Progressive Gifts & Home - September 2016

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September 2016

Classic Holiday Collection ® ® from WoodWick emails: sales@xystos.co.uk

Contact

Tel: +44 (0)191 499 1570

SERIOUSLY GOOD STUFF. Prepare to discover the latest and greatest products for your store.

4 -7 SEPTEMBER 2016 NEC BIRMINGHAM UK

VOLUME OPENS 3 SEPT

Get your free ticket today:

www.autumnfair.com Credits: Staghorn Plant - Abigail Ahern, Small Pendent Light - Lene Bjerre, Rabbit - Tutti & Co, L light - Smiling Faces, Bronze Pipe Light - Pipe Art, White Cloudy Sea Urchin Vase & Papyrus Meteorite Vase - Ian Snow, Modeville Cream Linen Sofa - Libra, Giraffe Cushion - Wraptious.

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www.max-publishing.co.uk The home of market leading trade magazines

The B2B Publication For Preschool Products and Retailers

EXHIBITIONS

THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS

This Month

Exactly seven days after the EU Referendum vote, I was at an afternoon event for RHS licensees (see Coming Up Roses on page 81), held at the very same venue that Boris Johnson had announced that he would not be standing for PM earlier in the day. As copies of the Evening Standard were being swiftly delivered to newspaper stands around London, I chatted to Will Havercroft, head of retail at the RHS. "What do you think the Brexit vote is going to mean for the retail sector?" I asked him. "Inevitably it will hit customer confidence, as can be seen by retail shares plunging immediately after the vote," he answered. "But on the more positive side, with a weak £pound against the euro and the dollar, it could yet be a good summer based on families deciding to staycation and overseas tourists flocking to Britain."

Fast forward to the end of July, and his prediction seems to be spot on. In a boost for both the economy and tourism, it was announced that 7.3 million Britons were opting for a staycation this summer - with the British tourism industry seeing a 25% increase in enquiries from holidaymakers.

In fact, London has been enjoying a Brexit 'boom'. According to research by Tourism Alliance, there were 18% more foreign visitors and 11% more British tourists visiting the capital, hopefully spending their money on lovely gifts to take back with them!

So, taking a positive attitude to retail and gifting, buoyed by our Retail Retailer Round Table held at Home & Gift Buyers' Festival in July (see It's Good To Talk on pages 29-31), and with the run up to Christmas in mind, much of this issue has been devoted to the trendiest gifts around at the sweet spots of £5 and under, £10 and under and £20 and under. (See Stocking Fillers on pages 47-51). Plus, with Christmas decorations a big hit for many gift independents over the last couple of years, we've taken a look at what will be decking the halls and Christmas trees this year. (See Bring Out The Christmas Baubles on pages 33-37).

Mugs, of course, are a sector guaranteed to get the tills ringing all year round, but especially when it comes to stocking fillers, Secret Santas, teacher's gifts and so on. We 'mug up' on pages 83-87.

Staying with the festive season, as summer's floral and fruity home fragrances evolve into Autumn's cosier, evocative scents, we've sniffed out the latest festive fragrances that will be making homes so nice to come home to. (See Cosying Up For Christmas on pages 59-67).

Meanwhile, as the industry heads for the all important fourth quarter, the PG&H team will heading to Birmingham and Autumn Fair taking place from September 4-7, Top Drawer taking place from September 11-13 at London's Olympia, and the first ever BCTF London, taking place at The Old Truman Brewery in London's Brick Lane from September 11-13. (See News on pages 9-23).

It's a busy schedule, and we'll be putting out best foot forward, so hope to see you at the shows!

Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivegifts.co.uk www.thegreatsawards.co.uk

Above: With the festive season in mind, Joe Davies' Paul Hooker shows Sue the company's new, colourful LED balloons. (See Keeping It Fresh on pages 43-45).

Above left: Sue caught up with Michelin starred chef Tom Kerridge to hear more about his first licensed cookware range. (See Brand Launch Autumn on pages 75-77).

September 2016

Publishers

COVER: Classic Holiday Collection showing Crimson Berries, Mercury Ellipse & Plaid Hourglass from the Woodwick range, distributed in the UK by Xystos.

Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax and Ian Hyder Progressive Gifts & Home is published 7 times a year.

Subscription: UK; one year £50, two years £85 or three years £110. Overseas; one year £75, two years £125 or three years £165. Please send your cheque to: Progressive Gifts & Home, Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax 020 7609 4222/020 7607 6411 email: ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

Design & Production Russell Sutton

Subscriptions enquiries maxsubscriptions@marketingreinforcements.co.uk Tel: 020 8943 9541 ABC figure 6,788 July 1st 2010 - 30th June 2011 Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation.

Classic Holiday Collection ® ® from WoodWick emails: sales@xystos.co.uk

Contact

Tel: +44 (0)191 499 1570

Copyright 2008. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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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

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Inside 9-23

News

25

Gift of the Gab SO FAR, SO GOOD

27

Sounding Off GIFTS FOR ALL SEASONS

29-31

Feedback: Retailer Round Table IT'S GOOD TO TALK

33-37

Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations BRING OUT THE CHRISTMAS BAUBLES

43-45

In Profile: Joe Davies KEEPING IT FRESH

47-51

Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts STOCKING FILLERS

53

Trends HOMING IN ON HANDMADE

55-57

In Profile: Wild & Wolf DESTINATION DESIGN

Seasonal Decoration at its best 27 – 31. 1. 2017

59-67

Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing COSYING UP FOR CHRISTMAS

75-77

Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware BRAND LAUNCH AUTUMN

81

Spotlight On... RHS Licensed Giftware COMING UP ROSES

83-87

Spotlight On... Mugs A HANDLE ON MUGS

Happy New Business!

The creation of a profitable product assortment starts at Christmasworld. Order the best decorations for all festive events during the year from top international exhibitors. And discover in the new Floradecora product area how to help stimulate sales with fresh flowers and ornamental plants.

Buy your ticket (including free public transport) at a discounted advance sale price: christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

116-117 Best Sellers 121

On The Road: David Roberts

121

Last Word: Alejandra Campos

Sue Marks Editor

Angie Bryant Advertisement Manager

Ian Hyder Publishing Director

suem@max-publishing.co.uk

angieb@max-publishing.co.uk

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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PROUD HOME OF...

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Industry News

The Crystal Greats 2017

Honoured Ma'am

Fifteenth Anniversary Celebrations The Greats 2017 has already kicked off, with Thursday May 4, 2017, announced as the date for the fabulous Awards afternoon celebration! The event will be returning for a second consecutive year to the glittering ballroom of the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London, taking 'crystal' as its theme to commemorate the Awards' 15th milestone anniversary.

Category sponsors who have been quick to commit their support include, (in alphabetical order), Gift Republic; Gisela Graham; Joe Davies; London Stationery Show/National Stationery Week; Premier Decorations; Root Candles; Sass & Belle by RJB Stone and Wild & Wolf, who are all returning to support the gift industry's most high profile and prestigious gift retailer occasion.

"The Greats continue to hold a very special place in the gift industry's heart, with Progressive Gifts having had the joy of seeing many of our early category winners continuing to go from strength to strength," comments PG&H's editor Sue Marks. "Despite the many curved balls that retail throws at independents and multiples, year after year, they continue to rise to the challenge, and it is these 'greatest of the great' gift retailers that we want to recognise and reward."

Full details of The Greats 2017 will be announced on the dedicated Greats website in the next month. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk. All Greats 2017 finalists will be featured in the March/April 2017 issue of Progressive Gifts & Home.

To book tickets to The Greats Awards, please contact event organiser Clare Davies at Createvents tel: 01183 340085 e: clare@createvents.co.uk.

Above: For the second year running, the Grosvenor House in Park Lane, London, will be hosting the fabulous Greats Awards.

Left: The Greats winners 2016.

'Commercial' Success For Award Winner For one Greats 2016 winner, winning an Award really helped to put the owners, as well as their shop - The Bottom Drawer in Portadown, Northern Ireland - on the local retail map. Co-owners and sisters Rhonda Wood and Fran Doran, winners of the Best InStore/Window Display Award, were even invited to appear in a TV commercial!

"We were selected to appear in a TV advertisement for the local borough council discussing why locals should support local independent retailers," explains Fran. "The video received 6,398 views through the council's Facebook page with over 130 likes and 40 shares posted on July 4."

Adds Rhonda: "Since our success in May, we have been inundated with good wishes. Our social media page pulled in a total of 25,000+ views, with over a 1,000 likes on our Facebook page announcing our success. We were also featured in the local press with the Mayor, as well as in the Ulster Tatler, which resulted in a measured increase in footfall."

Adds Fran: "The awards are a great opportunity for small businesses to make new contacts and achieve a sense of worth."

Above: Fran Doran of The Bottom Drawer was recently featured in a TV commercial.

Far left: Fran and her sister Rhonda Wood are shown with the local Mayor and The Greats trophy.

Left: The Bottom Drawer was featured in the Ulster Tatler.

Receiving a Queen's Award for International Trade in Her Majesty's 90th milestone birthday year, was a day to remember for Blue Eyed Sun's founders Jo and Jeremy Corner.

“The Queen’s Award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our fantastic team and the wonderful partnerships we have with our great distributors in the many countries we export to around the world,” comments Jeremy, director, Blue Eyed Sun and vice chairman of The Giftware Association.

“It was an incredible honour to meet Her Majesty, to tell her about Blue Eyed Sun and to present her with a 90th birthday card."

Also present at the evening reception was the Duke of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, Princess Eugenie of York, The Duke of Gloucester, The Duke of Kent, Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent.

Above: GA vice-chairman Jeremy Corner and his wife Jo, founders of Blue Eyed Sun, presented the Queen with one of the company’s 90th birthday cards at Buckingham Palace.

Carlisle Concept Store Opens The first Joma Jewellery London and Katie Loxton London concept store will be opening at 20 Globe Lane in the Lanes, Carlisle city centre, on Thursday September 1. A grand opening will follow on Saturday September 3. "We have been selling Joma jewellery since the company first started out three years ago and have grown each year with the brand," explains Laura Siddle whose family business owns Fagan's jewellery, gift and cookshop in Cockermouth and Sands gifts and cookshop in Penrith.

Above: From Joma's Stardust collection.

Family Firm Does The Double Walking stick specialist Classic Canes recently won the Family Business of the Year and Business of the Year titles at the prestigious Western Gazette Business Awards 2016. The awards were presented at a ceremony in Yeovil.

The judges were impressed by the way the Somerset-based family firm has become an international force with stockists in more than 40 countries worldwide.

Above: Charlotte Gillan, md of Classic Canes, was presented with her awards by the Western Gazette.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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PRESENTS

NEC BIRMINGHAM | 4 - 7 SEPTEMBER 2016

NE W LOC ATION | HAL L 4 N6 - 20 (at the top of the stairs between Halls 4 and 5)

tel: 0161 688 1226 | Fax: 0161 682 6808 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk | www.widdop.co.uk

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Industry News

GA’s Brexit Pledge We'll Help All We Can With Brexit very much a talking point in the gift industry, The Giftware Association's chairman, Henri Davies, has confirmed that the GA team and national committee members will be keeping on top of developments as they materialise. The Association has pledged to help gift and home industry suppliers and retailers to handle the pressures and grasp the opportunities presented by leaving the EU. Speaking at The Great Northern Retail Forum at the recent Home & Gift Buyers' Festival in Harrogate, Henri stated: “We will research the issues Above: GA chairman Henri Davies speaking at Home & Gift in Harrogate last month. and use our various areas of expertise to – where appropriate – lobby government and make sure our members’ issues are put across and understood. We will be keeping on top of Brexit developments as they materialise, and all the information we gather will be pooled as a rich resource for anyone within the GA.” She highlighted that the impact of the vote to leave the EU is already being felt through exchange rates. “Unless companies already had orders placed, Brexit has had an immediate effect for anyone buying product from Europe, America or the Far East. Some people are already putting up their prices, while others are saying that because orders have already been placed they are going to hold them," she stated. "But the reality is, that what we will be buying for January is almost certainly going to be more expensive.”

She predicted that there won’t be any clarity for a long time regarding levies for importing and exporting from, and to, European countries. "In fact, there may be none at all," she pointed out. "It’s a complete guessing game at the moment."

Its Business As Usual According to the British Retail Consortium's (BRC) chief executive Helen Dickinson OBE, Britain's retailers remain open for business, "The EU Referendum vote has not changed their relentless pursuit of delivering for customers day in, day out, or their investment in meeting the needs of fundamental changes in the way people shop, driven by digital and technology," she stated.

Helen continued that, despite the fall in the £pound, the time it takes for any input price increases to translate into higher shop prices will depend on a combination of factors, including further changes in the pound, commodity prices, and the challenge for retailers to move pricing given the intensity of competition. "So, there won’t be any instant shocks as any changes will take time to feed through,” she points out.

Brexit Blues Says GA Poll Following the EU Referendum, a GA members poll revealed that businesses believe that, over the coming months, their UK sales and export prospects will be worse following the Brexit vote with their costs higher. This contrasts with a GA poll in mid-March revealing that supplier and retailer members were generally upbeat about future prospects.

"We will be doing everything in our power to cushion what many believe to be a Brexit blow to their businesses and help them to move forward by giving useful advice and support,” says Sarah Ward, chief executive of The Giftware Association.

Left: Sarah Ward, chief executive of The Giftware Association.

John Lewis Home Targets £1bn An ambitious prediction from John Lewis could see the department store grow its own brand Home business to £1bn of annual revenue by 2020. The company also plans to continue to expand its exclusive relationships with external brands. "£1bn sales from our own brand will be a landmark milestone for John Lewis, and is a reflection of our belief in our John Lewis design credentials and assortment," comments Christine Kasoulis, buying director for Home at John Lewis. "This ambition will be led by our latest collection, Design Project, a 250 piece collection Above: John Lewis has ambitious plans to designed in-house that will focus on beautiful, thoughtful design, targeted at customers looking to introduce progressive contemporary pieces into their home." grow its Home business to £1bn.

The retailer says it will also continue to build its existing own brands - including House which is focused on meeting the needs of 'generation rent' - as well as Croft, drawing on designs using natural luxurious materials.

In addition, the company recently launched a string of exclusive collaborations with external brands including Loaf and West Elm, and dining chain Leon.

Having recently invested £14m in its flagship Oxford Street Home department, John Lewis has also opened Home Hub departments at its new branches in Horsham, Basingstoke and Birmingham, bringing together all of John Lewis’ home services. Home Hubs will also be featured in new stores opening in Chelmsford and Leeds this year.

International Sparkle IJL 2016 (taking place at Olympia from September 4-6), is on course to showcase the most 4 - 6 SEPTEMBER 2016 innovative designers and brands not just from the UK but from around the world, with a OLYMPIA LONDON host of new international companies making their debut. With over 500 exhibitors from 33 countries, the international line-up includes an array of individual companies from Australia, Columbia, Brazil, Greece, Germany and Denmark , as well as country pavilions from Hong Kong, South Africa and Sri Lanka, together with the European Village.

Visit www.jewellerylondon.com

New GA Honours Three delighted exhibitors at the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, held in Harrogate in July, were the winners of brand new GA Awards to members. The Great British Exchange won the GA's Outstanding Product award for its toffee flavoured vodka, along with other of its products that were recommended by retailers at the show.

In addition, Gisela Graham received the GA's Best Dressed Stand award, while the Proudest Member award went to Root Candles, chosen as the company that 'epitomised what a member should be, engaging enthusiastically with the GA, utilising its services and reaping the benefits.'

"It's important that throughout the year, the GA demonstrates that it notices and values the blood, sweat and tears that go into producing high quality products and great service levels," states the GA's chief executive Sarah Ward. "This approach enables us to spend more time with members, giving us a deeper understanding of what they do and how they become successful." ● According to Clarion Events, Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival was another successful show, with a 5% increase in attendance from multiples, and a 5% increase from department stores.

Above: The Great British Exchange was among the three winners of the new GA Awards. Shown from left to right are: Claire Corns, Matt Hopkins (md) and Sophie Robinson.

Above right: Tom Sykes, director, Xystos, confirmed that the company enjoyed record sales at the Home & Gift Buyers' Festival.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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the

fresh

fragrance of

wild mint

the

warm fragrance of cherry blossom the

mellow

fragrance of

linden tree

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STAND H-H19 VISIT PARLANE ON STAND H-H19 FOR HANDCRAFTED CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AND HOME ACCESSORIES.

THE PARLANE COLLECTION CRAFTED BY HAND SINCE 1970

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Industry News

Autumn Fair Smelling Sweet It's sure to be standing room only when maverick 'fragrance Queen' Jo Malone MBE (see right) steps up to the mike at Autumn Fair, organised by i2i Events, taking place at the NEC in Birmingham from September 4-7.

Jo, who will give the keynote seminar on Monday September 5, says that she is looking forward to sharing her brand building story, "the highs and lows of starting all over again, and how I intend to change the fragrance industry for a second time through creativity and innovation," she comments.

Her session will be a part of a wider seminar programme held over all four days, which includes a broad reach of experts speaking on a variety of topics.

This year, the show will play host to over 230 gift suppliers in Hall 5, co-located with Children’s Gifts, Toys & Gadgets and Brands of China. New companies joining the Gift sector this year include Splash Maps, Deep Books, EastWest Europe, Berber Leather and Stargazer.

Hall 4 meanwhile, will play host to Contemporary Gift & Living, boasting over 300 exhibitors, as well as Greetings, Stationery & Craft, plus Fashion Jewellery & Accessories, with Body, Bath & Home Fragrance exhibitors in Halls 3, 4 and 5. Volume & Housewares will be showcased in Hall 1, which will be opening one day earlier on Saturday September 3.

"We know that buyers are using Autumn Fair to buy in season, so it's key that the offering at the show reflects the latest trends and products in the market," comments Naomi Barton, i2i Events' portfolio director. ● New to Autumn Fair this year will be the Lighting Show, as well as the bira contemporary collective in association with BHETA. Returning will be the Fashion and Accessories catwalk.

Overall, there will be over 1,400 UK and international exhibitors, with hundreds of companies new to the show this year. Visit www.autumnfair.com

Cardgains Giveaway To celebrate Great Gizmos becoming a preferred supplier to the Cardgains buying group this year, the company will be giving away a classic red pedal car at Autumn Fair which takes place from September 4-7 at the NEC. For a chance to win it, visit the Cardgains Village (Hall 4, E20/F21) or Great Gizmos stand (Hall 5, D60/E61) and drop a business card off in the designated area. The winner will be drawn from a hat and contacted on the final day of the show.

Cardgains will also be showcasing a mix of big brand gifts, candles, furnishings, calendars, balloons and party and chocolates. Companies include History & Heraldry, Wax Lyrical, Yankee Candle and Xystos.

Above: Who will be driving out of the NEC with this classic car from Great Gizmos?

Online Shop Talk Giftware Association vice chairman and Blue Eyed Sun director Jeremy Corner, will be chairing a panel at Autumn Fair on Monday September 5 exploring lessons learned from journeys into ecommerce. "The seminar will have interesting insights for anyone looking to set up an online shop, understand the commercial benefits of social media and those exploring social selling online," comments Jeremy. On the panel will be Alice Wheeler, founder of Wonderland, and Claire Rose, founder of Miss Rose.

Jeremy will also speaking on '10 things to do in your business before you start using social media' at Autumn Fair on Sunday September 4.

What's Trending At Autumn Fair According to Laurence Pasquier, editor at trend forecaster WGSN Lifestyle & Interiors, artisan will be one of the key trends at Autumn Fair. (See Trends, Homing In On Handmade on page 53). "The artisan trend is named after the crafting and making movement that is currently seeing handmade products gain considerable traction with the demand for kits to make your own everything, from wall hangings to cleaning products, and it's getting bigger. Brushstrokes and drops of paint add to the handmade aesthetic."

Above: Kaemingk's bottles and vases have an artisan look and feel.

At the other end of the spectrum, Laurence also highlights 'offbeat' which celebrates playfulness with a nostalgic nod to an '80s pre-internet aesthetic. "Print and pattern is key - think geometric compositions pairing bright hues such as tomato red, apple green and soda pink, mixed with touches of fluro yellow as well as graphic black and white," he highlights.

Adds Martin Holland, winner of the BBC's The Great Interior Design Challenge 2015, "dark and moody interiors will be taking centre stage this Autumn/Winter. It's all about deep forest greens, inky blues and charcoal blacks in rich hues. Bold statements with clashing patterns and textures on chairs, cushions and rugs, are the perfect partners for this look."

Food For Thought For the first time, Scotland's Trade Fair Autumn, which takes place at the SECC in Glasgow from September 1819, will be including a selection of food and drink gift exhibitors to include Coco Chocolatier, Spice Pots, Jam Brew and The Chilli Experience. Returning to the show will be the Launch Gallery - a sell out this year featuring over 150 stands, with some 50 companies that are first time exhibitors.

Visit www.scotlandstradefairs.uk

Fragrant Fund Raiser A special Help for Heroes fragrance, created by a team of five veterans and fragrance house Corincraft, has so far raised over £18,000 for the charity, with further scope to raise funds.

Steve McCulley, Dan Richards, Clive Smith, Corbin Mackin and Karl Hinett (pictured) were all affected by life changing injuries or illness resulting from their service in the British Armed Forces.

They worked with Corincraft to create Help for Heroes XTREME The Fragrance.

The funds raised are largely generated from the sales of the product at Debenhams' stores nationwide and online, where the fragrance initially launched. It is now also stocked in The Perfume Shop, online at Help for Heroes Trading and in the Sandringham Estate Shop.

At least £3 from every bottle sold is donated to Help for Heroes. In addition, new to the range is a secret atomiser pen with £2 going to the charity for each one sold.

“These inspirational men have helped raise valuable funds that will make a big difference to the lives of their fellow veterans," comments Marcus O’Shea, head of brand partnerships at Help for Heroes.

Above: The five veterans with their Help For Heroes fragrance.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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HALL 3 B10 -C11

Buy Online Now: www.silplc.com or Visit Our Showroom: New Ford Road, Waltham Cross, Herts, EN8 7PG, UK | T: 01992 718033 E: sales@silplc.com F: 01992 760021

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Industry News

Top Drawer Edited What's New, What's Trending

Libra's Retail Concept Expands Below: Keith Brymer Jones live at his

Leading UK potter Keith Brymer Jones, a judge on BBC 2's The Great British potter's wheel at Top Drawer in January.

Pottery Throw Down, and head of design at Make International, will be returning to Top Drawer this Autumn, which takes place at London's Olympia from September 11-13. Visitors to the show will be able to see Keith in action at his potter's wheel, creating his signature ceramics live at the show.

Elsewhere, a new sector, Craft, will be making its debut at the Autumn show, responding to the increasing demand for high quality, artisanal items with provenance. Following Craft's successful launch three years ago at the Spring edition of Top Drawer, the curated showcase of handmade products will now become a bi-annual feature of Top Drawer in September.

The sector features a wide reach of disciplines and formats, from quintessentially British to Europe's most directional labels, encompassing ceramics, glass, metalwork, furniture, textiles, woodwork, prints, fashion and jewellery.

Also new is Men Only, an edit of products exclusively for men, with the trail pinpointing original men's gifts and accessories at a range of price points across the show. Brands include Bronte by Moon, Cadogan Gifts and Carter and Bond.

Yet another 'first' will be the launch of UK Debut, showcasing new global design talent featuring international names who haven't exhibited in the UK before.

Meanwhile, an entire floor is being dedicated to the design-led Fashion segment of the show, which includes accessories and jewellery ranging from cutting edge to classic. New features include a trend-led runway fashion show and a jewellery UK collection zone. The impressive line-up includes Ted Baker, Tyler & Tyler, Rodgers & Rodgers, Azuni and Newgate Watches.

Elsewhere, the Gift sector will be showcasing leading design-led UK and international brands across the giftware, children's, wellbeing and greetings and stationery sections. (See PaperFest below).

In the Home sector, which is 30% bigger than last Autumn, new homewares, furniture and lighting brands include first time exhibitors Bed & Philiosphy, Edito, Erstwhile, Nuf, Nuf, Vanilla Fly and Yod & Co. Returning to the show will be Spotted, curated by journalist Charlotte Abrahams, which highlights new, market ready products that are being showcased for the first time, along with Product GB and Eco Trail, led respectively by House & Garden features director David Nicholls, and architect, design and TV presenter Oliver Heath.

A further highlight of the show will be Academy Live, a series of inspirational seminars which will see GA chairman Henri Davis advise independent businesses on using economic business and product trend information to their advantage. Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk

PaperFest, Another 'First' For Top Drawer With a host of 'firsts' at Top Drawer this September, (see above) the show will be incorporating a specialist event, PaperFest, into its Stationery & Greetings area as of this September.

"We supported PaperFest 2015 and were really impressed by what had been created," explains Alejandra Campos, Top Drawer's show director. (See Last Word on page xx). "We are committed to continuous innovation and development in support of this sector, and incorporating PaperFest into Top Drawer fits perfectly with our vision."

Alejandra highlights that it's a very exciting time for the stationery and greetings market, with strong growth year on year. "Therefore, being able to offer a professional platform to let the event evolve felt like a natural step. Most importantly, we are making the event free to attend, developing the format, and further adding to the content to make this an even more compelling event within Top Drawer."

She says that adding the sell-out PaperFest event to the Top Drawer roster will allow it to flourish still further, with talks and creativity at the heart of Top Drawer's Stationery & Greetings area.

Eastern Design Promise

Following the successful launch of Libra's Retail Concept initiative - a dedicated in store Libra shop - four more 'concepts' are launching in August and September. Stores include Bentalls in Kingston and Fenwick's in Colchester.

Each 'concept' brings together handpicked products from Libra's extensive portfolio which are then created into displays drawing on new seasonal product stories.

Stockists will also receive seasonally refreshed marketing and display materials, training and advice for sales staff, as well as exclusive offers and preferential stock allocation.

Libra will be rolling out the idea to other stockists over the coming months.

Above: Libra Retail Concept shown at Dansk Interiors in Essex.

Coastal Gift Show Initiative A specially created costal path will be the highlight of Giving & Living which takes place from January 15-18 at Westpoint Exhibition Centre, near Exeter.

The show is aimed at UK retail buyers on or near the coast and will feature the latest coastal merchandise with appeal to holiday makers. Visit www.givingandliving.co.uk Below: Visitors at January's Giving & Living show.

On His Bike For Charity Showing that he's always up for a challenge especially if it's for charity - Ian Hyder, publishing director of Progressive Gifts & Home, was among the 230 toy and licensing executives taking part in the Big Cambridge Challenge.

Ian cycled 80 miles, along with other industry stalwarts that included Anthony Temple, md of Rainbow Designs. Other participants ran, walked and skydived.

The event helped to raise £180,000 for the Toy Trust at the beginning of July. However, the total is likely to hit the £200,000 mark, which will go towards the Toy Trust’s Giving the Gift of Play cause. The charity supplies play equipment for children’s hospices across the UK. Below: PG&H's Ian Hyder (centre) cycled 80 miles for the Big Cambridge Challenge.

Rihjt: Among the exhibitors at BIG/BIH.

Leading Asean trade shows the Bangkok International Gift Fair (BIG), and Bangkok International Housewares Fair (BIH), will be bringing together some 600 exhibitors and designers across Thailand and Asia to showcase brand new designs as well as the latest collections of lifestyle products across 1600 booths. Sectors include gift and home, textiles, stationery, toys and games and Christmas decorations.

BIG and BIH will again take place at BITEC, Bangna, Bangkok, with the shows open to the trade from October 19-21. Visit www.bigandbih.com

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Industry News

Licensing Awards 2016 Giftware Finalists Announced Over 5,000 products were entered for this year's Licensing Awards, (organised by Max Publishing, owner of PG&H), judged by buyers from across the retail spectrum.

The finalists in the Best Licensed Giftware Range are: The Gruffalo Gift range from Kimm & Miller; Guess How Much I Love You Gift range from Rainbow Designs; Minions range for Claire’s from VMC Accessories; Peter Rabbit Organic Dinner Set from Enesco; The Simpsons x Skinny Dip Krusty the Clown range and Ted Baker Tour de Space and Time Collection from Wild & Wolf.

In the Best Licensed Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range, the finalists are: DC Comics Doormats from Pyramid International; The Great British Bake Off Range from Wow! Stuff; Peter Rabbit 150 Nursery Range for Mothercare from Suncrest; Star Wars X-Wing Bed from World’s Apart; Star Wars Homewares from Underground Toys and Vintage Kellogg’s Sunrise Collection from Portmeirion.

The winners will be revealed on Tuesday September 13 in The Great Room of the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, which will be attended by over 1,400 retailers, licensees, licensors and industry suppliers.

Above: Boottees are part of Rainbow Designs' Guess How Much I Love You range.

Left: Enesco's Peter Rabbit Organic Dinner Set.

Handmade At The Heart Of Delhi Fair With crafts gaining in popularity, and artisan a major trend going forward into 2017, the IHGF Delhi Fair (previously known as the Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair) will be opening its doors at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, from October 14-18, to welcome domestic and international retailers from across the retail spectrum.

Among the largest and most comprehensive sourcing events on the global stage - there are 12 show sectors - the IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn will be covering home fashion, furniture and utility along with gifting, fashion and fashion Above: Colourful artisan rugs will be among the products accessories, as well as Christmas decorations, home fragrancing, on display at the IHGF Delhi Fair in October. kitchenware and textiles.

Organisers the Export Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) highlight that collectables and gift from India are trendy and traditional, appealing to international buyers looking for handcrafted and hand embellished products.

"This strength sets IHGF apart, with the crucial balance between size and quantity of display and number of buyers creating a winning combination, giving a unique business value to our trade partners," say the organisers. "Crafts are finally being celebrated for being about today and tomorrow, as well as yesterday, and are associated with urban living, interior design, fashion and contemporary design."

The show is a vibrant trade platform for Indian artisans, manufacturers and suppliers from across India and globally. Exhibitor numbers have grown to more than 2750, with companies displaying thousands of products, and 900 permanent showrooms at the show.

BCTF Comes To London

Below: Unusual jewellery from Rachel Reilly.

An Autumn version of the British Craft Trade Fair, held annually in Harrogate in April, will be making its London debut at The Old Truman Brewery in London's trendy Brick Lane in East London from September 11-13.

"We have had many requests over the years from both buyers and exhibitors to create a southern version of our fair," explains organiser PSM's Margeret Bunn, BCTF and BCTF London's show director. "British handmade is a popular commodity on today's high street, and we feel that buyers should be given more than one opportunity to attend our fairs. Bringing a version to London is a logical step for us and, with a very loyal exhibitor base, we believe that we can deliver a great show in year one."

The show, organised by PSM, will feature two sections: Newcomers and Main Hall. As with BCTF Harrogate, BCTF London will be unique in that it is the only trade fair solely representing British design and is an exclusive event for British designer-makers. Visit www.bctf.co.uk

Hebden Bridge Re-Opens Two Hebden Bridge gift shops - Heart Gallery and Innovation - are up and running again following the flash floods on Boxing Day that brought devastation to the town.

With the help of Calderdale Rising, a campaign to help flooded businesses, and a lengthy drying out period, the shops, which were not covered by insurance, are back in business.

"After a challenging six months, June 24 was simply the best day for me to aim for to finally re-open Heart Gallery," owner Alison Bartram told PG&H. "The Alternative Christmas that had been planned for Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd - to give thanks back to all those that helped the flood torn community after Boxing Day - was a great success. June 24 sent out a huge message to everyone that Hebden Bridge was most certainly back and open for business, and that collectively we had all pulled together to make sure that we remained an interesting town, full of independent shops, despite everything we had faced following the devastating floods.

Opening my big black door at 10.30am June 24 has to be my proudest day since I first opened Heart Gallery in September 2006, and, hopefully, this 10th birthday year can now only get better and better!"

Elsewhere in Hebden Bridge, gift and home shop Innovation, which lost £30,000 worth of stock, with £30,000 of damage done to the building, has also opened its doors again. "The floods didn't do us any favours," says David Fletcher who co-owns the shop with Hilary Darby. "I think we're doing better than most but the town still looks like a war zone and footfall is greatly reduced. However, I think we're doing better than most, and our new website is definitely helping."

Above: Innovation in Hebden Bridge.

Below: Part of the newly refurbished interior of Heart Gallery.

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Industry News

Inside Retail

NEWS IN BRIEF

Online Insight And Inspiration For Indies In an exciting initiative for independent retailers, to include gift retailers, Ascential Events, owners of i2i Events Group, and organisers of trade shows that include Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, has launched online hub Inside Retail at www.insideretail.com The hub has been specifically designed to deliver insight and inspiration to the retail sector, with the launch following 12 months of research among hundreds of independent retailers. “Independent retailers are at the heart of our business, with tens of thousands attending our events each year," comments Louise Young, divisional director of retail, i2i Events Group.

"The idea of Inside Retail is to give them insight and inspiration about how to use retail disruption to their advantage, taking on board advice from the peers and experts they need to run their businesses.”

According to Ascential, conversations revealed an appetite for a platform focused on helping independents to leverage new technologies and trends, levelling the playing field between them and their larger scale competitors.

As a result, Inside Retail is bringing together information across a range of subjects that retailers most want: How to ‘talk’ to customers using social media; product trends, creating a point of difference that's so special that competing on price isn't necessary, and eCommerce, explaining how to operate a successful transactional website without blowing the budget.

The site has been designed and dedicated to help retailers at any stage of development - from Getting Started, Up and Running, Branching Out and Fine Tuning - covering newbies as well as experienced retailers.

Information will be delivered across a mixture of articles, webinars, videos, white papers, seminar sessions, masterclasses and reports, with tips and advice coming from industry experts, leaders and pioneers, all focused on helping independent retailers to thrive in today’s retailing environment.

Articles on the site include: Nine Things to Consider Before Setting up Online; How to Expand from Your First Store and Are Pop-Ups a Smarter Way to Set Up Shop?

Thinking Of You Week As greeting cards continue to up the ante for gift retailers, the Thinking of You Week event, which takes place from September 26 – October 2, will, once again, be inspiring people to create a wave of love, caring and happiness by sending a card to a different person each day.

A free Thinking of You Week toolkit is available for retailers, offering a colourful new banner, flyer and event poster along with new retailer and consumer handouts, as well as social media cover images and email sign offs.

"We’ve also updated our list of local press contacts, and will be adding a new template press release to help retailers and publishers to publicise their Thinking of You Week initiatives," confirms Sharon Little, chief executive of the GCA. As with previous years, prizes will again be given for the best Thinking of You Week initiatives, displays and events. "Of course it's completely up to individual companies and retailers as to what they do, but we also have lots of ideas to help to get the creative juices flowing," Sharon highlights.

"We’re building on a great body of work from both publishers and retailers and the more that take part, the bigger the wave of happiness will be!"

Visit www.greetingcardassociation.org.uk Above: The new Thinking of You Week banner.

Left: A loving granddaughter writes a Thinking of You card for her grandmother.

Stationery Show Expands Its Portfolio A Gifting Gallery is to make its debut at the London Stationery Show next April, organised in collaboration with The Giftware Association.

“This is a natural development for the Stationery Show which is now in its seventh year and attracting increasing numbers of gift retailers,” says organiser Chris Leonard-Morgan.

“Gifting and self-gifting is a big part of the stationery market and we are delighted to be working with The Giftware Association, where a growing number of members, such as Busy B, NPW, Luckies of London, Museums & Galleries, Padblocks and Two Little Boys, already successfully exhibit at the show.” The move follows feedback from buyers following this year’s exhibition.

The 2017 London Stationery Show will take place at the Business Design Centre on April 25-26.

Visit www.stationeryshow.co.uk

❐ According to the latest sales figures from BDO, the initial impact of the Brexit vote has been less severe than predicted. The analysts' July figures saw UK consumer spending holding up. ❐ The British Retail Consortium (BRC) confirmed that retail sales grew by 1.1% in July, with total sales up by just under 2% and non-food sales the strongest performer, up by 1.4% year-on-year between May and July.

❐ Forma House has become the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor of Eva Solo tableware and kitchenware. The company offers luxury gifting solutions.

Above: Eva Solo will now be distributed by Forma House.

❐ Games and puzzle company Gibsons will be launching a series of jigsaw puzzles based on The Great British Bake Off, portraying a montage of classic images from the show, including the showstoppers from series 1-7. A puzzle presented in a cake tin will follow next year. ❐ Bookspeed recently celebrated its 30th year of trading with a staff party at Edinburgh Botanical Gardens.

Right; Bookspeed's 30th anniversary cake.

❐ Burgon and Ball's animal themed giftware, Creaturewares, was awarded joint first place in the Pet Care, Acquatics and Wild Bird Care category of the GIMA awards.

Right: Award winning Creaturewares from Burgon and Ball.

❐ Spring Fair, organised by i2i Events Group, has announced the addition of an new DIY sector for the 2017 show, taking place at NEC Birmingham from February 49. DIY will be located within Volume. Visit www.springfair.com ❐ Recent figures from Enesco show that in 2015 the company sold over 250 figurines per hour, every hour of the year.

Right: Lady and the Tramp from Enesco’s A Moment In Time.

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11—13 September 2016 Olympia, London

GIFT Experience the beautifully curated world of Gift at Top Drawer, London’s international event for creative retailers.

Discover a carefully edited, global cross-section of products from the finest brands and designers.

REGISTER NOW topdrawer.co.uk/gift

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Industry News

Thank You Teacher

PEOPLE Below: Character Shop's Keep Calm and Carry On Teaching mug was a winner for Cool! Cards & Gifts.

Indies Report Strong Gift Sales With the 'occasions' gap between Father's Day and the festive season, gift indies have been making the most of end of term thank you teacher and thank you teaching assistant gifts, a money spinning add-on to greeting cards.

Trudy Tebbutt and Tilley Rathie, who co-own Marmalade Meringue in Hinckley, confirmed that gift sales were huge, with the card tending to be an add on to the gift. "Candles sold really well from The Country Candle Company, especially their 'thank you so much' candles in a tin. Small gifts such as bookmarks and little porcelain keyrings from East of India are best sellers every year," confirms Trudy. "Plus, foldable creature shopping bags from Sass & Belle at RJB Stone were also a huge hit."

Angela Jones, owner of Lily Blue in Hagley said that the shop's strongest sales were in candles, with the Lily Flame range the most popular. "Our second best seller as an add-on were hand selected Belgian chocolates from House of Sarunds and Creme D'or, which we box and ribbon," she continued.

"We are in a village location and it can be quiet over the school summer holidays, so we certainly made hay while the sun shone in early July!"

At Feathering Your Nest in Rayleigh, Essex, co-owner Lesley Dunne confirmed that sales increased this year. "Customers come to us for a gift with the card being the add-on. Cellowrapped bath bombs

by Bomb Cosmetics always do well for teaching assistants as they are a lower price point, but a very pretty little luxury. We also sold lots of scarves, Joma 'a little' thank you and teacher bracelets, along with WoodWick candles and plaques by Global Designs."

At Cool! Cards & Gifts in Skipton, the Character Shop's Keep Calm and Carry On Teaching mugs were among the best selling items. "In fact, I think we sold out," comments owner Tina Botterill. Other best selling gifts for Cool! were History and Heraldry's teacher pens and notebooks. "We also sold Scrabble key rings with the teacher's initial on, hand sanitisers and magnetic bookmarks from WPL," adds Tina.

House of Cards, which has seven shops in the Home Counties highlighted that the company's stores all have different term times but that there was a good increase in sales for the week the schools broke up. "Parents and children do like to give a small gift and a thank you card for the teachers and their assistants," comments co-founder Nigel Williamson. "The gifts we stock include pick up teacher gifts from History and Heraldry and Really Good's Bright Side. In addition, lots of gifts that retail for under £5 were also very popular such as chocolates, tea light holders and coloured jam jars with lights from Joe Davies."

The Next Generation Some 18 small businesses from 10 countries will be exhibiting in the Next section of Tendence which is being held at Messe Frankfurt from August 27-30. “For the Next exhibitors, Tendence is the ideal platform from which to reach an audience of trade visitors from home and abroad," comments Tendence director Bettina Bär. " For buyers, the innovative products of these small, creative Above: The Next promotional area at Tendence 2015. start-ups represent a welcome addition to the portfolio of the fair."

Next sectors at the show include Next Modern Crafts, Next Young Gifts and Next Culinary Gifts. Next exhibitors will also be showcasing product in the Accessories & Jewellery segment at Tendence. Visit www.tendence.messefrankfurt.com

Stylishly Italian HOMI, taking place at Fiera Milano from September 16-19, will again be bringing together designers, suppliers, retailers and trendsetters in the home and gift arena to reflect changing styles, new markets and growing opportunities.

Sectors include Living Habits, Home Wellness, Fragrance & Personal Care, Fashion & Jewels, Gifts & Events, Garden & Outdoor, Kids Style, Home Textiles and Hobby & Work. Returning to the show will be three theme areas: HOMI Sperimenta, HOMI Creazioni and Creazioni Designer.

The exhibition will again highlight the traditions of Italian artisanship, reflecting new styles and techniques.

Visit www.homimilano.com Left: Stylish Italian glassware can be seen in Homisphere at HOMI.

❐ Peter Hammett will be joining Lesser & Pavey's growing sales team. He has a wealth of experience in the trade and will be responsible for the Midlands and both North & South Wales. His start date with the company is at Autumn Fair on September 4. ❐ Nicola Breen has joined Caroline Gardner as director of design. She joins from Cath Kidston where she was print design manager on fashion, bags and accessories. Nicola has also spent 10 years at Boden, having previously worked in garment design. ❐ Paul Travis has joined Christopher Dawson Heritage as sales and marketing director. He joins from Hudson & Middleton and brings with him a wealth of experience in the gift industry. Paul has also been appointed sales director of Virtual Candles/Luminara following the company's decision to bring Luminara back in house. It will be launching its own UK sales network headed up by Paul Travis as sales director. ❐ Yvonne Carr has been appointed senior retail manager at Visit Scotland.

New Look Gift Of The Year Awards The Giftware Association chose the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in July to successfully launch the Gift of the Year 2017, with many exhibitors at the show entering the competition which has had a design makeover. Changes include a smart new logo and branding, as well as a new trophy design.

Six new categories have been introduced for 2017: Food & Drink, Fairtrade, Craft & Handmade, Fine Jewellery, Nursery and Pet. "Gift of the Year is The Giftware Association’s jewel in the crown, showing the gift and home industry at its best and providing suppliers with the opportunity to raise their profile and increase revenue and sales," says GA chief executive Sarah Ward.

The GA has also partnered with the National Association of Jewellers which has increased awareness of Gift of the Year among its members.

The competition will have a strong presence at Autumn Fair (5F-60) with the awards presented at Spring Fair next February.

For further information email enquiries@ga-uk.org or call 0121 237 1104.

Right: New tent cards, launched Home & Gift, show buyers that suppliers' products have been nominated for the competition.

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Left: John Jackson.

Below: The only way is up says John.

Bottom: Retro 36, Scarborough.

GIFT OF THE

GAB

So Far, So Good For John Jackson, md of Retro36 in Scarborough, the Leave outcome was a victory for Britain, giving the country the opportunity to take its chances outside of the confines of the EU's 28 nation trading bloc.

Two months down the line, he takes a look at how Brexit has impacted on his business.

"While the EU Referendum was offering a much needed democratic vote, the country was in a state of unease. I think people were genuinely struggling to figure out what was the right way forward for Britain.

Having said that, it was a historic moment, an historic vote. The people spoke and voted to leave the EU, with sizeable majorities seen in the South West, the Midlands and the North. With the new Prime Minister, Theresa May, firmly stating ‘Brexit means Brexit’, we are now moving towards a new future.

I voted Leave so it was a great result from a personal perspective. From what I can gather from people based in London and the South East, the mood seems to be more downbeat. That’s understandable, as the majority voted to Remain, but you can’t wallow for long. Times are too tough.

From a retail perspective, my business hasn’t experienced a noticeable drop in trade since the Referendum. People are still spending. If you’ve got the right

products at the right price, you’ll always entice customers to buy. However, in the run up to the Referendum, I do think consumers were less willing to spend. May was a poor month for us. June was better, but not great. It’s difficult to say whether it was down to the EU Referendum or Euro 2016 sucking customers out of shops and into the nearest pub.

Let’s talk about the much feared ‘Brexit Apocalypse’? Well, it just hasn't materialised. The UK economy appears to be holding up well. During the three weeks after the vote, the number of new jobs available increased by 150,000 compared to the year before. Businesses are still hiring. It’s fair to say UK stocks took a hit straight after the Referendum, but they soon rebounded. The FTSE 100 share index is higher now than before we voted.

Every one of the 36 sectors, from aerospace to retail, are up. Even the FTSE

250, comprised of smaller, more UKcentric firms, has recovered.

The IMF expects the UK economy to grow by 1.7% this year and 1.3% the next.

That’s stronger growth than Italy, France and that economic powerhouse Germany.

As for forging new trade negotiations, nations across the world have been clambering over each other to strike a deal with Britain. President Obama is keen to strike a deal ‘as fast as possible’. India, China and Brazil are all excited about the prospect of a trade deal too.

My online business is doing pretty well.

We’re still regularly shipping to the EU and beyond. I don’t see that changing. In fact, I foresee us doing more and more business overseas. Just the other day we had an American family in Retro36 buying some highly prized collectables which they asked us to send to their home in New Mexico as there was no way they could fit them into their luggage. That’s the kind of confidence they have in our brand. And Britain!

For a small Scarborough retailer to be exporting all the way to New Mexico shows we’re still very much plugged into a global marketplace.

The Referendum result has not changed the fundamental that visitors from other countries love what the UK has to offer.

There’s no doubt it’s been a tough year for retail. But I don’t think that’s anything to do with the Referendum, as analysts predicted a tough year back in December.

Consumers just aren’t spending like they used to. We rarely take a credit card, which illustrates consumers no longer want to get into debt. They’re trying to live within their means.

My gut feeling is that all will be well.

The world hasn't stopped turning.

Everyone wants to trade. Every country wants to do more trade and every business wants to do more business. It’s what we’re in business for.

I sincerely believe the future for Britain is a great one. So come on fellow retailers, let’s roll up our sleeves and push for greatness. Who’s with me?"

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DOUGAL PHILIP & LESLEY WATSON

SOUNDING OFF

Gifts For All Seasons

For Dougal Philip and Lesley Watson, co-directors of New Hopetoun Garden Centre in Broxburn, and winners of The Greats 2016 Best Garden Centre Retailer of Gifts category, September is not only a time to start thinking about Christmas gifts, but also about Spring bulbs.

However, from mid October onwards, Christmas will be coming into its own, with plenty of opportunity to re-order the best sellers at the beginning of the festive season, as Dougal explains.

"Which tasks preoccupy you in September?

As garden centre operators, we are focused on promoting spring flowering bulbs to our customers and displaying ‘Christmas’ hidden behind stands of bulbs and gardening gloves.

We display Christmas ‘naked’. Everything has to be unwrapped from its cellophane bags before it can be displayed and, apart from festive coloured wrapping paper lining our display stands, the whole Christmas display is created using our selling stock. It takes the team at least four weeks to build the displays in between all their other chores.

We won’t allow our customers into Christmas until the middle of October, otherwise they will start buying Christmas and stop buying the other things we need them to buy. For gardeners, September, at the very least, is the time for buying bulbs, plants and lawn care products. But we are happy for them to buy gifts which are on display all year round with September a key gift selling month for us. We suspend being gardeners in July while we spend three hectic days at the Harrogate show planning our Christmas gift offering, ordering our choices for immediate delivery. Sometimes goods arrive before we get home and surprise our team back at base, especially when we still have price lists and catalogues still with us!

During September, my wife Lesley keeps a careful eye on her displays and the

sales reports from our EPOS system. Best sellers are spotted, giving her plenty of time in October to place repeat orders of our most successful lines. This guarantees that we have stocks available for the main Christmas rush.

Our extensive range of gifts is to counteract the seasonality of selling gardening goods. We aim to be a 'gardeners garden centre', with plants and gardening goods as our core business throughout the

"We find that when the weather is unsuitable for gardening, and our sales of garden goods drop, our giftware sales grow."

Above: Dougal Philip and Lesley Watson with their Greats trophy earlier this year.

Below: New Hopetoun Garden Centre, Broxburn.

year. However, we find that when the weather is unsuitable for gardening, and our sales of garden goods drop, our giftware sales grow. The gift shop also allows us to keep our team employed all year round. In fact, we started offering gifts for gardeners over 25 years ago, although our range was restricted to useful things for gardeners and related 'smellies'. However, when the market for houseplants was hijacked by the supermarkets 10 years ago, Lesley took on the challenge to find other ranges to replace the houseplant benches. It's how we started selling teddy bears, handbags and carved wooden birds, with gifts for gardeners and non-gardeners becoming our theme, and the turnover from these new lines vastly better than that which houseplants had delivered.

We are still able to choose things we like, but we can also be brave and try completely new things.

Recently, this included full sized suits of armour and a life-sized wooden horse! Over the years we have gained enough customers who like what we offer and if we get it wrong we quickly reduce things to cost + VAT. They are cleared instantly and we get our money back to try something more successful. What really delights us is when one of our suppliers continues to develop new lines that we like.

It’s so much easier than seeking out new lines and new suppliers. For us, it's still exciting to see happy customers taking their chosen gifts to the tills and returning with a friend who hasn’t been before!" ● Lesley Watson was a presenter of the Beechgrove Garden TV programme for 16 years.

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Retailer Round Table Feedback

Its Good

To Talk How has the year been so far for gift independents? What impact has Brexit had? Are prices going to increase as a result? How will it affect tourism? Will Christmas 2016 be a good one?

These were some of the myriad of questions that PG&H asked a selection of independent gift retailers at Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate last month.

This year's PG&H Retailer Round Table took place almost four weeks after the EU Referendum, and, despite the Brexit vote, it seems that, for most retailers, it's been business as usual.

"Essex voted to leave the EU, so as you can imagine, there was much rejoicing with our sales really high in the weeks that followed," confirmed Lesley Dunne, co-owner of Feathering Your Nest in Rayleigh, Essex. "However, in the run-up, May was particularly quiet," Lesley continued. "I think it was a combination of the EU Referendum and the weather."

Hilary Jones, owner of Let's Go Round Again in Wombourne, reveals that she received several 'special offer' emails from suppliers pre-Brexit. "It made me think that May and early June were quiet months for gift companies too," she commented. "I think most retailers were holding on, waiting to see what the outcome would be."

At The Herbary in Troon, Claire O'Donnell who co-owns the shop with her mother Dee, confirmed that the Brexit vote has had no impact on the shop's sales. "It's been business as usual," she stated. "Over 60% of product in our shop is jewellery and our customers aren't price sensitive at all. In fact, it's as though they're in a protective bubble. It was the same with the Scottish Referendum last year."

However, Chris and Lesley Dunne believe that while there has been a short term lull following the appointment of Theresa May as Prime Minister, it will take a few months for everyone to really understand what Brexit means for the UK. "The weak ÂŁpound against the $dollar and the euro is going to affect everyone," Chris Dunne commented. "Some suppliers put up their prices in July before Home & Top: The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate.

Above: Back row, left to right: Angela Jones; Claire O'Donnell and Hilary Jones. Front row, left to right: Dee O'Donnell, Chris and Lesley Dunne and Denise Laird.

Right: Hilary Jones.

Retailer Round Tablers (in alphabetical order)

Chris and Lesley Dunne, co-owners, Feathering Your Nest, Rayleigh Angela Jones, owner, Lily Blue, Hagley Hilary Jones, owner, Let's Go Round Again, Wombourne Denise Laird, owner, Spirito, Glasgow Claire and Dee O'Donnell, co-owners, The Herbary, Troon PG&H would like to thanks Home & Gift Buyers' Festival and Clarion Events for organising a special Retailer Round Table Summer Tea at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate.

Gift. And if prices are going to go up, how is that going to affect bricks and mortar retailers, especially those who employ staff?" questioned Lesley. "It won't bother online retailers who don't have our overheads."

Concurring was Hilary Jones of Let's Go Round Again. "Price increases will definitely be a penalty for bricks and mortar retailers," she agreed, with Angela Jones of Lily Blue adding that, in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote, although the shop did have a slight downturn, overall, sales were up on last year. "However, January will be the real timeline," said Angela. "That's when the price increases will come," she predicted.

As Denise Laird, owner of Spirito, pointed out: "Some companies will come out of it better than others, depending on whether they manufacture in the UK or import from other countries."

While a weak pound against the dollar and the euro is undoubtedly going to affect many gift suppliers, Claire and Dee O'Donnell point to an upside. "Tourism has been huge in Troon," highlighted Claire. "We've had people from all over the globe visiting the shop and it's been fantastic for us." Added Dee: "What also helped was having Sky Sports covering the recent Open at Royal Troon. The weather was dry that week, and I think that a lot of people watching the golf on TV thought that Troon would be a lovely place to visit."

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Retailer Round Table Feedback

On the question of the impact of the National Living Wage, Denise Laird was among those who confirmed that she had always paid above the minimum wage, while Chris Dunne of Feathering Your Nest pointed to £9 an hour in 2020 being the real test. "That's when it will hit hardest as we employ a lot of part time staff," he confirmed. "We try and keep them at a level where they don't have to pay National Insurance, but when the next National Living Wage comes into force we will have to pay them at the government rate while reducing their hours - which means that Lesley and I will have to work harder as a result.

The government has dragged us into liabilities we didn't have before and we are having to pay a premium for it. As employers we're getting hit from all angles."

Other bugbears continue to include exclusivity and third party trading. "The first question I always ask an agent is have we got exclusivity," commented Claire O'Donnell, while other round tablers, including Claire and Lesley Dunne and Hilary Jones, pointed to third party selling. "What really annoys me is when companies put a piece of paper in with their product giving their website and/or online shop address," said Hilary. "We've lost a lot of customers because of it and you feel stabbed in the heart, particularly when the companies can afford to offer discounts. They should at least keep to the RRPs." Parking issues are ongoing, with Angela Jones of Lily Blue revealing that her local council has been dragging its heels on raising parking to Top left: Angela Jones (left) three hours in her village, although new and Claire O'Donnell.

Above right: Denise Laird. discussions are now planned for August.

Above: Lesley Dunne.

Additionally, the business community, led Right: Chris Dunne.

by Angela, will be re-instigating Christmas in Hagley which she says will help to get the Christmas ball rolling.

On the subject of Christmas, Denise Laird says that she starts Christmas at the earliest possible moment. "Our thinking is that when people spend their Christmas budget it's spent. Last year, we held a Christmas preview during the Autumn which was successful, and launched our Christmas ranges properly after Halloween. We also hold festive events during the run-up because we do get business from it."

At The Herbary, Claire highlights a Wintertainment Day which normally takes place on the middle Sunday in November, attracting a lot of different social groups. "There's a parade, we turn the Christmas

lights on, and Santa arrives by helicopter. It's very well supported and, from that Sunday until Christmas, we're open seven days a week."

At Let's Go Round Again, Hilary Jones explains that she holds five to six Christmas shopping evenings. "We give everyone 10% off on the night, and the events are by invitation only. We ask people to ring us to let us know that they're coming, with our regular customers asking us to let them have the dates as early as August."

Claire and Dee O'Donnell meanwhile, hold a joint promotion with one of their jewellery suppliers. "In addition, although we don't discount, we do give a gift with some purchases," said Claire. "We also hold a raffle every Thursday. We try to make it a day event which extends into the evening, which has helped to create a regular late night shopping evening in Troon, something that has fallen away in recent years."

All round tablers agreed that Christmas decorations are gaining ground in terms of sales, helping to create a lovely festive ambience both in the window and in store.

Loyalty cards meanwhile, are continuing apace, with stamps equalling a discount or a gift. "I give selected customers a free scarf,” confirms Claire O'Donnell.

Greeting cards meanwhile, continue to be among the strongest product sectors for gift retailers.

"They are huge for us, representing 30% of our business," said Hilary Jones. "I couldn't live without them."

Chris and Lesley Dunne highlighted that Feathering Your Nest moved into greeting cards seriously two years ago. "We have them all along the back wall too now," enthused Lesley. "We're 50/50 gifts and cards, so greeting cards are my bread and butter," stated Angela Jones. "As a gift shop, I do better with high end cards such as Belly Button and Five Dollar Shake, and can sell cards at up to £7 off the shelf and personalised cards up to £12.99."

Also continuing to do well is jewellery. "We do well with brands such as Rodney Holman, but we are always looking for another costume jewellery brand," commented Dee O'Donnell. She highlighted Joma too, which was echoed by other round tablers to include Les and Chris Dunne and Hilary Jones. Other strong brands were Lisa Angel, highlighted by Lesley Dunne, along with Pilgrim and Carrie Elspeth, spotlighted by Denise Laird of Spirito. "Although we have to watch our entry point, if the product is right there's no resistance to price," added Claire.

Looking to the next six months, the overall feeling is an optimistic one, with everyone using social media to include Instagram.

"However, I do think that all retailers have to keep their eye on the ball and up the ante. Customers, especially Millennials, use their phones and tablets to shop and are very savvy when it comes to pricing so we have our work cut out for us," points out Lesley Dunne. "With young people today, you have to have a following. We buy little and often to stay on trend. Before we place an order we need to feel that 90% of our customers will love it." Adds Claire O'Donnell of The Herbary: "Retailers have to go on being pro-active. Maybe Brexit was a wake-up call."

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Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations

Bring Out The Christmas Baubles Stylish Christmas decorations are becoming a 'must' for gift shops looking to offer that something different, with Christmas 2016 presenting a myriad of trends for retailers to buy into.

Mixed metallics will continue to be a strong theme for the festive season, but keep an eye on unicorns, as well as baubles that look as though they have been hand crafted.

While Scandi chic remains a core classic, there's no getting away from a traditional Christmas in all its red, green, silver and golden glory, with icy blues frosty greens and silver also very much on trend.

But even that's not all, as PG&H discovered.

Tell Christmas Stories "Quality Christmas decorations, such as glass, wooden and metal tree ornaments, not only make wonderful gifts but often become treasured heirlooms too," says John Athwal, md of Premier Decorations.

"Independent retailers can cater to consumer demand by offering superior products," states John. "We have a collection, all of which is designed in-house, featuring items that include butterflies, crystal drops and metallic musical instruments to name just a few." Continues John: "In addition, Christmas is all about children, so it’s a good idea to have counter displays with cute collections to appeal to little ones such as angels, cheerful snowmen and, of course, the all time favourite Santa."

He says that co-ordination is key to maximising sales. "We have put together a range of Christmas stories with products that all complement and co-ordinate with each other. Retailers can use these themes to create eye-catching displays to tempt their customers and encourage them to buy into the entire concept.

They won’t want just one ornament, but will want all of the accessories on offer so that they can recreate the same displays in their own homes," John predicts.

He confirms that traditional colour schemes such as reds, greens and gold consistently remain popular, appealing particularly to families with children wanting to create a Victorian Christmas atmosphere. "However, this year, we have definitely seen a demand for icy blues, frosty greens and silver. We therefore have a couple of Christmas stories to cater for this, including Peppermint with shades of pale blue and green, combined with pearl and glass, and also Silver Dreams with shades of grey, silver and black combined Above: Bejwelled Christmas baubles with rich blues." from Premier Decorations.

Offer Something Different "Christmas decorations are always a huge market, particularly for independent gift shops, as Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for most and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down," says Mary Overmeer at Puckator.

"The main trends we are seeing for Christmas 2016 are simplistic Nordic-inspired designs, with the main colourways red and white as well as frosted blues."

Mary highlights that it’s important for retailers to have a good variety of products on offer and definitely something unique for their customers. "We are working on a really fun Christmas unicorn design which is totally different and will be available for Christmas 2016," she points out.

Top: Part of Fiona Walker England's Liberty Robins' 2016 Christmas collection, launched by S-c Brands.

Above: From Puckator's Deck The Halls Christmas range.

Invest In Fun & Fantasy "Christmas 2016 will see a big injection of fun," says Richard Stone, md of Sass & Belle by RJB Stone.

"Quirky and ornate baubles will be taking centre stage, and they’ll be bright, intricate, and slightly ridiculous in the best possible way.

Decorations are Below: A gold, glittery getting 'fantastical' as unicorn from Sass & Belle by RJB Stone. well," Richard highlights. "You’ll find sparkly unicorns and tons of glitter adorning Christmas trees. In fact, Christmas 2016 is not for the shy and retiring this festive season. There's a real sense of celebrating the spirit of Christmas, which we love!’

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0800 0116969 www.puckator.co.uk customerservices@puckator.co.uk

TRADESHOWS AUT 2016

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SUMMER 2016

2 - 6 Sept Maison and Objet Paris, France Hall 6 / G114 - H113

4 - 7 Sept Autumn Fair International Birmingham, UK Hall 5 / Stand 5L05

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Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations

Create A Point Of Difference

Inspire Your Customers "The Christmas decorations market is absolutely thriving and shows no sign of slowing down this year," enthuses Sam Green, md of Retreat Home.

"Customers are looking for that tricky combination of traditional, but with a twist," she observes. "Metallics are extremely popular and we have taken the current hot trend for tri-metal in the jewellery market through to our Christmas decorations for 2016. It's a new twist on the traditional Christmas colours of silver and gold, and we're finding that our decorations in silver, matt gold and rose gold are selling incredibly well. Also, very much on trend this season are the new geometric shapes - contemporary, clean and modern."

Sam adds that to maximise retail sales, inspiration is everything. "The run-up to Christmas presents a fantastic merchandising opportunity. Eye-catching windows, instore and point-of-sale displays are all excellent tools to inspire customers."

"It can be hard to compete against the offerings of a multiple, therefore for gift shops, it's better to strive for a point of difference," says Stefan Koldeweij, sales UK and Ireland for Kaemingk.

"At Kaemingk, we've noticed that the run up to Christmas is being extended by focusing more on the combination of lifestyle and home interior products together with typical Christmas decorations. This enables our customers to put a lot of giftware and home and interior products out in their shops early, which can then easily be combined with the more typical Christmas decorations later in the year," Stefan explains. "By doing this, they not only provide more inspiration and create more interest among their own customers, but also capture their customers’ attention and cater for more visits throughout the holiday season.

And, of course, they also sell more."

Looking to Christmas 2016, Stefan says that Kaemingk's three main themes will be Misty Lake, focusing on a cold and wintry theme using a combination of silver and whites together, alongside the new trend colours frozen blue and eucalyptus and cool blue and green; Christmas Time, featuring a rich combination of dark red, combined with gold and green, refreshed with an infusion of wool white and eucalyptus, and Pure and Warm, which reveals a new colour - Marsala, an earthy wine red colour, combined with warm cafe latte, a camel tint, with wool grey and white thereby creating a warm colour combination.

Above: Metallics and new geometric shapes from Retreat Home.

Inset: Kaemingk's Pure and Warm theme features a new colour: Marsala.

Continued on page 37

LEDs Lead The Way "It's important that independent gift shops stock products, to include Christmas decorations, that make them stand out from the larger retailers," says buyer Mary Richards. “To maximise on sales during the busy Christmas period, it's advantageous for retailers to theme products where possible, either by colourway or style."

She points out that the traditional Christmas colours of red, gold, green and silver will always sell at Christmas, with the warmth of Christmas featured in the company's traditional range of, for example, decorative glass Christmas trees, LED firefly table lights and LED Christmas glass balloons. "These collections all aspire to this traditional Christmas theme, with LEDs being one of this year’s hottest trends," she states.

Mary adds that a more natural, Scandi Christmas theme will also continue to be popular, evoking a soft, simple, clean, image in natural woods and fabrics, blended with a crisp red and white colour palette, with other trends for Christmas 2016 including an indulgent Art Deco-inspired 1920’s look featuring a colour palette of gold, black and copper.

Right: A best seller in Joe Davies' Christmas range is the company's decorated glass Christmas tree collection which has adopted a theme of gold, black and copper for 2016.

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YOUR PARTNER FOR SEASONAL DECORATIONS AND OUTDOOR LIVING

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4 sept – 7 sept Hall 3-3A | 3E30 – F31

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Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations

Make Displays Eye-Catching "Christmas decorations are a great way for a retailer to give a strong festive feel in store without going to the expense or trouble of buying additional decorations," comments Sue Grant, marketing manager at Widdop and Co. "And once Christmas comes round, they will hopefully all be sold," she adds.

"It’s important that the retailer chooses products that integrate into their general offer in terms of product type, style and price point. Metallics with red and green are traditional favourites, with gingerbread and rustic collections introduced for additional interest."

She highlights that candle and tea light holders always prove to be real winners for Christmas, along with Advent style calendars incorporating inexpensive gifts each day. "These are ideal for any gift shop offering an 'off the shelf' solution," says Sue. She adds that strong instore merchandising by theme produces eye-catching displays. "For retailers, re-merchandising by moving product around and mixing and matching are easy ways of up-dating a display with little effort."

Below: Part of Widdop and Co's Golden Grandeur collection.

Draw Customers In "We’ve got more than 1,000 independent gift shop customers who buy Christmas decorations every year, so it’s pretty clear that those products are earning their keep," concurs Piers Croke, sales director at Gisela Graham.

As Piers highlights, most households have a family ‘treasure chest’ of tree decorations which get added to every year when people see decorations that are special in some way - unusual, charming or quirky. "Since we design around 800 new items a year, we have plenty of those!" he adds.

From a gift shop’s point of view, Piers points out that stocking Christmas decorations can help to draw customers in and create the Christmassy ambience inside the shop. "It's worth featuring Christmas decorations in the shop window and, as an in-store display too, if they can be squeezed in," he advises.

He adds that, once again, the Scandinavian look is sure to be popular. "The handcrafted look is strong, and nostalgic looks - retro or further back - are strong too.

Christmas is, after all, a traditional festival, and another trend I’m sensing is a lot more metallic - silver, copper and gold."

Above: Quirky Christmas decorations from Gisela Graham.

Personalised Baubles Personalisation is, of course, a major trend in giftware, with Gaeltag director Lorena Golfetto highlighting the company's personalisable LED light Christmas decorations.

“Both our Your Name in Lights and Build-aBauble products feature strong colour options with our Build-a-Bauble blanks ready to personalise, and Your Name in Lights offering a mix of pre-printed girls and boys names plus blanks," explains Lorena.

"Both come with a selection of stickers for customers to create their own names or greetings and feature unique designs."

Right: Gaeltag Keltika's personalised Build-A-Bauble.

The Bronte Effect According to trend forecasters Scarlet Opus, one of the biggest festive trends for Christmas decorations will be Heathland - based around dark purples and greens - influenced by a revival in the spirit of Wuthering Heights and 19th century Gothic. (Look out for a film about the Bronte sisters in 2017, and Charlotte Bronte's bicentenary).

Right: Heathland, unveiled at Exclusively Housewares earlier this year, is set to be a major trend this Christmas.

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Discover

www.gaeltagkeltika.com Call +44 (0) 20 8998 1781 Email sales@gaeltag.com

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VISIT US AT

NEC Autumn Fair 4-7 September 2016 Hall 3 Stand 3Y O4

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What’s New A selection of Christmas gift products launching at Autumn Fair (4-7 September) and Top Drawer (11-13 September).

Festive Figurines As the only official licensee of Pusheen soft toys, GUND bring Pusheen fans a range of irresistible accessories, back pack clips, and must-have cuddly characters. New for June 2016, and expanding the ‘snackable’ theme of previous launches, Pusheen can now be seen licking the whipped cream off the top of her hot chocolate while wearing a festive Santa hat. Christmas is celebrated further with a cute Pusheen peeping out of a fluffy green Christmas wreath complete with red pom-pom baubles.

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand W04/X03

Gifts With Style With stylish gift packaging and creative design, Kitchen Craft’s portfolio is overflowing with perfect solutions to solve many a Christmas gift dilemma. From striking ontrend serveware in the gourmet Artesà collection to the practicality of the chic new Coolmovers lunch bags, there is something for everyone. New items have been introduced to the Bar Craft brand with shimmering ontrend metallics designed to add style and sparkle for the party season. RRPs start from £1.99.

Kitchen Craft Tel: +44 (0) 121 604 1111 Email: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk www.kitchencraft.co.uk

Pizza Perfect Fred offers a fantastic array of clever, comical gifts - as much fun as you can handle across kitchen, kids, home, party and more. It can be particularly difficult coming up with gift and stocking filler ideas for men, but the Pizza Boss 3000 fits the bill from so many angles. It’s built tough to last, and the macho laser-etched stainless steel blade has a removable shield for easy cleaning.

RRP £11.99.

Kitchen Craft Tel: +44 (0) 121 604 1111 Email: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk www.kitchencraft.co.uk/fred

Traditional Christmas Nothing conjures up the feel of Christmas like a stocking hanging by the fire and a classic red and white colour combination. Our trees are so realistic, you can almost smell the pine forest!

Add our exclusive jute Santa sacks, cute Christmas felt animals, sprays of red berries and some twinkling fairy lights to bring the scene alive. Come and visit us at: Parlane International Tel: 01451 812700 Email: sales@parlane.co.uk www.parlaneinternational.co.uk Top Drawer: Stand H-H19

Personalised Activity Book Personalised Memento Company’s new Personalised Christmas Activity Book is filled with festive stickers, puzzles, colouring in and activities, and can be personalised especially for the recipient with a name that appears both on the front cover, each page and on the stickers too! PMC are the UK’s leading supplier and drop-shipper of personalised gifts to the trade. With a refreshed range of festive gifts available for Christmas 2016, visit PMC’s trade website to sign up for your trade account today.

PMC Tel: 01782 744900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Jingle Bells Joe Davies will be showing 100s of exciting new Christmas products at Autumn Fair to include these Jingle Bell Snoozies. Pre-order sales have been so strong that Joe Davies have already tripled their initial buy so don’t delay in making your selection! There are four assorted designs in women and men’s sizes, complemented by amusing Christmas Splitz Snoozies, and six new regular designs too. Joe Davies’ extensive Christmas and everyday collections are easy to buy ‘little & often’, with the minimum order a market beating £100.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair Hall 5, Stand C10/D11 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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BAKE OFF!

THE GREAT

Introducing ‘Pizazz’ baking gifts, a contemporary, high quality collection of products, inspired by beautiful floral images combined with modern pink & lilac polka dots.

Award winning Pizazz brand • Beautifully produced baking gift range • High quality gift items with co-ordinating packaging • Themed design styling • 14 popular gift items including cake tins, napkins, bunting, an apron and tea towel • Extremely good value at RRP £1.99 - £16.99 • Stock available end of August 2016 •

Quality and value at its very best!

Cloudesley House Shire Hill Saffron Walden Essex CB11 3FB t: 01799 520200 f: 01799 520100 www.nigelquiney.com

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What’s New A selection of Christmas gift products launching at Autumn Fair, 4-7 September 2016, NEC Birmingham.

Gifts Under £5

Gifts Under £10 Personalised Compacts Fun and functional, these new compact mirrors from Clere Concepts come with four permanent colour marker pens allowing them to be personalised. Available in two shapes, the mirrors feature both standard and double magnification mirrors with a tactile covering featuring a beautiful outline design. With an RRP of only £9.99 they are sure to be a popular gift.

Clere Concepts and Vision Tel: 01635 297911 Email: info@ccandv.co.uk www.clereconceptsandvision.co.uk

Gifts Under £20 Pop-Up Pen All five versions of Clere Concepts' smart wooden pens are now available in the clever pop-up box that makes a stylish desk accessory for home or office. Customers have described these wooden boxed pen sets as a ‘quality product that makes a wonderful gift’.

Lift the lid on the wooden presentation box and a checked, two-tone, striped, rich red or pale maple coloured wooden pen will ‘pop-up’ to meet you. RRP £18.99.

Clere Concepts and Vision Tel: 01635 297911 Email: info@ccandv.co.uk www.clereconceptsandvision.co.uk

Mop Toppers Novelty pens are always popular and these have the added advantage of a stylus, for use on phones and tablets, and a funky hair-do! There are two versions that are new this season from Clere Concepts: the full size tie and necklace version, pictured, and Junior in the form of a ¾ length pen. The ‘mop’ really does clean and shine the screen. Comes in a ready to display pack of 24. RRP £1.99.

Clere Concepts and Vision Tel: 01635 297911 Email: info@ccandv.co.uk www.clereconceptsandvision.co.uk

Playtime Fun

24 Sleeps 'til Christmas Much more than an advent calendar, this 24 Sleeps 'til Christmas activity book counts down the days to Christmas in a fun, educational and exciting way. Each page has a fun activity along with Christmassy facts, songs and jokes. Personalised with a name and message, this is the ideal gift for impatient children this Christmas. It’s even drop-ship delivered so there’s no need to hold stock! RRP £14.99.

Signature Gifts Tel: 01582 464 809 www.signature-gifts.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand F51

Floss & Rock, launched in Spring this year, is already a great success with customers at home and abroad, with 70 brand new, exclusively designed products for Autumn 16.

Featured here is the Fairy Unicorn Wooden Balancing Game. Beautifully illustrated, fully tested and great fun to play and develop a child’s cognitive skills, this is one of many great new reasons to be buying from Floss & Rock. It’s easy to place orders online with your unique trade log in details.

Floss & Rock Tel: 01253 831 512/540 www.flossandrock.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand A38

Wet Wet Wet How can it possibly be exciting to wait for the rain to come in bucket loads? Well, with the latest colour changing umbrellas for boys and girls from Floss & Rock, launched in February, the kids will be willing it to rain cats and dogs! Watch the colours and patterns change when the fabric gets wet and change back again when it dries.

Place orders online with your unique trade access code on our website. Call Denise/Lynda on the number below.

Floss & Rock Tel: 01253 831 512/540 www.flossandrock.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand A38 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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SIGNATURE GIFTS PREMIER supplier of

Personalised

GIFTS

ANY NAME

Convenience of a one-stop shop with skills from specialist businesses Tel: 01582 464809

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www.signature-gifts.co.uk

Come and see us at Autumn Fair

Hall 5 – Stand F51

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In Profile: Joe Davies

Keeping It

Fresh

Above: Sugar art LED balloons.

Below: The Joe Davies team outside the company's showroom in Stockport.

Bottom: Ballerina bling Snoozies.

Having made their debut at Autumn Fair five years ago, the decision was such a hugely successful one for leading gift importers Joe Davies, that the company has given its already extensive Hall 5 stand a complete make-over this September, extending it by 15% and unveiling 11,000 lines, of which 2,500 are brand new for Autumn/Winter.

Managing director Steve Davies explains why it's crucially important for suppliers - and independent gift retailers - to keep things fresh and full of surprises.

For Steve Davies, what makes the gift trade so endlessly fascinating and enjoyable is that the industry continues to evolve. "What we love doing is bringing new products to market," states Steve. "We really enjoy introducing our customers to exciting new products. For example, our new colourful LED glass balloons are a brand new concept and are one of our current best sellers.

Other recent successes include Equilibrium jewellery and fashion accessories, Snoozies slippers, LED Mason jars and bottles and Shabby Chic with sentiment. "We are constantly on the look-out for exciting new products, and amend and develop a huge amount of lines ourselves to make them a success for our customers," he comments.

His great grandfather Joe Davies founded the company in 1919, with Steve the fourth generation of the family to take over the reins some 25 years ago. As one of the industry's leading gift importers, the ongoing success of the company which celebrates its 100 year milestone anniversary in three years time - is that Steve and his team are

constantly sourcing new products to surprise and delight their customers - all at very affordable prices, as Steve is quick to point out.

At Autumn Fair, which takes place at the NEC from September 4-7, the company will be offering a further 2,500 new product lines for Autumn/Winter on its redesigned, bigger-than-ever stand in Hall 5 (C10/D11), which, this year, will feature attractive new flooring which visitors will find "super comfortable to walk on," says Steve.

With independent retailers at the heart of everything the company does, Steve is very proud that a key secret of the company's success is that Joe Davies is an easy and pleasant company to do business with. "We give all our customers the very best service we can, from the very largest to the very smallest retailer," he explains, "and we always have something new to offer them. The last thing we would ever want is for customers to come to our stand at a trade show and feel there is nothing new for them. We want their reaction to be "wow, I haven't seen that before!� Plus, our 'little and often' ordering policy gives retailers the opportunity to try our new products and to experiment in their shops to see what sells," he highlights. A couple of recent best sellers have been the success of our romantic Rainy Day figures and the sentimental Angel Wishes Collection."

As Steve points out, from a consumer's perspective, gift buying is often done on impulse. "Therefore, we don't just want our customers to go 'wow' when they see our products. We want their customers to go 'wow' too."

Steve is also justifiably proud of Joe Davies' service reputation. The company has Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Sent iment

equilibrium

C O L L E C T I O N

AUTUMN 4-7 SEPT 2016 NEC Birmingham Hall 5 Stand C10/D11

Joe Davies will introduce over 500 new Equilibrium lines for Autumn & Winter at Autumn Fair.

Everything is available in our trademark ‘Little & Often’ quantities with minimum orders of just £100.

Equilibrium the UK’s Hottest Jewellery Range Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk f: joedaviesgiftware

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In Profile: Joe Davies won an impressive 14 Greats Awards most of them gold - in the Best Service to the Independent Retailer category, with the awards taking pride of place on the company's stands at UK trade shows.

"When retailers order from us they will always get very well looked after," Steve underlines. "There are no pressures and no barriers to trade. We want to make things as easy as possible for them. Our staff are warm, friendly and efficient. We remain a family business with customer service at the heart of everything we do. We might be coming up to 100 years in business, and have seen large growth over that time, but our strong fundamental values remain unchanged."

With family in mind, Steve's father, Peter Davies, chairman of the company, is still actively involved in the business, a regular at the company's premises in Stockport, South Manchester, and a member of the buying team, which also includes Paul Hooker (commercial director), Syd Wood (exhibitions manager), buyers Mary Richards, Julia Wallbank and Laura Leigh and, of course, Steve himself.

The grandson of the company's founder, it was Peter who launched Joe Davies' own brand, Shudehill Giftware, back in the 1970s, which today

represents over 80% of the company's product lines. Plus, for well over 40 years, Joe Davies has been the leading distributor for Lesser & Pavey’s Leonardo Collection, with the company recently also taking on the distribution of British made bath and body company Rose & Co. Meanwhile, in addition to being a major gift importer, Joe Davies is an exporter too, particularly to Eire and Europe. So how has the company been affected by the Brexit vote?

"It was a surprise and has created a lot of economic uncertainty," admits Steve. "We're used to dealing with currency fluctuations on a daily basis, but the biggest consequence has been that the £pound has dipped sharply and the economic predictions are that it will remain weak for some time to come."

Inevitably, prices in the industry will see a gradual increase, although Steve stresses that working together with their sympathetic overseas suppliers, Joe Davies will endeavour, as always, to keep increases to a minimum. "When the £pound starts to strengthen in the future, this will of course be reflected in lower prices," he confirms, adding that one potential upside is that tourism could flourish in the UK, with more overseas visitors coming to Britain this year, and more British people staycationing.

Although the sun may still be shining, Steve's thoughts are very much focused on the festive season. "It's crucial for retailers to get their Christmas selections in early to give themselves a head start on the competition," he emphasises. "Shop owners need to put in a wide selection of new and interesting giftware as soon as possible, and include great Christmas window displays - full of light and movement.

LED lights are a huge eye-catching trend and help to advertise what's in

Joe Davies: The Lowdown

● Joe Davies was founded in 1919. ● Following the founder’s retirement, his son Norman joined the company, moving the

business from pots and pans to a wider range of items that included furniture, horse brasses, pokers, copper jugs and luggage. ● When Norman’s son Peter joined in 1958, silver plated and stainless steel items were big news, and by the ‘70s, the company evolved from a wholesaler to a gift importer, with products initially sourced from Italy, Portugal and Spain, and then from Hong Kong, Japan, China and Taiwan. ● The company, which employs over 120 staff, moved to its current owner/occupied premises in South Manchester in 2001, which houses its offices, showroom and warehouses.

Above: Equilibrium's matt gold collection.

Left: LED Firefly star jars.

Below left: Angelic Thoughts figures.

Below: Equilibrium folding Handybags.

store while the shop is closed, so they really will come into their own as the nights draw in. Plus, putting in a big spread of new gift products in August and September ensures that shops will get an early indication as to what's selling, enabling them to maximise their sales by repeating the winners."

Steve says what he loves most about the gift industry per se - both on the retail and the supplier side - is that it's informal and friendly, while, at the same time, being professional and full of creative, talented, hardworking people. "It's not cut-throat like

the corporate world. It's like a hugely successful 'secret' industry that we feel very privileged to be a part of."

Looking at the next few months, Steve's thoughts will be turning to the installation of a state-of-the-art computer system. "But, of course, the main thing is that our business will continue to be about surprising retailers with those fresh new products that will make people go 'wow' and keep the tills ringing. That's what will continue to keep it interesting both for us and for our customers and will ensure that all our businesses flourish."

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Stocking Fillers

Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts

Thinking outside the box for Christmas has been made easy this year, with gift retailers spoilt for choice when it comes to ideas for Secret Santas, teachers' gifts and stocking fillers.

PG&H turned Father Christmas to take a look at what could be dropping into Christmas stockings this December.

£10 And Under

£5 And Under Who doesn't know a coffee drinker? And with espresso lovers in mind, Kitchen Craft has launched a brand new range of 'cutesy' espresso cups made from porcelain retailing at £2.49 each. "They offer incredible value for money as either single purchases for stocking fillers, or little gifts, or made up into pairs, fours, sixes etc, either in matching or mix and match designs," explains Clare Budgen, marketing controller of Kitchen Craft. Continues Clare: "To make the collection even more tempting for independent gift retailers, we also offer a compact in-store merchandiser, which holds 144 cups - perfect for encouraging eyecatching till-point impulse purchases."

Above: Christmas surprise sacks from Joe Davies.

Above right: Espresso cups from Puckator.

Below: Among the new espresso cups from Kitchen Craft.

Also focusing on espresso cups is Puckator. "It’s always tricky to find the perfect gifts without spending too much when it comes to Christmas," says the company's Mary Overmeer. "We have some great gift sets for under £5 including our espresso cups and saucers which come in a bespoke gift box. Having products already gift packaged is ideal for customers as it adds value and also saves time for busy retailers."

For little ones, the Bright Side mini money tins from Really Good make an ideal stocking filler at £3. "They're a fun, useful gift, easily achievable for most budgets," says marketing assistant Katie Burt.

"Retailers can make the most of these mini money tins by displaying them alongside the other co-ordinating brand items within the Bright Side range, or displaying them together in a group, hitting their target audience."

Right: Among a selection of Bright Side mini money tins from Really Good.

"Christmas baubles are a great gift for the festive season," says Clare Davis of Clare Davis London. "Our handwritten baubles, priced at £9.99, come in a clear acetate box and can be hung around the shop as part of a Christmas display - maybe on a silver sprayed branch for effect. As we are able to personalise the items, they make a really unique gift for the recipient."

As Clare points out: "Price points are key for Christmas as most shoppers will have a fixed amount in their Above: A personalised head on what they Christmas bauble from Clare Davis London. expect to spend depending on how important the person is to them! We also have some cute shot glasses for Christmas, retailing at £5.99 with lovely Christmas packaging."

"The under £10 gift is the staple of the office Secret Santa gift," comments Thomas O'Brien, group operations director at Boxer.

"A fun element of these gifts is always preferable and usually expected, as this is a time when the gift can cheekily reflect character traits of the recipient.

Fun mugs and desk attire are big hits as they’re used all year round. Our Flip Books of Workplace Mood Swings and Office Excuses may allow some New Year revenge for the buyer!"

At Dartington Crystal, marketing and design director Richard Halliday Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Beautiful Twinkling

Starlight Bottles Beautifully coloured bottles with twinkling stars that light up heart-warming sentiments.

Come and visit us at the Autumn Fair, Hall 5 A10

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Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts highlights that the company has grown the number of items on offer between the £10 and £20 price points.

"It's where we see our market for gift solutions," he states. "As drinks and glasses are very topical at Christmas, we have created a range of drinking glass gifts in this price range. At £10, one of our most popular Christmas gift items is the Just The One wine glass, a nice big glass with strong packaging which makes it an easy choice for £10.

This year, we have added three new items to the concept with a single beer, G&T and Prosecco glass to reflect current drink trends."

For girly girls of all ages who like to be on trend, Hot Tomato’s metallic make-up bags form part of a larger collection hitting key target prices, retailing well within the £10 price point. "Launched with Christmas in mind, they add a touch of glamour with their lustrous metallic finishes and quirky embossed phrases," says director Alex Machin. "Metallics are a must-have in store for the second half of the year and are brilliant at setting the festive mood with their glamorous reflective finish," she continues. "As a centre piece, smaller designs look stunning hung from a tree with a pretty ribbon. Larger styles, whether displayed en mass or cleverly mixed, will draw focus and a warm glow to even the darkest corner."

Also aimed at girly girls are Carrie Elspeth's new Luxe mycolourbands. "They make a lovely gift for Christmas both in terms of price and design," comments Carrie. "Retailing at only £8, these wrist band/hair bands have luxurious charms in a

Left: Mood Swings flip book from Boxer.

Right: Mashers from United Oddsocks.

Below left: Just The One From Dartington.

Below right: Wild & Wolf's Ridleys Utopia Unicorn balloon kit.

mixture of finishes with glitter elastic and hot foil detailing and a choice of sparkly sentiments to choose from. Limited edition sentiments will be released especially for Christmas."

With 'odd socks' a huge trend in men's giftware, United Oddsock has launched The Mashers for children. "Kids will enjoy mixing and mismatching the different characters, who each have a funky name and a personality of their own," says md Gary Schaffer. "The bright colourful packaging creates an eye catching display making it a great pick-up Christmas gift, stocking filler or

kids’ Secret Santa, and the Mashers gift box is just the right size for posting too."

Also aimed at children, Ridleys from Wild & Wolf offers a brand new range of fun Christmas toys and games. "Nostalgic toys and games are always popular themes for gift shops, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, and they make ideal stocking fillers too," says creative director Mat Thomas. "Old-school themed gifts stand out from the modern day children's toys and entertainment and give other generations a chance to share their childhood

toys with younger family members, meaning that all aged can enjoy these gifts."

At House of Disaster, new LED mini lights are a new addition to the company's origami light collection. "They are battery operated and also USB so they're great for loads of home and office locations," explains general manager Neil Gaukwin. "They retail at £9.99 and judging by the success of our previous table lights we're really confident that they will feature in best sellers for lots of our customers this Christmas. The packaging is really cool and ‘shop-able’, and we envisage the product selling really well displayed in clear statements at till points or in high footfall areas."

Continued on page 51

Above: Carrie Elspeth's Luxe Heart of Gold mycolourbands.

Left: Abracadabra make-up bags from Hot Tomato.

Right: House of Disaster's new LED mini lights.

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Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts Sinead Murtagh, head of independents at NPW says that the company's range of £10 and under products, such as the Selfie inflatable frame, Fairy Tales finger printing art set and pocket microscope, work well as stocking filler pick-ups, covering family, friends and office gifts. "From desktop games to beauty essentials, every area is covered," comments Sinead.

"From a retailer's perspective, a great way of maximising sales in the lead up to Christmas is to use the same range, but to merchandise into different genres such as Perfect Secret Santa and Gifts for Him/Her." Of course, everyone has a mobile or tablet these days, with T&G's wooden tablet stand quirky and fun, available in three designs - IT Support, Stand (dictionary definition) and Lean on Me. "They will appeal to everyone who likes to keep their tablet and phone safe," points out Jenny Handley, T&G's head of marketing. "It's an easy pick up line by the till, and a great stocking filler. It comes gift boxed too, so with a retail price of £9.99 it has wide appeal."

For those looking for non-Christmassy decoration and a trendy gift, Mustard's Light Your Own tropical fairy lights give a Top: NPW's Selfie inflatable photo frame.

Top right: A quirky bottle opener from The Music Gifts Company.

Below: T&G'S quirky tablet/phone stands.

Bottom: Mustard's Light Your Own tropical fairy lights.

nod to Spring/Summer 2017. "Made up of flamingos and palm trees, they would certainly work as an alternative to the traditional Christmas decorations," says Reuben Utudjian, md of Mustard.

"When it seems people want to cut back on the vast expense of Christmas, it’s key to offer nice gifts, at affordable prices," says David Gee, md of The Music Gits Company. "I believe the £10

price point is the most crucial. With the changes that have occurred this summer, we have actively created a number of new gifts at this retail price, including mugs, English pewter jewellery, bottle openers and ballpoint pens, all attractively gift boxed."

£20 And Under Christmas is all about jazzing things up, "and our Jingle Bells Snoozies are ideal for independent gift shops," says Mary Richards, a buyer at Joe Davies. "They're especially 'hot' during the run up to Christmas, both fun and different, and an ideal fit for an independent retailer.”

Meanwhile, for children who love The Clangers, they make for a confidence-giving purchase, says Apples To Pears' marketing executive Felicity Edwards. "The chunky wooden character play pieces and little blue planet felt mat packed into our new Clangers in a tin also lend themselves for a quick and easy colourful retail display when they are laid out. They're ideally sized for kids’ Christmas stockings or post-able presents, and the tin packaging doubles as 'keepsake' storage."

With fashionistas in mind, the Never Too Old

by Mad Beauty Disney Alice Weekend Away wash bag gift set has been designed specifically to appeal to an adult market.

Retailing for £11.99, it features body wash, body lotion, bubble bath in ginger and pear fragrance, and body puff in a bag. "You have to work just a little bit harder to appreciate the beauty of the artwork inspired by the 1951 animated classic film, but for recipients, it will be no effort to enjoy the products," says MAD Beauty's md Trevor Cash.

And, of course, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without some delicious chocolates! So, for girly chocoholics, House of Sarunds is offering a Van Coillie red coloured Belgian white chocolate high heeled shoe with assorted Belgian chocolate truffles which retail for £15.95. "It's is a fun, eye catching gift ideal for girls across the board, exclusive to House of Sarunds, and available with or without truffles," highlights md Peter Martin. “Retailers looking to create a ‘go to’ destination store with a loyal customer base need unusual and innovative gifting lines which are not routinely available elsewhere at lower prices.”

Top right: Never Too Old by Mad Beauty Disney Alice Weekend Away wash bag gift set.

Above: Jingle Bells Snoozies from Joe Davies.

Above middle: Clangers in a tin from Apple To Pears.

Right: House of Sarunds' Van Coillie high heeled red shoe filled with Belgian chocolates.

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TRENDS: ARTISAN

Homing In On Handmade For retailers who want to be bang on trend this Autumn/Winter, inspiration is taking its cue from the Arts & Crafts Movement, with 'artisan' (handmade, craft-y looking) a buzz word. Brush strokes and paint splashes too, are among the key aesthetics of this trend.

With Autumn Fair opening its doors from September 4-7, PG&H took a look at what some of the show's exhibitors and other gift suppliers will be unveiling.

Above: Parlane International's boho drawer unit features hand carved, hand printed drawers. Also shown are vases with a hand painted look.

Left: Ceramics with a 'Splash' design from My Gifts Trade.

Below: Chic Antique's rugs reflect a rustic, handmade style.

Above: A satchel bag from House of Disaster's 1916 collection, inspired by the Bloomsbury Group illustrations and their country house in Charleston, Sussex.

Below: A handmade, fair trade stripy rug from Ian Snow.

Above: Metallic knit bags from La De Da Living.

Below: Kaemingk's Urban Harmony range of vases.

Right: Also from House of Disaster, a passport cover from the Ta-daa collection featuring a colourful 'paintbrush' design.

Above: Fleur, a handmade, hand painted trinket box from Joe Davies' Provence collection.

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In Profile: Wild & Wolf

Destination

Design Inset: Jon Cameron, md of Wild & Wolf.

Below: About to be launched: the Tatty Devine range of fashion accessories and homewares.

In just 11 years, Wild & Wolf has gone from a small distributor to a major design-led international licensed and non-licensed giftware supplier, with offices in the UK, New York, Hong Kong and Australia.

This September, three new licences will be unveiled at Autumn Fair - Polaroid, Stanley Tools and Tatty Devine - with a fourth licence about to be signed as PG&H goes to press.

The company may now be owned by DC Thomson Consumer Products (DCTCP), but as Wild & Wolf's cofounder and md Jon Cameron points out, UK independent retailers remain at its heart, or, as he puts it, "right in the centre of our customer map."

Everybody has a 'light bulb' moment, and, for Jon Cameron, it was attending a LIMA (Licensing Industry Merchandiser Association) 'introduction to licensing' seminar a dozen or so years ago. "I listened to the speaker and thought, hey, this sounds like a great idea!"

And as the saying goes, the rest is licensed giftware history. Wild & Wolf's licensed and own brand products (which include Ridley’s and Gentleman's Hardware) are now available in many major retailers, not just in the UK but in over 60 countries too.

Understandably, there's a tangible buzz in the design office, which is headed up by not one but two creative directors - Mat

Emotional Ties If Jon has a tie to any of the products it would have to be two that have been designed in house - the company's first venture, which was called Pretty Useful Tools featuring floral household and gardening tools, and the Ridley’s retro toy range. "Ridley’s took a lot of effort to get right. There was nothing like it at the time it was launched, but fortunately it was an immediate success,” he confirms.

Thomas and Marlene Dixon - who look after men's and Ridley’s (a Wild & Wolf own brand), and women's and lifestyle categories, respectively. What's currently setting the creative juices flowing are three new licensing signings - Polaroid, Stanley Tools and Tatty Devine - with product ranges set to be unveiled at Autumn Fair in September. In addition, the company will also be expanding its Orla Kiely licence into stationery in the new year.

The Polaroid collection features stationery, gifts and photo frames, while Stanley Tools picks up on the heritage of the brand, which goes back over 150 years. Tatty Devine, a pioneering brand of acrylic statement jewellery, will be focusing on fashion accessories and homewares.

Jon, who studied engineering design, is clearly excited with the direction the new Stanley range of men's accessories and gift items has taken. It features Stanley's original logo, with products ranging from accessories and wallets to personal care. "We've mixed canvas with leather and created designs with appeal to both hipsters and baby boomers alike," he explains. By contrast, Tatty Devine will be colourful and playful. We see it as a credible and exciting new home and accessories range with lines from purses, wallets and make up bags to home storage. There's even a quirky and colourful range of string lights. It's a breakthrough brand, that Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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In Profile: Wild & Wolf provides that all important newness especially for our independent retailers," states Jon. Clearly, it's been a hugely exciting 11 years for Wild & Wolf which has, in Jon's words, grown organically. "There was never a master plan or strategy," he reflects.

Over the years, the company has had licensing partnerships with a string of major companies and organisations which include the V&A Museum, the BBC, Ladybird, Beano, Scrabble and Charles Buchan. "I think there's always been a heritage vibe to the company which has been echoed in our own brand, Ridley’s, which is all about nostalgic children's games and toys, and also our Classic Telephones. It makes people remember a different time, perhaps something in their childhood, that evokes a happy memory," he explains.

By contrast, one of Wild & Wolf's more recent licensed brands, Happy Jackson, has a completely different look and feel. It's based around the happiness vibe, and was a new direction for the company. "It was such

a different look for us at the time, and, customers have loved it," Jon comments.

"It's been good fun to work on and is a great success - the breakthrough that gave us permission to do more colourful, contemporary products such as the new Tatty Devine range. Part of our thinking has always been that if you see customers smile when they pick something up then there’s a good chance they will take that product to the till. People want to take happiness home with them," he emphasises.

Another huge success, of course, has been Ted Baker. "Being a fashion brand it was an unusual step, again because it's not what people might have expected from us at the time. But there's a great collaborative working relationship between our designers and Ted Baker and, again, it's a fun licence to work with."

Top: The new Stanley men's range is aimed at hipsters and baby boomers.

Left: Polaroid is brand new for Autumn encompassing stationery, gifts and photo frames.

Above right: The company's Folklore collection includes a bear necklace and keyring, reflecting a Scandinavian influence that's inspired by nature.

Wild & Wolf: The Lowdown

● Jon Cameron founded Wild & Wolf in 2005 with his friend and business partner the

late Richard Barson. ● They had previously worked together in the banking industry and at World's Greatest

Minds, and also jointly owned a vegetarian café. ● Having made a success of the café, they had the funds to launch Wild & Wolf, which takes

its name from greeting cards based on Oscar Wilde and Virginia Woolf, sold by World's Greatest Minds. ● Wild & Wolf's UK HQ is in Bath, with offices in New York, Hong Kong and Melbourne. ● The company currently employs over 100 staff worldwide. ● DC Thomson Consumer Products (DCTCP) acquired a majority stake in the company in 2015.

Interestingly, Jon says that in the past, the company has actually found designing men's giftware easier than designing women's. "But now that we have separated them into two categories it has definitely helped with, for example, our new Scandinavian, nature-inspired Folklore range which includes jewellery as well as pens and placemats which is growing in popularity every season."

Last year, the majority of the company was acquired by DC Thomson Consumer Products (DCTCP). So how has it impacted on the business? "It has been a period of integration where we've benefitted from DCTCP's expertise in running a bigger business, but our core business remains the same in the UK - the independent gift market. However, it has made a difference

as to what we can achieve in North America where our business has doubled over the past 18 months, and we also have a newly opened Australian office in Melbourne.

Currently, 45% of sales come from export and we look forward to increased growth and further opportunities overseas."

He adds that the principle of the company has always been newness - 'what can we do next?' "And that's what I love most about the gift industry," he reveals.

"You can be as creative as you like, you can try things. You've got an open brief, you can be inventive. Everything we do is centred around design first and foremost," he continues. "While the collection may be varied in terms of formats, there is an underlying theme and style to everything we do. In fact, I have a Post It note on my computer that says 'product is the number one thing. If you get the product right, everything else follows."

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrance

Cosying Up For

Christmas For aficionados of fragranced candles and reed diffusers and who isn't nowadays? - summer fragrances will soon be giving way to the scents of Christmas, with traditional fragrances such as cinnamon, pine, nutmeg and mistletoe leading the way.

Trends may come and go, but these evocative festive fragrances live on in an uncertain world that sees people longing for the familiar security of Christmases past.

But fragrances are not just about the traditional this year, as PG&H discovered. Cocktail fragrances too, are very on trend at the moment - perfect for Christmas gifting - as are gift sets and limited editions.

"Christmas 2016 is all about metallics, a trend which has carried on from Spring/Summer," says Shane Crawford, sales and marketing director at Wax Lyrical.

"Golds are especially prominent, sitting alongside the traditional reds and greens."

He says that pine fragrances have reappeared in the fine fragrance market this year, giving a different take on the more traditional warm and spicy scents, with the rich scent of oud also on trend for

Autumn/Winter, bringing a more intense and mature festive fragrance into the home.

"Gifting is, of course, huge at Christmas, ranging from luxury gift packs to stocking fillers, so a range of products meeting different price points is a must," he states. "Novelty items grab people’s attention on shelf and are ideal Secret Santa gifts and alternative stocking fillers. Interestingly,

gift packs with Spring/Summer scents in are on the rise, letting people enjoy their gifts even when Christmas is over."

Luxury Advent calendars meanwhile, are still gaining in popularity. "Limited edition products make all the difference at this time of year," says Shane. "Plus, larger candles are often popular in winter due to people spending more time indoors and having the time to enjoy them."

Xystos, which has expanded its portfolio this year, will be offering the Snowflake Ornament Candle from WoodWick, which is both decorative and useful, as well as the Scenic Hourglass Candle, which carries pictures of a house, holly and snowflakes and bears the single word ‘Hope’.

But Tom emphasises that it's not only traditional candles that sell in the run-up to

Top: A Snowflake Ornament Candle from WoodWick, distributed by Xystos.

Right: Christmas gifting from Wax Lyrical.

Inset: Yankee Candle’s Holiday Party collection.

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Fragrant Display Tips

Christmas. “It’s a great opportunity for retailers to feature fragrance products of all shapes and sizes in special displays," he advises. "Candles are one of the staples of the gift and home industry and Christmas is the biggest sales opportunity of the year, so capitalising on that by doing something different is a no-brainer.”

Above: Ashleigh & Burwood's The Scented Home scented ceramics are ideal for dressing the tree.

Below: Two festive fragrances from Heart & Home.

Sarah Dixon, UK marketing manager at Yankee Candle, says that this Christmas, the company is anticipating more of a shift towards home fragrances that feature warmer blends of winter fruits, notes of sweet vanilla and almond, and other culinary delight aromas. "Our new Holiday Party range has been developed to suit these trends, combined with shimmer and sparkle to enhance the beauty of the festive season,” she explains.

Ashleigh & Burwood's marketing manager Deborah Bettinson says that, as ever, festive fragrances call for nostalgic gourmand notes such as aromatic clove, toasted nutmeg and vanilla. "Unlike any other time of the year, consumers are not necessarily

Made-To-Measure With personalisation still a huge trend, melts are enabling people to individualise their home fragrancing. “It's all about customisation," Richard Wood, UK sales director at Bolsius UK comments. "As consumers increasingly define luxury by uniqueness, not exclusivity, scent blending will continue to grow in popularity over the Autumn months. Our limited edition Creations melts in Autumnal aromas such as hot punch, plum and almond pie, and jasmine and pomegranate, are proving popular with retailers as they tap in to the madeto-measure trend, giving our customers something innovative to display and promote."

Meanwhile, Richard adds that, with festive planning in full swing, nostalgic fragrances are already performing well. "An example is our gingerbread and bauble bedecked Deco Lights which are filled with the sweet scent of Amarena cherries."

As for reed diffusers, Rob Tyler, sales director of Di Palomo, says that the current trend to create your own diffuser, using a favourite vase of container is continuing to grow. "For this purpose a good selection of diffuser refills along with reeds will help to maximise sales," he states.

Above: A round burner in Bolsius' Creations range.

Left: The new Black Cherry reed diffuser from Di Palomo.

● "Maximise sales of candles at Christmas by including them in festive window or in-store displays." Tom Sykes, director, Xystos ● "With the introduction of a few creative props, funky candle themes easily lend themselves to great shop and window displays." Fiona Long, director, Pintail Candles ● "If space allows, a carefully burned candle will bring a retailer’s home fragrance offering to life and imbue the shopping space with a seasonal, sophisticated ambience.” Richard Wood, sales director, Bolsius ● "When displaying home fragrance in store, don’t be afraid to mix it up with other home décor products - think about how a reed diffuser would be displayed in a home, or how candles could be used a centrepiece on the dinner table. Showing people how the products could look in their home definitely aids the buying process."

Shane Crawford, sales and marketing director, Wax Lyrical ● "Make sure home fragrance is demonstrated constantly in store.

Giving away free product, either a votive or a tea light, for consumers to try at home, ensures customers will come back for more. Plus, a good mix of different products at different price points enables consumers to test them to find their favourite fragrance without breaking the bank." Sue Grant, marketing manager, Widdop and Co. ● "When displaying candles, retailers need to make sure they have one of each fragrance open so the customers can smell the fragrances before making their choice." Dominique Fracasso-Stroud, director, La De Da Living

excited by newness in the fragrance choices on offer," she points out. "Conversely, the familiarity of scents and notes that they’ve enjoyed in Christmases past are desirable."

Deborah adds that traditional Christmas colours don’t lose their appeal. "We do particularly well with our sparkling mosaics in gold, silver and red at this time of year.

Plus, this season, we have introduced matching gift sets for both our fragrance lamp and premium reed diffuser gift sets in these three popular festive colourways, each presented in a decorated festive gift box."

She also highlights that it’s not only gift giving that drives sales at this time of year.

"With the right product mix in store, selfpurchase can also provide a significant lift to Continued on page 63

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Xystos Flame & Fragrance • Bath & Body

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For more info, contact our Customer Service Team Email: sales@xystos.co.uk or Tel: +44(0)191 499 1570 www.xystostrade.co.uk

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrance

sales, with people looking for decorative ways to bring fragrance into their home when preparing to receive guests over the festive period. The tree is always a good place to start, and scented ceramic decorations can add another dimension to dressing it."

Along with the best selling traditional Christmas colours of red, gold and berry fragrances, Richard Marsden, sales director at Heart & Home, highlights the popularity of white. "The scents are always fresh, and white is also a neutral for all interiors and festive dĂŠcor," he comments. "By offering great gifting solutions for retailers and consumers alike, retailers can tick all the boxes. Gift sets too, are increasing year on year with fragrance at the heart of each of them."

Village Candle meanwhile, will be launching 11 new wax fragrances and candle accessory collections for the second half of the year. New fragrances include

Amber Woods, Autumn Comfort, Cozy Cashmere, Honey Crème, Obsidian and Sugar Plum Fairy. "New Christmas specific fragrances feature Festive Cranberry, Ice Castle, Peppermint Stick, Gingerbread House and Jingle Bells," confirms md Marvin Lomax.

According to Sue Grant, marketing manager at Widdop and Co, nothing conjures up the festive season better than a cosy warm festive fragranced candle. "The combination of flickering candle light, the rich aromas and the vibrant colours all serve to enhance the seasonal

experience. Holiday Sparkle, Spiced Apple Toddy and Cranberry Cosmo are all evocative festive fragrances from Colonial Candle with a choice of product formats ranging from a large oval jar that will give over 120 hours of fragrance to Simmer Snaps used in conjunction with an attractive melt warmer."

She adds that gift sets represent an easy pick up gift option, while Colonial gift boxes allow the consumer to pick their own fragrances and create their own bespoke present.

With innovation the key driver, Denise Edwards, director, Best Kept Secrets, believes that this Christmas will be driven by finding something completely different which provides luxury at an affordable gift price. "Price points for fragranced gifts are critical this year, as consumers seem ever more Continued on page 65

Top: The latest fragrances from Village Candle.

Above middle: Aromatic Zest, among the new fragrances in Best Kept Secrets' Gold collection.

Above: Urban Romance from Paddywax, distributed by the Fragrance Lounge.

Inset: Colonial Candle's Spiced Apple Toddy.

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VILLAGE CANDLE

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10% discount off first order for new customers who quote PGVC0916 Autumn Fair - Birmingham NEC 4th - 7th September 2016 Hall 5, Stand J11 www.villagecandle.co.uk Tel: 01254 300268 Progressive gifts Advert.indd 064_GH_September 2016.indd2 64

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrance

conscious of getting premium quality for great discounted prices. We have therefore responded with a premium range of candle tins, the Burning Gold collection, which we believe is completely unique in the scented candle market. It offers a three wick candle tin which delivers triple fragrance and it's this type of innovation, combined with great fragrances and luxury packaging which makes a real difference to point of sale displays."

Rachel Parker, marketing manager at the Fragrance Lounge, says that while there will always be a desire for tradition at Christmas, some shoppers will want to be able to break away from the mould.

"Retailers offering a broad range of colours, fragrances and designs will be able to appeal to a wider audience," she comments. New collections from Paddywax include Etch, a

Upcycling Adds Value With today's focus on sustainability, more and more suppliers are introducing products that can be upcycled. "Himalayan handmade candles are not just another range of fragranced candles," explains Helen Shield, director of marketing at Enesco. "Our many decorative container candles can also be reused once the wax has melted away, as an advantage of soy candles is that they clean up with soap and water."

mercury glass candle collection, Scandiinspired Hygge in matte ceramic vessels with copper lids, Woods, lined with a copper interiors, and the Urban collection featuring city-inspired concrete candles embellished with geometric accents. "The on-trend cylindrical vessels offer a choice of colours for people to create their own unique candle cityscape at home," Rachel highlights.

Of course, whether at Christmas or throughout the year, rather like perfume or after shave, people have their favourite fragrances. "Customers often look to select a signature fragrance to be carried throughout their home over the festive period," says Rob Tyler, sales director of Di Palomo, "so retailers must be sure to offer collections that include reed diffusers,

candles and sprays across the same fragrance to complement each other. Price point is key, but so is quality. Long lasting and sophisticated fragrances are a must."

Laurence Whiting, national sales manager at Price's, concurs that fragrances and colours will remain very similar to last year, with the focus on traditional festive fragrances and warm colours. "However, the great driver for change is coming from customers demanding more from their brands. We have seen greater demand for top quality fragrances and, in the case of candles, burn quality. With customers now savvier than ever at spotting low quality products, the emphasis must come from the brand to always deliver."

With so much on offer in home fragrancing, gift retailers are clearly set to be spoilt for choice this Christmas.

From the traditional to the trendy, from fragrance to formats, the home fragrancing sector, as always, continues to brim with innovation!

Above: Large candle jars from Price's Left: Caption fragranced sticks which are distributed

by Xystos in the UK.

For Autumn/Winter there will be two new seasonal fragrances - Mistletoe, a combination of festive pine, sweet berries, green apple, grounded with Siberian pine needles, and Cinnamon Tree, a fragrance combining cinnamon, clove, herbaceous pine, amber and balsam.

Bolsius too, is offering reusable containers. "For the botanical enthusiast, our Autumn Nature collection of filled glasses are infused with a seasonal woody scent, featuring plant motifs that include pine, orange fern and angelica," explains UK sales director Richard Wood. "The printed glass offers extra keep-sake value, allowing buyers to reuse the glass with tealights or votives."

Above: Bee Festive, Bee Merry and Bee Jolly from Beefayre.

Left: Enesco Himalyan candles are available in bubble glass artisan tumblers or a fleur de lys design.

Also looking at containers that can be upcycled is ethical brand Beefayre which has created a new candle size to burn through the Christmas season.

"Our new 350g Kitchen Garden candles have a long-lasting burn time of 50 hours, with people able to wash and reuse them in the kitchen for storage afterwards," explains marketing director Bex Hewetson. "Beefayre supports conservation, so it’s great to be able to offer our customers a product that Continued on page 67

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BURNING GOLD COLLECTION 12 brand new candles with triple fragrance

Come and see us

Autumn Fair Hall 3 Stand G40

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrance can be up-cycled and enjoyed for even longer. These candles make a gift not only for bee-lovers and nature fans, through our conservation donations, but also to foodies and bakers."

Beeswax is, of course, the mainstay of Root Candles. "Deep rooted and longstanding traditions, stories of Christmas past, and recipes passed down through the generations, are the experiences of Christmas and the theme for this year’s limited edition Root Christmas candle line," states Stephen Senior, ceo of Root Candle.

"These all-natural beeswax candles, will fill any space with a warm and inviting ambience along with festive style."

Left: Spiced Gumdrops from Root Candle.

Above: Miami candles and reed diffusers from Joe Davies.

Make Mine A Gin And Tonic!

Two seasonal trends have jumped out at Pintail Candles this year, which the company has reflected in new fragrances and new ranges.

"Fun and funky, with quirky themes and vibrant colours, seem to be on the menu for the party season ahead," says director Fiona Long.

"Typical are cocktail fragrances which have been growing in popularity. We have received significant retailer requests for these fragrances with Gin and Tonic and Prosecco top of the list. In response, we have introduced the Happy Hour range of six cocktail fragrances - sort of Sex and the City meets Breakfast at Tiffany’s!"

Fiona adds that classic Autumnal scents will still be popular this season, but to be right on trend they need to be infused with crisp and refreshing top notes. "We have introduced two new fragrances, Lime Basil and Hinoki Wood, to meet this trend, as well seeing sales increase of fragrances with similar profiles, such as our popular Peppered Pomegranate."

Fiona highlights that a growing development in the home fragranced sector has been the introduction of wax melts. "This season, we have introduced a new range of wax melts featuring a selection of our bestselling fragrances. Wax melts offer retailers a great opportunity to extend their home fragrance and candle offering as well as increasing sales of accessories, such as oil burners and electric melt warmers."

La De Da Living will be combining a cosy, comforting glow with seasonal fragrances. "Warm and slightly spicy notes are particularly popular and we've gone for Cinnamon & Raisin swirl – sweet, spicy and Christmassy, and Winter Jasmine & Rose, with warm floral notes," explains director Dominique Fracasso-Stroud. "Plus, we've got a couple of fun, festive scents which make wonderful gifts - Merry Gin & A Tonic New Year are scented with gin and elderflower, and Merry Champagne & A Prosecco New Year has a blackberry bellini fragrance."

She concurs that packaging as always is key. "We're continuing the trend for metallics with silver and gold glass which are traditional and accessible."

Above: La De Da Living's Merry Gin & A Tonic New Year.

Inset: Pintail's Happy Hour range.

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FA I R N UM

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What’s New A selection of candles and fragranced gift products launching at Autumn Fair, 4-7 September 2016, NEC Birmingham.

Sweet Sensation Sweet Lime Gelato, Raspberry Yuzu and Sparkling Orange (pictured) are the scents in the Summer Sweets Collection from WoodWick, one of two new ranges which puts the emphasis on food. The other is the Greenhouse Collection, with fragrances Cucumber Melon, Radish & Rhubarb and Windowsill Herbs. All are available from Xystos in core medium and large and ellipse vessels.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Top Drawer Autumn Stand Q51

Beach Beauties The Waterfront Collection from WoodWick is one of five new ranges from the US candle maker and features three evocative fragrances – Tropical Oasis (pictured), At the Beach and Coastal Sunset. It is available in core medium and large and ellipse vessels, as is the Citronella Collection. Xystos, the home of flame and fragrance, is also offering the Valentine’s Day Collection, which has a medium Sweetheart hourglass and Sweetheart ellipse and ceramic vessels.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Top Drawer Autumn Stand Q51

Inspired By Nature New Brand Fragrances Available from Xystos, the Caption Fragrance Co is a new brand range from Enviroscent designed to provide “fragrance the way nature intended” through a simple but high-tech, patented format of sustainable paper sticks. These are infused with pure essential oils and other safe ingredients. Each ScentStick is placed within a vase, floral display, plant, car or somewhere discrete to emit its fragrance.

Scents include Amber Dahlia; Provence Lavender; White Orchid, and Champagne Rose.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Top Drawer Autumn Stand Q51

For its new-look Floral Fragrance Collection, Woods of Windsor has taken inspiration from modern and vintage flower illustrations, the beauty of the Great Park and the romance of Windsor Castle, as well as the flora and fauna of the fragranced English Garden, to develop a fresh, new take on its heritage for autumn 2016.

Distributed by Xystos, the collection features a luxury eau de toilette spray; a super-hydrating moisturising hand wash; bath and shower gel; hand cream; luxury soap; dusting powder, and drawer liners.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Top Drawer Autumn Stand Q51

Scents Of History

Flame-free Winner

Xystos is distributing the new English Heritage Home Fragrance Collection from Woods of Windsor. Inspired by three of English Heritage’s historic English landmarks, it includes luxury scented candles, room fragrances, diffusers, drawer liners and wardrobe sachets. There are three fragrances – Tudor Rose, inspired by Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden; Citrus & Basil, inspired by Eltham Palace, and Sea Spray & Freesia inspired by Osborne. All are beautifully decorated with designs reminiscent of these monumental sites.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Top Drawer Autumn Stand Q51

Visitors to the Xystos stand at Top Drawer will be able to see the new Candle Warmer Lanterns. Designed to quickly warm the wax of favourite scented jar candles without the use of an open flame, they provide all the ambience and beautiful fragrance of a lit candle.

Because warming wax with a bulb doesn’t produce enough heat for the wax to evaporate, using a Candle Warmer Lantern doubles the ‘burn time’ of a jar candle.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Top Drawer Autumn Stand Q51 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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New Fixtures Supplied, Installed and Merchandised with Full Staff Training www.rootcandles.co.uk

Root Candles, Root House, Foundry Street, Brighouse, Huddersfield, HD6 1LT Tel : 01484 850059 - email: info@rootcandles.co.uk 070_GH_September 2016.indd 1

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What’s New A selection of candles and fragranced gift products launching at Autumn Fair, 4-7 September 2016, NEC Birmingham.

Baking Gifts With Pizazz

Fragrances Of Christmastide Ten new natural soy wax blended candles, four new fragrances and a new attractive container join the Himalayan candle collection. The new spicy scents of Mistletoe and Cinnamon will evoke a festive aroma through the home at Christmastime, while the mellow tones of Indian Sandalwood and the fragrant Wild Rose complete the launch. The candles are available in the Fleur de Lys and Bubble Glass tumblers as well as in the brand new Mini Powder Pot. Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand 3W04-X03

To celebrate 10 successful years of our award winning Pizazz brand, Nigel Quiney is launching a selection of beautiful new Pizazz gifts. The range is themed around our best selling floral designs, and we’ve created a wonderful selection of baking items: elegant cake tins, contemporary tea cups and saucers, three tier cake stands, bunting, and a trio of delicately fragranced tinned candles. A stylish collection of beautiful gifts, all with a touch of Pizazz!

Nigel Quiney Publications Tel: 01799 520200 Email: info@nigelquiney.com www.nigelquiney.com

Coastal Living

Seasonal Collection

On the horizon is Coastal Living, a range inspired from days spent by the sea in the early Spring sunshine where consumers are invited to breathe in the cool fresh air, listen to the ocean’s rhythms and drink in the season’s freshest flavours. Visit the stand at Autumn Fair and experience a nautical dreamland with contemporary new fragrances and products, designed to capture the essence of a life by the coast.

Yankee Candle Tel: 0117316 1200 Email: sales@yankeecandle.co.uk www.yankeecandle.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4E20/F21

Fresh New Scents Making a welcome return to the Spring collection, Yankee Candle announces the arrival of three new fragrances into their popular Pure Essence range. Launched at Home & Gift this July, the new fresh scents from the botanical inspired collection are designed to calm, soothe and harmonise consumers' senses and bring a relaxing sensation into the home. The fragrances use the freshest of notes and are available in addition to the original Pure Essence scents launched three years ago.

Yankee Candle Tel: 0117316 1200 Email: sales@yankeecandle.co.uk www.yankeecandle.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4E20/F21

New for Autumn/Winter 2016, Stoneglow's Log Fire and Winter seasonal collection has a wide variety of product choice along with the company's best-selling botanicals.

Log Fire has an inviting aroma of an enticing log fire filling the air with earthy, smoky accords, while Winter has a fresh green mint and winter white jasmine fragrance. Modern Classics is a timeless range offering products across nine different colourways. For Autumn/ Winter, a new fragrance, Cinnamon & Orange, offers a heart-warming scent of zest oranges, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.

Stoneglow Tel: 02085953178 www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand 5H27

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CHRISTOPHER DAWSON HERITAGE LIMITED

Stylish British Made Giftware

T h e Pe r f e c t A l t e r n a t i v e to Real Candles

- bespoke retail products for your gift shop.

- all with infrared remote and security timer.

New Distributor of ‘The Museum Collection’

Available in NEW colours for Christmas.

NEW I N N O VAT I V E TA P E R S

Giftware with low minimums & design costs.

Smooth finish with the realistic illusion of a dancing flame Christopher Dawson Heritage Limited Contact: Paul Travis tel: 07909 539574 email: sales@cdheritage.com www.cdheritage.com

New Distributor: Virtual Candles Limited Contact: Paul Travis tel: 07909 539574 email: info@virtualcandles.co.uk www.virtualcandles.co.uk

See us at TOP DRAWER, Stand L44

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What’s New A selection of candles and fragranced gift products launching at Autumn Fair, 4-7 September 2016, NEC Birmingham.

Festive Gift Sets

Original Lamp Design Ashleigh & Burwood’s new Pendant fragrance lamps sport a curved, teardrop design in clear glass with an ombre effect, making a strong style statement. The Pendant lamp is presented in a selection of six contemporary tones and features a stylish crown, completing the overall teardrop effect, original and unlike any other lamp the company has previously created.

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand G05/H07

Back by popular demand, Ashleigh & Burwood’s festive gift sets encapsulate Christmas, combining beautiful seasonal colours with best-selling Ashleigh & Burwood fragrance.

Presented in a unique, decorated festive box, the Fragrance Lamp Gift Sets include Moroccan Spice fragrance, alongside popular fragrance Lamps Golden Sunset (gold), Twinkle Star (silver) and Dragon’s Eye (red & gold).

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand G05/H07

Luxury Christmas Fragrances The luxurious Fragrant Escapes collection has introduced festive scents for Christmas 2016.

Nordic Spruce is the scent of on-trend pine, inspired by the famous firs of Scandinavia, while Arabian Frankincense features the coveted fragrance of oud from Western Asia. The frosted glass of both the gift boxed candle and reed diffuser gives an affluent feel, as does the beautiful gold candle tin. Available for delivery from 12th September.

Wax Lyrical Tel: 01229 461111 Email: customerservice@wax-lyrical.co.uk www.waxlyricaltrade.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 E20/F21

Scents Of The Season Ombre-Inspired Collection Bolsius take ombre from catwalk to candles this season, with their new Graduated Metallic collection. A fashionable edit of rustic candles in muted shades with metallic accents, the range is designed to accessorise and illuminate contemporary interiors. Shot through with a pearlescent sheen, they’re available in two pillar sizes for artful displays and easy upselling.

Bolsius Tel: 0800 169 5126 Email: sales@uk.bolsius.com www.bolsius.com/en

Orders of Autumnal aromas are keeping Europe’s largest candle manufacturer busy. The new Bolsius Aromatic Limited Edition winter range features two seasonal blends - Jasmin & Pomegranate and Hot Punch - both designed to evoke the spirit of the changing season. Mix and match your order with filled candle glasses, statement three wick candles, tea light packs and stylish reed diffusers.

Bolsius Tel: 0800 169 5126 Email: sales@uk.bolsius.com www.bolsius.com/en

Christmas Gifting New for Christmas 2016 is our Enchanted Fragrance Collection, featuring brand new gift packs, an advent calendar, advent candle, festive reed diffusers and our limited run of wax filled baubles. With best selling scents of Vanilla & Cranberry and our signature Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh alongside the on-trend Frosted Pine, this exciting new gifting range will no doubt sell well and make an eye-catching display instore. Available for delivery from 12th September.

Wax Lyrical Tel: 01229 461111 Email: customerservice@wax-lyrical.co.uk www.waxlyricaltrade.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 E20/F21 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware

Brand

Launch Autumn Over the last few years, licensing has really come into its own in the giftware market place, with brands from heritage to artistic, and entertainment to literary, making their presence felt.

This Autumn sees a rich harvest of brands come to market, with Mini Moderns, Marvel, IWM and Rachel Ellen among them.

In the run up to the major licensing exhibition Brand Licensing Europe - which is being held at London’s Olympia from October 11 - 13 - PG&H took a peek at what's around in advance of the Autumn gift shows.

Rachel Ellen Established in 1997, Rachel Ellen Designs, founded by former ballet dancer Rachel, started her company hand painting cards from her London apartment, evolving to become one of the leading children’s stationery and card brands in the UK. Rachel Ellen is a new licence for Widdop and Co for 2016, with the company launching a brand new range of Rachel Ellen products, including frames, height charts, mugs and wall clocks.

"Rachel Ellen’s distinctive Above: Rachel Ellen's Pirate design has illustrations, featuring pirates, fairies and princesses, been used on a range of giftware. bring to life a range of gifts for both boys and girls," comments Sue Grant, Widdop's marketing manager. "Working with Rachel we have created a range that includes wall clocks, ceramic mugs, height charts and photo frames, all with beautifully bright designs and quirky illustrations."

An added treat is that many of the products contain a personalisation element. "Each product can be tailored to individual princesses and pirates, giving gifts that extra special touch," Sue emphasises.

Harlequin Leading British interiors brand Harlequin is internationally renowned for its inspirational designs, innovative textures and use of colour. The company recently teamed up with Heathcote & Ivory, which has produced a range of travel gift lines.

"The striking Savanna (elephants) and Papilio (butterflies) designs lend themselves perfectly to gift collections, with the vibrant colours ensuring that the ranges have significant shelf presence," says Amanda Pullen, Heathcote & Ivory's marketing, PR and new business development manager.

Each of the capsule collections focuses on practical travel accessories, from a travel mirror and wallet, cosmetic bag and glasses case to a manicure tin, hand cream collection and a pencil case that doubles up as a smaller cosmetic bag.

Above: Heathcote & Ivory's new Harlequin Papilio collection.

Below: Lagoon's laser-cut model Spitfire kit.

Brand Licensing Europe 2016 Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) takes place from October 11 - 13 at London's Olympia and is the only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension.

The show brings together over 300 leading brand owners with 7,200 + retailers, licencees and manufacturers for three days of networking, deal making and trend spotting.

There will be three zones: Art, Design & Image, Brands and Lifestyle and Character & Entertainment.

Last year, the show had its biggest ever character parade with around 80 characters parading down the central aisle on the first day.

Visit www.brandlicensing.eu

IWM IWM is a family of five museums: IWM London; IWM North in Trafford, Greater Manchester; IWM Duxford near Cambridge; the Churchill War Rooms in Whitehall, London, and the HMS Belfast, moored on the River Thames. IIWM's coverage of conflicts is unique,

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LADYBIRD BOOKS FOR

GROWN-UPS Nostalgia with a little bit of a twist!

These Ladybird books will whisk you back to your childhood, but when you start reading them, BANG... you’re back in the present day, with their hilarious look at life!

RRP £6.99

Come and visit us at the Autumn Fair, Hall 5 A10

US E V I G LL! A C A

FREE FSDU with stock!

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www.booksbyboxer.com Books By Boxer, Swinnow Lane, Bramley, Leeds, UK. LS13 4BS Sales Telephone: +44 (0)1133 955 595 • sales@boxergifts.com

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Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware especially those involving Britain and the Commonwealth, from the First World War to the present day.

“This has been a wonderful project combining the authenticity of the IWM brand and its fabulous collection of Second World War posters with contemporary design to develop some really fun boys toys which will make great gifts for anyone aged 8 to 80,” says Heather Watherston, md of The Lagoon Group.

The 8-piece range features a laser cut wooden spitfire kit, 60 paper planes to fold and fly and a set of four 500-piece jigsaws featuring posters from the IWM collection.

Tom Kerridge In collaboration with licensee The Great British Exchange, Tom Kerridge, a celebrity chef and two Michelin star owner of The Hand & Flowers gastro pub in Marlow, has launched his first eponymous licensed range, based around premium cookware and homeware products that have been manufactured in Britain by skilled British craftspeople.

“The range of great products, with fascinating stories, is an honest representation of what we as a nation are able to produce as well as the skills that are alive and kicking in our manufacturing regions," says Matt Hopkins, md of The Great British Exchange.

The cookware collection features ceramics, textiles, pans, knives, enamelware and wood boards that have all been made in the UK.

Marvel Marvel is one of the world’s best known comic brands with the iconic Superheroes loved the world over.

"This licence fits into the Half Moon Bay mix, which includes household names such as Batman, Superman, Star Wars and Harry Potter," explains the company's sales and marketing manager Ben Craddock. "As ever, our take on the licence will be retro style, and we have featured some of the best known characters in our launch range including Iron Man, The Hulk, Spiderman and Captain America."

The company will be launching the range with best-selling product formats that include ceramic mugs, glassware, tinware and collectables.

Mini Moderns Launched in 2006 by London based designers, Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire, Mini Moderns is an interiors brand specialising in applied pattern across a range of products including wallpapers, fabrics, cushions, rugs and ceramics.

Among the licensees for Mini Moderns is KMI Brands, which is launching a home fragrance and wash bag collection this Autumn. As Herbie Dayal, ceo of KMI Brands explains: "We are extremely pleased to be working with such a cutting edge, British interiors brand, which combines quality with unique design. Every single product has its own story, and we think that the strong, innovative patterns, combined with a fresh, contemporary colour palette, will help the new collection to stand out in a competitive market place."

The home fragrance collection includes scented candles and reed diffusers available in three iconic Mini Moderns designs: Whitby, Darjeeling and Pavilion, with each having their own bespoke fragrance. The Mini Moderns wash bag range includes a medium sized wash bag and a smaller travel which are available in the Whitby and Darjeeling prints.

Mini Moderns

Top: Half Moon Bay's range of licenced Marvel products.

Above: A set of handmade, multipurpose bowls from the Tom Kerridge range for The Great British Exchange.

Above right: KMI Brands Mini Moderns Darjeeling candle is part of a range of home fragrancing products and wash bags.

Right: Ulster Weavers new Mini Moderns range of kitchen textiles and mugs.

For the first time, kitchen textile company Ulster Weavers has collaborated with British interiors label Mini Moderns - celebrating its 10th anniversary this year - to create three new ranges inspired by a selection of the brand's best selling prints.

"We have really enjoyed working with Mini Moderns to create a beautiful selection of products with appeal to customers old and new," says Ulster Weavers' business development manager Pam Harper.

The Modern Kitchen Collection is based on some of Mini Moderns much loved designs, to include Paisley Crescent, Pavilion, Backgammon and Darjeeling, with products including a selection of tea towels, oven gloves and aprons, featuring mix-and-match patterns ranged in three signature colour stories. The range also includes a set of co-ordinating gift boxed bone china mugs.

Mini Moderns founders Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire highlight that the collaboration has allowed them to considerably expand the range, with more pattern and product, adding that the gift packaging makes them both exciting to merchandise and purchase.

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Proud to license with the Royal Horticultural Society

AUTUMN FAIR

3H08

Tabletop Entertaining • Decorative Accessories Stationery • Gift Bags & Wrap • Bridge • Cards

© The Royal Horticultural Society Manufactured under licence granted by the Royal Horticultural Society Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262 rhs.org.uk © 2016 Hacche Retail Ltd. All rights reserved.

Decoupage Garden - Royal Horticultural Society

See the RHS Allotment Range at Autumn Fair!

Caspari Ltd. Tele: 01799 513010 email: info@caspari.co.uk www.CaspariOnline.com

01242 241765

www.meldhome.co.uk

MeldHome.Homeware

sales@meldhome.co.uk

@MeldHome

MeldHomeGift

WHERE BRANDS

BLE is the largest and most prestigious licensing event in Europe where the leading owners of the hottest brands, characters and images come to meet with retailers, licensees and sales promotion professionals to build strategic partnerships.

If licensing is part of your business, can you afford not to be involved in Brand Licensing Europe 2016?

Official publication:

4466 BLE 2016 Advert 134x185+3mm.indd 1

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Sponsored by:

& T R EN TE M AC AIN AR RT CH NTE E

Organisers of:

& DS LE AN STY BR IFE L

Organised by:

www.brandlicensing.eu

T, IGN E AR ES AG D IM &

For more information about exhibiting or visiting please visit:

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What’s New A selection of licensed gift products launching at Autumn Fair (4-7 September) and Top Drawer (11-13 September).

Marvel Superheroes Half Moon Bay is excited to introduce the company's new Marvel license featuring the iconic superheroes Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, The Hulk and Thor.

The range includes a variety of product formats including ceramics, glassware and tinware in classic colours and designs which are guaranteed to be a hit with Marvel fans worldwide.

Half Moon Bay Tel: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk www.halfmoonbay.co.uk

Personalised Ladybird Gifts Mad Hatter Figurine Disney’s Alice in Wonderland is celebrating its 65th anniversary in July 2016, and one of its most captivating scenes has inspired a new tableau for the prestigious Border Fine Arts’ A Moment in Time collection. Renowned UK sculptor, Peter Mook, worked with Border Fine Arts’ design team to create this outstanding study, capturing all the detail and comic charm of the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Every Alice in Wonderland is handmade and hand-painted in the Border Fine Arts studios in Langholm, Scotland.

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand 3W04-X03

We all grew up with Ladybird classic storybooks and now that Signature Gifts have been given licence by Penguin Publishers, these favourite titles can be passed on to the next generation personalised with any name and message.

With Signature Gifts providing a dropship service there's no reason to hold stock.

Each book is printed bespoke and delivered direct to the end customer. Available titles; Cinderella, The Elves and the Shoemaker, Football, Rapunzel, and The Three Little Pigs. RRP from £12.99.

Signature Gifts Tel: 01582 464809 www.signature-gifts.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand F51

Comic Book Characters

New License Partners

Classic comic book characters Asterix and Obelix are now available as pop vinyl figures from Underground Toys. The range has been specifically developed for the UK and European markets in conjunction with Funko. Underground Toys are targeting vinyl collectors, comic fans and the consumer market that exists for Asterix. The brand is supported by film releases, trade PR and ongoing publishing activity. Other licensees include Steiff for collectable plush, Orion for books and Comic Art for screen prints. For more information call Ian Downes.

Start Licensing Tel: 0208 337 7958 Email: ian@startlicensing.co.uk

Wild & Wolf is delighted to be unveiling collections from three new license partners at this year's Autumn Fair and Top Drawer. Tatty Devine, Polaroid and Stanley Tools feature gorgeous gifts and accessories designed for men and women. There are also range extensions in new directions for popular brands including Happy Jackson’s candle collection, Folklore branching into jewellery and cosmetics, and Wild Wood, showcasing stylish board games.

Wild & Wolf Tel: 01225 789909 Email: sales@wildandwolf.com www.wildandwolf.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand 3T02-U03 Top Drawer: Stand F39

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Spotlight On... RHS Licensed

Coming Up

Roses

Now in its third decade, the RHS Licensing programme boasts more than 50 licensees in the gardening, gifting and homeware categories, supported by a new RHS licensing style guide based on 500 images specially selected from over 25,000 housed in the RHS Lindley Library.

Within the gifting category, PG&H highlights a selection of current RHS partners.

Gifts For Gardeners The MeldHome range of gifts for garden lovers has expanded to include a gardener’s notebook and flask, a garden sign, planters, magnetic pegs, a mug set, a bird box and tea towel set. “The aim of the RHS is to enrich everyone’s life through plants and make the UK greener and more beautiful," says Zoe Mann, account director of MeldHome Hacche Retail. “We believe our range captures this ethos and that its quality, along with Above: MeldHome's expanded gift range. the strength of the RHS brand, has been a driver in the growing demand for the range.”

The company's RHS range brings together MeldHome’s trademark emphasis on the stylish, as well as the functional.

Garden Tools As an existing licensee, Burgon & Ball works very closely with the RHS. "We are the only manufacturer of garden tools endorsed by the RHS and we feel privileged to be able to access the RHS Lindley Library for design inspiration with some of the delightful illustrations featuring in our award winning RHS Gifts for Gardeners ranges," says Burgon & Ball's md Heather Culpan.

This Autumn, the company will be launching a new design in the range featuring delicate foliage and birds which will be available as twine in a tin, gardening gloves and Kneelo.

Above: Burgon and Ball's RHS Chrysanthemum collection. This Autumn, the company will be launching a brand new range.

The RHS: The Lowdown

● The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) was founded in 1804 by Sir Joseph Banks and John

Wedgwood to inspire passion and excellence in the science, art and practice of horticulture. ● It is now the world's largest gardening charity, entirely funded by its members, visitors

and supporters. ● From the beginning, the vision was to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK

a greener, healthier, happier and more beautiful place. ● The first RHS flower shows were held in1820, with the RHS granted a Royal Charter in 1861. ● The RHS Lindley Library holds the world’s finest collection of botanic art containing more than

Art Pottery Art pottery specialist Moorcroft's RHS Rose Collection has been designed to complement a new RHS publication The Rose, which has been written by RHS historian Brent Elliot. The company has created the RHS Rose Collection, featuring rose designs inspired by the RHS Lindley Library.

The six designs appear on vases, while the Scotch Rose design also appears on a coaster and a round ceramic plaque. The Sphere has a matching coaster while Eglantine also comes as a framed rectangular wall plaque.

“Our customer demographic – the collector who appreciates high-quality, British-made, handcrafted, fine art pottery and the botanical themes we often favour – is a great match with the demographic of the people who support the RHS,” says Elise Adams, md of Moorcroft.

The Rose is the latest collaboration between the RHS and Moorcroft.

Above: Moorcroft's RHS Wisley, designed by Emma Bossons FRSA. The roses move like Victorian bustle-gowns floating around a ballroom, with layer upon layer of pink petticoats swirling to the dance, says the company.

RHS Who's Who Current RHS home, gift and paper licensees include: Burgon & Ball; Carousel Calendars; Caspari; Churchill China; Frances Lincoln; Hallmark Cards (Tigerprint); H Bronnley & Co; Kimm & Miller; MeldHome; Michael O'Mara; W Moorcroft; Moorland Rug Company; Otter House; Padblocks; Peony (Ruckley Estates); Portmeirion and Pimpernel; The Present Company; The Original Muck Boot Company; Turtle Mats; UK Greetings; Ulster Weavers; Vinyl Graphic (Surface View); Wax Lyrical; We Love Cushions; West One (Jenny Worrall Designs)

25,000 images.

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Spotlight On... Mugs

A Handle On

MUGS

For many of us, 'cupboard love' refers to the motley collection of everyday mugs, jostling for position, that we can't bear to part with, be they large, small, sentimental, hilarious, hobbiesthemed, contemporary, traditional or classic.

From singles and stacking mugs to those that are trendily oversized or smartly gift boxed, there's a mug for everyone and every occasion. So what's trending for Christmas and how can gift retailers make the most of mugs when it comes to display and impulse purchasing?

Ask most people if they have a favourite mug and their eyes are sure to light up, remembering the one that was bought for them by their children for Mother's Day, the oversized mug they always drink their coffee from, and the pretty bone china mug that makes their tea taste nicer. Then there are the daintier mugs that come out when guests come over, and the funny one bought for a 'big-O' milestone birthday. And that's only the tip of the iceberg. Mugs have an almost intimate place in people's hearts.

Yet, with humour one of the most popular themes for mugs, many mugs are no longer 'just a mug'. "Mugs as gifts cover a vast range of qualities and price points. At Boxer we try to give a premium product above the bottom price bracket, but with something 'a little extra' such as our Bike mug which has a handle shaped like a bike," explains Thomas O’Brien, the company's group operations director. "This allows gift retailers to charge a small premium for the

product, giving them a point of difference from the supermarkets and discounters whose gift mug ranges have improved a lot over recent years."

He continues: "We have mugs adorned with diamantes, giant mugs, those with special shaped handles, glitter decal and even a lefthander's mug - all packaged in gift boxes and offering point of difference from the run of the mill. In a market flooded with mugs, our aim is to make sure our ranges stand out by not being 'just a mug!'”

Top: Muck Sweat & Gears bike mug from Boxer.

Above: A Boofle mug design from Xpressions 4U. Above right: One of the latest mug designs from Widdop's Disney Magical Moments children’s collection.Left: Puckator's range of slogan mugs.

At Puckator, the company's Mary Overmeer says that slogans and quotes are proving extremely popular, especially those that are currently used in social media hashtags. "A favourite is ‘I Woke up Like This’ which is currently being seen on a lot of fashion items - especially nightwear - and by a huge number of people using it as a hashtag on their selfies. We have therefore launched a new range of inspired slogan mugs, and also have kitchen themed slogan mugs with a rolling pin, wooden spoon and an electric mixer shaped handle."

"Mugs are always a key part of the giftware business because of their continued everyday use and the appeal from all ages and walks of life," says Christine Harrison, independent sales director of Xpressions 4U. "As a business, our main focus is on the cute aspect with our main sellers being our Boofle mug range.

However, we also have ranges that cover both sentiment and humour, with our best sellers always the relation captioned mugs such as Mum, Nan, Dad, Grandad - although recently, Auntie has become best seller too."

Sue Grant, marketing manager of Widdop and Co, sees mugs as an essential ingredient within any retailer's offer. "Good retailers offer mugs that celebrate special occasions, a special relationship or a mug that incorporates humour - a big driver of mug sales - with innovation the name of the game when it comes to new launches."

She highlights that at Widdop and Co, mugs are an integral part of many of the company's brands. "They sit within some of our flagship collections including Disney Magical Moments and our men’s automobile range, MPH. This allows the retailer to Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... Mugs mug can be a special occasion mini-gift, for example, a mug for dads, but you don’t need a special occasion to buy a mug as it’s the ideal impulse gift," he emphasises. "It’s something to take to the office or a cheeky topical gift for a friend. One might almost say the gift business is a mugs game!" he quips. Piers adds that as novelty is the watchword in mugs, the company always has new mugs to offer. "Dogs are especially popular, and we’ve also got some smashing new botanical ones which we have just unveiled for the second half of the year."

Helen Shield, director of marketing at Enesco, agrees that, in recent years, mugs have become a staple in the gift market the ultimate price conscious, utilitarian gift.

"In our experience, consumers are looking for a sentiment, a message or something to make the product a little bit more personal," she states. "Our Beatrix Potter alphabet mugs, launched in January, are on trend, with the added benefit of

present a strong offer to the consumer, incorporating mugs into a much wider selection. Price points on mugs are important with £5 remaining the most critical, acting as a stocking filler or Secret Santa.

However, higher price points can be achieved with innovative packaging solutions such as tins or a two piece foiled gift box."

On the question of price, Piers Croke, sales director of Gisela Graham, says that mugs are a reliable till-opener for gift shops, Above left: Herb Kitchen from Gisela Graham. yielding a sale of £6-£10 every time. "The Above right: Churchill's A Ballet of

Swans, part of the new The In Crowd range.

Right: The Music Gift Company's Jazz mug, designed by Vikki Gibson.

Below right: Just Mugs' new fine bone china Fancy Teas Dorset mug.

being an exclusive licensed property. Our Name Is Mud oversized mugs are exceptional value at £11 SRP, each with a witty statement, and this larger, more chunky style is also perfect for men. In store, they can be displayed within themed areas by recipient, or displayed in bulk with a wide selection on offer. At these prices, they are perfect stocking fillers making the purchase easy for the consumer by letting them see all the available themes."

Talking trends, Churchill China has seen the Honest trend continue to grow for the company. Explains Rosey Hampton,

Above: An oversized Our Name Is Mud mug from Enesco.

Greetings!

Cherry Orchard has introduced 14 new bone china mugs to complement the company's Timeless Moments range of male cards. "The trend for contemporary designs in male cards and gifts continues and these mugs cover a range of hobbies and interests from DIY to fishing and gardening," explains md Jackie Collins. (Captions include Son, Grandson, Dad and Grandad, as well as open male designs. A RRP of £6.99 includes a free presentation box).

“When our Down Memory Lane mugs made it through to the finals of the Gift of the Right: A new design from Cherry Orchard's Down Memory Lane mugs.

Year awards, we wanted to build on that success and extend other successful card ranges” continues Jackie. “Stylish, quality mugs in an attractive branded display stand offer retailers the perfect low square-foot opportunity for add-on sales to greeting cards, increasing footfall by offering customers a one-stop shop to their local independent retailer for unusual and personal cards and gifts."

marketing, PR and new product development business manager: "we have harnessed the trend in our new Autumn/Winter launch with a new range called The In Crowd, which couples striking illustrations of birds in their natural state with delicate pastel colours to create fun range which focuses around quirky collective nouns and comes gift boxed."

"Design is key in the success of mugs," says David Gee, md of The Music Gifts Company. "Being on a music theme, the design needs to instantly convey that message, be it electric guitar, piano or generically music. "Currently though, the trend has moved towards a younger audience. Last year, we commissioned award-winning illustrator Vikki Gibson to Continued on page 87

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Spotlight On... Mugs create exciting new designs for our Element range, and this year, she has worked her magic with Pop, Blues and Jazz mugs."

Just Mugs' md Philip Tittensor says that mugs are often an impulse purchase, which means that the designs have to turn someone's head. "They are a fashion product nowadays and can really help to freshen up a kitchen," he states.

At Dunoon, the company is continuing to develop new mug shapes and patterns.

"We introduced 50 new mug patterns over various shapes as part of our mid year launch for 2016," confirms director Peter Smith. " For 2017, our creative designers are continually working on new patterns as

well as a new mug shape and a new tea cup and saucer, with all items made from fine bone china and produced in England."

Polly Thomson, director, McLaggan Smith Mugs says the great thing about mugs is that they are an affordable, practical, lasting gift for any time of year, and with the increasing popularity of typographical designs they are Above: Dunoon's new fine bone china Argyll shape mug, designed by Jane Brookshaw, features contemporary new cat, cockerel, cow, dog, pig and sheep designs.

Left: New from McLaggan Smith Mugs is a range of Quentin Blake mugs to include designs for the festive season.

Adding Value For some companies, their mugs come with added extras. "A mug can be transformed into a luxury gift simply by presenting it in premium packaging," highlights Katrina Lawton, Creative Tops' marketing and public relations manager. "For example, the trumpet mug in our new Queen Charlotte’s Memoirs collection is packaged in a luxury hat box, helping customers to visualise the product as a gift."

She adds that mugs can also be given enhanced gift-appeal by pairing them with pastime-related accessories in gift sets. "For gardeners for example, we've created a new gift concept for Autumn/Winter pairing a fine china mug with a Pocket Garden seed pack from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew collection," continues Katrina.

Other pairings tap into the trend for afternoon tea, with the company's Time For Tea set featuring across Creative Tops' collections, pairing a fine china mug with a coaster and scatter tray. "Developing this concept further for Autumn/Winter, our new Tea For Two set pairs two patterned mugs with a luxury sandwich tray, available in the Meadow Bugs and Strawberry Fayre collections," Katrina continues.

"We have one of the largest ranges of fine quality gift boxed mugs," reveals Julian Hunt, md of Lesser & Pavey. "Some display fun novelty wording which can relate to a friend, member of family etc., and all offer excellent value for money therefore appealing to shoppers who do not know what to buy. In addition, some mugs also come with accessories such as a matching coaster or topper."

a good way to express sentiments, show appreciation or share in a common interest.

"We aim to refresh our stock offerings throughout the year to reflect changes in trends and to offer our customers more choice and flexibility," she states.

With Christmas around the corner, there's no denying that mugs make great stocking fillers, teachers' gifts and Secret Santa presents. So with the second season shows about to open their doors, gift retailers should be at the ready to do plenty of mugging up!

Top Display Tips Portmeirion Group's stylist Danuta Drzewiecka says it’s important that retailers keep focused on the huge gifting element of mugs. "Use ribbons and gift boxes to show how mugs make a lovely and very affordable gift," she suggests.

"Create pyramids with the gift boxes, use ribbons to hang mugs from the ceiling, tie giant, eye-catching bows around the displays."

She adds that mugs that have beautiful gift boxes work very well in gift shops, especially if the packaging shows off the pattern printed on the mug and tell customers something about the brand."

Katie Burt, marketing assistant at Really Good, points out that with a strong brand like Bright Side, it can be best to display the mugs and their gift boxes alongside other co-ordinating brand items within the range.

"We have concentrated on the packaging of our mugs which ultimately sells the product, drawing attention and sending a message. For example, the Bright Side packaging is incredibly playful, yet still simple. The illustration interacts with the product, and gives a hint of what’s to be found inside. Plus, it’s also easier to wrap a box then to wrap a mug."

Above: The What a Cutie stacking mug from Portmeirion’ True Colors collection launching in September. Designs include trendy geometric patterns and bold colours.

Berlow: A humorous Bright Side mug from Really Good.

Above: Creative Tops' Kew Gardens Meadow Bugs Tea For Two set.

Left: Lesser & Pavey captures the red robin in a new range of fine chinaware, under license from Jennifer Rose.

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What’s New A selection of mugs and chinaware gift products launching at Autumn Fair, 4-7 September 2016, NEC Birmingham.

Timeless Moments Cherry Orchard present 14 new bone china mugs to complement their Timeless Moments range of male cards. The trend for contemporary designs in male cards and gifts continues and these mugs cover a range of hobbies and interests from DIY to fishing and gardening. With captions including Son, Grandson, Dad and Grandad, as well as open male designs, this is the ideal year-round gift with a RRP of £6.99 which includes a free presentation box.

Cherry Orchard Tel: 01684 295500 Email: info@cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk http://www.cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk/

Works Of Art

Flying High Gaeltag Keltika is presenting You Are An Angel, an exciting new brand which celebrates the inspirational role models in our lives - living angels! The initial product ranges include figurines, wish bottles, mini journals, mugs and keychains. All items feature the signature ‘angel’ and ‘angel wing’ icons which define the range, alongside life-affirming sentiments.

Gaeltag will be showing You Are An Angel at this year's Autumn Fair.

Gaeltag Keltika Email: sales@gaeltag.com Tel: 020 8998 1781 www.gaeltagkeltika.comhttp://www.cowparade.eu Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand 3Y04

Fairmont & Main offer a fabulous array of mugs across bone china, stoneware and earthenware, in a vast selection of shapes, styles and design. They include The Steel Rooms Collection featuring designs from The Steel Rooms Design Studios. Created by Julie Steel, each mug design is innovatively individual - a work of art in its own right. Together the mugs form an eye-catching collection, and will make a striking display on stand 3J01 at Autumn Fair.

Fairmont & Main Tel: 01924 848300 Email: sales@fairmont.co.uk www.fairmont.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand 3J01

Mugging Up New to Half Moon Bay’s Harry Potter range for 2016 are two magical heat changing mugs to follow on from the ever popular Marauder’s Map design. Simply pour boiling water into the mug and watch the hidden image appear! These fun mugs are bound to be a welcomed gift from any Harry Potter fan.

Half Moon Bay Tel: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk www.halfmoonbay.co.uk

True Blue Mosaic with attractive decoration of small, blue coloured designs on quality stoneware, a brand new quality range from Lesser & Pavey. The range includes mugs, stacking mugs, mugs with a spoon attached, a set of two bowls, bowls with lids, and a set of two side plates and two dinners plates. Each individual product comes in two assorted designs. The items, in sets of two, consist of one of each item. Presented in quality packaging.

Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand 5E02/F03

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Autumn Fair, 4-7 September 2016, NEC Birmingham.

Boo’s 10th Birthday The Pomeranian pooch who needs no further introduction celebrated his 10th birthday this past March! His popularity has lead to a plethora of merchandise including, of course, irresistible soft toys and accessories by GUND! June 2016 saw three new items added to the collection: a Classic Boo in Holiday Hat and Scarf, plus two Itty Bitty Boos: wearing a cute monster costume in Monsteroo and a fabulous pirate’s hat and neckerchief in Pirate Boo. Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand 3W04-X03

Rugged Industrial Theme

Fab Faux Hot Tomato sets the tone for Christmas with some fab faux leather cosmetic pouches. There are a total of four designs to choose from across three gorgeous metallic colourways. An RRP of £6-£12 makes these little lovelies highly affordable as well as being beautiful and practical the perfect stocking filler/girlie gift!

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tomatouk.com www.hot-tom.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand Q10

One of Kaemingk`s new themes - Home Factory - a rugged industrial look that combines this modern trend with nature and greenery.

Kaemingk www.kaemingk.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3-3A Stand 3E30/F31

Ta Da!

Festive Gift Ideas Puckator will be unveiling a new look, bigger stand in Hall 5 Stand 5 L05 at Autumn Fair, showcasing thousands of new products and fantastic new designs including Botanical Gardens, London Ways, I Love My Cat, Enchanted Rainbow unicorn range and I Donut Care fast food range. Festive gift ideas, decorations and stocking fillers are also covered for your customers, with a wide range of design-led and novelty Christmas items available to view.

Puckator Tel: 0800 011 6969 Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk www.puckator.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand 5L05

Our wonderful collection of fashion and gifts, Ta Da!, has a personality all of its own. Blending on trend textures and colours, we’ve used soft suedes, cool metallics and added a sprinkle of seasonal glitter. The collection offers a wide range of price points so you can customise your selection according to your market. Something for everyone including you!

Shruti Designs Tel: +44 (0)1985 847774 Email: salesadmin@junction18.com www.shrutidesigns.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand: 3J21F

Jewellery & Scarves Miss Milly, the British brand for gorgeous jewellery and scarves, is launching a plethora of new lines in on trend, seasonal colours in resins, enamels and metallic finishes.

Beautiful multicolour jewellery lines with co-ordinating scarves. Fantastic prices and great quality backed up by an efficient, friendly service, you can order at the shows or online now. No minimum order quantities. Branded packaging and display stands available. Agents available for most areas.

Miss Milly Tel: 01905 622509 www.missmilly.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand: 4H48 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Carrie Elspeth EXCLUSIVE

The Walking Stick Specialists

DESIGNER

HANDMADE

NEW

Fine quality workmanship and fashionable, elegant designs distinguish the Classic Canes range of traditional and contemporary walking sticks, folding canes, seat sticks and umbrellas.

Autumn Fair: Hall 4, Stand J70. www.classiccanes.co.uk

Classic Canes_QPV.indd 1

IN

JEWELLERY

WALES

NEW

2016 WINNER

Come and see our Autumn Collection & new Sister Collection CARRIE Autumn Fair Hall 4 Stand 4G36

AGATE MEDLEY & MYCOLOURBANDS FASHION JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES

e sales@carrieelspeth.com | 01446 771271 | w www.carrieelspeth.com

17/08/2016 17:14

Men’s

equilibrium

C O L L E C T I O N

AUTUMN

4-7 SEPTEMBER 2016 NEC Birmingham Hall 5 Stand C10/D11

Equilibrium the UK’s Hottest Jewellery Range Joe Davies Limited, 149 Broadstone Rd, Reddish, Stockport SK5 7GA Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk joedaviesgiftware

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Autumn Fair, 4-7 September 2016, NEC Birmingham.

Gifts For Special Girls

Simply Chic

Gaeltag Keltika is aiming to bring cheer to mums, wives and girlfriends with their new gift glassware titles previewing at the NEC. Mums will be spoilt for choice with two Mother’s Day specials from Paper Salad, plus Berni Parker’s Mumtastic title embellished with gorgeous gems and glitter.

For Valentine's there’s also a new glass - All you need is love - in a beautiful copper metallic finish. RRP’s are from £14.99.

Gaeltag Keltika Tel: 020 8998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com www.gaeltagkeltika.com http://www.cowparade.eu Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand: 3YO4

Our in-house design department is responsible for this glamorous design featuring gold, black and white colours with stripes and dots – great for any occasion. In this range we offer beautiful gift items with matching gift bags. In addition, the range has lovely quality and beautifully packaged tableware: fine china mugs, tea for one, cup and saucer and mug in a tin as well as a perfect travel mug. An amazing design on superb products making ideal gifts for all occasions.

Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand 5E02/F03

Pit Stop This licensed design from Jennifer Rose features two separate masculine designs – Motorcars and also Motorbikes. Using modernised classic images for today’s gentlemen, the range offers a fine china mug, mug in a tin and travel mug, coasters and laptrays, gift bags and storage boxes, manicure set and shoe cleaning set, wash bag and money box, as well as notebooks. Perfect for the men in your life.

Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand 5E02/F03

Solar Flower Houses These new Fairy Dell Houses are just some of the 2500 brand new products that Joe Davies will introduce on their extended Hal 5 stand (C10/D11) at Autumn Fair. All things ‘fairy’ are coming back into fashion, and, as an added bonus, the 12 Fairy Dell residences are solar powered, giving off an inviting evening glow. All are available to buy individually using Joe Davies’ trademark ’Little & Often’ order system. The minimum order is an industry beating £100.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand C10/D11

Femme Fatale The golden age of glamour will be returning this September, when Temerity Jones launches their brand new Boudoir range. Soft pinks, gold and black come together to make the range the epitome of style and sophistication.

From long evening gloves, champagne candles and gorgeous ceramics, it's the perfect gift range for the femme fatale in your life!

Temerity Jones Tel: 01992 807 477 Email: sales@temerityjones.com www.temerityjones.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand 3P22/Q23

Kitchen 'Must Haves' Wade’s kitchen collection of bowls, bakeware, flan dishes and pie dishes have been created to make your cooking experience as seamless as possible, providing a professional result each time. With a range of designs to meet all your needs, each piece can be used from freezer to oven, from microwave to table. The extensive range of Wade products are available exclusively in the UK from Eddingtons.

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What’s New A selection of candles and fragranced gift products launching at Autumn Fair, 4-7 September 2016, NEC Birmingham.

Capsule Collection & Colourband

Up, Up & Away These illuminated hand blown glass balloons from Joe Davies holds a pretty line of attractive firefly LED lights powered by a discrete battery holder at the end of the balloons string.The balloons look gorgeous unlit but when illuminated look truly spectacular, making a fantastic window display.The complete range will be on display on Joe Davies’ spacious Hall 5 stand at Autumn Fair and will be joined by LED light bulbs, illuminated Hearts and a stunning new Christmas series.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand C10/D11

It’s all new for the Autumn season at Carrie Elspeth.

Carrie has been busy designing a brand new standalone capsule collection, totally different to her core range, all beautifully boxed with stunning new packaging making it the perfect gift. Come and see the full range of Carrie at Autumn Fair as well as the new additions to the giftable mycolourbands brand. For Autumn, Carrie has designed two new colourband ranges: Luxe the premium range with sophisticated charms and glitter elastic, and Greeting which is a carded collection.

Carrie Elspeth Tel: 01446 771271 Email: sales@carrieelspeth.com www.carrieelspeth.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4G36

Gifts For Gentlemen Emporium mixes quirky yet distinctive design for that extra something out of the ordinary. New for Autumn/Winter is this stunning collection of desk accessories ideal for the man that loves to travel. Globes, a magnifying glass and paper knife set and a compass are the highlights of the range.

Emporium is part of our fashion led Harvey Makin gents brand featuring rich colour and Edwardian illustrations with a modern twist with appeal to those who love premium quality giftware with personality.

Widdop & Co. Tel: 0161 688 1226 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk www.widdop.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand N6-20

Happy Homes For 2016/2017, Willow and Company Greetings has brought out a range of Happy Home hanging plaques which are pretty and pink. We have our latest range of First Communion gifts which are magnetic frame plaques, and our new Feather bracelets featuring delicate little silver feathers on a pull string bracelet attached to a card holding words of comfort, support and inspiration. Plus, have two new ranges in Angel Pins too!

Willow Greetings Tel: 0131 664 6677 Email: enquiries@willowgreetings.co.uk www.willowgreetings.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand 5H11

Happy Days SIL have all you need for a sizzling Summer 2017 in the shape of their new BBQ range to include Diner and BBQ signs, brightly coloured sauce bottles and colddrinks bottles with straws plus an order pad for ensuring everyone gets what they want. Kids will love it, teenagers will go mad for it, and dads will want nothing else for Father’s Day! Visit the SIL stand at Autumn Fair. Feast your eyes on the full range and stay cool in the heat.

SIL Tel: 01992 718033 Email: sales@silplc.com www.silplc.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand B10 /C11

Femme Fatale The golden age of Glamour will be returning this September, when Temerity Jones will be launching their brand new Boudoir range. Soft pinks, gold and black come together to make the range the epitome of style and sophistication. From long evening gloves, champagne candles and gorgeous ceramics, its the perfect gift range for the femme fatale in your life!

Temerity Jones Tel: 01992 807477 Email: sales@temerityjones.com www.temerityjones.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand T22/Q23 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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What’s New A selection gift products launching at Autumn Fair (4-7 September) and Top Drawer (11-13 September).

A Sweet Sensation The launch of the Burning Gold Collection of candle tins has been met with excellent reviews from customers across the country. The exclusive range of 3 wick candles with triple fragrance offers an outstanding scent range has made this candle tin selection an immediate best seller. Autumn Fair will be the one of the first times the complete range of candles is available to see and test, so it is a great opportunity for trade visitors to this important annual gathering.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Autumn Fair – Hall 3 Stand G40

Refreshed Fragranced Gifts Best Kept Secrets will be previewing its completely refreshed range of fragranced gifts at Autumn Fair. Among the premium ranges is a new collection of necklace fragranced gift bags, bracelet fragranced gift bags and earring fragranced gift bags.

The business, which acquired Sepia Fragranced Gifts in 2015, has extended the most popular ranges, leading the charge with independent retailers to stock a medium priced range of fragranced products which combine a well packaged gift item alongside an excellent seriously scented gift.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Autumn Fair – Hall 3 Stand G40

Flameless Candles Virtual Candles, the original licensor, will take over distribution of Luminara Flameless Candles from 1st September headed up by Paul Travis, sales director, and his new sales team. New innovative products, including festive silver and gold, wax pillar candles and the European launch of the first exclusive Luminara taper candles will be bringing flameless Luminara technology to the dining table. The company will also be previewing 2017 product launches at Autumn Top Drawer where it will be exhibiting for the first time.

Call Paul Travis.

Virtual Candles Tel: 07909 539574 Email info@virtualcandles.co.uk www.virtualcandles.co.uk Top Drawer: Stand L44

New Walking Sticks Walking stick specialists Classic Canes are launching 30 new everyday, collectors, folding and orthopaedic walking sticks at this year’s Autumn Fair. With new models across a range of price points, there is something for everyone, including this glamorous black folding cane with its glittering crystal collar.

Perfect for Christmas gifts and parties.

Classic Canes Tel +44 (0)1460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand J70

It’s From Me! IF’s clever, letter shaped sticky notes are small enough to sit neatly on your desk and just big enough for you to leave a message. Great fun for the office (coffee with two sugars), school (remember PE kit) and around the house (buy more milk), they make a super little personalised gifts. Shortlisted for Gift of the Year 2016, Forget Me Sticky Notes are available in the full alphabet and IF supply an eye catching POS display as part of an assorted starter pack of 60.

IF Tel: 01751 475757 Email: nicethings@thatcompanycalledif.com www.thatcompanycalledif.com

Made In Britain CD Heritage specialises in British manufactured products for the heritage and independent designer market, from fine bone china, melamine trays, placemats and coasters through to British made textiles and giftware. The company has just signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Museum Collection, previously distributed by Hudsons of England (who went into receivership in June), which will be on show at Top Drawer along with other new designer ranges. Create your own brand on British made products with low set costs and minimums at competitive pricing.

CD Heritage Email sales@cdheritage.com www.cdheritage.com Top Drawer Stand L44 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Autumn Fair 2016 Hall 3 Stand L30

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Autumn Fair, 4-7 September 2016, NEC Birmingham.

New Gift Packs Aroma Home is launching four new gift packs this season. For the home, Slippers and Mini Hot Water Bottle, Mug and Bed Socks, and for outside, Warming Hat and Gel packs to keep your ears warm, as well as an Ear Muff and Flask set. These innovative gifts come in two colours and are beautifully packaged .

Aroma Home Tel: 0203 735 9500 Email: caitlin@aromahome.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand W42/X43

Picture Perfect Kenro is returning to Autumn Fair to showcase their diverse range of photo albums and frames on stand 5K05. Drop by to browse their range, place an order, or have a chat with one of their friendly team.

Among the products on display will be Kenro’s Holiday and City Series album ranges, with the City Series featuring bold, bright designs themed around London, New York and Paris, and the Holiday Series suiting all tastes – from soothing beach vistas to European adventures.

Kenro Tel: +44 (0)1793 864 345 www.kenro.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand 5K05

Fantasy Glass Range Flexi Heatable Packs Intelex Group are excited to launch the innovative Flexi Clay range of patented, heatable packs which can bend into almost any shape. Simply warm them up for 90 seconds in the microwave to enjoy soothing warmth, or chill them in the freezer for three hours and they’ll provide cold relief for minor injuries.

Pre-orders are available now!

Intelex Tel: 01933 679 777 Email: sales@intelex.co.uk www.intelex.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand J16- K17

Wild Things gifts will be showing off their latest additions to their bestselling Fantasy Glass range.

Illustrated is a beautiful eagle. The range is handmade and hand painted, with 24 carat gold embellishments and designs incorporating Swarovski(R) crystals.

Other designs include an updated butterfly, dragonflies, songbirds, hummingbirds and Pegasus, all in various colourways. Counter-top fountain and rotating floor-standing displays are available.

Wild Things Tel 01392211268 Email: info@wildthingsgifts.com www.wildthingsgifts.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H20

New Releases At Autumn Fair, we will have a further three new releases on display alongside a portfolio of our existing catalogue of work. The Edge Spartan bust will at last be making an appearance alongside a demure, beautiful Wood Elf Bust.

Also, Matt Buckley is putting the finishing touches to a new Orang-utan figure which, again, will be at the show. Moving into other interior territories, Dan Buckley has been designing a new range of cushions and prints to support the range.

Edge Sculpture Tel: 01952 884804 Email: sales@edgesculpture.com www.edgesculpture.com Autumn Fair: Hall 2 Stand G39

Heritage Candles & Diffusers Royal Warrant holder Price’s Candles are proud to present their new range of Heritage candles and diffusers across six fragrances: Imperial Tea, Egyptian Cotton, Garden Lavender, Moroccan Rose, Pear Orchard and Orange & Ginger. This elegant range draws its influence from the company’s historical archives with its focus on traditional graphic designs entwined with modern day products. With its window into the past and nostalgic packaging design, high quality fragrance and burn quality, this range offers real value for money.

Price’s Candles Tel: 01234 264500 Email: sales@prices-candles.co.uk www.pricescandles.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand J50 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Inspired by Italy • Made in England In a tranquil Tuscan piazza, under the dappled shade of almond trees, we relish the warmth of late afternoon sun. Delicious aromas of ripening fruit are carried on the warm breeze, creating a memory we will cherish forever.

Top Notes Black Cherry, Rosehip & Bergamot

Middle Notes Almond, Freesia & Pink Pepper

Base Notes Sandalwood, Amber Vanilla & Musk

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Autumn Fair, 4-7 September 2016, NEC Birmingham.

Hedgehogs Are 'In' It seems that hedgehogs are the ‘in’ animal this season. Frith's delightful new sculptures have already sold out and new stock is urgently being produced for Autumn Fair. Also new are these spectacular horses by new artist Linda Fowler. You can see these and a dozen other stunning new sculptures from the sculptors at Frith. Another is the cute little owl shown here.

Frith Sculpture Tel: 01666 577110 Email: sales@frithsculpture.co.uk www.frithsculpture.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand J45

Modern Finishes An elegant Autumn awaits all lovers of PoM, with stunning jewellery, scarves and fabulous tote bags. Peace of Mind latest collection has everything you need to create a visually exciting and financially rewarding start to the season. Their new silver and silver plated jewellery is simple, pretty and truly up to date with on trend colours and modern finishes.

Scarves banish seasonal chills with super soft cottons and warm comforting knits your customers will love.

Peace of Mind Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com www.pom925.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4G31

Organic Shapes

Tinplate Giftware Releasing our new exclusive TVR licence. This iconic brand looks completely on point! Looking for cool giftware then look no further. Official VW, Ford, Route 66, Lambretta, MG, Shell, TVR, Eddie Stobart & Will Patrons license holders. Captivating & bold EXCLUSIVE giftware make us one not to miss! Our approach is different & our products… well, they do the talking for us! For Wall Signs and Tins, join the RHL experience!

Red Hot Lemon Tel: +44 (0)121 552 5338 Email: jo@redhotlemon.co.uk www.redhotlemon.co.uk

PoM's sterling silver and silver plated jewellery takes organic shapes, crystals and charms and finishes them with warm golds and rose golds and a new washed bronze, a beautiful new tone.

It's playful, wearable and perfectly complements the colours and feel of Autumn. And if you don't already sell scarves, now is the time to start. PoM's wonderful scarf and accessories collection is, as always, packed full of beautiful patterns, colours and finishes that make them must-have products you can't be without.

Peace of Mind Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com www.pom925.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4G31 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Talbot Fashions Natural Paua shell

Est. 1980

Wholesale Jewellery, Gifts & Accessories

See us at Autumn Fair Birmingham Hall 4 Stand G10

Sterling silver jewellery

Call now for our catalogues or place your order online at:

www.talbotfashions.com Minimum order just ÂŁ25 (Ex VAT & P&P)

7 Howard Terrace, Brighton, East Sussex, BN 1 3 TR Tel: 01273 776415 Fax: 01273 731167 Email: info@talbotfashions.com

www.talbotfashions.com

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Autumn Fair (4-7 September) and Top Drawer (11-13 September).

Starry Christmas Sentiment

Grow Your Own Unicorn

Why not brighten up Christmas Day for someone with these gorgeous Starlight bottles. These are perfect for a gift for a special person in your life, with the festive sentiment on the front of the bottle and lovely star shaped LED's inside. They come in two different designs and festive colours, so choose from Happy Shiny Sparkly Xmas or May Your Christmas Be Merry And Bright’.

Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 599 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.comwww.facebook.com/BoxerGifts Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand A10

Unicorns are symbolic of magic, miracles and purity....ever dreamed of your own unicorn? Well, why not grow one?

With this Grow Your Own Unicorn, there's no exercise required, no grooming, no feeding or picking up poop.

This unicorn can grow up to six times their original size when introduced to water, but don’t let the fun stop there.

Once removed from water, the unicorns will shrink back so you can grow them over and over again!

Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 599 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.comwww.facebook.com/BoxerGifts Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand A10

Santa’s Brigade This is a set of two mugs on Dunoon’s large size Cairngorm shape featuring Santa playing musical instruments and preparing for Christmas with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. This is drawn in a very likeable style

by Kate Mawdsley and is sure to be a very popular Christmas gift. Made in fine bone china and made in the heart of Staffordshire, England.

Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

The Force Awakens

Light Up Your World From the creators of the original, best selling Light Up Letters comes an exciting new addition to the range, Up In Lights Shapes. A Cloud, Cactus, Panda and Unicorn will be available in a larger size than the letters and packaged in an attractive pastel-print box. Due to arrive in November, the trendled designs will be perfect for Christmas gifts. Cute, contemporary and a wonderful add-on to the Light Up Letters.

Smiling Faces Tel: 01444 882323 www.smilingfaces.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand 3T40 Top Drawer: Stand P46

With Star Wars' The Force Awakens setting new viewing figure heights, everyone loves a droid, especially an old favourite like this Gold Deluxe Edition C3P0 Look-ALite. The subtle white light from the LED bulb really brings these characters to life. C-3P0 RRP:£25. Other characters RRP:£20 Dims:13cmx25cm. Groovy UK design and manufacture many unique gift lines including bathrobes, slippers, loungers, lighting and bags. Licenses include Star Wars, DC Comics, Marvel, Harry Potter, Assassin’s Creed, Suicide Squad and Shaun The Sheep.

Groovy UK Tel: +44 (0)116 239 1105 Email: j.johnston@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com

Contemporary Blobs Blobs! is a popular contemporary design which features on many of Dunoon’s shapes. The range has now been widened to include the small size Jura shape.

The design features bold watercolour painted splodges in random patterns and is provided in two different colourways. Made in fine bone china and made in the heart of Staffordshire, England. Designed by Caroline Bessey.

Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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NEW arning Boo

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Tiny Tatty Teddy Cuddlebug Range! 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 sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Autumn Fair, 4-7 September 2016, NEC Birmingham.

Kids! Kids! Kids!

One Stop Warehouse These framed sets of old wooden doors, some panelled and all with glazed gothic arches are just a few from a choice of many other similar style sets of doors available, plus many other framed old door sets also in various sizes and designs including louvered doors and ships doors with portholes. We also carry small and large iron grilled door sets plus smaller completely glazed panel door sets. No two items within this range are the same as they have all been re-furbished to some degree.

They have always been very popular due to their individuality, visual impact, character and usefulness.

Dealers Ltd Tel: 01743 761241 Email: dealers@dealers-uk.com www.dealers-uk.com

Briers’ market leading Kids range features over 20 new great gifting products such as the Bug Box Set and Tools Belts through to Windsocks and Windspinners. The range now has everything to nourish and nurture kids’ minds and the garden alike - tools, gloves, boots, clogs and lots of new activity products. Complete with an optional compact merchandising stand solution making it the perfect small-space range for year-round sales!

To find out more contact our sales team.

Briers Tel: 01963 279077 Email: sales@briersltd.co.uk www.briersltd.co.uk

Sterling Silver Talbot's 925 sterling silver range includes hand-selected semi-precious stones set in beautiful highly polished silver work and includes Amethyst, Black Onyx, Blue Goldstone, Labradorite, Opalite, Rainbow Moonstone, recon Turquoise and Rose Quartz. Each piece shows individual character within its high quality finish. There is also a selection of plain 925 silver designs to choose from. Illustrated is just a small selection from the company's current catalogue.

Talbot Fashions Tel: 01273 776415 Email: info@talbotfashions.com www.talbotfashions.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand G10

Shell Jewellery

Quirky One Offs Always available in stock at Dealers, a most unusual mix of goods to meet your stocking needs and your refurbishment and design needs. Lots of unusual quirky one off feature items can also be found at our showroom/warehouse. Can you spot the Zebra, the Sedan Chair and the Tiffany Lamp? New and exciting products come in daily - we never know what will arrive next ! Along with all the old and vintage items, we also carry a vast choice of our regular stocking lines – easily repeatable and readily available.

Dealers Ltd Tel: 01743 761241 Email: dealers@dealers-uk.com www.dealers-uk.com

Talbot's will be showcasing their very latest range of Paua shell jewellery, one of their top selling brands. The new and exciting range of Paua shell jewellery designs features essential accessories such as pendants, bracelets, earrings and brooches.

This stunning range is sure to be a hit with your customers. Tide Jewellery comes in an elegant branded gift box making it the ideal gift.

Talbot Fashions Tel: 01273 776415 Email: info@talbotfashions.com www.talbotfashions.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand G10

New Brand Partner A new brand partnership with British designer Julie Dodsworth launches Briers’ largest ever garden gifting collection - almost 60 beautiful products. Two stunning patterns have been brought to life to create a gifting collection with everything from tool belts, aprons, gloves, boots, clogs, pots and much more besides.

Complete with a classic merchandising stand solution to complement the collection to its best. To find out more contact our sales team.

Briers Tel: 01963 279077 Email: sales@briersltd.co.uk www.briersltd.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Beautiful Lifestyle Giftware Home and garden gifting inspired by iconic British designs

Tel: 01963 269077 Fax: 01963 402060 sales@briersltd.co.uk www.briersltd.co.uk

NEW

FOR W NE 2016 • • • •

Bends, folds and molds Deeper, longer lasting heat Use hot or cold Soft, and supple Simply warm this innovative new design in a microwave for 90 seconds and the specially formulated ceramic clay material inside will provide deep penetrating heat for up to two hours. Flexi Clay Hot-Pak® can even be chilled in a freezer to provide instant relief for bumps, sprains and bruising. www.intelex.co.uk Tel: 01933 679 777 Fax: 01933 679 888 Email : sales@intelex.co.uk

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Autumn Fair (4-7 September) and Top Drawer (11-13 September).

Biker's Brew This quirky mug is the perfect present for the off-road biking fanatic so get off your bike and have a brew! Hook your fingers through the unique bike shaped handle and swig your tea (or coffee, or hot chocolate) while proudly displaying the mantra Muck Sweat & Gears. Cycling is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK so make sure you have the giftware for this new group.

For sales enquiries please contact: sales@boxergifts.com or 0113 955 595 Website: www.boxergifts.com

Fun With Faces

Humorous Gifts Brainbox Candy are well known for their funny greeting cards. However, their quirky humour gifts are also a big hit, especially in the run up to Christmas, with an extensive range of quality, fast selling low priced gifts. Gifts in the range include boxed mugs, coasters, tea towels, aprons, magnetic bookmarks, notebooks, fridge magnets, tins, badges and giftwrap.

Brainbox Candy Tel: 01702 716643 Email :info@brainboxcandy.com brainboxcandytrade.com

Facematt greeting cards have been a runaway success this year for Brainbox Candy.

Both the original human faces range and the new Funimals range have been shortlisted for Henries awards. They have also recently launched a Christmas range, just in time for Christmas 2016. In total there are 36 designs each with a double-sided wearable Facematt that pops off the front on the card.

Brainbox Candy Tel: 01702 716643 Email :info@brainboxcandy.com brainboxcandytrade.com

Effortlessly Elegant We're delighted to be showcasing our first range of fashion accessories at Autumn Fair 2016 - a capsule collection of wearable knitted capes, scarves and bags which tap perfectly into the current trend for easy, effortless elegance. We love the current metallic trend, and our chunky knit scarves and bags reflect this with metallic accents. Colours are soft and neutral shades of tan and slate – very current, very easy to wear.

La de da! Living Tel: 01242 250653 Email: Enquiries@ladedaliving www.ladedaliving.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand 3L30

Christmas Up In Lights New from Smiling Faces, as part of the Light Up Bunting collection, comes the Merry Christmas banner. Lit with warm white LEDs, this fun decoration is battery powered and features classic, festive patterns and illustrations. Use year after year. Available from November, just in time for Christmas! See the full collection at both Autumn Fair and Top Drawer.

Smiling Faces Tel: 01444 882323 www.smilingfaces.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand 3T40 Top Drawer: Stand P46

Christmas Limited Editions We are thrilled with the huge success of our UK made candle range POP that launched at the beginning of 2016, with four new limited edition Xmas candles designed to add to the current 12 best sellers. The collection, renowned for its witty sentiment, is sure to be a hit with customers buying fun Christmas presents. The luxury hand poured candles have been designed to suit all occasions and come in a complementary gift box.

La de da! Living Tel: 01242 250653 Email: Enquiries@ladedaliving www.ladedaliving.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand 3L30 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1 11th - 13th September 2016

London’s only trade fair exclusively for British craft and design.

To find out more about being part of this unique fair, go to

www.bctf.co.uk

British by design...

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month.

Superhero Supremacy Launched in January 2016 to much acclaim, Border Fine Arts’ Marvel collection introduced three new figurines to the range in June 2016.

Each piece features two superheroes battling it out for supremacy.

Featuring legendary characters who have starred in Marvel comic books over the past eight decades, the figurines are inspired by original artwork and are painted by hand. Each pose successfully captures the agility of the superheroes and the movement and power of the scene.

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

Unique Collection RHS Introducing a unique collection of horticultural art and photography from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) archives, which has been brought to life with a stunning collection of new greeting cards and gift dressing designs.

The collection offers a variety of styles whether it’s a fresh tropical look, a more classic approach or beautiful gardens and insects captured in stunning photography, the range delivers an array of exquisite captioned and non-captioned cards with beautifully designed matching envelopes.

Available now.

UK Greetings Tel: 01924 465200 Email: independent.customercare@ukgreetings.co.uk www.ukgreetings.co.uk

New Packaging Inspired by Italy... Made in England, Di Palomo have launched improved packaging styles to their Orange Blossom & White Grape ranges. Soft touch bottles and new carton designs for body washes and lotions (RRP £10), re-designed bathing bubbles (RRP £8) and new 200g luxury soap bars (RRP £6) have all been introduced to complement the company’s latest new product launches, including the Black Cherry & Almond range which is already proving to be a huge success.

Di Palomo Tel: 01803 612772 Email: debbie@dipalomo.com www.diaplomo.com

Lighting The Way

Fruity Fragrances Di Palomo has launched a range of tinned candles and reed diffuser refills in four fragrances: Wild Fig & Grape, White Grape, Orange Blossom and the new Black Cherry & Almond. Hand poured using a blend of natural vegetable wax, olive oil and fine quality perfume, the candles will burn for approximately 35 hours. RRP £10. The diffuser re-fill packs provide two top ups and include two sets of reeds.

Alternatively, customers can use the pack to create their own diffuser using a favourite vase or bottle.

Di Palomo Tel: 01803 612772 Email: debbie@dipalomo.com www.diaplomo.com

An all new Batman projection light, with amazing 10m (or more!) clear projected Batman logo. Just what every citizen needs when help is required! A fully adjustable light unit which enables the logo to be projected from different angles. Designed by Groovy, there is no other gift product on the market with the size and quality of projection of the Batman logo over such a distance. Dims: H120mmX W90mm X D90mm Groovy UK Tel: +44 (0)116 239 110 Email:j.johnston@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com

Make A Note The Music Gifts Company is launching a wide variety of new products at Home & Gift including mugs, socks, wash bags, pens and bottle openers, as well as pewter earrings and pendants. This unique range is now in its 21st year. Their men’s range - Element - now has its own separate display and showcases the complete collection of gifts for sports including cycling, golf, tennis, cricket, football, rugby and much more.

The Music Gifts Company Tel: 01202 57 00 57 Email: enquiries@musicgifts.co.uk info@elementgifts.com www.musicgifts.co.uk www.elementgifts.com PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Best Sellers Progressive Gifts & Home asked a selection of retailers about the products which have been flying off their shelves this month.

Trudy Tebbutt and Tilley Rathie, co-owners, Marmalade Meringue, Hinckley A medium sized gift shop on a high street CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Coach House: across the board; East of India: porcelains

Lanterns and candle holders have been a best seller this summer.

Beautiful high quality mugs and coasters which are constant best sellers for us.

Home Fragrancing

Bath House: cocktail pastels;

A best ever brand new supplier with Prosecco a best seller.

Products are beautifully Above: Marmalade Meringue. presented and fly off the shelves.

Customers love the fragrances which are perfumed with essential oils and made with an all beeswax blend.

Root Candles: Legacy collection Jewellery

Joma: 'a little'; PoM: across the board

This goes on selling - our customers' favourite 'go to' gift.

Customers love the jewellery not only as gifts but also as a treat for themselves.

Fashion Accessories

Miss Milly: scarves; One Button: bags

Ordering singly enables us to create a big display of colours/designs.

Stunning bucket bags and crossovers in a range of pastels.

Greeting Cards

Bexy Boo: Scrabbley Neon

A slightly higher price point than most of our cards, but they still fly out.

Giftwrap

Glick

Fab prices and gorgeous designs make them a great add on.

Other Hot Hits

Rachel Ellen: across the board

Children's aprons have been an absolute winner for us.

Karen Ebers, owner, Something Special, Edenbridge A medium sized gift shop CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Widdop and Co: photo frames; Enesco: Willow Tree

A variety of styles with something for everyone.

This has become a firm favourite.

Home Fragrancing

Ashleigh & Burwood: The Scented Home reed diffusers; Bomb Cosmetic: gift wrapped packs

Perennial best sellers at a fantastic price point.

Eye catching packaging.

A 'ready to go' assortment of bath time treats which come ready wrapped. An ideal gift for men to give.

Jewellery

Joma: 'a little'; Joe Davies: Equilibrium

Bracelets with sentiment. A message for every occasion.

A vast, well presented, affordable collection with a broad range of styles.

Fashion Accessories

Jewelcity: scarves; Golunski: leather purses

Competitive prices, regular new designs and proven best sellers.

Realistically priced, these have always sold well.

Greeting Cards

Woodmansterne: Quentin Blake

His quirky illustrations continue to be popular with customers.

Giftwrap

Glick

An ever expanding range that sells and sells. I couldn't be without it.

Other Hot Hits

Orange Tree Toys: wooden; Orchard Toys: educational

The Victorian Steam Train pull along is a favourite of Prince George.

Perfect for children's birthday parties.

Right: Something Special, Edenbridge.

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Julie Pearson, owner, Cloudberry Gifts, Edinburgh Small-to-medium sized gift and coffee shops in Barnton and Blackhall CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Gisela Graham: Christmas and across the board; The Just Slate Company: across the board

Well priced homewares and gifts.

Slate, stoneware and wood gifts that come in great packaging.

Home Fragrancing

Vineyard Candles: across the board; Pintail Candles: tins

Prosecco candles - what's not to love!

Perfect pricing for pick up gifts.

Jewellery

Hot Tomato: across the board;

Lots of ‘on trend’ jewellery. The products Above: Cloudberry Gifts, Edinburgh. fly out.

Beautiful jewellery made using freshwater pearls and semi precious stones.

Blaze Designs: across the board Fashion Accessories

Powder: across the board; Peony: scarves

A fab range of scarves, bags and accessories. The long scarves and sunglasses were a big hit. Amazing packaging.

Great designs, colours and patterns. Well priced.

Greeting Cards

Belly Button: across the board

Fantastic ranges and titles, with the recent addition of Bubble giftwrap too.

Giftwrap

Penny Kennedy

A trusted brand with a great range of designers, especially the new Alice Scott. Pricey but worth it.

Other Hot Hits

Bookspeed: gift books; Wild & Wolf: across the board

A fantastic range of titles for quirky, pick up gifts.

On trend gifts for everyone.

Gemma Guillmard, owner, Just Delights, Penryn A large gift shop on a secondary site CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Austin Sloan: personalised signs; Container Group Buying: Harbour

Bespoke, quirky slogans that are made in Britain.

On trend coastal products at good price points.

Home Fragrancing

Stoneglow: Modern Classics;

Good prices and clean, fresh fragrances.

Strong, unusual fragrance combinations made from plant wax.

Grand Illusions: Bistro jar candles

Jewellery

Bluebird: bracelets;

Joma: 'a little'

Fashion Accessories

Shruti: bags and scarves; Powder: scarves

Locally made gold and silver jewellery featuring birds on silk threads.

An easy pick-up gift with lovely sentiments. Suits all age groups.

Above: Just Delights, Penryn.

Its Woof Lisa Buckridge range is especially popular. Products are made in Britain.

The knee high socks have been a big seller for us, and the Autumn/Winter collection is already selling very well.

Greeting Cards

Ruth Jackson: Shavings

Her range of pencil Shavings cards are simple and quirky.

Giftwrap

Artebene

Striking, colourful wrap. The co-ordinated collections encourage add on sales.

Other Hot Hits

Bolze: across the board;

The company's products set the theme for the year. They're always ahead of the trends.

Again, their Christmas decorations set the theme in the run-up to the festive season.

Kaemingk: across the board

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Best Sellers

What better testimonial for products than those of your fellow retailers. Here's all the information you need to get in touch and start stocking!

MISS MILLY T: 01905 622509 E: hello@missmilly.co.uk W: www.missmilly.co.uk

GISELA GRAHAM T: 020 77084956 E: sales@giselagraham.co.uk W: www.giselagraham.co.uk

POM T: 01225 777749 E: sales@pom925.com W: www.pom925.com

JOE DAVIES T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

SHRUTI DESIGNS T: +44 (0)1985 847774 E: salesadmin@junction18.com W: www.shrutidesigns.co.uk

ENESCO T: 01228 404022 E: uksales@enesco.co.uk W: www.enesco.co.uk

KAEMINGK T: 0031 543 498800 E: info@kaemingk.com W: www.kaemingk.com

ROOT CANDLES T: 01484 850059 E: office@rootcandles.co.uk W: www.rootcandles.co.uk

ARTEBENE LTD T: +44 20 8588 9510 E: info@artebene.co.uk W: www.artebene.com

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Best Sellers

STONEGLOW T: 020 8595 8878 E: Sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk W: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

What better testimonial for products than those of your fellow retailers. Here's all the information you need to get in touch and start stocking!

ORANGE TREE TOYS T: 01242 244500 E: sales@orangetreetoys.com W: www.orangetreetoys.com

GLICK T: 01274 655980 E: info@glick.co.uk W: www.glick.co.uk

Beautiful Lifes e tyle Giftware Home and garden gifting in nspired by iconic British Designs

Teel: 01963 269077 Fax: 01963 402060 sales@briersltd.co.uk www.briersltd.co.ukk

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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On The Road David Roberts Boasting a wealth of industry experience, David Roberts has been a home and gift agent for over a decade, covering North West England, North Wales and the Isle of Man. His agencies include well known brands Broste, Umbra, Kikkerland, D.M. Brands and Valerie Graham.

A staunch ‘Remainer’ in the recent EU Referendum, he takes a look at life on the road after Brexit.

"Interestingly, my sales up to Brexit were the best ever quarter sales against the same period," David states. Post Brexit however, it was a different story. "What a sorry mess! Most of my principals are either European or distribute out of Europe, so in the long term, there will be lots of questions and issues to answer. In the short term however, all my companies say that they will be able to hold their prices until next year which is giving retailers confidence for the Christmas season. And if things do change, they are going to honour any orders placed at the old price."

David's view is that the only good thing that has come out of Brexit is that by having a 'safe pair of hands' in Theresa May as PM, it will hopefully send out signals to the rest of the world that stability is key for the UK. Another positive for David is that, over the past two years, he has seen steady growth, after a flat few years. "Most of my brands

are design-led and tend to appeal to more upmarket design stores which have a younger consumer," he explains. "The products have a lot of exposure on the internet, as well as, for example, on Instagram and Pinterest, which definitely helps when I'm doing business with internet retailers.

"However, in reality, looking back at my customer base from eight years ago, it is less than half, due to shops closing down.

Nevertheless, I view this as an opportunity for the retailers that are left to attract new customers to their shops," David continues.

"Shops need to attract younger customers to their stores, with all my successful retailers having a much younger demographic than you might expect in a gift store."

David says that at the time of going to press in August, he feels more positive than he did immediately following the Brexit vote.

"Already, things seem to be settling down. Consumer confidence is returning slowly, although June and July were not the best of months to measure this. However, Christmas will happen, people will marry, they will have babies and birthdays and, of course, the world will continue to go round! As always, I remain an optimist, so I'm feeling confident that business will find a way through any changes that might happen, and yes, I'm very much looking forward to a positive run-up to Christmas."

Last Word Alejandra Campos Spanish born Alejandra Campos is the new show director of Top Drawer (Home/Gift/Fashion/Craft), which takes place at Olympia from September 11-13.

A keen hiker, she reveals how a gift she bought for her boyfriend turned out to be a life saver. ● Three words that best describe you? "Passionate, caring and determined." ● A quirky fact that we don’t know about you? "Give me a pair of hiking boots over a pair of heels any day!" ● The best advice you have ever been given? "Explore the world and don't be scared to fail." ● The best advice that you would give to someone else? "Be true to yourself, even if that means disappointing others." ● Your favourite TV programme? "I don't watch much TV, but really enjoyed Breaking Bad. Like millions of others, I'm also patiently waiting for the last series of Game of Thrones." ● Your favourite film? "There are quite a few. But the one I have most recently seen, and thought was a brilliant and clever comedy, was Nice Guys." ● The book that you’re currently reading? "Shantaram by Gregory Davies Roberts." ● Your favourite holiday or place to visit? "A different place to discover with plenty to do - hiking, diving, sightseeing, food." ● What time do you start work, and how to you begin your day? "I give my boyfriend a little cuddle before I quietly sneak 114

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out of bed to my Nespresso machine. I get to the office around 8.30-9am."

What time do you finish and how do you usually end your day? "It depends on the day, but I try to leave work around 6ish to make it to the gym before enjoying a lovely homemade meal."

How would you describe your home and what do you love most about it?

"Full of light, uncluttered, slightly eclectic and homey. I love my garden too, and can spend hours pretending to be a gardener and admiring the results."

What was the best gift you have ever received? "My first trip abroad when I was a teen. My mom took me to Tunisia for my birthday. I think that that's when I got the travel bug!"

What was the best gift you have ever given to someone else? "I bought my boyfriend a Sunto watch with GPS and all sorts of functions that you wonder if you will use. However, while hiking in the Brecon Beacons, thick fog came down as we started our descent. Everything disappeared and we lost our bearings.

Thankfully, the watch helped us find our way down."

Which one item would you take to a desert island and why? "A thick sketch book as I would have plenty of time to learn how to draw properly."

www.dealers-uk.com We have a constantly changing assortment of over 8,000 items including decorative goods, old and new, recycled, vintage, upcycled and reproduction items of furniture, accessories, garden wares, architectural and unusual items It is well worth a visit to our 36,000 square feet warehouse and acres of outside show area or visit our website

www.dealers-uk.com Contact us on: Phone: +44 (0)1743 761241 Email: dealers@dealers-uk.com TRADE ONLY IBC_GH_Oct Nov 2015.indd Dealers Advert.indd 1 2016.indd1 1 IBC_GH_September

20/10/2015 15:01 16/09/2015 15:04 16/08/2016 10:15

Himalayan Candles combine beautiful, eternal fragrances with vintage art and traditional artisan hand-making skills.

Hand poured in small batches with a clean, long burning soy wax blend which melts away leaving behind a decorative container which can be used time and time again.

we’ve got giftware all wrapped up

Come and join us at…

Autumn Fair International NEC, Birmingham 4th–7th September 2016 Hall 3 Stand 3W04–X03

© 2016 Himalayan Trading Post. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Enesco Ltd. © 2016 Enesco Ltd.

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Enesco Limited, Head Office & Customer Services, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0EN Tel: 01228 404022 Fax: 01228 404041 email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Tel: +44 1228 404066 Fax: +44 1228 404080 email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk 16/08/2016 21/07/2016 10:18 14:54