Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - September/October 2020

INDUSTRY NEWS 9 Industry news SOPHIE LA GIRAFE LOOKS TO NEW MARKETS WITH MDR BRAND MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP Sophie la girafe, the French teething and stimulation brand for babies and toddlers, is partnering with MDR Brand Management to expand into new categories across the UK, Germany and Austria. Building on Sophie la girafe’s strong brand equity and recognition, MDR Brand Management will lead on all aspects of the brand’s strategic exploration and development into categories such as nursery, FMCG, apparel and textiles, dental, bath and body through collaborations with handpicked best-in-class partners, retailers and new distribution channels. Daniel Avener, CEO at MDR Brand Management, says, “Sophie la girafe is such a trusted and cherished brand, associated with the expertise and high quality of its traditional manufacturing process, which has remained identical over the last 59 years. Sophie has become timeless, global and multi- generational, and we see huge potential in bringing these features into new categories and products, working closely with the DELISO team.” More than 50 million babies and parents have loved the squeaky giraffe, which is made of 100% natural rubber derived from the Hevea tree and produced exclusively in the Haute- Savoie region of France. The award-winning toy is sold across 85 markets, and Sophie la girafe’s global popularity is attributed to the fact it taps into all five senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell. Core products are broadly available across Europe, with stockists including Selfridges, John Lewis, Next, Ocado, JoJo Maman Bebe, Sainsburys, Smyths Toys and Baby Walz. THE RETAIL MUTUAL LAUNCHES SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENTS RETURN TO BUSINESS The Retail Mutual has launched a social media campaign to support the return to business for many non-essential retailers, as they’re permitted to open their doors once more following the COVID-19 lockdown period. Specialist cover provider for independent businesses, The Retail Mutual has created the Open for Business campaign to celebrate and support high street retailers and to encourage consumers to shop small. The campaign invites independent retail businesses to share the news of their reopening on social media by taking photos of their social distancing measures and new stock, using the hashtag #OpenForBusiness. This campaign also gives the opportunity to celebrate the businesses that remained open during the lockdown with customers using the hashtag show their thanks and support to their favourite local businesses. Mutual Manager, Kirsty Hampton, said: “Independent retail businesses are at the heart of The Retail Mutual’s existence and we know that this pandemic has taken its toll on our Members, their businesses, their families and their communities. We hope that this campaign will bring the independent retail community together and encourage shoppers to support small businesses. “We have been supporting our Members throughout the pandemic by introducing an unoccupied premises waiver to ensure their premises are covered. We also set up a dedicated resource hub for all independents which contains frequently asked questions and useful guides to keeping businesses safe. We are delighted to be launching this campaign to further support independent retail at this time and wish all businesses the best in the future. It’s nice to see you open again.” Catch up on all the latest in our news round up UNIVERSITY GAMES ACQUIRES LAGOON University Games has purchased Lagoon from Asmodee Group – the 14 th acquisition for University Games and its third in the UK. Lagoon was founded in 1988 and has been a part of the UK book, game, gift and puzzle market since its inception. The company has 175 different lines and specialises in supplying gift shops, book stores and garden centres. University Games president and co-founder Bob Moog said, “I have admired Lagoon Games and its product line since first meeting Lagoon’s founder Simon Meluish in the 1990s on a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand. “We plan to keep Lagoon Games true to its British roots while sharing these very special gifts, games, puzzles and books with people around this world”. According to Steve Buckmaster, the head of distribution for Asmodee Group, “We are very pleased University Games and Lagoon are joining forces. The two organisations share the same passions, values and business intuition. We trust that they will further develop the Lagoon brand and strengthen their leading market positions in the UK and abroad.” Richard Wells, Managing Director of University Games UK, commented, “The Lagoon product line perfectly complements the University Games and Paul Lamond Games ranges and the synergy between the companies is close to perfect. Our sales force has known the Lagoon range for years and is really looking forward to introducing it to our broad base of retailers.” University Games UK plans to commence shipping orders no later than 16 th June for Lagoon from its fulfilment partner, Import Services. All current orders in house will be transferred to University Games. 