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Industry News
The Greats 2018 Putting The Great Into Gatsby Talented gift retailers and gift departments, as well as garden centres, visitor attractions, jewellery-focused gift shops and non-specialist gift retailers, are invited to enter the 2018 Greats Gift Retailer Awards. Plus, retailers are also invited to nominate a member of staff who has gone the extra mile in the Retail Employee of the Year category, and to name stand out suppliers in the Best Service to the Independent Retailer category. Entry forms have been included in this issue of Progressive Gifts & Home, and are also available to download from The Greats 2018 website. Entries can also be emailed directly to suem@maxpublishing.co.uk In recent years, The Greats Awards event has been a sellout, so for those who would like to be part of the gift industry's most prestigious event of the year - a fantastic chance to network! - please contact The Greats event organiser Clare Davis at Createvents on 01183 340085 or email Clare at clare@createvents.co.uk. The Greats, which were launched in 2003 to recognise and reward the best in gift retail, are owned and organised by Max Publishing, and are now celebrating their 16th year. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk l A limited number of sponsorship categories are still available. For further details please contact Angie Bryant on angieb@max-publishing.co.uk. Above: We've won! A joyous moment for the 2017 Greats Awards winners.
The Greats Sponsors 2018 As The Greats Awards 2018 gets underway, PG&H is delighted to be fanfaring an impressive line-up of category sponsors who currently include (in alphabetical order): Ashleigh & Burwood; Boxer Gifts & Books by Boxer; Christmas & Gift Harrogate; Clarion Events/Home & Gift Buyers' Festival, Dansk; Gift Republic; Gisela Graham; Joe Davies; London Stationery Show/Manchester Stationery Show; NPW; PG Live; Premier Decorations; Root Candles; The Giftware Association and Yankee Candle.
Art Deco Theme The theme for The Greats 2018 is The Greats Gatsby, with imagery kindly supplied by illustrator Claire Coxon (represented by leading artists’ agency Image Source), echoing the sophisticated art deco vibe. "My inspiration is drawn from the natural world around me - I live in the picturesque Cotswolds - traditional and vintage art, and from the exciting world of fashion and contemporary art and design," explains Claire. "My work is constantly evolving, offering new challenges that make it all the more satisfying." Among the companies who are licensing Claire’s stunning Deco artwork is greeting card publisher Noel Tatt.
New Licences For Groovy Hot on the heels of Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), held in October, Art Ask Agency has signed deals for Frida Kahlo, Jimmy the Bull and Brandalised with gift and accessories supplier Groovy UK. The deal targets today's young and not so young consumers, with products complementing the current trends. The new licences will join the likes of Star Wars, Harry Potter, Assassins Creed, Daddy's Lil Monster and Batman within the Groovy UK catalogue of licensed merchandise. Other licensees will be bringing out ranges in kitchenware, home products, accessories, stationery and ceramics. Above: Daddy's Lil Monster wash bags from Groovy UK.
Rex International Rebrands Spring 2018 will see Rex International and eretailer dotcomgiftshop embark on the company's next evolution when both the trade and consumer arms of the business will be rebranded under the Rex London umbrella. “This name change helps reinforce the British legacy and design credentials of the company, born and bred from its humble origins on London’s Portobello Road market in 1975, selling candles, jeans and ponchos," explains sales director Nigel Biggs. “Today our in-house UK design team produces over 1,000 new product lines a year, decorated with iconic designs, with an authentic British feel, continuing that heritage. “The name change is also likely to appeal to the overseas market who will enjoy the celebration and emphasis on the company’s UK history.”
Above: Claire Coxon, an illustrator with Image Source, is the designer behind this year's stunning Greats Art Deco imagery.
We're In The Finals! Port Erin's award winning gift and card store Mantons has been selected as a finalist in The NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards as High Street Entrepreneur of the Year. Judges included former Dragons Den star James Caan CBE, The Apprentice 2014's Bianca Miller-Cole and Dale Murray CBE. "We are the only Manx company to ever achieve this honour," highlights Mantons’ owner Chris Beards. "This is well deserved recognition for all our team's hard work and commitment to help our customers, which is something we at Mantons take pride in." The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony on November 14 held at the Imperial War Museum. Above: Chris Beards with the bira Local Hero award. He is hoping that Mantons will win the High Street Entrepreneur of the Year.
Newbury Here We Come A 14th Between The Lines store will be opening in Newbury on November 23. "The store is the old Clintons unit in Northbrook Street, Newbury, and we are doing a full refit, including the removal of a large amount of asbestos!" MD Florian Kleinlercher told PG&H. "Newbury is a lovely town and we're looking forward to opening our newest outlet there." Above: Between The Lines is expanding its retail portfolio.
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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