Progressive Gifts & Home November 2018

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October/November 2018

Perfect for the home, th hese beautiful decor o ative pieces make a stunningg centreepiece.

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

EXHIBITIONS

THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS

This Month

There’s a lovely upbeat thread running through this issue and it’s about both being happy and making other people happy. It kicked off when I met designer Emily Coxhead, the creator of The Happy News.

Emily was feeling particularly happy as she was showing people how to make ‘happy jars’ at John Lewis & Partners’ store in London’s Westfield, as part of the retailer's activity to support the GCA-initiated Thinking of You Week. To find out more about Emily and her happy thoughts turn to Bursting With Happiness on pages 41-43, and John Lewis & Partners’ new Find Keep Give gift department on pages 29-31.

While I was still basking in Emily’s happy vibe, Adam Gore, founder of online gift retailer Find Me A Gift, told me that he too, loves being in a business that makes people happy, not least, because it makes him happy as well! (Turn to Get Happy on pages 57-59). As Lindsey Kleinlercher, co-owner of gift multiple Between The Lines concurred: “Gift giving releases those feelgood endorphins.” (See Location, Location, Location on pages 37-39).

On the celebrity front, who couldn’t feel enthused listening to the wit and wisdom of former ‘dragon’ Theo Paphitis at Autumn Fair (see An Audience With... The King Of Retail on pages 33-35), or be entertained by Nadiya Hussain’s Q&A at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE). To find out what’s making Nadiya especially happy, turn to Living The Dream on pages 25-27.

Meanwhile, our very happy news here at Progressive Gifts and Home is that we’re fanfaring The Greats 2019 in this issue (see page 5), so make sure you keep the entry form enclosed with this issue in a safe place. Visit our brand new website www.thegreatsawards.co.uk for further details.

And finally, with Christmas around the corner, we asked a cross-section of gift retailers how they were gearing up for the festive season. As you’ll discover on pages 21-23, the good news is that shops seem to be in a fine festive frame of mind.

As this is our last issue of the year, the team here at PG&H would like to wish all of you an extremely happy, very successful Christmas - may those tills ring merrily on high!

Above: More happy news! Wild & Wolf’s ceo Paul Taylor shows Sue the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade trophy that was presented to the company last month for International Trade. See page 9 for more details.

Sue Marks, Editor

Inside

47-49 Lulu Loves

5-17 19 21-23 25-27

News Gift of the Gab Feedback Nadiya Hussain

51-53 Spotlight On... Bath & Body

Living The Dream

61-65 Spotlight On...Valentine’s Day

Lulu’s Come To Town Get ‘Set’ For An Indulgent Christmas

57-59 Find Me A Gift Get Happy

29-31 John Lewis

All You Need Is Love

67

Find Keep Give

33-35 Theo Paphitis

69-71 Spotlight On... Pet Gifts

37-39 Between The Lines Location, Location, Location

41-43 Emily Coxhead Bursting With Happiness

45

Trends

January Furniture Show High Five

An Audience With... The King Of Retail

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

@Prog_Gifts

Well Doggone!

77 78-79 82 82

Sounding Off Best Sellers Behind The Counter: Angie Pipe Last Word: Kenny Tutt Progressive Gifts & Home is published 7 times a year.

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Overseas; one year £75, two years £125 or three years £165. Please send your cheque to: Progressive Gifts & Home, Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax 020 7609 4222/020 7607 6411 email: ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

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Design & Production Russell Sutton

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Sue Marks Editor

Angie Bryant Ian Hyder Advertisement Manager Publishing Director

ISSN 2515-7523

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Copyright 2018. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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A Valentine’s Day must, with the simple inscribed saying ‘You had Me at Hello’, a beautiful statement to the beginning of your love encounter. This range is fragranced with Pomegranate, Pink Pepper & Spicy Woods a spicy, seductive aroma.

Find Us

Top Drawer – 13-15 January – Stand K47 | Atlanta Gift Show – 9 -13 January – Stand 508 Maison et Objet – 18-22 January | Spring Fair – 3-7 February – Hall 8 A15

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Industry News

‘Greats’ News For Gift Shops!

New Website Launches The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2019 As the countdown to the 17th Greats Gift Retailer Awards kicks off this month, gift shops and gift departments of all shapes and sizes are invited to enter the fabulous Greats Awards 2019 which recognise and rewards the very best in gift retail.

Recognising those extra special shop staff who go the extra mile, gift retailers are also invited to enter a member of staff in the Retail Employee of the Year category, and to name their stand out suppliers in the Best Service to the Independent category.

Nominations are also welcome for the Honorary Achievement Award, which recognises a special someone who has made a major contribution to the gift industry as a whole.

“The Greats is a fantastic opportunity for gift retailers - from the tiniest village shop to the largest multiple - to bang the drum for their achievements over the past year,” enthuses Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home. “We know that there are some fantastic retailers out there, and we’re looking to reward retail excellence, professionalism, innovation and commitment, and to receiving self-nominations and nominations highlighting those gift retailers who stand out head and shoulders from the crowd.”

To celebrate The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2019, a brand new website has been launched www.thegreatsawards.co.uk - featuring details on how to enter, together with a downloadable entry form.

Entries can also be emailed to suem@max-publishing.co.uk The closing date is January 31, 2019.

Winners will be announced at a glittering Greats 2019 Awards lunch held in The Ballroom at the Grosvenor House on London’s Park Lane on Wednesday May 15, 2019, where the theme - tapping into the animal print trend - will be Walk On The Wild Side. For ticket information, contact Clare Hollick at Createvents tel: 01183 340085 email: clare@createvents.co.uk First launched in 2003, The Greats Gift Retailer Awards are owned and organised by Max Publishing and Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide.

Above: Thrilled to bits! A joyous moment for the 2018 Greats Awards winners.

Left: A delighted Amanda and Will Oscroft, owners of Love It in Bury St Edmunds and Stamford, who won the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year East Anglia category in May.

The Greats Sponsors 2019 Current sponsors of The Greats 2019 Awards include (in alphabetical order): A Gift From The Gods; Boxer Gifts and Boxer Books; Candlelight; Gift Republic; GiftsandHome.net; Gisela Graham; Harrogate Christmas & Gift; Joe Davies; Premier Decorations; Progressive Gifts & Home; Progressive Greetings Live and The Giftware Association.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Angie Bryant on 01993 212994; email: angieb@max-publishing.co.uk

Orla Kiely Goes Into Administration Fashion and homewares company Orla Kiely, known for its vintage, 1970’s inspired geometric prints, ceased trading in September, following the collapse of parent company Kiely Rowan. Stores on the King’s Road and Seven Dials in London, as well as in Kildare Village in Ireland, have shut their doors. The company has also closed down its website.

However, Orla Kiely’s home and design licensing business is continuing to trade, selling accessories and homewares through distribution partners to include Wild & Wolf.

Below: Orla Kiely’s Early Bird cushion.

HOMI Focuses On Trends And Traditions Lifestyle show HOMI is getting ready to open its doors with ‘endless experimentation’, say show organisers Fiera Milano. Taking place from January 25-28, 2019, at Rho in Milan, Italian elegance and style will epitomise the event which focuses on gifts, home, tabletop, kitchenware, jewellery and fashion accessories.

Visitors will find original pieces in Creazioni, while Festivity will turn the spotlight on Christmas and other special occasions throughout the year.

Sector experts will also be sharing their knowledge at a series of workshops and talk shows.

Visit www.homimilano.com

All Things Coastal Greats 2018 Winner Hits The Headlines Tadworth based Alligator Pear, winner of the Home Counties, South & South East category at The Greats 2018, was featured in an eye-catching, double page spread in Time & Leisure magazine. Entitled The Art of Gifting, the article featured an interview with founder and owner Maggie Thornton, who first opened her shop doors 20 years ago.

Exciting plans in the pipeline for Alligator Pear next year include a possible expansion and developing own brand products.

Left: A ‘Greats’ spread in Time & Leisure magazine for Greats 2018 winner Alligator Pear.

For retailers with gift shops in coastal areas, Giving & Living, which takes place from January 13-16, 2019, at Westpoint, Exeter, is a ‘must visit’ show, with sectors including Coastal Path, Designed & Made In Britain, Naturally and Newcomers. Products range from bags to books, mugs to maps and soaps to seascapes. Visit www.givingliving.co.uk

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sensational exceptional original 8. – 12. 2. 2019 The outstanding diversity of the international consumer goods market. Eye-catching innovations, trends and designs in sight.

All segments. All themes. The trade fair that leads your industry into the future.

Information and tickets: ambiente.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83 info@uk.messefrankfurt.com

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Industry News

Fanfaring A Brand New PG Live Show January Show Will Make Its Debut In 2020 Following a record breaking 10th PG Live in June, Max Exhibitions has announced the launch of a second annual PG Live exhibition. The new sibling show will take place on Tuesday January 7 and Wednesday January 8, 2020, at the Business Design Centre in Islington. (The new show will be in addition to the June show taking place in 2020).

Explaining the rationale behind the additional new show, PG Live’s co-owner Warren Lomax said: “We have been urged for some time by publishers and retailers to launch a second PG Live at the start of the year - and so we are!”

As Warren pointed out, “We all know that very start of the year is a hugely important buying time for greeting cards and ancillary product launches. So, when an early January opportunity came up at PG Live’s ‘home’ of Islington’s Business Design Centre, we just had to go for it!”

PG Live January 2020 will have all the features that have made the PG Live June show so successful and popular, such as free lunches, free hot drinks, a free on-site first night party and special Golden and Silver tickets given free to Retas finalists and winners, as well as monetary vouchers for Greats winners and finalists, to spend at PG Live January 2020.

As with the June show, there will also be an exciting Springboard section for new and emerging publishers.

Operations director of Max Exhibitions, Simon Boyd, added: “The greeting card industry has really embraced PG Live over the last decade, and we believe that PG Live January 2020 can really do the greeting card industry proud.”

A dedicated PG Live January 2020 website is in the throes of being built.

For more details regarding PG Live January 2020 contact Warren Lomax on warren@maxpublishing.co.uk or call him on 0207 700 6740.

Prior to PG Live 2020 opening its doors, PG Live 2019 will be taking place at the Business Design Centre in London on June 4-5.

Above: A second PG Live has been announced for 2020.

Giftware Supplier Of The Year It was celebrations all round at Widdop and Co recently when the company was named Supplier of the Year at the Choice Marketing Conference held last month in Hinckley.

The award, voted for by Choice Marketing member garden centres, recognised Widdop and Co for outstanding customer service and support, and was presented by group ceo Michelle de Lavis-Trafford.

‘We are absolutely delighted,” enthused Widdop’s sales director Andrew Illingworth. “It’s a testament to Widdop’s tireless effort to make sure we look after our customers. We are extremely grateful to Choice Marketing, and each one of its individual members, for their vote of confidence in both our product and our team.”

Above: Widdop’s Andrew Illingworth (centre right) and marketing manager Sue Grant (centre left), received the award from Choice Marketing’s ceo Michelle de Lavis-Trafford (left) and Mike Cook.

New ‘House Of Brands’ Launches A new corporate entity, Vivona Brands, has been launched as the parent company for its existing portfolio of lifestyle, wellbeing and beauty brands They include: NPW Gifts; Simply Moleskine; Oh K!; SUGU; JiinJu and Drinking Buddies; Explains Vivona Brands’ ceo Tim Wright: “Our unique combination of fast innovation, robust infrastructure and strong international relationships remains the core of our business DNA. Our investment in people and infrastructure has created great brands and business growth, most recently recognised by consecutive awards in the Sunday Times & HSBC International Fast Track 200 which ranks the fastest growing international businesses.”

With its HQ in London, and offices in North America and Asia, Vivona Brands is jointly controlled by its management team and Inflexion PE, a leading UK mid-market private equity fund.

Below: Giftware brand NPW is now part of Vivona Brands.

Two Gift Shops Close In Sidmouth As trade associations continue to lobby the government over business rates, historic gift shop, Govier’s of Sidmouth, which opened its doors in 1904 – is being forced to close. Owner Alan Morgenroth, who took over the shop 34 years ago, plans to shut the doors for the last time at the end of the year citing business rates. The business will move online and continue selling via mail order.

Another gift shop on Sidmouth’s high street, Coles, closed at the end of October. Owners Colin and Kylie Cramb concurred that unfair business rates and rising costs were behind the decision to shut up shop.

Below: Alan Morgenroth, owner of Govier’s of Sidmouth, will be shutting up shop at the end of the year.

Oliver Bonas Celebrates 25 Years In typically fun style, Oliver Bonas’ 25th anniversary celebrations in September kicked off with OB25, a creative space for customers to play, shop and be inspired.

The company’s Tottenham Court Road store was transformed in September, with customers invited to join in a series of workshops, talks and classes to discover how to ‘Work Hard, Play Hard & Be Kind’, he company’s mantra.

Activities ranged from talks and dance parties to hip hop yoga, earring making, short story writing and painting.

During OB25, Oliver Bonas also took part in the London Design Festival 2018.

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

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Industry News

Queen’s Award For Wild & Wolf Paul Taylor, ceo, Praises Staff Wild & Wolf’s striking new offices in Manvers Street, Bath, set the scene for the presentation of the company’s Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade, which was presented to Wild & Wolf’s ceo Paul Taylor.

Staff gathered to hear HM Lord Lieutenant Anne Maw tell them: “Being awarded The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is a really serious achievement. A huge number of companies put themselves forward for this award and don’t get through, and that includes many of the larger businesses. So to have been awarded The Queen’s Award For Enterprise is a huge accolade, and I feel honoured to be presenting it to you.”

She continued: “It’s companies like Wild & Wolf that help to make our country what it is, and I feel so proud of what you have achieved. Every single person who works here should feel proud of this award, which is very well deserved. People will now look out for Wild & Wolf as they know that the company is special.”

Responding, Wild & Wolf’s ceo Paul Taylor told staff: “I want to thank Above: Wild & Wolf’s ceo Paul Taylor (left) all of you. This is a huge achievement for Wild & Wolf, and was presented with the coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade. it’s down to you. There have been a lot of changes in the He is shown with HM Lieutenant Anne last couple of years and they have contributed to massive Maw, Deputy Lieutenant Edward BayntunCoward (centre) and export sales growth internationally.” manager John Scarman.

Currently, the UK accounts for a third of the company’s business, with the USA now a slightly bigger market place. “However, we fully intend to keep growing the UK side,” Paul told Progressive Gifts & Home.

The original announcement was made earlier this year on April 21 by the Queen on her 92nd birthday. It was followed by a royal reception for Queen’s Award winners held at Buckingham Palace in the summer, attended by Wild & Wolf’s commercial director James Portman, and export sales manager John Scarman.

Wild & Wolf was founded in 2005 and now employs 150 people globally. Products are currently sold in over 60 countries worldwide. Global brands include Ted Baker, Orla Kiely, Stanley, V&A and Happy Jackson. The company also supplies games and toys brand Ridley’s Games, children’s gifting brand Petit Collage, men’s lifestyle brand Gentlemen’s Hardware, Pretty Useful Tools and Yes Studio. l Five products from Wild & Wolf’s eco-friendly gifts and toys brand, Petit Collage, have received recognition in the 2018 Made For Mums Toy Awards. The brand has also reached the finals in the Progressive Preschool Awards. The winnerswill be announced at an awards ceremony which takes place on November 8.

A Cheeky Word In HRH’s Ear Made Prince Charles Giggle Meera Santoro, co-founder of Santoro, winner of a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, made a memorable impression at Buckingham Palace recently as a result of some cheeky remarks she whispered into Prince Charles’ ear!

At the Palace to receive the award for the company’s international licensing activity, featuring brands such as Gorjuss, Meera told PG&H: “I said a good few things to Charles but the most printable was that he actually looked hotter in real life than he did on camera. I also whispered something cheeky in his ear which he roared out loud about, while everyone else were wide-eyed as to what I’d actually said!”

Left: HRH The Prince of Wales was clearly delighted by what Meera Santoro was saying.

Enesco Retains GUND Enesco has secured a deal with Spin Master for the ongoing UK distribution of the GUND brand. The deal means that Enesco will be the exclusive distributor of GUND Peter Rabbit plush in all existing markets. The company will also retain the distribution of other GUND lines, to include Pusheen and Boo, with the exception of certain customers and markets which are already serviced by Spin Master.

Top: Enesco’s Peter Rabbit plush collection.

The Tokenhouse Relocates One of Nottingham’s oldest independent gift shops, The Tokenhouse in Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, is shutting up shop after 45 years and moving round the corner to St Peters Gate. "The lease has expired and we have not been able to agree a new rent with the landlord," co-fournder Geoff Williams told the Nottinghamshire Live. Commenting on the new shop, Geoff added: “"We’re happy. It's bigger and more open.”

Below: Geoff stands outside the The Tokenhouse’s new retail premises.

Xystos Expands Its Portfolio Scottish candle manufacturer Shearer Candles, together with TransAtlantic Partners, an international based firm distributing luxury brands worldwide, has announced a new distributor licence partnership with Xystos. “We are delighted to be entering into this new partnership and look forward to a fruitful association that will see this established and well respected candle manufacturer go from strength to strength in the UK and Eire,” commented Xystos’ managing director David Lewis.

Right: Shearer Candles has entered into a new licence distributor agreement with Xystos in the UK & Eire.

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

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HARROGATE Christmas & Gift

13th to 16th January 2019

The No. 1 trade show for retailers & buyers in garden, festive & gift sectors Home & garden ware, artificial floral products & accessories, toys, gifts & greetings cards for all occasions - and everything CHRISTMAS! BOOK ONLINE TODAY www.harrogatefair.com

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Industry News

MPs Debate bira’s Rates Proposal Business Rates Debate Vital For Indies

Below: The Houses of Parliament.

Following on from bira’s recent visit to the House of Commons in September, independent retailing champion Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP took bira’s proposal for a £12,000 allowance for small businesses - instead of the current threshold - to the House of Commons for an Adjournment Debate, answered by Mel Stride MP, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General.

The debate focused on the effects the current system is having on small independent businesses and offered bira’s proposal as the solution to supporting thousands of struggling retailers.

Commenting, bira’s newly appointed ceo, Andrew Goodacre, said: “What was clear from the debate was that we are making great progress getting the government to listen to our proposal. We welcome the opportunity to continue our discussions with Mel Stride and the Chancellor’s special advisors to show how our proposal will help all small retailers, as well as be costneutral to the Government.

The fight for a level playing field for retail goes on, but we should be extremely encouraged by this crucial topic.” Visit: bira.co.uk

The Day A Queen Popped In To the surprise and delight of staff at Between The Lines’ Midhurst shop, Queen Sofia of Spain recently popped in to do her gift shopping, complete with bodyguards and security men in tow! “She bought armfuls of gifts from us, and seemed particularly keen on our wellbeing products, asking her bodyguards to pay and carry out her purchases to the car,” explains Lindsey Kleinlercher, co-founder of Between The Lines.

“Our shop staff told us she was absolutely charming - very gracious. She piled the products onto the counter and bought Above: Between The Lines in Midhurst. multiples of a lot of things.”

In fact, Queen Sofia isn’t the first well known face to visit a Between The Lines gift and card store.

Over the years, actress Dame Judi Dench has visited the Oxted branch, Johnny Depp has popped into Hazelmere and Mark Owen of Take That has gift shopped in Petersfield. See Location, Location, Location on pages 37-39.

Have We Got Stationery News For You! October 12 was a red letter day for stationery, with the magazine Stationery Matters featured as the guest publication on Have I Got News For You’s missing words round.

Far from the usual comedic mockery, to everyone’s delight, there were name checks for Parker - referring to its iconic status - as well as the London Stationery Show, with only a tad of irony from the teams.

An image, taken from Stationery Matters (which supports the Stationery Show London) showed an empty planner from A Gift From The Gods Dream Odyssey collection. Panelists were asked “what was the consequence of visiting the London Stationery Show?”, with the answer, “a sudden urge to buy pencils.” Illustrating the quip was an image of the Dream Odyssey pencil set, daily planner, pen and spiral notebook.

However, the blank pages of the planner provided a perfect opportunity to deride Strictly star Seann Walsh’s bookings for the next 18 months, a reference to the fact that he had got a little too close to his Strictly dance partner Katya Jones that week! Fortunately for A Gift From The Gods, their stationery didn’t come under fire from the show’s host, comedian Richard Ayoade, or from the panelists.

Enthused A Gift From The Gods founder and managing director Jane Reucroft: ”We’ve made it!

We’ll be on Dave forever!”

Above right: Have I Got News For You’s team captains Ian Hislop (left) and Paul Merton.

Above: Have I Got News’ missing words round.

New Home Shop Opens Following on from an excellent year’s trading, the owners of The Tutbury Present Company, Claire Jarvis and Nicky Stephenson, recently opened a second outlet called The Home Shop, greeting customers old and new with a glass of prosecco.

“The new shop is directly opposite The Tutbury Present Company, and gives us an extra 1500 sq ft covering two floors,” Claire told Progressive Gifts & Home. “We wanted to introduce additional home lines, and the new shop gives us the space. We’re launching at a very good time of year, with Christmas around the corner.”

Among the products on offer will be small furniture items, cushions, decorative home accessories, kitchen textiles, crockery, cutlery, mirrors, lamps and rugs.

Above: The new Home Shop in Tutbury.

Top Drawer January Announces PaperAwards Applications are being invited for the sixth PaperAwards which are open to all Top Drawer S/S 19 Greetings & Stationery exhibitors.

The Awards feature three categories: Exciting Use of Colour, Emotive Design and Engaging Print.

Judges include Hazel Walker of Paperchase; Emma Hawkins of Fortnum & Mason; Holly Tucker MBE, founder of notontehighstreet, David Hicks, founder and managing director of Really Good/Soul, and Alejandra Campos, show director of Top Drawer.

In addition to the winning entries, finalists too, will have their work featured at the heart of the Greetings & Stationery area of the show, with the winner of each category receiving a prize worth £1000.

The closing date for entries is Friday November 9, with the winners revealed prior to Top Drawer which takes place from January 13-15 at Olympia. l The winners of Top Drawer’s A/W 2018 PaperAwards were: Emotive Design by Katie Leamon; Exciting Use of Colour by Emily Brooks and Engaging Print by Wanderlust Paper Co. Above: Top Drawer’s show director Alejandra Campos will be among the judges at the PaperFest awards.

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Industry News

Taking It To The (TK) Maxx Flying The Flag For British Giftware In a collaboration that involved The Giftware Association, The Great British Exchange and TK Maxx, a deal has been agreed to introduce more independent British gifts into the TKMaxx stores, with the giftware range featuring a constantly changing selection of brands and products. “The range and quality of British giftware that has been considered and selected during this process has proved just how much talent exists among our members,” commented The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward. Other GA activiities this Autumn have included a series of Meet the Buyers days and an educational seminar which saw keynote speaker Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux, fanfare Honey Spice as the company’s colour of the year in 2019. l Tying in with its centenary year, The British Travelgoods, Handbags and Accessories Association (BTAA) has merged its operations and members services with The Giftware Association. The two organisations will retain their separate identities.

Left: Exhibitors and buyers at some of the recent GA’s Meet the Buyer days.

Last Chance To Enter Gift Of The Year The Gift of the Year competition, organised by The Giftware Association, is again looking for the best gift and homewares products as contenders for the 2019 Awards, with the first round of the judging taking place in December.

The competition, which closes at the end of this month, will announce the winners on Sunday February 3 at Spring Fair 2019.

“There is less than a month to go, and we want to create a platform that shouts about the home and gift industry and the products and companies within it,” commented The Giftware Association’s PR and marketing manager Christ Workman. “We have already seen some fantastic products from newcomers to old timers, with this year’s competition looking like it’s going to be as exciting as ever.”

Visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk

Retailers Are Invited...

Candlelight, based in Rotherham, has launched its Autumn Open Weeks, which will be held at the company’s showroom in South Yorkshire until November 30.

Retailers will get the chance to be one of the first to view the new collections of candles, lanterns, mugs and glasses, and will also receive 20% off orders placed on the Candlelight range in the showroom, plus 60% off all clearance lines with immediate delivery is available.

To book an appointment to view the new collections, tel: 01709 723 000 or email: contact@candlelight.co.uk. l Candlelight will be among the exhibitors at Harrogate Christmas & Gift, where the company will be unveiling its own brand collection of candles and reed diffusers including Feelings, Destinations, Country Meadows, Slogan, Wellbeing and Lips and Kisses.

Above: The new Candlelight branded candle collection will be among the products showcased at the company’s Open Weeks as well as at Harrogate Christmas & Gift in January.

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree Harrogate Christmas & Gift will be showcasing all year round gifts and garden ranges, in addition to Christmas ranges, when the show returns to the Harrogate Convention Centre from January 13-16, 2019.

“Harrogate Christmas & Gift has seen significant growth in the last five or six years filling seven halls and attracting almost 5,000 serious buyers,” confirms show organiser Simon Anslow. “Products on show have diversified from simply Christmas decorations to a large range of toys, gifts, greetings cards, aromatherapy products, confectionery and garden ornaments, as well as furniture ranges.” Visit www.harrogatefair.com

PEOPLE p Enesco’s former finance and operations director Rob Freestone has been appointed as the company’s new managing director following the retirement of Ken Johnson earlier this year. Rob joined Lilliput Lane as finance director in 1988 and was subsequently appointed VP group finance director of the newly formed Enesco European Giftware Group (now Enesco Ltd).

Top: Rob Freestone has been appointed as Enesco’s new managing director.

p The British Independent Retailers Association (bira) has appointed Andrew Goodacre (right), previously with the Residential Landlords Association (RLA), as its new ceo. Andrew took up his position in October. p Following Fenwick’s switch to centralised buying at the beginning of September, Adam Barber has been appointed as the buyer for gifts, and Kieran McBride has been appointed as the buying director for Home. p Jenni Taylor, the former card buyer for Fenwick’s Bentalls and Bracknell stores has joined Greats 2018 award winning gift shop Alligator Pear in Tadworth, as buying manager. p Martin Brown has joined Price’s as regional sales manager. Previously, he held a similar role at Zwilling. p Half Moon Bay has increased and strengthened its UK team.

Returning to work for the company, Lucy Earing (right), who held a similar position with Talking Tables, has been appointed as national account manager, with Tracy Blight (right) joining the field sales team where she will be working across the South West region.

Tracy held similar roles with Enesco and Heaven Sends. p Rainbow Designs is investing in, and strengthening its core sales team, with the appointment of two new team members. The company has welcomed Mark Standen in the new role of sales manager, and Mandy McGough as Northern territory manager.

Both Mark and Mandy bring a wealth of gift experience to the company. p Five of Stoneglow’s sales agents - Alina Clark, Karen Lucas, Nigel and Brenda Bower and Simon Dunster - were delighted to be recognised as category winners at the company’s annual sales awards.

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

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What Was ‘In’ And What Was ‘Out’ John Lewis & Partners’ Retail Report Looks At The Trends In 2018 In the latest recently published John Lewis & Partners Retail Report, big events to include the World Cup, the Royal Wedding and the extreme weather, had a noticeable effect on people’s shopping patterns.

‘In’ were 60” TVs, the colour yellow (thanks to Amal Clooney), rainbows, and the Mulberry Darly bag (thanks to Meghan), boots and inflatables. ‘Out’ were alarm clocks, small TVs, DVD players and door knockers!

It was a defining year for sustainability, with shoppers becoming more mindful about what they were buying and the impact their purchases were having on the planet. The first four months after the final episode of Blue Planet 2 - as many gift retailers Above: The Royal Wedding had a major impact will confirm - saw sales of reusable coffee cups, travel cups on sales at John Lewis.

Below: A reusable BambooCup coffee cup. The and flasks shoot up by 71% compared to last year. range is distributed by Blue Eyed Sun in the UK. In homewares, quirky, eye-catching pieces were among the best sellers with shoppers looking to put their own stamp on their interiors.

“It’s fascinating to see what trends our customers have fallen in and out of love with this year and how big events like the World Cup and the Royal Wedding have had such a significant impact on what we buy,” commented Simon Coble, trading director at John Lewis & Partners.

“How we shop is changing at incredible speed and shops need to combine the very best in service and experiences with unique and fantastic products. Plus, the mobile phone is vital both as a means to browse and research but also as a place to buy.”

He said that identity was a major theme across all shopping trends this year. “It’s no coincidence that the idea of identity is central to John Lewis’s long term plans. Our strategy is firmly about dialling up what makes us different so that we remain relevant. It is our job not only to celebrate what makes us stand out as a business but also to help our customers celebrate everything that makes them unique too.”

The John Lewis & Partners Retail Report is compiled annually and is based on its shopping data from August 2017 to September 2018. l John Lewis & Partners recently launched its first own brand gifting collection called Find Keep Give to tie-in with a significant milestone for the company. For the first time in its history, the 83,000 Partners who work for the John Lewis Partnership have been included in the name of the business, with both John Lewis and Waitrose adding ‘& Partners’. (See Find Keep Give on pages 29-31).

New Layout For Christmasworld Christmasworld has revealed its new hall plan and layout for the 2019 show, which takes place at Frankfurt am Main from January 25-29. Various product groups are being re-structured, with the new Hall 12 providing additional space for the Christmas and Seasonal Decoration sector, which includes Spring, Easter, Autumn and Halloween. ‘We are taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the new hall to provide a circular tour for buyers,’ explains Messe Frankfurt’s group show director Julia Uherek. Each hall will be redeveloped around a centrepiece, such as a special exhibition area, a complementary programme of events, or a networking hotspot. Visit www.christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com

A Strong Top Drawer September’s Top Drawer reported a high calibre of buyers, with many of the 1000+ exhibitors taking orders within the first 30 minutes of the opening day, confirmed organisers Clarion Events.

In the show’s Spotted sector, the award winner was Ben Langworthy who makes vintage inspired paper goods. Among the runners up were Finfo Design’s illustrated tableware and Roadscents car fragrance.

Elsewhere, the show’s inaugural RetailFest featured keynote addresses from Sophie Conran, Holly Tucker, Annie Sloan and Tamara Ecclestone. l The SS19 edition of Top Drawer takes place January 13-15, 2019, at London’s Olympia.

Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk.

NEWS IN BRIEF p Joco Interiors in Nuneaton (right), winner of The Greats Award 2018 for Best Newcomer Midlands, North and Scotland, had the distinction of being the only retailer to reach the finals in the in the New Business and Family Business of the Year categories of the recent Coventry Telegraph and Coventry Live business awards. p A recent prime time Tonight programme broadcast on ITV attempted to get behind the future of high street retail with a hard hitting episode entitled Shopping: The End of the High Street?

Above: Britain’s high streets need to provide local shoppers with reasons to visit.

p Consumer research company Mintel predicted that the UK will spend £419 million on celebrating Halloween in 2018, up by 5% from the £400 million spent in 2017.

Above: Halloween is continue to grow in the UK, with the under-fives and Millennials the biggest markets.

p In an interview with the Daily Mail, Sky news reader and TV presenter Kay Burley (right) admitted to being an early Christmas shopper, purchasing all her gifts by the end of September. “I like to buy lots of presents, and pride myself on perfectly matching the gift to the recipient,” she commented. p Marking a new direction for the fashion retailer River Island, the company launched RI Home in September, a 160-piece collection which includes luxury candles and reed diffusers. Other products in the range include Mongolian fur cushions, scatter tables and storage. p Hot on the heels of its 12 book stores in the US, Amazon has opened Amazon 4-Star, an outlet based in Manhattan’s SoHo area. The shop sells a wide range of products including gifts - that are rated 4 star by its customers, or are new and trending.

Above: The new Amazon 4-star outlet in New York’s SoHo area.

p Love Island winner Jack Fincham, previously the sales director of DMG Office Supplies, was made an honorary nominee in the Thirty Under 30 stationery competition for boosting exposure to the industry.

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

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Industry News

New NEC Location For Autumn Fair

New Licensing Partnerships For Half Moon Bay

Revised New Layout Will Create Crossover Buying Opportunities

Thunderbirds are go for Half Moon Bay, with the company announcing partnerships with both Thunderbirds and Moomin to design a gift and publishing portfolio across the UK. The collaborations will see Half Moon Bay continue to grow their licence portfolio within the Half Moon Bay brand, as well as under the company’s new Ice House Books publishing imprint.

Autumn Fair’s organisers ITE have has confirmed that the show will be undergoing a major re-edit and rebrand for 2019.

The exhibition will switch locations within the NEC - from the Piazza to the Atrium - revealing newly organised halls. The new sector adjacencies, aimed at facilitating crossover buying opportunities and improving visitor flow, were based on an analysis of visitors’ primary and secondary product interest.

The new layout will see all gifting categories brought together into Gift in Halls 6, 7, 8, 9 and 20. Additionally, two major boulevards will connect each sector of the show, ensuring buyers’ ‘dwell’ time is maximised.

Spring and Autumn Fair recently joined ITE Group as part of its acquisition of Ascential Events.

The re-edit forms part of the investment and renewed focus ITE set to bring to the well-established brands. l Entrepreneur and former ‘Dragon’ Theo Paphitis was among the keynote speakers at September’s Autumn Fair. Also sharing her retail wisdom was the founder of Notonthehighstreet.com, Holly Tucker MBE. See An Audience With... The King Of Retail on pages 33-35.

Right: New for January 2019 from Half Moon Bay, the Lady Penelope Boss Lady gift handbook.

Above: PG&H’s editor Sue Marks caught up with Theo Paphitis at Autumn Fair.

Left: Major changes are afoot for Autumn Fair 2019.

Kew Collection Unveiled At Top Drawer Following a collaboration with Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, sisters Rona and Heather Stevenson, co-founders of clothing company One Hundred Stars, launched a debut range - The Kew Collection - at Top Drawer in September.

With access to Kew’s archive of drawings, and taking inspiration from its rich heritage and botanicals, the collection features ornately decorated scarves, kimonos, gowns and pyjamas, printed with passion flowers, apples and pears and magnolia.

Rona and Heather are also co-owners of gift shop Within Reason which they opened over 20 years ago in Sheffield.

Right: Among the designs in The Kew Collection from One Hundred Stars is a Magnolia mini kimono.

Jimmy The Bull Expands Enesco Licence Enesco’s licence with internet star Jimmy the Bull has been extended to include the US. The company will now supply retailers throughout North America and Europe with gift lines including figurines, picture frames, wall art, tote bags, umbrellas, make-up bags and dog bowls. As well as gifting, the Jimmy the Bull licensing programme includes calendars, stationery, ceramics and hydration.

Left: Enesco has extended its Jimmy The Bull license.

Frida Kahlo Licence For Temerity Jones Temerity Jones launched its first licensed collection, Frida Kahlo, at Autumn Fair. Temerity Jones’ creative director, Craig Masson, told PG&H: “It’s definitely Frida Kahlo’s personality and style that make her images so appealing.” The new collection features giftware, homewares, home accessories, lighting and bar accessories. l The latest company to join the official Frida Kahlo licensee programme is Flamingo Candles, which recently launched a range scented candles, keyrings and wall art.

Above: Part of the new Frida Khalo collection from Temerity Jones.

Giving Back To Nature Two New Licences For Happy Socks Happy Socks, which is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary, has launched two new licences for Autumn/Winter: The Beatles and Andy Warhol. “These two iconic brands have joined our growing licensing portfolio which currently includes Snoop Dogg, Rolex and Addidas Adidas,” brand director Rachel Lydon told Progressive Gifts & Home.

New licences for 2019 include The Rolling Stones which launches in March 2019.

Right: Happy Socks’ brand manager Rachel Lydon with The Beatles 50th anniversary commemorative gift box.

Starry Theme For Ambiente With India as Ambiente’s partner country next year, Indian designer Ayush Kasliwal will be demonstrating the importance of traditional craftsmanship. Together with design colleague Sandeep Sangaru, he will be inviting visitors to a picnic under a canopy of stars.

Ambiente takes place at Frankfurt am Main from February 8-12, 2019.

Ashleigh & Burwood’s wildlife-inspired Wild Things collection of luxury home products and fragrances was the inspiration behind the company’s decision to collaborate with UK based charity The Big Cat Sanctuary which works to save some of the endangered animals who inspired the collection’s vibrant, quirky designs.

The Big Cat Sanctuary receives 5% of profits from sales of Wild Things new jaguar design: Born With Cattitude.

Right: Ashleigh & Burwood’s Born With Cattitude scented candle was the inspiration behind the company’s decision to give back to nature.

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

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Left: Nic Stone.

Below: It’s Christmas!

GIFT OF THE

GAB

Keeping The Tills Ringing

Merrily On High Nic Stone, owner of The Bottle Kiln in West Hallam, is definitely in the Christmas spirit, with plenty of tips and tricks for making the most of the festive season.

“How are you feeling about the imminent festive season? Workwise, I mean. I imagine that for most of us ‘mixed feelings’ summons it up rather well. For the gift industry this is, or should be, our time to shine, the season where we reap our harvest, fill the barns with golden corn and sit back with a tired but satisfied smile and drink a hearty draught of cider. The reality is, of course, becoming more complicated, with everyone remotely involved in retailing muscling in on the action, from supermarkets and Amazon all the way down to the school Christmas market. Add to that the economy being in a permanent state of mild crisis, and proper winters making a comeback, and it’s small wonder that the season to be merry gives most of us some sleepless nights.

Like everyone, we have had a slightly unpredictable year so far, mostly I think down to snow, sunshine, (not good for us), and political uncertainty. We are approaching what I roughly reckon to be my 28th Christmas in the gift retail trade (eek!) and I have been wondering, are there any solid lessons I can draw from these to help others to be more profitable or at least philosophical?

So here are a few ‘Nic’s tips’ for a ‘Golden Christmas’: l Throughout September and October there are always dire warnings of the worst ever Christmas for people’s spending and/or the weather. Ignore! The only year I can recall them not saying it would be the coldest winter ever was the last one, which actually was. Money-wise, people may hold off a bit if things are tight, but usually spend it anyway in the end.

l Christmas is like gambling. If you can afford to raise the stakes by investing in a serious amount of stock the potential gains are greater, but if it doesn’t sell the risks are as well. If in doubt, do a careful cash flow forecast based on your experience of previous Christmases, and build in a ‘two weeks of snow in December’ scenario, the retailers’ nightmare, as this is lost trade you cannot recover. Remember that it’s safest to restock in December with lines you can sell after Christmas.

l Mild summers and Autumns push the whole thing back so don’t get freaked if it’s a slow start. You can only make good sales if the stock and displays are excellent so hold your nerve. l Don’t necessarily restock the stuff that sells out early; some of it will be good to reorder (if it’s available) but be aware that the early shoppers may be older and more conservative than the later ones. Also, as time goes by, people’s purchasing becomes

less spontaneous and more practical, until, by early December, they are buying very specific stuff such as table decorations, family and friends cards, and jams/toiletries for grandma/neighbour. l Constantly move the stock around as the seasonal stuff diminishes, keeping it attractive and feeling full even when the locusts have laid waste to it. No-one wants the picked-over leftovers and it’s amazing how a re-group can breathe new life into the surviving bits. l Shamelessly steal ideas from the big boys and keep a close eye on what they are promoting as this can affect what you can sell and for how much. They are the enemy and we must bite back wherever and however possible! l Always have a good sale as soon as possible after Christmas. Never on Christmas or Boxing Days as you should be at home stuffing yourself with welldeserved food and booze, but as soon as you can bear it afterwards, and before everyone puts away the Christmas tree or goes back to work. Half price everything seasonal and shift whatever you can. Our record ever day by a mile is still from the first day of a sale, and lots of customers absolutely love it. l Last but not least, remember this period may be the only time that many people visit a shop like yours, and a good impression made now may bring them back another time. So keep a good selection of birthday and everyday products, and maintain standards even when things become frantic so that, with a bit of luck, they’ll be back for Valentine’s and so on.

There are about ten more, but I am out of space. Hope it’s useful! I wish you mild weather and no disruptions. Good luck my friends, and may your tills ring merrily!”

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Here’s To...

Feedback

A Cracking Christmas As gift retailers raise the bar to give Christmas 2018 their all, PG&H asked indies both large and small how they are approaching the all-important festive season.

One Stop Christmas Shopping

Bring On The Reindeers “We kick off the festive season by sending all 30,000 Garsons card members a 32 page Garsons Christmas brochure, along with some good offers and event invitations,” confirms Ben Thompson, director, Garsons, Esher and Titchfield. “As with previous years, we will be welcoming a pair of real reindeer who live on the farm at Esher for the four weeks leading up to Christmas, and holding members evenings in December, where customers will receive10% off their purchases and free prosecco. It all helps to drive both the right quantity and quality of customers. Additionally, the Farm Shop at the Esher branch will be hosting a Christmas food market which helps to boost sales and footfall. Plus, social media posts, email newsletters and our website will all be pushing key messages.”

Above: Real reindeers are sure to draw the crowds at Garsons this Christmas.

Below: Garsons, Esher.

“Our theme at mooch gifts and home this year is ‘All I want for Christmas... from mooch’, promoting mooch as a one stop shop for everyone’s Christmas list,” explained John May, who, together with Luke Jacks, co-owns two mooch stores in Stourport and Bewdley.

“We launched Christmas at our flagship Stourport store on October 29, following two days of re-merchandising, and we are very excited as this will be our first Christmas in our new store,” enthuses Jon. “We held a special shopping event from 5pm to 8pm, offering customers prosecco and cupcakes, with 10% off all purchases on the night. There was also a free gift with every purchase of £10 or more.” He continues: “The evening also saw the launch of our second floor following its recent refurbishment, so we are now able to offer three floors of mooching which have all been festively decorated!”

Social media too, will have a strong role to play. “We are driving business through continuing to promote via our social media channels, to drive sales to both our stores and online, and will also be offering 'click and collect'. Our Christmas windows too, will be helping to attract customers new and old. In addition, we will also be offering private shopping nights for groups who want to have the VIP treatment, which includes a free glass of bubbly.” Adds Jon: “We have selected some excellent gifts this year which are both beautifully packaged and at very reasonable prices.”

Above: mooch gifts and home has outlets in Stourport and Bewdley.

Higher Price Points “All our Christmas buying is done in February and March, based on the themes offered by market leaders and our experience/feel from previous years,” states Aga Gabrysiak, who co-owns Highworth Emporium in Highworth with Richard Marsden.

“We’re lucky to have a shop with five rooms, enabling us to dedicate one solely to Christmas and to open it relatively early, while not necessarily having it in the face of Above: Highworth Emporium, customers who don’t want to see Christmas in store too early.” Highworth.

Continues Aga: “This year, we opened our Christmas room on September 29, predominantly featuring traditional reds, greens and golds, and, as always, we made a big thing about it, posting on Facebook to include when deliveries would be arriving, and about

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OPENING D E C E M B E R 3 RD 2 0 1 8 Seasonal decorations Christmas lighting Floristry Christmas Trees, wreaths and garlands Glass baubles

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Feedback our preparations, etc. It really helped to build the interest. Re the opening, we also co-operated closely with our local newspaper, the Swindon Advertiser.”

As with previous years, there will be a Christmas evening, which takes place on November 22, with shoppers enjoying mulled wine, prosecco, mince pies and nibbles. “This is the only day we actually offer discounts and offers on Christmas,” Aga points out, adding that several themes in the Christmas room have been extended this year due to popular demand last Christmas - fairytales, swans, light up decorations, wreaths, garlands and novelty Christmas gifts among them.

“Although we try to keep our offer wide, and in all price ranges, when it comes to Christmas price is not a major focus, as it seems not to be a decision for many of our customers,” emphasises Aga. “In fact, on the contrary, we are pushing prices up this year with some wonderful large centrepieces and snow globes retailing from £70 to £200.”

A Point Of Difference “As a small store, we can’t compete with the larger chains or garden centres for big packs of baubles,” points out Maxine Ellison, owner of Max & Melia in the Oval, South London, “so we tend to focus on the decorations that are a little bit more special or unique that can be given as presents too. For example, felt decorations are ideal for children and can be displayed all year round.”

Adds Maxine, “we used to put in our Christmas stock after Halloween, but in recent years we’ve had requests starting from mid-August, so we put in small pieces here are there, especially birds with clips, as they are very popular. In fact, we often carry these styles into late Spring.”

Below: Max & Melia, South London.

Above: Part of The Christmas room.

Longer Season “Being in coastal locations on the South coast - Mevagissey, Fowey and St Ives we get our very busy period in August, so the motivation to think of decorating the shop by the end of September is hard to muster,” comments Kieron Cockley, who co-owns Brocante with David Lorimer. “However Christmas has become a much more important trading time for us in the last three years, with a longer season and increased footfall outside of the traditional summer season. We are now looking to drive sales as much as possible all year round, so we have to rely less on our summer trade. The towns here have great Christmas markets and this really boosts sales for the independents. We look to have the products arrive by the end of September, as there are definitely more decorations sold at this time of year than in December, by which time, the die-hard Christmas fans have got their trees up and decorated.”

Adds Kieron: “We like to spread the items throughout the stores, hence lots of foliage and garlands and tealights. For us, these lines are now as important as the normal tree decorations, and we have really bulk purchased this year, having missed out in previous years.

There will be at least three trees in each shop, and hundreds of baubles. We made the decision to keep prices keen so as to avoid being left with items. Our most beautiful sparkly baubles are under £5 so we can sell through. However, we have also included a few premium products that are more expensive but fabulous enough to justify the price point. In particular, we have some incredible Christmas lights and a few other pieces to make our shop windows really stand out.”

Investing In Impulse Gifts “I launched Christmas on October 18, fanfaring the same special festive evening that I hold every year,” highlights James Webster, owner of two Josie’s stores in Bideford. “I opened a new, much larger retail outlet earlier this year, and close to 1,000 people attended the event.”

Explains James: “I have always been known for my quirky Christmas baubles, but now, with a bigger shop, I’m able to offer a huge variety of Christmas gifts to my customers too, which have proved to be a huge hit. In addition, I have also invested in more impulse buys. The interiors side of the business offers products from £1 up to £1200, so I want to keep it at a middle range in order to entice people to buy a lamp or a mirror as well as a bauble.

So far, it has been working marvellously! Since opening my second Josie’s store, sales have quadrupled, and, with the launch of my new website this month, hopefully everything leading up to Christmas is only going to get busier!”

Below: Josie’s, Bideford.

Above: Brocante, Mevagissey.

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Living The Dream

Face To Face: Nadiya Hussain

Petite, passionate and articulate, Nadiya Hussain - winner of The Great British Bake Off in 2015 and now a TV chef, presenter and author - has carved a very special place in the British public’s hearts.

With her first foray into licensing this month, PG&H caught up with her lively Q & A session at the recent Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) show to hear about her new homewares range for BlissHome, and why she can’t resist the temptation to buy her friends and family random gifts at random times of the year!

winning The Great British Bake Off in 2015 has taught Nadiya Hussain anything, it’s to have more self confidence and self belief. “My husband Abdul entered me for Bake Off and I went along with it to humour him,” she reveals. “However, amazingly, after six months of auditions I made it through to the final 12!”

Avid Bake Off fans will remember her heartfelt, tearful winner’s speech, which certainly wasn’t put on for the cameras.

Nadiya takes up the story. “On the day of the final, friends and family are invited along to stand outside the tent to shout their support and cheer the finalists as they come out. Through the tent, I could hear someone ask my daughter if they thought I would win.

Her reply was, “my mum doesn’t win anything,” which, to be honest, didn’t do much to boost my confidence!” she smiles.

In fact, Nadiya didn’t think she should win either. “I thought Tamil should have won,” she admits. “I said that to Paul Hollywood and actually gave the trophy back to him and suggested we should re-film the final,” she laughs. But today, she admits that she wouldn’t part with it, with her Bake Off trophy which is displayed proudly in Abdul’s office.

If

But whereas most winners of Bake Off, and other cookery shows, fade away, Nadiya’s life has changed beyond her wildest dreams.

She has not only become a familiar chef on our TV screens, but also has a cookery column in the Times magazine on Saturdays, and works with BBC Good Food. Discovering her innate creative streak since winning the title, she has also written eight books and is a popular TV presenter. It’s the stuff that dreams are made of, and one more dream that has come true for Nadiya this month is the launch of Nadiya for BlissHome.

The range, which was launched on November 7, has been inspired by Nadiya’s love of vibrant colours and tactile designs, and is the result of her passion to produce something beautiful and handcrafted that can be used every day. It features eight different designs across the full tableware range, as well as kitchen candles, aprons, oven gloves, tea towels and spice racks. There are tapas bowls too, for dips and nibbles.

With Christmas gifts in mind, the candles feature five different designs with tasty Top: Nadiya with her MasterChef trophy in 2015.

Right: The colourful bowls in the new Nadiya range for BlissHome feature four different designs.

Desert Island ‘Must Haves’ What couldn’t Nadiya do without if she was stranded on a desert? “Marmite crisps and a radio,” she laughs.

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2019 GIVING & LIVING

SHOW STATS

IDEAS THAT SELL

88% of visitors placed orders at the show or shortly afterwards.

47% found 3 or more new suppliers.

89%

Giving & Living is the largest Gift and Home trade show in the South West and covers more Coast than anyone else.

of our visitors would recommend the show.

93% will be back next year in 2019.

43% of visitors travelled over 50 miles to come to the show.

To secure your free trade entry badge register online or call 01934 733456.

Stands are selling fast – to enquire call 01934 733433.

1313 - 16 - 16 January January 2019 2019 Exeter Exeter www.givingliving.co.uk www.givingliving.co.uk

This trade only event is organised by Hale Events Limited, Premier House, Old Church Road, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2BQ Telephone: 01934 733433 G&L_Progressivegifts_A4Portrait.v1.indd 1 26_GH_November 2018.indd 1

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Face To Face: Nadiya Hussain fragrances such as gingerbread and cinnamon, lime zest and verveine and basil, and patchouli and geranium.

Plus, giving the apron a point of difference, is the fact that it has been designed with a crossback to save the hassle of tying it. “It features a space to wipe your hands at the back too - something I do all the time when I’m cooking,” Nadiya laughs.

As with everything Nadiya does, there’s a twist of family in there too. Textiles - the apron and tea towels - have been designed with a signature Talipot palm leaf. “It was very important for me to include this, as it evokes memories of my grandfather who planted one his garden in Bangladesh. The tree is very special as it only flowers once every 100 years,” she explains, with the hand painted leaf design reflected throughout the collection. “It was important for me to include a little bit of what really matters to me.”

Enthusing about how the range evolved, she recalls: “We had lots of meetings in my kitchen, drinking tea, eating cake and talking colours and patterns. I was completely hands on from the very start. What’s been important has been finding the right people. I have been working in collaboration with Ian Downes of Start Licensing who has the licensing knowledge, with our two sides working really

Nadiya Hussain: The Lowdown l Since winning the sixth series of The Great British Bake Off three years ago, Nadiya

has presented The Chronicles of Nadiya, Nadiya’s British Food Adventure, Nadiya’s Family Favourites, as well as co-presenting The Big Family Cooking Showdown and Junior Bake Off. She is also a regular on the One Show. l She has written seven cookery books and one fiction book and is a regular columnist for the Saturday Times’ The Magazine.

Left: Nadiya Hussain wears the blue Talipot print apron, which was inspired by memories of her grandfather.

Below left: The kitchen candles offer five festive ‘foodie’ fragrances.

Below right: From left to right: Nadiya and Jessica Blue, SVP, Global Licensing Group, at Brand Licensing Europe’s (BLE) Q & A last month.

well together. My homeware range for Bliss has taken a while, but we now have something that we can be really proud of. It was important that we didn’t have a flash in the pan, and every aspect, from shapes to colours to patterns has been a work in progress.”

With so many strings to her bow, what does Nadiya enjoy doing most? Cooking?

Writing? Presenting? “Currently it’s writing,” she states. “I love being creative. In fact, I’m a bit of a teacher’s pet because I send in everything three weeks ahead of deadline! I like challenges when it comes to work, and I can really see myself improving.

Plus, because I do a job that I love so much, it doesn’t feel like work at all. But it does come with another side - social media.

It’s an open forum with people freely voicing their opinions!”

Reflecting on her role today, she says that she is finally realising the importance of what she’s doing. “There’s no one doing what I’m doing and I can’t see myself going away, although, sometimes I do wake up and think that someone will tell me it’s all over!”

Today, life for Nadiya is about loving her career and working around her family. “I still do the lion’s share of the work at home - the cooking and the cleaning - but my husband helps with the rest and my daughter cleans the looks every Sunday!” she laughs. “I batch cook five family meals on Sunday, and because I tend to buy too many carrots, I often make a carrot cake on Friday nights. If I’m cooking a curry then it has to be a good Bangladeshi chicken korma. As for my diet, as I’m always on the go, these days it’s mostly caffeine and chocolate!”

She credits her family - Abdul (who she jokes “can’t boil and egg!”), and her three children - with being her inspiration. So what do they make of her success? “When my son was asked recently what his mum does, he said ‘my mum is living her dreams’. I think that just about sums it up!”

The Joys Of Gift Giving Like everything else about Nadiya, she even turns gift buying on its head.

“I’m a huge gift buyer,” she enthuses. “For me, it’s not just about birthdays and Christmas and other special occasions. I definitely don’t need an excuse to buy a gift! Whenever I see one of my siblings I love to give them a present, and love buying randomly. In fact, it’s completely selfish because it makes me feel so good.”

She continues: “As busy people, we all struggle with time, and making time to see each other, so to be able to buy a gift for someone, or to feed them, is a lovely feeling. It is saying I love you. It’s emotional nourishment.”

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Retailer Face To Face: John Lewis & Partners

Find Keep Give To tie-in with the recent, major rebranding of John Lewis to John Lewis & Partners, the department store has rolled out a groundbreaking new own brand gifting collection - Find Keep Give - featuring John Lewis & Partners branded fragrancing, jewellery, stationery, confectionery, barware and plants, which are available both in store and online.

So what’s the rationale behind the new branded giftware? PG&H spoke to Sara Allbright, buyer for Gifts and Candle Shop, about what’s giving the new collection its edge and what’s new for 2019.

The most surprising thing about John Lewis & Partners’ new Find Keep Give collection is that the products are so affordable.

Everything looks very expensive - beautiful quality, beautiful designs and beautiful colours – and yet, pick up an attractively boxed scented candle and it’s a steal at £12, with a complementary reed diffuser yours for £18. There are small leather goods too, with a honeycomb design gold jewellery box retailing for £25, a box of four, boxed, heavyweight ivory and gold coasters priced at £8, and an interesting array of feelgood gift books that you can’t help leafing through. And if you fancy treating a friend or yourself, you can find plenty of jewellery, a lovely plant and even a Cocoa Gin & Tonic chocolate bar!

“It’s been really exciting to develop a John Lewis branded gifting proposition for our customers which we wanted to have both convenience and covetability,” explains buyer Sara Allbright who was

Top: John Lewis & Partners’ new Find Keep Give department.

Right: Some of the jewellery items.

Below: Customers can also shop for gift stationery.

involved in the project from the very beginning, working side by side with adjacent, individual buying offices that included Cook & Dine. “To achieve this, we have been working alongside our John Lewis partners in both India and Hong Kong to ensure that we source unique, thoughtfully designed and desirable gifts that people will be proud to gift but may find hard to give away!”

She says the four collections - Gifts to Covet, Gifts to Host, Gifts to Restore and Gifts to Pause - are designed to give the customer a mix of product types for different gifting occasions and needs. “It’s a one stop shop that mixes our strengths across home and fashion, with all 10 of our trial stores having a giftwrap and debossing service as part of a new fixture concept. Online we Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Retailer Face To Face: John Lewis & Partners have a Find Keep Give hub that contains the whole range. However, it can be found in lots of other locations online too, such as category specific locations.”

Sara, who joined John Lewis as a graduate trainee 17 years ago, adds that the business' rebrand to John Lewis & Partners, combined with a re-structuring of the buying groups, was the ideal moment to launch a first own brand range of gifts that are multicategory and presented on new fixturing.

“And from that came the realisation that we were not offering customers anything that was John Lewis & Partners own brand,” Sara continues. “However, what we didn’t know was how our customers would react, so we felt that packaging was a very important way add to the appeal, along with having four separate sectors.”

In terms of merchandising, Sara says it stopped the buying team thinking in normal categories. “For example, we have a table display featuring a mug, a bar of chocolate and a book which is aimed at someone who

simply wants to sit down and relax. The concept has been about sourcing a range and presenting it in relation to how people are feeling. Everything is built on macro trends, an example being the importance of people’s homes along with home entertaining. So in Find Keep Give there are products that reflect that, as well as gifts to take round to your host or hostess. It’s led us to be more free thinking, as people are definitely being eclectic about homewares.”

Interestingly, the brand also features products that have been re-imagined, such as cut class glass tumblers that have been given pops of neon colours, with the design

Find Keep Give: Sara Loves... l the Amaris pattern on the velvet items which includes washbags l the Lyla Tiger design which appears on stationery, a trinket dish, a scarf and giftwrap l the empowerment statements and positive messages in our gift book selection Left: John Lewis & Partners, Oxford Street, is one of 10 stores trialling Find Give Keep.

Far left: John Lewis & Partners’ buyer for gifts and candles Sara Allbright (right) with colleague Kate Mayers and Canova’s Paul Weedon at The Greats Gift Retailer Awards in May. Below: Gift books are inspiring and positive.

inspiration coming from the company’s in house department. The team work on the colours, patterns and materials that sit across the whole product spectrum, with the concepts a mix of different elements. Some ideas come from John Lewis’ own archives, others are driven by current macro trends, such as spirituality, the solar system and stars, which are translated onto different mediums such as velvet. An example is a gift boxed, moon-shaped keyring that comes in heavy gold, with little hanging stars and a pom pom to add personality.

“We want people to pick up the products, feel the quality and appreciate the value,” emphasises Sara. “Gifts offer the type of scenario where someone might come in to buy a present for a colleague in their lunch hour. In Find Keep Give they are not only able to find something completely different but also giftwrap and greeting cards. We are setting out to create a zone in store where there are a lot of elements with built in services, with a personalisation service offered at selected stores enabling purchasers to add initials or a message.”

The media - and customer - reaction to Find Keep Give has been phenomenal. “It proves it’s right for now,” states Sara. “It really does tap into what people want to find in John Lewis & Partners, and has actually outstripped expectations. We have also sold some of the range to our international

John Lewis & Partners: The Lowdown l John Lewis currently has 51 stores, to include John Lewis At Home, plus stores at

St Pancras International station and Heathrow Terminal 2. l The stores were rebranded John Lewis & Partners in September, which co-incided

with the launch of Find Keep Give.

wholesale customers too, so it will shortly be available on a global stage which is very exciting. Although the range is available online, we want to draw people in store too, where they can see the collection, touch it and get it personalised.”

With the run up to the festive season in full swing, does Sara think there might be a more cautious shopper this year? “Even in tough, uncertain economic conditions, people still want to celebrate Christmas,” she comments. “Plus birthdays and other special occasions happen 365 days of the year, so we want gifts at John Lewis & Partners to be in the forefront of people’s minds. No matter how uncertain people are feeling at the moment, buying gifts is something that they don’t want to give up.”

What will be taking Find Keep Give forward in 2019? “There’s a new Spring/Summer collection launching, so that’s exciting and I cannot wait to show it to customers,” Sara enthuses.

Summarising she adds, “differentiation is crucial to surviving in retail. Obviously you have to have brands that people want, but you also have to have products that they won’t find anywhere else. The challenge is to keep moving forward with new designs. Success is about maintaining a high level of exclusivity as well as being first to market. For me personally, it’s very exciting, and rewarding, to put new things in store and see them sell.”

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Face To Face: Theo Paphitis

An Audience With...

The King Of Retail Below: Theo Paphitis was the keynote speaker at Autumn Fair in September.

Former ‘dragon’ Theo Paphitis has spent his career building and buying businesses, spanning retail, property, finance and consumer goods.

So how does he view the current retail landscape and what advice would he give to entrepreneurs both on the high street and online?

PG&H was in the front row at Autumn Fair to hear Theo share his words of wisdom.

Mention the name Theo Paphitis, and most people will immediately recall the eight years that Theo spent as the astute, amiable ‘dragon’ on the Dragons' Den TV series. He invested in numerous small businesses, helping fledgling entrepreneurs to develop their businesses in a wide variety of industries.

In 2012, he left the show to concentrate on his expanding retail empire where has revived the fortunes of notable high street names such as La Senza and Contessa Lingerie. (“The one that got away was Woolworths,” he revealed, “but it was better dead than alive.”). Today he is the owner and driving force behind Ryman, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue, among many other businesses.

His story is all the more remarkable because he left school at 16 with no qualifications due to his dyslexia. He got

fired from his (second) job as a filing clerk for Lloyds of London, subsequently buying a copy of the Evening Standard to take a look at the small job advertisements at the back of the newspaper. “I applied for and got a job working for Watches of Switzerland, and that’s where I discovered

Small Business Champion “I’ve always had a massive interest in small businesses because I started out with a small business myself,” Theo explains. “In fact, I still think of myself as running a small business.

When I started out, I used to go into my office on Sunday evenings and sit at my desk and plan for Monday. How could I attract more business? Today, you can do everything on the web, but you have to be disciplined and structured. If you want to compete, you have to spend money on marketing. You also have to be prepared to think about and plan every tiny detail which will help you to succeed.”

my passion for retail,” he smiled. “Retail is brilliant because it teaches you all sorts of things - about logistics, design, visuals, products, accounts and finance. It covers everything. In fact, if you are a retailer you are truly a business person because you have to learn it all.”

So what’s been the secret of Theo’s outstanding business success in retail? “What I most love about it is that it is so much about interaction with people.

Retail is about the people you work with as much as your customers,” he stated. “It’s about making sure that they do the job you want them to do and that they have job satisfaction. If you get this right then they will look after your customers.

Therefore incentivise your staff and spend time with them. I certainly do. Next comes understanding your customer. Once you’ve achieved that you can then think about the products.”

So where does his inspiration come from? “I have never had an original idea,” he admits. “My inspiration comes from seeing things all around me and from travelling. My advice to people about developing ideas is to go out, to open their eyes and to have a good look around.

Don’t sit in the bath waiting for a eureka moment, you’ll shrivel up!”

His view of the current business landscape is that it’s “very tough and Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Face To Face: Theo Paphitis unforgiving but also massively exciting and opportunistic. A lot of the businesses I own are legacy businesses, and back in the day, there was no-one competing with them. It was all about lots of cash and lots of shops.

Today people can compete from their bedrooms. It’s an opportunity that didn’t exist before and it’s that that makes it so exciting for new entrants to retail markets. However, all retail businesses have to be open to change otherwise they will go the same way as retailers such as Maplin, Toys R Us and House of Fraser. Huge changes are taking place, but if retailers do their homework properly they will find that there are still plenty of business opportunities out there.”

Reflecting on the retailers who have gone into administration or lost their way, he points to complacency. “Those that are currently trying to raise CVAs will almost certainly go bust,” he predicts. “So many big names have disappeared because the management thought that they were invincible, that people would always go into their stores and buy from them. Yet to be successful in retail, you have to challenge why you exist, and why customers should go into your shop and buy from you. You have to give customers a reason to visit your store

Business Rates: The Government’s Got It Wrong When it comes to the controversial issue of business rates, Theo points out that politicians all nod their heads but when they get into Downing Street they become deaf. “Business rates have a very long history, and bring in much needed revenue, but when they were introduced in the 1500s there was no internet,” he points out. “What annoys me is that high street retail accounts for 75% of retail sales and the internet for 25%, but the government has chosen to tax the declining retail sector and not to tax the piece of the cake that is increasing.”

and then ensure that they will come back.”

As for department stores, he admits that he fell out of love with them a few years ago. “I used to love them,” he explains. “It didn’t matter if it was hot or cold outside, you were in one building and you could do all of your shopping there. Now there are virtual department stores, so it’s vital for high street department store owners to make sure they create the magic that will get people off the sofa and walking through their doors again.”

Is he anti Amazon? “Not at all,” he states. “I both love and hate them. Amazon

Above: Theo and his fellow ‘dragons’ on Dragon’s Den. Above and left: Ryman and Robert Dyas are among the household name retailers forming part of the Theo Paphitis Retail Group.

Theo’s Advice To Entrepreneurs When it comes to would-be entrepreneurs, Theo says that it’s all down to the individual, “but you can’t build up a business in isolation,” he adds. “People have added to my business. It is never a one man show. It is about the whole show. It is about appreciating and supporting each other, and also about bringing in the new. It is about groups of people.”

He recalled that, as a young man in retail, he would hear about British brands going to America and ‘swimming with the sharks’. “Now there are lots of piranhas out there and they will take every bit of your business that they can. Therefore retail entrepreneurs need to be agile, to be aware and not to take their eye off the ball. Those that do will get punished very quickly.”

As someone who has championed small businesses, he adds that he gets just as excited about seeing someone he’s helped grow as he does about the success of his own businesses.

So are entrepreneurs made or born? “We are all moulded by our backgrounds, but it’s down to what’s inside someone. People can be entrepreneurs at different levels and still make a very good living.”

shows all of us the way, so use Amazon as inspiration. In business, you have to persevere, be cheeky and grab opportunities.

There has to be competition and you will always have someone who is bigger and better and more successful than you out there. So you have to be the best you can be and drive relevant traffic to your website.

Eyeballs are important!” However, Theo is less impressed that Amazon doesn’t pay the same business rates as a high street retail business.

“It’s very unfair and the government needs to do something about it,” he highlights.

Commenting on what a successful business look like today, Theo emphasised that, going forward, it is about working smarter, and working where you need to be. “It’s about output and planning. That’s the massive difference,” he highlighted.

“Smart working is about being productive no matter where you are in the world, and it will be figuring much more in our lives over the next 10 years. Therefore we need to have the tools ready and set up. We need to ensure that people can work from home, locally or globally.”

He adds that despite his wealth and success, he still gets hugely excited about what he does. “For me, every day is an exciting day. I get out and about, and it excites me to think that I could do this or that. I’m always looking for something that gives me a kick!”

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Retailer Face To Face: Between The Lines

Location, Location,

Location Above: Lindsey and Florian Kleinlercher, owners of Between The Lines.

Left:The newly re-furbished Midhurst outlet which was originally opened as Norman Brine by Lindsey’s father in 1964.

Below: Wellbeing is a growing sector both for adults and children.

With retail closures one of the biggest front page stories this year, it’s refreshing to hear that independent gift and card multiple Between The Lines - a finalist in The Greats 2018 Best Specialist Multiple Gift Retailer category - is going from strength to strength.

Far from closing shops, owners Lindsey and Florian Kleinlercher have opened three new shops this year, with four underway for 2019 - the year that the company celebrates its 30th anniversary.

So what’s been the secret of their success? PG&H caught up with Lindsey and Florian to find out.

W

hen Lindsey met Florian in 1988, it was the beginning of an enduring personal and business partnership that has continued for some 30 years.

Recalls Lindsey, “my father owned Norman Brine, a bookshop in Midhurst, West Sussex, that also sold a small selection of stationery and cards, as well as prints by local artists. As children, my brother and I were always in there and helping out - we got iced buns as a thank you! - and in the mid-80s, after a spell as a nurse in Saudi Arabia, I started doing the buying which included putting in some giftware, and also ran my own card

stores in the South of England - mostly in market and commuter towns - with a further four stores opening in 2019. (Pepperpot Cards and Norman Brine have subsequently been rebranded as Between The Lines, with Pepperpot Cards also relocating to the centre of town, and Norman Brine recently undergoing a huge refurbishment).

The concept of the business today is reflected in the strapline: ‘to celebrate the joy of giving’. “It’s behind everything we do,” Lindsey explains. “Buying a gift for someone releases those feelgood endorphins because it’s such a great feeling to see the joy on someone’s face when they receive something lovely.”

Typically, many Between The Lines midweek customers are mums with buggies, with families coming in to shop together at the weekend. (The average spend in store is around £11). “Customers often come in for

shop, the Pepper Pot in Godalming. Deciding to computerise the system, I asked my then boyfriend Florian, who was an IT specialist, to help me with entering all the products we stocked. We worked relentlessly till 4 in the morning, and all of a sudden, the computer spectacularly crashed! Understandably, I burst into tears, and it was at that moment that Florian asked me to marry him!”

In fact, it proved to be the catalyst that propelled Lindsey and Florian to launch their first Between The Lines outlet in Alton in 1989, the year they married. Over three decades, the portfolio has grown to 16 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Retailer Face To Face: Between The Lines

Queen Sofia Pays A Visit

something specific and walk out with much more than they intended to because we’ve offer something different that’s quality, as well as something for everyone - from babies to granny!”

Product categories cover a wide spectrum of gift lines ranging from gifts for her and men’s gifts to jewellery, gift books, baby and toddler, teens and travel. There is also a home section, wellbeing giftware for both adults and children, home fragrancing, fashion and fashion accessories section, and a vast array of greeting cards which are a mainstay of the business.

Lindsey, her brother Roland, and daughter Ellie are all involved on the buying side, with Lindsey concentrating on the gift side, and Ellie buying greeting cards and seasonal (“she chooses exactly what I choose myself,” says Lindsey). For Lindsey and Roland, there has to

Above: Home and gift books are two of the company’s best-selling product ranges.

Below: Cranleigh is one of three new Between The Lines stores opened this year.

It’s not every day that a local independent gift shop serves a member of the Royal family, but staff were thrilled when Queen Sofia of Spain popped in to the newly refurbished Between The Lines store in Midhurst, West Sussex.

“She bought armfuls of gifts from us, and seemed particularly keen on our wellbeing products, asking her bodyguards to pay and carry out her purchases to the car,” explained Lindsey.

“The shop staff told us she was absolutely charming - very gracious. She piled the products onto the counter and bought multiples of a lot of things.”

In fact, Queen Sofia isn’t the first well known face to visit a Between The Lines gift and card store. Over the years, actress Dame Judi Dench has visited the Oxted branch, Johnny Depp has popped into Haslemere and Mark Owen of Take That has gift shopped in Petersfield.

He highlights that when they first started out, both he and Lindsey learned on the job. “We made some expensive mistakes, but ultimately you have to roll up your sleeves and just get on with it, which is why a lot of small businesses succeed. As independents, rather than corporates, we have a personal passion to make our businesses successful, and when it’s a family business as well, there’s a lot of grit behind it. Plus, in terms of our roles, Lindsey and I complement each other perfectly which makes for a great team.”

1989: Top 3 Best Sellers l Andrew Brownsword Forever Friends Teddies. l Conway Pottery. l A tiny photo frame on an easel.

2018: Top 3 Best Sellers l Inspirational gift books. l Home fragrancing and wellbeing products. l Pebble prints reflecting a loving family home life.

be an emotional connection with the products they select. “We invariably find something that we are drawn to and hope that other people will feel the same,” she explains. Roland is also on board as the company’s ‘creative’, in charge of merchandising. And although she doesn’t help on the buying side, Lindsey’s mother too, is still actively involved, and never misses a managers meeting!

As managing director, Florian meanwhile, takes charge of the financial and legal side of Between The Lines, as well as looking out for new locations, and is, of course, the company’s IT supremo. Although the company has a nontransactional website, Ellie is very active on the social media front. “It’s certainly helping to give us a higher profile and is also helping us with recruitment,” comments Florian.

He says that having the confidence - and courage - to keep opening shops in a tough, hostile retail environment comes down to no not only being passionate about the business but also being confident about being successful. “If you are passionate and know what you are doing, there is no reason why you can’t expand. Plus, doing well is also very much about being in the right location. In fact, it’s the key to success. For example, we recently moved our Petersfield shop around the corner, and the turnover went up by 60%.” Adds Lindsey, “As importantly, the core values we have are so important to us as a business - being loved for our point of difference, the fact that we celebrate every single one of life’s moments and that we

know that family matters. With those values in place, everything else follows.”

Having been trading for just shy of 30 years, what are the biggest changes that they’ve seen? “Diversity,” says Lindsey, “We import a lot of products we sell from Scandinavia and elsewhere in Europe, with two Scandinavian companies, Cozy Living and Skandinavisk, among our biggest suppliers. Currently there is a huge emphasis on the home with people looking for anything that makes it feel nurtured, warm and comfy.

We buy from companies across the board from some of the biggest names to local, independent designer-makers, and that’s very much another of the reasons behind our success.” Adds Florian, “with costs rising all the time, you have to manage situations. By having good products and engaged staff we make it work.”

So, as Lindsey and Florian get ready to hang out the bunting to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Between The Lines, what else will be taking the company forward over the next 12 months? “Aside from rolling out four new stores we’re definitely going to be looking into own brand,” states Florian.

Adds Lindsey, “we will also be working on our company culture with a big drive underway for next year.” And if all of that wasn’t enough, Florian will also be overseeing the updating of the company’s EPOS system. “It will allow us to streamline our online offer, including facilities such as click and collect,” he explains.

Are they concerned about the impact on consumer spending once the UK finally comes out of the EU in March? “Not really,” says Florian. “Whatever happens, the world will go on spinning. Plus, with almost 30 years of retail experience and our amazing team of Between The Lines people to draw on, we hope to be in a position to deal with it.”

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Face To Face: Emily Coxhead

Bursting With Happiness Spending time in the company of designer, illustrator, writer and photographer Emily Coxhead is nothing less than a joyous experience. Creative, bubbly, talkative and a font of wise, positive words, Emily, 25, is a tour de force when it comes to thinking happy thoughts and spreading good news.

As the author of Make Someone Happy and the editor of The Happy News newspaper, Emily also has a clutch of exciting licensees helping her to sprinkle happiness around the world, to include Widdop and Co for giftware, Blueprint for stationery and Pigment for greeting cards.

And, as PG&H discovered, happy things keep happening to Emily.

With her curly blonde hair, big smile and quirky fashion sense, Emily Coxhead is very much a product of her generation, a Millennial who went to uni (Manchester College of Art, where she made her own greeting cards and Happy Jar gifts, and also had an online shop) and is now forging her way in the world as a young entrepreneur, with social media an integral part of spreading the word. (Fans include internet sensation Zoella who has 10 million followers).

Yet, there’s something about Emily that makes her stand out head and shoulders from the crowd. (For one thing, there’s her happy, colourful patchwork jacket that rivals Joseph’s technicolour dreamcoat!).

She comes across as a deep thinker, a person who is curious and genuinely cares about others, with a sensitive side to her nature that led to her determination to ‘sprinkle a tiny bit of

Below: Emily’s Make Someone Happy book.

Inset: Emily Coxhead reading The Happy News.

happiness all over the planet’. In fact, The Happy Newspaper was born from a sad, deeply personal experience that shook her world (understandably one that she’d rather not go into).

“Most people know and appreciate I’m human and that I’m absolutely, definitely not happy all of the time,” she states. “It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. I have bad days and struggles to get through just like everyone else, but I try to find the positives whenever I can, although sometimes that’s not easy. Being so sensitive, certain things in the news - the Grenfell fire and the Manchester Arena bombing - seem to affect me more than others, so I only watch the news in small doses.”

In a world of continuing uncertainty and unease, Emily highlights that a lot of people of all ages today feel anxious about their life, with social media too, affecting mental health. “It was when I was feeling really down myself four years ago that I started The Happy News, a subscription newspaper celebrating only the good stuff going

The Happy News Licensees l l l l l l

Blueprint (stationery) Creme D’Or (confectionery) H&A (toiletries and cosmetics) Pigment (greeting cards) Portico (calendars and diaries) Widdop and Co. (giftware)

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Face To Face: Emily Coxhead on around the world. The only way I could launch it was through a Kickstarter fundraising campaign where I was initially looking for £500. However, so many people thought it was a good idea that I tripled my target and raised £1,500,” she confirms.

(One donor, who sent a cheque for £50, was a businessman Emily got chatting to on the London Underground who loved the idea and wanted to buy into it). “People are sometimes amazing,” she says with a shrug that suggests she still can’t believe it.

At that stage, Emily hadn’t thought past the first issue. (It’s now an established quarterly publication). “I’d put everything into it with very little money, sacrificing a social life and holidays. But when The Happy News came out, people loved it and asked when the next issue would be published, so I had to do another one!” Three years on, she’s just put issue 11 to bed, has almost 3,000 readers around the world willing to pay £3.99 per issue to subscribe, and is looking

to extend the newspaper’s distribution to schools where anxiety and depression among young people is a major issue.

Working with a small team of volunteers, Emily’s ‘empire’ is a tiny office in her house, which is based in a village in Lancashire. “It’s full to the brim of everything I’ve ever collected, including my Glastonbury flag with ‘keep smiling’ on it. Plus, the room is filled with rainbows and twinkly lights!” (Well, what else would you expect?).

Given that good things seem to happen to Emily, in December 2015 she was amazed to receive an email from Penguin Random House who were interested in collaborating on a book with her. “I honestly thought it was a hoax, so I moved the email to my spam box. But when I told my mum she said read it, so I did. It turned out that Random House loved The Happy News, and that’s how I came to write the interactive journal Make Someone Happy and get an

Above: Surrounded by 4,000 newspapers!

Right: The Happy News product range.

Left: A Happy Jar. Below: The tiny Happy News office.

editor in New York!” (The book was published to much acclaim earlier this year).

At around the same time, Emily received an email from Martin Powderly, the creative director of greeting card publisher Pigment wanting to talk to Emily about expanding her range of The Happy News greeting cards, telling her he loved the unique way she used words. “It became my first licence, and very soon after I was approached by Blueprint to do a range of stationery. I’ve always been obsessed and can’t believe that my stationery range is now in major department stores such has John Lewis & Partners!” she enthuses. Other licensees have followed to include Widdop and Co whose range of giftware includes necklaces, mugs, candles, photo frames and travel accessories. A seventh licence, for giftwrap and gift tags, is about to be finalised. “It was Martin who introduced me to leading licensing and brand management agency DRi, and I still can’t believe that The Happy News has joined its

portfolio which includes classic brands such as Miffy, Roald Dahl and Groovy Chick. I was brought up on them!”

Emily, who was recently featured on the Independent newspaper’s Happy List, says she sometimes has to pinch herself that so much has happened to her so quickly and you can see why. Zoella initially posted an image of The Happy News saying, “this is incredible”, but more recently posted one of Emily’s poems saying: “if you’re not following Emily Coxhead you are missing out!”.

Notonthehighstreet co-founder Holly Tucker MBE, calls The Happy News a brand of the future, and even Sir Richard Branson is a big fan. “I sent him my book and The Happy News, and out of the blue he posted an

image of The Happy News on Instagram with the words ‘spreading happiness’. He then put it on Twitter, and it eventually ended up on Linked In. As soon as I started sharing my words and The Happy News it seemed to impact on a lot of people. If someone is having a bad day and finds The Happy News, or a scribble on Instagram, I’d like to think it could help them.”

After four years at the helm, Emily, who is a poet and a photographer too, is finally beginning to realise that she is her brand. “In my final year at university, although I didn’t have a career plan, I knew I didn’t want to live someone’s else’s dream. Being creative is so personal and I somehow knew that I had to find my own creative path. I’ll only know the next step in my journey when it happens.”

Does she have a definition for happiness? “You have to find your own happy, your own version of happiness,” she muses. “It’s about what makes you personally feel good. For most people that will change, it won’t always be one thing.”

Does she have any advice to would be entrepreneurs? “Make your own luck. You have to work really hard and not give up,” she smiles.

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TRENDS: Wild Animals

A Walk On The Wild Side With Going Wild the theme of The Greats 2019, and animal print one of the hottest fashion trends around this winter, PG&H took a look at how the trend is roaring its way onto home and fashion accessories.

Above: Carrie Elspeth hair bands.

Left: Parlane’s wall-hung Safari animal heads.

Above left: Cuban Jungle from Candlelight.

Below: A leopard print clutch from Radley.

Left: The Animal Kingdom collection from Lesser & Pavey.

Below: Sass & Belle’s Mandala elephant water bottle.

Below: A tiger sculpture from Edge.

Above: Animal print luggage from SIL’s Animal range.

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Retailer Face To Face: Lulu Loves

LULU’S COME TO TOWN Louise Prydderch - Lulu to her friends - couldn’t be prouder of her new home interiors and home décor store, Lulu Loves in Stubbington.

A year after it opened, it won The Greats 2018 Best Initiative category and is currently the ‘must visit’ shop on The Green in Stubbington, where customers often tell Louise and her team, “we want everything!”

So what’s the secret of the shop’s success? PG&H went down to Hampshire to find out. ith a dad that presided over everything retail - from a pet shop to an estate agent - Louise Prydderch was clearly born to own her own shop. “At the age of eight, I was already helping dad to weigh, bag and price pet food, and by my early teens, I was a regular sales assistant at his various, retail ventures, which included a newsagent, during the school holidays,” Louise explains.

After leaving school, she went to work at the Post Office, nabbing the top job of

W

Top: Lulu Loves in Stubbington.

Above: Louise Prydderch with Lucy Hamblin, manager of Lulu Loves, at The Greats in May where the shop won Best Retailer Initiative for its Hygge weekend.

Below: Lulu Loves own brand luxury candles.

postmistress by the time she was 18, a job, she says, which combined her admin skills with her love of retail and her desire to have a customer facing career.

Subsequently, following a spell working as an au pair in Boston, she came back to Hampshire to run a small gift and card shop, Forget Me Not, for her parents on The Green in Stubbington. However, when the owner of Evelyn’s Haberdashery, a large unit across The Green, retired, Louise’s father Don encouraged to go for it. “I had never sewn, knitted or crocheted in my life, but within two years I was teaching sewing lessons,” she recalls.

When her father sadly passed away 17 years ago, Louise and her mum Margaret, now retired, joined forces retailwise, with Forget Me Not merging with Evelyn’s Haberdashery and retaining its name.

“In 2011, we dropped the Evelyn’s name and invested in a full refit and re-branding as Forget Me Not,” continues Louise. I’m delighted to say that Forget Me Not has gone from strength to strength in the ensuing years and is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary.”

So why the decision to open Lulu Loves in May last year, which made it into the finals of The Greats 2018 Best Newcomer South & Wales category? “I’d been wanting to open an interiors store for years, but somehow, the timing wasn’t right. Then, the shop next door became vacant and I grabbed the opportunity with both hands,” she enthuses. “I have a graphic designer friend called Caroline, and when we Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Retailer Face To Face: Lulu Loves discussed the look and feel of the store she suggested the Dress Your Nest concept, and the rest followed. Right from the outset, I had a very definite idea on the style of store I wanted, and once it all started taking shape, it was a very natural, organic process.

For example, when we opened I wanted to get right away from the Shabby Chic look by offering a different concept.”

Now, 18 months down the line, suppliers include an array of some of the biggest names in interiors and home décor such as Parlane, Biggie Best, Dutch Imports, Hill Interiors, LSA International, Creative Tops, Thomas Kent, Gallery Direct, Riva and Culinary Concepts. Lulu and her buying team eagerly source products at all the major UK trade shows, to include Christmas & Gift in Harrogate. “Living up to the shop’s name, if I love it, I buy it,” she states.

Something that Louise probably didn’t anticipate when she launched her eponymous store was that the branding would become one of the shop’s greatest assets. “Customers - and we attract everyone, from Millennials to OAPs - love it and come in to buy anything just to get one of our branded bags,” she smiles.

In fact, it’s led to a range of own brand luxury candles, with bespoke Lulu Loves branding, first introduced last Autumn, that will shortly be joined by a collection of bespoke branded bath and body products. “Our

customers keep requesting that we bring out a Lulu Loves fashion range, but for now that won’t be possible due to a clause in my lease.

However, over the next year or so, I will definitely be looking at launching a Lulu Loves soft furnishings and textiles range.”

With organic growth leading the way, Louise has also introduced a jewellery and fashion accessories area featuring brands such as Hot Tomato, PoM. Marlene Hounam, Katie Loxton, Joma and Miss Shorthair.

“We are passionate about the products we have to offer and take pride in finding not only the correct product for the customer but also the right suppliers for the store’s look and feel,” Louise emphasises.

In terms of merchandising, it’s definitely a team effort with some show stopping designs created by all team members. In fact, Louise can’t praise her ‘Lulu’s lovely ladies’ highly enough. (Across both shops, she employs 20 people). “Each member of staff has a specific role and brings something to the table,” she states. “They all have a wonderful commitment to creativity, merchandising and creating something that’s

3 Things That Lulu Loves l The freedom of working for myself. (“I

Top, left and above: Inspirational displays

suspect I’m unemployable as I’m always late!”) that encourage aspirational shoppers. l Surfing in Cornwall. (“I currently body board.”) l Knitting and crocheting. (“I love making things. I would take a ball of wall and a crochet hook to a desert island!”)

special and unique. Plus, I’ve always been a creative thinker, a doer and very practical.

Aged 11, I was already merchandising greeting card displays for my dad.”

Operations manager at both Forget Me Not and Lulu Loves is Lucy Hamblin, who joined in 2012, (originally as manager of Forget Me Not), bringing a wealth of retail experience with her to include being a flagship store manager with Past Times before its demise. Lucy, who was among the finalists in The Greats 2018 Retail Employee of the Year category, is also Louise’s right hand woman. “Her help and guidance with Lulu Loves has been invaluable and I will always be enormously grateful to her,” says Louise.

As with Forget Me Not, Lulu Loves puts the customer first, something Louise admits to drilling into her staff. “Our customers are the heart of our business, and we give them the best possible service that we can. Every item purchased is giftwrapped, with the exception of furniture of course, and if someone has a problem we always offer a positive response saying a reassuring ‘let me sort this out for you.”

Is she concerned about the general uncertainty surrounding Brexit impacting on business? “At the moment, everything seems to be OK,” she shrugs, “so we’re carrying on doing what we’re doing. We’re lucky to have loyal customers, many of whom we know personally. Come what may, the day after we leave the EU, people will still have special occasions to celebrate and will need to come in to buy gifts and cards.”

Looking to 2019, what’s in the pipeline for next year? “I’d like to do some promotional outdoor events,” Louise states.

“Plus, I’d like to broaden the trade shows we attend, with Moda and Maison & Objet very much in mind for next year. I’m also hoping to launch a new, improved website for Forget Me Not that will, of course, include Lulu Loves.”

So how does Louise feel about becoming ‘the brand’? “I was a bit reluctant and reticent at first, and was unsure of the business name, but after a period of months it settled, and now I’m fine with it. In fact, I would love to open more Lulu Loves if and when the right opportunities present themselves.”

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Spotlight On... Bath & Body

Get ‘Set’ For An Indulgent Christmas With the festive season in mind PG&H indulged in a look at the latest pampering products that will be finding their way into Christmas stockings.

With gift sets trending, it’s the packaging that ensures that the products stand out on the shelf, with impulse buying the name of the game.

Bath and body has become an exciting market place, a million miles from the bath cubes of yesteryear. With quality, design and fragrance at its heart, it's the 'ready to go' Christmas gift that, for premium brands, lets the packaging do the talking.

“The winter months inspire discerning creations that bring about comfort, warmth, and a trip down memory lane,” says Winter in Venice’s general manager Oshadhi Peiris.

The company will be offering a brand new collection of luxurious gift sets this season, ranging from advent calendars, hand butter tube tin sets and Macaron lip balm sets to new standalone collections such as the Journey of the Soul collection, featuring a collection of six signature scents all encapsulating different moods and

Above: Aromatherapy continues to be a growing trend in the bath and body sector.

Left: Winter in Venice’s luxurious advent gift set.

Below left: Di Palomo’s Black Cherry gift set.

Below right: A bath and body gift set from Baylis & Harding.

moments. There’s also the Creamery collection, a collection of standalone bath and body products inspired by the vintage ice cream parlour.

“Our natural formulations are further enhanced using lush fragrances such as Nectarine Blossom & Honey, Wood & Sage, Grapefruit Peony, and even Chocolate, Orange & Vanilla,” explains Oshadhi.

Highlighting the importance of packaging, the gift sets are presented in an array of monochrome patterns, peacock hues, vintage pastel designs, rich earthy tones, pops of glamour, and understated elegance.

“Each set is cleverly

Nostalgia Remains A Winner Licensed product too, continues apace for the festive season. “Nostalgia and vintage are still very strong, with licences performing particularly well,” confirms Mad Beauty’s managing director Trevor Cash. “As always at this time of year, high quality novelty gifting does really well. This year sees Mickey Mouse celebrating 90 years, and we have moulded a range of limited edition products to help mark the date. Additionally, our Aristocat ranges show that although Disney have some huge film launches, nostalgia stays really relevant.”

Right: Mickey’s 90th hand cream from Mad Beauty.

presented in reusable packaging that turns into a second gift,” Oshadhi highlights.

“They’re made to create lasting memories of the person who gave you the gift, rendering the gifting experience more profound and indelible.”

Gift sets are also a core product range for bath and body brand Di Palomo and The Naked Bee, both distributed by Xystos, with Baylis & Harding leading Xystos’ pampering

parade into winter with nine bath and body collections. “Two are particularly suited to retailers who are looking for something special for the Christmas season,” highlights Xystos’ director Tom Sykes. “The Fuzzy Duck Winter Wonderland collection features a Frosted Christmas Tree and Mulberry & Mistletoe fragrances, while the Skin Spa Winter Wonderland range blends rosemary and eucalyptus with white tea to create an indulgent spa experience within the home evoking memories of a traditional Christmas.”

Also on offer from Xystos is Baylis & Harding’s Sweet Mandarin & Grapefruit collection which is spearheading the company’s Autumn/Winter introductions.

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Spotlight On... Bath & Body

Heathcote & Ivory meanwhile, is highlighting vintage this season, celebrating strong and empowered women of the past with plenty of sparkle. “Displays of bath and body products appear to be less rigid than in previous years with tubes and bottles loose in tubs or bowls by till points rather than standing upright and formal on shelving displays,” explains the company’s marketing, PR & business development manager Amanda Pullen.

“Impulse purchases beside the tills are definitely playing a larger part in the sector,” she adds.

Staying with the current trends, Bomb Cosmetics has introduced two new unicorn products for Christmas, along with llamas and flamingos, with the designs carried across onto gift packaging to include bath

Keeping It Natural With natural and handmade very much a point of differentiation for gift shops, Best Kept Secrets’ bath and body products for Autumn/Winter include a range of handmade natural bath bursts and bath hearts, as well as a collection of handmade natural soaps.

“Trending for winter are warm cinnamon and orange, as well as lavender and patchouli,” confirms the company’s managing director Vanessa Curry. “It is, however, also important to take account of the needs of customers with extremely sensitive skins, so Calendula and Aloe Vera, without fragrances, fulfil an important choice for this group of people. We make both the highly fragranced but still natural soaps as well as the more gentle ones for sensitive skins.”

As Vanessa highlights, by their very nature, bath and body products need a special approach to fragrance choice. “The customer

bombs. As design, media and marketing manager Yasmin Philpott explains: “We have also developed a beautifully packaged new range called Bomb Surprise. The concept is based on unwrapping the layers to reveal six surprises. It’s an impulse purchase at a great price point and really easy to display.”

Puckator too, is focusing on bath bombs. “They never go out of style and they’ve currently never been so in vogue,” says designer Laura Billingham. “We’ve had great success with our themed sets of three bath bombs in gift packaging, twinning the sets of bombs with their own individual story. Each box sets a scene, letting the customer know exactly what they are getting.”

For those gift shoppers looking for something less Christmas themed, Rose & Co., bath and body products, distributed by Joe Davies, remain a particularly strong gift.

“Additions to this special range

of bath bombs, soaps, bath melts, hand creams and lip gloss, come in elegant new packaging,” says Joe Davies’ sales manager David Cree.

With festive parties and pampering in mind, beautifully packaged bath and body gifts make the perfect stocking filler, Secret Santa or teacher’s gift, making them definitely worth indulging in.

Top left: Heathcote & Ivory’s Christmas Vintage & Co collection.

Top right: Puckator’s set of three bath bombs.

Above left: Bomb Cosmetics’ Jingle Ladies sack.

Right: A Rose & Co gift Patisserie de Bain Strawberry Cupcake gift collection.

is effectively choosing the fragrance with which they wish to represent themselves to the world. This means that the successful design of bath and body fragrances require a very specialised approach.”

Also extolling the virtues of natural products is Widdop and Co. “The bath and body category, like many other product sectors, has been heavily influenced by the trend towards pure and natural products, with strong environment ethics a must have,” says Sue Grant, marketing manager at Widdop and Co, which distributes The Aromatherapy Company.

“Linked to this trend is the awareness of ‘mindfulness’ creating products that are not just good for the body but the soul too.” The brand includes diffusers, hand cream, body lotion, pulse points and candles. “In the run up to Christmas, Above right: The Aromatherapy Company, distributed by Widdop and Co. Left: Calendula from Best Kept Secrets.

good packaging is more important than ever with most purchases ear-marked as a gift rather than a self-purchase. Easy pick up gift sets are quick wins,” adds Sue. Staying with aromatherapy, new from the Luxury Home Spa Company is Shobu, an aromatherapy experience for the shower. “It’s a home spa experience using a tablet containing aromatherapy combinations,” explains co-founder Leanne Butler. “The user places it on the shower floor, and when the steam hits the tablet, it emits a spa experience that lasts for up to 10 minutes.”

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

Prize Candles Xystos has launched three collections of candles and reed diffusers from Shearer Candles, including Couture, the award-winning range with a trio of new fragrances for 2018 – Clean Slate, Lemon Zest and Cocoa & Sandalwood (RRPs £2-£25). There is also The Highland Collection, inspired by Shearer’s Scottish heritage, which is ideal for first footings and Burns’ suppers and features the best-selling Ae Fond Kiss, a scent of delicate white heather mixed with sweet Highland honey (RRPs £8£25). Look out too for the Home Collection (RRPs £9-£22).

On Trend Cello Xystos has created its own exciting bespoke collection of candles, reed diffusers and accessories. There are 12 best-selling Cello fragrances, with each blend featuring a top, middle and base note which, when combined, create a harmony of scents. The artful colourways and on trend design on each product are stylish and elegant, while all Cello products carry a subtle logo, ensuring authenticity and quality. The wax offering of muted colours is complemented by reed diffusers and accessory collections, with RRPs from £2.69 to £25.99.

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

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

Christmas Spice Flame and fragrance specialist Xystos has introduced four new scents to its Village Candle jar range as the American brand continues to make inroads into the UK candle market. The new fragrances, which come in three sizes, are a nod to autumn, winter and the festive season – Fall Festival, Winter Clementine, Forest Morning and Christmas Spice, which conjures up images of a crackling fire and good times with friends and family.

RRPs are from £12.49.

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

Sweet Success Night Delight Following the success of Splosh’s Fairy Houses, Xystos has introduced the Gingerbread House and Santa’s Workshop LED night lights. Several new Splosh ranges have been added too, including Signature photo frames and numbers which can be signed as a lasting memento by party guests instead of the traditional guest book.

There are also Wish Jars, enabling guests to write special messages to the receiver and insert them in the jars.

Impulse purchase sentiment plaques and photo frames span the spiritual, tribal and botanical.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk @ulsterweavers.com www.trade.ulsterweavers.com

Baylis & Harding has personal care covered from head to toe and includes products that range from a bar of soap to a luxury wicker hamper that includes bath and shower crème, body cleanser, bath soak crystals and even a wash mitt. Spearheading the nine new autumn/winter bath & body introductions from Xystos is the Sweet Mandarin & Grapefruit Collection, which sees the return of the bestselling fragrance. The stylish geometric print incorporates presents of all shapes and sizes.

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

In The Pink WBM’s Himalayan Chef food products line, being distributed by Xystos, is ideal for gifting and selfpurchase, and perfect for foodies and those who want to display their kitchenware. There is a range of salt and pepper grinders – the salt is revealed in its natural pink – as well as a gift set featuring a cooking plate made of Himalayan Salt. After being heated in the oven, it can be brought to the table for food to be cooked healthily – without the use of fat or oil – in front of guests.

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

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

Countdown To Christmas Start your countdown to Christmas with this gorgeous Advent calendar from Winter in Venice. Filled with a collection of toiletries in five signature scents, behind each door lies a handy travel size toiletry product ranging from vitamin enriched lotions, body butters, shower gels, bubble bath, bath fizzers, and bath salts. Our formulations are made using natural fruit and plant extracts, fruit butters, sweet almond oil and vitamins. Our products are free from sulphates, parabens, minerals, paraffins and DEA, and are not tested on animals.

Decadent Hand Butters This gorgeous collection of decadent Winter in Venice hand butters comes nestled in a beautiful reusable storage tin. This delightful gift contains12 individually fragranced 25g hand butter tubes made using 10% shea butter, almond oil, vitamin E, and natural fruit and plant extracts, ideal to sooth dry and chapped hands in need of intense moisturising and care. Our award winning brand is free from parabens, paraffins, sulphates and minerals and are not tested on animals.

Winter in Venice Tel: 0845 652 1223 Email: sales@winterinvenice.co.uk www.winterinvenice.co.uk

The Naked Truth

Winter in Venice Tel: 0845 652 1223 Email: sales@winterinvenice.co.uk www.winterinvenice.co.uk

The Naked Bee’s Orange Blossom Honey bath and body products range from shampoo to restoration foot balm. Distributed by Xystos, the products are paraben-free and contain no propylene glycol, mineral oil, dyes, pigment, lauryl or laureth sulfate, and no animal testing is ever involved in their production. The Naked Bee Travel Kit and Mini Bee Kit are particular favourites with the brand’s loyal following. The easy-tocarry range contains ‘all the good stuff, none of the bad stuff’.

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

Luxurious Toiletries The perfect gift for the princess in you. Indulge in a collection of luxurious Winter in Venice toiletries infused with plum extract which comprises of Cupcake and Donut bath fizzers, a rose shaped soap, bath salts, and a soft eye mask to rest those tired eyes. It's the perfect gift this season. A little bit of love and pampering to help you drift to sleep.

Winter in Venice Tel: 0845 652 1223 Email: sales@winterinvenice.co.uk www.winterinvenice.co.uk

Boudoire Secrets Baylis & Harding’s Boudoire Secret Garden Collection from Xystos has a floral design set against a dark background and accented with rose gold foil, complementing the Midnight Rose Petals fragrance. The Jojoba, Silk & Almond Oil collection complements the blush pink and rose gold packaging.

One Stop Pampering Xystos has created a one-stop shop so that buyers are able to source high quality fragranced bath and body products, all of which are beautifully packaged. Leading brand Di Palomo continues to win admirers with a range of appealingly presented products such as Black Cherry, Wild Fig & Grape, Orange Blossom with Wild Honey & Olive, and White Grape with Aloe.

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

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

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Face To face: Find Me A Gift

Get Happy From very small - and rocky - beginnings at the start of the dotcom boom, Find Me A Gift, winner of The Greats 2018 Best Online or Mail Order Gift Retailer category, has gone from strength to strength over the past 18 years, currently employing 60 permanent staff and offering some 7,000 products.

In a hugely competitive online market place, founder and managing director Adam Gore tells PG&H why he loves being in a business that makes people happy, not least because it makes him happy too!

Three words seem to sum up Find Me A Gift’s Adam Gore - 'determined, passionate and quirky'. Against all the odds, he had such a strong belief in the potential of Find Me A Gift - a company he co-founded from a bedroom with three friends in 1998 - that when the official launch of the company coincided with the bursting of the dotcom bubble, he bought 100% of the company’s £40,000 debt when the others bailed out.

“The debt we accrued was partly due to the impact of 9/11 in 2001 which had a dramatic impact on retail, our over reliance

Above: Adam Gore, founder and managing director of Find Me A Gift.

Left: Grow Your Own Hairy Beaver is Find Me A Gift’s top selling product.

Below: Lena Gore (Adam’s wife), the company’s sales and marketing director, together with marketing manager Sarah Hague, are shown receiving The Greats Best Online trophy in May. The award was presented to them by Sam Wahid, managing director of Gift Republic, sponsors of the category.

on the Christmas period and a huge investment in a marketing campaign,” explains Adam, an automotive engineer and self-confessed ‘petrol head’ who spent almost a decade working in the car industry.

“Nevertheless, somewhere inside me, I had a strong belief that the company needed five years to turn itself around,” he continues, “I was 30, very competitive, and believed that anything

was possible. I believed I could do it and make the business successful regardless of the challenges that lay ahead.”

What made Adam’s passion and gut feeling about the potential success of Find Me A Gift a reality was the phenomenal sales of replica light sabers in 2002. “After a tough start, it was the springboard product that really changed our fortunes.

As soon as stock came in it flew out,” he remembers with a smile. “We couldn’t get enough of them. And it was the success of these light sabers, which we sold for

A ‘Great’ Achievement As for winning a Greats award in May, Adam takes no personal credit, emphasising that it is completely down to the team of people that he employs.

“We see the award as recognition for their achievement, so much so that everyone working in the business will, or has had, the trophy sitting on their desk for a few weeks. Six months on, it’s still doing the rounds, and will ultimately end up in the boardroom where it will take pride of place.”

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EMAIL to sales@thelagoongroup.com or CALL on FREEPHONE 0800 252723 www.thelagoongroup.com

AUTUMN FAIR HALL 3 STAND T01-W01

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Face To face: Find Me A Gift £120, that enabled us to rent a small office and buy more racking.”

Right from the start, Adam wanted the website to offer quirky products that made people feel a positive emotion. “Gifts always attracted me because I often struggled to find a present for friends that appealed to my rather different, quirky, fun sense of humour.”

Determined not to make the earlier mistake of concentrating solely on the fourth quarter of the year, Adam soon realised that to progress, the company had to diversity away from Christmas by looking to offer gifts for other major gifting occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, christenings, anniversaries and so on. It was a game

change. It’s a Darwinian quote, but it rings true. In business, major business fail because they are stuck in their ways.

Therefore my advice to would-be Top Three Best Sellers in 2018 entrepreneurs is to focus on a l Grow Your Own Hairy Beaver niche, but with a view to l The Ten Things I Love Most About You personalised potential expansion. You also light box (own brand) have to think how you want the l Go Dog Go! automatic ball launcher business to evolve in five to ten Today, three moves, many thousands of years, because that niche could eventually products and millions of happy customers become part of a much bigger picture.” later, the company employs 60 full time staff, Of course, even though the business is rising to more than 200 people over the now a very successful one, there are peak Christmas period. “We’re a pretty wellalways new challenges. Currently for Adam oiled machine, and with new products being - and other online companies too, of course added to our site every week – and own - it’s being at the mercy of Google and their products that include the Gift of the Year algorithms, which keep on changing. “A 2017 award winning 10 Things I Love About company can be at the top of Google one You personalised light box - we aim to offer month and way down another which is very something for everyone,” he comments. “Our frustrating,” he points out. He says he also inspiration continues to come from our desire gets frustrated by a lack of innovation in the to sell unique, unusual, quirky ‘emotional’ gift industry. When I see ‘me too’ products products that make people feel love, and brand slapping, my heart sinks,” he happiness, laughter and fun - as well as a admits. Plus, following the shock doubling feeling of ‘shock’ sometimes, thanks some of our cheekier gifts! We source from suppliers we discover at trade shows, and also go out to China to have our own products made. Recently we also attended The Giftware Association’s Meet The Buyers day which introduced us to some new Above: The Go Dog Go! automatic ball launcher is in the company’s top three best sellers. companies. Ultimately, the business is Above: Own brand 10 Things I Love About You all about people - our team, our personalised light box won a Gift of the Year award in 2017. customers and our suppliers. They are changer and, to Adam’s relief, the business the crucial elements that make it the finally began to take off and achieve the success that it has become.” success he had always dreamed of. “Also, So 18 years down the line, what by then, people had more faith and trust in stops Adam in his tracks when he’s at buying from online companies,” he a trade show? “When I find truly points out. innovative products, I get genuinely

By October 2004, Find Me A Gift excited. It re-invigorates my passion could afford to invest in staff, and, after a and results in a big smile on my face successful Christmas period, the company and goose pimples!” he states. of his business rates, he believes that the moved to bigger premises. By 2008, the Reflecting on his two decades in online online companies that generate the most team - which by now included his wife retail, he says that the biggest lesson he has profit should get taxed the most.

Lena, the company’s sales and marketing learned along the way is the importance of Frustratingly, it’s not a level playing field,” director - were working round the clock to change. “It’s not the strongest who survive, it he points out. get orders out. is those who are the most adaptable to Meanwhile, having been through so many ups and downs, what’s been his mantra? “To set goals and to achieve Find Me A Gift: The Lowdown them,” he states. “For me, that’s always l The idea for Find Me A Gift was originally conceived in 1998 by four friends. been my personal definition of happiness.” l The company launched in 2000, starting out with 30-40 products and a few bits of That, and trading up from the beat up racking from Halfords.

Rover Maestro he drove when he first l Currently, Find Me A Gift offers over 7,000 products ranging from personalised gifts, toys started the business to currently owning a and games to gadgets, accessories, sweets and drink related items. l The Find Me A Gift website has over 6million visitors each year, 40,000 likes on Facebook Porsche 911? “Yes, I’m still a petrol head and over 30,000 followers on Twitter. at heart,” Adam laughs.

Top Three Best Sellers in 2002 l Light sabers l St Tropez fake tan l Milk frothers

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THE JEWELLERY COLLECTION

THE CANDLE COLLECTION

THE TABLEWARE COLLECTION

THE COMPLETE GIFT SOLUTION HAS ARRIVED

To become a stockist email: bryn@alliedimports.com www.baileyandbrooke.co.uk

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THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

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Spotlight On... Valentine’s Day

All You Need Is Love While sweethearts will always enjoy exchanging romantic gifts on Valentine’s Day, there’s are a few new kids on the block this year to include Galantine’s Day! Having dipped a toe in the water last year, it’s set to be huge say suppliers, with females exchanging gifts with their women friends. But that’s not all. PG&H took a look at what else will be trending for Valentine’s 2019.

Valentine’s Day is, of course, synonymous with flowers, a glass of bubbly, chocolate and jewellery, but many suppliers have been thinking outside the box over the past year to tap into contemporary culture.

“There were several key trends that arose during Valentine’s Day 2018 that will only gather more steam in 2019,” confirms Joelle Engolia, senior marketing executive at Wild & Wolf. “While the anti-Valentine’s Day concept has been around for many years, it’s starting to take on a new

life with an ‘it’s okay/proud to be single’ message which translates to treating yourself on Valentine’s Day. It’s been linked to the popular self-care movement of late, with the focus being on looking after/thinking of yourself.

Products such as our Yes Studio ‘Treat yo’ self’ make-up bag tap into this sentiment.”

Joelle continues: “Galentine’s Day too, shows signs of being in full swing in 2019. It’s about the celebration of women being encouraged to buy gifts for their girlfriends, so expect to see more feminismthemed gifts dotting the shelves. Our Yes Studio

Feminist mug and Woman Power notebook are among the examples.”

A third trend, says Joelle, has its roots in the recent shift towards thoughtful, unique gifts ‘for him’. “With Valentine’s Day traditionally women-centric, gifts for men are usually forgotten within the retail space. But that’s all about to change. Instead of typical gifts such as a watch or a bottle of liquor, consumers are looking for practical, functional gifts that men will have a use for Top: Romance in all its guises will definitely be in the air on February 14.

Above right: Lily Charmed’s rose gold heart studs with an I Love You message.

Above left: Among Wild & Wolf’s giftware for Galentine’s Day is a Woman Power notebook.

Inset: Scream Pretty’s huggie hoop earrings.

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Best Kept Secrets Ltd Morpeth, NE61 6JT Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Web: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Valentine’s Candles

Always Seriously Scented Trade Price £3.75 + vat

RRP £8.99

Four different fun messages for your loved ones.

Classic Cotton fragrance with a multi coloured topping and plenty of glitter!!

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Spotlight On... Valentine’s Day in their hobby pursuits, or beautifully designed, light-hearted gifts. A stylish cocktail multi-tool or bottle opener from our Gentlemen’s hardware range are examples.”

Scream Pretty' too, is both celebrating and suggesting gifts for the new Galentine’s Day trend which sees gifting to beloved female friends. “Women like to buy huggie hoop earrings splitting a pair with their best friend,” explains director Jessica Pearce. “To tap into this trend, we will be running a Galentine’s giveaway in celebration.”

Lily Charmed meanwhile, is seeing a big upsurge in jewellery with a sentimental message. “The luxury gift wrapping that every piece of jewellery is displayed in makes the gift extra special for Valentine’s,” highlights director Lucy Lee. “When boutiques display the jewellery in its box it really helps male buyers to see what they're

hearts in a cool way,” says the company’s marketing manager Kirbie Bestford.

As well as jewellery, candles too, can be a lovely way to tell someone you love them, setting the scene for a romantic dinner for two. “Our Occasion range is a Valentine’s Day must, with the simple inscription, “You had Me at Hello”, a beautiful statement to the beginning of your love encounter. The range is fragranced with Pomegranate, Pink Pepper & Spicy Woods, a spicy, seductive aroma,” highlights Stoneglow’s head of design Winnie Wong.

According to Luca Bridges at Caroline Gardner, luxury, practical gifts are on the rise - gifts with that little bit extra, a getting. Best selling new designs for 2019 are our shooting star necklace and cassette mix tape.”

At Joe Davies, hearts remain a staple trend for Valentine’s Day. “Our Equilibrium fashion jewellery features many different heart pieces to include the new 925 by Equilibrium sterling silver collection featuring modern heart necklaces and earrings,” says buyer Mary Richards.

Also focusing on hearts is Tutti & Co, with designs revealing a modern twist. “For Valentine’s ‘19, our key trend is Hidden Hearts, steering away from the obvious heart shape and using elements that represent Top: The Tutti & Co Hearts collection.

Above right: You Had Me At Hello from Stoneglow.

Above left: A gold heart print make-up bag from Caroline Gardner makes a romantic gift.

Below right: Joe Davies’ Equilibrium collection.

Left: A Fond Kiss from Shearer Candles, distributed by Xystos.

sumptuous feel or ‘wow’ factor - making them Valentine’s winners. “Gifts with metallic finishes, luxurious materials and, of course, heart prints will be the go-to items for Valentine’s Day,” predicts Luca. “Our metallic heart print socks, metallic rose gold jewellery box and gold heart print pouch tick all the boxes.”

Highlighting a recent Mintel report, Widdop and Co’s marketing manager, Sue Grant, points out that Valentine’s Day is the biggest spending retail event in the first half Continued on page 65

u On average, male consumers spend twice as

much as female consumers on Valentine’s Day gifts so a good tip is to keep this in mind when selecting, pricing and displaying a Valentine’s Day collection. For gifts aimed at male buyers, retailers can go a little higher on the retail price points.”

Mary Richards, buyer, Joe Davies

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Enesco Limited, Head Office & Customer Services, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0EN. Tel: 01228 404022 email: trade@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Tel: +44 1228 404066 email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk Š 2018 Enesco Limited.

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Spotlight On... Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day Gifts: Top Tips For Retailers

of the year, with people predicted to splash out a cool £1billion on Valentine’s Day in 2019. “Design trends have remained fairly static from year to year - cute, humorous or romantic - the key themes that always go down well.

However, the trend for DIY ‘experience’ gifts continues to develop, to include Love tokens exchanging tokens for a special treat - or Date Night cards featuring ideas for staying in or going out. It helps, too, that they’re inexpensive and fun.”

At Enesco, the company’s director of marketing, Helen Cottrill, says that Valentine’s Day is all about the styling. “There seems to be a shift from hot pink, ruby red and rose gold, with the indications pointing towards soft pastel, light metallics, homemade and subtle.

Feature areas with be romantic pale flowers, retro style drinking glasses and candles, simplicity, and things inspired by nature. Our Sharon Nolan Collection by Demdaco is a perfect fit, with the subtle pebble designs sharing a romantic message. For those

Above: The Love collection from Lesser & Pavey.

u “Hearts are most definitely in as can be seen on photo frames, fashion jewellery, cufflinks etc.

The trick is to lure the customer in. Adorning giftware with faux roses creates an instant, irresistible Valentine’s window.”

Piers Croke, sales director, Gisela Graham u “Valentine’s Day can be a great display opportunity for gift shops in terms of standing out on the high street. Independents can opt for something a bit more risqué which is unlikely to be followed by the majors. Plus, humour will always attract a customer’s attention and is likely to lead to a secondary discussion of ‘did you see what they had..?’ or photos shared on social media.” Thomas O’Brien, senior operations director, Boxer Gifts u ”Retailers would do well to merchandise Valentine’s Day gifts with Valentine’s Day cards, merchandising by theme if space allows. For example, cute cards and gifts could be merchandised together.” Sue Grant, marketing manager, Widdop and Co u “Retailers can make the most of Valentine’s Day in their shops by including an alternative Valentine’s Day display, e.g. ‘For Galentine’s, For Yourself, For Him’ alongside the traditional red/pink flowers and chocolate display. Also, there needs to be a mix of low and high price points in the alternative display to capture both the passive and keento-splurge anti-Valentine’s Day shoppers.” Joelle Engolia, senior marketing executive, Wild & Wolf

Top right: Gisela Graham has a new range of giant wicker hearts.

Left: A romantic pebble design from the Sharon Nolan collection by Demdaco, distributed by Enesco.

Right: Letter candles from Boxer Gifts.

Below: Among the items in Widdop and Co’s True Valentine collection.

planning a proposal, the Lolita coupe glasses are on trend and will remain a keepsake for years to come.”

Also highlighting keepsake giftware is Lesser & Pavey. “Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to give someone something that can be treasured and used every day, to remind them of those special feelings,” says managing director Julian Hunt.

The company’s new range Love features a fine china mug, scented candles, a diffuser gift set, purses, keyrings, compact mirrors and notebooks.

Of course, humour will always have a role to play. “Valentine’s is such a short selling period that it makes a ‘Valentine’s specific’ gift a risky strategy,” points out Boxer

Gifts’ senior operations director Thomas O’Brien. “Valentine’s gifts can be brought in from anywhere in the store with our new Letter candles a gift something that’s romantic and personal to the recipient, but low risk for the retailer as they’re a year round great seller.”

With fresh gifting opportunities for retailers to make the most of, there’s sure to be plenty of love in the air next February!

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INTERIORS

Source new products, discover fresh trends, and meet 100s of suppliers at the UK’s biggest furniture show.

Make yourself at home at the industry event of the year.

Register now at januaryfurnitureshow.com

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January Furniture Show

HIGH FIVE Some of the industry’s biggest names in furniture and home accessories will be showcasing their latest SS19 ranges at the fifth January Furniture Show which takes place from January 20-23 at the NEC, Birmingham.

As the leading show in the UK calendar for the furniture and interiors trade, there are plenty of new names and show highlights, says new show director Cleere Scamell.

Well established on the calendar as the UK’s principal furniture and interiors trade show, the fifth January Furniture Show (JFS) takes place from January 20-23, 2019 at the NEC in Birmingham.

Continuing to develop since its inception in 2015, the event caters for retail buyers, interior designers and specifers wishing to purchase at volume, mid and high-end levels of the market.

“Although we are still planning the 2019 show, we are already charged with excitement about the new show additions – LIGHT, a new Bed Zone and new feature areas for visitors to enjoy - plus plenty of new exhibitors, which combined, will enhance the experience and choices for buyers,” says show director Cleere Scamell.

“The feedback we get after each show is invaluable as we use it to progress the event to ensure that it is delivering the brands and products that buyers want to see.

With the new developments for next year, we are anticipating an extra compliment of visitors eager to see what’s new.”

Major new names from around the world are joining the already impressive line-up in 2019, with new exhibitors in every hall showing alongside returning favourites.

In Hall 3, which is dedicated to interior flourishes, the returning favourites include Libra, Pacific Lifestyle, Culinary Concepts, Mindy Brownes, Kelston House, Blue Bone, Malini, Pharmore and Gallery Direct. Elsewhere in Hall 3, new exhibitors include family owned, Irish based MacQuillan Home, a large scale supplier of giftware and small furniture items to retailers throughout the UK and Ireland. Another new family owned exhibitor is London based Nordic Style, which began with painted furniture and now offers a full range of giftware as well as furniture, mirrors, lighting and soft furnishings.

Also new to the hall is Suffolk-based McGowan & Rutherford, who use its in-

house creative team to develop designs, while sourcing unusual products worldwide. The company's huge variety of products feature everything from angels and cherubs to neon lighting and black metal furniture. Elsewhere, newcomer Dutch Imports & Daughters will be offering an eclectic mix of home accessories that include coat hooks, handles and signs, as well as garden ornaments and mirrors.

Although most of its items are now sourced in the Far East, the emphasis is on different and unusual items. Plus, Collier & Dobson will be unveiling a collection of garden ornamental pieces, along with indoor sculpture, prints, original artworks and leather goods. Many of the unique pieces reflect the business' New Forest base with nature being a regular theme.

Meanwhile, a major new development for Hall 3 this year is LIGHT, a brand new lighting section, with over 20 UK based expert lighting companies exhibiting at the January Furniture Show for the first time. Among them are Searchlight, Oaks Lighting, Impex Lighting, Illuminati, Elstead and Loxton Lighting who will show their new collections and best sellers. Dar Lighting will be returning to the show with a long list of new trendsetting, creative designs.

Collectively, the companies showing in LIGHT will offer the most extensive array of lighting at the event to date, covering everything from large scale light installations and chandeliers, to bedside table lamps and outdoor lighting.

Overall, some 500 exhibitors will be showing their new collections in interior furnishings and accessories, along with upholstery, cabinets, beds, mattresses and flooring. For more information visit www.januaryfurnitureshow.com Top: Among the exhibitors at the January Furniture Show 2019 will be CIMC. Above left and left: Skyrope from Pacific Lifestyle, and Onza from Dar Lighting.

January Furniture Show: The Lowdown Dates: January 20-23, 2019 Venue: NEC, Birmingham Organiser: Clarion Events Website: www.januaryfurnitureshow.com Contact: enquiries@januaryfurnitureshow.com

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Spotlight On... Pet Gifts

Well Doggone!

With animals very much a part of the family, they are every bit as important as humans when it comes to gift giving as a recent report from Mintel confirms.

With Christmas on its way, and gifts for dogs seemingly trending in the run up to the festive season, PG&H looked at some gifts for pets, as well as pet themed gift ideas that will have dogs - and cats showing their delight.

Gifts for pets really come into their own at Christmas, with ‘gifts for the dog’ or ‘gifts for the cat’ arguably topping the list for animal owners. “Pet gifts are definitely being seen more and more in independent gift shops in recent years, with Christmas gifting in this sector increasing,” states Really Good’s key account manager Fiona Burge. “Nowadays, giftware for pets includes Christmas stockings and advent calendars - not something that we would have expected in stores a decade ago!”

She says that humour is always a great option. “It’s the pets that bring humour into our homes, a great distraction from day to day challenges. Nevertheless, the product needs to be relatable,” adds Fiona. “Adding a breed of pet onto a product can be too specific reducing sales, so the more generic the imagery or design, the further the product will go.”

At Wild & Wolf, the company has several new pet-themed products in its Orla Kiely range this Autumn/Winter which are all about the Dachshund. “We’ve extended our Dachshund-inspired product offerings from last season as we’ve seen such an ongoing demand for them,” confirms

senior marketing executive Joelle Engolia. “Playful, quirky but understated, Orla’s Dogshow print as it’s also known, is extremely popular and is one of her most iconic prints.

Dachshunds are still very much the ‘pup of the moment’ and we have several skus in our Orla Kiely kitchenware range featuring the new print, which also serves as inspiration for a new product in our office collection too.”

Giftware includes tea towels, storage tins and double oven gloves, along with Dachshund page markers from the company’s Sketchbook & Sticky Notes.

Top: Blanche, owned by dog lover Adrian Smith at Rex London, shows off her trendy socks, a gift from Adrian.

Above left: A Bright Side dog bowl from Really Good.

Right Widdop and Co’s Best of Breed photo frame.

Below: Storage tins from Wild & Wolf’s Orla Kiley Dachsund print collection.

Animal Crackers l Some 59% of British consumers own

a pet, with full-time workers the most likely to own one (66%). l Proving dogs really are man’s best friend, ownership peaks among men, with 35% of men

owning a mutt compared to 31% of women and younger Millennials aged 19-28 (42%). l Cat ownership peaks among Brits aged 25-44. And while the age-old argument over

whether cats or dogs are better is guaranteed to send owners into a frenzy, it seems that dogs currently have the edge. l A third (33%) of Brits own a dog versus three in ten (29%) who own a cat.

(Source: Mintel)

“Pets bring their owners so much happiness and are a constant source of laughs,” adds Joelle. “Plus, for animal lovers, it’s lovely to have little reminders of their pets scattered throughout their daily lives.”

Staying with dogs, Widdop and Co has introduced a unique range of novelty dog clocks, each with its own wagging tail. “Six major breeds of dog are included in the collection which sits in Best of Breed, a brand which incorporates fashionable and well made gifts for animal lovers of all kinds,” comments marketing manager Sue Grant. “The clock’s pendulum movement is what keeps the tail wagging as the clocks ticks.”

She says that gentle humour is an important element of pet gifting with relevance important too. “The gift has got to speak to both the giver and the receiver,” Sue points out. “This could be in terms of the right breed, the right words or hitting the right note when it comes to humour.

Thanking a neighbour or friend for looking after a special pet is also a great add-on gift within the pet gifting sector,” she comments.

Highlighting the importance of humour is Thomas O’Brien, operations director at Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... Pet Gifts Boxer Gifts. “Pet owners love their beloved companions meaning they relate to humorous products on a personal level,” says Thomas. “Our My Dog Walks Me mug is a great example of a humorous yet highly relatable gift. Plus, pet and animal-themed books make a great gift too, as they cover everything from genuinely useful tips for pet owners to humorous guides such as How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You.” Concurring is Kat Whittingham, trade marketing manager at Signature Gifts.

“Every pet has their own personality, and what better way is there to show this than

with a gift that’s humorous,” she comments. “Plus, something unique is also at the top of the list as people are willing to spend more on their pets than ever before. The personalised gift market has grown massively over the last few years, and pet gifts are no exception,” she states. “For example, around a third of people will buy their pet a cake for their birthday, so why not a unique gift for other special occasions too? As an example, we have recently launched a range of advent calendars including one that’s full of dog treats. The advent box includes the dog’s name on the lid and contains a treat for every day in the run up to Christmas, as well as a squeaky toy for Christmas day itself.”

Top: Boxer Gifts’ How To Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting To Kill You. Above right: New for this season are quilted dog coats from Wrendale Designs.

Left: Signature Gifts has launched a range of personalised advent dog calendars.

Right: Gift Republic’s dog mug will be available in the Spring.

Below right: Rex London’s new Make Your Own Dog Treats.

Wrendale Designs is, course, renowned for its animal illustrations, with dogs and cats featuring across a wide range of gifts. New in the company’s pet collection this season are quilted dog coats featuring a variety of dog breed illustrations taken from the company’s greeting card ranges. “For example, our glasses case includes a fun illustration of a pug wearing glasses which appeals not only to pug owners, but also to dog and animal lovers too,” comments Wrendale Designs’ founder and creative director Hannah Dale.

“When buying a gift for their own pet I think people want to love the design of the product and for it to express a little bit of their own style.”

Gift Republic meanwhile, is building on the success of its Crazy Cat Lady mug, with a new Dog Lover mug for Spring 2019. “The mug is covered in every type of dog imaginable from pugs to corgis - making it the ideal gift for the whole spectrum of dog owners,” says designer Stephen Grace.

As for cat lovers, Rex London has added to its pet range with Make Your Own Cat Treats. “It complements our popular Make Your Own Dog Treats, and features a

Brits Dig Deep For Their Furry Friends In a report published by Mintel last month, it’s pets before humans, with 40% of pet care buyers confirming that they would spend as much money on their pet as they would on a friend when it comes to special occasions such as Christmas and birthdays. This compares to an average of 32% across all buyers.

“There are already pet Christmas and birthday presents available from a number of retailers, but the willingness to spend just as much on a pet as a friend shows that there is an opportunity for retailers to offer more event-specific products,” says Mintel’s retail analyst Chana Baram. “Having pet products for seasonal events such as Valentine’s Day would be likely to prove popular with young consumers, and this could extend to other key events such as weddings or funerals.

“Our research shows that Millennials are particularly devoted to their furry companions,” states Chana. “As the age of having children increases, we know some young people are opting to first get a pet and treat them as a family member. Additionally, there are many pet ‘influencers’ on social media, which are likely to appeal to the Millennial demographic, such as Doug the Pug, a dog with 3.6 million Instagram followers.”

Right: Doug The Pug is a favourite with Millennials.

recipe book and cookie cutters set to help in the creation of delicious homemade cat rewards,” explains head of buying Candy Smith.

With the pet gift market place clearly on a roll - see Brits Dig Deep For Their Furry Friends (left), there’s every reason for gift retailers to make the most of treats for fur babies this Christmas.

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

A Touch Of Class Eight new fragrances have been added to Best Kept Secrets’ award winning Seriously Scented candle range. The new fragrances have received a very positive response by focus groups across the country. Pink Pomegranate, Plum Champagne, Café Vienna, Peony Blush, Horizon Sky, Indian Summer, Caspian Silk and Lotus Blossom will bring an additional touch of class to the range which is already in great demand. And, of course, they all have sparkly toppings and plenty of glitter.

Hand Decorated Gin Glasses These beautiful Sunny By Sue hand decorated gin glasses, available from Joe Davies, are both stylish and trendy, packaged in elegant window boxes that show off the glasses to their full advantage. Additionally, an extensive range of gin related gifts compliment the glasses to include gin fund money boxes, LED jars and gin plaques. All are available in modest quantities with carriage paid orders of just £100 and free nationwide delivery.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

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

Handpainted Jewellery The new Equilibrium Handpainted Collection, featuring pretty necklaces, bracelets and earrings, is proving particularly successful. Stunning pieces, some incorporating the intricate detail of pave setting - the process of carefully setting stones very closely together with stunning results - was a massive hit and provided a unique and exciting new look for Autumn/Winter 2018. Joe Davies specialise in supplying independent retailers in ‘little and often’ quantities, with carriage paid orders of just £100.

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

Card & Gift Crumble & Core has created the perfect gift a beautiful watercolour illustrated card by Jilly Mercer with a pair of sterling silver earrings attached – which come presented in a gift box. We have 30 designs in our initial collection to cover all occasions. They have proved so popular with our customers that there are more designs on their way!

Crumble & Core Tel: 07767 778 446 Email: crumbleandcore@gmail.com www.crumbleandcore.com

Modern Designs Best Kept Secrets has updated the company’s ever popular, best-selling Seriously Scented candle range. The new collection incorporates bright colours with classic modern design, along with plenty of sparkly toppings and lots of glitter. Focus groups were charged with selecting the new label format and also advised on a consolidation of the whole range which now includes 32 favourite fragrances from last year’s range and eight gorgeous new fragrances. Continued success for retailers with this collection is guaranteed.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

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PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

Cute Animal Mugs New Puckator ranges that will be making their debut at the Spring shows in 2019 include mugs driven by the Kawaii culture of the Far East and cute animal face masks from South Korea. Soon to be available are Panda, Penguin, Tiger and Llama shapes, with more animal friends on their way, and more products featuring Cutiemals.

Products include lunch boxes, enamel pins, lip balms and much more.

Puckator Tel: 0800 011 6969 Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk www.puckator.co.uk

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

Refined Style Bailey & Brooke has created a series of contemporary, classical collections within its Giftware, Jewellery and Homeware sectors. Each exquisite piece comes complete in premium gift packaging - the complete gift. Our design philosophy across our comprehensive ranges emphasises the creation of collections that exude a ‘refined style’ that is quietly confident, easily adaptable and versatile. The Bailey & Brooke collections include jewellery, Christmas, candleware and tableware. All trade enquiries may be directed to:-

Allied Imports Email: bryn@alliedimports.com www.baileyandbrooke.co.uk

Luxury Giftware We’re keeping it fresh and trend inspired for the 2019 Spring/Summer season, with our collection of feminine blooms and bold graphic brights that are available to order now for delivery at the beginning of January. Fall in love our luxury giftware and discover a wealth of creative choice amongst designs that captivate through colour and texture, so you can make your mark with our distinctive style and iconic looks. Contact Debbie Heywood.

Belly Button Bubble Tel: 0161 902 1064 Email: sales@bellybuttondesigns.com www.bellybuttonbubble.com

Hokusai Blossom Collection BB Designs would like to announce their acquisition of several brands including The British Museum. Featuring delicate floral and bird motives our Hokusai Blossom range uses his different prints to create a beautiful range of product- including notebooks and bags.

Hokusai’s most famous piece, The Great Wave of Kanagawa, is the feature of our second range. The iconic piece is featured on product such as bags and homewares.

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

Flamboyant Flamingos Flamingos still prove they're a hot fashion motif and staple design element of the moment, emblazoned on everything from the catwalk to urban dwellings. Maybe we’re drawn to our flamboyant friends because they’re pink, tropical and birds, all trends in their own right! Distinctive birds, in distinctive designs and here to stay! Find them on our new giftbags and notebooks.

Belly Button Bubble Tel: 0161 902 1064 Email: sales@bellybuttondesigns.com www.bellybuttonbubble.com PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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

Christmas Collection For the festive season, Enesco is proud to present a number of new items into its White Woodland Collection from Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore.

The highlight of the new items in the collection is the Woodland Santa Statue. The colour palette for this piece, and across the rest of the collection, is very much Scandi-chic. A coherent look that will complement other items across the range while working harmoniously in any home off-set against existing festive décor.

New Coupe Glasses Enesco is proud to present a brand-new collection of coupe glasses from Lolita. Available in different designs featuring patterns and colourways infamous with artist Lolita’s style, the new coupe glasses include Lavender Lemonade, Pink Lady, Bee’s Knees and Eternite.

Standing at 18.5cm tall and presented in a beautiful gift box, each glass in the new coupe collection retails with an SRP of £18.00.

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

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

The Gift Of Surprise Enesco has unveiled a new figurine joining the Willow Tree range, one that is sure to be a popular floral, ideal yearround gift for many gift-giving occasions. In artist Susan Lordi’s signature style, Surprise is a female figurine holding a bouquet of purple tulips with green foliage wrapped in brown paper. Standing at 14.0cm tall and with a SRP of £21.00, Surprise is sure to live up to its name and evoke wonderful feelings of happiness and joy, thanks to its elegance and timeless design.

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

Two-In-One Plush Pusheen fans can now welcome Pusheen’s friend, Sloth, to their homes as GUND has expanded its collection to feature a new character from the popular webcomic with a two-in-one plush design. The Sloth Plush is suitable for children aged one year and over, is handwashable and comes with a lenticular hand tag. Sloth Plush retails with an SRP of £35.00 and will be a welcome addition to any Pusheen super fan’s collection.

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

Personalised Lists And Letters Add a personalised touch of Christmas magic to your home with the Personalised Memento Company’s brand new Personalised Lists and Letters for Santa Keepsake Box. This keepsake box is a fantastic way to get the kids into the Christmas spirit.

Many of PMC’s personalised Christmas gifts are available on a rapid lead time, making them attractive as gifts leading right up until Christmas.

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

Decorate Your Bag Keyrings are not just for keys these days, we also use them to decorate our bags. As well as gorgeous jewellery and scarves, Miss Milly offers a cute selection of enamelled animal designs ranging from dogs and cats to dragonflies, ladybirds and elephants. Choose from bright eyecatching colours or more muted neutrals. Great pick-up lines for Christmas. Buy online now, no minimum quantities and overall £100 minimum order.

Miss Milly Tel: 01905 622509 Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk www.missmilly.co.uk

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

Prosecco Stopper

Gin Snob Book A conspectus, a confection, a veritable cornucopia of GINformation to slake the thirst of those GINtellectual connoisseurs of GIN wishing to embark on a GINtrepid quest in search of rare and GINteresting facts.

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

Do you always feel obliged to finish the whole bottle of prosecco? We know the feeling, you can't leave any in the bottle until the next day as you know it will go flat. Luckily for you our Prosecco Stoppers are the solution to your prosecco worries.

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

Bird Is The Word Green Board Games is set to launch their newly designed and freshly whittled selection of bird calls from the Flights of Fancy range. Prepare to quack up when you hear the Duck Call, have a hoot with the tawny owl call and tweet with the enthusiasm of an American president with the Blackbird Call.

Remember, the early bird catches the worm, so be sure to get your orders in quickly!

Pick your Pastime There’s plenty of family fun to be had with Flights of Fancy! Get crafty with the creative kits; produce your own paper with the Paper Making Kit, create a crystal radio with the Radio Receiver Kit and capture the moment with the Pinhole Camera Kit! Alternatively, get out into the great outdoors with the nature kits; get twitching with the Bird Watching Kit, leave no shell unturned with the About the Seashore Kit and explore everything that scuttles and crawls with the About Bugs Kit.

Green Board Games Tel: 01494 538999 www.greenboardgames.com

Green Board Games Tel: 01494 538999

Seasonal Makeover Our Seasonal range has had a facelift with new geometric inspired packaging and glassware. The range encompasses an array of products, to include boxed candles, diffusers, tin candles, cracker gift sets, botanical gels and many more.

Available in five festive chic fragrances.

Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

www.greenboardgames.com

Promoting Wellbeing Infusion is a carefully designed range that is contemporary and trend led. The fragrances boosts wellbeing and transform your mood, while the soft crackle of the alluring fire relaxes and soothes. Available in six irresistible colours featuring diffusers and candles.

Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

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

Festive Gift Sets

Wizard Giftware Bring Harry Potter into your own home with Groovy’s new range which includes super soft cotton towels with House logo’s for Gryffindor and Hogwarts, plus the mysterious Marauder’s Map, RRP: £18 . The new range is extensive and also carries bathrobes, slippers, bags and lighting in Platform 9 ¾, Quidditch, The Golden Snitch, Dobby the House Elf & The Deathly Hallows, plus Wizarding World’s Fantastic Beasts.

Groovy UK Tel: 0844 372 7820 Email: hello@groovyuk.com

Ashleigh & Burwood’s festive Home gift dets in their Artistry Collection are adorable house-shaped sets complete with votive scented candles, petite reed diffusers and fabric scented hearts.

Available for the first time in two festive fragrances, Frosted Snow and Christmas Time, they feature miniature versions of Artistry Collection’s metallic Christmas candles and are perfect for gifting.

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

Licensed Christmas Stockings Christmas just isn’t the same without a stocking and Groovy’s licensed stockings make the perfect gift for Christmas. Made from super soft plush fleece, they feature embroidered and printed details, including some of our well-loved Star Wars character outfits, Darth, BB-8 and a furry Chewie. Harry Potter has houses to choose from, which one would you be? Easy to hang with a wide woven logo label. Size 19 inches. RRP: £10.

Groovy UK Tel: 0844 372 7820 Email: hello@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com

Creating Rainbows Beautiful buzzy bees and fantastic faming flamingos, West Country wonders Wild Things just keep on evolving. The ever-popular Crystal Fantasy range of window ornaments creates rainbows when hung in the sunshine. Mirror bright metal motifs embellished with crystals from Swarovski. Their new bees, flamingos, barn owls, foxes and sheep are already proving best sellers. Wild Things take pride in being able to deliver right up to Christmas, as most items are made in the UK. A large range of display options is available including their latest brilliantly-lit booth. Register on our website.

Wild Things Tel: 01392 211268 Email sales@wildthingsgifts.com www.wildthingsgifts.com

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Innovative Car Freshener Ashleigh & Burwood have just launched their first car freshener. The innovative design features dual fragrance chambers each with adjustable vents, which allow scents to be swapped, switched, mixed together and the strength of fragrance adjusted, offering a uniquely personalised fragrance experience. The car freshener has a customisable case design, with four ready-to-use designs supplied, and the option to use an online template to add a personal photo for a unique look.

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

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LESLEY DUNNE

SOUNDING OFF

Making Scents Of It For Lesley Dunne, owner of Feathering Your Nest in Rayleigh, fragrance is top of the list for attracting - and keeping customers in store. But that’s not all that will keep her customers satisfied, as she explains.

“To me, an enticing atmosphere is of the utmost importance in any business. Setting the scene for a pleasurable shopping experience goes hand in hand with your product offering and customer service.

Luring customers in with tempting window displays, and then keeping them there for as long as possible, is half the battle of running a shop.

All our senses come into play when we enter an establishment, setting our expectations up for what we hope to gain by the visit. Garlic aromas wafting out of a favourite Italian restaurant; freshly brewed coffee hitting your nose as you open the door to that guilty pleasure coffee bar and stale beer from the pub, all set our juices flowing, getting our hopes up for the good time we are intending on having.

Everything comes into play, but how many times has a delicious meal been ruined by a mardy waiter, or an average meal been made memorable by the staff who couldn't do enough for you, cracked jokes and made you welcome. We all feel better paying for something when the person who is serving makes us feel a bit special. So do you go back because of the service or the food? It's usually a bit of both, but as retailers, that's what we need to hit on every step of the journey with our customers too. So how do we deliver, and do we know what it is our customers are expecting as they walk through our door?

Let me explain. There's a cute little hidey hole eatery which I only use in the summer, as you can sit in the garden in peace and tranquillity. Spotlessly clean, with pleasant staff, sandwiches and coffee, prices are fair. But the inside sometimes has the odour of wet dog! Now I love dogs, but I don't want to eat lunch in a pet shop, so it doesn't fulfil my overall

Above: A fragrance lamp from Ashleigh & Burwood helps to draw customers in.

expectations of a pleasant lunch if I keep getting whiffs of Fido! (Since you asked, I think it's their mop!).

Sight, sound, touch, smell, taste. How many boxes are you ticking in your shop? If your customers aren't saying, then maybe ask a trusted friend, one who won't mind being punched in the face when they give you their honest feedback and will continue to remain a friend!

At Feathering Your Nest, we always have a WoodWick candle, or an Ashleigh and Burwood fragrance lamp, burning, with Bomb Cosmetics' bath bombs by the door.

Unsurprisingly, most of the comments as customers enter is how lovely the shop smells, which opens the door nicely to a conversation about the products. And the reason we sell so many of them is because we burn them.

Additionally, speaking personally, I love going into shops where I feel at ease to touch the products. (Tell me you don't

squeeze the cucumbers, peaches or bread?).

We all buy with our eyes and touch. I for one, need to feel that sumptuous, soft baby blue woollen blanket or aqua silky scarf. I'm a terribly tactile being, I just can't help myself. Give me a blatant glare of ‘don't touch the displays’ or, even worse, a sign saying it, and I'm out of there with my money still in my purse. Of course Feathering Your Nest gets stock that has been mauled, but we sell far more because customers have caressed it, held it, felt it.

Touchy feely shops are fun to be in.

Stunning works-of-art displays are a must, but if your customers feel awkward about picking up a bag, journal, candle or any gift for that matter, then how can they know if it's right for them?

As for taste, many of my customers have asked me to open a cafe upstairs - and it has long been a dream of mine - but as you can imagine, I've got enough on my plate already! Nevertheless, we always have Haribos on the counter so, for now, that has to be enough to whet their appetite.

And this is where we bricks and mortar retailers can excel and win over internet purchasing. If we can get people out on the high streets into our shops then it's up to us to be the best we possibly can be. We can't beat the internet on price but we can win on providing a beautifully engaging customer experience. Thus these five small, but incredibly important aspects of running a shop, where customers come in to buy your service, needs to be continuously reviewed with fresh eyes and nose. Even if you don't sell fragrance, pop an Ashleigh and Burwood fragrance lamp on for an hour to freshen your offering or burn a candle - it's a good talking point if nothing else. And if you do sell fragrance, then burning a Christmas or Autumn fragrance will set the scene for customers to start Christmas spending early.

Let’s face it, fragrance takes you back in time. Palma violets is my dear old nan, coconuts are holidays, cinnamon is Christmases past. There, you've already nailed it without even trying!”

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

Sandra O’Connell and Evelyn O’Flaherty, co-owners, Mooch, Ealing, West London A small gift and home shop on a secondary site CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

LSA International: across the board; Cubic: Magpie

Stylish, elegant drinkware and vases.

A quirky, fun range.

Fragranced Giftware

Neom: across the board

High quality products that are stylish and beautifully packaged.

Good quality products that smell divine.

St Eval: across the board

Jewellery

Mooch: own brand; PoM: across the board

Fashion Accessories

Designed by us for fashion forward customers.

High fashion, affordable jewellery and fashion accessories.

One Hundred Stars: kimonos and gowns; Powder: scarves and gloves

Fabulous clothing that everyone loves.

Greeting Cards

The Art File

The cards are perfect for every occasion.

Giftwrap

Artebene

Something different. Colourful wrap that’s on trend.

Other Hot Hits

Ginko: cube digital clocks and book lights

The new range is going down a storm.

High fashion, affordable and great designs.

Russell Yeoell, owner, The Secret Garden, Borough Green, Kent A small high street gift and card shop CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Xpressions 4 U: Pots of Dreams; Enesco: Willow Tree

The new designs have done very well.

The brand seems to have had a renaissance. We’re currently selling a lot of figurines.

Fragranced Giftware

History & Heraldry: Heart & Home

Great packaging and fragrances.

Jewellery

Talbot Fashions: Tide;

This range goes from strength to strength.

The presentation boxes really help.

Fashionable designs at good prices.

Limit: watches

Fashion Accessories

Scarf Heaven: scarves

The scarves come in vivid colours and make a great add on gift.

Greeting Cards

Tracks Publishing

Our customers love the Fluff range which is fun and tactile.

Giftwrap

Really Good/Soul

Good designs, good quality wrap.

Other Hot Hits

Lexon: Mino mini Blue Tooth speaker

A great Christmas gift for all ages and reasonably priced.

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Gemma Guilmard, owner, Just Delights, Penryn, Near Falmouth A large gift and home shop on the outskirts of a Cornish village CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Kaemingk: home décor;

A fresh style and very on trend.

Good prices, good value.

Indra Importer: rugs Fragranced Giftware

Stoneglow: Modern Classics;

Wax Lyrical: festive candles

Great fragrances and attractive packaging.

The brand has a very loyal following.

Lovely candles at good, impulse prices.

Fashion Accessories

Powder: scarves, gloves and hats;

Very on trend. Good colours and good value.

Customers love the gift bags.

Greeting Cards

Louise Mulgrew Designs

This is a new range for us and we’re selling loads of these cute cards.

Giftwrap

The Art File

Lovely designs that are on trend and fresh.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat: across the board

The new ranges are already very popular.

Alice Wheeler, owner, Wonderland, Balfron A small village gift shop in a rural Scottish village CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Gisela Graham: across the board;

Gorgeous products. We do particularly well with the company’s photo frames.

One of the most popular ranges we stock are the glass candle holders, which are lovely and very affordable.

Coach House: candle holders

Fragranced Giftware

Joe Davies: Landon Tyler candles

Lomond Soap: handmade

Golden Amber, an emotive Oriental fragrance, is one of the best sellers.

These natural, handmade soaps come from a local supplier near Loch Lomond. Beautiful packaging.

Jewellery

Alice Wheeler: own brand

Customers come in for our bespoke, sterling silver, semi precious jewellery which is made on the premises.

Fashion Accessories

Kris-Ana: handbags, wallets and travel accessories; Fashion Scarves: scarves

Gorgeous and affordable in on trend colours.

Greeting Cards

Caroline Gardner: across the board

Simple, design-led cards.

Giftwrap

Rex London

Retro designs that fit in well with today’s trends.

Other Hot Hits

Tobar: balloon balls

These are animal themed and very humorous.

Great prices and designs.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Max filler advert 2018 A5.qxp_Layout 1 08/05/2018 12:26 Page 1

Market leading trade magazines

Market leading trade awards

Market leading digital platforms

Market leading trade exhibitions

Max Publishing, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP For further details please contact us on T: 020 7700 6740 or www.max-publishing.co.uk or email ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

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Best Sellers

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

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

ENESCO T: 01228 404022 E: uksales@enesco.co.uk W: www.enesco.co.uk

WAX LYRICAL T: 01229 461 111 E: info@wax-lyrical.com W: www.waxlyricaltrade.com

GISELA GRAHAM T: 020 77084956 E: sales@giselagraham.co.uk W: www.giselagraham.co.uk

ART FILE T: 01158507490 E: SALES@THEARTFILE.COM W: WWW.THEARTFILE.COM

ART FILE T: 01158507490 E: SALES@THEARTFILE.COM W: WWW.THEARTFILE.COM

TALBOT FASHIONS T: 01273 776415 E: info@talbotfashions.com W: www.talbotfashions.com

CAROLINE GARDNER T: 0208 288 9696 E: luca@carolinegardner.com W: www.carolinegardner.com

HISTORY & HERALDRY T: 01709 730700 E: sales@heartandhome.com W: www.heartandhome.com Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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BEHIND THE COUNTER

Angie Pipe

Above: Angie Pipe, operations manager at Alligator Pear.

Right: Alligator Pear, Tadworth.

Angie Pipe, a Greats 2018 Retail Employee of the Year finalist, originally wanted to be an air hostess, but instead, her career path led her into retail, initially with Whittard of Chelsea.

She joined Greats award winning gift shop Alligator Pear in Tadworth, Surrey, 10 years ago, where she is currently operations manager. So what does she love most about working in gift retail?

Alligator Pear’s owner Maggie Thornton describes Angie as “the glue that keeps the business ticking over. Stalwart, hardworking and professional, both staff and customers love and respect her,” states Maggie. “She does so much in the background in her quiet, unassuming way.”

Having joined Alligator Pear with a wealth of retail management experience, Angie says that what she most loves most about her job is the interaction with customers. “I love helping them to find what they’re looking for,” enthuses Angie, whose remit includes being part of the

buying team. “I also love the excitement of trade shows, of putting together new ‘stories’ in store, and wrapping gifts. In fact, our giftwrapping service is among the reasons why people love to shop with us.”

A typical day starts at 8am, when Angie arrives at the shop. After going through the invoices and dealing with emails, she puts on the coffee so that it

LAST WORD

Kenny Tutt

Above: Kenny Tutt.

Right: England At Home, Brighton.

Bank manager Kenny Tutt was thrust into the limelight earlier this year when he was crowned MasterChef champion 2018.

In between making sweet and savoury dumplings in the Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) MasterChef Kitchen & Demo Area last month, Kenny turned the heat down to tell PG&H why a gift from his wife made him burst into tears.

Three words that best describe you?

“Happy, pragmatic, adventurous.”

What was your first job?

“Working on my mum’s seafood stall in Billingshurst where, unfortunately for her, I ate my way through her profit!”

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given?

“Embrace mistakes, learn from them and be resilient.”

What advice would you give to someone else?

“Do what you love and don’t be afraid to do something different.”

When you shop for gifts, where’s your special place?

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greets the other members of staff when they arrive. “After that, going through the stock is our priority for the day,” she explains. “I never get tired, and thrive on the excitement.”

“I know that I have to have a holiday every now and then, but as it get closer, I begin to feel the withdrawal symptoms!” she smiles. “I know that Alligator Pear is Maggie’s shop, but I think of it as my ‘baby’ and really care so much about it. I regard myself as very lucky that I work with such lovely people in such a lovely place.”

“England At Home in The Lanes in Brighton. They’ve got some lovely, very quirky things in there.”

What was the best gift that you ever received?

“For my 30th birthday, my wife booked dinner for two at Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck in Bray. When she told me, I was so overjoyed I burst out crying!”

What’s the most expensive gift you’ve ever bought for her?

“A pair of Louboutins.”

Are you thinking about Christmas shopping yet?

“Yes. I always start in mid November and panic in December! However, because I start early, everyone gets a few extra gifts because I’ve forgotten what I’ve bought them.”

What would your last meal on earth be?

“Good fried chicken with gravy, a full fat Coke with ice and lemon and loads of praline ice cream.”

Do you have any ambitions on the boil?

“Definitely! I’m working on a concept for a cookbook, and I’d like to do pop up street food around the country, a fusion of British and American cuisine.”

What was your favourite week on MasterChef?

“I loved going to Peru. I did a sea bass ceviche, with a leche de tigre Peruvian sauce. The sea bass was like Free Willy!

We also went to the Centrale restaurant where I had piranha.”

And finally, what was your least favourite moment on MasterChef?

“When John or Gregg would come and talk to me three minutes before I had to plate up, and I still had a million things to do!”

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BESPOKE

GIFT IMPORTERS & DISTRIBUTORS

Manufacturer & distributor at your door.

Your one stop shop for bespoke photo frames.

It costs as little as £250 per annum to advertise in the Product Directory.

Contact Angie Bryant on 01993 212 994 for further information.

Just a few reasons to buy from Joe Davies

Wood, plastic, metal & glass frames.

Over 8000 gift items Low £100 minimum order ‘Little & Often’ order system Free carriage

T: 01908976443 E: sales@homsquare.co.uk www.homsquare.co.uk

Please contact our Award Winning sales staff for further details.

Tel: l 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies

www.joedavies.co.uk

GIFTS & GREETINGS

TRADE ASSOCIATION

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK’s gift and home industry with 70 years unique experience listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with or knowledge and contacts within the industry.

Website: www.ga-uk.org Email: enquiries@ga-uk.org Tel: 0121 237 1104 10 Vyse St, Birmingham B18 6LT

Giftsandhome.net - launching May 3, 2018 Launching on 3 May 2018, GiftsandHome.net will be the new online resource for the entire gifts and home sector. From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home, and the organisers of The Greats gift retailer awards, this new e-newsflash portal and website will deliver and be the hub of the very latest news, views, and analysis from across the gifts arena, covering both the supplier and retailer aspects of the trade.

£ ££ ¡® ¦ ¡

Launching with an unrivalled email subscriber base of over 8,000 readers, a twice-weekly newsflash (sent every Monday and Thursday) will land directly in the inboxes of everyone in this fast-paced sector.

A modern, easy to navigate website will provide a central resource for the trade too, offering pithy news, indepth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Gifts & Home, and much, much more.

Agent Vacancy £

All advertising on the website is duplicated to each and every newsflash, giving advertisers huge visibility and a direct connection with retail buyers for a whole calendar month.

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

We’d love you to be part of it!

Advertising and Commercial Opportunities:

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

¡ ¦¡¢ ¤ ­ ¡ ¤ In the above area £ ¤ ¤ဓ £ £ၟ ¤ဖ¤ န ªªªန ¤ဖ¤ န

Editorial and Content Opportunities:

Editor - Sue Marks sue@suemarks.co.uk

@Prog_Gifts

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