Bath and body

Transcription

Bath and body

www.giftfocus.com
Issue 53 May/June 2009
www.giftfocus.com
Bath and body
Indulgent treats and me-time products
WIN!
£500 worth of baby toys
from Best Years
G
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W IFT nts
G prese y!
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f
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pe the b
for
Exclusively
Housewares
New product launches
Baby best buys
Cute lines for little ones
Pulse Preview
Spotlight on this summertime special
PLUS
• Pampered pets
• Men's Jewellery
• Industry news
May/June 2009 Issue 53
Group Editor
Demelza Rayner
+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
industry news
6
Latest happenings in the world of gifts
on with the show
10
14
36
q & a special
MEDIA SUPPORTER
ANTI COPYING IN DESIGN
44
the national trust
71
Licensed lines supporting the guardian of the
nation’s heritage
75
89
wedding gifts
Our experts tackle your retail queries
78
Keepsakes to treasure
shopping for success
86
Alan Monahan talks to award-winning retailer Nicky
Edmunds of Insideout
mediterranean magic
92
Report from Sardinia on a new international
trade event
28
Gift Focus magazine is proud to be associated
with and supporters of:
37
Focus on specialist destination store Just Candles
Cover courtesy of La La Luna
www.lunaporcelain.co.uk.
(01/07/07 to 30/06/08)
pampered pets
retailer interview
Kline Davis Limited
Broseley House
Newlands Drive
Witham, Essex CM8 2UL
www.giftfocus.com
Average Net
Circulation: 6,757
baby best buys
55
Spotlight on the world of licensing
Administration
Scott Brothwell
+44 (0)1376 514 000
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.
18
Latest must-haves for four-legged friends
Win £500 worth of baby toys from Best Years
hot property
men’s jewellery
Cute lines for little ones
New product launches and latest additions
competition
features
Latest trends and designs
Trade fair dates and developments
brand spanking new
60
up and coming
98
Introducing Flourish – a range of innovative giftware
that grows
focus on...
insurance health check
16
special feature
bath and body
Top tips from industry experts T H March
59
Indulgent treats and me time products
the ga
20
News update from The Giftware Association
shows
internet technology
pulse
41
branding
54
New series on retailer initiatives from leading
suppliers Yankee Candle
exclusively housewares
65
Return of a familiar name on the global trade
show scene
81
giftex
Belt and braces design protection
business link
How to grow your business
47
Preview of this leading specialist show
tendence
acid
25
All the latest on London’s only home and gift trade
show this summer
Specialist advice on retail technology for
tough times
68
85
Gateway to Asia revealed
giftfocus 3
shaping up
for summer
As I write this the sun is shining
and Pulse is gearing up to deliver
a whole host of exciting goodies
to breathe fresh life into the
recession weary high street.
Billed as London’s only event for gift and
interiors buyers this summer the slogan for
Pulse 2009 is ‘make summer count’.
Organisers Clarion Retail are confident the show will administer
a vital shot in the arm for all those seeking profit-making ideas and
products to help beat the competition and stand out from the crowd.
In our bumper preview starting on page 25 we raise the curtain on
just some of the products due to be unveiled.
Although there’s plenty of innovation still in evidence, one thing no
one’s managed to come up with yet is an effective crystal ball.
It doesn’t take an expert to predict there are rocky times still ahead
but in the words of the Chancellor Alistair Darling, “you can grow your
way out of recession, you can’t cut your way out of it”.
We offer a host of useful advice and information on how to continue
to grow your business in the current economic climate, covering
everything from insurance and design protection, to branding and how
to make the most of technology to improve business efficiency.
Spa, wellbeing, pampering and me-time treats are all tipped to be
sectors to watch in the seasons ahead.
To help corner the market we reveal some of the latest bath and
body products in our four-page special feature on page 59.
As well as all the latest industry news there’s a healthy dose of new
products and latest launches to help revive and inspire.
Enjoy reading
HVgV]
Sarah Reeve
Editor
giftfocus 5
industry news
Catch up on all the latest in our news round up
For Every Body wins new business award
Only months after launching in the UK, For Every Body Ltd has won a Best
New Business Award.
The award, which is sponsored by Lloyds TSB, Turner Peachey
Accountants, Chamber of Commerce and the Shropshire Star newspaper,
was awarded to the company for innovation and creating employment.
Paul Travis launched For Every Body in October 2008 with showrooms
and office based in Telford, Shropshire, distributing the US manufactured
soy candle range.
Paul said: “We have all worked hard at the company in difficult times
and to get such an award so early in the life of “For Every Body” is fantastic
and is a great boost for me and my
team here in Shropshire.
“We do have an innovative
range and are working hard to gain
distribution throughout the UK for
the brand.”
The For Every Body collection
can be viewed on the company’s
new website.
Visit www.foreverybody.biz.
or email [email protected] Paul Travis (right) receives award from
the sponsors
to find out more.
Portmeirion profits in difficult market
Despite challenging market conditions, particularly in the pottery and
ceramics industry, Portmeirion announced pre-tax profits of £1.408 million
for the year ending 31st December 2008.
The classic heritage brands, led by popular casual dining collection Botanic
Garden, remains the company’s best selling range worldwide, accounting for
over half of revenue.
Dick Steele, non-executive chairman commented: “We are pleased with
these results, achieved despite the very difficult retail environment in which
we have been operating. The US market has been extremely challenging
in 2008 but our other key markets have performed well given the global
economic situation. This is a result of our ability to deliver designs that cater
for global markets.”
The company remains committed to its presence in Stoke-on-Trent,
where it has a skilled workforce and
significant investment in manufacturing.
Future plans are to continue with
its established policies for growth,
developing the brand with emphasis
on product design and development,
particularly contemporary ranges and
continued extensions to its heritage
patterns. Early signs are encouraging
with the company reporting sales for
the early part of 2009 six per cent
ahead of the corresponding period
last year.
6 giftfocus
Mini Memories
Following on from the success of its Wax Lyrical Timeless range,
Colony has added two new gift formats to the collection.
Daytime and night time Mini Memories are two boxed sets
comprising mini votives with matches, featuring six popular
fragrances from the range.
Mini Memories reed diffuser and wax filled votive sets
are available in six popular fragrances – Bathime, Warm
Embrace, Seaside Holidays, First Romance, Blissful Sundays and
Daydreams. These new additions are miniature versions of their
larger counterparts.
For further information visit the website www.colony.com or
email [email protected].
Menu ‘Best of the Best’
Menu has won a Red Dot ‘Best of the Best’
Award for its new water carafe.
It is the second year running that Menu has
received a prestigious Red Dot Design Award
for a product designed by Jakob Wagner.
The glass water carafe has a silicone neck
and innovative flip-top lid that keeps ice cubes
and lemon wedges in when pouring and keeps
dirt and foreign bodies out.
The international Red Dot jury judged over
3,200 designs from 49 countries, of which only
49 received a ‘Best of the Best’ Award.
Visit the website www.menu.as or email
[email protected] to find out more.
news&events
Henry & Jayne move to ‘greener’ pastures new
Eco conscious home accessories company Henry & Jayne has moved to new self-sustainable offices at the
Bio-Barn at Stansted Park, Sussex.
The Country Park has implemented an entirely carbon-natural system as part of its Biomass heating
project, placing areas of their chestnut coppice and woodlands back under management to remain totally
self sustainable.
The decision provided Liz Cook, the founder of Henry & Jayne, with the perfect eco-friendly location for
her expanding business, which sells traditionally, hand-crafted wool felt flowers, pebbles, and other quality fair
trade products.
Liz says, “If you’re a green company, I feel it’s important to reflect it in the other aspects of running your
business. The opportunity to move to self sustainable premises provided the perfect ethical solution for
Henry & Jayne.”
To view the collection go to www.henryandjayne.co.uk or call +44 (0)800 107 4928.
Seasonal fragrances
The new autumn fragrances from Yankee Candle® have arrived.
The collection comprises Autumn Fruit, Macintosh Spice, Be Thankful, Moonlight Harvest, Almond
Cookie and Farmers Market.
Macintosh is a familiar Yankee Candle® fragrance, which has been updated by adding freshly ground
cinnamon to create the new addition.
Focusing on strong, on-trend seasonal colours such as purple, red, orange and yellow, the new
fragrances offer comforting food and spice scents to capture the flavour of autumn.
Call +44 (0)1454 454 500 or visit the website www.yankeecandle.co.uk for further information.
Beckham’s charity candle
Royal warrant
holder Price’s
Candles has
teamed up with
David and Victoria
Beckham to create
a special candle to
raise funds for
sick children.
The dual
branded dvb
scented candle has been launched to support The David and
Victoria Beckham Children’s Charity, which was set up in 2002.
The charity helps children with disabilities and those who are
victims of childhood illness, accidents and trauma. Since its launch
the charity has helped over 1,000 children by providing mobility
aids to help enrich their lives.
The stylish black candle is made of a unique cosmetic grade
vegetable wax, blended with an exclusive perfume. The candle is
presented in a black and silver branded glass jar and packaged in a
chic black gloss and silver foil box, including a personal message of
thanks alongside details of the charity.
Price’s Candles is donating a minimum of £2 from each candle
sale as well as all the profits from the first production run towards
the charity.
Call +44 (0)1234 264 509 or visit the website
www.prices-candles.co.uk to find out more.
Like mother, like daughter
Little girls can be just like mum with Lello's new range of children's bracelets
and necklaces.
Based on the company’s miracle bead designs, girls aged five to 12 years
now have their own mini versions in pretty pinks and blues.
The new range of six bracelets and two necklaces has been introduced
following demand for 'mother and daughter' matching jewellery.
For further information call +44 (0)1162 645 850 or email
[email protected].
giftfocus 7
industry news
Industry professionals
John Crane Limited has
appointed Simon Pilkington
as managing director. Simon
moved from his previous
position as managing director
of John Adams Limited and Toy Brokers
Limited, to take up his new post.
John Crane remains a full time director
and will assist Simon in the delivery of the
company’s growth plans.
Sarah Davis has joined For
Every Body Limited to run
customer service at the
company’s new office and
showroom based in Telford,
Shropshire.
Sarah has experience of the role and the
industry having been national accounts
co-ordinator with Gibson Hanson Graphics
Giftware company Fraser
Studios has boosted its sales
team with the appointment
of Katie Cryer. She will cover
south west England, South
Wales and the Channel Islands,
where she previously represented Royal
Worcester and Spode.
HABA has appointed two new sales
agents to promote its range of quality toys
throughout Scotland and South Wales.
Karen Muircroft has been involved in the
toy industry for most her life and as an agent
for several toy companies, will be a familiar
face to many retailers in Scotland.
Denise Del-valle will be HABA’s agent
for South Wales and is a new face to the
toy industry.
Britannia scoops national product award
The Royal Yacht Britannia has won ‘Children’s Product of the Year’ at the Association of Cultural
Enterprises (ACE) award ceremony in Glasgow.
Other recent accolades for the five-star visitor attraction and corporate events venue in
Edinburgh include ‘Most Excellent Dedicated Venue UK 2009’ from Condé Nast Johansens.
The latest award was presented for Britannia’s new children’s jigsaw, which features specially
commissioned artwork of Britannia represented in a light-hearted and fun way to appeal to
the younger audience. The Royal Yacht beat off fierce competition from around the UK to win
the title.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is owned by a charitable trust and all profits go towards her longterm maintenance. The Britannia Gift Shop is located in Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh’s waterfront
shopping centre.
For further information contact: Casey Rust, marketing manager on +44 (0)1315 558 800 or
email [email protected]
Kids cutlery raises
smiles
Sales of a new range of kids cutlery will be
helping support the campaign to combat
child cruelty.
Amefa (UK) Ltd, owners of the
Richardson Sheffield brand, has introduced
so. eat cutlery for kids, a fun new range
with smiley faces on the handles, designed
for little hands.
For every pack sold by Amefa, 50 pence
will be donated to the National Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
(NSPCC).
The stainless steel range comes with a
Richardson Sheffield 25-year guarantee,
the pattern was designed in Sheffield and
the packaging is 100 per cent recyclable.
To find out more call +44 (0)8445 553
234 or email [email protected].
Nilorn fights the fraudsters with signature DNA
Branding and design specialist Nilorn UK is using a revolutionary new DNA-based technology in the ongoing fight to stamp out fakes and track
down counterfeiters.
Nilorn UK has teamed up with authentication specialists Applied DNA Sciences, to launch a unique new label incorporating its breakthrough
SigNature DNA taggant to be used in conjunction with its established Nil-Secure products.
It works by applying a unique SigNature DNA marker to the inks and yarns in a label or piece of fabric and, like DNA, each mark is individual to
one brand. Forensic testing can determine whether a garment or label is authentic by the presence of the brand’s SigNature DNA and because it is
recognised by law as positive-proof of authenticity, evidence is admissible in a court of law.
The design of Nil-Secure/SigNature means that its incorporation in inks, dyes and yarns is completely discreet.
Nilorn labels, tickets and packaging can also incorporate special anti-counterfeiting measures, both noticeable and hidden, that can work alongside
SigNature to minimise imitations.
For more information call +44 (0)1535 673 534 or visit www.nilorn.co.uk
8 giftfocus
on with the show
diary dates
Multiproducto
(Diverse Select Products Fair)
when
where
website
21st-23rd May 2009
Madrid, Spain
www.multiproducto.ifema.es
Pulse
when
where
website
31st May-2nd June 2009
Earls Court One, London
www.pulse-london.com
Exclusively Housewares
when
where
website
9th-10th June 2009
Business Design Centre, London
www.exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk
China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Premiums
when
where
website
14th-16th June 2009
Dubai
www.chinasourcingfair.com
Spotlight on ‘Made in Italy’
Party time
Autumn Fair International (AFI) is launching a brand
new zone dedicated to partyware at the 2009 edition.
The decision to create the new area was made
following positive feedback from exhibitors in the party
sector at this year’s Spring Fair International 2009.
The new zone will provide opportunity for party
suppliers to join forces in a dedicated showcase during
the autumn buying period in order to optimise their
sales potential.
The area will feature all kinds of party supplies and
party products, such as costumes, fancy dress, masks,
dress-up, balloons, face painting, party table wear, party
bags and much more.
Some of the companies already signed up for the
party zone include: Dress up by Design, Fashion X
Factor, Frilly Lily Fairies, Kate Dancewear, Stargazer and
Universal Studios.
AFI sales director Roz McGuinness, said:“Despite an
economic downturn there are still plenty of occasions
for celebration; people are just being savvier with their
spending and are on the lookout for new ideas.”
AFI 2009 takes place from September 6th to 8th.
For details visit the website www.autumnfair.com.
10 giftfocus
Traditional and local products, arm in arm with innovation and the global market are
key to the 87th edition of Macef, International Home Show.
Held from 4th to 7th September in Milan, the 2009 edition will be presenting a
number of new initiatives.
With extra focus on small businesses and creativity,‘Made in Italy’ will be one of the
key features. Special projects and new show layouts are also being introduced.
The new layout will be on one level with a central axis of furnishing, decorating and
gifts, alongside the Bijoux and Fashion Accessories sector and Table and Kitchen halls.
Features include:
• The ‘Gold & Silver’ area - over 8,000 square metres dedicated to precious metals.
• The ‘Workshop: tradition and innovation’ area featuring modern and classic
furnishing accessories and objects.This is a development of Macef ’s regional projects
to flag up the creativity and quality of Italian products.
• Luci d’Argento – A leading showcase of quality Italian silver products.
• Piccole fantasie – An area devoted to small creative producers and craft enterprises
situated within the Bijoux and Fashion Accessories area.
• Idee di casa – Sector dedicated to decoration at the centre of the home: small
accessories, interior decoration, lighting, paintings and prints, household lines, candles
and scents, floral decorations and ideas for gardens and outdoor areas.This sector
provides opportunity for small and medium sized businesses to exhibit at the show
through an all in one package that includes a ready-fitted display area.
• IyGifts – A world of quality products, devoted to gifts and giving for kids and pets
from decoupage & do it yourself to paper & leather, fantasy and science fiction.This
is also a Macef “incubator project” designed to help small businesses showcase their
products and skills to international buyers.
To find out more about the show visit the website www.macef.biz/eng
news&events
All the important dates and venues for your buying diary
Brand Licensing Europe launches new
product showcases for 2009
Summer sourcing at Hong Kong’s
newly extended exhibition centre
The sixth edition of the Summer Sourcing Show for
Gifts, Housewares & Toys takes place at the newly
extended Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition
Centre (HKCEC) this July.
The expansion cost over £121 million and provides
42 per cent more exhibition space - an additional
19,400 square metres – and will accommodate
about 1,000 standard exhibition booths.Work on
the project began in May 2006 and took 34 months
to complete. In its first year of operation the extra
facility is expected to boost the Hong Kong economy
by up to £127 million, while creating 3,600 new jobs.
“The HKCEC expansion marks a new era for
conferences and exhibitions,” said Hong Kong Trade
Development Council (HKTDC) executive director
Fred Lam.
The HKTDC organises over 30 trade fairs a year,
eight of which are the largest of their kind in Asia.
“These are among the must-attend events in the
world’s sourcing calendar.The completion of the
expansion will give them, and other fairs, space to
grow, enabling some to become among the world’s
largest,” added Mr Lam.
About 20 new trade fairs will take place at the
HKCEC in the coming year.They will cover a wide
range of industries and sectors including baby
products, home textiles, lifestyle products and retail
technology. In addition, 30 recurrent fairs will use the
new exhibition halls in the HKCEC expansion.
The Summer Sourcing Show runs from 6th to 9th
July 2009 and covers a broad range of categories
including promotional gifts and novelties, general gifts,
kitchen and tableware, accessories for the home,
costume jewellery, toys, festive and party items.
Visit www.summersourcingshow.hktdc.com for
further information.
Brand Licensing Europe 2009 is launching three
product showcase areas for toys, beauty and the
home, designed to highlight how today’s licensing
opportunities can translate into tomorrow’s
merchandising programmes.
The Toy Store, Salon and House & Home showcases
will display licensed products in the visitor areas for
the very first time at Brand Licensing Europe – which
runs from 30th September to 1st October 2009 at
London’s Olympia. Each area will give retailers, licensees
and sales promotion agents an insight into the millions
of innovative licensed products that hit the market each year and a taster of the new
properties that are launching at Brand Licensing Europe in 2009.
“The three new showcases are being introduced in response to feedback from
our visitor research that shows people want to see more product at Brand Licensing
Europe,” explained event director Jessica Blue
“There’s no question that Olympia is the only place where retailers and
manufacturers can find the hottest properties and licensing opportunities throughout
Europe, but research suggested that seeing more product would help retailers
make the connection between the licensing concept and its product and marketing
potential, and provide inspiration for manufacturers, especially when it may be years
before some licensed goods make it in-store.”
Brand Licensing Europe is also introducing a Property Finder for 2009, after
research revealed that visitors would like more help identifying the rights’ owners
behind the properties at the show.
“The Property Finder will clearly identify the brand owners, stand numbers and
licensing categories relating to each property at the show and will be placed in
strategic positions throughout the hall to help visitors find their way to the right
stands and see as many exhibitors, properties and products as possible,” adds Jessica.
For further information visit the website www.brandlicensingeurope.com
Home and gifts move closer at Spring
Fair 2010
Home gifts and interiors suppliers are being moved to
the heart of Spring Fair International 2010.
Organiser Emap Connect has instigated the move in
order to provide a more focused shopping experience
in the home and gift sector and more time for
crossover buying.
The announcement coincides with confirmation
that parking at Birmingham’s NEC will continue to be
free next year for Spring Fair, Autumn Fair and Glee.
The hall changes will see companies such as Coach
House and the Salco Group leave halls 9, 10 and 11 for halls 6, 7 and 20 where
they will be adjacent to The Summerhouse (hall 8) and gift and home suppliers in
hall 4.
Louise Young, managing director of Emap Connect home and gift, explained:
“It will benefit both buyers and exhibitors. An increasing number of giftware
companies are widening their offering to include products for the home, while
many suppliers of homewares have a portfolio that includes giftware.”
giftfocus 11
on with the show
Christmas is coming
Now celebrating its 48th anniversary
Home & Gift, Harrogate brings
together over 11,000 visitors and 950
exhibitors each July.
The summer timing presents a
crucial buying opportunity for retailers
to place orders for Christmas and to
source new-season stock to refresh their shelves.
Taking place from 19th to 22nd July 2009, the show is already reported to be 85
per cent booked.
Key exhibitors confirmed include One World Trading, Jan Constantine, Garden
Trading, Rex International, Enesco and many more.
This year Home & Gift has also attracted 200 new exhibitors such as Takkoda,
Girlie Gardening, From You To Me and Owen Barry.
To help retailers stay ahead of the competition there will be a packed programme
of seminars, retail surgeries and product features.
To find out more visit the website www.homeandgift.co.uk.
looking ahead
Summer Sourcing Show for Gifts,
Houseware & Toys
when
where
website
6th-9th July 2009
Hong Kong Convention and
Exhibition Centre
www.summersourcing
show.hktdc.com
Giftex
when
where
website
8th-10th July 2009
Tokyo, Japan
www.giftex.jp
Home and Gift
when
where
website
19th-22nd July 2009
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
www.homeandgift.co.uk
Singapore Gifts & Premiums Fair
Singapore sourcing
Now in its tenth year, Singapore Gifts & Premiums Fair takes place in July providing a
business gateway to south east Asia and beyond.
Organised by BizLink Premium Services it is staged annually in Singapore in
conjunction with Stationery&OfficeLink (SOL), an event dedicated to the promotion of
the latest trends in office products and innovative stationery.
The two run alongside each other to cater to the gift, premiums, stationery and office
supplies market, bringing buyers together with quality suppliers all under one roof. Since
2000 SGPF has established itself to become Singapore’s major trade event for gifts and
premiums, while SOL has the record of being Singapore’s longest running exhibition of
its kind. The 2009 edition takes place from 22nd to 24th July.
Visit the website www.sgpfair.com for details.
when
where
website
22nd-24th July 2009
Suntec, Singapore
www.sgpfair.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 25 Pulse
Page 47 Exclusively Housewares
Page 68 Tendence
Page 85 Giftex
Positive feedback from PME 2009
The fourth annual Promotional Marketing Exhibition (PME), held at London’s Royal Horticultural Halls, reported a significant increase in the
number of quality visitors through its doors.
Visitors from across the UK descended on the halls to see the latest innovations, products and services on show during the three-day event.
Simon Tilley, PME managing director commented:“The exhibition generated a high level of quality attendees amongst the total 1,469 visitors as
well as a broad and impressive range of exhibitors from the UK and Europe.”
The fifth annual Promotional Marketing Exhibition will be a two-day event taking place from 21st–22nd April 2010.
For further information visit the website www.promotionalmarketingexhibition.co.uk
12 giftfocus
Snapshot of latest additions to the home and giftware market
brand spanking new
Thumbs Up
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
Waterproof battleship radio
Telephone +44 (0)8454 668 880 or email [email protected]
RRP £14.99.
The ‘HMS Battleship FM’ is a waterproof, floating radio, fully armed
with missiles and guns for fun in the tub.
A great novelty gift and the perfect bath toy for all those who like
listening to music, while they relax and unwind.
Thumbs Up (UK) Ltd develops and distributes contemporary giftware,
novelty items, toys, gadgets and technology. To find out more visit the
website www.thumbsupuk.com
Colony
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer benefits:
Other information:
Cranberry and Pomegranate collection
From £2.99 to £29.99 rrp
Brand new for Christmas 2009, the Cranberry & Pomegranate collection
features a classic yet contemporary fragrance for the home. Traditional
colours of red and green are highlighted with crisp white and accents of gold
with iconic patterns and motifs.
Designed in the UK, the range includes candles, reed diffusers, glassware,
ceramics, gift sets, pot pourri and table linen.
The sumptuous fragrance combination of cranberries and exotic
pomegranate, will infuse the air with the spirit of Christmas.
Marbel
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Balancing Coral
RRP £22.99
A unique PlanToys game, which involves each player trying to balance a piece of the
coral onto the main stack without knocking the coral over.
Retailer Benefits:
Balancing Coral is not only a game but also makes a statement to the world that coral
reefs are under threat.
Distributed in the UK by Marbel Ltd, Thailand based Plan Creations are leading
manufacturers of eco friendly wooden toys designed to provoke thought
and imagination. PlanToys are made from rubber wood trees that are too old to
produce latex.
Other Information:
Fraser Studios
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
14 giftfocus
Holy Sheep plaques
RRP £5.99 each
Holy Sheep is a new range of whimsical plaques featuring humorous,
sheep-related inscriptions.
Fun, novelty product to lift the recession blues.
Holy Sheep is part of an extensive range of products from awardwinning Australian company Splosh!
news & events
Menu
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
Boogie Woogie salt and pepper shakers
Email [email protected] or visit the website www.menu.as
RRP £16.95 each
Salt and pepper shakers with wheels, black for pepper, white for salt, that can
be rolled across the table from one person to another. The small, classical
tumblers are made in aluminium with an anodised surface.
An innovative new product sure to arouse interest and raise a smile at any
dinner table.
The Boogie Woogie salt and pepper shakers are designed for Menu by the
design team from Berlin, Murken Hansen.
Les Enfants
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Wedding Activity Gift Box
RRP £18
Each gift box contains a book with wedding themed activities like drawing the
wedding cake, a sticker sheet, fortune teller, a pack of pairs cards to colour in,
colouring pencils, a keepsake box and a special wedding game to play.
Retailer Benefits:
The gift box is an ideal present for bridesmaids and other little guests at the
wedding. Not only great for keeping children amused during the wedding
breakfast it is also presented to fit in with any wedding table.
The box is available to retailers from June 2009.
Other Information:
The Balagan Group
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Button Up collection
Starting from £10 RRP for the bracelet
Cyberlyly’s Spring 2009 collection features the fun button collection,
available in four colours, blue, red, green and brown. Available in
three styles, choker, bracelet and long necklace, they are quirky
pieces for girls who don’t take life too seriously!
Retailer Benefits:
Each piece is completely handmade and therefore unique. All the
buttons are recycled, which is why no two pieces are the same. In
tonal colours so customers can accessorise with ease.
Visit the website www.balagan.co.uk
Other Information:
Love From Flo
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
Fragranced greeting cards
Telephone +44 (0)1782 751 248 or visit the website www.lovefromflo.com
RRP £3.99
Greeting card designer Dawn Critchley’s new range of fragranced greeting
cards is based on the nostalgic concept of cards that can be given as
keepsakes. Hand finished fabric hearts filled with organic lavender or rose
add a special touch.
Eye-catching and memorable, with a unique point of difference, the cards are
designed to capture the essence of days gone by combined with modern
day design.
Handmade in the Cheshire countryside.
giftfocus 15
peace of mind
Robust insurance cover not only protects your business but also gives you
peace of mind, so whether you’re a small or large retailer, an insurance policy
should include a number of standard elements. Here Neil McFarlane, sales and
marketing director of T.H. March & Co Limited advises on the appropriate
levels that are vital to the security of your business.
Protect against disaster
Along with stock and staff your property is one
of your most valuable assets, so any damage,
be it from robbery, natural causes or a fire will
be a potential disaster to the running of your
business. Your current insurance policy will of
course provide cover for property damage
but for much needed, extra protection, look
for a policy that offers a seasonal increase of
around 25 per cent for at least three months
and obviously pick these months wisely, i.e. the
Christmas period when you will be carrying
higher stock than usual.
Keeping covered when you are on the road
As a giftware retailer, your property isn’t the
only place your stock could be at potential risk
so ‘goods in transit’ cover is a must.You should
always check if your policy extends to cover
attendance at trade exhibitions and whether
this extension is sufficient to cover the values
at risk. Remember that commercial policies
are traditionally subject to an underinsurance
condition, which means that if you insure for 50
per cent of the value taken to the exhibition any
claim will be reduced by 50 per cent.
“You should always check
if your policy extends to
cover attendance at trade
exhibitions and whether this
extension is sufficient to cover
the values at risk.”
16 giftfocus
Extending your cover
As well as goods in transit cover, public liability
protection should feature in your policy. Again
if you regularly attend trade exhibitions, there
may be exclusions within your policy for this
protection. Also, a number of exhibition
event organisers demand a minimum level of
cover of £5,000,000. Whilst this can often be
purchased separately it is often cheaper to
increase the limit under your annual cover than
take out small extensions to cover the two or
three exhibitions you may attend.
Be prepared for theft and loss
Sales mean money and that’s something vital
to your ongoing business success. But what
about when you’ve had a busy day and you’ve
got a bundle of cash on the premises or if
you’ve had a successful day at an exhibition
and you are carrying a sum of cash to the
bank? Theft or loss could happen at any time
so make sure your policy covers this and
protects you for the maxim amount of cash
you are likely to hold.
Protecting against the unexpected
Loss of earnings can result for a number of
reasons. Your current policy should have
coverage designed to protect you against
loss of earnings, following the operation of an
insured peril and you should ensure that this
is included in your insurance policy. Close
attention should also be given to the period
of time your business will be affected by the
loss, known as the indemnity period. Standard
indemnity periods of 12 or 24 months should
be considered.
“Theft or loss could happen
at any time so make sure your
policy covers this and protects
you for the maxim amount of
cash you are likely to hold.”
Looking after you and your employees
Employers’ liability is a fundamental part of
your policy, and protects you if an employee is
injured at work. In the nature of your business,
your staff maybe required to work overseas
on a temporary basis. Look out for this in your
policy, a reputable insurer will protect you
against this.
As the retail world continues to develop
and change, so will the terms of your insurance
policy, but the above should come as standard.
If you are with an insurer who offers exclusive
retail giftware insurance, you should also look
for legal expenses cover.
T.H. March offer an exclusive retail giftware
policy for members of the GA, BLLA and
GCA. For further information please contact
www.thmarch.co.uk g
Further information
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, travel, commercial and
scheme insurance. To find out more visit
www.thmarch.co.uk
figs & rouge
advertising feature
rambling rose from
figs & rouge
The Figs & Rouge Rambling Rose Range is
100 per cent natural, formulated with fragrant
Organic Rose, Shea Butter and Seed Oils
to protect and nourish skin naturally. Gentle
enough for everyday use, products contain
100 per cent organic essential oils and are free
from harsh, unfriendly chemicals. Produced
in the UK and packaged in beautiful Art
Nouveau inspired bottles and boxes that are
fully recyclable, products include a Bath Soak,
Shower Wash, Body Lotion, Hand Lotion and
a Foot and Leg Lotion.
The range also includes two gorgeous
gift sets. Choose from the Body Care Gift
Set containing four 50ml bath and body
products, and the Hand & Foot Treatment Set.
Also available from Figs & Rouge is a Sweet
Geranium Body Care and Gift range, along
with an award winning Face Care range that is
Soil Association Certified. g
Further Information
Phone +44 (0)1827 253 323 or email
[email protected] or visit
www.graftons.co.uk
Award winning
Figs & Rouge Balm
Soil Association Certified and 100 per
cent organic, Figs & Rouge Rambling Rose
Balm has recently won ‘Best Lip Balm’
in the 2009 Natural Health & Beauty
Awards. Made from natural botanical
ingredients and packaged in a beautifully
decorative Art Nouveau tin, this vintage
inspired balm can be used on the lips, face
or body for an intensive moisture boost.
giftfocus 17
u bb a
Nick H
rd
Clogau Gold
all fine and dandy
Move over ladies, the men are taking centre stage. When it comes
to jewellery, men are moving out of the shadows into the limelight.
They are becoming more demanding and want variety, style and
cutting edge designs.
Today’s modern men are bolder in their
choices and are daring to experiment with
jeweller y to create different looks, mixing
and matching and layering pieces for their
own individual look. Materials like leather,
rubber, combine with high tech titanium
and hard wearing stainless steel for a strong
contemporary masculine look.
Increasingly leading designers are turning
their skills to this once neglected market
and producing innovative designs to inspire
and delight.
Stephen Webster is a leading name,
renowned for his modern, unconventional
and inspiring jewellery. He boasts a
glamorous list of celebrity clients and has
established a global customer base.
He says: “It has always been my passion
to cultivate men’s jewellery collections that
push all creative boundaries; are high on
innovation and unreservedly cool. Over the
past few years, men have star ted feeling
much more comfor table wearing jewellery,
so I feel it is my obligation to challenge our
clients to expect and require more from
the jewellery they wear.
“Not since the renaissance has men's
jeweller y been so interesting.”
For his new men’s silver collection
‘London Calling’ he drew inspiration from
his home city of London.
“ I drew upon subjects as diverse as the
actual fabric of the buildings; Victorian iron
work, masonry, brickwork and gargoyles.
Also the characters of the city, some
fictional, some myth and some real.
“And finally from my favourite London band
from the most relevant music period to me,
18 giftfocus
punk and The Clash.”
Historical English architecture and iron
work are at the forefront of the designs
which include engraved dog tags, stone
studded bullet pendants, gargoyle inspired
rings and griffin spine bracelets featuring
red agate, hematite, lapis and spiderman
jasper combined with silver, gold and
leather. A raven’s head is also featured
throughout the collection representing the
tale that at least six ravens must remain
at the Tower of London or otherwise the
monarchy will fall.
“All of these elements have been mixed
up and stripped down resulting in the
collection London Calling, comprising of
all the pieces of jewellery a modern man
would need,” adds Stephen.
Email [email protected] or visit
the website www.stephenwebster.com for
fur ther information.
Chris Hawkins combines strong design
and technical skills to produce striking
contemporary jewellery.
The natural world, smooth sculptural
forms and bold textures are recurring
themes throughout his work. He explains:
“In recent years men have become bolder
in the jewellery they are prepared and
aspire to wear. This has been a fantastic
oppor tunity for me as a designer, as my
collections have developed and evolved to
encompass more adventurous styles.
“I make several ranges that have a
very masculine feel, and have become
increasingly known for making interesting
jewellery for men.
“Much of my inspiration has its origin
c
Bo
cia
T
ita
niu
m
Or tak
in the very earliest objects of adornment,
a fossilised tooth, a sun bleached bone.
Taking this as a star ting point, I then create
a contemporary piece of jewellery while
retaining the integrity of the natural object.”
Commenting on current styles in men’s
jewellery he adds: “As with all fashion there
are several trends currently occurring in
men’s jewellery. The gothic look seems to
be enduring, and beginning to evolve in
interesting ways. More pavé set stones are
being used, and overall bolder designs are
being worn by men.”
Email chris@chrishawkinsjeweller y.com
or visit www.chrishawkinsjewellery.com for
fur ther information.
The Guise men's jewellery range from
Clogau Gold Jewellery compromises of a
titanium and rose gold bracelet, pendant
and cufflinks.
The bracelet has a titanium wrist chain
with a flash of 9ct rose gold that has been
hammered to look and feel like dragon skin.
The titanium and rose gold cufflinks and
men’s jewellery
Stephen Webster
Storm
Metal Planet
pendant with Clogau's distinctive rose gold
complete the set.
Managing director Ben Rober ts
comments: “Gents’ jewellery is interesting
and the popular themes seem to develop
along the lines of gothic mixed with clean
cut geometric lines, new metals and the
recycling gemstone trends.
“We have launched a small range of
gents’ items as a market test (we’ve
kept its availability exclusively through
our website) and while it’s not going to
break any records in terms of sales, we’ve
been pleasantly surprised. The range itself
combines 9ct rose gold with titanium and
it’s assisted us in the decision to launch
more gents’ lines through the website and
through the stockists.”
For fur ther information visit the website
www.clogau.co.uk.
“You’re Fired” is another cutting edge
design from Metal Planet. These quirky
cufflinks are designed and made in the UK
and packaged in smar t matt silver boxes.
The range includes spor ting themes, stylish
wedding designs and fun slogan cufflinks.
From skateboards to formula one and
camper vans to surfboards, there’s a design
to suit most tastes.
For more information visit the website
www.metalplanet.net or call
+44 (0)208 440 2468.
Boccia Titanium is a German based
company specialising in producing a
complete range of ladies’ and men’s
watches and jewellery made from high
tech titanium combined with a variety of
materials including enamel, carbon fibre,
gold and silver.
For fur ther details contact the UK
distributors on +44 (0)1159 472 724 or
email [email protected]
Ortak is a family firm, which is today run
by the sons of Or tak founder Malcolm
Gray. The traditional skills of the silversmith,
handed down over decades, are still in use
in Or tak's state-of-the-ar t workshop in
Kirkwall, Orkney, where the manufacturing
base of the company is located and
from where every piece of jewellery is
dispatched worldwide.
Yvonne Carr, Or tak's retail director said:
"Men are fast becoming more and more
style conscious with jewellery being used to
accessorise their look. Cufflinks have always
been a strong category in men's jewellery
and Or tak's new range epitomises the
latest styles for the year ahead. We have an
extensive range of bright and bold cufflinks
designed in silver and coloured enamel
along with stylishly polished sterling silver
cufflinks and with new editions continuously
being added, we ensure there is something
suitable for every man."
Visit www.or tak.co.uk or email
or tak@or tak.co.uk for details.
Nick Hubbard star ted out making
tiny, moving sculptured models for the
jewellery trade and continued his love of
miniaturisation into his own work producing
his first collection of jewellery in 1996.
His jewellery is figurative and whimsical
and many of the pieces are inscribed with
small messages of hope and affection. He
draws inspiration from a passion for comic
ar t, painting, music, literature, film and small
treasures bought and found.
The men’s range consists of 20 pairs of
cufflinks, all oxidised silver with 9ct detail,
engraved with well known sayings or a
play on words. Two new pairs ‘Button up’
and ‘The best things in life are furr y’ were
introduced at Spring Fair 2009.
A small oval tie pin and a unisex bangle
depicting one of their most popular themes
‘Magical Hare’ and a chunky ring called
‘Fierce and Friendly’ are also in the range.
Visit www.nickhubbardjeweller y.co.uk or
call +44 (0)1543 683 228 to find out more.
Jewellery is a successful addition to the
Storm brand and this season sees some hot
arrivals in the men’s collection. Fashionable
pieces combine sleek stainless steel with
genuine leather.
Telephone +44 (0)207 874 6900 or visit
www.stormwatches.com for details. g
Chris Hawkins
giftfocus 19
news round up
All the latest from The Giftware Association
Surge in Gift of the
Year hot novelty
products
This year’s Gift of the
Year competition,
sponsored by Gift
Focus Magazine and
sister title Attire
Accessories, has
Isabel Martinson
attracted a surge in
entries in the Hot Novelty category.
Organiser The Giftware Association believes
the flood of entries may reflect growing
consumer need for a little light relief to beat
the recession blues. The Eco Friendly, Under
£10, Kids, Occasions and Home Accessories
categories have also seen an influx of entries.
This year, entries for the competition are
almost running neck and neck with last year,
when entries saw a 27 per cent increase.
The final selection will be made by judges
on May 14th at the association’s Birmingham
headquarters and the winners announced
online on Monday, June 22nd, enabling
suppliers with winning and highly commended
products to maximise their success at Home &
Gift in Harrogate. The GA’s full Gift of the Year
showhouse will feature the successful products
at Autumn Fair International in September.
Chief executive Isabel Martinson
commented: “The number of entries has
remained encouragingly high. People are
recognising that this is a fantastic way to bring
their ranges to the attention of influential
buyers. We have been interested to see an
increase in entries from non-members.”
Exclusive sales data for members
The Giftware Association has joined forces
with the British Shops and Stores Association
and other independent retail organisations to
provide quarterly Retail Sales Monitor data for
its retail members.
Isabel Martinson, chief executive of
The Giftware Association, said that its pre20 giftfocus
Christmas online survey of members had
revealed that one of their key requirements
was the provision of market research.
She commented: “Along with our partners,
we will be collecting sales records every
quarter – broken down into sub-sectors
such as gifts and home accessories, jewellery
and fashion accessories, cards and stationery,
books and toys – and this information will be
given exclusively and free of charge to our
participating retail members. This will enable
them to benchmark the performance of their
shops and stores to see if they are doing
as well as other retail outlets or bucking a
particular trend.
“Unlike some reports, which tend to reflect
the sales of high street multiples, our Retail
Sales Monitor data will relate to independent
shops and stores.”
The Giftware Association’s 400-plus retail
members have already been invited to submit
their sales data for the first quarter. The names
of retailers taking part remain anonymous.
Summer seminars
The Giftware Association is holding
two seminars in June at its Birmingham
headquarters, dates are yet to be confirmed.
The agents’ seminar will see Richard Bailey,
principal at Steeles Solicitors, discussing the
legal aspects, while Caspari managing director
Keith Entwisle will address ‘getting started’.
Mike Ganley, vice-president of Gund UK, will
discuss selling skills.
In addition, the British Jewellery, Giftware &
Finishing Federation’s export department will
hold an exporting masterclass (June 17th) and
an ‘exporting for beginners’ seminar (July 8th).
For further details contact Pushpa Patel on
+44 (0)121 237 1142.
Award for Excellence
Argyll-based Scott Inness has won The
Giftware Association’s Award for Excellence at
the British Craft Trade Fair for its Christmas in
Design Collection, judged to have “the most
commercial viability as a gift”. Gift retailer and
wholesaler John Allan of Stone The Crows!
judged the competition.
Scott Inness specialises in artistically
designed, quality gifts, which feature the bold
use of striking colour. The range includes
aprons, shopping bags and tea towels.
Visit the website www.scottinness.com for
further details.
(Pictured (left to right) are co-founders of
the business Gill Hastings and Jill Henderson
receiving their award) g
Further information
For the GA log onto www.ga-uk.org
pins and ribbons
Pins and Ribbons - Handmade in England
Beautiful eco-friendly home accessories and gifts, handcrafted
in the UK with love, care and attention to detail.
With a huge collection of items to choose from, we have something
to suit everyone - French memo boards, footstools and headboards,
doorstops, aprons and much much more.
Visit us at PULSE - Stand H14
T: 01642 786777 • E: [email protected]
www.pinsandribbons.co.uk
Contemporary, real jewellery, at gift prices
Pulse - Stand Q30 IJL - Stand G810
Tel: 01865 820888
Email: [email protected]
www.simplystoned.co.uk
Make this
summer count
at Pulse.
Profit from the brightest ideas, freshest products
and smartest retail knowledge.
Make it Pulse this summer for the biggest variety of gift products
in London and an exclusive opportunity to see some of the hottest
designer-makers and international brands including: Wild & Wolf,
Present Time, Two’s Company, Cubic, Reisenthel Accesories, Sukie,
Clippy Kit, Lisbeth Dahl, Scandi-Chic, Best Years, Toys & Fine Things,
Russimco, TinyTodds, Noo Noo Baby, Bomb Cosmetics, Wat Soap,
Holistic Silk, Arco Candles and hundreds more.
To find out why you must attend Pulse and to register for free (saving £20),
visit WWWPULSELONDONCOM today.
6ASEBYLITTALA
31 May – 2 June 2009
Earls Court, London
Gift | Home | Fashion | Bath & Body
www.pulse-london.com
hazel atkinson jewellery
‘Heaven And Earth Collection’
Exhibiting at PULSE - Stand Q54
www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk
Tel: 0115 9586183
Sally Weatherill
pulse
summer lifeline
As London’s only event for gift and home accessories this
summer, Pulse is more relevant than ever. Read on to find
out more...
In brief
show:
when:
where:
opening times:
admission:
Present Time
Artisan Life
organiser:
Pulse will be
at the heart of
the home and
gift world this
summer, pumping
fresh inspiration
into the arteries
of the industry.
Profit-making
products, fresh
new talent, smart
retail knowledge
Neil Gaisford
and a vital
summer dateline all combine to make this
year’s edition an unmissable event.
Pulse pledges to bring together some of the
hottest design-led products from hundreds
of designer makers as well as international
brands spanning four buying zones covering
home accessories, fashion accessories and
jewellery, bath and body and greeting cards
and stationery.
The show serves a niche market and offers
products from both well-established brands as
well as new names.
Unique to Pulse is Launchpad, the
exhibition’s exclusive showcase for up and
coming UK designer makers offering fresh and
exciting products not seen elsewhere. Clarion
provides financial support to enable emerging
new talent to exhibit within Launchpad, which
this year is stronger and bigger than ever with
over 100 companies.
Show director Neil Gaisford explains: “It
is an area for new UK designer makers with
innovative products that are also commercial,
which is important for retailers at the moment
because unique products of value help add
flavour to shops.”
To complement Launchpad this year is
Designer Lab, a new area to the show. In
association with Central St Martins college of
art and design this area will provide a glimpse
into the future of product design.
This year’s seminar programme is stronger
than ever offering a packed timetable of
industry focused sessions providing free,
expert advice on a range of topics including
how to survive the recession, how to make
eco pay and keeping up with the latest trends.
Retail surgeries will also be available offering
one-on-one free advice to help tackle today’s
business problems and challenges.
Eco designer Oliver Heath’s product trail
will be flagged up with a distinctive logo
pinpointing eco-friendly ranges to help
retailers make informed choices. There will
also be a ‘Product GB’ trail to celebrate the
best in British craftsmanship.
Neil says: “The theme for this year’s
show is ‘making this summer count’. We feel
strongly that at the moment retailers will
Pulse
31st May-2nd
June 2009
Earls Court One,
London
9.30am–6pm
(Sun-Mon)
9:30am–5pm (Tues)
Trade only. To register
visit www.pulse-london.
com or call the ticket
hotline on +44 (0)207
370 8324. Admission
entry is free if you
pre-register or bring an
invite with you.
Otherwise entry is £20.
Clarion Retail
(www.clarionretail.com)
be putting their time to great use by visiting
Pulse because we have put in place initiatives
we feel are vital and could well help make
businesses more profitable.”
The summer time slot is another important
factor, particularly in the current retail climate.
Traditional buying patterns at the beginning of
the year and August/September time are being
challenged as buyers feel the need to source
more regularly to refresh stock more often in
order to to move their businesses forward.
“This year the summer dateline is more
important than ever,” stresses Neil. “People
came to Top Drawer Spring and we reported
a good show and were very pleased but
traders were very cautious. They are staggering
their orders very carefully because they don’t
know what is around the corner.
“Confidence has certainly been knocked
and that is where we feel Pulse will be of
real benefit, offering fresh inspiration, to help
reinvigorate businesses.”
Neil forecasts green credentials will remain
key but have to be “affordable”. Value, but
not at the expensive of quality and service
will also be influential market factors. He tips
affordable but stylish accessories for the home,
spa products, chocolate and jewellery as
sectors to watch.
www.pulse-london.com. g
giftfocus 25
summer lifeline
exhibitor profiles
Best Years
Stand J56
Tel: +44 (0)7734 259 435
Web: www.bestyears.co.uk
Best Years will be introducing its new range of fair
trade and hand made products at Pulse 2009.
Realistically priced to appeal to both ethical and
price conscious consumers the range should appeal
to a wide range of customers.
Takkoda
Stand B33
Tel: + 44 (0)8701 909 395
Web: www.takkoda.com
Following the success of the Pets Rock music icon
card range, Takkoda presents ‘Petarazzi Pets’. With
its usual signature style of humorous dressed-up
animals, the range parodies a diverse range of icons
from film stars like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn
and Charlie Chaplin to leaders like Che Guevara,
Chairman Mao and Gandhi to Einstein. All 12 cards
are 120x170mm and are printed on FSC stock.
Creative Charlie
Stand G33
Tel: +44 (0)208 980 1860
Web: www.creativecharlie.com
Creative Charlie has introduced a new addition to its range
of environmentally friendly art and craft products for kids.
The Make Masks Kit contains everything needed to make
four fun masks. The kit is available with either right or lefthanded scissors, ensuring that all children can interact.
All Creative Charlie products are designed and put
together in the UK, using child-friendly materials which are
either recycled or can be reused.
Fizbag Ltd
Stand C41
Tel: +44 (0)1534 481 927
Web: www.fizbag.com
Available in a handheld and shoulder bag design, Fizbag’s exclusive seasonal prints are fresh,
exciting and, according to the company, are proving extremely popular with its retail customers.
The newly launched Marie Curie Cancer Care charity bag sees Fizbag donating 15 pence from
the sale of each bag to help Marie Curie nurses care for terminally ill patients in the comfort of
their own home.
26 giftfocus
Disaster Designs
Stand M23
Tel: +44 (0)1323 441 444
Web: www.disasterdesigns.co.uk
Disaster celebrates its 20th birthday this
year, with more gorgeous goodies and
top trinkets.
With places to go and people to
see, travel in style with the paper plane
range or for a vintage fashion feel, kiss
and make up with their lavish rose and
birdcage bags. The company has a host
of must-have irresistible ranges from hand
embellished felt, Russian inspired floral
doll prints and lovely licensed gifts, to
summer beach bags and winter woollies.
Laura Walker
Couture ceramic buttons, exquisite morsels of delight
Launchpad Pulse LP80
www.laurawalker.co.uk
[email protected]
summer lifeline
exhibitor profiles
Artisan Life
Stand U35
Tel: +44 (0)207 608 2717
Web: www.artisanlife.co.uk
Ethical company Artisan Life will
be showcasing a new range of
jewellery in Tagua (vegetable
ivory) in a wide range of vibrant
colours with a glossy smooth look
and modern designs, as well as a new
original line of fashionable wrist-watches
made in reclaimed tropical woods.
The company imports unique handcrafted
jewellery and fashion accessories from South America. All
their ethical products are sourced on a fair trade basis using
sustainable and natural materials.
Wild and Wolf
Stand H39
Tel: +44 (0)1225 789 909
Web: www.wildandwolf.com
Wild and Wolf ’s latest
licensed range with British
Motor Heritage features a
great new range of men’s
gifts starring the legendary
Mini Cooper and MG sports car. The
BMH collection will be available from
June this year.
Wild and Wolf will be showcasing
its full range of eclectic award winning
products at Pulse.
Pick Up Sticks Jewelry Co.
Stand T31
Tel: +1 905 466 6422
Web: www.pickupsticksjewelry.com
Pick Up Sticks Jewelry is the latest
jewellery line to take retailers by storm
and is now available in the UK. Charm
bracelets and necklaces are popping
up everywhere, and this new jewellery
line re-invents the charm bracelet by
incorporating whimsical images, charms
and trinkets into a unique and stylish
accessory with a personalised feel.
Charms are double-sided and display
two distinctive images.
28 giftfocus
pulse
Hazel Atkinson Jewellery
Stand Q54
Tel: +44 (0)1159 586 183
Web: www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk
Hazel Atkinson offers a distinctive new range of hand painted
aluminium jewellery.
The ‘Heaven and Earth’ range comprises of pendants, earrings,
rings, bangles and brooches. Each piece is individually designed,
assembled and finished in her Nottingham studio. ‘Heaven and
Earth’ is inspired by the natural colours of sky, sea and landscape.
Incorporating the fiery colours of sunsets, the calming hues of
field and forest and the fresh tones of the ocean. The colourful,
lightweight jewellery can be found in over 100 galleries and shops
throughout the U.K.
She is offering a free ring for every order placed at Pulse ‘09.
Anorak
Stand LP17
Tel: +44 (0)7833 100 721
Web: www.anorakonline.co.uk
Summertime is Anorak time with its
brand new range of Kissing Animals
junior sleeping bags. The bold, bright
prints help make the most of the
season and are ideal for family
camping trips and summer festivals.
The sleeping bags come in four
distinctive prints, Kissing Horses,
Kissing Robins, Kissing Stags and
Kissing Rabbits.
C
ONTEMPORARY
D
ESIGNER
J
EWELLERY
Lesser Spotted
Images Ltd
Stand LP41
Tel: +44 (0)7530 311 378
Web: www.lesserspotted.com
Following the successful launch
of the Lesser Spotted Britain
range of 24 cards at Pulse last
year, seven new additions are
being unveiled this year.
The cards feature black and
white photographs of road
signs for some of the UK’s funniest named villages. The backs of
the cards include a map showing the location of the village and
explanation of the origin of the name. All the photographs are
taken by company director Dominic Greyer, whose previous work
includes the book “Far From Dull and other Places” published in
2004, from which the images are taken.
Also launching are “Lesser Spotted Britain” mugs and coasters.
TEL/FAX 01382 730799 E-MAIL [email protected]
giftfocus 29
summer lifeline
exhibitor profiles
Vivid Wrap
Stand B21
Tel: +44 (0)1225 338 254
Web: www.vividwrap.com
Exclusively at Pulse, Vivid Wrap
will be launching its new range for
autumn/winter 2009.
The vibrant range of over 100
gift wraps, gift bags and gift boxes
is lovingly handmade from recycled
cotton and all hand screen printed.
Using luxurious finishes and bold
trend colours, Vivid has created an
exciting range that will be sure to
wow the customers this season.
Look out for their new line of
jewellery gift packaging and latest
wrap accessories and bows as well.
Bombki Baubles
Stand G20
Tel: +44 (0)7715 341 287
Web: www.bombki.co.uk
Bombki Baubles will be showcasing its mouth blown, hand decorated glass
ornaments designed in England by Michael Peterson.
Michael’s designs are highly collectable and his work includes limited
editions, signed and numbered, as well as bespoke projects created for
blue chip clients.
Watch out for a new collection ‘Our World’ coming out this June.
Starchild
Stand D23
Tel: +44 (0)1509 817 601
Web: www.starchildshoes.co.uk
Starchild will be unveiling a new collection
of baby shoes to add to its wide choice of
fun and funky designs. Each pair is designed
for total comfort for little growing feet,
hand finished, using non-toxic dyes and with
durable non-skid suede soles.
Repeat Repeat
Stand G14
Tel: +44 (0)1782 845 870
Web: www.repeatrepeat.co.uk
Since launching its Silhouette range of mugs Repeat Repeat
has extended the selection from just three designs to nine
with more to be added this summer.
“It is really lovely to see people pick up the mugs because
they are attracted to the strong colours and the animal
imagery, and then you see their face break into a smile when
they find the unexpected punch line” said Repeat Repeat’s
Gillian Naylor.
The designs to date include Daschund, Duck, Lamb, Cats,
English Bull terrier, Poodle and Scottie Dog in green, orange or
blue colourways.
30 giftfocus
Rosehip Cards
Stand E31
Tel: +44 (0)1179 710 340
Web: www.rosehipcards.co.uk
Rosehip is introducing three new
notecard sets, inspired by the success
of its Indian Summer giftwrap,
launched earlier in the year.
They will also be showing their first collection of Christmas cards and wrap.
Makers of contemporary British stationery and paper goods, they will be
presenting their collection of greeting cards, giftwrap, notebooks and gifts.
Sold world wide, the mix of vintage inspired patterns is both eye-catching
and on-trend.
Rosehip products are designed and manufactured in the UK using
environmentally friendly materials and FSC accredited printing.
New range available from August! Two sizes of candle in chic glass
storage jars 350ml and 650ml. Filled with our 100% Natural Wax
and strongly scented with a choice of pure essential oils or
a sophisticated range of unusual
fragrances for which we
have become famous!
Contemporary design &
realistically priced.
To give shops a real Natural
choice in the storage
jar candle world.
Tel: 01225 782870
Fax: 01225 782876
[email protected]
THAI ORIGINS
Pulse 2009 Stand R41
Tel: 01926 632121 Email: [email protected]
Designer,
Mouth Blown,
Hand Decorated,
Glass Ornaments
designed by michael peterson
Highly collectable
Limited Editions signed and numbered
New Collection coming for June 09 (Our World)
Bespoke Projects created for blue chip clients
Made in the EU
Designed by Michael Peterson, London England
Pulse Stand G20
www.bombki.co.uk
m.0771 534 1287 t.01708 457 993 [email protected]
pulse
Ladybug Home Textiles
Stand K62
Tel:+44 (0)1753 892 603
Email: adickson@ladybughome.
co.uk
Ladybug Home Textiles is
introducing new season designs to
its luxurious 100 per cent organic
cotton towels and robes. These are
supplemented by organic cotton
and bamboo blend towels, soft and
absorbent, they are also credited
with antibacterial properties. All of
these are produced in Turkey using
hand loomed traditional weaving
techniques from the 17th Century.
Ladybug will also showcase
peshtemals the traditional wrapcome-towel used in Turkish baths
and its ‘History’ range of all natural
olive oil based soaps from Turkey.
Frolic Room Design
Stand G15
Tel: +44 (0)7772 995 596
London based Frolic Room
Design is presenting both
Bauer and Russel Wright
Pottery into the UK
and Europe.
The lines are
contemporary yet based
on classic designs known for simplicity and richly coloured styles.
Inspired by the weather and lifestyles of Southern California, Bauer has many
different lines for the home and garden.
Handcrafted pottery gives the works an individual, fresh, light feel.
Jackie Brazil
Stand P25
Tel: +44 (0)1212 885 830
Web: www.jackiebrazil.com
Sobral by Jackie Brazil takes its design inspiration straight
from the catwalk of fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld. The
company collaborated with the celebrated designer on
the new collection which features spiked resin bangles and
statement chunky necklaces. Each piece in the range has been
handcrafted from recycled resin so consumers can be both
style savvy and eco-conscious.
Retreat
Home
Stand H12
Tel: +44 (0)8708
033 428
Web: www.
retreat-home.com
Retreat Home
will be unveiling
its autumn/
winter and
2009 Christmas
collections at
Pulse. Building on
the company’s
reputation for
using linen,
delicate piping
and hand decoration, the collections include pale blue
embroidered doorstops, red and natural quilted wash bags
and lavender scented decorations. For the festive season
there are nickel plated reindeer candle sticks, wooden
carved tree decorations and more than a splash of fiery
Christmas red on hearts, stars and cushions.
Carrie Elspeth
Stand G26
Tel: +44 (0)1446 771 271
Web: www.carrieelspeth.com
Carrie Elspeth’s 10th birthday is being celebrated in style
with a brand new Anniversary Collection, to be launched
exclusively at Pulse. Look out for the new designs including
the captivating Miracle Moons (pictured).
giftfocus 33
summer lifeline
exhibitor profiles
Cherchbi
Stand T27
Tel: +44 (0)7970 603 278
Web: www.cherchbi.com
British leathergoods and
accessories company Cherchbi,
craft contemporary designs
in robust, traditional quality,
inspired by the nation’s creative
and cultural heritage.
Products include leather
belts, brass key fobs and silk
scarves designed and made in Britain using natural raw materials.
The belts are made by hand in a variety of British belting leathers
with English-cast solid brass or pewter buckles. All Cherchbi leathers
originate from British hides and are pit-tanned in England.
The scarves are printed and finished in Macclesfield, the home of
the English silk industry.
Solid brass key accessories take inspiration from the flora and
fauna of the British Isles and are all cast in England.
RedDog
Stand U42
Tel: +44 (0)7515 539 029
Web: www.bagpod.co.uk
Handmade in luxurious leather with a soft velvet lining, the BagPod®
bag organiser from RedDog comes with 10 convenient pockets and
a secure zipped section to hold handbag essentials. An original design
from Marianne Sparrenius-Waters it has a thin leather strap and is
available in shades of ruby red, ebony, crème and chestnut in two
different sizes to use on its own or to co-ordinate with different bags.
Cubic
Stand K25
Tel: +44 (0)207 095 9399
Web: www.cubicuk.com
Cubic will be showing the latest
products from their top selling
brands including Loop, Fluff,
Loungefly, Fred, DCi, High IntenCity
and Jane Jenni. The new collections
from Loop include the “Pret a
voyage” range of wallets, luggage tags
and bags.
Poltsa
Rani Deshpande Unique Creations
Stand LP83
Tel: +44 (0)208 947 7948
Web: www.ranideshpande.com
Designer Rani Deshpande is launching a quirky new range of
greetings and gifts that grow. ‘Little Bloomers’ are eco-friendly
shapes made from 100 per cent recycled paper, embedded with
wildflower seeds. When ‘planted’ the paper recycles into the soil
and the seeds germinate to produce seedlings!
Each Little Bloomer is presented in a 100mm x 100mm
block-printed pocket made from FSC certified board, finished
with a co-ordinating ribbon tie. There are six designs in the
range, covering occasions throughout the year. Further plantable
gifts and greetings, including Christmas tree decorations will also
be launched at Pulse.
34 giftfocus
Stand R50
Tel: +44 (0)20 8395 6152
Web: www.poltsa.co.uk
Poltsa will be presenting
its new autumn/winter
2009 collection at Pulse.
The new Gazte Poltsa
range is distinguished
by a creative mixture of
textures and fabrics, with
corduroy and tweed
married together in
perfect partnership. This
eclectic combination is
supported by matching
coin purses and scarves,
the latest additions to
the range.
REVERSIBLE PHOTO JEWELRY
Whimsical images framed into wearable art
Pulse - Stand T31
IJL - Stand F635
e UK
Top Drawer Autumn - Stand K40
www.pickupsticksjewelry.com E: [email protected]
la
Just
unch
th
ed in
WIN!
£500
worth of baby
toys from
Best Years
Leading soft toy specialists Best Years is
celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Set up in 1999 to manufacture soft toys for
high street retailers the company branched
out into supplying independent retailers and
now around 70 per cent of sales are from the
independent sector.
“We pride ourselves on the originality
of our designs, the different fabrics we use
for our own ranges, and the flexibility of
our service. We have no minimum order
requirement (although product does need to
be ordered in pack quantity) and can normally
deliver 48 hours after the order has been
placed with us.
“Our products are not only innovative,
but undergo stringent safety checks to ensure
they meet all current safety legislations. We
only deal with factories we have visited and
are satisfied that the conditions exceed
requirements,” says the company.
Sales of Best Years’ baby toys are booming
in 2009 and the wide range available is proving
to be a sure-fire winner even in the current
economic climate.
Leading the way are the company's fabulous
knitted toys.
The retro nature of the designs appeals
to the current trend for nostalgic toys. Bright
36 giftfocus
stripy designs and a tactile feel, make the toys
both eye catching and appealing.
The knitted material is washable which
makes them practical for young children.
Retailing at just £12.99 they have proved
a big favourite since hitting the shelves. The
range now includes the best selling T Rex and
Stegosaurus, Elephant, Monkey and the
Dangly rattles.
New for May are the Owls and Mice, which
are both available in brown or green, and a
wonderful Crocodile.
For young babies there are gorgeously
soft comforters, available in four different
characters. Designed as a comfort toy for
newborns they have patterned tummies for
extra interest. In addition there are irresistible
cuddly lions in two sizes and a new range for
May, which includes six-inch bears with pink
and blue blankets or polka dot cubes.
There is also a range available for socially
aware parents looking for fair trade and
ethically sourced toys.
Contact Best Years and make the most of
the credit crunch baby boom!
View the entire range by logging on to the
website www.bestyears.co.uk. Alternatively
telephone +44 (0)1327 262 189 or email
[email protected] for details. g
To celebrate its 10th anniversary the company is
offering chance to win Best Years’ soft toys with
a retail value of £500 .
To enter simply answer the following question
online at www.giftfocus.com.
Question: When was Best Years founded?
The closing date for entries is 29th June 2009.
Babyface
baby gifts
Twisted Twee
Haba
Noonoo Alimrose (UK)
baby best buys
The economy may be on a downward spiral but babies are booming.
The birthrate in England and Wales has been rising steadily since 2001
helping to deliver a whole host of new arrivals in the giftware market.
Read on to discover some of the latest cute lines for little ones…
Whatever the vagaries of the economic
climate people will still have babies.
And what better reason for a spending
spree than a new arrival. Babies are great
cause for celebration and gift buying,
with baby showers, bir thdays, christening
and naming ceremonies just some of the
landmark events to add to the calendar.
Figures from the Office for National
Statistics reveal that in 2007 live bir ths in
England and Wales went up by three per
cent to 690,013, the highest level since
1991. There is also a growing number of
older mums. Over the last decade, the
number of live bir ths to mothers aged 40
and over has nearly doubled from 12,914 in
1997 to 25,350 in 2007.
With the increasing number of women
choosing to star t their families later in life
there is a growing market for those with
more disposable income to spend on the
latest baby best buys.
Despite the current turbulent economic
times, Noonoo Alimrose (UK) repor ts
steady business.
The company says: “Our products
continue to sell extremely well in the
UK and worldwide through high end
gift, lifestyle and nurser y retailers whose
customers understandably want more these
days for their hard-earned money.”
Noonoo is the company’s award-winning
eco, ethical brand of playthings and gifts for
little ones and Alimrose is the brand they
distribute on behalf of an Austrialian ethical
manufacturer.
To find out more visit the website
www.noonoodesign.com or call
+44 (0)7977 631 393.
Fabric of the Universe delivers new arrivals
for a cooler planet.
The company has launched a range
of ethically made organic cotton baby
garments with cute, funky prints. The
designs are simple and fun and the
garments are soft for baby’s delicate skin.
“The way I see it is that we are all par t of
the fabric of the universe, so harming the
planet or other people is harming me, my
children and all that I love,” says founder
Sophie Ferguson.
The range includes bodysuits, hats, long
sleeved t-shir ts and sleepsuits. For more
information visit the website
www.fabricoftheuniverse.co.uk or call
+44 (0)1316 576 585.
Finding the perfect gift for baby is easy, with
the wide selection of baby toys from Haba
that are not only soft and comfor ting but
practical too.
All newborns and teething babies enjoy
a security blanket to snuggle up to and
Haba’s Cuddling Muslins are just the job.
Par t of the new Habalinos range, the
Cuddling Muslins come in three varieties:
Fabric of the Universe
Kiki the Cat; Marit the Mouse and Hugo
the Bunny. Each soft Muslin comes with a
removable teething ring and disc to soothe
baby and make them smile.
For more information about the entire
collection email [email protected].
Check out Babyface, for its new range
of children’s Fabric Alphabets. Spell out
a child's name with the fun padded wall
letters to add a touch of character to any
bedroom or playroom. Sold individually,
each letter can be hung on the wall with
the integrated wall fixing and measure
approx 25cms x 15cms x 4cms.
Choose from a selection of fabrics and
colours. Visit www.babyface.uk.com or call
+44 (0)1483 720 734 for details.
Twisted Twee is now in its 6th year,
designing and making childrenswear
and parentwear that is original, durable,
practical, beautiful and bonkers.
Ranges include babygrows, baby t-shir ts,
contemporary pantlet combos in funky
designs, combining style and function and
fun Dad and Baby twinsets.
The Oak Tree and Acorn Dad and Baby
twinset is printed onto 100 per cent
giftfocus 37
Inch Blue
Personalised Memento Company
Mum2Mum
baby best buys
For Every Body
net
Metal Pla
Fraser Studios
Repeat Repeat
organic cotton in the UK using organic ink.
Dad sizes are small to extra large and kid
sizes are from six months to two years.
Items come gift wrapped in a printed
canvas bag with a big glossy tag.
www.twistedtwee.co.uk or call
+44 (0)7939 257 409.
Fraser Studios’ baby products attracted
brisk business at Spring Fair 2009.
The por tfolio now includes Splosh!
trinket boxes and photo frames in pastel
pinks and blues.
Managing director Colin Fraser is
delighted that retailers are now recognising
the company as a one-stop shop for
baby items, with the Splosh! range
complementing Hear tString Teddies – from
Seagull Studios – and Malden International
Designs’ baby frames and baby albums.
“Retailers have welcomed this because
we are matching up with the baby themes
and areas in their stores. We are making life
easy for them,” says Colin.
The Hear tString Teddies range comprises
30 teddy figures and complementary photo
frames which replicate the baby theme,
with special pieces to commemorate
memorable moments, like that first curl and
first step.
Call +44 (0)1592 774 540 or email
[email protected] for details.
The Wonder Bib range from Mum2Mumdistributed by Baby & More in the UK
- provides retailers chance to offer
38 giftfocus
customers a premium brand of infant gifts.
Originally the brainchild of two mums in
New Zealand, the Wonder Bib range has
been designed by parents with their own
children in mind - ensuring a wealth of
hands-on experience behind each item.
Wonder Bibs from Mum2Mum are a new
and affordable concept in baby bibs and
are made from 100 per cent cotton with a
nylon water resistant backing.
The fashionable Wonder Bib Bandana
is designed to complement baby’s outfit
and wear all day to keep baby dry and
comfor table while the soft Burp Cloth
helps protect parents’ clothing from
unwanted dribbles.
For more information email
[email protected] or call
+44 (0)1622 673 961.
The Animal Name Range won enthusiastic
response when it was launched by
Personalised Memento Company at Spring
Fair 2009. The design has been applied to a
number of products, including name frames,
breakfast sets, jigsaws and framed canvas
prints. Any name can be used in the design
and children love to see which animals
appear in their name.
www.personalisedmemento.co.uk or call
+44 (0)1782 744 900.
Inch Blue's gift sets feature a 100 per
cent cotton babygrow and matching soft
leather baby shoes. They make popular gifts
and come packaged in a quality Inch Blue
branded box. One of the latest designs is
the Elephant gift set which is unisex.
To view more visit www.inch-blue.com or
call +44 (0)1495 311 123 for details.
New for spring ’09 is the stylish 'Baby Boy'
pocket sized album in soft blue handmade
paper from Metal Planet. Each album
holds 40 photos and is available in baby
pink as well as white. The complete range
covers many special occasions and includes
wedding themed designs, anniversar y events
and fun occasions such as hen nights, proms
and graduations.
For more information take a look at
www.metalplanet.net or telephone
+44 (0)208 440 2468.
For Every Body has launched a collection
of fragranced candles including a 6oz candle
tumbler design, which makes an ideal gift
for new parents or as a christening gift. The
candle is soy based with an average burn
time of 45hrs and fills the room with a talclike fragrance.
For fur ther details call +44 (0)1952 457
408 or email [email protected]
The Precious Range from Repeat Repeat
is decorated in platinum and includes a
contemporary christening frame which
makes a perfect memento of baby's special
day. Designed and made by Repeat Repeat
for their Enfant Collection in Stoke-onTrent England.
Visit www.repeatrepeat.co.uk or call
+44 (0)1782 845 870 to find out more. g
Award winning range of babywear bouquets.
Our bouquets are cleverly crafted from UK
made baby clothes aged 3-6 months.
A great way to welcome a new baby
and congratulate new parents.
The perfect Baby Shower gift
www.theflowerstork.com
email: info@theflowerstork.com
tel: 01495 303030
Truly scrumptious little booties,
all handmade in Northamptonshire.
Delivery 7-10 days.
All orders over 50 pairs of
shoes will get a free display stand.
01604 880066
[email protected]
www.daisy-roots.com
organic, ethically
made babywear
Contact us: 07726 708 159
www.fabricoftheuniverse.co.uk
Part 3
Third in the series looking at ways in which technology can improve business
efficiency by looking at the three main cost areas; staff, property and stock.
This article looks at how retailers can improve efficiency in the unlikely area of
property costs. The reward for those who get it right is a stronger and more
profitable business when the economy turns upwards again.
Unless you are in the fortunate position of
owning your own premises, your rent is likely
to be one of your biggest costs. Of course
your shop rent buys your product display
area, office space, it may contain an amount
of warehousing space and it can also be your
main marketing tool because of its location.
Your shop is a significant asset, so what can
technology do to improve efficiency from the
money you spend on premises?
“Wouldn’t it be nice if your
shop could multitask? Well
it can. Multichannel selling is
about selling in more than
one place at one time.”
Squeezing more value from your
location
Part of the reason you might be paying so
much rent for your shop is its location. If you
get natural footfall past the door then this
marketing aspect will be built into the price.
So is there anything else you can do to extract
more value from the shop’s location? Is there
a way you can advertise to people in the
wider area to know you are there?
Well, here is one idea. Through 2009
Google are putting more focus on what they
call ‘Personalised Search’ and ‘Location Search’.
They are working hard to produce better
results when people are looking for businesses
in a particular area. They are also working hard
to identify what someone’s personal interests
are. For example, if they are into crafting and
have done searches on ‘craft goods’ and other
crafting accessories before, and then they type
‘Card Shops Leeds’ into Google, Google is
likely to display craft shops in Leeds. However
if they have a history of looking at gift cards,
that same search will produce gift and card
shops in Leeds.
Because more people are using Google to
find things in their local area, you have a good
opportunity to promote your website in
Google’s Local Search and help more people
in the wider area find your shop. To add your
business go to: www.google.com/local/add
Multitask
They say that women are better at
multitasking than men. Wouldn’t it be nice
if your shop could multitask? Well it can.
Multichannel selling is about selling in more
than one place at one time. The opportunities
include catalogue mail order and selling online
via a website.
How does this improve efficiency? Well let’s
take the example of running a website. You
will need the following in place; somewhere to
hold stock, an office and place to fulfill orders.
As a retailer you will probably already have
these resources in place and have already
paid for them! You will also have reseller
agreements and stock ready to sell, as well as
people who are trained in customer service
“But the key point here is you
can maximise effectiveness
of your shop premises by
selling across more than one
channel. Making your shop
multitask! ”
giftfocus 41
retail technology
improving business
efficiency in tough times
retail technology
process of selling in a shop and selling online
can mesh beautifully together.
Setting up and running a website isn’t for
everyone and of course there are things to
watch out for, some of which I have covered
in previous issues, and will cover in future
issues as well. But the key point here is you
can maximise effectiveness of your shop
premises by selling across more than one
channel. Making your shop multitask!
Efficient use of space
Every cubic foot is costing money and when
times are tough it is even more important
to maximise the use of the available
space. Where technology can help is in
merchandising. Both visual merchandising,
i.e. the art of displaying products in a way
that is appealing to the customer, and stock
merchandising, i.e. having the right product
available in store at the right time.
“Technology can help in
visual merchandising by
monitoring trends and hot
spots in the shop. ”
and can probably do the order fulfillment
(pick, pack and dispatch).
The extra cost then is the internet design,
the updating of the site and the marketing. If
you have some quieter periods, the updating
of the site can be done then. This leaves the
main additional costs as; a) the design of the
website and b) the marketing.
So, because two thirds of the costs of
running a website have already been paid for,
the gross profit from the website really only
has to cover the two additional costs above.
After that you are looking at incremental
profit for your shop. And you know what, the
42 giftfocus
Good visual merchandising can achieve
the following:
• Make it easier for the shopper to locate the
desired category and merchandise.
• Make it possible for the shopper to coordinate and accessorise.
• Provide information on sizes, colours and
prices.
• Inform about the latest fashion trends by
highlighting them at strategic locations.
Technology can help in visual merchandising by
monitoring trends and hot spots in the shop.
Without keeping accurate records it can be
difficult to know if your visual merchandising
is working or not. For example, say you
want to put together a range of accessories
around a particular buggy, you can use A/B
testing by trying out a particular setup for
an amount of time then measure it. After
a period of time the display can be moved
around and measured again. The ratio of main
product sales to accessories can tell you how
successful the merchandising has been.
Visual merchandising can attract customer
attention, be informative, provide compelling
reasons to buy and cross-sell, but it needs trial
and error to get it right, this is where some
clear measurement can help. Yes if you have an
EPoS system then this should do the job, or a
spreadsheet could do it as well by measuring
sales for each iteration.
Stock merchandising is about getting the
right products in front of the customer at the
right time. This is another area that requires
a mix of art and science. A shop till system
can help you to identify the sales trends and
colours that work for your customers. With
good analysis of what is selling, you can order
the right products thus improving availability
and increasing the chance of selling. Getting it
wrong can mean increased stock-outs, missing
sales and reduced customer loyalty
Both disciplines of merchandising require
skill and experience, but technology can assist
in providing clear information to evaluate
what has been successful as well as making it
easier to get the right products in front of the
customer at the right time. g
“A shop till system can help
you to identify the sales
trends and colours that
work for your customers.”
Further Information
David Mackley MBA BSc is MD of Intelligent
Retail, award winning Multichannel EpoS and
eCommerce for giftware retailers. He can
be contacted on +44 (0)8456 800 126 or
[email protected].
Hound Sac
pet pizazz
Britain is a nation of pet lovers. With almost one in every
two UK households owning a four-legged friend, our
passion is stronger than ever fuelling an ever-increasing flow
of pet products.
Read on to discover some of the latest must-have
creature comforts…
The pet industry in the UK continues to
grow spawning a whole host of luxury gifts,
accessories and treats for pampered pets.
Dogs and cats are the country’s most
popular pets and are treated as ‘very much’
par t of the family. And even though times
are hard owners continue to lavish luxuries
on them - everything from designer
petwear and co-ordinating accessories to
fancy collars and luxury pet carriers.
Launched in 2000 K9 was one of the first
companies to introduce T-shir ts for dogs
and designer pet accessories to this country.
Says owner Samantha Ruffell-Smith: “Our
award winning ranges are all designed
in-house and we use carefully selected
K9
suppliers across the UK, Europe and the
Far East. All our dog clothing is made in
Turkey using green and ethical processes
and our entire homewares range is made in
the UK. Quality is very high on our agenda,
as is our customer service, which together
has cer tainly held us in good stead in the
current economic climate.
“Things are quite tough out there at the
moment but despite the consistent talk
of doom and gloom we were up 10 per
cent on last year for the end of March and
feeling very positive about the future. Most
of our business is selling direct to retailers
but we are also experiencing a big increase
in our web and mail order sales.
Pins and Ribbons
“From our experience pet owners don’t
seem to be slowing down on their spending.
Sometimes we come across gift buyers
who know very little about pet product so
understandably may consider stocking it as
a little risky. However, in our experience it
does seem that people will always spend
money on children and pets so for us here
at K9 it’s business as usual.”
Their current best selling products are
T-shir ts and gift boxed identity tags.
Visit the website www.k9petproducts.
com or call +44 (0)1273 686263 for details.
The Hound Sac is a new introduction to
the market. Designed for the conscientious
dog walker the handy bag has ever ything
44 giftfocus
pets
Urban Pup
Puchi
Jersey Pottery
needed for owner and pet. Ideal for a stroll
on the beach, shopping trip or days out, it
has compar tments for personal effects and
cleaning up after your pet.
It includes a roll of 20 biodegradable poo
sacks, pack of antibacterial wet wipes and a
por table water bowl.
The bag is lightweight and the straps
can also be used as ‘emergency’ leads. The
Hound Sac currently comes in khaki green,
beige and charcoal. Leather and other
colours are due out soon.
Email [email protected] or visit the
website www.houndsac.co.uk for details.
British company Pins and Ribbons is an
eco-friendly home accessories business
which has just expanded into the pet sector
with a new range of products.
Pretty and practical pet cushions are the
latest in the company’s line up of demandled goods.
Each design is made to co-ordinate with
the full range of Pins and Ribbons’ home
accessories, all handmade in the UK.
Owner Kerrie Murray explains: “As a
home and animal lover I always go the
extra mile to buy something special for
my house and for my dogs. And so it really
was no surprise that we received so many
requests for pet beds and cushions, which
looked great around the home.”
“To meet customer demand we’ve
brought out two different design options
– a shaped soft pet bed with padded sides
and a square floor cushion. “
Available in three different sizes and
a variety of different colour ways, each
cushion comes with a removable cover,
which is washable at 40°c.
Visit www.pinsandribbons.co.uk or
telephone +44 (0)1642 786 777 for details.
For pups with attitude Urban Pup offers an
array of pet apparel including a selection of
statement harness t-shir ts with fun slogans
like “Yorkshire Terror” and “Obedience
School Drop Out”.
The dog t-shir ts have a fully adjustable
built-in harness for added security with
D-ring, which makes it easy to clip the lead
on and off.
Call +44 (0)2890 385 799 or email
suppor [email protected] for details.
Puchi, market leaders in designer petwear,
is about to embark on a new project,
introducing personalised hoodies in red,
pink and black in all size ranges.
“As the T- shir t personalisation has
brought a new dimension to Puchi we
expect a good response to this as well,”
predicts director Chris Marrable.
He repor ts: “At this moment in time
the pet industry for designer clothing has
not escaped the recession entirely but
considering the up market nature of our
business we have not felt the crunch too
severely, people will always buy for their
pets as to most they are considered par t of
the family.”
The company is also launching a new,
‘Bone Idol Bling’ luxury pet carrier.
Telephone +44 (0)208 405 7999 to find
out more.
LittleGifts has taken the UK by storm after
already establishing itself as a leader in petthemed jewellery, giftware and accessories
in the US.
Fraser Studios, exclusive distributor
Fraser Studios
of the range in Britain, repor ts that after
selling tens of thousands of the keychains
last year, through increasing its purchase
quantities it has secured a much larger
discount enabling the company to hold
prices at 2008 rates.
The LittleGifts range was showcased
at the internationally famous Crufts dog
show this year. The keychains feature 50
of the most popular dog breeds and are
accredited by the American Kennel Club.
For details call +44 (0)1592 774 540 or
Jersey Pottery has introduced cat and dog
ceramic bowls to complement its new
GameBird range.
The collection celebrates the game birds
that inhabit the British Countr yside.
For fur ther information call +44 (0)1534
850 803 or visit the website
www.jerseypottery.com. g
giftfocus 45
the home front
In brief
show
With nearly all exhibitors confirming new launches for this
year’s Exclusively Housewares show, retailers will have plenty
of ideas and products to consider for the busy seasons ahead.
Read on for a glimpse of what’s to come…
when
where
This year marks the eighth Exclusively
Housewares show, and once again it will be
delivering an impressive line up of 115 leading
housewares and tabletop suppliers.
New exhibitors for 2009 include Alessi,
Dartington Crystal, Green Pioneer, Robert
Welch Designs, The DRH Collection and
Apollo Housewares.
Returning exhibitors include long term
supporters like Addis, Creative Tops, La
Cafetiere, T&G Woodware, Typhoon and
Rayware to name a few.
Denby
This year the show is being put under the
European spotlight with visits planned by key
European buyers, accompanied by their leading
trade housewares titles.
The decision to invite leading European
buyers and press was sparked by exhibitors’
enthusiasm to do business beyond the UK.
“The show provides a perfect, focused
showcase for overseas buyers to get a great
feel for the UK has to offer. Some of the
brands will be very familiar to them, others
won’t, but we felt it was worth the investment
to host this group to come and meet our
fantastic line up of exhibitors,” explained show
director, Pam Plant.
Confirmed foreign buyers due to attend
the show include representatives from an
Italian department store, along with others
from Spain, Istanbul, Switzerland, Poland, The
Netherlands and buyers from a company with
stores in both Finland and Russia. Visitors are
also expected from across Austria, Belgium,
Denmark, Sweden and Germany.
It is hoped that all the key European
organiser
website
Exclusively
Housewares
Brooke House
Exhibitions
9th-10th June 2009
Business Design
Centre, London
www.exclusively
housewares.co.uk
territories will be represented at the show.
“We have links with the key titles through
the worldwide Global Innovators Award (gia)
scheme,” explained Pam. “All these titles report
on their own country retail winners and were
very open to the opportunity to visit the UK
to see what our suppliers are offering.”
The Merchandise Mart feature at the show,
which is sponsored by the International
Housewares Association (IHA) and the gia
scheme, will be running again this year.
Usually it is retailers competing for a gia
award, but this initiative gives suppliers a
chance to show off their own merchandise
ideas. It will be judged by a selection of UK
buyers and previous gia award winners.
Visit www.exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk or
call +44 (0)1604 622 023 for details. g
giftfocus 47
the home front
exhibitor profiles
Maxwell & Williams
Elia International Ltd
Stand 294
Tel: +44 (0)208 998 2100
Elia specialises in the design and manufacture of innovative tabletop products,
including contemporary cutlery, fine china, stylish bar accessories and an
extensive range of beverageware.
The Elia Cocktail Shaker series and Martini/Cocktail Cup are crafted in 18/10
Stainless Steel and polished to a brilliant mirror shine.
The shakers are available in two sizes, 20 fl.oz and 26 fl.oz. Elia also offers the
smaller size with an ornate, 24 carat gold-plated trim.
The eye-catching cup is ideal for use with both cocktails and frozen desserts.
Both freezer and dishwasher safe, it can be chilled without any risk of cracking
or shattering and it’s stainless steel body enables contents to retain a cool
temperature for longer.
Bambu (Green Pioneer Ltd)
Stand 426
Tel: +44 (0)1380 818 515
Web: www.greenpioneer.co.uk
Green Pioneer is the sole distributor
in the UK for Bambu, a contemporary
range of homeware made from
sustainable resources.
Their new eye-catching ‘Outside-In’
bowls will be on show, an extension
to their best selling lacquerware range.
Currently only available in ‘mini-me’ size,
they are food safe and ideal for adding a splash of colour to the table.
Pebbles are Bambu’s version of smooth, well-worn river rocks. A decorative
item and ethical gift, available in a stylish box containing an assortment of 13
pebbles of mixed organic shapes and varying colours. They are crafted from the
off-cuts of the company’s popular chopping board range.
Bambu will also be introducing a new range of cork products for the kitchen,
which includes chopping boards in three sizes, a low bowl and a large bowl.
48 giftfocus
Stand 299
Tel: +44 (0)208 200 5100
Web: www.maxwellandwilliams.co.uk
In addition to its extensive white tableware collections,
Maxwell & Williams has launched a series of more
informal ranges; perfect for dining inside and
out this summer.
Get the party started with the new Fizz barware,
in red or green acrylic, including hi-ball, tumblers,
cylindrical and flared jugs, trays and salad servers.
New Chintz china mugs are just right for afternoon
tea. Cups and saucer sets in spot or stripe pattern are
also available in pink, blue, lilac and mint.
Robert Welch Designs
Stand 234
Tel: +44 (0)1386 840 880
Web: www.robertwelch.com
Showing for the first time at
Exclusively Housewares are Robert
Welch Designs’ Signature utensils
and award-winning Signature knives
and knife blocks.
Robert Welch has designed a
new range of kitchen utensils that
has been manufactured to the
same specification as their cutlery.
The result is the Signature range of
contemporary stainless steel utensils
that looks good both in the kitchen and on the dining
table. The full range includes 12 individual pieces and
a choice of two lengths of storage rack or a storage
stand. The utensil stand with stainless steel cap is
designed to complement the Signature knife block
with its distinctive curved wave shape. The Signature
Utensil Starter Set (illustrated) consists of a large
serving spoon, a large slotted server/turner, a large
serving fork and a choice of either a bamboo or black
ABS utensil stand.
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Award Winning
V&A designs from
creative tops
Due to the success
of our range of fine
bone china mugs in
gift boxes, which have
recently won a Silver
Award in the tabletop
category with Housewares Magazine, we have
extended our ceramic offer and created four new
fine china dinnerware collections featuring three
of our best selling designs: Brocade, Brompton
Rose, Victoria and featuring our brand new
design, Chinoiserie.
Each design has been interpreted using original
material from the archives of the Victoria and
Albert Museum.
Brompton Rose
These stunning dinnerware collections are
available across the following products; 6 cup tea
pot, cup and saucer sets, tea for one, cake stand,
sugar bowl and creamer, dinner plates, side
plates and soup bowls.
For more information please contact [email protected] or tel 01536 207 756
or come and see us at Exclusively Housewares, Stand 306 www.creative-tops.com
the home front
exhibitor profiles
Jersey Pottery
Stand 442
Tel: +44 (0)1534 850 803
Web: www.jerseypottery.com
Jersey Pottery will be exhibiting with Dartington Crystal and will be
showcasing new ranges in their cookware and tabletop ranges such
as Jersey Sweet and Jersey Savoury.
The DRH Collection
Stand S57
at PULSE
31 May-2 June
Tel: 01985 211179
[email protected]
www.cooltradewinds.co.uk
50 giftfocus
Stand 204
Tel: +44 (0)207 249 0710
Web: www.thedrhcollection.com
The DRH Collection will be presenting a striking showcase of the
products it represents. In co-operation with leading manufacturers
the company has created a branded assortment of ceramic
ovenware and tableware, glass stemware and accessories.
Says the company: “Combined these achieve our key objectives
of quality in design and production, while representing value for
both our trade customer and the ultimate consumer.”
Brands they will be representing at their first ever showing at
Exclusively Housewares include BIA, Artland, Rosanna, Stolzle,
Lubiana and
Danesco.
They will be
showing classic
lines, together
with plenty of
new pieces; some
modern and stylish
and others very
contemporary such
as the Rooster
range from BIA.
Navigate
Stand 452
Tel: +44 (0)1279 653 249
Web: www.navigate.ltd.uk
Experts in outdoor living products, Navigate is exhibiting its stylish
and contemporary range of picnicware, garden living, kids lunch and
on-the-go products.
With their new Four Seasons range including garden tools,
gardening baskets and stools, and previews of 2010 spring/summer
picnic and alfresco dining, Navigate is looking forward to exhibiting
its latest collections, including new coloured stainless steel flasks and
mugs in the Fresh2Go range.
New products include picnic bags and baskets with co-ordinating
barbecues, lanterns, napkins, cutlery and melamine, new kids’ lunch
items, teen characters and stylish new flasks in the Fresh2Go range.
Creative Tops
Stand 306
Tel: +44 (0)1536 207 756
Following the success of its award-winning range of fine bone
china mugs in gift boxes, Creative Tops has extended its ceramic
offer and created four new fine china dinnerware collections
featuring best selling designs: Brocade, Brompton Rose, Victoria
and Chinoiserie.
Each design has been interpreted using original material from
the archives of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
These dinnerware collections are available across the following
products; six cup tea pot, cup and saucer sets, tea for one, cake
stand, sugar bowl and creamer, dinner plates, side plates and
soup bowls.
giftfocus 51
the home front
exhibitor profiles
Typhoon
Stand 444
Tel: +44 (0)208 974 4750
Web: www.typhoonhousewares.com
Visitors to this year’s Exclusively Housewares will have chance to see Typhoon’s wide collection of teapots and matching mugs. Catering for all
occasions, products range from chunky contemporary dots and stripes to delicate vintage and farmhouse florals.
The Shanghai six-cup teapot (pictured) is made in fine bone china but is also dishwasher-safe. The premium end of the teapot offering from
Typhoon, it has a stylish rounded shape, delicate handle and long spout. There are also matching mugs available.
T&G Woodware
Stand 448
Tel: +44 (0)1275 841 841
Web: www.tg-woodware.com
T&G will be unveiling some exciting new
products at this year’s show.
Along with new products the T&G stand
will feature the successful Pantry Blue range,
which was launched at this year’s Spring Fair
International. A must-see on the stand, the
range consists of storage jars, jug, baking dish,
spoon rest, mixing bowls, butter dish and mugs.
All the pieces in the range come in colourful
gift boxes, ideal for that special cook.
Denby
Churchill China
Stand 450, Jamie Oliver stand 120
Tel: +44 (0)1782 577 566
Web: www.churchillchina.biz
With a portfolio bursting full of new licences,
Churchill China will be showcasing new and
refreshing collections for autumn/winter 09.
Exciting additions include brand new
giftware from Disney, Ella Doran, Alex Clark,
Beatrix Potter and Cath Kidston. Part of the
Ella Doran collection from Queens, Churchill’s
premium brand, the Smartie Love stacking
four-piece gift set offers an original gift this
summer. All packed in a reusable tin it’s
environmentally friendly too.
To add to these collections Churchill China
presents the launch of new dinnerware and
gifting collections from the Jamie Oliver
licence. See the collections at Churchill
China’s Jamie Oliver showcase at stand 120.
52 giftfocus
Stand 416
Tel: +44 (0)1773 740 700
Web:www.denby.co.uk
In 2009 Denby commemorates 200 years
of producing high quality pottery.
With a long and rich history Denby has
evolved to meet changing needs and for
generations has been at the very heart of
the home. To mark this special occasion
there are two new tableware ranges and
special limited edition pieces.
Culinary skills are presented at their
best with ‘Denby James Martin Dine’ new
tableware range, which brings a dramatic
twist to white porcelain.
“Natural Pearl” tableware in lustrous,
pearlescent tones on the “Bicentennial”
shape has been designed in-house by
Denby’s design team and produced at its
pottery in Derbyshire. The range has a
natural, organic feel creating a premium
tableware range suitable for both formal
and informal dining.
Also marking Denby’s bicentenary year
are limited edition mini teapots and 1pt
mugs to celebrate in style.
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take the initiative
There are many factors which lead towards successful retailing, from
building your own brand to creating a successful website and knowing
how to effectively make the most out of trade show visits. Although
these elements are all important to every retailer, it’s difficult to find
the correct information to become an expert in these fields. In this
new series of articles, Clive Harper, managing director of Yankee
Candle® Europe talks you through his personal retailer initiatives, to
help ensure your business thrives to its maximum potential.
When you hear the word ‘brand’, people tend
to instantly think of large global corporations,
which have always been a part of the world
they live in. However, as a retailer, everything
you do to communicate with your customers
is working to build up your own unique brand:
your shop.
Creating a brand is the next step to
customer loyalty and increased sales, and it
doesn’t have to start with the launch of a shop
– brand building can begin at any stage even if
a shop has been open or a website has been
live for many years, it’s just a case of knowing
what to do.
“The most effective from
of brand building is through
word-of-mouth, and it’s free!”
One thing to remember is that from the
moment your doors first opened or your
website was launched, the life of your brand
in the public eye began. It is something you
should take immense pride in, communicating
with your customers through as many
mediums as possible. From this point,
everything you do will be a representation of
your shop, moulding your customers’ views and
their opinions.
Ensuring your customers have a happy
shopping experience will ensure not only that
they return, but that they spread the word to
friends, colleagues and family.
54 giftfocus
By running loyalty evenings your customers will
feel they are receiving special treatment. Make
sure the evening is well publicised throughout
your shop in the lead up, and don’t forget to
mention the nibbles and wine as these are
sure crowd pullers! Have a reason for the
event, like summer preview or an anniversary
celebration to give the evening a special feel.
Your loyalty evening is a perfect opportunity
to build up your customer database, once you
have your customers’ details you can begin to
contact them individually to make them feel
extra special.
If you’re running a loyalty evening, this gives
you the perfect opportunity to move onto the
next step of building up your name: talking to
your local press.
With one phone call you can find out the
contact on your local paper responsible for
reviews, editorial or news stories. This person
is always on the look out for news, and your
loyalty evening is an excellent positive story
to show a thriving locality. Speak to them
about the reason for the event, what the
evening will entail and invite them along with a
photographer if possible.
During the evening take some photographs
yourself and email them to your local press the
next day with a quote about how pleased you
were with the evening.
However, loyalty evenings aren’t the only
stories papers will be interested in. Become
involved with charity events and inform
the press of how much your team raised
– this also gives your shop a positive image.
“Once you begin to see your
shop name mentioned in
more places, you too will see
your customer base begin to
grow: customers who may
previously have walked past
will recognise the name and
decide to enter.”
Everywhere you are seen, allow the brand to
be seen too: so wear branded t-shirts for a
charity walk or pin posters to your tops. This
will give your brand the respect and admiration
it deserves.
You can also become involved with local
events such as fetes and radio station listener
days, donating a gift set or vouchers as
prizes. Brands you stock may be interested in
becoming involved with you as you will also be
publicising their name.
All of these techniques come together
to create a memorable ‘brand experience’,
something your customers will be talking about
for years to come. g
Further information
For further information on Yankee Candle®
and advice about merchandising telephone
+44 (0)1454 454 500 or visit the website
www.yankeecandle.co.uk.
licensing
Get the low down on latest additions to
licensed ranges and hot new properties
hot property
Delicious tees
Super soft superheroes
Giant cuddly guinea pigs are set to launch a charm offensive on the UK this summer.
Smoby Toys UK has launched the new plush collection as part of a range, based on the
characters from Disney’s major new summer film G-Force, scheduled for release in July 2009.
The super soft superheroes come in giant 24in plush versions as well as smaller 8in and
10in sizes.
Smoby is the UK arm of European toy giant Simba Dickie Group. Dickie Toys won the master
toy licence for the film with Smoby handling the UK distribution.
G-Force is a 3D-comedy action adventure from Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer
Films, which follows the antics of an elite squad of highly trained guinea pig agents.
Smoby’s G-Force range includes a radio-controlled vehicle, detailed action figures of the
main characters and G-Force training laboratory play set.
For further information contact the sales team on +44 (0)1454 629 672.
Fabric flavours has released two new T-shirts
featuring characters from children’s stories –
Eric Carle’s classic ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’
and Roald Dahl’s ‘The Enormous Crocodile’.
The Hungry Caterpillar tee features a soft
handle print with bright pistachio embroidery
on the front, and ‘holey’ fruit border along the
bottom edge.
Roald Dahl’s famous crocodile comes to
life with felt appliqué and zigzag embroidery.
Each officially licensed garment is made using
100 per cent cotton and is pre-washed with
softeners, available in sizes from 12 months to
nine years.
Call +44 (0)207 195 2234 or send an email
to david@fabricflavours.com to find out more.
Gogo’s Explorer hits
the shelves
The popularity of kid’s craze Gogo’s Crazy
Bones is set to soar with the recent launch
of the eagerly awaited Explorer range.
Produced by Magic Box International
and Promociones Premier International,
Gogo’s are collectable characters currently
taking the UK by storm. The addition of
the Explorer range brings the total up to
240 to collect in five different colours, as
well as five sought after rare figures.
The popularity of Gogo’s has been replicated in the licensing world and Bulldog Licensing,
which represents the brand, has already secured deals with Portico for greetings cards,
Pyramid for posters, Roy Lowe and Sons for socks, Infocado for calendars, Zap for bedding,
and Hy-Pro for sports goods. Halsall has launched a wheeled toys range, Poetic Gem is rolling
out Gogo’s branded apparel across retail and licensed goods giant MV Sports and Leisure
is lined up to produce a range of Gogo’s plush toys. Publishing giants Penguin and Random
House are also adding to their existing Gogo’s titles this year.
For further information email Jane Garner [email protected] or Sallie Deary
[email protected].
Sugar & Spice
Eight new figurines have been added to
Country Artist’s Sugar & Spice collection.
Launched in 2007, the range of sculptures
is inspired by the artwork of the talented
children’s book illustrator, Anita Jeram, who is
renowned for her award-winning book, ‘Guess
How Much I Love You’.
giftfocus 55
hot property
Gemma International launch new Hannah
Montana range
UK leaders in children’s licensed greeting cards, Gemma International is
launching a brand new Hannah Montana card and gift wrap range.
The products follow a new style guide created to support the release
of Hannah Montana the Movie in UK cinemas on 1st May 2009.
The new range consists of age cards for six to nine-year-olds, no-age
designs, female relations, a sticker card and a gift wrap pack.
Call marketing executive Marie Guyader on +44 (0)1264 388 400 or
email [email protected] for details.
Miffy back on board
New packaging for Homer and friends
Craft Village UK has launched a brand new package
design for its range of 12 hand-carved African stone
sculptures of The Simpsons.
The Simpsons ‘Stone Sculpts’ range is made
exclusively in Tabaka, a remote village in Kenya, hand
crafted by a team of master carvers and finished by the
women of the village.
The villagers benefit from every sale made, providing
a vital source of income. The range of carved busts
features 12 of the best-known Simpsons characters,
each unique and signed by the individual carver. After
an original soft-launch in 2007, the product packaging
has been redesigned and this year sees the new launch
of the soapstone figures. The packaging has been re-designed to reflect the ethical nature of
the range. Craft Village UK is now an accredited provisional member of the World Fair Trade
Organisation.
To find out more call Craft Village UK on +44 (0)1325 367 905 or log on to the website
www.craftvillageuk.com.
Igglepiggle and friends to debut in China
BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, has sold pre-school success story In the Night
Garden to Chinese Central Television (CCTV).
All 100 episodes of the twice BAFTA award-winning programme have been sold in a rare deal
to broadcast a pre-school western property to 300 million children in China.
In the Night Garden is produced by Ragdoll Productions, the creators of the successful
Teletubbies, and tells the story of a magical picture-book place where a community of toys live
out their comical adventures together. A number-one rated show on CBeebies in the UK, In the
Night Garden will launch on CCTV in the second half of 2009.
For further information contact Anna Kingsley on +44 (0)208 433 3022 or email her at
[email protected].
Vincent snuggles up with Izziwotnot
Backland Studios has announced a link-up between premium baby bedding company Izziwotnot
and their design-led property Vincent.
The new deal will see Izziwotnot launching a complete bedding range featuring Vincent, the
lovable bear with one ear.
Backland Studio owners Ged and Kaely Backland said: “Having Izziwotnot on board is great
news and there is more to come. We only launched Vincent last year but he is already attracting
huge amounts of interest.”
For further information email Jane Garner at [email protected].
56 giftfocus
Miffy will be taking to life on the ocean wave
this summer as P&O Ferries prepares to
stock products from Rainbow Designs.
Items from the new Miffy Classic Signature
collection will be available from gift shops
on board all four of P&O’s major routes,
connecting the UK to the continent, including
the new bean toy Miffy in a gift bag, Miffy
phone charm and plush Miffy keyring.
Angela Bamford, buyer at P&O said: “It’s
been a few years now since we’ve offered
Miffy in our gift shops and it’s wonderful to
be welcoming her back on board.”
Other gifts also available in the new Miffy
Classic Signature range, launched at Spring
Fair this year, include a 30cm standing plush
Miffy and an embossed mug in a gift box.
For further information visit the website
www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk.
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bath and body
me-time treats
Bath and body products are a
lucrative but crowded sector and
nowadays need to offer more
than just a ‘wash and scrub up’ to
make consumers splash out.
As hard times begin to bite more people look
for respite in the occasional treat.
A spot of pampering can be a great antidote
to the recession blues and bath and body
products fit the bill as either an affordable metime treat or luxury gift.
Spa, well being and pampering products are
tipped to be popular purchases this year with
growth predicted particularly in premium and
niche brands.
It’s hard to avoid using bath and body
products like soaps and shower gels but
consumers are increasingly discerning and want
affordable treats with a point of difference that
offer added value.
Great packaging that stands out from
the shelves, contemporary designs, green
credentials and natural ingredients are all
factors proving more and more influential in
people’s buying decisions.
The natural and organic market is a major
growth area in the bath and beauty sector.
Mounting concern about the chemicals in
some cosmetics and toiletries continues to fuel
demand for natural products.
Ruby Red is a company dedicated to making
organic body products.
“At Ruby Red we believe that looking good
isn’t about an ingredient list as long as your
arm, it’s about keeping things simple by being
kind to your skin with pure and organic natural
body care.”
“In today’s credit crunch climate, the
demand for multi tasking products will
definitely increase. For example all our
Whipped Shea Butters can be used for a
variety of reasons – as handcreams, cuticle
cream, body butters, lip balm, for cracked
heels, sore feet, elbows, hair, face treatment
cream, neck cream. Consumers are looking to
save money and buying one product instead
of several is one way of doing this,” explains
founder Martine Burford.
www.rubyredcosmetics.co.uk.
In line with growing demand for me-time
treats Baylis and Harding has introduced a
new, high end, affordable luxury range called
the Pastelle collection, targeted at those with
an indulgent side. Inspired by the colours of
Peony and the striking shape of Orchid, each
product is delicately scented and is designed
for pampering.
The eight item line up includes a Luxurious
Moisturising Soap containing sweet almond oil,
Silk Wrap Body Cream with honey and shea
butter and a Goodnight Sleep Tight Soak with
infusions of Camomile and Geranium.
The company says: “With Pastelle we really
wanted to design something for the luxury
end of the market and at the same time keep
prices affordable.
“Pastelle is the ultimate in affordable luxury,
created with enthusiasm for perfection.”
To find out more visit the website
www.bayhar.com or email [email protected].
Xystos is developing a number of new gifting
toiletry lines for Royal Warrant holder Norfolk
Lavender – the market leader for UK lavender
products – for which it has distribution rights.
Says Xystos sales director Richard Tams:
“Norfolk Lavender goes on being successful
because the ranges span both the traditional
and the contemporary. And at a time when
customers are looking for locally sourced
products with a low carbon footprint – they
don’t, for example, use parabens – this longestablished brand continues to have an edge
over would be competitors.”
The three Xystos ranges – Norfolk Lavender
and the Country Diary of An Edwardian Lady
brand’s Country Rose and Wild Meadow
– cover a wide range of fragranced giftware
for the bath and body, from cooling and
rehydrating gel to soothing foot soak, and
intensive hand and nail cream to cologne spray.
Both individual pampering products and gifts
sets are available.
For information call +44 (0)1914 991 570
or email [email protected]. g
Xystos
giftfocus 59
most wanted
bath and bubble
KAT Aromatherapy reports its most successful
spring ever.
The company says: “We believe this is because
our products are designed by a qualified
aromatherapist and hand made in UK using only
genuine aromatherapy essential oils and because
we follow ethical sourcing principles. This seems
to be the way the independent shops want to go
to differentiate their offer from the sometimes
uninspired beauty and gift ranges so often seen in
major chain stores.
“The fact that we hand make to order means
we have been able to take account of the current
economic situation by reducing unit sizes in certain
cases to keep prices at good gift price points. We
don't insist on minimum order levels either and
pack in any unit sizes so that shops can order little
and often to help their cash flow. At the other
end of the scale we can manufacture to order for
companies who want to brand their own products
and are in discussion with a number of companies
for quality products for next Christmas.”
Bath melts and soaps continue to be bestsellers
for the company and come packaged in elegant
cream and black boxes.
This year the firm plans to continue to expand
its beautiful Bouquet Garden range of bath melts
with new summer colours and is also introducing a
smaller pot of its best selling amber and mandarin
body butter.
Visit the website www.kat-aromatherapy.co.uk or
call +44 (0)1452 742 368 for details.
60 giftfocus
Sensuous Luxury Bath Caviar is one of
the new Pastelle collection from Baylis
and Harding, specially designed to cater to
people’s indulgent side.
An affordable luxury, this bath time treat
boasts a soothing fragrance and moisturising
properties to protect, hydrate and soothe
the skin.
Telephone +44 (0)1527 505 000 or visit
the website www.bayhar.com for details.
Bath Bubble and Beyond make
and sell over 250 innovative
bathroom goodies including
masses of different soaps, bath
fizzers, creamers, bath powders
and bath salts, all handmade in the
UK at their factory.
The company says: “We find
that heart shaped items always
sell well for our customers and
that unusual items like our 'soap
kebabs' and 'soap cakes' are
always popular. All our soaps are
made with glycerine base and
smell as good as they look!”
Visit the website
www.bathbubbleandbeyond.com
or call +44 (0)1202 625 400 to
find out more.
Foam & Fizz has launched a new trade website www.thehandmadesoapco.co.uk
due to a large growth in trade orders. A small manufacturer established in the Kent
countryside for over six years, the company has created a contemporary, sophisticated
range based on traditional methods and ingredients. The products not only look good
on display, but offer great retail margins. They are about to launch several new ranges
including bath tea bags, muscle spa soaks and truffle bath melts.
For more details call +44 (0)1959 534 767.
Foam & Fizz are thrilled to launch their new trade
website www.thehandmadesoapco.co.uk. They are a small
manufacturer and have been established in the Kent
countryside for over 6 years.
Foam & Fizz have created a contemporary, sophisticated
range based on traditional methods and ingredients. The
products not only look beautiful on display, but feel
fantastic on your skin.
handmade soaps ~ bath bursts ~ bath melts ~ unique
personalised soaps ~ soap making ingredients
For more information please contact
www.thehandmadesoapco.co.uk
Retail website www.foamandfizz.co.uk
Tel: 01959 534767
PRESENTS ITS HOME COLLECTION
PULSE STAND K62
* 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
most wanted
fragrance
Woods of Windsor, the quintessentially English floral
fragrance and luxuries brand, has embarked on a new
chapter it its long history, as an updated modern classic.
Established since 1770, Woods of Windsor is renowned for
contemporary interpretations of its heritage recipes.
Embracing over 200 years’ heritage in soft floral scents, the
company takes on board how each generation of women has
its own style, so the latest formulations keep the floral scents
fresh and easy to wear.
Woods of Windsor is available in True Rose, Lily of the
Valley, Lavender and White Jasmine, including eau de toilettes,
bath and body luxuries as well as popular home accessories
like drawer sachets and room sprays. For further information
call +44 (0)1276 674 000.
Sachets for wardrobes and drawers are a wellestablished, non-seasonal and profitable product category
for retailers and form a core product of many bath and
body product ranges.
Pairfum has launched its latest innovation - the
Beeswax Sachet, a honeycomb sheet made from pure
beeswax and coated with crystallised perfume nectar.
Placed in a wardrobe, drawer, room or a similar location
the scent is said to last for up to six months.
Perfumed with essential oils the sachets come in 12
different fragrances.
The packaging comes from sustainable managed
forests and is eco-friendly.
To find out more call +44 (0)208 892 4361 or visit
the website www.pairfum.com.
62 giftfocus
Fikkerts new Orchard Garden collection brings the heady fragrances of Lily,
Peony and Iris indoors. Inspired by the Yorkshire countryside the new products
include bath foam, body lotion, hand wash, soap and gift boxes.
Call +44 (0)1535 692 500 or visit the website www.fikkerts.com for details.
bath and body
natural
Specialists in natural, handmade herbal soaps and pampering products, The Celtic Herbal
Company has introduced a therapeutic new collection of organic and vegan-friendly bath and
body treats.
The new bath and body range, created with 100 per cent organic ingredients, features a
selection of plant based products rich with botanicals and essential oils, all sourced from nature’s
own store. Sulphate and paraben-free, the collection includes Revitalising Shampoo, Intensive
Conditioner, Moisturising Shower Wash, Moisturising Hand Wash and a gentle Baby Shampoo
and Wash.
For further information visit www.celtic-herbal.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)1758 701883.
Ruby Red’s organic body smoothing scrubs are
formulated in-house and hand made in their North
London workshop, using quality organic vegetable and
essential oils.
Exfoliating Dead Sea salts are used to buff roughness
away, while a blend of organic and essential oils get to
work at smoothing and fragrancing the skin.
The scrubs come in coloured Kilner jars that can be
re-used again and again.
Visit the website www.rubyredcosmetics.co.uk or call
+44 (0)7526 526 909 to find out more.
At Great Elm, in the green hills of Somerset, they believe in the traditions of the English
country garden, in the healing power that comes from its plants, and its calm beauty.
This is where they grow
and harvest as much as
possible of the ingredients
for their fresh organic
skincare preparations,
which are all plant-based
and designed and made
under the supervision of a
medical herbalist.
Products contain no
artificial ingredients,
mineral oils, lanolin, alcohol,
parabens, synthesised
aromas or fillers.
For further information
visit the website
www.great-elm.com or call
+44 (0)1373 814 607
Figs & Rouge is an innovative range of
100 per cent natural face and body care
products, packaged in Art Nouveau inspired
bottles and boxes.
Combining natural, botanical aromas such
as Rose and Geranium, products include a
shower wash, bath soaks, body lotions and
a face care range that is Soil Association
Certified. All products contain 100 per cent
organic essential oils and are Vegan Society
approved. They are also free from parabens,
sulphates, synthetic aromas or artificial
colours and ingredients.
Co-founder of Figs & Rouge Debra Riley
explains: “ Natural & Organic beauty &
bodycare products are in ever increasing
demand. Customers are finding alternatives
to big brand chemical driven products. Figs
& Rouge skincare has been a great antidote
to those who are looking for a natural
approach to beauty care with an affordable
price tag.”
visit the website www.graftons.co.uk
giftfocus 63
acid
belt and braces
protection
To register or not? That is the question!
Yes, it’s true the economic downturn has had some nasty by-products, including an
increase in copying. Like street crime, this increase is fuelled by a need to make money
– fast. Copycats will seek a quick route to market by ripping off original design, rather than
commissioning it and buyers will undercut suppliers. Unless originators put their IP armoury
in place, they will be left vulnerable, warns Dids Macdonald, CEO of Anti Copying in Design
(ACID). Here she advises about putting belt and braces around new designs.
In April 2003 it
became possible
to register designs
using a Registered
Community Design
(RCD), available
nationally through
the UK Intellectual
Property office
www.ipo.gov.uk and
through Office for Harmonisation in the
Internal Market (OHIM) www.oami.europa.
eu. However, many confuse the differences
between UK and EU registered designs and
UK and EU unregistered designs.
For a start – it’s money! There is a financial
outlay to officially register designs, whereas
unregistered design rights are automatic
and free. Another critical difference is that a
registered design will give a monopoly right
i.e. an originator will have a piece of paper or
numbered certificate which states they actually
“own” the design, and they don’t have to prove
copying. With an unregistered design, the onus
is on the originator to provide an audit trail
behind the design - and they must be able to
prove that someone has copied them. So, in
litigation, it is much more cost effective to have
a registered design. Why? Because few legal
representatives acting on behalf of those who
“copy” can argue sensibly against the owner of
a registered design.
The good news is that designer/
manufacturers have become more IP savvy,
realising now is the time, more than ever,
to get their IP protection in place. We have
seen a marked increase in ACID membership
since the “R” word became part of the UK’s
vocabulary again and in the use of ACID’s
Design Data Bank – a free service to members
for safely storing original designs, should proof
of origination be required for those relying on
unregistered design rights.
ACID’S objective is to ensure that
every designer/manufacturer in the
UK understands the value of
their IP rights, has the support
to put an effective IP armoury
in place in order to fight
plagiarists, while having access
to effective resolutions through
mediation. We offer our members
a wealth of benefits to assist their
design protection – 2009/10 will
not be without challenge, so
for those who need a survival
strategy – remember to:
• ensure you have a design audit
trail for unregistered designs;
• register designs officially if at all possible; and
• use the ACID logo (if you are a current
member) together with an accompanying
intellectual property (IP) policy statement for
maximum effect!
If you don’t want to be copied, say so!
Nowhere is there is a more effective conduit
for stating your intellectual property policy
than on your website and marketing material.
65 giftfocus
Case Study
When Ben Atkinson-Willes’ grandfather became ill with Alzheimer’s
disease he decided that he should use his creative skills to design
something that not only could stimulate and trigger his grandfather’s
mind to become more active and occupied but might also benefit a
growing number of elderly people who suffer from the disease.
Ben’s Puzzles use a unique tested system, researched and designed
especially for people of varying abilities and the focus of the design has
been for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
The boxed puzzles are made from durable and washable materials
and have been designed so that they can be easily managed from a
wheelchair. A selection of generic images that sufferers are able to relate
to, help Alzheimer’s patients gain a sense of achievement and pride in
doing the puzzles.
One of the first things Ben decided to do once he had created Ben’s
Puzzles was to obtain a Registered Community Design (RCD) from
OHIM www.oami.europa.eu so that, in effect, he had a piece of paper, a
certificate saying that he owns the designs, thereby creating a monopoly
right. Ben commented: “I am now in talks with a major retailer regarding
the possibility of working with them closely to market the product
amongst care homes and I feel somewhat reassured that I have put
“belt and braces” protection around this new collection with an RCD.
I also have access to the ACID help lines to talk me through further
negotiations with other interested parties”.
Ben, a product and furniture student at Kingston University has been
supported and mentored in this new venture by professor of design
Hilary Dalke. She added: “These generic puzzle images researched by
Ben for use in care homes, meet many needs of the Alzheimer’s disease
community, from the sufferers and carers to the relatives who need a
more appropriate way of spending their valuable leisure and social time
together with mature pursuits.”
To find out more visit the website www.benspuzzles.com. g
Further information
For further details about ACID visit www.acid.uk.com.
66 giftfocus
three in one
Well known trade show Tendence returns this summer
under its original name, raising the curtain on a world of
international design for the busy autumn and winter season
ahead. Read on to discover what’s in store…
Under its familiar title Tendence – International
Frankfurt Autumn Fair returns this summer
ringing in one of the busiest times of the year,
leading up to the Christmas season.
From this year the event will be split into
three trade fairs, Living, Giving and Collectione,
all under the well-known Tendence umbrella.
Organiser Messe Frankfurt has reverted
to the original name after staging the event
last year under the combined show banner
‘Decorate Life’.
The decision was made in order to capitalise
on the established reputation of the show and
its loyal customer base.
However, they are sticking to the earlier
timing after bringing the show forward last year
from the end of August to the beginning of July.
By holding it early in July, Messe Frankfurt
says it has taken account of the ordering needs
of the trade, making it now the first major
event in the national and international calendar
of fairs for the second half of the year.
“Tendence is distinguished by an
unparalleled range of products at the optimum
time. But that’s not all; unlike any other
consumer goods fair in the second half of
the year, Tendence stands for seminal design,
68 giftfocus
the latest trends and valuable inspiration for
the trade,” explains vice president of Messe
Frankfurt, Nicolette Naumann.
LIVING
The focus of the design-orientated Living trade
fair will be on modern interior design products
and will include accessories for the home,
home textiles, pictures, frames and lighting.
GIVING
The Giving trade fair is devoted to presents,
particularly important for the busy festive
season ahead. As well as a wide selection
of giftware, from the traditional to the ultra
trendy, the range of exhibits will also include
stationery, toys, arts and crafts, candles and
gourmet presents. The event is complemented
by a wide selection of fine and costume
jewellery, personal accessories, beauty and
wellness products.
COLLECTIONE
Featuring seasonal decorations and outdoor
products, Collectione Preview Spring +
Summer, has been in Messe Frankfurt’s
portfolio of events since 2005.
in brief
show
when
where
organiser
website
Tendence
3rd-7th July, 2009
Frankfurt am Main,
Germany
Messe Frankfurt
www.tendence.
messefrankfurt.com
tendence
At this year’s Collectione, exhibitors will
present for the first time, forthcoming trends
for the 2010 spring and summer season.
It is a specialist marketing platform for the
medium to large-scale segment of the market
and attracts key decision makers and bulk
buyers from retail chains, department stores,
the floristry wholesale trade, DIY and homeimprovement outlets and garden centres.
Visitors will find a whole spectrum of annual
decorations and gift items, as well as a broad
range of products for the garden and terrace.
PASSAGE
In the Passage section, overseas exhibitors
present an assorted range of home
accessories, gifts and household products for
the kitchen and table.
TRENDS
Tendence has made a name for itself not only
as an international showcase for new products
but also as a design and trend venue.
Emerging trends and up-to-the-minute
designs are brought to life within a variety of
dedicated trend shows.
Studio Polka from Vienna and Studio
Doshi/Levien from London are the ‘Personal
Shoppers’ for 2009 and will be embarking on
a tour of discovery around the show.
Visitors will be able to see the results of
their shopping expeditions, spotlighting a cross
section of products from throughout the
show, within a special trend area.
TALENTS
Talents is an important and influential platform
for up-and-coming designers at Tendence.
It provides young designers with the
opportunity to present their prototypes to an
audience of international experts and to make
valuable contacts.
Establishing themselves in the international
business world is a huge challenge for
newcomers to design. Messe Frankfurt aims to
provide real, practical help through the Talents
sponsorship programme by providing 40 free
stands at the show.
They will be divided into two focal points,
one in the Loft Hall primarily for product and
furniture design and another in the Carat Hall
focusing on personal accessories and jewellery.
Another promotional event ‘Next’ is aimed
at young designers who have already gained
some working experience in the sector and
are now looking to secure a firmer foothold.
For young international companies with a
design background, it provides a valuable
opportunity to develop business contacts and
raise their profile.
Examples of classical and innovative ideas
from Scandinavia, the homeland of timeless
design, will also be on show at the dedicated
‘Nordic Design’ area. g
(Pictures by Petra Welzel, Jochen Gunther
and Jean-Luc Valentin cour tesy of Messe
Frankfur t Exhibition GmbH.)
Further Information
www.tendence.messefrankfurt.com.
giftfocus 69
national trust
'
partners
in
trust
'
'
Over the past 114 years The National Trust has grown to become a much respected guardian
of the nation’s heritage commanding support from an ever increasing number of people.
As a charity it is completely independent of government and relies for income on membership
fees, donations, legacies and revenue raised from its commercial operations. We take a look at
some of the licensees helping to generate valuable revenue towards its work.
ons
Gibs
diversity of the National Trust’s work with
imagery of the vast collection of property,
landscape, wildlife and coast line that the
organisation is responsible for.
The range includes 250 and 1,000 piece
jigsaws covering themes such as Coast,
Country, Wildlife and Home.
Kate Armitage, director of marketing at
Gibsons, comments: “We are absolutely
delighted to be partners with the National
Trust and see a real synergy between the two
brands. The 250 piece puzzles allow us to
target the gift market as well as the traditional
Gibsons puzzler and we’ve loved seeing the
beautiful imagery translate to puzzles. People
across the UK can relate to the wonderful
work that they do in restoring our heritage.”
Marie Shingfield adds “This is another unique
way in which the National Trust can present its
stunning properties, landscapes and gardens.
We are very excited about the puzzles.”
To find out more visit the company website
www.gibsonsgames.co.uk or telephone
+44 (0)208 661 8866.
'
In July 2009, Frances Lincoln Publishers launch
a new range of gift stationery licensed from
the National Trust. The range of five items
including illustrated desk and pocket diaries,
address books and a walker’s notebook,
reflects the interests of the National Trust with
its emphasis on historic houses, gardens and
the environment and landscape. Illustrated with
evocative photographs the products convey a
strong sense of place as well as of the people
who lived there.
Anna Sanderson,
commissioning editor for
stationery at Frances
Lincoln comments:
“We are delighted
to add a prestigious
licence such as the
National Trust to the
Frances Lincoln gift
stationery list and
we plan to grow
the list of products
each year.”
ns
Gibso
'
The National Trust is Europe’s largest
conservation charity with 3.6 million members
and more than 52,000 volunteers.
Each year it welcomes tens of millions of
visitors to its historic properties, coastline and
open countryside.
Brand licensing manager Marie Shingfield
explains: “National Trust Enterprises raises
much needed income to support the charity
to continue this work and within this, our
brand licensing programme is an important
area of support. A substantial income is
generated from our work with licensed
partners, for example puzzles with Gibson
Games, advent calendars with Caspari and bird
houses with Ecological Partnerships to allow
our conservation work to thrive.”
Currently the National Trust is working with
many licensees and has recently signed many
new and exciting deals, which are still at the
development stage.
British company Gibsons has recently
launched National Trust jigsaw puzzles.
The aim was for the puzzles to reflect the
oln
Frances Linc
giftfocus 71
Calend
ar s
Ec
olo
gic
al
r
Pa
tn
sh
er
ips
partners in trust
The National Trust Diary 2010 showcases
12 different properties, each of different
architectural and decorative style and ranging
in date from the 16th century to the second
half of the 20th century.
The diary presents an insight into the
range and type of properties managed by
the Trust - from the grand country house to
a Birmingham back-to-back tenement block,
from the clean Modernist lines of a 1930s
architecture-designed London house to the
1950s semi where John Lennon grew up.
The National Trust Address Book features
a selection of homes that were lived in by
authors, dramatists, essayists and poets.
The walker’s notebook is a great companion
whether out for a gentle stroll, hiking across
moorland or scrambling along cliff paths.
As well as unstructured record pages for
making notes, its includes a directory of 50
walks of varying difficulty and length, plus a
list of wildlife walks, the Countryside Code
and advice on how to make the most of
the outdoors. Illustrated throughout with
photographs of National Trust landscapes
accessible for walking.
Visit the website www.franceslincoln.com
for further information
Jarrold Calendars is one of the UK’s leading
publishers of calendars and diaries, with over
100 annual titles spanning a portfolio of 44
licensed brands and properties. The 2010
Jarrold Calendars brochure presents three
calendars licensed from the National Trust.
During a relationship spanning more than
a decade, the two companies have worked
together to supply visually stunning calendars
to a variety of outlets including the high street,
independent retailers, tourist attractions and
gift shops.
Jarrold Calendars’ licensing manager, Teresa
Bradford, comments: “The partnership we
have built up with the trust is very important
to us and highly valued within our company.
72 giftfocus
'
'
Jarrold
We work closely with the team at the trust to
ensure that the products reflect trust values
and ethos, whilst still appealing to consumers
and trust members, who are very loyal and
purchase the calendars every year.”
The calendars feature images of all that the
National Trust has to offer, from spectacular
scenery and gardens, to magnificent treasures
and properties. There are two large-format
calendars – National Trust Walks which
highlights 12 moderate walks around Britain,
from hills to coast, with all walks linked to the
trust’s website, where directions and additional
information can be downloaded.
The second of the large-format calendars is
Seasons in the Garden, which highlights some
of the best-loved and most beautiful gardens
held by the trust, and pictorially illustrates how
each season brings its own special charm.
The third title, Treasures of the National
Trust, features striking images of the most eyecatching treasures held within the properties.
www.jarroldcalendars.co.uk or telephone
+44 (0)1603 677 315.
Ecological Partnerships Ltd has recently
acquired the National Trust licence to sell NT
branded wildlife habitats. These include bird
feeders and nest boxes as well as food.
“We are looking to sell business to business
as well direct to the NT members through
their catalogue,” says marketing manager
Bob Irwin.
The new products are sourced, designed,
and made in Britain from renewable,
sustainable and environmental materials with
ethical business practices.
“Our shared vision for British nature is to
develop a healthy environment which supports
its rich diversity. Our range of products will be
continually expanding and we look forward to
providing new product innovation, based on
the latest scientific findings on how best to
support and protect British wildlife.
Woodmansterne
“The products are unique because they
are designed on the aesthetics of the NT
properties, which we have a licence to copy.
So the product is aesthetically pleasing to
have in your garden and not just functional. As
regards function they are top quality and fit
for purpose because we have been making to
RSPB standards for over three years and know
this market well,” adds Bob.
To view more visit the website
www.nationaltrustwildlifehabitats.co.uk or
call Bob on +44 (0)7737 177 902 for details.
Woodmansterne acquired the licence to
publish greeting cards from The National Trust
at the beginning of 2009. The UK’s foremost
greeting card publisher of fine art and culturally
inspired images, Woodmansterne is also,
unusually, its own manufacturer, printing on site
at its premises in Watford. The company has
made strides recently in gaining environmental
credentials in its production, use of materials,
and supply chain management – all qualities
and values close to the aims and ethical stance
of The National Trust.
Two ranges of cards have emerged from this
partnership: first, a strong photographic range
delighting in the landscape, gardens and wildlife
protected by the trust (called ‘National Trust:
Nature’); and second, a range celebrating the
art and artefacts from inside National Trust
homes (called ‘National Trust: Heritage’).
For details call +44 (0)1923 200 630 or visit
the website www.woodmansterne.co.uk g
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;LSLWOVUL! retailer interview
all in the name
The name says it all! Just Candles is exactly that – a business specialising
in candles and home fragrance. Years of experience, up-to-the-minute
product knowledge, keen marketing and customer service, have all
combined to forge a successful business. Located on a business park
in Basildon, Essex, Just Candles has become a destination store
attracting customers from far and wide. Owner Karen Letchford takes
up the story …
How and when did it all begin?
Just Candles was born in 2001 as a warehouse
retailer for a leading candle company, as a way
to clear stock for them. The business evolved
over several years from this point, like many
retailers we stumbled into it through a contact
from a previous retail shop we owned.
Throughout the first year we were amazed
by the response we received just by having
huge boxes of candles in pallets and selling
them at next to nothing, but still turning over a
clear profit.
Advertising a “massive candle sale” queues
would form early on a Saturday morning for
people to get in and fill their baskets.
Although financially fulfilling, we were
approached by the Yankee Candle brand,
which was breaking into the UK market
and we decided to include a stand in our
operation. As with our candle sale venture,
this stand seemed to need refilling quicker and
quicker, prompting us to get a second and then
a third stand….
expand rapidly with our mail order business
whilst offering a large “destination” store to our
local customers (and those willing to travel,
which many do). The type of product we stock
is important to us, in our experience if you
don’t love and use a product regularly then
it’s not a product that you should retail, a bold
statement I know.
The second plus of having a destination
store is that once a customer steps foot inside
your door you have their complete attention,
they don’t feel the need to rush to the shop
next door or get back to the car before the
ticket runs out.
How did you attract a customer base when
you first started out?
Our initial “massive candle sale” attracted
a large following of customers right from
the start, who became very loyal and once
introduced to our variety of scented candles
were easily converted.
We also started off around 2003 with our mail
order side of the company. With phenomenal
growth throughout the first few years we soon
had to bring in three more full time staff to
cope with the demand for our business.
What did you set out to achieve in terms of
product offering, layout and presentation of
the store?
Our aim with Just Candles has always been to
become the best at what we do, not only in
terms of product lines, but in customer service
and presentation as well.
Our stores have always been laid out in
what we class as a “comforting” fashion, a place
people feel at home to spend time browsing
without feeling the usual retail pressure.
Our new store is designed with an old-style
beam look using reclaimed materials, with a
Colonial Green finish to our units, set off with
a traditional market barrow decorated with
East of India products as a central focal point.
Did you have a background in retailing?
My husband Terry and I have a long history
in retail going back to owning the very first
specialist Filofax shop in the world and then
went onto open three more at prestigious
London addresses like Carnaby Street and
Berkeley Square.
This history of retailing has led us to try
and specialise in brands throughout the years,
where others may sometimes try to fit as
much under one banner as possible.
Why did you decide to opt for a non high
street location and open the store on a
business park instead?
Although, for many a warehouse location
for a candle shop wouldn’t be a first choice,
for us it was the only choice. It allowed us to
giftfocus 75
retailer interview
What are your most effective merchandising
techniques?
At Just Candles we follow many of the industry
standard techniques including displaying the
best selling items at eye level, merchandising
right to left throughout the shop and placing
added value sales in high traffic areas such as
the till section, this helps to boost small sales to
larger purchases.
We also try to bring a feel into the shop
and work with each brand individually, like the
wooden barrow to display our East of India
range, this works well in conjunction with
other lines and gives it prominence.
Along with our themed environment, we
have a large blackboard behind the till, which
is a great way to pass on information about
new product, special offers and up and coming
events without being to pushy.
How do you source new ranges?
As for many retailers, trade shows are frequent
throughout the year. We try to spend three
to four days at the Spring Fair in Birmingham
and a few days at Home and Gift in Harrogate
to make sure we always have our finger on
the “gift industry” pulse. Although candles and
home fragrance is our main area, we like to
bring in small gift ranges to complement these.
What's your view on the current state of the
candle and home fragrancing sector?
As with many industries currently, it’s very hard,
with many companies being knocked sideways
by the falling value of the pound and battling
the change in the Chinese tax levy - there isn’t
a company out there finding the current state
of affairs plain sailing.
We ourselves have been affected by
increasing prices and a huge increase in
competition, online and off.
The age of technology has many advantages,
but a downside for current retailers is the ease
76 giftfocus
with which other retailers and home sellers
can enter the market and take a slice of the
business, of which there is only so much to be
had currently.
Are consumers tending to buy candles
primarily as a gift or self-purchase?
Many of our customers here at Just Candles
are definite self-purchase customers. We have
over 5,000 members, of which many buy at
least two to three times a month and have
a great relationship with our staff, a point
which we try to emphasise in our stores as a
“personal shopper experience”.
Although, we do have a large amount of gift
purchases through our store and online, we
don’t currently offer a gift wrapping service,
a new feature coming soon, which I think will
bolster this area of the business.
What are the hot trends and market
influences for 2009?
I think the biggest market influence of 2009 is
the green factor, the need to bring products
into current ranges that are “seen” to be
ecologically friendly. Soy based candles and
recycled bags are two of the dominant product
launches of the last six months in my view and
with many more such products to come.
Another key trend has been the switch from
potpourri to room diffusers, although this
started back in 2008, it’s speeding up and
room diffusers and fragrance lamps had a
huge presence at the 2009 Spring Fair and will
become a definite must have later this year
and into 2010.
What are your top tips for survival in the
current economic climate?
I feel that any tips for survival in difficult
times are those that should be in place on an
everyday basis in business, such as keeping in
contact with your customers to boost their
confidence and in turn, convert them into a
returning customer.
Constant marketing, online and off to create
confidence in your store and show an ever
changing product base.
How important is customer service?
Undoubtedly, the most important part of
any business, if enough customers have a bad
experience and don’t return, then you don’t
have a business for them to return to.
My main points for good customer service
are to always have a presence in the shop,
but not an overbearing one, just enough for
shoppers to know that they can comfortably
ask for help. Online it’s vital to keep in contact
constantly throughout the order process, if
there’s a delay, customers will be happy just to
know, rather than nothing turning up and not
knowing why.
How important is your online presence to
your business?
Our online presence is a huge part of our
business and brings a large amount of visitors
to our shop from the surrounding area and
further afield.
Even in the current economic downturn
we still have growth in our online side of the
business, in part I believe down to the constant
increased brand awareness of the ranges we
stock, such as Yankee Candle and an increase
of new products hitting the market.
Plans for the future?
Our plans for the current period are to do
what we’re good at, to keep our customers
happy and their homes beautifully fragranced. g
www.just-candles.net
Maria Clark
3OAP$ESIGN
Maria Clark’s hand crafted soaps currently maintain a standard
ahead of the bespoke industry. All the ingredients used in the
manufacture of the soaps are derived from natural materials.
The latest collection is this year’s Bridal Collection that includes a
range of wedding favours and bespoke soap flowers that can be
co-ordinated and personalised according to the bride’s needs.
Terramundi will be showcasing their full Wedding range at Pulse.
Their 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.
Stand H49 - Pulse
Tel: 07949 341399
www.mariaclark.com
Phone: 020 8808 3818
www.terramundi.co.uk
wedding wishes
The wedding wish list for today’s bride can be as individual and
varied as their imagination. Increasingly couples are looking to
personalise their wedding day with original themes and special
keepsakes and tokens. We spotlight just some of the latest lines…
The traditional wedding gift list has evolved in
line with people’s growing desire to add their
individual stamp to the big day.
Nowadays there’s a wide array of
contemporary, fun and original gifts, ideal as a
treasured memento of the happy occasion.
And the gift giving extends beyond the
happy couple to include thank you presents
for the main wedding party, table favours and
keepsakes for guests.
Which all adds up to big business for the
gift industry!
New additions to the Precious range from
Repeat Repeat include a Bridesmaid bone
china mug.
Decorated in platinum, the contemporary
mug makes a perfect memento of the
special day and is designed and made by
Repeat Repeat in Stoke-on-Trent, England.
Call +44 (0)1782 845 870 or visit the
website www.repeatrepeat.co.uk for details.
For a fun addition to the big day Wild and
Wolf offer a selection of old school badges
for the bride, groom, best man, bridesmaid
and usher. Badges also include Drinks
Monitor, Dancing Queen, and more.
For details visit www.wildandwolf.com
or call +44 (0)1225 789 909.
78 giftfocus
Beautiful Day is the new range of
wedding decorations and favours
from Talking Tables.
The products are designed to
make the perfect wedding favours,
gifts and decorations. Bridal and lucky
sixpences, for tune tellers, pretty par ty
poppers, gorgeous garlands, small
sparklers and disposable camera for
capturing the special moments are all
beautifully packaged and ready to give
as a gift/favour or use as wonderful
wedding decorations. For more
information call +44(0)207 627 6766
or email [email protected].
Xystos offers two photo frame ranges for wedding
lists, the latest of which comes from Comfor t Candles
and complements its sentiment-driven candle range.
There is also a selection from Walther-Glas, the
world-renowned prestige glass and fine crystal maker.
To find out more phone +44 (0)1914 991 570 or
Joe Davies has a wide selection of
quality wedding gifts, par t of over 7,000
products that go to make up the Shudehill
Giftware collection. To help celebrate and
commemorate the special day, the company
has photo frames, albums, trinket boxes,
wedding cer tificate boxes, champagne glasses,
and cake slices plus a huge range of other
occasional gifts.
For more details call +44 (0)1619 756 300.
The Personalised Memento
Company has launched a new
wedding range to make any wedding
table complete. The new range of gifts
consists of frosted effect glassware,
bone china wedding favours such as
trinkets and napkin rings, decorated
china keepsakes and signature plates
along with centre piece candles and
toast flutes. All the gifts are also
available to order non-personalised
entitling retailers to an extra 15 per
cent discount as well as having the
products in your shop to sell directly.
www.personalisedmemento.co.uk or
call +44 (0)1782 744 900.
wedding gifts
Spaceform specialises in design-led timeless
glass gifts, including five Top Table wedding
stories brought together in one collection,
offering a selection of products in a variety of
price bands.
The Classic Stripe range features a simple
and elegant mirrored ribbon border. Photo
frames come in a selection of different sizes,
including ‘my daughter’s wedding’ and ‘my son’s
wedding’ frames for special photographs to
treasure forever.
Echoing the design on the frames, there is
a selection of miniature tokens with special
messages including ‘thank you’ and ‘congrats!’
Each gift comes wrapped in a luxurious white
gift box.
Visit the website www.spaceform.com or call
+44(0)207 622 227 for details.
Photo frames are a staple product for retailers
– and for guests looking for something to buy the
bride and groom!
At this year’s Spring Fair International, Fraser
Studios introduced another 70 frames from top
US supplier Malden International Designs to
supplement its main catalogue.
Work is already underway on a fur ther 70 new
styles of photo frame, which will be launched at
Home & Gift, Harrogate this summer.
Sentiment is a big driver of sales, with wedding
frames amongst the big sellers.
Sentiment-inscribed frames from the Seagull
Studios Hear t Warmers Home range and
Autograph frames from Splosh! are also available
from Fraser Studios.
Call +44 (0)1592 774540 or send and email to
[email protected] for details.
Brand new from Metal Planet is a luxurious A4 guestbook featuring pewter designs
with cream pages inside. The design complements their range of stylish keepsake boxes
and photo albums and comes in its own box complete with ribbon underneath to lift
the guestbook out.
For a good luck token and original keepsake the pewter horseshoe from Metal
Planet is ribbon tied and comes either in a large drawstring organza pouch or a white
box with a clear lid. The design has crystal stones along each edge and the metal has a
quality, weighty feel to it.
Take a look at the website www.metalplanet.net or call +44 (0)208 440 2468 to find
out more.
Maria Clark has introduced a new collection of bridal favours and
bespoke soap flowers to her range of handcrafted soaps.
All the ingredients used in manufacturing the soaps derive from natural
materials and are not tested on animals.
Maria prides herself on running a company with a “social conscience”.
She says: “Our products are entirely natural and are meticulously
hand crafted by ‘stay at home’ women. The company employs skilled
people whose personal circumstances limit their ability to pursue full
time employment thereby providing new oppor tunities for creativity and
development of the products.”
To find out more visit the website www.mariaclark.com.
Handcrafted wooden photoboxes from
Box Brownie Trading make an original
wedding day keepsake.
The frames can be decorated with
wedding vows, poems, a verse from a
song or personal sentiment.
Those who are lost for words
however, can choose from one of 68
inspirational quotes found on-line, and
pick one of 18 contemporary paint
colours from the colour char t. Each
Photobox measures 51cm x 51cm.
Visit the website
www.boxbrownietrading.co.uk or call
+44 (0) 7523 202 201 for details.
For Every Body offers a range of
wedding related candles. The decorative
6oz tumbler candle has an average burn
time of 45hrs and includes, “Wedding
Day”, “For Keeps” and “True Love”
versions. Each For Every Body candle
has signature toppings and the Wedding
Candles are decorated with tiny silver
balls. All the candles are soy based and
the fragrance lasts right through the life
of the candle.
The best selling Wedding Day candle is
the 1oz jar with an average burn time of
15hrs, which retails at £3.95 and makes
an ideal favour.
For details call +44 (0)1952 457 408
or email [email protected]. g
giftfocus 79
advertising feature
wedding solutions
Spaceform provide a design for
every wedding:
Spaceform Top Table ranges address
different brides’ tastes and wedding styles
through surface pattern and design.
Each of the five stories has been created
to provide the perfect keepsake guests
will really appreciate. Every piece has
been designed to make the recipient feel
special and that they have been considered
personally, with inspirational phrases and
simple hand drawn details.
A variety of different products and price
points offer solutions for every unique
wedding par ty, creating a collection which
offers easy and endless display options.
Each piece is presented in a luxurious white
Spaceform gift box. g
Tel: 0207 622 2227
80 giftfocus
www.spaceform.com
[email protected]
business link
growing your business
It is possible to build upon your existing offering to consumers in this
current climate, says Business Link Adviser, Peter Mulhall. Read on to find
out how…
Every business would like to see their sales
increase and their profit margins improve, but
this isn’t just going to happen of its own accord
– it needs positive action from the owner or
manager, looking at fresh angles and seeking
out new opportunities to keep developing the
business. It is always difficult deciding when and
how to grow your business and it is even more
daunting in the current economic climate.
Nevertheless, there are alternatives to
explore that may give you the chance to grow
your business without taking on too much
extra risk or investment: one such strategy is
collaboration and we will focus on this topic in
the second part of the article. Before making
any decisions it is essential to research your
options thoroughly and to make sure you fully
understand the implications of your plans, so
you know what to expect and you can then
adjust your actions if the results don’t meet
your expectations.
Getting to where you want to be
There’s no getting away from the fact that
business planning is essential to success. If you
haven’t updated your business plan for some
time, or haven’t got one, then now is the time
to focus on your plan.
How to make your business plan work
for you
I usually encourage my clients to adopt an
action centred approach to planning which,
apart from the financial budgets, involves
relatively little paper.
Having a vision, annual goals, targets and
milestones identified as stepping stones to the
vision, is simple but highly effective. Writing
down your strategies and action plan and
reviewing it monthly will keep you on track.
I always encourage business owners to think
about a longer term vision for their business
– certainly one year, and perhaps two years or
longer in some cases, as it encourages them to
think about what they want for the business
and how their plan for the coming year will
move them towards their ultimate goal.
Think about what you want your business to
be like in one to two years time:
•
What types of products will you be
selling? Use your current knowledge of
your customers’ needs to think of any
new directions.
•
What type of customers will you have
and what markets will you be serving?
Perhaps you will widen your market
by developing a website or you will
attend more trade fairs to reach a much
wider audience.
Can you grow your business by
•
collaborating with other businesses?
What level of turnover and profit do you
•
want to achieve and what resources will
you need?
This should get you thinking of where you
•
want to take your business in the next
phase of its development.
The next stage is to look at your strategies
for achieving the vision. For instance you
might decide to:
•
Sell more of what you currently offer
to your existing customers. This is
about selling skills, use of displays and
promotional activity.
•
Introduce different product ranges to
increase sales to existing customers and
•
•
•
attract new customers.
Open another shop, or expand or
refurbish your existing shop.
Create a website or, if you already have
one, increase your internet sales.
Attend trade fairs, shows and exhibitions.
You may need to adopt all your strategies in
order to reach your goals, but each strategy
may require different actions in order to
achieve it. At this stage you should put
more detail into your plan for each idea. For
example, for the first strategy you might:
•
Develop themed shopping events
with other retailers in your area.
•
Introduce a loyalty card for your
regular customers.
•
Arrange special discount days.
“There’s no getting away from
the fact that business planning
is essential to success. If you
haven’t updated your business
plan for some time, or haven’t
got one, then now is the time
to focus on your plan.”
Once you have listed your options for each
strategy you should prepare your financial
plan or annual budgets. How detailed this is
will depend on your business. The very least
you should do is to have targets for the key
things you want to achieve, broken down into
monthly chunks. You should include your sales
targets, buying budgets, and cost targets for any
giftfocus 81
growing your business
large costs such as setting up a new website or
refurbishing your shop.
Putting your plans into action
You need an action plan for each of the
strategies that you have chosen. For instance,
you might decide to completely upgrade
your website in order to improve your online
sales. To achieve this someone needs to do
something about it.
Your action plan should be concise and
cover each of your strategies:
What needs to be done?
•
Who is responsible for making sure it
•
gets done?
When should this activity be completed?
•
What resources will be needed, including
•
money, people, equipment etc, in order to
get it done?
How will you know that it has been
•
completed successfully?
Reviewing your progress
This is a process that is often overlooked but,
you should assess progress, ideally at least
monthly. Typically, you should look at what you,
your staff or anyone else involved were meant
to do during the period, and whether and
how well it was done. You should also check
progress against financial targets and budgets.
But remember, customers’ needs, shopping
habits and local conditions are constantly
changing, so at this stage you should decide if
the action plan is still relevant given the events
or changes that may have occurred (or are
likely to occur) and amend as necessary.
You should also identify and share the
lessons learned from the actions you have
taken, which will improve the way things are
done in the future. Therefore, the four stages
are: Plan, Action, Review and Act on the
outcome of the review.
Collaboration
As we’ve already mentioned, one option for
developing your business without taking on too
much additional financial risk is collaboration.
82 giftfocus
You may have met someone at an event or
know another retailer and think that you
could work together.You could, for example,
share the costs of a stand at a trade fair, or
work with other retail outlets in your area to
promote special discount days or develop a
website with another business.
There are several things to consider when
going down this road:
The opportunity
You will need to identify an opportunity. You
may want to collaborate on a one-off event
such as a trade fair or you may see that there
are longer term activities such as setting up a
website, where collaboration could help you
share costs and expertise.
Trust
This is a difficult one as it only truly forms with
experience. Ultimately you will need to trust
partners, sometimes with sensitive information
about your own business. Not only that,
you will need to trust that the person you
collaborate with will fulfil their responsibilities
on your joint projects or ventures. There will
inevitably be a division of labour and you are
unlikely to be able to supervise, hands-on, the
things that the other person is doing. If you, as
a sole trader, want to collaborate with other
sole traders, understanding the other person’s
style of doing business, vision, view of the
world, their values, beliefs and behaviours will
be important for effective collaboration.
Skills match
One of the big advantages of business
collaboration is that you can benefit from
skills and competencies that you don’t have.
This doesn't happen automatically; drawing
up a ‘skills map’ and checking each potential
partner’s skills in order to match the skills you
need with those available is a crucial part of
the preparation stage.
So yes it is definitely an option to
consider…
It is widely accepted that business co-
operation or collaboration is a valid strategy
for growing a business. There are huge
benefits to be had from utilising the synergy of
complementary businesses as well as potential
economies of scale.
…but don't go into it blindfolded.
We have only scratched the surface and
looked at a few aspects, but even so it should
be clear that some investigation is needed
before any decision is made.
A sobering thought is that the majority of
collaborative business relationships fail. This is
why it’s so important to do your groundwork
first. Be prepared to put the time and effort
into making the partnership work and you
stand a good chance of succeeding.
In a nutshell:
• Identify the business opportunity;
• Choose your partner carefully;
• Spend time getting to know them and
their business;
• Take advice;
• Be clear about the risks and benefits.
A helping hand is there – grasp it
You might want to bounce your ideas off
someone to get a reality check and see if
there are aspects of your plan that you hadn’t
thought about. Or you may just need help with
practical business skills such as finance, business
planning or marketing. Or you may need to
find a good supplier to help you with a specific
task such as designing your website.
This is where Business Link can help. The
programme of workshops will give you all
the business skills you need to help grow
your business. In addition you can arrange a
one-to-one meeting with an adviser to analyse
your needs and if you are looking for a supplier
then they can help you find the perfect match
through the supplier database. g
Further information
For more details on all Business Link
services, including details of events in your
area, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk or
telephone +44 (0)845 600 9006.
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giftex
designs of the world
In brief
show
when
where
organisers
concurrent fairs
website
Giftex
8th-10th July 2009
Tokyo Big Sight, Japan
Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd.
Design Tokyo (Design
Accents Expo Tokyo)
Baby & Kids World 2009
www.giftex.jp/english
Despite the global economic downturn, Japan’s international
gift fair Giftex, is bucking the trend and doubling in size for
2009 with the added attraction of a new Baby and Kid’s
World exhibition.
Visitors and exhibitors from around the globe
will be converging on Tokyo this summer for
Giftex 2009, the 4th International Variety-Gift
Expo Tokyo.
Japan is one of the world's leading gift
markets and boasts some major players
with considerable purchasing powers and is
experiencing growing demand for imported
gifts, interior and design goods.
Giftex 2009 is billed as the perfect place for
international companies to grab opportunities
to expand their business in the lucrative
Japanese and Asian gift market.
Bucking the general downward trend,
the show is doubling in size again for 2009,
fuelling high expectations from the industry
worldwide. This year, it will be held from 8th
to 10th July at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan. The show
management is expecting to welcome 700
exhibitors from throughout Japan and all over
the world.
Companies will be unveiling the latest and
innovative products to 80,000 key buyers from
interior shops, department stores, select shops
as well as wholesalers and importers.
Conveniently zoned for easy access a
wide selection of products will be on show
in different categories including fashion
accessories, floral goods, fragrance and aroma,
bath and beauty, dining plus a zone featuring
modern Japanese houseware and craft goods.
Running concurrently, Design Tokyo (Design
Accents Expo Tokyo) will feature a new sector,
the Home Textile Collection. This will feature
unique design textiles from different countries
including towels, table and bed linen and other
home textiles.
Newly launching, Baby & Kids World will
also be taking place at the same time and
is Japan’s first extensive trade fair for baby
goods, childrens items, puzzles and games, and
maternity lines.
The show is being launched in response
to an expanding market and demand from
buyers for a one-stop shop for international
companies to converge under one roof.
Organisers say demand for baby goods and
children’s products is growing rapidly in Japan
not only at department stores and lifestyle
shops, but also at select shops and gift shops.
With these two concurrent shows, Giftex
provides opportunity to conduct on-site
business and to search for a wide variety of
stylish gifts from around world.
Last year’s show was also double the size
of the 2007 edition and organisers reported
positive feedback from almost all exhibitors.
To find out more visit the show website
www.giftex.jp/english. g
giftfocus 85
devon cream
rises to the top
Alan Monahan
Nicky Edmunds
Alan Monahan talks to award-winning retailer Nicky Edmunds of Insideout, who offers some
valuable tips and advice on surviving the current retail climate.
Britain is losing its independent home and gift
shops at an alarming rate and the economic
downturn has only served to accelerate the
closure of many businesses that were already
teetering on the brink.
But this is not another tale of doom and
gloom. Instead, it illustrates how one retailer is
not only surviving but thriving.
Step forward Nicky Edmunds, who opened
her first Insideout store in Tavistock, Devon
in March 2004 and has since rolled out two
more in the county in Dartmouth and Exeter.
Insideout was named Emerging Retailer of
the Year at the Spring Fair Awards 2009. Last
year it scooped a prize for Service Excellence
in the Federation of Small Businesses Awards
and was also named Independent Retailer of
the Year, Southwest, at The Greats in 2007.
In the same year, managing director Nicky
was declared Credit Suisse Entrepreneur for
Wales and the West Country at the National
Business Awards and also became Woman of
Achievement for Devon and Cornwall.
Trophies are all very well, I hear you say,
but how does she do it? Perhaps Nicky is no
ordinary businesswoman.
“We launched the third Insideout store
not long before the recession started. It was
a brave move, as we opened in Princesshay,
Exeter, which has put us alongside many
household names such as Debenhams and
Next. Thankfully, we have succeeded in building
a strong, regular customer base and we are
still experiencing growth even though it is a
tough trading climate.
“Last year I was concerned by the changes
86 giftfocus
we experienced in buying habits. However,
I now view the market conditions as a real
opportunity for Insideout.
“In the first instance we reviewed many
internal processes within our stores to ensure
we were running as efficiently as possible. All
stores now hold approximately 30 per cent
less stock than in previous years. We order
more often with many suppliers but in smaller
quantities, analysing our product sales to
ensure our stock holding is strong on the
right products.
“Inside out has always focused on quality
with a high perceived value and this remains at
the heart of our product selections.”
Nicky is adamant that customers are “still
buying” (in some instances less often than
before), “but they shop for the same reasons
– gift-giving, home improvement or just for the
feel good factor”.
She continues: “One of the scariest things
for us has been seeing so many of the big
stores panicking and running constant sales.
I believe this has had a negative impact on
buying patterns, causing a reverse effect on
the market. Consumers seemed to sit back,
features
having been encouraged to buy only at sale
times. Unfortunately, with the overheads most
stores have, they cannot survive in constant
sale mode.”
Customers are now adopting a more
cautious approach and Insideout has
experienced an increase in cash payments.
“This leads me to believe people are
monitoring their spending more closely.
Promotions really do help to increase sales,
but they have to be properly targeted. We
haven’t really seen major changes in what
customers are buying and although there is
more window-shopping, most come back to
us when they have looked around.”
Nicky and her buying team attend the
major trade shows including Spring Fair, Pulse,
Home & Gift, Top Drawer and Autumn Fair,
which she describes as her “hunting ground”.
“We are constantly looking at the latest
products to hit the market and assessing their
suitability to our customer base.
“We review the performance of our
products and departments prior to shows to
ensure we know the areas to which we need
to pay particular attention in our search for
new ranges.”
Insideout deals with more than 100
suppliers each year, including around 75 on a
regular basis.
Nicky reveals: “It always amazes me how
differently they operate and I have many
favourite companies who excel at what they
do for a variety of reasons.
“One that stands out in nearly all areas
is East of India, which is extremely efficient,
normally turning deliveries around within a day.
“Parlane excel with their ranges, moving
with market trends. You know they will always
have strong new products from which to
select each season. Umbra is another good
company. I believe their ranges can’t be beaten
and they are also one of the few companies
to discount prices when they are able to
source more cost effectively.”
But have suppliers sharpened-up their
act because of the recession?
“A few of ours have offered some great
promotions and incentives to buy. But as a
whole we have seen little evidence of them
reacting positively to market conditions.”
Apart from lower minimums for carriagepaid and repeat orders, Nicky believes
suppliers should also be more flexible on pack
quantities and have lower opening orders.
“Sometimes you first need to trial a product
line,” she explains.
She would also like them to tell customers
when ranges are out of stock – or if there
are delays – and to be more innovative,
introducing new products every season to
encourage loyalty.
And up-to-date catalogues are essential.
“Sometimes we do not have time to order
with our everyday suppliers at trade shows.”
Her other tips are to:
• Offer point of sale material – “after all, it
promotes your product ranges”;
• run incentives/promotions that can be
passed on to customers; and
• turn around orders efficiently.
What advice would she offer her
fellow retailers?
“The most important area of your business
in times like these is your cashflow - it really
is ‘king’.
“Paying close attention to your stock
holding on a regular basis will help keep this as
healthy as possible.
“We have also found ourselves being much
firmer about delivery dates for stock lines.
I would also suggest that you monitor any
changes in your customers’ buying habits, as
reaction to market conditions tends to vary
greatly in each store.
“Finally, be proactive and ensure you don’t
let standards drop!” g
giftfocus 87
Q&A special
all the answers
Our experts tackle your insurance, tax, retail technology and visual
merchandising queries
limited companies
Neil McFarlane, sales and marketing director, of
T H March & Co Limited. T H March is a wellestablished 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 have been a sole trader for many years. Will I be better
off tax-wise as a limited company?
Anthony Meier says: The tax regime for a limited company
is very different, and it is possible to pay far less tax via a
limited company. There are many variables however and not
everyone’s trading circumstances suit a company structure.
The top rate of tax you could pay as a sole trader is 40
per cent plus one per cent National Insurance [NI] on top,
for profits above £34,800. The top rate of tax for a limited
company is 22 per cent on profits up to £300,000. A
limited company will pay significantly less tax and be able to
retain more profit, in cash or assets. Any retained profit will
belong to the company and not the individual.
If you want to retain control of the profit you must pay
yourself from the company. There are two ways you can do
this: via dividends and via salary with a PAYE scheme. You
can draw up to £34,800 via dividends without tax, as long
as you have no other income. Any additional draw downs
are taxed at 25 per cent.
You can also pay yourself via salary, up to approximately
£5,000 per annum, without paying tax or NI. You will be
liable for tax and NI above this limit, and the company
as your employer will have to pay ‘employers’ NI. You can
top up the £5,000 salary by drawing dividends of up to
£29,800 without tax, as long as you keep your total income
below £34,800.
One of the advantages of using a limited company is the
flexibility it offers in choosing the amounts and manner of
payments. It also gives you the flexibility of deciding when
and in what tax year you are paid which provides plenty of
scope for further tax planning.
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].
Anthony Meier is the principal of Anthony
Meier & Co. Chartered Accountants, based
in South East London. Anthony specialises in
accounting, tax services and tax planning for
small and medium-sized businesses. Email: am@
anthonymeier.co.uk
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].
inspired promotions
I am trying to be more organised with the promotions
for my business in order to capitalise on “the mood of
the moment” and give myself more time for preparation.
Where can I get inspiration so that I don’t go down
the well trodden Valentine, Easter, Halloween,
Christmas route?
Alan Springall says: It is very useful to keep a calendar
of forthcoming events that aren’t the obvious festivals,
don’t get too obscure though as you want the majority of
people to recognise the happening or festival. Having a list
of this sort is very handy when you are stuck for an idea
Q
A
giftfocus 89
Q&A
to stimulate sales and you may be surprised
at the positive response shoppers have
when they see your company giving space to
something other than just merchandise.
Royal occasions, sporting events, local
festivals or yearly customs can be tailored to
attract attention and sales, in addition there is
often the possibility of some added publicity
from the local media. As well as appearing to
be “on the ball” it also promotes your shop as
being an integral part of the local community.
There are a couple of websites that I
have come across that would help you to
compile such a calendar and may remind
you of anniversaries and events that have
slipped your memory. One that has some
free information but also runs a subscription
service is www.yearahead.co.uk. Secondly
a little gem that I came across recently is
http//woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/
calendars/index.htm this seems to be an
ongoing project run by the pupils who
have compiled a pretty comprehensive and
interesting list.
Once you have decided that custard filled
sock throwing on the third Sunday before
Pentecost is the event that most suits your
particular business, all that remains is kickstarting your creativity to modify the event
into a memorable promotion.
financial security checks
Q
A
If I am looking for a new insurer how do
I make certain they are reputable and of
sound financial standing?
Neil McFarlane says: It is important at this
time only to use an insurer who is going to be
there to pay the claim if it occurs.
In the present financial climate nothing is
certain but using a well-known insurer or
one who your insurance broker confirms has
an appropriate “Standard and Poor, Fitch or
Moody’s” rating should be a good guide.
Unfortunately, no insurance broker can
guarantee the financial stability of an insurer
and whilst there is a reliance upon the work
90 giftfocus
carried out by the Financial Services Authority
in regulating insurers the additional safe guard
provided by one of the rating agencies is a
good guide to financial security. Many brokers
will not place business with an insurer having
a rating lower than BBB from Standard and
Poor for example. Ratings above this indicate
a sound financial base for the insurer. Ratings
below indicate further questions really need
to be asked.
web security
Q
A
I have heard my website shopping basket
should have an ‘s’ in the https: prefix, why do
I need it and what does it stand for?
David Mackley says: The S stands for ’Secure’
as in Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure
(HTTPS) and is a secure version of HTTP,
which is the agreed method of constructing
website pages. It allows secure payments to be
made by encrypting all the information flowing
from the web page the customer is using to
the server which stores the credit card details.
This helps reduce fraud by stopping others
‘tapping in’ and listening to the credit card
details. People have generally learned to only
put credit card details into secure pages like
this so it is very important. Research shows
that 84 per cent of consumers look for signs
that a website is secure before making a
purchase. The way to get the ‘s’ is to use a
security certificate called an SSL, which is
something your website design company will
help you with. To get an SSL you will need to
apply to an accredited third party who will
need to see proof of identity like a passport.
You can see details about any website’s SSL by
clicking on the golden padlock that appears on
your browser.
A
A
business protection
Where do I stand if my current insurer goes
bust and what actions should I take?
Neil McFarlane says: If your current insurer
goes into liquidation or administration then
there is some protection offered by the
Q
Financial Services Compensations Scheme
but, this only applies to private individuals and
companies or partnerships having a turnover
of less than £1,000,000. If you are a business
having a higher level of turnover then I am
afraid there is no protection.
Actions to be taken depend on the
following, if you are a business or private
individual having a turnover of less than
£1,000,000 and insurance was arranged via
your insurance broker you should talk to
them about getting in touch with the Financial
Services Compensation Scheme to see if they
are able to help.
If you were recommended an insurer by
your broker who has a poor credit rating
from the rating agencies and this was not
explained to you then clearly questions need
to be asked about your relationship with your
insurance broker.
Unfortunately for businesses that have
turnover over £1,000,000 there is very little
action you can take at all, unless you have
been badly advised by your insurance broker,
which in the current climate is unlikely as most
brokers will check the financial stability of
insurers they recommend. g
Aquarubra
mediterranean magic
Craftwork in the Mediterranean has long been a universal
language, passed down through generations, crossing countries
and linking civilisations. This age-old transfer of skills sparked
the inspiration for a new international trade event ‘Emporio
Mediterraneo’ organised to highlight traditional skills and their
modern application. Sarah Reeve reports from the first ever
edition held in the heart of Sardinia.
In line with growing demand for unique
products with a story to tell, there has been a
growth in interest in craft-based and regional
shows both at home and abroad.
This March Sardinia’s Council for Tourism,
Craftwork and Commerce together with
Sardinia’s International Trade Fair and Milan’s
international Trade Fair – Macef launched a
brand new initiative to spotlight craftwork
from all over the Mediterranean.
The aim was to promote to the world the
range and quality of national and regional
crafts, to develop useful contacts and help
small artisan businesses grow and develop to
meet the needs of the modern marketplace.
Held at the International Trade Fair
Showground in Cagliari, the show featured
artisans at work in purpose-built workshops,
demonstrating techniques and skills, as well as
informative seminars and an exhibition gallery
displaying the wide range of end products.
Designed as a meeting place for craftspeople
to exchange knowledge and ideas, as well as a
platform to the international market, it covered
a wide range of sectors including home and
interior design to art and fashion.
The event was targeted at more than 200
buyers from 19 different countries, mainly from
Europe, North America and the Middle East.
Claudia Suarez, founder of Artisan Life was
one of a party of invited buyers from the UK.
92 giftfocus
She was particularly interested in the initiative
as her company was founded in the UK with
the purpose of promoting, developing and
supporting Colombian artisans and their crafts.
She said: “The event was well organised and it
was very good to see the artisans at work.
“It is certainly something I would like to see
grow and develop.”
However, she was keen to see greater
emphasis on developing the commercial
viability of the artisan crafts and products.
“It is lovely to have a really unique product
but it needs to be commercial too,” she added
A broad cross section of traditional
craftwork was represented at the event,
including weaving and embroidery, textiles,
glass, ceramics, knifemaking, wood, gold, silver,
bronze and brass work.
Sardinia is renowned for its woven products,
particularly tapestries, bedspreads and carpets,
made and designed following ancient traditions.
The industry has survived today and is
responding to the need for contemporary
products whilst continuing to honour
traditional techniques and use of natural, locally
sourced materials.
Many of the island’s hotels and tourist
attractions use locally produced tapestries,
bedspreads, carpets and linens within their
resorts, providing a valuable lifeline.
Companies exhibiting at the show included
glass art specialists Aquarubra based in the
medieval quarter San Pellegrino, in Viterbo,
Italy. Rosario Formicola has been designing,
manufacturing and restoring artistic stained
glass for more than 20 years, in close
collaboration with his wife Monica Carello.
Their passion for glass has inspired them to
investigate new techniques to produce a
range of contemporary products including
objets d’art, jewellery and home accessories.
Carlo Budroni returned to his roots in
Cagliari to develop his range of design-led
handbags and fashion accessories, which he
unveiled at the show. His products incorporate
local materials and textiles woven from
Sardinian wool combining the best of the old
with the new.
To find out more [email protected]. g
Further information
www.emporio-mediterraneo.it
www.aquarubra.com
www.artisanlife.co.uk
Carlo Budroni
Ronin
semi-precious gemstone jewellery
hand hade in Wales
trade prices £3.55 to £10.95
www.roninjewellery.co.uk
01269 826000
Subscribe to Gift Focus
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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
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next issue...
Gift of the Year
We reveal the winners
Home & Gift preview
Your essential guide to
this summertime favourite
Sci-fi and fantasy ranges
Let the force be with you...
Retreat Home
Do you work within the giftware industry?
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Please tick one or more of the boxes below which
best describe your business
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Issue 54
July/August 2009
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Send the completed form to Gift Focus Magazine,
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Alternatively, register online at www.giftfocus.com.
Advertising
Deadline:
94 giftfocus
12th June 2009
• Home
Accessories
• Glassware
• New product
launches
MEXICAN TRAIN
One of the most popular domino games played in the world today! Each player
lays out chains of dominoes (called trains) from the centre of the domino, or he
may also lay on the group’s common domino chain, called The Mexican Train.
The aim of the game is to be the first to finish playing, and keep your train
moving all the way to victory! There are many events that block the trains along
the way and make the game exciting. Easy to learn and incredibly fun to play!
www.tactic.net
[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1483 751267 • Fax: +44 (0)1483 755432
MATRYOSHKA
The Original Russian Doll
COME ON
Get doll’d up!
Summer is now just
around the corner!
Russian Gifts have a
beautiful collection
of Russian Dollsall dressed up in
fabulous packaging,
just waiting for
you to call.
Telephone our sales team for
your next day delivery on:
Tel: 0845 241 5484
www.the-goldenring.com
Museums & Heritage
13-14 May
Harrogate Home & Gift
19-22 July
Autumn Fair
6-9 September
product showcase
We reveal some of this season’s hottest gifts
Jersey Pottery Pet Bowls
Cat and dog porcelain bowls incorporating a handle on the sides
for ease of use when filling or cleaning, form part of Jersey Pottery’s
GameBird range. Dog bowls at £50 each ( width bottom 28cm, width
top 21cm, height 11cm ) Cat bowls or small dog bowls £25 each
( width bottom 19cm, width top 14cm, height 8cm )
For further information please
contact Jonathan Jones
Jersey Pottery, Gorey Village,
Jersey. JE3 9EP
Tel: +44 (0)1534 850803
Fax: +44 (0)1534 856403
Web: www.jerseypottery.com
Wild and Wolf ’s BMH Collection
Wild and Wolf ’s latest licensed range with British
Motor Heritage features a great new collection of
men’s gifts starring the legendary Mini Cooper and
MG sports car. The BMH collection will be available
later this year.
You can see Wild and Wolf ’s full range of eclectic
award winning products at Pulse, Earls Court, London
from 31st May to 2nd June 09, Stand H39
Visit www.wildandwolf.com
contact sales@
wildandwolf.com or
tel 01225 789 909
for more information.
Anniversary Collection
Little Softies
This year Carrie Elspeth celebrates
10 years of supplying beautifully
handmade jewellery to delighted
customers all over the UK and
Ireland, and to mark this milestone
Carrie has designed an exclusive
Anniversary Collection, to be
launched at Pulse. The brand new
collection will contain the usual
variety of fabulous, fast-selling, accessible designs, in fresh summer colours
and eye-catching styles: look out for our fascinating Mosaics (pictured)
using stunning, iridescent matt cubes.
Don’t miss out!
Carrie Elspeth Ltd [email protected]
01446 771271 Pulse: Stand G26
Starchild’s famous soft sole leather baby shoes are all handmade in
England. Soft leather allows feet to breath move and grow naturally, while
the suede sole gives grip. The elasticated ankle means no fastenings to
come undone, these shoes “really do stay on” little feet.
Celebrity customers include, Madonna, The Beckhams, Gwen Stefani,
Prince, Liam Gallagher, Amanda Holden, and many more. Over 200
designs to choose from in a choice of
packaging options. FREE display stand
and bespoke designs available.
See the full range at Pulse, Earls
Court 1, stand D23 from 31st May to
2nd June 2009.
Visit www.starchildshoes.co.uk
contact [email protected] or tel
01509 817601 for more information.
my mums factory
Wild and Wolf ’s Ladybird Archive Collection
Hello. We’re my mums
factory and we make
it possible to have
a little piece of real
estate on your desk.
Our “outside-in
coasters” are made of
genuine 100% non-slip,
non-drip fake grass.
Perfect as a novel gift
for the sporting enthusiast,
gardening expert or wanna-be land developer. Special packs come with
golfing flags and tiny flowers.
Visit www.mymumsfactory.co.uk, email [email protected]
or call 0844 884 84 91
Wild and Wolf ’s Ladybird Collection
includes delightful Journals,
Tins of Plasters, First Aid
Kits, Mugs
and Flasks all
featuring classic,
fun and nostalgic
images from the
Ladybird Book
archive. You can
see Wild and
Wolf ’s full range of eclectic
award winning products at
Pulse, Earls Court, London
from 31st May to 2nd June 09
Stand H39.
Visit www.wildandwolf.com contact [email protected] or call
01225 789 909 for more information.
giftfocus 97
seeds of success
For most people, Christmas excesses mean tighter waistbands,
indigestion and a shrinking bank balance. For 33-year-old Emily
Sayer, the festive aftermath provided the inspiration for a new
and ethical business venture. Read on to find out more…
Over Christmas, while pondering the piles of
debris generated by the festivities, Emily Sayer
came up with the idea for a business venture
designed with people and the planet in mind.
“I sat one Christmas after the crackers had
been pulled and looked at all the rubbish to be
put in the bin,” she recalls.
Far from being a killjoy, she’s all for
celebrations but had a vision for a greener
alternative to the customary trimmings,
combining all of the fun but in an
environmentally and socially friendly way.
The seed of an idea germinated and quickly
grew into Flourish – a range of innovative
giftware that grows.
Her mission initially was to take a fresh
look at how the everyday products that make
life lovely are designed, manufactured and
consumed to make them “agents for change”
in their own right.
“There’s never been more pressure for
ethical products to compete on price if they
want consumers to accept them in these
troubled times,” she explains.
That’s why, not expecting consumers to
compromise in terms of cost or quality, was
central to her aim.
Flourish, the first range from the Giveware
Ltd stable, was launched to the trade at this
year’s Spring Fair International, in Birmingham.
98 giftfocus
Products include Christmas crackers that
turn into plant pots, gift tags embedded with
tomato or snapdragon seeds, Christmas
bows with Christmas tree seeds and general
celebration bows to grow your own rose bush.
Recycled card and vegetable-based inks are
used, with more than 95 per cent of materials
and production sourced in the UK.
The Flourish gift bags are designed with
space for six names to build a celebration trail
and each time the bag’s passed on a seed tag
can be detached and planted.
Instead of plastic novelties the festive
crackers contain fun, planet friendly alternatives
including seeds and afterwards half the cracker
converts into a plant pot to grow the seeds
indoors. The outer box also turns into an
envelope to store Christmas cards for recycling
come the New Year.
From the sale of each box of six crackers,
£1.50 is donated to the Flourish Celebration
Fund, along with 25 per cent of Flourish post
tax profits.
Money from the fund will help pay for
celebrations for lone and vulnerable children
and elderly people through the work of three
organisations, Global Angels, Kids Company
and Contact the Elderly.
“We believe by taking a new approach to
the way we manufacture, consume and dispose
of the everyday products we use, we can not
only meet consumer needs, but also make a
positive contribution to people and the planet.
“Just as business can be a real driver for good,
so we believe ‘good’ can be a real driver for
business,” Emily asserts.
She is a long-term supporter of green and
ethical causes and was a founding member of
Virgin Unite, the not-for-profit entrepreneurial
foundation of the Virgin Group.
The organisation works with partners
around the globe to develop new approaches
to tough social and environmental issues.
While on maternity leave with her first child
last year, she seized the opportunity to focus
on developing Flourish, working alongside
leading creative sustainable UK design
consultancy Sprout Design.
From the big business approach to social
issues she is now doing her bit in her own
individual way while planning to combine
working part time with Unite as well as
bringing up ten-month old daughter, Ella.
Projects in the pipeline include wrapping
paper that can be passed on and planted
after use and a Flourish Wedding range
incorporating stationery, confetti alternatives,
table decorations and favours.
www.giveware.co.uk or email
[email protected]. g

Bath and body

Transcription

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