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Industry News
GA News
Second Shop To Open
Events Lead The Way It's been a hectic time for The Giftware Association. Flying the flag for the GA and its members, Sarah Ward, ceo, recently attended a Hong Kong Dinner, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), where VIP guests included The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, The Hon Mrs Carrie Lam making her first trip outside of Hong Kong since becoming Hong Kong’s leader on the July 1, along with Chancellor Philip Hammond, who emphasised the importance of the event and the strong links between the two countries. The event also brought together over 550 influential government and business leaders from Hong Kong and the UK. Meanwhile, the Association organised another successful Meet The Buyer event at The Bond in Digbeth. Held in October, it attracted buyers from Choice Marketing, Not On the High Street, Ocado, The National Gallery, Beales, the National Gallery, Utility and Brookfield’s Garden Centre. “It’s very satisfying to see an event like this come together, as the planning has to be spot on so the buyers see the right suppliers’ said Simone Rose, the GA's business development manager and organiser of the event. “The buyers’ reactions to our past events has been very rewarding and word has travelled amongst the buying community, with more buyers wanting to take part our future events.” Suppliers showcasing their products included Xpressions’ Gifts 4 U, Bubblegum Stuff, Thinking Gifts, Treat Gifts, New Soda, and Adornement. “This is our fifth event of the year, and after each one we have been amazed by the success stories we hear, and the thanks we receive," said Sarah Ward.
Lifestyle store Josie's in Bideford will be opening a second store in the New Year. Explains owner James Webster, a finalist in The Greats 2017 Best Newcomer South & Wales category: "The new shop will be called Josie's Interiors and will be 10 times the size of the original Josie's which I will be dedicating to giftware," explains James. "Following the fantastic success of Josie's, which I opened two-and-a-half years ago, the new shop will focus on furniture and lifestyle pieces, with locals crying out for a shop like this in the town." (Josie's is named after James' grandmother). Below: The current Josie's in Bideford.
Above: The Hon Mrs Carrie Lam, The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, addressed guests at a Hong Kong Dinner organised by the HKTDC.
Last Chance To Enter The GOTY Awards The Gift of the Year 2018 competition, organised by The Giftware Association, closes on November 24, with the shortlist announced on December 11 based on the votes of a panel of some 50 retail buyers, industry grandees and trade press editors, with PG&H's Sue Marks once again among the judges. Winners will be decided at a live judging on January 11, 2018. The Awards will be presented at an evening ceremony to be held at The Vox, Resorts World on the first night of Spring Fair, Sunday February 4. The winner of the Judges Choice Award will receive a free stand at Autumn Fair 2018. Email luke.palmer@ga-uk.org
New Libra Concept Store To Open
Above: The new Libra retail concept at Reg Taylors.
Libra has added to its retail offer with a new 50 sq ft concept showroom at Reg Taylors Garden Centre based in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Featuring a range of handpicked products from the company's extensive portfolio, to include furniture, lighting and accessories, the new space will by styled into inspirational displays drawing on the brand's exclusive themes. Over the past two years Libra has rolled out six dedicated concept showrooms across the UK. l From October 29-November 8, Libra will be launching its Spring 2018 collections at its showrooms in Linton, Cambridge, showcasing 700 new products. Two new collections will be launched: Mayfair and Savoy.
Harrogate Gets Ready For Christmas Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2018 is bigger than ever extending to seven halls at the Harrogate Convention Centre, with the most extensive array of products for Christmas, home, garden and gifts covering all the major occasions. Hall Q is set to be the destination hall at the show, with new companies exhibiting to include Heyland and Whittle, Transomnia, Black Sheep Candles and Decorative Handmade Glass. Right: Weiste, a Scandinavian manufacturer of home décor and gifts, will be returning to Harrogate Christmas & Gift in 2018.
Thornbury Gift Shop Rebrands After over 40 years as Heritage in Thornbury, and almost four years under the current owners, the trading name of Heritage in Thornbury has been re-branded. "Although Heritage has served it well, we have made so many changes to the business, and to the type of product that it sells, and it has sadly become a hindrance," explains co-owner Tabi Marsh. "The word ‘heritage’ conjures up images of museums and antique pieces - something that is far removed from our image now." She continues: "Thornbury is a massively growing town and it was important to us that this was no longer the first perception of us by newcomers. Our limited company name is Papilio (Heritage), and after lots of ideas we kept coming back to Papilio which means butterfly - for the name. We also wanted to give both sides of the business more of their own identity so we have Papilio home and Papilio coffee, which together make up Papilio at Heritage. We have demoted Heritage to the name of the building as we didn’t feel we could completely get rid of it, but want to move forward. Customer response has been great, and it’s already helped to release lots of new ideas. We're excited to see where go from here." Above: A cushion featuring the new Papilio logo.
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
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