· jewellery pieces for women. i attended my first spring fair in february, ... arthur price and...
TRANSCRIPT
PLUS• Gift of The Year• British Craft Trade Fair• London Stationery Show
WIN!
Issu
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Mar
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www.giftfocus.com
A fully-stocked spinner of cards worth £750 RRP
Sweet aromaCandles & home fragrances
GREENFINGERSGifts for gardeners
FINISHINGTOUCHESWomen’s jewellery Flying the flag
Made in the UK
The write stuffStationery delights
Super softiesThe wonderful world of plush
Flying the flagMade in the UK
GREENFINGERSGifts for gardeners
FINISHINGTOUCHESWomen’s jewellery
Super softiesThe wonderful world of plush
A fully-stocked spinner of cards worth £750 RRP
giftfocus 3
74
focus on...the ga 60All the latest from The Giftware Association q&a 62Our experts tackle your retail related queries
retail technology 70Implementing EPoS systems
company profile 80Homeware and Gift specialist Creative Tops
insurance 82Brokers TH March answer your insurance-related questions
anti copying in design 88Growth through innovation
news&eventsindustry news 6All the latest from the world of gifts
on with the show 10Trade fair dates and news
brand spanking new 14Latest launches and hot new products
hot property 52Catch up on what’s new in the world of licensing
competition 95Win a fully-stocked spinner of Blue Eyed Sun’s cards worth £750 RRP
showsbritish craft trade fair 29Hand-crafted delights
pg live 42Focus on greetings cards
hong kong gifts & premium fair 44Head east for innovation
london stationery show 77Fashion meets function
featurescandles & home fragrances 33Sweet-smelling gift lines
gift of the year winners 40Round-up of the 2013 awards
party 54Ideas to get the party going
gifts for gardeners 46Green fingered goodies
father’s day 49Ideas for the man of the house
women’s jewellery 57The finishing touches
plush 65Cuddly little friends
stationery 74The write stuff
special featuremade in britain 19Flying the flag for British design
March/April 2013 Issue 76
Managing EditorGeorgina Cassels+44 (0)1376 535 [email protected]
EditorLyndsey Hubbard+44 (0)1376 535 [email protected]
Editorial AssistantAnnie Cannock
Sales ManagerMark White+44 (0)1376 535 [email protected]
Sales ExecutiveSharon Connelly+44 (0)1376 535 [email protected]
Production 01376 535 [email protected] ManagerScott BrothwellDeputy Production ManagerSarah BarnesSenior DesignerVicky O’ConnorGraphic DesignersSamantha Lock, Rebecca ClarkeWeb Development ManagerStuart WeatherleyProduction AssistantCharlotte Brown
SubscriptionsAlice Henson, Tammy Wright, Matilda Bourne+44 (0)1376 514 000
KD Media Publishing LtdBroseley House, Newlands DriveWitham, Essex CM8 2UL UKwww.giftfocus.com
Cover courtesy of: Ashleigh & Burwood
Gift Focus is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing Limited. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Gift Focus is published six times a year. Subscription rates for overseas readers are £75 per annum (incl. p+p), Cheques should be made out to KD Media Publishing Limited and sent to Gift Focus, Broseley House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2UL UK.
Gift Focus magazine is proud to be associated with and supporters of:
A N T I C O P Y I N G I N D E S I G N
M E D I A S U P P O R T E R
Average Net Circulation: 7,196 (01/07/11 to 30/06/12)
contents 65
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Get Britain writing!Welcome to our spring issue. Well done to all the worthy winners of the various accolades awarded recently. In this issue we bring you a low down of the Toy Industry Awards, Top Drawer Awards, the Best Product Awards at
Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, as well as Gift of the Year. We fly the flag for British design in this issue, looking at a wonderful
mix of products made in good old Blighty! As the weather warms up, we bring you a selection of gifts ideal for green-fingered enthusiasts, and delve into the world of plush. We also look at some of the latest innovations in the candle and home fragrance market, and touch on party items.
With Father’s Day on the horizon, we have a selection of ideas for those customers wanting to buy something for that special man in their lives. Not forgetting the ladies, we uncover a variety of beautiful jewellery pieces for women.
I attended my first Spring Fair in February, and what a show! It was great to meet many more of you in Birmingham. Everyone kept warning me to wear comfortable shoes; they were definitely right. Speaking of shows, the British Craft Trade Fair takes place in April, providing a showcase for home grown design talent. Gift Focus and our sister publication, Attire Accessories, will once again be sponsoring two awards at the show. Turn to P29 for all you need to know about the event.
If you sell, or are thinking of selling anything to do with stationery or writing instruments, then the London Stationery Show should be in your diary. It’s the only UK trade exhibition dedicated to this niche market, and takes place during National Stationery Week. In this issue we bring you a preview of the show, which takes place on 23rd - 24th April, and a round-up of some of the latest lines on the market. I have a particular passion for stationery and writing letters, and feel it’s vital to keep this tradition alive, so as you can imagine I will be in my element at the show! There’s still time to get involved in National Stationery Week – see P72 for all the details.
See you there!
Lyndsey HubbardEditor
Lyndsey
Alljoy DesignDISCOVER SUPER SEVENS,BRAND NEW THREE LITES &
SERIOUSLY SCENTED CANDLE TINS
Best Kept Secrets CandlesCoopies Field, Morpeth,
Northumberland, NE61 6JT
T: 01670 512222 F: 01670 504004E: [email protected]: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
Kept Secropies Field
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industry newsCatch up on all the latest in our news round up
Arthur Price and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen launch non-cutlery range in aid of The Royal British Legion Women’s SectionArthur Price and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen have created a new range of gifts called Remember, in aid of The Royal British Legion Women’s Section. The five-strong gift range, which includes an iPad cover, umbrella, journal, tote bag and china mug, is being launched in early Autumn before the annual Remembrance Day Memorials, and will also be used by the RBLWS as a fundraiser.
Remember is the first non-cutlery range launched by Arthur Price since LLB Mugs in 2012. Laurence wanted to design everyday items that are very robust and part of daily living. He says: “I’ve always been a great supported of our armed forces and the work of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section is fantastic. I’m delighted that my new designs will be bringing not just a smile, but financial gain for this worthwhile organisation.”
For further information and stockists details, call T: +44 (0)1543 257 775 or visit www.arthurprice.com
Yankee Candle Europe® Managing Director retiresClive Harper, Managing Director of Yankee Candle Europe®, retired on 31st January, 2013. There have also been organisational changes to support the continued growth of its international businesses in Europe and all around the world.
Since joining the company in 1998, Clive has overseen the expansion of Yankee Candle® in Europe to more than £63M in annual revenue. “It’s been a wonderful 15 year journey,” said Clive. “We’ve built Yankee Candle Europe into a great business. I will miss the people across our industry the most.”
John Fontana, President of Yankee Candle International® (pictured), will lead the Yankee Candle® brand’s expansion across all markets outside of North America. John joined the company in January, 2011 and with Clive’s retirement, Yankee Candle®’s European operations will report directly to him.
Award winners at Top DrawerThe Top Drawer Awards took place at the spring/summer leg of the show in January at Earls Court, London. Here are the details of all the winners:
Best New Product – GiftWinner: You are here magnetic brooch by Turnaround Gifts
Best New Product – Fashion Winner: Scarves by Claire Gaudion
Best New Product – Stationery & GreetingsWinner: Cards by Sarah Ray
Best New Product – Children’sWinner: Paper Animals by Mibo
Best New Product – WellbeingWinner: Paddywax The Relish Collection from The Fragrance Lounge
Best Dressed Stand – under 24m sqWinner: Acorn & Will
Best Dressed Stand – over 24m sqWinner: Lesley Gerry
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news&
events
Paul Lamond Games to distribute Think Fun logic range of gamesPaul Lamond has secured the rights to distribute the Think Fun logic range of games from January, 2013 in an amicable agreement with previous distributor, Ravensburger. As well as the iconic Rush Hour and Rush Hour Junior games, there will be an additional 13 lines in the assortment, including two new releases for 2013; Pathwords Junior and Turnstile. The launch will be supported by new point of sale material, including a floor standing display unit. Visit www.paul-lamond.com
Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring 2013 Best Product AwardsThe Best Product Awards took place at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring in January, highlighting the best of the best. Here is a low-down of all the winners:
Launch GalleryWinner: Highland Cow by Shakeastickat Runner Up: Black Sheep Pic by Glass on Glass
Highly Commended: Feather Penguins by Chloe Gardner Highly Commended: Laser-cut leather collar by Lucy Boermans
Home & GiftwareWinner: Scotty Dog slate coaster by Kazarra Slate Runner Up: Kitchen Textiles by Leslie Gerry Highly Commended: Highland Cow knick knack by Blue Dragon Ceramics
Highly Commended: Candles by Best Kept Secrets Clothing & TextilesWinner: Tweed Bag by International Insignia Harris Runner Up: Add a Kid by Little Tees Highly Commended: Fun with Fashion by Ramblers (Fludes)
Highly Commended: Mohair Throw, Green Grove Weavers
Jewellery & Fashion AccessoriesWinner: Tartan Scottie Dog Badge by Skaramanda Runner Up: Silver Bangle by Sandia Silver Highly Commended: Wishing Bird Necklace by Tartan Twist Highly Commended: Wand Necklace by Kleshna
Candlelight Products launches Earl Grey afternoon tea rangeA new range of homewares has launched in the UK with the personal seal of approval from Earl Grey, developed in collaboration with Candlelight Products.
Celebrating the finest in classic British style, the range includes everything from tea cups and saucers to teapots, cake stands, wall art and more.
“For a really good afternoon tea, I’m adamant that the china must be at least as delightful as the cakes! The homewares in the Earl Grey range are exactly the sort of items we use at home when entertaining or simply indulging ourselves,” said Richard Grey, the Sixth Earl Grey. For more information, visit www.candlelight.co.uk
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industry news
Ivy Ellen wins Best Wedding Stationery in the 2013 Wedding Ideas AwardsAfter 7,500 votes by real brides and grooms to select the finalists, a panel of wedding industry experts and judges chose Ivy Ellen as having the Best Wedding Stationery at the Wedding Ideas Awards. The ceremony was held at the Tower Hotel in London and was attended by more than 350 people in the bridal industry.
“Ivy Ellen was started in October, 2009 in one of the worst recessions the UK has seen, and yet we have managed to grow rapidly and now provide wedding invitations and stationery for hundreds of weddings around the world each year. We are so proud of our fantastic team, our incredibly talented designer Jo and so grateful to all of our wonderful clients. This award is for all of them,” said Jeremy Corner, Owner of Ivy Ellen.
To find out more about the company, visit www.ivyellen.com
Woods of Windsor unveils new look and three new fragrancesWoods of Windsor has relaunched its range of bath, body and home fragrance products with new eye-catching packaging that captures the essence of the brand. New larger sizes offer greater value and savings to customers, and three new contemporary and on-trend scents sit alongside the current portfolio of core floral fragrances – Blue Orchid & Water Lily, Bergamot & Neroli and Cedar Woods.
The new look features beautifully ornate illustrations to depict each fragrance and its key ingredients. Inspired by nature, the illustrations are intricately hand-drawn and painted. In response to consumer demand, all unnecessary secondary packaging has been removed – only the Eau de Toilettes and Fine English Soaps are contained in protective cartons. This has allowed Woods of Windsor to offer better value to consumers with larger sizes at no extra cost, whilst also being kinder to the natural environment it reflects.
Visit www.woodsofwindsor.co.uk for more information.
Toy Industry AwardsOrganised by the British Toy & Hobby Association with the Toy Retailers Association (TRA), the Toy Industry Awards were presented at an event at London’s Olympia following the first day of the 60th annual Toy Fair.
BTHA Chairman, Frank Martin announced the winners of the Toy Retailer of the Year Awards, including two Judges’ Special Recognition Awards presented for outstanding achievement in toy retail, which went to Toy Barnhaus (Toymaster Group) and Harrods’ Knightsbridge store.
TRA Chairman, Alan Simpson unveiled the Supplier of the Year Awards. Two TRA Special Recognition Awards were also presented to iMC Toys and John Adams.
The full line up of winners is printed below:
Toy Retailer of the Year winners: Independent Toy Retailer of the Year - MIDCO ToymasterSpecialist Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year - Smyths ToysGeneral Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year - ASDAOnline Toy Retailer of the Year - The EntertainerJudges Special Recognition Award - Toy BarnhausJudges Special Recognition Award - Harrods (Knightsbridge)Overall Toy Retailer of the Year - Smyths Toys
Toy Supplier of the Year Awards: Collectable Toy of the Year - Moshi Figures, Vivid ImaginationsConstruction Range of the Year - LEGO Friends, LEGOGame of the Year - Angry Birds Knock on Wood, MattelPre-School Toy of the Year - Jake and the Never Land Pirates Pirate Ship Bucky, MattelGirls’ Toy of the Year - Monster High Ghouls Rule Doll Assortment, Mattel Boys’ Toy of the Year - Web Shooting Spider-Man, HasbroDoll of the Year - Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Dolls, MGA EntertainmentLifestyle Toy of the Year - LeapPad2, LeapfrogTRA Special Recognition Award - iMC ToysTRA Special Recognition Award - John AdamsSupplier of the Year - VTechToy of the Year - Furby, Hasbro
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Trade show updates from home and abroadon with the show
Natural & Organic Products Europewhen 7th - 8th April, 2013where Londonwebsite www.naturalproducts.co.uk
British Craft Trade Fairwhen 7th - 9th April, 2013where Harrogatewebsite www.bctf.co.uk
London Stationery Showwhen 23rd - 24th April, 2013where Londonwebsite www.stationeryshow.co.uk
Giftionery Tapeiwhen 24th - 27th April, 2013where Taiwanwebsite www.giftionery.net
Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fairwhen 27th - 30th April, 2013where Hong Kongwebsite www.hktdc.com
Top Drawer and Home kick-start 2013 buying season Top Drawer and Home kick-started the 2013 buying season on an optimistic note, hosting the largest number of British and international design-led brands in their history.
The international profile of both shows continues to grow, with an 11 per cent increase in overseas buyers. The co-located events secured the attendance of key representatives from some of the world’s leading stores, attracting buyers from more than 57 countries.
2014 sees the continuation of the carefully considered growth and development of both shows, with the addition of new exhibitors and the expansion of key sectors within the shows, including kitchenware, tabletop and lighting in Home, and fashion accessories, gifts and greetings in Top Drawer. A new show called Craft will also be added to the mix, taking place alongside Top Drawer and Home.
For more details, visit www.topdrawer.co.uk and www.home-london.net
diary dates
Clarion Events announces the launch of new show Craft for 2014 Clarion Events has announced the launch of Craft, a new trade event for contemporary crafts that will take place from 12th - 14th January, 2014 at Earls Court, London alongside Top Drawer and Home.
The launch of Craft is in response to increasing demand from retailers searching for high street quality products with provenance; items which are truly original and have heart, soul and individuality. Craft will fill a gap in the market for a high quality, juried trade event that enables more than 100 leading makers and artisans to meet a substantial audience of international retailers, galleries, museums, professional buyers and collectors within a dedicated trade event in London.
Craft will be run for Clarion Events by Piyush Suri, Founder and Director of Handmade in Britain, with close support from Ian Rudge, Development Director at Clarion Events and Co-Founder of 100% Design and Tent London.
For more information, visit www.clarionevents.com
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news&
eventsnew
s&events
Innovation leads the charge at Toy Fair’s Diamond JubileeToy Fair 2013 finished on a high after three busy days at Olympia, where innovation ruled supreme. Products such as John Adams’ Holografx, H Grossman’s Megasaurus, Character Options’ Tesksta and Vtech’s Innotab 2s were just some of the examples of how the toy industry is moving forward. It wasn’t only innovation that caught the eye, as the industry continued to develop traditional and classic toys such as Hornby’s Scalextric Demolition Derby.
The show celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, and expanded into Olympia’s Upper West Hall to help accommodate 260 exhibiting companies, as well as using the space to incorporate the 2012 Toy Industry Awards. Toy Fair TV and the brand new Demo Zone were introduced for the first time.
Toy Fair 2014 will take place at Olympia on 21st - 23rd January. Visit www.btha.co.uk/toy-fair
Pulse moves to new May datesFollowing positive feedback from both exhibitors and buyers alike, the organisers of Pulse have made the strategic decision to bring the dates of the show forward by one month to 12th - 14th May, 2013. The new dateline allows retailers to enjoy all the benefits that visiting Pulse has to offer one month earlier, offering a great opportunity to refresh stores and keep ahead of the retail game.
Show Director, Raj Gill commented: “Pulse’s new dateline for 2013 has enthused key buyers and suppliers alike, as it offers additional selling time mid-season, as well as more crucial planning time for Christmas. Historically, Pulse has always sat on this earlier dateline but moved back due to the bank holidays of recent years. With no interruptions in 2013, the new May date offers the potential for both retailers and suppliers to make gains that cannot be missed.”
For more details and to register for the show, visit www.pulse-london.com
Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring soldiered on despite bad weather conditionsAfter three successful days, Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring ended with a host of awards and seminars from top industry specialists.
Against the backdrop of a tough economy, the show suffered from bad weather around the UK, with heavy snow in the Borders and north east preventing many buyers from attending. However, despite all this, confidence at the show was good, with a high quality of buyers, many placing orders or showing serious interest.
The Best Product Awards were judged on the opening day, with a very high quality and number of entries. New to the show was a seminar theatre where industry experts gave presentations on a wide variety of business topics.
The layout of the show was completely revamped and was widely welcomed by buyers and exhibitors. Scotland’s Speciality Food Show is now located at the rear of the hall and the Launch Gallery has become the central backbone of the show, making it easy to navigate and find similar products.
The next show, Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn, takes place between 22nd - 23rd September, 2013. For more details, visit www.scotlandstradefairs.com
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Trade show updates from home and abroadon with the showon with the show
Looking ahead
Pulsewhen 12th - 14th May, 2013where Londonwebsite www.pulse-london.com
Progressive Greetings Livewhen 14th - 15th May, 2013where Londonwebsite www.progressivegreetingslive.com
Exclusively Housewareswhen 11th - 12th June, 2013where Londonwebsite www.exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk
(All dates are subject to change. Contact organisers for more information before making travel arrangements).
For further in-depth show previews and reports turn to:P29 British Craft Trade Fair P42 Progressive Greetings LiveP44 Hong Kong Gifts & Premium FairP77 London Stationery Show
Home & Gift on the horizonHome & Gift is fast approaching. The show takes place between 14th - 17th July, 2013 in Harrogate, and is a seasonal round-up of design-led and everyday gifts, homewares, jewellery & fashion accessories, greetings & stationery plus much more. The Greetings & Stationery Gallery had a new location in Hall H last year, which proved highly successful.
In support of the progression of the show for 2013, the Home & Gift show creative has been refreshed and updated. The creative highlights the one-of-a-kind Harrogate setting whilst showcasing the diversity of products available to retailers at the show.
Get ahead with your Christmas buying by sourcing products from more than 900 exhibitors, spread across six product sectors.
Visit www.homeandgift.co.uk to register to attend the show.
The sun shines on Giving & Living The forecasters may have predicted snow, but that didn’t deter buyers from attending Giving & Living in January. According to the Met Office, the south west only had 16 sunny days last year, which inevitably has an impact on the tourism market.
The show proved successful for those exhibiting for the first time, as well as those more established exhibitors. Mr Ferguson’s World of Whimsey had such a good day on the Monday that its staff took to Twitter to tell the world: “We’ve taken so many orders on our second day that we’re jumping for joy!” Something Different Wholesale, exhibiting for the forth year in a row, said: “We took more orders on the Sunday than for the whole of the show last year – people were queuing to buy from us. It was our best year ever!”
The next Giving & Living show will take place from Sunday 12th - 15th January, 2014. It’s going to be a special one, as the event will be celebrating its 50th birthday. Keep up to date with show news at www.givingliving.co.uk or on Twitter @giving_living.
113th Canton Fair opens in AprilThe 113th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, will be held from 15th April - 5th May, 2013 in Guangzhou. The scale of this year’s fair has been expanded to a total of 59,500 standard booths, which are distributed among 50 pavilions.
Canton Fair is an ideal place to find Chinese products, manufacturers and partners and explore the market. At the last show, a total of 188,145 overseas buyers from 211 countries and regions around the world attended. Among them, 26.7 per cent were first-time visitors and 73.3 per cent were frequent visitors.
For further information, visit www.cantonfair.org.cn
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Burhouse Beads
Product: Olivina bath and body careContact: T: +44 (0)1829 730 028 or E: [email protected] Price: RRP From £9Specification: Olivina’s bath and body products are made with olive and grape seed oils. They are simple, smooth and effective for all skin types. Retailer Benefits: The ingredients are bursting with essential vitamins and active botanicals, making Olivina one of the most sought after anti-ageing products. Other Information: Visit www.thefragrancelounge.com
Xystos
Product: Wine All The TimeContact: T: +44 (0)191 499 1570 or E: [email protected] Price: RRP £19.99Specification: A wooden-boxed wine bottle that holds a vanilla scented LED tea light.Retailer Benefits: A must for retailers in search of something different. The Pavilion gift range also includes funky door plaques and cheeseboards. Other Information: For further details, visit www.xystostrade.co.uk
Bagabook
Check out some new and exciting products in the current market
brand spanking new
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Product: Dual case for iPad Mini or Kindle Fire HDContact: T: +44 (0)7821 895 381 or E: [email protected] Price: RRP £24.95Specification: Rotatable black polka dot and three-position stand with Bagabook’s carry handle trade mark design. Retailer Benefits: The case is designed to fit both the iPad Mini and Kindle Fire HD, and also accommodates Kindles with a keyboard. It has Bagabook’s trade mark handle to aid easy use. Other Information: For further details, visit www.bagabook.com
Product: Pippin friendship charm bracelet kit – Hearts editionContact: T: +44 (0)1484 485 100 or E: [email protected] Price: RRP £12.99Specification: Included in the kit is everything needed to make six adorable pink cord and heart charm bracelets. These fully-adjustable cord friendship bracelets are designed to make, wear and share, and come with full colour step-by-step instructions.Retailer Benefits: High quality components make jewellery to be proud of, and the attractive keepsake packaging makes giving a Pippin Kit a pleasure. Other Information: For further details, visit www.burhousebeads.com
The Fragrance Lounge
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new pro
ducts
Lesser & Pavey
Product: Cascade stationeryContact: T: +44 (0)1322 279 225 or E: [email protected] Price: RRP £2.99Specification: Cascade is all about dots and customers love the expanding range of quality gift items. Shown here is the notebook and memo pad. Retailer Benefits: The range started as a housewares line of fine chinaware and developed into fashionable oil canvas satchels and bags, and now encompasses a line of shopper bags and social stationery. Other Information: Visit www.leonardo.co.uk to view the entire range.
Ashleigh & Burwood
Product: Santoro scented ceramic cameosContact: T: +44 (0)1932 267 060 or E: [email protected] Price: RRP £15 (including spray)Specification: Add a new dimension to home and fragrance design. These new scented ceramic cameos absorb fragrance and will diffuse a delightfully delicate, continuous scent into the air. Retailer Benefits: Matching scented drawer liners are also available. Other Information: Visit www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk
Artscape
Namaste
new pro
ducts
Product: Hand-carved mango wood giftsContact: T: +44 (0)1756 700 790 or E: [email protected] Price: RRP £9.99 (for each product pictured)Specification: Namaste designs and sources goods that are made using traditional craft techniques. The hand-carved wooden gifts are crafted from sustainably-sourced mango wood in India for Namaste but are still very contemporary in design. Retailer Benefits: Take advantage of Namaste’s generous discount structure, which starts at a standard five per cent for payment at time of despatch, an extra five per cent for cash and carry, and goes up to 25 per cent for large orders. Other Information: Visit www.namaste-uk.com for more information.
Product: World’s Best Grandad socksContact: T: +44 (0)20 8681 8368 or E: [email protected] Price: RRP £6Specification: Made in Britain, these socks are available in UK shoe sizes 6-11. Retailer Benefits: Great for Father’s Day and birthdays too. Other Information: Visit www.artscapeonline.com to view the company’s complete range of gifts.
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Wild & Wolf
Product: Orla Kiely garden apronContact: T: +44 (0)1225 789 909 or E: [email protected] Price: RRP £29.95Specification: New to the Orla Kiely range is this gardening apron. Retailer Benefits: Other matching items available in the range include potting gloves, fork, trowel, herb pots, watering can, plant pots and a 500ml flask. Other Information: Visit www.wildandwolf.com
Flair
Product: ShamZeesContact: T: +44 (0)20 8643 0320 or E: [email protected] Price: RRP £19.99Specification: Set for release in Autumn 2013, ShamZees is a soft, huggable pillow-eating friend, allowing kids to turn their bedroom pillow into a cute and cuddly companion. Retailer Benefits: A variety of cute characters, including a monster, unicorn, poodle and tiger encourage collectibility. Other Information: ShamZees are a great aid for establishing a good bedtime routine and can be taken anywhere. Visit www.flairplc.co.uk.
Enesco
Product: Itty Bitty BoosContact: T: +44 (0)1228 404 222 or E: [email protected] Price: RRP £9.95Specification: GUND has launched three new mini versions of Boo, the World’s Cutest Dog. The three new must-haves include a Boo in a hoodie with hearts, another wearing a birthday party hat and the last one sporting his own jogging suit!Retailer Benefits: Each Itty Bitty Boo has a different outfit – just like the real Boo, who loves to dress up for his Facebook fans. Great to collect.Other Information: Visit www.enesco.co.uk
Intelex
brand spanking new
Product: Knitted HottiesContact: T: +44 (0)1933 679 777 or E: [email protected] Price: RRP £9.95Specification: This new range of Knitted Hotties is inspired by the company’s range of quirky Socky Dolls. There are six characters: cow, cat, lion, elephant, piggy and puppy. They’re all created with colourful striped and patterned knitted materials to give an individual personality, with a heart emblazoned on each animal’s knitted jumper. Retailer Benefits: These characters are capitalising on the trend for craft-led, knitted characters. Other Information: Visit www.intelex.co.uk
A delightful , real gold Coronation Coach has been added to JHDESIGNPOINT’s range ofEnglish china baubles. Commemorate the coronation, or simply enjoy the decorative coach in plain gold or with added colours. Choose gold or coloured ribbon.Can be personalised to order for that special gift. White gift box available.
Pair to commemorate bicentenary of Pride and Prejudice
The wit and favourite quotations from Pride and Prejudice are celebrated in a pair of mugs from JHDesignpoint commemorating the bicentenary of Jane Austen’s famous novel. Period decorations and cameos of Darcy and Elizabeth add further interest.
Antique tug filled with wheat, dried flowers and lavender
Hand made in UK by Konesar Ltd, product range from 2013 catalogue.
T: +44 (0)1306 712149 W: www.konesar.com E: [email protected]
Konesar supply the finest hand-crafted door wreaths and swags, utilising natural ingredients, both dried fruit and flowers.
In addition we craft beautiful candles, pomanders, pot-pourri and hearts. It is our aim to provide you with a constantly changing selection of exciting new
floral home decorating products and gifts; incorporating the latest trends and colour fashions in our designs.
Konesar Gifts & Decoration
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More consumers are looking for products made on home turf with UK credentials
flying the flag
More and more consumers are conscious of where products originate from and are keen to buy products that they know have been made in the UK. The excitement of being British is still fresh in people’s minds after the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics last year, and again this year with the impending arrival of a Royal baby.
The Pintail Candles factory is situated in the Lake District on the north shore of Morecambe Bay, and specialises in the manufacture of high quality fragranced candles and reed diffusers. All products are hand-made by highly skilled craftspeople, using only the finest quality ingredients. Taking inspiration from the Lake District surroundings is the Flowers range of candle tins, which feature floral scents such as Bluebell, Daffodil and Sweet Pea. T: +44 (0)1539 559 007www.pintailcandles.com
Heyland & Whittle was created in 2003 when husband and wife team, Paddy & Ursula Heyland, joined their names. The company logo includes the Heyland family crest, which dates back to the battle of Waterloo. All of the products have been inspired by their original location, which was a farm in the Surrey countryside, and are hand-made in England using only natural ingredients, including essential oils, herbs and spices that are all sustainably and locally sourced. T: +44 (0)1293 525 825www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk
made in britain
Daisy Roots is proud of its British manufacturing heritage. This spring, the company is expanding its range of gift sets. The sets feature three of the company’s most popular designs, and combine a pair of soft leather shoes and an organic cotton top with an embroidered motif. Designs include a tractor, hedgehog and elephant with kite. All of Daisy Roots’ shoes are designed and hand-made in Northamptonshire, home of the UK’s shoe making industry. T: +44 (0)1604 880 066 www.daisy-roots.com
At the heart of Stoke-on-Trent two designers, Gillian Naylor and Mark Faulkner, are continuing to manufacture contemporary, original and award-winning bone china. They formed Repeat Repeat in 1984 with the aim of producing quality ceramics with a strong design ethos. “We are passionate about design and manufacturing bone china in Stoke-on-Trent. We are striving to keep alive the centuries old crafts and skills of the area,” say the couple. T: +44 (0)1782 845 870www.repeatrepeat.co.uk
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Jo Stockdale has always been more passionate about producing a top quality item than high end profits. Attention to all details of production and good working relationships with those companies involved are therefore required, and this in turn has meant that all of Jo’s products have remained British made. Jo says: “I am a small solo company, and enjoy collaborating with others in production. Not only am I constantly learning within this process, it also helps to keep a personal feel within the business.” T: +44 (0)1748 821 172www.jostockdale.com
Hazel Atkinson and her team create beautiful pieces of jewellery from the Nottingham-based studio. The team design, hand-paint, assemble and distribute each individual item of hand-made, anodised aluminium jewellery. All earrings are fitted with sterling silver hooks and the pendants are supplied with a 16in silver chain. T: +44 (0)115 9411 110www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk
Berserks Glass Works is a fusion of talented artists and designers who wholesale hand-crafted fused glass gifts for the home and garden from the studio and workshops on the glorious Dartington Hall Estate in Devon. Due to popular demand, 2013 has seen the launch of a limited edition series of fused glass wall art, adding to an already extensive collection, supplying an ever-increasing number of galleries, shops throughout the UK, as well as The National Trust. T: +44 (0)1803 863 399www.berserks.co.uk
flying the flag
Kate Hamilton-Hunter has noticed a rise in interest in British made products from visitors at all trade shows, especially shop and gallery owners looking for products in the gift price range. Kate’s Hearts collection, for example, retails from £14.99 and comes with a recycled gift box, information card and pretty tag. As retail customers are becoming more discerning in their buying habits, shop and gallery owners are looking to fill that gap – an affordable British-made gift, beautifully presented and hand-made with love.T: +44 (0)1745 826 500www.katehh.co.uk
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The Silvery in Lewes, East Sussex is where Jules Ash creates her individual jewellery collections, using the process of electro-forming to envelope an array of natural objects in layers of pure silver. Because the original object remains inside the silver, no two pieces are ever identical and the varied range of items used, from sea shells to acorns, ensures many repeat buyers for this collectable range. All items come with point of sale information and packaging. T: +44 (0)1273 472 570www.thesilvery.co.uk
Over the past 14 years, family-run jewellery business Carrie Elspeth has become firmly established in the UK. All of Carrie’s designs are hand-made in Wales and the company focuses on supporting the community. Carrie says: “Sometimes I find it hard to believe that I’ve been in this business for 14 years now, and I still love it despite the challenges. I know how fierce the competition is, and how tempting the cheaper imports can appear in the face of tough times, but as our products are locally made we can achieve an exceptionally high standard and quick turnaround and now produce four new collections every year. This ethical focus on ‘hand-made in Wales’ is the beating heart of our company.” T: +44 (0)1446 771 271www.carrieelspeth.com
flying the flag
Shearer Candles is deepening its British heritage with a new collection created under license for the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). The new V&A candle range will be available this spring and summer and is inspired by Arts and Crafts designer, Charles Annesley Voysey (1857-1941). The range includes four fragrances in candles and reed diffuser gifts – Angelica, Ebony, Heliotrope and Rose Geranium. T: +44 (0)141 445 1066www.shearer-candles.com
Konesar specialises in the finest hand-crafted door wreaths, swags and gifts, utilising natural ingredients including both dried fruit and flowers. The company unveiled several new designs at Spring Fair. Shown here is an antique trug filled with wheat, dried flowers and lavender. Also new is an antique trike with helichrysum (straw flower), phalaris, lavender and preserved eucalyptus, and a choice of various containers filled with preserved roses and leaves. T: +44 (0)1306 712 149www.konesar.com
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Denby’s Heritage collection was inspired by its rich 200-year-old design archives. Creating the feel of a modern country English home, there are three tableware ranges called Pavilion, Veranda and Orchard, all with the kitchen at their heart. Each one draws on Denby’s historic shapes, glaze and decorative techniques. Hand-crafted in Derbyshire, all three patterns have distinctive rustic speckle glazes, featuring a golden rim on the edges and ridges of plates with the option of beautifully accented patterns on a small selection of pieces. T: +44 (0)1773 740 899www.denby.co.uk
JH Designpoint has designed a pair of Jane Austen commemorative mugs for the bicentenary of Pride and Prejudice, one with silhouettes and the other with cameos. The mugs feature different quotations from the book and contemporary decoration. T: +44 (0)141 339 4927www.jhdesignpoint.net
Innovamill is a family-run business based in mid-Wales, specialising in the photographic gift business. Innovamill has a wide range of items to add photos to such as calendars, key rings and cards as well as stylish glass table mats, wall art and polished acrylic blox. It also has a range of seasonal gifts and is currently promoting its Christmas gifts which include a snow dome, photo baubles and snow-filled acrylic blox. The company also offers a floor-standing display unit for shops and garden centres. T: +44 (0)1686 625 100www.innovamill.com
flying the flag
The Flower Stork is proud to continue to hand-craft its award winning range of baby clothes bouquets in the UK from British made baby clothing. This ensures that each of its bouquets are as special as the baby it’s intended for. A big focus for new baby gifts in 2013 will be classic colourways with an emphasis on sugar pinks, baby blues and crisp whites. Babies that share this special Royal baby year will be welcomed with classic and traditional gifts with a modern twist. T: +44 (0)1495 303 030www.theflowerstork.com
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Jane Withers and Michael Hanmer at Janie Knitted Textiles have been hand-making and creating an individual style of contemporary craft-knitted product for 10 years. “It’s exciting making new products, and the ever increasing number of computer gadgets on the market have enabled us to design new products too,” explained Jane. Geometric patterns from the company’s latest range of knitted fabrics are used to great effect in tablet and laptop pockets and sleeves. You can see the full range at the British Craft Trade Fair, Harrogate in April. T: +44 (0)1909 480 163www.janiewithers.co.uk
Melamaster continues to develop its tray and tablemat range, adding 20 new designs for spring 2013 and supporting British-based artists. Established more than 40 years ago, Melamaster is the last remaining decorative moulded melamine manufacturer in the UK, offering a wide range of trays, dishes and chopping boards complemented by decorative tableware. Melamaster’s range includes a quality selection of British-made melamine laminate place mats and coasters, with the advantages of UK production giving short lead times and low minimum orders including own label bespoke production. T: +44 (0)845 505 2808www.melamaster.com
Rose & Co is a beautiful range of lotions, balms, bath mixtures and gift collections. Founder and entrepreneur, Caroline Rose is a practising aromatherapist, who develops the products with hand-picked, UK-sourced ingredients, professionally blended essential oils and UK suppliers. All of the company’s products are proudly made in the UK and always have been. Products are packaged in traditional tins, bottles and boxes richly decorated, inspired by a love of all things vintage, romantic and decadently elegant. The range appeals to all ages, as no one will be able to resist the deliciously girly treats that epitomise pure femininity. T: +44 (0)1827 280 080www.graftons.co.uk
The Cornish Pixie Company has a large range of gift signs with 300 sayings in a variety of colours. In its 12th year of producing hand-made signs in Cornwall, 2013 marks its new Glitter range and a new angle on fairies. The sayings range from the humorous to the insightful, plus a really useful herb and vegetable selection. The signs are priced from 85p, with no minimum order, plus sale or exchange, free P&P and free display stands. T: +44 (0)1288 321 751www.thecornishpixiecompany.com
flying the flag
Inspired by the beauty of its pure beeswax candles, Wood-Knit-Bee has launched a range of British-made, hand-crafted wooden candlesticks created in its Sussex workshop. The original candlestick design, aptly named Sussex, adds a modern twist to a traditional theme, providing just the right level of refinement and elegance to complement fine interiors from the latest glass-walled penthouse to cottage-style retreats. Each candlestick is individually turned by hand, and is made from sustainable certified (FSC) oak producing a fine natural finish.T: +44 (0)1892 549 966www.wood-knit-bee.com
Celebrating the past.Craftmanship of the future. Pavilion
www.denby.co.uk01773 740899
The Cornish Pixie Company, now in its 12th year - Gives you great value gift signs from 85p to £3.59 - Low cost - high profit
There are more than 300 sayings on 14 different products in various colours - A gift sign for everyone all year
And no minimum order - YOU get the quantity YOU want
There is also sale & exchange - Guaranteed no dead stock
Plus free p&p - You pay nothing
All with free display stands - more sales more profit
And all handmade in sunny Cornwall - Great quality and fast delivery
Get your catalogue and OFFER now [email protected]
Tel: 01288 321751
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If you want to buy individual, hand-made work from the British Isles, then the British Craft Trade Fair will offer you all the choice you need. With hundreds of makers, a vast range of products and prices starting at just a few pounds, it’s well worth a visit.
Over the past 38 years, BCTF has been home to thousands of British and Irish designer-makers, and many of them have gone on to establish themselves within the gift industry. The show differs from other trade fairs in that no mass-manufactured products or those made overseas are allowed. Visitors can be comforted that they will be presented with a selection of the best hand-made British giftware available from more than 500 talented designers/makers.
The fair includes a dedicated Newcomers Gallery where each year 72 new makers are introduced to the trade. Only people who have recently graduated from university or college, and/or have been in business for less than three years, are eligible for a stand in this area of the exhibition.
A key trend this year looks set to be birds. This spring will see a variation of products that depict these beautiful creatures. Not only embroidered or sewn onto textile products, but also used in the decoration of ceramics, glass, silverware, wood, sculpture, art etc.
The British Craft Trade Fair Awards will take place after the show on Monday 8th April. Gift Focus and sister publication Attire Accessories are proud to be sponsoring the Best Gift
Product Award and Best Fashion Accessory Award. Look out for details of the winners in future issues of Gift Focus and Attire Accessories.
There is free parking right outside the venue, and for visitors using public transport there is a free shuttle service between the venue, Leeds Bradford Airport and Harrogate train station.
For more information about the show and to register to attend, visit www.bctf.co.uk
For all things hand-made, head to the British Craft Trade Fair in April
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In briefshow British Craft Trade Fair organiser PSM Ltdwhere Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate when 7th - 9th April, 2013opening times Sunday 10am - 6pm, Monday and Tuesday 10am - 5pmwebsite www.bctf.co.uk
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Hazel AtkinsonStand 116www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk Hazel returns to the BCTF with a completely fresh addition to her highly successful Natural Selection range. Hazel has caught the butterfly bug and has produced a new range incorporating butterflies in subtle blush pink and grey and exotic fuchsia and orange. Hazel and her team still work completely independently from her Nottingham studio, designing, hand-painting, assembling and distributing each individual item of hand-made, anodised aluminium jewellery. A free ring will be given with every order placed at the BCTF.
Swirly ArtsStand N53www.swirlyarts.comSwirly Arts produces a collectable gift range called The Cheeky Chicken. Available in a range of different fabrics, no home should be without at least one!
Exhibitor profiles
Hadas NussbaumStand 351www.hadasart.co.uk Hadas combines the traditional art of Millefiori with a contemporary modelling clay, creating intricate designs on both her jewellery and homeware. Her beadwork is eye-catching and vivid, as well as being light weight and very durable. Pictured is the Millefiori necklace.
NOA JewelleryStand 206www.noajewellery.com NOA’s jewellery is hand-crafted in the company’s studio in Cardiff. Ceramics of vibrant colours framed in sterling silver, aluminium or brass create magical jewellery pieces that are truly different. NOA’s jewellery is packaged in specially designed presentation boxes. A trade catalogue is available on request.
Kate Hamilton-HunterStand 332www.katehh.co.uk Kate will be showing her beautiful hand-made jewellery at the show. Her first jewellery designs were fashioned from old patterned tins. Kate’s collections are now created from a magpie selection of metals, which include silver, aluminium and brass along with her treasured biscuit, sweet and toffee tins. All of her jewellery is finished to a high standard, using sterling silver and Swarovski crystals and pearls.
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Fiona HutchinsonStand 291www.fionahutchinson.co.uk Fiona Hutchinson will be launching her Spice It Up range of hand-made jewellery. This silver, gold and vermeil spice range makes the perfect gifts for cooks. Pictured is a tactile silver nutmeg strung on a necklace of peppercorns with an individual clasp of a pear and peppercorn. The range comprises cloves, cardamon pods, eucalyptus seed heads, peppercorns, nutmegs and pears. Items include rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, with prices starting from £20.
CRM CeramicsStand 88 www.crmceramics.co.uk Based in workshops in Frome, Somerset, Clare Mahoney takes inspiration from her fascination with the natural world. Clare produces a variety of ceramic tiles and touch stones.
Borders AromaticsStand 261www.bordersaromatics.co.uk Based in the Scottish borders, the company produces high quality candles and home accessories using 100 per cent soy wax, farmed on sustainable farms. None of the fragrance oils or ingredients have been tested on animals. The products have been created with affordability in mind, without compromising on quality, and they make a popular gift product.
Once Upon a Time in the NorthStand 130www.onceuponatimeinthenorth.com Makers of fun and funky home accessories that are hand-made in Cumbria. The company makes a great range of brooches, scented cushions and bags, and is regularly adding new designs to its portfolio.
Jan Beadle TextilesStand 289www.janbeadletextiles.co.ukJan Beadle designs and makes contemporary woven textiles for fashion interiors, as well as a range of fashion accessories. Much of her work involves experimenting with different weave structure to see how they distort when manipulated and felted to create individual pieces. Pictured above is a striking red and grey scarf.
Melanie TomlinsonStand 278www.melanietomlinson.co.uk Melanie works with illustration and metal to create vibrant and detailed jewellery that is wearable and affordable. Her designs are printed onto sheet-tinned steel, and the striking colour gives her work a jewel-like intensity. Pictured are her jewellery butterflies.
Abbot and Ellwood Stand 346www.abbotandellwood.com Mike Abbot and Kim Ellwood find their inspiration in the beautiful north coast of West Penwith, which is claimed to be one of the most spectacular pieces of coast in the country. Here they produce a range of clocks and jewellery which are unusual, affordable and very saleable. Pictured is their hand-painted trolley clocks.
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candles & ho
me fragrance
sweet aromaCandles and home fragrances are a great line to stock as gifts for all sorts of events throughout the year, from Mother’s Day and birthdays to anniversaries and Christmas
Kringle Candle Company, the upmarket US candle maker led by Michael Kittredge III, the son of Yankee Candle Founder Mike Kittredge II, builds on its reputation for quality and outstanding ranges with six new fragrance introductions for 2013. The new fragrances are: Citrus and Sage, Peony, Royal Cherries, Soothing Cinnamon, Sunflower Sunrise and Tranquil Waters. T: +44 (0)1473 736 011www.kringlecandle.co.uk
The team at Shearer Candles loves natural wax. Its long burn time and wonderful scents make it a great alternative to beeswax. All of the company’s natural wax candles are hand-made at its Glasgow HQ. The natural wax collection is made with ingredients using reusable resources like recycled glass and environmentally-friendly paper packaging, and the wax is biodegradable. The candles come in four fragrances – Orange & Geranium, Lavender & Lime, Sandalwood Spice and Rosemary & Mint – as pillars and jars. T: +44 (0)141 445 1066www.shearer-candles.com
UK distributor Enesco has introduced three new fragrances from Rosemoore Home Fragrance. Sandalwood & Cedar is a warming oriental fragrance of sensual sandalwood, surrounded by rich cedar and sweet amber, with delicate citrus and sweet vanilla notes. In contrast, Pink Pomelo is a refreshing and light fragrance of juicy pink grapefruit enhanced by zesty notes of lemon rind and dewy fresh green leaves. Raspberry Coulis is a vibrant red fruit fragrance bursting with fresh raspberries, blackberries, redcurrants and woody musks. All three fragrances are available in 12 home fragrance products, including reed diffusers and refill oils, pot pourri, scented candles, scent sacks and sachets, as well as wooden balls. T: +44 (0)1228 404 022www.enesco.co.uk
With a wide selection of filled tin and glass candles, and the increasingly popular reed diffuser range, Pintail Candles is sure to have a product to suit every individual and interior. The new fragrances, Sweet Sicilian Lemon and Jasmine & Sweet Cicely, are already very popular and the Lake District-inspired Flowers range is perfect for spring with Bluebell and Sweet Pea amongst the favourites. The Dotty Hearts range has now been updated for spring with new colours and fragrances. More best-sellers such as Grapefruit & Green Tea and Cashmere & Silk have been added to the company’s reed diffuser range. T: +44 (0)1539 559 007www.pintailcandles.com
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Ancient Wisdom has introduced a range of hand-made wooden candlesticks. Finished with metal candle cup inserts for safety and style, the candlesticks are hand-carved from sustainable Albesia wood. Each piece is individually hand-painted to a high standard and supplied individually packaged and bar coded. T: +44 (0)114 272 9165www.ancientwisdom.biz
Heyland & Whittle has a wide range of candles and room fragrances. The fragrant candles in a glass and tin are a great touch of luxury for the home and work space. They’re made from pure soy wax, which produces a much cleaner, more even burn, producing less toxins as well as being environmentally friendly. The company’s reed diffusers have become the most popular product within its room fragrance range. A selection of eight fragrances in 100ml and 200ml diffuser bottles will keep rooms smelling fresh all day, and 200ml refill bottles are also available. T: +44 (0)1293 525 825www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk
Greenleaf fragrances can now be enjoyed as reed diffuser oils, designed for quick absorption into reeds and offering long-lasting fragrances that create a powerful scent throughout the home at the same time as purifying the air. Heart of the Country introduces a new range of reed diffusers and catalytic diffuser lamps for 2013, specially designed to use Greenleaf ’s carefully formulated oils. Vogel Frëi’s beautiful diffuser collections include polished, mosaic, tinted and bubbled glass, diffusing flowers and coloured reeds, ensuring there is something to suit every home. T: +44 (0)1543 481 612www.heartofthecountryltd.co.uk
The Historic Royal Palaces range of home fragrances by Ashleigh & Burwood has been developed after an exclusive partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace and Kew Palace. The scented reed diffusers and hand-poured candles are all hand-made in the UK, and the fragrances are: Rose Garden, English Lavender, Citrus, Herb Garden, Wisteria and Orange Blossom. T: +44 (0)1932 267 060www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk
Yankee Candle® is offering a new selection of refreshing floral and spring limited edition candle gift sets. Featured in soft pink and green keepsake boxes, they are perfect for customers searching for just the right gift for a loved one to celebrate any occasion, including birthdays, anniversaries and more. Joining the gift set collections for 2013 is Fragrance Mixology. Allowing customers to create a personal home ambience, the set features six complementing fresh and floral fragrances, which can blend together within the ceramic triple votive holder. T: +44 (0)117 316 1200www.yankeecandle.co.uk
Auromira incense gift boxes from Shared Earth feature three carefully selected combinations to suit everyone – Spiritual, Relaxing and Uplifting. All of the scents are made with aromatic roots, herbs, flowers and natural oils. Each set contains three packs of incense, three incense cones and a mini ceramic plate. T: +44 (0)1904 670 321 www.sharedearth.co.uk
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The Country Candle Company’s portfolio features 12 collections of candles in keepsake tins and glasses, as well as six collections of reed diffusers. The new lines that have been introduced this year are designed, as always, to maximise trade opportunities and consumer appeal. The new Vintage Floral collection is anticipated to be extremely popular this year. Vintage Floral evokes summery fragrances of days gone by, and customers also have a keepsake tin after the candle has burned. The complete brochure is available on request by E: [email protected]: +44 (0)844 915 0005www.thecountrycandlecompany.com
Heaven Scent began life 21 years ago, from humble beginnings selling incense sticks to the public from a wheel barrow. Thinking about other ways to fragrance the home cleanly, Heaven Scent was the first company to develop a natural plant wax candle range, using fine quality essential and fragrance oils. Awareness of the environment drove them to use recycled glass for the candles and plant waxes from sustainable sources; the packaging is very minimal and made from recycled material. This year, the company has introduced the White Jasmine fragrance to add to its wide and varied range of fragrances. T: +44 (0)1225 868 788www.heavenscent.co.uk
Namaste’s new range of incense and mini candle sets have quickly become one of the company’s best selling collections. The range includes three beautifully packaged incense gift sets that come complete with
sticks, cones and holders, a hanging ceramic cone burner with fragranced cones and a range of ceramic fragranced mini candles. In addition, there are intricate flower tea lights and assorted colour floating candles in a coconut shell. Namaste is a fair trade importer recognised by BAFTS (British Association for Fair Trade Shops). T: +44 (0)1756 700 790www.namaste-uk.com
Available from The Fragrance Lounge, the Relish Collection (Paddywax) pays homage to the trend of re-using vintage jars. This iconic vessel can be used for anything, from creating chandeliers to storing everyday essentials. The company has filled coloured tinted jars with signature fragrant blends. For spring 2013, the collection has been extended to include a vintage bottle diffuser, available in three new scents. The range won Best New Product – Wellbeing at Top Drawer 2013 for its on-trend colourway, delicious fragrances and the fact that the jars can be reused for other purposes. T: +44 (0)1829 730 028www.thefragrancelounge.com
Best Kept Secrets has built on its 2012 success with a new product range for the independent retail gift market. Three Lites is a new three candle themed pack, offering great quality and a value gift for any occasion. Super 7’s, which launched in 2012, has quickly become an award-winning and best-selling product for the candle specialist. It was nominated for multiple trade show awards across the UK this spring and offers a 70-hour burn time. The Three Lites range takes three tea lights and presents them in a beautiful boxed set. Following the same theme as Super 7’s, Three Lites are available in Scottish, Smoothie, Sparkling, Floral and Festive ranges. T: +44 (0)1670 512 222www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
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Xystos, whose flame and fragrance offering includes WoodWick, Ribbonwick, Trapp and Norfolk Lavender, unveiled a top American brand at Spring Fair. Designed to convey a timeless sense of luxury, these ranges from the Aquiesse collection of Aesthetic Scents™ will be in UK shops in April. They include the Black Currents and White Currents lines, featuring travel tin candles, gift boxed candles and reed diffuser gift sets with stylish toppers. The popular Portfolio collection features eight scents – Luxe Linen, Pink Peony, Shoreline, Boardwalk, French Oak Currant, Cherimoya, Sandalwood Vanille and Passionfruit & Citrus. T: +44 (0)191 499 1570www.xystostrade.co.uk
Bolsius unveiled its new autumn and winter ranges at Spring Fair. The muted colour palette of the new Mansion Moments picks up on the misty tones of the autumn countryside, while Fairy Fantasy reflects the crisp blue, white and silver of a winter’s day. Both ranges work in harmony with the strong colours of new seasonally inspired metallic rustic candles and the existing Aromatic range, creating numerous mix and match options. The new Christmas Fairy Fantasy range (pictured) includes decorated glasses featuring images from nature and graphics of snowflakes and reindeer also on the Magic Ceramic see-through tea light holders. Colourful Cups and rustic candles coordinate in the colour palette of silver, white, light and dark blue. T: +44 (0)800 169 5126www.bolsius.com
Wood-Knit-Bee’s 100 per cent pure beeswax candles are ideal for accessorising the home. Wood-Knit-Bee specialises in seeking out natural products from ethical and sustainable sources. Its extensive range of more than 75 different beeswax candle designs runs from large statement pillars to the finest dinner candles and everything in-between. The original renewable fuel, said to burn with light in the same spectrum as the sun, is a favourite with candle lovers who appreciate a longer burn that is smoke-free, naturally scented and drip-free. Beeswax candles are free from harmful and irritating allergens and are even said to produce negative ions as they burn. T: +44 (0)1892 549 966www.wood-knit-bee.com
Coleshill Design’s Luminara flameless candles feature an attractive flame-effect candle that can be placed anywhere without the worry or risks associated with real candles. Luminara is a wax candle with a five-hour automatic timer that turns off the candle after five hours and on again at the same time everyday thereafter. The candles run on two standard AA batteries, giving an average battery life of 100 hours, and are available in three sizes –3in, 5in and 7in – and three colours of red, ivory and green. T: +44 (0)845 505 2808www.coleshilldesign.com
Pairfum’s Snow Crystal Candle adds a touch of elegance to home interiors. The candle is made from 100 per cent biodegradable and natural wax (CO2 neutral) and has its own individual crystal structure in the wax. The Snow Crystal wax releases four times as much perfume as a soy wax candle, and the perfumes are made using essential oils. The candle is ideally suited as a travel candle, due to the high melt-point of the wax (it doesn’t run at 55 degrees) and the robustness of the tin. T: +44 (0)1784 473 523 www.pairfum.com
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THE JUDGES’ CHOICE, sponsored by Spring Fair InternationalWinner: Birdy Ceramics range, Cubic ProductsAs part of the prize, the company will also be given a free stand at Autumn Fair International by the competition’s headline sponsor, i2i Events Group, organisers of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair.
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BRANDED/CHARACTER, sponsored by The GA’s Legal Helpline Steeles LawWinner: Tetris Light, Paladone ProductsHighly commended: EAMES Office 4-Cup Espresso Gift Set, Whitbread Wilkinson/W2 Products Highly commended: Cadbury Wrapper Storage Tin, Half Moon Bay
COLLECT IT, sponsored by GA CostwatchWinner: Mr Ringneck Pheasant, Dora DesignsHighly commended: Old Tupton Ware Seaside collection, Widdop BinghamHighly commended: Jubilee Gifts, The Original Metal Box Company
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BODY, MIND AND SOUL, sponsored by Giles HealthcareWinner: Apple Shaped Soap, Ottoman Scent CoHighly commended: English Garden collection, beefayreHighly commended: Waggledance Happy collection, beefayre
FASHION JEWELLERY AND ACCESSORIES, sponsored by The Assay Office BirminghamWinner: Zip earphones, thumbsUp!Highly commended: Why Not collection, Disaster DesignsHighly commended: VW Washbags, The Monster Factory
Highlights from The Giftware Association’s 2013 Gift of the Year Awards
and the winner is...Companies that entered The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year competition for the first time emerged as winners of almost half the categories at the 2013 awards ceremony, including The Judge’s Choice prize sponsored by Spring Fair International. The event took place at Spring Fair at the NEC, Birmingham on Sunday 3rd February, 2013.
ECO FRIENDLY, sponsored by TH MarchWinner: Animal Felt Slippers, Sew Heart FeltHighly commended: FSC Certified Beech Honer Board, T&G WoodwareHighly commended: Penrose Alpaca Pillow, Penrose Products
HOT NOVELTY, sponsored by GA CopywatchWinner: Silly Socks, BluwHighly commended: Secret Agent alarm clock, thumbsUp!Highly commended: Bubble Wrap Costume, thumbsUp!
KIDS, sponsored by RavensdenWinner: London Underground Children’s Play Tent, The Monster FactoryHighly commended: 24 Sleeps til Christmas personalised book, Signature GiftsHighly commended: Be Safe + Be Seen – Reflective Accessories, Cari and Co
KITCHEN AND DINING, sponsored by Autumn Fair International Winner: Birdy Ceramics range, Cubic ProductsHighly commended: Tea Towels and Gauntlets, MorriganHighly commended: Ecologie, Gift Republic
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OCCASIONSWinner: Decadent Decs, Talking TablesHighly commended: Sunshine Bouquet, Say it PersonallyHighly commended: Wedding favours, Heyland & Whittle
MADE IN UKWinner: Typography for Tables – table mats and coasters, Bluebell 33Highly commended, Made in England collection, Wax Lyrical (Wax Lyrical) Highly commended, Calverts Guide to the British, that company called IF
CARD AND WRAP Winner: Grandson’s 1st Birthday Noah’s Ark card, Hallmark CardsHighly commended: Goose Greeting Cards, Cards for Art’s SakeHighly commended: Twinkle Twinkle Birthday Cards, Tranquil Space Designs
UNDER £10Winner: Scrabble keyrings, Wild and WolfHighly commended: Penguin Popper, Cheatwell Gifts & GamesHighly commended: Recipe Mugs, Bluw
STATIONERY, sponsored by the NECWinner: Snap Sticks Photo Album, Wrap ArtistsHighly commended: Horrible Histories Giftware Collection, Elgate ProductsHighly commended: The Story of Me and My… Life Canvas, Parragon Books
GARDEN AND OUTDOOR LIVING, sponsored by Melville Exhibition ServicesWinner: Matthew Rice large deep garden tray with handles, Elite Gift BoxesHighly commended: Garden Tin for Her, giftinatinHighly commended: London Underground children’s play tent, The Monster Factory
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GIFTS FOR MENWinner: Ted Baker Stag and Brogue collection, Wild and WolfHighly commended: Dual SIM Case for iPhone 4, thumbsUp!Highly commended: e-Kitch Cocktail Gift Set with 1,600+ Recipe Database, Creative 7
HOME ACCESSORIES, sponsored by Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide Winner: The Bath Map Cushion, My Place MapsHighly commended: Kakkoii WOW Speaker, KakkoiiHighly commended: iTap, thumbsUp!
PREMIUM/LUXURYWinner: Penrose Alpaca Pillow, Penrose ProductsHighly commended: Looking Good, ThabtoHighly commended: Hand Painted Finest Bone China Bowls, CHH Design
For more details about the awards and The GA, visit www.ga-uk.org
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Retailers large and small and distributors from all over the world will flock to Progressive Greetings Live in May, the UK’s only trade exhibition dedicated to the greetings card industry. Building on the show’s success since its inception in 2009, PG Live 2013 brings everyone who’s anyone in the world of greeting cards together under one roof for a relaxed two day show.
The fifth show will feature a mix of greetings card publishers, from the largest to the smallest and from the oldest to the newest, along with some select calendar, gift wrapping and gift products suppliers.
PG Live attracts strong export and overseas support, with representation from countries as far flung as Pakistan and South Africa, as well as from Europe, America and Australasia, with France, Australia, the Netherlands and Sweden leading the field in terms of the show's international visitor numbers.
The Springboard section, which fanfares new and emerging publishers, has proved to be a vital element of the show, and last year DIAL@PG Live and a special Artists’ Quarter
were added to the mix. DIAL – which stands for Designs, Imagery & Art Licensing – aims to shine a spotlight on the thousands of original designs, illustrations and creative properties available through the show, many of which are available to buy or license. The Artists’ Quarter features a group of artists and designers presenting their portfolios.
International visitors are well-catered for at PG Live. All international visitors will have access to free private meeting rooms, which are available to book between 9.30am and 5.30pm, on a first come first served basis. The rooms can be booked for one hour at a time and hold up to 10 people comfortably. The show’s Henry Cole Club Lounge, designed for the exclusive use of buyers, will be open for international visitors on set up day.
Complimentary light refreshments, including a sandwich lunch, will be served throughout set-up day to buyers and their guests. The lounge will also offer free wifi internet access.
A drinks reception will take place on the evening of Monday 13th May, where visitors can meet with the UK’s key export representatives
and collect their copy of the show catalogue. For more information and to register to
attend, visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com
Progressive Greetings Live, the UK’s only trade exhibition for the greetings card industry, rolls into town in May
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show Progressive Greetings Live where Business Design Centre, Islington, Londonwhen 14th - 15th May, 2013website www.progressivegreetingslive.com twitter @PGLiveLondon
greetings!
Alljoy Design, www.alljoydesign.com
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The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair is the largest event of its kind in the world. The 2012 edition was visited by more than 47,000 international buyers, keen to access the latest products and assess the hottest global trends in the industry.
Business opportunities a plentyThe fair brings the world to Hong Kong. Thousands of exhibitors from dozens of countries will display the latest gift and premium items, providing a one-stop shop
for buyers’ needs for the coming season. In addition, business networking opportunities are endless and business matching services put suppliers in touch with buyers to enable the latter to open new markets.
Assess the latestThe bustling fairground provides a contextual overview for buyers to identify the latest product and business trends, while a series of topical seminars allow visitors to absorb up-to-date industry information and the latest market intelligence.
Organisation and servicesLogical clustering of exhibitors enables buyers to quickly and efficiently locate the suppliers that best suit their requirements. Quality business support services, including accounting and advisory services, corporate services, business solutions, logistics, foreign exchange, e-business services and marketing services, are readily available at the venue to help make the visit a positive and productive experience.
Gifts by zoneThe fair’s specialised themed zones provide
assistance in sourcing products in specific segments. These zones include Luxury Gifts (new), Baby Gifts (new), iAccessories, Hall of Fine Designs, Green Gifts, Tech Gifts and World of Gift Ideas. There is also a Small Order Zone, featuring high quality products from trustworthy and reliable suppliers.
Small gifts talent on show The Hong Kong Smart Gifts Design Award shines a light on the latest and most original ideas from talented designers. Make sure you check out the display of winning products while at the fair. The competition – the first of its kind in Hong Kong stepping into its second edition – is organised by The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association. It provides a superb global showcase for the brightest and best of Hong Kong’s pioneering gift companies and design students.
For more information and to register for the show, visit www.hktdc.com
Keep abreast of the latest in the gifting market at the world’s largest gift event, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair
stay ahead
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In brief
show Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair organiser HKTDC where Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centrewhen 27th - 30th April, 2013opening times 9.30am - 6.30pm and 9.30am - 5pm on Tuesdaywebsite www.hktdc.com
Since 1922 Nutscene have been producing fine quality twines in
Scotland. Renowned to both gardeners and crafters, Nutscene offers
a large and colourful range of bio-degradable jute twines and garden
giftware. Our design-led range of giftware is developed in-house and
utilises natural materials such as jute, FSC wood, British slate and English
terracotta. Nutscene is also the home of the iconic Sheila Maid
ceiling clothes airer.
Contact us for our Trade Catalogue
[email protected]+44(0)1307 468589
®
Nutscene (1922) Ltd
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As spring arrives and the garden comes back to life, we bring you a mix of gifts for green-fingered enthusiasts
More and more people are taking an interest in gardening, with an upsurge in people wanting to grow their own fruit and vegetables. Stock up on gardening gifts for the summer months ahead.
green-fingered
Enesco is offering a novel idea for all gardening and bird enthusiasts – novelty bird boxes. They can be used to brighten up a garden or deck, or can even be used indoors. Simply put them in a place where our feathered friends can enjoy them. T: +44 (0)1228 404 022www.enesco.co.uk
Cherry Picked For You is offering its Botanical Alphabet range as a spinner package. Small 75mm x 85mm cards are sold as part of a package that includes a tabletop 32 pocket spinner. With 12 cards per pocket, the offer will include the full 26 card alphabet plus your choice of six other cards from a selection of designs (including Christmas and various ages). Cards are also available in 125mm x 125mm sizes, and can be sold in packs of less than six. T: +44 (0)1273 721 353www.cherrypickedforyou.co.uk
Nutscene Twines get bigger, brighter and bolder! There are now 12 colours to choose from in Nutscene’s jute twines. They are still wound on the same machinery used in Angus, Scotland since 1922. The twines are biodegradable and all materials used are from sustainable resources. Nutscene offers a wide selection of gifts for gardeners, utilising its twines, FSC wooden plant labels, seed trays made from recycled wood, English terracotta, hessian sacks, a UK produced body care range for gardeners and colourful raffia. T: +44 (0)1307 468 589www.nutscene.com
For spring/summer, Retreat Home has expanded its popular range in galvanised steel. Embossed with hearts of leaves and flowers, and fully watertight, the range is both pretty and practical. It includes a set of handled planters, jugs and flower pots – perfect gifts for both indoor and outdoor gardeners. T: +44 (0)870 803 3428www.retreat-home.com
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r gardeners
Ragged Rose has a number of attractive floral ranges, including these gardening gloves and kneeling pad. The Glenda garden gloves are made from 100 per cent cotton and are fully lined and machine washable. T: +44 (0)1622 812 897www.raggedrose.com
Garden Party from Think Pink is a collection of gifts and accessories for the garden and conservatory. Based on a traditional paper cut design, the range includes gifts such as a gardener’s mug that features a lid to keep bugs out and a stylish gardening journal. Also in the range is a wipe clean kneeling pad and garden table cloth. In total there are 12 items in the range to choose from. T: +44 (0)1253 831 508www.thinkpinkblue2.com
Both men and women will appreciate these mugs from Lesser & Pavey, which bring fun to the gardening world. These fine china mugs are practical, as well as being fun gifts with an affordable price tag. T: +44 (0)1322 279 225 www.leonardo.co.uk
Wild and Wolf’s Orla Kiely gift range is ideal for green-fingered friends. Items include a pair of gardening gloves, gardening apron, watering can, herb pots and two flasks. The items retail between £14.95 - £44.95.T:+44 (0)1225 789 909www.wildandwolf.com
Half Moon Bay’s new Truth About Mums & Dads collection is perfect for customers looking for a funny gift for gardeners. These quirky products have been designed with those shed loving Dads in mind!T: +44 (0)1225 473 873www.halfmoonbay.co.uk
These new Diamond Light Catchers from D & J Glassware will add the perfect finishing touch for relaxing and enjoying the garden. Hand-crafted from mouth-blown glass, the colours are stunning. The Diamonds look great hanging in trees and pergolas, whether the sun is shining or not!T: +44 (0)1953 483 516www.dandjglassware.co.uk
Puckator has been working feverishly on its garden range for spring 2013. Included in the collection are these two gifts for any keen gardener. The melamine tray and double walled ceramic mug have been exclusively designed by in-house designer Ted Smith, and will make sure any gardener has their drinks hot and their sandwiches served in style. T: +44 (0)800 011 6969www.puckator.co.uk
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father’s day
The time of year when dad gets to be the centre of attention is fast approaching! Stock up on Father’s Day essentials and cash in on this important event
Lesser & Pavey’s range of Words of Wisdom mugs captures those poignant moments of fatherly advice perfectly, and what better occasion to celebrate with a fine china mug than Father’s Day. The range continues to be successful, and expands for 2013 into new areas. This gift-boxed duo of a mug and money box shown here brings fun and practicality to this special day. T: +44 (0)1322 279 225 www.leonardo.co.uk
er’s day
man of the houseHalf Moon Bay has a range of gifts for all those superheroes out there. Brand new for 2013 is the Superman collection, which includes a weekend bag, retro bag, water bottle, bowl and more. T: +44 (0)1225 473 873www.halfmoonbay.co.uk
Wild and Wolf has a vast range of gifts for Father’s Day, including the Gentlemen’s Hardware range. Items include this shoe shine set, complete with brushes to buff and shine, black and neutral polish, and a cleaning cloth. The set is presented in a felt zip-up case. T:+44 (0)1225 789 909www.wildandwolf.com
Enesco’s vibrant gift and kitchenware collection celebrates one of the nation’s best-loved British heritage brands, Bovril. New additions launched this year include an oven glove, apron and tea towel, all featuring the iconic Bovril branding imagery against a bright red background, ideal for a man who loves the kitchen. T: +44 (0)1228 404 022www.enesco.co.uk Artscape has increased its range
of humorous aprons to include more titles ideal for dads and Father’s Day. New titles include No. 1 Dad, Never Say Diet, I’m the Daddy and Grumpy Old Git! With 35 designs to choose from, what more can a man wish for – socks of course! The company also has No. 1 Dad and World’s Best Dad socks, as well as a World’s Best Grandad design. T: +44 (0)20 8681 8368www.artscapeonline.com
Whether dad is the cool or comfy type, there is something for everyone in Midhaven’s Tribal Steel range of leather and stainless steel. With more than 200 styles to choose from in leather and 50 in the metal, customers really will be spoilt for choice! There are five different sizes for men, and as the perfect finishing touch, all lines come in stylish branded pouches. Spend £200 and receive a free point of sale display. T: +44 (0)1299 851 513www.midhaven.co.uk
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Personalised Memento Company has launched its boldest Father’s Day range to date. This contemporary He Is range displays the words your customers sometimes find hard to say, from Awesome, Amazing, Cool and A Superhero. The collection makes a quirky addition to the company’s extensive Father’s Day offerings, which include mugs, crystal blocks, phone cases and more. T: +44 (0)1782 744 900www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
Retreat Home has a fun collection of accessories for Father’s Day, inspired by comic book superheroes. Items include fully waterproof-lined toiletry bags, practical kit bags for the gym, specs cases and keyrings. Simple, bold and colourful, they combine fun and practicality. T: +44 (0)870 803 3428www.retreat-home.com
This fine silver-plated photo frame with football motif from All Personal Gifts comes in a quality presentation box and is ideal for 6in x 4in photos. All Personal Gifts provides a comprehensive range of silver-plated gifts, which can be engraved for that personal touch. In addition to the silver plated range, the company offers top quality metal products to suit all tastes and budgets. T: +44 (0)800 030 2345www.allpersonalgifts.co.uk
Joe Davies offers a wide variety of gifts for dads and grandads, ranging from mugs, pens, torches and tankards to hip flasks, photo frames and wine bottle holders. Brand new for 2013 is the Equilibrium for Men series of bracelets, necklaces and cuff links in leather and stainless steel. Retail prices start from just £4.99 and the series is presented in attractive Equilibrium boxes to impress. T: +44 (0)161 975 6300www.joedavies.co.uk
IF has a number of products for dads, including this retro range of Cartoon Classics mini bookmarks (RRP £2.99). Batman, Superman, Scooby Doo, Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck all feature in these three sets of little magnetic page markers. Other items include the Sshhhh! range of ear plugs (RRP £6.99) for the ultimate in peace and quiet, and Calvert’s Guide to the British (RRP £20). T: +44 (0)1751 475 757www.thatcompanycalledif.com
Puckator has broken the mould and come up with some original presents for all the quirky dads out there. From its exclusive moustache mug to the Man-I Care men’s manicure set, the company has something for everyone. Visit Puckator’s website to see all of its Father’s Day gift ideas. T: +44 (0)800 011 6969
man of the house
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hot propertyCatch up with all the latest from the world of licensing
Heroes in a half-shell from LEGO® The ultimate amphibious ninja team has been immortalised into brick form with the all-new LEGO® Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles range. There are five sets available: Shellraiser Street Chase, Turtle Lair Attack, Stealth Shell in Pursuit, Shredder’s Dragon Bike and Kraang Lab Escape. The range is available for ages six and above and is available now. For more information about LEGO® and its ranges, visit www.lego.com
The RSPCA announces My Pocket PetsThe RSPCA has awarded a license to toy design and production company, WOW Toys, to produce a range of toys for the pre-school market. Called My Pocket Pets, they are a set of cute collectable RSPCA animal figure packs suitable for children aged 18 months and upwards.
Each pack contains an animal figure and RSPCA activity sheet that includes fun activities such as dot-to-dot games, colouring in, a cartoon and an information section aimed at teaching pre-school children about animal welfare. There are six animals in the series: Pippi the pooch, Socks the cat, Clarissa the cow, Patch the pig, Wiggles the Dalmatian and Jenny the horse. To find out more, visit www.wowtoys.com
Worlds Apart makes bedtime a dream with GO GLOW®
With new products and licenses launching this summer for Worlds Apart’s GO GLOW® range, children will be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting their trusty bedtime buddy. Designed to look like favourite super heroes, the new multifunctional GO GLOW® Hero is a three-in-one motion activated room guard, voice recorder and torch. Children can hang the Hero on their door handle and know it will guard their bedroom against sneaky invaders.
As well as being fun to play with, the GO GLOW® Pal is a great bedtime companion. With light-up eyes and removable Sai swords, the Raphael GO GLOW® Pal (from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) is a new addition to the existing range of Pals. It also acts as a night light, gently glowing to give children comfort and security as they drift off to sleep.
For more information, visit www.worldsapart.com
New licensing deals for Star CutoutsStar Cutouts, specialists in life size character cut outs and celebrity face masks, has agreed a number of new licenses. These include Peppa Pig, The Avengers, Judge Dredd, Justin Bieber and The Chippendales. Star Cutouts will be launching many more throughout 2013, with new licenses from some of the biggest names in graphic novels and movie history.
To view the full range, visit www.starcutouts.com
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pertyho
t property
Toy Pokémon range set for launchHaving secured the Master Toy License for the next five years, TOMY’s Pokémon range is ready to do battle with the toy arena. TOMY is set to present the first themed toys based on the video games sequels, Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2. Including new figures with solid bodies and incredible levels of authenticity and detail, the new 2013 range takes collecting, training and battling to a new level. Visit www.tomy.co.uk for more information.
Poeticgem tees up with new Wallace & Gromit rangeLicensed clothing specialist Poeticgem has entered a new agreement to produce T-shirts and nightwear based around Wallace & Gromit.
“We are delighted to have signed an agreement for what is a quintessentially British brand,” says Elliot Matthews of Poeticgem. “Wallace and Gromit are two of the greatest characters ever to come out of the UK, and that means we will be tapping into a very large and very well-established fan base with this new apparel range.”
New DVD board game for Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the world’s longest running sci-fi television series, Paul Lamond Games is launching a new Doctor Who DVD board game.
The DVD board game, which launches this summer, contains more than 100 clips taken from each of the five decades of this iconic TV series, alongside thousands of trivia questions. The questions are graded from simple observations to expert knowledge, making the game great fun for all the family.
Visit www.paul-lamond.com for more details.
New licensees signed for The Snowman and The SnowdogThe Copyrights Group has announced a raft of new licenses for 2013. New products featuring The Snowman and The Snowdog are set to launch this year and include: Ravensburger for puzzles, Transcontinental for Christmas decorations, Blueprint for stationery and bags, and a major partnership with Thorntons for confectionery. Also new is a healthcare range from Oscar and Dehn, cards and wrap from Hallmark, plush from Steiff, as well as craft and play products from SAC Games. Retailers can look forward to refreshed and expanded ranges from existing licensees.
For more details, visit www.copyrights.co.uk
HTI signs deal for new collection of Barbie role-play toysFollowing a multi-territory deal with Mattel Consumer Products, HTI is offering a new range of Barbie & Me role-play toys. Each set includes an innovative Barbie & Me element that enables girls to involve their Barbie doll in the experience. The range is designed around two universally popular role-play themes of doll’icious food preparation and glamtastic glam-up. Launching in autumn 2013, the collection will be supported by a substantial TV advertising campaign. Pictured is the Doll’icious Barbie & Me Coffee ‘n’ Smoothie Shop. For more information, visit www.htigroup.co.uk
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Get the party started in store with these decorative delights
Neviti launched two new ranges at Spring Fair. Its first licensed range, Dear Zoo, is based on the best-selling children’s book by Rod Campbell and includes delightful paper disposables, including plates, napkins, party bags, lunch boxes and cake cases for pre-schooler birthday parties. All items feature hand-drawn and coloured images, which Rod has developed specifically for the range.
The second line, Keep Calm and Party On, includes plates, napkins, cups and bowls for entertaining and parties, as well as fun Keep Calm You’re Only 30, 40 or 50 bunting. The range features bright jewel colours in keeping with current trends.T: +44 (0)845 638 1358www.neviti.com
January saw the launch of a new company offering friends and families of mums-to-be a range of stationery and partyware for baby showers. The Blooming Baby Showers range includes invitations, thank you cards, paper plates, napkins, balloons and bunting in three designs: Posh Prams, Bees and Birds and Cute Kit. The company has also come up with the vital ingredient to any party, entertainment! A box of games includes Bonnie Babies, Miniature Bingo, Blooming Bump, Tiny Stars, Funny Faces and Pin the Dummy on the Bunny. T: +44 (0)7598 001 793 www.bloomingbabyshowers.co.uk
let’s party! From birthday parties to baby showers, the party market is booming and is a great line to stock in store. We bring you a mix of ideas for those celebration loving consumers.
Boxer Gifts has introduced a new range of fun party coasters. Sure to liven up any celebration, these brightly coloured drink mats feature ages from 18 - 60 as well as the wording Happy Birthday and Happy Birthday - It’s A Big Number - So Have A Big Day! Each box is packed with 16 assorted colours, adding to the already extensive range of party gifts and accessories offered by Boxer. Other ideas include Tallulah Chic glassware, Rainbow Moments colour flame party candles and the exclusive French Lace champagne flute range, available in clear and black glass. T: +44 (0)113 3955 595www.boxergifts.com
Ancient Wisdom has a wide selection of profitable party stock, including hats and masquerade masks. The hats come in various designs, ranging from sparkly cow girl to kids pirate hats. Wholesale prices start from just 38p per hat. The selection of masquerade party masks includes male, female, children and unisex designs. T: +44 (0)114 272 9165www.ancientwisdom.biz
Pop Art Superhero Party is a new range of fun and versatile party items from Ginger Ray. This vibrant range can be used for nostalgic adult’s birthday parties as well as for children’s superhero events. Items include paper plates and cups, napkins, cupcake toppers and cases, bunting, photo booth props and masks, birthday cake toppers and popcorn boxes. T: +44 (0)845 680 2975www.gingerray.com
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2013 is seeing a wealth of attractive jewellery designs revealed
finishing touches
novelty
Stocking a selection of jewellery pieces can help attract extra sales, especially when displayed alongside handbags, shoes, belts and scarves for a complete look. With people still watching their pennies, jewellery can be a great way of changing the look of existing outfits and is a cheaper alternative to buying a whole new wardrobe!
The Harmony collection from Miss Milly is a beautiful, contemporary combination of natural stones and pearls, combined with man-made stainless steel and glass. The stones are individually selected and each piece is hand-crafted to the highest quality. The Harmony 1 necklace and bracelet introduce colour through dyed jade, off-set with accents of shiny stainless steel. Other jewellery in the range is crafted with agate, cubic zirconia, Brazilian crystal, pearlescent rose quartz and freshwater potato pearls. Where possible, each piece of jewellery includes a Miss Milly engraved stainless steel brand tag. T: +44 (0)1905 612 955 www.missmilly.co.uk
In these difficult economic times, Xystos continues to offer customers as much value as possible. The company recently took over the UK distribution of Annaleece, the Cystallized with Swarovski range from America. Based on historical best sellers, Xystos offers 155 products – bracelets, earrings, brooches and necklaces – each coming with a free gift box. More added value comes in the shape of its precious metal platings of 22k gold, rhodium and ruthenium, which means the pieces won’t tarnish over time. T: +44 (0)191 499 1570www.xystostrade.co.uk
One of the latest ranges by Kate Hamilton-Hunter is the Hearts collection. All of Kate’s jewellery pieces are made by hand from a variety of metals, including silver, aluminium and brass, as well as biscuit, sweet and toffee tins. Pieces include sterling silver and are finished off with Swarovski crystals and pearls. T: +44 (0)1745 826 500www.katehh.co.uk
Hazel Atkinson’s beautifully hand-crafted jewellery is the very essence of femininity, contrasting vivid colours with delicate patterning. This season, Hazel has launched a new butterfly range, using this ancient symbol of love to herald in the spring and summer. Hazel’s timeless jewellery is worn by all generations of women, from teenagers to grandmothers. T: +44 (0)115 9411 110www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk
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men’s jew
ellery
Vizati is launching a new collection of extremely affordable designer sterling silver jewellery sets with genuine rubies, blue sapphires, tanzanites and emeralds. The whole range costs from as little as £6 to a maximum price of £19, and is made in a variety of finishes, from shiny silver to matt and satin. Designs range from the more traditional, such as hearts and stars, to the highly contemporary. T: +44 (0)1323 485 605www.vizati.com
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Talbot Fashions unveiled its new 2013 range at Spring Fair. Pearls, animal themes, crystal embellished skulls and sideways cross jewellery are continuing as major themes for this year. Talbot has added new variations to the fast-selling wooden icon bracelets with a dragon and cross design in black and white. Animal themes include enamel pendants with fish, elephant, duck and butterfly designs in various colours. A funky printed giraffe, zebra, elephant and gecko have also been added. Shell chip stretch and multi-charm bracelets, anklets and cotton plaited friendship bracelets are welcome additions to the seaside surf collections. T: +44 (0)1273 776 415www.talbotfashions.co.uk
Joe Davies reports increasing sales of its best-selling Equilibrium collection of fashion jewellery, which has doubled in size over the last year. As well as the top selling sentiment, white silver and hematite jewellery collection, Shamballa-related items are also particularly strong at the moment. Joe Davies introduced more than 50 new bracelets, necklaces and earrings at Spring Fair in line with this popular trend. Everything from Joe Davies’ gift and jewellery collection is available to independent retailers in sensible quantities and minimum orders are just £100. T: +44 (0)161 975 6300www.joedavies.co.uk
CXD Designs is pleased to showcase its range of crystal macramé bracelets. Made from high quality beads and crystals, two different wrist sizes are available for the teenage and kids market. Visit the company’s website for more teenage jewellery and gifts. T: +44 (0)1702 300 907www.cxddesigns.co.uk
Leather is high fashion and big business. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get an impressive display of tribal steel bracelets that will generate real interest in your window. Just £200 will get you a point of sale and around 25 bracelets, which come with stylish branded pouches. There are more than 200 styles in many colours. Most sales for women are in 19cm, but Midhaven also supplies XS or XL styles. T: +44 (0)1299 851 513www.midhaven.co.uk
NOA’s high quality designer jewellery is subtle and elegant with vibrant colours and simple geometry. NOA’s ceramics can be framed with cool aluminium, warm brass or sterling silver. The large range of ceramic designs on offer makes it possible for buyers to tailor collections to suit their own customers. All of the company’s jewellery is designed and made in the UK, and a trade catalogue is available on request or from the company’s website. T: +44 (0)2920 758 409www.noajewellery.com
21st Century Silver has launched many new designs, including this heart set of sterling silver with marcasite – a modern twist on a classic gemstone.T: +44 (0)20 8339 3731www.21stcenturysilver.co.uk
finishing touches
HAZEL ATKINSON JEWELLERY LLP
tel 0115 941 1110 www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.ukHandmade in the UK
BCTF 7-9 Aprilstand 116
a world of jewellery designlatest 21st Century Silver & Limelight designs out now!
21st Century Silverthe contemporary jewellery specialists
Tel/Fax: 020 8339 3731Email: [email protected]
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news from the gaWe get a round up of the very latest news from The Giftware Association
Anti-dumping duties: GA to seek European Commission meeting after feedback from suppliersChief Executive of the GA, Isabel Martinson is planning to head a delegation to Brussels for a meeting with the European Commission.
She is seeking a date for a hearing over its decision to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on ceramic tableware and kitchenware originating in China.
Isabel has taken sound bites regarding the matter from suppliers at trade shows this year and says they are unhappy with what they regard as indiscriminate penalties.
A meeting at Spring Fair, attended by The GA and BHETA members, reinforced her belief that their strong views should be communicated to the EC.
GA members, representatives from W2 Products and Kimm and Miller have been invited to accompany her on the trip to Brussels along with individuals from BHETA. Isabel said: “These duties are now beginning to bite, so it’s a matter of urgency that we do everything we can to persuade the commission to, at the very least, reduce them.”
Gift of the Year: Retailer members revel in the awards’ experience as Cubic Products celebrateFor the first time, The GA’s retailer members were invited to the Gift of the Year awards ceremony on the Sunday evening of Spring Fair. According to Isabel, they were delighted to have the opportunity to network with the experienced buyers who were tasked with judging the competition.
She said: “It gave them an insight into the selection process and a head start on the Monday of the show when it came to visiting the stands of those suppliers whose products either won or were commended.”
Cubic Products took The Judges’ Choice prize for outstanding product, and also claimed the Kitchen and Dining award for its Birdy Ceramics range. Additionally, the company will be given a free stand at Autumn Fair
International by the competition’s headline sponsor, i2i Events Group, organisers of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair.
Nicky Sloan, Managing Director of Cubic Products, said: “Since it was announced that we had won both awards, buyers have sought us out to order our prize-winning products and the additional boost to our profile within the gift industry has been phenomenal.
“Already, we can see the benefits to entering such a prestigious competition and the amount of interest in our ranges has been fantastic. We are thrilled to be given a free stand at September’s Autumn Fair.”
Speakers on social media and e-tailing at GA Members’ DaySocial media and digital commerce expert, Warren Knight will be one of the speakers at The Giftware Association’s Members’ Day, which will be held at its Birmingham headquarters on Thursday 23rd May, 2013.
Mr Knight will address members and guests at a time when The GA is phasing in its new-look website, which is designed to help both retailer and supplier members promote themselves to a wider audience.
Another speaker will be Mark Jones of Occasions Direct, a successful e-tailer who set up his business six years ago. He has just joined The GA’s national committee to represent the views and experiences of e-tailers.
Following the AGM and keynote presentations, representatives from The GA’s national committee and some of its service partners will give advice to members and answer questions at 15-minute surgeries.
“The Members’ Day is a great opportunity for our newer members to find out what The GA can do for them and to meet more experienced members who are able to mentor and support them,” said Isabel.
Retailers share their experiencesAs well as presenting two Spring Fair seminars about the setting up of bricks and mortar and online retail businesses in the gift and home
market, Isabel also moderated two well-attended panel discussions at the show. These focused on how retailers could differentiate themselves from competitors to create a unique brand and retail experience.
Isabel reports that buyers were happy to share their experiences and give advice, whilst it also gave her the opportunity to promote The GA and successful Gift of the Year companies to them.
What do you think?The GA is running tests on its new-look website, which is being phased in this year. It wants feedback from retailer and supplier members, who are also being invited to upload information that will enhance their profile and create greater interaction. To take part, visit www.ga-uk.org
Isabel bikes for Help for HeroesHaving raised thousands of pounds for Help for Heroes three years ago, Isabel is again getting back on her bike for the charity.
She will take part in the Big Battlefields Bike Ride from Paris to London on the Bank Holiday weekend between 27th May - 2nd June, 2013. Riders, including those injured in recent conflicts, will cycle from the Eiffel Tower out of Paris and into the French countryside. Over the following six days, their journey will pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives in significant WW1 and WW2 battlefields in the Somme before they cross back into the UK where they will cycle through Kent to commemorate the Battle of Britain.
The ride will draw to an end as they meet with other cyclists at Blackheath – including former GA Chairman, Michael Sweeney – and make their way together through the streets of London to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph before reaching Horse Guards Parade.
To support our heroes, please donate at www.bmycharity.com/isabelmartinson
Further informationFor The GA, log onto www.ga-uk.org
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If you are looking for well priced, good quality silver jewellery all backed up with a great service then
have a look at our website
www.smilejewellery.co.uk
Carriage paid £200
For further details contact 01225 719583
Agents Required
Qall the answersOur experts tackle your retail-related queries
If you have a question about any aspect of the gift retail industry, simply write to: Q&A special, Gift Focus Magazine, Broseley House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex, CM8 2UL. Alternatively, send your queries to [email protected].
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Arona Khan is internationally renowned. In Japan she has been described as the world’s foremost gift wrapping expert. The presenter of three DVDs and many online videos, she runs gift wrapping and gift basket training courses and regularly demonstrates her skills. Arona has shared her tips and techniques on numerous television and radio programmes. Contact her on T: +44 (0)1273 727 705 or E: [email protected]
Neil Coxon is the Founder and Managing Director of ‘from you to me’, creators of award-winning gifts. Previously he climbed the corporate human resources career ladder, specialising in people, leadership and organisational development. His passion for psychology and relationships inspired him to create the ‘from you to me’ journals of a lifetime and gifts to treasure. Contact Neil on T: +44 (0)1225 866 225 or E: [email protected]
After becoming a seamstress making bespoke bridal gowns, Kate Hamilton-Hunter went back into education to study design, embroidery and textiles. During this time she developed a technique for working with metal and discovered a new material to make her designs from recycled and reclaimed biscuit tins. Contact Kate on T: +44 (0)1745 826 500 or E: [email protected]
Jeremy Piercy is Managing Director of Shared Earth, the fair trade business that he founded in York in 1986. He also recently co-founded Walk Against Crime, which supports a slum community in Nairobi, Kenya. He believes that in tough times, it’s all the more important to remember ethics as we make our business decisions. Contact Jeremy on T: +44 (0)1904 632 896 or E: [email protected]
I am considering introducing a jewellery line into my store. What should I consider before choosing one? Kate says: Choose a brand/style that will complement your existing stock. The trick is to sell to customers who already love what you do, rather than to attract new customers.Price point: Don’t go too cheap or too expensive with a trial run of a new line. Match the price points with your other goods and know what your customers expect to pay in your shop.Are you going to go for a brand with a story? Do you want to promote Made in UK? How will you entice your customers to try something new? Does the jewellery company provide point of sale, pretty packaging etc? Look at the brand's whole collection, not just the product.
I am considering stocking a range of hand-made gifts in my store. What should I consider before making a decision on stock? Kate says: Do your current customers appreciate the value of buying handmade? Will they pay a higher price than they do for mass produced goods?Customers won’t know the difference if you don’t spell it out, so ask the makers for a photo of them at work and write a short paragraph about what they do to help the customer connect the maker with the product.Are you going to support British designers or makers from around the world? Consider fair trade suppliers if buying from abroad so your customers know the money will go to the artisans. Whichever you decide to do, let your customers know what you’re doing and why. Be passionate about your choices, find out about the designers so you and your staff can talk with confidence about the makers to your customers.Display the products beautifully, using props to help tell the artisans’ story.Don’t just buy in a couple of pieces. Give lots of choice of colours and styles so that your customers will find just the right piece that they simply cannot live without!
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Would offering a gift wrapping service throughout the year help my business?Arona says: Yes! Just think how many gift giving occasions there are and how much repeat business you could generate from appreciative customers who've purchased wrapped and ready to give gifts. Retailers only providing a gift wrapping service at Christmas are missing out on a way to enhance customer service, create a point of difference and increase sales throughout the year.
Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and Father’s Day offer excellent opportunities to sell single gifts, or better still, a selection wrapped in a hamper or gift basket. Guests want to dress gifts to impress for engagements, showers and weddings, so you could offer a premium service including exquisite hand-made bows. The same goes for baby showers, births and special wedding anniversaries. Display wrapped presents alongside products with gift tags to suggest occasions and options.
If you want to spring clean slow moving stock, try wrapping it or adding a bow – it can work wonders!
As more gift retailers sell artisan foods, think about having themed hampers for different occasions. You could be missing a trick and depriving your customers of a treat if you don’t offer Halloween hampers packed with devilishly delicious goodies!
Consider offering a gift wrapping service free of charge if customers purchase the wrapping paper and accessories or spend over a certain amount. Alternatively add a fee. The key to your success will be promoting the service in-store and online and having well trained, enthusiastic staff.
Find out more and watch free videos of my top tips at www.aronakhan.com
What are the best ways to make my staff feel appreciated at work?Neil says: You can tell your colleagues how much you value their contribution at any time, it’s not necessary to wait for a performance appraisal or a major achievement. Try to build a culture where all your colleagues work well as a team and show appreciation for each other. It’s often too easy to see the mistakes or errors that occur, and to pick up on these whilst taking for granted the day to day wonderful things that people do. Spend time noticing positive things and start by trying some of the simple ideas below to create a motivated team.
Say thank you regularly – and don’t forget the please too. Politeness goes a long way.
Be specific about the fact they have done well by praising them, and this can be even more powerful if done in front of others.
Get to know their interests and from time to time get them a small gift that they will appreciate. It’s not about the money, it’s absolutely about showing you care.
Leave a little thank you note on their desk, locker or bag. This can be a lovely unexpected surprise for them.
Show a genuine interest in them outside of work. Find out about their family, friends and interests in a non-nosey way.
Demonstrate as much flexibility as you can for their personal needs around their holiday plans or other time off.
If the budget runs to it, take your staff out for a treat – a birthday meal, a Friday evening drink – making sure you pay.
I am thinking about introducing fair trade lines into my store. What should I consider? Jeremy says: There was a time, not long ago, when ethical trading was quite an issue with customers, and many would go out of
their way to find products which fitted that description. Many people still religiously buy their fair trade tea or coffee, and as people learn more about it, the support increases. Fair trade gifts are normally hand-made, and the prices are actually excellent when you compare with factory-made goods from the Far East or crafts made in the UK. Most of Shared Earth’s woodcarvings (boxes, frames, chess sets etc) sold out before Christmas as a result. But many customers don’t appreciate the skill involved in creating these pieces, and anyway, there are other hand-made goods on the market which are not fairly traded. So why choose fair trade?
In my opinion buying fair trade because it’s in fashion or trendy misses the point. We should buy fair trade because of what it stands for – a world in which people are not starving or exploited, where people get a just reward for their labour, and work in decent conditions. Do you want to sell products if child labour has been involved in producing them? In India, if it’s not fair trade, there’s a strong chance that it has.
Personally, I enjoy buying and selling infinitely more when I feel that it’s doing good for other people and not just earning me a living. I can honestly say that my 25 years in fair trade have made me a happier person for this reason. When I retire, I will be able to look back, have a clear conscience, and feel I have done something useful with my life.
Why do we run our businesses after all – just to make money? Money and profits are not the most important things in life (and I say this as someone who has had enormous business problems in recent months). Being a better person in the way you run your company is good for the soul and makes you a happier person. That is the real reason to support fair trade. g
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There are some exciting new additions in 2013 for Flair’s highly successful Emotion Pets range.
Little Cuddles are three super-soft, mini, interactive plush friends; just give them a stroke to see them wag and wiggle their heads, tails and legs. At just £12.99 (SRP), these baby
versions of the Emotion Pet favourites Milky, Toffee and Cherry are a more affordable option for girls to adopt and are just waiting to be held and hugged.
Emotion Pets will also be monkeying around this spring with the addition of Emotion Pets Playfuls (SRP £34.99), two fully interactive monkeys called Cocco and Nutty. These cheeky chaps eat absolutely anything you put near their mouth and make crunching sounds as they eat. Cocco and Nutty can also hang upside down by their tail, where they fall asleep, and they make realistic monkey sounds when petted or tickled.
Brand new and ready for cuddles this Autumn
is Sugar the Seal, the only plush seal pup that shows his emotions and really asks for the attention of his new owner.
Sugar joins favourites such as Milky the Rabbit and Toffee the Pony, both of which have achieved great sales success.
The Emotion Pets collections come with heavy weight marketing to the core audience, including TV advertising, online campaigns and children’s press activity.
For more information call Flair on T +44 (0) 208 643 0320 orE: [email protected]
advertising feature
Cute, cuddly and interactive furry friends!Emotion Pets, the range of classic, cuddly soft plush combined with unique, interactive technology.
© Giochi Preziosi Spa
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Soft toys and teddy bears are still mainstream toys for children and babies, despite the advances in technology
super softies
plush
Many modern families want to steer children away from computers and digital games, and instead encourage them to play with teddy bears and interact with their fluffy playmates like they did in the good old days! Classics such as Peter Rabbit and Bagpuss remain constant, and the revival of such characters as Paddington Bear have contributed to the teddy bear revival. Many adults also delve into the world of plush to collect limited edition pieces.
Enesco has unveiled GUND’s Dragons and Ninjas, new arrivals from the land of Firezania. The fire-breathing dragons are available in three colours – red, blue and green – and two sizes, a large plush and their smaller counterparts.
Three new ninjas have bendable arms, removable swords that can be attached to their hands, and pull-down fabric face masks. With names like Vapour (blue), Jag (green) and Maddox (red), they are sure to appeal to little ninjas in the family. T: +44 (0)1228 404 022www.enesco.co.uk
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Best Years has launched the Organic Plush range. The toys are produced in Egypt from soft Egyptian organic cotton and are suitable from birth. The designs range from an endangered species collection, which includes a Humpback whale, seahorse and starfish, through to dogs, cats and even vegetables. Best Years has a large range of fair trade and hand-made knitted and crochet toys, and felt a fair trade line would sit well with its current offering. As with all Best Years toys, the new organic range is suitable from birth and machine washable. T: +44 (0)1327 262 189www.bestyears.co.uk
Steiff teddies have shed their fur and are ready to step out for spring. Dressed in their finery, the catwalk-inspired Aluna and Amelia are joined by their flamboyant gentleman friend, Aurelius. The stars of Steiff ’s limited edition Selection line, the teddy bears look chic in their bouclé and metallic linen, complete with snake print paw pads. Aluna and Amelia sport elegant corsages and rows of pearls, while Aurelius is dressed to impress in gold, complete with a Swarovski crystal collar. T: +44 (0)20 8466 8444 www.steiff.com
Steiff teddies have shed their fur and are
Brand new for Great Gizmos’ portfolio from the NICI collection is Minilara, who joins Minilina and Minilotta in NICI Wonderland; three beautiful 100 per cent plush dolls that come with accessories to inspire the imagination. All are perfect as a child’s first doll, being washable and super soft. Minilara has a range of reversible clothing that allows for outdoor fun whatever the weather and includes a short dress with matching hat; she’s also ready to sow seeds with the apron, boots and glove set. T: +44 (0)1293 543 221www.greatgizmos.co.uk
Personalised Memento Company has launched a new plush addition to the personalised gift family. A luxurious reminder of our childhood or a comfortable companion for a little boy or girl, this luxury 14in-tall teddy is suitable for children over one years old. The bear features chocolate coloured eyes, a rich red ribbon and a special touch of personalisation on his feet. T: +44 (0)1782 744 900www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
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Xystos is distributing the cute, cuddly and commercial collection from Bunnies by the Bay. The christening and gifting range, which includes blankets and toys, is described by Tom Sykes, General Manager at Xystos, as “a complete concept”, combining superb product, good value (the American company helps orphaned children in China) and a great stand concept, which maximises the sales retailers can make per square foot. T: +44 (0)191 499 1570www.xystostrade.co.uk
Dora Designs has introduced a new range for the younger Dora fans. The items are based on the company’s award-winning Country Folk collection and includes six characters: Marcus Junior, Percy Junior, Oscar Junior, Dora Junior, Lionel Junior and Lily Junior. Like their senior equivalents, these plush toys are very collectable and further designs will be developed at a later date. T: +44 (0)1733 305 452www.doradesigns.co.uk
Intelex Group’s Socky Dolls continue to grow in popularity, to meet the general public’s demand for the quirky and unusual. Six cute, colourful characters are available, and they make great collectable companions for children and adults. Socky Dolls are fully microwavable, making them both functional and useful. Their link to actual socks is evident, being made from 100 per cent cotton sock material, and the use of colourful stripy fabrics capitalises on the public’s desire for socks with personality. T: +44 (0)1933 679 777www.intelex.co.uk
Flair has crossed a blanket with a puppet and created CuddleUpPets - blankets that are puppets! In autumn 2013, the collection will expand with Purple Monkey and Magical White Unicorn joining Pink Poodle, Hot Pink Lady Bird and Yellow Ducky. Brand new for autumn, CuddleUpPets will be partnering with some of Disney’s favourite characters, including Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. Sully from Monsters Inc is set to be the star of nurseries, following his return on the big screen this July. T: +44 (0)20 8643 0320www.flairplc.co.uk
Alongside a bouquet of flowers, a soft teddy bear is a quintessential new baby gift. The Flower Stork has combined both to bring you a gift range that’s a modern and quirky twist on these classic new baby gifts. The Teddy Bear Bouquet Box contains a plush teddy (suitable from birth) holding a bouquet of baby clothes. The flower buds contain cleverly rolled essential items of clothes (aged three-six months).T: +44 (0)1495 303 030www.theflowerstork.com
The Sparkly Eyes range from Aroma Home features a twinkling array of screen wipes, pillows and snuggly Hotties, including Panda, Bear, Owl, Spaniel and Rabbit. The twinkling eyes, a key feature of the products, are sure to attract attention, whilst the super soft plush material will ensure the cuddles keep on coming. T: +44 (0)1793 487 684www.aromahome.com
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Retail systems are now lower in cost, easier to use and have more functionality than ever. As a tool, they can really improve profitability for a retailer. But the varied functions make finding the right one seem so difficult. Sadly, there is no Which? guide to EPoS, and trade organisations are reluctant to recommend any as they don’t really understand them, so retailers are left alone to make the decision.
There’s a lot to consider with an EPoS system, and with the risk of buying the wrong one, potential mutiny from staff and throwing thousands of pounds into the bin, the trusty old cash register starts to look quite appealing! This article looks at some tips on how to go about buying a modern retail system and improve the chances of getting it right the first time round.
It was more than 20 years ago when Martin Goodwin and Bob Henry created the first EPoS software that could run on Windows. Since then, EPoS systems have become cheaper, more user-friendly, more functional and more reliable. Since 2005, we have seen the advent of multichannel retail systems. Evolved from EpoS, they not only look after store management, they also help retailers sell online and via other marketplace channels.
Whilst these changes are making systems more attractive, it’s the shift in consumer behaviour that is the real driver – more and more people are buying online – but does that necessarily mean that EPoS is the best move?
Most independents I talk to didn’t go into business to sell to anonymous people online; they started with a passion to sell quality products whilst delivering a great service to local people. However, these days it’s hard to avoid the internet because that’s where customers are. Christmas saw a trend of giving tablet computers to friends and family, which has meant more people than ever can access the internet conveniently. Independent retailers are having to think about the best ways to adapt their businesses in this new world. The good news is that online selling can be rewarding as well, nice feedback from online customers is great – and can work
wonders for your online reputation! It’s also an opportunity to reach out to new people. Depending on your business, a multichannel retail system can help manage both the online and in-store parts of the business.
Technology overloadThere appear to be few things as difficult or complex as buying an EPoS system. There are so many ways they can help your business, and with so many features it’s easy to get overloaded with facts and figures.
When starting Intelligent Retail in 2004, I looked at other EPoS systems around then and couldn’t believe how complex they all sounded. This isn’t helped by well meaning, enthusiastic sales people demonstrating feature after feature, which all too easily cloud those aspects that you’re most interested in! There are ways to help avoid the muddle. The following approach can help you to keep a clear head.
Three top tips
1 Choose an EPoS partner not a supplierThe number one priority is to find a
partner you are comfortable with. This is not like buying a TV from Currys. It’s not a one-off transaction; you are selecting an IT partner for your business. A good IT partner is there to help, not just on technical problems but also to help and advise on using the system.
Gaining an understanding of the company is important. Find out who your contact will be, try calling the helpline, how easily can you get through? Who will be your specific technology adviser, the person helping you move your business forward and offering you fresh ideas through technology?
implementing EPoSIn part one of his new series, David Mackley discusses EPoS systems and offers some tips on how to go about buying a modern retail system
How to buy a retail system in 2013: Part One
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retail technology
You can’t be an expert in everything. If technology isn’t your thing then get a good partner that understands your business – it can become a valuable asset.
2 Be clear about what you wantThe key to selecting the right system first
time is to write down a prioritised list of what you want the EPoS to do for you. It’s better to do this before you talk to any vendors so that you are not swayed early on. When you do start talking to vendors, have your list ready and make notes against each point. This will stop you forgetting who said what. It’s easy to lose track with so much information flying around. If, during the meetings, you hear of new ideas, make a note then add to your list later in priority order.
What is most important is that you start with your own list. You know your business
better than anyone and your EPoS software should complement it, not reinvent it!
A few examples for your list might include: reduce stock holding, speed up customer transactions, run a loyalty scheme across shop and web, manage returns efficiently, create and manage a website to sell 10 per cent of stock, and track average sale value daily for each sales assistant. Try not to write down ‘reports’, try to think about what information you want in the reports and how you will use it to help shape your business.
3 Software selectionIn those supplier meetings, ask that they
structure a demonstration around the needs on your list. This has a few advantages – firstly, it stops the sales person going off on a well-meaning but confusing tangent about the latest must-have features, and secondly the
discussion is on your terms and will help you understand the software better.
It’s important that you feel comfortable with the software very quickly. If you need a manual to understand it, walk away. These days computer software should be very pleasant to look at and intuitive to use. With just a quick overview you should be able to use the basic functions, particularly the till. Simplicity is vital.
Because EPoS looks after many of your shop processes, one size doesn’t fit all. You should be able to find software that meets around 95 per cent of your needs (it’s very rare for off-the-shelf software to fit 100 per cent). I suggest looking at systems that are used by retailers in your sector. This means the majority of functions should fit.
Unless you have very deep pockets and lots of time and patience, do not entertain getting a bespoke system made. Also, if the company says it will build new features for you, make sure the function is clearly described in writing and signed by a director. Software development is famously complex, expensive and largely underestimated! Most retailers will see enough benefits with a system that fits 95-99 per cent of their business requirements, but some will put off buying a system unless it’s 100 per cent, which is likely to never happen.
Finally, check for all ongoing costs and how charges are made for enhancements if required at a later date.
Next time we will look at tips on how to buy a system, as well as the top three pitfalls to EPoS buying! g
David Mackley MBA BSc is Managing Director of Intelligent Retail, providers of Multichannel EPoS and eCommerce websites for independent retailers. Ifyou have any questions you can contact David on T: +44 (0)845 680 0126 or E: [email protected]
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Get involved in National Stationery Week, a major sales and marketing opportunity for retailers
National Stationery Day has become National Stationery Week, following the success of the 2012 event. Taking place between 22nd - 28th April, 2013, it’s a celebration of the written word. The aim is to get Britain writing – and spelling stationery with an e!
Gift retailers are being encouraged to get involved with National Stationery Week and take advantage of growing consumer and media interest in this ground-breaking initiative.
The organisers have produced a special guide for retailers called ’10 ways to get involved with National Stationery Week’, which is available on request by emailing [email protected], together with free ‘I’m a stationery addict’
badges for customers and staff. The Pen Shop, Colemans, Osbornes
Stationers, Websters Pen Shops, Jarrold, Cult Pens, Fenwick and Bureau Direct were just some of those who promoted National Stationery Day on their websites in 2012, as well as via Facebook and Twitter. They also ran promotions and used special shelf wobblers and badges for their customers and staff.
National Stationery Week has recently linked up with the National Literacy Trust, the only national charity dedicated to raising literacy levels in the UK, to promote the importance of writing by hand to teachers and children in particular as part of its Get Britain Writing campaign.
“Handwriting and stationery is for all ages, and children are the stationery users of tomorrow,” says event Organiser Chris Leonard-Morgan.
“One of the main aims of National Stationery Week is to get more people in Britain putting pen to paper, and more often. Writing by hand, and the ability to express oneself and communicate well, is more important than ever in this digital age.
“National Stationery Week is on a mission to shatter the myths that no one writes letters anymore, that handwriting doesn’t matter and that stationery isn’t eco-friendly.” g
celebrating stationery
Aims of National Stationery Day 1. To get more people putting pen to paper and writing by hand, especially children.2. To get consumers talking about stationery, and the products and brands they like.3. To get the consumer media talking and writing about stationery more often.4. To increase stationery sales. 5. To get more people spelling stationery with an e!
National Stationery Week is organised by the London Stationery Show and sponsored by Sheaffer, Letts Filofax, Faber-Castell and Mitsubishi uni-ball.
For more details of how to get involved in National Stationery Week in your store, T: +44 (0)20 8462 0721 or visit www.nationalstationeryweek.com
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Despite the introduction of tablet devices and ongoing technological advancements, the good old pen and paper still remain strong contenders for day-to-day organisation and a means of communication The market is bursting with new designs and creations for all those stationery lovers out there. Many of us still prefer to use pen and paper when it comes to writing lists and keeping in touch with friends and family.
the write stuff
One of the newest ranges from Otter House’s Water Lane Gifts collection is the whimsical Magic Garden stationery. Designed by artist Judith Glover of Garden Days fame, Otter House has created a delicate and tactile range of lifestyle pieces. Items include notebooks, address books, metal pens and mini concertina wallets. The range comes with a bespoke counter-top display unit and package deals. The first range of home office stationery from Water Lane Gifts is Tweed. This collection marries traditional home office products with a striking, contemporary design. Using soft linen, pink tweed fabric and debossed leatherette, these products are both stylish and modern. The range comes with a floor standing display unit and package deals. T: +44 (0)1392 824 300www.otterhouse.co.uk
Shared Earth has some fun everyday cards available this spring. The company’s card making suppliers, SHAPII (Salay Handmade Paper Industries) are based in the Phillipines, where skilled artisans cut paper shapes by hand and apply petals and beads with tweezers. All of this mixed with contemporary design leads to a range of quirky and eye-catching greetings card. There are 15 new designs to choose from. T: +44 (0)1904 632 896www.sharedearth.co.uk
More Than Bags is a family-run business based in Anglesey, North Wales, and supplies a high quality range of gift stationery. One of the company’s brand new ranges is a selection of hand-made wooden books. The sepele wooden covered books incorporate brass hinges and plaited lokta twine spines, and come complete with a presentation box. The refillable 96-page lokta blocks complete this beautiful and practical offering. T: +44 (0)1248 431 172www.morethanbags.co.uk
Aliroo has created a quirky collection of letter invitations, announcements and thank you’s. Available in packs of eight of a single design with white envelopes, the designs have space on the back to fill out the essential details, and measure 95mm sq. T: +44 (0)1844 352 183www.aliroo.co.uk
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dots and spots’ A6 notebooks contain 64 pages with a mix of blank and square paper, with a pale blue spotty inner cover, a dots and spots design detail. Available in 16 different designs, these vibrant notebooks add a splash of colour to any shop display and are an attractive impulse purchase, with a RRP of £2.50. They are also available in complementary pairs and, like all dots and spots products, are attractively packaged. T: +44 (0)1749 344 932www.dotsandspots.co.uk
Alljoy Design’s beautiful laser-cut notebook is hand-made with the highest care and attention to detail. The metallic paper cover gives a very nice touch. The company is launching a new range of swing cards, comprising 32 designs. All cards are blank inside and measure 128mm x 178mm. T: +353 (0)1 445 3537www.alljoydesign.com
Two Little Boys is launching an entirely new range for 2013. In 1926, Two Little Boys’ Great Great Uncle Reg had a card printed in the form of a railway ticket that wished all a pleasant journey along the Railway of Life. Two Little Boys has taken this iconic statement and made it their own in the form of a new range of products. Now, you can give the gift of a first class ticket on the Railway of Life with different messages across its new notebooks, including Choose Your Own Route, Notes On A Journey, A Journey Is Best Measured In Smiles and Full Steam Ahead. These notebooks are made from textured paper and come in dusky pink and vintage green. Each notebook contains 32 blank pages and is A6 in size. T: +44 (0)20 8400 3606www.2littleboys.co.uk
Namaste is launching a large range of hand-made products and stationery. These beautiful craft made papers are made by a long established family-based business in Northern India. The range includes notebooks, paper gift boxes, gift bags, hand-made gift wrap and greetings cards. The paper is made from cotton waste, generally off-cuts from the Indian garment industry. No wood is used in the production process and the local environment is respected. T: +44 (0)1756 700 790www.namaste-uk.com
Ancient Wisdom has named its ranges of pens as Rather Ridiculous Pens and Rather Cute Pens. They will brighten every office and bring lots of fun to any amount of homework. The Fluffy Flamingo friends have suction cups that hold the feet to a surface. There is an assortment of colours available, and the pens have black ink and a medium tip. Wholesale prices start at £4.68 per pack of 12. T: +44 (0)114 272 9165www.ancientwisdom.biz
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If you sell, or are thinking of selling anything to do with stationery products or writing instruments, then the London Stationery Show should be in your diary! It’s the only UK trade exhibition dedicated to stationery, and takes place during National Stationery Week.
The 2013 show is a third bigger than last year’s event, and 60 per cent bigger than two years ago, and has taken on more space to meet the rising exhibitor demand. Visitors will be able to see 150 stationery and pen
brands and suppliers at the show – including 40 new exhibitors – more than any other UK exhibition, with everything from the everyday and functional to the luxurious and aspirational on display. Almost all exhibitors are showing new and environmentally-friendly products, any many will have special offers exclusively for visitors to the show.
New exhibitors include Charles Letts, Lamy, Peter Pauper Press, Artbox, Filofax, Meisenbach Pen, Brightstream, The Canterbury Silver
Company, Pentel (Stationery), Silvine, Artcoe, Helix, Bagabook, Santoro Graphics and Ryland Peters & Small.
“The London Stationery Show is fast becoming a one-stop stationery superstore for retailers and buyers, where they can see the newest, as well as the biggest brands in the business, such as Parker, Moleskine, Sheaffer, Letts Filofax, Lamy, Maped and Faber-Castell,” says Organiser Chris Leonard-Morgan. “There is everything from social stationery, high-end leather goods and pens to desk accessories, notebooks and licensed stationery, all in one convenient location.”
The show organisers want to remind people about the joy and importance of putting pen to paper. They say it’s not just about the physicality of holding a beautiful pen and languorously pouring out thoughts on paper; it’s about stopping what you’re doing and taking time to enjoy the task in hand – literally!
For more information and to register for free entry, visit www.stationeryshow.co.uk
London Stationery Show is back in April, bigger and better than ever
fashion meets functionIn briefshow London Stationery Show organiser First Eventswhere Business Design Centre, Islington, Londonwhen 23rd - 24th April, 2013opening times Tuesday 9.30am - 5pm and Wednesday 9.30am - 4pmwebsite www.stationery show.co.uktwitter @StationeryBytes
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Dodo PadStand G100www.dodopad.com Thanks to Dodo Pad’s birthday reminder innovation, belated cards and embarrassing apologies can now be a thing of the past. The Dodo Birthday Calendar and Card Store not only records the milestones of everyone’s nearest and dearest, it also neatly stores birthday cards alongside the appropriate date. Each individual monthly reminder allows the user to record birthdays and anniversaries by date and stores up to six cards.
ScheafferStand G360www.stonemarketing.com One of the world’s most prestigious pen brands is pin-pointing the British market as its lucrative area of growth, as it embarks on a year of celebrations for its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1913, the American brand has established itself as a premium name in the UK stationery market and is increasing its presence with independent stockists and large retail chains. Sheaffer is celebrating its centenary with two limited edition collections – the Sheaffer Centennial and the Sheaffer Legacy Heritage ranges.
Exhibitor profiles
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uni-ballStand G530www.uniball.co.uk uni-ball is focusing on making headlines at the show with new product launches and an individual exhibition stand. The stand will be interactive, allowing visitors to try its new pen products and learn more about the qualities of the pen and brand. The company is also the main show sponsor for the second year in a row. uni-ball will be launching a number of new products, including the Magik Girl and Eye Needle pens.
Otter HouseStand G580www.otterhouse.co.uk Otter House will present its 2013 Water Lane Gifts collection at the show. Water Lane Gifts is a brand focusing on highend licensed and non-licensed stationery products. 2013 sees the continuation of its best-selling Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Madeleine Floyd stationery collections, plus the launch of its Judith Glover Magic Garden stationery items and the company’s inhouse bespoke ranges. Water Lane Gifts delivers beautiful products created using contemporary design, luxury fabrics and detailed finishes. Individual retail solutions and bespoke stands are available.
More Than BagsStand G480www.morethanbags.co.uk More Than Bags will be launching more than 20 products at the show, and will once again showcase its lokta gift stationery products. Amongst the new ranges are the stitched leather A6 notebooks and A5 journals that come in five colour options: pink, blue, lilac, black and burgundy. Every one of them is refillable with lokta paper blocks. The acid-free paper is a 100 per cent renewable resource due to the plant regenerating from the same root system, and isenvironmently friendly. T: +44 (0)1248 431 172www.morethanbags.co.uk
BagabookStand A350www.bagabook.com Bagabook is delighted to be exhibiting for the first time at the London Stationery Show, and will be launching its British Library inspired Bagabook, taken from the Macclesfield manuscript that features one of the earliest forms of writing from the 15th Century. Embracing technology, Bagabook’s trademark features spill over to its e-reader and iPad ranges, with the latest edition for the iPad Mini or Kindle Fire HD, featuring an innovative rotatable black polka dot case.
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Gift Focus talks to Pat Dawson, Managing Director of homeware and gift specialist, Creative Tops
Creative Tops was established in 1996, firstly specialising in
the manufacture of glass worktop savers in Wellingborough from a very small facility.
“Our very initial thought process was all about design,” explains Pat. The company looked at the market, and at that time, glass boards were retailing for £19.99 with farmyard pigs, herbs, roses and cats being the best designs! “With our bullish attitude, we had a strong feeling that if we produced stronger designs at the right price and great packaging, we could attack the market.”
Pat says they didn’t appreciate how difficult it was going to be to get a product listed with a major retailer. “We were very lucky in the early days and won some very large orders, which gave the business the platform to grow. You really have to run a tight ship when you start and keep overheads low,” explains Pat.
“Research the customers you are trying to sell to, and never make an appointment unless you have already seen what they are selling. I have made that mistake and it’s very embarrassing! Look at the competition and offer something different.”
Pat’s background is mainly in sales and marketing. She started her working life in the fashion industry, working for a major fashion store chain at the retail end, and eventually had her own store. Pat also worked in marketing and PR, which she says was a really useful time in understanding the importance of good marketing for any company, no matter the size. She also dipped into the publishing world, where she was both Ad Manager and Publisher for a monthly magazine and national free paper.
“I guess fashion and what we do at Creative Tops are not all that different, as we bring fashion into the home. The great thing now is that the home has become much more trend and fashion-led, so we can all be that little bit
more creative.” Pat remembers some of the highlights from
her earlier days: “The very first order from Tesco was significant, and the first time we reached £1million turnover in a month was a good reason for champagne.
“Seeing the V&A range in John Lewis was lovely, but I guess being acquired by Lifetime Brands was really the pinnacle.”
In November 2011, Pat and her business partner sold the business to leading US tabletop, kitchenware and home décor organisation, Lifetime Brands Inc.
“All the hard work and sacrifice, not just by me but everyone in the business, had finally been appreciated and recognised by a serious global player. The Lifetime Brands team is very similar in outlook to us, just a lot bigger!”
Since the acquisition by Lifetime Brands, the list of products the company offers has grown considerably. Its core range is tabletop and gift, encompassing a comprehensive collection of items under the brands Kew Gardens, V&A, Katie Alice, Simpsons, Monopoly, Born to Shop and Mr Men.
Products include ceramic tableware, mugs, giftware, tablemats, coasters, melamine trays,
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kitchen textiles and of course glass work surface protectors. “This is at the heart of what we do and it’s important that we keep focused and build on the past success we’ve had.”
Creative Tops now has the benefit of working with a company that is huge in food preparation products and cutting knives in the US. “From working alongside our US counterparts, we have now introduced kitchen tools and gadgets, coffee pots, ceramic cookware, cast iron cookware, chopping boards, knives and various food prep products that we believe will be right for the UK market under the Sabatier, Pedrini, Farberware, and Misto brand, plus the new and exciting Savora kitchen tool range which was previewed at Frankfurt this year,” says Pat.
The beautiful Mikasa brand is available in addition to all this and includes dinnerware, serve ware, glass and cutlery. This is a hugely
successful, well-respected brand in Europe enjoying significant turnover. “Customers across Europe have strong loyalty to the brand and product, and we see this as being a very important part of our offering going forward,” continues Pat.
As well as offering its own products and designs, Creative Tops has the flexibility of being able to design bespoke collections for many international customers both in the UK and around the world.
Traditionally, the company’s best-selling products have been its tablemats and coasters, but over the past couple of years it has seen a growth in the sales of giftware. The brand that is getting most placement at the moment is Katie Alice, and the sell through has been significant. In kitchen, the company has received a good reaction to Misto, Savora and the Pedrini ranges.
Creative Tops aims to refresh its offering at least twice a year. “If a particular design or collection is selling well then we will look at extending the range by introducing new products and colourways. Customers want newness far more quickly now as we all aim to excite our customers and drive sales. We are now working on introductions throughout the year, alongside the key spring and autumn season dates.”
Pat is currently working on the construction of a brand new showroom, which is being built at its Corby headquarters. The showroom will encompass more than 424m sq and will accommodate an area for kitchenware and tabletop products. “I hope this fantastic asset will soon become a hub for holding our own events, mini exhibitions and press days.” It’s been a massive undertaking, involving a significant amount of investment, but she is confident they will begin to see some significant commercial opportunities soon.
Pat has immense pride in Creative Tops and everyone employed by the company. “When I step back and see what our little worktop saver company has achieved, I hope we can truly do Lifetime Brands proud and help it with its own ambitions. We have the most phenomenal, loyal, clever team of people in every department and I want them to grow in strength and really enjoy their time at work. Selling the business has secured the future for Creative Tops; that in itself is very rewarding.”
Pat’s main goal over the next three years is to build this successful UK-based business into a world-class organisation, with fantastic products, people and brands. Her vision is to be the UK market leader in the housewares industry, and they’re well on the way… g
Further informationFor more information, T: +44 (0)1536 207 710 or visit www.creative-tops.com
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AQI am planning to launch a retail giftware business. Aside from the obvious cover for stock and premises, are there any other important risks I need to consider?The right insurance cover is crucial for the future protection of your business. There are many aspects to take into account and you would be wise to seek professional advice relating specifically to your business. In the meantime here are just a few important points to think about: • If you are planning to take on an employee you must have Employers’ Liability Insurance. This is a statutory requirement. • Public and products liability cover are essential too, as without these there is the risk that you could potentially be held legally liable to pay damages and legal costs as a result of negligence arising during the course of trading. This could happen for example if a member of the public was injured in a trip or fall whilst on your premises.
• If you are using commercial finance to open your new business, most providers will want to see a business plan that shows you have arranged insurance in all relevant areas. This may involve arranging cover such as key person cover or critical illness insurance. It may also involve insuring against damage to glass and shop frontage. • Business interruption is another vitally important risk to think about when arranging cover for your new business.
I am becoming increasingly worried about the threat of flooding. How best do I protect my business and income?Clearly there is a lot you can do beforehand if there is the threat of flooding:• Keep yourself informed via the local media or www.environment-agency.gov.uk• Move whatever you can safely and securely to upper floors or higher storage areas (stock, paperwork, electrical equipment etc). • Take whatever preventative measures you can (sandbag areas of potential water ingress such as doors, drains etc). • Have emergency numbers in a safe waterproof place where they can be easily reached. Include in this list your insurers, local authority, utility companies and other useful contact numbers. If the worst does happen:• Contact your insurer as soon as possible. (Brokers to the Giftware Association, T. H. March would take over handling the claim for you at this point if your insurance had been arranged through us).• Record the damage – photographs will definitely help.• Take reasonable action to prevent the damage from worsening once the flood waters have receded.• Arrange temporary repairs where necessary.• Don’t dispose of any damaged items unless they pose a danger to health.• Always keep receipts for any work you have had to carry out.
What is Business Interruption Cover? Should I have it?Imagine the previous scenario has just occurred – you can’t open for business because you’ve been flooded! Clearly your business insurance policy will cover flood damage to premises and stock. If you also have business interruption cover, which I personally think is vital, additional costs such as hiring temporary premises will be met. This means you’ll be able to continue trading during the subsequent repair and clean-up period, enabling you to maintain cash flow.
Business Interruption Insurance will also replace the gross profit for your business for the period that it’s interrupted by an insured risk (such as a flood.) This covers the recovery of customers phase.
Business Interruption cover will cushion you from the blow and may even be the vital factor that saves your business. Many who don’t have such cover will go out of business within 12 months of a major incident.
Many people who have been flooded want to know if their premiums will automatically go up. The answer to this isn’t simple. However, if your business is located in an area that is not normally at risk and you have simply fallen foul of unusual weather conditions, you may experience only a temporary increase in premiums. Each case is highly individual and this is where a good broker will be your most valuable asset.
Gift Focus readers put their insurance queries, concerns and questions to leading brokers T.H. March
insurance solutionsNeil McFarlane, Managing Director of T.H. March & Co Limited
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Further information:T.H. March is a chartered firm of insurance brokers. Established in 1887, the company has offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Sevenoaks as well as its National Administration Centre in Yelverton near Plymouth. To find out more T: +44 (0)1822 855 555, E: [email protected], or visit the website www.thmarch.co.uk
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Like most little girls, Alison enjoyed playing shop. From the age of five she would hold sales in her front garden selling her toys to friends. As a teen this progressed to boot sales, until at the age of 14 she got her first real taste of retail after securing a Saturday job at Freeman Hardy Willis.
“I loved this role and my manager would often let me dress the window and merchandise the shoes. At the age of 16 I was accepted on a BTEC course to study retail display and design. However, my parents suggested this was more of a hobby and thought A-levels were more appropriate. As a result I ended up going down a different road entirely and went on to qualify as a solicitor,” explains Alison.
She still kept a hand in retail whilst studying, working for a number of high street retailers, including Principles, Waitrose and Cobra Sports. “I genuinely enjoyed these jobs, especially if I was given some artistic licence. I remember when I worked at Cobra Sports in Hammersmith; it was a brand new shop
and we had to work all night to get it ready. The manager let me dress the window on my own. I absolutely loved it, and couldn’t believe it when she said she was happy with it. Perhaps I should’ve know then that a career in law was not for me!”
After practising as a personal injury solicitor for seven years, then teaching A-level law at a sixth form college, Alison began to think about running her own shop more seriously. “I had always dreamt about having a shop full of gorgeous things, but never thought it would happen. After becoming a mum, my priorities changed and I started to think about other career options. I had always loved looking in little shops, especially when visiting new cities, and I loved buying accessories for my home.
“It was around this time that I started to think about opening a shop, but it was really only a distant dream. I stumbled across Gift Focus magazine online and spent hours pouring over each issue thinking about what
I would buy if I had my own business. Whilst on maternity leave with my second child, I walked past a local shop that was for sale and arranged to go and see it. I was so excited and put in an offer, which was accepted.
Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, the sale fell through and I was devastated. Several months later, I decided to give party planning and online sales a try, as I felt it was a fairly safe dip into the market and would give me valuable experience. I also took a stall at a Saturday market and really enjoyed the interaction and felt that people loved the items I had picked.”
Alison was killing a bit of time surfing the internet one day, when she noticed some local premises that would soon become empty. “The location was ideal – literally a five minute walk from my house. I knew in my gut that it would work. My local village has been in turmoil over the last few years due to an ongoing dispute with Sainsbury’s which wanted to expand its
After a career as a solicitor then teaching A-level law at a nearby college, Alison Hulse finally followed her dream of opening a gift shop and supporting her local community
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existing store. Some local people objected to the plans, and due to the uncertain future of the area, many traders moved out leaving the village a shadow of its former self.
My husband and myself have always felt very strongly about investing in our local community in whatever way we could. On paper and in this climate many people doubted it would work, but I knew local people needed somewhere to go and hoped that it might give locals some optimism for the future of our area. I contacted the landlord and arranged the viewing and knew straight away that it would make a great shop. I then contacted the bank about a business loan and crossed my fingers that they would help me with the finance. I think it was fate as everything just fell into place (with a lot of hard work!).”
Alison opened her shop, Tilly Mint, in Crosby, Liverpool on 3rd November, 2012. “Not a day goes by when I don’t have at least one person popping in the shop just to say well done for adding value to the area and giving local people what they need. It makes me feel really proud that people like my shop so much.”
Alison offers a wide variety of products, from jewellery by Kate Hamilton-Hunter, scarves by Peony and POM and candles by The Country Candle Company, to local photographs and hand-made items. Her best- selling line is the Patisserie de Bain range of bath melts by Rose & Co. Alison has made a feature of the bath melts using pretty cake stands, and it’s amazing how many people think they are real cakes. She loves gift-wrapping
them and tying them up with ribbon for that extra special touch.
The Humour range of coasters and magnets by Half Moon Bay has also been a massive hit, and causes lots of giggles at the counter. She also stocks a range of cards by Blue Eyed Sun, and has doubled her stock as they’ve proved so popular. “They’re quite different from the average card bought on the high street.
“My aim in opening my shop was to offer local people the option to buy their gifts locally, thereby saving them time, money and the effort of heading into town. Customers have been so complimentary, and love the fact that they can just walk up the road and pick up something nice. As my shop is located close to school, I wanted to make sure that I had nice children’s gifts as any mum with small children will know the party invites never end and this can prove quite costly. It was important for me that customers could come in and pick up a quality item at a good price and I think I have achieved this.”
One of Tilly Mint’s most interesting ranges is its bespoke products. Alison has teamed up with a number of fledgling local companies, including Dottie and Burt, Olly Bolly and Esther and Me. All of these companies provide quality, hand-made, locally produced items and customers love the fact that they can support local businesses and at the same time buy something individual and special.
The interior of the shop is simple and classic with a vintage feel. The walls are white but the skirting and other wood is painted in blue
to match the exterior. Alison found some old furniture in charity shops and painted them in pastel colours to add to the feel. “People are always asking if they are for sale so I am thinking of doing this as a future project,” she adds. “I have tried to make the shop very easy to get around, particularly for mums with push chairs. This was important to me as I have encountered difficulties in the past with my own pushchair and I didn’t want to create any barriers, particularly as my shop is next to a number of schools and children’s centres.”
Alison uses a number of avenues to source her stock. “I love to trawl the web for new ideas, and like to buy lots of magazines to keep up with trends. I also love to look around other shops and see what they have to offer, as I like to try and sell things that are different, so it’s always good to keep an eye on the competition. Naturally, I attend the gift fairs and recently attended the Christmas and Gift show in Harrogate, which was great fun. I’ve found a number of new products in Gift Focus magazine and like to make use of post-it notes when going through it!”
It’s still early days for Tilly Mint, so Alison’s short-term plan is to get to know her customers and build a brand and reputation. In the long-term she would love to transform the back of the shop into a vintage tea room. People keep joking about her opening Tilly Mint Two, so watch this space... g
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get it right In a sector that is still growing, despite the gloomy economic news elsewhere, design is a key differentiator between one product and another. In a competitive world where every order is hard earned, it’s important to get it right! Pricing and design quality, reinforced by a robust marketing strategy which promotes the benefits of small scale design and manufacture, will be a strong selling point.
ACID supports the view that investment in training, design, expertise and creativity will help the industry respond to, and capitalise on, the challenges ahead. Design know-how, skill and craftsmanship are the lifeblood of the UK design sector and recognised worldwide. For tomorrow’s IP originators to flourish, craftsmen, designers and manufacturers will need to identify and harness their intellectual property to fully protect, exploit and commercialise the IP they create. By adopting a proactive strategy, this will help to reduce the risks of infringement and maximise the opportunities to trade positively to provide growth and job security.
So what better time to focus attention on a proactive intellectual property strategy to protect the intellectual capital that sits under your brand? Whether micro, SME or a major organisation, creating an IP strategy must be a key ingredient within any three - five year business plan.
ACID’s IP strategy points to consider:
Create one! ACID can help. Take a quick look at some easy ways in which an IP strategy can be created. If you’re an ACID corporate member, come to one of our IP strategy lunches including one-to-one design clinics and benefit from an IP audit and IP strategy review.
Positive communication of your IP strategyThis is essential – internally and externally and
throughout the whole supply chain. Basically, if you don’t want to be copied, say so. There is no better place than on a website, within terms & conditions, marketing material and product labelling. IP communication sends a clear message that original design and design integrity = value, not only for the purchaser but for the originator.
Create a proactive IP strategyNot reactive, only deals with IP issues when it becomes fire fighting. Identify IP issues and put a plan in place. Ask what the risk factors are. What is your plan of action if you discover copies? If you haven’t got one, create one.
Education - become IP savvyCreate an informed understanding within your team. IP knowledge is important to all organisations, regardless of size. The ACID website has some very useful IP Q & A’s: www.acid.uk.com/ip-doctor
Choose battles carefullyNever sue on principle, only if there’s a quantifiable loss and a clear IP case to pursue. Publicise any settlements in the trade press to communicate a zero tolerance of IP infringement. The trade press is a small world and word soon gets out.
Territories Identify where you are trading, and what the risk factors are. If your designs are infringed in another country, where is your IP support? Have you registered your designs in that country? For example, to take legal action in China you need to have registered your designs there.
RegistrationsCreate an IP portfolio of your design and trade mark registrations, including any patents you may have. This is also essential for raising
funding/investment or exit strategies.
Trade secrets/employeesEnsure there are restrictions in contracts of employment. There’s nothing worse than finding out that an ex-employee has run off with all your valuable trade secrets to arm a competitor with a fast track to your know how. A company’s or individual’s ‘trade secrets’ refer to confidential business information which only a limited amount of people within a business have access to, such as your customer list, the methods you use to make your product specific to design, manufacturing or industrial processes. In short, anything that gives you a competitive advantage. Confidentiality Guard your trade secrets carefully. Ensure that there’s a protocol in place to ensure that the confidentiality of your business is not compromised. Create confidentiality agreements for sensitive information between you and employees privy to this information.
AgreementsClarity of IP ownership is essential. Agreements underpin most commercial relationships; it’s good to know you have the small print to rely on if things go wrong. ACID has some standard re-usable agreements, which can be tailored with IP legal input and become part of your standard terms and conditions of business.
InsuranceExpensive, but worth considering if continuing infringement is a significant issue.
ADR/mediationIt’s good to talk! You should consider alternative dispute resolution/mediation as an alternative to litigations.
Dids MacDonald, CEO of Anti-Copying in Design (ACID), discusses growth through innovation and says good design is a key market differentiator
Patents county courtIn the last two years there has been a significant improvement in the process and costs element of enforcing your rights in court. There is also a small claims track for low value IP claims under £5,000.
Got a good idea?Keep it safe! Never underestimate the risks of sharing a good idea unless you know there are safeguards. If the safeguards are in place then the idea can turn into positive design collaboration for mutual advantage and joint success. Think about using ACID’s IP Tracker (available also to non-members). A safe means of sending confidential information or designs digitally to a third party. Visit www.acid.uk.com/ip-tracker
Register for protectionRegister new designs wherever possible and budget for enforcement. ACID has a Design Databank for unregistered designs and it’s free to members. This doesn’t add to IPRs, but nevertheless serves as compelling proof and provides third party evidence of when new designs are received by ACID.
Invest in the right IP adviceInvest with IP professionals and business advisers who know and understand your business and your marketplace. Those with demonstrable experience within the furniture sector will serve you well.
Arm yourself with knowledgeBe IP aware! Watch competitors closely; watch the marketplace.
Respect the rights of othersEssential within your own CSR.
Know the risk factorsWho is copying you? Keep watch!
2013 will continue to raise challenges for the giftware sector but with the right IP policy in place, this can help maximise growth opportunities and allow you to successfully launch new products into the marketplace from a position of knowledge, safety and strength. g
Further information Visit the ACID website, www.acid.uk.com
These ACID members all have a proactive IP strategy in place.
Rachael Taylor
Black + Blum
New Trumpette Socks for Wild & Wolf
T: +44 (0)1225 789 909www.wildandwolf.com
Octonauts by Wild & Wolf
T: +44 (0)1225 789 909www.wildandwolf.com
T: +44 (0)1536 207 710E: [email protected]
New placemats and coasters from Creative Tops
product showcaseWe reveal some of this season’s hottest gifts
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bookshelfWe turn the page on some of the latest gift books to hit the shelves
Merchant & Mills Sewing BookRRP: £20.00Format: HardbackPublished by Collins & BrownISBN: 9781908449092Keep it simple and do it well: the guiding philosophy of the team behind Merchant & Mills has now been captured in this book. Seasoned dressmaker, Carolyn Denham, leads readers step-by-step through 15 beautiful and practical projects. Visit www.anovabooks.com
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Safari: A Photicular BookRRP: £16.99Format: HardbackPublished by Workman PublishingISBN: 9780761163800Safari is a photicular book, a lenticular-based technology that transfers fluid four-colour movies onto a book page. Suitable for the whole family, the book takes readers on a safari with 3D moving images of eight exotic animals – cheetah, rhino, elephant, giraffe, gazelle, zebra, gorilla and lion. Visit www.workman.com
Felt with love RRP: £9.99Format: PaperbackPublished by Search PressISBN: 9781844487691 Readers can discover the world of felt by making the quick and easy projects in this book. There are 15 to choose from, all broken into simple steps and accompanied by wonderful photographs. There are great little items to decorate the home with, or give away as gifts. Perfect projects for those new to sewing, as well as more experienced stitchers. Visit www.searchpress.com
My Little Paris RRP: £11.95Format: PaperbackPublished by ACC DistributionISBN: 9782812304651My Little Paris is a favourite website of Parisian women (200,000 women in Paris are members). In its first book, the creators of the site share their best kept secret addresses. This is the book for ladies to slip into their handbag when on a visit to the city. A mix of attractive Parisian addresses are illustrated by funny, elegant drawings by Kanako, a Japanese artist. Visit www.accdistribution.com
Knitted Cats & KittensRRP: £9.99Format: HardbackPublished by Search PressISBN: 9781844488469Filled with fun from cover to cover, Knitted Cats & Kittens is ideal for those who love both knitting and cats. There are 20 different cats and kittens to choose from, and of course all felines need accessories so there’s even a knitted scratching post, basket, colourful knitted balls and tiny mice. With general notes on basic techniques, materials and abbreviations, even those new to knitting will find a crazy cat or cute kitten in this book to knit and love. Visit www.searchpress.com
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If you’ve enjoyed reading Gift Focus magazine, why not log onto our website at www.giftfocus.com? Containing up-to-the-minute news, events and special offers, the site is updated regularly with information to help you advance your business.
Special features• Featured articlesRead our regularly updated spotlighted features whenever you wish, covering legal issues, intellectual property advice, the latest EPoS information, tips from the Giftware Association and much, much more.
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Find a supplier The latest feature on www.giftfocus.com, the supplier directory allows you to contact advertisers in the magazine for more information about their products or services. Simple to use and available world-wide 24 hours a day, the supplier directory is a reader reply service for the 21st century.
• Back issues archiveIf you’re looking for information on a particular giftware sector or show, take a look at our back issues archive. All back issues will be sent out post-free.
• Media packDownload our comprehensive on-line media pack for a 2013 features list, advertising rates and specifications.
www.giftfocus.com
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perfect for handbags, and a great
way to get introduced to Seascape!
web: www.seascapeuk.com • e-mail: [email protected] • tel: 0845 003 5255
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Tel +44 (0)1273 823 003 www.blueeyedsun.co.uk
A fully-stocked spinner of Blue Eyed Sun’s best selling Vintage cards worth £750 RRP
Blue Eyed Sun is an award-winning card specialist which produces its cards in Brighton and sells to leading retailers worldwide.
Its best selling Vintage hand-made cards are all based on original hand-stitched embroideries created by artist Jo Corner. Printed on the finest Italian boards, they are embossed and then hand-finished with jewels. The cards retail at £2.99 RRP.
To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, simply answer the following question:
Where are Blue Eyed Sun’s cards produced?
Enter on-line at www.giftfocus.com before the closing date of Tuesday 30th April, 2013. Terms and conditions apply.
The winner will receive 36 packs of six cards, plus a spinner and header board. Total retail value of the prize is £750.
WIN!
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Bathing beautiesBath & body
Let the sun shine!Summer product showcase
Doctor, doctorDr Who's 50th anniversary
Little onesGifts for babies
I doIdeas for newly weds
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Fill in the form below to receive a regular copy of your favourite magazine.Gift Focus magazine, the leading trade title for the giftware industry, is available free of charge to qualified registered readers. Published six times a year, Gift Focus contains news on industry trends, new products and all gift trade events. Simply fill in the form below and post to Gift Focus magazine, c/o KD Media Publishing, Broseley House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2UL. Alternatively, photocopy the form and send a fax to 01376 514 555 or register online at www.giftfocus.com.
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Issue 77MAY/JUNE 2013Available from: 29th April, 2013Editorial deadline: 5th April, 2013Advertising deadline: 12th April, 2013
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Little onesGifts for babies
Yankee
98 giftfocus
Katie Dobson had dabbled in silver smithing in the past, so had all the necessary tools at home. She came across a pretty silver spoon and knew it would lend itself perfectly to her craft, so once at home she stamped ‘Hey Sugar’ on it. Katie started personalising spoons as christening presents, and The Cutlery Commission grew from there.
Being a visual merchandiser for eight years led Katie to discover a love for silverware: “I’m a very creative person but always considered myself a crafter as opposed to an artist,” she says.
The Cutlery Commission is already stocked in independent, high-end gift shops and boutiques. The company’s biggest contract is Liberty, and lots of its stockist requests come from shop owners who have spotted the spoons in the London store. A selection of art galleries featuring British designers and artisans also stock the cutlery.
“We offer a limited edition collection for most big dates in the calendar – we are currently compiling Mother’s Day and Father’s Day ranges,” explains Katie. “Our pet range is going to be launched soon too, and we already have some gorgeous pet boutiques lined up as stockists.”
For the time being, Katie is happy to focus on just cutlery and establishing the name
in the gift industry. “Our teaspoons are definitely our best-sellers – I think the £12 price point is a huge positive and as a nation of tea drinkers, one can never have too many teaspoons! Also, a silver spoon is a traditional christening gift, so our New Baby range is a year round best-seller. The teaspoons get a lot of press coverage too, so stockists do find that customers recognise them and get quite excited!”
So what’s next for The Cutlery Commission? “We listen very carefully to our stockists and customers and take on board all feedback. We will be expanding the range and also focusing on point of sale and packaging. We recently launched gift boxes and branded tissue paper, which were both received really well and definitely enhance the cutlery itself. Everything is designed in-house and bespoke, so we really are a special and individual little company.
“We are also having an image overhaul! I designed the logo and all the tags myself when I started out as a one-man-band and, although they served us well, I feel we need to create a sleeker image to reflect our sophisticated brand.”
For further information about the company and its products, visit www.thecutlerycommission.com
personal touchThe discovery of a pretty silver spoon at a car boot sale led Katie Dobson to launch The Cutlery Commission, a company specialising in personalised cutlery
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Candle Jar ShadeMouth blown by Craftsmen
The Milford Collection
www.themilfordcollection.co.uk
Unit 18 Dyffryn Industrial Estate, Newton, Powys SY16 3BD Wales UKTel: 01686 629919 Fax: 01686 623918 [email protected]
