Download Issue 74 Low-resolution - Gift Focus magazine

Issue 74 November/December 2012
www.giftfocus.com
Penny wise
Gifts for under £10
PERSONAL
TOUCH
Handmade goods
WIN!�
A VIP trip to Giving &
Living and jewellery
from Kit Heath worth
£750 RRP
www.giftfocus.com
JANUARY
show previews
Buying in the
new year
ALL ̛S
FAIR
Fair trade
offerings
Power
of love
Stock up for
Valentine’s Day
PLUS
• Sentiments
• Games for the family
• Fashion accessories

Nov/Dec 2012 Issue 74
Managing Editor
Louise Prance
+44 (0)1376 535 613
louisep@kdmediapublishing.com
Editor
Lyndsey Hubbard
+44 (0)1376 535 614
editor@giftfocus.com
Editorial Assistant
Annie Cannock
Sales Manager
Mark White
+44 (0)1376 535 606
markw@giftfocus.com
Sales Executive
Sharon Connelly
+44 (0)1376 535 607
sharonc@giftfocus.com
Production 01376 535 616
artwork@kdmediapublishing.com
Production Manager
Scott Brothwell
Deputy Production Manager
Sarah Barnes
Senior Designer
Vicky O’Connor
Graphic Designers
Ami Williams, Samantha Lock,
Rebecca Clarke
Web Development Manager
Stuart Weatherley
Production Assistant
Charlotte Brown
Subscriptions
Alice Henson, Tammy Wright
+44 (0)1376 514 000
KD Media Publishing Ltd
Broseley House, Newlands Drive
Witham, Essex CM8 2UL UK
www.giftfocus.com
Cover courtesy of Jane Means
Gift Focus is solely owned, published and
designed by KD Media Publishing Limited. Whilst
every effort was made to ensure the information
in this magazine was correct at the time of going
to press, the publishers cannot accept legal
responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor
can they accept responsibility of the standing of
advertisers nor by the editorial contributions.
The views expressed do not necessarily reflect
those of the publisher. Gift Focus is published
six times a year. Subscription rates for overseas
readers are £75 per annum (incl. p+p), Cheques
should be made out to KD Media Publishing
Limited and sent to Gift Focus, Broseley House,
Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex
CM8 2UL UK.
Gift Focus magazine is proud to be associated
with and supporters of:
Average Net
Circulation: 7,561
(01/07/10 to 30/06/11)
MEDIA SUPPORTER
ANTI COPYING IN DESIGN
contents
news&events
industry news 6
All the latest news from the world of gifts
on with the show 10
Trade fair dates and news
brand spanking new 14
Latest launches and hot new products
hot property 54
Catch up on what’s new in the world
of licensing
competition 44
Win a trip to Giving & Living, Exeter
competition 103
Win jewellery from Kit Heath worth £750 RRP
54
focus on...
insurance 56
Brokers TH March answer your
insurance-related questions
the ga 72
All the latest from The Giftware Association
retail technology 66
Part one of a focus on retail kiosks
q&a 89
Our experts tackle your retail related queries
company profile 86
The career of giftware giant Xystos
anti copying in design 96
Protecting and registering designs
25
features
valentine’s day 19
Stock up for the month of love
sentiments 25
Say it with words
fair trade 37
Appealing and ethical gift lines
gifts under £10 46
Penny wise ideas
family games 59
Keeping families entertained
fashion accessories 70
The finishing touches
retailer interview 93
The Gift Box in Chester
up & coming 106
Jenny Mustill and her Ruby Ruth Dolls
special feature
handmade
The personal touch
shows
29
giving & living
Head to the south-west
41
christmas & gift 51
Key festive buying event
chic 62
Fashion and accessories
scotland’s trade fair spring 64
Primary market place for the north
christmasworld 68
Frankfurt gets festive
top drawer 75
Key buying event for spring/summer
home london 83
Returning for its second year
giftfocus 3

It’s time to bring
inspiration to the table
PLACEMATS - TABLEMATS
COASTERS - WORKTOP SAVERS
HAND MADE IN ENGLAND
Our collection is ever changing,
our website is always up to date.
ORDER ONLINE
www.avenidahome.com
Avenida Home is a trading name of Avenida Isabel Ltd.
Our registered office is in 43 Richmond Place, Bath BA1 5QA
Lux-Wrap
’Tis the season
Welcome to the last issue of 2012, and what a
patriotic year it’s been! The Autumn shows have
drawn to a close, and retailers are busy
preparing for the rush of consumer gift buying.
This month we bring you the low down on
all the not-to-be-missed January shows, starting
with Giving & Living in Exeter on P41.
For many, Christmas finishes in December but
for retailers, the planning is only just beginning. January sees the cycle
start all over again, as preparation gets underway for the following festive
season. Cue Christmas & Gift in January (P51), a vital date for stocking
up on festive fancies and gift lines for other events throughout the year.
We also bring you a preview of Christmasworld in Frankfurt (P68),
another key event for the festive period.
Turn to P62 for full details about Chic, the international fashion and
accessories event, and cross the border to view the best of Welsh design
at Wales Spring Fair (P98). Don’t forget Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring
(P64), and the spring/summer leg of Top Drawer (P75), with its
co-located neighbour Home (P83). Visit our on with the show section
on P10 for details of all the key events.
In this issue we also take a look at the time and skills put into creating
handmade gifts, bringing you a selection of products from companies
that are proud to wave the handmade flag. We explore gifts with
sentiment and bring you a selection of ideas in preparation for February
– the month of love.
Many consumers are committed to sourcing fair trade items, so
we’re also providing a variety of options to please this sector of ethically
savvy shoppers.
This issue’s company profile focuses on giftware giant Xystos, a
company that started life at the Metro Centre in Gateshead – selling
from a wheelbarrow no less!
All that’s left for me to say is the Gift Focus team would like to wish all
our readers a very merry Christmas and a prosperous 2013!
Lyndsey
Lyndsey Hubbard
Editor
giftfocus 5

industry news
Catch up on all the latest in our news round up
Competition winner
The winner of the competition in our July/August issue is Margaret Barton of the Barton Gift Co in Merseyside. Margaret wins a year’s supply of
packaging from Panache Packaging worth RRP £900. We have two competitions in this issue – turn to pages 44 and 103 to find out more.
The Henries Awards 2012 take place
The Henries Awards 2012 took place at a glittering ceremony at
The Lancaster London Hotel in October. The awards are the ultimate
accolades in greeting card publishing, and each year some 14,000
cards are entered. Here is a low down of all the worthy winners:
Most Promising Young Designer or Artist, sponsored by Slater
Harrison – Hannah Dale, Founder and Creator of Wrendale Designs
Best Cute Range, sponsored by Offset Productions – Born To Stitch
by Paper Rose
Best Spring Seasons Range, sponsored by GF Smith – Patchwork
Collection Mother’s Day by Laura Darrington Design
Best Contemporary Trend Range, sponsored by National Stationery
Show – Beaux Chic by Noel Tatt
Best Humorous Range, sponsored by Antalis – Traces of Nuts by
Hanson White (UKG)
Best Art Range, sponsored by MGL Licensing – The Country Set
from Wrendale Designs
Best Handmade or Hand-Finished Range, sponsored by Regent
Envelopes – Lacie by Paperlink
Best Words and Sentiments Range, sponsored by Enveco/Envelopes
Plus – Life is Sweet by Icon
Best Male Range, sponsored by PG Live – Just Josh by CardMix
6 giftfocus
New party product
company launches
Ginger Ray is a new party product
company that designs exclusive partyware
for special occasions. Conceived by Ben
Spence, who has 10 years experience
in the industry, Ginger Ray aims to be
innovative and original, by bringing fun,
quirky and on-trend designs to market.
Products include wedding and party
collections, a baby shower, christening
and first birthday range with hand drawn
images, as well as a traditional Christmas
range. The company will be exhibiting
at Spring Fair International at the NEC
Birmingham in February. For more
information, visit www.gingerray.com
Best Children’s Range, sponsored by Loxleys – Juvenile Innovation
by Hallmark
Best Wholesale Range, sponsored by LB Warehousing – Trec Chic
by Simon Elvin
Best Occasions or Relations Range, sponsored by Fedrigoni –
Buttercups & Clover by Cinnamon Aitch
Best Christmas Box or Pack, sponsored by Gould Paper Sales UK –
Sparkling Ice by Five Dollar Shake
Best Christmas Counter Cards Range, sponsored by Windles –
Christmas All Over The World by Five Dollar Shake
Best Photographic Range, sponsored by Spring Fair and Autumn Fair
– 1000 Words by Urban Graphic
Honorary Achievement Award, sponsored by Soundtech – Lynn Tait
Best Licensed Card Range, sponsored by PJ Print – Angry Birds from
Gemma International
Best Giftwrappings Collection, sponsored by Top Drawer January –
Nina Campbell from Penny Kennedy
The Henry Cole Classic Award, sponsored by The Sherwood Press
– Eric The Penguin from The Great British Card Company
Best Service To The Independent Retailer, sponsored by Cardgains
– Gold Winner is UK Greetings, Silver Winner is Nigel Quiney
Publications and Bronze Winner is Noel Tatt Group.

Giftware Association
launches Gift of the
Year 2013
Winners of this year’s Gift of
the Year Awards were quick
to recognise the value of such
an accolade at Autumn Fair
in September, where The GA
launched the 2013 competition.
For 2012 The Monster
Factory won The Judge’s Choice
award, sponsored by Spring
Fair International, as well as the
Outdoor Living category, sponsored by Melville Exhibition and Event
services, for its Campervan Tent. The company was also presented with a
free stand at the show by organisers, i2i Events. Director of the Monster
Factory, Martin Grix said: “Winning Gift of the Year has been great. It
definitely helps sales and it’s given us a lot of kudos. Because it’s a licensed
product, it also helps me with the brand holder, Volkswagon.”
Andy Waters (pictured), Managing Director of Arora Design, who
won the Collect It category for My Pedigree Pals, said: “Winning helps
massively because of the way Gift of the Year has been restructured. The
winners were announced on the Sunday evening of Spring Fair, so on the
Monday it was fantastic – so many people came to our stand just to see
the product that won.”
Gary Wyatt, Chairman and Founder of Green Board Games, said that
winning the Under £10 category, sponsored by GAC Logistics, had been
helpful to the company. “It’s prestigious. There are lots of people entering
the competition and we find that retailers do react favourably when they
see the product has won – it’s very much an endorsement.”
For more details on how to enter the 2013 Gift of the Year Awards,
visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk
Jan Constantine produces collection of bears
Jan Constantine, renowned for her hand embroidered textiles, is
working with soft toy company, Steiff, to produce a small collection
of bears. The first teddy bear, named True Brit, is ready in time for
Christmas and has his own little
patriotic suitcase. Complete with the
famous Steiff label studded onto his
left ear, this little chap will no doubt
become an heirloom for the future.
Visit www.janconstantine.com for
more details on the collection.
Yankee Candle works with retailers to
protect the brand
Recognising the importance of retailer support and the
implications of Yankee Candle ® now being in the top 10 products
on thieves’ wish lists, Managing Director Clive Harper launches
several initiatives in close partnership with both retailers and
associations to tackle the problem head on.
At the beginning of 2012, Yankee Candle ® launched a loss
prevention booklet, which proved itself as a valuable tool for
retailers. A new updated version has been created and was
launched at Glee in September.
In addition, Yankee Candle ® is testing several tagging and security
systems, as well as attending regular meetings with security
companies and working with Loss Prevention Officers from major
customers to better understand the sophisticated techniques used
by thieves.
Clive says: “We recognise our responsibility to the trade and are
endlessly working with various bodies including the Horticultural
Trades Association (HTA) to better understand the seriousness
of the problem and the techniques used. I am personally visiting a
number of retailers that have significant problems with theft. The
booklet is informative with a check list for retailers to use when
looking at their own businesses.”
The company is working to launch an Advisory Committee in
2013, with the desire to work with customers to protect their
profits and the Yankee Candle ® brand image.
To order a copy of the booklet, please call customer care on
T: +44 (0)117 316 1200.
The Handpicked Collection scoops
third award this year
The Handpicked Collection has won the Gifts & Greetings
category in the 2012 Online Retail Awards, having attained
Highly Commended in the same category last year.
For The Handpicked Collection, this prestigious award
follows hot on the
heels of two other
award victories this year
(Best Online Gift Store
from Sheerluxe and
Best Gift Retailer from
ECMOD), in addition
to the announcement
that they are finalists
in the National
Business Awards 2012,
competing for the
title of Small Online
Business of the Year.
For more details, visit
www.online
retailawards.com
giftfocus 7
news&events

industry news
Xystos takes over Romero Britto range
Xystos has taken over the exclusive UK distribution rights for the
distinctive Romero Britto range, from James Winchester. Manufactured by
Giftcraft of Canada, it depicts the artwork of the famous Brazilian born
artist. There are 60 pieces – all vibrant in colour – from umbrellas to
ceramics, with RRPs ranging from £6.99 - £49.99. Visit the website,
www.xystostrade.co.uk for more details.
Playaway cases
win Fashion &
Accessories Best
New Collection at
Autumn Fair
The British Travel Accessories
Association (BTAA) selected
Playaway cases as the worthy
winner of the Fashion &
Accessories Best New Collection
at Autumn Fair in September. Joint
runners up were Mala Leather
and Accessories by Park Lane.
The judges were particularly
impressed by the amount of
product research and innovation
that went into the final designs of
the winning company’s innovative and unique product. The luggage is
inventive, practical, attractive and well made, but also fun and funky at
the same time.
For more details on Playaway cases, visit www.playawaycase.com
Doing your bit for the planet
If you are looking to promote your business, make a profit and help the
planet, then check out WBC Canby, a specialist supplier of reusable bags
for life. Not only are
the bags famous for
their print quality
and strength, they’re
made entirely from
sustainable materials
too. With super-fast
seven-day turnaround
and a minimum order
of only 250 units, you
can have your bags
in time for Christmas.
To view the full range
of bags on offer, visit
www.wbc.co.uk
8 giftfocus
Appointments
La Cafetiere has appointed Paul Silk as its new
Managing Director. Paul brings with him 20 years
of expertise, knowledge and experience in the
DIY and housewares industries, both nationally
and internationally.
Jessica Blue has been promoted to Vice
President of Licensing Expo, the licensing sector’s
most important event held in Las Vegas, from
her current position as Event Director of Brand
Licensing Expo. Both events are produced by
the Advanstar Licensing Group.
Andrew Legg has been appointed UK Sales
Manager at Creative Tops. Having spent many
years working for companies such as Meyer/
Prestige, I Grunwerg, Morphy Richards and
Kitchen Craft, Andrew knows the housewares
industry very well indeed.
Irene Grant is the new Area Sales Manager for
Scotland and Ireland at Creative Tops. Having
worked for companies such as Edinburgh
Crystal and Arthur Price, Irene is a well known
and well respected professional and is already
familiar with many of Creative Tops’ customers
both north and south of the border.
Creative Tops has appointed Dave Barnes as the
new Area Sales Manager for the north. Dave has
spent many years in the industry, with companies
such as Pimpernel and Ultimate Products.
Jon Marks is the new Creative Tops Area
Sales Manager for the Midlands. Jon is already
extremely well established and known to most
of the company’s customers. Jon joins Creative
Tops from Emma Bridgewater, having previously
spent 15 years with Edinburgh Crystal.
Richard McDonald is the new Area Sales
Manager for the south of England at Creative
Tops. He has huge experience of the
housewares and tableware industry, having spent
the last 10 years performing a similar role for
Emma Bridgewater.

on with the show
Trade show updates from home and abroad
diary dates
Top Drawer spring/summer
when 13 th - 15 th January, 2013
where Earls Court 1, London
website www.topdrawer.co.uk
Home
when 13 th - 15 th January, 2013
where Earls Court 2, London
website www.home-london.net
Christmas & Gift
when 13 th - 16 th January, 2013
where Harrogate International Centre
website www.harrogatefair.com
Giving & Living
when 13 th - 16 th January, 2013
where Westpoint, Exeter
website www.givingliving.co.uk
Maison & Objet
when 18 th - 22 nd January, 2013
where Paris, France
website www.maison-objet.com
Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring
when 20 th - 22 nd January, 2013
where SECC, Glasgow
website www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk
10 giftfocus
Retailers optimistic at Autumn Fair
This year’s Autumn Fair increased in size and attracted more high spend buyers than in
previous years, delivering buyer numbers in line with expectations (31,011 – pending audit)
from a total of 78 countries. The show conducted a major industry survey, and found that
despite poor performance on the high street this summer, 86 per cent of UK retailers are
either optimistic about or undaunted by Christmas trading prospects this year, and 85 per cent
envisage strong or steady company growth levels in 2013. The survey results come from a mix
of 845 independent, multiple and on-line retailers from across the UK, and paint a picture very
different to the recent retail pessimism that’s been so widely reported.
Louise Young, Divisional Director of Autumn Fair International, commented: "It's encouraging
to see that despite a climate of negativity, retailers are defying the status quo. Retailers have had
to become nimble to survive these turbulent economic times, and these echoes of optimism
reflect a confidence in their continued agility. "
Next year’s Autumn Fair will take place from 1st - 4th September, 2013. For more details,
visit www.autumnfair.com
Most successful Top Drawer in 30 years
Top Drawer reported the best levels of visitors and exhibitors for many years, making it the most
successful edition of Top Drawer in the show’s 30-year history. Visitor figures finished at 8447 (pending
audit), demonstrating a two per cent increase on last year’s final figure. In addition, the exhibition
showcased more than 672 exhibitors, a three per cent increase on 2011.
Curated areas of the show, Spotted and Spotted Plus, saw an overwhelmingly positive response to
the new designers picked by design writer, Charlotte Abrahams for their original design and commercial
readiness. Many of the exhibitors within this exclusive area plan to return to the show in 2013 and were
extremely excited by the number of orders taken and interest in their products.
The newly redeveloped West Hall at Olympia allowed the show to expand into a modern space, with
an additional 100 companies added to the show’s floorplan, making it 10 per cent larger than 2011. Plans
for the 2013 event will include expansion into the gallery level of the Grand Hall, to allow the event to
accommodate a larger number of exhibitors.
An investment in the growth of Top Drawer’s international exhibitors saw an increase in international
visitors to the show, with 33 per cent more international buyers attending the autumn event than the
previous year. Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk for details of Top Drawer spring/summer in January.

Tendence round-up
Approximately 46,000 trade buyers and retailers visited Tendence in
September, down from last year which was 52,000. In view of the current
economic climate, a decline in the number of visitors from European
countries outside Germany had been expected beforehand.
“Despite the Euro Crisis, many exhibitors noted an increase in orders.
Against the backdrop of a volatile business environment, the mood at
Tendence was extremely good. The key buyers came to the fair,” said Detlef
Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt GmbH.
Despite a decline in the number of Asian exhibitors, the exhibition space
increased by 3.8 per cent from 130,000 sq m(gross) in 2011 to 135,000 sq
m this year. Altogether, 1,852 exhibitors from 66 countries presented their
latest products and innovations.
Tendence welcomed visitors from a total of 91 countries, and the top
five nations on the visitor side were Switzerland, The Netherlands, Italy,
Austria and France.
The next Tendence will be held from 23 rd - 27 th August, 2013.
For more information, visit www.tendence.messefrankfurt.com
Manchester Gift Show meets demand for
north-based trade event
The second Manchester Gift Show took place in September,
and presented the very best of the gift industry to the north,
establishing the area as a credible platform for brands to
showcase and buyers to purchase. The show offered a mix of gift,
greetings, home, fashion, wellbeing and toys.
The unique demonstration Studio succeeded as a launchpad
for the UK’s most exciting arts and crafts companies, who were
on site throughout the show demonstrating their exceptional
skills. From pot throwing with Ryan Connolly, felt making with
Alison Rose and hand-sewn cards from Libby Bower, there was
something for everyone looking to stock creative products with
an interesting story.
The 2013 edition of the Manchester Gift Show plans to expand
to include more exhibitors across gift, home, fashion, wellbeing
and toys. Visit www.manchestergiftshow.com for more details.
Time for inspiration at Jewellery Show
London 2013
i2i Events Group, organisers of The Jewellery Show
London, have announced new initiatives to drive growth
for the industry in 2013. The début of a new dedicated
watch section, The Watch Salon, at the event will be a vital
development in the successful evolution of the show.
i2i Events Group is investing in a rich stream of seminar
content to support The Watch Salon, which will provide
business insight and inspiration to watch retailers.
The organisers have also announced further investment
via a major hosted buyer programme for the show. The
programme will ensure that numerous members from
the biggest buying groups in the country, including The
Houlden Group and The Company of Master Jewellers,
are out in force at both editions of the show, along with a
group of major retailers from overseas.
The next Jewellery Show London will take place
between 11 th - 12 th June, 2013 at Somerset House.
For more details, visit www.thejewelleryshowlondon.com
giftfocus 11
news&events

on with the show
on with the show
Ireland’s creative talent
Trade show updates from home and abroad
New additions at Ambiente
Ambiente will optimise its structure in the Passage section with a
high-quality temporary exhibition hall from 2013. Known as Hall 12.0, the
new building will make attending the Passage Gifts segment of the fair
significantly more efficient for both exhibitors and visitors. With a length
of 150m and a width of 50m, it will accommodate pavilions from China,
Hong Kong and Tapei on an area of 7,500 sq m.
A new area dedicated to watches will also be introduced in the Carat
product segment in Hall 9.3. This will make the fair even more attractive
to buyers.
Lastly, France has been announced as the Ambiente Partner Country
in 2013, and will present an extensive programme of events under the
motto, ‘l’art de vivre à la française’ - the art of French Living.
For more information, visit www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com
International Jewellery London
surpasses expectations
More than 600 jewellery exhibitors showcased
their wares at International Jewellery London (IJL)
in September. Show organisers Reed Exhibitions
claimed that the event would boast record
exhibitor numbers.
In all, there were 608 exhibitors, of which 156
were brand new to the event. The organisers
expect figures to show that there were 9,000
visitors, pending an ABC audit.
“These are tough times for everyone, but the
amount of order taking done at the show proves
how resilient and innovative the jewellery industry
is,” said Event Director Sam Willoughby. “This year,
we really focused on the visitor quality and the
look and feel of IJL, and created a more luxurious
setting, which was in line with the high profile
designer brands and manufacturers showcasing
their work.” A stricter registration process was
enforced at the 2012 edition to ensure higher
quality visitors attended the trade-only show.
For more details, visit www.jewellerylondon.com
12 giftfocus
Looking ahead
Showcase – Ireland’s Creative
Expo
when 20 th - 23 rd January, 2013
where RDS, Dublin
website www.showcaseireland.com
Wales Spring Fair
when 20 th - 23 rd January, 2013
where Venue Cymru, Llandudno
website www.walesspringfair.com
Chic
when 27 th - 30 th January, 2013
where The Ricoh Arena, Coventry
website www.chicuk.com
Toy Fair
when 22 nd - 24 th January, 2013
where Olympia, London
website www.toyfair.co.uk
Macef
when 24 th - 27 th January, 2103
where Milan, Italy
website www.macef.it
Taking place between 20th - 23rd January, 2013, Showcase – Ireland’s
Creative Expo – is a great place to discover unique, design-led fashion
and knitwear, jewellery, craft, gift and interiors.
Now in its 36th year, the show has gone back to its roots –
celebrating the essence of Ireland. Inspired by Ireland’s landscape and
heritage, 350 of the country’s leading designers, manufacturers and
crafts people pay homage to its heritage.
There are various highlights over the four-day event. Creative
Ireland next year features more than 85 of the top Irish artisans,
including 23 new exhibitors. Every item in this expanded area has
been exclusively ‘Imagined, Designed and Made in Ireland’.
The ‘Top 50 New Products at Showcase’ awards ceremony will be
held on the Saturday at 7pm. These will be displayed at the show to
give you a fast-track way of finding some of the best on offer.
The Trends Area will highlight the hot products for 2012. In
addition to identifying the trends, the displays will illustrate how best
to merchandise what you buy to create stand-out points of sale
within your own shop or business.
The new Enterprise Zone will show the fresh new talent of 15
counties within Ireland under the umbrella of their County Enterprise
Boards. These are small businesses with unique products to sell, each
offering a flavour of their county history.
A number of retail seminars will be running throughout the show,
on business development, merchandising and trends forecasting.
For more details about the Showcase, Ireland’s Creative Expo, visit
www.showcaseireland.com
Christmasworld
when 25 th - 29 th January, 2013
where Frankfurt, Germany
website www.christmasworld.
messefrankfurt.com
Spring Fair
when 3 rd - 7 th February, 2013
where NEC Birmingham
website www.springfair.com
(All dates are subject to change. Contact
organisers for more information before
making travel arrangements).
For further in-depth show previews and
reports turn to:
Page 41 Giving & Living
Page 51 Christmas & Gift
Page 57 Macef
Page 62 Chic
Page 64 Scotland Trade Fair Spring
Page 68 Christmasworld
Page 75 Top Drawer spring/summer
Page 83 Home
Page 98 Wales Spring Fair

Catch up on some of the latest products around
brand spanking new
Otter House
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
Yankee Candle
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
14 giftfocus
Lady Ha Ha
T: +44 (0)1392 824 300 or E: sales@otterhouse.co.uk
RRP £1.99
Witty, inspired, contemporary and always daring, autumn 2012 sees Images & Editions’ release of Lady Ha Ha.
Designed with a funky mix of illustration and photography, this card range speaks to every woman in Britain
who is young-at-heart, loves to shop, dances 'til sunrise, and occasionally enjoys behaving a little bit badly!
Perfect for friends and neighbours, mum, sister and aunt.
For further details, visit www.otterhouse.co.uk
Creative Tops
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
My Favourite Things
T: +44 (0)1173 161 200 or E: info@yankeecandle.co.uk
RRP £19.99
Limited edition trend collection for winter 2012, featuring six favourite fragrances:
Schnitzel with Noodles, Whiskers on Kittens, Brown Paper Packages, Bright Copper
Kettles, Warm Woollen Mittens and Crisp Apple Strudel.
Maximise sales by utilising the updated marketing toolbox for endless outpost display
options and POS material, to create eye catching displays that will draw customers in to
experience a range that creates instant nostalgia.
For further information, visit www.yankeecandle.co.uk
dots and spots
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
Fine bone china mugs
T: +44 (0)1536 207 710 or E: sales@creative-tops.com
RRP £12.99
Two new fine bone china mugs in boxes featuring '50s Lucienne Day textile
prints from the Victoria & Albert Museum collection.
Each mug is available in a beautiful gift box.
For more information, visit www.creative-tops.com
Spotty party bags
T: +44 (0)1749 344 932 or E: info@dotsandspots.co.uk
RRP £5.99 for a pack of 12 bags with coordinating stickers.
A fabulous fun party essential, perfect for stylish mums planning their child’s
party – simply fill with treats and seal with a sticker.
Each pack is sealed in a clear cello with design-led packet top, and a euro slot
hole for ease of display in your shop.
A great addition to the dots and spots range of cards, wrap, tape and more.

The Fragrance Lounge
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
Lesser & Pavey
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
Woodland Collection - Paddywax
T: +44 (0)1829 730 028 or E: sales@thefragrancelounge.com
RRP from £11
Woodland, Solstice and Twilight are three scents reminiscent of the winter
season. They have been hand-poured into luxurious mercury glass vessels and
dressed up in attractive packaging, where magical illustrated scenes play off
whimsical plaids.
Bring the magic of winter into the home with this collection.
For more information, visit www.thefragrancelounge.com
21 st Century Silver
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
Fine china mugs
T: +44 (0)1322 279 225 or E: sales@leonardo.co.uk
RRP £3.99
Lesser & Pavey brings to life scenes of the countryside from a past age through
a licensed range of fine china mugs featuring activities such as farming, shooting
and fishing.
The mugs are presented in attractive complementary gift boxing.
For more information, visit www.leonardo.co.uk
BoxMart
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
20 new sterling silver designs
T: +44 (0)20 8339 3731 or E: info@21stcenturysilver.co.uk
Earrings approx RRP £22.50, pendant approx £38.50
21 st Century Silver has just added 20 new sterling silver designs to its range in the lead up
to the all important Christmas season.
This heart set features a delicate mother of pearl drop – sure to catch the eye.
Contact the company for brochures and further information.
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
Deli trays
T: +44 (0)1543 411 574
RRP available on request
A varied range of deli trays to help retailers capture additional
consumer spend.
Available in three sizes to ensure complete retail flexibility.
BoxMart also supplies acid-free tissue paper and satin ribbons, which,
like the deli trays, can be branded with your company name or logo.
Visit www.boxmart.co.uk
giftfocus 15
new products

and spanking new
Joe Davies
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
Heyland & Whittle
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
16 giftfocus
Christmas santas, snowmen and water balls
T: +44 (0)161 975 6300 or E: sales@joedavies.co.uk
RRP from £2.99
Charming new santas, snowmen and water balls in a matching series at great retail price points.
The series merchandises beautifully as part of a Christmas display, and the attractive price
points make them an ideal spontaneous purchase.
The range is easy to buy in modest quantities, and delivery is free nationwide.
Whitbread Wilkinson/W2 Products
Product:
Contact:
Price:
Specification:
Retailer Benefits:
Other Information:
White Jasmine
T: +44 (0)1293 525 825 or E: sales@heylandandwhittle.co.uk
RRP available on request
New home and body care collection from British soap and herbal merchants
Heyland & Whittle, which will be launched at Top Drawer.
The collection includes a reed diffuser, refill, scented soy candle, candle in a tin, hand
wash, hand lotion and handmade soap gift box.
White Jasmine evokes memories of an English summer’s day – summer berries,
oranges and lemons blend with an euphoric bouquet of jasmine, lilac and lavender
with a warm cedar base. Visit the company at Top Drawer on stand R51 to view the
new range in full.
Graftons
Product: P
Contact: C
Price: P
Specification:
S
Retailer R Benefits:
Other O Information:
Pantone Universe Tonal Tray Sets
T: +44 (0)20 7922 1444 or E: angie@w2products.com
RRP £15 - 25 (three sizes available)
Six on trend tones for 2013, direct from the colour gurus at Pantone. Mix and match across
these six tones in three sizes.
Easy to merchandise in store, these trays add an instant block of colour to the shelves. The
trays stack attractively and can be mixed and matched to create colourful displays.
Bye bye plastic – these colourful, durable trays are made from pressed wood and come in
bang-up-to-date colours that are perfect for the home.
Three-piece Patisserie de Bain gift set
T: +44 (0)1827 280 080 or E: roseandco@graftons.co.uk
RRP £10
Three handmade fancies for the bath.
The perfect gift for Christmas.
Add one of these pretty confections to a warm bath and relax. The melt will dissolve
and sparkle gently, releasing shea and cocoa butter to soften the skin and impart a
delightful fragrance to the bath.

power of love
Love is all around us as retailers prepare for Valentine’s Day
February sees sales increase as consumers show how much their loved ones mean to them. Stocking gifts for
Valentine’s Day can offer a much needed boost after the come-down from the festive period. Here are some
ideas to get your customers in the mood for love.
This photo frame is from All Personal Gifts’
fine silver plated range. Measuring 155mm x
130mm, it is in the shape of a heart and also
features a decorative solid heart at the bottom
of the frame.
T: +44 (0)800 030 2345
www.allpersonalgifts.co.uk
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, Jane
Means has seen a surge in sales of its red
ribbons. Jane says red is a very popular
colour year round, and is perfect for any
gender or occasion. The company’s 15mm
ribbons come on 3M, 10M and 100M rolls
in several designs, with some 7mm skinny
ribbons also available. The box shown is
supplied by MIC.
T: +44 (0)1522 522 544
www.janemeans.co.uk
These heart bottles from Jarapa are available
in a mixed case of 12 items in six colours, and
are perfect for filling with bath oils or bath salts.
Also available are two colours of 27cm-high
heart vases in stylish warm colours.
T: +44 (0)845 519 1982
www.jarapa.co.uk
The new Heart of Gold wine glass is the
latest launch from Lolita, available from
European licensee Gaeltag Keltika. The
heart-themed glasses are the perfect
way to say ‘I love you’ on Valentine’s
Day. The new line joins Lolita’s Red Hot
wine and Martini glasses as reliable
sellers for Valentine’s Day and more
importantly, will keep selling for many
other occasions.
T: +44 (0)20 8998 1781
www.designsbylolita.com
Shearer Candles’ Highland collection is ideal for Valentine’s Day. Using only the finest waxes
and oils, the award winning range is ideal for adding sophisticated romance to an evening in or
to give a loved one a special gift. Each candle is made with a unique blend of waxes to ensure
an even and long-lasting burn.
T: +44 (0)141 445 1066
www.shearer-candles.com
giftfocus gif if tfo tfocus f cus 19
19 1
valentine’s xxxxx xxx day

power of love
Gillian Kyle is about to launch a new
range of designs inspired by cultural
heroes such as Robert Burns, Scotland’s
national poet and biggest romantic. The
creative design will be available in a fine
bone china mug, tea towel, greeting card
and coaster. Robert’s quote “Your love is
like a red, red rose” is featured strongly
in the design.
T: +44 (0)141 248 8702
www.gilliankyle.com
Radiating pure charm and loveability,
the knitted snuggle hottie cat from
Aroma Home has a removeable
wheat insert, infused with lavender and
chamomile essential oils. With a floppy
tail and stripy heart motif jumper, just
one minute in the microwave will
have this cute kitten radiating calming,
natural aromas to lull your loved one
to sleep.
T: +44 (0)1793 487 684
www.aromahome.com
20 giftfocus
Retreat Home offers a wonderful array
of love-inspired gifts, including this cushion
featuring the wording ‘Love is all you need’.
The romantic cushion is available in red or
natural linen.
T: +44 (0)870 803 3428
www.retreat-home.com
Creative Tops has a range of table mats and
coasters to help create a romantic table setting.
These ones are from the Romantic Garden
collection. There are six cork-backed placemats
and six coasters featuring an inspirational floral
design. Practical, stylish and easy to clean, these
placemats and coasters will protect surfaces
whilst adding a hint of romance to a kitchen or
dining room table.
T: +44 (0)1536 207 710
www.creative-tops.com
Pintail Candles’ Dotty Hearts spring
range of candle tins combines dots and
hearts in a playful twist on the ever
popular polka dot theme. These candle
tins are a perfect gift for Valentine’s
Day, and are available in 18 best-selling
fragrances and colour combinations.
T: +44 (0)1539 559 007
www.pintailcandles.com
What better way to say “I Love You” than with Thorntons chocolate. The I Love You cups and the
new Lovely collection Heart Box chocolate selection are both perfect gifts for Valentine’s Day.
T: +44 (0)845 121 1911
www.thorntons.co.uk

����������������������

power of love
Personalised Memento Company has
a wide range of beautiful personalised
gifts for Valentine’s Day. New to the
range are these shabby chic wooden
hanging heart decorations personalised
with any message of choice. The
wooden hearts come in a number of
designs and are ideal for hanging in
the home so that loved one’s wishes
become a permanent feature.
T: +44 (0)1782 744 900
www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
Gift wrapping a bottle of wine has never
been easier or more effective. Lux-Wrap’s
10 second bottle wrap solution comes
in a variety of designs including this heart
pattern, ideal for Valentine’s Day. Design
opportunities are infinite, and with the
easy clip strip merchandising format and
competitive price point, it is the ideal way
for greetings retailers, wine merchants and
convenience stores to add incremental
revenue to existing fixtures whilst adding
consumer value to wine gifting.
T: +44 (0)1908 522 810
www.lux-wrap.co.uk
22 giftfocus
The Country Candle Company’s Greetings
collection is a gift and card in one beautiful, sweet
smelling package. There are nine candles altogether,
featuring such designs as ‘True Love’ and ‘Sweet
Heart’ that make ideal gifts for Valentine’s Day.
T: +44 (0)844 915 0005
www.thecountrycandlecompany.com
The Patchwork Spring collection from Laura
Darrington Design features Valentine’s Day,
Mother’s Day and Easter captions, and has
won a Henries Award this year. The range
comprises an eclectic mix of patterns and
textures, which are carefully styled together
to form a patchwork look. The designs are
luxuriously decorated with foil and emboss
techniques, then hand finished with a quirky
polka dot button.
T: +44 (0)116 284 9660
www.lauradarrington.co.uk
This photo album from Oh So Cherished is
covered in padded red leather with gold foil
lettering, and is the perfect way for a couple
to celebrate the special moments of their
relationship. Early dates, landmark events, first
holiday together and favourite photos can all
build into a lasting keepsake.
T: +44 (0)1983 731 536
www.ohsocherished.co.uk
True Rose from Yankee Candle ® is
alluring, rich and velvety, with an
eye-catching deep red hue designed to
evoke romantic feelings. With a burn
time of between 10-15 hours, each
large Yankee Candle ® Housewarmer ®
Jar is the ultimate affordable luxury for
consumers looking for value for their
money this spring. Available in the iconic
Housewarmer ® Jar in three sizes, True
Rose is supported by stunning visuals
and eye-catching marketing materials.
T: +44 (0)117 316 1200
www.yankeecandle.co.uk

British Designed Ribbons and Gift Tags
Free Samples and Next Day Delivery • Minimum Order £75
Ribbons including 3m, 10m and 100m rolls.
Grosgrain stitched, stripes, dotty and gingham designs
Gift Wrapping Courses and DVD available
New Trade Website – visit www.janemeans.co.uk for details
Tel 01522 522 544 (M-F 10am-3pm) • Email info@janemeans.co.uk

say it with words
Give customers a choice of extra-special gifts with these thoughtful designs
Products with sentiment can provide customers with a more thoughtful choice of gift for friends and
family. We bring you a selection of items across a range of price brackets for sentimental shoppers. s.
Kutuu’s designer Hannah Salomon takes inspiration from sweet
messages, people’s stories and symbols used throughout history to
create meaningful and sentimental gifts. Kutuu’s latest range includes
sentiments such as ‘an anchor
for strength’, ‘happy ever after’
and ‘everything is going to be
just fine’ on charms, pocket
coins, keyrings and trinket
dishes that are all made in the
UK. New designs are launched
on a regular basis.
T: +44 (0)1352 756 797
www.kutuu.co.uk
Personalised Memento Company has the perfect range of
personalised gifts for all occasions and sentiments. Its new crystal
block keepsakes are the perfect way to share sentiments close
to the heart. The blocks come in three sizes and start from just
£9.99 RRP.
T: +44 (0)1782 744 900
www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
Fair trade supplier, Tilnar Art, Besmo
and MO-HOme, has launched a range of
hand carved soapstone sentiment hearts.
The hearts are carved from Kisii stone by
artisans in Kenya and are then inscribed
with messages such as Love, Best Friends
and Happy Birthday, making them the
perfect gift for a friend or loved one.
T: +44 (0)1277 362 815
www.besmo.com
This keyring is from All Personal Gifts’ fine e silver plated
range and states the word ‘love’, with the ‘o’ o’ in the shape of
a heart. The theme is reflected in the shaping ng of the main
keyring body.
T: +44 (0)800 030 2345
www.allpersonalgifts.co.uk
Enesco has unveiled the Studio Be by Cindy Wunsch giftware collection. Her
diverse range of products includes calendars, wall art, memo boards, photo
frames, magnets and mugs, and each piece is attractively decorated with
Cindy’s bright, contemporary art. Wording includes ‘All I want to do is love’
and ‘Give love’.
T: +44 (0)1228 404 022
www.enesco.co.uk
Inspirational, the new home décor
WoodWick collection from Xystos, brings
a different dimension to the candle with
the crackling wick. The sentiment-driven
range comprises four designs: Celebrate
(‘to celebrate you must celebrate the
simple joys of life’); Love (‘makes two
hearts one’); Friends (‘are like flowers in
the garden of life’), and Mum (‘a mother’s
love lives in your heart forever’).
T: +44 (0)191 499 1570
www.xystostrade.co.uk
giftfocus 25
xxxxx sentiments xxx

say it with words
These patchwork Scentiments hearts are available from Retreat Home
and come as a pair. The hearts include the words ‘Love’ and ‘Thank
you’ embroidered on them. The company offers a range of items with
the word ‘Love’, including a cosmetic bag, love bird wooden sign, and
pocket cushion.
T: +44 (0)870 803 3428
www.retreat-home.com
26 giftfocus
Ceramics with endearing messages are
everywhere at Sweet William Designs.
These include ‘I heart you’, ‘I love you’,
‘You’re just my cup of tea’ and even
‘Ditto’ for those unable to repay
the compliment! All of the ceramics
feature the company’s trademark
Union Jack bunting and are lovingly
made in England.
T: +44 (0)7967 002 547
www.sweetwilliamdesigns.com
Love and heart-themed items are some of the top sellers from the
Once A Tree range of ethically sourced and fairly traded carved wooden
accessories from J J Vaillant. More than 40 different items are available.
T: +44 (0)121 380 0720
www.jjvaillant.com
Artist Rob Ryan creates wonderfully whimsical cut-paper artworks,
which he often turns into screen prints, ceramics, wall hangings and
stationery. Available from Wild and Wolf, one of his new products is a
pair of mugs that read ‘This same moon and this same sky hang over
both you and I. In our dreams and in our hearts it helps us feel less far
apart’ and ‘Every night at the same time I look up at the moon and hold
it tight in my heart, and I think of you a thousand miles away over land
and sea looking up at the moon thinking of me.’ The new Rob Ryan
range includes a ceramic money box, set of three egg cups, four place
mats, simple mug, pair of mugs and a cushion.
T: +44 (0)1225 789 909
www.wildandwolf.com
After the success of the first full year
of Instant Gifts International selling
Primitives by Kathy, 46 new titles have
been added for 2013. Still featuring
sentiments about life, love and family
such as the classic ‘All you need is love’,
the new range features white variations
of the top sellers, plus many new titles
including an increased range for family
and friends. A favourite is ‘Any man can
be a father but it takes someone special
to be dad’.
T: +44 (0)1580 765 040
www.instant-gifts.co.uk
Lesser & Pavey has a large collection of sentiment items, including
a new selection of mugs. Ranges include Words of Wisdom (shown
here), Keep Calm, Rachel Ellen Designs, and Headliners. All of the
mugs come in gift packaging and are exclusive to Lesser & Pavey.
T: +44 (0)1322 279 225
www.leonardo.co.uk

Gillian Kyle, www.gilliankyle.com
personal touch
The handmade market has grown massively over the last few years, putting disposable lifestyles
on the back burner. Here is a selection of gift lines from companies that are proud to fly the
handmade flag
When purchasing gifts, many consumers like to know where items
have originated from and what materials they are made of, preferring
to buy products that are crafted by hand. The handmade market also
provides gifts with a story to tell.
All of Gillian Kyle’s tea towels and aprons are handmade in the UK
using organic cotton, by a small family-run business that takes pride in
every product it produces. Each textile-based product is screen printed
to give the very best quality print, and then the fabric is cut and sewn
to finish the item. Gillian is a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art,
where she developed her passion for illustration and screen printing, and
has been committed to designing quirky, functional products that are
handmade locally to ensure the best quality ever since she started up
her business.
T: +44 (0)141 248 8702
www.gilliankyle.com
giftfocus 29
handmade

personal touch
Charlotte Macey’s range
includes a selection of
stitched pictures. This
embroidered sheep
incorporates an appliquéd
white linen face and
fluttering bumble bees.
Measuring 15.5cm x
20.5cm, the frame can be
either free-standing or wall
hung, and sits on a natural
linen background. A large
picture is also available
featuring two sheep, and measures 32.5cm x 23.5cm.
T: +44 (0)7890 642 454
www.charlottemacey.co.uk
The Herdy Company has launched the delightful My Felted Herdy kit. Herdy
worked with felting artist Joss Wrigg to capture the character of the loveable
looking Herdwick sheep. The kits contain wool sourced in the UK from three
British sheep breeds – Herdwick, Cheviot and Black Welsh Mountain. The
kits also include three felting needles and full instructions along with photo
illustrations. Herdy has also branched out into yarn with the recent launch
of HerdyWool.
T: +44 (0)1539 739 202
www.herdy.co.uk
30 giftfocus
Berserks Glass Works designs
and produces a highly distinctive
and contemporary collection of
wholesale only, fused glass gifts and
interior accessories from its studio in
Dartington, Devon. Each and every
piece is cut by hand using the finest
art glass available. These Flower Pocket
vases are the latest additions to more
than 400 products. Two styles are
available, wall mounted or table top, in
five designs/colourways.
T: +44 (0)1803 863 399
www.berserks.co.uk
Hazel Atkinson creates anodized aluminium jewellery that
is hand-crafted in the UK. Striking, vivid colours and intricate
patterning are the hallmarks of the established designer,
with each piece of jewellery hand painted and dyed in her
Nottingham studios. This hard-wearing and durable material is
surprisingly warm and soft to the touch. Hazel’s pieces make
ideal gifts for all seasons or the perfect festive treat. Orders can
be placed up until a few days before the big day.
T: +44 (0)115 941 1110
www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk
Alex R creates sumptuous handmade pieces from glass,
and the latest creation emerging from her glass studio is the
Hanging Bird. Each bird is individually made and embellished
with fused and painted decoration. The birds come in hues
of green, blue and purple, and can be supplied as they are
or gift boxed in Alex’s signature style packaging.
T: +44 (0)20 8761 6464
www.alex-r.com

������������������������
�����������������������������
����������������������������
�����������������
������������������
�������������������
����������������
�����������
�������������
�������������
���������������
����������������������������������������������

personal touch
Pictured is a cinnamon heart swag from Primitive Angel, which is made in the true
traditional way. It’s stitched by hand, then dipped in cinnamon and secret recipe coffee
wash, finally to complete the aged look it’s baked in the oven. They are going to be
one of the master class workshops held by Jayne Maill, the Owner of Primitive Angel.
T: +44 (0)1642 365 682
www.primitiveangel.com
Konesar supplies fine hand-crafted door wreaths and swags, utilising
natural ingredients including both dried fruit and flowers. Shown
here is hydrangea on a vine heart, which is available for Valentine’s
Day. In addition, Konesar crafts beautiful candles, pomanders, pot
pourri and decorative hearts.
T: +44 (0)1306 712 149
www.konesar.com
32 giftfocus
Adding to its ever-evolving product range, Pins and
Ribbons has introduced drum lampshades in a wide
choice of fabrics to its handmade in the UK lines. The
drum shades are suitable for lamp bases or ceiling fittings
and come in four different size options: 15cm, 20cm,
30cm and 40cm diameter. Bespoke sizes can also be
made to order. Popular fabric choices include 100 per
cent wool, Huntington Tower Grape and Devon Fudge
tweeds. New fabric choices, which will appeal to cat
lovers, include Felix Aqua, Felix Sky and Charcoal Cats.
T: +44 (0)1642 786 777
www.pinsandribbons.co.uk
NOA’s new pendant design uses the standard Royal Mail stamp
frame and combines it with NOA’s specially designed ceramic tiles
as a subtle nod to this special year for the British Isles. The frame
can be ordered in sterling silver, brass or aluminium. A wide range
of designs are available, as well as matching earrings and bracelets.
NOA’s jewellery range is hand crafted in the UK, and most of it is
offered with specially designed presentation boxes.
T: +44 (0)2920 758 409
www.noajewellery.com

�����������������
��������������������
�����������������
��������������������
����������
We are BAFTS recognised importers
��������������������
����������������������������������
����������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������
�����������
�����������
������
���������������������
����������������������������������
�����������������

Award-winning designer Lisa Marie
Olson, Owner/Creator of Tigerlily
Makes, is a guest presenter for Create
& Craft TV. A Tigerlily Makes craft kit is
the perfect gift for the crafty person in
the family or for someone who wants
to get crafty. There’s a wide range of
kits suitable for all levels, including the
much loved Christmas needle felting and wet felting craft kits. These include the
Robins Robinesque needle felted tree decoration kit, Lily’s Pudd’s a Puddin Tree
decoration kit that uses both wet and dry felting techniques, and Lily’s Heartfelt
Festive Fanfare Berry Red needle felting kit.
T: +44 (0)845 543 9046
www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk
Daisy Roots is proud that its collection of gifts have been handmade in the
UK since 1995. This autumn, Daisy Roots is expanding its range to include
a selection of gift packaged fleecy items. The Tabbeez comforter sets are
available in three colours – cream, baby pink and blue – and feature a
comforter and pair of fleecy slippers. The comforter can be purchased
separately as a gift box item, and the gift collection is completed by a cosy
cuddle comfort blanket in the same colour choice.
T: +44 (0)1604 880 066
www.daisy-roots.com
Heaven Scent Incense has been
making its natural wax candles for
nearly 15 years. As consumers are
becoming more aware of the impact
of sourcing products from abroad,
and the potential landfill problem that
packaging causes, Heaven Scent offers
recycled packing and hand pours all
its glass candles in Bradford on Avon
near Bath. Investing in good internal
infrastructures has meant that they
can pour up to 4,000 a day if needed.
T: +44 (0)1225 868 788
www.heavenscent.co.uk
These colourful fused glass stand-up figures from D & J
Glassware are painstakingly crafted by hand. Each element is cut
out individually and applied before the pieces are fired in the
kiln. The whole process to produce each design takes up to two
days, and it’s this close involvement by the artist in the product
that makes these figures special. The collection includes a wide
selection of popular animal and bird figures, such as cats, hares,
meerkats, owls, penguins and puffins, as well as trees and angels.
All items are individually boxed and tagged to confirm their
handmade authenticity.
T: +44 (0)1953 483 516
www.dandjglassware.co.uk
Pictured is one of Kate Hamilton-Hunter’s long brooches
with flower detail. Kate feels that handmade items have
increased in popularity over recent years. “Attitudes and
purchasing habits have changed to some degree, and
many more people now appreciate the unique qualities of
something that is handmade,” says Kate. “Some of this is
down to wanting to own items that are not mass-produced;
to support designer-makers; particularly those from the
UK; and also wanting to create and contribute to ethical,
sustainable businesses.”
T: +44 (0)1745 826 500
www.katehh.co.uk
giftfocus 35
handmade

all’s fair
Fair trade gift lines that are both
ethical and appealing
Many consumers are committed to sourcing fair trade items. Stock a
variety of ethical options to please this sector of savvy shoppers.
Cool Trade Winds has now been a recognised importer by the British Association for Fair Trade
Shops (BAFTS) for over a year; the recognition has been extremely beneficial for the company
promoting its fair trade ethics. The company has been actively sourcing new producer groups to
grow its eclectic mix of scarves, shawls and pashminas. It has recently been working with a new
producer group in India, supporting a community of more than 600 artisans. With this group,
Cool Trade Winds has introduced six new lines, varying from chunky knits, Ikat weaves, hand
embroidered scarves to luxury silk and cashmere pashminas, as shown above.
T: +44 (0)1425 461 594
www.cooltradewinds.co.uk
‘Global Inspirations Traded Fairly’ is the motto of BAFTS-recognised importer Namaste which has
been bringing ethically sourced home and gift products to the retail since 1996. The vast range
encompasses gifts, jewellery, clothing and accessories, textiles, furniture and home accessories, all
with a wide appeal. A generous discount scheme and low minimum order makes independent
retailers especially welcome. These hearts make great gifts, present tags or decorations, and are
hand carved in Kenya for Namaste. Soapstone production provides artisans with a much-needed
income supplement in an area where fair trade can make a huge difference.
T: +44 (0)1756 700 790
www.namaste-uk.com
The Exotic Interiors range of vibrant
fair trade gifts is part of New Overseas
Traders’ colourful Exotic range, new for
autumn 2012. The cotton cushions are
made using appliqué techniques by a
fair trade group in Delhi. The range also
includes metal trunks and lanterns that are
hand painted by a group in Moradabad.
New Overseas Traders also offers the
Sparkly Glitter range of gifts from a fair
trade group in Delhi. Each sequin is
delicately glued in place by hand.
T: +44 (0)1672 851 166
www.newoverseastraders.co.uk
Looking for children’s gifts with an ethical edge?
Look no further than fair trade fanatics Lanka
Kade. Due to the heritage of the company,
they’re able to communicate directly with their
skilled Sri Lankan producers. The company’s
jigsaw range offers unrivalled educational and
play values. All puzzles are made using wood
from rubber trees which no longer produce a
viable supply of latex. The trees are then felled
and the rubber plantations are replanted.
T: +44 (0)1858 463 850
www.lankakade.co.uk
giftfocus gif if tfo tfocus f cus 37
37 3
xxxxx fair trade xxx

all’s fair
With an emphasis on design, quality and
value for money, the latest autumn/winter
ranges from Earth Squared build on
the company’s core strengths to appeal
to new and existing customers. Earth
Squared has been working closely with
a fair trade company based in northern
Vietnam for the past 12 years. They work
together to ensure fair trade criteria are
embedded into everyday working life, and
together create a range of contemporary,
stylish and affordable fashion accessories.
T: +44 (0)1620 824 392
www.fairtradewholesale.co.uk
38 giftfocus
Shared Earth, a distributor for
approximately 30 fair trade
organisations around the world, sells
jewellery, homeware, stationery and
a wide range of gifts. These include
handmade nativity sets and decorations
from Peru; there are even mini nativity
sets which fit inside specially decorated
matchboxes. Cards, cardholders,
giftwrap, tree decorations and a
range of calendars make up a great
offering from Shared Earth, whose staff
believe passionately in fair trade ideals.
Hundreds of prices have been reduced
to make way for new stock next year.
T: +44 (0)1904 670 321
www.sharedearth.co.uk
Saffron Winds was established in 2005 as an
ethical and fair trade retailer. The company is
recognised as a pioneer in utilising reclaimed
textiles such as rice and fish bags, recycled
paper and reused nets, and works closely with
its producers in Cambodia to ensure that
the hand woven silk range is fairly sourced
and traded. Saffron Winds’ products combine
style with affordability, offering an exciting
and innovative mix of thoughtful gift ideas,
fashionable seasonal accessories and classic
wardrobe essentials. Pictured is the Jasmin
clutch, with the flower made from Cambodian
raw silk.
T: +44 (0)141 944 3912
www.saffronwinds.com
Tilnar Art, Besmo and
MO-HOme launched a
new fair trade range of high
quality leather sculptures
at Autumn Fair. The new
range includes elephants,
giraffes, hippos, horses, and
rhinos. Tilnar Art Founder
Tom Hawes says: “I am
thrilled with the price point
and superb quality of this
new range that was so well
received by our customers
at Autumn Fair.”
T: +44 (0)1277 362 815
www.besmo.com

Now incorporating the Besmo & MO-HOme Ome collections
Tilnar Art, Besmo and MO-HOme
sources unique high quality Fair Trade
gifts, homewares and collectables
direct from artisans from across the
developing world.
All our items are handmade and while
no two are exactly alike, each is a
creation of art and a one-of-a-kind
collectable.
Hall 5 Stand K38
Spring Fair 3-7 February 2013
Handmade
Wood Carvings
Coloured
Bamboo Bowls
Bamboo
Vases
First Chance to see our
Brand New Leather
Range
Soapstone
Candleholders
High Quality Fair Trade Gifts & Home Furnishings nishings
Email: sales@tilnarart.co.uk
Tel: 01277 362 815
www.besmo.com
Soapstone Hearts
Autumn/Winter 2012 range in stock now
call 01620 824392
email sales@earthsquared.com
order online at www.fairtradewholesale.co.uk
Recognised BAFTS
Fair Trade Importer
Soapstone Sculptures
Recycled Vinyl
Handbags

����
������������
����������������
�������������������

head west
Head to the south west for early buying
opportunities this January
Giving & Living, already the largest gift and
home trade show in the south west, promises
to be better than ever next year.
It’s the first opportunity of the season to
see an unrivalled selection of the latest new
and exclusive gift products, and it’s perfectly
timed to give retailers a chance to stock up for
Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Easter.
The show will have, as ever, a diverse range of
products on offer, from more than 400
exhibitors, to help keep visitors ahead of the
competition. As well as a strong coastal and
tourism theme, the show has several distinct
areas to help retailers find the most suitable
products to order.
The Regional Food and Drink area, so well
received by buyers last year, will be showcasing
even more original speciality treats and
delicacies from the south west.
There will be more newcomers, companies
from the south west that have never exhibited
at a trade show before, bringing with them
products that are brand new to the market.
Building on 2012 and the popularity of the
Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics,
the Designed and Made in Britain area
will be featuring high quality products that
demonstrate local or British craftsmanship,
many from companies that won’t be exhibiting
anywhere else.
In brief
show Giving & Living
organiser Hale Events
where Westpoint, Exeter
when 13 th - 16 th January, 2013
opening times 13 th January: 9am - 6pm,
14 th & 15 th January:
9.30am - 5.30pm,
16 th January:
9.30am - 4pm
website www.givingliving.co.uk
There will also be the ‘Naturally Trail’ for
visitors to follow to help identify products with
strong environmental credentials.
As well as having the best products to help
retailers stand out, advice will be available from
drop-in surgeries with industry experts who
can offer their experience. The Chief Executive
of the Giftware Association, Isabel Martinson,
will be holding surgeries on the GA stand on
the Sunday afternoon and Monday morning of
the show. g
For more information and to register for the
show, visit www.givingliving.co.uk
giftfocus 41
giving top drawer & living

exhibitor profiles
Talbot Fashions
Stand A604
www.talbotfashions.com
Established in 1980,
Talbot Fashions has a
wide jewellery offering.
Current best sellers
include new shamballa
crystal and hematite
bead, stone skull and
hematite macramé
bracelets, freshwater
pearl stretch bracelets
interspersed with
semi-precious stone
and crystal rondelles –
supplied in a beautiful
round presentation box.
To enhance this range
there is a rice pearl and
semi-precious stone bracelet with matching necklace and earrings
in six assorted colours. Talbot also has a range of crystal ring and
phone plug charms, available in six sparkling colours: fuchsia, gold,
silver, grey, red and blue zirconia. The company has added new
designs and colours to its range of abalone and paua shell necklaces,
bracelets, earrings and brooches. New colours and motifs have
also been introduced to its collection of wooden and hematite
stretch icon bracelets. Talbot has two current catalogues, a Boutique
collection and a constant best selling fashion accessories, jewellery
and gift line collection.
Joe Davies
Stand A741/A752
www.joedavies.co.uk
The Joe Davies Equilibrium
collection is the perfect
female gift. From elegant
handbags, bracelets and
necklaces to the best selling
range of fashion scarves, the
company has something to
suit every style and occasion.
All items are beautifully
presented and available
in quantities to suit the
independent retailer. New
additions to Equilibrium
will join more than 2,000 new lines at the show. With over 5,000 lines
from the Shudehill Giftware and Leonardo collections, a little and often
ordering system and carriage paid orders of just £100, Joe Davies is a
must-visit at Giving & Living.
42 giftfocus
Puckator
Stand A718/619
www.puckator.co.uk
Since its move from Torquay, Puckator has found the show extremely
successful, with excellent customer feedback. This January, the company
will be exhibiting more than 800 new lines, providing visitors the first
opportunity to buy before the Spring Fair.
Berserks Glassworks
Stand B439
www.berserks.co.uk
Based in Dartington, Devon, Berserks Glassworks is firmly
established as the wholesale-only designer/maker of fused glass
giftware and interior accessories. Adding fun, colour and new designs
to an already extensive collection, Berserks has added an array of
perfect pick-up gifts to its range. Ideal for countertop or till-side
sales, these eye catching fridge magnets, keyrings and mini-hangings
will give retailers a competitive British-designed quality product at a
great pick-up price.

Looking for gifts to boost your sales
this Christmas..then Pre Shoes have
a fantastic range of baby gifts......
www.preshoes.co.uk
Tel: 0845 257 0244

Win!
A luxury break to visit Giving & Living in Exeter
Kick start 2013 with a VIP trip to Giving & Living, your best
buying opportunity in the south-west.
To visit the show in style, Gift Focus, courtesy of
Woodbury Park Hotel & Golf Club, is offering readers
the chance to win a luxury mini break for two to visit this
important buying event.
Taking place from 13 th - 16 th January, 2013 near Exeter,
and only one mile from the M5, Giving & Living offers one
of the first opportunities of the year to secure exciting and
novel home and gift products ahead of the competition in
good time for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter.
Based at the Westpoint Exhibition Centre, a leading
venue for the region, the show is easy to navigate to ensure
maximum return for time invested. In just a few hours,
visitors can sample the best that’s on offer from around
400 different companies covering the home, gift, coastal and
tourism markets. See, touch, try out, check the quality, and
get a real feel for what’s going to sell well in 2013 all the
while forging valuable business relationships.
To find out more, visit the new show website
www.givingliving.co.uk
44 giftfocus
The competition prize includes:
• One night’s accommodation at the Woodbury Park Hotel
& Golf Club, www.woodburypark.co.uk
• Breakfast and dinner
• A bottle of champagne
For a chance to win this fantastic prize, simply answer the following question:
Where is Giving & Living held?
Enter on-line at www.giftfocus.com before the closing date of 31st December,
2012. Terms and conditions apply. g
competition

penny wise
We bring you a selection of treats that retail for under £10
Offering a range of low-priced gifts, especially at the till, can persuade last minute impulse buys
to help boost your turnover.
Retreat Home has a variety of items that retail for under £10, including these record and tape
spectacle cases (RRP £10). There are two designs, ‘For The Record’ and ‘I Want It On Tape’. Other
items include apple and pear purses (RRP £9.99), vintage fabric clip purses (RRP £9.99), vintage
fabric keyrings (RRP £5.99) and heart-shaped zip purses (RRP £8.99).
T: +44 (0)870 803 3428
www.retreat-home.com
Enesco’s new stationery and gift collection of
wittily decorated notebooks, mugs, coasters,
shopping bags, glasses and magnets feature the
designs of American artist Erin Smith. Erin’s
distinctive style combines vintage photography
from a favourite album handed down by her
grandmother, with original paintings and other
found treasures. She’s layered and linked these
images together using a variety of media,
including acrylic, ink, paper and digital, creating
designs that capture the humour and absurdity
of life. But it’s Erin’s sarcastic comments that
add the perfect finishing touch. The collection’s
RRP ranges between £3.95 - £9.95.
T: +44 (0)1228 404 022
www.enesco.co.uk
46 giftfocus
Mad Beauty is offering a number of new
products that are all under RRP £10. A
manicure set (RRP £5.99) is available in
three metallic colours – pink, silver and
purple. The kit includes scissors, tweezers,
cuticle trimmer, nail file and clippers. Other
items include a ‘button it’ cosmetic bag
(RRP £8.99) featuring a pretty button
print, the Glitzy Boudoir set (RRP £5.99)
comprising gold tweezers, nail file and
clippers, Boudoir bath brushes in green
and pink designs (RRP £5.99), and canvas
boot lip glosses in gold and silver
(RRP £3.99).
T: +44 (0)20 8958 0555
www.madbeauty.com
What better way to keep kids entertained
than by teaching them how to bake? Made
from 100 per cent cotton, this fun cooking
textile set from Creative Tops includes an
apron and smart chef’s hat. The set has an
RRP of £9.99.
T: +44 (0)1536 207 710
www.creative-tops.com
New Overseas Traders offers a wide range
of gifts that retail for under £10. This set of
five sparkly gitter pens is hand crafted in
Delhi and retails at £9.99. The pens and pots
are embellished with glitter, and each sequin
is glued precisely in place. The company also
offers hand painted Christmas lanterns at RRP
£7.99. The lanterns feature traditional designs
with bright paint work and modern styling.
The clever ‘lift lid, no door’ design makes for a
streamline square style.
T: +44 (0)1672 851 166
www.newoverseastraders.co.uk

Retailers looking to boost their bottom
line in these challenging times are turning
to pick-up products that retail for under
£10. Xystos is doing brisk business in this
category with LittleGifts, the vast range
of inexpensive pet-themed gift products
from America, comprising 110 pieces. They
depict dog and cat breeds and there is
also a large range of bookmarks featuring
horses. The collection of highly-decorated,
enamelled key chains and metal key
chains each come with a piece of charm
jewellery such as a dog bowl and the
message, ‘I Love Dogs’. RRP is £9.99.
T: +44 (0)191 499 1570
www.xystostrade.co.uk
Takkoda puts the fun into calendars with
Pets Rock, its award winning brand. There are
12 best selling designs of the company’s fury
friends, digitally dressed to parody celebrity
stars and heroes. They are fun, quirky and sure
to be a favourite present for the home and
office. The calendars are available in two sizes,
a mini calendar measuring 17.5cm x 17.5xm
(RRP £4.99) and a large one measuring 30cm x
30cm (RRP £9.99).
T: +44 (0)20 8740 8887
www.takkoda.com
Ladies Who Lunch is the contemporary new housewares range from the Otter House Water
Lane Gifts collection. From enjoying cakes with afternoon tea to extravagant shopping trips, the
Ladies Who Lunch adorn a large range of products, from teapots and tea caddies to latte mugs
and cake tins. Pictured is the cup and saucer, with an RRP of £9.99.
T: +44 (0)1392 824 300
www.otterhouse.co.uk
Boxer specialises in
supplying gifts for
under £10 RRP. A great
example of this is the
best selling range of Text
Speak silicone iPhone
covers retailing at just
£6.99. They are available
in four bright colours
and include the titles,
OMG, LOL, LMAO and
WTF. They make perfect
stocking fillers or secret
santa gifts.
T: +44 (0)113 3955 595
www.boxergifts.com
The 52 Guinness World Records Cards are
one of the most popular items from that
company called IF. Ideal stocking fillers, the
cards are like the best-selling book but much
easier to fit in your pocket, and retail at
£4.99. Other items include the Really Tiny
book light (RRP £6.99) that clips onto your
book to read when it’s dark, and Mini-Marks
magnetic bookmarks (RRP £2.99) that are
the brightest way to tag important pages in
a book.
T: +44 (0)1751 475 757
www.thatcompanycalledif.com
Scottish Fine Soaps has a history of supplying
affordable, well-designed and desirable gifts,
so it’s no great surprise it has introduced the
Body Essentials set into its Au Lait, Boheme and
Poetica ranges. These great little gifts contain
two 100ml tubes, one of a rich and luxurious
body cream and another of an indulgent
cleansing body wash. Together they make the
perfect gift for any occasion, with a great range
of fragrances and looks. RRP is £9.95.
T: +44 (0)1324 573 402
www.scottishfinesoaps.com
giftfocus 47
gifts for under £10

penny wise
Puckator’s Chintz collection offers a range of gifts that retail for under £10, including the match
box nail files at RRP 75p, manicure sets and reading glasses at RRP £4.99 and the company’s
latest addition, the fashionable phone clutch at RRP £8.99. The phone clutch will hold most
popular smart phones, credit cards and change. All these products and hundreds more at under
RRP £10 can be viewed on Puckator’s website.
T: +44 (0)870 240 1981
www.puckator.co.uk
Half Moon Bay launched its Sesame Street
giftware range at Autumn Fair. The collection
favours bright and bold colours that
complement the iconic characters, and has a
large selection of gifts retailing for under £10.
Included are these boxed mugs featuring some
of the show’s much loved characters such as
Bert & Ernie, Elmo and The Cookie Monster, all
retailing at £6 each and making a perfect gift
for Christmas.
T: +44 (0)1225 473 873
www.halfmoonbay.co.uk
48 giftfocus
Puzzle Boxes from Ancient Wisdom are
made from Sheesham wood, and you have
to work out which order the various pieces
should be pulled apart in. There’s a small
compartment in the centre, ideal to hide
that special little gift in. The puzzles have an
RRP from £7.50.
T: +44 (0)114 272 9165
www.ancientwisdom.biz
Wild and Wolf has a wide offering of
gifts for under £10. Children’s gifts such
as Ridley’s retro toys and games are ideal
stocking fillers, secret Santa gifts and party
presents for kids. Retailers can display
these pick-ups in eye catching displays
as the products look great and there is
something for everyone. Wild and Wolf
has several new ranges with broad appeal,
such as Letter Press Magnets (RRP £10),
Ted Baker women’s pencil set (RRP
£8.50) and the Wanderlust luggage tag
(RRP £8).
T: +44 (0)1225 789 909
www.wildandwolf.com
Girly Chic pen and keyring sets make the
perfect female gift for under £10, with an RRP
starting at £4.99. With more than 30 designs to
suit all tastes, the best selling, bright trendy sets
are packaged in attractive colour co-ordinated
gift boxes, which make an excellent eye
catching display. As with all Joe Davies products,
the products are available in sensible quantities,
with a low carriage paid order and are easy to
repeat through the company’s ‘little and often’
ordering system.
T: +44 (0)161 975 6300
www.joedavies.co.uk

harrogate Christmas
and Gift 2013
�����������������������
To book your stand call: 01902 882280
Contact Information:
Harrogate Christmas & Gift
������������������������
Contact:
�����������������������
�������������������������������
Show information:
������������������������������������
��������������������������
�������������������
����������������������������������������������������������������������������������
“If the show continues on this vain, I can see it becoming one of the biggest spring shows in Europe and Hills
will be increasing it’s presence at the show.”��������������������������������
“Harrogate truly is a wonderful show. Make sure it’s on your calendar for next year, It’s one not to be missed.”
������������������������������������
���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Get Christmas wrapped up in one show! Book today…

’tis the season
Head to Harrogate in January to view some of the hottest
festive and gift lines for next year
In brief
show Harrogate Christmas
& Gift
organiser HITF
where Harrogate International
Centre
when 13 th -16 th January, 2013
opening times 9am-6pm (9am-4pm
on the last day)
website www.harrogatefair.com
Recognised as the leading event for the
Christmas, festive and allied markets, Harrogate
Christmas & Gift provides retailers with
everything for the perfect Christmas and more.
Amongst the baubles, tinsel and Christmas
trees (which of course are still in abundance),
you will also discover an array of home and
gift lines to fill shelves the whole year round,
from silk flowers and pot pourri, to pictures
and chinaware to garden furniture, barbeques
and ornaments. There are toys, novelty items
and products to suit almost every calendar
occasion, from Mother’s Day and Easter right
through to Halloween.
With this steady increase in diversity of
products, buyers from many new retail sectors
are visiting the show, which has contributed to
a staggering increase in visitor numbers with a
rise of 35 per cent since the 2010 event.
Simon Anslow, Show Organiser, explains:
“Harrogate Christmas & Gift is attracting a
very wide audience, and whilst historically
buyers were looking purely for Christmas
offerings, the fact that many retailers are
evolving means that they are stocking much
further reaching product lines. For example,
garden centres are now carrying toys, baby
products, food items, interior furniture,
ornaments and gifts to attract add-on sales to
their main stream ranges.
“We have also seen a steady increase in
buyers attending from tourist attractions such
as theme parks, museums, country estates
and even ecclesiastical sectors and farm shops
looking for impulse purchases to encourage
new revenue streams. The show is also
evolving to accommodate this trend.”
One new exhibitor at the show last year
was Josoblu, a company specialising in all kinds
of bags from baby change bags, to shoppers to
everyday handbags. Joelle Seksum, Managing
Director, of Josoblu, commented: “We weren’t
really sure if Harrogate Christmas & Gift would
be relevant to our range but were pleasantly
surprised by the quantity of visitors, and they
were exactly the right type of buyers for our
products too.”
With more than 100 exhibitors covering
seven halls, it’s a great opportunity for
independent retailers, mail order buyers,
garden centres, promotion agencies,
department stores, wholesale and volume
buyers to source some of the hottest selling
lines for 2013.
giftfocus 51
christmas tendence & gift

’tis the season
The Greatest Gift Awards
The prestigious Greatest Gift Awards, which
recognise and reward the inspirational talent
and enthusiasm of teams who put together
fantastic festive activities in garden centres
across the UK, takes place at the Majestic Hotel
in Harrogate on the evening of Sunday 13 th
January, 2013.
This is the second year that the awards have
taken place, and there are 200 garden centres
participating, all eagerly awaiting the outcome
of the judges’ decision.
This evening is open to everyone attending
Christmas & Gift – whether an awards entrant,
exhibitor or visitor. To purchase tickets contact
Harry Sinclair on T: +44 (0)1733 775 700 or
E: harry.sinclair@tgcmc.co.uk
Party night
The Christmas & Gift Fair will be holding an
evening of free drinks, disco and snacks at
midnight at the Majestic Hotel on Monday 14th January. The evening will start at 10pm and
fi nishes at 1am. The late start allows everybody
to enjoy their favourite restaurant in Harrogate
and then meet up for a free beverage. g
For more information and to register for the
show, visit www.harrogatefair.com
52 giftfocus
Artscape
Stand A16
www.santaballs.co.uk
Artscape has got socks appeal with its popular range of Santa
Balls ® festive socks. Phrases include ‘bah humbug’ and ‘ho
bloody ho’, with new designs launching especially for Father’s
Day and Christmas 2013. New Santa Balls ® gift baubles are
complemented by festive kitchenware, unisex aprons and
accessories, all designed in Britain and available on a range of
single and multi-product spinners.
Retreat Home
Stand CO9
www.retreat-home.com
Retreat Home will be
exhibiting at Harrogate
Christmas & Gift for
the fi rst time in January,
bringing with it the
perennially popular and
beautiful Christmas
decorations, including new
ranges for Christmas 2013.

hot
Catch up with all
property
the latest from the world of licensing
Battle Ant snaps up Hungry Shark
Battle Ant has announced details of a new deal that will see the
company producing a new plush line based on the best-selling
Hungry Shark app.
Battle Ant is a plush licensee founded by sector specialist Steve
Manley, who worked on initial short run solutions for the Crazy
Frog brand amongst others, to focus specifically on the games and
gaming market.
The Battle Ant team will be working with Hungry Shark licensor
Future Games of London (FGOL) to produce a line that will appeal
to the millions of app fans.
For more information, visit www.battleant.co.uk
Santoro news
Santoro is delighted to
announce the appointment of
Ulster Weavers as a new UK
licensing partner for Gorjuss
kitchen textiles. Ulster Weavers
will be launching its first simply
Gorjuss design as a retail
exclusive later this year.
Award-winning Gorjuss
licensee, Bothy Threads has launched a stunning range of tapestry
kits including: Little Annie, Purrrrrfect Love, Toadstools and We Can
All, which when combined with Bothy’s Gorjuss cushion finishing
kits can be used to create sumptuous home accessories.
French licensee Pictura SARL has launched a new collection of
Gorjuss diaries, including a 2012-2013 school year design featuring
I Found My Family In A Book, a 2013 White Rabbit design, and an
I Gave You My Heart mini 2013 diary.
54 giftfocus
New phase for Emma
Thomson’s Princess
Pearl creation
Rocket Licensing has announced
that the campaign for Emma
Thomson’s new creation, Princess
Pearl, has entered a major new
phase with the long-awaited launch
of five new books and the arrival
in Marks & Spencer of a girl’s
nightwear range.
Written and illustrated by the
popular creator of Felicity Wishes,
Hodder Children’s Books has launched five new titles – four storybooks
and a special novelty book. The storybooks, each 170mm x 170mm
and with an embedded pearl on the cover, are: Princess Pearl: A Friend to
Treasure, Princess Pearl: A Fashion Fairytale, Princess Pearl: A Royal Ballet and
Princess Pearl: A Birthday Ball. The fifth publication, Princess Pearl and the
Underwater Kingdom, is a 210mm x 210mm book with interesting
pop-ups and flap features.
For more details about the range, visit www.rocketlicensing.com
Scottish candle company teams up with V&A
Shearer Candles is further deepening its British heritage with a new
collection created under license for the Victoria & Albert Museum
(V&A). The Glasgow-based family run company, currently celebrating its
115-year anniversary, has created the unique collection under the V&A
Inspired label. A portion of the profits will go to the V&A Museum, the
world’s largest museum of art and design.
The collection is available in four fragrances of candles, diffusers and
refill bottles. The design, selected from the works of Arts and Crafts
practitioner, CFA Voysey (1857-1941), is reflected in both the glass and
new gift packaging. The attractive and durable boxes are also designed to
be reused.
For more details visit www.shearer-candles.com

Ink reveals two hot new licensed brands
at BLE 2012
Ink, a leading brand licensing agency in the Nordics and eastern
Europe, recently showcased two of the hottest new properties
on the market – Subway Surfers and Masha and the Bear – at
Brand Licensing Expo in October.
Subway Surfers is the result of a collaboration between
Danish developers, SYBO Games and Kiloo Games, and is a 3D
platform game that sees players taking the role of young graffiti
artists as they attempt to evade the attentions of a railway
security guard and his dog.
Ink is looking to appoint a global network of sub-agents to
help popularise the brand and drive downloads past the 100
million mark. Initial target sectors for a licensing programme
include toys, publishing, apparel, footwear and stationery, whilst
the agency is also looking to facilitate the development of a TV
series based on the property.
Masha and the Bear is a Russian animation that chronicles
the adventures of a little girl called Masha and the bear who
becomes her reluctant playmate. Russian DVD sales totalled
nearly 1.2 million in 2011 alone – add to this a 20 per cent year
on year growth which make it second only to Avatar. There have
also been 80 million downloads from Masha’s Russian website
and sales of nearly three million books. Huge interest from
the Russian licensing community means that there are now 60
active licensees across the country, generating more than 700
individual SKUs across categories including publishing, puzzles,
confectionery, home decorations, digital, toys and fashion;
partners include both local licensees and big international
players such as Kinder, Egmont, Orkla and Ferrero.
Visit www.ink-brands.com for more information about the
new brands.
New range
of Bagpuss
and Clangers
licensed mugs
Character Shop has
introduced a new range of officially
licensed Bagpuss and Clangers mugs. These mugs feature new photographs
and watercolours, which have been produced under the creative direction of
Peter Firmin.
Bagpuss and Clangers are true British classics, and the bunting mugs
encompass this. Other designs available include a Clangers wedding mug with
further special occasion mugs to follow soon.
Visit www.charactershopextra.co.uk for more information.
The In Thing launches a new range of licensed
Puzzle Erasers
The In Thing has recently introduced a new range of Puzzle Erasers, focusing on
both the Angry Birds and Moshi Monsters licenses.
Approximately 3cm high, each of the collectable Puzzle Erasers comes in
a variety of the most iconic characters from both Angry Birds and the Moshi
Monsters series. These unique erasers are both practical and fun for kids.
Each eraser divides up into multiple parts, which then need to be put back
together like a puzzle. To view the full range, visit www.theinthing.com
New licensing
opportunity from
Creative World
of Crafts
Creative World of Crafts
has discovered a unique
and exciting licensing
opportunity in the form
of artist Elizabeth Davies.
Now in her 80 th year,
Elizabeth is influenced by the classic British illustrators Beatrix Potter and
Kate Greenaway, and her portfolio includes life-like British countryside
animals and florals. She has also produced ranges of characters including
children, flower fairies and anthropomorphic works.
If you are interested in using Elizabeth’s exciting collection of English
illustrations, please call Creative World of Crafts on T: +44 (0)116 271 3131
for more details.
giftfocus 55
hot property

Neil McFarlane, Managing
Director of T.H. March &
Co Limited
QI am bringing in extra stock and
some new giftlines in anticipation of
a Christmas rush. Will this have an
impact on my insurance?
ASome policies incorporate an automatic
clause which extends your insurance cover
during busy periods (such as in the run-up
to Christmas) when you are likely to be
carrying extra stock. But you must check with
your insurer as this may not be the case with
your particular policy. In addition, you should
advise your insurer of any change in the kind
of products you normally stock immediately
to ensure that they are still prepared to
offer cover. They will take into consideration
whether your new products pose an increased
fire risk or perhaps an increased risk of theft.
You may be required to step up security
measures. If you are in any doubt, as always,
contact your broker or insurer for clarification.
Q
A
Storage space in my premises is limited
so I plan to store extra Christmas stock
at home. Will my business insurance
cover this?
No, and I suspect neither will your household
insurance. Any changes you make to your usual
arrangements should be discussed with your
broker or insurer.
Security of the proposed storage will
obviously be an important consideration as
will the transportation of goods to and from
your business premises. You should also make
certain that you don’t leave goods unattended
in your vehicle unless you have arranged cover
specifically for that purpose.
Q
A
My partner and I jointly own and
manage a gift shop. However, after
being run off our feet last Christmas,
we have decided to take on some
temporary seasonal help. Do we need
extra insurance?
In a word, yes! If you take on an employee,
even temporarily, you will need to have
56 giftfocus
insurance solutions
Gift Focus readers put their insurance queries, concerns and questions to
leading brokers T.H. March
Employers’ Liability Insurance. This is a legal
requirement under the Employers’ Liability
(Compulsory Insurance) Regulations 1998 and
subsequent amendments.
Even if your temporary member of staff
has not been given a contract, or if they are
part-time, this law still applies and you must
arrange cover.
In the past it was important that Employers’
Liability certificates of cover were kept on
file – even when they were no longer in date.
This is because a claim could be made against
you long after the temporary staff member has
left your employ. The full impact of many kinds
of injuries and illnesses can take a very long
time to materialise so it could be months, even
years later that a claim is made. That being the
case it was vitally important that you had proof
of cover.
Now that the Employers Liability Tracing
Office – ELTO – has been established, it
centrally records details of all Employers
Liability cover in force. It records information
by logging the employer’s ‘Employers Reference
Number’, or ERN, which is allocated and used
by HMRC.
There have been overnight breakins
to retail premises in my area and
I’m worried that my business might
be next. Do I need to increase my
insurance cover?
Undoubtedly your local police have already
made a visit to all premises in the surrounding
area to give advice on security measures.
With regards to your insurance, provided
you are working within any standard policy
minimum security standards, which will either
be contained within your policy wording, or
as part of the security answers on your last
completed proposal form, this should not be a
cause for added concern.
However, you should also talk to your
broker or insurer, as they will undoubtedly
have practical and up to date advice on
Q
A
loss prevention either physical, electronic or
procedural. Unfortunately crime evolves and
adapts, so it really isn’t an option to always
leave things as they are.
My town council has approached myself
and other traders in my street for
permission to erect small Christmas
trees and lights above our shop
windows as part of the high street
decorations. Who is responsible for
the insurance?
Generally confirmation should be obtained
from the council that it is responsible for the
decorations, their erection and any damage
caused to or by them. It is also sensible to
inform your broker or insurer, just to ensure
Q
A
they are happy with how the decorations are
erected and secured. g
Further information:
T.H. March is a chartered firm of insurance
brokers. Established in 1887, the company
has offices in London, Birmingham,
Manchester, Glasgow and Sevenoaks as well
as its National Administration Centre in
Yelverton near Plymouth.
To find out more T: +44 (0)1822 855 555,
E: giftware@thmarch.co.uk, or visit the
website www.thmarch.co.uk

cautious optimism
Despite the unpredictable European economy, Macef pulled in a healthy crowd
Despite a particularly complicated year for the
European economy, Macef has shown itself
as an indispensable point of reference for the
sector, seeing only a three per cent decrease
in the number of visitors this year compared
to 2011.
The 2012 event attracted 81,000 trade
visitors, and approximately 10,000 of these
were foreign buyers attending the show from
a spread of 110 countries. The countries with
the highest growth rate included Russia - up
by 21 per cent, China at 51 per cent; Japanese
visitor numbers increased by 33 per cent and
Brazil was up by 16 per cent. A slow-down
was recorded by the European countries that
historically occupy top positions in terms of
visitors: Spain was down by 24 per cent, France
by five per cent and Greece by 23 per cent.
More than 1,544 exhibitors booked a spot at
the show, and 20 per cent of those were from
overseas countries.
Via Maestra and new sector L’Opera Italiana
proved to be successful. Via Maestra is a path
connecting all pavilions. The path touches all
AbitaMi lab areas, sections that are new to the
show which demonstrate examples of product
innovation, use of materials, manufacturing
processes and new sales modes.
L’Opera Italiana was an area of the show
devoted to the excellence of Italian creations.
Visitors were given an insight into research
processing, design and Italian lifestyle as a
whole; not only in terms of produce but also
the Italian art of living.
Creazioni was one of the most successful
areas of the event. Comprising 2,000 sq m
of exhibition space, this section attracted
professionals in search of original products
and innovation. The area featured the best in
furnishings, interior decoration, fashion, and the
textiles industry.
An important partnership was announced
as for the first time, Macef joins with the
Society of British Design (SBID), an association
representing the highest training standards for
the development and sustainability of design
and production. This important partnership has
led to Macef hosting the SBID International
Residential Design Awards, a competition open
to interior designers, architects and companies
from all over the world.
The Expo Matching Programme also
proved successful for buyers. The easy to
use programme allowed buyers to contact
exhibitors and arrange meetings prior to the
exhibition. By the end of August more than
3,000 meetings were already arranged.
Marco Serioli, Exhibition Division Director at
Fiera Milano, said: “In a market that is difficult
for everyone, Macef wanted to concentrate
its attention on listening and studying the
changing needs of consumers. This event was
organised to support operators – the crucial
link between manufacturers and the market.”
The Macef team is working hard to prepare
the next event, scheduled at Fiera Milano from
24th - 27th January, 2013. Visit www.macef.it for
further information. g
giftfocus 57
tendence macef

game on
With many consumers watching their pennies
and staying in more, family games have seen a
rise in popularity
Many families are looking for activities to do together indoors, as
more of us reign in on our spending. The Gift Focus team tests out a
variety of games to keep all the family occupied, from small children
to grandparents.
Gnashingly good gifts are the order of the
day at Lagoon, which has launched a range
of Beano games, puzzles and kits. This 20-title
collection of vintage games includes Beano
Whizzing Travel Games, 50 great games to
keep kids of all ages entertained, a Beano
Footy Match Card Game, which recreates
all the excitement of a football match with
the best-loved characters from The Beano
and The Dandy, and a Super Bouncy Ball Kit,
which allows you to mix up the ingredients
and mould your own bouncy balls.
T: +44 (0)800 252 723
www.thelagoongroup.com
“The Beano Whizzing Travel Games are a great idea for keeping
little ones occupied on long journeys. Each card features a fun Beano
illustration, and there are 50 games to choose from, so no journey will
ever be a chore again!”
Sarah Reeve
They say that the art of
conversation is dead, but
Books By Boxer has come to
the rescue with a new card
game. The Art of Conversation
(children’s version) is a fun and
educational game to engage
kids and other family members
in discussion on all aspects of
life. Complementing its fresh
range of more than 900 gift book titles, other games in the range
include Art of Conversation – Food and Travel.
T: +44 (0)113 3955 593
www.booksbyboxer.com
“This game is a great way for children to learn about the rest of the
family. The cards fit easily into a handbag so are especially great for trips
out and holidays. It’s surprising what you can find out about your family!”
Lyndsey Hubbard
Fly Trap from Esdevium Games is a game of fly-flicking fun... with some
bite! Designed for two – four players, the aim of the game is to be the
player who shoots the most flies into the mouth of the fly trap. As fly
trap moves, the other players will push on their pumps to close the
mouth and stop you scoring.
T: +44 (0)1420 593 593
www.esdeviumgames.com
“With fun, inviting packaging containing one brightly coloured fly-eating
plastic plant and numerous flies, it’s easy to see why this game appeals to
younger members of the family. Set up was simple enough, and there are
game options for two, three or four players, allowing for flexible play.”
Demelza Rayner
Families and friends will be bowled over by the Lanka Kade skittle
range. Whether it’s sending the captain and his shipmates overboard or
causing a rumble in the jungle, these wooden sets will provide hours of
fun for parents and children alike. The intricate designs come courtesy
of the company’s resident British designer, whose inspirational ideas
are then sent to their skilled Sri Lankan producers where they are
handmade and painted.
T: +44 (0)1858 463 850
www.lankakade.co.uk
“The bright colours and traditional wooden design are appealing to young
and old. Skittles is always a fun game for all the family, and because of the
packaging it would make a great gift.”
Danielle Harvey
giftfocus 59
family xxxxx games xxx

game on
Ancient Wisdom offers a range of games, including this traditional wooden bowling set. The skittles
are displayed in a solid Indian rosewood box with aluminium fittings, hand crafted and polished to a
very high standard. The set includes 10 skittles, two balls and the box for storage.
T: +44 (0)114 272 9165
www.ancientwisdom.biz
“This bowling set is a great retro-inspired game for kids of all ages. The two-player set comprises
10 wooden skittles and two wooden balls and is a simple, yet fun
activity to play indoors and out. The aim of this bowling game is to
knock all the skittles down in as few attempts as possible. Never mind
the computer consoles, it’s all about tradition with this one.”
Francesca Lee
Wild & Wolf presents the new Ridleys Kaleidoscope snakes
and ladders and ludo games. A great family game for rainy days,
Snakes and Ladders is a game that people of all ages can enjoy.
The race is on to reach the end square before your opponents.
This board game includes a double sided board with ludo on
the other side, coloured counters and dice.
T: +44 (0)1225 789 909
www.wildandwolf.com
“You can’t beat an old classic and snakes and ladders is one of
them, especially if the board has double-sided technology with the
alternative game of ludo on the back! Both games are great fun
with easy to follow instructions for the whole family. Fantastic for
kids of all ages.”
Emily Overy
Pass the Bomb, a previous winner of the Daily Telegraph Game of the Year Award, is a best seller for
Gibsons, and now has updated packaging. The aim is to construct words which include letters on cards
before the bomb goes off. Players have between 10 seconds and a minute before it explodes, creating
a race against time to come up with an answer and quickly pass it onto the next player. This process
continues until the bomb explodes in the hands of an unlucky player who then has to keep their card.
The player with the fewest cards at the end wins.
T: +44 (0)20 8661 8866
www.gibsonsgames.co.uk
“I played the game with my husband, daughter and two grandchildren aged 11 and 15. Passing the bomb
and shouting out the words – some of which my grandson had made up – was great fun. A very quick game
taking around 10-15 minutes to play in all. Definitely a game for teenagers to show off their knowledge of big
words as we found with my granddaughter! We will certainly be playing this game again at family gatherings.”
Sharon Connelly
60 giftfocus
With Christmas approaching, everyone is on the look out for ideas,
especially reasonably priced family gifts. Puckator will make the job
easier by stocking a large range of desktop and family games, including
table football, air hockey, table tennis and a range of travel board games,
including noughts and crosses, backgammon, chess and ludo.
T: +44 (0)870 240 1981
www.puckator.co.uk
“More compact that the average portable air hockey table, this game is ideal
for parties and will certainly be a welcome addition to a Christmas gathering.
Compact yet solid, the table allows competitors to try their hand at a popular
game while being easily moved from room to room. The game is fast and
furious, and definitely brought out the competitive spirit in all who played it.
Despite being small, it lived up to expectations and provided hours of fun. A
worthwhile addition to the games cupboard.”
Louise Prance

finishing touches
Chic, the international fashion and accessory fair, returns to Coventry in January with a
new show sector
In brief
show Chic
organiser ChicEvents
where The Ricoh Arena,
Coventry
when 27 th - 30 th January, 2013
opening times Sunday 9.30am - 5pm,
Monday & Tuesday
9.30am - 6pm and
Wednesday
9.30am - 4pm
website www.chicuk.com
Chic, the UK’s only international fashion and
travel accessory show, returns in January for
its 34 th edition, which will be even bigger and
better this season, due to the introduction of a
new show sector. The new concept recognises
the changing visitor profile over recent years,
creating three defined show sectors.
Gifted is a new sector which increases the
variety of products sought by a large and
growing number of buyers at Chic, including
gift stores, garden centres, salons, spas and
travel retailers.
Gifted will offer buyers the chance to buy
fragranced gifts, design led soaps, cosmetics
62 giftfocus
and candles, greeting cards, hair products,
toiletry bags, mirrors, and design-led and
impulse purchase gifts. It will also feature a
high percentage of British-made products and
many that will not be found at other shows
this season.
The show will also be building on its
core values as the only handbag and travel
goods show organised by the industry, for
the industry, attracting the best of UK and
international handbag, jewellery, scarf, glove,
purse, wallet, footwear, umbrella and other
fashion accessory brands.
The British Luggage Show within Chic is the
UK’s only dedicated event bringing together all
major business and travel goods manufacturers.
This sector covers luggage, holdalls, business
cases, shopping trolleys, beauty cases, men’s
bags, case covers, children’s cases and every
other conceivable travel accessory.
Since 1994, Chic has offered buyers a
relaxed and enjoyable buying environment
in a venue with easy access, free parking and
high quality, reasonably priced, locally sourced
catering. All these facets are the reason why
such a large percentage of brands and visitors
return to Chic time and time again – it’s the
show where serious buyers go every season. g
Visit www.chicuk.com for further
information on the brands, venue, directions
and pre-registration for your free entry pass.

highland highlights
New look refreshes Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring
In brief
show Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring
organiser Springboard Events
where SECC, Glasgow
when 20 th - 22 nd January, 2013
opening times 9.30am - 5.30pm (9.30am - 4.30pm on the last day)
website www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk
Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring will take on a new
look next year, with a completely different
layout to make navigation around stands even
easier for buyers. As the only gift trade show
for the north of the UK, it’s a vital platform for
large buyers and small gift shops to buy for the
year ahead.
Taking place between 20 th - 22 nd January,
2013 at the SECC in Glasgow, the show
attracts more than 5,000 buyers from Scotland,
the rest of the UK, Europe and overseas. With
almost 500 exhibitors, ranging from small
artisan producers to larger gift suppliers, this
show has something for everyone.
The new layout divides the show into
three logical sections – Home and Giftware,
Jewellery and Accessories, and Scotland’s
Speciality Food Show. Running right down
the middle of the show is the Launch Gallery,
a specially constructed area for innovative
start-up businesses under two years old.
64 giftfocus
Showcase Scotland,
which hosts some
of Scotland’s finest
brands, remains
at the front of
the show. Here,
companies such
as Ness, Johnsons
of Elgin, Highland
Stoneware, Mclaggan Smith Mugs, Scottish
Fine Soaps, Ortak and Sheila Fleet Jewellery
will have stands, and will continue to give
prominence to Scottish giftware and products
which are sought after around the world.
The Launch Gallery will take on a new look
for 2013, as it runs from the front to the back
of the show. Innovative companies under two
years old have specially constructed stands.
Approximately a quarter of all exhibitors are
new to the show, bringing some original and
exciting new gift ideas. Voyage, the well-known
Glasgow home furnishing company, is new
with a huge range of novel home accessories,
as well as Leslie Gerry, the popular designer of
cards and stationery, who is exhibiting at the
Morrigan stand. Other new exhibitors include
Hawick Knitwear, Kearse+Boys, Willow and
Company and Soapy Joes.
A key feature of the show will be the Best
Product Awards, judged on the first day by
industry experts. They will be awarded for
products from each category and will be
displayed in the centre of the exhibition.
Mark Saunders, Director of Springboard
Events, said: “The gift market is not easy
anywhere at the moment, and there is no
point in sitting around waiting for things to
improve. The layout of the show has been
similar for five years and needed improving, to
help some companies expand and to focus on
those who are doing new things. Fortunately,
we seem to be attracting some interesting new
companies as well.”
Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring runs in
conjunction with Scotland’s Speciality Food
Show, with 120 fine food producers from
around the UK and overseas. This offers buyers
a chance to buy both gift and quality food all
under one roof, making it an ideal business
opportunity.
For more information, visit the website
www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk g

66 giftfocus
retail kiosks
In part one of his new series, David Mackley discusses whether the ‘kiosk’
will be a must have piece of technology for independents
With the advent of so many self service
checkouts in Britain’s supermarkets, some
commentators say this will lead to the wider
adoption of in-store kiosks to deliver a range
of value added services. Tier one retailers
like Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are
investigating the return on investment across
different services. So, will this technology come
into the independent SME sector? This month’s
article looks at the different ways kiosks can
be used and whether they will be viable for
use by independents.
What are in-store kiosks?
Kiosks are traditionally shoulder height
towers with a monitor screen that allow the
customer to find out information, either by
using a mouse or by using the touch screen
technology. They have historically been encased
in metal to ensure they are protected from
potential damage.
Today, large panel touch screens are much
more affordable than they have been in
the past. Modern kiosks tend to have larger
screens and because the keyboard can pop
up on screen when needed, makers have
dispensed with the awful metal keyboard and
mouse. They tend to be shorter, about waist
height, set at an angle so they are easy to
touch and appear much more user friendly. The
large screen can also carry marketing messages
to tempt customers to explore further.
Do people use them?
Retailers have been running trials on and off
for 20 years, yet kiosks have not been widely
adopted in the UK. How often do you see
- Part 1 -
shoppers using a kiosk? When is the last time
you saw a queue to use a kiosk? Probably not
that often. Kiosks have not really added enough
value for the shopper for them to be widely
used today.
However, we are in a super-fast changing
world. Millions of people are using touch
screens all of the time, some are going to
bed and waking up to their iPads and smartphones.
The ‘techno-fear’ barrier is diminishing.
So, as retailers explore different uses for
kiosks, if and when they find a way to add real
value, then we may well see broader adoption
in the UK. So what could they be used for?
“Kiosks can be brilliant at offering
staff and customers alike instant
technical information. A well
developed system can quickly
allow the customer to find, for
example sat navs, then allow them
to compare some of the products
in a table – showing the main
specifications side by side. It can
also present customer reviews
which people find valuable.”
Range extension / website in store
This is the classic kiosk service. Analysis from
Forrester and Gartner estimates the amount
of inaccessible stock in retail organisations is
at least 60 per cent, making it very tempting
for retailers to ‘increase visibility’ by using a
kiosk. In many ways this is a solution driven

y the retailer’s needs not shoppers’; maybe
for this reason many retailers have tried it but
have rarely found it to be successful. The kiosk
interface is usually drab, the attention span of
the shopper is very short and the potential for
the process to end successfully is limited. At
best they (the shopper) may find a product to
buy, but it is more likely they will order an item,
which they could do on-line at home.
“Kiosks can help you sell services
like gift experiences. Anything
where the customer cannot walk
out with the physical item is
suited to a kiosk.”
Compare products
Some of the worst customer service
experiences include those times when a
customer asks a member of staff for product
help and the staff member ends up reading the
label aloud. Selling technical products requires
knowledge and experience that sometimes
your staff don’t have, particularly the
part-timers. It’s a real problem for retailers.
Kiosks can be brilliant at offering staff and
customers alike instant technical information.
A well developed system can quickly allow the
customer to find, for example sat navs, then
allow them to compare some of the products
in a table – showing the main specifications
side by side. It can also present customer
reviews which people find valuable. This is a
great way for shoppers to make a decision on
a complex purchase. It increases the likelihood
they will buy, but it is also great for staff to add
value by using the screen to help the customer.
By doing this they introduce the technology so
next time the customer may use it themselves.
Simply buy
Kiosks can help you sell services like gift
experiences. Anything where the customer
cannot walk out with the physical item is
suited to a kiosk. How about a gift that will
be delivered to the recipient directly? If these
services are being offered, the kiosk should
have a chip and pin reader built-in so the
customer can complete the purchase journey
in one go.
Next time we look at more of the different
ways kiosks can be used, what the obstacles
involved are and whether they will be ever
viable for independents. g
In-store kiosks have been trialled over the
years with many different objectives. Can
you see your shop using a kiosk offering
any of these services?
Range extension – used to promote extra
ranges of items usually for order.
Product comparison – being trialled for
helping customers choose and understand
technical products.
Selling services – used for selling holidays
and gift experiences.
Create a shopping list – trialled by a DIY
chain for project lists.
In-store advertising – used in store to
highlight particular offers.
David Mackley MBA BSc is Managing
Director of Intelligent Retail – providers
of Multichannel EPoS and eCommerce
websites for independent retailers. If you
have any questions, you can contact David
on T: +44 (0)845 680 0126 or
E: dmackley@intelligentretail.co.uk
giftfocus 67
retail technology

decorative delights
The world of seasonal decoration descends on Frankfurt in January
Right at the beginning of the business year, the
world’s leading trade fair for festive decorations
presents the trends and innovations for the
coming seasons. Christmasworld will open
its doors under the motto, ‘Welcome to
Christmasworld – The World of Seasonal
Decoration’ for five busy days.
For buyers from the wholesale and retail
trades, as well as boutique owners, florists,
interior furnishing specialists, designers and
decorators, Christmasworld is an indispensable
trend and order platform. The spectrum of
products to be seen includes new offerings for
Christmas, Easter, Halloween, New Year and a
host of other events such as birthday parties,
Mother’s Day and weddings.
The show occupies six exhibition halls and is
divided into nine categories:
Christmas decoration
Tree decoration, Christmas tree stands,
nativity scenes, ethnic art from Erzgebirge
(Ore Mountains), figurines, fabrics, electronic
Christmas articles and advent items.
Annual and seasonal festive decoration
Spring/Easter, autumn/halloween, porcelain,
glass, ceramic, metal and religious objects.
Ribbons and wrapping
Ribbons, bows, cords and wrapping.
Candles and fragrances
Candles, candlesticks and holders, candle
accessories and fragrances.
Florists’ requisites
Artificial flowers and plants, wreaths, artificial
68 giftfocus
trees, natural materials, vessels, indoor/outdoor,
and florists’ requisites accessories.
Festive lighting
Shop and city lighting, and consumer indoor
and outdoor lights.
Shop & display
Shop/window decoration, mobile figurines, and
shop and display accessories.
Fireworks
New Year articles, all-season articles, and
professional fireworks.
Party and festive articles
Disposable plates, cubes and cutlery,
serviettes/tablecloths, party articles, balloons
and fancy dress costumes.
The Trends Show provides visitors with the
opportunity to obtain a comprehensive
overview of the styles expected to prevail in
the coming seasons.
On behalf of Messe Frankfurt, designers
bora.herke.palmisano will highlight the colours
and materials of the 2013/14 season in the
Christmasworld Trends Show. Using products
from selected exhibitors, they aim to give
buyers valuable inspiration and ideas for
trend-oriented assortment compilation and
window dressing. The Christmasworld Trend
book is free of charge at the trend area.
Last year’s event was characterised
by a great yearning for snow. Hardly any
exhibitors did without it – even fir-tree green
disappeared to a large extent under a white
covering of bio, powder, scatter, crystal or
In brief
show Christmasworld
organiser Messe Frankfurt
where Frankfurt am Main
when 25 th - 29 th January, 2013
opening times 9am - 6pm (9am - 5pm
on the last day)
website www.christmasworld.
messefrankfurt.com
gently iridescent artificial snow.
For the third time, the creative duo of
Holland’s 2Dezign will demonstrate their
skills at the show. There is also a special
demonstration taking place in Hall 9.0, stand
D90 – ‘Happy Christmasworld’. Christmas has
many faces; some prefer its traditional aspects,
while others love change and experimenting
with modern decorations. For others,
Christmas is a festival of colourful, bright lights.
2Dezign will offer an impressive demonstration
of how these contrasting elements can be
effectively combined.
Under the name of ‘Les Sapins de Noël &
Christmasworld’, a Christmas tree created by
an, as yet undisclosed, renowned international
fashion designer will be presented in Hall
11.1 – a guaranteed highlight, which can be
won in the raffle. Last year’s chosen designer
was Jean-Paul Gaultier. Also in the same hall,
German crafts will take centre stage in a new
presentation called German Christmas Crafts. g
Further information
For more information and to register
for the show, visit www.christmasworld.
messefrankfurt.com
christmasworld

������������������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������������������

finishing touches
Create a vibrant display in store with these on-trend fashion accessories
Accessories can add the finishing touches to an outfit. Stocking a variety of fashion extras can not only create
an interesting display in store, but also allows consumers who are watching their pennies who wish to invest in
an affordable piece to revamp an existing outfit.
Talbot’s current best sellers include new shamballa crystal and hematite beads, stone skull
and hematite macramé bracelets, as well as crystal ring and phone plug charms available in six
sparkling colours. Freshwater pearl stretch bracelets interspersed with semi-precious stone and
crystal rondelles are also popular, supplied in a round presentation box. To enhance this range,
there is a rice pearl and semi-precious stone bracelet with matching necklace and earrings in
six assorted colours. New designs have been added to Talbot’s range of abalone and paua shell
necklaces, bracelets, earrings and brooches. Wooden and hematite stretch icon bracelets are
available in new colours, while new motif designs that will include a peace sign, the Union Jack,
butterflies, Buddhist and Indian gods.
T: +44 (0)1273 776 415
www.talbotfashions.co.uk
As well as its
range of crystal
macramé
bracelets,
CXD Designs
is launching
a range of
bracelets
complete with
packaging and
point of sale
displays. Prices
start as low as
£1.20 each, and
there is a variety of designs to choose from.
Log onto the company’s website for more
styles and information.
sales@cxddesigns.co.uk
www.cxddesigns.co.uk
70 giftfocus
The Heart
Hook by
Vanessa
Lorenz can
be used to
hang your
bag from
a ledge
or table
top, and is
available in
either silver
or gold
plating. It
can also be
attached to
the handle
of a bag as an attractive bag charm, making
it easily accessible. The hook comes in a
black velvet pouch.
T: +44 (0)20 7289 7866
www.vanessalorenz.com
Walking stick specialist Classic Canes is
known for its ability to produce walking
sticks that are as much elegant accessories
as they are mobility aids. Changing trends
are monitored carefully to ensure Classic
Canes’ sticks always reflect current
fashions. New this autumn is a floral folding
cane in this season’s most fashionable
colour, purple. Charlotte Gillan, Managing
Partner, says: “This autumn/winter, purple is
the hot colour, and leopard print canes are
proving very popular too. As we approach
Christmas, opulent patterns and Swarovski
crystal-set canes make eye-catching
accessories and excellent presents.”
T: +44 (0)1460 75686
www.classiccanes.co.uk
The Carmen collection from Miss Milly is the
ideal choice for a Christmas jewellery range.
With elegant crystal and metal designs, plenty
of sparkle and splashes of colour, there’s a
wide range of styles available. The core of the
collection is centred around heart designs,
which are a consistently great seller, and the
majority of bracelets are elasticated, making
them suitable for all wrists. New to the
collection is a rose gold colourway and a clever,
multi-way long necklace with detachable crystal
flower pendant.
T: +44 (0)1905 612 955
www.missmilly.co.uk

The Abertweed range from Mala Leather
is made with 100 per cent British wool
and mixed with a silky nappa leather.
Handbags are available in purple or red,
with a selection of matching purses and
an evening clutch. A range of men’s bags
is also available. Abertweed came runner
up in the Best New Collection Award at
Autumn Fair in September.
T: +44 (0)1827 67401
www.malaleather.com
Poltsa pendant scarves are handmade in
Spain. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, as no two
pendants are ever the same. Crystals, ceramic,
glass, wood, resin, metal and other beautiful
beads are used to create these stunning
scarves. They come with their own little hanger,
reading ‘Handmade in Spain’, and are ready
to be displayed. Poltsa also offers a variety
of handbags in bold prints, soft shapes and a
striking colour palette.
T: +44 (0)20 8393 6010
Capiz Cap enters the autumn/winter season with its
mos most comprehensive collection of jewellery and
han handbags to date. With a fashionable range of
han handbags, from its ever-popular glossy patents to
fun
and funky design details, there is something
for
everyone and every occasion. With all goods
in stock, st the company can deliver immediately.
Con Contact Capiz for a full colour brochure or to
arrange a visit from a sales agent.
T: +44 (0)1449 775 566
www.capiz.co.uk
Cool Trade Winds is working with a new fair
trade partner in India. The workers specialise in
hand loom scarves with an embroidery finish.
The scarves are produced in a remote village in
India where the workers can work from home
and support their families and local community.
They have kept with their brand identity as
stylish and quirky, with bright fun colours. The
new season’s collection has a beautiful array of
colours and should not be missed.
T: +44 (0)1425 461 594
www.cooltradewinds.co.uk
Goodlookers introduces its autumn collection with many new
eye-catching reading glasses for him and her, as well as a trendy range
of cases and chains. Consumer passion for vintage styling will continue
throughout the year, and this season’s collection includes the launch of
many new retro reading glasses, including Islington and Dotty. Other
new models include Duet (pictured), set with striking crystals, and Paige,
classically styled with lasered etchings revealing an inner glow.
T: +44 (0)1634 713 900
www.goodlookers.co.uk
This season, Shared Earth offers up-to-date
fashion jewellery incorporating charms. These
new charm bracelets and earrings are made by
the company’s loyal jewellery supplier of more
than 20 years, TARA Projects in Delhi. Shared
Earth is also introducing new knitwear lines this
winter. They are hand-knitted by women from the
Tejemujeres cooperative in Ecuador.
T: +44 (0)1904 670 321
www.sharedearth.co.uk
Bagabook introduces its new iPad and Kindle
range with a smart carry handle unique to
Bagabook. These covers incorporate a pocket
for travel tickets, combining practicality and ease
of use. The kindle case houses a discreet back
pocket, taking the stress away from any journey,
keeping the cable close at hand. Both cases are
available in red or black crocodile skin effect
and grey/black faux snake skin.
T: +44 (0)7821 895 381
www.bagabook.com
giftfocus 71
fashion accessories

72 giftfocus
news from the ga
Chief Executive, Isabel Martinson, shares the latest news from
The Giftware Association
Bid to boost sales as GA supports Celebrate
an Independent Christmas campaign
The GA is supporting the Celebrate an
Independent Christmas initiative to encourage
shoppers to buy from local independents in
a six-week campaign, which runs from 12 th
November, 2012 until Christmas Day.
GA Chief Executive, Isabel Martinson, says
the association will disseminate details of the
campaign to its members and act as a conduit
to encourage them to participate. She adds:
“It’s a no-brainer. The more business our
independent retail members do at Christmas,
the better it is for our supplier members.”
The campaign is a nationwide effort
to improve footfall to high streets, towns
and village centres; to increase consumer
confidence and to boost retail sales.
Clare Rayner, ‘retail champion’ and founder
of the campaign, says: “Consumers will be
encouraged to spend a proportion of their
Christmas budgets – be that on gifts, food
shopping, partying or pampering – with local,
independent businesses. The campaign will be
inclusive of all those who serve consumers
– so bars, restaurants and salons as well as
traditional shops.”
To capture consumers’ imaginations and
encourage them to make the effort to seek out
their local independents, the campaign will be
calling on retailers and business organisations to
work together to create Christmas Shopping
Crawls. These are intended to be a lot of fun,
and shoppers will have the opportunity to win
a prize for completing a crawl.
New insurance protection package includes
24-hour legal helpline
GA retailer and supplier members are now
enjoying what is widely regarded as one of the
most significant benefits that can be offered
by a trade body – insurance protection for
employment disputes and legal defense relating
to, among other things, data protection, tax, VAT,
PAYE and NIC investigations.
Insurance includes up to £100,000 in
professional fees to pay for a specialist such as
a solicitor, barrister or accountant in respect of
each claim.
“To capture consumers’
imaginations and encourage
them to make the effort
to seek out their local
independents, the campaign
will be calling on retailers and
business organisations to work
together to create Christmas
Shopping Crawls.”
The scheme includes a 24-hour, 365-day
legal helpline operated by one of the UK’s
most prestigious law firms. The helpline can
be accessed once members validate their
entitlement by calling the British Allied Trades
Federation. The federation, which negotiated
the new legal protection package on behalf of
the associations it supports, can be contacted
on T: +44 (0)121 236 2657 during normal
office hours.
Members are being told that an immediate
call is imperative if an issue arises and to ensure
they follow through on any advice given in
order to protect the validity of their case under
the terms of the policy.
The GA scheme differs from some being
offered by other organisations in that it will give
enhanced tax inspection cover for members in
addition to an enhanced liability cover.
GA to roll out voucher scheme for Spring
Fair International 2013
Special show offers worth £3,000 were
available to The GA’s retail members from
supplier members at Autumn Fair International,
where the association launched the new
scheme. The launch resulted in participating
exhibitors taking orders from both new and
existing customers.
Jeremy Corner, Managing Director of Blue
Eyed Sun, one of those taking part, was upbeat
about the initiative and said: “I have had sales
from the vouchers and I think the scheme is a
great idea for publishers, suppliers and retailer
members. They all benefit from belonging
to The GA and I’ve certainly found that
retailers who have come onto my stand have
been really chuffed about the value of their
membership. I think it’s a really good initiative –
a fantastic offer for GA members – and I would
like to see it grow.”
Peartree Heybridge also welcomed the
scheme. Its show offer was 10 per cent off
all orders and carriage paid – while Widdop
Bingham, Junction 18, Opal London, Lagoon,
Salco and Sebnini were among other exhibitors
with a variety of special GA deals.
The voucher scheme will be rolled out for
Spring Fair International, with The GA launching
a more intensive campaign to encourage
greater participation by suppliers and a bigger
take-up by retailer members.
Why you should join The GA
The GA has been continuing its drive for new
members throughout September. At Autumn
Fair, it used the new voucher initiative and
legal protection insurance scheme to boost
recruitment. In addition to these benefits, it
also emphasised to retailers the value of its
Streamline scheme, which offers competitive
credit card processing rates – particularly
valuable in the run-up to Christmas. Suppliers
were told that GA membership entitled them
to a stand discount at next February’s Spring
Fair at the NEC, Birmingham.
When you shouldn’t open a gift shop
Isabel Martinson’s Opening a Gift Shop talk at
Autumn Fair was extremely popular with only
standing room available for many. One retailer
who was interested in joining The GA told her:
“I’ve had my gift shop for two years and I wish
I’d come to this before because you’ve given
me so many great ideas.”
Another retailer, who had been to her
previous talk, commented: “Every time that
I’m cleaning the shop, I remember what you
said! That anyone considering setting up a gift
shop should think about the reasons for doing
it – ‘if you don’t like people and you don’t like
cleaning, you’re in the wrong job!” g
Further information
For The GA, log onto www.ga-uk.org�

HAZEL ATKINSON
JEWELLERY LLP
tel 0115 941 1110
www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk
Handmade in the UK
����������������
�����������
���������������������
������������������
������������������
�����������������������������
�����������������������������������

�����������������������������������
�������������������������������������
���������������������������
������������������������������������
����������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������
�����������������������
����������������������������������
��������������������������������������������
�������������������������
�����������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������������
����������������������������������
��������������������������������������������
�������������������������

pick of the drawer
A low-down on the spring/summer Top Drawer event
Exhibitor profiles
Laura Darrington
Stand D12
www.lauradarrington.co.uk
Laura Darrington
will launch two new
designs at Top Drawer,
including everyday
additions to the
popular Decoupage
collection, plus a
quirky range of
children’s cards which
is a new genre for
Laura’s collection. Last
minute Valentine’s and
spring season orders
will be taken at the
show, or alternatively
you can set up a trade login and view the entire collection on-line. Laura
won Best Spring Collection at the Henries Awards 2012 in October.
The spring/summer leg of Top Drawer kick
starts the 2013 buying calendar, with Home
running alongside in Earls Court 2. Top Drawer
will once again bring together an inspirational
showcase of more than 800 carefully selected
British and international suppliers – the biggest
collection of brands that the January edition
has hosted to date, and a 14 per cent increase
on 2012.
The trade show is divided into five separate
areas, which will all see expansion for 2013:
Gift, Fashion, Stationery & Greetings, Children’s
and Wellbeing.
Top Drawer Fashion sees the inclusion
of a unique clothing section for the first
time. In addition, the sector welcomes new
brands, never seen before at the January
show. Retailers will also be able to see many
stationery brands for the first time, and a
number of gift companies are also welcome
additions to the show.
There will be a notable difference in the look
In brief
show Top Drawer
organiser Clarion Events
where Earls Court 1, London
when 13 th - 15 th January, 2013
opening times 9.30am – 6pm
(9.30am – 5pm
on the last day)
website www.topdrawer.co.uk
and feel of January’s event, with investment by
the organisers into an upgraded stand design
within the Fashion, Stationery and Children’s
sections of the show. Award-winning design
company, Kent Lyons will create a 100m-long
tunnel at the entrance to the event.
Top Drawer will welcome back curated
designer showcases Spotted and Spotted Plus,
featuring up to 20 designer-makers who have
never been seen before at a UK trade event.
The exhibition will once again be working with
trend partners Trend Bible to give retailers an
insight into the hottest trends for the upcoming
seasons, providing seminars within the show
as well as take-away trend buying cards, and
show-stopping entrance features.
For more information and to register for the
show, visit www.topdrawer.co.uk
Aliroo
Stand B12
www.aliroo.co.uk
Aliroo will be showcasing its new range of children’s cards. Monster
Madness is a bright and colourful collection of 12 birthday cards,
featuring a variety of friendly monsters across six age cards and six
generic birthdays. Each card is 150mm sq and hand finished with
googly eyes and
a gloss varnish.
They are each
supplied with a
brightly coloured
envelope and
cello wrapped.
Mini sparkly
thank you packs,
coaster party
invitations and
thank yous are
also available
to complement
the range.
giftfocus 75
top drawer

pick of the drawer
Onya
Stand D103
www.onyabags.co.uk
The Onya Lunch sandwich wrapper is made from recycled plastic
bottles (rPET) and comes in five colours. The wipe-clean, durable Onya
Lunch can be used again and again – no need for cling film, tin foil or
disposable bags. With plenty of Velcro, the Onya Lunch will fit around any
size snack, from a baguette sandwich to a few left-over carrot sticks. The
product is the latest in the Onya family, alongside the bags and bottles.
The company’s reusable sandwich wrapper was awarded the Janey Lee
Grace Platinum Award 2012, and declared the Best Recycled Product.
Publishers Group UK
Stand H34
www.pguk.co.uk
Publishers Group UK is launching several new items, including the
Baby Lit series of classic tale board books. Bold, bright illustrations
and child friendly text make the first introduction to literary
classics a joy for both parents and babies. The series features eight
titles, including Pride & Prejudice, Romeo & Juliet, Jane Eyre, Alice in
Wonderland, Dracula and The Christmas Carol, with Moby Dick being
available soon. New to the brand are high quality tote bags and
cloth dolls both featuring illustrations from the book. Also new this
season from Potter Style is the Max McCalman’s Wine and Cheese
Pairing Swatchbook, which features 50 pairings for wine and cheese.
The Desk of Jane Austen is also new, a keepsake box filled with 100
faux letterpress postcards featuring quotations.
76 giftfocus
dots and spots
Stand F15
www.dotsandspots.co.uk
Exhibiting for its
third successful
year, dots and
spots will be
launching a
number of
new products,
including a
new range of
occasions cards
and, by popular
demand, a
selection of
age cards in
distinctive
dots and spots
colours and
patterns. More
than just a card
company, dots and spots will also be launching five new designs of its
best selling luxury double-sided wrap, in three different colourways with
coordinating tags. The company is expanding its range of party products,
including new invites and thank you notes, party bags, stickers and a
selection of bags, mirrors and magnets.
Jarapa
Stand N56
www.jarapa.co.uk
With the introduction of La Mediterrenea to
the product range by Jarapa, the collection is
now extensive with gold tableware proving
very popular. Made in Spain, the design-led
glassware offers a range of coloured glass in a
variety of collections, all of the highest quality.
Available in 2013, new collections will be on
offer at Top Drawer.

��������������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������������
������������� �� ���������������������������������������������������
����������������������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������������������������
���������������������������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������������
���������������������
78 giftfocus
Top Drawer stand N56
Spring fair international Hall 9 A08
Tel 0845 5191982
Email stewart@jarapa.co.uk
herdy
Stand P1
www.herdy.co.uk
Customer feedback has prompted herdy to redesign its popular peep
bag. The new peep bag is made from similar durable cotton fabric with
a practical flat-bottomed design, but is available in four fun colourways
rather than just three. The shape has been modified into a tote style with
contrasting coloured straps, and features a cheeky herdy face appliquéd
and embroidered onto the side of the bag.
Kutuu
Stand S52
www.kutuuwholesale.co.uk
Kutuu will be exhibiting many new additions to its pewter gift range,
such as secret messages coded in binary computer coding and new
designs in the popular collection of trinket dishes. The show will also
see additions to the charm jewellery range in the form of indulgent
gold pieces combined with semi-precious gemstones. These will
feature the same symbols, messages and meanings as the company’s
increasingly popular pewter jewellery range.

Jan Constantine
Stand T26
www.janconstantine.com
Jan Constantine’s 2013
collections will be
unveiled at Top Drawer
alongside the beautiful
Gypsy collection, which
will be available for
Valentine’s orders. The
Gypsy collection is hand
embroidered with
multi-coloured flowers,
hearts, trees, paisley and
the word Love onto
rich red and black wool.
Keeping ahead with the
bohemian trend that is
sweeping the fashion
world, these vibrant
cushions and throws are
ideal as Valentine’s gifts.
Pintail Candles
Stand T41
www.pintailcandles.com
Pintail Candles will be showing its full range of products at Top
Drawer, including new fragrances for spring to expand its
best selling filled tin and glass candles. Also available are the popular
reed diffusers and refills.
NEW SUPER SEVENS
SERIOUSLY SCENTED - A VISUAL JOY
Best Kept Secrets Candles
Coopies Field, Morpeth,
Northumberland, NE61 6JT
T: 01670 512222
F: 01670 504004
E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
giftfocus 79

pick of the drawer
Sweet William Designs
Stand T47
www.sweetwilliamdesigns.com
With a ceramics company named after him, it seems only right
that black Labrador William should insist on having a new range
inspired by him. The black Labrador mugs are handmade in England
using the finest Cornish clay. Additional products will be launched
at Top Drawer, including the William wallpaper – perfect for any
boot room or Labrador sleeping quarters! The William range
complements the company’s popular hand painted dog bowls and
‘dog loves me best’ mugs.
Classic Canes
Stand W47
www.classiccanes.co.uk
Walking stick specialist, Classic
Canes will exhibit for the first
time at Top Drawer in January.
The Somerset-based family
firm stocks more than 650
traditional and contemporary
walking sticks, from hearty
rustic sticks to elegant and
fashionable canes in
on-trend colours and prints.
Popular amongst gift buyers
are height adjustable folding
canes, floral and animal print
canes, Swarovski crystal canes
and elegant walking sticks for
everyday use.
80 giftfocus
Janie Knitted Textiles
Stand U55
www.janiewithers.co.uk
Janie Knitted Textiles will be showing its original textile products at Top
Drawer. Inspired by all things British, Jane Withers and Michael Hanmer
turn their hand-made fabrics into contemporary interior and fashion
accessories, with an emphasis on natural fibres in eye catching colours.
Cool Trade Winds
Stand ZG11
www.cooltradewinds.co.uk
Cool Trade Winds has never been shy in its use of colour. Keeping
with its brand ethos, the spring/summer 2013 range will be full of
bright, fun colours. The company has been sourcing soft, floaty and
tactile scarves, shawls and pashminas from its producer groups in
Nepal, India and Thailand. The rainbow scarves shown above are
from its new producers in India, and are made from 100 per cent
pure silk. These and many more new styles will be exhibited at
Top Drawer.

������������������������
�������������������������
�������������������������
�������������������������
������������������������
�����������������������������
�������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������
* 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
Tel: 01753 892603 Fax: 01753 892001 Email: info@ladybughome.co.uk
www.ladybughome.co.uk
COME SEE US AT
TOP DRAWER
SPRING 2013
STAND V9
* 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

��������������
��������������
������������
��������������������������������

where the heart is
Following its successful launch onto the world interiors
platform this year, get set for the return of Home to Earls
Court 2, London in January
Co-located with Top Drawer, Home returns for
its second year at Earls Court 2, showcasing
the very best in new homewares and interior
accessories. Combined, the two shows present
the largest collection of design-led brands,
more than 1,000 exhibitors and an expected
audience of over 16,000 buyers.
Home is the definitive retail and contract
trade event for the exclusive launch of
thousands of stylish new products across
kitchen, dining, interior accessories, glassware,
soft furnishings and lighting. The second edition
of Home will be 45 per cent bigger than the
launch show, and will feature an exciting mix of
brands from the UK and around the world.
The Classic section of Home – presenting
the best in traditionally designed homeware
products – will be double the size in 2013,
while expansion will also be seen in the kitchen
and tableware sections of the show, reflecting
the market interest in cooking and dining at
home. The Modern area will also be increasing
in size, with 30 of the most innovative brands
from around the world joining the show.
Consumers are now making more
considered purchases, investing more in
products and brands for the home that offer
timeless style, high quality and are beautifully
designed. This ethos is integral to Home and
defines the companies that are selected to
appear in the show. The mix of products
includes interior accessories, kitchen and dining,
soft furnishings, furniture and lighting. There is
also a Homegrown section that is specifically
dedicated to providing a platform to emerging
British design talent.
In brief
show Home London
organiser Clarion Events
where Earls Court 2, London
when 13 th - 15 th January, 2013
opening times 9.30am - 6pm (9.30am -
5pm on the last day)
website www.home-london.net
giftfocus 83
home
tendence

where the heart is
Hemingway at Home
Since selling Red or Dead in the late ’90s,
Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway along with
their team of young designers have worked
across just about every aspect of design,
from affordable housing, landscape and urban
design, to event and museum design, graphics,
fashion and products for the home.
After a 14-year hiatus from the trade event
calendar, at Home 2013 HemingwayDesign
will bring together its products for the home
in The Hemingway Home, a pop-up functional
bungalow. The Hemingway Home will feature
HemingwayDesign products for various
companies including Antler, Bliss Home, British
Ceramic Tile, Crown Paint, G Plan, Graham
& Brown, Harvey Maria, John Lewis, Surface
View and The Rubber Flooring Co.
Homegrown
While Home is an international event,
bringing together brands from around the
world, it also remains a celebration of great
British design, evident in the Homegrown
area of the show.
Exhibitor profiles
REPEAT REPEAT
Stand J42
www.repeatrepeat.co.uk
The new Alphabet range of bone china from
Repeat Repeat is produced at the company’s
factory and design studio in Stoke on Trent.
Each cup features a beautiful oversized letter
printed in black. All the staff are very protective
over their mugs and would rather use their
own for their tea and coffee, and this is what
inspired the team to create the Alphabet range.
84 giftfocus
Dedicated to new and innovative British
design companies, Homegrown offers the
chance for new designer-makers to meet the
commercial retail market for the first time.
With original designs for the times from
emerging talent, Homegrown presents the
latest interior accessories products, from
wallpaper and lighting to throws and cushions.
British heritage
Support for UK-based manufacturers and
designers remains integral to the ethos
of Home, and the 2013 edition will see a
continued celebration of British heritage
showcasing companies such as Bronte Tweeds,
Scarlett & Argent from AN Hainsworth,
Foxford Woollen Mills, The New English,
Rowlett Rutland, Sibona as well as many
more delights.
Awards
Following the hugely successful launch in
2012, Home was shortlisted for Best New
Launch Show by the Exhibition News
Awards and Best Trade Show Launch at the
prestigious AEO Excellence Awards. Home
went on to win the Interiors Monthly Best
New Interiors Exhibition. The response to
the inaugural show from both suppliers and
buyers has been phenomenal.
Key names confirmed
Royal VKB, Eva Solo, 95%, Ferm Living,
Kinto, Skandium, Marimekko, Design House
Stockholm, Bugatti, Royal Doulton, Robert
Welch, Iittala, Jonathan Adler, Fatboy, Ella
Doran, W2, Lovearamics, Alessi, LSA
International, Bugatti, Seletti, black + blum,
Stelton, Blomus, Authentics, Sagaform, Jansen
+ co, Content by Conran, Nick Munro, Places
and Spaces, Flux, Mini Moderns, Baci, Koziol,
Rowlett Rutland, Graypants, Gilberts, Leff
Amsterdam, Kitsch Kitchen, Coach House,
Grand Illusions, House Doctor, Bloomingville,
Greengate, Hemingway at Home, Au Maison,
Garden Trading, PR Home, Sibona, 8mood,
Emily Readett Bayley, Foxford Home, L-Living,
AN Hainsworth, Make International, Bianca
Lorenne and many more.
Further information
For more information and to register for the show, visit www.home-london.net
MICHELLE MASON
Stand A32
www.michellemason.co.uk
Michelle Mason
has designed a
new range of
cushions and
wash bags with
a nautical theme
for spring/
summer 2013.
The Harbour
cushions feature
her landmark
illustrations
with a bold
and colourful
graphic and
pompom trimming. These new fabrics depict hand drawn designs inspired by Michelle’s new
partnership with the National Railway Museum’s archive. Michelle has worked closely with
NRM to produce designs based on the British Railways’ travel posters from the ’50s and ’60s
to create a composition of beach scenes and seaside inspired graphics. g

������������������������������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������������������������
����������������������������������������
�������������������
������������������������������������������������

little acorns…
David Lewis, Managing Director of Xystos, gives us
an insight into the giftware giant
Xystos is a prime example
of how great oaks grow
from little acorns. The
company was born when
David’s father Philip rented
a barrow in the Metro
Centre in Gateshead and
sold small gift items and
toys from it. “The barrow was a leap of faith,”
explains David. “The fallout from the 1984
miners’ strike had forced his chain of
off licences to close, leaving him jobless and
with just £100 in his pocket.”
However, his simple but effective philosophy
that customers would return for more of
their favourite collectables proved true, and
Collectables opened its first store in 1986.
“As a schoolboy, I visited trade fairs with
dad and helped out in the business, which I
86 giftfocus
joined full time at the age of 16. We now have
12 outlets, retailing everything from gifts to
kitchenware, jewellery, lifestyle products and, of
course, collectables.”
With the experience and knowledge
acquired from running the retail stores, the
duo decided to launch their own wholesale
business, and Xystos was born in late 2005.
“Initially, people struggled to pronounce
the name, but a year later we were being
mentioned in the same breath as major
suppliers who have influenced the home, gift
and collectables industry for decades, so it
seems we must have been doing something
right,” says David.
The company is able to test products it is
unsure about in the Collectables stores and, if
successful, they are brought to market with a
level of confidence. “Many a time we bring in
a case of something – particularly when we’re
dealing with distributors from America – to
see if it works in our shops. If it does, we roll it
out to the wholesale side as we know that we
have a guaranteed product that sells through,”
continues David.
Today, Xystos offers a wide variety of
giftware including: WoodWick, RibbonWick,
Trapp Candles, Comfort Candles, Norfolk
Lavender, African Plains, Annaleece, Birchheart
Snowmen, Bunnies by the Bay, Gleneagles
Crystal, Gleneagles Fine China, Gleneagles
Studio, LittleGifts, Little Things Mean a Lot, Lost
Dog, Modeles, Myth & Magic, PenDelfin, Piggin’,
Pozy Bear, Rockingham Crystal, Twist & Put and
Walther-Glas.
“Our focus changes as the marketplace
changes. At the moment, fashion seems to
suggest that the figurines business – with a few
notable exceptions – is not as strong as it once
was. It would be foolish to say that collectables
are as popular as they were a decade ago, but
they certainly continue to find a place in our
portfolio,” says David. “However, all companies
have to be vigilant about retiring lines that
no longer work for them and bringing in new
ones that will. We are certainly prepared
to build brands through partnership or
acquisition, but they must always be a proper
fit for our portfolio.”
Xystos launches new products twice a year,
at Spring Fair and Home & Gift.
Flame and fragrance is a big part of the
Xystos offering. The Virginia Candle Company
in the US is the innovative maker of the
hugely successful candle with the crackling
wick, WoodWick, which Xystos exclusively
distributes in the UK. “We are very excited
about working with a brand leader in a

“We’ve had some great
moments in the past seven years,
and it has been interesting to note
how buying habits have changed.
I think this has been brought
about by the combination of TV
programmes on décor and people
spending more time at home
because of the ongoing recession.”
category that is going from strength to
strength,” enthuses David. “People love the way
these candles burn, as well as the fragrances,
and they keep coming back for more. VCC
has also just introduced the revolutionary
Ribbonwick candle, another of the ranges that
we stock.
“As far as new developments are concerned,
we know that The Virginia Candle Company
works relentlessly on new fragrances and new
products to drive the sector forward, so we
can be assured that we are in the best hands.”
When asked what his career highlight is,
David said there is no single highlight. “We’ve
had some great moments in the past seven
years, and it has been interesting to note how
buying habits have changed. I think this has
been brought about by the combination of TV
programmes on décor and people spending
more time at home because of the ongoing
recession. Home fragrancing has become an
affordable luxury during these times.”
In product terms, Xystos has tried to react
by introducing lines that meet the needs of
the public and, in the main, David thinks it has
succeeded. Testament to this is WoodWick,
which has exceeded the company’s wildest
expectations and is its best selling product.
“It sells through and gives us repeat business;
that’s what every supplier wants.”
For anyone looking to set up their own
business, David offers several nuggets of advice:
“Having the right systems and people in place
is key. Great customer service is essential if you
want to succeed. Always strive to improve. We
have always aimed to provide a product that
people want to buy again and again – the way
we did with collectable products and are now
doing with candles. Customers become very
loyal to a brand.”
So, what’s next for Xystos? “We intend to
grow on the wholesale stage for many years
to come.” g
Further information
For more information, call Xystos on
T: +44 (0)191 499 1570 or visit
www.xystostrade.co.uk
giftfocus 87
profile

all the answers
Our experts tackle your retail-related queries
Jane Means is a gift wrapping expert and is
affectionately known as the Gift Wrap Guru. She travels
nationwide holding workshops, and has appeared on
various television programs and radio shows
providing advice on gift wrapping. Contact Jane on
T: +44 (0)1522 522 544 or E: info@janemeans.co.uk
Neil Coxon is the Founder and Managing Director
of ‘from you to me’, creators of award-winning gifts.
Previously he climbed the corporate human resources
career ladder, specialising in people, leadership and
organisational development. His passion for psychology
and relationships inspired him to create the ‘from you
to me’ journals of a lifetime and gifts to treasure.
Contact Neil on T: +44 (0)1225 866 225 or
E: neilcoxon@fromyoutome.com
Stephanie Jerome is the Founder of the Intelligent Retail
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) programme and has
optimised many retail websites over the years. She
conducts her own research into techniques as a
specialist in SEO for e-commerce and retail. Contact
Stephanie on T: +44 (0)1635 517 923 or
E: sjerome@intelligentretail.co.uk for more information.
Barbara Aspin is the Business Development Manager
at SiteWizard.co.uk. She has 10 years experience within
the website design industry. SiteWizard.co.uk has been
trading for 15 years and has designed websites for
thousands of companies. Contact Barbara on
T +44 (0)1622 200 045 or
E: barbara.aspin@sitewizard.co.uk for more information.
Gift wrapping
I Qam considering offering a gift wrapping service in my
shop. What should I consider before introducing this?
Jane Means says: A gift wrapping service is a great incentive
to customers. It can prove very popular and make you stand
out from the competition. Pre-wrapped products will also
encourage Aimpulse buying.
From as little as £30 you can buy materials which should
include paper, tissue, cellophane (for awkward shapes),
scissors and ribbon. Choose plain wrapping in a good all
round colour such as turquoise or purple, which is suitable
for any age, gender or occasion, and accessorise it with
contrasting ribbons.
Starting a wrapping service can be nerve racking so
ensure you have lots of practice, or you may wish to
designate specific projects to a relevant staff member with
good wrapping skills. You can always wrap in a back room
and ask customers to pop back in five minutes if space or
confidence is lacking.
Ensure you market the service by the till, via newsletters,
website, Twitter etc and have a small display in your shop
window. You could also run promotional events where
wrapping is involved.
Price your service well with a starter price under £3 for
small items, and buy all of your materials wholesale.
Avoid a free gift wrapping service (otherwise you’ll be
wrapping sweets for kids) and introduce a minimum spend
or cap during peak periods. If budgets are tight, products
simply wrapped in tissue with some ribbon tied in a bow on
a paper carrier bag is appreciated.
For more in depth tips on starting a wrapping service,
visit www.janemeans.co.uk
Qgiftfocus
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 editor@giftfocus.com.
giftfocus 89
q&a special

all the answers
Olympic inspiration
How can I go for gold with my own business?
Neil Coxon says: I hope you were as inspired
as I was watching the Olympics this summer.
What an absolutely superb example of
individuals and teams delivering to their best
ability. The whole event was managed brilliantly,
the execution superb and the unsung heroes
were those who volunteered to be a part of
the magical show.
Retail sales may well have been down in
some areas as a result of our customers’
attention being on the sport, but there are
many connections we can make with Olympic
success. Whilst we may not all have the talent
to become Olympians ourselves, what we can
do is take the steps to drive our own lives and
businesses to better performance.
Q
A
“The Olympic values are
‘friendship, respect and excellence’
and everyone who took part in
the games, whether they were
athletes, judges, managers or the
volunteers, was asked to sign up
to them. Consider what you can
learn from these three words as
well as drawing up some values for
your own business.”
and excellence’ and everyone who took part in
the games, whether they were athletes, judges,
managers or the volunteers, was asked to sign
up to them. Consider what you can learn from
these three words as well as drawing up some
values for your own business.
Michael Phelps is now the most decorated
Olympian in history and his words seem a
good place to finish: “I wouldn’t say anything is
impossible. I think that everything is possible
as long as you put your mind to it and put the
work and time in.”
Google Adwords
I’ve thought about using Google Adwords to
promote my business but I’m worried that it
will cost too much. Do you have any tips?
Stephanie Jerome says: Google Adwords
is the paid advertising platform offered by
Google, allowing your website to display in
the prominent top or right sections of Google
when someone types in a word or phrase
related to your business.
To illustrate the benefits of Adwords,
imagine that you’re advertising your physical
shop in a magazine. Now imagine that you only
pay the magazine if someone walks in to your
shop as a result of seeing the advert. This is the
advantage that Google Adwords gives you –
you only pay Google if someone clicks on an
ad to come to your website.
You can set up ‘campaigns’ around particular
product ranges so that your ads appear if
people type in search terms related to that
product area. The more specific this is, the
better your ads will perform. So if you sell
kitchen products, a campaign for ‘kitchen
products’ would be too broad. However,
campaigns for more specific components like
cake stands, chopping boards etc. are likely to
Q
A
Here are a few connections I have made,
and please do contact me with any that have
inspired you and your colleagues:
Have a vision of success.
Dream about how it could be and don’t listen
to those who don’t believe. Be an inspiration
yourself... but maintain realism not fantasy.
Don’t expect success to come easily.
Olympic athletes have dedicated years of their
lives to become the best they can be. Hard
work and preparation will help to put your
business on the medal rostrum.
Teams will help you reach your dream.
Hire good people, work with people better
than you and be prepared to learn and
improve everyday. Consider finding a coach
yourself to support and challenge your thinking
and actions.
The Olympic values are ‘friendship, respect
90 giftfocusA
“To illustrate the benefits of
Adwords, imagine that you’re
advertising your physical shop in a
magazine. Now imagine that you
only pay the magazine if someone
walks in to your shop as a result
of seeing the advert. This is the
advantage that Google Adwords
gives you – you only pay Google if
someone clicks on an ad to come
to your website. ”
perform much better.
You can set budgets easily; you could set up
a daily budget of £5 and you won’t pay any
more than that, which is a great way of keeping
your outgoings for Adwords in check. You can
apply a similar system to the cost of clicks to
your website, so you could set a limit of 40p
per click, depending on the competitiveness of
your target product range. You may find that
most clicks don’t reach this limit anyway.
There are many aspects to Google Adwords,
far too many to discuss in this Q&A. Just
keep in mind that the secret to success
with Adwords is constant maintenance and
adjusting things that don’t work. Try out ad
campaigns, and if they don’t give you the
returns you hoped for, you can ‘pause’ those
and try something new. For the things that
do work, increase your budget so that you
capitalise on that success and bring even more
sales in. Simply go to www.adwords.google.
com to read more or to get started.
Q
A
Monitoring Twitter
Is it possible to monitor how effective your
tweets are?
Barbara Aspin says: There is a free tool that
you can use that enables you to track the
effectiveness of your tweets. All you need to
do is sign into your Twitter account. Once you
have done this go to www.bitly.com.
What this free website does is recognise
your Twitter account and then drills down into
the data on a tweet by tweet basis. By having
this information to hand, you will be able to
see how many of the people who saw your
tweet then clicked onto it to obtain more
information about your products.
This sort of data is just as useful as the
information Google Analytics provides about
your website, or that which Facebook provides
to the administrator of your business page. You
are able to use it to see what sort of tweets
affect the way people react to the information
you are providing. If you run a tweet with a
special offer and a high volume of people click
on this, then you know to repeat the offer
again, especially if it generates some much
needed business. g

the right choice
Sophie Grant followed her gut feeling and set up The Gift Box in Chester two years ago
Photography: Nicolette Wells www.nicolettewellsphotography.com
What is your career background?
I actually started working in the shop that is
now The Gift Box when I was 15, as a Saturday
girl. The shop was under a different name, but
sold cards and gifts as it does today. I went to
university to study fashion design at the age of
18, but continued to work in the shop during
the holidays until I was about 20 years old.
After university I went on to work for
companies such as Ethel Austin and Matalan
as a ladieswear designer. I then worked for a
Manchester-based supplier designing lingerie
and nightwear for high street shops and
department stores such as Debenhams.
After working in the fashion industry for
about three years, I decided it was not for
me and got back in touch with the owner of
the shop where I had worked. He took me
back on full time to manage the day-to-day
running of the shop as well as overseeing two
members of staff. I worked there for another
year, but it was soon clear that the owner
had lost interest and the shop deteriorated.
Eventually it closed after being open for
several decades.
What inspired you to launch your own shop?
After the shop closed, I was left with no job
and didn’t want to go back to the fashion
industry. I knew the great potential of the
now empty shop; it just needed a bit of
refurbishment and some good stock. I liked the
idea of choosing the stock myself and being
creative with the displays in-store. I also knew
how busy and prosperous the shop once
was due to its location and loyal customers,
so it was decision made and I wasn’t one bit
nervous. At the age of 25 I decided to open
the doors!
giftfocus 93
retailer interview

the right choice
What items do you sell?
I stock a wide variety of greeting cards from
publishers such as Two Bad Mice, Caroline
Gardner, K2 Greetings, Ling Design, Tracks and
Paperhouse to name a few. I also sell lots of
gifts from companies such as Bomb Cosmetics,
Ashleigh and Burwood, and The Good Bag
Company. One aisle of my shop is dedicated to
children’s toys, covering all price ranges from
pocket money toys to Jellycats and puppets
from The Puppet Company. I also have a
homeware gift room upstairs selling lots of
gorgeous gifts for the home such as shabby
chic picture frames, keepsake boxes, teapots
and small furniture items. As well as all this I
also sell a wide range of stationery items and
party accessories, including banners and
helium balloons.
How would you describe the interior and
layout of your shop?
My shop has often been described by
customers as being like an Aladdin’s cave
because there is so much to see everywhere
you look. It’s a quirky little space that was once
just a terraced house. There is the main floor
space downstairs, which focuses primarily on
cards and toys, then there is another room at
the back that is wall-to-wall cards, stationery
and party accessories. Then up the stairs there
are gifts all hanging from the walls, leading to
the gift room upstairs.
Where do you source your stock?
I often spend my days off looking for new,
interesting and unusual stock. I get inspiration
from going around gift shops, garden centres
and card shops in other locations in search
of new products and brands that I could sell.
94 giftfocus
I also go to the Autumn and Spring Fairs at
Birmingham and the Harrogate Home &
Gift show.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
I believe that customer service is the key to
business success in these competitive times.
It can make the difference to whether a
customer returns or not. I would say about 70
per cent of my customers are regulars. I always
greet people as they walk in and if they look
lost I offer them help.
Because I have customers that come in
every week, it is also important that my stock
turns over quickly so that they get to see
something new.
It’s the same with the window display; I
change it every week and create different
themes. This attracts passers-by into the shop,
and I often receive compliments on how nice
it looks.
Whatever I put in the window display always
flies off the shelves!
How important is your website and social
networking to your business?
Our website has been successful at making
more people aware of what we sell and what
the shop is like. Since setting it up I have also
had a lot more customers telephoning to
reserve items and place orders. We are also on
Twitter and Facebook; Twitter is useful as you
can find new suppliers on there too!
What’s next for The Gift Box?
Well, we have been open for two years now
and I would like to open a second business
at some point, but location is everything so
I won’t jump into anything just yet. I will wait
until the best opportunity arises. For now I will
maintain the steady growth of the business by
continuing to develop the ranges we stock and
by keeping a fresh feel to the shop. g
For further information, visit the website
www.thegiftboxchester.co.uk

Best Years
original by design
Free gift
with every
order when
you mention
this advert.
Best Years Ltd, Tel 01327 262189, www.bestyears.co.uk
See us at Top Drawer on stand M12

If you are at an exhibition and unlucky enough
to discover a copy of one of your products, the
most important thing is to provide evidence
of your claim of design origination, quickly!
This enables a lawyer acting on your behalf
to intervene and negotiate for the offending
product to be removed from the alleged
copyist’s stand.
When we (ACID) are present at an ACID
Accredited exhibition or event, we are able
to do something there and then by invoking
the ACID Exhibition Protocol, as happened
recently at the Clarion Home and Gift show
96 giftfocus
understanding
your rights
Dids McDonald, CEO of Anti-Copying in Design (ACID), looks at design
protection, explains IP strategy and the differences between a registered and an
unregistered design
in Harrogate. This step-by-step grass roots
mediation process usually means that legal
costs can be cut substantially.
If an exhibitor has a registered design it is
much easier to take legal action because with
a registered design, you don’t have to prove
copying. Being in possession of a registered
design is strong and compelling evidence of
ownership. However, all is not lost if you are
relying on unregistered rights, but it is even
more important to be able to provide a signed
and dated design audit trail to substantiate
your design ownership.
Unregistered v registered
An unregistered design right arises
automatically in the shape of a functional
object and does not require any formal
registration, but has the following limits:
• By contrast a registered design is a formal,
state granted monopoly right, which you have
to pay for.
• For a UK national registration you can apply
to the Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO),
or for an EU design registration you can apply
to the Office for Harmonization in the Internal
Market (OHIM).
• If granted, UK and EU registration offers
protection in 27 member states, lasts for up to
25 years and is renewable every five years. Visit
www.ipo.gov.uk and www.oami.europa.eu for
more information.
• The overall advantage of registering a design
is that if somebody produces the same object
and uses it in the same design field, then you
do not have to prove that they copied you in
order to stop them.
So how can I demonstrate my
unregistered design rights?
One of the first things that you are required
to do is to prove the correct creation date of
your design and the date when your design
was first made public.
The dates upon which you first marketed
the product and whether a design is new can
be challenged in court at a later date; you must
therefore be able to prove those dates are
correct if you are ever challenged. ACID can
provide this reassurance for Design Databank
users and acts as an independent third party
to provide evidence should you ever need it.

Is the ACID Design Databank an important resource if I am relying on
unregistered design rights?
It’s well known that many designers/creatives have relied on sending
a copy of their designs in a registered envelope to themselves to
‘copyright their product’. In reality, all this actually does is create a post
mark on an envelope giving the date upon which the letter or envelope
was sent. The creation date clearly must have been before that time, so
this method is unreliable in support of an unregistered right.
The ACID Design Databank evidences an unregistered right with
the added advantage that the date on the document submission was
verified and received by an independent third party.
If necessary, ACID is able to provide written statements that the
document submission was received on a particular date if the date is
ever challenged in court. ACID has provided statements on behalf of
some members in the past and they have been accepted as evidence by
the court; further highlighting the benefits of using this free service.
It’s often very difficult for copyists to create a compelling audit trail
showing how a design developed from the seed of an idea to the
marketplace; the ACID Design Databank is a free resource for ACID
members to help them do just this.
How to use the ACID Design Databank
Niall Head-Rapson, Head of the IP team at ACID accredited law
firm McDaniel & Co, commented: “The Design Databank is a free
service provided by ACID but it is not the same as registering
designs with the relevant authorities (UK IPO/OHIM), nor does
it act as a substitution for design registration with any of these
governing bodies.
When ACID members submit designs to the ACID Design
Databank, they either sign a form (for postal/email submissions)
or acknowledge terms & conditions (via the website submission
service), which note
the awareness of the
differences between
an official registration
and unregistered rights.
Despite members
acknowledging this
by signing/digitally
accepting the
information, there
are clearly still some
misconceptions, which
need clarification.” g
Further information
Visit the ACID website www.acid.uk.com

spring into action
Discover the best of Wales and more at Wales Spring Fair this January
In brief
show Wales Spring Fair
organiser Venue Cymru
where Venue Cymru,
Llandudno, Wales
when 20 th - 23 rd January, 2013
opening times 9.30am -5.30pm
(9.30am - 4pm
on the last day)
website www.walesspringfair.com
Wales Spring Fair, the country’s premier home
and gift trade show, celebrates its 33rd year in
2013. Taking place once again at Venue Cymru,
Llandudno, the show returns to the beautiful
Victorian seaside town between 20th - 23rd
January, 2013.
Over the years, the show has gained a
worthy reputation for providing fresh ideas
and innovative products to buyers from across
Wales and the rest of the UK. It offers an
unprecedented opportunity for gift retailers to
unearth exciting and original gift products.
Exciting times lie ahead for the Wales Spring
Fair in 2013, with a change in the management
of the show. Organised since its inception
by the Wales Craft Council, from 2013 the
management of the event transfers to Venue
98 giftfocus
Cymru’s in-house events team. With a wealth
of experience arranging a wide variety of
events over many years, the in-house team is
working hard to ensure that the Wales Spring
Fair will continue to run, and indeed grow, over
the coming years.
Most of the show space is already sold, with
key exhibitors from previous years returning
in 2013, including Richard Lang, RBW Group,
Pendragon Wales, S Gregory, GWP UK, 28
Celsius, Pennine Gifts and many more. Several
new exhibitors such as Glyn Coch Studios,
Nestle/Kelly’s Ice Cream and Bespoke Country
have also taken the opportunity to exhibit,
assisting in expanding the profile of the show
further still.
New for 2013 is a free seminar programme
called ‘Surviving the Recession’, covering key
financial and legal issues as well as marketing
and business advice. Grp Llandrillo Menai are
amongst the seminar facilitators and will be
running taster sessions for the highly acclaimed
Mary Portas Retail Academy.
Co-located within the trade show, the Wales
Craft Council will continue to organise its
popular public gallery, providing a showcase
of the best in original art and handmade
craftwork for sale direct to the public and
through galleries.
The show’s new website was launched in
October and will play a key part in a strong
marketing campaign, targeting influential
buyers and decision makers at the same time
as providing a platform to showcase new
products and promote special show offers
to buyers.
For more information on the show and
to register to attend, visit the website
www.walesspringfair.com g

ookshelf
We turn the page on some of the latest gift
books to hit the shelves
Meat London: An Insider’s Guide by
Tom Howells
RRP: £9.95
Format: Paperback
Published by Black Dog Publishing
ISBN: 9781907317880
Meat London: An Insider’s Guide is an
essential book for the meat-lover
living in or visiting London. The book is
divided into concise chapters covering
restaurants and pubs, street food and
butchers from around the city. It caters
for all budgets, tastes and levels of
adventure, whether you’re intending
to eat on the run, settle down a four-course meal or barbeque
your own pig. The book is beautifully illustrated with colour
photographs of both the food and the establishments in which
the meat is served.
Love Italian Food by Maddalena Caruso
RRP: £30
Format: Hardback
Published by Jacqui Small
ISBN: 9781906417758
Maddalena Caruso’s stunning Italian
home provides the backdrop for this
beautiful guide to seasonal Italian
food and a relaxed Mediterranean
lifestyle. Love Italian Food follows the
course of the year, from spring to
winter, with each season sub-divided
thematically. There are 100 mouthwatering
recipes to choose from,
ranging from simple and rustic to
soigné and sophisticated.
100 giftfocus
The Art of Embroidered Butterflies by Jane E. Hall
RRP: £19.99
Format: Hardback
Published by Search Press
ISBN: 9781844485307
Showcasing the exquisite work of Jane E.
Hall, world-renowned textile artist and
embroiderer, this book offers a unique
insight into the methods and materials
she uses to create her beloved butterflies.
The creatures are photographed amongst
the leaves and flowers of their natural
habitats. Jane’s butterfly studies are truly
inspirational, and the book includes
poetic descriptions written by the artist.
CIA’s Most Wanted Dogs by Mark Leigh
RRP: £6.99
Format: Hardback
Published by Summersdale
ISBN: 9781849532952
This gang of bow-wow bandits have one
thing in common – they’re all on the
Canine Intelligence Agency’s most wanted
list. The book introduces the reader to
a series of doggy desperados that have
committed some of the worst crimes,
from aggravated whining to receiving
stolen dog biscuits! A humorous present
for all dog lovers.
The Icecreamists by Matt O’Connor
RRP: £16.99
Format: Hardback
Published by Octopus Publishing
ISBN: 9781845337063
The Icecreamists are passionate about ice cream m
and the business of sin. For the first time their
closely guarded recipes are revealed in simple
recipe formats to allow people to recreate
the authentic experience at home. With a rich
variety of both summer and winter treats, The
Icecreamists have become the by-word for
cutting edge flavours and creations. g

next issue...
Joe Davies
mother's day
Plan ahead for this special occasion
Plus
• Ambiente preview
• Novelty gifts
• Easter
Issue 75
January/February 2013
Available from: 21 st January, 2013
Editorial Deadline: 28 th December, 2013
Advertising Deadline: 4 th January, 2013
Thorntons
natural & organic
Pleasing eco-savvy shoppers
spring fair
Bumper preview of the event
fashion handbags
Eye catching arm candy
chocolate
Stock up on tasty treats
The Green Gables
giftfocus 101
next issue

Win!
A jewellery order from Dew worth £750 RRP
To celebrate the launch of its new fashion
forward autumn 2012 Dew collection, Kit
Heath is offering one lucky Gift Focus reader
the chance to win a £750 order. Created by
the team behind the industry leading Kit Heath
brand, Dew brings you fashion-inspired and
seasonally-refreshed sterling silver and silver
plated jewellery.
Dew features six themed collections,
each showcasing the best sterling silver and
HOW TO ENTER
silver-plated designs for this season:
• Shimmer – Pretty pearls shimmer in
beautiful designs from modern classics to
everyday essentials.
• Sparkle – Cubic zirconia and crystal sterling
silver designs that simply sparkle.
• Spectrum – Every colour of the rainbow
set in great fashion and classic sterling silver
jewellery designs.
• Simply Silver – Sterling silver sculpted into
everyday essentials and great trend pieces.
• Children’s – Bright and cute sterling silver
jewellery pieces perfect for christenings,
bridesmaids and birthdays.
• Silver Plated – From bold to dainty, with
bursts of colour.
The Dew collection is accompanied by
packaging and point of sale, it comes with a no
repeat, minimum order value, boxing service
and next day delivery option. With prices from
as little as £1.35 and seasonal promotions,
Dew proves quality and style doesn’t have to
come at a high price.
To request a catalogue please contact the
company on T: +44 (0)1271 329 123 or
E: sales@kitheath.com g
To be in with a chance of winning a Dew collection order of RRP £750, simply answer the
following question:
How many themed collections feature in Dew?
Enter on-line at www.giftfocus.com before the closing date of 31 st
December, 2012.
Terms and conditions apply. Disclaimer: The winner cannot use any
other promotional offer with this order.
giftfocus 103
competition

subscribe to gift focus
Fill in the form below to receive a regular copy of your
favourite magazine
Gift Focus magazine, the leading trade title
for the giftware industry, is available free of
charge to qualified registered readers. Published
six times a year, Gift Focus contains news on
industry trends, new products and all gift trade
events. Simply fill in the form below and post
Subscription form
Do you work in the giftware industry?
Yes No
Name
Job title
Company name
Address
Postcode
Telephone Facsimile
Email address
Please tick one or more of the boxes below which best describe your business.
Independent Gift Shop Importer
Gift Shop Multiple Mail Order
Garden Centre Agent/Rep
Department Store Manufacturer
Wholesaler/Cash & Carry
Other (Please specify)
Museum/Heritage Outlet
Number of Employees
1- 5 6 -15
16 - 30 31 - 50
51 - 100 101 - 300
301 - 1000 1001 +
Annual Turnover
£0 - £25,000 £25,001 - £50,000
£50,001 - £100,000 £100,001 - £250,000
£250,001 - £1,000,000 £1,000,001 - £5,000,000
£5,000,001 - £10,000,000 £10,000,001 - £50,000,000
£50,000,001 +
Do you wish to receive a free copy of Gift Focus Magazine?
Yes No
Signature
Date
104 giftfocus
to Gift Focus magazine, c/o KD Media
Publishing Ltd, Broseley House, Newlands
Drive, Witham, Essex, CM8 2UL. Alternatively,
photocopy the form and fax to +44 (0)1376
514 555 or register online at the website
www.giftfocus.com.

product showcase
We reveal some of this season’s hottest gifts
Wild and Wolf Scrabble Key Rings
Celebrating everyone’s favourite
board game – did you know over
100 million Scrabble games have
sold in more than 121 countries!
Introducing individually boxed
Scrabble letter key rings. Available
in A-Z and as a mixed POS of
48, two of each letter except Q, U, X, Y (one of each). An addition
to the best-selling Scrabble range which includes A-Z mugs and
cotton cushions, gifts and homeware accessories. RRP from £4.95.
For further information call +44 (0)1225 789909 or visit the
website www.wildandwolf.com
Highland Fling from Katie Alice
The trend for heritage and homegrown
patterns are still coveted in our homes.
Katie has taken this ethos and created
an eclectic collection of stunning
tableware. Inspiration for this collection
came from Katie’s love of rich textured
Scottish fabrics and local tartans. Soft
colours of plum and forest green infuse
the design with warming hues. The
design is enriched with vintage floral
sprays of apricot blossom to soften
the look.
For more information call
+ 44 (0)1536 207710�or email clare.farthing@creative-tops.com
Wild and Wolf Gruffalo’s Child –
Snowy Ceramic Set
A beautifully illustrated three piece
set including a ceramic plate, bowl
and mug.
‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ is the sequel
to the successful ‘Gruffalo’ known
for its charming stories and friendly
characters. This set makes for a
very special Christmas present. An
addition to the popular children’s
gift collection featuring stunning ceramics, playing cards and water
bottle - we have also added a book bag and lunch bag.
For further information call +44 (0)1225 789909 or visit the
website www.wildandwolf.com

all dolled up
Jenny Mustill followed her passion for crafts and as a result,
recently won Best New Product in the Gift section of the
Pulse awards for her successful range of dolls
Jenny Mustill’s many
interests led her
to create the Ruby
Ruth Dolls. “They
are a culmination of
many things that I
love: sewing, clashing
patterns, buttons,
slightly odd bright
colours, vintage things...” she explains. “The
dolls are partly made from recycled fabrics, and
I really like the idea of bringing renewed life to
an old favourite jumper. As a child of the ’80s
I think there is an element of Button Moon to
my dolls.”
Jenny studied Fine Art at Chelsea College of
Art and after graduating, she and a few of her
friends started selling their handmade wares
at a market stall on Brick Lane, east London.
“Amongst my products were very early
examples of what are now Ruby Ruth Doll
characters. Doing the market was a brilliant
106 giftfocus
way to see which designs were most popular
with customers and this helped me to develop
them into what they are today,” she said.
Jenny worked as a studio assistant for
Damien Hirst, making spot and butterfly
paintings in Gloucestershire. “Throughout this
time I continued trading at markets and music
festivals around the country selling dolls. When
I finished at Hirst’s studio I went travelling and
on my return moved to Cornwall, where I
began making dolls full time and concentrated
on developing my business.
“Cornwall has a very big craft scene and
many tourists in the summer, so it was a
perfect place to test out new designs. I think
living there enabled me to really expand on
previous ideas.
“It is such a lovely place to live and work,
and it also has loads of brilliant charity shops,
which is where I used to buy all my fabrics!”
continues Jenny.
Her initial goal was to set up a website and get the dolls into some shops, to help ease the
pain that inevitably comes with early morning
market opening times!
Because of their wide appeal, the dolls now
sell well in a wide range of retail outlets, from
vintage clothes shops to small boutiques to
larger stores. Jenny describes her most recent
collection of characters as “colourful, eccentric,
retro and weird!”
She is currently designing a new range
of products and hoping to do a stop frame
animation using the dolls. She has been very
busy since exhibiting at Pulse earlier this year,
where she won Best New Product in the Gift
section of the awards.
Jenny’s plans for the future are to build on
the successes of the business so far and bring
the dolls into the digital age with animation. “I
would also like to increase website sales and
bring out a whole new product range.”
For further information visit the website,
www.rubyruthonline.com g