The Greats Gift Retail Awards 2018

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@Prog_Gifts

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Welcome To. . .

The ‘Greats’ Gatsby Inset: From left to right: Ian Hyder, Sue Marks, Angie Bryant and Jakki Brown.

This year’s Greats Gift Retailer Awards certainly puts the word ‘great’ into the decadent, glamorous, 1920’s art deco era of The Great Gatsby!

From fringe-y flapper style dresses and headbands to dapper men’s suits and shiny shoes, it will be all to play for as the lavish Awards afternoon unfolds.

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t’s no secret that Jay Gatsby loved to throw an extravagant party – and with The Greats in their 16th great and glorious year, the Awards remain the swankiest, most prestigious event on the gift industry’s calendar.

Just like the award winning novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, there will be plenty of nail-biting drama as the winners are announced by the individual category sponsors (see page 4), and romance too, along the lines of big hugs and kisses for the winners!

But happily, there’s no need to worry about Prohibition! Having been welcomed with a reception that was full of fizz, it will be followed by a delicious lunch, specially created for The Greats

by Nigel Boschetti, the executive chef at the glamorous Grosvenor House.

Once again, we’re delighted to bring together the great and the good in the gift industry – sponsors, gift suppliers, manufacturers, reps and agents – to enjoy a fabulous afternoon.

With a stellar line-up of retail entrepreneurs, we wish of all our fantastic finalists the very best of luck this afternoon!

The Greats Team Sue Marks, Angie Bryant, Jakki Brown, Ian Hyder and Warren Lomax The Greats Awards 2018

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A HUGE ‘THANKS’ TO OUR FABULOUS SPONSORS What makes The Greats possible each year is the strong support of the gift industry.

As always, we are hugely grateful to the leading manufacturers and suppliers who have sponsored individual categories this year. These amazing companies are shown below.

l Retail Employee of the Year 2018: Sponsored by Clarion Events/Home & Gift, Harrogate l Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - London (inside M25): Sponsored by Ashleigh & Burwood l Independent Gift Retailer of the Year Home Counties, South and South East: Sponsored by Method UK l Independent Gift Retailer of the Year East Anglia: Sponsored by Harrogate Christmas & Gift l Independent Gift Retailer of the Year Midlands & Wales: Janie Wilson l Independent Gift Retailer of the Year North & Northern Ireland: Sponsored by Joe Davies l Independent Gift Retailer of the Year South West: Sponsored by NPW l Independent Gift Retailer of the Year Scotland: Sponsored by Boxer Gifts and Boxer Books l Independent Gift Retailer of the Year Newcomer South and Wales: Sponsored by GiftsandHome.net l Independent Gift Retailer of the Year Newcomer Midlands, North and Scotland: Ascential/Spring Fair and Autumn Fair l Best Specialist Multiple Retailer of Gifts: Sponsored by Allsorted l Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts: Sponsored by Yankee Candle l Best Non-Specialist Retailer of Gifts: Sponsored by the London Stationery Show and Manchester Stationery Show l Best Lifestyle or Homewares Retailer of Gifts: Sponsored by Parlane l Best Gift Retailer of Jewellery and Fashion Accessories: Sponsored by Dansk Smykkekunst l Best Garden Centre Retailer of Gifts: Sponsored by Premier Decorations l Best Museum or Visitor Attraction Gift Shop: Sponsored by PreschoolNews.net l Best In-Store or Window Display: Sponsored by Gisela Graham l Best Online or Mail Order Gift Retailer: Sponsored by Gift Republic l Best Retailer Initiative: Sponsored by Max Publishing l Best Service to the Independent Gift Retailer: Sponsored by PG Live 2018 l Honorary Achievement Award: Sponsored by The Giftware Association

Let ’s Par a ty L I K E G AT S B Y

Right: The Greats invitations and menus were specially created by Janie Wilson.

Making Us Laugh The Greats is always lots of fun, helped along by the wit and wisdom of a fabulous stand-up comedian/compere. This year, sure to make everyone giggle is award winning comedienne, songwriter and improviser Pippa Evans. She regularly performs on BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show with recent TV appearances including Dave’s Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled and ITV’s Tonight at the Palladium. Pippa has also taken critically acclaimed solo shows to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has performed stand-up comedy across the world.

Above: Pippa Evans is this year’s Greats compere.

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The Greats Awards 2018

‘Thanks Old Sport’ To . . .

Janie Wilson, founder of JanieWilson, for designing and sponsoring this year’s glitzy invitations and menu cards which reflect The Greats’ decorative art deco theme, and to Illustrator Claire Coxon, for her evocative ‘Greats’ Gatsby imagery. (Claire is represented by leading artists’ agency Image Source).

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greats goody bags All guests will take home a fabulous goody bag that's bursting with gifts.

In alphabetical order, the goody bags will include: l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l

Carrie Elspeth: jewellery Dansk Smykkekunst: jewellery Eco Chic: foldable bags Enesco: Say What’s ‘He Said I Was Delusional’ cosmetic bag Gift Republic: Pineapple Pens and Emergency Moustaches Gisela Graham: glass bird bottles Groovy UK: Superman clip-on Look-ALites Hot Tomato: crochet and glass beaded neck ties Joe Davies: candles Parlane: coloured jam jars with straws Really Good/Soul: Curly Girl make-up brush set Stoneglow: Winter Woods & White Jasmine boxed tumbler Wild & Wolf: Gentlemen’s Hardware key multi-tool; Ridleys Games Chattering Teeth Classic and Food & Drink Quiz and Folklore raspberry hand cream.

Wrendale: linen notebooks Yankee Candle: glass jar candles

What’s On the Menu Off To A ‘Greats’ Gatsby starter . . .

A panache of golden and heritage beetroot, served with rosary goat’s cheese parfait, spiced gingerbread crumble, accompanied by a raspberry and beetroot puree

The dazzling ‘stars’ of the main course

ABOUT THE GROSVENOR HOUSE l The imposing Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, overlooking London's historic Hyde Park, has a distinguished, glamorous, and aristocratic pedigree stretching back nearly 350 years. l Originally built as an ice rink, the Great Room at the Grosvenor House hosted The Hallowe’en Ice Festival and Dance, held in October 1929 – four years after The Great Gatsby was written. l The ice rink included exhibition dancing and skating on the ice and was visited by the Prince of Wales. l As well as hosting various sporting clubs and events, Queen Elizabeth II took her ice skating lessons in the Great Room. l With the popularity of ice galas and balls, the hotel’s then owner, Arthur Edwards, had the idea of converting the Great Room into a banqueting space. l Over the centuries, the hotel has had numerous owners, and is currently owned by the Jumeirah Group.

Blackened miso Atlantic cod, baby leek, samphire and caper salsa, smoked garlic mash, green onion cream sauce (Pre-ordered vegetarian) Wonton of bok choy, sweet potato, ginger and coriander with coconut, mango, chili salsa and Thai basil sauce

Decidedly decadent dahling!

Valrhona chocolate and honeycomb mousse, white chocolate bavarois, popping chocolate and orange segments

Coffee

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Independent Gift Retailer of the Year retail employee of of the year 2018 Criteria: Awarded to a special someone who has 'gone the extra mile' and made an outstanding contribution to the running or growth of a gift shop or gift department.

The 2018 finalists are Mark Alexander, retail manager, National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas

Peter De La Mare, store manager, England at Home, Brighton

“Mark has led, challenged and inspired his team to deliver excellent results. He has built on their core skills through the delivery of internal and external training packages on customer service, merchandising, product knowledge and selling skills, and has also brought in a number of high quality volunteers.

Mark has also overseen a steady evolution in our buying. His attention to detail on the shop floor is exceptional and, as a consequence, our shop remains beautifully presented and easily shopable.”

Mark Ellis, head of commercial operations, National Memorial Arboretum

"Peter, who joined in 2007, is a consistently humble, empathetic, dynamic and authentic store manager inspiring others by not only working longer and harder than anyone, but also encouraging and enabling his team to develop. Customers like him, respect his knowledge, and are often surprised about him giving service beyond their expectations. He has done this every day for over 10 years and deserves to be recognised for it."

Bob England, director, England at Home Lucy Hamblin, operations manager, Forget Me Not and Lulu Loves, Stubbington “Lucy joined me as the store manager for Forget Me Not in 2012. She has been my go-to person over the past six years and has always gone above and beyond in every respect. Her opinions and guidance have helped me bring Lulu Loves into full bloom, and I will always be eternally grateful for the energy, respect and loyalty she has shown me. She is a wonderful advocate for the independent gift trade. I would like to unreservedly nominate her for this award.”

Louise Heyler, MD, Forget Me Not and Lulu Loves

Monica Leeder, sales, In Time Studios, Hazlemere "Monica, aged 77, has been working for us for many years. She is absolutely dedicated to our business and is our greatest support since I came out of retirement (and before) due to the loss of my daughter and my business partner. Monica's contribution to the business is immense. She is an amazing woman, and we don't know what we would do without her. As she says 'the shop is my life’."

Nominated by Roger Bennett, director, In Time Studios Liana Moran, visual merchandiser, Cloudberry, Barnton and Blackhall “Liana has worked with Cloudberry since the shop opened in June 2010 and is responsible for the visual merchandising in both shops and is also the main influence in our buying decisions. She works on the shop floor and makes it a personal challenge to get to know our regular customers.

Liana also has a brilliant gift of helping customers to find what they are looking for. Committed to every aspect of her role, she is an all round irreplaceable member of the team.”

Julie Pearson, owner, Cloudberry

Angie Pipe, assistant manager, Alligator Pear, Tadworth “Angie has worked for us for nearly 10 years and is the glue that keeps the business ticking over. Stalwart, hardworking and professional, both staff and customers love and respect her.

She does so much in the background in a quiet, unassuming way. How can I not appreciate and admire this amazing lady as she has travelled on this journey with me making Alligator Pear such a well-known and respected brand in the area.

That success must be shared by Angie .”

Category sponsored by

Maggie Thornton, owner, Alligator Pear

“Home & Gift – the perfect time, the perfect place, to discover next season’s bestsellers! As the first show of the second season, set against the beautiful summer backdrop of Harrogate, Home & Gift 2018 is the perfect place to shop next season’s bestsellers. Taking place from 15-18 July, it really is a show you can’t afford to miss. We’re delighted to be supporting The Greats again in 2018 as they recognise the hard work and commitment that all of these remarkable employees demonstrate.” www.homeandgift.co.uk

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Independent Gift Retailer of the Year London ( INSIDe M25 ) Criteria: Independent gift retailers in London (inside M25) who have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including range of gifts, product knowledge, customer service, shop environment, marketing and display.

The 2018 finalists are

The Indigo Tree, Streatham

Indish Design Shop, Crouch End

Maiden, Shoreditch

Max and Melia, Clapham

Mooch, Ealing

The Present, Barnet

Category sponsored by “It is a true honour for us to sponsor the award for Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – London. As a family business with London roots we welcome the opportunity to support independent retailers, who are intrinsic to the heart of our own company and the giftware industry as a whole.” www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

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WISHING ALL TODAY’S FINALISTS

GOOD GOOD GOOD LUCK! LUCK! LUCK! Proud sponsors of the The Greats Awards and printers of the The Greats Awards Brochure & Progressive Gifts & Home Based in London, Method UK is a bespoke design and reprographics company which specialises in producing and managing all manner of wonderful print projects 020 7691 0922 hello@thisismethod.co.uk

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Independent Gift Retailer of the Year home counties, south & south east Criteria: Independent gift retailers in the Home Counties, South & the South East who have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including range of gifts, product knowledge, customer service, shop environment, marketing and display.

The 2018 finalists are

Alligator Pear, Tadworth

Calliope Gifts, Alton, Dorking and Haywards Heath

The Chocolate Frog Company, Oakhanger

Inklings, Hungerford

Millies of Hailsham, Hailsham

Something Special, Edenbridge

Category sponsored by “Method UK is a bespoke design and reprographics company which specialises in producing and managing all manner of wonderful print projects. Based in London, Method UK is delighted to be sponsoring The Greats Awards 2018 and wishes all the fabulous finalists the very best of luck.� www.thisismethod.co.uk

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CONGRATULATIONS To all finalists and winners of the Greats Awards We look forward to welcoming you to next year’s show

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Independent Gift Retailer of the Year east anglia Criteria: Independent gift retailers in East Anglia who have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including range of gifts, product knowledge, customer service, shop environment, marketing and display.

The 2018 finalists are

Buy the Light, Bury St Edmunds

Gifted, Norwich

Love It, Bury St Edmunds and Stamford

Loveone, Ipswich

Podarok, Cambridge, London and Oxford

Quest Gifts, Bury St Edmunds

Category sponsored by “Harrogate Christmas & Gift, 13-16 January 2019, is one of the UK’s fastest growing trade shows for the Christmas sector and a favourite for buyers seeking festive products such as Christmas trees, decorations, ornaments, gifts and yearround ranges for the home and garden. The team extends congratulations to all shortlisted companies and looks forward to welcoming everyone to the 2019 show." www.harrogatefair.com

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A5 Greats candle sponsor Ad 08.05.18 print.pdf

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GREETING CARDS & HAND POURED CANDLES

Proud sponsors of the Greats awards 2018 Independent Gift Retailer of the Year Midlands and Wales Category.

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Independent Gift Retailer of the Year midlands & wales Criteria: Independent gift retailers in the Midlands & Wales who have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including range of gifts, product knowledge, customer service, shop environment, marketing and display.

The 2018 finalists are

The Alphabet Gift Shop, Burton-on-Trent and Mickleover

Daisy Chain Gift Company, Stratford-upon-Avon

Mooch Gifts & Home, Stourport-on-Severn and Bewdley

Roobarb, Bridgnorth

The Tutbury Present Company, Tutbury

Uno, Mumbles

Category sponsored by “Janie Wilson is delighted to be sponsoring The Greats 2018 Independent Gift Retailer of the Year Midlands & Wales category, and wishes all the finalists the very best of luck!� www.janiewilson.co.uk

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Congratulations and good luck to all ‘The Greats’ finalists.

We are proud to have been sponsors of ‘The Greats’ for 16 years and wish you every success on the big day.

Glamour Puss

Progressive Gifts Greats Awards 2017

15 times winners

Bright Fund Boxes

Leonardo Exotic Tall Mugs

Sock Society

Equilibrium® Handpainted Pendants

Best Service to the Independent Retailer

Bright Metallic Butterflies

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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Independent Gift Retailer of the Year north & northern ireland Criteria: Independent gift retailers in the North and Northern Ireland who have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including range of gifts, product knowledge, customer service, shop environment, marketing and display.

The 2018 finalists are

Belly Button Designs, Manchester and Stockport

The Gift Gallery, York

The Imaginarium, York

Love Letters, Anlaby

Swags & Tails, Waltham

Utility, Liverpool

Category sponsored by “Once again, Joe Davies are delighted to be sponsoring the Greats Awards. Through their hard work, creativity and dedication, independent retailers are the driving force of our industry and without them, we would not be here. The finalists are already winners and we wish them luck on the big day.� www.joedavies.co.uk

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Independent Gift Retailer of the Year south west Criteria: Independent gift retailers in the South West who have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including range of gifts, product knowledge, customer service, shop environment, marketing and display.

The 2018 finalists are

Bibi’s Home, Weymouth

Brocante, Fowey

Cats Whiskers, Bishops Cleeve

Just Trio, Barnstaple

Just Delights, Penryn

Frame of Mind, Illminster and Wellington

Category sponsored by “NPW is the home of design-led impulse gifting! We offer innovative and entertaining gift solutions, supplying with you with party, beauty, stationery and novelty products that surprise, delight and make you laugh!

Every day is a party with NPW!” www.npwgifts.com

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The Greats Awards are an amazing opportunity to connect with customers and continue to grow our relationship with those great retailers, resulting in a more efficient communication and ordering process which will most importantly benefit the retailer.

Boxer Gifts were established in 1982. We are now celebrating 36 years of designing and creating highquality gifts and books and an exceptional level of customer service.

Sponsoring The Greats Awards reaffirms Boxer’s dedication to supporting our great independent retailers.

Our mission is to support great independent retailers and build successful relationships by continually providing new, innovative products, manufactured to the highest standards, to the gift market.

Good luck to all The Greats finalists! www.boxergifts.com Boxer Gifts, Leeds, UK. LS13 4BS Sales: 01133 955 595 sales@boxergifts.com

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Independent Gift Retailer of the Year scotland Criteria: Independent gift retailers in Scotland who have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including range of gifts, product knowledge, customer service, shop environment, marketing and display.

The 2018 finalists are

Cloudberry, Barnton and Blackhall

The Gift, Beauly

The Keekin’ Glass, Prestwick

Maia Gifts, Glasgow

Paper Tiger, Edinburgh

Pozzi, Buckie

Category sponsored by

“In addition to providing exceptional customer service and creating innovative products, sponsoring The Greats Awards reaffirms Boxer’s dedication to supporting great retailers. The Greats Awards are an amazing opportunity to connect with customers and continue to grow our relationship with those great retailers, resulting in a more efficient communication and ordering process which will most importantly benefit the retailer.” www.boxergifts.com / www.booksbyboxer.com

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GiftsandHome Advert A4_Layout 1 09/05/2018 15:22 Page 1

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

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

Launched with an unrivalled subscriber database of 7,559 readers (and growing) - largely dominated by retail buyers, a twice-weekly newsash lands directly in the inboxes of everyone in this fast-paced sector.

This modern, easy to navigate website provides a central resource for the trade too, oering pithy news, in- depth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Gifts & Home, and much, much more.

Advertising and Commercial Opportunities: Advertisement Manager - Angie Bryant angieb@max-publishing.co.uk

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

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best newcomer-south & wales Criteria: A new independent gift shop which has opened since January 2015.

Nominees have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including a range of gifts, product knowledge, customer service, shop environment, marketing and display.

The 2018 finalists are

Bromley & Co, Ipswich

Josie’s, Bideford

Highworth Emporium, Highworth

Little Boat Gifts, Brightlingsea

Strawberry Blue, Bradford-upon-Avon

Lulu Loves, Stubbington

Stuff & Co, Midhurst

Category sponsored by “GiftsandHome.net would like to applaud all the fantastic finalists who have made it through to the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year Newcomer South & Wales category. Huge congratulations, and wishing you all the very best of luck!” www.giftsandhome.net

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You’re the bee’s knees!

Congratulations to all winners and finalists at The GREATS Gift Retailer Awards 2018 from the team at Spring & Autumn Fair. www.autumnfair.com

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best newcomer-midlands, north & scotland Criteria: A new independent gift shop which has opened since January 2015 in the Midlands, North and Scotland. Nominees have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including a range of gifts, product knowledge, customer service, shop environment, marketing and display.

The 2018 finalists are

The Bonny Hoose, Alnwick

Jaine’s Gift Box, King’s Lynn

Joco Interiors, Nuneaton

MOOCH on St Giles Street, Northampton

Mysa, Edinburgh Category sponsored by “Spring & Autumn Fair are proud to be sponsoring The Greats Retailer Awards once again this year. We are very pleased to support an event that celebrates the achievements of the industry and send congratulations to all the nominees and winners.” www.autumnfair.com / www.springfair.com

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Good luck to all finalists! www.allsorteduk.com Email: customerservice@allsorteduk.com Tel: 01923 474495

Allsorted helps retail buyers to be more successful with gift books and gift stationery by increasing sales, fixing problems around how and when to buy the right products, and saving valuable time.

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best specialist multiple gift retailer(4 or more shops) Criteria: Retailers with four or more shops, excluding department stores, supermarkets and garden centres. Nominees have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including product range, product knowledge, staff training, customer care, marketing and promotion, window and product display, as well as commitment to the gift sector.

The 2018 finalists are

Between the Lines, (14 stores)

Chickidee, (6 stores)

Huttons, (5 stores)

Oliver Bonas, (70 stores)

Smart Ideas, (8 stores)

Vinegar Hill, (11 stores)

Category sponsored by “Allsorted is delighted to be sponsoring the Best Specialist Multiple Retailer of Gifts category at The Greats 2018.

Congratulations to all the fabulous finalists!� www.allsorteduk.com

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NEW

HOLIDAY

Sparkle

Proud sponsors of the Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts Category

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best department store retailer of gifts Criteria: This award was open to individual independent department stores or a specific branch of a department store chain. They have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum in the last year, including product range, product knowledge, staff training, customer care, marketing and promotion, window and product display, as well as commitment to the gift sector.

The 2018 finalists are

Barkers Home, Northallerton

Fenwick Bracknell, Bracknell

Jarrolds, Norwich

John Lewis, Oxford Street

Liberty, London

Strickland & Holt, Yarm

Category sponsored by “Yankee Candle is proud to sponsor the prestigious Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts Award and to celebrate their ability to provide shoppers with the opportunity to buy everything they need in one place, from home fragrance to finding the perfect gift.� www.yankeecandle.co.uk

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Don’t miss out on these two fabulously fashionable stationery & gift shows in London and Manchester Fill your shelves with great gifts, irresistible treats and smart essentials that will add style, colour and plenty of reasons for customers to visit again.

PROUD SPONSOR OF

Good luck to all the finalists at The Greats 2018!

Add the dates to your show diaries now @StationeryBytes

@stationeryshowsUK

@stationeryshowsUK

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Best non-specialist retailer of gifts Criteria: Nominees are independent or multiple retailers for whom gifts are not their main product focus. Nominees have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the last year, including a range of gifts, product knowledge, customer service, shop environment, marketing and display.

The 2018 finalists are

The Barn At The Hollies, Little Budworth

Bookends, Christchurch

Francis Iles Gallery, Rochester

Luxe Cookshop Northampton

PennyClare, Newholme

Ruby & Scarlet, Felixstowe

Category sponsored by “The London and Manchester Stationery Shows are the UK’s most important events for buyers of writing and paper products. Exhibitors offer fabulously fashionable gifts, irresistible treats and smart essentials that will add style and colour to your shelves and plenty of reasons for customers to visit again. Make it a date!” www.stationeryshow.co.uk / www.stationeryshowmanchester.co.uk

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PARLANE ® INTERNATIONAL IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE AWARD FOR:

BE S T LIFEST YLE , HOM E -WA RE S & GIF TS RETA I LE R G O O D LU CK TO A L L TH E F IN AL IS TS

Parlane, established in 1970, is a member of the Garden Centre Association, the Giftware Association, BHETA and BIRA

e: Welcome@parlane.co.uk

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best lifestyle or homewares retailer of gifts Criteria: This award is open to all gift retailers, independents or multiples, for whom gifts are part of a wider product mix ranging from fashion to furniture.

The 2018 finalists are

Etcetera, Hitchin

Graham And Green, Bath and London

Love Thy Interiors, Thirsk

The Old School Beauly, Beauly

Orange Tree, Topsham

Robert & Ruby, Pockley

Category sponsored by “Parlane has a long-established reputation for creating stylish and contemporary home accessories delivered with excellent customer service. There are many fantastic retailers who strive to make their business a success. We are pleased to once again be sponsoring The Greats Awards which celebrates the very best in retail.� www.parlane.co.uk

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AGENCIES LTD

813 Manchester Old Road, Middleton, Manchester M24 4RE t: +44(0)161 653 1586 e: info@pa-agencies.co.uk w: www.pa-agencies.co.uk

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best gift retailer of jewellery & fashion accessories Criteria: Open to all independent or multiple retailers who have, over the last year, demonstrated commitment and knowledge of jewellery that retails within a gift retail environment.

The 2018 finalists are

Azure, Sidmouth

Feathering Your Nest, Rayleigh

The Herbary, Troon

MiMi (hw), Hartley Wintney

Pozzi, Buckie

Soukous, Bristol

Category sponsored by “All at P & A Agencies - on behalf of Dansk Smykkekunst, Copenhagen - are delighted to, once again, sponsor the Best Retailer of Jewellery & Fashion Accessories category at The Greats Awards 2018. Good luck to all the finalists!� www.dansksmykkekunst.dk

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2017_A5 Great Awards Advert-PRINT.pdf

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Design-led room decorations & accessories . . .

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Proud to be sponsoring

BEST GARDEN CENTRE RETAILER OF GIFTS 2018

. . . for Christmas & all year round!

Find out more at www.premierdec.com

PREMIER DECORATIONS LIMITED • PREMIER HOUSE • BRAINTREE ROAD • RUISLIP • MIDDLESEX HA4 0EJ • UK

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best garden centre retailer of gifts Criteria: This award was open to all independent or multiple garden centres.

Nominees have demonstrated commitment and knowledge of giftware retailed within a garden centre over the last year.

The 2018 finalists are

Cannon Hall Garden Centre, Cawthorne

Caulders, Kirkintilloch

Frosts Group

Hawley Garden Centre, Hawley

Ransoms Garden Centre, St Martin

Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock, Whitchurch and Woodborough

Category sponsored by

"The Greats Gift Retailers Awards 2018 recognises and rewards companies that go that extra mile to deliver superior in-store shopping experiences. Premier Decorations is delighted to join them by sponsoring Best Garden Retailer of Gifts for 2018. Congratulations to all of the shortlisted companies – the Premier team looks forward to working with you all in 2018." www.premierdec.com

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PreschoolNews Advert A4_Layout 1 09/05/2018 16:16 Page 1

@Prog_Preschool

PreschoolNews.net is published by preschool sector experts, for preschool trade experts From the publishers of Progressive Preschool Magazine and the organisers of the Progressive Preschool Awards, PreschoolNews.net provides the very latest news, views and analysis across the preschool product and retail sector.

Launched with an unrivalled email subscriber database of 12,877 readers, a twice weekly newsflash lands directly in the inboxes of everyone in this fast paced industry.

This modern, easy to navigate website provides a central resource for the trade too, offering news, in-depth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Preschool, and much, much more

ADVERTISING AND COMMERCIAL:

EDITORIAL AND CONTENT:

Jo Pilcher jop@max-publishing.co.uk

Jacqui Parr jacquip@max-publishing.co.uk

Rob Willis robw@max-publishing.co.uk

Sam Loveday saml@max-publishing.co.uk

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best museums or visitor attraction gift shop Criteria: Open to all independent or multiple museums, heritage outlets or visitor attractions. All contenders were required to demonstrate commitment and knowledge of giftware within a visitor attraction over the last year.

The 2018 finalists are

The Eden Project, Bodelva

National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh

ZSL London Zoo

Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover

National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas

Rheged Centre, Cumbria

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Category sponsored by “Children’s gifts are an essential part of gift retailing capitalising on the three tier purchasing by grandparents, parents and children themselves.

Preschool.News.net is proud to support and sponsor The Greats Awards.” www.Preschool.News.net

The Greats Awards 2018

39

Gisela Graham is proud to sponsor the award for

Best Retail Display

Good luck to all the 2018 finalists!

12 Colworth Grove, Browning Street, London SE17 1LR

Tel: 020 7708 4956 Email sales@giselagraham.co.uk Website www.giselagraham.co.uk

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best in-store or window display Criteria: Window and/or in store displays which are either specific to one product range, or of a more generic nature, which demonstrate originality and maximise visual impact.

The 2018 finalists are

John Lewis, Oxford Street

Just Delights, Penryn

The Merchants House, Marlborough

Peppertrees, Northampton

The Shop At The Emporium, Clitheroe Category sponsored by “Display is what makes the difference between good sales, and great sales. It’s what draws the customer into the shop and makes them buy when they get inside. Gisela Graham is delighted to sponsor the award that fosters this essential part of the retailer’s armoury.” www.giselagraham.co.uk

The Greats Awards 2018

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Great Awards Brochure Advert 2018.pdf

1

05/03/2018

10:09

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Also available: Flamingo Bottle Opener COME AND VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE EXCITING GIFTS! 0208 542 4836

www.giftrepublic.com

@GiftRepublic

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GiftRepublicLtd

sales@giftrepublic.com /Gift Republic

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best online or mail order gift retailer Criteria: Open to all online retailers of gifts, mail order gift catalogues or a high street gift retailer who also have an online presence or publishes a mail order catalogue retailing gifts.

The 2018 finalists are

Find Me A Gift, www.findmeagift.co.uk

Oklahoma, www.okla.co.uk

Oliver Bonas, www.oliverbonas.com

Prezzybox, www.prezzybox.com

rigby and mac, www.rigbyandmac.com

ZSL, www.zsl.org

Category sponsored by “At Gift Republic we have a passion for fun, innovative gifting. We make everything from unique one-off novelty products to award nominated homeware ranges such as Ecologie. We love to sponsor best online and mail order Gift Retailer of the Year as we like to promote the success of others.” www.giftrepublic.com

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Market leading trade magazines

Market leading trade awards

Market leading trade exhibitions

Market leading digital platforms

Max Publishing, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP For further details please contact us on T: 020 7700 6740 or www.max-publishing.co.uk or email ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

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best retailer initiative Criteria: Open to all retailers who have undertaken a specific development or initiative that was instrumental in increasing retail growth of gift products, such as through advertising, promotions, website activity, a staff training programme or a customer loyalty programme.

The 2018 finalists are

Alligator Pear, Tadworth,

Dragonfly Cards & Gifts, Knaresborough,

for its Mother’s Day and Father’s Day promotions

for its Design A Beanie Boo competition in conjunction with Ty

The Herbary, Troon,

The Hollies, Little Budworth,

for its Gok Wan DreamSpace collaboration

for its Monty the Mini initiative

Lulu Loves, Stubbington,

Womacks of Bawtry, Bawtry,

for its Hygge weekend initiative

for its Christmas initiative

Category sponsored by “Huge congratulations to the finalists in The Greats Awards 2018 Best Retailer Initiative category. They all stand out as exceptional marketeers, and, as sponsors of this category, we are delighted to recognise and applaud them. We wish these fabulous retailers the very best of luck!” www.max-publishing.co.uk

The Greats Awards 2018

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“We had a memorable day, meeting lots of new suppliers and artists. The show has a relaxed, chilled vibe and we were sad to leave at the end as we still had more to see and buy.

Lesley Dunne, owner of Feathering Your Nest, Rayleigh

The Greatest Collection Of Greeting Cards In The World Congratulations to all The Greats finalists!

From one celebration of the greeting card industry to another, PG Live 2018 is delighted to be able to help you enjoy the festivities today.

All finalists will also receive a ÂŁ50 voucher to spend with any of our fabulous exhibitors at the show!

PG Live 2018 Tuesday 5 - Wednesday 6 June Business Design Centre, London

Be InspIred

+44 (0) 1635 297070 www.progressivegreetingslive.com @PGLiveLondon

www.progressivegreetingslive.com

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Book Your Tickets Now

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best service to the independent retailer Criteria: This incredible award recognises and rewards gift suppliers in terms of the service they provide to independent retailers.

The 2018 finalists are (in alphabetical order)

Carte Blanche East of India Enesco Gisela Graham Joe Davies Lesser & Pavey Parlane Sass & Belle Widdop and Co Yankee Candle Roll of Honour Although they did not reach the finals for this award, the following companies are worthy of recognition, as independent gift retailers really value the service that they provide.

11. Jellycat 12. Straits Trading 13. History & Heraldry 14. Richard Lang 15. Xpressions 4 U 16. Really Good 17. Ashleigh & Burwood 18. Carrie Elspeth 19. Xystos 20. Boxer Gifts 21. Junction 18 22. Heart of the Country 23. Wax Lyrical 24. Heaven Sends 25. Portmeirion Group

26. Premier Decorations 27. Ravensden 28. Heathcote & Ivory 29. Kaemingk 30. Transomnia 31. Dartington Crystal 32. Half Moon Bay 33. Nemesis Now 34. Sea Gems 35. Sifcon International 36. House of Marbles 37. Libra 38. Wild & Wolf 39. Container Group Buying (CGB) 40. Fiesta Studios

Category sponsored by “Celebrating ten years of showcasing design excellence, PG Live 2018 is proud to present the greatest collection of greeting cards in the world, with over 250 exhibitors. Taking place from Tuesday 5 Wednesday 6 June, PG Live is the only UK trade show dedicated to the global greeting card industry.� www.progressivegreetingslive.com

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The Giftware Association’s ‘Meet The Buyer’ 2018 series has already got off to an exciting start with events hosted by big names such as The National Gallery, The Royal Mint, The Tillington Group of Garden Centres, Choice Marketing and many more.

“A really fresh and personal approach... The first event gave us two great new customers who generated £2000 of business for us within 3 months. Well worth it!” - The Art File

simone.rose@ga-uk.org [FB]

The Giftware Association

[TW] the_ga_uk [IG] the_ga_uk www.ga-uk.org

For more information on these events, and any other way the Giftware Association can help you, get in touch today!

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honorary achievement award Criteria: his very special award is to be presented to an individual who has contributed greatly to the UK gift industry. PG&H invited nominations from across the industry, with the worthy winner coming from the retail or supply side of the trade.

who will be this year’s hero?

Winner 2006

Winner 2007

Winner 2008

Winner 2009

Phillip Lewis Collectables

David Metcalfe formerly chairman and md of TPS

Joy Jordan formerly of Focal Point

Keith Entwitle formerly md, Caspari

Winner 2010

Winner 2011

Winner 2012

Winner 2013

Bryan Parry founder, Bryn Parry Studios, co-founder, Help For Heroes

Martin, Sam and Julian Rayner (pictured is Martin Rayner), directors, Lakeland

Oliver Tress, md, Oliver Bonas

Gisela Graham, founder and md of Gisela Graham

Winner 2014

Winner 2015

Winner 2016

Winner 2017

Ken Johnson, md of Enesco Europe

Mike Burgess, md of Parlane

Andrew Illingworth sales director of Widdop and Co.

David Hicks, md, Really Good/Soul

Category sponsored by

“The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK gift and home industry. We can help your business thrive with our knowledge, services and contacts within the industry. We represent everyone from established start-ups, manufacturers and retailers. Our services are on offer to help your business succeed. We have providers to guide you through the toughest legal, IP and finance issues as well as offering valuable expertise from our 70 year history.” www.ga-uk.org

The Greats Awards 2018

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A great show that never disappoints!

We want our card offering to be ‘unique and different’ and found loads of incredibly fresh designs that fit this bill perfectly Kirsty Hicks, card buyer, Waitrose

Plan Your Visit Register now to receive your free copy of the PG Live 2018 Show Preview, a fantastic peek behind the scenes of this year’s anniversary show, with exclusive launches and show-only offers.

PG Live 2018 Tuesday 5 - Wednesday 6 June Business Design Centre, London +44 (0) 1635 297070 www.progressivegreetingslive.com @PGLiveLondon

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sit

eive e PG iew, hind ar’s with and

The Greatest Collection Of Greeting Cards In The World Celebrating ten years of showcasing design excellence, PG Live 2018 is proud to present the greatest collection of greeting cards in the world.

Register now to receive your free copy of the PG Live 2018 Show Preview, a fantastic peek behind the scenes of this year’s anniversary show, with exclusive launches and show-only offers from over 260 publishers, artists and designers.

Be InsPIred Book Your Tickets Now

www.progressivegreetingslive.com

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the greats awards are organised

and owned by

united house north road london n7 9dp T:020 77006740 GiftsandHome.net