Progressive Gifts & Home – July 2018

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July/August 2018

SAC CHET APPEAL Donating £1 directly to the Royal British Legion for every sachet supplied at trade A target of £36,500 represents £1 for every single day that has passed since the h end of WW1

www.heartofthecountryltd.co.uk T. 01543 481612 E. sales@heartofthecountryltd.co.uk

Home and d Gift A26 Autumn Fair 3G23

16 Times Winner of the Progressive Gifts Greats Awards

Gold Award Winner 2018 Best Service to the Independent Retailer

A Big

Thank You

We would like to thank all our wonderful customers who voted for us for ‘Best Customer Service to the Independent Retailer’. We are extremely proud and honoured to have won the Gold Award yet again!

Joe Davies, 149 Broadstone Road, Reddish, Stockport SK5 7GA Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk

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

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 Publishers Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax and Ian Hyder

Design

This Month

@Prog_Gifts

As we go to press with this issue (on June 27), the sun is shining, temperatures are hotter than Africa, England is doing brilliantly in the World Cup, the England cricket team has thrashed Australia, and Lewis Hamilton has seen victory at the French Grand Prix! Let’s hope the current good fortune lasts.

Closer to home, what an incredibly exciting few weeks it’s been here too. It kicked off with the launch of our digital newsletter GiftsandHome.net, which hit the ground running on May 3. Ever since, it’s been bringing readers the most up-to-the-minute news stories, and breaking news, about what’s happening in the gift industry. It’s great to know that you’re enjoying it, and that it’s relevant and on the ball thanks to its extensive industry news coverage.

Equally exciting were our fabulous Greats Gift Retailer Awards held in May. Themed The ‘Greats’ Gatsby, and held at London’s glittering Grosvenor House on Park Lane, a seat at The Greats Awards was certainly the hot ticket, with some 400 guests packing into the Ballroom to see the great and the good in gifts retail recognised and rewarded. If you weren’t able to be there, we’ve opened up the photo album on pages 27-29. To see who the winners were (if you don’t know already!), turn to pages 31-45 where they share their initial reactions to hearing their shop names called out! For those retailers who didn’t enter but wished that they had, we’ll be announcing details about The Greats 2019 shortly.

And finally, and very, very importantly, we’re extremely thrilled to be shouting about the 25th (silver) anniversary of Progressive Gifts & Home! Although I wasn’t the very first editor - I came on board almost 20 years ago when the magazine was into its fifth year - it was lovely to reminisce with so many companies who were around in the day, and are still movers and shakers in gifts in 2018. Turn to pages 47-55 for a trip down memory lane. It’s been fascinating to look back on the past quarter century, and great fun to see what was trending and what the challenges were.

Elsewhere in this issue, we catch up with Mr Cool himself, Oliver Tress, founder and managing director of Oliver Bonas (see pages 63-65); Fenwick’s Louisa Brenton reveals how she’s putting her stamp on the gift department in the new Fenwick Bracknell store (turn to pages 57-59); we discover what’s trending in jewellery and fashion accessories (see pages 67-69), and find out who’s drinking what in our glassware feature (see pages 89-91). Plus, with buying for Christmas coming round now, our feature on nursery and children’s gifts will give you the lowdown for the coming season. (Turn to pages 81-83).

And talking of Christmas, the next big event on the gifts and home calendar is, of course, Home & Gift in Harrogate, taking place from July 15-18 in Yorkshire’s lovely spa town. Weatherwise, it’s fingers crossed for plenty of warm sunshine so hope to see you there.

Enjoy the issue!

Above: Sue Marks, (centre), is shown at PG Live’s Greats Wall of Fame with Angela Jones, (left) director of Lily Blue in Hagley, and shop manager Sarah Kiely.

Cover: Greenleaf's Limited Edition scented sachets from Heart of the Country are raising money for the Royal British Legion. (See page 61).

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

Russell Sutton

Subscriptions enquiries maxsubscriptions@marketingreinforcements.co.uk Tel: 020 8943 9541 ISSN 2515-7523

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

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Autumn

8:59:03

HUNDREDS OF GREAT NEW PRODUCTS FROM

Transomnia no longer exhibit at Harrogate Home & Gift, but we shall be at the International Autumn Fair in early September. In the meantime, the best way to see and order from our new collection is to arrange for one of our helpful sales agents to call in on you.

To ďŹ nd out more, to request a catalogue, or to arrange for an agent to call, contact sales@transomnia.com or phone the sales team on 01892 703660

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The Seasonal Range has had a facelift – with geometric inspired packaging and glassware that reflects interior trends. This range encompasses an array of products from Boxed Candles | Diffusers | Tin Candles | Cracker Gift Sets | Botanical Gels and many more.

Available in five festive chic fragrances.

Find Us Home & Gift - Harrogate 15th to 18th July 2018 - Stand A32 Autumn Fair - NEC Birmingham 2nd - 5th September 2018 - Hall 3 QO6 – Summer House Maison & Object - Paris 7th - 11th September 2018 – Hall 5a F63

020 8595 8878 • stoneglowcandles.co.uk • sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk

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Inside 11-23

News

25

Gift of the Gab SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL Nic Stone, owner of The Bottle Kiln in West Hallam, champions the independent retailer.

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

65

27-29

The Greats Party Pages A ‘GREATS’ GATSBY DAY! We invite you to flick through The Greats Award 2018 photo album.

Sue Marks Editor

31-45

The Greats 2018 Winners

47-55

Feedback: PG&H’s Silver Anniversary

suem@max-publishing.co.uk

As PG&H celebrates its 25th silver anniversary this month, we look back at the past quarter century in gifts.

57-59

Ian Hyder Publishing Director

61

Spotlight On... Heart of the Country A ‘GREAT’ WAR PARTNERSHIP

81-83

angieb@max-publishing.co.uk

63-65

Retailer Face To Face: Oliver Bonas THE KING OF ‘COOL’ As Oliver Bonas, winner of The Greats 2018 Best Specialist Multiple Retailer of Gifts category, celebrates 25 years, we put founder and managing director Oliver Tress into the hot seat.

67-69

Spotlight On... Nursery/ Children’s Gifts BABY TALK As Christmas homes into view, we take a look at what’s new for babies and children.

87

A Global Perspective: Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair THE ‘SMART’ WAY OF GIVING A look at the ‘smart’ products that were leading the way at the show.

89-91

Heart of the Country explains why the company has partnered with the Royal British Legion to raise £36,500 to celebrate the centenary of the Armistice.

Angie Bryant Advertisement Manager

In Profile: Xystos A PERFECT FIT Director Tom Sykes reveals what’s going to be unveiled at Home & Gift, Harrogate, this month.

Retailer Face To Face: Fenwick Bracknell BORN TO CREATE AND CURATE Louisa Brenton, buyer for Fenwick Bracknell - winner of The Greats 2018 Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts category - explains how she’s putting her stamp on the store’s gift department.

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

77-79

Spotlight On... Glassware CHEERS! Glassware really comes into its own in the run up to the festive season with leading suppliers highlighting the top trends.

117

Sounding Off ROYAL WEDDING BLUES Lesley Dunne, owner of Feathering Your Nest in Rayleigh, asks whether big events such as the Royal Wedding help or hinder sales.

118-119 Best Sellers

Spotlight On... Jewellery/Fashion Accessories GLAMMING UP FOR CHRISTMAS

122

Behind The Counter: Peter de la Mare, England At Home, Brighton

Suppliers reveal the hot trends in both jewellery and fashion accessories.

122

Last Word: Zoe Alexander, W A Grant, Shoreditch PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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HARROGATE Hall Q, Stand E18 15-18 JULY 2018 Equilibrium® Fashion Bags

Are you buying from Joe Davies?

Message Clip Frames

Over 2,500 brand new gifts 10,000+ lines to choose from Only £100 minimum order ‘Little & Often’ ordering system FREE next day delivery The Greats Gold Award winner 2018 for customer service

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Great Service • Great Products • Great Prices 2018 06 - Pro Gifts DPS Home & Gift Fair 2018.indd 1 008-009_GH_July 2018.indd 8

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HARROGATE Hall Q, Stand E18 15-18 JULY 2018

Sparkle LED Unicorn Jars

Equilibrium® Pearls

Floral Fairies

Glitter & Feathers Candles

Leonardo Gold Edition Stacker Mugs

White Occasion Frames

Sunny By Sue Gin & Tonic Glasses 16 Times Winners of the PG Greats Awards

Gold Award Winner 2018

BEST SERVICE TO THE INDEPENDENT RETAILER

Equilibrium® Birthstone Necklaces

Jazzy Junk

Joe Davies 149 Broadstone Road, Reddish Stockport SK5 7GA Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk

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Industry News

The Greats Awards 2018 A 'Sparkling' Event!

Some 400 guests - including the cream of gift retail, leading gift suppliers, trade show organisers, reps and agents - headed to the glamorous Grosvenor House on London's Park Lane on May 17 to see the winners crowned at The Greats gift retailing awards 2018, organised by Progressive Gifts & Home.

Taking the ‘Greats’ Gatsby as its theme, it was certainly a glittering, glitzy occasion, with everyone enjoying a magnificent lunch, stand-up comedy from Pippa Evans, who delighted the audience with her specially written witty ditty entitled ‘Your local giftshop’.

In her welcome speech, Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home, commented: “We all know that retail is so much more than it was in days gone by. It has never been more competitive, or challenging, and retailers have never had to wear so many hats, be they entrepreneur, buyer, marketeer, merchandiser, social media expert and more besides,” she said. Looking beyond the confines of the shop walls, Sue continued, “external factors too - rents, rates and yes, the ‘b’ word Brexit - make their presence felt every single day. So to roll up your sleeves and get with the job, and to make a success of it, is in every way a major accolade.”

It was a ‘golden’ afternoon for Joe Davies, which won the Gold trophy in the coveted Best Service to the Independent Gift Retailer category. Widdop and Co was awarded the Silver trophy while Parlane won the Bronze.

There was also a standing ovation for John Athwal OBE, founder of Premier Decorations, who was presented with the prestigious Honorary Achievement award.

The delighted Greats winners (Details of all the winners are revealed on pages 31-45, with Above: excitedly waved their trophies in the air. the party pics on pages 27-29.

A raffle at the event raised £3,680 for The Light Fund charity, with all monies going to specific charities.

The Greats Awards 2019 will be taking place on Wednesday May 15. l The Greats is organised by Max Publishing, owner of Progressive Gifts & Home.

Sunday Times Hat Trick Three gift companies made it into the recent Sunday Times league tables – the Fast Track Internartional Track 200 as well as The Rich List.

For the second consecutive year, Paladone was listed as the 57th fastest growing mid-market, privately owned company in Britain for international sales, with a two year sales growth of 68%, reaching international sales of £14.2M in 2017.

NPW came in at 182, achieving £23 million of overseas sales of its giftware, stationery and beauty products. l William and Thomas Gatacre, co-founders of plush company Jellycat, were listed at No 723 on the Sunday Times Rich List, valued at £155m.

Sharing Their Secrets Of Success Gift shop owners (and past Greats winners) Emma Woodward and Samantha Yair, co-owners of Aspire Style, a chain of five independent lifestyle and gift boutiques, were among the keynote speakers at the recent bira National Conference held in Hinckley.

“The secret of our success is that we make sure that our stores stand out on the high street,” Samantha told the packed audience at the conference, which took place at the Jurys Inn in Hinckley. “Our shops are one third gifts, one third fashion accessories and one third women’s clothes, and we work very hard to create a unique product mix that works when items are merchandised together. We also strive for excellent customer service,” Samantha continued, “and ensure we engage with our customers through social media and marketing activities.

“Our in-store theatre includes many out-of-hours events, such as catwalk fashion shows featuring the clothes we sell, co-ordinated with the accessories.”

Aspire stores are based in Warwick, Stratford upon Avon, Earlsdon, Oxford and Solihull.

Above: Aspire’s Samantha Yair (right) and Emma Woodward are shown with PG&H’s editor Sue Marks at the recent bira conference.

Third Shop For Brocante Brocante, winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year South West category at The Greats 2018 in May, recently opened a third outlet in St. Ives, Cornwall, with the reaction to the new store very positive. “With Fowey and Mevagissey working well for us over the past few years we intend to work as hard as we can to build our brand,” states coowner Keiron Cockley. “What we have been good at is managing a seasonal business in holiday locations. St Ives is buzzing and we are thrilled with the opportunity.”

Above: Brocante’s new shop in St Ives, Cornwall.

Meet The Buyers Panel A Meet The Buyer event, organised by The Giftware Association, took place at the GA’s HQ at the beginning of June in Birmingham’s jewellery quarter. GA members were able to showcase their products to a team of buyers from John Lewis, led by Sara Allbright, buyer for Gifts and Candle shop; Louisa Brenton, gift, stationery and Christmas buyer at Fenwick, Oldrid’s buying manager Laura Wilson, and Michelle Smamos, buyer for Unique Items.

A new focus was a Meet The Buyers panel discussion.

In May, The Giftware Association took its popular Meet the Buyer event on the road to the Tillington Group of Garden Centres in the Lake District, where suppliers presented their products to buyers from 10 Tillington garden centres.

Open Invitation During the month of July, Lesser & Pavey’s showroom in Dartford in Kent will be open for seven days a week.

Over 5,000 products are being showcased, to include a preview of the company’s new Tropical Paradise collection.

“The collection reminds you of sunnier times and holidays, bringing a touch of the tropics to the home,” says managing director Julian Hunt.

Visit www.leonardo.co.uk Above: Lesser & Pavey’s new Tropical Paradise collection will be previewed at the company’s open days in July.

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

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Industry News

Ambassadorial Role For Greats Winner It’s All Down To The Greats Awards, Say Love It’s Owners Following her success at The Greats 2018 in May, Amanda Oscroft, co-owner of Love It in Stamford and Bury St Edmunds, has been made an ambassador for Stamford.

Explains Amanda: “A few days after our success at The Greats, I was in the shop proudly polishing the trophy when a journalist from Stamford Living magazine popped in and asked me what I was doing. She was very impressed by the fact that Love It had won The Greats Independent Gift Retailer of the Year East Anglia category, heading off some tough local competition, and wrote a feature on me for the magazine.

Following the article, and completely out of the blue, I received a letter saying that I had been made an ambassador for Stamford! I’m absolutely thrilled, and the catalyst was The Greats!”

Amanda and her husband Will also received a congratulatory letter, sent from the House of Commons, from their local Stamford MP, Nick Boles.

Among the other Greats winners who have seen their ‘name in lights’ in their local newspapers recently were Maggie Thornton, owner of Alligator Pear in Tadworth, and Jo Williams, owner of Joco Interiors in Nuneaton, with both shops receiving substantial publicity.

“The local newspaper, the Epsom Guardian, ran a story, as well as the KT Connections local magazine,” enthused Maggie. “And we have also had a fantastic response to our social media posts promoting our finalist positions!” Adds Jo: “I'm still buzzing with the excitement of winning a Greats award. Making it into the local paper too has been really fantastic!”

Top: Amanda and Will Oscroft, owners of Love It, are shown at The Greats Awards in May with their prestigious trophy as winners of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year East Anglia category.

Above left: Alligator Pear hit the headlines in the Epsom Guardian.

Left: The Nuneaton News carried a half page story on Joco Interiors’ Greats success.

Autumn Fair ‘First’ Following the recent closure of the childrenswear trade show Bubble London, Autumn Fair will be extending its Children’s Gifts, Toys & Gadgets showcase to include fashion.

“Childrenswear suppliers and retailers have faced challenging trading conditions of late, but the market is still forecast to grow significantly in the coming years,” says Louise Young, managing director, Spring Fair and Autumn Fair. “Those companies that react to changing consumer expectations and deliver products that are on-trend will succeed in growing their market share.

Bringing childrenswear exhibitors and buyers together will only help facilitate success, and drive innovation.”

She added that while Bubble London had played a pivotal role in the sector, retailers are currently diversifying by offering a variety of product categories aimed at different age demographics. “Whether it be for children or for teenagers, gifting children’s clothing and accessories is a key area of sell-through for retailers,” she stated.

The sector is predicted to grow by 10.4% over the next three years.

Autumn Fair takes place at the NEC Birmingham from September 2-5, 2018.

Visit www.autumnfair.com Above: Visitors at last year’s Autumn Fair.

Hat Trick For Lifestyle Retailer Josie’s Mid-May proved to be an exciting time for James Webster, owner of Josie’s in Bideford. Not only did the entrepreneurial 24-year-old open a second shop, Josie’s Interiors in the Devon town earlier in the month, but his original store won The Greats Best Newcomer South and Wales award. Additionally, Josie’s was named the best gift shop in the Muddy Stilettoes Awards Devon category, voted for by the public.

Right: The new Josie’s Interiors store in Bideford.

A Wizard Idea With an increasing number of gift shops - to include Papyrus in Glasgow, and England at Home in Brighton - confirming that re-usable coffee cups and re-usable travel cups, are this year’s winners, Half Moon Bay has confirmed that the company will be the first to launch a brand new collaboration with ecofriendly coffee cup brand Huskup, with product scheduled to land in September.

Having launched a successful partnership earlier this year distributing Huskup’s 12 original designs, this time around, the company has combined Huskup’s technology with their best-selling Harry Potter licence.

Left: Four designs showcase iconic Harry Potter artwork that includes Dobby as well as the Marauder’s Map on Half Moon Bay’s reusable travel mugs.

Cycling For Charity Proving that pedal power can hit the high notes financially for charity, David Gee, managing director of The Music Gifts Company, and general manager Jason Lovell, successfully cycled the Isle of Wight Randonnee earlier this month - a hilly 64.2 mile cycle around the island - in aid of Kidney Cancer UK. So far, the two men have raised more than £2,000 for the charity.

Jason, who has been with the company for some 15 years, had his right kidney removed in July 2016 due to a cancerous tumour.

Above: Jason Lovell and David Gee (right), recently cycled to raise money for Kidney UK.

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

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PRODUCT CREDITS (Clockwise from top) GARDEN TRADING / PERNILLE CORYDON / STAY SIXTY

EXCLUSIVE LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCTS TOP BRANDS UNSEEN DESIGNERS LATEST TRENDS

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Industry News

New GA Chairman Appointed Jeremy Takes Over The Reins Jeremy Corner, managing director of greeting card company Blue Eyed Sun, became the new chairman of The Giftware Association, with Gert Schyberg, managing director of home fragrancing company Sebnini, announced as vice chairman.

Speaking about his goals, Jeremy emphasised that, together with the team at the GA, he would be looking to steadily grow the membership through an improved website as well as looking for stronger engagement with current members and doing more with social media.

“We will also be blogging and looking at a new CRM Above: The new line up at the GA: new (customer relationship management) system which we will chairman Jeremy Corner (centre), vice integrate with bringing value to members around the issues chairman Gert Schyberg (left) and deputy chairman Henri Davies. and areas that are important to them,” he highlighted.

Added Jeremy: “It is a great honour to be chairman of the GA, and I’m very excited to be working with the team and the national committee.”

Outgoing chairman Henri Davies, who becomes the GA’s deputy chairman, praised Jeremy’s marketing and social media skills.

Clive Briscoe was appointed to the GA’s national committee, with Michael Pape, director, Ravensden, and Lindsey Adam, owner of Bonkers in St Andrews, both stepping down after 10 years.

Panel debates were held during the afternoon covering a wide range of topics to include compliance, GDPR, cybersecurity, CE marking and IP, the value of industry awards, routes to market, and advice to members on how to future proof their business.

August Open Day Stoke-on-Trent based the Personalised Memento Company (PMC) is among the gift companies that will be holding an open day at their premises this summer, where they will be welcoming both old and new customers. Taking place from August 6-9 it marks a ‘first’ for the company, who will not be exhibiting at Autumn Fair this September.

On display will be new personalised Christmas decorations, jewellery and homeware, allowing visitors to see PMC’s latest personalised gifts before they are officially launched. The company adds that it will be an opportunity for retailers to learn more about personalised gifts in time for the AW18 and SS19 seasons. To book an appointment e: helen@personalisedmemento.co.uk or tel: 01782 744900.

Below: PMC will be holding its first open day in August.

On His Bike For Charity Despite fracturing a wrist in training, and having to have it put in a cast in A&E while exhibiting at greeting card show PG Live in May, Jeremy Corner, the new chairman of The Giftware Association, is travelling 1,500km across the Gobi Desert in Mongolia for charity, with the race starting and finishing at Ulaanbataar on July 11.

Riding KTM 450 Enduro off-road motorbikes on a self-funded trip, Jeremy and friends are aiming to raise £3,000 for the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, which helps street children in Mongolia. To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/gobidesertenduro Left: GA chairman Jeremy Corner is currently in Mongolia, taking part in a gruelling off-road charity motorbike ride.

Making The Most Of Harry And Meghan’s Big Day Savvy gift shops across the UK pulled out all the stops to make the most of a Royal Wedding that really captured the public’s imagination. Emma Paisey, owner of Daisy Park in South Molton confirmed: “We sold out of items to include the ‘must have’ commemorative tea towel! Many of our other items, such as mugs from Emma Bridgewater and bags from Cath Kidston, went really well too. A Royal event always gives us a boost and the country a feelgood factor.”

At Aspire, which has five gift shops, co-owner Emma Woodward explained: “We put up balloons and bunting, we had kids trails, and made room in the shops for a Royal Wedding tea party on the wedding day itself. It was an excellent way to build relationships with our customers.”

Meanwhile, Barkers Northallerton’s front window featured Harry and Meghan having a garden party/afternoon tea with the Queen’s Guards.

“Our colour theme was pink and gold with Union Jack bunting,” confirmed Julie Poynton, Barker Home’s gifts and homewares buyer. (See Royal Wedding Blues on page 117).

V&A Pays Tribute To Portmeirion Founder The V&A will be paying tribute to Portmeirion’s founder, Susan Williams-Ellis.

The free display, which is entitled Portmeirion: Pottery Trendsetter, will open on October 31, 2018 and run for nine months until July 28, 2019. It will follow Susan’s journey and her work throughout the decades.

On display will be many of Susan’s iconic designs, including her most famous 1972 design, Botanic Garden, which remains one of the company’s best selling and most loved patterns. Other classic designs include Totem and Magic City.

Susan was one of Britain’s most celebrated designers in the second half of the 20th century. Her designs were at the forefront of contemporary style and continue to inspire the ceramics industry.

Below: Susan Williams-Ellis’ iconic Botanic Garden design.

Top: Daisy Park’s Royal Wedding window.

Left Celebrations of Stourbridge was another gift retailer who celebrated the Royal wedding with cake for their customers. Shown is co-owner Roger Eames.

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

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Industry News

Bigger And Better Home & Gift New Show Sectors Lead The Way Five new curated show sectors will be launched at Home & Gift, Harrogate, taking place from July 15-18, presenting the largest number of sectors in the show’s history. New are Design Now, featuring design-led products and unique pieces: Taste: a new edit of giftable food and drink products and MADE: featuring leading UK design in handmade products. Additionally, there will be a Design-Led Fashion and Jewellery hall, and a brand new Home and Interiors hall. “Due to popular demand, Home & Gift has doubled the size of Home and Interior accessories, with some amazing brands being welcomed back for 2018 including Libra and Pacific Lifestyle,” comments Home & Gift’s marketing manager Amy Donnelly.

The show will also be fanfaring sectors highlighting the Best of British and Christmas.

Over 1,000 brands will be exhibiting.

Seminars will take place at the Retail Hub featuring an inspirational line up of speakers.

Set across four marquees and nine halls, Home & Gift is the largest showroom in the North, confirm organiser Clarion Events. Visit homeandgift.co.uk

Widdop Serves Up An Ace Taking Wimbledon as its theme, Widdop and Co will be holding a Summer Show this July, with the company’s North Manchester showrooms open until July 20. Saturday and Sunday openings will take place on July 14 and 15. The company confirms its big ‘singles’ matches will feature Sophia, Harvey Makin, Hestia and Home Living, with ‘doubles’ matches from Just 4 Kids and Celebrations versus Bambino and Amore.

Summer Show surgeries and workshops will also be taking place Tel: 0161 688 1226 or email sales@widdop.co.uk Above: Wimbledon is the theme for Widdop’s summer show.

Left: Home & Gift, Harrogate, is looking forward to welcoming visitors this month.

Theo Paphitis’ #SBS To Go Live at Autumn Fair Autumn Fair, taking place at the NEC from September 2-5, will have an exciting new twist this year, thanks to the opportunity for members of former ‘Dragon’ Theo Paphitis’ #SBS community to compete for 12 free exhibition spots, with the process judged by a panel of Autumn and Spring Fair experts from show organisers Ascential.

“I’m thrilled to be bringing #SBS to Autumn Fair, giving 12 small businesses a free platform to showcase their wares and access a brand new marketplace,” enthuses Theo, founder of #SBS. “#SBS. It exists so that passionate entrepreneurs have a dedicated space to share their ideas and ‘pitch’ for endorsement. It’s therefore a natural match to bring our initiative to Autumn Fair, an event similarly dedicated to championing retailers, their energy and entrepreneurial spirit.”

The #SBS winners Pavilion will take centre stage at the show, hosting the 12 winners in a showcase dedicated to highlighting new and unique products from ambitious start-ups and small businesses.

Comments Louise Young, managing director of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair: “It’s hugely exciting for us to be welcoming Theo and 12 new #SBS businesses to the Fair, with Theo providing these small businesses with a platform that allows them to really shine and boost their order books.”

Left: Theo Paphitis will be going live with his #SBS initiative at Autumn Fair.

Cyclists Raise A Historic £200,00 For The Light Fund Progressive Gifts’ Ian Hyder, joint managing director of Max Publishing, was among the 65 riders taking on an epic 325-mile bike ride from Bristol to Dublin in June, with the total so far standing at a staggering £200,000 raised for The Light Fund.

It represents the largest total raised by a single event for the licensing industry charity.

Ian Hyder, a member of the Bristol to Dublin organising committee, commented: “It was the most extraordinary week and showed the camaraderie of the licensing industry in all its glory. This is reflected in the Above: We made it! The 65 Bristol to Dublin cyclists at total money raised for The Light Fund - and that is increasing all the time.” the finish of the race.

On the gift side, cyclists included Anthony Temple and Zara Grindrod from Rainbow Designs, and Dan Grant from Danilo.

Comments Ian: “Not many people ride from Bristol to Dublin because there are so many hills. Although I ran the London Marathon to raise funds for the Light Fund a few years ago, training for the Light Fund’s 2018 charity bike ride was definitely been tougher!”

Asian Sourcing Bonanza Four concurrent shows, presented and managed by Comasia, will be taking place from October 20-23 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The shows are a regular fixture of the Autumn Southern China sourcing for global buyers looking for on trend and novel gifts and premiums.

Among the four concurrent events Asian Gifts & Premiums Show & Asian Festive and Christmas & Seasonal Show have been the all-important showcases and sourcing platforms staged in Hong Kong every October.

In 2017, the shows featured over 1,700 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions mainly from Asia - including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, India, the Philippines and Vietnam - who presented their most up-to-date products across over 2,200 booths.

Over 37,000 international import and export houses, wholesalers, distributors, agents, mail order companies and retailers, from some 130 countries and regions, attended the show.

Above: Buyers at last Autumn’s Asian Gifts & Premiums show in Hong Kong.

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Industry News

Paladone Secures A £13m Investment International Growth Set To Accelerate Paladone has received a £13m minority investment from LDC, a private equity investor, with James Barbour-Smith joining the company as non-executive chairman.

“The commitment and hard work of our team has helped us to grow to become an international firm, holding long standing relationships with some of the best known brands,” Graeme Carr, founder and managing director told Brighton’s Argus newspaper. “Over the years, we have significantly invested in the quality and design of our products which is why we’re now in a market leading position. For us, the time is right to bring an investment partner on board, and in LDC we have found a team who understands our long term ambitions and can provide us with the strategic expertise to help take the business to the next level.”

LDC’s investment is to fund the company’s global expansion, with Paladone looking to continue its growth in America, following demand from multiple retailers that include Kohl’s and Target. The company is also seeing growth in Europe, Asia and Australia. In its last financial year, Paladone has a turnover of over £30m, with 60% of the sales from its 800 products coming from overseas.

In addition to its HQ in Shoreham, Sussex, Paladone, also has offices in Los Angeles and Hong Kong.

Environmentally Friendly ‘First’ Paladone is trailblazing on the environmental front by launching a range of giftware using breakdown plastic (BDP) technology (naturally decomposing plastic), a first for the global gift trade. The BDP additive makes the products home compostable, naturally decomposable in landfill and recyclable. A collection of themed and licensed egg-cups using BDP have been launched with more items using BDP lined up from 2019 onwards.

Above: Some of the ‘landfil friendly’ products from Paladone that uses the BDP additive.

Frida Kahlo Licensed Giftware Comes To Town Following the much anticipated opening of the Frida Kahlo exhibition, Making Herself Up, which opened at the V& A in midJune, gift companies Groovy UK, Jan Constantine and Retro Peepers are among the official licensees.

“The addition of the Frida cushion, intricately hand-embroidered and appliqued in wool, has given a new lease of life to my Tropical Collection,” confirms Jan. “In addition, our Frida tote bag is now online, which was timed to celebrate the opening of the exhibition.”

Another licencee, online eyewear boutique Retro Peepers, has launched a pair of officially licenced sunglasses based on those worn by the Mexican artist.

Looking to 2019 and Spring Fair, Groovy UK will be launching a Frida Kahlo collection that includes a dinner service, tea towels, aprons, oven gloves, mugs - both conventional and travel - as well as keyrings, trays, stationery and cushions.

"All the news and noise about Frida Kahlo is amazing,” comments Maria Strid at Art Ask Agency. “We are very pleased for all our licencees who are either launching product now, or are getting ready for their big Spring Fair launches in February 2019.”

Above: Groovy UK’s Purple Bouquet Frida Kahlo cushion is part of a collection launching in 2019.

Left: Retro Peepers’ Frida Kahlo sunglasses.

PEOPLE p Plush company Posh Paws has welcomed Sally Fielding (right) as its new sales director. Sally joins bringing with her vast experience in the sales sector, having held positions in the gifts, greetings and housewares industry, latterly with Really Good and Soul (on an interim basis), and also with that Company Called If and Hallmark. p Widdop and Co. is continuing to strengthen its independent sales team with Claire Slaven (right) who has joined the team as the East Midland’s region territory manager. Following a career in both sales and design roles, her wide experience encompasses toys, stationery, bath and body and home fragrance. p A Gift From The Gods has appointed a new sales manager, Ryan Sloan (right), to focus on key accounts and distribution. He joins the company with experience gained primarily through working with a range of fashion brands and has also worked with a large global apparel and accessories brand, growing and maintaining key international accounts.

A Doyen Of The Gift Industry Retires Having enjoyed a long and prestigious career in the ceramic and gift industry, spanning some five decades, Ken Johnson, managing director of Enesco Europe, retired at the end of May. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my career and the many wonderful people I have met over the years and am looking forward to a relaxing summer,” Ken commented. “A highlight was receiving The Greats Honorary Achievement Award in 2014.”

Having initially wanted to join the merchant navy, a holiday job persuaded him that sales was his forte, leading to Ken joining Spode as a sales trainee in the mid '60s earning 3 shillings and 6 pence a week.

He gradually moved through the china and glassware ranks – which included working for Arthur Wood and Carltonware – joining Border Fine Arts in 1985 as sales director, and subsequently Enesco in 1989, when Enesco bought Lilliput Lane in 1984. Ken was appointed managing director of Enesco Europe in 2008, with his remit including Enesco France. Ken says he is looking forward to spending more time with his five daughters and grandson Solomon.

Above: Ken received The Greats 2014 Honorary Achievement Award from Andrew Illingworth, at the time, the chairman of The Giftware Association, sponsors of the category.

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Broadgate, Broadway Business Park, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 9XE UK T: +44(0)161 688 1226 I F: +44(0)161 682 6808 I sales@widdop.co.uk I www.widdop.co.uk

Combining fresh, vibrant designs with thoughtful and inspiring words to create gift books, journals, greeting cards, stationery, and desk accessories, Compendium products celebrate the best parts of the human spirit, and highlight what it truly means to live inspired.

To find out more about Compendium or to become a stockist, visit www.widdop.co.uk

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Industry News

New UK Partner For Maxwell & Williams KitchenCraft Acquires Distribution Rights In advance of the Exclusively Housewares show in June, homewares company KitchenCraft announced the acquisition of the exclusive distribution rights for Maxwell & Williams and Casa Domani (owned by HAG Corp Australia) in the UK and Ireland. The brands were previously distributed by Valerie Graham.

“We are absolutely delighted with this new partnership,” commented KitchenCraft’s managing director Matthew Canwell. “The development opens up different channels of distribution for us and complements our current tableware brands, including Mikasa.”

Adds Matthew: “With the Maxwell & Williams portfolio also offering some wonderful glassware ranges and cutlery, we have become a veritable one-stop-shop for the dining category.”

With a family-owned Australian heritage, and available in over 50 markets around the world, the Maxwell & Williams brand is known for producing high quality fine bone china, porcelain, glassware, stainless steel and acrylics.

The company, founded 22 years ago, is dedicated to cultivating the best Australian talent and boasts a stable of renowned illustrators and artists who collaborate with the brand.

Above: Maxwell & Williams, now owned by KitchenCraft, was among the exhibitors at Exclusively Housewares.

Father’s Day On The Up For Gift Retailers For many gift retailers, cards, as well as gifts, were the main drivers in making the tills ring this Father’s Day. "We had a bumper Father's Day trading weekend,” confirmed Maggie Thornton, owner of Greats winner Alligator Pear in Tadworth, “and were significantly up. We created a mini 'Dad Den', using wallpaper to make the area look like a garden shed, and combined stylish and novel gifts which worked really well in conjunction with our gift wrapping service. People were coming in for Father’s Day cards, especially the humorous ones, and staying to buy gifts.”

At The Present in Barnet, a finalist in The Greats, owner Louise Bawcutt said that Father’s Day was another last minute gifting event, with the majority of customers coming in to shop the day before.

“We do a Father’s Day window and table in store to create interest, and offer complimentary gift wrapping on all gifts bought for the occasion. However, rather than buying in themed Father’s Day products, we use the selection of male orientated gifts we already have in stock, re-stocking on a few more pick-up lines such as socks and toiletries. We sold out of Father’s Day cards, and were up on last year for the week, Getting to the finals of The Greats has definitely created a buzz and extra interest around the store.”

It was a similar story at Papilo in Thornbury, where owner Tabi Marsh highlighted that cards were the biggest sellers, along with Peter Pauper Brain Teaser books.

Left: The Father’s Day shop window display at The Present in Barnet.

Luna Smells Sweet At John Lewis Stoneglow was recently invited to merchandise its Luna home fragrance collection in the window of John Lewis’ flagship Oxford Street store, with the display installed at the beginning of May. Stoneglow’s commercial director Louise Dooley said that premium positioning, on one of the world’s busiest high streets, has been an important step for Stoneglow, especially as John Lewis is acknowledged as the UK’s favourite department store.

John Lewis is currently stocking four Stoneglow ranges, which Above: Stoneglow’s eye-catching Luna the company confirms is unprecedented. “The Luna Collection was collection at John Lewis Oxford Street store. selected to be showcased by the John Lewis buying team due to its high-end look and key price points,” explains Louise. “The end result looked amazing, which is a reflection on great team work at our head office.”

The window display has now re-located to the Peter Jones store on Sloane Square where it will remain until late July.

NEWS IN BRIEF p Keel Toys, along with The Wyvern School in Ashford, broke the world record for the most people simultaneously hugging a soft toy. “We achieved 374 hugs up from 261 the previous record,” confirmed Keel Toys’ UK sales director Above: Love To Hug. Steve Cox. p Gift retail multiple and conservation charity the National Trust has joined Anti Copying in Design (ACID).

Above: Dids Macdonald, OBE, ceo of ACID (right), is shown with Laura Vincent, senior retail designer for the National Trust.

p Burleigh celebrated the 50th anniversary of one of its most popular patterns, Calico, by unveiling four new colourways on new special edition mugs.

Above: The seven special edition Calico mugs from Burleigh.

p Paladone sponsored the launch party at the recent 10th BlogOn bi-annual conference held in Manchester, an event for bloggers by bloggers, sparking a flurry of tweets. p During July and August, Rayleigh’s Feathering Your Nest will be running a Top Model colouring competition to raise money for Children With Cancer.

Right: One of 2017’s colourful 2017 entries.

p Trade show organiser Hale Events is actively looking for environmentally-friendly alternatives to all single-use plastic at its 2019 shows, to include Giving & Living, which takes place at Westpoint Exhibition Centre in Exeter from January 13-16. p To celebrate the launch of the company’s new enhanced website www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk - Rainbow Designs is offering both new and existing customers a 5% discount on their first order placed online

by July 31.

Right: The new website’s home page.

p A Gift From The Gods has launched a new user-friendly wholesale website featuring the company’s range of accessories, stationery, jewellery, and sleepwear. Email: chloe@agiftfromthegods.com for a personalised logon link.

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Industry News

Gift Retailers Flock To PG Live Tenth Anniversary Show A Huge Success

Top Trends, Top Drawer

With greeting cards one of the strongest product sectors for gift shops, gift retailers were out in force at last month’s PG Live 10th anniversary show looking for new suppliers, especially in the popular Springboard section which featured upcoming designers.

There was lots to celebrate too, at PG Live’s Wall of Fame drinks reception held for winners and finalists, past and present, of The Greats and The Retas (organised by PG&H’s sister magazine Progressive Greetings).

Among the indies enjoying a glass of champagne were Greats 2018 winners Luke Jacks and Jon May, co-owners of Mooch Gifts and Home in Stourport-on-Severn and Bewdley. “We are doing more cards in our recently re-located Stourport-on-Severn store, so we were looking for British designed cards,” confirmed Jon. Back for a second year were Evelyn O’Flaherty and Sandra O’Connell, owners of Mooch in Ealing, West London. “PG Live was fabulous,” said Sandra. “We found new suppliers and placed six orders in the first two hours! It was great to see so much new and quirky product.” Florian and Lyndsey Kleinlercher, co-owners of Between The Lines, which has 14 gift stores in the UK, have been to eight out of 10 PG Live shows, and confirmed that they absolutely loved the exhibition. “It’s a great concept and, as a visitor, you know that, as you walk in, you will be looked after and pampered,” says Florian.

PG Live will be back at London’s Business Design Centre on June 4-5, 2019.

Six new trends will be taking centre stage at Top Drawer this Autumn - Easy Living; Dark Lux; Geometrics; Pattern Clash; California Living and Wanderlust, with a new concept area - Men Only - focusing on men’s accessories.

“By bringing together an exclusive selection of the world’s best brands and designers, we provide one space where retailers can edit their own store story, finding new names, adding new products from brands they love and tuning into new trends, honing a retail offer that speaks to their customers and of their unique vision,” comments event director Alejandra Campos.

A strong line-up of speakers will be taking to the stage at Paperfest to include the editor of Vogue Living along with experts from Facebook, Farrow & Ball, Bloom & Wild and Topshop.

In addition, the winner of the Spotted Award will be announced at the show.

“The Award will add an extra dimension to this vibrant showcase, and is a wonderful way to celebrate the talented emerging brands who show at Spotted,” says curator Charlotte Abrahams.

Top Drawer takes place from September 9-11 at London’s Olympia.

Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk

Left: Welcome to PG Live! The show is officially open!

NY NOW Ups The Ante With a new date pattern for Summer 2018 offering greater convenience to buyers and visitors, NY NOW will be opening its doors at New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre in New York from August 12 to August 15.

“NY NOW is the epicentre for the latest trends in fashionable, design-forward products from established and emerging brands,” says Randi Mohr, vice president and NY NOW director. “New for this season sees us taking the NY NOW experience to the next level.”

NY NOW’s Celebrations and Gift Giving section will include categories such as ceramic giftware, stationery, party goods, novelty gifts and souvenir items and collectables. Also featured will be trend merchandise and Above: NY NOW’s lobby area. home office products, as well as a large presence of children’s toys and games.

“The range of giftable items at NY NOW for friends, parties and babies makes it easy for buyers to find high-quality, trendy products,” comments Randi. “We’re also seeing a continued growth in sustainable products and those that give back, which is a great way to bring personal touches to any retail store or shop. It’s all about stories, with the brands in these sections delivering that.”

Enhanced show experiences include more greeters, music on the floor, new lounges, additional happy hours, coffee hours, giveaways and other events.

Elsewhere, educational seminars will address topical issues.

Visit www.nynow.com

Stationery Show Manchester Cancelled Stationery Show Manchester 2018, scheduled to take place on October 9-10, will not be staged this year confirmed organisers Ocean Media. “We feel the level of uncertainty in the market is too high to expect our exhibitors to risk supporting a new show,” said event manager Hazel Fieldwick. “We appreciate the trust and support of those companies who had committed to supporting our Manchester show, and we will ensure all of them are recognised accordingly.”

A tough retail market, cautious buyers and uncertain suppliers has led to the decision not to run what would have been the second edition, aimed at attracting buyers from the Midlands and the North of England.

The organising team, has decided to focus its efforts on the Stationery Show London April 2019.

Above: Portico Designs was among the exhibitor’s at last year’s Manchester Stationery Show. This year’s show has now been cancelled.

Above: California Dreaming is among the new season’s trends.

New Talent Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn, which will be held at the SEC, Glasgow from September 16-17, will be fanfaring a host of new exhibitors in both the Launch Gallery and the main show.

“It is encouraging to see such fresh, new talent coming through and we are always excited by companies who show that extra bit of innovation with new products that appeal to the ‘ever more difficult to please’ customer,” says show director Mark Saunders. “With the hope and prospect of a great summer season, retailers are optimistic that the tourists will flood in to Scotland, putting them in a good position to re-stock come the Autumn.”

As one of the last of the Autumn Shows, Scotland’s Trade Fair offers the final opportunity to place orders for the Christmas season. Over 170 exhibitors will be showcasing product, to include the Food Section.

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Left: Nic Stone.

Below: The Two Ronnies Four Candle sketch.

GIFT OF THE

GAB

Small Is Beautiful In the wake of the sad demise of a slew of household name retailers in recent months, PG&H’s columnist Nic Stone, owner of The Bottle Kiln in West Hallam, champions the independent retailer, highlighting that future success is down to more than just selling products.

“As I write this, there has been a great deal of talk about the disappearance or imminent demise of a number of large retailers, including Mothercare, Toys ‘R’ Us, Homebase and so on. ‘Trouble on the high streets’ the headlines proclaim, though as some have pointed out, many or most of these large operators left the high streets a long time ago and had been operating from characterless out of town retail parks where keeping costs as low as possible was the name of the game, while they engaged on a race to the bottom on price.

As ever, the smaller businesses on actual high streets go under the radar in these stories. In my local town there used to be a fantastic DIY store of the ‘four candles’ variety, though much friendlier. If you went in with a set of shelves to put up, not only would the proprietor sell you the correct drill bit, rawlplugs and screws, he would advise you on how to use them. Of course, as soon as Do It All, Texas and B&Q came along, he was forced out of the market by the sheer choice they could offer, and now they too, having systematically removed virtually all profit from the sector, are going the same way. In fairness we now have a Screwfix, where you can buy most things, but it is essentially a catalogue showroom and a far cry from the helpful store we had before.

It’s a familiar story, and the internet, as ever, has played its part. But it’s also a salutary reminder of the need to make sure that there is real value-added in your business that can’t be attacked on the basis of price or size alone. No small

business ever won a race to the bottom on price. And although customers talk about the cost of things a great deal, I have to say that the most successful small businesses that I visit are usually trying and succeeding to move the conversation away from just price and towards some other element of value, be it fantastic service, unusual product choices, location or novelty.

The company we all like to talk about most is Marks & Spencer, who, by common agreement, has lost its focus on its core market by trying to be, perhaps, all things to all people. In the process of closing lots of shops, M&S is about to be toppled from the No.1 position as the UK’s biggest clothing retailer by Primark, who leverage its colossal buying power to offer clothes at often astonishingly low

prices, though at what cost to people and the environment we don’t know.

(Incidentally however, they don’t sell online). The irony of this is that the demographic that Marks & Spencer served so effectively in the past is the one that’s growing and should have provided ‘Marks’ with an enduring recipe for success.

What will be left in the world of bricks and mortar when the current upheavals play themselves out? I think the places where the human element is essential, rather than just incidental, which explains why everyone seems to have a coffee shop these days, or is positioned next to one. And areas where there are ‘clusters’ of characterful independent shops will always be attractive to visit purely from a leisure perspective. They will be selling themselves and the experience of visiting them, rather than product alone. They will be cool, or quaint, or properly authentic, and many will have specialisms of their own that aren’t economic for the big boys to go after.

The good news is that they will be nicer places to be, both for customers and those who work there, far more pleasant all round than standing in a warehouse looking for the right type of high chair or wallpaper adhesive. Maybe our hardware store will be back, though he would have had to find some niche or specialism as DIY has become such a huge area. A trendy paint range perhaps, or an interior design service?

The important thing is to be aware of what is happening out there and to have a plan to stay one step ahead, and to keep it profitable. And most of all, to remember that, unlike Mothercare or Toys R Us, being small means we can change tack quicker than it takes for a PLC to call a shareholders’ meeting.”

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The Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, recently hosted the region’s most stylish and comprehensive lifestyle trade fair, STYLE OCTOBER 2018, between October 17-21, 2018. Combining three major annual fairs - Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair (BIFF&BIL), Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair (BIG+BIH) and Thailand International Furniture Fair (TIFF) – in one to showcase the potential of Thai entrepreneurs with creativity and innovation. Enjoy a wide selection of new

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The Greats Awards 2018

Inset: We’ve won! The incredibly delighted Greats 2018 winners wave their coveted Greats trophies in the air! Seated in the front row are comedian and compere Pippa Evans (left), along with PG&H’s Sue Marks (centre) and Angie Bryant.

What A ‘Greats’ Gatsby Day! The fantastic Greats Awards, held on May 17, would certainly have got the seal of approval from party loving Jay Gatsby! Taking The ‘Greats’ Gatsby as its theme, the day was brimming with glitz and glamour, with guests enjoying a glass of bubbly at the pre-lunch Awards drinks reception at the fabulous Grosvenor House on London’s Park Lane.

Making everyone laugh was the hilarious comedian, songwriter and improviser Pippa Evans, who even wrote a witty ditty called ‘Your local gift shop’!

If you couldn’t be there, we’d love to share our photo album with you . . .

Below: Kevin and Evelyn O’Flaherty with Sandra O’Connell (right) from Mooch in Ealing.

Above: John Lewis’ buyer for Gifts and Candle shop, Sara Allbright (right), with her JLP colleague Kate Mayers and Canova's Paul Weedon.

Below: The Greats team get ready to welcome guests with a glass of champagne. Shown from left to right are: Jakki Brown, Sue Marks, Angie Bryant and Ian Hyder.

Above: A peek into the fabulous Grosvenor House Ballroom where the tables were beautifully laid out for the Awards lunch.

Left: A glamorous member of The Hollies team gets into The ‘Greats’ Gatsby mood with an eye-catching headband.

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The Greats Awards 2018

Top right: Enjoying the champagne were Clarion’s Amy Donnelly, Becci King and Julie Poynton from Barkers Home, Northallerton, and Louise Morris, also from Clarion.

Right: The team from Alligator Pear arriving at the Grosvenor House.

Top left: Hazel Fieldwick, left, event manager of the Stationery Show London and Manchester Stationery with guests.

Left: A smiling Julie Pearson, owner of Cloudberry gift shop (left), with Liana Moran.

Below left: Big smiles from the team from The Hollies in Little Budworth, led by director Ed Cowap, (fourth from the left), head of visual merchandising Sean Camm, (third from the right) and marketing executive Sarah Holland (front right).

Below: The buyers from Fenwick were out in force. Shown are Amanda Bell, (left), with Hannah Williams and Louisa Brenton (right).

Below: Girl power from NPW. Shown from left to right are: Emma Black, Catherine Snell, Hannah Roberts, Kate Falshaw and Cameron Carper.

Below: Widdop and Co’s Paul Booth, (left), Daniel Illingworth, Richard Marsden and Aga Gabryisiak, owners of Highworth Emporium, and Widdop and Co’s Sue Grant.

Inset: Clinking glasses are Notcutts’ Aoife Aagar (left) and Tracey Pennell.

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The Greats Awards 2018

Left: Taking time to enjoy a glass of bubbly were, from left to right: Carlos Arraez Perez, Teri Clapp, Paula Ellis and Michelle Chairman from Between The Lines.

Right: Part of the afternoon’s fun included taking part in a ‘higher or lower’ competition.

Below left: And the winner was . . . Daniel Prince, managing director of Danilo, who received his prize from Max Publishing’s joint managing director Warren Lomax.

Below: Also going home with a prize was Phil Boas, marketing director of Ascential, was the lucky winner of one of the star raffle prizes - a trip for two on Eurostar. He was presented with his prize by PG&H’s advertisement manager Angie Bryant.

Above: The raffle was drawn by gift retailers Rachael Barnes, of Dragonfly, Amanda Oscroft of Love It and Janet Stow of Love Letters.

Right: Paper Tiger’s Michael Apter and Megan Hicklin.

Left: There was plenty to laugh about thanks to comedian and compere Pippa Evans.

Below: The gang from ZSL Whipsnade were literally jumping for joy when they heard they had won a Greats award!

Left & right: Also entering the spirit of the 1920’s era were Peter O’Loughlin of P& A Agencies (right) and Thomas O’Brien, strategic operations director, Boxer Gifts.

Left: All good things must come to an end.

Time to go with home with a fabulous Greats goody bag!

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RETAIL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 2018 2018 WINNER: Peter de la Mare, store manager, England at Home, Brighton “Being nominated alongside employees of some great businesses was very gratifying. When my name was called as the winner I felt a sense of pride and found it heartening to be acknowledged by an industry I am passionate about.”

Peter de la Mare, store manager, England At Home

Award sponsor Above: Grinning from ear to ear, winner Peter de la Mare.

Left: Louise Morris (right), event director of Home & Gift Harrogate/Clarion Events, category sponsor, presented Peter with his Greats trophy. Also shown is The Greats Awards compere Pippa Evans.

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

London ( INSIDe M25 ) 2018 WINNER: Max and Melia, Clapham

Right: Steve Powell, national sales manager, Ashleigh & Burwood, category sponsor, presented the winning Greats trophy to Maxine Ellison, director of Max and Melia.

Award sponsor

Left: A proud Maxine with her prestigious Greats trophy.

“It was so surprising and thrilling to win our award. I opened the shop with my mother and business partner, Jeanne, almost six years ago.

Unfortunately she was unable to make the awards but she deserves so much credit. Her style and eye for detail makes the shop and she has taught me so much. Thank you mum!”

Maxine Ellison, director, Max and Melia.

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

home counties, south & south east 2018 WINNER: Alligator Pear, Tadworth “My immediate reaction was shock as I wasn’t expecting us to win, closely followed by an immense sense of pride because I really feel I have the most dedicated hardworking team of people. I couldn’t be happier. Thank you for this great opportunity.”

Maggie Thornton, owner, Alligator Pear

Above: A delighted Maggie (right) with Angie Pipe, a finalist in the Retail Employee of the Year category.

Award sponsor Left: Maggie Thornton (right), owner of Alligator Pear, is shown with assistant manager Angie Pipe. Maggie was presented with the Greats trophy

by Matthew Payne, managing director of category sponsor Method UK.

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Independent Gift Retailer of the Year Below: Amanda and Will Oscroft, owners of Love It, received their Greats trophy from Simon Anslow, exhibition organiser, Harrogate Christmas & Gift, category sponsor.

east anglia

Bottom left: A delighted Amanda and Will.

2018 WINNER: Love It, Bury St Edmunds and Stamford “We were absolutely thrilled to hear Love It called out as the winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year East Anglia category. Our customers and suppliers have been just as thrilled!”

Amanda and Will Oscroft, co-owners, Love It

Award sponsor

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

midlands & wales 2018 WINNER: Mooch Gifts & Home Stourport-on-Severn

“We literally couldn’t believe it when we heard our name announced. The competition from the other finalists was tough, and were absolutely thrilled to be crowned winners of this prestigious award as we celebrate three years.”

Mooch Gifts & Home, Stourport-on-Severn Below: Absolutely thrilled! John May and Luke Jacks with their Greats trophy.

Right: John May and Luke Jacks, founders of Mooch Gifts & Home, were presented with their award by Janie Cook, founder of category sponsor Janie Wilson.

Award sponsor

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

north & northern ireland 2018 WINNER: The Gift Gallery, York

“We were up against some really stiff competition, and when they announced us as the winner I was in complete shock - everyone else on my table had to tell me to get up! I’ve no idea how I made it to the stage and back, it’s all such a happy blur. It still all feels like a wonderful dream.

Thank you Progressive Gifts and Home for the recognition and validation.”

Kate Everson, owner, The Gift Gallery

Award sponsor Above: Above: David Cree, sales manager at Joe Davies presented Kate Everson, owner of The Gift Gallery, York, with her Greats trophy as winner of the North and Northern Ireland category.

Left: A big smile from Kate.

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Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

SOUTH WEST 2018 WINNER: Brocante, Fowey “We were so proud to receive such a prestigious award. It was made even more special as we had some of our team with us to celebrate, who are all key to the success of Brocante.”

David Lorimer and Keiron Cockley, co-owners of Brocante

Award sponsor

Right: A smiling David Lorimer and Keiron Cockley, owners of Brocante in Fowey, received their Greats trophy from Hannah Roberts, south west accounts manager, NPW Gifts, category sponsor.

Left: We did it! David and Keiron with the trophy.

Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

SCOTLAND

Below right: We couldn't be more delighted, say Constance and Hamish.

2018 WINNER: The Gift, Beauly

Below: Constance and Hamish Wemyss, owners of The Gift, Beauly, received their Greats trophy from Thomas O’Brien, group operations director, Boxer Gifts, category sponsor.

“We were having such brilliant day and were totally caught up in the excitement in the room, so it didn't register straightaway that our name had been called. I was in a bit of a daze to be honest. Then it was just 'wow', it's us, we've done it!”

Constance Wemyss, owner, The Gift, Beauly Award sponsor

best newcomer south & Wales 2018 WINNER: Josie’s, Bideford “I was absolutely blown away to have won such a prestigious award within our industry... one of the best moments of my life! “ James Webster, owner, Josie’s

Above: Ian Hyder, joint managing director of GiftsandHome.net, category sponsor, presented James Webster, owner of Josie’s, with his Greats award.

Award sponsor

Left: So happy! James is shown with his award.

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HARROGATE Christmas & Gift

13th to 16th January 2019

The UK’s favourite trade show!

Home & gardenware, toys, cards & stationery, artificial flowers, food, gifts for every occasion and absolutely everything Christmas!

BOOK ONLINE TODAY www.harrogatefair.com

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best newcomer midlands, North & Scotland 2018 WINNER: Joco Interiors, Nuneaton “I was so amazed to hear my name called out that I don’t know how I walked up to the stage without tripping over! I was looking back at my mum and she was crying her eyes out which made me well up too. Afterwards, I couldn’t stop smiling and shaking for 15 minutes. I can’t describe the feeling. It was truly incredible.”

Jo Williams, owner, Joco Interiors

Award sponsor

Above: The Greats trophy was presented to Jo Williams, owner of Joco Interiors, by Phil Boas, marketing director, Ascential, Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, category sponsors.

Left: Thrilled to bits! Jo with her Greats trophy.

best specialist multiple gift retailer (4 or more shops) 2018 WINNER: Oliver Bonas

Right: Oliver Bonas’ Ecommerce strategist Camilla Tress (second left) together with customer service manager Sarah Davies, were presented with The Greats trophy by Lincoln Exley, managing director of Allsorted, category sponsor.

Far right: A delighted Camilla and Sarah.

“We were thrilled to be recognised by Progressive Gifts & Home as the Best Specialist Multiple Gift Retailer and are incredibly proud of the continuing hard work and commitment from the whole team at Oliver Bonas.”

Camilla Tress, Ecommerce strategist, Oliver Bonas

Award sponsor

best department store retailer of gifts 2018 WINNER: Fenwick Bracknell “I was thrilled that Fenwick Bracknell had won the Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts category. What a way to mark the store’s first year of trade!”

Louisa Brenton, gift, stationery and Christmas buyer, Fenwick

Award sponsor Right: Presenting the trophy to Louisa Brenton, gift, stationery and Christmas buyer, and Hannah Williams, assistant buyer of gifts, Fenwick, was Dee Quin, customer care manager at Yankee Candle, category sponsor.

Left: Big smiles from Louisa and Hannah.

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best non-specialist retailer of gifts 2018 WINNER: Bookends, Christchurch

Below: We’re so happy, beam Laura and Kellen.

Left: Hazel Fieldwick, event manager of the Stationery Show London, category sponsors, presented The Greats trophy to Laura Gilbert (left), assistant manager, Bookends of Christchurch and Kellen Foord, sales assistant.

“We were in shock when we heard our name announced as we didn’t expect to win! We feel extremely happy and grateful to have won. We are so glad that all of our staff’s hard work has been recognised with this award.”

Laura Gilbert, assistant manager, Bookends.

Award sponsor

best lifestyle or homewares retailer retailer of gifts 2018 WINNER: Etcetera, Hitchin “It was a fantastic day and we were so delighted to have been announced as winners of this category.”

Anna Raill, proprietor, Etcetera Award sponsor

Right: Anna Raill (centre), proprietor of Etcetera, together with Katrina Raill, received their Greats trophy from Mike Burgess, managing director of Parlane, and Caroline Burgess, Parlane’s financial director.

Left: Delighted smiles from Anna and Katrina.

best gift retailer of jewellery and fashion accessories

Bottom left: Peter O’Loughlin, managing director of P & A Agencies, representing Dansk Smykkekunst, Copenhagen, category sponsor, presented David Robertson, owner of Pozzi, with his trophy.

Below: A smiling David with his Greats award.

2018 WINNER: Pozzi, Buckie “My mum couldn’t attend The Greats, but she deserves the accolade as this store is a huge part of her life.

Jewellery and fashion is a passion of hers, so to be rewarded in this category across the UK is very satisfying.”

David Robertson, owner, Pozzi, Buckie.

Award sponsor

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w w w.t h e l i b r a c o mp a n y. c o . u k H o m e & G if t , Harro g at e | St and M 30/M 31 15t h – 18t h Jul y A u tu m n Fair, N EC B ir m ing ham | H al l 3 St and L04-N 05, 2nd – 5t h S ep t emb e r D e c ore x , Sy on P ar k Lo nd o n | St and C 46, 16t h – 19t h S ep t emb er

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best GARDEN centre retailer of gifts 2018 WINNER: Ransoms Garden Centre, St Martin

Below: Katherine Ransom, (second left), director, Ransoms Garden Centre, and buyer Anna Bryant, were presented with the Greats trophy by John Athwal OBE, managing director of Premier Decorations.

Left: It's us! Katherine and Anna with their Greats trophy.

“We were gobsmacked to be called out as the winner. It was a lovely surprise that all our teams hard work at our Garden Centre in Jersey had been recognised.

This was a great end to such a lovely day.“ Anna Bryant, buyer, Ransoms Garden Centre & The Potting Shed

Award sponsor

best museum or visitor attraction gift shop 2018 WINNER: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

“Looking at how far we have come as a team, and what the shop looks like now compared to a few years ago, fills us within immense pride and happiness. This award is a reflection of the whole team’s hard work and commitment to excellence.”

Kathryn England, head of commercial, Zoological Society of London (ZSL)

Left: Simon Maples, commercial manager, and Nicky Mathers, retail manager, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, were presented with the Best Visitor Attraction trophy by Jim Bullough, Preschoolnews.net, category sponsor.

Right: Simon and Nicky’s smiles say it all!

Award sponsor

best in-store or window display 2018 WINNER: The Shop at the Emporium

Below: Jennifer Peters, national account manager at Gisela Graham, category sponsor, presented Holly Tyne, shop manageress, and Stephanie Hodges, sales assistant, St James’ Place, with the winner's trophy in the Best In Store or Window Display category.

Bottom left: Holly and Stephanie couldn’t be more thrilled with their success!

Clitheroe “We were absolutely ecstatic when The Shop at the Emporium was announced as winner of Best In Store or Window Display category. It shows how hard we all work in the shop to make it look beautiful and fresh. So, so proud!”

Hollie Tyne, manageress, The Shop at the Emporium

Award sponsor

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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

Seriously Scented Candles

Fabulous Re Re-Brand Brand and Eight New Fragrances Trade Price ÂŁ3.75 + vat

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Forty Seriously Scented candle fragrances with sparkly toppings & plenty of glitter!!

Home & Gift Q -A7

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best online or mail order retailer of gifts 2018 WINNER: Find Me A Gift www.findmeagift.co.uk

Below: Sam Wahid, MD of Gift Republic, category sponsor, presented Lena Gore, sales & marketing director at Find Me A Gifts, and the company’s marketing manager, Sarah Hague, with The Greats trophy for Best Online or Mail Order Retailer of Gifts.

“I was thrilled! I looked at Sarah who was equally beaming! Sarah and I are the two longest serving staff in the business so I was particularly proud to be sharing this wonderful moment with her, where the business was being recognised by a leading voice in the industry.”

Lena Gore, sales & marketing director

Award sponsor

Left: So excited! Big smiles from Lena and Sarah.

best retailer initiative 2018 WINNER: Lulu Loves, Stubbington

"We felt over the moon to be awarded the Best Retail Initiative Greats trophy. Competition was tough! To be personally recognised in the gift industry for all our hard work is a massive achievement!"

Louise Prydderch, managing director, Lulu Loves Below: We're thrilled! Louise (holding the trophy) and Lucy, a finalist in the Retail Employee of the Year category.

Award sponsor

Above: Louise Prydderch, (second right), managing director of Lulu Loves, and Lucy Hamblin (second left), operations manager, were presented with the Best Retail Initiative trophy by Jakki Brown (right), joint managing director of Max Publishing, category sponsor.

honorary achievement award 2018 WINNER: John Athwal OBE “This afternoon’s winner is not just an extra-ordinary entrepreneur, but an exceptional humanitarian and philanthropist . . . In a hugely competitive market place, the fledgling company he started some three decades ago has made it into the Sunday Times Profit Track charts for fastest growing profitable companies, as well as into the Sunday Times International Track 200 for being one of the fastest growing exporters. Our winner’s charitable work has gone hand in hand with his business success, where he has personally made a huge and significant difference to the lives of others, who are, and have been, less fortunate. As he says himself, and I quote him: “Having arrived in England aged eight from very humble beginnings in the Punjab, I have embraced the opportunities that this country has offered me, so it only feels right to give a little something back.”

Part of the citation by Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home Right: A delighted John is shown with his Greats trophy.

“I was gobsmacked. I didn’t have an inkling that it was going to be me. I felt honoured and very humbled. For the first time ever, it brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes when I heard my name read out. I would like to thank everyone very much for this fantastic honour.”

John Athwal, managing director, Premier Decorations

Award sponsor Above: John Athwal OBE, founder and managing director of Premier Decorations, received the prestigious Honorary Achievement award from Henri Davis, chairman of The Giftware Association, category sponsor.

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best service to the independent retailer BRONZE WINNER 2018: Parlane Right: Mike and Caroline Burgess, managing director and financial director respectively, accepted the Bronze award from Simon Boyd (right), director of category sponsor Progressive Greetings Live.

Left: So happy! Mike and Caroline with the bronze trophy.

“WOW! We were over the moon! We feel honoured that customers voted for us and proud of our team for providing them with such great service.

Now we need to work even harder in preparation for next year’s awards!”

Mike Burgess, managing director, Parlane, and Caroline Burgess, financial director, Parlane.

Award sponsor

SILVER WINNER 2018: Widdop and Co Right: Widdop and Co’s sales director Andrew Illingworth (left), head of independent and export sales Dan Illingworth (centre), and customer services manager Paul Booth, accepted the silver award from Simon Boyd, show director of category sponsor Progressive Greetings Live.

Left: Delighted! Andrew and Dan with the silver award.

Award sponsor

“We are always humbled when we receive this award given that it is voted for by our own customers and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for us. We put customer service at the fore-front of all we do as we continuously strive to ensure we offer a gold-standard service to all our customers.”

Andrew Illingworth, sales director, Widdop and Co

GOLD WINNER 2018: Joe Davies “We all had a fantastic time and to win gold again was the icing on the cake. I still can`t believe it. Everyone here has got an extra spring in their step!”

Steve Davies, managing director, Joe Davies

Award sponsor Above: Everyone up on stage please! Beaming smiles from the gang at Joe Davies show that they couldn’t be more delighted with their success.

Left: David Cree, sales manager, Joe Davies, received the gold award which was presented to him by Simon Boyd, show director of category sponsor Progressive Greetings Live.

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Twenty Five Years n

Who doesn’t love a special milestone to celebrate, and here at Progressive Gifts & Home, we couldn’t be more thrilled or excited to be celebrating the 25th silver anniversary of Progressive Gifts & Home this July.

Winding back the years, we asked a selection of companies who were around in the day, and who are still movers and shakers in gifts, to give their views on what the gift industry was like a quarter of a century ago.

How has it has changed over the past 25 years? What were the top trending products in 1993? How have these gift companies themselves evolved and adapted, and how do they see the gift industry moving forward?

We invite you to take a trip down memory lane with us...

Top: PG&H celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. (Shown is a card by Mochaberry).

Above: The first issue of Progressive Gifts was launched in July 1993.

Some Of The Big Events In 1993 l The government, led by PM John Major,

confirmed the end of a vicious recession. l Bill Clinton was inaugurated as the

42nd President of the United States. l Eurostar made its first trip from France

to England via the Channel Tunnel. l QVC launched the UK’s first

shopping channel. l Ford unveiled its new Mondeo. l Meatloaf’s I’d Do Anything For Love (But

I Won’t Do That) was the biggest selling single of the year. l Jurassic Park was the film of the year.

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Progressive Gifts & Home’s Own Milestones

l Progressive Gifts was launched by Max Publishing in July 1993

to tie-in with Home & Gift, Harrogate. l The launch editor was Carolyn Stephens. Current editor Sue

Marks joined in 1998. Advertisement manager Angie Bryant has also been with the magazine for almost 20 years. l The Greats Gift Retailer Awards were launched in 2003. Now entering their 17th year, they continue to go from strength to strength and remain among the most prized gift industry trophies. l GiftsandHome.net launched in 2018, and is bringing the gift industry the most up-tothe-minute news and views.

Above right: Progressive Gifts was launched by the founders of Max Publishing, Jakki Brown and Warren Lomax, who are shown at a trade show in the mid ‘90s.

Right: The Greats trophy standing proud.

Above left: PM John Major.

Left: A youthful looking Bill Clinton became America’s President.

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Progressive Gifts (the ‘Home’ part of the title came a few years later) was launched by Max Publishing as a sister magazine to the already wellestablished Progressive Greetings title. It was at the end of an early ‘90s recession, and published at a time when collectables, tableware, glassware and plush defined the gift industry.

Back in the day, people loved to collect, with many loyal to a brand and desperate to be at the head of the queue to buy numbered limited editions. Collectors clubs too, were in their prime. It was a real heyday for suppliers and retailers, and although the gradual decline in people wanting to collect figurines came as a blow - homes were getting smaller, the next generation down had little interest in inheriting them - some of the big names in collectables are still in the business today, albeit doing things a little differently. (On the plush side, Ty’s beanie babies had the tills ringing for many a gift shop in the late ‘90s, with Jellycat joinining the plush arena 23 years ago, building its brand in this field ever since).

In tableware, it was a similar story, where a very expensive, full dinner service, in the coveted iconic patterns of the day, were usurped by cheap and cheerful crockery in the Noughties thanks to the arrival of Ikea.

Above: A Lilliput Lane cottage from Border Fine Arts.

Left: Waterford crystal stemware was highly prized.

Right: Portmeirion's Westerly collection commemorates and honours the company’s founder Susan Williams-Ellis who would have been celebrating her centenary this year.

The crockery could be mixed and matched and affordably replaced in a heartbeat, and was another blow to both manufacturers and china and glass retailers. Cut glass crystal, which was once highly aspirational, similarly saw the market decline as the sector was replaced by stemware that flooded in from the Far East.

So what has replaced the former ‘golden’ product sectors? With candles coming out of the cupboard at the end of the ‘90s, consumers now have an insatiable appetite for home fragrancing products, with an equally knowledgeable and discerning customer pushing suppliers in terms of fragrances and innovation. (Arriving in the UK in 1998, Yankee Candle was a maestro in building its presence as a household consumer brand).

Additionally, 25 years ago, would a gift shop have been selling fashion, fashion jewellery or fashion accessories such as scarves and bags? Unlikely, although a few may have done. Yet, in the same way that home fragrancing products have become a core product line, fashion accessories too, have become ‘must haves’ for gift shops.

(Currently, and certainly for many gift independents, Joma Jewellery and Katie Loxton are the trendsetters).

And while back in 1993, gift shops sold gifts, and greeting card shops sold greeting cards, the line has become increasingly blurred, making it hard to find a gift shop that doesn’t rely on greeting cards to boost their bottom line, and a greeting card shop that doesn’t sell gifts for the very same reason.

As for Made in Britain, the norm in 1993, when Stoke-on-Trent couldn’t churn out tableware and figurines fast enough, what goes around comes around. Having weathered dramatic ‘The Potteries Are Dead’ headlines in the Noughties, when some of the biggest names in tableware outsourced their production to the Far East, the kilns are now Continued on page 49

Collectables Then: “In 1993 we were trading as a leading china and glass retailer in the North East,” explains David Lewis, managing director of Collectables and Xystos. “We had opened the largest china and glassware store in the country - 8,000 sq ft - with arguably the largest turnover. The whole category was doing very well - it was very much a Stoke-on-Trent purchase - with a lot of product on a six month lead time, and Waterford crystal on a two year lead time. There wasn’t competition from the Far East, and although products were traditional they were highly fashionable too.

In addition, back in the day, the stability of product was 10 years. How things have changed!”

Trends: “Royal Albert’s Old Country Rose was huge pattern in those days, across both tableware and giftware, where there was much more crossover. The trend at the time was for things to match - the same pattern on different items - nothing like today’s shabby chic Above: A Royal Albert Old Country trend. Also, the industry was moving slower. If there was 6% inflation, your stock was worth more, Roses teapot. The pattern was one whereas today, stock can quickly go out of date. of the most sought after in the ‘90s.

“Collectable products in the early days came from Enesco, Collectible World Studios, Lilliput Lane, Border Fine Arts and Country Artists.

Limited editions were strong and would sell out within a month. People invested in dinner services, adding cutlery and stemware. On the figurine side, we were doing lots of Coalport and Lladro, we regularly held in store signings, and we even commissioned our own limited editions.

After the Millennium however, certainly in central London and the South, there was a slowdown in demand for collectable products made out of resin and porcelain, with more and more product coming in from the Far East. However, 2005/2006 was the start of the decline. Gift shops started to diversify into fashion accessories and jewellery, and in 2010 came the boom in home fragrancing products.”

Looking to the future: “Today, home fragrancing is a core market place. Gifting opportunities are more varied, continuing to develop across fashion accessories and jewellery. The industry keeps re-inventing itself and, as a company, you too, have to re-invent within a category every 18 months.”

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firing on all cylinders again. Stoke companies, most notably Portmeirion, are thriving on the export front with, ironically, China coming to Stoke to place orders for their domestic market where the Made In Britain backstamp is highly prized.

But it’s not only The Potteries that are benefitting from a Made in Britain backstamp. In recent years, there’s been something of a backlash to mass produced, with more and more gift retailers looking to buy British and to buy locally, with many other strands of the gift industry - to include candle and jewellery manufacturers - benefitting both domestically and on an international stage. Licensed giftware too, has become the norm, with personalisation also coming into its own across a wide spectrum of gift products.

But undoubtedly, the biggest change over the past quarter of a century has been the arrival of the internet, eCommerce and Amazon, turning retail upside down and changing the landscape and consumer shopping habits forever.

Who knew that gift retailers, once happy to open their doors at 9am and close them again at 5.30pm, would have to become technology, social media and marketing savvy in order to survive? Over the past two decades, transactional websites have become an additional retail outlet for the majority of successful gift shops, with many gift retailers selling online only.

Continued on page 51

Above: Licensed giftware has become big news in gifts. Shown is the Batman egg cup, spoon and toast cutter from Paladone. The company is also celebrating its 25th milestone anniversary this year.

Right: Find Me A Gift, celebrating 18 years, was the winner of 2018’s The Greats Online category.

Far right: House of Fraser has been a recent high street casualty.

Gisela Graham Then: “In 1993, emerging from the previous recession more or less unscathed, we were building to cope with expansion,” recalls Gisela Graham’s sales director Piers Croke.

“As a minnow in the Christmas business then, we had to offer a distinctive range to survive, and that meant designing, not just buying off the shelf and wholesaling. In those days, we were up against much bigger UK companies and the big German specialists, but also the big American companies who came over here only to retreat swiftly. That condition certainly hasn’t changed. Design is even more crucial today for a company that wants to stand out from the crowd. The huge strides that China’s gift suppliers have made in the past quarter century make it even more imperative. The offering out there is huge - but it tends to be pretty uniform, so we have to be different, and we’re still doing it. We’ve got loyal customers in all five continents, including several in Hong Kong, which is now China.”

Now: “What has really changed is the speed of doing business. In 1993, we still used telex for India, Poland and the Philippines, while the fax ran red hot. Now, artwork can be emailed and prototypes despatched within 24 hours by DHL. Gone are those mountains of costly paper - packing lists and invoices printed in quintuplicate on Above: Gisela Graham and massive and costly printers, then driven to our warehouse. Now the data is wired down via a dedicated line for local Piers Croke, taken in 1993. printing. Bank charges are down as bank managers become an endangered species, and money zips in and out of our account electronically, quicker than you can say ‘hacker’. Nowadays we are a lot bigger and, I hope, better.”

Looking to the future: “Looking ahead there are all kinds of clouds on the horizon, which as business people we will have to cope with, when and if they do, finally burst over our heads. For instance there’s Brexit - how will it impact our goods and exports to the EU, and especially VAT, which nobody seems to have thought much about, let alone compliance, customs, transportation etc, etc, etc.

“On the bright side however, a recent survey reveals a large increase in independent shops in high streets across most UK regions, just as the multiples are folding, and at shows this year, we picked up some substantial new European customers, especially from France and Italy. Could this reflect a decline in continental innovation and a perceived revival of innovation over here? There is also the internet: a tiger, but it can be ridden.

Recently, it brought us orders from retailers in Norway, Spain, Portugal and Ireland as well as a big order from a major South African store. On balance we are inclined to be optimistic. We have to be!”

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Call...

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While opportunities to succeed are still there, no-one’s saying it’s been, or is, an easy ride for retailers, gift retailers included, whether big or small. Coupled with intense competition from online retail giants such as Amazon, and the increasing burdens of rents, rates and pensions, the facts and figures speak for themselves, with CVAs, closures and restructuring become all too familiar stories.

As gift companies reveal - including those that are celebrating silver anniversaries alongside PG&H this year - moving forward successfully has been, and still is, very much about learning to adapt and change, while grasping new opportunities with both hands.

Right: Polly, one of the earliest sculptures from Firth Sculpture (Blue Poppy Art).

Heart of The Country Then: “Twenty five years ago the internet was in its infancy, with only a select few utilising it for emails,” comments Heart of the Country’s director Ben Stubbs. “Today, online sales represent 20% of the total UK retail spend online, and, with retail behemoths such as Amazon, independent gift stores have to either be creative or forward thinking to compete. With no sign of online retail slowing down the traditional bricks and mortar gift shop needs to offer something that online cannot.”

Trends: “Twenty five years ago we introduced a new line of scented sachets by a small manufacturer based in the USA’s South Carolina. Last year, we sold 2milion scented sachets in the UK, and that small manufacturer based in South Carolina is now a global leader in the home fragrancing sector.

“Additionally, in 1993, Heart of the Country was a trailblazer in the import of printed doormats called Baccova mats. They were manufactured in Virginia, USA, and were unique to the market. Top sellers included ‘This house is protected by an attack cat, ‘Friends are always welcome’ and ‘Some days you step in it and some days you don’t’.”

Looking to the future: “Over the past 25 years, Heart of the Country has become focused on the home fragrance sector.

Although highly competitive, home fragrance is still best suited to the brick and mortar gift shop, as it is such an interactive experience. Until the internet develops ‘smell’ technology this will continue to be the case.”

Below: Greenleaf scented sachets in 1993. (See A ‘Great’ War Partnership on page 61).

Frith Sculpture Then: “Frith Sculpture started by accident 25 years ago,” highlights founder and managing director of Frith Sculpture (Blue Poppy Art) David Wilkinson. “I had no knowledge of the gift industry nor of sculpture. I did have some creative and marketing skills though which have helped. My very good friend and sculptor Paul Jenkins had experimented with bronze finishes on models and came up with a formula which has stood us in good stead. I started selling them from my car and, within six weeks, we had increased the range to 21 sculptures and went to Autumn Fair. Originally he made them, but we soon realised that we needed a separate manufacturing facility to cope with the demand. We found this, and the sculptures have been made by hand in Somerset ever since.”

Trends: “Back in 1993, our top selling subjects were cats - we still have two of the originals in our collection - and dancers. As we evolved, we took on new sculptors to provide a more varied catalogue. Our best sellers now are hares, dogs (including top sellers, the cockapoo!) hedgehogs, highland cattle and then cats.

Numerous other subjects also sell for us. We are proud that we have supplied two major retailers for over 20 years - The National Trust and John Lewis - supplying them with exclusive subjects when requested.”

Retail: “There have been many changes in retailing over the years - most worryingly are the amount of independent shops forced to close down due to high rates, rent and online retailers. There always seem to be a healthy number of start-ups though, but these rarely turn out to equal the purchase power of those we have lost. Also, third party websites, such as Amazon, are having a negative effect on sales, putting even more pressure on the bricks and mortar retailers. It’s also frustrating that, instead of being encouraged to increase our business and the numbers we employ, we are thrown more and more bureaucracy.”

Looking to the future: “We are probably more protected than most, due to our unique products, but I feel that any significant improvement will be some time in coming and not when I am still around.“

“Back in 1993, our top selling subjects were cats - we still have two of the originals in our collection - and dancers.”

Continued on page 53

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Feedback PG&H’s Silver Anniversary

Lesser & Pavey

Parlane Then: “Twenty five years ago, there was a lot less competition in the homewares market with wholesalers tending to carry much smaller collections,” remembers Mike Burgess, managing director of Parlane.

“The biggest changes that we’ve experienced over this period is the shift in buying almost exclusively from Europe to now buying almost exclusively from the Far East. Twenty five years ago, there wasn’t much in the decorative home or gift side of things to import from China or India. China generally only manufactured for the domestic market and India produced a lot of old fashioned looking brass products. Of course, there weren’t any trade shows either, and we only attended the Frankfurt fair. By comparison, nowadays, we spend weeks travelling around the Far East visiting factories and trade fairs.”

Trends: “Despite this, in 1994, we did source a few pieces of really top spec lacquered tableware from Japan that was high quality, and also imported some oriental dining sets from Hong Kong that we called Canton Express. This went down a storm in the UK. In fact, we couldn’t buy them in fast enough! We would import the components separately and then create boxed sets in the UK as it was actually cheaper to do it like that back then!

“Another top trending line was our sets of coloured glass bottles with deep ‘apothecary’ blue was the most popular colour. These were skilfully mouth-blown using recycled glass and beads of colour added to the molten glass at source. These traditional methods have inevitably turned slightly more mechanical but we have gone back to our roots by using some of the same Mediterranean factories more or less utilising the same techniques.”

Now: “It’s interesting that this has now come full circle for us, as trends lean back towards natural materials and artisan craftsmanship.

Customers want something unique and of value, not fresh off a Chinese production line.

“Looking back at the old collections, they tended to be more functional pieces and the colour palette was definitely much bolder. It’s really noticeable how it has evolved to become a lot more decorative and feminine and, of course, there’s so much more choice.”

Looking to the future: “Our customer base has evolved, and there’s been the rise of the internet, but also garden centres have become shopping destinations, and are continuing to provide opportunities as a source of luxury foods, gifts and decorative goods.”

“Twenty five years ago, there wasn’t much in the decorative home or gift side of things to import from China or India.”

Then: “Twenty five years almost exactly coincides with when I joined Lesser & Pavey, recalls managing director Julian Hunt. It was June 1993, and the gift Industry has certainly changed radically over the past quarter century. Back in 1993, the industry was still driven by importers and manufacturers who were supplying the wholesale trade which in turn supplied the retail trade. In 2018, the wholesale trade hardly exists and retailers now buy direct. Products have also changed significantly too. What was considered a gift back in 1993 was very different to what is considered to be a gift today.”

Trends: “1993 was the early days of what has been described as the ‘collectable era’ which lasted throughout the ‘90s and into the early 2000’s. Back then, we were selling the internationally renowned Leonardo collection of animals, birds and figurines, selling millions of £pounds worth a year of Leonardo porcelain dolls, and, latterly, Alberon dolls, including many limited editions.

“Other huge selling collectable ranges were our Paintbox Poppet figurines and Crisalis Faeries. We sold literally tens of thousands of these. They were some of the top trending products of the day and very different to today. We would never have dreamt back then of selling a ‘Don’t be a Drama Llama’ mug or a gin glass emblazoned in gold with the words ‘Knock Knock it’s Gin o’clock’!

“Interestingly, many of these collectable products are now being re-sold online by the likes of Amazon and eBay, neither of which had started in 1993. This also highlights how far we’ve come in 25 years! Back in 1993, there was no high speed internet, no high tech mobile phones or tablets and none of us had a website. But one thing has not changed. The gift industry has remained an extremely exciting, stimulating and highly enjoyable business to be involved in and I’d hate to have to get a proper job!”

Looking to the future: “We have had to change to accommodate these demands both productwise and by adopting new technology and systems.

There’s no doubt that we will Top: Coloured ‘apothecary’ glass have to continue changing and bottles from Parlane evolving to meet the demand Right: Wildlife bird of this hi-tech era that studies from Lesser & Pavey’s Leonardo governs all sectors of collection. business which, for many, dominates their lives.

However, two new opportunities that have opened up are online customers selling either via their own website, via Amazon and eBay or via platforms like Notonthehighstreet where we have seen huge growth with online customers.

“Garden centres too, are superb opportunities for the gift Industry to sell through. It is certainly a sector we have seen huge growth in over recent years. It is also encouraging to see how many new young people are coming into the industry - as demonstrated at the recent Greats awards - which gives me a lot of encouragement for the future.”

Continued on page 55

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FRITH SCULPTURE LEADING THE WAY WITH INNOVATIVE DESIGN

Celebrating our 25th anniversary as well so order early and take advantage of our Show offers – ONLY available at Harrogate!

See us, Blue Poppy Art and Frith Sculpture, in Hall A on stand A9 – Harrogate Home and Gift Meet Winnie, Frankie and Jasper at Harrogate – our new Cockapoo sculptures, but also brand new are Labrador and Spaniel sculptures. As always innovative and exclusive new designs from Frith – 20 new sculptures being introduced to join our existing best-selling collections. You can also choose from new Cats, Elephants and Otters. Hand made in the West Country from originals by British artists.

Our new miniature collection – MINIMA - is being increased to 20 with new Donkey, Pig. Highland Bull and Sheep. Starting at only £25 retail they make wonderful presents for the relation or friend who has ‘everything.’

Contact us for more details or a catalogue www.frithsculpture.co.uk sales@frithsculpture.co.uk • 01666 577110

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Feedback PG&H’s Silver Anniversary Left: The advertisement Joe Davies placed in the first ever issue of Progressive Gifts.

Joe Davies Then: “1993 was really the cusp of the technology revolution hitting mainstream,” points out Steve Davies, managing director, Joe Davies. “As an example, active mobile phone use by the population was only 4%. It’s now 125% with there being many more connections than people. There are currently 1.7 billion website domains on the world wide web. In 1993 there were just 120.

“At the same time, in the last 25 years, the market for the independent gifting offer has become much more contemporary and varied, with people changing their gifts to suit their homes and lifestyles. The move to blinds, less clutter in the home and even a reduction in mantlepieces all means that, generally speaking, ornaments are in a lot less in demand these days. The retail sector has also changed dramatically with the rise of the internet and other disrupters such as supermarkets and major large national discount operators. However, a

constant is that the independent gift sector remains as vibrant and varied as ever.”

Trends: “Back in 1993, resin items were a huge part of any giftware retailer’s offer. Ornaments for windowsills, life studies and other collectables were all the rage. There was also demand for more traditional ‘feeling’ gift items and a lot less sentiment products. LED was unheard of. Silver plate and metal photo frames, coloured glassware and tea services were also far more popular than they are now.”

Now: “We have grown and evolved over the years by placing more focus on independent retailers. The company’s turnover for the whole year in 1993 was only a little more than a busy November now, but we still had service at our heart in spades.”

Looking to the future: “Over the last 25 years, confronting technology issues has represented both our biggest challenge and our biggest opportunity. There is talk in the industry now of having 3D printers printing samples of new developments direct from, or to, our factories in the Far East.”

Widdop and Co Then: “1993 marked the year that Amazon was born as an online book store, and our high streets were in rude health,” says Widdop and Co’s managing director Stuart Illingworth.

“During this period, sourcing from the Far East has changed from the dominance of Hong Kong and Taiwan manufactured products, to now predominantly China. In the early days, there were relatively few importers - and even less retailers - buying from China, and the product offering was much more compact. It also had much longer life. One of the major changes at Widdop and Co during this time was our move from a smaller warehouse in Chadderton to a purpose built 125,000 sq ft office and warehouse complex.”

Now: “Now there is so much open product available that product life cycles have shortened enormously and importers have had to focus on design and value-added to succeed in a congested market. The role of trade shows has also changed, partly as a result of the internet but also as a result of changing buying cycles. Customers are much more thoughtful and often ask for photo quotations rather than launching straight into an order.

“The design and development of products has been another major change. Twenty five years ago, most of the products we purchased were bought ‘off the shelf’ in the Far East. We did not employ any designers. Now we now employ six designers with over 80% of our offer designed here in the UK specifically for the UK market.

“Additionally, over the years, as our product offer developed, so did our brand portfolio which now encompasses 25 brands. New licenses have been added, and distributorships give additional dimensions to the offer.”

Trends: “1993 marked the start of the cold cast resin revolution for Widdop and Co. Early product launches included lamp post clocks, swinging clock ornaments and a range of baby wall clocks. All enjoyed outstanding success propelling the company into 25% year on year growth with customers literally queuing up to buy them. 1993, was also the year that Juliana giftware was born. Brands within the giftware sector were still at their nascent stage. Little did we know at the time that Juliana was to be the first brand among many for the company.

“Round about the same time, there was also a change of focus in our product offer from clocks, collectables and silver plated gents and ladies gifts to an offer encompassing sentiment and occasion gifts and home accessories. Silver plated wedding and baby gifts had always been core to the Widdop offer, but over the last 25 years other occasions have moved to centre stage. Birthdays, Thank you Teacher, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are now important elements of our offer.”

Looking forward: “A new generation of Illingworths has added an injection of energy and inspiration into the business, preparing the company for the changes and challenges over the next 25 years.

Meanwhile, the role of the internet has been both a boon and a challenge and will probably continue along this vein for the next 25 years.”

Above: A Widdop stand at a trade show in the mid-‘90s.

Left: A resin baby wall clock.

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In Profile: Fenwick Bracknell

Born To

Create And Curate

Having joined Fenwick five years ago as a graduate trainee, Louisa Brenton is now the gift, stationery and Christmas buyer for both Fenwick in Bracknell and Bentalls in Kingston.

Louisa was instrumental in masterminding the space, concept and themes for the gift department in the newly opened Bracknell store which underwent a £20 million investment last year. The department went onto win The Greats Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts category in May. A high flying trailblazer with an eagle eye, Louisa tells PG&H how she’s been putting her own very distinctive stamp on the Bracknell store’s gift department.

Top: Louisa outside the new Fenwick Bracknell store (formerly Bentalls).

Above: Men’s gifts are an important feature of the department.

Above right: Wingfield Digby photo frames incorporate feathers in the design.

Describing herself as an intrepreneur defined as someone within a business who takes a responsibility to turn their ideas into a finished product through risk taking and innovation - Louisa Brenton is seriously passionate about retail, and most especially gift retail. With a joint honours degree in French and History of Art from the University of St Andrews, she has brought her art background to her buying role, admitting that her job and her favourite pastime blur into one, as much of what she does during the week she does at weekends or while on holiday. “I love looking for stand-out gift concepts wherever I go as well as finding exciting new brands,” she explains.

“Initially, I thought I would have a career in the art world,” she continues, “but I also had an entrepreneurial streak, and once I joined the Fenwick graduate scheme in 2013 there was no turning back,” she smiles. The graduate scheme gave Louisa the opportunity

to work in gifts, menswear, home accessories and lighting, and, once completed, Louisa became buyer of Gifts, Stationery and Christmas in Kingston in December 2014, adding Bracknell to her portfolio ahead of its opening in September 2017.

Unsurprisingly, given Louisa’s background - university holiday jobs included stints at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and the prestigious Philip Mould Gallery - the concept of the gift department is about Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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In Profile: Fenwick Bracknell luxury, along with unique and bespoke product.

For the predominantly well heeled customers who shop at the store, many of whom come from local areas such as Ascot, Windsor and Virginia Water, it’s no understatement to say that they can expect the unexpected, saving them the effort of taking the train into London’s West End. “Currently, people are buying less but at higher price points,” she comments. “For example, we’re seeing Generations X and Y spending more on product and investing in pieces.”

Louisa’s passions are for products that are made locally, as well as in the UK, particularly Scotland and Ireland, with men’s gifts a challenge that she relished taking on. With a sourcing brief that takes her around the world to both UK and international trade shows, coupled with a trained eye for what’s trending in home retail and on the fashion catwalks, (“I’m meticulously analytical”) she loves pulling everything together, giving it her own take.

Brands she’s very proud to have introduced include Arran St East pottery, featuring colours inspired by Dublin’s fruit and vegetable market, spotted while she was on holiday in Connemara. While visiting Scotland, she fell in love with the House of Bruar in Blair Atholl, which has inspired many of her country ranges. Harris Tweed covered hip flasks, created by Ridley’s, were discovered at Home & Gift, Harrogate, last year, which Louisa has co-ordinated with

Whiskey Frames - made from the top third of the whisky barrel - because they too feature Harris Tweed. Products such as these also flow into the men’s gifting offer, which Louisa believes can sometimes focus a bit too much on Millennials and Generation Z. “I asked myself what would an older man, or a country gentlemen like as a gift?” she explains, a thought process that has led her to discover Wingfield Digby featuring photo frames, drinks trays and candles incorporating feathers into their design. Other ranges in a similar vein include Quail ceramic animal heads.

As for home fragrancing, candle lover Louisa has edited her selection very carefully, choosing brands such as Noble Isle’s Britain In A Bottle, Ester and Erik and Geodesis, admitting that her dream for both Fenwick Bracknell, and for Bentalls Kingston, is to have what she calls a ‘chandlery’, originally an office in a medieval household where the candles were kept.

Fashion accessories meanwhile, include aspirational collections from Top: Bespoke ceramics by Emma Allington.

Above left: Bears from Merrythought.

Right: We won! Louisa with The Greats Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts trophy, presented to her in May at London’s Grosvenor House. She is shown with assistant buyer Hannah Williams.

At Home With Louisa

l Louisa’s flat in South West London, while minimalist, is also bold and colourful,

reflecting her personality. l She sources product from antique shops and auctions, with paintings and art dominating.

(“I fall into the category of buying less and spending more.”). l The sensory experience is paramount, with the flat filled with big scented candles in

glass jars. l Her favourite London stores include Liberty, Summerill & Bishop, We Built This City and

The Basics Store. In New York, she heads straight for Story. l A recent achievement has been an interior design project with her parents. (“They

designed and built a modern new home in Kent, taking antique furniture from their previous home with them. It’s an amazing mix of modern and old which is one of my favourite interior themes.”). l Hobbies include a passion for fly fishing, (“the ultimate relaxation”), skiing in the Alps and treasure hunting in the antique markets of France.

Katie Loxton, with gift stationery featuring high end brands such as Kate Spade New York. Louisa also buys for Christmas, and likes things that have a fun feel, with stocking filler gifts very much in mind.

Revealing her trailblazing side, she has also introduced bespoke into the department, with local ceramicist Emma Allington (who she met at Pulse), commissioned to design exclusive christening gifts in time for the Bracknell opening - a gold rimmed cup, bowl and plate featuring a teddy bear design supplied by Louisa - branded Fenwick on the box. “I wanted to bring two very unique brands together,” she says simply. The intrepeneur in her also joined forces with Merrythought to create a Fenwick Bracknell teddy bear to preside over the bespoke christening gifts.

With the customer experience in mind, and to help increase footfall, creating in store theatre is a hugely important part of the job. In the run-up to Christmas, themes will include the empowerment of women, tying in with the suffragette centenary, as well as the newly opened Frida Kahlo exhibition at the V&A. However, the ‘big one’, as Louisa puts it, is the two pronged Love Is Love theme. “One aspect is about loving yourself, taking a step back and making time for yourself. The second is about tying in with the rainbow theme and loving everyone else. It will be breaking new ground,” she confirms.

Political satire too, will be part of the mix, with Donald Trump giftware already a big seller in terms of books, stationery, and, of course, a comb (!), along with Kim Jongun wedgie doorstops, and Hillary Clinton gift socks. Other themes include junk food, ranging from Marmite puzzles to Heinz Tomato ketchup nail varnish.

“We all focus on healthy living, but sometimes it’s good to indulge!” Louisa points out.

Currently, she is busy focusing on the launch of the Fenwick group’s first transactional website, going live later this year, where she is currently in the process of curating a selection of giftware.

“Building the gift department from scratch in a brand new store has been something I could only ever have dreamed of,” she enthuses. “It’s enabled me to bring together everything I have ever learned, and my ambition now is to keep on giving everything we offer in the gift department an edge.”

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SUPPORTING THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WE DONATE

£1

FOR EVERY SACHET WE SELL AT TRADE

FRAGRANCE

A ROOM FOR UPTO

120 DAYS

EARTH

FRIENDLY

SAFE

SELLING

EFFECTIVE One sachet will fragrance a room for four months EARTH FRIENDLY 100% biodegradable and made using recycled paper SAFE No flame, heat, or liquid, just fragrance

ONLY

£3.50

ECONOMICAL A large sachet retails at just £3.50

RRP

BEST-SELLING The best-selling, performing, original scented sachet £1 from the trade sale of this sachet will be paid to Royal British Legion Trading Limited which gives its taxable profits to The Royal British Legion (Charity no. 219279) and Poppy Scotland (Scottish Charity No. SC014096)’

www.heartofthecountryltd.co.uk T.01543 481612 E.sales@heartofthecountryltd.co.uk

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Spotlight On... Heart of The Country

‘ ’

As the Royal British Legion gets ready to celebrate the centenary year of the Armistice, home fragrancing company Heart of the Country is proud to be partnering with the charity, with the company looking to raise ÂŁ36,500 this Autumn/Winter by selling 36,500 Greenleaf Painted Poppy large, limited edition scented sachets.

The sachets will be launched at Home & Gift, Harrogate, this month and at Autumn Fair in September.

As Heart of the Country’s directors Ben and Tony Stubbs explain, the target number of 36,500 represents every single day that has passed since the end of the Great War on November 11, 1918. “This year will be the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, with so many of us, including my brother Toby and I, having great grandparents and great uncles who fought, died or survived, and families that gave everything in the Great War,� states Ben Stubbs, director, Heart of the Country. “We owe them everything we have today and they should never be forgotten.�

Adds co-director Toby Stubbs: “We’re very proud to have great grandparents who served and fought in the First World War. One of our great grandparents was John Reginald Cassidy who was born in Australia in 1892. While studying on a scholarship at Oxford University in 1913, war interrupted

his studies and he joined the Army Service Corps. He went on to fight in many battles including Gallipoli. Family legend has it that Reg, a decorated swimmer, was chosen to remain at Gallipoli to keep the candles burning during the evacuation to conceal the withdrawal of the Allies. He was one of the very last to leave by swimming to a rescue boat on the January 9, 1916. Reg continued his military career throughout his life, eventually achieving the position of Acting Air Vice Marshall and being awarded a CBE.�

Each large Greenleaf Painted Poppy sachet will bear the iconic poppy of the Royal British Legion and the Poppyscotland

About The Royal British Legion The Legion was founded by veterans after the First World War. A century on from the start of the conflict, it’s still helping today's service men and women, veterans, and their families in almost every aspect of daily life. The Legion also champion Remembrance, safeguarding the memory of those who have given their lives for our freedom through Remembrance education and events.

Comments Ben France, head of corporate partnerships, The Royal British Legion: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Heart of the Country and Greenleaf. The funds raised from the sale of Greenleaf’s Painted Poppy sachets will ensure we can continue our vital work providing through-life support to the armed forces community. This year is particularly important to us,�

Ben emphasises, “as we mark the end of the First World War and lead a national movement to say thank you to the entire generation who lived through the war, served, sacrificed and changed our world. We are so grateful for every moment of support.�

Above: Greenleaf’s limited edition Painted Poppy scented sachets, distributed by Heart of the Country.

Left: Ben and Toby Stubbs’ distinguished great grandfather, J R Cassidy.

logo, together with donation information.

Explains Ben: “Painted Poppy is Greenleaf’s new fragrance for Autumn/Winter 2018, and it’s a confident fragrance, with a powerful boost of mandarin, a floral heart and a base of warm musk and amber. Each decorated scented sachet will fragrance a room for up to four months by just being there.� He adds that all Greenleaf scented sachets, (manufactured in South Carolina), are 100% biodegradable and made using the naturally occurring mineral vermiculite, along with recycled paper and essential oils.

For every single sachet supplied at trade, Heart of the Country will donate ÂŁ1 directly to the Royal British Legion, sacrificing their margin. Greenleaf has also generously supplied the sachets at a reduced cost to the company.

Points out Ben: “The final contribution is made by the retailer who will pay 25p extra per sachet taking the unit trade cost from ÂŁ1.44 to ÂŁ1.69. This means that ÂŁ1 of the ÂŁ1.69 of the total trade cost will go directly to the Royal British Legion. For sachets sold in Scotland the ÂŁ1 donation will be directed to Poppyscotland, the Legions partner charity north of the border.â€?

Heart of the Country will be launching Greenleaf’s Painted Poppy Sachet at Home and Gift, Harrogate on stand A26, and at Autumn Fair, NEC, in Hall 3 on stand G23.

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NEW! Sunflower Collection

Check out our new designs @ Home & Gift, Harrogate

Design Point 1 - D79

NEW! 23K Gold Plated Sterling Silver Range

®

Shrieking Violet

made with real flowers

www.flowerjewellery.com

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Retailer Face To Face: Oliver Bonas

The King Of ‘Cool’ As PG&H celebrates its 25th anniversary this month, Oliver Bonas too, is also celebrating a silver milestone. Having started out with a small fashion accessories shop in Fulham, South West London, in 1993, the name Oliver Bonas has gradually become a hugely respected, award winning, inspirational retail brand, most recently winning the Best Specialist Multiple Retailer of Gifts trophy at The Greats Awards in May. At the helm is founder and managing director Oliver Tress, who has successfully steered the business from one outlet to 72, evolving it into a very successful omnichannel business. So what comes next?

PG&H put ambitious entrepreneur Oliver Tress into the hot seat to find out.

Looking back over the past 25 years, Oliver Tress says that a high point of his hugely successful career as an award winning lifestyle-cum-fashion retailer came right at the very beginning. “I was driving home after my first Saturday in the store believing I could make a career out of this,” he smiles.

“I had taken £1,000 and was euphoric that my gamble into the complete unknown appeared to have paid off.”

Twenty five years later, and 71 outlets further on, the name Oliver Bonas has

Above: Oliver Tress, founder and managing director of Oliver Bonas.

Right: Oliver Bonas’ Ecommerce strategist Camilla Tress (second left), together with customer service manager Sarah Davies, were presented with The Greats trophy as winner of the Best Specialist Multiple Retailer of Gifts by Lincoln Exley, managing director of Allsorted, category sponsor.

Below: The first Oliver Bonas shop was opened in Fulham in 1993.

become a byword for ‘cool’ cutting edge fashion and homewares, a lifestyle store and then some. It’s the independent retailer that others respect and admire, a retail multiple that has grown over the past quarter century to attract, among other demographics, Millennials who are interested in ideas and creativity and are looking for that extra special something.

Having always gone with his gut feeling - he started out selling imported watches and fashion accessories brought back from trips to Hong Kong - he now presides over a multi-channel retail ‘empire’ selling fashion to furniture, alongside homewares, jewellery,

scarves, small leather accessories, home fragrancing products, gift books, stationery and greeting cards. Everything is very aspirational, reflecting the original concept of selling ‘interesting gifts for interesting people’.

But back in 1993, he recalls that his bestselling products were ashtrays, wine glasses and handbags. “You can guess which product didn’t stand the test of time,” he quips. More seriously however, he highlights that the biggest change in the lifestyle industry over the past 25 years has been the proliferation of lifestyle retail as a concept, and, alongside that, the customer’s acceptance.

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Come and see us at Home & Gift, Harrogate – Stand A10 Tel: 015395 59007 Fax: 015395 59113 info@pintailcandles.com www.pintailcandles.com

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Retailer Face To Face: Oliver Bonas “Social media via Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest has accelerated the propagation of new ideas. Consequently, trends now move much faster and to a wider audience which is exciting but challenging too,” he states. “As to retail in general, it is the complexity of what was an essentially simple business. However, the whole digital world has heaped new opportunities and threats onto retailers, as there are so many more areas to master and prioritise.

Customers have never had so much choice at their fingertips, “ he continues. “And growth brings its own challenges, as has integrating the digital world.

But the biggest single change has been the development of the Oliver Bonas design studio, a team of 16 creatives who are designing our own product.

Now nearly everything in an Oliver Bonas store is designed by us.”

Commenting on the new issues that are being confronted by retailers, and the new opportunities that are opening up, he says the main issue is how to understand the Oliver Bonas customer when they visit the stores and shop online. “There are also many opportunities to sell products concessions, wholesale, marketplaces, international, online and in store - the options out there are many.”

If there’s a bugbear it’s others imitating the company’s designs. “It’s a compliment, but it means we constantly have to work to develop and design new products,” he points out.

In terms of the company’s philosophy, he highlights a quote by Hans Christian Andersen: “There is more to life than living.

You need sunshine, freedom and a little flower.” Our job is to be the ’little flower’ in customers’ lives, which means doing our bit to make living a joyful experience and giving cause for optimism. What started out as a

Left: A recent shop opening was in Leamington Spa. Below left and below: Fashion and lifestyle continue to lead the way in terms of product.

piece of original wall art in the In a tough retail environment, what does store, ‘Work Hard, Play Hard, Oliver believe is the secret to the company’s Be Kind’, has evolved into our success? “If in doubt, keep it simple,” he company values. These two states. “And remember that your team are combine to form the lens through your single biggest asset. We therefore stick which we make decisions.” to our philosophy and our values and it has Does he harbour ambitions worked for us so far.” to turn Oliver Bonas into an With a silver anniversary to celebrate this international brand? “We now year, preparations are already underway. have shops across the UK, with “We’ll be holding our annual party and will be stores in Scotland, Northern inviting all 950 members of our amazing Ireland and Wales, and yes, I Team Oliver Bonas, but this year, we have would love to open an Oliver something extra special planned. However, Bonas store outside of the UK,” it’s top secret I’m afraid!”

Oliver comments.

“For now, though, our focus is online, where we have recently launched localised websites in Ireland and the US.” As for additional shops, are there more in the pipeline? “We “Now nearly everything continue to look at carefully selected new store opening in an Oliver Bonas store opportunities, as well as is designed by us.” pushing e-commerce and all the marketing around that,” he replies. As for diversifying or expanding existing product areas, Oliver says that moving forward it will be more about continuing to develop each category across fashion and homeware, while bringing in newness every week.”

Oliver Tress: The Lowdown

l Having launched Oliver Bonas in1993, Oliver Tress has received a clutch of prestigious awards over the past 25 years to include The Greats Honorary Achievement Award in 2012 as well as Retail Week’s Rising Star award. l He has been listed in the London Evening Standard as among the top 1000 most influential Londoners, and has appeared on the panel of BBC TV’s The Apprentice You’re Fired alongside the BBC’s economics editor. l More recently, he was among the headline retailers at the prestigious Retail Week conference, held in March.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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THE JEWELLERY COLLECTION

THE CANDLE COLLECTION

THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

THE COMPLETE GIFT SOLUTION HAS ARRIVED

VISIT US AT THE HARROGATE SHOW STAND A3.

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

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Spotlight On... Jewellery & Fashion Accessories

Glamming Up For Christmas With the festive season on its way, jewellery and fashion accessories will really be coming into their own for gift retailers, with tassels, feathers and fringing sitting prettily alongside layering, long earrings and spinning rings. Gold continues to shine, but watch out for tin as an alternative to silver.

What else will be trending for Autumn/Winter? PG&H spoke to some of the leading suppliers.

With jewellery the ‘go to’ for dressing up an outfit, it remains both a core gift and a selfpurchase item, with few women able to resist adding another piece to their jewellery box.

“This season’s jewellery trend is all about glamour, layering and being bold. We’ve designed shoulder grazing earrings, playful stud sets and bracelets to layer up with,” says PoM’s director Chris Holden.

“Statement necklaces will reboot Right: Soft, vintage pink earrings from Hot Tomato featuring ostrich feathers.

Below: Among the latest earring designs from PoM.

any wardrobe, and a gorgeous new spinning rings collection in mixed metals will add warmth and texture,” adds Chris.

At Hot Tomato, creative director Alex Machin highlights the star motif. “It has been a strong influence throughout 2018 and shines brighter than ever for Autumn/Winter,” she states. “Tassels, fringing and ostrich feathers are also in ascendance lending a note of opulence and

Copenhagen’s creative director, Malene Storm, has further developed simple, stylish designs from the company’s Spring/Summer collection. “Building on geometric shapes and circles, contrasted by more avant-garde indulgence to the festive abstract designs, the season.” As for colours, she new collection continues highlights soft vintage hues to evolve with an ranging from super soft pinks and extensive selection of greys through to teals, berry adjustable necklaces Above: Red is a key colour tones and burnt mustards. “At which can be altered to in Miss Milly’s Floria this time of year, gold plays a the individuals collection.

Below: A statement gold significant part in our preferred length,” necklace from Dansk. collection as it really lends comments Tracey Bottom: Refined style from Bailey and Brook. itself to the season and Madeley, national adds to that feeling of sales manager for extravagance. Buyers Dansk in the UK. should also watch out for Meanwhile, at tin, that’s very like gunmetal, as Bailey and Brook, an alternative finish. It looks Tipperary Crystal’s stunning when worked head of marketing, Phil with colour and is a Donnelly, emphasises refreshing alternative to silver.” that at the essence of the Miss Milly meanwhile, says Bailey & Brooke brand is the creation of that red, in all its hues - from finely tailored pieces which is clearly claret to scarlet - is key for AW18. reflected in the company’s new jewellery “Always a popular colour at this collection. “Fresh, simple and wearable are time of year, red was big the essentials of good for AW17 and has very design, with all three unusually carried on captured within our through 2018,” says the unique jewellery company’s managing collection,” says Phil. director Sarah Watmore.

“Each piece is individually “We have experienced our best ever designed with subtle sales of red jewellery and are variations in styles, from excited to show off our new designs sparkling stone in rich, sumptuous Persian Red. It encrusted pendants to will add highlights to neutral winter elegant, refined silveroutfits and contrast beautifully with plated earrings. “Our royal blue, another important shade design philosophy across in our palette.” our comprehensive Keeping a close eye on the ranges emphasises the catwalks, Dansk Smykkekunst creation of collections Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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A/W Launch - Harrogate Home & Gift - July 15th-18th DP1-9 - to avoid disappointment! www.hot-tom.com 01225 422188 sales@hot-tom.com 068_GH_July 2018.indd 68

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Spotlight On... Jewellery & Fashion Accessories that exude a ‘refined’ style that is quietly confident, easily adaptable and versatile.”

Although the jewellery offered by The Music Gifts Company is very specialised, it manages to combine fashion trends within its music-themed jewellery pieces. “There are four stud earrings made from sterling silver but the bulk of interest is in the silver-plated items,” confirms managing director David Gee, who adds the company also likes to offer a pendant to match the earrings.

Left: The Music Gifts Company’s Spiral Keyboard pendant and earrings.

Below left: The new Equilibrium Jewel Tones collection from Joe Davies.

Right: Carrie Elspeth’s new glittery heart charm bracelets.

Below: Eye-catching Wanli earrings from Tsai x Tsai.

Joe Davies’ Equilibrium collection meanwhile, will be showcasing a brand new celestial jewellery range featuring crystal encrusted stars and moons. “The colour palette for the celestial theme is influenced by the vibrancy of the Northern Lights, represented by the new Equilibrium jewel tones collection featuring shades of purple and teal,” confirms Joe Davies buyer Mary Richards.

Also including purple in their colour palette is Tsai x Tsai. “2018 Autumn/Winter is all about bold, captivating colours, charismatic shapes and large sizes,” says founder and creative director Patricia Tsai. “At Tsai x Tsai, we use

the natural beauty and variety of multicoloured gemstones to add strong character to outfits. Our Autumn/Winter 2018 collection will feature long drop earrings that allow our wearers to stay on-trend and brighten up the shortening days.” Clearly, with so much choice and sparkle, jewellery is set to razzle dazzle this Christmas!

Below: Colourful tassel keyrings from A Gift From The Gods.

Below left: Faux fur bags from Joe Davies.

Below right: Caroline Gardner’s latest fashion accessories collection includes faux fur.

Bottom left: Striking designs from PoM.

A Passion For Fashion Accessories Scarves and bags are a ‘must have’ for many gift shops, with Autumn/Winter’s colourful trends featuring everything from patterns to plains and from stars to spots.

According to Chloe Bayles, wholesale accounts manager at A Gift from The Gods, this Autumn/Winter is going to be about colour, colour and more colour! “Taking inspiration from the catwalks and current trends, bright pops of colour are becoming prominent, not just in clothing but in accessories too, fitting in with our handwriting as we are all about colour,” says Chloe. “Our new tassel keyrings in multi-colours work as a statement keyring or as a bag charm accessory, plus our fashion accessories collection of purses fit into each of our design stories, combining both colour and metallic touches.”

At Joe Davies, the trend for metallic foil printing continues to feature strongly for the coming season. “Our Equilibrium collection combines this with the celestial look to create star studded scarves and accessories,” comments buyer Mary Richards. “Faux fur will be another key trend for the second half of the year and is prominent within the Equilibrium bag, scarf and gloves collections. Luxurious faux fur fabrics in stunning colours adorn this sumptuous look.”

Also highlighting faux fur is Katie Finegan, sales manager at Caroline Gardner.

“We have launched a very soft faux fur clutch-cum-make-up bag in silver and pink.

However, glitzy gold will be the key trend this winter with metallics still going strong,” confirms Katie, Meanwhile, at Hot Tomato, fashion accessories will be going ‘spotty’, while colourful patterns and prints will be leading the way at Miss Milly, with the company launching a capsule collection of bright tasselled ponchos. At Wrendale Designs, the company’s scarves will feature animal patterns on soft coloured backgrounds.

Adds Chris Holden, director, PoM: “Autumn/Winter will see plenty of colour, texture, layers and pattern with our scarf and accessories range packed full of animal prints, bold designs, big knits, super-sized wraps, spirit lifting bright bags and lots of cosy detail.”

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

Statement Earrings They’ve done it again! Hot Tomato have brought us some stunning statement earrings for the coming season. The prettiest of prints adorn these wonderful, wooden, laser cut earrings and best of all - they’re light as a feather making them super easy to wear all day (or all night) long! So, if colour floats your boat with just a little drama, then DP1-9 is the place to be seen!

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com www.hot-tom.com Harrogate Home & Gift: DP1 – Stand 9

Unique Collection Bailey & Brooke`s reputation for finely tailored pieces is renowned, clearly reflected in our new jewellery collection.

Fresh, simple and wearable are the essentials of good design with all three captured perfectly within this unique collection. Each piece is individually designed with subtle variations in styles, from sparkling stone encrusted pendants to elegant refined earrings and bracelets. The Bailey and Brooke collections, which will be showcased at Home & Gift, Harrogate, include jewellery, Christmas and candleware.

Bailey & Brooke Email: bryn@alliedimports.com www.baileyandbrooke.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall A Stand A3

Perfect Purses These gorgeous purses form part of a new, wider collection from Hot Tomato for the Autumn/Winter season and further extends their highly successful range launched earlier in the year. Alongside this classic stud design other styles include sparkle stars and block colour. We love this fab fashion accessory company - they always have something new and exciting to offer with great prices, offering up excellent margins and that all important point of difference in store.

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com www.hot-tom.com Harrogate Home & Gift: DP1 stand 9

Timeless Classics PoM’s new collection is brimming with new arrivals, timeless classics and on trend must-haves.

Proudly launching at Home & Gift, Harrogate, their Autumn/Winter jewellery, scarves, bags and accessories have been beautifully curated into one stunning collection and will take any wardrobe to a whole new level.

PoM Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com www.pom925.com Home and Gift: DP1- A63

Uplifting Collections If you stock, or are thinking of stocking, accessories, then there is plenty to get excited about from PoM. It’s an uplifting collection of jewellery, scarves, bags, hats and gloves that you and your customers will adore, with new products, new displays, new idea, a few surprises, always exceptional customer service and always fantastic quality.

PoM Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com www.pom925.com Home and Gift: DP1- A63

New Summer Additions Sea Gems is launching hundreds of new, exciting additions to its jewellery and gift ranges for summer 2018. Natures array of floral and natural shapes are captured in our contemporary silver jewellery brand Pure Origins. Celtic Lands silver jewellery collection evokes our rich, stunning Celtic heritage. The original art of fine enamelling creates stunning jewellery and gifts in our Mackintosh, Celtic and Nature series ranges. Gift ranges include pens, compact mirrors, pillboxes, bookmarks and scarf rings.

Sea Gems Tel: + 44 (0)1736 335840 Email: sales@seagems.co.uk www.seagems.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall C Stand C15 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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STAND C15 H A RROG A TE H OME & GI FT SH OW 15T H - 1 8 T H J U L Y

SEAGEMS.CO.UK T : + 4 4 (0 )1 7 36 335840 E: sales@seage m s .c o .uk © Al l desi g n s p r o t e c t e d b y Se a G e m s Co p yr i g h t & D e si g n R ight .

Carrie Elspeth H A N D M A D E

I N

WA L E S

NEW Autumn 2018 Collection NEW Leather Bracelets | NEW Chakra NEW mycolourbands

Stand DP1-D60 please contact us for a trade catalogue sales@carrieelspeth.com | 01446 771271 | www.carrieelspeth.com

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

Promoting Wellbeing

All That Glitters Autumn sees the launch of one of Carrie Elspeth’s largest collections yet, with additions to the company’s core range of beaded jewellery, and wellbeing chakra collection, plus new leather and stunning faux glitter bands - not to mention additions to their mycolourband hair accessories. With such a full, new range, whatever the occasion, we have something to make your customers happy! Gorgeous packaging and full point of sale items available. Get in touch for a full colour autumn catalogue.

After the success of their well-being range of chakra jewellery, Carrie Elspeth has added another concept to their collection for Autumn.

This jewellery is not only a gift but helps promote the wellbeing of the wearer. The new Mantra collection of carded bracelets and necklaces has positive sayings, gorgeous charms and semi-precious stones. Feelgood jewellery at its finest! All lovingly handmade in Wales, this collection comes with a gorgeous gift bag.

Carrie Elspeth Tel: 01446 771271 Email: sales@carrieelspeth.com www.carrieelspeth.com Home & Gift: DP1-D60

Carrie Elspeth Tel: 01446 771271 Email: sales@carrieelspeth.com www.carrieelspeth.com Home & Gift: DP1-D60

Bright And Beautiful

Feel The Buzz Joe Davies is ‘buzzing’ about the company’s new Equilibrium Bumble Bee collection which adds a cheerful touch and a bit of sparkle to this already much loved range. Bees are a hot trend in fashion and this exquisite hand painted jewellery will add a real ‘buzz’ to your display. The Equilibrium collection will be available to order alongside Joe Davies’ extensive range of exciting gifts in their trademark ‘little and often’ quantities. Minimum orders are just £100 with free nationwide delivery.

It’s an adventure in colour for Miss Milly in AW18, with an appealing vibrancy in its jewellery and scarves alongside traditional seasonal tones. The best-selling Floria Collection jewellery has evolved with revamps of popular lines sharing the spotlight with stunning new resin and enamel pieces. The Carmen collection features striking metal necklaces in bold designs with crystal highlights. Fantastic prices, excellent quality and great service. We look forward to seeing you!

Miss Milly Tel: 01905 622509 www.missmilly.co.uk Home & Gift: DP3-8

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q, Stand E18

Taiwanese Heritage Tsai x Tsai is a luxury jewellery brand inspired by Taiwanese heritage, made with hand-picked natural gemstones and designed to catch eyes even under dimmed lights. They believe in making statements in a subtle and sophisticated fashion. Pop ups on the King's Road in Belgravia, Notting Hill, South Kensington, Paris, Nice, Taipei and more. Also exhibiting at House and Garden Festival 2018 and Top Drawer. Coming soon cufflinks and new collections!

Tsai x Tsai Tel: 07717360303 Email: hello@tsaixtsai.com www.tsaixtsai.com Home & Gift: QS- 39

Inspirational Jewellery Gifts Every year we bring out inspirational lines based around angels and decided that this year would be the year to venture into jewellery gifts that fit on our mixed gifts stands. We now have over 30+ designs of necklaces and bracelets, and pride ourselves on our low cost, high quality goods. This range retails at under £10. A beautifully crafted piece of jewellery with a small card as packaging. A perfect gift for any occasion.

Willow Greetings Tel: 0131 665 6677 Email: enquiries@willowgreetings.co.uk www.willowgreetings.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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

Bugs Are Beautiful One Button is famed for the unusual and the quirky, and this coming season we are delighted to showcase embroidered, appliqued, diamante and sequinned Beasties brooches. From popular ornate butterflies and glazed enamelled bugs with jewel like wings, to handembroidered beaded ladybirds, bugs are big! We are not at Harrogate but have a strong online presence and a superb team of agents nationwide who carry our full range of bags, scarves, knits, faux fur and costume jewellery.

One Button Tel: 0116 279 3715 Email: info@onebuttonuk.com www.onebuttonuk.com Home & Gift: DP1-9

Sassy Suede Hot Tomato’s mid-season launch includes these super elegant suede lariats. Placing the look you’re after firmly in your own hands – be it choker or pendant, with bow or without, knotted or not - the combinations are endless and faultlessly flattering. We think the genius of this design is how the simple shapes work so effortlessly with the layering and tying off of the lace – another hot trend from this hot little company!

Making A Statement Autumn sees the launch of one of Carrie Elspeth’s largest collections yet, with additions to the company’s core range of beaded jewellery, and wellbeing chakra collection, plus new leather and stunning faux glitter bands - not to mention additions to their mycolourband hair accessories. With such a full, new range, whatever the occasion, we have something to make your customers happy! Gorgeous packaging and full point of sale items available. Get in touch for a full colour autumn catalogue.

One Button Tel: 0116 279 3715 Email: info@onebuttonuk.com www.onebuttonuk.com Home & Gift: DP1-9

Stunning Sunflowers Shrieking Violet will be launching a new collection, Sunflowers - tiny yellow flowers that look like a miniature sunflower - encased in resin and sterling silver. The collection is now available on our website.

Shrieking Violet will be exhibiting at Home & Gift, Harrogate in Design Point 1, stand D79.

Shrieking Violet Email: sales@shriekingviolet.co.uk www.flowerjewellery.com Home & Gift: DP1 – D79

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com www.hot-tom.com Home & Gift: DP1-9

Timeless Sentiment Bracelets We are so loving these sentiment bracelets from Hot Tomato. Timeless, understated and new in stock as part of their mid-season launch we reckon love must definitely be in the air this summer.

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com www.hot-tom.com Home & Gift: DP1 – D79

Gorgeous Flower Jewellery Shrieking Violet are launching a new collection of their popular flower jewellery in 23K gold plated sterling silver. Available in 40 designs, Shrieking Violet’s loyal customers will be making space in their cabinets. Absolutely gorgeous! Shrieking Violet will be exhibiting at Home & Gift, Harrogate in Design Point 1, stand D79.

Shrieking Violet Email: sales@shriekingviolet.co.uk www.flowerjewellery.com Home & Gift: DP1 – D79

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Himalayan Salt Lamps

cell

® HIMALAYAN GLOW

Birchbark

cell

Votive Holders

Come and see us at the following venues...

Harrogate Home & Gift 15 - 18 July 2018

Stand Q-C18, Q-C17, Q-C20

Xystos Flame & Fragrance • Bath & Body

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Autumn Fair NEC Birmingham 2 - 5 September 2018

Hall 5 Stand H01

For more info, contact our Customer Service Team Email: sales@xystos.co.uk or Tel: +44(0)191 499 1570 www.xystostrade.co.uk

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In Profile: Xystos

A Perfect

Fit

For the past two years, Xystos has not only been investing heavily in the expansion of the business, but has also been future proofing it to withstand the loss of one of its most successful distributorships, WoodWick, at the end of March.

The company has therefore been continuing to forge a path as a leading distributor in the bath and body sector, while investing in and expanding its own in house brand Cello.

With Home & Gift, Harrogate, taking place from July 15-18, there’s a wealth of new product which will be unveiled over three stands (17, 18 and 20) in the show’s Hall Q, with plenty more to shout about, enthuses director Tom Sykes.

With Harrogate about to open its doors this month, Xystos director Tom Sykes is clearly in a very positive, upbeat frame of mind.

New distributorships this year include Australian gift company Splosh, and WBM, (of which more later), plus the expansion of the company’s own in house brand Cello, (see page 79, which has put a renewed spring in the company’s step going forward.

However, Tom is transparently honest about the company’s regret at losing WoodWick at the end of last year.

“It was the No 2 brand in the market, and, quite simply, we lost it to the company that bought it,” he explains. “We had distributed WoodWick in the UK for a

Top: Village Candle’s Rain Blossom, part of the new metallic range.

Above: Xystos director Tom Sykes with a multiwick Cello Birchbank candle.

Left: Baylis & Harding’s Fuzzy Duck Cotsworld gift set.

Below: Himalayan Chef, a new distributorship for Xystos.

number of years, and had built up a very healthy customer base so, of course, it was unsettling for the team. Fortunately, however, we were aware of the situation for some time, which made us sit up, take stock and refocus the business to include sales and distribution. We made a huge investment in our back office system last year which has improved our logistics and

operations substantially, allowing us to keep the cost base under control. We are a distributor of products that have a reason to exist in the home and it’s what gives us the edge, our USP. The brands we distribute now, along with our own Cello brand, fit into the home as well as into our portfolio.”

Over the past couple of years, the company has forged a strong path as a distributor of bath and body products, with British brands Baylis & Harding and Di Palomo coming on board to join America’s the Naked Bee. With garden centres, heritage sites and destination outlets among Xystos’ core customer base, it’s easy to see a sales synergy between the two market sectors. “As the high street continues to suffer, garden centre business has continued to ‘grow’,” points out Tom. Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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In Profile: Xystos In terms of flame and fragrance - where Xystos are the UK and Eire distributors for Village Candle, the No 2 brand in the candle jar sector - Tom points out that it’s no secret that there’s been aggressive discounting in the home fragrance sector, which comes on the back of difficult trading on the high street, adding to the challenges faced by home fragrance companies in general.

“It’s another reason why, post WoodWick, and the recent introduction of GDPR, we have seized the opportunity to restructure,” states Tom. “What has always worked for us are products with light and glow, that fit in with candles and candle accessories, and that is what we have been and will be concentrating on.”

An interesting addition to the Xystos portfolio this year has been WBM, the parent company of Himalayan Glow salt lamps – which emit the hues of light through the salt and feel warm to the touch - and the soon to be launched Himalayan Chef food products, a brand new distributorship for the company, with food a new product sector. First off the block will be the Salt and Pepper mills, where the salt is revealed in its natural colour as opposed to being bleached white, with attractively packaged gift sets very much a part of the offer. “Himalayan Chef is much more about gifting than for utilitarian use the perfect self-purchase or foodie gift, one that people will want to have out on display in their kitchens rather than hiding away in a cupboard. We have therefore substantially increased the space on our stand at Harrogate to showcase both brands to their best advantage.”

Left: Di Palomo’s White Grape collection.

Below: A Himalayan salt lamp.

Also trending on the Xystos stand will be ‘lit up’ product, with two new Christmasthemed Fairy Houses from Splosh Gingerbread House and Santa’s Workshop featuring LED lights. “These type of products, together with candles, definitely sell better in the darker winter months,” he

Investing In Cello: Fragrance Solutions For Every Room In the House In addition to adding to its distributorships, Xystos has also spent the past three years investing heavily in its own brand, Cello, which will take up a significant third of the company’s stand at Home & Gift.

“The show will give us a phenomenal opportunity to showcase the new products which are all fragrance solutions for the home covering every room,” Tom enthuses. “We have been building on the collection, really getting behind the Cello brand. Our porcelain home fragrance accessories and electric melt burners have always been a very strong part of the Cello business of course, along with votives, but moving forward, we have a raft of new products which we will be revealing at Harrogate to include reed diffusers. In all, we have over 200 different skus which, as a brand, all sit together. All the products are unique because they are all specifically tooled to our exacting requirements.”

New formats coming out will include those that don’t involve burning anything, such as ultrasonic solutions and effusion lamps. “By Spring Fair 2019, we will definitely be looking to export,” Tom confirms.

emphasises. Splosh, which had a partial launch at Spring Fair¸ is now fully distributed by the company. “Splosh has always been very innovative in their gift stance, ranking as No 1 in whatever they do. We will be showcasing 10 ranges to include Adopt a Doorstop, Change Boxes, Signature photo frames and numbers, Wish Stars, Botanical, Tribal and Spiritual.

Eight brand new collections will be launching at Harrogate, with the focus on pet themed and sentiment gifting products. With the growth we have enjoyed in garden centres, which all have pet departments, we have very high hopes for these ranges which include an Adopt a Doorstop dogs and pet sentiment plaques.”

Candles, of course, primarily focus on the new fragrances and designs, with the colourful metallics collection from Village Candle (the No 2 brand in the jar sector) very well received at Spring Fair earlier this year, with new fragrances being launched at Harrogate.

In the bath and body sector, Baylis & Harding’s Autumn/Winter offer features Fuzzy Duck’s new Winter Wonderland and Cotswold Floral, as well as a bubble bath bauble shaped like a Christmas pudding. Di Palomo meanwhile, will be introducing Christmas specific gift sets in addition to new home fragrance sets. “Both these companies understand packaging and gifting very well,” confirms Tom. “While Baylis & Harding has huge perceived value at an affordable price, Di Paloma is definitely a premium value gift, which means that we cover all areas of the market and that the two brands are not in competition.”

While products are, of course, the drivers, Tom underlines that Xystos’ business is, as importantly, about finding retail solutions for customers. “For example, people visiting stores want something that’s aesthetically pleasing, shoppable, eye catching and relevant, with adjacencies very important, something we are very aware of.”

Looking to the next six to 12 months, while Tom says that there’s “nothing new to announce yet” he indicates that there might be. “Watch this space after Harrogate,” he adds with a enigmatic smile.

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Spotlight On... Nursery/Children’s

Baby Talk With Christmas gift buying kicking off with Home & Gift, Harrogate, this month, gift retailers will be on the look-out for nursery and children’s gifts, not only for the festive season, but also for baby showers, christenings and birthdays.

While unicorns, rainbows and clouds are continuing to trend for Autumn/Winter, watch out for a host of much-loved licensed characters too, who are celebrating some important milestone anniversaries.

Plus, personalisation is continuing to go from strength to strength, along with traditional giftware. And, of course, millennial mums are among those that are shaping trends too.

“This year and next are all about milestone anniversaries for some of our most-loved and cherished licensed characters,” says Anthony Temple, managing director of Rainbow Designs. The Michael Bond book, A Bear Called Paddington, was first published in 1958 with 2018 marking the 60th anniversary of this great story making it a commemorative year for Paddington. In addition, the Snowman celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and we will also be celebrating 90 years of Disney’s Mickey Mouse.”

Continues Anthony: “These momentous anniversaries are playing a huge role in the direction that our nursery and pre-school market is taking, as there will be new product launches and press activity around the anniversaries which will help boost demand. The drive for nostalgia and heritage has always been there, not just in the licensed characters but in the materials used and the look of the products and ranges. However, we’ve seen an increase in recent times, with some of our new lines reflecting this.”

But it’s not only licensed products that are driving the market place.

Wild & Wolf’s senior marketing executive Joelle Engolia says that millennial mums are continuing to shape Above: Lesser & Pavey’s Dot Baby.

Right: Rainbow Designs’ Time For Bed musical Paddington.

Far right: Joe Davies’ baby wish boxes.

the sector. “We’re seeing more gender neutral, design-driven toys that delight the child, but are also aesthetically-pleasing to the parents’ eye as reflected in our Petit Collage ranges.

Natural materials are highly sought after in the millennial parent’s nursery as they’re more educated, particular about the objects that their baby plays with. Additionally, there’s a fondness for nostalgia. The market’s response to the millennial mum’s decision to cut down their little one’s screen time is a resurgence of class wooden toys, games and puzzles.”

Lesser & Pavey is a firm follower of tradition and traditional values, offering innovative baby gifts at affordable prices,

Above: New from Wild & Wolf is a wooden ferris wheel made from FSC-certified solid beech wood.

with pink, blues, lemon and pure white the base colourways for 2018. Giftware includes money boxes, first curls and tooth boxes, keep sake boxes, twin handle cups as gifts for newborns, first birthday and christening naming days. “The range of Dot Baby gifts mirrors these sentiments with traditional colouring on fine chinaware under license from Heart Design. Plus, all baby ranges come in quality gift packing,” adds Julian.

Home décor too, is continuing to influence choices. “The nursery and children’s market is evolving, becoming more and more fashion related,” points out David Cree, sales manager at Joe Davies.

“The traditional colours of pink and blue are

still key. However, soft pastels and creams are becoming more and more popular.”

David adds that baby shower inspired items are an increasingly important component of any retailers offer with items that can create memories among the best sellers. “We’re experiencing strong sales of our baby wish boxes which offer the Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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The Peter Rabbit Nursery Collection

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Beatrix Potter Frederick Warne & Co., 2018. Frederick Warne & Co. is the owner of all rights, copyrights and trademarks in the Beatrix Potter character names and illustrations. Licensed by Silvergate PPL Ltd. part of the Silvergate Media group of companies. www.peterrabbit.com

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Spotlight On... Nursery/Children’s Left: Pompom bunting from Widdop and Co’s Petit Cheri collection.

Right: Among the baby items in Really Good’s Tickle range.

Below: New from Enesco’s Gund collection are a light and sound unicorn and rainbow.

Bottom right: Christmas characters from House of Marbles.

opportunity for the recipient to collect inspiration and advice from friends and family in readiness for the new arrival,” he comments.

Bunting too, has become a nursery favourite, says Sue Grant, marketing manager at Widdop and Co. “The nursery and children’s market continues to break new ground with creativity abounding across the sector. Bunting, which has been around for a few years as an outdoor or Christmas accessory is now making an appearance in the nursery, with our Petit Cheri pompom rabbit bunting featuring peg holders to post favourite photos. It’s easy to put up and to keep up to date.”

As for what’s trending in plush, Enesco’s head of marketing Helen Cottrill says that the company is seeing an increase in demand for all things unicorn as well as Scandi inspired themes in their Gund collection, to include rainbows and clouds. “We’re now adding flamingos and swans and all are super soft and huggable,” says Helen.

At Really Good/Soul, the company has expanded its Tickle nursery range with baby’s first visitors books, melamine sets,

cutlery and milestone packs. “They’re decorated with animals and bright and cheery colours that have timeless appeal,” comments key account manager Fiona Burge.

Adds Lauren Woodsford, trade marketing and online manager at House of Marbles: “Toys that inspire imaginative play, especially traditional pocket-money toys, make wonderful stocking fillers and are loved by all generations. We’re adding a fun selection of push up toys to our Autumn/Winter range to include Humpty Dumpty and an assortment of Christmas characters.”

Rex London predicts that eco-friendly kids dinnerware will be huge, for Autumn/Winter, with product designers using sustainable materials. “It’s a great

Making It Personal Personalisation is, of course, a massive trend when it comes to babies and children. “With the unicorn trend in demand for the foreseeable future, it has allowed us to create a range of personalised unicorn gifts for babies that have a lasting appeal,” says PMC’s new product manager Cara Beech. “Rising stars from the baby unicorn range include plastic table accessories, such as plates, mugs and cutlery, which can all be personalised in the matching baby unicorn design. We will also be introducing a range of personalised unicorn plush gifts in a variety of magical designs, and later this year will be launching a variety of personalised gifts, specifically for expecting mothers and newborns. It includes keepsake and fund boxes, religious gifts and baby scan frames.”

Looking to story books, Kat Wittingham, trade marketing manager at Signature Gifts highlights that as the world becomes more technology led, traditional gifts are continuing to stand out. “Our latest title, licensed by Egmont, is The Velveteen Rabbit, providing a dose of nostalgia for parents and grandparents to pass onto the next generation. It also gives little one something to treasure as they grow.”

Above: Baby unicorn plastic tableware from PMC. Left: Signature Gifts’ The Velveteen Rabbit.

way for young ones to start thinking about the environment,” says head buyer Candy Smith. “In addition, we are introducing a huge variety of new collections this year to include soft toys, fluffy accessories and stationery, along with bedroom and nursey accessories and a new Space Age collection for children who love science fiction.”

For babies, pre-schoolers and toddlers, there seems to be no shortage of innovation, with gift retailers spoilt for choice!

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see you at

HARROGATE! Stop by the Skip Hop stand at the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival to check out the latest toys, nursery gear, toddler essentials and lots more must-haves we’ve added to our range. Can’t wait to see you!

HOME & GIFT BUYERS’ FESTIVAL 15-18 July • Harrogate, Stand DP1-B115 To book an appointment at the show and benefit from exclusive show offers, contact us at ukoffice@skiphop.com or 01582 434250.

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the Children's and Nursery products to be showcased this month.

Heatable Soft Toy The Warmies range is continuing to grow with Intelex announcing 19 new designs being added to their heatable soft toy collection.

These friendly faces are great new additions to their already popular range and will make perfect companions for all ages. All are scented with French lavender and can be gently warmed in the microwave for just 90 seconds.

Royal Addition GUND - a sub-brand of Enesco - has unveiled a right Royal addition into its plush range aimed at toddlers and young children. The new Swan soft toy depicts the regal white bird, protected by Her Majesty the Queen, in an iconic cream-toned fabric. With a super soft and fluffy fur on the back end of the plush to represent its feathers, the swan is tactile to touch.

Intelex Tel: 01933 679 333 Email: sales@intelex.co.uk www.intelex.co.uk Home & Gift – Stand Hall B Stand 9

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

Made With Love

Personalised Night Light Brighten up a child’s bedroom with this charming personalised Rocket LED night light from the Personalised Memento Company. The night light can be programmed to cycle through a spectrum of colour options or to display one colour.

What’s more, the night light can be operated by USB or battery.

Beatrix Potter’s classic character has been a firm fixture in nurseries for generations with Rainbow launching exciting additions to its Peter Rabbit Nursery collection which features a host of beautiful infant toys. Brand new for summer are Made with Love Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny toys. Made from soft, tactile knitwear fabric, the nostalgic Made with Love soft toys are designed to be cherished forever, making the perfect heirloom gift.

Rainbow Designs Tel: 01329 227300 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

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

Super-Soft Toys The Guess How Much I Love You comfort blanket and rattle gift set is launching this summer, featuring a super-soft Little Nutbrown Hare rattle and a tactile Nutbrown Hare comfort blanket. Also ideal for gift shops is Rainbow’s finest Classic Winnie-the-Pooh Hundred Acre Wood collection. The collection features one of the world’s most famous bears Winnie-the-Pooh and his lovable friends: Eeyore, Tigger and Piglet.

Rainbow Designs Tel: 01329 227300 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Animal Crackers Skip Hop’s Zoo collection includes a wide range of signature animals. New for 2018 are Bailey Bat and Luna Llama who join existing heroes including Unicorn, Monkey, Owl, Giraffe and Cow. Bailey Bat and Luna Llama are available in backpack, lunchie, strawbottle, melamine and utensils. The Zoo collection is one of the largest non-licensed character-driven lines of toddler items, with products ranging from backpacks and raingear to a wide assortment of mealtime, on-the-go, home and bath products.

Skip Hop Tel: 01582 434250 Email: ukoffice@skiphop.com

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A Global Perspective: Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair

The Smart Way of Giving High tech and smart products really made their presence felt at the recent Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

PG&H was there to discover what was trending and found everything from products to digitise your handwriting to an artisan chocolate tool gift set, as well as a pen that can write in space!

‘Smart’ products were at the heart of giving at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, with high tech very much in evidence, emphasising that it’s important to be IT connected. With everything from high tech products to those that were more traditional, many of the products showcased were digitally connected - from a sanitising mobile phone case from UVLED to digitising handwriting from Moleskine.

The company’s Smart Writing Set featured a paper tablet and pen+, combining analog creativity with digital. “It’s a unique, simple system,” explained Moleskine’s Peter Jensen, head of digital innovation. “It connects ideas and enhances productivity, and has been designed to help people bridge the divide between analog and digital to give them an unexpected experience.” Every pen stroke is simultaneously synced to a tablet allowing users to edit handwritten notes or doodles on screen, as well as to digitise text, save, organise and share their work.

Although many of the exhibitors at the show were concentrating on ‘technologising’ and digitalising their products, others were still staying with more traditional giftware. In the stationery sector, high end Italian handmade pen supplier Pininfarina, distributed by Lime in the UK, and showcased at the recent London Stationery Show, unveiled a pen which had taken its inspiration from Leonardo Da Vinci’s studies on the silver tip. “We have tried to replicate his technique with a metal tip, and the pen has even been tested in space by three astronauts,” confirmed export manager Marco Montanari. “We discovered that the tip of the pen writes very well in all conditions and we have therefore created a version called Space.”

Other traditional gift items included artisan tools, handmade from luxury plain Italian chocolate from British supplier The Amazing Chocolate Workshop, who made Above: The Smart Writing Set from Moleskine.

Right: The Space pen from Pininfarina.

their debut in the British Pavilion. “Our Italian manufacturer uses detailed moulds to make everything from rusty tools and screws, nuts and bolts that actually turn, to cameras, cheese, chopping boards, bottle openers - and even a coffee pot where you can take the filters out,” explained the company’s co-owner Edd Starr. “We offer 118 items, and customers can make up their own gift sets.”

Another British company making their debut in the British Pavilion was Caroline Gardner. “We were looking to increase our distribution internationally, as well as to showcase our collections for Autumn/Winter,” confirmed sales manager Katie Finegan.

Other UK companies among the 4,300 exhibitors included Eco Chic, Puckator, Fizz Creations and Heyland & Whittle.

Above: Welcome to the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair. The colourful, pixel games design concept added a playful feel to the show.

Left: A gift box featuring chocolate artisan tools from The Amazing Chocolate Workshop.

Key Global Digital Consumer Trends Michelle Evans, global head of digital consumer research, Euromonitor Research, was the keynote speaker at the show.

“Technology is continuing to dictate the future,” she told delegates.

“Super-apps are forcing the evolution of consumer expectations with data the world’s most valuable commodity, seen as the new driver of winners and losers over the next decade. Some 28% of connected consumers already use their phones to compare goods or services, with shopping about relationships,” she confirmed.

“Keeping the tab open will ensure a constant revenue stream, with mobile wallets going global for consumers on the move.”

Added Michelle: “Consumers will continue to expect brands to craft individually tailored stores, with retail outlets receiving an injection of technology, and AI playing a key role in enabling brands to do this,” she underlined. “The future will include using a mobile phone to enter a store, with mobile technology tracking the consumer, culminating with the shopper paying with their mobile.”

Other trends highlighted by Michelle included the rise of digital convergers in super apps enabling a new breed of competitors.

“This will change who owns what re customer relations and will force an evolution of consumer expectations,” she stated.

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the original hand-painted and decorated drinking glass collection

Sugar Skulls

Wine Glass & Superbling XL Wine Glass

Gift Giving…all wrapped up Enesco Limited, Head Office & Customer Services, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0EN Tel: 01228 404022 Fax: 01228 404041 email: trade@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Tel: +44 1228 404066 Fax: +44 1228 404080 email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk © 2018 Designs by Lolita. All rights reserved worldwide. © Enesco, LLC.

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Spotlight On... Glassware

Cheers!

While gin and prosecco are continuing to trend, along with home bars, which tipples are the new kids on the block for Autumn/Winter?

PG&H spoke to some of the UK’s leading glassware suppliers to discover what the gift glassware market is bringing out for the second half of the year.

Everyone enjoys a drink, be it a drop of the hard stuff or a mocktail, especially if it’s served in beautiful glassware which helps to enhance both the look and the taste. So as gift retailers start thinking about the run up to Christmas, glassware that has that touch of class is sure to be on their ‘must have’ list.

Building on the success of its premium Wine Culture collection, LSA International recently launched Bar Culture for Autumn/Winter 18, with the collection reflecting subtle nuances of modern design.

Also new for the coming season are iridescent lustres, modern metallics for special occasions and hand cut decorations which feature prominently on both decorative and drinkware designs.

“In addition, our best-selling collections have been updated with new pieces that feature brass and cork which have been introduced to complement our signature use of glass, wood, leather, enamel and porcelain,” highlights LSA International’s marketing executive Charlotte Smith.

She adds that one of last year’s key shapes, the balloon glass, has been

Above: Home bars are becoming increasingly popular. Shown is the new Raising Spirits collection from Tradestock.

Left: Gin Time from Dartington comes ready to give.

Bottom: LSA International’s Autumn/Winter collections.

Below: Ravenshead Entertain champagne cocktail glasses.

reinterpreted for the coming season, with new glasses embellished at the stem, along with a glass that has a larger shaped bowl. “The Bar and Balloon collections have also been extended to include a range of textured and classic balloon glass designs,” says Charlotte.

Meanwhile, drinking glass gifts continue to be a best seller for Dartington. “Gin glasses have been hugely popular in the last couple of years and we will add even more options for gift givers,” confirms the company’s commercial director Richard Halliday. Among the new collection is Gin Time, a range of stemmed gin glasses with a different ginrelated message, supplied in a tin. “Rum is also trending fast and we are launching rum tumblers both as a single item gift in our Just The One gift

collection as well as a new Party set of six rum tumblers,” adds Richard.

Jo Booth, senior brand manager at Ravenhead says that a constant appetite for gin, and an ever-growing infused gin market, has positively impacted on Ravenhead’s gin balloons, as has the launch of the company’s new champagne cocktail glasses and prosecco flutes which can also be used for the new 2018 favourite, crémant.

“Entertaining at home is becoming ever more popular, as people see the attraction of setting up a home bar,” Jo points out.

“Glassware makes lovely presents for Christmas as well as for other celebrations throughout the year.”

Also well-known for its glassware is Parlane, with managing director Mike Burgess explaining: “Our glassware splits Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Time to Party

with our Rum Party Set

See us at Home & Gift Fair Harrogate Hall B Stand B40 Purple =Pantone 5255c Silver =grey 30% black

Tel: 01805 626226 • www.dartington.co.uk

sales@dartington.co.uk

Visit Portmeirion Group’s stand at: Harrogate Home and Gift (Stand M2)

www.portmeiriongroup.com +44 (0)1782 744721 Copyright © 2018 Portmeirion Group Limited

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Spotlight On... Glassware

into two camps. One look encompasses a simple, rustic style, with some glasses handmade from recycled materials. The other is the complete opposite, a bit of ‘bling’ with shiny metallic details and diamantes. These sophisticated party glasses in our Ophelia collection come in a range of styles - a champagne flute, a cocktail and a martini glass - and glam up an evening with their metallic rims and opulent diamantes.”

At DRH, managing director David Holmes, confirms that the company is continuing to see significant demand for

beautifully designed gin glasses, both in clear glass as well as coloured. “While glasses for prosecco and sparkling wines are still trending at the moment, there’s been a move back towards the saucer champagne glass, a halfway house between the classic saucer and coupe glass.”

An interesting take on glassware for Autumn/Winter is Tradestock’s new Raising Spirits concept, a mix of glassware in a variety of drink specific shapes and capacities. “We also have Jewel, an alternative to our clear glassware collections, featuring opulently coloured wine glasses and tumblers that add warmth and luxe,” highlights managing director Keith Nye. At PMC, new product manager Cara Beech says that the company is finding that personalised crystal glassware is coming back into fashion. “In fact, we’ve recently revamped our range of crystal glassware with a range of personalised designs that include numbers as a prominent feature, making them particularly suited for birthdays and anniversaries,” she points out. In addition, Cara says that the trend for mixology has boosted the popularity of

Above: Parlane’s Ophelia collection includes cocktail glasses.

Right: DRH’s Anton Studio Designs’ champagne saucers.

PMC’s crystal glassware, and has also increased its appeal in recent years, helping the range to appeal to a younger audience.

She continues: “We also pair many of our personalised crystal glasses with alcohol miniatures, as we find this increases the perceived value of the gifts which are also ready to give straight to the recipient.”

Special occasions too, are continuing to drive glassware sales, especially when it comes to gin and prosecco glasses. “Gin products which are special - such as our specialist Gin Bloom glasses and Gin ice

Above: PMC’s personalised crystal high ball and gin miniature.

Below: Gin is My Tonic from Boxer Gifts.

moulds and prosecco products, especially our lustre glasses, are still selling well, maybe even better than last year,“ says Boxer Gifts’ strategic operations director Thomas O’Brien. “These fantastic summer trends are yet to peak and look like they will stay strong going into Autumn/Winter.”

As people gear up to entertain friends and family in the run up to the festive season, could glassware with that festive fizz set the tills ringing?

Top Tips For Retailers

l ”Good lighting is key to making glassware look its best. Lifestyle displays that suggest how

the product can be used are great where space allows. Keep glasses out on display where customers can see and handle them.” Richard Halliday, commercial director, Dartington l “Giving consumers ideas of ways to use their glassware, such as recipe suggestions for cocktails, desserts etc., is more likely to have a positive impact on the customers purchase.

Glass is just glass until it is given a purpose, a setting, a story.” Jo Booth, senior brand manager, Ravenhead l “Show glassware to its best advantage by ensuring the glass is sparkling clean and the display area is well lit. Accessorise with serving trays, ice buckets and candelabras to help to set the scene and capture the imagination of the consumer.” Mike Burgess, managing director, Palane l “Glass that is well lit - best from underneath - will really sing and dance, especially if the glass has some colour within it.” David Holmes, managing director, DRH l “Stylish, illustrated packaging can do almost as good a job as the actual product.

Look for specialty and performance in the design itself that is ultimately aimed at enhancing the enjoyment and even the taste of the beverage itself.” Keith Nye, managing director, Tradestock

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

Gin Is My Tonic As gin becomes Britain’s favourite drink we are all falling in love with the classic glass. Fast becoming a household essential, these beautifully crafted gin bloom glasses are the perfect way to enjoy your weekend gin while feeling like you’re in your very own gin bar. Our gin bloom glasses are a perfect gift for gin lovers.

21st Birthday Bubbles Prosecco! The sparkling wine of Italy and one of the nation’s favourite tipples.

These beautifully elegant lustre prosecco glasses are the perfect way to enjoy you weekend glass of bubbly and feel classy at the same time, great for any occasion and now a household glassware essential. Each glass is individually packaged in a gorgeous foiled box. These lustre prosecco glasses are a perfect gift for lovers of the fizzy stuff on their 21st birthday.

Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com Home & Gift: Hall A Stand A12

Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com Home & Gift: Hall A Stand A12

Say It With Gin Dartington's latest gift glass selection helps raise a smile as you enjoy a good G&T. Each stemmed gin Copa glass carries a colourful text commending this much loved spirit. The choice of six generously proportioned glasses includes advice such as It's Gin O'clock and Let the Good Times Be Gin. The foot of each glass has an extra splash of coloured decoration. Each item of Gin Time is supplied in a smart gift tin which provides both great presentation value and safe future storage.

Dartington Crystal Tel: 01805 626226 Email: sales@dartington.co.uk Harrogate Home & Gift: Hall B Stand B40

Pet-Themed Wine Glasses In response to growing customer demand, and hoton-the heels of the animal trend, Enesco presents a new range of pet-themed wine glasses from Lolita.

Love My Cat and Love My Dog are vibrant in colour, featuring images synonymous with domestic animals, such as a cat and dog collar wrapping around the top of the respective glasses. The bottom of the glass features a unique wine-based cocktail recipe. Both measure 22.5cm and are presented in a branded gift box. With a SRP of £18.

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

Forever Gold New additions to the gold edition of glassware, fine mugs and giftware are the brand new Gin Cocktail set (which is also available as Prosecco) containing two glasses, straws and matching coasters. Gift sets come in the form of two gold-rimmed fine china mugs. Both sets have two coasters and set of placemats. The gold range also includes fine china mugs for animal lovers, while glassware features quality stemless wine glasses, champagne flutes, wine glasses, tankard, drinks dispensers, beer glasses, an extra large wine glass, ice bucket and shot glasses.

Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk

Crowning Glory Products from new partner Splosh have made a big splash for distributor Xystos, which has seen on trend Fairy Houses flying out. Home & Gift will witness the unveiling of three new Splosh ranges including Celebration glasses. These are a fun way to mark any occasion: a stemless wine glass comes with a wearable crown or hat that clips to the hair. The glass design, for any kind of celebration, has a gold foil confetti print with a message that reads, ‘Congrats to you’.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q, Stand C17-18 & 20

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

Nailing It Adding to its hugely popular Say What? range of ladies’ cosmetic bags and nail files are new products, which allow the gift giver to say everything they’d ever like to express and more! Building on the popularity of the range, four new nail files have been added to the collection. Retailing with an SRP of £1.50, the nail files are packaged as singles in a polybag with a multiple order quantity of eight.

They are available to view/order via the website.

Peter Rabbit Toiletries Following the huge success of the Peter Rabbit toiletries range launched earlier in the year, Enesco is unveiling new Peter Rabbit toiletries to complement the collection. Following the same design style as existing products in range, two new items are now available to order — Peter Rabbit hand cream and Peter Rabbit lip balm. Retailing at SRPs of £5.95 and £2.95 respectively.

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

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

Art That Speaks To The Heart Building on the success of its launch in January, as a collection within the Demdaco range, Enesco has announced new items for the Sharon Nowlan collection for June. New for the season is A Place to Call Home. The collection uses nature as inspiration for immortalising precious moments in life. Sharon uses pebbles in her creations, turning them into framed scenes making them a very attractive, highly personal gift. SRP of £25.

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

A Surprise Gift A Touch Of The Tropics The name Tropical Paradise conjures up thoughts of exotic birds, flowers, and golden beaches, sunshine and clear blue seas and this new range does not disappoint. All items to remind you of sunnier times when you were away on holiday, bringing the a touch to the tropics to the home. This wonderful bright and exotic range is a real eye catcher and one not to be missed by buyers this summer.

Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk

Enesco has unveiled a new figurine joining the Willow Tree range, one that is sure to be a popular floral, ideal year-round for many gift-giving occasions. In artist Susan Lordi’s signature style, Surprise is a female figurine holding a bouquet of purple tulips with green foliage wrapped in brown paper. According to Susan, the significance of the flower is that when tulips are in bloom, they’re a delightful surprise.

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

Think Flamingo Pink Lesser & Pavey is delighted to introduce a range that is all about flamingo pink meeting the current trends for all things exotic and this new range does not disappoint. All items to remind you of sunnier times when you were away on holiday, bringing touch to the tropics to the home.

Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk

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

Eye-catching Notebooks Cherry Orchard’s brand new line of stationery is these eye-catching soft-covered notebooks in 16 stunning designs, including owls, potting sheds and dragonflies (RRP £4.99). With 96 pages of lined paper, the notebooks have bright foil-finished covers and have whimsical words on the back and inside cover. Supplied with a free bright compact counter display unit (61cm (H) x 32cm (W) x 43cm (D)) the notebooks are sold in units of six. Designed and printed in the UK.

Cherry Orchard Publishing Tel: 01684 295500 Email: info@cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk www.cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk

Happy Life One of Kaemingk`s eight new themes for the Spring/Summer 2019 season, a fresh colour scheme including greens and yellow combined with natural materials. The countryside feeling is strongly present. Gather around with friends on a Sunday lunch where it is all about the love for cooking with fresh, home-grown ingredients.

Ready For The Beach Lesser and Pavey are delighted to preview their Sandy Bay range of kitchen accessories and items for the summer picnics by the sea. If you have a beach hut, this is the perfect range.

The range is endless, as the appeal captures much of the home accessories and home on the move to seaside jaunts. Each item is of exceptional quality and presented in individual gift packaging.

Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk

Fun Hot Water Bottles Snuggle up this Autumn with a cosy mini hot water bottle with knitted cover from Transomnia. Also available in four additional fun designs. Each one comes perfectly gift boxed and is easy to wrap!

Transomnia Tel: 01892 703660 Email: sales@transomnia.com www.transomnia.com

Kaemingk Season Decorations Email: info@kaemingk.com www.kaemingk.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 – Stand E30 – F31

A Touch Of Glass The unique style of our beautiful glass vases create informal arrangements that are individual and on trend.

The lids hold stems in place, requiring only a handful or even just one flower to create an incredibly effective, relaxed look. Use singly as a table centre or mix and match colours and sizes for a more dramatic display. View the entire collection at one of our showrooms: Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire or Newby Hall, Ripon.

Parlane Tel: 01451 812700 Email: Sales@parlane.co.uk www.parlane.co.uk

On Cloud Nine Everything’s all-write with these soft touch luxury notebooks from Transomnia, featuring award-winning Cloud Nine designs by Redback Cards.

The notebooks are available in a selection of the best-selling designs, in both A5 and A6 sizes. However, that’s not all.

Transomnia is also launching an exclusive collection of Cloud Nine gifts including signs, mugs and keyrings.

Transomnia Tel: 01892 703660 Email: sales@transomnia.com www.transomnia.com

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Willow & Company Greetings Largest international Supplier of angel pins

Inspirational Gifts -Angel Pins -Baby Gifts -Scottish Souvenirs

Tel: 0131 665 6677 Fax: 0131 6653377 e-mail: enquiries@willowgreetings.co.uk 074_GH_July 2018.indd 74

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

Personalised Christmas Pressies Signature Gifts have Christmas 2018 covered for children and adults alike with their newest ranges. For the youngsters, the Christmas Tales collection is a wonderful book, packed with an assortment of festive stories that are sure to delight. Furthermore, the stories are personalised to feature the child’s name in both the text and the illustrations.

The Christmas Tales collection is available in a standard A4 size, or a deluxe A3 version and comes in its very own gift box. RRP from £29.99. With the kids tucked up in bed after a Christmas tale or two, the grown-ups can indulge in their very own personalised advent gift box. Signature are releasing a range of nine different advent gift boxes, including beer, whisky, prosecco, tea, and even dog treats. Each box has its own premium design and will feature the recipient’s name on the lid of the box. RRP from £49.99.

Signature Gifts Tel: 01582 464 809 Email: info@signature-portal.co.uk www.signature-gifts.co.uk

Glamorous Coupe Glasses In a nod to the growing trend of all things associated with the roaring ‘20s and the Great Gatsby era, Enesco presents a brand new collection of coupe glasses from Lolita. Known traditionally as a champagne coupe or a champagne saucer, the four new glasses are synonymous with the originals in their shape and style, featuring a long stem and broad shallow bowl. Each glass in the new coupe collection retails with an SRP of £18.

Vinyl Figurine Thanks to Enesco and its pairing with American cartoon folk artist Miss Mindy, a much-loved character from Lilo and Stitch appears as you have never seen it before. The contemporary gift retailer’s growing collectable figurine range – The World of Miss Mindy Presents Disney — offers a unique twist on the character. The Miss Mindy Stitch vinyl figurine stands 18.0cm tall, is presented in a branded gift box, and retails with an SRP of £25.

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

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

Perfect Pair To celebrate the launch of the Grand Jester Studio collection, Enesco presents two new figurines depicting iconic characters from Walt Disney Studios’ 1993 film A Nightmare Before Christmas, as the animated movie marks its 25th anniversary. Together the Jack Skellington vinyl figurine and Sally vinyl figurine make the perfect pair. Both standing at 22.0cm, they are presented in a branded window box and retail with an SRP of £39.95 and £49.95 respectively.

They are available to buy via the website.

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

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Home & Gift, 15th-18th July, Harrogate

Luxurious, Handcrafted Candles Bailey & Brooke signifies luxurious designs and exceptional quality.

Our luxurious candles are hand crafted using a natural blend of wax and a lead-free cotton braided wick. This, combined with essence of essential oils, means the candle is of the highest quality and produces at least 48 hrs of burning. The Bailey and Brooke Collections which will be showcased at Harrogate Home & Gift Fair include jewellery, Christmas and candleware.

Christmas Gifting At the very core of the Bailey & Brooke philosophy is the creation of exquisite gift solutions for gifting occasions. Accordingly, the Bailey and Brooke Christmas collection features an extension series of intricately designed tree decorations, gift sets and candleware. Each piece comes complete in specific festive packaging - the complete gift.

Bailey & Brooke Email: bryn@alliedimports.com www.baileyandbrooke.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall A Stand A3

Bailey & Brooke Email: bryn@alliedimports.com www.baileyandbrooke.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall A Stand A3

‘On The Go’ Travel Mug Our bright, stylish new travel mugs are made in lightweight fine bone china and are dishwasher safe and easy to keep clean while the silicone lids and heat resistant bands are perfect for life on the move. It features many of our favourite designs, offering a stylish eco-friendly choice.

As 99% of disposable coffee cups are not recyclable many coffee outlets are happy to fill your own cup. Our lightweight mug is designed to fit into most car cup holders and work bags.

Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Home & Gift Fair: Hall B Stand B27

Cairngorm Cacti

A Humorous Take Dunoon presents two new humorous designs on their Jura fine bone china shape mug. Both designed and beautifully illustrated by artist Cherry Denman and Made in England. Flamboyance has whimsical flamingoes with their chicks very fashionable and pretty in pink. Ice Pack features comical penguins with their tiny chicks.

Both are fun and colourful and drawn in Cherry’s inimitable style.

Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Home & Gift Fair: Hall B Stand B27

Cacti is a set of two mugs on Dunoon’s Cairngorm shape with an on-trend theme.

They feature beautiful renditions of the prickly pear cactus on one mug and feature many varieties on the other. These are designed and painted in water colour by artist Claire Winteringham in her inimitable style. Made in fine bone china in the heart of Staffordshire, England.

Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Home & Gift Fair: Hall B Stand B27

Colour Leads The Way Following on from the success of Slapdash! on Dunoon’s Cairngorm and Lomond shapes, two of the designs have now been put onto their smaller Jura shape. As well as being the perfect size for an espresso, these colourful patterns are sure to be favourites, featuring expressive colour themed watercolour dashes. Designed by Caroline Bessey they are made from fine bone china in the heart of Staffordshire, England.

Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Home & Gift Fair: Hall B Stand B27 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Home & Gift, 15th-18th July, Harrogate

Winter Wonderland Baylis & Harding will be making the festive season fun with its new Fuzzy Duck and Skin Spa Winter Wonderland collections. The range includes a bauble with bath bubbles, a robin and Christmas tall travel cup and a cream cable-knit socks gift set which foot lotion. The collection – with RRPs from £6 to £30 – also includes a hatbox housing personal care items. A plush polar bear is at the centre of the Skin Spa collection featuring bath fizzers.

RRPs are from £8 to £25.

Furry Friends Two new Splosh ranges for animal lovers are being introduced by Xystos at Home & Gift. The Art of Cats has images of furry friends on mugs, cushions, journals and notebooks, tote bags and sticky notes, while Precious Pets features pictures of different breeds of dogs on mugs and hanging dog signs, as well as photo frames carrying tributes to them.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q, Stand C17-18 & 20

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q, Stand C17-18 & 20

Décor Focused Candles Add a touch of sophistication and style to the home this Autumn with the new Elevation Collection from Yankee Candle.

Available in-store and online from September 2018, the new Yankee Candle Elevation Collection has an elegant silhouette and stylish aesthetic that is enhanced by integrating the lid as a base. The dual-purpose lid has been specifically designed to securely fit into the bottom of the glass, providing stylish protection for most surfaces, creating a unified look – the perfect home accessory! The Yankee Candle Elevation Collection has been developed using a balance of high quality glass and contemporary, clean lines, to create a distinct shape that complements the style of any room. Smooth soy wax and modern, on trend fragrances lead to enjoyable, sensory experiences. Creating enjoyable, room-filling fragrance experiences, the large-sized statement and medium-sized décor candles contain multiple wicks to allow for an even burn. The Collection’s chic design, paired with, décor-focused palettes and artistic water colour imagery complement each and every room. The Collection is specifically nuanced to embrace each scent’s major note, with newly developed complex and on trend fragrances. The new Yankee Candle Elevation Collection candles are available in 12 indulgent core fragrances, plus three festive offerings, and will launch in October 2018. Attract new customers, delight loyal Yankee Candle fans and gain impulse buys with the power of these contemporary décor-focused candles. This stunning new Yankee Candle collection will be available in three new sizes: the statement jar (553 grams), the décor jar (347 grams) and trial jar (96 grams).

Yankee Candle Tel: 0117 316 1200 Email: sales@yankeecandle.co.uk www.yankeecandle.co.uk Home & Gift: Q-E39

Bath & Body Delights Baylis & Harding has personal care covered from head to toe and includes products that range from a bar of soap to a luxury wicker hamper that includes bath and shower crème, body cleanser, bath soak crystals and even a wash mitt.

Spearheading the nine new Autumn/Winter bath and body introductions from Xystos at Home & Gift is the Sweet Mandarin & Grapefruit collection which sees the return of the best-selling fragrance. The stylish geometric print incorporates presents of all shapes and sizes.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q, Stand C17-18 & 20

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Nadiya Hussain is looking to develop a select range of products with licensees and manufacturers. b A ready to use licensing style guide is available. b If you are interested in working with Nadiya please contact : b Ian Downes at Start Licensing b e :ian@startlicensing.co.uk t : 0208 337 7958 m : 07776 -228454

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Home & Gift, 15th-18th July, Harrogate

Stunning Sculptures Frith Sculpture (Blue Poppy Art) are introducing over 20 new products at Home & Gift on their stand A9. With three new cockapoos (shown are Winnie and Jasper ) and three spaniels, Sheba a large spaniel (shown), dogs are at the forefront. However, a spectacular elephant by Harriet Dunn (shown ), cats, otters and hares provide a varied mix of design to suit all tastes. In addition, six new miniatures have been created to join the very successful Minima collection making 17 small works of art in the offer, which retail at only £25. They provide an acceptable and unusual present to give to the friend ‘who has everything!’

Snuggle Up Intelex is expanding its best selling extra long hot water bottles with seven new designs coming out this year, bringing the total to 14 in the range. The new designs include three fur covers and a red Nordic cover which will make the perfect Christmas present for someone you love. The elongated design is great for providing more warmth.

Simply fill them up with hot water and use them for snuggling up on frosty winter evenings.

Blue Poppy Art Tel: +44 (0)1666 577110 / 0870 8519302 www.frithsculpture.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall A Stand A9

Intelex Tel: 01933 679 333 Email: sales@intelex.co.uk www.intelex.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall B Stand 9

Lights, Movement, Sales Some 132 brilliantly lit, slowly rotating, quickly selling items in a 76cm wide space. All designed by ourselves and featuring Swarovski crystals. Most are made in Devon by our skilled team.

Two x 27w led bulbs and lit signage create a magnetic display for your customers. Free with a minimum spend. Register on our website.

Wild Things Gifts Tel: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com www.wildthingsgifts.com Home & Gift: Hall B Stand1C

Crystal Fantasies The originals from Wild Things. British made in Devon using only the best Swarovski and other carefully chosen crystals.

Accept no substitutes! We can even make to your design subject to certain minimum quantities. Current motifs include birds, trees, cats, dogs, butterflies and dragonflies, fairies, unicorns, sealife and many others. Coming soon - British wildlife and farm animals.

Wild Things Gifts Tel: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com www.wildthingsgifts.com Home & Gift: Hall B Stand1C

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HOME FURNISHINGS

Extra 5% discount 15th - 20th July in addition to our usual discounts when visiting our showroom

G I F T WA R E INDIAN THEMED

OPEN WEEK 2018

JEWELLERY

CHRISTMAS

Join us for an Indian Feast & our usual Cream Teas at our showroom in Skipton Please come and see us at our Showroom in Skipton, we have extended opening hours during the Harrogate Home & Gifts Fair 15-20 July 2018 as we are not exhibiting this year.

NAMASTE SHOWROOM SPECIAL 15TH-17TH 9.00AM - 8.00PM & 18TH-20TH 9.00AM - 5.30PM

Minimum order only £150 plus VAT • Free colour catalogues available.

SHOWROOM

SNAYGILL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

TEL: 01756 700790

SKIPTON

NORTH YORKSHIRE

BD23 2QR

EMAIL: sales@namaste-uk.com

Home & Gifts • Incense • Home Furnishings • Furniture • Clothing • Accessories • Jewellery

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Home & Gift, 15th-18th July, Harrogate

Scents Of Christmas Introducing Scents of Christmas, a brand new festive candle range by Pintail Candles. As the nights get longer and the weather turns colder, these new seasonal scented candles are perfect for creating a warm, comforting glow. The expertly crafted fragrances evoke a sense of celebration and nostalgia which are complemented by evocative phrases and opulent styling that captures the spirit of Christmas.

This yuletide extravaganza of rich, seasonal colours and flourishes guarantee an eye-catching display for the busy gift-giving season. With 12 seasonal fragrances to choose from, there is bound to be a perfect scent of Christmas. Cosy up with Christmas Spice, take a walk in a Winter Wonderland, or dust off your tutu for the Sugar Plum Fairy. To see this festive show-stopper visit the Pintail Candles stand at Home & Gift. To see this festive show-stopper visit the Pintail Candles stand at Home & Gift.

Pintail Candles Tel: 01539 559007 Email: info@pintailcandles.com www.pintailcandles.com Home & Gift, Harrogate. Stand A10

Pin Perfect So far, 2018 has been a year of individuality and selfexpression, giving rise to a resurgence of the humble pin badge. These joyous little garnishes allow people to show their personalities and interests on all manner of otherwise plain accessories. Puckator’s freshly released selection of enamel pins includes designs from their most popular ranges. Available now on their website you’ll find unicorns, mermaids, cute kitties, happy narwhals and our favourite, a cheeky little winking aubergine. Pins are a perfect pick up line for customers of all ages and tastes; they sit perfectly on bags, jackets, shirts and lanyards. We won’t be expecting these products to be falling out of fashion anytime soon with the prevalence of 90s inspiration currently evident on the high street. So get pinning!

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

Natural Wax Infusion Collection Stoneglow has just launched the new Infusion collection of natural wax candles with wooden wicks and matching high fragrance diffusers. Refresh your senses with this empowering range, featuring uplifting fragrances to boost your wellbeing and transform your mood, while the soft crackle of an alluring fire relaxes and soothes.

Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk Home & Gift: Stand A32

New Look Festive Chic The new look Seasonal range has had a facelift, with geometric inspired packaging, and glassware that lends itself to interior trends. This range encompasses an array of products, from boxed candles, diffusers, tin candles, cracker gift sets, botanical gels and many more. Available in five festive chic fragrances. Made in the UK by Stoneglow Candles.

Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk Home & Gift: Stand A32

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Home & Gift, 15th-18th July, Harrogate

Getaway For The Weekend

Cosying Up Bailey & Brooke signifies luxurious designs and exceptional quality.

Our luxurious candles are hand crafted using a natural blend of wax and a lead-free cotton braided wick.

This, combined with essence of essential oils, means the candle is of the highest quality and produces at least 48 hrs of burning. The Bailey and Brooke Collections which will be showcased at Harrogate Home & Gift Fair include jewellery, Christmas and candleware.

The new Autumn/Winter release from Bridgewater Candle Co. is Weekend Getaway which has Bay Leaf & Fresh Pine in the top notes, Clover Bud & Siberian Fir in the middle notes, and Oakmoss & Tree Resin in the base notes.

Weekend Getaway will be available in scented sachets, candles, votives, wax bars and reed diffusers.

Heart of the Country Tel: 01543 481612 Email: sales@heartofthecountryltd.co.uk www.HeartoftheCountryLtd.co.uk Home & Gift: Stand A26 Autumn Fair: Stand 3G23

Heart of the Country Tel: 01543 481612 Email: sales@heartofthecountryltd.co.uk www.HeartoftheCountryLtd.co.uk Home & Gift: Stand A26 Autumn Fair: Stand 3G23

A Wise Choice These stylised Décor owls from Joe Davies in neutral colours will look at home in any colour scheme. The company specialises in supplying to the independent retailer in their trademark ‘little and often’ quantities with carriage paid orders of just £100 so don’t miss out on the opportunity to see this pretty little collection which will be on display alongside over 2500 new and exciting gifts on their extensive stand at Home & Gift.

Signature Scent The new signature fragrance from Greenleaf Gifts for Autumn/Winter 2018 is Painted Poppy, a confident feminine fragrance with a powerful boost of juicy mandarin, a soft floral heart and a base of warm musk and amber. Fragrance notes are Mandarin and Violet leaves on the top, Freesia, Red Poppy & Iris Root in the middle, and Teakwood Musk & Amber in the base. Painted Poppy will be available in scented sachets, candles, votives, room sprays and reed diffusers.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q, Stand E18

Heart of the Country Tel: 01543 481612 Email: sales@heartofthecountryltd.co.uk www.HeartoftheCountryLtd.co.uk Home & Gift: Stand A26 Autumn Fair: Stand 3G23

New Sock Range Winner of Australian Gift of the Year 2018, and proving a huge hit Down Under, Sock Society has finally arrived in the UK and is exclusive to Joe Davies (Hall Q, stand E-18). The socks are available with a free spinner display unit, which holds 16 assorted designs in a very small footprint to maximise sales per m2.

Two new ranges of socks will debut at Harrogate; 16 new designs in three assorted, eye catching colours. Early orders are advised.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q, Stand E18

Christmas Best Sellers snoozies! have been Joe Davies’ bestselling line on the run up to Christmas for the last six years and sales go from strength to strength. Ten upto-date, commercial new series can be seen on Joe Davies’ spacious Hall QE18 stand at Harrogate Home & Gift. Don’t miss Boozie snoozies!, Creature Comforts snoozies! and new fashion snoozies! There are men’s snoozies! and best selling new Sherpa lined socks too. They join the thousands of brand new products that Joe Davies will be introducing at Harrogate.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q, Stand E18

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20%

Early Bird Dis if you regis count ter and complete entries befo re end of Sep tember.

Competition opens 15th July Join us for the awards ceremony on the first evening of Spring Fair to celebrate the winners at a not to be missed party.

Two new categories for this year: Ethical Gifts and Pet

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Enquires email: luke.palmer@ga-uk.org

Register now: www.giftoftheyear.co.uk

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Home & Gift, 15th-18th July, Harrogate

New Fragrances Best Kept Secrets has announced the addition of eight new fragrances to their award winning Seriously Scented candle range, with the new fragrances receiving a very positive response by focus groups across the country. Pink Pomegranate, Plum Champagne, Café Vienna, Peony Blush, Horizon Sky, Indian Summer, Caspian Silk and Lotus Blossom will bring an additional touch of class to the range which is already in great demand. And, of course, they all have sparkly toppings and plenty of glitter.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand A7

Seriously Rebranded Best Kept Secrets have rebranded their Seriously Scented candle range. The new collection incorporates an elegant embossed lid, bright coloured labelling, modern classic design and sparkly toppings and glitter. Focus groups were charged with selecting the new label format and were unanimous in their choice, advising on a consolidation of the whole range which now includes 32 favourite fragrances from last year’s range and eight gorgeous new fragrances.

Continued success for retailers with this collection is guaranteed.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall Q Stand A7

Fresh, Fun, Innovative Really Good and Soul have gone the extra mile this year for Harrogate’s Home & Gift Fair with over five new ranges that are fresh, fun and innovative. Look out for our charming Giggle and Snort range from Really Good while Soul’s Mexicana collection brings colours and tones to stand out beautifully in any setting. Stand Numbers DP1 C28 (Really Good) & DP1 C25 (Soul).

Soul Tel: 01235 537816 Email: smile@souluk.com www.souluk.com Home & Gift: DP1-C25 & C28

Whimsical Giftware A new upmarket sub-brand created by Rachel Hare - the founder of Belly Button Designs - at the start of the year, has proven such a hit that giftware company Belly Button Bubble is looking to follow the success of the greeting card collection.

Beautifully illustrated unicorns, mermaids, butterflies and the tropics entice and play into the consumers desire for 'escapism' into the whimsical and fantasy on a range of gift wrappings. Luxury journals and notebooks will launch at Harrogate Home & Gift Buyers Festival.

Belly Button Designs Tel: 0161 902 1064 Email: sales@bellybuttondesigns.com www.bellybuttonbubble.com Home & Gift: Hall & Stand DP2-30

Sophisticated Palette Experience the new, as we take a bold step forward in giftware with our Autumn/Winter collection at Harrogate Home & Gift Buyers Festival. The driving focus for this collection was to create a sophisticated palette that can suitably switch from Christmas to everyday occasions, offering the retailer greater flexibility in merchandising stock. Expect Autumnal colours of rich berries, classic reds and elegant snowscapes to produce a body of designs that work across the festive season and beyond.

Belly Button Designs Tel: 0161 902 1064 Email: sales@bellybuttondesigns.com www.bellybuttonbubble.com Home & Gift: Hall & Stand DP2-30

Luxurious New Collections British homewares brand Libra will be launching over 50 news lines at Harrogate Home & Gift this July, including lighting, barware and executive gifts. Offering a beautiful array of eye-catching designs, fresh additions include wall sconces, coastal themed lighting and a selection of premium shades, manufactured in the UK. Libra will also launch a new collection of polished nickel barware, which taps into the consumer trend for stylish drinkware in the home.

The Libra Company Tel: 01223 895800 www.thelibracompany.co.uk Home & Gift: Hall M Stand M30/31 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Azeti Recycled Aluminium Collection

NEW for 2018

NEW for 2018

Christmas Collection

Meg Hawkins Collection

NEW for 2018

TILNAR ART THE NEW HOME OF AZETI INTERIORS Come and see our full product range at

Harrogate Home & Gift

Hall - Design Point Debut, Stand D58 on 15-18 July 2018 or online at www.tilnarart.co.uk

01277 362 815 sales@tilnarart.co.uk www.tilnarart.co.uk HarA4_Advert6-18.indd 1 112_GH_July 2018.indd 1

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LESLEY DUNNE

SOUNDING OFF

Royal Wedding Blues Do major sporting events such as the Cup Final and Wimbledon help to boost sales for local retailers? Lesley Dunne, owner of Feathering Your Nest in Rayleigh, doesn’t think so. Now that the Royal Wedding is over, she muses that having people glued to their TVs, phones and laptops doesn’t help trade one bit.

“If your shop is in a tourist or holiday destination then I'm sure you’ve stocked up with plenty of tempting gifts, with extra staff on hand to cope with the crowds. However, for we indies in smaller market towns and villages, it's a different story. How will we manage to earn our crust on these eventful occasions, and throughout the long hot summer days, when all you see is tumbleweed rolling past your window?

If I’m being honest, the Royal Wedding was a pretty draggy sales day for Rayleigh.

Speaking with other retailers on #myshoplife2018 it seemed pretty much the same for most retailers and other friends in the business. (Check out the Instagram 30 challenge, organised by Sarah at Pencil Me In, Elgin).

Feathering Your Nest was busy during the morning, as the nation seemed to be doing their shopping before 12 o’clock.

With the weather unseasonably hot, many of our customers were having their first BBQs, with family and friends coming over to celebrate the happy event. Then came the tumbleweed!

I was prepared for it though. Not only are we not a tourist town, we are not situated en route to Windsor Castle either!

I was deeply disappointed and saddened to see our town looking so drab and dreary on the run up and on the actual day itself.

Watching the cheering crowds on TV at 8am, and seeing how colourful and happy they looked as they cheered in the sunshine, made me want to join in the euphoria too.

I quickly donned my red, white and blue dress and went into town, but the drive soon left me feeling quite deflated at how miserable it looked. At Feathering Your Nest, we had a Royal Wedding and a wedding

Above: Lesley Dunne.

Below: Feathering Your Nest’s Royal Wedding window.

window, as did another local retailer Mr Simms, and all the charity shops, but that was it. Not a flap of bunting to be heard anywhere. I feel the local councils really missed a great opportunity to get people (aka customers) into the town. A huge TV screen, a marquee, a beer tent, a bring your own picnic in the park, some bunting, free parking, a street market and a kids party could all have helped to make the most of the day and beef up footfall. It's all a far cry from the Queen’s Jubilees and Charles and Diana's wedding.

In the past, I would have spent many hours rallying round the shops with my Town Team hat on. However, it has disbanded due to lack of retailer support. In the past, we would have got to together to promote Small Business Saturday and Independents Day, or

organised an Easter Egg Hunt, encouraging shops and restaurants to get involved in some way, but to be brutally honest, I thought what's the point? Feathering Your Nest is doing OK, so if the other retailers aren't bothered then why should I waste my precious time?

Once again, the news is full of stories about the decline of Britain’s high streets, yet a simple ‘given’ occasion such as the Royal Wedding was not made the most of.

Nobody is coming to save the high streets.

Mary Portas tried with her vision, but it was shot down in flames. Meanwhile, we are further down the road of decline. I wonder who will take up the baton next?

So do these occasions help or hinder retailers? In terms of the Royal Wedding, we bought a very small amount of stock, and thankfully, we sold it, although not at a great margin. It was a token in/out - job done. But it seems to me that these big events don't necessarily bring in the footfall we need on the actual day, which we so desperately need - unless you're a pub that is. They have TV and alcohol so perhaps I should try the latter in future!

Some shops did hold special event tea parties etc., but I wonder if they actually had a bumper Saturday or whether sales were average or even below. Was it worth the extra outlay and effort?

In fact, our day was better than I had anticipated it would be, so I didn't come home totally disgruntled. I lifted a large glass of wine to celebrate the Royal marriage, taking a deep breath that the hype was over and that I could move on to the next event, Father's Day. It certainly makes the years fly by as we move through our calendars with eager anticipation (or nervousness) to sell through our stock.

Retailers are always way ahead of everyone else's celebrations, wishing to move past them faster so that the stock we are holding is sold and we can breathe a sigh of relief. Money in the till, pay the bills, buy more stock for the next event... as ever, Groundhog Day!” PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Best Sellers PG&H asked a selection of Greats 2018 winners about the products which have been flying off their shelves.

Sinead Merry, manager, Alligator Pear, Tadworth A large destination village gift shop situated on a secondary site CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

One World Trading: glass/cement hurricane lanterns; Walton & Co: decorative cushions

Perfect for rustic chic.

Canova: Mojo;

A stunning fragrance mix with natural looking packaging.

Elegant, competitively priced and with broad appeal.

Fragranced Giftware

Aromatize: Woodbridge

Beautiful designs that add a pop of colour.

Jewellery

Azuni: across the board; One Button: across the board

A beautiful, design-led range. Elegantly bohemian and very wearable.

A collection of bold colourful designs for summer.

Fashion Accessories

Powder: sunglasses; Red Cuckoo: handbags

Beautifully presented in a luxury case.

Candy colour grab bags are a sell-out style for us.

Greeting Cards

Paperlink: Rhubarb Pie

A humorous range at a perfect price.

Giftwrap

Glick

The flatwrap is ideal for every occasion.

Other Hot Hits

Goose Island: clothing

A super collection this season, particularly the easy-wear batwing top.

Jo Williams, owner, Joco Interiors, Nuneaton A medium sized high street gift shop CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Arora Designs: Jigsaw Artwork;

A consistent seller. Customers look forward to new designs being released.

These are a big hit with our customers.

Widdop and Co: clocks

Fragranced Giftware

Price’s: reed diffusers; The Candleberry Candle Company: across the board

Jewellery

Joe Davies: Equilibrium Wishstrings: sentiment jewellery

Amazing fragrances which really last.

Super strong fragrances with funky names. Customers stay loyal to this brand.

This is our top seller, especially for bridesmaids gifts.

Handmade in the UK. Customers love the sentiments behind the bracelets.

Fashion Accessories

Powder UK: sunglasses; Emelia Accessories: children’s hair accessories

These have flown off the shelves this summer.

Pocket money prices; ideal for gift bags at parties.

Greeting Cards

Santoro: 3D swing cards

Versatile cards. We have collectors requesting the latest designs.

Other Hot Hits

Half Moon Bay; CID; The Carat Shop; Noble Collection

We have a large Harry Potter collection and do well with these companies products.

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Jon May and Luke Jacks, founders, Mooch Gifts and Home, Stourport-on-Severn and Bewdley Mooch is a medium sized gift shop; Bewdley is small. Both are on high street locations CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Parlane: recycled vases and dishes; animal pot hangers;

Customers love the beautiful design and quality of goods, from quirky to stunning pieces for the home.

The modern glass finish of the white hares is a particular hit.

Coach House: ceramic white hares; faux silk flowers

Fragrance Giftware

Chickidee: Pine Wick candles and reed diffusers; Inis: bath and body

Both brands offer unique fragrances and beautifully packaged gifts.

Jewellery

Hot Tomato: bracelets, bag charms, keyrings;

Plenty of bling and great designs. Something different and affordable.

Occasion-led charms that come in a gift bag.

Joma: ‘a little’

Fashion Accessories

Katie Loxton: pouches; handbags; Shruti (Junction 18): bags

Beautiful packaging and modern designs.

Fabulous designs and great price points. Highly fashionable.

Greeting Cards

Louise Tiler: foil cards

Pretty designs and beautiful foil finishes.

Giftwrap

Special Impressions

Quirky designs and sparkly finishes.

Other Hot Hits

Rainbow Designs; Orange Tree Toys

Classic designs and characters brought to life.

Maxine Ellison, director, Max and Melia, Clapham, South West London A small, high street gift shop CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Coach House: giraffe and rhino trays

Whenever we sell out, we get customers asking us to order more.

Fragranced Giftware

Max and Melia: own brand candles;

The candles have had rave reviews, and we have recently added tealights and room sprays to the range.

Jewellery

Boho Betty: pom pom rings and earrings;

These are fun pieces of jewellery. The whole range sells at £10 or less making them great little gifts.

Fashion Accessories

Estella Bartlett: keyrings;

These are popular across a wide age range, from young teens to grown-ups.

Easy to post, they come in a fab range of colours. A favourite is Pink Flamingos.

Miss Shorthair: scarves

Greeting Cards

Woodmansterne: Off The Leash and On the Prowl

Funny, comic style cards. We also do well with the Iris and Gladys range which is funny and original.

Giftwrap

Arthouse Meath

The colourful patterns and fun designs catch the eye and make an upsell for customers wanting something giftwrapped.

Other Hot Hits

Parlane: Cuties pots; Temerity Jones: string hangers

Our homegrown succulents and cacti fit perfectly into these small pots.

Part of the indoor plant trend is macramé, so customers are able to mix and match plant pot and hanger!

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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

Market leading trade magazines

Market leading trade awards

Market leading digital platforms

Market leading trade exhibitions

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

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Best Sellers

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

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

PRICE’S PATENT CANDLES T: +44 (0)1234 2645 E: sales@prices-candles.co.uk W: www.prices-candles.co.uk

GLICK T: 01274 655980 E: info@glick.co.uk W: www.glick.co.uk

ORANGE TREE TOYS T: 01242 244500 E: sales@orangetreetoys.com W: www.orangetreetoys.com

RAINBOW DESIGNS T: 01329 227300 W: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

SHRUTI LTD T: 01985 847774 E: sales@junction18.com W: www.junction18.com

PARLANE INTERNATIONAL LTD T: 01451 812700 E: Sales@parlane.co.uk W: www.parlane.co.uk

HOT TOMATO T: 01225 422188 E: sales@hot-tom.com W: www.hot-tom.com

ONE BUTTON T: 0116 279 3715 E: info@onebuttonuk.com W: www.onebuttonuk.com Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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BEHIND THE COUNTER

Peter de la Mare

Above: Peter de la Mare.

Right: England at Home has two stores in Brighton.

This month, PG&H is launching a brand new column, Behind The Counter, turning the spotlight on the outstanding, talented retail employees who ‘go the extra mile’, making an outstanding contribution to the running or growth of a gift shop or gift department.

Peter de la Mare, store manager at England At Home in Brighton, winner of The Greats Retail Employee of the Year 2018 award, reveals where his love of gift retail comes from.

Peter was brought up in Jersey and moved to the UK to study a BA in Fine Art: Sculpture at degree level. “I was lucky enough to be awarded a scholarship, so although I didn’t want to become an artist I took the opportunity to spend three years developing my love of creative arts and design,” he explains.

“My first full retail role was while studying at university, where I took a role in the night team at Somerfield supermarket eventually being promoted to full time duty manager. I moved on to work with Robert

Dyas, allowing me to work alongside homeware product for the first time. I found the most enjoyable aspects to this role was advising customers on the ranges of products.”

In 2007, Peter applied to England At Home in Brighton. “I had a good knowledge

of homeware but wanted to work with design-led products rather than utility products. I was initially taken on as an assistant manager but was quickly given more responsibility. At my first year appraisal I was officially made general manager.”

He says that working in an independent business has allowed him to feel part of the business. “The role of manager is so varied to that of a chain store in the sense that your role is spread across the entire business, from staff management to stock control, physical window displays to virtual website themes,” he points out.

Having joined the business at the start of the recession he says he can see a parallel with how people are shopping today. “Once again, customers are spending wisely looking for quality reusable products that will last, with reusable coffee cups a good example.”

When he’s not working in the shop, Peter makes the most of living in Brighton.

“In the summer, there’s no better evening that sitting at the old West Pier site on Brighton beach watching the sun go down, the perfect way to wind down after a bustling weekend at the stores.”

LAST WORD

Zoe Anderson

Above: Zoe Alexander.

Right: The colourful world of W A Green.

Zoe Anderson launched lifestyle store W A Green in London’s trendy Shoreditch just over a year ago, named after her grandfather, a successful greengrocer. With retail a big part of her life, not being able to find a gift for a friend in West London, along with her travels in LA, inspired her to open a lifestyle store. “The aim of the shop is to bring a hit of dopamine for the home to East London,” says Zoe.

Three words that best describe you?

“Positive, commercial, progressive.”

Tell us a quirky fact we don’t know about you?

“I trained with the British ski team.”

What was your first job?

“I organised photo shoots for a large, nonfiction children’s book publisher. It’s stood in me in good stead when merchandising the look of my shop.”

What’s the concept of W A Green?

“It’s a maximalist store full of fun and character, putting independent designers alongside powerhouse brands. The

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Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

common thread is happiness to change the way you look at your home.”

What was the best piece of business advice you were given when starting out?

“Once you have done your business plan just get on with it.”

What piece of business advice would you give to someone today?

“Don’t be scared to make mistakes otherwise you won’t do anything.”

What are you currently reading?

“She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb.”

What’s your favourite TV programme?

“Gogglebox.”

What’s your favourite film?

“Grease.”

Where’s your favourite place to go on holiday?

“Silver Lake in California.”

What’s your home like?

“A Victorian terrace house that’s very colourful!”

How do you start and end your day?

“The alarm goes off at 6.50am, when I start the day by doing some yoga or boxing before going to the shop. I aim to be in bed by 10.30pm.”

Which one item would you take to a desert island?

“Definitely books.”

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

Contact Angie Bryant on 01993 212 994 for further information.

Just a few reasons to buy from Joe Davies

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

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Please contact our Award Winning sales staff for further details.

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GIFTS & GREETINGS

TRADE ASSOCIATION

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

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

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

£ ££ ¡® ¦ ¡

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

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

Agent Vacancy £

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

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

We’d love you to be part of it!

Advertising and Commercial Opportunities:

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

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Editorial and Content Opportunities:

Editor - Sue Marks sue@suemarks.co.uk

@Prog_Gifts

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