Progressive Gifts & Home July 2019

July/August 2019

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PHONE: +44 (0) 1923 804 805

WEBSITE: WWW.BBDESIGNSONLINE.COM

EMAIL: CUSTOMERSERVICES@BBDESIGNSONLINE.COM

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from all at Joe Davies

17 Times Winner of the Progressive Gifts Greats Awards

Gold Award Winner 2019

Best Service to the Independent Retailer We would like to thank all our wonderful customers for voting for us. We are extremely proud and honoured to have won the Gold Award for ‘Best Service to the Independent Retailer’. It is especially nice to have won this time as it is our centenary year.

ANNIVERSARY

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

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www.maxpublishing.co.uk The home of market leading trade magazines

EXHIBITIONS

THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS

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 Publishers Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax and Ian Hyder Subscribe to Progressive Gifts from £60 (UK) to £90 (International).

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This Month

@Prog_Gifts

I’m sure you’d all agree that it’s been a bit of a topsy turvy summer so far, what with the race to become PM dominating the headlines and a mostly cold, wet and soggy June. However, I’m writing this on a day when the sun is shining, so fingers crossed it’s a sign that things are taking a turn for the better!

Here at Max Publishing there’s been everything to celebrate over the past few weeks, kicking off with The Greats Gift Retailer Awards held in May, which, I’m delighted to say, were another roaring success. If you weren’t able to be there, we share our photo album with you on pages 27-29. To see who the fabulous category winners were - if you don’t know already! - please turn to pages 31-45.

In fact, we’ve been finding out more about one of the winners already - Beverley Yates, shop manager at Maddison in Harborne, and winner of the Retail Employee of the Year category - so turn to pages 106 to learn more about her.

We also celebrated the ongoing success of our dedicated greeting card show PG Live, held in June, with a myriad of gift indies attending to find those ‘something different’ cards. Celebrities included Bake Off’s Prue Leith, and fashion’s Princess of Punk Zandra Rhodes, who both made personal appearances on the Ling and Museums & Galleries stands respectively. Find out what makes Zandra tick by turning to Last Word on page 106.

With fashionistas in mind, other fabulous features in this issue include jewellery and fashion accessories on pages 55-59, glassware on pages 79-81, nursery and children’s on pages 87-89 and trends on page 73, which is sure to get you all starry eyed!

We also invite you to meet the retailers who, despite the ongoing general uncertainty, are nevertheless bucking the trend - see our Feedback article on pages 47-49 - and hear from retail analyst Michael Weedon about why retail is not as bleak as it’s been painted. See pages 51-53. (Did you know that 43,000 new shops opened over the past 12 months?).

But back to the weather, and Harrogate’s Home & Gift show, which will be welcoming visitors from July 14-17. Come rain or come shine - and hopefully, like last year, there will be plenty of sunshine - it’s time to start thinking about Christmas gifting, with retailers out in force looking to spot the trends for the festive season.

Enjoy the issue, and looking forward to seeing you all in Harrogate!

Top: In the pink - fashion icon Zandra Rhodes chats to Sue at PG Live. (See news on page 21 and Last Word on page 118).

Above: Sue also caught up with Prue Leith at the show. (See news on page 21)

Cover: The British Museum range from BB Designs.

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 Copyright 2019. 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.

ISSN 2515-7523 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Transomnia are launching a fabulous new collection of products for Autumn/Winter 2019. See them first at Harrogate Home & Gift - stand DP1-D41 - July 14th -17th 2019

To find out more, to request a catalogue, or to arrange for an agent to call, contact sales@transomnia.com or phone the sales team on 01892 703660

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M O D E R N

C L A S S I C S

A beautiful classic design in eight captivating fragrances, chosen for their unique identity and good fragrance throw.

High fragrance. Fragrances include: Sea Salt & Oakmoss | Plum Blossom & Musk | Orris & Ylang Ylang Silver Birch & Black Pepper | Pink Peony & Gardenia | Grapefruit & Mimosa | Green Fig & Cedar | Pomegranate & Spiced Woods.

Find Us

Harrogate, Home & Gift Buyers Festival 14-17 July 2019 - Hall A (A32) Autumn Fair 1-4 September 2019 - Hall 20 20D61 Maison Et Object 6-10 September 2019 Stand - Hall 5A – F44-G4

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Inside Jakki Brown Editor in Chief

11-23

News

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Gift Of The Gab HELPING TO SAVE THE PLANET

27-29

The Greats Party Pages We invite you to flick through The Greats Awards 2019 photo album.

jw@max-publishing.co.uk

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The Greats 2019 Winners

47-49

Feedback BUCKING THE TREND

69-71

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suem@max-publishing.co.uk

51-53

In My Opinion: Michael Weedon THE TRUTH ABOUT THE HIGH STREET As CVAs continue to escalate, Michael Weedon shares some statistics that show that retail’s not all doom and gloom.

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

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Spotlight On... Jewellery & Fashion Accessories ECLECTIC ELEGANCE In the run-up to the festive season, we take a look at the jewellery and fashion accessories trends that are set to sparkle.

Angie Bryant Advertisement Manager angieb@max-publishing.co.uk

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Trends REACH FOR THE STARS Get ready for a celestial revival.

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In Profile: Groovy UK IN THE GROOVE Groovy’s founder Monique Scott reveals what will be taking the company forward into 2020.

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Spotlight On... Glassware THAT’S THE SPIRIT! As the party season homes into view, get ready to clink glasses.

83-85

In Profile: Hot Tomato HOT STUFF Hot Tomato’s founder Alex Machin tells PG&H what’s new for Autumn/Winter.

In Profile: Xystos BEST, BETTER, BEST Xystos’ director Tom Sykes explains why the bath and body is the company’s new growth category.

So far so good, say independent gift retailers.

Sue Marks Editor

Ian Hyder Publishing Director

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In Profile: BlissHome BOLD & BEAUTIFUL BlissHome’s managing director Mike Bliss talks about the company’s latest licences.

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Spotlight On... Nursery/Children’s SHADES OF GREY Nurseries are going neutral confirm the leading giftware suppliers

57 101

Sounding Off TALKING SHOP

102-103 Best Sellers 106

Behind The Counter: Beverley Yates

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Last Word: Zandra Rhodes

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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BUYERS’ FESTIVAL Equilibrium® Indulgent Tones

Willow Champagne Ceramics

Equilibrium® Scarves

Modern White Gloss Frames

Country Brown Animals

Leonardo Glasses

Past Times Antiques Clocks

Leonardo Bamboo Eco

Black Faced Sheep

17 TIMES WINNERS OF THE PG GREATS AWARDS

BEST SERVICE TO THE INDEPENDENT RETAILER

Tel: 0161 975 6300 email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk 2019 06 - Pro Gifts dps Harrogate June July issue ARTWORK.indd 1 008-009_GH_July August 2019.indd 1

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Are you buying from Joe Davies?

Over 2,500 brand new gifts 10,000+ lines to choose from Only £100 minimum order ‘Little & Often’ ordering system FREE next day delivery The Greats Gold Award winner 2019 for customer service

Eternal Flame Lanterns

Equilibrium® Dogs

Lido Ducks

Glazed Animal Planters

Bright Blooms Red

Twilight Seaside LED Canvas

Leonardo Children’s Cats & Dogs Feeding Sets

ANNIVERSARY Country Grey Cats

Glass Coaster Sets

Joe Davies 149 Broadstone Rd, Reddish, Stockport SK5 7GA 13:17:09

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Industry News

Greatest Of The Great Gift Retailers Recognised At The Greats Awards Hundreds of guests - to include the cream of gift retail, leading gift suppliers, trade show organisers and gift industry reps and agents – made a beeline for the glittering Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane on May 15 to see the winners crowned at The Greats Awards.

Taking a Walk On The Wild Side as its theme, it was certainly a fabulous occasion, with everyone enjoying a magnificent lunch, created by the Above: The delighted Greats chefs at the Grosvenor House Hotel, along with stand-up comedy from winners are shown excitedly Henry Paker who hosted the event. waving their trophies in the air.

“Despite the challenges that retail throws at independents and multiples year after year, the best continue to rise to the challenge and it is these ‘greatest of the great’ gift retailers that we are delighted to recognise and reward this afternoon,” stated PG&H’s editor Sue Marks. (To see the full list of 2019 Greats Awards winners, turn to pages 31-45, with the party pages on pages on pages 27-29).

There was a standing ovation for independent retail advisor and buyer Henri Davis, who was presented with the prestigious Honorary Achievement Award, and it was also a ‘golden’ afternoon for Joe Davies, who won the Greats Gold trophy in the coveted Best Service to the Independent Gift Retailer category. Widdop and Co was awarded the Silver trophy, while Enesco won the Bronze.

A raffle held during the event raised £3,500 for The Light Fund charity, with monies going to specific charities.

The Greats Awards 2020 will be taking place on Wednesday May 13.

Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk

Off To The Palace Having been awarded a 2019 Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade earlier this year, Wrendale Designs’ co-owners, Hannah and Jack Dale, were thrilled to be invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace last month.

The couple joined Queen’s Award recipients at a special event, hosted by Prince Charles, and attended by other members of the Royal family including Princess Beatrice and the Dukes of Kent and Gloucester.

“It felt such a privilege to go through the gates of Buckingham Palace and be shown into the impressive state reception room that has housed so many important events and meetings,” said Hannah.

The company, which has the right to use the accreditation for the next five years, will receive the Queen’s Award itself at an official presentation later this year.

Wrendale’s export sales have grown more than 400% over the last three years following the brand’s successful launch in the US, Europe and Japan, as well as growing relationships with distributors around the world.

Above: Wrendale’s Hannah and Jack Dale outside Buckingham Palace.

A Trio Of New Distributorships Having recently signed distributorships with Grace Cole and Faith in Nature, Xystos recently signed a further UK & Ireland agreement with Winter in Venice, best known for its pampering products and handfinished reusable gifting ideas featuring items such as jewellery cases, hat boxes and wooden cabinets.

All new products will be unveiled on the Xystos stand (Hall Q C17) at Home & Gift in Harrogate, taking place from July 14-17. (See Best, Better, Best on pages 69-71).

Right: House of Treats from Winter in Venice will be among the products showcased on the Xystos stand at Home & Gift.

Making The Most Of Father’s Day While Father’s Day may not be the success that Mother’s Day is for gift shops, it nevertheless gave retailers an additional opportunity to make the most of attracting footfall.

“Customers were slowly picking up gifts in the run up to the big day,” commented Jo Williams, owner of Joco Interiors in Nuneaton.

“It was a steady flow rather than a rush.”

She says that the shop’s main sellers were predominantly licensed brands such as Mr Men coasters, Game of Thrones wallets and personalised items.

At Williams of Audlem in Audlem, owner Judy Evans says the store experienced a strong last minute surge. “This year, we did well with quality, quirky Kikkerland multi tools, corkscrews and can openers. Mugs by both Shruti and Widdop were popular too.”

In North London, Louise Rolfe, owner of The Present in Barnet, said that Father’s Day is never a big sales week for the shop.

“It only really makes a difference on the Saturday before and then it’s mainly people buying cards. However, this does increase footfall which means that customers end up making other purchases that aren’t necessarily for Father’s Day. This year, popular men’s gifts included Thought bamboo socks, toiletries from The Scottish Fine Soap Company and boxed leather bracelets from Joe Davies’ Equilibrium range.”

Right: Mr Men coasters from Half Moon Bay were a popular Father’s Day gift.

BLE Celebrating 21 Years Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), taking place on October 1-3, is getting ready to celebrate the show’s milestone 21st year. Setting out to ‘wow’ visitors, there will be a venue change to ExCeL London; growth areas within the licensing arena – first time publishing, gaming and interiors activations – as well as new publishing, animation and French and Italian pavilions.

The show will play host to over 260 exhibitors, and over 20 first timers originating from across Europe and further afield. To register for the show, visit www.brandlicensing.eu/register.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GiftsandHome.net PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Industry News

Spreading The ‘Greats’ News Great Winners Make Headlines Greats winners wasted no time in contacting their local media to fanfare their success at The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2019, with Aga Gabrysiak, co-owner of Highworth Emporium, winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - East Anglia category, the first to see a story appear in the Swindon Advertiser, both in print and online, just two days after the event.

“We were also interviewed by our local community radio station Swindon 105.5, who ran an hour long programme on our success at The Greats and on our business,” Aga highlighted. The shop also held a celebratory Greats party for customers, with the guest of honour the Mayor of Highworth, Julia Bishop.

Also hitting the headlines was Williams of Audlem, winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - North & Northern Ireland category, who was delighted when the Greats story appeared in three local newspapers: the Whitchurch Herald, the Shropshire Star and the Market Drayton Advertiser.

Down in the West country, Jo Webber, owner of Jo Amor in Tiverton - winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year South West category - made headlines in the Devon Gazette and Devon Live. “There has been so much trophy hugging, and the love we had had in our town has been amazing,” Jo told PG&H. Meanwhile, also seeing her name in lights was Jo Williams, owner of Joco Interiors in Nuneaton, who saw her success fanfared in the Nuneaton News.

Top: Aga and Richard, co-owners of Highworth Emporium, are shown cutting their celebratory Greats cake which was created in the shape of a Greats trophy.

Above and left: Some of the press coverage received by Greats winners.

MOOCH Opens A Third Gift Store The past few weeks have been a hectic time for MOOCH owners Rachel and Paul Roberts. Hot on the heels of winning the Best Newcomer - Midlands, North & Scotland category at The Greats Awards, the husband-and-wife team, who have a shop on St Giles Street in Northampton, as well as a concession in Bell, recently opened a third shop in the market town of Olney in Buckinghamshire - a mere three days after their Greats’ success!

Above: The new MOOCH gift shop in Olney.

The following weekend, they celebrated the second anniversary of MOOCH on St Giles Street, and are continuing with their expansion plans for a fourth MOOCH store which is scheduled to open shortly in Towcester .

Celebrities Out In Force At Exclusively A roster of celebrities headed for the Exclusively shows in June - Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical - to include TV cook Lorraine Pascale, Jeremy Pang, founder of the School of Wok, Ed Kimber and Martha Collinson, (both former contestants on The Great British Bake Off), and Aggie McKenzie from How Clean Is My House.

The show’s overall attendance rose by over 5%, with the Exclusively Brand Showcase initiative seeing a growing attendance from influencers and bloggers.

Other show highlights included a curated Trends feature and trend tours

by Scarlet Opus.

A Trio Of Awards For Joco Less than a month after winning the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year Midlands & Wales category at The Greats 2019, Jo Williams, owner of Joco Interiors in Nuneaton, was back on stage at the Coombe Abbey Hotel in Coventry to receive two finalist certificates and a commendation at the Woman Who Achieves Awards.

“I was awarded two finalist certificates for the Growing SME and Outstanding and Inspiring Leader Awards, and was then called to the stage for a third time to receive a commendation for Micro Business of the Year,” explained Jo. “I was then interviewed on stage by the awards presenter where I championed the high street and how much we, as small independent retailers, are doing to keep it open.”

Below: Jo Williams, owner of Joco Interiors in Nuneaton, with her trio of accolades.

Licensed To Judge The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward has joined this year’s License This! judging panel. The competition features two award categories - Character & Animation and Brand & Design. Six finalists will be chosen on September 5 to pitch against one another ‘live’ at Brand Licensing Europe, (BLE), which takes place between October 1-3 at the show’s new venue, ExCeL. Previous entrants - both winners and finalists - to include Charlotte Reed, the creator of May The Thoughts Be With You have successfully signed lucrative agent and licensing deals off the back of the competition. Charlotte’s first venture into giftware was launched on the Half Moon Bay stand at PG Live in June.

Below: Charlotte Reed with her May The Thoughts Be With You licensed gift range for Half Moon Bay.

Left: Lorraine Pascale is shown with Exclusively’s chairman Will Jones.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GiftsandHome.net PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Stepping into Christmas 2020 ...

HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT

12 - 15 January 2020 - Harrogate Convention Centre

www.harrogatefair.com • Tel: 01902 882280 / 880906

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Industry News

Talking Shop

GA Launches Gift of the Year 2020 At Harrogate

Look Who’s Talking At Home & Gift

The Gift of the Year 2020 competition will be officially launched at this year’s Home & Gift show, taking place in Harrogate from July 14-17.

“Eligible products are those that will be available to market from February 2020 to the end of the year,” explains The GA’s PR and marketing manager Chris Workman.

There is no limit to how many products or categories companies can enter, or how many categories the same product can be entered. Visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk or contact: Chris on 0121 237 1142. l The Giftware Association is inviting exhibiting members to join them at Gino D’Acampo’s restaurant at 46-48 Parliament Street, Harrogate, on Sunday July 14. Email chris.workman@ga-uk.org

Visitors to July’s Home & Gift in Harrogate will have the opportunity to make the most of the show’s inspiring seminar programme ShopTalk, which will be presenting a roster of leading keynote speakers, masterclasses, hands-on clinics and panel discussions.

The line-up includes entrepreneur, Secret Millionaire and former Dragon Piers Linney, who will be sharing his ecommerce hacks for future proofing a business on Sunday July 14. Also speaking on Sunday will be Matthew Galvin of The Galvin Brothers, Claire Yuille of the Indie Retail Academy and Louise Daniel of And So To Shop, who will be sharing their secrets to turning a creative passion into a successful business.

Speaking on Monday July 15 will be jewellery designer, socialite and reality star Rosie Fortescue, along with author and interior designer Pearl Lowe who will be taking part in an insightful Q & A with ESTILA magazine’s Karolina Barnes.

In addition, on Tuesday July 16, designer Sophie Conran will be helping Above: Among the delegates to develop a confident approach to colour and design. speakers at July’s Home & “This year, we’ve definitely upped the inspiration factor in our Gift will be Rosie Fortescue ShopTalk line-up, so I’d implore all visitors to make some time to sit in on (top) and Pearl Lowe. a session or two - after all, the show is as much about enhancing the retail industry through shared learnings as it is about great buying opportunities,” states show director Louise Morris.

“Whether you’re an independent store or a seasoned department store buyer, everyone can learn something from our programme.”

Just shy of its 60th edition, Home & Gift, Harrogate will be opening its doors from July 14-17 fanfaring 800 exhibitors and three new curated sectors, revealing unseen brands and emerging talent, along with leading suppliers in the industry. Debut sectors include Design Now, Craft and Taste. In addition, there is a brand new online platform.

The show takes place in the ground of the Majestic Hotel and the Harrogate Convention Centre. Visit www.homeandgift.co.uk

Parlane Returns To Home & Gift After an absence of 13 years, Parlane will be back at July’s Home & Gift show in Harrogate, where the company will be displaying a wide selection from their new Autumn/Winter 2019 product launch in Hall M on stands M26 & M31.

Products will include furniture, faux flowers, seasonal and decorative accessories.

“We’ve brought together a curated product offering reflecting the latest trends, but equally, ensuring that it’s in keeping with our well known Parlane style,” states head buyer Matt Baldock. Buyers can also view the full collection at Parlane’s showroom in Newby Hall Stables, near Ripon, by pre-booking an appointment.

Visitors to the company’s stand will also be able to pick up a £2 Million Warehouse Clearance Sale brochure which features over 2,000 products, with up to 50% off, to clear stock ahead of a warehouse move. l Home & Gift 2019 takes place from July 14-17 in the ground of the Majestic Hotel and Harrogate Convention Centre. Visit www.homeandgift.co.uk Above: Parlane is returning to Harrogate’s Home & Gift for the first time since 2006. Shown are the company’s new moth cushions.

NY NOW’S Retail Renaissance NY NOW’s first-ever fashion show, the Fashion Runway, will be making its debut on August 10 - the opening day for the Handmade Collection - at the Jacob K. Javits Centre. The show will feature jewellery and fashion accessories from around the globe, and will be presented and curated by designer Farai Simoyi. The Home and Lifestyle sections of the show open on August 11, with the show running through to August 14.

“Farai embodies the retail renaissance through her innovative concept store, design workshops, and her passion for helping to elevate other entrepreneurs,” comments said Kevin O’Keefe EVP Emerald Expositions. Visit www.nynow.com Above: Visitors at NYNOW

Below: A selection of the winning 2019 Gift of the Year products.

Muddy Stilettos Winners Greats winners, both past and present, were among the retailers who triumphed in the recent Muddy Stilettos Awards independent lifestyle retailer awards, with the winners announced at the end of May. Josie’s Interiors in Bideford, whose owner James Webster was a finalist in The Greats Awards 2019 Best Newcomer South & Wales category, (and who won the category at last year’s Greats Awards), was named as the winning Interiors shop in the Devon category.

Another Greats Awards 2019 finalist, Sunshine & Snow, also based in Bideford, won the Muddy Stilettos Best Gift Shop award in the Devon category, while Daisy Chain in Histon, a past Greats winner, won the Best Gift Shop in Cambridgeshire award.

Spanning some 24 counties, winners across all categories are nominated and voted for by the public. This year some 750,000 votes were received.

Above: Bideford’s Josie’s and Sunshine & Snow were among the Muddy Stilettos’ winners.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GiftsandHome.net PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Industry News

Inspirational GA AGM Topics Ranged From The High Street To Mental Health A line-up of industry experts addressed delegates at The Giftware Association’s AGM which took place at the Nottinghamshire Golf Course & Country Club last month.

Among those taking to the stage were Michael Weedon, founder and managing director of exp2, who discussed the latest data on trends in UK retail. “The statistics confirm that we are not in a retail slump, despite the national media always looking for bad news stories,” he told delegates. “According to the Local Data Company, 43,000 shops opened in the last year, with recent ONS figures revealing that more money is being spent by consumers than ever before, growing from £365bn in 2017 to £381bn last year, with the increase higher than inflation.”

Moving on to talk about independents, he suggested that hybrid retailers appear to be the way forward, citing a camera outlet with a coffee shop and a bookshop with a gaming gallery. “I have always believed that associations such as these really work,” he stated.

Other speakers on the day included David Glenwright from JC Social Media, who explained how businesses can make the most of social media apps such as Facebook Shop and Instagram Shop, as well as a panel of three speakers - Hollie Whittles from Fraggleworks, business psychologist Jess Baker and transformational women’s coach Helen Leathers - who focused on how businesses can look after their staff’s mental health. The final speaker of the day was Evan Lewis, founder of award winning Vent for Change, who talked about being an environmentally conscious and green business.

Summing up, the GA’s ceo Sarah Ward said: “It was great to see so many new businesses attending the AGM this year and really taking something away from the day.” l A series of Giftware Association Hot Topic lunches kicked off on July 2 with a talk by the Bank of England’s Rob Elder. For additional dates and speakers, email enquiries@ga-uk.org or chris.workman@ga-uk.org Above: Retail expert Michael Weedon was among the keynote speakers at the GA’s AGM. Left: Social media guru David Glenwright.

Women In Bloom Championing women this summer, Georgina Collins, owner of The Greats 2019 award winning gift and jewellery shop Bijouled in Harrogate, has created a summer window, in collaboration with Irish designer Clare Jordan, that has been entered in the Harrogate in Bloom window display competition.

“In addition, and again, in collaboration with Clare, we have also produced wrapping paper that matches the graphics in both windows, as well as creating a tote bag and glass sign which we will be selling in the shop. Plus, we have recently launched our own debut range of 20 glittery, biodegradable greeting cards called Delightful Divas, and will also be bringing out a complementary 2020 calendar.”

The shop will be giving a percentage of its Delightful Diva card sales to the brain tumour charity the PPR Foundation, with Bijouled’s Christmas window helping to raise over £5,000 in 2018. l In May, Bijouled won The Greats 2019 Best Gift Retailer of Jewellery & Fashion Accessories category.

Above: Bijouled in Harrogate’s Women In Bloom window.

Left: Bijouled’s summer window.

Showroom Debut Katie Loxton and Joma Jewellery recently unveiled a brand new 3,000 sq ft trade showroom, the company’s first in the UK, where visitors can see the Autumn/Winter 2019 collections for the first time, alongside each of the brand’s continuing favourites and bestsellers.

Based at the company’s head office at Cherwell Business Village in Banbury, Oxfordshire, the showroom has been launched to bring the vision of both brands to life, allowing visitors to experience the brand story and dreams behind not only each design but across the whole collection.

Below: A first Katie Loxton/Joma Jewellery showroom recently opened in the UK.

All Year Gifting As struggling department store retailers such as Debenhams, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer - close stores, other retailers should position themselves to gain a share of the gifting spend, says the latest report from GlobalData, a leading analytics company.

The report, All Year Gifting, highlights that 44.9% of consumers who purchase a gift for birthdays, engagements, weddings and babies buy from a department store, with Debenhams the eighth most popular retailer for purchasing gifts, and John Lewis in tenth place. The top spots are held by Tesco and Amazon.

Emily Salter, a retail analyst for GlobalData, said that supermarkets, are in a good position to capture gifting spend as they already offer a wide range of products at low prices. “But to entice more shoppers, they must improve their reputation for good quality,” said Emily.

Below: Tesco is among the top choices when it comes to gifting.

Stars In The Ascendancy At the recent International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago, Trend Bible’s senior trend strategist Naomi Pollard revealed that Precious Space will be the big trend for Autumn Winter 2019/20, set within the background of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing. (See Trends on page 73).

According to Naomi, we’ll be seeing lots of deep ‘midnight’ colours, stars, galaxies and lunar themes, as well as fragmented and pixelated designs, jewel tones and metallic accents - especially high shine mirror and oxidised finishes - as well as orbs and celestial-inspired shapes.

Right: Precious Space will be trending this Autumn/Winter says Trend Bible.

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Industry News

A Hat Trick For Paladone Paladone Celebrates Third Year As International Sales Star As one of Britain’s fastest growing international businesses, gift company Paladone recently celebrated the third year that the company has been listed in the Sunday Times’ league tables for international growth.

In 2018, the company grew export sales by over 53%, ranking at 120th in the Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200, compiled by Fast Track and published in The Sunday Times each year.

Last year, Paladone ranked 57th in the same list and, in the year prior to that, Above: Paladone’s trio of Sunday Times the company was listed 36th on the Track 200’s baby brother league, the Sunday Fast Track awards.

Times Lloyds SME Export Track 100.

The company’s success has been attributed to recruitment and infrastructure in several US States, the relocation and development of the HK office, regionally focused product development and, more recently, a £13m investment from LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group, implemented to fuel global expansion and the advancement of Paladone’s online ecosystem.

A Summer Spectacular Widdop and Co’s Autumn/Winter collections are currently being unveiled at the company’s Summer Spectacular show, which ends on July 19. Tying in with the Harrogate Home & Gift show, the showroom will also be open on Sunday July 14.

There are new additions across all major brands, to include Petit Cheri, Best of Breed and Disney, with Hestia and Home Living unveiling new looks and clock collections. There will also be exclusive access to promotions, special offers and a Buy Now, Pay Later scheme. All visitors will receive a gift hamper. Visit www.widdop.co.uk

Breakdown Plastic Range Expands Paladone marked United Nations’ World Environment Day on June 5 by extending the company’s Breakdown Plastic (BDP) to a further 257 products.

The company will now be including the BDP material across an additional 257 products covering a wide range of licences that include Harry Potter, Toy Story, Frozen and Avengers: Endgame.

Product categories include torches, lights, keychains, snow globes and money boxes.

BDP product will be marked with the BDP logo on the packaging, with new informative assets being created for retailers to help explain BDP on their product description pages.

A year ago, the company was the first in the world to bring BDP - naturally decomposing plastic to the global gift trade with a range of five egg cups.

Above: Among the new roll out of BDP products from Paladone.

Bira Hosts MPs At Its Birmingham HQ A cross-section of independent retailers were at the heart of an all-important business rates discussion at Bira’s HQ in Birmingham held on in mid May, attended by senior MPs. The Rt Hon Nicky Morgan, MP (chair of the Treasury Committee), alongside MPs Steve Baker, Alison McGovern and Clive Betts (chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee), brought the Treasury Committee’s enquiry into business rates to Birmingham, with the Above: Senior MPs and retailers recently got together at Bira’s HQ to discuss moving MPs speaking to a cross-section of independent retailers at the forward on business rates.

British Independent Retailers Association’s (Bira’s) head office.

The Committee heard how business rates are crippling retailers and listened to suggestions for a new system. “It was incredibly important for the committee to come out of London to hear from retailers from the rest of the country and to gain an understanding of what is happening at the coal face,” stated Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre. “The MPs really listened to the retailers’ views and agreed that significant change is needed.”

He added: “We were also pleased to hear that Bira’s proposal for a business rates allowance was heard, as well as more fundamental calls for reform.”

New Licensing Partnership

Above: In The Night Garden Igglepiggle breakfast set from Signature Gifts.

Good news for fans of In the Night Garden. Signature Gifts has signed an agreement with DHX Brands for a range of branded In the Night Garden gift items, with little ones able to have their name and picture next to their favourite characters, such as Igglepiggle and Upsy Daisy.

Products include special keepsake items such as canvases, memory boxes, photo frames, message cards and Christmas baubles, as well as more everyday items to include cushions, breakfast sets, drink bottles and mugs.

Goviers Sold To GLB Having announced last year that he would be retiring this summer and selling giftware retail outlet Goviers of Sidmouth - which first opened its doors in 1904 - Alan Moregenroth has sold the business to Simon and Janet Willis, owners of Global Luxury Brands (GLB) which specialises in bespoke luxury products. The new owners will be concentrating on the mail order and catalogue side of Govier. Both businesses will operate under their existing names and will remain two separate entities.

Above: Goviers of Sidmouth’s Alan Morgenroth (right) with new owner Simon Willis of GLB.

Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn A new Craft area will be among the highlights at Scotland's Trade Fair Autumn (SECC, September 22-23), along with an extended Launch Gallery.

Around 180 exhibitors, many of whom can only be seen at the show, will be showcasing gifts, homewares, jewellery, textiles and food.

“With many British people opting to holiday at home, plus foreign visitors flocking to Scotland, shops should have an excellent summer and will be ready to re-order in September,” states show director Mark Saunders. Visit www.autumn.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk

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Industry News

Celebrities Turn Out For PG Live What A Great Show Agree Gift Shops Dedicated greeting card show PG Live, which took place at the beginning of June, saw gift retailers as well as card buyers flocking to the Business Design Centre in London for the two day event.

Among the celebrities who attended was Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, who visited the Ling Design stand on the first day of the show to launch her new greeting card range.

On the second day, iconic fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes stole the show on the Museums & Galleries stand, where she was delighted to unveil 12 of her designs which featured across gift stationery, mugs, gift bags and tissue paper. “It’s lovely to think that I am making my mark on the world in this way,” she told PG&H. (See Last Word on page 106).

Gift retailers were quick to praise the show for allowing them to focus solely on card buying.

“I spent £1,000 in the first 10 minutes!” revealed Amanda Oscroft, co-owner of Love It in Stamford and Bury St Edmunds. It was a similar story from Denise Laird, owner of Spirito in Glasgow. “Over the two days of the show we placed over 20 orders with five new companies,” she confirmed. Added buyer Ellie Kleinlercher from gift multiple Between The Lines: “It was lovely to see our existing suppliers, and to find new suppliers, as well to discover so many plasticfree cards, especially from Woodmansterne. It’s what differentiated this year’s show from previous years.”

It was good news too for Anna and Katrina Raill, co-owners of Etcetera in Hitchin. “We found two new companies in the Springboard section. The first one was the second company we spoke to. It was a great start to the show.”

Added Jo Webber, owner of Jo Amor in Tiverton, who is planning to expand her card section this year: “PG Live is a great way to see top quality products and meet the designers. It’s also a good show to spot the trends that can then be carried into other sectors. We found lots of new brands and caught up with our existing suppliers. The day just flew!” l PG Live 2020 takes place on June 2 and 3 at the Business Design Centre in London.

Visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com

PEOPLE p Half Moon Bay has appointed Iain Wakefield (right) as head of licensing and business development. He brings with him over 25 years publishing and brand licensing experience, most recently managing the licensing division at Haynes Publishing where he worked closely with Half Moon Bay on a range of giftware and Haynes Explains gift books. p Widdop and Co has welcomed Astrid Gill (right) to the sales team, who takes on the role of territory manager for the North East of England. Astrid has a strong background of working with brands having spent five years at Yankee Candle and two years at branded eyewear company Luxottica.

Turning Japanese The 2020 Summer Olympics, taking place in Tokyo from July 24-August 9, will be a huge global event next year, with Japan getting ready to show off its heritage and traditions, say trend forecasters.

“We’ve called it Satori - the art of living - which means to look into oneself to find your true nature,” explained trends analyst Phil Pond of Scarlet Opus.

“It’s about ditching the meaningless, the excess and the waste around us so that we have still have everything that we need in our lives but things that have a

Top: Prue Leith on the Ling stand with a selection of her licensed greeting cards.

Above: Zandra Rhodes on the Museums & Galleries’ stand with part of her licensed collection of giftwrap and cards.

IFL Science Joins Half Moon Bay’s Gifting Portfolio Building on its licensing portfolio, Licensing Link Europe has secured a licensing deal with Half Moon Bay and its subsidiary publishing house, Ice House Books, with the company planning a IFL Science branded gifting range that will include ceramics, glassware, bags and kitchenware, reflecting specific themes to include chemistry, space and Save the Planet.

Products in development include clipboards, pencils, aprons, oven gloves, water bottles, travel mugs, ceramic mugs, LED lamps and drinking glasses, with the range launching in Autumn/Winter 2020.

Left: Half Moon Bay’s IFL Science book and tote bag set.

It Pays To Display To celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, as well as the 30th anniversary of Elmer, Rainbow Designs recently invited retailers to design a window or interior display to celebrate.

The winner of The Very Hungry Caterpillar display was Roger Eames, owner of gift and card shop Celebrations of Stourbridge, with Roger commenting that he was going to celebrate with “a cocktail at the Savoy in London!” The Elmer display was won by Giddy Goat Toys in Manchester.

Each of the winning retailers will receive a prize of free stock.

Right: Celebrations of Stourbridge’s award winning The Very Hungry Caterpillar window.

purpose. It’s a serene design trend, which has a quiet and relaxing colour palette. In terms of surface pattern, we will be seeing grained, patterned texture on giftware for example, as well as giftware that references the Japanese Wave by Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan’s most famous artworks.”

Other 2020 trends highlighted by Phil at the recent Exclusively Housewares/Exclusively Electrical shows were The Traveller, a return to the Roaring 2020’s, and the Power of the Collective, which will see people showing genuine consideration to the planet.

Above: The Japanese Waves is set to be a huge design trend in 2020.

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Industry News

A Bold New Direction For Autumn Fair September’s Show Is On The Move Autumn Fair will be moving to the Atrium at the NEC this September as part of a re-edited offering, designed specifically to facilitate connections between suppliers and retailers.

The show will create the UK’s largest showcase of gift inspiration, bringing together separate gift Above: The Summerhouse is on categories under one roof to create a new giftware sector. track to expand this September.

Following suit, the 2019 re-edit will also be bringing together the Below: Autumn Fair will be moving to the NEC’s Atrium. show’s home and interiors sectors, creating a new sourcing and exhibiting destination for UK and international buyers and suppliers respectively.

Also new for 2019 will be a dedicated Sourcing sector, with manufacturers from key sourcing regions around the world exhibiting new products and showcase techniques.

In addition, following an investment by organisers the ITE Group, the show will see an expanded Summerhouse. “The new investment has enabled us to expand and transform The Summerhouse experience for exhibitors and visitors alike, and I’m passionate about the curation of innovative brands that encourage retail buyers to take courageous and enlightened decisions,” Summerhouse’s editor Paria Mercer commented.

The new international Sourcing zone will be launched in Hall 10 as part of the show’s new direction for 2019. “It will recognise the growing demand within the retail space for quality and relevant international products,” states Autumn Fair’s managing director Julie Driscoll. “We will be pushing to attract more international retailers to buy from UK-based suppliers who are the foundation of our show.”

Exhibitors will include manufacturers and suppliers from Pakistan, Tunisia, China and India who will be showcasing product across gift, home, fashion, toys, kitchen and dining.

Visitors will also be able to explore trends that will impact product development and what consumers will be looking for in Autumn/Winter 2020/21.

Autumn Fair takes place from September 1-4 at the NEC, Birmingham. Visit www.autumnfair.com

Theo Paphitis’ #SBS Autumn Fair Finalists As with last year’s Autumn Fair, 12 shortlisted gift and home companies - part of former Dragon Theo Paphitis’ #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative - will receive a free stand at September’s show.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to bring the #SBS community back to Autumn Fair,” stated Theo Paphitis, founder of #SBS. “As we saw last year, the chance to exhibit at Autumn Fair can have a fantastic impact on a fledgling business’ sales, connections, leads and brand exposure. My congratulations to all of those who have made the shortlist as these businesses are a true testament to the resilience of the UK retail sector.”

As part of the 2019 #SBS showcase, Autumn Fair will also be welcoming back some of last year’s #SBS exhibitors to talk about the impact that showcasing at Autumn Fair has had on their business.

Right: Theo Paphitis with a 2018 #SBS exhibitor at last year’s show.

NEWS IN BRIEF p Following the launch of the Great British High Street Awards 2019, the search is on to find the Champion and Rising Star High Streets, with an opportunity to win up to £15,000 as a contribution towards a street party, community initiative or sustainability programme. Visit www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk p Independent retailers, to include gift shops, were encouraged to get involved in this year’s Just A Card Day which took place on June 17. The aim was to raise awareness of small independents and to encourage people to shop locally. p Pet gifting is on the up. The UK pet industry will be worth over £2bn by 2023 highlights Personalised Gifts Shop founder Jane Gokgoz. p Miss Mindy, the American folk-crosscarton-anime artist, recently attended the MCM Comic Con in London. Working with retailer Dandy Island, she took part in an exclusive signing of her licensed collection with Enesco - The World of Miss Mindy Presents Disney.

Right: Miss Mindy meets fans at MCM Comic Con.

p Award winning gift retailer Zoe Anderson, who launched gift outlet W.A. Green in London’s trendy Shoreditch in 2017, recently celebrated the shop’s second birthday.

Right: Zoe Anderson is shown outside her lifestyle store W.A. Green.

A Wave Of Change

p Gifted recently opened a fourth store in Bury St Edmunds with the shop putting a focus on licensed giftware.

With most consumers keen to avoid plastic products, T&G has introduced a bar of Ocean organic soap, in a rosemary and lavender fragrance, to encourage people to change their habits. The soap is complemented with a range of Ocean ceramic soap dishes.

“Liquid soap usually comes in throwaway plastic bottles leading to a lot of plastic waste,” says T&G’s head of marketing Jenny Handley. “Our new Ocean soap bars mean less waste and less climate pollution. Also, as they contain less water, they last longer and are more cost effective. The soap also contains sustainable palm oil, which ensures the supply chain isn’t wrecking the rainforests eco-system.”

For every sale, T&G makes a donation to www.plasticoceansuk.

p The acrylic animal paintings by Valerie De Rozarieux saw her take the crown as the winner of the latest Wraptious competition, which received a record breaking 4,200 entries.

The images will be featured on cushions and cards at Autumn Fair.

Left: T&G Ocean soap dishes and organic soap are helping to protect the environment.

Right: A Valerie De Rozarieux painting for Wraptious.

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GIFT OF THE

GAB

Helping To Save The Planet

Left: Nic Stone.

Below: Paladone, which launched a range of egg cups last year made from naturally decomposing plastic (BDP), announced that the company will be including BDP material in a further 257 products.

Centre: Cork, wood and wire are used in T&G’s Ocean tableware range which is helping to support ocean education.

Concerned by the seriousness of environmental issues, Nic Stone, owner of The Bottle Kiln in West Hallam, is urging gift suppliers to find alternative packaging that doesn’t damage the environment.

“I don’t know about anyone else, but I am beginning to get slightly freaked out by the growing seriousness of the environmental situation and the potential consequences both for the planet and for us. I know it’s possible to shut it out, or pretend there is still some arcane scientific debate going on, or, if you are the worst kind of fool, believe that it is all a Chinese conspiracy, but a little reading around the subject will quickly put you right. Try the recent book ‘Uninhabitable Earth’ for starters. Scary stuff.

It is a matter of existential concern to us now to keep this planet capable of supporting us and it is surreal to drive to work and hear stories such as a million species of animal are in danger of extinction, or insects could be wiped out within 100 years presented as the fifth or sixth item on a news report after stuff about Brexit and share prices.

Why aren’t we giving this more prominence?

I think it is hard to process because the world around us still feels very normal, and to people in the wealthy West there isn’t yet much visible evidence of changes going on. But also, because it is an issue that’s so huge, we feel powerless to influence it; what difference can our efforts make?

There isn’t much evidence of our politicians taking it seriously. I think that while it is fine and excellent for us to feel a moral impulse to help the environment - and it is - the

most effective changes take place when the all-powerful market exerts pressure on companies and organisations to make changes. For instance, I was heartened to read the other day that certain large pension funds may only invest in companies who achieved particular sustainability targets, and that some green energy in the US is now becoming cheaper than traditional ‘dirty’ power.

Changes will happen most quickly when people see that there are quantifiable benefits to making them. Rhinos and elephants will only survive if in the end tourism is more lucrative than poaching.

Food processing companies will cut down on excessive packaging if consumers refuse to buy it. So it’s important to keep having this conversation, not because we are keen to ‘virtue signal’, but because we want our children to feel that they too can have children who can enjoy the natural wonders of this amazing planet.

What on earth could be more important?

And here we are in the gift trade! On the surface of it, just about the least important of all industries, though I am a great believer that a little pleasure and diversion goes a long way.

What we do is almost entirely unnecessary to the continuance of human life, though it

creates a great many jobs and adds a lot of colour to our lives. And there are many ways in which we can reduce the impact of what we do.

The first and most obvious is packaging. It’s inspiring to see the difference that a small thing like a 5p charge could do to reduce the number of plastic bags used. Many customers have already formed the habit of carrying bags with them to save us giving more out, and many find that they don’t need one if asked. My own major bugbear is polystyrene packaging in the deliveries we receive, either large solid pieces of it, or the thousands of little polystyrene nuggets that blow everywhere and fill up your bins.

This stuff is a pain to unpack, a nightmare to dispose of and will take forever to break down. What is wrong with scrunched up brown paper or shredded cardboard? It works as well and can go out with the recycling.

So my next change (and there must be many more) is to contact suppliers whenever they use packing that damages the environment, and put pressure on them to find an alternative. I know that they’re concerned about breakages, but if we stop ‘buying’ it, other solutions will be found.

The gift trade may seem trivial but it can leverage its considerable cultural presence to spread ideas, such as it is cool to care about the planet! Next stop, sourcing some more sustainable products that the customers will want to buy. Ideas anyone?”

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Going Wild

Above: We’ve won! The delighted Greats 2019 winners wave their coveted Greats trophies in the air! Seated in the front row are comedian and compere Henry Pake, (centre), along with PG&H’s Sue Marks (left) and Angie Bryant (right).

The fantastic Greats Awards, held on May 15, featured Take A Walk On The Wild Side as its theme, with the day brimming with fun!

Guests enjoyed a glass of bubbly at the pre-Awards drinks reception, as well as a lunch that had been specially created by the chefs at the fabulous Grosvenor House on London’s Park Lane. There was lots more besides as you’ll discover.

If you couldn’t be there, we’d love to share our photo album with you . . .

Left: The Greats team get ready to welcome guests with a glass of champagne.

Shown from left to right are: Ian Hyder, Jakki Brown, Sue Marks and Angie Bryant.

Right: Good to see you!

PG&H’s Angie Bryant with, from left to right: Paul Hooker and Steve Davies from Joe Davies along with Johnny Greves and Julian Hunt from Lesser & Pavey.

Below: The Greats trophy stands proud outside the Grosvenor House.

Left: Here’s to a ‘great’ day! From left to right: Katrina and Anna Raill from Etcetera; Keiron Cockley (back) and David Lorimer from Brocante; Alex Machin from Hot Tomato (back) and Anne Anderson (centre) and Rita Huston from Paprika.

Below left: A peek into the fabulous Grosvenor House Ballroom where the tables were beautifully laid out for the Awards lunch.

Below: Big smiles from Enesco’s Christine McCall and Carolyn Mooney.

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Below: Some of the fabulous gifts that guests discovered in their goody bags.

Above: Candlelight’s Mike Winch and Debbie Isles (front and right), with guests.

Above: We’re here! The gang from Within Reason arriving at the Grosvenor House.

Right: Guests having fun with animal face masks from Maskerade.

Below: Mathilde Le Borgne, marketing manager of Brand Licensing Europe, is shown drawing the raffle, alongside Max Publishing’s Ian Hyder.

Inset: But first, there was plenty to laugh about thanks to comedian and compere Henry Paker.

Right: Cheers! PG&H’s columnist Lesley Dunne of Feathering Your Nest (left) with interior designer Claire Louise Allison.

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PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

Left: Among those going home with a star raffle prize of Eurostar tickets were Brocante’s Keiron Cockley (left) and David Lorimer.

Presenting the prize was PG&H’s Angie Bryant.

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Inset: Guests enjoying lunch.

Above: Thelma Drabbick of Melbury Gallery (left) with Mike and Jo Webber of Jo Amor.

Above: Part of the afternoon’s fun included taking part in a ‘higher or lower’ competition.

Right: We did it! A thrilled Jo Webber, owner of Jo Amor, with her Greats trophy.

Below: Jo Barber of No 14 Ampthill is shown with colleagues Kirsty Hammond and Lydia Jeffers-Philips. On the left is Max Publishing’s Jakki Brown.

Inset: And the winner is. . . Aurora Priya from gift retailer Lark who received her prize of a jeroboam of champagne from Max Publishing’s Warren Lomax.

Below: Looking wild! Among those embracing the animal theme at Gisela Graham was director Jennifer Peters (right).

Below: PG&H’s Sue Marks with, back row (from left to right) Thomas O’Brien, Boxer Gifts; Max Publishing’s Warren Lomax; Christine Harrison, Xpressions; Gary Wakeman, Menkind and Peter Goodman, Xpressions.

Inset: Time to go with home! From left to right: Louise Morris of Clarion Events, Emily Nicklin from The Hummingbird in Shrewsbury and Aurora Priya from Lark. All guests went home with a Greats goody bag.

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Introducing the extravagantly indulgent Elements candle range in a brand new large, triple wick size.

Beautiful styling for every fragrance which includes a new Avocado & Nettle alongside best selling Gin & Tonic, Rhubarb Gin, Christmas Spice and Frankincense & Myrrh.

Come and see our full range of fabulous fine fragranced candles, melts and diffusers at Home & Gift Harrogate. Stand A10 Tel: 015395 59007 Fax: 015395 59113 info@pintailcandles.com www.pintailcandles.com 030_GH_July August 2019.indd 1

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RETAIL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 2019 2019 WINNER: Beverley Yates, shop manager, Maddison, Harborne

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard my name announced. I said, ‘Really? Me?’ I was absolutely thrilled. It felt like such a privilege to get an award for working in a shop that I truly love.”

Beverley Yates, shop manager, Maddison Right: Clarion Events’ Alejandra and Louise get ready to read out the name of the winner.

Left: Louise Morris, (right), show director of Home & Gift, Harrogate, and Alejandra Campos, (second left), show director of Top Drawer, London, co-category sponsors, presented Beverley Yates, shop manager of Maddison, Harborne, with her award. Also shown is The Greats Awards compere Henry Paker.

Award sponsor

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

midlands & wales Winner 2019: Joco Interiors, Nuneaton Right: Exhibition organiser Simon Anslow, (right), of Harrogate Christmas & Gift, category sponsor, presented the winning Greats trophy to Jo Williams, owner of Joco Interiors.

Award sponsor

“I was filming the finalists being announced and when the shop’s name was announced I was in utter shock, threw my phone to my mum and nervously made my way to the stage. I couldn’t stop smiling. I received countless messages congratulating us, and our social media lit up throughout the night with amazing comments.”

Jo Williams, owner, Joco Interiors Right: A proud Jo with her prestigious Greats trophy.

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

SCOTLAND Winner 2019: Spirito, Glasgow

“It was such a surprise, as well as a delight, to hear our name announced. It’s such a fantastic honour to be the winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - Scotland category 2019, and I’m delighted to share this award with all of our hard working, dedicated staff and our loyal customers.”

Denise Laird, owner, Spirito

Right: Denise Laird, owner of Spirito, was presented with the Greats trophy by Lincoln Exley, (right), managing director of category sponsor Allsorted.

Far right: Allsorted’s Lincoln Exley gets ready to read out the name of the winning shop.

Award sponsor

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Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

north & northern ireland Winner 2019: Williams of Audlem, Audlem “I could not believe it when our name was read out. It was surreal as I was not expecting it, especially given the high standard of all the other entrants. I literally went weak at the knees and had to pinch myself!”

Judy Evans, owner, Williams of Audlem

Award sponsor

Above: David Cree, (right), sales manager at Joe Davies, presented Judy Evans, owner of Williams of Audlem with her Greats trophy as winner of the North and Northern Ireland category.

Left: Judy is shown with her trophy.

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

SOUTH WEST

Winner 2019: Jo Amor, Tiverton “I danced all the way to the stage to collect the award and haven’t stopped smiling since. This award means so much to our shop and our town.”

Jo Webber, owner, Jo Amor

Far left: Jo Webber, owner of Jo Amor, received her Greats trophy from Richard Holmwood of Carte Blanche/All Creatures, category sponsor.

Award sponsor

Left: ‘Dancing Queen’ Jo with her award.

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

east anglia

Below: Lizzie Hall and Frances Maulkerson, shop managers at Loft & Spires in Bury St Edmunds, were presented with the shop’s award by Christine Harrison of category sponsor Xpressions.

Winner 2019: Loft & Spires, Bury St Edmunds Right: Absolutely thrilled! Lizzie Hall and Frances Maulkerson with their Greats trophy.

“The trophy is an accolade to my managers Alice, Lizzy and Frances who have become family and run Loft & Spires as their own. Their buying prowess, merchandising, customer service and dedication is second to none and I am thrilled for them.”

Romy Abraham, owner, Loft & Spires Award sponsor

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Progressive Gifts Ad July 19.pdf 1 07/06/2019 09:45:56

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Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

London (INSIDe M25) Winner 2019: The Present, Barnet “I was totally unprepared for The Present to be called. My colleague Louise had to dig me in the ribs to get up. In fact, as I started to walk to the stage, I was panicking I’d got it wrong and would have to go and sit down again!”

Louise Rolfe, owner, The Present Right: And the winner is . . . The Present, Barnet.

Award sponsor

Left: Louise Rolfe, (centre), owner of The Present in Barnet, received her Greats trophy from Jacqui Parr, marketing manager of Progressive Greetings Live 2019, category sponsor.

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

home counties, south & south east Winner 2019: Etcetera, Hitchin

“We were shocked, amazed and thoroughly delighted when we heard Etcetera’s name announced as winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - Home Counties, South & South East category. In fact, we had to double check the screen to make sure that we hadn’t misheard! It was a great end to a lovely day.”

Katrina Raill, co-owner, Etcetera Left: Anna Raill (left) and Katrina Raill, co-owners of Etcetera, Hitchin, received their Greats trophy from Jane Garner of kilogrammedia, category sponsor.

Award sponsor

best newcomer-midlands, North & Scotland Winner 2019: MOOCH on St Giles Street and Mooch, Bell, Northampton “When they called out MOOCH as the winner, Paul and I stared at each other for a moment in disbelief. Our whole team were so delighted to be recognised like this.”

Rachel and Paul Roberts, co-owners, MOOCH

Award sponsor Above: Rachel and Paul Roberts, co-owners of MOOCH, received their award from Jessica Dawnay, new business director of category sponsor Spring Fair and Autumn Fair.

Left: Rachel and Paul whose smiles say it all.

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best newcomer-south & Wales Winner 2019: Highworth Emporium, Highworth “It was such a mixture of emotions when I heard our name being called out. It was disbelief mixed with joy.

I had a huge grin on my face all the way to the stage and back. We both were ecstatic. It’s a wonderful feeling!”

Aga Gabrysiak, co-owner, Highworth Emporium

Award sponsor

Left: The Greats trophy was presented to Aga Gabrysiak and Richard Marsden, co-owners of Highworth Emporium, by Matt Payne, managing director of Method UK, category sponsors.

Right: Matt Payne of category sponsor Method UK announces the winner.

best specialist multiple gift retailer (4 or more shops) Winner 2019: Between The Lines

Right: Florian Kleinlercher, managing director of Between The Lines, was presented with his Greats trophy by Chloe Bayles, head of wholesale, A Gift From The Gods, category sponsor.

Top right: A delighted Florian.

"I felt an immense sense of pride in our business and all the people who work within it. To be recognised in this way for what we have achieved together is just fantastic and there is so much more to come - we can't wait!"

Florian Kleinlercher, managing director, Between The Lines

Award sponsor

best department store retailer of gifts Winner 2019: John Lewis & Partners “I was thrilled when John Lewis & Partners was called out as the winner of the Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts category.

Over the past year, we have worked very hard to transform our gifting offer, and we’re delighted to see that it is paying off.”

Rosy Bick, assistant buyer, John Lewis & Partners Award sponsor Right: Presenting the trophy to Rosy Bick, assistant buyer at John Lewis & Partners, was Mathilde Le Borgne, marketing manager of Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), category sponsor.

2019

1–3 OCTOBER Left: A big smile from Rosy.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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best non-specialist retailer of gifts Winner 2019: Papilio at Heritage, Thornbury

Below left: Thomas O’Brien (right), managing director of Boxer Gifts, category sponsors, presented The Greats trophy to Tabi Marsh, director, Papilio at Heritage, Thornbury.

Right: I’m so happy, beams Tabi.

“We were over the moon! It felt like such a great achievement and celebration of coming back after a devastating fire. Since winning, we’ve been overwhelmed by the comments on social media, the emails we’ve received and our excited customers.”

Tabi Marsh, director, Papilio at Heritage

best lifestyle or homewares retailer of gifts

Award sponsor

Below: Catherine Hollin (centre), shop manager, The Emporium, Clitheroe, received the shop’s Greats trophy from Ian Downes, managing director of Start Licensing, who presented it on behalf of BlissHome/Nadiya Make Life Colourful.

Winner 2019: The Emporium, Clitheroe

Award sponsor

“When I heard our shop’s name announced as the winner I was overwhelmed with surprise, joy and a huge sense of pride.

Thank you to everyone who thought us worthy of this title. I couldn’t be more proud of the team I work alongside.”

Catherine Hollin, shop manager, The Emporium Left: Catherine is shown with the coveted Greats trophy.

best gift retailer of jewellery and fashion accessories Winner 2019: Bijouled, Harrogate “I was absolutely overjoyed to win - I couldn't believe it! This award means so much to me and to the business.”

Georgina Collins, owner, Bijouled

Right: A big smile from Tracey.

Far right: Tracey Rushton-Thorpe, received the Greats award for Best Jewellery & Fashion Accessories from Alex Machin, director of Hot Tomato, category sponsor.

Award sponsor

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Globe Enterprise

At Globe we have everything you need for a successful Christmas 2019 See us at Home & Gift Harrogate, 14-17 July 2019, Stand DP1 D59

T: +44(0)20 8845 5057 | E: info@globeenterprise.co.uk | W: www.globeenterprise.co.uk

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best GARDEN centre retailer of gifts Winner 2019: Garsons, Esher and Titchfield Left: A beaming smile from Ian.

“The recognition means a lot to the Garsons team. The award is also something that we can promote to our customer base.

Thank you once again.”

Ian Richardson, managing director, Garsons

Award sponsor

Right: Ian Richardson, managing director of Garsons, (centre), was presented with the Greats trophy by John Athwal OBE, managing director of Premier Decorations.

best museum or visitor attraction gift shop

Winner 2019: National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas

“There was a moment of disbelief when we heard our name called out, but this was soon replaced with a sense of pride that we had been recognised by those within our industry.

Our success will inspire us to an even greater performance in the future.”

Mark Ellis, head of visitor experience, National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas Left: Mark Alexander, retail manager, National Memorial Aroboretum, was presented with the Best Museum or Visitor Attraction trophy by Peter Goodman of Heritage Art and Design, category sponsor.

Right: Mark with the coveted Greats trophy.

Award sponsor

best in-store or window display Winner 2019: Pure Inspiration, Ramsey “When the image of my window display came up on screen I heard the gasps from other tables and thought to myself ‘wow’ I must be in with a chance. When the shop’s name was subsequently called out, I made my way to the stage shaking with nerves. However, what a feeling!

Super proud!”

Carol Bairstow, owner, Pure Inspiration

Left: Jennifer Peters, director, Gisela Graham, category sponsor, presented Carol Bairstow, owner of Pure Inspiration with the winner's trophy in the Best In Store or Window Display category.

Award sponsor

Right: Carol was delighted with the shop’s success.

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best online or mail order retailer of gifts Winner 2019: Oliver Bonas www.oliverbonas.com

“We were delighted to receive the Best Online Retailer award.

Congratulations to Team OB and thank you for the support.”

Oliver Tress, founder and managing director of Oliver Bonas

Award sponsor

Above: Sam Wahid, managing director of Gift Republic, category sponsor, presented Oliver Bonas’ James Parish, Dovile Jurcicaite and Natalia Earney, with The Greats trophy for Best Online or Mail Order Gift Retailer.

Left: Collecting the award on behalf of Oliver Bonas were, from left to right: James, Dovile and Natalia.

best retailer initiative Winner 2019: Feathering Your Nest, Rayleigh

“Our legs turned to jelly and our feelings were those of excitement, nerves, utter disbelief and a whole lot of pride!"

Lesley Dunne, owner, Feathering Your Nest

For its Angel Wings window initiative

Award sponsor

Left: Lesley Dunne (second right), owner of Feathering Your Nest in Rayleigh, was presented with the Best Retail Initiative trophy by Debbie Isles, sales director of Candlelight, category sponsor. She is shown with the Angel Wings window designer Claire Louise Allison.

Right: So thrilled! Lesley (holding the trophy) and Claire Louise Allison.

honorary achievement award Winner 2019: Henri Davis “With this award, we honour a very special individual who has spent almost four decades in the gift industry and allied trades, someone who has always led by example and is an inspiration to many. As comfortable speaking to the largest of corporate beasts, as to the tiniest village gift shop, not only has this talented person excelled in their field, but they have also selflessly devoted a huge amount of ‘out of hours’ time to working for the greater good of our sector. With such a depth of retail knowledge, as well as a generosity of spirit, our winner has been only too willing to share their knowledge, for no commercial gain to themselves.”

Part of the citation by Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home “My initial reaction on hearing my name read out was complete disbelief that it could possibly be me that was being honoured in this way. I have never considered that I would receive something like this for doing the job I love. I still can’t quite belief it and feel very humbled by it. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Henri Davis, independent retail advisor and buyer

Above: Henri Davis received the prestigious Honorary Achievement award from Sarah Ward, chief executive of The Giftware Association.

Left: A delighted Henri is shown with her Greats trophy.

Award sponsor

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best service to the independent retailer BRONZE WINNER 2019: Enesco Right: Christine McCall, Enesco’s customer relations director, accepted the Bronze award from Rob Willis (right), director of Max Media Ventures, category sponsor.

Left: So happy! Christine with the bronze trophy.

“It’s always a pleasure to win an award and take it back to Enesco, present it to our staff, and thank each and every one of them for their hard work.”

Christine McCall, customer relations director, Enesco

Award sponsor

SILVER WINNER 2019: Widdop and Co Right: Right: Widdop and Co’s sales director Andrew Illingworth (centre), received the silver award from Rob Willis, (right), director of Max Media Ventures, category sponsor.

Left: Delighted! Andrew with the silver award.

Award sponsor

“Thank you to all our customers who took the time and voted for us for Best Service to the Independent Retailer at the Greats. We were delighted to pick up the Silver award. This is a great achievement and one that is very much down to the great support from all our customers as well as our fantastic team of staff.”

Andrew Illingworth, sales director, Widdop and Co

GOLD WINNER 2019: Joe Davies “We were absolutely thrilled when our name was announced as winner of the Gold award. This year`s success is particularly special as we are celebrating our 100th year of serving the independent retailer, and for our customers to vote for us in this way has made everyone at Joe Davies incredibly proud. Thank you very much to everyone who voted for us.

We are very lucky to have such lovely customers.”

Steve Davies, managing director, Joe Davies Above: Everyone up on stage please! Beaming smiles from the gang at Joe Davies. Paul Hooker, commercial manager at Joe Davies, received the gold award on behalf of the company, which was presented to him by Rob Willis (right), director of Max Media Ventures, category sponsor.

Award sponsor

Left: Paul Hooker with the prestigious Gold award.

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Greats 2020 A4 advert_2016_muk.qxp_Layout 1 03/07/2019 09:24 Page 1

Be a part of The Greats 2020… victorious celebrations that will truly reward the best gift retailers in the UK

THE GREATS 2020 AWARDS HAVE LAUNCHED! …there’s fresh new branding …the awards event will take place on Wednesday 13 May …at the wonderful Honourable Artillery Company in the heart of London …and, in keeping with the 75th anniversary of VE Day, The Greats 2020 will take on a victorious theme Reserve tickets online now at Max-Tickets.net “My dear friends, this is your hour. This is not victory of a party or of any class. It's a victory of the great British nation as a whole.” – Sir Winston Churchill May 1945

Contact PG&H’s Angie Bryant about becoming a Greats sponsor on angieb@max-publishing.co.uk or 01993 212994 Contact Clare Hollick of Keystone Communications about tickets to The Greats awards on clare@keystonecomms.co.uk or 01733 294524 Keep your eyes peeled for entry and nomination forms, coming soon.

www.thegreatsawards.co.uk

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Feedback

Bucking The Trend

With CVAs become the norm for many multiples, PG&H spoke to independent gift retailers up and down the country about how the first half of the year has been, and discovered that while retail remains challenging, indies seem to be forging ahead.

At the time of going to press at the end of June, Monsoon/Accessorize was the latest in a long line of multiples - among them the Arcadia Group, Jamie’s Italian, Paperchase, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Homebase and Mothercare - seeking a company voluntary agreement (CVA) to give them the opportunity they need to reduce rates and close unprofitable stores. Conversely, it’s the independents who are opening new stores and feeling confident about the rest of the year. However, it does come down to location, location, location.

Expanding In Fowey

Opening Two New Stores

“We trade in popular seaside locations which all seem to be bucking the trend,” comments Keiron Cockley, co-owner of Brocante which has shops in Fowey, Mevagissey and St Ives. “The staycation is very much in vogue, as the message about what the UK has to offer is being heard more and more, and it’s with this in mind that we are opening the doors to our fourth Brocante in July and our second shop in Fowey. It’s a chance to expand our offer and add new lines, as well as to capitalise on our current customer base. Fowey is a great town and we feel that there is more we can do because we know it so well.”

However, reflecting on the year so far, Keiron says that 2019 has been a bit of a mixed bag. “We are performing slightly up on last year, but it’s not been easy, and we have had to work harder to achieve this. We have used our suppliers expertise a lot more, and taken guidance from them rather than playing it safe.

We want to work closer with them going forward, and this means investing in the brands for maximum impact.

Staff training has also been more important to us, and we have also put systems and procedures in place to facilitate growth, to include training programmes.”

MOOCH, which has a shop on St Giles Street in Northampton, and a concession in Bell, has just opened a third store in the market town of Olney in Buckinghamshire.

“It’s a huge privilege for us to have a shop in Olney,” states MOOCH’s co-owner Paul Roberts. “It’s a destination town for ‘mooching’ with a gorgeous selection of beautiful boutique shops and coffee shops. We’ve therefore been working very closely with our suppliers to bring something a little bit different to the new store that we think customers will love. We’ve added a few new products to the range, and will also be featuring many favourites. Plus, a fourth shop will be opening in Towcester this summer.”

Below: The new MOOCH gift shop in Olney.

Left: Brocante, St. Ives.

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Frith Sculpture Passionate about Sculpture – est. 1993 – www.frithsculpture.co.uk We at Frith Sculpture have been busy creating some exciting new bronze finish sculptures to add to our existing exclusive range.

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and introducing some of our new MINIMA additions including our Mischief Cockapoo & Dilys the Donkey.

Harrogate Home & Gift Fair 14-17 July 2019 STAND A9 contact us or visit us to receive our new catalogue

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Feedback Upping The Retail Spend

Below: Spirito, Glasgow.

“The retailing landscape is changing so fast that there is a real need to stay on top of things and react quickly to changing trends,” states Denise Laird, owner of Spirito in Glasgow.

“It certainly helps to be more imaginative on how we engage with customers in order to create more of an experience, as well as to build customer loyalty, which are helping us to buck the trend.”

She says that trading has been remarkably consistent on a like-for-like basis this year, although takings in March were down by 8% and up by 10% in April. “This variance can be attributed to both Mother’s Day and Easter falling later this year,” Denise explains. “The average spend per head is also slightly up from last year, and I’m planning to increase the range of our higher price point offering to further drive an increase in average spend. We are also looking to possibly tighten up the overall number of product lines that we carry, with an increased focus on demand-led sales, where we are seeing continued strength in costume jewellery, gifts for the home and greetings cards. To date, our turnover is marginally ahead of the same period in 2018.”

Feeling Confident “Our average transaction value is holding up against last year, and CVR, which gives a measure of how many of our visitors we converted into buying customers, has actually increased,” confirms Florian Kleinlercher, managing director of Between The Lines, which has 15 stores in market and commuter towns in the South of England. “However, footfall is down in many of our stores, confirmed by the public footfall counters some of the BIDs run in the towns we operate in.

“We have therefore been delaying store openings this year, waiting for the economic situation to stabilise, and have at least one, if not two in the pipeline before the end of the year. As always, location is key and we are watching the property market very carefully for appropriate sites to become available.”

“January 2019 was strong, followed by a solid February. However, March was flat against 2018, which was not surprising as Easter slipped into April this year.

This helped turnover in April, which resulted in a good increase on last year. May and June have been more challenging and, while we are still just up on last year's results, the increase has tailed off a little.”

He adds: “I think we all know that the current unstable political situation has taken its toll on consumer confidence. Customers are wary of borrowing against credit cards and are holding back somewhat with their discretionary spending. To be honest, I can’t really see that changing until we have a new Prime Minister, and our political landscape becomes clearer. Once this is in place, we feel confident that consumer confidence will be back on the increase again and we look forward to the remainder of 2019 bringing more growth and development for our business.”

Above: One of 15 stores in the Between The Lines portfolio.

Drive To Help Indies “In my opinion, it’s independent retailers who are bucking the current retail trend,” says Amanda Oscroft, co-owner of Love It in Bury St Edmunds and Stamford. “Multiples such as WHS and Debenhams are staying with the same format, whereas we are constantly moving things around and changing our products and displays. This year has been fantastic for us. Also, there seems to be a big drive to help independents. We have a shop in Stamford, and there is a #Shop Stamford campaign that is really helping to boost the high street. So far, we’ve had a great year, to include having our best first quarter since we opened the shop 22 years ago.”

Right: Love It in Bury St Edmunds.

So Far, So Good “We feel that both of our shops are very definitely bucking the trend,” states Andrea Pinder, co-owner of Presentation in Barrowford and Unit 7 in Manchester. “Not one day goes past when our customers at both shops don’t tell us that we sell the best gifts and the best cards. Aside from a dip in March, this year has been really good for us and we were up in May. With Brexit affecting suppliers importing from the Far East, we have been looking for more bespoke products as well as giftware that has been made in the UK. With so much negativity surrounding Brexit, if you are upbeat and positive, and manage to spread that feeling, then your customers will feel uplifted when they come in to shop with you. Design-led gifts, gift stationery and licensed products are all on the up, although the average spend has stayed the same compared to last year.”

Above: Presentation, Barrowford.

Business Is Great

Below: Coorie Doon, Gourock.

“The first six months of the year have been very good, to include a period where we had a skip outside while the coffee shop next door carried out some renovations. I think that independents like ourselves are bucking the trend because we offer a friendly personal experience, our prices are fair and people feel that they can trust us,” says Katrina Roberts-Pollock, owner of Coorie Doon in Gourock.

“People love to come into Coorie Doon to browse and we’re fortunate to have a loyal customer base as well as a lot of visitors who come to visit the town. Despite all the uncertainty this year, we haven’t noticed people shopping any differently. We’ve found that if they want something they buy it. We can honestly say that business is great and we’re feeling very confident about the rest of the year.”

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In My Opinion: Retail Analyst Michael Weedon

The Truth About

The High Street

Retail analyst Michael Weedon, founder and managing director of exp2, was among the impressive keynote speakers at last month’s Giftware Association’s AGM. With his finger on the pulse of high street retail, he revealed to delegates that while the multiples may be going for CVAs to stay in business, that isn’t the whole story. In fact, 43,000 new shops have opened in the past 12 months.

So exactly what is going on? Michael Weedon shares his insightful thoughts on today’s rollercoaster retail environment with PG&H. “Figures reveal that the last couple of years have seen major retail company failures jump from 30 in 2016 to 44 and 43 in 2017 and 2018, with 21 occurring by the middle of April this year. The numbers of stores involved jumped from just under 1,400 in 2016, to nearly 2,600 last year and are already over 700 in 2019.

Cue the appearance of timeworn ‘Death of the High Street’ headlines again, with stories of retailers falling into administration.

Why do they always fall? Why not ‘plunge’?

Or ‘dive’? Because it’s very clear that the CVA is now a well-established, practiced and often carefully prepared tactic to cut store numbers and rent levels for multiple retailers.

In fact, ‘Congratulations On Your CVA!’

could be a profitable new category for greetings cards with the balancing ‘Sorry To Hear About Your Tenant’s CVA’ potentially matching it for sales.

It is largely a chain-store only phenomenon, because independents don’t have the scale or the power to manipulate landlords. Unsurprisingly we are seeing reports that property owners are trying to work together to fight back against what they see as the ‘easy option’ of the CVA. Option, maybe, but easy? Because of the scale of the downsizers the numbers of employees that suffer should be remembered.

The Centre for Retail Research reports job losses in stricken major retailers rising from over 12,000 two years ago, to nearly four times that many last year - and more than 31,000 in just the first quarter of this year.

Spare a thought for suppliers in these CVAs too. For some relatively small businesses, some of them have taken

Above left: Michael Weedon.

Above: Card and gift multiple Paperchase opted for a CVA earlier this year.

Left: Although Card Factory online sales are up, it is from a low base.

Bottom left: Department store multiple House of Fraser had a CVA approved in June 2018.

huge hits to their profit and loss accounts.

Someone working for a supplier to a recently CVA-ed department store told me that their business had lost far less than their competitors - because they had had to write off “only fifty grand”. No board I have ever been on would take a light view of losing £50,000.

So, should consumers care? Well, commercial property has been favoured to help nourish the pension funds that we happily assume to be growing nicely for our long term futures.

Even if the lay person doesn’t know about those elements, the public find it inexplicable and disturbing when an apparently thriving business such as Paperchase announces a CVA. After all, the stores are bright and attractive and full of nice things, so what could possibly be wrong?

They might be even more confused to find at the same time that an equally wellknown fascia, such as Card Factory, announces full year sales up, profit flattish, but that the business opened 51 stores in Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

51

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In My Opinion: Retail Analyst Michael Weedon the year and is heading towards an estate of more than 1,000 by 2020.

The numbers beneath the headlines are, as ever, a bit of a head-fry. The 2,600 multiple stores mentioned above that were lost last year made up just one in 20 of the total number of closures. As in 2017, retailers pulled down the shutters for the last time on nearly 51,000 stores. That’s nearly 1,000 a week. Every week.

Retailgeddon! Really? Well, according the Local Data Company (LDC), more than 43,000 sparkling new shops opened. That’s an impressive harvest of fresh stores. What has changed in the past couple of years, with a sharp change of direction in mid2017, is that while closures have been relatively stable - just 61 more last year than the year before - openings dropped by nearly 2,000 year-on-year. In fact openings have declined for five years in a row.

As a result, the LDC retail vacancy rate, which had been falling since a peak of nearly 15% in 2011, slid consistently, and by several percentage points, until the latter part of 2017. Then it started to rise. Shop vacancy is currently about one in eight across Great Britain and it’s probably still heading upward.

So this is not so much a story about closures worsening, as a weakening in the replacement rate. Closures are a normal fact of everyday retail life. On average, one in ten shops closes down each year. Only one in three leases is renewed. The average length of remaining leases is less than six years, but new leases are characteristically for five years.

Were it not for the fact that one in three shop units is owned by its incumbent retailer, the turnover rate would be even higher.

And this is not because we are spending less. Retail spending, according to the ONS, grew from £365 billion in 2017 to £381 billion last year. That increase is higher than

inflation. This is real extra spending. Our growing population has a lot to do with this. The latest ONS mid-year estimates only go up to mid-2017, but the very clear story there is that the population of the UK has been rising by nearly 1% year on year every year for more than a decade.

That’s close to a half million extra birthdays to celebrate every year.

But that doesn’t tally with footfall figures from ONS/Springboard reports which show footfall across all retail location types falling consistently over the past decade. Actually, during that ten year period, retail park footfall more or less matched the growth in population, but even that dipped last year.

So this is an ‘Online killing the High Street’ story? ONS figures have online sales at about 18% across 2018. This is after a generation of e-commerce. Amazon went online in the UK in the previous Millennium.

The annual growth rate of the online share has slowed from 50% in 2008 to 9% a decade later. There are predictions that it will fall to 7% this year, and if it stays at that rate of growth it will take another decade to double.

Now there is far less Top: In 2018, online sales represented 18% of the market share, with it’s increase slowing down.

Above: Next’s sales are split almost equally between stores and online.

Left: Shop vacancy is currently about one in eight across the UK.

food and drink sold online than ‘comparison’ non-food in the UK. The ONS will not be drawn on how much of our non-food sales are online, but by my calculation it’s at least a quarter, probably 27%. More than half of online sales are made by stores that sell online. As Card Factory reported, its online sales surged by 56% in its last year (albeit from a low base). Next’s figures show flat overall turnover, split 56% store sales, 44% online, with online more or less exactly replacing store sales.

But that fascinating company concluded not that it has too much space, but that the space it already has now costs it too much, which is pretty much where public statements about the CVA and cutting rents puts Paperchase.

What Next does assert is that shops are a key element in their operation, if only because 80% of returns go back to shops – and when people go to shops they buy stuff. It’s not a coincidence that Primark, which has just opened its biggest store and announced a 25% jump in half year profits, does not sell online - yet that is, although it has said it’s thinking about Click & Collect - but does use social media to engage with consumers and draw them into stores.

According to LDC, eight of the top ten categories that are growing in store numbers involve services or products where physically being in a shop is key to the transaction.

Many of those are personal services, such as cutting hair, but last-minute purchases, novelty purchases, gifting and personalisation all fit that bill perfectly.

So, when you suddenly need a last minute ‘Congratulations on opening your new shop’ card, a gift or a greeting card shop will be exactly the right place to go to find it.”

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Spotlight On... Jewellery & Fashion Accessories

Eclectic Elegance An eclectic and diverse array of jewellery will be winging its way into shops over the coming season, ready for the all important Autumn/Winter season.

Trends include golden hues and the colour yellow, as well as snakeskin and stars.

PG&H discovered what else will be adorning necks, ears and wrists.

As summer blends into Autumn, it will be very much about gold tones says Joma Jewellery/Katie Loxton’s wholesale manager Lauren Hourihan. “We’ve expanded some of our most loved collections to include goldplated twinkles, and have also introduced additional gift sets which are filled with jewellery and keepsakes.”

Yellow too, is going to be big this winter says Sarah Watmore, managing director of

Miss Milly. “2019 had a bright, colourful start and Autumn/Winter will be carrying on in the same vein, with yellow cited as the colour of Christmas. Consequently, we have used a deep, golden hue combined with grey, purple or teal, in some of our new lines.”

Adds Sarah: “Orange too, is also a key highlight for us, and we have chosen a rich tone that works with our new imitation paper resin, giving a foiled appearance that’s ideal

Above: Miss Milly has added a splash of Christmas yellow to jewellery lines.

Right: A Zoe necklace from Lila Jewellery.

Below right: Part of the Artisan collection from Joe Davies’ Equilibrium brand.

Below left: A colourful necklace from Carrie Elspeth.

for the end of the year. Some of the jewellery has been designed with a gunmetal finish too, rather than the usual silver colour, to give it more of a seasonal feel.”

Carrie Shapiro, founder and creative director of Carrie Elspeth, agrees that colour - and wellbeing - are two of the strongest trends coming through for the second half of the year. “Consumers are looking for easy ways to inject some positivity and optimism into their lives, so our Autumn collection is a celebration of colour,” she highlights. “Plus, we have also added to our gemstone bracelets range with additional holistic properties that make them more than just a gift.”

Frank Ross, managing director of his eponymous company, which owns Lila Jewellery, concurs that vibrant, colourful designs are definitely creating interest, with the company recently launching the Zoe range. “People are also highly engaged in the sacrifices our armed forces have made, with our Poppy collection an all year round best seller - not only on Remembrance Sunday - with 10% of the RRP donated to two veterans charities.” (To date, the company has raised over £174,000).

But it’s not all about colour. Joe Davies’ jewellery buyer Mary Caputo says that

fashion jewellery, with a simple handcrafted look, will also be among the key trends for Autumn/Winter. “Our new Equilibrium Artisan collection features elegant pieces with a textured finish for a dressed down look as well as some pieces that have delicate crystal detailing,” points out Mary.

At Talbot Fashions, the company’s new Wish jewellery, is leading the way. “Themes include celestial, chakras, guardian angels, woodland and worded sentiments,” confirms buyer Ginny Bryant. Also new for the coming season are more paua shell designs which include a red heart range featuring pendants, bracelets, earrings and brooches.

Dansk Smykkekunst’s head of design, Malene Storm, says that what particularly

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Beautiful Natural Paua shell

See us at Harrogate Home & Gift Hall C Stand 8 14th - 17th July & Autumn Fair Birmingham

Hall 9 Stand F70 - E71 1st - 4th September

STA ND C15

Call now for our catalogue or place your

H A R R OGA TE HOM E & GIFT S H O W

order online at: www.talbotfashions.com

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SEAGEMS.CO.UK T : +44( 0) 1736 335840 E: sa l es@ sea g ems . co.uk © Al l desi g ns p r ote c te d b y S e a G e m s Cop y r igh t & De s ign Right .

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Spotlight On... Jewellery & Fashion Accessories characterises jewellery this season are textured surfaces, chunky chains and bold statement pieces. The company has also expanded its range of adjustable necklaces. “For example, several of our new designs can be worn in multiple ways creating different looks,” comments Malene, adding that pieces from the new collection also complement jewellery from previous collections.

Sea Gems meanwhile, will be launching new silver jewellery designs

evoking the textures and colours of the beach, tide and ocean combining turquoise, lapis lazuli and paua shell into waves, weathered pebbles and rock pools.

“Additionally, our new Celtic silver designs set with semi-precious stones, interlaced with intricate knot work capture, the rich and ancient heritage of Cornwall’s past,” says the company’s Kate Evans.

Also bringing out a range of new silver jewellery is The Music Gifts Company, with managing director David Gee confirming that customers are looking for high quality pieces. “We have therefore worked closely

with a top manufacturer to produce new pieces of sterling silver jewellery that tie in with our silver anniversary next year,” he highlights.

However, for something completely different, Crumble & Core has combined necklaces and earring with a range of small gift boxed greeting cards featuring water coloured designs by Jilly Mercer, one of the company’s three co-founders. ”Stars are trending,” Jilly confirms, “and people also love our evocative angel wings

and feather jewellery designs. Everything is very sparkly, minimal and eye-catching.

We’re also noticing that mismatched jewellery, such as one moon earring and one star earring, is gaining in popularity.”

With jewellery still a big seller for many gift shops, and with the party season fast approaching, there’s a very diverse range of designs and styles set to sparkle in the run-up to Christmas.

Top: Wish from Talbot Fashions.

Top right: The Music Gifts Company’s new silver jewellery.

Above: New from Dansk Smykkekunst.

Right: A champagne-themed card and necklace from Crumble & Core.

Far right: Beach themed silver jewellery from Sea Gems.

Continued on page 59

Ear, Ear: What’s Trending Earrings continue to be a trailblazer in jewellery, with Scream Pretty’s AW19/20 collection revealing chunky, funky and fun pieces. “Huggies and ear cuffs are the most popular jewels, with fun motifs such as lips, cassettes and dinosaurs adding quirk and humour,” explains director Jessica Pearce.

The company is also busy creating popular sets such as the vintage inspired Audrey that combines an ear cuff with two complementary studs, along with oval shaped huggies that pair with matching best sellers. Also new are the bangles, necklaces and opal studded hoops that have been added to the Starburst range.

Left: Scream Pretty’s Audrey earring set.

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Carrie Elspeth H A N D M A D E

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Hall 9 Stand F70 - E71 1st - 4th September

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Call now for our catalogue or place your order online at: www.talbotfashions.com Minimum order just £25 (Ex VAT & P&P) Howard Terrace, Brighton, East Sussex, BN 1 3 TR Tel: 01273 776415 E mail: info@talbotfashions.com 7

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Spotlight On... Jewellery & Fashion Accessories

Accessories For Fashionistas With gift giving in mind, Joma Jewellery/Katie Loxton’s wholesale manager Lauren Hourihan says that gift sets will be leading the way for the company in the second half of the year.

“We’ve seen a big demand for readyto-go gifts, so this season, both our Katie Loxton and Joma Jewellery collections are showcasing more special sets that have been beautifully wrapped.”

Continues Lauren: “The new Katie Loxton collection is tightly focused on

Key Trends l Read-to-go gift sets. l Animal print, especially snakeskin. l Hair accessories, to include Alice

bands, bobby pins and clips. l Colour blocking.

says that it’s still about animal print, with snakeskin prints enhancing and expanding the whole story. “For jewellery and accessories, the stars are definitely aligned and they continue to be the go-to embellishment. Hair accessories are in ascendance and are the biggest growth category so gift retailers should look out for chic neutrals and ageless shades that will stay in style throughout the season. As well as classic hues, there’s also a focus on luxury textures and we are also introducing a croc range which is a key trend for the season.”

At Hot Tomato, managing director Alex Machin

Top: Equilibrium faux fur bags from Joe Davies.

Above right: An animal print scarf design from Miss Milly.

Above: All wrapped up: gift sets from Katie Loxton.

Centre: Hot Tomato’s new animal themed hairbands.

Fun Footwear Also upping the ante in the fashion accessories sector are gift socks, with Sock Academy’s brand, United Oddsocks, adding to the festive spirit with a new Christmas range of gift boxes for adults and children.

Other new launches include a Happy Birthday gift box as well as a brand new collaboration with social media artist.Sketchy Nelly. “We will be launching Purrfect, a gift set of socks for cat lovers, featuring mismatched socks within the United Oddsocks brand,” confirms Sock Academy’s deputy commercial director Claire Catlin.

Right: Santa Banta from the Sock Academy.

fabric wrapped Alice bands, sparkly bobby-pins and clips - the more the merrier according to social media. It’s a definite trend!”

Joe Davies’ buyer Mary Caputo highlights that another trend for Autumn/Winter is colour blocking, which continues to feature strongly, with the look highlighted in the Joe Davies’ new Equilibrium fashion accessories collection. “Products feature cosy, colourful wraps and gloves with blocks of colour or vibrantly coloured fingers,” explains Mary. She adds that faux fur will also be key for the second half of the year adding a touch of luxury to the collection.

As Sarah Watmore, managing director of Miss Milly, points out, there is a lot of warmth to the Autumn/winter fashion palette. “Dark red will be strong until the end the year mutating into duskier, terracotta shades for early in 2020,” she confirms.

“Additionally, animal print is still big news.

For the first time, we have introduced designs to our new scarf collection featuring heavier winter-weight products.”

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but gifts for the guys too

Special gifts for special guys Home & Gift 14-17 July Stand DP3-13 www.musicgifts.co.uk

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What’s New Progressive Gifts and Home highlights some of the latest Jewellery & Fashion Accessories to be showcased this month

Sentiment Lockets These brand new Equilibrium sentiment lockets bring a modern twist to the traditional locket. Plated in real silver and rose gold, they feature popular sentiment captions including Friends forever and “Love you to the moon and back”. The Equilibrium collection will be displayed in its entirety alongside the extensive Joe Davies range of gifts on the company’s stand at Home & Gift.

Everything will be available to order in Joe Davies’ trademark ‘little and often’ quantities with free delivery nationwide.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand E-18

Insects & Flowers Lila have introduced 20 stunning new jewellery designs to their best selling Zoe collection. Each one is a tiny work of art designed by Jane Miller, featuring little insects and flowers in bright enamel colours and tiny crystals .The Zoe collection is a proven best seller, competitively priced, beautifully boxed and with great POS support. It offers something different and lovely that will both delight and charm your customers.

Contact Frank Ross or Jane Miller Tel: 01582 841158, Email: sales@lilajellery.co.uk www.lilajewllery.co.uk

Perfect Poppies Lila’s poppy collection continues to surpass expectations, with increasing sales and great customer feed-back all year round. The public are more aware than ever of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces, and this year there is the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings , Armed Forces Day and remembrance Sunday in November.

So far we have raised over £174,000 through the sale of our poppy jewellery for SSAFA and Combat Stress,

Contact Frank Ross or Jane Miller.

Tel: 01582 841158, Email: sales@lilajellery.co.uk www.lilajewllery.co.uk

Celebrating 20 Years This year, Carrie Elspeth celebrates 20 years of supplying beautifully handmade jewellery to delighted customers all over the UK and Ireland. Since 1999, it’s been of paramount importance to Carrie that her jewellery continues to be handmade in the UK and that she provides an exceptional level of customer service to complement the high quality and colourful designs.

Three new collections are designed each year, with Autumn 19 seeing the launch of one of Carrie’s most colourful, vibrant collections yet, that’s crammed with luscious semi-precious gems and gorgeous Czech glass.

After the huge success of her wellbeing range of jewellery, which includes over 30 different Gemstone bracelets, Carrie has added new gemstones for the autumn season. Designed for collecting and great for stacking, these beautiful charm bracelets come in an organza gift bag with a card explaining the properties of the semiprecious stones.

There is also an extensive range of PoS merchandise and gorgeous packaging which together make the perfect gift. Get in touch for our latest full-colour catalogue.

Inspired

By Cornwall Sea Gems launches new designs across its unique silver jewellery and gift ranges for summer 2019, designed in Cornwall and inspired by the iconic Cornish coastline and landscape. Featuring stunning new silver jewellery designs evoking the textures and colours of the beach, tide and ocean, beautifully combining turquoise, lapis lazuli and paua shell into majestic waves, weathered pebbles and rock pools. New Celtic silver designs, set with semi–precious stones, interlaced with intricate knot work, capture the rich and ancient heritage of Cornwall’s past.

Sea Gems Tel: + 44 (0)1736 335840 Email: sales@seagems.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall C Stand C15

Carrie Elspeth Tel: 01446 771271 Email: sales@carrieelsepth.com www.carrieelspeth.com Home & Gift: Hall DP1 Stand D60

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Poppy oppy Collection 10% of rrp shared with these charities

Choose from over 50 designs Call: 01582 841158 Email: sales@lila.jewellery.co.uk www.lilajewellery.co.uk SDW4057_GiftFocusHalfPageAdvert.pdf

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What’s New Progressive Gifts and Home highlights some of the latest Jewellery & Fashion Accessories to be showcased this month

Spirit Of Summer Our gorgeous new high summer collections were designed to encompass summer spirit that can be worn at home or on holiday. Inspired by palm trees and ocean breeze, our new straw pieces are perfect for channelling a chic summer style.

Choose between our natural straw woven bags and pouches or our Callie beach bags, finished with a sunny metallic touch.

Katie Loxton Tel: 01295 250 879 www.katieloxton.com

Faux Leather Purses We are loving these new Metallica purses just launched from Hot Tomato. Crafted in faux leather with an aged, vintage look, they cover all bases colourwise and further complement their growing range in this category. The smaller size (RRP: £14) has one side in silver and the other in gold.

The larger design (RRP: £17) features a 50/50 colour match to both sides – win, win we say!

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com www.hot-tom.com

Summer Sparkle Our high summer collections were inspired by chic summer moments, from golden days in the city to shimmering silver poolside reflections. Sure to give you a touch of summer sparkle our brand new summer ‘A Littles’ make the perfect gifts for every occasion. Finished with glimmering golden charms and lovely sentiments including Adventure Awaits and Happy Hour.

Joma Jewellery

Seasonal Colours Launching at Home & Gift, on stand DP3-8, will be Miss Milly’s gorgeous new Floria collection jewellery, with a stunning seasonal palette that includes hot orange, cranberry red and grape purple. A new foiled paper resin finish adds depth and sparkle, and the designs are as eye-catching and affordable as always. Miss Milly offers great quality and efficient, friendly service. £100 minimum with no MOQs. Branded packaging and display stands available. Register online for wholesale or call them.

Tel: 01582 841158, Email: sales@lilajellery.co.uk www.lilajewllery.co.uk

Silver Collection In 2020, The Music Gifts Company will be celebrating its 25th anniversary, and with this in mind, there is a wonderful new collection of silver jewellery. Each piece has been designed and created by the company’s new jewellery team and the results are amazing. They all come on sterling silver chains and are gift boxed. See these and all the latest new gifts exclusively at Home & Gift DP3-13.

Miss Milly Tel: 01905 622509 Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk www.missmilly.co.uk Home & Gift: DP3-8

Music Gifts Company Tel: 01202 57 00 57 Email: orders@musicgifts.co.uk www.musicgifts.co.uk Home & Gift: DP3-13

All Tied Up The Music Gifts Company has a long-standing reputation for producing some of the finest gifts for men, so for this year’s Home & Gift, there is a new collection of silk bow ties. At the same time, the packaging is being improved to a lovely gift box (recyclable). The company is also making strong moves towards recyclable packaging throughout their entire range.

See the full range only at Home & Gift DP3-13.

Music Gifts Company Tel: 01202 57 00 57 Email: orders@musicgifts.co.uk www.musicgifts.co.uk Home & Gift: DP3-13 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Gin Fizz Collection

Exclusively designed in-­‐house…the perfect Gin & Prosecco gift collection

HARROGATE HOME & GIFT – NEW STAND LOCATION: DP1-­‐C3

enquiries@ladedaliving.co.uk -­‐ 01242 250 653 – www.trade.ladedaliving.co.uk

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What’s New Progressive Gifts and Home highlights some of the latest Jewellery & Fashion Accessories to be showcased this month

Batman vs The Joker Batman’s most notorious arch enemy has to be The Joker - in fact, it’s hard to think about one without thinking of the other. This Batman split backpack shows off the fight between the two, while allowing fans to show off their devotion to the Dark Knight and The Joker fans love to hate.

It features a laptop insert inside, and padded back straps for extra comfort - perfect for when a utility belt just won’t do.

Bags Of Style Another year, another Harrogate, and another fantastic launch from Hot Tomato for the coming ‘golden quarter’ including these fabulous bags. Designed in house, with a wonderful retro feel, they come in five great colour combos, all flirting shamelessly with our love of nostalgia - camel with Racing Green featured! They form part of this great little company’s Genuinely Not Leather range, and offer up bags of style while being kind to our furry friends.

Hot Tomato Tel: 012254 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com www.hot-tom.com Home & Gift: DP1 – A1

BB Designs Tel: +44 (0) 1923 804 805 Email:customerservices@bbdesignsonline.com www.bbdesignsonline.com

Snuggly Snap Cuffs

Look The Part

Hot Tomato will be launching over 400 new lines for Harrogate including these fab, faux-fur Snap Cuffs. They pack flat – a huge plus if you’re thinking of posting your prezzies – and will brighten up the plainest of gloves/mitts at a whim. They are also really snuggly, simply worn as a cuff, and will keep those pesky drafts out. Matching scarves are also available - non-snap of course!

This brand new collection of reading glasses from Lesser & Pavey is sure to be an ‘eye catcher’ thanks to the range of colours, strengths of quality lenses and packaging on offer. Eye Sight reading glasses come in five assorted colours in a mix of strengths, from 1.0 - 3.5. Each design is supplied on a customer display unit which features an easy to use eye test to distinguish which strength is required, as well as a mirror to try on different colours.

Currently there are eight designs in the range, with more to come shortly for both ladies and gents. These quality reading glasses are also affordable with a RRP of £4.99+.

Hot Tomato Tel: 012254 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com www.hot-tom.com Home & Gift: DP1 – A1

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk

Colourful Fashion Gloves Colour-blocking is a key trend for Autumn/Winter 2019 and these stylish Equilibrium gloves from Joe Davies, (Home & Gift Stand Q-E18), featuring vibrantly coloured fingers and two-tone blocks of colour, are sure to hit the mark.

Complete with branded gift boxes, the gloves are perfect for those fashion conscious ladies among us. Ordering from Joe Davies couldn’t be easier with their signature ‘little and often’ ordering system and their low minimum order value of just £100 for free nationwide delivery.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand E-18

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In Profile: Hot Tomato

Hot Stuff From a tiny 2m stand at Home & Gift, Harrogate, in 2009, to a 33m square stand in 2019, Hot Tomato has graduated from selling silk scarves out of Vietnam to one of the sector’s leading jewellery and fashion accessories companies.

So what’s new for Autumn/Winter? With Christmas buying kicking off in July, Alex tells PG&H why she’s feeling starry eyed.

With her distinctive pink hair, and adorned in multiple layers of Hot Tomato’s quirky jewellery, Alex Machin has become a familiar face at trade shows, standing out from the crowd, rather like the company’s products.

A former gift agent, whose long career in gifts has spanned retail (managing shops and concessions for Jean Jeanie in the 1980’s), as well as repping, followed by buying and designing for Junction 18, Alex made a step change in 2007 by starting Hot Tomato with her husband Adrian.

“I wanted to reconnect with my roots,” explains Alex, who initially studied textile design. “I’m very creative and wanted to utilise my previous buying experience for a business venture of my own. I therefore went to Hong Kong, found a Vietnamese company making gorgeous silk scarves and brought hundreds back with me in an array of 24 colours.”

While continuing to work as a gift agent for companies such as One World Trading, she invested in a tiny, 2m stand at Harrogate’s Home & Gift show in 2009. “My principals were very supportive which was a

huge help, even though I was being run ragged at the time!” Alex recalls.

Luckily for Alex and Hot Tomato, the show was a runaway success, helped by two agent friends who joined her with the first tranche of silk scarves, selling them - as she did - from their car boots.

Today, the company offers some 1,500 different lines, with Alex spending a month each year in the Far East having built up long-term relationships with a myriad of suppliers. “I look for companies with a strong work ethic, as well as a low turnover of staff, which mirrors our own business and speaks volumes,” she points out.

“There is a lot of trust on both sides, and I

Top: Velvet Alice bands.

Right: Alex Machin, the co-founder of Hot Tomato.

Above: Animal print scarves.

A Few Of My Favourite Things Having been in the gift industry for over 30 years, Alex says that what she loves most are the shows. “It’s great to dust ourselves off and meet and greet all of our lovely customers, some of whom I’ve known for decades now!”

Looking back, she explains: “Growing up I was a real tomboy. However, as a grown-up, I love softening that side of myself with some uber feminine accessories and sparkle. Also, in gifts, people are exceptionally friendly, and I love the idea of growing my own business alongside that of my customers. It’s a real privilege. As suppliers, we have the same challenges as our customers - relative to scale - over ordering or under ordering stock. I like having that empathy with other businesses.

It keeps us grounded and has taught me so much along the way.”

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feel proud to have given one of our key suppliers their very first order.”

While Alex heads up the buying side and all things creative, Adrian looks after the day-to-day operations, assisted by Karen who runs the office, Sian who is in regular contact with customers, and Nigel who runs the warehouse.

(Interestingly, the eight agents who cover the UK and Northern Ireland still include the original friends who helped Alex get started in the early days).

Vintage style jewellery has become a cornerstone of the business alongside scarves and, more recently, hair accessories, as well as a niche collection of casual bags. (More of which later). “We are happy to turn our attention towards

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In Profile: Hot Tomato anything that’s fashion accessory related,” Alex states. “Being a small company we’re able to react quickly to trends and embrace new products.” A case in point are hair products. “We introduced some lovely sparkly bobby pins and hair clips a couple of seasons ago and have now extended these to include hair bands - pretty enough to be worn as bracelets. With Instagram showing girls wearing two or three hair accessories at a time, it’s helped drive sales which we anticipate will escalate in the run up to Christmas.”

Key to making these type of accessories giftable, Alex says it’s all about assisting the retailer through practical packaging, so the company has put them onto pretty cards. “It’s a

lovely gift to give someone, especially as the products retail for under £10,” she highlights. “For retailers, I think it’s important to keep that price point alive.”

Looking ahead to Home & Gift, and what the company will be unveiling, Alex says that star designs continue to be a big part of Hot Tomato’s Autumn/Winter collection. “For many years, hearts were one of our biggest sellers, but stars have overtaken them across the board and continue to be a brilliant seller. Brooches too, are big news with people using them to personalise hats and bags as well as outfits and lapels. It’s a great way to make something bespoke and unique.”

Also trending at Harrogate will be snakeskin patterns, evolving from the animal print trend. Key colour palettes include dirty mustard, khaki and berry shades. “All are hot property for the coming season, with Alice bands an additional hair accessory to keep an eye out for,” Alex highlights.

Plans are also afoot to launch an inaugural range of own brand totes in time for the

Alex Machin: The Lowdown l The words that best describe you? “Passionate, practical, creative and a grafter.” l Best piece of business advice you’ve received? “Honesty is the best policy.” l How do you like to relax? “I love sailing and photography. I also relax when I’m

working because I love what I do.” l Which one item would you take to a desert island? “A magnifying glass so that I

could start a fire to keep warm!”

show in black, grey, teal and camel, all with colourful accents. The bags will be exclusive to Hot Tomato and will further enhance the company’s point of difference.

Although Hot Tomato has a trade website, there is no desire to connect with end users. “Independent retailers are the lifeblood of our business so why would I compete directly with them?

It’s a question of trust,” Alex underlines, emphasising that she always does her buying with retailers in mind.

“We try and give our retailers a 2.6 mark-up as a starting point, and work everything out with that margin in mind.

Everything we do is based around how can we get the margin that our retailers need. Plus, our minimum order is still £250 and has been since we started out 12 years ago.”

Other ways in which Hot Tomato helps its customers - which include fashion outlets and lifestyle stores, as well as gift shops - is through point of sale ‘props’ to include the company’s earring sticks. “We happily pass on merchandising tips,” Alex explains. “If our retailers are successful then we are too. It’s all a part of what gives us and our customers the edge in a competitive market place. Plus, we’re a little bit quirky, and offer good product with good margin, with our success is rooted in offering the feelgood factor at a fair price.

The end user needs to feel great wearing Hot Tomato – we are a fashion company after all - but not guilty when they don’t wear

Left and bottom: Festive theme sparkly brooches.

Far left: Snake and star bracelets.

Below right: Snakeskin purses.

it. It all comes down to price.

Although feedback demonstrates that we have pieces that are worn time and time again, it’s nevertheless important to remember that our products are ‘of the moment’.”

So what’s in the pipeline for the next 12 months? “Doing more of the same and being the very best we possibly can,” smiles Alex.

Working on more bespoke products is also on the agenda.

“We also plan to re-invent our presence at trade shows in line with the seismic changes taking place at Spring Fair 2020, when Summerhouse - where we have exhibited for the past five years - will be moving to Hall 20 from Hall 8. The show will be going through a complete transformation and we want to take advantage of the

opportunity by re-launching ourselves, so exciting times!”

For now though, Alex’s thoughts are very much on July’s Home & Gift show, where the company will be back on stand A1 in Design Point 1. “I can’t believe that we’re coming up to ten years at the show,” Alex reflects. “We’ve come a very long way since we launched the company in 2007, and took that first tiny stand at Harrogate. Having evolved and grown to where we are now, I couldn’t be more excited about taking the company onwards and upwards.”

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Combining our knowledge of plant material, aromatherapy, and natural extracts, with skillful formulation techniques, every Faith in Nature product is crafted by our in-house experts

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In Profile: Xystos

Good, Better,

Best

In addition to making a major acquisition over the past year, and adding to its growing bath and body distributorships, Xystos has also continued to invest heavily in its own brand, Cello, which will take up a significant part of the company’s stand at Home & Gift this month.

So what else will Xystos be unveiling at the show? PG&H met up with director Tom Sykes ahead of Harrogate.

Left: Xystos director Tom Sykes with the company’s brand new Cello reed diffusers.

Below centre: A gift-led, striped Advent calendar from Winter in Venice.

Bottom: A Cello Hour Glass reed diffuser with essential oils.

soaps, shampoos and conditioners, award winning Grace Cole’s Signature and Luxury Bathing Company ranges as well as the Winter in Venice collections, with the brands offering everything from wellbeing to luxury, and across all price points.

“Grace Cole Signature and Di Palomo are at the luxury end of the market place, with The Luxury Bathing Company, a sub brand of Grace Cole, offering affordable gifting,” explains Tom. “Winter in Venice, meanwhile, is at the

It’s been ‘all change’ at Xystos over the past 12 months, which has seen the company part ways with American brand Village Candle when the company decided to set up its own UK division in January.

But on the upside, the past year has seen Xystos take on the distributorship of Shearer Candles in England, Wales and Ireland, and acquire bath, body and home fragrance company Di Palomo.

Last month, Xystos also took on the distributorships of three complementary bath and body brands - Faith in Nature, Grace Cole and Winter in Venice - which join not only Di Palomo but also The Naked Bee in the company’s bath and body portfolio.

“Our business is probably the most exciting it’s been for a long time,” enthuses Xystos’ director Tom Sykes. “We have introduced so much innovation that we couldn’t be more excited. With garden centres our biggest retail channel in terms of growth, bath and body is very definitely a growing sector for us, and we see it as one of key cornerstones of the business where we are looking at good, better, best,” says Tom. The company will be distributing Faith in Nature’s body and hand washes, handmade Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Cavendish French

Harrogate Home & Gift 14-17 July 2019 Stand DP1-B1 T: 0800 731 4389

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In Profile: Xystos premium end of the market with one of the stand out products for Christmas gifting being a striped boxed Advent calendar that opens out to reveal windows featuring a myriad of bath and body products.”

He points out that the strength of the bath and body category is that it is growing, it is giftable, it is self-giftable and it encourages repeat business.

“We believe that candles have reached their peak, with consumers now seeking out flameless products,” states Tom. But having said that, home fragrancing across the board is still vitally important to us and this includes having candles within our offer. But in relation to our own brand Cello, we are continuing to introduce more product in our flameless ranges.”

So what will the company be showcasing in Hall Q (stand C17) at Home & Gift? “We will have three collections of Cello reed diffusers, from entry level up to our sophisticated hour glass reed diffusers, which are spill proof - so therefore very safe to use in a home environment - with other flameless products including wax melts and burners, ultrasonic diffusers and essential oils. We will also be launching four new Cello essential oil gift sets that allow the user to use mixology to create the fragrances of their choice in our ultrasonic collection, through combining the different essential oils. What you find in the second half of the year is that people are prepared to spend more, so unit sales go up, with ultrasonic sales increasing substantially.”

In fact, over 50 new Cello lines are being unveiled at Harrogate, with the company also launching 10 fragrances in the Grace Cole Signature brand, along with line extensions to Di Palomo and The Naked Bee. This year, the Xystos stand will be split into three sections - bath and body, home fragrancing and gifting. “Our gift ranges will be running down the left, predominantly

Left: Grace Cole’s Luxury Bathing Company collection.

Below left: Among the vegan shampoos from Faith in Nature.

Below right: A Hamptons sentiment magnet from Splosh!

Bottom: Di Palomo’s bath and body set.

featuring our Splosh range of LED products, as well as sentiment gift ranges such as photo frames, plaques, pet gifts and novelty items,” Tom explains.

He says that, in recent years, garden centres have become a very strong retail channel for the company.

“They have become the new destination site, the equivalent of a department store but on one level, appealing to everyone from 16 to 60+, and, most especially, to those shoppers with a disposable income. Importantly, they offer people easy access and free parking. In fact, when we take on new distributorships, we have garden centres and heritage sites very much in mind, alongside independents.”

Is he seeing any product trends at the moment? “Yes, there is a very real interest in natural products,” he confirms. “This has been particularly highlighted by our collaboration with Faith in Nature - which is Made in the UK and also vegan and cruelty free - with all the company’s products made with 100% natural fragrance and with recycled bottles used where possible.

The company’s hand soaps can either be bought wrapped or unwrapped, with those consumers choosing the unwrapped version saving 20p on the RRP.”

Tom adds that all the brands that Xystos offer have a reason to exist in their categories, not only for consumers but also for retailers too. “With everything competing for space on the shelves, adjacencies are hugely important and we feel that our bath and body and home fragrancing categories successfully achieve this,” he emphasises.

Looking to the rest of the year, what else is in the pipeline for the company? “With the Cello range continuing to go from strength to strength, we will be making a further investment in terms of internal design. We will also be growing our existing portfolio and continuing to work closely with our customer base,” says Tom. As for export, in the longer term, there are plans afoot to take the Cello brand onto

an international stage. “Export is an area that we are continuing to explore as we have many international partners who are in a similar position with regard to the candle market place. They are showing a keen interest in our flameless products so that is definitely an area of the business that we will be taking very seriously.”

So will there be any new distributorships to come in the second half of the year? “We’re always open to talks,” smiles Tom. “We’re always looking to invest, acquire and grow but only with the right partners.”

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TRENDS

Reach For The Stars To tie in with the 50th anniversary of the moon landings in 1969, as well as a recent celestial revival on the fashion catwalks, look out for stars, moons and all things space orientated this Autumn/Winter.

Above: Celestial jewellery from Joe Davies’ Equilibrium collection.

Left: A Gift From The Gods’ Star Odyssey gift stationery.

Left: Sparkly starthemed brooches from Hot Tomato.

Below: Ready for take off, a personalised rocket from PMC. Left: A trendy moon and stars greeting card design from The Art File.

Right: Metal hanging stars with glass bead detail from Parlane.

Below: Stars in Jars from Boxer Gifts.

Left: Crumble & Core’s boxed jewellery-cum-greeting card features the moon and stars.

Below: A trio of light up moons from SIL/Temerity Jones.

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In Profile: Groovy UK

In The

Groove

For almost three decades, Groovy UK has been designing and producing giftware, fashion accessories and lighting for some of the biggest licences around, with Moomins, Frida Kahlo and Harry Potter just a few of the big names on the company’s licensing roster.

So, what’s next? Founder and creative supremo Monique Scott tells PG&H what will be taking the company forward into 2020.

In the past year, Groovy UK has launched seven licences - Frida Kahlo, Moomin, Jimmy The Bull, Mr Men Little Miss, Brandalised, Gudetama and Yoga Cats & Dogs - with the company looking to continued growth and development across the existing licences in the Groovy portfolio.

“For example, the trend for home cooking, and all the accessories that go with it, are a hot property,” explains the company’s founder and creative director Monique Scott, who studied fashion design at Loughborough Art College. “Nice homewares are becoming important - we all have our little ways of showing off – so we will be bringing out housewares ranges for Harry Potter and Top: New from Groovy, a Frida Kahlo minimalist skinny dip bag.

Centre: Monique Scott, founder and creative director of Groovy UK. Below: Frida Kahlo kitchen textiles.

some of our other licences too, to include Frida Kahlo which is a new and very hot licence for us.”

Interestingly, from a very young age, Monique always loved ‘characters’. “As a child, I had an active imagination and art was my favourite subject. Later on, a car company, Mini Metro, featured Batman and Robin on their TV adverts. The showrooms used standee cut-outs of the dynamic duo as their displays and, as a huge fan, I asked

my local showroom if I could have them when the campaign was finished. At the time, I was living in my first house and when the car showroom said I could, I painted the spare room grey with a Batman logo on the wall. It became known as the ‘Superhero bedroom’ and for me, it all seemed quite normal at the time!”

Once she’d graduated from art college, Monique set up her own studio designing wonderful creations that included evening dresses and wedding gowns. “But I had to find something that I had a passion for,” she explains, “and because I collected interesting décor pieces for the home, opening a gift shop – and going to Spring Fair to source additional products - seemed a great idea.

Subsequently, I started designing my own giftware, eventually discovering manufacturing in China. I guess my fashion background taught me well from start to finish and, as a result, Groovy was born.”

A bonus was that Monique quickly realised that licensing meant that the company had more protection from being copied. “And with such great movie heroes being a part of that, it became a natural fit,” she explains.

What Drives Me Having been in the licensing industry for almost three decades, Monique remains as enthusiastic, entrepreneurial and creative as ever. “What I love most about being in the licensing industry is the constant change,” she highlights. “The industry is so fast moving in so many ways, but when you land a hot licence it’s so exciting to think about brand new merchandise, to design it and then see it loved by retailers both on the high street and online.”

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In Profile: Groovy UK The company’s first licence was Rocky, with many others following in the ensuing years including Playboy, Hello Kitty, Batman, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Dr Who, Breaking Bad, Only Fools and Horses, Betty Boop, Suicide Squad, Marvel, Assassins Creed, Shaun The Sheep, DC Comics, Deadpool, Fantastic Beasts and Grumpy Cat. Now, almost 30 year on, Monique says that what she continues to love most about being in the licensing industry is the diversity. “I love how we can use our imagination every day, often inspired by someone else’s,” she enthuses. “Our heart is in design, so licensed giftware helps to give us a head start.

The concept of the company is ‘different by design’, and everything we do - our bath robes, slippers, lights, loungers and bags - is designed by our small but brilliant team of in house designers.”

Something else that continues to delight Monique is when a licence that the company has backed does well, especially when, in the beginning, no-one seems to have heard of it. “When it goes on to explode in popularity it’s a great feeling,” Monique smiles. “Breaking Bad was one of those.”

She adds that there’s also the thrill of designing a range of products based on a

Left: A Thanos bath robe.

Below right: A Golden Snitch wall light.

film before it premieres and then waiting to feel the energy when the movie rockets. “Avengers Endgame is a great example. It’s one of those thrilling films that gets everyone talking. I know that some of my team have been to see it multiple times, and the associated merchandise is proving hard to keep in stock! We now have Frida Kahlo too, which is superhot and on trend.”

Revealing what else continues to give the company its edge in a highly competitive market place, Monique says it’s down to the fact that the company spends a lot of time on originality and making everything fun and interesting. “The design team continually research new ideas so that we can keep developing and introducing something new every year. I also keep an ideas folder which is stuffed with interesting things. Some are really random, but every now and then one gets used for a concept, either for a product or in terms of marketing, so fortunately we’ll never run out of ideas!”

An Emotional Connection Having brought to market hundreds of licensed products, Monique reveals that the Look-ALite is her favourite. “We created it and it stands alone. It’s a cute fat light and makes me laugh every day, with my favourite being the Halloween collection - funny and horrible and totally my cup of tea! I have the Look-ALites on my shelves at home, so they’re out all year round, and it’s a perk of being the boss that I get to keep a set of samples whenever I choose!”

Below: A Monique favourite: Halloween Club Look-Alites.

Groovy’s Top 5 licenses 1. Harry Potter. (“It’s one of the most iconic franchises to come into being in the last 20 years, with millions of fans worldwide, across all ages. It continues to grow and remains our No. 1,” confirms Monique) 2. Star Wars 3. Marvel 4. DC 5. Frida Kahlo

On the export front, business is continuing to grow, with new territories on board. “We distribute all over the EU but Germany is our second biggest territory, with Spain hot on its heels following a new distribution strategy. We’ve also expanded to the USA, Australia and New Zealand where sales are really growing.”

Given that the past year or so has been very challenging - for example, the uncertainty over Brexit, and concerns about the economy - what challenges is the company currently facing? “High street

retailers continue to face turbulent times which, of course, does impact on us and all giftware manufacturers, but we are committed to supporting our fantastic retailers as much as we can and business is growing,” she highlights.

Monique sums up the company’s strategy for the next 12 months in a single word - growth. “We have recently recruited a sales director and a business development director, with both appointments paying real dividends in customer growth, both new and organic, adding diversity to our thinking for future licences and products. And, of course, we will be back at Spring Fair in February with our 6m ‘green tower’, so watch this space to see what will be new and exciting for 2020.”

She adds: “As a company it’s essential that we are always developing products and diversifying our ranges to keep ahead of the game while ensuring that quality and unique elements remain the key to our success.”

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Visit the Portmeirion Home & Gift stand at the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival 14th-17th July 2019

Stand M2.

Portmeirion, Spode, Royal Worcester, Pimpernel and Wax Lyrical are registered trade marks of Portmeirion Group www.portmeiriongroup.com | Copyright © 2019 Portmeirion Group UK Limited

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Spotlight On... Glassware

That’s The

Spirit !

Below left: Tradestock’s His Lordship and Her Ladyship glasses.

Bottom left: Cheers Crystal glassware

by Mikasa from KitchenCraft.

Bottom right: Dartington’s Wine Time.

One of the biggest trends in glassware is individual glasses for specific drinks, with gin still out in front, followed by rum, prosecco, cocktails and craft beers.

With that in mind, some of the leading suppliers share their views on what will be trending for Autumn/Winter.

“Individual style is coming through strongly, and although gin, and spirits in general - with rum on the rise - are still very on trend, the likes of prosecco, wine, cocktails and craft beers are still in there,” highlights KitchenCraft’s marketing and PR manager Katrina Lawton. “What makes these drinks a little different can be the glassware they are served in - very drink or drink style specific.”

She adds that people are no longer looking to have pristine matching glassware but are veering towards individuality and quirky style, as can be seen with the company’s new Cheers crystal glassware collection from Mikasa.

“The collection is precision-etched with different complementary designs, such as dots, lines and swirls, meaning that guests can easily identify their own glass,” Katrina explains. “Plus, glasses such as the stemless martini are also great for serving food such as canapés and desserts,” she points out.

Tradestock’s managing director Keith Nye concurs that there is a strong trend towards spirits, whether on-the-rocks, with mixers or as a cocktail base. “Gin has obviously been a massive trend over the last few years and remains so, especially

highlighted by the vast number of smaller gin distilleries that have sprung up across the country. That said, rum is up there and fast becoming the trend of the moment, again with many new brands from smaller distilleries popping up everywhere.”

He highlights that that, in line with the trends, there is a strong drive for drink-specific glasses. “It means you can have a particular glass that suits the drink you want,” he explains.

“With these trends in mind, last year we introduced our Raising Spirits concept which includes a mix of glassware in a variety of drink specific shapes and capacities.

Within the range are our decorated Ladies and Gentleman’s gin glasses which have gone on to be recognised best sellers.”

The company has recently followed up on this success with the launch

of His Lordship and Her Ladyship glasses which can be used as special gin glasses, although they are equally suited to any drink of the moment, from gin, spritzers and rum or to wine. “These qualities highlight another emerging trend for more multifunctional glassware, especially when it doubles up as a glass for drinks or food,” states Keith.

Dartington meanwhile, has expanded its best-selling single glass gift concepts, adding Aspect and Wine Time to the collection. “In the same way that people have their favourite coffee mug at home or at work then why not a favourite glass?” says director Richard Halliday. “A glass that has a personal element makes a great gift and will be used and appreciated by the receiver. For Aspect we have tried to reflect the most popular gifting themes and interests while Wine Time was developed following the huge success of Gin Time, a series of single G&T glasses with gin related sentiments. In their different ways, the packaging and presentation is very much part of the design too.”

Mike Holmes, director, The DRH Collection, points out that gin glasses work almost all year round - summer for selfpurchases and, in the run up to Christmas, as gifts. “Beyond this it’s metallics - both the golds and silvers reflected in Anston Studio Design’s SoHo range, along with coloured metals which can be seen on our new Alpine range from Artland.”

With mixed metals currently a strong trend in homewares, Parlane’s head buyer, Matthew Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... Glassware

Baldock, highlights that the company has paired glass and metallic in the past with great results. “In line with the Art Deco influence currently present in interior fashion, we have developed a range of occasion glassware with the classic flute, cocktail and coupe style glasses decorated with metallic bases which adds a splash of glamour,” he points out.

At Rayware, the company says that the trend for entertaining at home has become more popular in recent times, with people opting to invite friends and family over for small gatherings and cocktail parties to save money and test out their mixology skills at

home. “That means they need the right equipment for the job, and this has inspired Ravenhead to add to its extensive collection of cocktail glasses,” says the company’s UK trade marketing co-ordinator Diana Halim.

“The Entertain range, which includes a large selection of glassware, from gin balloons to margarita glasses, and everything in between, is ideal for experimenting with homemade drinks, or for gifting to friends for their home bars, with the Spritz and Mojito glasses the latest additions to the collection.”

Also new from the company is the Kilner stackable storage jar with a dispensing tap, which allows the host to serve two different liquids in tandem, such as gin and tonic.

As Phil Atherton, group sales and marketing director at Portmeirion points out, with staying in the new going out, the drinks trolley continues to be a hot furniture piece, and in turn, a coordinated but eclectic mix of glassware is key to achieving the feel of a trendy bar in the home.

The company’s pieces include on trend coloured, ombre glassware from both Spode and Portmeirion.

A comprehensive collection of glassware in a green colourway Top left: DRH’s SoHo collection from Anton Studio Design.

Top right: Spode’s Kingsley glassware.

Above left: Ravenhead Entertain spritz glasses.

Left: Rose champagne glasses from Parlane.

Right: Lesser & Pavey’s Let’s Party range.

Display: Top Tips For Retailers l “Glassware should always be well lit and displays kept dust-free, and it is vital that some

items are displayed out of the box to allow customers to see and appreciate the product.

Coloured glassware works best on a lighter background and can be grouped together to create visual impact. “ Richard Halliday, director, Dartington l “Glassware is inherently giftable and looks great on display in store. Using good lighting that bounces off the glass will encourage the pieces to shine and stand out, and a well thought out display overall will immediately illustrate the value of the product.” Phil Atherton, group sales and marketing director, Portmeirion Group l “For the customers’ benefit, retailers need to display a set of glasses outside of their packaging so that customers can see and feel the quality. Putting something into a setting is always useful and sparks customers’ imaginations.” Matthew Baldock, head buyer, Parlane.

complements Portmeirion’s Atrium collection, while plum coloured glasses feature in the Spode Kingsley collection.

“The design inspiration behind the Atrium collection draws from the idea of bringing the outdoors in with the subtle green ombre design climbing the glass to give the impression of growth,” explains Phil, “while the deep plum colour of Spode’s Kingsley glassware follows the rich colour palette of the collection that showcases Spode’s heritage. Both glassware collections enable the consumer to change the entire look of a table or make a statement during pre-drinks.”

Meanwhile, with weddings in mind, Lesser & Pavey has introduced a range of glassware with a celebratory vibe. “The glasses are part of our new Let’s Party range which include Mr and Mrs wine glasses, flutes, gin glasses, coupes and stemless glasses,” explains managing director Julian Hunt. Additional glassware in the collection features crystal clear diamante glasses with wording in silver and gold.

With the all-important run-up to Christmas on the horizon, it seems there’s a glass and a drink for everyone. Cheers!

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In Profile: BlissHome

Bold&Beautiful For Mike and Gabrielle Bliss, co-founders of housewares company BlissHome, the world of licensing first opened up to them in 2002 when they were approached to design a range of gift-led kitchenware in collaboration with award winning designer Sebastian Conran for cookery writer Nigella Lawson.

The rest, as the saying goes, is licensing history. Today, the company is proud to be a licensee for 2015’s Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, award winning restaurateur Rick Stein and Scandi-inspired Scion Living.

So what will be taking BlissHome into 2020?

Last October’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) was a hugely exciting one for BlissHome’s founders Gabrielle and Mike Bliss. Having been introduced to cook, broadcaster and author Nadiya Hussain by Ian Downes of Start Licensing the previous year, the show saw the first official unveiling of her Make Life Colourful brand which was subsequently launched to consumers on November 7.

Nadiya herself made a personal appearance at the show, taking part in a Q & A where she explained to visitors how the collaboration had come about and her personal input into the design of the range.

Enthusing about how the range evolved, she recalled: “We had lots of meetings in my kitchen, drinking tea, eating cake and talking colours and patterns. I was completely hands

A Family Affair Mike and Gabrielle say that a highlight for them was seeing their eldest daughter Imogen, a psychology graduate, join the company in 2012, having spent three years working as a freelance stylist for editorial and commercial photoshoots at Living Etc. Explains Mike: “Imogen is now BlissHome’s sales director and is also involved in new product development.”

on from the very start. What’s been important has been finding the right people. I have been working in collaboration with Ian Downes of Start Licensing who has the licensing knowledge with our two sides - myself and BlissHome working really well together. My homeware range for the company took around a year to design and develop but we now have something that we can be really proud of. It was important that we didn’t have a flash in the pan, and every aspect, from shapes to colours to patterns has been a work in progress.”

As Mike Bliss, co-owner of BlissHome concurs: “Nadiya was very hands on with the Top and right: Tableware products in Nadiya’s Make Life Colourful collection.

Below: Rick Stein’s Coves of Cornwall range will have new products added this year.

development, helping to select colours, patterns and finishes. The collection is an example of how the licensing process is changing with creativity at the forefront of the business.”

The range was inspired by Nadiya’s love of vibrant colours and tactile designs, the result of her passion to produce something beautiful and handcrafted that can be used every day. Currently, it features eight different designs across the full tableware range, as well as kitchen candles, aprons, oven gloves, tea towels and spice racks. There are

tapas bowls too, for dips and nibbles. Plus, giving the apron a point of difference, is the fact that it has been designed with a crossback to save the hassle of tying it.

With Christmas gifting in mind, home fragrancing too, is a part of the collection. There are five different designs in the candle range which feature ‘tasty’ fragrances such as gingerbread and cinnamon, lime zest and verveine and basil, and patchouli and geranium.

As with everything Nadiya does, there’s a twist of family involved too. Textiles - the apron and tea towels - have been designed with a signature Talipot Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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In Profile: BlissHome

A Groundbreaking Start

palm leaf which evokes memories of her grandfather who has one planted in his garden in Bangladesh, with the palm tree only flowering every 100 years.

So will BlissHome be extending the Nadiya Make Life Colourful collection? “Yes, we will be adding some new lines in for AW19 including a pestle and mortar, a set of four eggcups, a set of four measuring cups and a teapot,” confirms Mike.

Mindful of always using licensing in a careful and considered way, BlissHome also offers a stylish, contemporary tableware range produced in collaboration with Rick Stein. “The concept for Coves of Cornwall came from a competition we held with Rick and Sarah Stein at Falmouth University in 2015, when we

tasked the students across a range of disciplines to design a beautiful but commercial collection that embodies Rick Stein’s values and sense of place. Coves of Cornwall was the winning entry and was developed by five students who worked collaboratively to come up with the concept.”

Continues Mike: “The designs celebrate Cornish locations and emphasise Rick’s connection with the county. It’s an example

Top: Scion Living’s Marty Moose candle set.

Above: Also from Scion Living, a set of three Pedro Penguin dishes.

Left: BlissHome’s design-led Fabbro X range.

Below: A selection of BlissHome’s Creatures collection.

BlissHome: The Lowdown l Bliss Home started out in 1978 as

Woody Enterprises, a company manufacturing wooden clocks, postcards and gifts. l In 1984, it was renamed Bliss Flights of Fancy to reflect the company’s iconic daffodil and tulip lights. l In 2004, following a licensing partnership with Nigella Lawson and Sebastian Conran, the company was rebranded as BlissHome. l In addition to the UK market, the company also exports to Europe, North America, China and Australia.

of licensing being used to help shine a light on new design talent, and we are extending the Coves of Cornwall collection with more bone china lines including espresso cups, tea cups and saucers, a butter dish, a teapot, eggcups and storage jars.”

A third licence in the BlissHome portfolio is Scion Living.

“For AW19, we will be launching some fresh new concepts from the Scion design team including Pedro Penguin and Marty Moose,” Mike highlights. “These designs will cover a range of products that include candles, hit water bottles, neck warmers, cosmetic bags, tote

In 2002, Mike and Gabrielle were approached to design a range of kitchen products for Nigella Lawson in collaboration with Sebastian Conran. “This award winning range, Living Kitchen, was the first of its kind in the homewares industry,” explains Mike. “In terms of contemporary design for the home, nothing really existed so it was a ground breaking concept. From the early days with Nigella, we have subsequently held licences with The Hairy Bikers, London Underground, Joules, Emily Bond, Hiroko Takahashi and Orla Kiely.”

bags, slippers, ear muffs, umbrellas, glasses cases, keyrings and money boxes with John Lewis & Partners carrying the whole collection.”

Of course, licensed product is not the only string to BlissHome’s bow. The company is currently achieving great success through its collaboration with a small Italian ceramics factory with whom it has created a quirky range of large serveware called Creatures. It’s proving to be extremely popular, as is the Fabbro X BlissHome range which has a more design-led feel.

Having been in the licensing industry for some 15 years, Mike emphasises that changes in licensing for the home have been exponential. “It has changed from characterled merchandise to more sophisticated design-led collections,” he states, adding though, that he believes the market place per se is oversubscribed. “There are weak brands and a lot of varied competition,” he observes.

Mike reveals that what he loves most about being involved in licensed homewares is, “designing, finding and successfully selling new products.” However, he’s reluctant to divulge which new licences will be taking the company forward over the next 12 months. “Watch this space!” he says with a smile. “But what I can tell you is that we will be continuing to bring out further bold, beautiful and interesting products for the contemporary home.”

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Spotlight On... Nursery/Children’s

Shades Of Grey is the colour when it comes to the trendiest nurseries and accessories, so say the leading giftware suppliers.

Sustainable wooden toys too, are going to be big news for retailers in the run-up to Christmas.

“Millennial parents are really driving the trends now with their sense of style and interest in interiors,” confirms Anthony Temple, managing director of Rainbow Designs. “Neutral colours are proving extremely popular in the nursery setting, with many of our ranges really embracing the new neutrals to include grey.”

He continues: “Both our Classic Winnie the Pooh Hundred Acre Wood and Guess How Much I Love You collections of nursery toys and essentials are thriving, not only because of the sentiment and attachment to

the well-known classic characters, but also because of the natural colour palette that make these ranges suitable for everyone.”

Steve Davies, managing director of Joe Davies, concurs. “The nursery/children’s market is trending more and more in line with general home décor, with grey and white dominant for Autumn/Winter 2019. The traditional pink and blue nursery colours remain popular, but with the nursery becoming increasingly fashion-led, grey and white will be driving sales for the second half of the year.”

New for the coming season is the company’s Modern Grey baby collection of

handprint and footprint frames, together with other new additions which include photo frames, a ‘my first year’ collage frame and clip style frames. Highlights Steve: “Clip frames are trending massively this year and will be a key feature of not only our nursery collection but also our sentiment and general photo frame selections too.”

Sue Grant, marketing manager at Widdop and Co agrees that the neutral colour scheme is now the most popular colour palette for baby gifts and the nursery. “The neutral nursery gives a great blank canvas in which to create a more timeless look which won’t need redecorating once the child reaches an older age,” she points out.

Above: PMC’s new Baby Moon and Stars design.

Below: Joe Davies’ Modern Grey baby collection of handprint and footprint frames.

Below left: That’s Not My... plush from Rainbow Designs.

Below centre: Jungle Baby is brand new from Widdop and Co.

In line with the trend towards neutrality, the company’s Bambino’s colour scheme has had a makeover, with Widdop introducing a more timeless, classic crisp white and soft grey palette. The brand also features its most extensive range of furniture and nursery accessories, including rocking horses and cushions, as well as rabbit, bear and elephant plush items ranging from toys to play mats as well as a ‘my first bath robe’ range.”

Additionally, the company’s Petit Cheri collection will also be unveiling new additions, staying with a gentle pastel pink and blue for a neutral nursery, while Jungle Baby is a brand new collection from the company featuring cute animals.

Also seeing contemporary trends for homewares blending seamlessly into the nursery and children’s gift market is the Personalised Memento Company (PMC) which has recently launched a new Baby Moon and Stars design reflecting the trend.

“With the added speciality of personalisation, combined with the soft greys and muted tones, the range is suitable for any gender and ties into the ongoing homeware trends,” says new product development manager Cara Beech.

However, there’s plenty of colour too, in the company’s brightly coloured digger range where items include a plastic plate and cutlery set. “For Autumn/Winter, there seems to be a continuation of the appreciation for classic Christmas tales and imagery,” continues Cara. “Therefore in keeping with this theme, and launching later this year, will be a brand new Nutcracker design featuring a range of familiar bright characters.”

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Spotlight On... Nursery/Children’s Rex London’s nursery/children’s collections too, will also be offering a bright range of gifts and accessories. “For 2019/2020 we will be going big on party accessories – dinner and drinkware as well as a selection of piñatas based on a selection of our popular illustrated characters,” confirms the company’s head buyer Candy Smith. “Also, we are continuing to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the moon landings with new Space Age themed crafting and puzzle kits for older children who love their sci-fi. Plus, we’ve also introduced new Excavation kits for budding scientists.”

Above: Lesser & Pavey’s new Bird and Ellie range.

Below left: Musical boxes from Rex London.

Below right: Signature Gifts’ baby record book and elephant plush.

for plush toys as additions to our popular personalised children’s books, so we now have a range of gift sets that contain a book and a relevant toy, packaged together inside a handcrafted gift box,” explains David Morris, copywriter and PR executive at Signature Gifts. Also available from the company are licensed gift sets that include a Winnie-the-Pooh plush toy and book, and a Milly & Flynn baby record book with a Steiff elephant plush toy.

From baby gifts to gifts for young children, there’s clearly a big choice for retailers ranging from trendy and contemporary to the more traditional, proving this is a product sector that is ‘growing up’!

Lesser & Pavey too, has introduced two new ranges for Autumn/Winter: the Mad Dots Baby range (licensed from Hearts Design), and the new Bird and Ellie elephant range, designed by the company’s in-house design team. “This range is more extensive in offering photo frames, my first money bank, memory box, bamboo feeding set and trinket box as well as fine china two handle cup to be used as the baby grows up,” confirms Lesser & Pavey’s managing director Julian Hunt.

Plush meanwhile, is going from strength to strength. “We have seen a rising demand

Eco-Friendly Credentials With most consumers keen to avoid plastic products there is a big move towards baby and children’s products that offer sustainability.

“More and more gift retailers are focusing on buying products that are responsibly produced, with a continuously growing demand from consumers for sustainable children’s toys and gifts,” states Joelle Engolia, senior marketing executive at Wild & Wolf. “Petit Collage’s AW19 collection is continuing its ethos of creating eco-friendly children’s products while simultaneously hitting key trends for the season to include classic wooden toys featuring vibrant colour accents balanced with pastels, such as the company’s Alphabet wooden blocks and chunky wood puzzles.”

Concurs Lauren Woodsford, trade marketing and online manager at House of Marbles: “We’re currently seeing a lot more demand for non-plastic toys, with classic wooden toys looking to be a key trend for Autumn/Winter. The Above: Wooden animal clackers from House of Marbles.

Left: Petit Collage is distributed by Wild & Wolf. Shown is a chunky lion wooden tray puzzle.

Right: Enesco’s Toy Story 4 bamboo egg cup set.

revival of nostalgic toys continues to be very popular as well,” she adds. “Parents love to share the toys and games they played with as a child, especially as they also help cut down on screen time and encourage children to use their imaginations.”

For Autumn/Winter, the company is launching a vibrant collection of wooden animal clackers and a compendium of games presented in a retro-inspired gift box.

At Enesco, products made out of bamboo will be a key driver. Explains Helen Cottrill, marketing director: “Our exclusive Beatrix Potter baby collection is already available in store, with a brand new Peppa Pig gift collection hitting the high street this month featuring organic bamboo functional products such as bibs, tabards and drawstring bags.”

Meanwhile, with Christmas in mind, the company has also added a small seasonal offering, a Christmas Eve set, a bauble and a Christmas sack. Also new for Christmas from Enesco will be product tying in with Toy Story 4. “It’s set to be a big hit this Autumn and we have added products featuring new characters Ducky, Bunny and Forky,” confirms Helen.

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What’s New Progressive Gifts and Home highlights some of the latest Children's & Nursery gift products to be showcased this month

Family Mug Collection Hot on the heels of the growing ‘Twinning’ trend, Enesco has unveiled a brand new Peter Rabbit Mummy, Daddy and Me mug gift set into its Beatrix Potter collection.

Retailing with an SRP of £25, the Mummy and Daddy mugs measure 9.5cm in height, whereas the Me mug is a smaller 8cm. The collection is made from new bone china and presented in a branded gift box with a window, making it the perfect gift for a growing family, or a lovely keepsake to mark the birth of a child.

Wizard Backpack Going to Hogwarts, instead of a normal muggle school - any kid would dream of doing just that! The Harry Potter Kids printed backpack has been designed to look just like a backpack that Harry Potter could have carried all his spell books and wand in while he learned magic. Featuring a zip top opening and laptop case insert, it is practical enough to keep muggles happy but fantastic enough to satisfy the wizard in all of us.

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

BB Designs Tel: +44 (0) 1923 804 805 Email:customerservices@bbdesignsonline.com www.bbdesignsonline.com

Peppa’s Christmas Collection Enesco is proud to present brand new Christmas items in its licensed Peppa Pig collection. It includes a Peppa Pig bamboo Christmas Eve set, Peppa Pig Christmas bauble, and Peppa Pig Christmas sack – perfect for your customers’ Christmas Eve preparations while waiting for Santa to arrive.

Featuring festive tones of reds and greens across the whole collection, items in the Peppa Pig Christmas collection retail with SRPs between £9.95 and £15.

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

Brand New For Baby This is brand new range from Lesser and Pavey is part of the Mad Dots Baby range licensed from Hearts Design Gallery. Pink and blue, the range features the wording 'hello Baby Girl' and 'hello Baby Boy'. Another new range features a charming elephant character in the new Bird and Ellie range designed by the in-house Lesser and Pavey design team. It features delightful illustrations of an adorable young elephant sat holding a love heart of pink or blue. The main illustration is surrounded by images of warmth and love in hearts, happiness and bird song, all welcoming the new arrival. This range is more extensive, offering photograph frames, my first money bank, memory box, bamboo feeding set and trinket box as well as a fine china two handle cup to be used as the little one grows up..

Baby Soother GUND is proud to introduce a new iteration of its bestselling Sleepy Seas Sound and Light Whale. Previously measuring 18cm tall, this new smaller version measures 13.5cm x 12.5cm x 19cm, and features a hook and loop fastener for easy attachment to a stroller, car seat and more.

Press the music icon to hear 20 minutes of continuous soothing sounds, while circles of light glow from within the whale’s cheeks creating a soothing ambience. Surface washable and suitable for babies from birth it retails with an SRP of £22.

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

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month

Forget Thumb Twiddling

Funky Prosecco Straws 100% recyclable, these unique, funky straws make a statement at any party. Decorated with white printed bubbles and text that reads Prosecco Time! With 50 in each pack, who knew saving the planet could be so stylish?

Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxerwholesale.com

Our magnetic Twiddle pen makes the perfect gift for anyone that can’t sit still. The unique design gives its users multiple twiddle features that are guaranteed to keep any fidgeting needs fulfilled.

Perfect for relieving the boredom of mindless meetings or lectures!

Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com

Pocket Money Gift Grow a T-Rex with this fun, novelty toy! Simply pop this baby dinosaur into water and watch how he grows six times bigger and up to 50cm tall! A perfect gift for a dinosaur fanatic, and a brilliant pocket money spend.

Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxerwholesale.com

Colourful Childhood Give the gift of happy memories with a bright, beautiful childhood record book from Colour Chronicles. Deemed as the continuation of the baby book, this stylish childhood memory book is to be filled out once a year from age one through to 16. It prompts delightful answers from the child and their grown up, preserving the years, building into a lasting treasury to be looked back on and jog happy memories of childhood. Available in six rainbow colours, there’s a book for everyone.

Colour Chronicles Tel: 07880 558888 Email: hello@colourchronicles.com www.colourchronicles.com

Inspired By Amalfi’s Coastline Dolce Vita is inspired by the beauty and vibrancy of Italy’s Amalfi coast portrayed in the cult 1960’s film by Federico Fellini. This citrusy, woody fragrance opens with fresh vibrant, bergamot, lemon, mandarin and orange, leading to a floral, aromatic heart of jasmine, rose, rosemary and sage. A base of patchouli, vetiver, amber and musk lies beneath, adding the perfect end to this fragrant journey along this picturesque Italian coastline.

Sandy Bay London Tel: +44 (0) 1992 579 949 Email: enquiries@sandybaylondon.com www.sandybaylondon.com

Men’s Fragrances Customers are loving the three fabulous new fragrances introduced by Sandy Bay’s unique Gentlemen’s Club Collection for 2019. Dolce Vita, inspired by the beauty and vibrancy of Italy’s Amalfi coast, portrayed in the cult 1960’s film by Federico Fellini; Hemmingway, created to depict the vibrant, sensuous Cuban Capital of Havana, a regular haunt of Earnest Hemmingway during his writing days, and Espionage, a dark sultry fragrance of Russian leathers and dark woods, intense and glamourous, but with a dark side.

Sandy Bay London Tel: 01992 579949 Email: enquiries@sandybaylondon.com www.sandybaylondon.com

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month

We’ll Drink To That In response to growing customer demand, contemporary gift retailer Enesco is proud to present a new range of Copa gin glasses from Lolita, featuring her signature style of bright bold colours with ‘blinged-up’ embellishments. The four new glasses launching the collection are Butterfly, Ladybug, My Drinking Garden and Dragonfly, which measures 20cm and is presented in a branded gift box. With an SRP of £28, this new gin glass, along with other items in the Lolita collection, is available to order via the website.

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

Around the World A new quality range, World Traveller, comes from Lesser & Pavey and includes coasters, placemats, trays, a wash bag, passport holder, reading glasses case and fine china mugs. It also includes an ecofriendly bamboo travel mug, bamboo lunch box, recycled shopping bag and lunch bag. The artwork is designed by the Lesser &Pavey’s in-house design department so is exclusive. All ceramics are packed in premium gift box packaging for display and to eliminate breakages.

Harry Potter Homewares With cooking so on trend what better than to have a range of kitchenware to show off to your friends.

Groovy has created a Harry Potter collection which include cotton tea towels, aprons, oven gloves, coasters and placemats incorporating Hogwarts and the House logos. The extensive new ranges also carry bathrobes, slippers, bags, keyrings, pins and lighting in Platform 9 ¾, Hedwig the Owl, Love Potion, Patronus, Quidditch, The Golden Snitch, Dobby the House Elf & The Deathly Hallows. Groovy is a one stop shop for everything Potter shaped!

Groovy UK Tel: +44 (0)116 239 1105 Email:hello@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk

Personalised Garden Plaque The new personalised garden slate sign from the Personalised Memento Company makes the ideal gift for any green fingered gardener. Able to be proudly hung outside or inside, its colourful array of icons are sure to make it shine wherever it’s displayed. See PMC’s website for the full range of gardening gifts.

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

Gift For Wine Lovers The Personalised Memento Company’s new personalised wine bottle butler and glass holder is a great gift for any wine lover. What better way to present a bottle of wine to the table than with this classy gadget which is perfect for dinner parties or romantic meals for two. Available in a range of designs, there one to suit every occasion.

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

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Home & Gift, 14th-17th July, Harrogate

Big Cat Pictures Following the success of this stunning picture collection, Joe Davies has introduced even more images, with 21 to choose from. These on trend black and white images with pops of colour will make a striking impact in any home. All the pictures will be on show at Harrogate Home & Gift Show in Hall Q, so whether it’s animals or cities you are into, you won’t be disappointed.

Joe Davies’s minimum order is just £100 and carriage is free nationwide.

Past Time Clocks These appealing Past Time radio and TV clocks are brand new from Joe Davies and will debut with over 2500 new gifts on their spacious Hall Q stand at Harrogate Home & Gift. Reminisce with these charming clocks, in classic retro shapes, from years gone by. There are 16 designs in the series, all made from metal, with a vintage finish. They are all available in Joe Davies’ trademark ‘little & often’ quantities, enabling you to buy across the range without breaking the bank.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand E-18

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand E-18

A Mood Booster Infusion is a carefully designed range that is contemporary and trend-led, with the fragrances boosting wellbeing and transforming your mood, while the soft crackle of the alluring fire relaxes and soothes. Available in seven irresistible colours of diffuser and candles. Made in the UK.

Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall A Stand A32 Autumn Fair: Hall 20 Stand 20D61 Maison Object: Stand-Hall 5A–F44-G43

Fun ‘Brexit’ Vase Brexit – love it or loathe it - everyone has an opinion on it. With Transomnia’s new ceramic Brexit vase you can express your opinion simply by turning the vase one way or the other. V for Victory or …… The vase is designed to take single stems in each of the two fingers but could just as easily hold appropriate small flags instead. Allow your customers to express themselves on this very thorny subject with this fun, topical new vase from Transomnia.

Festive, Fun & Sophisticated Stoneglow has launched a new fragrance and colourway addition to its popular Seasonal Collection.

This range is aimed to be fun yet sophisticated for the festive period. These perfect gifts and stocking fillers are available in six chic fragrances and are made in the UK.

Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall A Stand A32 Autumn Fair: Hall 20 Stand 20D61 Maison Object: Stand-Hall 5A–F44-G43

Transomnia Tel: 01892 703660 Email: sales@transomnia.com www.transomnia.com Home & Gift: DP1-D41

Glass LED’s Transomnia’s range of glass LED products goes from strength to strength. Their LED glass fireballs were runner up in the Gift of the Year awards this February, and the range has been further enhanced by the addition of several new LED fairylight and starlight jars and bottles for the second half of the year.

The top-selling LED product in the range remains the Gift of the Year-winning LED bottle light kit, now available in a new variant with a charming rose gold metallic finish.

Transomnia Tel: 01892 703660 Email: sales@transomnia.com www.transomnia.com Home & Gift: DP1-D41

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Home & Gift, 14th-17th July, Harrogate

Gift For The Green-fingered Take a break from gardening and enjoy a cuppa in this Grow Your Own Way mug, a great gift for your green-fingered friends. This standard size mug is in the shape and style of a plant pot, and features the phrase 'Grow your own way' on its side and comes with a shovel teaspoon. A wonderful present for gardeners, the Grow Your Own Way mug is perfect for birthdays, Christmas and your next office Secret Santa.

Seriously Scented Expands Best Kept Secrets is delighted to announce the expansion of the Seriously Scented candle tin collection to include, among others, the delicious Plum Champagne. With a warm centre of cassis, and containing a delightful blend of may rose, lily and vanilla, this elegant addition is peppered with plenty of sparkle and glitter. Fifty hours burn time.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand A7

Paladone Tel: 01273 230037 Email: info@paladone.com paladone.com Home & Gift: DP1-21

Game Over Light This Game Over light brightens up any bedroom or gaming den.

Standing 30cm (12”) wide, this homage to the 8-bit gaming era is a retro-cool gift celebrating the big, brash and colourful early days of gaming culture.

Designed in classic early Game Over pixelated type font, the 'Over' part of the light changes colour - red to blue to green to purple - while the 'Game' remains white. USB powered (USB cable included).

Paladone Tel: 01273 230037 Email: info@paladone.com paladone.com Home & Gift: DP1-21

Glittering Diffusers Best Kept Secrets have had great success with their rattan diffusers and to add a bit of glamour they have now added a sprinkling of glitter to each.

Three new fragrances - Pink Pomegranate, Caspian Silk and Plum Champagne - complete the range.

These pretty diffusers are available in attractive 50 ml and 100ml bottles, lasting up to six months.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand A7

Trio Of Rich Florals You’re Howlarious is one of two inspired new designs Ashleigh & Burwood has introduced to their Wild Things collection. Snowflakes fall in a dance of glittering arabesque, scored by a howling chorus of icy wolves. Frosted notes of lemon sparkle from amid warm, aromatic cardamom while the rich scent of eucalyptus evokes a snow-dusted forest. The new fragrance is available in limited edition luxury Reed Diffusers and Scented Candles.

Ashleigh & Burwood introduces three rich florals to their wide collection of lamp fragrance this Autumn. Headlining the launch is Black Orchid.

The scent is described as darkly indulgent; the heady scent of velvet orchid flowers blooms at the heart of this fragrance. Sweetened by succulent black plums and cassis, rich and bitter notes of chocolate create a deep, decadent finish.

The new fragrances, which also include Rhubarb & Rose and Parma Violet, are available in 250ml and 500ml sizes.

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Home & Gift: B65

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Home & Gift: B65

Limited Edition

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Home & Gift, 14th-17th July, Harrogate

Licensed For Adventure Join the adventure with Half Moon Bay’s brand new Disney Pixar Toy Story 4 gifting range. Featuring the franchise’s newest characters Forky, Ducky and Bunny, the range of drinkware, stationery and accessories showcase some of Half Moon Bay’s best product formats. The collection includes standard, latte and travel mugs, an A5 notebook, set of 4 coasters, coin purse, travel pouch, keyring and a new format mini water bottle.

Recognisable quotes are featured on the products along with original character art and bright, block colours in a fun primary colour palette.

A Magical Christmas Experience the magic of Christmas at Hogwarts with Half Moon Bay’s new Hogwarts in the Snow range.

The company has launched new formats for Christmas gifting opportunities, adding to their ever-popular Harry Potter collection. Products include glitter filled snow globes, stockings complete with faux fur trim, mini hot water bottles, a Hedwig shaped hanging decoration and a set of four tree decorations. All products feature iconic Harry Potter design elements including the Hogwarts Crest, Marauder’s Map, Hedwig, Platform 9 ¾ and Dobby.

Half Moon Bay Tel: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk www.halfmoonbay.co.uk Home & Gift: Stands DP1-B33-C33 and DP1-C23

Half Moon Bay Tel: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk www.halfmoonbay.co.uk Home & Gift: Stands DP1-B33-C33 and DP1-C23

A Seasonal Gift Introducing a brand new sparkly Merry Christmas occasions candle and card from Pintail Candles. The hand poured candle is fragranced with the company’s bestselling cinnamon & orange scent while gold foil highlights have been added to the Christmas card for extra glitz and glamour. Retailing together for less than £7.50, this makes a fabulous seasonal gift at an accessible price.

Pintail Candles Tel +44 (0)15395 59007 Email: info@pintailcandles.com www.pintailcandles.com Home & Gift: Hall A Stand A10

Treats For Pet Lovers

Disney Villains Following the success of their Disney Classic mug collection featuring prominent good and evil Disney characters, Half Moon Bay has launched a brand new Disney Villains range, on show for the first time at Home & Gift. With a darker take on Disney, the range showcases iconic Disney villains such as Maleficent, Evil Queen, Cruella de Vil and Ursula. Formats include plastic and metal water bottles, Maleficent and Aurora heat changing mug and cosmetic bag, notebook and planner pad, keyring, 3D sculpted Maleficent accessory dish and Evil Queen mug complete with crown shaped lid.

Half Moon Bay Tel: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk www.halfmoonbay.co.uk Home & Gift: Stands DP1-B33-C33 and DP1-C23

Pet lovers will be delighted with what’s in store from Royal Worcester’s Wrendale Designs collection. This best-selling range is now available in a range of pet bowls and a dog treat jar. With the charmingly charismatic designs of Hannah Dale, all originally hand painted in watercolour, these additions will set tails wagging. Not forgetting the humans, more beautiful tableware, mugs and Christmas themed pieces add to this fabulous collection.

Portmeirion Group Email: homesales@portmeiriongroup.com www.portmeiriongroup.com Home & Gift: Hall M Stand M2

Christmas Collections Portmeirion’s celebrated collaboration with Sara Miller London evolves with a new line of eye catching and unique ceramic Christmas decorations each featuring a vibrant design that will add a little luxury to your Christmas tree. The much loved Christmas collections – Penguin and Geese – also see stunning new additions such as lidded bowls and trays.

And, as you would expect from Sara Miller London Portmeirion, the gift packaging is divine.

Portmeirion Group Tel: 01782 744721 Email: homesales@portmeiriongroup.com www.portmeiriongroup.com Home & Gift: Hall M Stand M2

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Luxury Bathing Xystos is now supplying on trend multi-award winning Grace Cole Luxury Bathing Company and Boutique ranges. Owner and CEO Tracy Mort founded the business from her kitchen table in 2007 with a mission to produce premium bath and beauty products. The beautifully packaged collections can be found in over 80 countries. The Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter ranges will be seen on the Xystos stand in Harrogate (Hall Q Stand C17). Fragrances include Bergamot, Ginger & Lemongrass and English Pear & Nectarine. RRPs £5-£25.

Vibrant Vases These vases from Joe Davies are a beautiful addition to any home. Available in eight unique vibrant designs they add a splash of colour to any room. Visit the extensive Joe Davies stand at Harrogate Home and Gift Stand Q-E18. The collection will be available to order in their trademark ‘little and often’ quantities with minimum orders of just £100 and free delivery nationwide.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand E18

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand C17

Naturally Scented Faith in Nature’s conditioners, body and hand washes, shampoos and handmade soaps are now being distributed by Xystos (Home & Gift Hall Q Stand C17). Faith in Nature uses the highest quality, cruelty-free ingredients of 99% natural origin, with 100% natural fragrances, including Turmeric & Lemon, Seaweed & Citrus and Lavender & Geranium. The products, made with organic essential oils, are free from parabens, SLS and MI and suitable for vegans. And recycled bottles are used when available. RRPs £2.29-£5.99.

Magical Christmas Our magical Woodland Christmas is welcomingly populated by creatures of all kinds, including playful bears and hanging animal decorations cleverly crafted from dried grasses. The mysterious Scandinavian Tomte, a mythological character with a long white beard and pointy hat, thought to protect the home, is a key trend story for the season. Come and view our full Christmas range at Harrogate. Home & Gift.

Parlane International Tel: 01451 812700 Email: Sales@parlane.co.uk www.parlane.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall M Stand M26 & M31

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand C17

Diffuser Delight

Light Fantastic There are five new light-up Fairy Houses (RRP £9.99), Dinosaur, Pirate, Elephant, Teddy and Space, from Splosh, whose diverse range will be seen on the Xystos stand at Home & Gift (Hall Q Stand C17). This includes Travel Maps (RRP £12.50-£25) and Mushroom ornaments bearing sentimental messages (£4.99). The Naked Bee’s new bath and body products, include an everyday facial cleansing gel and a moisturiser with Vitamin C; foaming hand soaps; hand sanitiser; hand repair cream; foot balm, and a lip balm trio. RRPs £2.99-£24.99.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand C17

The Xystos Ultrasonic Decanter glass diffuser range from Cello in six on-trend designs (RRP £44.99) captures the essence of artisanal glass art, emitting glorious fragrances when Ultrasonic essential oils are used. There is a choice between a continuous fountain of cool scented mist and an intermittent burst, as well as a colour-changing light mode. These are also features of the Signature Ultrasonic diffuser range in three Fragrance Burst designs, and the Dreamcatcher Ultrasonic diffuser, which will ward off unpleasant scents while enriching the air with bursts of fragrance. Both have RRPs of £39.99.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand C17

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Home & Gift, 14th-17th July, Harrogate

Fizzing With Fun Gin Fizz…the ultimate gift collection for the coming festive season. Exclusively designed in-house, this gin and prosecco collection includes advent calendars, party vans and test tube mixers with RRP’s starting at only £14.99. The perfect stocking fillers and gifts with every item gift packaged.

La de da Living Tel: (01242) 250653 Email: enquiries@ladedaliving.co.uk www.trade.ladedaliving.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall DP1 Stand: DP1-C3

Global Lifestyle Brands Positioned at stand DP2-7 within the design-led gifting hall, at this summer’s Home & Gift Festival, KMI Brands will be showcasing a selection of innovative and award winning gifting ideas across the Ted Baker and Orla Kiely global lifestyle brands. Orla’s new seasonal wash bag collection is available in three brand new prints and colourways, while Ted Baker’s stylish Residence home fragrance collection has been expanded to include a miniature candle gift, brand new for 2019.

KMI Brands Tel: 020 8614 4700 Email: sales@kmibrands.com Kmibrands.com Home & Gift stand number: DP2-7

Put Your Face On Fresh faced for all occasions, the beauty product of the moment combined with the perfect gift packaging. Face sheet masks have been made hugely popular by many celebrities such as the Kardashians, Victoria Beckham and Lady Gaga, and we have exclusively designed the perfect gift range with over 40 designs and occasions to choose from. The perfect pick-up line and stocking filler, this range has quickly become a huge demand with fantastic sellthrough successes. POS and display stands available.

La de da Living Tel: (01242) 250653 Email: enquiries@ladedaliving.co.uk www.trade.ladedaliving.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall DP1 Stand: DP1-C3

Handmade Gift Wrap With jewelled colours for Autumn 2019, Globe has the ultimate range of handmade gift wrap papers, complemented by gorgeous ribbons, gift bags and boxes for all your packaging needs, as well as fabulous Christmas baubles, T Light holders, stocking fillers, fine stationery and much more.

Quality and style with competitive prices.

Globe Enterprise Tel: +44 208 845 5057 Email info@globeenterprise.co.uk www.globeenterprise.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall DP1: Stand DP1-D59

Stunning Sculptures & Giftware A Work Of Art We are delighted to announce the launch of this superb prestige sculpture from De Rosa.

The limited edition Chinese Dragon is the pinnacle of the art and craft of the De Rosa team. Hand carved ceramic is fired and then hand painted and gilded before firing again.

The results speak for themselves.

Global Luxury Brands Tel: +44 1538 80 77 80/+44 7912 616297 Email: srw@glb.uk.com www.globalluxurybrands.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall A Stand A20

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The range from Goebel spans many styles, tastes and price points. The well known Artis Orbis range, and the Rosina Wachtmeister cats, are already well established in the UK but there is much more to the range. We are delighted to be showcasing some of the fabulous Christmas range as well as the eye catching and highly commercial Britto range of sculptures and giftware.

Global Luxury Brands Tel: +44 1538 80 77 80/+44 7912 616297 Email: srw@glb.uk.com www.globalluxurybrands.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall A Stand A20

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Home & Gift, 14th-17th July, Harrogate

Mugging Up Dunoon has had great success with their informative mugs on the Glencoe shape, with its large size providing an excellent vehicle for the designs.

Healthy Eating and Physics are very bold, colourful designs with graphic drawings and useful information, providing educational entertainment while having a coffee or tea.

Designed by Caroline Dadd, the mugs are made from fine bone china in the heart of Staffordshire, England.

Design Trio Dunoon presents a beautiful set of three designs called Moonbeam on their large size Cairngorm shape. They feature a black cat, a hare and a fox in mystical landscapes with silvery trees.

Designed by Kate Mawdsley, the mugs are made from fine bone china in the heart of Staffordshire, England.

Dunoon Ceramics Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand E18

Dunoon Ceramics Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall B Stand B20

New Infuser Mug For 2019, Dunoon presents Shetland, the company’s new infuser mug, made in lightweight fine bone china, available with ten of Dunoon’s most favourite designs, ranging from the ever popular bright coloured patterns to classic, sophisticated designs enriched with two tone 22 carat gold. Perfect for loose leaf tea, with the lid helping to keep the tea warm, and for coffee without the infuser. The Shetland infuser is made in fine bone china in the heart of Staffordshire, England.

Dunoon Ceramics Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall B Stand B20

Fun Pottery Following the success of their original Village Pottery range, Joe Davies has introduced new pieces, with more to follow for Autumn/Winter. This quirky ceramic tea holders and plant pots collection is crafted and hand finished by artisans for a truly unique gift. The collection comprises fun pottery houses, owls, caravans and camper vans which can hold small houseplants and tealight holders. The windows are cut out so the light from the tealight will shine through creating a magical warming ambience .

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand E-18

All Of A Flutter

A Wild Romance As well as launching their new confetti colourway, the wedding season has seen a dramatic increase in demand for Wild Things Heart of Hearts design.

Following on from Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, the motif, (which consists of a mirrored heart containing eight Swarovski crystal jewellery quality hearts) has become a popular token of affection. As well as confetti, the design can be purchased in rainbow and rose colourways, and makes an elegant decorative object to use at wedding venues.

Wild Things Tel: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com www.wildthingsgifts.com Home & Gift: Hall B Stand B74

Wild Things customers have been ordering the company’s countrysidethemed Crystal Fantasies in their droves. Topping the list is the butterfly with its Swarovski crystals set in a rainbow colourway, available in small and large. Also flying up the bestseller list is the dragonfly fantasy, available in a royal blue colourway to accompany the existing pastel design. Additional wild motifs include a wily fox, a leaping hare, owls and a woolly sheep. Visit the Wild Things website or give the company’s helpful sales team a call.

Wild Things Tel: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com www.wildthingsgifts.com Home & Gift: Hall B Stand B74

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Home & Gift, 14th-17th July, Harrogate

Vegan & Eco-Friendly At Agnes+Cat, we are passionate about creating handmade, vegan, eco-friendly and unique products inspired by the beauty and nature of the Lake District. Our soaps are all lovingly handmade and scented with the best of British fragrances. Our candles contain natural soy wax poured into reusable containers. We try our best to help the planet by packing light, recycling and sourcing local wherever possible.

Agnes & Cat Tel: 01142677723 Email: enquiries@agnesandcat.org https://www.agnesandcat.org/

New Angel Additions Gaeltag Keltika is delighted to announce new additions to the hugely successful You Are An Angel range. There will be a new Angel dedicated to grandmothers among the three new designs in the 155mm size, as well as two new designs in the 125mm size. There will also be updated versions of four of the existing titles. Available for delivery from early August and to view at the Autumn Fair at Gaeltag’s Keltika’s new location 6 K50.

Gaeltag Keltika Tel: 0208 998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com www.gaeltag.com

Cheeky New Gift Boxes Sock Academy is excited to launch three new gift boxes under the brand Cockney Spaniel. As cheeky and irreverent as ever, each box is vibrant and fun. The This Meeting is Boll*cks and Other Useful Phrases box contains three pairs of socks with quips to help people through the working day. The Great Tits box is adorned with birds of the avian variety and makes quite a statement, while the For Fox Sake selection is packed with colourful fox motifs.

Sock Academy Tel: 01582 882124 Email: sales@sockacademy.com www.sockacademy.com Home & Gift: Hall DP1 Stand B36

Here’s To You Forget the dreaded ‘B’ word! We are focusing on the ‘G’ word… gin. The tipple has had a remarkable recovery in the last couple of years so Gaeltag Keltika are joining in the celebration with four new classic Spanish fishbowl style gin glasses presented in Gaeltag’s renowned gift boxes.

In collabration with Paper Salad and Megan Claire, we are introducing our Gintastic and Gincredible designs Let The Fun Be Gin! Available in September at Autumn Fair. New Location: Hall 6 K50.

Gaeltag Keltika Tel: 0208 998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com www.gaeltag.com

Decadent Hand Butters This gorgeous collection of decadent Winter in Venice hand butters comes nestled in a beautiful reusable storage tin. This delightful gift contains 12 individually fragranced 25g hand butter tubes made using 10% shea butter, almond oil, vitamin E, and natural fruit and plant extracts - ideal to sooth dry and chapped hands in need of intense moisturising and care. Our award winning British brand is free from parabens, paraffins, sulphates, minerals, DEA and are not tested on animals.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk vHome & Gift: Hall Q Stand C17

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Festive Fun Sock Academy is putting the fun back into sock gifting with a sock-tastic range launching at Home & Gift. The United Oddsock brand will be showing brand new Christmas ranges, with gift boxes for adults and kids, with colourful Christmassy characters featuring in every box.

There are also more bright designs in the mismatched Armwarmer range. Additionally, Sock Academy’s Ccuamelon baby sock brand will be launching a Mummy’s Boy and Daddy’s girl gift box at Home & Gift.

Sock Academy Tel: 01582 882124 Email: sales@sockacademy.com www.sockacademy.com Home & Gift: Hall DP1 Stand B36

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LESLEY DUNNE

SOUNDING OFF

Talking Shop As Barbra Streisand sang in Funny Girl, “people who need people are the luckiest people in the world.” However, as Lesley Dunne, owner of Feathering Your Nest in Rayleigh, points out, much as she needs people, employing staff can be something of a challenge.

“I've seen them come and I've seen them go...staff that is. Thankfully though, when they do come, they stay for on average eight years and everyone, apart from two, still come back regularly to visit us at the Nest for a quick hug as they are passing. Meeting up with ex-employees for lunch, coffees and family social occasions is the norm as we do love a good catch up.

Back in the day however, it was just me. However, working ludicrously long hours wasn't sustainable, so, one by one, as the business grew, more staff arrived.

Contracts, employment law, health and safety, wage entitlements, PAYE, work place pensions are all things I've discovered through Google at 3am!

Staff, love them or loathe them, are a massive part of owning a shop. I feel a huge responsibility for their welfare and ours too.

They are the face of the business in our absence. Treat them mean (as many chains do) and you won't get a lot of love flowing over the counter towards your customers.

We've all had that unsatisfying experience of shopping in a chain - the lifeless sales assistant who can't be bothered to smile, make polite conversation or be thankful that it's we, the customers, who are paying their wages. However, when you hear the horror stories of forbidding toilet breaks, long shifts and little, if any, customer service training, is it any wonder?

Here at the Nest, our six girls are parttimers, fitting in with their own lifestyles, ranging from picking up school children, mum's hospital appointments, dogs who can't be left alone too long, college/university courses, as well as their other part time jobs.

Most of the time it works out well, although, on occasion, I find myself pulling my hair out.

How many times have we had something planned only to get the dreaded text "I'm not well and won't be in". We hastily shoot out a text to the other staff members, but inevitably, nobody else can cover it. How many times do we sigh, mutter a few choice words under our breath, get our coats on and go in, putting the shop face ‘smile’ on as we walk through the door? Far too many I'm guessing, but being business owners the buck stops with us. The show must go on!

Admittedly, I have been far too nice over the years, letting the dog wag the tail, putting staff issues before my own needs,

Above: Part of the team at Feathering Your Nest.

my health and, sadly, my family. Missed swimming galas and sports days shall haunt me to the grave.

I've been a friend, surrogate mother, agony aunt, marriage counsellor - even sex therapist! (Oh yes, we've had some wild conversations here!). Although I say from the outset that personal problems should be left at the door, some things inevitably spill over the threshold. We are a caring bunch who support one another, which in turn keeps a happy shop. But there's a limit. On occasion I've had to draw the line. I've learned over the years that being a friend is not being a boss. It's too easy to be taken advantage of, unintentionally perhaps,

except that everyone wants what's best for themselves, annual leave especially!

However, that isn't necessarily what is always best for the shop.

I've changed my style over the years. I'm more aloof these days, being less inclined to get embroiled in staff dramas and life's ups and downs. When you work side by side every day for years, it's almost impossible not to care too much, not to share too much, but that makes for blurred lines.

Sometimes, staff can really surprise and disappoint you.

It's rare that I have to reprimand any of the staff, they really are all so kind and caring, but as the boss we can get really niggled by the little things. Like using too much tissue paper when gift wrapping, using a carrier bag when a paper bag would suffice, too much personal chit chat, gossiping on the shop floor, the heaters on full blast while they wear thin little T-shirts - especially when we purchased body warmers for them or, worse still, the heater being left on in the staff room when lunch time is over! Lights left on in the stockroom and battery lights left on overnight, grrrrrrr! I'm sure you have your own long list of pet peeves! These little moans make me feel like an old nag, yet the little things really add up over the year.

Sometimes I still feel as if I'm chasing after my teenagers!

So we're about to recruit again as a member of staff has left us for a full time position. It's always sad when someone leaves, but the interview speech is prepared, one month's trial will begin and we will again be making allowances for the new person, so here we go again! Mercifully our staff turnover is very low, perhaps, I ask myself, because the boss is too nice!”

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Best Sellers Progressive Gifts & Home asked a selection of Greats 2019 award winners about the products which have been flying off their shelves this month.

Carol Bairstow, owner, Pure Inspiration, Ramsey A medium sized gift shop situated on the main high street.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Parlane: across the board;

Parlane is a top favourite with customers. They are always ahead of the game with trends, and products are reasonably priced.

These brilliant designs fly out of the shop.

Bree Merryn: pictures and artwork Fragranced Giftware

Stoneglow: across the board;

Potters Crouch: candles

Stoneglow is an all time winner for us. Great packaging and fragrances.

Lovely packaging. The tin candles have amazing fragrances. Great value for money.

Jewellery

Hot Tomato: across the board

On trend, reasonably priced jewellery.

Fashion Accessories

Powder: socks; PoM: scarves

Made from bamboo, these are a best seller for us.

PoM do some greats scarves which are always unusual.

Greeting Cards

Alex Clark

Definitely one of our winners, along with Pigment.

Giftwrap

Globe Enterprise: across the board

The colourful giftwrap, made from recycled cotton, is awesome.

Romy Abraham, owner, Loft & Spires, Bury St Edmunds A large gift shop on a secondary site that’s located in in the town centre.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Kate of Kensington: coasters, trivets, serveware; Pip Studio: tableware

Lovely imagery and very English.

Ideal wedding gifts.

This has been a good seller for many years. New ranges are regularly introduced which keeps it fresh.

Fragranced Giftware

Bomb Cosmetics: bath bombs and melts; Lily-Flame: tin candles

Fun designs. A good ‘pick up’ price for gifting and self-treating.

We stock a large range. Customers love the fragrances.

Jewellery

Nova Silver: silver jewellery; Ronin: semi-precious jewellery

Simple designs with a twist.

Bright, colourful jewellery made in Wales featuring semi-precious stones.

Fashion Accessories

One Hundred Stars: kimonos etc.; Powder: A-Z initialled socks

Easy wear kimonos, dressing gowns and throw-overs, in gorgeous designs.

Beautifully packaged, these socks fly out.

Greeting Cards

Little Dog Laughed

We have lots of customers who are animal lovers, and these cards have been a best seller for many years.

Giftwrap

Glick

Beautiful quality and imagery.

Other Hot Hits

Wild Life World: bee, butterfly and insect habitats

Customers love the conservational and educational aspects of these products. Great gifts for men, women and kids.

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Judy Evans, owner, Williams of Audlem, Audlem A medium sized gift shop on a village high street.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Evans Lichfield: Waggy Dogz cushions;

These cushions have been complemented by new bee design cushions for summer.

They also tie in with the Waggy Dogz card range.

We do very well with these.

Moorland Pottery: Audlem themed mugs Fragranced Giftware

Bomb Cosmetics: candles; InScents: candles

The company’s candles are exceptional sellers for us.

These are a perfect price point for a small gift. Designs are bold and contemporary, and the fragrances are very unusual.

Jewellery

Miss Milly: across the board

The range offers well made pieces of jewellery with appeal to all age groups.

Fashion Accessories

Lua: purses and bags;

The ‘touchy feely’ textured velvet products and animal designs are especially popular.

Gorgeous colour palettes in both floral and classic designs.

Peony: silk scarves Greeting Cards

Stephanie Dyment

Stephanie Dyment is among our best sellers. However, offering a wide selection of cards is key.

Giftwrap

Glick

Design-led, quality wrap that sells itself.

Other Hot Hits

Eco-Chic: re-usable bags

We have seen a growing demand for ethical products this year, to include these reusable shopping bags.

Louise Rolfe, owner, The Present, Barnet A large gift shop on a high street.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Gisela Graham: Summertime Garden collection; Tilner Art: recycled aluminium homewares

These fabulous designs appeal to all age groups.

We’ve been selling this brightly coloured range for 10 years and it continues to be as popular as ever.

Fragranced Giftware

Heaven Scent: candles and reed diffusers;

Natural based, these candles and diffusers feature our own branding, and we are constantly selling out.

Stylish, unisex packaging and delicious scents.

Widdop and Co: The Aromatherapy Co Jewellery

Boho Betty: across the board; Love Rocks: Hamza hand collection; Joe Davies: Equilibrium: men’s leather bracelets

Customers love the boho/laid back look which is very on trend.

Brightly coloured diamante stones. Customers like the protective meaning behind the Hamza symbol and the happy, holiday feeling.

Stylish, affordable and packaged in smart gift boxes.

Fashion Accessories

Powder: Elephant beach bag

The Elephant beach bags have been a great seller: stylish, good quality, fab prints and colours.

Vibrant colours and designs and well priced. Most are 100% cotton. A great holiday throw on.

MSH: kaftans

Greeting Cards

Rosie Made A Thing

Funny and different. Customers read the cards and stand there chuckling.

Giftwrap

The Art File

Customers love the avocado, lemons and floral giftwraps.

Other Hot Hits

Ziggle Baby: muslins and bibs

The muslin square and bandana dribble bibs make a lovely gift. Plus, everything comes beautifully boxed.

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Max filler advert 2019 A5.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2019 14:35 Page 1

Market leading trade magazines

Market leading trade awards

Market leading digital platforms

Market leading trade exhibitions

Max Publishing, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP For further details please contact us on T: 020 7700 6740 or www.max-publishing.co.uk or email ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

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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!

TILNAR ART T: 01277 362815 E: sales@tilnarart.co.uk W: www.tilnarart.co.uk

JOE DAVIES T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

GLICK T: 01274 655980 E: info@glick.co.uk W: www.glick.co.uk

GLOBE ENTERPRISE T: +44 208 845 5057 E: info@globeenterprise.co.uk W: www.globeenterprise.co.uk

MISS MILLY T: 01905 622509 E: hello@missmilly.co.uk W: www.missmilly.co.uk

HEAVEN SCENT T: 01225 868788 E: Contact@heavenscent.co.uk W: www.heavenscent.co.uk

THE ART FILE T: 0115 8507490 E: sales@theartfile.com W: www.theartfile.com

GISELA GRAHAM T: 0207 708 4956 E: sales@giselagraham.co.uk W: www.giselagraham.co.uk

STEPHANIE DYMENT T: 01494 581775 E: stephanie@stephaniedyment.com W: www.stephaniedyment.com Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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BEHIND THE COUNTER

Beverley Yates Beverley Yates, shop manager at Maddison in Harborne, winner of The Greats’ Retail Employee of the Year 2019 award, looks back on 19 years with the store, and reveals where her love of gift retail comes from.

working for an independent store, you get to know people. I’m always happy to drop things off at people’s homes, or to track down items for them at one of our two Bentleys stores (in Birmingham or Stourport-on-Severn). It’s also a joy to work with Steve and Julie because they make me feel so much a part of the

Above: Greats’ winner Beverley Yates.

Right: Maddison, Harborne.

Maddison has always had a special place in Beverley’s heart. As a customer, she travelled far and wide to buy her gifts and cards there, and then, as fate would have it, she was offered the opportunity to work there by the original owner.

“I had been in my previous job for 32 years, which had evolved into a sales position in the company’s showroom, but sadly, I was made redundant,” Beverley explains. “I was out shopping in Harborne, when Maddison’s then owner, Hilary, asked if I would like to work there.

Naturally I jumped at the chance as I had always regarded it as the best shop in the area. It was sold to Steve and Julie McHale five years ago, and I

have continued to enjoy every moment.”

She continues: “Maddison is such a pretty shop. I love what we sell and also interacting with our customers. In fact, I enjoy the whole package, which includes helping with the displays, doing the paperwork, and booking in and seeing reps and agents. Unwrapping packages makes it feel like it’s Christmas every day. I’ve made so many friends over the years, and it’s lovely to see the children of our original customers coming in to shop with us too. It’s the best thing about

LAST WORD

Zandra Rhodes

Above: Zandra Rhodes.

Right: At My Table by Nigella Lawson.

With a globetrotting work schedule that would leave most people half her age breathless, iconic fashion designer Zandra Rhodes made a personal appearance at last month’s PG Live to launch a range of gift stationery, cards and travel mugs for Museums & Galleries.

PG&H caught up with her.

Three words that best describe you?

“Colourful, exotic, pink.”

Tell us a quirky fact we don’t know about you? “I love to cook. In fact, I’m on a forthcoming episode of Celebrity Bake Off that’s yet to be screened.”

Can you tell us what you made? “Yes, it was my signature dish, a bread and butter pudding. I cut the bread into heart shapes and put lots of glitter on the top!”

Over your long career, what was the best piece of advice you’ve received?

“It came from the distinguished designer Eddie Pond who went on to work for 106

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

Paperchase. He told me, ‘your designs stand out like a sore thumb, so you’re either going to make it very big or fall flat on your face.’”

What advice would you give to someone today? “Don’t give up. It doesn’t get any easier, even when you get to 78 like me.”

What do you most enjoy reading?

“Cookery books written by Nigella Lawson.”

What’s your favourite film? “Casablanca.”

What’s your favourite TV programme?

“I don’t have time to watch TV!”

business. I think of Maddison as my shop.

Everyone who works there is just as enthusiastic about the business and luckily, we all get on really well. I count myself very lucky to have had only two jobs in my life, both of which I’ve loved.”

Where’s your favourite place to go on holiday? “India. It’s a wonderful, colourful country to visit.”

What type of gifts do you like to receive?

“Anything that’s has a purpose.”

Can you tell us what your home is like? “I live in a Rainbow penthouse on top my museum which is painted bright orange and pink. I also have a home in San Diego.”

Of all the famous people you’ve designed for, who is the most memorable?

“The actress Lauren Bacall. I fitted her in my tiny studio and she stepped on a pin!”

What’s in the pipeline for the rest of the year? “There are so many projects! Among them is a collaboration with Ikea in in Sweden where I will be launching a range of textiles and objects in colourful patterns.”

Which one possession would you take to a desert island? “My sketch book. I’d leave my make-up behind as there would be no-one to see me!”

IBC_GH_July August 2019.qxp_Layout 1 02/07/2019 17:50 Page 91

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GiftsandHome.net is published by gift sector experts, for gift trade experts

From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home, and the organisers of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards.

News, Editorial and Content Opportunities:

With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 7,559 readers and industry leading open rates, - largely dominated by retail buyers, the twice-weekly newsflash lands directly in the inboxes of everyone in this fast-paced sector.

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The modern, easy to navigate website provides a central resource for the trade, offering pithy news, in-depth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Gifts & Home, and much, much more.

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