Progressive Gifts & Home March April 2022

MARCH/APRIL 2022

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This Month With so much uncertainty at the moment - rising inflation, increasing energy and fuel costs, and, of course, the heart-breaking war in Ukraine, demonstrating the very worst of humanity, it’s been important to celebrate any uplifting moments. And for those gift retailers who heard that they had made it through to the finals of The Greats Awards, it came as very welcome news indeed. Turn to pages 24-25, as well as page 5, where a selection of excited and delighted finalists share their initial reactions!

The winners will be announced at the inaugural The Gift Awards at London’s glittering Royal Lancaster hotel on 12 May, along with the winners of the Gift of the Year (GOTY) competition, organised by The Giftware Association, uniting the gift industry in a joint awards evening ‘first’ for the industry. To find out more and to book tickets visit www.thegiftawards.com. In addition, turn to pages 31-33 to see who the GOTY finalists are, and to pages 27-29 to read about the live judging day at Spring Fair where, once again, I was delighted to be on the judging panel.

In addition, something else to celebrate in this issue is the publication of PG&H’s unique Retail Barometer, now in its 16th year, which turns the spotlight on how independent gift retailers performed over the previous 12 months (2021). Despite the challenges in a year that saw non-essential retailers close their doors until April 12, over 90% of survey respondents said that 2021 was a pretty good year overall. Turn to pages 15-21 to read the full Retail Barometer findings.

Staying with celebrations, many of us are now looking forward to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend taking place from June 2-5. We spoke to Talking Tables’ founder Clare Harris to hear how to party away while being kind to the planet. Turn to pages 36-37.

Meanwhile, with Mother’s Day done and dusted for another year it’s time to start thinking about Father’s Day on June 19 and gifts for men. For gift shops still struggling with male gifts, turn to pages 39-41 for some innovative ideas. Plus, for fashionistas, Joe Davies’ fashion guru, Bev Allen, reveals what’s hot for the company’s exclusive own label brand SugarLane. Turn to pages 45-47.

We also look at the newest garden-themed gifts. Turn to pages 51-53 for plenty of ideas.

But first, take a look at our amazing, ultimate home fragrancing supplement which has everything you need to know about when it comes to what’s trending in a marketplace that is continuing to evolve and to up its game.

Enjoy the issue!

Sue

Sue Marks, Editor

@Prog_Gifts

Inside 5-13

News

15-21 Feedback: Retail Barometer 24-25 The Greats Awards 2022: Finalists 27-29 Gift of the Year Judging Day 31-33 Gift of the Year finalists 36-37 In Profile: Talking Tables 39-41 Spotlight On... Men’s Gifts 45-47 In Profile: SugarLane 51-53 Spotlight On... Gifts for Gardeners 60-61 Best Sellers

39

53

Above: Iconic fashion designer Jeff Banks on the Candlelight stand at Spring Fair, where he was launching the Jeff Banks Home collection. He is shown with Janet Hartree (right), owner of Ewe & Me in Grantown on Spey, her daughter Sarah (left), and PG&H’s Sue Marks.

The UK gift and home industry is dynamic, innovative and vibrant and The Greats Awards reflect all of this and much more. Be a part of it!

Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk

Sue Marks Editor

Ali Farrell Advertisement Manager

Jo Pilcher Commercial Manager

Ian Hyder Publishing Director

suem@max-publishing.co.uk

alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk

jop@max-publishing.co.uk

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

Subscribe to Progressive Gifts from £60 (UK) to £90 (International) You can organise this quickly and easily online at our secure site: www.max-subscriptions.net For assistance, please email subscriptions@maxpublishing.co.uk ISSN 2515-7523

www.max-publishing.co.uk The home of market leading trade magazines Publishers: Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax, Ian Hyder and Rob Willis Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivegifts.co.uk Copyright 2021. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

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Industry ‘Greats’ Reactions From Finalists “Beyond Excited!” Say Gift Retailers Whoops of delight could be heard from the finalists of The Greats Awards 2022 (see pages 24-25) with gift retailers up and down the UK thrilled to share their initial reactions at the exciting news!

“This couldn't have come at a better time!

We needed the morale boost after such horrible news of Ukraine and the rise of electricity costs,” commented Priya AuroraCrowe and Dominic Crowe, co-owners of nine Lark stores in South London, finalists in the Best Special Multiple Retailer of Gifts category.

“This made our day after a horrible week of floods and low footfall,” said Jon May, co-owner, Mooch Gifts & Home in Bewdley and Stourporton-Severn, a finalist in the Best In-Store/Display category. “The news really lifted our spirits, and we did a happy dance in both stores!”

In Hinckley, mother and daughter Trudy Tebbutt and Tilley Rathie, co-owners of Marmalade Meringue, a finalist in the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - Midlands and Wales category, exclaimed: “We are absolutely over the moon. Royal Lancaster hotel here we come!” added a delighted Tilley.

Also sharing her excitement was Judy Evans, owner of Williams of Audlem in Audlem, a finalist in the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - North, Northern Ireland and Scotland category. “Wow! Celebrating with a glass of

NEWS Celebrating The GOTY Finalists

fizz! I cannot wait to dust down my party frock for the awards evening, with the chance to meet and mingle with fellow finalists and industry elites! Beyond excited!”

Further North, Scott Nicol, co-owner of Keepsake Scotland in Inverness, Loch Lomond, Pitlochry and Stirling, a finalist in the Best Specialist Multiple of Gifts category, declared: “What fantastic news! We’re absolutely buzzing to have reached The Great Awards 2022 finals here at Keepsake Scotland! The team are over the moon!”

At the other end of the country, equally thrilled was Jo Webber, co-owner of Jo Amor in Tiverton, a finalist in the West and South West category. “This is great news and such an honour for our happy place in Tiverton. So proud to be part of such a kind, supportive industry.”

Meanwhile at Yarnton Home and Garden, Yarnton, finalists in the Best Garden Centre Retailer of Gifts category, visual merchandising manager Celia Leeson-Cox exclaimed: “Bowled over with excitement! Absolutely thrilled! We’re looking forward to a fabulous evening on 12 May.” Visit www.thegiftawards.com Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk Above: Huge smiles and a big thumbs up from Jo and Mike Webber, owners of Greats finalist Jo Amor in Tiverton.

Above left: Celebrating the wonderful news at Keepsake Scotland in Loch Lomond, from left to right: owner Scott Nicol; sales advisors Tracey Barnes and Jacqueline Simpson and store manager Karen Hamilton.

The Gift Awards Unite The Gift Industry The Gift Awards event ceremony, to be held at London’s glittering Royal Lancaster hotel will bring together The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards and The Greats gift retailer awards - currently celebrating their 20th milestone year - organised and owned by Max Publishing, publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net.

At the lavish awards event, both gift product excellence and retail prowess will be recognised and rewarded.

Tickets and tables for the awards event on 12 May can be booked via the Max Publishing digital box office event at Max-Tickets.net, or by contacting event organiser Createvents: clare@createvents.co.uk or 0118 334 0085.

To find out more about The Gift Awards and book tickets, visit www.thegiftawards.com and www.thegreatsawards.co.uk Right: London’s Royal Lancaster hotel will be home to The Gift Awards on 12 May.

After an exciting day’s judging at Spring Fair in February, (see pages 27-29), the six finalists in the GOTY categories were announced by The Giftware Association, (see pages 31-33 for the full listing), with the winners revealed at the inaugural The Gift Awards taking place at the Royal Lancaster hotel in London on 12 May. (See The Gift Awards Unite The Gift Industry).

The GA’s ceo, Sarah Ward, confirmed that the judging had been a huge success. “It was great to be back to live judging again as it was sorely missed last year,” she stated.

Above: The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward.

The Fabulous Sponsors The Gift Awards 2022 enjoys a strong roster of sponsors including Spring Fair and Autumn Fair as headline supporter, plus: Abysse Corp; Ankorstore; Brand Licensing Europe; British Allied Trades Federation (BATF); Candlelight; Cardzone; Carte Blanche Greetings; Faire; Gift Republic; Gisela Graham; Home & Gift Harrogate; Joe Davies; Lesser & Pavey; Life Charms; Progressive Greetings Live; Talking Tables; Top Drawer and Widdop and Co. Visit www.thegiftawards.com

Having A Giggle At The Awards Stand-up comedian Charlie Baker will be bringing his unique style of comedy to the Royal Lancaster hotel on 12 May as he takes on the hosting duties for the inaugural The Gift Awards. (See The Gift Awards Unite The Gift Industry).

In addition to comedy, Charlie - an actor and acclaimed jazz singer - has appeared on The Last Leg; Harry Hill’s Tea Time; Comedy Central at the Comedy Store; The Great British BakeOff: An Extra Slice; Never Mind The Buzzcocks; Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live; The Dog Ate My Homework and Channel 4’s Comedy Gala.

An avid sports fan, he can also be heard on Talksport every Saturday for the Game Day Warm Up as well as covering on weekdays on Hawksbee & Jacobs.

Since his debut solo hour in 2009, which won him the Mervyn Stutter Spirit of the Fringe Award, Charlie has become a staple act of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

He is currently supporting Jack Dee on his tour and will working on his brand-new stand-up show.

Above: Comedian Charlie Baker will be making guests laugh at The Gift Awards in May.

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Industry PG&H Retail Barometer Findings Survey Reveals A Strong Year The latest PG&H Retail Barometer - an annual survey which looks back at the previous year revealed that, despite being closed until mid-April, 2021 was a surprisingly good one for gift indies.

Compared to 2020, over 90% of survey respondents said that their business had fared better or the same in 2021, with the average spend increasing, and Christmas turning out to be a cracker.

The biggest ‘positive’ was greeting card expansion, with almost half of those surveyed confirming that investing in a larger card selection last year had had a positive effect on the business.

Also having a positive effect in 2021 were ‘shop local’ campaigns, participating with online platforms and engaging with promotional activity.

However, on the downside, unsurprisingly, the Omicron variant had the biggest detrimental effect

A Nice Little Earner

(86%), followed by reduced visits from reps and agents, with 30% citing fewer trade shows (due to the pandemic) having had a negative effect.

Meanwhile, eco-friendly and sustainable credentials continued to influence purchasing decisions, with three quarters of respondents confirming that they had expanded their ranges.

Made in Britain too, was important to a whopping 91%. Plus, 70% of indies now have a transactional website, with two thirds planning to develop their website further this year.

As for 2022, there are high expectations, with 96% of respondents confirming that they predicted that they would see growth this year. For the full findings of the PG&H Retail Barometer, turn to pages 15-21.

Above: The average Christmas spend increased in 2021.

Left: Independent retailer hopes are high for this year.

Trio Of Virtual Trade Shows Enesco will be showing the company’s latest collections and new gifts and homewares launches for 2022 at three virtual trade shows: Germany (March 28); UK (March 30) and Holland (March 31). Attendees will benefit from exclusive show discounts and offers at the discretion of the company’s area sales managers.

The nine webinars will cover Willow Tree

by Enesco; Jim Shore by Enesco; Beatrix Potter by Enesco; Disney by Enesco; Baby Gifting by Enesco; Homewares by Enesco; Christmas By Enesco; Fandom by Enesco and Lolita by Enesco. Visit www.enesco.co.uk

NEWS

Below: Enesc’s stand at Spring Fair.

Retailers Support Ukraine John Lewis, Dunelm, M&S, Tesco and Asda are among the major retailers that are stepping up efforts to support those suffering from the devastating impact of Russian’s invasion of Ukraine.

The John Lewis Partnership made a first donation of £100,000 to the British Red Cross directly in support of its Ukraine Crisis Appeal, and is also matching donations from customers and its partners up to £150,000.

Dunelm stores meanwhile, are acting as collection centres for customers’ donations of provisions, with the retailer sending over 200 pallets of vital supplies to Poland to help refugees, as well as making financial commitments.

Donating £500,000 to the UN Refugee Agency, along with winter clothing, Marks & Spencer has allocated a further £500,000 to support UNICEF through matched colleague fundraising and doubling customers’ Sparks donations. The retailer has also suspended shipments to its Turkish franchisee’s Russian business.

Meanwhile, Tesco has been using its distribution centres in Budapest, Bratislava and Prague to coordinate support for refugees and deliver relief packages, while Asda and its charity, the Asda Foundation, has announced a £1m package to support displaced Ukrainian families in Europe and the UK.

In celebration of the Queen’s 70 year reign, commemorative Platinum Jubilee souvenir giftware will be ringing up worldwide sales this year, with Karl Baxter, owner of Wholesale Clearance UK hoping that customers will buy his 7,200 pieces of limited edition Platinum ‘Jubbly’ stock, turning it into a ‘nice little earner’ as Del Boy would say.

Karl was approached by a Chinese manufacturing company to sell the Jubilee souvenir stock after their fulfilment partner in the UK refused to take it due to a ‘translation error’.

The crockery set - a plate and a mug - features the Queen with the Royal coat of arms. However, instead of saying ‘To Commemorate the Platinum Jubilee’ the text reads, ‘To Commemorate the Platinum Jubbly’!

Over the years, Royal memorabilia has attracted collectors from across the globe.

The Royal Collection saw record sales of £21.7m in 2019 following Harry and Meghan’s wedding, a record likely to be topped this year. (For more about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, turn to pages 36-37).

Above: A plate ‘To Commemorate the Platinum Jubbly’.

Above: Who will buy this lovely Jubbly misprint?

John Lewis Drops ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ The John Lewis ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ pledge will be retired in the summer, replaced by Quality & Value, with the retailer pledging a £500m investment.

“Customers are tightening their belts and we’re responding so that John Lewis is more affordable, whether shopping in-store or online,” explains the company’s executive director Pippa Wicks.

The move builds on the success of Anyday John Lewis’ more affordable own-brand - which includes homeware and nursery, as well as fashion and technology.

Above: John Lewis’ executive director Pippa Wicks.

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Below: A scene from last year’s PG Live.

Below middle: The Business Design Centre in London.

Card Sharp PG Live’s Stellar Exhibition Line-Up

smorgasbord of emerging, brand-new start-ups, making for an exciting Springboard area. There will also be some notable international names Artige, as well as Greeting Cards from Lowlands Studios from The Netherlands, Perleberg from Germany, Affirmations from Australia and Origamo from Italy.

While greeting cards are a main focus there will also be select gift companies as well as trade suppliers.

And adding to PG Live’s super friendly vibe, all exhibitors and buyers will receive a delicious free lunch, free opening night party and complimentary refreshments during the show.

Retailers registering for the show will receive a colourful PG Live Show preview publication. Visit www.progressivegreetings.live.com

With only two months to go until Progressive Greetings Live 2022 opens its doors to welcome retailers and overseas distributors, exhibitors are busy with their preparations and launch plans for the show, which takes place on 7-8 June at London’s Business Design Centre.

“Having been privy to a sneak peek at what some of the PG Live exhibitors have lined up already, this year’s show is on course to be a real stonker,” enthuses Warren Lomax, co-show director of PG Live.

As well as a huge number of leading UK greeting card brands, from Rosie Made A Thing and Belly Button Designs to The Art and Emotional Rescue, PG Live’s stellar exhibitor line-up also includes a

Stationery Savvy Gift retailers looking for the latest in gift-led journals and other stationery items will be heading to the dedicated London Stationery Show, organised by Ocean Media Group, which takes place at the Business Design Centre in Islington on 17-18 May. Some 1,800 buyers are expected to attend to discover the new launches from both UK and international brands, as well as from new designers and innovative start-ups.

Additionally, speakers will be taking to the Retail Matters ‘Live Talks’ stage where they will cover all aspects of running a successful business, as well as issues affecting the industry, stationery trends, new technologies, and social media. Visit www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk Right: Visitors browsing products at last year’s show.

Ambiente Working Inspired By WFH After being cancelled for the second consecutive year, Ambiente will co-locate with two other Messe Frankfurt consumer goods trade fairs, Christmasworld and Creativeworld, with the trio of shows taking place from 3-7 February, 2023, under the umbrella of Home of Consumer Goods.

The office product segments will be showcased in a new sector, Ambiente Working, to complement Living, Giving and Dining, with Ambiente supplemented by a new, regionally based Design & Lifestyle offer, held in Frankfurt, in the second half of the year.

"We are moving with the times because new work and lifestyle trends are growing together,” says Yvonne Engelmann, director, Living, Giving, Working. “The boundaries between home and office are fluid and this is leading to a major change in the stationery sector in terms of manufacturers' product portfolios, changed sales channels and target groups that we can serve better in the new context.”

Home of Consumer Goods will also include a Global Sourcing section, with all three trade fairs merging into a joint offering. Global Sourcing will also be presented as a sourcing platform in international locations at other times of the year. To complement this, there will also be a series of sourcing events in selected sourcing countries, with easy access for buyers.

Left: Ambiente 2020.

Industry

NEWS Tableware Is The ‘Gift Of Choice’

With the pandemic encouraging people to become accomplished home cooks, and tablescaping a big trend on Instagram, using lovely plates and bowls has become increasingly important to many people, with products increasingly gift-led.

“Refuge and nesting, as well as creating a beautiful and welcoming table are the key trends going forward,” states Rosanna Bowles, founder, president and art director of Rosanna Inc., which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

“We are seeing that in tableware, there is a big trend for serve ware being the new gift of choice,” Rosanna continues, “and it is also becoming an important item for personal purchase too, with our serve ware sales increasing exponentially in the last two years.”

Above: Nature’s Table from Rosanna.

Ulster Weavers Repositions In a change of direction for Irish textile manufacturer Ulster Weavers, the company recently unveiled a brand new, colourful Home Comforts contemporary collection of home furnishings. The launch comes as the company re-launches and repositions its business as a contemporary homewares brand targeting a millennial audience.

The debut collection, which is manufactured locally in Ireland, includes, cushions, merino wool throws, linen bean bags and pouffes combining the latest trends with traditional craftsmanship.

Designs, to include Cardinal Marble, Hillsborough Floral and Limelight, have been inspired by Northern Ireland’s history, culture and landscapes.

“We’re very excited to bring our new home furnishings collection to the market,” enthuses Ulster Weavers’ managing director Gillian McLean. “The launch marks a time of change and renewal for Ulster Weaves going forward.”

Adds Gillian: “Sustainability is a key element for the business with everything recyclable and everything having functionality.”

Above: Colourful cushions, part of Ulster Weavers Home Comforts collection.

PEOPLE l Rainbow has strengthened its senior sales team with the appointment of Gary Hughes (right) as national accounts controller. He has extensive experience in both the publishing and toy sectors, most recently managing the games category at Winning Moves across the high street and independents.

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Industry Sustainability In Licensing Conference

NEWS

Leading Names Will Be Sharing Their Expertise With the gift industry putting sustainability at the top of the agenda, both suppliers and retailers are invited to book a place at the Sustainability in Licensing Conference (SiLC), which will be taking place at the Royal Geographical Society in London on Wednesday 22 June.

The packed agenda will see many of the biggest wave makers on the global sustainable brand and retail worlds share their views and news, with an impressive line-up of experts speaking across topics spanning The Future of Fashion, Sustainable Retail, Brands with Purpose, and What Kids Want.

SiLC will be diving into crucial issues within the industry, ranging from sustainable supply chains and the retail treatment to the power of brands and their potential to drive social change through entertainment. The schedule will feature keynotes, panel discussions, live Q&As and round tables.

Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder and ceo of Products of Change, who heads the team behind the SiLC, comments: “Never before has our industry needed to transition at the scale that is required to achieve the 2030 and 2050 Global Goals. This transition provides both an opportunity to create the future of how the industry operates, as well as commercially benefiting businesses. SiLC will bring visibility of new solutions and discuss how to implement and showcase new future

Up For Sale

technologies to lead the industry to a profitable and sustainable future.”

She continues: “We have updates on some major and ground-breaking new partnerships and developments, key insights from experts on the ever-evolving retail scene, and some truly inspiring talks from some of the most pioneering thought leaders across design and creating a business with purpose.”

Products of Change is designed to support, encourage and perpetuate companies and brands in meeting their sustainability goals. Visit www.productsofchange.com l Talking Tables is one of the latest companies to become a member of POC. (See pages 36-37 to read about the company’s sustainable commitment).

Above: Helena Mansell-Stopher and Rob Hutchins of Products of Change.

Neartoo Indie Trading Platform Neartoo - a unique online trading site designed to support UK high streets - has been launched by the British Independent Retail Association (Bira).

Among the independent gift shop owners already signed up is Cathy Frost, owner of LoveOne in Ipswich. “I knew straightaway this was something I wanted to be a part of,” Cathy explained. “It’s really important for small indies to be able to have their profile raised, to have a platform and extra voice out there. It will bring the high street to more customers, especially if more people are working from home, as they are facing blended working from the office. We jumped at the chance.”

Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre explains: “The pandemic accelerated shopping behaviours, with more use of the internet and people also doing more of their shopping locally. This platform, owned by independents, addresses both of those societal changes and will allow Neartoo retailers to open up new ways of selling to customers, and more profitably. It’s a really exciting opportunity for independents throughout the UK to be able to start selling online or increase their own visibility.”

Andrew explains that the new online trading site will help to get their products out to a wider audience, “and the fact so many of our members have already signed up and have seen the potential is fantastic,” he states. “This is the answer for thousands of independent stores across the UK to still maintain a bricks and mortar presence on the high street, while also allowing them to sell online but at a lower cost.” Visit www.neartoo.co.uk Left: Cathy Frost, owner of LoveOne in Ipswich.

After 36 years, owner Nic Stone has put The Bottle Kiln gift shop and café on the market. Based in West Hallam, Nic, who has personally been in the business for 32 years, says that he is ready for a change.

“I promised myself I’d slow down by 55, and none of the next generation of the family wants to come in and continue,” he explains. “The business, which has a transactional website, is in very good shape - it’s just that I am very ready for a change. It’s an opportunity for someone wanting to get into or expand within the industry to acquire a longstanding, highly regarded brand and site, especially as it has such a successful café business alongside, which now has permission to open three nights a week.”

Above: The Bottle Kiln in West Hallam is on the market.

Frida Kahlo Expansion House of Disaster has expanded its licensed Frida Kahlo collection with additional accessories taking the range of products to 25.

“Developing our own Frida inspired illustrations, we have added new bags, cushions, eye masks, scarves and more,” confirmed House of Disaster’s general manager Neil Gauckwin.

Above: Cushions are new to House of Disaster’s Frida Kahlo collection.

NEWS IN BRIEF l In his Spring Statement, Chancellor Rishi Sunak (right) announced 50% business rates relief for eligible retail, hospitality, and leisure properties, worth £1.7bn for small businesses. However, SME retailers nevertheless face an eventual return to full rates. l St. Eval was recently awarded a Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for 2022 in recognition of the company’s exceptional level of quality and service.

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Industry Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs Miss Milly’s Sarah Watmore Honoured International Women’s Day on 8 March was a very special one this year for Sarah Watmore, founder of jewellery and fashion accessories company Miss Milly.

In recognition of her strong contribution to entrepreneurship, Sarah was among 100 impressive, multi-achieving female business owners, championed by Small Business Britain’s ƒ:Entrepreneur #ialso100 campaign invited to attend a special International Women’s Day reception at the House of Lords.

“Getting to meet so many inspirational women who have set up all kinds of businesses throughout the UK was an absolute joy and such

Left: Miss Milly’s Sarah Watmore at the House of Lords.

fun after two really tough years,” enthused Sarah.

The women enjoyed afternoon tea and networking in Westminster, meeting their peers from ƒ:Entrepreneur #ialso from both 2021 and 2022, as well as special guest speaker Labour MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, who paid tribute to the power of female entrepreneurship.

The #ialso was awarded to recognise that Sarah is currently in training for a cycling qualification race - her third Great Britain amateur world championships road racing appearance - and that she also captains a virtual women’s cycling team.

New London Jewellery Show A brand new exhibition - the London Jewellery Show - will take place on 5-6 September at London’s Excel Arena, showcasing fine, contemporary, designer jewellery.

Comments show director Lennox Addo: "The jewellery industry has a rich history based on collaboration and partnerships. The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and the Jewellery Show will be no different, but with a strong focus on providing a platform designed for support and growth for suppliers."

An exclusive agreement within The British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) will see members of the Association receive significant benefits, to include major stand discounts. Visit www.thejewelleryshow.co.uk

NEWS

Gregg Wallace Visits Denby

Above: Inside The Factory’s Gregg Wallace at Denby Pottery.

An episode of Inside The Factory, which aired on BBC 2 recently, saw TV presenters Gregg Wallace and Cherry Healey going behind the scenes at Denby Pottery. “We’re very proud to have been selected to represent the ceramics industry,” commented Denby’s corporate affairs manager Linda Salt. “With mugs found in every home, viewers witnessed Denby's best-selling Halo mug transforming from raw clay all the way through to the finished product.”

Given that each piece of Denby passes through over 20 pairs of hands at the company’s 200 year old Derbyshire pottery using handcrafting skills passed down through the generations - Gregg Wallace had a lot to do and was guided by Denby’s operations director, Dean Barlow.

During the programme, Cherry Healey visited the transfer printing room at Burleigh Pottery, with design development manager Alison Howell guiding Cherry through the process.

Right: Fine designer jewellery will be showcased at The Jewellery Show in September.

A Myriad Of Milestones Six long standing Spring Fair exhibitors - The Art File, Candlelight, Davies Products, The Libra Company, Powell Crafts and Swift Imports - were delighted to celebrate their milestone anniversaries at the show in February, with a bespoke cake presented to each of them by organisers the Hyve Group.

Two companies, Candlelight and The Libra Company, are celebrating 50 years in 2022, with Powell Craft and Swift Imports celebrating 60 years, while Davies Products is celebrating 75 years. In addition, greeting card company The Art File is celebrating 25 years.

“It’s very humbling to be part of an industry and an event that combines so much shared history,” commented Spring Fair’s event director Dan Mayhew. “So many businesses have exhibited at Spring Fair since their inception and have lived and breathed the show ever since. We were delighted to celebrate their milestone anniversaries with them and look forward to many more in the future.”

Julie Driscoll, divisional managing director, Spring Fair & Moda, added: “Spring Fair was a truly extraordinary four days. We’re so pleased to be able to report on such overwhelming success stories and to hear the brilliant feedback from our visitors and exhibitors.”

Above: Candlelight’s founder and managing director Mike Winch (left) was presented with an anniversary cake by Hyve Group’s Jason Garvey.

NEWS IN BRIEF l Olor’s first collection of candle boxes were used as a key trend for 2022 at Top Drawer Spring, reflecting the trend for Positive Reinforcement.

Right: Olor’s colourful candle boxes.

Enesco Parties With Peter Rabbit To celebrate Peter Rabbit’s 120th anniversary, champagne corks popped on long time licensee Enesco’s stand at Spring Fair, with visitors also enjoying a slice of birthday cake.

To celebrate, Enesco unveiled a new product launch on the stand featuring a Running Peter figurine - a limited edition of only 1200 pieces. In addition, an insulated bottle bag was added to the company’s multi-award winning baby collection. “Peter Rabbit continues to be a firm favourite with a whole new generation of fans,” highlights Enesco’s licensing manager Wendy Addison.

Above: Enesco’s Wendy Addison with PG&H’s Sue Marks at Peter Rabbit’s 120th anniversary party.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Feedback: Retail Barometer 2021

Looking Backwards And Forwards With the doors of non-essential retailers remaining firmly closed from part-way through December 2020 until April 12, 2021, it was a worrying, uncertain first few months for many in the retail industry, to include gift shops.

However, showing their resourcefulness and resilience, gift indies not only used the opportunity productively to give their shops a makeover, but also strengthened their online presence and encouraged people to shop locally.

With working from home the norm for those that could, the upside to 2021 was that people re-discovered their local high streets.

PG&H’s unique annual retail barometer survey, now in its 16th year, gives the full lowdown, revealing that, for the vast majority of gift indie respondents, it was a pretty good year.

Christmas 2021 was better or the same, with many independent gift retailers across the board reporting that it was their best Christmas yet, especially the final week.

Looking Back To 2021 How did your business fare in 2021 compared to 2020?

Despite an unprecedented start to the year, with doors firmly shut for almost four months, over 90% of those surveyed said that their business had fared better or the same in 2021.

Compared to 2020, which was blighted by three lockdowns, with the ‘closed’ sign up, over 90% said that the average spend had increased or remained the same, with just 9% saying that it had declined.

How did the average spend compare to Christmas 2020?

Above: Retailers remained closed until April.

Left: Christmas was a cracker for many indies.

Bringing much Christmas cheer, a huge 93% of survey respondents reported that the average Christmas spend increased or remained the same, significantly up from 81% in 2020.

Declined 7% Remained the same 31%

How was Christmas 2021?

Increased significantly 22%

Having experienced an extremely unsettling Christmas in 2020, with retailers fearing and eventually experiencing another lockdown, thankfully, it was a very different story in 2021. A whopping 90% of respondents said that

Increased slightly 40%

How Did Your Business Fare Over The Last Year?

PG&H looks back at seven years of Retail Barometer data 2020 v Better Same Worse

2021 78% 13% 9%

2019 v Better Same Worse

2020 23% 13% 64%

2018 v Better Same Worse

2019 37% 24% 39%

2017 v Better Same Worse

2018 45% 28% 27%

2017 v Better Same Worse

2016 37% 21% 42%

2016 v Better Same Worse

2015 56% 18% 26%

2015 v Better Same Worse

2014 50% 27% 23%

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Feedback: Retail Barometer 2021

Thumbs Up

The Green Scene

Greeting cards expansion took the number one spot for gift shops last year, (jumping up four places by comparison to 2020), with almost half of those surveyed saying that expanding their card offer had the most positive effect on their business.

Attracting new customers leapt up two places to take the number two slot, with ‘shop local’ campaigns in third place, while a newcomer to the chart this year was retailers participation with online platforms such as Trouva, Faire and Ankorstore. Interestingly, online/website activity, which took the top spot in 2020, fell to sixth place.

Other factors that had a positive impact on business in 2021 included a change in customer behaviour, driven by the impact of Covid, with more people wanting to support their local businesses.

Which main factors had a positive effect on your business in 2021?

(‘Star’ performers have been shown in bold)

Thumbs Down

What main factors had a detrimental effect on your business in 2021?

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

Do you have a website for your shop?

Over 70% of indies now have a transactional website, which also brings business into the shop, with almost two thirds planning to develop their website further over the coming year. For stores that do not have a website, over a quarter of those surveyed said they would be looking into building one this year, while a third of respondents remained undecided.

How did the following sectors fare in 2021?

Unsurprisingly, for 86% of respondents, the effect of the Omicron variant had the biggest effect on business last year, with half also citing reduced visits from reps and agents. Almost a third highlighted fewer trade shows.

Also highlighted was geographical exclusivity, with over half of respondents (52%) citing it as an issue.

16

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Product Matters

(Last year’s position is shown in brackets) 1 Greeting card expansion (5) 2 Upsurge of new customers (4) 3 ‘Shop local’ campaigns (2) 4 = Participating with online platforms (-) 4 = Promotional activity (3) 5 Product diversification (8) 6 Online/website activity (1) 7 Increased social media activity (6) 8 Collaborating with local businesses/groups (-) 9 Winning an award/media coverage (1) 10 Local competition closing down (7)

(Last year’s figures are shown in brackets) 1 Covid-19/Omicron 2 Reduced visits from reps/agents 3 Fewer trade shows 4 Supply chain disruptions (post-Brexit/the pandemic) 5 = Competitive websites 5 = Parking issues 6 = Competition from multiples 6 = Expansion of gift and home products in supermarkets 6 = Suppliers’ websites selling direct to the consumer 7 Empty shops in the vicinity 8 = Expansion of online retail platforms such as Trouva, Faire, Ankorstore 8 = Discount/deep value retailers 9 Charity shops selling gifts 10 The economy/inflation

With the huge focus on sustainability, almost 80% of independents said that a product’s sustainable credentials had influenced their sourcing over the past year. Three quarters of respondents said that they had expanded their range of eco products in 2021, with 43% confirming that customers’ environmental concerns impacted on gift sales last year.

86% (-) 50% (10) 30% (6) 29% (-) 27% (7) 27% (9) 25% (4) 25% (2) 25% (4) 23% (-) 20% 20% 10% 9%

(-) (8) (5) (1)

Category Bath and body Chocolate/confectionery Clothing Decorative home Accessories Fashion accessories (eg scarves, bags) Food gifts Furniture Games and puzzles Garden gifts Gift books Gift stationery/journals Greeting cards Giftwrap Home fragrancing Impulse/novelty items Jewellery Pet-related products Plush Seasonal gifts Sustainable giftware Tableware/kitchen gifts Toys & games Wellbeing

Increased 43% 48% 45% 56% 47% 24% 12% 59% 47% 38% 33% 76% 41% 62% 29% 35% 63% 50% 47% 48% 17% 35% 67%

Stable 52% 33% 40% 31% 34% 65% 67% 36% 47% 48% 50% 16% 53% 31% 63% 42% 38% 42% 31% 52% 83% 65% 33%

Declined 6% 19% 15% 13% 19% 12% 22% 5% 5% 14% 17% 9% 6% 6% 8% 23% 0% 8% 29% 0% 0% 0% 0%

‘Must Have’ Products Which three gift/home ranges could you not do without in your shop?

Indies confirmed that their stand-out products in 2021 were (in alphabetical order): Jellycat (plush); Joe Davies (Equilibrium) and Joma (A Little bracelets).

Top left: A greeting card design from Carte Blanche Greetings.

Top right: Sustainability was a major focus.

Above: Joma Jewellery’s ‘A Little’ bracelets.

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Feedback: Retail Barometer 2021

Trade Shows Lead The Way

Third Party Selling

How do you normally source products?

With shopping online seeing huge growth in 2021, due to the lockdowns and shop closures, it comes as no surprise that a massive 88% of indies viewed third party online operators in the gift and home sector - to include Amazon - as a significant threat in 2021.

When it comes to sourcing products, trade shows are way out in front confirmed 90% of indie respondents, with 57% sourcing from a rep or gift agent, and half now sourcing product online. Other key sourcing avenues include reading trade magazines such as Progressive Gifts & Home.

Neutral 12%

Threat 40%

At Your Service Serious threat 48%

While just over a third of respondents confirmed that they would be increasing their suppliers this year, the majority said that they would be staying with the same suppliers in 2022. As for service levels, almost half (47%) said it had improved slightly or remained the same.

Made In Britain When sourcing product and making a buying decision, how important is it to you as to whether a product has been made in Britain?

Selling Direct To Consumers

The importance of products being made in Britain has soared, with 91% (compared to 83% last year) confirming that it influences their purchasing decisions. In addition, some 80% of indies highlighted that from a customer perspective, made in Britain was also seen as important.

As for gift and home suppliers selling online direct to the public, a hefty 83% (compared to 95% last year) viewed it as a threat or serious threat.

Serious threat 33% Threat 50% Neutral 17%

Top: Spring Fair.

Above: Among Best Kept Secrets’ Just Because candles. All products are made in the UK.

Threats And Opportunities

Garden Centre Growth With garden centres also allowed to stay open during lockdowns, almost two thirds of indie respondents said that they viewed them as a threat or serious threat, albeit down on last year’s figure (72%).

Serious threat 21% Threat 43% Neutral 36%

Supermarket Challenge

Face Masks A Winner

With supermarkets an essential retailer during the lockdowns last year, allowed to sell everything, to include gifts and homewares, how did indies view them in 2021?

Driven by the pandemic, did you introduce any new products in 2021?

Neutral 21%

Serious threat 19%

Unsurprisingly, fabric face masks, gift-led hand sanitiser, house plants and loungewear were among the key products that gift independents did particularly well with last year, with almost three quarters of indies introducing or expanding the sectors as part of their product mix.

Threat 60%

Investing In The Future What investments have you made in your shop in the last year?

l “We have seen the growth of a new selling season of pre-Christmas, roughly between September to October, which is almost as strong in terms of sales as Christmas.”

For the second consecutive year, websites remained the biggest investment for gift independents, with almost two thirds of those surveyed either developing or re-launching an existing website.

Other ways in which respondents gave their shops a different look and feel was through putting in new units, improving the lighting, re-designing the layout and changing the displays.

Above: An Eco Chic fabric face mask.

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Feedback: Retail Barometer 2021

Up For Promotion Over three quarters of respondents said that they had run promotions in 2021, with social media activity way out in front and taking the top spot. This was closely followed by in-store money off/discount promotions and loyalty cards. Giveaways on Instagram, selling on Facebook and late night shopping evenings were other ways in which gift indies promoted their stores.

Looking To The Future

Last year, did you run promotions and/or advertising for your shop?

(Last year’s figures are shown in brackets) 1 Social media promotions (1) 2 In-store money off/discount promotions (4=) 3 Loyalty cards (2) 4 Gift voucher scheme (4=) 5 Charity fund-raising (6) 6 = Customer events (-) 6 = Free gift promotions (5=) 6 = Press advertising (7=) 7 = BOGOF (or similar (7) 7 = Collaboration with other local retailers/businesses (3) 8 Leaflets (5=)

Socially Speaking A massive 83% of independents confirmed that they now use social media as a vital tool in promoting their business, with almost all respondents (95%) using Facebook, followed by Instagram (81%).

Glittering Prizes Did your shop win any awards in 2021?

An array of award successes or shortlisted places helped to lift the profile of almost a fifth of gift independents in 2021, among them The Greats, organised by Progressive Gifts & Home, and their sister awards, The Retas, organised by Progressive Greetings.

Respondents also highlighted success in the annual Muddy Stilettos, with many indies also receiving recognition in local business awards and window display competitions.

Community Involvement Which local organisations were you involved with in 2021?

(Last year's figures are shown in brackets) Town centre retailing groups 50% (53%) Charities 39% (23%) Federation of Small Businesses 25% (30%) Chamber of Commerce 21% (23%) Schools 21% (10%)

A Word Please Once again, indies chose the word ‘challenging’ to best describe the gift and home industry in 2021, alongside more positive words that included ‘lovely’, ‘lively’, ‘thriving’, ‘optimistic’, ‘buoyant’ and ‘exciting’.

Additional words to describe the sector last year were evolving, inventive, spirited and surviving.

Trade Show Schedule

Above: PG Live 2021.

Are you hoping to attend any trade exhibitions this year?

Some 80% of indies confirmed that they would attending trade shows in 2022, led by Spring Fair, Autumn Fair, Home & Gift, Harrogate and Progressive Greetings Live.

Finding New Avenues Which product areas would you like to further expand/diversify into in 2022?

Eco/sustainable products came top of the list when sourcing new products in 2022, cited by 42% of indies respondents, followed by expansion on the greeting card front (30%). Also in the top five were men’s gifts, pet themed or related products and gift-led stationery.

Celebrating The Jubilee Are you planning any celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year?

With excitement starting to build for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and an extended four day Bank Holiday weekend taking place from Thursday 2 June until Sunday 5 June, over a third of respondents will be making the most of the opportunity, both in terms of in-store and window displays as well as commemorative product.

Those surveyed revealed that promotions will include using the front window to create a Platinum Jubilee display; hosting a celebratory Jubilee day with complementary Jubilee party food, drink and bunting, stocking Jubilee gifts and party items; Jubilee-specific in-store baking; and helping to organise street parties and other Jubilee themed local events in collaboration with local traders.

Above left: Greats winners The Bean Hive’s Davina Parkhouse and her daughter Emelye.

Above right: Eco/sustainable products are leading the way.

Above: A Dunoon Queen’s Platinum Jubilee mug.

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Feedback: Retail Barometer 2021

l “We have witnessed growing anti-Chinese sentiment, with more customers looking at where products are manufactured. However, unfortunately, they still grumble about the price of UK manufactured products.”

Giving Shops A Makeover Do you intend to make any improvements to your shop in the coming year?

Almost half of those who took the survey (44%) confirmed that they will be making improvements to their shop or shops this year.

Among the items on the list are giving the shop a lick of paint; updating fixtures and fittings; investing in new computer systems; putting in new shelving and display units; rebranding and new signage, and investing in an EPOS system.

Left: Shop improvements were important for many.

Below: Petrol prices are going up.

High Expectations Overall, what are your expectations for your business in 2022?

Following an excellent Christmas 2021 for many gift independents, the good news is that there is plenty of confidence around, with almost all of those surveyed (96%) confirming that they were confident that they would see growth this year. However, less than a quarter (22%) are planning on recruiting more staff, with three quarters intending to stay with current levels, and less than a fifth of respondents planning on opening another shop in the coming year.

Additionally, just over three quarters of indies surveyed predicted that they will see online ordering increasing.

Slight decline 4% Significant growth 9%

Remain about the same 27%

Marginal growth 60%

Cause For Concern With consumers returning to high streets and genuinely wanting to ‘shop local’ to support their local independents, respondents confirmed that they were understandably far more worried about supplier price increases this year, with three quarters of those surveyed (75%) citing it as their biggest concern.

Other major concerns included soaring inflation and the cost of living squeeze, to include a huge rise in energy bills and fuel in 2022, inevitably impacting on customers’ disposable income. Supplier shipping issues and stock availability also remain a problem.

l “There is definitely a move towards ‘useful’ and ‘usable’ gifts, away from the purely decorative.”

Crystal Ball How do you view the future of independent gift shops in the next three to five years?

Weak 11% Neutral 26%

As an independent retailer, what are your biggest concerns in 2022?

Very positive 16%

Positive 47%

(Last year’s figures are shown in brackets) 1 Price increases (2) 2 Consumers not returning to the high street (1) 3 Business rates increase (3)

A Bit Of Fun A Royal Treat Who would you most like to receive a gift from? (Celebrity, politician, dignitary, fictional character etc., dead or alive).

Once again, HM The Queen topped the polls for the person most gift shop owners would like to receive a gift from, closely followed by David Attenborough.

Great To See You! The two females that gift shop owners would most like to see walking through their doors would be HM The Queen and the Duchess of Cambridge, while in the male stakes, David Attenborough would get a very warm welcome.

However, PM Boris Johnson and Priti Patel would be likely to find the ‘closed’ sign up!

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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The Greats Awards 2022: Finalists

The

Greats Below: London’s Royal Lancaster hotel.

Finalists!

2022 After a nail biting few weeks, the fantastic Greats 2022 finalists have at last been confirmed, with the winners announced at the inaugural The Gift Awards, alongside the winners of the Gift of the Year competition.

The Awards, a black tie event, will be held on Thursday 12 May at the glittering Royal Lancaster hotel in London, with everyone who is part of the gift industry invited to be there!

(All finalists are listed in alphabetical order)

Independent Gift Retailer of The Year London, South, South East + East Anglia l l

Bill & Bert’s, Colchester Etcetera, Hitchin

Gifts With Love, Middleton-on-Sea l Jumping Bean, Beckenham, Honor Oak and East Dulwich l Little Boat Gifts, Brightlingsea l Maybugs, Eastbourne and Hailsham

Marmalade Meringue, Hinckley l Nest, Stoneygate, Broughton Astley and Thurlaston Garden Centre and Tearoom l The Silver Pear, Ludlow l

l

Independent Gift Retailer of The Year Midlands And Wales The Celtic Company, Welshpool Hugs & Kisses, Tettenhall l Joco, Nuneaton l l

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Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

Independent Gift Retailer of The Year North, Northern Ireland And Scotland The Bottom Drawer/The Bottom Drawer Kids, Portadown l Cardhu Gifts & Interiors, Troon l Doodle & Boom, Bangor l The Keekin’ Glass, Prestwick l Presentation Cards & Gifts, Barrowford l Williams of Audlem, Audlem l

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The Greats Awards 2022: Finalists

Independent Gift Retailer of The Year West And South West

Best Garden Centre Retailer Of Gifts

Cranbornes, Dorchester and Shaftesbury Jo Amor, Tiverton l The Pod Company, Clifton l Raven Lifestyle, Totnes and Tavistock l The Rowan Tree, Budleigh Salterton l Surprises, Cirencester

Blue Diamond l Garsons, Esher and Titchfield l The Mains of Drum, Banchory l RHS Bridgewater, Salford l Rosebourne Garden Centre, Aldermaston, Weyhill and Hampton-in-Arden l Yarnton Home & Garden, Yarnton

Best Newcomer Gift Retailer

Best In Store/Window Display

Becalmed, Leek Driftroom, Reading l Gems, Clevedon l Hearts and Hugs, Titchfield l Gifts of Wales, Welshpool l The Lemon Tree, Beverley

l

l l

l l

Best Specialist Multiple Retailer Of Gifts Brocante (5 shops) House of Cards (7 shops) l Keepsake Scotland (4 shops) l Mooch London (4 shops) l Lark (9 shops) l Vinegar Hill (10 shops) l l

l

The Bean Hive, Kettering For its jungle themed anniversary window l Etcetera, Hitchin For its award winning Christmas window l Highworth Emporium, Highworth For its Christmas Room l Mooch Gifts & Home, Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn For its Halloween and Christmas windows l MiMi, Hartley Wintney For its ‘snow’ Christmas window l The Curious Fox, Chorlton For its front window displays

Best Retailer Initiative Best Department Store Retailer Of Gifts Austins, Newton Abbot Jarrold, Norwich l John Lewis & Partners l Morleys Stores l Nicholls, Crickhowell l Rossiters of Bath, Bath l l

Best Non-Specialist Retailer Of Gifts About Living, Newton Mearns l The Denby Shop and Gift Emporium, Denby Pottery Village l Loch Levens Larder, Kinross l Lovely Libby’s, Rayleigh l Mrs Robinson, Crystal Palace and East Dulwich l Oliver Bonas l

Brocante For its online friends supper party evenings l The Celtic Company, Welshpool For its Jellycat Red Dragon schools competition l Garsons For its 150th anniversary campaign l Lovely Libby’s, Rayleigh For its online ‘Friday Night Lives’ l Paper Tiger, Edinburgh For its Chinese Year Of The Tiger fundraising initiative l Yarnton Home & Garden, Yarnton For its ‘Under Our Wing’ pop up space l

Outstanding Achievement Award 2022 l

No finalists are revealed for this special award.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

25

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Gift Of The Year 2022... Judging Day

A Day Of

Reckoning Following a first round of online judging last December, the Gift of the Year’s live product judging, organised by The Giftware Association, took place at Spring Fair on February 9.

The finalists are revealed on pages 31-33, with the winners announced at the inaugural The Gift Awards which are being held on 12 May at London’s Royal Lancaster hotel.

PG&H asked a selection of judges for their views and criteria.

The Curated Meetings lounge at February’s Spring Fair provided an ideal venue for the great and the good in gift retail, as well as experts in the fields of sustainability, licensing and gift trade media, to come together to assess and judge the shortlisted products submitted for this year’s Gift of the Year competition.

There were 22 categories, to include home fragrancing, jewellery, fashion

accessories, greeting cards/giftwrapping, sustainable and ethical gifts, food and drink, kitchen and dining and children’s, with the judges enjoying seeing and holding the shortlisted products as well as discussing their relative merits with fellow judges.

“It was great to be back to live judging again as it was sorely missed last year,” underlined The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward. “And being able to hold the judging during Spring Fair - the Above: A trio of gift retailers are shown at the Gift of the Year judging held on the last day of Spring Fair. They are, from left to right: Katrina Raill, co-owner of Etcetera in Hitchin; Tabi Marsh, owner of Papilio at Heritage, Thornbury, and Jo Williams, owner of Joco in Nuneaton.

Left: Gift of the Year judges Helena Mansell-Stopher and Rob Hutchins of Products of Change are shown with Maxine Lister, head of Licensing at Natural History Museum (right).

The Sponsors

The Gift Awards 2022 enjoys a strong roster of sponsors including Spring Fair and Autumn Fair as headline supporter, plus: Abysse Corp; Ankorstore; Brand Licensing Europe; British Allied Trades Federation (BATF); Candlelight; Cardzone; Carte Blanche Greetings; Gift Republic; Gisela Graham; Home & Gift Harrogate; Joe Davies; Lesser & Pavey; Life Charms; Progressive Greetings Live; Talking Tables; Top Drawer and Widdop and Co.

most important exhibition on the gift industry’s calendar - made perfect sense.”

The Products of Change team - founder Helena Mansell-Stopher and Rob Hutchins, editor and community manager respectively, were among the judges delighted to get hands-on with the products and companies that are shaping a new, sustainable future for the gift sector. “It wasn't an easy task in choosing our finalists in the Sustainable and Ethical gift category - a fantastic reflection of the wonderful work of the industry in pushing the boundaries of what a gift, and a gift company, can be both for people and the planet,” said Rob. “Deliberating over design, materials, packaging, purpose, longevity, circularity and more, we absolutely eked out every last minute to consider all aspects of sustainability and impact across each and every finalist. It was extremely encouraging to see so many advances being made in the industry, and products being delivered with some real purpose and call to consumer action. Both Helena and I look forward immensely to seeing how the industry continues to evolve and push those envelopes when it comes to sustainable design and production.”

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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The team at Zippy & George design and manufacture bespoke and customised Signs and Plaques for the Giftware market. All products are handmade and produced in Cornwall. Focusing on the Wholesale market helping Retailers celebrate Great Locations across the UK and Channel Islands. All products are individually wrapped and protected using recyclable materials.

T: 01503 261491 E: sales@zippyandgeorge.co.uk www.zippyandgeorge.co.uk

Thermal Coffee Cup designed for you and the planet Change What You Carry Change Our World 0208 813 8545 | info@eco-chic.eu

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WE’RE HIRING Please contact Sharon Hale with CV & covering letter: sharon@allsorteduk.com

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Gift Of The Year 2022... Judging Day Retail judges included Sam Gibbs, owner of three Nest gift shops in Stoneygate, Broughton Astley and the Thurlaston Garden Centre and Tearoom. “Judging Gift of the Year was so inspiring and a real insight into the selection of products that are new to the market,” said Sam. “It was a great opportunity to see extra products from the companies that I was at Spring Fair to see.

After the judging, I went away with a new list of stands that I wanted to find, and companies that I wanted to buy from and have done.”

She continued: “I came to the conclusion that values really matter to me - the packaging, the ethos of the company and the product, especially in the eco categories.

Additionally, whether the product is right for Nest. The price point also became a point of

consideration - whether the price would be achievable. I also felt that bringing a new direction to a category was important. For example, was the product a new take on something that had already been done or was it genuinely a new and a brilliant idea?

And I’m delighted to say that there were plenty of those! All in all, it gave me great hope that British design is alive and bright and has a wonderful year ahead.”

Jo Williams, owner of Joco in Nuneaton, was another retail judge commending the high standard of entries. “Choosing the top

More GOTY Recognition...

All Gift of the Year finalists are also in with a chance of winning the coveted Judges Choice award, presented in previous years to Gingko, Go La La and Talking Tables.

Plus, there is the People’s Choice award which is judged by the general public, enabling people to vote for their favourite product across all Gift of the Year categories.

In more exciting news for finalists, for the first time, The Giftware Association has opened the category up to all shortlisted products, so there is an added opportunity for a shortlisted company to get through to become the second ever People’s Choice winner.

Left: GOTY judge Elaine Hooper, a former John Lewis buyer, who is now working at Retail 100 consultancy.

Far left: Gift retailer Heidi Schramli, owner of Detail Retail in Ambleside, and her daughter Wren, were also among the judges.

Below: Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association, (centre), together with PR and marketing manager Chris Workman, are shown with judge Louise Welsby, founder and managing director Buy-From creative agency.

three from each category wasn’t easy,” admitted Jo. “I took into account the potential interest in the product, its longevity and interest through its use, as well as the look and feel, the quality and the RRP, because these are all the things my customers look for when deciding on their purchases.”

Mother and daughter Anne and Katrina Raill, co-owners of gift and lifestyle store Etcetera in Hitchin, commented that product was varied across the board. “We looked at quality, cost, retail prices and style, with some of the finalists products very exciting. In fact, we have definitely discovered companies that we are going to buy from.”

The Gift Awards The inaugural The Gift Awards event ceremony will bring together The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards and The Greats gift retailer awards - currently celebrating their 20th milestone year - organised and owned by Max Publishing, publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net. (For this year’s Greats finalists, turn to pages 24-25).

At the lavish awards event, both gift product excellence and retail prowess will be recognised and rewarded.

Tickets and tables for the awards event on 12 May can be booked via the Max Publishing digital box office event at Max-Tickets.net or by contacting event organiser clare@createvents.co.uk or 0118 334 0085.

To find out more about The Gift Awards and to book tickets, visit www.thegiftawards.com

Summing up the views of the many retailers and industry experts who made up this year’s GOTY judging panel, Ian Downes, director of Start Licensing, added: “I really enjoyed reviewing the shortlisted entries and chatting to my fellow judges. There were a few recurring themes across the entries, most notably a greater awareness of sustainability with regards to product development and packaging.”

As the GA’s Sarah Ward enthused: “We’re delighted that Gift of the Year 2022 has been so well supported by the whole gift community - from Hyve Group’s commitment as headline sponsor to our strong roster of category sponsors. There has also been widespread engagement from the suppliers who entered, and great care and attention to detail from our enthusiastic judges. I can’t wait for everyone to celebrate together at The Gift Awards on 12 May!” (See page 5).

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Gift Of The Year Finalists 2022

The Goty

2022 Finalists Following a live judging at Spring Fair in February, the Gift of the Year 2022 finalists were announced with the winners revealed at the inaugural joint GOTY and Greats Awards black tie event which is being held on May 12 at London’s Royal Lancaster hotel.

Hope & Glory Home Fragrance Collection from Heyland & Whittle Peter Rabbit by Jim Shore Collection from Enesco l Pride Range from The Recycled Candle Company l Right Royal Spectacle from Talking Tables l Wetland Wildlife Origami Kit from Clockwork Soldier l l

Best Contemporary Gift Product or Range l

The finalists in this year’s GOTY competition are:

Best Beauty, Bath & Spa Product or Range l l l l l l

Beefayre Hand Creams from Beefayre Marmalade Wellbeing from Marmalade of London Men's EDT and Soap Bars from Heyland & Whittle NovaPure Naturals from NovaPure Naturals Remedial Aromatherapy Candle Collection from ChilliWinter Isle of Wight Sugarcane Tube Gift Sets from Betty Hula

Best Branded Gift Product or Range l l l l l l

Battersea Pop Up Cards from Cardology Fair Trade Tree Decorations from Just Trade Mug and Puzzle Gift Sets from Fizz Creations Peter Rabbit Collection from Blade & Rose SevenYays Countdown Gift Calendars from Atlas Four Transport For London Games from Gibsons

Best Cards & Wrap Product or Range l l l l l l

Florever by Origamo from Origamo Gifts to Grow Plantable Seed Cards from Love Country Greens & Greetings Collection from Shroot Reversible Crackle Wrap from Wrag Wrap Say it with Songs Greeting Cards from Say it with Songs Wooden Postcard Collection from Rocket68

Best Children's, Educational and Pre-School Product or Range l l l l l l

Build Your Own Mini Builds from Adrenalin Marketing Colour & Learn Heroines of History Tablecloth from Eatsleepdoodle Eco Walking Puppets from The Puppet Company & Wilberry Toys The Plantable Children's Book from Willsow Pop-Up Theatre Production from Fiesta Crafts ReCycleMe from Inside Out Toys

Best Commemorative, Collectable and Charitable Product or Range l

Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Accessories Range from Just Trade

l l l l l

A Night At The Movies and A Day At The Festival Puzzles from Big Potato Puzzles Bright Ideas Collection from Steepletone UK Phenomenal Women Range from Talking Tables Reusable Foldable Water Bottle from Puckator Smart Moon Lamp from Gingko Electronics Twenty Minute Candles from Cotton & Grey

Best Design & Craft Product or Range l l l l l l

Create Your Own Giant Panda Head from Clockwork Soldier Gin Maker’s Kits from Gin Etc Hungry Little Piggy Bank from Clockwork Soldier Personalised Handmade Wool Felt Cushions from Jonny's Sister ReCycleMe Kits from Inside Out Toys Sustainable Craft Kits from Stitching Me Softly

Best Ethical and Sustainable Gift Product or Range l l l l l l

Bamboo Bee Revival Kit from Beevive Recycled Colour Changing Rain Macs from Blade & Rose Reusable Christmas Crackers You Can Pull from Keep This Cracker Sow & Co. Grow It Range from Gift Republic The Plantable Children's Book from Willsow Viking Ecoline Toys from Inside Out Toys

Best Fashion Accessories Product or Range l l l l l l

Bamboo Bee Revival Kit from Beevive Birth Flower Bracelets Collection from Life Charms The Breton Collection from Nadege Honey Design Camilla Ostrich Umbrella from Emily Smith Men's Sustainable Accessories Collection from PoM Whistler Tree Cork Collection from Blank Canvas Eco

Best Festive & Occasions Product or Range l l l l l l

24 Days of Stationery Advent Calendar from Martha Brook Bauble Christmas Cards from Love Country Christmas Garland Felt Sewing Kits from Crafty You Crafty Me Emma Bridgewater Advent Tins from Elite Merry and Bright Village Advent Calendar DIY Craft Kit from Two for Joy Reusable Christmas Crackers You Can Pull from Keep This Cracker Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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new & exclusive from

gifts to lift your spirits

ENESCO LIMITED, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, CA3 0EN UK Customer Services Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services Telephone: +44 (0) 1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk © 2022 DEMDACO

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Gift Of The Year Finalists 2022

Best Food & Drink Product or Range l l l l l l

Gin Maker’s Kits from Gin Etc Greens & Greetings from Shroot Hot Smoking Chips Range from Hot Smoke Indian Spice Tin and Silk Sari Wrap from Spice Kitchen Scrumptious Biscuit Collection from Meg Hawkins Art The Halal Food Hall from Ibadah London

Best Home and Garden Product or Range l l l l l l

Bamboo Bee Revival Kit from Beevive Brass Bumble Bee Ring Door Knocker from Brass Bee Cottage Garden Collection from Sass & Belle Laundry Balls from Little Beau Sheep Window Dressing from Fallen Fruits Zen Garden Grow Kit from Gift Republic

Best Home Fragrance Product or Range l l l l l l

Canova Sculpt Collection from Canova Coastal Collection Large Pots from St. Eval Laundry Ball & Oil from Little Beau Sheep Memories Candles Collection from FYG Remedial Aromatherapy Candle Collection from ChilliWinter Isle of Wight Wildlife Botanical Candles from Lola Design

Best International Product or Range l l l l l

Eco Chic Thermal Coffee Cup from Faye UK Jugend Double Pot Holder from AllGoodThings Julia Gash X Neil Varsity Line from Julia Gash Enterprises London Calling Global Collection from Rocket68 WALKYTALKIES Socks from WALKYTALKIES

Best Kitchen & Dining Product or Range l l l l l l

Ambit Porcelain Collection from Sue Ure Maison Art in a Glass Collection from Original Products Halo Cotton Dish Covers from Clayspoon Insulated Snack Pot from Puckator Ocean Olive Wood Coaster Set from Samantha Lois Illustrations The Tableware Collection from Concrete & Wax

My Gift of All Time l l l l l l

A Little Box of Mindful Moments from ChilliWinter Isle of Wight Build a Mega-Bot from Clockwork Soldier Journals of a Lifetime from From You to Me Laundry Balls from Little Beau Sheep The Junior Plush Collection from Wrendale Designs The Modular Collection from Concrete & Wax

Best Novelty Product or Range l l l l l l

Heinz Tomato Ketchup Grow Your Own Tomatoes Kit from Kimm & Miller Mini Me from L&S Prints Digital The Scandal: Escape Room In An Envelope from Puzzle Post SevenYays Countdown Gift Calendars from Atlas Four Upside Down Mug from Puckator Wine Escape Room from Boxer Gifts

Best Own Label Product or Range 5 Star Review Board Game from University Games & The Lagoon Group l ChipSafe from Leather Guild l

Above: The live judging of GOTY 2022 took place at Spring Fair.

Murder Mystery Party Case Files Puzzles from University Games & The Lagoon Group l Impressions Silver Plated Frames from Widdop & Co l Party Game Compendium from University Games & The Lagoon Group l Wetland Wildlife Origami Kit from Clockwork Soldier l

Best Pet Gift Product or Range l l l l l l l

Bake at Home Dog Biscuit Kit from Kelso and Titch Battersea Pop Up Cards from Cardology The Candle Urn from The Candle Urn Company Doggie Treat Bag from Leather Guild Doggy Baking Co’s Paw-Licking Baking Kits from The Bottled Baking Co Kobe Hiking Kit from Kikkerland Europe Make Your Own Dog Treats from Rex London

Best Stationery Product or Range l l l l l l

Bump to Birthday and The Story Of Us Parenting Journals from From You To Me Ferrule from Makers Cabinet Sucseed Notebook from Vent for Change Vegan Leather Embossed Notebooks from Martha Brook Wildlife Botanical Fabric Journals from Lola Design Wooden Elephant Stapler from SUCK UK designed by WITH Creative

Best Tech &/or Gadget Product or Range l l l l l l

Arcade In A Tin from Fizz Creations Flexilight Pal Booklights Collection from Thinking Gifts Company Fortune Kitty from Gift Republic Guitar Multi Tool from Kikkerland Europe designed by WITH Creative Personalised Multi-tool Pen from Global Journey Spinball - Ghost Train Game from Cheatwell Games

Best Gift Under £15 l l l l l l

Doggy Baking Co’s Paw-Licking Baking Kits from The Bottled Baking Co Dunked Collection from Dunked Jiggle Around Jigsaws from Yellow Publications Little Teddy Needle Felting Kit from The Crafty Kit Company The Plantable Children’s Book from Willsow Treasure Map Trails from Treasure Map Trails

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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,

What s

New

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products from the Gift Of The Year awards

1: A Little Box of Mindful Moments FINALIST: ‘My Gift of All Time’. ‘A Little Box of Mindful Moments’ is designed to make time to promote calm, and relaxation. Each candle burns for 15-20 minutes, promoting regular mindfulness to restore your wellbeing. Designed and handmade by ChilliWinter, this is a beautifully presented and thoughtful gift, and has a Top Up Box, and popular Advent variation.

ChilliWinter T: 07912 946 574 E: info@chilliwinter.co.uk W: www.chilliwinter.com

2: Peter Rabbit And Friends Contemporary gift retailer Enesco is proud to announce a brand-new collaboration between two of its biggest licensors to create a truly unique collectable offering. For the first time ever, Beatrix Potter is teaming with award-winning artist Jim Shore, to bring some of the author’s iconic characters to life in a way that fans have never seen before. The brand-new collection features figurines including Peter Rabbit, Mrs. TiggyWinkle and Jemima Puddle-Duck to name but a few, with each piece presented in a branded gift box. A perfect gift for any fan of Beatrix Potter memorabilia.

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

3: LED Colour Changing Nightlights The personalised LED colour changing light from PMC is perfect for any occasion! This versatile light can be operated by battery or the provided USB cable. Change the colour setting with a simple touch to the base to either a solid colour or set to fade between all the available colours.

PMC T: 01782 744 900 E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

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PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

4: Twenty Minute Candles Cotton and Grey Ltd are finalists in the Gift of the Year Contemporary Gift category. "Our Twenty Minute Candles came about when we put together a small box of beeswax candles and handwritten affirmation cards for a close friend who was struggling in lockdown to help her relax and restore her well-being... and she loved them!"

Cotton & Grey Ltd T: 07931 373756 E: info@cottonandgrey.com W: www.cottonandgrey.com

5: White Bee Oil Burner UK giftware suppliers, Something Different Wholesale, have been shortlisted in the Gift of the Year Home Fragrance category for their exclusive white bee oil burner inspired to look like a real beehive complete with ridged edges and hexagon honeycomb cut-out details. An adorable 3D bee sits on top of the lid which can easily be removed to reveal a sunshine-yellow dish for placing wax melts or fragrance oils. A perfect home fragrance accessory for freshening up the home this spring.for personalised gifts.

Something Different Wholesale T: 01792 940288 E: customercare@somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk W:www.somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk

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1: Upside Down Mugs & Insulated Snack Pots Puckator's ceramic upside down mugs offer the perfect opportunity to bring fun and colour into your home. The ever-growing range offers designs to suit all and is produced using high-quality, durable ceramic.

Whether you're looking for the ideal gift for a coffee-loving friend or a treat for the whole family, Puckator has got you covered.

Are you a fellow foodie and often cook up a storm in the kitchen? If so, Puckator's insulated snack pots include a large 500ml capacity and allow food to be kept warm for up to six hours and cold for eight hours while also condensation-free.

Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

,

What s

New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products from this years Gift Of The Year Awards

2: Authentic Nordic textiles you want to feel!

Find something for yourself or discover the perfect gift from Jokipiin Pellava’s selection of linen kitchen and dining table textiles that upgrade any interior to the next level.

Why not create your own range? Lasting beauty with your company’s design using our bespoke OmaDesign.

Jokipiin Pellava T: +358 50 464 22 36 E: michael.boulter@allgoodthings.fi W: www.jokipiinpellava.fi/en

3: Blade & Rose Blade & Rose are delighted to be finalists in this year's Gift of the Year Awards, with categories which highlight the Peter Rabbit Collection, as well as the brands values of ethicacy and sustainability. Blade & Rose are in the running for the following awards: Branded Gift -The Blade & Rose Peter Rabbit collection showcases their signature leggings, top and sock sets in a number of joyful designs.

Ethical and Sustainable Gift - Stunning Blade & Rose Raincoats are not only Colour Changing, but are also made using 100% recycled bottles.

Blade & Rose Ltd T: 01539 730880 E: wholesale@bladeandrose.co.uk W: www.bladeandrose.co.uk

4: Foldable Silicone Water Bottle Puckator's foldable silicone water bottle combines a perfect balance of practicality and style while keeping you healthy and hydrated. As always, Puckator's fantastic product list is due to expand, and the foldable water bottle range is no exception.

We can expect the foldable bottle range to grow to cover other popular, best-selling designs already offering various styles.

Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

5: Luxury Handmade Concrete Homeware & Candles Married design duo, Alex and Laura, the founders of Concrete & Wax, are delighted to be finalists in two categories for their Modular Collection of stackable, interchangeable candles and holders and their Tableware Collection of coasters, placemats and centrepieces. Every piece is poured in small batches in their Suffolk workshop to ensure true craftmanship from beginning to end.

Concrete & Wax T: 07825 759666 E: concreteandwax@2som.com W: www.concreteandwax.com PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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In Profile: Talking Tables Right: Talking Tables’ founder Clare Harris.

Below right: A Jubilee cake stand fit for a Queen.

Below left: Royal napkins are a ‘must’ to wipe away the crumbs.

A Right

(Sustainable)

Royal Knees Up With the promise that celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this June will be the ‘biggest series of coming togethers over a long weekend’ that many of us have seen in a long time - from big, official events to local street parties and garden gatherings - it’s only natural that partyware specialist Talking Tables is keen to be right at the centre of it all.

Talking Tables’ founder, Clare Harris, tells PG&H not only what the company is launching for the Royal celebrations, but also why sustainability is at the heart of the company’s business.

Nothing says British tradition like a right Royal Queen’s Jubilee celebration. OK, maybe aside from the occasional pot of tea and a good old moan about the weather. But we’re talking about the party scene here, and if there’s one party that we’ll all be joining in with this year it’s the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Marking 70 years of the reign of Elizabeth II, Talking Tables is flying the flag for Great Britain and sustainability alike through the launch of a range of 100% recyclable or reusable partywares. They include the world’s first plastic-free and home recyclable hot drinks tea and coffee cups that will not only uphold the timeless British tradition of pomp and 36

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

ceremony, but also showcase the progression of the industry when it puts people and planet front of mind.

“We’re pending B Corporation status and have been producing plastic-free partyware collections for some time,” explains Clare Harris, founder of Talking Tables. “The Jubilee gives us the opportunity to really amplify this, as it is such a high-profile occasion. It was therefore natural for us to want to embrace and lead the conversation on this major cultural celebration.”

The collection itself plays heavily to the nostalgia-lovers, across a selection that spans cake stands, table covers, plates, napkins, cake toppers,

paper streamers, balloons, paper dress-up, garlands, bunting and more, designed to tap into the history and heritage of the United Kingdom and its reigning monarch.

“My aim was to give this collection a handpainted and retro feel, a more elevated look than your run of the mill Jubilee products,” explained Talking Tables’ senior designer Melanie Watt.

“Although the items are paper, I wanted to give the impression of texture rather than being flat. I therefore looked at the original 1950s Coronation items, such as tea towels, for inspiration. Then I added an element of humour to bring it up to date and provide a talking point for the table.”

And creating a talking point is certainly what this UK company does best. Like most things it does, Talking Tables won’t be taking a low key approach to the Jubilee this June, opting instead to host its own events in the community and support various charity events.

As Clare explains: “In addition to our Right Royal Spectacle party collection, we’re also helping people plan their parties with a series of both inspirational and practical guides that are designed to instil party planning confidence in our customers. We’re encouraging our stockists to get involved

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In Profile: Talking Tables too, with a special window display competition.”

This is though, very much the Talking Tables way. It was in the summer of 2020 that the team introduced its first collection of home compostable napkins, a launch that signified a new starting point for a business that, since its foundation, has been built on the idea of community, people, and purpose.

This is a company that places people at the very heart of what it delivers; a business that allocates a wellness budget for each member of staff and gives all team members two volunteer days a year for them to support the local community and ‘give back’.

Supporting a good cause runs through the DNA of the business, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is no different an occasion, but a platform to put sustainability in the hands of the nation, and a chance to, once again, put doing business with purpose front and centre.

Today, Talking Tables is on track to becoming B Corp accredited, hitting an overall B Impact score of 93 points (way over the minimum requirement of 80) as it embarks on its journey to reach net zero by 2030.

In taking on the challenge, Clare will be the first to admit that rolling out sustainable solutions and measures across the business in such a manner “has been a challenge”, but with a natural alignment to the values of sustainability built into the firm’s DNA, it’s been a journey that has seemed, “only the most very natural one to us. We’ve learnt to adapt and change very quickly. We’ve had to challenge ourselves and innovate - from the materials we use to the suppliers we partner with. But for Talking Tables, looking after people and the planet go together, and we have always been very aligned with the values of sustainability, so this has been a natural process for us.”

What began with the launch of a range of home compostable napkins in 2020 has quickly evolved into an ongoing transformation for the business, and one that has taken it through the process of stripping out single-use plastic across its portfolio, moving towards plastic-free across 95 per cent of its product roll-out (including the Right Royal Spectacle collection), and the introduction of the world’s first plastic-free

Above: Adding to the fun, Jubilee ‘dress up’ items.

Below: Just the thing for a slice of cake.

paper cup. It’s a journey that has been dependent on some true innovation, and a holistic look at not only Talking Tables’ own operations, but the wider party and gifting scene too.

“You can’t deny that rolling out sustainability across your entire business is challenging,” says Clare. “It’s important to break it down and not be too hard on yourself because it is going to be a journey.

Our B Corporation application has really helped us see sustainability as a holistic approach - that it’s not just about packaging and product. The first step is to set yourself goals. We set key goals in that we wanted to launch certain products, such as home compostable napkins. We then put a project plan in place as to how we could make that happen - what teams needed to be involved, how we would need to work with suppliers, and how they work with their material suppliers.”

Continues Clare: “Secondly, setting business KPIs is important. For example, all new products need to be plastic-free or not single use plastic. And thirdly, you have to collaborate with your supply base.”

In the summer of 2021, Talking Tables launched the world’s first plastic-free paper cup. One year later, and the team has since innovated the means of making those paper cups suitable for hot drinks - marking both another world first and a major leap for sustainability across the partyware scene. In fact, it was fortuitous indeed that the

innovation was ready for launch in the year of the Jubilee. If ever there was a moment for putting sustainable innovation in the hands of consumers this was it.

“Major retailers have been hugely enthusiastic about the recyclable cups and we have experienced high demand for them,” confirms Clare. “Our green sustainable cup, which has featured prominently in stores, has been a best seller and achieved 100% sell-through before any other product. The packaging, emphasising that they are completely plastic-free, has been a big influence in this success. Several of our larger retailers are highly receptive to the concept of a plastic-free party scene, and we are currently developing more collections for them.”

So, what else is new for Talking Tables this year, as it strives to hit those everexpanding sustainability goals across the business? Naturally, product innovation will remain at the heart of what it does, as the team continues to develop new products and push the envelope in materials while in pursuit of its own business mantra: ‘sustainable joy.’

“We bring people together, and that will remain at the heart of what we do,” says Daniel Fagan, director of supply chain at Talking Tables. “To do that, you need great products, and we know we can make great products that have that considered approach all the way from source, supply chain and development.

“Making our products home recyclable is a key point for us, as is stripping out single use plastic. We also recognise that some plastics are unavoidable, so we’re looking at how and where to use recycled plastics, rather than virgin plastics, while making our products reusable and built to last.”

It’s why the Right Royal Spectacle collection will comprise not solely paper products designed to be recycled, but a selection of gifts produced with the quality that enables them to be kept in the value stream and out of the waste stream indefinitely.

This is a collection not only to celebrate the Queen’s 70 year reign this year, but also to celebrate British heritage, innovation, and progression for many years to come.

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Spotlight On... Men’s Gifts

With

Right: Among Swole Panda’s bright socks for men.

Men

In Mind

With Father’s Day around the corner (Sunday 19 June) gift retailers will soon be helping customers to choose that ‘something different’ for dads, stepdads, grandads and surrogate dads, to mark a special day on the calendar that says, ‘you are wonderful, we love you.’

But, of course, Father’s Day isn’t the only time that men are celebrated, with birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas among the occasions when male gifts really come into focus. What’s trending this year? PG&H took a peek.

Although Father’s Day has never had the gift and card buying bonanza that Mother’s Day enjoys, it is nevertheless a much celebrated occasion, with women buying for their menfolk, and gift retailers bearing that in mind when sourcing product. With most products gender neutral nowadays, and suitable for both men and women, it’s all to play for.

“Multi-tools make a great, useful gift for the handy person in the family but are especially poignant for Father’s Day,” points out Lesser & Pavey’s managing director Julian Hunt. “Ours are packed with tools that include pliers, screwdrivers, wire strippers and bottle openers. They’re great for jobs on the move, as well as for jobs around the house, or when out and about on, for example, on a camping or fishing trip.”

Men’s jewellery too, has seen a huge resurgence of popularity in 2021 with the trend set to continue into 2022, predicts Joe Davies’ jewellery buyer Mary Caputo. “No longer considered a niche market, nowadays, men of all ages and walks of life are choosing to wear jewellery on a daily basis to complete their overall look.

Above: Gift Republic’s Hobby House cycling tin.

Left: Chaps Stuff from Joe Davies.

Below left: Lesser & Pavey’s Multi Tool kit comes in a canvas carry pouch.

The Equilibrium for Men jewellery collection from Joe Davies includes a timeless range of men’s sleek, minimalist leather bracelets and necklaces, along with braided leather bracelets featuring stainless steel embellishments.”

Mary adds that 2022 also sees the continuation of the trend for water bottles and travel mugs in a quest to rid the planet of single use plastic. “The popular Chaps Stuff collection of men’s gifts from Joe Davies includes water bottles, travel mugs, hip flasks, beer glasses and coasters with a stylish range of ceramic mugs new for 2022, all designed with tongue in cheek humorous artwork to appeal to men of all ages.”

At Gift Republic, head of product development, Paul Bisset, says: “The male purchaser is more engaged with the outdoors lifestyle, which we put down to being in lockdown for the last year or so, as well as reviving the board games market with a new-found love of games.”

Explains Paul: “In the last 12 months, we have consistently seen more male-led designs in board games and DIY gifts sold through online and on the high street.

Responding to the data we have gathered, our design team have been busy designing Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... Men’s Gifts fun, playful games such as Game of Death and Risky Quizness. In addition, the new launch of our cycling, golf, fishing and gardening gift tins within the Hobby House range has had a great reception, with more people requesting these than we thought. It seems that over the last few years, people are getting into a wider range of hobbies and are spending more on the things they are enjoying and have a love for.”

Puckator’s designer Olivia Homar meanwhile, predicts that the men's giftware industry will have more of a retro feel to it this year. “We've seen a significant rise in designs and products that feature different elements from the ‘80s and ‘90s, focusing on gaming and television,” she highlights.

“We stock many licensed ranges - from PacMan to Stormtrooper - that have been extremely popular across all age ranges, with the collection now including our new officially licensed Minecraft range.”

Mugs, of course, always tick the right box.

“We continue to see a trend in practical men’s gifts, particularly items for the home office,” points out Enesco’s marketing and product director Helen Cottrill.

“Our launch in Our Name Is Mud range gives dads a 5* rating, humour combined with a lovely message.

We have also launched our Allen Designs range with pieces including tractors, dog and wine clocks plus a collection of fun planters, making an ideal backdrop for Zoom calls.”

Striding Out At walking stick specialist Classic Canes, the emphasis is on practicality. “Men like presents they can use,” says managing director, Charlotte Gillan, “so hiking staffs and trekking poles they can take along on walks are ideal. A new model this year is the chestnut congo hiking staff, a characterful walking stick that’s suitable for country walks.”

Right: The new Congo hiking staff from Classic Canes.

Left: A Stormtrooper apron from Puckator.

Below: Have A Crafty One: among the new craft beer glasses from Boxer Gifts.

Male grooming products too, is another sector that continues to thrive. “With more people returning to the office, men want to feel confident and happy in their appearance again and bath and body products play a key part in this,” says Mad Beauty’s creative director Julia Cash.

“We’re therefore expecting continued growth in this this area this year as more people identify the men in their lives as recipients for personal care and beauty gift items and not just at Christmas! But we also want men to have fun when using our products, so offering high quality, smile enhancing lines is essential to all of our new product development.

Our extensive Star Wars and Star Wars The Mandalorian ranges are bigger than ever, ranging from an uplifting shower experience with fragrances to our printed Darth Vader and Darth Maul face masks.”

Of course, gift-led products fanfaring food and beer - are always appreciated by men, and

guaranteed to raise a smile, says Boxer Gifts’ managing director Thomas O’Brien.

“At Boxer, we drive men’s gifts to take on new trends, but we usually come back to something close to a man’s heart - beer!

With our new craft beer glasses there’s a mix of a traditional love of beer with the growing craft beer fan market. In addition, hugely popular in the Spring barbeque season is the Love My Meat canvas apron with leatherette beer, phone and chilli sauce pockets - what more does a man need to get cooking?”

Meanwhile, the home bar experience is continuing to trend, with Captivate Brands launching Dalton & Turner, earlier this year.

“We’ve gone for a sophisticated professional look which definitely lends itself to men’s gifts,” says managing director Kevin McKay. “Products that work especially well include the stainless steel hip flask, the whisky stones set and the vertical lever corkscrew.”

On the fashion front, for men who like to

Right: Captivate Brands’ Dalton & Turner barware.

Left: Our Name Is Mud 5* mug from Enesco.

reflect their personal style, colourful, designled socks can be a talking point, with Oliver Slacke, founder of ethical company Swole Panda, revealing: “Moving into spring, bright socks are on very much trend,” confirming that socks don’t have to be boring. And for those who are sustainably minded, the company’s men’s belts fit the bill, made out of seven recycled plastic bottles.

With so much innovation around for men’s gift ideas, retailers are clearly going to be spoilt for choice this year.

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1: Father’s Day Gifts The Personalised Memento Company (PMC) have been busy sourcing lots of new products for Father’s Day! Brand new for 2022 are these innovative gadgets and sophisticated stationery; perfect gifts for even the trickiest man to buy for!

Visit PMC’s website to see their full range of personalised gifts for men.

PMC E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

2: Relaxing Fun Inspired by the Galactic Empire, a collection of 3 printed face masks each enriched with unique ingredients; the perfect trio for gifting someone some self-care! Choose from the Darth Vader™ with purifying black tea extract, the Storm Trooper with the antioxidant benefits of green tea, and The Fighter Pilot™ with hydrating coconut extract.

Mad Beauty T: + 44 (0) 208 958 0555 E: sales@madbeauty.com W: www.MadBeauty.com

What s

New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gifts for men on Father’s Day

3: Perfect Gift for the BBQ Master We expect the men's giftware industry to have more of a 'retro' feel to it throughout 2022. At Puckator, we stock many licensed ranges from Pac-Man to The Original Stormtrooper that have shown to be extremely popular with numerous age ranges. As we prepare for the upcoming summer months, we have seen increased interest in outdoor products. Products such as our Stormtrooper cotton-blend aprons are the perfect gift idea for the BBQ master in the family.

Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

4: Loxley Knight Men’s grooming is undoubtably a hot trending market. Plastic and waste free, palm free and vegan friendly, Loxley Knight ticks all the boxes. Hand made with the finest natural ingredients. This great gifting range includes everything from razors through to classic shaving soaps, beard oils and bath soaps.

Loxley Knight T: 0115 677 2808 E: sales@loxleyknight.com W: www.loxleyknight.com

5: First Class Gentlemen’s Grooming Our brand new Exfoliating Face & Body Scrub can be purchased as a set with our award winning Expedition Reserve Moisturiser. Reminiscent of an invigorating sea breeze, the fresh fragrance adds a mood-lifting, energising element to one’s regular grooming routine.

Captain Fawcett Limited T: 01553 833001 E: info@captainfawcett.com W: www.captainfawcett.com

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Spotlight On... SugarLane

Focused On Fashion

Below: Bev Allen, fashion buying consultant at Joe Davies, wears the Bethany dress from SugarLane’s Spring/Summer collection.

As more and more gift retailers continue to invest in fashion, Joe Davies has stepped up to the plate with the launch of SugarLane, a brand new, exclusive capsule concept that made its successful - and very colourful - debut at Spring Fair.

So who’s behind the brand, what’s sashaying down the SugarLane catwalk this season, and what’s in the pipeline for Autumn/Winter?

SugarLane’s fashion supremo, Bev Allen, invited PG&H to take a front row seat.

As people looked to treat themselves or a friend during the pandemic, fashion became an essential category for many independent gift retailers and lifestyle stores of all shapes and sizes. And with the demise of stores such as Debenhams, more and more people have been looking to independents, to include independent gift retailers, to fill the fashion gap. With that in mind, and with a finger on the pulse of what their customers want, Joe Davies took the decision to launch its own exclusive fashion brand, SugarLane, with Bev Allen appointed as fashion buying consultant.

For Bev, it was a very exciting moment when the bold, colourful Spring/Summer collection, (available to order now from Joe Davies), was unveiled at Spring Fair. Reminiscent of the seaside and holidays think summer brights in strong yellows and vivid blues - there were striking patterns a plenty for dresses, pants, tops and kaftans, complemented with wardrobe basics to include summery white trousers, T-shirts, and much more besides.

“It was great to be able to get involved right at the start of such an exciting

Below left: Ruby mini gingham print dress.

Below right: Mia shirt dress in mango sorbet; Esme Atlantic cami with Persian palazzo pants.

project,” enthuses Bev, whose impressive fashion credentials include working with brands such as George at Asda and Bravissimo (for more curvy shapes). “Despite the challenge of having to work with the factories on Zoom, due to the pandemic and not being able to travel, we’ve put together a commercial collection of quality fashion garments, with two practical size solutions - S/M and M/L - which will fit most women,” she explains.

“Everything is designed in the UK and is exclusive and unique, created with the planet in mind.” (See Sustainably Speaking on page 49).

Starting out with a full range of trend boards, Bev’s aim was to ensure that everything would fit together to create solutions, resulting in two core capsules Monotone Twist and Navy Zest enabling colours and prints to cohesively mix and match. She says that newer and first-time fashion buyers have been delighted with the ‘ready to go’ capsules, while more experienced fashion buyers have been enthusiastically purchasing across the range to add to their existing fashion offer.

Of course, with space at a premium in many of the smaller independents, one concern has been whether there would be room in store to display and Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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The GreATesT COLLeCTiOn OF GreeTinG CArDs in The WOrLD

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“We’ve never been so looked after at a trade show - just one of the things for us that means it stands apart from other shows. It has such a great buzz and positive vibe. It’s always great to see new publishers and emerging trends”

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Spotlight On... SugarLane stock the garments. However, Bev has ensured that everything fits comfortably onto one rail, and that shops can re-order ‘Little and Often’ as with all other Joe Davies products. “It means that stockrooms aren’t overflowing and, with two sizes, customers are getting better fitting garments,” she points out, “especially as a lot of fashion buyers now seem to be a bit fed up with one size clothing.”

Products are sourced from India and Sri Lanka, with Bev praising the amazing colours and stunning fabrics and yarns that are available in both countries. “The factories employ highly skilled workers, with ethical sourcing as important to them as it is to us,” she states. “In addition, there are certain designs, such as the dip dye effect, that you can’t find anywhere else.”

With a keen eye for finishes, Bev highlights that SugarLane is also about how it’s the smallest details that can make the biggest difference to a garment. This includes, for example, having exactly the

Right: The Sofia maxi dress features a sunset ombre.

Sustainably Speaking Protecting the planet is a very important part of the SugarLane brand. “Wherever possible, our polyesters are made from recycled plastics, and we are working with our partners to source natural fabrics responsibly, with everything ethically sourced,” confirms Bev.” Every garment features its own swing tag too, highlighting not only its sustainability credentials, but also elements related to fabric and design.”

Above: Lauren sorbet tropical print dress; Amy shirt in mango sorbet with Lily turn-up pants.

Right: Pippa navy paint spot dress; Leah palazzo palm pants with a white Amy shirt.

the collection is, again, full of brights, for those who are more reticent about wearing colour, there are items such as a plain black T-shirt to calm things down.

“Bev has started something from scratch that is very complicated to do, and she has presented it in a really simple, easy way for people who have never done fashion before,” summarises Joe Davies’ commercial director Paul Hooker. “It’s a complete solution for those who are prepared to give it a go without taking much of a risk, and that’s what makes it so exciting for our customers.”

right buttons and putting a velvet trim on a waistband. But finding solutions for different body shapes is also paramount, particularly for curvier women. “We’ve addressed wider shoulder straps, as well as putting in shearing at the back of tops and dresses to ensure that people don’t have to go up a size. And we’ve also put little frills on the wider straps which adds another pretty design detail.”

So what comes next for SugarLane?

“We’ll be launching our Autumn/Winter collection at Harrogate Home & Gift in July, and I’m really excited about the gorgeous, rich colour palette,” enthuses Bev. “There’ll be lots of sapphires and rubies, as well as emerald greens, and, of course, a myriad of prints. In addition, we’ll be introducing some wonderful animal print designs with a bit of a twist, alongside pleather and sunray pleated skirts, plus much, much more.” And although

A Few Of Bev’s Favourite Things...

What does someone who has spent their career in fashion choose when it comes to their own wardrobe? “It’s an interesting question,” muses Bev. “In fact, my personal fashion style varies quite a lot. I wear several different ‘looks’, especially monotone print, and frequently go in and out of them.

Mostly though, I love colour and pattern, which is reflected in the brand, and I’m also a huge fan of lovely knitwear in the winter.” Currently, emerald green is her colour of choice, “but I’ll be wearing more sapphire blue as we go into Autumn/Winter. Additionally, I also love a bit of navy,” adds Bev. If she had to choose a favourite piece from the current SugarLane Spring/Summer collection, she says it would have to be the gilded palm dress. “I love a gold print, and also, that it’s monotone with colour.”

She’s also rather fond of two multi-purpose SugarLane dresses that can be dressed up with a fascinator and high heels or dressed down with a pair of trainers. “We also have a kimono that can be worn around the house as a cover up, or accessorised for a night out,” she points out.

As she says, buying new clothes makes someone feel good about themselves, giving them extra confidence. “Thankfully, we’ve all moved on from the pandemic when people spent their days in loungewear or jogging pants. Now there’s a desire to wear something different. And when you wear colour it’s just like seeing the sunshine. You can’t help but feel happy.”

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Advertorial: Eddingtons

Ecletic Gifting Stow Green was established in 1975 and flourished as a traditional gifting and homewares company, operating from its home in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Since Eddingtons purchased the business in 2018, the marriage of the two companies has allowed customers throughout the UK and Eire to combine both ranges into one of the most eclectic collections within the sector today, all from one order point and combined one to one.

Commercial director Richard Walker walks through some of the amazing gifting opportunities that the wider Eddingtons business can deliver. specially designed, embossed Snowman stoneware mixing bowls in blue and white complemented with colour coordinated beechwood spatula sets.

There is the biscuit and pie stamps adorned with a decorative border and Snowman illustration, jelly moulds, gift boxed porcelain mugs and textiles to complete the range.

As a distributor and importer, Eddington’s differentiates itself from others with its breadth of offer, the combination of stylish evergreen licences married with its own eclectic mix of developed product. This core of product is further enhanced by collaboration with world class brand partners. The company’s selection criteria and process is stringent: the brands must be complementary, add design or innovation as well as a points of difference to others in the market.

Stelton underpins this philosophy, but goes way beyond with a heritage second to none and design classic product ranges that grow in stature as time elapses.

Left: A Peter Rabbit salad bowl.

Below: Among the textiles in Eddington’s Peter Rabbit collection.

Eddington’s Peter Rabbit licensed product range forms one of the cornerstones of the Stow Green business. The first collection is centred around the original illustrations from the Beatrix Potter books, to include ceramic tableware, porcelain mugs, plates and side plates along with teapots, creamers, oven gloves, tea towels and aprons.

To coincide with the 120th anniversary of this much-loved character, Eddingtons introduce a new range of classic patterned textiles, an embossed stoneware cake stand, serving bowl and etched wooden salad servers.

The Peter Rabbit magic has also been applied to their bestselling spatulas and egg cup pails all with a contemporary twist.

Eddingtons have added to their huge selection of Christmas gifting solutions with their licensed range of products featuring The Snowman illustrations by Raymond Briggs.

New for AW22 will be the fabulous ‘The Snowman’ Chocolate Coin Making kit, complete with recipe, gift bags and golden edible glitter!

The perfect seasonal gift during the holidays.

Baking accessories also feature heavily within this range with 48

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Advertorial: Eddingtons

About Stelton Scandinavian design has been synonymous with Stelton for over 50 years, since the outset, when an opportunity arose to enter into an agreement with Danish Stainless, a manufacturing company in Denmark producing high quality Danish Design tableware.

Stelton began marketing a stainless gravy boat that sold like hotcakes in Danish hardware stores but was also a hit outside of Denmark. Later, a new managing director, Peter Holmblad, the stepson of Arne Jacobsen, who was perhaps Denmark’s greatest architect and designer, brought his far-reaching vision with him when he joined the company. In 1967, the Cylinda–line was created by Arne Jacobsen and became a design classic that is still sought after for it’s timeless style and simplicity.

Today, Stelton products, such as the iconic EM77 vacuum jug and the popular Emma collection of coffee and tea vacuum jugs and tableware, create a synthesis that embodies innovative and different ideas in relation to concept, design and materials.

RIG-TIG, the younger sister brand of Stelton, is a kitchen brand that values function, design and Above: New Peter Rabbit Cake Stand. resources. In collaboration with international designers, RIG-TIG designs award-winning, functional Below: Amphora vacuum jugs. products based on a circular economy mindset. Tabletop highlights include the Amphora range of jugs, Piliastro glassware and carafe and serve dishes as well as firm favourites like the EM77 vacuum jug.

“After many successful years working with agents, we have decided to change our approach to the market,” comments Finn Gram-Jensen, export director, Stelton. “Following Brexit, both we and our customers are meeting new challenges and costs, and we have therefore decided to work with an exclusive distributor. We look forward to collaborating with Eddingtons, and we are confident, that this new partnership will prove to be beneficial for all parties involved.”

Adds Richard Walker, Eddingtons commercial director: “Eddingtons is delighted to collaborate with the Stelton family of brands. When evaluating the Stelton proposition we quickly understood the opportunity and advantages we could offer our customers. Fast hassle-free delivery post Brexit, and the ability to consolidate Stelton and RIG-TIG orders with our existing brands, means that customers can easily achieve free carriage paid delivery with optimum service from our UK warehouse.”

Continues Richard: “We found an immediate overlap with our existing housewares customer base with plenty of head room to develop Stelton brands within a more premium gift and design led sector. The opportunity to continue servicing the food service channel was the icing on the cake. Stelton vacuum flasks and water filter jugs are very sought after with their sleek design and ergonomic function.”

Eddingtons Partners With The National Trust Eddingtons recently announce its collaboration with the National Trust, Europe’s largest conservation charity, producing a stunning new range of toughened glass worktop protectors.

There are two collections of worktop protectors being launched in the first phase. The National Trusts’ iconic and easily recognisable oak leaf logo features on all items from the Nature Collection. The collection was commissioned with watercolour artist and nature enthusiast Louise Nisbet Fine Art BA (Hons.). The illustrations feature countryside scenes, native flora and fauna, animals and insects reflecting the conservation work undertaken by the Trust and its team of rangers.

Above: A National Trust butterflies design worktop protector.

The National Trust look after more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 780 miles of coastline and hundreds of special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Through sales generated from this collection, Eddingtons will contribute a minimum of £10,000 to the National Trust, to help support the work they do for future generations to enjoy. For everyone, for ever!

The Alfriston Clergy Collection features a repeat oak leaf pattern in four contemporary colours. The pattern was inspired by carvings found at Alfriston Clergy House the first property purchased by the National Trust for conservation, for the princely sum of £10.00!

All the collections in this National Trust range are produced at the Eddingtons’ Tuftop works, located in rural Berkshire. The Tuftop worktop protectors are made using special toughened glass which resists heat (up to 250degrees Celsius) and is ideal for hot pans or boiling kettles. In addition, the naturally cool surface can equally be used for rolling pastry, serving cakes or prepping sandwiches or pastries. The worktop protectors also provide a hygienic cutting surface protecting counter tops from damage while complementing any kitchen or home with their unique designs.

For retailers, the worktop protectors can be merchandised on an exclusive National Trust Branded display stand. All protectors are packaged in a kraft box sourced from an FSC accredited factory made with recycled materials. Each item in the Nature Collection has further information about the National Trust conservation projects or schemes that inspired each illustration. Worktop protectors are expected to retail from £14.95 for small to £22.95 for the medium size.

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Halo Mini Repeller The Thermacell Halo effectively repels mosquitoes and midges by creating a 20m2 zone of protection. This comapct, easy-to-use and stylish device will sit neatly on your garden table while it works to keep pesky mosquitoes from spoiling your day.

• Provides a 20m2 area of mosquito

and midge repellancy

• Silent and scent-free • • Clean, simple and easy to use

Weather resistant design

Distributed in the UK by To order call 0116 234 4611 or email sales@burton-mccall.com

DELIVERING EXCELLENCE SINCE 1902 BESPOKE WEAVE AVAILABLE TO CREATE YOUR OWN RANGE SUSTAINABLY PRODUCED IN FINLAND www.jokipiinpellava.fi/en +358 50 464 2236 michael.boulter@allgoodthings.fi

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Flower

Spotlight On... Gifts For Gardeners

Power

With sales of faux plants continuing to rocket especially houseplants, as more people look to bring the outdoors in - and gardening linked with improved mental wellbeing, gifts for gardeners and non-gardeners have become a ‘must’ for many gift retailers.

PG&H asked a selection of leading suppliers what’s driving sales for the coming season.

Since the start of the pandemic, one of the biggest societal changes has been the huge focus on mental health, with gardening shown to be one of the best ways to alleviate stress and promote a calmer, more relaxed attitude. As people switched from going into the office to working from home, trips to local garden centres became a high spot, as gardens, as well as homes, became a focus for many families.

But it’s not just about turning into Monty Don or Kim Wilde. It’s also about bringing greenery indoors, with many people wanting to grow house plants for real, or to have a faux equivalent.

At the beginning of the year, Enesco acquired Allen Designs, with Enesco’s marketing and product director, Helen Cottrill, highlighting the company’s quirky planters. “They bring joy by just looking at them, and they are versatile too, as they can not only be used for plants but for flowers, kitchen utensils and stationery,” she explains.

“Plus, there are some quirky clocks in the collection too, to include the garden themed Blossoms. Products fit well with the trend of

Above: Allen Designs’ Blossoms clock from Enesco.

Below left: Among the pot hangers from Gallery Direct.

Below: Faux plants from Candlelight.

from across the world, ranging from exotic toucans to a cute hedgehog.”

Also bringing the outdoors in are faux plants, with the sector seeing huge continued growth, and natural grasses, such as pampas, among the biggest trend this year. “Candlelight is synonymous with faux plants and we are continually refreshing our Flower Patch range with real touch, dried natural grasses as well as enlivening and unusual faux plants,” confirms the company’s marketing manager Kate Winch. “We have

spending more time at home and creating your own haven.”

At Gallery Direct, marketing director Bruce Bell says that adding a touch of personality to a room is key, highlighting the company’s collection of pot hangers. “They make ideal gifts for people to hang on pots and planters, either indoors or outdoors, with our varied range including a selection of animals and birds

Take Five

“Interior trends are changing, with plant life appearing in more and more households,” states Burton McCall’s Jenna Shawley. “As we are now spending more time at home than ever before, and working from home appears to be the norm for most, having the right tools for the job is essential. Felco has now increased its range of Snips to include five models which are ideal for not only tending to the garden, but also perfect for house plants. The range is made up of a mixture of straight and curved blade models in a variety of blade sizes, with all models compact, lightweight and ergonomic making them ideal for smaller spaces.”

Left: Burton McCall’s Felco range.

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Introducing Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew planters collection CURATED BY IVYLINE

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Spotlight On... Gifts For Gardeners also launched a range of wreaths and garlands for both the home and outdoors, bringing a country boho feel to both spring and summer to meet the needs of the nongardener, and have also updated our vessel offering this season with rattan, wicker and matte black pots.”

Transomnia’s Rod O’Mahony concurs that faux is the way to go. “We have leaned into the trend with a new collection of faux flowers and mini topiary trees which add a splash of colour to the home, requiring no more maintenance than an occasional flick with the duster.” Continues Rod: “Also new for 2022 is a range of garden bee ceramics, with the collection including vases, jugs, mugs and coasters. These join our best-

Licensed To Thrill

Jardinopia - whose wide range of Beatrix Potter pot accessories are sold under its brands Potty Feet, Pot Buddies and Cane Companions - has been working in close collaboration with Walt Disney Company and Penguin Books (home of Peter Rabbit), with its range for both children and adults encompassing Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse and Friends, 101 Dalmatians and Classic Peter Rabbit Beatrix Potter franchises.

“Our unique range of Beatrix Potter pot accessories allows people to bring gardening fun indoors,” says Jardinopia’s managing director Andrea Barnett. “Potty Feet give house plants a lift, while our Pot Buddies help to make people smile, as Above: Jardinopia’s Potty Feet. the cheeky characters hang from the rim of the pot.”

Andrea adds that all products have strong environmental credentials, and attempt to get children interested in gardening and the outdoors.

selling range of humorous garden-related signs, with a particular emphasis on the importance of sheds.“ At Gisela Graham, sales director Piers Croke says the gifts that gardeners will most appreciate are pretty as well as practical, reflected in the company’s newly launched design themes. “The eye-catcher is a cool blue and white concept called Provence, realised in fabric, and featuring useful items such as seat pads for outdoor sitting, as well as pretty ceramics for indoors. We offer plant pots too, as well as lots of faux flowers and vases.”

Left: Gisela Graham’s new Provence range.

Below: Quirky statement planters from Sass & Belle.

Birds And The Bees

Of course, Britain’s birds have always been a popular design across gifting. “Nature has been seen to play an important role in our wellbeing and it also plays an important role in a gardener’s life, from the birds to the bees,” points out Lesser & Pavey’s managing director Julian Hunt. “Our range of Garden Birds makes an ideal gift for gardeners in rural to urban locations, featuring illustration from British artist Jennifer Rose. The collection includes mugs, coasters, trays, a jug and a butter dish, as well as gin glasses, wax warmers, cushions and a drink flask that can be taken into the garden or to the allotment.”

Also celebrating Britain’s wildlife is Parlane Living, with the company’s bird collection including a series of tealight holders, mirrors and pot hangers featuring popular British birds native to the UK, all of which are regular visitors to British gardens. “We created these as enjoyable gifts for those who appreciate wildlife and love their gardens,” comments marketing executive Helen Hazell.

For 2022, fine bone china mug company Dunoon has introduced Cottage Garden on the company’s Lomond shape, and Cottage Border on the larger Cairngorm shape. “Floral themed designs are always popular as gifts and help to lift the spirit,” confirms director Peter Smith.

“Plus, with everyone conscious of sustaining the natural world, Busy Bees on our Cairngorm shape features buzzing bumble bees among bright yellow buttercups, red poppies and French lavender.”

Right: Lesser & Pavey’s Garden Birds collection.

“Houseplants have become an integral part of our lives,” agrees Sass & Belle’s ecommerce executive Steph Kaluza, “with plant owners also looking for accessories with character that blend seamlessly with current interior trends. For spring/summer 2022 we've focused heavily on maximalism.

With the foundation of this trend focused on colour, we have designed a variety of bold shapes in vibrant tones across a range of accessories to house both plants and flowers. They’re ideal for layering with contrasting patterns or creating a centrepiece in a key area of the home, with the planters and vases making a joyful gift.”

With both indoor and outdoor plants continuing to be among the biggest trends around, what better gift for a green fingered someone than something that ties in with their love of one of Britain’s most popular hobbies.

Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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SAVE THE DATE THURSDAY 12 MAY 2022 ROYAL LANCASTER HOTEL, LONDON 6:45pm UNTIL LATE, BLACK TIE

UNITING THE GIFT INDUSTRY Max Publishing in partnership with the Giftware Association Marking a significant unified step forward for the UK gift industry, the GA’s Gift of the Year (GOTY) awards and The Greats gift retailer awards are to join forces, with the winners of both awards programmes to be announced at a shared lavish black tie evening event.

The two award programmes will see both gift product excellence and retail prowess recognised and rewarded at an awards event to make the whole industry proud, attended by hundreds of gift suppliers and retailers.

The ownership and running of the Gift of the Year product awards, now in their 45th year, will remain under the stewardship of the Giftware Association while The Greats gift retailer awards, now in their 20th year, will continue to be wholly owned and run by Max Publishing (publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home magazine and giftsandhome.net).

Both parties will work closely together to create an enjoyable and uplifting evening event that will truly celebrate the industry’s achievements, both on the product and retailing fronts.

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.THEGIFTAWARDS.COM

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What s

New

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gardening gift products to be showcased this month

1: Busy Bees 'Busy Bees' is a set of three beautiful designs on Dunoon’s Jura shape and comprise of buzzing bumble bees busily going about their daily toil flying amongst bright yellow buttercups, red poppies and french lavender. They are bright, colourful and are designed and painted in Harrison Ripley’s expressive and masterful watercolour style and would make an excellent gift for anyone.

Made in Fine Bone China and handcrafted in Staffordshire.

Dunoon T: 01785 817414 E: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk W: www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

2: Flower Power Over the past couple of years, we have seen a considerable increase in peoples interest in plants and gardening. While the growing interest in this area is fantastic, it does leave people confused about what to buy for someone who is crazy about plants. Don’t fear, Puckator is here to help! We have gorgeous floral ranges spanning designs such as poppies to beautifully painted lavender flowers.

Moisturising hand creams, ceramic planters and ceramic oil burners are just a few of the products available in these fabulous floral collections.

Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

3: Potty About Peter Rabbit 2022 Celebrates the 120th birthday of Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit and we have the perfect gifts for both Gardeners and collectors of the much loved Beatrix Potter characters.

Our unique Award-winning range of plant pot accessories are suitable for both outdoor and indoor pots. All products come beautifully gift boxed in recycled card.

Jardinopia T: 01935 826622 E: info@jardinopia.com W: www.jardinopia.com

4: Fun Face Planters Planters are a huge trend for Spring/Summer 2022 with greenery being key in home décor. This brand new range of decorative face planters from Joe Davies are just perfect for real or artificial plants and will be a real talking point in any room setting.

Quirky planters featuring male and female bespectacled characters with bright colourful glazes and a matt biscuit finish are sure to add a bit of fun to your home décor display.

Joe Davies T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk

5: Create an easy greenery wall with the Carlos Wall Planter Gallery Direct’s catalogue includes a great selection of products which make ideal gifts for gardeners, including a wide selection of pots and planters. Amongst these are the Carlos Wall Planters, which offer an easy and unusual way of creating a wall of greenery. The wall planters feature a stylish black metal frame with a geometric design with pots suspended from it.

For added versatility and practicality, they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Gallery Direct T: 01795 439159 E: sales@gallerydirect.co.uk W: www.gallerydirect.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Available in a fun and tantalising range of colours, the Sorbet range from Giles and Posner makes a wonderful gift for anyone who loves having fun in the kitchen! The coordinated range is ideal for parties and includes a chocolate fountain, popcorn maker, waffle maker, snack maker and more. The perfect range to keep kids and adults entertained!

@GilesAndPosner

If you want to join the pastel party, contact our sales team at sales@upgs.com

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What s

New

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

1: Wedding Gifts Weddings are back! Make the most of celebrating again with these beautiful personalised gifts from PMC! With it’s soft green colour scheme and simple design the botanical range is perfect for newly weds!

Visit PMC’s website to find out how to become a trade customer of the one stop shop for personalised gifts.

PMC E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

2: William Morris Coulson Macleod is excited to announce the launch of a brand new greeting card and giftware range featuring the amazing work of 19th century Arts and Crafts textile designer William Morris.

Included in the range are these fabulous ceramic coasters, available as individual designs, or as a set of 4 different designs, they make a perfect gift or self-purchase.

Coulson Macleod T: 01536 419944 E: hello@coulsonmacleod.com W: coulsonmacleod-trade.com

3: Soft and cosy from recycled plastic bottles Gallery Direct’s catalogue offers a fantastic, varied selection of cushions and throws, including the Simply Green Florida Stripe collection. Featuring a stylish striped pattern, the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles which has a luxurious feel combined with the added benefit of durability. The cushions and throws are offered in a choice of three colours, which are perfect for spring and summer, for use indoors and out. The throws have a soft and attractive fringe on the ends, to add the finishing touch.just £100.

Gallery Direct T: 01795 439159 E: sales@gallerydirect.co.uk W: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

4: Fizz Creations – BRAND NEW SLUSH PUPPiE Machines Get set for a Summer of celebration as Fizz Creations launch three new kitchen gadgets as part of their iconic SLUSH PUPPiE collection.

The two slushie machines will be joined by an Ice Cream Machine, a Milk Shake Maker, and a Soda Machine, all of which work with the classic syrups. The collection is ready to ship now with more product due soon – secure your stock now to avoid disappointment!

Fizz Creations T: 01903 327006 E: sales@fizzcreations.com W: fizzcreations.com

5: Equilibrium Tree of Life Make a statement with the brand new Equilibrium colourful Tree of Life collection from Joe Davies.

The tree of life is regarded as a symbol of inner strength and balance, couple this with this season’s hottest trend for colourful crystals and you are sure to be onto a winner!

Joe Davies are well known in the industry for their trademark “little and often” ordering quantities and their amazing low minimum order value of just £100.

Joe Davies T: 0161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk W: www.joedavies.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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What s

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

1: Liberty Candles Their Himalayan Salt Oil Warmer combines the purifying benefits of the Himalayan salt which with the therapeutic benefits of 100% essential oils,Himalayan lamps emit energising negative ions, purifying the air, these negative ions are the same as those found in naturally rejuvenating sources like beaches – mountains – and waterfalls.

Liberty Candles T: 01942 677448 (Office) E: brad@libertycandles.co.uk E: frank@libertycandles.co.uk M: Frank Holland 07836 718499

2: Make Lunchtime Fun To kickstart 2022, Puckator have introduced a brand new catalogue of ranges. In Puckator's usual fashion, the collections span a large audience from children to adults. Ranges such as Dinosauria Jr contain two individual designs, one focused on children and a more detailed, adult-focused design, so there is something for everyone.

Puckator T: 0800 011 6969 E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk W: www.puckator.co.uk

3: Watermelon Sorbet!

Coco & Glow are looking forward to sunkissed summer days and what better encapsulates that than a gorgeous candle that smells like a delicious scoop of Watermelon Sorbet. Created from luxury fragrance oil and natural Coconut & Rapeseed wax, our whole collection is vegan friendly, sustainable and a safe burn for the whole family.

Coco & Glow T: 07857586247 E: cocoglowcandles@gmail.com W: www.cocoglow.co.u

4: Step Out In Style Our new season Alyce Mini Crossbody in Off White is loved by customers and influencers alike, and there’s no wonder why. Boasting the classic Katie Loxton details like gold-tone hardware and vegan leather design, this compact profile boasts a luxe chain strap and top handle, so they can wear it their way!

Katie Loxton T: 01295 250879 E: enquiries@katieloxton.com W: wholesale.katieloxton.com

5: Perfect Birthday Gift Cue the confetti…it’s her birthday! Whether they’re celebrating a milestone birthday or not, our sweet and sentimental Birthday A Littles will see them sparkle. With each boasting silver-plating, a complementing charm and stretch-bead design to ensure the perfect fit, these bestselling A Little Bracelets are paired with an adorable poem to the card.

Joma Jewellery T: 01295 263430 E: enquiries@jomajewellery.com W: wholesale.jomajewellery.com

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What s

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

1: Tatty Teddy Father’s Day Gifts Carte Blanche Greetings Ltd are thrilled to introduce their brand new Father’s Day offer for 2022. Traditional blues and the greens of nature are illustrated for our NEW collectiion of plush, mugs, socks, and very special gifts. TATTY TEDDY is right at home here.

Carte Blanche Greetings Ltd T: 01243 792600 (Customer Service) W: www.cbgtrader.co.uk

2: Seed Toppers To support the growth of The Julie Dodsworth Home Fragrance range Broughton & Beech, in conjunction with Julie, have introduced a Seed Topper that fits onto their gift boxed reed diffusers. Containing 100 wildflower seeds these toppers are supplied free with all trade orders.

The range is manufactured in the UK and utilises plant-based waxes and essential oils, with the introduction of Seed Toppers helping to establish the collection.

With plans to launch new patterns, fragrances and products this summer, the 2022 Julie Dodsworth range has a point of difference in a crowded category and has been created for the garden centre consumer.

Broughton & Beech Ltd T: 01270 335034 E: sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk W: www.juliedodsworth.co.uk

3: Heartfelt Wedding Gifts Heartfelt wedding gift ideas that will be loved and cherished as they celebrate their happily ever after.

Carte Blanche Greetings Ltd T: 01243 792600 (Customer Service) W: www.cbgtrader.co.uk

4: Ampersand Fragrances Private Label Ampersand Fragrances now offer Private label on a small scale. Using our collection of Fine Fragrances, we add your logo, name or design to our bottles. Low volume MOQ. Fully tested and IFRA compliant. Add a Fragrance collection to your brand.

Ampersand Fragrances E: connect@ampersandfragrances.com W: www.ampersandfragrances.com

5: Blooming in Spring 2022 Launched to an overwhelming response at Spring Fair, Bead&Button Blooms is the latest home décor collection from the established accessories brand One Button. Each of these stunning floral creations are unique and are the brainchild of founder Amanda Angless. These gallery-esque pieces celebrate all gift giving occasions. Designed, hand crafted, curated and cultivated in our little workshop in England, each is wrapped resplendently with hand drawn printed gift wrap and packed in a sturdy letterbox friendly box. Why send flowers when you can send Blooms.

Bead&Button Blooms T: 0116 279 3715 E: info:beadandbuttonblooms.co.uk W: www.beadandbuttonblooms.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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

Katrina and Anne Raill, co-owners, Etcetera, Hitchin A large gift and lifestyle store which is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Gisela Graham: across the board; Parlane Living: across the board

Affordable and stylish.

Stoneglow: perfume mist diffusers; Freckleface: across the board

The fragrance holds very well.

Jewellery

Hot Tomato: across the board; Cavendish French: silver jewellery

Fabulous products. Always something new and different.

Superb quality and outstanding designs.

Fashion Accessories

Powder: across the board;

On trend, good quality products in fantastic packaging.

Very on trend and on point.

Fragranced Giftware Right: Stoneglow’s Modern Classics perfume mist diffuser.

Below right: A Blooming Jungle square from Powder.

PoM: scarves

Smart and trend focused.

Beautiful home fragrancing products. The melt scents fill the room.

Greeting Cards

Rosie Made A Thing

Incredibly funny. We can hear customers giggling!

Giftwrap

Glick

You can’t go wrong. Beautiful quality designs that are well priced.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat: Amusables

A fantastic range for all ages. Men love them too.

Tilly Wilson, founder and ceo, Collecting Seashells An online gift and lifestyle retailer.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Parlane Living: Living Earth; Richard Lang & Son: cushions

This range is popular for its on trend neutral, rustic styles.

Gorgeous collection of country style cushions. Customers love the Bee range.

Fragranced Giftware

Gisela Graham: candles and reed diffusers

These come beautifully packaged, smell incredible and fly off the shelf!

Interiors

Hill Interiors: across the board; Floral Silk: across the board

We especially love the animal-themed table lamps. Super quirky and unique.

Excellent quality, amazing arrangements.

Other Hot Hits

East of India: nursery

Beautiful giftware and accessories for babies’ rooms. Very popular with our customers.

Made from 100% planet friendly bamboo.

Great designs that are popular with parents and kids.

Sass & Belle: kids bamboo dining range

Above: Candles from Gisela Graham.

Right: East of India baby sentiment.

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Tilley Rathie, co-owner, Marmalade Meringue, Hinckley A medium sized gift shop on a high street, currently celebrating its tenth anniversary.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Namaste: Goodweave fair trade throws; Amelia Art Glass: Friendship globes

An ethical, handcrafted, eco friendly product, loved by customers.

An unusual, beautiful gift for the home or garden.

Fragranced Giftware

Widdop & Co: Hestia candles and reed diffusers The English Soap Company: Kew Gardens

Pretty packaging, lovely fragrances and a great price.

A lovely gift or self treat. Some customers buy an armful!

Jewellery

Joma Jewellery: A Little

Hits the nail on the head every time. The right sentiment for any occasion.

Delicate, pretty designs.

Joe Davies: Equilibrium Fashion Accessories

Miss Sparrow: socks; Lua: scarves

Super soft bamboo unisex socks in a range of designs.

No matter the time of year, customers can’t resist a nice scarf.

Greeting Cards

James Ellis

Paper Shakies are a fabulous 100% recyclable, plastic-free greeting card. What more could you want?

Giftwrap

Belly Button Bubble

Our customers are naturally drawn to the bright, beautiful designs.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat: across the board

Customers of all ages love these cuddly cuties.

Top: Kew from The English Soap Company.

Above: A plush cutie from Jellycat.

Erica Coombes, Pottery Village buying manager, buying experience and events manager The Denby Shop and Gift Emporium, Denby Pottery Village, Denby.

CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Gisela Graham: seasonal and Everyday; East of India: across the board

Always one step ahead designwise.

Fragranced Giftware

Wild Olive: soaps

The soaps are made in Derbyshire. Beautiful quality, fragrances and packaging.

Jewellery

Carrie Elspeth: across the board; Cavern: silver jewellery

Colourful and affordable jewellery.

Fashion Accessories

FMG: Alice Wheeler and Oliver

Bags, purses and cosmetic bags for both men and women.

Greeting Cards

UKG

Cards for all occasions at affordable prices.

Giftwrap

Caroline Gardner

Fabulous designs, excellent quality and seasonal.

Other Hot Hits

University Games: murder mystery puzzles

A consistent seller. Easy gifting with sentiment.

Nice designs, well presented and well priced.

Excellent selection of family games.

Above: A selection of Alice Wheeler bags.

Left: Wooden cubes from Carrie Elspeth.

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

From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home, and the organisers of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards.

With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 7,559 readers and industry leading open rates, - largely dominated by retail buyers, the twice-weekly this fast-paced sector.

The modern, easy to navigate website provides a in-depth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Gifts & Home, and much, much more.

Advertising and Commercial Opportunities: Advertisement Manager - Ali Farrell alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk

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Editorial and Content Opportunities: Editor - Sue Marks sue@suemarks.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!

HOT TOMATO T: 01225 422188 E: sales@hot-tom.com W: www.hot-tom.com

JOMA JEWELLERY T: 01295 263430 E: enquiries@jomajewellery.com W: www.wholesale.jomajewellery.com

STONEGLOW T: 020 8595 8878 E: admin@stoneglowcandle.co.uk W: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

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

PARLANE T: 01451 812712 E: sales@parlane.co.uk W: www.parlane.co.uk

CARRIE ELSPETH T: 01446 771271 E: sales@carrieelspeth.com W: www.carrieelspeth.com

FRECKLEFACE T: 01778 393699 E: hello@frecklefacehomefragrance.com W: www.frecklefacehomefragrance.com

RICHARD LANG T: 01332 340927 E: sales@richardlang.co.uk W: www.richardlang.co.uk

POWDER T: 0131 331 2908 E: info@powder-uk.com W: www.powder-uk.com Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 17-18 May 2022 Business Design Centre

Register today The UK’s only trade event dedicated to stationery, showcasing the biggest selection of writing and paper products from around the world.

Scan the QR code or head to stationeryshow.co.uk to register and enter code PROGGIFTS for the chance to have your passes upgraded to VIP. OBC_GH_Mar-Apr 2022.indd 1

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