Progressive Gifts & Home July August 2022

JULY/AUGUST 2022

Heathcote & Ivory LTD, 2 Lonsdale Road, Queens Park, London, NW6 6RD T: 020 7483 8383 E: salesadmin@heathcote-ivory.com www.heathcote-ivory.com @heathcoteandivory VISIT US AT HOME & GIFT HARROGATE HALL A STAND A11 H&I_GH_July August 2022.indd 1

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Natural

hand poured soy wax candles in sustainable packaging with positive affirmations

reed diffusers also available

the addition of gemstones to each candle strengthens their message of protection, relaxation, love and healing to the consumer enesco limited, brunthill road, kingstown, carlisle ca3 0en UK Customer Services Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services Telephone: +44 (0)1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk © 2022 eau lovely ltd.

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a range of

inspirational gifts to share & enjoy

join us at Home and Gift Harrogate 17—20th July 2022, hall A, stand A3 to see demdaco and more enesco limited, brunthill road, kingstown, carlisle ca3 0en UK Customer Services Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services Telephone: +44 (0)1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk © 2022 demdaco

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Fun & Functional

home accessories

enesco limited, brunthill road, kingstown, carlisle ca3 0en UK Customer Services Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services Telephone: +44 (0)1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk © 2022 michelle allen designs. all rights reserved.

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new

Super-soft plush collection

enesco limited, brunthill road, kingstown, carlisle ca3 0en UK Customer Services Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services Telephone: +44 (0)1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk © kalidou

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This Month What I’ve loved most about writing this issue is being out and about, travelling down to Devon to meet up with David Austin, owner of Austins department store in Newton Abbot, winner of The Greats Best Department Store Gift Retailer category, (see pages 37-39), and getting together with Lesley and Denis Aaronson, co-founders of London based Heathcote & Ivory, who were delighted to talk about their innovative bath and body gifting ranges for the festive season. Turn to pages 22-23.

It was also a joy to see so many lovely gift retailers at dedicated greeting card show PG Live last month, both discovering new publishers and seeing established suppliers, as they boost their everyday card selection as well as their Christmas offer. Turn to page 15.

While the mood so far has been upbeat, the perfect storm of the Ukraine war, spiralling inflation and the cost of living crisis - fuel, energy and food - is now very real, making it extremely challenging for all businesses in all sectors, especially retailers, who are once again, facing a tough trading environment. As gift retailers progress on their Christmas buying, we asked both suppliers and retailers how all of this is likely to impact on the industry as we transition into the second half of the year. Turn to pages 17-21 for insightful comments from leading industry names.

Elsewhere in this issue, Enesco’s Helen Cottrill reveals the company’s exciting new launches for the second half of the year (see pages 34-35), while home fragrancing and bath and body companies evoke the fragrances of Christmas and much more besides. Turn to pages 25-29. As for jewellery and fashion accessories, colour is hot, hot, hot for Autumn/Winter, especially green, with gold and silver continuing to shine.

Turn to pages 43-47. On the fashion front, we preview Joe Davies’ fabulous SugarLane Autumn/Winter womenswear collection, which will be unveiled at Harrogate’s Home & Gift (hall B; stand B66). Turn to page 41.

And talking of Home & Gift, Ali Farrell and I are hugely looking forward to seeing everyone at the show this month. My train ticket is booked (rail strikes notwithstanding), so along with the Max Publishing team, Ali and I will be out and about, walking the aisles and no doubt enjoying a Gin on The Lawn at the end of each day of the show. Turn to page 7.

As I said at the start, nothing beats being out and about, so see you there.

Enjoy reading!

Sue Marks, Editor

@Prog_Gifts

Inside 7-15

News

17-21 Industry Issue: Cost Of Living Crisis 22-23 In Profile: Heathcote & Ivory 25-29 Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing/ Bath & Body 34-35 In Profile: Enesco 37-39 Retailer Face To Face: Austins, Newton Abbot 41

Fashion Focus: SugarLane

43-47 Spotlight On... Jewellery/Fashion Accessories 64-65 Best Sellers

22

43

Above: Sue is shown with Andrea Pinder, (left), owner of Presentation Cards & Gifts in Barrowford, and Miles Robinson, co-owner of seven House of Cards stores in the Home Counties, at last month’s PG Live show.

The UK gift and home industry is dynamic, innovative and vibrant and The Greats Awards reflect all of this and much more. Be a part of it!

Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk

Sue Marks Editor

Ali Farrell Advertisement Manager

Jo Pilcher Commercial Manager

Ian Hyder Publishing Director

suem@max-publishing.co.uk

alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk

jop@max-publishing.co.uk

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

Subscribe to Progressive Gifts from £60 (UK) to £90 (International) You can organise this quickly and easily online at our secure site: www.max-subscriptions.net For assistance, please email subscriptions@maxpublishing.co.uk ISSN 2515-7523

www.max-publishing.co.uk The home of market leading trade magazines Publishers: Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax, Ian Hyder and Rob Willis Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivegifts.co.uk Copyright 2021. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Furniture Collection Debuts At Home & Gift

Industry

NEWS

Some 25% Of Exhibitors Are New To The Show Following on from the success theT of the Manchester Furniture Show at Harrogate’s Home & Gift last year, this July’s show will see the debut of the Furniture Collection which will be taking over both Hall Q and the Kings Suite at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

Exhibitors include Gallery Direct and Bronte by Moon.

Across the show, some 800 brands will be exhibiting, to include Joe Davies, Enesco, Wild Things, Hot Tomato, Best Kept Secrets, VENT

for Change, Marmalade of London, Carrie Elspeth, Wrendale Designs, Reeves and Reeves, Sea Gems, Talking Tables, Jellycat, Caroline Gardner, Roka and Chalk. Some 25% of exhibitors will be brand new to Home & Gift.

A new networking platform, Browse & Meet, will also give buyers the opportunity to see new products in advance, enabling them to create their own Product Wishlist. Buyers will also be able to message companies and request appointments with exhibitors on-site.

Networking opportunities include The Sundowner drinks on the first night of the show (July 17), as well as Gin on The Lawn.

Home & Gift will take place in four marquees and seven halls spanning Design-Led Gifts, Home & Interiors, Jewellery and Fashion and the Food Emporium, along with the Furniture Collection.

Above: Visitors enjoying the Gin on The Lawn event at last year’s show.

Left: Networking at the Sundowners get together.

Jubilee Giftware A Sell Out It was red, white and blue all the way, as gift retailers put their all into celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at the beginning of June.

“Most of our gifts sold out well before the event,” confirmed Karen Ritchie, owner of The Rowan Tree in Budleigh Salterton. “All the Emma Bridgewater and Sophie Allport Jubilee mugs went almost straightaway and, unfortunately, limited supply meant no reordering. However, we had a fabulous display of Jan Constantine hand embroidered cushions in our window which were a great fit for the celebration. We also did well with locally made doggie bow ties in a Union Jack design, matchboxes of seeds to plant in celebration of the Jubilee and Sophie Allport tea towels.”

Also ringing up Jubilee sales was Samantha Gibbs, owner of three Nest stores in Broughton Abbey, Stoneygate and Thurlaston Garden Centre. “We went all out with the red, white and blue theme,” confirmed Sam. “Among out best sellers were Gift Republic’s Royal Gardeners Mini Plant Pot, Talking Tables’ Union Jack inspired picnicware, and red and blue summer scarves and bags.”

At Mooch Gift & Home stores in Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn, red, white and blue themed ‘The Best of British’ windows were dressed in Union Jacks all featuring the Jubilee logo. “Party products trade was brisk, with the majority of stock supplied by Talking Tables,” confirmed co-owner Jon May. “We also saw strong sales for The Great British Quiz in a tin from Apples to Pears and the Jubilee limited edition mug from Moorland Pottery,” he added.

“There was real a buzz about town with excitement in both Poynton and Chapel-En-Le-Frith,” reported Sarah Halsall, owner of two Hand Picked By Henrietta stores. “We totally underestimated the quantities of Jubilee products having sold out earlier than intended and had to swap our displays to a Father’s Day focus,” she added.

New Gift Shop Opens in Derby A brand new gift shop, Wooden Spoon The Gift shop, has opened in the Derbion shopping centre, Derby, a sister store to the Wooden Spoon cookshop. With limited space, and the opportunity to expand the gift side of the business, owner Lee Smith was delighted to acquire the premises nextdoor.

"After five years in Derby, and our giftware ranges continuing to increase, we acquired the adjacent shop and put a doorway in the wall between the two units,” explains Lee. With licensed Harry Potter themed products a big seller for both stores suppliers include Half Moon Bay, Universal Games and Pyramid International - other popular brands include giftware lines from Gisela Graham, Heathcote & Ivory, Sass & Belle, Chilly’s Bottles, Portmeirion, Cath Kidston, Laura Ashley, Captivate Brands and Denby.

Above: The new Wooden Spoon The Gift Shop in Derby’s Derbion shopping centre opened in June.

Flying The Flag Among the many gift retailers celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was Aga Marsden, owner of Highworth Emporium in Highworth.

The shop, well known locally for its bespoke balloon service for special occasions, went the extra mile for the Jubilee, creating a statement 4.5 x 2.5m red, white and blue Union Jack flag outside the shop featuring 300 balloons.

“The response we had was amazing,” enthused Aga. “We had BBC Radio Wiltshire, the Swindon Advertiser and a local magazine coming in to interview us and to take photos.

People came into the town specifically to take photos of our balloon flag.”

Below: Highworth Emporium’s Union Jack flag made out of balloons.

Above: Jan Constantine’s Platinum Jubilee cushions took centre stage at The Rowan Tree.

Left: Mooch featured the Jubilee logo in all its windows.

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TECH & GADGETS

ARCADE IN A TIN Tetris™ & © 1985-2022 and Tetris Holding

PAC-MAN® &© 2021BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS FROM FIZZ CREATIONS

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Visit fizzcreations.com or email sales@fizzcreations.com Fizz Creations, 6 Commerce Way, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8TA

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PMC Acquires IP Rights For SignaturePG Designs Personalised Gifts Catalogue Expands Personalised Memento Company (PMC) has acquired the intellectual property rights for all SignaturePG designs.

The move strengthens PMC’s position as the UK largest supplier of personalised gifts for multiples, independents, and ecommerce retailers.

Combining SPG’s best-selling products and designs to the company’s existing range of personalised gifts provides an extensive, impressive catalogue of products for PMC customers.

“Signature Gifts Ltd is a leading publisher of personalised books and newspaper gifts. We are focusing on our core strengths in personalised publishing in the UK and US. To enable this, we have disposed of our general gift product designs and some goodwill to PMC and closed our Stoke factory,” explains Signature Gifts’ ceo Kevin Spindler.

Industry

NEWS

Below: Part of the PMC HQ in Stoke-on-Trent.

As well as increasing PMC’s range of products, acquiring the IP right of SignaturePG also expands the existing team at PMC to include SPG’s sales director Debbi Hancock, product development & sales manager, operations manager and designers. “We are excited to welcome Debbi and her team to join us,” states PMC’s marketing director Keren Dicken. “Adding their knowledge of customers and products will strengthen PMC’s position within the personalisation market.”

PMC, established in 2004, offers some 5,000 gifts, with new products added weekly.

The company works closely with its retailers to offer benefits such as preview, photo upload, exclusivity and bespoke order integrations.

Prezzybox Bought By Gift Universe Gift etailer Prezzybox, a family-owned, online gift business founded by Zak Edwards in 2000, has been bought by Gift Universe, the parent company of gift and gadget omni-channel retailer Menkind. The acquisition will help Gift Universe expand into female gifting to complement Menkind’s more male orientated gift products.

“The acquisition of Prezzybox provides a further opportunity to develop and grow our offering and increase our foothold in the gifting industry, enabling us to continue to expand our customer base,” states Gift Universe’s ceo Paul Kraftman.

The purchase of Prezzybox is a second recent acquisition for Gift Universe, which bought toy retailer Hawkins Bazaar in November 2021.

Above: Gift Universe has acquired Prezzybox.

New Addition For Widdop & Co Widdop has taken over the website, stock and exclusive distribution of over 50 Apples to Pears skus, with the brands and products transferred to the Widdop & Co portfolio on July 1. All will be on show in the Widdop showroom for the first time at Widdop’s summer showroom event at the company’s Manchester HQ, which runs until July 29.

Apples to Pears was founded by joint managing directors Mark Wash and Sally Granger in 2002, with Apples to Pears designs - particularly its multi-award winning Gift In A Tin range - widely acclaimed.

“We have admired the work of Apples to Pears for a long time and on hearing that Mark and Sally wished to retire, we immediately saw the opportunity for their amazing brands in our business,” states Stephen Illingworth, Widdop & Co’s commercial director, “and we are thrilled to complete the exclusive distribution of over 50 continuing skus from the collection.”

Commented Apples to Pears joint managing directors Mark Wash and Sally Granger: “After over 20 years of creating award winning gifts, including products from our Gift in a Tin, Gifts for Grown Ups and Heritage Garden Gifts collections, we decided that now was the right time to hand on the batten to new blood.”

To attend the summer showroom event, email sales@widdop.co.uk; tel: 0161 Left: Apples to Pears Gifts In A Tin. 688 1226 or visit www.widdop.co.uk

New, New, New For Widdop Nine major product launches were announced by Widdop & Co’s commercial director Stephen Illingworth at June’s Progressive Greetings Live. In addition to Apples to Pears’ products and brands joining the portfolio, (see above), they include a new range of Disney Home categories spanning planters to vases; The Charms collection from Harry Potter featuring nursery accessories and gifts to complement Christmas decorations for Christmas 2022; Little Heroes, new from DC Comics, featuring nursery décor, gifts and accessories; plus, through a licensing agreement with Paramount, Christmas, Kids and Baby gifting and collectables will also be launching this December. In addition, partnering Above: Widdop & Co’s director, with Hasbro for 2023, Widdop will be using the world famous gaming and toy properties of commercial Stephen Illingworth the past 50 years on a range of products. (dressed as The Greatest Plus, as a result of a licensing partnership with greeting card publisher Raspberry Showman), at PG Live.

Blossom, there will be two home accessory focused gifting collections launching in summer 2023.

It was also announced that wrappings and stationery business Partisan Products is to have its own dedicated space at the Widdop showroom in Manchester.

To attend the summer showroom event, email sales@widdop.co.uk; tel: 0161 688 1226 or visit www.widdop.co.uk

Grow Your Own From Autumn 2022, Widdop & Co will be launching a greener choices programme. The company will be distributing Boutique Garden as the launch brand, a collection of grow your own garden gifts for kids and adults.

Right: Boutique Garden will be distributed by Widdop & Co from this Autumn.

Moonpig’s £124m Buyagift Acquisition Online retailer Moonpig is to acquire gifting experience business Buyagift for a total of £124m, with the company benefitting from the growing £6bn UK gift experiences segment of the gifting market - days out, meals out and other activities.

The acquisition, which will drive crossselling opportunities, is expected to be finalised by the end of July, delivering an instant stepchange to the breadth and relevance of Moonpig Group’s range.

“The proposed acquisition of Buyagift rapidly accelerates Moonpig Group’s journey to become the ultimate gifting companion,” states Moonpig Group ceo Nickyl Raithatha. “There is strong strategic rationale for the transaction and compelling financial benefits.”

Above: Moonpig is to acquire Buyagift.

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Gisela Graham gets inspired by Spring

Dandelion: The humble dandelion’s a boon for bees: one of Spring’s earliest flowers and full of yummy nectar.

Primavera: Gisela Graham goes wild! Wild about the sweet flowers of the meadow.

The promise of Spring inspired Gisela Graham to design FOUR new Easter/Spring themes for 2023: co-ordinated in wood, ceramics, fabrics, glass, flowers, garlands, napkins - and crackers!

Her 2022 collection sold through brilliantly, so order soon!

Contact your Sales Representative for an appointment at our London showroom or a visit.

Pastel Gingham: All the trad emblems of Easter: chicks, bunnies. eggs, in charming gingham.

Viola: Early flowering, sweetly scented: a blue inspiration for designers.

12 Colworth Grove, Browning Street, London SE17 1LR 020 7708 4956 | sales@giselagraham.co.uk www.giselagraham.co.uk

ARE YOU A SUPER

AGENT?

Half Moon Bay & Shruti are looking for outstanding agents to enhance our established & successful sales team.

You will be an expert in selling fantastic giftware to independents, garden centres and heritage centres and based on the South coast, North East or Scotland.

Please contact Ben Craddock at benc@halfmoonbay.co.uk for further information.

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GA Appoints New Chair New Faces On National Committee Louise Welsby, managing director of creative agency Buy-From, has taken over the role as chair of The Giftware Association for the next two years. Former chair Gert Schyberg, owner of Sebnini, steps into the deputy chair role, while Mark Jones from Gisela Graham becomes vice chair.

“It’s an honour to be the new chair of the Giftware Association, the first service provider in the Association’s 75-year history to take on the role,” states Louise, who received her chain of office from Gert at The Giftware Association’s AGM last month at its Birmingham HQ. “I’m looking forward to continuing the excellent stewardship of Gert Schyberg and am keen to get to work on supporting the GA with new initiatives, including the development of the digital marketing and educational benefits,” Louise enthused.

The GA welcomed two new members to the national committee ranks, both of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Widdop & Co’s commercial director Stephen Illingworth will offer the Association invaluable knowledge and support, while Tabi Marsh, owner of gift shop Papilio at

Industry

NEWS Woman Who Achieves Awards

Heritage in Thornbury, will provide an important retail perspective on future projects.

Standing down was Blue Eyed Sun’s founder and managing director Jeremy Corner, a former chair.

Claire Harris, founder of Talking Tables; Demi Pendakis, founder of FYG (Find Your Glow) and Paul Sun, co-founder of Gingko, were among the speakers on the day.

The minutes of the meeting and yearly report are available on the BATF website. Visit www.batf.uk.com Top: From left to right: Gert Schyberg; Louise Welsby and Jeremy Corner.

Left: Louise Welsby receives her chain of office from Gert Schyberg.

CIA Joins Forces With The GA The Giftware Association is taking over the operational, management and membership activities of the Creative Industry Association (CIA). Both have huge synergies with their respective industries which, with newly added skill and resources, will benefit members of both associations.

The Creative Industry Association and its members will become part of a much larger organisation, which will help secure the associations future, with greater resources, greater support, and opportunities for all members and vice versa.

“This is not only an exciting opportunity for both associations to strengthen one another, it also cements our commitment in offering members new routes to market and new opportunities for growth which is needed now more than ever,” states Sarah Ward ceo of The GA. Sarah will remain ceo of The GA and will be taking on the ceo role of the Creative Industry Association.

Commented Craig De Souza, ceo and founder of the Creative Industry Association: “under Sarah and her team, The GA have and are doing some inspiring things, most recently the amazing Gift Awards, and I know the CIA and its members will flourish. With The GA, BATF’s and members help and support, together we can do great things!”

Craig will become an ex-offico member of the GA’s national committee, as well as helping Sarah and her team with the smooth transition of the CIA. Gert Schyberg, board member of the BATF and deputy chair of The GA adds: “at the BATF, we actively seek good associations with strong ethics and vision for future growth. As a collective, led by myself, we could see the vast potential to bring the CIA into our group.”

Left: The GA’s Sarah Ward (right), Chris Workman (second right) and Victoria Louise Rotton (left), with the CIA’s Craig De Souza (second left), at The Gift Awards.

Three successful women in the gift industry - Louise Welsby, managing director of BuyFrom and newly appointed chair of the GA, (see story left), Jo Williams, owner of Joco in Nuneaton and watercolour artist and homewares designer Meg Hawkins, founder of Meg Hawkins Art - have been nominated as finalists in the Woman Who Achieves Awards 2022. The winners will be announced in July at a lunch at Coombe Abbey hotel in Coventry.

Raising Funds Working in collaboration with UK anti-slavery charity Unseen, and third year BA (Hons) Falmouth University illustration students, St. Eval recently unveiled the company’s new, limited edition Love, Hope & Freedom candle collection, inspired by the positive changes that Unseen brings to the lives of those affected by modern day slavery.

For every candle sold from the collection, St. Eval is donating £1 directly to the charity.

Above: St. Eval’s Love, Hope & Freedom collection.

Greats Dad Gift Following on from her success at The Greats Awards in May, gift retailer Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, was delighted when her proud dad added to the occasion by proclaiming her success to locals.

“He was so proud of what I had achieved that, unbeknown to me, he went off and got a huge pink banner made,” Libby told PG&H. “It was completely unexpected, and features the words ‘Lovely Libby’s: Winner Best Non-Specialist Retailer of Gifts 2022’.

It’s been a real showstopper, driving footfall and encouraging people to pop to hear more about our success.”

Above: The Greats banner that adorns Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh.

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John Lewis Is Seeking Fresh Design Talent

Industry Below: A recent pop up in John Lewis & Partners, Cardiff.

Innovative Indie Businesses Invited To Apply British gift manufacturers with exciting and unusual new gift ranges are being given a unique opportunity to supply John Lewis this Christmas, with The Great British Exchange tasked with finding the most innovative product ranges from small independent businesses and artisan producers.

“We want to hear from British brands that have something a bit different to offer the gifting market,” says GBE founder Matthew Hopkins.

“From unusual, personalised gifts and small batch locally made Christmas stockings, to homewares, artisan Christmas jumpers and in between, the search is now on for the very best of British gifting. We’re looking for ambitious small business owners that are ready to make a leap and reach bigger markets.”

Successful brands and products will be sold in selected John Lewis stores this Christmas, including the retailer’s flagship Oxford Street store.

Matthew continued: “Demand for British made products and unusual gifts has never been higher and this Christmas will offer an unprecedented opportunity for the makers of exceptional British products to boost their sales.”

Lucy Steer, head of the home category at John Lewis says the latest initiative is “a proactive approach to attracting new British design talent onto the shelves for the festive season.”

The Great British Exchange, known for its in-store experiences and meet the maker events, specialises in bringing newness and localism to the high street and is responsible for John Lewis’ successful, regionally sourced, pop-ups in stores up and down the country.

Tel: 01423 229988 or visit popup.thegbexchange.com/

Sustainably Speaking Sarah Watmore, managing director of Miss Milly, recently took part in an inaugural Sustainability Basics course offered by Small Business Britain, a six-week, online course run with Oxford Brookes University, Small99 and Sustainable Pathways.

“Sustainability is a minefield, and many of the smaller wholesalers and independent retailers will struggle with B Corp certification. However, the course gave us lots of suggestions and advice on where we could improve and how. Every positive change we can make, no matter how small, really is worthwhile.”

Small Business Britain will be running a second course from 6 September, with Sarah encouraging other businesses in the gift industry to get involved.

Kilimanjaro Fund Raising Trek Transomnia director Rod O’Mahony will be attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania at the end of July to raise money for Alzheimers Research UK. “The climb was originally scheduled for March 2021, but due to Covid, it was postponed to October, and then to the following March. We’re now due to fly out to Tanzania on July 20,” confirms Rod, who admits he hasn’t done anything like this before.

“Getting up and down will take us eight days, averaging 6-8 hours of trekking each day, and 12-15 hours, including climbing through the night, when we go for the summit and - hopefully! - reach it at dawn the next day.”

He adds: "Dementia is one of the cruellest of diseases, devastating the lives of sufferers, and also of those close to them. I’m delighted, and just slightly terrified, to be raising funds for this great cause through a challenge that will test me to the limits."

Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/omahonys-on-tour (QR code, left, leads directly to the page).

Above: Transomnia’s Rod O’Mahony during training in Snowdonia.

NEWS UK’s 100 Inspiring Entrepreneurs

A nationwide search for the UK’s 100 most inspiring small businesses has kicked off as part of major plans to mark the ten year anniversary of Small Business Saturday UK, which returns on 3 December.

“Small Business Saturday is all about shining a light on the UK’s fabulous small businesses and the extraordinary contribution they make to the UK and our local areas,” comments Michelle Ovens CBE (below), director of Small Business Saturday UK, The organisers are looking for exciting small businesses - that in the past have included independent gift retailers - bringing something special to the community, while supporting consumers or other businesses in the supply chain.

As part of the official countdown to the annual campaign, small businesses can also apply to be featured in this year’s SmallBiz100, which showcases the best of Britain’s small business community.

To apply for the SmallBiz100 visit: smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/small-biz-100

NEWS IN BRIEF l Home and garden gift brand Jardinopia has launched a debut range of licensed Disney gardenwear and tool bags aimed at adults and children.

Right: Jardinopia’s Disney Mickey Mouse And Minnie Mouse gardenwear.

l Aromatize has been appointed as the official UK and Ireland distributor for American brand Michel Design Works. l Retail champion Mary Portas, a keynote speaker at May’s Retail Week Live, called on retail businesses to work harder to find “meaningful philosophies” that connect with customers. l New research by Sherwen Studios reveals that consumers are increasingly using transactional gift websites as a shop window, completing their purchase in store. l Marks & Spencer is developing a growing pipeline of store relocations, with most on edge of town locations.

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Busy, Buzzy PG Live Mixing Business With Pleasure To great acclaim, a busy, buzzy Progressive Greetings Live fanfared the newest launches from almost 200 greeting card publishers when the show opened its doors at London’s Business Design Centre in June. “I placed an order with Rush Design in the first five minutes, and bought some beautiful cards from Springboard exhibitor Klara Hawkins who comes from Barrowford where my shop is,” enthused Andrea Pinder, owner of Presentation Cards & Gifts about two of the many orders she placed at the two day show.

Travelling to the exhibition from East Sussex, was Greg Rose, co-owner of Maybugs gift shops in Hailsham and Eastbourne, who has a third store opening shortly in Bexhill-on-Sea. “We placed five orders for each of our three stores with publishers in the Springboard area, and also ordered from publishers across the show. We found the

Industry

NEWS Christmas Gifting

Springboard sector really exciting this year, and I particularly liked the humorous cards from Not At All Jack,” highlighted Greg.

Priya Aurora-Crower, co-owner of ten Lark gift stores in South London, concurred: “There were some great, quality cards in the Springboard section this year, as well as across the show, and we have loads of orders in the pipeline,” she confirmed.

“As always, PG Live was a cacophony of creativity and inspiration and I did my Christmas buying there,” confirmed Sam Gibbs, owner of three Nest gift stores in Leicestershire. “It was great to discover companies that I don’t normally see.”

Above: PG Live’s opening ceremony.

Left: Sam Gibbs, owner of Nest posted a card to the Queen in PG Live’s Cards For The Queen postbox.

Rosie’s Christmas Thing With many gift indies making a beeline for Rosie Made A Thing at Progressive Greetings Live, (see story above), the good news is that there will be a gift book add-on from the humorous card publisher.

Wine Not? A Book Of Grown-Up Decisions, published by HarperCollins, and due out on 1 September, is a collection of Rosie’s funnies, based on the everyday lives of ordinary people.

“We’ve had a lot of fun putting the book together, going back to my very first cards and trying to organise the silliness into coherent chapters,” explains founder Rosie Harrison. “We’re really proud of our little gift book and happy that we can finally shout about it.”

Right: Jo Webber, (right), owner of gift shop Jo Amor in Tiverton, spent her Greats £50 golden ticket with Rosie Harrison on the Rosie Made A Thing stand at PG Live.

Moda Returns To Autumn Fair With gift and lifestyle retailers increasingly looking to expand their fashion and fashion accessories offer, a popular sector at Autumn Fair is sure to include Moda, incorporating Jewellery & Watch. A key fashion destination at both Spring Fair and Autumn Fair for the past two seasons, the sector will be returning to Autumn Fair from September 4-7.

“With its long-standing heritage as a leading womenswear and footwear show, Moda continues to provide an essential hub for creativity, collaboration and trading, with retailers able to benefit from the vast cross-buying opportunities,” states Simon Lau, event director, Moda at Autumn Fair.

An impressive line-up of jewellery exhibitors includes Shrieking Violet, Sea Gems, Reeves & Reeves, Miss Milly and Talbot Fashions. To register, visit www.moda-uk.com or www.autumnfair.com Above: Visitors at Autumn Fair’s Moda in 2021.

Right: Autumn Fair’s Simon Lau.

With Christmas buying in mind, Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn will be returning to the SEC in Glasgow from 18-19 September with a diverse array of suppliers across gifts, homewares, jewellery, stationery, textiles and gift food. The Launch Gallery will be back, along with the Speciality Food area.

“With a lot of British people opting to holiday at home now, and foreign visitors returning to Scotland, shops are hoping to have good summer and will be ready to reorder in September,” predicts show director Mark Saunders.

To register, visit www.scotlandstradefairs.com Above: Visitors to January’s show.

Trending Into 2023 Trends were at the heart of housewares show Exclusively, held at London’s Business Design Centre in June. Led by forecasting agency Scarlet Opus, the company’s Phil Pond identified the three key trends - Homestead (homes becoming a retreat); Wellness (psychological and physical comfort); and Phygital (where virtual reality is the norm) - that will be in the spotlight over the next year and beyond.

International visitors included Rosanna Bowles, president of American tableware company Rosanna. “The ‘grandmillennial’ trend for layering vintage, with a contemporary twist, is sweeping the US,” she told PG&H. Above: Colours defining the Phygital trend.

All Lit Up Among the celebrities at June’s Exclusively show was ITV’s This Morning’s Lynsey Queen of Clean, who told PG&H that her favourite gift is a scented candle. “I love candles - their fragrance, how they look - and find them calming. My favourite fragrances are pomegranate for the living room and lemon for the kitchen,” revealed Lynsey.

Above: Lynsey Crombie, TV’s Queen of Clean, at Exclusively.

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Weathering

Industry Issue: Cost Of Living Crisis

The Storm With inflation currently at 9.1% (at the time of going to press), five consecutive interest rate rises pushing up mortgage repayments, average energy bills estimated to rise to £3,000, food bills sky rocketing and petrol heading for £2 a litre, the cost of living crisis is intensifying.

With consumers already tightening their belts and making changes to their shopping habits, what will it mean for the gift industry in the coming months? PG&H asked suppliers and retailers for their views.

Quality, Choice, Value For Money “The cost of living crisis is certainly of real concern to many of us in the gift and lifestyle sector,” says Chris Lewis, head of independent sales, Gallery Direct. “The more people feel they are affected by inflation, as household budgets are squeezed, the less we know they will spend, That said, there are still plenty that fall into the camp of having disposable savings and wanting to spend it on home improvements or gifts for their loved ones. We are therefore optimistic that, with the right design-led products, there will be a strong market.”

Will the gift sector be able to weather the storm? “Yes, we believe that the gift sector will be resilient. As always, it is about quality, choice and value for money, so it’s important that we all focus on delivering to satisfy these fundamental client needs.”

Consumer buying patterns: “This year, less will be more. There will be demand for high quality products at the very best prices, so we all need to work hard in our Autumn buying cycles to find value within the marketplace.”

Top retailer tips: “Cut costs where you can but remember to put your customers at the heart of all you do. It often doesn’t cost anything to ‘go that extra mile’ with your customer service and your own creative advice. Find ways to excite and interest and, most important of all, keep positive and stay optimistic.”

Creative Buying “I think we’ll all be heading for a tough six months,” predicts Adam de Wolff, director of The Indigo Tree, which has stores in Crystal Palace and Streatham.

“As the financial landscape adapts to global pressures, customers will be more cautious with their spending and the need to focus on sourcing quality and affordable products.”

Will gift retailers be able to weather the storm? “Despite the pressures on customers’ wallets, they will still have occasions to celebrate, so if we are smart with our buying and pricing we should weather the storm, but we have to buy creatively.”

Will you be buying differently?

“We are anticipating that customers will have much tighter budgets, possibly buying for fewer people this Christmas, and we have ordered more cautiously as a result. We are hoping that if spending habits are not massively impacted we will be able to place top-up orders at the Autumn trade shows.”

Above: The Indigo Tree in Crystal Palace.

Above: Chris Lewis, head of independent sales, Gallery Direct.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Industry Issue: Cost Of Living Crisis

Christmas Will Still Come Our Trade Fares Better Than Most “One thing that cheers people up is celebrating and giving,” points out Paul Hooker, managing director, Joe Davies.

“Luckily, most general gifts are a relatively low spend versus the happiness of giving something to someone special.

Traditionally, in tough times, our trade has fared better than most. Suppliers will be seeking to minimise the impact of inflation by making sure they have a broad range that is excellent value and available in sensible quantities. At Joe Davies we have worked hard at this, and have absorbed as much of the inflationary pressure as possible, without passing it on to our customers.”

Will the gift sector be able to weather the storm? “We are extremely fortunate that the heart of our industry is made up of many vibrant, independent businesses, all full of people with passion and drive. Independent retailers are always innovating and are extremely resilient, so the UK gift trade is in great shape to handle whatever comes our way.”

Will consumers be buying differently? “One thing that will not change is that consumers will want to see new product in their favourite shops. Value always shines through, and retailers will buy well designed, innovative, good quality products. Despite everything, goods from China are still amazing value.”

Top retailer tips: “Look for suppliers that have a broad range, a low minimum order and sell in sensible quantities per line, allowing ‘little and often’ purchasing.

Consolidate supply and avoid large stock holdings. Don’t be shy on buying, be bold and buy into new ranges but keep a weather eye on stock. A great outlook with everything is try, test and refine.”

Above: Paul Hooker, managing director, Joe Davies.

“With most people having less money in their pockets, this undoubtedly will have a negative effect on sales,” comments Phil Verrils, sales director, Gift Republic.

“We are already seeing a slowdown, particularly with online customers, many of whom have seen tremendous growth over the past couple of years but do seem to be returning to lower pre-pandemic levels now.”

Will the gift sector be able to weather the storm? “As I see it, the gift industry is in an enviable position as people will always look to buy presents, and Christmas will still come!

“While we may not see the continued recent growth that many of us have experienced, the industry, and particularly forward-thinking companies like ourselves, who have continued to invest in a stream of new and innovative products, will always do well.”

Consumer buying patterns: “It is only natural that with everything that is currently going on in the world, retailers will take a cautious approach, particularly regarding higher priced items. I would imagine that most will be very conservative with their buying, looking at lower priced items with a higher perceived value rather than stocking higher ticket items that they may have bought previously.”

Top retailer tips: “While caution is clearly the order of the day, retailers should get in early to ensure that they have stock of the best items on your shelves, even if it is by ordering on a little and often basis.”

Above: Phil Verrils, sales director, Gift Republic.

Considered Purchases

Below: The Rowan Tree, Budleigh Salterton.

“I certainly think people will think more carefully as to the type of gift to buy,” predicts Karen Ritchie, owner, The Rowan Tree, Budleigh Salterton.

“Practical and environmentally-friendly items will, I'm sure, be popular rather than purely ornamental, though this has already been the case for a few years.

Toiletries, and nicely packaged soaps in particular, are a great pick up gift and I expect we will sell more greeting cards as people mark a birthday without splashing out on a large gift. Possibly people will want to pop in a small gift such as jewellery, coasters or keyrings as a little something extra, without spending too much. I suspect customers will shop locally to save fuel though, and so far, we are still Continued on page 21 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Industry Issue: Cost Of Living Crisis getting lots of holidaymakers who seem happy to spend well on a special treat or memento as a memory of their break.”

Continues Karen:“I’m sure that purchases will be more considered as the cost of living rises, but we must continue to provide value for money without compromising on quality.”

Will gift retailers be able to weather the storm? “The gift industry has been through some rocky patches before and I am sure will survive, although I suspect there may be some casualties along the way. I do believe customers are keen to buy British made goods but until we see British companies manufacturing gifts competitively, the major gift brands will continue to be imported. However, if their prices continue to rise, it's possible some brands will become less popular with customers who are trying to support greener British products.”

Will you be buying differently? “We will be buying a little less Christmas product this year, as I am sure some people will make do with the decorations they already have and may prefer to spend their budget on food and drink. However, I remain optimistic, and we will continue to put on a fabulous display to keep our customers in the festive spirit.”

Stand Out From The Crowd “I think it would be naïve to believe that all the extra money burdens that the average family will be experiencing will not have an effect,” says Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Berts in Colchester.

“So far, spending is still up on last year, but not by vast amounts. Here in Colchester, it’s great to see a noticeable footfall increase in European visitors, especially from Germany, The Netherlands and Scandinavia.”

Will gift retailers be able to weather the storm? “There’s no reason why we should find ourselves any better off than other sectors. Where we as independents will gain is, as always, with great customer service that, without doubt, we do better than the multiples.”

Will you be buying differently? “Not really. I believe we still need to stand out from the crowd and provide a great selection of gifts for all occasions, all year round.

Christmas obviously is huge for us all, but it’s not the only reason for stocking up the shop.

As independent retailers we need to constantly keep our stock selection fun and updated.”

Above: Bill & Bert’s, Colchester.

Gift Shops Can Benefit “I’m semi-confident about the cost of living crisis and how it will impact on the gift industry,” says Piers Croke, sales director of Gisela Graham. “Of course, what we offer is definitely in the ‘discretionary’ part of the spectrum, but I take some comfort from the increase in staycations, a legacy from the pandemic, which looks like persisting. Plus, the chaos at airports is further discouraging foreign holidays. Surely gift shops are going to benefit from both?”

Will the gift sector be able to weather the storm? “A bit of schadenfreude but I’m glad I’m not in the furniture trade! The gift business is, by definition, entrepreneurial. We’re small and nippy, used to having to adapt, and quickly, to new circumstances. So yes, I’d say we’ll weather the storm. Inevitably retailers will be more cautious. I expect gifts retailing for under £25 will do well.”

Top retailer tips: “Look for originality, good perceived value-for-money, and modest minimum quantities!”

Above: Piers Croke, sales director, Gisela Graham.

Drop In Footfall “Obviously prices will increase, especially in terms of carriage and delivery,” says Olivia Riley, owner, Little Boat Gifts in Brightlingsea. “At the moment, we are doing the best we can for our customers, but unfortunately, with the cost of living crisis constantly in the press, and with so many negative comments about the economy constantly in the media, we have seen the inevitable drop in footfall which always happens when it plays out in the media.”

Will gift retailers be able to weather the storm? “I’m naturally concerned about the cost of living increases we’re going to be seeing in October and how they will impact on business. Nevertheless, we have always strongly supported our local community and we therefore hope that our regular customers will do what they can to support us.”

Right: Little Boat Gifts, Brightlingsea.

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In Profile... Heathcote & Ivory

In Profile... Heathcote & Ivory

It’s Getting To Feel A

Lot Like Christmas Heathcote & Ivory is a multi-award winning, family-run, progressive, quintessentially British beauty company that has built an enviable reputation for its award-winning, sustainable fragranced products and gifting collections across bath, body, wellness and lifestyle, all of which exude British wit and charm.

Creative supremo and co-founder Lesley Aaronson tells PG&H about some of the exciting new products that will be taking Heathcote & Ivory to the next level in the run up to Christmas and beyond.

Christmas may be a few months down the line, but at Heathcote & Ivory - known for its eye-catching, stand out packaging, high quality, paraben-free PETA and RSPOcertified ingredients, and iconic fragrances there’s a very definite festive buzz in the air, with exciting new licensed and non-licensed gift-led products ready to roll out to retailers this Autumn.

“We believe that Christmas is going to be really big this year, and we’re extremely excited to launch our brand new Christmas collections,” enthuses creative supremo Lesley Aaronson, who co-founded Heathcote & Ivory with her husband Denis in 2000, both bringing their individual skill sets

to the business, “with Denis leading from the front,” as Lesley puts it.

Over the past two decades, the company has evolved its cruelty-free and vegan-friendly bath and body products to encompass lifestyle accessories too, with textiles such as gardening gloves, aprons, tea towels and bags, as well as home fragrancing, introduced last year. Gift sets continue to be a year round mainstay of the Above: Magic Myth Marvel bath flowers.

Above right: A scented soap in a heart shaped tin from Nathalie Lete.

Left: Heathcote & Ivory’s cofounders Lesley and Denis Aaronson.

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Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

company, with tins and wooden boxes that can be re-cycled, re-used and re-purposed all taking centre stage.

Well established licences include Cath Kidston, the RHS, Sara Miller London and, more recently Nathalie Lete and the William Morris Gallery, more of which later.

“Passion, attention to detail and joy in the entire process is at the heart of everything we do,” states Lesley. “We’re very collaborative so it’s very definitely a team effort. We have a lot of fun working together, and the expectation is that anything is possible. Plus, we’re not afraid to take risks, to try something new.”

As she points out: “as a small business - which has grown by 35% over the past two years due to new product development - a major advantage is that we can respond to trends and take quick decisions. In fact, thoughtful, feelgood innovations are an obsession, where we’re

dedicated to helping elevate everyday self-care rituals through our collections and brand collaborations that feature imaginative stories as well as a big helping of fun.”

With the cost of living squeeze likely to bite in the second half of the year, the company has looked to products with ‘pick up’ price points - Christmas gifts that people can purchase without spending a fortune.

“We feel that Christmas is going to be really big this year, and we have put a huge emphasis on it,” underlines Lesley. “Brand

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In Profile... Heathcote & Ivory new festive products include items that you can hang on the Christmas tree as a bauble, or pop into a Christmas stocking, or put on the festive table, such as Christmas crackers filled with scented bath fizzers.”

Brand new for 2022 is Magic Myth Marvel, a collection of eye-catching beauty gifts featuring illustrations of Britain’s heroes and legends inspired by childhood fairy tales.

It includes a novelty boxed stack of hand and

bath treats, Unwind & Recharge Magic Stack, with melting shower steamers a new twist on the bath bomb.

“The products can be gifted as they are, or separated into individual gifts,” Lesley explains. “Our much-loved bath flowers - the original brainchild of Denis - are back in a plastic-free box featuring the Magic Myth Marvel botanical design, with fairy tale beans, inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk, hidden in the pattern. There’s also a tin with a little dragon hidden in the lid, and a Sherlock Holmes pipe that’s been turned into a flower. As you can imagine, we had a lot of fun with the story telling!”

In the Mood Home fragrancing is a new development for Heathcote & Ivory with Friendly Welcome (inspired by the William Morris quote, ‘a friendly welcome ready for the incomer’) from William Morris at Home. The collection includes room mists and candles that have a mood-enhancing benefit.

For Christmas, a scented candle trio contains travel versions in a boxed gift set, with Bullerswood’s evocative Clementine & Clove Scented Candle inspired by Tudor pomanders. With re-purposing in mind, Lesley points out: “the jewel like containers also make fabulous caddies for make-up brushes.”

Right: A trio of Christmas scented travel candles.

Lesley Aaronson: The Lowdown l Words that best describe you: “Energetic, creative, an anxious optimist, and I do like to

make things fun.” l What do you enjoy most about working in the beauty sector? “The variety: colour,

design, fragrance, flowers and the opportunity to learn. What a treat to be able to make something that’s useful and beautiful, and, hopefully, that the consumer wants.” l What was your Plan B? “As a compulsive forager and a chatterbox, I might have had a shop or ended up on the stage!”

There is also a limited edition collection of four novelty beauty gifts featuring artist Nathalie Lete’s festive illustrations. Products range from scented soap in a heart shaped tin, featuring nostalgic porcelain dogs one side and snowmen the other, to a hand cream in a novelty tin in the shape of a nesting doll.

Plus, brand new in Heathcote & Ivory’s William Morris at Home collection - a partnership launched with the not-for-profit William Morris Gallery in 2021 - is Bullerswood, inspired by one of the famous William Morris Hammersmith carpets. The design features on an Advent calendar filled with 24 vegan, scented bath and body treats, and there’s also a bumper beauty cracker with pocket hand creams and bath fizzers, as well as an opulent velvet pouch filled with hand creams and soap.

And at the request of the company’s retail customers, dog lovers Above: William Morris At Home Bullerswood Advent calendar.

Right: A Christmas specific Canine Companion gift set.

haven’t been forgotten either. The company’s recently launched Canine Companion collection offers Christmas gifts for both dogs and their owners, such as a doggie bandana wrapped around a hand cream, and a gift set featuring a Christmas stocking, velvet bow tie, hair scrunchie and dog shampoo, all showcasing the William Morris Blackthorn print in a bespoke dark blue.

On the retail side of the business, headed by Esther Meyer, independent gift retailers remain extremely important to the company, with Heathcote & Ivory employing a dedicated, on the road regional sales team, as well as a sales administration team, to deal with phone orders and enquiries from retailers across the spectrum.

“We have also set up our own content creation team to drive online sales,” confirms Lesley. “They bring our products and ranges to life with video content that can be used by both our trade customers, and at home, on our digital platforms. The increasing activity and quality of our online presence has given us the opportunity to share our products with our customers and gives us the confidence to develop ever more products for people to enjoy.”

So, what are the goals and ambitions for the company going forward? “Values of authenticity, kindness, commitment and responsibility underpin the ethos of the business.

Looking back at life before Covid, to where we are now, we are proud to have come through blooming, with a fresh outlook influenced by the past two years.

Going forward, we will continue to work hard to create beautifully crafted, scented beauty products and gifting collections thoughtful gifting that we know our valued customers are going to love.”

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing

Scents Of The

Season

Home fragrancing products will be very much in the minds of gift retailers as they start their buying for the second half of the year, with autumnal and festive fragrances and colours leading the way.

PG&H sniffed out what’s trending.

Nothing says Autumn/Winter more than fragrance, with the festive season very much underway for suppliers. At Best Kept Secrets, new for Autumn/Winter is a rebranded Christmas Elegance range, with new candle fragrances that include Cosy Nights; Mulled Wine & Cranberries; Pine Cones & Spruce and Plum Pudding.

“Additionally, following on from the response to our newly redesigned Just Because collection, we have introduced a new Christmas range along the same lines Just Because Christmas,” explains managing director Vanessa Curry. “We also offer tea

light boxes in tea light festive sets featuring Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, Hot Cinnamon and A Winter’s Tale.”

Historically, tins in both gold and silver are always popular for the company, with gold tins selling especially well at Christmas. Explains Vanessa: “customers associate gold with a luxury, festive feel, while in the Autumn months people look for more warming, slightly headier scents, such as Plum Champagne, Pink Pomegranate and home comfort, evoking fragrances to include Sticky Apple Tart,” she explains.

“We’re rocking autumnal colours, with new additions to our Chinoiserie range,” states Candlelight’s marketing manager Kate Winch. “New to the range are the darker, more mysterious dark green and plum colour palettes, bringing warming fragrances to our already extremely popular

Above: Pine Cones & Spruce from Best Kept Secrets.

Left: A Julie Dodsworth reed diffuser from Broughton & Beech.

Bottom: Candlelight’s Chinoiserie collection includes a plum colour palette.

summer range. Plus, Aromatic Forest and Oriental Blossom encapsulate the trending, deep scents of cosy winter evenings.”

Staying with Autumn, Broughton and Beech will be adding melts and incense products to the company’s expanding Julie Dodsworth range, with Angel Wood a new design created by Julie. “It’s a limited edition, a fragrance blend of muted tones capturing autumnal walks and misty mornings, and will be available in a gift boxed glass candle, reed diffuser and hand cream, all of which are made in England and plant based,” confirms Broughton and Beech’s director Richard Wood.

He adds that in addition, the company’s Niki collection is being revamped with new packaging, designs and fragrances, to include a refillable car fragrance from Mr&Mrs Fragrance.

At Lesser & Pavey, beaded sparkle is at the heart of the company’s new range of Christmas themed Desire diffusers and candles. “The glass containers that house the fragranced oils feature sparkling red Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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From our family to yours Stylish home fragrance gifts, handmade with love by the Brand family Our autumn winter collection features warm spices and sweet fruity scents to fill any room with delicious, comforting aromas.

Perfect for creating a cosy, relaxed feeling at home.

Gingerbread | Spiced Orange | Cranberry with Ginger Blackberry & Cinnamon | Cherry & Almond All fragrances available in our award-winning Flower Diffuser, Burn & Bloom Candles and Wax Melts.

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing Left: Lesser & Pavey’s new Desire Christmas Sparkling Cinnamon collection.

Below: Smoked Chilli, a new fragrance from Ashleigh & Burwood.

Bottom left: Wax Lyrical’s Sparkling Snowflakes reed diffuser.

glass beads alongside sustainably sourced packaging and reeds, with fragrances including Sparkling Cinnamon, reflecting the essence of Christmas,” highlights managing director Julian Hunt.

Wax Lyrical meanwhile, has a host of new collections and products for the festive season, to include candle Advent calendars, with new designs in the company’s Sara Miller London, Wrendale Designs and Yvonne Ellen collections, with candles, reed diffusers and gift sets also available. The company has also launched two new Sparkling Snowflakes collections.

But it’s not only the festive season that will be ringing up sales in the coming months. Ashleigh & Burwood is launching a brand new collection, Naturals, with 100% natural fragrances.

“The collection is centred around four aromatherapy blends designed to fragrantly and mindfully guide people through their day,” explains PR manager Deborah Bettinson. “Wellbeing is central to the new collection, extending to the health of the planet with packaging choices too. All outer packaging is made from card that is suitable for recycling, and vessels are glass. Once used, they can be repurposed around the

home as desk tidies, bud vases and tealight holders.”

With the winter months in mind, the company has also launched three new fragrances Smoked Chilli, Cashmere Blankets and Cocoa Forest - in its The Scented Home and lamp fragrance collections. “They’ve been created to bring seasonal warmth,” highlights Deborah.

At Marmalade London, sales director Helen Flook concurs that, going into Autumn/Winter, wellbeing will still be trending. Joining the company’s Wellbeing range this Autumn will be an ultra-sonic diffuser and Energise oil.

“With the night’s drawing in, this is a very important time of the year for people to look after their physical as well as their Continued on page 29

Changing Seasons A fresh, exciting development for Find Your Glow (FYG), winner of the Gift of the Year’s Home Fragrance category, is Seasons, a brand new candle duo launched earlier this year that changes fragrances as they burn.

Explains FYG’s founder Demi Pendakis: “There are two three wick candles, each weighing a kilo, that burn for 120 hours - 60 hours per season.

One candle reflects the fragrances of Spring/Summer, the other the fragrances of Autumn/Winter. Plus, each comes with a sustainable seeded dust card that can be planted in the garden to grow meadow flowers. We also offer a gift set, featuring candles for all four seasons, which is already proving popular for Christmas forward purchases.”

Above: FYG’s Seasons, featuring Autumn/Winter fragrances.

Inset: An ultra-sonic diffuser and Energise oil are new additions to Marmalade London’s Wellbeing range.

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing mental health too, which is equally as important.” says Helen.

Aesthetics too, always have a key role to play in the home fragrancing market place, with Aromatize’s focus on design reflected in the company’s new Woodbridge tumbler candles. “We have chosen the wrap on the jars to complement people’s homes,” highlights Aromatize’s Sophie Aldred.

For most people, receiving a high quality, home fragrancing product in beautiful packaging - particularly if the packaging and the vessel are sustainable - is a very

Body Beautiful Fragranced bath and body products have always gone hand in hand with the festive season, as people look to gifting as well as self-purchasing.

‘We’re focusing on sustainably packaged, affordably priced pick-up gifts for Christmas that make great stocking fillers, Secret Santa and teachers’ gifts,” confirms Heathcote & Ivory’s co-founder and creative supremo Lesley Aaronson.

“We’re launching a bath and body stacker set, the Magic Myth Marvel Magic Stack, which enables the gift giver to choose to gift as a set, or to break it down into smaller gifts, and our popular, giftable Bath Bomb Cracker sets can also be divided up.

They make great table decorations too, and have returned within our Magic Myth Marvel and Nathalie Lete Christmas collections.

Additionally, across all our bath and body gifting, we are continuing to look at sustainability and how to give the customer as much as we can with their purchase,” underlines Lesley.

Lovely, high quality fragranced soaps also make special gifts. “During the festive

welcome gift indeed, not just at Christmas but all year round. And with so much product available, once again, gift retailers are going to be spoilt for choice as they start their Christmas buying.

Left: Woodbridge’s Let It Snow 3-wick fragranced tumbler candle jar from Aromatize.

Below: T&G organic soaps and soap dishes.

Left: Best Kept Secrets Spicy Orange soap.

Below: Michel Design Works’ Eucalyptus and Mint collection, distributed by Aromatize.

Bottom left: Magic Myth Marvel Magic Stack from Heathcote & Ivory.

Below right: Mad Beauty’s Elf Footcare and Sock Set.

months, our most popular soap is Spicy Orange, and, with the exception of Lavender Oats & Honey and Goats Milk & Lavender, our handmade natural soaps are cruelty free and vegan friendly,” points out Best Kept Secrets’ managing director Vanessa Curry. “There are no parabens, with the soaps made in the traditional cold process method, containing only vegetable oil, lye, water, and essential oils.

Wrapped in handmade paper, they are completely plastic free too.”

At T&G, the company offers a range of organic soaps and soap dishes. “Our hand crafted organic soap is 100% vegan, crueltyfree, uses pure essential oils, organic and natural ingredients and contains sustainable palm oil,” confirms the company’s head of marketing Jenny Handley. “Additionally, they are produced here in the UK.” (For every soap dish and bar of soap sold T&G donate to the charity www.oceangeneration.org).

New to the UK market meanwhile, is the American gift, home and lifestyle brand Michel Design Works. Distributed in the UK

by Aromatize, each collection features six bath and body products to include a foaming hand soap, hand and body lotion, a duo caddy and triplemilled bath and boxed soaps made in England. “The signature prints for each fragrance collection are akin to a work of art,” says Aromatize’s Sophie Aldred.

Meanwhile, one company that is continuing to make bathing and beauty rituals fun is Mad Beauty, which will be launching new franchises for AW22 to include Elf, Scooby Doo and Hocus Pocus.

“As well as products that put a smile on the recipient’s face, a big focus with the new ranges has been reducing plastic packaging wherever possible, as well as bringing out multi-use products which offer greater value for money which, in turn, help to keep wastage minimal,” says creative director Julia Cash.

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What s

1: Cosy & Comforting Cuddle up this season with Cashmere Blankets, one of three new seasonally warming fragrances, joining Ashleigh & Burwood’s range of signature Lamp Fragrances and The Scented Home Reed Diffusers and Refills. Cashmere Blankets is as cosy and comforting as the softest of blankets. The soothing scents of light, floral bergamot and creamy coconut are warmed by base notes of sweet vanilla and powdery musk.

Ashleigh & Burwood T: +44 (0) 1932 267060 E: COT@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk W: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

New

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home fragrance products to be showcased this month

2: Scents Of The Seasons FYG has just launched its new Seasons range. Always looking to introduce something different, these 1kg essential oil candles change fragrance as you burn, from Spring to Summer and separately Autumn to Winter, and are finished off with a seeded dust card to reuse the container growing your own meadow flowers. Sustainability, quality and beauty are at the heart of everything we do.

FYG T: +44 208 914 7974 E: demi@fyghome.com W: www.fyghome.com

3: New For Christmas Following on from the amazing reception ourJust Because candles have had since their update earlier this year, we have created a new Christmas range for our customers along the same lines.

There are 12 new candles in silver tins, each with a different festive design, and a scattering of snowflakes and holly, not forgetting our signature sparkle.

Best Kept Secrets T: 01670 512222 E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

4: Waxing Lyrical Wax Lyrical has created a host of gifts to celebrate this Christmas including the Yvonne Ellen Advent calendar which boasts a fabulous fragrance medley of velvet peach, pear and red berries nesting on a base of soft vanilla, tonka bean and soothing white musk. Creating moments to Wax Lyrical about.

Wax Lyrical T: Contact Customer Service: 01229 461100 E: customerservice@wax-lyrical.com or waxlyricaltrade.com W: www. waxlyricaltrade.com

5: Festive Fragrances The newest Life In Bloom fragrance from Ashleigh & Burwood celebrates the festive season with the vibrant scent of Winter Jasmine & Green Leaves, in a merry and bright green colourway. The special edition fragrance is available in every popular product from the Life In Bloom everyday collection, including the bestselling Floral Reed Diffuser with colourful stems of gypsophila flowers.

Ashleigh & Burwood T: +44 (0) 1932 267060 E: COT@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk W: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

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1: Sparking Snowflake Collection We’ve all said, please ‘let it snow’. Christmas is the time to ‘shimmer & shine’, to add glamour to the home with festive fragrance, and it’s the season to ‘sparkle’ and ‘believe in the magic’. The Wax Lyrical Sparkling Snowflake collection is available in candles, tea lights and reed diffusers.

Wax Lyrical T: Contact Customer Service: 01229 461100 E: customerservice@wax-lyrical.com W: www. waxlyricaltrade.com

2: Spoilt For Choice Creating a nice home atmosphere has never been easier with Puckator’s selection of fragrance oils, essential oils, wax melts and incense. But you can’t have fragrance oils without oil burners. Puckator stocks some wonderful designs which fit into a wide variety of styles. The stylish modern designs of the Eden range are a favourite, but for those into cute animals, such as our Cat’s Life designs, or want a zen vibe, check out the Carved Soapstone Chakra oil burners.

Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

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What s

New

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home fragrance products to be showcased this month

3: Velvet Festive Self-care Gifts Designed To Reuse Heathcote & Ivory combines velvet accessories with self-care items at William Morris at Home, a partnership with the notfor-profit William Morris Gallery. This hybrid gifting offers the consumer more whilst reducing packaging. A vibrant Bullerswood pouch filled with hand creams and scented soap uses only a recyclable belly band printed with what’s inside. Plus, a fun and heart-warming gift to share with a Canine Companion: velvet pet stocking with matching Blackthorn print dog bow tie and hair scrunchie, and a luxe dog shampoo inside make Christmas velvety.

Heathcote & Ivory T: 0207 483 8383 E: salesadmin@heathcote-ivory.com W: www.heathcote-ivory.com

4: Gifts For All Occasions In addition to our gorgeous, newly redesigned Just Because candles, we have extended this bestselling range to our Tea Lights too, which make a perfect present for all occasions. There is no need to buy an additional card, as they also have a wonderful verse on each box totally capturing what you want to say to the recipient.

Best Kept Secrets T: 01670 512222 E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

5: Botanical Bath Fizz Packed full of active ingredients, natural moisturisers and essential oils, Botanical Bath Fizz is perfect for pamper parties, at home spa days and creating the ultimate bath time experience. Available in eight varieties. No artificial colourants; vegan; plastic free; handmade in the UK. Freckleface Home Fragrance T: 01778 393699 E: hello@frecklefacehomefragrance.com W: www.frecklefacehomefragrance.com

6: Feelgood Fragrances The Marmalade Wellbeing collection has three different fragrances - Calm, Balance and Energise - which come in a luxury glass candle, diffuser and burner oil. The candles are poured by hand in the UK and are made of natural soy wax with cotton wicks. The collection is beautifully presented in coloured glass that glows with a comforting ambience as it burns and releases the scent.

Marmalade of London T: +44 (0) 1242 257509 E: hello@marmaladeoflondon.com W: www.marmaladeoflondon.com PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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In Profile: Enesco

Licens d

To Thrill

Enesco UK is renowned as a major distributor of high-quality figurines and accessories featuring the world’s favourite licenses - Beatrix Potter, Disney, Grinch, Harry Potter, Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore, and Lolita - with the company continuing to distribute the much loved Willow Tree figurines, alongside its own, inhouse designed Beatrix Potter and Ginology collections.

With a new mid-year launch just unveiled, marketing & product director Helen Cottrill reveals what will be ringing up sales for the company in the second half of the year.

Enesco has long been synonymous Flopsy Bunny to the Enesco’s Top with the world’s leading collectables offering. And, of course, 3 Collectables our own Ginology brands, and with exciting new l All Jim Shore collections collection, along with products coming into play for the and collaborations second half of 2022 - to include a Lolita, are leading brands l Disney by Britto brand new licensing collaboration in both everyday and l Willow Tree with Scion, a new baby and home luxury gift glassware. In gifting collection, and several other surprises fact, our 2022 Christmas collection from along the way - the company is Ginology has sold out already!” understandably feeling bullish about the coming season.

“Given the current cost of living crisis, and talk about a recession, it’s always good to have a strong portfolio of functional gifts,” states Enesco’s marketing & product director Helen Cottrill. “People will always want to give gifts, and birthdays, weddings and new babies will continue to be celebrated.

However, consumers will be looking for great value for money, as well as thoughtful and often practical gifts. We have spent a lot of time in recent months developing a superb collection of functional baby gifts across Peter Rabbit and Disney and will be adding Scion and 34

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

Far left: Enesco’s marketing & product director Helen Cottrill.

Below: New from Disney Baby.

Bottom: An unusual wall clock from Allen Designs.

It's a similar story when it comes to Demdaco. “Our Demdaco portfolio, launched for Spring 2022, really took off, and consequently we have opened many new accounts,” Helen confirms. “Products range from home fragrance options to functional glassware, planters, and beautifully presented game sets for evenings at home with family and friends.

Meanwhile, Allen Designs remains one of my personal favourites,” she continues, “so I was delighted when we announced that we had not only acquired the company but also retained the talents of Michelle Allen. It has allowed us to re-introduce the clocks at affordable pricing, and to add in the planters and water bottles, along with kitchen and ladies’ accessories. The stock is due in Q3 and we are currently working on formats specifically for the UK and European consumer.”

Sustainability meanwhile, is naturally at the forefront of everything the company does. “It’s such a hot topic across all of our markets, especially Enesco’s Top in Europe, so, of 3 Gift Ranges course, it’s high on our agenda too,” l Ginology Helen emphasises. l Beatrix Potter l Demdaco “Therefore, with

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In Profile: Enesco product that we are developing here in the UK - Beatrix Potter, Kloche, Ginology, Disney Baby - to name just a few of our collections, we are, where possible, using all recyclable packaging, and changing to paper pulp inserts and eco-friendly inks.

We are also very mindful of where we would use plastic and replacing it with more sustainable options. In fact, Kloche is one of the first collections where we have ensured it is all made from sustainably sourced wood, as well as glass not plastic, and all cardboard packaging.”

In 2020, the company changed its Ginology packaging from plastic inserts to paper pulp and is now in the process of reducing the overall box size to reduce waste, as well as shipping space and cost.

“Having moved away from using bamboobased material for our children’s home collections, and with the new legislation

across Europe that’s soon to be introduced into the UK, we looked closely at our options, rather than go for ‘recycled’ material which is often harder to then recycle here,” points out Helen. “Instead, we opted for polypropylene, as this product not only has all of the key requirements any parent would want - dishwasher and microwave safe, as well as being durable it is also100% recyclable within normal household plastic waste.”

Socially Speaking Social media meanwhile, which, over the years, has become increasingly important in driving sales for the company, remains “both a curse and a blessing,” as Helen puts it.

“We gain so much great exposure across the various platforms, and the reach can be exceptional. However, when you have a highly collectable product like Jim Shore’s Disney Traditions, and the collectors around the world are all waiting for the new launch, it can be really hard to effectively reach all markets at one time, causing a frenzy of posting across the globe. It makes me glad that we didn’t have social media in the years of Cherished Teddies, Border Fine Arts and Lilliput Lane! I really couldn’t imagine trying to manage that! That said, I personally love Instagram having been exposed to so many great brands, products, retailers and people through the platform.”

Internationally, the team was strengthened 18 months ago with the appointment of Phil Atherton, (formerly with Portmeirion Group), as commercial director, with Phil bringing with him a wealth of experience and enthusiasm.

“Europe is top of our list for sales growth,” underlines Helen.

“We have made significant changes to our European sales operation and now have a fully employed sales team across Germany and Holland, allowing them to focus entirely on Enesco brands. We are also looking at attending different trade fairs, with space booked at Cologne’s Kind und Jugend in September to launch ourselves as leaders in licensed baby gift, showcasing our Peter Rabbit and Flopsy collections, along with Disney Baby and Scion, plus our brand new Beatrix Potter soft toy collection. In addition, we also have Ambiente rebooked for 2023. Our aim is to really concentrate on getting to know the European marketplace, and the consumer, a little better. I recently spent a week in the Netherlands and Germany with our

Far left: I Love You Mum. Peanuts by Jim Shore.

Left: Among the latest Willow Tree figurines from Demdaco.

Below: Together Time from Demdaco.

sales team visiting existing and potential accounts, including the biggest garden centre imaginable! It was such a valuable experience, and also highlighted how both trend-led and eco-friendly these markets are.”

In the shorter term, for the first time in over a decade, Enesco will be back at Harrogate’s Home & Gift in July (stand A3). “It’s only a 25m2 stand and will feature collections primarily for independents looking for stock to sell in 2022,” explains Helen. “It’s been lovely to work on a small, more boutique-style space, rather than our usual huge stands, and I think it will make us, as a company, more accessible to smaller retailers, those who might find our Spring Fair space quite daunting.”

Virtual Trade Fair When Ambiente was cancelled for the second time, once again due to Covid, Enesco took the decision to do something primarily for the company’s European customers.

“Having recently expanded our ecommerce team, to include Aline Mellor as the newly created head of ecommerce, we tasked her with generating and hosting our first ever webinars in March,” Helen highlights. “They were available in three languages, and utilising our own brand and sales teams, we worked together to host a very successful event. Following on from that, we will be launching our own virtual trade fair in the coming weeks,” she continues. “We filmed our stand at Spring Fair, and this will be replacing our virtual showroom, allowing visitors from around the world to see our product at its best.”

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Celebrating 50 years of Portmeirion Botanic Garden tableware and cookware, with the launch of fragranced candles, diffusers, hand wash and lotion.

Available in four beautiful designs and natural fragrances.

Timeless moments of inspiration for over 40 years Proudly made in the UK

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Tel: 01229 461100 Waxlyricaltrade.com

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Retailer Face To Face: Austins, Newton Abbot

Keeping It In

The Family Family-owned independent department store Austins, just shy of its milestone 100th anniversary, was the winner of this year’s Greats Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts category, with third generation David Austin currently at the helm and ambitious to drive the business forward.

From humble beginnings, four huge Austins stores now dominate the market town’s landmark ‘clock tower’ square, making the retailer the largest independent, family-owned department store in the South West.

“My dream was always to create a mini John Lewis for the West country,” David told PG&H. Independently owned Austins is a real life rags to riches story, the retail journey of three generations of the Austin family that began when a somewhat impoverished Robert Austin, raised in London’s East End, lost the lease on his small drapers shop in Romford, Essex. His criteria was to find an alternative outlet which was freehold and was also adjacent to Marks & Spencer’s Penny Baazar, which he had the foresight to see would become a major player in high street retail. (Ironically, it would have surely made Robert very proud, that Austins’ current owner, his grandson David, recently bought that very same Marks & Spencer building, more of which later).

Sustainably Speaking Austins is proud of its eco friendly credentials that include solar panels and LED lighting across all four buildings.

“We also recycle and re-purpose as much as we can,” highlights David, who has been a member of Friends of the Earth for the past 35 years.

By chance, Robert’s son Charles, who had joined his father in the business, spotted a run-down freehold drapery and haberdashers store in Newton Abbot, next door to Marks & Spencer, while on holiday. It ticked all the boxes, and together with his father, they subsequently relocated to South Devon on 10 March 1924, with the rest being department store history.

In the ensuing years, retail entrepreneurs Robert and Charles, (“who was very forward

Top: The exterior of the flagship Austins fashion store in Newton Abbot.

Above: From left to right: owner David Austin; fashion manager Julie King, and merchandise director Paul Lewis are shown with Austins’ coveted Greats trophy.

Below: Langs is among the newer giftware brands.

looking and intent on developing the business and taking it forward,” explains David), went on to acquire additional vacant buildings as they became available. These included the former Globe hotel (now an Austins dedicated, standalone homewares store selling cookshop, small domestic appliances and tableware, as well as linens and soft furnishings on the top floor); the Courts furniture shop (now an Austins furniture, bedding and carpet store); an enormous toy store - arguably the largest in Devon - that also houses a brand new sports and sportswear department on the top level; and Newton Abbot’s former Santander building which was acquired seven years ago. It’s this acquisition that has given Austins its flagship fashion store corner location. (Interestingly, the original Austins occupied what is now the cosmetics department).

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WELCOME TO CAPTIVATE BRANDS! For kitchenware and homewares designed to truly INSPIRE and CAPTIVATE you.

Visit us at Harrogate Home & Gift 2022 Stand: M2

Also find us at: AIS INDX Housewares Show 12th - 14th July

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01386 421 622 info@captivatebrands.co.uk www.captivatebrands.com

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Retailer Face To Face: Austins, Newton Abbot The portfolio expansion has happened largely under David’s watch since he took over the reins in the1990s, where he has continued his grandfather’s and father’s vision of Austins being modelled on Selfridges in London. Although in separate buildings, all four Austins outlets link, and “hang together” as David puts it, creating an over arching, full line department store - with the exception of brown goods, electricals and fitted kitchens - offering everything else you would expect a 60,000 sq ft department store to sell over nine floors and four buildings, to include, gifts, greeting cards and stationery, as well as a recently refurbished, rebranded cafe.

“It’s become Newton Abbot’s social hub,” comments David.

So where does gifting fit into the mix?

“We first introduced gift products into our flagship fashion store three years ago,” explains merchandise director Paul Lewis,

who spent 34 years in various senior roles at John Lewis in Southampton and Reading, subsequently joining Bradbeer’s department store in Romsey, and then Austins in 2018.

Responsible for store planning, refitting, layouts, merchandising and budgeting, among many other hands on roles, he works closely with David across all four stores, which he says are akin to independents in their approach, their ambience, and their friendly, helpful staff, many of whom are long standing members of the retail team. For example, senior manager Debbie Maloney has been with Austins for 43 years and looks after daily operations. She is also buying manager for toys and sports.

Positioned on the ground floor of the fashion store, leading home fragrancing and bath and body brands include Wax Lyrical,

David Austin: The Lowdown l In the early days of his career, David had a brief spell as a graduate trainee with the John

Lewis group, working for John Barnes in North London. l Before joining the family retail business, he studied piano at the Royal Academy of

Music in London. l David says that music remains a wonderful part of his life. “I still practice the piano every

single day, and take a keyboard on holiday,” he reveals.

Right: Popular fashion accessories companies include Powder.

Below left: An array of Jellycat plush.

Bottom: Dunoon mugs are on display in the Austins housewares store.

Marmalade of London, Heyland & Whittle, Wrendale Designs and Heathcote & Ivory. “Although the majority of our buying is done through the UK buying group Association of Independent Stores - AIS where possible, we try to source products that have been made in Britain, especially those that are made locally,” confirms Paul.

Across fashion accessories and bags, eye-catching displays feature Powder and Ellie Beaumont, whose bags with interchangeable straps are very popular with Austins customers. “Roka, a new addition in the bag sector, has been another big hit,” confirms Paul, while Jellycat’s quirky plush is an indisputable winner. “It’s one brand we couldn’t do without, as customers can find gifts for babies and children, as well as older age groups, to include mums and grandmas.

The products are collectable and ageless, encouraging repeat business.”

With the cost-of-living crisis dominating the headlines, how is David feeling about gift buying in the run up to Christmas? “We’ll be fine,” he says confidently. “For us, it’s been tough on the toy side, as unfortunately, some families are struggling, but it’s a broad economic church and people will still want to treat others this Christmas.

Plus, our prices are at the lower end. So, we’ll kick off Christmas, as we do every year, with a big, after-hours event for customers during the first week of November.”

As he puts it: “overall, Austins is the hub of the town, and it feels very special to be the anchor store. Although we had some difficult decisions to

make after the first lockdown in 2020, and unfortunately had to let some staff go, as well as reducing our opening hours, I feel that we navigated it well. As an independent business, we can react quickly and make our own considered choices. We are a ‘can do’ retailer, and therefore remain optimistic about the future of high street retail, with our customers first and foremost at the heart of everything we do. Everyone who comes into our stores gets a friendly welcome and exemplary service, which means that people buy from us with confidence.”

As for what’s in the pipeline to take the business forward, the adjacent Marks & Spencer store, which David invested in as a freehold property in April 2022, gives Austins the option of opening a fifth retail store in four years time, when the current tenant moves out. Austins is also aiming to pull in a younger shopper, with brands such as Bomb Cosmetics among the newer ranges.

So how proud would David’s grandfather and father be to hear that Austins won the Best Department Store category in The Greats awards this year? “Having built the Austins brand from nothing they would both be delighted!” enthuses David.

“Our success at the awards was totally unexpected, a fantastic achievement for us and another milestone in our incredible retail history.”

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Fashion Focus: SugarLane

A Jewel Of A Collection

Following SugarLane’s hugely successful launch at Spring Fair, Joe Davies can’t wait to unveil the brand’s exclusive Autumn/Winter collection at Harrogate’s Home & Gift.

Ahead of the show, PG&H was given a sneak preview by the company’s fashion consultant Bev Allen.

“I’m really excited about the gorgeous, rich colour palette for Autumn/Winter” enthuses Joe Davies’ fashion consultant Bev Allen, who was tasked with starting the company’s exclusive SugarLane brand from scratch last year.

“There are lots of sapphires and rubies, as well as fashionable emerald greens, and, of course, an abundance of prints,” confirms Bev, who previously worked for George@Asda and Bravissimo. “In addition, we’re introducing a new category of knitwear, with a rich colour palette, that sits alongside the collections. Plus, lots of pieces in the new range feature muted brights and exclusive digital prints.”

However, for those who prefer something different to pattern garments, there is Caramel Mono which has timeless styles with a modern twist, built from a palette of solid, on trend colours.

All pieces fit together to create retail solutions, resulting in four core capsules for Autumn/Winter.

In addition to Caramel Mono there is Blue Fusion, Opulent Bloom and Rich Botanical, enabling colours and prints to cohesively mix and match. With independent gift retailers in mind, Bev has ensured that each capsule fits comfortably onto one rail. Plus, shops can reorder ‘Little and Often’ as with all other Joe Davies products.

Primarily aimed at independent gift retailers, SugarLane is based on a commercial, capsule collection of quality fashion garments, with two practical size solutions - small/medium and medium/large - for a better fit.

Above: Bev Allen (right) admires SugarLane’s brand new capsule Autumn/Winter collection.

Top: Gracie top; right: Bea dress; below: Pippa dress.

“Everything is designed in the UK, is exclusive and unique and created with the planet in mind,” emphasises Bev. “Wherever possible, our polyesters are made from recycled plastics, and we are working with our partners to source natural fabrics responsibly, with everything ethically sourced.

Every garment features its own swing tag too, highlighting not only its sustainability credentials, but also elements related to fabric and design.”

Products are primarily sourced from India, Sri Lanka and Turkey reflecting striking colours and stunning fabrics and yarns. “The factories

employ highly skilled workers, with ethical sourcing as important to them as it is to us,” Bev states. “In addition, as all our designs are exclusive, items such as the Sophie dress, which is our own print on a beautiful burnt-out lurex chiffon, is one you can’t find anywhere else.”

With Bev’s keen eye for finishes, SugarLane is also about how the smallest details can make the biggest difference. This includes, for example, having exactly the right buttons and putting the right trim on garments. But finding solutions for different body shapes is also paramount, particularly for curvier women. As she explains: “we’ve designed back details, but made sure the bra straps are covered, as well as putting in shearing at the back of tops and dresses to ensure that people don’t have to go up a size.”

Adds Bev: “with newer and first-time fashion buyers delighted with the Spring/Summer ‘ready to go’ capsule, and more experienced fashion buyers enthusiastically purchasing across the range to add to their existing fashion offer, we can’t wait to show buyers what’s new for the run-up to Christmas on our stand - hall B, stand B66 - at Harrogate,” she states, “with the collection available to order from Joe Davies from this July.”

Bev’s Autumn/Winter Faves... l Kimberly dress: “there’s the added surprise of the sexy cut-out detail on the

back and the striking black and tan print.” l Emma top: “the tie back neck detail and cute puff sleeve takes black classic

pants to the next level.”

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Spotlight On... Jewellery/Fashion Accessories

Layering Up For Autumn With the party season on its way over the next few months, jewellery and fashion accessories will really be coming into their own for gift retailers, with gold continuing to shine, and stars, sparkle, natural stone embellishments and pearls all trending.

What else will be adorning ears, necks and wrists this Autumn/Winter? PG&H spoke to some of the leading suppliers.

Fashion jewellery remains both a much appreciated gift and a self-purchase item, with few women able to resist adding another piece to their collection, or gifting a lovely, special item to a friend. And as we transition from summer into Autumn/Winter, jewellery trends are all about layering necklaces and bracelets, and being bold, with statement jewellery leading the way.

According to Hot Tomato’s managing director Alex Machin, stars will be in the ascendance again this winter. “Of all the

season’s signature, festive motifs, the star is the least risky in terms of buying into a trend,” says Alex. “Yes, it is Christmassy, but stars easily transcend the seasons, plus, in our experience, buyers rarely get stuck with them.”

Alex also suggests that gift retailers should keep an eye out for natural stone embellishments. “They bestow a unique, one-of-a-kind element to each piece of jewellery that they adorn, with most of us revelling in a little piece of individuality.”

Sparkle meanwhile, will be at the heart of Joma Jewellery’s Autumn/Winter collection, with the company’s A Little bracelets taking centre stage, along with boxed earrings and necklaces extending the giftable collection and affording a ‘mix and match’ opportunity for retailers and their customers.

“The brand new Joma Jewellery boxed Celebration sets feature three twinkling A Littles,” confirms Joma’s creative director and founder Katie Loxton, “and following on from the popularity of the wellness trend, there is also the new Affirmation crystal A Littles and Spirit Stones collection which heroes semi-precious Above: Some of the newest designs from Hot Tomato with green a key colour.

Left: Joma Jewellery’s boxed Celebration sets.

Right: Pearl jewellery from Joe Davies’ Equilibrium collection.

Below: Colourful gold bracelets from Rodney Holman.

gemstones, from amazonite to amethyst.

Plus, everything is packaged and ready to gift,” she adds.

At Joe Davies, silver is key for Autumn/Winter 2022, as is layering necklaces and bracelets. “It’s a must,” says Joe Davies’ buyer Mary Caputo, adding that dainty pearl-adorned jewellery is very much on trend for the coming season. New Equilibrium sets of threelayered necklaces and sets of three stacking bracelets are brand new from the company, reflecting the key themes. “They come with luxury wardrobe style packaging, making them ideal for Christmas gifts,” points out Mary.

At Rodney Holman, Jonathan Holman highlights: “So far this year, we’ve seen a real move towards stronger sales of gold-plated fashion jewellery, and expect this

to continue right through Autumn/Winter and beyond. With this in mind, we have a selection of pieces on offer, where we have also made them available in rhodium/silver plating too, so that they appeal to a wider audience.”

Another hot trend the company is seeing, and offering as part of their collection, are pieces with freshwater pearl detail. “The collection is already selling Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... Jewellery/Fashion Accessories strongly, and we expect it to grow as the year continues,” Jonathan comments, also predicting that there will be more and more colour coming through in the second half of the year.

“We have some fabulous examples, and will be showcasing them at Harrogate’s Home & Gift in July."

Well known for colourful brights, Miss Milly will be making a splash with a bold Autumn/Winter colour palette that includes fuchsia, dark orange and emerald green, alongside traditional seasonal jewel tones and combinations. “Red is back in a big way, and our broken lines resin offers an unusual scratched or waxed effect, adding to our marble, foil, iridescent and tin foil resins,” explains managing director Sarah Watmore, who adds that the company’s Autumnal scarves will both co-ordinate or clash with the new designs.

“Bold colours are still very much on trend, with fun and over-the-top fashion set to dominate this Autumn/Winter,” concurs Carrie Shapiro, founder and creative director of Carrie Elspeth. “Colours are

Above: A Christmas cracker from Life Charms.

Above left: The Seren bracelet from Carrie Elspeth.

Below left: A bracelet and rings from Sea Gems’ Silver Origins collection.

Far left: Among the colourful new necklaces from Miss Milly.

Below: Heart designs from Reeves and Reeves.

addition, the art of fine enamelling, with its fusion of vibrant colours, creates unique jewellery in our Mackintosh, Celtic and nature ranges, with every piece individually handcrafted and fired.”

At Reeves and Reeves, the company offers exclusive sterling silver jewellery based on and inspired by the Dorset countryside.

“Texture is a big trend for us, with a strong botanical influence,” confirms the company’s co-founder Caroline Reeves.

Continued on page 47

“Our Christmas collection is packed in eye-catching themed luxury packaging to add a hint of magic and festivity,” highlights Life Charms managing director Tony Barrett.

Silver jewellery continues to be a favourite, with Sea Gems Cornwall launching brand new, exciting pieces in their Silver Origins and Celtic Lands collections. “We have created unique silver jewellery that captures the essence of our iconic landscape, nature, wildlife and heritage,” says Sea Gems’ director Marcus Price. “In getting brighter, with sparkly crystals and sequins the way to go. Our brand new collection for Autumn/Winter 2022 features a wide variety of versatile, easyto-wear designs, with the Zodiac range of charm bracelets hugely popular with customers looking for sincere, heart-felt, well priced gifts that are made locally.”

Life Charms has launched new, silverplated festive bracelets featuring Christmassy styling decorated with zirconia stones and sparkling beads. The new range includes bracelets with detachable charms, adjustable bracelets in Christmas crackershape packaging and a set of three bracelets with sparkling beads.

Watch Out PMC (Personalised Memento Company) is adding to the company’s growing personalised jewellery category with an elegant silver ladies watch for Autumn/Winter 2022 which can be engraved on the reverse with a special message.

“Demand has grown for personalised jewellery and watches over the past couple of years as they make the perfect keepsake for all occasions,” says PMC’s sales director Debi Hancock.

Left: An engravable silver ladies watch from PMC.

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Spotlight On... Jewellery/Fashion Accessories Meanwhile, tapping into the wellness trend with jewellery is Crumble & Core. “Our wellbeing range includes earring lotus flowers, hamsa, eye, Buddha necklaces featuring the tree of life and hamsa hand and elephant pendants,” highlights Crumble & Core director Louise Pike. “It’s a vibrant, colourful range symbolising peace, wellbeing, love and protection, and makes a lovely letterbox gift to send to loved ones.”

Although vibrant colour is very much a core theme that will be reflected in many of Autumn/Winter’s jewellery collections, designs remain diverse, with a true ‘something for everyone’ on offer for gift retailers looking for product to wow their customers with.

Below: A hamsa pendant from Crumble & Core’s new jewellery range.

Stepping Out In Style Following the Queen’s admission of mobility issues, walking sticks have been in the news recently, with Classic Canes revealing a wealth of new designs based on dogs, cats, horses and wildlife.

“The latest, heightadjustable folding cane features various breeds of cute, small dogs including Scottie dogs and dachshunds,” explains managing director Charlotte Gillan, “and we are seeing increasing enthusiasm from buyers for any sticks featuring our furry and feathered friends. We value our pets so much in the UK, so it’s lovely to feature them on walking sticks as a talking point, and as a fun present for animal lovers.”

Above: A dog design from Classic Canes.

A Passion For Fashion Fashion accessories are a ‘must have’ for many gift shops, with Autumn/Winter’s colourful trends at the fore.

“This winter, fashion accessories are about wrapping up and keeping toasty, a first line of defence against the huge hike in the cost of heating our homes,” says Hot Tomato’s managing director Alex Machin. With this thought in mind, the company will be launching a range of textiles including wraps, ponchos, scarves and faux fur.

‘Green is this season’s mantra, any shade, any hue,” emphasises Alex. “Green has been filtering through for a while now, but this season will see it in abundance as the ‘go to’ accent colour.”

Other trends to look out for are fringing and colour-blocking.

“They’re key for fashion accessories for Autumn/Winter 2022,” highlights Joe Davies’ buyer Mary Caputo, who confirms that fingerless gloves feature strongly in this winter’s accessories.

Fuchsia pink, bright tones of blue, along with grey, will be the company’s key colours for the coming season, with Joe Davies’ Equilibrium collection featuring cosy, brightly coloured colour blocked scarves, chunky cable knit hat and scarf sets with metallic fringing, animal print scarves gloves, and printed scarves showing country garden designs, all of which, says Mary, are trending for the coming season.

Meanwhile, the Katie Loxton Autumn/Winter 2022 collection will be showcasing a new vibe, with refreshed best sellers and brand new silhouettes paired with high quality luxurious textures that ooze high quality. Products include the new Quinn saddle bag, available in both classic and faux croc additions, as well as the Isla collection which includes tassel zip detailing, and the new Oxford weekend in a premium design.

“These updated collections are also available in two new hues - olive green and rich, sumptuous plum,” confirms creative director Kate Loxton, founder of her eponymous company and Joma Jewellery.

At Caroline Gardner, senior account manager Luca Bridges highlights that borg shearling (faux sheepskin) has moved into fashion accessories, with the company bringing out a range for Autumn/Winter. “It includes a cosmetic pouch and a cosy eye mask in a handy pouch,” highlights Luca.

Top: Green is the colour from Hot Tomato.

Above: Cosy fashion accessories from Joe Davies’ Equilibrium collection.

Left: The Quinn saddle bag from Katie Loxton.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Reeves & Reeves design and create an array of stunning and exclusive jewellery collections.

Based in the heart of the Dorset countryside, the husband and wife team are passionate about jewellery and their enduring designs reflect much of what is around them, from the fields and woods to the Jurassic Coast. Their Jewellery is contemporary in style with a unique fashion edge, at very competitive prices and superb attention to both detail and quality.

Heath, Caroline and their talented team have an innovative creative ability and empathy with their customers is a very unique selling point.

They utilize a charming combination of sterling silver, 18ct yellow and Rose gold vermeil with accents of colour through the use of hand picked stones and exquisite enamel detail.

The varied collections range from the sleek and modern Stellar collection to imaginative animals and plant life designs, many with an elegant modern twist, evoking favourite memories from the past and creating new ones for the future. The Reeves & Reeves team really do love what they create and know that you will too.

Email: heath@reevesandreeves.com | Tel: 01460 221630

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What s

1: Equestrian Collection The timeless, sophisticated, equestrian inspired look is moving from the stable to the streets for Autumn/Winter 2022. The chic but classic Equilibrium Equestrian Collection from Joe Davies has been designed with a contemporary feel; and while many of the pieces created don’t scream ‘horses’, when you look closely you will see pretty detail such as classic stirrup irons, horseshoes and snaffle bits.

Visit: Home & Gift Stand B66 Joe Davies T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

New

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest jewellery and fashion accessories to be showcased this month

2: Bold And Beautiful Siska Schippers was born in Amsterdam and worked as a European gold and silversmith before she decided to make handmade resin jewellery. This collection was launched quite some time ago, and many of Zsiska newer fans did not have a chance to enjoy it. This season seems appropriate to relaunch this fun, colourful collection once again.

Available in four summery single colours, as well as a combination, we hope there is a Whimsical piece for everyone.

Sigal Distribution T: 01784 482888 E: sigaldistribution@gmail.com W: www.sigaldistribution.com

3: Colourful, Contemporary Designs Stunning, contemporary designs, and an adventurous use of bold colour, make for stand-out pieces from Miss Milly. There are new designs in the best-selling magnetic brooches, and scarves coordinate with the jewellery featuring floral, abstract and geometric patterns that create enticing visual displays. Prices are very reasonable. The minimum order is £100 with no MOQs. Branded displays, packaging and POS are available.

Home & Gift stand DP3-8.

Miss Milly T: 01905 622509 E: hello@missmilly.co.uk W: www.missmilly.co.uk

4: Sparkle And Shine Carrie Elspeth Jewellery wants to help you beat the blues this Autumn season with a refreshing spritz of colour, sparkle and sophistication. With several Gift of the Year awards to her name, and amazing customer service, you’ll want to see her latest collection of bestselling designs.

Carrie Elspeth T: 01446 771271 E: sales@carrieelspeth.com W: www.carrieelspeth.com

5: Making A Statement STOP. Jewellery is fun, interactive and wonderfully nostalgic. Each collection is made with quirky elements including shakers, real sweets with liquid inside, actual working mazes, and some pieces even glow in the dark!

Designed to make a statement and create a fabulous talking point.

STOP. Jewellery E: info@stopjewellery.co.uk W: www.stopjewellery.co.uk

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1: A Work Of Art Inspired by antique folk art, this season feels like a gallery of opulent tapestries. Combining new inspirations with some gorgeously sweet critters and our iconic Powder palettes, we have created something both luxuriously elegant and playfully joyous as we move into chillier months. Jump into our Powderful world.

Powder T: 0131 331 2908 E: info@powder-uk.com W: www.powder-uk.com

New

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest jewellery and fashion accessories to be showcased this month

2: Bangle Bands Think pink! Hair bands that also look pretty worn as a bangle. byEloise sets come packed on 100% climate neutral cards - perfect for hanging on your own in store display or a bespoke byEloise carousel. With over 200 colour bands and charms to choose from there is something for everyone. byEloise T: 07713 210803 E: charlotte@byeloise.com W: www.byeloiselondon.com

3: Exclusive Jewellery What’s new? Lots of lovely texture, with a strong botanical feel, plants and hearts, beautiful pearls and, of course, some gorgeous new animals to add to our eclectic range.

Reeves & Reeves T: 01460 221630 E: caroline@reevesandreeves.com W: www.reevesandreeves.com

4: Mini Crossbody Bag Give your new season offering a refresh with the brand-new Millie Mini Crossbody Bag from Katie Loxton.

Designed in gorgeous vegan leather material, this do-it-all sweet style features a back slip pocket and a gold-tone chain crossbody strap. It’s the perfect accessory to take your customers from desk-to-drinks.

Katie Loxton T: 01295 250879 E: enquiries@katieloxton.com W: www.wholesale.katieloxton.com

5: Positive Affirmations Add some positivity to your customers’ jewellery selection with the brand-new Affirmation Crystal A Littles from Joma Jewellery. This powerful 12-piece collection consists of matching silver-plated bracelets and necklaces, each featuring semiprecious gemstones and crystal charms. A brand-new concept for the brand, these powerful gemstones promote positive affirmations and tap into the wellbeing trend.

Joma Jewellery T: 01295 263430 E: enquiries@jomajewellery.com W: www.wholesale.jomajewellery.com

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Recycled leather covers with 100% sustainable paper

Sustainable stationery with style Protecting the planet and supporting children’s education projects worldwide with every item sold. retail@ventforchange.co.uk

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SEE PAGES 52 – 62 FOR OUR SELECTION OF HOT @ HARROGATE

Hot @ Harrogate A selection of interesting exhibitors as recommended by Progressive Gifts & Home

Get ready for a roarsome summer with our fantastic range of dinosaur toys!

DP1-B74

www.boxtsocks.co.uk info@boxtsocks.co.uk

Visit our stand at the Home & Gift Show in Harrogate

BOXT SOCKS are a Yorkshire based sock brand

bringing totally original & fun socks to those looking for novelty gifts with a difference. We are passionate about design, which is why we've made sure that our packaging is just as bright and fun as our socks.

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Stand: DP1-C24 For more information email sales@toyway.co.uk

www.toyway.co.uk

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w:marmaladeoflondon.com e:sales@marmaladeoflondon.com e:sales@marmaladeoflondon.com w:marmaladeoflondon.com 55_GH_July August 2022.indd 1

t:+ 44 44 (0)1242 (0)1242 257509 t:+ 01/07/2022 22:15

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Quote Card Packs

Greeting Cards

10% OFF

See the full range:

Pooch

our entire range when you pay with order Use code

GIFTJULY

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Home & Gift Stand A11 in DP1

coulson macleod. coulsonmacleod-trade.com coulsonmacleod.faire.com 01536 419944

Offer ends 30/07/22

Prints

Mugs

Ceramic Coasters

Introducing the

Looking Wild collection giftware & tabletop items for the home exhibiting at

Home & Gift Buyers Festival 17th-20th July Stand M3

davidmasondesign.com | englishtablewarecompany.com

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Proudly Made in The UK thewheatbagcompany.co.uk E: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk T: 01747 840499

Door Stops

Hot Water Bottles

Draught Excluders

Soothing Eye Pillows

NEW

SIMPLY GORGEOUS JEWELLERY AND ACCESSORIES X

Celebrating 40 years in business 1982 - 2022

HOME & GIFT STAND DP3-8

BUY ONLINE www.missmilly.co.uk or tel: 01905 622 509

FIND US

Please contact us for a trade catalogue: Tel 01460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1285 656132 | Web: www.rodneyholman.co.uk | Email: info@rodneyholman.co.uk

HARROGATE HOME & GIFT DP1-D109

Designed in The Potteries, made in Malawi, by our fairly paid tailors. We take materials that are destined for landfill and turn them into beautiful products. All the money we make pays for education and non-profit Social Enterprises in Africa.

www.cycleofgood.com 01543 888494 | info@cycleofgood.com

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VISIT US AT

HOME & GIFT, HARROGATE, HALL C, STAND C30 TO SEE OUR FANTASTIC COLLECTIONS! *NO MINIMUM ORDER & FREE DELIVERY*

02/07/2022 12:59

Presenting our latest collections for kitchen, home and giftware from French knife brand, Opinel and stainless steel drinkware brand, Klean Kanteen.

Visit us at Stand M29 in Home & Interiors (Hall M).

Book your ticket today: www.homeandgift.co.uk Visit us online: www.whitbyandco.co.uk Home & Gift, Kings Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 5LA

L I F E ST Y L E

B R A N DS

UK and Ireland distributors of Opinel & Klean Kanteen

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01/07/2022 22:23

For the two wheeled wonders

There’s a character in every

one

2023 pre-orders and latest stock Download our current catalogues.

Simply head over to dcuk.link/harrogate or point your phone camera here…

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DP1-D83

We plant a tree for every item sold!

®

Shrieking Violet 925 Silver

handmade with REAL flflo owers 62_GH_July August 2022.indd 1

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1: Gifts For Dog Lovers Coulson Macleod is excited to announce the launch ‘Pooch’, a brand new greeting card and giftware range. In addition to mugs, coasters, notebooks, and wooden plaques, the range also features this super-stylish Perpetual Calendar. A5 in size, with a metal bulldog clip hanger, each of the 12 heavyweight sheets features a different month, and a different dog breed. Equally fabulous as a gift or as self-purchase, for dog lovers everywhere.

Coulson Macleod T: 01536 419944 E: hello@coulsonmacleod.com W: coulsonmacleod-trade.com

What s

New

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

2: Personalised Bridal Hangers PMC are thrilled to launch new personalised hangers. These beautiful full colour hangers feature a smooth finish with wide arms. There are a range of designs to suit everyone in the bridal party. Not only are these a fantastic prop for the wedding photographer, but they make a wonderful keepsake.

PMC is largest supplier of personalised gifts with a huge range of products for every occasion. Visit their trade website to find out how to add drop ship personalised gifts to your range.

PMC E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

3: Make A Mark VENT launches matching recycled pencils for their best selling Make a Mark Collection. Made in the company’s UK based pencil factory, these stylish pencils are made using recycled plastic CD cases. Alongside their notebooks, pens and other accessories the new pencil collections create ideal gift pack combinations.

Showing at Harrogate 2022.

VENT For Change T: 07395 284 788 E: lucy@ventforchange.co.uk W: www.ventforchange.co.uk

4: Fancy a Cuppa?

At Puckator, we understand the nation’s favourite pastime, which is why we have an incredible selection of mug designs to add a splash of character to your everyday drink.

Puckator’s ceramic mugs offer quality build and a variety of styles, ranging from beautiful floral art of the Florens designs, to cute cartoon animals in the Adoramals range. Some even come with matching coasters to complete the set.

Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

5: Personalised Photo Album This personalised photo album is a lovely way to commemorate a special milestone. The album is compact but generous and fits up to 100 6x4 photos within individual sleeved pages.

Visit PMC’s website to find out how to become a trade customer of the one stop shop for personalised gifts.

PMC E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

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Right time, On trend, In stock.

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Organised by

Find out more at autumnfair.com

01/07/2022 22:29

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What s

New

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

1: Woof Notes Feeling a bit woof? Are you needing to jot down some pawsitive and impawtant notes or just paws to doodle while you enjoy a coffee break? These fabulous new A5 dog notebooks are great quality, with 100 lined pages featuring great dog quotes, dog facts, dog doodle pages and much much more. The range consists of 30 of the most popular dog breeds displayed on a slimline stand, retailing for only £9.99.

Global Journey Gifts T: 0161 872 0333 E: isamuels@global-journey.com W: www.global-journey.com

2: Flower Power Part of our beautiful Summer Meadows capsule collection, this cute Me to You plant pot and mug duo makes an adorable gift. Featuring a Tatty Teddy in a flower onesie with pink petals round the head and a green body, it comes with a pretty plant pot shaped mug decorated with the words 'Plant smiles, grow laugher, harvest love'. This would make a lovely gift for any green-fingered friends.

Carte Blanche Greetings T: Customer Service Team: 01243 792600 E: info@cbg.co.uk W: www.cbgtrader.co.uk

3: Cosy Feet snoozies! the original and best have been one of Joe Davies’ best sellers for more than ten years with over 2m pairs sold. The well-loved snoozies!

Pairables are a firm favourite with retailers and customers alike with 11 brand new designs including, by popular demand, specific Dad, Grandad, Mum, Nan and Friends styles, designed to keep feet warm and snuggly.

Joe Davies Visit: Home & Gift Stand B66 T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

4: Bear Head Mug Part of our fun and celebratory Me to You Essentials range, this adorable Tatty Teddy shaped mug is presented in a colourful gift box. The mug has stick out ears along with Tatty Teddy's iconic blue nose and patches. Perfect as a birthday gift, thank you teacher gift or self purchase treat!

Carte Blanche Greetings T: Customer Service Team: 01243 792600 E: info@cbg.co.uk W: www.cbgtrader.co.uk

5: Murder Mystery Fun As the popularity of Murder Mystery Nights continues to grow, Lagoon has thought of everything when it comes to hosting a great crimebusting evening! Presented in whiskey-style gift tubes, Murder Mystery in Paris, Murder at the Tower of London and Murder Mystery Aboard the RMS Titania, all contain six different plots so the dinner party, crime-solving fun can be continued!

University Games also have plenty of Murder Mystery fun on offer with six best-selling dinner party games, a host of murder mystery puzzles and two new titles joining the Case Files series including Fire in Adlerstein and Death in Antarctica.

University Games & Lagoon Visit: University Games (DP1-C84) and Lagoon (DP1 – D91) T: 0207 254 0100 E: sales@ugames.uk.com W: www.university-games.co.uk

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Makasi Imports Ltd supplies the UK’s largest range of high quality, driftwood style teak root furniture and home accessories. We have continued to ship our fast selling home, gift and garden products throughout the pandemic for our trade only customers, without stopping. If you would like a trade login to purchase from our website please email your company details to info@makasiimports.co.uk

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What s

New

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

1: Accessories Galore Gallery Direct’s catalogue of over 6,000 lines includes a huge range of accessories, including Christmas products, offering a wide variety of styles to suit different tastes and interiors. They will be showcasing a wide selection of their current collections at Harrogate Home & Gift, as well as offering visitors a first chance to have a look at their new AW22 & Xmas Accessories Collection, which features over 300 new lines. There’s also the opportunity to preview of their upcoming SS23 Outdoor Furniture Collection for 2023, including 13 new Furniture families and an exciting range of outdoor kitchens & pergolas. To complement these, Gallery are also introducing a range of outdoor textiles, including waterproof cushions. Go along to see them at the show to view their wonderful collection.

Gallery Direct Visit: Stands M30-31 and M17 T: 01795 439159 W: sales@gallerydirect.co.uk W: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

2: Inside Out Toys Scratch – now available from sustainable toy supplier, Inside Out Toys. A range of puzzles, stacking towers and games made from recycled or FSC card, with some items printed using soy-based ink.

Each product has a fun, unique design, in Scratch’s distinctive style and comes in an attractive shaped box. Perfect for gifting!

Inside Out Toys T: 01908 969969 W: info@insideouttoys.co.uk W: www.insideouttoys.co.uk

3: Bathtime Fun Everyone needs to relax and unwind every now and then to take care of their mind and body. And what better way to do that than with a steaming hot bath?

Puckator has a wonderful range of bath bombs which come in all different shapes and smells, perfect for every mood. Not only do they smell incredible, they also look amazing with their bright vivid colours. Simply plop them into some warm water and watch them fizzle. Kids will love the Adoramals set, with its cute animal characters it’s sure to make bath time a hit.

Puckator also produce a number of gorgeous hand creams too.

Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 W: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

4: Relax And Unwind Our handmade eye pillows are filled with flaxseed. A brilliant way to soothe tired eyes, enhance relaxation and take a moment to unwind. They are available in unscented or with the addition of calming natural lavender and come in a range of our most popular fabric designs. They can be heated in the microwave for soothing warmth or chilled in a fridge or freezer for use as a cold compress.

The Wheat Bag Company T: 01747 480499 W: Sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk W: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

5: Snuggle Up With Warmies We can’t wait to welcome you to our stand at Harrogate Home and Gift Fair 2022. Join us as we launch our first series of Children’s Books, offering six stories telling heart-warming tales of some of our most-loved plush toys. We are also welcoming 39 new designs including new animals in our Soft Toy collection, new colourways in our Luxury Collection and a new range of Long Hot Water Bottles.

Intelex Group (UK) Limited.

T: 01933 679 777 W: sales@warmies.co.uk.

W: www.warmies.co.uk

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Best Sellers Progressive Gifts & Home asked a selection of gift retailers about the products which have been flying off their shelves.

Julianne Moore, owner, MiMi, Hartley Wintney and Wokingham.

Two large clothing and lifestyle shops, plus The Shed boutique in the Wintney shop’s garden.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Just Slate Company: boxed heart dish;

Ideal for birthdays, engagements and weddings.

Home Fragrancing

Ashleigh & Burwood: incense garden sticks; Heyland & Whittle: natural bath melts

Great for keeping the bugs away.

Envy: Trinny pendant necklace;

Always a popular brand. The two colour necklace, as worn by Trinny on social media, has seen amazing sales.

Fabulous stud earrings in 200+ designs. We can’t get enough.

Jewellery

Accessories By Park Lane: earrings Fashion Accessories

These are purchased as a pick up gift or self treat. Always near our tills.

By Eloise: wrist/hair bands/metal charms; Kris Ana: interchangeable bag straps

These suit all age groups. Local school colours are a must.

Janie Wilson: Super Duper Ooh La La; Laura Darrington: Glow

Consistently in our top five.

Giftwrap

Unique: flatwrap

Recycled paper and recyclable glitter.

Other Hot Hits

If: reading and make-up glasses; Jellycat: Bashful Bunnies

Great quality. Inexpensive to replace if the glasses are lost.

Greeting Cards

The straps complement our best selling camera bags.

Special, keepsake cards.

Above: A boxed heart dish from the Just Slate company.

Right: Ashleigh & Burwood’s incense garden sticks.

Super soft. These are always in our top ten.

Sarah Halsall, owner, Hand Picked by Henrietta, Chapel-en-le-Frith and Poynton.

Both are small shops on the edge of the Derbyshire/Cheshire border.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Wit With Wisdom: wooden plaques; East of India: white porcelain

Brilliant UK plaques that are personalised for a town or county.

Among our best sellers.

Home Fragrancing

Wild Olive: across the board;

Handmade in Derbyshire, products are always fresh.

Glass jar candles with a pick and mix fragrances and choice of message lid.

Scentiment: light up candles

Jewellery

Joma Jewellery: across the board; Joe Davies: Equilibrium

The ‘go to’ gift with perfect messages.

Fashion Accessories

Pure: fashion scarves

Beautiful designs and quality.

Greeting cards

Rachel Ellen: Gallery;

A popular range for us.

Giftwrap

IG Design Group

Fully recycled brown paper gift bags featuring pretty floral patterns.

Other Hot Hits

Brainbox Candy: mugs

Cheeky messages that caused a huge stir on our social media!

Above right: Wit With Wisdom personalised plaque.

Right: Wild-Olive handmade soaps.

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PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

The crystal designs have been a big hit.

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Bryony Taylor-Edwards, head of marketing and gift buyer, Yarnton Home & Garden, Yarnton.

An independent garden centre with a large gift and home section.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Present Time: across the board;

Urban, bright pops of colour. Products are exclusive to us in the area.

Bohemian chic. Hard wearing homewares and interiors.

Bloomingville: across the board

Home Fragrancing

Brownstone London: across the board Bramley: across the board

Customers love these products. All are made in England.

This range is loved for its fragrances. Everything is made in England using British wildflowers.

Jewellery

My Doris: across the board; Bohemia: across the board

Fun, accessible jewellery.

Funky, easy to wear jewellery.

Fashion Accessories

Powder: across the board;

Colourful, on trend designs in fabulous gift-led packaging.

Made from recyclable bottles.

The mini bags fly off the shelves.

Right: Rustic chic from Bloomingville.

Below right: A selection of gift books from Bookspeed.

Roka: bags

Greeting Cards

Rosie Made A Thing

The hilarious, familiar captions never fail to make customers laugh.

Giftwrap

Eco-Wrap

Pretty, recyclable wrapping paper that’s on a roll.

Other Hot Hits

Bookspeed: gift books

Books are our lifestyle accent, ranging from kids’ nature books to books on botanicals and house plants.

Michael Apter, owner, Paper Tiger, Edinburgh (two stores).

One small and one large shop, both on secondary streets.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

24Bottles: reusable water bottles; Kikkerland: across the board

Customers love the colour combinations.

Eclectic, design-led products.

Always something intriguing.

Home Fragrancing

Paper Tiger: Scents of Edinburgh; Hood’s: honey bath, body and candles

Our own brand, and a consistent seller for many years.

The hives producing their honey and beeswax are located across our part of Scotland.

Jewellery

Timi of Sweden: across the board;

Lovely designs for a wide range of ages.

Greeting Cards

Joy Nevada; Stormy Knight

We love working with both these publishers on window displays.

Giftwrap

Roger la Borde; The Art File

Two great companies.

Other Hot Hits

Chocolate Tree; Coco Chocolatier

We stock an extensive selection of different chocolatiers, and these are two popular local makers.

Above right: Among the fragrances in Paper Tiger’s Scents of Edinburgh Collection.

Right: Colourful, reusable bottles from 24Bottles.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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A_Gift Awards 2023 advert_GF.qxp_Layout 1 01/07/2022 22:38 Page 1

UNITING THE GIFT INDUSTRY Max Publishing in partnership with the Giftware Association

M

arking a significant unified step forward for the UK gift industry, the GA’s Gift of the Year (GOTY) awards and The Greats gift retailer awards joined forces in 2022 to create The Gift Awards, with the winners of both awards programmes to be announced at a shared lavish black tie evening event in May, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

The two award programmes see both gift product excellence and retail prowess recognised and rewarded at an awards event to make the whole industry proud, attended by hundreds of gift suppliers and retailers.

Save the date for the most exciting gift sector event of 2023 now, sign up to newsflashes from GiftsandHome.net for updates.

SAVE THE DATE THURSDAY 11 MAY 2023 ROYAL LANCASTER HOTEL, LONDON 6:45pm UNTIL LATE, BLACK TIE

FIND OUT MORE AT THEGIFTAWARDS.COM

71.qxp_New Grid 02/07/2022 15:25 Page 1

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!

THE ART FILE T: 01158507490 E: sales@theartfile.com W: www.theartfile.com

PRESENT TIME T: 07975597855 E: lf@presenttime.com W: www.presenttime.com

ASHLEIGH & BURWOOD T: +44 (0) 1932 267060 E: COT@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk W: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

JOMA JEWELLERY T: 01295 263430 E: enquiries@jomajewellery.com W: www.wholesale.jomajewellery.com

JOE DAVIES T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

EAST OF INDIA T: 01303 243255 E: sales@eastofindia.co.uk W: www.eastofindia.co.uk

POWDER T: 0131 331 2908 E: info@powder-uk.com W: www.powder-uk.com

BY ELOISE T: 07713 210803 E: Charlotte@byeloise.com W: www.byeloiselondon.com

JANIE WILSON T: 0113 2566331 E: enquiries@janiewilson.co.uk

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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