Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - Page number 9 - May/June 2021

INDUSTRY NEWS 9 RESEARCH SHOWS RENEWED FOCUS ON WELLBEING HAS DRIVEN SELF-GIFTING New shopper research amongst a sample of 1250 people has revealed that our focus on mental health and wellbeing during consecutive lockdowns has led to an increase in the number of us buying gifts for others or just as a way of treating ourselves, according to a survey by Bridgethorn Research. The study reveals 42 percent of respondents buy gifts for themselves or for others if they think the product will enhance their own or somebody else’s sense of wellbeing. A total of 39 percent said they have been buying products as a treats because they are unable to go out, and a third said they have done so as a reward for themselves or others. However, changing shopper behaviour, with a lot of shopper traffic shifting online and fewer physical store visits, could also be making it harder for brands to catch a shopper’s eye. The Bridgethorne study found that 49 percent of us are visiting physical stores less often, which is reducing in-store opportunities for the impulse purchase of gifts. In terms of broader shopper behaviour, 40 percent of respondents said that their shopping habits would remain the same as they are currently; 35 percent said they would go back to their previous pre-COVID shopping habits, whilst just 16 percent said they hadn’t changed their shopping habits at all and had no intention of doing so. The medium to long-term legacy is likely to be one of an accelerated expansion of online shopping. Andy Grout, head of research at Bridgethorne, says, “These results are showing that engaging shoppers on their shopping journeys – wherever those journeys are taking place - has never been so important and that there are fewer physical touchpoint opportunities – so optimising the digital experience is also key. “We are also starting to see what some of the long term legacies from our behaviour in lockdown are likely to be. For example, we expect the emphasis on mental health and wellbeing to be sustained beyond Covid. Also, with shoppers becoming more confident with technology, brands will need to continue optimising their digital presence. Remote working has also placed new importance on the home environment and being able to recreate previous out-of-home experiences at home. Economically, beyond the pandemic, a likely recession projected to last until 2023 will place further pressure on prices and could lead to further changes in shopper behaviour. Continuing to monitor those changes will be key for brands and retailers alike.” N & P HOUSEWARES JOINS BHETA N & P Housewares has joined the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA). N & P Housewares is a new company founded by housewares professional, Nick Gabb to represent brands and product ranges selling to UK and international markets. With over 30 years’ experience in the multi-billion pound housewares industry, N & P is there to help develop and consult with retailers over the procurement of products, and equally represent products and brands keen to expand in the retail market. N & P works with a wide range of housewares categories ranging from utility, ironing boards and airers to more seasonal items like Christmas trees and lighting. With a network of contacts, N & P can create great distribution opportunities across today’s ever changing marketplace. Seema Grantham, BHETA’s sector manager for housewares said, “N & P is an experienced and personable route for housewares brands to access a greater proportion of the market and housewares retailers to source new products. I’m delighted welcome the N & P team to BHETA.” For more information about BHETA and its networking and business support opportunities, contact Member Services Manager, Nicola Adams on nab@bheta.co.uk or +44 (0)7946 078 566 . www.bheta.co.uk  BLADE & ROSE RAISED £39,000 FOR WWF UK British childrenswear brand Blade & Rose is proud to announce that it has raised so far a total of £39,900 for WWF UK (a charity registered in England and Wales (1081247). Inspired by Blade & Rose’s iconic knitted leggings, the WWF current collection consists of three designs, featuring animals from across the globe which are at risk of extinction, including the panda, polar bear and elephant. Made from 100% organic cotton, the collection is designed to be fun, practical and super comfy for little ones, as well as being sustainable, soft and kind to children’s skin. The leggings sell for £12, with 10% going to WWF UK, helping to make a difference to animals all over the world by improving animal populations and habitats. According to an approved WWF Shopping List, the £39,900 raised by Blade & Rose for WWF UK could be used towards the following: buy 20 camera traps to monitor Asian elephant behaviour and movement or training of 500 forest guards through existing training centres and in the field. For 1,100 community based anti-poaching patrol members to spend one day in the field protecting Panda habitats, or provide on-site tourist education programmes to over 8,000 people at WWF-supported environmental education centres and ecotourism project sites. It could also buy one satellite collar for a polar bear, allowing scientists to track the bear’s movements on the melting sea ice and monitor the impact of climate change on them. Visit www.bladeandrose.co.uk