Progressive Gifts & Home September 2018

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September 2018

Autumn Fair

3G23

Is there a better way to fragrance your home...

ONLY £3.50 RRP SUPPORTING THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Donating £1 for every Painted Poppy Sachet we sell at trade

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heartofthecountryltd.co.uk

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

EXHIBITIONS

THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS

This Month

@Prog_Gifts

As we enjoy the last of the summer sunshine, gift shops and gift departments are doubtless dreaming of Christmas, and how best to deck the halls. For those looking for inspiration for Christmas gifts, we’ve got plenty of ideas in our Christmas gifts feature, All I Want For Christmas, on pages 43-47.

As for Christmas decorations, there’s everything from the traditional to the trendy, so if they’re still on your Christmas list, turn to It’s Getting To Feel A Lot Like Christmas on pages 33-37 for themes and ideas from the leading suppliers.

Of course, candles and reed diffusers go hand-on-hand with the festive season, with our home fragrancing article highlighting what’s trending. While Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without cinnamon and spices, berry fragrances too, are having a moment, so turn to A Very Berry Christmas on pages 55-59.

Meanwhile, for retailers who want to ‘mug up’ on what to suggest to customers for those hard to buy colleagues, friends and relatives, we showcase everything from humorous and cheeky mugs to more classic styles. Turn to The Mug Bug on pages 83-87. And with the Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) show around the corner, and licensed gifts coming into its own at this time of year, we reveal the new licences for Autumn/Winter in our Bring On The Brands article featured on pages 73-77. As for the latest trends, we spotlight shades of Bordeaux on page 53 in our Bordering On Bordeaux article.

Of course, it’s always good to talk, particularly with other gift retailers, so if you’d like to know how this year has been for independents, the issues they’re facing and how they’re approaching Christmas, take a look at Talking Heads on pages 27-31.

Elsewhere in this issue, we catch up with three leading gift suppliers Candlelight (see Rockin’ All Over The World on pages 49-51), Wild Things (see A Walk On The Wild Side on pages 69-71) and Joe Davies (see Shop Early For Christmas on pages 79-81) - to find out what will be driving the companies onwards and upwards over the coming months. Plus, we go behind the scenes at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo to discover what made the gift shop a Greats winner in May. (See pages 39-41). We also meet Greats finalist Liana Moran in our Behind The Counter article, (see page 118), and chat to Rona Stevenson, co-owner of Within Reason gift shop in Sheffield, who also co-owns One Hundred Stars, well known for the company’s kimonos worn by celebrities such as actress Anna Seyfried and TV chef Nigella Lawson. (Turn to Last Word on page 118).

But first, if you’re planning on heading to Autumn Fair, Top Drawer and Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn this September - the PG&H team will definitely be there! - turn to pages 7-23 which will give you the latest lowdown not only on the shows, but also, the most up-to-the minute industry news.

Enjoy the issue!

Above: Sue (left) caught up with a cross-section of gift retailers at Home & Gift in Harrogate. (See Talking Heads on pages 27-31).

Above left: A big smile from Gisela Graham, who received a special Progressive Gifts & Home bottle of bubbly from Sue in July. Find out why on page 7.

Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivegifts.co.uk www.thegreatsawards.co.uk Publishers

September 2018

Cover: Crisp Cotton from the Cello range, distributed in the UK by Xystos.

Experience the new fra ragrance rangge frrom...

Progressive Gifts & Home is published 7 times a year.

Subscription: UK; one year £50, two years £85 or three years £110. Overseas; one year £75, two years £125 or three years £165. Please send your cheque to: Progressive Gifts & Home, Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax 020 7609 4222/020 7607 6411 email: ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax and Ian Hyder

Design Russell Sutton

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Contact

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

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Inside 7-23

News

25

Gift of the Gab REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL ABOUT RETAIL

27-31

Feedback: Retailer Round Table TALKING HEADS

33-37

Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations IT’S GETTING TO FEEL A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

39-41

Retailer Face To Face: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo ANIMAL CRACKERS

43-47

Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

49-51

In Profile: Candlelight ROCKIN’ ALL OVER THE WORLD

53

Trends BORDERING ON BORDEAUX

55-59

Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing A VERY BERRY CHRISTMAS

69-71

In Profile: Wild Things A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

73-77

Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware BRING ON THE BRANDS

79-81

In Profile: Joe Davies SHOP EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS

83-87

Spotlight On... Mugs THE MUG BUG

113

Sounding Off I’VE GOT THE MUSIC IN ME

114-115 Best Sellers 118

Behind The Counter: Liana Moran, Cloudberry

118

Last Word: Rona Stevenson, Within Reason/One Hundred Stars

Seasonal Decoration at its best 25. – 29. 1. 2019

all you wish

for

business

Christmasworld makes your wishes come true. Discover the new trade fair concept with an even more diverse offer of seasonal and festive decorations!

We look forward to seeing you here. christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com

will delight you as a marketplace for fresh flowers and ornamental plants.

info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83 Sue Marks Editor

Angie Bryant Advertisement Manager

Ian Hyder Publishing Director

suem@max-publishing.co.uk

angieb@max-publishing.co.uk

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

The Seasonal Range has had a facelift – with geometric inspired packaging and glassware that reflects interior trends.

This range encompasses an array of products from Boxed Candles | Diffusers | Tin Candles | Cracker Gift Sets Botanical Gels and many more. Available in five festive chic fragrances.

Find Us Autumn Fair - NEC Birmingham 2nd - 5th September 2018 - Hall 3 QO6 – Summer House Maison & Object - Paris 7th - 11th September 2018 – Hall 5a F63

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

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Industry News

Cheers To Progressive Gifts’ 25th Anniversary Corks Pop At Harrogate’s Home & Gift Show An unexpected surprise gift for some special exhibitors at Home & Gift in Harrogate in July was a very special, commemorative bottle of bubbly, courtesy of Progressive Gifts & Home, to celebrate the magazine’s milestone 25th silver anniversary. Each bottle had a specially printed label featuring the words: “Thanks for being part of our 25 year vintage!”

“The champagne was a huge ‘thank you’ to the companies who have supported Progressive Gifts from the very first issue in July 1998, to include Joe Davies and Heart of the Country,” explained Progressive Gifts & Home’s advertisement manager Angie Bryant. “We also wanted to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the companies who supported our July/August special 25th anniversary edition of the magazine.”

Commenting, Steve Davies, managing director of Joe Davies, said he was thrilled to receive his bottle of bubbly.

“We were featured in the very first issue of the magazine 25 years ago, and have supported Progressive Gifts & Home ever since,” he told PG&H. Also delighted with her bottle of champagne was Gisela Graham, whose eponymous company is currently celebrating 35 years. “What a lovely surprise!” she enthused. “Congratulations to Progressive Gifts on the magazine’s 25th milestone year.”

Below: Joe Davies’ Steve Davies is shown receiving his bottle of 25th anniversary bubbly from Progressive Gifts & Home’s Angie Bryant.

Bottom: What a really good idea!

Really Good/Soul’s founder and managing director David Hicks with his bottle of champers.

GA Chairman Smashes Fund Raising Goal The Giftware Association’s chairman, Jeremy Corner, managing director of Blue Eyed Sun, recently smashed his fundraising goal of £3,000 for the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, raising almost £4,00 to include gift aid amounts.

Together with eight friends, all on KTM 450 Enduro off-road motorbikes, Jeremy’s fund raising trip saw him take on the Gobi Desert. While there, he was able to see first hand the difference the money will be making when he visited the Blue Skies Village and met with the children and social workers living there.

The charity helps children and impoverished families in desperate need on streets of Ulaanbataar.

Above: Jeremy Corner with some of the children from the Blue Skies Village.

Home & Gift Rumours Unfounded It will be ‘business as usual’ at 2019’s Home & Gift in Harrogate, with Neil Gaisford, managing director of Clarion Events, quick to quash rumours about the grounds of the Majestic hotel, being unavailable for the Design Points and Greetings and Stationery marquees next year.

“Everything is most definitely staying put for the foreseeable future!” Neil told PG&H. Sparking the rumours was the fact that the Majestic will become a DoubleTree by Hilton next year, with the hotel undergoing a £15 million refurbishment programme.

Above: Visitors relaxing in the grounds of the Majestic in Harrogate.

Right: Clarion Events’ managing director Neil Gaisford.

Excellent Hat Trick For Bira A panel of judges have voted The British Independent Retailers Association (bira) as finalists in three categories for the prestigious Association Excellence Awards 2018. bira has been shortlisted for Best Association Website, Best Association Newsletter and Best Association Magazine.

The winners will be announced at a lunchtime awards ceremony at The Kia Oval on Friday October 12.

Above: Alan Hawkins with team bira.

Showcasing Thai Innovation

HOMI Celebrates Italian Style

Bangkok’s Style trade show - which includes the Bangkok International Gift Fair (BIG) and the Bangkok International Housewares Fair (BIH) - will be back at BITEC in Bangna, from October 17-21. The shows will be co-located with the Bangkok International Fashion Fair and the Bangkok International Leather Fair (BIFF and BIL), as well as the Thailand International Furniture Fair (TIFF).

The three major annual shows will feature leading exhibitors from niche markets, with product sectors including elderly care products, baby, kids and mum products, as well as Danish design award winning products. Networking opportunities will also be available with ASEAN countries. Additionally, visitors will also be able to make the most of seminars, business matching opportunities and catwalk fashion shows.

Lifestyle is organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion at the Ministry of Commerce. Visit www.stylebangkokfair.com Above: Bangkok’s Style show takes place in October.

Gifts, home, jewellery, fashion accessories and kitchen & dining will shortly be celebrated at Milan’s lifestyle show HOMI, which will be unveiling its 10th edition when it opens its doors from September 14-17 at Fieramilano. Products will bring together the traditions of Italian culture with innovative new developments in design and materials.

There will also be a focus on lifestyle macro trends, highlighted by a new WGSN study in the Trends area. Visit www.homimilano.com

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

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AUTUMN 2-5 SEPTEMBER 2018 Hall 5, Stand C10/D11

Starlight Birthday Lanterns

Are you buying from Joe Davies?

snoozies!® Creature Comforts

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

Equilibrium® Jewel Tones

Puddle Frogs

Equilibrium® Folding Totes

Equilibrium® Sentiment Cloud Necklaces

Bug Art Elephants

Great Service • Great Products • Great Prices 2018 08 - Pro Gifts DPS Autumn Fair 2018.indd 1 008-009_GH_September 2018.indd 1

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AUTUMN 2-5 SEPTEMBER 2018 Soft Glow Ember LED Lights

Hall 5, Stand C10/D11

Verve Birthday Mugs

White Bamboo

Sock Society #1b

Equilibrium® Expanding Bracelets

Equilibrium® Gifts Sets

Message Clip Frames 16 Times Winners of the PG Greats Awards

Gold Award Winner 2018

BEST SERVICE TO THE INDEPENDENT RETAILER

Equilibrium® Faux Fur Bags

Filigree Silver Elephants

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

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A/W 18

9—11 SEPTEMBER 2018 | OLYMPIA LONDON

DEFINE YOUR STORY

Create an irresistibly unique edit for your customers from our curated selection of over 1,000 design-led brands

Register at topdrawer.co.uk/progressive

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

EXCLUSIVE LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCTS TOP BRANDS UNSEEN DESIGNERS LATEST TRENDS

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Industry News

Autumn Fair AI-Powered App Launches Matchmaking The Name Of The Game An exclusive AF product match app will be upping the ante at Autumn Fair in September. “The app is specifically designed to make the tough decisions for attendees about which products and suppliers will be of most relevance to them,” explains Louise Young, managing director of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair. “The app’s recommendations will help buyers to discover the newest products ensuring that our attendees experience is as streamlined and personalised as possible.” The new app will also available at the show.

Exhibitors meanwhile, will be able to browse through the show’s pre-registered visitors, giving them the opportunity to invite attendees to visit their stand and connect ahead of the fair through an online chat.

The app is available on both Apple and android, and will also be available as a web-based platform to ensure accessibility across platforms and devices.

Autumn Fair takes place from September 2-5 at the NEC, Birmingham. Visit www.autumnfair.com

Celebration Dinner Raises £20,000 For Charity

Top: Autumn Fair will be introducing a new AI-powered customer experience app when the show opens its doors in September.

A Theatre Date With Ecommerce A new seminar area, Master Retail Online Theatre, will be dedicated to optimising online opportunities for both bricks and mortar and pureplay brands when Autumn Fair opens its doors from September 2-5.

With the ecommerce market said to be worth a significant £94bn, panels and presenters - to include The Giftware Association’s chairman Jeremy Corner, managing director of Blue Eyed Sun - will be among those taking part, with Jeremy sharing his views on the rise of eco and socially conscious trends on Sunday September 2 between 11.15-11.45am.

Other topics on the agenda include meeting customer’s changing delivery expectations; using fulfilment by Amazon: the pros and cons; how will delivery methods be evolving: are drones a reality?; and how to maximise online profits this Christmas.

Additional show highlights include the launch of DesignFirst, a series of showcases for up to 30 pioneering new brands. Sector areas featuring their own DesignFirst showcase include Contemporary Gift and Living; Body, Bath & Home Fragrance; Fashion, Jewellery and Accessories, and Home.

Another ‘first’ will be the introduction of childrenswear in the extended Children’s Gifts, Toys & Gadgets sector, along with Global Handicraft showcasing artisanal products.

Visit www.autumnfair.com Above: Ecommerce will be a key focus at Autumn Fair.

Theo Paphitis To Host #SBS Pavilion

Below: Some 12 start-ups will be exhibiting at Autumn Fair’s #SBS Pavilion, hosted by Theo Paphitis.

Clocks created from original vintage Nixie tubes, perfume gift boxes and handmade jewellery are among the 12 winning #SBS gift ideas, selected from a shortlist of 36, by a panel of Autumn Fair and Spring Fair experts. Comments Theo Paphitis, founder of #SBS: “with their free space at Autumn Fair, the companies will get stand-out access to the greatest gathering of retail buyers in the UK, and have a chance to champion their products face-to-face. It could be the catalyst to significant growth for their business.”

Autumn Fair’s #SBS Pavilion will be hosted by Theo, with the area dedicated to highlighting new and unique products from ambitious start-ups and small businesses. l An audience with Theo will be taking place on September 4 in the seminar theatre.

Visit www.autumnfair.com

Greats 2018 Honorary Achievement winner John Athwal OBE is renowned for his charity work, so it was fitting that to celebrate his milestone events this year - his 65th birthday, the 30th anniversary of Premier Decorations which was founded by John, an OBE in recognition of his services to business and charity, and his success at The Greats in May - he put others at the heart of his celebrations. A spectacular event held at The Dorchester raised over £20,000 for his favourite Fence Club charity which helps sick and disadvantaged children.

Celebrating in style, 100 stage school children opened the ball, followed by a night of dancing to the Jersey Boys. In addition, Bollywood actress and singer Sophie Chaudry was flown in from Bombay to perform for guests.

Above: Greats Honorary Achievement winner John Athwal OBE, is shown with his wife Jito, at the Dorchester, along with their children, partners and grandchildren.

‘Starring’ in Mamma Mia 2 With the all singing, all dancing Mamma Mia 2 movie still in cinemas, sisters Rona and Heather Stevenson, co-founders of clothing supplier One Hundred Stars, and owners of destination gift shop Within Reason in Sheffield, have been thinking about their own ‘mamma’.

One of the film’s lead characters, played by actress Anna Seyfried, wears One Hundred Stars’ mini kimono - Paris Valerie - named in honour of Rona and Heather’s mum. “As a young girl from Yorkshire, our mum Valerie went to work in Paris as an au pair, and when Heather and I launched our screen printed kimono and scarf company in 2014 - One Hundred Stars she gave us a crumpled map of Paris that she had kept for all those years,” explains Rona. “A couple of years later, we turned it into a kimono design and named it Paris Valerie in her honour.”

Above: The Paris Valerie mini kimono, worn by actress Anna Seyfried in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again 2. Modelling it is Analisa from One Hundred Stars.

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

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Industry News

Top Drawer Gets Ready To Inspire New Names, Leading Brands, Hot Trends For gift retailers looking for the hottest new trends and products across Gift, Home, Fashion, Craft, Greetings & Stationery, Play and Wellbeing, Top Drawer’s Autumn/Winter edition will be raising the bar when it opens its doors at London’s Olympia from September 9-11.

“Top Drawer refreshes its offering every season by incorporating new concepts and segments,” highlights Alejandra Campos, event director at Clarion Events. “It embraces trends including lifestyle, homewares, fashion and global market developments, presenting brands that inspire while offering commercial appeal.”

Continues Alejandra: “The launch of new initiatives across the show, together with our well-established new talent area, SPOTTED, is part of our commitment to promote and support start-ups and new designers - the young entrepreneurs of today are the elite of tomorrow.”

The show will present a stellar line-up of leading brands and new names, with buyers able to preview a unique selection of curated and commercially design-led new products from over 1000 brands.

The Food Emporium will be returning for a second year at Autumn’s Top Drawer, showcasing an exclusive edit of giftable food and drink from artisans.

Almost 40 young entrepreneurs will be exhibiting in SPOTTED, with the Spotted Awards returning. Judged by a panel of industry professionals, the awards are given to the three most original, best designed and most promising brands at the showcase. Prizes include a free stand at Top Drawer Spring for the winner.

Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk Above: Top Drawer’s show director Alejandra Campos.

Left: Kate Spade will be among the exhibitors at Top Drawer in September.

Time to PLAY At Top Drawer A brand new feature at Top Drawer this September is PLAY, a fresh new destination. The debut sector will feature leading brands and new designers from the children’s sector, while offering buyers a design-led edit spanning accessories, fashion, toys and home décor.

As a major new destination in the industry, PLAY has been created in response to changes in the retail landscape, reflecting the dynamism, growth and diversity of the children’s sector. Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk Right: Mini Wallers are among the companies exhibiting in Top Drawer’s PLAY area.

Key Trends At Top Drawer With trends very much to the fore at Top Drawer Autumn, six ‘looks’ have been highlighted for visitors heading to the show: Playful (vibrant colours); Cultural Exchange (style stories from around the globe); Going Green (calming, elegant); Check Mate (classic); Terazzo (a contemporary twist on the ancient art) and Boundary Breakers (angular, geometric and eclectic).

Left: Happy Socks, exhibiting in Top Drawer’s Fashion sector, reflect the trend for Playful.

Below: Notonthehighstreet’s founder Holly Tucker will be among the keynote speakers at Top Drawer.

Taking A Walk On The ‘Wild’ Side An 11 strong ‘Walton Wild Things’ team from Ashleigh & Burwood recently took part in the 11km Guys & St Thomas’ Cancer Survivors Walk, raising funds for MPN Voice, a charity close to the heart of the company’s head of customer operations, Carolanne Glaister, herself a survivor.

In 2012, Carolanne was diagnosed with polycythaemia vera, a rare form of blood cancer. “Most of my emotional support comes from the team at Ashleigh & Burwood, therefore it was important for us to do the walk together as a team,” explained Carolanne. “On the morning of the race, I hadn’t been out of hospital for more than 36 hours when I found myself on the start line.

It was a sunny day and the walk was very hard work, but with the England football team playing later in the day, it inspired us all to get round a bit quicker so we could celebrate both wins in the pub!”

To date, the team has raised £1,370, with Carolanne adding: “Our target was £1,000, so I’m thrilled with the money that’s come in. MPN Voice is a really small charity and every penny is vital to the research needed to make inroads to the disease.”

Below: The Ashleigh & Burwood team recently walked the walk for charity.

Hale Events Branches Out Into Consumer Shows Hale Events, owners of Giving & Living in Exeter, as well as four other business-to-business shows, has gone down a new - and festive avenue with the acquisition of the Christmas Shopping Fayre, one of the UK’s leading Christmas consumer shows. “The show complements the range of business to business shows that we currently organise, and will provide a great direct sales opportunity for our clients, at a fantastic time of year,” says Hale Events managing director Mike Anderson.

This year’s show takes place from November 23-25 at Westpoint, Exeter.

It’s Good To Talk An impressive line-up of inspiring speakers, industry experts and influencers - Holly Tucker, founder of Notonthehighstreet, Pip McCormack, content director at Elle Decoration UK, Kris Manolo, senior buyer at Heal’s and designer Sophie Conran - will be headlining to Top Drawer’s RetailFest from September 9-11. Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk

Above: Hale Events’ Mike Anderson (second from right) is shown with Grahame Davidson, the Christmas Fayre’s previous owner. On the right is Hale Event’s director Mike Sartain.

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

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Industry News

Thinking Of Gift Indies All You Need To Know About Thinking Of You Week

Below: The Thinking Of You banner was fanfared in the buyer’s lounge at Home & Gift, Harrogate.

As the recent Progressive Gifts & Home Retail Barometer 2018 confirmed, greeting cards are one of the fastest growing sectors for independent gift retailers, with over two thirds of respondents confirming that sales of cards had increased in the previous year.

With the countdown to the fifth Thinking Of You Week well underway (TOYW takes place from September 24-30), gift shops are being encouraged to download the branded Thinking of You Week PoS material, posters and fliers from the Greeting Card Association’s (GCA) website thinkingofyouweek.cards to enable them to display them in their windows and in store. The website’s free toolkit includes a banner, consumer handouts, an event poster, an email sign off and social media banner headers.

Last year, Calliope Gifts, which has stores in Dorking, Haywards Heath and Alton, was among the gift shops that got behind the event. “We were delighted with the results,” confirmed director Andy Adamson. “It was our best week for sales since Mother’s Day.” The idea behind Thinking of You Week is to create a wave of happiness and caring through sending greeting cards. “Feedback from retailers is that, as a result of this great campaign, they have seen Thinking of You growing as a year-round caption,” comments Sharon Little, ceo of the GCA. “It’s a brilliant way for retailers to engage with customers new and old, and also provides a great opportunity to get involved in the community, perhaps by running a school competition, or working with a local charity or a hospital. There’s lots of scope here to raise the profile of sending cards.”

PG Live’s Record Breaking 10th Anniversary Show The busiest PG Live show ever - which took place from at the beginning of June - was also the most successful event in the exhibition's 10 year history, confirm organisers Max Exhibitions, with an impressive visitor list featuring high profile buyers, independents and overseas distributors.

“All the hard work certainly paid off with this year's visitor numbers the highest in PG Live's 10 year history by some considerable margin,” enthused joint show director Warren Lomax.

The high energy show was opened by the sound of former Curiosity Killed The Cat saxophonist Graeme Airth welcoming in the early birds.

Next year’s show takes place on June 4-5, 2019. Visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com Below: PG Live was opened by saxophonist Graeme Airth from the former Curiosity Killed The Cat.

John Lewis & Partners’ Debuts In September Forming part of what is being hailed as the ‘biggest revamp in John Lewis’ history’, the department store is getting ready to launch a cross category product collection this September, under a new John Lewis & Partners label.

Sara Allbright, buyer of gifts and candleshop for John Lewis, who has been heavily involved in the creation of the new collection, told PG&H that the launch is “all part of our drive for product differentiation.” Products will be specially developed for John Lewis and be exclusive to the department store group, or ‘sheltered’, as in not widely available elsewhere.

Individual buying offices have been working closely together to create the collection, which spans candles to confectionery and includes greeting cards. John Lewis has also recently unveiled its biggest investment in fashion.

As the store battles falling profits - in June, JLP warned that half year profits before exceptional items were expected to be ‘close to zero’ - 17 stores are said to have been selected as pilots, offering customers ‘experience’ desks to access services such as beauty and styling. Plans for the department store’s Oxford Street branch include a pop-up cinema and a rooftop bar.

Above right: John Lewis buyer for gifts and candles Sara Allbright (right) with John Lewis colleague Kate Mayers and Canova’s Paul Weedon at The Greats awards event in May.

Hot 100 Businesses Chart As The Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent continue to enjoy a renaissance, ceramics manufacturers Portmeirion Group, Churchill China, Nemesis Now, Emma Bridgewater and Wade Ceramics were among those recently featured in the Hot 100 Businesses chart compiled by the Stoke Sentinel, highlighting their expansion, investment and job creation plans.

Left: Portmeirion Group was among the Stoke ceramic companies featured in the Stoke Sentinel’s Hot 100 Business chart.

Asian Sourcing Bonanza October will see four concurrent shows, presented and managed by Comasia, return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. They include the Asian Gifts & Premiums Show and the Asian Festive and Christmas & Seasonal Show.

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

Last year, the shows featured over 1,700 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, notably from Asia, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, India, the Philippines and Vietnam. Over 37,000 international import and export houses, wholesalers, distributors, agents, mail order companies and retailers from some 130 countries and regions attended the show.

The shows take place from October 20-23.

Below: Global buyers at 2017’s Asian Gifts & Premium show.

A Jewel Of A Show International Jewellery London (IJL) will be returning to London’s Olympia from September 2-4, with an expanded events programme that will showcase the latest ranges from over 550 high end, finished jewellery manufacturers and designers, along with loose gemstones and retail services suppliers. Visit www.jewellerylondon.com

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

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Industry News

2018 Licensing Awards Product Finalists Announced

Below: The judges are shown at the recent Licensing Awards 2018 product judging.

It’s not long to go now for the nominees in the Licensing Awards 2018 product categories! In the Best Licensed Giftware Range, the six companies to reach the final are: Disney Enchanting Bamboo Range from Enesco; Harry Potter Gift Range from Half Moon Bay; Peter Rabbit Classic Gift Range from Paperchase; Peter Rabbit Classic Jewellery Collection from Rhona Sutton; Winnie the Pooh Collection from Rainbow Designs and Wizarding World Gift Collection from WOW! Stuff.

Additionally, the Roald Dahl Tableware Collection from Creative Tops has been shortlisted in the Best Licensed Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range category.

The winners - to include the winners of the Retail and Marketing Communications categories - will be announced at The Licensing Awards 2018, taking place at London’s Grosvenor House on September 11.

Almost 5,000 licensed products were submitted for the 11 product categories this year, which were judged by over 100 retail buyers. The judging took place at London’s Business Design Centre in July.

Gift of The Year 2019 Launches Gift suppliers are being invited to enter the 2019 Gift of the Year competition, organised by The Giftware Association, with companies able to enter as many products as they choose.

This year, there will be 20 categories ranging from a wide spectrum of gift sectors and branded product, to Kitchen & Dining, Food & Drink, Garden & Outdoors and Festive & Occasions.

The competition closes on November 30, 2018, with an online preliminary judging taking place in December, followed by a ‘live’ judging in January. Returning as a judge will be PG&H’s editor Sue Marks.

All winners and finalists will be featured in a Gift of the Year brochure which will be distributed at major trade shows in 2019. In addition, the winner of the Judges’ Choice Award will receive a free stand at Autumn Fair 2019.

Visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk or phone 0121 237 1142. l The GA has confirmed that The Benevolent Society, the charitable organisation of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), has been selected as its connected charity.

Jewellery Shop Honoured At Retail Awards The owners of independent retailer Adorn Jewellers, Laura Jo and Adam Owen, specialists in silver jewellery, were ecstatic to scoop three awards at the recent 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards: Independent Retailer of the Year, Jewellery and Accessories Business of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the awards recognise the best shops, stores and market stalls in and around Chesterfield. Retailers are nominated by shoppers with the winners chosen by an independent panel of judges.

The husband-and-wife team have also recently opened a second store in Bakewell in the Peak District.

PEOPLE p Libra has welcomed three new territory managers to its team as part of the ongoing growth and development of the business.

Marina Crisp, previously sales manager at Gisela Graham, will be handling London, the South East and the South West territories; Abigail Thomas has joined the team as the North West territory manager, bringing valuable insight from her experience in retail.

Caroline Thompson takes on the role of North East territory manager, having previously been North East account manager at Heaven Sends, p Widdop and Co has welcomed Dave Langdon (right) to its 17-strong sales team. He joins the company as the territory manager for East Anglia, Essex, Hertfordshire and East London. Over the past 12 years, David has worked in several sales and retail roles, most recently as territory development manager with Carte Blanche Greetings. p The Great British Exchange has expanded its producer management team with two new appointments.

Hannah Cross will work with UK designers and manufacturers and Tom Williams will be responsible for account support, compliance, logistics and fulfilment once new brands are on board. The company has also appointed John Hinde (above) to increase the volume of UK manufactured gifts and homewares in garden centres.

Above: A delighted Laura Jo and Adam Owen, owners of Adorn Jewellers, were winners of three trophies at the Chesterfield Retail Awards. On the right is Becky Hayes from Peak Radio’s Breakfast with Ricky and Becky.

p Apples to Pears has made two new additions to the sales team. Sarah Lane, who joins from Shruti, has been appointed as sales manager. Jamie Snell, who joined as a marketing apprentice, is the new sales & marketing executive.

Last Chance To Buy For Christmas Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn, which takes place from September 16-17 at the SECC, Glasgow, is one of the last show opportunities to order pre-Christmas, with over 130 exhibitors showcasing gifts, homewares, jewellery and accessories as well as food and drink gifts. A central feature of the show will once again be the Launch Gallery featuring young, original companies under two years old.

“It is encouraging to see such fresh, new talent coming through and we are always excited by companies who show that extra bit of innovation with new products that appeal to the ‘ever more difficult to please’ customer,” comments Mark Saunders, director of organisers Springboard events.

Above: Sarah Lane and Jamie Snell.

Above: Visitors at last year’s show.

p Rachel Hevicon, formerly the greeting card buyer at WHSmith Travel, has joined SUCK UK as head of UK sales, based in the trendy OXO Galleries on London’s Southbank.

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Industry News

Half Moon Bay Acquires Shruti It’s Business As Usual, Says Half Moon Bay

Below: Shruti has been purchased

by Half Moon Bay.

Licensed giftware company Half Moon Bay has purchased the main assets of Shruti Limited (formerly Junction 18, based in Warminster).

Shruti’s Michaela Davies, head of product development, who founded the company, along with some of Shruti’s existing staff, have now transferred to Half Moon Bay. Having worked for Junction 18 in the early ‘90s, the acquisition sees Peter Thompson, managing director of Half Moon Bay, come ‘full circle’. “Chris Voisey, founder of Junction 18, and I both live in Bath and have always kept in touch, so when Chris said he was looking to retire it made sense to have a close look at Shruti,” explains Peter.

Half Moon Bay will be moving its warehouse operation to Warminster and plans to make full use of the extensive showrooms there. The Shruti Open Weeks will continue and will now include an extended product range.

Chris Voisey, who is stepping away from the gift industry after 30 year told PG&H: “my journey in the gift industry has been exhilarating, fruitful and sometimes challenging, but also one which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I’m delighted that Peter will be taking the business forward. I know his licensing knowledge, combined with Michaela’s product flair, will be a winning combination.”

New Grimsey Review Published The future of retail on the high street over the next decade was laid out in the Grimsey Review 2 which was unveiled at the Local Government Association’s annual conference in Birmingham at the beginning of July.

According to the report, high streets of the future will need to shift the focus onto housing, leisure, education, the arts and commercial office space, with less reliance on retail. (A predicted 70,000 high street jobs are likely to disappear this year). “Town centres need to be repopulated as community hubs,” stated Bill Grimsey, previously chief executive of Wickes and Iceland.

The original influential Grimsey Review was published five years ago in 2013, and followed the controversial Mary Portas review two years earlier.

Left: High streets came under the spotlight following the publication of the Grimsey Review.

On Cloud Nine Transomnia has partnered with Redback Cards to create a range of licensed giftware based on Redback's award winning Cloud Nine range of words-only greeting cards.

"When we heard that Redback was looking for a partner to create a giftware range based on its Cloud Nine range of cards, we were quickly banging on the door, as we felt the bright zingy colours, combined with fun and often irreverent sentiments, was just right for Above: Bright, colourful Cloud Nine us,” explains Transomnia’s managing director Shane O’Mahony, giftware from Transomnia.

Using gold foil and vibrant colours, Transomnia has created a collection of products that include mugs, notebooks, keyrings, signs and washbags.

“We plan to add new products to the range on a regular basis,” confirms Shane.

NEWS IN BRIEF p Gift and home company HIT Products featured in a prime time ITV business series called Give It A Year, fronted by businesswoman Karren Brady. The episode was screened on August 13.

Right: The CouchCoaster was featured on Give It A Year.

p Tableware brand the DRH Collection has provided ceramics for Ethel, a short film featuring the real life experience of an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s. DRH director Mike Holmes said the company was delighted to support both the film and the cause. p Gift and card shop Bromley & Co in Ipswich, a finalist in The Greats 2018 Best Newcomer South & Wales category, won The Retas Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer Newcomer South category in July. The event was organised by PG&H’s sister magazine, Progressive Greetings. p Caroline Gardner, currently celebrating the company’s 25th anniversary, has launched a ‘design a birthday card’ competition for the under 16s, with the winning card printed and sold across the country. All profits will go to Meningitis Now, a charity close to the company’s heart.

Above: Caroline Gardner is celebrating 25 years.

p A collaboration between the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and British designer Sophie Allport has culminated in a new homewares collection - Animals of the Savannah - which is helping to raise funds to support ZSL’s conservation of animals.

Above: Part of the Animals of the Savannah collection designed by Sophie Allport for ZSL.

Brand Licensing Europe To Relocate

p Wrendale Designs’ founder and creative director Hannah Dale recently took time out of her busy schedule to speak to a group of 13-14 year olds at a school in Lincolnshire.

Hannah shared her wisdom regarding how to set up and run a successful business in the creative arts.

Trade show organisers UBM has confirmed that it will be relocating Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) to ExCeL London from 2019 as part of the organiser’s ambitious strategy to evolve the show, attract more European licensees, retailers and licensors, and improve the customer experience for both visitors and exhibitors. Behind the decision is the accessibility and flexibility of space at ExCeL, as well as the out-of-hours social scene following the 2012 Olympic regeneration programme.

p Walking stick specialist Classic Canes has launched a new trade catalogue which includes several designs that are exclusive to the company.

Above: Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) has huge plans for growth.

Above: Classic Cane’s new catalogue.

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Industry News

That’s The Spirit(o)

Below: Multi-award winning gift shop Spirito in Glasgow.

Glasgow Gift Retailer ‘Honoured’ In The House of Commons An Early Day Motion (EDM), supported by 17 signatories, was recently read out in the House of Commons, fanfaring a clutch of highly prized retail awards won by gift shop Spirito, based in Glasgow, much to the delight of owner Denise Laird.

So far this year, Spirito - a former Greats award winner in 2010 and 2011, and currently celebrating its 18th year in business - has been crowned the Best Gift Shop in Scotland’s Business Awards, also winning the Gift Shop category at the Glasgow Retail Business Awards. Additionally, the shop won Scotland’s Bespoke Business Of The Year at the Scottish Independent Retail Awards.

“We were so thrilled to have won these three very prestigious retail awards and were absolutely delighted to have our achievements formally recognised in the House of Commons,” Denise told PG&H. The primary sponsor of the EDM was Carol Monaghan, Scottish National Party (SNP) Glasgow North West, who highlighted two of the awards in her speech, telling MPs: “This House congratulates Spirito gift shop, Glasgow, on the receipt of two prestigious business awards - Bespoke Retailer of the Year 2018 at the Scottish Independent Retail Awards, and Best Gift Shop in Scotland 2018 at Scotland’s Business Awards.”

Carol went on to praise Spirito for the “high quality of goods and services provided, and the pleasant, helpful staff who make the business such a success. The motion recognises the work they do to promote award winning businesses in Glasgow.”

New York’s Trio Of Trade Shows The New York National Stationery Show (NSS) is to co-locate with gift show NY NOW at the Javits Centre from February 36, 2019. Art and design licensing show SURTEX, which runs alongside the NSS, will also be co-locating. All three shows are owned by Emerald Expositions.

Show director Kelly Bristol points out that the new time frame (the NSS was previously held in May) gives buyers earlier access to new designs and products, with one badge allowing Above: Visitors at NY NOW. attendees to access all three shows.

“Co-locating with an event like NY NOW offers even greater exposure for our exhibitors, and the opportunity for attending buyers to also shop stationery products, greeting cards and other related items,” she comments.

Giftware Licencing Opportunity A Gift From The Gods, among the exhibitors at Top Drawer in September, is hoping to discuss licensing opportunities with interested companies at the show. Having spent the past year expanding both its product line and wholesale offering, the company is actively looking to find licensing partners looking to build on the foundation of the brand with untapped product extensions.

“We’ve been approached for licensing before, but we feel that now is the right time to work with specialist partners in complementary product categories to those we currently offer,” explains founder and director Jane Reucroft. The brand is looking to begin the development of licensed ranges of gifts, accessories, and homewares. l A Gift From The Gods will be introducing a special offer for customers at Top Drawer, giving them 20% off the company’s new range packs.

Above: A Gift From The Gods Calligraphy collection.

Creating A Window Of Success Showing a keen eye for spotting upcoming fashion talent, Caroline Gardner recently showcased two graduates’ collections in the window of her eponymous Marylebone Street store in London. (Both designers had previously shown their collections at Graduate Fashion Week in June).

Collections from Lucie Sperry (University of East London) and Penny Gibbs (Northumbria University) went on display in the shop window, styled with Caroline Gardner bags and accessories. The initiative was supported by a blog post and social media coverage.

Left: Fashion graduate Lucy Perry is shown outside Caroline Gardner’s Marylebone Street store.

Right: British company Beach Art Glass recently exhibited at the Sydney International Jewellery Fair.

British Jewellery Designers Fly To Oz Sisters and business partners Julie Fountain and Becky Bristow, co-owners of Beach Art Glass, a beach-themed jewellery company - had the distinction of being the only British business exhibiting at the Sydney International Jewellery Fair in August. “We travelled over 10,000 miles to share our innovative glass bead jewellery with buyers in Australia,” said Julie.

Personalising An Iconic Brand Personalised gifting company Signature PG is among the licensees for The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s 50th anniversary in 2019, commemorating its first appearance in print. The company will be developing a special range of personalised The Very Hungry Caterpillar products spanning homewares, gift sets and apparel. Products will be launching across key online accounts later this year.

Also on board are greeting cards, children’s educational toys, butterfly kits and confectionery.

Above: Signature PG is among the licensees that will be developing product to celebrate The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s 50th anniversary in 2019. Shown is a Playnest from Galt.

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Left: Nic Stone.

Below: The newly refurbished café at The Bottle Kiln.

GIFT OF THE

GAB

Reasons To Be Cheerful About Retail When Nic Stone, owner of The Bottle Kiln in West Hallam, recently took over the café side of the business, little did he realise how much easier the retail side would seem by comparison.

“As I may have mentioned previously, the business I work in is a family business.

It’s been going for over 30 years and has both retail and café elements to it, each occupying roughly equal space on the site, and generating about the same amount of money. For a long time, I’ve worked on the retail side but always cooperated closely with my sister who ran the café. At the beginning of this year, after three decades in the same job, she decided to step back from the business. We came to an agreement whereby I would also now run the café - something I have never done before!

We have appointed a very capable café manager, and the staff are extremely experienced, but there were a number of changes which I was keen to make straight away. They included a full refit, changes to the menu, uniforms, kitchen layout and the way we served - all to make the offer slightly more contemporary and upmarket.

It has been a huge project, and an equally big learning curve for me, and while I’m pleased to have put my stamp on it, with far better alignment of the businesses, it has reminded me of the ‘good’ things about retailing that I have been taking for granted. Let me share them with you: Feedback/opinions: Far and away the aspect in which retailing is better than catering is the fact that we have very little of this to deal with. Broadly speaking, our customers come in, buy nice things, have a pleasant chat and go away satisfied

thinking about the next thing they have to do. Not always, but almost always. Food is far more emotional. It involves hunger, limited time slots, dietary requirements and now, the cultural expectation of giving your opinion on everything you experience. And people don’t hold back. Don’t get me wrong, most of our feedback is great and can be extremely encouraging, but you can’t please everyone, and when people

are rude, unfair or personal it can really ruin your day and, at worst, make you want to pack the whole thing in. One man complained on Facebook how he was ‘bitterly disappointed’ not to get a sandwich. We have never sold sandwiches or said that we did, nor do we look like somewhere that would. Talk about first world problems!

Staff: I love my staff dearly, and they are great individuals, but, as a general point, the more staff you have the more potential problems. Previously my staff level was around about 10, now it is in the mid30s! Most are part time, including a

number of students at weekends, but it is a lot of people to keep happy, productive and remunerated, with far more potential absences and holidays to manage.

Regulation/compliance: Quite rightly, the powers that be try hard to make sure that people are not poisoned when they go out to eat and I share the general concern, as a member of the public, that standards of hygiene are being adhered to behind the scenes. As a business, however, this translates into an increasingly long list of checks and processes to manage each day to make sure that all food served is safe. Add to this all of the various regulations on air conditioning, electrical certification, refuse collection, appropriate dress, first aid and so on and it can really make your head spin!

Dietary requirements: Everyone has stuff they do or don’t eat, or can’t eat, and yet everyone wants a broad selection of choices within their dietary parameters. And yet, if you make your dishes freshly each day this can mean chucking away unsold food, which pushes up the prices. And higher prices make them moan like drains on BloodyTripAdvisor as we call that website.

(Angry face). Given the current trend on allergies and preferences, it is increasingly hard to see how, in 10 years time, we will be able to sit down in groups and share similar meals in the same restaurant!

All of which though, is entirely manageable, and I am lucky as I say to have inherited an experienced team.

However, it has served to remind me that retail is, in so many ways, pretty straightforward. Damned hard to do well, but relatively speaking uncomplicated.”

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Feedback

Retailer Round Table

Talking Heads

Which ’b’s drive independent gift retailers crazy? Which product sectors are on the up? What made GDPR a storm in teacup?

How has the weather affected sales, and how are gift shops approaching Christmas?

These were among the myriad of questions put to a cross-section of independent gift retailers at PG&H’s annual retailer round table held at Home & Gift in Harrogate last month, resulting in some ‘no holds barred’ answers.

But first, how has the year been so far?

In terms of footfall and sales, overall, 2018 seems to have typically been a mixed bag. While business has held steady for Soni Ahmed’s gift shop Maia Gifts in Glasgow, David Lorimer’s Brocante stores in Cornwall, and Sophie Edwards’ destination store Narborough Hall in Leicestershire, for Hilary Jones’ village gift shop Let’s Go Round Again in Wombourne, it’s been a challenging year so far.

Hilary Jones.

“We’re down one month and up the next,” she stated. At Alligator Pear in Tadworth, shop manager Sinead Merry concurred. “It’s been very up and down, but it was balanced out by a brilliant Mother’s Day and a fantastic June and July, with business consistently up.” At The Gift Gallery in The Shambles, York, Kate Everson highlighted an excellent July.

This year’s ‘round tablers’ were, in alphabetical order: l Soni Ahmed, co-owner of gift shop Maia Gifts in Glasgow l Sophie Edwards, co-owner of destination store

Narborough Hall, Narborough l Kate Everson, owner of The Gift Gallery gift shop in

The Shambles, York l Hilary Jones, owner, Let’s Go Round Again in Wombourne l David Lorimer, co-owner of three Brocante gift stores in

Fowey, Mevagissey and St Ives in Cornwall l Claire and Dee O’Donnell, co-owners of jewellery and fashion

accessories store The Herbary in Troon l Maggie Thornton, owner of destination store Alligator Pear in

Tadworth; shop manager Sinead Merry and assistant shop manager Angie Pipe (Chairing the round table was Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home and GiftsandHome.net).

Above: Left to right, (left hand side): Sue Marks (front), Maggie Thornton, David Lorimer and Sinead Merry. Left to right (right hand side) back row: Angie Pipe, Kate Everson and Soni Ahmed. Middle from left to right: Dee and Claire O’Connell and Sophie Edwards. Front: Hilary Jones.

“Having had a quiet first few months of the year, everything changed in June, with people suddenly wanting to shop again.”

For jewellery and fashion accessories shop owner Claire O’Donnell in Troon, while March (especially Mother’s Day) and April were great months, May was “a disaster”, leaving Claire wondering what happened compared to the previous May. “However, June was a fantastic month, so what we lost in May we managed to get back, helped by the fantastic weather.” And on the subject of the weather, the Beast from The East definitely took its toll.

“It was just a dusting of snow,” quipped David Lorimer, co-owner of Brocante. “But joking aside, we were badly affected in Cornwall. It PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Feedback Sophie Edwards. caused widespread panic.

Everything closed. Although we stayed open, we were lucky to sell a £2.50 greeting card!” In Scotland too, the snow did its worst, with people heeding the advice of the weathermen to stay indoors. In Glasgow, everything closed. In York, the town battled solid snow for a fortnight.

But snow aside, business rates too, cast a shadow. “A couple of years ago, York became a BID, so in addition to the burden of business rates, the BID now costs me an additional £350 a year, although I get nothing in return and have no idea where the money goes and what it’s spent on,” Kate commented. “We have to pay to have our rubbish taken away, and when the local streets get jet washed, we miss out. Plus, last Christmas, having had a Christmas tree above my shop since we opened, I didn’t get one without a fight in 2017, although all the other shops in The Kate Everson.

Shambles did. It seems very wrong that that I’m paying out more and getting less for it.”

The demise of local bank branches has also been a cause for concern. “We’ve gone from four banks on our street to one in a very short period of time,” confirmed Claire.

“Without local branches to encourage people to go to the high street, there‘s even less footfall around.”

While on the subject of banks, it seems that the way in which customers are paying is changing. “With ATMs issuing

David Lorimer.

Retailer Round Table

The Brexit Effect Unsurprisingly, the media come in for some knuckle wrapping in relation to creating negativity and uncertainty around Brexit.

“The press have made us feel that when Brexit happens, we’re all going to fall down an abyss!” joked Sophie. “In fact, in real terms, it’s not really affecting people at all yet,” a view shared by David.

“Brexit doesn’t mean anything to anyone,” he pointed out.

“Everyone’s got an opinion but no-one’s got answers, and worst of all, as retailers, we look at every excuse to justify why sales aren’t higher. Yet no-one has ever come into the shop and said they aren’t going to buy something because of Brexit.” cash in £50 denominations, it’s making giving change difficult when people come in to make a small purchase,” highlighted David. Sophie added that although she’s seeing more contactless payments, she agreed with Soni and Claire that cash payments had increased this year, particularly this summer.

Kate highlighted that people seem to be thinking harder than ever about how they spend their money, but also seemed more inclined to support their local shops, while Claire observed customers coming in four or five times to look at the same handbag before making the purchase.”

Another major bugbear concerns brands with their own direct to customer websites, who undercut their retailers by offering mark downs. “We’ve had a couple of issues with suppliers,” underlined Claire. “We always price match and it makes me very angry that one of my suppliers in particular is constantly having online offers while I don’t hold '20% off' days.” What angers Hilary when brands sell directly is that products often have wording on the back of their products giving customers their website address should they wish to re-order. “I always ask the staff to remove stickers,” she confirmed. “Brands need to give retailers the opportunity for customers to come back and buy from them, not to buy directly.”

Sophie added that the problem with eBay and Amazon is that anyone can put products online. “Plus, Amazon controls the price, and the prices keep going down, leading to price wars,” she emphasised.

“However, there is legislation in place now to stop people selling brands as a third party re-seller.”

Continued on page 31

Good Vibrations Making the most of the opportunity afforded by the World Cup trumped the Royal Wedding in terms of customer in store promotions. “The World Cup created a very good vibe, and for a couple of weeks, we finally knocked Donald Trump and Brexit off the front pages,” said David.

Maggie Thornton admitted that she regretted not doing more to promote the Royal Wedding in store, highlighting that she did more to fanfare the World Cup. “Anything that gives you an excuse to write on social media has to be a good thing, and on reflection, we should have done more around the Royal Wedding because it’s all about interacting with customers rather than about selling.”

Dee O’Donnell.

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Feedback

Retailer Round Table

Staff Matter

Soni Ahmed.

A thorn in the flesh for Soni is that supermarkets are upping their game on the gift front. “They’re expanding their gift sectors, with people picking up design-led gifts while they’re doing the weekly shop, taking business away from us. Fashion stores too, are doing the same thing.”

As for GDPR, it seems to have been a bit of a storm in a teacup for most gift shops. “It only affected us in that we had to re-build our mailing list,” commented Maggie. “The real problem was that we didn’t know what to do, and, ironically, if we had been better informed, we didn’t need to do anything. Even lawyers didn’t know the answers right up until the very last minute.” Soni meanwhile, sent out an email to customers asking them if they wanted to opt out, rather than asking

Approach To Christmas With the run-up to Christmas kicking off in September, decorations were a popular topic. “We spend a week putting up our Christmas decorations in store at the end of October to be 'Christmas ready' in November, with customers literally pulling them off the displays and purchasing them,” explained Hilary.

Sophie dedicates a room at Narborough Hall to Christmas, holding a week of open evenings. “They’re very popular and always packed,” she confirmed.

Although Claire, Maggie and Soni confirmed that that they had already done a lot of their Christmas buying this year, to include decorations, there was a general feeling to hold back until the Autumn shows, to do some end-of-summer stock taking, as well as last minute trend spotting. “Christmas can sometimes be a lot like putting a finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing,” commented David. “But three years ago, we made a conscious decision to expand in winter - we stay open for 364 days a year, despite half the shops closing - and it has got bigger and bigger for us as we’ve got braver.”

Angie Pipe.

Sinead Merry.

With good staff the greatest asset for any business, the impact of the rising national living wage and automatic pension enrolment contributions is beginning to hit home. “The people who are being punished are the small independent businesses that make up 60% of employers in this country,” highlights Maggie. “Having to absorb the national living wage, national insurance and pension contributions has resulted in having to lose staff. I think the government has been very shortsighted and it is why multiples such as Sainsbury’s and M&S have had to make redundancies. It’s very much to do with how much it costs to employ just one person nowadays.”

At Brocante, the biggest investment this year has been in staffing.

“We now employ 16 people and it’s really paid off,” David confirmed.

“We can’t do everything ourselves, and we’ve given staff specific roles to include buying. It’s resulted in discovering that people are very good at doing more than one thing and has made a huge difference.”

Picking up on Maggie’s concerns about staffing, he adds: “we have a Small Business Minister, yet I don’t know anyone who owns a small business feeling that they are being supported by the government.” them if they wanted to opt in. “Everyone was panicking, but if you already had someone’s information you didn’t need to do anything.”

So given the challenges, is there optimism for the all-important last quarter of the year? While Soni said he was “sitting on the fence for now”, due to the pessimistic view emanating from the media regarding the current state of retail, the consensus was that it was important to stay optimistic. “Although we’re all having to work harder and harder, and deal with more and more challenges, somehow you have to stay optimistic don’t you!”, summed up Hilary.

Claire O’Donnell.

Maggie Thornton.

Clothing Ringing Up Sales While greeting cards have been the saviour of many a gift shop over the past few years, clothing is now stepping up to the mark. “We have gone from two rails this year to six rails,” confirmed Maggie, “but it’s in relation to jewellery sales going down a little bit. We’re also doing very well with sales of cushions and throws.”

Having opened a third shop this year, and with more retail space to play with, Brocante has also expanded on the clothing front, with bigger, more expensive gift pieces also making the cash tills ring. “Of course it’s a considered purchase, but it make such a difference to our day when we make a sale, especially when we put as much effort into selling something at £3.99 as we do to selling something at £800.”

For Claire, fashion socks have been the winner. “They don’t take away from anything else, and have been absolutely fantastic!”

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Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations

It’s Getting To Feel A Lot Like

Christmas

Over the past few years, Christmas decorations have become increasingly important for independent gift shops, giving them an advantage as people strive to find that something different.

Some of the leading names in the industry reveal their top trends for Christmas 2018.

An Enchanting Christmas “While we will always have our bread and butter themes, such as a winter/frosted setting and a traditional Christmas look, this season is very much about an enchanting, fairytale, dreamy look, with elements of romanticism and pastels the biggest trend,” says Stefan Koldeweji, sales UK and Ireland for Kaemingk.

He continues: “Colourwise, the combinations features winter white, pearl, brass gold, blush pink, cloudy lilac and petunia purple. Called Dream Away, it is very much about a fairytale-like setting with unicorns, white rabbits, fairies flying in the sky and clouds gliding past. We offer many highly decorative items for decorating the house and tree, with some quite luxurious finishes, such as beautiful ribbons and fluffy finishes.”

For retailers, Stefan says that it’s a theme that lends itself to going all out on displays whether it’s for a shop window or for the main entrance of a garden centre. “The items are available in both small and very detailed, while larger statement pieces make this look suitable for a variety of retailers.”

Stefan’s display tips: “I would suggest having movement in the display. This creates extra attention to the work the visual merchandising teams put into their display so it stands out even more. At our showroom, we have little mice climbing up a ladder, or clouds going up and down. It makes people stop and look.”

Below: Dream Away by Kaemingk.

Creatively Colourful “At Premier Decorations, we offer six to eight different themes each year with each one presenting fashion-led colour schemes and coordinating products to inspire imaginations, tempt customers and encourage sales,” states founder and managing director John Athwal OBE. John says that a best-seller for 2018 has been Champagne Rose, which includes a range of products, inspired by femininity and a touch of glamour, with rose gold and a hint of pale pink combined with white, clear gold and silver.

Another popular collection highlighted

by John is Enchanted Glade, which includes purple, burgundy and dark blue combined with a dark teal, dusky gold and just enough silver to highlight the shades and add a bit of mystery.

John’s retail tips: “The way that a retailer presents Christmas products is key to their success, particularly as many Christmas purchases are impulse buys. The consumer needs to be presented with the whole concept so that they can imagine how the products would work in their own homes.

It’s therefore important to make sure that everything on display coordinates effectively and is all in working order.”

Top: Messe Frankfurt’s Christmasworld, held earlier this year, revealed the key Christmas trends for 2018, with femininity a key look.

Above right: A themed Christmas tree from Premier Decorations.

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Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations Below: Gisela Graham puts a twist on traditional Christmas decorations.

Traditionally Trendy “What we all love about Christmas is that it’s traditional and we want it to be much the same as last year,” says Gisela Graham’s sales director Piers Croke. “Therefore, unsurprisingly, the popular colours and themes in Christmas decorations for 2018 are much the same as last year, with red and gold, as ever, the top colours.”

Piers adds that the Scandinavian theme is strong, as is the white frosty look, with the company looking to give a new twist to traditional themes.

“For example, our classic red/gold/green design concept for 2018 is enlivened with white, with Seven Swans a-Swimming as its theme. We’re also offering Scandinavian with a new charm. In total, we have 14 different looks that cover a very broad spectrum of tastes. Even in such a trad festival there is always a fashion-forward cohort which we look to include, with purple definitely here to stay.”

Piers’ retail tips: “Independent retailers need to make the most of their shop window as it’s the great advantage they have over the multiples.

Christmas decorations give independents the means to create a ‘wow’ window display to bring customers in to buy Christmas gifts, and, of course, Christmas decorations too. As independents, they are also able to update the display nearer the big day. Garden centres meanwhile, need to create a stunning preview of Christmas decorations at the store’s entrance, enticing customers inside.”

Setting The Scene For Christmas 2018, Parlane has launched two new festive styles: Russet Gold and Woodland Christmas.

“Russet Gold is a rich, luxurious look and works really well for Christmas table settings,” comments Parlane’s managing director Mike Burgess.

“Mixing these two colours with russet wine glasses, plus adding beautiful russet and wine coloured faux flowers, really sets the scene”. Adds Mike: For the gold accent, use candlesticks, bowls and heavy glass hanging decorations and accessories to complete the mood.”

Describing Woodland Christmas, Mike says that the Above: A themed Christmas 2018 style celebrates nature at its finest. “It features natural dining room display from Parlane. fir trees dressed purely with ivy and white berries with star motif decorations, baskets, wreaths and textures of silver birch, wicker, brown paper and cork adding pure simplicity. We’ve added humour too, with our woodland animals, and taken our best-selling pot hangers and painted them in gold and silver metallic colours. The result is stunning and amusing. They also make great tree presents for all members of the family.”

Mike’s display tips: “For both Christmas looks, I would suggest a backdrop painted in Farrow and Ball Green Smoke, and, for the Woodland Christmas theme, applying a light white wash over the Green Smoke base colour. Grey or natural furniture really help to set the scene.”

Frosty Forest “The Frosty/Scandi theme, made up of cool tones of icy blue and sage green, combined with clean, crisp white, is trending heavily for Christmas 2018,” states Joe Davies’ buyer Mary Richards.

“Our Frosty Forest collection has a true Scandi look, featuring natural wooden decorations and table decorations, some with LEDs, which is another key trend for the festive period, showing off the colour palette,” says Mary. “The desire to extend the Christmas selling period is also key, especially in these difficult times, and the popularity of Christmas wish boxes for Santa has increased significantly for 2018.”

Mary’s display tips: “My top tips for Christmas displays are the theming of trends, along with ensuring of a good entry price, with key price points included and the inclusion of newness. Pulled together this will help to ensure a successful Christmas selling period.”

Below: Joe Davies’ Frosty Forest collection.

Continued on page 37 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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THE JEWELLERY COLLECTION

THE CANDLE COLLECTION

THE TABLEWARE COLLECTION

THE COMPLETE GIFT SOLUTION HAS ARRIVED

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

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THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

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Spotlight On... Christmas Decorations

Seasonal Updates “Although traditional Christmas colour themes, such as red and green and gold and silver are perennial favourites, with little change from year to year, every trend needs a seasonal update,” says Widdop and Co’s marketing manager Sue Grant.

“Light up, musical and moving decorative lines give traditional products a new lease of life.”

Sue says that natural wooden lines incorporating bark, fur and feathers, add a Nordic touch to Christmas decorations, while the new combination of navy, with silver and white accents, bring a smart, contemporary look. “Practical Christmas items such as tableware for use on Christmas Day, novelty cruet sets and novelty soaps are great

Keeping It Traditional “Trends in Christmas decorations and accessories come and go - remember the year of the black Christmas trees? - but it's hard to get away from the traditional gold, silver and red colour themes,” says Transomnia’s director Rod O’Mahony. “These core colours are the ‘must haves’ in any retailers’ ranges, and this year, we’re also seeing a lot of natural wood finishes with gold or silver accents.”

Explains Rod: “At Transomnia, we’ve always tried to make our Christmas offering stand out from the crowd with a bit of quirkiness and humour, and 2018 - which sees our largest ever range of Christmas-related products - is no exception. We think Christmas should be fun, and that products and decorations that make people smile will always sell better than those that take themselves too seriously. Our pine cone and felt Christmas Characters are a prime example, as are the ‘elf surveillance’ and ‘elf report’ signs inspired by the ‘elf on a shelf’ craze.”

As Rod points out, LED lighting, which has, in the past couple of years, become a staple of the giftware trade, really comes into its own at Christmas. “Not just for traditional tree lights though,” says Rod. “This year, we have our biggest ever collection of string lights, free standing light-up signs, bottle lights and kits, all helping to bring that warm Christmas glow to any room.”

Rod’s display tip: “Retailers should try displaying their Christmas ranges on a dark background, such as a charcoal or navy colour. It will really make the colours pop and the products jump out at the customer.”

Above: Natural wood finishes from Transomnia.

Festival Sage Above: Midnight Magic in navy, with white and silver, from Widdop and Co.

additions to any store as they have ‘musthave’ written all over them. In addition, candles and candle holders of all shapes and sizes, including lanterns, tea lightholders and novelty ceramic figurine shaped holders, all come into their own in the run up to Christmas.”

She says that Christmas decorations and home accessories are a great way for a retailer to give a strong festive feel in store without going to the expense or trouble of buying additional decorations. “And once Christmas comes round, they will hopefully all be sold!” she adds.

Sue’s display tip: “Strong in-store merchandising by theme produces eyecatching displays. Re-merchandising, by moving product around and mixing and matching, are easy ways of up-dating a display with little effort.”

“SIL is ringing the changes this Christmas, producing a range in seasonal sage that’s a model of tradition but with a twist,” says SIL’s director Emma Meade.

“The range features wall plaques with traditional greetings in light wood to add a festive message of welcome, rustic wreaths straight out of a Dickens tale, and festive fragrances,” comments Emma.

In addition, the company’s wrapping paper and gift bags show a star motif in sage green, with a craft feel running through the collection, taking in a variety of natural materials and textures to include hessian ribbon and string, pine cones and manila brown tags.

Left: Sage green is a strong Christmas colours for SIL.

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Retailer Face To Face: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Animal Crackers ZSL Whipsnade Zoo not only holds the distinction of being the UK’s biggest Zoo, but also one of the largest in Europe, welcoming over half a million visitors a year.

Naturally, taking home a souvenir is a highlight for both adults and children, with the main gift shop located in the Visitor Centre, the first and last touch point for visitors.

As the winner of The Greats 2018 Best Visitor Attraction Gift Shop category in May, PG&H met up with ZSL’s commercial manager Simon Maples to discover what gives the gift shop the ‘wow’ factor, as well learning more about how the shop contributes towards the Zoo’s ethos of raising consumer awareness about its scientific and conservation work with endangered species worldwide.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s commercial manager Simon Maples has the enviable job of making sure that visitors have a great day out at the Zoo and is also responsible for generating revenue to support ZSL’s science, education and conversation work around the world.

Following a career in the theatre industry, he joined ZSL two years ago and his varied role sees him heading up Whipsnade’s commercial operations. As well as retail, his remit covers catering, admissions, animal experiences, overnight accommodation, concessions and play, with never a dull moment!

“ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, set on 600 acres, is an incredible place to work. It’s home to over 3,500 animals, and the views across the Downs are breathtaking,” he says.

“Nothing beats going for a lunchtime walk

Above: Anastasia, a female Amur tiger.

Left: We did it! Big smiles from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s commercial manager Simon Maples, and retail manager Nicky Mathers, who are shown with the coveted Greats 2018 Best Museum/Visitor Attraction Gift shop trophy.

Below left: Plush is the biggest seller.

Below right: A class of school children visit the gift shop.

that money will be directly reinvested in looking after animals who call ZSL home, and the wildlife we support across the world,” he points out. “We’re always on the look-out for ways to highlight our cause through our retail product whether in our stores, or by looking for wider opportunities in the market. For example, last year, we teamed up with high street fashion giant Oasis to produce an exclusive collection based on our animals at ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos. The collaboration was the first of its kind undertaken by ZSL, with the aim being that the clothing range - called The Wildest Dream - would raise consumers awareness of our work with endangered species worldwide.”

Simon adds that the team always trys to tie as much in-store as possible back to ZSL’s wider conservation work across the world.

“Another example is our recent Endangered Species range,” he continues, “which seeks to

and seeing the Brown Bears running around, or our four cute tiger cubs taking their early steps.”

Naturally, the Zoo’s gift shop is hugely important to visitors. “Most people are looking for a souvenir of their day out with us, and see our shop as a great way to purchase a wide range of products, knowing Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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AVAILABLE AT AUTUMN FAIR

EMAIL to sales@thelagoongroup.com or CALL on FREEPHONE 0800 252723 www.thelagoongroup.com

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Retailer Face To Face: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

ZSL: The Lowdown

highlight some of the animals most at risk in the wild, many of which are classed as EDGE Species (evolutionarily-distinct and globallyendangered). The range was hugely popular, with everything from plush pangolins - the world’s most-trafficked mammal - through to EDGE Top Trumps. Getting children to be aware of these animals, and changing behaviours to protect them, is key to their future survival.”

With over 200 sq metres of retail space, and 2,000 products that are divided into 16 categories, the main gift shop has clear, segregated areas for each of its key shopper demographics. Gifts for adults feature a range of clothing and accessories along with tabletop, homewares, jewellery and home fragrancing. The shop also features fun children’s areas showcasing product such as Playmobil, plush toys, games, puzzles and stationery, as well as clothing for both children and babies. And, of course, there are a wide range of pocket-money items too.

The front of the store, which is visible as people enter from the admissions area – acts as the shop window, highlighting key ranges. Currently, this features a new

Above: ZSL Whipsnade’s Visitor Centre.

Below right: Rockhopper penguins.

collection from the Zoo’s partnership with designer Sophie Allport, along with a collection that celebrates the birth of the tiger cubs. It’s been specially designed to spark interest when visitors leave the Zoo.” Continues Simon: “With our Visitor Centre, which opened in 2015, we wanted to create an attractive space that was easy to shop and achieved it using a range of sustainable materials in line with ZSL’s ethos. Our style of merchandising is clean and ambient, which is

Shopping Online The ZSL online gift shop was launched two years ago by ZSL’s e-Commerce manager Rachel Smallwood, with the aim of taking the ZSL retail offer into global markets to reach a new audience of animal and wildlife lovers. “In this way, the online shop is not just an extension of the gift shops on-site at our Zoos but a platform to further promote ZSL as a global wildlife conservation charity through the online gifting market,” comments Simon. “The brand mission and values have been built into everything that browsers’ experience and interact with on their journey - from the products, marketing and content, right through to customer service.”

Encouraging Children To Become Superheroes The current theme running across both ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and ZSL London Zoo is Superheroes, giving children the chance to join forces with ZSL superheroes to fight against some of the biggest threats facing wildlife. “Visitors can test their own superhero skills in our superhero school before teaming up with ZSL’s heroes to help protect our planet,” says Simon, “and this is being reflected in our retail product. We’re highlighting these elements in our stores and having lots of fun with it!”

Top left: Colourful pink flamingos.

Left: Elizabeth, a baby Asian elephant calf, shown with two adult female elephants.

l Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity whose mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. l The mission is realised through groundbreaking science and active conservation projects in over 50 countries and two Zoos: ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. l ZSL works on projects across the world such as the #OneLess campaign, an initiative to explore how human values, and the value of the ocean, are reflected in individual and collective decision making and can be utilised to increase ocean protection.

important to the customer experience, especially as the store can get hugely busy during peak periods.”

Unsurprisingly, the top seller by far at the Zoo is plush, which reflects the animals that visitors find as they wander round. It accounts for some 30% of ZSL Whipsnade’s product offering, with the current favourites tigers, sloths, giraffes, penguins and lions.

“Across a year, we sell hundreds of thousands of units of soft toys,” confirms Simon. “There are currently 51 species on our shelves, highlighting the wide-ranging collection of animals in our Zoos.

Looking to the next six to 12 months, Simon says that the biggest challenge will be keeping product fresh, especially with such a high number of ZSL members visiting the Zoo week-on-week. “We are looking to find ways to drive school spending, making the visitor journey easier for teachers. We are also going to be focusing on adult and baby gifting, as these are areas our visitors are excited to see more of. Plus, we will be growing our home fragrancing offer, as well as soft furnishings, in collaboration with Sophie Allport.”

As Simon re-iterates: “Every product that our visitors purchase supports ZSL, so when they shop with us, they are also working for wildlife. It’s a key message that we will continue to pass on to our customers.”

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HARROGATE Christmas & Gift

13th to 16th January 2019

The UK’s favourite trade show!

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Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts

All I Want For

Christmas The Autumn trade shows - to include Autumn Fair, Top Drawer and Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn - are the last exhibition opportunities for gift retailers to top up their buying for Christmas 2018, with PG&H highlighting some of the trendiest products around in the £5 and under, £10 and under and £20 and under sweet spots.

With the major multiples such as Harrods and Selfridges well and truly in the Christmas spirit, it will soon be the turn of the independents to unpack their Christmas orders and start to put out products and decorations to catch those earlybird Christmas shoppers.

£5 and under Fragranced sachets make a lovely gift to pop into a Christmas stocking, with Ben Stubbs, managing director of Heart of the Country, pointing out: “It’s a gift, it’s functional and it’s consumable. At just £3.50, people keep coming back for more. For maximum fragrance effect, gift retailers should open a couple of sachets in the shop.”

Mugs too, fit nicely into this price category. “With positive messages and uplifting statements on trend for decorative accessories, a message mug provides the perfect medium to make a statement or to

Above: Santa may not be on his way just yet, but Christmas stockings and Santa sacks will soon need to be filled.

Left: Greenleaf’s Sweet Grace fragrance sachet, distributed by Heart of the Country.

Below left: Among the new feelgood mugs from Pimpernel.

deliver a message to someone,” says Portmeirion Group’s sales and marketing director Phil Atherton. “Our tabletop accessories brand Pimpernel has recently launched a new range of mugs featuring feelgood slogans - a first for Pimpernel - making a great gift at £5.”

“Men invariably get socks in their Christmas stockings, with a huge demand in the run up to the holidays,” points out Steve Davies, managing director of Joe Davies.

“The socks in our Sock Society collection feature bright, eye-catching designs, with top notch quality and a RRP of just £4.99. To maximise sales for retailers, a custom built spinner comes free with the first purchase.”

Also retailing at £4.99 are eight quirky laser engraved hevea wood coasters from T&G, which complement the company’s Bar boards collection. “Sold individually,

Above: Christmas Sock Society from Joe Davies.

Below: T&G’s Bar coasters.

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Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts they give the retailer and customer the opportunity to personalise their choice,” says T&G’s graphic design and marketing co-ordinator, Gillian Endean.

Meanwhile, for those looking for a bit of a giggle, Puckator’s exclusive, hilarious, presidential solar dancing figure is sure Above: Puckator’s Donald to catch the eye of Trump solar dancing figure. potential customers. “With his comical orange appearance and grotesque facial expression we anticipate big laughs and big votes for this product,” says Puckator’s designer Lauren Billingham.

£10 and under With men traditionally difficult to buy for, an unusual gift with perceived value is the individual Cuban cologne collection from Sarome.

Explains co-owner Mike Davies: “Retailing at just under £10, these are individual male spray fragrances that come packaged in a Cuban cigar tube and look very stylish. They’re very original and great for men on the go, or for those that want to freshen up during the day, as they can be put inside a jacket pocket.” Assures Mike: “I can guarantee that they will have the ‘wow’ factor this Christmas!” He suggests that from a retailer’s perspective, they look their best displayed in a box of 20 on the counter or near the till to encourage impulse purchasing.

Of course, bath and body products are always a winner, with Bath House offering attractively packaged Christmas crackers and handbags containing a lip balm and bath salts, made and designed by the company in Cumbria. “They were among our best sellers last year, so we’ve launched some new designs for Christmas 2018 and hit the allAbove: Sarome’s Cuban cigar tube fragrances.

Below Celebrate with Bath House’s Christmas cracker.

Above: A Christmas pudding bauble from Baylis & Harding’s Fuzzy Duck Winter Wonderland collection, distributed by Xystos.

Above right: The Happy News from Widdop and Co. Below right: Lesser & Pavey’s new Winter Robin and Winter Stag collections.

important £10 price point,” highlights director Pauline Marshall. “They’re perfect as a secret Santa, teacher’s gift, or as a stocking filler.”

Xystos’ director Tom Sykes makes the point that with so much festive product fighting for the attention of shoppers, it’s important to have stand-out packaging to close a sale. “For example, the luxury bath baubles from Baylis & Harding’s Fuzzy Duck Winter Wonderland collection includes a £6 bauble that cleverly encapsulates Christmas with a single image that differentiates it from other pampering products,” says Tom. “As well as being a great in-store item it could also be used in a festive window display to maximise sales.”

At Heathcote & Ivory, the company has expanded its Vintage & Co ranges for Autumn/Winter, introducing a limited edition Baubles & Belles collection that’s been designed for festive gifting.

“Mostly comprising products under £10, the range has been inspired by the 1950s and offers a selection of fragranced gifts and stocking fillers sparkling with festive charm,” says Heathcote & Ivory’s marketing, PR and business development manager Amanda Pullen. “Individually, these products would be a great addition to a home made gift hamper.”

Widdop and Co’s marketing manager Sue Grant emphasises that £10 has been, and remains, a key price point in gifting. “Around Christmas, it becomes even more critical as it ticks all the boxes for stocking fillers, Secret Santas and a thank you gift for a neighbour or colleague. However, a £10 gift needs to look the business and represent value for money, so packaging is often critical. The

Happy News by Emily Coxhead is a collection of feelgood gifts all retailing for under £10, making it an ideal way of spreading a bit of happiness around the festive season.”

Lesser & Pavey’s Winter Robin and Winter Stag are very festive in a traditional way, say the company, featuring robins, snow and reindeers, with sets of two mugs retailing at under £10. “They’re a fantastic proven seller at Christmas and make an excellent festive display,” says managing director Julian Hunt.

For those looking to buy an unusual Christmas gift, the Suck It reusable straws from Really Good are topical and sell for £8. “An eye catching in store display stand together with a selection of designs will draw the consumers in,” says key account manager Fiona Burge.

“The range can be purchased by design or as a complete display unit that will sit on gifting tables, shelves and by the till.”

Above: Baubles & Belles from Heathcote & Ivory.

Below: Reusable Suck It straws from Really Good.

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L E T ’ S C E L E B R AT E

COLLECTION 2019

BY KAEMINGK

We look forward to welcoming you VISIT US AT AUT UM N FAI R

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Spotlight On... Christmas Gifts

£20 and under Jewellery always makes a lovely Christmas gift, with Joma Jewellery’s new Christmas bauble collection retailing at between £16.99-£18.50. It features earring sets and ring stacks set on Christmas baubles, with each bauble featuring a sentiment, from ‘Merry Christmas - have yourself a merry little Christmas’ to ‘Fabulous friend - sparkle and shine fabulous friend of mine’. “Retailers can make the most of these in store by hanging them from the tree in the run up to Christmas,” advises Joma’s marketing manager Sophie Stanton.

Suitable as a gift for both men and women, Wild & Wolf’s new magnetic flashlight keyring from Pretty Useful Tools makes a great Christmas stocking filler. “At just £12, it provides great value for money within the popular under £20 price bracket,” says Joelle Engolia, Wild & Wolf’s senior marketing executive. “It contains five of life’s most practical tools in one - a penknife, cross-head screwdriver, flat-head screwdriver, bottle opener and LED flashlight - conveniently packed in stylish gold casing.

To showcase this product in store, retailers could try merchandising it on a magnetic surface, opening out the tools to help communicate its multi-functionality. It should be positioned prominently

Above: Wild & Wolf’s magnetic flashlight keyring from Pretty Useful Tools.Below: Ashleigh & Burwood’s Artistry Collection home gift set.

Above left: Joma Jewellery’s Christmas bauble.

Above right: Pebble baubles from La De Da Living.

Below left: Stoneglow’s Christmas gift set.

Below right: Gibsons’ 12 Days of Christmas Calendar jigsaw.

as a stocking filler winner for the festive season.”

At Ashleigh & Burwood, two new fragrances – Christmas Time and Frosted Show have been introduced to the company’s Artistry collection home gift set. “With its house-shaped gift box, the product is immediately eyecatching to shoppers, and at £20, the home gift set offers great value for money, comprising three individual home fragrancing items - a metallic votive scented candle, a petite reed diffuser and a fabric scented heart,” explains PR manager Deborah Bettinson.

Stoneglow meanwhile, has launched a Christmas cracker gift set comprising two mini candles and a mini diffuser which is available in five festive fragrances. “It’s the perfect gift or table decoration thanks to its design,” says the company’s commercial manager Louise Dooley. “The cute cracker shape also allows for a very festive inspired display.”

For Christmas decorations with a twist, La De Da Living has launched personalised handmade Christmas pebble baubles retailing at £17.99. Explains director Dominique Fracasso-Stroud: The baubles feature lots of ‘firsts’, such as baby’s first Christmas. Others feature baubles for family members and family names. “They’re a work of art and we also offer a range of 3D artwork. It’s something different that’s made in the UK and is eye-catching in store.”

With families in mind, Gibsons has launched the first ever jigsaw puzzle countdown calendar for the Autumn/Winter

season: Christmas Street: 12 Days of Christmas Calendar. Hidden behind each door is a treat in the form of an 80 piece jigsaw. “This ‘one of a kind’ gift is perfect for independent retailers looking for that special something to take pride of place in their shop windows,” says Gibsons’ sales and marketing assistant Rebecca Hersee.

“The 12 puzzles eventually create a panoramic, Christmas scene which is sure to stop passers-by.”

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In Profile: Candlelight

Inset: Candlelight’s founder and major shareholder Mike Winch.

Below: Eyelashes, a new Autumn/Winter collection of ‘girlie’ products, are already flying off the shelves.

Bottom: Wax filled glass vessels are part of Candlelight’s new branded candle collection.

Rockin’ All Over The World Back in 1972, in the far off days of PM Ted Heath, the miners’ strike and power cuts, 23 year old Mike Winch and a friend started Candlelight Products from a barn in Rotherham with just a £20 investment which they used to create a candle making machine.

Forty six years later, the company - which has proudly remained in Rotherham, and now trades from 145,000 sq ft landmark premises - has a turnover of close to £30m, and is currently going back to its roots with a range of branded candles.

But that’s by no means all, as Mike tells PG&H. The growth plan is to double the company’s turnover to £60m over the next three years - which includes making some top level appointments this Autumn.

If it hadn’t have been for the miners’ strike, Mike Winch could well have been another Pete Townsend! “As a 15 year old schoolboy in the ‘60s, I was already playing five nights a week in a band called The Origators Creed. We were topping the bill by the time I was 16, with Joe Cocker second on the bill to us!” he smiles proudly, recalling those heady days of being a young Rotherham ‘rock star’. “It’s my claim to fame, along with the fact we played many gigs where we supported the Cream, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, Pink Floyd and Wilson Pickett. (Proving that he’s still a rock n’ roller, Mike recently took his teenage

granddaughters to a Rolling Stones concert in Manchester that saw them rockin’ in the aisles with the best of them!).

After five years, Mike (or maybe it was his parents (!), both academics), decided it

was time he got a ‘proper’ job, so he took the decision to go into sales (“I was effectively doing it already with the band”), starting out with Campbell Soups and subsequently joining Johnsons Wax which sold polishes. “It was during the miners’ strike and I kept getting asked if the company sold candles. It didn’t, but it gave me a good idea! I was young, entrepreneurial and willing to take a risk, so Candlelight was subsequently born in a barn, rented out to me and a friend Ray at £3 a week, by someone my mother knew!”

Four years later, Mike became an importer, moving on from candles into giftware, with Candlelight gradually evolving, decade by decade, to become what it is today - a major designer, importer and wholesale supplier of design-led giftware, home accessories and seasonal products, supplying retail outlets across the board - Blue Chips, multiples, independents, department stores, Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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In Profile: Candlelight garden centres, fashion outlets - on both a UK and global stage.

Today, the company’s UK HQ, employs over 100 people, to include seven designers, who are supported by Candlelight’s design director Sue Mayo, who Mike emphasises has got “an amazing commercial eye.” There is also a huge Candlelight operation in a prime location in Hong Kong that supplies every continent and most major retailers run for the past eight years by Tommy Bartles, supported by Mike’s son Ben, a former stockbroker - as well as a logistics business, representing some 20 clients, that utilise the company’s warehousing skills and facilities. Then there is exclusive, bespoke product for UK and international Blue Chip retailers which is a long established part of the Candlelight offer.

Most recently, Mike has taken the decision to go back to his roots with a collection of candles that he is determined is going to challenge the market leaders.

“Candlelight is a fantastic name, so last October, we decided that we had the people, the skills and the infrastructure to make own branded candles work for us,” he confirms.

The candles were first launched at Spring Fair in February, and the take-up was so phenomenal that the company will be doubling the range for 2019, with the current collection soon to take pride of place at Autumn Fair (Hall 2, stand L14).

“Candles give us a massive growth opportunity, especially with Blue Chip companies,” explains Mike. “It’s still very much a work in progress, but we’re out to become a very significant player and intend to grab a healthy slice of the market. We

have never really branded our products before, but from now on that’s what we will be doing. After all, own brand represents 85% of what we do.” (See Home Fragrancing on pages 57).

In addition to a return to candles, and following a four year period where the company went under the radar for a while, there has been a massive overhaul of the business. “Over almost five decades, we have survived the good, the bad and the ugly, and we’re ready to take on the candle market with a vengeance,” enthuses Mike. “Over the past 12 months, we have given the business plenty of love, care and attention, with everything now in place to move onwards and upwards. Launching the candle collection has really made us wake up to our potential.”

Part of the restructuring has involved taking on senior quality people, to include a new sales director. At the time of going to press (at the end of August), the company is looking to appoint a new managing director (“we had close to 330 applications”). So is Top, above left and right: New from the company’s Jungle and outdoor ranges.

Words Of Wisdom Mike recalls that the best piece of business advice he was given was when he was making candles in the early ‘70s. “Someone said to me, maybe you should start thinking about handkerchiefs - candles for the tourist season and handkerchiefs for the winter months.’

There was no connection between the two products, but the fundamental point was that in business, you need a lot of products that tick the right boxes for the time of year.”

What advice would Mike pass on to a young entrepreneur starting out today? “Work out what you want to do, believe in yourself, then give it your absolute best shot, and enjoy yourself while you’re doing it!”

Mike thinking of taking a step back? Not a bit of it. “I will continue in the role of driving the key people in the business,” he explains. “We are investing in quality people, we are investing in candles and we are investing in stock.” (The company is currently holding 1million candles in its warehouse so will always be able to deliver on time, says Mike).

Another part of the restructuring involves falling back in love with trade shows which are very much on the agenda for 2019. In addition to Harrogate Christmas and Gift, Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, Candlelight will also be a major presence at Exclusively Housewares and Home & Gift in Harrogate next year, with the company’s stands bigger than ever.

Does he think this Christmas will be a tough one for retailers? “I think it will be very challenging indeed, not helped by Amazon,” he concurs. “People will buy gifts of course, but it will be very much about quality, price and good design, with products needing to have perceived value.”

Seventy years young, and with a hugely successful global business, Mike remains true to his Rotherham roots, currently sponsoring Rotherham United (the Millers) who have just got into the Championship. As for any thoughts about retirement, Mike laughs. “I’ve got more energy now than I had 20 years ago! I love the business, I love the people and I love the industry. We’re fortunate in that, as a company, we’re able to duck, dive and weave, and to react quickly. It’s part of our culture. The business is the best it’s ever been. The structure’s the best it’s ever been, and all of that is engineering growth.

It’s been a really fun journey so far, and I’m still enjoying myself immensely.”

Over the coming months, Mike will be utilising some of that huge, inspirational energy by upping his already substantial property portfolio. Plans are afoot to purchase a showroom in Mayfair (“I love London”) that will serve as an apartment for staff and international customers, and he has also bought a penthouse in Sheffield for staff needing a Northern base close to head office.

Looking forwards and backwards Mike adds: “You only get one life to make a difference, and I want to leave behind a lot of people who feel that they have benefitted and enjoyed big time the ride that they’ve been on with me.”

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

Christmas Elegance Candles

12 different festive fragrances All with Sparkly toppings & plenty of glitter!!

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TRENDS: Deep Purple

Bordering On Bordeaux Something has happened to purple. It seems to have matured, just like a good wine, into 50 shades of Bordeaux.

The colour is a big trend in fashion accessories to include bags, belts, gloves, scarves and key charms, and you’ll also find it sashaying down the jewellery and home fragrance catwalks.

In homewares, it’s twinkling on chandeliers, sparkling on glassware and relaxing on soft furnishings. It can also be found on the trendiest Christmas decorations as PG&H discovered.

Left: A wine coloured Baker Boy style hat from PoM. Right: Stoneglow’s Harmony reed diffuser.

Below: Village Candle’s Berry Cardamom fragrance, distributed by Xystos.

Right: A trendy key chain tassel from A Gift From The Gods.

Above: Ringing the changes in dark purple, a ring from Milly Milly’s Floria collection.

Below: A purse, card holder and clutch from Katie Loxton.

Left: A Bijoux burgundy vase from Dartington.

Right: A Black Cherry journal from Castelli’s Aquarela collection.

Above: Wax Lyrical’s Emperor’s Red Tea from Fired Earth.

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing

A Very Berry Christmas

Below: Pintail’s eye-catching Co-ordinate Christmas range.

Below left: Ashleigh & Burwood’s Pumpkin Latte lamp fragrance includes rich indulgent spices.

Bottom: Stoneglow’s new Infusion collection.

There’s no getting away from it, purple, plum, deep berry, call it what you will, is taking centre stage this Christmas, with home fragrancing products on board in terms of both fragrance and vessels.

Christmas and fragrance go hand in hand of course, with nostalgia the name of the game. So alongside this season’s berry fragrances, there’s still plenty of cinnamon and spices to be sniffed at, but also a marked shift to containers which are taking centre stage and becoming increasingly decorative.

“Midnight hues of deep purple and lush berry shades provide a decadent backdrop and are complemented by indulgent fragrances that include florals, rich spices and berry scents,” concurs Ashleigh & Burwood’s marketing manager Deborah Bettinson. “This decadent theme

is carried through to containers and vessels which are more than a receptacle for a candle or diffuser, becoming decorative design pieces in their own right.” Deborah adds that home fragrance products now speak to shoppers in a number of ways, with decorative style diffusers and candles creating a ‘wow’ factor in store, and up-scaled versions making a statement both in the home as well as in the shop.”

Pintail Candles’ managing director James Long says that this year, there’s a definite trend toward gender neutral products and fragrances. “The upcoming season will be full of rich, deep full colours moving away from the paler pastel shades. Our new Elements range fully embraces this trend, with full colour label and bespoke designs. Warmer metals, such as gold and copper, continue to lead the market in special

giftware, whereas the cooler metals, such as silver and pewter, tend to be a favourite for more everyday ranges.”

James continues that creative, colourful, eye-catching displays are always the best way to promote a product. “When arranging a display, retailers should take photos of alternative arrangements, then look back at the photos the next day to see which is the most prominent. We’re also finding customers are after crisp, clear and durable packaging, with classic styling to stand the test of time. Constant moving of stock to keep things looking fresh, and customers quickly throwing items into bags, can easily spoil the packaging of an item. Additionally, with

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing both retailers and consumers tightening their belts in the current economic climate, the best advice to retailers is price point.”

Wellbeing meanwhile, has been a growing topic at Stoneglow. “It’s one of our current major inspirations,” confirms the company’s head of design Winnie Wong.

“Lush green leaves and tropical floral prints on dark bases, as well as simple elegant geometric patterns, are always a fresh alluring look. With this trend in mind, rich raspberry damsons and hues of navy blues have driven our ranges this Autumn/Winter.

The strong plum shades are a growing bold staple piece to have in every room to look modern and streamlined, such as the Harmony candle in our latest Infusion range which has a soft wooden wick crackle of fire.

In addition, navy is our new black, and is a core colour for us this season. It’s less harsh and much softer to style against everything.”

On the topic of fragrances this Autumn/Winter, she says that they are all about highlighting tea notes, and embedding

the different accords of fruits, combining them with popular winter bases such as vetiver, cedars and balsams.

At Xystos, director Tom Sykes says that, as retailers will already be aware, the candle market burns brightest during the darker and chillier Autumn and winter months, when consumers spend more time at home. “Our American partner, Village Candle, has responded to the expected surge in sales by introducing four fragrances in three jar sizes that capture the essence of the final quarter of the year - Christmas Spice, Winter Clementine, Fall Festival and Forest Morning - with scents evoking Autumn

mornings and festive memories of a crackling fire and time spent with family and friends.”

Xystos’ own-brand label, Cello, has also been quick to spot the potential, with Cinnamon Spice among the 12 bestselling scents in the company’s newly launched range.

“Traditional fragrances such as cinnamon, clove and nutmeg are hard to beat at Christmas, and retailers might consider having a display featuring these tried and tested scents near their tills to encourage shoppers to breathe in the aromas so redolent of the festive season,” says Tom. At Heart of the Country, managing director Ben Stubbs highlights two new fragrances across candles, reed diffusers and scented sachets from Bridgewater Cozy Moments and Weekend Getaways. “It’s a feeling that references the fragrance to positive, feelgood events,” Ben explains.

Joe Davies too, points to a preference for

Above: Bridgewater’s new Cozy Moments, distributed by Heart of the Country.

Left: Xystos’ own brand, Cello, reflects traditional Christmas fragrances.

Right: Landon Tyler scented candles and diffusers, distributed by Joe Davies.

New Kid On The Candle Block Having started out making candles in the early ‘70s, Candlelight has gone back to its roots with a new own branded candle and reed diffuser collection which launched earlier this year. (See Rockin’ All Over The World on pages 49-51).

“It’s a significant step forward in rebranding the Candlelight name,” says the company’s founder and ceo Mike Winch. “We’ve given the collection an edge with striking packaging, ranging from young and funky to a more sophisticated look.”

Tapping into current trends and the upcoming season, the candles include prosecco and gin and tonic fragrances, along with berry, and orange and cinnamon.

Right: Candlelight’s new own branded home fragrancing collection.

fragrances tending towards the cosy and comfortable. “Our Landon Tyler fragrances really fit the bill with evocative descriptions such as Golden Amber, Winter Woods and Clementine and Clove,” points out Joe Davies’ managing director Steve Davies. “For retailers, as always, a comprehensive, clearly displayed selection of fragrance products is vital.

Customers increasingly like choice, so retailers should include as many fragrances as is practical, but shouldn’t confuse people with too many styles. Of course, the fragrance is paramount, so retailers need to make sure that their store smells gorgeous and that they change their shop scent daily.”

Sarah Hemming, marketing manager of St Eval Candle Company, highlights that for Continued on page 59

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Spotlight On... Home Fragrancing

Home Fragrancing: Top Retailer Tips l “Try and find the finest quality product for the best price. Under £5 and £10 are easy pick

up, stocking filler price points that keep stock turning over and customers happy.” James Long, managing director, Pintail Candles l “Give the customer an experience while shopping. Create atmospheres to grab shoppers

attention through sourcing unique products and promoting made in the UK.” Winnie Wong, head of design, Stoneglow l “Displaying a filled reed diffuser can create a festive, uplifting ambience that’s perfect for

Christmas shopping and sampling.” Sarah Hemming, marketing manager, St Eval l “Fragrance attracts attention, so having full sized testers available for consumers to smell

and handle is an absolute must to drive sales.” Deborah Bettinson, PR manager, Ashleigh & Burwood l “Creating drama and interest to stand out from your competitors is key to driving sales.”

Dharmesh Bhayani, managing director, madebyzen l “Cover scented candles with attractive glass domes to highlight the individual perfumes

this year’s festive season, St Eval has created a new fragrance, Winter Thyme, featuring the fresh, herbal scent of rosemary and thyme with the earthy notes of a winter woodland. Explains Sarah: “The fragrance is blended with wax, and hand poured into tins, tealights, pillar candles and multi-wicks using traditional methods and sustainable energy. Our Christmas tins and tealights are wrapped in new botanical designs which include the popular, classic St Eval festive fragrances Inspiritus, Orange & Cinnamon and Figgy Pudding.”

and make the experience more interactive.” Steve Davies, managing director, Joe Davie l “Christmas is a great opportunity for retailers to maximise sales by introducing fragrance

hampers and collections with items that they already stock throughout the year, combined with comforting winter fragrances.” Sultan Khan, managing director, Hasnett Green

Above left: Winter Thyme is a new festive fragrance from St Eval.

Right: La De Da Living’s Sassy Wax candle brand covers all occasions, from Christmas to weddings and births.

Below: Cinnamon from Hasnett Green.

Below left: Nitrum Pearl aroma diffuser from madebyzen.

Bottom right: Sandy Lane’s new Winter Spice range.

to all celebrations, scents should be frivolous and fun but with an air of luxury and decadence.”

Dharmesh adds that while jewelled colours are a ‘must have’ for this season, so too, are tactile materials. “Our aroma diffusers use materials such as ceramic, bamboo and glass,” he explains.

However, Sultan Kahn, managing director of

Staying with fragrance, madebyzen’s managing director Dharmesh Bhayani says that winter 2018 will also feature dark and dramatic scents with intense, mysterious intoxicating notes of cedarwood, spice, patchouli and frankincense.” “madebyzen scents, such as Comforting, De-stress and Uplifting, feature these notes, and when diffused in our aroma diffusers, create a wonderfully exotic and mysterious ambience in any room. While at Christmas, the art of entertaining in the home is central

Hasnett Green, points out that winter fragrances are not always about spices and festive combinations, “In fact, more and more retailers are seeing that specific seasonal products are a risk as the benefit of sales is sometimes diluted by unsold stock that has to be stored until the next year or heavily discounted. “Therefore looking for fragrances with a much longer selling period, such as cinnamon, that will start to pick up sales in September, and carry on through until March, makes sense. Vanilla is another low risk fragrance that also is very comforting and homely throughout the winter months,” adds Sultan.

With so much choice and a discerning consumer, retailers will definitely need to do some sniffing around at the Autumn trade shows!

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

Join Us For Sunday Brunch Inspired by emerging macro trends, Yankee Candle reveals Sunday Brunch, the new theme for the first half of 2019 which sees a new set of inspiring home fragrances released at the start of both Spring and Summer. Sunday Brunch embraces special moments shared among friends and family and welcoming and relaxed gatherings, full of heady fragrances to refresh the senses, stemming from simple flower arrangements, tasty cuisine and sparkling drinks. Available in store from January, the new Sunday Brunch fragrances will feature special face labels and neck bands to engage consumers with the new theme and differentiate the collection from the core Yankee Candle fragrances. Sunday Brunch fragrances launch from January 2019 and April 2019.

Yankee Candle Tel: 0117 316 1200 Email: sales@yankeecandle.co.uk www.yankeecandle.co.uk

Illusion Flame Wax Pillar Candles With a growing demand for quality, realistic wax LED candles giving the romance of real candles in the home without the safety worries, Luminara is launching a second brand, Matchless, at Autumn Fair, Birmingham.

The new Matchless range will offer retailers a quality wax illusion flame candle range consisting of pillar candles, tapers and tealights, giving 350 hours from two ‘C’ batteries with infrared remote control and 5 hour security time, in presentation packaging. Already ranged by John Lewis for Autumn/Winter to support their winning Luminara range.

Virtual Candles Tel: 01622 840229 Email: info@luminaracandles.co.uk www.luminaracandles.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3, Stand E06-F07 Top Drawer Olympia Stand G44

Top Performing Fragrances Complementing the Sunday Brunch collection are three new introductions to the Yankee Candle core range, developed from fragrance trends to bring top-performing woody, oriental and green fragrance options to the existing Yankee Candle portfolio.

The fragrances will be introduced one fragrance a month, starting in February, and will be featured via online communications and in-store displays. Launching in February: Seaside Woods; launching in March: Moonlit Blossoms, and launching in May: Alfresco Afternoon.

The three core fragrances are available in all six classic Yankee Candle forms, Scenterpiece Easy MeltCups as well as assorted car air fresheners.

Yankee Candle Tel: 0117 316 1200 Email: sales@yankeecandle.co.uk www.yankeecandle.co.uk

Leading Living Flame Candle Continued innovative design has led to the introduction of Birchwood wrap candles and mercury glass Luminara, the most realistic flame to date in both silver and gold finishes, presented in stunning gift tube packaging.

New giant wax ivory wax pillar candles, retailing from £49.99, give great value for money with 500hrs burn time. Additionally, Luminara’s diffusing candle, which went from strength to strength in 2017, has two exciting new fragrances for 2018: Sea Mineral Mist and Island Gardenia. Luminara is truly a candle for life.

Virtual Candles Tel: 01622 840229 Email: info@luminaracandles.co.uk www.luminaracandles.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3, Stand E06-F07 Top Drawer Olympia Stand G44 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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

New Vibrant Designs Candlelight is introducing more new and vibrant designs to its very successful branded Candlelight candle collection, with the range beinglaunched at Autumn Fair in September. These new eye catching, competitively priced and beautifully designed luxurious gift boxed candles and reed diffusers are the perfect present or impulse buy for any occasion. They have delicate scents which include ever popular titles such as Hello Prosecco and Gin & Time! The range of titles are designed to be generic and to appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Candlelight Tel: 01709 723000 Email sales@candlelight.co.uk www.candlelight.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 2, stand L14

Going Wild Following an incredible first year for their Wild Things collection of colourful, quirky candles and diffusers in animal-inspired vessels, Ashleigh & Burwood is taking the collection beyond home fragrance gifting into soft furnishings and stationery. Cushions and notebooks are now available in three of the iconic designs: Crouching Tiger, I Zee You Baby and the new Born with Cattitude.

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

New In The Village Flame and fragrance specialist Xystos has introduced four new scents to its Village Candle jar range as the American brand continues to make inroads into the UK candle market. The new fragrances, which come in three sizes, are a nod to Autumn, winter and the festive season Fall Festival, Winter Clementine, Forest Morning and Christmas Spice - which conjures up images of a crackling fire and good times with friends and family. RRPs are from £12.49.

Xystos Tel 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01

Hitting The Right Note The new Cello home fragrance collection – candles, reed diffusers and accessories – hit the right note with buyers when it was launched in Harrogate. The own brand range from Xystos comprises 12 best-selling fragrances, with each blend having a top, middle and base note: when combined they create a harmony of scents. The artful colourways and on trend design features on each product are stylish and elegant, while all Cello products carry a subtle logo, ensuring authenticity and quality.

RRPs are from £2.69 to £25.99.

Xystos Tel 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Glee: Hall 19 Stand M11

Personal Care With Style

Special Edition Gift Set New for AW18, Ashleigh & Burwood present a special edition fragrance lamp gift set. Contained within a deep purple gift box, that features their signature chevron design, is an amethyst coloured sparkling glass mosaic fragrance lamp together with their sultry new scent Midnight Iris. This ready-made set is perfect for gifting throughout the year.

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand P50-Q53

Baylis & Harding has personal care covered from head to toe and includes products that range from a bar of soap to a luxury wicker hamper that includes bath and shower crème, body cleanser, bath soak crystals and even a wash mitt. Spearheading the nine new Autumn/Winter bath and body introductions from Xystos is the Sweet Mandarin & Grapefruit Collection, which sees the return of the best-selling fragrance. The stylish geometric print cleverly incorporates presents of all shapes and sizes and sets the tone for the gifting season.

Xystos Tel 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Glee: Hall 19 Stand M11

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

Classic, Modern Designs Best Kept Secrets have rebranded their bestselling Seriously Scented candle range. Perfect for stylish modern homes, the new collection incorporates an elegant embossed lid and bright coloured labelling with a modern classic design.

And, of course, plenty of sparkly toppings and lots of glitter. Focus groups advised on a consolidation of the range which now includes 32 favourite fragrances from last year’s range and eight gorgeous new fragrances. Continued success for retailers with this collection is guaranteed.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand G40

Fragrance Gifting Options Supporting great British design and manufacture, our Festive Friends collection features popular gifting options in a variety of products, including an advent calendar, bauble candles, reed diffuser crackers, crystaltopped tealights, hessian wrapped candles, gift sets and more. Luxury perfume is expertly blended with our custom wax and diffuser blends to produce high quality, lasting fragranced products, all proudly produced from our home in the English Lakes.

Wax Lyrical Tel: 01229 461 111 Email: info@wax-lyrical.com www.waxlyricaltrade.com Hall 4, D40 – F41 (Cardgains Stand)

Seasonal Gets A Makeover The new look Seasonal range has had a facelift, with geometric inspired packaging, and glassware that lends itself to interior trends. The range encompasses an array of products, from boxed candles, diffusers, tin candles, cracker gift sets, botanical gels and many more. Available in five festive chic fragrances. Made in the UK by Stoneglow Candles.

Stoneglow Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk

Mood Enhancers Stoneglow has just launched the new Infusion collection of natural wax candles with wooden wicks and matching high fragrance diffusers.

Refresh your senses with this empowering range, with uplifting fragrances to boost your wellbeing and transform your mood, while the soft crackle of an alluring fire relaxes and soothes. Made in the UK by Stoneglow Candles.

Stoneglow Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk

On The Cards Fragrancing

A Touch Of Class Best Kept Secrets are delighted to announce the addition of eight new fragrances to their award winning Seriously Scented candle range, all of which have received a very positive response by focus groups across the country. Pink Pomegranate, Plum Champagne, Café Vienna, Peony Blush, Horizon Sky, Indian Summer, Caspian Silk and Lotus Blossom bring an additional touch of class to the range which is already in great demand.

And, of course, they all have sparkly toppings and plenty of glitter.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand G40

Leading innovation in a busy UK market, Wax Lyrical GiftScents cards offer a new, unique and easy gifting solution – simply pick the occasion, write your card and make someone’s day. Each card contains a fragranced 50ml diffuser that is proudly made from our home in the English Lakes, making any GiftScents card a thoughtful gift that also supports British design and manufacture.

Wax Lyrical Tel: 01229 461 111 Email: info@wax-lyrical.com www.waxlyricaltrade.com Hall 4, D40 – F41 (Cardgains Stand)

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

Cosying Up Cozy Moments new fragrance from Bridgewater Candle Co. Top notes of Gingergrass & Nutmeg. Middle notes of Cinnamon Leaf, Cassia & Clove, and base notes of Maple, Caramel & Frosting. Cozy Moments will be available in scented sachets, candles, votives, wax bars and reed diffusers. Fragrance your home this winter with Cozy Moments.

Heart of the Country Tel: 01543 481612 Email: sales@heartofthecountryltd.co.uk www.HeartoftheCountryLtd.co.uk Autumn Fair: Stand 3G23

Two New Fragrances Highlighting two of the newest additions to Price’s new fragrance collection are Cotton Powder and Damson Rose. Made with highest quality waxes and fragranced throughout, these large jar candles are easy to use and relight, giving up to 150 hours of burn time. Please see our full range for more wonderful candles and reed diffusers.

Price’s Candles Tel: 01234 264500 Email: sales@prices-candles.co.uk www.prices-candles.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand J06

Occasion Candles Best Kept Secrets has joined forces with Tracey Russell Design to offer a unique new candle product. Tracey has a countrywide and an international reputation as one of the leading designers of greeting cards in Great Britain and has now turned her design flair towards candles. The result is an amazing set of occasion candles. There are different designs and sentiments with something for every event, ceremony and celebration.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand G40

Signature Scent The new signature fragrance from Greenleaf Gifts for Autumn/Winter 2018 is Painted Poppy, a confident feminine fragrance with a powerful boost of juicy mandarin, a soft floral heart and a base of warm musk and amber. Fragrance notes are Mandarin and Violet leaves on the top, Freesia, Red Poppy & Iris Root in the middle, and Teakwood Musk & Amber in the base. Painted Poppy will be available in scented sachets, candles, votives, room sprays and reed diffusers.

Heart of the Country Tel: 01543 481612 Email: sales@heartofthecountryltd.co.uk www.HeartoftheCountryLtd.co.uk Autumn Fair: Stand 3G23

Fun & Fragrance Getaway For The Weekend The new Autumn/Winter release from Bridgewater Candle Co. is Weekend Getaway which has Bay Leaf & Fresh Pine in the top notes, Clover Bud & Siberian Fir in the middle notes, and Oakmoss & Tree Resin in the base notes. Weekend Getaway will be available in scented sachets, candles, votives, wax bars and reed diffusers.

Heart of the Country Tel: 01543 481612 Email: sales@heartofthecountryltd.co.uk www.HeartoftheCountryLtd.co.uk Autumn Fair: Stand 3G23

Best Kept Secrets had great success with the Just Because range at Spring Fair, a fun collection of occasion candles celebrating family, friends and special moments. Its great success demonstrated a gap in the market for a fun but seriously scented candle with an important message for those we care about.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 Stand G40

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Face To Face: Wild Things

A Walk On The

Wild Side With Autumn Fair around the corner, Wild Things, which specialises in UK designed and manufactured bespoke crystals and jewellery, is looking forward to dazzling buyers with a recently launched all singing, all dancing rotating display tree mini booth, featuring two massive 27w LED cluster bulbs and 132 hanging products!

There’s also a new jewellery range launching next year, and a re-branding on the horizon for 2019 to celebrate the company’s 35th milestone anniversary.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as the company’s founder and managing director, Jules Vahrman, tells PG&H.

Christmas may be a few months away, but Wild Things’ Jules Vahrman has invested in some early Christmas presents for the business that have really got his creative juices flowing! Taking pride of place at the company’s workshop in Exeter are a laser cutter and engraver, and a flatbed printer that can print on virtually any surface. “In addition to the fact that we design and manufacture our products here in the UK, it will give us an extra USP,” he enthuses, “because it will enable us to take a look at offering other formats.”

Along with an idea for a flamingo in the company’s Crystal Fantasies collection, Jules is also creatively buzzing about designing a bee (inspired by a recent visit to the Quince Honey Farm in South Molton, and also in memory of a close friend who was a beekeeper), as well as a barn owl, a fox and a sheep. “They will be static ornaments, and I see them as very collectable, so I’m currently working on an ornament display that I would be proud to have in my own home.”

Above: The company’s mini booth.

Left: Jules Vahrman, founder of Wild Things.

Right and below: A hanging flamingo and seahorse.

Although Jules has never had any formal design training, (he graduated in psychology), he admits to always having an arty streak, even as a young schoolboy. “I’ve designed from the off, starting out commercially with round, rainbow making holographic badges, which evolved into etchings, so naturally I’m very excited about all the things we can do with our new machines which can do both production runs and prototypes. I’m an ideas man, viewing business from the perspective of an intellectual puzzle, a game that has its own internal logic!”

Currently, the company - which recently invested in a back office software system - manufactures quality, rainbow making window ornaments, such as sun-catchers, including some bespoke ones, as well as jewellery, most of which incorporates Swarovski crystal. Additionally, there will be a brand new jewellery line launching

early next year, with Jules confirming that he has a million ideas which involve working with Swarovski, acrylics and birch ply. “While we’re not trailblazers in trends, we are, of course, aware of trends, with the introduction of a flamingo this year being an example,” he points out.

Interestingly, Jules’ own story goes back some 44 years, to the heady days of San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury in the mid ’70s, when he was married to his first wife, an American artist, and living in Berkeley. “We made rainbow making holographic badges and sold them at a local craft market on Telegraph Avenue,” he highlights. “When a wholesaler told us we were selling them too cheaply, we doubled our prices and the business took off, with the likes of John Lennon photographed wearing one of our star badges. It was at a time when you could turn this way and that and see the huge names of the day, such as Jefferson Airplane and Country Joe, walking down the street.” (Jules too, has a love of music, playing both flute and piano).

When his marriage broke down, he came back to the UK, “with just my guitar Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Face To Face: Wild Things and a few scraps,” settling in East London in the days of the punk music scene. Together with two friends he set up Ageing Hippy Prismatic (AH Prismatic), selling holographic earrings and badges, with the company subsequently becoming very successful. Jules however, was homesick for Berkeley.

While he was there a friend, Vicky, arrived on the scene, which in turn left him homesick for England, where he duly headed, stopping off in Toronto for a year. He arrived back in England in 1983 - again with more “scraps” from the business - and eventually married Vicky (ironically, they first ‘dated’ as teenagers).

At first he sold holographic disc earrings at university gigs. Under a Maggie Thatcher government scheme, he managed to get on the Enterprise Allowance scheme, and Wild Things (initially called Blast and subsequently Chaos) was born, ironically supplying AH Prismatic with laser earrings and bracelets.

All was successful until AH Prismatic started to collapse. Jules decided he wanted to make items that were the antithesis of shiny badges and earrings, and developed a successful range of etched jewellery, initially based on Aztec and Inca designs, extending to geckos, iguanas, seahorses and other creatures.

Taking - And Giving - Advice One thing Jules readily admits is that he has been open to taking good advice on board and benefitting from it. “For example, 10 years ago, a Business Link advisor told me to focus on a niche, preferably finding one that was less than 7% of the market, and to research which area had the most potential to grow within the range of products that we did. That’s advice that has stood us in good stead. She also emphasised that every business is a service, an idea we have always taken to heart.”

Other good advice came from a friend who advised him to present the company’s products in a simpler format, leading to starter packs.

His own advice to today’s entrepreneurs is not to give up, as well as to take a step back in order to look at their business objectively. “While they need to listen to advice, they nevertheless have to be wary of taking bad advice,” he adds.

Left, above and below right: A hanging sheep, fish and owl.

Below left: Earrings made using Swarovski crystals.

“Wild Things was the name of one our collections, and at the suggestion of a fellow exhibitor at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate in the late ‘90s, we changed the company name. That etched jewellery range eventually mutated into Crystal Fantasies, our most successful line!” he enthuses.

Jules is the first to admit that the past 34 years have been something of a rollercoaster, but these days the company is on a roll - turnover will be nudging £2m this year - with garden centres and independents making up the core customer base. Internationally, some 60% of what the company manufactures is shipped to America which represents 45% of turnover, the company’s biggest overseas market, followed by Germany, Spain and Japan.

He emphasises that ideas and numbers form the basis of everything the company does, along with looking to develop long-term relationships with both customers and suppliers. “This

Wild Things: The Lowdown

l Wild Thing was founded by Jules Vahrman in 1984. l In addition to designing and manufacturing for the retail trade, bespoke work is also

carried out for visitor attractions. l The business currently employs eight people at its Exeter-based workshop and

offices, plus two people on the road, as well as a team of 40 homeworkers.

means putting trustworthiness at the heart of everything - the antithesis of The Apprentice or Trump. Retailers need to find the best suppliers they can and stick with them. If those suppliers are selling too cheaply then they probably won’t be around next time the buyer goes to order, meaning that they will have to start their sourcing all over again.”

Is he worried about the recent interest rate rise or the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, resulting in cautious buyers in the run up to Christmas? “With most of our products affordably priced at between £9-£14 at retail, fortunately they tend to be recession proof,” he states. “Also, because we manufacture here in the UK, we have the flexibility of being able to produce at the last minute, so we are rarely out of product over Christmas, and we also stock and keep a limited range.”

Looking ahead to 2019, Jules is very much looking forward to welcoming his daughter Anna into the business in January, where she will be learning how it all works and helping with operations and logistics, particularly in relation to trade shows. He will also be looking to link Wild Things product areas to specific environmental charities. (The company already supports the Devon Wildlife Trust, the Woodland Trust and other charities).

So with a design career that’s part way through its fifth decade, what does Jules love most about being part of the gift industry? “Over the last few years we have been consolidating and are gearing up to work on new product lines. So it’s about working on new stuff, and seeing where it goes,” he smiles.

Clearly, the company’s sophisticated new machines are going to be working overtime!

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2-5 September 2018 Birmingham, UK

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Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware

BRING ON THE From Mary Poppins to David Walliams, from Barbie to Black Ops 4, a myriad of new licences will be hitting the shelves over the next few months.

In the run up to the Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) trade show (9-11 October 2018 at London’s Olympia), PG&H takes a peek behind the scenes to see what a selection of gift companies will be unveiling for Autumn/Winter.

Left: A Black Ops 4 water bottle.

Below: Among the giftware items in Paladone’s new Fender collection.

Below left: The Rick and Morty heat change mug.

Paladone: Fender, Rick and Morty and Call of Duty: Ops 4 Paladone is adding three new licences to its portfolio for Autumn/Winter: Fender, Rick and Morty and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4.

“Fender is a welcome addition to our collection of lifestyle ranges, giving our customers an alternative to the movie and gaming licences that currently dominate our offering,” explains marketing manager Alex Ryan. “It’s also Paladone’s first foray into a music brand, and the excitement that our partners have shown for this range has

certainly inspired us to start thinking about other licences within the same genre. The range is a smart take on an iconic brand, targeting a mature demographic of music, guitar and equipment fans.”

A raft of giftware and merchandise is currently available to pre-order, aimed at music lovers, culture vultures, enthusiasts and fans, with a target market of males aged 30+.

Products include a Fender amp mug and a Fender amp notebook, plus a bottle opener keyring, chrome mug, glossary mug, metal coasters and drinking glasses, as well as a collection of Fender enamel pin badges.

Alex adds that bringing Rick and Morty into Paladone has also been an exciting process. “The popularity of the show has swept the globe at such a rapid pace it’s

Brand Licensing Europe 2018

l Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) takes place from October 9-11,

2018, at London's Olympia and is the only pan-European exhibition dedicated to licensing and brand extension. l The show brings together over 280 leading brand owners and 2,500 properties, with over 7,600 retailers, licensees and manufacturers from 76 countries for three days of networking, deal making and trend spotting.

Visit www.brandlicensing.eu

impossible not to get caught up in it,” he enthuses. “The vibrant world, created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland for Adult Swim, has given us a brilliant array of weird and wacky assets to base our products around.

The range will be hugely varied, eventually including wall art, drinking vessels, a dancing Rick, and even a Rick hip flask.”

Following on from Paladone’s original range of Call of Duty products launched in March this year, Black Ops 4 is the first time the company has supported a video game launch with a range of merchandise.

The range includes a live edge light, desktop accessories (to include gadget decals and playing cards), and an array of drinking vessels featuring a water bottle, a heat change mug, a travel mug and a hip flask.

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Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware

Lagoon: The World Of David Walliams As well as being a comedian and judge on Britain’s Got Talent, David Williams is also a top selling British children’s author whose best known titles include Gangsta Granny and Awful Auntie.

To celebrate the company’s 30th anniversary, Lagoon will be launching The World of David Walliams range of licensed gifts and games this Autumn.

“We’re excited and privileged to be launching this fantastic range of David Walliams games, featuring the amazing array of characters from the No 1 bestselling children’s books,” enthuses Lagoon’s general manager Henry Arculus. “We think that they will be fabulously popular companion products to the books, especially in the run up to Christmas.”

Lagoon’s World of David Walliams range includes fun, educational games as well as three Classic Card Games that have been illustrated with images from David Walliams’ bestselling books, Ratburger, Gangsta Granny and Awful Auntie.

Mad Beauty: Barbie Barbie is a classic icon who has set the bar for the beauty industry since 1959.

In 2019, Barbie will be celebrating her 60th birthday.

“Barbie has evolved into a 21st century representation of the modern woman,” says Trevor Cash, managing director of Mad Beauty. “To celebrate her 60th birthday, we will be bringing out a range of bath and body products for Autumn/Winter in our Never Too Old range that encapsulates the spirit of the Barbie name.

Later on, the collection will evolve into limited edition gifts and make up.”

Mad Beauty has also recently signed another major licence with Hello Kitty.

Below: Mad Beauty’s pink fluffy Barbie make up bag is part of a range of bath and body giftware to celebrate Barbie’s 60th birthday.

Above: Classic Card Games are part of the new The World of David Walliams collection from Lagoon.

Half Moon Bay: Mary Poppins Half Moon Bay’s brand new Mary Poppins home and giftware collection has been Inspired by Disney’s 1964 live-action/animation hybrid.

The range combines the bold yellows, blues and reds of Mary’s clothing and accessories with strong, simple imagery, classic dialogue and song quotes, as well as a penguin waiter.

Formats range from stationery to crockery, with key products including a Practically Perfect in Every Way cosmetics bag, Feed the Birds, Tuppence a Bag coin purse, Spoonful of Sugar character apron and Let’s Go Fly a Kite-shaped luggage tag, complete with kite tails and bow detailing.

Stock will be available ahead of the film’s sequel, Mary Poppins Returns, which hits cinemas on Christmas Day. Comments Half Moon Bay’s marketing assistant Emily Moores: “This range is ideal for licensed gifting over the Christmas season. With a fan base that spans decades, the collection is sure to be loved by those who grew up with Mary, and by those who will get to know her for the first time this December.”

Other additions for Half Moon Bay this Autumn/Winter include a Winnie the Pooh collection, a Sonic the Hedgehog offering, an Overwatch range, a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them collection, and a Warhammer Age of Sigmar range.

Inset: Half Moon Bay’s Mary Poppins giftware collection.

Enesco: Mis Mindy New from Enesco in the second half of 2018 are vinyl collectables in The World of Miss Mindy presents Disney, a muchloved character from Lilo and Stitch.

“We have seen increasing interest in vinyl collectables in recent years, and being a leading collectable Disney licensor, we have developed our own collection,” confirms Enesco’s director of marketing Helen Cottrill.

“We felt that Miss Mindy was the perfect fit, with the initial launch featuring 10 characters to include Mickey and Minnie, as well as characters ranging from Alice to Jack and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas, along with Stitch which has been our top seller across all formats in 2018.”

Below; Enesco’s growing collectable figurine range The World of Miss Mindy Presents Disney - offers a unique twist on the character.

Continued on page 77 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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We’re incredibly excited to be launching this fabulous new everyday range by Redback Cards at Autumn Fair.

Using witty commentary from their Henries Award winning card range we’ve created matching gift bags and flat wraps which we’re sure will be a great success!

YOU CAN DER NOW OR H OUR THROUG P! WEBSHO

GO TO k.co.uk trade.glic TER TO REGIS

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2nd-5th Sept Stand 3S01

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Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware

My Gifts Trade: Julie Dodsworth

A recent collaboration between My Gifts Trade and artisan designer Julie Dodsworth has led to a new kitchen collection featuring a range of cake tins, trays, coasters and kitchen textiles, all of which will be available for Autumn/Winter 2018 and Spring/Summer 2019.

The collection includes designs from Julie's Lavender Garden along with new Forget-Me-Not designs, which reflect Julie’s original heritage style, using soft blues, greys and greens in the florals and leaves.

“Julie is an iconic British surface designer, and merchandise featuring her work is highly giftable,” says Nikki Courtney, creative director of My Gifts Trade. “Kitchen, table and housewares have been a very important gifting category for a few years, and strong licences are the key to success in this market. We are very focused on supporting great British designers and Julie ticks all the boxes in terms of beautiful, distinctive artwork which also has a strong commercial appeal.”

Adds Nikki: “The particular designs we have chosen work as gifts for the Spring Seasons and female relations, and would look equally at home in a specialist cookshop or housewares department or in an independent gift shop or garden centre. It’s been good to see Julie focus her efforts on quality manufacturers to complement the products from Churchill and the garden gifts from Briers.”

Above: The Julie Dodsworth kitchen collection from My Gifts Trade features the new Forget-Me-Not design.

EastWest (Europe): Stacey Hagarman EastWest has announced the company’s new licence with American designer Stacey Hagarman.

The s.e.hagarman collection from EastWest features a range of stationery, glassware, ceramics, greeting cards and gift bags that will be launching at Autumn Fair, with gifts a growing line. "s.e.hagarman brings glamour to the gift, stationery and greeting card industry with her swanky yet simplistic signature style," highlights EastWest’s director Terry Taylor. “It’s something different in the market, and we have pre-sold the whole range into Joe Davies as well as into Sweden and America.”

Left: EastWest’s s.e.hagarman giftware range includes a boxed wine glass.

Heathcote & Ivory: Sara Miller London Heathcote & Ivory will be launching a Sara Miller London beauty collection this Autumn, featuring exotic fragrances.

The Sara Miller London luxury brand features a collection of designs, which celebrate Sara’s love of print, pattern and colour, highlighting her passion for travel and different cultures, which she captures across an array of vibrant designs.

“The luxurious blends have been gathered from all over the globe with extracts of bamboo, babassu oil, water mint, lotus flower and cherry blossom, complemented by beautiful packaging,” comments Heathcote & Ivory’s marketing, PR and business development manager Amanda Pullen.

Free from parabens and sulphates, the collection comprises bath and body products along with a selection of striking cosmetic bags.

Below: Sara Miller London from Heathcote & Ivory.

Widdop and Co: Hotchpotch Publishing from Carte Blanche A brand new licence for Widdop and Co this Autumn encompasses two of Hotchpotch Publishing’s leading collections: Luxe Birthday and Hello Neon.

“What was particularly appealing about this specific licence is the fresh, innovative look that has lent itself beautifully to the gift range,” explains Widdop and Co’s new product director Stephen Illingworth.

The Luxe range brings its award winning designs to a selection of stylish, trend-led occasionware, from glasses to photo albums, featuring rose gold and silver foils along with pastel greys and pinks.

Hello Neon is a luxury collection of gift and glassware finished with vibrant neon pink inks, broad brush stroke lettering and trending rose gold foils, making a bold statement.

Above: The Luxe Birthday collection from Widdop and Co.

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equilibrium Joe Davies will introduce over 500 new Equilibrium lines for Autumn & Winter at Autumn Fair. Everything is available in our trademark ‘Little & Often’ quantities with minimum orders of just £100.

AUTUMN

2-5 SEPTEMBER 2018

Hall 5, Stand C10/D11

Celest ial C O L L E C T I O N

Honey Bee C O L L E C T I O N

Colourful Sent iment C O L L E C T I O N

Jewel Tones C O L L E C T I O N

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

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In Profile: Joe Davies

Shop Early For Christmas Just a few months shy of the company’s centenary in 2019, Autumn Fair (September 2-5), will see the largest number of new products to date – some 2,000+ - on the Joe Davies stand at the entrance to the NEC’s Hall 5 - with customers invited to buy ‘little and often’.

Highlights include brand new product sectors such as plush, wall art and phone charger packs, as well as a bigger range of gift boxed hats, scarves and gloves to keep out the cold, and jewellery galore for glamming up for festive season parties, plus, of course, a myriad of trend-led Christmas gifts and decorations.

But that’s nowhere near all, as managing director Steve Davies explains.

If there is one thing that Joe Davies excels at it’s customer service, as can be seen by the company’s success at The Greats in May, (owned and organised by Progressive Gifts & Home/Max Publishing), where the team was again ecstatic at winning the prestigious gold award for Best Service to the Independent Retailer category.

Doing a quick tot up, that makes a total of 16 Best Service to the Independent Retailer awards since The Greats launched in 2003, with a recently installed state-of-the-art back office system making everything run ever more smoothly for the company and its customers. “It’s been a redoubling of efforts over the past 18 months to

ensure that customer service is a top priority,” confirms Steve. Making the most of their success, the prestigious coveted gold Greats trophy is proudly displayed on the counter at every exhibition the company attends, re-emphasising that, in Joe Davies’ book, the customer comes first.

Now, as Autumn Fair homes into view, it’s all about showing off the company’s brand new Autumn/Winter season products

(previewed at Harrogate’s Home & Gift in July), that will take retailers into the all important fourth quarter. Along with an exciting mid-price sterling silver jewellery range - Equilibrium 925 - that further expands the 2000 + lines in the hugely successful Equilibrium fashion jewellery collection, also taking pride of place will be a range of hand crafted knitted and crocheted plush and rag dolls (called Doodles), as well as high quality black and white decorative wall art (featuring international cities and wild animals) that have been printed onto glass, and Power Puff, fashionable handy pom poms which double as a phone charger. As for Christmas decorations and festive gifts, trending this year are a collection of wood and sage green forestry themed designs featuring stags and deers, as well as plenty of more traditional Christmas lines.

On the distribution front (ie nonShudehill own brand products), there’s a new range of much-loved snoozies! slippers with fresh designs for men - colourful socks from the Sock Society, Landon Tyler and Price’s candles, Bug Art, and Sunny by Sue

Top right: Colourful, eyecatching socks from the Sock Society.

Above: snoozies Creature Comforts.

Right: A beaming Steve Davies (right), is shown with the Joe Davies team at The Greats in May.

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In Profile: Joe Davies ornate glasses (distributed on behalf of EastWest), Rose & Co bath and body products (distributed on behalf of Grafton International) and, of course, the Leonardo range from Lesser & Pavey, a distribution relationship that has been ongoing for almost 50 years!

Steve’s heartfelt advice to independent gift retailers is to get their Christmas stock in early, not only to give themselves a head start to catch those early Christmas shoppers, but also, to highlight what’s selling well and what to repeat. “Product has to be new, new, new,” he emphasises. “Getting stock in for the end of August/early September enables retailers to maximise their sales by repeat ordering the winners in time for the busy November/December period,” he points out. “It’s why July’s Home & Gift in Harrogate is such a valuable yardstick for us,” he continues. “It gives us the opportunity to introduce our new products to retailers in good time with the majority attending the show looking to get a head start on the competition.”

Continues Steve: “They’re already thinking about Christmas and what’s trending and are looking to source new products and try out new items. In fact, Home & Gift gives

What’s Trending l l l l

them the opportunity to get organised before the season starts. From our perspective, we use the show to introduce all our new products, and we get a good early indication as to what’s selling well and what to repeat.

We know where the market is heading, so at Autumn Fair, we can build on the sales we had at Harrogate and advise our customers accordingly.”

In fact, while many gift suppliers are choosing to invite customers to their own showrooms in preference to exhibiting at trade shows - especially during the summer months - Steve extols the importance of having a physical presence.

“Trade shows remain hugely important to us,” he states. “They are an invaluable opportunity for us to meet up with and maintain relationships with our customers.

It’s also a very relaxed, social way to do business. People want to come and see, touch and experience the new products, and for many of our customers, we offer a one-stop shop. Trade shows also give retailers the chance to spot the new season’s trends early on.”

If Steve has additional advice to independents over the coming months, Top: Equilibrium’s Celestial jewellery.

Left: Sunny by Sue, distributed on behalf of East West by Joe Davies.

Above right: The new Doodles crochet collection.

Right: Currently trending are pink and gold photo frames.

Celestial: stars, moons, planets Pink and gold: for home accessories Gin: glasses and related products Eco-friendly materials: bamboo, wood etc.

it’s to encourage them to make the most of their shop windows by night as well as by day. “It’s where eye-catching LED products really come into their own, attracting the attention of passers-by as they come out of restaurants, pubs and cinemas,” he points out. “There’s plenty of footfall at night, so it’s about making the window interesting, using products such as glass LED balloons, bottles and mason jars to create a fantastic window display that can’t help but attract attention.”

Despite the Beast from the East, a blisteringly hot summer and ongoing uncertainty over the prolonged Brexit negotiations, Steve says that the most successful independent retailers remain tough and entrepreneurial. “In fact, they’re much better placed than the multiples to make the best of business as they are more flexible and adaptable” he points out.

Meanwhile, with Autumn Fair around the corner, it’s roll on Christmas!

Joe Davies: The Lowdown

l Joe Davies was founded in 1919. l Following the eponymous founder’s retirement, his son Norman joined the company,

l l

l l

moving the business from hearth furniture and pots and pans to a wider range of items that included horse brasses, pokers, copper jugs and luggage mainly sourced in the Midlands.

When Norman’s son Peter joined in 1958, (who is still part of the buying team and a familiar face at trade shows), silver plated and stainless steel items were big news.

By the 1970s, the company evolved from a wholesaler to a gift importer under the Shudehill brand name, with products initially sourced from Italy, Portugal and Spain, and subsequently from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.

Today, Shudehill represents over 80% of the company's product lines.

Joe Davies, which employs over 120 staff, operates from owner/occupied premises in Reddish, South Manchester, housing its offices, showroom and warehouses.

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Spotlight On... Mugs

THE

Mug BUG

There’s something sentimental about a mug, a feeling of wanting to drink from a particular one, just because. It might remind someone of a friend, a family member, a place a job, or simply cheer them up when they’re feeling down thanks to a funny saying or a life affirming slogan, or just because the mug is bright and colourful.

Although mugs are hard to part with, even when the cupboard is overflowing, somehow, a new mug is always welcome.

“Mugs are a universal gift, making them a great pick-up-and-purchase gift,” agrees Creative Tops’ PR manager Katrina Lawton.

“They offer a small indulgence option for gifting, which is why we detail our mugs in new and fun ways - patterns, glazes, interior details, shapes and materials - aspects that add excitement to this small product.” Its Ava & I collection offers specialised gifting which is inspired by feminine trends, such as

Mugs, of course, are an all-year-round gift or self purchase, but in the run-up to Christmas they really come into their own. Great for Secret Santas, stocking fillers, teachers’ gifts and friends and relatives that are hard to buy for, they range from serious to humorous, rude, arty, girlie, sports themed, licensed and character - the list is endless!

With travel mugs joining the mug gang, there’s no end to gifting opportunities with new designs galore for Autumn/Winter.

Top: Electroplated mugs from The DRH collection.

Above: Royal Worcester’s Wrendale Designs new mug designs.

Below left: Ava & I from Creative Tops.

Below right: KitchenCraft’s porcelain We Love Christmas mug gift set.

motivational slogans, metallics, iridescence and marble. New additions this season use millennial pink, gold accents and fun slogans for products that are perfect for the office, the gym or for bridal squads.

In addition, Creative Tops’ new V&A launch for Autumn/Winter - The Nonsense Alphabet - focuses on mugs with 26 different designs to collect, featuring patterns and stanzas from the poet Edward Lear. “They’re very collectable, and feature across mix and match mugs, offering ridiculous rhymes, hand-drawn sketches and a range of colours to portray each letter of the alphabet,” explains Katrina.

At Portmeirion, sales and marketing director Phil Atherton points to mugs being a classic item, an everyday staple, from the first sip at breakfast to the last slurp before bed, making them a big part of the day.

“Mugs are one of the most personal items in the kitchen,” claims Phil. He points to “the woodland animal trend” being key for Autumn, highlighting Royal Worcester’s bestselling Wrendale Design mugs which feature watercolour animal designs as an ideal gift for wildlife lovers.

“Currently, one of the biggest trends we’re seeing is the use of metallics, both in glassware and ceramics,” says Mike Holmes, director of The DRH Collection, “with bling definitely in. On the back of that, and the response to our initial gold and platinum electroplated mugs, we’re

doubling our range with new designs as well as a new shape.”

KitchenCraft’s marketing director Claire Budgen says that from a retailer’s stance, it makes sense to stock a variety of different mugs at different price points, as well as a selection of styles and designs. “Themed mugs work particularly well as gifts for those with interests or passions such as sport, gardening, animals or slogans,” she Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... Mugs highlights. “Our We Love Christmas Autumn/Winter collections include some woodland designs on Christmas themed mugs which are very on trend.

We also have other key trends covered with a novelty llama shaped mug and a unicorn design on one of our mini mugs.

Other current trend themes are depicted on our standard mug range designs, such as Moroccan and jungle themes. It’s always a good idea to include themed mugs in other Christmas displays to highlight giftability,” adds Claire.

Left: Lesser & Pavey’s new Gold ‘Home’ range.

Below left: Puckator’s new Christmas mugs.

Bottom right: Widdop’s Sophie Shining Star mug.

As Julian Hunt, managing director of Lesser & Pavey points out: “A mug can be a planned purchase or an impulse buy, with the slogan featured on our Gold range mugs having a wide appeal, relating to a hobby or lifestyle for example.

However, with the new range, where 'Home' is at the heart of the message, the appeal of the range covers dog lovers to gin lovers.”

Adds Julian: The mugs are a practical but fun gift that will last long after Christmas.”

Reflecting the fashions of 2018, Puckator will be launching its new Festive Friends and Feline Festive ranges ready for Christmas.

Featuring the most popular themes of the year, the ranges will feature unicorns, sloths and llamas in various states of Christmas

Mugs That Raise A Smile One of the most popular genres of mugs are those that make the recipient giggle. At Boxer Gifts, strategic operation director Thomas O’Brien says that mugs are always a great seller for gift stores as everyone has a mug on their desk. “But to make the most of mugs, retailers need to have some fun styles to reflect the different personalities in the workplace,” he states.

“Stocking classic designs with edgy sentiments such as our Victoriana mugs, to something novel such as our bike mugs gives consumers a great choice.

Our bike mugs have bike-shaped handles which sets the range apart from a £1.99 mug which can be all too common, with a lower margin for the retailer. Independents need to set themselves apart from the discounters by having mugs with added value and great sentiments as they make for a more personal gift.”

The Music Gifts Company’s managing director David Gee believes that with mugs, simple is best. “There needs to be a clearly defined image, with or without words. It makes the impact of a mug stand out within the retail store therefore driving sales. Interestingly, the same mug within our music range is our best-seller every year which proves how a great design really stands the test of time.

Additionally, we also have a range of mugs specifically aimed at men where we’ve gone down the saucy seaside humour route.

A Great Combination For those who like some good natured humour, Rebecca Exton-Russell’s Wot a Mug range launched last year at Home & Gift Harrogate. This year, there’s a new complementary greeting card range too, following a licensing collaboration between Rebecca and Cherry Orchard Publishing.

“With personalised mugs offering a great product for gift shops, the mugs feature best dad, mum or friend in a chosen home town, with the popularity of the mugs currently being spread through social networks, particularly Instagram, as people share images of their gifts,” explains Rebecca.

Above: The Wot a Mug range has led to a licensed greeting card range from Cherry Orchard Publishing.

shenanigans. “This means there’s a different character for each member of the family,” explains Puckator’s designer Lauren Billingham, “as well as a Feline Festive bone china mug with a new holiday twist.”

Sue Grant, marketing manager at Widdop and Co, stresses that mugs have got to be the go-to gift at Christmas.

“They’re priced to suit any budget, they have the widest appeal from young to old, as well as male and female, and they can carry any design, message or licensed character. Plus, when mugs are sold as part of a wider collection of products, not only does the retailer offer a compelling story instore, but they also attract incremental purchases.”

Continued on page 87

Above: Boxer Gifts’ Victoriana mugs.

Left: One of five ‘saucy’ designs from The Music Gifts Company.

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Wewill willbebeatatCitywest CitywestAutumn AutumnGift Giftand andHome HomeFair Fairstand standK7 K7and andTop TopDrawer DrawerLondon London A/W A/W stand stand H-E H-E 33 33 We

Tel:0844 0844844 8441325 1325 Tel: Web:www.ulsterweavers.com www.ulsterweavers.com Web: Email:web.enquiries@ulsterweavers.com web.enquiries@ulsterweavers.com Email: 086_GH_September 2018.indd 1

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Spotlight On... Mugs She adds that providing the price is right - and £5 remains the critical price point - there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to design. “Mugs that celebrate the special people in our lives feature in our Harvey Makin Heroes collection - from dads to grandads to husbands.

Additionally, some of our best selling mugs come in pairs celebrating a special anniversary, wedding day or engagement.”

New for 2018 is a Cappuccino style mug featuring a new shape for coffee lovers, part of Widdop’s Shining Stars collection from Sophia.

At Enesco, mugs are a ‘must’ in the run up to Christmas. “As well as being the perfect stocking filler and secret Santa gift

they are also the basis of creating a more personalised gift,” says director of marketing Helen Cottrill. “This year we have added additional Disney BRITTO mugs, uniquely shaped, brightly coloured and on a crisp white background.

Purchasers can add a figurine and pop them in a gift box for a really thoughtful gift.”

Xystos director Tom Sykes highlights Splosh’s Mugs to Give which the company distributes.

“Retailers know that sentiment sells, as do well-priced pick-up gifts,’ he comments. “The range meets the criteria and has the additional benefit of being presented in bag-shaped

Mugs For People On The Go Travel mugs have been the ‘go to’ product for many gift retailers this year, with Dunoon’s sales director, Peter Smith, telling PG&H that the company is having a great response from UK retailers to its recently launched travel mug collection.

“We are all mindful of the growing resentment to the usage of disposable cups, used by many coffee chains, and the realisation that the pubic want reusable cups,” says Peter. “While helping the environment with its recyclability a beautifully decorated, fine bone china travel mug makes an excellent gift.”

Other companies that have brought out travel mugs include Blue Eyed Sun, with the company signing a distribution deal with German company Chic Mic to distribute BambooCup, SlideCup and BambooFriends brands of lifestyle giftware in the UK and Ireland.

The company’s re-usable coffee cups currently a big hit for lifestyle and gift shops provide sustainable eco solutions to the escalating problem of single use plastics.

Above: Candlelight’s new ‘initials’ range.

Above left: Ariel mug from Disney BRITTO. Below left: Mugs to Give from Splosh are ready to go.

packaging as well as a gift tag. “They’re designed to show love and appreciation in a thoughtful and meaningful way with each mug featuring a heartfelt sentiment inside.”

With Christmas around the corner, there's no denying that mugs make great gifts for family and friends. So with the Autumn shows about to open their doors, gift retailers should be at the ready to do plenty of mugging up!

Mugs: Top Retail Tips l “Retailers could look at sourcing quality chocolate or small bottles of something a little stronger to sell with mugs.” Mike Holmes, director, The DRH Collection l “Shops need to capitalise on the festive period through the use of props, creating eye catching displays to draw in their customers. Big, bold displays which take advantage on the story of the product can be really effective.” Olivia Cunningham, buyer, Churchill China l The counter top unit is great for encouraging till point impulse purchases, especially at Christmas time, but it is always a good idea to also include themed mugs in other Christmas displays to highlight giftability.” Claire Budgen, marketing director, KitchenCraft “A mug display interspersed with gift options - such as a mug with a plush, a hanging ornament, or small hampers make it simple for the consumer to see them as more than just a mug.” Helen Cottrill, director of marketing Below: Churchill China’s Snow Jumper.

Above: Dunoon fine bone china travel mugs.

Left: Blue Eyed Sun is distributing BambooCup in the UK.

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BOOKS

NEWSPAPER GIFTS

ALCOHOL

ADVENT GIFT BOXES

SIGNATURE GIFTS

JOIN US FOR

01582 464 809 @ signaturegifts www.signature-gifts.co.uk

COFFEE

AUTUMN FAIR

The widest range of personalised gifts available

CERAMICS

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WOOD

HALL 5 STAND F10-G11

GLASSWARE

TEXTILES

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

Purrfect Present This unique collection pairs the number one family brand with today’s most sought after contemporary artist - Romero Britto.

New into the collection is the Cheshire Cat statement figurine.

Each figurine in the Disney Britto range is made from resin and has a carefully hand-painted, high gloss finish. Presented in a branded gift box, Disney Britto is a range with huge heart and guaranteed mass appeal, making them the perfect present for all occasions.

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

Good Enough To Eat The Miss Mindy Candy Queen figurine is bedecked from crown to gown with scrumptious sweets, in hues of candy pink and turquoise. This stone resin figurine is hand crafted with exquisite details like peppermint swirls, while the folds of her skirt part to reveal a light-up scene of cottoncandy trees and a gingerbread house.

Miss Mindy is proving to be the next big thing in collectable figurines and is available to buy, along with other Miss Mindy figurines, on the website.

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

New Winter Collection New for Christmas 2018 are four items including the Peter Rabbit Christmas organic dinner set, the Peter Rabbit Christmas Sack, Peter Rabbit’s Letter to Santa (figurine) and Benjamin Bunny Preparing for Christmas (figurine). The Peter Rabbit Christmas organic dinner set is presented in festive tones of reds and greens; the Peter Rabbit Christmas Sack is perfect for little fans of Peter Rabbit, while the Peter Rabbit’s Letter to Santa and Benjamin Bunny Preparing for Christmas figurines feature the two characters preparing for Santa’s arrival on Christmas Day.

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

Travel In Style Strong, stylish and lightweight, our range of overnight bags ensure you travel with poise. Each bag is generously sized with enough space to carry clothes, toiletries, shoes and your hair dryer. These bags are perfectly sized to take on a mini adventure and will even fit in most standard airline overhead lockers. Our bags are wonderfully designed in Northern Ireland and are part of a collection which ensures you can easily create a look and have accessories to match.

Ulster Weavers Tel: 028 90 329494 Email: sales @ulsterweavers.com www.trade.ulsterweavers.com

Evoking Memories Our signature candles are hand poured in the UK from 100% natural soy wax. This ensures a superior burn time of 40 hours. Each candle is infused with exotic, fresh and peaceful scents designed to evoke memories and take you to a faraway place.

Each candle is presented in a screen-printed glass jar, so it will still look beautiful once burned.

Ulster Weavers Tel: 028 90 329494 Email: sales @ulsterweavers.com www.trade.ulsterweavers.com

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

Willow Greetings Email: enquiries@willowgreetings.co.uk Tel: 0131 6656677 www.willowgreetings.co.uk

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FRITH SCULPTURE LEADING THE WAY WITH INNOVATIVE DESIGN

Autumn means Hedgehogs! Along with many more new creations we shall be offering these at Autumn Fair. British made, Innovative and Exclusive. Frith leads the way with excellent designs and high quality sculpture which your customers will love.

Visit our stand and take advantage of the very special show offers we are offering!

Blue Poppy Art – Frith Sculpture See us in Hall 3 on Stand J45 – Autumn Fair

FRITH SCULPTURE - HEDGEHOG HAVEN! Contact us for your free catalogue sales@frithsculpture.co.uk www.frithsculpture.co.uk 01666 577110

please contact us for a trade catalogue www.classiccanes.co.uk

Free floor stand with orders of 24 pieces or more RRP

£19.95

By Intelex Group (UK) Ltd. www.intelex.co.uk

01933 679 777

sales@intelex.co.uk

14 cover designs to choose from

Visit Us at Autumn Fair on 2nd - 5th Sept. Stand 5J16-K17

Snuggle up to our Extra Long Hot Water Bottles

The perfect gift for yourself or someone you love

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

Luxury Journal ‘Believe in magic’ as we, Belly Button Bubble, take notebooks to the next level with our luxury hard back journal. Embellished with gold foil, the cover features a beautifully illustrated unicorn from the best-selling design within the Rachel Hare Coco collection. Trend driven colour, ultra violet, defines the page ends and matching silk ribbon bookmark. Perfectly formed for the desk or bag at 205 x 144 mm, with 200 lined pages.

Belly Button Designs Tel: 0161 902 1064 Email: sales@bellybuttondesigns.com www.bellybuttonbubble.com

Polka Dot Collection Our popular graphical design of minimalist polka dots - that we’ve given a sense of movement to break free from regimented form - get a snow scape palette overhaul on new gift bags and roll wrap this season. A modern Christmas palette of white, silver, dove grey, gold, and warm metallics that can suitably switch to wedding occasions to offer the retailer greater flexibility in merchandising stock – ingenious!

Belly Button Designs Tel: 0161 902 1064 Email: sales@bellybuttondesigns.com www.bellybuttonbubble.com

Signature Sentiment Bracelets We’re thrilled to introduce our eagerly anticipated Signature Stones collection, our hero piece for Joma Jewellery Autumn/Winter 2018!

These beautiful bracelets are carefully threaded with colourful semiprecious stones, including rose quartz and amethyst. They feature a golden engraved sentiment bar to make them even more special and are finished with adjustable slider beads for the perfect fit.

What’s not to love? For details of our Spring/Summer 2019 shows please email us.

Little Luxuries Our amazing Autumn/Winter 2018 collection for Katie Loxton is filled with little luxuries that can be treasured by all. Our bestselling Perfect Pouch is back again for the new season, this time with gorgeous shimmering finishes that are an amazing ‘must have’ for festive season style. With sentiment stamps including, ‘Friendship Forever, they’re sure to glisten all the way through winter!

Katie Loxton Tel: 01295250879 Email: enquiries@jomajewellery.com www.katieloxton.com

Joma Jewellery Tel: 01295250879 Email: enquiries@jomajewellery.com www.jomajewellery.com

Personalised Wooden Santa Decoration Add a personalised touch of Christmas magic to your home with the Personalised Memento Company’s brand new collection of wooden decorations. Their new Santa Claus decoration is a perfect way to commemorate a special Christmas, such as baby’s first. Many of PMC’s personalised wooden Christmas decorations are available on a rapid lead time, making them attractive as gifts leading right up until Christmas.

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

Personalised Penguin 1st Christmas Bauble PMC’s adorable new Penguin 1st Christmas bauble is a must for celebrating a new baby’s special first Christmas. This ceramic bauble can be personalised with a name on the front and a message on the reverse, creating a unique gift that will be treasured for many Christmases.

PMC’s extensive range of personalised baubles and decorations are available in designs for all recipients.

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

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

Refined Style Bailey & Brooke has created a series of contemporary, classical collections within its Giftware, Jewellery and Homeware sectors. Each exquisite piece comes complete in premium gift packaging - the complete gift. Our design philosophy across our comprehensive ranges emphasises the creation of collections that exude a ‘refined style’ that is quietly confident, easily adaptable and versatile. The Bailey & Brooke collections include jewellery, Christmas, candleware and tableware. All trade enquiries should be directed to Allied Imports.

Bailey & Brooke Email: bryn@alliedimports.com www.baileyandbrooke.co.uk

A Touch Of Glass The unique style of our beautiful glass vases create informal arrangements that are individual and on trend. The lids hold stems in place, requiring only a handful, or even just one flower, to create an incredibly effective, relaxed look. Use singly as a table centre or mix and match colours and sizes for a more dramatic display. View the entire collection at one of our showrooms: Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, or Newby Hall, Ripon.

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

Zoo Collection Characters New to Skip Hop’s infamous Zoo Crew for 2018 are the bold Bailey Bat and loveable Luna Llama.

Children can choose their favourite character to drive imagination and keep them company throughout the day, from mealtime to bedtime.

Bailey and Luna are available in Backpack, Lunchie, Strawbottle, melamine and utensils. They are the latest additions to the Zoo family and join the existing heroes including Unicorn, Monkey, Owl, Giraffe and Cow. Sales contact details: Alan Houghton, General Sales Manager.

Bath Toy Fun Skip Hop welcomes two new bath toys to its Zoo range. The Paddle & Go Owl can be wound-up by its wings to paddle and float during bath times. Lightweight and easy for little hands to hold, this colourful bath toy is a fun way for little ones to learn cause and effect.

The Count & Play bath puzzle makes bath time fun, as well as helping baby’s development. The double-sided puzzle is a puzzle and bath book all in one; the pages float and stick to tub tiles.

Sales contact details: Alan Houghton, General Sales Manager.

Skip Hop Tel: 01582 434250 Email: alan@skiphop.com www.skiphop.com

Skip Hop Tel: 01582 434250 Email: alan@skiphop.com www.skiphop.com

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 2-5th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Three New Sculptures Now 25 years old, Frith Sculpture (Hall 3; Stand J45) are still designing innovative new sculptures for their loyal retailers. This year is no exception with three Cockapoo designs.

Frith are constantly being surprised at how quickly demand for this cute pup has developed and already have a sizeable database of collectors. Additionally, Frith’s sculptors have created new spaniels, labradors, cats, hares and a magnificent elephant. Visit their stand and take advantage of their special offers which are only available at the Fair.

Fun And Games Lagoon is delighted to showcase the company’s new The World of David Walliams range which include fun, educational games such as Gangsta Granny’s Mental Maths Games, Awful Auntie’s Wonderfully Witty Word Games, Billionaire Boy’s Tremendous Times Tables Games, and a Matching Mayhem Memory Game perfect for children at Key Stages 1 and 2 (ages 5-11).

The fantastic range of games features the amazing array of characters from the best-selling books.

Lagoon will be showing the David Walliams range and much more at Autumn Fair.

Frith Sculpture Tel: 01666 577110 Email: sales@frithsculpture.co.uk / www.frithsculpture.co.uk / sales@bluepoppyart.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 on Stand J45

Lagoon Tel: 020 8563 6520 Email: sales@thelagoongroup.com www.thelagoongroup.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3, Stand 3T46-U47

Sculptures In Miniature Frith Sculpture (Hall 3 J45) are introducing several new designs in their Miniature Works of Art series – MINIMA. Since their introduction last year, these British made, exquisite small sculptures have been a huge success for Frith and provide a new market for retailers. They retail at only £25 and make an ideal present for the person who has everything. New are Highland cattle, donkeys, pigs, cows and Swaledale sheep.

They complement the original models of hedgehogs, hares and dogs.

Frith Sculpture Tel: 01666 577110 Email: sales@frithsculpture.co.uk / www.frithsculpture.co.uk / sales@bluepoppyart.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3 on Stand J45

Glamming Up This season’s jewellery trend is all about glamour, layering and being bold. We’ve designed shoulder grazing earrings, playful stud sets and bracelets to layer up with.

Statement necklaces will reboot any wardrobe, and a gorgeous new spinning rings collection in mixed metals will add warmth and texture.

PoM Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com www.pom925.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4G31

Cosying Up For Winter Hats, gloves and scarves are a winter essential, so go bold and make them count. PoM’s stylish and well edited collection includes big prints, bold designs, chunky knits, super-sized wraps, spirit lifting bright bags and lots of cosy detail.

PoM Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com www.pom925.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand 4G31

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Pre-order your stock today!

Est. 1991

t m s i r as h C 4+

1 or more players

BrainBox Countdown to Christmas Visit us in Hall 5, Stand A10 at Autumn Fair www.

www.greenboardgames.com 01494 538999 sales@greenboardgames.com

AUTUMN FAIR HALL 3 STAND T01-W01

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 2-5th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Sneak Preview Pictured here are our baby orangutan and tiger cub from our unique, exceptional Edge Sculpture collection.

Returning from a successful Spring Fair, Matt Buckley, the sculptor and creator of Edge Sculpture, has been busy in his studio working on new sculptures to unveil at the Autumn Fair. We have no pictures of these new pieces at this time, but as a little teaser we can reveal that a polar bear and sloth are among Matt’s latest creations, so please visit the stand to be the very first to see these new sculptures in person!

Edge Sculpture Tel: 01952 884804 Email: sales@edgesculpture.com www.edgesculpture.com Autumn Fair: Hall 2, Stand L10

Nature Gets A Makeover GBG has made the exciting decision to rebrand the nature kit collection from their Flights of Fancy range. The company will be showcasing this stylish new feel for the collection at Autumn Fair.

With titles including, About Bugs, Bird Watching, Pond Dipping and more, the nature kits from Flights of Fancy encourage families to immerse themselves in the natural world! One thing’s for sure buyers won’t want to miss this preview!

Card Sharp For Christmas GBG is adding an exciting new seasonal product to the BrainBox range! BrainBox Christmas is an advent calendar with a difference - it is a game, a decoration and an advent calendar in one!

Starting on December 1, children can play one card each day, using the pegs provided to hang the cards festively on a decorative piece of string. There’s no doubt about it - BrainBox Christmas is going to be the best “Ho Ho Ho-liday” countdown for 2018!

Green Board Games Tel: 01494 538999 www.greenboardgames.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand A10

Green Board Games Tel: 01494 538999 www.greenboardgames.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand A10

Brand New Launches Libra will be launching over 200 new lines at this year’s Autumn Fair, including lighting, furniture, accessories and giftware. Building on its existing Manoir theme, the brand will introduce new additions to the Roxborough range, as well as a selection of contemporary candles and faux flowers. Also previewing will be an extended range of dining chairs that complement many of Libra’s existing themes, tapping into key trends for the coming season.

New lighting designs will be displayed on a dedicated stand and will include a collection of 12 Art Deco inspired pendants among other trend-led pieces.

Creative New Look Given its growing popularity, GBG have invested heavily in the family-favourite Flights of Fancy range. This year at Autumn Fair, they will be revealing a fresh and contemporary new look for their creative kits. This collection of traditional kits, which includes Frame Knitting, Paper Making, Pinhole Photography and more, contains everything you need to bring families together for hours of old-school fun

The Libra Company Tel: 01223 895800 www.thelibracompany.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 3: Stand L04 – N05 (Furniture Accessories and Giftware) Hall 2: Stand E17 (Lighting)

Green Board Games Tel: 01494 538999 www.greenboardgames.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand A10

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Don’t miss our Flights of Fancy Preview!

Don’t miss our Flights of Fancy Preview!

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 2-5th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Brand New For Autumn Autumn Fair will see Candlelight launching exciting new Autumn/Winter ’18 gift and homewares. They includes co-ordinated collections of fun, novelty animals such as elephants, owls and teddy bears, plus a wide selection of faux plants in copper electroplated, with glazed ceramic and patterned finishes, and on trend metal LED lighting in both copper and gold with co-ordinating fairy lights.

The company will also be introducing new gold initial mugs and glassware. Additionally, there are new fun, quirky fabrics in the canvas and pom pom storage and laundry range, with the addition of trending two toned sequined cushions.

Candlelight Tel: 01709 723000 Email sales@candlelight.co.uk www.candlelight.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 2, stand L14

Boxing Clever Equilibrium gloves from Joe Davies are a popular choice for both retailers and customers. The high quality fabrics, affordability, varying styles and on trend pearl, crystal and faux fur embellishments ensure there is something for everyone, with the addition of luxury branded Equilibrium packaging. Visit Joe Davies to see over 2500 brand new exciting gifts which will be exhibited alongside the popular Equilibrium collection.

Everything is available to order in modest quantities with minimum orders of just £100 and free nationwide delivery.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand C10/D11

With Men In Mind Snoozies! for men are always a top seller for Joe Davies’ customers as the nights draw in. Three new men’s snoozies! collections will be on show on the company’s stand at the main entrance to Hall 5, joined by seven new ladies varieties lined with super soft, cosy Sherpa fleece. Joe Davies will also be offering an extensive collection of men’s gifts and fashion accessories, along with 2500 brand new gifts, so make the company your first stop.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand C10/D11

Stand Out Jewellery The brand new, eagerly anticipated 925 by Equilibrium collection of sterling silver jewellery will be on display on the Joe Davies stand at Autumn Fair (Hall 5, Stand C10/D11). The highly successful Equilibrium fashion jewellery collection has paved the way for their natural progression into ‘precious’ jewellery, featuring intricate silver necklaces, bangles and earrings some with highlights of rose gold – which are packaged in luxurious foiled boxes ensuring this indulgent, eye-catching collection really does stand out.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand C10/D11

Meet The Doodles Doodles is a fresh new brand of plush with a difference from gift importer Joe Davies, with the company introducing charming new ranges at Autumn Fair: Doodles Crochet, Doodles Knit, Doodles Rags and Doodles Softy.

Every Doodle is named, and all are beautifully designed and hand crafted from lovely materials. Buying Doodles couldn’t be easier from this customer friendly company as the minimum order is just £100 with free delivery nationwide.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand C10/D11

Hot New Designs With Autumn Fair around the corner, Puckator has lots of new and exciting products to unveil. The company is hoping to make a big splash this Autumn having expanded its recycled bamboo lines with a host of hot new designs. You can also find a multitude of on trend children’s dining sets, available in Enchanted Seas, Narwaii & Friends, Dinosaurs and Enchanted Rainbows, plus sets for outdoor dining and picnicking, as well as lunchboxes and a substantially enlarged selection of travel mugs. All products feature exciting new designs.

Puckator Tel: 0800 011 6969 Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk www.puckator.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5, Stand D02-E03 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 2-5th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Game Changing Booth Display Wild Things have had a fantastic response to their new booth display – claiming it is the ‘best lit display on the market’. It has been a game changer say the company, with all stockists reporting a steep upturn in sales. They are offering it free with a minimum stock spend, with a guarantee to replace any slow-selling stock.

The company will be launching some quirky new designs at the show, with these extending their best-selling Crystal Fantasy range which now stretches to more than 40 designs. All are made using Swarovski crystals and are designed and made in the UK. Next year sees the 35th anniversary of Wild Things, which had its pre-UK origins in a daily craft market in the San Francisco Bay area back in the mid 1970s!

The company is currently in the process of rebranding, with some products already showing a ‘sneak preview’ in time for the full launch next January. Exciting times at Wild Things!

Wild Things Tel: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com www.wildthingsgifts.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H20

The Gift Of Healthy Eating Can’t Believe It’s Not Wood From the animal kingdom to the natural beauty of the organic material of wood, Lesser and Pavey will be introducing a new range of style pieces at Autumn Fair. Hand carved to achieve an exceptional attention to detail, these animal carvings are made from resin leaving trees standing in the ground. These style pieces offer the reflection of tigers, lions, elephants and horses as if carved out of a block of wood, and are presented in quality gift packaging to enhance the overall appearance of the quality item inside.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand E02-F03

WBM’s Himalayan Chef food products line, being distributed by Xystos, is ideal for gifting and self-purchase, and perfect for foodies and those who want to display their kitchenware.

There is a range of salt and pepper grinders – the salt is revealed in its natural pink – as well as a gift set featuring a cooking plate made of Himalayan Salt. After being heated in the oven, it can be brought to the table for food to be cooked healthily – without the use of fat or oil – in front of guests.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Glee: Hall 19 Stand M11

Splosh Signs In Xystos has added several new Splosh ranges, including Signature photo frames and numbers, which can be signed as a lasting memento by party guests instead of the traditional guest book. There are also Wish Jars, which enable guests to write their special messages to the receiver and insert them in the jars. And, following the success of Fairy Houses, Xystos has introduced the Gingerbread House and Santa’s Workshop featuring LED lights. Look out too, for impulse purchase sentiment plaques and photo frames spanning the spiritual, tribal and botanical.

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

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Glee: Hall 19 Stand M11

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand H01 Glee: Hall 19 Stand M11 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Talbot Fashions

Est. 1980

Wholesale Jewellery, Gifts & Accessories

Beautiful Natural Paua shell

See us at Autumn Fair

Birmingham NEC Hall 4 Stand G10 2nd - 5th September 2018 Call now for our catalogue or place your order online at: www.talbotfashions.com Minimum order just ÂŁ25 (Ex VAT & P&P)

7

Howard Terrace, Brighton, East Sussex, BN 1 3 TR

Tel:

01273 776415

Fax:

01273 731167

Email: info@talbotfashions.com

www.talbotfashions.com

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 2-5th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Arm Candy Alert Hot Tomato have introduced some utterly gorgeous bracelets for the coming season. We are especially loving their Song-Book range featuring some of our most favoured and enduring song titles. These delightful sentiment bracelets look fab on their own or mixed in with other favourites and make a really thoughtful little pressie for someone special.

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com www.hot-tom.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 (Summerhouse) Stand - L16

Ten Year Anniversary Collection With more films in the works to continue ongoing storylines, Marvel’s merchandise market continues to thrive and Signature Gifts has secured a contract to produce this premium 10 Year collection. Available in both A4 and A3 sizes, these books are completed with a soft touch laminated finish, and over 100 pages of content presented in a Marvel gift box. Each book is gold embossed with the recipient’s name on the cover and can also be printed on the opening page with a personalised message and photo of the recipient. Their name also appears throughout the book at the top of each page.

RRP from £29.99

Signature Gifts Tel: 01582 464809 Email: info@signature-portal.co.uk www.signature-gifts.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand F10-G11

Personalised Advent Boxes Coming in time for Christmas, Signature Gifts’ new range of advent calendar gift boxes are the perfect pre-Christmas gift, with a wide range available, even for your dog! Each box is filled with goodies for every day of December and will be personalised with the recipient's name which will be emblazoned on the box lid. A premium, unique gift that will get even the most ardent Scrooge's in the mood for the festive season!

Available with the following: prosecco, wine, mixed spirits, beer, truffles, tea, coffee, and dog treats (not mixed together of course!) RRP from £49.99.

Signature Gifts Tel: 01582 464809 Email: info@signature-portal.co.uk www.signature-gifts.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand F10-G11

All Day, Every Day Hot Tomato, ahead of the curve as ever, has introduced a gorgeous range of ‘all day, every day’ scarves alongside their chunkier knits and faux fur for Autumn/Winter. These lovely, textured, botanical designs are a great cross-over scarf and are an inspired addition to their latest collection - aimed at when you are feeling only a tad chilly around the gills!

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com www.hot-tom.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 (Summerhouse) Stand - L16

Hammer Multi-Tool This Hammer multi-ool from Gentlemen’s Hardware features 10 functions including pliers, wire cutters, knife, serrated knife, bottle opener, screwdriver and clam hammer. Featuring scratch-resistant titanium carbide coating, premium wood handle and brass fixings, the bespoke tooling enhances functionality by using quality materials and durable finishes to ensure it finishes the job. Laser-etched Gentleman's Hardware branding is the finishing touch to this all-around stylish and practical multi-use tool.

Wild & Wolf Email: sales@wildandwolf.com Tel: 01225 789 909 www.wildandwolf.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand: D02-F03

Cheese & Wine Multi-Tool A must-have tool for all cheese lovers from Pretty Useful Tools! Say cheese with this multi-tool that splits into three parts and includes blades for all types of cheese, including a serrated knife and slicer for hard cheeses, and two knives to cut and spread soft cheeses. Open your favourite wine and chutney with the corkscrew, bottle opener and can opener to perfect your spontaneous cheese and wine get-together!

Wild & Wolf Email: sales@wildandwolf.com Tel: 01225 789 909 www.wildandwolf.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand: D02-F03

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 2-5th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Out Of This World Solo: A Star Wars Story, the next film in the Star Wars Anthology series, is due to be released on 25 May 2019, and Groovy UK has the perfect accompaniment with their Chewbacca outfit robe and Chewbacca jumpsuit. Made with ‘Chewie’ fur, and with his trusty shoulder bag printed and embroidered onto satin, who wouldn’t want to snuggle up at home in this fantastic ‘out of this world’ character robe? Groovy UK, Different by Design, will be exhibiting at Autumn Fair with their distributors Fizz Creations.

Groovy UK Tel: 0844 372 7820 Email: hello@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand C40-D41

Friendly New Faces The gorgeous Warmies plush ranges are the perfect bedtime companions for all ages. All are scented with French lavender and can be gently warmed in the microwave for just 90 seconds. An ever-expanding range, the popular Warmies plush collection from Intelex Group has recently welcomed 19 new friendly faces. Not only are these a thoughtful gift, but they are also incredibly practical to keep those you love warm all winter long.

Intelex Tel: 01933 679 333 Email: sales@intelex.co.uk www.intelex.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand J16-K17

Winter Warmers If you are looking for a unique Christmas gift this year, that your family will love, Intelex has created the perfect solution with their long hot water bottles. The elongated design will provide all over warmth during the cold winter nights. Simply fill them up with hot water and use them for snuggling up on frosty winter evenings, perfect for when you are home alone and need to warm up quickly.

Intelex Tel: 01933 679 333 Email: sales@intelex.co.uk www.intelex.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand J16-K17

Fabulously Frida Temerity Jones has secured a licence from the Frida Kahlo Corporation and have worked their magic with iconic images of this mesmerising character, covering wall tapestries, framed posters, a range of giftboxes and bags, and much more. Their Frida modesty screen is a stroke of genius, but equally inspired are lightboxes and storage tins. Temerity Jones has also extended the image onto a Tequila slammer set and Marga-frida cocktail set. Complementary items include chilli pepper string lights and a fabulous flock parrot table lamp.

Temerity Jones Tel: 01992 718033 Email: sales@silplc.com www.silplc.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 T01-W01

Groovy New Licensed Giftware Groovy's philosophy in the world of official licensed giftware is designing and creating original products, in house, across bathrobes, jumpsuits, loungers, slippers, bags, lighting and more.

Harry Potter continues to be a fabulous licence for the company, with the design team continually refreshing the range with fabulous new lines. A Golden Snitch range includes a backpack, with silver wings, luxury wash and cosmetic bags, bathrobes and slippers with beautifully embroidered Golden Snitches. A brand new Kawaii range has been introduced with bathrobes, slippers, bags and lighting, Kawaii is the Japanese culture of cuteness and no matter what age you can’t help but love these adorable characters. Groovy UK, Different by Design, will be exhibiting with their distributors Fizz Creations at the NEC Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand C40-D41

Groovy UK Tel: 0844 372 7820 Email: hello@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand C40-D41 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 2-5th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Going For Gold If you’re still crazy about the cactus theme then you’ll love SIL’s new collection, Gold Leaf. It takes lush greenery and foliage shapes and patterns and puts them in context for Autumn, covering a range of items that include velvet relief cushions, leaf-shaped porcelain trinket dishes and a gourd-shaped fragrance diffuser, as well as gift bags, storage boxes and dramatic canvas art prints. With these, SIL has also put together a series of items that complement the rich Autumnal tones of the collection with gold.

SIL PLC Tel: 01992 718033 Email: sales@silplc.com www.silplc.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 B10-C11

A Cut Above The Rest

Home Is Where The Heart Is Lesser & Pavey will be bringing the brand name Home Sweet Home to the forefront of their stand at the Autumn Fair September. Brand new are quality soup bowls that are available in two new designs, each offering three assorted colours. Accompanying the range are mugs and a gift set mug, plate and spoon set. The new range will make a perfect gift for lunch at home or in the office.

Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand E02-F03

New to the Lesser & Pavey kitchen accessory Home Sweet Home ranges are striking new cutting boards. Durable and quality, the chopping boards come in new designs for the Autumn. They are available in two sizes and come individually gift boxed. This range and the full Home Sweet Home kitchenwares range can be seen at Autumn Fair.

Wild At Heart

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

Thirsty For Sparkle The Lesser & Pavey stand will be sparkling this September (Hall 5; Stand E03-F04), as it launches new drink flasks that are covered in gold glitter dust, featuring titles such as prosecco, gin, unicorn, mermaid and other great titles. They are available in pink, with colour changing LED lighting. What more could you ask from a must have, trending alternative to a plastic bottle.

Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand E02-F03

SIL’s new Safari collection has been inspired by the jungles and plains of Africa. Stars of the show are the mirrored prints – striking images of tiger, zebra and leopard surrounded by reflective glass - creating a sleek modern piece of wall art.

These also come in canvas-print versions, and you’ll also find metal Serengeti trees. With this comes a stampede of animal print on mirror frames, plush velvet boxes and storage suitcases, also covering candles and fragrance diffusers.

There is also a set of three wise monkey ornaments.

SIL PLC Tel: 01992 718033 Email: sales@silplc.com www.silplc.com Autumn Fair: Hall 3 B10-C11

Eco-Friendly New Collection A new eco-friendly bamboo range will feature heavily on the Lesser & Pavey stand this September, featuring flamingo, llama, unicorn, bee, panda and zoo animals.

Made from sustainable natural bamboo fibre, they are BPA and phthalate free while still being dishwasher safe.

Lesser & Pavey Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand E02-F03

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What’s New A selection of products launching at Autumn Fair 2-5th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Commemorative Poppy Jewelley Shrieking Violet now offer their unique jewellery in 23k gold plated sterling silver. The poppy collection is the perfect way to mark the WW1 centenary.

Shrieking Violet will be exhibiting at Autumn Fair.

New Sunflower Collection Shrieking Violet have some wonderful new designs to show at Autumn Fair including a sunflower collection, 23k gold plated sterling silver and the Aura collection (shown).

Shrieking Violet Email: sales@shriekingviolet.co.uk www.flowerjewellery.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand H30

Shrieking Violet Email: sales@shriekingviolet.co.uk www.flowerjewellery.com Autumn Fair: Hall 4 Stand H30

Flying Off The Shelves Nemesis Now’s award winning Game of Thrones collection is expanding! Declare your independence with the King in the North tankard. Or if you’d prefer to drink beyond the wall, then why not try our Viserion White Walker goblet? Already flying off the shelves, they’re sure to be a hit with your customers!

Nemesis Now Tel: 01782 596660 Email: sales@nemesisnow.com www.nemesisnow.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand J02

Hard Rock Nemesis Now is proud to bring you our hardest rocking collection yet! Our most musical designers have been slaving away for months to create fitting tributes to the titans of rock, and we couldn’t be prouder of the results. Every detail has been perfected to produce pieces that will have your customers begging for an encore!

Nemesis Now Tel: 01782 596660 Email: sales@nemesisnow.com www.nemesisnow.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand J02

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

New Licence Launches Nemesis Now is set for another fantastic year! Our newest license is the brilliant Rick and Morty. Featuring everyone’s favourite fugitive from dimension C-137 and his hapless grandson, the collection has everything you need to get schwifty, including boxes, wine bottle holders, and bathroom accessories, with a range of clocks coming soon!

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

Nemesis Now Tel: 01782 596660 Email: sales@nemesisnow.com www.nemesisnow.com Autumn Fair: Hall 5 Stand J02

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What’s New Progressive Gifts and Home highlights some of the lastest greeting cards launching at Autumn Fair 2-5th Sept, NEC Birmingham

Going Wilder Penguin Ink is adding to its Wild range with the addition of new Safari designs, including this striking Cheetah.

Beautifully letterpress printed onto luxury card stock, the cards will come with 100% recycled Kraft envelopes and individually cellowrapped. In addition, a whole new collection of Christmas little notes will debut at the show along with a spinner offer.

Penguin Ink 07525 497122 www.penguinink.co.uk Autumn Fair Hall 4 Stand D71

Four Of A Kind Building on the popularity of last year, Twizler is introducing 15 additional cards to its Canine Christmas humour range. From exasperated centipedes to a tetchy baby Jesus, everyone is sure to find a chuckle! Each card comes with a festive red envelope and is individually cellowrapped.

GBCC is launching four new ranges at Autumn Fair. Licensed by RNLI is a range of 16 art and photographic cards supporting a much loved British institution. By Jove is a splendid collection of 12 wonderfully witty cards, all in a letterpress style. Photographic range, Wish You Were Here, captures the wonders of the British Isles, while Wise Words combines whimsical photographs accompanied by inspirational quotes.

Twizler 01959 532 532 www.twizler.co.uk Autumn Fair Hall 4 Stand F69

The Great British Card Company 01452 888999 www.greatbritishcards.co.uk Autumn Fair Hall 4 Stand D40/F41

Festive Funnies

Mugging Up For Christmas Following Cherry Orchard’s highly successful launch of Wot A Mug humour cards at PG Live, the publisher has augmented the collection with 14 Christmas designs. Supplied cellowrapped, these festive delights come with red spotted envelopes.

Cherry Orchard Publishing 01684 295500 www.cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk Autumn Fair Hall 4 Stand D40-F41

Little And Large Earlybird Designs is going ‘little and large’ for Autumn Fair, launching 21 new designs in its Mini collection, including some Christmas relations designs, as well as six new large square designs. The Mini Christmas cards measure 120mm x 90mm and come with a red envelope and the large cards (which are 210mm square) come with a kraft ribbed envelope. Also new are six Thank You packs which come eight cards to a pack.

Earlybird Designs 01227765372 www.earlybirddesigns.co.uk Autumn Fair Hall 4 Stand C68

Joining The Jamboree Responding to the immediate popularity of its new Jamboree range that debuted at PG Live, Paper Salad is adding 19 additional designs covering birthday and occasions. Featuring unique patterned textures, deep emboss, bright colours and finished off with a gorgeous foil, all the cards come with a colourful envelope are individually cellowrapped.

Paper Salad 0161 427 0001 www.papersalad.co.uk Autumn Fair Hall 4 Stand B01

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LESLEY DUNNE

SOUNDING OFF

I’ve Got The Music In Me With Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again the all singing, all dancing blockbuster movie this summer, self-confessed ‘rock chick’ Lesley Dunne, owner of Feathering Your Nest in Rayleigh, agrees that creating a musical feelgood factor in store is just the thing to get customers singing along and dancing in the aisles on their way to the till. No, she’s not joking, as she explains.

“The other Wednesday was one of those bumper sales days - the rare ones that leave you perplexed and pondering. What just happened? How did we take that much?

Where did they come from? What did they buy, and, of course, how can we repeat it?

As I reflected on the conversations with our customers that day - ours is a very chatty shop - it was mostly about the music we were playing, thanks to our sales assistant Michelle who had brought in her collection of Jackie CDs. (For those of you not old enough to remember, Jackie was a teen magazine from the 1970's, and yes, damn it, I am that old!).

I'd never heard so many customers singing along in the shop to Abba, David Cassidy, David Essex, the Bay City Rollers, Hot Chocolate and Kenny. We even had two sisters doing The Bump! (For younger readers, it was a dance back in the day!).

Above and below: Abba and Elvis are among the favourites at Feathering Your Nest.

And it was far from a ‘first’. As you’ve gathered, we’re a gift shop that loves music - especially anniversaries such as Elvis, Bowie, Winehouse, International Women's Day etc - and over the years, we've enjoyed seeing and hearing lots of our customers break out into song and dance, with many of our reps making their jukebox requests too!

So we continued to play the Jackie CD all week - well, I didn't want to Rock The Boat (sorry, I couldn't resist that one!) - and it was a good week. If I’m being honest, chez Feathering Your Nest, we all grew a bit tired of those tunes, but, if you’ll excuse yet another pun, we thought The Sun is Shining so bring on Bob Marley and reggae along with a bit of Elvis.

However, while there are some artists that always give you the feelgood factor, others do bring the atmosphere down.

Even though I adore Ed, Adele and Sam, it can get a bit depressing after a while, which isn't how I want my customers to feel. We play most genres, as I love all kinds of music to suit my various moods (and I'm not speaking about hot flushes here!); but Eminem or Deep Purple are not what my customers are expecting to hear when they pop into buy a gift from Feathering Your Nest, as our choice of music needs to reflect our product offer.

As an example, certain film sound tracks make the shop appear cool - I’m thinking Mamma Mia, American Hustle, Guardian's Of The Galaxy, Pulp Fiction and Northern Soul here.

On a more serious note regarding playing music in store, I have always paid our PPL and PRS licences because I couldn't stand to be in a silent shop. To my mind, a hushed shop makes customers feel uncomfortable and eager to head for the door after a few minutes.

And I have to admit, I have certainly fallen foul to spending more time and money than I intended while humming along the rails to a good old Soul sound collection. Quite honestly, who doesn't get good vibes when listening to a little Marvin Gaye?

But one last word about PPL and PRS music licences. There seems to be some confusion about people getting billed twice.

So if you want to play music in your shop, make a point of watching what you are paying for. Of course, in today’s world, there are ways around getting free music, with various companies offering packages and internet streaming which I'm sure you’re savvy about. But as our 19 year old son, Aidan, heads off to uni, with a guitar on his back to pursue a song writing degree, I guess I will continue to happily pay the music licence, hoping that one day he will write a string of hits and find me and Mr D a luxury nursing home!”

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

Sharon Baker and Maxine Matthews, co-owners, Bromley & Co., Ipswich A small gift shop located in a quaint walkway between Ipswich’s two main streets CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Wrendale Designs: across the board;

One of our best sellers are the quirky animal designs from Hannah Dale which include mugs and ceramics from Portmeirion, as well as tinware from Wrendale.

Home fragrancing

Pintail Candles: across the board

A great range of fragrances at an amazing price.

Jewellery

PoM; across the board

Beautiful unique statement pieces.

Everything comes in a presentation box. A brilliant range of scarves too.

Fashion accessories

Long & Sons: handbags

A great range of colours.

Greeting cards

Noel Tatt

An extensive choice, including the best selling decoupage range and open cards. Affordable prices.

Giftwrap

Glick: deluxe giftwrap and bags

A superb quality and range.

Other Hot Hits

Enesco: Beatrix Potter

The range includes soft toys, organic bowls, plates and cups. Even more popular because of the film release.

Angela Jones, owner, Lily Blue, Hagley A small gift shop on a high street CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Shruti: cushions, throws;

On trend and coordinating summer throws and cushions. Affordable home styling.

The gin trend just keeps on growing!

Parlane: gin glasses and accessories; East of India: porcelain hearts

Home fragrancing

Since relocating them to the greeting card area, sales have definitely increased.

A good add on sale.

Branche D’Olive: heart shaped pomander; Lily Flame: Fairy Dust

Lovely fragrances, elegantly packed.

Dansk Smykkekunst: across the board; Hot Tomato: across the board

Danish styling at its best.

Good price points. Always on trend.

Fashion accessories

Cadenza: ponchos and scarves; One Hundred Stars: across the board

A new supplier. The Italian ponchos and coordinating scarves have done very well.

Beautifully printed scarves, kimono jackets and robes. More a self-purchase than a gift.

Greeting cards

Five Dollar Shake

A high price point, but we’d be lynched if we stopped selling them!

Giftwrap

Artebene

German quality and style at a good price point.

Jewellery

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PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

It can’t be beaten. Our best selling candle in a tin by far.

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Denise Laird, owner, Spirito, Glasgow A small gift shop on a secondary site CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

East of India: hanging hearts; Lancaster & Gibbons: handmade pewter photo frames

The white ceramic hearts are a constant best seller.

The designs are lovely and each photo frame is unique.

Home fragrancing

Lily Flame: candle tins;

Great fragrances, great colours. A pick-up favourite.

Made in Australia, the handmade candles and diffusers come in a lovely soft colour palette.

Peppermint Grove: across the board

Jewellery

Tutti: across the board;

Tutti recently had a rebranding, and the range now has lots more commercial appeal.

Fashion accessories

Big Metal: across the board Miss Shorthair: scarves; PoM: scarves

Lovely fashion-led designs.

A fantastic selection for Autumn/Winter. One of our best sellers.

PoM offers a wonderful selection of scarves and jewellery. Very on trend and well priced.

Greeting cards

Belly Button

A fantastic selection of cards and price points.

Giftwrap

Glick

Good quality, colourful giftwrap at a range of price points.

Other Hot Hits

Talking Tables: party

Really quirky products. The company keeps coming up with fresh ideas, colours and designs.

Clare Jarvis, co-owner, The Tutbury Present Company, Tutbury A medium sized gift shop in a mews, just off the high street CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Namaste: elephant globes; photo frames;

The company’s fair trade credentials make these products very popular.

Affordable prices too.

Great price points and an extensive selection. The photo frames are a winner.

Gisela Graham: across the board

Home fragrancing

Stoneglow: Botanicals;

Bomb Cosmetics: candles in a tin

An unusual, beautiful range in eye-catching packaging.

At under £10, these candles fly out of the shop. Great for teachers’ gifts and all year round gifting.

Jewellery

Joma: ‘a little’; Esprit: sterling silver

A very simple, easy to sell range. Very well priced.

Rhodium plated so doesn’t tarnish. Items come boxed making it an easy sell. Appeals to men gift buyers.

Fashion Accessories

Powder: sunglasses; Katie Loxton: pouches

A big hit this summer. The packaging sells them. Lovely fashion designs too.

These pouches go on and on selling. Great packaging and good prices.

Greeting cards

Juniper Tree

These are a real winner and fly off the shelves.

Giftwrap

Glick

Paper Salad does especially well.

Other Hot Hits

Zippy: bibs

This is a lovely range for babies, and also includes blankets, swaddles and muslins.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Best Sellers

What better testimonial for products than those of your fellow retailers. Here's all the information you need to get in touch and start stocking!

GLICK T: 01274 655980 E: info@glick.co.uk W: www.glick.co.uk

PARLANE INTERNATIONAL LTD T: 01451 812700 E: Welcome@parlane.co.uk W: www.parlane.co.uk

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

BELLY BUTTON DESIGNS T: 0161 902 0200 E: sales@bellybuttondesigns.com W: www.bellybuttontradeshop.co.uk

PEACE OF MIND T: 01225 777749 E: Sales@pom925.com W: www.pom925.com

PEACE OF MIND T: 01225 777749 E: Sales@pom925.com W: www.pom925.com

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

SHRUTI LTD T: 01985 847774 E: sales@junction18.com W: www.junction18.com

GLICK T: 01274 655980 E: info@glick.co.uk W: www.glick.co.uk Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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BEHIND THE COUNTER

Liana Moran

Above: Liana Moran Right: Liana is shown with Cloudberry’s owner Julie Pearson at The Greats.

Liana Moran, a finalist in The Greats 2018 Retail Employee of the Year category, started her career in the time-honoured way of doing a paper round.

At 17, while still studying, she worked at French Connection, joining Cloudberry gift shop eight years ago. Liana, an artist, works as Cloudberry’s visual merchandiser.

Liana Moran has worked with Cloudberry since the shop opened in June 2010 and is responsible for the visual merchandising in both Blackhall and Barnton.

Additionally, she plans the company’s visits to trade shows and retail events, creates lists of ‘must see suppliers’, and is involved in buying decisions. She also makes it a personal challenge to get to know Cloudberry’s regular customers, and enjoys helping people to find what they are looking for.

“It was Cloudberry’s owner Julie Pearson, and the experience of working in the shop, that led to my becoming

so interested in merchandising,” explains Liana.

She says that what she most loves about her job at Cloudberry is the creative approach to coming up with displays. “I love combining colours, materials and objects into a unified look, as well as the freedom to use the space as effectively as possible. Christmas is my favourite season, as the same customers come in every year and can't wait to see what we’ve bought, and how we are displaying it this year!”

A typical day for Liana starts with a cup of coffee, followed by stocking the

shelves and moving stock around. “I then place orders, show the other staff members the new products, and come up with new ways to display them,” she highlights.

Interestingly, Liana is also an artist, who has her own business, Edinburgh

Illustrations. “Growing up, I always wanted to be in the arts and went to Edinburgh College of Art, graduating with a degree in Painting and Drawing,” she explains. “After being commissioned to paint Edinburgh’s iconic scenes for a city centre hotel, it enabled me to start selling my original artwork as well as prints and cards.”

LAST WORD

Rona Stevenson

Above: Rona Stevenson.

Right: Actress Anna Seyfried is shown in the all-star line-up of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

Rona Stevenson co-owns gift shop Within Reason in Sheffield with her sister Heather, with the sisters also the founders and co-owners of clothing company One Hundred Stars.

Most recently, Anna Seyfried, who stars in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, wears the company’s mini kimono, Paris Valerie, in the movie. The kimono was named after Rona and Heather’s own ‘mamma’!

Three words that best describe you?

“Ballsy, creative, kind.”

Tell us a quirky fact or two that we don’t know about you? “I went to the same art college in Psalter Lane, Sheffield, as rock star Jarvis Cocker and Nick Parks, creator of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep.”

What was your first job? “I worked as a nanny in London.”

How did you get into retail? “Initially doing antique markets. Our dad was an upholsterer, and when Heather and I got a

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shop, we filled it with new, vintage and upholstered furniture. Subsequently, that led us into gift and home products.”

What was the best piece of business advice you were given when starting out? “Stay in business. The longer you stay in business, the more you learn.”

What piece of business advice would you give to someone today? “Don’t close the business when the going gets tough. Try not to get despondent. Keep motoring on.”

What do you feel gives you the edge in business? “We aren’t afraid to take chances.”

What’s your favourite book? “Hard to say because I read voraciously!”

What’s your favourite TV programme?

“Scandi noir. I particularly love The Bridge.”

What’s your favourite film? “Frida, based on the life of Frida Kahlo. She was a very complex woman.”

Where’s your favourite place to go on holiday? “The Greek islands, especially Skiathos and Skopelos where the first Mamma Mia film was shot.”

How do you start and end your day?

“I begin with a cup of tea and Radio 4, and end with a glass of wine and The Archers.”

Which one item would you take to a desert island?

“A never ending book! Failing that, an unstoppable face cream for my very dry skin!”

IBC_GH_September 2018.qxp_Layout 1 17/08/2018 14:48 Page 119

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GIFTS & GREETINGS

TRADE ASSOCIATION

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK’s gift and home industry with 70 years unique experience listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with or knowledge and contacts within the industry.

Website: www.ga-uk.org Email: enquiries@ga-uk.org Tel: 0121 237 1104 10 Vyse St, Birmingham B18 6LT

Giftsandhome.net - launching May 3, 2018 Launching on 3 May 2018, GiftsandHome.net will be the new online resource for the entire gifts and home sector. From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home, and the organisers of The Greats gift retailer awards, this new e-newsflash portal and website will deliver and be the hub of the very latest news, views, and analysis from across the gifts arena, covering both the supplier and retailer aspects of the trade.

£ ££ ¡® ¦ ¡

Launching with an unrivalled email subscriber base of over 8,000 readers, a twice-weekly newsflash (sent every Monday and Thursday) will land directly in the inboxes of everyone in this fast-paced sector.

A modern, easy to navigate website will provide a central resource for the trade too, offering pithy news, indepth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Gifts & Home, and much, much more.

Agent Vacancy £

All advertising on the website is duplicated to each and every newsflash, giving advertisers huge visibility and a direct connection with retail buyers for a whole calendar month.

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

We’d love you to be part of it!

Advertising and Commercial Opportunities:

Advertisement Manager - Angie Bryant angieb@max-publishing.co.uk

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Editorial and Content Opportunities:

Editor - Sue Marks sue@suemarks.co.uk

@Prog_Gifts

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