GIFTFOCUS INCORPORATING ATTIRE ACCESSORIES WWW.GIFTFOCUS.COM WWW.ATTIREACCESSORIES.COM Bling ring Women’s jewellery and accessories CHRISTMAS PRODUCTS PART TWO What to stock this Golden Quarter AUTUMN FAIR SHOW PREVIEW What’s On Exhibitor profiles Game on Toys and games
THE UK’S LEADING SUPPLIER OF DROP SHIP PERSONALISED GIFTS est 2004 WWW.PERSONALISEDMEMENTO.CO.UK sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk DISCOVER THE ENTIRE RANGE OF PERSONALISED GIFTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
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 / 19A3
4 In this issue... REGULARS 8 Industry news All the latest from the world of gifts 15 On with the show Trade fair dates and show news 19 Brand spanking new Latest launches and brand-new products 24 Bookstand The latest releases in gift books FEATURES 49 Chestnuts on an open fire Christmas is the financial backbone that often sees retailers through the slower parts of the year, and in the second part of our festive season round-up, we showcase some must-stock items 57 Game on… Cater to consumers young and old with this fabulous selection of toys and games 63 Message to sender With the UK consumer being a fan of a celebration, there are greeting cards for every occasion. Take inspiration from these beautiful examples… 81 The perfect accessory Discover a dazzling display of women’s jewellery and accessories that will be the perfect complement to your giftware offering in-store 8 September/October 2023 19 81 24 49 57
5 CONTENTS SHOWS 31 Autumn Fair Raise your Gifting Game at Autumn Fair this September FOCUS ON 69 Up & Coming Simply Mourne Founder Catherine Bradford spotted a gap in the market for a potential work-from-home business to help support family life. Now, the business has a plethora of in-demand products 73 Company Profile Hot Tomato Director, Alex Machin, sees challenges as a learning curve, and has built a successful and thriving business offering guilt-free, affordable products 77 Company Profile In partnership with wholesaler Ancient Wisdom, Agnes + Cat offers beautiful eco-friendly products to market. Here, Radek, Radek Wlodarczyk, Account Manager at AW-Aromatics, shares his industry knowledge and expert advice 88 Company Profile To mark Eco-Friendly Card’s 30th Anniversary, Louise Prance speaks to Sue Morrish about the company’s journey 91 Comp Profile Clockwork Soldier’s offering covered gardening kits, stationery sets, puzzles, games, and novelty gifts. Discover more about its company journey… 63 BUSINESS ADVICE 28 ACID Faith Capstick from ACID’s communications team shares some of her thoughts for better mental health 94 Mission accomplished Bruce Penson, managing director of cyber security and IT support company Pro Drive IT, offers five ways small businesses can lower their carbon emissions by optimising technology. 96 10 questions about pop-up retail Charley Crocker, Founder and Lead Agent of The Pop Up Shop Agents answers the most common questions about pop-up retail. 98 Adapt and conquer How can UK businesses adapt to the lack of warehouse space? Slingsby Group Chief Executive, Morgan Morris, tells us more… 101 FSB Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, looks at how startups are a powerful catalyst for economic growth 31 73 69 91
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. A golden opportunity As we head closer to the lucrative golden quarter, there’s a prime buying opportunity in Autumn Fair. And, as ever, Gift Focus has the event covered. Renowned for its eclectic mix of new and exclusive brands as well as its support for up-and-coming startups and designers, this iteration of the event sees the launch of Connect @ Autumn Fair. Lighting up Autumn Fair with 10,000+ connections for the home, gift & fashion retail community, Connect @ Autumn Fair is the transformative, new connections programme. Designed to help buyers find products and brands their customers will love in the most efficient way possible, Connect also helps Autumn Fair exhibitors create leads, orders and opportunities in an incredibly effective way maximising their ROI from the event. Talking exhibitors, there’s a host of companies showcasing their wares at the show, and we’ve done an extensive round-up highlighting some great giftware to purchase, offering inspiration aplenty. Of course, the focus on product doesn’t just stop there. This issue our features include Christmas Part Two, Toys & Games, Greetings Cards, and Women’s Jewellery & Accessories. Whether you’re looking for goods to capitalize on the upcoming festive season, brand new products or catering to the perennial bestselling children’s market, we’ve got something to whet your appetite. While keeping your business afloat with stock that sells is vital, offsetting that cost to the environment is important. On page 94 Bruce Penson, managing director of cyber security and IT support company Pro Drive IT, offers five ways small businesses can lower their carbon emissions by optimising technology. Check out further business advice on pages 96 and 98. As ever, please do get in touch if there’s something you want to see more of. 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 49 35 57
Giving &Living Find your next best seller! Connect with your suppliers, touch and test the latest gifts, discuss personalising merchandise, compare and contrast offerings and negotiate the best deals! Why visit? 100’S OF EXHIBITORS PERFECTLY TIMED - Order here and be first in the queue for new. SHOW EXCLUSIVE Exhibitor offers - make your trip extra worthwhile. MEET MORE ‘Designed and made in Britain’ exhibitors. YOUR PATH TO PROFIT The best coast in the country. FREE PARKING Register Register now for your FREE trade entry badge. Just go to: givingliving.co.uk or, call us on 01934 733456. Stand enquiries: 01934 733433. Your invitation to This trade only event is organised by Hale Events Limited, Premier House, Old Church Road, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2BQ Telephone: 01934 733433 www.hale-events.com TRADE SHOW 2024
Industry news THE GIFTWARE ASSOCIATION JOINS FORCES WITH BIRMINGHAM MIND TO DRIVE MENTAL WELLBEING AMONGST MEMBERS The Giftware Association, the leading trade association representing the gift and home industry, has announced a significant partnership with Birmingham Mind, a prominent mental health charity serving the community with a wide range of support services. This collaboration aims to create a positive impact by raising awareness of mental health issues within the industry and promoting mental wellbeing among its members. The giftware industry has always been committed to enriching people’s lives with thoughtful, meaningful gifts and home products. As the sector thrives, The Giftware Association recognises the importance of prioritising mental health and supporting the overall wellbeing of individuals working within the industry. The GA has recognised this by creating a Wellness category within its Gift of the Year competition. Birmingham Mind, with its extensive experience and expertise in mental health awareness, support, and training, is the ideal partner for this transformative venture. By aligning forces, The Giftware Association and Birmingham Mind seek to initiate positive change and facilitate open conversations about mental health in the workplace. Key objectives of the partnership include: • Mental Health Awareness: The Giftware Association and Birmingham Mind will work together to increase awareness of mental health challenges, offering educational resources and initiatives to promote understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage a supportive environment for employees. • Fundraising Initiatives: The Giftware Association and Birmingham Mind will collaborate on fundraising events and campaigns to raise funds for mental health services and community support programs, ensuring that vital services are available to those who need them most. • Networking Opportunities: The partnership will facilitate networking opportunities for industry professionals to share experiences and best practices in promoting mental wellbeing within their organisations. Commenting on this significant collaboration Sarah Ward CEO of The Giftware Association, said: “We are thrilled to join hands with Birmingham Mind to address the critical issue of mental health in our industry. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to create a supportive and compassionate environment where individuals can flourish both personally and professionally.” Helen Wadley, CEO of Birmingham Mind added: “We’re delighted to partner with The Giftware Association. Mental health is an integral aspect of overall wellbeing, and we look forward to working with them to foster a culture of understanding, empathy, and support within the giftware industry.” This partnership represents a momentous step forward in prioritising mental health in the giftware industry, nurturing a workplace culture that values mental wellbeing as a foundation for success and happiness. For more information about The Giftware Association and Birmingham Mind please visit: www.giftwareassociation.org Catch up on all the latest in our news round up ECO CARD COMPANY TEAMS UP WITH TERRACYCLE ON RECYCLING INITIATIVE As well as offering cards with a “card-clasp” label, the Ecofriendly Card Co also offers cards, calendars and Christmas packs in compostable corn-starch bags certified with the compostable “Seedling” logo (EU composting standard EN13432). The publisher can now take back any Eco-friendly Card Co compostable packaging for disposal through the Zero Waste bins offered by Terracyle. Terracyale’s bin will accept any type of biodegradable or compostable plastic goods (including PLA cornstarch bags) which is then sent for industrial composting. More information about Terracyle’s Zero Waste boxes can be found at shop.terracycle.com/en-GB INDUSTRY NEWS 9
AI TO REVOLUTIONISE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES, SAYS BUSINESS LEADERS Exclusive data from Kin + Carta, the global transformation consultancy, and Google Cloud has revealed that more than half of the UK’s largest consumer facing brands see customer experience being the biggest area for AI innovation. Business leaders from a range of consumer-facing brands, including Sky, EasyJet, ASOS.com and Tesco, came together for Gen.IE, an event co-hosted by Kin + Carta and Google Cloud to discuss the future of customer experience powered by AI technology. Whilst there, attendees were asked: “What area do you see as the biggest opportunity for leveraging AI in your business?” with “enhancing customer experiences with innovative AIdriven solutions” coming out on top at 51 percent. Mark Collin, MD, product and experience at Kin + Carta Europe commented, “Providing an intelligent experience is now an integral part of the customer journey. The results of this survey show that business leaders are recognising the power and opportunities that AI brings, especially when it comes to creating moments that matter for customers.” How AI can improve on business execution was also top of mind for participants, with 51 percent also identifying “Driving productivity by streamlining time-consuming tasks and processes” as an opportunity for leveraging AI. Collin continues, “Fundamentally, AI provides the opportunity to save time – be that for the customer directly or for business processes. Identifying where it’s needed most and how it can best support a business is the most important part of implementing AI.” Results were taken from research carried out at the Gen. IE event held in London on the 19th of June 2023 in partnership with Kin + Carta and Google Cloud, with 43 business leaders from the country’s most well-known brands being surveyed. KITE PACKAGING LAUNCHES HAMPERSIZED ECOMMERCE BOX Leading online packaging supplier, Kite Packaging, has added a new, hamper-sized ecommerce box to their range due to growing demand. Designed with a crash lock base and adhesive peel-&-seal strip, this ecommerce-ready packaging facilitates quick assembly to support efficient pack and dispatch. It also comes with a tear strip for effortless unboxing to enhance end customer satisfaction. This new size is larger than the standard market offering, offering versatility, and provides ample space to accommodate both small and bulky items – particularly beneficial for businesses with a large product profile. It also grants the opportunity to bundle multiple products together or to create attractive product displays and memorable unboxing experiences. The box is comprised of double-wall, heavy-duty corrugation to provide suitable protection to all product types during handling and shipping. The cardboard itself comes from sustainably managed resources with the box widely kerbside recyclable once disposed. Ecommerce boxes are available from Kite at market-leading prices with further discounts available when purchasing wholesale quantities. For more information about Kite Packaging, please visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk 10
CREATIVE RETAIL AWARDS REVEAL SHORTLIST FOR 2023 The Creative Retail Awards is delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2023 Awards. The shortlist presents some of the very best in global retail, leisure, and hospitality design & display with projects including Flannels, Gaucho, Selfridges, Myriam K, Hamleys, Nike and many more. The panel of judges found it even tougher than usual this year to shortlist the entries, with exceptional quality submitted from all corners of the globe, from North America, across Europe, South Africa, and the Middle East. As physical retail evolves, design and experience have become more influential tools than ever. The Creative Retail Awards has recognised the industry’s best companies and talent since 2018. With categories including sustainability, omnichannel, technology, VM schemes, POP/POS, shopfitting, store design, experience, and innovation, the Awards recognise talent across the full spectrum of design and display. The Winners and Highly Commended entries will be announced on the 21st of September at Proud Embankment, London, where a night of entertainment, drinks, dancing and networking will be held. The big night will showcase Creative Retail Awards’ unique take on a ceremony that blends networking with an informal party atmosphere celebrating the diversity in our industry. Tickets for the night, including the everpopular and much in demand booth-seating, are available to be reserved now via the Awards website. You can view the full list of shortlisted entries and reserve your tickets for the big night at www.creativeretailawards.com GARDEN CENTRES MISSING OUT ON SALES OF BABY GIFTS Ziggle Baby, the multi-awardwinning baby gift brand, has recently commissioned research into the current demand and availability of baby gifts within garden centres. The survey, which was conducted in June 2023, targeted females aged 25-45 who have bought or received a baby gift in the last 12 months. The results showed a huge opportunity as 85 percent of respondents said they are interested in buying baby gifts from their local garden centre. The implication is that garden centres are clearly a type of retail environment of choice to browse and purchase baby gifts. The relaxed browsing atmosphere with easy parking, everything on ground level, wide aisles and cafes is highly suitable for parents and extended families with prams, cars and accessibility concerns. 17 percent stated that their local garden centre doesn’t sell any baby gifts at all, yet they would like it to. These are evidently regular existing visitors who know what is, and what isn’t available. They would likely be instant buyers if a baby gift range was available when they next visited and needed a baby gift. 36 percent said that their local garden centre does stock baby gifts however they felt the range available to them is currently too small, they would like more choice. Widening the range would therefore increase basket spend of existing baby gift buyers as well enticing shoppers in who want to buy a baby gift. This would prevent prospective buyers feeling they had to shop elsewhere to view a good selection. Another 22 percent simply didn’t know what baby gifts were on offer but are interested in buying at their local garden centre. These might be people who don’t visit their local garden centre at all, however if they knew their local centre sold a wide range of baby gifts, this will bring them in, therefore creating new footfall for all departments within the centre. There will also be some existing shoppers who have no awareness of baby gifts on sale (assuming a range is available). The existing range might therefore be too small or needs to be better promoted and merchandised to maximise the sales opportunity. 10 percent said there is currently “plenty to choose from” at their local garden centre. RHS APPOINTS FRECKLEFACE AS LICENSEE FOR HOME FRAGRANCE PRODUCTS The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced the appointment of familyrun fragrance business Freckleface as the RHS licensee for products in the home fragrance category. The first RHS/ Freckleface range was launched at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival on the Freckleface stand. A substantial range of Freckleface products launched under the RHS brand will include candles, reed diffusers, fragrance oils, wax melts, room sprays, gift sets and more. There are two launch ranges. One will be a classic range of fragranced products based on the four seasons which will feature packaging designs inspired by artwork from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s largest collection of botanical art – and specifically the engraver Christian Gottlieb Geissler, a renowned 18th-century copperplate engraver, painter and printmaker, specialising in natural history. There will also be a botanical, apothecary range of fresher fragrance combinations aimed at a younger market in line with RHS’s successful ongoing strategy to broaden its appeal to a wider audience. This range will feature ten fragrances, all encased in amber glass vessels to give a more contemporary vibe. Freckleface was a kitchen table business started in 2017 by mum and son duo Tara and Noah Carlile-Swift, who was just 14 at the time. With Noah’s keen entrepreneurial spirit, Tara’s business acumen and a range of handmade home fragrance products, Freckleface saw rapid growth. Now six years on, with five high street stores, over 750 stockists across the UK and over 300 products all handcrafted in the company’s Lincolnshire workshop, Freckleface is thriving in the home fragrance & bath and body market. It’s also an award-winning company: Freckleface this year won the Gift of the Year Award in the Home Fragrance category for its pick and mix soya wax melts and was crowned Lincolnshire family business of the year. www.rhs.org.uk INDUSTRY NEWS 11
REPORT REVEALS LEGO AS THE MOST PROMINENT TOY STORE IN 2023 According to the latest annual report on the toy sector, Lego is the UK’s most prominent toy store in 2023. The report, conducted by Salience Search Marketing, analysed 11 crucial performance indicators, including year-on-year visibility, search volume trends, and brand awareness, for toy stores to reveal the names dominating the industry. Top 5 prominent UK toy stores Through analysing the number of monthly searches for each brand and calculating an owned social score which combines the number of followers and engagement rate across major social platforms for each brand, the report unveils the most prominent brands in the sector. The findings reveal Lego is the most prominent brand in the industry. With over 24 million social media followers and a sizeable 550,000 brand searches per month, Lego is the market leader when it comes to brand awareness. Build-A-Bear is the second most prominent brand in the sector with 246,000 brand searches per month and over 3 million social media followers. When it comes to organic visibility, there has been a 6 percent increase in overall organic growth within the industry, demonstrating an ongoing demand for toys. Despite crowned the most prominent brand of 2023, toy company giant Lego has seen the biggest drop in visibility with a 17 percent decrease since June 2022. This suggests while the toy brand is still prominent within the industry, its visibility is in need of improvements. In contrast, Smyths Toys sees the biggest growth in organic visibility with an increase of 6 percent year on year. As the second most prominent toy store in the UK, Smyths Toys is in a comfortable position. A brand on the rise is Tonies, as it sees a sizeable 213 percent increase in searches following its recent partnership with Hamleys in 2022. The collaboration saw Tonies products sold in Hamleys stores. The latest report on toy stores also assesses the current product trends, analysing which products are losing searches and which products are in demand. According to the findings, squirkies has seen the biggest increase in searches within the industry, with an astonishing 22400 percent jump. As for receding products, fidget toys and gadgets have seen a decrease in searches, with fidget toys seeing a 33 percent drop. The gadget became a trending toy within the sector in 2017, however, the findings suggest that the once-popular toy is no longer in demand. Brett Janes, Managing Director at Salience Search Marketing, said: “The toy stores sector has seen a positive year, as the industry records a 6 percent increase in overall organic growth. This report also saw some impressive social media figures and sizeable brand searches, highlighting a successful strategy across the sector. “Fidget toys, a highly popular gadget in 2017, has seen a drop in searches, highlighting that product trends are ever-changing. “A brand on the rise is Tonies, as it sees a sizeable 213 percent increase in searches following its recent partnership with Hamleys in 2022. The collaboration saw Tonies products sold in Hamleys stores. “Overall, building a strong online presence across multiple channels becomes crucial in driving sales and capitalizing on the expanding market demand.” RETAIL STATS HINT OPTIMISM AS SMALL FIRMS URGED TO HAVE THEIR SAY IN FSB HIGH STREET SURVEY On the heels of latest ONS statistics showing a 0.5 percent rise in retail sales volumes in April, after a fall of 1.2 percent in March, FSB Policy & Advocacy Chair Tina McKenzie urged SMEs to have their say on FSB’s Future of the High Street survey. She said: “These statistics prove the enduring potential of our high streets. A rise of 0.8% in sales in the three months to April 2023 tells us that our traditional high street still holds its own in the business arena. It’s a feather in the cap of the nimble high street retailers that stay one step ahead of market shifts and trends. “However, it’s not all rosy, with rising interest rates and concerns about consumer demand. There are still huge roads ahead for our high street stores who are wrestling with business rates, VAT, late payments and poor transport links. Only with certainty and support can the full potential of these small firms can be realised. “That’s why swift action is crucial. We need as many SMEs as possible to take part in our Future of the High Street survey. When our high streets thrive, so does the rest of the business sector and the more participants we get, the louder voice for us all. Share your stories about dealing with business rates, transport, parking, access to cash – and let us know what changes you think could spark a revolution for our high streets. Now is the time to bring new life to our high streets with fresh, bold ideas backed by sound public policies.” The findings will be analysed, and recommendations then submitted to the UK and national and local governments and devolved administrations to help the UK’s high streets to flourish into the future. The survey ran from 13 July to the 27 July and can be found at www.fsbbigvoice.co.uk/ FSBHighStreetsSurvey INDUSTRY NEWS 13
On with the show Trade show updates from home and abroad Dates announced for Scotland Trade Fair Spring Over three quarters of all stands are already secured for Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring which takes place from 21-23 Jan 2024 at the SEC, Glasgow. With a healthy re-booking, on top of what hopes to be one of the busiest tourist seasons ever, the Show is looking to be a smasher of a Show. The Show will feature the best of what Scotland has to offer in terms of gifts, homeware, fashion, textiles, jewellery and crafts. A clearer identification system for Scottish producers will also ensure easier navigation around the Show. Scottish suppliers are the backbone of the Show coming from the furthest Scottish islands to Central Belt producers. Complementing this creativity is also a wide range of innovative suppliers from the rest of the UK and abroad, all keen to secure a slice of the Scottish market. Overseas visitors have been in short supply during the last few years but with a weak pound and all areas open to travel again, shops and tourist outlets across Scotland are seeing these tourists in their droves. Many are having to re-stock mid-season which bodes well for suppliers and Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring. Mark Saunders, Show Director, says: “It is clear that trade shows play a key part in the buying programme for shops and retail outlets. They want to meet the suppliers face to face, look and feel the products and ensure they are sourcing the best stock for their shops. Scotland’s Trade Fairs offer this in a creative and welcoming environment and so attracts a wide range of suppliers. Our Show in January promises to offer innovative products, creative suppliers and a host of added extras to interest buyers. Make sure the date is firmly in your diary!” Among the 450 or so exhibitors, there will be the Launch Gallery for new, young companies, the Craft Gallery for creative, more niche suppliers, plus designated areas for homeware and gifts, jewellery and accessories and textiles. Charmaine Fox from Caulders Garden Centres said: “I love the Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring as there is a great mix of products and suppliers, and I come away with a host of new ideas and contacts, as well re-connecting with trusted suppliers. Being able to visit a stand and look at their products is essential in the buying process. It’s just not the same as picking from a catalogue or online. I am so glad to be allowed to meet again and get back to business.” www.scotlandstradefairspring.com PURE LONDON TEAMS UP WITH JUST AROUND THE CORNER FROM 2024 Pure London, the UK’s largest Festival of Fashion, has announced that from February 2024 Just Around The Corner (JATC) will unite with Pure London to create Pure London x JATC, sitting under Hyve’s retail division umbrella. The first combined show will take place on the 11th – 13th February 2024 at Olympia London and will offer buyers a transformed show with an increased number of inspirational fashion designers and brands. Creating a milestone fashion buying event for London, the destinations will be edited to unite all Womenswear in the Grand Hall including POP and the new Launchpad area for new womenswear designers, with Women’s and Men’s Accessories and Footwear brands, Men’s Apparel, The “Together zone” (brands showing genderless or dual gender collections), Lifestyle and Beauty brands (beauty, skincare, wellness, grooming, home fragrance, home tech), Watches, Jewellery, Wearable accessories and seasonal gifting, positioned in the Grand Hall Gallery featuring JATC’s signature style and feel. Gloria Sandrucci, Event Director, Pure London x JATC says, “This is a landmark development in the history of these two fashion shows driven by the vision and desire to make buying easier and better for buyers. Pure London’s mission is to become Europe’s most inspiring and diverse celebration of fashion providing the best edit of brands, the most trusted trends insights, offer transformative business opportunities, while speaking up for sustainability. By uniting with JATC, and with Pure London’s 25-year history, the combined teams can pool their expertise, resources, and network to create the leading fashion trade show experience, meeting the needs of buyers and offering the very best collection of brands under one iconic roof at Olympia London.” Presenting a curated selection over 300 brands, Pure London x JATC will feature clearly defined sectors to ensure a seamless and cohesive buying experience. The combination of the two shows also enables Hyve Group to offer a platform that spans the needs and budgets of all fashion businesses, from upand-coming designers showcased in the new Launchpad to branded shell schemes. 15 NEWS & EVENTS
MODA PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON NEW AND INTERNATIONAL FASHION The ultimate fashion destination Moda, an integral part of Autumn Fair with the next edition taking place from 3rd -6th September 2023 at NEC Birmingham, will offer visitors a focus on new and international across the four clearly defined sectors, Clothing, Footwear, Fashion Accessories and Jewellery & Watch, in a curated space designed to make buying for the new season accessible and inspiring. Moda is the place to discover the latest trends, new designers and must-have looks that will adorn the season. The 200 strong showcase of fashion brands will include over 40 new and 20 international brands as well as the new jewellery collection by Dame Prue Leith for Zsiska, who all choose Moda as the platform to launch their new season collections. Islander UK, Coastal UK, Elizabeth James, Elegxnt Clothing, Miss Sparrow, From the Source, and Tales From The Earth are just some of the names that will be joining Moda for the first time to present their latest designs to retailers and buyers from the UK and overseas. For more information and to register visit www.autumnfair.com. Finalists announced for The Licensing Awards 2023 The countdown to The Licensing Awards 2023 in September is officially on, with the finalists across all categories having been announced. Once again, The Licensing Awards attracted a phenomenal number of entries and nominations this year across all the categories. Some 3,500 products were entered across the 11 Product awards categories, with the finalists being arrived at by some 250 retail buyers across the whole gamut of licensed and consumer products. These included executives from Tesco, Asda, Marks & Spencer, TruffleShuffle, My 1st Years, Card Factory, FatFace, Moonpig, TJ Morris, Next, Paultons Park, DFS, Character. com, The Works, HMV, The Entertainer, Fraser Group, Ted Baker, Vanilla Underground, Lakeland, Morrisons, JoJo Maman Bébé, Home Bargains, Sainsbury’s, Specsavers and B&M Stores. Various validation panels have convened to discuss, debate and validate all the other categories to arrive at the worthy finalists. “The innovation, talent, tenacity and passion of the UK licensing industry is on full display in this year’s list of finalists,” commented Ian Hyder, CEO at Max Publishing, which owns and organises The Licensing Awards. “From the talented young professionals which make up the UK Rising Star shortlist, through to the 12 evergreen properties in the running for the Classic Licensed Property award, this year’s finalists are shining examples of what makes this industry so amazing. “Congratulations to all of the 2023 finalists – we can’t wait to celebrate with you on 12 September.” To view the full list of finalists visit: www.thelicensingawards.co.uk 16
Eco-friendly - recycled & recyclable Fairtrade & handmade by Indian craftsmen NEW FOR 2023 Tilnar Art is very proud to have designed and be launching our new AluminArk Collection of Recycled Aluminium Penguins, Puffins, Walking Elephants, Geckos, Rhinos, Hippos, Keyrings and many more additions to our current collections. Autumn Fair 2023- NEC – 3-6 September 2023 - Hall 6 Stand J30 Spring Fair 2024 – 4 – 7 February 2024 – Hall 5 Stand A20-B23 sales@tilnarart.co.uk www.tilnarart.co.uk
STAND 8F50-7A51 AUTUMN FAIR NEC 3rd-6th September seagems.co.uk E: sales@seagems.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1736 335 840 © All designs protected by Sea Gems Copyright & Design Right
19 BRAND SPANKING NEW Brand spanking new Check out some new and exciting products in the current market JOE DAVIES Toadstools and Mushrooms are back in trend this season and Joe Davies have embraced this trend with two exciting new ranges – Glow Mushrooms are a collection of mushroom shaped LED lamps in various sizes with a wood look base and pretty pastels, grey and white tops making them ideal to go with any home décor. These lights add a magical touch to your home, especially as nights start to get longer in the Autumn. In addition to the LED light up mushrooms Joe Davies also offer the Magical Mushroom range. These ceramic mushrooms come in different shapes and sizes and feature a mottled finished glaze, the unique finish in stunning colours such as reds, greens, blues and greys give each mushroom a distinct appearance, making each one look different. These decorative pieces will look good in the home or garden, there is even a mushroom bird house to hang in the trees. See these ranges and more on Joe Davies Stand at the Autumn Gift Fair in Birmingham Hall 7 – stand C40- E41. The award-winning Joe Davies team look forward to welcoming you, it’s easy to buy with the Joe Davies little and often buying policy with free delivery on orders of £100 and more. www.joedavies.co.uk LADELLE With its earthy finishes and rustic appeal, the Terra range introduces a brand new reactive glaze with a calm Ecru and Sage base. Firing at high temperatures has naturally incorporated Terra‘s signature scorched speckles, giving each individual piece a unique look. This well-rounded collection includes everything you need for the kitchen and table, ranging from serveware to baking dishes. Featuring fine diagonal ribbing and vintage look short stems, our Katrina glassware range is sure to become a customer favourite! We’ve made sure to include all of the best-selling shapes, and they are dishwasher safe, making them practical as well as gorgeous. Each glass is mouth blown by skilled craftsman, making every piece unique. With its soft colour and beauty, the Croft range makes the perfect centerpiece. The contemporary matte reactive glaze is finished with a delicate Rosemary and Olive leaf design that gives the collection a homely feel. These pieces are designed exclusively by Ladelle. Geometric patterns and a duo toned reactive finish make this unique ceramic bakeware range. Designed by Ladelle, each piece has been carefully considered, made to fit into any kitchen. Crafted from durable Stoneware, all items will be staple pieces in your cooking and serving routine for years. www.ladellegroup.com AVALON A classic yet contemporary design combines with playful wording to make these 100 percent cotton napkins from Avalon the ultimate addition to any stylish tablescape for those who love to host. Pair of Light Blue Striped Napkins Embroidered with the words ‘Drink Responsibly, Don’t Spill It’. Avalon Home is a family-owned homeware brand that handcrafts each beautiful piece with the utmost care and attention to detail, celebrating the joy of hosting and transforming your home into a sanctuary. All Avalon Home items are designed, printed and made ethically in the UK, supporting Northern industries and keeping the brand’s carbon footprint low. The range includes tablecloths, table runners, napkins, tea towels and cushions, bringing inspiration from nature and history to life through a contemporary aesthetic. www.avalonhome.co.uk
20 PERSONALISED MEMENTO COMPANY This adorable personalised Tiny Tatty Teddy® height chart from Personalised Memento Company is a wonderful way to record your little one’s height as they grow! Made from a durable vinyl material, this height chart can be used and treasured year after year. Adorned with a cute design, it makes a functional display piece in any home. Keep an eye out for the full product range coming soon! With a wide range of styles to choose from – all available to be effortlessly personalised, PMC supply gifts for all occasions, all year round. Fast turnaround, dropship services and a diverse range of products make them the front runner in personalised gifts – whatever the occasion. www.personalisedmemento.co.uk WHOLESALE GIFTS TOMORROW This vintage inspired milk bottle holder sits neatly beside your front door for that early morning or late-night delivery. Made from rustresistant, powder-coated steel which is durable for the outdoors and easy to wipe over. The milk carrier has a ball feet and a sturdy frame that securely holds and stores up to 6 glass pint milk bottles. 4 bottle version is also available. www.wholesalegiftstomorrow.co.uk ECO FRIENDLY CARDS New from the Eco-friendly Card Co is a small collection of charity Christmas card packs for The Wildlife Trusts featuring artwork by illustrator Ralph Steadman. Best known for his satirical cartoons in the New Statesman and Rolling Stone magazines, the Christmas designs originate from the Gonzovation Trilogy, books written by Ralph Steadman and Ceri Levy which tell the stories of the dangers faced by so many creatures today and the work being carried out to help and protect them. The Christmas cards are printed on 100% recycled board and come with 100% recycled envelopes packed in compostable cornstarch bags. Packs contain 8 cards of one design (153mm square) and rrp at £5.50, including a charity donation of 55p to the Wildlife Trusts. www.ecofriendly.cards ANCIENT WISDOM Ancient Wisdom Raw Gemstone Tea Strainer collection – a true fusion of elegance and functionality. Ancient Wisdom’s captivating Raw Gemstone Tea Strainers are the perfect addition to your store, sure to enthral your customers and boost your sales. These enchanting accessories are not only a delight for gemstone connoisseurs but also make for a stunning addition to any tea lover’s collection. Each tea strainer features a genuine raw gemstone at its core, making them truly one-of-a-kind. Displaying these gemstone tea strainers in your shop will create an eye-catching focal point that attracts passers-by. The raw gemstone tea strainers have a story to tell, engaging your customers with the unique properties and meanings associated with each gemstone can turn the shopping experience into an interactive and memorable one. The fine stainless-steel mesh ensures a seamless and enjoyable tea infusion, allowing the flavours and aromas to be fully appreciated. www.ancientwisdom.biz
21 BRAND SPANKING NEW PUCKATOR Puckator has been trading in the wholesale gift and homeware industry for over 30 years supplying fantastic products to customers in the UK, Europe, and beyond. Offering everything from in-house designs to licensed products, all at fantastic prices. It’s an exciting time over at Puckator this Autumn, with a brand new European showroom opening up in Paris on the 4th of September. In addition the company’s collaboration with Moomins continues with a whole host of brand new beauty products ideal for carrying around with you, from hand creams, to manicure kits, all with bright and colourful Moomins designs on them. There’s even a Moomin door stop coming out, letting people pop a bit of fun into their homes. The Moomin range fits nicely into our portfolio by carrying on the trend of bright, engaging designs on everyday products. Also coming back into stock in the autumn is new Beatles inspired Yellow Submarine stationery which includes pencil pots, a pencil case, and notebooks. With psychedelic illustrations, and products perfect for any desk, this stationery is sure to please any Beatles fans out there. www.puckator.co.uk EXACLAIR Avenue Mandarine, part of the Exacompta Clairefontaine Group has launched a new character to its popular range of ‘Little Couz-IN’ kits, with the addition of Noah the Penguin. Little Couz-IN kits are CE marked and suitable for children of 6 years and over, having been developed to engage youngsters in crafting activities, whilst introducing them to the joys of sewing. The kits act as an easy all-in-one sewing initiation to the craft of haberdashery, with each containing pre-holed felt and fabric pieces, adhesive felt sections, wadding, a plastic needle, 3-4 spools of thread and a set of step-bystep instructions. This latest set enables the user to create their own cute Noah the Penguin, complete with a striking golden crown and a vivid pair of orange dungarees! Other characters in the range include Aaron the Dragon, Enzo the Bulldog, Gustave the Panda and Alicia the Unicorn, amongst others. Lawrence Savage, UK Marketing Manager for the Exacompta Clairefontaine group comments on how these creative products offer hours of fun for children: “Crafting activities are well known to help young children develop fine motor skills and improve their concentration in an imaginative and fun way.” www.exaclairlimited.com BLADE & ROSE After many requests from dedicated fans, Blade and Rose have launched the cutest horse design Bella the Horse. Amanda and Faye, the Blade and Rose design team have created these with all little equestrians in mind. Perfect for visiting the stables, and practical for young jockeys, these super soft, and washable products are designed with this in mind. The blue, orange, mustard and white stripey leggings feature Bella, a lovely brown and white skewbald pony who has a lovely long mane adorned with flowers and leaves and of course the Blade and Rose brand name on the waist band. The coordinating long sleeved top in a sky-blue shade has a beautifully embroidered Bella who has a very cheeky expression on her face and of course flowers in the mane to match the leggings. With the highly detailed soft orange and blue cotton socks to match, this is set to be a future best seller. Available in size 0m to 4 years. Blade & Rose are owned by husband and wife, Amanda, and Jon Peffer, they founded the company in 2010. Their design and distribution centre are based in their hometown of Kendal in the Lake District. At the heart of Blade and Rose are their eco and sustainable ethics. They ensure all their products comply with Oeko-Tex Standard 100, and all their suppliers are BCI, SGS or BSCI compliant which ensures that global cotton production is better for the people who produce it and better for the environment it grows in, ensuring the softest and safest fabrics for the consumer. Any plastic they use is recycled and recyclable. www.bladeandrose.co.uk LADYCROW SILKS Glenshee Pottery is delighted to introduce its new collection of Wee Wonky Bothies for 2023. These curiously shaped small houses have multi coloured windows and are brimming with character. Each one is individually hand made in the heart of Scotland and fully complements the everpopular family of Wee Glenshee Bothies. www.ladycrowsilks.co.uk
22 LESSER & PAVEY A brand-new addition to the Lesser & Pavey fragrance range of gold-plated candles and diffusers, Desire, the Madelaine Boutique range from Heart Designs, offers ranges of candles and diffusers with added bling bows and gold bauble balls features on the sticks. Toppers to seal the fragrance in when not in use, the candles (large size has three wicks) burn wood sage and sea salt, oud and bergamot, and cashmere and silk. The same fragrances are featured in the diffusers coming in three sizes, with set of three 50ml diffusers. Each item is presented in a stylish cylinder packaging. Papillon Chic an exciting new Lesser & Pavey range of very high quality, attention to detail, magnificent quality crafted young beauties with nature in the form of standout crafted butterflies. Each size is available in three pastel colourways. Each piece comes in quality packaging for excellent presentation and to ensure no damage during transit. The sizes range from 20cm – 32cm. Features are one young lady holding a flower vase and one the showstopper, the extra-large piece featuring at 60cm tall; please note this item is not gift boxed. www.leonardo.co.uk HENRY & CO FRAGRANCE Welcome the scent of Christmas into your home with Spiced Citrus & Clove from Henry & Co Fragrance. This aromatic and spicy fragrance opens with bright citrus notes orange and lemon, followed by warming, rich notes of spiced cinnamon and clove. This fragrance really is the scent of the season. Henry & Co Fragrance Company takes pride in crafting high-quality wax products in Melts and Candles plus Reed Diffusers and oils. Jo Stubbs, Creative Director says, “We recognise that people get excited as the nights draw in and are looking for fragrances for cosy nights in and that celebrate the festive season.” www.henryandcofragrance.co.uk ROYAL SELANGOR In celebration of Star Wars Day, the annual fan holiday taking place on May 4, Royal Selangor will be launching brand-new additions to its extensive Star Wars themed collection, featuring dioramas and figurines. Limited Edition Speeder Bike Chase Diorama On Endor, Rebels pursue Galactic Empire Scout Troopers in a speeder bike chase to destroy the Death Star. Weaving through the forest at breakneck speed, Luke Skywalker leans hard into each bank with every swerve, as he pursues a scout trooper on a full-throttle speeder bike chase, barely missing the composite resin replicas of Endor’s trees. A limited edition of 1,000 individually numbered pieces worldwide. www.royalselangor.com MARVLING BROS The gifting gurus behind In A Matchbox are set to re-release its most popular product and this one will be hotter than ever. Marvling Bros, founded by friends Hayley Madden and Emma Dobie, creates mini gifts that can fit inside a matchbox (and your letterbox) which range from mini marshmallow toasting kits and micropub seed kits to novelty stationery and their best-selling “Hot stuff” chilli in a matchbox gift. Now, to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the team are set to get those tastebuds tingling once again with a relaunch of Hot Stuff, and this time, it will be even hotter, as Emma explains. “We’d been so busy preparing for Father’s Day we hadn’t noticed we were coming up on our 10th anniversary but after testing the water with our customers, we knew we had to mark it and what better way than to bring back what is, on every level, our hottest ever product?” This limited-edition release of 500 is a knockout combination of the world’s hottest chilli powders, each carefully curated and beautifully presented in a miniature glass bottle. www.inamatchbox.com
100% recycled cards & envelopes ♥ Carbon Balanced Paper ♥ Naked / compostable bags ♥ Alcohol-free print Powered by green energy ♥ Made in GB ♥ CarbonZero™company ♥ www.ecofriendly.cards ♥ Autumn Fair 6C02 THE ECO-FRIENDLY CARD CO. Blank inside Code AS96 281 6 32569 96281 1 THE ECO-FRIENDLY CARD CO. 100% recycled card • 100% recycled envelope Carbon Balanced Paper • Vegetable-based inks • Alcohol-free print • Powered by green energy • Printed in the UK • CarbonZero™ company • www.ecofriendly.cards RECYCLED Paper FSC® C007915 © THE ECO-FRIENDLY CARD CO. Adam James Severn "Nature and all its characters have always been my main source of inspiration. I like to capture a moment of the secret life of our amazing wildlife in my paintings. My artwork is created using a variety of recycled and unwanted materials and includes the use of various techniques such as lino printing and collage. I am very lucky to have my studio situated in the gallery I have been a part of for over 20 years." Original artwork by Adam James Severn © 'Blue Tit in Blossom' QA - Fit, Solids and Grey Balance - CMY = K 50% FOG39 30% FOG39 70% FOG39 15% Scott 90% Scott Cards - 153mm - 221125.indd 6 25/11/2022 11:32 QA - Fit, Solids and Grey Balance - CMY = K 50% FOG39 30% FOG39 70% FOG39 15% Scott 90% Scott 27/01/2023 11:58 Code AS96 278 6 32569 96278 1 ed card • 100% recycled envelope Alcohol-free print • Powered by green pany • www.ecofriendly.cards RECYCLED Paper FSC® C007915 © THE ECO-FRIENDLY CARD CO. James Severn always been my main source of inspiration. I like life of our amazing wildlife in my paintings. My of recycled and unwanted materials and includes h as lino printing and collage. I am very lucky to ery I have been a part of for over 20 years." ork by Adam James Severn © Highland Stag' QA - Fit, Solids and Grey Balance - CMY = K 50% FOG39 30% FOG39 70% FOG39 15% Scott 90% Scott 25/11/2022 11:39
24 Bookstand The latest releases in gift books A POEM TO READ ALOUD EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR BY LIZ ISON RRP: £25 Format: Hardback ISBN 9781849948463 A handsome anthology of 366 poems from around the world and across the centuries, all especially selected for reading aloud, with one glorious poem for every day of the year. Reading aloud is good for us. It is companionable, relaxing and helps us connect more deeply with the words we are reading. Data from UK-based charity The Reader* showed that 95% of people feel better after taking part in weekly shared reading groups. A Poem to Read Aloud Every Day of theYear is a delightful anthology featuring a special selection of poems that are just perfect for reading aloud. The poems have been carefully selected by literature practitioner Liz Ison. Liz is a passionate advocate for reading aloud and the benefits it can bring: ‘I hope that reading these poems aloud to family and friends will help you on your journey through the changing moods and seasons of the year, and will create little moments of joy and awe each day.’ A firm believer that poetry should be heard, Liz encourages readers and listeners to come together to make the words of our best loved poets come alive for us, resonating with our own experiences or opening up feelings of awe, comfort, recognition or inspiration. With a wide and diverse range of poets including the 14thcentury Persian poet Hafiz and Mary Oliver in the 21st century, old favourites such as Emily Dickinson and more recent voices such as Lemn Sissay, the obvious classics such as Wordsworth’s I wandered lonely as a cloud and the offbeat such as Spike Milligan, there’s something for everyone in this book: poems that are wise, funny, consoling, uplifting and everything in between. It’s the perfect book to dip into daily to share a poem, to hear the true beauty and rhythm of the words and to feel the magic they can weave. www.batsfordbooks.com THE FRENCH BULLDOG By Jane Eastoe RRP: £12.99 Format: Hardback ISBN: 9781849948418 A beautifully illustrated guide to French Bulldogs, packed with tips and tricks to keep your furry friends happy and healthy. This playful and informative book – written from the perspective of the Frenchies themselves – covers everything you need to know about this ultimate adorable companion while celebrating their affectionate personalities that demand attention at all times. The French Bulldog now ranks as the most popular dog breed in the USA and the second most popular in the UK. Their immense popularity is hardly a surprise; Frenchies are renowned for their loyalty and form deep attachments to their owners, they don’t need a huge house or exhaustive exercise and are happy to curl up in your arms whenever a sofa is nearby! However, there are many things to consider when bringing a French Bulldog home for the first time: • How often should I walk them? • How much training will they need? • Am I overfeeding them or are the frequent gaseous emissions quite normal? • How do I manage separation anxiety? Covering topics such as the puppy months, diet and training and advice on grooming, maintaining good health and identifying illnesses, this richly illustrated book follows on from Labradors and Whippets and is packed with adorable photographs of beloved pets and helpful day-to-day advice to ensure that your Frenchie is happy, healthy and as playful as ever! www.batsfordbooks.com THE LITTLE BOOK FOR COFFEE LOVERS: RECIPES, TRIVIA AND HOW TO BREW GREAT COFFEE: THE PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY ASPIRING BARISTA By Felicity Hart RRP: £8.99 Prepare to take your love of coffee to the next level with this richly aromatic tour of the world’s favourite drink, from bean to cup and beyond. Discover everything you ever wanted to know about different beans, roasting styles, brewing techniques and more, and try out delicious coffeebased recipes, from coffee fudge to espresso martinis. www.summersdale.co.uk
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=