Progressive Gifts & Home March April 2020

March/April 2020

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

THE GREATS 2020 AWARDS HAVE LAUNCHED!

…there’s fresh new branding …the awards event will take place on Wednesday 30 September …at the wonderful Honourable Artillery Company in the heart of London …and, in keeping with the 75th anniversary of VE Day, The Greats 2020 will take on a victorious theme Reserve tickets online now at Max-Tickets.net “My dear friends, this is your hour. This is not victory of a party or of any class. It's a victory of the great British nation as a whole.” – Sir Winston Churchill May 1945 Contact PG&H’s Angie Bryant about becoming a Greats sponsor on angieb@max-publishing.co.uk or 01993 212994 Contact Clare Hollick of Keystone Communications about tickets to The Greats awards on clare@keystonecomms.co.uk or 01733 294524 Keep your eyes peeled for entry and nomination forms, coming soon.

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

EXHIBITIONS

THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS

This Month

I won’t bang on about coronavirus, because we all know the score, and by the time you read this issue things will almost certainly have changed. But at the moment, in midMarch, it’s been the speed of events that has knocked everyone for six. As I write this, retailers are still trading, and suppliers too, for the most part, are carrying on in tough times, offering discounts, reduced minimum orders, and free deliveries to help their customers. It's really emphasised the importance of pulling together, being part of a community, as well as being kind and compassionate.

Of course, PG&H and GiftsandHome.net will be doing anything and everything we can to help, not least by keeping the news stories flowing - especially any lighthearted ones we can find about working from home, keeping morale up or taking up a crazy new hobby. (Email me at suem@max-publishing.co.uk).

Putting the dreaded virus to one side for a moment, I’d like to focus on other industry news.

For the team here at PG&H, we’re delighted to announce the wonderful finalists in The Greats Gift Retailer Awards! (Turn to pages 4 and 5). Originally scheduled for May, understandably the Awards have had to be postponed until September, but they will happen and we can’t wait to announce the winners!

Staying with retailers, earlier this year, we asked gift independents to let us know what life was really like on the high street in 2019. To find out, turn to the findings of PG&H’s unique Retail Barometer published on pages 16-19.

Elsewhere in this issue, we reveal the latest trends in social stationery (turn to pages 25-27), men’s gifts (turn to pages 46-47) and garden gifts (turn to pages 53-55). We also take a look at how Made In Britain is going from strength to strength, (turn to pages 34-37) and celebrate Parlane’s 50th milestone year (turn to pages 22-23). There’s much more too, so enjoy the issue!

Meanwhile, to all our lovely readers and their families, keep well and stay safe. Giving you all a big hug and let’s keep in touch!

Above: Sue with cookery doyenne Mary Berry on the Captivate stand at Spring Fair. See page 15.

Sue Marks, Editor

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

@Prog_Gifts

Inside

33-35 Spotlight On... Made In Britain

4-5

The Greats 2020 Finalists

38-39 Retailer Face To Face: Menkind

7-15

News

41

Gift of The Year 2020: Winners

16-19 Retail Barometer: 2019

45-47 Spotlight On... Men’s Gifts

21

51

Trends: Classic Blue

A Global Perspective: HOMI

22-23 In Profile: Parlane

53-55 Spotlight On... Gifts For Gardeners

25-27 Spotlight On... Stationery

60-61 Best Sellers

29

A Global Perspective: Christmasworld

63

Behind The Counter: Paula Zielinska

31

A Global Perspective: Ambiente

64

Last Word: Holly Tucker MBE

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

You can organise this quickly and easily online at our secure site: Max-Subscriptions.net For assistance, please email maxsubscriptions@marketingreinforcem ents.co.uk or call 0207 700 6740.

Sue Marks Editor

Angie Bryant Advertisement Manager

Ian Hyder Publishing Director

suem@max-publishing.co.uk

angieb@max-publishing.co.uk

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

Copyright 2020. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

ISSN 2515-7523 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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The Greats 2020 Finalists

Congratulations To The Greats 2020 Finalists!

The fantastic Greats 2020 finalists have been confirmed, with the winners to be announced at a fabulous event to be held on September 30 - themed The Victorious Greats - at the historic Honourable Artillery Club (HAC) in London’s trendy Shoreditch.

The finalists are as follows...

(All finalists are listed in alphabetical order)

Retail Employee Of The Year l Ella Bradbury, shop manager, Forget Me Not, Stubbington l Rita Huston, manager, Paprika, Chippenham l Ellie Kennedy-Walker, manager, Hand Picked by Henrietta,

Chapel-En-Le-Frith l Alex Kirkham, manager, The Barn at The Hollies,

Little Budworth l Gina Pratt, sales advisor and assistant merchandiser, Orange

Tree, Topsham l Touhi Prime, area manager, Lark London

Independent Gift Retailer Of The Year - London (inside the M25) l The Ark, Stoke Newington l The Indigo Tree, Streatham and Crystal Palace l InSpitalfields, Spitalfields Market l Northwood Cards and Gifts, Northwood l Temptation, Temple Fortune l W. A. Green, Shoreditch

l Metalyka, Stony Stratford and Leighton Buzzard l Zest, Crowborough

Independent Gift Retailer Of The Year - East Anglia l Abigails Lifestyle, Ingatestone l Amore, Woodbridge l Ark, Cambridge l Bells of Suffolk, Bungay l Buy the Light, Bury St Edmunds l Little Boat Gifts, Brightlingsea

Independent Gift Retailer Of The Year - Midlands & Wales l The Celtic Company, Welshpool l Chi Chi Gifts, Lickey l Ian Snow, Machynlleth l Joco, Nuneaton l MOOCH, Olney, St Giles Street, and Towcester

(concession: Bell) l Wonder Stuff, Treorchy

Independent Gift Retailer Of The Year - North & Northern Ireland l Brian Hunter, Limavady l Hand Picked By Henrietta, Chapel-En-Le-Frith l Hares & Graces, Hull l Kemps General Store, Malton and Whitby l Pure Inspiration, Ramsey l Within Reason, Sheffield

Independent Gift Retailer Of The Year - South West Independent Gift Retailer Of The Year - Home Counties, South & South East l All About Rose, Thame l Alligator Pear, Tadworth l Bay Tree Gifts, West Wickham l Five and Dime, Hertford 4

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

l The Cats Whiskers, Bishops Cleeve; Polkadot, Keynsham l Cilla and Camilla, Beaminster, Bridport, Sherborne l Highworth Emporium, Highworth l Lulu Loves, Stubbington l Paprika, Bath and Chippenham l Swagger, Chipping Sodbury

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The Greats 2020 Finalists

Independent Gift Retailer Of The Year - Scotland

Best Garden Centre Retailer Of Gifts

l Ewe & Me + Ewe Too, Grantown on Spey l Liquorice Tree Gifts, Glasgow l The Keekin’ Glass, Prestwick l The Old School Beauly, Beauly l Pippin, Edinburgh l Starlings, Kirkwall

l Bernaville Nurseries, Cowley Bridge l Blue Diamond Group l Klondyke Group l Longacres Group l Ruxley Manor Garden Centre/Lifestyle Department, Sidcup l Smith’s Garden Centre, New Denham

Best Newcome - South & Wales

Best Museum Or Visitor Attraction Gift Shop

l Bill & Berts, Colchester l Ginger Nut, Lynton l HOLD, Brighton l Oliver’s Brighton, Brighton l Raven Lifestyle, Tavistock l Sunshine & Snow, Bideford

l Kew Garden Gift Shop, Kew l National Portrait Gallery Gift Shop, London l North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo) l RHS Garden Wisley Gift Shop, Wisley l Science Museum Gift Shop, London l ZSL, Whipsnade

Best Newcomer - Midlands, North & Scotland

Best In-Store Or Window Display

l The Bean Hive, Kettering l The Dotty House, Gateshead l For The Love Of The North, Whitley Bay l Giftilicious with Thorntons, Nuneaton l Peony Lane Interiors, Wombourne l The Wild Ginger, Ansdell

l The Celtic Company, Welshpool l Cornucopia, Worcester l The Emporium, Clitheroe l Garsons, Esher l Highworth Emporium, Highworth l Rhubarb Home/Rhubarb Gifts, Malvern

Best Specialist Multiple Gift Retailer (4 or more shops)

Retail Initiative

l Between The Lines (15 stores) l Brocante (4 stores) l Gifted (4 stores) l Lark (5 stores) l Smart Ideas (7 stores) l Utility (4 stores)

l Highworth Emporium, Highworth

For its Shop Local Christmas raffle and Visa ad initiatives l The Hollies, Little Budworth

For its two pre-Christmas visitor days l Jo Amor, Tiverton

For its Jo-A-Story online children’s bedtime storytelling initiative l Joco, Nuneaton

Best Department Store Retailer Of Gifts l Atkinsons of Sheffield, Sheffield l Barkers Home, Northallerton l John Lewis & Partners l One Forty, Cranleigh l Selfridges, London l Strickland & Holt, Yarm

For its Christmas video and Letter To Santa initiatives l MOOCH, Northampton, Olney, Towcester (concession Bell)

For its cark park charges initiative l Papilio at Heritage, Thornbury

For its Junior Retail and Makaton initiatives

Best Supplier Marketing Award

l Brodie Countryfare, Brodie l The Hollies, Little Budworth l La Cookshop, Seaton Burn l Lanerscost Tea Room, Brampton l Loch Levens Larder, Kinross l Overton Gallery, Overton

l Ashleigh & Burwood l Chilly’s Bottles l Joma Jewellery l Katie Loxton l Marmalade of London l Stoneglow l Wild Things l Wrendale

Best Lifestyle And Homewares Retailer Of Gifts

Best Service To The Independent Gift Retailer

l Daisy Lanes, Rayleigh l Dear Grace, Colchester l The Emporium Interiors, Clitheroe l Orange Tree, Topsham l Skinny Whistle, Quorn l White Rhino, Hastings

l Ashleigh & Burwood l Enesco l Gisela Graham l Heaven Sends l Lesser & Pavey l Nemesis Now l Straits Trading l Widdop and Co l Wrendale Designs

Best Non-Specialist Retailer Of Gifts

Best Gift Retailer Of Jewellery & Fashion Accessories l Bay Tree Gifts, Wickham l Bijou, Buckie l Greenwood & Co., Saintfield l Jewel, St Andrews l Medusa Gems, Southport l MiMi, Hartley Wintney and Wokingham

Honorary Achievement Award l No finalists are revealed for this special award.

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Industry News

Same Place, New Date The Greats Awards 2020 Move To September Due to the coronavirus outbreak, The Greats Gift Retailer Awards will be moving to a brand new date - Wednesday September 30, 2020 - at the same venue, London’s Honourable Artillery Club (HAC), as originally planned. (The Awards had been scheduled to take place on May 13).

Ian Hyder, joint managing director of Max Publishing, which owns and organises The Greats Awards, commented: “Due to the escalating events, in the UK, Europe and internationally, regarding covid-19 our priority is to safeguard our industry friends, colleagues and supporters. We have therefore taken the decision to move The Greats to a new date. We look forward to welcoming everyone to London’s Honourable Artillery Club (HAC) in September.”

Tickets to the event are available from event organiser Clare Hollick email: clare@keystonecomms.co.uk tel: 01733 294524 or visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk/tickets/ An impressive line-up of Greats sponsors include (in alphabetical order): Candlelight; Gift Republic; GiftsandHome.net; Gisela Graham; Good Housekeeping; Harrogate Christmas & Gift; Joe Davies; Progressive Gifts & Home; Premier Decorations; Progressive Greetings Live; Spring Fair and Autumn Fair; Wrendale Designs and The Giftware Association.

For remaining sponsorship opportunities, please contact Angie Bryant on 01993 212994; email: angieb@max-publishing.co.uk Above: The Honourable Artillery Club (HAC).

Right: Which shop names will be on the trophies this year?

Gift Indie ‘An Inspiration’ Having been shortlisted in the Independent Retailer of the Year – Midlands & Wales category at The Greats 2020, there was more good news for Jo Williams, owner of gift shop Joco Interiors in Nuneaton. The retail entrepreneur was shortlisted for the second consecutive year at the Woman Who Achieves International Women's Day event held at the Nuneaton Golf Club.

She continued: “I was a finalist in the awards last year, and was overwhelmed to have been shortlisted in the in the Outstanding and Inspiring Leader Award category this year.”

The winners and commendations will be announced at the start of May. The awards will tie in with the launch of the Woman Who Achieves book. Continues Jo: “I was invited to write a chapter this year, giving people an insight into what inspired me to start my own gift business, showing the ups and downs along the way and helping others to see that being in business isn't always smooth sailing or as easy as some may lead you to believe.”

Above: Jo Williams is shown at the Woman Who Achieves International Women’s Day event.

Theo Paphitis’ #SBS Returns To Autumn Fair In September Following on from the success of his online business community, #SBS, retail entrepreneur and former ‘dragon’ Theo Paphitis will be returning to Autumn Fair, which takes place at the NEC from September 6-9. As part of the partnership, 12 members of Theo’s #SBS community will be offered free stands at the show. The winners will be selected in June by a panel of retail experts from the Hyve Group, organsiers of Autumn Fair. The shortlisted #SBS exhibitors will take centre stage at the show.

Right: Theo Paphitis chats to #SBS winners at last year’s Autumn Fair.

Weathering The Storms As the worst flooding for some two decades wreaked havoc for both homeowners and businesses in flood hit areas of the UK, retailers, to include gift shops, had little choice but to tough it out as much as they could.

Bewdley in Worcestershire was among the worst hit areas as, having held strong for a while, the flood defences for the river Severn breached.

Commenting Jon May, co-owner of Mooch Gifts & Home, told PG&H: “We had two weeks of poor trade during the flooding where we saw a 50% dip in takings, with no grant or support from our local council which was promised.”

Below: Bewdley under water.

Miss Milly Diversifies Contemporary jewellery brand Miss Milly has launched a capsule collection of men’s cufflinks. “We are always looking at new products to supplement our core jewellery collection,” explains Sarah Watmore, founder of Miss Milly. The new cufflinks will co-ordinate with colours from both the current Spring/Summer season as well as the company’s Autumn/Winter collection.

Below: The debut range of men’s cufflinks from Miss Milly.

‘Brand’ New Wild + Wolf has confirmed a new partnership between its children’s brand Petit Collage, and The Roald Dahl Story Company, which will see the company developing a range of products inspired by Roald Dahl’s iconic stories across toys, gifts, puzzles, board games, card games and dice games, featuring Quentin Blake’s illustrations. Distribution will be across the UK, Eire, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Europe, with the initial collection launching in AW20.

The licence includes Matilda, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, The BFG, James & The Giant Peach, The Enormous Crocodile, The Witches and Fantastic Mr. Fox.

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

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GiftsandHome.net is published by gift sector experts, for gift trade experts

From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home, and the organisers of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards.

With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 7,559 readers and industry leading open rates, - largely dominated by retail buyers, the twice-weekly newsflash lands directly in the inboxes of everyone in this fast-paced sector.

The modern, easy to navigate website provides a central resource for the trade, offering pithy news, in-depth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Gifts & Home, and much, much more.

Advertising and Commercial Opportunities: Advertisement Manager - Angie Bryant angieb@max-publishing.co.uk

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Editorial and Content Opportunities: Editor - Sue Marks sue@suemarks.co.uk

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Industry News

‘Greats’ Excitement The Greats Finalists 2020 Whoop It Up!

Expansion In The US Below: Medusa Gems, Southport.

Below left: The Indigo Tree in Crystal Palace.

Feeling “really chuffed”, “grinning from ear to ear” and “popping the cork on a bottle of wine”, were some of the many ways that this year’s Greats 2020 finalists reacted to the exciting news that they had made it to the finals of The Greats 2020 Gift Retailer Awards.

“The wonderful news reached us on a lovely beach on the beautiful Thai island of Ko Lanta,” said Aga Gabrysiak and Richard Marsden, co-owners of Highworth Emporium in Highworth. “It’s late evening and we’re celebrating with a bottle of wine.” “Aga’s grinning from ear to ear!” added Richard.

“The news made our day!” enthused Sarah Halsall, owner of Hand Picked By Henrietta, Chapel-En-LeFrith, a finalist in the Independent Retailer of the Year – North and Northern Ireland category. “We’re looking forward to joining you for the celebrations.”

In Southport, Helen Pallis, owner of Medusa Gems, a finalist in the Best Retailer of Jewellery & Fashion Accessories category added: “In these times of uncertainty it was wonderful to receive such good news. I’m really chuffed!”

Further South, three finalists in the Independent Retailer of the Year - London category were overjoyed with the news. “This means so much to us,” said Adam de Wolff, director of The Indigo Tree in Streatham and Crystal Palace, while Zoe Anderson, director of W.A. Green, added: “Incredible news!” Added Savita Marsh, owner of Northwood Cards & Gifts in Northwood: “This came as a complete shock, but a lovely shock mind you!”

The winners will be announced at a fabulous event to be held on Wednesday September 30 at the historic Honourable Artillery Club (HAC) in London’s trendy Shoreditch. (See Same Place, New Date on page 7).

Taking the Victorious Greats as its theme, The Greats Awards are set to be a fun, networking afternoon for the great and the good in gift retail, providing an opportunity for everyone to get together and let their hair down.

Tickets to the event are available from event organiser Clare Hollick email: clare@keystonecomms.co.uk tel: 01733 294524. To read more about being at the hottest ticket on the gift industry’s calendar, visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk/tickets/

Enesco Invests In German Marketplace With Enesco continuing to expand and invest in both the UK and Europe, the company has appointed a new sales team in Germany, Explains marketing director Helen Cottrill: “Germany is a big market for us, and we have sold into it for many years, but we have changed the focus and put a great deal of time and investment into growing the market place this year to continue to boost export sales.”

Through distributors and agents, the company exports to over 40 countries. In addition to Germany, they include Scandinavia, Holland, Belgium, Russia, South Africa, Greece and Australasia, while Enesco France, based in Nice, distributes to France, Spain and Italy.

Mad Beauty - which recently saw the company’s Disney licence extended to include the US, Canada, Brazil & Mexico - has signed a distribution agreement with Diverse Marketing and Total Business Fulfilment to support a huge expansion into the US market.

The agreements provide the infrastructure for the countrywide distribution of the company’s award winning, design-led, bath, body and beauty gifting ranges which have seen huge growth over the last two years in the UK. “It is a great honour to be able to bring our products to the US marketplace, especially as this includes some of America’s most iconic brands names,” states Mad Beauty’s managing director Trevor Cash.

Below: Mad Beauty’s trio of Disney lip balms.

New Distribution Partnership My Gifts Trade/ECP Design (MGT/ECP) and A Gift From The Gods recently announced a new distribution partnership which sees MGT/ECP take on exclusive distribution for the brand A Gift From The Gods.

“This exciting lifestyle brand encompassing stationery, jewellery, accessories and sleepwear - is a perfect fit to our current portfolio and gives our customers additional choice,” comments My Gifts Trade director Nikki Courtney.

Added Jane Reucroft, founder of A Gift From The Gods: “The new arrangement will free up more of the team’s time to focus on brand and product development and extend our reach through primary retail.”

Below: A Gift From The God’s Dream Odyssey collection.

Above: Enesco’s Enchanted Disney range.

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

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Industry News

PG&H Retail Barometer Survey Reveals A Challenging 2019 For Indies The latest PG&H Retail Barometer survey, conducted before the coronavirus outbreak became a global pandemic, was understandably less upbeat than the previous year, with Brexit and the General Election impacting on consumer confidence.

Fortunately for well over half of respondents (58%), Christmas didn’t disappoint. Overall, some 61% of respondents said that their businesses did better or stayed the same in 2019 compared to the previous year. Engagement with customers through social media was one of the most notable changes year to year with allmost all respondents (96%) confirming that they used Facebook with two thirds engaging with Instagram and over a third using Twitter.

Also on the ‘up’ was sourcing sustainable environmentally-friendly products, with 95% of respondents confirming that this was now extremely 27% important to them. Other product categories that stood out in 2019 were fashion accessories, greeting 42% cards and confectionery/edible gifts.

For the full findings of the PG&H Retail 31% Barometer, turn to pages 16-19.

Start Of A New Partnership Start Licensing has added the Ashmolean Museum to its portfolio of brands, with the licensing agency representing the Museum for licensing across all categories - to include gifts and home - as well as working with existing partners to help to add momentum to the existing programme.

“It is a great time to work with a heritage brand and the Ashmolean has a real ‘can do’ attitude,” enthused Start Licensing’s managing director Ian Downes. “There’s scope for licensees and retailers to identify specific design themes and build product ranges accordingly. The Ashmolean Museum is a fantastic creative resource and one that should inspire creative thinking.”

Existing licensees include Fox & Chave, Woodmansterne, PJ Studio Accessories and Flametree Publishing.

Below: Among the Ashmolean Museum’s current licensees is silk accessories company Fox & Chave.

Above: Brexit, the General Election and the weather all impacted on business barometer last year.

Left: How was Christmas trade for gift independents?

GOTY Early Bird Rate With this year’s Gift of the Year winners announced at a ceremony at Spring Fair gift companies can get ahead by entering the 2021 Gift of the Year (GOTY) awards and take advantage of an early bird discounted rate of £40.

“We see so many fabulous products, with the competition continuing to grow,” comments The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward. “Our aim is to create an all year round competition promoting the winners and entrants throughout the whole year, raising their profiles as well as well as amassing entries for the competition.”

GOTY 2021 will officially be launched at Home & Gift in Harrogate, which takes place from July 19-22, with judges including retailers, buyers and the trade press. (See Celebrating The GOTY 2020 winners and highly commended companies on page 41).

Above: Amanda Wooldridge, founder of Squelch, winner of the GOTY 2020 Judges’ Choice award, sponsored by Max Publishing, is shown with PG&H’s editor Sue Marks.

Make Mine A G&T

Above: Widdop and Co has acquired the worldwide Ice & Slice licence.

Widdop and Co has acquired a worldwide exclusive licence to Ice & Slice, patented by Nobilé Glassware, which was highly commended in the Contemporary Gift category at the 2020 Gift of the Year awards in February. It will be added to the company’s Hestia home brand as a luxury housewares range.

Enthused the company’s product development director Stephen Illingworth. “The product is so unique, and the design is executed to such a high standard, that we know our customers, and theirs in turn, will love it. We haven’t seen anything like before and it’s bringing an exciting, fresh new concept that’s perfect for the summer season.”

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GiftsandHome.net 10

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

The Power Of Women As part of their International Women's Day weekend celebrations at the beginning of March, quirky, handmade jewellery company Tatty Devine joined forces with POW! The Power of Women, with a pop-up shop and workshops in Thanet and Margate.

The Tatty Devine Takeover, housed in a former Woolworths in Thanet, gave visitors the opportunity to be the first to shop the company’s Fawcett Society x Tatty Devine collection.

Attendees were able to try their hand at jewellery making workshops, to include making a suffragette-inspired Tatty Devine bunting necklace, as well as learning more from trail blazing female creatives that included Tatty Devine’s co-founders Rosie Wolfenden and Harriet Vine who hosted a special POW! bunting necklace workshop.

Above: Tatty Devine’s co-founders Rosie Wolfenden and Harriet Vine.

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Industry News

The Shows Must Go On PG Live To Go Ahead In response to ongoing concerns over the covid-19 virus outbreak, Max Exhibitions, organisers of dedicated greeting card show PG Live, has confirmed that show will be going ahead.

Commenting in mid March, show director Simon Boyd confirmed: “The safety and health of all show attendees is our number one priority and we will continue to monitor the situation very closely.”

The show is due to take place at the Business Design Centre in London, offering both major buyers and independent retailers an opportunity to focus on new ranges, new publishers and other launches across the greeting card sector. Visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com At the time of going to press, the London Stationery Show, will be celebrating its 10th anniversary from April 21-22, at the Business Design Centre. (See Spotlight On Stationery on pages 25-27).

The organisers of the Exclusively Show (June 9-10 at London’s Business Design Centre) have also reviewed all the advice currently available from the Government and Public Health England, with no plans to postpone or cancel the event.

Again, BHETA and the Exclusively board are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Fashion Meets Function This summer sees the launch of a brand new collaboration between Heathcote & Ivory and leading NYC fashion illustrator Meredith Wing, best known for her 3D mixed media drawings that celebrate unusual materials.

“This collection is the Sex and the City of premium beauty,” comments Heathcote & Ivory’s marketing, PR and business development manager Amanda Pullen. “Meredith Wing’s #SomeFlowerGirls designs are for the Instagram generation, as well as those who are young at heart, celebrating friendship, laughter and fun.”

The collection features bath and body products alongside quirky, fun items to include cosmetic bags and shower caps.

Below: Part of the new Meredith Wing collection.

Above: Meeters and greeters at last year’s PG Live were dressed in exhibitors’ cards.

Left: The Lagom team design are shown with ‘I’m a card-aholic’ tote bags that all PG Live visitors received.

HKTDC Postpones April Exhibitions The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair and Hong Kong Houseware Fair are two of eight April shows that have been postponed by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak. The fairs were originally scheduled to take place between April 6-30.

Under the new arrangement, the HKTDC’s Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Hong Kong Houseware Fair, along with the other six shows, will be held concurrently from July 25-28 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Visit www.hktdc.com l Other international shows that have been cancelled include The Inspired Home Show in Chicago, which will be held from March 13-16, 2021 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex.

Above: The entrance to last year’s Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair.

Keel Toys In The Headlines Keel Toy’s Eco range of 100% recyclable, sustainable, endangered animals plush range was featured on the MailOnline, in The Sun and on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X during Toy Fair in January.

It followed on from Toy Fair’s 25 hero product awards the previous day, where winners included Keel Toys’ Keel Eco plush range, Posh Paws International’s Sunny Bunnies Giggle and Hop Boo, and Wild + Wolf’s Ridleys Games Drawsome People.

“Since last November, all our items carry a new Keel Toy icon, formed from FSC cardboard, saving plastic on the millions of toys we sell each year,” explained UK sales director Steve Cox. “It’s attached to the toy with cotton, and even the sew in label is recycled, with everything manufactured in an ICTI ethically audited factory.”

Continued Steve: “The next step for us was to design a fully sustainable 100% recycled range, Keel Eco. The eco-friendly toys are manufactured and stuffed with 100% recycled polyester from plastic waste and cleaned bottles. Weighted with recycled glass beads, the toys have been designed for hugging, with traditional glass eyes replaced with cotton embroidered eyes.”

The collection features endangered animals from the four corners of the world.

Left: Keel Toys’ sales director Steve Cox is shown with the Keel Eco range at Toy Fair.

Home & Gift To Go Ahead Clarion Events, the organisers behind Home & Gift, Harrogate, now in its 60th year, has confirmed that the July 2020 edition of the show is set to continue as planned on 19-22 July, offering an opportunity to bring the industry back together at a critical time.

“Over the show’s history the retail industry has weathered many storms, with the current covid-19 outbreak undoubtedly one of the toughest, but it is together that the industry will persevere. We will, of course, continue to monitor the situation closely and adhere to the advice of relevant authorities, with the safety of our visitors, exhibitors, suppliers and staff the number one priority.”

Continued Kelly: “Now more than ever, we want to ensure our valued community can get the most out of every opportunity Home & Gift presents.”

Registration is open. Visit www.homeandgift.com

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Industry News

Mum’s The Word

New Personalised Books

Gift Independents Hold Their Nerve PG&H went to press before Mother’s Day, but it was clearly a mixed bag for gift independents in the run up to the second biggest gift giving occasion after Christmas.

With people being strongly advised to work from home, others voluntarily self-isolating or being advised to self-isolate, and ‘social distancing’ already becoming the norm, gift retailers up and down the country were playing a ‘wait and see’ game.

At Love It in Stamford and Bury St Edmunds, co-owners Amanda and Will Oscroft were among those feeling positive. “So far, we’ve had a very good run up to Mother’s Day. Our shops are busy, figures are up and we feel customers are ‘shopping local’ and supporting small business. But there’s no doubt that there are tough times ahead,” added Amanda.

In North London’s Barnet, it was more of a mixed bag for Louise Rolfe, the owner of The Present. “We made sure we bought in plenty of stock for Mother’s Day but footfall has definitely been quieter. Many of the shops around me on the high street have decided to close so I’ll have to see how it affects us, although I feel as though people are trying to make a point of coming in to show their support. Things have only just kicked up a gear and I’m nervous for the first time in a long time.”

It was mixed news too, from online gift retailer Adam Gore, founder of Find Me A Gift. “Stocked product sales have been down for Mother’s Day but gift experiences are doing very well because of the downloadable e-voucher. They’re a really easy way to get round ‘social distancing’,” pointed out Adam.

Top: Among Transomnia’s Mother’s Day collections.

Left: Amanda and Will Oscroft, co-owners of Love It, toasting the good times at last year’s PG Live.

Village Candle Acquired American specialty food producer Stonewall Kitchen recently acquired the Village Candle brand, with plans to grow the brand’s UK business “aggressively” in the immediate future by selecting partners within the industry that can help achieve the goals.

Commented Stonewall Kitchen’s ceo John Stiker: “We have long had our own small line of candles and fine home keeping products, but this allows us to really expand that offering with an incredible assortment of specialty candles made up the road here in Maine.”

Above: Village Candle has been sold to Stonewall Kitchen.

Shown is Fresh Lemon.

New Adventure For Alice

Left: A cup and saucer features in the new Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland homewares collection for The British Library.

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

Below: Signature Gifts’ official, licensed Build-ABear-Book launches in the UK and USA this week.

Order Now Doing everything they can to help their independent retailers, Rachel Ellen is offering 15% off gifts and cards for trade orders placed for delivery before the end of June 2020, as well as free carriage on orders over £75 (usually £150).

Customers using the discount code Shine On will also receive a further 5% off on all orders until the end of the year.

Please Join Our Group

Bespoke 77 Innovations has teamed up with the British Library to create new gift and homeware for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The new range has been created from the sketches in the original Lewis Carroll books and manuscripts, which are owned by the British Library.

The collection includes a celebration of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party with gilded fine bone china cup and saucers, a tea pot, cake stand, tea plates and mugs.

There is also a gilded bone china trinket box and thimble for collectors.

Within the homewares collection, the offer includes an apron, heavyweight canvas shopping bag and tea towels.

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Signature Gifts has launched two new personalised books in the UK and the USA: an official, licensed Build-A-BearBook which will be available in the 300+ Build-A-Bear stores - both here and in America - and the company’s own brand Me and My Pet book.

“Both incorporate a more detailed level of personalisation than we have included in our products,” says Signature Gifts’ trade marketing manager David Morris.

A gift voucher and code will be available for Signature gifts customers that can be redeemed on the Signature Gifts website.

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, The Giftware Association has set up a home and giftware community which it would like everyone in the industry to be a part of. “It’s an open group for the whole of the giftware community, not just GA members, and is a safe place for giftware businesses, no matter how big or small to get together share advice, ask questions and hopefully get through this together,” explains PR & marketing manager Chris Workman.

“We’re asking everyone to share details among their networks, as ultimately the more members we have the more we can give advice and guidance, as well as tailoring our messaging from common threads and trends in questions.”

Visit www.facebook.com/groups/ 2611989742457431/

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Industry News

Business Rates Holiday Gift Indies Say A Long Term Plan Would Help It was something of a nail-biting Budget in March for retailers waiting to hear what the new Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, was going to do, if anything, about business rates. So it came as a surprise that he took the “exceptional step”, as he put it, of abolishing business rates for small businesses with a rateable value of below £51,000.

The decision will benefit thousands of independent retailers to include gift shops. However, the Chancellor said the business rates system would not be reformed until later in the year.

“It's very welcome news, considering all the extra unknown challenges that lie ahead in the near future due to coronavirus,” Pete Whiteman, co-owner of Amore and Dzo Dzo in Woodbridge told PG&H. “Perhaps it will shape thinking on business rates for the future.”

In Thornbury, Tabi Marsh, director of Papilio at Heritage, commented: Above: Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

"We absolutely welcome and appreciate his support for small businesses, and hope that the Chancellor’s wider review of business rates will make this a permanent move.”

Added Zoe Anderson, director of W.A. Green in London’s Shoreditch: “Finally, some short-term relief for independent retailers. In a difficult market where we’re seeing so much uncertainty ahead of leaving the EU, and with coronavirus changing consumer habits, it’s something less to worry about.

However, a long-term plan would be more helpful.”

Also sharing her views was Helen Pallis, owner of Medusa Gems in Southport: “The news is a welcome cushion for small businesses like ourselves which have noticed a decrease in demand due to the impact of online purchases. If it was made permanent it may contribute to a revival of the high street.”

The Chancellor’s Budget also included a £30bn emergency package to help the UK economy respond to coronavirus, announcing the outbreak will bring “significant impact” in the short term.

Bira Responds To £350bn Bailout The Government's £350bn bailout of the UK economy in response to coronavirus was welcomed by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira).

However, the Association’s ceo Andrew Goodacre says the funds must be made available immediately to stop the collapse of many small independent retailers.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s enhanced packaged of emergency measures currently includes: business rates abolished for all retailers for 2020/21 worth around £7.9bn in savings; (previously the rates holiday was only for businesses below £51,000 rateable value); cash grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 for smaller retailers (below £51,000 rateable value) and further availability of business interruption loans.

"We are pleased with these further announcements by the government,” confirms Andrew.

“However, following on from the Budget, we have stated that more support is needed for small retailers.

The rates holiday for all retailers is worth approximately £7.9bn and that is very welcome. The higher grants and business interruption loans will also help maintain cash flow.

“But it is really important that the details of how to apply for these grants is made available as soon as possible.”

He added: "Some members have informed us that local authorities are not helping and claiming not to know about this extra support.

That situation must also be addressed to avoid confusion and frustration."

PEOPLE p Bob Illingworth, chairman of Widdop and Co, celebrated his 90th birthday in February surrounded by his four sons, 11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren at a family party for ‘grandpa’. Bob, who was one of the original exhibitors at Spring Fair in 1976, started out in the fancy goods. industry in 1952.

Above: Bob Illingworth, chairman of Widdop and Co.

p Clive Harper (right) has brought his wealth of experience in the home fragrancing sector to Ashleigh & Burwood where he has recently been appointed as a director. p Nicola Dale (right) has joined the Rainbow Designs sales team as regional sales manager for the Midlands territory. She brings with her five years’ experience in the gift sector, having previously worked at MPW Gifting and Sophie Allport.

Yorkshire Beckons Ashleigh & Burwood, based in Surrey, has secured a showroom in the old coach house at Newby Hall, a Grade I listed 18th century country house and gardens in Skelton-on-Ure in North Yorkshire, which is available to visit by appointment.

It provides a dedicated space to showcase the brand, making it accessible to retailers in the north of England, who are able to gain inspiration for their own displays.

"We're delighted that this new showroom assists us in our aim to work more closely with retailers, which has mutual benefits,” comments Clive Harper, director, Ashleigh & Burwood. “The facility offers buyers time to reflect in a wonderfully peaceful setting, with an expert on hand to guide them." Tel: 01932 267060 or email info@ashleighburwood.co.uk Below: Ashleigh & Burwood’s new showroom.

Left: Bira’s HQ. Above: The Association’s ceo Andrew Goodacre.

Debut Store For Prezzybox Online gift retailers Prezzybox recently opened its first bricks and mortar store at Roadchef’s Strensham service station on the southbound side of the M5 in Worcestershire.

The shop features a range of Prezzybox’s most popular products, with founder and managing director Zak Edwards confirming that more stores will follow if this one is a success.

Prezzybox launched its website online in 2000.

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

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Exquisite new design from Jim Shore’s Disney Traditions with unique light-up interior

Look!

The back of the coach has a window too!

6007055 Enchanted Carriage

www.enesco.co.uk ENESCO LIMITED, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, CA3 0EN. UK Customer Services Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: trade@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services Telephone: +44 1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk

en10632-prog-gifts-ad-march-20.indd 1 014_GH_March_April 2020.indd 1

Š Disney. Produced by Enesco

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Industry News

Spring Fair’s Leading Ladies Mary Berry And Mary Portas Took To The Stage In a revealing interview at Spring Fair, much loved cookery doyenne Mary Berry spoke to Ashley Armstrong, retail editor at The Times, about how her passion for cooking has opened doors for her in a long and hugely successful career that spans 60 years.

Merging her passions for cooking and gardening through developing her own product lines for tableware company Captivate - “proper china” - she confirmed she had taken inspiration from her garden with motifs such as robins and wrens as well as forget me nots and roses.

Using her own Mary Berry range as an example she told PG&H that she prefers to receive gifts that are both practical and useful, highlighting jugs as a favourite. “A jug has many different uses and is also a lovely keepsake for the recipient. I like to give and receive something that is not going to be put away but used an enjoyed,” said Mary.

It was also standing room only when the undisputed Queen of Shops, the witty and retail savvy Mary Portas, took the stage to talk about the ‘kindness economy’ and why sustainability is the way forward. Mary told attendees how businesses in general, particularly retailers, must adopt a kinder way of behaving, with the secret to being successful rooted in the relationships built with their customers. “Today, everything revolves around being kinder to the planet, to being anti plastic, to being sustainable. These are massive issues, and people are taking on the big corporations. People are changing the way that they consume. They want to engage with the businesses that share their core values. A kinder of way of doing business - the anthesis of the ‘alpha’ culture - is the only way forward. As retailers, think ‘people, planet, profit’.”

Above: Mary Portas in conversation with The Times’ Ashley Armstrong.

Left: Mary Berry is shown on the Captivate stand with Bira members.

Love Was In The Air For Valentine’s Day For many gift retailers up and down the country, this year’s Valentine’s Day proved to be a winner, with sales of both gifts and greeting cards riding high.

At the Nest gift stores in Stonegate, owner Sam Gibson commented: “Gift sales were strong with the emphasis on candles, diffusers, Katie Loxton, jewellery and cards.”

At The Barn gift shop at The Hollies in Little Budworth, marketing executive Sarah Holland highlighted: “We created a feature table by the shop entrance at the beginning of January displaying gifting ideas spanning a wide range of prices. Sales built steadily, with the main Valentine’s trade on February 13 and 14.”

Also really getting behind the occasion was Judy Evans, owner of Williams of Audlem in Audlem. “We put in a Valentine's Day window display from January 2 and kept reinforcing the Valentine’s message through our social media page. Customers bought a mix of scarves, mugs, fashion jewellery, bath bombs, rose petal soaps etc., as well as sentimental keepsakes.”

Added Nicky Stephenson, co-owner of The Tutbury Present Company: “We were just up on last year despite Storm Ciara’s best efforts to dampen trade the previous weekend. With the majority of Valentine’s purchases made at the last minute we made sure that our handmade chocolate cabinet was fully stocked. Candles and porcelain sentiment hearts were also popular.” l According to analysts GlobalData, Valentine’s Day was predicted to be worth just over £1bn in 2020, up by 0.6% on 2019.

Right: Part of the Valentine’s Day display at The Barn at The Hollies.

NEWS IN BRIEF p As PG&H went to press the final 11 Beales stores were set to close, as no offers had been received for the department store group. The company went into administration in January p Dunelm’s (below) interim results for the 26 weeks ended 28 December 2019 reported total like for like (LFL) revenue growth of 5.6%, against a strong comparative period, with profits up by nearly 20% (19.4%) year on year.

p The sale of four outlet department stores at Lewis’s Home Retail, which operates the T J Hughes Outlet Division, saved more than 150 jobs following a management buy out. p Bira joined forces with ShopAppy’s #LoveLocal Day on February 14 to celebrate local high streets, markets and dedicated businesses that included gift shops. p Shoreditch-based lifestyle retailer W. A. Green has launched a range of ‘anti-hygge’ home accessories with many of the products designed and made in-house.

“Everything is made with the belief that the home should be a place of inspiration and excitement, with these products the antithesis of all things minimal and Scandi,” said owner Zoe Anderson.

Above: W. A. Green’s Silken Favours cushion.

B&LLA’s Move To June The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2020 (B&LLAs) are moving to a new date: Thursday 18 June, 2020. (The event was initially planned to take place on Wednesday April 29). The B&LLAs will remain at the Hilton Park Lane, London in its traditional lunchtime slot.

Visit www.brandlicensingawards.com

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Retail Barometer 2019

Sunshine & Showers While other retail surveys look at a broad retail landscape, the 14th year of our unique, PG&H Retail Barometer reveals what life is really like for independent gift retailers on Britain’s high streets.

With the survey conducted earlier this year, (before the coronavirus outbreak became a global pandemic), the picture painted was, unfortunately, but understandably, less upbeat than the previous year, with Brexit and the General Election impacting on consumer confidence, with a blazing summer followed by a winter of torrential rain and flooding.

Showing typical resilience however, gift indies upped the ante to keep consumers shopping with them as the survey reveals.

How was Christmas 2019?

With Brexit and the General Election dominating the headlines in 2019, many gift retailers confirmed that once the Election was done and dusted, confidence returned to the high street with Christmas ‘delivering’ for well over half of respondents (58%).

Looking at the year as a whole, some 61% of indie respondents said that their businesses did better or held the line on the previous year. Engaging with customers through social media certainly played an increased role for independent gift retailers with almost all respondents (96%) confirming that they used Facebook, some two thirds took to Instagram and just over a third used Twitter.

Also on the ‘up’ was sourcing sustainable environmentallyfriendly products, with 95% of respondents confirming that this is now very important to them. Other product categories that stood out in 2019 were fashion accessories, greeting cards and confectionery/edible gifts.

For the full findings of the PG&H Retail Barometer, read on...

(Last year’s figures are Increased significantly Increased slightly Remained the same Declined Declined significantly

While Christmas trade was decent for well over half (58%) of indie gift retailers, sadly 42% experienced a decline compared to the previous year. However two thirds of those surveyed (69%) said that the average spend increased significantly, increased slightly or remained the same.

27% 42%

31%

Compared to Christmas 2018, how did the average spend compare? shown in brackets) 5% (5%) 35% (53%) 29% (30%) 22% (7%) 9% (5%)

What effect did Brexit and the General Election have on gift sales in your shop in the last year?

(Last year’s figures are Increased slightly Remained the same Declined Declined significantly

shown in brackets) 10% (18%) 24% (50%) 52% (26%) 14% (5%)

How Did Your Business Fare Over The Last Year?

PG&H looks back at seven years of Retail Barometer data 2018 v 2019 Better 37% Same 24% Worse 39%

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2017 v Better Same Worse

2018 45% 28% 27%

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

2017 v Better Same Worse

2016 37% 21% 42%

2016 v Better Same Worse

2015 56% 18% 26%

2015 v Better Same Worse

2014 50% 27% 23%

2014 v Better Same Worse

2013 53% 24% 23%

2013 v Better Same Worse

2012 46% 26% 28%

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Retail Barometer 2019

What main factors had a positive effect on your business in the last year?

(Last year's position shown in brackets) 1 Staff (5) 2 Diversification (1) 3 Social media (3) 4 Online/website (7) 5 Expansion into greeting cards (4) 6 Local competition closing down (8) 7 Promotional activity (6) 8 Upsurge of new customers (3=) 9 Shopfit (2) Almost half of respondents also cited opening new shops, the development of own brand product ranges, customer profiling, investing in the right products, an increase in personalised products, Visa’s Christmas campaign, shop local and a weak £pound in tourist areas as having been boons to business.

Cause For Concern As an independent retailer, what are your biggest concerns in 2020?

Price increases (53%) and business rates increases (25%) dominated respondents concerns for 2020 (although this was before the Chancellor announced the 12 month business rates holiday), with the state of the UK economy, a drop in footfall, the weather and the media ‘panic’ relating to coronavirus also making respondents feel uneasy last year.

What main factors had a detrimental effect on your business in 2019?

(Last year’s figures are shown in brackets) The UK retail economy 73% (61%) Expansion of discounters/deep value retailers 59% (56%) Competitive websites 39% (56%) Rent reviews 33% (14%) Parking issues 32% (22%) Competition from multiples 29% (40%) Expansion of gift and home products in supermarkets 27% (35%) The National Living Wage/Living Wage 17% (24%) Charity shops selling gifts 26% (13%) Other factors that were detrimental to business included the weather, the closing down of local bank branches, along with garden centres expanding their gift offer.

Challenged By The Supermarkets

Garden Centre Growth When asked how they viewed garden centre growth in the gift and home sector, just over two thirds of those surveyed regarded this sector as a threat or serious threat.

17% 35%

48%

The Amazon Effect Some 83% of those surveyed see online giant Amazon as the biggest threat of all to independent retailers.

Serious threat 36% Threat 47% Neutral 17%

Third Party Selling Suppliers selling online direct to the public continues to be seen as a major threat for independents with 79% of respondents viewing third part selling as a threat or serious threat.

Serious threat 31% Threat 48% Neutral 21%

Do you see geographical exclusivity of supply as an issue?

60% 40%

With supermarkets continuing to expand their gift and home offer, it comes as no real surprise that 78% of respondents see them as a threat or a serious threat.

How do you view the supermarkets' continuing expansion into gifts?

16% 22%

62%

Keeping Up Appearances Some 50% of respondents are intending to spruce up their shops this year, with refits at the top of the list, followed by redecorating the exterior, new lighting and new signage. Other respondents had plans to further develop their websites.

1 Partial refit 2 Website 3= EPOS equipment 3= New shop units 4 Computer equipment 5 Shop extension 6 Vehicles for the business PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Retail Barometer 2019

Staff Matters Well over three quarters of respondents (80%) said that staffing levels would remain the same this year, with 7% hoping to recruit more staff (compared to 15% last year). However, 11% will be looking to reduce the number of workers they employ.

Marketing Matters The majority of retail barometer respondents - 89% - confirmed that they had actively embraced marketing in addition to collaborating with other local retailers/businesses. In store money off/discount promotions were again way out in front, with loyalty cards remaining an important way to encourage increased footfall. Other ways to engage with customers included social media competitions.

1 In-store money off/discount promotions 2 Loyalty cards 3 Customer evenings 4= Collaboration with other local retailers/businesses 4= Charity fundraising 5 Free gift promotions 6 Press advertising 7= Leaflets 7= Gift voucher scheme 8 BOGOF (or similar) 9 Radio advertising

Engaging With Customers Gift indies continued to make locals aware of their shops, with last year’s initiatives including working with community groups, Christmas late night shopping evenings and more general evening events, launch events, charity events, competitions, children’s events and loyalty cards.

Recognition For Achievement Almost a quarter of respondents (compared to15% in 2018) were delighted to win an award in 2019. These included either winning or being a finalist in The Greats Gift Retailer Awards, and winning or being a finalist or highly commended in a variety of local business awards, to include window display recognition and the Muddy Stiletto’s Best Gift Shop award.

Community Involvement Which local organisations were you involved with in 2019?

1 2 3 4 5

Charities Town centre retailing groups Federation of Small Businesses Schools Chamber of Commerce

Diversification All respondents confirmed that they had introduced new products in 2019.

Emphasising the increasing importance of sustainability, eco products remained in the No1 spot for further diversification this year.

Right: Chilly’s Bottles were a winner.

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PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

58% 47% 35% 28% 19%

Which product areas would you like to further diversify into?

(Last year's positions are shown in brackets) 1 Eco (1) 2 Home accessories (4=) 3 Impulse items (3=) 4 Fashion accessories (3=) 5= Jewellery (2) 5= Fashion (4=) 6 Greeting cards (6=) 7 Children’s non-toy products (-) 8= Handbags (7=) 8= Chocolates/confectionery (4=) 8= Toys (-) 8= Gardening products (6=) 8= Giftwrap (7=) 9 Collectables (9=) 10= Partyware (9=) 10= Calendars (-)

Product Matters How did the following sectors perform in 2019? (‘Star’ performers have been shown in blue) Category Increased Bath and body 32% Children’s clothing/accessories 22% Collectables 4% Confectionery/edible gifts 55% Craft products 21% Decorative home accessories 20% Fashion accessories (eg scarves) 63% Furniture 6% Garden gifts 22% Gift stationery/journals 29% 41% Greeting cards 60% Giftwrap 29% Home fragrancing 45% Handbags 26% Impulse items 22% Jewellery 36% Plush 31% Seasonal gifts 20% Tableware/kitchen gifts 7% Toys & Games 17%

Stable 46% 52% 57% 24% 53% 61% 27% 50% 48% 46% 30% 56% 32% 44% 69% 46% 50% 38% 67% 56%

Decreased 22% 26% 39% 21% 26% 18% 10% 44% 30% 29% 10% 16% 23% 31% 9% 18% 19% 42% 26% 28%

Made In Britain Products that are Made in Britain are continuing to gain ground.

Over 80% of respondents see them as very important or slightly important. (See Made in Britain on pages 33-35) Very important 14% Slightly important 69% Not important 17%

How important is sustainability to you?

A whopping 93% of respondents confirmed that environmental concerns impacted on gift sales in 2019, as buying sustainable products became increasingly important to their customers. In addition, 95% of respondents said it was very important or slightly important.

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Retail Barometer 2019

Walking The Aisles

A Word, Please

Exhibitions remained the most important way to source new products (95%), with 93% of respondents attending shows.

Spring Fair was out in front, attended by 87% of respondents, followed by Autumn Fair (65%). Also in the top three was Home & Gift, Harrogate (58%).

Three quarters of respondents also source products from reps/agents, closely followed by looking in other shops. Trade magazines, such as Progressive Gifts & Home, were also seen as a vital sourcing tool.

1 Exhibitions 2 Visit from an agent/rep 3 Looking in other shops 4 Reading trade magazines 5 From the internet 6 Feedback from customers 7 Word of mouth

'Challenging' and ‘struggling’ once again remained the most commonly used words to describe the gift industry in 2019. However, on the upside, respondents also praised the gift industry for being ‘resilient’ and ‘vibrant’.

Suppliers Doing A Good Job Some 28% of respondents said that they looked to increase their suppliers in 2019, with the majority (59%) remaining happy with their existing companies.

In 2019, how did you find service levels from suppliers?

Improved significantly Improved slightly Remained the same Decreased slightly Decreased significantly

2% 9% 67% 21% 2%

Hero Products Respondents confirmed that the their stand out products in 2019 were (in alphabetical order): Equilibrium from Joe Davies; Jellycat plush and Joma Jewellery.

Online Trading Almost two thirds of respondents confirmed that they have a website as well as a bricks and mortar store (62%), with just over half operating a transactional website and 49% having an ‘information only’ website.

Up on last year, over half of those surveyed confirmed that they were planning on further developing their existing website over the next 12 months.

Just over a fifth of respondents stated that they intend to create a website in 2019, with 50% of respondents undecided. Well over half of those surveyed, (57%), who have both an online business and a bricks and mortar store, said that their website brings customers into the shop. However, the vast majority of sales (94%) were made in store rather than online.

What are your expectations for your business in 2020?

Despite so many external factors, especially business rates, having a knock-on effect, gift independents remain confident about the next 12 months. Some 88% (compared to 78% in 2018) said they felt that their business would see marginal or significant growth, or remain about the same. However, only 3% said they had plans to open another shop.

Significant growth 7% Marginal growth 32% Remain about the same 39% Slight decline 17% Major decline 5%

Feeling Confident Looking ahead to the foreseeable future, getting on for a half of respondents - 43% - said that they felt positive or very positive about the survival of independent gift shops over the next 3-5 years.

How do you view the future of independent gift shops in the next 3-5 years?

(Last year’s figures Very positive 9% Positive 34% Neutral 28% Weak 24% Very weak 5%

in brackets) (3%) (43%) (30%) (17%) (7%)

Magic Wand Time If gift retailers had a magic wand, what would they change about the gift and home industry?

The majority of respondents said that they would wish to lower minimum orders, others wanted to see less undercutting by suppliers who have their own websites and by their competitors.

More heartfelt wishes included increased loyalty from suppliers to independents, a level playing field for online vs bricks and mortar retailers and more product innovation for sustainability.

The Gift Of Giving When asked who they would most like to receive a gift from, the Queen came top of the leader board!

Socially Speaking Unsurprisingly, making good use of social media is increasing, with 93% of those surveyed using social networking sites to promote their business. Almost all respondents were using Facebook, almost two thirds were using Instagram and half were using Twitter to engage with their customers.

Facebook 96% Instagram 66% Twitter 36% Linkedin 6%

Lovely To See You! The female that gift shop owners would most like to see walking through their doors is Mary Portas, with George Clooney the winner in the male stakes.

As for the females least likely to get a warm welcome, Katie Hopkins led the field, with Donald Trump the male most likely to be shown the door!

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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East Anglia/Home Counties: 07738 219882 - Barbara 07786 980906 - Dawn Midlands: 07535 367599 - Helen Wales: 01225 422188 - Office

London: Scotland: 01225 422188 - Office 07770 724802 - Jennie North: South East: 07940 953875 - Ruth 07741 018298 - Tamsin N.Ireland: South West/Home Counties: 07802 914599 - Linda 07738 963774 - James

www.hot-tom.com . 01224 422188 . sales@hot-tom.com

Hot Tomato_muk2.indd 1

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TRENDS: CLASSIC BLUE

Blue Is The Colour Classic Blue is Pantone’s Colour of the Year, praised for its qualities of timeless reassurance and dependability. It chimes in well with this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, where shades of blue, especially dark blue, will be a strong trend colour across gifts, home and housewares.

Above: Make-up bags from A Gift From The Gods.

Left: A colourful blue-themed scarf from Hem & Edge.

Right: A Lockley lighthouse from Parlane.

Above: KitchenCraft’s Sartori tableware.

Right: A mug from Wild & Wolf’s new Wild & Woofy new pet collection.

Below: An Impression chevron designed mug from Mason Cash.

Inset: Carrie Elspeth’s blue Meteor bracelet.

Below: Belly Button’s dark blue striped gift bags.

Right: Best Kept Secret’s Starry Starry Night Seriously Scented candle.

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In Profile: Parlane

The Big

5-0 There aren’t that many companies around in the gift industry today that can boast 50 years of continuous brand building, so it comes as no surprise that Parlane is making the most of its 50 year heritage.

There’s a 50 year emblem, a new promotional swing ticket and black and gold branded bag, and special offers for customers.

Founded by John Rutter in 1970, with Mike Burgess, a former customer, becoming its managing director before eventually buying the company in 2008, Parlane now has an exciting new business partner. At the beginning of 2019, the company was sold to Gallery Direct, who was looking to expand Gallery’s home accessories collection by acquiring a wellestablished, respected company with the same core values and work ethics.

“It’s been a perfect fit,” says Parlane’s head of sales Chris Lewis, who joined Parlane five years ago having previously worked in the upholstery business. “The two

Parlane’s Best Sellers l Pothangers. l Jam jars with straws. l Branches with lights.

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Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

Left: Chris Lewis, head of sales at Parlane.

Below: Christmas tree vases.

companies not only complement each other in terms of product, but also both focus on design, quality and value for money. Since we joined forces with Gallery Direct 15 months ago, we’ve really moved forward, to include diversifying our products. We have definitely benefitted from fresh eyes taking a look at what we do, with the synergies obvious and the two businesses working closely together.”

A significant change over the past year has been an investment in trade shows. In addition to Spring Fair, Parlane returned to Home & Gift in Harrogate last July and also to Autumn Fair in September. “The shows were fantastic for us, attracting a lot of new customers, so we will definitely be back at both this year,” Chris enthused.

The company’s stand has also had a makeover.

Having started life as a small, specialised, recycled glassware business in 1970, Parlane has gone on to become a hugely respected British lifestyle/home accessories company boasting not only two showrooms in the UK, but also a company ahead of its time in recognising natural materials and handmade techniques as the way forward.

So how is Parlane celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary in 2020, and what changes have there been since the company was acquired by leading interiors company Gallery Direct just over a year ago? These were just some of the questions PG&H put to Parlane’s head of sales Chris Lewis.

“At Spring Fair for example, we designed the stand in room sets making it easier to navigate,” explains Chris.

Part of the company’s Christmas 2020 offer was also on display. “It’s been our earliest festive launch ever, following on from previews last December, but it’s certainly paid off,” Chris highlights. “Buyers at Spring Fair were very much in a Christmas mindset at the show.” Among the

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In Profile: Parlane exciting pieces on offer were frosted white foliage, wall mounted and hanging Christmas trees, felted woodland animals, and the popular Scandi mythological Tomte range returning for a second Christmas. There were also some fun elements such as festive themed bottle stoppers and pot hangers.

Other ways in which Gallery Direct has influenced the business is through an increased B2B trade marketing spend, which includes a brand new catalogue fanfaring all of Parlane’s 2020 collections.

However, while there have definitely been some big changes, what hasn’t changed is the company’s ethos. “We’re still sourcing from India, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, so lots of products - many of which are made from natural materials continue to have a handmade element. It’s our signature Parlane ‘look’ and how customers identify us,” points out Chris.

Currently, the focus is on the company’s Autumn/Winter 2020 collections, with 900 brand new products being unveiled at the company’s flagship Bourton- on-the-Water showroom and newly opened Leeds showroom. The first previews took place at Bourton-on-theWater at the beginning of March, with the Leeds showroom looking forward to welcoming buyers in May. (Meanwhile, the company’s Spring/Summer collection is still available to order in the main showroom).

So what can retailers look forward to?

With the summer Olympics in Tokyo on the horizon, in addition to the 2020 Christmas

we’ve been extremely encouraged to see how independents are weathering the external storms and looking to the future, with many confidently opening new shops. In fact, we were delighted to pick up on a very optimistic vibe at Spring Fair. The number of new independent accounts we’ve opened has been fantastic.”

So what’s the secret of Parlane’s success? “We do everything we possibly can to make buying from us as easy as possible,” Chris states. “We offer a diverse range of products, excellent customer service - there are six area managers covering the UK and two in Ireland - we have great stock levels and fast delivery. Our twice yearly previews include some Sundays, making it easier for independents to come and visit.”

At the time of going to press at the end of March, with coronavirus Above: Tomtes and baskets.

Right: Christmas pothangers.

Below left: Felt mice.

collections, there’s Japandi, featuring a mix of pared down Japanese influences combined with Scandi simplicity. “It’s very minimalist and relaxed, with lots of neutral shades and clean lines,” explains Chris. “There’s a lot of the colour black coming through, which gives a soft contemporary feel. There’s also plenty of organic shapes, interesting mineral textures and unusual speckled glazes. In addition, our faux flower business is a big growth sector for us and continuing to trend,” Chris adds. “Plus, following on from pampas grass, textures continue to be very fluffy and feathery.”

Having started out as a pioneering recycled glassware company, sustainability remains very important. “We continue to source from our original recycled glassware suppliers in Spain and Portugal, and have re-introduced a collection of bamboo casual furniture and storage boxes. Plus, we also recently introduced recycled pine, with sustainability still very much a part of our ethos.”

While the major nationals remain hugely important, the company is also extremely proud of its independent retailer base.

“They are at the heart of our business, along with garden centres,” Chris emphasises. “Over the past 12 months,

having severely impacted on the Chinese workforce this year, Parlane - which has an office in Hong Kong - is in the fortunate position of having brought orders forward giving the company plenty of stock to fulfil customer orders.

Looking ahead to the rest of the year, what else is in the pipeline? “We will, of course, be looking to source innovative products for Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter 2021,” states Chris. “We constantly aim to be ahead of the trends and to be a market leader so we’re always looking for the next big thing. We have taken some very big strides in the past year, but there are lots more positive changes to come, all with the aim of taking Parlane to the next level.”

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London Stationery Show 21 -22 April 2020 Business Design Centre

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Spotlight On... Social Stationery

Fashion Meets

Function As the London Stationery Show gets ready to celebrate its 10th anniversary this month at London’s Business Designer Centre (April 21-22), gift retailers are sure to be among the visitors eager to spot the current designs for Spring/Summer.

PG&H asked some of the leading names in the stationery sector for the trends that buyers should be on the look out for.

Since the London Stationery Show first opened its doors in 2010, social stationery has come on in leaps and bounds, with fashion at the forefront of trends.

“For SS20, stationery, especially in our Yes Studio range, there are bold designs and bright colours, with a return to the ‘feminist’ style of previous seasons - tapping into the woman power movement - but with a fresh, new look,” explains Joelle Engolia, marketing manager of Wild + Wolf. “Moving away from retro typography our design team drew

London Stationery Show Date: April 21-22, 2020 Venue:Business Design Centre, London Web:www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk Below: Wild + Wolf’s weekend planner.

Bottom left: Sara Miller’s Chelsea collection for Blueprint.

Below right: Part of the Caroline Gardner stationery collection.

into the trend, making it even stronger. “We have also seen a trend towards the use of a softer colour palette for Spring /Summer 2020, to include teals, greens, pinks and yellows, but with a much softer tone. Plus, anything which promotes sustainability and discourages throw away land fill items and single use plastics is also very popular.”

Taking both of these factors into account, Blueprint has collaborated with Heather Flynn, the creator of Happy Jackson and Alice Scott, to launch a stationery and gift collection under the Good Hands brand, for both the home and office.

inspiration from vintage propaganda posters, featuring a bolder statement typeface, adding in a strong, positive female influence in both the messaging and design accents. Easily identifiable graphic icons, as seen on social media, to include the lightning bolt, are popular design elements.”

At Blueprint, product development director Pip Chamberlain says that tropical and botanical prints are still very popular, with drawings of animals added

Meanwhile, the Sara Miller brand is continuing to perform well for Blueprint with a collection of designs celebrating a love of print, pattern and colour.

At Caroline Gardner, independent sales manager Luca Bridges comments: “We have seen increased interest in our social stationery over the last year or so, with big trends in wellness products, the colour lilac and fun, quirky gifts. We launched three wellness journals for SS20 - one for sleep, a live well journal to document fitness goals, health and mindfulness, and a daily journal.”

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Spotlight On... Social Stationery Also new from the company is a multi-ribbon notebook and matching pencil case in lilac.

As Emma Thompson, marketing manager at Wrendale Designs puts it: “People still love to send and receive a handwritten card, and the popularity of our notecard packs is a good example. They feature designs that include a hedgehog, hare, guinea pig and a giraffe, with the latest addition to the range a turtle design, Swimming School, which will be launching in July.”

Also new from Wrendale this summer is a second design of the company’s password book featuring Wrendale’s Bessie cow. “The password book has fast become a bestselling item in our stationery collection and customers have requested it to be available in more designs,” confirms Emma.

At Belly Button, founder and creative director Rachel Hare says that sugary tones have always been a popular colour palette for Spring. “Increasingly, this has been complemented with standout brights that have been more common to summer. Plus, our taste trends in gin and pedigree pets have led us to illustrate popular icons based on botanical flavourings and the sausage

Winning Ways From You To Me recently won the Gift Of The Year’s Cards and Wrap award for the company’s new range, WOW! You’re... Birthday books range. “All our journals and books help to bring people closer to the people that matter in their lives with our marketing focused on these meaningful gifts that benefit the customer, gifts that will be kept forever,” states From You To Me’s founder and managing director Neil Coxon.

Right: From You To Me’s award winning WOW! birthday books.

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Clement Rouillard, marketing manager at ExaClair, highlights trends based around luxurious textures, otherworldly fantasy and nature-inspired designs, with deep blues, purples and greens, as well as warm, sunny and exotic themes with golden hues. “The environment and sustainability also continue to be increasingly important to consumers and inspire simple, neutral designs with greens and teals. Our Clairefontaine La Vie en Vosges range is a case in point, a sustainable range of books, pads, folders and desktop accessories that portray poetic mountain sceneries. The collection includes stapled, clothbound, hardcover and wireAbove: The Swimming School notecard pack from Wrendale Designs will be launching in July.

Right: ExaClair’s Calirefontaine new Jeans and Cocoa collection.

Below left: Belly Button’s Number 78 stationery acks and Elle social stationery.

Below right: Zebras Eden notebook: new for 2020 from Castelli.

dog. We continually look to reinvent familiar favourites in enticing new colour palettes that are on trend and derived from the catwalk, with designs featuring on our social stationery and notelet card packs for SS 2020.”

In terms of sustainability, the company has taken a new stance on plastic, as a result of the huge cultural shift in society to caring about the environment. “It’s more than just a trend, and we have therefore packaged our stationery in a new and innovative way to reduce plastic, creating products that are fully considered, and printed on FSC certified paper and board,” highlights Rachel.

bound notebooks, as well as guest books and also offers desktop accessories such as a pencil pot, magazine rack, and letter holders.”

Other sustainable products include Clairefontaine’s new range of vegan-friendly cork pencil cases and the new Jeans and Cocoa collection which uses recycled jean fibres in a denim blue range of notebooks, pads and filing products, as well as cocoa shells, to create a neutrallycoloured version.

At Go Stationery, ceo Sue Townsend says that stationery is set be a season of colour.

“Corals, peachy pinks and salmons, with vibrant blues, such as turquoise, will feature strongly,” she states.

“Key stationery trends see the continued growth in sustainability, paper organisation and personalisation. Plus, we are

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Spotlight On... Social Stationery also launching our own personalisation service this year, introducing an instore gift product that allows any shop to add notebook personalisation to their customer offer without any investment in technology.”

At Widdop and Co., marketing manager Sue Grant says that the company has built its gifting stationery ranges around two key trends this year, seen across a multitude of different product categories with motivational or humorous sayings on the cover of journals, diaries or notebooks. “This trend has been extended to incorporate more of an industrial look with literal descriptions such as ‘quality materials, made to last no FS141000’ on the cover of a notebook,” she explains.

As for materials, Sue highlights soft backed leather or leatherette which gives a luxury feel to different varieties of paper stationery, with metallic foil adding value to a simple item.

the boxes for a Spring designs - a fresh, colourful floral with butterflies.”

With social stationery saying so much about the user, and people constantly looking for an antidote to technology, notebooks and journals give everyone the opportunity to both jot things down or plan their lives. With the London Stationery Show around the corner, gift retailers, please take note!

Above: A Go Stationery planner.

Below left: A Stratton pen from Widdop.

Right: Lesser & Pavey’s Butterfly Meadow.

Adds Sue: “Traditional pens in smart, gift box packaging remain strong evergreen gift options, suitable for a huge variety of different occasions from milestone birthdays to retirement. Hitting all the key price points, they will keep turning over from season to season.”

For Lesser & Pavey meanwhile, its William Morris collection remains hugely popular, with the company continuing to bring out new designs with more on the way.

“We’ve introduced several stationery gift items into our newest ranges and have also added stationery gift items into our Butterfly Meadow range,” comments director Jonny Greves.

Designed in the UK by our inhouse art department it ticks all

Top Retailer Tips l “If retailers want to complement a stationery range with add on lines they should ensure

that they do so with products that have the same look and feel. It’s all about storytelling and creating the look and feel of a lifestyle that the consumer wants to buy into.”

Pip Chamberlain, product development director, Blueprint l “A notebook is often a pick-up item, so placing these items alongside mugs and other

giftware can help to increase sales.”

Emma Thompson, marketing manager, Wrendale Designs

Recycled Pencils Campaign Sustainable stationery company VENT for Change is tying in with National Stationery Week, which takes places from April 20-26.

Businesses taking part in the campaign are being provided with a selection of colourful pencils. They feature the #StationeryAddict hashtag and, for a small donation, their customers can choose their favourite pencil with all funds raised being donated to education projects run by Plan International UK, a charity which strives to advance children’s rights and equality for girls all over the world.

“The campaign has a huge impact among stationery addicts of all ages,” comments the company’s founder Evan Lewis. “It will allow us to spread our message of sustainability while making an impact with a charity that can change lives.”

Visit www.nationalstationeryweek.com Below: Some of the colourful pencils from VENT For Change.

l ”Retailers need to see the bigger picture - to drop the shiny wraps and diminish myths

that a text message is a better means of communication for the environment. Nowadays it’s not a valid excuse.” Rachel Hare, founder and creative director, Belly Button Designs l “Gift retailers should make the most of stationery in their shops by capitalising on trends

such as bullet journaling, sleep logs, healthy habit journals and weekly savings planners.”

Joelle Engolia, marketing manager, Wild + Wolf l “Stationery has taken on a whole new fashion look over the last few years, and now

lends itself to a whole new type of merchandising in store, combining with other trend-led gift items such as ceramics, stemware or cosmetic purses.”

Sue Grant, marketing manager, Widdop and Co. l “Stocking collectable ranges is a good way to encourage larger and repeat purchases.

Premium ranges often carry a price premium so are a good way of increasing margins.”

Clement Rouillard, marketing manager, ExaClair

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Ho! Ho! Ho!

A Global Perspective: Christmasworld

One of the highlights of Christmasworld in Frankfurt, held in January, was the ‘must visit’ trends area, which featured a fabulous, colourful array of exhibitor products.

The area showcased three key festive themes that designers stilburo bora.herke.palmisano predict will be the Christmas 2020/21 winners.

Amidst the Santas, trees, baubles, crackers, gift food and Christmas lights, PG&H was at the show to catch an early glimpse of what the forecasters predict will be ringing up festive sales over the coming months.

Christmasworld‘s dedicated trends area is always a major source of inspiration for colours, materials and designs, with sustainable principles, coupled with innovative materials and designs, changing the way we think about celebrating and decorating.

One trend that really stood out at the January show was Happy Get Together.

As its name suggests, the trend is based around making more time for family and friends, reflecting a more mindful lifestyle and a new sense of ‘us’. It’s wholly centred around enjoying and celebrating things together, and sharing happy moments.

Maximalism - more is more - was depicted with a lavishly decorated long, showstopping table, overflowing with colourful festive tableware, table decorations, candles, crackers and gift food. The display created a warm ‘getting together’ vibe, with unusual baubles including hanging green pickles and avocados! Also running through the trend was the idea of waste products having a second life, influenced by craft techniques such as braiding, knotting and

layering, with lots of motifs seen on, for example, baubles.

By contrast, Green Ritual, inspired by natural vegetation, was a more calming trend, displaying a minimalist design. Colours were light and soft - grey, taupe, sand and light fern green - contrasted by deep red foliage and Autumn leaves.

Silken Party meanwhile, inspired by unusual flowers and petals, revealed two distinct sides: one that was soft and sophisticated, with warm organic, cloudy shapes, featuring pastel colours; the other featuring fun, sorbet shades.

Aside from the trends area, another major attraction at the show was the Retail Boulevard (BLVD) concept area which focused on a customer’s journey to the point of sale in different types of retail outlets, showing how forward looking retail models can look. “It enabled visitors to take a peek into the future,” pointed out Christmasworld’s show director Eva Olbrich.

The next Christmasworld take place from January 29 to February 2, 2021.

Visit www.christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com

A ‘Blue’ Take On Christmas A spectacular highlight at the show was Decoration Unlimited - Dark Ocean, which put a new take on blue tones for Christmas. There were two themes stormy seascapes contrasted with a beach club vibe - with both stunning displays surrounded by Christmas decorations in blue hues.

Top left: A visitor having fun at Christmasworld.

Top right: Green Ritual reflected a calm minimalism.

Centre left: Happy Get Together was a key theme at the show.

Above centre: The future of retail was unveiled at the show’s Retail Boulevard.

Left: Silken Party contrasted pastels with sorbet shades.

Left: Decoration Unlimited-Dark Ocean was a dramatic display at the show.

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Business

A Global Perspective: Ambiente

As Usual Ambiente was among the first major trade fairs of 2020 to be affected by the impact of coronavirus, with many German and international retail companies barring their workforce from travelling. Also affecting the show was Storm Ciara, with air and rail traffic, at times, completely paralysed throughout Germany and Europe.

Although many Asian visitors noticeably dropped out of Ambiente, it was, however, business as usual, with buyers at the show keen to place orders, as British companies confirmed.

There was a slight feeling of disbelief at February’s Ambiente, as coronavirus, coupled with Storm Ciara, threatened to disrupt the February exhibition.

But with true ‘the show must go on’ resolve, organisers Messe Frankfurt kept calm and carried on, with 108,000 buyers visiting from almost 160 countries, and 62% of visitors attending from outside Germany. Fortunately, business in the halls didn’t suffer as much as expected, although, according to Messe Frankfurt, many exhibitors were disappointed with the sense of uncertainty among visitors and the absence of several retail channels.

“If a trade fair is impacted by two such events, it really does face enormous challenges,” commented Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt. “However, fortunately, visitors came to Frankfurt with a positive mindset, keen to place orders.”

His view was reinforced by many British exhibitors at the show, to include Phil Atherton,

Congratulations!

In celebration of Spode’s 250th anniversary, a bespoke cake was presented to Portmeirion Group’s sales and marketing director Phil Atherton (second right)

by Messe Frankfurt’s UK sales partner Rob Sherwood (left) managing director of Sherwood Events, Ambiente’s Thomas Kastl, director Dining, and the show’s Katja Glowatski, Dining sales.

Another British company celebrating at the show was Royal Crown Derby, which has reached its milestone 270th year.

Above: The Dining sector sales and marketing director of Portmeirion at Ambiente.

Group. “Concerns about coronavirus didn’t Below middle: Messe Frankfurt’s Detleft Braun seem to affect us,” he confirmed. “Buyers with German supermodel were not at the show to browse, they were Toni Garrn who was there to buy and place orders, and we opened among the VIP visitors to the show. a lot of new international accounts.”

At Dunoon, sales director Peter Smith said that due to the coronavirus outbreak, the company’s Asian customers didn’t attend.

“But luckily we had visited those customers last November, and they all ordered, so it wasn’t a disaster,” confirmed Peter, “with Ambiente a busy show for us.”

Highlights at the show included the Sustainability area, which again featured Ambiente’s collaboration with the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) and MADE51, a UN Refugee Agency project. There was also a focus on products from Brazil in the debut Focus On Design area, and the return of the popular Ambiente Trends area. (See below).

Nextrade, a new digital B2B ordering and data management system for suppliers and retailers in the consumer goods industry, extended the show by encouraging retailers, especially those that were unable to attend the show this year, to place orders online.

Next year’s Ambiente will take place from February 19-23, 2021.

A Trio Of Trends Three ‘zones’ were dedicated to trends. l shaped + softened featured a neutral palette of reduced colours featuring white and shades of grey, with smooth surfaces - either soft or textured - and glass that was either satin or transparent. l In precise + architectural, the focus was on industrialism, which has been added to high-quality materials. There were tones of brick and cement, as well as rusty burnished nuances, lots of green, geometric designs and mottled patterns. l A third trend, artistical + diverse, revealed a colour palette featuring bright orange, raspberry, milky hues, honey and sky blue.

As well as diverse combinations, there was also a combination of craft and digital technology.

Curated by design studio Stilbüro bora.herke.palmisano, products were sourced from the show’s exhibitors.

Above: Among the colourful products in the artistical + diverse trend zone.

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British Made

New for 2020, Wrendale Home Fragrance Contact your sales representative or call customer services on 01229 461111 to make an order. /waxlyricaluk

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Spotlight On... Made In Britain

Flying The Flag

For Britain With consumer interest in British made products - both in the UK and globally - at an all time high, and the British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF), which opens its doors at the beginning of April, confirming the appetite for authentic British made products is stronger than ever - how are suppliers helping retailers to reinforce the ‘made in Britain’ message to their customers?

As the move away from mass produced product continues to grow, and ‘source local, buy local’ increasingly becoming the norm, discerning consumers not only want to know where their purchases come from and how they were made, but also, in some instances, the business practices of the manufacturers.

For companies both designing and manufacturing in Britain, it’s all helping to boost sales with increasing numbers of gift retailers seeking out products that have been Made In Britain.

“As customers and consumers in the UK and overseas increasingly question the origin of products, many are delighted that we make our fine bone china mugs in

England,” concurs Dunoon’s sales director Peter Smith. “To emphasise this, we have always applied a shield label on to the front of each mug, but have recently updated it to include a stylised version of the Union Jack, in addition to the text ‘Made in England’. Good design,

Above: Portmeirion Group’s Spode’s Blue Italian is manufactured in Stoke-on-Trent.

Left: Dunoon’s shield label.

Below left: Dunoon’s Cairngorm Nebula set of mugs.

Below right: Stoneglow’s Luna Oroblanca & Cardamom collection.

excellent quality and Made in England are vital in the continued success of Dunoon.”

At Portmeirion Group, sales and marketing director Phil Atherton, explains: “Spode was founded in Stoke-on-Trent in 1770 and has remained there for 250 years, so ‘made in Britain’ is extremely important to our business and is a huge part of our heritage.” He continues: “When we acquired Spode in 2009, we brought the manufacture of many items back to Stoke-on-Trent, to our factory that’s just 500 metres from Josiah Spode’s original factory. Josiah Spode I and his son, Josiah Spode II, left a legacy that we continue to nurture and protect, especially as we know how important it is to consumers.”

The company helps retailers to reinforce the message to their customers

through made in Britain symbols on PoS, placing the country of origin on its products and packaging where possible, as well as including manufacturing images from the UK factory in its literature. “It highlights the craftsmanship and heritage the Portmeirion Group is so proud of, and which shops can use to their advantage alongside the made in Britain giftware.”

In the home fragrance sector, Stoneglow’s commercial director Louise Dooley explains how important it is for the company to fanfare their British credentials.

“For 2020, we have worked hard to get our story of being a British made company out to the high street, so we introduced new luxury gift bags, crisp white branded tissue paper

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Spotlight On... Made In Britain

Left: Wax Lyrical’s Made In England collection has been re-designed for 2020.

Right: Best Kept Secrets’ new Sakura candle from the company’s Seriously Scented collection.

Below right: Arran Aromatics After The Rain.

Below left: Two British fragrances from Pintail’s Paint Pot candle range, Inset: Made in Britain logo.

Bottom right: Faith In Nature, distributed by Xystos.

all with our ‘Lovingly Made in the UK’ slogan proudly printed on them. In addition, we have three styles of leaflets to share with consumers so that they find out more about us and our products. We make it a key point to ensure all our products carry the Union Jack along with made in the UK.” She adds: “In store promotions, and Instagram are great ways to get this over to the consumer, along with great customer service, something many of our customers are focused on doing.”

Wax Lyrical too, has built its brand on offering British made products. The company is seeing global growth, with an export reach of 46 countries, as well as a continuing increase in UK distribution. “Being Britishmade is a credential we’re particularly proud of, not only because we’re committed to supporting UK manufacturing, but because we’ve seen first-hand the importance it carries with customers,” says the company’s global commercial director Warren Gell.

34

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

“Being British made undoubtedly alludes to trust, high-quality and authenticity to UK customers, while global customers are drawn to the heritage and tradition of a British brand.”

The company celebrates being British made through its products. “Not only is it presented on the packaging, but our collections reflect this too, from Made In England, one of our longest standing ranges of classic home fragrances, to the Lakes Collection which is inspired by our home in the Lake District.”

Interestingly, the company is planning to do things differently this year in terms of retail and communicating the company’s British roots. “We’re intending to introduce augmented reality as a means of transporting customers to our lab and factory in Cumbria. In doing, so they will be able to see for themselves our process of product development, manufacturing and testing that assures the quality our Britishmade home fragrances.”

Also based in the Lake District is Pintail, where director Fiona Long says that feedback from customers shows a growing demand for creative products with style and quality - traits which are strongly associated with British made products - that also offer good value for money. “To promote our candles’ provenance, they are marked ‘Handmade in the UK’, with some ranges including a specially designed Made in Britain logo,” she comments.

The company also uses its landscape and culture to add to the British narrative of its candles. “This is reflected in our fragrances which include Lakeland Spring, Daffodil & Morning Dew and Bilberry &

Heather. In addition, as we make our candles next door to the Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding Company kitchen, there’s a scrumptious Sticky Toffee Pudding fragrance too!”

Also based in the North of England is Best Kept Secrets.

“The ‘Made in Britain’ tag is a powerful branding message that we are frequently asked about by our customers who tend to perceive a product made in Britain as better quality, and therefore trustworthy and safe-

exactly what consumers want when buying candles,” says managing director Vanessa Curry. “People are also becoming more conscientious about where their purchases are being manufactured, and are increasingly more aware of the product’s carbon footprint as well as wanting to support the British economy. We are always proud to let them know that all of our products are handmade in our factory in Morpeth, Northumberland.

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Spotlight On... Made In Britain

Our brochures and stylish point of sale boards display the ‘Made in Great Britain’ message and are available to retailers who want to clearly convey this as a selling point to their customers.”

Further North in Scotland, David Campbell, marketing manager at Arran Aromatics, highlights the company’s Scottish heritage, which adds authenticity, style and quality to the brand. “We’re proud of our Scottish origins, with every Arran Sense of Scotland product researched, designed and formulated by our own in-house team before being made at our Home Farm premises on the Isle of Arran, Scotland. It's the foundation of our visual identity and is showcased on our packaging and point of sale. We believe that consumer interest in British made products is in its infancy and, in the future, we expect it to become a key factor in the consumer’s buying process.”

At Xystos, which distributes eco-friendly British made bath and body brand Faith In

Nature, director Tom Sykes comments: “Retailers tell us that their customers are delighted to be able to buy British from one of the largest UK based manufacturers of natural beauty products, with each line proudly fanfaring Made In Britain on the front label.”

Adds Heathcote & Ivory’s marketing, PR and business development manager Amanda Pullen: “a reduced carbon footprint improves brand perception while benefiting the environment. The message can be conveyed to consumers through a variety of mediums - on the products itself, through shelf talkers, showcards, leaflets, postcards or even on a visual screen.” She believes that it’s equally important for retailers to train staff members on the origin of the collections to ensure that customers are given the correct information.

Shout It From The Rooftops At Signature Gifts, trade marketing manager David Morris emphasises that UK production is integral to its business.

“Our main production facilities are based in Stoke-on-Trent and Bladnoch, a small hamlet on the west coast of Scotland, so our customers know that their orders will be delivered to them in the shortest time possible with no worries about products being stuck in customs!”

He emphasises that retailers should emphasise everything about the product.

“From design to production, if it’s been done in the UK then stick the Union Jack on it and shout it from the rooftops!” states David.

Right: Among the Signature Book titles that have been written and designed in the company’s Hertfordshire office and manufactured in Scotland.

In response to these demands, Heathcote & Ivory’s vegan friendly By the Sea collection is made in the UK, and the 100% recyclable packaging is ecoconsiderate, made from sustainably sourced sugar cane with low carbon footprint.

As for jewellery, Carrie Shapiro, founder and creative director of Carrie Elspeth, predicts that the growing trend in the sentiment of buying British and ‘shopping local’ is likely to increase significantly over the next 12 months.

“With Brexit done, and the trade negotiations underway, we expect the buying pubic to take a much more active interest in understanding where products come from and, specifically, in

Above left: Heathcote and Ivory’s By The Sea collection.

Below left: Carrie Elspeth features the Made In Wales strap line on its bags.

Inset: A Made in Wales tag is also attached to the company’s products.

buying products made in the UK. In addition, there are real concerns about how foreign imports will be affected by the coronavirus outbreak, especially in relation to products coming from China. Depending on how exposed companies are to Chinese supply chains, buying locally produced goods could be a much more reliable option for some,” she points out.

“To capitalise on these trends, we are seeing retailers dedicating more space to British made products with some creating whole sections of their stores to this theme.

We are selling many more gift boxes and point of sale which all have a Made In Wales strap line displayed prominently. We have also been asked to provide more product imagery for retailers who are doing Made in Britain specific advertising and for in-store banners and marketing.”

For companies who have kept, or brought back their manufacturing to Britain, it couldn’t be a better time to take advantage of the fact, boosting not only their global credentials but increasing their UK business too.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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GEOMETRICS Make a statement in your home with the new look Geometric home-fragrance collection, metallic finishes on soft matt vessels adds vibrancy and luxury, all beautiful combined with amazing aromas in natural wax.

Find Us

Harrogate Home & Gift 19-22 July Maison Object 4-8 September | Autumn Fair 6-9 September

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26/02/2020 08:25 21/03/2020 13:49

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the British Made gift products to showcase this month

Smells Like Spring Wax Lyrical has unveiled a brand new design for one of its heritage collections, Made In England, launching two brand new fragrances for Spring: Sunflower Fields and Exotic Fig. The new-look

Go Wild

collection includes ten fragrances, all available in reed diffusers, room mist and five variations of candles, including jars, tins pillar candles and tealights.

Wild Things colourful, nature inspired home fragrance collection.

Available in luxury scented candles and reed diffusers, the fragrance is teamed with the new design featuring the scent of fruity rhubarb and

Wax Lyrical

pink rose petals.

Tel:01229 461 111 Email: customerservice@wax-lyrical.com Web: www.waxlyricaltrade.com

Uptown Trunk is the latest vivacious design joining Ashleigh & Buwood’s

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

New Licensing Partnership A collaboration between Wrendale Designs and Wax Lyrical launches this

Favourite Fragrance

Spring with much-loved illustrations

This season, Ashleigh & Burwood introduces one of their

adorning home fragrances in a new gifting

most-loved scents, Moroccan Spice, to their premium

range for the two UK brands. Woodland,

incense collection. The new scent completes a range of

Meadow and Hedgerow fragrances have

10 fragrances, each beautifully packaged in a decorated

been created from Wax Lyrical’s home in

tube containing 30 incense sticks.

the English Lake District and will be

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: 01932 267060

available in ceramic reed diffusers and

Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

candles, each featuring classically British

Web: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

Wrendale creatures.

Wax Lyrical Tel: 01229 461 111 Email: customerservice@wax-lyrical.com Web: www.waxlyricaltrade.com

Best of British The British designed Ragtales collection from Posh Paws offers a unique gift for

Bathing Beauties Di Palomo’s fragrant Bath Bombs, available from Xystos, conjure up visions of sun-kissed vineyards and olive and orange groves. There are three fragrances, White Grape with Aloe, Fig & Grape and Orange Blossom with Wild Honey & Olive. Sold to buyers as an assorted 24 pack, each Bath Bomb has an RRP of £3.99.

newborn babies and young children, offering a variety of toys from baby ranges to ragdolls, teddy bears to wooden toys all centered on the cutest animal characters that are all good friends and would love to tell you a story.

Posh Paws Tel: 01268 567317 Email: sales@poshpawsinternational.co.uk Web: www.poshpawsinternational.co.uk

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

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Retailer Face To Face: Menkind

Investing In

The Future Menkind, founded by Paul Kraftman, is one of the UK’s leading and fastest growing operators in the gifts and gadgets industry. The company opened its first store in 2002 and can now be found in over 60 different locations around the country, as well as online, with an additional 30 pop-ups at Christmas.

Last August, the company appointed Simon Calvert as its first managing director, tasked with leading the consumer retail side of the business. PG&H asked him how he is he settling into the role, and what plans are in the pipeline to take the business forward in 2020?

Above: Simon Calvert, managing director, Menkind.

Left: One of 60 Menkind stores in the UK. Inset: A percussion personal massager.

S

imon Calvert brings a wealth of commercial experience and skills to his new role as managing director of Menkind, having previously worked for some of the most iconic retail brands over his 30 years in the industry, among them the Conran Shop, Republic, BHS and Bon Marché.

“I started out selling on the shop floor, and since then have worked for PLCs, SMEs, private equity and private retailers, operating in a wide range of industries, from luxury and fast-fashion to the value and middle market sectors,” Simon explains. “I have also gained extensive experience working with both branded and own brand products in the gifts, home, furniture, fashion and lifestyle space, with my long-standing career in retail offering me the opportunity to 38

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

take a leadership role overseeing most of the functions this sector entails.”

Over the past three decades, his roles have included merchandising, visual merchandising, buying and sourcing, product development, design, e-commerce, marketing and PR, as well as retail operations, both in the UK and across Europe. “In addition, I have also led franchising, change management and system implementation initiatives, alongside supply chain and logistics management,” Simon adds.

He highlights that the managing director position at Menkind gives him the opportunity to work alongside the company’s founder, Paul Kraftman, to

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Retailer Face To Face: Menkind ensure the company’s success in the future.

“We are already one of the leading UK highstreet players and one of the fastest growing operators in the gifts and gadgets arena, thanks to our unique business model, which combines permanent stores and temporary pop ups. My responsibilities as managing director entail leading all operations at Menkind, with an important focus on customer-centric strategies. More specifically, I am overseeing the buying and supply chain, retail operations and the digital side of things, ensuring our online and offline efforts are synched up. There are plenty of opportunities when it comes to growing Menkind in 2020, and our challenge is to decide which to prioritise.”

Simon confirms that one of Menkind’s main focuses as a business is to grow its website further. “We have a very strong high street presence and brand, which we will continue to grow, but there is so much potential with our website and online in general, which we are keen to progress.

Before Christmas, we focused on increasing our physical presence with pop-up stores as the festive period is always an incredibly busy time of year for consumer retailers.

However, going forward, we will be using the times outside of peak period in 2020 to improve our customer journey online, both through our own website, and expanding using marketplaces and concession models.

“We will also be improving our customerfocused trading calendar to ensure we have the must-have products before demand peaks,” he continues. “We have plenty of entertainment merchandise lines - which prove very popular - so timing is crucial. So we need to make sure we have those products ready to ship when a new film/TV series is released, to ride the hype train.”

Originality is, of course, a huge driver in the gifts and gadgets marketplace. “From a gadget perspective, customers are

Left: A mini massage cushion.

Below: A gel shiatsu back massage cushion.

continually looking for the next ‘big thing’,” points out Simon. “Everyone wants to be the first to have the latest, quirkiest gadget. Our slogan is ‘Original Gifts for Original People’ and that is something we really embrace. We want customers to land on our website and be intrigued and surprised by some of the gadgets we sell.”

So is there a typical Menkind customer?

“As a mass market brand, we don’t really have a ‘typical’ customer,” Simon states.

“However, some customers are looking to buy products for themselves, particularly with our licensed merchandise ranges, and, of course, many of our customers are shopping for gifts with many of them women.

Therefore our aim is to offer them inspiration when they shop with us, with personalisation currently huge in gifting.” He says that the one thing that Menkind customers have in common though, is that they are young at heart, regardless of age. “This is reflected in our range of products which are fun, cheeky and sometimes a bit controversial!”

Although Christmas and Father’s Day are undoubtedly among the busiest periods of the year, Simon is quick to point out that Menkind is by no means reliant on these two occasions. “Thanks to our licensed merchandise, new film and TV releases often result in increased demand,” he emphasises.

“We also have a variety of seasonal

Menkind’s Best Sellers Among the top three gifts and gadgets currently trending at Menkind are health and fitness products, which Simon says are one of the most popular categories. “Earbuds are also in high demand,” he points out, “with our own brand RED5 earbuds an affordable alternative to the likes of Apple, offering people a convenient way to listen to music wirelessly. Plus motion control drones too, are also very popular. “Drones are considerably easier to fly using motion control rather than a controller, and with drone technology constantly evolving, enthusiasts want to experience the latest features.”

Left: A motion control drone.

products, such as travel and outdoor gadgets, which prove popular in the warmer months.

We sell pool accessories, garden toys and barbecue gadgets which experience a spike in demand during the summer.”

Simon believes that what gives Menkind the edge is that the business operates in a niche market that is difficult for others to replicate at scale. “Our close-knit team also means that we can be very agile, responding to emerging trends quickly so that we always have the hottest gadgets and gifts in stock. We also have an edge over pure play retailers as our shops are vibrant and enticing, encouraging footfall from the high street. Having both online and physical stores also gives customers more buying options and offers a more personal approach to customer service.”

As for sustainability, the company takes its responsibility very seriously, with several eco-friendly initiatives under development, such as, reducing single use, nonbiodegradable plastic in the packaging of the company’s own brand product and increasing the recyclability of the packaging.

Social media meanwhile, is another increasingly important channel for Menkind giving the company the opportunity to engage with its customers. “People are turning to social media more frequently for customer service support,” comments Simon, “and there is definitely an expectation for retailers to be responsive on their social media channels, even if it is just to help direct them to the most appropriate person who can help. We are therefore looking into further developing our social media channels for sales purposes, along with further exciting opportunities in online retail and international expansion, both of which Paul Kraftman and I are keen to pursue.”

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Celebrating The

Gift Of The Year Awards 2020

GOTY Winners The Gift of the Year winners and highly commended companies were announced at an awards ceremony held at Spring Fair.

So who won what? For the full list, see below.

Judges’ Choice Winner: Squelch: Squelch Wellies

Beauty, Bath And Spa Winner: Botanical Range: Fikkerts l Highly Commended: Bathing Beauty: gift tin l Highly Commended: Danielle Creations: oil infused hair turbans l Highly Commended: Kushboo Soaps: soaps

Branded Gift Winner: Enesco: Beatrix Potter Baby Collection l Highly Commended: Blockbuster: Big Potato Games l Highly Commended: My Icon Story: Mr Men Little Miss Love Couples l Highly Commended: Wow! Stuff: Harry Potter Invisibility Cloak

Cards And Wrap Winner: From You to Me: Wow! You’re…Birthday Books l Highly Commended: Decorasian: Pyramid Gift Boxes l Highly Commended: James Ellis: Paper Shakies l Highly Commended: Wraptious: Sophie Corrigan for Wraptious

Children’s Gift Winner: Squelch: Squelch Wellies l Highly Commended: Apples To Pears: Build a Bee Hotel l Highly Commended: Slipfree Shoes: Slipfree l Highly Commended: The British Woodland Den Kit: The Den Kit Co

Commemorative And Collectable Winner: Professor Puzzle: Sherlock Holmes - The Case of the Priceless Coin l Highly Commended: A Year Of Dates: Things To Do When You Are… l Highly Commended: MooCow Studios: VE Day 75th Anniversary l Highly Commended: Woohooyoo: Woohooyoo

Contemporary Gift Winner: Talking Tables: Host Your Own Escape Room l Highly Commended: A Year Of Dates: New Parents Date Box l Highly Commended: Nobile Glassware: Ice and Slice

Design And Craft Winner: The Crafty Kit Company: Baby Bunny Needle Felting Kit l Highly Commended: Banjo Robinson: Banjo Robinson l Highly Commended: Berserks Glass: Pocket Hearts l Highly Commended: Clockwork Soldier: Citygami Berlin

Ethical Gift

l Highly Commended: Shrieking Violet: Heart Chain Bracelets with

Real Flower Charm

Festive And Occasional Winner: 1 Tree Cards: Tree Planting Cards: Tree Wishes Festive Box l Highly Commended: Talking Tables: BoHo Bride Activity Book l Highly Commended: The Lagoon Group, Plasticine Advent Calendar l Highly Commended: Wrendale Designs: Christmas Planner

Food & Drink Winner: Ross and Ross Gifts: Veggie Roast Dinner Kit l Highly Commended: COCO Chocolatier: Twelve Bar Collection l Highly Commended: Spice Kitchen: Gin Botanicals Tin l Highly Commended: Tom Savano Cocktails: Devon Coastal Negroni

Garden & Outdoor Winner: Professor Puzzle: Wonderland Games Queen of Hearts Croquet l Highly Commended: Personalised Memento Company: Personalised Garden Printed Hanging Slate Plaque l Highly Commended: Squelch: Squelch Wellies l Highly Commended: The Great British Card Co: Year in the Garden Garden Planner

Home Accessory Winner: Aery: Orbital Candle Holder l Highly Commended: Flatyz: Handmade Flat Candles l Highly Commended: Parlane: Leopard Pothanger l Highly Commended: Wraptious: Anatomy Vegan Suede Cushions

by Sophie Corrigan

Home Fragrance Winner: Aery: Aromatherapy Collection l Highly Commended: Europium World UK: Olly l Highly Commended: Purbeck Candles: Aromatherapy Range: Blend No 5 To Purify l Highly Commended: Wax Lyrical: Yvonne Ellen Stacking Candles

Hot Novelty Winner: Puckator: Resteazzz l Highly Commended: Bubblegum Stuff: Vegan Not Vegan l Highly Commended: Pikkii: Animal Suitcases l Highly Commended: The Somerset Toiletry Co: Bubble Bath & Bubble Blowing

Kitchen & Dining Winner: Stone: W&P Porter Seal Tight Containers l Highly Commended: Clayspoon: Wonki Ware l Highly Commended: Iona Buchanan: Bread Warmer l Highly Commended: Whispers of Wood: Wooden Bladed Cheese Knife

Pet Gift

Winner: Tikiri: Tikiri l Highly Commended: Milly Green: Planet Happy Giftware range l Highly Commended: Playpress Toys: Space Station l Highly Commended: Stib: Children’s Earth Lover Beeswax Wraps

Winner: Apples to Pears: Dog Lovers Gift Range l Highly Commended: Haypigs! The Haypigs! Guinea Pig Circus Range l Highly Commended: Norfolk Industries for Disabled People: Colour In Animal Houses l Highly Commended: Wren & Rye: BowDangle

Fashion Accessory

Stationery

Winner: Squelch: Squelch Wellies l Highly Commended: My Gifts Trade: Yvonne Ellen Eclectic Glamour Beauty Range l Highly Commended: PoM 925: Recycled Polyester Scarves l Highly Commended: Sock Academy: Donuts

Winner: Wild & Wolf: Yes Studio Stationery Collection l Highly Commended: Busy B: Busy Life Planner 2020/21 l Highly Commended: Hello Day: Sakana Daily Planner l Highly Commended: Thinking Gifts: Pen Bookmark

Fashion Jewellery

Winner: Sock Academy: Mini Me l Highly Commended: Best Years: Fair Trade Vegetable Rattles l Highly Commended: History Heroes: History Heroes Art Game l Highly Commended: My Little World: My Little World - Airport

Winner: Billy’s Beach Hut: Isla Jewellery Range l Highly Commended: Carrie Elspeth: Spring Millefiori l Highly Commended: Life Charms: Rosey Rabbits

Under £10

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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easy peasy kits

simple technique - brilliant results. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve!

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mindful crafting relaxing & therapeutic

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the perfect gift

everything's included - all the wool, tools and instructions

Carrie Elspeth Contact us now for our new full colour catalogue! sales@carrieelspeth.com | 01446 771271 | www.carrieelspeth.com

www.craftykitcompany.co.uk tel 01620 860907

New collections for Spring Summer 2020 Choose beautifully fragranced products from our Spring Summer catalogue, to suit a range of trends and styles.

Contact your sales representative or call customer services on 01229 461111 to make an order.

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The UK’s leading supplier of drop ship Personalised Gifts for over 16 years

PERSONALISED SLATE GARDEN PLAQUE GARDEN AND OUTDOOR 2020

Wren & Rye pet accessories are made in the UK Carriage paid on orders over £140

are durable and hard wearing Wherever the walk, whatever the weather Licensed Football Gifts

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For Him - For Her - For Children - For The Home - For All Occasions

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HIGHLY COMMENDED

Beautiful award winning playsets that don’t cost the Earth www.playpresstoys.com/stock ENESCO LIMITED, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, CA3 0EN. UK Customer Services Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: trade@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services Telephone: +44 1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk

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DRINKWARE | GIFTING | WALL ART

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Spotlight On... Men’s Gifts

Man

Appeal

“Men’s gifts are the holy grail of giftware,” states Thomas O’Brien, managing director of Boxer Gifts. “Get it right and you’ve solved the age-old dilemma of what to buy the ‘man who has everything’. Blokes often quite selfishly - either don’t want anything at all, or have just gone and bought it themselves!” His advice is to have something a man never knew he wanted such as a manly apron, with beer and chilli sauce pockets.

“Always be different to the large chains and have a quirky suggestion such as a trowel with a handy bottle opener, which will quench his thirst while toiling in the garden,” he suggests. “’You should’ve seen what they had in there!’ will be the greatest accolade of the ‘mundane slaying’ gift retailer.”

For something really different, Lesser & Pavey is offering a wide choice of men’s gifts this year to include Steampunk, which has a big following, and is loosely based on a combination of Victorian fashion and the steam engine era. “Our Steampunk

What do you buy the man who has everything? The answer, something he didn’t know that he wanted! With Father’s Day the next big gifting event, dads, grandads, and stepdads will be among those in the minds of gift givers as they strive to find that special something.

Fantasy is a brand new range featuring Steampunk-inspired sculptures with a bronze, metal and gold finish effect,” explains managing director Julian Hunt.

(Included is a fish, a whale, a hat, various skulls, a nautilus shell, a Chopper motorbike, a cyborg/human book end and a machinerybased set of bookends).

Another of the company’s newly launched ranges in men’s gifting is Legends and Dreams, based on the rise in popularity of TV shows such as Game of Thrones, and dragons flying in Harry Potter, which has led to an increase in mystical gifting. “The range offers dragon studies and also ‘backflow incense burners’ for the man in touch with the mystical and fantasy genre,” adds Julian.

Other giftware aimed at men includes the company’s Classic Sports and Hobbies range featuring mugs, fine china travel mugs and notebooks. “It features quirky, somewhat suggestive catchphrases, in a wide number of sports and hobbies, making a great gift for men with a sense of humour!” Julian highlights.

Top right: The latest men’s gifts from Gisela Graham.

Above left: Boxer Gifts’ Dude With The Food men’s apron.

Above right: Gift Republic’s money clip multi-tool.

Below: Lesser & Pavey’s new Steampunk range.

Gisela Graham’s sales director Piers Croke says that successful gifts for men are either gimmicks or stylishly useful. “We’ve taken the latter route, keeping it simple and at the £3-£10 retail level, with items suitable as birthday add-ons or un-birthday gifts.

They include small travel cases, which are handy for cufflinks or headphones, as well as notebooks and specs cases in faux leather.”

Adds Piers: “Manly colour is a criterion, so we’ve recently added fashionable mustard, petrol blue and dove grey which have all been fast-movers.”

With a love of the outdoors continuing to be a big trend, Gift Republic recently launched an AU multitool range. “The first two products in the range are the money clip multi-tool and the 15-in-1 survival kit which are currently available on our website, with Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... Men’s Gifts Left: Cycle Works from Puckator.

Below: RFID wallets from Joe Davies’ Equilibrium collection.

the range expanding later in the year,” confirms designer Isaac Michael.

For cycling enthusiasts, Puckator has launched a new range with a Cycle Works bicycle design featuring a white, yellow and black colour palette complemented by ecofriendly raw card packaging. Products include wooden coasters, stacking lunch pots, a bamboo lunch box, a porcelain mug and a stainless steel hot/cold drinks bottle as well as a contactless protection credit card case.

Wild + Wolf too, has adventure and outdoor hobbies in mind with its Gentlemen’s Hardware travel hammock, gold multi-tool

and glow in the dark water bottle. The company has also launched a Gentlemen’s Hardware debut collection of tech accessories designed with the commuter and city dweller in mind. “This is a new direction for the traditionally adventure-focused brand, tapping into a key trend for improved life/work balance among millennials,” explains marketing manager Joelle Engolia.

Included are a 3-in-1charging cable, power bank and key tidy with USB Flash Drive.

Meanwhile, a combination that Paladone is exploring is sustainability and sports.

“Hydration is important whether you’re exercising or not so we’ve brought two new water bottles into the range, both suitable for use at the gym,” highlights marketing manager Alex Ryan. “We’ve also taken the opportunity to use a technology that’s new to 46

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

Paladone this year - a print that changes colour with just a small amount of heat. It will be affected when the user holds the bottle, or when it’s filled with cold water. Previously we’ve only been able to apply this technique to ceramic and glass, so it’s great to now have it on our stainless steel water bottles too.”

With security becoming more and more important to everyone, RFID products are trending as a popular choice for Joe Davies’ men’s gift category.

Left: Wild + Wolf’s Gentlemen’s Hardware power bank.

Below: The Paladone water bottles which feature a new technology.

Comments new product manager Laura Leigh: “We have included the RFID blocking technology into our bestselling Equilibrium wallets with RFID car key pouches new for Spring. They come in classic colours to include black, tan and brown, and help to protect car keys.”

Staying with wallets, Groovy has introduced wallets and keyrings into this season’s collection with more men’s styles in washbags, backpacks and functional bags such as laptop messenger bags.

Explains designer Sarah Fisk: “Groovy’s main male licences are Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, Batman, Superman and Assassins Creed, with products also including a bathrobe and slippers. All bags have custom made zip pulls and thoughtful hardware integrated into the design. The bags are also embossed, embroidered or printed, and usually have a printed inner lining and pockets. It isn’t just women who appreciate the extra detail needed for a unique gift,” adds Sarah.

Left: Groovy’s Marauder’s Map backpacks made from Tyvek, an innovative new fabric.

For men who appreciate luxury, as well as a gift that’s unique to them, PMC has these chaps in mind. “Subtle personalisation and sleek forms are our focus for men’s personalised gifts for 2020, with everything very minimalistic,” confirms PMC’s new product manager Cara Beech. “We will have new luxury leather washbags out in time for Father's Day, along with more classic and modern design jewellery and watches, which will also be launching soon.”

Continues Cara: “Overall, the trends are for luxury, good quality items. People are happy to pay more for something which will last longer than a cheap novelty item as they are more socially aware of the throw away

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Spotlight On... Men’s Gifts Left: A personalised men’s matte black watch, with a grey strap, from PMC. Right: New for Father’s Day, Cinnamon Aitch and Sally Scaffardi mugs from Mcllagan.

Below left: A music themed handmade luggage tag from The Music Gifts Company.

Below right: The boot cane from Classic Canes.

culture. Classic leather washbags, watches and jewellery are becoming more commonplace within the industry, with personalised gifts becoming more subtle and modern in design. Also, there is a push on mental health and wellness, to include more masculine homeware items.”

With longevity in mind, David Gee, managing director of The Music Gifts Company, says that socks will always be the number one men’s gift, so it’s worth choosing something that’s going to last. “As a company who has a strong reputation in producing men’s gifts, we always try to create something that will appeal for its quality as well as its design with gifts that include glasses cases, bottle

openers, mugs, cufflinks, ties and bow ties, hankies and pens. As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, we have also launched a new collection of handmade Italian leather goods which includes keyrings, credit card cases, passport holders and luggage tags.”

Mugs too, remain perennially popular, especially for Father’s Day. “This year, we’re seeing simple but graphic designs, with bold, eye-catching colours that ensure strong shelf appeal, such as our Cinnamon Aitch range,” comments Mcllagan Smith’s marketing manager Stuart Williams.

“Cinnamon Aitch’s tongue-incheek, often cheeky slogans are paired with animals, another trend from last year, which shows no sign of slowing down. Meanwhile, our Sally Scaffardi range uses a playful mix of animals and witty phrases including Old Sport and Staggeringly Great Dad - for a contemporary, bang-on-trend gifting range.” Adds Stuart, “another common trend in both of these ranges is a sense of fun and humour, something which

Groomed For Success

It’s no secret that men are spending more money on looking the best they can, with being well groomed increasingly important. “We are seeing an ever growing market for men’s grooming and personal care,” highlights Sarah Fisk, designer, Groovy. “Boutique barbers and highend suiters and booters are appearing everywhere, along with new pop up shops. This all points to the fact that men are willing to spend that extra £pound and time on themselves ‘because they’re worth it’.”

At Paladone, the company is extending its Scott & Lawson gentlemen’s gifting range in 2020 to include soft lines, as men increasingly find more time to look after themselves. “Men’s grooming is a huge and growing market, and there’s a great opportunity for gifts to bolster the offering at all points of retail,” says marketing manager Alex Ryan. “We’ve therefore enjoyed combining Scott & Lawson’s previous travel demographic with our new men’s grooming lines, including an Adventure travel kit, a Beard Fuel kit and a Flight Club kit which includes miniatures that will be allowed in hand luggage.”

Xystos director Tom Sykes says that he is seeing the men’s gifts

never seems to go out of style when it comes to men’s gifts.”

And finally, with an older age group in mind, Classic Canes says that there is an increasing demand for their gentlemen’s walking sticks from buyers looking for practical presents. Managing director Charlotte Gillan explains: “Walking sticks chime perfectly with the current enthusiasm for wellness and physical activity, with many men collecting walking sticks, often after inheriting their grandfather’s canes. Our animal head and formal canes are ideal for this. They are very decorative in a hall pot and make great talking points.”

With Father's Day homing into view on Sunday June 21, and gift retailers - and their customers - on the look-out to source that 'something different', there’s clearly plenty of eclectic giftware out there to knock the old viewpoint on the head that men are difficult to buy for!

market becoming more sophisticated year on year as manufacturers strive to gain a competitive edge in this fast-growing sector. “While fragrance is ultra-important when it comes to men’s personal care products, eye-catching packaging too, plays a key part in enhancing sales,” he highlights. “Products have to have masculine appeal. For example, the GC Homme Guide to Grooming line from The Luxury Bathing Company features reusable tins in black and gold - reflecting the retro Formula 1 motor-racing colours that appeal to boys of all ages - which is also featured on the product packaging found inside the bath and body products.” (These include beard shampoo, body wash, face wash, soap, moisturiser, shampoo and body polisher). Tom adds that in contrast, bath and body products in GC Homme’s Athleisure range feature ice-blue packaging with ‘cool’ product names, such as the Clean Team, reflecting the products.

With all this choice, there’s no excuse not to ‘man up’.

Left: Paladone’s Flight Club kit.

Above: From GC Homme Luxury Bathing, distributed by Xystos.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

47

The perfect partner for your sustainability goals!

Making Gifting Greener In 2018 Paladone became the first company in the gift industry to introduce BDP™, which stands for Breakdown Plastic™ – an organic additive that helps plastic decompose at landfill. 2 years later we can proudly boast that we use the technology in every piece of plastic that we can. delivering over 4M plastic products that will naturally decompose when they are disposed of.

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

Thermal Retention For those who demand the very best, the toughest of the tough, our Master Series is just for you. It offers unrivalled durability and thermal retention. The Quadvac technology adds a double layer barrier to double wall vacuum insulation giving four layers of protection. This locks in heat or cold better than any other technology out there.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4611

Anyone For Golf?

Email: sales@burton-mccall.com

Raise your game and lower your handicap with the Victorinox GolfTool featuring ten handy functions. It’s got everything you will need while out on the course.

Use the punch to tee up, and it will even work on hard or frozen ground. Repair the green with the repair tool and slide out the ball marker as needed.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4611 Email: sales@burton-mccall.com

Financial Tool Tackle the day ahead with the Nite Ize Financial Tool.

This multi-tool is wallet sized and has seven functions

Boris Bog Roll Has your Trump followed through to a big, stinky Boris? Take back control and wipe away the Brexsh*t with this hilarious Boris Bog Roll! This humorous novelty toilet roll ensures that you leave no trace of your recent "EU" on the loo! "I'd rather be dead in a ditch than be caught short!"

great for everyday use including a flathead screwdriver, bottle opener, ruler and scraper. It even has a handy cash wrap strap to keep those money notes safe and secure, as well as your bank cards too.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4611 Email: sales@burton-mccall.com

Boxer Gifts

Licensed Giftware GB eye has a great range of licensed gifts perfect for any occasion and available all

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

year round, including glassware and 3D mugs. Our huge range of standard and carabiner mugs and framed prints are produced in-house and are always available when you need them. Look out for many more new gifting lines which will be available later in the year GB Eye Tel: 0114 276 7475 Email: enquiries@gbeye.com Web: www.gbeye.com

Lighting The Way The Maglite XL50 delivers a compact, pocket sized design packed with performance-orientated features including a powerful projecting LED beam, and one-handed ‘quick click’ access to the various modes via the pushbutton tail cap switch. The easy to use torch packs a punch with high, low and strobe operations on AAA alkaline batteries.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4611 Email: sales@burton-mccall.com

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

49

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The Italian

He’s only been in the hot seat for six months, but already, Emanuele Guido, the newly appointed exhibitions director at Fiera Milano, is beginning to turn many traditional exhibition ideas on their head, determined to make lifestyle show HOMI stand out from the crowd.

PG&H met up with him at January’s show to hear more about his vision for the next three years which will see him take the show in a new direction.

Way

A Global Perspective: HOMI Milan

Below: Emanuele Guido.

Below middle: A brand new Reisenthal shopper made from recycled bottles.

culture while appealing to people from all over the world,” he explains.

Going forward there will also be more emphasis on showcasing products for weddings - such as tableware, table decorations, textiles and candles - a market sector that’s becoming big business for Italian independent retailers and department stores who loan the products to event organisers, hotels and restaurants.

As for trends, “we want our approach to be more concrete,” Emanuele states. “At HOMI in January, we focused on sustainability and have created a ground breaking project for 2021. (See Introducing #HOMINext below). At this year’s show, numerous companies showcased their green credentials, with a vast array of products developed using recycled and re-usable materials. Among them was a brand new multi-function shopper from German brand Reisenthal, distributed by the Gift Company, with each bag made by reusing 11 bottles.

Another brand at the show, Glass Made, showcased tumblers made from recycled wine bottles. “We use those that are darkened to protect the wine and give them a new lease of life thanks to re-use,” explained co-owner Maya Lapp. Other sustainable products included re-usable recyclable steel cutlery and straws by Abert.

As Emanuele points out: “We’re doing our very best to be different to the other trade shows, with exhibitors needing to understand that the retailer is changing in terms of their buying and their marketing. I always put myself in the shoes in the buyer, because they are the ones walking the aisles and have ‘the eyes of competence’, so it’s our role is to guide people to the most relevant brands and the new collections. Ultimately, it’s the products that will speak to them.”

Emanuele Guido isn’t afraid to break the mould when it comes to trade shows, and he’s got a three year plan, and plenty of ideas to give HOMI significant ‘points of difference’ moving forward.

“For retailers to survive, they have to become personal shoppers for their customers,” he states. “Now is a difficult moment for Italian retailers, so this is a very important phase for us as show organisers.

When people shop online they know what they want. It’s when they don’t know what they want and are looking for ideas that they go into a bricks and mortar store. It’s why, at this year’s HOMI, we introduced a new layout to accommodate different type of retailers. An example was the new Home Boutique & Design hall - which included Creazioni Italiane - where we mixed up the traditional show sectors and put them in one specific hall, to give independents the opportunity to see the type of products they would want to put in their stores.

Our idea is not necessarily to separate buying categories but to work with the needs of different types of buyers. When you consider that most visitors to trade shows spend only two and a half days, they haven’t got the time to go into 20 different halls, so our At HOMI 2021, #HOMINext will be making its thinking is to give them everything they need to find in debut - a space dedicated to sustainability and one, maybe two halls, to make their visit more time creative upcycling. The first venture, Ecosocially, curated by ecosocial artist Luca Gnizio, will efficient and productive.” showcase his work, which uses diverse waste Again to help the retailer, HOMI will also be looking materials - such as denim jeans and scrap tyres to put the spotlight on solutions at the point of sale. to create innovative, functional works of art.

“Taking tableware, homeware and contemporary stores The HOMINext project will also see Luca as an example, we will be reinforcing ideas for display directly engage with the show’s 600 exhibitors, with the aim of recycling their waste materials in in order to drive sales for retailers,” he highlights. order to achieve new creative artistic, functional, Another sector that Emanuele and his team are socially useful solutions. “This is a very ambitious looking closely at is home hospitality, seen as a project which will reveal the result of the first ever ecological co-operation between growing trend. “In the era of shared homes and hundreds of companies from various product areas,” stated Emanuele. “For the globalised B&B, there’s a very big market for companies taking part, this will transform the problem of disposal into a new resource for the business.” decorative home products for people who rent Above: Luca Gnizio with a chair made out of Levis jeans. properties and need to furnish them to reflect the

Introducing #HOMINext

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... Gifts For Gardeners

Connecting With Nature With sales of faux plants and house plants rocketing, as more people look to bring the outside in, and gardening and grow-your-own linked with not only the environment but also improved mental wellbeing, PG&H asked a selection of leading suppliers what’s driving garden-themed gifts for the green fingered.

O

ver the past couple of years, there’s been a huge shift to ‘greenery’ for the home, to include faux potted plants as well as real houseplants. But that’s not all.

Botanical-inspired designs are appearing on everything from home accessories to soft furnishings, as well as small items of furniture, with gift suppliers tapping into the mood for giftware that reflects the zeitgeist for mindfulness and sustainability too.

“Currently, the most significant trend in giftware is around environmental and ecological concerns,” says Rod O’Mahony, director, Transomnia. “Gifts for the garden and gardeners, for long a staple of the

Above right: Gift Republic’s Grow Tin range.

Above: Transomnia’s quirky terracotta planter is brand new for Spring/Summer.

Right: Busy Bees from Dunoon feature on the company’s cairngorm shape mugs.

Below left: Among the personalised garden printed hanging slate plaques from PMC.

market, tap right into this and, in turn, are influenced by it. Most people feel fairly powerless in the face of climate change and environmental degradation, with gardening providing both a retreat from the cares of everyday - especially urban - living, and, at the same time, a means of engaging very positively with these issues at an individual level. This is seen not just in decorative gardening, but also in the ‘grow your own’ movement, with allotments, gardens and even window ledges producing fruit and vegetables for the table.”

As Rod point out: “With concern growing about the over-use of plastics, the use

of natural, recycled and reclaimed materials is becoming more important in garden products, examples being our new driftwood birdhouse and hand-carved wooden gardeners’ signs from Bali. Also new for this season is a terracotta planter with a message to delight gardeners, along with a set of slate herb marker sticks. Additionally, we’ve long been known for our range of quirkily humorous signs for gardeners, and this season is no exception, with a new set of mini potting shed signs, supplied on a shed-shaped display stand, added to the range.”

Cara Beech, new product manager at PMC, concurs that there's a big push on eco-friendly, self-sufficient living and low carbon footprint. “More people are embracing growing their own, supporting natural ecosystems with animals, such as bee designs, which are being seen across the industry.”

She also points out that increasingly, large garden furniture is being brought out, with a blend forming between garden and homeware. “There’s more of bringing the garden inside,” she states, highlighting that prints of vases of flowers, small inside plant pots and plants are all more common place, tying into the mindfulness movement - the calming influence of nature around the home.

Continues Cara: “In addition, plant bombs and other fun, nature-based novelties are coming to the forefront across various gift markets, such as weddings, focusing on biodegradable confetti and items that include flower bombs.”

At Gift Republic, designer Isaac Michael says that with the outdoors now a major trend, people are putting their phones down and getting their hands dirty with gardening, Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

53

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Spotlight On... Gifts For Gardeners fishing or any other activity which takes them closer to nature. “Our funky Grow Tin range is being released this season and make great gifts for the green fingered, with four different plants to choose from: Brilliant Bonsai, Cool Cactus, Extra Hot Chilli and Killer Carnivorous.”

While Dunoon is finding that mugs featuring bee designs are currently very popular, Parlane confirms that safari themes are particularly strong, with the main focus being the animals. “Big cats are a huge trend and we have interpreted this by creating glamorous gold leopards to decorate the home, including pothangers and pot feet to decorate indoor planters and vases,” confirms head of sales Chris Lewis.

“With a vast variety of planters and pots on the market, something that is a little bit different and unusual is always welcome.

Our rhino planter is the ultimate piece for the indoor gardener who wants to keep on top

of the latest homeware trends, with a hippo and elephant also available. It’s an original way to showcase small plants such as succulents, or it can be used as a fantastic way to house a mini herb garden for the kitchen.”

According to Gisela Graham’s sales director Piers Croke, some 27 million people in the UK have some involvement in gardening, with company offering three design stories - Flora Fauna, featuring stylised butterflies, ladybirds and leggy stems; a popular Bee collection, and Garden Study, which launched in January. “We’ve also added matching cushions and seat pads to the ranges,” adds Piers.

At Wrendale Designs, the company has recently introduced two new products to the company’s gardening collection: an illustrated seed tin featuring a mouse among daisies, and a set of three herb pots in a tray. “After the success of our existing gardening collection we knew this was an area that we could expand further into,” says the company’s marketing manager Emma Thompson. “Our animal designs, inspired by the great outdoors, naturally lend themselves to gardening products as we can feature popular animals, insects and flowers that people might spot in

their own garden. Plus, the same designs you see featured on our tins are also available as greeting cards.”

Rainer Schubert, managing director at Burgon & Ball, reinforces the mental health benefits of gardening, with the company seeing the trend reflected in the gifting market. “Thanks to urban living and today’s smaller homes, many people have limited outdoor space, but they’re still seeking to connect with nature while creating a restful, appealing environment to relax in no matter how small the space,” he states.

Rainer adds that with people turning to indoor gardening to bring greenery into their lives, the houseplant trend is continuing to grow. “Wellbeing and mindfulness are key themes with the new Fuji Japanese flower arranging bowl giving people the inspiration to try the ancient art of ikebana which is tipped to be the next hot trend in flowers.”

With indoor plants and growyour-own continuing to be among the biggest trends around, what better gift for a green fingered someone than something that ties in with their love of one of Britain’s most popular hobbies, with gift retailers spoilt for choice!

Top: Parlane’s Safari collection rhino planter.

Above right: Wrendale Designs’ new seed tin.

Left: Gisela Graham’s new Garden Study range.

Right: Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball ceramic pear and pomegranate bird feeders.

Try A Little Tenderness Although few keen gardeners would mention it, digging, mowing, planting and pruning can be tough on the hands, with soothing hand creams, soaps and lotions a welcome gift. And if they’re on trend too, then so much the better.

“Just because you’ve got your hands in the dirt, there’s no reason for your accessories not to be fashionable,” says Heathcote & Ivory’s marketing, PR and business development manager Amanda Pullen. “Fresh colours and botanical designs are trending this summer with multipurpose gardeners’ gifts giving extra value.”

At Wild & Wolf, the company has long included garden tools that are functional but also gift-led, with trowels and shears wrapped in floral prints catching the attention of the V&A, leading to a licensed partnership which is still going strong today.

“The SS20 collection remains true to the company’s early V&A collections, featuring some of the most iconic patterns from William Kilburn and William Morris, but we’ve also branched out into cosmetic lines this season tapping into a key trend for gardeners needing to look after and care for themselves, just as they do their gardens,” explains marketing manager Joelle Engolia.

“We’ve brought in their love of gardening and foliage into self-care lines such as a travel set, hand cream and soap on a ribbon featuring patterns including J.H. Dearle’s Seaweed print and William Morris’ Double Bough print.”

Left: The Garden Collection from Heathcote & Ivory.

Right: The newly launched travel set from Wild & Wolf features an eye mask, hand cream and lip balm.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the Gardners Gifts products to be showcased this month Galvanised Planters The lightly distressed galvanised finish of these planters lends an aged appearance, giving a rustic vibe to a space. Perfect for covering unsightly plant pots, they are available in various sizes. The sets of pots with trays are ideal for keeping herbs on a kitchen windowsill but also look fantastic paired with Parlane’s selection of faux potted plants.

Kind To Plants

Parlane

This Gear Tie offers a long lasting, cut-to-size

Tel: 01451 812700

solution designed to be gentle on plants and durable enough to use indoors and outdoors.

Email: sales@parlane.co.uk

Plus, the unique spool dispensing packaging is

Web: www.parlane.co.uk

designed to be hung anywhere to keep this Gear Tie conveniently accessible. Usable year after year, the strong wire holds its shape and is resistant as well as waterproof.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4611 Email: sales@burton-mccall.com

Fabulous Fruit Trees Add colour and drama in the form of Parlane’s magnificent potted fruit trees - opt for orange, lemon or olive varieties. Available in different sizes, they are made to the highest standards to look botanically correct and will look fabulous for years to come. View the collection at Parlane’s showrooms in the Cotswolds and Leeds.

Parlane Tel: 01451 812700 Email: sales@parlane.co.uk Web: www.parlane.co.uk

Luxury Teddy A Cut Above the Rest

For a luxury gift, meet Bailey Bear, the premium teddy bear embellished with Swarovski crystals from

These compact, high-performance pruning

Posh Paws’ brand new Chic & Love collection. Made from the highest quality materials Bailey Bear is

shears/secateurs provide outstanding

presented in a hand finished gift box. Adorned with crystals and the Swarovski seal of authenticity, the

manoeuvrability and impressive cutting power. The

collection offers a unique keepsake gift for those wishing to spread a special message.

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Posh Paws

smaller and also larger hands, as the inclined

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maximize your cutting power and comfort with

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every high quality cut you make.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4611 Email: sales@burton-mccall.com

Planet Earth & Blue Planet Plush From the BBC Earth wildlife programmes Planet Earth and Blue Planet comes a range of soft toy animals, handcrafted to bring each toy animal to life using only the finest of fabrics and featuring the iconic BBC Earth emblem. There is an animal for everyone and new for 2020 is the BBC Earth Babies collection.

Posh Paws Tel: 01268 567317 Email: sales@poshpawsinternational.co.uk Web: www.poshpawsinternational.co.uk

56

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month Mug of the Year Enesco presents its second exclusive mug of the year, a new concept within the licensed Beatrix Potter collection. Featuring Jemima Puddle-Duck, the bone china mug is rimmed with gold, with the same special feature highlighted throughout other elements of the design on the flowers surrounding Jemima. SRP £15.00.

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

A Spring Fling Symbolising new beginnings full of exciting times ahead, Designs by Lolita present its very latest glass – the Cherry Blossom wine glass. It all started with a girls night out and is now it’s the

Wizard News

perfect accessory for a girls night in! SRP £19.95.

Enesco is to partner with Warner

It is available to order along with other items from

Bros. Consumer Products to

Lolita via the website.

present its latest Wizarding World

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022

additions to its growing

Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk

Department 56 collection.

Web: designsbylolita.co.uk

Expanding the Harry Potter Village range, Enesco is introducing Gringotts Bank and the Ukrainian Ironbelly Dragon Figurines. For something completely different, the company unveils a unique interpretation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

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

Mushu Shaped Mug Enjoy your favourite beverage, hot or cold, with this cleverly designed oversized mug in the shape of Mushu, the deuteragonist of Disney's 1998 animated feature film, Mulan.

Paladone Tel: 01273 230037 Email: info@paladone.com Web: paladone.com

Sentiment Hearts Following the success of Joe Davies’ scrabble sentiment collection, new pieces have been added to match the range, such as coaster sets and tealight holders. New for 2020 are the scrabble standing table hearts and hanging hearts in captions for friends and family that all sit nicely within the original range.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Dungeons & Dragons

Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

Create the perfect atmosphere when you and your friends get together to tell a story and guide your heroes through quests for treasure, battles with deadly foes or undertake daring rescues. This colour changing mood light changes from white - yellow orange - lilac - turquoise and will set the scene for your next game night.

Paladone Tel: 01273 230037 Email: info@paladone.com Web: paladone.com

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month Boho Vibe Hot Tomato’s delightful ribbons (featured here) form part of a wider collection, and the best bit has to be their multitude of uses: tie as a wristie (shown); wear as a neck ribbon or in your hair; decorate a bag; you could even thread your watch though. Any way up they create a lovely Boho, crafty, vintage vibe. Enjoy!

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

Alpha Pins Hot Tomato has launched these lovely alphabet pins and, at approx. 1.5cm, they are the most delightfully dinky twinklers. With an

Earring Blocks

RRP of just £8.50 they also make a lovely,

Hot Tomato have always prioritised display and

affordable gift (if you can bear to part with

presentation as a key point of difference and

them) – spread the word!

these card blocks are no exception. Forming

Hot Tomato

part of a larger range, they easily take in-store

Tel: 01225 422188

merchandising up a notch - whether

Email: sales@hot-tom.com

revamping existing collections or

Web: www.hot-tom.com

highlighting new categories.

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

Sentiment Sells Good retailers know that ‘sentiment sells’ – and it can be found in abundance in the Full Bloom range from Splosh. Featured is a variety of hanging and free-standing framed

Animal Magic The delightful Reindeer Bottle Collection from Xystos brings a charming new twist to festive decorations and is a ‘must’ for retailers who

includes key holders, and ceramics and glass.

Xystos

eye-catching battery-operated piece

Tel: :0191 499 1570

captures reindeer moving through their

Email: sales@xystos.co.uk

natural habitat. RRPs: £14.99-£24.99.

Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk

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

Eye, Eye Eyesight, a brand new collection of reading glasses from Lesser and Pavey, are sure to be an ‘eye catcher’ with a range of colours, strengths of quality lenses and attractive cases. They come in a variety of designs for ladies and gents, with 30 glasses on a customer free standing display. RRP: £4.99+.

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

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

floral and figurative artwork. The range also Available from Xystos.

are shopping early for Christmas. Each

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and unframed sentimental tributes as well as

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month Back To The Future Great Scott! Here is the new BB Designs Back To The Future range. It features a mug and sock set, notebook and pen set, Delorean blueprint wallet and Outta Time wallet (both wallets feature a metal badge). These products make great gifts for fans of the cult classic movie series. Get them now before you run Outta Time!

BB Designs Tel: 01923 804 805 Email: customerservices@bbdesignsonline.com Web: www.bbdesignsonline.com

Fun Animal Planters The cute mini ceramic Animal Pot Pal

London Destinations New for SS20 we have launched lots of lovely gifts in the three new-look ranges, each named after our favourite London destinations: Marylebone, Carnaby St and Primrose Hill. We have added new colourways and prints in our bestselling gift products such as the key rings, hairbands and pocket mirrors to name a few. We've introduced more of our

Planters from Joe Davies feature quirky characters such as a fox, pig, cat and bunny.

They combine the two hot trends of succulent planters and country animals. Each one has a cute animal face and is finished with a colourful glaze and rustic matt biscuit effect for contrast. RRP £4.99 to £12.99.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

signature heart print, a multi-coloured glitter finish and a new Caroline Gardner floral. There are lots of summery bold colours adorning new items such as wellbeing journals, earrings and mini jewellery boxes. All can be found online.

Caroline Gardner Tel: 0208 288 9696

Plant Pot Mugs

Email: info@carolinegardner.com

These hilarious novelty gardening mugs

Web: www.carolinegardner.com

are stylishly designed to look like a traditional plant pot and comes complete with a matching saucer. The saucer doubles as a handy lid to stop those pesky insects landing in your drink while you’re gardening away.

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

Roar-some Gifts For fans of the Jurassic World films, terrify and amuse your friends and family with a T-Rex cup of tea. And keep your savings safe inside the belly of a Triceratops. These fantastic, unique gifts will be loved by children and adults alike. Also featured in this range are two wallets, both with embossed detailing.

BB Designs Tel: 01923 804 805 Email: customerservices@bbdesignsonline.com Web: www.bbdesignsonline.com

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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 this month.

Ed Cowap, director, The Barn At The Hollies, Little Budworth A large gift shop at a destination location.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Fragranced Giftware

Marmalade of London: across the board; Arran Aromatics: across the board

Beautiful fragrances and packaging.

We are the biggest retailer in the North West across home fragrancing and bath and body.

Jewellery

Hot Tomato: across the board; Joma: ‘A Little’ bracelets; Mum In A Million

Trend led and great prices.

Fashion Accessories

Miss Sparrow: gloves, hats and scarves; Swole Panda: socks

Great designs and great quality.

Bamboo socks from the traditional to the funky.

Greeting Cards

Woodmansterne;

Constantly a top seller.

Giftwrap

Belly Button Designs

Very on trend, plus classic designs.

Other Hot Hits

Bookspeed: gift books

All year round good sellers.

The friendship bracelets are very popular as well as those for family members.

Amanda and Will Oscroft, co-owners, Love It, Bury St Edmunds and Stamford Small gift shops on secondary high streets.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Langs: rural signs; coasters; cushions;

Stunning designs that include hares, hedgehogs, guinea pigs and robins.

Competitively priced.

A beautiful selection of wellbeing lamps that our customers love.

Something Different: crystal salt lamps

Jewellery

Talbot Fashions: Tide

Frank Ross: birthstone

Lovely paua shell designs featuring robins, kingfishers and cats on brooches, earrings and necklaces. Pretty packaging and great value.

Birthstone jewellery ranges on bracelets and necklaces. Presented in a box with a birthstone card.

Fashion Accessories

Disaster Designs: Moomin purses and bags; Scarf World: scarves

Our customers love the ‘works of art’ and feel nostalgic seeing the characters again.

The scarves feature foiled bees, trees and hearts, many under £8. They make a great self-treat or affordable gift.

Greeting Cards

Rosie Made A Thing

The funniest cards which our customers can’t get enough of. Everyone leaves the shop smiling if not crying with laughter!

Giftwrap

Glick

An amazing, diverse range. The Paper Salad designs are great sellers.

Superb quality with matching tissue, bags and tags.

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Louise Prydderch, owner, Forget-Me-Not and Lulu Loves, Stubbington Forget Me Not is a large gift and card shop; Lulu Loves is a small lifestyle store. Both are based in a village setting.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Parlane: pot hangers;

These are really popular and Parlane have extended the range.

Classic designs and great quality.

Thomas Kent: clocks

Home Fragrancing

Heaven Sends: Lulu Loves own brand candles;

Stoneglow: across the board

Jewellery

Hot Tomato: across the board; PoM: across the board

Fashion Accessories

The candles are made from natural waxes using recycled packaging. Our customers love them.

The new Luna collection is flying off the shelves.

Amazing scents and beautiful packaging.

Design-led jewellery. We do especially well with the earrings.

Currently our best sellers are the sterling silver spinning rings.

Miss Shorthair: across the board; Powder: Alphabet socks

Affordable, design led products.

Greeting Cards

Rosie Made A Thing

Terrific cards that are complemented by mugs, coasters and gift bags.

Giftwrap

Glick

Fabulous products, great price structure, great quality.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat: across the board; Smart Toys: educational

The products keep on selling.

A great range of educational toys for under £10.

These make great gifts. Fabulous packaging.

Diz, Geoff and Holly Williams, co-owners, The Tokenhouse, Nottingham A large gift shop on a main road.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Disaster Designs: Moomin children’s lamps; Sass & Belle: plant pots

Our best sellers at a higher price point.

These tap into the trend for indoor plants.

Home Fragrancing

Lily Flame: sentiment candles in tins St Eval: across the board

Good pick up gifts and great fragrances.

Eco friendly products that are Made in Britain.

Jewellery

Lisa Angel: across the board;

Young, trendy jewellery that’s nicely packaged.

Silver jewellery for special birthdays.

Sea Gems: silver

Fashion Accessories

PoM: scarves and gloves; One Hundred Stars: kimonos etc.

On trend colours, stylish and well-priced.

Quirky and designed in Sheffield.

Greeting Cards

Jelly Armchair

Quirky designs and puns. Punderful!

Giftwrap

Glick

Great designs at great prices.

Other Hot Hits

Incognito: men’s socks

Slightly rude, off-the-wall designs. A refreshing take for men’s gifts.

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Best Sellers

What better testimonial for products than those of your fellow retailers. Here's all the information you need to get in touch and start stocking!

GLICK T: 01274 655980 E: info@glick.co.uk W: www.glick.co.uk

HOT TOMATO T: 01225 422188 E: sales@hot-tom.com W: www.hot-tom.com

STONEGLOW T: 020 8595 8878 E: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk W: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

MARMALADE OF LONDON T: +44 (0) 1242 257509 E: hello@marmaladeoflondon.com W: www.marmaladeoflondon.com

ST EVAL T: 01841 540850 E: info@stevalcandlecompany.co.uk W: www.st-eval.com

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

GLICK T: 01274 655980 E: info@glick.co.uk W: www.glick.co.uk

STONEGLOW T: 020 8595 8878 E: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk W: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

BELLY BUTTON DESIGNS T: 0161 902 0200 E: sales@bellybuttondesigns.com W: www.bellybuttontradeshop.co.uk

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BEHIND THE COUNTER

Paula Zielinska Paula Zielinska, assistant manager at Highworth Emporium in Highworth - winner of The Greats 2019 Best Newcomer - South & Wales category - reveals how she got into gift retail three years ago and is now living the dream.

Above: Paula Zielinska.

Paula Zielinska, assistant manager at gift shop Highworth Emporium in Highworth, worked in the education and childcare sector for the first few years of her working career. “However, I had always been intrigued by retail and have always enjoyed working with people,” she explains. “So when an opportunity came up to work at Highworth Emporium, I couldn’t miss it. I joined our lovely team three years ago and since then I have progressed from a shop assistant to assistant manager within a year or so, and also completed a managerial course at college to further improve my skills.”

Paula says she loves the happiness it can bring to customers when they are able

Left: Paula is shown with Aga Gabrysiak, co-owner of Highworth Emporium, in the Swindon 105.5 community radio studios, talking about the shop’s Greats success last year.

LAST WORD

Holly Tucker

Above: Holly Tucker MBE. Below: Take time to smell the roses.

Holly Tucker MBE was among the keynote speakers at Top Drawer earlier this year. Best known as the co-founder of Notonthehighstreet and, more recently, the founder of Holly & Co, she is also the UK Ambassador for Creative Small Businesses.

Holly tells PG&H why it’s important to do what you love, love what you do and to “trust your gut.”

Three words that best describe you?

“Passionate, energetic and entrepreneurial.”

What was the best business advice you were given? “Stop and smell the roses.”

Can you tell us a quirky fact that we don’t know about you? “I was Engineer of the Year at the age of 15.”

What advice would you give to someone else? “Trust your gut. Let it be your internal compass throughout your business journey.”

What was your first job? “At 17, I was the junior, junior, junior account executive of a London advertising agency.”

What was your ‘eureka’ moment re Notonthehighstreet? “Making vegetable wreaths and selling them at Christmas craft fairs. There were lots of small businesses there, people loved their products and I realised I had discovered something incredible. Together with a former colleague Sophie Cornish, we scooped them up and founded Notonthehighstreet in 2005.”

to find just the right gift for the special people in their lives. “And, of course, finding those perfect gifts in the first place is always exciting too!” she adds.

She says that her favourite part of the job is the sense of community that Highworth Emporium brings to the town.

“We quite often team up with our neighbouring businesses to promote the initiative of the movement to Shop Local where we entice our customers with raffles and our friendly approach.”

So what’s been her most memorable highlight of the past three years? “It’s extremely difficult to pick a favourite memory of working at the Emporium, because I’m torn between being ‘live’ on a business radio podcast, and the May Day celebrations where we get to dress up, decorate the whole shop and fundraise for charitable causes so I’m going to say both!

One thing’s for certain though. There’s always something going on and I love every moment!”

What’s your favourite film? “Little Women. Take your Kleenex!”

Where do you like to go on holiday?

“Amsterdam. I lived there for eight years when I was a child.”

What’s your own home like? “It’s a shrine to small businesses. I have been collecting their products for over 20 years.”

With hindsight, what advice would you have given to your younger self?

“To be more courageous in knowing the way to my destiny. I didn’t listen to what my gut instinct was telling me.”

What would you take to a desert island? “My notebook and a big, statement necklace!”

What drives you? “Holly & Co is based on 29,000 days on the planet and I have around 14,000 days left. Every one of them has to count.”

Is Shop Local helping to boost business for independents? “Definitely.

I’m hopeful that it will be the beginning of the future.”

What book are you currently reading?

“The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek.”

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