The UK’s only contemporary fashion, lifestyle and beauty trade show that’s all under one roof
London Tobacco Dock
16–18 July
Tobacco Quay, Wapping Lane, London E1W 2SF
There’s nothing the gift industry enjoys more than a reason to get together, and in May, the fabulous black-tie Gift Awards at London’s glittering Royal Lancaster Hotel was a wonderful opportunity to network, with all strands of the industry there to recognise and reward the past year’s outstanding gift retailers and suppliers.
“I strongly feel that you can’t put a price on being at an event such as The Gift Awards,” says The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward in her column. To see what else Sarah has to say, turn to page 37 for her insightful views on why it’s so important to network. If you couldn’t make this year’s Awards, you can flick through the fun party pics on pages 18-19, and discover who this year’s Greats and Gift of the Year winners are (if you don’t know already!). Turn to pages 21-35 for our winners special!
And staying with getting together, the much-loved, dedicated greeting card show
Progressive Greetings
Live, organised by Max Exhibitions, will be opening its doors at London’s Business Design Centre on 6-7 June. With greeting cards an everexpanding sector for gift shopshighlighted by Progressive Gift & Home’s latest Retail Barometer - it’s a ‘must visit’ experience, with thousands of new launches from established names and newbies at the heart of the show. (Turn to page 9). And don’t forget, you can enjoy a delicious free lunch,
and refreshments on tap on both days, as well as entry to the free post-show drinks party at the end of the first day, where visitors and exhibitors can really let their hair down!
Meanwhile, also back at the Business Design Centre next month (June 13-14) is Exclusively, the dedicated housewares show. We take a look at what’s trending in kitchen gifts on pages 43-45. Plus, with wellness one of the biggest trends around at the moment, we lather up with some of the coolest bath and body gifts around, and also take a look at plush, the best performing toy sector category in 2022, to discover which products have got the ‘ooh, aah’ factor. Turn to pages 56-57.
We also chat to Jules Vahrman, founder and managing director of Wild Things, to find out what will be dazzling buyers at Home & Gift, Harrogate (16-19 July) – turn to pages 38-39 – and meet up with Amanda Peffer, founder of awardwinning children’s clothing company Blade & Rose, which is celebrating its 13th anniversary. Turn to page 41.
In addition, Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, talks us through the Coronation and Father’s Day (turn to page 61), while a crosssection of gift retailers share their feedback on how the year’s been so far. Turn to pages 15-17 to discover what business has really been like for gift shops. Plus, we reveal the hottest, most up-to-the-minute industry news on pages 7-13.
Enjoy the issue, and here’s looking forward to seeing lots of you at the trade shows in June. It’s always good to talk, and to network!
Sue Marks, Editor
18
50
7-13 News
15-17
Feedback: Half-term report
18-19
The Gift Awards: Partying The Night Away
21-35
The Gift Awards: Greats and GOTY winners
35
In Conversation With . . . Sarah Ward, ceo, The Giftware Association
36-37
In Profile: Wild Things
39
In Profile: Blade & Rose
41-43
Spotlight On . . . Kitchen Gifts
50-51
Spotlight On . . . Bath & Body
54-55
Spotlight On . . . Plush
59
Libby’s Lines
69-71
The winners of The Gift Awards 2023 –uniting The Gift of the Year Awards and The Greats Awards - were announced at a glittering event, held at London’s Royal Lancaster hotel on 11 May.
Hosted by comedian Sara Barron, the awards event was attended by some 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: “The 2023 Gift of the Year Awards were our largest to date with almost 1,000 entries, and over 90 industry judges lending their expertise to bring you all here this evening as worthy finalists. The result was our most diverse competition ever reflecting emerging trends, industry movements and changing customer behaviour. Never has the competition been so unpredictable, which makes this evening’s awards ceremony so exciting.”
Added Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net: “The 2023
Awards saw an unprecedented level of engagement from retailers and suppliers alike, evidenced by the wealth of nominations from the gift industry at large, as well as from the huge number of gift retailers self-nominating and putting themselves forward.”
The final award of the evening was The Greats Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), which was presented to Clare Harris, founder and managing director of Talking Tables by Louise Hadfield, head of central services. Winners of both The Greats and the Gift of the Year Awards are featured on pages 21-35. (View the party pics on pages 18-19).
The Gift Awards 2023 were enthusiastically supported by a strong roster of sponsors, with Spring Fair and Autumn Fair as headline supporter. Companies included: Aspin; Ashleigh & Burwood; Autumn Fair; Bira; Brand Licensing Europe (BLE); British Allied Trades Federation (BATF); Carte Blanche Greetings (CBG); Crafter’s Companion; Gift Republic; Gisela Graham; Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair; Harrogate Nursery Fair; Home & Gift; HousewaresNews.net; Joe Davies; Lesser & Pavey; Life Charms; Method UK; N. Smith; Products of Change; Progressive Gifts & Home; Progressive Greetings Live; Qalara; Source Home & Gift; Sourcing Support Asia; Splatter; Spring Fair; Start Licensing; Talking Tables; The Giftware Association; Top Drawer; Trade Counter UK; Wallace & Gromit and Widdop & Co.
Multiple gift independent Brocante, winner of The Greats 2023 Best In Store or Window Display category, recently opened two new gift and lifestyle stores, to include a seventh in Cornwall – a second outlet in St Ives - and a first in Devon, located in Salcombe, bringing the total number of Brocante stores to eight. Other Brocante stores are located in Mevagissey, Fowey (x2), Charleston and Perranporth, with a visit to the store equating to “a personal shopping experience.”
Having spotted and opportunity when a former Paperchase outlet closed down in Morningside, Edinburgh, (following the multiple’s demise), Michael Apter, owner of gift and card independent Paper Tiger, wasted no time in snapping it up, adding a third gift and card shop to his retail portfolio in the city.
The new store, which opened on 12 May, features Augustus Tiger on one of its sides, created by awardwinning author and illustrator Catherine Rayner.
Established in 1981, Paper Tiger was originally part of the Studio One group of companies, with owner Michael at the helm for the past 25 years.
l Gift indie Bentleys in Stourport-on-Severn is celebrating its 70 year milestone anniversary
At the helm are Stephen and Julie McHale who bought the business in 2006.
l Fair trade brand Earth Squared has achieved B Corp certification, furthering the company’s commitment to operating its business as a means of positive change, as well as creating feelgood fashion accessories.
Above: Bentleys is celebrating 70 years.
Below: A bag from Earth Squared.
l The Natural History Museum Collection from Blueprint Collections was crowned the winner of the Best Brand Licensed Gifting Product or Range at the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2023 (B&LLAs) held in April.
Just seven days after winning a Greats trophy as winner of the Best Retailer Initiative category, (see page 23), Maybugs, which has stores in Bexhill-onSea, Eastbourne and Hailsham, was doubly honoured to receive the prestigious High Street Hero award at The Small Awards organised by Small Business Britain.
Greg and John were presented with their award by TV presenter Sue Perkins and Dan Welch from TSB Business Banking, the awards sponsor.
“We were gobsmacked to be recognised as the best independent high street business in the UK for all the community work we do. It’s amazing,” exclaimed Maybugs’ Greg Rose. “When we set up Maybugs six years ago we could never have dreamt of winning such an important accolade and it drives us to grow Maybugs and build on its success.”
Added co-owner Jon Dale: “We’ve always believed that we can only be successful if the towns we are in are successful too, and we will continue to keep promoting all the independents local to our stores to benefit the towns as a whole.”
After a hugely exciting night at The Gift Awards on 11 May, winners were fast off the mark to celebrate and shout about their tremendous achievements.
“Totally thrilled to have won the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – London, South, South East & East Anglia award,” exclaimed Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh. “I still can't believe it, we're all on cloud nine!”
Added Jo Williams, owner of Joco in Nuneaton, winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – Midlands & Wales category, who shed happy tears of joy on hearing that the shop had won the category: “To celebrate, we held a live window display, with people coming in to congratulate us, while volunteers sat in the window eating, drinking and playing games.”
Also sharing her delight was Karen Ritchie, owner of The Rowan Tree in Budleigh Salterton. “I'm absolutely thrilled to have won, having worked so hard for almost 20 years to make the Rowan Tree such a special and much-loved shop,” said Karen. “The trophy is sitting proudly in the main shop window and is currently creating a lot of interest.”
Also thrilled to bits was Heidi Hopkinson, owner of Serendipity in Kirkham. “Winning the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – North, Northern Ireland & Scotland category has blown us away. We will be planning events where we can celebrate, to include our next big live fashion event.”
The countdown has begun to Progressive Greetings Live, which takes place at London’s Business Design Centre on Tuesday 6 June and Wednesday 7 June. Good news for Greats 2023 winners and finalists is that they will receive a Gold ticket to spend on orders placed at the show.
Billed as ‘the greatest greeting card show in the world, big names once again include Hallmark, UK Greetings and Woodmansterne, through to favourites such as Rosie Made A Thing, Wendy Jones-Blackett and Belly Button Designs. Newbies meanwhile, will be showcasing designs in Springboard Intro.
As with previous years, meeters and greeters’ dresses, will be made completely out of cards with this year’s themes featuring Summer Brights, Green Seen & Bleu-n Away, Animal Magic, and Diversity & Inclusion.
Both visitors and exhibitors will be able to enjoy a delicious free lunch on both days of the show, along with complimentary tea and coffee and an invitation to the fabulous first-night party at the end of the opening day on Tuesday 6 June. Visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com
Thursday 29 June is the big ‘Look Out London’ day, with Cardgains’ managing director Penny Shaw hoping that some 75 people from across the gift and greetings industries will be pounding the capital’s streets in a 25-mile loop, starting and finishing in Paddington.
This year’s Challenge is setting out to raise money to help beat motor neurone disease, a cause close to the industry’s hearts following the death of industry legend David Hicks last year, founder of Really Good and Soul. All monies raised will go to the MND Association.
“Anyone can take part, you don’t have to be a Cardgains member or supplier,” explains Penny. “Our aim is to raise £25,000 – £1,000 for every mile.”
Visit www.cardgains.co.uk/charity
Above: The Cardgains Charity Challenge walk is being held on 29 June.
In the run-up to the King’s Coronation, gift indies saw commemorative keepsake memorabilia flying off the shelves.
At Mooch, which has stores in Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn, coowner Jon May concurred that the King’s Coronation provided a much-needed sales boost following Easter.
“After the success of the Jubilee, it was difficult to predict whether the Coronation would have the same hype and excitement,” added Jo Barber, owner of No. 14 Ampthill. “What started slow soon gathered pace and was a great revenue injection into what would have been a quieter month.”
As Pete Whiteman, coowner of Amore in Woodbridge, puts it: “The public are still very interested in Royal events and business for us was brisk.”
With a development strategy of organic expansion and acquisition of selected high quality brands, Gallery Direct has acquired Art Marketing, bringing together the two brands within the home interiors and outdoor market. Art Marketing will bring deeper expertise to the wall décor category, widening Gallery’s art offering through their in house artists and designers.
Nigel Waller, managing director of Art Marketing, is remaining within the Gallery business and will take on a new role as category director for wall décor.
Peter Delaney takes on a new role of sales and product director, and Michael Last, ceo of the Gallery group, will take on the responsibilities of finance, customer service, people and operations, becoming managing director of Gallery Direct.
Comments
Michael: “Over the next few years we are set to scale and grow our business and are pleased to welcome Nigel and the Art Marketing team into the Gallery group, to help us on this journey.”
Talking Tables and Sebnini have both been recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise for their excellence in international trade. Talking Tables’ main export markets are the US and Europe, where over a three year period - 2019-2022 – the company achieved outstanding overall growth in overseas sales of 67%.
“We are highly honoured to receive The King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade,” said Talking Tables’ founder and managing director Clare Harris, who founded the business in 1999. “It provides huge inspiration as we look to bring Talking Tables to even more customers in the USA, Europe and beyond.”
Also honoured was leading private label company Sebnini. Following three years of outstanding export growth of over 500%, the business, a leading company in the global home fragrancing market, is among the first home fragrance companies to be honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade.
Founder and managing director Gert Schyberg said: “It’s a real honour, and recognition for our staff. They have worked so hard to make the business a success and we couldn’t have achieved this without their
endeavours and expertise. It’s a real tribute to them.”
While the UK and Ireland remain Sebnini’s main markets, they are closely followed by the US and Europe. The company also supplies Canada, and has contracts with retailers in Australasia, with the international side of the business headed by Gert’s son, Seb Schyberg, Sebnini’s international sales manager. Both companies have the right to use the King’s Award accreditation for the next five years.
For the third year running, Talking Tables is the lead partner of The Great British Garden Party. The event, which officially kicks off in July, has been designed by the National Garden Scheme to share the nation’s love of gardens and get-togethers to help raise funds for beneficiaries to include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, The Queen’s Nursing Institute and Parkinson’s UK.
As part of the partnership in 2023, Talking Tables will be donating a 5% royalty payment to the National Garden Scheme from the UK sales of its most popular Truly Scrumptious ranges of party accessories, throughout April to September 2023, which will include hand-curated Great British Garden Party tea party kits.
The Giftware Association has partnered with Qalara, a new-age global sourcing and wholesale platform that is disrupting and revolutionising the way importers and retailers can source products from India.
“Qalara is a forward-thinking company that aligns with our own and our members’ ethos,” explains the GA’s ceo Sarah Ward. “The company’s commitments to sustainable and ethical sourcing are a huge draw to us and will be for the benefit of our members. With an exciting vision planned for the future, we are looking forward to working more closely together.”
Comments Aditi Pany, ceo of Qalara: “Our vision is to be pivotal to driving sustainable consumption, without compromising affordability and efficiency in the supply chain.” The company is looking to collaborate and connect with fellow entrepreneurs to strengthen ties with British companies, “especially as we look forward to a UK-India Free Trade Agreement in 2023,” Aditi adds.
Email: Aditi Pany: aditipany@qalara.com; or Mitali Mehta: mitali.mehta@qalara.com
Among the home décor products from Qalara.
Posh Paws International, and its parent company Whitehouse Leisure International, have teamed up to launch a new fundraising drive to help brighten the lives of seriously ill children across the UK, with wish granting charity Rays of Sunshine.
The plush specialists are aiming to raise £10,000 from the fundraiser initiative through the sale of their brand new, awardwinning Cute Eco Baby Animal plush toys for the charity.
For every Cute Eco Earth Baby Animal plush toy sold, 50p of the sale is being donated to Rays of Sunshine.
Contact Posh Paws on +44 (0)1268 567317; e:
sales@poshpawsinternational.co.uk. (See Spotlight On Plush on pages 56-57).
Above: Posh Paws’ Cute Eco Baby Animal plush toys.
l Ashleigh & Burwood has recently strengthened its senior team with the appointment of Ben Parkhouse, who will provide commercial leadership, and Andy Latham as coo, leading the company’s finance, ops and planning functions. They will join Jed Kenrick, ceo, and Debbie Evans, OEM and NPD director, on the Ashleigh & Burwood Board.
l David Cree, former national sales manager at Joe Davies, has been appointed sales director David, who joined in 2004, will be responsible for all sales operations across the business.
l Nicola Meadows has been appointed as Hyve Group’s new divisional managing director for the Retail, Manufacturing and Engineering Division. She joined Hyve last August as portfolio director for Spring and Autumn Fair, adding other events to her remit, and taking on leadership responsibility for the entire retail portfolio.
l Helen Cottrill, formerly marketing and product director at Enesco, has launched her own independent marketing and brand consultancy, The Cabin at No.1. She will be taking on all projects, large or small, from marketing campaigns and solutions to trade fair planning and execution. E: helencottrill1971@outlook.com; tel: 07852 590115.
As Harrogate’s Home & Gift show gets ready to welcome visitors from 16-19 July, Clarion Retail has again teamed up with trend and design agency The Better Trends Company.
“We are excited to collaborate with The Better Trends Co. to infuse Home & Gift’s classic festival vibes with their Modern Psychedelic design trend,” comments show director David Westbrooke. “The campaign's nostalgic essence encapsulates the welcoming ambience of Home & Gift, where the retail community have gathered for over 60 years to celebrate the industry in a relaxed environment that allows for both networking and product sourcing.”
Adds David: “The show is gearing up to be another huge success in 2023, giving buyers the opportunity to discover thousands of new product launches courtesy of over 500 brands from across the UK and beyond.”
This year’s Home & Gift campaign was
inspired by the Modern Psychedelic trend, reflective of customers' increasing desire to see thoughtfully designed products with a handmade edge, with the folk-inspired application of floral designs setting the scene to launch Home & Gift’s brand new Craft sector. Visit www.homeandgift.co.uk
• Progressive Gifts & Home magazine, along with its digital partner GiftsandHome.net, is a confirmed media partner of the show following many years of successful collaboration. Visit www.homeandgift.co.uk
For dedicated followers of fashion, lifestyle and beauty, SS24 sees the introduction of Just Around The Corner’s (JATC) new London venue, Tobacco Dock in Wapping, with the show taking place from 16-18 July.
“The decision to run the London show dates in line with other shows’ timeframe is a strategic move that shows an understanding of the busy schedules of industry professionals, making it easier for them to save on travel expenses, as they can visit several events within the capital in one trip,” explains JATC’s managing director Juls Dawson.
Just Around the Corner features Womenswear, Menswear, Together, Responsible, Footwear and Accessories, and also includes a Beauty and Lifestyle zone featuring home fragrance, home, seasonal gifting, cosmetics, skincare, grooming and wearable accessories.
Visitors to the show will be able to enjoy complimentary coffee, pastries and lunches from street vendors and artisan baristas. Visit www.justaroundthecorner.co.uk
The Exclusively show, taking place on June 13-14 at London’s Business Design Centre, will unveil 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 trend agency Scarlet Opus. (See Kitchen Gifts on page 43-45). Visit www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk
Moving from its traditional September date to August, Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn has re-positioned itself as the first show of the Autumn buying season.
Taking place at the SEC, Glasgow from 20-21 August 2023, organisers Springboard say that the new show dates give buyers better timing for Christmas buying, allowing them to top up for Autumn as well as giving them an early snapshot of 2024 ranges.
Over a third of exhibitors are new to the show, to include Enesco, Swole Panda, Shu Da Living, Kate Trouw, Academie and Cairn Candle Company. Visit www.scotlandstradefairs.com
Leading UK garden retail show Glee, (NEC 27-29 June), will be introducing a brand new Home, Gift & Clothing sector - the first time that such a strong focus has been placed on gifting, homeware, fashion accessories and apparel.
Exhibitors include: Freckleface Home Fragrance; The Candle Brand; The Wheat Bag Company; Jarapa; Kushboo Soaps; Tilnar Art and Rainbow Designs.
“As well as inspiring garden centres to further diversify into lucrative new categories, we also want to show traditional home and gift retailers how to integrate gardening into their lifestyle merchandise mix,” explains Glee director Matthew Mein. Visit www.gleebirmingham.com.
Following on from the success of its inaugural show at Spring Fair in February, Source Home & Gift – which will colocate with Autumn Fair at the NEC from 3-6 September - has confirmed that the show will be triple the size, featuring eight sectors across Gifts; Homewares; Stationery & Greetings; Toys: Furniture; Textiles; Technology & Services and Packaging.
“We launched with 150 manufacturers in February, and in September we will welcome over 450 manufacturers, showcasing over 15,000 products from exhibitors who have never shown before in Europe,” states Suzanne Ellingham, director of sourcing of Source Home & Gift. “There is huge demand from UK businesses to find new suppliers and manufacturers to responsibly source from.”
Countries exhibiting include the UK, China, India, Pakistan, Portugal, Philippines, Germany, Bangladesh, Ghana and Uganda. Visit www.sourcehomeandgift.com
2023 has been a year of unpredictability for many retailers, with three Bank Holidays in May getting mixed reactions from gift indies. Nevertheless, for others in gift retail, it’s been a time to expand and build their portfolios, as PG&H discovered.
“The first quarter is always an anxious time as, given the past few years in particular, there is no 'normal trading ' or option to predict sales with any confidence,” says Liz Kemp, owner of Kemps General Store and Kemps Books in Malton. “That said, we beat our targets – although not by much - but we beat them.”
Explains Liz: “We chose to open every Bank Holiday in April and May, operating normal opening hours, and have continued Sunday opening throughout the first few months (but with some reduced staff levels) which all seems to have paid off. People love that we are open when many other indie businesses in town have chosen not to be and we have been reaping the benefits.
“Luckily for us there is a large food festival in Malton twice a year and so the May events boost sales which in some way compensates for any potential reduced footfall on bank holidays - especially Coronation Day.”
As for how people are shopping. Liz points out that they are taking more care. “Our average transaction has dropped slightly, but we seem to be attracting more custom, so it is balancing out. The fact we sell a significant number of books since we expanded during Covid has been a massive help in maintaining sales, as book buyers are pretty constant and regular once you have won them over.” Nevertheless, she adds that times are still unpredictable. “Margins are being squashed and the constant dilemma of how much to pass on the increases remains. We hope our new loyalty scheme, and continuing to partner with other local businesses will help us retain and expand our customer base and brand awareness. We continue to focus on offering a great shopping experience, varied price points and making our shop a destination in its own right. In this way we can try and be more resilient to the economic challenges and keep business strong.”
“2023 is turning out to be an amazing year for The Mains of Drum Garden Centre,” says director Craig Forbes. “Our Gift and Indoor lifestyle department has seen a 10% increase in sales compared with the same
period in 2022, while our Clothing department is far exceeding our expectations,” confirms Craig.
“Overall, we are now ahead of where we were pre-pandemic. On the downside however, our outdoor living and plant sales have suffered a little due mainly to the wetter and cooler weather we have experienced this Spring. However, there is plenty time to turn that around! As we expected, the day of the Coronation was very quiet, but this was balanced out with buoyant sales on the additional Bank Holiday Monday.”
Above: Mains of Drum Garden Centre, Banchory.
“We’ve had a great start to 2023,” enthuses Michael Apter, owner of three Paper Tiger stores in Edinburgh. (The third story opened in a former Paperchase outlet in mid May). “The volume of visitors to Edinburgh has grown hugely and we are also seeing greater numbers of office workers back in the city centre, especially midweek. The combination of the two has pushed footfall levels up close to pre-pandemic numbers, and we are now trading well ahead of where we were before Covid.”
Explains Michael: “Sales are being driven by events and occasions, and we are enjoying strong sales of souvenirs, gifts for the home and bath and beauty products. With our newly opened store, we are looking forward to a busy summer season in the city.”
Above: The newly opened Paper Tiger, Edinburgh.
“January started extremely well for us, year on year,” confirms Judy Evans, owner of Williams of Audlem in Audlem. “The cold weather gave us an extended season on hats, scarves and gloves - always a bonus when you don't get left with too much seasonal stock to put away, or discount. February was also quite positive as Spring Fair gave us a real spring in our own step, and a renewed optimism seemed to be in the air with falling energy prices.
“However, following more bad news on the cost-ofliving crisis, coupled with several interest hikes, March and April seemed to flatline - despite excellent Mother's Day and Easter sales. Thank goodness for seasonal occasions!
“But just when sales looked as though they were up one day and down the next, along came the Coronation. Three cheers! We took a risk by devoting lots of window and store space to the event, and buying in popular, practical products, along with a few flags of course. It was a gamble, as there hadn't been a Coronation in our store since 1953even though we'd had three before that, as we started in 1862 - so demand was always going to be a bit tricky to judge! Therefore, it's good to report that sales were certainly ‘King Size’ for us over the period. It's been the jewel in the Spring season so far, with anything British related selling like a sausage down a royal corgi! We've had fantastic sales of Union Jack branded goods from Woven Magic, Lua and Riva, along with strong sales of New English Tea's products.”
“2023 was always going to be a difficult year, on the back of some bumper years, when it felt as if the whole country came to our seaside locations following Covid,” comments Kieron Cockley, co-owner of eight Brocante stores in Cornwall and Devon (to include two new stores opened in April in St Ives and Salcombe). “The news about the economy and the cost-of-living crisis has played on people’s minds and how they spend. The weather has also been particularly bad, with lots of rain, which stops visitors wondering around.”
Continues Keiron: “On a more positive note, the three Bank Holidays in May have helped push footfall. We are especially excited for the last one, which kick starts our season. Easter weekend was very good, so when people are here, they are spending. Suppliers are also better stocked than previous years, which really helps.”
Left: The Brocante store in Salcombe opened in April.
“After a really strong Christmas we’ve certainly seen a more cost-conscious approach to spending among customers,” says Paul Lewis, merchandise director, Austins department store in Newton Abbot. “Price competitiveness is adding challenges to margins, especially in toys, and the unsettling weather hasn’t been in our favour. Despite that, sales have been pretty much in line with our expectations. With regards to the Coronation, we certainly embraced the opportunity to buy into some tasteful commemorative products, to include gift food lines, and we got it just right with excellent sell through. New Jellycat products have also been in high demand. In fact, we were one of only three stockists in the South West to have Albert the Jack Russell, a definite collector’s piece. We actually closed on Coronation Saturday so that we could all enjoy the celebrations - not an easy decision commercially, but there was no negative customer feedback.”
“Business at the start of the year was much better than we had predicted - we really did get off to a great start,” comments Samantha Gibbs, owner of Nest, which has stores in Stoneygate, Broughton Astley and Thurlaston Garden Centre. “The trade shows were fantastic, and we invested heavily in lots of lovely new ranges. However, the last month or so has been slower, although we did anticipate that. The Coronation gave us a welcome added interest to the windows, and some of the more novelty-type products did exceptionally well. Nevertheless, overall, the Bank Holidays didn’t help at all. We saw a huge dip in spending from the beginning of May, and with the approach of the last Bank Holiday and half term, I don’t expect sales to rise again for the next few weeks.”along with strong sales of New English Tea's products.”
Above: Nest, Stoneygate.
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.
Champagne corks popped at the glittering Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on 11 May, as guests gathered for the glittering The Gift Awards uniting The Greats Awards with the Gift of the Year Awards.
Left: London’s 5 star Royal Lancaster hotel.
Right: ‘Dragon’ Sara Davies MBE (right) with Crafter’s Companion’s Nikki Holt and Leann Chivers, left and second right respectively, and Talking Tables’ Clare Harris (second left).
Left and bottom left: The prestigious Greats and the Gift of the Year trophies, standing proud.
Below Getting ready to welcome guests. From left to right, front row: Max Publishing’s Rob Willis, Warren Lomax, Ali Farrell and Ian Hyder. Back row: Jakki Brown (left) and Sue Marks. Toastmaster Robert Persell is shown on the left.
Below right: Making beautiful music was singer/guitarist Mike Wayne.
If y cldn’t be there, we’d love to share r o bum wh y . . .
Below
Left: Team Giftware Association are shown with guests Tabi Marsh (left) and Therese Oertenblad, from the Small Business Collaborative (second left).
Right: A peek into the dining room.
Left: Nice to see you!
FYG’s Demi Pendakis with Lark’s Priya AuroraCrowe (centre) and Dominic Crowe.
Right: The GA’s Sarah Ward welcomed everyone to the Awards.
Far right: Also on stage to welcome guests was Progressive Gifts & Home’s Sue Marks.
Left: Clarion’s Zoe Bonser (left) with I Love My Job’s Louisa Mordaunt.
Right: Partying after the Awards, guests enjoyed a flutter at the casino.
: Cheers! Drinks are on me says Widdop’s Stephen Illingworth.
We are delighted to have been recognised by The Giftware Association for our Love Coco Coconut Bowls, by being awarded Gift of The Year 2023 in the Ethical and Sustainable Gift category
Following on from the fabulous Gift Awards in May – for the second consecutive year uniting both sides of the gift industry, both product and retail - Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association, reflects on the glittering event, and the importance of being there, and taking the opportunity to network, network, network.
“Partnering with Max Publishing, owners and organisers of The Greats gift retailer awards, was something I had long believed was the way forward for the gift industry. Last year, as we came out of the pandemic, the timing of the inaugural Gift Awards was exactly what was needed to inject energy and excitement back into the industry per se.
Building on the foundation and success of that first year, I’m delighted to say that there were so many more people in the room at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel this time around - people who really wanted to be there and were hugely looking forward to the evening. Touching on the Gift of The Year 2023, the competition encouraged many more diverse companies into the arena, providing unparalleled opportunities for suppliers to get together with retailers and vice versa.
While there’s no denying that attending can be expensive for many, I strongly feel that you can’t put a price on being at an event such as The Gift Awards. It’s the people you bump into at the pre-Awards drinks reception, or sit with over dinner, or enjoy a post-Awards drink with – or even a flutter at the casino table – that could be a life changing business experience! (I speak from experience here, as it’s happened to me following a conversation in the ladies some years ago!). And it was said over and over again to me, by people at the Awards, throughout the evening.
Highlighting the importance of the Awards, we were delighted to have Sara Davies MBE, founder of Crafter’s Companion, in the room. Sara is well known to fans of Dragon’s Den of course, and was
a Gift of the Year judge this year, as well as the sponsor of The Greats Best Garden Centre Retailer of Gifts category. But having Sara physically in the room with all of us added an extra special dimension to the evening, especially as she was only too delighted to chat to attendees and be photographed with retailers and suppliers alike for their socials. A friendly ‘Dragon’ indeed, and someone we look forward to working with collaboratively in the future.
It was also good to see a continuing growth in younger businesses coming into the industry, as evidenced by the Gift of the Year competition. For example, I so enjoyed meeting up with a winner on our table – Alice Smith, founder of AVMS Art, whose Country Map Art Prints won the Gift of the Year’s Best Design & Craft Product or Range category – and who confided that she
genuinely felt that she didn’t stand a chance of winning! To see her presented with her trophy, in front of so many of her peers, was an absolute joy!
So, my message to suppliers who are undecided about entering the Gift of the Year 2024 competition – which is due to open for entries any day now – is that there are plenty of opportunities for new businesses who put themselves forward, with more openings than ever into the market place. It could be your company’s name on a trophy next year!
Both in the run up to the Awards event, on the day itself and post Awards, I facilitated a clutch of meetings which all saw increased networking as people shared business cards and made diary notes to get together, which further emphasised the need to make time –and to invest in – attending industry events and gatherings in order to network.
This leads me on to Home & Gift in Harrogate, taking place from 16-19 July, where we’ll be announcing the winner of the Gift of the Year’s People’s Choice award 2023 at the post show Sundowners drinks party on Sunday 16 July. It’s a category that’s voted for by the public, and I’m extremely proud to say that a staggering 10,000+ votes have been received. I can’t wait to reveal who the winner is, and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Harrogate. As the saying goes, ‘it’s good to talk’ – and, even more importantly, to network!”
Wild Things will again be dazzling buyers at Home & Gift, Harrogate (16-19 July) with exciting new designs and products, and the unveiling of the company’s first catalogue for over two years.
Founder and managing director Jules Vahrman tells PG&H what else is taking the company forward this year, as it approaches its milestone 40th anniversary in 2024.
Best known for its top quality, colourful, rainbow making window ornaments, most notably sun catchers, Wild Things, which specialises in UK designed and manufactured bespoke crystals and jewellery, is proud to create ‘Magical Timeless Gifts’. “That’s what we like to do, to the best of our abilities,” states Jules. “We design the products, source the components and employ a skilled team of trained craftworkers to make them. We do not think of ourselves as fashion-led. The ‘timeless’ word is very important to us. It’s about paying attention to all the design details, and using the best crystals and suppliers we can find.”
He says that inspiration is everywhere. “Our two cats in the moon design combines a silhouette from an antique enamel brooch, where we added motifs used by the Spanish artist Miro in his paintings. It’s been in our catalogue for over 20 years and it’s still selling like hot cakes! It’s the same with our butterflies, dragonflies, angels and fairies. The motifs have been copied extensively both onto candle holders, lights and cheaper Chinese suncatchers, and while it’s irksome in some ways, it’s a good feeling to know our motifs are in places which would otherwise never have seen them!”
Recently the company has gone full colour, reinventing and reimagining
its incredibly popular Crystal Fantasy range and naming them Crystal Dreams. “We have a very dear Swiss customer called Dreams and Fantasies –their name summing up what we do in so many ways,” explains Jules. “Most are designs inspired by nature. We like to think of them as a cross between medieval miniatures and stained glass, with the colours perfectly complementing the sparkly crystals.”
Wild Things recently introduced a carded range with relevant literary quotes on the back. “We have designed floor and counter spinners for the carded products and it’s amazing how much stock you can fit on a small footprint,” points out Jules.
“We have always liked finding literary quotes which refer to the motifs we use, from Chekhov to Tennyson to Christina Rosetti. The reason these writers are timeless is because they express something universal.” (An example
includes: ‘What greater gift than the love of a cat?’ Charles Dickens).
In addition, Wild Things continues to evolve products for the company’s self-lit booths and trees. “We have heard from customers that our booths produce some of the fastest sales per footprint rates in the business which is obviously very heartening and to be appreciated, and is due, in no small part, to our using the best crystals we can,” says Jules.
On the subject of crystals, he is delighted that its extremely well-known Austrian crystal supplier has seen “the error of their ways.” (Just before the pandemic, the supplier closed its lighting business and, in addition, banned companies worldwide from using their name in relation to their products). “Fortunately, they have gone back to producing their unique lighting elements
Left: Jules Vahrman, founder and managing director of Wild Things. Below: The new floor spinner for carded Crystal Dreams.with colours that only they know how to produce, albeit accompanied by a rather large price increase,” Jules explains.
“Virtually all the crystals we use come from Austria or the Czech Republic, and when it comes to creating the palette, and engineering the fine cuts, they are still streets ahead of the Far East competition.”
He says that making things locally – at the company’s Exeter factory - means that Wild Things is able to respond fairly quickly to sudden ‘rushes’ on stock. “We are aware of retailers’ frustrations with promoting a product all year, and suppliers letting them down in the run up to Christmas, so we are very focused on avoiding that.”
Continues Jules: “Very occasionally, we come across products which are an ideal fit but which we do not make. Recently we started working with some glass manufacturers who can print our designs with textures. Lightframes feature a pine box, with LEDs which shine through our printed pictures, while Window Dreams are rondelles for the window. Both had a great reception at Spring Fair, and we are currently working on lots more designs.”
With the company constantly evolving, he says it’s often hard to stop and produce a catalogue, though Jules is adamant that nothing beats browsing through a catalogue, magazine or book. “Currently, we are in the final stages of designing our first in over two
years. A sneak preview says the banners and pictures that designers Kirsty Kaye and Charlotte Fergie have created are lovely, and useful material for online retailers too.
“We are a small team –a very creative and multitalented bunch,” Jules points out. “Virtually all are female, except for Steve who manages the warehouse, and myself, the man who should have retired years ago!” he quips.
“Many of the team have had their own businesses in the past and are extremely independent. Recently, component supremos Sarah Protherough and Elisabeth Tolcher organised an Easter Bonnet competition and the results were quite extraordinary. So, it’s a small but versatile team who get on with the job, although the business is complicated by the manufacturing side. For example, we are about to extend our motifs into other product areas and, at this point, we need someone with a bird’s eye view to help that expansion. We are therefore looking for an ops manager if any readers are interested!”
Up until now, the company’s craftworkers have all come to Exeter to collect and drop off work. However, the big news is that an electric van is finally on its way after months of waiting. “Instead of 30 plus people driving in from as far away as Brixham, we will be delivering door to door which will massively reduce our carbon footprint,” enthuses Jules.
Is the ongoing cost-ofliving crisis having an impact on sales? “The last quarter of 2022 was a difficult one for everyone,” he admits. “The first quarter of the year had been fantastic, and we thought we were heading for a record year. Again, 2023 has started
off really well so let’s hope it stays that way. Obviously interest rate rises and inflation are a huge worry for many. But when there is a recession people need well designed colourful, quality, affordable gifts, ideally made in the UK. Did anyone mention Wild Things Gifts?”
Internationally, the US is a huge market for Wild Things, with the company selling through Woodstock Chimes who produces musical instrument quality windchimes. “Their catchphrase is that our rainbow makers do for light what their wind chimes do for sound,” comments Jules.
Recently, the two former music professors who founded the company, and ran it for over 40 years, sold the business to Sullivan’s Gifts, a major USA wholesaler. “Their market is even bigger than Woodstock’s, so interesting times ahead,” says Jules. “We were very impressed by their showroom at the Atlanta Mart in January. Nevertheless, it’s a different world, as they are owned by an Atlanta-based hedge fund.”
Staying with trade shows, Julian and the team are looking forward to July’s Harrogate Home & Gift in July (Hall A; stand 21), which will be followed by Autumn Fair (3-6 September; Hall 7; stand G30). “By then we will have more designs to show off and some surprises we are working on,” Jules confirms. “In February, we will be returning to Spring Fair. We love doing the shows - other than the set up and pack down! – as it’s an opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. Plus, we’re especially looking forward to 2024, as it’s our 40th anniversary year, when we’ll no doubt be finding numerous ways to celebrate!”
As a new mum 14 years ago, and bored with the mundane designs of children’s leggings, Amanda - who worked as a business development manager for a FMCG brand – had the idea for leggings with characters on the crawling nappy bottom, as there was nothing like it in the UK market.
“I was constantly pulling down my crawling daughter’s dresses to cover her bottom, so the idea created a lightbulb moment,” Amanda explains. “My husband Jon was involved from the very beginning, with both of us working on the creation of the idea from our front room. Although I had no design experience, I left my job to concentrate on growing the business and spending more time with our babies, Harvey Blade and Issey Rose. Jon joined me full time a year later. The range started with
New
Blade & Rose will be exhibiting at Home & Gift, Harrogate, which takes place from 16-19 July (stand DP1-A60). “We’ve got five fabulous new collections launching in August, plus a couple of surprise additions launching in September, all of which will be unveiled on our stand,” confirms Amanda.
Meanwhile, the company’s Spring Summer 2023 collection is available now, featuring Chip the Red Panda, Bugs and Hot Jungle across hats, t-shirts, rompers and shorts, as well as the company’s iconic leggings. “We also added a Peter Rabbit Springtime and Beach collection which, while ideal for summer, can also be layered up for the colder months,” Amanda highlights.
A quest to find trendy, designled leggings for little ones led Amanda Peffer to set up her own business, Blade & Rose, in 2010 while on maternity leave. In the ensuing years, the company has gone from strength to strength, winning five prestigious industry awards in 2022, both trade and consumer.
Amanda reveals what’s new for the second half of 2023, along with the company’s ambitions plans to build the brand globally.
just three designs and has steadily built organically year on year, with the business subsequently expanding into premises in Kendal, our home town, to include offices, a warehouse and a showroom.”
Amanda is proud to highlight that many of Blade & Rose’s original stockists, that bought into the signature leggings, are still the company’s top stockists today. “With our 13th birthday around the corner, this demonstrates the loyalty of our trade customers and the strength of our products,” she states. “Plus, winning five awards last year, to include the Gift of the Year’s Branded Gift category, has given retailers even more confidence in the brand.”
She says the focus for 2023 is to expand Blade & Rose’s retail presence in the UK and
Europe. “In the current economic climate, retailers tend to stay with tried and tested brands, and while our online business continues to thrive, we know that the product sells exceptionally well at retail. With its bright colours, quality and unique designs we have gifts for independents, garden centres and holiday destinations. Plus, our price points are perfect as gifts for new babies, birthdays, baby showers and Christmas. Retailers can offer our product knowing they have an award winning, ethical product which will perform all year round. Plus, we have maintained the £10 SRP price point for our leggings, and encourage the message to ‘buy once, buy well’, with all products able to stand the test of time.”
As for future opportunities, Amanda says that she and Jon are looking to building the Blade & Rose brand across the globe. “It’s an exciting time, with the positive reaction to our core collection and new products very rewarding. We have something unique, and going to trade fairs is our favourite thing. We love to meet retailers face to face and see their reaction to the quality and designs we have to offer.”
Meanwhile, with warmer days and picnics on their way, Lesser & Pavey will be brightening up both tables and picnic blankets with Al Fresco, a new range that’s been designed for outdoor dining.
“With the garden now seen as an extension to the home, houses are being built, or altered, to encompass a garden view through terracing, bi-fold doors and garden rooms, all of which bring light and colour both to the home and to dining,” says Julian Hunt, managing director of Lesser & Pavey. “In addition, overseas travel often brings colourful wares to the table,” he points out. “At Lesser and Pavey we have taken this on board and brought vibrancy to a new range of homewares, specifically for outdoor dining, which is often associated with a party or special occasion. What better way to present food than with a vibrant design on colourful melamine, across plates, bowls and large cups to accommodate soft drinks and beer.”
With the cost-of-living crisis continuing – and eating out becoming ever more expensive due to rising food inflationmore and more people are choosing to entertain friends and family at home, with stemware, barware and serveware becoming increasingly popular as self-purchases and gifts, encouraging retailers to add them to their product mix. With Exclusively welcoming buyers to London’s Business Design Centre on 13-14 June, PG&H took a peek at what’s trending, with a focus on outdoor entertaining.
With the cost of living necessitating people to tighten their purse strings, more of us are entertaining at home, with tablescaping inspiring hosts to make their tables look Insta-ready.
“Homeware gifting has become increasingly popular over the past few years, where we have certainly seen an increase in our customers looking for gift packaged products,” comments Candlelight’s marketing manager Kate Winch. “We have responded to this by designing unique packaging that mimics the product design so that our most popular ranges become easily giftable. Having already sold out of our 22/23 range of bar and cocktail ware, we have deigned a new range, in gift boxed packaging, that will arrive in time for the festive period/Autumn Fair. What better way to gift than with cocktailware that keeps on giving?”
At Lifetime Brands, marketing director Claire Budgen highlights the launch of Wild at Heart from Mikasa this summer. “With bright colours, this collection is perfect for adding a statement to the kitchen or to give as a gift to a loved one,” says Clare. “All designs were hand-painted in the Lifetime Brands UK studio and, as the name suggests, Wild at Heart was designed for the adventurous and those who embrace the great outdoors. Bringing the outdoors in and rewilding the home is a key trend right now and this collection allows people to invite nature, wildlife, and a touch of fun into their interior.”
Helen Boardman, product manager at Dexam, points out that outdoor dining was actually a Covid bright spot, with gardens becoming the new entertaining space. “Now, with Covid behind us, entertaining friends and family at home is on the rise rather than in decline, with consumers focusing on greater social sharing of food and beverages. In response, we have launched the Sintra collection - a colourful array of glazed terracotta tapas dishes, wine coolers, water jugs, salad bowls and more – inspired by the Unesco World Heritage listed town. Plus, we’ve partnered with the RHS to launch vegetable inspired napkins, placemats and coasters, all of which make lovely gifts for someone that’s green-fingered,” adds Helen.
“As the summer months draw nearer, we are seeing more and more people enjoy al fresco dining to entertain friends and family
Living a zero-waste lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but our Zero Waste Collection is a great place to start. Made from natural materials, Zero by Full Circle allows you to swap out your sink-side favourites with products that are completely zero waste, without sacrificing function.
Bringing an element of fun to the table is Enesco’s new Disney Home range. Comments Enesco’s trade marketing manager Aylish Ellwood: “There’s an increasing desire for affordable, coordinated accessories for both special occasions and everyday use. Surrounding ourselves with inspiring products creates a happy place, bringing joy to the everyday.”
With this in mind, and through the power of storytelling, Enesco has introduced the brand new Disney Mickey Mouse tableware range which is not only fun and functional but also makes a statement. “The complete collection has a super-stylish elevated look, and includes branded, sustainable packaging, with the pieces making an ideal gift or self-purchase,” says Aylish.
“Entertaining at home needs to be fun but have an element of luxury, and what better way to achieve that than with tableware and accessories which make a design statement,” states Kevin McKay, managing director Captivate Brands.
“One of our latest licensed collections is with the Yvonne Ellen brand, with the new range featuring illustrated animals with on trend colours and subtle hints of gold. The overall feel is elegance with a twist of nostalgia.”
at home, with our Feuerhand Tamber Table Top Grill allowing people to cook a range of food over charcoal directly on the table for an evening of dining and entertainment –whether it’s for an intimate dinner for two, or grilling tasty snacks for friends in the garden,” says Whitby’s senior marketing executive, Sammi Shepherd.
Rayware’s Lucy McMillan adds that afternoon teas and brunch spreads at home have risen in popularity over the last few years, with the company’s Price & Kensington Meadow collection featuring
Working with trend forecaster Scarlet Opus, Exclusively, which takes place at London’s Business Design Centre on 13-14 June, will include trend talks, trend tours for buyers, and displays of exhibitors’ products, preselected for being in tune with the themes and styles that are predicted to be popular over the next three years. Visit www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk
dried floral motifs in a hand-painted design on cutlery, cake plates and mugs. “In addition, with the increasing interest in creating homemade beverages and cocktails, Ravenhead has launched the Entertain collection that features specialty cocktail sets incorporating everything required for people to create their own. The sets feature high quality glassware and accessories, as well as a recipe card, making a lovely gift for both cocktail experts and novices,” says Lucy.
Also ringing up sales is kitchenware that makes a statement. “Our vintage inspired handcrafted ceramics help with organising kitchen essentials, while our wood bark serving boards add a natural rustic touch and are great for serving and entertaining,” says T&G’s head of marketing, Louise Llewellyn.
As gift shops are discovering, with kitchen gifts one of the fastest growing gift sectors, the smart money is on products that are sustainable, functional, fashionable and colourful.
Crafted from certified 90% post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel, the new Rise Collection from Klean Kanteen elevates the look, feel and function of reusable drinkware and is a go-to for adventures indoors and out.
Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Whitby & Co (UK) Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)1539 721032
Email: sales@whitbyandco.co.uk
Scan the QR code to learn more about Rise Drinkware
Just launched by outdoor lifestyle specialist Whitby & Co is this series of magnetised compact cutlery from French brand Akinod. Available as Straight or Foldable Multifunctional sets, the cutlery is designed as the perfect solution to eating anywhere. Handle designs include decorated polymer or wooden, and black or polished mirror finishes. Also new is the Akinod 1.4l dualcompartment polypropylene bento box set, featuring an acacia lid and its own insulated tote bag.
Whitby & Co
T: 01539 721032
E: sales@whitbyandco.co.uk
W: www.whitbyandco.co.uk
NEW for Exclusively 2023 is Denby Cobalt Cast Iron Cookware. Versatile, strong and easy to use Denby’s Cast Iron offers performance as well as beauty. Energy efficient and enamelled inside and out, Casseroles can go from hob to oven and from the oven to the table. Suitable for all oven and hob types including Induction, Denby’s Cast Iron keeps food hotter for longer and comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s guarantee. Competitively priced and available in six key pieces Denby Cast Iron is available in five colourways including the new rich inky Blue Cobalt.
Denby
Visit: Exclusively – Stand: EH352
T: 01773 740770
E: TradeB2BAdmin@denby.co.uk
W: www.denbypottery.com/trade
Discover Denby’s Collection of sustainable gifts at Exclusively. Using clay from our doorstep in the heart of Derbyshire, our beautiful pieces are a conscious gift for any occasion and designed to last and be cherished forever. There are Denby gifts such as Mugs or cafetiere to be admired everyday to Denby Home Fragrance or a stunning serving bowl or vase. Our ceramic gifts come in a wide range of colours and styles and even include pet bowls and collectables such as our adorable ‘Byngo’ dog and 'Maraduke'Bunny. Whatever the occasion Denby have a gift to suit every taste and interior.
Denby
Visit: Exclusively – Stand: EH352
T: 01773 740770
E: TradeB2BAdmin@denby.co.uk
W: www.denbypottery.com/trade
Eddingtons are delighted to release the second phase of its popular and successful National Trust licensed range which will be previewed during Exclusively Housewares, London in June. Inspired by tiles at Dyrham Park the collection reflects the extensive catalogue of Delftware ceramics held at the National Trust property Dyrham Park located in Gloucestershire. The collection begins with ceramic tile coasters in a neat galvanised-tin holder with carry handle and features images of country life scenes and wildflowers in the popular Delft blue colour and an antique green selection. There are matching new bone China mugs and worktop protectors which are manufactured at the Eddingtons Tuftop works in Hungerford, rural Berkshire as well as two tea towel sets made from 100% organic cotton, all featuring the same design themes of countryside animals and wildflowers.
Eddingtons
Visit: Exclusively – Stand EH229
T: 01488 686572
E: sales@eddingtons.co.uk
W: www.eddingtons.co.uk
Introducing the licensed Scion Mr Fox mint leaf and Spike sage colourways with complimentary Rosehip and Tikku patterns, inspired by nature. The new colourways have been used across a number of products including a new set of three herb pots, designed to sit on the kitchen windowsill or table. Made from powder coated steel, each pot has a hole at the base for drainage and there is a handy tray to catch any excess water. The herb pots join a set of three round cake tins, two sizes of silicone spatula, worktop saver and hotpot stand (mint leaf only) along with an adult apron, double oven gloves and set of two tea towels, all available from Dexam.
Dexam
Visit: Exclusively – Stand: EH446
T: +44(0)1730 811811
E: sales@dexam.co.uk
W: www.trade.dexam.co.uk
m e e t s
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s t e r e o t y p e s m e a n p e o p l e f a c i n g h o m e l e s s n e s s a r e w r i t t e n o f f a s l a c k i n g t h e c a p a c i t y , s k i l l s o r k n o w l e d g e n e e d e d t o w o r k N o b o d y s h o u l d b e d e n i e d r e a c h i n g t h e i r f u l l p o t e n t i a l b e c a u s e t h e y d o n ’ t h a v e a h o m e P e o p l e l i k e D a n n y h a v e a h u n g e r t o t u r n t h i n g s a r o u n d a n d a d e t e r m i n a t i o n t o p r o v e o t h e r s w r o n g . T h e y m i g h t n o t s e e m l i k e t h e r i g h t c a n d i d a t e o n p a p e r , b u t b y h o l d i n g s o m e o n e ’ s p a s t a g a i n s t t h e m e m p l o y e r s d o n ’ t r e a l i s e t h e t a l e n t t h e y ’ r e m i s s i n g o u t o n L a b r e ’ s H o p e i s a p l a c e f o r g r o w t h , c r e a t i n g a c o m m u n i t y t h a t i s m o v i n g o n w a r d S i n c e o p e n i n g f o r b u s i n e s s i n F e b r u a r y , A a r o n a n d J o a s h h a v e a l r e a d y s e e n a h u g e c h a n g e i n t h e c o n f i d e n c e o f t h e i r s t a f f “ T h e t r a n s f o r m a t i o n h a s b e e n p h e n o m e n a l , ” A a r o n s a y s “ T h e r e w e r e s o m e p e o p l e w h o b a r e l y s a i d a w o r d o n d a y o n e a n d a m o n t h l a t e r w e c o u l d n ’ t s h u t t h e m u p W e w a n t e d t h e w o r k s h o p t o b e a n i n f o r m a l , h a p p y n o - p r e s s u r e e n v i r o n m e n t t o h e l p t h o s e w h o h a v e b e e n a w a y f r o m t h e l a b o u r m a r k e t f o r a l o n g t i m e r e a l i s e t h a t w o r k d o e s n ’ t h a v e t o b e s c a r y o r i n t i m i d a t i n g ”
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1 2 , 0 0 0 s q u a r e - f o o t b u i l d i n g i n t o s o m e w h e r e w e l c o m i n g a n d m o t i v a t i n g S t a r k , w h i t e w a l l s h a v e b e e n g i v e n a v i b r a n t m a k e o v e r , w i t h b r i g h t c o l o u r s
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a n d a b o l d m u r a l a d o r i n g t h e o f f i c e s p a c e a n d w o r k s h o p . T h e r e ’ s e v e n a c o o l c o f f e e b a r b r e a k o u t a r e a d o w n s t a i r s t h a t h a s a b u z z o f l a u g h t e r i n t h e a i r
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l e a v e h o m e l e s s n e s s b e h i n d f o r g o o d T h e r e a r e c u r r e n t l y s i x f u l l - t i m e s o a p e r s a t L a b r e ’ s H o p e , a s w e l l a s t h r e e p a r t - t i m e s t a f f w h o a r e e m p l o y e d s o l e l y t o t a k e p a r t i n t h e e m p l o y m e n t a n d l i f e s k i l l s s e s s i o n s S o f a r , t h e b u s i n e s s h a s p r o v i d e d e m p l o y m e n t f o r 3 7 p e o p l e ; m a n y o f t h e f u l l - t i m e s t a f f h a v e b e e n t h e r e s i n c e t h e b e g i n n i n g a n d p l a n t o r e m a i n a t L a b r e ’ s H o p e , w h i l e o t h e r s h a v e u s e d i t a s a s t e p pi n g s t o n e t o f i n d i n g o t h e r w o r k W h a t e v e r p a t h s o m e o n e i s o n , t h e j o b i s t h e i r s i f t h e y w a n t i t – n o q u e s t i o n s a s k e d “ O t h e r p e o p l e h a v e t r i e d t o d o s o m e t h i n g s i m i l a r b u t d i d i t w r o n g A a r o n h a s d o n e i t i n c r e d i b l y r i g h t . T h e r e ’ s n o p r e t e n c e w i t h h i m . H e ’ s d o n e a l l t h i s w i t h a b o t t o m l e s s h e a r t b u t a l s o a b u s i n e s s m i n d H e ’ s v e r y a n a l y t i c a l a n d i s a l w a y s l o o k i n g a t h o w h e c a n m a k e t h e c o m p a n y t h r i v e s o i t m a k e s m o n e y t o s u s t a i n t h e s e r o l e s , ” D a n n y s a y s . T h e i d e a f o r t h e b u s i n e s s s t a r t e d w h e n A a r o n a n d J o a s h w e r e a t S h e f f i e l d U n i v e r s i t y t o g e t h e r s t u d y i n g B u s i n e s s M a n a g e m e n t I n h i s s e c o n d y e a r o f s t u d i e s , A a r o n c h a n c e d a c r o s s a h o m e l e s s w o m a n w h o t o l d h i m a b o u t h o w s h e e n d e d u p o n t h e s t r e e t s a f t e r m a k i n g t h e d e c i s i o n t o l e a v e b e h i n d a l i f e o f d o m e s t i c v i o l e n c e a n d a l c o h o l i s m H e t h e n w r o t e h i s d i s s e r t a t io n o n h o w t o u s e b u s i n e s s t o i m p r o v e h o m e l e s s n e s s
A a r o n h a d a l s o b e e n p a r t o f t h e E n a c t u s S o c i e t y , a s t u d e n t - l e d s o c i a l e n t e r p r i s e t h a t f o c u s e s o n d e v e l o p i n g p r o j e c t s t o s o l v e w o r l d w i d e i s s u e s “ I j o i n e d o n a w h i m b u t e n d e d u p l o v i n g i t m o r e t h a n m y d e g r e e I d i d n ’ t r e a l i s e y o u c o u l d m a k e a c a r e e r o u t o f h e l p i n g p e o p l e , b u t I k n e w t h a t ’ s w h a t I w a n t e d t o d o w i t h m y l i f e I n A p r i l , I w a s i n v i t e d t o b e a k e y n o t e s p e a k e r a t t h e E n a c t u s e v e n t i n L o n d o n a n d I t o o k o u r s t a f f a l o n g w i t h m e I t w a s a v e r y s u r r e a l m o m e n t a n d f e l t l i k e I ’ d c o m e f u l l c i r c l e I t ’ s b e e n a r e m a r k a b l e y e a r w i t h a n a w e s o m e g r o u p o f p e o p l e ”
A £ 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 g r a n t f r o m t h e U K C o m m u n i t y R e n e w a l F u n d , a s w e l l a s f u n d i n g f r o m t h e S o u t h Y o r k s h i r e C o m b i n e d M a y o r a l A u t h o r i t y , e n a b l e d t h e m t o l a u n c h t h e b u s i n e s s a t t h e e n d o f l a s t y e a r . A s a s e l f - c o n f e s s e d s k i n c a r e n e r d , A a r o n c h o s e s o a p a s e v e r y o n e h a s a d a i l y w a s h r o u t i n e s o i t i s s o m e t h i n g t h a t e v e r y o n e c a n b u y H e t a u g h t h i m s e l f h o w t o f o r m u l a t e s o a p s a n d s c e n t s d u r i n g t h e C o v i d l o c k d o w n , t r i a l l i n g u p t o 2 0 v a r i a t i o n s o f a b l e n d o f e s s e n t i a l o i l s u n t i l h e b e c a m e s o m e w h a t n o s e b l i n d T h e L a b r e ’ s H o p e r a n g e o f s o a p s h a s f i v e s c e n t s t o c h o o s e f r o m , w i t h e a c h i n g r e d i e n t c h o s e n f o r i t s s c i e n t i f i c a n d t h e r a p e u t i c b e n e f i t s A s w e l l a s b e i n g k i n d t o s k i n w i t h n o h a r s h c h e m i c a l s o r c o l o u r a n t s , t h e v e g a n p r o d u c t s a r e a l s o k i n d t o t h e p l a n e t w i t h n o p a l m o i l o r p l a s t i c S o a p i s m a d e u s i n g a h o t p r o c e s s a n d t h e v a s t w o r k s h o p i s s e t u p l i k e a l a b o r a t o r y w i t h a p p a r a t u s a n d e q u i p m e n t g a l o r e . W h e n w e v i s i t e d , t h e t e a m w e r e b u s y w o r k i n g o n a m e n t a l h e a l t h f i r s t a i d q u a l i f i c a t i o n , b u t A a r o n t e l l s u s t h e r e a r e u s u a l l y t h r e e p e o p l e m a k i n g s o a p , t w o c u t t i n g a n d p a c k a g i n g t h e b a r s a n d o n e – u s u a l l y h i m –s e n d i n g o u t t h e o r d e r s
“ W e ’ v e h a d a f e w h i c c u p s s i n c e w e s t a r t e d b u t i t ’ s g e n e r a l l y b e e n b e c a u s e p e o p l e h a v e t h e i r o w n t r a u m a s t o d e a l w i t h a n d i t ’ s b e e n t h e w r o n g t i m e f o r t h e m . T h e y s e e a m o u n t a i n i n f r o n t o f t h e m a n d a j o b i s t h e l a s t t h i n g t h e y n e e d o r w a n t , ” A a r o n s a y s B u t w h e n i t i s t h e r i g h t t i m e , p e o p l e w h o h a v e e x p e r i e n c e d h o m e l e s s n e s s c a n m a k e h u g e l y p o s i t i v e c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o b u s i n e s s e s a n d s o c i e t y T h r e e o f t h e s o a p e r s s h a r e d t h e i r o w n p e r s o n a l s t o r i e s w i t h u s a b o u t t h e o b s t a c l e s t h e y ’ v e f a c e d a n d w h y g r a b b i n g t h i s o p p o r t u n i t y w i t h b o t h h a n d s h a s b e e n l i f e c h a n g i n g
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B e n h a d b e e n f r u i t l e s s l y s e a r c h i n g f o r j o b s d e s p i t e h a v i n g a d e g r e e i n C r i m i n o l o g y He f o u n d h i m s e l f h o m e l e s s a f t e r u n i v e r s i t y w h e n m o v i n g b a c k i n w i t h h i s p a r e n t s i n E s s e x w a s n o l o n g e r a n o p t i o n H e s l e p t i n h i s c a r a n d o n f r i e n d s ’ s o f a s a n d k i t c h e n f l o o r s , b u t n o f i x e d a d d r e s s m e a n t t h e r e w a s n o p r o o f h e e x i s t e d s o h e c o u l d n ’ t s e e a d o c t o r w h e n u n w e l l o r a p p l y f o r U n i v e r s a l C r e d i t S o m e u n i v e r s i t y m a t e s m o v e d t o S h e f f i e l d a n d i n v i t e d h i m t o s t a y f o r a f e w m o n t h s w h i l e h e g o t s o r t e d T he n C o v i d h i t a n d h e w a s t r a p p e d W h e n r e s t r i c t i o n s w e r e e v e n t u a l l y l i f t e d , h i s t e m p o r a r y h o u s e m a t e s d e c i d e d t h e y n e e d e d t h e i r s p a c e b a c k . B e n w a s p u t i n t o u c h w i t h C r i s i s w h o f o u n d h i m a f l a t , b u t h e n e e d e d a j o b t o s u s t a i n i t H e w a s a p p l y i n g f o r j o b s f o r a y e a r b e f o r e C r i s i s t o l d h i m a b o u t t h e r o l e a t L a b r e ’ s H o p e
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g o t a n x i e t y d i s o r d e r a n d b i p o l a r a n d i t ’ s b e e n h a r d t o g e t o r k e e p a j o b i f I m e n t i o n e d t h a t a s m o s t p l a c e s s h u t t h e d o o r o n y o u , s o I k e p t i t a s e c r e t f o r a l o t o f y e a r s “ B u t i t ’ s s o d i f f e r e n t h e r e . T h e y s u p p o r t y o u t o d e a l w i t h y o u r m e n t a l h e a l t h I ’ v e b u i l t m y c o n f i d e n c e a n d g o t s t r u c t u r e b a c k i n m y l i f e ” E v e r y t i m e s o m e o n e b u y s a s o a p m a d e a t L a b r e ’ s H o p e , t h e y ’ r e g i v i n g h o p e t o p e o p l e w h o u n d e r s t a n d w h a t h a r d w o r k m e a n s – a n d h o w p r e c a r i o u s l i f e c a n b e T r a i n e e m a n a g e r D a n n y i s o n e o f t h o s e p e o p l e w h o m a k e y o u r e a l i s e w e ’ r e a l l o n e d e c i s i o n a w a y f r o m a t o t a l l y d i f f e r e n t l i f e I n D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 9 , h i s m a r r i a g e b r o k e d o w n w h i c h l e d t o h i m l o s i n g h i s h o m e , m o n e y a n d w e l l - p a i d j o b a s a n e l e c t r i c a l e n g i n e e r H e w e n t i n t o s e l f - d e s t r u c t m o d e a n d s p e n t a n y s a v i n g s h e h a d o n a l c o h o l , n e g l e c t i n g h i s b o d y u n t i l h e w e i g h e d j u s t e i g h t s t o n e F o r t h e m a j o r i t y o f t h e C o v i d l o c k d o w n h e s l e p t i n s o m e o n e ’ s s h e d a n d b e l i e v e d t h e b e s t w a y t o g e t o u t o f h i s s i t u a t i o n w a s t o a s k f r i e n d s f o r a b e d f o r t h e n i g h t T o c o m p l i c a t e t h i n g s f u r t h e r h e t h e n f o u n d h e w a s t o b e c o m e a f a t h e r D a n n y s a y s h e s t a r t e d t o e a t r i g h t , g o t h e l p f r o m B a r n s l e y C o u n c i l ’ s m e n t a l h e a l t h t e a m a n d b e g a n s e e i n g a p s y c h o t h e r a p i s t t o h e l p h i m a d d r e s s h i s P T S D a n d p a n i c d i s o r d e r t h a t h a d b e e n c a u s e d b y h i s m a r r i a g e b r e a k d o w n . H e w a s p u t i n t o u c h w i t h C r i s i s w h o t o l d h i m a b o u t t h e j o b a t L a b r e ’ s H o p e “ I w a s u s e d t o w o r k i n g a l o n e i n b o t h p h y s i c a l l y a n d i n t e l l e c t u a l l y d e m a n d i n g j o b s a n d a l w a y s p r e f e r r e d t h e p h y s i c a l j o b s a s m e n t a l d e m a n d s q u i c k l y l e a d t o b u r n o u t f o r m e I t h o u g h t s o a pm a k i n g w o u l d b e m i n d - n u m b i n g , b u t I f o u n d i t a c t u a l l y s u i t e d m y s k i l l s a n d p e r s o n a l i t y I l i k e t o w o r k o u t t h e s c e n t f o r m u l a s a s I g o a n d I ’ m n o t o n t h e s a m e l e v e l a s A a r o n b u t I s o o n r e a l i s e d I k n e w e n o u g h t o g e t t h i n g s r i g h t w h i c h w a s r e a s s u r i n g ” W e w a t c h o n a s h e g e t s h i s c o l l e a g u e s w o r k i n g t h r o u g h t h e i r c u r r e n t w o r k b o ok a n d i t ’ s c l e a r t o s e e w h y D a n n y h a s s i n c e b e e n p r o m o t e d t o t r a i n e e m a n a g e r H i s m i n d s e t a n d a p p r o a c h a r e a s r e m a r k a b l e a s h i s c o n t r i b u t i o n t o r e o r g a n i s i n g a l l t h e w o r k s h o p t o m a k e p r o c e s s e s m o r e e f f i c i e n t . N o t b a d f o r s o m e o n e w h o l e f t s c h o o l w i t h n o G C S E s “ F o r s o l o n g I ’ d b e e n a c a r i c a t u r e o f m y s e l f , p u t t i n g o n a n a c t a s a d e f e n c e m e c h a n i s m f o r m y s o c i a l a n x i e t y B u t o n c e I b e c a m e c o m f o r t a b l e w i t h t h e s u r r o u n d i n g s a n d p e o p l e , i t w a s e a s y t o j u s t b e m e I r e a l i s e d I w a s a b l e t o t e a c h p e o p l e i n a w a y t h a t e x p l a i n s a n d s h o w s t h e m h o w o r w h y w e
d o s o m e t h i n g a c e r t a i n w a y w i t h o u t d i c t a t i n g t o t h e m – e v e n i f t h e y n e e d s h o w i n g 2 0 t i m e s A n d I ’ v e s e e n i m p r o v e m e n t s i n e v e r y o n e i n t h e t e a m , s o I t h i n k i t ’ s i m p o r t a n t t o g i v e c r e d i t w h e r e i t ’ s d u e . W e ’ r e a m i x o f p e o p l e t h a t s h o u l d n ’ t w o r k b u t w e d o ” T h e e n t ir e w o r k f o r c e h a s t r u l y b e n e f i t t e d f r o m A a r o n a n d J o a s h ’ s v i s i o n a r y l e a d e r s h i p B u t t h a t a p p r e c i a t i o n i s r e c i p r o c a t e d – L a b r e ’ s H o p e i s l u c k y t o h a v e t h e s t a f f i t d o e s
B e n w a s r i g h t , i f o n l y a l l c o m p a n i e s w e r e r u n l i k e t h i s o n e
"the easiest way to help is
by buying a bar of soap or one of their new myrrh and tonka candles launching especially for the festive period."
T h e y ’ r e g i v i n g s o m u c h t o t h e c o m m u n i t y b u t t h e y n e e d a l i t t l e h e l p i n r e t u r n w h i c h i s w h e r e w e , t h e p u b l i c , c o m e a l o n g T h i s w i n t e r , t h e y w i l l b e g i n t h e i r c r o w d f u n d i n g a p p e a l t o p r o t e c t t h e f u t u r e o f L a b r e ’ s H o p e b u t t h e e a s i e s t w a y t o h e l p i s b y b u y i n g a b a r o f s o a p o r o n e o f t h e i r n e w m y r r h a n d t o n k a c a n d l e s l a u n c h i n g e s p e c i a l l y f o r t h e f e s t i v e p e r i o d W h e t h e r i t ’ s a s t o c k i n g f i l l e r f o r f a m i l y o r f r i e n d s o r a t r e a t f o r y o u r s e l f , y o u r p u r c h a s e w i l l p u t t h e L a b r e ’ s H o p e t e a m c a n c o n t i n u e p u t t i n g t h e h o p e i n s o a p
w w w l a b r e s h o p e c o u k
not be a life sentence and Labre’s Hope reminds us that everyone deserves a chance to thrive."
"Homelessness should
PG&H reveals what’s currently trending,
what’s on its way for the second half of the year.
collection that supports and highlights the plight of British bumblebees,” Lesley explains. “Busy Bees provides the benefits of honey without including any actual honey, formulated with honey-inspired extracts and fragrances. With a donation from every purchase going directly to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust we are taking steps to give our customers choices that align with their wishes.”
With so much media coverage given to wellness, the sector has really come into its own over the past few years, with people not only looking to buy sustainable products but also those that are free of harmful parabens and sulphates and have added health benefits, with the demand for vegetarian and vegan-friendly formulations continuing to increase.
“Our customers are searching for extra wellbeing benefits in their bath and body products, over and above cleansing and
moisturising,” concurs Heathcote & Ivory’s creative director Lesley Aaronson. “We have therefore responded with the launch of a collection, aptly named Flower of Focus, that features cutting edge fragrance innovation to boost energy,”
She adds that with more and more people caring about the environment, and their relationship with the natural world, their customers are continuing to make thoughtful choices. “As a vegan brand, we have responded and launched a vegan honey
“The societal progression towards more mindful lifestyles, seems to be driving consumers to make more ethical purchases,” says Laura Kavanagh, co-founder of GOTY award winning Go La La!
“We want our products to amuse and entertain, but also to reflect the ethical values of ourselves and our customers. Apart from sourcing responsible products, we now work with climate positive company Earthly to invest in green projects and become a carbon neutral company. Our recently launched Funny Smells fragrance sticks and bath mitts have proven to be a great success alongside the rest of our Filthy Gorgeous range,” confirms Laura, “with more soap designs coming up this year, plus the re-launch of our Smelly Balls bath bombs and some other filthy fun!”
The company has also spotted a renewed excitement in people planning their bathtime ritual, driven by fewer people making the daily commute. “This led us to create a classic bubble bath, an enriched bath foam in the William Morris At Home Forest Bathing line-up,” highlights Lesley. “Fragranced with aromatic oils and phytoncides - wellbeing molecules from trees - it brings the regenerative benefits of forest bathing to self-care.”
Looking ahead to AW23, Lesley highlights that the William Morris At Home Peacock & Bird collection will feature bubble bath infused with orange and clove essential oils, in an ornamental, stone-finish glass bottle, with bubble bath also featuring in a Heathcote & Ivory Christmas gift set that elevates bathing to a fragrant candlelit ritual. “We are firm believers in the restorative power of a fabulous long soak with bubbles,” states Lesley, who adds that core body care is extending into products that target specific areas. “We have responded with a dedicated foot care cream and muscle rub set in our In The Garden range, and plan to add more targeted body care products,” she confirms.
At their customers’ request, Marmalade of London is transitioning from hand-wrapped recycled plastic tubes and pumps in its skincare range – co-ordinated hand and body wash and hand and body to lotion – to glass containers and pouches. “Because a lot of people gift Marmalade, we have relaunched
Driven by an increasing demand for wellness and spa products, the trend has created huge opportunities for the UK’s bath, body and beauty sector.
andRight: Filthy Gorgeous boxed sets from Go La La! Left: Heathcote & Ivory’s Flower of Focus collection.
the product lasting longer, plastic waste is also reduced. Plus foaming soap also biodegrades at a quicker rate than traditional liquid soap,” points out Sophie.
The company’s Woodbridge collection offers eight foaming soap fragrances, to include Crème Brûlée, Sicilian Lemon and Ocean Breeze,
Despite struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, almost one-in-four Brits have no plans to cut back on health and wellbeing/spa weekends. (Source: HyperJar)
and nourishing natural ingredients for a home spa-like experience. “For instance, our body wash has mangosteen oil which is packed full of antioxidants, and prickly pear oil, which soothes sunburn and calms skin irritation. Customers are looking for that little bit extra, with niche ingredients that are beneficial to their needs. It’s a key buying decision factor, and one that’s going to grow.”
the range to make it more gift-led, investing in finding really good quality glass,” explains Helen. “We’ve already transferred four items into glass with pouches and will be transitioning more over the coming months.” Looking ahead, the company will also be developing shampoo and conditioner to further expand the range.
“There is a drive towards natural, vegan, sustainable products which offer innovation, quality and value,” says Julie Holmes, founder of WildOlive. “Current trends are botanical, with fragrances and packaging which reflect this theme.”
Continues Julie:
Meanwhile, for those preferring a more traditional soap choice, Michel Design Works also offers triple milled soap bars, another environmentally friendly staple.
“The bath and body sector has grown up in many ways in the last few years,” states Lisa Swaine, founder of Bettyhula. “Consumers are more discerning, conscious of what goes on their skin and how it's packaged, and we’ve worked hard to answer today’s demands in this
Maison&Objet has confirmed the launch of a Well-Being&Beauty sector for its September 2023 edition, which takes place in Paris from 7-11 September. It’s a brand new area of the show, and will featured products for the body, mind and home.
“Enhancing the retail experience is at the heart of everything we do, with a large range of pick and mix products enabling customers to put together their own unique gifts. Extending this range is the focus of 2023, where we will be adding to our bath melts, soaps, bath tea bags, face masks, lip balms and innovative shower pods with a new exciting alchemy range to be launched for the Autumn.”
At Aromatize, marketing manager Sophie Aldred says that foaming soap has long been a popular choice over traditional liquid soap. “Two of our brands – Woodbridge and Michel Design Works - offer foaming soap which is thought to be more environmentally-friendly. The pump dispenses a rich lather straightaway, using less product and less water, making each hand wash better for the environment. In addition, due to
area. For example, our Bath & Shower gift set not only has a Bettyhula super soft sponge that’s made from bamboo fibre, but the tubes in the set are made from sustainably-sourced sugar cane.”
Lisa adds that there is also a rising awareness of therapeutic essential oils
Meanwhile, another growth area, highlighted by Lisa, is waterless products. “One of our best-selling items is our talc-free dusting powder where we are currently developing a powder-based product. It will launch this summer and is quite unusual.”
At Mad Beauty, creative director Julia Cash points out: “Bath and body has always played a significant part in the Mad Beauty portfolio and we continue to cater for consumers needs by offering the bathroom beauty essentials that help create those ‘spa at home’ moments and aid self-care routines. Our new Spring/Summer Mystic Magic range includes bath salts, Feel Good Vibes crystal bath soap and a Gnome Matter What giftable bath and body set, as well as cute, compact gnome-shaped shower gel pods for self-care on the go.”
Julia highlights that AW23 will see Mad Beauty’s bath, body and beauty offering expand with an innovative line up of a new nostalgic range.
For gift retailers looking to expand their wellness offer, there’s sure to be a strong focus on self-purchase as well as gifting.
The Wellbeing Pod and 100% Pure Essential Oils range will positively enhance every day: helping one to de-stress, improve sleep, lift a mood, find balance and harmony, or just completely relax. Designed to diffuse the optimal amount of fragrance throughout the home, this beautifully crafted, sleek ceramic diffuser will work to not only improve your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, but also doubles as a stunning piece of minimalist décor.
F.Y.G
T: +44 208 914 7974
E: info@fyghome.com
W: www.fyghome.com
Brand new from Meg Hawkins is the new Luxury Handwash Collection, each featuring original watercolour designs. Each handwash in the collection has been created with well-being in mind. Select a favourite Meg Hawkins design, or select a favourite fragrance, created using the finest, natural ingredients. Beautifully fragranced, sustainably made, and gorgeous packaging, each handwash will be kind to the skin and will compliment the home.
Meg Hawkins
T: 07811 672 460
E: hello@meghawkinsart.com
W: www.meghawkins.com
The new collection from Manor House encompasses 28 fragrances to choose from – making it the company’s largest offering to date. All of the products are hand made in England. The pot pourris are designed inhouse using the finest botanicals available, fragranced using high quality oils then finished with individual flowers, petals and seed pods before hand tying every box and bag ready to display. The fragrance oils are great for refreshing pot pourri or for traditional and even electric oil burners and they remain one of Manor House’s top selling products. The full fragrance range is complemented by botanical candles, reed diffusers, diffuser refills, room sprays, drawer liners, luxury hand wash and moisturisers. The lotions are safe to the environment and not tested on animals.
Manor House Home Fragrance
T: 01359 250720
W: www.manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk
This handcrafted bar of natural soap changes lives. A vegan bar infused with pure essential oils that provides sustained employment, mental health and qualifications to people experiencing homelessness. This bar, Yin & Yang, is an activated charcoal and white kaolin clay swirled soap which smells like a rose lavender waterfall which is made up of premium plant oils. It’s a product handmade for the home, so people can rebuild theirs.
Labre’s Hope
T: 07518 021148
E: Aaron@labreshope.co.uk
This handcrafted soy wax candle represents hope. It’s a biodegradable glass candle infused with luxury which provides sustained employment, mental health and qualifications to people experiencing homelessness. As the two-wicks burn, notes of white florals, vanilla and coffee diffuse into the air along with hope that there is a brighter future tomorrow for those experiencing homelessness. It’s a product handmade for the home, so people can rebuild theirs.
Labre’s Hope
T: 07518 021148
E: Aaron@labreshope.co.uk
Broughton and Beech has added Soap Bars to its Julie Dodsworth Collection. Available in five designs to co-ordinate with their core fragrance range and Hand Creams. These 190g Soap Bars are Vegan friendly, Cruelty-free, plastic free and Made in England. “We are proud to further extend our Julie Dodsworth collection with the addition of these beautifully made soap bars. Each Bar is made in England and individually wrapped to co-ordinate with the rest of the Julie Dodsworth collection,” said Richard Wood, Managing Director for Broughton & Beech Ltd. Each soap bar is embossed with a rose gold metallic foil to further enhance the giftability of this beautifully fragranced collection.
Broughton & Beech Ltd
T: 01270 335034
E: sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk
W: www.broughtonandbeech.co.uk
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest bath, body and wellness products available to retailers now
analysts the NPD Group confirmed that the best performing toy sector category in 2022 was plush, up a significant 29% YOY.
PG&H asked some of the leading companies in the sector what’s trending this year, and what makes soft toys so irresistible.
screens, which ties in with our background in education and championing the importance of learning through play.”
trend continuing to take over the plush market. “We’ve been promoting sustainability for years, with our Keeleco range responsible for recycling more than 100m water bottles in the manufacture of the range. Some 70% of the entire Keel Toys collection is made from 100% recycled materials and this trend will continue throughout 2023 and beyond,” states Patrick.
There’s something about soft toys that brings out the child in everyone, irrespective of age, with gift givers unable to resist cute faces, super-soft fur and for many, nostalgic memories, with plush an all-year-round gift and, in many instances, collectable too.
“Plush is one of those timeless gifts that has the potential to work for all ages and for all occasions,” states The Puppet Company’s product and marketing director Katy Rugman.
“Being both collectable and affordable gives it continued longevity in both the gift and toy world. We’re seeing a continued move towards more traditional toys and gifts as people increasingly move away from
Highlights Katy: “We’re continuing to add new designs that encourage creativity and imagination, including our new Bedtime Bears – dressed for bed in their pyjamas and nighties, with their own miniature teddies on ribbons that live in their pockets for added play value,” she points out.
“Plush toys are so versatile,” states Patrick Downs, head of design for Keel Toys. “They're ideal for comforting little ones, adding a fun touch to a room, or starting a collection. Plus, who can resist snuggling up with something soft and cuddly, making plush toys great gifts for all ages.”
Patrick adds that the company is delighted to see the eco-friendly
“Well designed, super-soft, timeless plush characters continue to be firm favourites with gift-givers of all ages, by resonating with the end consumer through emotions of happiness, comfort and affection,” states Enesco’s trade marketing manager Aylish Ellwood. “At Enesco, we’ve recognised that sustainability is clearly emerging in the plush market, and in line with our company goals, we are committed to exploring opportunities for future development in plush and gift, actively looking for new plush licences to add to our successful, award-winning Peter Rabbit soft toys collection.”
At Wrendale Designs, founder and creative supremo Hannah Dale adds: “Ever since we launched our first plush characters they have been really popular with a constant demand for more to be added to our growing collection. The collection is brought to life through the use of high quality, soft, tactile fabrics that capture the character of the illustrations, making them unique and a collector’s item that can be cherished for years to come,” states Hannah.
“The true charm of gorgeously soft plush, and the promise of love and comfort from a cute character, makes plush an ideal gift,” points out Kaloo’s commercial director Neil Montgomery. “Current trends show that consumers are looking for quality plushes that are thoughtfully made, with supersoft fabrics key.” Neil adds that cute designs are always extremely popular. “Shoppers know little ones will love them, but that they will also look lovely in a nursery, making them popular gifts for baby showers, new arrivals and special birthdays.
Consumers are also looking for a gift that can become a lifelong friend.”
As for sustainability, Neil says that it is always at the forefront of the company’s designs. “This year, our new collections are made from recycled materials with zero
plastic without jeopardising cuteness and softness, whether that’s an animal from the Rouge range, the long-eared Lapinoo bunny or the Tendresses dolls. We are always introducing newness, with two new dolls, Amandine and Naomie, in lovely packaging, introduced this year,” he highlights.
“Plush per se is a very emotional product with the ‘ooh’, ‘aah’ factor,” points out Ty’s sales director Jonathan Swallow, “and our ethos is the same. Affordable products that people want to collect and play with. Plus, there’s definitely been a resurgence,” he continues, “with plush an emotional sale, unaffected by recessions or the cost-of-living crisis. Once people pick up a plush item it rarely goes back on the shelf.”
For Ty, 2023 is an exciting year with the Beanie Babies back to celebrate their 30th anniversary, but with a twist.
“Without detracting from the originals, we’ve used different colours such as mustard, coral and natural, as well as a different, softer fabric,” explains Jonathan, “with the range sure to become very collectable.”
For many gift retailers, plush items are a ‘must have’, an all year round winner that encourages repeat business, with shops clearly spoilt for choice this year.
Licensed plush is always a popular gifting choice, with Alys Dawson, director of product, creative and marketing services for Rainbow Designs, confirming that it has been a busy 12 months for Paddington, with the love for the nation’s favourite bear continuing to grow. “As the popularity of this much-loved character has increased, we have seen this recognition translate into strong sales across all three of our distinct Paddington ranges - Paddington for Baby, The Adventures of Paddington and Classic Paddington,” she confirms.
Plush toys with interactive features have also performed strongly for the company, particularly where it’s helpful for parents, such as a nightlight or music, with new Peter Rabbit and Paddington Bedtime Cuddles nightlights available later this year.
“Under the sea and dinosaurs are also strong themes seen across trade shows earlier in the year,” continues Alys. “Our new collection, which we’re distributing for Animal Adventure, are super cuddly, playful ranges.”
Meanwhile, a new emoji plush range from Posh Paws is combining the most popular emoji brand icons with trending sayings. The first toys launching in 2023 include the popular Smiling
Face with Heart-Eyes with Love You X message, the Flame with You’re So Lit! and the Peach with the word Cheeky embroidered in a text message speech bubble.
However, for plush lovers feeling a bit more cheeky, Posh Paws will also be releasing the Aubergine emoji with Thinking Of You as its embroidered message.
“We’re excited to be partnering with such an iconic, globally recognised and trending brand, to bring something new, fun and creative to the plush market that will appeal to a variety of consumers and ages,” states Posh Paws brand & marketing director Lauren Shipman. “Our emoji brand range brings something unique to our offering.”
Below: Part of Posh Paws’ licensed emoji range.
Right: Paddington Bear from Rainbow Designs.
Forming part of our Tropical Oasis Capsule Collection, the gift set is ideal for all kinds of occasions such as birthday, Mother's Day, thinking of you, congratulations, new home, or even as a little treat to yourself! It includes an adorable Tatty Teddy plush bear dressed in a bee outfit, an illustrated ceramic plant pot and a bee-shaped seed paper. Plant the seed paper in soil, water it regularly and wait for green shoots to appear. Carefully nurtured, you'll have enough seedlings to create a pretty display of colourful Rudbeckia flowers. The pot and the packaging are printed with gorgeous tropical-style foliage in vibrant shades of green, pink, yellow and gold, with adorable hand sketched illustrations of Tatty Teddy having fun in the great outdoors.
Carte Blanche Greetings
T: 01243 792600
E: info@cbg.co.uk
W: www.cbgtrader.co.uk
Posh Paws licensed range of beautiful Swizzels Love Hearts plush includes a variety of fun, trending and sentimental products for every day, seasonal and celebratory gifting opportunities all year round. New for tween, teen and adult gifting, you can order the adorable “You Grow Girl” succulent flowerpot for positive vibes, the “Olive You” Olive and “I Love You A Latte” Coffee Cup and “Perfect Pear” Pears to spread some love and to show someone how special they are, they have the “Greatest of All Time” Football and “You’re Bun in a Million” Burger. All the Swizzels Love Hearts plush gifts are made using the highest quality fabrics, softest stuffing and finished with exquisite detailing.
Posh Paws International
T: 01268 567317
E: sales@poshpawsinternational.co.uk.
We’re seeing a continued move towards more traditional toys and gifts as people move away from screens more, which ties in with our background in education and our ethos of championing the importance of learning through play. We’re continuing to add new designs that encourage creativity and imagination, including our beautiful new Bedtime Bears – dressed for bed in their pyjamas and nighties, with their own miniature Teddies on ribbons that live in their pockets for added play value.
The Puppet Company
T: 01462 446040
E: Katy@thepuppetcompany.com
W: www.thepuppetcompany.com
Let someone know just how special they are with this adorable plush Tatty Teddy bear. Perfect for a girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband, or a family member such as son, daughter, mum or nan, this 19cm high bear is presented in a beautiful gift box that features the latest 'Signature' range artwork celebrating the magical great outdoors. The lettering on the moon reads 'I love you to the moon and back,' and it's embroidered with glittery gold thread to give a cute sparkly touch. The ideal gift for all kinds of occasions, whether birthday, anniversary, engagement, Valentine's - or simply to show how much you care!
Carte Blanche Greetings
T: 01243 792600
E: info@cbg.co.uk
W: www.cbgtrader.co.uk
Getting your kids to travel on long journeys can be quite an ordeal. Getting them to relax and settle down can be a bit difficult, so why not make it fun. Puckator’s Relaxeazzz travel cushions are the perfect companion for your kids to take with them for the car or plane.
Relaxeazzz are a plush travel cushion which unzips revealing a face mask inside which your kids can pop on when they want to chill in the back seat. Coming in a huge variety of characters and designs, from cute animals from the Adoramals range, to licensed product designs like Minecraft, you’re bound to find one you’ll love. Pairing with the Relaxeazzz, Puckator has a bunch of fantastic plush backpacks in similar styles, letting you complete the look while carrying all their travel essentials.
Puckator
T: 0800 0116969
E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk
W: www.puckator.co.uk
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest plush products available to retailers now
“Never did I think, when writing the next issue of Libby’s Lines, that my little shop would have just been crowned winner of The Greats Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – London, South, South East & East Anglia category at The Greats 2023 Gift Retailer Awards! We are still on cloud nine from such an incredible evening, but I must admit, the glitz and glamour seems like a distant memory as I sit here surrounded by 12 boxes of brand new stock waiting to be unpacked, checked, and priced!
The shop has been buzzing this month, starting off with the most monumental event of the year – the Coronation of King Charles III. I must admit, I was a little apprehensive as to how popular the occasion would be, and if people would be as invested in the Coronation as they were in the Jubilee. I had a dreaded vision that we were going to be stuck with a tonne of Coronation keepsakes, but I am so glad we took the plunge. Although (in true British style!) the weather wasn’t quite what we hoped for on the day –which definitely affected footfall and the final push to clear any remaining stock – the community seemed to embrace the occasion with open arms. Pretty much every shop, as well as the high street itself, was dressed head to toe in red, white and blue, and that definitely seemed to inject Coronation fever into everyone and give revenue a boost for a month that is typically a little slower in retail. Such physical reminders of the celebrations everywhere you looked, combined with the focus of community organised events, relating to the Coronation, has provided the benefit of reinforcing the significance of the high street – that they remain at the hearts
of the community. This has certainly bolstered and reignited the ‘shop local’ spirit which was at the forefront of minds after the pandemic, and will positively benefit independents over the coming months.
We also launched a social media competition relating to our Coronation window, which hugely boost our online engagement as well as generating a buzz around the shop both on and offline! The window featured a life-size cardboard cut-out of the King, and to enter the competition customers had to take a selfie and upload it online with the hashtag #CakeWithCharles to win both our Coronation range and afternoon tea for two in our tearoom. The reel we created to advertise the competition had a collective reach on our socials of over
11,900, of which 45% were non-followers of our accounts –an amazing statistic for a small independent! Alongside the online entries we also had members of the public sharing images of our cardboard King on local community pages, praising our efforts for the Coronation. Although this may not have translated directly into monetary sales, the Coronation and the opportunities it presented enabled us to create content that triggered enthusiasm and spread the word about Lovely Libby’s.
As is always the way in retail, we are now focusing on the next big calendar dateFather’s Day - which is always a funny one for us. It doesn’t even begin to compare with the popularity of Mother’s Day, and has a lot to do with the fact that male gifting options are few and far between. We find the majority of male gifts are either token keepsakes or focus on particular themes that are often too niche to appeal to everyone. The prime example of this is football-themed products. Given how many different teams there are, it would be almost impossible to provide an option for everyone on the shop floor! Therefore, in light of the success of our personalised Mother’s Day gift boxes this year, we’ve decided to recreate this concept for Father’s Day. We are hoping that by putting this array of gifting options together in one organised place – including that large selection of football team themed products!customers can navigate our website as a one stop shop to create a gift box that is entirely unique at a price point that suits them. With each item individually wrapped and presented in a branded gift box, we also hope this will make gifting that little bit easier and convenient within the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and we are excited to see how they go down!”
From winning a prestigious Greats award to celebrating the Coronation and getting ready for Father’s Day, it’s been a busy month for Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh.Left: Libby Holden proudly holding her Greats trophy. Below: The Coronation window. The event was a huge success for the store.
Ivyline will once again have a major showcase at Glee 2023, where the British supplier will present new collections for AW23, SS24 and Christmas. New lines have been created to optimise current consumer trends, whilst placing Ivyline front and centre as the go-to brand for the latest styles, sustainable designs and home décor must-haves. Scott Thomas, managing director at Ivyline said: “Our AW23 offering has been carefully curated to arm retailers with everything they need to make the most of this key sales period. From products that support cross merchandising opportunities to those that drive up gift and impulse sales, our AW23 is the perfect onestop-shop for retailers that value quality and style without compromising on the importance of sustainable practices.”
Ivyline
Visit - Glee - Stand: 6E60-F61
T: 024 7633 9180.
E: sales@ivylinegb.co.uk
W: www.ivylinegb.co.uk
Nominated as a Gift Of The Year Finalist… a gift from nature as truly as magical as it sounds. Children and adults alike will get so much joy and entertainment watching in amazement as their name starts to appear on these mysteriously enchanting plants. Simply water the beans and let the magic begin.
Global Journey Gifts
Visit: Glee – Stand: 6A50-B51.
T: 0161 872 0333
E: isamuels@global-journey.com
W: www.global-journey.com
Enjoy a moment of relaxation in one of these hammocks! The non-printed hammocks are not only extremely comfortable, they are also OEKO-TEX certified and the wood used is FSC certified that makes this product environment friendly. These hammocks have beautiful details and are inspired on the latest trends in colours and patterns.
Kaemingk B.V.
Visit: Glee – Hall 20 Stand: G20-H21
E: info@kaemingk.com
W: www.kaemingk.com
The company is delighted to introduce new, exclusive, fabric designs for its wheat bags.
Fancy Flamingos and Country Pheasants are now available, with more designs to follow. Its handmade microwaveable wheat bags can be placed on the body for a natural way to soothe aches and pains. Comforting, warming and relaxing they make the perfect gift. Filled with cleaned English wheat, they are available in either unscented or with added Lavender.
The Wheat Bag Company
Visit: Glee – Stand: 7A71
T: 01747 480499
E: Sales’thewheatbagcompany.co.uk
W: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk
At this year’s Spring Fair, Bachmann Europe launched its new distribution line – PepPlay. This new range of children’s arts and crafts products is suitable for ages 3-10 and feature colourful designs to appeal to both children and parents alike. Stock has now arrived for delivery in time for the holiday season.
PepPlay is a premium eco conscious brand, with many of the products designed to be reusable and recyclable. All the products are non-toxic and conform to all safety standards. The range is made up of around 20 products initially and the reusable doodle mats are a particular highlight and come in a range of designs. The placemats are designed to make mealtimes fun at home or on the go. They are printed with fade proof black ink on food grade, non-toxic Polymer sheets and are BPA free. Colour in the pictures, wipe clean and the mats are ready to be reused again.
Bachmann Europe Plc
Visit: Glee – Stand: 7A47
E: sales@toyway.co.uk
The cool new Top Dogs collection from Joe Davies makes perfect home accessories for dog lovers. The range comprises of ceramic vases which are available in various dog breeds including collie, boxer and a very cute basset hound, an attractive Patch the dog planter and a unique Spot the dog jug! These adorable pieces are sure to bring humour and charm to any home whether they are adorned with flowers or as a decorative piece in their own right… in fact they are paws-itively guaranteed to make you smile.
Joe Davies
Visit: Home & Gift Stand - B66
T: 0161 975 6300
E: sales@joedavies.co.uk
W: www.joedavies.co.uk
After 30 years of selling the Green and Blue Dragon Fly Tiffany lamps JJ Vaillant is launching its Autumn Beige Dragon Fly Collection. The shade is made from over 100 pieces of hand-cut iridescent glass that are fused together with copper foil. Oval and round cabochon glass jewels are added and finished with pieced aged brass wings. Standing 15 inches high and sitting on a pretty faux bronze metal base, this lamp will make a beautiful addition to retail displays and are great impulse buys. Over 100 different Tiffany Lamps are stocked.
JJ Vaillant Ltd
T: 0121 667 3629
E: info@jjvaillant.co.uk
W: www.jjvaillant.co.uk
The brand new Heartfelt collection from Joe Davies is a range of pretty heart and butterfly shaped ceramic plaques which are truly beautiful in their simplicity. Available as single hearts and butterflies or as triples which consist of 3 hearts/butterflies in descending sizes all featuring exquisite metallic gold and black detail on a textured cream background. Each plaque carries heartfelt sentiments for friends and family making them the perfect keepsake gift for loved ones.
Joe Davies
T: 0161 975 6300
E: sales@joedavies.co.uk
W: www.joedavies.co.uk
Visit: Home & Gift Stand - B66
Simply paw-fect for sticky little fingers at mealtimes, grubby paws after playing in the garden or slips and spillages during arts and craft time, this versatile Peter Rabbit coverall is sure to be a hit with parents and care-givers of little bunnies. Made from wipe-clean fabric it’s suitable for children aged 1-3 years. What’s not to love?
Enesco
E: aylish.ellwood@enesco.co.uk
W: www.enesco.co.uk
Walking stick specialist Classic Canes has designs to suit every occasion and this year that includes summer holidays. Some of the latest designs by the family firm include these charming puffin and seaside patterns on contemporary walking sticks that are height-adjustable between 73 and 95cm, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Going somewhere more exotic?
There are safari and tropical prints too as well as many featuring British flora and fauna.
Classic Canes Limited
T: 01460 75686
E: info@classiccanes.co.uk
W: www.classiccanes.co.uk
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now
Jewellery designers are finding ever more exciting ways to incorporate beads and stones into their jewellery designs. CME has introduced a brightly coloured range featuring transparent enamel, pearls and turquoise married with silver to lift the spirits and offer a vision of fun-filled summer days. Great for eye-catching window or website displays.
CME Leicester Limited
T: 0116 283 2240
E: sales@cmejewellery.co.uk
W: linktr.ee/cmejewellery
This Autumn Clockwork Soldier will be introducing a new range called Birds, Bugs and Butterflies. Enjoy learning and watching these creatures flutter and fly with the lovely ladybird, super stag beetle, buzzy bumble bee and rocking robin. Also enjoy playing a classic game of dominoes with a twist, with the Build a Beehive Game where you can play dominoes in three dimensions as well as build a beautiful beehive sculpture.
Clockwork Soldier Ltd
T: 07936 434894
E: info@clockworksoldier.com
W: www.clockworksoldier.co.uk
Introducing the new Elmer My First Puppet - suitable from birth, made from soft materials with embroidered eyes tested to the highest possible standards. By using The Puppet Company’s existing manufacturers, it has ensured these first licensed Puppets are made to the highest quality at affordable price points. They have also created a beautiful standalone finger puppet Elmer - carry him with you wherever you go - perfect for pockets and adventures!
The Puppet Company
T: 01462 446040
E: Katy@thepuppetcompany.com
W: www.thepuppetcompany.com
Discover the new, sustainable candle collection from Best Kept Secrets. Made in collaboration with artist, Nicky Dawson, the entire collection has been created to be environmentally friendly, whilst still delivering quality fragrance, colour, and sparkle into the home. Each candle has been made from a renewable and sustainable crop using certified coconut and plant-based wax, so you can enjoy beautiful, colourful fragrances, knowing that every step has been taken to be kind to the planet.
Best Kept Secrets
T: 01670 512222
E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
Discover the brand-new handmade soap collection from Meg Hawkins. Each soap has been beautifully and subtly fragranced with essential or fragrance oils to enhance wellbeing and accompany the home. The sustainable soap collection is finished in a gift box featuring one of her stunning, original, watercolour designs and stamped with the Meg Hawkins logo. All soaps are SSL free, and come with a guarantee of quality, beauty, and fragrance.
Meg Hawkins
T: 07811 672 460
E: hello@meghawkinsart.com
W: www.meghawkins.com
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now
Brushes are one of those everyday dependable items which perhaps don’t get the love they deserve. They are a key part of the dressing table or handbag, so why not stock some with a bit more flare? Puckator has an exciting range of hairbrush designs. The Skulls and Roses model is there for the more goth inclined people; or if you want more of a spring vibe then the Nectar Meadows will be the one to look at. The design is durable and ergonomic, letting it glide through hair with ease. Made out of environmentally friendly bamboo, they are incredibly sustainable as bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource, making it an excellent alternative to plastic and the perfect choice for the more eco conscious individuals.
Puckator
T: 0800 0116969
E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk
W: www.puckator.co.uk
This fall Bolsius will introduce the fragrance concept CleanLight; a doublewalled glass holder for scented candle refills. The revolutionary technology behind the double-walled glass holder ensures that the refill burns up completely, leaving only the wick plate behind. CleanLight not only helps to create atmosphere; it also burns cleanly and leaves very little waste. The scented candles without a cup are available in five delicious scents, made from natural vegan wax and palm oil free.
Bolsius By Apac
T: 0116 2302555
E: sales@apacgroup.com
W: www.apac.co.uk
A fine example of the rare rainbow tailed cat! Just one of a range of carded stained-glass effect Crystal dream suncatchers from Wild Things. Vivid designs, with finest Czech and Austrian crystals adding the finishing touch. Floor standing and counter top displays are available. And like most Wild Things Gifts, these are made by skilled Devon craftworkers. Just one new ranges in the newly-released 2023 catalogue. Call or email for a free copy of their new catalogue.
Wild Things Gifts
T: 01392 211268
E: sales@wildthingsgifts.com
W: www.wildthingsgifts.com
For Glen Ogal’s new watch collectionthe Astronomer series - the skies have been a magnificent source of inspiration. The range of high-quality affordable watches makes a wonderful addition to any gift or jewellery store.
Glen Ogal
T: 0131 503 0004
E: info@glenogal.com
W: www.GlenOgalTrade.com
Looking for a new product for the increasing number of environmentally conscious customers this summer? Look no further than Thriving Earths' colourful bamboo socks. Made from organically grown bamboo, these socks not only feel great on the feet but make the world a better place with each step taken, as for every pair sold a free pair is donated to a homeless charity.
Thriving Earth
T: 01738 718719
E: info@thrivingearth.com
W: www.ThrivingEarth.com
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now
Karen Ebers, owner, Something Special, Edenbridge
A medium-sized gift and card shop on the high street.
Widdop & Co: Hestia T-Lite holders
Scentiment Gifts: candles
Bomb Cosmetics: body buffer shower sponges
Life Charms: earrings
Nigel Quiney
Glick
Jellycat: across the board
These cute tea lights are very popular with customers.
We do very well with these too.
A great concept giving customers the choice of a fragrance and message lid.
A great pick-up gift at a very affordable price point.
Well presented with loads of designs at a fantastic price.
Pizazz is definitely one of our fastest selling ranges.
Who else? Always a winner for us.
Not a day goes past without us selling something from the very extensive range.
Heidi Hopkinson, owner, Serendipity, Kirkham
A medium-sized gift shop on a high street.
Decorative Home Accessories
Lesser & Pavey: handpainted gin glasses;
Pigment: Fox & Butler jotter block
A perfect, unusual – and useful! – gift.
A retro chic home accessory in a striking design.
Home Fragrancing
Serendipity Scents: own brand;
Wild-Olive: pick and mix soya melts
The Serendipity range is made by Potters Crouch, with fabulous fragrances that have customers repeat purchasing.
Handmade melts that make a brilliant, special gift for £10.
Jewellery
Fashion & Fashion Accessories
Greeting Cards
Giftwrap
Other Hot Hits
Joma: A Little bracelets;
D & X: across the board
Butterfly Scarves: partcashmere scarves;
Powder: across the board
Toasted Crumpet
Giftwrap UK
Jellycat: across the board
An all year round, any occasion winner.
The earrings in particular make a lovely gift.
The cashmere mix has made them a massive winner for us.
Powder offers something different. Lovely prints at a competitive price.
The cards are a great price, with fantastic designs that sell out.
Good choice, good price, great quality.
You need to know your Tik Tok!
A medium-sized gift shop on a high street.
Home Accessories
Gallery Direct: home;
Gisela Graham: home décor; Christmas
The company always knows what’s on trend and how to put things together.
The shop comes alive at Christmas with Gisela!
Home Fragrancing
Freckleface: soya wax melts;
Potters Crouch: candles;
We wouldn’t use any others. The smell and quality is superb and our customers love them.
We love these candles which are made in the UK and handcrafted.
Fashion & Fashion Accessories
Jewellery
Zelly: across the board;
Powder: across the board
Peace of Mind (POM): across the board;
Hot Tomato: across the board
The quality is exceptional, beautiful and unusual.
We are currently loving the pyjamas, and the kimonos are flying out.
An extensive collection of jewellery, as well as fashion accessories and scarves.
The quality of the products is superb. Appeals to all ages.
Greeting Cards
Giftwrap
Rosie Made A Thing
Global Enterprise
Quirky, tongue in cheek quotes. Customers love them.
The finest gift packaging.
Decorative Home Accessories
LSA: vases;
Biggie Best: cushions
The Flower range in particular continues to sell well.
Seasonally changing designs keep the range fresh.
Home Fragrancing
St Eval: candle tins and tea lights;
Ashleigh & Burwood: The Scented Home diffusers;
Customers are increasingly aware of, and responsive to St Eval’s green credentials.
The price point is extremely competitive, with a core range of fragrances.
Jewellery
Hot Tomato: across the board;
Big Metal: across the board
Seasonal releases maintain interest and diversity.
Bright coloured pieces are presented on over-sized white card making them stand out to customers.
Fashion & Fashion Accessories
Roka Bags: across the board;
Thought: bamboo socks
With sales space at a premium, we love being able to appeal to a wide range of customers with a single brand.
Aside from greeting cards, Thought bamboo socks are our single strongest selling line by volume.
Greeting Cards
Giftwrap
Other Hot Hits
Rosie Made A Thing
Lagom Design
Jellycat: across the board
For some time now this has been our strongest selling range of cards.
We love the bold colour of their graphic art wrap, particularly the children’s range.
The more unusual and unexpected, the more interest there seems to be.
From small to large kitchen knives, Opinel offers complete collections to make cooking easier and enhance your culinary skills.
Distributed in the UK and Ireland by
Makasi specialises in supplying the UK’s largest range of driftwood style, giftware, furniture, home decor and Bali parasols.
www.makasiimports.co.uk info@makasiimports.co.uk 01932910533
for 2023
For 20 years Global Journey vending machines containing £1 gifts have been reaping amazing returns for customers. A great way to generate extra add on cash sales while the tills are busy.
Ideal for all retail environments
Fast, simple refill
Secure self service
Excellent return for 0.5 sqm
No theft
Amazing quality £1 gifts
New for 2023 - Gemstone Discs, Obelisks and Ovals.
To order simply email Ian at isamuels@global-journey.com or call 0161 8720333.
Mr&Mrs Fragrance
Distributed by Broughton & Beech Ltd 01270 335034 sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk www.broughtonandbeech.co.uk
Julie Dodsworth
Produced under license by Broughton & Beech Ltd 01270 335034 sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk www.broughtonandbeech.co.uk
SHORTLISTED
Wholesale available: www.bramblewoodsoap.co.uk
bramblewood.soap
Allsorted is searching for more ‘SUPERSTAR’ Territory Managers to join our highly successful team, and our growing business.
■ Are you the best - or at least one of the bestsales reps in your current and previous teams?
■ An address book with lots of Garden Centres, Visitor Attractions, Department Stores would be a major plus! As would great Excel and PowerPoint skills.
■ Books are a great product; would you be passionate about selling them?
■ You’ll get to sell bestsellers - great ‘brands’ – and some thoughtful gift books, fabulous
(a part-timer would be considered too, with smaller ‘patch’)
Locations • South East • West Midlands • North East:
kids’ books: our range includes books with some truly thought-provoking and inspiring content. Your job will be to persuade prospects that our service is the best in our marketplace, then to match the right books to the right place, and then to do what you say you’re going to do, and more!
■ You must be persuasive, honest, hardworking, positive thinking, dedicated, smart,and really enjoy helping customers to be even more successful.
■ You’ll get a choice between a car allowance and mileage reimbursement.
If this sounds potentially right for you, then contact Lincoln by email with CV and covering letter at lincoln@allsorteduk.com
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!
LIFE CHARMS
T: 0203 488 2656
E: sales@lifecharms.co.uk
W: www.lifecharms-trade.co.uk
D&X LONDON
T: 020 8310 3400
E: info@dandx.co.uk
W: www.dandx.co.uk
BOMB COSMETICS
T: 01202 859059
E: sales@bombcosmetics.co.uk
W: www.bombcosmetics.co.uk
JOMA JEWELLERY
T: 01295 263430
E: enquiries@jomajewellery.com
W: www.wholesale.jomajewellery.com
POTTERS CROUCH
T: 07867 537192 or 01727 836454
E: david@potterscrouchcandles.co.uk
W: www.potterscrouchcandles.co.uk
GALLERY DIRECT
T: 01795 439159
E: sales@gallerydirect.co.uk
W: www.gallerydirect.co.uk
ASHLEIGH & BURWOOD
T: 01932 267060
E: COT@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk
W: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk
POM
T: 01225 777749
E: sales@pom925.com
W: www.pom925.com
HOT TOMATO
T: 01225 422188
E: sales@hot-tom.com
W: www.hot-tom.com
