GIFTFOCUS INCORPORATING ATTIRE ACCESSORIES WWW.GIFTFOCUS.COM WWW.ATTIREACCESSORIES.COM SPRING FAIR Part one of our show preview ETHICAL OPTIONS Boost sales sustainably Love MATCH Valentine’s gifts to stock MADE With LOVE Handmade gift items PORTLANDLIVING.CO.UK INTRODUCING
£0 MINIMUM ORDER HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT STAND B8 & B21 STAND 5D51 £100+VAT CARRIAGE PAID UK MAINLAND SPRING FAIR @ THE NEC Portland Living is a British gift and interiors brand brought to you exclusively by Gainsborough Giftware. @portlandlivinghome Portland Living Ltd Portland Living Home Portland.living Follow us on socials! Scan to visit the website With seasonal ranges including Christmas, Halloween and Spring the team at Portland Living are excited to present to you an unrivalled collection of lovingly curated products for the home and garden. We are thrilled to showcase our latest selections at the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair, Hall B, Stands B8 and B21, as well as at the Spring Fair NEC, Hall 5, Stand 5D51. Sneak peek into some 2025 ranges:
Solid Natural Wood Photo Frames Silver-plated Photo Frames • 1st class workmanship • Wood selection includes walnut, oak, mahogany, pine, okan and obeche (in black and white) • Velvet frame backing and stand • Double spined joint (no staples or pins used) • Polished edge real glass • Large range and exclusive designs • Velvet frame backing and stand • Tarnish-resistant finish sales@frametigo.co.uk www.frametigo.co.uk Frametigo is the leading supplier of premium quality photo frames to trade and wholesale in the U.K., supplying high quality solid natural wood and silver-plated photo frames for treasured memories and moments.
4 In this issue REGULARS 9 Industry news All the latest from the world of gifts 14 On with the show Trade fair dates and show news 19 Brand spanking new Latest launches and brand-new products 23 Bookstand The latest releases in gift books FEATURES 24 Gifts Under £10 Discover budget-friendly gifting solutions with our selection of high-quality gifts under £10 30 Fairtrade Ethical gifts are increasingly becoming a must-have with consumers, who are seeking sustainable and fairtrade goods amidst the onslaught of mass market items 32 Valentine’s Day Boost your Valentine’s Day sales by stocking high-demand, timeless, personal gifts that drive customer engagement and elevate seasonal revenue 36 Handmade Handmade gifts offer consumers a certain charm, with thoughtfully crafted items always being well received 32 November/December 2024 FOCUS ON 46 Retailer Interview Sarah Holmes, owner of Pencil Me In & Seasgair Store chats to Gift Focus about their crafty offerings! 48 Koseli Handmade Lynne Mold, owner of Koseli Handmade talks to Gift Focus about her ethical, fair trade company 51 Ancient Wisdom Ancient Wisdom has stayed true to its ethos of delivering quality handmade products while maintaining a personal relationship with artisans. Read on to discover more about the company’s journey 54 The Personalised Memento Company A passion for creating memorable gifts has fuelled Personalised Memento Company’s growth, with the business now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Keren Dicken, PMC Design and Marketing Director, tells us more 36 54
5 CONTENTS SHOWS 39 Spring Fair Spring Fair celebrates 75 years as the UK’s leading retail trade show 57 Giving & Living Explore Coast, Country and City at the 60th edition of Giving & Living 59 Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring Hear more about Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring 61 Top Drawer Spring Top Drawer returns to the S/S25 edition with an exciting new theme 63 Harrogate Christmas & Gift Visit Harrogate Christmas & Gift to get the order books ready for the lucrative festive season 24 BUSINESS ADVICE 64 Always on The ‘Always On’ culture: five ways businesses can mitigate the impact 67 ACID ACID Co-Founder & Chairman, Dids Macdonald, shares the importance of reading the small print 68 FSB FSB’s five-step plan to supercharge SME exports by Tina McKenzie 70 A generational breakdown In today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, understanding consumer behaviour is essential for businesses aiming to connect with their target audience effectively. Spring and Autumn Fair delve deeply into giving us a deeper understanding 72 Embracing AI How businesses can adopt AI to connect successfully with Gen Z, shared by Ski and snowboard instructor course business, SIA Austria 30 46 39
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7 EDITOR’S LETTER 30 On the cover Introducing Portland Living. This much loved British gifts and interiors brand offers an exceptional range of thoughtfully curated seasonal collections. Celebrated for their rustic yet timeless designs Portland Living offer a classic aesthetic which oozes both character and charm. The company is thrilled to be showcasing its latest collections at the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair @ Hall B, Stands B8 and B21, as well as at the Spring Fair NEC @ Hall 5, Stand 5D51. Brought to you exclusively by Gainsborough Giftware. Discover their latest collections at www.portlandliving.co.uk A spring in your step It’s hard to believe we’re putting out the last issue of the year! And as we do, we turn our focus to one of the most exciting events in the gifting industry: Spring Fair. With the first of two spotlights of this annual trade show, we discover why it’s a cornerstone for discovering emerging trends, building lasting partnerships, and sparking inspiration for your store or business. Whether you’re a seasoned retailer or a newcomer, attending Spring Fair is an invaluable opportunity to explore the latest products and meet the people behind them. In this issue, we delve into why attending Spring Fair should be a priority on your business calendar. As always, our magazine brings you a curated selection of timely features to support your gift-buying needs for the months ahead. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and we’ve put together an inspiring selection of gifts that will tug at the heartstrings. For retailers looking to cater to the growing demand for ethically sourced products, our Fairtrade Gifts feature offers a range of beautifully crafted, sustainable options that don’t compromise on style or quality. This issue we also recognise the increasing importance of budget-conscious gifting. Our Gifts Under £10 guide showcases thoughtful and affordable products that stand out, even with a modest price tag. These are perfect for shoppers looking to add a personal touch to their presents without breaking the bank. From the romance of Valentine’s Day to the lasting impact of Fairtrade products and the excitement of Spring Fair, this issue is packed with inspiration and practical advice to help you thrive in the gifting industry. Here’s to a season filled with new ideas, exciting products, and continued growth. 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 Ellis Media and Events 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 Sharon Dengate +44(0)1376 535 601 sharon.dengate @giftfocus.com EDITORIAL Editor Louise Prance +44 (0)1376 514 000 louise.prance@giftfocus.com 32 Louise Prance, Editor 43
Beautiful natural Paua shell By Talbot Fashions Est. 1980 info@talbotfashions.com 01273 776415 www.talbotfashions.com See us at: Exeter Westpoint Centre 12th - 14th January Stand 516 / 415 See us at: Spring Fair Birmingham NEC 2nd - 5th February Stand K24 - L25 Hall 2 Minimum order just £25 (Ex VAT & P&P)
Industry news STABILO ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION WITH DOLCE&GABBANA Dolce&Gabbana and Stabilo have collaborated for the first time on an exclusive highlighter collection. Stabilo is a german brand specilaising in the production of highlighters, writing instruments and colouring pens and pencils. Founded in 1855, Stabilo is synonymous with quality, colour variety and innovation. Bold designs and ergonomic features have made the brand’s products a favourite choice of students, artists and professionals around the world. For this first collaboration, four creations have been chosen that recall some of Dolce&Gabbana’s most iconic patterns: The cheerfulness of traditional Sicilian decoractions embraces the Milky Yellow Stabilo Boss Original highlighter, the biting and decisive soul of the Leopard characterises the Beige shade, while the black and white of the Zebra print and the Mediterranean Blue majolica decorate the Black and Cloudy Blue models respectively. On this occasion, even the packaging is dressed in the unmistakable style of Dolce&Gabbana: the markers are contained in a package characterised by the typical friezes of the Scilian Cart, elements that have always been dear to the creative imagination of the Italian lifestyle brand. www.stabilo.com Catch up on all the latest in our news round up BULLDOG LICENSING APPOINTED TO MANAGE UK LICENSING FOR BEANO Independent licensing agency Bulldog Licensing has been appointed as UK licensing agent for Beano, one of the best-known and most recognisable brands in children’s entertainment. Beano, the world’s longest-running weekly comic, was first published in July 1938 and continues to be produced weekly at its original headquarters in Dundee and printed in the UK. In addition to a healthy comic circulation – a Beano is sold every seven seconds – Beano holds the top spot for annuals in 12 out of the last 14 years and reaches millions of fans on its digital network, most notably the award-winning site Beano.com, as well as YouTube and the Beano app on Amazon Kids+. This strong brand recognition has boosted a growing licensing list that ranges from gifts, cards and dress-up to toys, jewellery, plush, fashion bags, books, and more. Beano is also a popular choice for promotions and events, collaborating with major names such as Ocado, Netflix, and Kew Gardens, as well as shopping destinations and family-focused events. Bulldog Licensing will be building on Beano’s existing licensing footprint and pursue new and expanded opportunities in kids’ markets. Importantly, it will also be targeting new opportunities in adult markets, where Beano enjoys strong awareness among many generations. And that’s not all. As well as exploring opportunities for 2025, there’s also the exciting task of building towards Dennis’ 75th anniversary in 2026! Rob Glenny, Head of Commercial & Business Development, Beano Studios says: “Beano is both an iconic name for adults and a popular modern kids’ brand, making it a winning proposition for licensing partners and retailers alike. We’re delighted to be working with Bulldog to develop a brand that resonates across and continues to delight kids and families today.” Bulldog Brand Manager Sophie Yates adds: “Beano is a brand like no other. It’s a part of comic history and the childhoods of many generations, whilst remaining up to date and loved by millions of today’s kids. It offers numerous opportunities for licensing growth across multiple categories and age groups – as the strong interest it attracted at BLE indicates. We are looking forward enormously to building on the existing licensing programme for this iconic brand.” www.bulldog-licensing.com INDUSTRY NEWS 9
CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS TO SPLURGE THIS YEAR AS SALES RISE 4 PERCENT Christmas spending is set to hit £88.29bn this year as consumers boost spending on festive celebrations after years of Christmas cutbacks. VoucherCodes.co.uk’s Shopping for Christmas Report 2024 forecasts a 4 percent boost in sales this festive season, with consumers spending on gifts, food and drink, and holiday travel. Whilst this rise comes partly from inflation, it’s also driven by a 1.4 percent rise in sales volume year-onyear, as consumers have more money in their pockets to buy more items. Whereas other European nations will see a decline in spend YoY, the UK is the only nation out of seven analysed to see a healthy boost in festive sales. France and Italy are forecast to see sales fall by as much as 1.1 percent and 1.3 percent respectively. Only Spain (-0.1 percent) and the Netherlands (-0.1 percent) will stay relatively flat. Spending by category Closer to home, almost all retail categories are expected to see a rise in spend this Christmas. With the highest total spend, gifts will account for £11.35bn of sales - a 0.8 percent YoY rise on the £11.25bn spent last year. However, holiday travel will see the biggest YoY rise at 6.4 percent, that’s a jump from £2.18bn to £2.32bn. Food and drink will also see a large uplift at 5.1 percent YoY, with sales hitting £8.07bn. Decorations is the only category to see a fall in spend this year, with sales falling -4.3 percent from £0.66bn to £0.63bn as consumers prioritise spending on family celebrations. Online vs. offline spend The report also shows both online and offline sales are set to grow this year, with offline sales hitting £55.81bn (+3.4 percent), and online sales growing at a faster rate to £32.48bn (+5.1 percent). Whilst consumers are choosing the convenience of online shopping when it comes to gift buying, in-store shopping is still the preference for other categories such as food and drink. Looking at online spend more closely, for the second-year smartphone sales will exceed desktop sales at £13.51bn versus £12.24bn. As brands increasingly invest in their apps and promote products via social media, it’s becoming easier and more convenient for consumers to shop on the go. Michael Brandy, Senior Commercial Director at VoucherCodes.co.uk, comments: “It’s set to be a very Merry Christmas for retailers this year. Almost all areas of retail are forecast to see uplifts over the Christmas period, consumers are finally willing and able to splurge and treat themselves and their family to a big festive celebration. “Although consumers have more money in their bank accounts to spend this Christmas, they’re still looking for ways to stretch their budget. After two years of a cost of living crisis, consumers are much more financially savvy and know when they see a good deal. To convince them to part with their hard-earned cash, retailers will have to offer genuine value and should consider deals and discounts as a way to entice customers to spend.” THE LONDON STUDIO COLLABORATES WITH OLYMPIA-LE-TAN ON NEW BAG COLLECTION Art licensing and design studio The London Studio has announced a collaboration with Parisian fashion-house Olympia Le-Tan® for an exciting new range of highend clutches and designer evening bags. These stylish accessories will feature designs from The London Studio’s new retro-inspired brand called Dreamadelic. The range will be previewed during Paris Fashion Week, an annual week-long fashion industry event where the latest collections are highlighted in runway fashion shows to buyers and the media. Paris Fashion Week takes place from 23-29 January 2025. The launch into retail is planned for fall-winter 2025, a fashion season that takes place between summer and autumn. The brand Olympia Le-Tan® will be hand-embroidering Dreamadelic designs onto its luxury clutches and evening bags, a process that can take up to 300 hours. The Dreamadelic collection by The London Studio will join the unforgettable creations that adorn a brand of designer bags often seen on the arms of celebrities including Reece Witherspoon, Emma Watson, Natalie Portman, Chiara Ferragni, Miranda Kerr, Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Sigourney Weaver, Cardi B, Clémence Poésy and many others. www.olympialetan.com 10
HOMEWARE BOUTIQUE WINS FAIRE COMPETITION TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT RETAILERS IN THE UK A sustainable business helping shoppers to reduce waste, and a gift and a homeware boutique celebrating British craftsmanship, have been announced as the winners of a competition to support up-and-coming independent retailers in the UK. Wasteless Market in Kent and Fond Shop Lymm in Cheshire have each been awarded £5,000 to buy inventory on global wholesale marketplace Faire, a retail platform which connects hundreds of thousands of independent retailers with brands across the world. Wasteless Market was first established by Teresa Ewart in 2019 following the death of her sister to cancer, offering ethical, natural and sustainable alternatives to homeware and personal care products. She formed a company with co-owner Lis Radbon in 2020. Its monthly markets and refill hub in Bexley, Kent, were forced to close when Covid struck but they relaunched last month and Teresa and Lis now plan to expand their current product range thanks to Faire’s support. Lis said: “Wasteless Market was set up because it was proving too challenging to find anywhere else that sold handmade products with fewer ingredients that were free of single-use plastics. As the sole provider of refills and a hub for eco-conscious traders and customers in Bexley, we have now cultivated a loyal following of environmentally-minded consumers. “Faire has already made ordering and finding eco-friendly supplies much more convenient and reduced the quantities we needed to order to bring down delivery costs. As a non-profit enterprise, every penny we make is put back into the business so these savings are a great help. The £5K in credit to spend on Faire will now enable us to expand our product range to help attract more customers and help them reduce their carbon and plastic footprint. It will also release funds to market our events and host educational workshops on sustainable living.” Meanwhile, Fond Shop Lymm’s owner Laura Collier has achieve her long-held dream of running her own shop following its launch in her home town of Lymm in Cheshire earlier this month. It sells gifts and homeware produced by an array of UK creatives and Laura will use the money from Faire to replenish stock in the run up to Christmas and expand her product- buying budget. Laura said: “Burnout from a previous job made me reflect on how I could find fulfilment in my career and combine my skills with my personal passions. I realised that the only way to achieve this was to finally chase a dream I’ve had in some form or another for 20 years and open my own bricks-and-mortar shop. Winning this competition has provided me with such a boost, not just financially but also in energy and in confidence for my shop’s launch. Preparing to open my first shop has been a thrilling but exhausting experience, and winning the competition has given me the extra surge of joy that will take me to opening day still smiling! “I’d spent many hours on Faire and added so many amazing products to my basket that I wanted to buy them all but couldn’t afford to! But now I can stock the range of brands and products that best showcase my vision for my shop and set the best first impression.” New and aspiring retailers from across the UK entered the competition, which forms part of Faire’s Open with Faire programme to provide new shop owners up to £20,000, in free, 60-day payment terms, to stock their shelves and support their launch. Each was asked to submit a video about how winning an additional £5,000 to spend on stock would transform their business. www.faire.com DULUX ANNOUNCES COLOUR OF THE YEAR Dulux announced their Colour of the Year as True Joy - and it’s easy to see why! We all want happier, uplifting home interiors for 2025 and the colour yellow gives us a boost of positive inspiration ahead of the new year. Amthal Karim, Head of Design at Furniture And Choice comments: “Dulux True Joy is an energetic shade of yellow with warm, golden undertones. The timeless charm of the colour of the year comes from its balance of dusky versus bright. True Joy is more vibrant than a mustard tone and has more depth and warmth than shades of lemon or canary yellow. “Yellow is traditionally a colour that makes us feel happy and optimistic - True Joy is no exception. A room painted in True Joy is a room always filled with sunshine, energy, and a feeling of excitement. But it’s yellow - we hear you say! We admit, it’s a daring design commitment to paint an entire room yellow, which is why this specific shade chosen by Dulux works perfectly as an accent colour too. “The Dulux Colour of the Year 2025 is meant to inspire people to ‘jump out’ of their comfort zone. What we love about True Joy is that it encourages you to become colour confident in decorating your home. Whether you feel brave enough to paint your entire room yellow or keep it small to highlight features - any colour that gives us good vibes and happy feelings cannot be the wrong choice.” INDUSTRY NEWS 11
YORKSHIRE INDEPENDENT TOY SHOP NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL AWARD An independent toy shop in Ilkley says a focus on customer experience and spotting industry trends is key to them being nominated for a national accolade. Games Crusade in Ilkley is one of the businesses nominated in a national UK’s Favourite Local Business competition, sponsored by Miconex and backed by the Ilkley Town Centre Gift Card. Owner Lisa Dyson first started her toy business 19 years ago and now owns two Games Crusade stores in Yorkshire, Ilkley and Harrogate with her husband. Lisa said: “I used to work in financial services and started out by selling toys to people directly, delivering them to their homes - working on the business in the evenings. It went down so well that I got my first shop in a village, then a bigger shop in Harrogate, and then the Ilkley store too. Three years ago, my husband left his job in IT to work full time in the business. “The products we sell, the service, and the experience are at the heart of Games Crusade. I try to get products that you can’t get anywhere else and we have a demo table in each store. Our staff know how our toys work and can tell customers about them. So many people will come in and say they’re looking for a gift for a 6 year old for example, and they like to have personal advice from a real person on what a 6 year old might like. “Being on the high street, we often can’t compete on price, so we have to offer something different and that’s what we aim to do. The other side is keeping our finger on the pulse of trends in the toy industry, and finding unique products. Every year, we invest in going to the Nürnberg Toy Fair which is the world’s biggest toy fair, so we can ensure Games Crusade has the best products. Communicating with customers is another thing we invest in and I’m fortunate to have a great team.” Games Crusade in Ilkley is part of the Ilkley Town Centre Gift Card, while Games Crusade in Harrogate is part of the Harrogate Gift Card. Lisa says it is important for her business to be a part of the community: “We’re part of the Ilkley Town Centre Gift Card and the Harrogate Gift Card because they are local gift cards for our community that encourage local spending. Children are often given them for Christmas so we tend to see the cards being spent in the stores in January time. “As business owners, we don’t often get feedback from customers, so knowing that someone has taken the time to vote for us to be the UK’s Favourite Local Business is wonderful.” Shops, restaurants, salons, hotels and attractions in Ilkley– and right across Yorkshire and the rest of the UK– are all eligible to be the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2024. People can nominate their favourite local business in the competition free at www.lovelocalwin.co.uk, giving the name of the local business they think deserves to win and a reason. SMARTGAMES RECOGNISED IN BOTH THE RIGHT START AWARDS AND THE IMAGINATION GAMING AWARDS Smart Toys and Games has unveiled that SmartGames has added more award wins to its ever-growing collection, having been recognised in both the Right Start Awards and the Imagination Gaming Awards. They scooped five accreditations in these highly respected accolades, including: Right Start Awards 2024 SmartGames – Smart Dog *Top Value Toy *Highly Commended in Games & Puzzles SmartGames – 5 Little Birds *Gold in Games & Puzzles Imagination Gaming Awards 2024 SmartGames – Genius Square *Shortlisted for the Best Problem Solving Game category Go Genius – World *Shortlisted for the Best Cross-Curriculum Game category Now in its seventh year, the Right Start Awards aim to recognise the toys that offer true value for money. All of the award-winning toys, books and nursery items have been roadtested by parents and children at home and carefully selected as winners based on if they are long-lasting, durable, appealing and help save the planet - Smart Toys and Games are thrilled both Smart Dog and 5 Little Birds have been recognised. Now in its eleventh year, the Imagination Gaming Awards recognise great games that families and educators consider invaluable in developing a range of social and curriculum skills – as well as just good, solid fun! The awards raise awareness in the UK of the joy and value that great table-top games bring to everyday life, as well as the influence and effect they can have as resources to improve thinking and communication skills for everyone. This is Smart’s debut at the Imagination Gaming Awards and the team is thrilled to have two of its games shortlisted. Commenting on the recent award wins, Karen Clarke, UK Brand Director at Smart Toys and Games said: “We are thrilled to be recognised by these highly anticipated and trusted award platforms. Receiving the news that we have been awarded two top spots at the Right Start Awards, especially as both of the games are new for 2024 is fantastic! We strongly believe in the ethos behind the Imagination Gaming Awards and are so proud to have two of our family games shortlisted..” Sales enquiries are to be sent to uk@smart.be or call +44 (0)1903 885669 12
Scan For Latest Trade Catalogue Trade Accounts: joclarkdesign.faire.com orders@joclarkdesign.co.uk www.joclarkdesign.co.uk CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS: OVER 500 MODELS AVAILABLE FROM STOCK Please contact us for a trade catalogue Tel 01460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk The Walking Stick Specialists
On with the show Trade show updates from home and abroad Spring Fair launches anniversary Retail Insights podcast Spring Fair, the UK’s largest home, gift, fashion trade show which takes place on the 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham, has launched a new Retail Insights podcast series for retail, and by retail, to celebrate its upcoming 75th anniversary and shine a light on businesses in the industry. A first of its kind for a retail trade show, Spring Fair has collaborated with legendary designer and TV personality Jeff Banks CBE to create the series of free podcasts featuring interviews with 15 industry figureheads which will run over a period of 14 weeks from the 20th October. Available through all popular podcasting platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcast, plus watch through YouTube and at https://www.springfair.com/inside-retail. The podcast series was concepted to give a voice back to the retail community who have been a part of Spring Fair, to celebrate the rich heritage of Spring Fair, and spotlight the people and brands who make up everything that Spring Fair is. Featuring guests with a huge breadth of knowledge of the retail industry across all backgrounds and sectors, the series will benefit retail businesses of all sizes, from inspiring start-ups to 50-year-old staples in the industry. The Spring Fair team brought together all 15 guests for a special 75th Anniversary media day which was hosted by Banks and filmed in the Spring Fair studios. The candid conversations reflect on the past, present and future of retail – the stories that come out of building a retail business or being part of a retail business, stories that will inspire and resonate with many in the industry. Listeners will be able to enjoy Banks in conversation with much-loved independent retailers including Nest and Coopers of Stortford, brands such as Talking Tables and Candlelight, buying group EK Retail, and The Giftware Association and The Greetings Card Association, as they discuss an array of insightful topics including reinventing your brand, growing a bricks and mortar store, catering for all customer demographics, catalogue and mail orders business development, growing a small business, being a designer/maker and business owner, the power of licensed products, how to sell your products to a global buying group, and how retail associations can help your business be more successful. The interviews also reflect on what it means to be part of the retail community, how to keep your company relevant for over 30 years, the power of storytelling, and how to stay true to environmental strategies and make a profit. Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Spring Fair says, “In honour of Spring Fair’s 75th anniversary we’re shining a light on the incredible businesses that continue to make this a successful event for the retail industry. As we embark on this milestone event and reflect on the journey we’ve taken together, this coming 2025 show we’ll be turning our focus outwards. After all, we can’t celebrate Spring Fair’s 75-year history without honouring the people and community who got us here. We are incredibly excited to launch this anniversary podcast series – which as available for free to all of retail to help inspire. As a business leader or owner in retail this podcast is for you. For anyone looking to start a retail business this podcast is for you. And for the retail community this podcast is for you. There are also a few tips and tricks on how these businesses have either successfully shopped trade shows or successfully sold their products at trade shows. These are money can’t buy insights on how to be successful for businesses looking to sell products B2B. The series really has the feel-good factor and makes for very interesting listening.” Each 10-20 minute episode, packed full of insights, is available to listen to or watch as a video, streamed via Apple, Spotify, YouTube, all popular podcasting platforms, and at https://www.springfair.com/inside-retail. The Retail Insights podcast is part of the broader Inside Retail thought leadership hub available on the Spring and Autumn Fair websites. For years, this platform has provided valuable content on sector trends, consumer insights, and technological developments, as well as behind-the-scenes stories from brands and event partners, exploring key topics on the future of retail. As the go-to destination for digital content in the retail industry, Inside Retail offers expert recommendations through video interviews and articles from industry insiders, partners, and guest writers. Covering everything from trends to sustainability, it’s designed to help businesses grow and enhance their customer experience. www.springfair.com/inside-retail 14
SPRING FAIR WANTS YOUR STORIES! Spring Fair, the UK’s largest home, gift, fashion trade show which celebrates its 75th anniversary on the 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham, needs your help to bring together a Hall of Fame compilation of nostalgic memories, pictures and great stories from the show’s 75-year history. The Hall of Fame will be brought to life at Spring Fair, offering the show’s community the chance to reminisce and remember seven decades of its history as well as a snapshot of memorable past events and current affairs between 1950 - 2024. The show’s timeline, a large digital screen of pictures and stories, and a selfie wall to capture the industry’s biggest trade show gathering in 2025, will create a celebration of retail’s past and present. Were you an exhibitor or visitor in the 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s…? Do you have any memorable stories or pictures to share? Were you at the show in 1975 when Queen Elizabeth opened it at the NEC? Do you have any great then & now pictures from the show or of your stands? Can you chart any memorable moments at the show that stick in your mind or defined your business? Did you make new connections with brands or retailers that you still work with today? What were the highlight product launches over the decades? Are any products that became best-sellers still available today and how have they evolved over the decades? Are you also celebrating a big anniversary in 2025? If so, Spring Fair would love to hear from you. Please send your memories and pictures to Reka Rasko at reka.rasko@hyve. group to be considered. Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Spring Fair says: “This milestone event will bring the retail community together – to celebrate the past, present and future of retailing and put the spotlight on the people and businesses who have made Spring Fair a part of their retailing journey. We would love to receive all your memorable memories and pictures, and we will create a place where the community can take a nostalgic look back on the years gone by. I can’t wait to see pictures from the past and hear your stories.” Spring Fair’s 75th edition runs from 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham. Visit www.springfair.com for more information. Walk the coastal path at Giving & Living With its prime location at Westpoint in Exeter, Giving & Living is renowned for being the leading show in the UK for coastal gifts and souvenirs, unique on the exhibition circuit for its dedicated Coastal Path. This makes it an essential show for retail and hospitality businesses that are located close to tourist hotspots and want to fully tap into the tourist trade in those areas. Whether it’s puffin art prints or seascape greetings cards, seashell jewellery, driftwood sculptures or souvenirs, the Coastal Path at Giving & Living will reveal a treasure trove of brands and products, many of which are unique to the show, due to run from Sunday 12th - Tuesday 14th January. Of course, the wider show is as varied as the beautiful British landscape and our incredible towns and cities. Whilst the Coastal Path is a major theme of Giving & Living, complementing this unique product trail is a strong countryside focus which taps into the show’s audience of garden centres, farm shops, heritage centres and other rural tourist destinations. Cathedral towns, city museums and souvenir shops are also well served by the versatile and eclectic mix of exhibitors who understand local markets and different consumer demographics. Mike Anderson, Managing Director of show organiser, Hale Events, says: “Our unique location close to the beautiful coast at Exmouth means the Coastal Path at Giving & Living is one of our most crucial show sectors. This special focus attracts an eclectic mix of buyers, with many visitors from the hospitality trade attending the show alongside our vital independent retail audience. “We also want to show people that the coast in general, and particularly in the South West, is about more than just beach life. It also taps into a wide range of outdoor and indoor activities, from hiking and bird-spotting to surfing and cycling, as well as offering countless heritage opportunities; visits to stately homes, museums and castles, show gardens and historic piers. This is especially true during seasons when the weather is less than ideal, which we’re well used to in Britain!” With so many exhibitors who are exclusive to Giving & Living, it isn’t just buyers based in the South West who can benefit from paying a visit to this very special show. The Celtic heartlands of Wales and tourist hotspots all along the south coast of England will also find plenty to love, whilst visitors from further afield can look forward to discovering brands and products that they won’t find at any other show. If you’ve never been to Giving & Living before, 2025 might be the year you realise what you’ve been missing! Attendance is free for trade buyers. Applications to exhibit at Giving & Living are still open and you can find out more information by calling T: +44 (0)1934 733 433, emailing mail@hale-events.com or visiting the website at www.givingliving.co.uk. 15 NEWS & EVENTS
GLEE 2024 HERALDED A GREAT SUCCESS Glee 2024 wrapped up with a bang, celebrating 50 incredible years as the UK’s number one garden and outdoor living trade event. Held at the NEC Birmingham from September 10th – 12th, this year’s exhibition was more vibrant and dynamic than ever, as the garden retail and horticulture sector came together to mark this milestone. With buzzing aisles, inspiring new products, and a palpable sense of optimism, Glee 2024 proved once again why it’s the beating heart of this flourishing industry. The move to a September event has clearly struck the right chord, with industry leaders hailing the timing as a game-changer for the buying cycle. Attendee numbers were up year-on-year, with an increased presence of owner/ operators, category buyers and buying teams, buying groups and retailers eager to place orders, and discover the latest trends - fuelled by an infectious atmosphere of discovery and opportunity. One marked change was the number of ‘new’ visitors to Glee, demonstrative of the perceived value of gardening from not just the garden centre market but from the wider retail landscape. As gardening thrives, more retailers are looking to benefit from this profit opportunity, with the likes of Dunelm, Robert Dyas, John Lewis, B&Q, QVC joining Blue Diamond, British Garden Centres, Dobbies, Hilliers, Tillington, Choice and dozens more garden centres in the quest to source new supply partners. Looking ahead, Glee 2025 is already generating excitement about the 2025 season. A staggering 60 percent of the 2025 floorplan was snapped up during the show, with 77 percent of 2024 exhibitors – a significant increase of 40 percent when compared to 2023 data – racing to secure their spot for what promises to be another unmissable year. Many of the event’s bellwether brands led the charge, setting the stage for Glee 2025 to build on this year’s remarkable momentum. Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein captured the excitement perfectly, saying: “From the second we cut the ribbon to officially open the show, the energy was electric. One exhibitor summarised it perfectly by saying ‘the buzz is well and truly back in the aisles’, and that is all due to the enthusiasm and willingness of our visitors and exhibitors. Glee has become the ultimate platform for growth and innovation, opening dialogue on those opportunities and challenges shaping our industry, and this September this role felt more relevant than ever. The passion and optimism that filled the aisles and exhibition stands, and a bulging floorplan for the 2025 show, marks an exciting tipping point for both Glee and the wider garden retail sector.” www.gleebirmingham.com INDX Shows go national; reveals exciting plans for 2025 INDX, the trade show experience curated by Associated Independent Stores (AIS) – is back and better than ever. Expect an unrivalled 2025 calendar packed with buying focused events, a fresh market approach, and a completely revamped look and feel. Plus, a new website and revamped brand identity. Cementing their status as the UK’s premier retail industry trade shows, and mirroring the success of the INDX National Flooring Show, the following events will proudly claim National titles starting in 2025: INDX Kids becomes the INDX National Kidswear Show, INDX Man becomes the INDX National Menswear Show and INDX Intimate Apparel becomes the INDX National Intimate Apparel Show. The following event titles have been revamped to better reflect the inclusivity and diversity of their product showcases: INDX Homewares becomes INDX Home, INDX Beds & Bedroom becomes INDX Beds, and INDX Toy & Gift becomes INDX Toys, while INDX Furniture, INDX Woman, INDX Sports & Leisure, and INDX Gift Food show titles remain unchanged. Furthermore, INDX is expanding its line-up with a brand-new show launching in January 2025, INDX National Kids Footwear will run alongside INDX National Kidswear to create a complete, one-stop event destination for kids’ retailers. Developed in partnership with the children’s footwear industry, this exciting new show takes the INDX programme to 20 calendar events per year. Jane Bartlett, Director of Events at AIS and Cranmore Park: “INDX shows will continue to expand, adapt and diversify to provide retailers with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to succeed in an ever-changing marketplace. “Every INDX show is a powerhouse for business and order writing, but certain events within our portfolio have undeniably captured the retail industry’s attention on a national scale. Recognising the unparalleled impact of these shows, we’ve made strategic decisions to elevate their market positions for 2025. “The introduction of the National Kids Footwear show is an exciting addition to the INDX family for 2025, and we will continue to introduce new show formats, product categories, and services to ensure that we remain a vital platform for retailers across a wide range of specialties. “These strategic changes will be amplified by a completely revamped look and feel that will elevate the entire INDX experience. This week, INDX redefined its online presence with a stunning new website – www.indxshows.co.uk, cue a bold new look, a streamlined user interface, and content that pops.” Cranmore Park, the West Midlands home of INDX events, is also set for a transformation. Following the recent opening of The Loft, the venue’s contemporary eatery, hospitality, and networking space, Cranmore Park will be introducing a cutting-edge, fully sustainable modular exhibition stand system for 2025. This innovative shell scheme is designed to accommodate any vision, empowering exhibitors to create stunning, bespoke displays, and elevating the INDX experience to new heights. With a retailer-only admission policy, INDX Shows are expertly curated by buyers, for buyers. Designed to drive and support business growth, and bringing together unparalleled networking opportunities, access to industry-leading brands, and invaluable market trends and insights. Stay ahead of the competition and get ready to take your business to the next level. Online registration for INDX Shows is now open. www.indxshows.co.uk 16
Gifts. Accessories. A diverse spectrum of original and surprising ideas. Giving freshens up product assortments. Stay in tune with the industry at ambiente.messefrankfurt.com/giving info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 84 7.– 11. 2. 2025 FRANKFURT/MAIN RhYTHmS OF LIFESTYLe Hop Hare Crystal Magic Flower Candles www.ancientwisdom.biz
SEE US AT SPRING FAIR 2025
19 BRAND SPANKING NEW Brand spanking new Check out some new and exciting products in the current market URBAN FARM-IT Urban Farm-It, the British-based leader in sustainable urban farming, has announced the launch of an exciting range of Mushroom Growing Kits—a unique, thoughtful, and fun gift for food lovers, garden enthusiasts, mushroom lovers, and budding mycologists. Perfect for anyone seeking an engaging, handson activity, these kits make it easier than ever to grow gourmet mushrooms at home, offering a sustainable and rewarding way to produce fresh, nutritious food. Customers can grow fresh mushrooms in just four weeks, transforming their kitchens into mini-mushroom farms and savouring the flavours of homegrown produce. Easy to use, pretty and decorative, and suitable for all ages and skill levels, these kits are designed to delight both seasoned growers and absolute beginners. With a simple, repeatable growing process, the Mushroom Growing kits are a perfect gift for any occasion, bringing fun and flavour to homes everywhere. The Mushroom Growing Kits feature popular varieties such as oyster and shiitake mushrooms, known for their rich flavours and culinary versatility, as well as Lion’s Mane, celebrated for its unique taste and numerous health benefits. Mushrooms aren’t just fun to grow; they’re also a nutrient-full superfood, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The kits simplify the process of cultivating high-quality mushrooms at home. Unlike traditional farming, which can have a high environmental impact, growing mushrooms is a low-waste, low resource alternative that can be done almost anywhere. Each kit comes with pre-inoculated substrate blocks and detailed instructions, making it easy for anyone to grow their own mushrooms sustainably—no garden or green thumb required! The Mushroom Growing Kits are designed with a unique voucher system that eliminates the challenges of stocking perishable live spawn. Instead, a voucher is provided in the box that customers redeem, free of charge, for fresh mushroom spawn. “Our goal is to empower more people to embrace sustainable food production,” said Elliot Webb, Founder of Urban Farm-It. “With our Mushroom Growing Kits, we’re making it possible for anyone to grow their own fresh, delicious, gourmet mushrooms from the comfort of their own home.” www.urban.farm-it.com TONIES tonies® – an audio brand for children – has launched the Book Pocket Tonies, which is an exciting new range of unabridged audiobook Tonies perfect for older children, featuring titles and authors loved by 5-10 year olds. Retailing for £8.99 each, the Book Pocket Tonie collection launches with 20 titles from bestselling authors, including Tom Fletcher, David Walliams, Adam Kay, Enid Blyton, Dav Pilkey and Andrea Beaty, with many more Book Pocket Tonie titles launching in 2025. The Book Pocket Tonie range is a game-changing new offering from the brand, which has been designed to cater for older listeners, extending the joy of the virtually indestructible Toniebox for even greater long-term value and play potential. Book Pocket Tonies are the latest addition to tonies® Pocket Tonie collection which launched this August, with the educational Clever Pocket Tonie range, which has been one of tonies® most successful launches to date. The new Book Pocket Tonies are expected to be a huge hit with Toniebox owners too, as children are increasingly turning to audiobooks for entertainment. Designed with collectible appeal, Book Pocket Tonies have been designed to look like miniature books, with cute Toniebox ears. With pocket money friendly prices of just £8.99, kids will soon amass a delightful library of Book Pocket Tonies to feed their love of literature and keep them away from screens. The range is great for building confident reading skills too, as kids can read along with their favourite book as the audiobook story plays. www.tonies.com
20 JOE DAVIES Building on the success of its popular Mushroom Glow ceramic LED toadstools and mushrooms, Joe Davies is excited to unveil new models and designs in this beloved range. Mushrooms and toadstools are currently trending in home décor, offering a whimsical yet practical gift option that adds a warm, cozy glow to any room. The original collection featured a soft palette of pinks, greys, and sage greens. Now, the new additions include designs with a classic grey marble finish and wood-look ceramic bases, as well as Art Deco-inspired models featuring elegant white textured tops paired with a wooden base, reminiscent of the sophistication of the Art Deco era. These charming lights combine classic aesthetics with natural beauty, making them the perfect gift to enhance any home décor with a touch of magic. Best of all, they are battery-operated, eliminating the need for cables and plugs. www.joedavies.co.uk SANTORO Santoro has unveiled the addition of colourful new puzzles and activities to its adorably popular Bangoberry lifestyle collection. Following the success of the award-winning Bangoberry ‘Match And Stack’ game, which recently won a «Commendation» Medal at the 2024 Independent Toy Awards, these new additions promise to deliver imaginative play for all ages and learning opportunities for young children. The new Bangoberry additions include a delightful variety of activities: • ‘Match And Stack’: The award-winning game encourages players to find colourful matching card pairs, slot them together, and build the tallest structure. • ‘Pop-Out Playscape’: The world of Bangoberry comes to life with this 3D pop-out playscape, where kids can interact with their favourite characters in imaginative scenes. • ‘Dominoes’: A playful take on the classic game that features popular and new Bango Bunch characters. • ‘Stick And Play Book’: This captivating activity book features over 80 reusable stickers and engaging scenes that will keep young ones entertained for hours. • ‘Puzzles’: Perfect for all ages, these vibrant puzzles come in two adorable 48-piece designs and two challenging 100-piece designs. These exciting new additions showcase Bangoberry’s signature mix of creative design and kitschy appeal, while also encouraging problem-solving, motor skills development, and imaginative thinking. With an emphasis on both entertainment and educational value, these products are set to become staples in any family’s playtime routine. www.santoro-london.com ROYAL SELANGOR Royal Selangor welcomes 2025, the Year of the Snake, with a brand-new zodiac-inspired collection. The snake is the sixth sign in the Chinese zodiac, crossing the finish line after the dragon. In Asian culture, the snake is symbolic of the supernatural and spiritual. Many believe that people born in the Year of the Snake are mysterious and protective of their loved ones. They are also known to possess great wisdom. www.royalselangor.com
23 BOOK REVIEWS Bookstand The latest releases in gift books THE BOOK Format: Hardback RRP: £150 The Book is a new publication that transcends the conventional boundaries of fashion, culture, design, travel, and lifestyle. More than a coffee table book, The Book is a curated way of life that interprets these combined genres into a series of narratives that reflect contemporary human culture. Collaborating with a number of prominent figures and brands of today, The Book is an expression of modern publishing in partnership with Dior, Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Amalie Gassmann and Patrick Mcdowell to name a few. At its core, ‘The Book’ champions a philosophy of boundless exploration by offering a rich tapestry of content. The Book showcases the best in fashion, where style is not dictated but inspired; in culture, where stories from around the world converge; in design, where creativity knows no limits; in travel, where every journey is an adventure; and in lifestyle, where individuality reigns supreme. The Book invites its readers to immerse themselves in its world that is unshackled by judgement or constraint. This platform is designed to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that no idea is overlooked. “It’s about fostering a community that celebrates the richness of human creativity and the beauty of diverse perspective,” says Matthew. www.bymatthew.com YEEHAW! RRP: £6.99 Format: Hardback ISBN: 9781837995882 There’s plenty of joy, inspiration and wisdom to be found in the land of country and western. Whether from country music legends like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash, historical figures of the Wild West, iconic gunslingers from Western movies or American cowboys, their advice will have you kicking up your heels and hollering “Yeehaw!” Country’s all about attitude and heart, and this compilation contains all the life lessons you need to lead every day with positivity. Filled with quotes, sayings and cowboy slang, this playful book promises that with every turn of the page you’ll be having a honky-tonk time! Inside you will find: • Advice on love, life and loss from country music legends, popular country artists and the next generation of country singers • Wild West wisdom to help you live life the country way • Memorable sayings to make you smile • Cowboy slang for life’s feel-good moments www.summersdale.com LONG WALK HOME Author: Images – Robbie Burnside, text – John Burnside Format: Hardback ISBN: 978-1-913288-69- For the past five years Robbie Lawrence has travelled throughout Scotland and the United States photographing the Highland Games. Long Walk Home examines the cultural significance of the traditional community sports tournament and questions the very notion of what it is to be from a place. Robbie Lawrence says: “The Games have always interested me, not just visually, but also as a vehicle for considering how we as Scots allow his-tory to inform our modern identity. At first, I struggled to look past the mythmaking and nationalism often espoused in the Games. I was trying to document these events objectively, with-out clarifying with myself how I felt about them. What you see in the pages of these two volumes is an attempt to engage with the myriad of fabricated ideas surrounding the modern Highland Games. Whether on a dusty sports field in Denver or at the local park at Burntisland, the Games is at its core a coming together of friends and family to enjoy sports, dance and music.” www.stanleybarker.co.uk THE FORAGERS ALMANAC Author: Danielle Gallacher RRP: £16.99 Format: Hardcover A month-by-month introductory guide to foraging, with ideas for recipes and wildcrafting to enjoy your harvest. Illustrated throughout with beautiful photography. Get in tune with the rhythms of nature with this month-by-month guide to foraging. Learn how to identify wild plants correctly, harvest them at their prime, and use them in delicious recipes and relaxing wildcrafting projects. Gathering wild food summons us to become active participants in our environment, fostering a profound sense of connection to the natural world around us. At the heart of foraging lies an intricate understanding of the changing seasons, the landscape, and the delicate ecosystems that thrive within. Danielle Gallacher has been foraging for over 20 years, and in The Forager’s Almanac she shares her expertise on how to safely and sustainably harvest our countryside’s edible bounties, and how to use them in your cooking - such as pickles, preserves, ciders and lemonades. Danielle also shares her top wildcrafting ideas, including resin firelighters, home remedies, salves and balms to sooth irritated skin. The Forager’s Almanac provides all the tools you need to live in greater harmony with the land throughout the seasons, year after year. www.quercusbooks.co.uk
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