Gift Focus - Jul/Aug 2018 (Issue 108)

In May at London’s Olympia, Pulse welcomed a discerning audience of enthusiastic visitors seeking the latest design trends and cutting- edge products. The show offered an edit of products from new emerging designer-makers and launches from well-loved brands, and the buyers were not left disappointed. Retailers were presented with the next must-haves and the freshest design talent. Big-name buyers out in force included Arcadia, Aria, ASOS, Bentalls, British Museum, Debenhams, Fenwick, Harrods, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Liberty, Heal’s, National Trust, Notonthehighstreet.com, Oliver Bonas, Scribbler, Selfridges, The Conran Shop, The White Company and The V&A. A popular new addition to Pulse 2018 was Makers Live, a showcase of live demonstrations and interactive workshops from designer- makers. It proved a great way for visitors to understand the creative process behind the products from Catherine Lewis Designs, Rosa Pietsch, A-Laise, Glorious Mud Ceramics and Scribble & Daub. Another highlight was the daily ShopTalk conference, which was presented by 5X15 – curators of inspirational talks and workshops. Shoptalk provided visiting retailers with invaluable business advice and support from a lineup of high-profile speakers. Keynote speakers included Kris Manalo from Heal’s, who discussed the story of how new products are made, and celebrity designer Sophie Conran in conversation with journalist Katie Law. Pulse returns next year from 12 th – 14 th May, 2019, at Olympia London. Keep up to date with all news at pulse-london.com Successful show for Pulse A highlight at the end of the first day’s trading was the announcement of the annual Pulse Awards, celebrating the very best in innovation and design. Judged by leading retail experts including Sarah Sevier, head of retail at the V&A; Kris Manalo, senior buyer at Heal’s; Katie Law, deputy literary editor of the Evening Standard; Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire of Mini Moderns; and Barbara Chandler of the Evening Standard. Glee organisers report display of support from the garden retail sector More than 300 exhibitors are confirmed to attend Glee (set to take place 10 th - 12 th September at the NEC), helping to keep the 2018 event on track to be the most vibrant and exciting showcase of garden, landscaping, outdoor leisure and pet brands anywhere within the garden retail calendar. Key brands include leading pet food experts Royal Canin, as well as Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Festive Productions – who will be showcasing an exciting solar lighting link-up with Duracell, Gorse Lodge Garden Ornaments alongside Asia Style and Greenkey Garden & Home. Returning again is the Retail Lab, which launched last year to critical acclaim and was a place to experience the beating heart of the industry with a view to what the future holds. Combining interactive content with inspirational product displays and tangible business advice, the Retail Lab cemented itself as a thriving hub of inspiration and knowledge at Glee. This year, the area will once again be supported by creative director Romeo Sommers, leading trend predictors WGSN, the HTA and Paula Parker of PP8 Marketing. Glee is also introducing an enhanced Pets at Glee section, which aims to make it easier for garden centre pet buyers to directly source 2019 ranges while also benefitting from unrivalled networking and educational content. Marking a significant investment for this new era of Pets at Glee, the special pet care seminar stage will offer content that can be implemented in store to boost pet care within the garden retail environment. To keep up to date on the latest Glee news, visit gleebirmingham.com . To inquire about exhibiting at Glee 2018, call +44 (0)203 033 2160 . Best Newcomer Winner Lucy Tiffney Runner-up OFFDN Best Brand Presentation Winner Yod & Co. Runner-up One We Made Earlier Best New Product (Makers and Brands) Winner XD Design, Runner-up PR Home Best New Product (Living) Winner Gedigo OY Ab Runner-up Ark Colour Design Best New Product (Fashion) Winner ROKA Runner-up Jessica Wilde Design giftfocus 11 news & events