Progressive Gifts & Home February 2017

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www.max-publishing.co.uk The home of market leading trade magazines

The B2B Publication For Preschool Products and Retailers

EXHIBITIONS

THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS

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

This Month Have you got a fever, Spring Fair fever that is? It seems that for most good independent gift outlets, Christmas was a record one, with many retailers now looking forward to the show to re-stock, find new products and diversify their ranges. Turn to our insightful three page Feedback article, Christmas Cheer, on pages 31-35 to hear what retailers up and down the country had to say about the festive season, as well as Gift of the Gab on page 27, where guest columnist Hilary Jones, owner of Let's Go Round Again in Wombourne, reveals that she and her staff served a customer every 2.69 minutes on Friday December 23!

Naturally, with empty shelves in mind, Spring Fair exhibitors are pulling out all the stops, with plenty of exciting new launches and brand developments being showcased. We've highlighted a selection in our All The Fun Of Spring Fair feature on pages 46-49.

If, like me, you're an avid Apprentice fan, then make sure you pop along to see runner-up Courtney Wood whose novelty gift company Bubblegum Stuff will be exhibiting in Hall 6, stand M62. We meet Courtney on pages 53-55, and also speak to Henri Davis, chairman of The Giftware Association on page 25, who was selected as one of 20 experts in the final episode.

One person who is sure to visit Courtney's stand, of course, is Karren Brady, Lord Sugar's right hand woman on the programme. Karren will be at Spring Fair on Tuesday February 7 to deliver a seminar on the challenges ahead in retail, as well as identifying opportunities for growth. Turn to page 11 to find out who else will be in the high profile line up.

Of course, before attending a trade show, it's always helpful to have a taste of the latest trends for the coming season. For a heads up on what will be trending for Spring/Summer, turn to trends on page 65, jewellery and fashion accessories on pages 79-83, Candles on pages 95-101, Home Interiors on pages 115-117 and Nursery and Children's on pages 119-123. Plus, make a date with our brand new calendar section on pages 153-167.

As we go to press on this issue, the closing date for entries for The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2017 is looming, so if you think that your gift shop is a cut above the rest, we want to hear from you!

Turn to A 'Sparkler’ Of An Event on pages 43-45, as well as news on page 9 to find out how to enter, or, if you're a supplier, rep or agent, how to nominate the best gift shops and gift departments that you deal with. The closing date for entries is January 31, so make sure you put pen to paper as quickly as possible, or email suem@max-publishing.co.uk.

All in all, it's another blockbuster issue, brimming with the latest news, views and interviews, so happy reading, and looking forward to seeing you in Birmingham!

Above: Hooray we've won! Last year's Greats winners are shown with PG&H's Sue Marks (left) and Angie Bryant (sitting, front row). Could your shop's name be on a Greats trophy this May?

Cover: Lesser & Pavey proudly present the new 2017 Little Miracles by Tracey Russell range.

Publishers Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax and Ian Hyder

Design & Production Russell Sutton

Subscriptions enquiries: maxsubscriptions@marketingreinforcements.co.uk Tel: 020 8943 9541 ABC figure 6,788 July 1st 2010 - 30th June 2011 Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation.

Progressive Gifts & Home is published 7 times a year.

Subscription: UK; one year £50, two years £85 or three years £110. 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 Copyright 2016. 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.

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WHERE STYLE COMES NATURALLY

Please visit Parlane at Spring Fair at the NEC in Hall 8, The Summerhouse, February 5th - 9th 2017.

We will be showing a selection of our Spring Summer 2017 collection, including our fantastic ‘Flora range’.

Our flowers are crafted by hand and consists of over 400 stems and greenery. Faux has never been more fashionable, make sure you have the right flowers in your collection.

t: 01451 812700 e: Welcome@parlane.co.uk www.parlane.co.uk

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Inside 9-25

News

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Gift of the Gab THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

31-35

Feedback CHRISTMAS CHEER

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Industry Issue 2017: LOOKING FORWARD

43-45

The Greats 2017 A 'SPARKLER' OF AN EVENT

46-49

Spring Fair ALL THE FUN OF SPRING FAIR

Jakki Brown Editor in Chief jw@max-publishing.co.uk

Sue Marks Editor suem@max-publishing.co.uk

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Ian Hyder Publishing Director ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

Angie Bryant Advertisement Manager

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Retailer Face To Face: The Granite House THE GENERATION GAME

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The Apprentice: Courtney Wood THE 'AWESOME' COURTNEY WOOD

Face To Face: La De Da Living WELL, LA DE DA

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Retailer Face To Face: Barkers Home ON THE HOME FRONT

Spotlight On... Jewellery & Fashion Accessories A RIOT OF COLOUR

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Face To Face: Hannah Dale SECRET OF MY SUCCESS

61-63

In Profile: Yankee Candle Europe SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS

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In Profile: Bolsius SCENTING SUCCESS

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Trends: Shades Of Green SEEN TO BE GREEN

95-101

Spotlight On... Candles SMELLS LIKE SPRING

67-69

PG Live 2017 LAYING THEIR CARDS ON THE TABLE

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London Stationery Show/National Stationery Week MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

angieb@max-publishing.co.uk

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115-117 Spotlight On... Home Interiors BLUE IS THE COLOUR 119-123 Spotlight On... Nursery/Children's CHILD'S PLAY 153-155 Calendars: State of the Nation 157-161 Calendars: News 163

Calendars: Eclectic

165

Calendars: Animal Instincts

167

Calendars: Art

170-171 Best Sellers PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Celebrations is just one of our 25 brands all on show at:

NEC | Hall 4 Stand G10-J11

0161 688 1226 | sales@widdop.co.uk www.widdop.co.uk

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Industry News

The Greats 2017 Still Time To Enter!

There's still time, just, to enter The Greats 2017 which will, once again, see gift retailers across the spectrum recognised and rewarded - from the tiniest independent gift shop to the biggest multiples. Manufacturers, suppliers, agents and reps are also encouraged to nominate the great gift retailers that they believe are a cut above the rest.

To self-nominate or nominate, download an entry form by visiting www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or email suem@maxpublishing.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Tuesday January 31.

"As we go to press mid January, entries are coming in thick and fast revealing the hard work, marketing expertise and creative talents that these excellent gift retailers demonstrate," says PG&H's editor Sue Marks.

"As always, a real passion for retail shines through, with every stop pulled out to surprise and delight customers with not only new products, but also incentives and reasons to shop.

It's clearly going to be another closely fought competition!"

Retailers can also enter their top members of staff for the Best Retail Employee Award by emailing suem@maxpublishing.co.uk. In addition, retailers are being asked to vote for their top suppliers in the Best Service to the Independent Gift Retailer categories. Email ianh@max-publishing.co.uk.

Above: Could it be your shop's Retailers, suppliers, reps and agents are also being invited to nominate a name on a Greats trophy in May? very special person for the prestigious Honorary Achievement Award recognising their contribution to the giftware industry. Nominations are confidential and can be emailed to Ian Hyder at ianh@max-publishing.co.uk See A 'Sparkler' Of An Event on pages 43-45. ● The Greats Awards, owned by Max Publishing, are organised by Progressive Gifts & Home.

The Greats Sponsors 2017 Among the fabulous line-up 2017 sponsors for The Greats Awards are: Ashleigh & Burwood; Autumn Fair; Carte Blanche Group, Dartington Crystal, Gift Republic, Gisela Graham, Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Joe Davies, London Stationery Show/National Stationery Week, NPW, PG Live, Premier Decorations, Ravensden, Root Candles, Sass & Belle by RJB Stone, The Giftware Association, Wild & Wolf and Yankee Candle.

A Late Christmas For Retailers For the first three weeks of December, footfall was down on the high street as well as retail parks and shopping centres, with shopping centres bearing the brunt, down by 5.2% in the second week of December. (Conversely, online sales saw growth of almost 20%).

However, the latest BDO Sales Tracker report reveals that it revived in the week leading up to Christmas Day, with a 3.4% increase across all retail sectors. (For news about how independent gift retailers fared, turn to Feedback's Christmas Cheer Above: John Lewis saw sales increase in the week before Christmas. article on pages 31-35).

Total like-for-like sales were down by 0.10% in December, from a weak base of 5.3% in December 2015, the worst monthly result seen since 2008. The negative result came after two positive months for in-store growth seen for October and November. However, positive figures included a growth in lifestyle and homeware.

Footfall fell by almost 50% on New Year's Day as people gave shopping centres and retail parks a miss.

High streets saw a decline of 12.7%. However, internet sales rose by 6.8% on New Year's Day and by 16.2% on New Year's Eve. (Source: Springboard) .John Lewis enjoyed a 36% year on year sales increase the week before Christmas. Sales of £175.6 million were notched up for the seven days ending December 24. This included two extra trading days compared with the equivalent week in 2015. However, the following week saw sales slide 9.4% to £138.5 million with the retailer attributing this to the fact its stores were closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. ● Sheffield is the most generous city, confirmed a recent study by Spring Fair, with locals spending some £498 on Christmas gifts, and Glaswegians spending £495. Bristol trailed behind on £376.

Join Us At The Greats Awards Lunch The fabulous Greats Awards take place on Thursday May 4 in the Ballroom of the Grosvenor House in Park Lane, London undeniably the hottest ticket in town in the world of gifts - and whether you're a finalist or not, we'd love to you be there!

For tickets, contact Greats organiser Clare Davies at Createvents on 0118 340085 or clare@createvents.co.uk. (The two previous Award ceremonies were a sell out!).

Above: Guests networking at last year's Greats Awards.

Two Become One Tableware and homewares company Creative Tops has had its trade and assets transferred into Lifetime Brands Europe Limited - a Lifetime Brands company that operates KitchenCraft - with Creative Tops Limited now known as the Creative Tops Division of Lifetime Brands Europe Limited.

The two businesses will become one legal entity but with two divisions: Creative Tops and KitchenCraft.

Established in 1996 and based in Northamptonshire, the company was acquired by Lifetime Brands Inc. in 2011.

Just The Right Brush Strokes Artist Katharine Baxter was recently named the winner of the latest Wraptious artist competition. "Her stunning, floral animal designs made a big impression with our voters and we are very excited to be adding her artwork to our product collection in 2017, which includes cushions, prints and cards," says Simon Wadsworth, md of Wraptious."We will also be exploring a new cushion range with runner-up Este Above: Wraptious winner Katharine Macleod, whose bright Baxter's Fauna and Stag design. patterned artworks will be an excellent addition to our community.

The competition attracted more entries than ever this year, with over 550 artworks which were submitted. ● Wraptious was the winner of the PG&H sponsored Home Accessories category at last year's 2016 Gift of the Year Awards.

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At this year’s Spring Fair be sure to check out our fantastic new award-nominated ‘Power Pets’.

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Email: sales@giftrepublic.com Tel No: 0208 542 4836 Hall / Stand No: Hall 6, Stand 6J54-K55 www.giftrepublic.com

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Industry News

Spring Fair 2017 Three Leading Businesswomen Take To The Stage A strong line up of female influencers will be leading the seminar sessions at Spring Fair which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from February 5-9, featuring 15 halls and 14 product sectors. (The Volume and DIY sectors open one day earlier on February 4).

Among the well-known names will be retail expert Mary Portas, who will be speaking on retail post Brexit at 1.10 pm in the Fashion and Accessories catwalk area on Monday February 6. (See The Future Of Shopping on page 15).

Additionally, on Tuesday February 7, Lord Sugar's right hand woman on The Apprentice, Karren Brady CBE, will be sharing her views on how independent retailers can be successful in the retail industry of the future. She will be offering independent retail advice and highlighting the challenges ahead, identifying opportunities for growth. Karren's seminar session will take place 1.55pm in the Fashion and Accessories catwalk area.

Other influential seminar speakers at the show include Sophie Cornish MBE, founder of Notonthehighstreet.com Show organisers Ascential highlight that a major focus this year will be on home fragrance, with over 50 brands being showcased. Elsewhere, the popular Fashion Accessories catwalk will be returning with daily shows focusing on fashion forward, contemporary accessories.

Among the many companies returning to the show (Hall 3 stand M01) is Thorntons, "with Thornton's in your store the best way to sell quality confectionery," says Han Van Rees, franchise D&R manager. "We have been crafting chocolates since 1911 in Britain, so it is a trusted brand with great appeal. Plus the chocolates drive footfall into stores which translates into sales."

Visitors are also being encouraged to make use of the Spring Fair Appointment Planner which allows retailers to search for exhibitors and book meetings. Visit www.springfair.com ● Once again, Jewellery & Watch will be co-located with Spring Fair, and will be situated next to the Fashion Jewellery & Accessories halls. ● Minions Kevin, Stuart and Bob will be making a personal appearance on the Arthur Price stand to promote the launch of the company's children’s cutlery and ceramic sets in time for the Despicable Me 3 movie this July. ● Joe Davies, recently appointed as a stockist of Price's Candles, will be unveiling Price's new Heritage and Signature scented ranges along with the company's tea lights.

Top and above: The Apprentice's Karren Brady will be among the keynote seminar speakers at Spring Fair, along with Sophie Cornish, founder of Nontonthehighstreet.com Left: Also speaking at the show will be Jeremy Corner, vice chairman of The Giftware Association, and md of Blue Eyed Sun.

Dartington’s Sparkling Half Century Dartington Crystal celebrates 50 years of trading this year and will be highlighting its unique story as the UK and Ireland’s only remaining factory scale producer of handmade glass.

The year of celebration starts at Spring Fair where Dartington was one of the show’s original exhibitors at the NEC in 1976. The company will unveil its anniversary collection as well as a range of ‘ground breaking’ wine glasses developed and co-marketed with Laithwaites’ Wine. (See All The Fun Of Spring Fair on pages 46-49).

Brand New Look For 2017 Rainbow Designs is ringing in 2017 with a new look that will be giving the brand a fresh approach. "With nearly half a century of experience, knowledge and know-how in the licensed soft toy market it was important to us that our brand not only depicted our traditional values but also visually represented our ethos and vision for the future of our business,” comments head of marketing Suzie Howes.

April Business Rates Review Following a revaluation of 1.96 million nondomestic properties in England and Wales, the government is preparing its first rates review in seven years which will see a new rating list take effect from April. The new ratings list is being viewed as the largest change to business rates in a generation, with winners as well as losers. The revised rateable value will be pegged to a property's rental value, with a significant rate increase for many sectors to include bricks and mortar retail outlets. Shopping centre sites are expected to be worst hit by the revaluations.

Across England, rateable values are set to rise by 9.1%, ranging from a 22.8% increase in London to a 1.1% fall in the North East. Figures for Wales show a 2.9% cut in rateable values, with shops falling by 8.8%.

For businesses facing an increase in rates, this rise will be capped at 5% in the first year for small properties. There is also transitional relief worth £3.4bn to help business owners adjust to the new bills.

However, Northern retailers could see as little as 2% in the first year.

The review is seen as significant as, by 2020, councils will be able to keep 100% of all locally raised taxes to help fund local services.

Retail Franchise Expansion Following the opening of the first Joma Jewellery/Katie Loxton's franchise store in Carlisle last year, more franchise stores will be opening in 2017, with the company also expanding into France, Germany, Spain, Norway and Italy. "We have also just set up our own warehouses for USA distribution following a phenomenal first six months over there," founder Katie Loxton told PG&H. "There are lots of exciting things happening for our brands at the moment to include some exciting collaborations which are in the pipeline."

Above: The first Joma Jewellery/Katie Loxton franchise opened in Carlisle last September.

Fenwick Leicester To Close At the beginning of January, Fenwick Group announced that its Leicester store will be closing this year. "This has been a very difficult decision for us, as we have been committed to serving the people of Leicester for over 50 years, but the challenging trading environment and gradual loss of footfall has made it impossible for us to find a way forward that enables the business to trade successfully," stated group chairman Mark Fenwick.

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Industry News

Portas' Predictions

Below: Visitors to Spring Fair will be able to hear Mary Portas talking about the future of retail and how it's changing.

The Future Of Shopping Prior to her seminar at Spring Fair on Monday February 6 - where she will be discussing the challenges facing retailers on a national and international level this year - retail expert Mary Portas highlights that there is a big trend towards homeware which she sees as a growth market this year.

"When the world is a rocky place, as it was in 2016, people look to their homes to create a place of safety," she states. "It's where they feel warm, surrounding themselves with objects that they can connect with on an emotional basis. This sector has seen big growth and looks set to continue in 2017. It's a good sector to be in, albeit a competitive one."

She also emphasises that for retailers, including gift retailers, it's important to understand how people are buying today. "There are lots of trends that we are seeing as we begin to understand this more," she points out. "For example, minimalism is currently prevalent, with people living in smaller spaces and buying fewer items, but the right pieces with people willing to spend more money on these to pieces make the space work. It's also about provenance, brands that have a legitimate story so it’s certainly a very exciting time for gifts and creativity within the home."

Other expert tips from Mary include reading trade and consumer magazines such as gift and home interior titles, and, most importantly, having a website. "Nowadays, it is a given that this is where people start their retail experience," she underlines. "Small retailers could look at partnering with other businesses that have an online presence and would be willing to work with small independents."

She remains resolute that the high street will remain central to consumer shopping habits.

"Regeneration is continually happening which is why small shops are crucial to the social infrastructure of the country," she states. ● Following her seminar, Mary Portas will participate in an interactive Q&A session with the audience. ● In 2011, she was commissioned by the government to product a report - The Portas Review - on the future of Britain's high streets.

Trending At Top Drawer Edible gifts and fashion accessories were among the growth sectors at Top Drawer, organised by Clarion Events, which took place at London's Olympia in January. Exhibitors included gift chocolate company Bloomsberry Think Chocolate, where wrappers included Han-gry, Marital Bliss and Man Flu. Director Helen Lenegan highlighted: "The chocolate bars are ideal for gift shops as they work like a greeting card." Also appealing to gift retailers was Newton's Appl Fizzics, a gift boxed non-alcoholic apple 'champagne'. "It makes a great gift to take to a dinner party for those people who aren't drinking," said director Sohail Rasul.

Across the board in gifts and fashion, trends focused on hearts, stars, flamingos, pineapples, cactuses and tribal designs, with mixed metals still trending in jewellery, along with geometrics, feathers and minimalist sentiment, with crystal very much in evidence. In fashion accessories, Bo-Borsa's bags revealed a new crumpled brown paper/newspaper design using durable polyurethane. Elsewhere, tote bags and statement clutches, both big and small, were showcased for the coming season.

In Home, launches from Forma House included Cookut’s quirky temporary tattoos designed to use on plates for special occasions such as birthdays, along with the Table Selfie.

The show attracted some big retail names as seminar speakers, to include Emma Sleight from M&S, Rhina Balasubraniam from Harrods, Lucy Lines from John Lewis and Sally Bendelow from Notonthehighstreet.com. ● Winners of the PaperAwards 2017 competition were announced as Lagom Designs (Emotive Design); Rhombus & Pineapple (Engaging Print) and Roger La Borde (Exciting Use of Colour).

Above: A paper tote from Bo-Borsa, spotted in fashion accessories.

Right: A gift and card in one, chocolate bars from Bloomsberry Think.

Retailers Feeling Upbeat Figures from bira’s Quarterly Sales Monitor for quarter, ending October 31, 2016, painted a more positive picture of the independent retail sector in the UK, with 56.8% reporting a higher performance in store - 12.7% higher than the previous quarter. Almost 61% of independents said that they were confident about the year ahead.

Unfortunately, greeting cards, stationery, crafts and hobbies were the hardest hit sectors with an average decline of 7%, while toys saw a sales growth of 18% having been down in the previous quarter.

The South West and Scotland saw the best growth with 7.8% and 4.6% respectively, with Northern Ireland the hardest hit with a decline in sales of 3.5%.

Dedicated To Design A 10 year old was recently given the opportunity to make his Christmas dream come true by gardening lifestyle brand Briers. Hearing that Aidan Parmar had entered a glove design competition where the manufacturer was unable to fulfil the prize, Briers stepped in.

Aidan and his extended family were invited to Briers' HQ in Wincanton, Bath, where the company's in-house designer Lewis Simper took him under his wing, working with Aidan to create some collaborative ideas and designs. Inspired by nature and his surroundings, Aidan's final design will be featured on a special range of children's gloves which will help to raise funds for Greenfingers, a children's hospice garden charity.

"Aidan is a surprisingly talented young designer," comments Lewis. "He quickly sketched out a fantastic gnome scene in double quick time. The whole Briers team couldn't have been more impressed by his creative skills."

Above: Aidan Parmar with his designs and the Briers team.

Pure Vogue In a coup for Pure London, British Vogue's editor-inchief, multi-award winning Alexandra Shulman OBE, will be the keynote speaker at the fashion and accessories show, Above: Vogue's Alexandra which takes place at Shulman will be the keynote London's Olympia from speaker at Pure in February.

February 12-14. In what is sure to be a standing room only event, Alexandra will be taking to the stage on Sunday February 12 to share her career highlights.

“With her impressive 25 years at the forefront of the nation’s go-to style bible, this is definitely not a session to be missed," says Julie Driscoll, portfolio director for Pure London. "As the leading voice in British fashion, we look forward to the wealth of knowledge and insight she will be bringing to the show.”

Iconic Bowie Images of the late David Bowie have been immortalised on a range of cushions. The collection, Bowie by Iconic Images, features images from the Terry O’Neill archive. The initial collection consists of 12 designs celebrating the life of the singer, songwriter and actor who passed away last January.

Right: Bowie by Iconic Images has been launched by WeLoveCushions.

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NEW VISIT WILD & WOLF AT SPRING FAIR THIS FEBRUARY

BRAND NEW LAUNCHES & POPULAR EXISTING LINES! NEC BIRMINGHAM HALL 6-7, FEB 5TH – 9TH, STAND 6H42 – J43

T: +44 (0)1225 789909 sales@wildandwolf.com www.wildandwolf.com

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Industry News

Country Partner UK In The Spotlight At Ambiente

Below: Visitors at last year's show.

As Ambiente's partner country in February, the UK will be in the spotlight at the Frankfurt show, with British exhibitors highlighted, and special design areas around the fair focusing on the best British designs.

Among them will be Dartington Crystal, which is returning to the show after a 15 year absence. "Britain is the partner country for the 2017 show and we will be flying the flag for British manufacturing and design," states Dartington's commercial director Richard Halliday.

Once again, Ambiente will focus on three distinct areas: Dining, Giving and Living. As the world’s leading trade fair for consumer goods, the exhibition will present an international spectrum of products across the tableware, furnishing and giving sectors.

For the first time, there will be a lecture area offering practical tips for retailers, focusing on jewellery and fashion topics. In addition, the Ambiente Academy will be providing insights into the latest market developments, with experts showing, for example, how to create attractive store displays, as well as explaining the best e-commerce strategies. Models will also be presenting the latest fashions, jewellery and accessories from selected exhibitors each day, at 11.30am and 14.30pm.

A new feature at Ambiente this year will be a BlogUps Blog Up Your Business initiative which will have its own dedicated stand (Hall 8, stand H38).

In addition, after a positive response from visitors to last year's Ambiente, Messe Frankfurt has once again produced an Ethical Style Guide featuring sustainable consumer goods which are on offer at the show.

Ambiente takes place from February 10-14 at Messe Frankfurt. Visit www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

Consumer Spending In Europe Messe Frankfurt recently commissioned a study, Consumer Spending in Europe, by Retail Consultants IFH, one of a series of management reports that will be published at Ambiente which takes place at Frankfurt am Main from February 10-14. The report examines and compares European spending in 27 countries belonging to the EU between 2010-215, with a focus on the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland and Spain.

The investigation analyses market volumes and the development of sales of consumer goods that are typically seen at Ambiente to include glass, porcelain and ceramics/household items, small electrical appliances, small items of furniture, jewellery, garden furniture and decorations, as well as leather goods and accessories.

The report offers an overview of the market developments in the EU showing which markets will, in future, be of interest with regard to which groups of consumer goods. It is part of a series of studies on retail issues that Messe Frankfurt publishes for Ambiente and Tendence. Visit www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

Socks To Make You Smile United Oddsocks is launching a range of ‘humorous hosiery’ under the newly created Cockney Spaniel label. As part of the launch, the group company, which first launched 10 years ago, will also be changing its name to Sock Academy. Going forward, United Oddsocks and Cockney Spaniel will become Sock Academy brand names.

“For a decade, United Oddsocks has catered successfully for adults, children and toddlers, but the creation of Cockney Spaniel allows us to go into more humorous and slightly cheekier territory,” explains United Oddsocks md Gary Schaffer. “It also means that we can keep adding different brands with distinct offerings as we continue to grow. Our team is constantly coming up with ideas for new socks so it is a bit like a mad academy already.

Obviously only the best ideas graduate!” The initial Cockney Spaniel range will include 40 pairs of novelty socks, with United Oddsocks will also expanding its range this year. “We want to be the only place anyone would ever need to go for socks,” adds Gary, "the recognised global leader in sock gifting!”

New Distribution For Enesco

Above: Aromabotanical, a new distribution for Enesco.

At the beginning of January, Australian Aromabotanical appointed Enesco Limited as its exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland for the Aromabotanical range of home fragrance.

Explains Enesco Europe's md Ken Johnson: “The quality and presentation of Aromabotanical fits in perfectly with our product portfolio for 2017. The contemporary designs and exceptional fragrances are exactly what we were looking for in a home and body fragrance offering. I'm therefore very excited to have the opportunity for Aromabotanical to be able to join forces with us."

Ringing Up A £Multi Million Sale Philip and Emma Bier, who opened the first Tiger gift store in Basingstoke in 2005, recently sold their 50% stake in Tiger Retail to Danish company Zebra, the holding company for Flying Tiger Copenhagen. (Tiger Retail currently owns 44 of the UK's 86 Tiger stores).

In 2016, Tiger became one of the fastest growing retailers in the UK, fulfilling the ambitions of Philip, a former photographer, who took out a second mortgage to fulfil his dream of his children going through university debt free.

Often compared to Poundland and Ikea, Tiger products retail for between £1-£5, with the best sellers including a vinyl LP frame, an

air hockey game and a head massager. Last year, the company recorded sales of £41m and profits of £7m, with Philip and Emma receiving a £2m dividend.

Taking over the reins as UK md will be Richard Boyd, Tiger's partner for the North of England.

Above: Philip and Emma Bier.

Win An Original Wrendale April will see Wrendale Designs running a window display competition in collaboration with Portmeirion Group. Explains Hannah Dale, founder of Wrendale: "We’ll be asking our stockists to create a display giving them opportunity to win some fantastic prizes. A social media competition will also run alongside to drive footfall to the stores taking part, plus we’ll be asking our fans to take photos of themselves with the Wrendale display for the chance to win an original painting. This is quite special as I don’t often make the originals available," highlights Hannah. "We hope that fans of Wrendale will get right behind it and really enjoy it. It’s such a thrill to see the wonderful displays of our products and I can’t wait to see the entries come in!"

Among the judges of the window display competition will be PG&H's editor Sue Marks.

Above: Penguins, among Hannah Dale's latest designs for Portmeirion Group.

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Stackers Peaks are the perfect storage for your rings, bracelets and trinkets.

Collect them to mix and match for your ideal combination.

LC Designs Tel: 01622 716000 Email: admin@lcdesigns.com www.lcdesigns.com Spring Fair Hall 6 Stand 6M02

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Industry News

Gift of the Year A Record Breaking Number Of Entries PG&H's editor Sue Marks was among a prestigious line up of 26 judges at the Gift of the Year 2017 competition which included Sara Allbright of John Lewis, Suzie Abel of Jarrolds and Ocado's Martin De La Fuente.

The winners will be revealed at a special ceremony at Spring Fair after the show closes on Sunday February 5.

The competition attracted almost 1,100 entries, up a significant 35% on the previous year, representing 229 gift companies.

“This demonstrates that gift and home companies increasingly recognise that Gift of the Year not only raises their profile but helps them to increase sales," says GA chief executive Sarah Ward. "The Gift of the Year competition is all about manufacturers and suppliers showing Above: PG&H's editor Sue Marks with off their great products, and we are therefore making every effort to the shortlisted products in the encourage more and more companies to enter."

Decorative Home Accessories category Entries were received from some 90 companies that hadn’t taken part of the Gift of the Year competition. in the last 10 years. Two categories were new for this year: Food and Drink and Pets. ● The Decorative Accessories category was once again sponsored by Progressive Gifts & Home. The finalists are: Polaroid Home Accessories (Wild & Wolf ); 10 Reasons I Love You personalised light box (Giggle Beaver); Buckden 3 Stag Wall Hook (The Libra Company); White Deer Head with Coloured Birds (Bentley & Bo Interiors); Best Dad City Cushion (Jola Designs); Trolley Bags Cool (Evo Lifestyle Products) and Starlight Bottles (Boxer Gifts).

Sustainability Headlines At NY NOW Over two thirds of exhibitors will be launching new products at the winter 2017 edition of NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift, which takes place at the Jacob K. Javits Centre in New York City from February 4-8.

Sustainable and new product introductions will once again make headlines, with the return of NY NOW’s popular sustainability: design for a better world, and destination:new product displays. Over 280 exhibiting companies will participate in the two displays, Above: The lobby area at NY NOW. making them the most innovative and design-forward showcases to date.

Exhibitors' products from around the world will also be spotlighted in categories that include gifts, glassware, home décor and furnishings, stationery and textiles.

In addition, the NY NOW seminar programme will offer a jam-packed agenda featuring dozens of sessions for visitors looking to increase their knowledge. Plus, special 'Only in New York' activities will include the popular A Night On Broadway.

The show brings together over 2,400 companies across Home, Lifestyle and Handmade. Visit www.nynow.com.

PEOPLE ❐ Dartington Crystal has made two new appointments to its UK sales team. Andrew Cakebread (right), takes over the South West of England and South Wales, and joins the business from Arora. The South East and Southern area will be covered by Naomi Burrell (right) who joins from Enesco. Naomi takes over the territory from John McCabe who has retired after 15 years' service at Dartington. ❐ Shaun Schofield (right) has been appointed senior national accounts manager at Xystos.

He joins the company in February from Widdop And Co, where he has worked for nearly a decade, most recently as national accounts manager. Shaun was previously with Enesco for 15 years. ❐ Ed Hubbard (right) has joined The January Furniture Show as sales manager. He has worked with companies to include IBM, Villeroy & Boch, Wincanton, DHL and BMW prior to joining the team at Clarion Events' Trade Business, where he was sales manager on Home & Gift Harrogate for four years. ❐ Recent Toys International has appointed Stephen Woodman to manage the launch of Recent Toys UK. Stephen has extensive knowledge of the toy and gift industry having previously worked in the UK and international puzzle industry with Coiledspring Games and Professor Puzzle.

Celebrating 30 Years It's 30 years since Enesco became the licensor for Beatrix Potter, with the company not only launching a 30th anniversary figurine but also holding a Beatrix Potter-themed tea party in its Carlisle Showroom. Some 20 guests enjoyed a presentation by Thomas Merrington, head of product development, and brand manager of Peter Rabbit at Penguin Ventures and licensing executive Jennifer Greenway. "We also shared some of our future plans with the attendees," explains Enesco's director of marketing Helen Shield.

To celebrate the occasion, Enesco has revisited one of their very first pieces - Peter Rabbit in Garden - and given it a modern makeover. Produced during 2017, the figurine features Peter Rabbit in his most iconic pose, gathering onions in his spotty handkerchief.

"The early pieces in the collection were issued in beautiful gift tins, so it seemed fitting that this commemorative piece should be packaged in a tin too," explains Helen. "The tin has been given a vibrant new look using new styles and artwork, giving it a fresh look for 2017."

The Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit Collection will be on show at Spring Fair (Hall 4, Stand H80–J81).

Above: Enesco's 30th anniversary Peter Rabbit in Garden figurine has had a makeover.

Right: Guests at the Beatrix Potter tea party held at Enesco.

It Pays To Display Gift shop Horizon in Hunstanton was declared the winner of the recent Churchill China Country Pursuits window display competition, based on a Winter Woodland theme.

"The shop had created an eye catching window display that showed originality and creativeness with the brand's floating Tea for One," explains Danielle Birch, marketing and communications at Churchill China. "It was great to see it displayed in such a unique way, with the use of merchandising props demonstrating how Horizon had taken on board the Winter Woodland theme."

Above: Horizon's prize winning window display.

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Industry News

The Apprentice 2016

Below: GA chairman Henri Davis was caught on film during the final of The Apprentice at the end of December.

GA Chairman's Starring Role Following a high profile appearance in the final episode of The Apprentice 2016, aired on December 18, The Giftware Association's chairman, Henri Davis, confirms that she's still receiving emails and texts from people in the gift industry who saw her on the show. "It just goes to show how many people in the gift industry watch the programme," she points out.

In her role as head of buying and merchandising for Scribbler, Henri was invited to joined other experts, including Paula Nickolds, then the commercial director of John Lewis and now md, along with senior executives from Notonthehighstreet.com and Firebox, to make up an inner circle of 20 people who listened intently to the presentations made by the two finalists - novelty gift supplier Courtney Wood, the eventual runner-up, and cake maker Alana Spencer, the winner.

"I'd met Courtney, a member of the GA, before at trade shows, as his novelty gift business Bubblegum Stuff is well established and has been going for several years," Henri told PG&H. "Although Lord Sugar decided not to invest in his business, it remains to be seen whether another company will."

(Courtney will be exhibiting at February's Spring Fair in Hall 6, Stand M62).

Henri adds that being a part of The Apprentice was a great experience. "Although the filming took place in May at London's City Hall auditorium, the programme wasn’t shown until December, so I really had to keep it all very secret," she explains. "Filming took seven hours, but this was then condensed down into seven minutes when the final episode aired," she continues. "While not quite ‘real business’, the programme does at least make people aware of some of the behind the scenes work that goes on in any sector.”

See The 'Awesome' Courtney Wood on pages 53-55.

Write On For Retailers If you're a gift retailer who stocks stationery, the organisers of National Stationery Week, which takes place from April 24-30, would love to hear from you.

"National Stationery Week is the stationery industry's biggest consumer awareness and sales initiative," confirms organiser Chris Leonard-Morgan, founder of the London Stationery Show. "It promotes the written word and all things stationery."

Now in its sixth year, it's organised by the London Stationery Show and includes World Stationery Day and the Writing Matters campaign.

Last year's event reached tens of millions of consumers and stationery fans, generating millions of £pounds worth of media coverage and sales, as well as huge levels of consumer engagement on social media. The hashtag #NationalStationeryWeek trended for four out of the seven days of the 2016 campaign.

Visit www.nationalstationeryweek.com to find out how you can be a part of this year's event. ● The London Stationery Show, organised by Ocean Media, takes place at the Business Design Centre in London on April 25-26. See Magnificent Seven on page 113.

Tatty Teddy’s Dinky Sibling Following on from the success of its totally revamped Me to You gift collection at last year’s Spring Fair, this year, Carte Blanche will be debuting My Dinky Bear, a new sub brand aimed at 3-9 year olds.

Above: My Dinky Bear is aimed at 3-9 year olds.

Following the initial launch as a 9” plush (retailing at just over £10) and accessories range at Spring Fair, the brand will be extended onto greeting cards and licensed products.

Commenting on the introduction, Gerard O’Mahoney, commercial director of CBG said: “As the sales patterns of our Me to You gift collection testify, it is a very strong adult brand with our ‘Love you to the moon and back’ signature bear being the best seller followed by those for girlfriend, 18th and 21st. We already have Tiny Tatty Teddy that caters for the 0-3 market, My Dinky Bear has been designed as a brand that chimes with those in the next age bracket up.”

While still obviously from the same ‘family’ due to its blue nose and grey fur, My Dinky Bear has a larger head, is made of a softer fabric with a longer pile and has magnets in the paws so that it can clip onto other items and be linked to other accessories.

“Dinky T is not designed to sit on a shelf, but to live on the pillow and go everywhere with its owner,” adds trade marketing manager Julia Andrews. (Spring Fair Hall 4 Stand D32-E33)

NEWS IN BRIEF ❐ Registration is now open for PG Live 2017, the UK's only trade show dedicated to the global greeting card industry. Organised by Max Exhibitions, it presents the largest collection of greeting card publishers in the world. Visit www.progressivegreetings.live.com. (See Laying Their Cards On The Table on pages 67-69). ❐ Independent gift and card retailer Between the Lines has opened its first store in London's Battersea. The multiple now has 13 shops and is aiming to expand its outlets to 50 stores over the next five years. ❐ Katie Loxton has introduced a new collection of notebooks to the company's range of fashion accessories.

Right: A Katie Loxton notebook.

❐ Charles Viancin, best known for its colourful silicone lids such as poppy, daisy and sunflower, launched Watermelon, a more neutral silicon kitchenware lid range at Top Drawer’s Home show. "We're tapping into a demand for plainer designs," explains md Peter Battersby. ❐ Artist Susan Robertson from Wiggles & Florence is growing her bespoke design business, creating special mugs for tourist attractions and shops from her hand drawn illustrations. ❐ MAD Beauty will be developing a range of toiletries and accessories using the Slush Puppie style and flavours. “Slush Puppie definitely ticks all of our boxes and we looking forward to bringing some great products to market,” says md Trevor Cash.

Above: Slush Puppy is a new license for Mad Beauty.

❐ Burgon & Ball unveiled Brie Harrison for Burgon & Ball at Top Drawer, a range of gardening gifts, which includes a pencil case, drinks tray, storage tin and an umbrella. Brie's designs are well known for their colours and patterns.

Above: Brie Harrison for Burgon & Ball.

❐ A study by online stationery company Paperless Post has revealed that the British send out twice as many 'thank you' cards than the French, Germans or Italians, with one in six Britons regularly putting pen to paper.

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Left: Hilary Jones.

Below: Among the displays and decorations in store.

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Christmas Christmas at Let's Go Round again in Wombourne was fast and furious, with the shop serving a customer every 2.69 minutes on Friday December 23, to include giftwrapping purchases!

But that's not all that kept owner Hilary Jones and her team of Christmas 'fairies' on their toes during the festive season.

"On 'Planet Gift Shop', it all began around 12 months ago when the 2016 Christmas card samples arrived from one of our suppliers during the 2015 Christmas break!

After that, it was more of a gentle build up, culminating in a last minute buying frenzy at Autumn Fair.

Despite having been a gift retailer for 18 years, I can't help but worry that I don’t have enough new, enticing and lovely things for my customers to ponder over, which, of course, means that we end up with not enough shelf space to fit it all on, with the delivery men falling over each other trying to get all the boxes into the shop.

The shop fairies are used to my ‘extreme shopping’ by now, and somehow get on with the task of, amazingly, creating extra space without pushing the walls out by an extra metre all around.

As we've discovered, some suppliers want to get their Christmas stock delivered while we're still planning our summer holidays, but at Let's Go Round Again, we don’t start to turn into 'Christmas Central' until just before our shopping evenings at the beginning of November - which somehow seems to tie in with the start of my sleepless nights!

Our Christmas window is the only window display we do which isn’t full of

shop stock and is always in place for the start of our shopping evenings when the shop is also fully ‘dressed’. (It takes about 50 shop fairy hours to complete).

I theme the window every year, which has meant building papier mache snowmen in our kitchen, buying an antique sleigh which then wouldn’t fit through the front door - much to the

amusement of the queue at the fish and chip shop - and other scenarios leading to stressful family ‘discussions’. We invested in a snow machine one year, and I get the feeling it really wouldn’t matter now what was in the window as long as it snows!

This year, our theme was Wonderland Way, which was very magical and mystical - picking up on the Unicorn madness – which saw us win the Best Window Display competition in the village.

In store, the bells on our Joe Davies Christmas Snoozies jingled madly this year as we busied ourselves in the quest to give our customers the best possible service. Our Christmas best sellers were definitely anything to do with Prosecco and Gin, with suppliers running out of stock. For the first time, we dealt with Container Group Buying (CGB), stocking its Prosecco and girly Oh So Pretty range which was very popular with customers.

Other Christmas hits were nail bar cushions and cocktail fragranced candles.

As for the average spend, customers initially appeared to be cautious and so it was only slightly up. But in the the last few days when it peaked, it was up by a whopping 50%. However, as with previous years, the amount of customers purchasing from us was way up on our normal weekdays.

Interestingly, Christmas Eve is usually one of our busiest days, but it was the day before Christmas Eve - December 23 - that was the busiest of all.

The nearer to Christmas it gets, there is of course a cut-off period for internet shopping which sees people hitting the high street, which ultimately benefits the independents.

It’s difficult to take on any new staff at this time of year, but I felt enormously proud of the shop fairies as they coped with the large amount of gifts piling up on the counter, all to be giftwrapped for free, ready to send off to Santa. It’s fantastic to see them in action, and customers stand mesmerised at their expertise.

So Christmas came. It went. We paid the bills. Phew! All in all another great one.

Batteries are now on re-charge ready to start all over again. Bring on the Prosecco!”

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Feedback Christmas 2016

While 2016 was a tumultuous year in all sorts of ways, one tradition that held steady was Christmas, with the majority of gift retailers reporting a humdinger of a festive season.

Which products were the best sellers? Did buying patterns change?

Were there any lessons to be learned? PG&H spoke to a cross section of retailers for their take on Christmas past.

Right: Among the

Store Was Buzzing "We quietly launched our website towards the end of September and were surprised by how many local customers placed their Christmas orders online," comments Helen Crawford, co-owner of The Old School, Beauly. "In fact, this year, we're also hoping to offer a click and collect option."

Explains Helen: "We have a cohort of loyal customers who travel to us during the summer to do their Christmas shopping so buying started early. However, we saw a marked increase in footfall around the first week in November, with the whole month buzzing and significantly up on the previous November. The three weeks leading up to Christmas Eve saw a steady flow of transactions, with all tills ringing and a wonderful festive atmosphere throughout the building. We play a lot of Scottish music in the shop, so there was plenty of toe tapping and a fair bit of festive singing! We also gave out surprise chocolates, gifts and samples adding to the festive atmosphere in store."

Having more than doubled the store's clothing department, Helen says there was a marked increase in the number of customers who purchased an item of clothing as a gift, including strong sales of Alan Santry knitwear, as well as Copenhagen jumpers and ponchos, suede boots and Alpaca and faux fur scarves. In more general giftware, toiletries for both men and women were strong sellers to include Arran Aromatics and Scottish Fine Soap's festive gift sets.

"We are well known for our large collection of gent's gifts and accessories, with the strongest sales in Harris Tweed and stag themed products," Helen continues. "In 2016, we opened up a new homewares room and themed it using the Hygge concept, with all

Christmas decorations from Gisela Graham.

Below left: Helen Crawford at The Old School, Beauly.

things Hygge very popular. We gave out free hot chocolate, inkeeping with Hygge principles.

"Overall though, you never know what the best sellers will be. For a chuckle, I posted a video on our Facebook site of a little fat sticky Santa which, when thrown against a wall, sticks to it. The following morning we completely sold out of these little characters. I couldn't get any more in time for Christmas but that's life and part of the fun of Christmas!"

All About 'New' "The two keywords this Christmas were ‘new’ and ‘affordable’," says Karen Ebers, owner of Something Special in Edenbridge. "A large proportion of sales came from a handful of new lines - Boxer's Starlight Bottles, Joe Davies' Firefly Jars, Only 4 U's Slate Plaques and Pomme Pidou's Animal moneyboxes which were all priced between £5.99 and £15.99. This reinforced the importance of seeking out new lines, so roll on Spring Fair! Gifts for adults were generally at the lower price points of £10 and under, whereas more money was spent on the children. Sales of Orange Tree Toys were especially good. Overall Christmas was pretty much as expected."

Below: Something Special, Edenbridge.

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Feedback Christmas 2016 Below: MiMi, Hartley Wintney.

Highest Takings "2016 was a really interesting one for us.

We saw the lowest days takings in five years of trading on our high street in September, followed by our Christmas launch day in October which gave us the highest day takings in the history of MiMi - even more than our busiest Saturday in December which was remarkable considering the launch was on a Thursday," says Julianne Moore, owner of MiMi in Hartley Wintney.

"Our Christmas sales are spread from our launch date in October to Christmas Eve, with the highlight being the launch, the Christmas lights switch on in our high street, and Small Business Saturday at the beginning of December. We sold out of two Christmas card companies by the end of October, so both companies benefitted from a re-order before November, and 30% of our decorations had also sold through by the first week of November."

Continues Julianne: "The three weeks prior to Christmas Day were especially strong and, overall, we saw an increase of 20% over this period throughout the shop. Accessories was our strongest area with sales of scarves, gloves and jewellery performing 25% up on last year.

Sales of make-up bags from Lua, as well as Joma Jewellery and Katie

Loxton products, also saw increases of 15%. In addition, our clothing departments performed well this season.

The average spend per head during November was £35, increasing to £49 in December, which was slightly up from the previous year's figures.

"We reduced our Christmas decorations department this year, spending £8,000 less than in 2015. This worked for us too, as the decorations we chose were more selective and desirable as the stocks were limited. Where we saved from one department we spent in another and our accessories, cards and candle departments all benefitted. Sales of Prosecco and Gin & Tonic candles were amazing and were in our top 10 each week for nine weeks."

Adds Julianne: "The strong Christmas period has contributed to our sales, growing by 10% to date. Growth figures that looked a bit shaky mid year now look really healthy as we enter 2017."

Customers Shopped Early "Overall, Christmas was up on 2015 in terms of both bricks and mortar and online," comments Soni Ahmed, co-owner, Maia Gifts, Glasgow. "People were a lot more prepared this year, turning their attention to Christmas shopping as soon as the summer was over. The average spend was around £23 in store, about the same as last year.

Novelty items were strong and we did well across the ranges. Our product offering is varied, and we did particularly well with candles, stocking filler items, jewellery and scarves. However we didn't do as well with cozies and hand warmers. This was definitely related to the weather which was a lot milder than usual in December."

Soni adds that a dramatic change in buying habits was revealed by a distinct lack of interest in late night shopping. "We normally stay open until 9pm, but it seems that people who work from Monday to Friday prefer to go straight home after work and shop online for Christmas gifts, rather than rushing to the shops after work as they used to. Our late night shopping evenings were a waste of time, so we'll have to re-think them for next Christmas.

Also, we need to be aware of not ordering in bulk and being more tentative with our buying."

Below: Maia Gifts, Glasgow.

December Went Bonkers "It was an amazing Christmas at Marmalade Meringue, with the support from our customers always incredible," confirm Marmalade Meringue’s owners Trudy Tebbutt and Tilly Rathie. "Christmas is always such a wonderfully happy, buzzing time in the shop and we make sure it always looks gorgeous with twinkling Christmas decorations."

Trudy said that sales built and built from October onwards, "but really it was all about December, especially the last couple of weeks when it really went bonkers! Christmas Eve was brilliant, we had customers dashing in for last minute presents right up until close at 5pm. We were thrilled with sales across all product sectors. Joma Jewellery, One Button scarves and bags, Pintail Christmas candles, Bath House bath and body gifts - especially Prosecco-related - were particularly strong sellers. We also did exceptionally well with sales of larger, unique statement pieces which our customers loved. I feel that we really smashed the buying this year, not only with stock but our quantities too."

Trudy highlights that the average spend was up, ranging from £30-£50. "We also had a lot of customers who bought their Christmas presents entirely from Marmalade Meringue. They came in with their list, managing to tick everyone off. Getting the gifts gift wrapped with our compliments went down a treat," adds Trudy.

Above: Marmalade Meringue in Hinckley.

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Feedback Christmas 2016 “The cold weather at the beginning of December meant that early high sales continued and we were well ahead of the previous year's figures.”

Some Surprise Winners "We start selling gifts for Christmas and decorations in October, which contributed 28% of the last quarter gift sales, rising to 32% in November and 40% in December," confirms Dougal Philip, director of New Hopetoun Garden Centre In Broxburn. "As usual, Christmas Eve was fairly steady with plenty of fathers and husbands acting spontaneously, and a few visiting families filling in time before returning to their hosts."

He says that scarves, particularly £5.95 lines from SSP, along with hats and bags from a variety of suppliers to include Earthed Squared, plus home fragrancing products from Di Palomo, Wax Lyrical and Junction 18, and bath and body products from Scottish Fine Soaps and Arran, all contributed well. "Impulse purchases of sweets and bakery from Bramble Foods confirmed that this middle range of own branded product suits our customers better than a top range and also offers a very good margin," highlights Dougal. "In addition, sales of Dora Designs doorstops and draught excluders were up significantly, seeing us take an extra £1000. Meanwhile, two surprise winners were our initial order of six Talking Mice which sold out during the first weekend they went on sale - and saw us eventually selling 69 before the supplier ran out at the end of November - and 3D Christmas glasses from Sparkle and Light. We re-ordered several times and eventually sold 1000 putting £1990 into our tills."

Adds Dougal: "The average selling price of all individual gifts increased from £6.59 in 2015 to £6.83 in 2016, which was before increased prices hit from the dropping value of the £pound. The average individual gift value increased as Christmas approached - October £4.69, November £6.70 and December £7.23.

"Ultimately, it's our customers that make the market, so we will continue our strategy of making our gift decisions at Home & Gift in Harrogate in July, taking the products in straight away, and following the winners, with plenty of time left to buy the best sellers in September and October."

Below: New Hopetoun Garden Centre, Broxburn.

Busier Than Ever "We started seeing a big increase in sales at the end of November," confirms Kathryn Phalp, director of MAP Gift Shop in Archway, North London. "Traditionally, we hold shopping evenings and discount events during the last weekend in November and this year, due to our highly successful loyalty scheme customer list, we were busier than ever. The cold weather at the beginning of December meant that early high sales continued and we were well ahead of the previous year's figures. Christmas Eve was a great day of course, but we were hoping for a last frenzied spree, which didn’t happen. I guess with it being a Saturday, people were able to head off early.

We have a reputation for seriously good Christmas decorations, so this year, we worked hard to put together six amazing collections, with quirky decorations from Cody Foster in San Francisco and niche collectables from Vondels in The Netherlands being the best sellers. On the gift side, we did very well with candles, Country Candles in particular, along with a new luxury range from Voluspa.

Vineyard Candles were also strong. Plus, we built a whole look Top: Ian Morris Co-director of MAP Gift Shop with Kathryn Phalp. around the Curios range from Above: Prosecco from Vineyard Candles.

Cubic, co-ordinating with prints from Liljeberg and products from Temerity Jones. We also did unusually well with jewellery to include exclusive handmade jewellery

by Vincenzo Dato, Kiyoko and Kathryn Phalp, costume jewellery from Big Metal, a mid range from Dansk Smykkekunst, and silver By Martick, Chris Stevens and Azendi."

Continues Kathryn: "In terms of Christmas cards, we were spot on with winning ranges from The Art File and Museum and Galleries.

There were more requests for family cards and single specialist cards than in previous years. Plus, the fantastic Enid Blyton Parody 'Five' books from Bookspeed were impulse buy winners, as were Oh K! toiletries from NPW and humorous toiletries from Blue Q. If there was a lesson learned for this Christmas it was to include more humour as everything funny worked well. It was a strange year, so I think we all needed something to smile about."

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www.portmeiriongroup.com +44 (0)1782 744721 Copyright © 2017 Portmeirion Group Limited Copyright © Wrendale Designs

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Falling helplessly in love with Wrendale Designs Visit the Portmeirion Group stand at: Spring Fair (Hall 9, Stand E30-F31) Ambiente (Hall 4.1, Stand B16)

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Industry Issue: Industry Predictions

Looking Forward What lies ahead for the gift industry in 2017? It's the $million dollar question, and one that will depend very much on what happens on both a national and international stage.

With PM Theresa May looking ready to trigger Article 50 in March, PG&H spoke to industry stalwarts for their predictions as to how 2017 is likely to pan out, and the impact it will have on importers and retailers over the coming 12 months.

Right: Theresa May will start Britain's exit from the EU this Spring.

Below: Rod O’Mahony, director of Transomnia.

Crystal Ball Territory "After all the shocks of 2016, making any predictions at all about the coming year is possibly a tad foolhardy!" says Rod O’Mahony, director of Transomnia.

"The gift industry, like all sectors of the economy, is going to be affected in 2017, not just by the normal ebbs and flows of the economic cycle, but also by the impact of seismic events in the national and global political arenas over the past 12 months.

"The Referendum result last June didn't produce the immediate meltdown of the economy predicted by some - although then again, we haven't actually left the EU yet.

The longer term effects, once Brexit is actually underway, are still crystal ball territory, and until we have some idea what kind of outcome the government will attempt to negotiate, there's very little on which to base any speculation."

Rod says that the main short-term effect of Brexit - and one which will certainly impact the gift industry this year - has been the sharp fall in sterling against the US dollar, and the consequent rise in the cost of all imported products, which includes most of the giftware sold in the UK. "Companies which hedged their currency purchases before the Referendum may have been able to hold off passing these on until

now, but we will be seeing significant price increases feeding through this year," Rod states.

"At Transomnia, we've kept increases to a minimum, taking as much of a hit on our margins as we could afford to, but even so, around half of the products we're carrying forward from last year will go up by around 8-9% on average. Retailers, like their wholesale suppliers, won't be able to absorb all of the increases, so we'll undoubtedly see higher prices in the shops this year. What effect that will have on retail sales is hard to predict, and much will no doubt depend on the performance of the wider economy. Our best guess is that retailers will find it hard work to put growth on last year's figures,

and conditions will remain tough for many, but we're not anticipating a significant decline in consumer spending in 2017. The key as always, for wholesalers and retailers alike, is to provide customers with the products they want to buy.

Overall we believe that differentiation is the way forward, and we intend to boost the percentage of own-design products we sell from 35-40% to 70% within the next two years, with Spring Fair 2017 showing a large stride in that direction. We're also diversifying into new categories such as designer greeting cards, helping to make us more of a 'onestop shop', with cohesive collections across multiple product types. We believe that these strategies will help us successfully navigate whatever stormy waters may lie ahead."

Adds Rod: "Talking of possible storms ahead, we shall of course also have a new and - to say the least - unpredictable occupant of the US White House very soon.

A Donald Trump presidency - I still can’t quite believe I’m saying this - may herald all sorts of things, among them a swing back to trade protectionism. I don't believe a return to global trade barriers would be good for anyone in the longer term, but in the more immediate future, a trade war between China and the US may actually be of some benefit to the UK's and Europe's trade with China."

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Industry Issue: Industry Predictions

We're Optimistic

Feeling Confident

"It’s difficult to look ahead to 2017 without mentioning the 'B' word," says Mal Ogg, md of History & Heraldry. "Article 50 will be triggered and not a great deal will happen, except more Brexit uncertainty for the rest of the year. For those of us who buy in dollars, which I guess is most of us in the gift industry, the prospect of a year of inflationary pressure in China, coupled with a dreadful exchange rate at home, does not give grounds for too much cheer. But most of us survived the dotcom bubble, the subprime mortgage crisis and the Greek debt crisis. We survived the reduction in the independent retail sector and the increasing demands of the high street multiples. For History & Heraldry, fresh from celebrating its 20th birthday in 2016, we will approach the new year as we always do full of optimism and overflowing with new product ideas with the expectation of another bumper year. Here’s hoping!"

At Enesco, Ken Johnson, md of Enesco Europe, is feeling very positive about the year ahead.

"We have always believed and invested in the strength of licensed properties and have confidence that with our continued commitment to developing products within new and existing licences that we are well equipped to face any of the challenges that 2017 will inevitably bring to suppliers, retailers and the consumer," he states.

Below: Ken Johnson.

It's A Batteground

Difficult Year For Retail "With the weak £pound, and many goods being sourced abroad, price increases are expected this year although who will jump first and how big the change will be has yet to be seen," says Jeremy Corner, vicechairman of The Giftware Association and owner of Blue Eyed Sun. "James Daunt, ceo of Waterstones, indicated at the Greeting Card Association (GCA) AGM in November that 2017 would be a difficult year in retail as a result. Wage growth is still out of step with inflation which will also affect how much people have to spend on the high street. On the plus side, suppliers can expect to see more growth opportunities internationally. There has also been a strong wave of creativity generating fresh new product for retailers to choose from. I also know of several retailers who have been freshening up their brands and store design with positive results on their sales."

Adds Jeremy: "High streets are getting more attractive for visitors as a result of this focus on positive customer experience and this will be good for the whole industry.”

"This year, Really Good will be celebrating its 30th birthday, and Soul its 20th, but as we all know, the gift industry has been thrown into some chaos by the Brexit vote," says David Hicks, md of Really Good/Soul. "The prices of anything made outside of GB went up sharply overnight, and that has to be passed on or we simply disappear next year. Therefore, in order to minimise the inevitable increases, we have to design and buy smarter.

Of course we've already started doing that, and of course it's not easy. Despairingly, a number of Chinese manufacturers are trying to raise their prices at the same time, which is enough to make you weep, so it's a bit of a battleground out there right now. And judging by the small discounts offered in the Christmas sales by some big high street stores, everyone is concerned."

Continues David: "Nowadays, if we like a substrate, but just don't think anyone can make a margin to sell at a certain Above: David Hicks, md of Really Good/Soul. price, then we don't do it. It's a shame, but until things settle down, if they ever do, then we have to be even more realistic. I know this sounds like we were blasé before - we really weren't - but the problems have really escalated now.

"However, despite all the fun and games, we believe that we are still designing well, and we're very positive. We all have to buy gifts for others, and we all buy based on price or design, but the market has always been like that. However, we're doing some good things, have great launch plans, so we are working even harder for us and our customers to achieve what we should and can. It's a hell of a time to celebrate our 30th and 20th anniversaries though!"

An unpredictable Donald Trump was inaugurated as President of the United States at the end of January.

Above: Jeremy Corner.

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Celebrate with Dartington

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A 'Sparkler' Of An Event As The Greats gift retailer awards celebrate their 15th 'crystal' anniversary in 2017, Progressive Gifts is on the look-out for those extra special gift retailers, gift departments, lifestyle stores, specialist jewellery shops and garden centres, who have really upped their game over the past 12 months.

As well as self-nominations, suppliers, reps and agents are also invited to nominate their stand-out retail customers whose names they would like to see on the trophies.

Could your shop be among the winners this year?

With The Greats Awards 2017 really underway now, it's all systems go to discover the 'greatest of the great' gift retailers in the UK! The winners of the the undisputed No 1 event for gift retailers will be crowned at a sparkling Awards lunch at London's Grosvenor House Ballroom on Thursday May 4. As previous winners and finalists will testify, it can really be a game changer, giving gift shops and gift departments of all shapes, sizes and locations a supreme opportunity to promote their outlets in the most high profile of ways - through their local media, through in-store merchandising, and, of course, through holding customer events throughout the year to say 'we're the greatest'!'

As last year's winner Frances Doran, coowner of The Bottom Drawer in Portadown,

Northern Ireland, put it: "The awards are a great opportunity for small businesses to make new contacts and achieve a sense of worth."

Right from the Awards' inception in 2003, The Greats has set out to recognise and reward every strand of great gift retailing - from the tiniest gift shops in the smallest of villages to major multiples on the high street, garden centres and online retailers. So, if you think your shop is great, and you pulled out all the stops in 2016, we want to hear from you!

We need to know about your marketing initiatives, your community involvement, how good you are at display, whether you've Top: The Greats trophies: the ultimate prize for all great gift retailers.

Above: The Grosvenor House Hotel on London's upmarket Park Lane.

£50 Golden Ticket As an extra 'gift', all independent finalists and winners of The Greats 2017 will receive a £50 bonus that can be spent against orders placed at the dedicated PG Live greeting card show, organised by Max Exhibitions, which takes place on June 6 and 7 at London's Business Design Centre in London's Islington. For more about PG Live 2017, turn to Laying Their Cards On The Table on pages 67-69.

Left: Denise Laird, owner of gift shop Spirito in Glasgow, is shown spending her £50 golden ticket at last year's PG Live as the winner of The Greats 2016 Best Initiative category.

The Greats 2017

The Greats Sponsors 2017 Among the fabulous 2017 sponsors for The Greats Awards are: Ashleigh & Burwood; Autumn Fair; Carte Blanche Group; Dartington Crystal; Gift Republic; Gisela Graham; Harrogate Christmas & Gift; Joe Davies; London Stationery Show/National Stationery Week; NPW; PG Live; Premier Decorations; Ravensden; Root Candles; Sass & Belle by RJB Stone; The Giftware Association; Wild & Wolf and Yankee Candle. expanded or opened a new outlet, what you do online, as well as how you use social media to bang the drum. (We take first class customer service as a given!).

Retailers are also invited to enter members of staff for the Best Employee Award, and to vote for their top suppliers in the Best Service to the Independent Gift Retailer categories. Simply email ianh@maxpublishing.co.uk and tell him why they deserve to win.

But it's not just about self-nomination.

We're also looking for suppliers, reps and agents to bang the drum about the gift retailers that they think are a cut about the rest.

"Retailers are at the sharp end of our industry, and we believe that those who stand out deserve to be rewarded," comments PG&H's editor Sue Marks. "So we are looking Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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The Original

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The Greats 2017 to suppliers, reps and agents tell us about the shops they work with who are the shining stars in the gift retail firmament."

And finally, as with previous years, we will be looking for nominations across the board to discover a very special person who deserves to be the 2017 winner of the prestigious Honorary Achievement Award, which sets out to recognise the nominee's wider contribution to the giftware industry.

Nominations are completely confidential and can be emailed to Ian Hyder at ianh@maxpublishing.co.uk An entry form can be downloaded by visiting www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or by emailing your entry to suem@maxpublishing.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Tuesday 31 January, so there's still time to enter - but only just! l The Greats Awards are owned by Max Publishing, publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home.

The Greats Suppliers Award While The Greats is dedicated to recognising and rewarding gift retailers, the awards also set out to highlight those special companies who provide exceptional service for their customers, with three separate awards - gold, silver and bronze - to be won.

To nominate your favourite suppliers, visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk and download an entry form or e-mail ianh@max-publishing.co.uk Left: Andrew Illingworth, sales director of Widdop And Co., accepted the coveted gold Best Service To The Independent Retailer Award from Simon Boyd, show director of category sponsor PG Live.

The Greats 2017: How To Buy Tickets To book tickets for The Greats Awards lunch on Thursday May 4 at the Grosvenor House in Park Lane, London, contact awards manager Clare Davies at Createvents on 0118 340085 or clare@createvents.co.uk.

Previous events have been a sell-out, with a waiting list for tickets, so don't delay!

Right: Every guest will go home with a goody bag.

You Are Invited...

To Lunch At The Grosvenor House, Park Lane.

The winners of The Greats 2017 will be announced at a fabulous Greats Awards lunch being held in the Ballroom at London's Grosvenor House on Thursday May 4.

A glass of champagne (above) will be at the ready as guests arrive at 11.45am, followed by a special Greats lunch, created by one of the hotel's top chefs.

Before the awards ceremony at which the winners of the awards will be announced, there will be terrific entertainment - with the Awards hosted by a great celebrity.

All guests attending the event will also receive a fabulous goody bag bursting with goodies.

Best Retail Employee Award

What Winning Means Good news can travel fast after winning a Greats award!

For sisters Frances Doran and Rhonda Wood, owners of The Bottom Drawer in Portadown, and winners of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year North and Northern Ireland category, the very last thing they expected when they entered The Greats in 2016 was to find themselves taking part in a TV commercial - but that's exactly what happened. "We were selected to appear in a TV advertisement for the local borough council discussing why locals should support local independent retailers," explains Frances.

Adds Rhonda: "We were also featured in the local press with the Mayor, as well as in the Ulster Tatler, which resulted in a measured increase in footfall."

What could be nicer than rewarding employees who treat your shop as their own and go the extra mile for both you and your customers every day? If you've got that 'special someone', a right hand man or woman working in your gift shop or gift department, now's your chance to nominate them for The Greats Best Employee Award.

We want to know more about that person and why he or she stands out. Either download a Greats Best Employee entry form by visiting www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or email your entry direct to Sue Marks at suem@maxpublishing.co.uk

Above left: Frances Doran and her sister Rhonda Wood are shown with the local Mayor and The Greats trophy.

Above: Great winner 2016 Lily Blue in Hagley hit the headlines in the Stourbridge News.

Below: The Troon Times was happy to give plenty of coverage to the success of The Herbary, another Greats winner in 2016.

Right: Last year's Retail Employee of the Year winner was Marina McManus, shop manager at the Liquorice Tree, Edinburgh Airport.

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Spotlight On... Spring Fair

All The Fun Of

Spring Fair As everyone's thoughts turn to Spring Fair at the NEC, Birmingham, next month, PG&H asked a cross section of exhibitors what's how they are approaching the UK's largest gift and home show of the year.

Below: NEC Birmingham.

Below right: Dartington's new collection of wine glasses developed and co-branded with Laithwaites Wine.

Bottom right: The new Brew Craft collection of handmade glasses from Dartington.

Show Offers "Exclusive show offers will be dotted around the stand at Spring Fair, and all visitors will have the opportunity to win a luxury spa break for two in the Lake District to celebrate the launches of our new home spa Equilibrium collection and signature Lakes collection," highlights Wax Lyrical's md Joanne Barber.

Other new 2017 collections include a brand new RHS collaboration Vintage Posy, seasonal promotions featuring gifting for Spring and Summer, and a sneak preview of the company's new Christmas 2017 products and fragrances.

Below: Wax Lyrical's Lakes collection will be among the new collections unveiled at the show.

Celebrating 50 Years "As Spring Fair kicks off our celebration of 50 years for Dartington, we have a lot of great new products on our stand in the Summerhouse in Hall 8, and will certainly be flying the flag for Made in Britain and everything we are good at. There will be elements of our new collections that link to our 50th anniversary, but there will also be significant new elements in our other brands - Royal Brierley cut crystal, Caithness Glass and Beswick ceramics."

Richard highlights that a really big story will be the unveiling of a new collection of wine glasses developed and co-branded with Laithwaites Wine. "The founder Tony Laithwaite helped us with the shape for the Tony Laithwaite signature series and, as one of the best known names in the world of wine, I think this partnership of two well respected brands will be a winner. Plus, another strong trend we are supporting is

The Lowdown Spring Fair, organised by Ascential, takes place from 5-9 February, 2017, at the NEC, Birmingham.

Tel: 020 3 033 2500; email visitor.help@ascentialassist.com; web: www.springfair.com

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Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

craft beer, with our new Brew Craft collection of handmade glasses. All in all, there will be lots of ways to raise a glass to Dartington's success over the last 50 years!"

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Spotlight On... Spring Fair

A Myriad Of New Gifts

Above: Talking business at the show.

Wild & Wolf will be returning to Spring Fair in Hall 7 with new brand extensions for Spring/Summer 2017. "The popular Gentlemen’s Hardware and Ridley’s collections both feature new products including multi-tools and jigsaws," confirms the company's marketing and PR assistant Alice Hughes. "Plus, Tatty Devine and Polaroid, which launched collaborations with Wild & Wolf last season, are already growing, with new jewellery storage and colourful stationery pieces that will be unveiled at the show. A further huge brand extension for Wild & Wolf will be the Orla Kiely collection featuring homewares and stationery," adds Alice.

Pool Party NPW will be inviting Spring Fair visitors to their pool party themed stand to celebrate the launch of a brand new inflatable range, Pop Fix. "It's the height of summer in winter time," says NPW's trade marketing manager Katie Benson, She adds that NPW will be showcasing ever more on trend ranges, including a brand new lifestyle range Above: NPW's new inflatable Pop Fix. We Live Like This, and a back to school range, Vibe Squad.

"We are also pleased to be extending our popular Get Emojinal range with the addition of brand new party pieces," Katie states.

The Stars Of The Show "We will have a much larger stand at Spring Fair this year which will be over 50% bigger," says Briers’ Mike Cook. "It's been a phenomenal year for Briers and 2017 is already shaping up to be another exceptional one with the two main heroes at Spring Fair set to be our new quintessentially British designs from renowned artist Julie Dodsworth, and our new Kids Collection.

“In terms of Julie Dodsworth, we will be unveiling our largest ever gifting range with 57 new affordable skus which will be the star of our stand. Plus, our Kids Collection has been re-launched to be bigger and better this year, and is already going down a storm."

Explains Mike: "We are building on the phenomenal success of our existing Kids range to offer the UK's largest, fully compliant Kids gardening and outdoor fun collection, with a new, four-sided compact, impactful merchandising solution. There will be 58 individual products, across 49 skus, of which over 50% will be new for 2017."

Above: Part of the Julie Dodsworth collection which will be unveiled at Spring Fair.

Right: Briers new Kids tool bag seat.

Below: New Tatty Devine jewellery boxes from Wild & Wolf.

Looking For Variety "I started going to Spring Fair with my parents when I was 14 years old - my mother used to really dress up in expensive suits in those days! - and I don't think I've missed a show in almost 40 years," says Richard Jones, owner of Selections in Port Talbot.

"I go on my own for three days, and walk as much of the show as I can. This year, I will really be on the look-out for general giftware, along with all the new trends and new styles.

We seem to have become something of a candle shop recently, but not everyone who comes in wants to buy a candle. Therefore I will definitely be looking out for more variety in the giftware sector, especially branded jewellery. I also find that walking around Spring Fair gives me plenty of ideas for merchandising and display."

Without a fixed budget in mind, Richard says he can be open minded if he sees something that he thinks will fit into the product mix at the shop. "I also take a good look at the trade magazines, such as Progressive Gifts & Home, and then list the companies that I want to visit to find products that are new, exciting and different.

However, I do think that Spring Fair will be a more challenging one for retailers this year, as most suppliers will be putting their prices up."

Richard's Top Tip: "Don't be put off if an exhibitor's stand looks busy. If it's really busy then it's busy for a reason, which is always a good sign."

Continued on page 49

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Spotlight On... Spring Fair

In Tune With Design Trends "Customers don't always know quite what they want to buy until they see it, so being in tune with design trends is key for Transomnia. But equally important is judging the right time - taking into account one's customer base - to introduce new trends," says Transomnia's director Rod O’Mahony.

"We have been investing even more in the key areas of market research and product design, with the appointment last year of Greg Rose as head of buying and design. The fruits of Greg's first season with us will be on display at Spring Fair, showing more than a passing nod to strong current trends such as French Riviera and Painterly Florals "

Above right: Busy aisles at last year’s Spring Fair.

Left and above: French Riviera and Painterly Florals are two new trends being unveiled at Spring Fair by Transomnia.

New Logo

Looking For Nuggets

Parlane will be launching the company's fresh new logo in the Summerhouse in Hall 8. "Our trusted logo has done us proud, but we thought it was time to break out of the box," says md Mike Burgess. "The new identity is clean and fresh and, we think, friendly. It reinforces our core beliefs in providing Parlane style made from natural materials." Adds Mike, "Parlane also has a new tag line – Where Style Comes Naturally - and Spring Fair 2017 is the perfect opportunity for our customers, old and new, to see the new Parlane style." See Home Interiors on pages 115-117.

"We tend to visit Spring Fair for four to five days and spend as much time there as we possibly can as it's our biggest buying show," comments Soni Ahmed, co-owner of Maia Gifts with Samantha Rose. "We don't have a fixed budget as how much we spend depends very much on what the store needs at a particular time of year. We're there to look for nuggets, and also go into the volume halls in case there are any gems in there too. We plan our trip in advance so that we have a very clear direction in terms of what we are looking for."

Soni's Top Tip: "Don't lost sight of what your shop is about and why you are at the show.

Therefore, don't look at things that don't suit your store just because they're well displayed. You have to stick to your plan and not get dazzled."

Going Back To Our Roots “Spring Fair is our major UK show of the year and we invest a great deal of time and effort in planning and designing our stand to reflect the different categories we offer," comments Navigate's marketing director David Atkinson.

"Navigate specialises in contemporary outdoor dining accessories alongside a wide range of picnic accessories, which make great gifts. We also offer stylish eco-friendly bamboo tableware and oven-to-tableware, plus a wide range of kitchen storage and textiles."

Explains David: "This year we have taken space in Hall 9, Kitchen Dining and Housewares, which we feel is going back to our roots, as it’s where we first exhibited at the show. For a number of years we migrated to the Gift sector but feel that Kitchen and Dining now reflects more of what we produce. Choosing which sector to exhibit in, however, is always a tricky one for us as we sit in both camps, and we’d hate to miss out on buyers looking for gift ideas," he continues.

"Much of what we do is both practical and gift suitable at the same time.”

Face To Face "I've been going to Spring Fair ever since its inception, it is a 'must do' show, although we don't do all our buying there," comments Paul Beal, owner of Horizon and World of Fun in Hunstanton. "I take both managers with me to Spring Fair for four days, three nights. We don't go with a budget in mind so we can flexible and do every hall and every aisle so that we don't miss a trick. We want to find that magic product line as well as new suppliers. As so much can be done online nowadays, there are fewer reps and agents coming to see us, so I believe it's good for our managers to build a face to face relationship with suppliers."

Paul's Spring Fair Tip: "Spring Fair is a hard, hard slog, therefore I tell my managers to make sure that they dress for comfort."

Above: Navigate's Sweet Summer Days melamine plate.

Left: Raindrops insulated lunch bag from Navigate.

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The Apprentice: Courtney Wood

THE 'AWESOME' Just before Christmas, novelty gift designer Courtney Wood, founder of Bubblegum Stuff, was crowned runnerup on The Apprentice, having seen off the mouthy, the shouty, the emotional and the frankly inept.

Despite the posturing egos of many of the candidates, Courtney's cool, unflappable approach to tasks impressed Lord Sugar's sidekicks Claude Littner and Karren Brady, with Courtney delighted to find himself on the winning team in eight out of 10 tasks.

So what makes Courtney, a member of The Giftware Association, tick, and what's in the pipeline for his company, Bubblegum Stuff, during the coming year?

As the last man standing on the 2016 series of The Apprentice, entrepreneur Courtney Wood was a bit of a dark horse in the competition. Non-aggressive and pushy like many of the other candidates, his was a case of 100% self belief, frequently describing himself as "awesome".

Showing his supreme confidence from the very start of the series, he boasted, "this'll be easy to win!", and he was almost right, as he came within a hair's breadth of being crowned Lord Sugar's 'apprentice',

with the prize - a ÂŁ250,000 investment in his gift company Bubblegum Stuff - so nearly in his grasp.

In the final episode in week 12, Courtney pointed out: "You don't get many opportunities to shine and I feel I have the opportunity to shine now and show what I'm made of." He put up a very credible performance, creating a new brand, Purple Whale, which had the tagline 'little gifts, big impressions', something he believes

Left: Apprentice runner-up Courtney Wood.

Below: Courtney in the boardroom with fellow team Nebula candidates, from left to right: Grainne McCoy, Jessica Cunningham, Frances Bishop and Alana Spencer.

Bottom: Lord Sugar with The Apprentice 2016 candidates.

describes the gifts that are designed and manufactured at Bubblegum.

To prove the point, with some help from his fellow candidates, he created a prototype trophy baby sip beaker in just 24 hours. "It's been designed so that babies can take a sip of success," he told The Apprentice panel of 250, which included Henri Davis, chairman of The Giftware Association, in her role as head of buying and merchandising at Scribbler. She was a familiar face among an inner circle of 20 industry specialists that also included Paula Nickolds, then commercial director at John Lewis and now managing director. "I think his ideas are fantastic, his products are great, but he does need a guiding hand," Paula suggested to Lord Sugar.

It wasn't to be of course - Courtney was pipped to the post by impressive businesswoman and cake marker

Alana Spencer, but Courtney has since shown that he is as determined to be ever more entrepreneurial.

Passionate about the creative design business he set up in the summer of 2012, Courtney, now 30, who graduated from Brunel University with a first class honours degree in industrial design, initially gained his experience in the gift industry as an apprentice at a London based novelty gift company, Spinning Hat. He then took a year out in Australia, and started Bubblegum Stuff in 2012, aged 25, with ÂŁ20,000 of his own money. He Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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The Apprentice: Courtney Wood

You're Fired: You're Hired From the final five came the final two, with Courtney going head to head with Apprentice winner and cake maker Alana Spencer.

Interestingly, Alana started an after school business making and selling greeting cards to classmates while she was at secondary school, and admits to firing one of her best friends because she couldn't make the cards quickly enough!

Left: Winner Alana Spencer with Courtney. The two went head to head in the final.

invested every penny he possessed, passing up the chance to get onto the property ladder to go back and live with his parents in Essex. It seems to have been a sound decision. Five years on, the business has seen impressive growth, with Courtney currently exporting to 17 countries and continuing to expand. He has set up a design studio in Hong Kong, as well as at his Essex base, and has established manufacturing links across China.

"We’re among the newest and hottest novelty gift companies currently taking the gift market by storm," he emphasises with typical Courtney conviction. "We're shaking Right: Henri Davis, chairman of The Giftware Association, who was a gift industry panelist in the final episode.

Below: Lord Sugar with his 'eyes and ears' Karren Brady and Claude Littner.

Make Mine A GiiN & Tonic In Week 10, the candidates were asked to create and pitch a new brand of gin.

Courtney famously came up with the idea of calling his team Nebula's product 'GiiN' (pronounced szhinn). Somehow, they managed to sell £71,400 worth of the raspberry concoction that apparently didn’t taste of raspberry and had blue branding rather than pink. But none of that seemed to matter with team Nebula winning the task. Tesco bought 1,200 bottles and Barworks bought 3,000 bottles.

Winning the task as project manager also propelled Courtney into the final five.

Courtney On Courtney "Behind my boyish good looks is a very shrewd businessman. I've never been fired in my life and it's not going to happen now."

beaker, featured in the final episode, has already been restyled for the UK market after it was copied by an American company. (For Courtney, an IP lesson learned the hard way).

"Our philosophy is to create quality products based on modern pop culture themes that are bang on trend," he enthuses. "Our tagline is ‘we proudly create fun stuff for you to enjoy'." So, as he told the panel in the final episode, he plans to continue to bring out more unique, original, quirky products. "It's the key to my success," he underlined.

With the huge TV exposure he received following 12 weeks on The Apprentice, and his current, enthusiastic following on Twitter, it seems as though, despite missing out on Lord Sugar's investment, Courtney won't be short of an investor, or a guiding hand, for long!

A Pocket Rocket things up with unique and original products and ideas, and we're adding personality to standard everyday products making them that little bit more exciting." (In the tense interview round in episode 11, he clearly impressed Mike Soutar, one of the fearsome interviewers, and chairman of ShortList Media, by roughing out a Lord Sugar dispenser on a piece of paper in a matter of seconds when Mike challenged him to show his design ability).

Expanding on the concept of his company, he explains that all the products feature Bubblegum's tongue in cheek persona, retailing at somewhere between £5-£15.

"They're often a subject of conversation as we like to push the line as far as we can," he explains. In addition, Courtney is also constantly on the look-out for exciting new brands to launch into the UK market.

(Currently, the company exclusively distributes and represents six international brands in the UK and also retails online).

So what's new for Bubblegum in 2017?

For starters, there are 10 new product ideas in the pipeline, plus the popular trophy sip

Although she was fired in week 11, selfstyled pocket rocket Frances Bishop did make it to the final five of The Apprentice, describing herself as "fun and feisty" as she battled it out with the other candidates.

One of the more sparky candidates, the 25 year old is the founder of children's retail outlet The Pud Company, which has stores in Doncaster and Newark, with Frances recently expanding the product ranges into the nursery and gift sector following customer demand.

She says that having worked as a Saturday girl at Debenhams, she has been able to draw on her sales experience with the high street multiple.

"It taught me that you need to know everything about products - customers like details," she explained.

Going forward, she's determined to open at least another two stores, and to grow The Pud Store's online base. "We'll be looking to smash this year's figures by bringing on board new brands and also expanding our offer," she reveals.

So what business advice did she take away with her when she took a black cab home? "Believe in yourself and back everything up with real world logic and reasoning," she states.

Above: Candidate Frances Bishop made it to the final five.

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Retailer Face To Face: Barkers Home

On The

Home Front

Below: Gift and home buyer Julie Poynton.

Below left: Moorland Pottery's Yorkie range.

Bottom: Barkers Home in Northallerton.

Earlier this year, a brand new gift department was unveiled as part of the £3m extension to family run, independent department store Barkers Home in Northallerton.

PG&H met up with gifts and homewares buyer Julie Poynton to find out how the former furniture store has expanded its reach into gifts and home accessories over the past year.

For well over a century, the name Barkers has been synonymous with service-led retailing in the market town of Northallerton in North Yorkshire, a popular high street department store whose roots go back to1882.

Subsequently, the Barker family opened Barkers Furnishing Store on the outskirts of the town in 1994, moving its furniture offering out of the store to a nearby location, which helpfully provided customers with plenty of free parking.

But the most exciting development of all took place just under a year ago, when the furniture store rebranded as Barkers Home,

and officially opened a £3 million 20,000sq ft expansion, leaning towards ranges with a more contemporary feel, which are now being presented in a fresh, modern setting.

The new name reflects the fact that the 60,000sq ft store is no longer exclusively for furniture, currently housing gifts, home accessories and greeting cards, as well as a stylish Cook, Wine + Dine department which incorporates gift food, as well as a wide range of china and glass.

Naturally, it's been an exciting learning curve for buyer Julie Poynton. “The aim for gifts and homewares has been to provide a contemporary offering with some uniqueness about it," she comments. "We don't want to be the same as high street chains. Plus, there is also the personal touch in that I’m not based in an office in London, and that I’m buying with the Northallerton and surrounding areas in mind which is the hat I wear when I source product."

Julie's remit as buyer includes a broad reach of home accessories, to include cushions, vases, china and glass, photo frames, wine racks, faux flowers, home

fragrance, gift food, toiletries, stationery and greeting cards.

She highlights that Barkers Home customers are looking for mid to high-end brands at a fair price, with the first year as a gift buyer having been all about exploring what works for the re-branded store. Current best sellers include Stoneglow's Nature's Gift range, Poole Pottery, Azeti and Umbra.

Also popular are Country Pursuits mugs from Churchill China, as well as Creative Tops’ Into the Wild mugs, tablemats and coasters – both appealing to countryside lovers in and around the town. “We have a

Julie Poyton: The Lowdown l Northallerton born and bred, Julie started work

at Barkers high street department store soon after finishing school. l She has been with the company for 27 years, mostly as the Linens buyer, becoming the store’s youngest buyer aged 19. l Following the store's rebranding to Barkers Home in March 2016, her remit now encompasses gifts, home and lifestyle products.

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O N E STO P S H O P FO R P E R SO N A L I S E D G I F TS miffy

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Visit us at Spring Fair - Hall 4 Stand E90 - F91 BEST SELLER!

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Retailer Face To Face: Barkers Home strong local farming community, and imagery such as stags and pheasants are popular,” confirms Julie. Recent additions include Moorland Pottery’s Yorkie Ware Yorkshire themed mugs and teapots, which follows the success of similarly styled greeting cards in the store’s expanding greeting card section.

Statement pieces with a ‘wow’ factor are also ringing up sales to include driftwood sculptures which are displayed in the lifestyle furniture settings.

Interestingly, rather than confining gifts to one area of the open plan store, they can be found in many other areas too. An example is the wide variety of cushions and throws that are displayed on the beds in the Linens section. As Julie points out: “This taps into the fact that beds piled high with cushions are still very fashionable in home decor.”

In addition to the dedicated home fragrance bay, candles and reed diffusers can be found in various other display settings. "For example, we have Ted Baker fragrances displayed with bed linen, and candles in recycled wine bottles in the Cook, Wine + Dine department. I'm very good at finding a place for a new range!” she laughs.

The UK's major trade shows, to include Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, Top Drawer and Home & Gift Harrogate, are a must for sourcing product. "I really enjoy spotting innovative ideas, and, hopefully, getting them here before they’ve hit other shops,” Julie

New York State Of Mind Giftware and home accessories are an eye-catching feature area on the first floor - a quadrant, with shelving on the sidewalls and, very unusually, feature tables created from industrial spools that are covered with glass.

Explains Julie: "The use of raw looking wood in New York shops was the inspiration for this look, inspiring both myself and our visual merchandiser Jenny Thackray to salvage the industrial wooden spools that were used for cabling the extension. The builders thought we were crackers, but since then, some of them have been in and they admit they look good!”

The striking Barkers sign in brickwork at the top of the central staircase to the first floor was also inspired by the Big Apple, where a similar sign can be seen in New York's Chelsea Market, spotted by md Charles Barker. Explains Julie: “The Barkers logo is the one we used before the Second World War, and the artwork of the horse rider was painted by Charles' father Leslie Barker, a keen artist, many years ago."

She adds that a free car park, friendly staff and a bright, open plan environment all contribute to the store's relaxed atmosphere.

emphasises. “I get a lot of inspiration from Top Drawer and, last Autumn, found some of our quirkier, more unusual collections there,” she recalls.

Julie describes a typical Barker shopper as “loyal, regular and wanting to see Barkers here in another 50 years." In addition to locals, both stores attract custom from York, Harrogate and Newcastle with an impressive mailing list that covers a 50 mile radius.

With a new wedding list service launching this year, Barkers Home will be targeting people in their 30s, but Julie dismisses age stereotypes. “Your typical 70 year-old doesn’t want a traditional look.

Linens is an example where we no longer sell the quantities of traditional floral patterned bedding that we used to.”

Looking to the rest of 2017, Julie says she's excited about the prospect of exploring the next round of trade shows. “We'll be learning from mistakes and moving on to try something new,” she states. Plus, following on from the success of the store’s first ever Christmas department, there will be more Christmas activity this year, with possibilities including tea with Santa in the café or a Santa’s Grotto, which is likely to boast gift purchases.

Adds Julie: “Although the word is still getting round that we are no longer just a furniture store, our reputation as a gift destination is certainly growing. There's a lot of consumer confidence in the town, so we're feeling very positive about growth over the coming year."

Above: An industrial spool has been turned into a display feature.

Right: The home fragrance bay.

Far right: A glimpse into the new gift and home department.

Below: The exposed brick wall has been inspired by retail stores in New York.

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In Profile: Yankee Candle Europe

Sweet Smell Of Success

Can there be a candle lover, or gift retailer in the UK for that matter, that hasn't heard of Yankee Candle? The mighty American brand, which has been burning brightly in Britain for some 18 years, has become a household name in the home fragrance market place, with Yankee Candle's iconic jars recognised the world over.

With a new owner, a crack team at its Avonmouth HQ, and new collections ready to be unveiled at Spring Fair, the company has ambitious plans - and plenty of headroom - to grow significantly over the next two years.

PG&H put Mel Stack, Yankee Candle Europe's President and General Manager of EMEA, and Alistair Roberts, General Manager UK, into the hot seat.

Few would disagree that Yankee Candle is a worldwide phenomenon in home fragrance, arguably, the most successful premium scented home fragrance company in the world. In addition to candles, fragrancing products have evolved to include reed diffusers, room sprays, car jar fragrances, electric home fragrances, Advents, gift sets and candle accessories, most featuring coordinating mix and match products that are inspiring home decor. Everything, both flame and non-flame, has been created for the company's loyal, passionate customers who

are looking to buy into the Yankee fragrance concept, with candle care too, very much a part of the retail offer.

Now part of the $16bn Newell Brands conglomerate - formerly Newell Rubbermaid - which bought Yankee's previous owner, the Jarden Corporation, last year - the new American owners have confirmed that they will be investing heavily in the brand over the next two to three years, focusing on accelerating its growth potential.

"Of all the brands in Newell Brands' portfolio, Yankee Candle is seen as one of

Yankee Candle: The Lowdown l Yankee Candle was founded by 16

l

l

l

l

year old American Mike Kitteridge in 1969 when he made a candle for his mum.

The company is currently owned by Newell Brands, a leading American global consumer brand driven goods company.

Yankee Candle was launched into the UK in 1998, and into Europe in 2001, with Millefiori, based in Milan, acquired in 2014.

Yankee Candle's HQ is based in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, with Yankee Candle Europe, which employs some 300 staff, based in Avonmouth, Bristol.

Each year, Yankee Candle produces 200 million candles, using over 22 million kg of wax and over 1.2 million metres of wick.

the key growth drivers," confirms Mel Stack, President and General Manager of EMEA, who took over the Yankee Candle Europe reins in 2014. Joining Yankee from Weight Watchers, where she was President of International, she also held similar senior positions with toy giants Hasbro, Mattel and Fisher Price.

Although there are currently many routes to market for Yankee in the UK - department stores, Clintons, pop ups, a new stand alone store in Cheltenham, plus QVC and Facebook - the company's spotlight is firmly on its UK independent customer base, viewed as the lifeblood of the company. Last Autumn, 16 road shows were held around the country for over 250 retailers, to advise on how they can up-sell and cross-sell products. PoS, visual merchandising and promotions were also at the forefront, with new shelving reflecting a softer, more homely feel. "The seminars were about helping retailers to stop, hold and engage with consumers," explains Alistair Roberts, General Manager UK. Alistair joined almost a year ago from Bissell where he was md for Above: Mel Stack, President and General Manager of Yankee Candle Europe.

Inset: Pure Essence was launched in January. The gift sets are being promoted in line with Mother’s Day.

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In Profile: Yankee Candle Europe

EMEA, having held similar senior positions at Black & Decker, Dell and Coca Cola. Such was the success of the seminars, he has confirmed that they will be repeated.

Interestingly, 80% of the UK nationals team - which includes a full time trainer have been with the company for less than three years, with Alistair highlighting this as a fresh approach to the brand."Yankee Candle is now a very fast paced business, not dissimilar to a FMCG organisation, so as a team, we're constantly looking at how we can be a good retail partner. We are currently maximising and investing in an 'execution for excellence' drive through all our retail channels where the same principles hold true. We want to make the in-store experience exciting for both retailers and their customers."

In addition to two Yankee Candle trial stores in Brent Cross Shopping Centre, North London, and West Quay Shopping Centre in Southampton, the company recently opened its first, permanent standalone store in the Regent Arcade in Cheltenham where Alistair spent a day behind the counter. "You don't imagine that people can get so emotional about candles and fragrance notes but they do," he comments. "As a retailer we're learning to really understand our consumers."

Going forward, the plan is to have a balance of retail stores that will give Yankee Candle Europe retail insights into, for example, what consumers are looking for, what works and what doesn't. "Yankee is

different to all other home fragrance brands and retailers can capitalise on that to give themselves a point of difference," Alistair emphasises.

For passionate Yankee devotees across the board, it is, of course, the fragrances that sell the product. There are well over 100 - very few are retired - with all evoking and delivering a memory. (For the record, Mel's favourite is Warm Summer Nights while Alistair's is Riviera Escape). Each fragrance is authentic in replicating the name of the scent, down to the very last drop of

Mamma Mia Although fragranced, coloured candles have been around in the UK for a good couple of decades, Mel Stack highlights that in Europe, candles remain largely white and unscented. "We came into the European market place in 2001, via Scandinavia, offering something unique and ongoing, and thanks to an incredibly strong sales infrastructure, there has been huge penetration and growth, especially in Italy - which has outpaced every other European country alongside France, and also Germany, which are fast catching them up. We are growing very quickly, and in new markets, with the strength of our new collections six times a year contrasting with other brands. There is therefore plenty of headroom for significant growth."

She stresses that Europe is a dynamic market, with young people in particular already becoming Yankee consumers. "Given the ongoing growth in Italy, France and Germany, there's every likelihood that, over the next few years, these countries will be on a par with the UK market. When all of that is added together, this will make Yankee Candle Europe almost as big as the mighty American market itself."

Top: Viva Havana will be launching mid year.

Above left: Alistair Roberts, General Manager UK. bove: The new standalone Yankee Candle store in Cheltenham's Regent Arcade.

Below: Coastal Living is Yankee Candle's newest launch for 2017.

wax. "It's why there's so much belief in the brand," Alistair points out. Created by the leading European fragrance houses, 2017 will see more woody notes, and the launch of an exotic Viva Havana collection mid-year.

Meanwhile, with Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Easter on the horizon, gift sets have become a mainstay of the collections, tapping into seasonal trends and special occasions that include Halloween, weddings, and, of course, Christmas. "We want people to not only think 'what a great gift', but also to have a great 'first touch' experience so that they get the Yankee 'bug'," says Mel. As Spring Fair hones into view, she confirms that visitors to the Yankee Candle stand will be able to have a first sighting of the company's Autumn/Winter 2017 offer, which features two big themes: Fall In Love and The Perfect Christmas. "Our stand will give retailers a sense of what's coming, showcasing the seasons and the trends.

Seeing how the products are merchandised will also inspire them on how to create the Yankee magic for their stores. Looking to the longer term, for Yankee, and for our retail partners, the next two to three years are going to be a very exciting journey!"

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TRENDS: SHADES OF GREEN

Seen To Be Green Greenery is the new Pantone colour for 2017, a Spring-cum-nature inspired gradation suggesting renovation and regeneration.

It's department store Heal's signature colour for the coming season, with gift and home suppliers keen to show their (colour) green credentials!

Left: Douglas' green shopper bag taps into this season's top trend colour.

Right: Glassware from SIL's Cactus Galore range.

Below right: Always on trend, Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint in Amsterdam Green.

Above: Dartington's Spring season handmade glass flower jugs, with a hand applied flower stamp, includes a trendy lime green version.

Right: Gift Republic Great Tit tea towel.

Below: A Deck Chair party bucket from Really Good/Soul.

Left: Burgon & Ball's gift boxed Brie Harrison trowel, snips and plant label.

Left: New from Creative Tops, Festival Folk by Katie Alice.

Right: Green is in the frame for Shruti.

Left: From Sass & Belle by RJB Stone's Colourful Cactus collection.

Above: Green is a strong colour in Christopher Vine Australia's Paradiso illustrated tableware, distributed in the UK by Valerie Graham.

Left: Among the Orla Kiely candles from KMI Brands.

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PG Live 2017

Laying Their Cards On The Table Below: The show is now open!

The Max Exhibitions team, along with exhibitors and visitors.

Bottom: Busy aisles at the show.

Dedicated greeting card show PG Live, now in its ninth hugely successful year, is continuing to go from strength to strength, with more and more gift retailers seeing it as a 'must attend' early summer show.

PG&H took a peek at what will be unveiled at the Business Design Centre on June 6-7, and talked to some of last year's gift indies for their views on not only why they travel from far and wide to attend, but also, why the show is an unmissable event for them.

When the doors open at the beginning of June, PG Live 2017, organised by Max Exhibitions (a sister company to PG&H), will again be an inspiring a celebration of the creative, fast moving greeting card industry, revealing thousands of original designs, exciting ranges and exclusive show offers. A packed exhibitor list features a global roster of publishers, artists and designers who will be unveiling a myriad of products.

Anyone who sells greeting cards, along with international distributors and licensees, will find the show invaluable for sourcing fresh product, discovering new names and browsing inspirational portfolios, while publishers of all sizes will make the most of the opportunity to showcase their latest designs and newest promotions.

As regular visitors will confirm, it's a fun show, bursting with energy, an artistic vibe and a greeting card industry 'community' spirit, as well as being the launchpad for exciting new collections and original design.

Retailer Tina Botterill, owner of Cool Cards!, has been to every show, and travels to London to visit PG Live each year from Skipton in Yorkshire. "I thought that the 2016 show was the best in the 20 years I have been buying at trade fairs," she stated.

"The selection was comprehensive and innovative, so for retailers looking for cards that are different, all I can say is, look no further and go to Progressive Live 2017."

Another PG Live 'veteran' visitor is Peter Whiteman, owner of three retail outlets including gift shop Amore in Worcester. "I've

been every year since the show started out and it's always a joy to attend. I especially love to support the young companies in Springboard because I enjoy watching them grow. A good example is Wrendale Designs."

Meanwhile, planning to travel to London from West Wickham for the 2017 show are Sara and Ivor Rao, co-owners of gift shop The Lemon Tree, which has six branches in

The Lowdown PG Live 2017 takes place on Tuesday June 6 and Wednesday June 7, 2017, at the Business Design Centre in London.

Tel: +44 (0)1635 297070 Email: warren@progressivegreetingslive.com Visit: www.progressivegreetingslive.com

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Immerse yourself in the greeting card world PG Live 2017 is proud to present thousands of original designs, exciting ranges and exclusive show offers from the top 250+ publishers, artists and designers from around the globe.

Be inspired.

Don’t Miss Out!

Book now to secure your place at PG Live 2017, the ideal place to source fresh product and find exciting new publishers and artists.

www.progressivegreetingslive.com

“I love PG Live and would never dream of missing it. Last year’s show was the best ever! I visited both days and sourced some great new suppliers.”

Mark Turner, buyer, Fenwick Colchester

BOOK YOUR TICKET NOW!

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PG Live 2017

New Look Website The PG Live website - www.progressivegreetingslive.com - recently underwent a makeover that reflects the exhibition's fresh, modern approach to trade shows.

"It makes planning and attending PG Live easy, as the website is faster, easier to navigate and more user-friendly, while still keeping the friendly feel PG Live is famous for," says marketing manager Jacqui Parr.

Buyers can browse exciting new ranges and designs in advance, while the navigation and streamlined content makes it simple for visitors to plan everything from which exhibitors they want to see to where they want to stay.

Brimming with information about the show, as well as helpful links to local accommodation and entertainment, the website continues to be a valuable online resource, say organisers Max Exhibitions.

Left: Roger Eames, pictured with Laura Didehvar, directors of gift shop Celebrations of Stourbridge, enjoys a cup of tea as he browses the aisles.

Below: The Business Design Centre in London's trendy Islington.

Kent and Surrey. "I thought PG Live 2016 was an excellent show with a lovely friendly atmosphere," says Sara. "There was a great buzz about the place which gave us a very positive vibe. There were some very cool new suppliers and we loved the fact that there was a separate hall for new companies where we found some great new cards from Lola Design, Two Beans and Bexy Boo. I also really liked Georgia Breeze, Age Attitude and Dandelion Stationery. In addition, we also saw lots of reps and agents who we have known years and have a great relationship with. We will definitely be coming back this year."

At House of Cards, which has seven gift and card retail outlets in the Home Counties, co-owner Miles Robinson was also lavish in his praise."The show really is a fantastic showcase of brilliant publishers,” he stated. “Having them all in one place at the same time is great for us. The attention to detail, the

A Free Lunch?

Yes, It’s True!

As regular PG Live visitors confirm, what makes it such a special show to attend is the two day convivial atmosphere, and the all encompassing friendliness that ensures that everyone - both visitors and exhibitors - have a marvellous time.

Everything has been thought through, from free refreshments for visitors throughout the entire twoday exhibition, to a free hot, two course lunch, a free post-show industry party at the end of the first day and the use of the Henry Cole Buyers’ Lounge where tea, coffee and biscuits are served. Free wifi is also available.

Right: A PG Live promotion girl is dressed to the nines in greeting cards!

Did you know... l The UK greeting card market is

worth £1.6bn in card sales and is the highest per capita greetings card market in the world. l The average person exchanges 31 cards a year.

atmosphere and the way we were are looked after is second to none.”

Another top giftie to frequent last year’s PG Live was Diz Williams, co-owner of The Tokenhouse in Nottingham along with husband Geoff and daughter Holly. "We enjoy seeing all the card companies together, especially the new smaller companies," explained Diz. "In 2016, we picked up some new publishers and also saw companies that we had not ordered from for a while."

Added Holly: "We also found it interesting to take a look at the early Christmas designs."

Talking about the 2017 event, joint show director Warren Lomax explains: “Once again we are excited to be bringing hundreds of talented card suppliers together under one roof. This year's offering is simply outstanding in terms of originality, imagination and quality, and there are some amazing new ranges that we know retail buyers will love."

Adds Warren: "We love working with so many enthusiastic people, and are looking forward to coming up with some exciting surprises for the 2017 show!”

Now firmly established as a key date in the greeting card calendar, over 250 exhibitors will be launching brand new collections at the show. PG Live will also be the only trade show of the year for many leading publishers, such as Hallmark, UK Greetings, Gemma, CardMix, Paperlink and Icon.

Left: Exhibitors and visitors let their hair down at the first night, after show party.

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Fresh Contemporary & Considered

D O U G L A S The Boy Wonder Spring Fair Birmingham Hall 3 Stand S10 5th - 9th February

Douglas The Boy Wonder

Gifts, stationery & accessories for dog lovers & fans of fresh, contemporary design. e: douglas@thelittledog.co.uk w: www.thelittledog.co.uk t: 01332 290605

SPRING FAIR HALL 6, L44-M45

LAGOON

LOTS OF NEW

COME AND SEE

GIFTS! US

Games & Puzzles

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Retailer Face To Face: The Granite House

The Generation Game How many independent gift retailers can remember selling a troll or a Garfield or even a first generation Furby? You can probably count them on one hand. But for one gift shop owner, Alistair Ness of The Granite House, based in Scotland's Fort William in the Highlands, some of the fads, to include Beanie Babies, Nomination and Hypercolor T-shirts, take him back to a time when his parents owned the shop, and he was a very young, extra pair of hands.

Now, some 40 years on, as Alistair and his own family get ready to celebrate the shop's milestone anniversary, he reminisces with PG&H about times past and present.

For Alistair Ness, going into gift retail was a given. "I worked in the business after school and at weekends, and apart from a stint at Edinburgh University, I have never worked anywhere else," he explains.

Casting his mind back to 1977, Alistair recalls that, for the first two summers, his parents ran the business as a café, with their names above the door. (It's still know as J&K Ness's even though Alistair changed the name to The Granite House in 1985!).

"But that was only until an enterprising salesman offered to leave a stand of souvenirs on the counter, saying that if they didn't sell he'd collect them on his next visit," explains Alistair. "Of course they did sell, and the following year, the café was closed and the gift shop was born. In those early years, my parents worked long hard hours and did everything themselves, including building all the shopfittings," he remembers.

"My dad's background in finance may not have helped his buying skills, but he knew how to drive a hard bargain and how to run a profitable business."

Yet the gift industry was a different proposition back in the day. "In the late 1970’s, it was much harder to buy stock," he reflects. "There were fewer suppliers and they weren’t geared up to supply nationwide. My parents opened up accounts where they could, and fortunately Top: The shop's first carrier bag. The artwork was hand drawn by Alistair.

Above: Alistair Ness, owner of The Granite House, with his daughters Katherine (left) and Gillian.

Left: The clothing department.

made some good choices. In fact, some of our biggest and best suppliers are still with us. For example, we have bought jewellery from Ortak and C L Edwards, and watches from Lorus, for over 30 years. Container Group Buying (CGB), or Omicways as they were at the time, have dealt with us over three generations, as have Charles Buyers and Dunoon, along with several others."

Over the years, The Granite House has evolved its product sectors as the gift industry itself has evolved. "Fort William is a tourist town, and the summer months are always crazily busy, but we have always tailored the store to appeal to the loyal locals who shop with us throughout the year," says Alistair.

Realising that The Granite House had become a destination store in the Highlands, with the widest possible demographic, gifts were gradually joined by clothes, music and toys with varying degrees of success. "By Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Retailer Face To Face: The Granite House the 1990’s, our clothing department had become a pretty cool surf brand based addition to the store," points out Alistair. "We had all the big brands, from Quiksilver and Ripcurl to Mambo and DC shoes. However, there was a very rapid decline in this market and now the main thrust of our clothing ranges centre around Joules, Seasalt, Ness and Old Guys Rule. Similarly, our music department, which at one time had 7m of CD racking, stocking traditional music from Scotland and around the world, is now down to a single rack. Nevertheless, it does well considering how much music is downloaded," he points out. "We also have a basic musical instrument offering, mainly supplying consumables such as strings and accessories, plus the odd guitar."

Despite the ups and downs of retail over the decades, the business has continued to thrive, with Alistair expanding

the premises in 1999 by renting the shop next door. "We called it Thingking, and as the toy department grew, a decision was taken to move it into the Thingking space and for us to join Toymaster." But after 15 years, it was clear that the toy trade was taking a huge hammering from the multiples and online retailers, so we stepped away. We still have a toy department," he confirms, "but as big brand items only offer miniscule margins, we steer away from them. I like to think that Thingking was a bit ahead of its time!"

Far more successful however, have been the store's home fragrancing and lifestyle products. "We still do incredibly well with companies such as Yankee Candle and Heaven Sends, but the real winners for us are big players such as Enesco, LSA and Portmeirion Group. In addition, we also stock

The Granite House: The Lowdown l The Granite House was built around

l

l

l

l

Above: Highland Stoneware.

Left: Sentiment giftware.

Below: Beanie Babies were the stand out craze of the past 40 years.

fantastic Scottish products from Highland Stoneware, as well as our own, ever expanding range of T-shirts and local souvenirs."

Sourcing continues to be done at all the major trade shows, with Milan, Frankfurt and New York among the international shows visited over the years. "I have always said that the day I found that I didn't enjoy going to Birmingham, or any of the other shows around the UK and abroad, it was the day I should give it up," he continues. "Fortunately, that day hasn't come, and my two daughters, Katherine and Gillian, seem to share my enthusiasm for seeking out new and interesting products. Thankfully, we seem to have picked a few winners over the years, and there is still nothing like taking a wee risk on an unknown, only to find it turning into a best seller. The Granite House has grown up with quite a few very well known gift suppliers. For example, we had

1870 to house two shop units on the ground floor and 'garrets' on the upper floors.

For several years, it was operated as one of three temperance hotels in Fort William, promoting the benefits of abstinence from alcohol.

The building has been linked in local folklore to Hermann Hess's flight into Scotland, "but that's another story!" says Alistair.

Today, the shop's tagline is: 'Fort William's favourite gift shop since 1977.' "We've used it since 1987," Alistair laughs.

In 2003, The Granite House won The Greats' Independent Retailer of the Year - Scotland category.

our own design Dunoon mugs made in the early 1980’s and now find that third generation is buying from third generation."

Talking of the generations, the business remains a family affair - Alistair, his wife and their two daughters - who are joined by a small band of staff. A third EPOS system has just been installed and a website newly launched, which Alistair believes will add a healthy percentage to the bottom line over the coming months. "In fact, it's not impossible that we will go back to selling coffees, just as we did when my parents ran the café with a fantastic Gaggia machine 40 years ago," he suggests.

Meanwhile, Alistair says he still feels lucky to be self employed in such a great industry. "Admittedly there's a lot of duplication and bandwagoning out there, but overall, it's still innovative and exciting, a business that inspires and encourages customers and retailers alike. As to the secret of our longevity, it seems to be our ability to change with the times."

The Craziest Craze Of course, fads have come and gone over the decades, and Alistair admits he's seen them all! "By having all the all the must have gifts of the last 40 years we have ensured that our customers think of us first when the next trend comes along. What’s next? I’ve no idea, and I wouldn’t tell you if I did!" he quips. "However, Beanie Babies were without doubt the craziest craze ever. Customers were gripped by the belief that they were making sound financial investments by buying everything they could. And yes, if you got in early and got out quick you will have made a few quid. But I do recall rationing our supply so that loyal locals got a good chance to buy what they wanted, leaving other customers very angry that they couldn’t buy our entire stock!

Today, Lego is still a phenomenal seller for us for kids, and we do very well with products like Ness and Joules for the big kids."

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Top Drawer Exhibition: 15th - 17th January 2017 Stand N30 enquiries@ladedaliving.co.uk 01242 250 653 www.ladedaliving.co.uk ladedaliving

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Face To Face: La De Da Livinbg

Well, La De Da

La De Da Living is currently best known for its popular, British made, hand stamped, vintage sentiment cutlery, along with its fashion and home accessories which range from jewellery, bags and scarves to candles, light up lights and wall prints.

The brainchild of Rita Davanzo and Dominique FracassoStroud, the sisters and business partners are now embarking on an exciting new venture - RD - a sassy new brand that launches at Spring Fair. "It's just like us, states Rita. "Lots of fun and full of personality!"

'La De Da world', the HQ of La De Da Living in Cheltenham, certainly sounds like a fun place to work. Comprising a dozen 'la de das', who reflect both La De Da's products and the company's founders and designers Rita and Dom, it's a creatively charged atmosphere, especially now that an exciting new brand, RD, is poised to launch. (RD, of course, stands for Rita and Dom). "I can truthfully look at every team member and say, 'they're like us. Very la de da'," smiles Rita, who oozes sophisticated glamour. "As we're all coming from the same perspective, it means we can bounce things off each other. In fact, our staff are the first people we show our ideas to and we take their feedback very seriously. It's where all our creativity comes from - and maybe a bottle of wine over dinner!" she laughs.

Enthusiasm bubbles over as Rita and Dom - elegantly casual - share the concept of their biggest and potentially most game changing business venture yet. "2017 is going to be a very big year for La De Da Living," Dom confirms. "As well as a major rebranding for La De Living, which includes our vintage cutlery and POP sentiment candles, we're overhauling our current website and also introducing a brand new trade website for our customers.

Plus, we couldn't be more excited to be launching RD, a range that really reflects our own tastes and style as well as current buying trends. It's about chic, affordable style for stylish women."

RD features four main sectors: oversized clutch and envelope bags; jewellery;

scarves; greeting cards and postcards. To add to RD's gift-ability, every single product in the collection comes with its own stylish RD branded gift box or gift bag, which has a signature metallic silver thread running through the design. Where possible, everything has been sourced and made in Britain.

"The range has been created to shout elegance," says Rita, "but, as importantly, everything is affordable." Discussing the oversized clutch bags, she makes the point

Below: Sisters and business partners Rita Davanzo (right) and Dominique Fracasso-Stroud.

Below right: The new RD oversized envelope bags.

Bottom: RD sentiment word bangles.

that she was influenced by women's everyday over-stuffed handbags. "Nothing looks worse than a bulging clutch bag or envelope bag - think essentials such as make-up, keys, brush, purse, mobile etc - so we kept this practicality in mind when we were designing and added a smart, detachable chain for the evening, as well as a practical hands-free wrist strap, ensuring that the bags will work for all occasions."

Complementing the bags are a range of 100% Indian cotton scarves in eight different designs. "The colours for both the bags and the scarves are bang on trend," says Rita, "to include blush pink, soft blue, ivory and grey. RD is a classic brand that will still be

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Face To Face: La De Da Livinbg wearable and usable in five years time," she emphasises, "which is why we've gone for classic colours."

As for RD's jewellery collection, the key themes are personalisation and sentiment, featuring gift boxed sentiment bangles along with a sentiment bracelet range, enabling customers to mix and match components to create a gift or self-purchase item. Explains Dom: "People can choose the band, the sentiment and either a star or a heart charm, as well as the card they want it to sit on."

She continues: "It's a lasting gift that won't cost the earth and follows the social media trend for self-affirmation that says we should all remind ourselves, and those close to us, that we're amazing. It's the antithesis to all the negativity that there is in the world."

Finally, there is a big box set of 20 RD greeting cards and postcards covering all occasions. "They've got a very fun, twisty element to them," explains Dom. "There are note cards and postcards, and each one is different to include captions such as thinking of you, thank you etc." Adds Rita, "the packaging is actually so beautiful that you can leave it out on a coffee table or side table."

So what's the secret of La De Da's success? "It's customer service," says Dom, "which we see as paramount. You can have the most amazing products, but if you don't look after your customers it won't work. We're very fortunate in that we get lovely tweets about our 'la de das', and that feedback makes us very proud of how they represent our brand and our company. We believe that as long as our customers are happy then they will stay loyal to us and see us on our journey as we continue to grow organically."

Adds Rita, "what connects all of our diverse products is a twist on words and sentiment - keepsake items which tie everything together. It's at the forefront of every design, from a spoon to a candle to jewellery, and stems from our days as gift retailers at the time of sentiment wall signs and girlie sayings, which have evolved to become fun rather than soppy."

Another factor is, of course, the enduring relationship between Rita and Dom, 30 somethings who are both mums of 7year-olds. "Rita has always been the creative one, who comes up with these amazing ideas," Dom explains, "and I make them

La De Da Living: The Lowdown l La De Da was initially opened as an upmarket Cheltenham gift shop in 2010, based in

Montpellier, which won a Greats Best Newcomer South & Wales award in 2012. l Wholesale arm La De Da Living was founded a year later, following a successful trial of

hand stamped vintage cutlery in the shop, which was subsequently offered to the trade. l The company is now a family run wholesale business based in Cheltenham. Rita's husband

Antony, who comes from a corporate sales and management background, was appointed md in 2013, with Rita and Dom's parents, former retailers, always ready to lend a hand. l La De Da - The Paint Shop, the official, exclusive stockist for Annie Sloan paint in Cheltenham, is run from the premises by Rita and Dom's sister Shelley. l In addition to the cutlery collections, product ranges also include POP candles, fashion accessories, light up letters and jewellery. The company is also the UK distributor for Daisy Maison. l La De Da Living's new brand, RD, will be launched in Hall 7 at Spring Fair 2017. See Approach To Spring Fair on page 46-49.

happen. We're always texting each other at silly hours with new ideas," adds Rita. "Our heads are constantly full of interesting stuff and we couldn't do what we do without each other. We're sisters, business partners and best friends."

Aside from the launch of RD and the rebranding of La De La Living, Rita and Dom are gearing up for other big company

changes. For example, La De Da Living's vintage cutlery range will not only be expanding, but also getting new packaging, as will the POP candle collection which will be joined by oil reeds built around the company's trademark Prosecco theme.

There will also be a first time launch of a pick-up range of lip balms featuring sentiment quotes. And if all of that isn't enough, Rita and Dom will also be looking to exhibit at some of the major gift shows internationally, to include NY NOW in New York, in order to attract big department stores worldwide. "Our Britishness is our strength," says Dom, "and we believe that this is what will propel us to the next level."

Above: La De Da Living's vintage cutlery range will be expanding.

Below: The new La De Da Living POP oil reeds.

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Spotlight On... Jewellery & Fashion Accessories

A Riot Of

Colour With blues, pinks and green among the top trend colours for the coming season, many jewellery suppliers have gone for all things bright and beautiful this Spring.

Rose gold and mixed metals also remain among the winners, along with minimalism in design. There are going to be plenty of feathers around too, along with a new take on personalisation and sentiment.

PG&H takes you down the Spring/Summer '17 catwalk.

“M

y inspiration when creating our Spring/Summer 2017 collection was balance and simplicity," explains Malene Storm, co-owner and head designer at Dansk Smykkekunst, Copenhagen. "It was about creating a balance between the different metal textures and leather used in the designs, as well as balancing and fusing the combination of tones and colours against the subtle metal shades, with the scarves a clever balance of natural materials woven into Spring prints with hints of the tones used in the jewellery. Our Simplicity collection meanwhile, is simply Scandinavian in design, ensuring that the relationship between the design, and the materials used, is uncomplicated and retains a clarity and purity.

It's all about contemporary clean lines that create modern, simple, wearable jewellery."

Explains Malene: "While I believe that jewellery should have some impact, that it should make a statement, equally, I try to remain true to the attributes of Scandinavian minimalism."

However, Chris Holden, director of PoM, thinks we'll all be ready for a bit of luxury this Spring. "We're seeing lots of rich colours, florals and clashing colours on the catwalk. So we will definitely be taking elements of that for our own scarf collection, while rose gold and plated mixed metals will dominate gift jewellery, creating a decadent look at a great low price."

At Carrie Elspeth, Spring trends are bursting with strong, bold colours. "You

won’t be able to miss the vibrant, Caribbean and tropical-inspired palettes in jewellery and fashion accessories," says Carrie. "In contrast though, you'll also find floral designs and abstract patterns with metallic accents.

The season is full of vibrancy and fun, and our Spring collection features lots of colourful jewellery and accessories. As always, for us, it's all about colour, to include ocean twists, floral bouquets and glowing rainbows."

Amanda Angless, founder of One Button, concurs it's time to shake off the winter blues and embrace a big dollop of colour, texture and shape. "Gone are ditsy flowers, fine threads and pretty enhancements," says Amanda. "Our look for Spring is definitely not understated, with the vibe simple, elegant and stylish. Our jewellery collections evoke a modern newness, quirky personality and self

Above: Part of the new Spring/Summer collection from Dansk features trendy shades of green.

Left: The Ocean Toho Twisted bracelet from Carrie Elspeth.

Bottom left: A necklace from PoM's new collection.

Below: Colour is playing a leading role in One Button's collection for Spring/Summer.

expression, topped off with an extra helping of eccentricity.

Colours are the principal performers of a Cuban carnival," she points out, "while cool energy and tranquillity comes from sun bleached tumbled elements, with organic and down to earth neutrals adding a more sensitive tone."

Miss Milly too, is another company that's passionate about colour. "We love to experiment with different shades, so the forecast trend for vibrant, retro colour combinations, such as pink and orange, was one we definitely couldn’t pass up on," enthuses md Sarah Watmore. "We have therefore fully embraced it for our jewellery, scarves and brand new beauty bags and purses range."

Sarah says that as well as a pink and orange mix, turquoise and lime feature heavily, with a softer purple and grey offering Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spring Fair 2017: Hall 8 – A19 Proud to be Part of The Summerhouse Group

Celebrating a decade of designing and sourcing the most beautiful jewellery and fashion accessories.

www.hot-tom.com - sales@hot-tomatouk.com - 01225 422188

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Spotlight On... Jewellery & Fashion Accessories a more delicate, pastel combination. "The striking colour scheme lends itself to bold designs, which is the foundation of our jewellery collection," says Sarah.

But it's not all about colour this Spring. "Buyers shouldn't shrink from the abundance of crystals and sparkle that will continue through into the new season's fashion accessories," says Alex Machin, director of Hot Tomato. "The look may be more subtle than ‘full on party’ but their continued presence ensures a seamless transition into Spring/Summer."

Advises Alex: "Watch out for a mixture of soft satin finished metals.

Gold is a strong contender for the summer hot spot, and sparkles should be in clear or neutral tones with the occasional iridescent accents.

Earrings and bracelets are a winning duo, but display is everything," says Alex.

A Fine Feather Of A Trend

Left: A striking pink and orange statement necklace from Miss Milly.

Below middle left: A flamingo necklace, part of Kit Heath's Dew collection.

Below left: Statement crystal rings from Hot Tomato.

Kit Heath's Dew meanwhile, is fresh for Spring featuring an abundance of sterling silver designs, to include an animal collection from British country life to the exotic Tropics. “Take your pick from Cockerpoos and Jack Russells to flamingos and a flying pig!” quips creative director Katie Nickell.

She says that the collection, designed to appeal to women of all ages, keeps a close eye on both the catwalk and high street.

“Our Dew design team have reflected the key season trends with geometric, lineal and celestial - all things skyward - also expanding in response to key stories in our popular fresh water pearls and cubic zirconia designs for Spring/Summer.”

Gecko meanwhile, will be introducing over 300 brand new pieces to its Beginnings Collection, bringing the total offer to over 900 designs. New pieces include earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, bangles, hoops, studs, nose studs, ear cuffs and menswear. All designs are in sterling silver with some featuring coloured stones such as rose quartz, moonstone, turquoise and amber, as well as cubic zirconia. Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls are also very much a part of the range, with a premium range of animal earrings and pendants, and quirky designs based on emojis.

Left: Joe Davies' Equilibrium Feather collection.

At Joe Davies, buyer Mary Richards says that the trend for feathers in jewellery continues to go from strength to strength. "It will be a key feature within Joe Davies' Equilibrium collection for Spring/Summer 2017," highlights Mary, "encompassing an array of crystal feather pieces and a colourful collection of dream catcher jewellery, a hot trend for 2017."

There will also be a focus for a new collection for Spring within the Equilibrium brand. Following the calming tones of the sea being featured strongly on the fashion catwalk for Spring/Summer 2017, the tones have been captured in the brand new Marine Tones collection. "Each piece showcases tones of aqua, blue, turquoise and mint, reminiscent of cool Mediterranean seas," points out Mary.

Tangle Free Jewellery An innovative add-on for gift retailers is the Jewelry Snug by Meggie, offered exclusively in the UK by Virtual Candles.

"It's a quick, easy, tangle-free jewellery solution," explains Virtual's sales director Paul Travis. "The jewellery is placed between the vinyl pages of the Snug, then pressed to seal, ensuring that the piece of jewellery stays in place. There's a cylinder for rings and earrings too."

Continues Paul: "Pages are rolled on top of each other and around the cylinder before being tied, and there's a handy drawstring pouch which makes it very portable too."

Below: The Jewlry Snug by Meggie, distributed in the UK by Virtual Candles.

Below: New from Gecko this season.

Bottom: Sea Gems will be introducing hundreds of new additions to its popular jewellery and gift ranges for Spring 2017.

“This collection builds on the success of our Beginnings Edit range of more heavyweight silver designs, with clean, contemporary lines which were launched last Autumn, and which opened the collection to a wider, design-led audience,” confirms Gecko's creative director Desiree Pringle.

Of course, ultimately it all comes down to personal choice, with vibrant colours, minimalism, personalisation or a little bit of everything giving gift retailers the opportunity to refresh and renew their ranges as the new Spring season kicks in.

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Sentiment

equilibrium

C O L L E C T I O N

5- 9 FEB 2017 NEC Birmingham Hall 5 Stand D50-E51

Joe Davies will introduce over 500 new Equilibrium® lines for Spring & Summer at Spring Fair.

Everything is available in our trademark ‘Little & Often’ quantities with minimum orders of just £100.

Equilibrium® the UK’s Hottest Jewellery Range Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk f: joedaviesgiftware

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Spotlight On... Jewellery & Fashion Accessories

Personally Speaking Personalised jewellery is continuing to go from strength to strength, with sentiment playing a huge part in making that all important connection with the purchaser."

For Joma Jewellery, Spring/Summer ‘17 sees a move into modern minimalism with the company's charms taking on a new clean, fresh look. "Silver and rose gold are still trending this season, especially when mixed together, but sentiment is still the strongest trend with new and exciting ways to introduce meaning and mantras to jewellery," emphasises creative director Katie Loxton "At Joma, our bestselling 'a little' collection has some brand new additions.

New for us this year is #MYJOMA, a collection of silver and rose gold plated initial charms and icon charms presented on little white cards. Customers choose the base necklace, bracelet or opening bangle, and mix and match their favourite charms to create the ultimate personalised pieces."

At La De Da Living, the company is looking forward to launching a new brand of jewellery, bags and scarves for

the new season. "It's been designed to reflect the current stylish trends, alongside our current best-selling personalised jewellery collection which allows customers to purchase a personalised piece in store," says Dominique Fracasso-Stroud. "Fresh, pretty colours and metallics, along with personalised touches, will be bang on trend for the new season."

Also bringing out a new range of personalised jewellery is Rachel Parkin, md of Mercy Jewellery. "It's a key theme for 2017, with our Alphabet Girls collections designed with this in mind delivering high quality silver jewellery initials in rose gold and gold finishes that expresses individuality," comments Rachel.

Above: La De Da Living's metallic personalised jewellery.

Right: Part of the Alphabet range from Mercy Jewellery.

Left: #MYJOMA collection allows people to create their own sentiment jewellery.

It's In The Bag When it comes to fashion accessories, early Spring sees a clear shift away from all the glitz and glamour of Christmas to a more simple fresh look including whites and aqua’s, says Michaela Davies, product director at Shruti.

"However, touches of metallics remain in the form of glitter text and textured trims. Gold is still very much in evidence, but pared back and more subtle in the form of gold blocking and metal trims." Adds Michaela: "Materials and designs also hint at summer sunshine with soft plastics and fun slogans."

“Spring/Summer is looking rosy," says Katie Loxton, creative director of her eponymous company. "This seasons 'must have' colour is a dusky pink, from handbags and scarves, to accessories for the home."

Continues Katie: "Sentiment is at the heart of all of our collections with this season filled with inspiring sayings to brighten every day. We've introduce a range of brand new summer metallic pouches too, in pearlescent hues, finished with sayings to inspire."

At Miss Milly, the company has recently added a selection of beauty bags and purses to

Left: New sentiment pouches from Katie Loxton.

Below left: A white make up/wash bag from Shruti, with a trendy gold design.

Right: Miss Milly's new beauty bags and purses.

Below right: Among the new durable tote bags from Douglas.

its ranges in eye-catching colour block combinations that have a retro feel as well as a hint of playfulness, designed to coordinate with the company’s jewellery and scarf collections.

"We love exploring colour and it’s always a lot of fun putting two and three tone samples together," says Miss Milly's md Sarah Watmore. "Whether they're seen as complementary or clashing, they definitely catch the eye!”

Meanwhile, with Scandi-chic style and design remaining a big

trend in the UK, the new Douglas range is strongly influenced by designer Anna Danielle’s love of Norway.

"Durable shopping bags and totes are big in the accessories market and the Douglas versions are spacious built to last, with space inside the tote for a large cake tin and a couple of wine bottles, making them perfect for summer picnics," says the company's founder Anna .

"Outdoor living is a trend that’s only going to get stronger in the year ahead and Douglas really taps into the contemporary country lifestyle that so many people now aspire to. The colourways have also been chosen to reflect important trends, with warm red, atmospheric blue and a green that’s very close to the 2017 Pantone Colour of the Year, Greenery."

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T h e Pe r f e c t Va l e n t i n e ’s D a y a n d M o t h e r ’s D a y G i f t !

New PREMIUM Polka Dot and Striped designs.

Distributed by: Virtual Candles Limited. Contact: Paul Travis tel: 07909 539574 email: paul@virtualcandles.co.uk // www.jewelrysnug.co.uk COME & SEE US AT: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand 4G88,

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

Fantastic Elastics

Spring Jewels You can’t afford to miss Carrie Elspeth’s exclusive new Spring Collection, which is a joyful feast of delicious bright colours and sophisticated designs.

Alongside the award-winning jewellery ranges are new additions to Sentiments, Carries’ best-selling carded bracelet range, and her colourful hair accessories ‘Mycolourbands’. Every piece is handmade in Wales and ready to ship to you with incredible lead times.

Carrie Elspeth Tel: 01446 771271 Email: sales@carrieelspeth.com www.carrieelspeth.com Spring Fair: Hall 19 Stand 19C20-D21

Carrie Elspeth is very excited to launch her new collection of award-winning Mycolourbands at the Spring Fair. Mycolourbands are wide, soft and colourful elastics that are gentle on your hair: you can wave goodbye to tangles and fuss! They also double up as cute wristbands and make a brilliant, practical gift. Mycolourbands are all about colour, and for spring there is a fabulous line-up of colourful, vibrant, patterned designs. Make sure you don’t miss out on these truly fantastic elastics!

Carrie Elspeth Tel: 01446 771271 Email: sales@carrieelspeth.com www.carrieelspeth.com Spring Fair: Hall 19 Stand 19C20-D21

Purse-uing Secrets Hot Tomato’s all new cute credit card/coin purses really have the wow factor! Arriving in nine glorious colours, all with pretty colour coordinated linings with fun phrases discreetly stamped, the purses measure 11cm x 8cm and the larger size of 20cm x 13cm – an ideal handbag size for girlie secrets and makeup!

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tomouk.com www.hot-tom.com Spring Fair: Hall 8 Stand A19

The Ancient Evil Eye

Magnificent Milly Miss Milly, the British brand for gorgeous jewellery and scarves, is launching colourful branded purses and beauty bags alongside a dazzling array of accessories in ontrend seasonal colours. There is a fantastic mix of pastels and tropical brights, in a selection of beautifully designed, great quality stand-out jewellery and soft, tactile scarves, at reasonable prices. Branded packaging and display stands are ready to order online. Sales agents are available in some areas.

Miss Milly Tel: 01905 622509 www.missmilly.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 19 Stand C18

The Equilibrium collection from Joe Davies continues to go from strength to strength and has fast become a recognised brand for retailers and customers alike. The drive to ensure the collection remains in vogue is as strong as ever, and the launch of its new brand ‘Evil Eye’, inspired by the ancient evil eye symbol, is a stylish addition These stunning pieces are elegantly packaged in the Equilibrium signature navy/cream packaging and will add ‘sparkle and shine’ to your jewellery display. With over 1500 pieces in the Equilibrium collection there is something for everyone, all available in ‘little and often’ quantities and carriage paid orders of just £100.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand D50-E51

Getting Personal La De Da Living’s brand new personalised jewellery collection is oh so charming! The jewellery is designed and merchandised in a counter top display so customers can choose all the elements of their bracelet gift - first chose from a variety of silver-plated sentiment star and heart-shaped charms, followed by a selection of bracelet bands in a variety of colours, then complete the personalised gift with a choice of message cards for the bracelet to sit on.

RD by La de da! Living Tel: 01242 250 653 Email: enquiries@ladedaliving.co.uk www.ladedaliving.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 6-7 Stand 7B01 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Progressive Gifts - Full Page Advert - February Issue 2017.pdf

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Come and see our NEW Spring 2017 Collection Spring Fair, Stand 19C20 - D21

"We are delighted to announce we have been shortlisted in 2 categories for Gift of the Year 2017!"

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CARRIE HANDMADE IN WALES AND BEAUTIFULLY BOXED A NEW CAPSULE COLLECTION FROM CARRIE ELSPETH

SPRING FAIR, STAND 19C20 - D21 e sales@carrieelspeth.com | t 01446 771271 | w www.carrieelspeth.com

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

Out Of Africa This season, PoM takes its inspiration from across the world. From India to West Africa, its 2017 collection will take you on a journey that will delight all your senses.

Cleverly combining sterling silver, silver plate, gold and rose gold with exquisite charms and beads, gorgeous fabrics and embroidery, PoM create inspiring jewellery, scarves and bags which are always on trend.

Peace of Mind Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com www.pom925.com Spring Fair: Hall 19-20 Stand F20-G21

Stacked Up To Triumph The 2017 Spring Fair will see the international launch of Stackers Peaks from LC Designs, the home of Stackers smart storage solutions. Stackers Peaks are an exquisite combination of femininity and practicality, offering perfect storage for your precious rings, bracelets, watches and trinkets. Available in six pretty colours and two sizes, collect them to mix and match for lovely combinations.

LC Designs Tel: 01622 716000 Email: admin@lcdesigns.com www.lcdesigns.com Spring Fair: Hall 6-7 Stand M02

Pure Origins Sea Gem’s British designed silver jewellery brand ‘Pure Origins’ is a collection of designs that are fun and personal and themed on whimsical, romantic and the natural world. The ‘Celtic Lands’ collection celebrates Celtic heritage and the intricate knot-work, and the ‘Fine Enamel’ collection features Mackintosh, Celtic and the new ‘Nature Series’ of floral and wildlife designs. Inspired gift ranges also include contemporary pens, touch stylus, compact mirrors, pillboxes, bookmarks and scarf rings.

Sea Gems Tel: + 44 (0)1736 335840 Email: sales@seagems.co.uk www.seagems.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 18 Stand K04-L05

Fabulous Folklore Wild & Wolf’s lifestyle range, Folklore, features a pretty collection of enamel necklaces and keyrings inspired by the enchanted Folklore creatures. The colourful statement pieces include a deer, bear, fox and bird design, all packaged in gift-able boxes and completed with inspiring words. Also in this Scandi-inspired range are scented lip balms, nail lacquers, a four-piece ceramic trinket tray set and canvas pouches featuring the Folklore bear and cheerful phrase ‘Bear Necessities.’

Wild & Wolf Tel: 01225 789909 Email: sales@wildandwolf.com www.wildandwolf.com Spring Fair Stand: Hall 6-7 Stand 6H42-J43

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Face To Face: Hannah Dale

Secret Of My Success When Portmeirion Group tentatively launched six Wrendale designs on Royal Worcester mugs at Spring Fair in 2013, the outcome was a game changer for both companies. "We had never had such an enthusiastic response to a range of mugs!" stated the company.

Four years down the line, multi-award winning designer Hannah Dale, the founder and creative force behind global brand Wrendale Designs, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, reveals what new designs and products Royal Worcester will be unveiling at Spring Fair 2017.

When Portmeirion Group first spotted Hannah Dale's designs at Home & Gift, Harrogate, in 2012 - Wrendale's second ever trade show - there was an instant connection between the two companies, with an initial collaboration following.

"From those first six designs on Royal Worcester mugs, the range has expanded significantly and now includes over 80 products including mugs, gift placemats and textiles," explains Hannah, a Zoology graduate and former City stockbroker. (She

originally launched Wrendale Designs as a greeting card company, when, as a stay at home mum, she wanted a means of earning some money while looking after her young children).

This February's Spring Fair will see further new mug introductions, to include a Highland cow, a cat named Lady of the House, a penguin and a pair of guinea pigs a favourite design of Hannah's. Other new products include Christmas mugs and decorations, as well as placemats, coasters and textiles featuring other favourite designs but with a twist.

"Plus, since Portmeirion Group's acquisition of Wax Lyrical in 2016, we've been working on a home fragrance range too, with the first products being unveiled this Spring," Hannah highlights.

"We were very lucky to enter into a collaboration with such a prestigious company so early on," she continues. "They

Left: Hare Brained.

Below: Lady of the House.

Below left: Hannah Dale at work in her studio.

are fantastic to work with and it is a true collaboration in terms of the design and the direction we are taking the brand."

Fortunately for Hannah, who is constantly working on new designs, the inspiration just keeps coming. "I've always had a passion for nature and wildlife, so it's a subject I never tired of painting," she points out. "However, the new artwork always makes its way onto cards first and foremost as it's a fantastic testing ground for us. We keep an eye on sales, and the designs that do well are then suggested as new motifs for the giftware ranges."

Hannah, who has never trained as an artist, believes the secret of her success is that she approaches the designs from a slightly different angle compared with most illustrators. "I hope this stands them apart from the many other talented wildlife artists out there," she comments. "I always try to convey something of the character and personality of the animals I paint, which I think people identify with. I also think that I'm quite unusual in that I enjoy the business side as much as the creative elements of the job. It's exciting exploring new opportunities and thinking of the next venture. My husband Jack and I work together and both love what we do so much that it genuinely feels as though we haven't had to go to work for the last five years!"

Hannah Dale: The Lowdown ● Hannah Dale, started out five years ago selling children's nursery paintings to local

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shops, with one owner suggesting that she should turn some of her images into greeting cards.

Today, Wrendale Designs has become a hugely successful global brand, turning over £2m and exporting to 12 countries worldwide.

Following a £6,000 investment, Hannah, together with her husband Jack, has grown the Wrendale collection to include ceramics, stationery, tinware, prints and textiles.

At the end of 2016, Hannah was shortlisted as one of 22 finalists in the prestigious NatWest everywoman Awards.

This April, Wrendale Designs will also be running a window display competition in collaboration with Portmeirion Group. A social media competition will run alongside giving one lucky fan a chance to win an original Hannah Dale painting.

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In Profile: Bolsius

Scenting SUCCESS

Through different business models, the mighty European candle brand Bolsius, best known for its unscented candles, has been in and out of the UK market with varying degrees of success. But all that has changed following the appointment of Richard Wood as UK sales director last March.

PG&H caught up with Richard to hear how a complete shake up and turnaround will be establishing Bolsius as the everyday candle brand to watch out for.

Richard Wood, who began his career as a designer, is no stranger to the home fragrance market place, having joined Bolsius from Wax Lyrical where he was sales director for eight years. Now, as the man chosen to spearhead Bolsius' re-positioning in the UK, he reels off the very significant changes that will be taking place in both the short and the long term.

"To be successful, we need to be in control of the supply chain and the execution of sales," he states, "and this will be achieved on a number of different levels."

To start with, Richard is in the process of setting up a UK hub for deliveries, which currently come to the UK directly from

Bolsius' HQ in Holland."The hub will allow us to hold stock locally and supply little and often," he explains, "giving the customer better service and lower minimum order quantities through dealing direct."

To fulfil this, he has been busy setting up a number of different aspects, to include putting together an assortment of product which he describes as "everyday" and "functional". "We've taken it down from 5,000 products to 5-10% of that," he confirms, "and we will be reflecting that reduction by bringing down the RRP and investing that saving in prices, making it simpler for consumers to understand the product, and easier for retailers to fulfil stock

and service demand. However, it's a huge step change for the company," he admits.

Over the past year, Richard has been working with consumer groups, understanding the market data in terms of purchasing, shopping habits and trends, and speaking to retailers across the industry to understand what works and what doesn't work. "It's been about having a really good look in the mirror," he comments. "We have also learned from our bespoke business what sells and doesn't sell."

He sees the brand as the 'go to' for people who want to buy candles and use them, rather than viewing them as decorative items, or feeling that they are too expensive

Emotional Tie Richard's favourite Bolsius candle has to be the Rustic pillar candle and the eight hour, unscented tea lights. "I got married last August, and these were the candles I chose to create the ambience at my wedding," he smiles.

Top: Rustic Metallic collection.

Left: Richard Wood.

Inset: Aromatic wax melts are new for Spring.

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In Profile: Bolsius

to light. "People who buy them will be doing what they do in Europe which is to come home from work and light candles to create ambience and light in their homes. What has made Bolsius so successful in Europe is that the company has created candles that can be used every day," he points out. "The candles are all about market leading texture, colour and burn times, but they are primarily perceived as a consumer durable, a product that can be used at a high consumption

level. They're impulse self-purchases, and we know that there is an opportunity at retail, and not just in the candle area. It can be about secondary placements too."

New product is, of course, key, with a new melts range that will be the hero product at Spring Fair next month. "Melts is one of the fastest growing fragrance categories at the moment," Richard underlines. Also being unveiled at the show will be Essentials pillar, tealights, taper and dinner candles. Rustic meanwhile, has been rebranded to Rustic Naturals - unscented candles featuring nudes and blush tones and there is also Rustic Metallics, featuring gold, copper and pearl finishes. A fourth range, Aromatics, will be offering a selection of products including 30 everyday fragranced tealights for just £3.99 RRP. Richard points out that it's a crowded market in terms of choice for both retailers and consumers, and often hard to differentiate from brand to brand, and product to product. "It's therefore all about the execution. As a day to day

candle manufacturer, the Bolsius brand is about self-purchase and functionality. Our products are targeted at consumers who simply want a candle to burn. We're not another 'me too' manufacturer."

Yet that doesn't mean that Bolsius' candles aren't trendy. The company keeps its finger on the pulse and was quick to spot the current hygge (cosy) trend from Denmark that has been amassing column inches in the media. "Hygge fits in perfectly with Bolsius' concept of light and atmosphere - whether the candles are fragranced or unfragranced," he states.

Interestingly, the company, which didn't enter the fragranced candle sector until 2011, doesn't retail its products online. "We are a supplier not a retailer," states Richard.

Above: Rustic neutrals.

Right: Square glass tea light holders.

Inset: Rustic metallic red tea lights and candles.

Bolsius: The Lowdown ● Bolsius, founded by two brothers, was established in Holland in 1871 and is the oldest

candle manufacturer in Europe. ● The company, which remains a family business, with Vincent Christensen currently at the

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helm, started out supplying lights, and has grown to be the No. 1 candle brand in the Netherlands, one of the leading candle manufacturers in Europe, the fragranced candle leader in Holland, and one of the dominate brands in Italy.

In the past eight years, sales have doubled. Having entered the UK market in the mid-80s, the brand reverted back to Holland in the '90s, re-emerging in the UK a few years ago via a distributor.

The company has recently restructured into two separate trading entities: Bolsius Professional, an out of home division supplying restaurants, cafes and hotels, and Bolsius Retail.

A specialist division of Bolsius also supplies candles to churches, along with robes and other associated products.

The company also specialises in bespoke candles for catering companies and private label.

"There are lots of great retailers out there and we're not in competition with them."

Which brings him to the brand new UK based sales team, a first for Bolsius. "We went from two people last March, to 11 people on January 1, which includes eight full time in-house sales members and three agents," he confirms, "so we're definitely going to be building relationships with our retailers this year."

Looking to the next one to three years, Richard is excited about where the UK operation will be heading. "I couldn't be more excited about the future," he enthuses.

"We're taking it step by step in the UK, but with an expanding sales and sales support team, and with a consumer PR campaign to help to give the brand a higher profile, my vision is for a UK showroom and office in the not too distant future. Meanwhile, on the sales front, we'll be building confidence with retailers and doing everything we can to support them. But we won't be 'scattergun'," he insists. "We want to start out by working with a selected number of retailers and offering them a great service.

But as we grow we will expand this."

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See the full range at...

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Spotlight On... Candles

Spring

Smells Like

As the days get longer, and Mother's Day and Easter home into view, what could be nicer than welcoming in the fresh, fruity, floral scents of Spring/Summer.

This year, themes embrace everything from the cosy Danish trend Hygge (pronounced ‘hoo ga’) to the trendiest of home decor colours, with a myriad of new candle launches at Spring Fair also embracing luxury, premiumisation and personalisation as well as unusually shaped candle vessels.

With so much innovation around, to include design-led re-usable containers, there's sure to be more than a flicker of interest from retailers.

Despite candles continuing to be one of the most competitive market places within the gift industry, once again, there's no shortage of innovation for Spring, with manufacturers and suppliers pulling out all the stops to welcome in the new season.

“Fruit and floral fragrances were very on trend in 2016 and we see no reason why they will not continue to sell in big numbers in 2017," states Xystos director Tom Sykes.

"The successful Woods of Windsor ranges that we distribute, as well as collections from WoodWick, are testament to the fact that they are a firm favourite with UK buyers. We are also continuing to have tremendous success with HearthWick from WoodWick with the candles flying off the shelves."

As for trends, Tom says that the new Trilogy HearthWick candles have picked up on the fruit and floral theme, to include Botanical Garden which features lilac, rose and honeysuckle, and Fruits of Summer, which has the scents of pineapple, lemon

and coconut. (Other candles in the range include Trilogy HearthWick Nautical Escape and Odour Neutralising candles).

Continues Tom: “We have recently seen a growing trend for emotive fragrances, as well as fragrance-specific scents, with Virginia Gift Brands, Village Candle, ScentChips and other of our partners, ensuring that the market doesn’t stand still in 2017."

At Enesco, Himalayan Candles, hand poured in the USA, is the company's luxury candle brand, with

reusable containers adding value. "We have gone for a very bright, candy striped Spring floral theme for the Picnic tins, which come in four new carefree nostalgic scents of Summer - Summer Fruits, Strawberry Fair, Forgotten Violet and Monsoon," comments Enesco's director of marketing Helen Shield.

"They have an impressive burn time of 50 hours, and when the wax has melted you are left with a functional tin," she points out.

At UK candle manufacturer Wax Lyrical, md Jo Barber concurs that the home fragrance market is continuing its upward trajectory as ‘premiumisation’ of the sector continues. "As part of this trend, we are seeing the emergence of home fragrance products as key components of home décor, with colour co-ordinated candles and reed diffusers being used as finishing touches when rooms are being dressed," Jo Above: WoodWick Trilogy Ellipse Botanical Garden.

Below: Enesco's luxury Himalayan Candle is fun as well as functional.

Below left: Wax Lyrical's new Darjeeling & Damask Rose from its Fired Earth collection.

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SPRING IS IN THE AIR 12 Spring Time Candle Tin Favourites

Have a seriously scented Mothers Day

Spring Fair 2017 - 5th/9th February 2017 - Hall 4 Stand 4B33

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Spotlight On... Candles

emphasises. "The addition of Darjeeling & Damask Rose to our Fired Earth range for 2017, in fashionable blush pink, bears testament to this trend."

She believes that ‘Made in the UK’ will continue as a strong trend in the UK. "This, coupled with the fact that the Lake District is attracting ever-increasing visitors, has inspired our new 2017 Lakes Collection, where candles and reed diffusers - will be presented in frosted glass, engraved with the company’s monogram," Jo highlights.

Laurence Whiting, national sales manager at Prices, agrees that home fragrancing in 2017 will again have a great focus on the Best of British.

"Customers like to know that they are buying from a UK company with products born in the UK relevant to the market," he stresses. "There is a current trend for products with retro and vintage

designs, and our Heritage range of candles and diffusers, inspired from our 186 years of history, are proving fantastically popular."

Winnie Wong, head of design at Stoneglow, which also manufactures in the UK, says that two of the biggest trends in fashion today are masculinity and

Make Mine A G&T “Candles with a twist and a gift element make an ideal gift choice," says Dominique Fracasso-Stroud, director, La de da! Living, "with sentiment, packaging and good quality all key. All our candles and gift packaging is made in the UK to ensure a premium quality combined with a quote for all occasions making them a great gift choice. Plus, with the range based on alcohol and fun living, new Spring/Summer 2017 scents, such a Mojito and Prosecco, will be bang on trend."

Above: La de da Living's POP candle.

Below: Xytos, which recently partnered with Enviroscent, is the distributor for Caption Fragrance Co which provides fragrance through sustainable paper sticks infused with pure essential oils.

Above: Price's Heritage candle range.

Right: Stoneglow's unisex Metallique picks up on the interiors trend for grey.

Happy Mother's Day Yankee Candle has launched an exciting new range of gift sets for Spring giving consumers a choice of boxed gifts for every occasion, evoking thoughts of happy places and memories.

“Our new bespoke box designs make easy gifting and will guarantee to deliver that ‘wow’ factor this Mother’s Day," says Hannah Jenkins, brand and marketing director. "They can also be used again as a keepsake box for collecting treasures and memories.”

Below: Yankee Candle's Pure Essence gift set.

minimalist. "We have seen a lot of greys in interiors as furnishings and backdrops, and have carefully designed a range to accompany this trend. Metallique offers a neutral grey textured packaging, and glassware which complements all homes and interiors as it is sophisticated, modern and also a great unisex gift. There are four luxurious scents, which we have chosen for their indulgent characteristics."

Adds Winnie: "Each season, we bring out new fragrances to our long running ranges, and in 2017 we have added a new scent for our Nature's Gift range, Apple Blossoms, which balances floral accords apple blossoms, mandarin and fine woods.

Continued on page 99

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Introducing: NEW Goose Creek Fragrance collection

Spring Fair: Birmingham NEC 5th - 9th February Hall 4, Stand D50/E51

www.aromatize.co.uk

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Spotlight On... Candles Our aim is to offer our customers products that feel luxurious and good quality with scents that will fragrance well and last in their homes."

Of course, summer fruit fragrances are a must for the coming months, with Made By Zen's Spring/Summer 2017 collection carrying notes of citrus, plum and berries, and scents that are strong, bright and energising. "Fragrances will also continue to transport us to faraway destinations with notes of exotic flowers, fruits and spices," says md Dharmesh Bhayani. "Plus, relaxing scents that calm the body and relax the mind will also be a firm favourite as will those that are soft, clean, holistic and fresh, creating the feeling of the sea, earth and air."

In terms of presentation, the company has recently launched new black candle

Right: Paddywax's Prism Collection: uniquely shaped vessels for Spring 2017.

Below: Made By Zen's Signature candles for Spring/Summer reflect the trend for Hygge.

Below right: A special occasion candle tin from Best Kept Secrets.

packaging with metallic styling.

"Our predominantly black, contemporary branding, makes us stand out in the crowd and reflects our individuality in the market place," states Dharmesh.

The Fragrance Lounge meanwhile, is among the companies who feel that candles are a way for consumers to affordably update their homes. Explains brand manager Rachel Parker: "Paddywax has expanded its candle portfolio to include ‘mini’ versions of top selling lines such as Foundry and Hygge in order to give customers a lower price point option."

All of the company's vessels are designed with home decoration and upcycling in mind, giving the candle a greater sense of value and purpose. "Spring is the ideal time to bring fresh colours and fragrances into the home, with the new ranges inspired by nature’s

colour scape," says Rachel. Coastal shades and pastels, especially cool blues, pinks, greens and greys are among the key colours for the season, with fragrance names Morning Dew, Lucky Clover, Fresh Gin reflecting the great outdoors, escapism and fun, and concrete continuing to be a key material for vessels, along with enamelware, ombre glass and cork. "Unique shapes will also be popular such as conical, polygonal, and geometric designs," Rachel highlights.

At Best Kept Secrets, the importance of packaging and special occasions candles is seen as a major driver for the company this Spring. "We have seen demand increase in 2016, but increasingly, the demand for bespoke or candles that are used as more personalised gifts for selected events has been a significant factor," says director Denise Edwards.

Mix 'n' Melt

Continued on page 101

Bolsius' key focus for Spring will be a range of wax melts in eight fragrances, giving customers the opportunity to create their own signature scent. "We have seen a real increase in sales, with wax melts being the fastest growing trend in the market place overall," says UK sales director Richard Wood. "Consumers enjoy creating their own unique fragrances, and here at Bolsius, we have a mix and melt concept which is about taking different melts to create a personal blend."

Also highlighted by Richard is the Danish concept of Hygge which has seen people purchase more non-scented candles. "It's a big trend continuing into 2017, and we expect to see sales of our natural rustic collection increase," he comments.

Also new for Spring from the company is the launch of citronella candle tins in Rosemary, Basil and Tomato Leaf in the company's Citronella Garden collection, as well as a new fragrance, Summer Light, in the Limited Edition collection, along with a new Creations wax melt.

Below: Ready for Spring: new citronella candle tins from Bolsius.

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P r e m i u m R e a l Wa x LED candles.

Smart Candle range includes:

Wax Pillars in 3 sizes ‘Drip effect’ 10” Tapers Tea Lights in packs of six ALL items come packed in retail presentation boxes.

Distributed by: Virtual Candles Limited. Contact: Paul Travis tel: 07909 539574 email: paul@virtualcandles.co.uk // www.virtualcandles.co.uk COME & SEE US AT: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand 4G88,

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Spotlight On... Candles

Fruits And Florals Aromatize, the exclusive distributors of Goose Creek fragranced products and Aroma Accessories, are focusing on new trends for Spring/Summer with two new brands being unveiled at Spring Fair.

Goose Creek will be introducing over 70 fragrances including summer fruits and florals, with the seaside too, remaining very much a seasonal favourite.

"Given that Goose Creek is a premium US candle producer, it would be remiss of them not to offer some of their home favourites as well such as Peanut Butter & Jelly, Old Time Lemonade, Banana Pudding, Snickerdoodle, Blueberry Limeade and Kentucky Harvest," says the company's owner Marvin Lomax. The fragrances are offered across an array of formats including candle jars, wax melt packs, votives, tea lights, room sprays and car air fresheners. New Spring/Summer designs at Aroma Accessories come in glass mosaic and hand painted collections along with a new range of electric wax melt burners.

The company will be doubling its occasion range of candle tins for 2017, with new packaging using an ‘all wrapped up’ design featuring across the full range, along with additional point of sale presence for its candle tins.

"Our occasion candle tins will become a large part of our overall product offer in 2017, as we extend the range, and focus on a distinctive style," confirms Denise.

Meanwhile, development of Widdop And Co's candle range has largely been driven by gift giving, with the major occasions, such as Mother’s Day, playing a leading role. "Presentation is obviously key, with beautiful packaging to complement the gift critical," says

Above: Widdop And Co's own brand By Appointment candle.

Above right: Colonial's triple wick jar candle. (All Colonial prices will be held for 2017).

Left: New Goose Creek fragrances for Spring/Summer.

Below left: LED Flicker Candles from Joe Davies.

marketing manager Sue Grant. "As with all gifts, hitting key price points always plays a very important role."

At Joe Davies, complementing home decor and creating an ambience through fragrance, will be the main driver, with the company working hard on candle development for 2017. Driving sales are glass candles in colours such as teal, purple, aqua and bronze, with some featuring a glass dome over the top to add style, along with scents featuring fresh lemon verbena and honey lime blossom.

"LED is a huge trend in giftware, as well as a huge product area for us, and this has

Bringing The Outside In Heart & Home’s new Spring 2017 collection features fragrances that reflect the advent of the new season, with the brand bursting with floral notes. ‘It's not only our beautiful scents, but also our choice of colour palette, design, look, and the fact we use environmentally friendly soy at the very heart of our wax," says History & Heraldry's marketing manager Jacquie Russo. "These are just as important in creating an affordable luxury."

She adds that Heart & Home’s use of rose blush pink, sky blue and clean white, with fresh green hues, has created a palette that shouts optimism – a welcome to Spring – while the use of shimmering metallic pastel shades and delicate butterfly patterns on the range of accessories bring the outside in.

“The overall brand presence at retail features lovely displays which create a lifestyle feel that consumers will not only want to emulate but will easily find in-store, building repeat sales for retailers.”

now progressed into our candle collection," says md Steve Davies. "Trends are about colours, two tones, texture words and sentiments. Our Dainty Words candles, which come in contemporary black boxes, have pretty floral designs and sentiment wording."

Living Flame Candles "The artificial candle market continues to grow in UK giving consumer all the fragrance and romance of real candles without the risk or worry," says Paul Travis, sales director of Virtual Candles.

As a premium brand leader, Luminara has expanded the range for 2017 to include tapers, tea lights and mercury glass candles equipped with infra red remote control and five hour security timers. "Launched in the US in October, the new fragrance diffusing Luminara has taken the market by storm with a UK launch at Spring Fair bringing safe real wax candles with living flame technology to the UK market for the first time," Paul continues. Virtual Candles, the distributor of Luminara, will also be launching two further volume brands at the show, Dream Candle and Smart Candle.

Below: Luminara's fragrance diffusing candle will be launching into the UK at Spring Fair.

Left: Spring is in the air with Heart & Home’s Spring range tapping in to key seasonal occasions.

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EW N

EXTRA LONG HOT WATER BOTTLE

SPRING FAIR 2017 Hall 5 Stand H30-J31

Snuggle up to a Warmies Long Hot Water Bottle this winter and treat yourself to hours of relaxing warmth and comfort.

Soothes, warms and comforts Just add hot water

Available in 9 beautiful cover designs Modern Tartan

Assorted Knits

Fine Stripe

Intelex Group Ltd. Tel: 01933 679 777 www.intelex.co.uk

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RRP £19.95

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

Waxing Lyrical Voluspa combines clean burning pure coconut wax candles with exotic fragrances and innovative packaging to create its stunning ranges of home fragrances. A Californian brand distributed

by Aroma Home in UK, Voluspa has fast become an elegant sought after range with a great consumer following. This year, Voluspa are launching new fragrances in its popular Ltd Edition range.

Aroma Home Tel: 02037359500 Email: katem@aromahome.com Spring Fair: Hall 6 Stand U21-T22

Nostalgic Summer Himalayan Candles is launching two brand new collections with a culinary theme - Picnic Tins and Kitchen Tins - in four new nostalgic scents of summer: Summer Fruits, Strawberry Fair, Forgotten Violet and Monsoon. Each of the Kitchen Tins features either an owl, butterfly, kingfisher, or squirrel motif and has a different handle on the lid. They make lovely storage tins for a kitchen dresser after they have been used.

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand H80–J81

Fragrance Divine With fragrances to make your house a home, Heart & Home has a beautiful range of stylish, fragrance-rich candles that have been created to fill the home with evocative scents and designed to look stylish anywhere. With soy wax as the central ingredient, customers can enjoy this gorgeous indulgence safe in the knowledge that it has its heart in nature.

Heart & Home Tel: 01709 730700 Email: sales@heartandhome.com Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand E30/F31

Signature Scents New Wax Melts from Bolsius give customers the opportunity to create their very own signature scent at home. They come in a variety of eight fragrances ready to mix, match and melt, and include French lavender, magnolia, exotic mango and wild cranberry. Inspired by fragrances popularised by master perfumers, Bolsius’ Aromatic Wax Melts retail for £3.99 for a pack of eight and £4.99 for a ceramic burner.

Bolsius Tel: 0800 169 5126 Email: sales@uk.bolsius.com www.bolsius.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand D90-E91

Flameless Fancy Tempting Tipples With the amazing success of La De Da Living’s candles, the company has expanded its POP fragrance collection into oil reeds and lip balms. Continuing with a fun alcohol theme, you can now fill you home with the sweet smell of some favourite summer tipples, including best sellers such as G&T and Prosecco. The company’s entire POP collection is made in the UK to ensure premium quality whilst being affordable and beautifully gift boxed.

La De Da Living Tel: 01242 250 653 Email: enquiries@ladedaliving.co.uk www.ladedaliving.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 6-7 Stand 7B01

Following its phenomenal launch in the USA, Luminara is now launching in the UK the first ever Fragranced Diffusing Living Flame Candle range, giving safe candle ambience with the added benefit of fragrance without flame.

Luminara fragrance diffusing candles feature 10 luxurious scents crafted with rare ingredients and essential oils to diffuse subtly, safely and beautifully.

Luminara Candles Tel: 07909 539574 Email paul@virtualcandles.co.uk www.luminaracandles.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand G88

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New! First Ever Fragranced Diffusing Living Flame Candle.

T h e Pe r f e c t Alternative to Real Candles - all with infrared remote and security timer.

Choose from 10 luxurious scents crafted with rare ingredients and essential oils to diffuse subtly, safely and beautifully.

And they couldn’t be easier to use. Simply pick your perfect fragrance pod, place it in your fragrance candle and then prepare to get carried away.

Distributed by: Virtual Candles Limited. Contact: Paul Travis tel: 07909 539574 email: paul@virtualcandles.co.uk // www.luminaracandles.co.uk COME & SEE US AT: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand 4G88,

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

Beautifully Natural From the experts in home relaxation, HoMedics is introducing Ellia – a premium range of unique ultrasonic oil diffusers, accompanied by a family of 100% Pure Essential Oils mastered blends, all responsibly sourced from a global network of farmers. Using natural materials to style the Ellia ultrasonic diffusers, they are perfectly subtle and these decorative pieces fit naturally into every home.

HoMedics Tel: 01732 354828 Email: UKSales@homedics.co.uk www.homedics.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand J50

Meadow Medley Ashleigh & Burwood are excited to introduce seven new Lamp Fragrances this season. In this mix, and inspired by its Country Garden theme, Ashleigh & Burwood present the new Wild Meadow fragrance, capturing the heady scent of the first day of spring. The new fragrance is available in 250ml and 500ml sizes.

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand B10-C11 Ambiente: Hall 8.0, Stand L76

Scent-er Of The Room New designs have been added into Yankee Candles’ best-selling Scenterpiece collection for the new season ahead. Scenterpiece allows consumers to change scents (and the mood) in seconds with the Easy MeltCup fragrances. It’s easy, flameless and with its adjustable timer and automatic shut off it gives you worry-free convenience.

Yankee Candle Tel: 0117 316 1200 Email: sales@yankeecandle.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand 4D10-E11, 4D30-E31

Viva Havana

Wedding Belles It’s the perfect Yankee Candle for your special day! Planning perfect table settings, adding the final touch to your colour scheme or finding thoughtful wedding favours couldn’t be easier with Yankee Candle’s stylish collection of beautiful candles and elegant accessories. This new gift box set contains two Décor medium pillar candles, Wedding Day and Black Coconut – a perfect gift for the wedded couple.

Yankee Candle Tel: 0117 316 1200 Email: sales@yankeecandle.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand 4D10E11, 4D30-E31

Epitomising Havana, with its rich colour palette and energising scents, Yankee Candles’ Viva Havana collection, launching for summer, has new contemporary fragrances inspired by the vintage and vibrant lifestyle of the Cuban capital. Featuring four new scents Viva Havana, Cuban Mojito, Tobacco Flower, Delicious Guava, the range is designed to transport consumers to this exotic destination from the comfort of their own home.

Yankee Candle Tel: 0117 316 1200 Email: sales@yankeecandle.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand 4D10-E11, 4D30-E31

Havana Club Yankee Candles’ Viva Havana collection celebrates the passion of fashionable Havana and welcomes new accessories across tea-light holders, melt warmers and candle shades. Choose bright mosaic melt warmers from Old Havana or the decorative mirrored tray from Cigar Lounge. Celebrate the warmth and vibrancy of this beautiful Cuban capital.

Yankee Candle Tel: 0117 316 1200 Email: sales@yankeecandle.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand 4D10-E11, 4D30-E31 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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See the full range at...

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

Fruity & Fresh Launching into The Scented Home collection, Ashleigh & Burwood are excited to introduce five new Reed Diffuser and Refill fragrances for Spring/Summer 17.

The new scents are a mix of fruity, floral and fresh scents, which will delight every taste throughout the season. Included in the launch is the comforting scent of Soft Cotton, providing a complementary, yet alternative, scent to the widely popular Fresh Linen.

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand B10-C11 Ambiente: Hall 8.0, Stand L76

Village Life Xystos is the new UK & Ireland distributor for Village Candle in the UK and Ireland and will launch more than 50 fragrances in large, medium and small sized jars, as well as wax melts, votives, reeds, car fresheners, drawer liners, sachets… and more. The candles are produced with pure essential oils and plant extracts from around the world, while only food grade paraffin wax and wax blends are used. The Dual Wick technology provides a slow, even burn in the jar and enhances fragrance release.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570; Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand H50-J51 & 4H53

Tempting Trilogy HearthWick from WoodWick is “continuing to fly off the shelves as retailers demand ‘more, more, more!’”, according to Xystos’ director Tom Sykes.

And that’s just what the company will be giving them. The new HearthWick Trilogy range features Botanical Garden – lilac, rose and honeysuckle fragrances – while Fruits of Summer has pineapple, lemon and coconut scents. There is also Nautical Escape and its trio of fragrances – At the Beach, Sand & Driftwood and Tropical Oasis – as well as the Odour Neutralising candle. Available from Xystos, each has an RRP of £29.99.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570; Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand H50-J51 & 4H53

Naturally Fragranced Xystos has partnered with Enviroscent to supply Caption Fragrance Co. This new brand range is designed to provide ‘fragrance the way nature intended’ through a simple but high-tech patented format of sustainable paper sticks.

These are infused with pure essential oils and other safe ingredients designed to give consumers the most authentic fragrance experience available. Candle Warmer Lanterns, which provide all the ambience and beautiful fragrance of a lit candle without the flame, are also available from Xystos.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570; Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand H50-J51 & 4H53

Personal Scents Xystos is launching a new range that will give shoppers the opportunity to create their own personal blend of fragrances when melted in a burner. The Basic Collection comprises 36 sumptuous scents – fruity, fresh or sweet – while the Extended Collection also has three dozen fragrances. Buyers will be able to order ScentChips in one-fragrance bags – weighing either 1,360 grams and containing approximately 226 pieces, or 500 grams with around 84 pieces. A choice of box is offered – small, holding eight pieces and with an RRP of £4.25; medium, 13 pieces, £6.49; large, 26 pieces, £12.99; extra-large, 38 pieces, £16.99.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570; Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand H50-J51 & 4H53

English Heritage Xystos is distributing two collections from premium English lifestyle and gift brand Woods of Windsor. Inspired by English Heritage historic English landmarks, the stylish new Home Fragrance Collection includes luxury scented candles, room fragrances, diffusers, drawer liners and wardrobe sachets. The new-look Floral Fragrances Collection comprises eau de toilette, a luxury spray, a super-hydrating moisturising hand wash, moisturising bath & shower gel, fast-absorbing nourishing hand cream, triple milled luxury soaps, dusting powder and drawer liners. Each range is available in three fragrances – Tudor Rose, Citrus & Basil, and Sea Spray & Freesia.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570; Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand H50-J51 & 4H53 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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

Burning Gold Success Best Kept Secrets range of triple fragrance three wick candles has been the success of the year for the Northumberland based manufacturer, featuring sophisticated fragrances in new larger gold candle tins, which were previewed in Spring 2016 and formally launched during the summer. All 12 candles were comprehensively tested with customers and retailers to develop a range worthy of the name Burning Gold. A new Point of Sale pack has been developed with the range one of the company's star products for 2017.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4B33

Colourful Candles A fantastic range of beautifully fragranced candles from On A Wick and a Prayer, exclusively distributed in UK and Ireland by Arora Design. Enchanting styles, perfect for self-purchase or gifting, these gorgeous natural mineral wax candles are hand poured into ceramic baths and hearts which have been hand decorated with colourful glazes. See the full collection at Spring Fair Hall 5 Stand A11.

Arora Design Tel: 01386 861666 Email: sales@arora-design.co.uk www.aroratrade.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand A11

Lakes Range Launched Wax Lyrical’s physical and spiritual home is in the Lake District, nestled between the beautiful coastlines and soaring fells, and there is no shortage of local inspiration. Brand new Lakes Collection features a beautiful frosted glass for both the candles and reed diffusers, engraved with the company’s monogram as proof of the pride in their roots. The expertly blended, hand-picked fragrances include Lakes, Coast, Woodland, Fells, Hillside and Meadow.

Wax Lyrical Tel: 01229 461111 Email: customerservices@wax-lyrical.com www.waxlyricaltrade.com Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand D40-E41

New Brands, New Fragrances Aromatize are the exclusive distributors of Goose Creek fragranced products and Aroma Accessories. They will attend Spring Fair in February and are very excited to be showcasing brands that will focus on the new trends for Spring and Summer 2017, as well as introducing over 70 fragrances. Goose Creek are a premium US candle producer and their fragrances are offered across an array of formats including candle jars, wax melt packs, votives, tea lights, room sprays and car air fresheners. Aroma Accessories is the market leading brand for candle related products. New Spring and Summer designs are offered in glass mosaic and hand painted collections along with a whole new range of the ever popular electric wax melt burners. This extensive collection is unrivalled through their variation on designs, high quality and competitive pricing. Aromatize will also unveil two completely new brands at the Spring Fair and are very confident of the reaction these will receive. Aromatize look forward to presenting all their new collections at the exhibition and are confident you will not be disappointed.

Aromatize Tel: 01254 300268 Email: sales@aromatize.co.uk Web: www.aromatize.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand D50

Home Spa Experience Equilibrium is Wax Lyrical's innovative new collection, created in order to allow people to decide how they want to relax in their own home. Ground breaking two-tone reed diffusers, with chunky rattan reeds, multi wick candle jars and luxury miniature travel candles form the basis of this ultimate home spa experience collection. The full Equilibrium range - Recharge, Balance, Energise, Refresh, Indulge and De-Stress are each created with only 100% natural soy wax and pure essential oils.

Wax Lyrical Tel: 01229 461111 Email: customerservices@waxlyrical.com www.waxlyricaltrade.com Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand D40-E41

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new ranges for spring Spring Fair International, NEC, Birmingham 5th - 9th February Hall 6 Stand No. U21-T22 Contact details: www.aromahome.com sales@aromahome.com Call Kate: 0203 735 9500

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LESLEY DUNNE

SOUNDING OFF

Spring Fair Fever PG&H' s columnist Lesley Dunne, owner of Feathering Your Nest in Rayleigh, Essex, couldn' t be more excited about visiting Spring Fair next month. Yet, like many other gift retailers and visitors attending the show, she' s a devoted mum too, who can' t help feeling more than a tad guilty at missing out on the day to day trials and tribulations of her children, while she' s enthusiastically browsing the aisles looking for those stand out gifts for her customers.

"My inbox pings in another email from Spring Fair 2017. I'm bedazzled by its yellow cover, almost too bright to contemplate in mid December, but it draws me like a moth to a flame! What delights await me, aww I want to see all the new, new, new now! What's trending, what's the next big thing? So many goodies to tempt, tease and delight my customers. Get back to those tills Lesley, I tell myself! But I just can't help it. I get so excited about Spring Fair way, way before Christmas.

Sneaky peaks at emails and researching the exhibitors with a glass of Malbec, while the kids are off playing with their latest gizmo during the Christmas break, is my guilty pleasure. So, let the planning begin! Lists of companies and halls that grow and grow, and I just can't wait now that Spring Fair fever has arrived!

The hotel was booked months in advance - the same one for Spring and Autumn for the past 13 years. It's my little home from home. Such friendly, welcoming staff have nursed me through the worst of colds, a slipped disc, a raging toothache and more. When you go to the Fair often enough, you're bound to be poorly at some point, physically, mentally or emotionally.

This bunch have saved my bacon a few times from emergency dentist recommendations to Right: Lesley with husband Chris and two of her children, Aidan and Aslin.

simply just finding time for a chat before bedtime. Mostly, it's the same old familiar faces who make me feel like one of their family. It isn't the cheapest nor the nearest of hotels, but with such outstanding customer services they keep me happily returning for more, just like our own customers, hopefully.

As the end of the first long day approaches, my head is excitedly spinning with trends, colours, orders, which halls to see tomorrow and thoughts of is my plan going accordingly? Bodies clamber onto dark warm buses, bags bulging, shoulders and feet aching, as we all heave a long sigh of relief. Excited chitter chatter on the day's finds fills half the bus.

However, I'm in the other half, one of the many professional - mostly women who change our hats. "How was school today? What did you have for lunch?

What's the dog doing? Oh no, you fell over.

Are you ok? You hate your new teacher?

Oh, give it time, you got an A - you're awesome. The cat's done what??? I miss you too!"

Checking in with home requires another life skill. I adore the fun of the fairs. They feed my passion, they keep me hungry and fresh. But, there is a sadness in most of us who leave little ones at home. Even though mine are now teenagers, and one has already flown the nest, I can't say it gets any easier to leave them.

For me, Spring Fair, Autumn Fair and Home & Gift, Harrogate, are integral parts of my business, but there is an emotional trade off to be had. How many times have I nursed their broken hearts over the phone, and felt so torn between the business I love and my children who hold my heart. Dad (aka Chris) always does a stupendous job being ‘Mum’, cook, chauffeur and chief bottle washer, and we couldn't have managed without our fantastic partnership and his total understanding of my passion and our business. I thank them all for their moral support and my hotel lovelies who make it easier at the Brum end.

Oh, but those colours, the displays, the fragrances, the jewelled delights, the innovation, the glamour, the meeting of old friends and the joys of making new friends - it all keeps calling me back!

Yes, I've seen a decline in visitors and exhibitors over the years. The recession has helped diminish numbers, plus, when you add in the expense and inconvenience of childcare, staff or whatever yours is, when you tot it all up, you could so easily talk yourself out of the trip. However, for me, while ordering on websites for top ups during the year is fine, it can never replace viewing new companies, the products and the stories that they tell.

If you're a passionate gift retailer as I am, how can you possibly miss out on all the fun and foibles of going to the Fair?"

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Writing and paper products have never been so popular with consumers, and are a major sales opportunity for gift and lifestyle retailers.

Don’t miss this two day stationery extravaganza... 1000s of products...100s of the biggest and newest brands from around the world, all in one place... top designers... new ideas... keynote presentations... great networking... there’s nothing else like it.

It’s where fashion meets function.

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RegisteR foR youR fRee ticket today stationeryshow.co.uk @StationeryBytes

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London Stationery Show/National Stationery Week

Magnificent

Seven

London Stationery Show: The Lowdown ● The 2017 London Stationery Show takes place

at the Business Design Centre on April 25-26.

Visit www.stationeryshow.co.uk ● National Stationery Week takes place from April 24-30. Visit www.nationalstationeryweek.com

A dedicated Gift Pavilion will be making its debut in the Gallery area at the London Stationery Show in April, organised in collaboration with The Giftware Association.

It's a natural development for the London Stationery Show, now in its seventh year, with the exhibition attracting increasing numbers of independent gift retailers who are looking to give their shops an edge.

So what else will be new when the show opens its doors from April 25-26 at London's Business Design Centre?

PG&H put Tim Willoughby, show director and managing director of the show's new owners, Ocean Media, into the hot seat to find out.

With social stationery continuing to be a booming, growth market, and trendy, dedicated stationery outlets such as Kikki K in London's Covent Garden, and multiple retailer Smiggle giving social stationery a new face, the London Stationery Show, which has enjoyed seven years of continual growth, is on

Emotional Connection Tim Willoughby's favourite 'go to' journal is a Moleskine. "It has a handy scribble page to jot things down on, as well as a 'to do' page, both of which I find invaluable," he explains.

His favourite pen meanwhile is a Mont Blanc given to him by his wife Sam, show director of the International Jewellery London (IJL) show. "She bought it for our first (paper) wedding anniversary ten years ago, so it has an important emotional connection for me," Tim reveals.

course to unveil a wide reach of paper and writing products when it returns in April.

Highlights this year will include a trend seminar aimed at retailers, as well as helpful advice on making the most of social media alongside how to deal with recent government legislation.

Along with the unveiling of the new Gift Pavilion, a move which addresses feedback from buyers following last year’s exhibition, another newcomer to the Gallery this year, and brand new to the show, will be Launchpad, open to new stationery suppliers looking to break into the design-led stationery market. "The competition's aim will be to find 12 winners which we will then showcase in a specific display area," explains show director and Ocean Media managing director Tim Willoughby. "It's been specifically designed to help new UK designers and stationery

manufacturers. There's a good vibe already, with some very interesting entries. I'm extremely excited about seeing this new element of the show come to life, as I get a huge buzz from new, beautifully designed stationery products entering the sector."

He believes that people continue to love and want to buy stationery products because they are an affordable luxury.

“Gifting and self-gifting is a big part of the stationery market, and using lovely stationery, whether for business or socially, makes people feel 'well dressed'. We are very excited about the content of the show in 2017 and very much looking forward to building on it. My personal satisfaction comes from seeing everything add up and making the show experience a fantastic one."

Gift Stationery On The Up ● The UK stationery market is set to rise

by £49.1 million (2.4%) from £2.06 billion in 2016 to around £2.1 billion by 2021, according to retail research and analysis firm Verdict Retail. ● The company’s latest report states that this growth, which defies the ongoing rise of smartphones and tablets, will be driven by purchasing stationery as gifts, increased product ranges, and design-led products and innovation.

Above left: Tim Willoughby, show director and managing director of Ocean Media.

Below: Nuco's notepad was declared the world's largest notepad at last year's London Stationery Show by officials from the Guinness Book of Records.

National Stationery Week National Stationery Week (NSW), which champions stationery and writing by hand, will be back from April 24-30. With a refreshed brand identity, the event is set to be bigger than ever, offering an opportunity for retailers and brands to reach out to consumers. "We're looking for even more retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of products to get involved with this year's event," says organiser Chris Leonard-Morgan, founder of the London Stationery Show, National Stationery Week and World Stationery Day. "It's the biggest opportunity of the year for paper products with free PoS material for our official retail partners."

In addition, to tie in with the event, Royal Mail will be franking Writing Matters on all post from April 24-30. Returning for the second consecutive year will be the Writing Matters campaign along with the Stationery Blogger of the Year Award.

Visit www.nationalstationeryweek.com.

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designconsort has just been launched

in the January 2017 edition of ELLE Decoration and is looking for new retail partners.

Should you wish to be a stockist of this utterly contemporary, handmade art pottery please email enquiries@designconsort.com

fired by

DESIGN designconsort.com

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Spotlight On... Home Interiors

Blue

Strong interior trends for Spring/Summer range from pretty blues and pinks, to a more dramatic monochrome, with plenty of glamour upping the ante for home accessories.

Is The Colour

When it comes to interiors, it's paint colours that lead the way, with three new shades added to the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint range.

"They open up new creative possibilities and are perfect for creating 2017 trending looks," comments Shelley Goodall, owner of retailer La de da Made with Paint, the Annie Sloan stockist for Cheltenham. "Nature is very much in demand," she confirms, "with Honfleur, a rich brown, inspired by the rustic French countryside, a lovely warm new neutral in the colour palette. Giverny, a bright, cheery, clean, cool blue is sure to be very popular with people looking to create on trend aquatic themes, while Amsterdam Green is a strong, deep green that works well with whites and creams, botanical imagery and plants, or earthy yellows and reds. It also makes a great backdrop to cool blues such as Giverny."

Also highlighting blues for Spring/Summer 2017 is Michaela Davies, product director at Shruti Designs. "Deep, moody hues of blue set the scene for cool,

crisp interiors in 2017," she states. "We have also seen a shift towards both synthetic ‘easy care’ acrylics with a soft, lightweight feel and fresh cotton that has been hand printed using natural indigo dyes."

Interestingly, Michaela says that the company's customers have put the emphasis on blankets and throws that are more focused towards dressing a room. "They add instant colour and style and are more than for simply keeping warm," she emphasises.

"Plus, blankets are no longer a winter necessity. They are a year-round staple.

Left: Giverny Blue is among the trend colour for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint this year.

Below left and middle: Blue hues from Shruti, a trend colour for 2017.

Below: SIL's light up cactus.

to suit all types of bouquets. "There are even some faux cactus plants," says Emma. In addition, adding a note of sheer luxury, the company has also launched the whole range in glamorous, high-gloss gold.

Also new from SIL in 2017 is sumptuous velvet. "It's come straight from the catwalks into the home, with velvet the hot fabric of the season," Emma continues.

"We've used it across a whole range of home accessories to produce a collection that oozes sophistication as well as a subtle glamour, with luxurious velvet in soft grey and pink on photo frames, jewellery boxes and a set of sumptuous steamer trunks," Emma continues. "Complementing the velvet is a capsule range of ivory ceramics for the dressing table, including a posy vase with carved ceramic flower, a matching jewellery dish and trinket box, and pretty bird and butterfly ornaments."

At Parlane, md Mike Burgess says that the company's Spring/Summer ranges will be looking soft, light and full of refreshing pink, lilac and whites. "Meadow flowers will be everywhere," he emphasises. Other trends in the collection include handwoven baskets made with mixed materials; raw wooden containers; furniture covered with animal skins; brass bowls and hand thrown

Designs are simple and unfussy - stylish ombre, classic stripes and trendy Scandi."

At SIL, director Emma Medd highlights that the cactus is the new pineapple. "With the continuing success of the pineapple, it was time a new shape came along to keep it company, and we're right on trend with an array of cactus accessories this year," she highlights.

The company has put together a host of shapes and sizes, from giant green cactus candles with bright blooms, to ceramic cactus trinket dishes in every size, as well as ornaments both mini and mighty, and vases Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... Home Interiors

pottery. "Every piece has its own personality, running glazes, quirky shapes, and sometimes, an added humour," he explains.

Other on trend materials this year include concrete, slate and galvanised metal for planters, tables and trays for indoor and outdoor living. Adds Mike: "The key colour for those that live by the sea is blue/black, a rich dark shade that, against a rubbed-back ivory white looks amazing."

Libra has been successfully using themes

to shape its collections for a number years, designed to help retailers, designers and consumers to pull together cohesive and stylish looks for the home. Drawing from the brand’s extensive portfolio to combine furniture with distinctive accessories and lighting, Spring sees the addition of two new themes, Monochrome and Fusion.

Brought in to showcase a classic and timeless trend Monochrome features statement chandeliers, a chest of drawers and a side table that can also be used as a bedside cabinet. Handcrafted using striking pieces of polished black and white bone inlay sections, these work perfectly against the company's plush velvet occasional chairs and luxe lighting and accessories.

"Our second new theme, Fusion, combines an array of mixed materials with unique artisan finishing techniques that is present across the range," explains md Paul McLaughlin. "Complementary decorative accessories, including photo frames, hurricanes, votive holders, cases and ice

Above left: Also from SIL, a pink velvet range of home accessories.

Top right: New for Spring, Monochrome from Libra.

Right: Indian vases from Parlane's Living Collection.

Middle right: Jan Constantine's Glam Rock cushions.

Bottom right: New from Straits Trading for Spring. Ranges cover all product categories from decor accessories and home furnishings to traditional designs.

buckets are presented in a striking contrasting coloured iron. These characteristics are reflected throughout Libra’s global inspiration and dedication to craftsmanship."

In soft furnishings, Jan Constantine, md of her eponymous company, highlights that big trends for this year are coming from far and wide. "The Tropics continue to influence, with the return of the house plant a big part of this vibe. Our existing Tropical collection of cushions and throws has hand-embroidered palms, cheese plants and exotic birds on a cream background or a black background for darker, more dramatic interiors," adds Jan, who says she's currently feeling a big pull towards Latin America.

"Places like Mexico, Brazil and Cuba have been in the

Futuristic Moorcroft has launched a new luxury brand, designconsort, made in Staffordshire, the brainchild of Moorcroft designer Emma Bossons FRSA, who wanted to create futuristic shapes and surface designs that worked in harmony with modern interiors. "Within the designconsort offerings are new design concepts and surface patterns, from a trio of vases Web, Weave and Wing, designed with angles to complement its sister shapes and interconnecting effortlessly to a shoal of fish or vision of isosceles triangles that appear to change form to suit the chosen angles of the vase," explains Catherine Gage, marketing director at Moorcroft. "This was not simply a case of creating art for art’s sake. The result is abstract and geometric designs in brilliant-white, designed to add a creative charge into contemporary interiors without causing colour clashes and difficulties integrating this new ceramic form.”

Below: Moorcroft's new luxury brand designconsort.

news and can’t fail to inspire with their fabulous colours and passion for life. My brand new Fiesta Collection is very much Viva la Vida with bright coloured motifs and text embellishing black backgrounds. In addition, the trend for glamour and sparkle adds light to dark and smouldering interiors.

Our Glam Rock collection is inspired by the icons of the 1970’s with stars, hearts, flash lightening and words stitched with sequins and gold thread."

It's certainly an eclectic mix for the home this year, with lifestyle retailers clearly spoilt for choice!

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Child's Play

Below: Children's products linked into the outdoors will be a strong theme for 2017.

From the arrival of a newborn to a christening, a birthday, a gift for a school friend’s offspring, or seasonal occasions such as Easter and Christmas, there are so many reasons to buy gifts for babies and children, that an increasing number of gift retailers are ensuring that they have plenty of products across the board to ring up sales throughout the year.

PG&H asked what's trending for 2017?

When it comes to nursery and children's gifts, the licensed sector continues to grow year on year with both new and classic licenses taking centre stage. "Licenses relevant to children - and, of course, the gatekeepers of any purchase, the parents are increasingly important to us," comments Melanie Mason, licensing manager at Portmeirion Group. "This year, we’re launching two new Peppa Pig designs on our three piece tableware sets and mugs - one featuring Peppa on a day trip to London, and the other featuring Peppa’s brother George."

Of course, Beatrix Potter is a classic licence that, one way or another, most babies and children receive as a gift."We're expecting another strong year for Beatrix Potter with our Peter Rabbit Gund collection going from strength to strength," says Right: Popular Pusheen toys from Enesco.

Below: New from Portmeirion, Peppa Pig Goes To London.

Helen Shield, director of marketing at Enesco. "This nostalgic brand appeals to parents, grandparents and children who can't resist these lovely cuddly characters."

Another star player for the company is Pusheen, which is popular among slightly older children. "The mystery box series will continue to grow," predicts Helen. "With a great high street presence, these collectable pocket money Pusheen’s will drive sales and character awareness.

We're hearing a lot about the spending power of Generation Z, with Pusheen aimed directly at this online generation."

Staying with the tried and tested however, Suzie Howes, head of licensing and marketing at Rainbow Designs, believes that many nursery and gift buyers are opting for the wholesome classic brands that have stood the test of time, over the mass-marketed nursery properties, with the company seeing a resurgence in classic titles."Nursery classics such as Peter Rabbit and Guess How Much I Love You have always been firm favourites, but timeless literary-inspired properties such as David McKee’s Elmer, Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Dick Bruna’s Miffy are making a comeback with their popularity beginning to soar."

Left; Rainbow's new Elmer comforter.

The company will be launching a new Elmer for Baby collection that will feature an Elmer rattle, a comfort blanket and a plush ring rattle in the character's bright colours, and will also be building on the success of My First Thomas & Friends and Miffy nursery collections which launched last year for Autumn/Winter.

"Quality and tradition make an excellent combination as does packaging that ensures that the giver and receiver are delighted by the gift especially at such a important time," says Lesser & Pavey's md Julian Hunt. "Our new Little Miracles range for 2017, designed by Tracey Russell and licensed to Lesser & Pavey, is a new addition to the ranges of baby accessories. It captures the baby pink and blue of a new birth, and is sure to jump off the shelf as it has maximum appeal."

At the Personalised Memento Company (PMC), sales and marketing director Keren Dicken says that the company has seen an enormous rise in customers looking for unique personalised nursery and children’s Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... Nursery & Children’s Gifts Left: Lesser & Pavey's new Little Miracles range.

Below left: PMC's Me to You Tiny Tatty Teddy Learning Adventures book.

Bottom right: Churchill China's Fairies and Friends.

gifts. "I think this is reflective of the market as a whole, as while traditional themes such as pink and blue are still popular, there is a growing demand for contemporary neutral/yellow themes."

Keren adds that personalisation is currently playing a big part in the market, with the choice of gifts bigger than ever.

"Customers want something that is unique to their recipient, making personalisation an

ideal solution in a world of enormous choice," she states.

For Spring and the remainder of 2017, PMC will be developing its range of licensed Me to You books. "These have already proven to be extremely popular with retailers and consumers alike, and we are also developing new products for our Tiny Tatty Teddy licence, building on the strong success of our existing ranges with the introduction of fresh and exciting new designs.

“In addition, our leatherette keepsake boxes are an ideal place to store treasured keepsakes, while another nursery and children’s gifts success story has been our licensed Miffy gifts which are performing well into 2017, with the iconic character appealing to children as recipients and to adults as buyers,” Keren highlights.

Non-licensed gift product too, is continuing to innovate. At Churchill China, marketing communications manager Danielle Birch says that, looking ahead to Spring/Summer, children's trends will be encapsulating the outdoors. "We are starting to see that a lot of children's housewares are inclusive of woodlands and animals from around the world," she points out, "which

Take A Look At A Book Signature Books, part of Signature Gifts, has recently invested in new equipment allowing the company to produce personalised lay-flat board books for toddlers. "Each book in this First Steps range has an educational element, making them the perfect gift for developing young minds. The books will be available in Q1 of 2017," says Kat Grant, copywriter, PR & sales support at Signature Gifts: She says that board books for toddlers are always popular as they’re more robust and ideal for small hands. "The gift market relies on being innovative and staying ahead of trends, and the personalised gift market is no different," says Kat. Also looking to children's books is House of Marbles, which will be bringing out a fun Bedtime Storytime 3D Picture Viewer for Spring, along with a new stationery range and a retroinspired Hopscotch game.

“We're also seeing a growing market for arts and crafts products which offer excellent value for money and really engage children’s imagination and creativity making them a popular choice with parents and grandparents," says the company's trade marketing and online manager Lauren Woodsford.

Teething Duo Teething is a difficult time for parents as well as babies, with teethers from quirky, original company Bunnies by the Bay, distributed in the UK by Deva Designs, both a gift idea as well as a self-purchase item. "I'm really excited about the new teethers," says Deva's md Andrew Maddock. "They have an extra pair of ears so that one set can go in the wash.

I've never seen anything like them."

(Bunnies By The Bay prices will be held

by Deva this year).

Below: Bunnies By The Bay teethers, distributed in the UK by Deva Designs.

may be to encourage appreciation of the outdoors and care for the environment."

She adds that traditional rhymes continue to be consistently present in children's books and toys, with Churchill's new and existing ranges fitting into this group. "Our new rhyme for 2017, Fairies and Friends, follows the woodland trend as the story is about elegant fairies exploring and enjoying the woodlands through finding beautiful flowers. We are also continuing to develop the traditional rhyme ranges such as Hickory Dickory Dock and Wheels on the Bus. As a more modern twist on this, in order to capture the wider world, we have also continued to expand our Continued on page 123

Above: Signature Books' personalised Shape book.

Left: House of Marbles 3D Picture Viewer.

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In support of

(Registered charity no. 1160024).

GIFT GIVING…all wrapped up Join us at the following trade fairs to see more of the collection…

5th–9th February International Spring Fair, NEC,Birmingham, Hall 4 Stand H80-J81

10th–14th February Ambiente, Frankfurt, Germany, Hall 9.1 Stand C71

Distributed by Enesco. BEATRIX POTTER™ © Frederick Warne & Co., 2016. Licensed by Silvergate PPL Ltd. part of the Silvergate Media group of companies. © GUND 2017 Enesco Ltd.

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

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Spotlight On... Nursery & Children’s Gifts 5 Little Monkeys range which brings in fun with a rhyme."

Also expanding on the great outdoors is LittleLife, a Lifemarque brand, which provides high quality products for the outdoor, travel and nursery market. "We believe that young families keeping active in the outdoors is a growing trend within this market," says Dan Marett, sales and marketing director of Lifemarque.

"With an uncertain economic environment, and an increasing number of families taking more active holidays in the UK, we believe it will be important to cater for young families wanting to get outside and enjoy their natural surroundings. For LittleLife, 2017, our focus will therefore be on a more accessible range of child carriers for extended periods of use, along with backpacks focused around safety, fun and practical use within the outdoors."

Back to the nursery, Steve Davies, md at Joe Davies, emphasises, "children’s and nursery products are constant dependable

Above: Pretty Pastel coloured money boxes and plaques are new from Joe Davies.

Below left: An Adventurer child carrier from LittleLife.

Right: Stars are new to Widdop And Co's Bambino collection.

Below right: A pirate from Gisela Graham's Nautical Boys collection.

arrives, the extended family, in particular grandparents, get in on the act with gifts that recognise the important role that they play in their grandchild’s life. "Keepsakes that were once described as 'dust collectors' have shaken off this moniker and are now useful and designed to stay firmly out of the cupboard," she says.

For Piers Croke, sales director of Gisela Graham, the words 'pretty and practical' sum up the ideal gift shop product aimed at children, to include useful decorative items such as toothbrush holders, bookends, photo frames and decorative clothes hangers.

"Mobiles and bunting

sellers for gift and card retailers, with occasion-related product still driving the market as the milestones in children’s lives become increasingly celebrated.

"Sentiment products are increasingly to the fore reflecting the general fashion for heart warming sayings and humorous messages," Steve comments. "Plus, home décor items for the nursery are also a growing category as an increasing number of nurseries and bedrooms are decorated to a theme. Traditional pink and blue still dominate sales, with soft pastels and creams close behind. Among our new children’s and nursery products will be a Pretty Pastel series of coloured money boxes and plaques, and we have also extended the best-selling Ellie Elephant cut out frame to include owls and sentiment."

At Widdop And Co., marketing manager Sue Grant says that the metallic accents seen in home accessories have made their way into the company's new Bambino launches for 2017. "Sprinkled stars and dots add a touch of magic to the collection," she points out, adding that when a new baby

Having Fun In The Sun Looking ahead to the summer months, and families playing on the beach, is Kay Glennie, distributor for Scrunch/Funkit.

"With coastal gift retailers in mind, it's predicted that toys and accessories will be selling in fluorescent colours, where we have a range of fluorescent buckets, spades and foldable frisbees," she comments. "Our Scandinavian distributor is also working with old rose, taupe and duck egg blue to fit with the clean, simplistic, Nordic look."

Meanwhile, Funkit has a new silicone rucksack launching in 2017 designed to be scrunchable, but also to take all the company's products. "This includes an extendable fishing net, foldable frisbees, Scrunch-bucket and spade and Scrunch-ball," Kay adds.

Above: Summertime fun from Scrunch in flourescent colours.

are strong too," says Piers, "as it's important to give small children a visually enriched bedroom environment. Plus pirates and cowboys are always winners for boys, while and pink and fairies always seem to win for girls!"

For gift shops looking to up the ante in nursery and children's gifts this year, or retailers looking to diversify their product ranges in 2017, giftware continues to be increasingly innovative, be it traditional or contemporary. And best of all, it's an all year round best seller.

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

Hug & Learn Proving that a GUND® soft toy provides so much more than just a cuddle, the January 2017 launch includes a new dual-mode educational dog to encourage and nurture early learning skills. The new, animated Spunky™ Dog sings the alphabet and counts ‘one…two…three’ when you press the buttons on his footpads, the perfect gift for little girls and boys who are eager to learn. Also new is the range of Peyton™ bears, available in three colours: cream, pink and blue. These gorgeous teddies are made using ultra premium plush and are adorned with a sophisticated grosgrain ribbon in matching pretty pastel colours.

Wooden Wonders

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand H80–J81

Orange Tree Toys are launching lots of exciting new products for 2017, including additions to the Peter Rabbit™ Collection and the wooden food range. There is a brand new ‘Puppy Love’ collection featuring different breeds of dog, which includes all of the classic lines such as skittles, push-alongs, a play set… and much more!

In The (Peppa) Pig Pen Refreshed for 2017, Portmeirion brings two new designs to its children’s giftware range. The first shows Peppa Pig enjoying a trip to London with her brother, George, touring through the city’s landmarks. And, in the other design, playful George is showcased as a pirate or astronaut. All available in gift packaging.

Portmeirion Tel: 01782 744721 Email: homesales@portmeiriongroup.com www.portmeiriongroup.com Spring Fair: Hall 9, Stand E30-F31

Orange Tree Toys Tel: 01242 244500 Email: sales@orangetreetoys.com www.orangetreetoys.com Spring Fair: Hall 5, Stand E22 - F23

Outta This World Designed, written and published by Signature Gifts, this is the story of a little alien who’s going on holiday with Mum, Dad and Zoggle the teddy, but the family is bored of their own planet so where should they go? Our Solar System is the obvious choice, but what’s the best planet in our solar system? The perfect gift for a space-mad child, this book is full of solar system facts and includes the child’s name throughout the story and illustrations. This educational tale is dropship delivered direct to the customer and printed bespoke for them.

Early Learning Little ones can sing along with this range of colourful books, which are designed to help develop listening and language skills. The first book in this range allows toddlers to learn the animals on Old Macdonald’s farm. The personalised cover has a sound button, which sings the song, including fun animal noises. With their name on every page, your child will love engaging with this book, which has been made especially for them. Can they spot their name hidden in the colourful pictures? Old Macdonald is the first in this range, but coming soon are: The Wheels on the Bus, Itsy Bitsy Spider and Jingle Bells. Each book is printed bespoke and drop-ship delivered direct to the customer.

Signature Gifts Tel: 01582 464 809 www.signature-books.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4D60-E61

Signature Gifts Tel: 01582 464 809 www.signature-books.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4D60-E61

Mr Men & Little Miss Everyone’s favourite storybook characters are refreshed and given a modern make-over in the Mr Men and Little Miss collection by Creative Tops. With fun designs and popping colours, new additions include children’s melamine dinnerware sets and colourful cups with swirled straws, showing the original Mr Men and Little Miss characters.

Creative Tops Tel: 01536207710 Email: sales@creative-tops.com www.creative-tops.com Spring Fair: Stand: Hall 9, G10-H11 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5-9 February 2017.

Lady Bird Nostalgia These delightful books, from Boxer Gifts, are the well-known series of Ladybird books, which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope.

Boxer Gifts Tel: 0113 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com Spring Fair: Hall 5, Stand A04-B03

Summer Time Love Aroma Home is launching three new Spring/Summer ranges to complement its popular warming and wellbeing gift ranges: The company’s innovatively designed Mug/Sox range will include 12 different options for all ages and it is also launching product more suited for Spring/Summer in two stunning designs - Butterfly and Flamingo.

In addition, its Autumn/Winter ranges will be launched at Spring Fair with many new lines.

Aroma Home Tel: 0203 735 9500 Email: sales@aromahome.com www.aromahome.com Spring Fair: Hall 6 Stand U21-T22

Starry Starry Light Brighten up someone's day with these gorgeous Age Starlight Bottles from Boxer Gifts. These are the perfect gift for someone on their special milestone birthday; with the relevant sentiment on the front of the bottle and shining star shaped LED's inside, these will be sure light up someone’s home as well as their day.

Boxer Gifts Tel: 0113 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com Spring Fair: Hall 5, Stand A04-B03

Exquisite Exclusive Christopher Dawson Heritage is launching its new John Palmer Collection Fine Bone China Giftware. Christopher Dawson Heritage has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with John Palmer Art and Design to reproduce his exquisite works on fine bone china. The initial launch includes three humorous designs on a Balmoral fine bone china mug and a further three Classic Wildlife artworks on Jubilee shaped mugs.

Christopher Dawson Heritage Ltd Tel: 07909 539574 Email: paul@cdheritage.com www.cdheritage.com Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand G88

Summer Fruits Christopher Dawson Heritage introduces Summer Fruits Fine Bone China Gift and Tea Ware from the design studio of Colette Bishop. On British manufactured fine bone china, the collection includes mugs, cup and saucers, plates and cake-stand and is supported by a range of Melamine trays and coasters. The company’s new venture into giftware outside the Heritage market is driven by retailer demand following the introduction of it’s Honey Bee design also designed by Colette.

Christopher Dawson Heritage Tel: 07909 539574 Email: paul@cdheritage.com www.cdheritage.com Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand G88

That Emoji Feeling Having a great day? Or feeling under the weather? These little smiley faces and amusing icons, from Boxer Gifts, are very useful way to show your mood when sending text messages so why not bring them into the real world? Each page in this fun flip book is divided into four sections, each with a different emoticon.

Just flip the pages to create a pictorial message that fits your frame of mind.

Boxer Gifts Tel: 0113 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com Spring Fair: Hall 5, Stand A04-B03

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5-9 February 2017.

Enigma Illumination Born out from its success with Edge Sculpture, and having found incredible confidence with a style of larger, bolder contemporary pieces, the company is now venturing into the world of contemporary lighting and is very proud to release Enigma Illumination, a very new and exciting range of Designer Sculptural Lighting. So if you are in the market for table lamps that are unique in every aspect, then visit Edge Sculpture at Spring Fair.

Edge Sculpture Tel: 01952 884804 Email: sales@edgesculpture.com www.edgesculpture.com Spring Fair: Hall 1, Stand H20

Raise A Glass Brew Craft from Dartington is its latest gift solution for any good beer drinker. Each handsome handmade glass can be used for a wide variety of beers, ales or cider and reflects today's resurgence for well-crafted drinks. Designed by Hilary Green and supplied in attractive gift packaging, the Brew Craft collection will be one of many new designs to be unveiled on the Dartington stand at Spring Fair.

Dartington Tel: 01805 626226 Email: sales@dartington.co.uk www.dartington.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 8 Stand C11-C13

Mini Look-ALites!

New from Groovy UK for 2017 are the Mini LookALites! They join its collection alongside the larger original size and the handy new keychains.

Licenses include: Star Wars, DC Comics, Suicide Squad, as well as a Halloween collection including a mummy, Dracula, skeleton and more. Groovy are also excited to introduce Marvel lighting with Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man and Hulk.

Groovy UK Tel: +44 (0)844 372 7820 Email: info@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com Spring Fair: Fizz Creations: Hall 6-7 Stand 6J23

Soothing Sea Life Pretty Florals Dunoon has introduced a sophisticated new fine bone china cup and saucer called ‘Islay’, featuring a selection of twelve beautiful designs, ranging from pretty florals, in both a contemporary and traditional style, to opulent patterns decorated with 22 carat gold: It’s the perfect shape for serving both tea and coffee. Each Islay cup and saucer is gift-boxed.

Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales @dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 9 Stand H01

Dunoon has introduced a fabulous range of six coastal designs on its new 'on trend' fine bone china mug shape called ‘Orkney'.

‘All At Sea’, ‘Anchors Away’, 'Go Fish', ‘Life’s a Beach', ‘Nippers’ and ‘Rockpool’ are very contemporary watercolour designs in sophisticated blues and white. Designed by Rebecca Hogg, they feature fun drawings, ranging from shoals of fish to seashells and fishing boats.

Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales @dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 9 Stand H01

Mesmerising Masks 2016 was a fantastic year for Edge Sculpture with its entire portfolio being pursued with an energy and appreciation that has been nothing short of breathtaking. Going forward into 2017, two pieces have been sculpted that will launch a new series of masks. Shown here in the original clay sculpts are a Venetian Carnival Mask and a Japanese Hannya Mask, both very dramatic and traditional subjects that are presented in a very unique and bold manner with a suitably contemporary punch.

Edge Sculpture Tel: 01952 884804 Email: sales@edgesculpture.com www.edgesculpture.com Spring Fair: Hall 1, Stand H20 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5-9 February 2017.

Disney Traditions

Celebrate In Style

Two figurines from Enesco, A Magical Moment and Catch The Wave, are added to the endearing Disney Traditions Collection; which combines the beauty and universal appeal of Disney characters with the artistry of Jim Shore’s Heartwood Creek designs. This year, Jim celebrates the fifteenth anniversary of his partnership with Enesco and his enchanting designs are inspired by the vibrant colours and motifs of American folk art. In A Magical Moment, Mickey Mouse is portrayed on bended knee proposing to Minnie Mouse, and celebrating another fifteenth anniversary, Catch The Wave marks the success of the popular film Lilo and Stitch.

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand H80–J81

Made, painted and jewelled by hand, Lolita glasses are the perfect way to celebrate life, from everyday moments to special occasions, and the 2017 launch, including the Glamour Girls glasses, is as fresh and inventive as ever. The trio of Glamour Girls wine glasses glorifies blondes, brunettes and redheads, and are gifts that will mark all kinds of special moments, from thanking bridesmaids to celebrating friendship. A Lolita glass is so much more than a hand-painted glass, it offers the means to add colour, spice and style to every one of life’s moments, and the beautifully designed packaging enhances its appeal as an outstanding gift.

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand H80–J81

A Pusheen Surprise Tabby cat internet sensation, Pusheen, has notched up over nine million Facebook followers, and her high ranking social media posts have been mirrored by soft toy maker GUND in the Surprise Plush Blind Box Series 3: Places Cats Sit. At the heart of this series are eight soft plush Pusheen cats, which are matched with one of eight accessories depicting typical cat sitting places, such as a keyboard, cardboard box, a shopping bag, and more! All the cats and accessories can be mixed and matched, making over 60 combinations! And to add even more addictive fun, there is one rare mystery style to collect!

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand H80–J81

Grown Up Ladybirds Riding the wave of popularity for Ladybird Books, including The Husband, The Wife and The Student, Lagoon will be launching three Ladybird for GrownUps card decks and games, including Student Beer Pong and The Sickie Recovery Kit at Spring Fair.

These new lines are being launched fast on the heels of the initial Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups range Lagoon launched at Autumn Fair 2016, which included Mini Puzzles, Playing Cards and Tabletop Trivia.

The Lagoon Group Tel: 0800 252723 Email: Sales@thelagoongroup.com www.thelagoongroup.com Spring Fair: Hall 6, Stand L44-M45

Handyman Must-Haves The new M Gifts for Men collection from Border Fine Arts Contemporary is a brand new and high quality gift collection combining wellmade, useful tools with stylish and sleek packaging. The collection includes twelve different tools, all finished in matt black, and many of the tools have several functions.

The collection includes Multi-Tool sets, combining popular tools, making these much valued gifts. A purpose-designed packaging, ensuring the tools are attractively presented, are enhanced within a sophisticated matt black box and lids that are branded with the M Gifts for Men metallic logo.

Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand H80–J81

Spring Fever The team at Kenro is back at Spring Fair for 2017 with a great selection of new products to showcase (and a brand new catalogue): The Avenue series gains a silver-plated version, Senator wood frames are now available in box styles, and the handcrafted rubberwood Rio range is now available in slimline. Brand new ranges include the Tundra black MDF wrap poster and collage frames, and the Bergamo home décor collection, available in four distinct styles: antique silver, rustic brown, blue and cream, and box style.

Kenro Tel: +44 (0)1793 864 345 www.kenro.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand C45 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Exciting New Ranges

Beautiful Cushions

s k oc l C s Fabulou

SPRING FAIR NEC STAND 3R10 t: 01653 680253

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5-9 February 2017.

Handmade On Exmoor Frith are adding some 20 new sculptures this spring to their stunning collection of cold cast bronzes which are handmade on Exmoor. Ozzie the cute Cockapoo (shown here) is joined by Button a Labradoodle, and the robin is the first Frith British garden bird, which is hoped to develop into an extensive collection. It joins the owls, a puffin and birds of prey already in the range. Also new this season will be horses, Highland cattle, sheep, gundogs, a new Dachshund and a French Bulldog, and the veteran sculptor Paul Jenkins has added to his range with a charming cat and dog model. On Frith’s show stand will be its best-seller offer, where you will also receive a free sculpture with Best-Seller Orders. In addition they invite you to visit their stand and collect their new literature which has just been printed.

Frith Sculpture Tel: 01666 577110 Email: sales@frithsculpture.co.uk www.frithsculpture.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand G52

Casting A Spell Introducing an exciting new Harry Potter range extension for Spring/Summer 2017 from Half Moon Bay. New lines include a collectable Three Broomsticks tankard, vintage shaped mugs and a cauldron mug inspired by Hogwarts’ Apothecary Department (pictured), which will really make you feel like you’re drinking a magical brew! Make sure to visit Half Moon Bay at Spring Fair to see this much expanded, exciting collection on show.

Half Moon Bay Tel: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk www.halfmoonbay.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 6 Stand G22-H23

Pink & Gold Beauties Half Moon Bay is excited to introduce its brand new Beauty and the Beast license that will launch as part of its Spring/Summer 2017 collection. This beautiful range honours the classic ideas of the original animation, but its contemporary feel also complements the new live-action film that is due to be released in March. The range features soft pastels, dainty florals and beautiful gold detailing across designs that reflect the most iconic scenes, characters and quotes from the story.

Half Moon Bay Tel: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk www.halfmoonbay.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 6 Stand G22-H23

Beautiful Birds For Good Measure Brace yourself for an explosion of fun on the Fred stand as a host of new rib-tickling gifts centred around home, party and kids are launched. So, let’s get the party started with the new Good Measure glasses - a selection of four 450ml measuring glasses which are printed with seven delectable cocktail recipes that are sure to turn you into the mostexacting mixologist - available in four individual styles.

Fred at Kitchen Craft Tel: +44 (0) 121 604 1111 Email: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk www.kitchencraft.co.uk/fred Spring Fair: Hall 6-7, Stand L26 Kitchen Craft: Hall 9, Stand G24/H25

Come and see Laurence King’s beautiful range of bird-inspired gifts at Spring Fair. ‘Bird Bingo’ features 64 worldwide species - spot the robin, clock the kookaburra, mark your card…and bingo! Test your memory with ‘Match a Pair of Birds’, and Christine Berrie’s beautiful postcards complete the set.

Laurence King Tel: 020 7841 6900 Email: sales@laurenceking.com www.laurenceking.com Spring Fair: Hall 6 Stand L10

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Rufus Ra it

IA ND 339

SPRING FAIR NEC 5-9TH FEBRUARY HALL 18 STAND K04-L05

Rufus Rabbit Beautifully packaged Mummy & newborn baby gifts

www.seagems.co.uk sales@seagems.co.uk - +44(0)1736 335840

www.rufusrabbit.co.uk e:info@thelittledog.co.uk t:01332 290605

© All designs protected by Sea Gems Copyright & Design Right.

The Original

Starlight Bottles

The Walking Stick Specialists

Introducing our new range of 12 walking sticks and folding canes based on paintings

by Bosschaert, Van Gogh and Stubbs.

In Association with

Spring Fair: Hall 20, Stand K10-11

www.classiccanes.co.uk

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Come And See Us At The Spring Fair!

Hall 5, Stand A4-B3

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5-9 February 2017.

Cacti Are The New Pineapple With the continuing success of the pineapple motif, it was about time a new shape came along. SIL, as ever, are right on-trend with an array of cactus accessories to choose from - from giant green cactus candles to vases to suit all types of bouquets. If you’re looking for sheer luxury, SIL have also brought out the whole range in gold.

SIL Tel: 01992 718033 Email: sales@silplc.com www.silplc.com Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand E10-F11

Boofle Gets Personal

Sumptuous Velvet

The Personalised Memento Company are the UK’s leading supplier of personalised gifts to the trade. PMC’s new range of personalised Boofle gifts includes adorable designs for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas – all personalised and drop shipped to order.

View the full personalised Boofle range at this year’s Spring Fair.

Straight from the catwalks into the home, velvet is the hot fabric of the season, and SIL have used it to delightful effect across a whole range of its home accessories. In luxurious velvet in soft grey and pink on photoframes, jewellery boxes and a set of sumptuous steamer trunks, you’ll find your bedroom transformed into a boudoir in a single velvety stroke.

PMC Tel: 01782 744900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk www.personalisedmemento.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4E90-F91

SIL Tel: 01992 718033 Email: sales@silplc.com www.silplc.com Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand E10-F11

The Magic Garden Temerity Jones has put together more unique and inspiring design-led range of gifts and home accessories. Spring 2017 sees the launch of two new ranges: The Utility Gardening collection, full of smart, functional gifts for the gardener in your life, and the new FIESTA! range: hot Spanish nights and passionate Flamenco dancers are the inspiration for this exciting summer range… barbecues on the patio will never be the same.

Temerity Jones Tel: 01992 807477 Email: sales@termerityjones.com www.termerityjones.com Spring Fair: Hall 6 Stand H40/J41

Retro Inspired This year’s Spring Fair will see a new Orla Kiely collection from Wild & Wolf, with other popular licenced products including Polaroid and Tatty Devine, which will launch brand extensions featuring jewellery storage and colourful stationery. And similarly, its Happy Jackson and Mr Men lines will showcase new food and drink accessories and fashionable pouches. In-house brand Ridley’s also has new additions to its Games Room collection with exciting new board games.

Wild & Wolf Tel: 01225 789909 Email: sales@wildandwolf.com www.wildandwolf.com Spring Fair: Hall 6-7 Stand H42-J43

Magnificent Magnifying It’s not big, but it is clever... and really very useful! Designed for lovers of reading and loathers of small print, IF’s hot off the press new fresnel magnifiers are a fabulous addition to its range of intelligent gifts. Featuring eight super contemporary designs, these fun yet practical gifts come in a compact starter pack display containing three of each design.

IF Tel: 01751 475757 Email: nicethings@thatcompanycalledif.com www.thatcompanycalledif.com Spring Fair: Hall 6 Stand NO1

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925 Sterling silver

SPRING FAIR NEC 5-9TH FEBRUARY HALL 18 STAND K04-L05

www.seagems.co.uk sales@seagems.co.uk - +44(0)1736 335840 © All designs protected by Sea Gems Copyright & Design Right.

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5-9 February 2017.

Best Of British This exclusive range of figurines are designed and produced by Nemesis Now, appealing to retailers as diverse as historical sites, tourist attractions and independent vendors.

Exemplifying the best of British design, this charming collection of 13 historical and occupational figurines are hand-painted before being individually numbered, ensuring each one is unique. See the full range at Spring Fair.

Nemesis Tel: 01782 596660 Email: Sales@nemesisnow.com or enquiries@nemesisnow.com www.nemesisnow.com Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand C30-D31

Exclusive To Nemesis

Natural Style

Come and see the latest gothic and fantasy figurine collections from award-winning artists Lisa Parker and James Ryman, exclusive to Nemesis Now. All pieces are cast in the highest quality resin before being hand-painted, ensuring each one is irresistible to discerning customers.

Nemesis Tel: 01782 596660 Email: Sales@nemesisnow.com or enquiries@nemesisnow.com www.nemesisnow.com Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand C30-D31

Natural materials and themes are key to achieving the relaxed look of Parlane’s Living for Spring/Summer 2017.

It’s accompanied its goat-hide furniture from Indonesia with organically shaped bark planters, ceiling lightshades in Indian rosewood and naturally inspired wall art to create a modern rustic vibe.

Parlane Tel: 01451 812712 Email: Sales@parlane.co.uk www.parlane.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 8 Stand C08-D07

Floral Dance

Chairing The Party Card and gift company, Really Good, will be 30 years young this year and to help celebrate its Deck Chair range has welcomed a new range of party gifts. Fun party food flags, funky party buckets and stylish snack trays are just some of the party accessories in this range, which injects some swanky style into any occasion, featuring colourful lively patterns topped off with a hint of gold foil. Join in the Really Good celebrations and see its new party range at Spring Fair.

Really Good Tel: 01235 537888 Email: ello@reallygood.uk.com www.reallygood.uk.com Spring Fair: Hall 6 Stand J14 – K15

Allium stems in all shapes, sizes and colours create the most stunningly simple but effective display. Each of Parlane’s flowers are crafted by hand and each petal is hand or screen-printed to make them as near to the real thing as possible.

See our full collection of Flora this year at Spring Fair.

Parlane Tel: 01451 812712 Email: Sales@parlane.co.uk www.parlane.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 8 Stand C08-D07

Shaun The Sheep Puckator has recently signed a licensing deal with Aardman Animation to enable it to add a Wallace, Gromit and Sean the Sheep to its best selling ‘Solar Pal’ range. The range will be launched at this year’s Spring Fair. In addition to Aardman, Puckator has also signed licensed deals with Fox and Universal to bring the Minions and the Simpsons into the range later in 2017.

Puckator Tel: 0800 011 6969 Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk www.puckator.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand C10/D11

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Colour Flame

Crayon Candles

SPRING FAIR NEC 5-9TH FEBRUARY HALL 18 STAND K04-L05

www.seagems.co.uk sales@seagems.co.uk - +44(0)1736 335840 © All designs protected by Sea Gems Copyright & Design Right.

NEW UP IN LIGHTS SHAPES

UP

COME AND SEE US AT THE SPRING FAIR! Hall 5, Stand A4-B3

IN

NEW SHAPES FROM SMILING FACES! New shapes added to the popular Up In Lights Shapes collection! View the full range at Spring Fair, Hall 5 Stand 5A72! www.smilingfaces.co.uk | 01444 882323 Untitled-1 1

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5-9 February 2017.

In Your Element ‘Element’ is a unique collection of men’s gifts created by those lovely people at The Music Gifts Company. The range covers socks, cufflinks, mugs, pens, bottle openers, hankies, keyrings and so much more. New for Spring Fair is a wonderful range of mugs and coasters called “I should be…”, for all those guys who’d rather be enjoying their hobbies than sat behind a desk!

The Music Gifts Company Tel: 01202 57 00 57 Email: orders@musicgifts.co.uk www.musicgifts.co.uk www.elementgifts.com Spring Fair: Hall5 Stand A85

Golden Words These eye-catching Bright Sentiment Box Plaques are bang up-to-date and join over 2,000 brand new gifts on Joe Davies’ stand at Spring Fair. The plaques complement Joe Davies’ hot selling Golden Sentiment Series and build on the current trend for gold typography. Needless to say, Joe Davies has hundreds of new products to help customers capitalise on the trends. Selecting from the collection is easy and inexpensive using Joe Davies’ trademark ‘Little & Often’ ordering system.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand D50-E51

Brilliant Brollies With spring showers on the way, what better than a pretty and practical umbrella from Wrendale Designs by Hannah Dale?

Its brand new brollies have a distinct country feel and feature quirky animal prints on contrasting coloured panels.

Available in four different designs, Wrendale’s signature attention to detail includes a logo on the handle, stitched Velcro straps and patterned covers, so now you can smile even when it’s raining!

Wrendale Designs Tel: 01652 680253 Email: info@wrendaledesigns.co.uk www.wrendaledesigns.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 3 Stand R10

Capturing Time 2017 is an exciting ‘time’! New additions to all collections of London Clock 1922’s range are going to propel clocks to the pinnacle of a ‘must have’ home accessory item in 2017. In particular, there are great new creations to enhance the muchloved Oslo range. The new clocks are a combination of different substrates producing clean, fresh simple designs.

LC Designs Tel: 01622 716000 Email: admin@lcdesigns.com www.lcdesigns.com Spring Fair: Hall 6-7 Stand M02

Cityscapes With stylised drawings of some of the world’s most admired cities – London, Paris, New York and Rome – Cityscapes is a smart, cosmopolitan monochrome design with focal points of red, yellow, green and blue.

Presented in gift packaging, this collection of mugs, teacups and saucers and travel mugs makes the perfect modern day gift.

Portmeirion Tel: 01782 744721 Email: homesales@portmeiriongroup.com www.portmeiriongroup.com Spring Fair : Hall 9, Stand E30-F31

Shape And Form designconsort has launched as an independent entity from Moorcroft. Within the designconsort collection are new design concepts and surface patterns - from a trio of vases, Web, Weave and Wing - to a shoal of fish or vision of isosceles triangles that appear to change form to suit your chosen angles of the vase. Each designconsort piece is made in Stoke-on-Trent, England.

Moorcroft Tel: +44 (0) 1782 829999 Email: enquiries@designconsort.com www.designconsort.com

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Discover more...

NEW FOR 2017 Fridge Magnets

Magnetic Bookmarks

Pin Cards

www.gaeltagkeltika.com Call +44 (0) 20 8998 1781 Email sales@gaeltag.com

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VISIT US AT

NEC Spring Fair Hall 4 Stand 4D/01

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5-9 February 2017.

Country Life The Lesser & Pavey in-house product development and buying team has been working on two new designs for 2017. Licensed from The Macneil Studio, the ranges consist of fine china mugs, cup and saucer, jug, teapot, tea for one, butter dish, salt & pepper set, egg cups, along with three Melamine trays and Melamine teabag tidy and spoon rest. There are also matching cork backed coasters and placemats, as well as glass cutting board, glass clock, tea towel and a shopping bag made from recyclable materials.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand D10-E11

Man Cave The Lesser & Pavey in-house product development and buying teams have designed this range just for men. It includes beer openers, bottle cap box, light up sign, coasters, tankard, whisky glass, beer can money box, folding storage box, clock, mug and travel mug – all brand new for 2017. Original and innovative; Beer O’clock, Fill With Beer, Beer Fund, and Enter At Your Own Risk – accessories to watch the footie, rugby or Formula 1.

Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 5 stand D10-E11

Little Miracles Little Miracles, designed by Tracey Russell and licensed to Lessar & Pavey is brand new and comes in Pink and Blue adaptations. It portrays a floppy eared rabbit with a safety pinned nappy.

Each item will make a precious gift for a little one as they enter the world, or enjoy their own naming day. The range includes a Mug, first Tooth and first Curl Trinkets, Money Box, Heart Plaque, Clock, Waterball and Keepsake Box. Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand D10-E11

Made about Christmas

Gold Edition New additions to Lesser & Pavey’s ‘Gold Edition’ range include two LED lights – ‘Champagne’ and ‘Prosecco’. Early in 2017, the range will include mugs for the ladies in your life, Gin and Vodka themed Mugs and Glasses and a selection of Jewellery Dishes.; new Compact Mirrors and Manicure Sets, Stationery and Shopping Bags. The range already features very popular stemless wine glasses and flutes as well as mugs, wine glasses, beer tankards, candles, light up signs, shoppers and more.

Lesser& Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand D10-E11

Under license from Hearts Design, Lesser & Pavey launches a fine china range of Christmas gifts. ‘All I Want for Christmas is you’ message comes on a pure white fine china plaque, candle-holder, jewellery dish, trinket box and quality mug. ‘Have yourself a merry little Christmas’ sentiment comes on a fine china oil burner, two sizes of Christmas tree jewellery dishes and charming trinket box. ‘Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year’ is summed up on a plaque, round trinket box, oil burner and jewellery dish. And ‘Merry Christmas’ features on a round trinket box and jewellery dish, oil burner, scented candle and plaque.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Monet’s Waterlillies Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk Pictured is a brand new range for www.leonardo.co.uk 2017 that features one of Monet’s Spring Fair: Hall 5 Sand D10-E11 famous paintings. This range comprises individual mugs as well as sets of two and sets of four in beautiful rigid shoebox illustrated packaging with fitted lids. The blues and yellows of Monet’s work are captured so well on ‘Tea For One’, teapot with two sizes of jug, sugar and cream set, coasters and placemats, three sizes of melamine trays, tea bag tidy, spoon rest, laptray, glass cutting board, shopping bag and scented candle.

Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 5 stand D10-E11 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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SIGNATURE GIFTS PREMIER supplier of

Personalised

GIFTS

Convenience of a one-stop shop with skills from specialist businesses

Spring Fair Hall 4 - Stand D60 - E61 : 01582 464809

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www.signature-gifts.co.uk

: @signaturegifts

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5-9 February 2017.

Scandi-Chic The new Douglas The Boy Wonder range is strongly influenced by designer Anna Danielle’s love of Norway, and reflects the Scandi-chic style that’s such a powerful trend in accessories and homeware. The Douglas totes are built to last, with space inside for a large cake tin and a couple of wine bottles, making them perfect for summer picnics. Other products in the range include china mugs, umbrella, notebooks, pen, glasses case, zip purse, coin purse, mint tin and more.

Douglas The Boy Wonder Tel: 01332 290605 Spring Fair: Hall 3 Stand S10

Toms Depot Cards Say hello to a new ‘Manly’ range of gift cards for everyday occasions bought to you by Really Good. A range of rugged birthday cards for the special men in your life. With plenty of variety showcasing all things ‘manly’, picking a card to suit your fella has never been easier. Made with 100% manly ingredients, these are the perfect cards for any gentleman. This brand new design of cards by Really Good will be presented at Spring Fair.

Really Good Tel: 01235 537888 Email: ello@reallygood.uk.com www.reallygood.uk.com Spring Fair: Hall 6 Stand J14 – K15

Flying High Gaeltag Keltika is increasing the range of its new sentiment-based brand “You Are An Angel”. The outstanding reception to these products since launch sees the introduction of new magnetic bookmarks, fridge magnets and pins, plus six new 155mm figurines, bringing the total to 12. This includes ideal Mother’s Day gifts such as ‘First my mother, forever my friend’.

Gaeltag Keltika Tel: 020 8998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com www.gaeltagkeltika.com http://www.cowparade.eu Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4D01

Mostly True Cards Soul has lots to of fantastic new ranges that it will be bringing to Spring Fair 2017, including a glorious range

by Brian Andreas, who has been writing uplifting short stories for over 25 years, and has written over a dozen books. Now, Soul is finally publishing some of his work on a selection of gifts and cards. This beautiful blend of 20 square cards come packaged in cellophane with an envelope.

Soul Tel: 01235 537816 Email: ello@reallygood.uk.com www.reallygood.uk.com Spring Fair: Hall 6 Stand J14 – K15

Mostly True Gifts Soul has lots to of fantastic NEW ranges that it will be bringing to Spring Fair 2017, including a glorious range by Brian Andreas who has been writing uplifting short stories for over 25 years, and has written over a dozen books.

Now, Soul is finally publishing some of his work on a selection of gifts and cards. These exquisite zipped bags with a leather tassel on the zip and a mini story printed on the front compliment the range of other gifts from this range that Soul will be bringing to Spring Fair.

Soul Tel: 01235 537816 Email: ello@reallygood.uk.com www.reallygood.uk.com Spring Fair: Hall 6 Stand J14 – K15

Perfect with the Prosecco!

Gaeltag Keltika is presenting six elegant new designs based on Megan Claire cards in their gift glassware range ‘Here’s to You’ all in rose gold or gold metallic lettering. The range also includes specially developed Prosecco glasses, based on the traditional shape used in Italy. Also showing are five new lines ideal for Mother’s Day, featuring a mixture of glitter, metallics and etching by card publishers including Berni Parker, Kali Stileman and Paper Salad.

Gaeltag Keltika Tel: 020 8998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com www.gaeltagkeltika.com http://www.cowparade.eu Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4D01 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Be inspired by simple design.

LC Designs Tel: 01622 716000 Email: admin@lcdesigns.com londonclock1922.com Hall 6; Stand 6M02

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5-9 February 2017.

Novelty Gifts Welcome to the Gift Republic Spring/Summer 2017 collection. This season we are releasing some fantastic novelty products including our much hyped Waving Cat lamp. We are boosting our stationery range with the Flamingo pen and Eraser dictator, and introducing our very cute Power Pets power banks in our tech category. We have also expanded our popular Man of the World range with a stylish hip flask and multi-tool.

We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Gift Republic Tel: 0208 542 4836 Email: sales@giftrepublic.com www.giftrepublic.com Hall/ Stand No: Hall 6, Stand 6J54-K55

Guaranteed Best Sellers All That Glitters LED lamps make great gift ranges as well as dazzling additions to any Christmas display and Premier’s new glitter lamps combine a number of exciting retail opportunities. Based on a similar principle to a snow globe, these eye-catching creations are filled with water and have battery operated movement inside which blows the water and glitter bringing a depth of colourchanging reality to the scene inside. These offer retailers great value with Premier’s special pallet deals.

Premier Tel: 020 8624 5555 Email: sales@premierdec.com www.premierdec.com Spring Fair: Christmas - Hall 2 Stand H03/H04 Halloween - Hall 3 Stand C04/D05 Summer - Hall 2 Stand C40/D41

Pallet and volume deals give retailers the optimum in revenue opportunities, and one of Premier’s first offers to sell out in 2016 outside of lighting was lit bottles. These literally flew off the pallets and Premier will repeat the same deal at the same price, despite the drop in pound rate, adding greater value to this range. Furthermore, its lit vases have been upgraded and new designs added, so it’s worth checking these out.

Premier Tel: 020 8624 5555 Email: sales@premierdec.com www.premierdec.com Spring Fair: Christmas - Hall 2 Stand H03/H04 Halloween - Hall 3 Stand C04/D05 Summer - Hall 2 Stand C40/D41

Keeping The Evidence Transomnia's glass-fronted wine cork and beer bottle top collection boxes can be used either freestanding or wall-mounted. When they become full, you can easily remove the back panel and take out the boring ones, leaving the more interesting corks and beer bottle tops, or start again from scratch. Retailing at just £12.99, these are expected to be a big hit this year, and have already been shortlisted for Gift of the Year.

Transomnia Tel: 01892 703660 Email: sales@transomnia.com www.transomnia.com Spring Fair: Hall 7 Stand F04/G03

Lovely Lolly Collection

New Trends & Themes Straits will be launching over 1000 new products at Spring Fair.

The company's design led products will cover all new trends and themes for the upcoming seasons. Following on from their first attendance at the Harrogate Christmas Fair in January, they will also present this increased Christmas offer at Spring Fair too. The ranges cover every product category and include contemporary and more traditional designs - a one stop shop for all your décor accessory and home furnishing requirements.

Straits Trading Tel: 01254 300260 Email: sales@straitstrading.com www.straitstrading.com Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand E71

Transomnia's brand new Lolly range is based on traditional British lollies and ice creams, with the range adding a fun, fab element to any summer-themed display or shop window. There are lots of signs, plus mugs, pegs, keyrings etc. , all of which have been designed by Transomnia's talented in-house design team. You can see all of the lolly range, along with the rest of the company's Spring/Summer 2017 collection at Transomnia's exciting new Spring Fair stand in Hall 7.

Transomnia Tel: 01892 703660 Email: sales@transomnia.com www.transomnia.com Spring Fair: Hall 7 Stand F04/G03

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From the experts in home relaxation, HoMedics is introducing Ellia – a premium range of unique ultrasonic oil diffusers.

Accompanied by a family of 100% Pure Essential Oils, all responsibly sourced from a global network of farmers. We’ve used natural materials to style our ultrasonic diffusers and 100% Pure Essential Oils to master our blends. Perfectly subtle, these decorative pieces fit naturally into every household.

JOIN US FOR THE LAUNCH OF ELLIA AT SPRING FAIR, NEC BIRMINGHAM HALL 4 STAND 4J50 • 5 - 9 FEBRUARY 2017

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5-9 February 2017.

Best Kept Secret Best Kept Secrets has extended and refreshed its range of fragranced gifts with a new premium range collection of necklace fragranced gift bags, bracelet fragranced gift bags and earring fragranced gift bags. Fragrance gifts which were first launched in 2015 have been extended with the most popular ranges now exclusively available to independent retailers who requested a midpriced range of fragranced products which combine a well packaged gift item alongside an excellent seriously scented product.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512 222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4B33

Elegant Hestia Comprising a contemporary, stylish range of home accessories, the Hestia range is made up of straightforward, tasteful designs with fresh, fashion-led styles introduced regularly. The copper collection brings a range of designs across several contemporary pieces, from mirrored photo frames to candle and tea light holders. A highlight of the range is this copper Edison light bulb lantern which combines the traditional Edison light bulb with modern simple design and is battery operated.

Widdop & Co Tel: 0161 688 1226 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk www.widdop.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand G10-J11

Special Offer For Mums As a special offer for Mother’s Day, Di Palomo are offering retailers a 3 for 2 pick and mix on the Orange Blossom fragrance range. Consumers will also receive a free gift bag with every three products they buy in this range, with the offer supported with point of sale material.Di Palomo stockists receive a full support package including POS, testers, gift with purchase offers and display. Retailers who are interested in becoming an official Di Palomo stockist should call Rob Tyler .

Di Palomo Tel: 01803 612772 Email robt@dipalomo.com www.dipalomo.com

Rosanna Homewares “Love, Gather, Celebrate”. So says Rosanna Bowles, creator of the Rosanna brand of innovative homewares. The company, which began life in Rosanna’s home in Seattle in1982, has gone on to become a leading light in the sector winning many accolades. From beautiful jewellery trays to stylish decanters for entertaining, Rosanna makes happy moments with family and friends.

Creating contemporary revisions of timeless aesthetics, the collection in store produces striking product displays and offers an easy gifting solution. The range is exclusively distributed by Widdop and Co. in the UK. Widdop & Co Tel: 0161 688 1226 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk www.widdop.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand G10-J11

Real Flower Rings Shrieking Violet has been supplying the trade for 15 years with sterling silver jewellery handmade with real flowers. The company is very focused on product, earning Shrieking Violet a shortlist for the fashion jewellery & accessories category, Gift of the Year 2017, with their innovative, adjustable ring design. Flower rings come with luxurious packaging, branded display and a RRP of £29.99. Shrieking Violet will be exhibiting at Top Drawer Spring, Stand 511 & Spring Fair Hall 19 stand D04. To view the full collection and register as a buyer, please visit www.flowerjewellery.com Shrieking Violet Tel: +44 (0)20 8521 9151 Email: sales@flowerjewellery.com www.flowerjewellery.com Spring Fair: Hall19 Stand D04

Limited Edition Fragrances Price’s Candles’ best-selling Fresh Air range of odour neutralising candles welcomes two new limited edition Spring fragrances.

Grapefruit & Peppermint, fresh and vibrant, also brings subtle tones of neroli and lemon whilst Apple & Elderflower, sweet and succulent, carries just a hint of peach and white flowers with it. Both are available from February and, with an RRP of £5.25, will be sure to boost sales!

Price’s Candles Tel: 01234 264500 Email: sales@prices-candles.co.uk www.prices-candles.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand E80/F81

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BURNING GOLD COLLECTION 12 brand new candles with triple fragrance

Spring Fair 2017 - 5th/9th February 2017 - Hall 4 Stand 4B33

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5-9 February 2017.

Bath & Body Treats

Alice In Wonderland

Inspired by Italy… Made in England, Di Palomo’s new bath and body treat gift sets are now available to order. Containing body wash, body lotion and hand cream, the retail price of £12 makes them a perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Available in all Di Palomo fragrances, Wild Fig & Grape, Black Cherry With Almond, White Grape & Orange Blossom, the 100ml bottles sizes are ideal for travelling. Di Palomo stockists receive a full support package including POS, testers, gift with purchase offers and display.

Di Palomo Tel: 01803 612772 Email robt@dipalomo.com www.dipalomo.com

Creative Tops will launch a fantastical Alice In Wonderland collection from the V&A at Spring Fair. Decorated with hand-drawn scenes taken from the beloved book’s original illustrations, this collection is beautifully made of fine china with real gold decal and gold embroidered textiles, presented in curious puzzle packaging.

Creative Tops Tel: 01536207710 Email: sales@creative-tops.com www.creative-tops.com Spring Fair: Stand: Hall 9, G10-H11

3D Effect The Porcelain collection is one of three new Cello lines that will be introduced by Xystos at Spring Fair. There are six patterns which, when illuminated, create a 3D effect. Pictured is English Garden. Buyers also have the choice of Fairy Tale, Finesse, Silk Lace, Spring Time and Summer Time. Each pattern comprises a votive holder (RRP £3.99), tea-light holder (RRP £9.99) and electric melt burner (£29.99).

Xystos Tel: 091 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand H50-J51

It's Party Time But this time it's the animals who are having the fun! Floss & Rock proudly launch their latest design Party Animals which includes a stunning tin tea and cake set, jewellery box and secret diary with scented pen in the range. These are just a few of the 40 brand new gifts launched for Spring 17 by Floss & Rock.

Floss & Rock Tel: 01253 831512/540 www.flossandrock.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 5K20/L19

Roaring Into Spring Dinosaurs is one of the exclusively designed new collections at Floss & Rock for Spring 17. The range includes a fun wooden balancing game, memory game and fabulous plush dinosaur tails. These are just a few of the 40 brand new gifts launched for Spring 17 by Floss & Rock. For more information, contact Denise/Lynda.

Floss & Rock Tel: 01253 831512/540 www.flossandrock.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 5K20/L19

New Character Lights The Up In Lights Shapes collection is expanding! Adding to the current range of Panda, Cloud, Cactus and Unicorn come eight fantastic new characters: Flamingo, Swan, Ice Cream, Dinosaur, Rainbow, Bunny, Princess Crown and Moon & Stars. These adorable lights are battery powered and can be wall hung or stand alone. Perfect as presents and beautifully boxed. Also new from Smiling Faces, the eagerly anticipated cake candle collection which will be launching at Spring Fair featuring high quality, contemporary designs.

Smiling Faces Tel: 01444 882323 www.smilingfaces.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand 5A74

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i ntrod u ci ng O r l a K i e l y’s cha r m i ng s e l ecti o n of ho me f ra g ra nce s

www.orlakiely.com Please contact us for further information: sales@kmibrands.com or call 020 8614 4700

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What’s New A selection of gift products launching at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5-9 February 2017.

Danish Delight

New Personalisation Systems Gravograph, the world’s largest manufacturer of engraving equipment, will be launching some truly innovative systems at Spring Fair, designed to make personalisation as easy as can be: laser engravers that can automatically adjust to the shape of the item, interactive engraving software not requiring any learning, automated download of orders placed from your website into the engraving software and more.

Gravograph Tel: 01926 884 433 Email: info@gravograph.co.uk www.gravograph.co.uk Spring Fair - Hall 4 Stand 4C71

Melt Burner Magic Frosted and Metal are among the new Cello melt burner collections that will be seen on the Xystos stand at Spring Fair. Metal features four patterns, Gallery (available in bronze or white), Persia (bronze or silver), Portrait (black or silver) and Romance (black or white). Frosted also has four patterns, Moonlight (pictured), Glacier, Harlequin and Polka. Each is available in Frosted or Crimson. They also serve as night lights and have an RRP: £29.99.

Xystos Tel 091 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand H50-J51

The launch of the Spring/Summer 2017 collection from Danish accessories brand Dansk Smykkekunst features at Jewellery & Watch in Birmingham. Signature designs offer an exquisite mix of Danish style and affordability with this long-established brand growing into one of the most desired fashion labels throughout Scandinavia and Europe. The team at P & A Agencies – who celebrate 12 years of managing the sales throughout the UK and Ireland – will be on hand to talk you through this stunning new collection. We look forward to seeing you at the Show.

Dansk Smykkekunst, Copenhagen Tel: 0161 653 1586 Email: info@pa-agencies.co.uk Jewellery & Watch (Spring Fair): Hall 18 Stand F14/G15 Pure, London: Stand T24

Long Hot Water Bottle Intelex Group are delighted to introduce their latest innovative product to their range of warming gifts, the long hot water bottle. Created in PVC, and available in nine attractive covers including blue spots, grey Nordic, tartan, stripe and purple chevron print, the long hot water bottle is a unique design offering a more flexible way to apply warmth. Retailing for £19.95, the product is now available to buy from Intelex’s trade website. Discover Intelex’s unique Long Hot Water Bottle at this year’s Spring Fair.

Intelex Tel: 01933 679777 Email: sales@intelex.co.uk www.intelex.co.uk Hall 5, Stand 5H30-J31

Let’s Drink To That!

Every hour is Happy Hour at Lang’s! We have got it all covered for your summer drinks party with a sparkling vibrant collection.

We’ve used metallic silver, with colourful accents of pink and lime green. We personally love the Slate Hanging Hears which will quickly become a ‘must’ for gin lovers out there! This alcoholic beverage themed range, from coasters to cushions, has a gift to suit anyone’s taste!

Lang’s Tel: 01332 340927 Email: sales@richardlang.co.uk www.richardlang.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand E50/51

Sweet Smell of Success New for Spring 2017, Heathcote & Ivory launches Lavender Fields and Sweet Pea & Honeysuckle. Enhanced formulations with essential oils, shea butter, glycerin and plant extracts, these new ranges have been designed to cleanse, moisturise and soothe the skin. Featuring delicate watercolour images, the range is co-ordinated by practical fragranced accessories for the home. Paraben and sulphate free.

Heathcote & Ivory Tel: +44 (0) 207 483 8383 Email : info@heathcote-ivory.com www.heathcote-ivory.com Spring Fair: Hall 20, Stand E04 / F05 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Spring Fair: Birmingham NEC 5th - 9th February Hall 4, Stand E71

www.straitstrading.com

Tel: 01254 300260

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STATE OF THE NATION

Times They Are A Changin’ Black Friday, Cyber Monday, a weak £pound and an uncertain world politically and financially. With major upheavals sure to impact on business in 2017, plus an increasingly strong reliance on mobiles and tablets, Progressive Calendars asks some of the leading names in calendars for their views on the industry going forward over the next 12 months.

As more and more of us rely on mobile devices to organise our lives, to include daily reminder alerts and much more besides, are people still relying as much on calendars and diaries, and if so, are buying patterns changing?

The answer is a 'yes' on both counts. Far from digital taking away from dated products, it seems that Britons see the two happily existing

side by side, with calendars and diaries still having an important role to play in people's lives both at home and work. According to publishers, organisers and planners in particular are on the up, with people's lives getting busier, leading to more reliance on writing things down, especially when it comes to family life.

At teNeues, 2016 proved another strong year for the company's dated range, "But buying habits are changing with sales starting later in the year which will continue well into 2017 if 2016 is an accurate measure," says sales and marketing manager Claire Trigger. She says that increasing sales in diaries suggest that dated products are still relevant. "Offline is the new luxury," she highlights, "and at teNeues we continue to gain new customers from different market sectors such as women’s clothing boutiques. The independent retailers continue to

Innovation In Advents Advent calendars continue to be the way many families enjoy 'counting down to Christmas', with a diverse range to choose from. But it's not just about chocolates behind the windows. "Many retailers have embraced the concept of the Advent calendar as a means of promoting products containing things like candles and beauty products," observes Sarah LaPlain, Advent, charity and export manager at Caltime by Woodmansterne. "In fact, the idea of placing your own little gift inside to be discovered each day is catching on fast. Caltime’s 3D Village, launched in 2016, with beautifully decorated buildings in which little treats can be hidden, have been a particular hit with consumers this year," highlights Sarah.

Right: Caltime's 3D Village Advent calendar was a best seller in 2016.

Above: Danilo's Marvel Comics square calendar.

Below left: The Gruffalo family planner from teNeues.

be strong sellers, with more requesting spinners and desktop presentation units as they dedicate more space to display the ranges in a way that will maximise sales. Grid calendars and family planners continue to drive the market," continues Claire, "and we will continue to hold our £9.99 price point for these."

Danilo's Chris James concurs that consumers are buying later and later, with the introduction of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, meaning savvy buyers are waiting for these days to come around before purchasing. "But with less single day promotions by retailers, they risk missing out if product isn’t available," Chris states. He adds that calendars purchased early tend to be self purchases, while later on they tend to be more gift and Secret Santa related.

"However, in January it tends to be a self purchase when people realise they didn’t receive the item as a gift," he comments.

"Overall, there is definitely more bulk purchasing taking place," says Chris. "The new colouring-in calendars have proved to be a huge success, especially Harry Potter and Marvel, with more to come," he adds.

Chris also points out that licensed merchandise is over indexing and growing at a disproportionate rate in all retail channels, with calendars no exception. "Strong music, entertainment and sports brands are perfect for PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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STATE OF THE NATION the category, offering an opportunity for retailers to cross merchandise with other categories in addition to selling from main calendar displays."

He highlights that a real growth sector for Danilo’s licensed calendars lie within the fashion/lifestyle retailer sector. "Brands that work well on, for example, clothing and children’s bed linen, are naturals for expanding their product offering to include calendars, diaries and, of course, giftwrap, bags and greeting cards," highlights Chris. He adds that Danilo continues to be an active member of the TRAP organisation, challenging unofficial merchandise being sold in the UK and Europe.

"It's still a big problem across music, entertainment and sport," he states, "while grey imports prove an ongoing challenge on licensed merchandise."

At Pomegranate Europe, Ley Bricknell, sales and marketing director, adds: "In what was a year of prodigious upheaval, we have had one of our best ever calendar years with a much wider spread of orders covering both new and classic titles. While it was obvious that buyers were playing it safe early in the year, we soon received 'add-on' orders and as the year progressed continuous re-orders."

Breaking The £10 Barrier Carousel Calendars is among the publishers that has increased the number of titles selling for £10.99."In the 2017 range, there are 14 titles, over three different formats, selling for £10.99, totalling 165,000 units overall," confirms managing director Steve Plackett. "All these titles have extra content or added value, with the best seller, Mum’s Fabric and Buttons organiser, containing a month-to-view calendar, a notepad, stickers and post-it notes."

Above: Carousel Calendars' Also pushing the boundaries in terms of price is Boxhouse best selling Mum's Fabric and Buttons.

Publishing (which will be rebranding to Boxclever Press in April). "In terms of price, our calendars have retailed at £11.99 for a number of years now," says managing director Sarah Sadler. "With sales increasing year on year, we find that customers are willing to pay for a product that has been thoughtfully designed and produced to a high quality."

Danilo's sales director Chris James says that with a weak £pound, and higher costs, anything is possible, but nevertheless feels that over £10 is a major step for the sector. "We could see sales decline if price went above this," he comments.

New Formats At Carousel Calendars, a successful new format for the company has been the week-to-view wall calendars. "This range of calendars displays week-toview grids on high quality, uncoated paper, with Emma Bridgewater the best seller with over 20,000 units," confirms managing director Steve Plackett.

Carousel's 2017 range also saw the introduction of the mini box calendars, which include six titles at £6.99 that provide quips and quotes for each day of the year. "Standard box calendars have been decreasing in sales for a few years so we have introduced these lower priced, smaller

Above: A weekly Planner from Boxhouse (£11.99).

What's Changing? l Online sales are continuing to

drive sales. l Sales to independent retailers are

versions that are perfect for a busy desk," explains Steve.

Always looking for new formats is Danilo, which this year successfully tested a midi format (230 x 230 cm square wall format), as well as colouring-in calendars which are proving very popular. "Watch this space for 2018 trends," quips sales director Chris James.

Above: Carousel Calendars' best selling Emma Bridgewater calendar.

Left: Carousel Calendars’ Golf Quips mini box calendars.

on the up. l Fashion boutiques are a growing

l l l

l

market place as retailers cross merchandise products with calendars and diaries.

Grid calendars and family planners continue to be a market driver.

Licensed product continues to go from strength to strength.

More calendars have already, and are increasingly likely to, break the £10 glass ceiling.

Colouring-in calendars have been a successful new entry to the market.

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Gifts that say it all Our fantastically successful “Sentiment� ranges span across a number of individual collections. Perfect gifts for friends & loved ones.

All of the collections along with new 2017 introductions can be viewed at

SPRING FAIR, NEC Hall 5 Stand A11 Why not visit our new Trade Website ahead of the show www.aroratrade.co.uk

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CALENDARS NEWS

A Bumper Year For Carousel Company Enjoys Continued Growth Carousel Calendars distributed over 1,300 calendar, diary and giftwrap titles, the most the company has ever done, of its 2017 calendar range.

"Licenses are as important as ever, and every year we increase our licensed portfolio," confirms managing director Steve Plackett. "We now have over 100 different licensed properties which account for over half of our calendar and diary range."

The number of overall titles published by the company last year was up from the 2016 range, mainly due to additional American titles. Over 100 were for the North American market, where Carousel has seen recent growth.

For its 2017 range, Carousel distributed 6.3 million calendars and diaries. "It's down a couple of per cent on the previous year," comments Steve, "with the volume reduction mainly in the grocer sector, but we certainly saw growth with some of our other clients. The high street volume was stable and the volume to our key distributors was up slightly."

He adds that in 2016 the company again saw growth with distributors to the independent market and the garden centre market. "Otter House, our sister company, is our key distributor to the garden centres and independents, a main benefit being that Otter House has is its own modern distribution centre. In addition, over 70 titles were own label titles for our customers, and this continues to be a key part of our offering, particularly for independent customers and charities."

For the company's 2018 range, Steve says he anticipates a similar number of titles and similar volumes to the 2017 range.

Above: Steve Plackett, managing director of Carousel Calendars.

Left: Carousel is continuing to increase its licensing portfolio which boasts over 100 licenses.

Well, Doggone It A calendar collaboration between Carousel Calendars and Sausage Dog Hotel in St Albans has culminated in a 365 wall format calendar, with each day of the year featuring an image of sausage dogs! The dogs are shown enjoying their stay at the hotel, which provides long and short term stays and day care.

Sausage Dog Hotel has a huge audience on social media, where the hotel's owner shares images of sausage dogs loving their life at the Hotel.

News In Brief l Pyramid International has added a new state of the art showroom at its head office. "This allows us to display our newest ranges in an environment that enables customers to better envision how these products will fit into their retail space," says marketing executive Robert Ling.

Above and left: Among the newest titles from Pyramid.

l teNeues is introducing a new line of midi flexi diaries - a fresh, modern approach with Glam Line, whose covers are enhanced by gold and copper shades, and Colour Line, which offers pastel spring colours.

Boxhouse Publishing To Rebrand In 2017 As of Easter 2017, Boxhouse Publishing, the company behind the Organised Mum brand of home stationery, is changing both its brand and limited company name to Boxclever Press.

The new brand name and logo will be officially launched in April alongside the company’s new range of 2018 diaries and household stationery, which are designed with features to help with organisation. The change of name will allow the company to both widen its existing products’ appeal whilst expanding into new product areas.

"People who are attracted by the clever features and layouts we include with our products, but not being mums, feel that the products are not for them," explains managing director Sarah Sadler. "Our new name of Boxclever Press will ensure that our products appeal to everyone who needs to organise their busy life, as well as giving us the flexibility to design stationery for other markets under one brand.”

The company will continue to produce its four main calendar titles under Organised Mum brand.

Below: Boxhouse's Organised Mum Family Home Planner.

The new calendar brings together hundreds of the photos, with two variant covers: dachshunds among the flowers, and dachshunds racing over the beach.

Sausage Dog Hotel has also got a following in the US, with many fans asking for a calendar of their own. Consequently, Carousel is currently looking at producing calendars for the American market for 2018.

Above and left: Sausage Dog Hotel has two covers to choose from featuring dachshunds among the flowers, and dachshunds racing over the beach.

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CALENDARS NEWS

National Calendar Awards

Sir Cliff Is Top Of The Pops On Amazon

And The Winners Are...

This year's National Calendar Awards, which take place at London's Stationer's Hall on January 25, will be presented by feisty LBC radio presenter Nick Ferrari, who is sure to have some amusing opinions about the industry!

A bumper entry of over 400 calendars, from 30 different publishers, were received for this year's competition. Industry advisor Michael Rose of Rose Calendars praised the "excellent calibre of entrants this year". The judges also commented on the high standard of design and production quality.

The panel included Calendar Club’s Olly Above: LBC radio presenter Nick Chapple and Rob Dand, retailers Chris Dell of White Mint in Ferrari will be the compere at this Berkhamsted and St Albans, and Philip Downer from Calliope year's Awards.

The judges are shown Gifts who has shops in Dorking, Alton and Haywards Heath. Also Below: making their selections at the on the panel were London Stationery Show’s Vanessa Fortnam; National Calendar Awards judging.

David Jones from Premier Paper and printer Jenny Jones. Danilo's Symon Machin judged the Photography and Student categories.

The judging was arranged by NCA organisers Pat Batley and Kay Hurrell, along with Michael Rose and Danilo’s operations director Daniel Prince, who helped set up and co-ordinate the day.

New From Danilo For 2018 Danilo will be exhibiting at Nuremberg for the first time in February, with 2018 shaping up to be an exciting year. Along with the return of the company's top selling Minecraft calendar, 2017 will also see the release of major movies titles, kicking off with the Disney’s live action Beauty & the Beast, followed by a string of superhero movies: Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Thor and the Justice League.

"The summer blockbuster is predicted to be Despicable Me 3, with other animated movies, Cars 3 and My Little Pony, soon after, followed

by Pirates of the Caribbean 5 and Transformers 5," explains sales director Chris James. "The second Paddington movie is highly anticipated following the success of the first one, but this time, with an even stronger cast. In addition, the next Star Wars movie launches in December 2017 and follows on from the story set up in Episode 7 in 2016."

Chris says that Danilo will be looking to expand its offering further in 2017 with new TV, publishing and gaming titles coming through for 2018. l Danilo will be exhibiting at Spring Fair, Hall 3, Stand M16.

Sir Cliff Richard may be a golden oldie, and his calendar may have come in at No 10 on the Danilo chart, (see bottom) but Cliff topped the Amazon calendar charts just before Christmas, seeing off current pop heart throbs to include Justin Bieber, who he outsold by two to one. The calendar featured classic photos of Cliff taken over the past 50 years.

In the celebrity stakes, other best selling Amazon calendars included: Little Mix, Justin Bieber, Kylie Minogue and Elvis Presley.

Below: Danilo's Cliff Richard calendar was the No 1 seller for Amazon.

Liverpool FC Scores In The Danilo Calendar League In a battle of the football giants, Liverpool FC beat Manchester United to take the No 1 spot in Danilo's official licensed calendar chart. The football club not only made history, with over 3% more sales than runner-up Man U, but also knocked One Direction, Cheryl, Frozen and Minions off the top spot which they have made their own over recent years.

In another 'first' this year, sports calendars took the No 1 and No 2 slots - the only time in Danilo's 38 year sales history.

(Last year's top 10 chart places are shown in brackets)

1 Liverpool FC (5) Left: Liverpool FC 2 Manchester United (3) went head to head with Manchester 3 Pokémon (New Entry) United in the 2016 4 Justin Bieber (Top Male) (6) Danilo calendar 5 Little Mix (New Entry top group) chart, with Liverpool declared the winner.

6 Elvis (17) 7 Harry Potter (New Entry) 8 Star Wars (1) 9 Great British Bake Off (13) 10 Cliff (7) The annual chart is compiled of sales from Danilo online, HMV, Tesco, Calendar Club, Amazon, together with retail chains and independent retailers around the UK and sales abroad.

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CALENDARS NEWS

BrownTrout Major New Distribution Top Drawer, held in mid January at London's Olympia, was the first unveiling by BrownTrout of Graphique de France, with a second unveiling taking place at Spring Fair held at the NEC Birmingham from February 5-9.

BrownTrout, which became the official distributors of American brand Graphique de France from January 1, is now responsible for the distribution of the entire Graphique line of calendars and diaries into the UK and European markets.

As a result of the new distribution deal with Graphique, BrownTrout will be offering a new range of calendar slims, including titles such as Food Lovers, In The Pink! and Life Is Sweet.

Additionally, the company has launched ranges of everyday stationery lines, including greeting cards.

"The calendars and diaries have been available in the UK for a number of years, so this will be an easy fit in to the extensive line that BrownTrout already offers," explains the company's managing director Jack Straw. "The new plan is to expand the programme over time in terms of product lines and market penetration and even develop titles and formats specifically for this market," he adds.

Strengthening the team, BrownTrout will be joined by the current Graphique UK key account agent, Emma Tracey (see People right), who has a long involvement with the brand and its current customer base.

Continues Jack: “We are very excited to have Emma working with us and to be able to really help expand this major brand in to this market. Graphique is a major player in the USA and have many items that will work both here and across Europe. It will be a huge challenge, but it really feels like a great fit for us. It is the opportunity we have been seeking for some time to break into the everyday market, and at the same time, securing such a prestigious calendar line on an exclusive basis.”

Above left, above and left: New calendars from Graphique include Nuthin' But Trouble, Pawparrazi and Patisserie. The calendars are being distributed in the UK and European markets by BrownTrout.

Below left: BrownTrout will also be offering new Graphique slims, to include In The Pink! and Life Is Sweet.

People l Following Trevor Jones retirement in December, Dan Grant (right) has joined Danilo as senior licensing manager. Trevor will remain as a non executive board director. l Emma Tracey has joined BrownTrout as national account manager.

Emma was previously the sales manager for Nouvelles Images and is working with other well known brands as their key accounts agent. As national accounts manager, she will be totally responsible for the sales into many of BrownTrout’s larger customers as well as working closely with the BrownTrout team to ensure a seamless integration of the Graphique line. l 2016 Has been a year of growth and development for Pyramid International, with several additions to the teams, including Louise Mehmet as field sales manager, Sarai Denny in the role of national account manager, along with additions to the company's creative, marketing, account and business administration teams.

Two New Licensing Deals I Like Birds is a new licence for BrownTrout, with the company confirming that it will be offering a square wall, an A3 family organiser and a slim calendar.

"The artwork was on a number of items that reached the final stages of the Brand Licensing Awards in 2016," confirms BrownTrout's managing director Jack Straw.

BrownTrout has also entered into a new licensing arrangement with Silverstone, the Home of British Motorsport, and will be publishing two square wall calendars based on vintage art and photography.

Right: I Like Birds and Silverstone Through The Years 19601985 are two new square licensed calendars from BrownTrout.

Progressive Calendars is published by Max Publishing Ltd, publisher of Progressive Greetings Worldwide. It is distributed with the February edition of Progressive Greetings Worldwide.

Editor in Chief: Jakki Brown (jw@max-publishing.co.uk); Advertisement Director: Warren Lomax (warren@max-publishing.co.uk); Editor: Sue Marks: (sue@sjbassoc.freeserve.co.uk) and Deputy Editor: Gale Astley: (galea@max-publishing.co.uk) Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London, N7 9DP www.max-publishing.co.uk Tel: 020 7700 6740.

Home of The Henries, The Retas and Progressive Greetings Live. Copyright: 2017 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Spring has sprung at Lang’s with lots of exciting new products and in-house designs.

Our new collections will bring a fresh look to your shop. We have many new themes, including Fluttery Butterflies, Woodland Fairies, Lots of Loveliness and Top Dad, plus many more to tempt you.

For those who really do like to be beside the seaside, our new Nautical Range is sure to cause a splash, with its blend of fun and bright gifts, mixing wood, ceramics, glass and textiles all guaranteed to float your boat!

For the avid gardener, we have really gone to pot with our new assortment of fun-filled quirky gifts, which are sure to plant the seeds of inspiration in garden lovers everywhere. Our favourite is the Watering Can Stand with 6 assorted fun phrases; this makes a truly lovely gift.

Every hour is Happy Hour at Lang’s! We have got it all covered for your summer drinks party, with a sparklingly vibrant collection.

We’ve used metallic silver, with colourful accents of pink and lime green. We personally love the Slate Hanging Hearts which will quickly become a ‘must’ for gin lovers out there!

SpringSp Fari irng Fair H Hall 4 Stal anld4 Stand E50/51E50/51

It’s not too late for that perfect gift to show your mum just how much she means to you. This collection continues to grow each year, as it’s not just on Mother’s Day that we give that special present.

Christmas 2017 is ready to launch as we bring you glitter and lots of sparkle across our collections. We know that you will love it as much as we do!

Last but not least we do have that little “something” for everyone here at Lang’s. We are really looking forward to welcoming you onto our stand at The Nec

All you need is Lang’s there is something for everyone!

Richard Lang & Son Ltd 1 Little Chester Park Alfreton Road Derby DE21 4AA T: 01332 340927 E: sales@richardlang.co.uk W: www.richardlang.co.uk

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ECLECTIC

Take Your Pick From pop music and paintings to Advents, apps and organisers, calendar publishers are bringing out a cornucopia of exciting and diverse calendars for 2018.

Countdown To Christmas

Rock On Pyramid International has added a host of new licenses to their range of calendars for 2018, while continuing to produce their traditional lines. Licenses including, Connor McGregor, Loui Jover and Metallica now sit alongside some of their most popular calendars including Breaking Bad, AC/DC, Sons of Anarchy, Bob Marley and Deadpool for 2017.

Pyramid International 0116 184 3645 Spring Fair: Hall 4; Stand E70/F71

Caltime by Woodmansterne is known for its licensed Advent calendars, with this years’ new additions Mog and Stick Man, part of the Gruffalo brand. Written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, it tells the story of Stick Man who lives in the family tree with Stick Lady and their three stick children. Measuring 245 mm x 350mm and packed with a gifting envelope, this beautifully illustrated Advent calendar also has a spot the difference game on the back.

Also from Caltime by Woodmansterne is a mini Advent calendar card showing Santa over a village giving everyone the opportunity to send an early Christmas message. Printed on an elegant felt board and finished with glitter, its small enough for standard letter postage.

Caltime By Woodmansterne 01923 200600 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand N10/P11

Get Baking Artist and illustrator Tracy Hall specialises in highly detailed watercolour paintings with a distinctive nostalgic feel. Each page of the charming calendar, Favourite Baking Recipes, features a colourful scene with an accompanying baking recipe which can be cut out and kept. The calendar retails for £5.75.

Salmon 01732 452381 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand M40

Christmas Glitter A Mixed Bag The teNeues 2018 calendar and diary range includes award-winning bestsellers such as the Gruffalo family planner, A Cat’s Life by Gemma Correll and Jack Vettriano.

New titles include Vintage Kitchen Collection by Kelly Hall, art titles including Hiroshighe and Pre-Raphaelites, retro Pin Ups and urban Pop Art from TV Boy. teNeues 0203 542 8997

Guess how many days till Christmas?

Enjoy the countdown to the big day and open a window every day in December.

Featuring beautiful stickers and cover art from the gorgeous children's picture book Guess How Much I Love You, this Advent calendar is a delight with its sparkling glittered cover.

Flame Tree 020 7751 9650 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand 3N31 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate 2nd - 4th April 2017

The definitive trade fair for independent home & gift retailers For more information, visit our website:

www.bctf.co.uk

British by design... gifts today jan 2017 final 2.indd 1

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ANIMALS & BIRDS

Animal Instinct From small cats to big cats, from garden birds to wild birds, fauna lovers will find plenty of inspiration for 2018.

Chris Pend leton’s

Garden Birds Family Organiser 2018

Wild About Wildlife Angela Harding has been working in the arts for over 30 years. Based in Rutland, she is inspired by the wealth of natural wildlife around her to create her stunning prints. The animals she depicts – from a blackbird stealing redcurrants to seals in coastal waves – are always featured in atmospheric locations, which pull the viewer into the artwork.

Flame Tree 020 7751 9650 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand 3N31

Blue tit Long-tailed tit

Nuthatch Goldfinch House sparrow

Chaffinch

Greenfinch

Beautiful Birds

Animal Magic There are three new products available from Ailsa Black: wall calendar £9.99, slim £5.99, and diary £9.99. She is a Scottish artist that works in her seaside studio to create unique collections of beautiful art and prints to capture the happiness and simplicity of the good things in life. Her animals are particularly stunning and are used throughout the new calendars and diaries.

Carousel Calendars 01392 826482 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand Q30/R31

Blackbird

Twelve colourful images of garden birds by wildlife artist Chris Pendleton illustrate this practical calendar organiser with five columns for all the family’s appointments.

Published in A3 size, the calendar retails for £8.99 and each illustration is accompanied by a useful notes section and descriptive caption.

Salmon 01732 452381 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand M40

Take Note Thierry Bisch (French, b. 1953) has long specialised in art with a message. Of late, he has brought his critical eye to the plight of animals at risk of extinction with his Delete? project, and a number of works from this series appear here in Thierry Bisch: A Bestiary. These paintings often top six feet, their size emphasising the vital importance of protecting these species.

Pomegranate Europe 024 7621 4461

Cool Cats With over 6.5 million followers on Instagram, the Cats of Instagram profile is an internet sensation! Portico are thrilled to be offering its 2018 calendar collection featuring photos from the Cats of Instagram profile which showcases the character, charm and quirks of cats worldwide.

Portico 01225 329494

Owl Wise Most owl species have a great deal in common, yet their temperaments and behaviours can be strikingly different. San Francisco Bay Area artist Jeannine Chappell has observed owls in the care of local rescue organisations. Her collage-like works convey the unique character of each species, bringing us closer to these intensely wild birds.

Pomegranate Europe 024 7621 4461 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Come & Celebrate with us!

We are very excited to share this special event with you so come and see us at the Spring Fair for lots of special 10th Anniversary offers including 10% off of our gold star items.

There will be birthday treats and bucks fizz throughout the day.

Hall 7, Stand E31 www.blackginger.co.uk

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ART & ILLUSTRATION

Straight From The Art

The wonderful world of art and illustration captures everything from classical art to ballet, botanical, vintage, contemporary and fantasy.

Early Monet In the early works of Claude Monet from 1865 to around 1872 - figures, not flowers, were his frequent subjects.

Around 1872, Monet began producing views of the Seine that foreshadowed a new direction in his art. The images in this calendar, and the corresponding exhibition, Monet: The Early Years, lead up to this moment.

Pomegranate Europe 024 7621 4461

Fabled Animal Art When illustrating Aesop’s fables, renowned American artist Charles Santore looked to the animal kingdom, with its huge variety of characters, to provide examples of what it means to be human. Twelve watercolours from Santore’s Aesop’s Fables appear here, each presented alongside its fable.

Pomegranate Europe 024 7621 4461

Poised For Success A Royal Ballet wall calendar features photography of some of the most vibrant and visually stunning ballet performances to grace London's Royal Opera House. It showcases the graceful poise of such dancers as Marianela Nunez, Steven McRae and Beatriz Stix-Brunell in beloved classics such as The Sleeping Beauty and Rhapsody. Other new titles include Unicorns

by Anne Stokes. Angela Harding to Yoga and Meditation and Olga Suvorova.

Flame Tree 020 7751 9650 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand N31

Stylishly Vintage Alice Scott is a leading British stationery and gift brand, designed in London and launched in 2013. The playful mix of vintage illustrations, contemporary typography and casual editorial has become Alice Scott’s signature look. Due to the success of the brand on greeting cards, giftwrap and bags we are excited to be launching the 2018 calendar and diary collection.

Other new titles include the Collier Campbell 2018 calendar and diary collection, which mixes vintage details with contrasting patterns, bold colours and exciting new designs, and additions to the Caroline Gardner collection Hey You. Plus, the new Caroline Gardner Rose Tinted range features a monochrome floral design and colourful polka dots.

Portico Designs 01225 329494

Saying It With Flowers Well-known for her floral watercolours Penny Silverthorne’s FLORAL DAYS which she publishes CALENDAR 2018 on greeting cards and a variety of other products, Penny Silverthorne specialises in both contemporary and botanical designs and she gains inspiration from the natural beauty of her local Devon countryside. Her work is being published on two calendars – Floral Days, a slim appointment, and a pictorial calendar entitled Flowers. Both calendars retail for £5.99.

Salmon 01732 452381 Spring Fair: Hall 3; Stand M40 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Greats A4 Ticket Booking advert 2017_Layout 1 12/01/2017 12:41 Page 1

I would like to book………………place(s) at £165 per place + VAT I would like………………table(s) of ten at £1650 per table + VAT I would like………………table(s) of twelve at £1980 per place + VAT I enclose a cheque made payable to Max Publishing Debit my Visa/Mastercard (please delete as necessary) Card No...........................................................................................................

Expiry date........................................................................... Start date.......................................................................... Security code...........................................

Address if different to company address....................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Name................................................................................ Company Address......................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tel............................................................................................................................. Fax.................................................................................................................................... email....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

All bookings must be accompanied with payment. We will be unable to refund any cancellations after 1 May. Tickets and invoice will be sent to you once payment has been received.

Please return this booking form with payment to: Createvents Ltd, 450, Brook Drive Reading Berkshire RG2 6UU Tel: 01183 340085 or by E-mail: clare@createvents.co.uk www.createvents.co.uk

www.thegreatsawards.co.uk

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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.

Paul Beal, owner, Horizon Gifts, Hunstanton A small, upmarket gift shop on a secondary site/walk in to the town centre CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Joe Davies: across the board;

Low cost, top quality products. Photo frames are among the products we do very well with.

Products are always in line with trends. This year it's sparkle, glitter and copper.

Transomnia: across the board

Fragranced Giftware

Our Own Candle Company: foodie fragrances

Customers love the fragrances and the names on the jars such as Banana Cream Pie.

Jewellery

Tianguis Jackson: copper and silver; PoM: necklaces and bracelets

High end, contemporary jewellery.

Zeeley: scarves; Powder: scarves

Quality, fashionable scarves. When customers touch them they have to buy them.

A huge range of great scarves, gloves and socks.

Greeting Cards

Blue Eyed Sun

All the ranges are very eye catching.

Giftwrap

Caroline Gardner

Very distinctive designs. We stock the gift bags too.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat: nursery/toddler

Very tactile, desirable toys.

Fashion Accessories

Above: Horizon, Hunstanton.

We do well with their fashion-led plated jewellery.

Emma Paisey, owner of Daisy Park, South Molton Medium sized gift shop on the high street CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Austin Sloan Signs: South Molton;

These personalised location signs include New York, Paris, Rome and South Molton!

Great boxed birthday gifts. The heat makes them spin round, and our Christmas stock sold out.

De Greef: Kaleidoscope carousel (candle holders)

Fragranced Giftware

Heathcote & Ivory: Vintage & Co.

Both products really hold their scent, and customers especially like Above: Daisy Park, South Molton. the fact they are Made in Britain.

Customers really like the bath soap flower which looks beautiful in the bath.

Fashion Accessories

Flux Designs: I Clip; Cath Kidston: across the board

A compact, stylish, leather wallet that's great for both men and women.

This brand continues to be a brilliant seller for us across all categories.

Greeting Cards

James Ellis: Kapow Shakies

These cards have proved popular for all ages.

Giftwrap

Two Bad Mice

Great quality, stylish giftwrap featuring fun designs.

Other Hot Hits

Peter Pauper Press: password and log book

These were huge sellers over Christmas.

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St Eval: reed diffusers and room sprays;

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Chris Bullingham, owner, Sugar Loaf, Cheltenham and Bath A large Cheltenham gift store is based in the Regent Arcade. The medium sized Bath shop is situated off the main high street CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Sifcon: festive giftware;

It's very popular with customers and started selling from September onwards.

Very stylish, gold and sparkly. The company's stemless wine glasses are also particularly strong sellers.

Lesser & Pavey: Simply Chic

Fragranced Giftware

Ashleigh & Burwood: fragranced lamps;

Bomb Cosmetics: across the board

These were new to us last year, and we have been delighted with Above: Sugar Loaf, Cheltenham. the uptake.

We introduced products for the first time last Autumn with the blasters the strongest sellers.

Jewellery

Joe Davies: Equilibrium

A fantastic range that gets stronger every year.

Fashion Accessories

Pure Fashions: scarves

This was a new company for us in 2016. The scarves are bright and vibrant, with lots of design choices for customers.

Greeting Cards

Pigment

Pigment are our main card supplier, and their ranges sell very well for us.

Other Hot Hits

Cozy Time: hand warmers

These are great fun, and appeal to adults as well as children. The owl, hedgehog and pug have been the most successful this winter.

Richard Jones, co-owner, Selections, Port Talbot A large gift shop on the main high street CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Joe Davies: sentiment;

There's so much choice. Customers can always find the right gift.

The mugs come beautifully packaged in a pink tube.

They're a great pick up range.

Bombay Duck: Alphabet mugs

Fragranced Giftware

Yankee Candle: across the board

Customers love to come back to try new fragrances.

They follow the brand. Our candle customers ask us for 'a Yankee'!

Above: Selections, Port Talbot.

Jewellery

Nomination: composable charm bracelet; Quvo: gemstone rings

Once customers have bought one charm, they keep coming back for more.

Customers buy a base ring and change its look with differently coloured gemstones.

Fashion Accessories

Bessie London: handbags and purses

Very stylish bags and purses at reasonable prices. The purses sold out over Christmas.

Greeting Cards

Johnny Javelin: Velvet

The great designs have seen these cards selling very well for us.

Giftwrap

Lesser & Pavey: Leave A Little Sparkle

Very affordable gift bags in white, with gold spots and sentiment writing. Each bags has a gemstone on it.

Other Hot Hits

History & Heraldry: metallic candle pots

We keep them by the till, on the PoS stand. They're a great impulse buy.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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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: www.joedavies.co.uk

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

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

HISTORY & HERALDRY T: 01709 730700 E: sales@historyheraldry.com W: www.historyheraldry.com

POM JEWELLERY T: 01225 777749 E: sales@pom925.com W: www.pom925.com

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

SIL T: 01992 718033 E: sales@silplc.com W: www.silplc.com

PIGMENT PRODUCTIONS T: 01423 520098 E: admin@pigmentproductions.com W: www.pigmentproductions.com

LESSER & PAVEY T: 01322 279225 E: sales@leonardo.co.uk W: www.leonardo.co.uk

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Best Sellers

BLUE EYED SUN T: 01273 823003 E: sales@blueeyedsun.co.uk W: www.blueeyedsun.co.uk

POM JEWELLERY T: 01225 777749 E: sales@pom925.com W: www.pom925.com

EUROPE’S No.1 FOR THE ART, CRAFT, CREATIVE CRAFT FABRIC, NEEDLECRAFT TRADE SHOW & HOBBY INDUSTRIES

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

t NETWORK DIRECTLY WITH COMPANIES AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES t MEET THE INDUSTRY’S NEWCOMERS IN THE BRIGHT SPARKS PAVILION

CRAFT HOBBY + STITCH

INTERNATIONAL

t FREE PRODUCT PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS t EXCELLENT BUSINESS SEMINAR PROGRAMME t EXCLUSIVE SHOW OFFERS! t NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA ATTENDEES t THE ANNUAL CHAMPAGNE BRITISH CRAFT AWARDS

19-21 February 2017 NEC, Birmingham UK

t OVER 100 HOURS OF WORKSHOP EDUCATION t CATWALK FASHION SHOW t EXCLUSIVE HOTEL RATES

For more information about visiting or exhibiting at the show: www.chsi.co.uk or call us now on 01425 272711

EXPANDING INTO TWO HALLS!

SUPPORTED BY A Time Inc. UK company

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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the show 10 – 14. 2. 2017 Giving extends the interplay between creativity and product, individuality and trend, assortment and concept. At the world’s most important consumer goods trade fair.

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

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BASED IN SCOTLAND AND LOOKING FOR A NEW CHALLENGE?

BESPOKE

Do you want to work with exciting, innovative, design led brands - all with an established, upmarket customer base?

Manufacturer & distributor at your door.

Your one stop shop for bespoke photo frames.

A field sales role has arisen at a leading Scottish gift agency.

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: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies

GIFTS & GREETINGS

The role would suit a sub agent, but a salaried role will be considered for the right candidate. Location flexible.

Part time considered.

GIFT IMPORTERS & DISTRIBUTORS

www.joedavies.co.uk

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

Email salesagencyscotland@gmail.com in confidence for further information

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

Contact Angie Bryant on 01993 212 994 for further information.

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I NTRO DU C I N G

THE LAKES COLLECTION INSPIRED BY THE BEAUTY OF THE ENG LISH LAKE DISTRICT 01229 461111 • waxlyricaltrade.com • customerservices@wax-lyrical.com • Spring Fair - Hall 4, D40-E41 •

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