GIFTFOCUS INCORPORATING ATT I RE ACCESSOR I ES WWW.GIFTFOCUS.COM WWW.ATTIREACCESSORIES.COM HEADING HOME Home & Gift preview Exhibitor profiles Things that go bump in the night Halloween products to stock PLUS: Home accessories Business advice New products
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4 In this issue... REGULARS 8 Industry news All the latest from the world of gifts 18 On with the show Trade fair dates and show news 26 Brand spanking new Latest launches and brand-new products 33 Bookstand The latest releases in gift books FEATURES 37 Santa, baby Get ready for the festive shopping season with this array of ideal Christmas items to stock 42 Things that go bump in the night Once simply a trick or treat event for children, Halloween has evolved into a spooktacular gifting extravaganza 47 Where I lay my hat Home accessories are a definite pandemic success story, and with consumers continuing to merge their work and home lives, the trend isn’t going to die out anytime soon 52 Capture this A perennial in-store bestseller, photo albums and frames will always be a pickup item of choice for every type of consumer 107 Interiors: Colour Wheel A bold statement colour, red home accessories can add a touch of flair to a home amongst a wider neutral palette 108 Interiors: Living room Making living lovely especially applies to the living room, which is often the heart of the home. These items create a tranquil and calm environment… 111 Interiors: Garden The trend for taking the inside out is booming, with exterior design becoming just as popular as interiors. Products that make a garden feel like an extension of the home are in hot demand… 37 July/August 2022 FOCUS ON 61 Company Profile Nigel Morrison, Consumer & Trade Marketing Manager at Melitta UK discusses the brand’s journey and it’s offering of high-quality, high functioning coffee products 68 Company Profile In the second part of our interview with Kite Packaging, Marketing Lead, Adam Summers, looks at the company’s recipe for success and shares advice to new businesses 71 Company profile With Jarapa’s whole ethos based around recycled, natural and local, the company knows the future of retail is green. 75 Up & Coming Husband and wife team Andrew and Vida Pain launched Black Hen Design as a way to combine their artistic talents – fast forward 10 years and the company is a roaring success… 26 45
5 CONTENTS SHOWS 85 Home & Gift preview The sourcing destination for all your home, gift and fashion needs. Check out what’s to come at this year’s Home & Gift show 125 Harrogate Fashion Week Looking to source the latest and greatest fashion and accessory goods for your store? Head to Harrogate Fashion Week and check out what the industry has to offer… 127 Moda Sitting alongside Autumn Fair and incorporating Jewellery & Watch, longeststanding fashion trade show Moda is set to showcase hundreds of brands and designers 131 Pure London Reuniting the fashion and jewellery community, Pure London is set to come back with a bang. Here’s what you’ll discover at the show… 118 135 ATT I RE ACCESSOR I ES 117 Editor’s Letter 118 Industry news All the latest from the world of accessories 123 Brand spanking new Latest launches and brand-new products 135 Premium products Looking to push your store or boutique into the premium market? Experts from Chrono24 reveal what luxury items to buy 143 Up & Coming Adhering to a slow fashion philosophy, Voylok is a new footwear brand keen to place an emphasis on sustainable footwear 150 Blog With the majority of consumers welcoming the end to free returns, this will only serve to help the planet and boost business for independent retail BUSINESS ADVICE 55 ACID The World IP Day 2022 theme was IP and Youth – Innovating for a Better Future. Dids Macdonald, CEO of Anti Copying in Design (ACID) shares a cautionary tale about NFTs 58 FSB Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), looks at how to support disabled people in the work force 81 The final free ride While ‘wardrobing’ – wearing an item once then returning – is booming, retailers have had enough of free returns eating into profits, and we’ve almost reached the point of no (free) return, says ParcelHero 103 Get noticed! Sara Davies gives us tips on how to make your website professional, efficient and easy to use 143 61 131
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7 EDITOR’S LETTER On the cover Established in 1971 by chairman and co-founder Ronnie Pavey, Lesser & Pavey has become a leading UK trade supplier of giftware and homewares. By priding itself on fantastic quality at great value for money, the brand “The Leonardo Collection” has become renowned worldwide. Christmas comes early As we start curating the magazine in advance, it always feels slightly odd to start pulling together the Christmas products feature in May! However, there’s nothing better than being organised, and every year I get inspired by the wonderful offerings – and this year is no different. Check out the feature to get your store ready for the busiest selling season of the year! Of course, Halloween comes before that, and as it continues to become a bigger event in the UK, the gifting and self-purchase opportunities also continue to increase. Halloween homeware items are increasingly popular buys. If that wasn’t enough, we also have a look at some of the best home accessories products to market, as well as some great photo frames – a product that will sell all-year round. One of the most popular shows of the year, Home & Gift, is also featured this issue. Check out the show preview to see what’s to come, and the exhibitor profiles to plan your visit. And of course, we like to keep you up-to-date with not only the new giftware items on offer, but of the latest industry news. You’re in for a treat this issue! Happy reading, Louise Prance Editor 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 Sharon Dengate +44 (0)1376 535 601 sharond@giftfocus.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Scott Brothwell SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Stephanie Hodder, Vicky O’Connor +44 (0)1376 535 616 artwork@kdeventsandpublishing.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lorna Butcher WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Stuart Weatherley SUBSCRIPTIONS +44 (0)1376 514 000 subscriptions@kdeventsandpublishing.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:
Industry news ULSTER WEAVERS COMMEMORATIVE LINEN EXCEEDS DEMAND Ulster Weavers commemorative linen tea towel, launched to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne, has significantly exceeded demand. Aligned to the year-long celebration, demand for Ulster Weavers’ limited-edition tea towel, which is available through a range of retailers throughout the UK, US, and Europe, has been more than quadruple what was originally envisaged. Seven decades on from her accession to the throne in 1952, this year’s historic Accession Day was observed on 6 February, officially launching the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. As the first British monarch to mark the milestone, the appetite for commemorative memorabilia related to the Jubilee year has been high, explains Joanne Bradley, Business Development Director at Ulster Weavers. “Consumers are eager to join in the celebrations. They want products that can connect them to a time and place and Ulster Weavers has a long history of creating memorable products and designs to commemorate royal events, combining traditional craftsmanship and heritage with the latest trends. “Our tea towel has also been crafted here in Northern Ireland, which is another defining factor in the strong demand that we have seen so far. It’s part of our commitment to minimise our environmental footprint and it responds directly to calls from consumers for locally-produced products,” she adds. It’s the latest in a long line of commemorative tea towels produced by the 140-year-old textile manufacturer. Previously, Ulster Weavers created tea towels marking the Queen’s coronation, royal weddings, anniversaries and royal births. Most recently, it created a print to celebrate the Queen’s 95th birthday in April, 2021. www.ulsterweavers.com Catch up on all the latest in our news round up ADEN + ANAIS LAUNCHES NEW ORGANIC COLLECTION aden + anais, the brand widely known for its iconic muslin swaddling, sleeping, feeding and bath time products, has launched an organic collection. This consciously curated collection is made exclusively using 100% organic cotton muslin and is the first collection by aden + anais to be GOTS Certified - from farm to final product, aden + anais produces to the strictest ecological, social and processing standards. The colour palette across the designs is delicate and soft, inspired by the forest, in warm tones of blue, wheat, grey, sage, blush and amber. It comprises three distinctive hand printed designs: animal kingdom, earthly and outdoors. Animal kingdom is a classic, gender neutral collection with a range of animal themed prints including lion, elephant, turtle and zebra. The earthly collection is a collection of prints in pastel pink, blue & grey with hand drawn flowers, fluttering butterflies and forest mushrooms. The outdoors collection is a range of prints in shades of blue and grey with forest themes including trees of different shapes, leaping deer, squirrels, owls and mushrooms. Every collection comprises 4 and 2 pack swaddles (£54.50 & £32.50), burpy bibs (£21.50), dream blanket (£54.50), musys (£25) and classic sleeping bag (£38.50), which comes in three sizes. As part of aden + anais’ commitment to sustainability, all future collections will be made using the same 100% organic cotton going forwards. www.adenandanais.co.uk 8
SHEFFIELD TOY SHOP WINS BEST SMALL HIGH STREET BUSINESS A children’s store and community space in Sheffield has been crowned the UK’s best small high street business at this year’s Small Awards, as it made a return at a ceremony in London hosted by presenter, writer, actor, and comedian Sue Perkins. Small Stuff – which combines a children’s store offering sustainable toys and products, and a community hub supporting local businesses and families – won the ‘High Street Hero’ award, sponsored by TSB, for its positive impact on the community. Founder Hellen Stirling-Baker, who has grown the business from its roots as a pop-up in 2016 to having a permanent premises in Sheffield’s Crookes district three years ago, impressed judges for her passionate support of the local high street. In particular, Hellen has created a space above the shop where other local businesses can host workshops, events and pop-ups, as well as a rest area for parents and carers, with children actively encouraged to explore and play in-store. Small Stuff also led on creating an online marketplace to support other local businesses during the pandemic, as well as growing its own thriving online store. “We are so delighted to win this award! The long-term vibrancy of Crookes high street means the world to all of us at Small Stuff,” said founder, Hellen. “We are looking forward to the future of supporting more talented local people in the community, as well as continuing to serve our customers.” Now in its sixth year the Small Awards is a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK. It is organised annually by Small Business Britain which champions, inspires and accelerates small businesses in the UK. Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain and the Small Awards, congratulated the winners. “Small Stuff’s win is very well deserved. Their passion for helping the high street to thrive, by supporting other local firms, is a great example of the power of small businesses to bring communities together and be a shining light in our town and city centres.” This year, the Small Awards received a record number of applications from small businesses, with over 80 finalists shortlisted across 11 Small Award categories that call out the nation’s most inspirational business, across everything from sole-traders, to digital stars and purposeful community-driven businesses. www.smallbusinessbritain.uk UK & EIRE RIGHTS FOR GLOBAL ICON MIFFY TO BE MANAGED BY ROCKET LICENSING UK & Eire rights for global icon Miffy are to be managed by Rocket Licensing. After DRI Licensing’s decision to wind down the company it became paramount to find a new home for Miffy. The brand Miffy has been carefully nurtured and grown over the last 20+ years and, according to Mercis, it was important to secure this foundation, but also build on the program to further stimulate visibility and growth. According to a press release, “We believe that award winning agency Rocket Licensing has all the prerequisites to jointly fulfil this mission and are pleased to announce our partnership in the UK and Eire. Finding synergies between our existing partners and Rocket’s established network of best-inclass licensing partners forms a solid base to further build the brand across all categories and age groups.” Marja Kerkhof, Managing Director of Mercis, says, “Our mission is to share Dick Bruna’s work, and Miffy, with as many people as possible, but always with respect for art and the world of a child. It is never easy to make this kind of decision when working with someone’s oeuvre, but it is my belief that Miffy will be in good hands with Rob, Charlie and the Rocket team. We look forward to this collaboration and the exciting possibilities it could bring. But first let’s focus on 2023 Ýear of the Rabbit’. Rob Wijeratna, Joint MD of Rocket Licensing, commented: “We are so excited to welcome Miffy on board at Rocket Licensing. She is a classic design brand and is instantly recognisable across generations, cultures and languages. Her iconic status is largely down to the simple, impactful design and the key core values of fun, imagination, simplicity and a respect for art and the world of a child. “Miffy’s licensing programme spans all ages and categories and has featured some exciting collaborations and experiential events and as we approach the Year of the Rabbit in 2023, our team is really looking forward to building on that and taking the consumer products programme to the next level.” www.rocketlicensing.com INDUSTRY NEWS 9
CORINNE LAPIERRE RAMPS UP PRESENCE IN AUSTRALIA After over a year of rapid expansion across the US market, from Hawaii to Alaska, Yorkshire-based Corinne Lapierre is ramping up its presence in Australia and Tasmania. Business Manager Olivia Neligan says, “We know we have many very happy online customers in Australasia so we’re thrilled that they may now also be able to find our kits in their local independents.” The company has established that there is a strong global demand for superb quality and design-led craft products and the Made in Britain label is a further boost to the reputation and appeal of the brand in foreign markets. According to the company, “The sheer delight with which stockists unpack their Corinne Lapierre shipments on social media, and the high repeat order rate, are the clearest indicators that Corinne Lapierre’s distinctive designs and signature folk printed packaging will continue to charm new markets and customers.” www.corinnelapierre.com VICTORIA EGGS SEES INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR ‘MADE IN BRITAIN’ Victoria Eggs has found that retailers and consumers already have an increasingly strong appetite for products that are made in Britain, with many retailers now including UK-made products as part of their buying strategies. This thirst for UK-made products only seems to be increasing and the success of Victoria’s recent Platinum Jubilee collection was enhanced by the UK made nature of her products. In a recent survey by ‘Made in Britain’ which polled 2,000 consumers about their buying habits, 90% of Brits believe it is important to buy British-made products. The UK has a strong heritage of design and manufacturing and with every British made purchase you are investing in skilled craftsmanship whilst helping to secure the future for British manufacturers. The act of buying British goods is also great news for the UK economy. Victoria’s Platinum Jubilee collection has been hugely successful, being stocked in hundreds of stores across the UK and around the world including Harrods, Whole Foods and Next all of which proudly feature details about how they are handmade in the UK, further enhancing the Made in Britain brand. trade.victoriaeggs.com INDUSTRY NEWS 11
JEWELLERY DESIGNER ALISON MOORE ENTERS HOMEWARE MARKET Orkney jewellery designer Alison Moore has taken the plunge into homeware, creating a striking range of goods incorporating the stunning, award-winning underwater images she takes when diving in the seas around the islands. The new collection includes vibrant jellyfish tote bags and sumptuous seaweed cushions, in addition to tea-towels and washbags. Each piece features one of Alison’s photographs revealing Orkney’s rich and colourful oceanic environment. More items are set to be added to the range in the coming months. Alison, a keen scuba diver and sea-kayaker, has been taking underwater photographs over the past four years, winning top awards for her images in the process. Several of her pictures are displayed in her Dounby jewellery workshop and gallery, in Orkney’s west mainland, and she also sells prints of her work. “When I’m not creating jewellery, you’ll probably find me in the sea and usually underwater,” says Alison, who has been at the helm of Alison Moore Designs for the past 11 years. “I recently began offering prints of my underwater photography for sale in my workshop and online, and I’ve created jewellery collections based on the life I see when I’m diving too. I’ve been keen to move into homeware for a while now, so it was a logical decision to try and incorporate my undersea imagery into the collection. “I’m passionate about keeping our oceans and beaches clean, with a determination to eliminate as much plastic from our environment as possible,” she explains. “It was essential, therefore, that the new homeware range was created with this ethos in mind, and we’ve tried to use sustainable materials as much as we can.” Alison adds: “I’m delighted with the new homeware range and hope it’ll be well received by customers. After all, who doesn’t need a jellyfish tote bag for the shopping, or a seaweed cushion on the sofa?” FANATTIK APPOINTS NEW SALES DIRECTOR Fanattik, the UK-based pop culture gift licensee, has appointed Luiz Ferreira to the position of Sales Director. Luiz started with Fanattik as a consultant three years ago before moving up to head of sales and now as Sales Director he will be managing relationships with gift retailers throughout the UK, mainland Europe, MENA and Australasia. Fanattik is a gift, home décor, barware and collectibles licensee for Hasbro, CBSViacom, Universal Studios, Microsoft, Bethesda, Capcom, Studio MDHR and many more. A gaming and film fan himself, Luiz brings more the twenty years’ experience working with pop culture merchandise to the role. Anthony Marks, Managing Director, Fanattik, says, “With a number of high-profile licensing agreements which we will be announcing post Las Vegas Licensing Expo we needed someone on the senior team to help support the national gift retailers Fanattik supplies throughout Europe and beyond, Luiz has a proven track history in doing that.” GIFT OF THE YEAR WINNER LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE NEW HOME FRAGRANCE COLLECTION Winner of this year’s Home Fragrance category in the prestigious Gift of the Year Awards, Find Your Glow, has just launched an innovative new home fragrance collection that embodies the brand’s commitment to sustainable luxury. The collection was a year in the making and will undoubtedly make a huge impact on the industry, inspiring retailers, and customers alike. FYG’s founder, Demi Pendakis saw a gap in the market for the Seasons collection, bringing something with real sustainable legacy – a big candle that lasts six months, burning through from one season to another. FYG is all about the way in which fragrance can evoke memory and impact on mood and wellbeing, so this new candle travels with you from autumn – winter or spring – summer to create a lasting seasonal experience in the home. The Seasons collection was a year in the making because Demi wanted to create a candle made purely from essential oils and a totally eco, 100% vegetable wax. After discovering the seeded cards at the Autumn Fair in September 2021, Demi also rethought his packaging by seeking out a container that could become a plant pot after the candle has burnt away. This container then allowed him to create a bespoke dust card that grows into wildflowers in the candle container once planted. www. fyghome.com 12
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The UK’s favourite tradeshow for the festive sector - meet retailers and buyers from garden centres, gift shops, department stores, independent stores, tourist attractions, cathedral and heritage centres, events and venues and much more ... Harrogate Convention Centre 15th - 18th January 2023 www.harrogatefair.com - 01902 882280 - simon@harrogatefair.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift
THE SHOP & DISPLAY EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION VOTES IN NEW PRESIDENT The Shop & Display Equipment Association held its 75th Annual General Meeting in May, which saw Mark Chatterton, Managing Director of Morplan, voted as the new President of the Association and Rob Hill, Production Director of Graphica Display elected Vice President. EDEA members logged on to the Virtual AGM and heard all about the hard work that has been undertaken over the past year for SDEA members and the exciting plans in store for the year ahead, including the upcoming Creative Retail Awards in September. Mark opened his report in an optimistic frame of mind at the prospect of being at the helm of the Association and said, “As I take up the presidency of the SDEA I look forward with a degree of optimism as retailers find their feet again and look forward with confidence to the years ahead.” He spoke about the fleetness of foot of the Association and its member’s ability to support retailers who consistently look to re-imagine their customer offering, keeping themselves relevant, and above all interesting. He closed his report with a positive sentiment: “I firmly believe that this year will be a good one for our industry, and I look forward to the SDEA being the voice of our industry in as many forums as we are able to push it. I don’t think there is a better time to be a member of the Association, providing reassurance to those retailers who are leading the revival that they are dealing with credible partners as we all strive to bounce back from the last two years.” Mark had held the position of Vice President of the Association for the previous two years. Paul Smart, Business Development Director at arken P-O-P International becomes Immediate Past President. In his two years as President, Paul was instrumental in advancing the Association’s technological services including overseeing the SDEA App and Creative Virtual Showcases. BULLDOG ADDS AYKROYDS TO THE MAGIC MIXIES LINE-UP Bulldog Licensing, which manages the rights for the Magic Mixies brand in the UK, has signed specialist apparel licensee, Aykroyds TDP, to the consumer products line-up for the brand. Aykroyds TDP will be developing a range of children’s nightwear, underwear and swimwear for the brand, inspired by the toy property. Launched last Christmas, the first product in the Magic Mixies range was the Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron, which caught the attention of the nation, young and old, and quickly made it onto Christmas lists from retailers, the Toy Retailers Association, and children alike up and down the UK. Sales of Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron were so strong that the brand became the highest grossing SKU in Moose Toys’ history with stock selling through as soon as it hit shelves. The product then went on to be crowned the Creative Toy of the Year at the 2022 Toy of the Year Awards. Following the launch of Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron, Moose Toys has expanded the brand with the introduction of Magic Mixies Mixlings collectables, with a playset to follow later in the year, and will also be adding a games line designed for all ages. Vicky Hill, Licensing Director at Bulldog Licensing, commented: “The Mixies brand captured the imagination of the nation’s children in a way no other brand has in a long time. The magical nature of the toy taps into children’s love of role-play and fantasy and Moose Toys has a strong plan to inject new play patterns into the brand regularly to keep its fans engaged. “We’re thrilled to have Aykroyds TDP on board to bring the magic of Mixies into children’s wardrobes, and are looking forward to announcing new partners over the coming months.” www.bulldog-licensing.com MISS MILLY TAKES PART IN THE INAUGURAL SUSTAINABILITY BASICS COURSE During April and May, Miss Milly took part in the inaugural Sustainability Basics course offered by Small Business Britain. A six-week course run with Oxford Brookes University, Small99 and Sustainable Pathways, the programme began with an introduction to sustainability and how to calculate your carbon footprint, and then looked at different areas in more detail, such as energy and transport, supply chain and carbon offsetting. “With the interactive webinars and an engaged Facebook Group, the course was, and continues to be, a great help in our aim to be more sustainable”, says Sarah Watmore. “We had already made some changes but now have several other projects ongoing, and will be including information on what we’re doing on our new website, launching in June.” Small Business Britain will be running a second course from 6 September and Miss Milly is encouraging other businesses in the gift industry to get involved. “Sustainability is a minefield and many of the smaller wholesalers and independent retailers would struggle with B Corp certification but this course gave us lots of suggestions and advice on where we could improve and how. Every positive change you can make at work and home, no matter how small, really is worthwhile.” www.missmilly.co.uk INDUSTRY NEWS 15
B O U T I Q U E D I F F U S E R S
On with the show Trade show updates from home and abroad Pure London, the UK’s leading trade fashion buying event taking place on 17th – 19th July 2022 at Olympia London, has announced that ‘Empowering Change’ is the overarching theme for the show, and reveals two exciting retail industry legends as keynote speakers; Ed Burstell and Alan O’Neill will bring their retail leadership and international experience in fashion to the Pure London audience. On Monday 18th July, retail executive Ed Burstell will discuss fashion expansion, growth and bounce back. His adept leadership of Liberty during his near decade at the department store saw double-digit year-on-year growth driven by a renewed focus on young British designers like Mary Katrantzou and Peter Pilotto, as well as spearheading a host of collaborations with brands like Nike, Barbour, and Levi’s, to highlight Liberty’s renowned floral prints. In 2015, Burstell released his autobiography ‘At Liberty: From Rehab To The Front Row’. The tell-all book recounted his personal experiences with loss, tragedy and hedonism alongside his longstanding career in America’s retail landscape. Alan O’Neill, Managing Director of Kara and the man who has helped Selfridges, Fenwick, Primark, Ann Summers, and Harrods thrive, takes to the stage on Sunday 17th July to share his experiences of supporting these iconic brands to grow their physical store sales. Talking to the Hyve content team he said: “This is an exciting time for the live fashion events industry - there is an upbeat mood around returning to the live events and I look forward to speaking to UK fashion retail at Pure London about changes in the retail sector and customer behaviour.” This year’s editorial theme at Pure London is ‘Empowering Change’. In a time when staying the same means you are moving backwards, expecting different results from the same tactics doesn’t make sense. But, change for most is uncomfortable, change means risk, but change can also be challenging and in the current climate it is necessary. The editorially led content programme delivered both onsite at Pure London and via its digital channels, will be full of insight, newness and trends - all designed to help retailers see change in its most positive form. The three pillars of content, which visitors will discover include ‘Sustainability and Circular Economy’, offering insights into where wins are being made, a deep delve into the circular economy, its principles and why they are so important, responsible and ethical sourcing and how it should be just the standard way of doing business. ‘Technology and Process’ looks at how technology can make a difference and opportunities the lie in innovations in product design. The third pillar tackles ‘Mindset’ – why is change taking so long and what is stopping people? Roseanna King, Senior Content Producer, Hyve Group plc, says, “Resilient fashion retailers are turning a corner and keen to grow their businesses once again. In spite of rising costs, delivery challenges and fallout from the unstable environment, retailers have the appetite to rebuild back a better business. “Growth is taking place in various forms: from developing an online presence or developing the shopping experience of an existing one, to recruiting new job titles for new areas of business, and expansion of product ranges to ‘ethical growth’ - where retailers aspire to grow a more sustainable business, by making changes to the supply chain. Covid has stress tested the operations of business, and retailers are now embracing new things as they seek to be enlightened - from new tech to streamline processes to opening up to new buying options. There is so much to discuss and Pure London in July aims to deliver so many insightful conversations as it tackles all of the above across the three days.” www.purelondon.com PURE LONDON ANNOUNCES EMPOWERING CHANGE THEME AND KEYNOTE SPEAKERS 18
WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE STATIONERY MATTERS AWARDS 2022 The industry came together on in May at the Business Design Centre to acknowledge and celebrate this year’s Stationery Matters Awards winners. The aim of the awards is to celebrate the latest and greatest products in the stationery industry and the organisers are delighted to say that the standard of this year’s entries was truly outstanding. This year’s judging panel was made up of individuals from companies that span the breadth of the stationery industry. This includes Ruth Burgess (B&M), Judy Bendall (Blenheim Palace), Tallie Patterson-Gordon (Coleman Group), Joe Guest (Cult Pens), Claire Marsom (Hallmark), Alanah WhittakerThompson (Morrisons), Kat Squire (Papier), Katherine Walsh (Southbank Centre), Anna Balan (The Courtauld), Chris Workman (The Giftware Association), Elizabeth Lovatt (V&A), Andrew Foster (WHSmith), Hannah Fisk (ZSL). All shortlisted products could be viewed and enjoyed by visitors at London Stationery Show, as they were displayed for all to see at the Stationery Matters Hub. Head of Marketing Ella O’Keefe remarked, “We felt it was important that all finalists were celebrated for their fantastic products and that is why we decided to create a dedicated space where visitors to London Stationery Show could appreciate such brilliant innovation within the industry.” Alex Butler, Event Director of London Stationery Show, stated, “It was wonderful to see the industry come together to acknowledge and celebrate our finalists. All were so deserving of an award, and we thank them all for entering. The ceremony was a lovely way to end such a great first day at our 2022 event.” THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS ARE: Arts & Crafts Product of the Year Frisk - Frisk Watercolour Hot Pressed/ Smooth 300gsm Paper Pads (A6-A3) Children’s Stationery Product of the Year Once Upon A Tuesday - Co-Parenting Family Planner for Kids 12 month Diary/Organiser/Calendar of the Year HELLO TIME - HELLO TIME Planner Filing and Storage Product of the Year CCGlobal - Spectrum Noir Universal Black Pen Trays Gift Packaging and Wrap of the Year Storigraphic - Op Art 3 Op Art Series Licensed Stationery Product of the Year Manuscript Brands - Lego Colour Pencil 12 Pcs with topper Notebook/Journal of the Year MD Paper - MD Paper Notebook Journal Codex 1 Day 1 Page Novelty Stationery Product of the Year Manuscript Brands - Lego 2.0 Convertible Ruler with Minifigure Social Stationery Product of the Year Sun-Star Stationery - PIRI IT’ STICKY MEMO Sustainable Stationery Product of the Year Coffeenotes - Tailor’s Collection Wirobound Notebook (Navy Wool) Working from Home Product of the Year Perfect Planner Company - Business & Lifestyle Planner - Entrepreneur Edition Writing Instrument of the Year Kaweco from Studio Pens Ltd. - Kaweco Collection Iridescent Pearl Fountain Pen Autumn Fair almost fully booked Autumn Fair, taking place on the 4-7th September at NEC Birmingham, is now almost fully booked and a host of industry leading bellwethers set to showcase their latest collections. Timed to get retailers ready for the Golden Quarter, retail’s busiest and most profitable time of year, the market’s most innovative and inspirational brands are returning to the September show including stylish and on-trend furniture, textiles and decorative interior accessories from Coach House, Hill Interiors, and the newly launched Mint Interiors by Kettle, within Home; hand-picked and curated Summerhouse stalwarts Pacific Lifestyle and Gallery Direct; bestsellers, contemporary designs, unique and personalised and licensed gifts, stationery and greetings, and beauty staples in Gift, from brands including Gift Republic, Kikkerland, Lesser & Pavey, Joe Davies, Richard Lang & Son, Candlelight, The Seed Card Company, East of India, Bomb Cosmetics, and Upper Cananda UK. Daniel Mayhew, Event Director, Autumn Fair says: “Off the back of two incredible Autumn and Spring Fair’s we head towards this September’s Autumn Fair in a very positive and buoyant mood. Our fantastic exhibitors and so many of the industry’s leading bellwethers continue to support the show and many use it as the only platform to showcase their new collections. Each season they experience the invaluable benefits of committing to such a longstanding and trusted show which attracts so many purchase-ready buyers. With four months until we open our doors to Autumn Fair I’m delighted to report that most sectors are already over 75% booked with many of our must-see and much-loved brands returning to the show.” Paul Hooker, Joe Davies, champions the show’s vibrancy and timing, saying; “Autumn Fair is an important event in our calendar, it’s a really vibrant show and the perfect setting for customers to see our range first hand. The timing is great too, allowing independent retailers a unique opportunity to prepare and make the most of the busy trading period.” www.autumnfair.com 19 NEWS & EVENTS
The Wholesaler UK is open 24/7/365 for retailers looking for suppliers. www.thewholesaler.co.uk sue@thewholesaler.co.uk 01608 662 298 Trade shows are back, but we never closed! Visit our website or contact us to find out how to book your “virtual” stand and take advantage of our trial listings. 1000s of product photos Detailed at-a-glance information on suppliers. Save your favourite suppliers for future visits The directory is still free to use - no registration. All listings are thoroughly vetted. We only list UK-based wholesalers What’s New? What’s Not New? Pooch 10% OFF our entire range when you pay with order Use code FOCUSJULY Offer ends 30/07/22 See the full range: Home & Gift Stand A11 in DP1 coulson macleod. coulsonmacleod-trade.com coulsonmacleod.faire.com 01536 419944 coulson macleod. CARDS | STATIONERY | PRINTS | GIFTWARE Mugs Prints Wooden Plaques Calendars Greeting Cards Ceramic Coasters
The 17-18th May saw the return of the UK’s largest event dedicated to everything stationery, including arts, crafts, paper and writing materials and much more. The Business Design Centre hosted London Stationery Show for two days of business, education, and creativity, with over 150 brands attending, showcasing thousands of products from high-end stationery to everyday office staples. London Stationery Show was a huge success, accepting many UK and international visitors. Despite the short six-month period between this show and the last, there was still plenty to see. Exhibitors wowed with stunning displays, presenting escalated ranges and new, innovative products. The show coincided with many new product launches, and it was great to have a sneak preview of what’s to arrive in the industry over the next few months. Alex Butler, Event Director, stated, “We were delighted to welcome everybody back to the show, including both new and returning exhibitors and many visitors from around the world. We were excited to showcase the industry’s latest innovations, as well as the many wonderful features on offer at the show.” Boutique Collection and LaunchPad The Boutique Collection could be found on the ground floor and featured independent brands, displaying a beautiful range of unique, design-led stationery. This carefully curated selection of brands, chosen by the London Stationery Show team, offered original artistic prints and greeting cards, distinctive notebooks, and even custom writing tools. Two winners of the Stationery Matters Awards were also showcased in the area: Op Art 3 Op Art Series gift wrap by Storigraphic and the Piri It’ sticky memo by Sun-Star Stationery. Other special exhibitors included the five LaunchPad winners. The Stationery Matters LaunchPad competition aims to shine a light on emerging independent businesses and this year’s selection of winners were very deserving. On display were beautiful cards, art pieces and revision tools and the team were delighted to give them a platform to show off their work. Creative Matters Workshops The Creative Matters Workshops were a popular and immersive feature at the show. Visitors were offered the opportunity to join a variety of product demonstrations and enjoyed relaxing sessions painting or drawing using a variety of different mediums, with eight unique sessions each day from a range of different exhibitors. There was even a chance to learn a range of new skills, such as the art of Furoshiki – gift-wrapping with fabric - and creating masterpieces using colourful tapes. This allowed retailers to try before they buy, guaranteeing they make the best decisions for their business. Retail Matters Live Talks Throughout the day, visitors were invited to the Retail Matters Live Talks, hosted by industry experts. Topics of conversation included a mini masterclass in PR, how to grow your business, selling on Instagram, the trend forecast for Spring Summer 2023 and much more. Retailers found the seminars to be a great success, with plenty of tips and tricks to take away with them. Speakers included Martha Keith of Marth Brook London, Sam Donnachie and Hannah Malein of Colour Hive, Catherine Erdly of The Resilient Retail Club, Rachel Waring, Nerrisa Pratt of Untld Project and Therese Oertenblad of Small Business Collaborative, working in conjunction with Elizabeth Stiles. Indie Matters Business Advice Clinics Over the course of the event, show attendees were given the opportunity to attend one-to-one sessions for personalised retail tips. The Indie Matters Business Advice Clinics enabled visitors to sit down with industry professionals, Catherine Erdly, Rachel Waring, Nerrisa Pratt, Therese Oertenblad and Elizabeth Stiles, and gain more tailored advice and knowledge. London Stationery Show emphasises education being a key feature of the event and recognises the importance of helping independent businesses grow and allows its visitors the platform to do so. These clinics showcase the help available to brands who are looking to boost their business or sales. Sustainability Matters Sustainability was a major focal point of the show, with nearly every brand, large and small, offering eco-friendly products. This was highlighted in the Sustainability Matters feature, presented at the main entrance of the hall. It was amazing to see such diversity in the products showcased within this feature. Eco-friendly products displayed included pens, gift-wrapping materials, calendars, notebooks, pencil cases, desk accessories, cards, and many more. This feature also allowed visitors to make their own sustainability pledge. Some favourites included “I pledge to only purchase notebooks that use recycled paper” and “I pledge to think carefully about what I recycle.” Stationery Matters Awards Tuesday evening marked the long-awaited announcement of the Stationery Matters Awards winners. Finalists of the awards could be found displayed in the Stationery Matters Hub, showcasing the individual products selected for each prize. The awards ceremony saw 11 brands announced as the winners for the 12 product categories - with Manuscript Brands winning two categories! Emotions ran high and it was wonderful to see brands earn the recognition they deserve and to see the passion that people put into their creations, finally pay off. Dates for London Stationery Show 2023 have already been confirmed. Be sure to mark 16-17th May 2023 in your diaries. London Stationery Show returns to great success 21 NEWS & EVENTS
AUTUMN FAIR ANNOUNCES FIRST BRANDS CONFIRMED FOR CURATED MEETINGS Offering a game-changing way of doing business, Curated Meetings at Autumn Fair which takes place on the 5th – 6th September 2022 at NEC Birmingham, has announced its first round of confirmed brands selected to showcase their products including eco-conscious and tech innovations, statement jewellery, crafted leather bags, aromatherapy and candles, artwork, books and games, to pre-approved and budgetholding buyers from retailers including WH Smith, Paper Tiger, Brown Thomas, FY!, Harvey Norman Ireland, Lark London, Ragdale Hall Spa, Nest, as well as international retailers including Manor Pharmacy from Switzerland, and Lithuanian store group Kosmelita. Attracting brands and buyers from across the UK, Europe and rest of the world, Curated Meetings facilitate super-efficient, pre-scheduled, 1:1 15-minute meetings between qualified buyers and relevant suppliers based on a mutual interest to drive new business opportunities together. Hundreds of pre-scheduled meetings are due to take place across two days at Autumn Fair, the UK’s leading marketplace for wholesale Home, Gift and Fashion. A few companies include: Esoteric London A British independent label based in London, Esoteric London makes outrageously creative handmade jewellery and accessories for the bold and fearless. Established in 2012 by London College of Fashion graduate Chloe Hope King, who wanted to create something fresh reflecting her love for hands on design and manufacture. Bold and bright, Esoteric London’s statement jewels are created in-house, from the initial ideas to the finished products; jewels are designed and manufactured in its South-East London studio. Many pieces are available in limited numbers to ensure the exclusivity of each collection using sustainable, natural, and locally sourced materials where possible, including speciality and recycled acrylics, ethically sourced woods and intricately laser cut leathers. iBeani The iBeani tablet bean bag stand was designed and created after stumbling across a problem – tablet devices just don’t balance, resulting in having to hold them with one hand and navigate or type with the other. Having looked at other tablet stands on the market, nothing seemed to quite match needs or hold the tablet just right when on the lap, compared to the sofa arm, for example, and thus the iBeani tablet stand was born. After months of research, head scratching and prototypes, the iBeani tablet bean bag was created. Alex Clark Alex Clark’s cards, stationery, homeware, and gifts have that familiar feeling of coming home. Cuddle up to fluffy bunnies, snuggle into big bear hugs, and settle down with a pooch napping on your knee. Homi Fashion & Jewels presents a new edition HOMI Fashion&Jewels Exhibition, the event dedicated to the excellence of bijou, jewellery and fashion accessories, returns from 16-19 September at Fieramilano (Rho) with a wideranging and international offer. A central point of the upcoming Fall/Winter 22/23 collections presented at the show is Made in Italy, enhanced by intriguing and contemporary cues, with an important presence of French brands and Greek designers. The event is a must-attend event for operators in the sector who will find the new collections for the coming winter season, within a dynamic context where they can compare and evaluate new business opportunities. This is thanks in part to the partial simultaneity with Micam, International Footwear Show, Mipel, International Show dedicated to leather goods and fashion accessories, and The One Milano, Salone dell’Haute à-Porter, to be held from 18-20 September, also at fieramilano. The event will showcase collections of high quality and stylistic value, including the collections by Noshi, with its line of jewellery inspired by Bauhaus modernism, which stand out as true geometries to be worn, and Valentina Laganà, an Italian designer who creates small series in metal or lost-wax casting, whose unique features make their jewellery pieces one of a kind. MimiMuà will present its new fashion accessory and clothing collections, as well as Zag Bijoux, Unique Milano and Lebole Gioielli with a host of new and original items from the bijou universe, to name but a few of the brands present. There will also be many novelties in The incubatorTuttepazzeperbijoux, the area curated by Maria Elena Capelli who, thanks to her constant and punctual scouting activity, proposes jewellery and bijoux that are unique, high quality pieces. Naturally, space will also be given to the trends of tomorrow to provide all players in the sector with a scenario of what will be new in the coming years. Thanks to the well-established collaboration with Poli.Design in Milan, HOMI Fashion&Jewels Exhibition will be presenting FJ Visions of tomorrow in September, a new and evocative itinerary dedicated to the future visions of jewellery and fashion accessories. www.homimilano.com 22
Join us at Moda, the ultimate fashion destination at Autumn Fair. The essential place for creativity, collaboration and trading. Discover the latest trends, new designers and must-have looks that will adorn the season. autumnfair.com
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