Gift Focus - Jan/Feb 2018 (Issue 105)

giftfocus 109 spring fair preview XYSTOS Stand 4H50-J51 xystostrade.co.uk Xystos will be opening its one-stop-shop for candle and personal care products at Spring Fair, having enhanced its portfolio through recent partnerships with two leading bath and body companies. The various ranges from WoodWick continue to lead the flame and fragrance charge, while the company’s Cello melt burners have added another dimension to the success story that sees the company go from strength to strength. Xystos Director Tom Sykes describes the vessels that make up the new WoodWick Artisan Collection as “decorative art works in themselves” as well as being the holders of candles with stunning new fragrances. “They have been extremely well received,” says Tom. “As have the other new editions of the candle with the crackling wick.” It’s Xystos personal care products that have been making the big news of late. Two-and-a-half years ago the company made “a conscious move to become the number one bath and body distributor” in the UK. Having subsequently added the distribution of the Woods of Windsor, Baylis & Harding and Di Palomo brands to that of The Naked Bee, it would be difficult to deny that the company has achieved its ambition. Director Tom Sykes explains that, while continuing to be a leading player in the candle market, “we haven’t taken our foot off the gas there.” Much of Xystos’s growth is now with garden centres, and “bath and body is the cornerstone of that business as far as gifting is concerned.” Adds Tom, “Baylis & Harding has proved to be a phenomenal addition to our portfolio. Never before have we taken on the distribution of products that are supported by so much marketing – and the brand awareness is second to none in the category. “They’ve given garden centres and independent gift shops affordable luxury gifts, including fantastic products for men between £8 and £20, which is just what the market wants.” Looking ahead to next spring and summer, Tom says that Baylis & Harding will target men with beer-related and beard grooming products, while its more feminine offer “will have lots of fizz”, reflecting the continuing popularity of prosecco and the renaissance of gin, and featuring plenty of pink and rose. He believes that its Signature ranges will continue to set trends. The latest Xystos partnership is with another bath and body supplier, Di Palomo, which Tom describes as “a very commercial brand” with good distribution backed by strong marketing and product development. The company continues to win admirers with a range of beautifully presented products such as Black Cherry, Wild Fig & Grape, Orange Blossom with Wild Honey & Olive, and White Grape with Aloe. Tom adds, “We’ve created a one-stop-shop so that buyers are able to source high quality fragranced bath and body products, all of which are beautifully packaged, which is so important when it comes to gifting. Equally important is that we have something to suit every pocket.”