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4 In this issue... REGULARS 8 Industry news All the latest from the world of gifts 15 On with the show Trade fair dates and show news 20 Brand spanking new Latest launches and brand-new products 27 Bookstand The latest releases in gift books FEATURES 32 Mistletoe and wine In the second part of our Christmas round-up we focus on further gift options for the festive season to help you capitalize on this lucrative season 43 Message to sender Greeting cards are perennially best sellers, stock your store with these fantastic offerings to profit from a surefire pick-up purchase 47 Play date Cater to a more playful consumer with this selection of toys and games… 51 The bling ring Whether it’s a self-gift or purchase for a family member or friend, women’s jewellery never goes out of fashion in the gifting world 112 Interiors: Colour Wheel Evoking thoughts of calm and tranquillity, a blue palette is reminiscent of the coast, and a peaceful sky 115 Interiors: Flooring Whether a herringbone floor or a plush rug, what goes on the ground can set off the rest of the interior décor nicely. Check out these options… 116 Interiors: Office With working from home now the norm rather than the exception, kitting out an office is no longer staid office chairs and pencil holders. Create a stylish workplace with these items… 32 September/October 2022 FOCUS ON 75 Company Profile Jules Vahrman, Director of Wild Thing Gifts, discusses the company’s rocky start, and how it helped it establish the perfect path and product for the business 80 Company Profile Having launched in 1982, Classic Canes is celebrating its fortieth year in business. Here, Charlotte Gillan, Managing Director, tells us more about about the company’s journey over the last four decades 85 Company profile Based just outside London, Mad Beauty has a team of in-house designers, developers and technicians. Here they blend expert industry knowledge with creativity and imagination to develop an extensive range of product 102 Retailer Interview Beatrice & Clement co-founders of online store Vigour and Skills, explain why a digital-first retail store is the route for them, and their love of makers’ collections 107 Up & Coming Founded by Shazana Nawaz in 2020, Zars London has designed the necktie as the ultimate accessory for a suit or shirt. With each tie being handmade, no two will be exactly the same 20 47 51
5 CONTENTS SHOWS 55 Autumn Fair Autumn Fair returns with a spotlight on sustainability and newness 64 Top Drawer Autumn Held in the heart of London, Top Drawer is the UK’s leading design-led trade show, carefully curated with buyers in mind 71 GLEE Garden centre trade exhibition GLEE has closed its doors on a successful show. Here, show organisers round-up the event and look ahead to next year’s show 72 Brand Licensing Europe Brand Licensing Europe is Europe’s leading event for licensing and brand extension, and the place to discover the hottest and newest brands ready for license 128 INDX Attendees to INDX Accessories will discover an inspirational product showcase including a host of collection launches from an enticing mix of leading brands and new labels 137 MODA Moda returns this September as a mecca of womenswear, footwear, fashion accessories, and Jewellery & Watch 139 127 ATT I RE ACCESSOR I ES 121 Editor’s Letter 122 Industry news All the latest from the world of accessories 127 Brand spanking new Latest launches and brand-new products 131 All wrapped up Autumn/winter fashion is all about wrapping up warm in the latest, fashion forward and classic hats, gloves and scarves… 139 Company Profile Anna Falcke has a bevvy of loyal customers, which kept the company going during the pandemic. Offering GOTS certified ranges, the Anna is now focused on delivering new lines with an eco focus 146 Blog As the cost of living continues to increase, and consumers rein in their spending, Gift Focus Editor Louise Prance looks at ways retailers can continue to encourage spending BUSINESS ADVICE 91 ACID Dids Macdonald, CEO of Anti Copying in Design (ACID), explains to SME designs that taking legal action against copyists doesn’t have to cost the earth 95 FSB Martin McTague, National Chair, Federation of Small Businesses, looks at building resilience in the face of adversity and accessing affordable insurance 97 Capturing youth Tiendeo, a platform that collects digital offers and promotions from retailers, has identified the 10 most popular trends used by brands to persuade and drive Gen Y to buy 99 Careful costings Catherine Erdly, owner of The Resilient Retail Club discusses the rising costs we are facing and how to manage pricing and profitability 131 128 55
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 & Homewares. By priding itself on fantastic quality at great value for money, the brand The Leonardo Collection has become renowned worldwide. The show must go on Having recently attended Home & Gift, it feels wonderful getting to meet and greet everyone in person at the shows again. Although slightly more on the scene of late, COVID-19 is largely a thing of the past and it’s great to feel like everything is back to normal. I will be treading the aisles of Autumn Fair in September and have enjoyed putting together our preview of the event. Check out page 55 to see what’s happening, before heading to page 59 and seeing the slew of amazing brands that will be exhibiting at the event. Autumn Fair isn’t the only show we’re focusing on this issue. We’re also throwing the spotlight on Top Drawer Autumn, Brand Licensing Europe, INDX and a post-show round-up of garden event GLEE. Of course that’s not all, we are also focusing on our Christmas products part two, Toys & Games, Women’s Jewellery & Accessories, and Greeting Cards. That’s all topped off with our regular dose of industry news, new products and insightful business advice. Happy reading, Louise Prance Editor Louise EDITOR Louise Prance +44 (0)1376 514 000 louisep@giftfocus.com EDITORIAL MANAGER Danielle Harvey SALES AND EVENTS DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis +44 (0)1376 535 602 sarah.ellis@kdeventsandpublishing.com ACCOUNT MANAGER Lauren Redford-Hughes +44(0)1376 535 609 lauren.redford-hughes@giftfocus.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Scott Brothwell SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Stephanie Hodder, Vicky O’Connor, +44 (0)1376 514 000 artwork@kdeventsandpublishing.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lorna Butcher WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Stuart Weatherley 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 WOODLODGE PARTNERS WITH PANTONE ON LATEST OUTDOOR COLLECTION Woodlodge is teaming up with Pantone, the universal language of colour for designers, brands and manufacturers, for its latest licenced outdoor collection. Inspired by Pantone’s most popular shades, this collaboration offers a contemporary and on-trend range of planters that will appeal to a wider range of consumers. Buyers can get the first glimpse of this exciting partnership at Glee. Featuring the instantly recognisable Pantone logo, the new portfolio will inject colour into sales areas and tap into the popularity of bold shades in the home. Following the past couple of years, we are seeing the return of deep and vibrant colour tones, bringing brightness into the home, a trend forecast by many of the top interior designers. All white spaces are quickly disappearing with the use of vibrant colour completely transforming a space, and certain tones are known to have positive effects on well-being and motivation. The new outdoor planter collection is available in eight different designs which include glazed terracotta, reinforced concrete and fibreclay planters in an array of colours, bringing Pantone’s expertise, vision and design to the gardener. www.woodlodge.co.uk Catch up on all the latest in our news round up INSIDE OUT TOYS BECOMES SOLE UK DISTRIBUTOR OF GAMES BY SCRATCH EUROPE Inside Out Toys (IOT) has become the sole UK distributor of a range of puzzles and games made from recycled card by Scratch Europe, adding to its portfolio of sustainable toy brands. IOT will launch the brand at the Home & Gift Buyers Festival in Harrogate next month, when stock will be available for immediate delivery. Fuelled by its recent success at the Gift of the Year Awards with two of its brands, the family-owned and run small business is dedicated to growing its business in the sustainable toy and gift market and decided to complement its existing brands by adding a range of jigsaw puzzles. Julian Garner, IOT Owner/Managing Director, says, “We were approached at a trade fair by Jan (Voorspoels) as he felt that our focus on sustainability would give the Scratch brand the best chance of success in the UK. As well as using recycled or FSC card for all their products. the company is also in the process of moving to the use of soy-based inks, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, which is key to our company ethos. We are sure our trade customers are going to love the collection and won’t waste any time getting them on their shelves.” Scratch is owned by Belgian company DAM, who have been a leading distributor of toys in France and Benelux since 1992. For 30 years its focus has been on quality and safety, driven by play value. Each of the products has a fun design in Scratch’s distinctive style and come in an attractively shaped box. IOT’s initial collection includes stacking towers, puzzles with 3D elements to extend play value, magnetic puzzle books ideal for keeping children entertained ‘on the go’, beautiful contour shaped puzzles, as well as some 3-in-1 game sets. www.insideouttoys.co.uk 8
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AND SURFACE VIEW LAUNCH NEW PRINTS FOR CHILDREN’S MARKET Continuing its successful partnership with online interiors brand Surface View, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced the launch of a new collection of flora and fauna-themed prints that can be used for decorating children’s bedrooms and play areas. The prints are based on specially created designs from the RHS children’s style guide, which develops designs inspired by artwork from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art. The Surface View service allows the prints based on these designs to be customised, cropped and scaled to customers’ exact specifications to illustrate a wide range of home interior products, from murals, canvases and wall hangings to ceramic tiles and much more. There are three collections in the Surface View RHS children’s range: the I Bug You collection; Flower Power; and Trees & Leaves. These designs work with existing furniture and décor pieces to create a fresh feel in a child’s bedroom or play area on art prints, roller blinds, wallpaper murals or other decorations. All three collections are available now at the Surface View website. These new prints join the existing Surface View RHS collections for the adult market: Floral Illustrations & Studies; Gardens; and Fruit and Vegetable Illustrations & Studies, again inspired by the RHS Lindley Collections. Surface View, says: “Once again the vast store of delightful RHS botanical artwork has inspired some truly glorious additions to the Surface View catalogue. These three collections make excellent use of the RHS Children’s Style Guide; I am certain that these fun, colourful prints will delight children everywhere.” www.rhsorg.co.uk PENTEL APPOINTS JOHN COTTERELL INTO SALES TEAM Pentel has appointed industry veteran John Cotterell to manage its sales territory from Staffordshire to the Channel Islands, encompassing south and mid-Wales, south-west England and much of the M40 corridor. John joins Pentel following the recent retirement of longstanding Pentel territory manager Sally Evans. With over 40 years’ experience John has extensive knowledge of the stationery industry and writing instruments in particular, gained through territory and national account manager roles with Stabilo, Esselte and, latterly, Pilot. During his four decades in the industry John has managed accounts within most sectors of the industry including education, wholesale, dealer groups and independent retailers. Asked what appeals most about his new role with Pentel John says, “I extremely happy to be joining Pentel – a very strong brand associated with quality products that I’ve known for many years during my career in the industry.” He adds, “I firmly believe in the adage that ‘people buy from people’ and Pentel continues to demonstrate its commitment to customers by maintaining a sales team to call upon and support retailers and dealers. Fewer and fewer brands provide this level of face-to-face support, but I believe it’s vital to meet in person, not only to present new products and promotions, but also to discuss our latest initiatives - such as plastic-free packaging and new merchandising - as well as to acquire a first-hand understanding of the challenges our customers face and the opportunities we can help them develop. I’m looking forward to meeting new customers and, of course, to catching up with many I’ve known for years.” Graham Craik, Pentel Director of Sales UK and Ireland, said, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome John to Pentel. He is a well-known and respected figure within our industry and with his experience and knowledge I have no doubt that John’s appointment will help take the Pentel brand forward and further strengthen our team, while continuing to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the independent stationery channel.” www.pentel.co.uk INDUSTRY NEWS 9
AUTUMN FAIR STAND: 6E17
GREETING CARD AND GIFT SHOP MANTONS RAISES MORE THAN £30,000 FOR CHARITIES Port Erin’s award-winning greeting card and gift shop Mantons has now raised a total of £30,000 for charities and local organisations. The money has been raised by a combination of running events, donations of stock and sales of greeting cards. Mantons owner Chris Beards says, “We are all extremely proud to have been able to raise over £30,000 as well as recently raising £660 for the DEC and the Red Cross to help the people of Ukraine. We are also thrilled to have worked with and helped local organisations such as Crossroads Care, Isle of Man Arts Council and The Isle of Man Post Office. “I would personally like to thank all our amazing current and previous team members and our fantastic customers who have helped make this possible”, continued Chris. Fundraising Co-Ordinator for Crossroads Care, Megan Faragher continued, “Mantons has been a great supporter of Crossroads over the years and we are extremely grateful for their continued support. Like many other local charities, Crossroads has felt the effect of the pandemic financially and therefore it has been wonderful to have the support of Mantons, especially in a time when the retail industry has also felt the effects. We would like to thank the Mantons team for making such generous donations to our charity and congratulate them on their continued dedication to supporting our local community.” The Mantons Team plans to keep on fundraising, helping the community and supporting new artists and small gift and greeting card suppliers. www.mantonscards.co.uk ACID CELEBRATES BRITISH IP DAY WITH LAUNCH OF NEW ACID IP CHARTER AND NEW WEBSITE ACID, the UK’s membership and campaigning organisation for design and IP, marks this year’s British IP Day celebrations with the launch of its new ACID IP Charter. Browse ACID’s new website at www.acid.uk.com/ First mooted by ACID and established in 2016 by the Alliance for Intellectual Property, British IP Day is an annual celebration of the role that intellectual property plays in the cultural standing and economic success of the United Kingdom, underpinning innovation and creative excellence. ACID (Anti Copying in Design) is a long-standing member of the Alliance, sharing the common goal of protecting the rights of UK creatives from devastating design theft. The ACID IP Charter is a Code of Conduct and statement of intent, setting out the promise of its Charter Signatories to uphold ethics, respect and compliance as a minimum to designers of original works. Enabling both individuals and businesses to take a public stance against copying in design, ACID Charter Signatories help to amplify the voice of designers across the UK and affirm their support for the continual campaign for the preservation and promotion of invaluable IP protection rights. To sign the IP Charter, Charter Signatories are asked for a nominal one-off fee, which contributes to ACID’s fighting fund against design theft, and lobbying efforts for design law reform. To sign the ACID IP Charter & find out more, visit: www.acid.uk.com/become-a- charter-signatory/ Dids Macdonald, OBE., ACID’s CEO said, “The ACID IP Charter marks an exciting new chapter aimed at broadening our community and can be signed digitally on ACID’s new website, launched on British IP Day alongside the new IP Charter initiative. Featuring enhanced IP tools, we have listened to ACID member feedback and have created a seamless and secure IP Design Databank to allow designers to create a third-party independent audit trail of their intellectual property, ACID’s new website is curated to provide a complete bank of knowledge on IP rights.” INDUSTRY NEWS 11
SMART TOYS AND GAMES ACQUIRES THE HAPPY PUZZLE COMPANY Belgian puzzles and games company Smart Toys and Games has announced the acquisition of the The Happy Puzzle Company. Over the course of nearly three decades the Happy Puzzle Company, a Hertfordshire-based company known for its successful B2C operations in the UK, has reached a customer base of over 400,000 happy puzzlers and a presence in over 14,000 UK schools. In recent years it has also experienced major growth in the B2B market, with international distribution now in over 20 countries. The acquisition by Smart, known for award-winning brands including SmartGames, Happy Cube and SmartMax, will bring The Happy Puzzle Company’s products into Smart’s growing portfolio and will increase distribution through Smart’s extensive worldwide network. Smart’s Global CEO, Rolf Vandoren said, “Many of the great puzzles and games by The Happy Puzzle Company will be going through our talented product development and marketing teams and making their way too many more families of puzzle fans under the Smart Games brand’s wide international presence. We are really looking forward to working with Gavin and his team.” Gavin Ucko, CEO of The Happy Puzzle Company, will remain as CEO in the UK together with the entire Happy Puzzle’s team, operating from its existing Elstree base. Gavin said, “Smart and Happy Puzzle have already been working together for more than 20 years and the synergies between the two companies are clear. It’s incredibly exciting and the whole of the Happy Puzzle family is both proud and excited to be joining the SMART group of companies and teams.” www.happypuzzle.co.uk TRIMCO GROUP UK SUPPORTS CREW CLOTHING COMPANY WITH RECYCLED POLYBAGS ACROSS ITS SUPPLY CHAIN Crew Clothing Company has used Trimco Group UK to manage and implement the use of 100 percent recycled polybags across its extensive global supply chain. As part of the brand’s sustainability journey, Crew Clothing Company wanted to source a more circular solution to its regular polybags. Furthermore, with the UK Plastic Packaging Tax that came into force in April, the British clothing retailer was keen to implement the change quickly. Even though the new legislation provides that the tax applies to packaging with less than 30% recycled plastic, Trimco Group’s team advised the use of 100% recycled polybags, which is not only in line with the clothing retailer’s sustainability vision, but also provides them with a future-proof solution. Less than three months after starting the project, the new 100% certified recycled plastic polybags were ready and available to calloff from all sites. Additionally, Trimco Group and Crew Clothing’s discussions and partnership plans for a wider sustainability drive include underpinning sustainability claims with ethical certification, as well as supplier track and trace data. Sara Kwok, Managing Director at Trimco Group UK, said, “Being able to fully support our clients in their sustainable journeys is one of the most important things to us. Thanks to our experienced global team, we were also able to drive the project forward quickly without compromising the quality of service or product, which is what our customers have come to expect from us.” www.trimco-group.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
On with the show Trade show updates from home and abroad BRAND LICENSING EUROPE UNVEILS FIRST LIVE FASHION CATWALK Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), the leading European event for licensing and brand extension, has unveiled the timetable for its first ever live fashion catwalk, with nine inspiring 15-minute shows over the event’s three days. BLE takes place 20-22 September at ExCeL London and visitors can register for free online. To date, attending companies include Primark, Stradivarius, FASHION UK, George @ Asda, Sainsburys Tu, Next, John Lewis, ASOS, GEMO, and thousands of other leading retailers and manufacturers. “Attendees really can expect the unexpected as brands take to the runway to showcase exciting new collabs and fashion ranges, either through immersive catwalk takeovers from world renowned brands – like Mattel and SEGA – or as part of an overall themes, which include Brands & Lifestyle Collabs, Kids, F&B, Entertainment Collabs, Culture and Unity, and Sustainability,” said Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets. Several shows will feature exclusive first looks, including Mentos from global confectionery powerhouse Perfetti Van Melle, which has regular drops in fast fashion retailers. Mentos will spotlight an exciting collaboration with the internationally renowned artist Philip Colbert – the Mentos x The Lobstars collection – which will be presented for the first time. The collection is inspired by the mint brand’s fresh vibes and the collection of unique Lobster Portrait NFT’s that were recently released by the artist on Decentraland, covering 57 parcels. The collection is aimed at young women and consists of eight bold outfits. The full timetable for the catwalks confirmed so far includes: Tuesday 20 September 10am CATWALK: Brands & Lifestyle Collabs 12.30pm CATWALK: Branded Catwalk 2pm CATWALK: Kids, featuring NBC Universal, Sony Interactive and IMC Toys (Cry Babies) 4pm CATWALK: Mattel Wednesday 21 September 10am CATWALK: F&B, featuring Perfetti Van Melle (Mentos x The Lobstars) and Pink Key Licensing 12.30pm CATWALK: SEGA 2pm CATWALK: Entertainment Collabs, featuring NBC Universal, Smurfs & Wildbrain CPLG (Teletubbies x Ellesse x GoGuy) Thursday 22 September 10am CATWALK: Culture and Unity 12.30pm CATWALK: Sustainability SEGA Director of Licensing Jason Rice said: “The team here at SEGA are looking forward tremendously to the catwalk event at this year’s BLE. As a Platinum sponsor we will be showcasing the best of our fashion and lifestyle products, underlining the amazing design and innovation to have come from collaborating with some of the industry’s leading designers, retailers and licensees worldwide. “With a focus on Sonic the Hedgehog we are looking to wow the audience with a great show and to use the event as a platform to shout about the world of ‘Sonic Fashion’. We have had great success in this category across mass, mid-tier and high-end & luxury retail. Sonic’s undisputed status as a leading global entertainment brand as well as a long-standing gaming icon gives a real edge to the collections we have helped create and we’re excited to show this to the world. We’ll be showcasing a cross section of some of the best fashion programmes developed over recent times.” www.brandlicensing.eu Creative Retail Awards Shortlist reveals the best in global design and display for 2022 On the 21st of July the industry congregated at Sook Oxford Street, London, to learn the Shortlisted entries for the upcoming 2022 Creative Retail Awards. The shortlist presents some of the very best in global retail, leisure, and hospitality design & display with projects including Woolworths South Africa, Sports Direct, Chanel, Sky, Coach, Asda and many more. Sasha Castling, Marketing at shortlisted entrant Ribble Cycles, commented: “We are really proud, delighted, and honoured to be included and alongside some incredible competition and brands.” As physical retail evolves, design and experience have become more powerful tools than ever. The Creative Retail Awards have recognised the retail industry’s best companies and talent since 2018. With categories including sustainability, omni-channel, technology, VM schemes, POP/POS, shopfitting, store design, experience, and innovation, the Awards recognise talent across the full spectrum of design and display. The Winners and Highly Commended entries will be announced on the 22nd of September at Proud Embankment, London, where a night of entertainment, drinks, dancing and networking will be held. The big night will showcase Creative Retail Awards’ unique take on a ceremony that blends networking with an informal party atmosphere celebrating the diversity in our industry. Tickets for the night, including the coveted VIP Booths, are available to be reserved now via the Awards website. You can view the full list of shortlisted entries and reserve your tickets for the big night at www.creativeretailawards.com 15 NEWS & EVENTS
SPECIALITY & FINE FOOD FAIR LAUNCHES PACKED 2022 SEMINAR PROGRAMME Innovative farm shops, delis and speciality retailers are set to take to the stage for the 23rd edition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair as the event returns to Olympia London on 5-6 September. The who’s who of food and drink will share insights and best practice across three stages - the Food for Thought Stage, the Taste the Trends Kitchen and the Inspiration Bar, curated by Mixology School – covering a wide range of topics in the world of speciality food & drink. The Fair will kick off with a session from Charles Banks of thefoodpeople and Kelly Dowson of Good Sense Research taking a deep dive into to the latest trends in sustainability and ESG in food & drink, followed by an in-depth session with Artisan Food Club’s Marcus Carter, Julia Kirby-Smith of Fridge of Plenty, Holtwhites Bakery’s Kate Smith and Jan Robijns of The Broadway Deli & Grocery as they look at how a personalised customer service can lead to an increase in total basket spend. Robijns comments: “As a long-term visitor and previously also exhibitor, the Fair has always been very valuable for me. As a specialist retailer, now more than ever it seems, it is important to stay on top of interesting and exciting products, brands and developments.” The Food for Thought Stage will also see a session hosted by WGSN’s Head of Food & Drink Jennifer Creevy, who will be joined by Liam Jones of food sharing app Olio and Olympia London’s Abbey Short as they discus tackling surplus food in the retail sector. “Food waste remains a huge challenge for the food and drink industry, as is measuring our overall progress as an industry,” says Jennifer. “Yet, as we have forecast on WGSN, there are many exciting innovations that are rising up to tackle this important issue. I’m excited to lead the panel at Speciality & Fine Food Fair to discuss innovations around food waste and share best practice with our audience.” In addition to further sessions on growing your business amidst the cost-of-living crisis, recruitment and retention, some fantastic food failures (and what we can learn from them) and turning the hybrid business model dream into reality, the Food for Thought Stage will also host the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards from 5pm on Tuesday 5 September. The awards were launched in 2021 to celebrate excellence in speciality food & drink, with categories including Innovative Product of the Year, Sustainability Pioneer of the Year, Small Independent Retailer of the Year, Large Independent Retailer of the Year, International Product of the Year and Outstanding Industry Champion. Newly launched food & drink brands will also be highlighted as part of Pitch Live, sponsored by Virgin StartUp, which will give three exhibiting suppliers the chance to pitch their product to a panel of industry experts. The winning business will receive a 4sqm stand at Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2023, edited video coverage of their live pitch and a marketing & PR package courtesy of Speciality & Fine Food Fair. Virgin StartUp will provide the winner with six months of business mentoring and access to three Virgin StartUp masterclasses. Taste the Trends Kitchen A new addition for this year’s Fair, the Taste the Trends Kitchen will see Consultant and Chef Steve Walpole exploring various trends in food & drink and working with partners including the Guild of Fine Food and the World Charcuterie Awards. Across the two days of the event, Steve will be exploring the healthy food movement, the influences of Japanese and Korean food & drink on Western cuisine, plant-based foods and what it means to be producing ethical products. Steve comments: “I can’t wait to be back at Speciality & Fine Food Fair, cooking up a storm with some amazing guest speakers. Join us on 5-6 September to discover some of the most exciting trends in food & drink and to sample some of the best products on offer at this year’s Fair.” There will also be a takeover from Grano Padano, best-selling PDO cheese in the world, who will be demonstrating some of the key uses and marketing messages for this unique cheese. The Inspiration Bar Each year the Inspiration Bar, at the heart of the show’s Drinks Cabinet section, partners with Mixology School to share best practice and insights into the world of alcoholic and no & low drinks products. The Inspiration Bar is a must-visit for retailers or hospitality business owners eager to learn more about the marketing and mixing of speciality drinks products to enhance the customer experience and increase sales and profits. Zoe Cunliffe, Director at Mixology School adds: “We can’t wait to head back to Speciality & Fine Food Fair this September to help the Fair’s food & drink buyers learn about the very latest trends and products in the drink sector. “There are a huge number of new products on the market and our session at the Fair will give retailers and wholesalers the tools to make the most out of these exciting and creative drinks offerings.” www.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk 16
Harrogate Fashion Week closes its doors on a successful show Harrogate Fashion Week closed its doors after a 2-day, record breaking event. Brands exhibiting reported record sales being reached and there was a significant increase in buyers attending. The Sunday brought in nearly 50% more buyers than last year and the increase on Monday was a phenomenal 75% increase from last July. The show is no longer a regional event and is now truly on the fashion trade calendar as being the largest exhibition of womenswear clothing brands under one roof, with a substantial amount of special occasion wear showing. Buyers came from all over the country and as far North as Inverness, Scotland and Bournemouth on the South coast. Irish shops flocked into Leeds Airport only a short taxi ride from Harrogate and most came for the 2 days to make the most of their trip. Organisers, Wendy Adams and Sarah Moody were thrilled with the comments from both buyers and exhibitors with a call from both to increase to three days for the Summer going forward. Sarah commented “Buyers can do a complete buy at HFW with great daywear, eveningwear, shoes, and accessories all in an easy to navigate layout so there is no need to go anywhere else. Buyers were thrilled to visit this beautiful spa town and many commented that it was like the, good old days when fashion took over the town. They love the great mix of business and please that Harrogate offers.” Brands who are supporters of HFW included Isabella, Orientique, Marble, Pomodoro, Veromia, RIno & Pelle, Dolcezza, Lily & Me, John Charles, Bariloche, Tilley & Grace, NYDJ and Kevan Jon who were joined by newcomers this season, Taifun, 5 Hearts from Eugen Klein, Bianca , Troy London, Paramour, Henrietta Steffenson, and Luella. Alice Collins returned to the show this summer and commented: “Fantastic first day, opened lots of new accounts, great reaction to our range. We were run off our feet.” XTI, who joined the show for the first time, thanked the organisers commenting: “Seven new accounts opened, first time exhibiting - we will be back. Lots of new business.” www.harrogatefashionweek.com 17 NEWS & EVENTS
Autumn 2022 - in stock now WWW . E A R TH SQUA R E D . COM t : 01620 892289 e: sales@ear thsquared.com Heaven Scent doing things naturally 01225 868788 email: contact@heavenscent.co.uk www.heavenscent.co.uk Instagram.com/heavenscentnaturalcandles Aromatherapy Essential Oil Set 12x 5ml Bottles + 2 droppers WHOLESALE www.ancientwisdom.biz care@ancientwisdom.biz +44 (0)1142 729 165
3D Wooden Puzzles Creative kids and adults can take their first steps towards model making with the pre-coloured 3D wooden puzzles from Toyway. Collect all 12! sales@toyway.co.uk www.toyway.co.uk By Bachmann SHINING BRIGHTLY S INCE 1993 Our famous Paint Pot Candles in 40 fabulous colours and fragrances. Get in touch for a copy of our new Autumn &Winter Catalogue. Or visit us at the NEC Autumn Fair Hall 20 Stand A11. Tel: 015395 59007 info@pintailcandles.com www.pintailcandles.com info@corinnelapierre.com - tel: 0113 2460403 Felt embroidery kits to delight & inspire www.corinnelapierre.com Creativity in a box ! free sample packs with every order! Find us at TOP DRAWER LONDON Stand J39
20 Brand spanking new Check out some new and exciting products in the current market GISELA GRAHAM Even if Spring seems a long way off, now’s the time to order Gisela Graham’s wonderful 2023 Spring/Easter Collection – before it’s all sold out! Dandelions in yellow and green, the humble, early Spring flower that bees love, is realised in classic giftware products: stoneware jugs, mugs, cake stands, aprons, handy shoulder bags, and candles. The Blue Viola design cheers the heart in stoneware mugs and jugs, eggcups, cake-stands, candle pots, and fabric shoulder bags in linen and cotton. Primavera inclines closer to Easter (now a major gifting season): a pastel-shaded Spring cottage flowers design; ceramic mugs, jugs, cake-stands, shoulder bags, candles and lot of eggs. Gingham Easter is directed straight at the festival with the prettiest traditional icons – chicks, bunnies, and eggs. And look out for a real novelty… Easter Crackers designed by Gisela Graham. T: +44 (0)20 7708 4956 trade.giselagraham.co.uk ROALD DAHL X TONIES tonies, the leading musical storytelling box and The Roald Dahl Story Company are partnering for the first time to bring three iconic stories to life in a new way, which are set to enchant young listeners. The launch of The Witches, Matilda, and James and the Giant Peach mark the beginning of an exciting collaboration, with additional titles to be released next year. Kicking off the partnership is the spinechilling tale, The Witches, narrated by actress and comedian Lolly Adefope. Find out what happens when a small boy and his Norwegian grandmother take on the Grand High Witch in an attempt to thwart her wicked plans for children everywhere. Make way for Matilda, as Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet shares one of Dahl’s most loved stories. Can Matilda overcome her neglectful parents and her tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull? To complete the hat-trick, the magical story of James and the Giant Peach, narrated by comedian James Acaster arrives just in time for Christmas, taking little ones on a fantastical adventure they’ll never forget. Packed with hilarity, magic, and just desserts, this trio of popular children’s stories is the perfect introduction for little listeners to the wondrous worlds of Roald Dahl, in Tonie form. www.tonies.com BEST KEPT SECRETS Best Kept Secrets has been working extremely hard and has several new products for 2022. Just Because, Candles and Tea Lights The company has redesigned its ever popular Just Because range. When Best Kept Secrets first launched the range five years ago the demand for these occasion candles blew them away. “There was clearly a real hole to be filled in the scented candle market,” says the company. “There is a candle phrase or saying that can celebrate friends, family and special occasions. But the excitement doesn’t stop there, as there are Tea Lights Threes to match! In the same vein as our existing Tea Light boxes, we have brought this innovative gift right up to date with a gloriously, colourful design. They simply are the most perfect gift. “You can now have our clever little boxes with the following sayings, Happy Birthday, Thank You, Lovely Mum, New Home, Special Friend and Congratulations. There is no need to buy an additional card with these as they also have wonderful verse on each box that totally captures what you want to say to the recipient.” Tea Lights The existing Three Lights range has been brought right up to date with a fabulous new makeover. Fans of these cute, sliding little boxes will love their new look. They now come in six fragranced sets, Daydream, Blooming Lovely, Happy Hour, Sparkling You, Coastal Shores and Festive. These are sure to be a real hit with customers - the superb designer look of these matches the outstanding quality of fragrance you can expect from Best Kept Secrets. Both are a fabulous addition to the company’s ever-expanding range of products. As its customers know, colour, sparkles and incredible fragrances is what Best Kept Secrets does best. T: +44 (0)1670 512 222 E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Following the enormous success of their first collaboration, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced the launch of a second collection from licensee Dexam, a specialist supplier of kitchen cookware, bakeware and accessories. The 2020 Home Grown collection of backpacks, lunch bags, lunchboxes, aprons and more was aimed at the children’s market. This year Dexam is offering collections for both children and adults: a new fun and playful collection for Children called I Bug You plus two new adult textile ranges called Benary Vegetables and Sunflower, which aim to bring the love of gardening alive and into your home. The designs take their inspiration from some of the thousands of images held in the world-famous RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art. In addition, as with the Home Grown collection, the I Bug You pieces have been designed with the environment in mind; this collection has been created using environmentally friendly or recycled material. www.rhs.org.uk
21 BRAND SPANKING NEW INES & LITZA Ines & Litza is inspired by the bond between mother and child. The carved face was taken from a sculpture created by Ines’ mother and in its minute form, signifies the exchange of knowledge and love from mother to daughter and artist to artist. www.inesetlitza.com UNIVERSITY GAMES Leading games and puzzles specialist University Games has teamed up with the hugely popular children’s brand, Tom Gates, to create an award-winning range of games and puzzles to be launched in July this year. The new Tom Gates Monster Games Compendium, which includes three fun-packed games bursting with quintessential Tom Gates humour, creativity and doodling, scooped top honours at The London Toy Fair earlier this year, winning a Toy Fair Hero Toys Award. The Tom Gates 3-in-1 Monster Games Compendium features the Top Challenges Game, Race the Teacher and Snakes and Ladders, perfect for encouraging learning through play. The range also includes a Truly Awesome Card Games Set and a range of 2-in-1 Colour-in Puzzles featuring popular characters from the series. Players can enjoy the challenge of building the colourful puzzle on one side, and then the dynamic black and white image on the other side, before colouring it in with the pencils provided! Tom Gates is a multi-award-winning series of books by illustrator and author Liz Pichon aimed at kids aged 6-12, and is now the subject of two popular mixed-media Sky Kids TV series, following the life and brilliant world of the eponymous Tom. Gemma Lewington, Marketing Director at University Games and The Lagoon Group, is excited to welcome this dynamic new children’s license to the business, through a deal arranged by licensing agent, The Point.1888. “We are delighted that this range, and the Monster Games Compendium in particular, has already been recognised with a Toy Industry Award this year, and we are very much looking forward to getting this fun-packed range onto the shelves and into the hands of Tom Gates fans.” Liz Keynes, Commercial Director of TG Entertainment commented, “We are thrilled with the new range from University Games which brilliantly reflect the colour, storytelling, creativity and humour of Tom Gates. It is an honour to receive the Hero Games award and we are excited to be working with UG to introduce these games to Tom Gates fans and attract some new ones!” www.university-games.co.uk CORINNE LAPIERRE Corinne Lapierre is thrilled to have partnered with Search Press again to launch a new book of festive projects. This is her fifth title with the specialist craft publishers and further establishes her as a world leading expert in craft design. She is particularly skilled at presenting very clear illustrations, instructions and stitch guides, making her projects ideal for crafters of all abilities, even complete beginners. Festive Felt Decorations is therefore the ideal gift or self-purchase for anyone contemplating trying a new hobby. Decorations include hanging and table ornaments, cards and gift tags inspired by her lifelong love of folk Scandinavian art with its rich colours and distinctive patterns. It’s quite amazing how many gorgeous handmade treasures can be made from simple felt and thread! A must for creating treasured family heirlooms and meaningful gifts, this book is sure to become another Corinne Lapierre best-selling title worldwide. www.corinnelapierre.com JOE DAVIES Heartfelt angels from Joe Davies are the new range of pretty angel figurines where sentiment is at the heart of this lovely range. The love between friends and family are shown in the heartfelt messages engraved onto a metallic painted heart held in the arms of the angels making them the perfect gift for a loved one. Painted in subtle colours of cream and a metallic champagne gold these celestial figurines offer thoughtful messages for Mum, Nan, Auntie, Sister and Friends and will sit with any home décor. Sentiment, is an important category in the gift industry as it covers so many different relationships; Mums, Dads, Friends and loved ones. Joe Davies has this covered perfectly with the launch of its new Family Owls sentiment and home décor range. This affordable collection of owl gifts hits the mark as a meaningful gift or simply to make a statement and turn a house into a home. The range has been designed in a natural rustic wood finish blended with subtle painted white and grey wood with heartfelt messages for Mum, Nan, Sister, Auntie, daughter, friends and family all the bestselling captions to hit those important sales. Owls have always been a popular choice with the gift retailer, maybe it is their calming call in the night reminding us we are surrounded by beautiful countryside or that these charming birds stay together for life. Available in a host of shapes, hanging hearts, a moon shaped table plaque with the owls perched on the moon, tea light holders, coasters and Photo frames all featuring cute wide-eyed owls. T: +44 (0)161 975 6300 E: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk
Practical storage solutions from Little Shop Of Ltd. London Bundle Bags Wonderfully practical little bags. Great selection of display stands and informative point of sale boards available. “Little Books”, the contemporary way to keep jewellery tidy, tarnish and tangle free. Ideal at home or when traveling. For full details of how to join our family of stockists please visit www.littleshopof.co.uk. info@littleshopof.co.uk 02033711522 Bags of storage for jewellery, make up, toiletries, hair accessories Etc. All kept secure in individual pockets. Fully open it’s the perfect bathroom or dressing table tray.
23 BRAND SPANKING NEW BRAZEN BOTANY These colourful paper plants are handmade art pieces, they’re impossible to kill making them well suited to busy households. An elegant and everlasting alternative to high maintenance houseplants! The products range from £65 - £210. www.brazenbotany.co.uk LESSER & PAVEY Pom Pom Candles form part of the Lesser and Pavey Desire Aroma range. These candles use the Lesser and Pavey signature glass jar, with new metal lid and colourful Pom Poms. The colours selected are highly popular colours perfect for gifting to friends and loved ones. The candles come on three sizes with the following wonderful fragrances - Fresh Linen, Pomegranate Noir, Velvet Rose and Oud, Peony and Blush Suede, Lime Basil and Mandarin, and Oud and Bergamot. These new additions make the Desire range of fragrance products one of the largest that Lesser and Pavey has ever offered as it seeks to meet the trend of adding fragrance to the home through quality products. www.leonardo.co.uk ENESCO Brand-new into its ever-popular Izzy & Oliver collection, Enesco is proud to announce the addition of Messengers, a collection of ceramic birds carrying a hidden sentiment inside, designed to raise a smile and lift the spirits. Created by Norwegian artist, Karen Lind, Messengers were originally created as gifts for friends and family during the pandemic; a time when we all could have used a little more love. Now, Lind’s birds are available for all to enjoy with six contemporary Scandinavian-styled designs for your customers to choose from including Red Some Love, Yellow Smile, Dark Blue Peace, Light Blue Hug, Indigo Support, and Purple Inner Strength. Underneath each piece there is a rolled message - relevant to the nature of the bird - printed on natural cotton fabric and tied with a jute string, hidden inside of the form of the cast stone sculpture. Unroll the fabric to reveal the message, and for added sentiment, personalised notes of caring thoughts and affection can be added to the other side. Adding to the lovely natural feel of this collection, each Messenger measures 7cm tall and is presented in a Kraft gift box with shredded fill inside. Each Messenger retails with a SRP of £15.00 making them a cost-effective yet super special way for your customers to send a little message of love to show someone just how much they care. T: +44 (0)1228 404 0422 E: uksales@enesco.co.uk www.enesco.co.uk WHOLESALE GIFTS TOMORROW But in many gardens, there’s limited space for hedgehogs to nest safely. This hedgehog house is designed for hedgehogs to shelter, breed and hibernate inside. It will also help protect them and their babies from predators. Finding a safe and warm sheltered place to hibernate through the winter is of vital importance for hedgehogs. This shelter will also help protect hedgehogs from badgers and foxes although it is rare for them to be prayed on. The hedgehog house is made from firwood/pine wood and features a curved roof to help water to run off. It is also suitable for squirrels. www.wholesalegiftstomorrow.co.uk ST EVAL Bringing the natural character and charm of St. Eval to the fore this winter, the team has launched a range of exciting new products and collections for 2022 which carry on its commitment to craft excellence while treading softly on the environment. Lamorna Collection Inspired by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in stunning West Cornwall, this September St. Eval is launching its special Lamorna Collection to celebrate the simple elegance of nature. Captivate your senses with five evocative fragrances in the new unique blend of natural rapeseed wax, showcased beautifully in elegant Glass Candles and Maxi Tealights with two brand new scents: Orange Blossom and Sandalwood & Cedar. Coastal Collection St. Eval’s Coastal Collection draws its inspiration from the beauty of the North Cornwall Coast, transporting you to your favourite Cornish beach with a trio of revitalising fragrances that harness the healing power of the ocean. This collection can now be enjoyed in brand new scented Tins and Tealights, boasting eyecatching ombre, deep blue designs and giving you more ways to enjoy the aromatic delights of Sea Mist, Sea Salt and Samphire & Sage scents. Botanical Hand, Bath & Body Collection Envisioned to capture the herbal healing of wild Cornwall, crafted naturally to protect and soothe against the elements and nourish body and soul. St. Eval’s Botanical collection harmoniously blends pure essential oils to deliver calming, balancing and healing therapeutic effects. Perfect to help create a haven of peace and calm, this collection is suitable for vegans, is paraben-free and leaping bunny certified (cruelty free). This Autumn, the collection welcomes four new products: shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion, to join the popular hand wash and hand lotion duo which launched in 2021. Celestial Collection Taking inspiration from the sparkle of the company’s star-studded heavens, St. Eval has also introduced a new Winter collection: Celestial, encapsulating the beauty of the night sky. Adorned with astrological designs this dreamy collection is home to a trio of popular fragrances; Inspiritus, Orange & Cinnamon and Winter Thyme, perfect for bringing the warmth of the winter season indoors. T: +44 (0)1841 540 850 E: info@st-eval.com www.st-eval.com
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