Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - September/October 2020

7 EDITOR’S LETTER On the cover This issue’s cover is sponsored by Moocow Studios and showcases the company’s delightful new range Know Your Dog. For more information turn to page 42, or visit the website www.moocowstudios.co.uk Show news In normal circumstances I, like so many of you, would currently be gearing up to tread the aisles of Autumn Fair and Top Drawer, as well as all the other amazing trade shows that take place in the UK. However, as the implications of COVID-19 continue to hit the events industry hard, this year’s season isn’t going to take place as normal, with physical shows being replaced with virtual events. And while this isn’t ideal (coronavirus, it’s about time you took your leave), the positive to take from the chaos is the speed in which show organisers created a series of digital offerings, with a plethora of seminars, webinars, retail talks, product showcases and so much more, all available at the click of a button. Of course, we know it’s not the same as touching the items and building relationships in person – and the irreplaceable nature of those parts of the buying process is why we know the show circuit will come back bigger and better – but it’s definitely a wonderful and helpful interim offering. And while we’re looking forward to getting back to normal soon, the increased focus on the virtual offerings will undoubtedly continue to play a key part in the events industry going forward, giving visitors and exhibitors more bang for their buck! However, while the shows may not be happening, retailers are now open for business, which means stock needs to be bought! To this end we have created features for Autumn Fair and Top Drawer to showcase the exhibitors that would normally have been showing their fabulous wares, check them out on pages 63 and 71 respectively. Until we meet again, please enjoy the issue! Louise Prance Editor Louise EDITOR Louise Prance +44 (0)1376 535 613 louisep@giftfocus.com EDITORIAL MANAGER Danielle Harvey SALES AND EVENTS DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis +44 (0)1376 538 490 sarahe@giftfocus.com ACCOUNT MANAGER Lauren Wright +44 (0)1376 535 600 laurenw@giftfocus.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Scott Brothwell SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Stephanie Hodder, Vicky O’Connor, Sarah Young +44 (0)1376 535 616 artwork@kdmediapublishing.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lorna Butcher WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Stuart Weatherley SUBSCRIPTIONS +44 (0)1376 514 000 subscriptions@kdmediapublishing.com KD Media Publishing, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP www.giftfocus.com Gift Focus and Attire Accessories are solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Gift Focus is published six times a year. ISSN 1758-0897 @giftfocus @giftfocusmag @gift_focus Gift Focus magazine is proud to be associated with and supporters of: