Gift Focus - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 114)

64 For more information, visit gibsonsgames.co.uk others as we would like to be treated and valuing their contribution is hugely important. Which collection is the most popular? Our classic blue box jigsaw puzzles are our most successful range, with puzzlers waiting expectantly for new designs to appear, of which we release more than 50 every year. We were delighted that our Christmas Limited Edition jigsaw was the UK’s bestselling adult puzzle from October to December 2018, out-selling all other adult jigsaw puzzles and accessories (by rate of sale, October to December 2018). Our “ I Love… ” series by artist Mike Jupp continues to go from strength to strength as people respond to his special brand of humour, and we look forward to releasing the next instalment soon. Have any products taken you by surprise with their popularity? We relaunched our detective board game, 221B Baker Street , a few years ago, and sales have exceeded all expectations, with it quickly becoming our bestselling game. Following in its footsteps is card game Mind the Gap , licensed by TfL and presented in a tin that has become a favourite with families and tourist alike. The surge in demand last year took us all by surprise, and for a short while we were out of stock, which is never a good place to be! Which collection is your favourite? We have a new children’s range called Little Gibsons. Those who love our adult puzzles will get the same Gibsons quality but in quirky boxes. On-trend themes such as unicorns, llamas and camping are proving popular with little ones! These have been fun to develop and test with my own children. How are you finding the current economic climate? It’s tough out there, and the uncertainty in the market and low consumer confidence makes it difficult for everyone. However, after a slightly challenging Q4, we have had a really excellent start to the year, and with the buzz around our centenary, we’re feeling very optimistic. Which trade shows do you attend? We attend Toy Fair, Spring Fair, Harrogate Home & Gift, as well as the Toymaster and AIS buying group shows. We also attend Nuremberg and the Hong Kong Toy Fair. Do you have any tips for companies looking to reach their 100 th year? Remain true to your values and authentic to what you do and are good at. Most importantly, value your people as they are the reason you are where you are. How are centenary celebrations going so far? We’ve had a book, Playing by the Rules , written to commemorate our centenary, we’ve celebrated at all of the trade shows the company has attended this year with a glass of bubbly for our much-valued customers, we’ve run promotions and are embarking on charity challenges as part of our 100for100 campaign – so it’s non-stop! On our actual birthday, we celebrated with customers, suppliers, artists and friends at the Museum of London. What can we expect from Gibsons in the next 100 years? We will continue to innovate in the games and puzzles sector and be open to learning and listening to new ideas, which is essential to how we evolve as a company. Our international sales manager is busy appointing new international distributors, so our products are going global! Finally, we’re developing a strategy around reducing our carbon emissions, from local office-based changes through to how we work with suppliers and manufacture our products.