Progressive Gifts & Home: July 2023

Hand made in Ireland

The Herb Dublin range of candles, diffusers and bath & body products was created for relaxation, detoxification and life happiness, made with all natural ingredients

Inspired by the gardens of Ireland

Presented in gorgeous gift packaging, the Irish Botanicals range of candles and diffusers is fun, fabulous and affordable

A best-selling gift collection for over 20 years

Introduced in 2000, these classic nativity figurines continue to be the best-selling Willow Tree product

For the team here at Progressive Gifts & Home, July 2023 is a hugely important milestone month, with Progressive Gift & Home’s very first issue launched at Harrogate’s Home & Gift show in July 1993. I truly wish I’d been there, but at the time I was busy as the editor of a consumer cookery title, joining Max Publishing in December 1998 - making this my 25th milestone year as the proud editor of the magazine!

Stepping from a world of cakes and bakes, (and later crafts too), into the mighty NEC for my first Spring Fair (February 1999) was pretty overwhelming. There were some 20 halls back then, polyresin collectables ruled, as did plush, bears, china and glassware. I would have loved the yet-to-be invented Google maps to help me find my way around, and it didn’t help that the heel snapped on one of my shoes! (Yes, I was wearing vertiginous high heels!).

Today, while licensed collectables in particular are still part of the product mix, it’s home fragrancing products (turn to pages 37-41) that have become the ‘must haves’ for gift retailers, with jewellery and fashion accessories (turn to pages 67-71) a given as gift shops evolve into lifestyle stores. Greeting cards too, have grown exponentially for gift shops.

Perhaps one of the biggest changes we’ve seen over the past 30 years has been the

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unstoppable rise and rise of technology. No longer do retailers open their doors at 9am and put up the closed sign at 5.30pm. The internet and social media came along and changed all of that forever, with gift retailers wearing many hats nowadays, becoming experienced marketeers, as well as social media savvy, along the way. From a PG&H perspective, I feel hugely proud that over two decades ago, The Greats gift retailer awards were launched by Progressive Gifts & Home in 2003 and are continuing to go from strength to strength. They have recognised and rewarded some amazing gift shops, with Oliver Bonasarguably today’s biggest independent multiple gift retailer and best known brands in the sector - one of the competition’s very first winners. Adding to their prestige, in 2021, The Greats joined forces with the GA’s prestigious Gift of the Year awards, creating The Gift Awards, which today unite the gift industry.

I also feel proud that PG&H’s annual retailer round table was launched at Harrogate Home & Gifts some 20 years ago, remaining a hot ticket in town for retailers with something to say. It has gone on to spawn

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a 30-strong WhatsApp group – Retail Buddies – which was set up five years ago by a group of enthusiastic retail round tablers. It helped members through the toughest months of the pandemic and continues to inspire gift retailers to share information about products and services, plus much else besides.

While these are just a few of my own reflections, both about the industry at large, and more specifically about PG&H, turn to pages 19-25 to hear what retailers and suppliers have to say about the past and the future of our much loved industry. Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane!

Back to the present though, and this July’s Harrogate Home & Gift show, (turn to pages 9, 29, 33 and 49), if you’re going to be there we’d love to see you at PG&H’s 30th anniversary celebrations at the end of the first day of the show (Sunday 16 July). We’d love you to help us celebrate three decades as a ‘must read’, much loved market leading gift publication, so really hope to see you there!

Meanwhile, enjoy reading this issue which is brimming with all the latest industry news and views, plus much else besides.

See you in Harrogate!

Sue Marks Editor

The UK gift and home industry is dynamic, innovative and vibrant and The Greats Awards reflect all of this and much more. Be a part of it! Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk

Inset: Now: As greeting cards become an ever more important category for gift retailers, clinking glasses on the first day of PG Live (6 June) were: from left to right: Highworth Emporium’s Victoria Packford and Aga Marsden; Jo Amor’s Jo Webber; Expressions, Cat’s Whiskers and Polkadot’s Tracey Bryant; Etcetera’s Katrina Raill, and Lovely Libby’s Libby Holden. (See Industry News on page 17).

Inset: Then: Sue in the ‘90s.

Hotting Up For Harrogate The Show Gets Ready To Welcome

The opportunity to mix business with pleasure will once again see gift buyers from up and down the country heading to Harrogate’s Home & Gift show (16-19 July).

Among the highlights will be a trends installation created in collaboration with organiser Clarion’s show partner, The Better Trends Company.

After-show get togethers include the Sundowners drinks on Sunday 16 July, in collaboration with Progressive Gifts & Home magazine, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary during Harrogate.

The show takes place in the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate, and in the Harrogate Convention Centre, with registration

GOTY 2024 Open For Entries

It’s all systems go for the Gift of the Year Awards 2024, with the competition officially open for entries. “We have no doubt that the 2024 competition will be brimming with amazing products and, to match them, we have a very impressive line-up of judges with products guaranteed to be seen by buyers, retailers and the trade media who all make up the judging panel,” comments

The Giftware Association’s PR and marketing manager Chris Workman.

Visitors

open. Visit homeandgift.co.uk .See Mixing Business With Pleasure on page 49 for the full show lowdown, and also Libby’s Lines on page 35.

Christmas ‘Pop Up’ Opportunity

“There will be 20 categories this year, to include a new Wellbeing category which has been requested over the years,” continues Chris. “We are bringing back Pet Gifts too, as there are a lot of companies who want to enter products into the category.”

At every stage of the competition - which closes in November - entrants will receive promotional marketing material to boost their brand, as well as ways for companies to fanfare their achievements. All entrants will also be able to feature a Gift of the Year ‘Nominated’ logo.

The winners will be announced at The Gift Awards 2024, which take place at London’s Royal Lancaster hotel on 16 May, 2024, alongside the winners of The Greats gift retailer Awards.

Visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk; awards@ga-uk.org; www.thegiftawards.com

Potters Crouch Expands Its Production

Potters Crouch Candles is expanding by taking on a new production facility. As chairman David Brown explained: “Our last financial year was our most successful ever and, as a result, we are taking on additional production capacity at a new location. The old head office will remain, and nothing changes from the customer perspective, but the additional production facility will enable us to meet the growing demand. July will therefore be occupied with moving and setting up.”

Adds David: “We are very sad not to be exhibiting at Harrogate Home & Gift this year, but we are going to need every spare body to make sure the new production is set up effectively and is running smoothly before we hit the peak production and selling season in August-October. Add to that some new products, as well as training new staff, and we had to make the tough decision that we simply couldn’t fit the Home & Gift Show in this time around. If the move is going well, I hope to slip away for a day or so and pop in to see how things are going. Meanwhile, we know the new facility will allow us to meet growing demand, and we look forward to being back in the old routine next year.”

The Great Brand Exchange has opened up its John Lewis pop-up shop calendar for Christmas 2023, and is on the hunt for specific Christmas based brands to take part, particularly companies offering: Personalised products: e.g, Christmas baubles, stockings and gifts to include candles etc; Christmas Gifts: gift bundles and wrapped products; Children: Baby's First Christmas, Christmas Eve boxes etc; Decorations: Christmas trees, decor & interiors, festive table etc; Festive Food & Drink: to include non alcohol, chocolates etc; Festive Dress Up: matching outfits, pyjamas etc; Christmas Wrapping: in store wrapping services, wrapping for at home.

The pop-up shops provide a temporary retail space within John Lewis and other leading retailers that allow businesses to create a unique shopping experience that captures the attention of customers.

Visit thegbexchange.com

Above: Previous pop up shops organised by The Great Brand Exchange.

Maybugs To Open Indoor Market

Multi-award winning gift store Maybugs, coowned by Greg Rose and John Dale, will be opening a local artisan producers market on the first floor of their Eastbourne store showcasing up to 30 local producers.

Opening this month, the permanent immersive indoor market experience will have a Moroccan bazaar feel, with fabric draped stalls and festoon lighting. Open five days a week, it will feature a plethora of local Sussex based producers and a selection of UK made products.

“The only charge to the producers will be a small deposit which will be returned at the end of their booking in full,” explains Greg.

“Everything else will be covered by Maybugs, meaning that each producer keeps 100% of their takings. There will always be something new to see, as well as themed months and a stunning Christmas market which we are planning too!”

Other Maybugs gift stores are located in Hailsham and Bexhill-on-Sea.

Above: Maybugs’ Eastbourne store. The staircase leads to the indoor market.

Above: David Brown, chairman of Potters Crouch.

Left: Fabulously Flat Paper Pens from If won two GOTY categories this year.

Muddy Stilettos Success For Gift Indies

Winning Retailers ‘Chuffed To Bits’

Giftie indies triumphed at the recent Muddy Stilettos county awards. No14 Ampthill, Highworth Emporium, Little Boat Gifts, The Cotswold Snug and Rock Paper Scissors were just five of the gift retailers to come out on top after a public vote for the annual awards for independent businesses – with some 77,000 businesses nominated and 800,000 votes cast.

At No14 Ampthill, owner Jo Barber won Best Lifestyle Store in Herts & Beds. “The award is made up purely from customer votes, and that’s why it means so much to me and everyone in the shop who work so hard, often above and beyond what’s expected. I’m chuffed to bits!” said Jo.

At Highworth Emporium in Highworth, winner of the Best Lifestyle Store in Wiltshire category, co-owner Aga Marsden exclaimed: “This award feels particularly special as it comes from our customers and friends.”

Over in Brightlingsea, Little Boat Gifts co-owner Olivia Reilly - named as one of 2023’s top 100 female entrepreneurs in a campaign run by Small Business Britain – was delighted to win Best Lifestyle Store In Essex.

“It really means a lot knowing that we made it through because of the support we’ve had from

Below: Aga Marsden and the team at Highworth Emporium.

Below middle: Jo Barber enjoying a glass of bubbly!

Ivyline Unveils Spring/Summer 24 Collection

Ivyline’s new Spring/Summer 24 collection includes 162 new indoor lines and 115 for outside, most of which are made close to home in Europe, with ethical and sustainable principles in mind.

The home and lifestye supplier unveiled its latest design-led home and garden collections at Glee at the end of June, with products ranging from premium grow-yourown accessories and giftable planters to Christmas décor and outdoor furniture.

Below: Among the new Ivyline products for 2024.

our lovely customers,” commented Olivia. Meanwhile, at Rock Paper Scissors, a lifestyle shop and print studio, there was a double reason to celebrate. “We won the Muddy Stilettos Best Lifestyle Store in Kent and then heard we were through to the finals for the Best Start-up Canterbury Kent Business Awards,” revealed cousins and coowners Liz Wellstead and Charlie Wilkie, Covering 28 counties across 19 areas, the winning retailers will now go through to the nationals, where the finalists will be revealed shortly.

Father’s Day Was A Mixed Bag

Socks, gadgets and plush were among the winners for Father’s Day last month. “Father's Day this year was incredible for all Lark stores, with David Shrigley and Thought socks ringing up sales,” confirmed co-owner Priya Aurora Crowe. “However, as always, it was extremely last minute!”

Judy Evans, owner of Williams of Audlem in Audlem, concurred. “It was great for us, with lots of last minute present buying, especially themed socks from Soctopus and useful gadgets from Rex International.”

At Serendipity in Kirkham, gifts and card sales were steady in the run up. Commented Heidi Hopkinson: “The key to Father’s Day seems to be putting together a display, and doing it for a good three weeks beforehand, plus getting cards out early.”

Although there was some last minute buying, Highworth Emporium’s co-owner Aga Marsden pointed out: “The weather didn’t work in our favour, with footfall significantly lower due to the heat,” while at Mooch Gifts & Home in Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn, co-owner Jon May admitted: “For us it was disappointing, and highlights the trend this year that folk simply aren't spending, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect households.”

Emporium Of Loveliness

It’s exciting times for jewellery supplier Miss Milly’s founder, Sarah Watmore, who recently opened a jewellery and accessories shop at the Mill Farm Country Retail shopping site in Stanford Bridge.

“It’s often said that the British are a nation of shopkeepers, so it was inevitable that one day I’d open a store,” comments Sarah. “The Emporium of Loveliness will offer our own products as well as accessories, such as bags, pouches, belts, socks and umbrellas from other brands that we love.”

Top 100 Entrepreneurs

As part of this year’s Small Business Saturday campaign, the countdown has begun to find the UK’s top 100 inspirational small businesses. As with previous years, the successful companies will be featured in this year’s SmallBiz100 line up. Gift retailers who have been successful in previous years include For The Love of the North in Whitley Bay, Joco in Nuneaton, and Little Boat Gifts in Brightlingsea.

“Being in the SmallBiz100 is such an amazing opportunity to shout loud and proud about what you do,” commented For The Love of the North’s founders Lucy and Paul Hull. “It allows you to show off your passion and to inspire others who wish to pursue their dreams. It really is a fabulous community of like-minded small indie businesses,” adds Lucy.

The Small Business Saturday campaign takes place each year on the first weekend in December, celebrating small businesses and encouraging consumers to shop small and support businesses in their communities. Visit smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/small-biz-100

Above: Jellycat’s football and cricket balls rang up Father’s Day sales for Serendipity.

Left: The Emporium of Loveliness.

These cute and adorable Worry Monsters will encourage kids to write down their worries so they can be eaten away. Before going to sleep every night they can alleviate all their worries and stresses and pass them onto their very own personalised Worry Monster who will gobble them up.

When they wake up in the morning they will see no worries left behind and parents will be able to see what is worrying their child so they can help.

Captivate-ing Dame Mary Berry

Mary Delighted Visitors At Exclusively

To the delight of visitors attending the first day of the Exclusively show in mid-June, the legendary Dame Mary Berry was a star attraction on the Captivate stand. Meeting and greeting both buyers and the media, Mary was happy to talk about her three tableware and houseware collections for the company – Signature (fine china), The English Garden (reflecting Mary’s love of gardening and birds) and the recently launched At Home range (focusing on the home baker and cook).

“I always wanted to have my own range, and the most important aspect has always been about the quality of the products, along with having items in the range that I would want for myself,” explained Mary.

Also meeting up with visitors on the stand was award winning designer Yvonne Ellen, whose new collections this year include gift-

Top Three Trends

led, animal themed mugs, trinkets dishes, bowls, glassware, tins, water bottles, kitchen textiles and bakeware, as well as gift boxed slogan coasters, with storage jars a brand new addition to the range.

Elsewhere at the show, Denby’s master potter, Sean Flint, demonstrated his craft in the Exclusively Brand Showcase area.

Freethinkers was one of three trends highlighted by Scarlet Opus at the Exclusively show in June, with director Phil Pond explaining it has developed following people having their freedoms repressed during the pandemic.

“Consumers in this group are adventurous and optimistic, looking to connect with brands that will engage with them,” he stated.

A second trend highlighted by Phil was New Protagonists, with followers interested in interactions, experiences, brands, products and services that increase their confidence and make them feel good, to include products connected to wellness.

Modern Stoics meanwhile, engages with people who prefer to take a long-term view. “Everything they buy must have a purpose, must be needed and must last,” emphasised Phil.

Permanent Showroom Opens In Bristol

Entrepreneurial gift agent Kate Ellis, founder of the Dizzy Heights agency, is the driving force behind a new showroom which has opened at The Ethical Streamline building at the Paintworks in Arnos Vale, Bristol. It features permanent space for brands that include Designworks Collective, Upper Canada UK, Aery Living, Portico Designs, Design by Remember, Roomytown and Forma House.

“The first few weeks have been fantastic!” confirms Kate. “The brands we work with are very excited to be a part of this new venture and have been a great support. There will be special offers and discounts for customers across the South West and South Wales (to Pembrokeshire), who visit the new showroom and place orders.”

Adds Kate: “The showroom gives retailers the opportunity to browse and take their time in curating product selections that will work for their stores, seeing the best from our brands in one great space.” Email: kate@dizzyheights.co.

Awards Galore For Enesco

Enesco has received four prestigious accolades across the company’s licensed mother and baby gifting brands - Beatrix Potter, Scion Living and Disney –in the UKMums.TV Baby & Pre-school Awards, with products judged by mothers who use the products every day.

The company collected gold awards in the Best Early Years Feeding Products category for their Disney Baby dinner set, and in the Best Decorative Items for the Nursery category for Benjamin Bunny (large) by Beatrix Potter.

The silver awards were in the Best Gifts for New and Expecting Parents category for the company’s Flopsy Hooded Towel by Beatrix Potter, and in the Best On the Go Products category for the Scion Living Pram Organiser.

All winning products were developed by Enesco’s product development team based in Carlisle.

Me To You Consumer Research Findings

Carte Blanche Greetings recently completed the first phase of a major consumer research programme into its Me To You brand which confirms its high standing with the public both in awareness and purchasing decisions.

“Having been around for 30 years we expected consumer awareness of Me To You to be high, but it was so gratifying to see that 75% of our respondents, equating to 40m adults in the UK, are aware of the brand and that 30m of them had purchased a Me To You product in the last month,” stated CBG’s marketing manager Grace Elphinstone.

“Additionally, almost 23m UK adults see Me To You as their first choice when selecting a gift or greeting card.”

A second phase of research, which will be qualitative, involving 4,000 adults, is due to be completed by the end of July, giving insights into the brand and its continued relevance in modern society.

Below: A selection of Tatty Teddy Me To You giftware.

Above: Benjamin Bunny (large) won gold for Enesco

Above: The new Dizzy Heights showroom.

Left: Dame Mary Berry holds a mug from The English Garden collection. Below: Mary is shown with PG&H’s editor Sue Marks.

Right: Denby’s Kiln Accent collection reflects the Freethinkers trend.

Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Mad Beauty In Line For Entrepreneur Award

The Company Says It’s An Honour

Mad Beauty has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Family Business and Retail categories for the East of England region.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and passion of our amazing team at Mad Beauty” states the company’s creative director Julia Cash. Adds director Trevor Cash: “It's an honour to be among such talented entrepreneurs shaping the future of business in the UK.”

The Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year category recognises and celebrates entrepreneurs leading and excelling within family businesses in Great Britain, while

the Retail Entrepreneur of the Year category celebrates the creativity and innovation of entrepreneurs who have made their mark in the world of retail. The Awards ceremony will take place on 20 November 2023 at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

• The company is also proud to have officially received approval from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for its commitment to producing cruelty-free beauty products, marking a significant milestone in the brand's journey towards sustainability and ethical responsibility. Visit www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com; madbeauty.com.

Go La La! At Glastonbury

Go La La! was among the Glastonbury line up last month, taking a debut stall to bring the company’s soaps, gifts and greeting cards to festival-goers.

Explained Go La La!’s co-owner Laura Kavanagh. “I developed a few limited edition funny festival-themed soaps for the occasion and took other gifts too, from our Trollied Dollies range, as well as a selection of our cards.”

PEOPLE Widdop Debuts Raspberry Blossom Giftware

Among the exhibitors at PG Live was Widdop & Co, with the company unveiling a major licensing collaboration with greeting card publisher Raspberry Blossom. The Christmas collection was launched for this Autumn/Winter with the Everyday collection launching for Spring/Summer 2024.

“All the illustrations are on card designs, so it’s been about the designs transitioning onto products,” explained Widdop & Co’s designer Lottie Peachey. “It’s a very trend-led, giftware range, with products including dinnerware, homeware and cushions, with more products being introduced into the range,” added Lottie.

“It was my dream brief, and it feels wonderful to see my designs on ceramics and cushions etc,” commented Raspberry Blossom’s co-owner Rebecca Green. “In terms of our brand and ethos, it’s about products that make you smile and bring joy.”

Awards Heritage

Multi-award winning children’s clothing company Blade & Rose, highly commended in the City Kids Green Awards, is hoping to add to its trophy cabinet, which saw the company win five awards in 2022, to include the Gift of the Year’s Branded Gift category. This time around, the company has been shortlisted in the Ultimate Junior Design Awards’ Best Heritage Brands category.

Copycat Rant In Art Form

In a David and Goliath victory, Angela Chick, founder of Angela Chick Illustration, has achieved a victory in taking on a major Chinese supplier - who copycatted her gift-led Mood pin - thanks to social media.

Angela let rip with a deserved rant in art form – six signature colourful images - after online fast fashion giant Shein stole her design.

Above

l Enesco has announced significant changes to the company’s brand team. Iain McGeary has joined as senior brand marketing manager and will be heading up the brand team on a day to day basis. He is an experienced marketing and brand manager, who brings with him extensive knowledge gained during his most recent roles in the sports fishing industry, working for Rapala VMC Corporation

l Adi Jones will be supporting the brand, sales and marketing teams as a product administrator, assisting with the forecasting, among other roles. In addition, Tom DunningLewis has joined the team as brand marketing manager, bringing with him a varied skillset having previously worked with a PR agency in Brighton, a UK charity in Uganda and, most recently, managed the marketing for an international company specialising in fire protection. Plus Summer Cottam has joined the E-Commerce team as a digital assistant

“Copycats stink!” fumed Angela. “Shop small and shop direct. And don’t support companies like Shein who have ripped off loads of independent artists. I’m not the only small business impacted by this. Help us spread the word as this copycat stuff is damaging so many small businesses and, before long, some of us may be gone.”

Following her posts on LinkedIn and Instagram in June, and her online intellectual property complaint form that Shein has on its website, Angela received an Instagram response stating: “Thank you for your message. We have taken down the product from our site pending an investigation.”

Below: Angela Chick expresses her anger.

l Gillian Blair has been appointed as head of sales at Stoneglow. She has been involved in FMCG retail, manufacturing and sales for over 25 years, and involved in the gift trade for over a decade, working with highly reputable businesses and brands in the home fragrance sector. Most recently, she headed the EMEA sales team at Enesco.

Top: Raspberry Blossom’s Rebecca Green (left) is shown with Widdop & Co’s designer Lottie Peachey. Above: A vibrant Raspberry Blossom Christmas cushion.

Left: Mad Beauty’s founders Trevor and Julia Cash.

Below: Mad Beauty’s Disney 100 Mickey Mouse inspired hand care set.

Above left: Iain McGeary.

Above middle: Tom Dunning-Lewis.

right: Gillian Blair.

Left: Highland Cow from Blade & Rose.

Above: Go La La!’s special created soaps for the Glastonbury Festival.

All The Fun Of PG Live

Springboard A Hit With Gift Indies

A familiar face on the first day of dedicated greeting card show PG Live was flamboyant designer and TV presenter Laurence LlewelynBowen, who made a personal appearance on the GBCC stand to launch his greeting card range.

“Greeting cards are a very important part of making and retaining relationships,” stated Laurence. “The sending of a greeting card is not AI, it’s something real, based on real emotions, creativity and craftsmanship, and I feel privileged to being part of this.”

Among the earlybirds at the show, which took place at the beginning of June, were the Oliver Bonas team, to include founder and managing director Oliver Tress and

head of home and gift buying Kate Salmon. “The show had a great atmosphere, with lots of newness,” commented Kate.

“I always love coming to PG Live,” enthused Tracey Holden, owner of gift shop The Olive Branch in Billericay. “It offers an opportunity to see a wide variety of suppliers, as well as to discover what’s new for Christmas. I especially loved seeing the new designers in Springboard, who are essential for our industry.”

Maybugs owner Greg Rose, who had travelled to the PG Live show from East Sussex, spotted some winners almost as soon as he arrived. “In the first couple of hours we placed three orders with newbie companies in the Springboard area,” he confirmed. Also fast off the mark was Julianne Moore, owner of MiMi in Hartley Witney and Wokingham. “We discovered four new suppliers and placed orders, with the Springboard area our first port of call.”

Both retailers were among The Greats winners and finalists receiving a £50 Gold ticket to spend on orders placed at the show.

Next year’s PG Live takes place June 4-5 June at London’s Business Design Centre. Visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com

Fashion Forward With JATC

Just Around The Corner’s (JATC) new London venue, Tobacco Dock in Wapping, is looking forward to welcoming visitors, with the show taking place from 16-18 July.

“The decision to run the London show dates in line with other shows’ timeframe is a strategic move that shows an understanding of the busy schedules of industry professionals, making it easier for them to save on travel expenses, as they can visit several events within the capital in one trip,” explains JATC’s managing director Juls Dawson.

The show will feature fashion for SS24 across Womenswear, Menswear, Together, Responsible, Footwear and Accessories, along with a Beauty and Lifestyle zone featuring home fragrance, home, seasonal gifting, cosmetics, skincare, grooming and wearable accessories. Visitors to the show will be able to enjoy complimentary coffee, pastries and lunches from street vendors and artisan baristas. Visit www.justaroundthecorner.co.uk

Moda’s New Brands And Exclusives

With fashion and fashion accessories key sectors for gift and lifestyle stores, Moda, taking place at Autumn Fair, (NEC, September 3-6), will be unveiling new brands and exclusives across clothing, fashion accessories, jewellery and footwear, championing responsible and ethical sourcing, and promoting handmade and artisan craftsmanship from the UK and around the world. Over 200 fashion brands will be exhibiting at the show, to include favourites My Doris, Sea Gems, Big Metal and Lisa Angel. Companies showing for the first time and exclusively at Moda include Kama Silver, Schmuck Silver, U Jump, Karen Bags, and Nabi London.

What’s New At Autumn Fair

Autumn Fair (NEC, 3-6 September) has announced a raft of new and exclusive brands to

the Home & Gift sectors at the show, alongside returning favourites. Exhibitors that haven’t been seen before, or won’t be available at any other show, include Candles Bloom, CIMC Home, Moult England, Harrow Trading, Burton Blake, Zoe Lan, Grupo Erik, with new talent showcased in the show’s Debut areas.

The Gift sector will feature contemporary designs across licensed gifts, beauty and wellbeing products, along with children’s toys, gifts and gadgets, while in Home, Living & Décor, products will feature trendled home accessories, textiles, furniture, lighting, tableware, kitchenware and outdoor living. In addition, The Summerhouse will be showcasing hand-picked, curated style-led interiors and lifestyle products.

• Thousands of buyers have joined Connect @ Autumn Fair 2023, a new programme that enables retailers and exhibitors to connect before the show opens and arrange mutually agreed meetings on exhibitors’ stands. Retailers are invited to register at www.autumnfair.com. Registration is free until 11 August 2023. Any registrations made after this date will cost £25.

Above: CIMC Home will be showing exclusively at Autumn Fair.

Guide To The World Of Retail

Ahead of Home & Gift, taking place in Harrogate (16-19 July), organisers Clarion Retail has announced the launch of Retail Revealed digital magazine which provides a guide to the world of retail, offering insights and analysis for professionals and enthusiasts.

“Retail Revealed is a comprehensive resource that delves into the diverse aspects of the retail landscape, offering readers in-depth exploration of the latest trends, strategies, and innovations in the industry,” explains Clarion Retail’s portfolio director, Zoë Bonser. “From traditional bricksand-mortar stores to ecommerce giants, the magazine covers a wide range of topics that are vital for anyone involved in the retail sector.”

Above: JATC’s London show takes place at Tobacco Dock, Wapping.

Right: Luvieh Jewellery takes its inspiration from plants and stones.

Above: Hugs and Kisses owner Caroline Ranwell (right), and buyer Amanda LoganEvans, are shown with Laurence LlewelynBowen on the GBCC stand.

Left: Welcome to PG Live!

Right: Buyers at last year’s Harrogate Home & Gift show.

Looking Backwards Looking Backwards Looking Backwards

and Forwards

1993 saw the world wide web introduced into the public domain; the EU was born; President Bill Clinton was sworn into office; the Ford Mondeo went on sale; Friends aired for the first time on TV; Meat Loaf’s ‘I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)’ was one of the year’s biggest selling singles; Jurassic Park was a smash hit at the box office; QVC became TV’s first UK shopping channel – plus, Progressive Gifts & Home’s very first issue, launched by Max Publishing, made its debut at Harrogate Home & Gift in July! We asked some leading suppliers and retailers to tell us how they feel the market’s changed over the decades, plus what they predict for the future.

watches and fashion accessories brought back from trips to Hong Kong, with the first Oliver Bonas store opening its doors in London’s Fulham in 1993. Best sellers included handbags, with sun and moon designs all the rage across fashion accessories.”

Trends Are Inspired By Social Media

Oliver Bonas celebrates the company’s 30th anniversary in September with over 80 stores (and counting) across the UK and Ireland, with more in the pipeline for 2023. The business was founded by managing director Oliver Tress

Then: “I started out selling imported

Now: “Today, we are an omnichannel retailer selling fashion to furniture, alongside giftled homewares, jewellery, scarves, bags, home fragrancing products, gift books, stationery, lighting, soft furnishings and greeting cards. Everything is very aspirational, reflecting

the original concept of selling ‘interesting gifts for interesting people’, with an expanding in house design studio creating exclusive own brand product. Today, many trends are inspired by social media.”

Looking forward: “We continue to focus on ways we can be a more responsible employer, playing our part in the push for a more ethical way of doing business. We are also planning steady growth – online as well as physical stores.”

Inset: The first Oliver Bonas shop in London’s Fulham opened 30 years ago..

Inset: Oliver Tress is shown at the new Chichester store.

ItÊs Designs That Have Changed

Candlelight was founded by Mike Winch, managing director, born out of the miners’ strike in 1972.

Then and now: “For Candlelight, it’s always been about being on the front foot of good design. The same things are trending, but the products have evolved as trends have evolved. We are using the same substrates, but it’s about making items a ‘today’ and a ‘tomorrow’ product, which is why we have our own in-house team of designers. It’s the designs that have changed and are changing.

“Plus, if you look back to the mid-90s, there were many more retailers – it’s a long listwho are no longer here today. So, the ‘now’ is in the evolving state of the retail market place. It’s about re-inventing yourself as a supplier with the retailers of the day.”

Looking forward: “At Candlelight, our order book is 60% ahead of the same period last year. There is a lot less competition at the highest level, because of the demise of so many major retailers over the decades, and especially more recently. As a country, we are supposedly in recession, but as a company, we always find a way forward, and I’m pleased to say we are set for fantastic growth.”

What Goes Round Comes Round

Collectables Was The Buzzword

Lesser & Pavey was founded by chairman Ronnie Pavey in 1971. Managing director Julian Hunt looks back over the decades.

Then: “The late ‘90s and early 2000s was the height of collectability, with ‘collectables’ the buzzword in the trade. L&P ran some

The award winning gift and lifestyle store Etcetera opened 41 years ago in Hitchin in November 1982. Founder Anne Raill’s daughter Katrina Raill has worked in the business since she was a teenager. Then and now: “I remember being a 15 year old Saturday girl the day mum (Anne) opened the doors for the first time. We were unique in our stock back then and feel we still are. Our staples back in 1982 were candles, artificial flowers, homeware and textiles, mostly sourced from Denmark – and they still are. Trends don’t seem to really change - they come around again and again just in different colourways. However, I do remember selling lots of stickers and yoyos at one point! This is an industry that mum and I are both passionate about. There have been hard times, but we feel you must never be afraid to do something different, especially today.” Looking forward: “I do believe that retail will get back to normal – it’s already starting to - but I also believe that the media have a lot to answer for with their scaremongering. Our customers are continuing to buy for themselves and their homes but are a little bit more cautious with frivolous purchases. In the medium term we will have to continue to source stock to cover all price points.”

of the most prolific collectables of the day, which many customers will remember: Paintbox Poppets; Crisalis Faeries; If The Shoe Fits, not forgetting the hugely successful Leonardo porcelain dolls.”

Now: “We are seeing a huge increase in the popularity of fragrance gifts, in particular reed diffusers and candles. We sell ours under the Desire brand name and, as with all our products, focus on quality of materials used as well as gift packaging and value for money.”

Looking forward: “The gift trade is changing faster than ever and we continue to change with it. The demand for new products is greater than ever, and we see this as a continuing trend. This is definitely something we are addressing as we prepare to launch more than 1,000 new products for the second half of the year. We do, of course, recognise the current economic pressures, but we

Inset: Etcetera’s Katrina Raill outside the Hitchin store.

Inset: Lesser & Pavey’s Madelaine collection by Hearts Designs.

Inset: Mike Winch on a boat in the mid-90s.

Technology Has Changed Things

Joe Davies was founded in 1919, with managing director Paul Hooker looking back over the past 30 years.

Then: “At Joe Davies we have seen remarkable transformations over the past three decades, both in terms of product and customers.  In the early 1990’s, the Far East was really opening up, and it was an incredible time, not just for giftware, but for consumerism more widely. It was the time of the polyresin revolution, with development opportunities presenting themselves like never before.

“Big lines for importers included resin figurines, fairies, houses and all manner of ornaments.  Quirky ceramic house shaped teapots were in high demand, and we couldn’t get deliveries in quickly enough for porcelain dolls. We were still purchasing silver plate and brass items from Birmingham, and customers included Co-ops, glass and china shops and a huge amount of market traders.”

Now: “Fast forward to today and our industry is as vibrant as ever, but to grow, independent retailers and suppliers have had to become far more innovative.   Technology has played a huge part too, with the web, social media and the way we communicate all helping to spread trends so much more quickly throughout the marketplace.” Looking forward: “It’s hard to predict the future, but one thing is certain: there are plenty of bright, creative, hardworking people that will continue to drive our industry forward.”

you can’t re-invent the wheel, so we continue to sell the same kind of products. Candles, for example, will go on for eternity! With people continuing to take a vested interest in their homes we have also expanded into home interiors and home accessories. Heartfelt, sentiment gifts are a core line, with greeting cards very much a growth sector.”

Retail Is Coming Full Circle

Tracy Holden, owner of The Olive Branch in Billericay, celebrates the shop’s 25th

“The difference between ‘then’ and ‘now’ is the way in which products have evolved. For example, we used to sell traditional teddy bears for adults, but the only plush we sell now is

“There’s far more choice, and people are conscious of the environment and packaging. However,

Looking forward: “I believe that the high street is on a revival. We have lost so many major multiples that people want to shop local and support their local stores. Plus, given the current cost of living crisis, and concerns for the environment – the cost of fuel, and their carbon footprint - they no longer want to travel to shopping malls where we’ve lost the likes of Debenhams and House of Fraser. I predict that independents will see growth over the next few years. You could say that retail is coming full circle.”

More Gifts, More Choice

As Widdop & Co celebrates its 140th anniversary, chairman Stuart Illingworth highlights the company’s long heritage. Then: “One thing that was trending for us 30 years ago was cold cast resin. It was so diverse, and we used it in ornaments, clocks, figurines and even fountains. Widdop’s heritage was and still is clocks, and 30 years ago clocks such an anniversary clocks (domed, with rotating balls) sold in huge numbers. However today, clocks are more of a home accessory and, perhaps, less of a gift purchase.”

Now: “Gifts have certainly become more varied and diverse. Nowadays, it’s about finding a more personalised gift, something that is an expression of the person, their interests or what they are a fan of. Character-based gifting has been a huge growth area for us, and it’s been amazing to be part of the Disney 100 celebratory year. Our resin statement pieces are as wellcrafted as they were back in the ‘80s, and we are still working with many of the same factories, because of relationships and expertise.”

Looking forward: “Gifting never goes out of favour, even when the cost of living becomes increasingly difficult. Sending gifts is ingrained in the British culture. However, consumers appreciate seeing different price points and choice is key.  People want value for money but ultimately, gift giving

Inset: Tracy Holden on the first day that The Olive Branch in Billericay opened: 1 December, 1998.

Right: A Widdop photo from yesteryear, from left to right: Chris, Andrew and Stuart Illingworth. Above: A 1990’s Widdop stand at the NEC.

Inset: The Joe Davies team get ready to welcome visitors to their stand back in the day.

Gifts Have Meaning And Purpose

Mark Rees is the owner of nine Henry & Co retail outlets in Derbshire, Lancashire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire (formerly known as Penmark) and has been in retailing for some 25 years. Then: “Collectables, Forever Friends plush and cards, as well as Thorntons, were among the best sellers of the day.”

Now: “Home fragrancing is our most important product sector. It’s so giftable, as well as a great self-purchase line, and helps with wellbeing too. We seem to have moved away from the throwaway culture and become more conscious of gifts that

Everything Changes But Nothing Changes

Wild Things will be celebrating 40 years in 2024, with founder and managing director, Jules Vahrman, recalling the early days. Then: “Thirty years ago it was a different world. We were supplying holographic laser jewellery to our only customer - a distribution company I’d started with a couple of friends a few years earlier on a visit to the UK from California. They’d been bought out by a third person and holography was new and exciting. They had a Star Trek licensing deal, so we were making Starship Enterprise and Communicator badges etc. Other products included geometric earrings, collages featuring different colours and patterns, and animal shapes. Everything was shiny and colourful.”

Now: “We specialise in UK designed and manufactured bespoke crystals and jewellery and it’s weird looking at the pictures and seeing all the seeds that helped create Wild Things as it is now. Some of the jewellery motifs we have adapted into suncatchers. What strikes me the most is that everything changes but nothing changes, although obviously there is a natural, eco, sustainable trend. But people still love ‘shiny and colourful’ which is what we do.”

Looking forward: “We probably have as many crystal balls under one roof as anywhere else in the world, but resources are finite and it is up to us to use them to make as many beautiful things out of them as we possibly can.”

Pot Pourri Was All The Rage

Andrew Nettleton is founder/director of Ashleigh & Burwood which is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary.

have meaning and purpose. Plus, we’re seeing a balancing in consumer shopping habits. With regard to our own retail strategy, we want to be in places that people want to visit, giving them a reason to be in the town, but not because of the shops.”

Looking forward: “I believe that VR will become an important part of consumer purchasing - the idea that you can put on a virtual reality headset, enter a store and physically see the products that are available, but choose them in a VR environment. Shoppers will be able to click to purchase, with the item arriving the next day. It may be a few years off yet, but I believe it will be another component part of retail in the future.”

Then: “Our first trade fair was at the NEC around 30 years ago. For our category of home fragrance and gifting, hall 5 was the hall you had to be in. It was filled with tight little rabbit warren style aisles full of visitors and a fantastic buzz. Home fragrance back then was predominantly pot pourri, and the giant of our industry at the time was House of Despina, long since disappeared. Fragrance oils, at the time known as ‘refresher oils’ (to refresh pot pourri), gave rise to the use of oil burners around that time as well. From there, the home fragrance industry really evolved, as aromatherapy became popular, and incense, and eventually candles, began to have fragrance added to them.”

Looking forward: “We can expect fragrance to continue to be an important consideration in home ambience enhancement, for a growing demographic.  We expect current home fragrance methods to be supplemented with additional new formats developed to allow users greater control and a more bespoke scent experience.”

Above: Wild Things was called Chaos in 1997. Shown is owner Jules Vahrman.

Below: Geometric jewellery was huge.

Above: Ashleigh & Burwood’s stand at Autumn Fair in 1994. Right: The company’s oil burners and oils in the mid ‘90s.

Inset: The new Artisan wax melts range form Henry & Co.

Living the Dream

Multiple award winning House Interiors, winner of The Greats 2023 Best Newcomer award, is a stunning five room homeware, gifts and accessories store located in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, with each room boasting a different interior style and theme. Despite the challenges of opening in, and trading through, the pandemic, the store has continued to go from strength to strength, as founder, co-owner and interior designer Kelly Shackleton reveals.

“Having worked in the retail and interior industry for over a decade, having my own store was always the dream,” states Kelly Shackleton, who bravely opened House Interiors in September 2020 following the first Covid lockdown. “Therefore we were absolutely thrilled to win The Greats Best Newcomer award, recognising our hard work over the last few years. In fact, our store manager, Shelly Pollard, couldn’t wait to display the award on our till point!”

The store sells quality homewares and accessories, as well as gifts, home fragrancing and garden furniture –plus fresh bouquets in the summer - and was a success from day one. “I knew instinctively that I had the knowledge and the vision to create a brand that would be remembered,” says Kelly. “I was blown away with the local support and the customer base I managed to build, and then the second lockdown came along and

we had to close our doors.”

But as the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going, and that’s exactly what Kelly did. Together with her close friend Sophie Harrison, they created House Live, going out live on Facebook every Wednesday at 8pm, followed by Instagram. “I had nothing to lose and everything to gain,” explains Kelly. “As a single parent, I was under a lot of pressure and wasn’t eligible for a government bounce back loan as House was a new business, so I didn’t qualify. Soph was unable to work too, so she came on board, wanting me and my business to survive this period of uncertainty. Each week, we showcased all the available stock, and reached out to our local customers to continue to support the store while being able to physically shop.”

To their delight, what Kelly and Soph thought would be a handful of people tuning

Inset: House Interiors in Thirsk.

Inset: Making a statement with indoor greenery.

Inset: A striking interior display.

Right: Tony Barrett, managing director of category sponsor Life Charms, presented the Greats Best Newcomer trophy to House Interiors directors Kelly Shackleton (left) and Sophie Harrison.

in “to watch us chat about our crazy lives of motherhood, lockdown and home schooling, while having to sell, sell, sell,” turned into 900 plus viewers, with their videos reaching over 100k views. Afterwards, they wrapped and packed customers’ purchases in Kelly’s garage and stockroom until 3am. “We offered a click and collect service too, and also drove round for hours doing doorstep deliveries,” continues Kelly. “That’s when I asked Soph to become a partner in the business. Since then, House has thrived. We’ve recruited four additional members of staff, and are open seven days a week.”

A website was launched in 2021, enabling customers across the UK, who had shopped with Kelly and Soph during their Facebook Live videos, to continue to buy from House, with the duo taking on a larger warehouse to process online orders. “It’s where we learned about providing the very best customer service via online purchasing, to include stock management, packing and wrapping, as well as communicating the full process to our customers, achieving some fantastic feedback along the way.”

Last year, Kelly and Soph decided to expand geographically by opening a pop up shop in a striking blue and white period building in Richmond, another North Yorkshire market town, about 40 minutes from Thirsk. It was a huge success and they stayed for six months, gaining new customers and forging fantastic relationships with local businesses and tourists.

Last year, they also launched House styling, taking on interior design projects as well as home styling work. “It was driven by our customers who have always said that I had an eye for design, and was it a service that we offered,” Kelly explains. “Fortunately it’s worked very well, and it’s been good to have another side to the business. At the beginning of the year we saw a huge drop in

affordable price range, as well as upping our marketing strategies, has definitely resulted in an increase in spend and we hope that that will continue.”

Is a second House store in the pipeline?

“Not at the moment,” says Kelly. “With the huge success of our interior design service we’ve decided we would rather work on all avenues of the business from Thirsk. Our office is now based there, and we also have interior design rooms in our store, so when customers and clients visit all of the house team are under one roof. As a team, we work closely together and that’s when the magic happens. Without Shelly, Emily, Morgan, Maddie and Auntie Luce the store would not be as fabulous as it is.”

We hold a Christmas event every November that sees our customers queuing down the street! We also always try to buy things you don’t often see elsewhere and, having recently visited one of our main Christmas suppliers, I can definitely say that this Christmas will be fantastic - although ordering Christmas stock in a heatwave felt slightly bizarre!”

She adds that she and Soph often joke about when they can retire. “However, we never slow down. We are always working, even when we go on holiday. That’s what happens when you love what you do. It ends up not seeming like work. We are always thinking about marketing strategies to get more people in store, and as social media is huge for us we will be continuing to grow those platforms. Additionally, as the store and the interior design business go hand in hand, we will be continuing to build our portfolio through working with some amazing businesses on projects going forward.”

So what’s the secret of Kelly and Soph’s success? “Everyone, including our in house team, love working with us,” states Kelly. “I think it’s the bacon sandwiches and biscuits we provide! But we wouldn’t be where we are today without them. It’s our amazing employees that make the ship sail.”

sales, with the store quieter than the usual after the Christmas lull. But thanks to the interior design arm, we were fully booked for projects which helped us to balance things financially. Nevertheless, we needed to diversify in store to increase footfall. So choosing different home and giftware in an

Kelly points out that she and Soph are very optimistic businesswomen, continuing to push themselves to achieve their goals. “Our interior design business now has projects running until the end of the year, and in store we have seen a huge increase in our social media following, bringing new customers travelling from further afield to visit us. When we do our buying we select gorgeous home and giftware for the year to come, so I’m confident that we will have another successful year.

“Plus, Christmas is a great time for us,” Kelly continues. “We always go all out on our festive displays and last year won ‘Best Window Display’ in Thirsk.

Hilarious, ambitious, wholehearted. She also has feet the same size as a Pringle tube!

’’ So  Ky

Passionate, charismatic, strong willed. Soph wanted to become prime minister, so graduated with a degree in politics from Liverpool uni.

Ky  So

Top: An eyecatching front window display.

Inset: Each room at House boasts a different interior style and theme.

IN CONVERSATION WITH...

Sar Ward Reasons To Celebrate

Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association, is thrilled to be announcing the winner of the Gift of the Year’s People’s Choice Award – voted for by the public - at Harrogate Home & Gift’s Sundowners party on the first night of the show, with all shortlisted companies, finalists, and winners in the frame! Plus, she’s got exciting news to share on the Gift of the Year 2024 front.

With the Gift of the Year 2024 competition up and running, I’m delighted to share some very exciting news! Plans are afoot to take this year’s competition significantly up a level by opening standalone pop ups to fanfare the winning products, as well as pop ups within existing retail outlets, giving retailers the option to create space in their stores or shop windows to display as many or as few GOTY products as they choose. It’s a fantastic opportunity for retailers to offer the winning products and more to their customers, be that for a week for a month or for a year.

For me, this is where we reach Utopia, with the very first Gift of the Year standalone store hopefully opening firstly in Birmingham in the not-too-distant future. It’s a fantastic route to market for gift suppliers, and, I believe, exactly what a modern trade Association such as ours should be doing. So, watch this space for some super exciting pop-up opportunities over the coming months!

Meanwhile, as a shout out to suppliers, be sure to enter this year’s competition. Myself,

together with the GA’s Chris Workman and Alina Masood, are looking forward to chatting with as many of you as possible at Harrogate, with the three of us looking forward to celebrating the signing of the first entrant to the 2024 Gift of the Year competition at the show! Moving on from the Gift of the Year competition, but staying with Home & Gift, Progressive Gifts & Home magazine will be celebrating its milestone 30th anniversary this month with a party at the show. Reflecting on three decades, it’s made me look backwards as well as forwards at my own time in the industry, and I’m proud to say that as both a wholesaler, and in my current role as ceo of The Giftware Association for the past eight years, I have been to 20 Harrogate Home & Gifts shows, 20 Autumn Fairs and 20 Spring Fairs, never missing a single one!

I recently took part in a live webinar where I

spoke to The Great Brand Exchange about successful brands in our industry. It’s well known that many companies fail in their first year for whatever reasons. Yet after five years, 96% of businesses survive. It made me think how many people there are in the gifts industry who will be celebrating their fifth anniversary this year, and their ongoing success as a business. My view is that to be successful you don’t have to do everything in the first year. It’s sometimes about looking at the bigger picture, looking at the five-year milestone rather than the first one. It’s about patting yourself on the back and saying to yourself, ‘I’ve done really well.’ And on a personal level, having just celebrated a big ‘0’ birthday, (I’ll leave you to guess which one!) I think I may well take my own advice! Looking forward to seeing you all in Harrogate.”

The Gift of the Year’s People’s Choice award at last year’s Home & Gift in Harrogate by Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association (right). On the left is Clarion’s portfolio director Zoe Bonser.

Above: Sarah (centre) with the GA’s Chris Workman and Victoria Louise at February’s Spring Fair.

Among the new kids on the block in home fragrancing is Henry & Co Home Fragrance, founded two years ago by Mark Rees, owner of nine Henry & Co gift, card, confectionery and home fragrancing stores in Derbyshire, Lancashire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire.

With a strong team, and ambitious marketing plans, Mark, who is at the helm as both retailer and supplier, reveals what will be taking the Henry & Co Home Fragrance brand forward.

Having worked for the family retail business for some 25 years, originally owned by his parents, Mark took over the sole ownership of the business in 2020 when he bought his parents out. Formerly known as Penmark, the stores are going through a transformation to the new Henry & Co retail brand, which is proving a successful new format for the retailer.

“Steeped in retail – and home fragrance - for so long, I wanted to redefine the business and make it more relevant to my own family,

and that included launching a home fragrancing brand that was made in the UK, based on my years of in depth knowledge, understanding and experience of the sector,” he explains. “In fact, the launch of the Henry & Co Home Fragrance brand has been part of a major transformation across the whole business over the past two years, encompassing the retail side as well as our structure.”

Why Henry & Co? “It’s the name of my 11 year old son who, as you can imagine, is super proud,” states Mark. (The & Co encompasses other family members to include Mark’s daughters Lucy, 9, and Alice, 8).

In fact, it was the pandemic, as well as a life changing health scare, that proved to be the catalyst for Mark to turn his dreams into

reality. “Both issues made me seriously reevaluate my business and my personal life,” he explains. “The pandemic made me realise that, with our knowledge of the sector, we needed our own home fragrancing brand that we could build online and in the wholesale space. It’s the reason I contacted a former colleague, Jo Stubbs, to invite her to join forces with me as Henry & Co Home Fragrance’s creative director. Jo had previously been the store manager at our flagship store in Meadowhall, Sheffield, while also manufacturing her own fragranced products for some 15 years as gifts for friends and family. Jo was delighted to come on board,

Inset: Mark Rees, managing director of Henry & Co., with Jo Stubbs, creative director.

Inset: Artisan wax melt bars are brand new for Henry & Co.

Inset: Gift-led Artisan melt gift sets.

and was the creative maestro behind Henry & Co’s first home fragrancing collection, which was launched at Harrogate’s Home & Gift show in 2021, debuting with two ranges of candles, reed diffusers and wax melts.”

Mark also got in touch with Bob Harper who, for many years, headed up the Hallmark Gold Crown programme. “He was someone I had known, trusted and respected for some 25 years through my retail connections, and I was delighted when he agreed to come on board, helping Henry & Co Home Fragrance to become established and to grow. He’s great to work with, and his vast experience helps us to plug knowledge gaps in the business space.”

A third call was to gift agent Steve Powell (formerly with Ashleigh & Burwood & Wax Lyrical), who has brought a wealth of fragrance experience to the all-important sales side of the brand.

Alongside candles, diffusers and diffuser refills, the company’s wax melts are currently very much in demand, with 20 fragrances available. “From the off, we have set out to create a range of products that deliver on fragrance for our customers, fragrances that make them go ‘wow’. It’s our number one priority,” states Mark. “Coupled with that, we want to give people breadth of choice. I want customers to be able to choose a scent that is fresh, floral or fruity, with a range that offers credibility. We also want products to be accessible from a price point perspective, and that’s why wax melts are a key and accessible entry point to what we offer. They enable the customer to experiment and discover the fragrances they love, subsequently trading up through the collection. It’s that intensity of fragrance, the breadth of choice, and the breadth of formats, that we see as our key USPs.” Sustainability too, is hugely important. “Our aim is to create the best sustainable home fragrancing products we can in the best way that we can.”

In a recent survey undertaken by the company, which asked customers about their home fragrancing purchasing decisions, fragrance took the number one slot, with Made in Britain in second place, price and sustainable/eco tying for third place and home décor appeal in fourth place.

A further recent evaluation across the company’s nine outlets revealed that wax melts accounted for 25% of sales, followed by reed diffusers at 16% and candles representing 13%. “However, from a seasonal perspective, that inevitably flips over in the winter months,” says Mark, “with candles representing a

much higher proportion of the sales” The survey also revealed that Henry & Co’s customers’ preference is for fresh, fruity fragrances, followed by floral and sweet scents. “Being able to trial products in our stores gives us additional valuable insights,” adds Mark,

coming on board. “Louise will be advising on brand positioning strategy in terms of the consumer, and will also be pulling the marketing strategy together,” explains Mark.

Henry & Co’s Top Fragrances

l Lemongrass & Ginger

l Fresh

l

“something we will continue to build on as we develop the range.”

Interestingly, Mark says that in his own stores, Henry & Co Home Fragrance has become the second most important gift brand after Wrendale. “We are seeing a 40% like-for-like increase in sales at retail across the business with customers regularly repeat purchasing,” he confirms.

Another recent appointment to the team is Lisa Robinson, (whose background includes formerly handling the PR for Yankee Candle) who is looking after the media side of things.

“With Jo’s fragrance knowledge, my background in brand marketing and customer service, our decades long retailing experience, as well as the ability to test products through our shops and online, we now have the key bases covered,” states Mark.

As to the future, he says that, in addition to looking to the export market, and to the key trade shows in America for example, in the short to medium term, the objective is to create a recognisable core range of home fragrancing products that encourage repeat business for retailers across independent gift and card retailers, as well as garden centres.

WhatÊs New At Harrogate

Henry & Co Home Fragrance will be exhibiting at Harrogate for the third consecutive year, (DP1D90), with the unveiling of four new fragrances for Spring/Summer 2024 across all formats, and an exciting new wax melt bar format.

Continuing the company’s investment in people, this year, the home fragrancing team has been further strengthened, with Louise Welsby, managing director of Buy-From creative agency (and chair of the GA),

Mark Rees: The Lowdown

Which words best describe you? “Mindful, ideas-driven. I try to find the joy in life.” What was the best advice you have received? “Always have a good bed and a good pair of shoes, because if you are not in one you are in the other! It was said to me by my grandma.” What was your first job? “I worked in customer service for BMW.”

How do you like to relax? “I love cold water swimming, it makes me feel alive, and I can often be seen swimming in the River Derwent. Walking is something else I really enjoy.”

“Our plans are to take Henry & Co on a longterm brand journey, developing a range and a brand that consumers will love, as well as a brand with a purpose that generates profit. It’s about finding a great balance so that the two can work together. Our ultimate goal is to become a well respected home fragrancing business with good ethics, providing consumers with quality, intensity and choice while creating products that people love, all the while striving to exceed customer expectations.”

Linen

Black Plum & Rhubarb

Inset: Henry & Co’s Lemongrass & Ginger collection.

Inset: The Spiced Citrus & Clove collection is new for Autumn/Winter.

“I can’t quite believe it’s that time of year again! It seems like only last week we were soaking up the sun at the post-show drinks in 30 degree heat at Harrogate Home & Gift (after a day of hard work, of course!). We are so excited to get back to Harrogate. It’s by far our favourite trade show of the year – and that’s not just because of the free gin and tonic (although it certainly helps!). There is always such a good buzz among buyers and exhibitors alike, and the energy and enthusiasm is contagious. With such a wide range of suppliers exhibiting, there is yet to be a year where we’ve failed to find new and exciting products that remain some of our best-sellers to this day.

The stand-out discovery (or should I say rediscovery) for us at Home & Gift last year was from Best Kept Secrets. My mum (who owns The Olive Branch in Billericay) stocked the company’s candles years ago in her shop and they were always a huge hit, in particular, the set of three candles which were the perfect pick up gift for every occasion. She decided to have a break from the products to refresh the stock, and they completely went out of my mind until we saw the company exhibiting last year where we found out they’d had a full rebrand and are now specifically designed with different sentiments in mind. These include everything from options such as Happy New Home to specific relations such as Mum, Sister and Daughter, with each design surrounded by accompanying illustrations and verses to match the occasion. We absolutely fell in love with this rebrand and knew that the more refined approach would

Libbys Lines ’

Harrogate Home & Gift beckons for Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh,

appeal to our customers looking for something that bit more special than a plain boxed candle.

We stocked them in both shops (mine for the first time ever), and they’ve become one of our best sellers both in store and online. It just goes to show how important and valuable going to trade shows can be. Although attending the show does come at an expense (ie having to staff the shop in our absence, pay for accommodation and travel), we probably would have never thought to revisit the company had we not come across them at Home & Gift 2022, and we would definitely have missed a trick! Given the successes of some of our findings from the show, I’m definitely excited to get back and see what products we can uncover this year!

Since we do the majority of our Christmas buying at Harrogate Christmas & Gift in January, our main priority at Home & Gift is buying everyday stock for the coming months – and that includes Autumn stock, which I’m excited to get on with! Last year we launched our first Autumn homewares range in line with Halloween. We definitely played it safe, buying pieces that were a little more interior-friendly and could be kept out in the house for the season as opposed to just for the occasion of Halloween. It proved a huge hit, and we actually ended up selling out of most bits and were unable to get them back into stock. In the light of this success, we are going to go even bigger this year with our seasonal Autumn buying, to include dipping our toe into more distinct Halloween themes.

One lesson that we are going to take from last year is price point. The items we were left with were the higher ticketed products, and with the current climate in mind, I can’t see the trend altering this Autumn. We are going to try keep our retail prices for this range around £20 and under - something we’ll also bear in mind with the rest of our buying this year!”

HERE WE COME

with owner Libby Holden looking forward to kicking off her Autumn buying at the show, and discovering some new best sellers.

Top left: Libby Holden (right) with buyer Georgia Burness at last year’s Home & Gift show.

Left: The recently re-branded Best Kept Secrets candle trio.

A Global Vision

Enesco UK has long been renowned as a major distributor of high quality figurines and accessories featuring some of the world’s favourite licencesBeatrix Potter, Disney, Scion Living, Harry Potter, Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore, and Lolita - with the company continuing to distribute the much loved Willow Tree figurines, alongside its own, in-house designed Beatrix Potter plush and gift collections.

Home fragrancing too, has become a very important growth sector for the company. “Enesco boasts a breadth of giftable product, with home fragrance a category that was missing from the portfolio,” points out trade marketing manager Aylish Ellwood. “We were therefore keen to strengthen our offer and, in March this year, we entered into a distribution partnership with Newell Brands to distribute Yankee Candles, Woodwick and Chesapeake Bay in the UK. More recently, we have also introduced Yankee Candle accessories. Plus, working with our partner Rachel McCann in Ireland, we also distribute Eau Lovely which focuses on positive affirmations and wellness, and Herb Dublin, a new Q3 release, born from Rachel’s obsession with all things natural, unprocessed and healing. The

range, handmade in Ireland, features candles, diffusers, pillow mist and gift sets made with natural ingredients.”

Staying with Ireland and the partnership with Rachel McCann, Enesco is also the distributor for Irish Botanicals and Fern - candles, diffusers and gift sets inspired by the fragrance and herbs of Irish gardens. “With such a strong portfolio of great brands, we are striving to strengthen our position as a leading home fragrance supplier,” states Aylish.

Aside from home fragrancing, there are a raft of new products for the second half of the year. They include Disney Grand Jester Studio, featuring mini collectable Disney Princesses, and a flocked Stitch and Angel. There is also Disney Traditions featuring storytelling introductions from Jim Shore, including a Stitch ‘Hugging’ figurine; Lolita Birthday beer glasses, plus Scion Living Home and Pet. Explains Aylish: “Following on from our successful Scion Living Baby, which launched in Autumn 2022, we are now delighted to be introducing products for the home in this range – co-ordinating items that include planters, vases, lidded candles, placemats and coasters in four designs – Lintu, Spike, Padukka and iconic Mr Fox – which all come in Kraft giftable packaging.”

Sign Here Please

A highlight for Enesco this Autumn is the return of face-to-face signings for the first time in four years, with award-winning American artist Jim Shore coming back to the UK and Europe for consumer signing events at the end of September through to early October. There will be nine events, including two in the UK, with Jim also travelling to Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands as well as Disneyland Paris.

“We expect attendance to be high,” enthuses Aylish. “At previous events it was not unusual to have collectors queuing for up to eight hours to meet Jim, so we have lots of detailed planning ahead.”

Above: Yankee Candle. Right: Aylish Ellwood, Enesco’s trade marketing manager.

Inset: Grand Jesters Studio: Flocked Stitch and Angel.

With pet gifts a growing category, Enesco has also introduced pet beds from Scion Living that are made in the UK - with partially recyclable filling - across collars, leads, bandanas, and pet bowls, all of which feature Mr Fox. Other new mid season launches include new clocks from Allen Designs. “We recognise the importance of functional products, combined with storytelling, which is what Enesco excel at,” says Aylish.

Sustainability is, of course, a major focus. “It’s key to us that our packaging is ecofriendly and, where possible, sustainable materials are used in product development,” confirms Aylish. “All packaging for our UK developed product is constantly being reviewed and improved where possible.”

However, sustainable options, when considering the actual product, can be more of a challenge, says Aylish. “Following on from the continued success of Kloche, our first eco-friendly collection, Disney and Beatrix Potter dinner sets, which are made from fully recyclable polypropylene instead of bamboo, we are always considering

Socially Speaking

Social media is, of course, hugely important to Enesco, with collectors playing a huge part in helping with awareness and enthusiasm for the company’s brands.

Aylish says that Facebook in particular is a great platform for creating communities, and the majority of them thrive there. “There are no borders on social media and all of them connect from all parts of the world in this one place. Once anything new is out, every collector around the world knows about it at the same time, and we are striving to embrace that.  Meanwhile, a younger audience prefers Instagram and we get a lot of interaction on there too, many of them becoming influencers with great number of followers.”

To accommodate the big demand the company gets for fan collaborations, the company is in the process of signing up to an affiliate marketing platform which will help to reach out and manage a lot of influencers who are approaching Enesco daily.

Continues Aylish: “The two biggest communities of fans, who are very actively interacting with us on social media pages, are Disney and Harry Potter. Both are very enthusiastic about every new piece we release, discussing every detail, down to colouration of the piece, and waiting impatiently to get their hands on it. It’s amazing to be part of such fantastic crowd which not only has such a great knowledge about both franchises but also appreciates the quality of our collections.”

sustainable products for new developments. We strive to meet the expectations of the consumer and recognise that this is no longer a USP but an expectation.”

As for the company’s export markets, the focus is to continue to consolidate its position in established markets across Europe and beyond, while developing the business in emerging markets, in particular the Middle East. “We were delighted to be able to add the Middle East to our Enchanting Disney licence this year, something which our customers in the region have been requesting for some time now, and are excited to see what new opportunities this will bring, with a particular focus on our Disney Baby and new Disney Home collections,” says Aylish. “With the continued development of our business with our existing distributors across the region, plus the addition of new partners, we are already seeing an increase in awareness of our brands and we look forward to building on this in the coming months.”

Closer to home, in Enesco’s European markets, the company will be introducing new collections such as Scion Living, Herb Dublin and Irish Botanicals, continuing to work closely with a network of agents and distributors to expand the Enesco product offering across all of the companys markets.

Top 3 COLLECTABLES

l

In the short term however, trade shows beckon, kicking off with Harrogate Home & Gift in July, followed by a debut stand at Scotland’s Trade Fair in August. The company will also be returning to Cologne’s Kind & Jugend in September to showcase its licensed baby collections, Beatrix Potter, Disney and Scion Living, to international buyers.

“Brand awareness is the challenge on new collections with these small shows becoming so much more important, as they prove to be very cost effective,” highlights Aylish. “We are also considering other smaller shows for the second half of the year. We are very conscious of value for money in these tough economic times, both in the UK and Europe. Everyone still wants gifts, but they need to be affordable, high quality and accessible.”

l All Jim Shore collaborations and collections

l Disney Britto

Willow Tree

Inset: Scion Living pet bed.

Top: American artist Jim Shore.

Natural ingredients

Our candles are made with 100% Soy wax and contain essential oils

Heritage

We are a British brand, all our products are made in Britain

Ethically sourced

All our products are responsibly sourced

Sustainability

Our factory is eco-friendly and we encourage customers to recycle, reuse or repurpose our products

STAND: DP1-B9

No animal testing

We never test any of our products on animals

othing says Autumn/ Winter more than fragrance, and as we transition from summer to Autumn, scents will transition too, reflecting Autumn leaves, bonfires and longer, colder nights.

Best Kept Secrets’ managing director Vanessa Curry says that in Autumn/Winter, people are drawn to slightly heavier, muskier, warmer scents, with the company

Nintroducing new fragrances to meet the seasonal trends - Fireside & Cypress, Black Rose & Amber and White Flowers & Cashmere.

“Another key trend we have identified is the way in which consumers are looking to find ways to celebrate and mark special moments in a meaningful and affordable way,” comments Vanessa. “It was the original inspiration behind our Just Because collection, and we are excited to be launching our Just Because age tea light gift boxes at Harrogate Home & Gift. Meanwhile, the trend that has dominated our new product development over the past two years is sustainability, where we are proud of our environmental credentials and consider the impact on the planet in everything that we do.”

Jo Stubbs, creative director at Henry & Co Fragrance, comments: “We recognise that people are looking for fragrances for cosy nights, with Halloween and Pumpkin Spice two new limited edition fragrances for 2023. Additionally, for the first time, we are adding colour to our wax melts, with both fragrances available in our Artisan wax melts

Introducing New Technology

Bolsius will be introducing something completely different to the home fragrancing market place this Autumn - the CleanLight fragrance concept - which features a doublewalled glass holder for scented candle refills. “The revolutionary technology behind the double-walled glass holder ensures that the refill burns up completely, leaving only the wick plate behind,” explains Bolsius’ UK national accounts manager Kam Badesha. “It not only helps to create atmosphere, but it also burns cleanly and leaves very little waste.” Featuring five fragrances, the candle refills are made from natural vegan wax and are palm oil free.

too.” Aimed at the Christmas market, the company is also launching an aromatic, spicy fragrance, Spiced Citrus & Clove. At Freckleface, (winner of the this year’s Gift of the Year Best Home Fragrance Product or Range category for its Pick & Mix soya wax melts), the company’s cofounder, Tara Carlile-Swift, concurs that, “people we will be turning their heads - and noses! - back to more musky, earthy scents for longer cosy nights at home, with Winter Nights, Christmas Star and Evergreen soya wax melts all Freckleface favourites.” Adds Tara, “Popped into melters, they can blend

With July the month that most gift retailers traditionally kick off their Autumn/Christmas buying, home fragrancing is sure to be at the top of the list of ‘must have’ giftware. Expect to see plenty of rich, deep coloured vessels over the coming season, with warm, cosy fragrances in abundance, and wax melts continuing to go from strength to strength. PG&H talked to leading home fragrancing companies for the full lowdown.

Inset: Cleanlight from Bolsius. Below: New seasonal fragrances from Best Kept Secrets include Fireside & Cypress.

Inset: Freckleface’s Gift of the Year award winning Pick & Mix soya wax melts.

MODERN CLASSICS

A beautiful classic design in ten captivating fragrances, chosen for their unique identity and good fragrance throw. High fragrance. Available in 10 fragrances, in Scented Candles, Reed Diffusers, Gift Sets, Perfume Cards, Home Mists, Perfume Mist Diffusers and Bath & Body.

in with any décor or seasonal decorations.”

FYG meanwhile, has been developing an essential oil range specifically for Autumn/Winter. “Last year, saw a big surge in demand for our wellness pod, so we have been working on developing an essential oil range, as the trending connection between wellness and home fragrance shows no sign of abating,” states the company’s founder Demi Pendakis.

“We predict a trend in occasion fragrances

too, where we have range of candles, tea lights and diffusers that are suited to seasonal occasions, to include Halloween and Christmas. Our Frankincense & Myrrh fragrance, with its earthy, warming tones epitomises this trend.”

Also reflecting the dark, colder nights of Autumn/Winter, and providing a sense of warmth and home comfort, are three new fragrances from Candlemeleon, with aromatic pink peppercorn featured in Red Snake; rustic leather in Forest of Dean and musk in Miami Art Deco.

“Autumn/Winter is an unwinding season, a time for relaxation, with our fine fragranced scents encapsulated in the bold colour palettes of our vessels which come in burgundy, black and blue,” says the company’s founder Lewis Davis.

Also predicting that rich, deep colours will be in demand is Candlelight’s marketing manager Kate Winch. “Our Opulence range embraces hues of burgundy, deep green, navy blue and plum vessels that are reminiscent of deep jewel tones,” she comments. “Plus, the minimalist trend is still prevalent, even during the Autumn/Winter season, so candles with clean lines, simple shapes, and ambient colours fit well with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic. Candles with layered or ombre colour designs too, are visually appealing and add a touch of uniqueness,” adds Kate.

Pavey’s managing director Julian Hunt. “Our new Desire collection reflects all these autumnal colours, with an added feature of brown, tree grained wooden stoppers.”

Top Trends for Autumn/Winter

l Wellness, across all formats.

l Wax melts.

l Heavier, warmer scents.

l Darker vessels, in black, burgundy, blue, green and brown.

He highlights black bamboo reeds that enhance the dark feel of the range, with the blue, greens and browns of the glass bottles containing earthy masculine fragrances - tobacco and rum, amber and sandalwood, Tuscan and leather, oud and bergamot. “The warmth of these fragrances fill a room,” says Julian.

l Traditional Christmas fragrances.

“With Autumn comes Autumn colours, with darker skies, the deep greens of nature, and the browns of Autum leaves,” says Lesser &

At Enesco, the company’s Autumn/Winter launch sees the strengthening of its fragrance offer, with the introduction of gift sets from Eau Lovely, and brand new collections from Irish Botanicals, Herb Dublin and Fern, all of which offer standalone candles, diffusers and gift sets. Comments Enesco’s trade marketing manager Aylish Ellwood: “There is a demand

Inset Wellness pod and essential oils from FYG.

Inset: Candlemeleon’s musk fragranced Miami Art Deco candle.

Inset: The Opulence range from Candlelight.

Below: Lesser & Pavey’s new, darker Desire collection.

for different versions of products - multiple product types to fulfil the many needs of the consumer. In response, we have launched over 80 fragranced accessories to complement our successful Yankee Candle range, to include diffusers, melt cups and fragrance for the car.

“With the wellbeing trend a big part of the next six months we are also introducing relaxing fragrances, such as lavender, grapefruit and seagrass across Irish Botanicals, Herb Dublin and Fern. Plus, we expect that the heartwarming, seasonal spices of cinnamon, pumpkin, winterberry, sage and pine will be as popular as ever this winter, with bold colours included in the Yankee Candle collection,” adds Aylish.

Meanwhile, since Potters Crouch launched their Wellness range of aromatherapy candles, diffusers and melts, developed by their perfumers, they have become a market favourite, accounting for 14 of the company’s 20 sku’s.  Chairman David Brown says that the focus on wellbeing, along with simpler packaging and sustainability, have been a huge hit with consumers.    “We’ve noticed a growing trend towards simplifying packaging, reducing waste and therefore being able to offer better value for money,” he comments. “Consumers are much more aware of waste, and don’t want to pay for expensive packaging which goes in the bin. By offering a zero waste product, we have been able to make a 25% reduction in RRP and this has really hit the sweet spot for the customer.”

Continues David: “As a result of this growth, we will be adding three special winter Wellness aromatherapy fragrances - limited editions just for the Autumn/Winter season – featuring simplicity and sustainability.”

At Cotton & Grey, director Claire Sowden says that as Autumn/Winter approaches, with people spending more time in their homes, the new season is all about embracing cosy, comforting vibes. “We are launching the new Mind, Body, Soul range in our twenty minute candles, with the additional titles evoking warmth and relaxation, creating a serene ambience that promotes self-care and rejuvenation during the colder months,” says Claire.

New Mini Formats

Ashleigh & Burwood’s ceo Jed Kenrick says that as in other areas, cost of living concerns are shaping the buying patterns of some giftware shoppers.

“While there is pressure to restrict spending in certain areas, shoppers are still keen to treat themselves and loved ones, and home fragrance, with its in-built feelgood factor, and its ability to uplift the senses and transport the mind, is still in strong demand,” he states.  “Even so, our research has shown that for some shoppers, the option to buy into fragrance in a smaller volume, allows a reduced initial outlay and therefore can be an easier purchase decision.

“Therefore, this season, as part of our ongoing evaluation and redevelopment of our popular brand, The Scented Home, we’re introducing two new products that represent mini versions, with a smaller price tag, of our most popular home scenting formats. New for AW23, we’ve added mini reed diffusers and votive scented candlessmaller companions to our popular 150ml reed diffusers and jar candles. Their smaller proportions allow us to offer the lowest cost way yet for shoppers to buy into the established brand, bringing the home fragrance collection to the attention of a new segment of the market, while appealing to impulse purchasers.”

Fragrance choices for the company’s newest introductions are informed by their best-selling fragrances from the collection as a whole. “Fresh Linen and Moroccan Spice are two of our most in demand scents and we expect them to continue to outperform some of the more trend-led scents for many years to come,” says Jed.

Inset: The new mini reed diffusers from Ashleigh & Burwood.

Left: Irish Botanicals’ Lavender and Black Peppermint reed diffuser from Enesco.

Below: Potters Crouch Aretemsia Vetiver & Ginger diffuser from the company’s Wellness range.

Inset: Serenity from Cotton & Grey’s Mind, Body & Soul range.

1:

House Beautiful

2023 is looking to be a superb year for Manor House as it continues to welcome more new stockists on board. The company just launched Antibes & Portofino & Mustique to its extensive offering. Meanwhile, the newly launched collection of Soy Wax Candles in Tins – silver tins for year round and gold for Christmas – has exceeded all expectations and it is already onto the third major production run. These are offered in all 30 of the fragrance collections and feedback has been positive. The 2023 collection encompasses 30 fragrances to choose from –the company’s largest offering to date - and 2024 will see some beautiful new additions with creative work well in hand.

Manor House Home Fragrance

T: 01359 250720

W: www.manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk

2: The Scented Home - Mini Reed Diffuser

A key new addition to The Scented Home range from Ashleigh & Burwood are mini versions of its popular Reed Diffusers. Echoing the classic 150ml Reed Diffuser, the new 50ml Mini Reed Diffuser’s smaller size is ideal for scenting small spaces and allows customers to be more experimental with their scent choices thanks to its low price point. The new addition to the collection draws on the successful formulas of the larger counterparts, while the mini size allows for a lower price point making an attractive impulse purchase item and a smart add on.

Ashleigh & Burwood

T: +44 (0) 1932 267060

E: Trade@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

W: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

3: Our Fragrant World

Discover the new, sustainable candle collection from Best Kept Secrets. Made in collaboration with artist Nicky Dawson, the entire collection has been created to be environmentally friendly, while still delivering quality fragrance, colour and sparkle into the home. Each candle has been made from a renewable and sustainable crop using certified coconut and plant-based wax, so you can enjoy beautiful, colourful fragrances, knowing that every step has been taken to be kind to the planet.

Best Kept Secrets

Visit: Home & Gift – Stand A10

T: 01670 512222

E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

4: Christmas In A Candle

Henry & Co Fragrance Company is launching

Spiced Citrus & Clove at Harrogate Home & Gift 2023. The aromatic and spicy fragrance opens with bright citrus notes orange and lemon, followed by warming, rich notes of spiced cinnamon and clove. Jo Stubbs, creative director, commentedL “We recognise that people get excited as the nights draw in and are looking for fragrances for cosy nights in and that celebrate the festive season.” Henry & Co Fragrance Company is also launching two new limited edition fragrances to its wax melt range. Halloween and Pumpkin Spice. Specifically for Halloween, these fragrances captivate seasonal inspired aromas.

Henry & Co

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand DP1-D90

T: 0333 1882006

E: hello@henryandcompany.co.uk

W: www.henryandcofragrance.co.uk

5: Ultrasonic Cool Mist Diffuser

Boost your mood with the Marmalade of London Ultrasonic Cool Mist diffuser. Simply add five drops of the oil to the water and watch the mist fill your room with either Calm Balance or Energise fragrance. The beautifully engraved ceramic cover with colour changing lights to suit your mood makes it the perfect addition to any home.

Marmalade of London

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand DP1-B9

T: + 44 (0) 1242 257509

E: sales@marmaladeoflondon.com

W: www.marmaladeoflondon.com

New What s

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home fragrance products to be showcased this month

1: Premium Without The Price Tag

The quality perfumers at Potters Crouch have created a premium fragrance in sustainable packaging, and all at a remarkable retail price point. The British made Reed Diffuser has 100% recyclable packaging, natural willow reeds and a paper butterfly impregnated with wildflower seeds for the consumer to plant and complete the sustainable process. With an rrp of £15.9, it is fast becoming a retail favourite.

‘Wellness’ by Potters Crouch

T: 01727 836454

E: david@potterscrouchcandles.co.uk

W: www.potterscrouchcandles.co.uk

2: Discover CleanLight

This autumn, Bolsius will introduce the fragrance concept CleanLight - a doublewalled glass holder for scented candle refills. The revolutionary technology behind the double-walled glass holder ensures that the refill burns up completely, leaving only the wick plate behind. CleanLight not only helps to create atmosphere; it also burns cleanly and leaves very little waste. The refill candles without a cup are available in five delicious scents, and unscented. Made from natural vegan wax and palm oil free. Bolsius by Apac

T: 0116 2302555

E: sales@apacgroup.com

W: www.apac.co.uk

3: Introducing Beautiful New Fragrances From Cocodor

Broughton & Beech has added to its successful partnership with Cocodor, introducing three new designs and fragrances to the unique collection. A blend of Faux and Preserved florals available as a 200ml reed diffuser, each product is plant based, vegan with exceptional and longlasting fragrances. The three new additions are Aqua, Camellia & Lavender. Broughton & Beech

T: 01270 335034

E: sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk

W: www.broughtonandbeech.co.uk

4: Cosy Fragrances

With autumn comes a new colour palette with darker skies, deep greens of nature and the browns as the leaves turn. The new range from Lesser and Pavey Desire reflects the colours of autumn with the added feature of brown tree grained wooden stoppers. Black bamboo reeds enhance the dark feel of the range with glass blue, greens and browns of the bottles containing tobacco and rum, amber and sandalwood, tuscan and leather, oud and bergamot. Quite earthy, masculine fragrances as the winter nights move in and darkness of the outside is reflected in, and the warmth of these fragrances fill the rooms of homes to bring comfort and calm.

Lesser & Pavey

T: 01322 279225

E: sales@leonardo.co.uk

W: www.leonardo.co.uk

5:

Wellbeing Collection

Stoneglow has added five new gift sets to the Wellbeing Collection. The 100% essential oil wardrobe contains four oil blends to restore and rebalance your equilibrium - add a few drops of these natural oils into your Stoneglow perfume mist diffuser for a therapeutic reset. The new gift sets contain the essential oil scented soy candles, mini diffuser and a full-size pillow spray.

Stoneglow

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand DP1-B26

T: 020 8595 8878

E: admin@stoneglowcandles.co.uk

W: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

New What s ,

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home fragrance products to be showcased this month

1: Fabulous Festive Fragrances

Marmalade is launching its new autumn/winter range at Harrogate Home and Gift show. Precious spice is a rich, warm, festive fragrance with clove buds and cinnamon sticks, freshened with mouthwatering clementine. Winter Fir is snowcapped Fir, pine needles and crisp Eucalyptus, notes of leather and smoky woods. Wild Berry and Bramble highlights fresh juiciness of red and black berries combined with woody spicy notes. Midnight woods is an intoxicating blend of black Lilies, violets, and vanilla with base notes of Vetiver and sandalwood.     Marmalade of London

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand DP1-B9

T: + 44 (0) 1242 257509

E: sales@marmaladeoflondon.com

W: www.marmaladeoflondon.com

2: Beautiful Handmade Glass Reed Diffusers

Nobile is delighted to further showcase its collection of quality handmade glass fragrance reed diffusers, with an evergrowing and bestselling range that now exceeds over 60 options in a kaleidoscope of colours and textures that coordinate perfectly with a breadth of interior decors. All beautifully and simply gift packages for mix and matching with a favourite fragrance.

Nobile Glassware

T: 0118 973 2033

E: info@nobileglassware.co.uk

W: www.nobileglassware.co.uk

3: Premium Reed Diffusers & Scented Candles

Ashleigh & Burwood is taking pre-orders for the latest products added to its signature collection: Ashleigh & Burwood - a world of scents. The brand, currently best known for its Fragrance Lamps and Lamp Fragrances, is launching a new range of premium Scented Candles and Reed Diffusers, that add strength to the collection. The newest products offer shoppers a chance to enjoy the powerful evocative scents of the Lamp Fragrances, in these widely enjoyed formats for the first time. Delivery from September.

Ashleigh & Burwood

T: +44 (0) 1932 267060

E: Trade@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

W: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

4: Decadent Indulgence

Opulent textures and sumptuous perfumes for a decadent fragrance experience is the definition of the Luna Collection. New for autumn/winter is the rich forest green and gold vessels with the future legacy fragrance Fougere & Vetiver, mossy green foundations and earthy notes.

Stoneglow

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand DP1-B26

T: 020 8595 8878

E: admin@stoneglowcandles.co.uk

W: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

5: Exquisite Fragrances From Valencia

Now taking orders, My Gifts Trade has been appointed exclusive UK distributor of Cereria Mollá 1899, a range of luxury handmade soya candles manufactured in Spain. My Gifts Trade director Nikki Courtney commented: “In a sometimes crowded market, it’s inspirational when you discover a brand which really stands out –beautiful packaging, exquisite fragrances and an artisanal heritage of almost 125 years which underpins the quality of the product. We are therefore delighted to be able to introduce Cereria Mollá 1899 to our customers in the UK.”

My Gifts Trade

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand: DP1-A15

T: 0161 946 1234

E: sales@mygiftstrade.co.uk

W: www.mygiftstrade.co.uk

New What s ,

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home fragrance products to be showcased this month

With over 500 brands, five marquees and five halls, all teaming with the latest trend-led products, Home & Gift (16-19 July) is a great way to kick off the Autumn/Winter and Christmas buying season, say show organisers Clarion.

“As Home & Gift 2023 approaches, I’m eagerly anticipating an event that celebrates creativity, fosters connections, and showcases the very best products and brands on offer,” show manager David Westbrook told PG&H.

“From my first time there in 2006, I’ve seen the show shift and evolve with the market, bringing it into the modern age and allowing our visitors to experience the sheer creativity and innovation of the brands on show. Buyers can explore a wide array of unique products and designs - from heartwarming greeting cards to beautiful jewellery, cosy homewares and more – with Home & Gift's extensive product range guaranteeing that there’s something for everyone. And with over 30% of the exhibitors making their show debut this year, there will be endless inspiration for visitors to immerse themselves in across the multiple halls and marquees.”

retailers networking at the Sundowners drinks party.

Mixing Business with pleasure

Accessories, Jewellery and the Fashion and Food Emporium.

Brand new for 2023 is Craft - showcasing one-off designs handmade by skilled designer-makers - which will be sitting alongside the show’s flagship sectors: Design-led Gift, General Gift, Home

PeopleÊs Choice Winner Revealed

At the Sundowners drinks on Sunday 16 July, Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association, will announce the winner of the Gift Of The Year’s highly anticipated People’s Choice Award, voted for by the general public. (See In Conversation With . . . Sarah Ward on page 31).

Another show highlight is the Trends installation created by Clarion’s show partner, The Better Trends Company, with visitors able to immerse themselves in the leading trends for 2023: Modern Psychedelic (which inspired the ‘60s-esque creative for the show), Rhythmic Form, and Dreamwave, an emerging trend for 2024.

Returning exhibitors include Joe Davies, Enesco, Wild Things, Hot Tomato, My Doris, Best Kept Secrets, Roka Bags, Talking Tables, Marmalade of London, Carrie Elspeth, Cotton & Grey and Sea Gems, with new exhibitors including Labre’s Hope, Trixie Baby, Every Nook, We Love Eco, Earthsong Seeds, Perfect Planner, Gardening For Kids, Warmies, Moda Express, New Duralex International, Bronte By Moon, Remony, Dreya Glass, Nordic Flowers, Zoe Scott Designs, Kocktail, Craft & Crumb and New English Teas.

For the full A-Z of exhibitors, and more besides, visit www.homeandgift.co.uk

Four busy, buzzy days of buying, networking and aftershow socialising await as gift buyers head to the beautiful spa town of Harrogate this month, with the Home & Gift Buyer’s Festival team pulling out all the stops to make this July’s show another ‘must attend’ occasion.

Socially Speaking

After-show get togethers at Home & Gift include the much-loved Sunday Sundowners drinks on 16 July, (starting at 5.30pm outside marquee DP1), which this year includes celebrating Progressive Gifts & Home’s 30th anniversary! (See page 5 and pages 19-25). There will also be Gin on The Lawn from 5.30pm at the Alfresco Bar, plus a VIP Happy Hour in the Indigo Lounge every day between 3-4pm.

Come and explore the magic at Stand A17

Elevate your gifting game this year with our enchanting creations. Experience the perfect blend of fragrance and artisanal beauty in a captivating display of pure luxury!

oirsoap.co.uk hello@oirsoap.co.uk

1: Pebble Bee Collection

Indulge in the year-round charm of beautiful buzzing bees with the enchanting Pebble Bee Collection by Joe Davies (Harrogate Home and Gift – Stand B66). Transform your home with these delightful bee-inspired products, including photo frames, plaques, coasters, and tea lights. Each item is adorned with painted ‘pebble bees’ and heartfelt sentiments, making them a perfect gift for loved ones. Embrace the joy of bees and infuse your home with their delightful presence with the Pebble Bee Collection from Joe Davies.

Joe Davies

Visit: Home & Gift Stand B66

T: 0161 975 6300

E: sales@joedavies.co.uk

W: www.joedavies.co.uk

2: Sister Mine Keepsake Box

Enesco has unveiled a new keepsake box joining the Willow Tree family, depicting the special bond between sisters and close friends. Inspired by the top-selling Sister Mine figurine, the Sister Mine Keepsake Box measures 12.5cm tall and features the same female forms as its figurine counterpart, kneeling together side by side while sharing a warm embrace. Lift the lid and customers will find a heartfelt sentiment which reads ‘Nothing comes close to the closeness of sisters’.

Enesco

Visit: Home & Gift Stand A3

T: 01228 404022

E: uksales@enesco.co.uk

W: www.enesco.co.uk

3: Pretty In Pink

VENT for Change, the sustainable stationery company that supports children’s education projects worldwide with every item sold, has launched its new Raspberry Pink collection for summer 2023. The new colourway is part of the bestselling Make a Mark collection comprising notebooks and pen pouches made using reclaimed leather and recycled ball pens made from old plastic bottles. Also on display will be the newest range of books made using recycled ocean waste.

VENT for Change

Visit: Home & Gift Stand:  DP1-C24

E: lucy@ventforchange.co.uk

W: www.ventforchange.co.uk

4: Love Is In The Air

‘Sunshine and Romance’ is a suncatcher, designed and handmade in the UK by skilled craftworkers and part of the bestselling Wild Things Crystal Dreams range. With its vivid stained glass effect colours and sparkling crystal beads and ball, this little treasure is sure to surprise and delight. See it on stand A21 in Harrogate or in the new Wild Things catalogue.

Wild Things Gifts

Visit: Home & Gift Stand A21

T: Lisa on 01392211268

E: sales@wildthingsgifts.com

W: www.wildthingsgifts.com

5: Christmas Sparkle For Your Home

We are loving Hot Tomato’s detour into the home with this covetable Christmas tree ornament. At a modest 10.5cm high, this little beauty packs a punch with glorious vintage styling and sparkle. Home accessories is not something we associate Hot Tomato with but, just occasionally, a piece is so perfect and utterly irresistible that you just have to go with it. Check it out at Harrogate Home & Gift.

Hot Tomato

Visit: Home & Gift: Hall DP1, Stand A1

T: 01225 422188

E: sales@hot-tom.com

W: www.hot-tom.com

New What s ,

1: Scion Living Homeware Collection

Enesco has revealed its new Scion Living Homeware Collection. Zesty, on-trend colours collide with favourite characters from the loveable crew. The new collection aims to be ‘fun-meets-functional’ and features plant pots, candles, placemats, coasters and vases. A colour palette of golden mustards, sky blues and stone greys will bring character to any room.

Enesco

Visit: Home & Gift Stand A3

T: 01228 404022

E: uksales@enesco.co.uk

W: www.enesco.co.uk

2: Colourful Accessories For The Home

Tilnar Art is delighted to have designed and be launching its new AluminArk Collection of Recycled Aluminium Penguins, Puffins, Walking Elephants, Geckos, Rhinos, Hippos, keyrings and more additions to its current collections.

Tilnar Art

Visit: Home & Gift – Stand DP4-76

Visit: Autumn Fair - Hall 6, Stand J30

E: sales@tilnarart.co.uk

W: www.tilnarart.co.uk

New What s ,

3:

The Perfect Gift For Someone Special

Introducing the Three Lites Giftboxes from Best Kept Secret’s Just Because range. Each gift box contains its three bestselling fragrances: Classic Cotton, Whispering Bamboo and Gold Dust. Each tea light is beautifully scented, colourful and features the signature, biodegradable sparkles. With a variety of joyful and meaningful boxes to suit your special occasion, these Three Lites Giftboxes make the perfect gift.

Best Kept Secrets

Visit: Home & Gift – Stand A10

T: 01670 512222

E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

4: Perfect Gift For Gardeners

My Wellbeing Garden is designed to appeal to your customers’ gardening journey, providing a dedicated space to document and nurture their green thumb adventures. Beautifully created by the company’s in-house designers with premium materials, My Wellbeing Garden is the perfect purchase for avid gardeners and for gifting. Product will be launching in Janaury 2024 with a £9.99 price point.

Global Journey

Visit: Home & Gift: Hall A, Stand A23

T: 0161 872 0333

E: isamuels@global-journey.com

W: www.global-journey.com

5: The Gift of Time

Take 20 precious minutes for your relaxation and wellbeing with these handmade pure beeswax 20-minute candles from Cotton & Grey. Light a candle, enjoy its warm glow and let the mesmerising flame restore your inner calm. The ‘Little Box of’ range includes candle gift sets that come wrapped in a life-affirming message to lift the spirits and enhance mental health. There are 16 in the range, and there is an eye-catching point of sale stand for easy display. Each box contains 12 candles with a ceramic holder. See all the designs across five ranges at Home & Gift or visit the website.

Cotton & Grey

Visit: Home & Gift Stand No: DP4-23

T: Claire on 07876763774

E: info@cottonandgrey.com

W: www.cottonandgrey.com

1: Vintage Inspired Product For You And Your Home

Powell Craft has been a family-run business supplying timeless nightwear, clothing, traditional toys, gifts and all-round lovely things for the home since 1962. While the product range has grown over the years, the core values have remained the same – the company designs beautiful products in natural fabrics that are made to be loved and to last. Its customer base includes stylish gift stores, children’s shops and websites all over the world.

Powell Craft

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand A2

T: 01273 622023

E: sales@powellcraft.co.uk

W: www.powellcraft.com

2: Beautiful New Card Range

Designed and crafted in-house at Berserks Glass Studio, the new greeting cards range comes with the green credentials of 100% recycled card and is presented in a compostable clear sleeve.

Add a beautifully tactile fused glass keepsake, a wide choice of glass colours, card designs and lovely sentiments and the cards are sure to have what your customers are looking to say and send.

Berserks Glass

Visit: Home & Gift: Hall B, Stand 62

T: 07725527734

E: info@berserks.co.uk

W: www.berserks.co.uk

3: Reindeer Food

Magical reindeer food made from raw oats and sugar sprinkles makes the perfect addition to Christmas Eve boxes or a special treat experience for little ones on the run up to the big day. Presented on an A5 beautifully illustrated backing card with a biodegradable bag, they are a great pick up buy to an in-store display or an online postable gift.

Flossy Teacake

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand B43

E: info@flossyteacake.co.uk

W: www.flossyteacake.com

4: Mermaid Collection

Mele & Co - Europe’s foremost name in jewellery cases and watch boxes - has introduced over 90 new lines this year. Included in this is the vibrant Mermaid range of musical children’s jewellery cases, featuring a revolving mermaid figurine. New lines in this year’s range include wooden jewel boxes, children’s cases, photo frames, candle holders and travel accessories.

Mele & Co

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand B3

T: 02920221331

E: business@meleandco.com

W: www.meleandco.com

5: New Twilight Collection

Talking Tables is debuting its Twilight collection at Harrogate. Inspired by folk art and the Arts and Crafts movement, it features hand painted forest animals, flora and fauna and jewel tone colours. The collection is plastic free and everything is either recyclable at home or reusable in line with the company’s B Corporation status. Included alongside crackers, paper napkins and plates are uncycled fabric bunting – a sustainable alternative to tinsel –trays made in Europe from FSC birchwood, fabric table runners and tissue paper.

Talking Tables

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand: DP1-A33

T: +44 (0) 20 7627 6767

W: www.trade.talkingtables.co.uk

6: New Luxury

Home Fragrance

Curated from a love of fragrance and gift giving, Cècor is a chic luxury home fragrance brand which makes scent gifting exciting and effortless. The sleek elegant design has added some ‘oomph’ to the world of home fragrance gifting, also doubling as stylish statement pieces in a home. The company works hard to be more than just good smells, wanting to make gifting a memorable experience.

Cecor

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand B87

E: contact@cecor.co.uk

W: www.cecor.co.uk

New What s ,

Loved by farm shops, delis and garden centres. As seen in Selfridges and John Lewis

Spice Kitchen is a family-run spice company founded by mother and son team Sanjay and Shashi Aggarwal. Sanjay and Shashi are famous for their beautiful sari-wrapped spice tins and their bold, flavoursome spice blends, loved by adventurous cooks.

Come and say hello at M-FE09 And get a sneak preview of our new brand design!

1: F.Y.G Gift Sets

F.Y.G’s Back to Basics range of candles is a careful curation of timeless classics with a modern twist, designed to enhance the living space and uplift the mood. Each fragrance celebrates not only a key aroma, but a distinct character. F.Y.G has now curated its new Gift Sets so consumers can choose from The Invigorate, The Indulge, The Ignite, or The Iconic Collection of award-winning scents.

FYG

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand DP1-C21

T: +44 208 914 7974

E: demi@fyghome.com

W: www.fyghome.com

2: Stunning Goebel Giftware

The name Goebel has been synonymous with fine giftware for years. The extensive range covers both modern and traditional shapes and designs, truly something for everyone. Proven ranges with selected distribution. Well-known designer names like Britto, and Rosina Wachtmeister and classic art based ranges inspired by Klimt, Monet and others,   GLB will now be stocking key elements of this range in the UK for faster and hassle free delivery.

Global Luxury Brands

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand A20

E: alison@glb.uk.com

W: www.globalluxurybrands.co.uk

3: Perfect Gift For Food Lovers

Spice Kitchen has recently launched its inspiring new cookbook, Spice Kitchen: Vibrant Recipes and Spice Blends for the Home Cook, published by Quadrille Books. Spice Kitchen champions the use of single spice blends and aims to empower readers to create tasty meals with minimal fuss. The cookery book includes recipes for all of the blends in their award-winning World Spice Tin with Silk Sari Wrap, and sits perfectly as a beautiful gift bundle for adventurous cooks.

Spice Kitchen

Visit: Home & Gift; Stand M-FE09

E: soldwithlove@spicekitchenuk.com

W: www.spicekitchenuk.com

4: Adorable Microwaveable Soft Toys

Brace yourself for a microwaveable adventure like no other. Bursting with fruity fun, monstrous mischief, and prehistoric charm, Warmies new range of adorable microwavable soft toys are ready to heat up your heart. Satisfy cravings for a good night's sleep with Warmies scrumptious fruity furries, gently-scented with dried Lavender to provide a calming and relaxing environment. Head on over to B81 where the Warmies team are looking forward to meeting you.

Warmies

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand B81

T: 01933 679777

E: sales@warmies.co.uk

W: www.warmies.co.uk

5: Enchanted

Collection

New What s ,

Woodland

Introducing the Enchanted Woodland Collection! With its timeless design, nostalgic feel, and the nation's favourite festive fragrances, this whimsical collection is an absolute must-have for any Christmas lover and retailer alike. Look out for the all-new POS display, bringing the collection to life and making it perfect for those in-store displays.

The Country Candle Co

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand A17

T: 01249 478660

E: sales@thecountrycandlecompany.com

W: www.thecountrycandlecompany.com

6: Trivets by Zone Denmark

Using geometric shapes and patterns, the collection of trivets is both playful and colourful. Available in a range of colours, shapes and sizes, these silicone trivets will protect worktops and tables in the kitchen and dining room. Able to withstand temperatures up to 250°C, Zone trivets are dishwasher safe. With the function side of things taken care of, the form of these trivets brings fun and colour to the table.

Forma House

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand: DP1-C55, DP1-B55

T: 0208 646 3883

E: sales@formahouse.co.uk

W: www.formahouse.co.uk

Tilnar Art is very proud to have designed and be launching our new AluminArk Collection of Recycled Aluminium Penguins, Puffins, Walking Elephants, Geckos, Rhinos, Hippos, Keyrings and many more additions to our current collections.

GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Products of Change has launched a new step-by-step framework on how businesses and brand owners can start their journey of sustainable development, highlights POC’s editor and community manager Rob

Last month, Products of Change launched its cross-sector collaborative project to the brand, licensing and consumer product industries. Its aim is to deliver an open resource to be used by brand owners, manufacturing partners, retailers and service providers, as a step-by-step guide to forging a clear-cut pathway to sustainable development.

Devised to help businesses and individuals wherever they are on their journey with sustainability, the framework features a break-down of processes, and a suggested timeline of incremental and impactful change to implement across operations.

Pure Table Top’s sustainability division, led by Tom Sellicks, is already recognised for a robust ESG strategy that takes into consideration the measurement of emissions, strategies to reduce environmental impact, and plans to adopt more circular solutions for products that have reached ‘end-oflife.’ In his pursuit of strengthening this approach further, the team has already started using the Products of Change resource.

“Having any sort of framework or guidance specific to an industry is absolute gold,” Tom told Products of Change. “I’ve been working in sustainability every week for the past two and a half years and haven’t yet come across something so comprehensively relevant to what is really a very widespread and varied industry.”

The Framework does this by breaking-down the approach into three parts. Part One offers businesses a guide to implementing the basic groundwork and initial processes to prepare for a period of transition. Part Two helps set goals and ambitions to hit across critical areas of business within a timeframe, from Waste Reduction, Packaging Design and Product Design to Material Selection, Supply Chain and Purchasing, and Facility Management. Finally, Part Three offers suggested contractual language for brand owners to start collecting and nudging sustainable behaviour across their partnership base.

“Legal requirements to report and improve sustainability performance are not yet in-line with the shifting attitudes within business so this couldn’t have come at a better time,” says Tom. “As well as this, the Framework has been positioned nicely to fit within the wider context of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Science Based Targets, which will only become more relevant in the coming months and years.”

The POC Industry Framework was unveiled to the industry in the build-up to Licensing Expo 2023 and launched in association with the Global Licensing Group. Its creation is rooted within the brand licensing sector and has –over its two years in development –utilised the insight and expertise of industry names including the Natural History Museum, the LEGO Group, BBC Worldwide, Hasbro, Paramount, Art + Science, Golden Bear, George @ Asda, and the Products of Change Advisors team.

Claire Bates, marketing manager at Danilo, a member of the Products of Change community, and a forerunner in the sustainable development within the gift and greetings space, says: “This Framework will be a great resource for any company, no matter where they are on their sustainability journey. Particularly where there is an overwhelming amount of information on sustainability, it can be difficult to know what to focus on, but this guide helps to break it all down into shortterm, mid-term, and long-term steps.”

With big changes in legislation heading our way in the coming years, businesses looking to get ahead of the curve are training their focus on their journey with sustainability and more responsible practices. Products of Change is a membership organisation that acts to empower businesses and individuals by educating to inform positive and sustainable change across the products sectors.

To learn more about Products of Change, contact Rob Hutchins at rob@productsofchange.com

Hutchins.

Having any sort of framework or guidance specific to an industry is absolute gold

‘‘ ’’

Right: POC’s Rob Hutchins. Left: POC’s Helena MansellStopher interviews Pure Table Top’s Tom Sellicks at Spring Fair 2023.

As we transition from summer to Autumn/Winter, an eclectic, diverse array of jewellery will be winging its way into shops over the coming season.

“We are selling many more of our twotone necklaces, with a mix of sterling silver and 18ct gold plate,” confirms Caroline Reeves, director of Reeves & Reeves, “with our new Panda necklace, along with our Hummingbird and Queen Bee going to be the pieces to be seen wearing this Christmas. Plus, brooches are also seeing a comeback which we have really enjoyed designing. They bring a touch of colour and joy to an outfit.”

Adds Caroline: “Meanwhile, letters and words have to be the biggest of the seasonal trends, where we have created a unique collection of ‘script’ necklaces, combining gold plate on sterling silver. We know these are going to be a sell-out this winter as they make a wonderfully bold statement when worn alone, or they can be layered with other favourite pieces,” points out Caroline.

“Autumn/Winter

and Christmas is our most extensive collection of the year, dropping in early September, with the new collection featuring over 300 new pieces of jewellery, accessories and homeware,” confirms Helen Hird, brand manager at My Doris. “Jewellery will feature

bold statement pieces, longer drop gemstone earrings, pearl pieces with a Doris-twist, and new adjustable ring packs, another of our stockists' favourites.”

Also highlighting pearls is CME. “They have really taken centre stage this year,” confirms CME’s general manager Debbie Hunt. “We therefore think that all things pearl will continue to be very popular so we are continuing to add new lines. Additionally, in our Amber collection, we have two new ranges for Summer/Autumn across the elegant luxury end of the market, as well as fun affordable animal pieces.”

Inset: Jewellery galore from My Doris.

Inset: Statement jewellery from Reeves & Reeves includes Hummingbird and Queen Bee necklaces.

Left: Pearl hoops from CME’s Pearl collection.

At Joma Jewellery, the company’s AW23 collection is sparked by gold jewellery trends, with new collections including brand new gold A Littles – a twist on the company’s bestselling A Littles range – with the bracelets featuring sentiments entwined with luxe gold-plated beads. “For the festive season, our Christmas colour palette features rich berry, radiant rose and white,” confirms founder and creative director Katie Loxton. New pieces for the season include Christmas A Littles, Christmas crackers and Christmas cracker necklaces, which are crowned with silver starburst packaging.

Life Charms meanwhile, is bringing out lots of new designs for Autumn in the company’s Just Because collection.

Explains graphic designer Agata Werycha: “We’ve added designs with different sporting activities and hobbies to include running, cycling and tennis, alongside designs for birthday occasions. We have also redesigned our Birthflower designs which feature silver plated bracelets with

heart of the new Autumn/Winter ranges from Miss Milly. Comments managing director Sarah Watmore:

“The move towards longevity within fashion has resulted in the continuations of trends, with green still prominent for the new season, along with purple, mid blues and smatterings of orange and yellow. We have therefore come up with some adventurous combinations, such as grey, magenta and mustard, and mint, mustard, denim blue and purple. We also have two new long necklace designs, one with a sliding fastener, to allow the wearer to adjust the length.”

At Joe Davies, buyer Mary Caputo believes that this Autumn/Winter will be all about filigree, with intricate jewellery

With the festive season in mind, Talbot Fashions’ illustrated Christmas jewellery is designed in-house, with the company’s buyer, Ginny Bryant, pointing out: “It’s unique to us, and with the natural paua shell inlay, no two pieces are the same. These items are always in huge demand for the festive season so we are urging customers to order early.”

From a retailer’s perspective, with so much to choose from, it’s getting

sparkling beads, and an oval charm with an engraved birth flower.”

Crumble & Core meanwhile, has launched Bright Blooms, a new boxed greeting cards/jewellery range. “It features a palette of rich, bold colours along with complementary pastel shades ensuring it all sits together as a collection,” explains director Louise Pike. “Within this range we have new additions to our jewellery offer including some larger crystal sterling silver earrings, vibrant sterling silver beaded bracelets and Sterling steel navel/belly bars, with appeal to a wide array of customers.”

Colour meanwhile, continues to be at the

incorporating thin strips of metal, woven and twisted to form attractive pieces available in the Equilibrium Filigree collection from Joe Davies. “Plus, heart shaped jewellery is a trend that will never go out of fashion and, with this in mind, we are launching the brand new Equilibrium Te Amo collection featuring hearts in all styles, shapes and sizes across necklaces, earrings and bracelets.”

Inset: Among Joma Jewellery’s Christmas A Littles.

Left: Crystal sterling silver earrings feature in the Bright Blooms collection from Crumble and Core.

Above: New Birthflower designs from Life Charms.

Right: Teo Amo Equilibrium collection from Joe Davies.

Right: Part of Talbot Fashions’ gift boxed Christmas jewellery.

Reeves & Reeves design and create an array of stunning and exclusive jewellery collections.

Based in the heart of the Dorset countryside, the husband and wife team are passionate about jewellery and their enduring designs reflect much of what is around them, from the fields and woods to the Jurassic Coast. Their Jewellery is contemporary in style with a unique fashion edge, at very competitive prices and superb attention to both detail and quality. Heath, Caroline and their talented team have an innovative creative ability and empathy with their customers is a very unique selling point. They utilize a charming combination of sterling silver, 18ct yellow and Rose gold vermeil with accents of colour through the use of hand picked stones and exquisite enamel detail.

The varied collections range from the sleek and modern Stellar collection to imaginative animals and plant life designs, many with an elegant modern twist, evoking favourite memories from the past and creating new ones for the future. The Reeves & Reeves team really do love what they create and know that you will too.

A Passion For Fashion Accessories

When purse strings need to be tightened, fashion accessories are often seen as the way to add affordable pizzazz, combining fashion with function.

“Christmas is one of our favourite times of year,” says Caroline Gardner’s head of marketing, Kyra White. “Bags are huge, ranging from our canvas totes to our weekend bag and mini leather saddle bag.”

She predicts that colourwise, khaki is going to be huge in transitioning from Autumn to Winter, suiting everyone, with the company’s cobalt and electric violet cashmere pieces also among the winners. “Plus, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of shine and sparkle, so metallics are going to be popular gifts, from glasses cases to keyrings,” Kyra predicts. Meanwhile, a refreshed colour palette sets the tone for Katie Loxton’s AW23 collection, with mink, chocolate, soft tan and eggshell taking centre stage, along with pops of vibrant colour, to include fuchsia pink. New micro bag styles include the Evie crossbody bag which can be elevated with matching clip-on accessories, while for Christmas, there’s emerald green festive starburst print and cracker packaging, alongside matching accessories and bags. “The collection is certain to elevate an in-store display during the holiday season,” says Katie Loxton, founder of her eponymous company.

Staying with winter accessories, Joe Davies’ buyer Mary Caputo predicts a big demand for gloves. “They became a trend during lockdown. At that time, the reason was obvious - no touching! – but since

SPOTLIGHT ON . . . JEWELLERY & FASHION ACCESSORIES

then, the trend for gloves has become a fully-fledged phenomenon, from classic winter gloves and fingerless gloves to elbow length opera style gloves, as they can act as both

fashion. We will therefore be launching a huge range of gif-led gloves in various styles and fabrics for Autumn/Winter 2023, from fingerless gloves with luxurious faux fur cuffs that are ideal for texting, as well as driving, to gloves packaged in luxury foiled gift boxes, with everything available in vibrant winter colour palettes.”

Scarves meanwhile, are continuing to drive sales for Miss Milly. “In a market where scarves are everywhere, and still popular, this coming Autumn/Winter we are sticking with lighter weight, all year round products in a very soft cotton and viscose mix,” says managing director Sarah Watmore. Designs include floral, stripes, chequered and abstract in colours that coordinate with Miss Milly jewellery. “Look out for greens, purples, navy blues, dark reds and oranges,” says Sarah.

Bead-tastic

Stepping Out In Style

Walking stick specialists Classic Canes will be offering Autumnal choices that coordinate with the new season’s clothing.

“Our new in-house design of hedgehogs and fly agaric mushrooms makes a lovely gift, along with a wealth of floral patterns in browns, russets and other seasonal shades, some featuring Autumn fruits and vegetables,” comments managing director Charlotte Gillan. “For many people, being able to match their walking sticks to a favourite outfit is an important part of their sense of style.”

My Doris’ beadwork collection has been reimagined for the new Autumn/Winter season. “Purses, washbags, earrings and bracelets have been designed to create dazzling displays in store and are fab for gifting,” highlights My Doris’ brand manager Helen Hird.

Inset: Caroline Gardner’s Flower Power weekend bag.

Inset: Katie Loxton’s new Cleo mini saddle bag.

Inset: Joe Davies will be offer an extensive range of gloves this winter.

Below: Classic Canes’ folding walking stick features hedgehogs and mushrooms.

Inset: Bold colours, playful motifs and stand out details are a feature of My Doris’ jewellery and fashion accessories next season.

Inset: A new green dot matrix scarf from Miss Milly’s for 23/24.

1: Stunning New Designs

All the colour from Miss Milly! From mustard to purple to emerald green, you’ll find gorgeous new designs in the AW23-24 jewellery collection alongside fresh colourways on best-selling pieces. Choose from floral, striped, chequered and abstract designs in our new super soft scarf range. And lots more fantastic new designs in the popular magnetic brooch and keyring collections. Reasonable prices and £100 minimum order with no MOQs. Branded displays, FSC certified packaging and POS available.

Miss Milly

Visit: Home & Gift: DP3-8

T: 01905 622509

E: hello@missmilly.co.uk

W: www.missmilly.co.uk

2: Equilibrium Silver Ice Collection

In recent months, adoration for gold jewellery has taken centre stage, but now silver jewellery is making a triumphant comeback as the leading metal of choice. While many of us never truly abandoned silver altogether, Autumn/Winter 2023 heralds its return as the prevailing trend for the months ahead. Embodying this newfound popularity, the captivating Equilibrium Silver Ice Collection by Joe Davies (Harrogate Home and Gift – Stand B66) artfully combines a matt ice white hue with lustrous silver plating, resulting in a refreshing and stylish aesthetic. This brand-new range showcases modern hearts, alluring butterflies, and contemporary flowers, accentuated by a touch of sparkle – making it the perfect choice for the forthcoming festive season.

Joe Davies

Visit: Home & Gift Stand B66

T: 0161 975 6300

E: sales@joedavies.co.uk

W: www.joedavies.co.uk

3: Get Your Hands On These

Hot Tomato’s latest addition are these aptly named Kaleidoscope Gloves featuring colour co-ordinated faux suede palms. The embroidered flower on the index finger is more than a cute addition – it enables use of smartphones without getting our digits chilly – now that is smart! Free-size with six colour combinations and each pair being a unique representation of its palette – depending on where the pattern falls – colour me up with these please!

Hot Tomato

Visit: Home & Gift: Hall DP1, Stand A1

T: 01225 422188

E: sales@hot-tom.com

W: www.hot-tom.com

4: Colourful And Fun Jewellery

My Doris customers, new and existing, will have the opportunity to preview their brand-new collections for Autumn/Winter'23 and Christmas. They have so much inspiration to share. They have been working on new Doris designs have been working on since springtime, all carefully brought to life by hand, relying on the luxury of our artisan network in India and Turkey. High Summer will also be available for anyone needing to top-up. Plus, Team Doris will be on hand to support you and your business needs. Nothing beats seeing their new designs in person and Katie and Team Doris very much look forward to seeing you and catching up. Join them at this summer's buyer's festival on stand DP1-C114 and expect colour, fun and vibrancy.

My Doris

Visit: Home & Gift – Stand: DP1-C114

T: 01284 247 010

E: info@mydoris.co.uk

W: www.mydoris.co.uk

5: Personalised Bracelets

These delicate personalised bar bracelets are part of Personalised Memento Company’s brand-new wedding range. Available in either rose gold or silver and presented in a black gift box, they make a special gift for any occasion that will be cherished for years to come.

Visit PMC’s website to see their full range of personalised jewellery.

PMC

E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

New What s ,

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest jewellery and fashion products to be showcased this month

1: Unique Handmade Jewellery

Bring a burst of colour to retail displays this Autumn with the new range from Carrie Elspeth Jewellery. From bold statement necklaces to delicate bracelets, there is something for everyone. Known for her unique beaded jewellery, all handmade in Wales, Carrie offers quick delivery times, award winning customer service and a range of point-of-sale options. Pop by her stand (New location: DP1-A51) to see what’s new. Ask about the show offer too…

Carrie Elspeth

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand DP1-A51

T: 01446 771271

E:  sales@carrieelspeth.com

W:  www.carrieelspeth.com

2: Heavenly Jewellery

Introducing a new addition to the fastpselling Celestial collection, the moon & star necklace and earring set is proving to be a great seller and is also available separately. The natural swirls of the New Zealand Abalone Paua shell create individual patterns, making each piece of jewellery unique. It is often referred to as the sea opal due to its opalescent blues, rich greens and fiery purple flashes.  All Paua shell jewellery is supplied gift boxed. Its Paua shell is sustainably sourced and is nickel, cadmium and lead compliant.

Talbot Fashions

T: 01273 776415

E:  info@talbotfashions.com

W:  www.talbotfashions.com

3: Stunning New Designs

Reeves & Reeves has lots of gorgeous new designs including its Stunning Dragonfly necklace, its Bestselling hummingbird in gold and silver and a fabulous collection of brooches. It has introduced a stunning collection of initial pendants in both gold and silver and its new favourites, the Script collection. Shop the collections now.

Reeves & Reeves

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand DP1-A59

T: 01460 221630

E:  caroline@reevesandreeves.com

W:  www.reevesandreeves.com

4: Fabulous Contemporary Jewellery

Get in touch to see more of Rodney Holman’s ever-evolving collection of fabulous fashion jewellery, ideal for your consumers. The company offers great retail service including that of no minimum orders and also free delivery. New retail partners are welcomed to make contact.

Rodney Holman

T: 01285 656132

E:  info@rodneyholman.co.uk

W:  www.rodneyholman.co.uk

5:

Perfect Pinks

The emergence of Barbie-core has taken the world by storm over the past few months with the much-anticipated release of Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie and its influence can be seen right across fashion and jewellery choices. CME has introduced a new range of earrings, rings, bracelets and pendants featuring in pink CZ or enamel to satisfy customers seeking a dose of the iconic style.

CME Leicester Limited

T: 0116 283 2240

E:  sales@cmejewellery.co.uk

W:  linktr.ee/cmejewellery

New What s ,

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest jewellery and fashion products to be showcased this month

1: Unique Pet Accessories

New from Quotable are Pet Collar Charms which aim to reflect the love you have for your pet and also their love for you. Sharing meaningful and heartfelt messages, each charm is a unique accessory that will inspire you and everyone who loves your pet. 28mm square lightweight hard enamel with jump ring. Choose from 18 styles and order in 4s (£2.90 each, £6.95 rrp. €3.75 each, €8.95 rrp).

Quotable Cards

T: +1 44(0) 800 088 5020

E: info@quotablecards.co.uk

W: www.quotablecards.co.uk

2: Time For Tea

Two of six new designs in a range of timeless tea mugs, incorporating a porcelain strainer to hold the tea leaves with matching lid to keep the drink hot. The blue lotus flower mug has a blue Chinese meander pattern around both the lid and the cup representing clouds and rolling thunder. The lotus flower symbolises purity, emerging in all its beauty from muddy waters, while the panda is linked to the Chinese Yin Yang symbol showing unity and duality in nature.

Mandarin Arts

T: 01873 812255

E:  info@mandarinarts.co.uk

W:  www.mandarinarts.co.uk

3: The Art of Sculpture

JJ Vaillant is introducing a new collection of statues, garden decor and eccentricities for late autumn. There are over 100 different models up to two-metres tall in a variety of finishes including Rust, Polished Aluminium, Imperial Bronze and Roman Stone. The Teppanom Male in Polished Aluminium stands 72cm tall and weighs 6kg. The company is expecting high demand and is suggesting forward orders be made for spring 2024.

JJ Vaillant

T: 0121 667 3629

E: info@jjvaillant.co.uk

W: www.jjvaillant.co.uk

4: Gifts To Make You Smile

Bug Art from Lesser and Pavey features bright, fun, cheerful illustrations that will bring a smile to anyone’s face. The range spans many stationery products with an A5 notebook, memo pad with pen, all offering quality paper, gold foil printing and in 10 designs. It also transforms cushions, fine china mugs, drinking glasses, trays and ceramic coasters. From the quirky cow pose to the naughty monkey, from the mad hare to the floppy eared hound. A perfect gift across ages, cultures and outlook.

Lesser & Pavey

T: 01322 279225

E:  sales@leonardo.co.uk

W:  www.leonardo.co.uk

5: A Light For Any Location

Buyers will not want to miss out on this new range for the home with LED rechargeable gold touch lamps from Lesser and Pavey which work in any location. The rechargeable LED lamps have three settings - bright white, warm white and mid whitesetting a lighting moment for any location. The brightness of the lamps can also be adjusted up and down by simply holding the button. Each lamp comes with a USB cable and is chargeable which will last for 8-10 hours depending on brightness. Each piece is packaged in a gift box and is available in eight styles.

Lesser & Pavey

T: 01322 279225

E:  sales@leonardo.co.uk

W:  www.leonardo.co.uk

New What s

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now

Sip. Stack. Play.

At 295ml, the Klean Kanteen Kid’s Cup is easy for small hands to hold, fits in most pram and car seat cup holders, and comes with a splash- and spill-proof Straw Lid with matching reusable straw. Both the cup and straw are made with certified 90% post-consumer recycled steel. Pop on the compatible Sippy Lid (available separately) to create a convenient sippy cup.

Their nontoxic, extra durable Klean Coat® finish keeps Kid’s Cup colours bright and scratch free. These stackable cups stack up to a whole lot of fun at home and on the go!

Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Whitby & Co (UK) Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)1539 721032

Email: sales@whitbyandco.co.uk

1: Purrrfect Pout

Puckator has a selection of feline-themed lip balms for you to check out. The Cat’s Life range is designed by the in-house design team and sports illustrations of cats living their best life… which is mainly sleeping. The designs themselves are colourful and minimalistic and come in fruity scents such as orange and strawberry. Puckator has also teamed up with everyone’s favourite cat Pusheen to create a range of ‘Pusheenicorn’ lip balm tins.

Puckator

T: 0800 0116969

E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk

W: www.puckator.co.uk

2: Escape To The Country

Love Country has released its charming new Cottage Core Collection, which is inspired by the simple pleasures of everyday cottage and country life. In our busy modern world, there is a desire to appreciate the simpler life, going back to traditions such as gardening, picking wildflowers, meditating, home cooking, keeping hens, crafts and more - known as Cottage Core. The collection features cards and prints by artist Sarah Reilly.

Love Country

T: 01502 507352

E: support@lovecountryuk.co.uk

W: www.lovecountryuk.co.uk

3: Majestic Kingfisher Walking Stick

New from walking stick specialist Classic Canes is a striking kingfisher print adjustable walking stick. “Kingfishers are always popular subjects for greetings cards and other giftware, so we thought we would feature them as a walking stick design,” explained Charlotte Gillan, managing director. “These much-loved birds are instantly recognisable and the walking sticks make excellent gifts for cane-users as well as accessories for people who love British wildlife.” Classic Canes stocks over 500 walking sticks, seat sticks and umbrellas including many new designs suitable for autumn.

Classic Canes

T: 01460 75686

E: info@classiccanes.co.uk

W: www.classiccanes.co.uk

4: Personalised High Contrast Sensory Square Childrens Book

PMC has welcomed a new addition to its growing book range. The personalised high contrast babies book has been specially created to aid in development, with simple lines and bold patterns the designs are easier for babies to see. Research has shown that high-contrast designs help to encourage cognitive development without them feeling over-stimulated. Visit the trade website to find out how to add drop ship personalised gifts to the range.

PMC

E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

5: Relax And Unwind

Puckator is expanding its range of Chakra home fragrance items to help make your home more zen. A favourite is the Chakra oil burners which are made of soapstone and come in a variety of colours and symbols which are carved into it. There’s also a number of incense holders to tickle your fancy, such as the pebble ash catcher or the mango wood incense stick burner. The soapstone chakra hand incense burner is one to look at with its detailed carvings, perfect for anyone looking to delve into their spiritual side.

Puckator

T: 0800 0116969

E: customerservices@puckator.co.uk

W: www.puckator.co.uk

New What s ,

Progressive Gifts &

Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now

A large high street gift store.

CATEGORYSUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Sass & Belle: ceramics;

East of India: sentiment

Home Fragrancing

Lily-flame: Palma Violet and Fairy Dust

Jewellery

Tatty Devine: small necklaces;

Edblad: stainless steel

Fashion Accessories

Greeting Cards

Giftwrap

Other Hot Hits

Roka: across the board

Redback Cards

The Art File Jellycat: across the board

Contemporary designs at a great price.

People love sentiment giftware. We’ve sold the ranges forever.

The candles are an easy pick-up gift at under £10.

The jewellery changes seasonally, so it doesn’t stay in the store for very long.

We offer a big range of necklaces, stud earrings and bracelets.

Great quality, great colours. The sustainability of the fabric is a winner with customers.

The Good Things range is one of our best sellers.

We do particularly well with rollwrap. The more we have, the more we sell. It’s currently a phenomenon!

SEAN AUSTIN, OWNER, AUSTIN & CO, MALVERN

A medium-sized gift and card store on a high street.

CATEGORY SUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Pet Gifts

Repeat Repeat: mugs

Caroline Gardner: dog bowls;

Cinnamon Aitch: dog shampoo

Greeting cards

Giftwrap

Dandelion Stationery

Noi Publishing

Local people like to buy local product and these are personalised according to the location.

Some lovely designs.

Pet gifting is increasing exponentially, with people buying gifts for their dogs.

Words of Wisdom does exceptionally well.

Quirky designs with wide appeal. The flatwrap is very popular.

Inset: A necklace from Edblad.

Top: Fairy Dust from Lily-Flame.

Above Design-led dog bowls from Caroline Gardner. Right: Cinnamon Aitch dog shampoo.

DAWN WHITE AND CELINA EASTON, CO-OWNERS, ARTICHOKE TYNEMOUTH, TYNEMOUTH

A small gift store on a coastal village high street.

CATEGORYSUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Sophie Allport: across the board;

Brand Illusions: faux florals

Home Fragrancing

Neom: wellbeing

Aery: across the board

Jewellery

Fashion Accessories

Greeting Cards

Giftwrap

Other Hot Hits

Joma: A Littles

Katie Loxton: handbags

Rosie Made A Thing

Anne Davidson

Wot Ma Like: Geordie giftware

Popular classic English homewares.

Good quality and realistic. Our customers love them.

Reluxe, De-Stress and Calm & Relax are the most popular fragrances.

Great fragrances, and beautiful, eye-catching packaging. On a wet, rainy days, when no-one is out shopping, you can rely on Joma!

A guaranteed great gift. The price point and packaging are second to none.

We love listening to the giggles from customers who haven’t seen the cards before.

A local company that does beautiful wrap.

Great Geordie-themed cards, mugs, coasters and keyrings featuring local dialect captions.

CATEGORY SUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Home Fragrancing

Jewellery

Sass & Belle: vases;

Gisela Graham: candles;

Janie Wilson: incense and reed diffusers

Big Metal: across the board;

Crumble & Core: jewellery cards

Fashion Accessories

Miss Shorthair: camera bags;

Powell-Craft: cotton PJs

Greeting Cards

Other Hot Hits

Rosie Made A Thing

Jellycat: across the board

Bursten Haus: brushes

The baby pastel glass vases are a huge hit with our customers.

The packaging is amazing and the candles fly out. Beautiful packaging, with incense becoming increasingly popular.

A wide range of jewellery at great prices.

A great card and gift in one.

We have them in every colour and they’re very competitively priced.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Customers buy them for themselves, along with sarongs.

Every other customer buys a clutch of Rosie cards on a daily basis.

The company is always bringing out new ranges and they sell, sell, sell.

They’re the brushes you don’t know you need. An ideal gift for someone that has everything.

SALLY MATSON, OWNER, RED CARD, PETWORTH A medium sized gift and card store in a market town.

Above centre: A Dellarobia candle pot from Gisela Graham.

Above: A beaded bracelet from Crumble & Core’s Bright Blooms collection.

CRUMBLE & CORE

T: 01825 841412

E: crumbleandcore@gmail.com

W: www.crumbleandcore.com

POWELL CRAFT

T: 01726 817999

E: sales@powellcraft.co.uk

W: www.powellcraft.com

LILY-FLAME

T: 01963 240 463

E: info@lily-flame.co.uk

W: www.lily-flame.co.uk

JELLYCAT

T: 0207 603 9383

E: stockistuk@jellycat.com

W: www.jellycat.com

KATIE LOXTON

T: 01295 250879

E: enquiries@katieloxton.com

W: www.wholesale.katieloxton.com

JOMA JEWELLERY

T: 01295 263430

E: enquiries@jomajewellery.com

W: www.wholesale.jomajewellery.com

ROKA LONDON

T: 020 4571 6253

E: hello@rokalondon.com

W: rokalondon.com

REPEAT REPEAT

T: 01782 845870

E: gillian@repeatrepeat.co.uk

W: www.repeatrepeat.co.uk

AERY LIVING

T: 0117 422 1600

E: sales@aeryliving.com

W: www.aeryliving.com

What better testimonial for products than those of your fellow retailers. Here's all the information you need to get in touch and start stocking!

1: Feel Good Fragrances

The Four House Candle Company products are handpoured in small batches in London using only the highest quality natural ingredients. The candles have crackling wood wicks and the floral diffusers come with dried flowers inside adding quality fragrances and atmosphere to any environment. These ecofriendly and sustainable products are made for consumers’ enjoyment from a company all about doing good, feeling good and being kind to ourselves and the planet.

The Fourth House Candle Company

E: Hello@thefourthhousecandlecompany.com

W: www.thefourthhousecandlecompany.com

2: Akinod Magnetised Compact Cutlery

Just launched by outdoor lifestyle specialist Whitby & Co is this series of magnetised compact cutlery from French brand Akinod. Available as straight or foldable multifunctional sets, the cutlery is designed as the perfect solution to eating anywhere. Handle designs include decorated polymer or wooden, and black or polished mirror finishes. Also new is the Akinod 1.4l dual-compartment polypropylene bento box set, featuring an acacia lid and its own insulated tote bag.

Whitby & Co

T: 01539 721032

E: sales@whitbyandco.co.uk

W: www.whitbyandco.co.uk

3: Elf By Jim Shore Collection

Since he burst onto screens in the 2003 movie Elfsinging loudly for all to hear as the best way to spread Christmas cheer - Buddy the Elf has become synonymous with the wide-eyed wonder, innocent joy and sheer magic of the festive season. Now, for the first time ever in a brand-new collaboration in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, world-renowned and multi-awardwinning American artist – Jim Shore – is capturing the spirit of Christmas through his brand-new Elf by Jim Shore collection. Inspired by Buddy Hobbs (otherwise known as Buddy the Elf), an orphaned baby who crawled into the back of Father Christmas’ sleigh on Christmas Eve, accidentally returning with Santa to the North Pole, where he was raised by the elves, the new Elf by Jim Shore collection features Buddy and some of his favourite friends from across the film, in a charming and wonderfully whimsical range of standing figurines and hanging ornaments.

Enesco

Visit: Home & Gift Stand A3

T: 01228 404022

E: uksales@enesco.co.uk

W: www.enesco.co.uk

4: Modern Classics New Bath And Body Range

New for 2023, Stoneglow has launched a bath & body collection all steeped in the iconic Modern Classics aromas. Styled to tie in with the popular scented candles & reed diffusers for a full sensory experience. It is a range with a feel-good factor, designed to enhance your home and wellbeing, with formulas that are vegan friendly, free from parabens, silicones & SLES. All made in the United Kingdom.

Stoneglow

Visit: Home & Gift: Stand DP1-B26

T: 020 8595 8878

E: admin@stoneglowcandles.co.uk

W: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

5: Scion Living Pet Accessories

Alongside the eye-catching homewares and baby collection, Enesco is also delighted to introduce Scion Living Pet Accessories. All furry friends deserve a treat! Your customers can look no further than the delightful Pet Accessories range, exclusively from Enesco. Happy homes mean happy pets, so it’s all about sharing simple joys that’ll please customers and their pets. A delight for pet and owner, the selection of accessories, which includes bowls, leads, collars, beds and bandanas, are on-trend mustard or navy and feature all-time Scion favourite design , Mr Fox bringing uplifting colours to every home. Animals are often the stars of Scion’s characterful collections, so, Enesco are thrilled to have the chance to show their love for cuddly companions up and down the land.

Enesco

Visit: Home & Gift Stand A3

T: 01228 404022

E: uksales@enesco.co.uk

W: www.enesco.co.uk

New What s ,

Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now

Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Whitby & Co (UK) Ltd

sales@whitbyandco.co.uk

01539 721032

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

Distributed by Broughton & Beech Ltd 01270 335034 sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk www.broughtonandbeech.co.uk

Julie Dodsworth

Produced under license by Broughton & Beech Ltd 01270 335034 sales@broughtonandbeech.co.uk www.broughtonandbeech.co.uk

Makasi specialises in supplying the UK’s largest range of driftwood style, giftware, furniture, home decor and Bali parasols.

www.makasiimports.co.uk info@makasiimports.co.uk 01932910533

Mr&Mrs Fragrance

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