Progressive Gifts & Home May June 2022

MAY/JUNE 2022

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This Month As we go to press at the end of May with our fabulous May/June issue, we’re still on cloud 9, thanks to the inaugural The Gift Awards which took place at the glamorous Royal Lancaster hotel in London on 12 May! The much-anticipated event saw both sides of our incredible industry - retail and product - recognised and rewarded at a glittering occasion, bringing everyone together as an industry, uniting The Greats Awards, (organised by Max Publishing), and the Gift of the Year Awards, (organised by The Giftware Association).

If you weren’t able to be there, turn to pages 20-23 to see our joyous party pics, and to pages 25-37 to see who this year’s winners are (if you don’t know already!).

And The Gift Awards aren’t the only reason we’re on a high! The much-loved, dedicated greeting card show PG Live, organised by Max Exhibitions, will be opening its doors at London’s Business Design Centre on 7-8 June. With greeting cards an expanding sector for many gift shops, highlighted by Progressive Gift & Home’s Retail Barometer earlier this year, it’s going to be a ‘must visit’ for all strands of the retail spectrum stocking cards, with thousands of new launches at the heart of the show.

(Turn to pages 38-39).

Also, back at the Business Design Centre next month (14-15 June) is Exclusively, the dedicated housewares show, with more gift-led products than ever. We take a look at what’s trending in kitchen and baking gifts on pages 47-49. And with weddings back on the agenda, we also highlight some of the coolest gifts for gift shops and their customers who are looking for that something different. Turn to pages 55-57.

Plus, we chat to Daniel Unworth, founder of Makasi Imports, which supplies high quality, driftwood-style wooden furniture and accessories, to see what’s trending, as well as what’s in the pipeline for the rest of the year. Turn to pages 42-43.

Of course, while we love to share good news, inflation - the highest for 40 years the cost-of-living squeeze, and the dreaded word ‘recession’ are all in play. So, is it currently business as usual, or is the downturn in the economy starting to bite? We asked a cross-section of gift retailers for their views. Turn to pages 17-19 for some insightful comments, and also to pages 5-13 to discover all the most up-to-the-minute industry news.

Enjoy the issue, and I looking forward to seeing lots of you at the trade shows in June!

Sue Marks, Editor

@Prog_Gifts

Inside 5-13

News

17-19 Feedback 20-23 The Gift Awards: A Night To Remember 25-37 The Gift Awards: Greats and GOTY winners 38-39 PG Live 2022 42-43 In Profile: Makasi Imports 47-49 Spotlight On... Kitchen & Baking Gifts 55-57 Spotlight On... Weddings 64-65 Best Sellers

47

55

Above: Uniting the gift industry. Front row (l-r): Max Publishing’s Ian Hyder and Jakki Brown, and The Giftware Association’s Victoria Louise, Sarah Ward and Chris Workman. Middle row (l-r): Max Publishing’s Sue Marks and Jo Pilcher.

Back row (l-r): Max Publishing’s Rob Willis and Ali Farrell. Back row (right): Craig De Souza, founder and ceo of the Creative Industry Association.

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

Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk

Sue Marks Editor

Ali Farrell Advertisement Manager

Jo Pilcher Commercial Manager

Ian Hyder Publishing Director

suem@max-publishing.co.uk

alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk

jop@max-publishing.co.uk

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

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

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

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

3

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Industry

NEWS

The Gift Awards 2022: The Winners

A Gift Of The Year Hat-Trick

Inaugural Awards Unite The Gift Industry

Above: We did it! The winners on stage at The Gift Awards.

The winners of the inaugural The Gift Awards 2022 – uniting The Greats gift retailer awards (organised

by Max Publishing) and The Gift of the Year Awards (organised by the GA) - were announced at a glittering event, held at London’s Royal Lancaster hotel on 12 May. Hosted by comedian Charlie Baker, the Awards were attended by over 400 guests, spanning gift retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, reps and agents, who shared in the joy as delighted winners made their way to the stage to collect their trophies.

In her welcome speech, Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association, told guests: “I know this is a special 20th birthday for The Greats and, indeed, for the Gift of the Year Awards, as we are now in our 45th year. Both awards this year have been bigger than ever before - no mean feat given the current circumstances. Yet it is exactly in challenging times that we need to come together, that Awards like ours here this evening gain even greater prominence. Why? Because this is where we show strength, where we connect the whole industry.

Because this is where we shout from the rooftops about you all – each finalist here who deserves to be buoyed by an industry coming together to champion

your excellence. Because this is where change comes, this is where business is done, this is where you are propelled into a future with more people knowing your name and knowing what makes your brand special. This is where we future proof each other and our industry.”

Added Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net: “With so much uncertainty at the moment, it’s important to celebrate any uplifting moments, with both the Gift of the Year and the Greats awards recognising and rewarding achievements during 2021 – a year massively affected by Covid – with both retailers and suppliers demonstrating just how resilient the gift sector has shown itself to be.”

The final award of the evening was The Greats Outstanding Achievement Award, (sponsored by the British Allied Trades Federation), which was presented to Ronnie Pavey, founder and chairman of Lesser & Pavey

by John Joyce (past president of BATF, and a long serving member of The Giftware Association’s National Committee), for his long standing and continuing contribution to the gift industry.

Above: The GA’s ceo Sarah Ward welcomed guests.

The Gift Awards were certainly a night to remember for Willsow, publishers of The Plantable Children’s Book. The company scooped three Gift of the Year awards as winners of the Best Children’s, Educational and Preschool Product or Range category; Best Ethical and Sustainable Gift Product or Range category, and the prestigious Judges Choice category.

“The pinch-me moments just don’t stop!” said Baylee Magee, Willsow’s head of business development. “Winning the Judges’ Choice Gift Of The Year award is madness, and to win in two other categories, Sustainability and Children’s Education is incredible - it’s exactly what we built our brand to be. It was a fantastic evening and we’re still at a loss for words for the love shown to us and our brand. Such a surreal moment.”

Commenting on the brand’s success, Baylee told PG&H: “We’ve combined heritage, community and innovation to produce a first-ofits-kind, truly sustainable product that brings people back to basics. No laptops, iPad’s or technology, just fresh air, sunshine and getting messy in the garden. Kids love it because they actually get to watch something grow from something they’ve just read and it’s not every day you get to do that with a book. It’s a fantastic way to teach kids that commitment and dedication pays off, while also being a great way for parents to get their little ones to eat some vegetables!”

Top: Baylee Magee and Grace Pointon with one of Willsow’s three GOTY awards.

Above: Willsow’s The Plantable Children’s Book.

Line Up Of Sponsors

Maybugs To Open A Third Gift Store

The Gift Awards 2022 were enthusiastically supported by a strong roster of sponsors, with Spring Fair and Autumn Fair as headline supporter, plus: Abysse Corp; Ankorstore; Aspin; Battersea Dogs and Cats Home; Brand Licensing Europe; British Allied Trades Federation (BATF); Campo Marzio; Candlelight; Cardology; Cardzone; Carte Blanche Greetings; Creative Industry Association; Enesco; Faire; Gift Republic; Gisela Graham; Home & Gift Harrogate; HousewaresNews.net; Joe Davies; Lesser & Pavey; LicensingSource.net; Life Charms; Method UK; PG Buzz.net; Products of Change; Progressive Gifts & Home; Progressive Greetings Live; Sourcing Support Asia; Talking Tables; The Insights Family; The Seed Card Company; Spring Fair; The Giftware Association; Top Drawer, Widdop and Co., and Yodel.

East Sussex retailers Greg Rose and John Dale, co-owners of two Maybugs stores in East Sussex, winners of The Greats’ London, South, South East and East Anglia category, will be opening a third gift store, in Bexhill-on-Sea, at the end of June. The new gift shop joins the couple’s Maybugs stores in Hailsham and Eastbourne.

“Maybugs has grown faster than we ever expected,” confirms Greg. “With the stores in Hailsham and Eastbourne going from strength to strength, it made perfect sense to invest in the business and open a third before the summer season kicks in. We believe a strong high street presence, combined with a fully functional website, is the future for independent retailing.”

• In addition to winning a Greats award, Maybugs was also shortlisted as one of eight finalists in the High Street Hero awards at The Smalls UK small business awards.

Right: Team Maybugs celebrating their Greats success.

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We’re at Glee 2022!

We are looking forward to seeing you at the Glee trade show!

Register for your free ticket to the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade show today. We have a full stand of available stock and we have reduced our minimum order value to £100, with carriage paid at £250 for mainland UK. Pop on the stand to view our new, contemporary collections of design-led homewares, orals and fragrance.

Hall 6, Stand: A20-B21

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Industry

On Cloud Nine The Gift Award Winners Share Their Joy After a hugely exciting night at The Gift Awards on 12 May, winners of both The Greats and the Gift of the Year awards were fast off the mark to celebrate and shout about their tremendous achievements.

Samantha Gibbs, owner of three Nest stores in Broughton Astley, Stoneygate and Thurlaston Garden Centre, winner of the Greats Midlands & Wales category, enthused: “It was such a huge honour to be part of such an amazing bunch of contemporary, forward-thinking shops! We will continue to champion bricks and mortar retailers and the energy and positivity they bring to our local high streets.”

In the North of England, Andrea Pinder, owner of Presentation Cards & Gifts in Barrowford, winner of the North, Northern Ireland and Scotland category, admitted that she was: “totally shocked, with an overwhelming sense of emotional achievement. Our trophy is standing very proud in our window,” she highlighted.

Enthused Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, who won the Best Non-Specialist Retailer of Gifts category: “It means so much, and I’m Below left: So proud! Nest’s Samantha Gibbs is shown with her Greats trophy.

Below right: A delighted smile from GOTY winner FYG’s Demi Pendakis.

totally on cloud nine! I’m dedicating this award to my amazing team and my incredible staff that help me to run my business, whether it's behind the scenes, the website team, social media, my tearoom girls or shop girls. I simply couldn’t do what I do without them all,” underlined Libby.

Gift of the Year (GOTY) winners too, were equally thrilled with their success. “I had to wipe my eyes before enjoying the walk up to the stage to collect the award,” said Demi Pendakis, owner and founder of Find Your Glow (FYG), winner of the Gift of the Year’s Best Home Fragrance Product or Range. “We feel so blessed to have been recognised.”

Winner of the Gift of the Year’s Best Tech &/Or Gadget Product or Range was Fizz Creations, with Zoe Ryan, head of marketing, commenting: “It’s such an honour to have the phenomenal work from the team at Fizz get recognised by the gifting industry – I’m just so pleased!” enthused Zoe. Winner of the Best Commemorative, Collectable and Charitable Product or Range was Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Accessories Range from Just Trade. "This award is not only for us, but for all the amazing artisans we work with around the world,” said operations director Ali Cave. “It’s a privilege to have our hard work recognised by the Gift of the Year Awards - we’re pawstively buzzing!”

For Laura Keller, co-owner of Concrete & Wax, winner of the Gift of the Year’s My Gift of All Time category, it was a memorable moment. “It was as if time slowed down,” stated Laura. “We were stunned and delighted in equal measure!”

What’s On The Cards At PG Live Thousands of new greeting card designs will be launched at PG Live, which opens its doors on Tuesday June 7 and Wednesday June 8 at London’s Business Design Centre.

As with previous years, cardie ‘meeters and greeters’ will be dressed in striking, colourful dresses made out of card and wrap samples that have been sent in by exhibitors. In addition, Paper Salad and Emotional Rescue have designed the keepsake tote bags that will be given to visitors on arrival.

A delicious lunch will be free to exhibitors and visitors on both days of the show, along with free teas and coffees (with the tea trolleys sponsored by Windles).

Ankorstore is sponsoring the lunchroom and opening night party on Tuesday 7 June.

Visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com See Countdown To PG Live on pages 38-39.

Above right: PG Live will be opening its doors to visitors at the beginning of June.

Right: Among the ‘cardies’ at last year’s show.

NEWS Sock Academy Sold

Sock Academy, a multi-award-winning designer and manufacturer of socks for the gift sector, co-owned by Paul Hughes and Gary Schaffer, has been sold to Jatania Holdings, a London based family-owned investment company.

Commented Yuvraj Jatania, ceo of Jatania Holdings: “We are thrilled to welcome Sock Academy into our family and we look forward to working with the existing team, customers and suppliers to grow the business together.”

Sock Academy’s core products feature gift-led innovative, quirky, colourful socks. The company operates as three brands - United Oddsocks, Cockney Spaniel and Cucamelon.

Above: Hippy Go Lucky from Oddsocks.

Jubilee Tea Towel In the run-up to the Queen’s Plantinum Jubilee, sales have quadrupled for textile company Ulster Weavers. “As the first British monarch to mark this milestone, the appetite for commemorative memorabilia related to the Jubilee year has been high,” confirms Ulster Weavers’ business development director Joanne Bradley.

It’s the latest in a long line of commemorative tea towels produced by the company. Previously, Ulster Weavers has created tea towels marking the Queen’s coronation, as well as Royal weddings, anniversaries and royal births.

Right: Ulster Weavers’ Queen’s Platinum Jubilee pure linen tea towel.

Cards For The Queen’s Jubilee To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June, an extra special postbag will be arriving at Buckingham Palace full of celebratory messages from greeting card publishers and greeting card and gift retailers.

A joint promotion by the Greeting Card Association (GCA) and PG Live, the Cards For The Queen initiative is inviting GCA members and show visitors to create and sign greeting cards to mark the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s ascension to the throne, with the cards forming a special feature display at PG Live on June 7-8 at London’s Business Design Centre. All written greeting cards will be hand delivered to Buckingham Palace by members of the PG Live and GCA teams.

The Cards For The Queen Platinum Jubilee initiative follows in the footsteps of similar projects in 2012 and 2016 at PG Live to mark Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee and the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com Left: A card, specially created by Wendy Jones-Blackett, that will be hand delivered to Buckingham Palace from the industry.

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Eco-friendly - recycled & recyclable Fairtrade & handmade by Indian craftsmen

Tilnar Art is very proud to have designed and now be launching our new AluminArk Collection of Recycled Aluminium Butterflies and Bee along with our new AluminArk Plant and Pot Stakes & additions to our current collections

SEE YOU AT A TRADE SHOW SOON!

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Exclusively Ups The Gift Ante Show Gets Ready To Open Its Doors The Exclusively show, taking place on 14-15 June at London’s Business Design Centre, will provide buyers with a myriad of new products, to include consumable gift items, as well as trends insights and merchandising ideas.

The show has a strong reputation for predicting commercial trends in housewares, gifts and small domestic electricals, with trend talks, trend tours for buyers and displays of exhibitors’ products pre-selected by Scarlet Opus featuring the themes and styles likely to prove popular in 2022, 2023 and beyond. These include: Homestead (connected remoteness); Escapism/Phyigital (blurring of the line between physical and digital) and Wellness

Top: Furnishings reflecting the Homestead trend.

Above: Scarlet Opus’ director Phil Pond with PG&H’s Sue Marks.

and Comfort (calm minimalism).

“The domestic tableware category has been rejuvenated over lockdown,” comments Steve Richardson, marketing manager for Exclusively organiser BHETA. “Time spent at home has reignited the desire to cook at home, to present food well and to meet socially in the home.”

Adds Steve: “2022 looks set to be a tougher year for disposable income, and this may mean households trading down from eating out to eating at home and potentially maintaining the strong interest in tableware for the home.”

See Cook, Bake, Eat on page 47-49. Visit www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk.

Industry

NEWS Raising A Glass

Among the new features at Exclusively, taking place on 14-15 June at London’s Business Design Centre, will be wine tastings with Olly Smith, drinks expert for the Mail on Sunday's YOU magazine and Saturday Kitchen.

Olly, along with collaboration partner Stolzle Lausitz, and principal distributor Pure Table Top, will be hosting the wine tasting events in the Executive Suite at on 14 June. Two events will be held from 3.30pm-4pm and from 5pm – 5.30pm. Visit the What’s On section at www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk to sign up.

Below: Wine expert Olly Smith.

Furniture Collection Debuts At Home & Gift

Spaced Out

Following on from the successful co-location of the Manchester Furniture Show last year, Home & Gift will be debuting a brand new sector – the Furniture Collection when the show returns to Harrogate from July 17-20.

“We wanted to fuse the two markets together, so there will be a unique selection of furniture and home brands at this year’s show,” confirms marketing manager Emma Telford.

Exhibitors range from household names to emerging designers, with plenty to discover for gift retailers looking to start their Autumn and Christmas buying.

As with previous years, there will be lots of opportunity to network, with the annual Sundowners drinks party held on the first night of the show, as well as Happy Hours, and free teas and coffees in the Indigo Lounge.

The show will be taking place across the Harrogate Convention Centre and the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate. Registration is open. Visit homeandgift.co.uk

When the adjacent shop became vacant recently, Bill Nettelfield, owner of gift store Bill & Bert’s in Colchester, grabbed the opportunity to double the size of his existing store. A grand extended shop opening took place just before Easter.

“Trade on the first weekend of opening went bonkers,” said Bill. “It seemed like a November Saturday. The support from so many of our suppliers has been overwhelming, and customers from Colchester and surrounding areas have loved what we have done with the extra space, which now totals 4,500 sq ft.”

Below: The extended Bill & Bert’s in Colchester.

Above right: The Sundowners drinks party at Home & Gift.

Right: Gin on the lawn at last year’s show.

Lark Opens A Tenth Store In the run up to the Easter weekend, gift and lifestyle retailer Lark opened a tenth store in Chiswick, West London, which involved a fast turnaround.

“We were open less than ten days after getting the keys for the new shop,” commented co-owner Priya Aurora-Crowe. Continuing the expansion, a further four Lark stores will be opening over the next 12 weeks.

“Customer feedback has been absolutely amazing, with everyone super welcoming to us. The Easter weekend was fantastic and Chiswick performed the best out of all our stores,” confirmed Priya. “The selection of products are the same across all Lark stores which has made our expansion easier.”

Left: Shop assistant Eunice Boka Nlasa is shown outside the new Lark store in Chiswick.

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MAKING GIFTS MAT TER

JOURNALS OF A LIFETIME Timeless Collection (9 titles). Bestselling keepsake gifts to record and last a lifetime.

HOPES & WISHES FOR YOU

PARENTING JOURNALS

Complete the set with this beautiful gift book

Bump To Birthday covers pregnancy with week-by-week development as well as baby’s

to help and guide a child as they grow. All real

first year. The Story Of Us captures the unique story of childhood over 18 years.

winners with mums-to-be and new parents.

Capturing memories, sharing stories, preserving moments.

Beautiful high quality gifts that feel good to give and even better to receive.

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Middleport Pottery Hosts Cabinet Meeting

Industry

NEWS

Staff Met Up With PM Boris Johnson Sad News

Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent recently hosted a regional cabinet meeting on 12 May, playing host to PM Boris Johnson as well as senior ministers that included Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Home Secretary Priti Patel, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi; Health Secretary Sajid Javid; Britain’s Housing Secretary Michael Gove, International Trade Secretary AnneMarie Trevelyan and Government Efficiency Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Prior to the cabinet meeting, cabinet ministers met Jim Norman, managing director of Burgess & Leigh (Burleigh & Poole Pottery), Dean Barlow,

operations director of Denby Pottery, Debbie Hill, production manager of Burgess & Leigh and three apprentices, at a business and community event held at the Pottery.

Above: A regional cabinet meeting was held at Middleport Pottery.

Left: The PM drinks from a Burleigh Calico cup.

Trouva Acquired By Made.com Online platform Trouva, launched in 2015 to support and promote independent retailers, both in the UK and Europe, has been sold to furniture retailer Made.com for an undisclosed sum.

Independent gift and lifestyle retailers featured on the platform include Lark, Utility, The Hambledon, Papyrus, Sunshine & Snow, The Alphabet Gift Shop, Rhubarb Home, Inside Out, Hyde & Seek, Five and Dime and Rigby & Mac (the online store for The Dulwich Trader Group).

Following the acquisition, Trouva will continue to operate as a standalone brand led by the current leadership team, with the integration of Trouva led by Made chief technology officer Geert Engels.

Left: Among the gift shops on Trouva is Papyrus in Glasgow.

Business Rates With inflation rising to 9%, the highest in 40 years, and energy bills, fuel and food prices continuing to drive up the cost of living, the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is calling for a reduction in business rates to support those struggling to deal with the extra costs.

"Inflation at these level is a new challenge for many independent retailers,” states Bira's ceo Andrew Goodacre. "Retailers are doing all they can to reduce the impact on prices for shoppers which means reduced profit margins for everyone. We would like to see this year’s 100% increase in business rates reversed and some way of helping businesses manage the rising costs of energy," he stated.

Above: Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre.

Woman Who Achieves Awards Three strong, successful women in the gift industry – indie retailer Jo Williams, owner of Joco in Nuneaton, Louise Welsby, managing director of Buy-From and watercolour artist and homewares designer Meg Hawkins, founder of Meg Hawkins Art – are finalists in this year’s Woman Who Achieves Awards.

“This is the fourth year that I have been a finalist in the Woman Who Leads category, however, I won a judges Special Recognition Award in 2020 and a commendation in the Micro Business category in 2019,” comments Jo. “Joco has won many awards, but an award purely for my hard work in leading the team through so many obstacles over the past year will be something to celebrate whether I win or not.”

Winners will be announced on 1 July at Coombe Abbey hotel in Coventry.

Tributes poured in for industry legend David Hicks, founder of The Really Good Card Company and its gift sibling Soul. David, whose life was cut short by the cruelty of motor neurone disease, was deemed a ‘creative genius’ by both the trade and his friends, and was responsible for many iconic card ranges and gift products that included Edward Monkton and Bright Side.

He died on Friday April 8, in Switzerland with his wife Nicole by his side, and good friend Miles Robinson, co-owner of gift and greeting card retailer House Of Cards, close by.

He will be remembered for many reasons – his character, his wicked sense of humour, his vision, his entrepreneurial talents, his principles, his dress sense, his love of travel, photography and food, but most of all, his love of people and interest in their lives.

During his career, David received two industry Honorary Achievement Awards: one in recognition of his contribution to the greeting card industry, presented at The Henries in 1997, and the other for his achievements in the gift sector, which was presented at The Greats Awards in 2017.

He will never be forgotten.

Above: David Hicks, founder of Really Good and Soul.

Design Innovation Success Gallery Direct – which has made a significant investment in the home accessories side of the business over the past two years - recently took the crown as winner of the Design Innovation Award for its Sofa In The Box and Packed-Flat designer furniture at the postponed January Furniture Show, held at the end of April.

“As a business, we’ve always been led by design,” states the company’s marketing director Bruce Bell. “At the beginning of 2021, we started on a series of design projects where we wanted to create new product categories that had a design-led feel to them, while filling a gap that is seen by many consumers as a significant requirement. We are therefore delighted that Sofa In A Box won the Design Innovation category alongside the newly launched Packed-Flat.”

Right: Gallery Direct’s managing director Peter Delaney (right) was presented with the Design Innovation award at the January Furniture Show.

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Curated by buyers for buyers

13-14 JULY 2022 Register now: indxshows.co.uk For exhibitor enquiries visit indxshows.co.uk or email info@indxshows.co.uk Cranmore Park Conference and Event Centre, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4LF. An AIS trade show.

New Card Ranges by Love Country...

New Collection of Bauble Cards!

Each card has a detachable wooden bauble to hang on your Christmas Tree. A festive story is printed on the back of each card.

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Curated Meetings Go Global International Buyers And Brands Welcome Following a hugely successful UK beta trial and launch at Spring and Autumn Fair, Curated Meetings is opening its doors to international buyers and brands at Autumn Fair, with the meetings held in the Curated Meetings lounge at the NEC on the 5-6 September 2022.

Those attending Curated Meetings will be able to accept meeting invitations with suppliers in advance of Autumn Fair and secure up to nine 15-minute meetings to touch and feel the products, all taking place in the exclusive Curated Meetings lounge. Approved buyers will also receive up to £350 in travel expense subsidies.

The programme is open to retailers and buyers who have purchasing responsibility and are actively sourcing across product categories including gifts, home decor, housewares, garden, toys, party, beauty, wellbeing, seasonal,

Left: 1:1 meetings were a huge success at Spring Fair earlier this year.

accessories, jewellery, white label and more.

Working closely with DIT representatives, Curated Meetings is specifically focused on attracting buyers and brands from Central & Eastern Europe, The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Nordics, France, USA, Mexico, and India, with buyers from Four Sisters, The Snug, Hedgerows, and Henry Vokes Adare from Ireland, Manor from Switzerland, Kosmelita from Lithuania, and Pro-92 from Slovenia, already confirmed.

Comments Elizabeth Miller, international buyer community manager, Curated Meetings.

“As part of the next phase of our strategy, we are very excited to be extending our reach to become a truly international proposition.”

Industry

NEWS Century Of Experience

With former John Lewis gift and Candleshop buyer Sara Allbright on board, and 100 years of retail experience to draw on, the new Retail100 consulting team - Sara, Neil Amer, Anna Berry and Elaine Hooper – certainly believe they have a solid background to help clients maximise their potential.

The four co-founders have all clocked up years of experience at the John Lewis Partnership at senior levels, including head of buying, senior buyers and senior merchandiser across gifting, homeware, seasonal and beauty, with all able to offer a multitude of insights.

The company has already been working with trade shows and customers across the gift industry, with Sara producing the A Buyer’s Life: Top Tips On What Both Buyers And Suppliers Need For Success video for Spring Fair earlier this year.

Home, Gift & Clothing At Glee June’s dedicated garden, leisure and outdoor show, Glee, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, will be putting Home, Gift & Clothing centre stage. A new, earlier dateline – June 28-30 - positions the show within a more convenient time in the annual buying cycle.

Gift buyers will be able to access a wide range of brands offering everything from seasonal decorations, games, toys and books to outdoor clothing ranges and picnicware, as well as complementary brands and products from Glee’s wider offering.

Brands returning to the Home, Gift & Clothing sector include treble Gift of the Year 2022 winner Willsow; APAC, distributors of Bolsius Candles; sock company HJ Hall, and Tilnar Art, which will be showcasing environmentally friendly and fairly traded gift and homeware products.

Brands making their debut in the Home, Gift & Clothing sector include Gift of the Year 2022 winner VENT for Change, which will be unveiling ethical and eco-friendly stationery; organic tea suppliers English Tea Shop, and sustainable ladies’ fashion company M&Co. The show, which will have a summer festival vibe, is set to welcome over 400 exhibitors. Visit www.gleebirmingham.com Above: Glee will be opening its doors at the end of June.

Olympia Venue For Scoop For gift retailers looking to expand their fashion selection, contemporary designer women’s wear show Scoop, which is currently celebrating its 21st anniversary, will be taking place at a new venue, Olympia West, London, from 17-19 July.

Under the creative direction of Scoop International founder and managing director, Karen Radley, Scoop will showcase premium and ready-towear women’s and men’s clothing, accessories and lifestyle collections.

Visit www.scoop-international.com

Fundraising For Ukraine With worldwide fund raising continuing for the people of Ukraine, Ziggle designed a special bandana bib – for babies and small dogs - in the Ukrainian flag colours, with the company donating the £1.50 gross profit from each £3.99 bib sold to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Ziggle’s sales agents are helping by donating their commission on the sales of the bandana.

Right: Ziggle’s fundraising bandana bib.

Above: Retail100 co-founders (from left to right) Neil Amer, Sara Allbright, Elaine Hooper and Anna Berry.

We Are The World Champions The champagne corks were popping at gift and lifestyle store Brocante in Cornwall recently, when two members of staff in Fowey – store manager Maria Norman, and logistics manager James Cockley - took part in the World Pilot Gig Rowing Championships on the Isles of Scilly and won.

“The winning team was the Fowey Women’s A Crew, where my brother James was the cox and Maria was one of the six rowers,” explained Keiron Cockley, co-owner of Brocante, which has stores in Fowey, Megavissey, St Ives and Charlestown. “It was a tremendous achievement, and not only are the whole Brocante team proud but so is the whole of Fowey. We put in a huge window display to welcome Maria and James back.”

• Brocante also ‘did the double’ in May, winning The Greats Best Specialist Multiple Retailer of Gifts category at The Gift Awards.

Above: Brocante’s Maria Norman and James Cockley are shown proudly holding The World Pilot Gig Rowing Championship.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

15

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

Visit us at Stand M27 in Home & Interiors (Hall M).

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

L I F E ST Y L E

B R A N DS

UK and Ireland distributors of Opinel & Klean Kanteen

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Feedback

Half Term Report The cost of living squeeze is starting to bite, and there isn’t a day that goes past without negative headlines highlighting the current state of the economy and where it’s heading.

So how have gift retailers found the year so far, and what are their concerns as we move into the second half of 2022?

Thumbs Up... For Now “The first few months of 2022 have started incredibly well,” confirms Jo Barber, owner of No. 14 Ampthill, Ampthill. “There’s no point making comparisons against previous years, but compared to 2019, it’s going well … really well … for now.

“Valentine’s and Mother’s Day were both well above our forecast and customers are still crazy about making their house a home. Home accessories are flying out, and our best sellers continue to be faux plants and stems, crockery, planters and home fragrance.”

However, Jo says that she is taking nothing for granted. “Each week, I wonder if we’ll start to see changes in shopping habits, as the media are reporting on the cost of living every day, so if customers weren’t feeling cautious, they soon will,” she points out. “And although we haven’t seen a downturn yet, I think it’s only a matter of time. One shift we have seen though, is perceived value. Customers now deliberate more over price, and the £29.99 handbag is starting to win over the usual £39.99 best seller. They’re also gravitating towards greeting cards that retail under the £3 price point and candles at under £15.”

Continues Jo: “I recently visited one of my top suppliers to view their Autumn/Winter range and gasped at some of the prices. I couldn’t justify ordering a number of their larger items, and those I did order were in more sensible quantities compared to previous years.

Usually, I place large orders with my suppliers as it saves me time and it means we always have a decent level of stock. However, looking ahead, I think it would be wise to order little and often. It will mean more work, but also, I won’t miss out on special offers and promotions.”

Left: No 14 Ampthill, Ampthill.

What The Figures Reveal The latest figures from the retail sales monitor published by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG revealed that spending on the high street dipped by 0.3% in April following a sharp decrease in consumer confidence as household budgets became more stretched.

‘Shop Small’ Is Thriving “As hard as the economy is for everyone at the moment, with everything going up - including all our prices, import charges etc - we aren’t seeing a major downturn,” states Rachel Roberts, owner of Wishlist in Rayleigh. “I think people are very much supporting independents like Wishlist, and shopping/staying close to home.

Customers want unique, fun, colourful, meaningful gifts and cards and love newness and variety.”

As she explains: “At the beginning of the year, we didn’t have a massive sale, mainly because Christmas was so good. We continue to push on social platforms, as WFH still means people are forever checking up on exciting new products and news. And our own exciting news is that we are expanding and opening another store very soon!

Therefore, so far, ‘shop small’ continues to thrive!”

Above: Wishlist, Rayleigh.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Feedback Pretty Steady

Seeing New Customers “To a degree, trade has been a little subdued since the start of the year, but this time last year were not even open for the first three months due to Covid, so we are certainly in a much better place than then!” comments Liz Kemp, owner of Kemps General Store & Bookshop.

“However, as the first quarter is always the slowest season, it is impossible to fully understand if this trading is due to the economic climate and worries or merely the usual seasonal trend.

“The good thing for us is that, since moving to larger premises and adding a full on bookshop to our offer in October 2020, we have found that our turnover has more than met our extra costs and driven more footfall and new customers. We are transacting the same number of gift sales, but our average transaction has reduced by around 10%. Book sales to date remain stable. However, we have noticed that we are taking far more cash than credit cards so people are clearly budgeting and managing their money carefully.”

“At the start of the year January and February were OK, so business started fairly positively, but dipped a bit in March with the cost of living news and the war in Ukraine,” explains Cathy Frost, owner of LoveOne in Ipswich. “Fortunately, things picked up a bit over Easter and have remained pretty steady ever since.”

Cathy says that at the moment it feels like business as usual.

“However, we are having more conversations with customers about their fears over what is coming later in the year,” she confirms.

“People are adjusting to energy prices and walking more, but once it gets cold again, and people need to use the car to get about, they are fearful. This worries me as we are now committing to our Christmas stock.”

Below: Cathy Frost outside LoveOne in Ipswich.

Above: Kemps General Store & Bookshop.

Strong Visitor Footfall “Like many retailers, we’ve been pegging our first quarter sales against like for like dates in 2019 given that we were in lockdown during in 2020 and 2021,” explains Helen Crawford, Old School Beauly, Beauly. “One high point, and welcome surprise, is that we have solid, ongoing support from our local customers, many of whom we engaged with via social media during lockdown. However, the icing on the cake is the continuing significant footfall from visitors. Taken together, our turnover is significantly increased which is great news, as we firmly believe in the unique power, value and attraction of bricks and mortar retail.”

Adds Helen: “Like others, we’re still grappling with supply chain and price concerns, but we’re doing our level best to keep a cap on that where possible. Many people are prepared to spend that bit extra for quality, and we are firmly in that ‘quality’ segment of the retail market. We are still seeing significant numbers of staycation visitors when compared to pre-covid.

Therefore, so far, we think that any downturn in spend due to the cost of living crisis is more than compensated for in terms of our significantly increased visitor footfall.”

Above: Helen Crawford is shown outside The Old School Beauly, Beauly.

Mixed Bag “The year started slowly for us, however it always does so nothing new there,” states Jon May, co-owner of Mooch Gifts & Home in Bewdley and Stourport.

“Valentine’s always kicks off our year, followed by Mother's Day, and while our trading figures remain consistent with previous years, we are finding people are leaving these events to the very last minute to make their purchases. Nevertheless, our Bewdley store recorded its best-ever day sales on the Mother's Day Saturday in our six years trading there, so we were absolutely thrilled with that result.

Unfortunately, however, flooding locally had a huge impact on sales, with customers unable to access the high street.”

With regard to the cost of living crisis, Jon comments: “we have seen our sales focus change from home to gift, but to date have not seen a fall in sales to date, with tourists still spending, so we remain cautious for the remaining part of the year where our focus will be on affordable quality gifts for Christmas.

“Along with many other retailers, we can now say our busiest days are very unpredictable, with a shift from Saturday being one of our busiest days to Mondays or Tuesdays becoming as busy if not busier.”

Left: Mooch Gifts & Home.

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Inset: We’ve won! Big smiles from the delighted winners of both The Greats Awards and The Gift of the Year Awards who are shown on stage with their trophies.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Champagne corks popped at the glittering Royal Lancaster hotel in London as guests gathered for the lavish, inaugural The Gift Awards, uniting The Greats Awards with the Gift of the Year Awards for the very first time.

If y cldn’t be there, we’d love to share r o bum wh y . . .

Left: London’s 5 star Royal Lancaster hotel.

Below left Getting ready to welcome guests . . . Max Publishing’s Jakki Brown (front); Ian Hyder (left); Ali Farrell (back left); Sue Marks (centre); Jo Pilcher (back right) and Rob Willis (right).

Right The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward (right) with Chris Workman (second right), Victoria Louise Rotton (left) and the Creative Industry Association’s Craig De Souza (second left).

Bottom left and right: The Greats and the Gift of the Year trophies, standing proud.

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Left: Phil Verrils, sales director of Gift Republic, walks down the red carpet with colleagues Vicky Nicholls (left) and Tara Nei. Right: A stylish, Italian Campo Marzio pen doubled as a place card and take home gift, along with a table favour from Spice Kitchen.

Left: Clarion’s Zoe Bonser (second left) and David Westbrooke (third left) with Clarion colleagues.

Right: The GA’s ceo Sarah Ward welcomed everyone to the Awards.

Below right: Also on stage to welcome guests was Progressive Gift and Home’s editor Sue Marks.

Left: Craig De Souza, ceo and founder of the Creative Industry Assocation, with Mike Antwoon, sales director of Yodel.

Bottom left: Beaming with delight, Presentation Cards and Gifts’ Andrea Pinder and Lisa Thomason (right), with Little Beau Sheep’s Sarah Turner (left).

Bottom right: Among the raffle prize winners were Karen and Luke Ritchie of The Rowan Tree, who received their prize from Max Publishing’s Sam Loveday.

Inset: The gang from Candlelight includes Ben Winch (centre) and Kate Winch (centre left).

Inset: Gisela Graham’s Jennifer Peters (back row, fourth from right) with colleagues.

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Inset: A peek into the dining room, where the waiting staff were ready to welcome guests.

Below: Among the guests clearly delighted with the 3D pop up menu from Cardology.

Above: Spring Fair and Autumn Fair’s Julie Driscoll (centre) and Simon Lau (centre right) with colleagues.

Right: Happy smiley people, from right to left: Mooch’s Sandra O’Connoll, Siobhan Nikolic and Evelyn O’Flaherty; Paper Salad’s Claire Williams and Karen Wilson; Max Publishing’s Jakki Brown and Warren Lomax.

Left: All the way from Northern Ireland, Frances Doran and Rhonda Wood, co-owners of The Bottom Drawer.

Bottom right: The Seed Card Company directors (left to right) Lewis Stevenson with Kay and Jit Patel who designed and produced the amazing The Gift Awards tickets.

Right: Looking forward to the night ahead, Joe Davies’ managing director Paul Hooker (centre) with the team.

Below left: There was plenty to laugh about thanks to comedian and compere Charlie Barker.

Below: Just the ticket from The Seed Card Company.

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Inset: A line-up of lovelies from Life Charms. From left to right: Agata Werycha, Becky Wakefield, Gosia Trzebuchowska, Hannah White, Georgia Burness and Darcy Beattie.

Left: Looks like everyone’s a winner!

Left: Friends united! From left to right: Anne and Katrina Raill from Etcetera, and Aga and Richard Marsden from Highworth Emporium.

Right Hitting the dance floor, Enesco’s Phil Atherton with colleagues Sophie Ferguson (left) and Helen Cottrill (right).

Below right: Dancing the night away was Billy Greeno and Carzdone’s Kim Baker.

Below left: We’re having a good time!

Bottom left: Music was provided by duo Matt and Marcel.

Bottom right: Libby Holden of Lovely Libby’s (second right), and her mum Tracey Holden of The Olive Branch, together with colleagues Hannah White and Tracey Burness, were among those enjoying a flutter at the casino.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Guardian Angel Collection

SugarLane® Sustainable Fashion

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INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR

LONDON, SOUTH, SOUTH EAST & EAST ANGLIA

Right: Phil Verrills, (right), sales director of Gift Republic, category sponsor, presented the winning Greats trophy to Greg Rose, co-owner of Maybugs. Comedian and compere Charlie Baker is shown on the left.

2022 WINNER: Maybugs, Eastbourne and Hailsham Right: Gift Republic’s Phil Verrills announces the winner’s name.

Award sponsor

Left: Maybugs.

INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR

MIDLANDS & WALES 2022 WINNER: Nest, Broughton Astley,

Right: Dan Illingworth, (right), head of independent and export sales at Widdop & Co, category sponsor, presented the winning Greats trophy to Samantha Gibbs, owner of Nest.

Stoneygate and Thurlaston Garden Centre Left: Nest.

Right: Widdop’s Dan Illingworth reveals the winner.

Award sponsor

INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR

NORTH & NORTHERN IRELAND & SCOTLAND 2022 WINNER: Presentation Cards & Gifts, Barrowford Right: Andrea Pinder, owner of Presentation Cards & Gifts, was presented with her trophy by David Cree, sales manager of Joe Davies, category sponsor.

Award sponsor

Left: David Cree gets ready to announce the winner.

Far left: Presentation Cards & Gifts.

INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR

WEST & SOUTH WEST

Award sponsor

2022 WINNER: Cranbornes, Dorchester and Shaftesbury Right: Emily Fawcett, head of global licensing at Abysse, category sponsor, presented the winning Greats trophy to Karen Hardwick, director of Cranbornes.

Left: A big smile from Emily Fawcett as she reads out the winner’s name.

Far left: Cranbornes.

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INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR

BEST NEWCOMER 2022 WINNER: Gifts of Wales, Welshpool Right: Category sponsor Life Charms’ Darcy Beattie (left) from the despatch team, and Becky Wakefield (right), customer account manager, presented the Greats trophy to Sam Loveday.

Left: Darcy and Becky announce the winner.

Award sponsor Right: Gifts of Wales.

BEST SPECIALIST MULTIPLE RETAILER OF GIFTS (4 OR MORE SHOPS) 2022 WINNER: Brocante, Cornwall Far right: Brocante’s coowners, Keiron Cockley, (left), and David Lorimer, were presented with their Greats trophy by Jonny Greves, director of Lesser & Pavey.

Award sponsor

Right: Jonny Greves gets ready to announce the winner.

Left: Brocante.

BEST DEPARTMENT STORE RETAILER OF GIFTS 2022 WINNER: Austins, Newton Abbot Left: Presenting the trophy to Rosie Trow was Richard Holmwood, national account manager – nationals, of category sponsor Carte Blanche Greetings.

Right: Richard Holmwood gets ready to reveal the category winner.

Above: Austins.

Award sponsor

BEST NON-SPECIALIST RETAILER OF GIFTS Far right: Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s, was presented with the Non-Specialist Retailer of Gifts trophy by Clare Harris, founder of Talking Tables, category sponsor.

Middle: Clare Harris readies to open the golden envelope.

Left: Lovely Libby’s.

Award sponsor

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PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

2022 WINNER: Lovely Libby’s, Rayleigh

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BEST GARDEN CENTRE RETAILER Right: Gary Freeman was presented with the Greats trophy on behalf of RHS Garden Bridgewater by Phil Atherton, commercial director at Enesco, category sponsor.

OF GIFTS

2022 WINNER: RHS Garden Bridgewater, Salford

Right: Phil Atherton reads out the name of the winner.

Award sponsor Left: RHS Garden Bridgewater.

BEST IN STORE/WINDOW DISPLAY 2022 WINNER: Mooch Gifts & Home,

Right: Jon May, co-owner of Mooch Gifts & Home, received his Greats trophy from Jennifer Peters, national accounts director at Gisela Graham, category sponsor.

Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn Left: Mooch Gifts & Home.

Right: Jennifer Peters announces the name of the winner.

Award sponsor

BEST RETAILER INITIATIVE 2022 WINNER: Paper Tiger, Edinburgh For its Chinese Year Of The Tiger fundraising initiative Above: Ben Winch gets ready to read out the name of the winner.

Left: Michael Apter, owner of Paper Tiger was presented with his Greats trophy by Ben Winch, managing director of Candlelight, category sponsor.

Award sponsor

Right: Paper Tiger.

BEST BEAUTY, BATH & SPA PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Remedial Aromatherapy Candle Collection from ChilliWinter Right: Looking forward to announcing the winner is Jina Kwon.

Award sponsor

Left: Chilliwinter’s Remedial Aromatherapy Candle Collection.

Far right: Kathy Chillistone, founder and owner of ChilliWinter Isle of Wight, was presented with her GOTY trophy by Jina Kwon, head of UK, Ankorstore, category sponsor.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS FROM FIZZ CREATIONS

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BEST BRANDED GIFT PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Peter Rabbit Collection from Blade & Rose Right: Amanda Peffer, director of Blade & Rose, was presented with her GOTY trophy by Ben Roberts, senior content strategist, licence global, Brand Licensing Europe, category sponsor.

Left: Blade & Rose’s Peter Rabbit Collection.

Award sponsor

Far right: Ben Roberts gets ready to read out the winner’s name.

BEST CARDS & WRAP PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Greens & Greetings Collection from Shroot

Award sponsor

Far right: Shroot’s managing director Jude Cook, and marketing director Carolyn Davies, were presented with their GOTY trophy by Warren Lomax, director of Max Exhibitions. The category was sponsored by Progressive Greetings Live.

Left: Shroot’s Greens & Greetings Collection.

Right: Warren announces the winner.

BEST CHILDREN’S, EDUCATIONAL AND PRESCHOOL PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: The Plantable Children’s Book from Willsow Right: Willsow’s The Plantable Children’s Book.

Left: Willsow’s Baylee Magee, head of business development, together with accounts manager Grace Pointon, received their GOTY trophy from Ian Hyder, ceo of Max Publishing.

Left: Announcing the winner was Ian Hyder.

Award sponsor

BEST COMMEMORATIVE, COLLECTABLE AND CHARITABLE PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Dogs for the Blind Association Accessories Range from Just Trade Award sponsor

Right: Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s operations director Ali Cave was presented with her GOTY trophy

by Warren Traegar, Battersea’s licensing manager.

Right: Warren Traegar revealed the winner.

Left: Just Trade’s Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Accessories Range.

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BEST CONTEMPORARY GIFT PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Smart Moon Lamp from Gingko Design Far right: Natalie Sun, director, Gingko Design, was presented with her GOTY trophy by Julie Driscoll, divisional managing director of Autumn Fair and Spring Fair, Hyve Group, category sponsor.

Left: Ginko Design’s Smart Moon Lamp.

Right: Julie Driscoll is ready to reveal the winner.

Award sponsor

BEST DESIGN & CRAFT PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: ReCycleMe Kits from Inside Out Toys

Right: Mike Antwoon, sales director of Yodel, category sponsor, presented Julian and Nikki Garner, co-owners of Inside Out Toys, with their GOTY trophy.

Right: The winner is about to be revealed

by Mike Antwoon.

Left: Inside Out Toys ReCycleMe Kits.

Award sponsor

BEST ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE GIFT PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: The Plantable Children’s Book from Willsow Right: Willsow’s head of business development Baylee Magee, and accounts manager Grace Pointon, were presented with a second GOTY trophy by Rob Hutchins, editor and community manager, Products of Change, category sponsor.

Award sponsor

Left: The winner was revealed by Rob Hutchins.

Far left: The Plantable Children’s Book from Willsow.

BEST FASHION ACCESSORIES PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Whistler Tree Cork Collection from Blank Canvas Eco

Right: Zoe Bonser, portfolio director of Clarion Events, presented winner Malcolm Dyl, ceo of Blank Canvas Eco, with his GOTY trophy.

Award sponsor

Left: Zoe Bonser gets ready to read out the winner’s name.

Far left: Blank Canvas Eco Whistler Tree Cork Collection.

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BEST FESTIVE & OCCASIONS PRODUCT OR RANGE

Below right: Merry & Bright Village Advent Calendar DIY Craft Kit from Two For Joy Illustration.

2022 WINNER: Merry & Bright Village Advent Calendar DIY Craft Kit from Two For Joy Illustration Right: Ali reveals the winner.

Left: Two For Joy Illustration’s designer Louise Richardson was presented with her GOTY trophy by Ali Farrell, advertisement manager, Progressive Gifts & Home.

Award sponsor

BEST FOOD & DRINK PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Indian Spice Tin and Silk Sari Wrap from Spice Kitchen

Award sponsor

Far right: The team from Spice Kitchen joined founder Sanjay Aggarwal on stage to receive their GOTY trophy from Jo Pilcher on behalf of Pink Key Licensing.

Right: Announcing the winner was Jo Pilcher.

Left: Spice Kitchen’s Indian Spice Tin and Silk Sari Wrap.

BEST HOME AND GARDEN PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Window Dressing from Fallen Fruits Left: Craig De Souza, ceo and founder of the Creative Industry Association, presented the GOTY trophy to Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association, on behalf of Fallen Fruits.

Award sponsor

Above: The winner was announced by Craig De Souza.

Left: Window Dressing from Fallen Fruits

BEST HOME FRAGRANCE PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Memories Candles Collection from FYG Far right: Demi Pendakis, owner and founder of Find Your Glow (FYG), received his GOTY trophy from Kim Baker, product merchandise manager at Cardzone, category sponsor.

Left: FYG’s Memories Candles Collection.

Award sponsor

Right: Announcing the winner was Kim Baker.

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WETLAND WILDLIFE ORIGAMI CATEGORY WINNER OWN LABEL

www.clockworksoldier.co.uk info@clockworksoldier.co.uk +44 7936 434894

32_GH_May June 2022.indd 1

The Chocolate Factory Clarendon Road London, N22 6XJ

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BEST INTERNATIONAL PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: London Calling Global Collection from Rocket68 Right: Rocket68’s London Calling Global Collection.

Award sponsor

Far right: Jill White, Rocket68’s owner and illustrator, received her trophy from Charlotte Broadbent, Faire’s UK country head.

Right: Charlotte Broadbent gets ready to read out the winner’s name.

BEST KITCHEN & DINING PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Halo Cotton Dish Covers from Clayspoon

Right: Clayspoon’s co-founder and owner, Katherine Chapman, received her award from John Barry, advertisement manager, HousewaresNews.net.

Left: Clayspoon’s Halo Cotton Dish Covers.

Right: John Barry announced the name of the winner.

Award sponsor

MY GIFT OF ALL TIME 2022 WINNER: The Modular Collection from Concrete & Wax

Left: Laura Keller and Alex Sommers, owners of Concrete & Wax, received their GOTY trophy from Ian Downes, director, Start Licensing, licensing agent for Wallace & Gromit, category sponsor.

Above: The Modular Collection from Concrete & Wax

Award sponsor

Left: Announcing the winner’s name was Ian Downes.

BEST NOVELTY PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Heinz Tomato Ketchup Grow Your Own Tomatoes Kit from Kimm & Miller Right: Simon Lau revealed the winner.

Left: Kimm & Miller’s Heinz Tomato Ketchup Grow Your Own Tomatoes Kit.

Award sponsor

Far right: Simon Lau, event director, Spring & Autumn Fair, Hyve Group, presented the GOTY trophy to William Pegg, business development director of Kimm & Miller.

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Remedial Aromatherapy Collection

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BEST OWN LABEL PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Wetland Wildlife Origami Kit from Clockwork Soldier Right: Rob Daikin, director, Clockwork Solider, was presented with his GOTY trophy by Greg Warrington, co-owner of Sourcing Support Asia, category sponsor.

Left: Greg Warrington reveals the winner.

Award sponsor

Far right: Clockwork Soldier’s Wetland Wildlife Origami Kit

BEST PET GIFT PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Doggy Baking Co’s Paw-Licking Baking Kits from The Bottled Baking Co

Award sponsor

Far right: Greg Fraser, director of The Bottled Baking Co., was presented with his GOTY trophy by Chris Workman, PR and marketing manager of The Giftware Association, category sponsor.

Right: The winner is announced by Chris.

Left: Doggy Baking Co’s PawLicking Baking Kits from The Bottled Baking Co.

BEST STATIONERY PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Sucseed Notebook from VENT for Change Right: Sucseed Notebook from VENT for Change.

Left: Jakki Brown gets ready to announce the winner.

Left: Lucy Heath, head of sales at VENT for Change, was presented with her GOTY trophy by Jakki Brown, managing director of Max Publishing/PG Buzz, category sponsor.

Award sponsor

BEST TECH &/OR GADGET PRODUCT OR RANGE 2022 WINNER: Arcade In A Tin Collection from Fizz Creations

Award sponsor

Far right: Nathan Aspin, managing director of Aspin, category sponsor, presented Fizz Creation’s head of marketing, Zoe Ryan, with her GOTY award.

Right: Getting ready to reveal the winner is Nathan Aspin.

Left: Fizz Creations’ Arcade In A Tin Collection.

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Reclaimed coffee beans, kiwi, cherry & lavender

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

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BEST GIFT UNDER £15 2022 WINNER: Dunked Collection from Dunked

Right: Matthew Payne with the golden envelope.

Award sponsor

Left: Dunked Collection from Dunked.

Right: Dunked’s owner Matt Rees was presented with his GOTY trophy by Matthew Payne, managing director of Method UK, category sponsor.

JUDGES CHOICE 2022 WINNER: The Plantable Children’s

Below: It was a hat trick for Willsow! The company’s head of business development, Baylee Magee, and accounts manager Grace Pointon, were presented with a third GOTY trophy by Zoe Bonser, portfolio director of Clarion Events/Home & Gift, category sponsor.

Book from Willsow

Right: Getting ready to read out the winner’s name is Zoe Bonser.

Above: The Plantable Children’s Book from Willsow.

Award sponsor

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2022 WINNER: Ronnie Pavey, founder and chairman, Lesser & Pavey

O

Above: Ronnie received a standing ovation as he made his way to the stage.

Below: The Greats Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), was presented to Ronnie Pavey by John Joyce, past president of BATF and long serving National Committee member of The Giftware Association.

ne of the most prestigious categories at The Greats is the special Outstanding Achievement Award, which is presented to someone who has contributed greatly to the UK gift industry.

This year, the Award, sponsored by the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), was won by Ronnie Pavey, founder and chairman of Lesser & Pavey.

In an extract from her citation, Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net said: “This year, the Award goes to someone who has been a pioneering, driving force in the gift industry for some 51 years . . . an entrepreneur with passion, vision and foresight.

“Over the years, the recipient of this award established a giftware brand that is renowned on a global stage, a brand that has become synonymous with the company’s name.

At the same time, our recipient’s vision and hard work has ensured that the business has grown rapidly, going from strength to strength over the decades, broadening its product range, keeping up with trends and always looking to bring out something new, chiming with retailers and what their customers are looking for.”

Above: Ronnie Pavey, founder and chairman of Lesser & Pavey, is shown proudly holding the prestigious The Greats Outstanding Achievement Award.

The very special award, a fitting finale to The Gift Awards, was presented to Ronnie by John Joyce, past president of the BATF and long serving National Committee member of The Giftware Association.

Award sponsor

Responding, Ronnie Pavey commented: “I’d like to thank all those that nominated me for this award, which is much appreciated. Over the many years I have enjoyed working in the gift trade, the characters that I have met have all left an imprint on this growing trade. The giftware trade would not be what it is today without the talents of innovators. A once UK market is now global, something I have had the pleasure to see develop, grow and be party to.”

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Spotlight On... PG Live 2022

Counting Down To PG Live As Progressive Greetings Live gets ready to opens its doors, exhibitors are busy with their final preparations and launch plans for the show, which takes place on 7-8 June at London’s Business Design Centre.

The show is an unmissable opportunity for those gift retailers looking to expand their greeting card selection, enabling them to see the latest ranges from countless leading names, as well as newbies and brand-new start-ups.

Greeting cards have really come into their own during the last couple of years, providing that all important, tangible way of people being able to communicate and show they care.

In the latest Progressive Gifts & Home Retail Barometer annual survey - which looks back at the previous 12 months - greeting card expansion took the No. 1 spot for gift shops in 2021, (jumping up four places by comparison to 2020), with almost half of those surveyed saying that expanding their card offer had had the most positive effect on their business. Which is why gift retailers of all shapes and sizes will be out in force when PG Live opens its doors at the Business Design Centre in London’s Islington on 7-8 June.

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As the UK's only dedicated, specialist greeting card show, PG Live 2022 will be bringing the whole greeting card community together - publishers, retailers, overseas distributors, agents and trade suppliers - to reveal the thousands and thousands of new designs being launched by a vast array of companies, ranging from leading brands to newbie start-ups.

And it’s without a doubt that these are the cards that will be flying off the shelves in the coming months.

Above: PG Live will be opening its doors on 7-8 June at the Business Design Centre in London’s Islington.

Right: Smiling Greats winners and finalists are shown raising a glass of bubbly at PG Live’s Wall of Fame last year.

Lunch Is On Us! There’s a saying that ‘there’s no such thing as a free lunch’, but PG Live is a show that turns that old adage on its head! A delicious, specially prepared hot - or cold - lunch is available in the Gallery Hall, (first floor), for both visitors and exhibitors, with free teas and coffees available on both show days.

“Having been privy to a sneak peek at what some of the PG Live exhibitors have lined up, this year’s show is on course to be a real stonker,” enthuses Warren Lomax, PG Live’s co-show director. “PG Live will be a fabulous celebration of everything’s that great about the greeting card industry wonderful products, a great bunch of people and a true sense of camaraderie.”

Among the gift retailers looking forward to returning the show, now in its 14th year, is Andrea Pinder, owner of Presentation Cards & Gifts in Barrowford. “PG Live is the creme de la creme of all the shows, and the reason it’s so important is that it delivers the best calibre of publishers the industry offers, along with the introduction of new publishers,” underlines Andrea.

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Spotlight On... PG Live 2022

Send A Card To The Queen With 2022 an extra special year for The Queen - her 70th Platinum Jubilee - and congratulations cards the order of the day, there will be a very special postbag for Her Majesty, bursting with good wishes from greeting card publishers and retailers, with everyone at PG Live invited to write and send a card!

The Cards For The Queen initiative has been instigated by the GCA and PG Live.

“My first port of call on entering the show will be Springboard for the new publishers to the industry, and hopefully, I will be supporting them with orders.”

Confirms Andrea: “I will definitely be placing orders for Spring 2023, along with every day new ranges from my regular suppliers and newbies. Keeping our card room fresh is very important to Presentation Cards & Gifts, and making sure we have the best choice for our customers is imperative.”

At Hugs & Kisses in Tettenhall, owner Caroline Ranwell says that PG Live is an absolute ‘must’ for her. “It’s by far the best trade show for greeting cards, with so many publishers both large and small. On arrival we always head straight to see our lovely friends at Rush Design, and then to Wendy Jones-Blackett to see the company’s new ranges. In a small village, it’s so important for me to put in new designs and I always manage to find a fair few new ranges at PG

It’s Party Time!

Everyone is invited to let their hair down at an opening night party on Tuesday 7 June that will see the great and the good in the card industry - exhibitors, retailers and trade suppliers - clinking glasses and enjoying a fabulous evening networking opportunity at the end of the first day.

It’s free to attend and an event that’s not to be missed, with corks popping from 6pm.

£50 Golden Ticket As an extra 'gift', all independent finalists and winners of The Greats 2022 have received a £50 golden voucher that can be spent against orders placed at the show.

‘Greats’ Drinks Reception All current and previous Greats winners and finalists are once again invited to enjoy a glass of fizz at the Wall of Fame drinks reception taking place at the Business Design Centre’s Gallery area on the first floor at 12.45 on both days of the show.

“It’s a marvellous opportunity for gift retailers to meet up and socialise, as well as to swap new and exciting ‘finds’ at the show,” comments Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net.

Live! There’s also a free lunch every day and a party on the first night, so perfect!”

In Highworth, Aga Marsden, owner of Highworth Emporium, enthuses: “I love PG Live. It’s a show that feels like a family and friends gathering, rather than work. The atmosphere is lovely, and the focus on cards and stationery makes buying really easy. The size is perfect for browsing too, as well as for making decisions in one day. There’s also a free tasty lunch, and as a finalist and past winner of a Greats Award, I’m also delighted to have a £50 voucher to spend at the show.”

As always, the rollcall of exhibitors for PG Live 2022 features a host of great names to include Abacus, The Art File, Belly Button Designs, Cardology, Caroline Gardner, Danilo, Dean Morris Cards, Deva

Designs, Emotional Rescue, Five Dollar Shake, Hammond Gower, Ling Design, Museums & Galleries, Ohh Deer, Paperlink, Paper Salad, Pigment, Tache Cards, Redback Cards, Rosanna Rossi, The Seed Card Company, UK Greetings, Wendy Jones-Blackett, and Woodmansterne. There will also be some notable international names - Animo from Sweden, Cozywood from Lithuania, Artige and Lowlands Studios from Holland, Perleberg from Germany and Affirmations from Australia.

The cards on offer will offer cover every genre - from male and humour to cute cards and children’s cards, along with the latest take on popular culture. A major focus of course, will be sustainable, eco friendly cards that are kind to the planet.

To add to the occasion there will also be goodie bags on arrival, and a warm welcome from the ‘cardie’ greeters. To register, visit www.progressivegreetings.live.com

Top: A warm welcome awaits from the popular ‘cardies’.

Above right: Busy aisles at the show in 2021.

Below: Winners and finalists of The Greats 2022 have received a £50 gold ticket to spend at the show.

As a finalist of The Greats 2021 & 2022 this voucher entitles you to receive £50 off any order placed with any exhibitor at the Progressive Greetings Live 2022 exhibition

£50 The Greats voucher

Shop Name

Look Out For... l The Village Green (ground floor):

To the PG Live exhibitor: This voucher must be redeemed by you on either Tuesday 7 June or Wednesday 8 June at the show organisers office (you will receive a £50 cheque on presentation)

Progressive Greetings Live, 7 and 8 June 2022, Business Design Centre, Islington, London N1 0QH

home to a mix of exhibitors and emerging brands l The Mezzanine: established brands and trade suppliers l Gallery (first floor): Springboard, home to brand new, emerging talent

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www.marmaladeoflondon.com

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In Profile: Makasi Imports

Taking

Root High quality wooden furniture and home accessories company Makasi - which imports a diverse and extensive range of products from Indonesia - was founded by entrepreneur Daniel Unsworth in 2014.

Eight years on, the business is continuing to go from strength to strength, with Daniel telling PG&H what gives the company its USP. Daniel Unsworth has been in the furniture and home accessories business since he was a teenager. “I started in the industry almost 30 years ago when I was 19, travelling out to Indonesia to buy and sell stock for a teak garden furniture company,” he explains. “I eventually became a partner in the company, subsequently deciding that I wanted to be my own boss, and I started my own business in 2014.”

Makasi: Current Best l Root with Glass Bowl l Bali Sun Parasol l Driftwood Twist Table/Stool

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That business was Makasi Imports, which supplies high quality wooden furniture and accessories featuring a wide range of rustic and contemporary designs, as well as a range for clients looking for something that’s unique.

Explains Dan: “We carry stylish, driftwood-style stock that larger wholesalers find difficult to source and reproduce. We hold good stock at all times in the UK, with our range constantly evolving to keep things fresh, ensuring that we can always offer our clients something truly unique. Key launches for 2022 include hand-painted wooden birds and new larger size 2.5m Bali parasols. Plus, there are new additions to our best selling range of root with molten glass sculptures.”

Dan highlights that the aim of Makasi is to supply great quality wholesale products at affordable prices, enabling trade only customers to make a profit. “Additionally, we’re a ‘people first’ company - our products are made by small family businesses using recycled teak roots, enabling the whole tree to be used sustainably in the furniture making Sellers process, eliminating waste, benefiting the environment and helping to support local communities,” he continues. “All

our products are traced from source right through to manufacture and are covered by FLEGT wood licencing. I maintain close relationships with our manufacturers so that I can personally guarantee the quality and ethical production of our products.”

Of course, keeping up to date with current trends is crucial, as is constantly investing in brand new product ideas. “Our products are designed to fit within any modern home or garden,” states Dan. “Each piece of our garden furniture is made using teak roots, with items unique across all products and styles.”

Top: Larger size Bali parasols are new for 2022.

Above left: Dan Unsworth, founder and managing director of Makasi, is shown at trade show in Indonesia just prior to the pandemic.

Far left: A best selling root with molten glass sculpture.

Left: Hand-painted wooden birds were among the new lines launched this year.

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In Profile: Makasi Imports To ensure the quality of Makasi’s products, Dan regularly travels around the globe to maintain close relationships with manufacturers so that he can personally guarantee the quality and the ethical production of products.

“In March 2020, I was at a trade exhibition in Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia, visiting suppliers just before the UK went into lockdown,” he recalls. “When we heard that a lot of the airlines were shutting down, due to the start of the pandemic, we had to do a mad dash back to the airport!”

Despite the pandemic however, Makasi has continued to grow steadily, going from strength to strength. Having started out with one main warehouse eight years ago, there are now three large warehouse units located on the company’s Surrey farm location. A team of over 40 people are based in the UK and Indonesia, with Makasi’s capacity growing from one to two containers per month to six to eight. “Since starting out, we have also increased our warehousing in Indonesia to five times our original warehouse space, with our own new onsite wood kiln drying facility introduced in 2021,” confirms Dan.

As for the challenges of the past two years, he’s proud that Makasi has carried on shipping throughout the whole of the pandemic and is still shipping constantly, despite the rise in shipping rates being a consistent threat to the import industry.

“We took the decision to reduce our margins rather than pass the full cost of increased shipping and materials costs onto our customers, to try and help them keep the ball rolling,” he confirms. “We are very aware that if we were to slow things down we would lose vital employees in the UK and in Indonesia and we don’t want to do that. Our customers have really appreciated our philosophy, and we had a lot of positive feedback when other

within specified time scales, ensuring that each piece that’s delivered is of the highest quality, and we also pride ourselves on building strong relationships, both with our suppliers and our customers. Additionally, we always listen to our customers and regularly ask them for their feedback.”

As for what’s in the pipeline for the second half of the year, Dan highlights: “In addition to investing in over 150 new products this year, we plan to concentrate on marketing and advertising to build on our customer base. And although I feel that consumer spending on big ticket items will stay low for this year, with the general public enjoying holidays abroad etc., I nevertheless see spending on home accessories, giftware and smaller occasional furniture increasing in 2022.”

companies were struggling to maintain their client base.”

As for future opportunities for Makasi, Dan admits that, as with a lot of businesses, it’s been difficult to plan ahead over the last couple of years. “However, since the pandemic restrictions were lifted, it’s been a lot easier, with the retail industry beginning to pick up again,” he points out.

So, what does he feel is the secret of Makasi’s success? “We deliver high end products

Top: A design-led wooden wine rack.

Above: A driftwood Twist table/stool.

Left An attractive wooden bowl.

Dan Unsworth: The Lowdown l Which three words best describe you?

“Hardworking, focused, innovative.” l What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced since launching Makasi?

“We had quite a big setback in 2015, with a large fire at our - uninsured - warehouse in the UK that took a lot of time to recover from, and very nearly finished us off. I had to sell my home to put the money into the business to get it back up and running again as quickly as possible, but very fortunately, it paid off.” l What do you enjoy most about working in the furniture/home accessories sector?

“I love getting it right with brand new products. I also love talking to people.” l What was the best piece of business advice that you were given when you started out?

“Re-invest back into the business constantly. Look at ways you can improve the business and move with the times.” l What’s the best piece of business advice that you would give to someone else today?

“Put the hours in and keep in good communication with all customers both big and small.” l What was your career plan B?

“I actually started out as a pâtissier/baker.”

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Spotlight On... Kitchen And Baking Gifts

Bake, Cook,

Eat

With an endless stream of TV cookery programmes, and a passion for entertaining at home, driven by the pandemic, there’s always something on TV to inspire viewers to put on an apron and find the oven gloves.

In advance of Exclusively, which will be welcoming buyers to the housewares show in June, taking place at London’s Business Design Centre, PG&H took a peek at what’s trending in gift-led kitchen and baking products.

Not everyone can be a Nigella or a Nadiya, but for many people nowadays, cooking and/or baking is an opportunity to relax and engage with making healthy food from scratch for friends and family. It has therefore created an opportunity for suppliers to make cooking and baking tools more giftled; and if the substrates are kind to the environment then that’s an added bonus.

“Home baking is back with a bang,” says Eddingtons’ Faye Colclough, product development & packaging manager. “We

have seen a huge demand for our decorative baking spatulas and cook sets, banneton bread baskets and liners, as well as our Bake & Take gift sets. We have since followed up with a new range of decorative, pastel coloured mixing bowls under The Pantry brand,” highlights Faye.

“The past two years has seen the home and garden become our focus,” comments T&G’s head of marketing Jenny Handley, “and with many more people working flexible hours as well as from home, we have turned

Top: Among Eddingtons’ new, decorative, pastel coloured mixing bowls.

Above left: Star Baker, part of T&G’s Baking Gifts collection, includes a board with utensils.

Above: Allen Designs’ Black Moth Apron from Enesco.

to home baking, entertaining and organising.

Everyone needs a wooden spoon or spatula as well as salt and pepper mills for seasoning,” she points out, “and we offer a wide selection of sustainable products that include FSC-certified natural beech wood serving, chopping and sharing boards, salt and pepper mills, utensils and FSC cork mats, coasters and pot stands. All are ideal for home entertaining and home baking, with a quality, sustainable guarantee,” points out Jenny. “For storage and display, our glassware collections are ideal for giving the kitchen a home edit, de-clutter and a tidy.

And using our in-house laser machine, we can engrave a design, add branding or personalise many of our products.”

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Spotlight On... Kitchen And Baking Gifts

Great Wall Of China In the world of celebrity, trend watchers have recently been blown away by actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s £6,500 Hermes plates, bowls and dishes displayed in the kitchen of her designer home in LA’s Montecito, with the trend of decorating walls with beautiful or fun plates more popular than ever.

“The trend for hanging plates on walls certainly isn’t a new one, but a quick look at Pinterest or Instagram shows that it’s become popular once again with interior lovers,” confirms Wayfair’s resident style advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill.

Right: Wayfair’s Platinum Jubilee Tea Party setting reveals an attractive, eye-catching plate wall.

Enesco’s marketing and product director, iconography,” states Rachel. “For Mason Helen Cottrill, concurs that the home Cash’s Autumn launch, we will be expanding remains a sanctuary. “The response to our the brand’s In The Forest collection to Demdaco Portfolio collection at Spring Fair include multi-use prep bowls and a serving was testament to this trend, with storage, platter. Both feature detailed woodland sentiment and wellbeing all covered,” embossments in an autumnal colour palette.”

Ultimate Products’ trading director, confirms Helen. “Plus, even the most Duncan Singleton, believes that the new utilitarian of kitchen products can make a design statement,” she continues. “Our Above left: Rayware’s In new Allen Designs tea towels and The Forest collection. aprons feature prints on quality cotton, Inset: Salter’s woodfired pizza oven. making them ideal for gift retailers wanting to expand into kitchen gifts.

They come folded, with a sustainable kraft strap describing the product, and are low in shelf space.”

Meanwhile, the trend for botanical designs shows no signs of slowing down. Rachel Dunleavy, brand manager for Mason Cash, highlights autumnal greens, soft pastels and warm earthy tones. “Texture and colour are key along with nature inspired

culture of relaxing and entertaining at home is here to stay. “Many consumers invested in their homes during the pandemic, creating spaces geared towards entertaining family, hosting friends and enjoying restaurant-worthy experiences from home,” he states.

“Responding to the ever-growing popularity of ‘staying in’ Salter has a introduced a host of innovation, including a brand-new Professional range, which features a woodfired pizza oven and draught beer dispenser.”

Claire Budgen, commercial & marketing director of Lifetime Brands, summarises: “With consumers keeping the kitchen at the heart of home living, and the bake and make it yourself trend continuing, bakeware and cookware are in the gifting spotlight. ‘Perfect gifts for foodies’ gift lists are prevalent wherever you look,” she point out, “and they include both bakeware and cookware as well as serveware and barware. At Lifetime Brands, we offer a complete Cook, Serve and Enjoy giftware offering that ranges from

Dining Al Fresco For those lucky enough to have a garden, and with warmer, summer weather on its way, inviting friends over to eat outside is a ‘must’.

“Outdoor dining has become a big trend, with the start of the pandemic driving al fresco type dining and socialising,” agrees Portmeirion’s Diane Clark. “For Portmeirion, serveware has become a focus as this more casual style of dining trends. With consumers becoming increasingly environmentally aware, what better way to serve food than on stoneware products, helping to bring a touch of sophistication to the outdoors?”

Barbecues too, will be taking centre stage. “Encouraging togetherness through experience is a key trend in 2022,” states Annie David, head of innovation at Ulster Weavers.

“Combined with a 40% increase in barbequing, it presents significant opportunities for retailers to capitalise on BBQ textiles such as aprons, BBQ cloths and tea towel collections over the summer months.”

Above right: The Sophie Conran by Portmeirion Arbor and Floret serveware takes its inspiration from nature.

Left: Ulster Weavers’ Sperrin collection is produced using 100% recycled material.

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Spotlight On... Kitchen And Baking Gifts bakeware and cookware through to more traditional serve and dine gifting options and, importantly, we can support a complete range which is key for the upcoming peak gifting season. Additionally, our new BarCraft cocktail sets and on trend glassware are Insta-worthy and giftable all year round, and we have added new serving pieces to our Artesa collection.”

As gift shops are discovering, with home and garden entertaining the name of the game, the smart money is currently on giftled, gift boxed kitchen and baking products, especially if they’re sustainable.

Below: Among the new serveware pieces in Lifetime Brands’ Artesa collection.

What’s Trending: Kitchen Storage With kitchens at the heart of the home, people are looking to add personality through accessories.

“Amber glass is very on trend, bringing a vintage apothecary texture to kitchen and housewares,” says Candlelight’s marketing manager Kate Winch. “The re-launch of our 50th anniversary celebration vintage amber storage jars, makes a giftable set and has been hugely popular with our independent customer base.”

At Rex London, Rachel McCarthy, social media and content manager, highlights that 2022 promises to be big on colour, with kitchens enjoying bold, vintage-inspired pops of colour against rich, earthy blues and greens.

“Our stylish storage tins are ideal for organising utensils on open shelving, another big trend for kitchens in 2022.

We've also added new ranges to our kitchen collection this season, to include cotton aprons, food containers and salt and pepper tins, all of which make lovely housewarming gifts.”

Above right: Candlelight’s 50th anniversary commemorative vintage amber storage jars are complemented by a range of candles.

Right: Two kitchen storage tins from Rex London.

Brand New On the licensing front, Captivate’s managing director, Kevin McKay, is fanfaring the company’s Eleanor Bowmer range, launched earlier this year, which has taken the company firmly into licensed giftware.

“It sits nicely alongside our first licensed range for Mary Berry,” he confirms. “After the last two years, bright, playful, practical, useful products are really capturing consumers’ attention, with our in house design team working closely with Eleanor to create a playful range of homewares, ranging from fun tea parties to baking at home. As with our Mary Berry licensed products, the Eleanor Bowmer designs have a real sense of collectability about them, and we are certainly seeing that coming through in retail.”

At Denby, James Martin Cook by Denby continues to be designed with gifting in mind. “James' experience in the best kitchens in the world has enabled him to give Denby invaluable detailed insights into designing cookware and accessories for the kitchen,” says the company’s corporate affairs manager Linda Salt.

The collection includes dishes for sweet and savoury recipes, and easy to merchandise gift boxed items such as the utensil pot, which has an integral mobile phone/tablet stand, a pestle and mortar, and James's essential butter box.

What’s Trending At Exclusively Working with trend forecaster Scarlet Opus, Exclusively, which takes place at London’s Business Design Centre on 14 and 15 June, will include trend talks, trend tours for buyers, and displays of exhibitors’ products, pre-selected for being particularly in tune with the themes and styles predicted to be popular over the next three years. Visit www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk

Above left: James Martin Cook by Denby Utensil Pot has an integral tablet stand.

Far left: Part of the new Eleanor Bowmer range from Captivate.

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The GreATesT COLLeCTiOn OF GreeTinG CArDs in The WOrLD

Lots of happy, shiny people are looking forward to PG Live 2022…

“What do I like about PG Live?

I love the fact that it’s just about cards - rows and rows of beautiful cards without any other distractions. Everyone’s upbeat, the attendance is strong and there’s a very friendly atmosphere.”

“We’ve never been so looked after at a trade show - just one of the things for us that means it stands apart from other shows. It has such a great buzz and positive vibe. It’s always great to see new publishers and emerging trends”

Jo Barber, owner, No.14, Ampthill

SAVE THE DATE Don’t miss PG Live 2022

Tuesday 7 - Wednesday 8 June Business Design Centre, London +44 (0) 7734 111633 www.progressivegreetingslive.com @PGLiveLondon #pglive2022

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Miles Robinson, co-owner, House of Cards

“OMG where do I begin!?

PG Live is by far our favourite trade event.

Its size, dedication to the industry and having literally every good quality supplier under one roof trumps all other shows”

Carl Dunne, owner of Cards and Gifts, Sheffield and Dronfield

The FuTure OF GreeTinGs

Book your frEE TickETS now To rEcEiVE your frEE SHow PrEViEw www.progressivegreetingslive.com

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1: Mason Cash Nautical Batter Bowl The Mason Cash Nautical Batter Bowl is perfect for mixing and pouring batter mixes.

Part of the Nautical range, the bowl is embossed with under the sea creatures and has a beautiful blue glaze. Made from hardwearing stoneware that is practical for the kitchen, it is dishwasher and microwave safe.

Rayware T: 0151 486 1888 E: customerservice@rayware.co.uk W: www.rayware.co.uk

What s

New UNVEILED AT

2: Easy Pro Saute Pan Kuhn Rikon has been making cookware since 1926 and is a one-stop-shop for carefully-designed and manufactured cookware, knives and tools & gadgets! This year sees the launch of several new ranges and additions to best sellers like the Easy Pro Saute Pan pictured here. This great everyday sauté pan is easy to use, cooks brilliantly and is energy efficient. A versatile pan that can be used with or without the lid for a variety of cooking. Easy Pro combines forged aluminium with a tough non-stick finish to create a practical pan that’s a joy to use.

Kuhn Rikon Visit: Stand EH253 T: 01902 458410 E: sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk W: www.kuhnrikon.co.uk

3: Magnetic Toast Tongs by Pebbly from Tradestock These fabulous and best-selling toast tongs

by Pebbly from Tradestock are made from bamboo and feature a little magnet which enables you to keep them on the toaster – genius! They come in a vast array of colours and are available individually with a hanging card or in a multicoloured CDU which contains 36 pieces. Several different CDUs are available, each housing a different selection of colours but they all create maximum impact in the retail setting.

Tradestock T: +44 (0) 1823 661717 E: sales@tradestockltd.co.uk W: www.tradestockltd.co.uk

4: SmartStore™ Baskets Orthex Group, a leading Nordic producer of consumer household products, has placed sustainability at the heart of its business for many years now, first using a material made from recycled industrial plastic waste in the 1990s. SmartStore™ Baskets are made completely from recycled plastic. Available in white or taupe and in a variety of sizes (from 8ltr to 16ltr), they’re perfect for any room in the house! From clothes, tinned goods and kitchen items to crafts, stationery or kids’ toys. Accessories available separately include bamboo lids and naming tabs.

Orthex Group Visit: Stand EH305 T: +44(0)7920236548 E: craig.sammells@orthexgroup.com W: www.orthexgroup.com

5: STAUB Sage Green Specialists in premium cast iron cookware, STAUB has introduced a new colourway for its celebrated traditional cast iron Cocottes, a fresh and natural Sage. Perfect for entertaining this summer, the new colourway will add a pop of subtle colour to any kitchen, while the Cocotte's cast iron construction makes it easy for keen cooks to produce mouth-watering dishes for family and guests.

Zwilling J.A. Henckels Ltd T: 0845 262 1731 E: sales@zwilling.co.uk W: www.zwilling.com/uk

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Guzzini Relaunch into Uk and Eire with their exclusive distribution partner Eddingtons “At Fratelli Guzzini,” explains Domenico Guzzini, Chairman of

recyclable, objects, all strictly Italian-made.

the company of the same name, “ we are proud of our

“Committed throughout our history to innovation,

impressive history reaching back 110 years to our foundation,

ethics and social responsibility, in 2019 we launched the

but we are above all strongly oriented towards the future and

CIRCLE programme, to transition from the

change. We invest continually in updating our offer, aiming to

“material-production-use-waste” production chain to

create products that improve their purchasers’ quality of life in

the circular “recovery-recycling-production-reuse-recovery”

terms of both convenience and style.

system. Circle comprises eco-sustainable products,

Conserving the environment is one of our key objectives,

made from post-consumer recycled and bio-based plastics.”

and so over the years we have developed a very high degree

“We are strongly determined to export the Italian lifestyle

of know-how to give new beauty to recycled materials,

worldwide,” adds Fratelli Guzzini CEO Sergio Grasso,

using research, technology and design to create new, durable,

“and intend to do so through distribution partnerships with

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organisations that share our corporate vision, starting from our commitment to offering consumers objects of excellent quality while prioritising values such as ethics and social responsibility. We are therefore delighted about the distribution partnership with Eddingtons: we share the same great passion for this project and we are confident that together we will further boost Guzzini’s commercial expansion in the UK and EIRE, countries of great importance to us.”

Eddingtons will hold stock in the UK and Deliver Duty paid throughout the Uk and Eire Eddingtons Ltd www.eddingtons.co.uk 01488 686 572 sales@eddingtons.co.uk

BioLine salad spinner

BIO-BASED PROCESS: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS These products are made from plastic defined as bio-based, derived from vegetable biomass waste and residues (agricultural and forestry waste, for example) so it is renewable and does not consume space, land or water that could be used to produce food for people.

Products’ bio-based plastic content is calculated using the mass balance approach, certified by ISCC (International Sustainability&Carbon Certification).

Products’ characteristics: • They have the same technical properties as those made from virgin materials • There are no limits regarding appearance - transparent finishes are possible • 100% recyclable

110 pitcher

MECHANICAL RECYCLING: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS It enables the manufacture of products from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. Used single-use pet and pp bottles are collected, sorted and washed then reduced to flakes and reprocessed. After melting and extrusion, the flakes will become plastic pellets, for transformation into products by injection moulding.

Product characteristics • Only products in recycled PET are suitable for contact with foods • Dishwasher friendly with no temperature limits • Suitable for use in microwaves except for recycled PET products • 100% recyclable

Tierra collection

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Spotlight On... Wedding Gifts

Love

&

Marriage With weddings firmly back on the agenda this year ranging from the lavish £3m Peltz-Beckham wedding in April to more intimate, smaller nuptials held for only the very closest of family and friends - tying the knot means different things to different couples. But big or small, a certainty is that guests are on the lookout for those meaningful, extra special wedding gifts that stand out from the crowd.

PG&H asked some of the leading wedding/occasion gift suppliers to reveal what’s driving sales.

With a flurry of summer weddings in the offing, gift suppliers are at the ready to help the bride and groom and their guests to celebrate the big day. And while Brooklyn Beckham might have received a £380,000 classic Jag as a wedding present from dad David, for most people, buying wedding gifts for the happy couple tend to be a lot more realistic!

“Personalisation has become increasingly popular for weddings, with gifts now available for not only the bride and groom, but the whole wedding party too,” says PMC’s Felicity Colbert. “With this popularity comes the demand for unique and original personalised gifts that really stand out from the crowd.”

As she highlights: “With more and more of us sharing all aspects of our lives on

social media, particularly using platforms such as Instagram, we feel that personalised gifts must therefore have the ‘wow’ factor, inevitably encouraging consumers to also share our products online as part of their wedding celebrations.”

Additionally, with many couples paying for their own wedding celebrations nowadays, it’s not unusual for couples to save for prolonged periods in preparation for their special day, points out Joe Davies’ buyer Mary Caputo. “Wedding fund money boxes are a growing trend and Above left: Xpressions Wedding Pot of Dreams money boxes from Joe Davies.

Above: Inspired Bells by Demdaco from Enesco.

Left: Among the photogenic personalised wedding gift from PMC.

ymake ideal gifts, providing a practical, fun way of saving for a dream wedding.”

Adds Mary: “Our Xpressions’ Wedding Pots of Dreams offer a unique way to save, as the pots are fed with coins and notes before being smashed when they are full.”

Enesco’s marketing and product director Helen Cottrill reflects that, as so many people now have a home established before they get married, so the traditional wedding

Weddings 2022: The Lowdown The findings of a recent survey by caterer.com revealed that: l 3.3m people are planning a wedding this year. l 1.8m will be hosting their wedding party at a pub for a more relaxed vibe. l 25% of people revealed that they would be attending up to three weddings this year. l According to recent research, an increasing number of brides are choosing to have a double-barrelled surname when they marry.

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ai165054836013_PRG&H 271 x 92mm - Star Baker Ad.pdf

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CM

MY

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Spotlight On... Wedding Gifts list seems to have fallen out of fashion, with requests for donations towards large home renovations or honeymoons becoming the norm.

“However, no-one likes to turn up at a wedding - or any occasion - without something, and we have many well priced gifts to fit,” she comments.

“These include our love and wedding Inspired Bells, together with vases and home accessories from Impressions, and Together Time family games, all from Demdaco. All make ideal gifts for weddings and are equally suitable as new home or engagement presents, or as a hostess gift.”

Meanwhile, Katie Loxton’s Bridal collection has taken the key SS22 colour trends into consideration, with sage green and blush pink taking centre stage across the company’s Bridal Perfect Pouches range.

“The big day calls for some sweet sentiment, which can be found in our brand new semi-precious stone bridal pouches

or coffee table look, as well as being a quality vessel to drink from and display cakes on after the wedding,” says Julian.

“It’s something that will be with the happy couple for some time, something to enjoy together every day, making it a perfect wedding gift or a gift for a new home, or other important occasion,” says Julian.

“The joy that weddings are back on has meant that customers are really looking for extra special gifts and cards as there’s a lot of extra love for couples being able to finally tie the knot,” states Mark Coulson, managing director of Coulson Macleod.

“The sentiments in our wordy Wise Words marriage print are certainly being appreciated, which handily comes already that each feature a real semi-precious stone and secret sentiment inside that are ideal to take brides from ceremony-toreception,” explains founder and creative director Katie Loxton. “After a couple of years of no travel, honeymooning has become an even bigger focus, so the collection ensures that the couple jet off without a hitch with their ‘Just Married’ luggage tag and passport cover!”

While not specifically wedding themed, Lesser & Pavey’s managing director Julian Hunt highlights a gift for a couple that’s historic and practical - the company’s new Golden Lily range of William Morris - featuring affordable, individual gift boxed houseware items.

“What better gift to receive than something that enhances a kitchen setting Top: Lesser & Pavey’s Golden Lily range of William Morris.

Above right: Wise Words mini art from Coulson Macleod.

Left: Katie Loxton semi-precious stone bridal pouch.

framed and gift-boxed. In fact, the Wise Words range has reduced a number of people to happy tears over the years and you really can’t ask for more than that from a gift!” states Mark.

No matter how big or small, a gift is always appreciated, so from a gifting perspective, let’s raise a glass to the bride and groom, their friends and their families!

Gifts For Team Bride Among the company’s adding sparkle to the bride’s big day is Joma Jewellery.

The company’s bridal proposals - currently a big a trend for brides who want to send a gift to their bridesmaids, maid of honour and everyone who is part of team bride - add another gift giving element to the occasion.

Joma’s Instagrammable offer features the A Little collection, with items including A Little ‘Will You Be My Bridesmaid’ to A Little ‘Thank You For Helping Me Tie The Knot’ bracelets, which are part of the company’s Bridal collection.

“And if the guests are looking to thank the happy couple for allowing them to be part of their big day, our Bridal boxed bracelets make for a sentimental treat that they’ll cherish long after the wedding day,” points out Joma Jewellery’s founder and creative director Katie Loxton.

Right: A gift for a bridesmaid from Joma Jewellery’s Bridal A Little collection.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Made In Britain

Individually printed and hand-finished to order, in our Northants studio

Muso GREETING CARDS WO O D E N P L AQ U E S A RT P R I N T S MINI SIGNS

NEW

for music lovers everywhere and perfect for Father’s Day

coulson macleod. coulsonmacleod-trade.com | coulsonmacleod.faire.com | 01536 419944 | hello@coulsonmacleod.com

01873 812255 www.mandarinarts.co.uk Sales Agent required for territory consisting of Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

Please email chris.noble@wplgifts.co.uk to

register interest and detail your experience.

Please call for a copy of our latest catalogue

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What s

New

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

1: Joma Jewellery – Boxed Bridal A Littles Catch the eye of every bride-to-be with Joma Jewellery’s Boxed Bridal Collection!

Decorated with faceted beads and set with a touch of pavé, this must-have ‘Tie The Knot’ bracelet will sparkle on the big day (and beyond!). Especially delicate, this dainty bracelet was designed to complement the glamour that surrounds the big day. The signature stylised card and heartfelt poem makes the perfect wedding gift.

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

2: Katie Loxton – Bridal Perfect Pouches Wedding season is here to stay as Katie Loxton’s bestselling Bridal Perfect Pouches continue for the Autumn Winter season. There’s no wonder why they’re so loved; the vegan leather design paired with gorgeous on-trend colourways like rose pink and golden sentiment, make these wedding-ready pouches absolute must-haves!

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

3: A Day To Remember Weddings are back! Make the most of celebrating again with personalised gifts from PMC! With it’s soft green colour scheme and simple design the botanical range is perfect for newly weds!

Visit PMC’s website to see their full range of personalised gifts for weddings.

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

4: Beautiful Wooden Certificate Holders Brand new for 2022 are these beautiful wooden certificate holders. Available in a range of designs, covering a variety of occasions, these are a lovely way to keep your precious certificate safe.

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

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

5: Heartfelt Wedding Gifts Heartfelt wedding gift ideas that will be loved and cherished as they celebrate their happily ever after.

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

1: Chakra Bracelets & Worry Stones New in this months are additions to Puckator’s popular Chakra mineral range.

Made using authentic gemstones, our Bracelets, Chakra kits, Stone Sets and Hanging Crystals have proven extremely popular given the current trend in discovering the healing properties of gemstones. All are packaged in attractive counter display units, meaning it’s easy to show your customers a range of products in a limited space. See the whole range and buy online at www.puckator.co.uk Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

2: Equilibrium Ladies Fashion Accessories Autumn/Winter 2023 Ladies Fashion Accessories are all about finding cosy accessories that keep you warm and the brand new Equilibrium collection does just that. Scarves and gloves can do so much for a Winter outfit and the collection really does have something for everyone. Luxurious colour-blocked scarves, sumptuous faux fur crossover scarves, soft suede feel gloves, modern cable knit scarf and glove sets and much, much more. If it’s a special gift you are looking for many pieces come complete with a signature Equilibrium foiled gift box, making them easy to display for the retailer and perfect to wrap for the customer.

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

3: Calling All Dog Lovers!

Featuring a host of loveable fur babies in Love Country's popular heart warming style of artwork, this calendar is sure to warm any dog lovers heart. Each month features fun and delightful short stories for each dog written by the artist. Get ready for Walkies and Wellies! Available for pre order now.

Love Country By Sarah Reilly T: 01502 507352 E: support@lovecountryuk.co.uk W: www.lovecountrybysarahreilly.co.uk

4: Earth Secrets Wax Melts As some customers prefer to switch from candles to wax melts in summer months, the new addition to Earth Secrets from Ashleigh & Burwood couldn’t be better timed. Their new heart shaped Wax Melts are crafted from a highly-fragranced soy wax blend to ensure long-lasting fragrance release. Just a couple of Wax Melts added to an Oil Burner will quickly bring a beautiful aroma to a room. Each tin is crammed with enough hearts for around 50 melts, giving many hours of nature-inspired fragrance.

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

5: Feel Good Gifts Introducing three new capsule gift collections – Life’s a Beach, Summer Meadows and Everyday is a new Adventure .

These beautiful collections have been designed to motivate and uplift. Featuring a range of spa and home fragrance gifts which are perfect for gifting to friends and family, or as a lovely self- purchase treat. Available to order now.

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

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,

What s

New

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

1: Zooniverse Tail Shaped Handled Mugs New and exclusive to Puckator are these fun Zoooniverse collectable mugs. Each mug incorporates the animals tail into the handle shape which really brings the character of the animal to life. Designed in the UK and currently available in 6 exciting designs, with new additions to follow in Autumn 2022. Buy online at wwww.puckator.co.uk Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

2: Simply Green Gallery Direct’s catalogue of over 6,000 lines includes a fantastic selection of soft furnishings. The catalogue includes their Simply Green range which features fabric made 100% from recycled plastic bottles, salvaged from the ocean and from land.

Gallery works closely with their weaving partners to create on trend designs. The fabric gives a luxurious feel with the extra benefit of durability. The range includes cushions, throws, occasional seating and rugs. Gallery are showcasing their catalogue at Harrogate Home & Gift on stands M30-31 and M17.

Gallery Direct T: 01795 439159 E: sales@gallerydirect.co.uk W: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

3: For The Music Lover Coulson Macleod is excited to announce the launch of a brand new greeting card and wall art range featuring icons of the music industry. Included in the Muso range are unframed paper prints in A5, A4 and A3 sizes. Printed on heavyweight textured card, these fabulous prints are ideal as a gift or self-purchase.

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

4: Rhodia Metallic Notebooks We love these new A5 notebooks from Rhodia. The soft imitation leather covers have a metallic sheen which gives a luxurious and chic appearance and are available in five colours - gold, copper, bronze, titanium and white. Rhodia notebooks are renowned for their premium quality super-smooth 90gsm paper that is loved by writers around the world.

Exaclair Limited T: 01553 696600 W: www.exaclairlimited.com

5: Award Winning Remedial Aromatherapy Candle Collection ChilliWinter, the newly crowned winners of the Gift of The Year Award for ‘Beauty, Beauty and Spa’ with their Remedial Aromatherapy Candle Collection.

This also received ‘Highly Commended’ in ‘Home Fragrance’, alongside ChilliWinter’s 'Little Box of Mindful Moments' for 'My Gift of All Time'. Both delightful products encourage a wellbeingled and home-spa lifestyle.

Chilliwinter T: 07912 946 574 E: Media & Sales enquiries: info@chilliwinter.co.uk W: www.chilliwinter.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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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.

Richard Barker, owner of four Cilla and Camilla stores in West Dorset.

A medium sized gift shop located in the centre of the market town of Bridport.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Gisela Graham: mugs, jars; LSA: ‘Flower’ vases

A perfect combination of style, quality, price and range.

High quality, classic design.

Fragranced Giftware

Ashleigh & Burwood: The Scented Home diffusers; St Eval: candles, tealights, diffusers

The well-priced ‘go to’, everyday range for customers.

Decent prices, wide range of fragrances, good green credentials.

Jewellery

Hot Tomato: across the board; One Button: across the board

An extensive range that’s always on trend. Brilliant service.

Bright, cheerful, quirky products.

Great for in store display.

Fashion and Fashion Accessories

Red Cuckoo: bags; Thought Socks: bamboo

Good range of styles.

Great quality. The boxed sets make ideal gifts.

Greeting Cards

Rosie Made A Thing

Perfect humour for the Bridport vibe.

Giftwrap

Lagom

Unique, bold design, high quality.

Other Hot Hits

Map Marketing Jigsaws: Tim Bulmer jigsaws; Jellycat: across the board

A 1000 piece Dorset jigsaw that’s ideal for Dorset lovers – residents and visitors alike.

Phenomenal in every respect.

Top: The Scented Home Every Cloud reed diffuser from Ashleigh & Burwood.

Above: Turquoise and pearl earrings from Hot Tomato.

Angela Jones, owner of Lily Blue Gifts & Home, Hagley.

A small gift shop on a high street in a village setting.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Retreat Home: across the board; Parlane Living: across the board

Natural styles that complement all decors.

Fragranced Giftware

Inis: across the board Bramley Products: across the board

A wonderful fresh fragrance.

New to us but proving popular as an all-natural essentials oil body range.

Jewellery

Envy Jewellery: across the board; Reeves and Reeves: silver

Great gift packaging, great price point.

One Hundred Stars: across the board; Chalk: one size clothing

Super stylish. Products stand out from the crowd.

Greeting Cards

Redback Cards

Laugh out loud cards!

Giftwrap

Belly Button Designs

Beautiful, bright seasonal designs at a good price point.

Other Hot Hits

Powder Designs: hats and socks;

Summer hats and socks have been a sell out this year.

Fashion & Fashion Accessories

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On trend, with timeless classics part of the range.

Sweet designs that suit all styles.

Smart casual clothes that are good for layering.

Super soft fabrics.

Top: Bramley hand cream.

Above: A photo frame from Parlane.

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Janet Hartree, owner, Ewe and Me, Grantown-on-Spey.

A medium sized gift, clothing and lifestyle shop currently celebrating 40 years.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Winged Heart: Rennie Macintosh style mirrors; East of India: ceramic and wooden gifts

Beautiful mirrors that are painted and affordable.

A large range of beautiful ceramic and wooden gifts that are always top sellers.

Fragranced Giftware

Shearer Candles: across the board;

A big selection of fragrances. Attractive reed diffusers, and candles that are long and clean burning.

Our customers’ favourite fragrance is Sea Kelp.

Scottish Fine Soaps: across the board Jewellery Above: Wooden gifts from East of India.

Right: Home fragrancing products from Shearer Candles.

Fashion and Fashion Accessories

Sheila Fleet: handmade Orkney jewellery; Carrie Elspeth: across the board

A special gift for someone. Designs are inspired by the Islands’ environment.

Eye catching and colourful beaded necklaces and bracelets. Good price point.

Squared Earth: tweed bags

Attractive colourways reflecting the seasons.

Good range of designs.

Easy to wear clothing; one size relaxed, affordable pieces. Lots of tops with and without script.

Chalk: one size clothing

Greeting Cards

Woodmansterne

Quentin Blake is our best seller. The cards cover all occasions with humour.

Giftwrap

Glick

Beautiful designs that are colourful and eye-catching. Good price points.

Other Hot Hits

Shoeless Joe

Designs are crafted in a tin. The company also does super Christmas decorations.

Jo Georgiou, owner, The Ark, Stoke Newington, N London.

A small gift shop on a main road.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Garden Trading: woven hanging planters in sea grass; Lucy Loves This: A4 prints featuring Location Letters

Very popular with our customers. The natural material goes well with the plant vibe.

These appeal because they are relevant to the local area.

Home Fragrancing

Heaven Scent: 100% plant wax candles; Maegan: soya wax candles in recycled wine bottles

A staple product that we sell lots of for gifts and self-purchasing.

A nice eco look and great fragrances.

Jewellery

Esoteric: recycled earrings and necklaces; One & Eight Jewellery: across the board

Great colours and designs.

PoM: scarves;

The scarves are made from recycled plastic bottles in gorgeous colours and designs.

The card holders, purses and socks appeal to all ages.

Fashion & Fashion Accessories

House of Disaster: Moomin

Unusual, well presented jewellery.

Greeting Cards

Paper Salad

The cards always jump out on the stand thanks to a great use of colour.

Giftwrap

Artebene

The 100% Organics range does very well.

Other Hot Hits

Arthouse Unlimited: chocolate bar

Eye-catching artwork and charity messages.

Customers love to gift them.

Top: Hanging planters from Garden Trading.

Above: Among the chocolate bars from Arthouse Unlimited.

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,

What s

New

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

3: Ceramic Keepsake Hearts If you’re looking for the perfect keepsake gift for someone or for a special occasion, look no further than these pretty ceramic keepsake hearts from Joe Davies.

Available for a host of occasions and captions including new baby, christening, wedding, mum, friend and many, many more. Each heart is overlaid with a smaller ceramic icon applicable to the caption or occasion and can be hung up to be enjoyed long after the event. What’s more they come complete with q pretty organza gift bag and a gift box making them just perfect in every way!

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

4: Elegant Pearls Hot Tomato has its finger firmly on the pulse with these gorgeous earrings and with pearls being so much in vogue right now. The designs featured form part of a wider collection to include bracelets and necklaces, all wonderfully timeless and forever elegant - we are smitten!

Hot Tomato T: 01225 422188 E: sales@hot-tom.com

5: VENT for Change SUCSEED Notebooks

2: Bottlesoc 1: Nature-inspired Scents Celebrating the natural inspirations behind the fragrances, Ashleigh & Burwood’s Earth Secrets collection has two additional new scents. Cheerful Orange & Neroli and refreshing Darjeeling Tea fragrances are available as a cute 50ml reed diffuser -a great way to add no fuss fragrance to the home.

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

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“Clare Davis is the founder of Bottlesoc which make stretchy bottle sleeves for people with drinks bottles on the go. “I came up with the idea after the kids lost so many of them at school or I had to carry mine and didn’t have any spare hands! I made the strap extendable so you could carry it on your shoulder and the stretchy sleeve means it fits most 500ml bottles regardless of the shape!” Made from 100% recycled polyester and packaging made from FSC woodland, Bottlesoc sleeves help you stay hydrated and do your bit for the environment at the same time.

Bottlesoc T: 07969360958 E: Hello@bottlesoc.com W: www.bottlesoc.com

WINNERS of the 2022 Gift of the Year Stationery Awards the VENT Sucseed range of notebooks are made using reclaimed organic waste including coffee beans (featured) kiwi, cherry and lavender mixed with recycled paper and card.

Beautiful gift ideas that don’t cost the earth.

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

6: Make An Outfit Sparkle Back in stock (and by popular demand!) are Hot Tomato’s gloriously sparkly pins and brooches. If vintage vibe is your thing then look no further, the crown alone is a faithful replica of an original 1953 coronation lapel badge – very on trend your majesty!

Hot Tomato T: 01225 422188 E: sales@hot-tom.com W: www.hot-tom.com

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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!

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

ASHLEIGH & BURWOOD T: 01932 267060 E: COT@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk W: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

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

BELLY BUTTON DESIGNS T: 0161 902 0200 E: enquiries@bellybuttondesigns.com W: www.bellybutton.cards

CARRIE ELSPETH T: 01446 771271 E: sales@carrieelspeth.com W: www.carrieelspeth.com

ONE BUTTON T: 0116 2793715 E: info@onebuttonuk.com W: www.onebuttonuk.com

PARLANE LIVING LTD T: 01451 812 700 E: sales@parlane.co.uk W: www.parlane.co.uk

INIS THE ENERGY OF THE SEA T: +3531 2867125 E: hello@inis.com W: www.inis.com

EARTH SQUARED T: 01620 892289 E: sales@earthsquared.com W: www.earthsquared.com Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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ENESCO LIMITED, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, CA3 0EN UK Customer Services Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services Telephone: +44 (0)1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk © 2022 demdaco

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