Gift Focus - Jan/Feb 2019 (Issue 111)

6 giftfocus Catch up on all the latest in our news roundup industry news SENIOR CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP FOR AUTUMN AND SPRING FAIR Louise Young, managing director of Autumn Fair and Spring Fair (top), will leave her post in January. After much consideration, Louise has decided that this is the optimum time to look for a new challenge, something that she has been considering for a while. Julie Driscoll (bottom) will be taking over the management of Spring and Autumn Fair when she becomes the UK regional director for ITE Group this year. Julie is managing director of the Fashion Portfolio and has been working in the events industry for more than 10 years. Louise commented: “I took over the reins of these shows from the prior managing director, Alison Jackson, whom I had worked with for many years. Julie and I have also worked closely together for nine years, so I am delighted to be passing these shows into her capable hands.” The events are well set up, with investment plans in place that Louise developed with OC&C Strategy Consultants and ITE’s head of strategy, which will ensure they will benefit from an ongoing investment programme. She has also successfully re-edited and repositioned Autumn Fair. Louise continued: “It has been an incredibly difficult decision to leave, and one that I have given significant thought to. However, it is absolutely the right time for me to consider other opportunities. The events are now well set, with the re-edits planned and major investments on buyer programmes signed off by our board. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers, both exhibitors and retailers, and our highly supportive trade partners for making me feel so welcome in what is an incredibly industry. I am sure the industry will do likewise for Julie.” Julie added: “Under new ownership of ITE Group, these major retail events will deliver a higher return on investment for our exhibitors and an unrivalled return on time for buyers. It’s an exciting time for the industry and one that I am looking forward to helping our customers navigate for their continued business success.” VILLAGE CANDLE RELAUNCHES BRAND IN UK MARKET American brand Village Candle has announced a brand relaunch in the UK market. The relaunch demonstrates Village Candle’s commitment to not only maintaining the quality of its home fragrance ranges but also to taking responsibility for building the Village Candle brand through direct partnerships with valued buyers and stockists. The UK market is a Village Candle priority, and the company feels the direct model is the best way to introduce consumers to the brand. Founded in 1993, Village Candle is a manufacturer and multichannel retailer of fragranced candles, gifts and accessories. Village Candle products are sold in gift stores, grocery stores and online throughout the U.S., with a growing international presence covering more than 32 countries. The brand relaunch brings a fresh look, a new UK-based team and local distribution. With the growing importance of building local relationships and partnerships, Village Candle believes this commitment to the UK market will offer a faster to-market time and help to build longstanding partnerships, allowing the brand to better understand retailer and market needs. Paul Aldrich, founder and CEO, said: “We listened to our customers who wanted a closer relationship with our brand, and I realised a direct model was the only way to deliver what they asked for. Village is committed to bringing the best quality and service to our customers here in the UK. We would like to thank Xystos for its support over the past year and its continued support throughout this transitional period. We are very excited about what the future holds and look forward to working with all our current and future customers and the opportunity to meet with you at the NEC Spring Fair.” 2019 promises to be Village Candle’s most exciting year to date. With the addition of a dedicated Village Candle team in the UK, working directly with the headquarters team in the U.S., customers’ needs are set to be better met than ever before. For more information, visit villagecandle.com