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4 In this issue... REGULARS 8 Industry news All the latest from the world of gifts 18 On with the show Trade fair dates and show news 24 Brand spanking new Latest launches and brand-new products 29 Bookstand The latest releases in gift books FEATURES 33 Deck the halls The festive season is the most profitable season for retailers, which can set them up for a successful year ahead. Check out part one of our Christmas round-up to capitalise on the period 41 Things that go bump in the night Capitalize on the growing trend for an elaborate Halloween celebration with this round-up of gifting items 45 Heart of the home Home accessories make living lovely, and consumers are always eager to splash the cash on an interior item 51 Memories Made Photo frames capture memories to last a lifetime, and as such are the perfect selfpurchase or pick-up gift to stock 55 Man of the hour Cater to the ever-growing male accessories market with these sure-fire purchase items 61 Interiors: Colour Wheel Bringing earth tones such as green into the home can create a sanctuary and an aura of calm 64 Interiors: Rugs Rugs can make attractive in-store displays, and are affordable interior items to stock 8 July/August 2023 24 55 18 41 51
5 CONTENTS SHOWS 69 Home & Gift Head to Harrogate to see what this year’s Home and Gift has to offer, with lust-worthy products and networking opportunities in abundance FOCUS ON 79 Company Profile Merci Maman Founder Beatrice de Montille shares how the company holds motherhood at the heart of everything it does, and how it grew from a work-fromhome job to the successful jewellery business it is today 82 Company Profile Gisela Graham is celebrating its 40th anniversary – check out how the company got to this milestone achievement 86 Company Profile Blade and Rose Owner Amanda Peffer found a distinctive product format which resonates with a wide audience, and is now looking to further its UK and European expansion 90 Retailer Interview Pomegranate London Founder Katie Bulatovic evolved her brand from market stalls to a bricks and mortar stall in London, and has developed a loyal customer base that returns year-on-year 61 BUSINESS ADVICE 58 Gifting for men A recent survey by Perspectus Global highlights how men have evolved in their gifting desires, with many now feeling their gifts are repetitive and are excited by options traditionally reserved for women 94 ACID Faith Capstick from ACID’s communications team shares some of her thoughts for better mental health 97 Target Market UK Greetings looks at how garden centres can appeal to a younger consumer 98 Festive success Bis Henderson Space Managing Director, Steve Purvis, shares an in-depth look at the Golden Quarter and how to properly prepare your supply chain for success 100 FSB Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shares that why bridging the skills gap is important for securing a prosperous future for small firms and workforce alike 102 Trade Show Connections How important are trade shows in today’s business world? Sara Davies gives her thoughts... 69 88 64 82
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7 EDITOR’S LETTER On the cover Established in 1971 by Chairman and Co-Founder Ronnie Pavey, Lesser & Pavey has become a leading UK Trade Supplier of Giftware & Homewares. By priding itself on fantastic quality at great value for money, the brand The Leonardo Collection has become renowned worldwide. Planning ahead It always feel strange writing about Christmas as we put together this magazine just as summer is kicking off, but, as you know, July and August are prime purchasing months for the Golden Quarter. And, as you also know, getting your ordering right for the festive season is imperative to making the most of one of the most financially lucrative consumer purchasing events of the year. Planning ahead is key, as is analysing consumer trends, judging the mood of the nation, factoring in macroeconomic factors when it comes to the price point of your store’s offering, and, should you have a webbased store, ensuring your delivery service is prepped and ready to cater for demand. In order to get you on your way, we have the first of our two Christmas round-ups in this issue, checking out what the best brands have to offer for December’s buying bonanza. I also delve deeper into Christmas spend in this issue’s blog, which is located in the Attire Accessories section on page 36. But before we get ahead of ourselves, it’s also worth stocking for Halloween too. Year on year, the Halloween celebrations get bigger and better, with the UK slowly but surely taking on the extravagance of the U.S. From party decorations to gifts, it’s continuing to become a prime opportunity to capitalize on consumer spend. Don’t forget to get your fill of new products, industry news and company profiles within these wonderful pages of all things gifts! Enjoy the issue, Louise Prance Editor Louise DESIGN +44 (0)1376 535 616 artwork@giftfocus.com ACCOUNTS +44 (0)1376 535 616 accounts@giftfocus.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis +44 (0)1376 535 602 sarah.ellis@giftfocus.com Gift Focus and Attire Accessories are solely owned, published and designed by KD Events and Publishing Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Gift Focus is published six times a year. ISSN 1758-0897 @giftfocus @giftfocusmag @gift_focus Gift Focus magazine is proud to be associated with and supporters of: ADVERTISING Account Manager Lauren Redford-Hughes +44(0)1376 535 609 lauren.redford-hughes @giftfocus.com EDITORIAL Editor Louise Prance +44 (0)1376 514 000 louise.prance@giftfocus.com 61 33
Industry news MAD BEAUTY SHORTLISTED FOR 2023 GREAT BRITISH ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS Award winning bath, body and cosmetics brand, Mad Beauty has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Family Business and Retail categories for the East of England region. This recognition reflects its exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, dedication, and remarkable achievements within their industry. Now in its 11th year, The Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate the outstanding individuals and businesses that drive innovation, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the growth of the UK economy. These awards serve as a platform to honor the remarkable stories of entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges, demonstrated resilience, and make significant contributions to their communities. “We are incredibly grateful and thrilled to be shortlisted and this recognition reflects the dedication and passion of our amazing team at Mad Beauty,” said Julia Cash, Creative Director at Mad Beauty. Julia’s husband and Director of Mad Beauty, Trevor Cash added: “It’s an honour to be among such talented entrepreneurs shaping the future of business in the UK. Thank you to our customers, partners and supporters for being part of our journey and to Great British Entrepreneur Awards, for this incredible opportunity!”. The Great British Entrepreneur Awards have become one of the most coveted accolades for entrepreneurs across the UK, celebrating the nation’s diverse entrepreneurial landscape. The awards ceremony will take place on November 20th 2023 at London’s Grosvenor House, where industry leaders, innovators, and influencers will gather to celebrate the achievements of the finalists. Founder of The Great British Entrepreneur Awards Francesca James says: “Every year I am blown away with the quantity and quality of applications we receive, and this year is no exception. The Great British Entrepreneur Awards receives thousands of applications annually and the competition is tough. I am truly inspired by the remarkable accomplishments of this year’s finalists. Their collective achievements of generating over £2.7 billion in turnover and employing over 33,000 people demonstrate the exceptional impact they have made in their industries and communities. These entrepreneurs exemplify the spirit of innovation, resilience, and growth that drives the entrepreneurial landscape in the UK.” The Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year category recognises and celebrates entrepreneurs leading and excelling within family businesses in Great Britain and the Retail Entrepreneur of the Year category celebrates the creativity and innovation of entrepreneurs who have made their mark in the world of retail. www.madbeauty.com Catch up on all the latest in our news round up KATE MASON JOINS ACID AS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Anti Copying in Design (ACID) has announced the appointment of Kate Mason as Director of Marketing. Kate brings a wealth of experience to the ACID team not only from her impressive credentials within the creative industries but also from her pioneering role leading The Big Draw, now a global organisation, helping children to recognise their creative soul through exploration and expression of ideas. Kate also brings her enthusiasm and passion for arts and crafts as Chair of the Society for Designer Craftsmen (SDC). On her appointment Kate said, “I can’t think of a more exciting time to be getting involved with this pioneering organisation which in so many ways is ahead of the curve in its focus, horizon scanning and leadership. It’s agility, reach and the breadth and nature of the membership ensure it is uniquely positioned. It is able to not only champion and be a leading voice against design theft, but also play a central role in the ongoing and developing narrative around copying in the creative industries and evidencing and mitigating this impact.” Dids Macdonald OBE., CEO of ACID said, “The team and I can’t wait for Kate to get started. ACID is at a pivotal time in our history, twenty-five years from its inception and together with Kate, we look to the next period of campaigning, growth and engagement with passion. As a committed advocate of the value of arts, craft and design she is streets ahead of most about understanding the importance of intellectual property as a positive force for growth.” 8
THE CHRISTMAS PRESS SHOW LAUNCHES THE BIG CHRISTMAS WISHLIST AWARDS The Big Christmas Press Show, hosted by PR solutions company CIJ Group, has announced the launch of its own official awards; The Big Christmas Wishlist. Back bigger and better than ever for its sixth year: The Big Christmas Press Show, which is taking place on Wednesday 13th September 2023, is turning it up a notch with an awards presentation that’s set to crown the hottest products tipped to be best sellers for Christmas coming out of the show. Brands such as Not on The High Street, Baylis & Harding, Pokémon, Nicky Clarke, Ravensburger, Russell Hobbs, hampers. com and more are showcasing at this year’s event. Judged by a panel of industry experts from retail and the media, The Big Christmas Wishlist is a chance for the brands and retailers in attendance to submit their top products and launches into the ultimate Christmas wishlist. The Big Christmas Wishlist features 11 award categories in total, spanning across the different gifting and retail verticals, represented by brands and retailers at the show. Categories include; Budget Friendly, Self-care, Home Lover, Food & Drink, Fashion Lovers, Techie, For the Kids, Eco & Ethical, Advent Calendars, Personalised and Beauty & Grooming. The awards aim to be inclusive of everyone showcasing at The Big Christmas Press Show and will recognise the most innovative, exciting, showstopping products & gifting ideas as well as taking into account products that are suitable for all budgets. There will be three winners chosen from each category, meaning 33 winners in total. The deadline for entries will be 11th August and the winners will be contacted and notified ahead of the show. The winners will be revealed at an awards presentation, hosted by the judges and attended by VIP media, live at The Big Christmas Press Show on the 13th September. Winners’ products will be included in a dedicated round up to the media as well as receiving their own accolade. Courtney Rogers, founder of CIJ Group and gifting expert, comments: “The Big Christmas Press Show is truly the kick off event to retail’s golden quarter! We are always looking to add value to our clients and ensure our media friends are dazzled with the hottest product offerings and showcases to help them with all their listicles and gift guides. So we wanted to go one step further and recognise some of the most innovative, exciting and top products for Christmas through our own official awards; The Big Christmas Wishlist.” For further details about The Big Christmas Wishlist and The Big Christmas Press Show please visit: www.cijgroup.co FANATTIK CELEBRATES THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF JURASSIC PARK AND JURASSIC JUNE WITH A ROARSOME COLLECTIBLES RANGE Fanattik, the award-winning UK based pop culture company, celebrates the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park with several new collectible releases including jewellery and in-world replica’s. Anthony Marks, M.D Fanattik, says: “I remember working on 25th anniversary product for this iconic brand, our first item which had a retail of £35 sold out quickly and within a week they were selling for unbelievable money on eBay, up to $1,000 each. We knew at that point that this franchise when put together with the quirkiness of Fanattik was a winning combination for our retail partners.” It seemed fitting when Fanattik celebrated its 15th anniversary last year it hired a cinema to host a private party and viewing of the latest Jurassic World film for suppliers, licensing partners and retail buyers. Fanattik has been a long-term partner for Universal Studios signing its first license with them back in 2017. Since then, it has created gift and collectible ranges for over 20 of its iconic film brands including a range to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Back to the Future and 40th anniversary of Knight Rider. Melissa Tudor Creative Director, Fanattik, says: “As big Jurassic Park fans ourselves, the design team love creating the in-world affordable collectibles that fans have come to expect from Fanattik.” The Fanattik focus is very much on heritage titles, both film and video games, there is an existing multi-generation fan base hungry for product featuring properties they grew up with, and Fanattik believes they are best in class when it comes to affordable collectibles for that kidult market. The Fanattik velociraptor magnetic bottle opener has been nominated for Gift or The Year and the team have a lot more Jurassic gifts and collectibles in the pipeline. Many of the 30th anniversary pieces will be launched in the Jurassic Park pop up store at the Natural History Museum in London later this year. www.fanattiktrade.com INDUSTRY NEWS 9
Please contact for NEW 2023 BROCHURE For any enquiries please call or email John on 02380 769455 e:abitquackers@hotmail.co.uk See us at Autumn Fair 20M02
CORNISH SEASIDE RESORT LAUNCHES HOLIDAY FRIENDLY GIFT CARD With a handful of accolades including best seaside resort in Britain, best beach in the UK and the happiest place to live, St Ives is ready to showcase its charms with a new gift card. Led by St Ives BID, the St Ives Gift Card is available to buy online as either a physical or digital card, and can be spent like a debit card on everything from accommodation and eating out to shopping and leisure activities, making it ideal for UK holidays and locals looking to explore where they live. One of the places that accepts the new St Ives Gift Card is restaurant Hub Box, located on St Ives harbour, and home of the live harbour webcam. Richard Boon is CEO of Hub Box and said: “Hub Box is a harbourside burger joint with craft beers, cocktails, and DJs and live music on weekends. I think it’s great that St Ives is leading the way in Cornwall with its own gift card, especially the fact that you can get a physical or digital version of the card. Almost everyone pays using their card or phone now, so being able to load that St Ives Gift Card into your digital wallet and pay using your phone is really convenient. “Giving the St Ives Gift Card offers the consumer lots of choice of where to spend, so it’s a gift that won’t be wasted. We are really excited to be accepting the St Ives Gift Card - you can gift a good burger or a beer to one of your mates if they’re heading to St Ives, how good is that!” Working through the Mastercard system, once purchased, physical St Ives Gift Cards are sent by post and digital gift cards are sent as a text or email. The recipient can then add the balance of a digital St Ives Gift Card to their digital wallet and make their purchases in-store, using their phone or their physical gift card. Tate St Ives is also part of the new St Ives Gift Card. Katharine Walker is Head of Strategy & Business Planning at Tate St Ives, commenting: “What could be better than giving someone a gift of the St Ives experience, a place that has for centuries welcomed and inspired artists from around the globe? As one of the key visitor attractions in the town, Tate St Ives is delighted to be part of the new gift card helping to support the local economy. “Give someone the gift of experiencing great art with admission to our galleries or Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden or enable them to buy something from our shop to take home. Alternatively, why not treat them to lunch in our café, or coffee on our terrace which boasts some of the best sea views in St Ives? The options are endless and offer something for everyone’s circumstances, and that’s the beauty of this card.” www.townandcitygiftcards.com/product/st-ives-gift-card/ DARTINGTON CRYSTAL JOINS BHETA Leading UK glass manufacturer Dartington Crystal has joined BHETA. Dartington Glass as it was known until the 1980s, was born in 1967 as one of the Dartington Hall Trust’s social enterprises in North Devon. It became the most recognised manufacturer of simple yet functional glassware in the UK. Dartington’s vision was built on a clean and simple design style, handmade using age-old techniques of Scandinavian roots. It remains the only remaining factory scale producer in the country. Today Dartington Crystal is not only the leading UK glass manufacturer but also an award-winning visitor attraction in Devon. It supplies retail stores throughout the UK and export markets as well as providing leading businesses and luxury brands with bespoke and exclusive products. Seema Grantham, BHETA’s sector manager for housewares said, “Dartington is an historic brand with iconic status. It is ever expanding its beautiful range and I’m delighted that the company is joining BHETA.” For more information about BHETA and the retailer networking, market data, lobbying and business support opportunities it offers, contact Seema Grantham on +44 (0)7985 732 557 or view the website at www.bheta.co.uk PAPER PLANE DESIGNS CELEBRATES SECURING 500TH STOCKIST Rutland-based gift brand Paper Plane is celebrating securing its 500th independent stockist. Having started out with a £50 investment in some Christmas cards in 2014, founders Laura Harvey and Jack Thorpe have continually reinvested into the company, adding new lines and ranges to the point where, today, they have 500 indie stockists, over 125,000 online sales and a string of High Street successes. Jack says: “We’re still pinching ourselves that what started as a few boxes of cards and envelopes in our dining room has turned into our full-time jobs. To have secured our 500th stockist is a real landmark for us - we’ve had to learn a lot of new things along the way, but the support from other small creative business owners has been great - we’re constantly surprised at how supportive this community is.” Some of Paper Plane’s hero products include Bath Noodles - natural vegan soap in the shape of noodles, The How To Cook Everything series of prints and the Emergency Dad Jokes range of cards and gifts. Laura says: “From our first trade show at Top Drawer in 2016 to our most recent at Spring Fair this year, and through our online wholesale marketplaces, we’ve met some amazing customers and made so many friends who understand the ups and downs of running a small business.” Trade customers can buy online at paperplanewholesale. co.uk where they will also find links to Paper Plane’s Faire and Ankorstore shopfronts. www.paperplanewholesale.co.uk INDUSTRY NEWS 11
GREETINGS CARD LIMA LIMA ANNOUNCES EXPANSION PLANS Based in Colwyn Bay, Lima Lima was launched by Carly and James Brands in 2015 and got off to a flying start, producing and selling daring and risqué gifts and cards that quickly gained popularity and began selling the world over. The impact of Brexit that same year took its toll on the company, notably in Europe, but the couple have diversified and bounced back. They achieved a significant rise in turnover, sell more than 550,000 items annually, and now employ up to 10 full and parttime staff. As they prepare to move to new, larger premises in the seaside town, they have big plans for the future and a fresh selection of product ideas. Mum-of-three Carly, who has decades of experience in marketing, entertainment, and digital media, said their end-toend approach has worked well since day one, though they are now also collaborating with established partners to scale-up and grow further. “We work with local companies and sell a lot of our items and cards direct, but also via some of the major online platforms like Etsy and Amazon given demand internationally,” she said. “When we launched it was a leap of faith as we had never done anything like this before, but because our range was very niche it immediately captured the imagination and things really took off. “Brexit did have an effect, not only on European sales, but on the price of stock, supplies, and the effect of import taxes, but when Coronavirus took hold in the UK our sales went through the roof. “People were in lockdown, and we tailored a lot of merchandise around that, creating light-hearted bespoke cards and gifts – including mugs, pens, and balloons - which brought some light relief at a time when people really needed it. “I even wrote a little lockdown-related ditty for a greeting card, and we ended up selling more than 25,000 of them – the response was phenomenal.” Carly adds: “From there we started to grow and diversify – into content marketing and digital advertising – and we have big plans for when we move into the new building. It’s a case of watch this space!” Novelty candles manufactured and distributed by Lima Lima - named after the firm’s LL postcode – are among the items they are looking to introduce in the coming months. “What was a big step for us both, starting our own company after years of paid employment, ended up being the best thing we ever did,” said James. “Carly and I have so many ideas and are always thinking big, we are excited to relocate and to see how we can take Lima Lima to even greater heights.” For more information, visit the website www.limalima.co.uk ACID CEO DIDS MACDONALD NAMED BY THE WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION AS A WOMAN FORGING NEW HORIZONS WITH HER GROUNDBREAKING IDEAS This year’s 2023 theme on World Intellectual Property Day was Women and IP: Accelerating innovation and creativity and ACID CEO Dids Macdonald OBE., was amongst five UK women selected for their “can do” attitude of women inventors, creators, and entrepreneurs worldwide and their ground-breaking work. Other UK women included in this prestigious global line-up are Jewellery Designer and trail blazer, Harriet Kelsall; Installation technique for offshore wind turbines inventor and entrepreneur Jacqueline Morrison; Esteemed departmental lecturer in intellectual property (IP) at the Oxford University in the United Kingdom, Le Vu Van Anh; Academic lawyer and professor Janice Denoncourt On her inclusion in the WIPO World Intellectual Property Day Gallery, Macdonald said, “When I entered the world of IP many years ago, it was a very different space where there were few female voices. Fortunately, the tide is turning but not quickly enough. For a truly innovative society to grow, we need complete diversity of perspectives and experiences to flourish. The number of women is rising in areas of the creative industries, largely as start-ups, lone, and micro business owners. Many of these creative businesses rely on Unregistered Design rights, which are notoriously more difficult to protect by law. So it is imperative that women in these areas have the knowledge, tools, and support to strengthen and uphold their IP rights.” In ACID’s continued efforts to draw attention to the disparity of IP rights and who can seek justice for infringements, World IP Day 2023 saw the re-launch of the ACID IP Charter as a free to sign declaration. We are calling on all designers, all businesses, and all people who believe in respect, ethics, and compliance in design. You will receive the ACID IP Charter logo upon signing, which enables you to state openly that you are ethically aligned with protecting original design and upholding the IP rights of designers. This charter enables us to have a wide-reaching arm of support for our campaigns and strengthens our advocacies towards equality in IP for all! If you would like to sign the ACID IP Charter, you can do so Sign the ACID IP Charter Now. www.acid.uk.com 12
Choose from ZigZag, ShredPak, or shredded tissue for sustainable void fill. Looking for more colours? See Shredhouse.co.uk for our full range. Shredded papers A sturdier eco-friendly alternative to bubble wrap. Available in 5 sizes. • Envelope-like mailers manufactured from 100% recycled and recyclable material • Equipped with peel-&-seal closure strip and easy to open tear strip Available in brown and white, our postal boxes come in four styles: • tuck-in-flaps • fold-in-flaps • ecommerce • peel-&-seal 1. Large letter postal box 2. Brown postal box Recyclable Recyclable Recyclable Recycled material 100% 100% 100% 60-90% Biodegradable Biodegradable Recyclable Biodegradable Reusable Compostable Packaging solutions for your business Can’t find what you’re looking for? Browse over 2,500 products online at: kitepackaging.co.uk powered by employee share-ownership 02476 420065 kitepackaging.co.uk 1 2 NEW Sizes available 1 3 2 4 219 x 155 x 70 mm 285 x 205 x 70 mm 250 x 165 x 70 mm 312 x 250 x 70 mm NEW Capacity mailers
KITE PACKAGING LAUNCHES M SPEC MAILERS Online UK packaging supplier Kite Packaging has launched an expandable m spec mailer ideal for shipping various small goods. The corrugated mailer can be used as a flat letterboxfriendly envelope or it can be converted into a small parcel box depending on the goods packaged inside. An adhesive peel-&-seal strip makes for quick, easy and secure seals, while pre-creased grooves allow users to easily pop the envelopes out into a box, improving pick and pack efficiency for greater order fulfilment and cost savings. Manufactured with strong corrugation, these mailers provide crush resistance and compression strength when they come into contact with other boxes or heavy items, ensuring goods are well protected during shipping. They are ideal for pick and pack operations, distribution and ecommerce, and companies with a large product profile, especially those selling many small items, such as books, electronics, wallets and textiles. M spec mailers are more cost-effective than boxes and are letterbox-friendly, offering savings on postage costs. They require minimal storage and are a great solution for ecommerce businesses with limited storage space. M spec mailers are eco-friendly thanks to being 100% recyclable and biodegradable. To learn more about the products and services available at Kite Packaging, please visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk UK’S BIGGEST RETAILERS CHALLENGED BY SEARCH RELEVANCY AND ARE LOSING REVENUE AS A RESULT Exclusive data from Kin + Carta and Google Cloud has revealed that 85 percent of the UK’s largest retailers see “search relevancy” as their biggest challenge regarding product discovery on their ecommerce sites. Twenty business leaders from some of the biggest high street brands were asked by the global transformation consultancy: “What are your biggest challenges with product discovery (search, browse, recommendations)?” – “Search relevancy” topped the results by a significant margin, followed by “low conversion rates” at 35 percent. These findings come after Google research found that 95 percent of customers have experienced disappointment with search on a retail website in the last 6 months. Kin + Carta’s subsequent analysis revealed that by using technology such as Google’s Cloud Retail Search (CRS), retail brands would uplift their revenue significantly by converting just 1% of customer searches. Karl Hampson, Chief Technology Officer for Data & AI at Kin + Carta Europe commented on the research: “Our survey is complete validation of the long standing issues of poor search relevancy and corresponding low conversion rates for retailers, both of which are completely addressable issues. “By employing the same kind of Large Language Models models you’re hearing so much about for Generative AI, retailers can offer their customers Google-quality search and browse results. And in doing so create revenue uplift. At Kin + Carta we are seeing our clients prioritise adoption of this technology in their digital roadmaps.” The survey also showed that almost a quarter (23 percent) of business leaders view “search abandonment” and “measure of search performance” as equally challenging, while one in five (20 percent) retailers claimed “poor or no recommendations” in search as a challenge. Results were taken from research carried out at the Cloud Retail Search (CRS) event held in London on the 22nd of March 2023 in partnership with Kin + Carta and Google Cloud. STYLE SISTERS LAUNCH FIRST HOME FRAGRANCE COLLECTION TV and celebrity organising experts, Style Sisters, have announced the next range of own-brand products set to launch later this year. With over 15 years of experience in fashion and interiors, Style Sisters will be launching their first home fragrance range in September 2023. Launched in collaboration with Sebnini, the home fragrance range has already been shortlisted in the 2023 ‘Gift of the Year Awards.’ With Signature and Original ranges, the candle and diffuser vessels are made from fluted ceramic, with a minimalist monochrome design. The sophisticated fragrances have been inspired by the duality of our living spaces, offering fresh bright zesty fragrances, as well as rich earthy accents for cosy evenings at home. Speaking about the collection, Charlotte ReddingtonSmith, co-founder and one half of Style Sisters, said: “Forward thinking interior design and styling is at the heart of everything we do - and over the past few years we’ve been recruited by the biggest names to transform their homes and create a more organised and styled home. Scent plays a powerful part in creating a stylish home that you enjoy being in and we couldn’t be prouder to have developed our own home fragrance range. We’re really excited about this next phase for the Style Sisters.” Francesca Lisle, Managing Director at Lisle Licensing, said: “2023 is already shaping up to be a fantastic year for the girls. 2022 really kick-started our licensing programme and now it’s coming together with product launching at retail, which is entirely complementary and representative of the Style Sisters’ vision of an uncluttered, practical but stylish modern home. We are thrilled and looking forward to further growth.” www.sebnini.com INDUSTRY NEWS 15
NEW AND AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM ENESCO PET ACCESSORIES harrogate home & gift buyers festival 16th - 19th july 2023 hall a stand a3 see these new collections and more exciting gifts at scionliving.com @scion_living © Scion. Manufactured under licence for Scion by Enesco Ltd. MADE IN THE UK
www.Enesco.co.uk ENESCO LIMITED, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, CA3 0EN UK Customer Services: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: +44 (0)1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk Herb Dublin © 2023 All Rights Reserved. Irish Botanicals © 2023 All Rights Reserved. Made in Ireland with all natural ingredients Inspired by the gardens of Ireland
On with the show Trade show updates from home and abroad Pure London reveals compelling line-up Pure London, the UK’s largest festival of fashion, taking place from the 16th-18th July 2023 at the iconic Olympia London, reveals an inspirational line-up of brands and designers across Womenswear, Accessories, Shoes, Jewellery, Sustainable and within its new and highly anticipated destination POP. Pure London is renowned globally as the most dynamic, trend-led and comprehensive fashion trade show and the next edition will not disappoint as Pure London reveals an exciting mix of returning and much-loved brands and sensational new designers, some of whom have chosen Pure London as their launch pad to market. Launching in Pure London’s Sustainable destination is Eno Eco, the first brand of its kind to enter the fashion sphere. The forward-thinking Eno Eco offers stylish, sustainable bras and swimwear for single-breasted people following a single mastectomy. The brand promotes choice and self-acceptance through creative and beautiful designs that perfectly fit. Also utilising Pure London as a launch pad to the industry is YuigaDokson. Joining the dynamic POP destination, the Japanese born brand draws on Buddhist philosophies and blends graphic illustration with metropolitan and natural inspirations. The popular Womenswear destination will showcase both returning established brands and exciting new designers. Celebrated, Vilagallo is focused on creating wearable collections identified by vibrant colours, patterned silks and originality. Each collection is designed in Madrid in Spain and Piacenza in Italy and has a limited number of unique and unrepeatable fashion pieces. Returning, French ready-to-wear brand, La Fée Maraboutée draws its creativity from nature, travel and mixing cultures. Feminine styles come in natural and warm colour palettes with complimenting fabrics and textures. Contemporary Greek fashion brand Access Fashion, pioneers of Greece’s quintessential islander to urban style return to Pure London with a curated mix of effortless essentials and statement occasion pieces, each crafted with luxurious sensibilities. New to Pure London is functional, attractive brand Wear Evelin, yet to launch the brand is already dialing-up the anticipation with sneak peak campaigns on their website and Instagram. Coocu Resort also makes its debut this season with a Greek designed collection focusing on natural fabrics such as comfortable cotton, cool linen, and airy silk. Inspired by Greek heritage, architecture and nature, light dresses, caftans and tunics feature exquisite embroidery and jacquard patterns, derived from traditional, folkloric, and ethnic motifs. Sandy Tzatzou designs are nostalgic exploring femininity and romance through beautiful lace and embroideries. Elegance and Joy are the signatures of this refined collection. Driven by inclusivity, innovation and diversity, newly created POP will showcase a diverse selection of streetwear, alternative, gender neutral collections, vintage labels, festival fits and tech infused pieces. Showcasing for the first time is jean experts Lusty Chic, a super-sleek, one-stop jeans store with always chic designs that range from casual to sophisticated. Inspired by social media, pop culture and influencer style Glamorous returns to Pure London with a collection for girls who aren’t afraid to make and break the fashion rules. The fast-moving range of must-wear styles is defined by innovative fabrics, exciting prints and beautiful silhouettes. This season the Jewellery destination introduces Greek designer Alexander Tsoukala, who is known for using a pleated material to create completely unique, architectural, threedimensional, and light reflecting pieces. Katerina Vassou’s personality filled, handcrafted collection uses unexpected materials and semi-precious stones to create standout styles. New to accessories BuDhaGirl is a lifestyle brand that combines contemplative practice validated by science with glamorous style. Hero styles include the Serenity Prayer bangles designed to be worn every day to instill a sense of peace whilst looking effortlessly chic. Socksmith was founded on the principle that self-expression is true beauty. This ethos is reflected in their collection of bright, heavily printed, quality socks which depict everything from animals, to musical instruments and even drinks. Presenting the latest range of must-have shoes styles for every occasion, Shoes welcome Spanish designed Carmela, with a vast and elegant collection of on-trend, leather footwear that features statement detailing such a bronze buckles, laser cut leathers and gemstones. Exclusively crafted in Portugal, SARAH MAIER shoes embody powerful design, exquisite details, luxurious quality, and unforgettable style. Gloria Sandrucci, Event Director at Pure London says, “It is so exciting to be welcoming so many new and diverse collections to Pure London this season. Combined with the fantastic brands who return to Pure London season after season it is going to be a true celebration! Across our six destinations we will be showcasing a huge variety of brands at the cutting edge of the industry who champion sustainability, innovation of materials, technology, and style.” www.purelondon.com 18
SCOTLAND’S TRADE FAIR AUTUMN MOVES TO AUGUST DATES Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn has re-positioned itself as the first show of the autumn buying season. Taking place at the SEC, Glasgow from 20-21 August, 2023, the Show gives buyers better timing for Christmas buying, allows them to top up for autumn and gives them an early snapshot at 2024 ranges. Over a third of exhibitors at the show are new, offering greater variety and a wider selection of gifts. Ones to look out for are Enesco, Swole Panda, Shu Da Living, Kate Trouw, Academie and Cairn Candle Company. Scotland’s Trade Fair fully supports new young companies with its specially created Launch Gallery. This area is already almost fully booked with companies such as MUKA Jewellery (pictured left), The Ink Balm (winner of Best Product Award at the Spring Show), Victoria Gordon Art (another Best Product Award winner), Designed by Islay, Rosana Exposito, Oir Soap and Wiktor Jewellery. Mark Saunders, Springboard Director says: “This date change came after serious consultation with exhibitors and retailers and now fits in better with the buying season. Offering retailers an earlier chance to get their hands on new products and Christmas stock is both beneficial to them and their customers. In addition, it aligns the two Scottish shows better with a six month gap between them. This move has brought us many new exciting exhibitors and we hope new buyers will also attend. “Tourism has enjoyed a strong start in the first four months of 2023. Scotland’s attractions are experiencing good footfall which is flowing into the gift shops. This bodes well for the shops, for the suppliers and for Scotland’s Trade Fairs.” Almost 90 percent of the show is already booked up with a good selection of gifts, homewares, jewellery and fashion accessories, making it a one-stop show for all types of retailers across Scotland and the north of England. Nancy Smillie from the Nancy Smillie shops in Glasgow said: “Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn is important for us as we like to have local designers and that is the one place we always pick them up. We do go to other Shows but Scotland’s Trade Fairs are the most important.” Already tourists from around the globe are back visiting Scotland. Coupled with the good value for money that the lower pound brings it looks like being a good summer season. This all points to the Autumn Show being a major success – make sure the date is in your diary! www.scotlandstradefairs.com/ Autumn Fair Announces new and exclusive brands for home and gift Retailers are making a beeline for Autumn Fair this September as it announces a raft of new and exclusive brands to the Home & Gift destinations alongside returning favourites. Autumn Fair product Grupo Erik These include Hill Interiors, Hanlin, Blooms by Samuel Baker, Jellycat, Malini, McGowan & Rutherford Ltd, Nordic Style, and Rex London. Thousands of leading retailers including Card Factory, John Lewis, Coney’s, Robert Dyas, Walt Disney Co., Holland & Barrett, Marks & Spencer, and Wilkies have already pre-registered to attend from the 3rd – 6th September at NEC Birmingham. Renowned for its eclectic mix of new and exclusive brands as well as its support for up-and-coming start-up businesses, visitors to Autumn Fair are in for a treat this September. Buyers will discover new brands and collections that either haven’t been seen before or won’t be available at any other show including Moult England, Candles Bloom, CIMC Home, Harrow Trading, Burton Blake, Zoe Lan, Grupo Erik, and many more including up and coming new talent in the show’s Debut areas. In Home, Living & Décor, buyers will encounter the latest ontrend home accessories, textiles, furniture, lighting, tableware, kitchenware and outdoor living, whilst The Summerhouse offers beautiful hand-picked and curated style-led interiors and lifestyle products. Joining the inspirational line-up and showing exclusively is CIMC Home, the go-to-source for stunning and timeless furniture, lighting, and home accessories for designconscious retailers. First-timers Harrow Trading will delight visitors with their extensive collection of heritage-style mirrors, wall-hangings and furniture. Hill Interiors, McGowan & Rutherford, London Ornaments, Walton & Co, Malini, Wild Java, Ancient Mariner Furniture, Richard Cooper Bronze, Sompex, Deluxe HomeArt, Febland Group, Besp-Oak Furniture, Final Touches, Edge Company, Katrina Hampton by Ambassador Textiles, Teal International, Satchville Gift Company and Dutch Imports & Daughters are amongst the other leading brands presenting their new ranges and next bestsellers. From contemporary designs to unique, personalised and licensed gifts, sought-after beauty and wellbeing products, creative, fun and colourful greeting cards, wrapping papers, stationery and paper decorations, as well as the finest, most magical children’s toys, gifts and gadgets, the Gift destination offers it all under one roof Moult England shows for the first time with their beautiful collection of cashmere, wool, and Alpaca scarves, throws and socks, and luxury hand-crafted scented candles can be seen at Birmingham-based Candles Bloom stand– this is their first time at a trade show. Thousands of buyers have already joined Connect @ Autumn Fair 2023, the new programme that will enable retailers and exhibitors connect before the show opens and arrange mutually agreed meetings in the exhibitor stands. Registration deadline is 9 August 2023. www.autumnfair.com 19 NEWS & EVENTS
MODA ANNOUNCES NEW FOOTWEAR BOUTIQUE INITIATIVE Moda, the ultimate fashion destination at Autumn Fair which takes place from 3rd – 6th September 2023 at NEC Birmingham, has announced the launch of the Moda Footwear Boutique. The new initiative is designed to provide the footwear industry with a place to meet and discover new collections in the heart of one of the most diverse and relevant trade shows, while offering the cost and feel benefits of a showroom. Handily located next to the excitement of the Moda Stage, where buyers come to see the latest trends and hear inspiring content on retailing, the Moda Footwear Boutique will offer a curated selection of footwear brands a cost-effective platform to launch their collections. Ciro Dunlop, Head of Moda Footwear says; “Carefully curated to inspire retailers with their buying for the season ahead, the Moda Footwear Boutique is a very exciting development in the growth of the sector. The Footwear Boutique offers the cost and feel of a showroom, however, unlike showrooms who rely on brands to invite their existing buyers to the show, Moda Footwear attracts thousands of purchase-ready buyers from across the UK and overseas, facilitating lasting connections with retailers.” From stilettos to sneakers, flats to flip-flops, Moda’s footwear sector showcases a large range of contemporary footwear brands. As the leading destination for footwear in the UK, Moda welcomes the industry’s most sought-after brands including Fly London, XTI, Refresh, Carmela, Chatham, Mustang, Alpe, Thomas Blunt, Lunar, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Anne Michelle, Top Staka, Lazy Dogz, and many more. The launch of Connect @ Autumn Fair, the new meetings programme, means buyers and exhibitors will now be able connect before the show opens to arrange onsite meetings. For more information on the Moda Footwear Boutique please visit www.moda-uk.com or email ciro.dunlop@hyve.group. Source Fashion set to double in size for July 2023 show The gateway to the UK fashion industry and Europe’s newest responsible sourcing show, Source Fashion returns to London Olympia on 16-18th July, more than doubling in size and welcoming over 300 exhibitors from around the world. Putting international manufacturers and suppliers at the fingertips of UK brands, Source Fashion offers a unique and unmissable experience for decision-makers in buying, sourcing and procurement, with the reassurance of knowing that every exhibitor has been audited to ensure sustainability and transparency remains at the heart of their business model. The February launch show welcomed over 130 manufacturers from 20 countries including the UK, Peru, Cambodia, Pakistan, Turkey, China, India, Portugal, Hong Kong, Italy, and Greece, attracting nearly 5,000 visitors from leading retailers and brands including John Lewis, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, All Saints, Asos, Ted Baker, Bella Freud, FILA, Fred Perry, Matalan, Monsoon, Stitch Fix, Urban Outfitters, Very Group, and many more. Suzanne Ellingham, Director of Sourcing of Source Fashion; “We couldn’t have asked for a better first show. Leading retailers attended keen to source new, and crucially audited, producers and manufacturers. We champion responsibility, and sustainability isn’t just an addition to our show, it is our core value. We unite manufacturers practicing environmental, transparent, and fair-trade methods, with buyers looking to source sustainably. “Our next show will be even bigger and better – we have already doubled the size of our floorplan for July and have been overwhelmed by the interest from both exhibitors and visitors. The global sustainability market is expected to grow by 24% annually in the next seven years according to Meta, which means now more than ever, brands are on the hunt for new sustainable manufacturers and suppliers to source from and the growth rate is staggering for Source Fashion. It is going to be firmly established as a significant platform for responsible sourcing by its second show.” Connecting global manufacturers and suppliers to buyers who want the security in knowing every conversation is one that could lead to a new range creation, Source Fashion is the gateway to retail for manufacturers and suppliers from across the world. From raw materials, fabrics, trims, and packaging, all the way through to contract manufacturers offering in house design services, the show brings the inspiration and tools together in one exciting destination to bring new ranges to life. Designers can delve into a world of newness, looking at the latest designs, fabrics, and accessories to draw inspiration from. Sourcing and Procurement teams can meet with international garment manufacturers and discuss how to bring their range to life. Buyers can even go into the finer details, looking at trims and fixtures for finishing touches, or start closer to the course and speak with yarn manufacturers to look at options for creating bespoke materials. Held at the iconic Kensington Olympia in the heart of London, Source Fashion is the new must-attend event for the fashion community. Source Fashion takes place on 16th-18th July 2023. Visit https://www.source-fashion.com/ for more information. 21 NEWS & EVENTS
INDX Toy and Gift Show set to move to new September calendar slot from 2024 In response to retailer and supplier feedback, from 2024, the INDX Toy & Gift show, one of the UK’s leading industry trade shows, is moving from a Spring calendar date to take-up a September slot. The next show will be held on 3 - 4 September 2024 and is open to all types of retailers. The move to September was agreed by the INDX strategy group, where suppliers and buyers said that they wanted to move the date to give them the opportunity to view new ranges later in the year due to the congested period of shows in the Springtime. INDX Toy & Gift will now be the only dedicated toy industry show in the Autumn season, and the September date will provide a great opportunity for retailers to take advantage of pre-Christmas buying. Visitors to the show will also get a first look at suppliers’ early launch new ranges, giving them a head start on their Spring 2025 buying. Rosie Marshall, Head of Toys & Children’s Gifts at AIS, said: “The unique proposition for INDX trade shows is that they are ‘curated by buyers, for buyers’ and therefore we are continually reviewing the best time to hold the shows for everyone to benefit commercially. “With a busy trade show run for the Toy sector in spring, it made sense that we created an autumn event that allowed suppliers and buyers to meet, forward plan beyond the Christmas season, and maximise annual sales not just seasonal. “With a broad visitor base which includes leading department stores, standalone toy and gift stores, garden centres, farm shops, and delis, it’s important that the INDX Toy & Gift show supports all year-round trading”. The INDX Toy & Gift Show is the perfect place for toy and gift suppliers to present their new and bestselling toys & children’s gifts to retailers from the UK and Ireland, and in addition to showcasing ranges from over 70 exhibitors, the show also features mixed displays to inspire in-store merchandising. www.indxshows.co.uk/indx-home/toys-nursery/toys-nursery 22
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