aromatic cinnamon. It envelops your senses to leave a heart-warming aroma in your winter retreat.

Retailers will find there is something for everyone, as the luxurious collection is available in a boxed jar candle, giving up to 45 hours’ burn time and a 100ml reed diffuser, giving up to four weeks’ fragrance. This brand new line is opulent and elegant, presented with a quality uncoated packaging and highly foiled finish, and is expected to give retailers the edge.

In addition, the company have recently launched three special edition festive fragrances into the best-selling Fragrance Collection.

This range comprises six SKUs; including five candle sizes and one 100ml reed diffuser, giving the retailer myriad display options and price points. Focused firmly on the festive side of deeper, warmer scents, the Limited Edition fragrances are Enchanted Forest, Seasonal Delights and Gingerbread.

Call: 01234 26450 Email: sales@prices-candles.co.uk Visit: prices-candles.co.uk

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ai157053755332_Gifts Today Full Page Advert October v2.pdf 1 08/10/2019 13:25:59

NEW Ranges Launching

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Candlelight Products Ltd, Ustun House, Waddington Way, Aldwarke, Rotherham S65 3SH 01709 723000 | contact@candlelight.co.uk | www.candlelight.co.uk

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Fragranced Gifts

Heavenly Christmas Heaven Scent

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n-house designer/illustrator Sarah Pettitt, married to the owner of Heaven Scent, has created a small Christmas Candle range, with beautifully illustrated packaging.

‘This small range was a delight to create,’ says Sarah. ‘Inspired by the Wiltshire Countryside in winter, I began creating my images for a series of Christmas cards and used the same images to create cute little candle boxes - I thought they would look lovely as little stocking fillers for people at Christmas!’

The four fragrances are Gold Frankincense & Myrrh, Nutmeg & Orange, Winter and Mulled Pear & Spices. The beauty of this range is that they are ready now and customers can have them within a couple of weeks.

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

Bumper year Manor House Home Fragrance

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anor House is having a bumper year having launched in many new garden centres and gift shops following on from a record breaking Christmas 2018 season. The company is proud to announce the success of their new website, which has given a greater audience a view of their 27 stunning home fragrance collections with new fragrance launches ready for Spring Fair 2020.

They are proud to have just launched with a major group of garden centres which will allow more people to purchase their products, along with many new independent garden centres and gift shops around the UK and Ireland…

They pride themselves on producing all products by hand in Suffolk, England. Ranges comprise: Pot Pourri and Scented Pine Cones, Scented Botanical Candles, Room Diffusers and Sprays, Drawer Liners and Sachets along with Advent Candles, Luxury Hand Washes, Scented Fabric Bags and Cushions.

All products are produced by hand in their Suffolk workrooms, using mainly British packaging and fragrances. They use the finest botanicals from around the world, recyclable packaging, fabrics, hand woven silks from Suffolk silk mills and ribbons mainly from British companies, thus creating a true Handmade in Great Britain Home Fragrance Collection.

You can find their Facebook page at Manor House Home Fragrance Ltd, find them tweeting @ManorHouseHome1 and follow them on Instagram @Manorhousehomefragrance. Their social media links their business with their final end customers and clients, and is gaining many followers and numerous positive comments.

The company works with many leading retailers to produce private label collections incorporating clients’ thoughts and ideas, fragrances and branding to offer bespoke and unique one-off collections.

Call: 01359 250720 Visit: manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk 40 Gifts Today

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Fragranced Gifts

At Liberty

Liberty Candles

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iberty Candles are the exclusive distributor in the UK & Ireland for Candle Warmers Etc. The company was founded in 2000 by Bart Kennington who realised the potential dangers of lit candles when an unattended candle sparked a fire and destroyed a neighbour’s home.

Bart set out looking for a solution and turned to a mug warmer he was given as a gift. He realised that the mug warmer was the perfect solution to release a candle’s fragrance without the need for an open flame. Following a hunch, Bart spent nearly all of his family’s savings and purchased five thousand mug warmers, introducing the world to a safer alternative to burning a candle.

Within a few years Candle Warmers Etc. was selling to over ten thousand gift stores across the United States. In 2007 Bart’s family business merged with another and grew substantially, continuing to lead the rapidly growing candle warmer industry and now offering 140 styles across nine unique candle warming collections and 250 wax products.

Candle Warmers Etc. introduced Airomé in 2016, a full line of diffusers and 100% natural, therapeutic-grade essential oils. Through on-going innovation, and a proven track record for high quality products, the Airomé brand has grown by leaps and bounds, and continues to grow as a leader in the essential oils market.

To learn more about Candle Warmers Etc, as well as Liberty Candle’s own Premium Heritage Jars, Homestead range and Marvel Fragrances (which offers an own-brand service), get in touch.You can visit Liberty Candles’ showroom at Butts Mill, Butts Street, Leigh, WN7 3AE, or contact them via the details below.

Call: 01942 677 448 Email: sales@libertycandles.co.uk Visit: libertycandles.co.uk

42 Gifts Today

Manor House Home Fragrance Ltd

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Fragranced Gifts

Modern classic Stoneglow

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toneglow’s Modern Classics facelift has been so well received by their loyal customer base. A beautifully designed classical range, the key to its success is to keep it simple and timeless with luxury fragrances. The collection offers eight captivating fragrances, with the Pomegranate & Spiced Woods adding to the line-up for this autumn/winter.

Made in the UK by Stoneglow Candles.

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

Best of British Agnes + Cat

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gnes + Cat was created in the beautiful Lake District in the North of England, where the company started designing their iconic range of candles and bath products, getting inspired by the surrounding nature and scents.

All their cosmetic, reed diffusers and soaps are handmade in small batches and scented with the best of British fine fragrances; their candles are handpoured using British fragrances, Indonesian soy wax and cotton wicks. All their lip balms are enriched with jojoba oil, shea, mango and avocado butter to intensely nourish and replenish your lips. Their Bath Salts are made with pure essential oils and different kind of salt which all have amazing benefits.

44 Gifts Today

They try their best to help the planet by packing light, recycling and sourcing local wherever possible.

Many of their lines can be re-purposed after use and their packaging can either be recycled or reused.

Agnes + Cat are committed to make the best possible products and take time to source the right materials and ingredients which go into their products; from certified sustainable palm oil soap which is overseen by WWF to only using natural soy wax. Their products are vegan-friendly and handmade.

Call: 01142 677723 Email: enquiries@agnesandcat.org Visit: agnesandcat.org

Fragranced Gifts

Wild in the aisles

Ashleigh & Burwood

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wo new feathered and furry faces have recently joined Ashleigh & Burwood’s striking Wild Things collection of animal-inspired luxury home fragrance - a mesmerising wolf and a majestic peacock.

Since its launch two years ago, Wild Things has successfully grown from its original stunning designs and evocative fragrances to include eco-friendly Candle Refills, Ashleigh & Burwood’s first foray into home furnishings and stationery, and collaborations with wildlife charities The Big Cat Sanctuary and Helping Rhinos, who each receive a percentage of profits from the designs.

Joining the collection are the vibrant peacock design Attention to De Tail and striking wintery wolf You’re Howlarious, which will be the first Wild Things design to feature the collection’s signature ornamental lids in icy silver rather than gold, in keeping with its snowy design. Like all Wild Things items, each of the new introductions earns their luxury label not just through eyecatching visual appeal as they contain a high fragrance percentage for maximum scent impact in the home. Available as Luxury Scented Candles and Reed Diffusers, the stunning limited edition vessels can also be easily reused or repurposed into a beautiful home ornament.

Attention to De Tail Strutting through majestic halls alight with sparkling ornaments, the sapphire plumage and dazzling emerald feathers of a proud peacock dance amid the rich scents of mandarins bejewelled with cloves, warm vanilla and opulent musk.

You’re Howlarious Snowflakes fall in a dance of glittering arabesque, scored by a howling chorus of icy wolves. Frosted notes of lemon sparkle from amid warm, aromatic cardamom while the rich scent of eucalyptus evokes a snow-dusted forest.

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

46 Gifts Today

Spotted at Autumn Fair!

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shleigh & Burwood brought their showstopping Home Fragrance Boutique to Autumn Fair, packed with products from the company’s highquality home fragrance collections.

Alongside Christmas editions from many of their popular collections - The Scented Home, Wild Things, Fragrance Lamps, Earth Secrets and Artistry Collection - visitors discovered a display of their major AW19 launch, The Heritage Collection. This new, high-class collection is designed to bring the character of a bygone era into the modern age with fragrances created to add a sense of pure luxury to the home. Warm and comforting, The Heritage Collection’s nostalgic fragrances will take you on a sensory journey to a forgotten time.

Liberty Candles are the exclusive distributor for Candle Warmers in the UK & Ireland Liberty Candles & Marvel Fragrances Company Ltd. www.libertycandles.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ brad@candlewarmers.com â&#x20AC;˘ 01942 677 448

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Fragranced Gifts

New, new, new!

Candlelight

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he Bohemian trend is very strong for autumn/winter and this is clearly displayed in our Bohemian range of candles and reed diffusers, says Debbie Isles, sales director for Candlelight. ‘The rich patterns of the packaging with plum, navy, ochre and gold detailing is offset by some fabulous fragrances.’

Gin & Prosecco candles and reed diffusers are always great sellers for the autumn/winter season. Clever packaging features an innovative ring top design, giving customers a unique gift experience. Testers are also cleverly designed so customers can easily smell the fragrance without the need to open the tin.

Prosecco candles feature an authentic fragrance, with a contemporary monochrome design. Gin candle tins feature more vibrant pink, green and gold tones, with the messages ‘Gin & bare it’, ‘Gin fizz bang’ and ‘Gin is liquid sanity’.

Christmas fragranced gifts The exquisite Midnight Pomegranate fragrance is available in two sizes of wax filled pot and in an attractive red frosted glass jar, with the ‘Love’ message.

Candlelight’s Peace candles make ideal Christmas gifts and the company is encouraging retailers to order stocks now. These candles are part of Candlelight’s Well-Being collection.

The range includes a wax filled pot with an exquisite Redcurrant and Ivy fragrance, available in small or large sizes. There is also a complementary reed diffuser in Redcurrant and Ivy fragrance and attractive silver top and packaging.

The packaging feature iridescent foiling, which really captures the imagination of gift buyers.

Candlelight is also offering the popular Redcurrant and ivy fragrance in an attractive silver embossed wax filled pot.

Other attractive shelf-stoppers include the new Lustre wax filled pots from Candlelight. These are decorative glass pots in red, pink and ochre in exquisite spiced pomegranate, prosecco and blood orange & grapefruit fragrances.

Candlelight has revealed three new metallic ranges, including Rose Gold, Gold and Silver wax-filled pots. The ranges include small and large embossed metallic lidded jars, which are available in five colours. The fragrances really capture the essence of Christmas – with orange & myrrh, hyacinth & lily, orange & cinnamon and prosecco options. Also new is an attractive Pink Pepper fragrance wax filled pot with an attractive silver top.

Candlelight Products Ltd is committed to providing a responsive service to customers, with the aim to dispatch each order within five to seven working days of receipt. Customers can order any of the new Candle collection and the minimum order value is £350 excluding VAT. All orders are carriage paid within the UK mainland.

Candlelight Products has been established since 1972 when the company started designing and manufacturing its own candles in South Yorkshire. The company has its own 150,000 sq ft distribution centre and 10,000 sq ft showroom in the UK, plus a showroom in Hong Kong serving the Far East market.

Call: 01709 723000.

Visit: candlelight.co.uk

48 Gifts Today

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Spooky sticks

New designs from walking stick specialist Classic Canes this autumn include some perfect designs for the Halloween season.

Folding canes featuring skull and bat motifs are now available from stock and make perfect accessories for autumn and winter outfits.

Managing Director Charlotte Gillan explains: ‘Many stick users recognise that their cane is an extension of their personal sense of style. Skulls and bats have widespread appeal, not just among those with Gothic tastes but as a mainstream fashion choice. Stick users come in all age brackets so it is important for retailers to offer a wide range of styles to ensure they have something to suit all tastes.’

The skull and bat canes are part of a collection of new patterns offered by Classic Canes for autumn/winter 2019.

Spotted!

Alexander Thurlow have increased the range of their purple poppy jewellery. These styles are starting to get more recognition as purple poppies commemorate the animals that fell in the Great War. There is also a wonderful selection of matching scarves available.

Call: 020 8766 6466 Visit: alexanderthurlow.com

Call: 01460 75686 Visit: classiccanes.co.uk

9

The number of new sock colourways being introduced this season

by Solmate Socks. This includes two new styles lightweight socks, which are knit from the same recycled materials as the company’s Signature line with a finer-gauge to fit more like a trouser sock. The team are really excited to expand their line with new colours and styles, while staying true to their love of mismatched socks.

Call: 01926 356 550 Visit: solmatesocks.com

50 Gifts Today

On trend with Miss Milly

Miss Milly, the British brand for gorgeous, colourful jewellery and scarves, has launched a capsule collection of seven magnetic brooches. In striking, bold designs, six of the brooches use silver-coloured metal and are inlaid with colour, and the seventh is in matt silver.

But the over-riding appeal of these lovely pieces is the magnetic clasp. No fiddly pins, no danger to fingertips or other body parts and a magnet makes them easily transferrable between coats and jackets, bags and hats. You can even use them on scarves.

‘Brooches have been a great seller for us over the past couple of years,’ says Sarah Watmore, founder of Miss Milly. ‘And the magnetic ones have had a fantastic debut. We have them in colours to tie in with the other jewellery so that retailers can create co-ordinated displays and their customers can have matching pieces.’

Call: 01905 622509 Visit: missmilly.co.uk

New patterns for Autumn/Winter 2019 Please contact us for a trade catalogue.

Tel 01460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk

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Eco-Friendly Recycled Cotton

New products

Bespoke designs JH Designpoint

An award-winning company, based in Glasgow. JH Designpoint supplies national and international museums, galleries, zoos, botanic gardens and heritage retail shops as well as individuals.

They create bespoke designs for these clients or simply supply them from their own exclusive and varied ranges. All products are made in the UK. The core of their business is bone china mugs, but they also supply Christmas baubles, vases, jugs, moneyboxes, and lots more.

• Sanditon is the latest in a series of mugs based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, now a TV series. The full range of mugs has witty and perceptive remarks, cameos and decorations from each of her novels.

• Bluebell is the latest addition to the range of botanical mugs, just right for spring.

• Baubles. The range includes flowers, crowns, cameos, dragons and so on. Any colour of ribbon can be attached and a recyclable transparent box is also available.

Call: 0141 339 4927 Email: enquiries@jhdesignpoint.net Visit: jhdesignpoint.net

52 Gifts Today

Personalised Memento Company

Personalised Wine Bottle Butler The Personalised Memento Company’s new personalised wine bottle butler is the perfect addition to any dinner party. Able to hold two wine glasses and balance around the neck of the bottle, this personalised piece really makes an impact. Available in a range of designs, there is one suitable for all occasions where you would crack open a bottle of wine to celebrate. This is a new addition for 2019 to PMC’s extensive personalised giftware range. Visit their website for more details and to register for your personalised account!

Whisky Stones & Glass Set Perfect for the whisky connoisseur in your life, the Personalised Memento Company’s brand new personalised whisky stones and glass set are a great addition to anyone’s bar or drinks’ cupboard! Just pop the stones into the freezer for a few hours, and enjoy your favourite malt without watering it down - it couldn’t be simpler. Keep your eyes peeled for more innovative design pairings by PMC, or register for your free account online at the address below :

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

New products

Joe Davies Highland Coos These cute quirky Highland Coos from Joe Davies are sure to bring a smile to the face of any lover of these adorable cows. They have been given a distinct look with their ginger fluffy coats, expressive faces and their traditional tartan scarfs that add that special Scottish finish to the design.

Highland Coos are a highly collectable range of cows and make an ideal gift for animal lovers. From standing figurines to the bestselling dangly leg shelf sitter, there is something for everyone. Ordering from Joe Davies couldn’t be easier with their signature ‘little and often’ ordering system and their low minimum order value of just £100 for free nationwide delivery.

Eternal Flame Collection

Equilibrium Gloves

When the weather turns colder there is nothing better than staying cosy inside. These traditional style lanterns with an antiqued distressed finish make the perfect gift and give any room a warm inviting glow. The soft realistic flickering flame effect simulates the look of a real log fire and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. This great collection from Joe Davies is sure to give you a warm glow. Ordering from Joe Davies couldn’t be easier with their signature ‘little and often’ ordering system and their low minimum order value of just £100 for free nationwide delivery.

Dress to impress in these fashionable Equilibrium gloves. Up-to-the-minute fashionable colours, luxury faux fur, co-ordinating buttons and trims and with recommended retail prices starting at just £7.99, no wonder Equilibrium gloves are such a popular choice with retailers and customers alike.

Wireless Phone Chargers Charge your phones in style with these new fun wireless chargers from Joe Davies. These charging pads make charging your phone at home convenient and, with nine eyecatching designs to choose from, there is something for everyone. They are individually packaged, making them the perfect gift and have a counter top display unit ideal for prime position selling in any gift shop. There is a USB power cable included and they are compatible with all smartphones that support wireless charging.

Poo Pourri Collection When it comes to home fragrance and sparking customer interest, Joe Davies have the perfect product to fit the bill. Poo Pourri has gone from a quirky Stateside gift, to a $300 million worldwide phenomenon. The ‘before you go’ toilet spray is supplied in smart sassy packaging, is a hit with independent gift shops and has won multiple awards for its humorous marketing.

The range has seven fragrances, including a Christmas one called Secret Santa. As with the entire Joe Davies’ collection of over 8000 gifts, everything is available using the Company’s ‘Little & Often’ ordering system with free delivery on all orders over £100.

Call: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Visit: joedavies.co.uk Gifts Today 53

GT CONTRIBUTOR: SOCIAL MEDIA - ROSS HEWITT

What’s the story with Instagram stories?

They’re the stories you catch a glimpse of and then, when you check back the next day to have a proper look, you can’t find them anywhere. What are they about?

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

54 Gifts Today

filling your phone screen and begins to play automatically. Content can be photos or video but works best when it has been created with the 9:16 aspect ratio of a portrait smartphone screen in mind. It is generally agreed that content with a size of 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels high views the best on most mobile devices.

You can create your own Story by tapping your profile photo and this opens the Story camera function on your phone. Take a snap, record some video or, if you can find the sweet spot, you should also be able

‘

Instagram Stories are quite a neat little tool for adding a bit of rich content to your profile

‘

I

was sceptical when they first launched, what with them disappearing after 24 hours, as I’ve always been a fan and advocate of ‘evergreen’ content such as videos and blog posts. You know, the kind of content that might not set the world alight instantly but sits there for months and even years, slowly building up the visitor numbers and creeping up the search engine rankings over time.

But everything eventually finds its own worth and place in the digital marketing mix and it looks like Instagram Stories are quite a neat little tool for adding a bit of rich content to your profile…so I’ve decided to start pretending that I’ve always been a fan of them.

One of the main drivers for me taking a deeper delve is the suspicion that those complete and utter buttheads that work in the Department of Tosspottery at Facebook HQ appear to have fiddled with the Instagram algorithm over the summer months…and it would appear that less engagement is now happening with photos and more reach is being handed out to Stories and video. If you’ve had a head scratch recently about why your trusted recipe for photo likes isn’t getting as much engagement then you know why now…it’s nothing you’ve done, it’s just another tweak to push businesses closer towards having to pay for any content to be visible. So, fine, let’s dance to their tune and give Instagram Stories a whirl and here is the lowdown…

Instagram Stories are viewable by tapping the profile image in the top left corner on an account, and you can tell if there is a story to view by the briefly animated purply coloured ring that appears around the profile image circle. The story opens by

to swipe up and have the ability to use some photos or videos that you already have on your phone from the last few days. Once the media is on the screen then you can start to customise it by adding text, light, colour and background effects as well as ‘Stickers’.

Yes, ‘Stickers’…sometimes a perfectly lit and executed photo isn’t enough and what is clearly missing are some animated ice cream cones or dancing emoji puppies. OK, I am being glib…the Stickers do have some good features such as the ability to add a hashtag to the story or a location and the vast choice of animations, icons and emojis can make the original media come to life a bit more sometimes. Less is more and they work best when you try to be ‘fun’ rather than ‘funny’. Have

a play and a practice and find your own thang before you start spanking out the stories; you’ll soon get the hang of it.

How you choose to use them depends on the type of business you are but there doesn’t need to be that many restrictions at all.

Maybe Stories are a good way to show what happens behind the scenes. Next time you are building a stand at a trade or consumer show or running an event in a store then show the work that goes into getting everything ready for game day. Create your own unique Story feature – for example, every Monday release a story about your favourite new gift product that launches that week. Over time this might build up into something quite lengthy, compelling and entertaining. But wait, you remember me saying that Stories disappear after 24 hours, right? Well, other people’s Stories do disappear, and yours will vanish also unless they get added to the Highlights area of your account.

When you watch your Story after publishing it you will see an option to tap a small ‘Highlight’ icon.

This then lets you set up a bespoke ‘gallery’ for this Story to live in or it can just be added to an existing Highlights area. This makes them permanent on your account (until you delete them anyway).

This is where the value lies… handy little directories or galleries of clips and snaps where you can tell a proper story or have easy to find visual answers to frequently asked questions or simply show off your business as being nice people to spend some time with. Sounds permanent and evergreen to me…

Yup, I’ve always been a fan of Instagram Stories. *cough*

Agents Required South East England, London, East Anglia and home counties Moocow Studios prints and manufactures an extensive range of products off the shelf range and a bespoke service, including bespoke cotton tea towels, tote bags, aprons, mugs and giftware.

We are also a slate printing company, specialising in the tourist souvenir market. Moocow Studios produce items such as Welsh slate coasters, Welsh slate fridge magnets and glass coasters, glass place mats and shot glasses, perfect for retail, promotions, advertising and commemorative events.

2 new products just about to be launched.

We support our agents using our web sites, trade shows and national advertising.

We are looking for agents in the following areas.

South East England, London, East Anglia and home counties.

Please apply by email with CV to ray@moocowstudios.co.uk and include a contact phone number.

www.moocowstudios.co.uk

Sales Agents Required for Leading Candle Company in the North East Focused and high-energy agent required for North East Region in England. County’s from Northumberland down to Yorkshire Price’s Candles are a historic and prestigious candle company acting as Candle makers to Her Majesty The Queen. For over 180 years, Price’s has led the way in the candle industry with quality and innovation.

Price’s have a comprehensive selection of candles from fragrance to dinner and utility.

Price’s are one of the largest candle companies within the UK and are looking for a highly motivated sale agent to continue to grow the company.

• • • •

Competitive commission Regional Exclusivity Market support/samples supplied Trade exhibition support

For further details or to apply for this role, please email: Lisa.fuller@prices-candles.co.uk

www.jhdesignpoint.net enquiries@jhdesignpoint.net tel: 44(0)141 339 4927

Are you looking for

agents... if so contact: Mark Horsnell 01442 289949 mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

OCTOBER

31

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