Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - November/December 2020

INDUSTRY NEWS 11 FRENCH BAKERY PAUL LAUNCHES PAUL AT HOME French bakery PAUL has launched the new range of PAUL at Home, which includes bread-baking kits and product sets, and is available nationwide. To celebrate the launch, PAUL has partnered with the 2019 Great British Bake Off (GBBO) winner and pro-baker, David Atherton, on a ‘step-by-step’ recipe video using the bread starter kit for fans to follow along at home. The PAUL bread kit contains everything needed to create a delicious loaf including 500g strong white bread flour, 15g active dried yeast, a bread proving basket, a PAUL cotton sac a pain for keeping the bread fresh, a dough scraper, and recipe booklet (£33). If you opt for the larger bread kit you will receive rolled oats, 1kg of strong white bread flour and also 1kg of multigrain bread flour (£38). As well as the two bread kits, there are also six product sets, all available for next day delivery across mainland UK. Items from the PAUL pantry include a selection of three PAUL jams with a branded cotton tote bag (£16.25); a coffee and hot chocolate bundle featuring a generous 1L box of PAUL hot chocolate, 250g PAUL freshly ground coffee and a branded Keep Cup (£22.75); and three bags of the finest baguette crisps created using PAUL bread with flavours such as Provençal Herb, Sea Salt & Jalapeno and Garlic & Herb. All PAUL at Home products are available to order via the website for nationwide delivery from www.paul-uk.com/paul- at-home. TRADING ‘BETTER THAN EXPECTED’ DURING LOCKDOWN, SAYS 80 PERCENT OF BHETA MEMBERS Topline findings from The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA)’s latest member survey are that 83% of members reported sales during lockdown as being ‘better than expected’, while 63% go as far as to say, ‘much better’. Remarkably more than three quarters of survey respondents said that they expected to hit or exceed budget for 2020, despite the pandemic and the effects of the resulting recession. The comprehensive survey, published in full at the end of August, investigates the economic realities of the lockdown period from the impact on sales to the impact on business structure, strategy and future planning. Over 100 BHETA members responded to the questionnaire. Commenting on the findings, BHETA marketing manager Steve Richardson, said, “The pandemic and resulting lockdown has been a huge tragedy and the country is struggling with the resulting recession. However, the encouraging truth for many homewares’ suppliers is that a large proportion have been pleasantly surprised by a positive trading experience over the past few months, in particular those who could sell direct to the end consumer though their own websites, through ‘local’ retailers who stayed open, or quickly re-opened, or through retailers with good e-commerce sites. “One of the obvious outcomes of the lockdown has been an increased spend on home-related projects as furloughing, working from home and the limited alternative outlets for disposable income combined to focus attention on home improvement, home baking and gardening. BHETA’s most recent data suggests that these trends are continuing post-lockdown as new-found skills and rediscovered enthusiasm for all things home and garden provide a positive legacy for the whole sector. BHETA will certainly be continuing to support its members in making certain they can access consumer demand by tailoring their sales strategies accordingly.” More information about BHETA data, training and events can be found on the BHETA website www.bheta.co.uk or by contacting Member Services at BHETA on 07946 078 566. WHITTARD OF CHELSEA LAUNCHES NEW CORPORATE GIFTING PROPOSITION IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS Fine tea, coffee and hot chocolate specialists Whittard of Chelsea has developed a range of classic corporate gifts, alongside Christmas-themed gift boxes and hampers. The collection spans small token gifts and extravagant tea, coffee and hot chocolate-packed wicker hampers – with each creation celebrating the same thoughtful sentiment. From hand- picking products that inspire the taste buds to designing delightful keepsake packaging, every last meticulous detail has been carefully considered. Two advent calendars will also be brought back for the countdown to Christmas. The Tea Advent Calendar houses a selection of 94 individually wrapped teabags, from unique Whittard blends like Christmas Tea to renowned single origins such as Darjeeling – there’s even a little extra gift to start your journey. The Hot Chocolate Advent Calendar for Two dedicates 24 days to all things hot chocolate, with double servings in each drawer. There are 12 flavours, from the signature Luxury and Luxury White, to creative, concoctions Sticky Toffee Pudding and Peanut Butter. In an exciting partnership, the newly launched corporate range sees Whittard team up with Dorset-based winery Furleigh Estate, a fellow British brand with a family-led background. Established in 2009, Furleigh Estate is known for its exquisite own-grown still and sparkling wines. A celebratory bottle of Furleigh Estate Classic Cuvée Brut will be included in selected hampers and gift boxes. Michael Philpott, Whittard of Chelsea’s Corporate Gifting Manager, said of the collection, “I am thrilled to be launching Corporate Gifting at Whittard and I look forward to introducing our dedicated service to clients. This year’s collection brings together our stunning new Christmas range and our most iconic products, hand-picked and beautifully packaged to create the most extraordinary gifts.” 