previews - Gift Focus magazine

www.giftfocus.com

Issue 55 September/October 2009

www.giftfocus.com

Official media partner for Autumn Fair International 2009

Eco-friendly gifts We reveal the latest ethical lines

THE GOOD

OLD DAYS Nostalgia and retro revival

SEASONAL SHOW

PREVIEWS • Autumn Fair

Fine Dining

• Top Drawer

Top tableware trends

WIN!

Dremel Hobby products worth over £740

PLUS • • •

Licensed ranges Toys Teen market

101 September/October 2009 Issue 55 Group Editor Emma Cant +44 (0)1376 535 609 [email protected] Editor Sarah Reeve +44 (0)1376 535 614 [email protected] Sales Manager Mark White +44 (0)1376 535 606 [email protected] Sales Executive Sharon Connelly +44 (0)1376 535 607 [email protected] Design Manager Vicky O'Connor +44 (0)1376 535 616 [email protected] Graphic Designers Sarah Barnes Sophie Farage Laura Perry Steve Mckea +44 (0)1376 535 616 Production Manager Stuart Weatherley

contents news&events

features

industry news 6 Round up of giftware’s movers and shakers

play time top toys for bumper sales

25

on with the show Trade fair dates and news

property ladder Find out what’s driving licensing

68

10

brand spanking new 14 New product launches and latest additions

pushing the envelope 74 Spotlight on the flourishing greetings card sector

competition 127 Win Dremel Hobby products worth over £740

the good old days Focus on nostalgia and retro revival

86

q & a special Our experts tackle your retail queries

117

fine dining Top tableware trends

98

hot property Spotlight on the world of licensing

101

teen-tastic Funky lines for fickle teens

104

Administration Scott Brothwell +44 (0)1376 514 000

christmas on the high street 112 Alan Monahan talks to suppliers and retailers about prospects for the festive season ahead

Kline Davis Limited Broseley House Newlands Drive Witham, Essex CM8 2UL www.giftfocus.com

bright & beautiful Gloom-busting products

Cover courtesy of The Milford Collection www.themilfordcollection.co.uk

retailer interview 123 Ship-shape selling on board the Britannia gift shop

Gift Focus is solely owned, published and designed by Kline Davis 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 £40 per annum (incl. p+p), Cheques should be made out to Kline Davis Limited and sent to Gift Focus @ Broseley House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2UL.

Average Net Circulation: 7,438 (01/07/08 to 30/06/09)

Gift Focus magazine is proud to be associated with and supporters of: MEDIA SUPPORTER

86

focus on... retail technology The first in a series on selling online

20

retailer initiatives 67 Making the most of your website to boost sales acid 71 Combating the risk of copying at exhibitions the ga 96 All the latest from The Giftware Association

115

up and coming 138 Business success story inspired by family mealtimes

special feature green gifts We reveal the latest ethical lines

89

shows autumn fair international 29 Bumper guide to the season’s biggest launch platform for new product top drawer 77 Raising the curtain on top trends and top products

insurance health check 111 Getting Christmas covered with top tips from T.H.March

tendence 95 Preview of Frankfurt’s well known home and gift show

business link 129 Expert advice on choosing business services

international jewellery london 107 Snapshot of this shining event in the country’s capital

ANTI COPYING IN DESIGN

giftfocus 3

green shoots It’s official! Gift Focus tops the ratings as the leading trade title for the home and gift industry. Our latest ABC Certificate just out, shows average net circulation has risen from 6,757 to 7,438, putting us ahead of the field. Now in its tenth anniversary year the magazine has continued to go from strength to strength, giving us plenty to celebrate. Within the industry in general an air of optimism seems to have prevailed this summer, despite the recession, unemployment at a 14-year high, swine flu and the unpredictable British weather. Whispers of emerging green shoots are gaining momentum and although the short-term forecast may still be rocky there are raised hopes of an upturn on the horizon. Home & Gift, Harrogate in July enjoyed a mixed bag of sunshine, wind and rain but despite the elements nothing could dampen the tangible enthusiasm for the exciting array of new products on show. The buyers were out and spending, with many exhibitors reporting their best ever Harrogate. Some blame doom-mongering in the media for creating a climate of fear and denting consumer confidence. For a snapshot of what Giftware Association members had to say on the matter see page 96. Industry insider Alan Monahan was also out and about at Home & Gift, Harrogate to find out how suppliers and retailers view prospects for the fourth quarter. Most were quietly optimistic and were looking forward to a better time on the high street this Christmas - see page 112 for his report. Savvy retailers and buyers are keenly aware that it has never been more vital to source fresh new products and revive tired shelves in order to cash in on the crucial festive season ahead. The forthcoming autumn shows promise to deliver a healthy dose of inspiration, new products, new initiatives, business advice and other timely lifelines. For your guide to the season’s hot new products and latest launches turn to page 29 for a bumper preview of Autumn Fair International and page 77 for a glimpse of what’s to come at design-led show, Top Drawer, both taking place this September. We also lift the lid on what’s fuelling the world of licensing, spotlight on the greetings sector and home in on the burgeoning market for ecofriendly products. Packed with useful tips and business advice this edition delivers plenty of fresh ideas to help drive sales through what for the time being, will likely remain a fairly bumpy rollercoaster ride. But whatever the outlook one thing’s for sure Christmas is coming, presents will be bought and Gift Focus will continue to keeps its finger on the pulse to bring you all the best the industry has to offer. Enjoy reading

HVgV] Sarah Reeve giftfocus 5

industry news Catch up on all the latest in our news round up Fraser Studios box clever Fraser Studios has snapped up the exclusive UK distribution rights for Cottage Music Boxes, a category leader in the United States and a division of America’s Roman Inc. “The joy of this range is that retailers are provided with a bank of face paper graphics and are able to change the appearance of the music boxes at the drop of a hat,” says managing director Colin Fraser. The range includes two new heart-shaped music boxes. Call +44 (0)1592 774 540 or email [email protected] for details.

RSPB clocks Smart Effects is launching an exclusive new range of Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) clocks at this year’s Glee from 20th-22nd September at Birmingham’s NEC. The two clocks, which are for indoor and outdoor use, feature RSPB images of either British garden birds or British birds currently under threat. The clock frames are made of steel with aged copper or antique brown finish, with a water resistant rubber seal. The clocks are weather resistant and frost proof making them suitable for outdoor use. Counter top display bins that hold four of each clock design are available for an eye-catching point of sale unit to encourage sales. For each clock sold, Smart Effects will make a donation to the RSPB. Smart Effects is a trading division of Smart Solar. For further information contact Jo Sensecall on +44 (0)1865 733 770 or email [email protected].

Flower power Maxwell & Williams has introduced a range of 12 fine bone china mugs to support the Breast Cancer Campaign. Designed by the company’s creative director Claire Chilcott, the mugs feature three main floral designs including Posy, Daisy Chain and Summer Breeze (pictured). All the mugs are available in a colourful gift box and £1 from each one sold is being donated to the Breast Cancer Campaign charity, which helps fund independent research into the disease throughout the UK. Visit the website www.maxwellandwilliams.co.uk to find out more.

Envirosax® launches UK company in Wales Envirosax®, the designer reusable bag company, is setting up a dedicated UK operation based in Wales, thanks to grant funding from the Welsh Assembly. One of the founders, Mark David-Tooze, was born and raised in Neath, South Wales but now lives and works, with his wife, Envirosax CEO Belinda David-Tooze, in Australia. Previously the bags were sold and distributed through an agency arrangement but will now benefit from a wholly-owned UK company division under the leadership of business development manager Alex Willumsen. The new 5000 sq. ft. offices, customer care centre and warehouse are based in Swansea. For further information call +44 (0)1792 797 968 or email [email protected]. 6 giftfocus

news&events

Dartington award at Plymouth College of Art

Gold Award for Haba Haba has won a Gold Award in the Good Toy Awards construction category for one of its latest ranges, Coloured Building Blocks Maxi. The building blocks made from natural beech wood include colourful shapes, triangles, blocks, columns and spires for little fingers to discover and learn. Designed to challenge a child’s dexterity and spatial awareness, the coloured blocks appeal to boys and girls up to eight, offering years of productive play. All building block construction sets from Haba can be combined and with numerous new shapes and objects to collect including windows, doors, domes, belfries and drawbridges, the play experience continues to grow with the child’s development. To find out more email [email protected] or visit the website at www.haba.co.uk.

Palladium hits the mark Palladium has been officially acknowledged as the latest precious metal trend for the fine jewellery industry with the advent of a hallmark to guarantee its fineness. From 22nd July 2009, the four UK Assay Offices can mark Palladium articles with a legally recognised Hallmark, applied under an amendment to the Hallmarking Act 1973. The interest in Palladium both within the jewellery trade and among consumers has grown strongly in recent years, driven by an increased demand for quality jewellery in white precious metal. Palladium, one of the platinum group metals is tarnish resistant, white and durable. It also has low density, and is less expensive than Platinum. Michael Allchin, chief executive of The Birmingham Assay Office says: “There are already some stunning Palladium pieces on the market; the re-assurance of a UK hallmark will give the consumer added protection and confidence when purchasing palladium jewellery and we expect this to be a significant growth area for the jewellery industry.”

Plymouth College of Art student Louise Cloke has won a coveted opportunity to work with the design and development team at Dartington Crystal. Louise was selected to work on a design brief with the skilled glassmakers, as her work showed “an excellence in the acquisition and application of practical and design skills in hot glass” according to Dartington Crystal’s head of design Hilary Green. The company’s design team attended the college’s annual summer show and picked their winner from all the applied arts students exhibiting. Hilary says: “Whilst there was some brilliant work, both technically and aesthetically pleasing, on show at the college, Louise’s glasswork was exceptional and her passion and creativity for what she does mirrors how we feel here about our work also.”

Import Services paints the right picture for Art Marketing Art Marketing has appointed dedicated logistics firm Import Services to handle the delivery of its art work and clocks to stores, galleries and independent shops throughout the UK and Ireland. Art Marketing imports goods through Southampton from China. Operations director Geoff Heald said that outsourcing the fulfilment operation was a major change for the company, which was set up 28 years ago and operates from bases on the Isle of Wight and in Hertfordshire. “We felt that our logistics were better placed with specialists leaving us the time we need to ensure the highest quality products for our customers to sell,’ ’ he said. To find out more call +44 (0)1489 799 500 or visit the website www.importservices.co.uk.

Medieval inspirations from Royal Selangor Royal Selangor’s latest range of wine accessories is inspired by the ornate tracery of Gothic windows. Created in collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Tracery collection includes a decanter, wine funnel, pourer, bottle coaster, cork extractor, wine glasses and champagne flute. The collection features decorative elements from Gothic architecture, delicately highlighted in cast pewter. Set against the antique-finish cast pewter, each piece is authenticated with a V&A logo and the Royal Selangor touchmark. For further information call +44 (0)207 474 5511 or visit the website www.royalselangor.com. giftfocus 7

industry news

Industry professionals Neil Hughes has been appointed managing director of Dartington Crystal. He leads the company’s worldwide organisation, which also incorporates household names Royal Brierley Crystal and Caithness Glass. The British Candlemakers Federation has appointed managing director of the St Eval Candle Company Ian Greaves as their new president for the next two years. Austin Simmons has taken over SATRA’s top executive position after Richard Turner retired as chief executive at the end of June. Mr Simmons was deputy chief executive from 2007. John Horton is the new managing director of Amefa (UK) Ltd. John joins the company from Arthur Price.

Amanda Pullen, previously licensing and marketing manager at Sanderson and Zoffany, is now marketing & PR manager at Heathcote & Ivory, responsible for Heathcote & Ivory, Cath Kidston, Cath Kids and Sanderson toiletries and home fragrances. 8 giftfocus

Totseat supports Cancer Research UK The company behind Totseat – the award-winning travel highchair – has launched a fund raising campaign to get ‘Bramble’ babies sitting proud in aid of Cancer Research UK. Throughout October, breast cancer awareness month, sales from the newly launched ‘Bramble’ design will help raise money for the charity. The new aubergine print is the latest funky fabric from the makers of Totseat. A minimum of £1 will be going directly to Cancer Research UK from Totseat upon dispatch of every wholesale order of Bramble. Wholesale prices are unaffected. Totseat was Gift of the Year winner this year in the Outdoor Living category. Designed for families on the go, it quickly and easily converts any adult dining chair into a secure highchair. All Bramble Totseats ordered between 20th September and 31st October secure the £1 donation. Telephone +44 (0)1312 266 064 for further information.

Business branding with For Every Body For Every Body Ltd the European distributor of For Every Body fragranced candles has launched an “own label” range tailor made for the independent retailer to help grow business and increase repeat custom. The company has designed the easy entry “own label” programme to deliver margin vital in today’s market. The scheme allows the retailer to brand the fragranced soy based candles with their own store name. A choice of two unique jars and eight top selling fragrances are available within the programme. For more details visit the website www.foreverybody.biz or email [email protected].

New SATRA role looks to reduce environmental impact SATRA has expanded its range of environmental services with the appointment of Mark Buckley to the newly created role of health, safety and environmental manager. Mark is a member of the Institute of Environmental Managers and Auditors (IEMA) and has a wealth of industrial experience working with companies to help them comply with relevant legislation, use energy efficiently and control environmental impacts more effectively. For further information email [email protected] or visit the website www.satra.co.uk.

Special Shudehill Giftware Show Following a successful show at Home & Gift, Harrogate, Joe Davies is looking forward to more visitors than ever at the company’s annual Shudehill Giftware Show. The event is being held at their South Manchester showrooms from 1st-12th September 2009 (including Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th). Their autumn/winter collection features over 2,000 new lines including 60 exciting additions to their exclusive range of 'Havoc' wall decor frames and 'Memory Keepers' from North America. Also brand new from Joe Davies are contemporary 'Spun Gold' vases, on trend for the upcoming Christmas selling season. In all over 7,500 gifts from the Shudehill Giftware and Leonardo Collections will be on display in the freshly merchandised showroom. For details call +44 (0)1619 756 300 or email [email protected].

on with the show All the important dates and venues for your buying diary

diary dates Macef when where website

4th-7th September 2009 Milan, Italy www.macef.it

Maison Objet when where website

4th-8th September 2009 Paris, France www.maison-objet.com

Cadeaux when where website

5th-7th September 2009 Leipzig, Germany www.leipziger.messe.de

Autumn Fair International when where website

6th-9th September 2009 NEC, Birmingham www.autumnfair.com

IJL when where website

6th-9th September 2009 Earls Court, London www.jewellerylondon.com

Intergift when where website

9th-13th September 2009 Madrid, Spain www.giftrends.ifema.es

Top Drawer when where website

13th-15th September 2009 Olympia, London www.topdrawerautumn.com

Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn when where website

27th-28th September 2009 Albert Halls, Stirling www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk

Glee when where website

10 giftfocus

20th-22nd September 2009 NEC Birmingham www.gleebirmingham.com

Exclusively Housewares defies the odds Despite the recessionary gloom and a tube strike, organiser of the Exclusively Housewares trade show, Brooke House Exhibitions has reported another good year for both visitors and exhibitors alike. This year’s show, which ran on June 9th and 10th at London's Business Design Centre, provided a line up of 121 of the UK’s leading housewares and tabletop exhibitors, including some 25 companies new to the show. Exclusively Housewares continues to be a sell out event for exhibitors, which looks set to continue, with over a third of all stands already reported rebooked for next year. Similarly, in spite of the tube strike that brought most of Central London to a halt, visitor numbers were up six per cent on 2008. Exclusively Housewares 2010 will take place on June 8th and 9th. For further information call +44 (0)1604 622 023.

British interior design links with Milan The Society of British Interior Design (SBID) has forged new links with Macef the leading houseware and giftware exhibition in Milan. Initiated by The London office of the Italian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) the link between SBID and the Macef exhibition in Milan has been forged due to their shared commitment to provide business opportunities for artisan trades serving design in the home interiors sector. Addressing a conference in London chairman of SBID Vanessa Brady spoke in support of the Macef Houseware and Giftware exhibition. The next edition will be held in Milan this September. “The relationship and synergy between SBID and ICC and Macef is a clear fit,” Vanessa said, “and we hope to develop the opportunity to create extra trade and jobs in both Italy and Britain, as we develop our links in the future.” She told the audience that the Society had been formed following demand for direction and governance from the interior design profession and, in just three months, had almost hit its projected annual membership target. SBID was incorporated in April 2009 and will launch officially in October of this year. For details of Macef visit www.macef.it and for more information on SBID call +44 (0)207 738 9383 or visit the website www.sbid.org.

news&events

2010 launch for dedicated stationery show

New interactive game zone

Stationery retailers and buyers are to have their own dedicated annual trade show in London from 2010. The Stationery & Office Products Show is separating into two more focused events. The Stationery Show will take place alongside the Office Products Show at the Business Design Centre in London from 13th to 14th April 2010. It is targeted at buyers from across the whole industry. Says Chris Leonard-Morgan, managing director of organiser First Events: “Stationery is hot, and getting hotter - it needs its own platform. Stationery products are increasingly colourful and fashion led with designs changing frequently, and this is best reflected in their own vibrant, focused event.” Call +44 (0)208 462 0721 or email info@firstevents.com for more information.

Brand Licensing Europe is launching an Interactive Game Zone at this year’s show. The new exhibition area is dedicated to promoting the licensing potential of video games and introducing retailers and licensors to the market’s varied profitmaking opportunities. Brand Licensing Europe takes place at London’s Olympia from 30th September to October 1st 2009. Around 200 companies, 2,000 properties and over 4,000 retailers, licensors and sales promotion agents are expected at this year’s event. Also new for 2009 are three special product showcase areas designed to highlight to retailers, licensees and sales promotion agents how today’s licensing opportunities can translate into tomorrow’s merchandising programmes. The showcases are The Toy Store, The Salon and Lifestyle Licensing. For further information visit the website www.brandlicensingeurope.com.

New look for The Jewellery Show at Spring Fair International 2010 The Jewellery Show at Spring Fair International is to be revamped for 2010 to give it a lively, distinctive feel. Top companies from the UK and overseas are expected to showcase collections of precious and semi-precious jewellery, gold and silver, as well as jewellery-related products, including tools and equipment, display, packaging and shopfitting items and services. A Central Bar will be at the heart of halls 17 and 18 – a focal point and meeting place that will also be home to early morning and late afternoon seminars for visitors. The layout is being edited more clearly to create a “buzzy” area for the smaller stands. The entrance aisles have been widened, and across the centre of the hall, a wide, promenade-style aisle will feature open, spacious stands. Designer-makers will be based in The Retail Jeweller Gallery (hall 18), identified by its own special branding. Measures are also being introduced to further strengthen security at the show without deterring would-be buyers or slowing down the admissions’ process. The Jewellery Show takes place in halls 17 and 18 during Spring Fair International from 7th –11th February 2010.

Spring Fair gets fresh A new group stand will be launched in the Greetings hall at next year’s Spring Fair International (February 7th–11th) with the aim of bringing together exciting design-led greeting card, gift and jewellery suppliers and discerning retailers, agents and distributors. Fresh has been set up by Jeremy Corner, managing director of Blue Eyed Sun, and David Wigley, a director of Pango Productions. They intend to create a lively, easy-to-find area that will attract high quality buyers Jeremy Corner from the UK and overseas. “The new group stand will be a destination for everyone who is looking for outstanding suppliers with fresh ideas,” says Jeremy. “And Fresh will appeal to design-focused exhibitors who are keen to maximise their marketing exposure with start-up budgets.” As well as support from Spring Fair organiser Emap Connect Home & Gift the initiative has also won the backing of The Giftware Association. Jeremy adds: “The combined marketing effort of the Fresh group will far outweigh anything that the individual exhibitor can achieve on their own. It should mean that, for a relatively small outlay, they can grow their businesses faster and more effectively.” Any exhibitors booking a stand in the Fresh area before the 15th September 2009 will be included in a special email shot to over 40,000 gift shop buyers promoting their stand at the show. Full GA members exhibiting in Fresh are still entitled to their normal GA discount (currently five per cent) at the Spring Fair, arranged through the GA. Any gift and jewellery companies in particular that are interested in exhibiting should apply through the website at www.freshexhibitions.com. Call 08452 690 469 or send an email to [email protected] for further information. giftfocus 11

on with the show

Showcase for Thai gifts and home accessories The 28th edition of the Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair (BIG+BIH) takes place from 13th–18th October 2009. The show will highlight gifts, premiums, home accessories, handicrafts, spa products, home textiles, toys, stationery and more from almost 700 exhibitors at the 45,000 square metre fairground in the region's design capital. The prominent duo design event will include inspirational showcases within the fairs such as BIG Toy Design 2009 and other unique design exhibitions. Design Hall, a perennial favourite of the fair will also feature practical, aesthetic lifestyle products for all types of living space. To find out more visit the website www.bigandbih.com.

Home & gift exhibitors lined up for Glee This year’s Glee is geared to deliver a host of home and gift exhibitors with a difference. The show takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from 20th-22nd September. New features confirmed for 2009 include the Innovator’s Zone, an area dedicated to entrepreneurs and start-up companies taking their first steps into the market. Hundreds of new products are set to launch at the show and to make them easier to get to, they will once again be collected in the Glee New Products areas. A series of product trails, Going Green, Creative Britain,Trade Trail and Glee Export routes will provide a guided tour of the show. For more information visit the website www.gleebirmingham.com.

looking ahead Brand Licensing Europe when where website

30th Sept–1st October 2009 Olympia, London www.brandlicensingeurope.com

Bangkok International Gift and Home Fairs when where website

13th-18th October 2009 Bangkok,Thailand www.bigandbih.com

China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Premiums when where website

20th-23rd October 2009 Hong Kong www.chinasourcingfair.com

Scottish show promises to be bigger and better

Mega Show Part 1

Scotland’s Trade Fair, Spring 2010 is set to be bigger and better than ever. Following the successful revamping of the 2009 edition, organiser Springboard Events is building on the changes to present an even better show. The fair takes place from 24th to 26th January 2010, at the SECC, Glasgow and will present an array of innovative products from exciting producers. The backbone of the show, Showcase Scotland, attracts many leading companies and features designated areas for home and gifts, clothing and textiles and jewellery and fashion. Exhibitors from outside Scotland form an equally strong presence around the showcase. The new layout is designed to enable buyers to make their way around the fair quickly and efficiently. The Launch Gallery, a key feature which provides a valuable platform for small companies to introduce their products, is also expected to be even bigger and better in 2010. Telephone +44 (0)1877 385 772 or visit the website www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk to find out more.

when where website

12 giftfocus

20th-23rd October 2009 Hong Kong www.mega-show.com

Mega Show Part 2 when where website

28th-30th October 2009 Hong Kong www.mega-show.com

(Please note: All dates are subject to change, contact organisers for more information before making arrangements.) For further in-depth show previews turn to Page 29 Autumn Fair International Page 77 Top Drawer Autumn Page 107 IJL

Showcasing some of the latest hot products to hit the market

brand spanking new Typhoon Product: Contact:

Cowboy children’s apron Telephone +44 (0)208 974 4750 or visit the website www.typhoonhousewares.com. RRP £8 Cowboy aprons are one of the latest fun designs to join Typhoon’s existing range of dress-up aprons for children. New Mermaid aprons have also been introduced. Practical with an easy to manage Velcro fastening neck strap, they are 100 per cent cotton and fully machine-washable. The aprons come with matching bandannas to keep hair out of the way and complete the character look.

Price: Specification:

Retailer Benefits: Other Information:

Xystos Product: Contact: Price: Specification: Retailer Benefits: Other information:

Flatyz Candles Telephone + 44 (0)1914 991 570 or email [email protected] RRP £4.99 and £6.99 Flat, decorative, free-standing candles with base. Unusual and contemporary candles, in single or dual colours and small or large sizes. Available with counter display unit or floor standing display unit. Ideal gift or impulse purchase

T&G Woodware Ltd Product: Contact: Price: Specification:

Retailer Benefits: Other Information:

Farmyard Crazy teacosies Telephone +44 (0)1275 841 841 or email [email protected] RRP £9.99 A new departure for T&G - a range of four animal design teacosies to add a touch of humour to that morning cup of tea. Each cosy is machine knitted and comes with holes for spout and handle for easy pouring. Other items in the Farmyard Crazy range include teapots, hand carved and hand painted bowls and chopping boards. Visit the website www.tg-woodware.com

If (that company called) Product: Contact: Price: Specification:

Retailer Benefits:

Other Information:

14 giftfocus

Mini-Marks Magnetic Bookmarks Telephone + 44 (0)1751 475 757 or email [email protected] RRP £2.99 Colourful page markers designed in a collection of book-themed genres, including gardening, cookery, music, travel, murder mystery, stage and screen, wildlife, natural history and mind, body and spirit. Each glossy bookmark has two small magnets, which grip onto the page to keep important information clearly tagged. There are six individual bookmarks in each pack, a great value treat and thoughtful gift! Available September 2009 - free counter display with all starter pack orders. Visit the company’s new website www.thatcompanycalledif.com

news & events

The DRH Collection Product: Contact: Price: Specification:

Retailer Benefits: Other Information:

Tea for one set Telephone +44 (0)207 249 0710 or visit the website www.thedrhcollection.com. RRP £17.65 Half-size mug and teapot combined from the You Are Special range. The tea for one set is a recent addition to the white porcelain collection from American designer Rosanna Bowles, which features her colourful trademark drawings. Items are packed in unique and original gift boxes. The tea for one set comes in a box resembling an ice cream tub. Also available is a salad/dessert plate and mug set. Available in the UK exclusively from The DRH Collection.

Churchill China Product: Contact: Price: Specification: Retailer Benefits: Other Information:

Union Jack mug in tin Telephone +44 (0)1782 577 566 or visit the website www.churchillchina.biz RRP £7 Following the trend for all things British the iconic Union Jack pattern is launched as part of the James Sadler collection. The Union Jack mug in a tin is priced so it can be either a self-purchase or gift. The tin can also be re-used for storing things in style. James Sadler was founded in 1882 in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, at the heart of the pottery industry.

Funky Feet Fashions Product: Contact: Price: Specification:

Retailer Benefits:

Other Information:

Mini Deglingos Telephone +44 (0)1743 719 270 or email [email protected] RRP £8.99 Mini Deglingos are miniature versions of the Original Deglingos and make great keys rings or to hang from a bag or belt. They are 85mm tall and are suitable for ages three years and up. Funky display stands available with hanging and stock area. There is a large range of other Deglingos products including the Originals plush soft toys, baby comforters, rattles and squeakers, discovery early learning toys, Kicks footwear and giant Deglingos. Funky Feet Fashions is the sole UK distributor for Les Deglingos, a unique species of contagiously quirky animals.

Workman Publishing Product: Contact: Price: Specification:

Retailer Benefits: Other Information:

The Zoo’s Shoes Telephone +44 (0)1483 869 839 or visit www.melia.co.uk RRP £9.99 Board book by Lynn Brunelle & Emilie Chollat in the size and shape of a child’s shoe, featuring fun animal characters to help children learn to tie their shoelaces. Colourful laces are threaded through the sturdy board pages for children to practise on. A hands-on-guide that’s fun to read and a practical learning tool as well. A certificate is included for when the child has mastered the task. Publication date 7th September 2009. giftfocus 15

brand spanking new

Rosenthal Product: Contact: Price: Specification: Retailer Benefits: Other Information:

Reunion Collection Telephone +44 (0)1782 712 579 or email [email protected] From £85 rrp Sculpture-like porcelain vases made from vases, dishes and bowls designed by Pieke Bergmans. Inspiration for the modern pieces was drawn from past shapes and designs. During her work placement at the Rosenthal design forge Pieke experimented with products of different shapes and brands from the archives, combining relief structures to create the collection.

The Herdy Company Product: Contact: Price: Specification: Retailer benefits:

Other information:

The Herdybank Telephone +44 (0)1539 739 202 or email [email protected] RRP £22 A unique fine bone china money box, individually hand cast, hand decorated and made entirely in England’s Staffordshire Potteries. UK designed and manufactured each Herdybank comes complete with a Herdy swing ticket and is available in six colours. The Herdy brand is based on the face of the Herdwick sheep – an iconic symbol of the Lake District. Herdy donates a percentage of profits to the Tourism & Conservation Partnership, which looks after Herdy’s homeland - the English Lake District.

Antica Murrina Product: Contact: Price: Specification: Retailer Benefits: Other Information:

Brooklyn Collection Telephone +44 (0)1531 635 005 or email [email protected] From £25 rrp for the earrings New collection including necklace, bracelet and earrings in rich, autumnal colours. The chain has a simple, clean cut that emphasises the shape of the Murano glass rings. Antica Murrina provides mini consumer catalogues, showcards and small carrier bags as part of their retailer support. A company DVD is also available illustrating the collection with fashion shots as well as featuring the craft of glass jewellery manufacturing.

The Milford Collection Product: Contact: Price: Specification: Retailer Benefits: Other Information:

16 giftfocus

The Candle Globe Telephone +44 (0)1686 629 919 or email [email protected] RRP £9.99 Night light, hand made by craftsmen, for use in pot plants, hanging baskets and can be placed in empty wine bottles - ideal for patios and decking. Made from recycled glass it makes a unique gift for under £10. Supplied with night light and lighting taper. Visit the website www.themilfordcollection.co.uk

selling online – what is your strategy? Part 1

Internet sales continue to grow and independent retailers are increasingly looking for a piece of the action to supplement shop sales. There are many different approaches to selling online. In this the first in a series of articles on the subject, expert David Mackley explores some of the main strategies that have proven to be successful for independents. There are many opportunities for independent retailers to run successful websites. If you are thinking of starting a website or want to review how things are going with your existing website, a good starting point is to look at strategy. Online competition is likely to be tough, so unless you are very lucky, your website will only work well if the strategy has been thought through. A note on strategy If the word strategy feels a bit grand, it shouldn’t. A strategy is just a plan that fits your business. It gives a business focus and direction, a sense of purpose. You don’t need to create a 30-page business plan, a business strategy can be jotted down on a single page of A4. In my experience, small retailers rarely have written strategies unless they are just starting out. Yet it doesn’t take that long to create one and it can have a huge impact on success. It also has a positive impact on morale because it feels like the company is going somewhere and not just ‘same old’. One of the classic modern day books on company strategy is by Johnson and Scholes. ‘Exploring Corporate Strategy’ sounds like it is intended for big companies, but it is just as relevant for single store retailers. Johnson and Scholes show how a sound company strategy is created from taking three main steps; 1. Strategy analysis. 2. Finding strategic choices. 3. Strategy implementation. 20 giftfocus

1. Strategy Analysis. In this first step you would look at the environment you are selling in. For example, what is happening in your market? What are the new trends? What are the outgoing trends? Who are your competitors and what strengths do you have in your company to allow you to compete and do well in selling any of these latest trends? 2. Strategic Choices. Here a retailer creates a list of strategic choices and then finds the best fit for their own company. 3. Strategy Implementation. This is about creating a simple plan to implement the strategy. If for example the strategy is to sell a specific range online, then the plan would show the main steps needed to do this with a rough timescale for each step. The ‘classic’ Johnson & Scholes approach to creating a strategy for your business. This article looks at step 2 - finding strategic choices, looking at different strategies for running an online retail business to supplement shop income. It will look at the pros and cons of each and will hopefully present some ideas for your own business. Strategy Idea 1: Selling to local customers for convenience

In the last couple of years there has been a huge increase in online grocery shopping. It may seem strange that people buy online when the shop is not far away, but it’s just so convenient! This can work for other forms of retail as well. To make this work you have to inform existing and potential customers in the area that you have a website, this can be done by local advertising and of course handouts to your customers. Put it on every receipt with maybe an incentive to tempt people to visit the website. Pros Extends opening hours and increases convenience. You can also provide information on a website to tell a story about an item that is sometimes harder to do in a shop. The operation of running a shop meshes beautifully with an online one providing it’s thought through. Studies by AMR Research, DoubleClick and many others all support the fact that multichannel shoppers consistently spend 50 per cent or more than a single channel shopper. It will develop a deeper relationship because multichannel customers are interacting with you on different levels. Cons It can be tricky to evaluate whether you will get the return from the investment made in putting the products online. The best way to minimise the risk here is to start with a couple of ranges, target a specific group of customers and evaluate the return.

Strategy Idea 2: Go niche across the UK This strategy presents many exciting opportunities for independent retailers. Because independents are close to customers and trends, they can pick up a certain upcoming brand or range and do very well in selling it online. A retailer can make more profit from selling one or two niche ranges than putting their whole stock online, I have seen this work time and again. The internet is suited to selling in this way. The niche can be based around a style, a brand, or a specific product range. Let’s look at a fictional example. A consumer is looking for a specific type of item; scented candles. They go on to Google and find many generalist sites that, after working through the navigation, end up having just two or three items (not good). Then they find a specialist scented candles website that has 30 items (what a find). It is so much easier. And imagine it’s your website, just think of the opportunities to add value. You could talk on the website about trends, components, safety, traditions and make it a real authority on the subject. Do it well and Google will certainly take notice and reward you with high listings and therefore more traffic. In your actual high street shop scented candles may only make up as little as five per cent of the range, but if this is pushed as a niche for the online part of the business it can be very profitable. Remember it’s much easier for a small business to develop competitive strength in a tiny niche rather than a broad area. Pros Extend the reach of the shop, overheads are low, only a small proportion of products are added to the website making it easier to manage. Marketing activities are more focused and therefore more effective. You can develop and promote your expertise in this area, thus developing a sustainable competitive strength in your business. Cons You have to stay competitive. It’s worth having a couple of different ranges in your niche so if one starts falling off the other can take over. There are more strategic ideas to come in Part 2. g

David Mackley MBA BSc is MD of Intelligent Retail: Award Winning Multichannel Retail Systems. If you have any questions please contact David on [email protected] or call +44 (0)845 680 0126

toys

p l a y time

ps

um

Anthony Temple, managing director of character gift, toy and nursery specialist Rainbow Designs explains: “I believe that Paddington Bear is one of the greatest icons of days gone by and the epitome of nostalgia whilst remaining relevant to today’s marketplace. Michael Bond’s creation has had an incredible impact and this instantly recognisable character is ingrained in the nation’s psyche. “Rainbow Designs has held the Paddington Bear license for over 25 years and throughout that time, we have developed product which reflects the character’s traditional qualities whilst ensuring it looks contemporary and

Tr Top

igns

Fiesta Crafts

Rainbow Des

Toys are a massive and diverse sector. From baby’s first toys and cuddly plush to sophisticated and high-tech games - it’s a multimillion pound business. As well as traditional and staple lines, keeping pace with the latest craze is a relentless and constant quest. The market is influenced by many and varied factors including popular TV characters and films, fashions and trends. Technology is obviously a huge influence, generating a plethora of playthings. Educational and eco-friendly credentials are important considerations these days and there’s also a growing enthusiasm for nostalgic and traditional games. The recession has prompted more and more people to look back to times when life seemed simpler, sparking a resurgence in timehonoured pastimes like board games, crafts and puzzles, involving the whole family. Evergreen characters like Snoopy, Peter Rabbit and Paddington Bear also remain popular, appealing to parents who remember them from their childhood as well as creating a whole new generation of fans.

There’ll always be a market for toys. Play forms a vital part of a child’s development and toys can be an important tool in the growing and learning process – not to mention fun as well! We take a look at just some of what’s on offer…

meets gift buyers’ requirements. “During the recent ‘make-over’ of the Paddington Bear Classic collection, we incorporated rich new fabrics in timeless Paddington blue and red colours and exceptional attention to detail, to ensure the gifts are fresh yet traditional.” Telephone +44 (0)8707 587 700 or visit the website www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk for details. For little ones Fiesta Crafts has launched Safari Bowl this summer, a bright, colourful soft toy bowling set. The set of six jungle animals, in bright primary colours are sure to delight and, when they’re not busy being bowled over, are perfect to cuddle. The animals come with a large soft bowling ball with three finger holes, and all jingle merrily with every roll and strike. Visit the website www.fiestacrafts.co.uk for details.

Latest innovations include the world’s very first 3D Top Trumps adventure. The popular children’s card game Top Trumps arrived in 3D at a special launch on 19th June this year at renowned London toy store Hamleys. It heralds the first major change to the format of Top Trumps since it first hit the shops back in 1977. Makers of Top Trumps have collaborated with 3D production company Inition to insert a 3D device, which can be easily accessed via a webcam. Players simply hold the cards in front of the webcam and technology will transport them on a 3D interactive adventure. The very first Top Trumps game to go 3D was a Bugs pack featuring a life-size tarantula, which appears to jump up and down in the palm of your hand! Other exciting 3D packs are available including Horrible Histories, WWE (World giftfocus 25

Tantrix

p l a y time Ba

na

na

gra

Uncle Milton Star Wars™ Science toys are about to become available in the UK. Distributors Brainstorm Limited will be showcasing the range at this year’s Autumn Fair at the NEC, Birmingham in September. The Force Trainer is just one of the attention-grabbing items included in the line. Using advanced technology the Force Trainer headset reads and interprets brainwaves. As the wearer concentrates, information is translated by the headset into a digital signal and sent to the Training Tower, causing the Jedi Training Remote to rise and fall. Jedi Master Yoda guides you through 15 levels of Force training to develop your powers of concentration. Email [email protected] to find out further details. Haba

26 giftfocus

Top Tr u

Wrestling Entertainment),Transformers 2, Star Trek, Ben 10 Alien Force and the loveable Spongebob Squarepants. Nik Battersby, head of product development at Winning Moves comments: “As every parent knows today’s generation of children are becoming more and more adept and comfortable with technology and they are used to being captivated by amazing graphics.” Visit www.toptrumps.com/3d for more information or call +44 (0)7855 338 250.

mps

ms

Brainstorm Tantrix UK Ltd celebrates its 10th anniversary later this year. The company offers high quality, tactile puzzles and games with long-term appeal. Their products are easy to demonstrate, helping stockists to make shopping fun for their customers and to generate sales. Managing director Steven Trezise says: “Gradually expanding the range has helped us sustain a steady rate of growth while providing our customers with good margins and products that just keep on selling. With people likely to be seeking out reasonably priced Christmas gifts that have more than just shortterm novelty value this year, we believe that the best puzzles and games tick all the boxes.” Call +44 (0)208 680 8918 or visit the website www.tantrix.co.uk to find out more. Traditional play combined with exceptional quality make Haba’s wooden toys an ideal gift that parents and their children will appreciate. You are never too young to get the building bug and Haba offers a range of wooden construction sets suitable for children aged from one year up. The Sevilla building blocks are ideal for little fingers and stacking the colourful shapes provides hours of fun. The colours and shapes of the beechwood blocks area appealing and can also be combined with Haba’s other building block ranges ensuring maximum play value. Also made from natural beechwood, the

Coloured Building Blocks Maxi provide years of building fun, with a range of shapes from rectangles and columns to bridges, slats and blocks. With a mixture of natural wood and bright primary colours, the blocks are an ideal starting point for budding architects. From building blocks to stacking, rattling and push-along toys, the company offers an extensive range sure to inspire and delight. For more information email [email protected]. The award-winning Bananagrams, invented (for fun), by three generations of one family continues to grow beyond expectations. The portable, fun game is gaining a following across all ages and countries. Bananagrams has launched on Facebook and Bebo also runs the application. The application is also due to launch on the iPhone, with the iPod Touch, DS and Wii to follow soon. The company says: “Entry into the electronic world is a wonderful compliment to the original game’s success, making it easier for Bananagrams fans to play with family and friends around the globe!” Bananagrams is now available in Norwegian, Spanish and French, with a German version currently in production. Also available, Double Bananagrams - The Big Banana for the Larger Bunch, a double game in a double size pouch for double fun. Telephone +44 (0)208 876 3013 or visit the website www.bananagrams-intl.com for further information. g

advertising feature

– toys and gifts at their best! Known for its heritage brands, Flair offers a fantastic range of gifts and toys that are ideal for gift shops and specialist retailers looking for brands that appeal to the younger generation; and perfect for a Christmas treat. A fine example is Hello Kitty - a nostalgic property that is available as adorable plush for girls. The Hello Kitty phenomenon has spread worldwide and is equally popular with teenagers and adults as well as young girls. Available from Flair is a variety of high quality plush, perfect for the discerning gift buyer, including 10cm Mini Plush Kitty in Gift Box and 14cm Kitty in Gift Bag whilst extending the range are the delightful Hello Kitty Accessories and Bags.

Keeping the retro feel and representing an irresistible toy that everyone has to own once in their lifetime, is Slinky. At over 60 years old, the slinkiest Slinky of all has to be the original steel version based on the torsion spring from which the first Slinky was created. Slinky is a satisfying toy and stocking filler for all ages which stretches, snaps back and makes a “slinkity” sound as it is juggled from side to side or walks down slopes or stairs. Joining

28 giftfocus

the line-up is the original Slinky Dog, made famous in “Toy Story” and soon to enjoy more recognition with the release of the long awaited Toy Story 3 film. As one of the most popular characters in the films, Slinky Dog is bound to be a favourite pre-Christmas and beyond.

These nostalgic brands join classics such as Etch a Sketch and Shaker Maker, together with Sylvanian Families, the girls’ perennial favourite collectable. Sylvanian Families is a staple in the Flair portfolio and equally at home in a gift shop as a toy store. Each year new themes and play sets are launched and at different price points which means that this brand is ideal no matter how much space there is on the shop floor. There are many larger items such as this year’s classic styled Caravan, perfect as a main Christmas purchase, plus smaller play sets that have everything included to start a young collector on her way. For 2009 these will include some charming shopping themed sets to complement the Village Square collection with its Applewood Department Store. The Sylvanian Toy Shop is just one example and will benefit from TV promotion. This shop has miniature Sylvanian buildings within including a Sylvanian Toy Shop within the toy shop itself – delightful! Finally Plasticine proved itself a favourite with all generations this year when James May’s “Paradise in Plasticine” garden became the star attraction at the Chelsea Flower Show. Created with the help of many adults and children the project perfectly

demonstrated that modelling with Plasticine is a pastime that can be enjoyed by all. There are many packs and play sets available for children, the perennial favourite being the Classic 8 Colour Pack. For adults, following hot on the heels of the hugely popular My Own Morph, comes My Own Chas which contains everything needed to model a Chas including an instructional DVD with an introduction by Peter Lord, the creator of the Plasticine pals.

With all this and much more, Flair is the perfect first stop for any gift retailer wishing to add a little playtime fun to their shelves this Christmas. For more information call 0208 643 0320 or email enquiries@flairplc.co.uk g

autumn fair

pick of the crop

Autumn Fair International is the season’s biggest launch platform for new product and this year is promising to deliver a glut of new businesses determined to make it a profitable Christmas and a happy new year for retailers.

In brief show Autumn Fair International where NEC, Birmingham when 6th-9th September 2009 website www.autumnfair.com opening hours Sun-Tues 9am-6pm Wed 9am-4pm Volume hall opens one day early admission Autumn Fair International is a trade only event.Visitors are asked to bring with them proof of trade status (eg. business card or letterhead). Log on to the website www. autumnfair.com to register for free entry. For those who have not pre-registered entry is £30. Pictured, Gabriella Miller tableware from UK distributor Junction 18, Hall 3 Stand K04/L03 giftfocus 29

With whispers of emerging green shoots getting louder, expectations for a bumper harvest from this year’s Autumn Fair International are higher than ever. With virtually every available stand reported sold more than a month before the event, organiser Emap Connect believes exhibitors and buyers have already caught scent of a business upturn. The fair is expected to deliver a recessionbusting shot in the arm for exhibitors and retailers a like. Many retailers will be looking to restock and reinvigorate shelves not only for Christmas but also to kick-start the new year. As the season’s largest buying event for home and gift the show promises to deliver many of Europe’s best-known suppliers, 220 new companies as well as many returning after an absence, further underlining the feeling of growing confidence and optimism. More than 110 overseas companies, 40 of which are brand new, from as far afield as Australia, Brazil, Scandinavia and Japan, will be making their presence felt. India Jane

30 giftfocus

Exhibitors will showcase half a million products and 40,000 new launches. Retailers have demonstrated their growing enthusiasm with a 51 per cent reported increase in pre-registrations for the show. Managing director of Emap Connect Home & Gift, Louise Young comments: “One can only marvel at the resilience and ingenuity of people in the industry.The downturn seems to have brought out the best in our exhibitors. The products they will be offering are not only well designed and innovative but also have keen price points that will tempt even hardnosed buyers.” In response to feedback from exhibitors and buyers Emap Connect has introduced changes this year to make the show easier to shop and help everyone make the most of the event. “We are attempting to drive as much business as possible to suppliers’ stands by encouraging crossover buying,” explains Louise. “ We have also held free workshops to help them maximise their revenue from exhibiting at Autumn Fair as well as sending them a stepby-step booklet to boost sales opportunities.” There will be a packed programme of seminars throughout the show held in the Business Village in hall 3 for retailers to update their knowledge, learn new skills and discover new ideas. Tips and advice will be available on everything from promotion and marketing to setting up an eCommerce business.

Volume Home & Gift Halls 1 & 2 Kitchen & Dining Hall 2 Home Interiors & Art Halls 2 & 3 British Crafts – (New) Hall 3 Design-led Gifts Halls 3 & 4 Greetings & Stationery Hall 4 Jewellery & Fashion Accessories Hall 4 Gifts Hall 5 Toys Hall 5 Retail Services – (New) Hall 5 Craft it Yourself – (New) Hall 5 Speciality Foods – (New) Hall 5

Menu

There will be seminars on home trends, looking at colours, textiles and design as well as daily gift wrapping demonstrations. Autumn Fair also provides the season’s largest collection of costume, fashion and designer jewellery. Here, the North American Pavilion will be a feature. A raft of new initiatives are being launched this year, in a bid to help drive sales and boost orders throughout the show. Fresh A new group stand will be launched in the Greetings hall with the aim of bringing together exciting design-led greeting card, gift and jewellery suppliers and discerning retailers, agents and distributors. The aim is to create an exciting, easy-to-find area that will attract high quality buyers from the UK and overseas. Cook Live! New feature Cook Live! will feature live demonstrations of exhibitors’ new products and equipment staged within a large, working kitchen in hall 2. The whole Kitchen and Dining sector is expected to be buzzing with the sights, smells and sounds of food and cooking. To cater for expected bumper audiences an overhead mirror and audio-visual equipment is being installed for those unable to grab front row seats. Says Roz McGuiness, the show’s sales director: “Autumn Fair continues to be the

32 giftfocus

biggest selling opportunity of the season for kitchen and dining exhibitors and Cook Live! should further boost their sales. “While it is all very well seeing beautifully packaged products, buyers want to be shown the benefit of a particular pan or item of silicone bakeware. At Cook Live! the expression ‘the proof of the pudding is in the eating’ will never be more appropriate.” Professional demonstrators will be used to enable exhibitors to continue selling on their stands. A display area will showcase all the products to be seen along with a timetable of demonstrations. British designer Nick Munro, renowned for turning bed springs into egg cups, is scheduled to make a special appearance to present Signature for La Cafetière at Cook Live! on Sunday 6th September at 4pm. Cook Live! will be a rolling feature of Autumn Fair throughout the four days and will also be a feature of Spring Fair International 2010. Admission will be free Craft There will be a greater emphasis on crafts, including a section entitled Craft It Yourself. “The new sector was launched in response to requests from retailers who wish to source craft kits and accessories as new lines in store,” says Roz. A British Crafts category has also been incorporated, tapping into the popularity of local and regional products.

New product trails Two additional product trails – Exporter and Licensed Products – are being added to the existing New Product, Designed in Britain and Ethical Product trails. The Licensed Product trail will guide buyers to exhibitors with original artwork, surface designs, and suppliers with licensed products. For those looking to do business with suppliers abroad, the Exporter trail provides full details of British and international exhibitors eager to work with retailers from around the globe. New zones Located between the home and design-led gift areas of the fair, Spotlight will feature some of the most inspiring new, design-led products available to the trade, replicating the look and feel of a high-end boutique gift shop. Held in conjunction with designGAP, home to some of the UK’s most exclusive design talent, the Spotlight zone will showcase a variety of the most desirable gifts being launched for the Christmas market. Spotlight has been created to provide innovative and aspiring new designers with an effective launch pad to the market. Newcomers will benefit from the proximity of established companies and long-standing exhibitors in the design-led field. A new product showcase in hall 4 will also put the spotlight on previously unseen products and ranges from every part of Autumn Fair International. There will also be a new Speciality Foods area and a Retail Services area, which will showcase everything from Epos machines and computer systems to management systems. For more information visit the website www.autumnfair.com. g

exhibitor profiles Our handy guide spotlights just some of the great new products and latest lines to be unveiled at the show. Read on to discover more…

Hall 2 JASON PRODUCTS UNITED KINGDOM LIMITED Stand 2-F07 Tel: +44 (0)808 234 7336 Web: www.jasonproducts.com For almost 50 years, Jason, a leader in quality placemats and coasters, has been helping to create welldressed tables. Whether it’s a simple family supper or important celebration, Jason adds style and quality while providing dependable tabletop protection against heat and moisture. Beautifully designed and carefully crafted in New Zealand, Jason placemats and coasters are constructed from quality materials and made to stand the test of time. Traditional or contemporary, subtle or dramatic, The Jason Collection has something for everyone. BABYFACE Stand 2-H21 Tel: +44 (0)1483 720 734 Web: www.babyface.uk.com Babyface is launching three new cotbed sets for autumn 09 and has also added to its wide collection of funky bedroom accessories. The new cotbed sets feature an embroidered ‘Butterflies’ range, Sailing Boats a popular boy’s boating theme and ‘Around the Town’, a transport theme with a cool retro look. Ready for Christmas, new storage bags come in a choice of five vintage fabrics and are fully lined, sturdy and big enough to store all sorts of treasures. Some fresh new prints have also been added to the existing range of bins, alphabets, message boards and bookends.

34 giftfocus

LA CAFETIÈRE Stand 2-C04 Tel: +44 (0)1352 717 561 Web: www.lacafetiere.com La Cafetière, renowned for its stylish ranges of cafetières, teapots, tableware and accessories, will be showcasing its 2009/2010 collections. A number of exciting new products will be introduced at the show including Titania, a delightful addition to the La Cafetière portfolio. The screen printed stainless steel frame features a delicate trailing flower and leaf design with butterflies. Titania is presented in a striking black and silver box, making it ideal for gifting. Titania is available in three-cup and eight-cup options and there is a matching teapot. J.J. VAILLANT LTD Stand 2-L34 Tel: +44 (0)1213 800 720 Web: www.jjvaillant.com Betty Boop started life as a 1930s cartoon character but has now transformed into a hugely popular street diva, collected by fans of all ages. So successful has she become that she is now known as Billion Dollar Betty, according to distributors J.J. Vaillant. They report that their detailed hand crafted/painted resin figurines have seen massive sales growth over the last five years. For this season the company has many new items including – Betty Boop England, Ireland and Wales, Betty Boop 20s, Ballerina, Mirror and Golfer. The company also supplies furniture (solid acacia and sheesham wood), home accessories, wall art, decorative lighting and carved wooden animals.

giftfocus 35

autumn fair

Hall 3 TOTSEAT Stand 3-SP13 Tel: +44 (0)1312 266 064 Web: www.totseat.com Totseat, the washable, squashable highchair, will be launching Bramble, its newest funky fabric, at the Autumn Fair. Gift of the Year 2009 winner, Totseat has come a long way since the first prototype was created in 2004 from a wedding dress. Totseat is an ideal gift for any family on the go, or for anyone with small visitors. Pocket-sized, Totseat fits all shapes and sizes of chair, and baby, creating a safe haven for little ones when no highchair is available. It’s stylish, funky and practical and has been developed in conjunction with safety experts. CARTERS CERAMIC DESIGNS Stand 3-S53 Tel: +44 (0)1728 860 475 Web: www.cartersteapots.com Carters Ceramic Designs are quintessentially English handmade and designed teapots made in Suffolk. Established since 1978 the company prides itself on producing quality English teapots sold throughout the world, which are all made with care by a small loyal staff.

CARRIE ELSPETH Stand 3-X05 Tel: +44 (0)1446 771 271 Web: www.carrieelspeth.com Visitors to Autumn Fair are being invited to join in Carrie Elspeth’s 10th birthday celebrations. Not only will they be treated to the full launch of the Autumn 09 Collection, plus additions to the luxurious Opulence range, but they can also join the company for a glass of birthday bubbly! Following the success of the recent Anniversary Collection the new launch is full of the customary wide variety of fast-selling, accessible designs that Carrie is famous for. Ranges feature warm sparkle, iridescent shine, bold chunky frosted globes, new rainbow metallics and eye-catching ‘optical illusion’ beads. Carrie Elspeth is proud that all her jewellery continues to be handmade in Wales. JARAPA LTD Stand 3-H02 Tel: +44 (0)1749 813 067 Web: www.jarapa.co.uk Exhibiting at the Autumn Fair for the fourth year, Jarapa’s stand is bigger and better than ever and will feature new products in recycled and natural home interior ranges. With over 50 new products being introduced in 2009, the offering is fresh and current. A new contemporary range of 100 per cent recycled glass “Fun on the table” will be showcased. The dishwasher safe tableware collection comes in stylish modern designs and eye-catching choice of solid and transparent colours.

giftfocus 37

Jarapa

recycled & natural

Autumn Fair product launch Exhibiting at the Autumn Fair for the fourth year, Jarapa’s Stand H02 in Hall 3 is bigger and better than ever; showcasing new products in our recycled and natural home interior ranges, keeping our offering fresh and current. With over 50 new products being introduced in 2009 we are confident you will find those great new items you have been looking for.

0845 519 1982 / 07939 555737 [email protected]

www.jarapa.co.uk

Terramundi exclusive money pots are always the ‘must have’ item for all design led gift stores and boutiques. Be it traditional, quirky or ‘contemporary interior’ their designs add the perfect accent to all ‘grown up’ homes.

Phone: 020 8808 3818 Email: [email protected] www.terramundi.co.uk 38 giftfocus

DORA DESIGNS LTD Stand 3-T22/U23 Tel: +44 (0)1778 561 111 Web: www.doradesigns.co.uk Dora Designs specialises in original home accessories and gifts themed mainly on animal characters. The unique products are made from high quality fabric and are all created by founder of the business, Angela Stevens. This year the company is celebrating success with one of its Dora Mouse products, from the Country Folk range, which was highly commended in the Gift of the Year Collect It category. Exciting additions have also joined the Traditional and Cat and Dog collections and a great new line of bookends featuring elephants, owl and cats have been created for the autumn. JUNCTION EIGHTEEN Stand 3-K04/L03 Tel: +44 (0)8704 420 732 Web: www.junction18.com Junction Eighteen reports that since it launched Momo Panache in the UK in 2007 the brand has continued to provide significant sales growth and expectations are high for the trend to continue throughout 2009/2010. Momo Panache features fun but elegant glassware designs, hand etched and painted using stylish colours inspired by designer Helen James’ exotic foreign travels. Wine glasses also include a fun wine charm and all items come complete with gift boxes. New and exciting designs are added to the range as they become available.

FREYA DESIGN Stand 3-T09 Tel: +44 (0)1189 472 085 Web: www.freyadesign.co.uk Look out for a new range of high quality wooden gift boxes from Freya Design. They are all designed in the UK and are painted in children’s themes with an unusual 3D design; the range includes memory boxes, keepsake boxes, trinket boxes, jewellery boxes and moneyboxes. Made from New Zealand pine, the boxes are a stylish way to store childhood memorabilia. They come in various sizes from a set of three little trinkets, (‘first tooth’, ‘first curl’ and ‘baby tag’) and moneyboxes to large keepsake boxes, with hinges and latch, and also a selection of jewellery boxes.

BOMBAY DUCK Stand 3-R22/S23 Tel: +44 (0)208 749 7000 Web: www.bombayducktrade.com Bombay Duck has a passion for pattern and colour and loves to find inspiration abroad. The traditional matryoshkas (Russian nesting dolls) hold special appeal and have already found their way onto Bombay Duck luggage tag and cushion covers. Now the company has gone a step further and introduced a whole new Russian doll stationery range, lined with a pretty flower print to ensure the feel-good factor inside and out. The range includes cheery notebooks and notecards as well as sets of gift and storage boxes in various sizes, which fit snugly inside one another. giftfocus 39

autumn fair

IF (THAT COMPANY CALLED) Stand 3-V01 Tel: +44 (0)800 043 0960 Web: www.thatcompanycalledif.com The Very Hungry Caterpillar magnetic bookmarks from If (that company called) will be launched at the show. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Eric Carle’s most popular children’s story.The VHC has delighted readers the world over, selling over 29 million copies, translated into nearly 50 languages. Now you can feed his mind as well as his tummy by clipping him onto all the books you ever read.The grippy magnets will stop him wriggling away.

SPACEFORM Stand 3-V08 Tel: +44 (0)207 622 2227 Web: www.spaceform.com Thought, love and careful consideration are infused in every piece of Spaceform’s new Mother’s Day collection. From a loving message sand etched on a medium paperweight, to the colourful ‘New Mummy’ miniature token, every type of mother has been considered alongside every budget.Timeless in design and hand-crafted, Spaceform offers a luxurious gift which will be treasured for years to come.

FIKKERTS LTD Stand 3-U20 Tel: +44 (0)1535 692 500 Web: www.fikkerts.com ‘Mia’ is a range guaranteed to attract attention, the essence of femininity, products include bath oil, bath elixir, 200g soap and beautifully presented gift boxes. A fun gift tag is also available to add to the products making them suitable for any occasion. The products appeal to those looking for a moment of self indulgence or an exquisite gift.

CAKE UK Stand 3-L23 Tel: +44 (0)1636 821 444 Web: www.cakeuk.com This year’s Autumn Fair will showcase the Big Jack & Mini Jack dog and puppy doorstop and bumper and a brand new design – Duck & Duckling doorstops. They will be available in a choice of two sizes and four Union Jack fabric designs, monochrome and full colour. Duck & Duckling will also be available in the four Union Jack designs and the fabric patterns, jute, ticking, candystripe cotton and stone leather. giftfocus 41

D2 – TO LOVE DESIGN Stand 3-SP16 Tel: +44 (0)1904 659 599 Email: [email protected] Visitors to Autumn Fair will have chance to see the selection that d2 – to love design has to offer. Highlights this year will include their exclusive ranges of ‘Spongeware’ and ‘Ruwa’. The ‘Ruwa’ range of decorative ornamental pieces comprises handcrafted small treasures, from trinket boxes to vases. The ‘Spongeware’ range boasts over 10 eye-catching designs, varying in colour and animal designs. Within each range is a selection of collectable gift items and a comprehensive array of dinnerware. The ‘Ruwa’ table accessories includes napkin rings and place settings launched in time for the forthcoming festive season. The company claims all its products are ethically sourced, handmade and support fair trade principles.

RONIN DESIGNS LTD Stand 3-Y07 Tel: +44 (0)1269 826 000 Web: www.roninjewellery.co.uk Ronin will be introducing its new autumn/winter ranges at the show. Beautiful gemstones in rich colours have been used to eye-catching effect. All individually hand made in Wales, affordably priced and supplied gift boxed they make popular Christmas gifts. As a special promotion for the Autumn Fair the company is offering free jewellery display items with orders placed at the show. WILD AND WOLF Stand 3-U02/V03 Tel: +44 (0)1225 789 909 Web: www.wildandwolf.com Wild and Wolf will be showcasing its wide array of products including one of its latest licensed ranges,The Gruffalo collection. Based on the children’s books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the range includes children’s breakfast set, milk & biscuits set, mugs, ceramic money box, croquet set, wooden magnets, tins of pencils, giant snap cards, notebook, lunch box, water bottles and tins of plasters. This year ‘The Gruffalo’ celebrates its 10th birthday and has become a publishing sensation. A Gruffalo animated film is due to premiere this Christmas. TALKING TABLES Stand 3-S10 Tel: +44 (0)207 627 6767 Web: www.talkingtables.co.uk Party specialists Talking Tables take celebrating seriously, with a myriad stylish treats and surprises for gifting and entertaining. New launches for Christmas 2009 include Jolly Good Show, a collection of tartan hunting, shooting and fishing-themed treats like stag, pheasant and rabbit-adorned crackers, mini sparklers, place cards, hostess honour rosettes, table target practise, table trivia and social stirrers. Also launching is Simply Silver, a range of silver-coloured tabletop and party accessories.The hand-illustrated Cat’s Whiskers range has also been extended with new Beetle Drive and Tiddly Winks games, paper chains, party poppers, sparklers and more.

42 giftfocus

NEW FOR 2009 | THE ORCHARD GARDEN RANGE

Inspired by the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, this stunning NEW range will certainly attract attention and of course sales! The Orchard Garden makes an ideal gift purchase and comes in three delightful fragrances, Lily, Peony and Iris. The range includes: Hand Wash, Hand Lotion, Soap, Bath Foam, Room Sprays and Gift Boxes.

Visit us at Autumn Fair: Stand No – H3 U20

Contact Us: 01535 692500. E mail: sales@fikkerts.co.uk

www.fikkerts.com

autumn fair

BLACK GINGER Stand 3-K01 Tel: +44 (0)1189 403 731 Web: www.blackginger.co.uk Granny’s pearls are back in fashion and Black Ginger has been busy designing beautiful new freshwater pearl jewellery. Pearls can be dyed in thousands of different beautiful colours . Black Ginger balances its colours to the changing fashion market and so has created new stunning fuchsia pink designs. The company will also be showing its popular range of napkin games. There are now 10 different designs that include a Treasure Hunt, Spot the Difference and a Spotty Quiz.

DISASTER DESIGNS Stand 3-Q53 Tel: +44 (0)1323 441 444 Web: www.disasterdesigns.co.uk Disaster will be launching its brand new licensed ‘Moomin’ giftware and accessories range at the Autumn Fair. Moomin, the much loved and uniquely enduring Finnish family of trolls created by Tove Jansson, have long enchanted adults, as well as children, across the world. Disaster will be launching a range of fashion bags, clocks, keyrings, compacts, flasks and hot water bottles that reflect the timeless brand.

LITTLEARTH Stand 3-Q54 Tel:+44 (0)1618 329 099 Web: www.littlearthuk.com In a past life they were car licence plates, hubcaps and fenders. Fifteen years ago innovative designers Rob Brandegee and Ava De Marco started designing and making fashionable, unique handbags and accessories by reusing and recycling materials that would otherwise be overlooked or thrown away. Since then the innovative process of reusing and recycling the most unexpected materials has become the canvas for intriguing ideas. An eclectic mix of graphics adorns the bags catering for all tastes, from sophisticated chic to funky fashion. Each bag is adorned by hand with Swarovski crystals and carefully packaged in recycled boxes at the factory in Pittsburgh USA.

PINTAIL CANDLES Stand 3-S54 Tel: +44 (0)1539 559 007 Web: www.pintailcandles.com At Autumn Fair this year, Pintail Candles will be introducing its new Fusions collection which combines three ranges of individually boxed fragranced candles and a range of reed diffusers. All four ranges come in eight of their best selling Christmas scents including Christmas Spice, Cinnamon & Orange and Mistletoe & Wine. As with all Pintail products, the new range is made in the UK. giftfocus 45

#VUUFSGMZ
5SBEJOH
$P Beautiful Handcrafted and Hand Painted Gifts for Children and Adults

Hall 4 PICTURE CASE Stand 4-N15 Tel: +44 (0)1371 878 047 Web: www.picturecase.co.uk Picture Case recently launched a new and exciting brand of luggage, featuring distinctive pictures, images and designs to make them interesting and fun. There are seven ranges to cater for a variety of tastes. Identifying a gap in the market for children’s luggage, they are launching the ‘Cutie and Pals’ range, a two- piece trolley case with matching back.

Autumn Fair - Hall 4, Stand A42 0560 247 4298 • info@butterflytradingco.com www.butterflytradingco.com

46 giftfocus

EMMA BALL Stand 4-E41 Tel: +44 (0)1159 203 068 Web: www.emmaball.co.uk After a six-year break artist Emma Ball is returning to Autumn Fair with a distinctive range featuring her original watercolours. Greeting cards will include latest Christmas additions, which are being sold in packs of 12, six and as singles. This year a percentage of all sales will be going to the Children’s Society.

ARTISAN LIFE Stand 4-K59 Tel: +44 (0)207 608 2717 Web: www.artisanlife.co.uk Artisan Life will be showing unique handcrafted jewellery and fashion accessories imported from South America. All the company’s ethical products are sourced on a fair trade basis using sustainable and natural materials. A new range of jewellery in Tagua (vegetable ivory) is available vibrant colours and modern designs, as well as a new original line of fashionable wristwatches made in reclaimed tropical woods. ASHLEIGH & BURWOOD Stand 4-B38 Tel: +44 (0)1932 267 060 Web: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Ashleigh & Burwood will be showcasing their Fragrance Lamps and ‘Decadent Diffusion’ range of reed diffusers. The Fragrance Lamp range benefits from 23 brand new eye-catching lamp designs, and a selection of new fragrances which will be on display at Autumn Fair. The additional designs expand the total collection to around 100 styles, providing something for everyone. Autumn Fair also provides a chance to see the new Decadent Diffusion range. At its heart is an exclusive collection of artisan-made vases. The range of six ‘Decadent Diffusion’ vases have been designed as highly decorative and enduring home accessories in their own right, to which fragrance and reeds can be added in order to create a beautiful reed diffuser for the home.

giftfocus 47

AQUEO DESIGN UK LIMITED Stand 4-M32 Tel: +44 (0)1614 308 880 Web: www.aqueodesign.co.uk Aqueo Design offers a wide collection of umbrellas covering a variety of price points, with an ever changing collection and many new styles on offer throughout the year. The “Sami” umbrella by Frank Usher (pictured) is produced in the historic Mantova region of Italy by Pasotti and features an internal gingham style fabric and a luxurious exterior fabric in a choice of either black or grey/blue. BLUE EYED SUN Stand 4-E44 Tel: +44 (0)1273 823 003 Web: www.blueeyedsun.co.uk Handmade card specialists Blue Eyed Sun has launched three new Valentine ranges. Cherish are printed and foiled on watercolour textured board and are hand finished with red heart jewels. Velvet Valentine designs are foiled on watercolour textured board and are hand finished with red textile hearts and beads. Smooch are foiled on watercolour textured board and are hand drawn with glitter glue. There are 10 designs in each of the ranges. The designs come in sixes and all cards come with a red envelope. Blue Eyed Sun has a new spring brochure with full details of all of its new products out in September. ACCENT FASHION ACCESSORIES Stand 4-M33 Tel: +44 (0)1618 340 400 Web: www.accent-accessories.com Accent Fashion Accessories prides itself on providing customers with on trend, high quality merchandise for all seasons. For winter 2009 the company offers over 250 different designs of headwear and other winter fashion accessories. With a dedicated team and large supplier network, Accent Fashion Accessories can also offer bespoke products, tailored to the customer’s needs. 48 giftfocus

FATLIP LIMITED Stand 4-L53 Tel: +44 (0)1905 612 955 Web: www.fatlip.biz Fatlip, supplier of contemporary jewellery, will be unveiling 20 new lines at Autumn Fair 2009. Four new necklaces for the Midnight collection encapsulate seasonal tones including black, silver, grey and brown. Other new lines include necklace and bracelet sets that are contemporary twists on a classic style, including chunky, two-tone and rainbow versions. The Amarella collection, a vibrant selection of colours including hot pink, vivid purple, bright aqua and sunshine yellow, is made with aluminium, resin and capiz shell. THE OLD BAG COMPANY Stand 4-L52 Tel: +44 (0)1548 853 444 Web: www.theoldbag company.com The Old Bag Company is extending its range to include a new line of mugs and beach towels. The mugs are fine bone china, made in the UK and designed in Devon. The beach towels are large, soft and the perfect accessory for an Old Bag beach bag! There are also new leather Old Bags to complement the canvas range.

autumn fair

TAKKODA Stand 4-D30 Tel: +44 (0)8701 909 395 Web: www.takkoda.com Following the success of the Famous Faces card range, Takkoda has expanded the witty range of celebrity parodies, which now includes Spock, Tommy Cooper, Audrey Hepburn, Borat , Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Yoda, Che Guevara, Mao, Einstein, John Wayne and Michael Jackson. The range has reached the finals of the forthcoming Henries Awards in the ‘Humorous Cards’ category. All 12 cards are 120 x 170mm and are printed on FSC stock. The new designs are also available on mugs, coasters, magnets and badges.

CREATIVE DEZIGNS Stand 4-J12 Tel: +44 (0)1844 212 331 Web: www.creativedezigns.co.uk With its inspiration and roots still firmly in South Africa, Creative DeZigns celebrates 20 years of selling its range of jewellery and accessories. At the heart of the family business is an extensive selection of unique, in-vogue cuff bangles, necklaces, earrings, as well as buckles and belts in a fusion of bold silver and earthy heat-treated copper and brass, all ethically handmade. At Autumn Fair the company will be presenting the latest autumn/winter designs as well as Marzipan, a new organic range.

LOTUSFEET ACCESSORIES Stand 4-K18 Tel: +44 (0)7786 387 906 Web: www.lotusfeet.co.uk Oriental Bling is Lotusfeet’s autumn/winter 09 collection featuring bright, strong, solid colours set against hematite and jet black. Clusters of winter crystals and freshwater pearls are the collection’s theme. It is a debut collection from the company’s work with two small family businesses. Lotusfeet works with co-operatives, family businesses and individuals. The partnerships are based on trust and fairness, ensuring fair trade working practices in designing and producing jewellery and recycled paper display mannequins.

ENVIROSAX Stand 4-A51 Tel: +44 (0)1792 797 968 Web: www.envirosax.com Envirosax®, designer reusable bags, aim to maintain their position at the forefront of fashion trends, with the new artistic ‘La Bohème’ collection. The stylish range is inspired by a blend of Art Nouveau, Bohemian and New Romantics motifs. Envirosax reusable shopping-totes boast fashionable good looks combined with being eco-friendly, small yet tough and inexpensively priced. Envirosax bags offer a variety of merchandising opportunities - colourful enough to make a splash in the window and small enough to show on the counter for impulse purchases. Envirosax come in a selection of sizes, styles and materials and are also available in pouches of five bags. The company will also be introducing to the market the new Envirosax Aqua reusable bottle series. giftfocus 51

BUTTERFLY TRADING CO. Stand 4-A42 Tel: +44 (0)5602 474 298 Web: www.butterflytradingco.com Demand for quality handmade products has seen Butterfly Trading continue to go from strength to strength. The company has focused attention on its range of bulldog clip plaque holders, introducing three new colours, improving the overall design and also introducing a new pricing structure for the range as well as their popular heart quotation plaques. The growing range of products also includes children’s wall hangers and clocks. TREEMENDOUS CARDS Stand 4-D50 Tel: +44 (0)172 677 447 Web: www.greatbigtrees.com Launching at Autumn Fair Treemendous Cards, part of Ocean Pearl UK Ltd, has developed a THE ROBERT FULLER GALLERY unique tree in a card. Stand 4-F29 The card contains a living tree ready for Tel: +44 (0)1759 368 355 planting and has been developed from their Web: www.robertefuller.com tree in a tube and hessian bagged trees, geared The Robert Fuller Gallery has launched a new towards the corporate incentive sector. winter range of fine art greeting cards and The tree in a card product is aimed prints featuring exclusively British wildlife. specifically at the retail gift market and has The new series features five new designs been developed as a ‘pick-n-fix’ line, allowing published as part of a campaign to highlight the the customer to choose a design, select a tree plight of once commonplace creatures as UK and finally an outer sleeve ready for posting. wildlife continues to face biodiversity loss. There are 12 modern card fronts to choose Featuring portraits of pheasants, foxes, from. The company says the ethically sourced owls, and farmland birds, the cards are trees are seed grown from sustainable forests individually wrapped and printed on sturdy, and the card is made from recycled materials. environmentally friendly card. PAPER HIGH Stand 4-D40 Tel: +44 (0)8452 570 239 Web: www.paperhigh.com Handmade lion, elephant, and pig felt hand puppets are some of the latest newcomers to the Paper High range. Fair trade and eco friendly, using natural colourings, they are part of the brand new felt range brought in by Paper High in time for Autumn Fair 2009. The whole range includes felt creepers, hair bands, brooches, bunches of flowers and much more. The company is also launching a new coloured embossed leather journal range and some striking new giftwrap in sheets and retail packs. 52 giftfocus

The Hydro Globe keeps plants watered for up to 2 weeks

Look forward to seeing you at Autumn Fair Birmingham Hall 4 Stand D41

New For Summer 2009 The Candle Globe

Top Drawer Autumn: J90 • Autumn Fair NEC: 4H34

Another launch of 800+ new lines for AW 2009 Highly rated for fast moving contemporary jewellery, good retail margin, and most efficient service in the trade. 24/7 web order and free next day delivery (£100+ mainland UK) Min only £30

T: 01494 444200 F: 0870 0056921 W: www.jewelcity.co.uk Marcoms House, Abbey Barn Rd, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 1RL

autumn fair

HANDBAG BUTLER Stand 4-A26 Tel: +61 2 9011 5899 Web: www.handbag butler.co.uk Handbag Butler, the Australian-made foldable handbag hanger, is now available in the UK. The handy accessory can be attached to a table top to keep your handbag out of harm’s way. With 25 unique product styles across three ranges – the Printed, Crystal and Sparkle collections - there’s a Handbag Butler to suit most handbags, outfit or occasion. Each Butler comes in a stylish mini purse for easy handbag storage.

FLOWERJEWELLERY.COM Stand 4-L59 Tel: +44 (0)208 521 9151 Web: www.flowerjewellery.com Shrieking Violet will be presenting its range of gifts and silver jewellery handmade with real flowers. The collections include roses, forget-me-nots, poppies, daisies, mixed flowers and even real four-leaf clovers. The flowers are set in acrylic and bound in 925 silver. All come with attractive packaging and each collection includes free point of sale, custom display stand and signs ready for counter-top or shop window. New additions include cufflinks, brooches, ‘Floral Rose’ and ‘Fantasy’ collections. GAELTAG KELTIKA Stand 4-A50/B51 Tel: +44 (0)208 998 1781 Web: www.lolitadesigns.co.uk The quirky and fun brand of hand painted glassware by US artist Lolita is being extended with new lines in both martini and wine glasses. Plus – just in time for the cocktail season in the run up to Christmas – a beautiful Shopaholic cocktail shaker to match the existing cocktail glass. Also new for Autumn Fair, Lolita® is now joined in the Gaeltag stable by the Bella Glass range – 20 occasions-related glasses in novel designs and simple acrylic packaging. A variety of styles across champagne, wine and shot glasses all offer great value ways to celebrate those important events.

MARTICK JEWELLERY Stand 4-K30 Tel: +44 (0)207 274 0333 Web: www.martickjewellery.com Martick Jewellery celebrates its 21st birthday this September. The company offers classic accessories for modern women, pearls for day wear and a number of new ranges of jewellery for the busy season ahead including some glamour lines for party wear – all at accessible prices.

ARTSCAPE PUBLISHING LTD Stand 4-C48 Tel: +44 (0)208 681 8368 Web: www.santaballs.co.uk Artscape has launched a floor standing spinner specifically designed to display its popular range of Santa Balls® gift baubles. Holding 256 of the individually packaged baubles, it provides a neat space-saving solution that encourages customer browsing whilst retaining a smart and eye-catching display. The quirky baubles, printed with witty one-liners such as ‘Christmas is coming - hide!’, ‘ho bloody ho’ and ‘bah humbug!’, make ideal Secret Santa gifts or stocking fillers. “With so many designs to choose from, we found that our retailers needed an easy, stylish way to merchandise their Santa Balls, and the response has been phenomenal!” says managing director Peter Norton.

giftfocus 55

• Seriously Scented Candles • Natural Soaps & Room Sprays • Hand Made in Rural England

Autumn Fair, NEC, Stand 3T10 6th - 9th September

Top Drawer, Olympia, Stand A109 13th -15th September

TALBOT IMPORT CO. Stand 4-G34 Tel: +44 (0)1273 776 415 Web: www.talbotfashions.com To kick start the Christmas season Talbot offers a diverse new range, with over 200 new styles in line with the latest market trends. The company says: “We believe in providing the best possible service and niche products at affordable prices without compromising on the quality. Our valued customers will be delighted to see we have continued to develop our ranges with ideas to inspire.” New lines include resin and metal bangles, ceramic beads, fine cut glass, rich autumn colour pearls, diamante jewellery, brooches, innovative enamel designs, metallic look, stainless steel, three in one trinket boxes and lots more.

T: 01670 789797 F: 01670 789779 E: [email protected]

www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Best Kept Secrets, Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth, NE61 6AW

FURTIVO PUBLISHING Stand 4-E49 Tel: +44 (0)3336 001 035 Web: www.furtivo.co.uk Following its launch in June this year Furtivo Publishing has produced a wideranging portfolio of 108 contemporary greeting cards, using illustration and photography, often combining the two to produce original and quirky products. At the show Furtivo is launching 42 new designs in four ranges. The new spring season ranges include A Lot of Heart, a luxurious Victorian styled Valentine’s Day range. Cheesy Chat-Up uses vivid colours and foils to deliver classic chat up lines, while Lucky In Love is a Valentine’s Day range with a difference - produced for him and her, scratch away the panels to reveal your romantic prize. The company is also launching a classically designed occasions range, focusing on family and home life. 56 giftfocus

Hall 5

THE WHOLESALER UK LTD Stand 5-H30 Tel: +44 (0)1608 645 801 Web: www.thewholesaler.co.uk The Wholesaler UK is celebrating 10 years of online success. Back in August 1999 founder of The Wholesaler UK online directory, David Heasman, saw an opportunity, which became a success story. The internet nowadays is one of the most important tools for people when researching for their businesses but in cyberspace it is difficult to know who you are you dealing with, where they are located, are they bona fide…? That’s where The Wholesaler UK is different. If companies are not UK based, if they don’t hold stock in the UK or they haven’t got verifiable contact details, you won’t see them listed in the directory. That’s the reason The Wholesaler UK believes it is still going strong after 10 years and is continuing to grow. GANDUXER DESIGN Stand 5-J33 Tel: +44 (0)7777 664 480 Web: www.ganduxerdesign.com Ganduxer Design celebrates the autumn buying season with a new timeline giftware range based on Christmas. Learn about the origins of Santa Claus, Rudolph and the first use of the word “Christmas” with their new timeline series giftware range. The new tea towel and mug are hand decorated and produced in Great Britain and make a great gift for the history enthusiast. This is the latest addition to the growing Timeline Series™ giftware product line. The other two design ranges are “Monarchy”, which highlights the royal houses of the Tudors, Stuarts, Victorians and Windsors and the “Time Period” series, which includes Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Based on important milestones throughout humanity, facts are outlined on giftware ranging from tea towels and plates to mugs and beer tankards.

Autumn Fair

Hall 3 T22 / U23

T: 01778 561111 • F: 01778 561115 E: [email protected] www.doradesigns.co.uk giftfocus 57

Autumn Fair Hall 4, Stand A50

autumn fair HOT MUNKEY Stand 5-C10 Tel: +44 (0)1162 417 382 Web: www.hotmunkey.co.uk Following the success of the Mutant Dolls, Hot Munkey has introduced further designs, new fabrics and a new range of quirky vinyl key rings and toys called Popobe, which feature more cute and funky key rings, mobile phone and bag charms. The company also offers the original Voodoo Dolls with new designs and even more fun. There will be some special offer spinner packs for the show only. HEART OF THE COUNTRY Stand 5-F17 Tel: +44 (0)1543 481 612 Web: www.heartofthecountryltd.co.uk Greenleaf, Scented Sachets contain the mineral vermiculite and are infused with home fragrance oils which will fragrance a room for four months and keep customers coming back for more. The Greenleaf Scented Sachet basket spinner doubles as a money-spinner, taking up just over a square foot of shop space, it can go anywhere and it smells great too. Bridgewater Candles offer a complete package with attractive jar, clean burn, great colours, removable hang tag, long burn times, eco-friendly soy vegetable blend wax and strong fragrances from the first burn to the very last. A white dresser is available to showcase the scented candle collections. Buy enough Bridgewater Candle Co stock to fill a dresser, and the company will ship the stock and dresser for free for as long as you sell Bridgewater Candles.

INTELEX LTD Stand 5-L28/M29 Tel: +44 (0)1933 679 777 Web: www.intelex.co.uk Intelex Ltd. has signed a licensing agreement to manufacture a fully microwavable Bagpuss® The popular character is manufactured in luxurious high quality fabric and filled with cleaned wheat grain and a hint of French lavender. To heat, simply place in a microwave for two minutes to release soothing heat and a relaxing aroma.

KRASNAYA NESTING DOLLS Stand 5-B36A Tel: +44 (0)1246 208 482 Web: www.krasnaya.co.uk Krasnaya Nesting Dolls has added several new seasonal options to its range of Painta Pets Paint-Your-Own Nesting Doll kits, including a fun snowman. The design suits the shape of the Russian doll perfectly, and offers an easy and quick winter project, using only two colours – so no irritatingly long waits for drying. The kit contains a three-piece nesting doll in Linden wood with pencildrawn outline, two tubs of paint, a brush, wobbly eyes and full instructions. The dolls are hand made in Russia, all other contents are UK sourced.

giftfocus 59

GREAT GIZMOS Stand 5-G20/H21 Tel: +44 (0)1293 543 221 Web: www.greatgizmos.co.uk Autumn Fair is an ideal time to catch up on all the latest products being launched by Great Gizmos, as the company expands its array of craft kits, toys and gifts. From the 4M range is a selection of new craft kits, including My Finger Puppets. Children can create a variety of animal finger puppets using pre-cut felt pieces and googly eyes. Also included is a 30cm tall, easy-toassemble puppet theatre together with a sample script to help with that first performance. There are also five new kits in the collection of Science Museum endorsed science based kits - Potato Clock, Weather Station, Propeller Racer, Doodling Robot and Brush Robot. Each cool kit is easy to assemble and contains full detailed instructions and fascinating fun facts. Alternatively, Pink Poppy has more than a sprinkling of sparkly accessories to offer for autumn, with two new collections that are sure to be a big success.

HOUSE OF CRAFTS Stand 5-C48 Tel: +44 (0)116 283 8996 Web: www.houseofcrafts.co.uk House of Crafts is introducing two new kits at this year’s Autumn Fair. In addition to their existing offering, which covers Candlemaking, Soap Making, Quilling, Flower Pressing and Pyrography, the firm is launching a Paper Sculpture set containing the materials required to make a selection of paper sculptures designed by Cathie Shuttleworth. The second new addition, Mosaic craft includes a glass votive and a trinket box to decorate with crystalline mosaic tiles supplied. KEEL TOYS LIMITED Stand 5-B20/C21 Tel: +44 (0)1233 506 350 Web: www.keeltoys.com The Keel Toy seal that is attached to every soft toy is recognised around the world as the benchmark for beautiful soft toys, where great designs are coupled with safety assured. Autumn Fair will feature a new comprehensive collection of nursery toys that embodies the Keel brand and offers outstanding value for the consumer and great sales for the retailer! The new spring season range from Keel Toys says it all with classic favourites and novelties to suit all. 60 giftfocus

CRAFTY KIDS Stand 5-C08 Tel: +44 (0)1329 661 161 Web: www.craftykids.co.uk Since last year’s Autumn Fair, Crafty Kids’ range of kits has more than doubled. The firm now boasts 33 fun designs, aimed at encouraging the creativity of children aged from four years up. Each kit includes all the necessary parts, full instructions, glue, paints and a brush, and has been EN71 passed. The cardboard parts and packaging are made from post-consumer recycled waste paper and can be recycled again once finished with. Newly launched are three puppet designs, Clown, Santa and Witch, as well as the first three kits in a new craft range, Wheelie Alien, Messenger Birds and Mouse desk tidies.

Exhibiting our superb ranges of Giftware, Garden Furniture and highlights of our stunning Wall Art collection including new pieces not yet added to the catalogue.

Autumn Fair - Hall 5 Stand F10/G9 Glee - Hall 3 Stand R20/S21 W: www.marvells.com E: [email protected] T: 01939 210 800 F: 01939 210 999 Marvells Ltd, The Warehouse, Station Road, Hadnall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3DD

HEARTWARMERS LTD Stand 5-J08 Tel: +44 (0)1613 037 722 E-mail: [email protected] Heartwarmers is introducing the Country Calico range with 10 designs in different shapes and sizes, to suit all tastes. All the wreaths in the range are made from high quality, durable grapevine and decorated with calico characters and hearts, with the classic chequered ribbon found on the company’s other popular Moneyspinner 1 plaque range. THE LITTLE EXPERIENCE Stand 5-B25 Tel: +44 (0)1903 713 888 Web: www.the-little-experience.com Renowned for imaginative stitching and knitting kits for young crafters, The Little Experience is introducing five new additions to its range. All are designed to be as easy as possible to encourage children to get creative. The new Owl kit contains everything needed to make a fabric owl and her baby, right down to the needle and scissors. The owl pattern is printed onto an unbleached cotton canvas sheet, ready to be cut up, stuffed and sewn together. In addition, the box is printed inside with bits to cut out and make two fun pairs of glasses – one for the child, and one for the owl - making more lovely stuff and less packaging going to land fill. 62 giftfocus

MARVELL’S LTD Stand 5-F10/G09 Tel: +44 (0)1939 210 800 Web: www.marvells.com Premier suppliers of gifts to the trade Marvell’s will be unveiling over 50 new items of stock and showcasing brand-new shelf-ready packaging. The company has been searching hard for the right items to complement its existing offer. Says managing director Dave Marvell: “We are adding to our musical range with sculptures and new wall art lines and we’re also introducing more burnished metal pieces with some vibrant colours which are really in-keeping with both current trends and future palettes.” “But it’s the new packaging which many of our existing customers are most excited about, because we’ve expanded our existing selection of picture boxed wall art to the whole range, making it now ready for immediate shelf sale” he added. ECO FRIENDLY BAGS LTD Stand 5-L46 Tel: +44 (0)1483 723 124 Web: www.ecofriendlybagsltd.co.uk Eco Friendly Bags Ltd source and distribute a range of environmentally friendly bags made from PP non-woven polypropylene. Each bag can be produced to the customer’s requirements and company logos and motifs can be printed on both sides in up to four colours. The company specialises in developing marketing awareness tools for small and medium size organisations, allowing them to advertise in an environmentally responsible and profitable format. The bags are strong and durable and fold into a snap fastened packet to fit easily into a handbag or pocket. The range includes shopping bags of all colours, shapes and sizes with long or short handles, plastic lined bags for caterers, drawstring bags and biodegradable cool bags.

giftfocus 63

PERSONALISED MEMENTO CO. Stand 5-M16 Tel: +44 (0)1782 744 900 Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk Personalised Memento Company will be showcasing many new products, including the Children’s Classic’s collection of inexpensive, ceramic and bone china personalised gifts for occasions like births and christenings. There will also be new, fun alphabet gifts such as breakfast sets, baby clothes and the monster age mugs (pictured). The company will also be launching a new personalised wedding range of gifts for top table and signature plates as well as new sterling silver and silver plated gifts for him and for her. With Christmas fast approaching Personalised Memento Company will also be introducing its new Rooftop Santa collection.

ED HARDY COMPUTER SUPPLIES Stand 5-H73 Tel: +44 (0)1582 841 412 Web: www.edhardycs.co.uk Autumn Fair will see the launch of the latest in computer accessories featuring the images of cult tattoo artist Ed Hardy. The Ed Hardy brand has been a worldwide phenomenon with celebrities such as Paris Hilton, David Beckham, Peter Andre and Sly Stallone “donning” the clothing range. Ed Hardy computer supplies offers a fashionable collection of designer accessories, including mouse mats and mice, USB keys, laptop bags and skins, all featuring the contemporary tattoo art. Colour co-ordinated gift packs or individual products are available. THE IN THING Stand 5-A07 Tel: +44 (0)8453 653 030 Web: www.theinthing.com New for 2009 is The Baby Bow Theo range. This is the latest addition to the Baby Bow range, which was launched in the UK in 2008. The beautifully boxed baby gift range includes comforters, musical mobiles, bears and a variety of gift sets. From the more traditional pastel colours of the core range to the newly launched Theo range of neutral colours there is something to suit all tastes and budgets. Baby Bow is distributed by The In Thing Ltd.

64 giftfocus

BRAINSTORM LIMITED Stand 5-A13 Tel: +44 (0)1200 445 113 Web: www.brainstormltd.co.uk Ever wondered what your dog gets up to when you’re not watching? Brainstorm has the answer - the innovative Pet’s Eye View Camera, due to be launched at this year’s Autumn Fair. The lightweight, compact digital camera can be clipped to the pet’s collar to uncover its secret life. The camera is durable and water-resistant. It has a 640 x 480 resolution and the memory stores up to 35 photographs. The camera can be set to take a photograph once every one, five or 15 minutes. The images can then be downloaded via the USB cable included.

KAPULA CANDLES Stand 5-M06 Tel:+44 (0)1883 340 951 Web: www.kapula.com Kapula offers handcrafted and hand-painted quality candles fairly traded from a South African local community. Available in a wide variety of designs and styles. Kapula is popular in other European countries and the company is excited about bringing the range to the UK for the first time. The candles are made from top quality wax, wick and pigment. And because each candle is handcrafted and hand-painted, no two candles will look exactly the same, making each one a work of ‘the warm art of Africa’.

Please come and check out our gorgeous collection at

Top Drawer Stand G67

Tel: 01604 880066 • Email: [email protected] www.daisy-roots.com

Need a great counter item in your store? Here are 5 reasons why you should try Fridgi! 1 A great impulse buy. Everyone has photos and cards to display. 2 High turnover & profit margins. 3 Repeat sales as customers create photo albums on their fridge & in their workplace. 4 The World’s Best magnetic photo & cardframe in your store. 5 The Fridgi Guarantee: If we can’t help make Fridgi one of the best selling items, we’ll take them back at no cost to you.

Visit us at Top Drawer Stand D88

www.fridgi.co.uk T: 01527 821845 M: 07816 894846 F: 01527 821939 E: [email protected]

*gZVhdchl]nNVc`ZZ8VcYaZœ^hi]ZWZhi½ ™LZVgZi]ZXVcYaZbV`^c\ZmeZgihÄZhiVWa^h]ZYh^cXZ&.+. ™LZXgZViZYi]ZegZb^jb[gV\gVcXZYXVcYaZbVg`Zi ™8dch^hiZcifjVa^inZkZgni^bZ ™I]Z]^\]ZhifjVa^in^c\gZY^Zcihedhh^WaZ ™Jcg^kVaaZYhZaZXi^dcÄcdl]ZgZZahZl^aandjÒcYhdbVcnadkZY[gV\gVcXZhidX]ddhZ[gdb

DgYZgndjghidX`dca^cZVi lll#nVc`ZZXVcYaZ#Xd#j` dgbV`ZVcVeed^cibZciidk^h^idjgh]dlgddbVcYWZcZÒi[gdbZmXajh^kZegdbdi^dchXVaa

%&)*))*)*%%

In this the third in our series on retailer initiatives, industry exper t Clive Harper, managing director of Yankee Candle® Europe, talks about why websites are an impor tant tool in ensuring a successful retail business and how they can not only suppor t your brand but also increase sales. A website is not only a hugely successful tool in retailing it’s also an impor tant one, especially in today’s retail climate. A website is a marketing tool, it helps to build brand new and existing customers and, most impor tantly, suppor ts your shop. Creating a website doesn’t require a huge investment or an in-depth understanding of design or IT. With your shop you are already halfway to creating a website: you have a brand identity, a sign which becomes your logo and stock, all you need to do is transfer this onto the world wide web. Whether you contract an agency to create the website for you or purchase a step-by-step pack to create your own (from as little as £30), the most impor tant page will be your homepage. This is the first page a customer views when they visit your website, and therefore your first chance to make an impression. Remember that not all

“A website is a marketing tool, it helps to build brand new and existing customers and, most impor tantly, suppor ts your shop.” visitors to your site are target customers – they may have stumbled upon your site or clicked a link, so do not be put off if a propor tion of visitors leave at this point! Your homepage needs to be branded. Successful websites have a banner which appears on every single page on the website. Don’t over clutter your homepage with images and information: keep it simple

and easy to navigate. Use shopping categories to allow customers to find what they’re looking for easily and keep them to a minimum. For example, while ‘Kitchen’, ‘Garden’ and ‘Home Fragrance’ are descriptive categories which give customers a clear understanding of what products will be in them, cost categories are not – how do customers know which price range the product they are looking for falls under? Your homepage also needs to hold search engine keywords which will direct new customers to your site. Create a paragraph which perfectly describes your shop, what you sell and your identity, this will direct customers to your page when they search for any of the words you have used. Although an ‘About Us’ page on your website is recommended, a common mistake is placing this on a homepage, customers are not going to search for how your company was founded! A new website doesn’t require you to purchase new stock, and you don’t have to sell every item in your shop via the site. Try and keep large and bulky items as ‘shop specials’ as postage costs will prove high. However, it’s impor tant to remember that whereas your shop may be the only supplier in your town of a par ticular range or product, on the internet you are competing with retailers from around the country and even the world. Before you add any products to your website use search engines to find any other retailers who are also selling the same product and check not only their prices but also their delivery costs and any other added incentives (such as buy one get one free). You can also use your website to gain

information about your customers and how they have found your website, this will give you an idea of where to adver tise, who your online customers are and, if you have

“Don’t over clutter your homepage with images and information: keep it simple and easy to navigate.” PR, whether this is successful. Use the order form to ask your customers where they heard about you and consider having an option on your homepage for customers to sign up to a newsletter. You do not have to release a newsletter every single week, but you do need to keep to a regular and realistic timeframe. Use your newsletter to talk to your customers about new stock and promotions or competitions. It’s also advisable to set up a Tracker or Analytics account. These are free accounts which will provide you with easy to understand statistics about your website, such as how many unique users (new visitors) have visited each day, how many are returning visitors, and on which page visitors choose to leave your site. Finally, ask people what they think of your website – customers will always be brutally honest and will help you to improve, but beware that friends and family may not tell you what you need to hear! g Further information For further information on Yankee Candle® and advice about retailer initiatives telephone +44 (0)1454 454 500 or visit the website www.yankeecandle.co.uk. giftfocus 67

retailer initiatives

wonders of the web

With Brand Licensing Europe, one of the major events on the licensing calendar, set to kick off in London at the end of September, the world of hot new properties is buzzing. Read on for a glimpse of some of the latest licensed lines to hit the market…

PROPERTY LADDER Brand Licensing Europe 2009 takes place at London’s Olympia from 30th September to 1st October this year. A hotbed of talent, new designs, latest characters and market potential, it’s an event not to be missed. Licensing is a fast-moving world and to help make the most of the show this year three new product showcases are being launched for toys, beauty and the home, designed to highlight how today’s licensing opportunities can translate into tomorrow’s lucrative merchandising programmes. Visit www.brandlicensingeurope.com to find out more. Cult tattooist Ed Hardy has become a worldwide phenomenon, with high profile celebrities donning the quality clothing range featuring his unique art. Now his innovative and instantly recognisable designs are embellishing a range of ‘must have’ designer accessories. Ed Hardy computer supplies include mouse mats and mice, USB keys, laptop bags and laptop skins. All products feature the contemporary tattoo art. Visit the website www.edhardycs.co.uk or call +44 (0)1582 841 412 for details.

Ed Hardy

Rainbow Designs

68 giftfocus

Character gift, toy and nursery specialist Rainbow Designs offer a host of popular licensed product. Managing director Anthony Temple comments: “Licensed ranges never lose their appeal even when times are tough and consumers are watching what they spend. People are drawn to the familiarity of recognisable characters and the reassurance that the gift they are purchasing offers quality, value for money and is significant to the person they are buying for. “At Rainbow, we endeavour to keep our products fresh, innovative and exciting which

is why we’ve given our existing Beatrix Potter nursery range a new look. Refreshed for 2010, the ‘Once Upon a Time’ collection will feature classic Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-duck baby gifts.” Telephone +44 (0)8707 587 700 or visit the website www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk for further details. If (that company called) has introduced a set of four Beatrix Potter™ Notebooks produced in the style of the original First Edition books published by Frederick Warne & Co. in the early 1900s. As far as possible the company has faithfully reproduced the printing methods used; including double debossed cover with colour paste-down and silver gilt lettering to front and spine. The notebooks are available from October this year and come presented in a matt laminated colour display. Visit www.thatcompanycalledif.com or call +44 (0)800 043 0960 for details.

If (that company called)

licensed licensedranges ranges

Inta Collections Ltd

Chronicle Books introduces a range of exciting new gift product this season including The Very Hungry Caterpillar delightful touchand-feel buggy cards. Eric Carle’s children’s classic has delighted readers the world over and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Call +44 (0)208 804 0400 or visit the website www.pguk.co.uk for details. As veterans of the licensing industry Wesco knows more than most how important licensing is to its business. Managing director Rob Hughes comments: “The retail sector is incredibly competitive. The bigger retailers understandably flex their muscles when sourcing new lines; having the best children’s licences gives us an edge. Take our new Peppa Pig lantern as an example. “Peppa is a great licence and this, coupled with cutting edge ‘Blow Motion’ technology, at an attractive price, makes for a great product. “There are very few major retailers who don’t support licensed merchandise. The key for Wesco is in marrying the right licence with innovative product development; it’s a formula that has worked successfully for us for almost 23 years,” he added. For more information visit the website www.wescolimited.com. Wild and Wolf is launching two brand new licensed ranges at Autumn Fair International, at the NEC, Birmingham this September. The Celia Birtwell Collection is a range of gifts for the home and garden featuring her iconic textile designs. Famed for her hand drawn prints, inky florals in cream and Aztec prints, Celia Birtwell is an icon of British fashion and design. The collection is a celebration of her classic designs and includes garden and home accessories featuring some of her favourite prints, sourced by Celia herself from her sketchbooks and archives.

Inta Collections Ltd. first approached Land Rover in early 2007 with the idea of producing retro gifts to celebrate the Land Rover marque. The company was inspired by the original illustrated artworks that Land Rover used in their brochures and advertising during the 50s and 60s. “Land Rover was also looking to broaden its appeal via the high street and build on its heritage and brand, so were happy for us to produce a range of quality gifts in accordance with their very high standards,” says Inta’s Tina Dixon. “They were impressed by the samples we produced and granted us the licence.” The initial gift range consists of a Vintage T-Shirt-in-a-Tin, in six designs and a matching range of mugs. The company is currently adding some exciting new products that include a First Aid Thermal Mug and Polo shirts. Call +44 (0)1277 841 593 to find out more. Colourful and fashion-inspired, the Caroline Gardner property looks set to continue charming gift buyers thanks to new autumn arrivals in stationery, home and bedding. Blueprint’s new extensive stationery gift range, includes notebooks, diaries, photo albums and notecards, featuring Caroline’s fabulous floral designs mixed with funky spot and stripe linings. Email [email protected] or call 0845 217 2400 for details. g

Wesco Lim

The new Gruffalo Collection is based on the classic children’s books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The range includes children’s breakfast set, milk and biscuits set, mugs, ceramic money box, croquet set, wooden magnets, tins of pencils, giant snap cards, notebook, lunch box, water bottles and tins of plasters. Wild and Wolf ’s Ladybird Archive Collection featuring products with fun and nostalgic images from the Ladybird Book archive won Gift of the Year awards this year in two categories, Branded Character and Stationery. Latest introductions to the range are six activity kits - printed tins full to the brim with fun stuff to do, with more additions to come later in the year. Log onto www.wildandwolf.com or call +44 (0)1225 789 909 to find out more.

ited

Chronicle Books

olf Wild and W

Wild and Wolf

Blueprint

giftfocus giftfocus 69 69

acid

exhibitions – make every pound work harder! Every single pound spent investing in exhibiting and promoting your existing and new products needs to pay dividends and increasingly so in a competitive market. So what really are the practical steps you can take to protect your new designs and maximise the potential return on investment? You are going to be at the show to do business but nevertheless your products could be vulnerable to copying. What are the laws that protect you and how can you ensure that you have done as much as you can? Dids Macdonald, CEO of Anti Copying in Design (ACID) advises… New products/new designs

Brochures/marketing materials

If you are bringing a new range to market, check out the viability of registering your design. There is a choice of relying on Unregistered Community Design (UCD) lasting three years or applying for a Registered Community Design (RCD) lasting 25 years, renewable every five years available either from www.ipo.gov.uk or www. oami.europa.eu. In order to be able to register a new design it must be “novel” and have individual character. Don’t forget that if you are relying on Unregistered Community or Unregistered UK design, if you are unlucky enough to be copied, you will have to a) prove copying and b) provide evidence or an audit trail behind your new product or design in order to substantiate your ownership.

The original “copy” in your brochures or marketing material attracts copyright protection so don’t forget to put the copyright © on your work, the name of the copyright owner and the year it was publicised. The © is not essential but will indicate when it was created (and therefore protected) and the name will also indicate who the copyright owners are. Imaginative and catchy “copy” to successfully describe a product or service is often plagiarised. Also images or photographs attract copyright so if you are using images belonging to others always seek a licence and permission to use.

What is an audit trail? Basically, signed and dated drawings, or a signed and dated photograph of your work, preferably in as much detail as possible. If there were various design stages, ensure that these are also recorded in the same way. A benefit of ACID membership is the Design Data Bank, where you can send as many copies of new designs as you wish, free of charge. This does not add to your rights but provides independent evidence of the date received and stored at the ACID offices. At an exhibition always ensure that this information is easily accessible. In any dispute the onus is on the complainant to provide evidence of ownership, originality and also the date of creation.

Brand protection Protecting the name by which your company is known and has established a reputation is key and applying for a UK trade mark or community trade mark to protect your name is advisable and strengthens your brand protection. If you have a registered trade mark you can display the ® symbol.

No photography Remember with phone cameras etc, your designs can be sent across the world in seconds and could be mass-produced before you even pack up your stand. Diligence is paramount, so, display a ‘No Photography’ sign and always insist on information about usage if you allow photography on your stand. If you are exhibiting at the Autumn Fair all exhibitors will be given a ‘No Photography’ sign.

ACID will again be supporting all exhibitors at the ACID accredited Autumn Fair International at Birmingham’s NEC from 5th-9th September. They can be found in the entrance to Hall 3 or call the mobile IP hotline 07956 229876 if any exhibitor has a copying complaint or simply needs IP advice. Careful handling of your dispute can have a swift and satisfactory outcome using the ACID Exhibition Protocol, a mediation framework for complaint handling. In the latest ACID IP myths and howlers, Andrew Lee of ACID Accredited law firm McDaniels & Co put together some useful answers to queries that are frequently asked on the ACID hotline.

Will posting a copy of my work to myself help to prove its origination? Known as the “poor man’s copyright”, posting a copy of your work to yourself is not a reliable method for proving origination. The reason for this is that the method can quite easily be faked and manipulated. The best way to deal with origination issues is to ensure all preparatory documentation that goes into the creation of a work is signed by the author, and dated, then stored in a safe place. Such documentation could include sketches, drafts, plans etc. However, once the work is complete, filing a copy of the work with a recognised third party such as a solicitor, bank or independent organisation will help giftfocus 71

acid provide independent evidence of a latest possible date of creation. ACID offers such a service through the ACID Design Data Bank and all members should take advantage of this.

Do I have any automatic protection abroad? Depending on which rights subsist in your work, you may have some protection abroad. European Community unregistered design right extends to all 27 member states. UK unregistered design has reciprocal protection in certain countries, the most notable being New Zealand. Copyrights also have protection in other jurisdictions, as the UK is a signatory to various international conventions, which provide for reciprocal protection. However, you should always consult a lawyer for specific advice because whilst the above is set out in simple terms, a careful analysis is required to determine the scope and extent of your protection abroad.

If I change seven things is it okay to copy something? This is a very dangerous and common myth. For example the test for copyright infringement is whether the alleged infringing piece reproduces the whole, or a substantial part, of the work. The test for this is qualitative not quantitative. Therefore, if someone copies what may only be a small amount of the work, but qualitatively speaking that part is a substantial part of the author’s skill and labour, they will be infringing. Furthermore, someone may reproduce a work in a completely different form but still infringe. For example, a written story in a book could be infringed by someone creating a picture board of that narrative. Two totally different expressions - but one would still infringe the other.

ACID lobby – a call for action to improve a designer’s lot! And finally, ACID lobby has launched two petitions to the government following the recent White Paper consultation responses from the Ministry of Justice which the organisation believes failed to satisfactorily address the issues of exemplary damages and the lack of criminal sanctions for design infringement. Many may not know that deliberate copyright infringement which can be proved beyond reasonable doubt is a criminal offence so why not design right infringement? Please email ACID for the links to view our petition or visit the ACID website www.acid.uk.com. The more people who sign our petition the better chance ACID has to get a better deal for designers. g

Further information For further details about ACID visit www.acid.uk.com. 72 giftfocus

Images for licensing

T: +44 (0)1789 261868 E: [email protected]

www.clairehenleyart.co.uk

mrs

oth

Molly

Hazel Bee

Mae

bo

pushing the envelope Greeting cards provide a valuable add on sale for many gift shops. Even in the recession some suppliers have been reporting increased sales particularly in the luxury and handmade sector. We open the envelope on some of the latest deliveries…

Buttongirl Designs is initiated from Trudy Willoughby’s love of embroidery and drawing with stitch. Her greeting cards are printed on quality board from her original embroidered designs. “I have recently added glitter, bows and a special button on each card, a feature that is distinct in the greeting card industry today. Therefore making them even more desirable to those who enjoy sending a special card to their loved ones. I love to design greeting cards appealing to all ages from my sophisticated ‘Amelie’ range of beautiful dresses and shoes to my ‘Ickle girl’ range expressing a quirky and fun feel. I like to think there is something for everyone,” says Trudy. With many publishers using computer-aided design to create their ranges she wanted to give buyers something different by using stitch, fabric, ribbons and trinkets. “My distinct style has enabled my collection to stand out from the crowd, and gain recognition from consumers,” she adds. Visit www.buttongirl.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)1767 315 612 for further information. 74 giftfocus

British designer, Emily Burningham, is well known for her use of beautiful colour in floral and seaside designs printed on high quality greetings cards and wrapping paper. All designs, including the latest collections, can be viewed on the comprehensive website www.emilyburningham.com. Emily has also launched a new range of notebooks, notelets and gift tags to complement the existing range. Call +44 (0)207 431 0361 to find out more. ‘Made with love by mrs booth’ was founded by graphic designer Judith Booth after she was unable to find a suitable alphabet frieze for her children. She began designing her own, developing a collection of simple, colourful children’s gifts and cards with a nostalgic feel. “I endeavour to produce all my paper products sustainably, using recycled paper and bio inks and I work with printers who are local to me and share that commitment to the environment,” she explains. For details call +44 (0)207 372 6314 or visit the website www.mrsbooth.com. Molly Mae presents a collection of individual, contemporary charity cards this Christmas in support of the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group. The range consists of eight designs for family members and friends, including Baby’s 1st Christmas, Across the Miles and Thinking of You. Using talented artist, Stacey Barthorpe’s hand drawings and incorporating the Molly Mae quirky patterns, these complement the nine new, all occasion ranges. The Christmas cards are 162mm x 229mm,

esigns Buttongirl D Emily Burningham

People may be tightening the purse strings but when it comes to greeting cards many are prepared to pay more for that extra something special. For those taking the trouble to send a card, quality and perceived added value are often key influences. Humourous ranges continue to be popular, particularly in the current troubled times. More and more people are looking for quirky and original designs, handmade or hand finished cards. Some even serve as gifts in their own right.

mrs bo oth

Mae Molly

greetings

Hazel Bee

Cards of Characte r printed on high quality, FSC accredited specialist board, hand-finished with glitter and individually wrapped with a red envelope. Point of sale display boxes are available. Email [email protected] or go to www.mollymae.co.uk for further information. Illustrator Hazel Batten set up her own ecofriendly company called Hazel Bee, selling her simple line-drawn designs on greeting cards. The cards are 100 per cent recycled and also biodegradable. She plans to expand her range to include other products with her designs, such as pencil cases and mouse mats made from recycled car tyres. Telephone +44 (0)7707 736 456 or visit www.hazelbee.co.uk to find out more. Cards of Character are popular with all ages and have appeal for all occasions. They offer something different, especially for those who appreciate a nostalgic snap shot from the past. Many have witty captions to put a smile on people’s faces. The cards are created from authentic old photographs, many over 100 years old. They evoke memories of times past and the range is increasing all the time. All cards are printed on paper from a sustainable source and supplied with a recycled envelope. They are designed, printed and packaged in the UK. Visit the website www.cardsofcharacter.com or telephone +44 (0)1491 833 800 for further information. Switchfriends offers a novel range that serves both as a cheery greetings card and a novelty children’s light switch cover, with fun illustrations for boys and girls. The business was set up three years ago by former actress Suzy Kendall and children’s book illustrator Francesca Martin. The greeting cards double as wall light switch covers and are made of rigid recycled laminated card. They are 20cm x 9cm in size and come in 35 designs including fairies,

iends

Switchfr

pirates, footballers, and a full range of animals. Aimed at little ones to teenagers, they are packaged in a euro slot cellophane bag with instructions and an envelope so they can be posted as a card and gift. The switch covers are attached to the wall light plate by two strips of double-sided tape on the reverse. New designs include a polar bear on melting ice with a message to help save the planet by switching off the light. Send an email [email protected] to find out more. Handmade card specialist Blue Eyed Sun has launched a selection of bright eye-catching everyday cards hand embellished with jewels and printed on quality textured board with best selling everyday messages. The range is called Sunshine and currently contains 40 designs in total covering all major occasions, relations and loved ones. There are eight new handmade baby captions in the range and a good selection of numbered birthdays as well. All Sunshine designs are sized overall at 160mm square. All cards come cello-wrapped with a coloured envelope and the designs come in sixes. Blue Eyed Sun is a successful small business now in its tenth year of trading. Its brands include the Gift of the Year award-winning Suncatchers, new Diamonds & Pearls designs, best-selling handmade card ranges, Kaleidoscope and Brighton Rock and their unique handmade Glass Enamel cards. Visit www.blueeyedsun.co.uk or email [email protected] for details.



Little Fingy is a business bursting with exciting ideas. Its hand-knitted finger puppets are available on a range of greeting cards to spread fun far and wide. The cards come with a menagerie of different animal puppets including farmyard favourites. Christmas finger puppet cards are also available for delivering festive cheer. The knitters are based in villages in the Andean regions of South America. The work enables villagers to stay in their rural communities and gives women the opportunity to work from home, bringing up their families while contributing to the family income. Visit the website www.littlefingy.com to find out more. g

Blue Eyed Sun

Little Fingy giftfocus 75

top drawer

New men’s range from Heyland and Whittle

triple top To hit the bullseye this season go for triple top at Top Drawer – the design-led trade show that promises to deliver top products, top trends and top results…

In brief show when where website organisers opening times admission

Top Drawer is being billed as the perfect show to discover top products and top trends to deliver top results for retailers. With 600 selected exhibitors, buyers can wrap up their Christmas ordering and preview spring 2010 collections. Following the successful introduction in January, Top Drawer will once again be organised into five zones to help visitors make efficient use of their buying time: Gifts, Home, Fashion, Children’s and Stationery & Greetings. In the heart of the capital, with free business advice, trend forecasts and market insights, Top Drawer promises to be a ‘must-do’ event. Show director Neil Gaisford explains: “At Top Drawer we are passionate about retail and design. Our aim is to ensure Top Drawer gives retailers a competitive advantage by showcasing unique products they won’t find anywhere else. “Right now, more than ever, it is imperative that buyers have the right offering that will set them apart from anyone else. With over 600 carefully selected, unique British and international brands as well as designers, Top Drawer gives retailers product that delivers top results.” There will be over 200 new companies launching at the show, offering the latest product lines to help retailers gain a competitive edge. The seminar programme will provide free advice from specialist industry consultants who will be sharing the secrets of successful retailing and tips on how to grow a business. The line up of speakers includes top names like Kelly Hoppen, who will be talking about her new products and experience as a retailer

and designer. Top Drawer also, welcomes Rachel Ashwell, who is behind the trend Shabby Chic. The feature area, a key aspect of the Top Drawer brand, will again be in prime position by the entrance to the show to help buyers source not-to-be-missed new product.

Top Drawer 13th-15th September 2009 Olympia, London www.topdrawer.co.uk Clarion Retail Sun & Mon 9.30am-6pm Tues 9.30am-5pm Trade only, admission is free if you pre-register, otherwise entry is £20.

certification of eco products will once again be a feature, ensuring buyers can source green products with confidence.

Product GB This year, the show boasts over 100 companies with products designed and made in Great Britain. These companies will be identified at the show via the Product GB trail.

designGAP To celebrate 30 years of success at designGAP and to build on the demand for creative designers, a brand new section of Top Drawer is dedicated to over 40 designer-makers based in Britain.

ECO Certified Following its success at previous shows, designer and eco-warrier Oliver Heath’s

The Top Drawer awards will also be returning, and retailers can look out for winners to be announced at the show. g

giftfocus 77

JACKIE BRAZIL STAND H50 Tel: +44 (0)1212 885 830 Web: www.jackiebrazil.com

LOVE FROM FLO STAND E101A Tel: +44 (0)1782 751 248 Web: www.lovefromflo.com

A new autumn/winter range by Sobral will be previewed this season by popular brand Jackie Brazil. In the Retro and Art Deco collections, dashes and whirls of neon and pastel shades contrast against purple and black, all set in the trademark Sobral resin to create statement pieces. Season after season Jackie Brazil presents a truly modern and cosmopolitan collection, each piece capturing the essence of Rio’s glamorous party culture.

Cheshire-based greeting card designer Dawn Critchley is launching a new line in her Love From Flo range of greeting cards. The new collection consists of 24 luxurious greeting cards called 'Chocolate Delights' – all with a chocolatey theme. With eye catching colours, designed to flavour the orient, the cards feature a cluster of hand crafted artisan chocolates individually finished with a sprinkling of gold glitter and a hand tied bow, printed onto silk textured metallic board, to complete the taste of luxury. The range covers key themes for female occasions, age and relations, in the popular size of 155mm square and are supplied wrapped with a bright pink envelope.

POLTSA STAND J71 Tel: +44 (0)208 395 6152 Web: www.poltsa.co.uk Poltsa will be showing the new Luna Llena range by its Barcelona based designer. The eclectic combination includes classic tweed, modern leather-look handles and trims, plus fake gems and romantic black lace embellishments. 78 giftfocus

ALIROO LTD STAND G132 Tel: +44 (0)1491 612 837 Web: www.aliroo.co.uk New from Aliroo, Tweet is a collection of 20 cards covering many occasions including New Baby, Valentine's and Mother's Day. All cards are 125mm square, printed on a lightly textured card and hand finished with grosgrain stitched ribbon and sparkly gemstones. Cello wrapped with a coloured, co-ordinating envelope. Mini singles and multipacks of Easter and Thank you cards are also available.

top drawer

KAZURI STAND H11 Tel: +44 (0)1449 616 991 Web: www.kazuribeads.co.uk Kazuri has launched a new autumn collection of handmade, ceramic jewellery from Kenya. Fresh colours in the fair trade range include a grey and blue combination called Sea Storm. Founded by the late Lady Susan Wood, Kazuri is still located where she first started creating employment for struggling single mothers in Kenya in 1975. Now employing 350 local women the company workshop is in Karen, named after Karen Blixen of 'Out of Africa' fame, on part of the farm once owned by her.

SIGHT STATION STAND H91 Tel: +44 (0)1322 315 447 Web: www.sightstation.com Sight Station is at the forefront of designer, unisex reading glasses, sun readers, sunglasses and fashion frames sold in the UK. The new collection features stripes, diagonals and bold lines in Atlantis, Harley and Stanford ranges. Retro styling continues to be a strong trend for 2010, as seen in the round, tortoiseshell readers Rupert and angular cut sun readers, Brando. Feminine designs Darcey, Saigon and Tracery showcase the latest trends with intricate laser work and diamante sparkle.

CHRONICLE BOOKS STAND D46 Tel: +44 (0)208 804 0400 Web: www.pguk.co.uk Chronicle Books is introducing a range of new gift product this season. There are new lines from emerging and established designers and illustrators including Junzo Terada, Joy Cho, Suzy Ultman, Eric Carle, Paul Frank, and Lotta Jansdotter. From Lotta Jansdotter there is a set of new label and sticker designs and Lotta’s Printing Studio, a DIY kit for home decorating. Eric Carle offers touch-and-feel buggy cards and Chronicle Books also welcomes Paul Frank’s Julius with his own touch-and-feel buggy cards and sticky notes. New designer ranges include Oh Joy! by Joy Cho. This elegant design features flowers and lace-effect patterns integrated in sophisticated colours with foil stamping. Japanese artist Junzo Terada graces the company’s growing list with three gift products: Magical Menagerie play and display animals, a flexi-journal and a postcard selection.

INOVAIR LTD STAND D24 Tel: +44 (0)208 892 4361 Web: www.pairfum.com Pairfum’s Flacon range offers an eco-friendly alternative in couture perfumes for the home. The range boasts a number of green credentials including only using alcohol made from molasses and compostable packaging. The Flacon range is just one of a collection of environmentally friendly flame and fragrance products available.

giftfocus 81

Baby Gifts with the WOW Factor Beautiful Baby Clothes Bouquets No Minimum Order On-line Ordering Now Available contac t us for a fr ee sample

www.theflowerstork.com email: info@theflowerstork.com tel: 01495 303030

CLIFTON CAKES STAND A128 Tel: +44 (0)1179 277 693 Email: [email protected] Frances Cooley is the owner of Clifton Cakes – a boutique cake maker and chocolatier, who has been creating distinctive, one-of-a-kind cakes for over a decade. She has developed a unique range of chocolate shoes and handbags under the name ‘Choc Chic’. The range features beautifully designed and packaged Belgium chocolate shoes, hand crafted out of the finest Belgium chocolate, with an edible chocolate ‘Choc Chic’ label inside each shoe. The chocolate stiletto shoes perfectly combine two of the things women love most - chocolate and high heeled shoes. Ideal special occasion gifts, to admire and eat. ‘Choc Chic’ are packaged in a clear plastic package and can last for six months if kept cool and dry (not refrigerated).

ROSEHIP STAND E106 Tel: +44 (0)1179 710 340 Web: www.rosehipcards.co.uk Rosehip are makers of modern British stationery. Their new Christmas collection is playful and upbeat, with a retro Scandinavian feel in vibrant and eye-catching colours. The collection includes cards, gift-wrap, paper decorations, ribbons and gift tags. The products are made using environmentally friendly materials and are designed and produced in the UK.

82 giftfocus

top drawer

HEYLAND AND WHITTLE LTD STAND C10 Tel: +44 (0)1293 863 606 Web: www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk Heyland and Whittle offers a collection of natural soaps and other great gifts, all beautifully packaged to make the perfect present. The company is extending its range of luxury British made soaps with new products including extra fragrances for its reed diffuses, 100 per cent organic bars of soap, little soaps in hat boxes and a range for men.

VELVET OLIVE STAND F82 Tel: +44 (0)8452 577 701 Web: www.velvetolive.co.uk Velvet Olive will be launching social stationery this year at Top Drawer. With eight cards in each pack, matching pearl or silver envelopes, all beautifully packaged, there are six options to choose from including birth announcements and thank you cards. Five new designs for ‘The Classics’ range will also be unveiled. Following enthusiastic response to the debut of the ‘Wordy’ range, another seven occasions have been added. giftfocus 83

REDDOG STAND G26 Tel: +44 (0)1873 840 100 Web: www.bagpod.com Exclusively made for RedDog, the BagPod handbag organiser is an ingenious “inner bag” that lives inside a handbag. The product provides a stylish solution to keeping possessions organised, safe and accessible, plus users can change handbags with ease without leaving anything vital behind. Handcrafted in leather with a soft velvet lining, the BagPod can be used in a handbag, gym bag or briefcase, or even on its own as a stylish clutch bag. Currently available in two sizes and seven colours, a new canvas version will be making its debut at Top Drawer.

LITTLEMISSMATCHED STAND A102 Tel: +44 (0)5601 166 698 Web: www.littlemissmatched.co.uk LittleMissMatched is on a mission - to solve the age-old problem of the disappearing sock and transform everyday products into ‘must-have’ accessories. ‘My Fabulous Socks’ in packs of three were just the beginning. The company now boasts a host of products from books to gifts, pyjamas to pencil pouches and flipflops to babywear. Pom Pom Legwarmers were a hit last year and now there are four great new designs for 2009. Plus Armwarmers have been added in three great designs. In addition there are eight styles of Fuzzy Socks and three brand new Fuzzy Knee High socks to add to sales in 2009. 84 giftfocus

MONICA BOXLEY STAND E99 Tel: +44 (0)208 568 3755 Web: www.monicaboxley.co.uk Talented designer Monica Boxley will be showing her latest Marianne bags and the new Ruby bag at Top Drawer this autumn. Made from the finest Italian leathers, each bag is unique and carefully handmade in London, inspired by nostalgic style but with a contemporary feel. The new designs are available in a range of bright colours as well as classic black, chic grey and warm brown, all with a characteristic and fun spotty lining.

BEST KEPT SECRETS STAND A109 Tel: +44 (0)1670 789 797 Web: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Made on a farm in rural Northumberland, Seriously Scented candles have been the leading product for Best Kept Secrets for over six years. The company offers a range of 50 fragrances, to suit every room, occasion and season. Freshly Baked Shortbread in the kitchen, Watermelon in the lounge, Coastal Breeze in the bathroom. Customers testify to great fragrances and long burn qualities.

DRH Collection

Pearl and Earl

the good old days The current recession has sparked a wave of nostalgia, fuelling growing demand for retro gifts, evoking rose-tinted memories of ‘the good old days’… When the going gets tough there’s often a tendency to look back in search of comfort and reassurance, revisiting what’s often perceived as simpler times when everything seemed rosy. Nostalgia has never really been out of fashion but these troubled times have certainly seen a resurgence, with wartime slogans like ‘Make Do And Mend” and “Keep Calm And Carry On” cropping up on everything from teatowels to mugs and bags. And it’s not just the oldies that get it, there’s broad appeal for a whole new generation of fans as well. Youngsters are loving the whole nostalgic and retro craze too because it’s something different and cool! The DRH Collection introduced new collections this summer from American designer Rosanna Bowles. The Wish You Were Here range is an iconic collection of individually boxed porcelain mugs featuring imagery of glamorous Mediterranean beaches from the 1950s. The monochrome photos are designed with ‘corner mounts’ to give an authentic photo album feel, while the bathing costumes are colour accented in eye-catching red, yellow, orange or blue. Visit www.thedrhcollection.com or telephone +44 (0)207 249 0710 for details. Pearl and Earl will be one year old on the 18th September this year. Defying the economic climate the company’s collection of nostalgic homeware and gifts has earned it a multitude of fans in its first year. Creator Jacqui Pearce designs and illustrates all the product range from her home studio, drawing inspiration from personal memories of her childhood. 86 giftfocus

She says: “We believe our fresh palette and iconic nostalgic designs have captured the current zeitgeist.” Email [email protected] or telephone +44 (0)1903 885 456 for further details. Wild and Wolf’s Fantastic & Co Mechanical Collector series is a quality collection of wind up tin mechanicals. The tin collectables can be traced back as far as the 1920s to the Shanghai Toy Makers, a group of craftsmen, designers and engineers well known for their dedication and skills. Wild and Wolf ’s Fantastic & Co series opens with ten favourites including the Lilliput robot and the Sunbeam racing car. Classic novelties, games, jokes and tricks from Ridleys House of Novelties, is another retro range from Wild and Wolf offering great gifts for grown ups and kids. For the company Marlene Dixon comments: “As more and more people are staying at home and staying in, it seemed the right time to bring out a range of classic toys, games, jokes and tricks that families can have fun with together. The Ridleys range is really all about nostalgia and remembering those fun times of yesteryear, teaching the kids how to make their own fun at home, spending time together as a family and all for a few bob.” Visit the website www.wildandwolf.com to find out more. Jam Tart has introduced a great new range featuring fun prints capturing all the fun of the fair from our very own English seaside. The new line expands the company’s existing collections of gifts and homeware, featuring images of beach huts, camper vans, retro cars and scooters. Telephone +44 (0)1789 205 732 or visit the website www.jam-tart.com for details.

Wild and Wolf Jam Tart

Xystos

nostalgia

Puckator

Churchill China

Remembering a time before congestion charges and speed cameras, when a sleeping policeman meant a dozing bobby and you could still fill up for less than a couple of quid, Car Couture from Xystos relives those glorious carefree days of open top motoring. Beautifully sculpted classic marques and characters of the era recapture all the thrill of the wind in your hair. Phone +44 (0)1914 991 570 or email [email protected] for further information. Cath Kidston is one of Britain’s leading designers, famous for her vintage prints. Her mix of patterns combines with the whimsical, nostalgic and the classical, to give a refreshingly modern edge. New from Churchill China is a gift range for kids featuring her designs. The two children’s breakfast sets Pink Sprig and Racing Car, depict images of florals and racing cars. Visit the website www.churchillchina.biz or call +44 (0)1782 577 566 to find out more. Puckator’s range of Traditional Tin Toys in “old fashioned” packaging are sure to raise fond memories from grand parents and parents alike. In addition to Tin Toys, Puckator has just released a range of Retro Rocket money boxes, bringing back memories of puppet TV shows from the 1960s and 70s. View all the designs online at www.puckator.co.uk. Look back and reminiscing over the old country fashion way of life, Enchanté has launched a range with a nostalgic feel. The Sewing Room collection includes clocks, trays, cabinets, frames and trinket boxes to name a few. With rustic style wood, pincushions, buttons and spools, they collectively bring back childhood memories of embroidery and needlework. Visit the website www.enchante.co.uk to find out more.

Enchanté

Lagoon has launched a new range of sportsthemed Vintage Games. Derby Day, Hole in One and Goal! are all authentic reproductions of card games produced in the 1950s. Managing director Heather Watherston says: “Customers love the idea of giving a game that they played when they were young as a gift. “They also want games that are value for money and that the entire family can play together – whatever the age differences.” Family favourites including Happy Families, Snap and Old Maid are another of the company’s latest “new” lines. The three reproduction card games are sold together as a gift set. Visit the website www.thelagoongroup.com for details.

Lagoon

Two’s Company by Mulhouse offers a vintage style range including Kitchen Couture™ vintage full and half aprons in assorted patterns, vintage pyjama shorts and Tea Time™ appliqué tea towels in four different designs. Email [email protected] or call +44 (0)1949 850 115 for further information. g

Two’s Company giftfocus 87

green gifts

ax

os vir En

HOT GREENS When it comes to retailing the message is - greens are good for you. Despite the economic downturn many shoppers are staying loyal to green principles. With increased choice and major strides in terms of design, quality and styling, demand for eco-friendly products continues to rise. Shopping with a clear conscience remains high on the retail agenda. Even though times are tough, tightening the purse strings has failed to deter the green shopper when it comes to gift buying. Demand for sustainable goods and products made and sold with consideration for the environment continues to influence manufacturers and suppliers. According to the latest findings of leading market research company Mintel, sales of ethical clothing in particular have more than quadrupled in the last five years to reach £175 million in 2009. Future growth prospects look bright as ethical consumerism continues to influence the market in not only clothing but also many other product sectors and services. Says Mintel: “Existing buyers are tied by emotional attachment to ethical practices, while more exciting ranges and improved availability are further stimulating sales. This will increasingly attract new buyers.” The green movement has triggered a backlash against single use plastic carrier bags backed by many high street stores, independents and shoppers alike. Working together, leading supermarkets and their customers have almost halved the number of carrier bags handed out. Having achieved a cut in bag numbers of 26 per cent by the end of 2008 (compared with 2006 figures), supermarket customers have extended this to a 48 per cent reduction in England in just five months. Comparing May 2006 and May 2009, 346 million fewer bags were used by customers in that one month. The new figures announced by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) have been compiled by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) from the retailers taking part. At the end of 2008, seven BRC supermarket members voluntarily pledged to reduce the number of single-use carrier bags used by customers by 50 per cent

by the end of May this year, compared with May 2006. The participating supermarkets are Asda, Co-operative Group (now incorporating Somerfield), Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. The revolt against single use plastic carriers has spawned big business in reusable and environmentally friendly bags. Envirosax® is one of a number of companies leading the way. Their reusable bags are not only compact but also offer a fashionable alternative. The eco-totes can be folded to the size of a mobile phone and stored away in a handbag or back pocket. There is also a children’s collection, slightly smaller in size, and designed with bright and fun characters. Envirosax believe that educating the next generation about re-use is a great first step towards becoming more ecoconscious in the long term. Pouches of five Envirosax bags are available, ideal to store in the glove compartment for the weekly shop. There is also an Organics range of bamboo, linen, hemp or Peruvian cotton totes. For further information visit the website at www.envirosax.com. Eco Friendly Bags Ltd source and distribute a range of environmentally friendly bags made from PP non-woven polypropylene. The company specialises in developing marketing awareness tools for small and medium size organisations allowing them to advertise in an environmentally responsible and profitable way. The key environmental benefits are that the bags are made from recycled polypropylene and are completely recyclable and biodegradable. No water is used in

Eco Friendly Bags

Envirosax

their manufacture and they incinerate without polluting the atmosphere. The practical benefits are that they fold into a snap fastened packet enabling them to fit into a handbag or pocket. The designs are strong and durable and include shopping bags of all colours, shapes and sizes, plastic lined bags for caterers, drawstring bags and biodegradable cool bags. For details of the complete range or email [email protected] or telephone +44 (0)1483 723 124. g giftfocus 89

HOT GREENS

most wanted This year Gibsons has launched a range of educational children’s puzzles entitled My World. Created in conjunction with child psychologist, Dr Amanda Gummer, the jigsaws help children’s development, linking to the Early Learning Goals and National Curriculum. The ‘planet friendly’ puzzles are made on recycled board and in Britain, so they haven’t travelled far to reach the consumer and have a small carbon footprint. The range consists of eight puzzles aimed at pre-school children covering themes such as farmyard and jungle animals, nursery rhymes and everyday experiences. Each box features a slot in the lid allowing children to post the pieces back inside. The company won a ‘Gold’ Good Toy Award 2009 for the My World range. Visit www.gibsonsgames.co.uk to find out more.

Deco Bloomers are a new range of decorations made from 100 per cent recycled paper, embedded with seeds. When ‘planted’ the paper breaks down into the soil — and the seeds germinate to produce seedlings. Choose from Hearts in reds, pinks and purples or Blooms in yellows and greens. Scatter them around a table centrepiece or party venue — and afterwards give them away as favours. For the festive season decorate the tree with Deco Bloomers — and afterwards plant them to grow your own Christmas tree! Festive Deco Bloomers contain s p a r k l i n g mica flakes — and spruce tree seeds. “Decorations are so often used for just one day, and then either discarded or kept away and forgotten,” says Rani Deshpande, creator of the Deco Bloomers collection. “Instead why shouldn’t decorations have a second function? By planting Deco Bloomers, you and your guests will have memories of the occasion long after the day has passed. And with Festive Deco Bloomers you have the opportunity of creating a sustainable Christmas tree for the future.” For further information visit www.plantabloomer.com or telephone +44 (0)208 947 6420.

90 giftfocus

d r a o b d Paper an

Handmade, eco-friendly sari journals are available in various sizes and colours from Paper High, a member of the British Association of Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS). Handmade in India to fair trade guidelines, they are filled with Khadda paper, recycled cotton paper, which is smooth and easy to write on. The paper is made at a charity paper making workshop in Rajasthan where a percentage of the profits are given to development projects for women in rural villages. Paper High is a company that values fair trade and has a passion for the environment. To find out more visit the website www.paperhigh.com.

Hobby notebooks from Shruti are available in eight designs featuring gardening, cookery, travel and other designs. Clever journals with little pockets and an assortment of paper, plain, lined and squared - great for travelling, gardening, cooking notes or simply for doodling. They come with assorted paper styles all made from 80gsm recycled paper and 80gsm recycled paper pockets. Covers are made from mill-made cartridge paper from a sustainable source. Visit www.shrutidesigns.co.uk or call +44 (0)1453 889 490 for details.

green gifts

Fraser Studios is now distributing Beanpod, from S.C. Johnson, a market leading fragranced ‘green’ candle. There are over 50 candle fragrances, and a further 50 different bead fragrances in tubes, which can be added, giving 2,500 combinations. Managing director Colin Fraser explains: “If, for instance, you take the Toasted Hazelnut candle and add the whipped cream beads, you create a unique fragrance.” “What’s more, each Beanpod candle uses natural soy wax, which gives a longer burn time than the petroleum based candle and it also burns cleaner.” The Beanpod’s eco-credentials include a natural cotton and lead-free wick and it is also biodegradable. Colin adds: “The big thing about ‘green’ and organic products is that although we like the idea of buying them, we are normally asked to pay a premium, so people often have second thoughts at the last minute.” For further information call +44 (0)1592 774 540 or email [email protected].

;

d n a s e l Cand ories access

Pairfum claims to set a new benchmark for eco-friendliness with its Snow Crystal Candle. Pairfum have used a lead-free crystal glass, natural cotton wick and carbon dioxide neutral wax, which is completely100 per cent natural and bio-degradable. In addition only water-based solvents and plant based colours are used in the packaging so it is compostable. For details visit www.pairfum.com or call +44 (0)208 892 4361.

The Beanswax™ collection from Yankee Candle® offers an earthfriendly home fragrancing choice for the festive season. The 100 per cent natural soy wax is gently fragranced with Yankee Candle’s signature scents to create a collection, which brings together festive spirit with genuine earth-friendliness. The frosted green glass tumblers are created from recycled glass, pine lids are sourced from sustainable sources and the wicks are 100 per cent natural. With demand for warm, comforting fragrances during the colder months, Yankee Candle® has blended three long-lasting fragrances for the Christmas collection - Christmas Pine, Yuletide Spice and Christmas Biscuit. Available in three styles, large frosted tumbler, small frosted tumbler and travel tin, Beanswax™ offers a stylish, eco-friendly home décor statement. To find out more visit the website www.yankeecandle.co.uk.

These colourful lanterns from Two’s Company are environmentally enlightening. Made from recycled metal cans and scrap metals, they are a truly eco-chic product. Available in assorted designs and sizes to hold pillar candles or tealights. Call +44 (0)1949 850 115 or email twoscompany@ mulhouse.co.uk to find out more.

giftfocus 91

HOT GREENS

most wanted y k n u f d n a Practical

Unique trendsetting handbags and accessories made by reusing and recycling materials that would otherwise be overlooked or thrown away. The innovative process of reusing and recycling the most unexpected materials has become the canvas for a range of intriguing ideas. To own a Littlearth handbag is to make a fashion statement whilst going some way towards saving the earth. For further information call +44 (0)141 639 704.

Two’s Company by Mulhouse offers colourful eco-friendly photo frames made out of recycled rice sacks. Previously used to store and transport grain to local dealers the jute bags take on a new lease of life as stylish frames. The company also has photo frames made from recycled computer keyboards. For details call +44 (0)1949 850 115 or send an email to [email protected]. Sleek and practical, the newest addition to the eco-friendly Onya range is the H2Onya, a stainless steel reusable bottle, designed to be a constant companion, saving money and the planet at the same time. Available in five different sizes, for a compact 350ml to a robust 1.2 litre model, the reusable bottle is made to last. Fashioned from a single piece of stainless steel, the bottle is easy to clean and free from nasty chemicals. Easy to hold the H2Onya comes with a choice of two different lids, a sipper cap or traditional twist cap, which includes a handy carabineer clip. With more than 500,000 Onya reusable bags sold to date in the UK, founder of the eco-aware brand, Dan Brousson decided to launch the H2Onya in a bid to tackle the growing issue of waste from discarded plastic bottles. The bottles come packaged in a practical tube, which can either be recycled or used as a storage container. Visit the website www.onyabags.co.uk for further information. 92 giftfocus

Highly Commended in the Eco Friendly category of this year’s Gift of the Year Awards, Sarah Hill’s Salopian Wine Cheese Platters are practical and green (and other colours too). The Shropshire glass artist has expanded from her glass jewellery range to produce the eco- friendly cheese board. Never short on creativity she has developed a method of flattening recycled glass bottles to create a completely smooth and hygienic cheese platter shaped like a bottle. The bottles are collected from local business and friends around North Shropshire ensuring they have a low carbon foot print. Each platter is accompanied by a hand-crafted cheese knife with a reclaimed wood handle, all made in Shropshire. They make a truly individual gift and are presented in woodwool in a bespoke gift box. To find out more call +44 (0)1939 236 478 or visit the website www.sarahhilljewellery.com.

www.fairtradewholesale.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 01620 824 392 Top Drawer Stand No. K10

EcoFriendlyBagsLtd Raise consumer awareness in an environmentally responsible format

Autumn Fair Hall 5 Stand L4 6

Eco Friendly Bags specialise in marketing awareness tools for companies and retail outlets. The primary marketing vehicle is reusable environmentally friendly carry bags. Eco Friendly Bags source and supply environmentally friendly bags with a difference. Each product has added value features and benefits: Folds to pocket size, opens out to shopping bag size, made from recycled spun bound biodegradable polypropylene, strong and durable. Eco Friendly Bags are washable, air permeable, liquid repellent and much more.

Character Novelty Company Caricature Printed Toilet Rolls

Eco Friendly Bags will design, source and supply bespoke products in affordable quantities, whether for retail, free gift or as a premium marketing tool. Available in boxes of single units, counter top display units or floor standing display units. Quantities packed to your criteria. The example shown has been designed and produced for retail outlets and holiday accommodation in the medieval tourist village of Lavenham in Suffolk. Bags can be designed with long and short handles, side pockets, business card holders and much more.

Telephone: 01483 723124, Fax: 01483 755432, Email: [email protected] Registered company: 6914319

www.ecofriendlybagsltd.co.uk

Over 20 designs Gift Box Merchandised Bespoke designs available Visit the Character Novelty Company website

www.characternovelty.co.uk to see the full range of caricatures available. For all enquiries email [email protected]

Visit us at Autumn Fair - HALL 5 Stand L46

T: 01225 868788

E: [email protected]

www.heavenscent.co.uk

tendence tendence

Bauholz Design

tendence’s got talent Despite a marked fall in visitor numbers design talent shone through at the latest edition of international trade show Tendence. Sarah Reeve reports back from the show held in Frankfurt, Germany this July… The global economic downturn took its toll on this year’s Tendence, the established international home and gift fair. Overall there was a 20 per cent fall in visitor numbers. While the number of German visitors remained relatively stable, dropping by around eight per cent, the number of overseas buyers fell substantially by roughly a third across the board. “Our fairs present a mirror image of the current situation in the international market and this was to be seen clearly at Tendence,” explains Dr Michael Peters, member of the board of management of show organiser Messe Frankfurt GmbH. The economic gloom failed to dampen enthusiasm however and many exhibitors reported doing good business despite the fall in footfall. Influential buyers attended, keen to stock up on new, quality products. Koziol

The show attracted 2,091 exhibitors from 63 countries and over 50,000 trade visitors from 97 countries looking to source latest products for the busy festive period ahead. As well as market leaders and long established exhibitors, there were new companies and up and coming new design stars introducing exciting product lines to the market. Talents A hotbed of fresh talent, the show provides a launchpad for exciting designs and ideas many never before seen. With a keen eye on current trends for sustainability and individuality, young designers presented their first prototypes, providing an exciting showcase of unique and avant-garde product and a fascinating insight into the design world of tomorrow. The idea of the Talents promotional programme is to pave the way for design newcomers to break into the business world. This year Messe Frankfurt gave 42 international young designers and university graduates the chance to exhibit at Tendence free of charge. Sisters Tineke and Marieke Willems from the Netherlands exhibited their contemporary designs including Float, a unique handmade chandelier made out of hundreds of fishing floats all hanging from coloured fishing wire. Visit www.tweelink.nl or send an email to [email protected] to find out more. Next Next, another of Messe Frankfurt’s promotional programmes, allows young design companies with some initial business experience, to present their collections to a wider international audience. Following the success of the first Next, the programme was extended to cover three

Tweelink product segments at this year’s Tendence. Participants showed cutting edge furniture design, trendy children’s products and innovative jewellery creations. Personal Shopper This year’s Personal Shopper special show was the work of design studios Doshi/Levien from London and Polka from Vienna, who selected products from throughout the show. Trends Trends reflected in various sectors included a natural theme for the home with real wood and natural stone playing a leading role. This contrasted against bold colours and the use of high-grade plastics for versatile product lines suitable for indoor as well as outdoor use. The main colour accents in evidence for the autumn/winter season included red-blue mixtures, such as claret, violet and lilac, seen alongside a wealth of white, silver-grey, gold and beige shades. Bold colours including acid green, bright orange and neon pink found their way on a diverse range of products, with more muted tones of burnt orange and deep purple for the months ahead. The growing trends for socialising at home and hand-crafted products, both practical and whimsical were also reflected. As an antidote to the gloomy economic news, manufacturers of indoor and outdoor products presented fun products wit lots of bold, bright colours. Garden gnomes and Easter bunnies with metallic surfaces and neon shades were easy to spot. In contrast the ongoing natural trend offered gentle colours such as sand and stone and wickerwork for outdoor use made using rattan or willow. The next Tendence will be held from 2nd to th 6 July 2010. For further information visit the website www.tendence.messefrankfurt.com g giftfocus 95

news round up All the latest from The Giftware Association

Doom-mongers blamed for denting consumer confidence Downbeat stories in national newspapers and on radio and television about the economy and swine flu are denting consumer confidence, according to retailers who attended a meeting arranged by The Giftware Association at Home & Gift. Isabel Mar tinson, the association’s chief executive, repor ts: “Our members felt that negative repor ting was causing them problems. They had some respite when MPs and their expenses were centre-stage, but now the national consumer media has returned to its old and, some may think, tired agenda. “Some fantastic ‘good news’ stories about retailing are never covered. There are cer tainly areas – par ticularly tourist spots – where our members are doing really well. The general picture being painted is, in many cases, not typical of what is happening on the ground.” Retailers are concerned that ongoing media negativity is unhelpful and leads to shoppers being more reflective when considering their purchases. However, this has not prevented buyers from being positive. “Retailers seem to be ordering more 96 giftfocus

frequently to manage their cash flow,” says Isabel. “Many suppliers at Home & Gift said how well they had done at the show, which illustrates that there were some serious buyers in Harrogate.” Isabel explained that the focus group meeting enabled retailers to share their retailing experiences. “Although they would not be so keen to discuss things with a competitor a few doors away or another gift shop in the same town, they are prepared to talk openly and honestly with retailers from other par ts of the country who they do not perceive to be a threat. “These meetings also enable them to exchange contact details so that they can pick up the phone and discuss concerns. It can sometimes be a lonely business!” Following the retail focus group meeting The Giftware Association organised a ‘happy hour’ get together, hosted by the Cairn Hotel, Harrogate, which Isabel hailed a great success. “Suppliers and retailers do not get together often enough, so this was a great oppor tunity for them to network and also talk to show organisers,” she added. GOTY show house This year’s Gift of the Year winning and highly commended products will be on display in a special show house in hall 4 at Autumn Fair International, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham from 6th9th September 2009. Gift Focus Magazine and sister title Attire Accessories were proud to be headline sponsors of the awards for the first time this year. Copies of both magazines will be available from the show house.

Charity shops: The Giftware Association investigates The Giftware Association’s retail members have again raised concerns about charity shops and the perceived advantages they enjoy over traditional retail outlets.

“There appear to be one or two urban myths about the alleged benefits of charity shop status, so the association needs as much factual information as possible” The association is to investigate the issue and is asking members to let it have hard evidence and facts, as well as their own thoughts and experiences. “There appear to be one or two urban myths about the alleged benefits of charity shop status, so the association needs as much factual information as possible”, says Isabel Mar tinson. “We can then assess whether we think our members are getting a raw deal and, if necessary, lobby the appropriate organisations.”

Calling all retailers! The Giftware Association is to consider holding retail-focused workshops/seminars after its AGM or on another suitable day. Says Isabel Mar tinson: “We appreciate that while many of them benefit from the relevant seminars at trade shows, not everyone can spare the time to attend. Given a sufficient level of suppor t, we will discuss with retailers a programme that meets their requirements.” Interested members should contact Isabel Mar tinson on 0121 237 1103. g

Further information For the GA log onto www.ga-uk.org

AVjcX]Zhi]Z9^ccZglVgZ8daaZXi^dcWn9ZcWn I]ZZmXajh^kZVcYZXaZXi^XYZh^\chd[BdchddcVgZXdbW^cZYl^i] 9ZcWnÉh'%%nZVghbVcj[VXijg^c\ZmeZgi^hZidegdYjXZV hijcc^c\Y^ccZglVgZXdaaZXi^dc#

D[XdjghZ!WZ^c\9ZcWni]Z[djgWZVji^[jaanXgV[iZY[Zb^c^cZYZh^\ch ^cÒcZX]^cVVgZegVXi^XVaVcYYjgVWaZ# I]^h^h9ZcWnVhndjÉkZcZkZghZZc^iWZ[dgZ

8dciVXi/%&,,(,)%,%%lll#YZcWn#Xd#j`

fine dining The tableware sector has been through turbulent times and companies have had to evolve to keep pace with changing consumer tastes and lifestyles. We take a look at some of the current offerings to grace today’s tables…

One outcome of the economic downturn has been to fuel a growing trend for dining in and entertaining at home in favour of going out. This has seen renewed enthusiasm for home and tableware, from stylish, statement pieces to vintage inspired ranges as well as contemporary and colourful collections to counter the recession blues. People increasingly want to stamp their own personality on their homes, with eclectic, mix and match ranges. Teatime is a great British tradition and one that is also enjoying a revival in many homes, with vintage-style tea sets and accessories finding favour. Family mealtimes are at the core of many Creative Tops

Haba

homes and you can never start children off too young. Little ones will love the fabulous range of children’s tableware from Haba – sure to get them clambering to the table to eat with their favourite mealtime characters. The Infant Bear Tableware set includes a bowl, plate, drinking cup, knife and fork. Made from shatterproof melamine, the set is totally dishwasher safe. Haba’s tableware sets also

include the themes Construction Site and Flower Fairies all with table mats and cotton bibs to match. For slightly older toddlers, Haba’s new Princess Rosina and Knight Julius tableware is likely to be a big hit, with the likeable characters decorating melamine plate, bowl and mug. Another best seller for Haba is the Tableware Tower sets, which add fun to mealtimes. With two themes, Animal Jungle and Magic Mountain, kids will love the stacking sets which include a plate, cup, bowl and eggcup. For more information on the whole range of children’s tableware from Haba visit www.haba.co.uk or email [email protected]. Creative Tops offers a stunning collection of co-ordinated V&A ceramics inspired by unique artwork taken from the archives of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Each design has been interpreted using original material to create strong commercial surface patterns, while retaining the rich cultural history of the V&A archives. The striking new collection features selected designs taken from the company’s successful mug range including Victoria, Brocade, Chinoiserie and Brompton Rose. Cup and saucer sets, six-cup teapot, tea-forone, cake stands, sugar bowl and creamer, dinner, side and soup plates are available. Call +44 (0)1536 207 710 or email [email protected] to find out more.

98 giftfocus

tableware tableware

Denby From teacups to table runners, Denby has been creating must-have pieces for 200 years. One of the country’s most innovative, homegrown brands the company has responded to changing lifestyles with designs that are both stylish and practical. Latest launches include Monsoon Home’s Dinnerware Collection. Known for its feminine and exclusive eclectic designs the Monsoon collection blends together the exotic allure of eastern colour and prints with a western bohemian style and influence. Combined with Denby’s expertise in manufacturing ceramics, the dinnerware collection is stylish, practical and durable. The entire range can be used in the oven, dishwasher, microwave and freezer. There are four exclusive designs, all crafted in fine china including Lucille Teal, a decorative collection of silver and teal on fine, soft cream china, which draws inspiration from 1950’s lace. For details call +44 (0)1773 740 700 or visit the website www.denby.co.uk. Vivo, the new stand-alone tableware brand from Villeroy & Boch, has launched two new lines. Designed to bring a touch of playfulness

Vivo to everyday tableware, the vivo brand offers innovative and high quality pieces aimed at the younger, style-loving consumer. The new Lucky Loop design features a vibrant graphic pattern of concentric circles in orange, blue and blackberry. Distinctly modern with a slight retro twist, the collection is colourful and striking. Lucky U is a simple, white porcelain tableware range with rounded lines and unusual proportions. The minimal design is accentuated by raised dots and circle-withincircle elements to add interest and texture. For further information visit www.vivo-vb.com or call +44 (0)208 871 0011. At the heart of Stoke on Trent, Repeat Repeat designers Gillian Naylor and Mark Faulkner, are continuing to manufacture contemporary, original and award-winning tableware. Passionate about keeping the traditions of the pottery industry alive, Gillian says: “In spite of the decline of manufacturing in the area, we are committed to carry on and to keep the heritage of the locality where we live and raise our family.” Their range includes The Skinny Jugs,

available in three different sizes, which look great as a set. The smallest is ideal to serve cream or milk and complements perfectly with their Skinny and Tubby Mugs. Telephone +44 (0)1782 845 870 or visit www.repeatrepeat.co.uk for further details. Alessi’s Tonale tableware is a new collaboration with architect David Chipperfield. Suited to modern dining, the combinations of bowls in different sizes and shapes, plates, multi-functional beaker, tray and wooden platter, embody the spirit of Chipperfield’s architectural work. The simplicity of antique Korean stoneware and the soft pastel hues of Italian artist Giorgio Morandi inspire the range, which is both sophisticated and multi-functional. Durable and tactile stoneware is the basic material used to create the range. Pieces are offered in a choice of softly coloured pastel matt glazes to allow an individual interpretation of the setting. Visit the website www.alessi.com to find out more. g

Repeat Repeat

Alessi giftfocus 99

A?;\j`^egf`ek cXj^fn>()/IN ad_lkkfe7Yk`ek\ie\k%Zfd k\c&]Xo1'(+(**0+0).

hot property

Get the low-down on hot new properties and latest licensing deals

hot property Re:creation introduces LEGO ® LED lighting range New for autumn/winter 2009 re:creation group is introducing LEGO LED lighting products from IQ Hong Kong Ltd. The LEGO lighting range combines the fun and nostalgia of the LEGO mini-figure and brick with a handy light source. With a variety of six products to choose from, the range is available in an array of sizes including a pocket sized mini torch key ring, dynamo torch and lantern. Equipped with its own generator, the dynamo torch is environmentally friendly. By turning the crank handle, power is generated, which is then immediately stored in the flashlight until it is needed. The LEGO light lantern uses four white LED lights for 360 degree illumination whilst the brick light can be mounted to walls, under shelves or carried for emergencies. For more information visit www.recreationplc.com or call +44 (0)1189 736 222.

Artlist Collection photography secures new licensing deals Artlist Collection’s photography brands The Dog, The Cat and The Pig, part of the 4Kids Entertainment portfolio of properties, have scored a series of European licensing deals. In the UK and Ireland, Decortex Ltd. has been signed to produce The Dog-branded pet products, including leashes, collars, dog bedding, mats, clothing, and bowls, expected to launch at retail in October this year. This is the first time a pet deal has been signed in the UK for the brand. Another UK first is an apparel deal for The Dog, The Cat and The Pig, with Fashion UK set to produce branded T-shirts. Deals have also been struck In France, Poland, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland for branded lines ranging from children’s nightwear and T-shirts to wall stickers and stationery. Also, a multi-territory deal with Carlton Publishing will see gift books featuring The Pig roll out across the US, the UK, France, Italy, Greece, and the Nordics. For further information email Jane Garner at [email protected].

Hannah Montana magnetic bookmarks Disney’s worldwide hit rocks its way into a set of six magnetic bookmarks from If (that company called). From average schoolgirl teen Miley Stewart by day to pop star sensation Hannah Montana by night, the shaped, gloss laminated bookmarks bring to life the buzz of the Emmy award-nominated television show, now a big budget movie too. Available with free display with all starter pack orders. Visit the website www.thatcompanycalledif.com or call free 0800 043 0960 for details.

Simply Gorjuss™ Santoro has been appointed as licensor of Gorjuss™, an appealing property with a following amongst crafters, digital artists and collectors of fine art prints. Illustrations of the Gorjuss girls and their world are created by Scottish artist Suzanne Woolcott. Her original artworks feature stripy-socked female characters, wildlife and childhood toys in a rich and appealing palette of colours. The key themes are love, innocence, serenity and the capacity to dream. Suzanne has exhibited her paintings and prints worldwide and established successful licences with partners such as Scottish firm Sugar Nellie, who produce character stamps. Santoro is developing quality stationery and greetings cards and licensing opportunities will extend across broad product sectors ranging from children’s books and publishing to collectables, bone china mugs, nostalgic gifts, bags and purses and more. For further details telephone +44 (0)208 781 1104 or email [email protected]. giftfocus 101

hot property Cult dining New product lines for Rosenthal UK include the colourful Flowers & Butterfly range by Andy Warhol, for Thomas. Made from high quality porcelain, dining gains cult status thanks to the new short sets. The images float colourfully over plates, bowls, mugs and cups. Curved egg cups and egg-shaped salt shaker are special highlights of the collection. For further information visit the website www.rosenthal-uk.com.

Fin-tastic fun

Bathtime with Cath Kids Heathcote & Ivory is delighted to announce the arrival of Cath Kids Baby Toiletries. The formulations are made with as few ingredients as possible in line with Heathcote & Ivory’s philosophy ‘pure and simple works best’. With a gentle floral scent the toiletries are formulated to be mild and gentle for baby’s sensitive skin. The aloe fragrance is phthalate and allergen free and contains no parabens or colours. The collection comprises gentle shampoo and body wash, baby lotion, bottom balm, duck shaped soap, travel set and baby birth gift set. For further information visit the website www.heathcote-ivory.com.

Purple Ronnie: game on! Purple Ronnie computer gaming accessories are set to hit major retail outlets this autumn. Purple Ronnie images and poems will be featured on the range of Nintendo DSi and DS Lite accessories from Venom, a leading accessory supplier specialising in the video gaming market. Licensed by Coolabi, which owns the rights to Giles Andreae’s cheeky rhymester, the Venom range of products will include DSi and DS Lite peripherals, a flip and play case (with stylus), a six-pack of game storage cases and Ronnie’s Purple Pack, an accessory pack including styluses, headphones, screen protectors, wrist straps and other essentials. All the products include strong packaging featuring illustrations of Ronnie and specially written poems. The first three releases, at the end of August, will be the DSi/DSL Purple Pack, the DSi/DSL games cases and the DSi flip and play case. To find out more email UK sales manager [email protected] or call +44 (0)1763 284 181. 102 giftfocus

Shreds has introduced new licensed character gifts featuring Santoro’s Tutti Cuti™ Mini Love Kitty and Jeli.Deli™ Shark & Hammer. Celebrating the joys of cooking with mum the ‘let’s bake biscuits gift set’ features a wipeable baking dress. The set is packaged in a keepsake tin and includes butterfly and flower shaped biscuit cutters, a wooden spoon and rolling pin with recipe card. The collection of Shark & Hammer boy’s themed products include a ‘let’s get snappy’ stencil set; comprising stencil, paints and brush, wipeable wet suit inspired tabard and assortment of shark themed bags including duffle bag. Telephone +44 (0)1526 320 450 or email [email protected] for details.

Celebrity chef debuts first kitchen range Italian celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo is launching his first ever range of branded cookware and kitchen electrical products under an exclusive licence with Ultimate Products. The launch of the “Gino Influence” range comes as the cookery expert and TV presenter - who first came to the nation’s attention on BBC’s popular Ready Steady Cook - releases his new cookbook, Buonissimo! Under its exclusive licence, Ultimate Products has created a comprehensive range of contemporary kitchen products, including pans, knife blocks, crockery, mixers, blenders, slow cookers, grills, ice cream makers and Italian-style coffee makers. Ultimate Products designs and supplies a wide range of products, including homewares, lighting, toys, jewellery and electrical products to retailers around the world. To find out more call +44 (0)1616 271 400 or visit the website www.ultimate-products.co.uk.

'SBODFT
$PMMFDUBCMFT Specialising in Betty Boop, Disney Range, Rupert the Bear, The Muppets, Winnie The Pooh, Garfield, Whimsical Figures and Mr. Bean. Frances Collectables Ltd is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of resin figurine decorations that are designed and sculpted by world acclaimed artist Peter Mook. Visitors are welcome by appointment. Carriage paid £375

BRAND NEW in the UK! Betty Boop

Please note Frances Collectibles Ltd will not be exhibiting this year at Autumn Fair. Contact us now or check our website for our brand new products just in.

Frances Collectables Ltd T: 01702 544546 F: 05600 498490 E: [email protected]

www.frances-giftware.com Unit 50 Magees Nurseries, Windsor Gardens, Hawkwell, Essex SS5 4LH

y

nke

u tM

Ho

s

avie

D Joe

cool teens, hot products

s

sign

De er t s a Dis

You have to be on your toes to keep pace with the fast-moving teen market. One day’s must-have craze can be old hat the next. For retailers looking to cash in on this demanding sector the quest for the next big thing is never ending. We showcase just a few of the latest hot products for cool teens… Cool characters combined with practical products make a sure-fire winner for teens. For gifts which are bang on trend Rainbow Designs offers collections featuring some of licensing’s most loved characters. The Snoopy ‘Original Since 1950’ range is contemporary yet retro and offers an array of practical gifts. Great for boys and girls alike, the Snoopy collection features leatherette, rivet and swing tag detailing and gifts include a canvas satchel, co-ordinating canvas wallet, mug and a selection of stylish stationery. Wallace & Gromit get set to celebrate their 20th anniversary in September and Rainbow’s collection of product featuring the dynamic duo is perfect for teenagers. Trendy teens will love the new packaging created to reflect the brand’s fun and humour, and gift buyers can

igns Rainbow Des

select from mugs, plush and stationery. The updated Miffy Classic collection has a fresh new look. With distinctive artwork and classic primary colours with a twist, the new collection features a fab range of girlie gifts including plush Miffy characters, a mug, stationery and a host of quality impulse buys. Managing director Anthony Temple says: “Teenagers can be tricky to buy for as trends and the latest ‘in’ thing can change so rapidly. Gift buyers want to know that their gift is relevant, appropriate and will be well received. “Rainbow’s recipe for success in developing gifts for teens is to give classic characters a more contemporary twist and create products which are cool, stylish and practical. “Boys in particular can be harder to buy gifts for so our Wallace & Gromit and Snoopy ‘Original Since 1950’ ranges are perfect they combine the brands’ fun, humour and retro appeal with products that are useful.” Visit www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk for details. Disaster Designs has been around for about 10 years wholesaling funky gifts, fashion accessories, and homewares. Its giftware department has grown and grown and offers a whole host of design-led products, bang on trend, including a cool accessory line featuring iconic images of the Beatles. Visit the website www.disasterdesigns.co.uk to find out more.

104 giftfocus

Following the success of the Mutant Dolls, Hot Munkey has introduced further designs, new fabrics and a new range of quirky vinyl key rings and toys called Popobe. Sure to be a winner with teens the range includes cute and funky key rings, mobile phone and bag charms. See more at www.hotmunkey.co.uk The teen market is a very large - teenagers with part-time jobs and allowances often have more disposable income than their parents and certainly have more time to shop! The giftware market is definitely female led and this is particularly true for teenagers. According to leading suppliers Joe Davies girls tend to buy fashion related, trendy and cute gifts and spend their money buying presents for friends and family and to keep up with the latest trends. One of the company’s popular lines for teenage girls includes brand new beauty salon accessories with tweezers, nail clippers and nail files all printed in girly designs. For fashion accessories Joe Davies’ Glamour Girl Gift Watches are another hot line, with interchangeable bezels and straps to suit any teen outfit. Teenage boys are a more difficult market to crack as they don’t tend to buy gifts for each other, but are more of a self purchase usually to decorate their bedrooms.

teen market

Xystos

s

avie

D Joe

or t

mp ot I

Co

Talb

Puckator Joe Davies aims to hit the mark with their new Jurassic Junkyard Dinosaurs. Made using old bicycle chains, screws, nuts and bolts, they should have instant appeal for boys of all ages. For more details call +44 (0)1619 756 300 or email [email protected]. Teenagers are notoriously hard to buy for, however Puckator has come to the rescue with its new range of teenage gifts. Products include the funky Pop Art Camper Clock and must have Mood Rings. The full range can be viewed at www.puckator.co.uk. Motoring enthusiasts continue to be well served by Xystos and Street Machines cater for teens as well as older enthusiasts. The range is described as ‘gift ideas for petrolheads with a passion for power’. The name of each racy model reflects the power and punch of the range – from Wild Child to Fireball. For further information phone +44 (0)1914 991 570 or send an email to [email protected]. Shruti

Shruti offers bags of gift ideas with teen appeal including pencil cases, jewellery boxes, notebooks, washbags and other items. The male/teen designs, which are new and currently selling well, include camper van, toy cars and retro camera ranges. Visit the website www.shrutidesigns.co.uk to view more. Two’s Company has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the demanding teen market. It offers a host of attention grabbing items – sure to catch the eye of even the most fickle teen. Fun products include girly bags, funky accessories and the popular Sweet Shop collection which features Candy and Ice Pop make up mirrors and irresistible lip glosses in a variety of guises like the Ice Cream pen and lip gloss combo. Call +44 (0)1949 850 115 or email [email protected] for details.

boys and girls, at affordable prices without compromising on quality. Visit the website www.talbotfashions.com to find out more. g

Two’s Company

It’s hard to imagine teenagers chatting around the dinner table but the latest offering from Fink is designed to achieve just that! Working with teen coach Sarah Newton, Fink has developed the teenage edition of its popular conversation cards. Suitable for ages from 12 years up they are designed to get parents and their teens talking. Topics include sex and relationships, health and emotions, citizenship, drugs and education. For details visit www.finkcards.com. Talbot Import Co offers a diverse range and is constantly updating its offering to keep pace with latest market trends. It offers a wide selection of products to appeal to teenage Fink Cards giftfocus 105

Autumn Fair - Hall 3 Stand SP13

IJL

city gems International Jewellery London has unveiled an array of new initiatives for this year's show, all of which are set to attract retailers looking for new trends and inspirational collections. Read on to find out more... In brief show when where opening times website

International Jewellery London 6 th-9th September, 2009 Earls Cour t 2, London Sun-Tues 10am-6pm, Wed 10am-4pm www.jewellerylondon.com

Innovative and acclaimed designers and brands from 29 countries are lined up to exhibit at International Jewellery London this September. IJL boasts 500 exhibitors, more than 50 hours of free seminars and a whole host of inspiring features, making it a ‘must-do’ event in the business calendar. Headline exhibitors in the prestigious IJL Design Galler y include Fei Liu and Sarah Ho of SHO Fine Jewellery, whilst exciting newcomers for 2009 include Cherry & Coco and Codis Maya in the Design Gallery, Spinning Jewellery in the Silver section, and Veronika Cugura, who join Spreckelsen & Carnevale in Fine Jewellery. A first for 2009 will also be the Hungary Pavilion, featuring Varga Design and Splendor. The Design Gallery will also see the launch of the KickStar t initiative, which is designed to provide a commercial platform for fledgling designers. Working with the BJA, the bursary scheme is set to suppor t up and coming creative talent, whilst providing new businesses with a much needed boost. A top annual attraction at IJL is the selection of Bright Young Gems, nominated by editors and fashion icons as those most likely to make their mark as the next big names in jewellery. With this in mind, IJL has announced the launch of the Astley Clarke IJL Bright Young Gems Gold Award at this year's show. The discretionary award for outstanding craftsmanship will give one new designer, who demonstrates the required innovative and commercial flair, the chance to sell their jewellery online at www.astleyclarke.com. This year will also see the launch of the Editor’s Choice feature at IJL. Top designers and brands in the industry have been invited to submit pieces, from which a selection will be chosen by leading national journalist, Claire Adler. The selected jewellery will be prominently featured at the event, providing retailers and buyers with a valuable snapshot of the latest trends and groundbreaking exhibitors to watch out for in 2010. g

NOMINATION STAND E700 Tel: +39 055 425 471 Web: www.nomination.com This season Nomination launches its first handcrafted collection in sterling silver. The range features necklaces, bracelets and earrings characterised by circle designs that are echoed by cocktail rings and colourful, stackable rings with sparkling stones. The new collection includes interlinking bangles and delicate pendants in fluid forms, whilst the six cocktail rings enhance the elegance of the silver alongside large stones in rich colours. The Italian fashion jeweller y brand Nomination is best known as the original creator of the Composable link bracelet and combines the best of traditional Florentine silversmith techniques with exper t craftsmanship and modish design.

LUCYQ STAND O900 Tel: +44 (0)1244 380 842 Web: www.lucyqdesigns.co.uk Award winning contemporary jewellery designer Lucy Quar termaine’s inspirational designs offer a playful, modern twist to traditional craftsmanship. More than three years after the range was launched Lucy has built her own business bringing fun into jewellery in a stylish way. giftfocus 107

LINDA MACDONALD DESIGNER JEWELLERY STAND N955 Tel: +44 (0)1389 841 848 Web: www.lindamacdonaldjewellery.com

MIDHAVEN LTD STAND D420 Tel: +44 (0)1299 851 513 Web: www.midhavensilver.com Midhaven Ltd was established in 1983 providing quality jeweller y sourced from many par ts of the world, including Italy and the Far East. Midhaven Ltd has added a new collection of bold, oxidised jewellery to its luxury Lavish range. The popular silver, rose plated and yellow gold plated bangles, pendants and earrings will be on view.

Established in 1997, Linda Macdonald Jewellery supplies shops and galleries throughout Britain. Designed and made in the UK the award winning jewellery is inspired by the delicate detail in nature. Linda Macdonald jewellery is recognised for its silver floral patterns with a hint of gold. In recent collections a simple daisy has become a trademark design for the company. These new ranges have been inspired by the Scribbles collection, the company's most successful design from last year, which incorporated wild grasses and meadow flower designs.

PEARLS OF THE ORIENT STAND C805 Tel: +44 (0)1483 533 483 Web: www.pearlsoftheorient.co.uk Pearls of the Orient is a family operated business that first ventured into the world of fine freshwater and South Sea pearl jewellery in 2001. A host of designs ranging from elegant classics to colourful casual styles from the company's new season product launches will be displayed at IJL this year. The necklace featured incorporates freshwater pearls, aquamarine chips, faceted crystals, and a sterling silver clasp, as well as a matching bracelet and earrings.

THE BRANCH STAND M935 Tel: +44 (0)1787 477 005 Web: www.the-branch.co.uk The Branch specialises in designer, handcrafted jewellery combining wood, precious metals and semi precious stones. This season the brand presents a collection that is inspired by the Ar t Deco period with grooved discs of silver and gold, blended with warm, tactile rosewood as a major theme running through the rings, earrings and pendants. Geometric, chain-link necklaces and bracelets in a mixture of gold/silver and rosewood are an instant style statement, whilst other pieces feature the impression of crocodile skin, using lattice work of gold or silver laid over wooden discs. 108 giftfocus

MONILI SILVER STAND B625 Tel: +44 (0)1565 872 220 Web: www.monilisilver.co.uk Monili Silver represents contemporary, fun jewellery that makes the most of the latest high street fashion. A range of rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings, hand made by Italian craftsmen makes up Monili Silver's new autumn/winter collection. Mixing polished and scratched finish sterling silver, the designs combine style with sophistication. The company has also increased the designs in its value range, retaining the trademark Monili style but at an affordable price.

insurance

christmas covered In the lead up to the Christmas period and one of your busiest times of the year, it’s time to start thinking about the new product lines and additional stock you will be carrying. When deciding on the lines you are going to stock over the festive period, insurance is the last thing on your mind but it is important to keep your insurers aware of any changes to the stock you will be supplying. Here Neil McFarlane, of insurance brokers T.H. March & Co Limited, offers advice and tips for carrying extra stock and product lines in the coming months. With uncer tainty in the air, you may wonder how this affects your business insurance. As wholesalers and manufactures supply clients in the run up for an expected busy few months, their stock levels will be dropping. However, traditionally for retailers this time of year is a time when stock will be increased. As a retailer in the lead up to the festive period, should your business alter its products or carry more stock than normal, insurance cover needs to be checked and it is advisable to notify your insurers immediately to ensure that adequate cover is put in place. In the eyes of the insurer, your newly stocked items may be considered to be of a greater risk than the items you traditionally keep in stock.

“As

a retailer in the lead up to the festive period, should your business alter its products or carry more stock than normal, insurance cover needs to be checked.” These risks can include items which pose a greater fire hazard or increase the attractiveness of your premises to a burglar for which the insurers may want to charge an additional premium or require extra precautions to be carried out before agreeing to provide cover. Good examples are if you plan to stock jewellery, watches or electrical goods which are specifically

“ It is important to remember that should you not inform your insurers of changes to your business activities it could enable them to decline a claim presented to them. ” excluded on a number of policies unless you inform the insurer. It is impor tant to remember that should you not inform your insurers of changes to your business activities it could enable them to decline a claim presented to them. If you are a retailer who has stock levels that fluctuate throughout the year then most, if not all insurance polices available today will have a clause contained in the wording, the average clause, that stipulates if a claim should occur, and it is found that the sum insured in place was not sufficient for the values at risk, any claim payable will be reduced by the same percentage as that of the under insurance. You need to make sure that your stock levels do not exceed the sum insured on your policy. An alternative is to have your policy arranged on a ‘stock declaration’ basis. Under this system a maximum sum insured is set at the beginning of the policy period and every month a declaration is sent to your insurer stating what the stock figure held was for the preceding month. At the end of the policy period the stock figures are reviewed and a return premium or additional premium is charged depending

on the average levels held. Clearly the level of cover and complexity as to how this is insured as par t of your insurance programme, will var y from business to business. This is why it is crucial that your exact requirements are understood by your broker and insurer to ensure there are no gaps in your cover. If your stock levels increase by a small amount each year in the run up to Christmas, then the standard set percentage seasonal increase should be adequate. However if your stock levels var y more widely, this would have to be built into your policy individually. Using a professional insurance broker who takes the time to understand your business is an impor tant par t of this process. g

“ If your stock levels increase by a small amount each year in the run up to Christmas, then the standard set percentage seasonal increase should be adequate. ” Further information T.H. March is a well-established family business founded in1887. With offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Sevenoaks and Yelverton near Plymouth, the company has departments covering household, motor, travel, commercial and scheme insurance. To find out more visit www.thmarch.co.uk giftfocus 111

a hot christmas on the high street? Alan Monahan was out and about at Home & Gift, Harrogate to find out how suppliers and retailers view prospects for the fourth quarter John Hammond, chairman of Dartington Crystal:

William Alexander, managing director of Wellington Gifts, Belfast: “Last year we mainly went for planned purchases for Christmas rather than those on the spur of the moment because some of the major stores were selling Christmas stuff at ridiculous prices that we couldn’t compete with. We bought smaller quantities and stuck with the things that we knew we could sell. It worked for us and we had a seven per cent increase in December sales. We will be doing the same this year and if we can maintain those figures I will be happy enough. “Overall, 2009 has been about the same as last year – bumpy, with some months up and some months down. People still have money, but it’s persuading them to spend it – that’s the secret. We are actually expanding our sales area, so hopefully it will work out for us at Christmas and in the new year. When things lift we hope to be there.” 112 giftfocus

“I am quietly confident that it will be a decent Christmas. There are many people staying at home, investing in their own houses. A lot of the market for crystal stemware is towards Christmas when the crystal glasses come out because granny is coming for dinner – so we are moving into the better season. “Dartington has ended up as the largest domestic crystal maker – the survivor – and we are picking up lots and lots of business through special engraving and the ability to make small runs of quality crystal. We have had to reinvent the business, but it’s all coming right.”

Mrs Elizabeth Richman, manager of Paydens, Tenterden, Kent: “We have been trading as a gift store for three years and it’s our best year so far. It may be that people are holidaying at home, but I think we are benefiting because we are in a wealthy part of the country. We are looking for a good Christmas – most of our business is done from October to Christmas Eve. “

Ken Johnson, managing director of Enesco: “I think it will be a good Christmas. We have had an excellent first half of the year and the results from our summer shows have been good. “For retailers there is a certain amount of security in knowing that you have ranges like Willow Tree that sell extremely well. And if you ordered Lilliput Lane now it would be for mid-November delivery because demand has been far greater than we anticipated. It’s a similar story with Border Classic – we’re talking about October deliveries. “The average value of an order is slightly below what it was last year but people are ordering much more often – they want product to sell through, and who can blame them? But at the same time they need something fresh to attract people into their shops. They have to change their displays and can’t have the same thing in the same place all the time. “We are looking all the time at what we are doing; taking into account the changing face of retail and consumer taste. “Multiple retailers, having gone through the first half, are looking forward four, five, six months and have put down some very strong commitments for the second half.”

trade talk

Mike Burgess, managing director of Parlane International: “Our first half was down three or four per cent and I am very pleased to say that in the second half our order book is up almost 20 per cent in the UK. “Generally, we have been selling Christmas from our showrooms since the beginning of April and 95 per cent of customers who come to see us are very optimistic about prospects for the last quarter. “Nobody has high stock levels. They didn’t carry over much from Christmas stock last year, it would appear, and they want new products in their shops in September ready for the season.”

Mike Ganley, vice-president of Gund UK: “The buying bans have got be lifted, otherwise people are not going to have anything in their stores. And if there’s nothing

in their stores they are not going to get the customers in. And if they don’t get the customers in they are going to end up going out of business! “Buyers have been ordering in smaller quantities and because of that suppliers are not stocking up like they used to do. They are not going to sit on lots of cash in their warehouses if people are not going to commit. But now the more professional buyers are actually nailing their numbers to the wall. The start of Home & Gift was really encouraging: on the first day we did as much business as we took in half of the show last year. “Buyers know they are going to need stock – certainly for the last quarter – so I think the general mood is that there is a little bit more optimism than there was a few months ago.”

Jeremy Corner, managing director of Blue Eyed Sun:

Jacqueline Case, owner of Best Wishes, North Lincolnshire: “You have to be optimistic for Christmas because there is so much doom and gloom around! But business has been quite good – running at about the same level as last year – and people are shopping in the local towns. I’ve just bought a second shop, Wishes, in Willerby, Humberside.”

“We are getting more people ordering Christmas cards from us this year and the customers that are buying from us are ordering larger. These sales are up 30 per cent on last year, so this is a real growth area for us. “It’s been a very good year. We have launched a new range, Sunshine, which has been very successful for us – we are selling shedloads. As well as Ruby Christmas and Crystal Christmas, we have introduced black Christmas cards. When you are design-led you must take risks. If you don’t, you won’t be design-led – just run-of-the-mill. It’s the same with shops – the good ones that are pushing it will have to have an element of risk.” g giftfocus 113

brights

1.

all things bright and

2.

beautiful The economic forecast might be gloomy, but there’s plenty to smile about with the rainbow of bright colours currently refreshing the market… When times are tough there’s nothing like a splash of colour to brighten the outlook. This summer has seen a kaleidoscope of bright colours, from acid greens to neon pinks, across diverse product lines from jewellery to tableware and home accessories. Consumers are increasingly looking for bold statement pieces as an antidote to the recession blues. And with autumn approaching the summer brights are mellowing into seasonal hues of burnt orange, deep purples and petrol blue.

3.

4.

1. For a statement jewellery piece the Coco range launched by Fatlip this summer offers two necklaces and three wristies in a stunning combination of colours. (www.fatlip.biz) 2. Add a touch of drama to the dining table with this eye-catching range from Jarapa. (www.jarapa.co.uk)

3. Brighten up a chilly fridge with magnetic photo and card frames from Fridgi in a riot of hot colours. ( www.fridgi.co.uk)

5.

4. For Every Body’s range of colourful candles reflect all the ‘mellow fruitfulness’ of the season. (www.foreverybody.biz)

5. Bright, fun and funky is the order of the day with One Button. Gift of the Year 2009 winner with their Union Jack Bangle range, customers can’t get enough of their fab resin collections. (www.onebuttonuk.com) g

giftfocus 115

HEART OF THE COUNTRY www.heartofthecountryltd.co.uk Tel: 01543 481612 Email: [email protected] Autumn Fair, NEC Birmingham Stand F17 Hall 5

Q&A special

all the answers

Our experts tackle your insurance, retail technology and visual merchandising queries hanging displays Jim Pittman ACII is a Chartered Insurance Broker of T H March & Co Limited. T H March is a well-established family business founded in 1887, with offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Sevenoaks and Yelverton, near Plymouth. The company has departments covering household, motor, life and income protection, travel, commercial and scheme insurance.

Q A

I realise that it is important to be able to hang items easily to make a good window display but I often avoid it because it is a nuisance fixing into our plaster ceiling. I am constantly having to decorate over the holes and sticky patches that I create. Is there an easier way? Alan Springall says: An easy option would be to clad the ceiling with a plywood panel. This would make fixing easier but it would still need to be “made good” afterwards. Two other solutions might suit you. The first is to fix a number of timber battens across the ceiling preferably running parallel to the glass rather than front to back. These should be spaced 15 – 20cms apart but you should also allow about 3cms of space between the timber and the ceiling so that you can easily tie suspension nylon or wire around them. This can be achieved by placing a 3cm piece of rigid plastic tube over the fixing screw after it has passed through the timber and before screwing into the ceiling, to make a spacer. The second option is more versatile but also a little more complicated. The idea is to install a metal grid under the existing ceiling, providing you with many more suspension points. Wide spaced metal grids are quite easy to find at a builder’s merchant and, although cheap, don’t look very pretty and will require finishing with Hammerite, or similar, to prevent rust. If you can afford a grid of smaller squares, or with a more decorative finish, there are specialist suppliers to be found. As with the timber, the mesh needs to be fixed at least 3cms away from the ceiling to allow a tying space. This can be done by fixing 34mm sq. timber to the ceiling first and then securing the grid to the timber with screws fitted with large washers to clamp the metal rods. Alternatively the grid can be hung by means of “S” hooks from screw eyes fixed into the ceiling at regular intervals.

Q

Alan Springall’s work has always involved display and exhibitions, from 13 years in Selfridges’ display department to lecturing at colleges and running a consultancy with his partner. Areas of expertise include design, construction, prop making, merchandise handling, and exhibitions.

David Mackley has 20 years' experience in information technology and is now managing director of Intelligent Retail, the company behind Giftware Connect. Areas of expertise are EPoS, retail IT systems and eCommerce. Call David on +44 (0)845 680 0126 or email him at [email protected].

tracking buyers

Q

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].

What is the best way of finding out how many visitors on my website go on to buy? David Mackley says: Google Analytics gives a method to track exactly what your visitors are doing. With the eCommerce feature, you can set up Analytics to track how many visitors then buy something as well as other useful information.

giftfocus 117

all the answers

You can see how much revenue you have received across a period of time. Also the essential information of what your conversion rate is. Analytics also gives you a picture of a sales funnel and shows you where customers are dropping out of the purchasing process. This allows you to work with your web designers to improve your website. I would recommend looking at where those buyers are coming from, are they coming from the Google natural listings, AdWords or other advertising you are running? Once you have this important information you can tweak your advertising so it is more effective. You can also see Average Order Value so that you can try our different ways of presenting your products, maybe up-selling gift wrap or cards and see what works and what doesn’t.

A

specialist knowledge

Q A

What are the benefits of using a specialist giftware insurer or broker? Jim Pittman says: For any insurance to be correctly arranged it is important that the insurer or broker has an understanding of the risks relevant to specific trades. Failure to understand the needs of the giftware trade correctly can lead to cover not being provided on the correct basis. For example, giftware manufacturers and wholesalers regularly attend exhibitions, displaying their goods. A standard commercial combined policy will not automatically extend to cover those goods at such exhibitions and additional cover needs to be purchased. A specialist broker or insurer will be fully aware of this and would ensure their policy automatically provides protection. Also, exhibitions can get cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances such as a fire or flood at the venue. Very few policies provide this cover. An insurer or broker specialising in giftware would be aware of this and would discuss the situation with their client to make sure suitable cover is arranged.

118 giftfocus

maximum impact

making a claim

I was wondering if you have any views on whether it would be useful to add a website to the overall marketing mix and how we could make it look attractive? Alan Springall says: I am not a website designer but when I have had to incorporate 2-D design elements into my 3-D projects I have found that techniques of structure and composition apply equally well. There are a few good website building programmes available containing design templates for guidance should you feel up to the challenge but, if budget allows, it is probably easier to employ a web designer to do the donkey work. Designers vary in style, quality and price so view examples of their work to make sure that they will suit your company, obtain a quote and, ideally, a recommendation before commissioning them. At the design approval stage some common guidelines are: • Apply a “house” style and colour scheme • Overcrowding tends to look cheap • space around images and text suggests quality • Work within a structure, deciding what is going to attract the eye and how it can be directed around the page. With regard to using the website, it should be easy to navigate and be efficient for selecting product. A succinct description should accompany each item with an option to access more information if required, together with suggestions for purchasing associated merchandise. The website also presents an opportunity for customers to be entertained and educated. Some sites contain pages devoted to new trends, how product is produced, snaps from customers showing ways in which merchandise had been used, the history of the company, invitations to “private” viewings of new stock and exclusive offers. This involves a fair amount of work but the effort will be rewarded by encouraging loyalty, and building confidence to buy.

I am a giftware retailer, what will happen if I make a claim following a robbery? Jim Pittman says: It is important that various steps are followed precisely to ensure a speedy and efficient handling of the claim: • The first thing is to notify the police immediately. • The premises should be made secure and safe if loss is a result of burglary or break-in. Have emergency contact numbers for services like glaziers and locksmiths readily to hand? • You must notify your brokers or insurers immediately. • You should then set about quantifying the loss in terms of which items have been stolen or damaged. Insurers are likely to request sight of documentation to confirm prices and also establish replacement costs. Depending on the size of the claim insurers may instruct a loss adjuster. In addition, your broker should provide services to assist you and should be very proactive throughout the claims process. When choosing a broker ask them what support they provide in the event of a claim as not all provide full support. Once the claim is submitted to insurers in the form of either a completed claim form with supporting documentation or based on the loss adjuster’s report, the insurer will proceed to settle the claim providing all relevant information has been submitted. The claim will cover cost of repairs to the property where insured, damage to fixtures and fittings and stock and obviously the cover as claimed in respect of the loss of stock. If there is personal injury to a member of staff who has been assaulted in the robbery there may also be cover for that element. Normally providing all is satisfactory a cheque will be issued less the standard policy excess as soon as is reasonably practicable. Underwriting consideration will then be given to the circumstances of the loss to see if any improvements to security or working practices are necessary. This will form the basis of discussion rather than instruction. g

Q A

Q A

A

Q A

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 Articles Read 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. • Back Issues Archive If 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 Pack Download our comprehensive on-line media pack for a 2009 features list, advertising rates and specifications.

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. If you would like to find out more, log onto

www.giftfocus.com. 120 giftfocus 120 giftfocus

21st Century Silver have just introduced over 30 stunning new designs for this Autumn / Winter so if you don’t yet sell our fast moving, contemporary, sterling silver jewellery then what are you waiting for? We now have a range of over 500 well priced designs which includes bangles and bracelets.

Please contact us for brochures or better still arrange for one of our team of professional sales agents to show you our full range of samples. Tel/fax: 020 8339 3731 E-mail: [email protected] www.21stcenturysilver.co.uk 21st Century Silver Ltd, PO Box 328, Esher,Surrey, KT10 8YR

PRESENTS ITS HOME COLLECTION AUTUMN FAIR HALL 2 STAND J23 * Award-winning towels and bathrobes transmitting warmth and luxury that fascinate the eyes and seduce the senses * Made of 100% organic Bergama cotton, hand loomed by master weavers * Natural colour fast dyes * An expression of luxury lifestyle, typical of people who know how to treat themselves well and how to feel well about themselves

Tel: 01753 892603 Fax: 01753 892001 Email: [email protected]

www.ladybughome.co.uk

retailer interview

ship-shape selling The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the world’s most famous ships. It served the Queen and Royal Family for 44 years before being decommissioned in 1997. It is now permanently moored in Edinburgh’s historic port of Leith and is a five-star visitor attraction and prestigious corporate hospitality venue. Britannia is owned by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, a wholly self-funding not-for-profit charitable organisation. It is the job of the trust to maintain and preserve Britannia – a seven-days-a-week, all-yearround operation. The Britannia Gift Shop makes a valuable contribution with profits from retail sales channelled back into the upkeep of the historic ship. Far from the tired offering of some visitor attractions the key principles of successful retailing are applied to create a memorable shopping experience. Head of retail Sonia Lee explains more… When did the shop open? The Britannia Gift Shop opened in 2001 when the Royal Yacht moved next to Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre. We gained national recognition just three years later as a finalist for ‘Best Visitor Attraction Gift Shop’ at the prestigious Greats Gift Retailer Awards. How is traffic directed through the shop? The Gift Shop is situated at the end of the tour route so 250,000 visitors each year pass through it. It is regarded as part of the tour and so the ‘Britannia experience’ doesn’t end until visitors leave the shop. The gift shop can also be accessed directly from Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.

developed and we have been very careful to ensure that we give the story behind certain products and how it is inspired by Britannia and her past. How important is visual merchandising within the shop? Very important, our shop has large glass frontage, so when customers pass by they can see the whole shop. We have table displays, which change according to the seasons or annual events, such as Easter and school holidays. We also have to consider the fact

that we have two ‘front doors’ – one entering from the shopping centre, and one entering from the end of the on board tour. Are prices competitive compared to the high street? Very competitive - our promotions are run in line with those that visitors see in high street shops, such as buy one get one free. Describe your product offering? The gift shop sells beautiful souvenirs, nonbranded gifts and also specially commissioned

What sort of ambience have you set out to achieve? A welcoming, relaxing environment - we have considered everything from the lighting to the signage. These elements are crucial to create a shop that customers are happy to spend time in. We have easy listening music playing, the lighting is very soft with no harsh spotlights and the signage is clear and simple to help the customers navigate their way around the shop and find the products they are looking for. How has the shop evolved since it first opened? The gift shop has evolved greatly. Our products have developed with demand changing over the years for different kinds of souvenirs and gift items. Shop signage has also

giftfocus 123

ranges of fine bone china, which have become collectors’ items. We have many bespoke items, made to our own specifications, that can’t be found elsewhere. We also ensure that we have a mix of products in a range of price brackets, from pencils to prints. How do you source products? Our merchandise manager sources all our products. She works very closely with suppliers to ensure the products are of the highest quality and maintain Britannia’s high standards. We also work with many British suppliers and continue to source all of our fine bone china products from England. How has the souvenir market changed over recent years? The souvenir market has changed. Recently, we have found that our customers are looking for a souvenir, which is practical and has some longevity, such as a torch, mug or tea towel. We have also found that gift food is very popular and we now have our own range of chutneys, jams and biscuits. We have a small shop on board Britannia known as the NAAFI that sells fudge that we make on board. The NAAFI was the original shop on board when the Royal Yacht was in service. Best sellers? The official Britannia Guidebook • The official Britannia DVD • Waffle tea towel • Postcards • Britannia shortbread • Captain bear • What percentage are branded products? 85% What are the main criteria for selecting a suitable range for the Britannia branding? Quality - the product also tends to be inspired by the yacht in some way, such as the colours of the yacht or the shape, or something naval

124 giftfocus

or reminiscent of the sea. Where we source the product from is also very important, especially as we are always keen to work with British suppliers. How often are shelves refreshed? In the summer season, daily - every morning they are re-stocked. How often do you look to introduce new products? Every season. How much of your trade is down to tried and tested lines? If we are introducing a new range we will start off by producing a couple of items and monitor their sales. If popular we will look to make other items in the same range. Often customers will ask if we do other products in the range and this will give us an indication of what to make next. How valuable is the gift shop to the work of the trust? Very important, as all proceeds go towards preserving Britannia for future generations. The quality of product offering at some visitor attraction gift shops often comes under fire. What sets you apart? Britannia’s retail success is attributable to the way we constantly improve and update every aspect of the retail experience, not just our products. From the uniforms to the displays, from the music to the way staff interact with the customers. Britannia’s Gift Shop is held in high regard by the Scottish tourist board, VisitScotland, who promote the shop as a benchmark for quality in other attractions. Our Gift Shop is an extension of everything that we do. Quality and attention to detail are crucial. How important is customer service? Extremely important, customer care is fundamental to our business philosophy

and we believe in doing as much as we can to ensure that our visitors enjoy their visit and recommend us to others. The visitor experience doesn’t end once they have handed back their handset, the shop is very much part of the ‘Britannia experience’. Our innovative approach applies to the smallest of details, even our carrier bags were developed with wider carrying handles to be kinder to customers’ hands. Do you attract passing trade or is it just visitors to Britannia that generate sales? It is predominantly visitors to the experience; however seasonal promotions are carried out to encourage visitors to the shopping centre up to the gift shop, such as displays in the shopping centre at Christmas and an A-frame outside the shop. We carry so many different ranges that we not only stock souvenirs, but gift items as well. Do you have an online shop and if so how important is it to the business? At this current moment we do not have an online shop. We do promote our top 20 bestsellers on our website and receive a number of mail order enquiries as a result of this. Award success to date? ‘Children’s Product of the Year’ at the ACE (Association of Cultural Enterprises) for our children’s jigsaw. Finalist for’ Best Visitor Attraction Gift Shop’ at the Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2009. Plans for the future? We opened our tearoom in March 2009 and this has proved to be very popular with our visitors. There are a number of products used in the Royal Deck that we sell in our shop and the demand for these has increased. We will continue to develop ranges linked to our tearoom, especially in gift food. g For further information visit the website www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk.

Ladycrow Silks Scottish Silks to Dye For

Created in the heart of the Perthshire countryside, our hand dyed and painted pure silk and velvet scarves are the perfect accessory for every occasion. Improve your selling power this year by stocking these surprisingly affordable and fashionable accessories all hand made in Scotland. New for 2009 Silk Velvet twisted Tartan scarves.

See us at: Hall 4 D39 Autumn Fair NEC and Scotland’s Autumn Fair-Stirling [email protected] www.Ladycrowsilks.co.uk

competition

WIN!

Exciting new products from

DREMEL The newly-launched Dremel Hobby range can be used for all manner of arts, crafts, hobbies and modelwork. "The strategy behind the Hobby range is to develop new products and different packaging that are more appealing and communicate better to the art and craft market," says Nick Longford, Dremel brand manager.The packs are more feminine-orientated than our traditional products, and feature application images more targeted to this particular type of market." The dual-temperature Dremel Glue Gun has more features than any other. It has a large, secure foot and kick stand for extra stability that can be operated with one hand. The Glue Gun together with the new Glittersticks can be used for scrapbooking, flower arranging, plus decorations on glass, wood and much more. The kit includes 12 regular Dremel Glue Sticks and 12 colour Glittersticks. The Engraver is perfect for fine detailing needs. Its soft-grip body and light, compact design provide comfortable use for precision engraving. Use the carbide tip for unhardened glass, soft plastics, leather and wood, or switch to the diamond tip for engraving and decorating ceramics, hard plastics, metal and hardened glass. The kit also comes with creative templates. The VersaTip is an essential piece of kit for creative hobbyists. It is a gas torch with six interchangeable tips allowing for even the most detailed and intricate tasks – think embossing, soldering, melting, hot cutting, welding, shrinking and even wood-burning (pyrography). Powered by liquid butane gas, it's quick to heat up and fast to recharge, doing so in 10 seconds. The Stylus is a multitool – cordless, small and lightweight, with a focus on precision. This makes it ideal for creative projects like jewellery making, woodworking, engraving and other crafts. It comes with a kit of 25 accessories, and includes storage compartments. It is powered by 7.2V lithium-ion technology. The Project Table is one of the most compact and lightweight work tables on the market. This high-quality product is designed specifically for people creating detailed projects. The Dremel 300 Series multitool has a powerful 125W motor to optimise performance, while its soft grip has been designed to reduce vibration.With a kit of 25 accessories and some additional templates, the Dremel 300 Series caters for every creative project that requires carving, sanding, polishing or cutting. For more details, visit the Dremel website, www.dremel.co.uk, or call +44 (0)844 736 0107.

THE PRIZE This issue three lucky winners will each receive a Dremel Hobby product bundle worth £247. Each prize includes a Stylus, a VersaTip, a Glue Gun, a 300 Series multitool, a Project Table and an Engraver, along with five Glittersticks. To enter the competition, simply visit www.giftfocus.com, fill in your details and answer the following question: How many accessories are in the kit that comes with the Stylus multitool? The deadline for entries is 2nd November 2009. g

Terms and Conditions 1. Competitions are not open to employees of Kline Davis Ltd (or their immediate families). 2. The competition closing date is subject to change without prior notice. 3. The winner will be notified in writing. 4. The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. 5. The prize is not transferable and has no monetary value. 6. If an advertised prize is not available, we reserve the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value. 7. No purchase necessary to enter and there is no charge to enter via the website at www.giftfocus.com.

giftfocus 127

business link

supporting roles Looking for some help with accounting or marketing? Roma Bhowmick, Business Link Adviser, offers some advice on how to go about finding the right services supplier for your needs. Running a business is demanding, especially in today’s tough environment, and business owners need all the help they can get to keep ahead of the competition. Most people who set up a small venture are very knowledgeable in their own specialist area, but often find that they lack a broad business background. Of course, no-one can be an expert in every aspect as the skills needed are extensive and diverse, and include areas such as accounting, planning, people management, marketing, PR and many more. For many small business owners it isn’t an option to employ people to cover the skills that they don’t have themselves, as there is insufficient work to justify the expense. Rather than trying to do everything it often makes sense to find a company or individual consultant either to help with one-off projects such as setting up a website, or to assist on an ongoing basis with activities such as PR, marketing or finance. When looking for a consultant or supplier it is essential to get the right person for the job to avoid wasting money on things that you don’t need, or that you could do yourself with some support. You also need to be confident you will get the results that you are looking for and that the supplier relationship will be productive. Identifying what you need The most effective suppliers are those whose services match the needs of your business closely, so it’s essential to be clear about what you want to achieve from the start, when you start looking for suitable support. It often helps to have an external perspective from someone such as a Business Link Adviser. Our experience of working with thousands of businesses of varying sizes and

sectors gives us a unique insight into what works, and we can help you analyse whether investing your hard-earned money in external support would be the best solution. We may be able to suggest other ways of achieving what you are after and, if you decide to go ahead and pay for business services, we can help you find the right supplier for the job.

and an Adviser can help you draw up a brief and will then supply you with a shortlist of three suitable firms or individuals.

Finding suppliers It’s best to build up a shortlist of possibilities through a combination of sources to give you a broader base to choose from. You can find suppliers through a variety of channels:

• Reliability Remember – if your suppliers let you down, you may let your customers down.

• Recommendations Ask friends and business acquaintances. You’re more likely to get an honest assessment of a supplier’s strengths and weaknesses from someone who has used their services. • Directories If you’re looking for a supplier in your local area, it’s worth trying directories such as Yellow Pages and Thomson, both of which can be accessed online. • Trade associations For specific industries there will probably be a trade association that can match you with suitable suppliers. You can find out further details on the Trade Association Forum (TAF) website, www.taforum.org. • Business advisers Local business-support organisations, like Business Link, Chambers of Commerce or Enterprise Agencies can often point you in the direction of potential suppliers. In most areas Business Link offers a supplier-matching service

What you should look for in a supplier There are a number of key characteristics that you should look for when identifying and short listing possible suppliers:

• Quality The quality of the service that your supplier is providing needs to be consistent – your customers associate poor quality with you, not your suppliers. • Value for money The lowest price is not always the best value for money. If you want reliability and quality from your suppliers, you’ll have to decide how much you’re willing to pay and the balance you want to strike between cost, reliability, quality and service. • Strong service and clear communication You need your suppliers to do what you expect in the agreed timeframe, or to be honest and give you plenty of warning if they can’t. The best suppliers will want to talk with you regularly to find out what needs you have now and in the future. • A partnership approach A strong relationship will benefit both sides. You want your suppliers to acknowledge how important your custom is to them, so they make every effort to provide the best service

giftfocus 129

supporting roles

possible. And you’re more likely to create this response by showing your supplier how important they are to your business. • Financial security It’s always worth making sure your supplier is financially secure. A credit check will help reassure you that they won’t go out of business when you need them most. Drawing up a shortlist of suppliers Once you have got a clear idea of what you need, and you have identified some potential suppliers, you can write a shortlist of people or companies that meet your needs. Spend time on research - choosing the right suppliers is important for your business. Don’t try to save time by using the first one you find and don’t be tempted by sales pitches that don’t match your requirements. You need to spend time selecting and managing your suppliers to make sure that you get the best out of them. When considering your shortlist, ask yourself the following questions: • Can this supplier deliver what I want? • How long have they been established? • Do I know anyone who has used them and can recommend them? • Are they on any approved supplier lists from trade associations, Business Link, or other such organisations? • Do they have any professional qualifications? • Can they provide references from previous satisfied clients? • Are they a member of any professional bodies? • Do they have direct experience of working with a similar business to my own? • How will they communicate progress to me? • Who will I deal with on a day-to-day basis? • If the supplier is a larger business, what is staff turnover like? It can be frustrating to have to explain the nature of the project several times to different consultants. 130 giftfocus

Try to narrow your list down to no more than four or five candidates. It's a waste of time for you and the potential supplier if you approach them when there's little chance of them fulfilling your requirements. Choosing a supplier Once you have your shortlist, you can approach the potential suppliers and ask for a written quotation and, if appropriate, examples of their work. It’s best to provide them with a clear brief summarising what you require, how frequently you’ll require it and how much work you’ll be asking them to do. For ongoing work it’s worth asking potential suppliers to give you a firm price in writing for, say, three to six months. For a one-off project you should get a written quotation for the complete job. When you have received the quotations, compare the potential suppliers in terms of what matters most to you. For example, the quality of their service may be most important, while their location may not matter. Price is important, but it shouldn’t be the only reason you choose a supplier – lower prices may reflect lower quality services. Wherever possible you should meet a potential consultant or supplier face-to-face to start developing a good working relationship. Negotiate terms and conditions Once you have chosen the supplier you’d like to work with, you can move on to negotiating terms and conditions and drawing up a contract. The Business Link website has information on both these activities. It’s a good idea to agree service levels before you start so you know what to expect from your supplier – and they know what to expect from you. I always suggest that clients agree an action plan which has milestones (if the project is to take some time) and agreed deadline dates. For larger projects, you might decide to put in financial ‘claw back’ penalties for missing deadlines, or make an agreement for staged payments based on achieving specific milestones or key actions within the life span

of the project. The most important thing in ensuring that you and your suppliers have as smooth and successful a relationship as possible is to set and manage expectations, keep communication going, monitor progress and make it clear as fast as possible if you are not happy with the way things are going.

“Price is important, but it shouldn’t be the only reason you choose a supplier – lower prices may reflect lower quality services.” If there are problems I have found that many small business owners feel uncomfortable about any kind of confrontation – and you may feel reluctant to challenge a supplier when things are not moving along to your satisfaction. The other issue may be that suppliers treat you as a lower priority compared to larger clients who may be spending more money. This is another key reason why setting the scene and expectations up front is a sound idea: discussions around progress are likely to feel less confrontational. Likewise, having a staged payment agreement linked to successful completion of project stages will also ensure that the supplier keeps their eye on the ball and is focused on getting things right first time. And finally Remember – you need to be absolutely sure that a consultant or other support service is going to provide what you need and prove to be good value for money. You need to assess objectively whether your investment is going to result in an increase in your sales or other business improvement before going ahead. g Further information For more details on all Business Link services visit www.businesslink.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)845 600 9006.

Subscribe to Gift Focus 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 Kline Davis Ltd, Broseley House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2UL. Alternatively, photocopy the form and fax to 01376 514 555 or register online at www.giftfocus.com.

Do you work within the giftware industry? Yes Name

No

Job title Company name Address Postcode Telephone

Facsimile

Email address Please tick one or more of the boxes below which best describe your business Independent Gift Shop Importer Gift Shop Multiple

Mail Order

Garden Centre

Agent/Rep

Department Store

Manufacturer

Wholesaler/Cash & Carry

Museum/Heritage Outlet

Other (Please specify) Number of Employees 1-5 6-15 51-100

101-300

Annual Turnover £0 - £25,000

16-30

31-50

301-1000

1001 +

£25,001 - £50,000

£50,001 - £100,000

£100,001 - £250,000

£250,001 - £1,000,000

£1,000,001 - £5,000,000

£5,000,001 - £10,000,000

£10,000,001 - £50,000,000

£50,000,001 + Do you wish to receive a free copy of Gift Focus Magazine? Yes Signature

No

Date

Send the completed form to Gift Focus Magazine, Broseley House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2UL. Alternatively, register online at www.giftfocus.com. giftfocus 133

Talking Tables

next issue...

Partying together for 10 years Design-led party accessories Visit us at Autumn Fair Hall 3 Stand S10 & Top Drawer Stand A20

Handmade Spotlight on unique gifts Alex R

Talking Tables 7b Union Court London SW4 6JP Tel: 020 7627 6767 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.talkingtables.co.uk

January Show Previews • Top Drawer Spring • Christmas & Gift

Fair trade special Tipping the balance with fair trade products

,_X\PZP[L7VYJLSHPU )LH\[PM\S*HUKSLZMYVT3H3H3\UH /VTLHJJLZZVYPLZPUZWPYLKI`UH[\YL

Collectables Popular lines in a challenging market Plus Issue 56 November/December 2009 Available from: 2nd November 2009 Advertising deadline: 134 giftfocus

16th October 2009

•

Novelty gifts

•

Children’s jewellery

•

Industry news

;LS! ,THPS!LUX\PYPLZ'S\UHWVYJLSHPUJV\R ^^^S\UHWVYJLSHPUJV\R

showcase

product showcase We reveal some of this season’s hottest gifts Clere Concepts gift ideas Clere Concepts has a wide range of gift items including four new ranges for the second half of 2009. Gift boxed items include crossword and sudoku pens; smart classic pen sets in black or white; conical pens, a best seller in 2008, now in four new Mackintosh designs; and the brightly coloured Calypso and Carnival pen ranges which have been selling well since the start of this year. Visit us at Autumn Fair, Hall 4 Stand B8, see the full range on our website www.clereconcepts. co.uk, email info@ clereconcepts.co.uk or call 01635 297 911

Join the Beano Club today! Wild and Wolf ’s new range of products based on the Beano and Dandy comics will appeal to all those Dennis the Menace, Gnasher and Desperate Dan fans out there and to anyone who loves a good read! These comic greats are still as popular today and it’s not surprising when you look back over the history of the Beano and the Dandy and the huge array of talented artists and writers who’ve worked on them. Wild and Wolf has taken imagery from these amazing works of art and created a range of products for everyday use. To see the full collection you can visit Wild and Wolf at Autumn Fair at the NEC Hall 3 Stand U2 from 6th - 9th September and at Top Drawer Autumn, Olympia, Stand E51 from 13th - 15th September or contact [email protected], tel 01225 789 909 or visit www.wildandwolf.com

Elegant, glamorous and practical That’s the gorgeous fashionable new range of Widdop Bingham jewellery boxes. The embroidered butterfly design adds a lovely up to the minute embellishment to each box and the hanging tag just finishes it off beautifully. Appealing to both young and old they are a great “must have” item for this key seasonal selling period. Look out for our full range of best selling jewellery boxes on our stand at the Autumn Fair, Hall 5 Stand L4/M3. Contact [email protected] tel 0161 688 1226 or visit www.widdop.co.uk

giftfocus 135

product showcase Carrie Elspeth new collection

Clere Vision reading glasses & accessories

Come and see Carrie Elspeth’s fabulous new collection at Autumn Fair and join us for a glass of 10th birthday bubbly! We previewed our Autumn 09 Collection at Home & Gift and Pure, and the new designs have proved unbelievably popular! Our exclusive “Frosted Metallics” (pictured), with a stunning iridescent sheen on each unique bead, is an exciting addition to our most popular range, and a sure-fire best-seller. You will also find bold, chunky globes, eye-catching ‘optical illusion’ beads and the usual wide variety of fast-selling, accessible designs Carrie is famous for. We are also launching fantastic new pointof-sale material to brighten up your Carrie Elspeth display, so come and see what the fuss is all about! Visit us at Autumn Fair Hall 3, Stand X05. Tel 01446 771 271, email [email protected], website www.carrieelspeth.com

Clere Vision has introduced six new ranges of reading glasses for the second half of 2009 - one particularly suitable for the late summer months; three sure fire hits for autumn; and the two ranges with crystals are sure to add some sparkle to this year’s winter sales. We have also introduced some new accessories for the gift market (funky glass magnifiers and smart glasses/jewellery boxes). Visit us at Autumn Fair, Hall 4 Stand B8, see the full range on our website www.clerevision.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01635 297 911

The Gruffalo

Black Ginger’s latest best seller

One of the most delightful and popular children’s books,“The Gruffalo” has become a timeless classic and a publishing sensation, selling over four million copies worldwide and translated into 40 different languages.The books offer a magical and enchanting world to children and their parents and in celebratation of the Gruffalo’s 10th birthday, Wild and Wolf has designed a whole range of products reflecting the charm, wit and imagination of the story books – products that are fun, well designed and a little bit irreverent, in true Gruffalo style! To see the full range you can visit Wild and Wolf at Autumn Fair at the NEC Hall 3 Stand U2 from 6th - 9th September and at Top Drawer Autumn, Olympia, Stand E51 from 13th - 15th September or contact sales@ wildandwolf.com, tel 01225 789 909 or visit www.wildandwolf.com

The Photo Frame Coasters, priced at £1.95 for a set of four have become the star item. The range has been extended to include red, gold and silver to make great anniversary & Christmas gifts. Shop display box is free with six packs. This adds to the collection of pearl jewellery from 95p & scarves from £1.25. New coconut jewellery - all under £2.50. Napkins & napkin games, ceramics, textiles, drinks, adorable Christmas & lots of animal products. Visit us at Autumn Fair – entrance of Hall 3, Stand K1. Tel 0118 940 3731, email [email protected] or visit www.blackginger.co.uk

Frith Sculpture celebrates 15 years!

Envirosax® Aqua launches at Autumn Fair

To celebrate its 15th birthday Blue Poppy Art is introducing a bumper new crop of British hand made sculptures this autumn. Paul Jenkins has contributed Otters and a splendid new limited edition Hare, Harriet Dunn has created new cats and dogs – new artist to Frith, Veronica Ballan, has sculpted a Highland Bull and an Alpaca and Garry Jones, some remarkable Lurchers. To celebrate the anniversary they are also giving away a solid bronze Italian sculpture each day so be sure to visit their stand. Visit them at Autumn Fair, Hall 4 Stand A8. Contact David Wilkinson at Blue Poppy Art Limited telephone 01793 759 000, fax 01793 759 012 or email [email protected] www.bluepoppyart.co.uk

Envirosax®, the designer reusable bag company diversifies its product range with the launch of Envirosax Aqua - the designer reusable bottle. Envirosax Aqua bottles are lightweight and shatter-proof, made from stainless steel they feature ten stylish designs chosen from the bag collections. Available in two sizes: the robust “Classics” and the slim-line “Skinnys” both carry up to 600ml with a wholesale price of £4.50. Visit us at Autumn Fair, Hall 4 Stand A51. Call 01792 797 968 or 07595 466 993 or email [email protected] www.envirosax.com

136 giftfocus

showcase

Envirosax® presents ‘La Bohème’

Angelic Hen

Envirosax®, the designer reusable bags have launched the new season’s collection - ‘La Bohème’. Inspired by the bohemian lifestyle and art nouveau period, the designs feature dark berry tones mixed with acid absinthe green and fabulous baroque scrolls. Fashion forward and contemporary Envirosax® leads the trend in eco chic design. Colourful, compact and durable at just £5.99 (RRP). Visit us at Autumn Fair, Hall 4 Stand A51. Call 01792 797 968 or 07595 466 993 or email uk@envirosax. com, www.envirosax.com

At Angelic we have pushed pegs to their limit in our quest to find the solution to some of the trickiest household problems. Lost socks? Then try our ‘Socks reunited’. Paperwork in chaos? A packet of ‘File-o-pegs’ could be the answer. New for autumn our ‘Photo Peg Board’ is a great way to display photographs. Reaching beyond the power of pegs we have our wonderfully witty door signs, chalkboards, frames, mugs and jolly useful key rings and key racks. Tel 01600 891 572, fax 01600 891 573, email customersevices@angelichen. com, www.angelichen.com

New designs from Creative Tops

Celia Birtwell

Creative Tops is delighted to announce two new additions to its award winning collection of V&A fine bone china mugs; Poiret Rouge and Poiret Bleu. The Poiret designs were taken from a piece of dress fabric by Atelier Martine for Paul Poiret (1879 – 1944). Poiret Rouge features a summery yellow, ochre, vibrant green, purple and red, whilst Poiret Bleu incorporates deep navy, royal blue, candy pink, forest green, orange and red. These mugs would make fantastic presents as they come beautifully presented in a stylish gift box. There are now 20 designs available in the V&A collection, RRP £9.99. For more information see Creative Tops at Autumn Fair - Hall 2 Stand, E30/F31. Call 01536 207 756 or email [email protected], www.creative-tops.com

Famed for her gorgeous hand drawn prints, inky florals in cream and Aztec prints, Celia Birtwell is one of the most influential textile designers in England today and has become an icon of British fashion and design. Described as the most important textile designer of her generation with a career that has spanned over 40 years. Wild and Wolf presents this charming collection of garden and home accessories featuring some of Celia’s favourite prints sourced by Celia herself from her sketch books and archives. To see the full collection you can visit Wild and Wolf at Autumn Fair at the NEC Hall 3 Stand U2 from 6th - 9th September and at Top Drawer Autumn, Olympia, Stand E51 from 13th - 15th September or contact [email protected], tel 01225 789 909 or visit www.wildandwolf.com

Martick Jewellery autumn/winter season

Birthday Bling

Martick Jewellery is celebrating 21 years in business this September! We were shortlisted again for Gift of the Year in 2009 and have lovely new collections for the winter season. Beautiful quality pearls at very accessible prices supported by a good collection of keenly priced hot sellers in silver, fabulous new genuine Venetian glass for a colour splash and intriguing new Ancient Amulets with fantastic history. Visit us at IJL Stand A725, Autumn Fair, Hall 4 Stand K30 and Top Drawer Stand J04. Free gift with all orders at the show! Contact 0207 274 0333, email [email protected] or visit www.martickjewellery.com

Widdop Bingham is proud to present its new range of Birthday Bling – there’s nothing subtle about this celebration! Champagne bottle frames and bottle stoppers are all decorated with silver plate, epoxy and crystals giving a real show-stopping look. Widdop Bingham is a first choice for sentiment with thousands of lines to choose from and all available in single quantities. We are showing at the Autumn Fair Hall 5 stand L4/M3. Contact sales@ widdop.co.uk tel 0161 688 1226 or visit www.widdop.co.uk

giftfocus 137

champion of chat Mum of four Lisa Warner is a champion of chat and top business woman to boot! Read on to discover the secret of her whirlwind success… Families talking around the dinner table, teenagers chatting with their parents – impossible! Well ‘fink’ again, 38-year-old Lisa Warner set out to achieve just that with her thought-provoking conversation cards designed to strengthen family bonds and help kids communicate. Lisa embarked on her mission to get families talking about a year ago, armed only with an old envelope full of scraps of paper and a big dream. The journey has now seen her win through to the finals of a prestigious award competition for women entrepreneurs from all over the world. She is one of only three European finalists, 15 world wide, to reach the final stages of the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, which this year attracted 820 applicants from 79 different countries. “It doesn’t often happen but I was speechless when I heard I had got through,” she laughs. The final stage of the competition takes place in Paris this October when five winners, one from each continent, will be chosen by an eminent panel of judges. Lisa was selected on the strength of her business plan for Fink, the flourishing enterprise she founded based on her passion for conversation. A stay at home mum, she met her husband

138 giftfocus

when she was 17, had four children by the time she was 25 and until two years ago had no previous business experience. She embarked on an unsuccessful venture, which she describes as an “intensive business university”. It taught her some valuable lessons not least that she had developed a taste for business and wanted to move on. “That’s how Fink came about,” she recalls. “It was something I had been thinking about doing for about 10 years. The Eureka moment was having the confidence to actually do it. “Years ago I was struggling to get my children to sit at the table for family meals. They did not want to be there, they didn’t want to eat the food I’d prepared, but I was absolutely determined. “I made some cards, nothing like the product we have now, just bits of paper that I scribbled down some questions on and put in an envelope. “The children loved them, my youngest was only two at the time and he used to answer ‘red’ for every question, which always made us laugh,” she recalls. “Our mealtimes began to develop into real family occasions. Ten years on we still all sit down at the table for a meal together every night.”

From this simple beginning the business was launched last September with one product – a family pack of 54 thoughtprovoking cards. Subjects cover general, everyday things like earliest memory, favourite flavour of ice-cream, proudest moment and greatest achievement. Since then the range has been developed to include different products like Fink Goal Posts, sticky notes to help set goals and take action. Latest addition is a teenage version of the conversation cards, produced in conjunction with teen coach Sarah Newton, covering everything from sex and relationships to drugs and emotions. All the products are manufactured in the UK and are environmentally sound. Visit the website www.finkcards.com or telephone +44 (0)845 051 4665 to find out more details. g