Gift Focus - Jan/Feb 2019 (Issue 111)

20 giftfocus looking forward Four key trends will emerge in 2019. First, the continued success of British handmade goods. British-made is a moniker that’s synonymous with quality and is coveted the world over. More than ever, consumers are calling out for products that they can connect with; a gift is no longer just about the gift itself – it’s just as much about the story behind it too. Hand-crafted items give consumers this connection to an idea or lifestyle. The UK craft industry is worth more than £3billion a year to our economy and continues to grow. Global trend forecaster WGSN has been tracking this trend for a long time, and it is predicted it will become increasingly important across all gifting categories in the seasons to come. Spring Fair 2019 will bring together the best craftspeople from across the UK this year, including Cumbria’s Wax Lyrical, English Pewter Company and Royal Selangor, and they will all be showcasing the best of British handmade products. Second, sustainability and ethical sourcing. Having established itself as a key 2018 trend, consumer demand for responsibly sourced and eco-friendly goods looks to continue well into 2019, with the trend becoming a lifestyle choice for responsible consumers. Consumers are quite rightly shocked by some of the manufacture and disposal methods of their favourite products and are seeking alternatives. As consumers grow increasingly conscious of the impact their purchases are having on the planet, suppliers who chose to take a stand and give them an environmental option will reap the benefits. Ethically sourced products will take centre stage at Spring Fair 2019, with exhibitors across the giftware sector showcasing their impeccable sustainability credentials, such as ethical clothing and giftware importers Gringo, bringing the best of Nepal, Bali, India and Thailand to Spring Fair, as well as Fairtrade crafts suppliers Siesta and Tilnar Art. Third, mindfulness and wellbeing. We’re currently living through the biggest ever changes to how we approach and talk about our mental health. We’re seeing greater recognition for those with mental health issues, who are less afraid to talk about our own anxieties and insecurities. The giftware sector has been quick to pick up on this, creating products oriented around mindful living and meditation. This includes books, scented candles and infusers and adult colouring books – these have become popular as they help us to switch off from daily life and reconnect with our inner selves. Spring Fair will have a wealth of aromatherapy and soothing fragrance products on offer, as we welcome the likes of MadebyZen, Ashleigh & Burwood, Stone Glow Candles, Flame & Fragrance and Gala Candles. Last, uniqueness. When birthdays, weddings and anniversaries come around, it can be tempting to visit your favourite online department store and buy the first vaguely gift-able item you see. Really, it’s the unique, meaningful gifts that we keep in both our lives and memories. That’s why the purchase of exclusive items that are different and special is a trend set to go from strength to strength in 2019. Spring Fair will be looking to help retailers find these unique and sometimes unusual gifts – those that just mean that little bit more to the person you’re buying for. With this in mind, we’ve launched our First initiative across several show sectors to offer up-and-coming and pioneering brands the opportunity to showcase their products As part of our GiftFirst showcase, visitors will be able to get hands-on with products from the likes of Swaggering Jack and meet the creators of the Double Gin Card Game, while Tastefirst will feature the best of giftable food products with new exhibitors like NOVELTEA and Mountain Chocolate Company joining the likes of Willie’s Cacao, Popcorn Shed and Spice Kitchen. Robert Sapwell, Home interiors and gift specialist, Spring Fair springfair.com Looking forward We ask industry experts for their trend predictions for 2019 As the shift towards personalisation continues, I expect jewellery brands will continue to innovate with mix-and-match, build-your-own designs in the same vein as Swarovski and Pandora. This also naturally ties in to the trend for meaningful healing crystals, along with star signs, birthstones, chakra symbols and anything else that can tell the wearer’s own story. Judging by the SS19 catwalks, larger-than-life ear cuffs and bold, layered necklaces will continue to dominate fashion, while the shift towards sea shell motifs may have a wider role in fine jewellery. The more androgynous look on the catwalks, especially in terms of chain necklaces, torques and cuffs, could be a strong signal for the men’s market, which continues to be under-represented among jewellery retailers. In terms of the wider jewellery market and the retail landscape, I believe a greater focus on bespoke is required to capture the millennial spend. A new conversation needs to be had that explains that a bespoke jewellery piece, whether an engagement ring or special occasion treasure, can be an affordable luxury for everyone and isn’t just reserved for the privileged few. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a far greater number of window displays dedicated to the possibilities of bespoke than new ready-to-wear collections this year. Kirsty Broere Event manager, Jewellery & Watch jewelleryandwatchbirmingham.com