GIFTFOCUS INCORPORATING ATTIRE ACCESSORIES WWW.GIFTFOCUS.COM WWW.ATTIREACCESSORIES.COM The Write NOTE Stationery items to stock LIGHT UP Light up the home with these candle options FATHER’S DAY Great gifting ideas for men w i t hSfaoyo di…t Food & drink gifting
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Eco-friendly - recycled & recyclable Fairtrade & handmade by Indian craftsmen NEW FOR 2024 The current trend in the market is seeing an increase in products featuring both luxurious neutral tones and vibrant bubblegum colours, reflecting the trend for ecofriendly and sustainable choices whilst embracing a sense of vibrancy. Tilnar Art is excited to again be at the forefront and be launching a fresh new Brushed Green Collection to its existing Azeti range of recycled gifts in 2024, along with stunning new Purple and White Poppies, Highland Stags, Funky Mini Heart Bowls and Hearts and our quirky new Poppy Bowls in a vast array of wonderful colours! TRADE SHOWS 2024 Harrogate Home & Gift - Harrogate – 21-24 July 2024 – Hall/Marquee DP4 Stand DP4-76 Autumn Fair - NEC – 1-4 September 2024 – Hall 6 Stand J30 GLEE - NEC – 10-12 September 2024 - Hall 9 Stand D04 sales@tilnarart.co.uk www.tilnarart.co.uk
4 In this issue REGULARS 9 Industry news All the latest from the world of gifts 17 On with the show Trade fair dates and show news 21 Brand spanking new Latest launches and brand-new products 24 Bookstand The latest releases in gift books FEATURES 47 Fresh scents The best candles and home fragrances products 53 Hitting the write note Stationery goods that will entice crafty consumers and gift seekers alike 61 Homegrown gifts Products made in Britain 65 Food for the soul Luxury food and drink products are a failsafe gifting option loved by consumers of all generations. Check out these options… 69 Dad’s day Choose the ideal gifts to stock to capitalize on Father’s Day 47 March/April 2024 21 69 65 53
5 CONTENTS SHOWS 29 Artisan Made Held at the quirky and cool working cattle market, Skipton Auction Mart, ArtisanMadeuk is an art and craft trade show with a difference 33 Farm Shop & Deli What to expect at Farm Shop & Deli Show 2024 35 London Stationery Show Big moves in London Stationery Show 43 Spring Fair Trend Talk: Pitch Live Gift Focus and Attire Accessories Editor, Louise Prance, took part in the judging panel of Spring Fair’s new Pitch Live Gift session, read on to discover the winning pitch! FOCUS ON 37 Studio Pens A chance meeting inspired the launch of father and daughter business, Studio Pens. Since then the company has been on an upwards trajectory as a key distributor in the industry 40 Ampersand Fine fragrance brand Ampersand Managing Director, David Walker, discusses the genderless, environmentally-friendly scents that are making waves in the market 29 BUSINESS ADVICE 58 Better B Corp business March plays host to B Corp month, which aims to build awareness of the sustainability certification. Here, B Corp experts highlight the benefits of transforming business for better 75 ACID Marking 25 years of ACID, CEO Dids Macdonald, shares how the group has become a driving force in empowering designers against intellectual property theft 77 FSB National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Martin McTague, looks at how the VAT system operates 17 35 40 61 40
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7 EDITOR’S LETTER On the cover Studio Pens is the authorised UK distributor for Kaweco, Esterbrook and Schmidt Technology and is a father and daughter business. Read more about the company on page 37 Good or good enough? I’m writing this Editor’s Letter fresh from my visit to Spring Fair, and what a show it was. The mood from both exhibitors and visitors was positively buoyant, and the event was brimming with newness and innovation. Speaking of which, I made my stage debut as part of the judging panel for the new Pitch Live Gift format, a Dragon’s Den-style pitching session dedicated to new products. My fellow judges and I saw wonderful pitches from exciting companies Ducky Zebra, Willsow and Go On Make Me, before we finally decided on the successful pitch. Head to page 43 to read more about the event and discover who we crowned the winner! As some of you may or may not know, March is officially B Corp Month, so this issue we’re placing a focus on the benefits of this holistic and transparent certification which encourages better business practices. I had the pleasure of attending a talk on Building a B Corp, which gave wonderful insight from industry professionals on the benefits, both for your business and the planet, of this certification. Head to 58 to hear more from those having already gone through the process, and discover inspiration for your own business. As ever we have a host of wonderful features for you – this issue focusing on Father’s Day, Made in Britain, Stationery, Food & Drink Gifting, and Candles & Home Fragrances. Don’t forget to check out our regular features which keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the industry, from show and industry news, new product launches and business advice. Enjoy the issue, Louise Prance Editor Louise DESIGN +44 (0)1376 535 616 artwork@giftfocus.com ACCOUNTS +44 (0)1376 535 616 accounts@giftfocus.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis +44 (0)1376 535 602 sarah.ellis@giftfocus.com Gift Focus and Attire Accessories are solely owned, published and designed by Ellis Media and Events Ltd. 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: ADVERTISING Account Manager Lauren Redford-Hughes +44(0)1376 535 609 lauren.redford-hughes @giftfocus.com EDITORIAL Editor Louise Prance +44 (0)1376 514 000 louise.prance@giftfocus.com 53 69 47 Louise Prance, Editor
Bringing high quality ‘Art For All’ to consumers across the globe • framed canvas & prints • canvas • art prints • wood prints • soft furnishings www.artgroup.com T: (+44) 116 284 3640 sales@artgroup.com artgroupcom
Industry news Joe Davies has been appointed by Amber House as exclusive distributor for the Read My Lips brand of licensed Lip Balms across independent retail. The full collection of Read My Lips, featuring bestselling licensed brands such as Pepsi, Jelly Belly, Hershey’s, Reese’s, Fruit-tella and Mentos will be available from the Manchesterbased importer in February. The range consists of single lip balms, multi-packs and tear & share packs; all with flavours and packaging coordinated to each brand. John Kingham, Managing Director at Amber House commented: “Read My Lips is hugely popular and successful in the UK, and we have been looking for some time for the right distributor to take the brand forward into independent retail. With their reputation for awardwinning customer service and their ‘little & often’ order system Joe Davies are the perfect fit for us.” Paul Hooker, Managing Director at Joe Davies commented: “We are very excited to be working with Amber House, and our customers will love the fun Read My Lips collection, it’s a great impulse purchase line, perfect for children and adults alike.” For all enquiries regarding Read My Lips at Joe Davies or to place orders please contact Joe Davies on +44 (0)161 975 6300 or visit www.joedavies.co.uk Catch up on all the latest in our news round up SECRETS FROM A COACH PODCAST LAUNCHES KINDNESS CARDS To celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week, the Secrets from a Coach podcast launched a series of Kindness Cards. Designed to encourage kindness and inspiration for both individuals and teams, the cards give users an opportunity to pause, reflect and redirect their actions every day. Each pack contains 30 cards (plus 2 additional bonus cards), one for each day of the month, with thoughtful quotes and practical tips to help handle life’s stresses and challenges. The Call To Action outlined on the cards give users an opportunity to grow and practice new skills to support resilience, confidence and self-awareness. Debbie Green, wellness coach at Wishfish and co-presenter of Secrets from a Coach said, “It’s like having your very own wellness coach in a box! Our Kindness Cards can help you to stay motivated, grounded and always be kind to yourself. Offering a few minutes of reflection and grounding, they’re a great way to learn, grow and take a breath during a busy day. You can use them on your own or with your team at work – and they make great gifts too. What random act of kindness can you do this week for yourself or others?” Inspired by daily Instagram posts from Debbie Green, the Kindness Cards are available to buy for £10 per box plus postage and packaging via the Secrets from a Coach website. Lasting a snackable 30 minutes, making it ideal for the commute, lunch break or even a well-deserved break for selfcare and development, the Secrets from a Coach podcast offers practical learning based on current realities. A brand-new episode is published every Friday lunchtime, focusing on positive actions to help you thrive and maximise your potential in the ever-evolving workplace, and in life. JOE DAVIES APPOINTED AS READ MY LIPS DISTRIBUTOR TO INDEPENDENT RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS 9
SMART TOYS & GAMES ACQUIRES ALL JIGSAW PUZZLES Belgian puzzles and games company Smart Toys & Games has acquired of All Jigsaw Puzzles and welcome the team to the growing Smart family. All Jigsaw Puzzles is a puzzle manufacturer based in Devon, England with a mission to share the endless possibilities of puzzling. With a large customer base for white label puzzles and a successful ecommerce division, the business has its own range of over 300 puzzles working with national brands such as A-Z Maps, The National Gallery, and quirky artists such as Tim Bulmer and Mike Jupp. The acquisition by Smart, known for award-winning brands including SmartGames, IQ, Happy Cube, The Genius Square, GeoSmart and SmartMax furthers the growth and presence of the Company in the UK after the 2022 acquisition of The Happy Puzzle Company. Smart’s global CEO, Rolf Vandoren said; “Many of the great puzzles produced by All Jigsaw Puzzles will add to our evergrowing base of products that puzzle fans enjoy around the World. We also now have the added benefit of a European based manufacturing facility to bring local production opportunities to our customers as part of our product portfolio.” www.smarttoysandgames.co.uk SOCIAL STATIONERY DEAL FOR ACCLAIMED ARTIST PARTNER OF THE LONDON STUDIO Designs by Emmy Lupin, an exciting and highly original artist represented by art licensing and design company The London Studio, have been licensed for a series of 2025 diaries and calendars to be launched across Europe by Dumont Kalenderverlag, one of the leading calendar publishers in Germany, in late 2024. In total, Dumont commissioned 14 Emmy Lupin images for its 2025 social stationery collections. Already available to the trade, the diaries and calendars will be on sale to the public, both online and at physical retail, including kiosks, groceries, card shops and department stores, across Europe from Q4 2024. Dumont’s strong presence in Germany and France means it is likely to see a particularly good response from these markets. The deal was brokered on behalf of The London Studio by independent licensing sales consultant Maggy Harris of BlueSkye Licensing. An internationally successful designer based in Nottingham, Emmy Lupin’s work is inspired by looking at life through a female lens – with a bold use of pattern and colour, and a decorative, handdrawn style. In fact this deal rounded off a highly successful 2023 for Emmy Lupin, who was also recently commissioned by USbased fashion retailer Nasty Gal to illustrate and design a cowgirl-inspired collection for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Almost as soon as Nasty Gal promoted the range to its Instagram following of 4.7 million people in November online sales skyrocketed: in fact the whole collection has already sold out! More recently a line of Emmy Lupin friendship-based cards has appeared exclusively at Trader Joe’s, a national chain of neighbourhood grocery stores popular in the US since 1967. Emmy’s illustrations have also been commissioned by many other high-profile clients including Adidas, Sega, Galaxy (Mars Confectionery), Adobe, Vans, Three UK, TikTok, Claire’s Accessories, Hewlett Packard, Stylist magazine, Fujifilm, Trader Joes (USA), Berlin University and more. She also illustrates books for major publishers such as Macmillan, Hardie Grant and Simon & Schuster. Emmy has around 33,500 Instagram followers. 10
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JOE DAVIES TO BECOME 100 PERCENT EMPLOYEE OWNED Manchester-based giftware importer and distributor Joe Davies has announced that it is to become a 100 percent employeeowned business. The shareholding of the business will be held by the Joe Davies Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) for the benefit of all employees. The existing management team remains in place, headed up by CEO Steve Davies, it was Steve’s great grandfather Joe that set up the business 105 years ago. Davies commented; “I’m very proud to be able to say that the transition of the company to a 100 percent employee-owned business will see Joe Davies being run, and owned, by the very people that make Joe Davies what it is. “While I’m not retiring any time soon and my dad Peter is still very much involved with Joe Davies, there is no fifth generation of family coming through. For Peter and I an EOT is the perfect solution to secure our staff’s livelihoods and to look after my Grandpa Joe’s legacy. This allows Joe Davies to continue in its own special way and serve our lovely customers for many years to come.” Whilst employee ownership is not new, with perhaps the most famous example being John Lewis, it is one of the fastest growing ownership models in the UK. Paul Hooker, Managing Director commented: “The whole team at Joe Davies are immensely proud and honoured to be with the Company as we transition to being an employeeowned business. Day to day this will ensure that there is no change in the way we operate or shift in our values.” The deal has been some time in its preparation, with the business guided and supported by both the Employee Ownership Association and advisors Baxendale Employee Ownership, a specialist law firm who have been helping companies transition for over 14 years. Simon Everingham, of Baxendale said: “Joe Davies really are the perfect fit for the EOT model and have enthusiastically embraced the process. It’s been a real pleasure helping them to take the next step on their journey, which protects the legacy of the family and all that makes the Company so special.” www.joedavies.co.uk DIVINE SAVAGES OPENS ITS FIRST SHOWROOM Divine Savages is opening its first showroom and working studio in what is being dubbed ‘the unofficial design quarter of Bath’ - Margaret’s Buildings, right between the historic Royal Crescent and The Circus. True to form, with the help of many local tradespeople, founders Jamie Watkins and Tom have created a Maximalist’s dream selling exquisite wallpapers, luxurious fabrics and decorative accessories for the brave and the bold. Co-Founder, Jamie Watkins, hails from Bath and returning to this wonderful city marks a huge milestone in Divine Savages’ journey. He says: “We’re eccentric to the core and love the weird and wonderful. The quirkier the better. We like to push boundaries and design aesthetics and want to encourage our customers to do the same - our showroom is the first step in inspiring them to do so.” Visitors to the showroom can buy off-the-shelf cushions and original, quirky gifts and browse the vast array of wallpapers and fabrics available to order. INDUSTRY NEWS 13
NOT ON THE HIGH STREET LEADS WITH THE BIGGEST YEAR-ON-YEAR VISIBILITY GROWTH FOR ONLINE GIFTS AND GADGET BRANDS Not On The High Street has seen the biggest year-on-year visibility growth for the UK’s online gifts and gadgets brands in 2023. An annual report, conducted by Salience Search Marketing, analysed 11 crucial performance indicators, including year-onyear visibility, search volume trends, and brand awareness, for online gifts and gadgets brands to reveal the names dominating the industry. The online visibility of brands is ranked depending on the achievement score of their growth, and based on the level of impact a decline may bring to a brand. Through analysing the number of monthly searches for each brand and calculating an owned social score which combines the number of followers and engagement rate across major social platforms for each brand, the report unveils the most prominent gifts and gadgets brands in the sector. The findings reveal Not On The High Street is also the most prominent brand in the online gifts and gadgets sector. With 673,000 brand searches per month and an owned social score of 3,762, Not On The High Street is the market leader when it comes to brand awareness within the online gifts and gadgets sector. Moonpig follows as the second most prominent brand in the sector with over 1.5 million brand searches per month and an owned social score of 472 - thanks to their 262,500 social media followers. Brett Janes, managing director at Salience Search Marketing, said: “This increase in demand within the industry indicates a successful strategy, with this period crucial for brands to continue amplifying their online presence to gain prominence in the year ahead. “Brands such as Funky Pigeon, who has recorded a drop in visibility, will need to revisit their strategy and asses what competitors are doing to boost online visibility. “Overall, building a strong following and online presence across multiple channels becomes vital in driving sales and capitalising on the expanding market demand.” 14
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On with the show Trade show updates from home and abroad January Furniture Show ends with a 6 percent rise in visitors and a record-breaking rebook! The 2024 edition of the January Furniture Show (JFS) closed on a high with not only a 6 percent rise in visitors but a record breaking rebook for the 2025 edition. A vibrant feel to the show was reflected in the buzz of the halls as top buyers flocked from across the world to the NEC Birmingham with over 25 percent of these buyers visiting for more than one day. Positivity for the show was evident, signalling the importance of JFS in reuniting the industry and embodying the show’s ethos of ‘building the future of furniture, together.’ With multiple opportunities at the show for networking and an emphasis on connecting with the industry, JFS brought brands, buyers, designers, architects, manufacturers, and distributors together in their passion for quality, innovative furniture. As the UK’s biggest furniture and home interiors trade show, the industry united for four days of product sourcing, networking and inspiration from top brands from across the globe. Peter Harrison, Executive Chairman at Furniture Village, explained why attending JFS is so important for himself and his team as they aim ‘to meet people as there are some terrific suppliers here and to find new products, see trends for colour pallets, finishes - anything that will help us to stay with it.’ While DFS Quality Manager, Kim Sprott, said there was: “great networking opportunities throughout the show. I’ve seen lots of new brands that we haven’t seen before, and JFS is the perfect place to see the new trends for the year.” Also, Natasha North from Dunelm said that JFS, “ticked all our boxes and we saw all the brands that we needed to see - mission accomplished.” Visitors weren’t the only ones who were pleased with the show, exhibitor Nichola Bell, the Sales Director for Alpha Designs, said: “JFS has been our best ever show, with high sales from very enthusiastic buyers and we’ve seen a good mix of new and existing customers.” Siobhan Walsh, the Strategic Planning Director for Scatter Box, said: “JFS has been a good show, as we’ve met new, quality customers’ which is evident in the show’s increased VIP attendance. With 83 percent conversion on VIP visitors, exhibitors had access to some of the top buyers from across the industry, with buying power +£1 million, up 18 percent since 2023.” Over the show’s four days, JFS saw top buyers attend from Argos, Arthur Llewellyn Jenkins, B&M Retail, Bensons for Beds, British Garden Centres, Daniels Stores, Debenhams, DFS, Dunelm, Fabb Furniture, Fairway Furniture, Wayfair and more. Across all retailer groups there was a significant growth in attendance in particular: department store attendance up by 18 percent, distributor attendance up 25 percent wholesaler attendance up 16 percent interior designers attendance up 8 percent, and contract buyer attendance up 40 percent. Plus, JFS proved to be an international affair with visitors coming from 53 countries including Belgium, Brazil, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Turkey and more. www.thefurnitureshows.com THE FASHION INDUSTRY SUPPORTS THE FIRST PURE LONDON X JATC The inaugural Pure London x JATC, the London festival of fashion, closed on a high following three highly productive days combining trend-led fashion, inspiring and educational content, global networking and game-changing new business opportunities. Retailers including John Lewis, Galeries Lafayette, Debenhams, ASOS, Liberty London, V&A, Marks & Spencer, Next, McElhinneys, Macbees, QVC, Cordelia James, Morleys, Jago, Rosypenguin, Agatha Boutique, Voisins, Urban Outfitters, Frasers Group, New Look and many more attended Olympia London across the event taking advantage of everything the show has to offer and buoyed by the new categories and destinations, edit of new and returning brands and inspirational trends. Leonie Burke, Leonies, Tipperary said: “The show feels better this year, it feels much more cohesive. I have found some great newness! I wasn’t looking for a perfume brand, but I found Ampersand. You will always be inspired at a trade show, it’s so good to browse the brands now the shows have combined you can see so much in one place!” Event Director at Pure London, Gloria Sandrucci welcomed record numbers of new brands to the show this season and commented, “We have been blown away by visitors’ reactions to the first combined Pure London x JATC. Together we have been able to champion new and emerging brands as well as showcasing established brands from all over the world. It has been a pleasure to welcome so many retailers from across the country and internationally and to hear their positive feedback!” www.purelondon.com 17 NEWS & EVENTS
SCOOP CELEBRATES A TRIUMPHANT AUTUMN/ WINTER 2024 Scoop closed its doors celebrating a triumphant Autumn/ Winter 24 season, where guests were invited to A Return to Wonderment and discovered an array of international designers. Adorned with opulent art deco influences throughout, the show was buzzing with buyers from across the country and internationally including teams from Liberty London, Galeries Lafayette, Le Printemps, Fenwicks, Cavells, Le Bon Marche, Harvey Nichols, Stanwells , Collen and Clare and many more. Deryane Tadd, The Dressing Room, St Albans said, “Scoop has a great buzz this season! There is a lot of newness, and the theme is wonderful. There has been good energy across the show, and I have picked up new brands as well as buying from my existing favourites. It is great to have three shows on at the same time and in one location making buying convenient as well as enjoyable!” Located at Olympia West, Kensington from 11th -13th February, the show offered an exclusive edit of over 200 contemporary womenswear, accessory and lifestyle collections expertly curated by the show’s MD and Founder, Karen Radley. Designers commented on the steady stream of retailers, beautiful styling of the event and the edit of collections. Commenting on the success, Karen Radley said: “Everyone that has walked through the doors this season has commented on the ‘wonderment’ of the show, from the incredible new designers and collections they have discovered to the special environment we have created. We are closing our doors on what has been a fantastic season!” www.scoop-international.com Sponsors onboard for National Stationery Week The plans for National Stationery Week 2024 are off to a fabulous start, with seven leading brands immediately pledging their support as sponsors for the weeklong event which will spread the love at both retail and consumer levels about all things stationery. National Stationery Week will run over Monday to Sunday, 13-19 May, this year, and as ever will encompass the London Stationery Show. Maped Helix, Pentel, Staedtler and Zebra Pen had no hesitation in coming on board as headline sponsors for NSW, each sponsoring a day while Sinclairs has signed up as sponsor of the #Shelfie Competition to kickstart the build-up and also joins ExaClair and The Art File as a countdown week sponsor. For the second year running, the indomitable stationery indie Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies in Marple and Wilmslow is heading up the campaign for National Stationery Week. “NSW is my favourite week of the year, I’ve taken part in it since the beginning in 2011, so I was beyond excited to be asked to spearhead the National Stationery Week campaign again this year and delighted that we already have such a strong line-up of sponsors,” commented Sarah. Sarah is well underway with the full plans for National Stationery Week, with marketing activities for each individual day, each of which will have a dedicated sponsor. Staedtler has booked the Wednesday for its headline sponsorship slot. Showing the company’s enthusiasm, Staedtler’s senior marketing executive Rebekah Bell said: “We’re thrilled to be sponsoring National Stationery Week again in 2024, following the success of the 2023 event. It’s a key event for Staedtler, and this year is set to be full of colour and creativity!” And Pentel is Tuesday’s sponsor, as marketing manager Wendy Vickery explained: “We had no doubts we wanted to be involved once again – last year’s #LovePentelPens activity provided us with a great opportunity to support independent retailers with new product sampling and the chance to win high impact merchandising units. “It also enabled us to encourage consumers to visit their local retail stationery stockist in store, in person, to pick up a sample pack of new Pentel pens and show their love for stationery by voting for their favourite independent stationery retailer. This year we’ll be unveiling more exciting plans to support our customers and share positive stationery vibes.” Maped Helix is the Monday sponsor and Zebra Pen has secured Friday, which leaves just Thursday, Saturday and Sunday available as GF went to press. Sarah is also looking for two more countdown sponsors for each of the six weeks preceding before NSW – The Art File is signed up for week one, ExaClair has booked weeks two and three and Sinclairs has secured week six, on top of its #Shelfie Competition sponsorship. The Art File has joined the NSW sponsorship line-up for the first time, which coincides with the greeting card publisher’s major stationery launch. As James Mace, its sales and marketing manager commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be sponsoring the National Stationery Week campaign this year. We feel it’s incredibly important to help in spreading the importance of the written word of course on greeting cards, but equally as importantly on stationery as well, so it’s great to be involved.” www.nationalstationeryweek.com 18
VISIT STYLE BANGKOK 2024 For aficionados of lifestyle products, fashion, and crafts, particularly those emanating from the vibrant Asian design scene, STYLE Bangkok is a must-know event, taking place 20-24 March, 2022 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand. It stands tall as the largest international showcase of lifestyle, fashion, and craftsmanship in Thailand and Asia. The revolution of STYLE Bangkok in 2024 promises a display of lifestyle and fashion products, coupled with crafts and design from both renowned and emerging brands. The focus is on delivering STYLE Solution+, encompassing Design Solution+, Product Solution+, Project Solution+, and Material Solution+. This comprehensive approach aims to meet the evolving preferences of buyers and business trends. STYLE Bangkok 2024 revolves around the theme of Chicnature, a fusion of Chic and Nature, echoing the concept of Signature. ‘Chic’ reflects the event’s stance on unique and stylish presentation, while ‘Nature’ emphasises a commitment to responding to global megatrends, particularly Sustainability. The event showcases works aligning with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, currently a global focus. When the design and lifestyle industry seamlessly aligns with sustainability, it presents a golden opportunity for a global audience to encounter designers and manufacturers with diverse capabilities in this comprehensive event, covering every conceivable category. Whether it’s distinctive products reflecting Thai culture, such as Muay Thai shorts and shirts from the esteemed Buakaw Gallery, fashion and textiles blending state-of-the-art novelty and local wisdom from Homrak, or exquisite fashion jewellery crafted from recycled plastic by the visionary brand Ethnicabaca, the diversity is truly astounding. Experience the brilliance of unique teak furniture from Deesawat, locally crafted teak furniture from Chiang Mai’s collaborative brand Moonlar or upcycled furniture utilising leftover materials from the manufacturing process by Corner 43 Décor. Revel in home decor designs using bamboo and natural materials, blending seamlessly with creative concepts from Korakot. Enter the realm of 103Paper Shop, offering home decor crafted from recyclable paper and natural products, or indulge in the renowned fragrances of Thaniya, featuring soy wax in ceramic bottles. Immerse yourself in the natural fragrances crafted with environmental consciousness by Sedar.W, or elevate your living space with premium quality, plastic-free glassware from SaYa. Don’t miss out on ecofriendly cleaning products from the environmentally conscious brand Pipper Standard. The New Faces zone features products from various entrepreneurs, including OTOP manufacturers, emerging designers from Talent Thai & Designers’ Room, and fashion items from the Qurated Fashion Incubation project. Indulge in the exhibition showcasing the potential of Thai design, including zones dedicated to the Material Thai to Japan project and the STYLE Bangkok Collaboration Project. Witness the excellence in Thai-designed products, recognised with the Design Excellence Award — DEmark. Immerse yourself in the Art Zone exhibition, explore the sections with a distinctly Thai essence catering to buyers worldwide, discover products crafted under the ESG ethos, and much more. The showcase is brimming with diverse presentations that capture the essence of Thai creativity. In the vibrant array of works originating from creative thinking and the dedicated pursuit of solutions for the environment, society, and cultural ethics, over 1,000 booths from more than 400 companies showcase the essence of design at this event. It is therefore apt to describe STYLE Bangkok 2024 as an occasion that provides a space for the harmonious coexistence of ‘chic’ and ‘nature.’ Explore the immersive three-dimensional design and experience STYLE Bangkok 2024 through Augmented Reality (AR) technology at https://bit.ly/ stylebangkok-ar. Follow for more details on Facebook: Style Bangkok Fair and at www. stylebangkokfair.com Spring Fair 2024 ends on a high Spring Fair, the UK’s largest and most inspirational retail marketplace for Home, Gift and Fashion, closed on a high after four days of intensive buying, creativity and fun, and now looks ahead to its 75th anniversary in 2025. Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director, Spring Fair said, “I have been blown away by the energy, passion and community at Spring Fair during the last four days. The feedback and stories from buyers, exhibitors, and partners have highlighted just how integral this show is to the retail calendar. As well as the day job of buying, it enables the retail industry to come alive with inspiration, innovation, knowledge and networking. All of our new experiences and activations across the show floor, and the awe-inspiring content on the three stages, have been very well received and I’ve also loved the sense of fun our exhibitors bring – I’ve seen people dressed as sheep, sharks, dogs, naughty elves, and of course Peppa Pig! “We’re now very excited to look forward to 2025 as we celebrate 75 years as the Home, Gift and Fashion industry’s most established and inventive buying show.” Many exhibitors were celebrating milestone anniversaries this year, and were all hand delivered a birthday cake from Spring Fair organisers Hyve. Lotus Imports celebrates 60years, Verma Enterprises is 40, Enesco and Garden Trading are 30, Talking Tables celebrate 25 years, Laura Darrington Designs hit 20, Berni Parker Designs celebrates its 15th year, and Academie, Raspberry Blossom, Tache, Louise Tiler, Pickmotion, and Rush Design all reached double figures. From Sunday to Wednesday, the UK’s longest serving retail show attracted thousands of buyers from retailers including John Lewis, Asda, Fortnum & Mason, Tesco, Aldi UK, Elphicks, Cards Galore, Costcutter, TK Maxx, Mint Velvet, RAF association, NEXT, World Duty Free, Squirrels UK, Yarnton Home and Garden, Claire’s Accessories, Willows Activity Farm, Smiffy’s, Clintons, Macmillan, Wayfair, Harrods, National Trust, Blue Diamond, Fenwick, Laura Ashley, Merlin Entertainment, WHSmith, RSPCA, Warner Bros, TJX Europe, Creaseys, Hallmark, Card Factory, B&Q, Costco, Natural History Museum, and Dobbies Garden Centre, Denby Retail, McElhinneys, and many more, all sourcing for new products and looking for the competitive edge. The licensing business delivered a big impact on the show floor with thousands of trend-led licensed products including gifts, collectables, toys, clothing, beauty and housewares. Feedback throughout the show indicated high quality footfall, new customers, and a buzzing atmosphere, with many exhibitors reporting their best show ever. #SBS Village exhibitor and Pitch Live Gift winner Sally Deer from Ducky Zebra commented on how beneficial the Pitch Live experience has been to her business. “Winning Pitch Live is a huge achievement and I’m really happy,” she said. “I’ve opened up 10-year accounts and I have also got several new genuine connections and leads so I’m absolutely buzzing! www.springfair.com 19 NEWS & EVENTS
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21 BRAND SPANKING NEW Brand spanking new Check out some new and exciting products in the current market PERSONALISED MEMENTO COMPANY E: sales@personalisedmementocompany.co.uk www.personalisedmementocompany.co.uk Enjoy your drinks on the go in style, with a personalised travel cup from Personalised Memento Company. With a variety of designs to choose from they’re perfect to fill up from your favourite coffee shop or brew up at home and take with you on your morning commute. A great gift idea for yourself or a loved one, these generously sized travel mugs feature high quality hard plastic screw-on lid to prevent spills; what’s more they are double walled to keep your favourite beverage hotter for longer! Each one is personalised with a name or a message and available as part of their huge range of giftware covering all occasions. Head over to the website to register for free. REX LONDON Three brand new tea caddies join Rex London’s shelves where tradition meets contemporary elegance. Their timeless design is inspired by vintage brand tea packing and the metalwork makes them durable and functional. They also include an internal sealing lid to keep the contents fresh and dry. So, no matter if your customers are fans of loose leaf tea or tea bags, they can rest assured that Rex London’s tea caddies will provide the perfect home for their favourite tea blends. The best part? The tea caddies complement the style of other home and kitchen accessories from Rex London’s Retro Pantry collection, including their bestselling storage tins, and together they can create a beautiful open-shelving display, bringing nostalgia to life with a modern twist. www.rexlondontrade.com ANCIENT WISDOM www.ancientwisdom.biz Wholesale Aromatherapy Sets: This set features a Bath Bomb, Himalayan Bath Salt, and charming Flower Petals, neatly packaged in an ecofriendly cardboard tube. The complete bath-time experience. • Essential Oil Bath Bomb (approx. 140g): Infuse bath time with enchanting scents and vibrant colours, creating a spa-like experience that relaxes and moisturises the skin. • Himalayan Bath Salt (approx. 50g): Offer your customers a touch of luxury with mineral-packed Himalayan Bath Salt, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. • Flower Petals (approx. 5g): Enrich the bath experience with carefully chosen dried flowers, adding natural beauty and a delightful aroma. • Retailer-Friendly Packaging: The eco-friendly cardboard tube preserves freshness, making it an attractive addition to in-store displays for an eye-catching retail experience. Boost your retail collection with these Aromatherapy Sets – a perfect blend of quality, aesthetics, and eco-conscious packaging. Ideal for both gifting and personal indulgence, this set promises a sensory journey for your customers. ARTIFICIAL INK www.artificialink.com Elevate any birthday celebration with the ‘Cat Grumpy Birthday Greeting Card’ from the New Products Collection, a charming blend of humour and artistry. This unique card features a photorealistic depiction of a grumpy ginger Persian cat, adorned with a golden birthday hat, sitting regally in front of a birthday cake. Its comical expression of birthday disdain, combined with the luxurious elegance of the Persian breed, makes for a hilariously heartwarming greeting. Perfect for cat lovers, those with a sense of humour, or anyone who appreciates a touch of whimsy, this card is a standout choice for retail, offering a memorable and humorous way to send birthday wishes.
22 VERENA MUELLER ILLUSTRATION Verena Mueller Illustration has a new mindfulness card deck in the works for 2024. Launched at the end of February, this deck of grounding cards with simple prompts and affirmations, is a helpful tool to bring you back to the present moment and cultivate a sense of calm. Each deck comes as a pack of 25 cards, with 16 prompt cards, 8 affirmation cards, and 1 explanation card. Centred Self comes in a portable and pretty box which protects the cards inside while providing a stunning shop display. All cards are printed locally on recycled card and are finished with a matte lamination, making them durable and long-lasting. They make a perfect gift for anyone who is interested in mindfulness and self-care. verenamueller.co.uk ESTERBROOK The Esterbrook Estie is a tribute to the Esterbrook brand and its storied history. Short for Esterbrook, the Estie evokes a feeling of 1930s nostalgia; a time when fountain pens were an integral part of life and communication. Esterbrook brings you a departure from their usual vibrant Estie colourways. Imagine the ancient allure of ravens, creatures of myth and magic, whose dark feathers have long been associated with mystery and wisdom. It is against this backdrop that Esterbrook has created the Estie Raven—a pen that captures the essence of these intelligent and curious birds. Ancient legends and tales depict the raven in many different ways, and these stories have inspired the creation of the Estie Raven. This mythologically inspired pen has a matte black body complete with a matching black nib and trim. With the Estie Raven, Esterbrook have created a pen that has the subtle, mysterious charm of the raven and oozes sophistication. The Estie Raven is available as a regular-sized fountain pen with EF, F, M , B and Stub nibs, as well as a rollerball and a ballpoint pen. In addition to the standard fountain pen, the Estie Raven is also available as a piston filler. This button piston mechanism is one of Esterbrook’s new and exciting additions, and it allows you to ink your pen easily and cleanly! To go with the pen, Esterbrook partnered with the German artist Anne Nossack to create a special blotting paper printed with raven illustrations. The blotting paper sits perfectly next to the Estie Raven and is as practical as it is pretty! Introducing the Esterbrook Model J - a timeless masterpiece that gracefully blends vintage charm with modern ingenuity. Crafted with exquisite ebonite from Germany, this pen showcases a seamless fusion of tradition and innovation. Its iconic design, inspired by the beloved 1950’s vintage J model, pays homage to Esterbrook’s rich heritage. The Model J comes in two colours - Antique Rose and Lotus Green. The origin of ebonite goes back to the early 20th century, when ebonite was used as an artificial substitute for ebony wood due to its expressive marbling and highly polishable finish. Ebonite is a naturally-derived plastic which is made by vulcanizing rubber with sulphur. Therefore, ebonite is a unique material which requires a little extra care and attention. The Model J is equipped with a Jowo size 6 gold plated nib which is available in various sizes, including custom nib options. The Model J pen promises an exceptional writing performance. Delight in the subtle yet distinctive barrel engraving, adorned with the R. Esterbrook signature logo, and comfortable grip section for extended writing comfort. Presented in premium packaging, complete with a vintage-inspired sleeve adorned with Esterbrook factory imagery, the Esterbrook Model J is a timeless treasure waiting to grace your collection. www.studiopens.com STOCKWELL CERAMICS Stockwell Ceramics is pleased to announce the arrival of its new black Labrador brooch, which has just joined the many coloured pack of old favourites. This is proving to be a huge success among their large following of devoted dog lovers with its subtle application of a beautiful heritage William Morris design. Take a look at the extensive range of animal and Heritage brooches on their website. www.stockwellceramics.co.uk LADELLE Bring some rustic sophistication to your serveware collection with the Tuscany Slate Serveware Range. With its signature flaked edge, and hand-crafted composition, this serveware range is perfect for serving anything from cheese and charcuterie to main dishes. Featuring unique lasered designs as well as eyecatching packaging, Tuscany is perfect for gift giving. www.ladellegroup.com
23 BRAND SPANKING NEW ST EVAL St. Eval has announced its first collection for 2024, Garden Path. Crafted to capture the enchanting aromas of the outdoors and celebrate the incredible scents of nature, this collection encapsulates three evocative fragrances: delicately sunkissed wildflowers, zesty fresh citrus fruits and budding cottage garden blooms with Walled Garden, Orange Blossom and Sweet Pea. A testament to St. Eval’s commitment to craftsmanship, each Garden Path is adorned in soft pastel shades which echo the joyous hues of summer and are distinctively unique thanks to their reactive glazes. Lovingly created in a familyrun factory in Portugal, these posts are a true embodiment of handcrafted quality. For over 28 years, St. Eval has been dedicated to sustainably crafting candles and home fragrances, placing people and planet at heart. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and their beautiful surroundings of coast and countryside in Cornwall, as a certified B Corp St. Eval pioneers its passion to curate an atmosphere of wellbeing whilst treading softly on the earth. www.st-eval.com SHARED EARTH Sustainability is the key trend for this year – and probably years to come – and Shared Earth, the pioneer of sustainable gifts in the UK, has a huge selection. One thing it’s doing is to reduce the cotton it sells, a very ‘bad boy’ in environmental terms. It uses enormous amounts of water to grow, as well as land, not what’s needed in countries like India. Shared Earth’s bamboo socks and jute bags are two great alternatives, and this year, it’s adding recycled cotton socks and recycled cotton tote bags. Both look like being immediate hits if customers’ first reactions are anything to go by. And they’re Fair Trade too… www.sharedearth-trade.co.uk DUNOON CERAMICS Dunoon has added three new designs to its informative collection on the Glencoe mug shape, these are ‘World of Yoga’, ‘World of Skiing’ and ‘World of Birds’. All three designs provide interesting information and are designed and beautifully illustrated by Caroline Dadd. Made in Fine Bone China and handcrafted in Staffordshire. Dunoon is a well-established UK manufacturer of high quality Fine Bone China mugs, teapots, cups and saucers and was formed originally in Scotland in1974 and now in it’s 50th year of manufacturing. www.dunoonmugs.co.uk EXACLAIR Décopatch is a simple papercraft to learn and enjoy… tear or cut the paper into small pieces, glue to the object being decorated and repeat until covered. Offering great creative fun for kids and adults alike, three new mini kits featuring a lion, mermaid and superhero are being added to this popular range, making a great introduction to the world of Décopatch! Each kit contains one ready to decorate papier mâché shape, two sheets of Décopatch paper, one glue pot and a brush. For retailers seeking to expand their in-store merchandising, a comprehensive package of demonstration solutions and workshop events are available. www.exaclairlimited.com
24 Bookstand The latest releases in gift books MADE WEAVE LOVE Author: Phoebe Jones RRP: £22 Format: Paperback Phoebe Jones is on a mission to make weaving accessible to all. In her debut book Made Weave Love Phoebe shows you the joys of weaving and how this gentle and intuitive craft can spark creativity in your life. Covering the very basics from the essential tools and how to build your own loom, to selecting the perfect yarn and finding colour and design inspiration, Phoebe carefully guides you through everything you need to get started. Packed with beautiful photography and step-by-step tutorials throughout, this go-to guide - featuring projects for both beginners and advanced crafters alike - will give you the skills you need to confidently weave gorgeous masterpieces that spread style and colour throughout your home. Phoebe Jones is a fibre artist, weaving expert and mother of two based in Dorset. She is founder of the online store, Made Weave Love, where she sells beautiful handwoven homewares, accessories and hand-spun yarn. Phoebe has built an online community of over 1.7M followers across social media through sharing the crafting process of her wonderful creations. www.quercusbooks.co.uk FUNNY FIG Author: Claire Smith RRP: £6.99 Funny Fig is the debut book from The A to Z Patch, a new children’s book series which features fruit and vegetable friends from around the world who connect with the reader by exploring feelings through fun actions. Funny Fig shakes their bottom, blows loud raspberries, counts to ten in a silly voice all in an attempt to cheer up their grumpy little sister! It is an interactive series written to be read aloud by parents and caregivers to engage and entertain preschoolers. There are twenty-six books in total featuring each letter from the alphabet. Each letter is a fruit or vegetable character linked to a feeling or action, e.g. Funny Fig, Loving Lemon, Jumping Jackfruit, Nervous Nectarine. The stories include fun actions to help engage both reader and child and prompts are used to help encourage children to do the actions. Repetition is used throughout and there is early introduction to alliteration. Main characters are gender neutral, allowing every child to associate only with the feeling of the character. Funny Fig deals with the emotions of being grumpy and also how making others laugh feels good. Each story ends with a question to create a space for conversation and interaction between the reader and the child. The author, Claire Smith, is currently on a tour of nurseries and preschools in her home county of Buckinghamshire. www.theatozpatch.com RAMADAN MUBARAK Author: Tharik Hussain RRP: £7.99 Format: Hardback ISBN: 978 1 83799 134 1 Immerse yourself in this beautiful selection of powerful words to help you feel inspired and encouraged throughout the holy month of Ramadan – a time of hope and renewal. Ramadan Mubarak is filled with insightful words and guidance from a wide range of Muslim figures, including female and lesser-known voices, like Turkish female mystic Hatice Cenan Hanim and the South Asian poet and mystic, Hasan Raja to help your spiritual growth and deepen the inner journey Muslims embark on during this most blessed of months. The inspiring collection also contains well-known voices such as Malala Yousafzai and the scholarly mystic, Rumi to help deepen your connection to God, enhance your worship and devotion, and stay positive throughout this sacred time. “The month of Ramadan reflects the true spirit of Islam; it is my favourite time of the year because of this, and it is this spirit I have tried to evoke through this book.” “The visibility of female voices in Muslim spaces is very important to me; this is why I have included the words of some of the most inspiring Muslim women from the past and present in the book,” Tharik Hussain, author of Ramadan Mubarak. www.summersdale.com DINNER WITH CHURCHILL Author: Robin Hawdon Format: Paperback ISBN: 978-1-7384231-2-5 This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Winston Churchill, with a year-long national campaign planned across the UK. Coinciding with this is the recently published Dinner with Churchill by Robin Hawdon. The novel shines a spotlight on an extraordinary event at the beginning of World War II - a little-known meeting between Winston Churchill and Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, which may have changed the course of British politics. On October 13th 1939, it appears that Churchill and his wife Clementine entertained Chamberlain and his wife Anne with a private dinner at Admiralty House. It was an event which caused great speculation around the corridors of Whitehall and Westminster, since it was well known that the two politicians had been arch political enemies for years over the appeasement issue. The dinner party was the one and only time the four illmatched people had met alone socially. Almost nothing is known about the event except for one laconic entry in Churchill’s diary - “Had the Chamberlains to dinner. The evening went well. Part historical drama, part spy story, part romance, Robin Hawdon’s novel explores the possibilities of the occasion through a fictional account of the evening. www.cambriabooks.co.uk
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