Gifts Today September 2014

Previews Autumn Fair 2014 Top Drawer 2014

ProďŹ les Rose & Co Joe Davies

25

Features Licensed Gifts Baby Gifts

Month: September 2014

Issue: 8

Volume: 25

Visit us at Autumn Fair 2014 Hall 5 K09

est: 2004

O N E S TO P S H O P F O R P E R S O N A L I S E D G I F T S We provide a complete personalised gift service, from website solutions to fulfilment.

Currently supplying to e-commerce, mail order and leading multichannel high street retailers.

Our extensive range of gifts include engraved, embroidery, ceramic, stationery, cards and many more, we cater for every occasion.

FOR THE HOME

My 1st Christmas Gifts

NEW FOR CHRISTMAS 2014

CALENDARS

COTTON BAGS

ALCOHOL GIFTS

FOR HIM

FOR HER

All products are designed and manufactured at our Stoke On Trent premises DISCOVER THE FULL RANGE AT:

w w w. p e r s o n a l i s e d m e m e n t o . c o . u k Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

Contents

Message from the Editor Penny Franks

4 12 16 118

www.gifts-today.co.uk Twitter: @giftstodaymag

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ow, what an issue we have for you this month! We have ensured that we have rammed this month’s edition with all the information you need whilst in attendance at Autumn Fair and Top Drawer.

Autumn Fair is set to totally smash it this year, with exhibitors returning to the show – Enesco for example (see our interview on page 76!). More than 60,000 new launches will be showcased at the event from over 1,400 UK and international exhibitors, 400 of which are new to Autumn Fair this year.

Buyers from the smallest independents to the largest multiples and department stores can source from an incredibly diverse product range that is on trend and in stock, ready for delivery ahead of the crucial Christmas trading period and a great opportunity to also stock up in readiness for Valentines Day, Easter and beyond!

You will find a huge Gift showcase that will occupy Hall 5 of the show, a location it is to share with the complementary sector of Children’s Gifts, Toys & Gadgets. A selection of Contemporary Gift & Home, Greetings, Stationery & Craft, plus Fashion Jewellery & Accessories will be adjacent in Hall 4, offering cross-over buying opportunities to visiting retailers.

Of course, there are many other halls to explore, all offering you inspiration for your stock selections over the coming months.

You will also find a solid presence from UK Trade & Investment. UKTI will be on site to advise exhibitors on how to develop a successful export strategy and expand their business overseas, offering both market knowledge and financial support.

You’ll find all the information in this issue by turning to page 20, which we trust will assist you in the pre-planning of your visit. Make sure you pre-register to attend by simply visiting www.autumnfair.co.uk Of course, another added benefit of

Profiles

Regulars

attending Autumn Fair will be the voucher scheme run by the GA (Hall 4, Stand A40-B41). GA retailer members and subscribers will be able take advantage of product discounts and other special offers being made by Autumn Fair exhibitors taking part in the association’s member-tomember voucher scheme.

Participating suppliers are: Ancestors (5, L18/M19), Azeti (3, W17), Blue Eyed Sun (4, D03), Bottleclocks (5, M60), Deco-Pak (3, G06), Edwin Jagger (3, H40), Everest Arts and Crafts (5, F20/ G21), Giftscribes (5, J46), Global Journey (5, H26), HHJ Trading (2, H02), Lagoon Group (3, T46/U45), Lanka Kade (4, A30), Maingate (5, K26), Meridian Import Company (5, G11), Miss Milly (4, H48), Nemesis Now (5, J02), Neviti (3, U41), Opal London (5, K21), Otus Designs (5, K40), ph9 (2, E45), Paladone Products (5, B58/C59 & 3, T06), Really Good – with Soul (4, A30), Spike Leisurewear (5, L01), Tilnar Art (5, G16/H17), TomCat Cards (4, D21) and Windhorse (5, H70).

Also top of our show calendar this month is a visit to Top Drawer - definitely a must. Here you will find products that will give your store a good ‘point of different’. Bringing together an inspirational showcase of over 800 carefully selected British and international suppliers and designer-makers, Top Drawer is London’s largest design-led gift trade event.

Having already become a feature of Top Drawer Spring, for the first time this September also sees Home (the definitive homewares and accessories event) running alongside Top Drawer Autumn. With your pick of thousands of leading yet hand selected brands covering all sectors, Top Drawer and Home is a must destination this Autumn. For more information turn to page 98 or visit www.topdrawer.co.uk, where you can preregister to attend.

We also bring you a selection of features this issue, Licensed Gifts (page 94) and Baby Gifts (page 110).

Here’s to a successful September for all.

News Exhibition News GA News New Products

18

Gaventa

26

Midhaven

34

Rose & Co

Retail

46

Arora Design

96 104 106 126

54

Ashleigh &

Brian Wiseman Rachel Parkin Retailer Profile Grass Roots

Special Features

Exhibitions Autumn Fair 24

60

Elite

62

Personalised Memento Co

124 The Science of Fragrance Written by Jo Welch

20

Burwood

An introduction to Autumn Fair 2014 Take a look at what you’ll find in the show halls

Top Drawer 98

An introduction to Top Drawer 2014 116 Brand Licensing Europe

66

Widdop Bingham

68

Sil

80

Green Board Games

84

Buddy Balls

86

RJB Stone

90

Joe Davies

114 Dalaco

Product Features 94

Licensed Gifts

110 Baby Gifts

The GT team Editor Penny Franks penny@lemapublishing.co.uk

Assistant Editor Caroline Eyles caroline@lemapublishing.co.uk

Advertisement Manager Mark Horsnell mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Group Editor Mirella Cestaro mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Group Advertisement Manager Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Media Solutions Manager Bradley Mason bradleymason@hotmail.co.uk

Lema Publishing Ltd The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

PUBLISHING

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

NEWS

regular

Gift Stand available at Caroline Gardner Caroline Gardner has launched a fantastic floor standing gift unit, with a readymade, easy to purchase collection of their new gift accessories, home wares and stationery.

The light, space- efficient stand collection caused a lot of excitement at Harrogate Home and Gift, covering six signature gift ranges; Ditsy, Hearts, Say so, Painted floral and the new Geo and Muchly lovely prints. The offer provides the floor standing unit free of charge while the collection itself supplies some of the newer and larger gifts in reduced pack sizes to give customers a wide variety of products and designs for the same investment price.

This fabulous gift stand is available free of charge with gift orders over £1200 for limited period only so please contact the CG office as soon as possible for more information.

Tel: 020 8288 9696

SIA UK welcome first customer to Spring/Summer 2015 launch SIA’s Sales Manager for Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic is the first of SIA’s Sales Team to welcome a customer to their Spring Summer 2015 launch.

John Murphy told Gifts Today: “I was delighted that the very first customer to view SIA’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection in Newbury came from Ireland! The contribution that Irish customers make to SIA is significant and growing all the time. Marie Kennelly from Elizabelle has been a key account for many years, we always value her business and equally her opinions on the direction and style of our collection. Marie is very much part of the SIA family and we look forward to the next time she flies over to see us.”

Marie was happy to report that: “I have always worked well with SIA and John in particular. SIA really does feel like a family and I was delighted to be first through the door” Web: www.sia-homefashion.co.uk 4 gifts today

Steve Chappell retires Steve Chappell, Joe Davies area Sales representative for South East and East Anglia has recently retired. Popular with colleagues and customers alike, Steve’s effervescent character and wonderful sense of humour will be missed by anybody who has been lucky enough to come into contact with him. The company wishes him a long and happy retirement.

Joe Davies welcomes Lucy Fleet Joe Davies are pleased to announce the appointment of Lucy Fleet to join their Sales team. Lucy replaces the popular Steve Chappell who retired recently as area Sales Representative for the South East and East Anglia. Lucy brings to the company a wealth of experience and is looking forward to meeting customers, old and new at the Autumn Fair and over the coming months.

Greg Waters joins Enesco Enesco are very pleased to announce that Greg Waters will be joining Enesco as UK Sales Director on September 2nd 2014.

Greg will be responsible for their UK sales strategy and business development and report directly to Managing Director Ken Johnson.

Web: www.enesco. co.uk

VILLAGE CANDLE

R

Autumn Fair - Birmingham NEC 7th - 10th September 2014 Hall 5, Stand J30

www.villagecandle.co.uk

Village Candle UK Ltd, East Wing Offices, Junction 7 Business Park, Clayton-le-Moors, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 5JW Tel: 01254 300268 Fax: 01254 300263 Email: sales@villagecandle.co.uk Website: www.villagecandle.co.uk

NEWS

regular

Stoneglow scoops two awards Stoneglow were WINNERS of the GROWTH Business of the Year award, in recognition of the strong sustained growth the company has seen in recent years. The judges were impressed with the company’s year on year growth, and plans for the future.

They then went on to WIN the overall BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2014 award.

This award recognises the hard work that the entire team at Stoneglow have put in over recent years, and they were very proud to accept this award. The judges felt that Stoneglow was a clear WINNER for this award due to our uniqueness, and creativity.

Visit www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

First fruits from Mandarin Arts Following twelve months of development, Mandarin Arts Ltd have released the first fruit from their licensing partnership with the University of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum. Inspired by items held in the museum’s Eastern Art collection, the new pieces feature five themed groups of porcelain jars and vases with some pieces also offered as table lamps.

Pictured here are the BaiMei pieces styled on a Qing dynasty design of winterflowering plum blossom on a traditional ‘winter melon’ jar. By reversing the more common blue on white pattern, the artist has picked out the white flowers to great effect against the rich blue background.

All 19 pieces from the new collection can be seen in Mandarin Arts’ latest catalogue.

Tel: 01873 812255 Web: www.mandarinarts.co.uk

DARTINGTON CRYSTAL JOINS FINISH FOR NEW AND INFORMATIVE CAMPAIGN One of Britain’s leading glass and crystal manufacturer, Dartington Crystal, is teaming up with the world’s favourite dishwasher brand, Finish, to launch a new and informative campaign.

The campaign launched with a series of five ‘infomercials’ broadcast across week nights, which will include information about how to get the best results from your dishwasher. The new campaign is designed to educate consumers on the importance of using additives such as rinse aids and dishwasher cleaners, in order to get the very best consistent clean and shine performance from their detergent and from their dishwasher. The infomercials, presented by Carol Smillie, will feature advice and tips from industry experts, including Richard Halliday, Marketing and Design Director at Dartington Crystal.

The campaign will also receive support from finish.co.uk, where consumers can go for top tips, competitions and access to experts that are on-hand to help with their dishwasher dilemmas. Key topics covered will include Hygiene, Odour, Maintaining ‘Shine’ and getting the best ‘Dry’ (no streaks).

Neil Hughes, Managing Director at Dartington Crystal, commented, “We have partnered with Finish over many years and feel confident in telling our customers that they can put their Dartington fine crystal in the dishwasher with Finish detergents and additives and maintain the brilliant shine and beautiful surface of their glassware. We are very pleased to be a part of this campaign”.

The TV infomercials will launched in July and will run until the autumn.

6 gifts today

Raising Money for Charity On 13th July some of the girls from the Dartford, Kent, based company, Lesser & Pavey Sales Office - photograph here, (from left to right) Tia (Amanda’s daughter), Amanda, Diane, Alison and Charlie - took part in Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research. They walked 10K at Moat Park in Maidstone, raising a magnificent £1204!

Diane, Charlie, Amanda and Sarah will also be doing the Moonlight Walk for Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice on 13th September.

Lesser & Pavey team raising money for local and national charities.

Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

Special Autumn Fair offers GA retailer members and subscribers will be able take advantage of product discounts and other special offers being made by Autumn Fair exhibitors taking part in the association’s member-to-member voucher scheme.

Participating suppliers are: Ancestors (5, L18/M19), Azeti (3, W17), Blue Eyed Sun (4, D03), Bottleclocks (5, M60), Deco-Pak (3, G06), Edwin Jagger (3, H40), Everest Arts and Crafts (5, F20/G21), Giftscribes (5, J46), Global Journey (5, H26), HHJ Trading (2, H02), Lagoon Group (3, T46/U45), Lanka Kade (4, A30), Maingate (5, K26), Meridian Import Company (5, G11), Miss Milly (4, H48), Nemesis Now (5, J02), Neviti (3, U41), Opal London (5, K21), Otus Designs (5, K40), ph9 (2, E45), Paladone Products (5, B58/C59 & 3, T06), Really Good – with Soul (4, A30), Spike Leisurewear (5, L01), Tilnar Art (5, G16/H17), TomCat Cards (4, D21) and Windhorse (5, H70).

NEWS regular

Join the conversation

Written by: Lisa Robinson, Flare Communications

T

As a retailer or manufacturer, your business can reach a whole new, targeted audience simply by joining in with a world-wide conversation; one which is already happening, right now. The autumn trade show season is a perfect opportunity for you to get your company involved and your brand noticed and you can start with as little as 140 characters…

he number of different social networking platforms is on the increase. As a world together, we have created our own virtual online community where every day new relationships are formed and information is shared. For this article we will focus on Twitter, one of the quickest and most effective platforms for raising the profile of a company among target customers.

Before we go into too much detail about how to utilise it for your business, let us start with some key facts: In just a few days, our team increased the number of potential customers who are ‘following’ our client’s Twitter posts by over 1,000 people. Imagine that as an online footfall where, instead of coming through the shop door, these new customers are clicking through to the online shop – you can do this too Twitter is awash with bloggers and journalists, each one using the platform to talk to brands and discover new products to write about You already have the ‘content’ (what you’re going to say) at your fingertips, it’s your shop, your products, your promotions and your news As a retailer or buyer, you can utilise Twitter to start a conversation with the trade shows you will be visiting. The official Twitter account for the Spring and Autumn Fairs (@SAF_Int) has over 12,600 followers at the time of writing.

You can live tweet from the show, linking to the exhibitors you have met and opening up a conversation which can lead new consumers directly to you.

As an exhibitor, using the official twitter account for a trade show can also lead buyers directly to your stand. For example, Top Drawer London (@TopDrawerLondon) is fantastic at tweeting pictures and information about exhibitors to their (currently) 10,300 followers.

This Twitter feed is often used by buyers to decide the must-see stands, the more involved you become, the more you can maximise your presence at the show.

Competitions across social media are also hugely popular and can drive visitors to your stand. Avoid ‘The first person to…’

8 gifts today

competitions as these will be over very quickly so instead opt for a visit to your stand to enter and a ‘retweet’ of your competition to their followers. If you also include the official account for the show you’re at, they might also retweet the competition to their followers which will increase visibility and entries.

Alongside building relationships and placing your business in front of new customers, Twitter is also a fantastic tool to research and spot key people who will be attending. Track who is at the show by watching the exhibition’s timeline, you can then discover influential visitors and tweet them directly.

While looking out for who will be visiting, also take note of any journalists and stylists. Many will visit each trade show to see new seasonal launches and any tweets they post about an exhibition you will be at creates an instant conversation starter. Such opportunities will benefit you hugely in the long run, as through building a rapport with journalists you can increase your brand presence in the press, as well as connect to some fantastic new people!

Though these ideas are based around the trade show season, there is a whole host of different things you can do on Twitter to boost your profile and increase your brand presence, such as commenting on relevant news, posting interesting links or regularly featuring a new shop display or product.

With these ideas you get easily dip your toes into the social media scene and to get you started, here are some more key gift industry accounts to search for and follow: Gifts Today @GiftsTodayMag The Giftware Association @The_GA_UK Rachel Parkin @raich925 Tendence @tendencefair Maison & Objet @MaisonObjet HOMI Milano @homimilano Flare @FlarePR If you would like help or advice on social media or how to communicate to your customers and build your brand name further, you can call Lisa or Cat on 01322 522 166 or email Lisa@ flarecommunications.co.uk

IF continues to recruit designers Over the last six months that company called if has recruited six more designers: Welcome to Elaine, Nicki, Krystian, Scott, Lewis and Santiago. And there’s still room for a few more amazingly skilled designers and altogether lovely people to join in the creative fun now that they have relocated to a riverside location in central York. If you are interested finding out about career opportunities in design please contact Studio Manager Gary@thatcompanycalledif.com

BRINGING THE HEART OF THE UK COUNTRYSIDE TO THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL AT TOP DRAWER LONDON Exhibiting at Top Drawer London, The Country Candle Company launches the new the 2014 Christmas offering. Situated at stand U46, the new look stand will feature all new product ranges on the newly designed merchandising stands incorporating the new company logo, each designed to maximise interaction with consumers in store.

New fragrances are added to the best selling Superstars collection plus the on-trend Nordic feel Winter Warmer collection will add a touch of nostalgia this Christmas. In addition there are some exciting Gift Sets – wrapping up your scented Christmas purchasing.

Supporting the growth of the business the move takes The Country Candle Company to the heart of Wiltshire with its new premises. Doubling in size the new facilities include production, warehousing and bigger offices housing the growing team members. Three new positions have been filled to date with growth plans for the area sales teams already in place. Plus there are plans for a new show room in the coming months.

Set just a few miles from the M4, the new facilities are ideal for visitors visiting the new show room where retailers are able to see the complete collection in the heart of the British countryside.

See the new brand developments at Top Drawer London Stand U46.

Tel: + 44(0) 1225 794920 Web: thecountrycandlecompany.com

ROSEMOORE TO EXHIBIT FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THE AUTUMN GIFT & HOME FAIR, DUBLIN Rosemoore Home Fragrance will be exhibiting at the Irish Autumn Gift & Home Fair, in Dublin for the first time this month and, to make an impression of the Irish gift retail market they are offering a 10% discount on all orders placed at the show.

Rosemoore is well known for its stunning collection of stylish, fragrant and contemporary home fragrance products – all at amazing prices to truly offer customers affordable luxury.

Products range from scented candles and pot pourri, to room sprays and reed diffusers. Plus a Festive range, and an attractive range of home accessories.

New to the show will be the Aroma Diffuser, an electric diffuser than both looks stylish and emits a constant fragrance in the home.

Tel: 00 44 (0) 1227 806111 Email:sales@rosemoore.co.uk www.rosemoore.co.uk

Dawn Chorus

Over 2000 brand new gifts 7500+ lines to choose from Only £100 minimum order

‘Little & Often’ ordering system FREE next day delivery Award winning customer service

Equilibrium Sparkle Earrings

snoozies!® Bright

Equilibrium Crystal Pendants

Hessian Message Plaques

Equilibrium Men’s Scarves

Leonardo Shabby Chic Hearts

Pastel Owl Money Boxes

Victoria Butterfly

Mulberry Glow

Great Service • Great Products • Great Prices

Headlines Tin Plaques

Are you buying from Joe Davies?

Equilibrium Coloured Bracelets

Baby Frames & Boxes

Over 2000 brand new gifts 7500+ lines to choose from Only £100 minimum order m ‘Little & Often’ Ordering System FREE next day delivery ce e Award winning customer service

Sentiment Owls

Progressive Gifts Greats Awards 2014

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Times Winners

Best Service to the Independent Retailer

Equilibrium Animal Satchels

Birthday Glitter Glasses

Joe Davies (Manchester) Limited 149 Broadstone Road, Reddish Stockport SK5 7GA Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk

The ‘Little & Often’ giftware supplier

exhibition news

PRODUCTS THAT SELL, ONLY at MEGA SHOW in Hong Kong this October MEGA SHOW PART 1 AND 2 2014 MEGA SHOW Part 1 and Part 2 are the major sourcing shows annually in Hong Kong every October, where over 4000 suppliers from 37 countries present the very best in GIFTS AND PREMIUMS, HOUSEWARES, KITCHEN + DINING, HOME TEXTILES and INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DÉCOR, CHRISTMAS, FESTIVE AND SEASONAL, TOYS AND GAMES plus BABY AND CHILD, GIFTWRAP AND PACKAGING, GLASSWARE TRENDS, ASIAN STATIONERY and GO GREEN, eco-friendly products.

There are 8 product series In Part 1 from Monday 20 October to Wednesday 23 October: ASIAN GIFTS & PREMIUMS SHOW ASIAN GIFTWRAP & PACKAGING SHOW ASIAN FESTIVE, CHRISTMAS AND SEASONAL ASIAN HOUSEWARES & HOME DÉCOR ASIAN KITCHEN & DINING - NEW! ASIAN GLASSWARE TRENDS ASIAN TOYS & GAMES ASIAN BABY & NURSERY WORLD - NEW! There are 4 product series in Part 2 from Monday 27 October to Wednesday 27 October: ASIAN HOUSEWARES & HOME TEXTILES

ASIAN STATIONERY ASIAN HOME DÉCOR & OUTDOOR LIVING ASIAN GIFTWARE As part of the major autumn buying circuit in Southern China, MEGA SHOW is the only trade show that provides buyers with products from suppliers not only from Asia but internationally based. Group pavilions from Asia include India, The Philippines, Thailand, Mainland China, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam and United Kingdom.

This year, a special programme to sponsor Hong Kong hotel accommodation for qualified international buyers has been launched, with details available on the show website. Registration for trade buyers in now also available online with complimentary admission badges being distributed worldwide during August 2014.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Mega Expo (Hong Kong) Limited Email: cs@mega-show.com Tel: +852 3588 9688 Fax: +852 3588 5448 www.mega-show.com

Gearing up for the festive event of the year Companies in the gift industry are already gearing up for one of the most important calendar events of the year, particularly those in festive and garden sectors, with Harrogate Christmas & Gift reporting very little space left for the January 2015 show.

Simon Anslow, show organiser, comments: “With the rapid increase in visitor numbers in recent years, the show’s reputation has escalated and we are not only seeing the return of previous exhibitors each year, but continue to attract new companies from around the world. Apart from a few stand spaces still available in Halls B and C, we are almost full booked, so companies sitting on the fence as to whether to join us in January will be very disappointed if they leave it much longer before confirming their space.”

For the first time, Harrogate Christmas & Gift has appointed MICE Concierge as the official accommodation bureau for the show and both exhibitors and visitors can save considerable time and money by using its friendly service.

The company can not only arrange airport shuttles between Leeds Bradford airport and Harrogate, but can recommend local restaurants and offers heavily discounted hotel rates.

For example, rooms at the Cairn Hotel and The St George Hotel which are both just a hop away from the Harrogate International Centre are just £49 per night.

You can access MICE Concierges exclusive rates online at www.miceconcierge.com/events/hcgf2015, email the team on hello@miceconcierge.com or call them on (01438) 908777.

Harrogate Christmas & Gift takes place at the Harrogate International Centre from 11th to 14th January 2015. For more information about exhibiting and visiting, visit the website at www.harrogatefair.com 12 gifts today

Autumn Fair International recognises retailers with new awards Autumn Fair International 2014, an i2i Events Group exhibition, will see the launch of the inaugural Buyers Power List awards, to celebrate, reward and recognise the contributions of buyers and retailers throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The exciting introduction of the Autumn Fair Buyers Power List awards was inspired by the outstanding success of the BERING Buyers Power List awards at Jewellery & Watch London and the introduction of the Pure Buyers Power List awards at Pure London, both of which received high commendations from retailers, buyers and brands alike.

The Buyers Power List awards are unique accolades that are won via an industry-voted nomination system, ensuring an unbiased and democratically elected group of winners. The first stage of the process is a round of nominations open to the whole industry, followed by a second round of peer nominations in which finalists will be able to rank their peers across each awards category.

The competition will honour buyers from within the UK and Republic of Ireland across six key categories: Best Online Retailer, Best Department Store, Best Individual Buyer, Best Independent Retailer (5 stores or less), Best Independent Retailer (6 stores or more), and Best Kitchen Dining & Housewares Retailer.

The finalists will then be commended and awarded at the Autumn Fair Buyers Power List awards Champagne Reception, to be held on site at the show, which takes place from September 7 – 10 at The NEC, Birmingham*. This prestigious event will celebrate the winners’ achievements during a valuable opportunity to network with their peers and suppliers.

Nick Davison, Portfolio Director for Autumn Fair International at i2i Events Group, commented: “We are proud and delighted to be launching the Autumn Fair International Buyers Power List awards at the 2014 show. Autumn Fair is the most important retail event of the season and we felt it was high time to recognise the amazing achievements of retailers up and down the UK and Republic of Ireland, who are literally the powerhouse of our industry. We are encouraging as many people as possible to give their favourite retailers the chance to win by casting their votes on the Buyers Power List website.”

The Buyers Power List is now open for nominations. To cast your vote, visit the Autumn Fair website www.autumnfair.com/buyerspowerlist

Christmas & Gift Harrogate 11th to 14th January Sunday to Wednesday 2015 Harrogate International Centre

The UK’s Premier Christmas Show in 2015

11th - 14th January 2015 Harrogate International Centre King's Road Harrogate North Yorkshire HG1 5LA

Book Your Stand Tel: +44 (0)1902 882 280 or 07798 737 077 Email: info@harrogatefair.com simon@harrogatefair.com Visit: www.harrogatefair.com

Everything Christmas Gifts Home Garden Toys

exhibition news

LONDON STATIONERY SHOW ON THE UP The London Stationery Show continues to go from strength to strength following this year’s successful event, with more than two thirds of next year’s stand space already sold.

New exhibitors to date for 2015 include Quadrille, Parax Paper, Organise-us, Penfold Card & Gift, Modrec International, Two Little Boys, Ningbo Linkart Paper, Designlines and Quiver Pen Holders from the USA. This year’s exhibition again attracted the leading buyers from every retail sector.

“It’s a real plus for the industry to have something like the Stationery Show, it’s great to have stationery all under one roof” says Alexandra Miles, stationery buyer for Sainsbury’s.

The Stationery Show makes stationery buying easy for retailers with the products of over 200 different suppliers from around the world all in one place, including many of the leading brands in all the core product categories.

“Stationery has never been so popular with consumers, and this is reflected in the growing support for the show” says organiser Chris Leonard-Morgan. “Buyers know this is one event where they will always find something new.”

The 2015 London Stationery Show will take place on Tuesday 28 – Wednesday 29 April at the Business Design Centre during National Stationery Week (27 April - 3 May).

For more information, call 020 8462 0721 or go to www.stationeryshow. co.uk

Summer loving from Giving & Living You have to be in it to win it, and everyone who booked into Giving & Living in July was in with a chance of winning a fantastic marketing package worth over £1200. The winner of this great offer were first time exhibitors Kiss Air candles, who you can find at the show in the Designed & Made in Britain area, or by following the Naturally Trail!

75% of stands have already been sold, so if you missed out on the July offer, why not book your space during September for another chance to win?

Giving & Living takes place at the Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter, and runs from Sunday 11th January to Wednesday 14th January 2015. For more information about the show, to book a stand, or pre-register to attend, please call 01934 733433, follow @giving_living, or visit www.givingliving.co.uk.

See what’s hot at Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn 21st-22nd September 2014 Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn is the last buying opportunity in the year for retailers to source both new products and to order from existing lines in time for Christmas. The show runs over two days from Sunday 21st to Monday 22nd September at Glasgow’s SECC and provides a carefully balanced selection of 160 companies exhibiting Homeware,Textiles, Jewellery, Fashion Accessories, Clan Products, Beauty and Bath Products, Stationery and general Giftware.

The show typically sees around 1750 trade buyers from department stores, multiples, mail-order, online, tourist attractions and independent retail outlets.

Web: www.scotlandtradefairs.co.uk

Just add water!

ETL Developments introduce you to their range of ‘Grow your own kits’ that includes everything but the water!

1. Bright, bold packaging to attract attention.

2. Contents shown on the packaging so consumers can see exactly what they are purchasing.

3. The seeds are of UK origin and packed in the UK. 4. Propagator manufactured in the UK from Recycled Plastic.

5. Everything included in the kit to start germinating and growing.

6. Propagator, pots and labels are re-usable.

7. A fun, educational product that can help children of all ages to understand the concept of germinating seeds and growing their own food.

8. Ideal gift for all ages from beginners to the more seasoned gardener.

9. Currently available in 5 different kits with another 5 being launched over the coming months.

Current Kits:Quirky Veg Kit - A collection of 6 unusual Vegetables Snazzy Salad Kit - A collection of 6 colourful Salad Vegetables

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Nice & Spicy Chilli Kit - A collection of 6 Chilli and Sweet Peppers Tantalising Tomato Kit - A collection of 6 Novel Tomatoes

Future Kits:Percy Pumpkin Kit - A fabulous, fun kit for children including pumpkin seeds, carving tools, templates and recipes Edible Flowers Kit - A collection of 6 Edible Flowers, appealing in appearance and on the plate Super Foods Kit - A collection of 6 varieties to help maintain a healthy, vitamin enriched diet Vintage/Heirloom Kit - A collection of open pollinated seeds, that remain true to type and can be harvested for future use. Varieties are pre 1910 and have been handed down through generations Seed Survival Kit - A collection of 25 or 50 varieties of open pollinated seeds to continue growing and harvesting vegetables/salads and harvesting the seeds over and over again.

Tel: 01977 796278 email: mail@etldevelopments.co.uk

GA news

Recovery: retailers ‘wrong to fear they are being left behind’ According to GA chief executive Isabel Martinson, many gift retailers are worried that they are being left behind when they read national newspaper headlines about the UK’s so-called ‘recovery’.

The reality – as she discovered when talking to members at Home & Gift in Harrogate – is that bricks and mortar retailers are still finding life extremely tough.

“They are certainly not seeing any benefit yet and in some cases it is knocking their confidence. They think that they are either buying the wrong stock or doing something else wrong when, in fact, they are probably not,” comments Isabel. “Some sectors have being doing well but the public is still very cautious when it comes to spending on giftware.”

She says that retailers are reassured when they

are told that they are by no means in the minority as “what they read in the press doesn’t chime with what is actually happening on the ground”.

They also continue to be worried about business rates and are concerned about the effects of e-tailing on their stores. And many of those who are considering taking their businesses online mistakenly believe that it is a cheap option, failing to take into consideration the necessary investment in the platform, search engine optimisation and marketing.

“It’s not as easy as first might appear,” continues Isabel. “Bricks and mortar retailers should remember that they still have a great advantage in that they are physically there with their product.

“Their fear, of course, is that potential buyers see a product that they like in-store and then go online to

try to find it cheaper somewhere else.

“We recommend that they build up a following in their area by not only giving top-notch service but also offering a loyalty scheme – possibly using vouchers or cards which are stamped – to entice the public into their stores. It works very well for restaurants and coffee shops, so why not independent retailers?

The reality is that all retailers have to do something or find product that differentiates them from their competition.

“Meanwhile, good e-tailers are becoming stronger, while some bricks and mortar retailers have successfully introduced online selling. Our membership includes both. There is room for everyone.”

Apprenticeships: government funding change ‘not good for business’ Oliver Ashton – who heads up Jump! – banged the drum for apprenticeships at the recent GA members’ day, saying they were a great way to develop businesses and help young people into work.

But Isabel Martinson fears that the efforts of apprenticeship organisations such as Jump! could be undermined if government funding for small businesses is no longer given at the start of an apprenticeship but at the end.

She says: “A concern is that companies that no longer receive the money up front – which they need for cashflow purposes – will stop taking on apprentices.

This isn’t good for businesses, or people coming through – or Britain Plc. I raised this matter at the recent Trade Association Forum conference and suggested that the more trade associations that can get together to lobby against this move the better.”

GA chairman Michael Papé, of Ravensden, who is in the process of hiring two apprentices – one to work in the finance department and the other in business administration – said that the government was introducing the change “to make sure employers keep their end of the bargain”. But he believed it could be “a disincentive to a small business that isn’t necessarily as fortunate as we are in terms of needing the funding to take someone on”.

GA is pipped for ‘Best Website’ award The GA, a finalist in the ‘Best Website’ category of the Trade Association Forum awards, was pipped at the post when the presentations were made at St George’s Hall in Liverpool.

Says Isabel Martinson: “It was thrilling to be so highly ranked – especially when you consider that the Forum has over 400 members drawn from all areas of business and commerce. This was tangible recognition of the investment The GA has made in technology in recent months and a tribute to the team which has worked so hard to give our members one of the very best websites around.”

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‘Talent spotters’ at Home & Gift The GA’s ‘talent spotters’ were out and about at Home & Gift, talking to suppliers about product they might wish to enter in this year’s GA Gift of the Year competition, which is launched at Autumn Fair.

“Some exhibitors with fabulous items really did need convincing that they stood a chance in the competition,” comments Isabel Martinson. “If you have strong product, entering is a great way to ensure that it will be seen by judges who represent retailers such as John Lewis. And the publicity that winners receive definitely boosts sales.”

Voucher benefit for subscribers Retailers who became GA subscribers at Home & Gift were entitled to the memberto-member vouchers which could be used to secure product discounts and other special offers being made at the show.

They were also able to sign up for full membership, receiving two years for the price of one, while suppliers were entitled to a 20 per cent discount on their first year of membership.

The GA was delighted to welcome 12 new companies into membership during the show and grow its subscribers by another 50 retailers.

The voucher scheme was widely trailed in the trade press and the show’s Daily News and was particularly well received by GA retail members and subscribers, driving them to visit participating GA supplier members.

www.ga-uk.org

SIA Home Fashion Unit 7, The Votec Centre, Hambridge Lane, Newbury RG14 5TN

Telephone: 01635 32868 Website: www.sia-homefashion.co.uk Email: salesuk@sia-homefashion.com

Profile: Gaventa

High standards with Gaventa London For the past twelve months Gaventa London has been working very closely with two new factories, each of whom have individually added their own technical expertise to enable the Gaventa London range of products to be produced more economically whilst continuing to maintain their highest standards of quality at all times, on each and every product

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ollowing the recent successful hand-over of all production to these factories, Gaventa London are able and delighted to offer the vast majority of their collections with wholesale prices on most lines reduced by between 20% and 30%.

This manufacturing capability combined with the strong design and marketing experience at Gaventa London has enabled these massive savings which are already being appreciated at both wholesale levels and equally importantly enabling lower retail price points resulting in faster sales.

New for this Autumn/Winter, Gaventa London have created a fantastic range of specially low-priced products across all collections, Cufflinks, Key Rings, Jewellery, Brooches and more, with the same high standards of quality as usual, supplied in brand new, brown Gaventa London lift-off lid boxes. Wholesale prices are from £3 to £4 maximum, with these lines enabling that most important ‘retail impulse gift-purchase price’ of £9.99 to be achieved.

The Gaventa London team also still place great emphasis on the beautiful gifting for which it has become known and their designers have been working on many new lines, introducing ‘Mix & Match’ the perfect way for each retailer to customize their own range of gifts with a wide variety of different motifs.

The latest introductions of new Cufflink designs add to one of the strongest of the Gaventa London product ranges.

The huge collection covers all types of cufflinks, Plain, Novelty, Enamel, Cats 18 gifts today

Eye, Crystal and Semi-Precious styles, again almost all available at lower than usual prices with bespoke designs and exclusive production still playing an extremely important role for Gaventa.

A brand new Poppy Collection comprising Brooches, Jewellery and a selection of gifts all with a Poppy motif have been specially designed with wholesale prices starting from £3 £0.50 from the sale of every Poppy item will be donated to The British legion.

Brooch sales are as strong as ever and the Gaventa London range of brooches is huge, with every conceivable type of brooch available, from Classic to Contemporary, from Animals to Insects and Flowers, with butterfly and bee brooches proving amongst the most popular. Wholesale prices start at £3.

The Gaventa London Collection of Leather Bracelets has almost doubled this year for both men and women and brand new semi-precious stone bead stretch bracelets at wholesale prices of £6 each are proving to be a real winner for A/W 2014.

Providing top quality packaging and presentation has always been the hallmark of the Gaventa London Collections with their distinctly recognisable cream and Brown mockcroc boxes. Displaying a gift well is one part of the equation but providing topquality boxes adds that feel-good factor both for the consumer and the recipient of the gift.

Going forward, instead of the catalogue that Gaventa London has produced at the beginning of each year,

each Gaventa London sales agent now carries a full presenter which will enable customers to see all the collections, regularly updated with new brand lines as well as any special offers. A great team of agents are all well known in their individual areas and are able to offer advice and suggestions as well as help customers navigate through the variety of different product groups.

From this August and to complement to agents presenters as well as enabling their retail customers to have access to their full Collections, a new Gaventa London website www.gaventa.london will launch on 15th September 2014, as soon as the brand new dot London domain names become available, however both new and existing customers can call to pre-register immediately and will be contacted by the company as soon as the website goes live.

New and existing customers will be able to take advantage of a special 10% discount on all first only on-line orders.

A new way of presenting their products, great new low prices and strong, commercial lines in every product area makes the coming A/W season and also 2015 something to look forward to for all Gaventa London customers.

For further information on any of the Gaventa London products or to arrange to see your local sales agent, please contact Gaventa London on sales@ gaventadistribution.com register on www.gaventa.london from the 15th September or call to pre-register on 01707 654 820.

NEW Autumn/Winter 2014 Collections in stock now!

Please contact us for more information or to see your dedicated local agent.

www.gaventa.london Live from 15th September 2014. Call us to pre-register today!

From 15th September 2014, visit our website to view our latest Cufflinks, Jewellery, Gifts and New Low Prices!

Receive 10% discount off your first online order* *conditions apply

T: +44 (0) 1707 654820

F: +44 (0) 1707 651835

E: sales@gaventadistribution.com

H. Gaventa Ltd. Sales & Distribution: Corporate House, Cranborne Industrial Estate, Cranborne Road, Potters Bar, Herts. EN6 3JE. U.K.

Autumn Fair set to excel 7th - 10th September 2014

Seven key buying trails, 11 show sectors, 41 seminars, and more than 1,400 exhibitors – that’s what awaits the buyers and visitors to Autumn Fair International Autumn Fair International 2014

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utumn Fair 2014 will present one of the biggest and best seasonal presentations of new product available to the UK market this season. More than 60,000 new launches will be showcased at the event from over 1,400 UK and international exhibitors, 400 of which are new to Autumn Fair this year.

Buyers from the smallest independents to the largest multiples and department stores can source from an incredibly diverse product range that is on trend and in stock, ready for delivery ahead of the crucial Christmas trading period.

Susan Grant, Widdop Bingham told Gifts Today: “Autumn Fair is ideally placed in the retail buying calendar.

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By the time the Autumn Fair comes around, many retailers will have already started making plans for the Christmas period and some may have even started their buying. The Autumn Fair is perfectly timed – Summer is over, Autumn has only just begun. It’s not too late to start buying for Christmas, or it’s the perfect opportunity for the early birds to finish off their seasonal buying. Many suppliers are showcasing their new seasonal lines designed specifically for this busy trading period.

“At this time of the year, suppliers will be carrying ample stocks to ensure maximum fulfilment of all their Fair orders.”

You will find a huge Gift showcase that will occupy Hall 5 of the show, a location it is to share with the complementary sector of Children’s

Gifts, Toys & Gadgets. A selection of Contemporary Gift & Home, Greetings, Stationery & Craft, plus Fashion Jewellery & Accessories will be adjacent in Hall 4, offering unrivalled cross-over buying opportunities to visiting retailers.

David Gee, The Music Gifts Company knows the importance of this exhibition in our show calendar. “Autumn Fair has always been an important exhibition for The Music Gifts Company (Hall 3 Stand X41). As we are able to provide short lead-times right up to Christmas, many of our customers place their Christmas orders at the show, both in the UK and overseas. It is a much easier show than Spring Fair to attend for exhibitors and buyers alike. Being a smaller show, buyers are able to see the entire show and spend more time

with exhibitors. More retailers should seize this opportunity.”

Autumn Fair offers visitors a prime product-sourcing opportunity at this key trading time.

As consumers continue to follow the trend for last-minute buying around major occasions – especially Christmas - retailers are increasingly turning to shows held later in the year for their merchandising requirements. By buying little and often throughout the year they are able to minimise their financial risk whilst sourcing from ranges that are on trend and in stock, both essential aspects of the customer-friendly suppliers who participate in Autumn Fair.

Halloween is another important selling opportunity taking place in the second half of the year that Autumn

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@roseandcompany

Fair exhibitors are perfectly placed to serve. Party products, toys, novelties and dress-up items geared towards this spooky occasion will be available in abundance when the show opens its doors on Sunday September 7.

(Volume Hall opens one day early on Saturday September 6).

Looking further ahead to 2015, Autumn Fair is also the prime event for retailers to get an early preview of hot new products for the crucial Spring seasons including Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, Easter and Father’s Day.

the timing of the show better reflects the buying patterns of retailers in the current economic climate.”

You will also find a host of major bellwether suppliers that include some of the best-known names in the business who will participate in the show this year, such as: Ashleigh & Burwood, Xystos, House of Marbles, SiL, Boxer Gifts, Heyland & Whittle, Joe Davies, Lesser & Pavey, Puckator, The Straits Trading Co and Widdop Bingham & Co (to name just a few!).

Also underscoring the importance of

As consumers continue to follow the trend for lastminute buying around major occasions – especially Christmas - retailers are increasingly turning to shows held later in the year for their merchandising requirements The overall importance of Autumn Fair to the industry is demonstrated by the hundreds of new exhibitors from both the UK and overseas who have chosen the show as their launchpad, alongside many that are returning to the show in 2014. Exciting industry names you can look forward to seeing at Autumn Fair with their own stand for the first time – or the first time in years - include: Enesco, Cardmix, Urban Graphic, Le Toy Van, Berghoff, Plan B, Beauty Collective, Urban Apothecary, Temerity Jones London, Gallery Direct, Chic Antique, Besp-oak Furniture, Camelot Pictures, Baroque International and Light & Living.

Enesco, for example, are returning to Autumn Fair this year. Helen Shield told us: “This will be the first time Enesco have attended the Autumn Fair for many years, whilst we will only have a small display of our contemporary lines at the show we certainly feel that 22 gifts today

this show to the wider British economy is the solid presence of UK Trade & Investment at Autumn Fair International 2014. UKTI will be on site to advise exhibitors on how to develop a successful export strategy and expand their business overseas, offering both market knowledge and financial support.

The other side to the exporter assistance will be a drive to encourage international retailers to buy British product and invest in world-renowned British design. UKTI will have a stand in Hall 3 of the show and is operating an open door policy for anyone wishing to learn more about the services on offer throughout Autumn Fair.

Autumn Fair’s wonderful Body, Bath & Home Fragrance sector will also be located amongst the general giftware and Contemporary Gift & Home suppliers in Halls 3 and 5.

Denise Edwards from Best Kept

Secrets commented: “We knew that independent retailers were seeing the increased demand for high quality seriously scented products. That is why we are using Autumn Fair as a showcase for new lines in candles, soaps and with our new bath truffles.”

With 10 vertical market sectors and a vast array of giftware covering all consumer demographics, Autumn Fair offers cross-over buying opportunities for retailers seeking to refresh their shelves. Independent retailers in particular will benefit from the flexible trading terms offered by Autumn Fair suppliers, the majority of which will carry products that are in stock and ready for delivery, without restrictive minimum orders or expensive carriage fees.

Product categories represented at Autumn Fair International 2014 include: Gift, Contemporary Gift & Home, Greetings, Gift & Craft, Home Interiors & Furniture, Kitchen, Dining & Housewares, Children’s Gifts, Toys & Gadgets, Fashion Jewellery & Accessories, Gift, Home & Volume, Body, Bath & Home Fragrance, and The Summerhouse.

Kitchen, Dining & Housewares will move from Hall 2 to Hall 3, bringing it to a strategic location positioned between Contemporary Gift & Home in Hall 3 and Home Interiors and Furniture in Hall 2. This new location will serve to attract exclusive crossover buyers from the buoyant Home sector into Kitchen, Dining & Housewares, an increasingly important category of product for the gift and design-led homewares markets.

A new Hobby & Craft trial will make it easy for visitors to identify relevant exhibitors trading in hobby and craft items throughout the show. Other trails will highlight Ethical Product, Made in Britain, Exporters, Retail Services, Licensed Product, Body, Bath & Home

Fragrance, Creative Britain, Lighting, CHA Members, BJA Members, Brands of China and those all-important New Products.

Exclusive to Greetings at Autumn Fair this season will be the Cardgains Village, where a broad array of member suppliers that include the biggest names in the greetings business will offer their latest must-have products

UKTI will be on site to advise exhibitors on how to develop a successful export strategy and expand their business overseas, offering both market knowledge and financial support and promotional deals. Cardgains retailers can also enter for the buying group’s fabulous 25th anniversary prize draw at the show this year, for the chance to win a brand new Nissan Juke.

Also in Hall 4 will be one of the most exciting features you can look forward to seeing at Autumn Fair, the fabulous Fashion Catwalk within Fashion Jewellery & Accessories, which has been totally revamped for 2014. One of the biggest, buzziest and most eyecatching features of the entire show, catwalk shows will run three times a day.

Elsewhere at the show - for the first time in 2014 – Autumn Fair will include a series of exhibitors specialising in eCommerce and other internet-related services, following the successful debut of a similar zone at Spring Fair International earlier this year. Retailers can learn more about these essential services by paying a visit to Hall 2.

About Autumn Fair International 2014 Where: The NEC, Birmingham When: September 7 - 10; Volume Halls open on Saturday September 6 Opening: September 6th: 10.00 – 17.00 September 7th – 9th: 09.00 – 18.00 September 10th: 09.00 – 16.00 Travel: By train or plane directly to The NEC, or by car (onsite parking is free).

Register for free: www.autumnfair.com

Inspirational Collection Featuring the popular Vanilla Bean Fragrance.

Come and see us at

Beautiful NEW Designs Heartwarming Sentiments Make the Perfect Gift!

Autumn Fair - NEC Birmingham 7-10 September 2014 Hall 5 Stand H01 Top Drawer Autumn - Olympia 14-16 September 2014 Stand U50

For more info please email sales@xystos.co.uk or call 0191 499 1570 or order online at our trade website www.xystostrade.co.uk

Gaeltag Keltika Ltd Hall 3, Stand: Y04

Boxer Gifts SSSS

Hall A, Stand: A10 Boxer Gifts has introduced a range of colourful Candy Skulls products. Candy Skulls are a modern fun interpretation of traditional Mexican art. The product range includes spectacular large Money Boxes and Jewellery Stash Boxes. Smokers are catered for by a Silicon Cigarette Case and a choice of tasty large Ashtrays. Drinkers are spoilt with ranges of crazily large Shot Glasses and cool Mugs.

The shot glasses come in an attractive Merchandiser that holds 6 glasses. For lonely nights, the Candy Skull shaped Playing Cards are the perfect way to pass the time. The playing cards come in a stylish Merchandiser that holds 12 packs of cards.

Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: Sales@boxergifts.com

Dora Designs

The CowParade Collectables herd is on the ‘moo-ve’ again and will be making an appearance at both Top Drawer and Autumn Fair this year with a selection of 12 ‘moo-vellous’ new bovines on show.

The latest cows are a mix of the humorous (‘Fashion A Bull’) and artistic (‘A la Mootisse’ very topical in light of the current Matisse exhibition at Tate Modern) and the plain pretty.

Every product has a story, and CowParade is no different… it’s just that this story involves herds of life-size fibreglass cows, many very talented artists and the art-loving public around the globe seeing the CowParade exhibitions wherever they have hoofed to… After each exhibition show-casing local artistic talent and bringing some life to the streets of the chosen city, a selection of beautiful collectable figurines follow on.

These are produced in both resin and ceramic versions, in varying sizes starting at pocket money prices and going up to near life size models.

Frank Emmel, MD at Gaeltag Keltika is happy tending his herd: ‘CowParade is a special brand which focuses on quality and always raises a smile at shows. The humour really chimes with UK consumers and I’m sure the latest designs will steer customers in our direction!’

Gaeltag Keltika Ltd will be exhibiting at Top Drawer Stand M37 & NEC Autumn Fair Hall 3 Stand 3Y04

Tel: 020 8998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com Web: www.cowparade.eu

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Hall 3, Stand: T22-U23 At Dora Designs they have seen lots of positive change over the past few months – beautiful new collections, additions to existing ranges and welcoming a new member of staff to the team!

Recently, they launched their new Patchwork Trophy Heads. ‘Buck the Stag’, ‘Hamlyn the Hare’ and ‘Foxton the Fox’ have become part of the Dora Designs family and their customers are loving them! Designed in beautiful patchwork material, they are contemporary and vibrant, offering a unique, but beautiful, twist to the traditional trophy heads.

Their extremely successful Canine and Feline Collections have seen the addition of ‘Puggles the Pug’, ‘Daisy the Dachshund’ and ‘Echo the Grey and White Cat’ as well as expanding to incorporate both paperweights and draught excluders. For all you pet lovers, their neutral colours mean they can be utilised in any room within your home as well as being extremely cute!

Dora Designs have many other lovely products which can be viewed on their website (www.doradesigns.co.uk) or they can be contacted by any of the methods below.

Meet their friendly team and charming characters at Autumn Fair, Hall 3, Stand T22-U23. They look forward to welcoming new and existing customers!

Tel: 01733 305452 Email: enquiries@doradesigns.co.uk Web: www.doradesigns.co.uk 24 gifts today

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Hall 4, Stand: K72

Keeping ahead of trends Midhaven was founded 30 years ago by director Alison Hargreaves as a silver jewellery wholesale business and was joined by Co-director Allison Smethurst shortly after.

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he Tribal Steel brand of high quality leather and stainless steel bracelets was created during the recession when silver prices were peaking.

It was initially a men’s range designed to appeal to High Street retailers who were looking for a branded menswear range of fashionable, simple and masculine bracelets, to interest all ages and tastes and retail between £10.00 - £35.00. The range was immediately popular and quickly expanded to cater for women with a bright palette of colours and many new designs. The Tribal Steel range is now a really wide range of Men’s, Women’s and Unisex bracelets with a multitude of styles, colours and sizes.

Midhaven are constantly reviewing and revamping both the Tribal range and their silver collections. Their silver range is a core part of our business and they change it often to keep it fresh whilst ensuring our prices are very competitive.

They have stunning new sets of freshwater pearl earrings and pendants and a new locket range that are both proving very popular are selling through well. Midhaven also have a big range of silver CZ jewellery with rhodium plating to keep cleaning to a minimum, many lines are with rose gold plating.

Customer service is paramount to them with customers often ordering weekly or monthly and they are quick to respond. They now supply large and small outlets, jewellers, gift shops, on line traders, charities and supply own brand lines to well known retailers.

Midhaven directors and office staff are all female and they are interested, efficient and enthusiastic about their products and the work they do. They are an approachable team and offer a personal service that gets the majority 26 gifts today

of orders out the same day. They listen to their customers and try to make it as simple as possible to buy from them.

They supply ‘packs’ of bracelets for those who don’t know where to start or what exactly they want and discuss their market and their needs before selecting the best selling lines for them.

Midhaven also work with and support charities, giving them any advice they can regarding the range, and supplying them (and other businesses, big and small) with bespoke lines, many of which will show their own logo.

They have a team of hard working, friendly and knowledgeable agents (not all female!) who travel relentlessly around the country. They enjoy showing customers the latest additions to the range and really look after their customers.

Their range of all stainless steel lines is an important part of the business, especially with the increasing demand for personalised jewellery and they offer bracelets, cufflinks, pendants, tie slides and keyring’s as a loose or boxed range - most of which are ideal for engraving.

Bright colours are ideal for summer and the new Neon collection has been a big hit which they believe will continue to sell well as a bright addition to winter stock. Their 4 strand bracelet with large shrimp clasp continues to be a fantastic seller for both men and women and is available in 20 colours, in 6 sizes with a choice of rose gold plated or all stainless steel clasps.

Midhaven add new lines to the Tribal Steel range on a regular basis and always try to have plenty of new lines for the Trade Shows we attend. September is always a busy time for the Midhaven team, they exhibit at – IJL Olympia, Autumn Fair NEC and Scotland’s Trade Fair – and as ever they will be

introducing lots of new and exciting lines.

Their best resource for sharing new lines and keeping up to date with stock is their website www.midhavensilver. com The website supports the business in a vital way, not only can customers view stock (images, prices, colours, sizes etc) easily but it enables them to place orders any day, any time from anywhere. Potential customers can see what they have to offer (with trade prices hidden until they are registered) is it a great way to view virtually the full range and see what we have available ‘on the shelves’.

For orders of £200 and over, Midhaven offer a choice of free point of sale units complete with promotional images, and regardless of spend, each bracelet comes with an attractive branded hessian pouches for the Tribal Steel leather range. Flyers showing many of our best selling lines are available.

At Midhaven they intend to progress as they have done for 30 years, developing as a business as times and trends change. Continuing to find ranges that are popular and help their customers sell quality jewellery for men and women. Using the website to keep customers up to date and exhibiting at trade shows so that everyone can see the range first hand, they have an excellent staff and hard working agents who somehow manage to get everything done in the limited space and time available; a strong team who intend to stay as productive and enthusiastic as they always have been. In short the maxim for the future seems to be ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’!

Tel 01299851524 Web: www.midhavensilver.com

AUTUMN FAIR INTERNATIONAL

7th - 10th September Hall 3 Stand S01

diego & grace toothbrush holders to see diego, grace & more new product launches please come & visit us at the autumn fair alternatively contact us to send you a new 2014 brochure or visit us at j-me.com

to place an order contact +44(0)20 7928 8828 or sadye@j-me.co.uk

Lesser & Pavey

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Hall 5, Stand E02-F03 Candles with superior fragrances that come in attractive packaging, quality glass containers with a brand name to be recognised ‘Northern Lights’.

Lesser and Pavey are the newly appointed distributor in the UK and Europe of this American made Northern Lights candle brand.

Tel: 01322 279225 Web: www.leonardo.co.uk/

Peace of Mind SSSS

Hall 4, Stand: G31 Peace of Mind is very excited to be bringing its latest range of carded silver plated gift jewellery to the autumn shows. PoM designer Chris Holden thinks that this new collection is a real must-have for the gift market and forthcoming festive season.

“We’ve designed a really pretty collection with a wide appeal and an attractive point of sale display.

“With a wholesale price of £3.25 to £3.95 for a beautifully pre gift-wrapped product, what’s not to love? They really do make the ideal present and are absolutely perfect for Christmas. All our customer has to do is order. It’s a brilliantly easy and a no fuss way for retailers to sell and display PoM pieces.” And each card comes complete with an envelope, so giving a thoughtful gift has never been easier.

Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com Web: www.pom925.com

Enesco

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Hall 3, Stand: W04 Proving incredibly popular — and giftable (each glass comes packaged in an individual gift box) — Our Name Is Mud’s range of ample-sized wine glasses welcomes some exciting new themes in the latest launch.

Retirement and Lady of Leisure, make perfect gifts for work colleagues, neighbours and friends as they move on to the next chapter of their lives — and the sentiments say it all: Retirement: the pay stinks but the hours are good/ Every day is the weekend and Lady of Leisure: What will I NOT do today?

After the popularity of its cat and dog mugs, two new glasses with the 28 gifts today

sentiments: Everything tastes better with cat hair in it and Everything tastes better with dog hair in it, make the perfect choice for a fun gift aimed at all those canine and feline fans out there!

Whatever the occasion, Our Name Is Mud has it covered!

SRP: £12.00 each

Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk

Rose & Co

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Hall 3, Stand: J40

Joe Davies

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Hall 5, Stand: C10/D11 Message plaques and signs, be it humorous, sentimental, thought provoking or just decorative are a top seller at the moment.

Joe Davies report buoyant sales of their tin message plaques in particular and will display dozens of new styles at Autumn Fair in shapes and sizes to suit everyone.

Retail prices start from just £1.99, and as with everything in Joe Davies’ extensive range, the plaques are easy to buy in small quantities with minimum orders of just £100 and free delivery nationwide.

Joe Davies will be at Autumn Fair, NEC Birmingham, Hall 5, Stand C10/D11.

Patisserie de Bain is renowned for its deliciously sweet fragrances and eye-catching packaging.

New to the selection of perfectly pretty gifts will be three wonderfully scented hand creams available in super-cute glass jars and portable tubes.

Cranberries & Cream: The fabulous scent of tangy cranberries is softened by sweet chantilly cream.

Sweet as Cherry Pie blends ripe red cherries and warm vanilla to perfection.

Sugar Rose is a delicious blend of rosehips, grapes and sugar cane.

Be one of the first to experience these exciting new fragrances that are sure to leave your mouth watering.

Tel: 01827 280 080 Email: roseandco@graftons.co.uk

Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: info@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

Kenro

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Hall 5, Stand: J45 Kenro - is to exhibit a number of just-released Frame and Album ranges at Autumn Fair.

The new frame ranges include the Senator Series, the Chester Wood Series with raised filigree design and a popular retail bundle of three Christmas frames.

Plus, other recent frame ranges including the Eden series in Scroll, Daisy and Beaded designs, new Chloe frames and the new Vienna, Madison, Mellow, Avenue and Baby frames.

For storing photos of children there are the new Candy and Festival Series Photo Albums. The baby album range now includes the new Polka Dot Series.

A new Pearl Wedding Album range has been launched in four different designs - Rings, Rose, Swirl and Classic White.

Further new album ranges include the City Series with designs for London, Paris and New York, plus there are new Holiday, Nature and Travel Album ranges.

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In addition to these new items, Kenro will be displaying its full range of lifestyle, classic and traditional frames and albums - all designed to generate excellent margins for retailers.

Tel: 01793 615836 Email: sales@kenro.co.uk Web: www.kenro.co.uk

RJB STONE

The home of Sass and Belle

RJB STONE The home of Sass and Belle

Discover over 4000 beautiful Sass & Belle products at www.rjbstone.com and meet us at Autumn Fair Hall 3, Stand J50-L51, from 7-10th of Sept 2014.

Sass & Belle gifts and accessories are well crafted, design-led and affordable products. They are a little less obvious, a little more quirky, a little different and a lot of fun.

Minimum order ÂŁ150, carriage paid ÂŁ200.

www.rjbstone.com +44 (0) 207 346 0100

The Music Gift Company TTTT Hall 3 Stand: X41 THE MUSIC GIFTS COMPANY was started in 1995 by David and Colette Gee to create gifts on a music theme. Nineteen years later and the company remains unique as they still design all their own products. Wherever possible the gifts are made in the U.K., by craftsmen with whom they have collaborated for many years. The range covers stationery, men’s gifts, pewter pin badges and keyrings, silver-plated jewellery, sterling silver earrings, mugs, kitchen textiles and melamine, handmade journals, chocolates, clocks, bags, umbrellas, clocks, 3D greetings cards, fridge magnets and much more.

Autumn Fair showcases all the new gifts for the Christmas season - silverplated cufflinks with a choice of 6 designs priced to retail at just £ 10, as well as three wonderful candles - Woodland Symphony, Spring Harmony and Citrus Tempo.

Each candle tin has a delightful fragrance, which has been carefully selected to complement its chosen name.

Some of the company’s best-selling items are socks. To maximise their sales impact, there is a new rotating display, which comes complete with 36 pairs. There is also a new floor display available.

This includes a selection of bestselling gifts and priced at £ 399.

As music has such a universal theme, the gifts are sold in a wide variety of retail outlets – gift shops, department stores, cathedrals and abbeys, historical houses and museums, mail order, online, concert halls, garden centres and music shops.

Tel: 01202 57 00 57 Email: enquiries@musicgifts.co.uk Web: www.musicgifts.co.uk

32 gifts today

That company call if

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Hall 3, Stand: X01 Magnetic Songwriters Kit This No. 1 hit for the fridge may be just the thing to entice those sleepy teenagers out of their bedrooms.

Each kit contains 320 magnetic word tiles themed for one of six musical genres.

The Hip Hop is guaranteed to amuse and entertain anyone who dares to dream of being the next Jay-Z! This is a great gift for all those wanna-be songwriters who require a little lyrical inspiration every now and then!

RRP £ 6.99

Tel: 0800 043 0960 Email: new@thatcompanycalledif.com Web: www.thatcompanycalledif.com

Sea Gems Ltd

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Hall 4, Stand: H04 – J05 Innovative, exclusive and unique new designs highlight the extensive Sea Gems jewellery and gift collections.

Contemporary sterling silver jewellery brand “Pure Origins” encompasses an eclectic blend of wildlife, romantic and floral designs. Handcrafted with textured finishes, gold, pearls and gemstones, creating an enchanting, whimsical range, perfectly showcased in the new charm bangles.

Sparkling crystals contrast with minimalist design to create a range of striking contemporary pens, with stylus’ proving the latest “must have” gift for all touch screen devices.

“Celtic Lands” and ”Mackintosh” collections captivate the legacy of historic design, combining modern ideas with ancient motifs. Vibrant fine enamels transform pillboxes, compact mirrors, new scarf rings & jewellery into inspired gifts. Pens and bookmarks complete this rich and diverse heritage collection A creative and high quality product range at very competitive prices, backed up by stunning packaging, displays, POS and experienced customer service.

Sea Gems are also exhibiting at Top Drawer: Stand Z41

Tel: 01736 335840 Email: sales@seagems.co.uk Web: www.seagems.co.uk

N O I L L I 27 M Views on

A major gift shop seller and the gift sensation of the year.

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Spritz 3-5 sprays into the toilet bowl on the water’s surface Before-You-Go®

The secret formula of essential oils creates a film that traps odours under the surface!

www.joedavies.co.uk Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk JOE DAVIES are proud to be the EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTORS of POO~POURRI® in the UK

Hall 3, Stand: J40

Patisserie de Bain is Whipping up a Storm Rose & Co is famous for its quirky, modern-vintage bath and body products and has been providing the world with pretty treats since 1987. When creator Caroline Rose launched the Patisserie de Bain collection in 2007, this cute brand started whipping up a storm in the gifting market.

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atisserie de Bain is an array of pretty colours and fragrances, inspired by the pastel hues of Parisian patisseries and British sweets from childhood memories.

The award-winning packaging cannot help but catch the eye of passing customers. With fragrances such as Lemon Bon-Bon, Sweet as Cherry Pie, Strawberry Cupcake, Sugared Violet and Sugar Rose, how could your mouth not water?

Designer, stylist and entrepreneur, Caroline Rose is at the heart and soul of design and product development: “No matter how much the brand 34 gifts today

grows, I will always be involved in every aspect; this is my passion, as well as my adorable Chihuahuas, of course.”

Wherever she wanders Caroline is inspired: “I’m inspired by so many things. Anything can spark an idea, from a faded handwritten postcard to 1930s lingerie. Objects and places I consider to be beautiful can inspire a new product or packaging. For example our Patisserie de Bain collection is inspired by elegant patisseries, dainty cakes, pretty pastel colours and classic English sweets.”

The desire to create treats and gifts that are unique in terms of design, fragrance and quality drives Caroline

to be on the look-out for inspiration, explore product innovations and constantly experiment.

“When developing products it helps that I tend to get bored pretty easily and am always dreaming up my next marvellous creation. I would just loathe churning out product upon product from the same formula with no ingenuity or personality. My products are an extension of me; they reflect my favourite things and conjure up happy memories.”

If you have ever been lucky enough to take a wander into the enchanting world of the Rose & Co Apothecary in Yorkshire, you will know that it’s brimming with gorgeous scents, colours and pretty designs of all shapes and sizes. It’s the kind of place that you never want to leave as it lures you in with delicious fragrances and entices you into hidden corners filled with treasure upon treasure.

One of the first things to hit you, other than the sense of walking back

Harrogate Home & Gift in July 2014 and due to make a theatrical splash at this year’s Autumn Fair, Patisserie de Bain have launched 8 sumptuous fragrances of cupcake soaps.

Carefully made and finished by hand in the UK, this selection of Patisserie de Bain Cupcake Soaps perfectly epitomises the Rose & Co philosophy.

Each cupcake soap is carefully packaged in its own pretty box, making it a perfectly elegant gift or selfindulgence.

The cupcake soaps, which are already proving popular with retailers worldwide, are a wonderful addition to the Patisserie de Bain collection.

Brimming with indulgent gifts and treats such as indulgent bath fancies and tartlettes, pretty jars of hand cream, sweetly scented lip balms and gorgeous gift sets, Patisserie de Bain is a delight for the senses.

In addition to all of the other wonderful things about Rose & Co, is the fact that its products are so beautifully

in time, is a beautiful product display in the centre of shop cram packed with unusual creations in glycerine-rich soaps. For years Caroline and her team of Patisserie de Bain chefs have been developing mouth-wateringly pretty cupcake soaps for sale in the Rose & Co Apothecary. It has taken innovation and patience, however, to ensure that they can still be made by hand here in the UK on a larger scale for retailers around the globe.

Previewed for the first time at

British. Lovingly sourced and made in the UK, many products handmade using traditional methods, Rose& Co is proud of its heritage in the heart of West Yorkshire.

“There are exciting times ahead for Rose & Co. We’ve got even more new launches on the horizon, including some mouth-watering new fragrances and we can’t wait to share them.”

For more details on the Patisserie de Bain products email roseandco@ graftons.co.uk or call 01827 280 080 gifts today 35

Gaeltag Keltika Ltd TTTT

Hall 4, Stand: 3Y 04 As we head towards Christmas everyone starts to plan how they can make their Christmas extra special. And it’s not just the right gifts that take time to source and select, it’s just as much the look and feel of your home that’s important. Some people will update their decorations and styling every year but many of us try to re-use special items that are vested with Christmas magic. If you’re lucky it might be time to bring out the family heirloom china, but if not then customers may be looking for something new to treat themselves to, and to enhance the Christmas dinner table.

Lolita glassware covers both gifting and tablesettings with classical and timeless designs like this years’ ‘Winter Wonderland’ glass. A beautiful, acid etched-effect glass with a snowy Nordic scene delicately picked out of the frosting. Frank Emmel MD of Lolita licensees Gaeltag Keltika says “We try and introduce a mix of both fun and more sophisticated lines in our Christmas selection to give customers a real choice. Wonderful gifts, collectibles or lasting table accessories – there’s something for all tastes” Gaeltag will be showing at Top Drawer stand M37 & the NEC Autumn Fair stand 3Y O4

Tel: 020 8998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com Web: www.lolitadesigns.co.uk

Mala Leather

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Hall 4, Stand: L30 Mala Leather have just launched the new collections and there are some fantastic new additions to the already extensive range.

One very exciting development is the addition of RFID protection in the Origin range, the protection stops sensitive information from been stolen from cards and ID. There are new styles and colours in this collection.

The beautiful Abertweed range made with 100% British wool and leather has introduced a new green tweed and new style of Handbags, all of which are in stock now.

As always Mala has a great selection of ladies purses available in season colours, the pretty Jasmine range features a laser cut design and the Marley range has an autumn fox. The ever popular Kyoto owl range has 2 new colour additions and a limited edition winter purse.

Mala product is packaged in a dust bag or gift box making it an ideal present.

POS is available with every order to promote instore. Wholesale prices start at £4 to £40. The majority of product is sold as singles and there is no minimum order quantity.

The products can be seen at Autumn Fair in Hall 4 stand L30 or at Scotlands trade show on stand H2.

Email: info@malaleather.com Web: www.malaleather.com

Puckator

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Hall 5, Stand: K02/L03 It’s been a scorcher of a summer but not without its rain... Puckator has it covered with their fun, colourful and on-trend umbrellas! Their new designs include this summery purple chintz pattern, funky bicycles and also a cute fox design. These are not only practical, but also a fashion statement and will appeal to all ages. Designed in the UK exclusively for Puckator Ltd, they include a unique display box when ordered in 12’s. Keep an eye out for more designs coming soon by signing up for their newsletter at www.puckator.co.uk.

Tel: 0800 011 6969 Web: www.puckator.co.uk

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AUTUMN FAIR BIRMINGHAM NEC 7-10 SEPTEMBER

HALL 4 STAND H04-J05

www.seagems.co.uk e. sales@seagems.co.uk - t. +44(0)1736 335840 © All designs protected by Sea Gems Copyright & Design Right.

Aroma Home

Ashleigh & Burwood Hall 5, Stand: L05

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Hall 3, Stand: G60 Aroma Home is continuing the expansion of their unique knitted range of gift products into 2014.

In addition to Knitted Snuggle Me Hotties, Cozy Ears and Hand Warmers, this year’s range will include Warming Socks, Room Fresheners and Key Rings using new designs and colours.

‘We have definitely found a niche in the gift business’ says CEO Mike Foster. ‘All our products are designed by Stuart Steventon our Creative Director specifically for UK market.

‘In addition we are launching a range of travel pillows and travel blankets for kids’ says Foster ‘and this will complement our successful existing ranges of Cozy Hotties and Hot Hugs.

‘We will also be launching a unique new range in of fragranced hot water bottle,’ says Foster, ‘so watch this space!’

In addition to new launches Aroma Home will also be extending its range of the ever popular Fuzzy Slippers, with a special launch of its Moustache slipper, ideal for the male customer.

Their stand at Autumn Fair will feature other range extensions so a visit is a must for all retailers looking for something new. Find them in Hall 3 – Stand G60.

Tel: 01793 487684 Emai: info@aromahome.com Web: www.aromahome.com

Ashleigh & Burwood, is delighted to present their heady new fragrances in their Autumn Winter Collection.

One of the leaders in the fragrance market, the team at Ashleigh & Burwood has analysed the hottest trends and developed 4 magnificent new Autumn/Winter scents, ‘Rose & White Oud’ and ‘Rhubarb & Wild Goosberry’ ; And for the festive season ‘Sparkling Cassis’ and ‘Christmas Treasures’.

Christmas Treasures Fresh, festive and delicious, the promise of a magical Christmas awaits in this bright fragrance. Vibrant clementines cluster at its heart, whilst a scattering of sharp red cranberries act as sparkling rubies, highlighting the precious nature of the scent.

Sparkling Cassis Cassis unites with sweet vanilla and patchouli at the base of this celebratory scent. Whilst a mélange of delicate notes of raspberry, plum and jasmine bubble up to a ripe peach top note. The result is a fabulous expression of festive cheer.

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White Rose and Oud Charged with intrigue and mystery, oud rises from the heart, harmonising with hints of blondewood, white amber and leather, reaching a simple rose top note. This fragrance cleverly combines woody, floral and leathery notes to form an exceptionally precious fine scent of mesmerising complexity.

Rhubarb and Wild Gooseberry Robust and distinctive; rhubarb and wild gooseberry are perfectly blended to create this delicious scent. The tart nature of these fruits is tempered with hints of tantalising apple, pear and violet notes, whilst soft wood undertones add depth at the base.

Tel: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwoodtrade.co.uk Web: www.ashleigh-burwoodtrade.co.uk

New Sentiments at Ronin R onin will be introducing three new Autumn/Winter ranges at the Autumn Fair, as well as showing their new Sentiments range of bracelets. These bracelets are beautifully gift boxed like all Ronin jewellery and feature gemstones chosen to suit Birthdays, Thank You’s etc. With a trade price of £7.50 these bracelets make an affordable, thoughtful gift.

Ronin Jewellery is handmade in Wales, with trade prices from £4.50 to £11.95.

Check out what they have to offer at www.ronindesigns.co.uk or give them a call and ask for a catalogue: 01269 826000. Better still, visit their stand at the Autumn Fair, they will be happy to see you!

Tel: 01296 826000 Web: www. ronindesigns.co.uk 38 gifts today

Hall 4, Stand: G58

Enesco

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Hall 3, Stand: W04

Carrie Elspeth SSSS

Hall 4, Stand: G36 This year marks another exciting milestone for Carrie Elspeth, as the family-run company celebrates its 15th birthday! Carrie’s awardwinning beaded jewellery is still beautifully handmade in Wales and if you haven’t discovered Carrie’s fast-selling designs yet then this is the perfect time to do so!

Carrie Elspeth is rounding off this exciting year of birthday celebrations with a gorgeous new range for Christmas which is full of sparkle and glamour and that’s not all, she has designed a range of Christmas Sentiments to add to her incredibly popular range of Sentiments charm bracelets. These delightful new bracelets are retailing at just £9.99, ideal for special little Christmas gifts.

And to top it off don’t miss out on the launch of “Sentiments Minis”, an exclusive collection just for kids!

Carrie Elspeth’s 15th year has been packed with exciting promotions and new ranges so far, and we certainly aren’t slowing down - as a big ‘Thank You’ to all their amazing customers they have extended their Birthday Goody bag promotion to include NEC Autumn Fair and Top Drawer! So come along and don’t miss out, place a carriage-paid order with them at either of these shows to receive one of these special goody bags stuffed with treats.

Autumn Fair 4G36 Top Drawer ZE31

Tel. 01446 771271 www.carrieelspeth.com 40 gifts today

Launched in June 2013, Contemporary Classics has been receiving some very positive reviews, and it’s hardly surprising, when you look at the pieces. In these figurines the emphasis is on movement over realism, as the three new figurines — Cockerel, Highland Cow and a new blackand-white version of the popular Collie study (launched last year) — illustrate.

Drawing on popular subject matter from the Border Fine Arts portfolio — i.e. native wildlife — this collection has been created to offer more choice for changing times and tastes, in the form of a contemporary glazed ceramic-look finish.

Each study is entirely handmade in the company’s Scottish Studios in Langholm and hand painted by highly skilled artists using a watercolour technique, resulting in slight individual differences.

Offering a fresh look for this traditional brand, the treatment of the subject, being stripped back to the raw essence of each animal, along with the natural colour palette used, ensures that this new collection will appeal to many and look good in all modern interiors.

SRP: £125.00

Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk or www.borderfinearts.com

Best Kept Secrets

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Hall 3, Stand: G40 As one of the leading providers of seriously scented products Best Kept Secrets will be bringing a huge range of new products to the market this Autumn, with new lines in Candle Tins, Glass Votives, Bath Bursts, Soap, Hampers and Coasters all making a debut appearance. They will be showcasing all the latest products at Autumn Fair on stand 3G40.

Best Kept Secrets have completely revamped and re-launched their glass candle range for this trade fair with 12 sparkling new candles. The original glass candle range has been significantly extended to incorporate many of the leading candle tin scents, and many glass candles are now available with additional aesthetic decoration, sparkles and many of the features which have been incorporated into the full Best Kept Secrets candle tins.

Best Kept Secrets will also have 3 new candle tins on show for the first time with Sweet Pea, Blue Jasmine and Freesia. The candles follow a floral theme and have already been well received with previews to customers.

Sister company Thistle Soaps has a new natural soap to unveil following the success of trials at previous events, with the distinctive Hotch Potch soap set to become a best seller. The soap is a hybrid of other products, and was first used as a simple sample product to demonstrate the quality range available through Thistle Soaps. Such was the popularity for the complex blended soap, with distinct layers, that this show sees the product in full production.

Finally, the business will launch its latest edition with brand new Bath Bursts adding to the range of seriously scented products available from the Northumberland based manufacturer.

Six new Bath Bursts are available, with a focus on scent and the quality of the experience you get from a bath burst.

Denise Edwards from Best Kept Secrets commented: ‘We knew that independent retailers were seeing the increased demand for high quality seriously scented products. That is why we are using Autumn Fair as a showcase for new lines in candles, soaps and with our new bath truffles.’

Tel: 01670 512222 Web: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

GYPSY WEDDING DREAMS Thelma Madine and The English Ladies Co – the new Dream Team

Camal Enterprises Contact +44(0)1782 344900 sales@camalents.com Autumn Fair Stand 5J04

Xystos - Spooky Pumpkin TTTT Hall 5, Stand: H01 Available from Xystos, Spooky Pumpkin is the Halloween offering from WoodWick, the candle with the crackling wick.

This eye-catching mosaic vessel and freshly carved pumpkin with a delightful dash of crushed cinnamon clove create the perfect mood – not only for this special evening but on other dark nights too.

Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk

Camal Enterprises

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Hall 5, Stand: J04 Thelma Madine, star of TV’s Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, has teamed up with The English Ladies Co to create a stunning new range of bone china figurines. Inspired by her flamboyant designs and drawing on her experience of years of working with travellers, this range is sure to be a roaring success and a must have for any retailers who have customers from that community.

Wayne Nutbeen, CEO of Camal Enterprises, the owners of the English Ladies brand said, “We are delighted with the success of our current figurines and it is a great opportunity to have signed Thelma exclusively. The designs we are creating with her are bigger and blingier than anything we have ever done before and the anticipation surrounding this range is electric.”

The first two figurines in the range are called Gypsy Wedding Dreams after the title of Thelma’s latest book and available as a blonde or brunette edition. Strictly limited to only 3000 of each worldwide.

The factory is working flat out to ship the first orders, with pre-orders running ahead of supply. Priority will be given to our Premium Stockists.

Thelma is thrilled to be working with the English Ladies brand. “Their figurines are the best in the world. I love how their designs capture the movement and style of my dresses in such a beautiful way. We have some fabulous projects in the works. It is very exciting.”

Tel: 01782 344900

Fabulous Stationery on display at Autumn Fair

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ortico Designs are excited to announce that their fabulous range of general trade stationery will be on display at Autumn Fair, and also available on their brand-new trade website. Portico prides themselves on their innovative, design-led stationery and gift collections, and their strong commitment to ethical and responsible sourcing.

Alex Benjamin, who is heading up Portico’s new sales division, comments: “We’re very excited to launch our new trade website this September. It will showcase our fantastic range of premium licensed brands and top-quality products, and for the first time customers will be able to order directly from us. This is an exciting time for Portico and we have a fabulous collection of gifting available. Visit us at www. porticodesigns.com to view the full range!”

One of the many ranges available to order is the marvellous Hope and Greenwood stationery and gift collection. This quintessentially British brand is now ten years old, and as testament to their ever-growing popularity, they are launching their first ever cookery programme! Sweets Made Simple will premiere on BBC2 this August.

To whet your appetite, here are just a few of the fabulous products Portico has to offer…

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Jolly Notecard Set: This spiffing set of ten notecards contains two charming designs with co-ordinating envelopes.

Perfect for sending Hope and Greenwood sweet greetings to all your chums!

Super Useful Journal: This large Journal is jolly colourful throughout. Ideal for scribbling in with a box of Pretty Pencils too!

Marvellous Writing Set: This splendid set contains 20 lovely notepaper sheets in four designs, with co-ordinating envelopes and a sheet of charming stickers.

Super Spiffing Sticky Notes: Never forget another appointment or reminder again with these bright and colourful sticky notes!

All designs feature colourful retro prints and illustrations, coupled with tongue-in-cheek humour, and are printed on high-quality materials and FSC papers.

To find out more, visit the website and Portico Designs’ stand at the NEC Autumn Fair, 7-10th September, stand number 4D06.

Tel: 01225 329494 Email: sales@porticodesigns.com Web: www.porticodesigns.com

Hall 4, Stand: D06

Ambiente Paper Products TTTT Hall 4, Stand: C02 Ambiente is a manufacturer of printed paper napkins and table top accessories. They have their own in house design team and all paper products are manufactured in their factory from FSC certified tissue on flexographic presses. They are able to produce designs from 1 to 9 colours in 25/33/40 cm and offer a very speedy Private Label service.

Each year they produce two collections featuring a variety of flower /plain embossed/lifestyle designs with co-ordinating accessories such as napkin holders , tissues, candles, and fine china gifts.

At Ambiente quality and customer care are the top priority and they offer a 4 day delivery service.

Ambiente will also be exhibiting at the Scottish Trade Fair and Top Drawer in January 2015.

Tel: 07956 -424482 Email: richard@ambproducts.co.uk

Alexander Thurlow

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Hall 4, Stand: F47 Alexander Thurlow unveil their new AW14 range of statement jewellery at Autumn Fair NEC. We particularly love this Wire Matt Gold Necklace which also comes with a matching Bracelet. They are also showing their unique range of Poppy Jewellery which has been well received in this commemorative year of the Great War. Alexander Thurlow were founded in 1949 and over the last few years have revolutionised the way they do business. The web shop has become a great source of new product for the independent retailer with over 400 lines stocked and available for next day delivery. With the emphasis on quality , design and service, more retailers are finding that stocking the AT LONDON brand has been a refreshing change to the more mainstream jewellery available in the market.

Web: www.alexanderthurlow.com

Beefayre

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Hall 3, Stand: G50 Bringing Nature into the Home After the success of their home fragrance and body & bath collections Beefayre have created a contemporary Homeware Collection using the flower and bee designs by artist and founder Sharon Jervis. All made in Britain, the large round melamine placemats, coasters and bone china mugs have been printed in a stunning palette of pastel colours to suit any home. The cotton tea towels come in three designs including a repeat bee pattern, hedgerow and bee garden illustrations.

Beefayre have become synonymous with producing good quality products at affordable prices. 3% of their profits go to bee conservation projects in the UK.

Tel: 01858 434492 Email: sales@beefayre.com Web: www.beefayre.com 44 gifts today

Hall 5, Stand: M12

Showcase with Arora Design Say it with Sentiment this Christmas “Said with Sentiment” is Arora Design’s fabulous collection of sentiment based Wall Art and Tea Light holders. Twenty seven designs conveying heartfelt messages make up the wall art range covering family, friends, and occasions such as weddings, anniversary’s, birthdays, christenings and new arrivals. These smart blocks are designed to be multi purpose so can either hang on the wall or free stand.

Following the success of the wall art, came the inspiration for the tea light holders. An initial range of ten holders, individually boxed, were extremely well received when launched at Home and Gift in Harrogate in July, and are already performing well at retail. Sentiments, loved ones and occasions covered in the first wave are Best Friend, Friendship, Mum, Sister, Family, Love, Wedding, Anniversary, Merry Christmas and Noel. The range has been creatively designed and sculpted to give them the look and feel of a hand written message to a friend, relation or loved one. With both these ranges retailing at £9.99 they are the perfect pick up gift for the run up to the festive period.

46 gifts today

More Than Words The popularity and success of “More Than Words” continues to grow, and 2014’s mid-year introductions strongly feature the sentiment of love with three fabulous new “couples” pieces

boxes depicting figurines from the range.

An exciting addition to the offering this Summer is their special in store promotional gift.

The Nations favourite tipple

added to the collection. Sculptor Neil Welch has once again hit the spot in portraying heartfelt emotion through beautifully poignant poses, decorated with gorgeous colour. “To Have and To Hold”, “Soul Mates” and “Special Anniversary” are perfect for marking key events or as a gift to that special person in your life.

The beautiful “Angel” collection within “More Than Words” also continues to grow in both its success and popularity. “Friends are Angels” and “There for You” are the exquisite new introductions for mid-year portraying both sentiments beautifully.

The perfect gift for any occasion the More Than Words collection is priced to retail from £14 to £45, and all items are presented in full colour

“Anyone for Wine” perfectly captures the Nations favourite pastime of drinking wine, with choices of both rustic charm or something more contemporary creating the perfect fit for both traditional and modern homes. Several of the pieces have added value in the form of wine bottle holders, or photo frames giving them a practical use for the consumer. The collection has been created in a variety of different background colours and styles, some with metal embellishments and a multitude of sizes to ensure appeal to a diverse retail audience. The range has a fabulous touch of humour with witty wine related sayings that the buying public can easily relate to, making them perfect to bring a smile to any home, Keeping both gift, self-purchase, and wall space in mind Arora Design have put together this range with great RRP’s ranging from £9.99 to £24.99 and a multitude of size choices ranging from 28cm high to 99cm high.

Perfect Pets 2014 has seen more Pets and Pups and Critters and Babies added to the phenomenally popular Pets with Personality collection by Arora Design.

For mid Year this includes a beautiful Jersey cow and calf and the well loved Springer Spaniel and pup in black and white. Also by popular demand Arora Design are revisiting some of the most popular breeds and creating new designs so that owners and collectors alike have another excuse to buy the breed. This Summer sees a fabulous new German Shepherd “Sadie” and Springer Spaniel “Willow” join the gang.

Of the sixteen pieces that form this part of the range there are twelve Pets and Pups and four Critters and babies.

All have been lovingly sculpted to bring humour and delight to your retail display, and are presented in full colour boxes depicting other characters. The special material created for this range gives them great density and good weight, with the glaze providing glossy coats and wet look noses. RRP for the Pets with Personality collection ranges from £35 - £55

Tel: 01386 861666 Email: sales@arora-design.co.uk Web: www.arora-design.co.uk

Joe Davies

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Hall 5, Stand: C10/D11 Over 600 brand new designs from Joe Davies’ Equilibrium Collection of jewellery will be on display on the company’s popular Hall 5 stand at the Autumn Fair.

Equilibrium Sentiment Jewellery has proved especially popular and there are dozens of commercial, trendy new lines to tempt you at the show including new charm bracelets, bangles, pendants and necklaces. Everything is beautifully presented in new Equilibrium logo boxes including eye-catching point of sale cards.

The Joe Davies staff have won multiple awards for their customer service and will be on hand to help and advise you with your selections. They also offer a new, very attractive, jewellery display table to help maximise your sales.

Joe Davies will be at Autumn Fair, NEC Birmingham, Hall 5, Stand C10/D11.

Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: info@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

That company called if TTTT

Hall 3, Stand: U01 Weird But True - 52 Fun Fact Playing Cards These 52 Fun Facts Playing Cards are filled with wacky,wild, and mind-bending facts about everything on Earth and beyond. Astound your family and friends with trivia about animals, food, science, outer space, geography, weather, and more! RRP £4.99

Tel: 01751 475757 Email: new@thatcompanycalledif.com Web: www.thatcompanycalledif.com

Lesser & Pavey

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Hall 5, Stand: E02/F03 Retro Glass Drinking Jar with handle and straw, how original and how very ‘vintage’.

Each jar is glass with a jam jar screw top lid. A hole is in the top for a stripy straw to access drinking fluids inside.

Ideal for cocktails and other fruity drinks, as this is just a start of a new craze here in the UK as they already used in trendy bars overseas.

Lesser & Pavey start the trend with 6 designs available and so far the reaction by buyers has been overwhelming.

Tel: 01322 279225 Web: www.leonardo.co.uk 48 gifts today

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Visit us at ARORA DESIGN LTD WORCESTER, ENGLAND T: +44 (0)1386 861666 e: sales@arora-design.co.uk w: www.arora-design.co.uk

Autumn Fair, Hall 5 Stand M12 to view our exciting offers in the run up to the festive period.

Aroma Home XXXX

Hall 3, Stand: G60

Ashleigh & Burwood SSSS Hall 5, Stand: L05

The plastic bottle is infused with pure essential oil, and provides a gently fragrance alternative to the traditional bottle.

The bottles come in two fragrances, relaxing Lavender and Rosemary and calming Rose and Geranium, each fragrance has two cover options specifically designed by the company in a wool mix.

The development has been a collaboration between a European Hot Water Bottle manufacturer and Aroma Home and comply with all European safety standards.

‘This is an exciting new development for Aroma Home’ says Key Account manager Gina Martin.’ We have taken a standard product that has remained unchanged for many years and created added value by infusing the plastic with pure essential oil to create an alternative to the normal bottle which smells of rubber. Add to that our innovatively designed covers and we have taken this product to a different level’. ‘Plastic bottles are also much safer than rubber bottles.

The range is being launched this Autumn/Winter and is among several new innovative ranges that Aroma Home will be launching this year.

One of the leading specialist home fragrance houses offers ‘economic scents’ by launching one-litre bottles of eight of their best loved lamp fragrances. Continually striving to meet customer demand, Ashleigh & Burwood has delivered the perfect solution for retailers who want to offer the option of a larger bottle of lamp fragrance.

These new I litre bottles are double the size of the usual lamp fragrances available, providing customers with an economic answer to heavy lamp usage, and ensuring they won’t run out of their favourite fragrance so fast.

Ashleigh & Burwood’s fragrance lamps continue to become ever more popular and renowned in the home fragrance market, seen through dramatically increasing sales on an international scale. Their unique offering, over other home fragrance products, of designer style, imaginative scents and air cleansing properties, is a destination package that the end-consumer is demanding more and more of. Feedback from retailers indicates that their customers are so enamoured with these pretty powerful lamps, repeat sales of lamp fragrance is a valuable add-on. Now that retailers can offer the larger size bottles of the hottest selling scents, lamp lovers everywhere will no doubt jump at the opportunity to use their lamps for longer.

The new range presents eight of their most in demand lamp fragrances: ‘Moroccan Spice’, ‘Fresh Linen, ‘Jasmine & Tuberose’, ‘Lavender, ‘Ocean Breeze’, ‘Perfect Vanilla’, ‘Sicilian Lemon’ and ‘Oriental Spice’.

Tel: 01793 487684 Emai: info@aromahome.com Web: www.aromahome.com

Tel: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Web: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

Celebrate with Classic Canes

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alking stick specialists Classic Canes are celebrating their 32nd year in business with a new, 60-page trade catalogue. Available now, the catalogue illustrates the 600-plus range of walking sticks, seat sticks and umbrellas, from everyday sticks to fine collectors’ canes.

The product photography is interspersed with the stylish and eye-catching lifestyle photography for which Classic Canes is well known. Managing Partner, Charlotte Gillan, explains: “For some people, walking sticks have negative connotations. They imagine them as dreary symbols of infirmity, and do not appreciate what elegant and stylish accessories they can be. Through imaginative lifestyle photography, we can show how different outfits and occasions require different walking sticks. For example, some pictures show people in beautiful country clothes enjoying hearty walks on Dartmoor; others show fashionably dressed women attending weddings and other smart events.

“As we have a lot of export customers, the style is very British, with inspiration gathered from the elegant fashion photographs of Norman Parkinson. It is our firm belief that the right walking stick will always improve an outfit and never detract from it. We are fortunate to have found our photographer, Tim Mercer, whose work is in the photography collections of the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria & Albert Museum, but who now lives and works in Somerset. He has a great talent for capturing the mood we want, and in getting the best from our non-professional models, who, as befits a family business, are all family members.”

Classic Canes is exhibiting at the Autumn Fair (NEC, Birmingham, 7th to 10th September 2014) in Hall 4 on Stand N03. To receive a copy of the new catalogue, please telephone 01460 75686 or visit www.classiccanes.co.uk .

Hall 4, Stand: N03

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Balagan

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Hall 4, Stand: F50/G51 The One Wish Autumn/Winter collection 2014 is awash with wry humour, cute observations and words of encouragement. Their award winning collection is a delightfully cute range of sentimental pieces. Choose from the quirky ‘we go together like movies & popcorn’ to the inspirational ‘Always wear your invisible crown’ and the beautiful ‘Be thankful, your blessings are too many to count’ among many many more.

Their beautiful and unique jewellery is designed in the UK and made to specification with care from the finest sterling silver. It’s a thoughtful and unique gift for a loved one, friend or perhaps a special treat for yourself. It’s suitable for almost any occasion including birthdays, weddings and special days. Presented on their charming and whimsical cards this is the cutest of cute collections.

With its branded point of sale cards and POS support, whether you’re looking for an inspiring message or just a pick me up, this collection will deliver your message simply and eloquently.

Full colour catalogue available.

Top Drawer : W14

Tel: 08452600925 Web: www.balagan.co.uk

Enesco

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Hall 3, Stand: W04 Art Hearts is a new collection of twelve heart sculptures from DEMDACO. Each heart shape features a contemporary and imaginative design from a popular artist in the gift industry, and expresses sentiments of love, friendship, celebration or thoughtfulness.

Amongst the vibrant designs are Floral Bird – depicting a colourful bird perched on a flower; Love is Real – a graphic-led design with a bold declaration of love, and Tic Tac Toe – a witty interpretation of the favourite game using hearts and crosses.

Each Art Heart carries the artist’s name and comes with specially designed packaging to create a gift that will be cherished.

Art Hearts can be hung by the tasselled ribbon as an ornament or can be displayed using the unique key stand. The broad selection of cool designs means there’s an Art Heart that’s perfect for sharing your feelings with the one you love.

Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk

Boxer Gifts

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Hall 5, Stand: A10 Boxer Gifts has an excellent range of classic farting toys for children who appreciate the wonderful musical repertoire of the human body. The Finger Fart Pens have been very successful. The thick pen invites being pulled. The retractable pen give a strong blue line. The pens come in a colourful and attractive Merchandiser that holds 12 pens.

The excellent Fart Bottle Opener makes opening bottles a surprisingly funny activity. The bottle cap completes the circuit on the opener resulting in a loud fart as the cap is removed. The opener has an on/off switch so the prank can be selectively applied! The products come in great Merchandiser holding 24 bottle openers

Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: Sales@boxergifts.com

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Hall 5, Stand: L05

Let’s catch up with Ashleigh & Burwood Following on from a very successful summer of trade shows, Gifts Today Editor, Penny Franks, caught up with Ashleigh & Burwood’s Managing Director, Andrew Nettleton, to talk about the business of fragrance and some fabulous new products in the run up to the festive period.

It’s a busy time of year for you – what have you been doing?

You’re right, we’ve had a fantastic summer doing the trade show rounds, unveiling our new Autumn Winter collection and getting the chance to talk to our customers face to face.

We’ve got some fantastic festive fragrances including one from The Scented Home collection, called Warm Winter Punch which has been very well received! We also launched more hanging pomanders, which are such a hit with the retailers. Combining delicious fragrance with something so pretty and decorative really does seem to be a winning combination.

We have also been deeply involved in understanding and responding to customers’ needs. Listening to feedback about consumers’ buying patterns for lamp fragrance motivated us to launch a brand new range of one litre bottles, in our best-selling scents. It’s an economic answer to heavy lamp usage and assures customers that they’re not going to run out of their favourite fragrance any time soon.

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And your favourite new product for the new season?

My personal pick is our new range of twin pack reed diffusers. Popular for personal use and as gifts, we are offering a pair of 100ml diffusers as a gift set, meaning that two areas of the home can be scented at the same time. At Ashleigh & Burwood, we do strive to offer our retail partners a competitive edge with no compromise on quality, and the duo-diffusers are a fine example of this: we offer the twin pack at the same price that many of our competitors sell their standard 100ml diffusers.

How do you make sure you stay ahead of the curve with new fragrances?

That’s an important question and something that we know our customers rely on us to do. We continue to invest in sourcing the very best ingredients to make the strongest and most powerful fragrances on the market. It’s also vital that we have the right people in our team and that we continue to innovate, both with our products and our training and development.

Our Head of Technical Development, Siva Kandiah, has been spending some time at The Fragrance Foundation with Roja Dove, the industry’s greatest ‘nose’. His training is part of an ongoing commitment to deliver the best to our customers and Siva has brought plenty of interesting ideas back to the lab.

Watch this space for Spring Summer 2015!

How do you stay ahead of the curve operationally?

We’ve recently gone live with a new Warehouse Management System (WMS) that provides greater efficiency of stock control and improved customer service. It was a significant investment but one that we felt was

needed to streamline our booking operations so that we’re able to pass on cost savings to the customer.

You’ve been in a growing business for 21 years – what’s the secret?

That’s a big question! Well, it’s about having great products and a team of people determined to market the product ethically, without cutting corners, and of course a lot of hard work and long hours! But ultimately, it comes down to producing fantastic products that people want to buy, and then buy again. Our ranges of lamps are a great example of why we’re still in business – they’re very attractive and draw people in for a closer look which keeps our retailers happy. Lamps make great gifts not least because they’re an efficient home fragrance method and they purify the air – but what we often hear is that the buyer of the gift often comes back a few days later to buy one for themselves!

Ashleigh & Burwood’s long standing aim is to delight our customers and to ensure that the products they buy exceed their expectations. Our customers tend to be repeat customers, coming to purchase refills, try new scents or to buy gifts for friends and family. It’s the wonderful cycle of retail: innovate to produce great products, customers come back to the store on a regular basis, continue to innovate and improve.

Finally, what can we expect to find in our stockings this Christmas?

Reed diffusers are so popular and make superb gifts. I love the decorative nature of the scented ceramic stars that come in the Home Fragrance Set and the matching room spray, to create that perfect festive ambience!

Tel 01932267060 Web: www.ashleigh-burwoodtrade.co.uk

Fancy Metal Goods XXXX Hall 5, Stand: K20 What self-assured gentleman these days isn’t interested in how they look, smell and present themselves. Immaculate male grooming starts here with the ‘Taylor of Old Bond Street’ brand, which is widely recognised as a world leader in men’s grooming and wet shaving.

Fancy Metal Goods are a family owned and run business established since 1932 with a reputation for sourcing premium products combined with excellent service and commitment to their customers. They work closely with ‘Taylor of Old Bond Street’ also a family owned and run business established since 1854 whose ethos is to manufacture products with as pure and natural ingredients as is practical. The product range is immense and Taylor of Old Bond Street refuses to compromise quality under any circumstances. Men’s wet shaving is in resurgence at the moment so please visit the stand to touch and smell these unique products.

FMG are the sole UK distributer for ‘Taylor of Old Bond Street’ men’s grooming products. They carry large stocks of their entire range ensuring fast turn around with quick, efficient deliveries.

Quote AF14 to obtain your show offer Web: www.fmgtrade.co.uk

Terramundi

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Hall 3, Stand: U21 After many requests from their loyal customer base, Terramundi has decided to trial a small range of Animal related designs.

Here’s just a sneak peak of a few that will be showcased at the up and coming Autumn Fair.

Cat and Dog lovers alike will have plenty to choose from!

Why not drop by and have a look yourself at Hall 3 Stand U21.

Tel: 020 8808 3818 Email: moneypots@terramundi.co.uk Web: www.terramundi.co.uk

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Village Candle UK Ltd XXXX Hall 5, Stand: J30 September 2014 will see Village Candle UK Ltd offer new and innovative products to our substantial product portfolio. Seven new seasonal fragrances will be added to their décor and premium candle jars, votives and wax melt packs. Over Twenty new traditional, novelty and contemporary designs will be available in the accessory collection. These accessories complement their entire candle offer and are also suitable for use with other leading candle brands. New concepts include six beautifully packaged gift sets, candle multi-lighters and candle jar lanterns.

For the best fragrances, highest quality, most competitive prices and an unrivalled customer service ensure you visit Village Candle.

Tel: 01254 300268 Email: sales@villagecandle.co.uk Web: www.villagecandle.co.uk

Think Pink

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Hall 3, Stand: N40-P41 Think Pink is launching its most extensive new range of gifts ever this autumn. Highlights include the LED Iluminated Canvas Wall Art, a modern range of jewellery boxes and matching tea sets in attaché cases. Brand new giant jigsaws, luxury dress up sets and last but certainly not least the “Onesie Bears”! These are a collection of 6 uniquely designed and exclusive bears each wearing an animal onesie costume with removable hoods. The range features a crocodile, mouse, leopard, elephant, lion and a pig!! With suggested retails of £11.99 these are sure to be a massive hit this season.

Tel: 01253 831512 Web: www.thinkpinkblue2.com

Test a publisher’s statement of circulation. In today’s business climate you can’t afford not to.

Our ABC Certificate provides accurate, independently verified circulation figures, giving you confidence in your advertising investment.

If you want to reach 7,100* total average net circulation, then call Mark Horsnell on 01442 289930 or email markh@lemapublishing.co.uk *. Circulation figure relates to period from 1st July 2013 to 30th June 2014

For more information visit www.abc.org.uk or email info@abc.org.uk

Ashleigh & Burwood

Jackpen

Hall 5, Stand: L05

Hall 5, Stand: K73

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Launching at Autumn Fair, Ashleigh & Burwood’s mosaic reed diffusers (formerly Decadent Diffusion) have been restyled and now form part of a signature range of reed diffusers under the trusted Ashleigh & Burwood brand. The new Reed Diffuser Gift Sets feature artisan-made diffuser vessels which embrace the trusted quality and style of the popular Fragrance Lamps, plus an assortment of Ashleigh & Burwood’s most iconic signature scents. Each set contains a decorative mosaic vessel, a 175ml fragrance and a set of reeds and is presented in a restyled luxury gift box with gold foil detailing.

Reed diffusers are a simple and decorative way to gently fragrance the home without smoke or flame, and the variety available in the new Ashleigh & Burwood Reed Diffuser Gift Sets make for an ideal gift all year round. A full range of 8 refill fragrances are available in175 ml bottles, allowing fragrance to be easily replenished when need and new fragrance reeds can be added, giving endless life and fragrance variety to these stunning diffusers.

Tel: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Web: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

Jackpen is a miniature ballpoint pen unlike any other, cleverly designed to store and write utilising the headphone socket of any mobile phone – the one single item we all have to hand!

Despite its small size each micro pen contains more than 30 metres of ink, equivalent to drawing a line the length of three buses end-to-end!

Its universal appeal is further bolstered by a bright array of colours to suit all ages. Fab and funky new circular clam packs and branding will be unveiled at the Autumn Fair along with special ‘taster’ counter displays comprising a snazzy mix of all the colour packs to get you started.

To trial a FREE Jackpen, bring yourself and your mobile to stand H5K73.

A little birdie tells me the inventor was interrogated for a new episode of a well known entrepreneurial show…but remember…you saw the product here first!

Web: www.jackpen.com

Celebrate with St Justin

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ornish based jewellery company St Justin are celebrating 30 successful years of handcrafting beautiful jewellery in West Cornwall. The company began back in 1984 when founder Jeremy Gilbert, with a staff of three, began to produce small pewter items to sell to local gift and craft shops. The village of Pendeen near St Just was their base, an area famous for tin mining. Originally locally mined tin was used in their production, pewter is 92% tin, but sadly the mines are now closed and the area is a world heritage site.

Through hard work and dedication the company had, within three years, expanded to 10 staff and moved to its new home in Penzance. In 1991 continued growth and a reputation for producing affordable high quality products, saw the workforce of 30 move into a purpose- built factory. An extension was created in 2000 to house a large open plan office which was built using Feng Shui principles. This timber frame building is surrounded by a large pond to enhance the rural setting and provides a peaceful and relaxing working environment. Overlooking Mounts Bay, with St Michael’s Mount as a focal point - the sea is never far away and can occasionally be heard pounding the shoreline. Many visitors have commented that they have never seen a manufacturing facility like it – it all adds to the ethos of Cornwall and nature being the main inspiration for the products.

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All metals are cast in house to create beautiful individually designed pieces of jewellery. Each item passes through the hands of many designers and skilled craftspeople – from initial concept, to master design, casting to polishing, before the pieces are checked to ensure they are of the utmost quality and beauty.

St Justin now offer four main collections - Pewter, Bronze, Sterling Silver and Cornish Tin with a choice of designs that will suit all tastes – from Celtic knots, spirals and crosses to contemporary flowers and hearts, plus fun animal characters and traditional tokens of luck and love.

To mark the 30th year a new selection of products are being launched. The production team have looked through the archives and have remastered some of the old designs that have been popular during the life of St Justin and given them a makeover to show the progression in manufacturing techniques. As well as this a brand new collection of ‘Love rings’ are being introduced – a poem of love and commitment is etched onto silver rings in English, Latin and the ancient language of Ogham.

After production in Penzance the products are shipped worldwide with 9 sales agents across the UK and 6 distributors selling around the globe. Despite the threat of many cheaper products coming to the market from overseas, St Justin continues to grow. 2013 saw

an increase of 10% on the previous year’s sales. Five new members of staff have been employed recently to support the manufacturing, sales and administration team and a new distributor is currently promoting St Justin to the Canadian market place.

All products sold from St Justin come with a lifetime guarantee on the workmanship of the product. With a varied product range, short delivery times and excellent customer service St Justin continues to put its customers at the heart of all they do and are proud to say that their products continue to be handcrafted in the UK.

www.stjustin.co.uk sales25@stjustin.co.uk

Hall 4, Stand: K51

Top Drawer - Stand U34 Autumn Fair - Stand 3G50

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Hall 5, Stand: K10

Get Elite with Caroline Gardner

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he contemporary prints and patterns from Caroline Gardner can be found on the latest collection of Elite tins and melamine this year. We caught up with Kathryn Giddy, Design Director at Caroline Gardner and James Brierley, MD of Elite to discuss how the collaboration happened.

Caroline Gardner Publishing was born out of the chance meeting of two inspired women over 20 years ago. With its roots in beautiful and contemporary paper product, the company has established itself as a world force in design-led stationery, gift and homewares with more exciting news to follow later this year.

“Elite first approached us in 2011 to make children’s melamine sets, using our much-loved characters Georgie Porgie and Flora Bundle. The boxed gift sets were a huge success and complemented our children’s range perfectly so we felt there were more opportunities to explore…”

“Our latest collaboration features the signature Caroline Gardner ditsy and heart patterns, perfectly suited to homewares and an established favorite with retailers.

Elite share our principles for producing only the finest quality product and their storage tins and kitchen accessories perfectly complement Caroline Gardner’s own kitchen range of mugs, egg cups, tea towels and aprons. Elite’s melamine picnic accessories are fun and practical, fulfilling today’s trend for posh picnicking.”

James says, “working with a contemporary design-led brand such as Caroline Gardner was an easy decision and gave our established range of tins and melamine a new dimension. We are thrilled with the end result which is smart, stylish and ideal for the trend-led customers.”

Elite gets nostalgic again after 27 years.

Australian 50’s artist leads the way on Elite’s new best seller!

The image above features TINS decorated with 50’s inspired art by John Hanna. John was born in Australia and worked as a newspaper illustrator and cartoon artist. Arriving in London he became a successful advertising illustrator and was quickly snapped up by ‘Country Fair’ magazine, drawing the cover art for the first issue in 1951. Country Fair was a cross between Country living and Country life, the mainstream rural magazine of its time. The animal drawings are amusing and wonderfully energetic, perhaps attributable to the artists fresh eyes, one must remember that these British animals were all unfamiliar to John, whose childhood wildlife had been Kangaroos and budgerigars! The tins by Elite, and placemats sold by Jenny Duff use these covers, scanned from original magazines (with permission) and refreshed with modern interpretations of 1950’s colours! Really a tribute to vintage, these designs are modern, fresh and have been a huge success for Elite this year, with more products planned for 2015! The Hanna range sold out at its Spring Fair launch, but is all back in stock now for Autumn/Winter sales. So what is next? A pair of stunning Melamine Trays, tin coasters and rectangular tin all in production now for next year.

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In the offices at Elite there is a great array of old tins, collected over the years, some in display cabinets, more boxed up as the collection is too expansive to showcase. There are some wonderful and unusual special shapes, which can not be replicated today, due to their detailed hand-made construction, however these serve as inspiration and go hand in hand with the great enthusiasm for Tin found at the company. The collection includes many biscuit, toffee and tobacco tins, as well as a huge collection of Royal commemorative tins, including one celebrating the Coronation of Edward VIII, who abdicated less than a year later! (A rare one we think). Some of the first tins Elite sold were vintage inspired, some even painted

by James’s Mother, Sue Pulley! Vintage is always a popular theme, and these tins can often be found adorning Pub bookshelves pretending to be the real thing, 100 years old, not their true age! The demand for ‘old fashioned’ tins is a constant and something that Elite has always fulfilled, the new range was 2 years in the planning. Half way through it was even subject to a redesign to ensure only that the very best imagery was used. The previous ‘Memories’ tins were a firm favourite with Elite’s customers for over 10 years but the request for more has now been satisfied and the demand has increased, especially in Europe. A considered range expansion is due in 2015 as well as extending the Nostalgia tinware with dedicated Christmas imagery.

Tel: 01603 418153 Web: www.elitetins.com

Hall 5, Stand: K09

Personalised Memento Company Personalised Home Gifts Steel is the traditional material to celebrate an 11th year anniversary gift, what better way to personalise a celebration than with a wine and champagne cooler engraved with any message.

A double insulated stainless steel cooler suitable for wine or champagne. A simple and elegant gift with a matt satin finish in an offering of four individual designs to congratulate or commemorate an anniversary, wedding, birthday or any occasion when you want to raise a glass and say congratulations.

Other alcohol accessories from PMC include personalised ice buckets, engraved corkscrews and bottle openers. No matter what your preferred tipple is PMC supply a full range of wine, champagne, spirits and beer all personalised and delivered direct to the recipient.

See PMC’s full range of personalised alcohol gifts and accessories at Autumn Fair Hall 5 Stand K09.

Personalised Kitchen Gifts PMC have launched more wooden kitchen and home lines to their range.

Personalised Wooden Chopping boards make special gifts for couples moving in to a new home and celebrations such as anniversaries and wedding presents.

PMC focus on quality giftware lines with every product, made from a hardy wood their product ranges are made to last for years to come. The full range of wooden kitchen gifts extends to salt and pepper mills, rolling pins and cheese boards.

What’s more all of these gifts are available for next day delivery for those last minute purchases.

Personalised Wall Art New to PMC is the Wall art are on trend and popularity is increasing. A variety of themed designs available for a nursery or Child’s bedrooms. Bring Christmas cheer with a seasonal graphic alongside festive decorations.

With full instructions provided the easy to apply decal will bring to life any wall space to make a home your own. If you don’t want to take to a hammer and picture hooks to personalise your space PMC’s wall art is a modern and creative alternative.

PMC continue to be the forefront of supplying personalised gifts displaying new these new ranges at the Autumn Fair Hall 5 Stand K09.

Personalised Canvas Prints PMC have added more designs to their canvas print range. The market for canvas prints is far from diminishing with demand in the home gifts category holding it’s own in popularity. With collections centering on the home, kitchen and bedroom there is a style to cater for every home. A perfect gift for a housewarming, wedding present or special family gift.. All designs are fully wrapped around the edges of the wooden frame for a professional finish. Every gift from PMC is made individual with a name or message and make a focus on quality gifts using only the best manufacturing processes to produce gifts to treasure for many years to come.

Tel: 01782 744 900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk 62 gifts today

©Disney ©D

Do you want to build a snowman?

Do you want to build a snowman

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his is the question many children will be asking this winter as the success of Disney’s Frozen sweeps the nation. Thanks to Icon Live, whether it snows or not, the answer will be yes! By very popular demand the Anna and Elsa jewellery and hair accessories have been strengthened with a cute range of Olaf products, the star of which is the 3 pack ‘build a snowman’ wristbands. This year Icon Live will be exhibiting for the first time at Autumn Fair, so buyers will be able to view the Frozen range in its entirety along with other great licenced ranges.

Another great cinematic success, which has turned into a must have brand, is the very yellow and hilariously

endearing Minions franchise. Icon Live is very excited to preview the first of its jewellery, hair and novelty accessories at the show. The range has something for every member of the family as the Minions phenomena appeals to every demographic. Girl’s jewellery and hair lines are supported with funky wrist wear that boys will want to collect and for all ‘Gru’ dads out there, cuff link and money clips.

Icon Live is also launching a new range of Scrabble jewellery with a selection of initial tile necklace and earring lines available as perfect stocking fillers for this Christmas. In addition, new ranges of Hello Kitty, Barbie and Monster High will all be on show.

Hall 5, Stand: D43

Olaf Wristbands and other Olaf lines available to order.

Loom bands with charms also available!

VISIT US AT AUTUMN FAIR HALL 5 STAND 5D43

Sales Enquiries salesteam@iconlive.com Tel: 01444 240000

Licensing Warren Traeger warren.traeger@iconlive.com www.iconlive.com Icon Live Ltd, Icon House, York Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9TT, UK gifts today 63

Solo

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Hall 3, Stand: U07

Beefayre

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Hall 3, Stand: G50 After the success of their home fragrance and body and bath collections Beefayre have created a contemporary Homeware Collection using the flower and bee designs by artist and founder Sharon Jervis. All made in Britain, the large round melamine placemats, coasters and bone china mugs have been printed in a stunning palette of pastel colours to suit any home. The cotton tea towels come in three designs including a repeat bee pattern, hedgerow and bee garden illustrations.

Beefayre have become synonymous with producing good quality products at affordable prices. 3% of their profits go to bee conservation projects in the UK.

Tel: 01858 434492 Email: sales@beefayre.com Web: www.beefayre.com

Solo will expand their popular “Lifestyle” range this autumn with photo frames, dip-bowls, decorations, candles and napkin-rings. Creative Director, Tanya Ross, says, “The collection launched in January and was an instant hit with our retailers, with the heart bowls and dishes in red capturing the imagination for Valentines and Mother’s Day. Now we’re excited for autumn and Christmas with lots of new products that will really expand the breadth of the range”.

The collection is hand-made in India from recycled aluminium and features iridescent colours. The new autumn collection features a beautiful autumnal-red like these new cake stands. Also new for autumn is an antique gold perfect for Christmas.

Tanya explains why it was so important for the collection to be gift boxed, “We felt it was vitally important that the range felt like a gift collection rather than just interior products, which is why we’ve put a lot of effort into how the gifts were packaged. It’s something we hope to improve even further in next year”. Planning is already underway for 2015 with more colours and gift ideas in the pipeline.

See the full collection for the first time at the Autumn Fair and Top Drawer.

Tel: 01789 262900 Email: sales@sololtd.com www.sololtd.com

Signature Gifts

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Hall 5, Stand: F52 Join Signature Gifts at this Year’s Autumn Fair at the NEC, where they will be showcasing their brand new range of gifts. They boast one of the widest ranges of giftware in the UK, and since their merge with Personalised Gifts UK their range has become more diverse. As well as being a leader in selling and producing bespoke children’s books, Signature now offer new ranges of ceramics, glassware and embroidered gifts. Alongside this Signature Gifts will be launching new wood, slate, and glass gifts with new bespoke pictorial designs. Make sure you watch this space as they only plan on getting bigger and better!

Tel: 01582 464 809 Web: www.signature-gifts.co.uk 64 gifts today

Hall 5, Stand: L2-M3

Rich heritage at Over the last few months, they’ve been working hard behind the scenes at Widdop Bingham to bring you yet another fantastic line-up which will be showcased on their Autumn Fair stand.

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ooking for something new that will set your store apart and guarantee to keep your tills ringing right through to Christmas? Then you wouldn’t go far wrong by making sure you plan a visit to Widdop’s stand at the Autumn Fair. This year they are packing even more new lines onto their stand.

Widdop Bingham has a rich heritage when it comes to selling giftware – the company is over 130 years old and is still owned and run by the same family.

7000 lines, many designed in their UK-based design studio, has resulted in an extensive offer across many product categories. There really is something for every type of retailer. With the vast majority of lines available in singles and low carriage paid, the company caters for customers both big and small.

Do you struggle to find innovative lines for your “Gifts for Men” slot particularly for the period in the run up to Christmas? The Steam Railway is a humorous and light hearted take using wonderful imagery evocative of the railways of days long gone by. The product range covers a wide variety of gifts including lunch boxes, mugs with sensible pricing aimed to fit most budgets.

Earlier this year, Widdop Bingham announced its link up with The Walt Disney Company to produce a range of high quality, themed licensed giftware.

Disney ”Frozen” is one of Disney’s 66 gifts today

most successful films. The film has become a phenomenon in its own right – and so is Widdop’s range of Disney “Frozen” giftware. Storage boxes, musical jewellery boxes and trunks are not just a lovely gift but very handy too.

If you haven’t seen their collection of Disney trinkets, this needs to go on your Autumn Fair “to-do” list. Launched earlier in the year, the collection of die-cast, crystal embellished trinkets includes Disney Princess, Winnie the Pooh and Disney Classics. An eyecatching Disney branded display unit has been developed to show the product off at it’s very best in store.

The RAF is a wonderful British heritage brand known across the world.

The Khaki range of RAF gifts will be introduced at the Autumn Fair with an innovative collection of new products including a storage tin with fudge, a messenger bag, a lunch tin and a wallet.

The complete RAF collection boasts a range of over 150 officially licensed gifts together with a branded free standing display unit for attractive in-store merchandising.

A brand new, unique range of licensed gifts from the studio of Laura Darrington will be a highlight of Widdop Bingham’s stand at the Autumn Fair in September.

Two fresh new collections cater perfectly for both male and female Birthdays. The Unzipped collection, aimed squarely at the gents gifting market, follows on the back of the success of the Denim collection. The

design has a distinct modern vintage look combining an aged leather with 3D and silver foil lettering. Decoupage is pretty combination of floral design with a 3D decoupage craft effect. Each piece has been crafted by hand and is finished off with a Happy Birthday hanging tag.

And while you are on the Widdop stand, take time to chuckle at the Aunty Acid and Grumpy Old Gifts licensed giftware. Don’t miss fashionable Hestia home accessories and pretty Tricoastal storage solutions. Watch the Impressions everyday photo frames fly off the shelf by offering great choice and great value for money. Three clock brands – William Widdop, Hometime and Rhythm - offer a comprehensive choice of style, design and price.

Beautifully designed ranges of figurines including sentiment lines, “The Manor House Collection” and our ever popular Natural World animal figurines are welcome additions. Best of Breed gets a new lease of life with brand new designs and products aimed at a growing audience of ardent pet lovers.

Stratton of Mayfair boasts a rich pedigree with over 150 years of trading under its belt. The exclusive range of luxury giftware has generated huge levels of interest since its first unveiling at the Spring Fair earlier this year and expectations are high for the Autumn Fair. With this in mind, the brand will be showcased on its own stand in a hall adjacent to the Widdop stand : Hall 4 stand N5

Stephen Illingworth, Business Development Manager at Widdop Bingham, is excited about the brand.

“Stratton is a unique brand and brings

with it unique opportunities. The development of the brand has included moving into new product areas as well as inspirational and exciting in-store display solutions. Showing the Stratton of Mayfair on its own bespoke stand at the Autumn Fair, will allow retailers to see for themselves the opportunity this heritage brand affords.”

Email: sales@widdop.co.uk Web: www.widdop.co.uk

IS FOR AUTUMN FAIR.

Come and visit us!

Hall 5 D60/E61

www.ggtrade.co.uk

Hall 3, Stand: N32

New design Brand Launching with Mid Century

Temerity Jones Autumn Fair 2014 sees the launch of the new designer giftware brand called ‘Temerity Jones’ Having recently moved on from a successful time at Rex International, Creative Director Craig Masson says the concept for Temerity Jones was born from a knowledge that there was a real appetite for a design led brand that offered something a bit different, unusual and inspiring from what is around, something to spark the imagination of the retail buyers and their customers.

These designs range from cool mid-century inspired home accessories, to wild and wonderful tattooed doll sets, and timeless utility kitchen glassware.

Following the current trend for all things Midcentury Modern, this range is a homage to that golden age of home design; the 50’s, when everyone embraced a new way of living in their homes.

Again, they have mixed up the retro styling with a distinctly contemporary flavour to create a charming range which has broad appeal; homes decorations and soft furnishing are the mainstay of this collection, with a few surprises thrown in , such as their cute blue elephant ornament.

Boho

Utility

In terms of being fashion forward, this range is at the front shouting ME! ME! Industrial chic is plentiful here, in the wire frame lampshades and the beautiful exposed fancy element light bulbs. The carnival theme, also very in demand, is here too, with their vintage style fairground signs, festoon lights and pink flamingo garden decorations. And there is still room for some old school Boho glamour with their pineapple ornaments, copper accents and Mad Men style whisky decanters.

Taking inspiration from a time when life seemed so much simpler, their ‘utility ‘ range gives a nod to the ‘good old days’ of simple useful design and mixes it with a modern aesthetic to create a story which is both appealing and nostalgic. With this range they were aiming to evoke the feel of a good old fashioned general store.

Functional glassware, vintage style tins for storage, household candles and scrubbing brushes. It’s all there, plus some funky drinking jars too, just to show it’s not all about hard work!

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Contact details Telephone: 01992 807477

Email: sales@temerityjones.com www.temerityjones.com

Introducing two new, charming ranges and beautiful additions to existing ranges come and visit us at

Autumn Fair Hall 3, Stand T22-U23

Doorstops, draught excluders and much much more T: 01733 305452 F: 08432 161879 enquiries@doradesigns.co.uk www.doradesigns.co.uk

Shakin’it up...

r e n i D

At Autumn Fair

Hall 5, Stand B11

sales@greenboardgames.com Show offer Sh ffer available il ble

www.greenboardgames.co.uk

Creative Tops

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Hall 3, Stand: G23 Cosy up to the latest collection from Katie Alice – Highland Fling. Combining on-trend woodland iconography, inviting tartan and signature Katie Alice flourishes, the range marks a first foray into furnishing for this best-selling designer. The addition of delightful accessories and objéts, such as scatter cushions, candleholders and ornaments, brings an exciting new dimension to the home, not to mention to the Katie Alice brand. “Over the winter, while walking through the grounds at Burghley House, I was inspired by the beautiful deer roaming free around the grounds and thought they would make a lovely addition to the cosy colours and tartan print in the Highland Fling collection”. Katie Alice – Designer. The dining table is well catered for too, with a comprehensive assortment of china, cutlery, linens and glassware.

Blending heritage patterns and motifs with vintage florals, the overall look exudes an effortless, eclectic charm – quintessentially Katie Alice. Rich in detail and personality, Highland Fling adds a joyful warmth and character to each room and every occasion.

The Katie Alice Highland Fling collection will be available to view at Autumn Fair, Hall 3, Stand G23.

Tel: 01536207756 Web: www.creative-tops.com

Elite Gift Boxes

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Hall 5, Stand: K10 The birth of this product is a fun one. Whilst being served coffee in the design studio at Emma Bridgewater during a product development meeting, James - MD of Elite - remarked on the very fine plain galvanized tray and that Elite should make them in tin, but better yet, printed with designs! Emma Bridgewater and Matthew Rice immediately said they would like that and that Matthew already had some images in mind that he could especially paint! This became Elite’s ‘Gift of the Year’ award winning Tray - ‘Year in the Country’. Based upon its success, the ‘Winter’ version was painted; just as popular, and back in stock again for 2014. Whilst it might not fit in a stocking, it will hold ALL the mince pies and steaming mugs. Perfect for crumpets by the fire with a glass of your favourite. Don’t forget all the other seasonal tins from Elite, a NEW set of 3 cake tins by Emma as well as a Christmas Robin deep rectangular and new Christmas tins from Belle and Boo too! Elite’s ‘tintreats’ sales peak at Christmas, stocking fillers and biscuit fills are packed locally with UK made confectionery at the company’s Norwich premises.

Tel: 01603418153 Email: info@elitetins.com 70 gifts today

Best Kept Secrets SSSS

Hall 3, Stand: G40 Tins, Glass Votives, Bath Bursts, Soap, Hampers and Coasters all making a debut appearance. They will be showcasing all the latest products at Autumn Fair on stand 3G40.

Best Kept Secrets have completely revamped and re-launched their glass candle range for this trade fair with 12 sparkling new candles.

The original glass candle range has been significantly extended to incorporate many of the leading candle tin scents, and many glass candles are now available with additional aesthetic decoration, sparkles and many of the features which have been incorporated into the full Best Kept Secrets candle tins.

Best Kept Secrets will also have 3 new candle tins on show for the first time with Sweet Pea, Blue Jasmine and Freesia. The candles follow a floral theme and have already been well received with previews to customers.

Sister company Thistle Soaps has a new natural soap to unveil following the success of trials at previous events, with the distinctive Hotch Potch soap set to become a best seller. The soap is a hybrid of other products, and was first used as a simple sample product to demonstrate the quality range available through Thistle Soaps. Such was the popularity for the complex blended soap, with distinct layers, that this show sees the product in full production.

Finally, the business will launch its latest edition with brand new Bath Bursts adding to the range of seriously scented products available from the Northumberland based manufacturer. Six new Bath Bursts are available, with a focus on scent and the quality of the experience you get from a bath burst.

Denise Edwards from Best Kept Secrets commented: ‘We knew that independent retailers were seeing the increased demand for high quality seriously scented products. That is why we are using Autumn Fair as a showcase for new lines in candles, soaps and with our new bath truffles.’

Tel: 01670 512222 Web: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

tea sets

jewellery boxes MAISON&OBJET: Paris. 5th - 9th September 2014. HALL 6. STAND D127 AUTUMN FAIR: Birmingham. NEC. 7th - 10th September 2014. HALL 3. STAND N40/P41 You can order online by logging into the secure trade only area at www.thinkpinkblue2.com or by phoning Denise on 01253 831512 or Lynda on 01253 831540.

Hall 3, Stand: S01

Give it to j-me

Assistant Editor Caroline Eyles speaks with Jamie Antoniades of London-based J-Me to find out more about the up and coming gifts and living products wholesaler

L

ondon based-j-me, founded by brothers Mark and Jamie Antoniades, first started out in the family home before moving into a studio in North London after not so many years.

the stationery gifting because the range is big enough to make a story for retailers displaying the products.

However, our biggest seller by far is our cozy remote control holder - an eye catching solution to the problem of lost or misplaced remote controls.

So how has this success come about?

Tell us about some of the standout products and lines you distribute.

Both designing and manufacturing original products for the design conscious home owner, the company was founded in 2000 with the desire to create high quality products that show a love of design, attention to detail and a sense of humour. According to the company ethos. if you are looking for a witty, practical gift or a timeless, elegant shoe rack then look no further, j-me knows how to organise and with style.

What have been the highlights since the start of growing j-me?

The two most successful products we distribute are very contrasting in design style and retail price. As mentioned our his and hers key holder has always sold very well and still does 11 years on, while the horizontal shoe racks are another j-me classic that continues to thrive. With sales steadily growing year on year, this is very promising for an item with an average retail price of £62.50 compared to £12.50 for a his or hers key holder.

There have been many. These include moving into our first commercial premises in Tottenham and then the Oxo Tower where we have seen our most success and growth. Other highlights include winning the “Exporter of the Year Award’ in 2004 and most recently launching the new ‘Black range’ which consists of only one product at the moment - it’s a show stopper and a talking piece, as well as being desirable and very well priced.

What new products do you have on the horizon that buyers should be watching out for and why?

What do you feel the reputation of j-me is out there?

What sets j-me apart from its competitors and how do you demonstrate this?

I would like to think we deliver on our logo which states ‘original design’. We hold a reputation which is clear and precise, designing functional, everyday products with an emotive twist that makes you smile.

You sell a wide range of products - what has seen the most growth over the years?

What is the strongest category to date?

The biggest area of growth has been 72 gifts today

The new must haves for Christmas 2014 are our Diego and Grace toothbrush holders – a very fun and emotive way to hold toothbrushes making that daily grind a little bit more pleasurable! Also, the stiletto shoe rack for all those women who love their high heeled shoes.

The main thing that sets J-Me aside is probably our continued ability to design sub £20 gifts along with higher priced self purchase products like our shoe racks, coat racks and magazine racks.

If you saw these products separately from each other you probably wouldn’t think they were produced by the same company. It keeps our design team interested and stimulated as well as giving our retailers something else to

consider, as many of our clients can sell a £7.50 toothbrush alongside a £75.00 shoe rack.

Tell us a little about the key companies you work with. How did these partnerships begin?

We have reputable clients like John Lewis who sell our stationery gift lines but we also have many independents throughout the UK who do a grand job representing j-me. Most of these relationships would have started from the trade shows that we have been pushing hard from day one.

Are there any products that you knew would be good but have exceeded expectations? Why do you think this has been the case?

The his and hers key holders and the cozy remote tidy. These are very big everyday tasks but the one thing we did not consider is how much people lose or misplace keys and remote controls. For this reason, it has been a massive factor for their success.

Have any choices surprised you this year? Both negative and positive.

The two biggest product related choices that have surprised j-me this year are the positive response to the children’s products we are launching which have far exceeded our expectations. And secondly, the negative response to the ‘Droplet’ not being part of a range but a one off product, which has been an eye opener. We saw it as a stand alone product which it clearly is for the consumer since it has been a hit, however the retailer wants to see a collection of Black range products and not just a product in it’s own right – this is something we are addressing.

What is your best-selling product?

Our Cozy remote control holder

which is now available in five colours. everybody has remotes and most people lose or misplace them.

How is 2014 shaping up for you?

This year has been very positive in terms of product launches. We managed to launch 12 new products in 2014 so that is a great achievement.

This year was also the launch of Droplet Bottle Opener as the first of our Black range - we have aspirations for this product to become a future classic and the black range will be expanded upon very soon.

Do you attend trade fairs?

We exhibit twice a year at the Autumn and Spring fair as well as global exhibitions with our distributors.

Without giving anything away, what can we look forward to from j-me’s in 2014?

Three of the products we are launching at the Autumn Fair have already been mentioned (Diego & Grace toothbrush holders as well as stiletto high heeled shoe rack). There are two more including a door stop and a shelf come hook-in-one. Spring 2015 products are in good swing too but too early to reveal those.

Tel: 02079288828 Web: www.j-me.com

Xystos - New from WoodWick TTTT Hall 5, Stand: H01 WoodWick’s nine alluring new core fragrances are available in a variety of sizes from Xystos. Fragrances – designed to suit all moods and seasons – are Vineyard Birchwood, Sonoma Sunset, Cinnabark, Pumpkin Muffins, Candy Cane Cupcake, Vintage Leather, Cranberry and Timber.

There are also three Trilogy introductions, Peace & Joy, Autumn Comforts and After Sunset. The Gallerie range sees the introduction of Linen, the comforting scent of clean laundry drying in a soft summer breeze.

Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk

D & J Glassware

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Hall 5, Stand: F16 Exciting new product ranges are to be unveiled at D & J Glassware’s stand in Hall 5 Stand F 16. Always at the forefront of innovation when it comes to glassware designs, David and Jocelyne are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new to see their stunning collections. ‘We have been working on some new designs to complement our existing offering of popular fused glass figures and mouth blown pieces’, Jocelyne explains; ‘Autumn Fair will see the launch of some very attractive ranges that we are sure will generate incremental business for our customers at this important time of year.’

Great quality, fabulous design, friendly service and sensible prices are assured from the UK’s favourite supplier of Tree of Life balls, Friendship Balls and Hearts and colourful fused glass pieces.

With no minimum order and practical lead-times, D & J Glassware ensures you can offer your customers the very best in gorgeous glassware throughout the year.

For some fresh ideas, make time to visit the company’s stand.

Tel: 01953 450 280 Web: www.dandjglassware.co.uk

Wild Things

“W

e aim to be creative with crystal” says Jules Vahrman.

“Most of our products are designed and made here in the UK. This allows us to pay close attention to quality. I’ve always liked Swarovski crystals, and am so glad we made the decision a few years back to focus on them. We’ve been in business since I came back from California 30 years ago, and it’s been a right roller-coaster!

We’ve made everything from holographic jewellery and toys to ‘designer’ photoetched jewellery and bookmarks, but the suncatchers and jewellery are by far our most popular products yet.”

Rainbow makers include everything from a plain crystal ball on a chain wholesaling at £2.10 to a £50 Grand Cascade. There are four ranges of Guardian Angels, ranging from £2.20 to £8 wholesale.

“The Chakra Angels (pictured) have sold so well that we have decided to extend the range into other colours. Kate here suggested calling them Radiant Angels because they are so full of light and colour”.

Crystal fantasies combine crystal with

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etched metal motifs – including cats, fairies, angels and wildlife motifs. Bookmarks also combine these motifs with crystal.

“Most of our jewellery is pretty colourful too. We’ve titled it ‘from a Country garden’ as the range is inspired by flowers, from roses to lilies, delphiniums to wisteria. Having said that, we think the new Gardenia set is the strongest yet and it’s white and clear!”

Illustrated – Forget-me-not earrings. Prices range from £6-£10.

Finally, Wild Things sells hand blown and painted Fantasy Glass – there are hummingbirds, dragonflies and butterflies.

They are boxed, and priced at £3.80 and £3.40. Shown here is the Rainbow Hummingbird.

“All in all we are not surprised that the Autumn fair is often our best show of the year, as our items sell so well at Christmas.

We always have Show Specials too. We have a reputation for maintaining stock levels, as we have control over production in this country – I think that helps as well.”

Tel: 01392211268 Email: info@wildthingsgifts.com

Hall 5, Stand: J20

on presentation of this advert at our stand *While stocks last

Perfect men’s gifts for all occasions Offering exquisite traditional and contemporary designs, exemplary manufacturing quality and finish, Edwin Jagger is the foremost English manufacturer of finest wet shaving accessories and shaving brushes.

Visit us AT THE AUTUMN FAIR, NEC, BIRMINGHAM 7-10 SEPTEMBER 2014 Hall 3, stand H40 TOP DRAWER, OLYMPIA, LONDON 14-16 SEPTEMBER 2014 stand L38 Telephone: +44 (0)114 275 3739 email: enquiries@edwinjagger.com www.edwinjagger.com

Autumn Fair: Hall 4: stand F50/G51 Top Drawer: Stand W14

Hall 3, Stand: W04

Welcome back Enesco Enesco is one of the giants of the gift and home industry, renowned worldwide for innovative and humorous gifts, stylish home décor and imaginative garden products, with a host of prestigious brand names in its extensive stable of products.

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order Fine Arts, Country Artists, Enesco, Gund and Lilliput Lane are all in the Enesco fold, together with licences for some of the biggest and best-loved names in the business, including: Peter Rabbit, Disney, Willow Tree, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Erin Smith Art, Santoro’s Gorjuss Collection and Demdaco.

For the first time in six years you can see a selective Enesco showcase at Autumn Fair International, where the company will exhibit within Contemporary Gifts & Home in Hall 3, stand W04. We spoke to Managing Director Ken Johnson for an insight into Enesco’s plans for the show and his view on the wider gift retail market.

You last exhibited at Autumn Fair six years ago, what evolution in the British and international gift retail trade have you seen happening since then?

There have been major changes in the profile of independent retailers. The traditional china and glass shops that were major retailers of collectibles have reduced substantially in number and there has been a growth in card and gift and general gift. This trend has been reflected internationally.

How has Enesco evolved during those years?

Enesco has transformed itself from being almost totally figural and collectible [with its collections] to a more general gift and homewares offering, while still retaining a very strong figural base. Licensed properties have become an even stronger portion of our portfolio.

Santoro’s Gorjuss Collection and Boo from Gund are two very strong licensed lines in our current collection.

What is important to your retail customers and the end consumer?

That Enesco continues to introduce strong selling ranges that offer a uniqueness, quality and are fairly priced.

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Why have you decided to return to Autumn Fair in 2014 and why is this an important show for the industry?

There have been major changes in retail buying habits and Enesco decided to meet this by showing selected ranges again at the Autumn Fair.

What can visitors to your stand look forward to seeing at the show?

At Autumn the focus will be on our more contemporary collections, which are an ideal fit for our location in Hall 3. We will certainly be showing our Santoro’s Gorjuss Collection and our Peter Rabbit plush from Gund, amongst others. Our space is small compared to our site at Spring Fair, but our new ipad-based selling system Pixsell means that our team on the stand have our entire collection portfolio to hand.

How important is licensed product in this industry?

We can only speak for our company, but strong licences have always been one of our unique points and offer great protection from plagiarism which unfortunately is still wide spread in the industry.

Do you have any hot trend tips for the Autumn/Winter 2014-15 season and beyond?

Perhaps not hot trend tips but we are seeing huge interest in anything related to Disney’s Frozen, it seemed to catch the imagination of children and adults alike on a global scale. Social Media continues to play a huge part not only in marketing but also in creating licensed characters, from Boo - the world’s most popular dog with over 14 million likes on Facebook! - to Grumpy Cat with nearly 6 million likes .... I am sure there will be more to come.

Web: www.enesco.co.uk

NEW Cozy up with

... cozy toes for all the family!

Come and see us in Hall 5, Stand C10/D11 at the NEC Birmingham ‘Make our best selling line your best selling line too!’

JOE DAVIES are proud to be the EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTORS of snoozies!® in the UK Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk

Ronin Handmade in Wales

Autumn Fair Hall 4 Stand G58

Semi-precious gemstone jewellery www.ronindesigns.co.uk www ronindesigns co uk

01269 826000

Intelex XXXX

Hall 5, Stand: J16-K17 Intelex Group will be showcasing their new ranges for autumn/winter 2014 and will also present a fresh new look for their business at this year’s Autumn Fair.

New products on show will include the highly anticipated Warmies range, exciting new additions to Hooty and Cozy Plush, plus the new and improved Cozy Plush Boots.

Intelex Group has seen a continued rise in interest in their heatable toy range, with innovation high on their agenda fuelling consumer demand.

Supplying over 8,000 retailers worldwide, including big names such as Sainsbury’s, River Island and Debenhams. Intelex Group has also expanded to supply internationally, proving their product’s popularity abroad.

Philip Gannon, Intelex Group’s founder, said “We can’t wait to unveil our new exhibition stand at Autumn Fair and seeing our new products being released to our loyal trade customers is always an exciting experience. We encourage all retailers to visit our stand to see what we have to offer.”

Tel: 01933679777 Web: www.intelex.co.uk

House of Marbles WWWW Hall 3, Stand: S50-T51 House of Marbles is the only place to visit if you are looking to stock the most popular children’s toy of all time – and from Autumn 2014 there is an even bigger and better selection than ever.

They are well-known for the most colourful, best quality and biggest variety of glass marbles on the market and these are now available from House of Marbles in a brand new range of net bags which are super-easy to retail and will make a fabulous pocket-money feature in any shop.

Each bag has a uniquely illustrated header card with amazing graphics designed to tempt marble fanatics to collect the whole range and there is a choice of stand size to fit all shops, big or small. Their selection and price points of marbles simply can’t be beaten – whether you want a few designs as impulse buys or would like to offer an in-depth range of colours and sizes, House of Marbles is the only place to visit.

And it’s not just marbles either! House of Marbles has been supplying gift and toy shops with gorgeous traditional toys, games and gifts since 1973. So for a wide and wonderful range of pocket money toys, musical instruments, crafts, children’s novelties, vintage family games, executive games and puzzles, plus masses of children’s and adult’s gift books make sure you talk to the professionals!

Tel: 01626 835285 Web: www.houseofmarbles.com/trade 78 gifts today

Great Gizmos

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Hall 5, Stand: D60/E61 Great Gizmos has a whole collection of autumn treats including ecofriendly wooden toy range Plan Toys, luxury plush brand NICI, traditional ride ons, plus more to discover from 4M on its stand at Autumn Fair this year.

Renowned for its highly successful arts and crafts kits, Great Gizmos continues to take creative play to another level with exciting new additions to its 4M range that will appeal to every artistic mind.

The Easy-to-Make Embroidery Stitches kit will allow kids to embroider and embellish their world; learning 10 new stitching skills along the way.

The French Knitting Owl Doll can be created in simple steps using French Knitting techniques to sew a chubby owl doll.

The owl theme continues with the Mould and Paint Glow Owls set that creates pins and magnets in six various owl designs that can be moulded, painted and displayed. Plus, the included glow powder means they will always be seen.

The Plan Toys collection of naturally coloured wooden toys that appeal to both boys and girls from the age of six months is currently leading the way in innovative manufacturing methods and its belief in sustainable play.

This autumn, sensory learning plays an important role in the Plan Toys portfolio with a series of toys that truly aid the development of children with special needs. The Braille Alphabet allows kids to create words in both upper and lower case, using the braille symbols present on the blocks. The Hand-Sign Alphabet allows children to learn sign language by mimicking the hand gestures that correspond to the letters printed on the wooden tiles.

Luxury plush and accessories collection NICI, offers everything from plush toys for tots to stationary and bedroom accessories for pre-teens.

Debuting at Autumn Fair are the new NICI ranges of Winter 2014, Hansel and Gretal, Horse Club Junior and the new Dragons collection that includes some ferocious looking creatures! These new ranges join favourites such as Cow, Meerkat, Schnauzer, Classic Bear, Summer and a whole host of Beanies, Beauties and MagNICI’s meaning there is something for every taste and every occasion.

Great Gizmos also offers a range of traditional ride on toys including the Classic Pedal Car that has a new powder pink colour that is ideal for girls and is made from the same strong steel as other vehicles in the collection.

The range expands further with models such as the Ride On Aeroplane, Rocket and Retro Racers in green and red.

Tel: 01293 543221 Email: enquiries@greatgizmos.co.uk

Autumn Fair Hall 3 Stand H44 & Top Drawer Stand G49

Handmade in England sales@heylandandwhittle.co.uk

www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk

Hall 5, Stand: B11

Take time to go ‘Green’!

Green Board Games have been producing great family games for nearly 25 years whilst maintaining the same values and ethos.

F

or a product to make the grade at GBG a game has to be easy to learn, quick to play, be played by multi abilities and ages, be great fun and have some learning element to it. As well as all of those boxes being ticked they also consider the environment in all they do (they have the green apple awards to prove it) and make sure that the contents of the box doesn’t disappoint. Throw in their free spare parts for life guarantee and they think they offer their customers and the consumer a pretty decent and quality product at great prices too.

Having exhibited for more years than they can remember Green Board Games loves Autumn Fair. As producers of tactile board games which help people play together and learn together, it gives them the opportunity of meeting their customers face to face, playing the games with them and seeing exactly what they think and having some fun.

The timing of this show is perfect, it is back to school time and everyone comes back fresh from the summer looking forward to Christmas. It gives GBG a good idea of what the golden quarter might look like and a chance to launch some new lines live at the show for immediate feedback.

Their stand is in the same spot as always, close to the entrance and the stairs to other halls, so you will be able to sniff out their milkshakes, hear the laughter and see their smiling faces as soon as you walk in! This year they will be launching a few new exciting products as always, as well as some

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family favourites, so visit them, have a milkshake, play some games and have some fun.

A couple of big games to announce: BrainBox Board Game The best selling 10 second memory game BrainBox has been developed into the action packed family Board Game! So What’s different? For a start, the board magically appears when you lift the lid of the box! There are 160 cards in eight different categories, and as you move around the board the aim is to collect one from each and return to the centre. There are also squares where you can try and get more than one card, steal them from others and challenge a player! This is the ultimate BrainBox challenge, a must for any stockiest of any BrainBox titles.

Name 5 Can you name 5 things that could make a person sneeze?

How about 5 planets? 5 video games? Fruits or vegetables beginning with ‘a’? Name 5 is the outrageous new party game that asks the easy questions you know the answers to. Sure you know the name of 1 actor named Tom, maybe even 2, but can you Name 5? It’s sold over 1 million copies in the USA alone and is due to be a

massive hit this Christmas in the UK, don’t miss the chance to be among the first to stock this classic family favourite.

Other products that GBG will be showing at AF14 As well as these two cracking family board games Green Board Games will be showing a few new BrainBox titles, including previews of new titles for 2015. They will also be showing the extended quick pick up range of fun, fast, funky games including Word Bits, 10 Up, Line Links, Dinosaur Dinners, and Fast Flags. Plus if that wasn’t enough they will be offering you a show deal on the stand while you have a sit down and enjoy a milkshake!

Tel: 01494538999 Web: www.greenboardgames.com

Lovingly Hand Poured in England

The Walking Stick Specialists Traditional and contemporary walking sticks, seat sticks and umbrellas for ladies and gentlemen.

Top Drawer Stand K31

AUTUMN FAIR 2014: HALL 4, STAND N03.

Or please contact us for a trade catalogue: www.themeltco.com email: info@themeltco.com 01200 443377

Warren House, Hinton St George, Somerset TA17 8TQ Tel +44 (0)1460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk

FIZZ CREATIONS

Gaeltag Keltika XXXX

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Hall 5, Stand: D34 – E35

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Hall 3, Stand: Y04 In the 10th anniversary year for the Lolita brand in the US, European licensees Gaeltag Keltika Ltd have launched a record number of new designs. At Top Drawer and Autumn Fair they will be showing both the Christmas range, together with the latest new non-seasonal items.

Top of the list is a line extension on the fabulous Lolita Superbling range which has been an outstanding success since introduction at the beginning of 2014.

The 2 new lines are glamourous ‘Leopardtini’ and of the ever popular ‘Red Hot’ designs, and presented in a beautifully finished box format. Also making an appearance will be a cool new wine glass called ‘Girlfriends Forever’ which comes in sophisticated and dramatic dark colours; ‘Happy Hour’ designed to recreate that Friday night feeling at home - both also featuring plenty of trademark Lolita sparkles.

Not to leave out options for the male of the species, there is also a new wine glass ‘5 O’clock Somewhere for Him’ and a new Beer ‘Sportsman of the Year’ a brilliant ‘all-rounder’ for the active - or armchair – sports enthusiast.

Gaeltag will be showing at Top Drawer stand M37 & the NEC Autumn Fair stand 3Y O4.

Tel: 020 8998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com Web: www.lolitadesigns.co.uk

Fizz Creations has over 40 brand new items launching at the Autumn Fair and some really strong ranges as well, so make sure you stop by and say hello to the fantastic Fizz team!

They have been selected to distribute the Zip It range of purses, pouches and bags, and are excited to be showing the whole selection at Autumn Fair. Not only can you have all the fun you want unzipping these until they are a single, long zip, but when they are all zipped up again you have a quirky, funky bag or pouch to use… The Zipit range is innovative, fun and massively appealing to kids, making them perfect for toy and gift stores alike… it’s time to unzip your mind!

As well as this, they have also been working on some other brilliant lines! Including but not exclusive to amazingly cool mugs, more of the hugely successful Drink Inc range, a selection of after dinner games and some fantastic robot products as well as the worlds’ trendiest slippers.

‘Selfies’ are massively on-trend and their Selfie Stick is sure to be a huge winner too this Christmas. The Selfie Stick is an extendable holder for your camera or phone which means you can shoot perfect selfie’s every time! There really is something for everyone on the Fizz Creations stand so please make sure you pay them a visit.

Tel: 01903 327006 Web: www.fizzcreations.com

Heyland & Whittle

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Hall 3, Stand: H44

Heaven Scent will be introducing a few new smells for customers to add to their collections, including their beautiful Wild Meadow. “We wanted to introduce a fragrance to celebrate British Wild Flowers. Over the years we have noticed the growing popularity of our Bluebell scent and wanted to expand on this iconic wild flower, we couldn’t choose just one flower so we created a wild meadow smell with a fresh green note to it.”

Heyland & Whittle are proud to introduce their new HOME collection. A contemporary collection of six fresh home fragrances available as reed diffusers and natural soy candles, all of the products pack a glorious visual punch in their bright, bold boxes.

Three fragrances have been developed from their popular Classic Range; Rose, Lavender and Grapefruit, the Home Collection also includes three brand new fragrances which are Alpine, Orient and Earl Grey. Whether you desire a fragrance that is crisp and fresh or something a little more aromatic and warm, you are sure to find the perfect aroma for your home.

Inspired by their original location on a farm in rural Surrey, Heyland & Whittle pride themselves on creating outstanding natural products with tradition, style and authenticity for a discerning market. Their hand-made soaps, reed diffusers, candles and beautifully packaged gifts are expertly cut, filled and decorated; making them something truly special and to be appreciated. Created using only traditional methods, Heyland & Whittle’s exquisite products lovingly combine natural ingredients, organics, colours and scents.

Heyland & Whittle is commited to ensuring all their products are sulphate and parabenfree and continues to extend and develop its luxurious, British-made range.

Tel: 01225 868788 Email: contact@heavenscent.co.uk

Tel: 01293863606 Web: www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk

Heaven Scent

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Hall L, Stand: L20

82 gifts today

Think Pink

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Hall 3, Stand: N40-P41 Think Pink is launching a fabulous range of LED Illuminated Canvas Art. The range consists of 20 different styles and sizes which cater for young boys and girls, teenagers and even students!!

Each piece is supplied with AA batteries, has a “TRY ME” function for in store use and also a built in timer which automatically turn the illuminations off after 2 hours. This feature is especially appealing to parents as they can use the canvas art as a nightlight. RRP range is £12.99 to £29.99.

Tel: 01253 831512 Web: www.thinkpinkblue2.com

AMBIENTE PAPER PRODUCTS THE COLLECTION THAT HAS NAPKINS AND TABLE ACCESSORIES FOR ALL SEASONS AND OCCASIONS.

Xystos - Pumpkin

We offer a 5 day delivery service from our factory in The Netherlands, so contact us or come and see our outstanding range.

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Hall 5, Stand: H01 Available from Xystos, Spooky Pumpkin is the Halloween offering from WoodWick, the candle with the crackling wick. This eye-catching mosaic vessel and freshly carved pumpkin with a delightful dash of crushed cinnamon clove create the perfect mood – not only for this special evening but on other dark nights too.

Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk

Please call for more info, Richard Weitzkorn: 07956424482 email:richard@ambproducts.co.uk or see us at a show.

Top Drawer Olympia London, Jan 11-13 2015 Scotlands Trade Fair. Secc. Glasgow, Jan 19-21 2015 Spring Fair at NEC Birmingham, Feb 1-5 2015 www.ambiente.eu gifts today 83

Hall 5, Stand: L71

Buddy Balls have arrived!

Asked to invent “the greatest toy ever made” for a school project, 6-year-old Max combined two childhood essentials to make one new favourite: a plush ball that transforms into a teddy bear with a secret compartment.

D

ubbed Buddy Balls by MaxLand Toys, the soft toys are suitable for kids ages 3 and up, available in four colour combinations and wholesale for £11.90 or €15 each. They retail for £24.99 or €29.99.

When Max came home with this school project, he was so excited to create the perfect toy that he immediately started making a list of qualities it would need: After thinking hard about all of his favourite playthings, he decided the “best toy ever” simply could not be ONE toy. Instead, why not combine the two he couldn’t do without--one of his sports balls and his beloved plush sleep “buddy”?

With a little help from his parents, he did just that...and Buddy Balls was born!

Mum and Dad were recruited to help construct the first prototypes and Max joined several school friends to present a skit about the new toy.

Not only did his classmates love the story of how the Buddy Ball was created, but they wanted to know where they could get one for themselves!

And before they knew it, their family had jumped into the toy business.

Inspired by Max’s creation MaxLand Toys was created with the goal of producing a high-quality plush toy that would become a childhood favourite.

Looking back at Max’s list with a new perspective, they were struck by what is NOT on it - no joystick, swipe screen, or battery. In an age of technology where even 3 year-olds are adept at loading their favourite “app”, young children still have a true love for the simplest toys. And it is their hope that every child who receives a Buddy Ball will love it as much as we loved making it!

Chosen to be a part of Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards! Buddy Balls was given to some of the most amazing celebrities and athletes in their nominee bags!

Keep your eyes open for sightings of celebrities and their kids snuggling and tossing the softest toy out there! New images are cropping up every day!

Buddy Balls are being distributed in Ireland & the UK by Little Gifts Ltd. An Irish based family business who specialise in bringing new products to market and building brands within the territory.

A father and son business established over 25 years, they have long focused on personalised Christmas products.

This past season they helped to bring The Irish Fairy Door Company to the market in Ireland and it was a great success.

As a result of this they have now ventured into further wholesale distribution.

Little Gifts Ltd. are now the exclusive distributors for Buddy 84 gifts today

Balls throughout Ireland and the UK. They are also exclusive distributors for Polarx Ornaments & Gifts in Ireland and are the Irish based distributors for Elf On The Shelf.

They have put a lot of time and energy into creating media plans to market all of their products and increase knowledge of the brand in the area. This in turn enhances sales of all of our products for all of their customers.

Little Gifts Ltd. are currently looking for a number of retail partners that understand the brand and the product and have the right customer base. They are looking to limit market saturation at the initial stages to keep the product exclusive so it is a case of first come, first served. So call by their stand at Autumn Fair, stand 5L71 and place your order today.

Tel: 02033227833 Email: trade@ buddyballs.co.uk

See the new collections at Hall 4 Stand L30 Mala Leather Ltd

2 Bridgeside Trading Estate, Kettlebrook Road, Tamworth B77 1AG Tel: 01827 67401 Fax: 01827 67046 Web: www.malaleather.com

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The Kenro collection 2014

Gifts that hit the right note

The Chopin Bag

Singin’ in the rain Umbrella

Kenro specialise in high quality photo frames and designer photo albums. Our stunning new 2014 collection has been designed for quality conscious retailers who appreciate superior products and a service to match.

www.musicgifts.co.uk orders@musicgifts.co.uk 01202 570057 Supplying the photographic & gift trade for over 40 years

Also available: stationery, men’s gifts, kitchen gifts, jewellery and much more.

Kenro Ltd, Greenbridge Road, Swindon, SN3 3LH t: 01793 615836 f: 01793 530108 e: sales@kenro.co.uk

www.kenro.co.uk Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook

Autumn Fair, NEC, 7-10 September 2014, Hall 3–Stand X41

Hall 3, Stand: J50-L51

It’s time to discover RJB Stone, the home of Sass & Belle It may be that you don’t know their name but you will know their products - namely the patchwork owl cushions seen all over the UK and Europe that have become something of a trademark for them.

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JB Stone is a London based giftware wholesaler and the home of the Sass & Belle brand. They offer over 4000 quirky, ontrend, desirable and affordable gifts and home accessories.

RJB Stone stands for Richard John Benedict Stone, the name of the founder and Managing Director of the company. With Richard’s talent for sales and a brilliant eye for the latest hot gifts, his business has expanded dramatically since it was formed in 1997. He now employs 101 staff at the RJB Stone headquarters in South London and also has four Sass & Belle retail shops.

Sass & Belle gifts and home

86 gifts today

decorations are a little less obvious, a little more quirky and a lot of fun.

With a wide range of products ranging from pretty jewellery displays, vintage photo frames, kids’ accessories and fun cushions, there is something for everyone, for all occasions. The products are all designed in the UK (they have 6 in-house designers) and are created for the company around the world including the UK, India, China, Thailand, the Philippines and Nepal.

One line of products –some charming bicycle brooches - is supplied by a women’s cooperative in Nigeria.

RJB Stone exhibits at the main UK and European Trade Shows and have regular stands at the Spring and Autumn Fairs in Birmingham, Harrogate Christmas and Home & Gift, Pulse, Top Drawer, Maison et Objet, Formex, Homi, Tendence and Ambiente.

Despite its wide export market, RJB Stone has no overseas distributors and no sales agents; sales, warehousing and dispatch all take place in London. Their friendly sales and office staff have a wealth of experience in the trade and will be happy to assist you in a relaxed atmosphere. Richard Stone strongly believes that business should be fun, creative and innovative and

his energy and enthusiasm are clearly shared by all staff members.

The company is currently aligning the brand strategy for RJB Stone and Sass & Belle. They are also in the process of updating their transactional wholesale website and is steadily increasing their digital presence through Social Media and blogs.

RJB Stone will be showcasing at both Autumn Fair and Top Drawer more than 400 new products from their Autumn/Winter 2014 collection, many of which have already arrived in stock.

Included in the A/W ranges are more gorgeous vintage florals, our favourite being the new Lady Antoinette print.

With beautiful roses, this romantic print has been used on letter blocks, photo frames, stationary, tote bags and even an umbrella.

They are expanding their selection of gorgeous rustic boudoir home accessories. The beautiful and highly successful vintage blue Delilah range which encompasses wooden boxes and photo frames has been increased and completed by pretty cream and blue hooks, jewellery displays and clocks in the shapes of birds and stags.

RJB Stone is also launching this autumn three collections of home accessories in fabulous exotic and folk prints: Turkish Dream, Modern Morocco and Russian Baroque, all in clever home

accessories such as unusual photo frames, display cabinets and multi hooks.

Kids haven’t been forgotten either with even more cute picnic boxes, backpacks and lovely wooden kid’s bedroom decorations.

Finally, with Christmas just around the corner, there is also a great range of over 400 affordable Christmas products.

Their extensive collection includes both traditional and quirky Christmas themes, but they are always beautifully crafted and include tree decorations, bunting, candle holders, cute gift tags and more.

With all of these fantastic products RJB Stone is the stand to visit at this season’s trade shows. Meet their friendly team and see the unique display of their beautiful Sass & Belle products. With a minimum order of only £150 (exc VAT), and carriage paid over £200 there is nothing stopping you from sharing the joy of the Sass & Belle products.

RJB Stone, putting fun into giftware.

RJB Stone are also exhibiting at Top Drawer, Stand: P20.

Tel: +44 (0) 207 346 0100 Email: rjbenquiries@rjbstone.com Web: www.rjbstone.com

The Walking Stick Specialists Traditional and contemporary walking sticks, seat sticks and umbrellas for ladies and gentlemen.

Exhibiting New Christmas Designs at Autumn Fair

AUTUMN FAIR 2014: HALL 4, STAND N03.

Or please contact us for a trade catalogue: Warren House, Hinton St George, Somerset TA17 8TQ Tel +44 (0)1460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk

Neviti GiftScribes

Hall 3, Stand: U41

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Hall 5, Stand: J46 GiftScribes is one of the leading UK distributors of personalisable Christmas decorations. More than 250 items include classic festive season designs for snowmen, reindeer, Santa’s sleigh and a stocking full of presents. In addition, many seasonal sentiments for couples, families and friends are covered; as well as humorous decorations depicting everything from penguins and gingerbread men to shopaholics.

Every product in the exclusive, design-led ‘Special Moments’ Christmas collection can be personalised easily at the point of sale or after purchase; transforming a thoughtful gift into a collectable keepsake. All are made from high quality poly resin and each comes with a gift bag and hanging ribbon so that they can be hung from the tree or displayed anywhere around the home.

GiftScribes will also be showing a collection of exquisite, high quality photo frames, including new animal-themed designs and personalisable Christmas frames.

Also featured will be their ever-popular range of piggy banks including traditional pigs with contemporary designs and new themes for 2014.

Everyone is made from sturdy ceramic with a hard-wearing glaze and pretty raised artwork. All feature a removable stopper and a slot for a £2 coin and the smaller versions are supplied in a gift box covered in silk finish paper.

Tel: 01584 811 190 Email: sales@giftscribes.co.uk Web: www.giftscribes.co.uk

RibbonWick/Xystos Hall 5, Stand: H01 RibbonWick – slogan ‘Candlelight reinvented’ – has seven new fragrances available in large and medium sizes in its Décor Glass collection – Autumn Daybreak, Cinnamon Ribbon, Cypress Woods, Fall Fresco, Indigo Plum, Peppermint Truffle and Tannery – while the Scalloped Glass range sees three new introductions, Golden Pumpkin, Frosted Balsam and Cinnamon Ribbon. Available from Xystos.

Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos. co.uk Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk 88 gifts today

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Neviti are delighted to announce the launch of their new boy’s party collection Robot Heroes. The new range features four futuristic robot characters across a wide array of tableware and decorations in a vibrant rainbow colour palette. Party catering is a breeze with a wonderful selection of tableware including plates, cups, napkins, treat tubs and lunch boxes featuring the fun robot motifs, offering the perfect way to serve your party treats. It’s easy to spread the word about your gathering too with fun invitations announcing ‘We’re having a party’ with plenty of space to write your party particulars, matching in with your celebratory theme.

Decorating your venue is made easy with an eye-catching bunting featuring a funky ‘Happy Birthday’ text made from a selection of robot tools and colourful balloons featuring the Robot Heroes, perfect for your guests to take home with them along with a party bag filled with treats. The name stickers within the range are an exciting new item for Neviti and we’re sure your guests will be delighted to receive one to welcome them to your celebration.

Tracey Cooper Director at Neviti commented, “We are very excited to be launching this fun party collection featuring friendly robot characters for birthdays and celebrations. We hope this range is enjoyed by our customers as much as we have enjoyed designing it.”

Web: www.neviti.com

St Eval Candle Company XXXX

Hall 3, Stand: H51

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Although summer has been fun it is time to look forward to the nights pulling in and the air getting cooler. St Eval Candle Company has all you will need to make any house feel like a home this autumn.

The company’s seasonal scents include Dewberry & Bramble, Sandalwood, Leaf and Hellebore.

St Eval will be launching its biggest ever Christmas Candle Collection which includes two new smaller versions of last year’s runaway success – the Angel and Festive terracotta pots as well as an equally stunning range of glass candle holders. Due to the success of St Evals Diffuser Collection, the Company will be adding Embers to its list, let the scent whisk you away to being sat next to a roaring log fire with snow fluttering passed the window.

Treat your senses by coming along and having a smell of over 30 different scented candles which are all quintessentially British and very St Eval.

St Eval Candle Company will be exhibiting at the below shows this autumn: Autumn Fair Stand: 3H51 / Top Drawer: A21

Tel: 01841 540850 Email: info@stevalcandlecompany.co.uk Web: www.stevalcandlecompany.co.uk

Save a

pretty penny

Carrie Elspeth EXCLUSIVE DESIGNER JEWELLERY

Piggy Banks

Where else would you save the pennies and pounds? GiftScribes now offer a range of traditional piggy banks in a choice of sizes.

Each one is made from sturdy ceramic with a hard-wearing glaze and brightly coloured, pretty themed artwork.

H A N D M A D E I N WA L E S

Autumn Fair 4G36 & Top Drawer ZE31 Showing Autumn & previewing Christmas 2014 sales@carrieelspeth.com

www.carrieelspeth.com

1SPWFO EFNBOE t (PPE NBSHJOT 4NBMM NJOJNVN PSEFST t IPVS EFMJWFSZ (P UP www.giftscribes.co.uk F.BJM sales@giftscribes.co.uk $BMM 01584 811 190

Hall 5, Stand: C10/D11

Quench your thirst with Joe Davies Gift retailers have an unquenchable thirst for new products and no doubt Autumn Fair will be full of buyers looking for that elusive new line to boost sales and delight their customers.

It’s no coincidence that most of them will be making a beeline to Joe Davies’ popular Hall 5 stand right next to the Piazza entrance.

T

he company are famous for the huge amount and sheer variety of the exciting new products they bring to market and they always seem to deliver something that little bit different to give their customers an

and fashion accessories. Over 7000 products in total will be on display and the full range has to be seen to be fully appreciated.

Among the highlights are the Equilibrium Collection of jewellery and fashion accessories, an extensive and eye-catching collection of Christmas

Among the highlights are the Equilibrium Collection of jewellery and fashion accessories, an extensive and eye-catching collection of Christmas products, one of the largest ranges of photo frames and occasion gifts in the country, hundreds of best selling tin and wood message signs and the fabulous Leonardo Collection edge in the high street. By 10 past 9 most mornings the Joe Davies’ stand has the kind of buzz that makes being at a trade show so enjoyable and stimulating.

This Autumn Fair will be no exception as Joe Davies introduce their brand new collections for Autumn and Winter to eager customers. Over 2000 fresh, innovative gifts, photo frames, jewellery 90 gifts today

products, one of the largest ranges of photo frames and occasion gifts in the country, hundreds of best selling tin and wood message signs and the fabulous Leonardo Collection. Definitely not to be missed are snoozies!, the cosy little foot coverings that are Joe Davies’ best ever seller. Also take a look at Poo Pourri the ‘before-you-go’ toilet spray that has caused such a sensation in Continued on page 92

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Stand out from the crowd

FREESIA

SWEET PEA

A perfect combination of Bergamot, Tuberose and Sandalwood.

Hints of sweet pea with notes of Rose, Lily and Apricot.

HANDM

IN THE ADE UK

Simply Stunning Glassware Come and see the UK’s favourite supplier of quality handmade Tree of Life Balls, Friendship collections and popular Fused Glass designs.

Exciting new products!

D & J Glassware

SEE US AT STAND 3G40

Autumn Fair International, NEC Hall 5 Stand F16

T. 01670 512222 • www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

www.dandjglassware.co.uk

Tel: 01953 450280

Coopies Field • Morpeth • Northumberland • NE61 6JT • UK

Hall 5, Stand: C10/D11

the USA and is now over here and only available from Joe Davies.

The Equilibrium Collection alone has doubled in size since last year in response to customer demand.

The range has fast become a staple line for Joe Davies’ independent retail customers and at the Autumn Fair they will get to see some lovely new sentiment ranges, exotic, new, coloured crystal pieces, modern charm bracelets, beautifully boxed earrings and jewellery sets and commercial new bangles and necklaces. There are dozens of new fashion accessories too – don’t miss the new fingerless gloves as well as boxed hats and scarves which are perfect for Christmas gifts.

Equilibrium Men’s jewellery and fashion accessories are also proving a big hit and there are some great new lines to choose from.

Autumn Fair is a great place to top up on Christmas gifts and Joe Davies

coverings, from the USA have become Joe Davies’ best seller in 95 years of doing business! Christmas sales of these lovely soft slippers are incredible and there are 7 new ranges for selection at Autumn Fair including boys and girls snoozies! and charming new animal snoozies! for babies and adults too.

It’s not often that something completely new comes in to the market and this is perhaps why Poo-Pourri, the before-you-go toilet spray, has caused such a stir this year. Joe Davies have secured exclusive distribution from the States where 5 million bottles have been sold in gift shops. Poo-Pourri is a fun product to stock and sell and what’s more “it really works”, so quickly becomes a fun gift and a household staple.

Joe Davies’ other new products are just too numerous to mention and a visit to their Hall 5 stand is a must for

Autumn Fair is a great place to top up on Christmas gifts and Joe Davies offer a super collection. This years top sellers include gorgeous hand-made, glass Christmas Trees and newly reintroduced Christmas Bearington Bears that will charm any customer offer a super collection. This years top sellers include gorgeous hand-made, glass Christmas Trees and newly reintroduced Christmas Bearington Bears that will charm any customer.

Joe Davies are proud to be the UK’s largest distributor of the Leonardo Collection from Lesser and Pavey and have been selling Leonardo in sensible quantities to the independent retailers for over 45 years. All that is new and good from Leonardo will be on show including unbeatable new mugs and ceramic ranges plus Northern Lights; a gorgeous new collection of premium, quality, candles from the States.

Snoozies!, the cosy little foot

those in search of something different.

The company has been serving Independent Retailers for over 95 years and as well as offering a huge variety of new products they aim to make buying from them as simple, pleasurable and efficient as possible. This means all 7000+ gifts on their stand will be attractively displayed and clearly priced to make selection as easy as possible.

Buying across the range is practical and affordable as everything is available to purchase in Joe Davies trademark ‘Little & Often’ quantities. Furthermore minimum quantities are just £100 and delivery is free nationwide.

Joe Davies’ friendly staff recently won their 12th ‘Greats’ award for Customer Service and are delighted to invite all visitors to Autumn Fair to their stand to see their exciting collection and to experience Joe Davies’ unique way of doing business. Why not make them your first stop.

See Joe Davies at Autumn Fair, NEC Birmingham, Hall 5, Stand C10/D11.

Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk 92 gifts today

Traditional Men’s Grooming Gifts The ‘Taylor’ brand epitomises classic British style with understated elegance, reliability and quality; using original designs and natural materials where appropriate. Established in 1854, Taylor of old Bond Street has provided gentlemen with the finest luxury male grooming products and accessories.

Distributed in the UK by

FANCY METAL GOODS LIMITED

See us at the AUTUMN FAIR, NEC BIRMINGHAM 7-10 SEPTEMBER 2014, HALL 5 STAND K20

T: 0121 459 9777 E: office@fmgsales.co.uk Quote AF14 to obtain your show offer

STAND AUTUMN FAIR

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Licensed Gifts

Brand New Information Assistant Editor Caroline Eyles looks into the licensing sector of the gift industry and finds out what exactly all the fuss is about

L

icensing comes in all shapes and sizes, from fashion houses in glasses, music producers in headphones, to celebrity chefs in home baking. The gift categories, as one might expect, are dominated more by the Character licenses mainly owned by film studios and entertainment groups.

So what is it about a character licence that appeals to a consumer, and why might a licensed product make a good gift?

According to the Personalised Memento Company, the audience is quite broad when it comes to the consumer of a licensed product, from gift givers through to the receiver themselves having grown their own relationship with a brand.

Keren Dicken, Sales and Marketing Director at PMC comments: “The key we have found to a successful license is that the brands are trusted and well recognised, with a fully adaptable design that works with the gifts we supply.

“An example of a strong licence is our personalised range of Forever Friends gifts, it is such a successful brand as it is instantly recognisable. A brand needs to be versatile for gift ideas all year round for occasions including Wedding, Birthdays and Christmas.

We find that licenses are an important part of what we do within our range and have some exciting and well-loved brands launching this season.”

Catching the eye of the consumer when it comes to character licensing

94 gifts today

is relatively easy in comparison to a non-licensed product since it’s the name or recognisable face that helps to encourage the sale.

Gibsons is a company experienced at attaining licenses and applying them to successful puzzles and games, offering a wide range of gifts for people with an interest or following in a particular brand.

Sales and Marketing Manager at Gibsons, Amanda Murphy comments: “Licensed jigsaw puzzles offer us two very different markets - those who enjoy puzzling as a hobby and those who enjoy the particular licensed book or TV show allowing us to widen the products appeal and really drive volume. We find classic licenses work best for us, anything from Call the Midwife to Roald Dahl as they often induce nostalgia in one’s own upbringing.”

With a huge following behind it, Gibsons has acquired the Downton Abbey licence which has proved a hit with viewers, and in turn a hit with consumers.

Amanda Murphy at Gibsons comments on the brand, and thus the product’s success: “Downton Abbey, by Oscar winning writer Julian Fellowes, attracts 11 million viewers each week. With the fifth series being released this Autumn, once again keeping people glued to their TV screens, the Downton Abbey licensed theme products provide a true sense of nostalgia making them must have gifts for fans everywhere.

“Our 1000 and 500 piece Downton

Enesco - Santoro Since its launch in January 2014, the heart-warming range of sweet and whimsical Santoro’s Gorjuss keepsakes has gone from strength to strength, and sensational new introductions for June 2014 develop the collection’s appeal even more.

Exciting new product concepts added to the collection mid-year include two Water Balls, featuring Rainy Daze and I Love You Little Rabbit, plus two Photo Frames capturing the warm emotion of the original illustrations of Ruby and On Top Of The World.

Two of the four new figurine launches— Little Red and Ladybird — portray the endearing stripy-socked girl in adorable outfits, whilst My Own Universe is an enchanting princess in her own world and I Found My Family In A Book depicts a wistful gorjuss girl who has created a delicate cut-out paperchain family of her very own.

Beautifully packaged and complete with a gift card for a personal message, every Santoro collectible keepsake has been created to own, love and to treasure.

Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk Abbey jigsaw puzzles have far exceeded all of our expectations and its increasingly evident that fans simply can’t get enough of the Crawley family!

Such licensed products are high on consumer’s wish list as they offer escapism from the everyday pressures of life.”

Stocking up on licensed products is a clear way to extend your product offering to your consumer without having to worry too much about its popularity. If you pick popular license, you stand a strong chance of it being popular with your consumers.

Gibsons

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With millions of viewers worldwide and fans that include Julia Roberts and Mick Jagger, Downton Abbey is the post-Edwardian British period drama that everyone is talking about, and the incoming fifth season is a muchanticipated affair that has both male and female fans giddy with excitement.

Due to the main focus on how historical events affected people’s lives emotionally and physically, Downton Abbey’s target audience has always been the middle-aged female, however we can’t help but notice the huge rise in male viewers the show has had over the last four years. When we asked a group of male Downton Abbey fans what they enjoyed most about the show, most of them mentioned the World War I time period and the technological developments that are illustrated throughout the seasons, including the cars and telephones.

Lady Grantham’s witty quotes are not to go unrewarded either. Her amusing anecdotes and snide remarks add a touch of humour to the drama and distance the viewer from a previous tear-jerking scene or on-going scandalous affair that gets the whole living room talking.

With the fourth series ending in Edith’s decision to leave her baby in Switzerland and Mary deciding to keep quiet about her discovery that Bates may well have killed the valet Mr Green, there is no doubt that Series 5 will include many twists and turns, and to accompany it’s release is the launch of Gibsons fourth annual Downton Abbey jigsaw.

This year, the jigsaws are available in either 1000 or 500 pieces and are presented in smaller, square gift boxes that portray a montage of snapshots of unforgettable scenes and storylines, from Rose’s Debutante Ball, to Lady Mary’s new life as an heiress of the Downton Abbey estate. Perfect for those who can’t wait to get their next Downton Abbey fix!

Tel: 020 8661 8866 Web: www.gibsonsgames.co.uk

That company called if TTTT A global license has been awarded to IF to develop a range of stylish products with National Geographic. A range of packs of playing cards that feature 52 legendary images from the Society’s photographic archives will be launched in Autumn 2015, along with a range of stunning lenticular bookmarks.

Managing Director John Calvert said, “For a long time I have seen the potential for new product opportunities in partnership with National Geographic.

I am delighted that it has finally come together.” The Playing Cards will be on display at IF’s stand 3U01 at Autumn Fair.

Tel: 01751 475757 Email: new@thatcompanycalledif.com Web: www.thatcompanycalledif.com

Tractor Ted

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ractor Ted best selling children’s farm character is adding to its number one Farm Machines design with another sure fire winner, the Digger design across giftware including childs rucksack, insulated lunch bag and new snack pots. Tractor Ted books rival sales of many TV based characters and provide a lifestyle brand of clothing, giftware, toys, books and DVDs depicting real life adventure down on the farm. Fully merchandised on slatwall POS. Agents provide merchandising support to stockists.

Tel: 01373 834500 Email: sales@tractorted.co.uk Web: www.tractorted.co.uk gifts today 95

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Special - Brian Wiseman of Present Company

n a m e s i Brian W d o o g a s y enjo p o h s e h t day at Maybe we need bad days in order to value the good ones. One year ago, the expiry of our lease Brian Wiseman

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oday’s been a good day.

Sold some furniture. Lots of customers, several wanting help all at the same time - buzzing.

Almost felt like the good old days when yet another building society had demutualised and happy shoppers flocked with windfall cheques burning holes in their pockets. Yes, it’s days like this when I remember why I enjoy this so much. There’s a dining table set sold, a sweet old lady who’s returning on Monday to pay for some old Indian pieces, some lamps have been sold, some textiles, gifts, games and gadgets. Should I find myself gift retailing in Paradise, this is what it will feel like.

Maybe we need bad days in order to value the good ones. One year ago, the expiry of our lease approaching, it was a hard decision to stay with Present Company rather than close it down forever. But the high street environment still remains difficult. A young mother commented, “We used to have a coffee at home then go shopping to the town centre. Now we go to the town centre for 96 gifts today

approaching, it was a hard decision to stay with Present Company rather than close it down forever.

our coffee and then go home to do our shopping!”

This last year has taken us through the pain barrier so it is with delight that I am able to report progress. We have recently taken another warehouse which has enabled us to hugely extend the sales floor.

And the website is beginning to bear fruit.

Many retailers are bitterly disappointed with their internet presence after being lectured that their entire futures lay there.

We have kept moderate expectations. The shop is driving traffic to our website, and the website to our shop. And our internet orders are growing, the overwhelming majority despatching to the north. Maybe those good northern folk are spending rather less on mortgages and rents than us property obsessed mugs in the south?

Advertising and marketing has now become an absolute inescapable necessity to even small businesses. Once upon a time we expected to pay a comparatively high rent and all the costs associated with that to gain a prominent town centre location. The rent was the primary advertising budget. We would invest in minimal (and not very imaginative) advertising and wait for the grateful customers to come. Of course, careful research of location was always essential, but virtually everyone visited their local town centre at least fairly frequently. And we expected to fit the shop thoughtfully, buy with flair, price carefully and display beautifully.

Suspicious of both press and radio advertising, we summoned up bravery and scheduled a campaign with a local free glossy magazine that, we felt, Present Company customers would identify with. The result has been by far the most successful advertising campaign we have ever embarked upon.

Are we alone in finding that a small but vocal minority of customers feel the need to dispense unsolicited and unwanted business advice? It is usually uninformed, largely

misguided and alarmingly based upon a gaping innumeracy. A rather nice lady in her fifties told me about her business adventure; she had paid £600 for a pitch at a show, but took only £590 in sales, “So I covered my costs.” What? Did she pay absolutely nothing for her stock? My guess is that she probably lost at least £300 by any standard definition of profit and loss.

Harrogate Home and Gift Fair drew substantial attendance as ever and captured the atmosphere of bygone years.

The space was certainly well sold, even if there were a few exhibitors conspicuous by their absence. Louise abandoned me to visit India on a buying trip so I wandered lonely and forlorn. I enjoyed meeting many, many retailers, exhibitors and sales agents who kindly stopped to chat. But the mood was often apprehensive, some even told me that their sales are still deteriorating almost six years after the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Which is fairly shocking.

I caused a micro controversy by writing last month that the home and gift trade faced irrelevance in Austerity Britain. I was perturbed to find that most agreed with me! As if to illustrate the point, I received a rather nice email presenting some rather nice but unexceptional notebooks. Selling for £39 each! Yes, £39! Call me negative, call me defeatist, but I promise you dear reader that I could not sell a single notebook for £39. Am I wrong?

See you at the unmissable Autumn Fair 7 – 10 September.

Brian Wiseman has owned home and gift shop Present Company in Burgess Hill, West Sussex for 27 years. The business has recently relocated following the expiry of the lease. Brian’s wife Louise is buyer and highly suspicious that her husband’s participation at Harrogate was characterised by chatter rather than work. brian_presentco@yahoo.co.uk

Sales Team Leader and National Account Manager

We are a forward thinking family company who, through recent expansion, have increased market share and have expanded our product range.

Boxer has been trading for over 30 years and has a solid foundation which is ready for further expansion. The role provides an interesting and exciting opportunity for the right candidate.

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See us at Top Drawer stand R46

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At Boxer we are proudly creating innovative, quirky and fun Giftware designed in the UK and exported around the world. We are Gift Book publishers for the fun market and we source and distribute gifts and gift books from other creative companies for distribution in the UK and Europe. We are a fun company in the fun business and work in a relaxed but busy environment! We aim to provide quality product, at reasonable (not budget!) prices, a strong customer service team and a fantastic despatch service.

Boxer is looking for a Sales Team Leader and Key Account Builder to be based in its Leeds office, reporting directly to the Managing Director. The highly motivated and experienced sales professional will lead and develop the small team of in house sales staff and be responsible for overseeing and expanding existing house accounts. Through self motivation, the applicant will generate an appetite for adding new business and move towards a prominent role in product and company direction.

To apply contact: Thomas O’Brien ( thomas@boxergifts.com) Salary Competitive DOE Boxer Swinnow Lane, Bramley Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS13 4BS www.boxergifts.com - www.booksbyboxer.com - www.shwingsonline.co.uk

Tractor Ted Books • Films • Gifts • Clothing • Live Events

www.tractorted.co.uk

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01373 834500 4500

Soft leather shoes designed to give total comfort for little growing feet +44 (0)1495 311123 | www.inch-blue.com

IFT NEW G ES RANG NOW E ABL AVAIL

Real Life Adventure and Discovery in the Countryside

What’s in your Top Drawer?

14th - 16th September 2014

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hristmas buying has never been so exciting with the return of Top Drawer this September, now with an autumn/ winter edition of Home running alongside. With expertly curated content, Top Drawer welcomes over 700 hand-selected design-led giftware, fashion accessories and children’s companies; a mix of bestselling brands as well as quirky new-to-market designers.

More, more, more Organiser, Clarion Events, are pleased to announce that Top Drawer and Home combined will deliver an event that is 35% bigger, with over 1000 UK and international brands to inspire retailers and get tills ringing this Christmas.

The shows will welcome 50% more international exhibitors including Tulipop, Matt & Nat, Kikkerland, Edition Dans Sa Tete, BOOKMAN and

hundreds more, many launching in the UK market for the first time.

Furthermore, 80% of Top Drawer and Home exhibitors will not be at any other gift trade event this autumn, placing the show firmly on the retailers’ A/W event calendar.

A greater choice for retailers Committed to discovering and supporting bright new talent, Top Drawer sees the return of Spotted, a section of the show designed to create an entry point for an entire new generation of exhibitors and curated design-based businesses who have never before been seen at a major UK trade fair.

Compiled by leading journalist, Charlotte Abrahams, who has an eye for spotting the new kids on the block, the final selection is a real treat and includes Heidi Nicole Design, Oscar Francis, Robin & Mould and 15 others.

Many brands have chosen Top

Drawer as their only show this season; testament to the strength of the show as a buying event. 40% of exhibitors are also making their debut at Top Drawer this September.

Iconic designers and manufacturers of fashion, lifestyle and beauty products, SLG, are brand new and exclusive to Top Drawer, launching their sassy and retro styled collection called Bev Ridge.

French stationery brand, Edition dans sa Tete, are launching exclusively onto the UK market at Top Drawer, with their humorous collection of stationery, already stocked in many high end French department stores.

With an inspiring line-up, Top Drawer is the place to source products from leading brands including: Kikkerland, Xystos, Mala, Absolutely Divine, Puckator, Country Candles, St Eval, Lip International, SENCE Copenhagen, Cubic, Wild And Wolf, The Renovation Store, Bombay Duck, Cinderela B, Select Cards

UK, Lovethelinks, Big Metal, Tulipop, Umbra, Nkuku, Edition dans sa Tete, Manta, Manhattan Toy, Apothecary & Barbershop Supply Co. and hundreds more.

The retailers’ favourite More than 80% of visitors believe that Top Drawer is the best place to discover design-led gifts while 45% of Top Drawer’s UK buyers visit no other trade events in their buying calendars.

As the only focused exhibition in the gift sector of the retail market, Top Drawer allows visitors unprecedented access to not only the finest products the market has to offer, but also the latest trends and ideas, innovations and insight.

Top Drawer is running alongside Home, the definitive homeware and accessories buying event.

To register for both shows,

visit www.topdrawer.co.uk

Inch Blue Stand: R46

Inch Blue has been designing soft leather baby shoes for 15 years and the key to the brand’s longevity is its commitment to design.

There are dozens of new styles added each season and visitors to Top Drawer will also be able to view the latest Autumn/Winter and Festive designs ahead of the party season at Stand R46.

Inch Blue will also be re-launching their award winning tan sheepskin boots called “Cwtches”.

All Inch Blue’s shoes are made with love in their workshop in Wales using soft, natural, chrome 6-free leather.

Inch Blue shoes are available from 0 - 6 years and gift sets and Cwtches are available from 0 - 12 months.

Email: sales@inch-blue.com Web: www.inch-blue.com 98 gifts today

Top Drawer London 14- 16 September 2014 Stand U46.

A WICK THAT DOES S WONDERS S The leading British manufactured home fragrance brand, The Country Candle Company brings Wonderwick Blanc™, a product of sheer sophistication with the specifically developed wooden wick offering consumers the comforting sound of crackling firewood along with optimum fragrance.

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Beefayre

Xystos – Woodland Friends SSSS

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Stand: U34

Since launching in 2012, Beefayre has enjoyed huge success with its collection of natural plant wax candles, diffusers, body and bath products and greeting cards. Their distinctive style combines traditional botanical illustrations, with contemporary design and colour.

The fabulous new Homeware Collection is creating quite a buzz this year, using an ontrend pastel palette of colours, ideal for any home. Also new for 2014 is the ‘Winter Scent’ three candle box set, complete with matching gift card. (RRP £24) Handmade in Britain, using the finest natural ingredients. The popular Winter Berries aroma, made form pure essential oil, is now available in a stunning 3 wick Christmas centrepiece candle. Burn time 65+ hrs and with our signature print in gold.

3% of profits to bee conservation projects in the UK – its a better way to bee!

Tel: 01858 434492 Email: sales@beefayre.com Web: www.beefayre.com

Country Candles

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One of the leading British manufactured home fragrance brands, The Country Candle Company brings Wonderwick Blanc, a product of sheer sophistication with the specifically developed wooden wick offering consumers the comforting sound of crackling firewood along with optimum fragrance.

Available in 6 fragrances that consumers will just love the Wonderwick Blanc collection is fresh, pure white, giving a clean look.

In addition, its unique new wooden wick gives a soot free burn with the soothing sound of crackling wood.

Bringing the fresh scents of the outdoor, indoors, Wonderwick Blanc fragrances include, Apple Blossom and Honeysuckle & Jasmine, classic British Summertime florals whilst Spiced Lime, Coconut & Mango and Black Pomegranate offers succulent and fruity. The last fragrance has been captured by The Country Candle Company perfectly; Fresh Linen is like climbing into bed with sheets straight from the washing line.

Each fragrance is in a clear glass with a contemporary silver lid and pure white wax, giving the range an air of sophistication in your store.

Merchandise on an outpost display with relevant POS to attract the consumer to this romantic collection.

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The innovative Virginia Gift Brands has added Woodland Friends to the best selling WoodWick range distributed by Xystos. This is an adorable collection of wide-eyed pals featuring top selling fragrances. These include the warm, natural scent of Vanilla Bean, and Evening Bonfire, with the inviting fragrance of warm woods evoking memories of cool nights around a smouldering fire with dear friends. More winners from the candle with the crackling wick.

Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk

Absolutely Divine

Stand: U46

Tel: 01225 794920 Web: www.thecountrycandlecompany.com

Stand: U50

XXXX Stand: ZE16 Initials are spelling success for Absolutely Divine retailers! Their wonderful collection of double-sided charms featuring meaningful phrases with vintage images come from the American Company, Pick Up Sticks.

Along with the many delightful double-sided charms and trinkets you will find a fabulous collection of initials: Round, domed, heart shaped and square. The initials can be added to any bracelet or necklace chain to spell out a word or simply to show as an initial. Set behind glass in a polished pewter frame, the charms come with a clip and can be attached to any chain you may wish to use.

Speaking of success, the latest collection of hand cut recycled vintage paper charms, recently introduced at Home & Gift, Harrogate, have been very popular as have the heart shaped domed glass message charms, some of which you can see in this photo beside the initial hearts.

The entire Pick Up Sticks collection offers such a wide variety of styles, sizes and meaningful messages and is so popular with customers who are searching for the perfect gift at a reasonable price. With Christmas just around the corner this popular customised jewellery collection is the perfect choice.

Tel: 01285862470 Email: www.absolutelydivine.uk.com Web: info@absolutelydivine.uk.com

www.absolutelydivine.uk.com info@absolutelydivine.uk.com

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Beautiful handmade Christmas Candles, fresh from the North Coast of Cornwall

Autumn Fair—3H51 Top Drawer—A21 St Eval Candle Company, Engollan, Cornwall, PL27 7UL info@stevalcandlecompany.co.uk www.stevalcandlecompany.co.uk

Our featured recycled double sided charms are individually hand cut and set behind glass in polished pewter frames. See them along with the collection of initials and vintage images with meaningful words at Top Drawer - Stand ZE16 RECYCLED - HANDMADE - REVERSIBLE

Puckator Dancing Elvis WWWW Stand: D41 Puckator’s dancing solar range has always been huge from a sales point of view and to prove this, the Dancing Queen was a number one seller this year. The latest addition to this fun and colourful range is Dancing Elvis, retailing at just £3.99, it’s sure to be another top winner. To get these guys moving, they simply need to be in any natural or artificial light, and when placed in direct sunlight they really start flapping. Still to come is a licensed dancing Mr Bean which will arrive just in time for Christmas!

Tel: 0800 011 6969 Web: www.puckator.co.uk

Xystos - Inspirational Collection TTTT Stand: U50

Sentiment sells. And beautiful new designs with heartwarming sentiments that make the perfect gift tell the story of WoodWick’s Inspirational Collection.

Now with the popular Vanilla Bean fragrance, Xystos is offering six newlook vessels from which to choose – Celebrate, Friends, Faith, Happy Birthday, Family and Love.

Puckator – Retro XXXX Stand: D41 With everyone going bikecrazy this year, make sure you have the gifts to suit the customer. Puckator’s unique range of gifts for cyclists is an ever-expanding collection. This Retro Rides stainless steel 350ml flask is one the latest products to be designed in the UK by Ted Smith, exclusively for Puckator. They have their finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest trends and these bicycle designs will be a sure winner with everyone, perfect for men and women both young and old.

You can see the whole range at stand D41 of this year’s Top Drawer Fair London.

Tel: 0800 011 6969 Web: www.puckator.co.uk

Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk

Melt

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Stand: K31 Top Drawer? Melt wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Melts successful launch into the Canadian and American market has made them realise how valued their “handmade, with love, in England” approach really is.

So down on the farm, deep in the heart of the beautiful Ribble Valley, they have been nose deep in some English country garden classics. Well known for their sophisticated - or as the Financial Times kindly said “Recherché” – fragrances, they have turned their noses to the very best that England has to offer.

The new collection will sit alongside their existing range and the fragrances are stunningly simple, and true to source - nature definitely does it best!

If you know your Hyacinth from your Lily of the Valley then please visit stand K31 to sniff out their new “England” range of fragrances.

Tel: 01200 443377 Email: info@themeltco.com Web: www.themeltco.com 102 gifts today

Two Little Boys

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Stand: P35a

Top Drawer Autumn sees the return of the bestselling, gift of the year shortlisted range of ‘I’m going to…’ designs by Two Little Boys Ltd. Expansion of titles will be bringing ‘Geek’, ‘Live the Dream’ and ‘Rule the World’ into the fold. Two Little Boys are also very excited to be offering their top titles in an expansion of range to include greetings cards, postcards, pencil sets, ring binders, pencil cases and A6 notebooks. So if it’s a secret Santa gift, a stocking filler for a teenager or buying for the man who has everything, they are now all covered. The full range is bold enough to sing from the tables in any gift shop and will be proudly displayed at Stand P35a this autumn.

Tel: 0208 4003606 Email: Sammy@2littleboys.co.uk Web: www.2littleboys.co.uk

Just add water!

Why Grow Your Own?

Grow Your Own The trend according to market research shows that ‘Food Gardening’ has increased for the 6th straight year and also shows that consumers now spend more on ‘Growing your Own’ than on garden owers.

73% of growers, do grow for better taste, nutrition and quality.

More people are now growing their own in compact spaces, pots on patios, window boxes, hanging baskets making it more accessible for all.

Teaching young people about where their food comes from and how it is grown is now an essential part of education. We think our Growing Kit Collection is a fun way of providing this and will encourage the whole family to be involved.

We currently have 6 Kits available and our range will keep ‘Growing’ over the coming months.

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01977 796278 email: mail@etldevelopments.co.uk

CRACKING CHRISTMAS IDEAS

œ“iĂœ>Ă€iĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠ iĂœiÂ?Â?iÀÞÊÊUĂŠĂŠ ˆvĂŒĂƒĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠ/iĂ?ĂŒÂˆÂ?iĂƒĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠ >ĂƒÂ…ÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠ ˆvĂŒĂƒĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠ-ĂŒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜iÀÞÊÊUĂŠĂŠ œ“iĂœ>Ă€iĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠ/iĂ?ĂŒÂˆÂ?iĂƒĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠ iĂœiÂ?Â?iÀÞÊÊUĂŠĂŠ-ĂŒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜iÀÞÊÊUĂŠĂŠ ˆvĂŒĂƒĂŠĂŠĂŠ

’s d lan Fair n t o m Sc rade Autu T

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To register for your free entry badge and for further information please visit

scotlandstradefairs.co.uk

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Regular - Rachel Parkin

Valence - aka social proof

Rachel Parkin

I’ll come clean and admit I love webinars. I like that you can listen to them at your own leisure, that even if it’s pretty dull you’ll still pick up some nugget of information that’s useful, even if It’s just a case of hearing some old wisdom and being reminded of it afresh.

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he webinar I was listening to recently was on ‘valence’ or social proof, in a nutshell and to put this in social media terms this means that if someone posts something on Facebook or Twitter and it garners 100+ likes or RT’s then you’re far more likely to like or RT it yourself because well, we all like social proof that we are not alone in our thinking. There’s even the risk of FOMO (fear of missing out) an anxiety from new viewers that they need to read the article, like the post or whatever in order to catch up with what everyone else has found to be so great.

So why does this matter and what’s it got to do with retail?

Well, it matters because as a retailer the more valence you have surrounding your store the ‘safer’ your business will be. Can you wrap this and take it to the bank? No, sadly you cannot, but it’s one ingredient of the increasingly complicated recipe for success that you need to follow for retail survival.

Focusing on your business is paramount, by this I mean focusing on what you do well, really well in fact, so much so that you are the best at it, or considered to be the best in your area.

When you’re running a business and you’re under pressure from every avenue it’s easy to take the diversification route – after all, it’s hard to watch a customer leave your store because you didn’t have a ‘Congratulations on your divorce’ card for instance, but the problem in trying to be all things to all wo(men) is that you dilute your brand and that’s where the danger lies.

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Focusing on your business is paramount, by this I mean focusing on what you do well, really well in fact, so much so that you are the best at it, or considered to be the best in your area.

To elucidate further, your business doesn’t have to be perfect (although that does help) but it does have to be above average – it does have to have a distinct personality. No-one goes into town to check out the new pavements, they go to check out the new shops, fashions, etc.

Of course hole free pavements are a great thing, but they’re not the point of a trip into town.

One of the best investments you can make for your business is great branding – by which I don’t mean your teenager banging out a new logo on the computer upstairs (unless they’re extraordinarily talented) I mean actually sitting down and thinking through your whole offer – from the paintwork on the exterior to the music you play. From the Facebook & Twitter background, through to till etiquette. This holistic look at your business will pay dividends especially if you have been in business for a while, whereupon it’s likely you will have inherited a hotch potch of furniture, stock and random lightfittings! When you look at these things every day you literally cease to see them, but for customers walking in these tiny details really ARE your business.

Business owners are under a lot of pressure to conform to the norms of the people and businesses around – to blend in. We all have the fear of being judged by others – but don’t let it affect your voice! What blends in gets forgotten, what stands out gets remembered, and being remembered is vital when you’re competing with other businesses for your customers time and attention.

Most major businesses have or had a founder who shaped the company

with their innate style, belief system or outlook on life. They were uniquely themselves, they had a voice and you have one too… it’s your job to ensure you’re not hiding it from the public.

You need to find your voice... and own it. For those of you who are reading this and shaking your heads and thinking, I’m not sure what my voice is… check out “How the world sees you” this great book takes a stroll through our base worries about how the world sees us and how we conform, or as the author puts it… we learn to be boring!

Being boring isn’t our default state, but it is something we learn to do as we get older… so before you think ‘oh I can’t say that at a council meeting’ or ‘I can’t paint my shop pink with purple stripes’ think again, of course you can do these things – but are you willing to..?

What is it about your business that’s unmistakably you?

Rachel Parkin is managing director of jewellery wholesaler Balagan. She also runs independent gift shop Reba in Peterborough and contemporary jeweller Pandora’s box in Cambridge.

Email: rachel@balagan.co.uk Rachel suggests that you might like to look at the following Retail Rehab website as it’s a free resource for retailers!

Web: www.retailrehab.co.uk

AGENTS WANTED Think Pink is looking for well connected agents in the Gift Industry within England and Wales.

The brand which creates exclusive gifts for girls is eager to appoint talented territory agents to coincide with the launch of its most ambitious autumn programme ever!!

Good commission rates, no volume/ wholesale.

For more information please contact Managing Director Tim Hislop on 07770 638386 or tim@atelierhomeandgift.co.uk.

Rosemoore is a creative and innovative designer and manufacturer of quality home fragrance products, including reed diffusers, scented candles, room sprays, scented oils and pot pourri.

We are looking for experienced, well-connected sales agents to increase sales across the UK. Your existing customer base should include gift shops, garden centres, department stores, and home accessory stores.

We offer exclusive territories, generous commission rates, a UK based head office and customer services support team, the backup of a comprehensive marketing and advertising campaign, and high quality sales literature.

For more information, please contact Jason Tongue on 01227 806111 or by email jason.tongue@rosemoore.co.uk www.rosemoore.co.uk

Retail Interview HINTONS

Following in footsteps Penny Franks had the pleasure to question owner, Richard Smart, of Hintons.

Firstly, can you tell us a little about Hintons? When was the first store opened?

My great-grandfather Robert Hinton opened Hintons homewares - a traditional wholesalers providing homeware and gifts to small shops around the Home Counties, in 1933.

Almost 80 years later in 2011, I opened HintonsHome.com, selling high quality gifts and homeware, and after a steady growth online and two successful Christmas seasons, I opened the first physical Hintons High Street shop in Broadstone in September 2013.

The two main drivers behind my decision were because I believe very strongly in the Great British High Street, and because it felt like right time to give the brand a physicality again. It also gives the business direct access to our customers and reciprocally acts as a strong message to them that we’re not a faceless, flyby night, online only business - that they can only talk to on the internet.

What prompted you to follow in your great grandfather’s footsteps and to re-invent the Hintons brand?

Hintons was reborn out of my personal obsession with stylish gifts and homeware, combined with a desire to give people access to quirky, contemporary design which didn’t cost a fortune. Reinventing the family business and bringing great grandfather’s name back into retail has been a real labour of love. I’m incredibly proud to be using the family heritage as the roots, to my

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very new and energetic enterprise – I think with it being in my blood, it’s given me a really solid framework to grow from.

You have just opened your second shop - what could be considered the smallest shop in Wimborne – what was your rationale behind this?

Shop number one has indeed swiftly been followed by shop number two in the Minster Town of Wimborne, and yes it is possibly the smallest shop in town. When looking around for the next location I had three main points on my “shop”ping list – 1) it had to be within a 10 mile radius of shop number one in Broadstone 2) Rent, Rates and Costs needed to fit within a tight budget (we haven’t used investors to grow at this stage as my ambition is to grow and expand sustainably and I didn’t want shop two to be a financial drain on shop number one, and lastly 3) It had to have something unique about the building or location – which Hintons Wimborne has in spades! It just felt right when I looked around.

Obviously, you can’t stock a huge amount of product in the Wimborne store – how are you going to keep the items you do stock fresh?

The benefit of being a multichannel retailer even at a small size means customers can access our full selection of stock online at the click of a button, one of the biggest assets are my fabulous team of selling assistants who help Hintons customers find what they’re looking for in the shop

or on HintonsHome.com We can then get the stock to the customer overnight or in some cases the very same day. Like all good retailers we also change the stock and displays in store regularly so there is always something new to see every few weeks, which customers have come to expect from us now.

How important is social media to your business?

I think social media is important for any B2C business, especially retailers.

It’s no different to the conversation customers have with you when the visit your physical store. It’s

simply a much larger platform. I think customers expectations have drastically changed regarding social media, it’s not as simple as “have a twitter account” and get on with it anymore. People like to interact in different ways on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

They are all touch points for our brand with our customers. It’s not just about selling things; it’s the brands voice and personality. I’m really passionate about maintaining our cheeky, slightly

witty physical presence online via social media as we grow.

You pride yourself in offering your customers items that have a point of difference – how do you find these?

In a nutshell – hard work and determination. Personally for me it’s not about following the pack, it’s about setting the pace. My eyes are always open and I’m always jotting down ideas as I find them, so when it’s buying time I have a little stash of people or product ideas to try and seek out.

I listen to my customers first and foremost to find out what’s on their “wish lists”- being an independent means we can really maximise this close relationship with our customers and responded directly to feedback. I also like to travel a lot and spend a lot of my down time with my family and friends just surfing the net, looking for new emerging trends.

You are also proud to stock British made items, why is this?

Who wouldn’t be! Hintons is a British brand, based in the UK so why wouldn’t we be proud to stock products designed and made in our very own country. After all we have some of the most talented designers and fashion forward businesses in the world right here on our island; it’s a bit of a no brainer really! Mix these in with some fabulous products from mainland Europe and some unique pieces from further afield and I think we have a winning collection.

What are you current ‘hot sellers’?

After the glorious heat wave in July we saw a massive spike in outdoor living and Picnicware. Lots of enamel tin plates, cups and bowls with the increase in camping as a “staycation” along with our own range of greetings cards which we design in-house and have printed locally in Dorset.

Obviously Hintons is an established retailer – what type of trends do you think have had the most impact when we look at consumer spending habits?

Hintons was reborn in the middle of the recession so everything I have done with the business has always had the customer front and centre of my mind. Like most retailers Christmas is always the most important window in the retail calendar even in difficult times people want to enjoy giving thoughtful gifts at this special time of year.

Will you be attending Autumn Fair this year? If so, what are your expectations this year?

Yes absolutely, Autumn Fair is always on the calendar, the sheer vastness of the event means it’s hard work but you can always find some gems. This year I am also speaking in Ecommerce Theatre on the subject of “Digital Marketing” which is a great honour and I’m very excited about.

What other trade shows do you attend – how important are these to your business?

I’m a big fan of Top Drawer/ Home and Pulse, I never fail to find something clever, interesting and stylish at these shows. I think these are the most crucial shows for Hintons at the moment in terms of buying, next year we might venture over to Paris as well and see what that has to offer.

And to the future – can we expect to see any further expansion?

Absolutely; I intend to squirrel some hard earned money away over the peak Christmas season so we can invest and open shop number 3 next year. Our customers are massively supportive and already have made their opinions known about a couple of locations they would like to see us pop up in. We will also be looking for a growth in our online business next year as this hasn’t had my full attention for the last 12 months whilst I’ve been setting up the physical side of things so I’ll be going back to the starting point for the business and getting the web really fired up with some fun new additions and technological tweaks.

This summer, Home & Gift Harrogate delivered the finest selection of homeware and design-led gifts to retailers at their favourite buying event.

Happiness at Harrogate

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eld from 13-16 of July 2014 at Harrogate International Centre, The Majestic Hotel and Cairn Hotel, the event was an astonishing success with thousands of orders resulting in a record breaking stand re-book rate of over 60%, exceeding previous years across all five show sectors.

Buyers at this year’s show were kept busy with a reinvigorated social atmosphere and business-friendly environment. From the buzzing Buyer’s Festival to several new and exciting Showcases spread around the venue, there was always something new to be discovered.

Susan Grant of Widdop Bingham told us: “Home and Gift is a real highlight in the show calendar – Harrogate offers visitors so much and once again the weather held up allowing visitors to enjoy all that was on offer. It was great to see old faces, and lots of new ones too. Our larger stand packed with even more products, attracted a huge number of buyers both independents and nationals. There was a real appetite for new product among all our visitors to the stand with many retailers already getting stuck into their Christmas buying.”

Upon returning from the Harrogate Home & Gift, Intelex reported high 108 gifts today

footfall to their stand and a bumper year for pre-season orders.

Darren Ingram, Intelex’s Sales Director comments it was a very successful show for their heatable products. “We now consider Harrogate to be a national show for us. We welcomed customers from as far afield as Southampton, Scotland and Wales, from sectors including Garden Centres, Gift stores and Department stores including Beales and Fenwicks.”

Intelex received phenomenal feedback for their new Warmies range, retailers loved the style, texture, colours and fabric of the new heatable characters.

Visitors this year had the opportunity to experience first-hand the launch of the new bira Retail Clinic. The British Independent Retailers Association provided a range of workshops and seminars, giving the retailers an opportunity to have a one on one talk to industry specialists. Covering everything from ecommerce and mobile marketing to branded carrier bags and changes to pension laws, the experts were prepared to answer all of the retailers’ questions to give their trading a welldeserved boost. bira also presented a seminar on 30 Ways to Improve your Business in 30 Minutes, giving retailers an achievable, short list of ways to improve their business.

Home & Gift also ensured visitors

were kept in an upbeat mood by the fantastic line up of music themed events located around the site, helping put a spring in visitor’s steps.

Visitors this year definitely noted the difference with regard the show format, Wendy Sargent, Fawley Vineyard stated: “This was an incredibly successful event for us as buyers. We were very impressed with the Indigo lounge and saw lots of lovely things! In particular the end of show bubbly and strawberries - a very nice touch indeed and a charming thank you to those attending. It’s our favourite show!”

Helen Shield, Enesco told Gifts Today: “Overall Home & Gift was a good show for us with many of our more northern independent retailers visiting our marquee to order new introductions.

There is always a nice relaxed atmosphere at this show, especially if the sun shines!”

You can be assured that many exhibitors have already secured their stands in readiness for the 2015 show. For example, The Music Gifts Company returned to Home & Gift this year having been unable to attend last year’s show. MD David Gee told us: “It was great to be back in Harrogate.

We were in the new DP4 marquee and this worked extremely well for us.

There was a wonderful atmosphere and it attracted a lot of new business.

Buyers were in a very positive mindset

and it was amazing the number of new customers who wanted to place orders. We also saw a large number of existing customers and were delighted to welcome back past customers too.

We had no hesitation in rebooking for next year.”

Looking ahead to next year’s show and the future of Home & Gift, Cleere Scammel, Show Director stated: “This is the first year of a three year investment into the show, and what you’ve seen is only the tip of the iceberg!

“We always aim to innovate and introduce new content to stay ahead of the ever-changing retail sector, and this year’s record breaking re-book rate made it clear that our efforts paid off.

The Buyer’s Festival was an astonishing success and gave exhibitors a new way to meet clients and potential buyers,” continues Cleere. The Buyer’s Festival saw buskers, brass bands and blues tunes introduced at this year’s Home & Gift to create a unique festival atmosphere.

“I’m more than happy with this year’s turnout and with what we’ve got lined up for the 2015 edition of Home & Gift. I look forward to seeing you there!”

Home & Gift returns next year, 19-22 July 2015.Retailers can already register their interest for next year’s show at www.homeandgift.co.uk/register to ensure they are kept up to date with the latest news.

Editor’s it ’ Pi Pick k

Home & Gift partnered with Penny Franks, editor of Gifts Today Magazine and Tracey Bearton, editor of Greetings Today Magazine to select the gift winners.

With experience in the gift and greetings industry both judges filtered through the wide range of products available at the show and selected the following winners:

Janet Blair, editor of Living North Magazine was selected to pick out the most promising products for Christmas. With years of experience in the home and lifestyle sector, Janet understands first-hand the challenges of bringing a product to market and keeping it at the top in a changing world. Her top picks were:

· · · · · · · · · ·

· · · · · · · · · ·

Harlequin Candle Set, Stone Glow Candles Gold Canadian Maple necklace, Two Skies Design Christmas Wrap, The Art File Nutmeg Christmas Cards, Blue Eyed Sun Christmas Bag, Maggie Jones Collection Babys First Christmas Frame, Bexy Boo Designs Handmade Sheep Cushion, Country House Interiors Birthday Rocket Card, Ruth Jackson Nice & Spicy Chilli Kit, ETL Developments Windblown Sculpture, Blue Poppy Art

Customisable Headphones, Satzuma Ltd Copper Lux Range, Just Slate ‘Bolt’ Lights, Home Elements Fingermax, Martin Baxendell Cocktail Collection, Bath House Wooden Tower Rings, Finest For Baby Swing Time Bird Feeder, Cubic Reed Diffusers Scents , Wax Lyrical Stationery range, Wrendale Designs Cards, Ruth Jackson

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Baby Gifts

A Gifted Baby Assistant Editor Caroline Eyles takes a look at the baby gift sector of the Gift Industry and finds out what is available and popular for consumers wishing to pass on their well wishes with a gift

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ne of the first things friends and family do on the announcement of a new born baby is run out and buy a gift, of course! But the options are no longer as limited as a white babygrow with a hat or a soft toy, instead there is a whole range of popular products all dedicated in helping a parent celebrate the birth, or birthday, of their baby.

Baby products, and all the items needed by a parent are one of the most obvious options for a consumer when buying, and gender quite often comes into play when buying for a baby, even if that’s means buying neutral since the parents aren’t aware of their infant’s sex.

Widdop BIngham’s Marketing Manager Susan Grant says: “There are lots of consumers for baby gifts all looking for something slightly different.

Some consumers will chose a neutral colour palette – ideal for purchases prior to the birth – but many others will chose the traditional pink or blue option.”

Kristina Ruffel at the Personalised Memento Company adds: “When buying baby gifts consumers are always looking for something personal, something unusual but most of all something of quality. PMC offers quality baby gift ranges that are made unique and special with every gift personalised with a name and special message, our gifts ranges are ever expanding and always on trend. We sell a wide range of keepsakes that can be treasured for a lifetime, the lasting gifts are a big selling point within the industry.”

And Kristina isn’t wrong, a number of companies seem to be in favour of producing the traditional gifts that either the parents or the baby will keep for the longhaul.

Sue Grant at Widdop Bingham explains: “Traditional silver plated gifts have been around for many years – and for good reason as not only do they continue to sell well but they are ideal for personalisation making the gift that little bit more special. Special keepsake gifts are always sought particularly those that allow storage of 110 gifts today

special baby mementos such as a first tooth, curl or a hospital bracelet. By offering lots of choice across in terms of design style, type of product and price and with over 600 lines to choose from, every retailer will find something to suit all tastes and pockets at Widdop Bingham.”

In agreement with Susan at Widdop Bingham, Julian Hunt Managing Director of Lesser & Pavey is seeing the trend of former keepsakes making a comeback, he says: “There is a definite return to traditional values and ways in the form of giving money boxes, first curls and tooth boxes, keep sake boxes, twin handle cups as gifts for newborns, first birthday and Christening naming days.”

Explaining the core ethos of his company’s products, Julian continues: “It is important that Lesser and Pavey’s special gifts are of first class quality as well as being affordable. We present each item in appropriate gift boxes to ensure the gift looks special to the receiver of the gift. At present we have a wonderful range under license that brings fun illustrations, in the traditional pink and blue colours to a number of gifts. Other ranges use the pink and blue colour ways to form keepsake boxes and photograph blocks. We are also very well known for silver ware in the form of photograph frames, money boxes and first tooth trinket boxes.”

With a different sort of gift for babies, the range of NICI luxury soft plush toys from Great Gizmos offers a wide selection of gifts, as well as the company’s ‘green’ range of active play toys made from sustainable materials known as Plan Toys.

Director Judith Dayus says: “Consumers are looking for exceptional quality and fresh innovative ideas. Items that now have an educational value are very important to parents and with the world becoming more and more ecofriendly our Play Toys range is perfect.

Using lovely colours and the most sustainable materials, the Plan Toys range brings about something special.

“We also have a fabulous range of luxury soft plush toys from NICi that are suitable from birth and include items that help with a child’s development.”

Personalised Memento Company SSSS Celebrate a new arrival with PMC’s Personalised Baby Basket, available for a boy or a girl. Following the huge success of PMC’s ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ range they have extended the collection to gift sets and gift boxes. The personalised name features at the end of the rhyme.

A stunning basket packed with lots of adorable gifts for a new born, made individual with a name. The basket set contains a personalised babygrow and vest, both 100% soft cotton, and a soft plush nursery bear suitable from birth.

Presented in a beautiful white wicker basket with blue gingham ribbon, what’s more it can be used as a useful and sweet storage basket in the nursery.

Baby Baskets are still a strong gift line in the baby category, with a focus on top quality gifts being their selling point.

All gifts from PMC are manufactured and despatched from one location meaning a fast despatch of their beautiful gifts direct to the recipient!

Tel: 01782 744 900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

The Flower Stork

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The Flower Stork is known for their fresh and imaginative range, containing essential items of baby wear presented in new and eye catching ways.

Country Baskets is one of the UK’s largest wholesaler of floristry supplies and artificial flowers and home to huge ranges of wedding products, pottery, glassware, home accessories, craft products and baskets. They specialise in seasonal products for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Halloween, Christmas and of course Baby Showers and New Baby.

With roots in floristry and over 20 years’ experience that has allowed Country Baskets to become experts in all things floral they are the perfect partner to showcase The Flower Storks award winning range to the nation’s florists, crafters and party planners.

Country Baskets will stock the complete range of Baby Clothes Cupcakes, Flower Buds and Lollipops across their 8 stores from the beginning of August. Known as the ‘Sweet Collection’ these hand crafted items contain 100% cotton high quality UK made babywear sized 3-6 months. Ensuring the contents are as useful as the items are beautiful.

Tel: 01495 303030 Web: www.theflowerstork.com

Kenro

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The new Polka Dot Baby Albums come in Pink or Blue and feature large white Polka dots. There is space on the cover to place a small photo of baby. The Traditional style album has 100 interleaved white pages (capacity 500 6x4 inch prints) and the slip-in Memo version holds up to 200 6x4 inch prints.

The Happy Boy and Girl Series have art printed covers in either Pink or Blue with matching decorative bows. They too feature a small picture frame on the cover for a favourite photo. They feature colour co-ordinated memo pages with writing space for 36 6x4 inch photos plus 12 other pages.

The new ‘Baby Boy and Girl’ and the ‘Baby Ribbon’ Series Traditional albums also come in either Pink or Blue, feature a frame on the front and have 100 interleaved white pages for up to 500 6x4 inch prints.

The Baby frame range has also been extended to include a Pink Design for Girls and a Blue Design for boys, as well as a new Toy Box Design.

Each are silver plated and have velour lined backs.

Tel: 01793 615836 Email: sales@kenro.co.uk Web: www.kenro.co.uk

GiftScribes

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GiftScribes offer a carefully selected range of gifts from the Rudolph & Me Inc. collection that mark the celebration of a New Arrival, a Christening, or Baby’s First Christmas. The high quality poly resin gifts are designed as beautiful hanging decorations that can be placed anywhere from the bedroom door to the Christmas tree and each comes with a glossy paper gift bag and hanging ribbon.

More than 30 unique designs for girls and boys can be personalised with a hand written name by the retailer, at the point of purchase and some have enough room to add a birth date and weight. This ensures that a thoughtful gift becomes a personal keepsake and possibly the start of a collection built up over many years.

The ever-popular range of piggy banks, including traditional pigs with contemporary designs, now features a ‘Baby’s First’ piggy bank and a pretty pink carriage fit for a little princess. Every piggy bank is made from sturdy ceramic with a hard-wearing glaze and pretty raised artwork; and the smaller versions are supplied in a gift box covered in silk finish paper. All feature a removable stopper and a slot that will take a £2 coin.

Tel: 01584 811 190 Email: sales@giftscribes.co.uk Web: www.giftscribes.co.uk

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Baby Gifts

Arora Design

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Arora Design has a selection of products perfect for the celebration of a new baby and also for christenings. The “Said with Sentiment” wall art collection is presented on smooth white wooden blocks with a combination of mirrored acrylic lettering and screen printing, and is designed to deliver a heartfelt message to the recipient. These fabulous blocks which can free stand or be hung on the wall are available with either “It’s a Boy” “It’s a Girl” or “Christening” messages. With an RRP of just £9.99 these blocks are the perfect keepsake to gift to any new parent.

Also perfect for a new baby are the figurines “Unconditional Love” “Baby Girl” and “Baby Boy” from the stunning figurine collection “More Than Words”. This beautiful range is sculpted by the talented artist Neil Welch, portraying heartfelt emotion and sentiment. Subtle colours are used to decorate the pieces which are presented in lovely printed colour boxes.

Both collections will be on show at Autumn Fair in Hall 5 stand M12 so do come and visit the stand where you will be assured a warm welcome from the Arora Sales Team. Alternatively you can contact the team at sales@arora-design.co.uk or telephone the office on 01386 861666

Enesco – GUND

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GUND, founded in 1898, is America’s oldest and most prestigious soft toy company, and this year sees the popular baby GUND My First Teddy Collection receive an endearing contemporary makeover.

The new My First Teddy bears have rounded paw pads and plumper muzzles as well as soft and broader bottoms so they will sit better. In addition to the updated body style, the soft plush is decorated in fresh delicate shades of pink or blue across four sizes from small at 25.5cm to extra-large at 61.0cm, plus a new pale tan colour is introduced for small and medium-sized bears. Suitable for all ages from birth upwards, and CE marked, the My First Teddy bears are machine washable.

The baby GUND range is one of the most comprehensive ranges of enchanting baby and nursery plush available in the UK market. From the softest and most imaginative toys to a wide variety of products that encourage developmental play, baby GUND offers timeless gifts that will be cherished.

Tel: 01228 404040 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk

Web: www.arora-design.co.uk

Imajo XXXX Newborns have not been forgotten in the new arrivals of Bonikka rag dolls.

Imajo are known for rag dolls and while all their dolls are suitable from birth, they have now added a range which are definitely the best choice for babies.

The Butterfly Kids in Pink, Peach and Blue are the most ideal first doll. They are so huggable and made from the softest fabrics that we think newborns will find them extremely comforting. These dolls make the ideal alternative gift as something different to the array of teddy bears that are given to new babies. The full Bonikka range is growing substantially this Autumn to 20 unique designs.

Top Drawer Stand T13.

Tel: 01425 600 600 Email: sales@imajo.co.uk Web: www.imajo.co.uk 112 gifts today

Widdop Bingham XXXX Buying a gift for new-born has got to be one of the easiest gift purchases – the birth of a baby is a special occasion with family and friends eager to mark this special occasion. It’s very much a case of “the thought that counts” with many gifts priced sensibly and easily affordable.

Given that a gift for a baby is an emotional purchase, not surprisingly gifts with a sentiment verse or a keepsake gift have always been popular. The preference for choosing either the pink/blue option or the neutral option is very much split.

Neutral is a simple option for the retailer but doubling up and stocking pink and blue does cater to a different consumer.

Widdop Bingham is the award winning company behind two of the bestselling baby brands in the gift market: Bambino and Button Corner. Bambino is a premium baby brand boasting a smart, under-stated design style combining contemporary neutrals with silver plate. Stylish gift boxes in ivory and cream with an embossed silver logo add extra value to the purchase.

“As cute as a button” – a great description of the Button Corner baby gifts.

Designed exclusively in the UK by Widdop Bingham’s in house design team, the star of the range is the cutest teddy and is aimed at a wide cross section of different retailers.

Tel: 0161 688 1226 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk Web: www.widdop.co.uk

Sweet New Baby Gifts Beautiful Bouquets of Baby Clothes Cleverly Handcrafted from UK made Baby Clothes Low Minimum Order - Online Ordering

Now ble availa ry nt u at Co ts k Bas e

www.theflowerstork.com email: wholesale@theflowerstork.com tel: 01495 303030

Profile: Dalaco

It is beauty which captures your attention; personality which captures your heart With some beautifully designed new collections, an innovative website and a cufflink to suit any personality, we take a peek at what Dalaco has for us this coming season….

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alaco started life on a farmhouse kitchen table, as a response to a niche in the market spotted by a jewellery sales agent. Today, just over 30 years on, the company is still family run, but now operates from its own purpose built unit, with an impressive worldwide spread of stockists. Known for its quirky range of over 700 different designs of cufflinks and men’s accessories, Dalaco has become a trusted and reputable supplier, largely due to its underlying family values, creativity, quality of product and customer care.

The company’s founder, David Larcombe (the jewellery sales agent), was tragically killed in an accident in 2005, but his daughter, then just 20 years old, stepped in to keep the business running in her father’s name.

Despite her youth, Rachel had grown up 114 gifts today

in her father’s business and knowing it was his pride and joy, was determined to continue the work he started before she was born.

Almost 10 years on and Rachel has certainly found her feet as MD and helped steer the company to its success today. With a restructure, a rebrand and a great team behind her, Rachel is proud to launch this month Dalaco’s newly re-designed and bespoke website www. dalaco.co.uk.

“With more and more customers preferring to order online, we realised that our old website was not providing the level of customer service that our retailers received by ordering over the phone or by email. Thus we designed a site that now provides an exceptional customer account management system to ensure that we always meet the needs and expectations of our stockists.”

With new products being added to the company’s collections every year, Rachel felt it was important to have a website that could showcase these as soon as the stock was available, rather than waiting for the annual catalogue launch. Plus the new site enables a more interactive relationship with stockists; an important aspect to the customer care which Dalaco offers.

It’s not the only new thing that Rachel is proud to launch this Autumn. She has also been busy expanding the accessory side of the business to include uniquely embroidered handkerchief sets, men’s braces and, most recently, creating a new collection of leather gifts. “Our new leather products, which include wallets, passport cases and business card holders, feature our distinctive and

stylishly designed linings which add a touch of personality, something we absolutely love to do.”

The linings, which include tractors, yachts, pheasants, guitars and spitfires, make these luxurious leather gifts unique to the market, and match some of Dalaco’s best selling cufflinks.

“To our knowledge, they are the first leather products with a ‘personality’ lining within the industry, which is just part of what we want to do with our creative leadership strategy. I love that our products, which are largely bought as gifts, can align with someone’s personality, their character, their interest and passions, and so we keep this uppermost in our minds when designing new items. Our aim is to offer products that show that someone has really taken the time to find something personal and meaningful. So rather than getting a plain leather wallet for your son or brother, you can now find a stylish wallet from Dalaco with guitars, pheasants, tractors or spitfire linings!”

Dalaco’s collections are currently sold to more than 40 countries around the world and in a wide variety of retail outlets – gift shops, jewellers, department stores, garden centres, menswear stores, mail order and online.

Some of these retailers have been stockists since Dalaco started in 1982, and as the Dalaco brand continues to grow, Rachel looks to these customers for feedback and direction so that she never looses touch with the founding roots, which remain her inspiration in business today.

Tel: 01363 777800 Email: office@dalaco.co.uk Web: www.dalaco.co.uk

BRITISH JEWELLERS ASSOCIATION

Come and visit us at the shows The BJA Stand IJL Gallery P110, August 31- September 2 The BJA Stand Autumn Fair Hall 4F76, September 7-10

The charm bracelet features eight, individual, one-off, charms from a list of designers whose names read like a ‘Who’s Who’ of great jewellery design and who between them have carried off numerous high-profile awards including recognition in the ‘UK Jewellery Awards’ for Alexander Davis, Shaun Leane, Sarah Jordan and Tomasz Donocik and ‘BJA Designer of the Year’ Awards for Andrew Geoghegan and Linda Macdonald. Two further talented designers won the competition staged

by The BJA to contribute a charm to the piece. They are Samantha Rose of

Written by: Lindsey

A

s this goes to press I’m getting ready for my voluntary work at the Tower of London placing poppies to help create the vast memorial installation ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ in the Tower of London’s moat. In total, 888,246 ceramic poppies will be planted in the moat, one for each British and Colonial fatality during the First World War. This year has seen so many moving and inspiring moments from sunny thought provoking Chelsea Flower Show gardens to candlelight contemplation.

The jewellery industry has also been inspired and this years Autumn Fair will see two members within the Jewellery Trail in Hall 4 proudly showing their own poppy inspired collections.

“From the heart of the Cotswolds, we believe we have designed and created two of the most exciting and beautiful ranges of poppy jewellery.

Both styles capture the simplicity of the delicate and poignant crimson poppy.

Designed, developed and distributed exclusively by us, we believe these stunning poppies will be collected as a timeless memento of the centenary of The Great War of 1914-1918, to be worn and enjoyed, and treasured for many years to come”. Stated

Straughton, BJA Rodney Holman, Cirencester : www. rodneyholman.co.uk “The designs have been kept simple but beautifully classic so as to be in keeping with what the poppy represents.” Stephen commented from Alexander Thurlow www. alexanderthurlow.com International Jewellery London will be in its new venue Olympia and the BJA will be promoting membership services and benefits as well as hosting seminars on Corporate Social Responsibility for all types of jewellery companies and mentoring for BJA members. We are proud to be involved with IJLs late night charity event on Sunday from 5-7 participating in the Breast Cancer Care UK Auction with a piece designed by some of the UK’s leading jewellery designers.

This is a beautiful piece of jewellery that has come together due to a lot of talent and good will. I wish to thank each designer involved for creating something truly unique and thoughtfully representative of this wonderful Charity. The result is an eclectic mixture of very different charms which combine to create a pleasing whole; a stunning, British made bracelet!

Pledge online at www.jewellerylondon.com Members of the public and Rodney those in the trade unable to be at IJL will nevertheless be able to take part in Holman the auction by placing their bids online in a ‘Silent Auction’ prior to the show until 25 August 2014. The highest online pledges will start the actual bidding on the night so participants are advised to aim high check out the bid total on our website www.bja.org.uk.

September Rose and Natalie Towell of Navette Jewellery. The bracelet itself has been designed and crafted by Sarah Jordan a designer well known for her flowing, organic style which has been reflected in the Sterling silver links cast by the Birmingham manufacturer Hockley Mint.

The designers, who have given their time and materials for free, were all asked by me to create charms which echo their own individual style whilst also bearing in mind the Charity for which it has been created.

Hall 4, Stand F76 Alexander Thurlow

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7th - 9th October, London Olympia

Brand Licensing 2014 set to be the biggest to date This year’s Brand Licensing Europe is set to be the biggest to date in its 16 year history when it returns to London’s Olympia on the 7-9th October.

Exhibitors Featuring around 235 exhibitors; over 55 of these are new for 2014. Leading names attending the show for the first time include: Chelsea Football Club, UEFA Euro 2016, The Jim Henson Company, Von Dutch, International New York Times, Team GB and National Museum of Royal Navy.

Due to success of 2013 and the positive feedback received, once again BLE will be divided into three zones to aid easier navigation: • Art, Design & Image • Brands & Lifestyle • Character & Entertainment

Education

License This!

Running alongside the show as ever will be the renowned Licensing Academy, featuring a packed-programme of sessions offering industry insights.

Sessions already confirmed include an introduction to the show and licensing industry by LIMA, alongside licensing facts, figures and trends from Knowledge Partners GfK, NPD Group and Planet Retail. On the first two days the Academy also plays host to keynote sessions from industry trailblaizers, who in the past have included Mind Candy, Lucas Licensing, Rovio, Volkswagen and FIFA.

Now in its fifth year, the License This! competition offers those with brand new creative concepts the opportunity to break into the global licensing industry. The final will take place on Thursday 9 October in front of a packed audience, with finalists vying for the chance to win a stand at Brand Licensing Europe 2015 and an opportunity to bring the product to market. Last year’s winner Mr Trafalgar, a whimsical rodent drawn in distinctive black and white silhouette, has been busy developing the characters in the portfolio to bring back to this year’s show.

New features New for 2014, the Brands & Lifestyle Theatre will offer free sessions tailored specifically to the business of licensing brands. Visitors will hear expert guidance on licensing within the worlds of sport, lifestyle, fashion and heritage brands. Run in partnership with Brand Jam, the sessions will present powerful case studies and alongside Brand Jam’s interpretation of how and why they are so successful. Beanstalk, IMG and Extreme are already confirmed to speak.

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The competition has provided a springboard for many past winners and finalists: • 2011 winner ‘How to... for the inept’ has since signed a publishing agent contract and a deal to provide gifting sets.

• Finalist from the same year, Turizmo, has signed licenses for apparel, wallcoverings, game apps and stationery, some of which feature augmented reality, in the UK and Russia.

• 2012 finalist Lillipippins has inked

licenses in the UK, USA, Russia/CIS, Germany and Australia.

• Last year’s finalist ‘Railway of Life’ secured a deal with The Coaster Company within weeks of the show.

Charity focus This year BLE is supporting a number of charitable causes, including hosting a themed ‘Table Dennis’ charity table tennis tournament raising awareness of the sport as an effective therapy for those suffering from Dementia in partnership with DC Thomson Consumer Products, Bounce Alzheimer’s Therapy (BAT) Foundation and Table Tennis England.

Championship players from Table Tennis England, together with sports personalities and celebrities, will be invited to take part in demonstration matches throughout the show. This year’s event also boasts its very own mascot in the shape of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home rescue dog, Squirt, who will be available for photo calls on the Battersea stand.

For more information please visit www.brandlicensing.eu or follow the show on Twitter using @bleurope for the latest news and updates.

WHERE BRANDS COME TO LIFE Are you looking for new partnerships that could transform your business? BLE 2014 is the only event in Europe where you can meet hundreds of leading brand owners and discover thousands of the hottest brands, characters and images available for license.

Whether you are a retailer or manufacturer, a visit to BLE 2014 will open up a world of new opportunities and partnerships. Don’t miss this chance to spot the next big thing for your business.

See brands come to life at BLE 2014. Register for FREE today, visit www.brandlicensing.eu

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New Products Bath Bursts a First for Best Kept Secrets

With beer festivals up and down the country, this new range from Lesser & Pavey makes an ideal gentleman’s gift.

These beer mugs are available in three colours with a bottle opener in matching designs.

Autumn Fair Stand E02-F03 in Hall 5.

As one of the leading providers of seriously scented products Best Kept Secrets have launched their own range of Bath Bursts to give their independent retail network another high quality product with the guarantee of a scent sensation.

They have launched 6 initial products exclusively for the independent retail market.

Initial interest in the products has been excellent and there have also been requests for alternative shapes and sizes following a showcase the Harrogate Home and Gift event in early July.

Hand made in Northumberland, these bath bursts offer something for everyone, from a relaxing evening soak to a refreshing, reviving boost.

Commenting on the launch of the new range of products Denise Edwards said: ‘We spent a few months developing our own range of bath bursts because we wanted to get the same seriously scented offer into our bath products as we have in all our candles and soaps. The bath market is very competitive and we wanted to have a product which stood apart from the standard ranges on the market. We have focussed on quality and also on the scent which you get from the product, and our market research was excellent in determining our final selection of products. The initial reaction at Home and Gift was great, and with a full commercial launch at Autumn Fair in Birmingham, we are expecting a great deal of interest.’

Tel 01322 279225

Tel: 01670 512222

Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

Web: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Beer is growing in popularity

Creative Tops presents a Yuletide Sleigh Ride!

Creative Tops Ltd, one of the UK’s leading tableware and houseware organisations, is pleased to present the new vintage Christmas Katie Alice Yuletide Sleigh Ride collection!

Stumbling across a gorgeous illustration on a vintage silk handkerchief when visiting an Antique Art Dealership in London - Katie Alice took the rather grumpy hand painted Santa, being pulled along by his beautiful string of reindeer, and re-painted him as the cheerful character printed across this new Yuletide Sleigh Ride range. Used on a selection of baking accessories, giftable mugs and tabletop items, the range is ideal for Christmas gifts for friends and family, and to create a festive theme in the kitchen.

The eclectic mix of vintage blues and reds, alongside the traditional geometric repeated patterns, references the hugely popular folklore trend for Christmas 2014. The use of traditional colours and the warmth of the illustration, creates a homely mood, perfect for celebrating Christmas with the family.

Top Tip: Why not try baking red velvet fairy cakes topped with fluffy white buttercream icing, using the Katie Alice Yuletide Sleighride hand illustrated cupcake cases and toppers. Display the festive cakes upon the cake stand, and be sure to save the recipe in the Christmas box!

Order now! Available late August 2014.

Tel: 01536 207 668 Web: www.creative-tops.com

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New Products Candles created with love

Lily Francis London have a real passion for luxury scented candles and wax melts. Their wax is made from rapeseed plant, which is a completely natural and sustainable material.

It has superior ‘green credentials’ with no issues of intensive farming, no deforestation, or GMO presence. In their opinion, it is the most environmentally friendly candle wax you could use and has been grown in the UK for hundreds of years as animal feed and as a waste crop to protect and improve soil for future crops.

As our need for animal feed lessens more uses have been explored for Rapeseed crops. Therefore Lily Francis believe this makes a superior ‘eco’ candle to other brands that are using paraffin and soy waxes. Their Fragrance oils are a sophisticated blend of Natural, Nature Identical and Synthetic Aromatic Materials. Each Scent has been inspired by their love for travel and nature and are unisex - so everyone can enjoy them.

They even do the odd man candle and try to be as green as they can by attempting to source all of their products from within the UK. Lily Frances are confident you will love their products, each and every one having been lovingly created and hand poured in the United Kingdom.

The range includes: Strawberries and Sparkling Wine, Cuban Musk, Lavender & White Tea, Thai Lime & Mango… plus more.

Spread some love the Lily Francis London way.

Web: www.lilyfrancislondon.co.uk

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New Products

New officially licensed products by

N

ostalgic-Art surprises with brand new products and motifs! The new 25x50cm format is an extension of their successful “Made in Germany” tin signs line - all pressed and embossed on several layers on high quality extra-thick metal.

Another novelty is the new key-chain form factor – discover beloved motifs now in a smaller round version.

Keep you and your clients curious and inspired by Nostalgic-Art: feel and see the quality of the collection in their new UK showroom!

Official licensed metal products such as tin signs, key chains, tin boxes and more! Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson, Volkswagen or Kellogg’s are only some of the world-renowned brands in the Nostalgic-Art Collection.

Visit our UK showroom Home and Lifestyle Trade Centre Unit 18 / Trent Lane Industrial Estate Castle Donington / DE74 2NP UK Tel: 01332 811184 Email: international@nostalgic-art.de Web: www.nostalgic-art.de

Family run Gift Wholesaler E

stablished in 1987 Triple S Supplies are a traditional family run Wholesale Gift supplier.

For over 26 years they have been supplying the Independent Retailer throughout Scotland. Their customers include Gift Shops, Garden Centres, Chemists and Tourist Centres.

In 2013 Triple S Supplies were appointed as sole distributors for the ScentChips Brand and after a successful launch in Scotland the range was shown for the first time at Home & Gift where the response was excellent. With a selection of support packages for the small & large retailer the uptake on the brand was above expectations.

The ScentChips Brand is all about High Quality Colourful Fragrant products.

ScentChips are the Original Fragrant Wax Chip first produced in America in 1979.

ScentChips are Vibrant, Colourful Wax Chips that emit a Wonderful, Intense fragrance when melted in a ScentBurner.

ScentBurners are a collection of High Quality Colourful Ceramic Oil Warmers in both modern & traditional styles, Buddhas, Teapots, Ball, Cylindrical and Cubes.

Probably the largest collection from any single supplier and all supplied in small quantities.

ScentLamps are Catalytic Stone Lamps which purify, cleanse and perfume the air using fragrant ScentOils which are available in 30 fragrances. Each ScentOil bottle is sealed and has a tester top allowing the fragrance to be appreciated before selection.

ScentChips Stockists are supported by attractive POS & Displays, Gift Bags and Fragrance Recipe Brochures which are all part of the package

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Also available from Triple S Supplies are; Fonkies! exclusive eye-catching collection of unique designs in Piggy Banks, currently in 3 sizes, September will see the launch of the Mini Fonkie! which will retail at 4.99.

Ovis Sheep Milk Soap & Plush a fine collection of Soaps containing Sheep Milk, in traditional & Sheep shapes, and accessories, and their exclusive Sheep Plush range from Austria.

Christmas 2014 if you haven’t yet done your Christmas buying, or even if you have, they are confident that you will find something a little different in their collection.

Decorative Candles at the time of writing they are negotiating distribution for a range of unscented decorative candles with beautiful images in a range of sizes and shapes.

They also distribute on behalf of many of the well known importers in Soft Toys, Gifts, Pocket Money Toys.

Tel/Fax: 01259 751009 Email: sales@triplessupplies.co.uk Web: www.triplessupplies.co.uk

SIA Home Fashion Unit 7, The Votec Centre, Hambridge Lane, Newbury RG14 5TN

Telephone: 01635 32868 Website: www.sia-homefashion.co.uk Email: salesuk@sia-homefashion.com

New Products

Coca-Cola - The new brand for

T

he German company Nostalgic-Art extends its collection of worldrenowned licensed products made of high quality metal with the beloved Coca-Cola brand!

Impress your customers with the shiny and retro Coca-Cola motifs in

your shop. Extra-thick “3D-effect” tin signs pressed and embossed on up to three levels and even more products are waiting to be discovered.

Be part of the nostalgic success of Coca-Cola and book your appointment in the new UK Showroom today!

Visit our UK showroom Home and Lifestyle Trade Centre Unit 18 / Trent Lane Industrial Estate Castle Donington / DE74 2NP UK Tel: 01332 811184 Email: international@nostalgic-art.de Web: www.nostalgic-art.de

Brotherly Love

J

ust Brothers was founded over fifty years ago. What started out as a small, localised company, has built up over the years to become one of the UK’s leading Jewellery Packaging suppliers with satisfied customers all over the UK, Europe and further afield.

They pride themselves in paying great attention to client comments, always striving to improve their products, to accommodate general market trends. To this end, they have a team of dedicated Agents throughout the UK (plus France and Holland) who constantly give them their latest client feedback.

Whilst the UK still has traditional style jewellers, Just Brothers have noticed how the market has changed over the years with increasing number of trendy, modern jeweller’s shops appearing.

To accommodate this, they have introduced numerous ranges of boxes with colourful, vibrant finishes. An extremely good example of this is the Majestic Series –lilac colour being the most popular of all (as pictured) Another new addition is the Oxford Series; A luxury Gift Card box with a satin ribbon and bow (as pictured) Besides boxes, they carry a full range of Displays. These are available in various forms; 122 gifts today

White and Black PU –All available off-the-shelf for immediate delivery Mayfair Displays- Either available as a complete Display Module or sold as individual pieces- Black or White Glossy Wood with White PU contrast –also available straight away English Hand-Made Display – Originally only in velvet finishes, but now covered in ultra-modern colours of Bengaline (textured material). Refer to pictures.

Just Brothers also prides itself in bespoke packaging, plus full range of Carrier Bags and Sundries too.

For further information look them up online www.justbros.co.uk, email on info@ justbros.co.uk or Tel: 020 8880 2505

New Products Holiday Comforts from Xystos Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand H01 Top Drawer: Stand U50 WoodWick’s Holiday Comforts’ range from Xystos features classic Christmas fragrances with intricate knit-design pattern vessels, which can be sold separately or as a collection. Holly Berry has red berry notes with the scent of fir trees and a dusting of fresh snow; Frasier Fir is made with nature’s essential oils – a fragrance that captures the essence of fresh cut fir on a crisp winter morning – and Sugar of Sprinkles has buttercream frosting topped with a rainbow of coloured sugar and sweet sprinkles.

The Leaf Collection from Xystos Autumn Fair : Hall 5, Stand H01 Top Drawer: Stand U50 WoodWick’s new Leaf Collection from Xystos is available in Leaf Glass and Ceramic Tumbler. There are six scents: Applewood has complex notes of tart green apple and spring cinnamon bark; Biscotti features the aroma of toasted cookie dough with rich vanilla icing; Cinnamon Chai has the comforting scent of spicy cinnamon and rich vanilla notes; Fireside balances amber, vetiver and musk; Harvest Time has juicy mandarin, red apple peel, sugared pear and firewood accord, while the natural scent of Vanilla Bean completes the collection.

Tel: 0191 499 1570

Tel: 0191 499 1570

Email: sales@xystos.co.uk

Email: sales@xystos.co.uk

Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk

Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk

New from the Monsoon Home Kitchen Collection by Denby

T

he continued success and popularity of the Monsoon Home Kitchen Collection

by Denby has inspired the Monsoon and Denby team of designers to extend the range with Bettie. Modern day living places the kitchen in the heart of our homes, and along with the continued and growing trend for home baking, Bettie offers a colourway that would easily blend with chaotic bright’s to vintage chic’s and is designed to make the kitchen look and feel beautiful.

The range features unique patterns from Monsoon’s archives and combines a range of mixed materials – ceramic, tin, textiles, glass mats, cork mats and fine china. Using Monsoon’s 40 years of stylish and iconic designs and

Denby’s 200 years of expertise in premium product manufacturing, Bettie is a delightful, cheerful and warm edition and of course being Denby, upholds the durability, practicality and quality that is synonymous with the Denby Brand.

Beautifully presented, in premium packaging, the Monsoon Bettie Kitchen Collection is ideal for gifting. Available from September, the collection comprises kitchen essentials; from glassware, textiles, placemats, coasters and cake tins to storage jars, mugs, pedestal cake stands and ceramic jugs.

Tel: 01773 740715 Email: julie.whittingham@ denby.co.uk gifts today 123

Feature: Fragrance

The Science Behind Home Fragrance

By Jo Welch, Deco Living Media Ltd

A fascinating and complex market, home fragrance is more scientific than one may think.

Fragrance, in its many guises, can evoke profound emotional response; but the romanticism of the end product belies the less glamorous controlled, methodical processes that are involved in the development of fragrance products. Intoxicating scents wrapped up in pretty packaging are more often than not the fruition of years of research and development.

I

t is not only the fragrances that have inherently scientific roots on so many levels - indeed the millions of scents available today are created from hundreds of thousands of ingredients in state-of-the-art scientific laboratories - but the vessels that emit atmospheric fragrances themselves are also often scientific inventions. Some vessels deliver so much more than a charming fragrance, even cleansing the air itself through chemical reactions.

Then we have the science of the sense of smell itself, the first sense that’s activated when a human is born. Smell is distinct from the other primary senses because it is connected to the olfactory cortex, the part of the brain responsible for emotions and memory. In other words, the ability to experience and express emotion grew directly out of our brain’s ability to process smell. The power of this sense is often underestimated. As Vladimir Nabokov once said, ‘Nothing revives the past so completely as a smell that was once associated with it.’

So the success of the burgeoning international marketplace that is home fragrance can possibly be attributed to the sheer diversity of scientific influences that underpin it. Add to this seasonal fragrance trends, and the opportunity for manufacturers to develop fresh and innovative new product year in year out is immense.

Ashleigh & Burwood is a prime example of a leading home fragrance brand that fully embraces this diverse and opportune marketplace. As an established leading international brand, the company has been responsible for many pioneering developments, and boasts its own in-house laboratory headed up by leading chemists, Siva Kandiah.

Ashleigh & Burwood has often been ahead of the game. They were one of the first companies

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to introduce reed diffusers to the UK in 2005; and in 2007, spotting a gap in the market, Ashleigh & Burwood were the first UK supplier of Catalytic Fragrance Lamps. The company has relentlessly been innovating and pioneering, and continues to do so today, especially with significant R&D investment into the science behind home fragrance.

This year the company enrolled their Head of Technical Development, Siva Kandiah, on a training course, in association with The Fragrance Foundation, with the world’s most famous ‘nose’, Roja Dove. As the world’s most quoted fragrance expert and the industry’s most respected perfumer, Roja Dove’s unique expertise and knowledge offers a crucial learning advantage to Ashleigh & Burwood.

Siva Kandiah is also responsible for the ongoing refinement of the Catalytic Fragrance Lamp technology, a benefit enjoyed by so many millions of customers worldwide. The origin of the Fragrance Lamp goes back to 1898 when a French pharmacist created the Catalytic Combustion system to disinfect the air in hospitals. The original models were made of crystal or glass and operated with the same method of purification that is used today: Diffusion by Catalytic Combustion. The catalytic burner captures and destroys the molecules that carry odours. The mixing of air and the movement from convection ensures that odours are destroyed as well as airborne microorganisms. While air fresheners and room sprays usually mask odours, catalytic lamps actively purify, cleanse and perfume the air in a wide area.

Common odours in the home produced by cooking, pets, tobacco and exercising can be safely and effectively removed by using Ashleigh & Burwood catalytic lamps.

As one of the industry leaders offering a wide range of designs of both Fragrance Lamps and Lamp

Fragrances, Ashleigh & Burwood is an authority on this scientific system of home fragrancing.

Independent tests, conducted under laboratory conditions for Ashleigh & Burwood, present powerful evidence for the lamps’ ability to destroy airborne microorganisms. The lamps are shown to be effective in destroying allergens including bacteria such as e-coli, mould spores and dust mites. The lamps also destroy unpleasant odours, such as cigarette smoke and bad smells from pets.

To further enhance the wellbeing benefits of these powerful little lamps, consumers can choose from a

So the success of the burgeoning international marketplace that is home fragrance can possibly be attributed to the sheer diversity of scientific influences that underpin it vast collection of lamp fragrances, including essential oil blends that help with flu symptoms and encourage relaxation, through to botanical and natural essences that evoke sentiment and create atmosphere. There is even a Neutral Lamp Fragrance for those who want to take advantage of the air cleansing properties of the lamps, without scenting their home.

Evidence of the science behind Ashleigh & Burwood’s fragrance development can be seen in many of their more complex fragrances, created with layer upon layer of ingredients, which have been meticulously fused together. This season their new trendy cosmopolitan fragrance, Rose and White Oud, is a shining example of this. A scent charged with intrigue and mystery, oud rises from the heart, harmonising with hints of blondewood, white amber and leather, reaching a simple rose top note. This fragrance cleverly combines woody, floral and leathery notes to form an exceptionally precious fine scent of mesmerising complexity. To design fragrances as complex as this takes years and years of expertise and a very well trained nose. The intensity of such complex fragrances is evident the quality and longevity of the scent, easily distinguishable to the untrained nose from the less expensive, more simple and synthetic home fragrance products available.

Perfumer for Ashleigh & Burwood, Jeanne-Marie

Faugier, explains more about how such fragrances are developed: ‘The science of creating fragrance is a both formulaic and evolutional, with the ultimate aim of evoking pleasure. Much of what we do when creating the actual perfume itself is trial and error as we test and trial thousands of new fragrance formulas to achieve a certain smell. The stringent scientific elements of fragrance design come into play when we deal with health and safety legislation, environmental issues and the technical differences dependent upon application. The different applications in home fragrance, from candles and diffusers to catalytic fragrance lamps, mean that different formulas are required to produce a fragrance fit for purpose for each different application, even if the scent is the same.

‘Given today’s increasing concerns about health & safety and environmental issues, we have a dedicated team of technicians, which ensures that our quality control systems, based on GC mass spectrometry analysis, physical tests and olfactive appraisal, provide complete batch traceability through every stage of the production process from development samples to customer deliveries.

‘Being responsible for creating perfumes in line with market trends and to a customer brief is a truly fascinating industry. Perfumers live and breathe (and smell!) fragrance. Delivering a perfect solution to a brief is so rewarding and it always delights me to see the emotional effect new fragrances have on clients and their customers.’

Maybe less of a result of science and laboratories, but impressive nonetheless, the innovative design behind some of Ashleigh & Burwood’s decorative home fragrance products delivers a rewarding bestseller for retailers. Two innovations that are proving to be a real hit are the scented metal Pomanders, and the brand new Duo Diffuser twin-packs. Both bang on trend in response to market demand, the pretty Pomanders provide fragrance in a decorative way; and the Duo Diffusers boast great value for money and a blend of two complementary scents in a gift box. A one-pack solution for multi-room fragrancing.

Ashleigh & Burwood Contact Details: Tel: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Web: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk gifts today 125

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E

T

A

I

L

Regular - Grass Roots

Grass Roots Janet Hartree,

Derrick Armitage,

Ewe and Me, Grantown on Spey

Present Perfect, Scotland

Certainly this year we have seen the first signs of improvement in sales over the past few years. I am sure that the lovely long spell of warm sunny weather has played a large part of that. Our High Street has been vibrant with most shops enjoying extra sales. Family’s with school age children in particular are enjoying holidays here this year having seen a decline in their numbers over the past few years. Everyone is happy in the sunshine, taking time and enjoying the ambience of the High Street and the many independent shops that we have here.

People on holiday enjoy visiting different towns and villages making us Tourist Destinations. When the weather is pleasant so is that experience and the more likely they are to spend money.

The spell of sunny weather gives everyone a smile but I often think that a beautifully sunny day can persuade some to go out more but in regards to retail, location is then very relevant. Of course it also depends on what one is selling; sadly, we don’t sell ice cream! Conversely, I can recall some awfully cold, wet days when business has been far better than I imagined it might be. Nevertheless, it would be wonderful if we could get the summer weather to stay a while longer yet to help boost our sales further!

With the weather seeing a vast improvement through the month of July and August, did this have a positive effect on the high street?

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor

Tim Zahringer, J.A.Zahringer, Kingswood,Bristol We found the good weather made people come out earlier but then made the afternoons quieter, so overall sales equalled out. Some of this was due to weather I imagine but the rest was probably due to the sports on TV.

Alice Palace, Alice Palace Studio, Evesham The hot weather gets everyone spending more, because they are feeling happier and more generous! We’ve been selling lots of personalised wedding presents, such as our Mr & Mrs aprons, Good together cushions, Smiling widely mounted prints, and Better together glassboards for kitchens (see them all at alicepalace.co.uk). The sun is good!

Kevin Willis, Pettits of Wallingford, Oxfordshire

Louise Nichol, The Dragonfly Gifts, Edinburgh I’m not sure if it’s down to the hot weather or just the economy in general but overall our sales are well down against target this year. We feel it could possibly be a few things including diverse weather conditions, sports events, end of month or school holidays. However, this year seems to be particularly difficult. We’ve found when a big sporting weekend is on we’re really, really quiet People might come in first thing or later but we don’t see many ‘browsers’.

It’s good to talk!

Email the editor, Penny Franks penny@lemapublishing.co.uk 126 gifts today

I can definitely say the better weather has been fantastic for business as Feb and March were awful with all the rain we had.

It then seemed to work really well as from about Easter the weather picked up and sales in Pettits were really good. It has also been a really good season throughout the summer.

Bev Bowman, Williams Garden Centre, Aberdeen We started the season on a high and in general good weather always makes a difference to the garden centre trade, however, business seems to have ‘fallen off a cliff’ this year instead of seeing a steady decline as summer passes we have gone straight into a down season trade.

Further to the thought provoking article by Brian Wiseman (Gifts Today July 2014) I too see things that have gone wrong for the Independent Gift Retailer.

Last month I received a letter from a supplier informing me that as I had failed to reach their newly imposed annual turnover I could no longer consider myself a stockist and no further orders would be supplied. This from a Company that I have supported two or three times annually for the last 15 years. Supported by doing regular carriage paid orders, displaying their merchandise prominently in the store and adding it to window displays on a weekly basis.

Furthermore, not once in the last 5 years (or if ever) have I received a visit from their representative, and recently my orders have been placed via their internet site. What possible reason do they have therefore in disassociating themselves with my business unless it is their arrogance in deciding that my store is just not good enough for their product coupled with their wish to reduce the competition in order to further their online business.

In their ambition to become both manufacturer and retailer via their internet sites companies are forgetting who helped them grow their brand and who have now ended up (or in my case not even this) just a showcase for their products on the High Street. What has happened to good customer service, loyalty and appreciation? Ironically, two years ago a similar thing occurred, this from a manufacturer of handbags. One of their reasons for withdrawing my account was that they did not wish to see their products displayed alongside the very mugs, teacups and teapots that have been withdrawn from me now! Today, Mrs Thomas came into my store (she visits every few weeks), we greeted each other, commented on the weather and she went into my card shop to peruse the wedding cards. After ten minutes she came to the counter purchased a card for £2 which I rang up in my till, gave her change for a £20 and placed the card in a bag. We then chatted a little more, wished each other well and she went on her way. At no time did I feel it necessary to tell her that she had not spent enough money, visited my store frequently enough or indeed needed to smarten herself up in order to shop with me!

The relationship between supplier and retailer is a difficult one, fraught with misunderstandings on both sides.

However, in order for us all to survive we need to treat each other with respect and fairness, communicate and above all remember who helped us up along the way.

Yours faithfully Lorry Hodgkiss Director Jonathans Gift Shop Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 1PY

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Hall 3, Stand W04