Gift Focus - Jan/Feb 2018 (Issue 105)

6 giftfocus Catch up on all the latest in our news round up industry news Best Kept Secrets is delighted to announce the appointment of Vanessa Curry as its new Managing Director. Vanessa who is married with two young children, joined the company in 2012 and has played an important role in the growth of the business over the last few years. She was previously employed by Sage Software in Sales, Training and Commercial Development. Denise Edwards, Chairman of Best Kept Secrets said, “Vanessa brings a wealth of experience to Best Kept Secrets and we’re delighted that she will now use this experience across the company.” For more company information visit the website bestkeptsecrets.co.uk ULSTER WEAVERS OPENS ITS FIRST EVER STORE Ulster Weavers, the home textiles company based in Holywood, Northern Ireland has announced its opened its first ever fully branded and stocked Ulster Weavers store at The OUTLET in Banbridge, NI. The store will be named Ulster Weavers and will sell the company’s complete range of homeware and textiles, including fashion accessories brand Story Horse, home accessories brand LoveOlli and fabric brands, Spence Bryson and Moygashel. The shop opened on Thursday 23 rd November, 2017 with a bang, offering customers 50 per cent off everything, for the first weekend only. Ulster Weavers has been producing quality textiles and homeware for more than 100 years and this is the first time the company has opened a shop under its own name. This store is the first step of a much wider expansion plan. The branded store boasts 2,200sq ft. and will be Ulster Weavers’ flagship store. The shop will comply with The OUTLET’s discounted offering, but discounts will vary. Ulster Weavers chose The OUTLET as the brand considers it the perfect location to help drive new customers that fit the Ulster Weavers profile. The centre is well located on the main route to Dublin and Belfast with excellent transport links and a high footfall with commuters, locals and tourists. Kenneth Webb, Managing Director of Ulster Weavers commented, “It’s always been my dream to get into retail and see the full Ulster Weavers offering displayed in a retail store; it’s so exciting that we have a chance to bring everything together in one place, including Story Horse, LoveOlli and our 100 per cent Irish linen fabrics too.” Chris Nelmes, Centre Manager of The OUTLET said, “We’re delighted that a home-grown, Northern Irish brand with a heritage that dates back to 1880 has decided to open its first-ever store with The OUTLET. Ulster Weavers is going to fit in perfectly and we’re excited to be part of the brand’s history in opening its first-ever retail store.” CONGRATULATIONS! The winner of our September/October issue is Karen Greenslade from Humbug gift shop in Devon. She’s won more than £500 RRP worth of Baylis & Harding home fragrance and gifting products. To win £500 RRP worth of Blue Eyed Sun products, turn to page 207. HAPPY 30 TH HEART OF THE COUNTRY This year, Heart of the Country will be celebrating its 30 th anniversary. A family-run company formed in 1988 by husband and wife Simon and Lesley Stubbs, it is now owned and run by their two sons Ben and Toby. Heart of the Country has imported and distributed dozens of bestselling lines over the last 30 years such as Bacova Berber Doormats, Boyd’s Bears and Mr&Mrs Fragrance. Heart of the Country has now been distributing the UK’s top-performing scented sachets by Greenleaf and Bridgewater Candle Company for more than 25 years and is one of the UK’s most trusted home fragrance distributors. Visit heartofthecountryltd.co.uk for further information.