Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - September/October 2020

INDUSTRY NEWS 15 RECOGNITION FOR INDIE RETAILERS WHO ADAPTED THEIR BUSINESS TO COMBAT COVID-19 The Independent Retailers’ Confederation (IRC), a group of multi-sector trade organisations representing more than 100,000 indie retailers throughout the UK, has announced a special category in its search to find Britain’s Best Small Shop of 2020. The Best Small Shops Competition relaunched post lockdown on Independents’ Day, Saturday 4th July, celebrating the return of Indie Retail to UK high streets and shopping parades. The judges will be seeking entries from independents that are demonstrating specific innovation to combat the impact of COVID-19 in a new award category sponsored by booost, the loyalty, gifting and promotions app. “It’s widely recognised just how challenging it has been for many independent retailers during the months of Covid-19 lockdown – those who have had to close their doors and those considered essential who were able to trade throughout. The pandemic has not only brought about challenges such as reduced income but also extensive complexities resulting in the evident need for re-invention” explains Mark Walmsley, Chair of the IRC. “We’ve witnessed and continue to see extraordinary examples of innovation and ingenuity in being able to adapt a business to continue trading in some form. This is unsurprising, given the agility and commitment of independent retailers to their local communities and, in this extraordinary year, it’s something we’re determined to recognise and celebrate.” The annual competition highlights the best of Britain’s independent retail sector, celebrating the commitment and creativity of independent retailers and the central role they play in their local communities. Previous winners have included Bristol- based delicatessen Papadeli, the 2019 winner, and The Mainstreet Trading Company, a combined bookshop, café, deli & homeware shop based in St Boswells, in the rural Scottish Borders, which won in 2018. “Despite the challenging retail environment, there’s bountiful evidence that people value and believe it’s important to support their local independent retailers,” adds Walmsley. “These shops are at the heart of communities up and down the country, offering a meeting place, not to mention choice, diversity, innovation and genuine customer service.” Entries for all award categories in this year’s competition close on 11 th September, 2020. For more information about the Best Small Shops competition, visit www.indieretail.uk JOJO MAMAN BÉBÉ TO EXTEND THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW COLLECTION I Leading nursery retailer JoJo Maman Bébé has partnered again with the World of Eric Carle to extend its Very Hungry Caterpillar range of children’s clothing based on the evergreen book character. The licensing campaign for The World of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar is managed in the UK by independent licensing company Rocket Licensing through the worldwide agent, The Joester Loria Group. Launched on 27 th July, 2020, the second phase of the JoJo Maman Bébé and The Very Hungry Caterpillar partnership builds on a very successful initial range, which launched in 2019. The new, extended collection features eight designs, available in an increased range of sizes, now up to age four and including toddler sizes. The designs carry the signature JoJo Maman Bébé stripes, coupled with cute phrases from the world’s favourite caterpillar, such as ‘hungry, hungry, hungry’ and ‘tiny and very hungry’, and lovely appliqué, embroidery and prints feature to truly capture The Very Hungry Caterpillar brand. Iconic images from the Eric Carle book are used to create individual and instantly recognisable pieces including rompers, baby grows, jogger and T-shirt sets, and dresses. Also new to the range are two additional Very Hungry Caterpillar gift box designs, to help create the perfect gifting opportunity. The collection will be supported by a heavyweight social media campaign, as well as a central in-store display unit, and will be accompanied by other Very Hungry Caterpillar products including toys and books to provide an immersive brand offering to JoJo Maman Bébé customers. Melissa Satterly, Brand Manager for The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Rocket Licensing comments: “The initial range from JoJo Maman Bébé last year was so well received, that it was only right to extend the deal for a new season, and we’re thrilled to be expanding the offering with this best-in-class partner. Visit www.rocketlicensing.com JOE DAVIES ANNOUNCES ‘AT HOME’ EVENT Following the cancellation of Harrogate Home & Gift and NEC Autumn Fair, Manchester based importer Joe Davies has announced a showroom event of its own. The Joe Davies at Home Autumn Fair will take place every day from Tuesday 1 st September to Friday 11 th September at the company’s spacious Manchester showrooms. Paul Hooker, commercial director, commented, “We are avid supporters and participants in both events and it is really sad not to be there. Our showroom event is the next best thing, we have over 10,000 lines on display, including 2800 lines from our 2020 collection, with new additions being added in time for the show. Customers seeing the range first-hand is really important as they plan for the busy season. One thing guaranteed is a warm welcome and plenty of refreshments, we are all really looking forward to seeing customers again.” Joe Davies showrooms are large, making social distancing easy and everything is in place to allow customers to browse safely. Customers are requested to contact the company to advise what day they are attending, no appointments are required, but it will help to manage numbers in the showroom and arrange refreshments. For more information visit call +44 (0)161 975 6300, email sales@joedavies.co.uk or visit www.joedavies.co.uk/shows