Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - March/April 2021

10 Industry news VICTORIA EGGS CELEBRATES ITS 10 TH ANNIVERSARY Victoria Eggs was founded by its namesake in 2011 with the business turning 10 this year. The idea for the business came whilst Victoria was living in Sydney and drawing a tea cup and saucer one day. She realised that something so simple could make you smile, tug on your heartstrings and transport you to your favourite place in a flash! Victoria graduated from Birmingham Institute of Art & Design in 2005 with a BA in Fine Art. Whilst in Sydney, Australia designing T-shirt graphics for iconic fashion brand Ben Sherman, she became fascinated by the British imagery and traditions from hearty British grub to a good cuppa and blackberry picking to sticks of rock at the seaside. On her return to London, Victoria began designing. It has been an exciting 10 years from selling her first mug at Spitalfields market in London to stocking over 100 retailers in the UK and overseas with her nostalgic, sentimental and eye-catching homeware and gifts. In recent years products have been stocked in some of the most well-known stores including Harrods, Selfridges, John Lewis, St Paul’s Cathedral, Royal Albert Hall and Whole Foods. Victoria is happiest when she is designing and all of her products are created to bring a smile to your face. Collections include the beautiful and bold Love is Love, the whimsical Simply London, the eye-catching New York New York, the magical Santa’s Sleigh and the new delicate Wildlife in Spring which was launched at the beginning of 2021. Victoria is very passionate about working with members of the British manufacturing community to create her special collections. The textiles including tea towels, aprons, oven gloves and canvas bags are printed, hand sewn and finished by a family run business in Lincolnshire and the beautiful fine bone china mugs, jugs and egg cups are screen printed and hand decorated in a traditional English factory. Victoria also works with other British manufacturers to create her pin badges, prints, magnets and decorations. This is Victoria’s proud salute to all that makes Britain British. Victoria now works from home in Kingston-upon-Thames and runs the business whilst being a mum to her young daughter. www.trade.victoriaeggs.com CLARION ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP CHANGES Clarion Events, the organiser of leading buying exhibitions, January Furniture Show, Manchester Furniture Show, Top Drawer, and Home & Gift, has announced new appointments within its Retail portfolio leadership team. The appointments and expansion of the existing Retail team mark a new era for the shows, especially for the growing number of clients who visit and exhibit at events across both trade and consumer sectors. Having most recently delivered the successful digital versions of Home & Gift, Top Drawer, The Baby Show and Spirit of Christmas, which were accessed and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands, the team is excited to evolve its offering of in-person and online products even further. They are committed to providing meaningful opportunities for the retail industry to come together and do commercially-effective business in many ways, for many years to come. With over 20 years’ experience of shaping and leading award-winning events across both trade and consumer, Daniel Nwaokolo expands his role as managing director to encapsulate both Clarion’s Enthusiast and Retail portfolios. “In a year of great change, the sectors of the retail industry we serve have shown incredible resilience and dynamism. Both how products are sourced and consumed has been accelerated by the influence of online, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to provide innovative buying opportunities and solutions, both in-person and digitally, that meet our customers’ evolving needs.” Zoë Bonser further strengthens the team as portfolio director, having previously been event director for Spring and Autumn Fair and, most recently, show director for The Baby Show at Clarion Events. Zoë brings more than 15 years of events and exhibition experience, and a deep understanding of the needs, opportunities and challenges of the retail and gifting market. Abigail Quesnel has been appointed Senior Operations Manager for the portfolio. Catch up on all the latest in our news round up FRED & GINGER TO CREATE RANGE OF POPEYE PET TREATS AND ACCESSORIES Design-led pet product manufacturer, Fred & Ginger, has signed up to create a range of pet treats and accessories based on heritage animation brand, Popeye. The deal was brokered by leading European agency, Bulldog Licensing, and joins a growing consumer products portfolio in the UK. Fred & Ginger is set to create a full collection of feeding mats and bowls, pet beds, toys, accessories, collars and leads, along with a range of treats, including Easter eggs and advent calendars, and pet snacks inspired by the world’s favourite strong man, Popeye. Having recently celebrated its 90 th anniversary, Popeye remains a popular brand in the UK and the world, with a social presence of 9.8 million fans. The TV show is broadcasted on Pluto TV (Theatrical Cartoons, YouTube Shorts, additional Popeye Cartoons). The latest deal joins an expanding licensing programme, with two new deals announced at the end of last year, Ecell and Ideal Home Shopping for tech accessories and crafting lines respectively. Additionally, both Fashion UK and Bro Global have renewed their deals for the iconic character. The offering now spans a range of categories including apparel, accessories, dress-up, and Bulldog plans to further strengthen the portfolio in the near future. Rob Corney, MD, Bulldog Licensing, comments: “We’re thrilled to welcome Fred & Ginger on board. The team has a robust experience in creating excellent licensed ranges for pet owners, and we’re excited to see their new creations for Popeye as the brand continues to delight fans throughout the UK.”