With many of us already ‘out of office’, and just two days to go until Christmas, GiftsandHome.net would like to take this opportunity to wish all our fantastic readers a wonderful festive break! We will be taking some time out over the Christmas and New Year period too, returning on Wednesday 4 January 2023 to bring you all the latest festive news.
We know that it’s been another challenging year for everyone – suppliers, retailers, reps and agents – with the second half of 2022 especially, filled with constant uncertainty, not least the very real concerns about the cost-of-living crisis and a drop in consumer spend.
Despite this, as always, we have been constantly impressed with the industry’s determination, tenacity and positivity. Once again, this year has been a testament to the resilience and true grit of the gift industry, with many gift independents holding their nerve for a last minute, late Christmas.
Thank you all so much for being such a big a part of what we do. We couldn’t bring you GiftsandHome.net or Progressive Gifts & Home without your fantastic input. So going into 2023, please continue to send in your news, views and opinions.We definitely want to hear from you!
Meanwhile, before we finally tuck into the mince pies, here’s a round up of who did what this year . . .
The fabulous winners of The Greats Awards 2022, (organised by Max Publishing), and the Gift of the Year Awards, (organised by The Giftware Association), were crowned at London’s glittering Royal Lancaster hotel on May 12, at the inaugural The Greats Awards which united both sides of the gift industry – retailers and products.
Other award winners this year included Louise Welsby, managing director of creative agency Buy-From, and chair of The Giftware Association’s National Committee, and Meg Hawkins, gift and homewares watercolour artist and designer. Both triumphed at the Woman Who Achieves Awards.
Also taking home a trophy was Jo Williams, owner of Joco in Nuneaton, who was crowned Retailer of the Year at the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Awards.
On the sustainability front, St. Eval and Talking Tables both received B Corp accreditation.
Several gift retailers opened new shops during 2022, to include Lark, who expanded their London portfolio; Brocante, which opened a sixth store in Perranporth; KeepSakes, which opened a fifth store in Ayr, and Maybugs, which opened a third store in Bexhill-on-Sea.
On the acquisition front, Jatania Holdings bought Sock Academy; online retailer Prezzybox was bought by Gift Universe, and Moonpig acquired gifting experience Buy A Gift. Plus, The Giftware Association took over the operations, management and membership activities of the Creative Industries Association (CIA).
There were anniversaries aplenty of course, including retailer Williams of Audlemwhich celebrated 160 years; Candlelight, which celebrated 50 years; Classic Canes, and lifestyle retailer Etcetera in Hitchin, which both celebrated 40 years; Shrieking Violet, which celebrated 20 years, and Miss Milly, which celebrated 10 years.
As we head into 2023, we can’t wait to continue to bring you all the most up-to-the-minute industry news, and look forward to seeing you all at the January shows.
Wishing all our readers a wonderful Christmas and a very happy, healthy and successful 2023!
Sue Marks & Ali Farrell
suem@max-publishing.co.uk / alisonf@max-publishing.co.uk
