Harrogate Home & Gift (21-14 July) will see the re-launch of Belly Button Designs’ giftware, (DP1-B63), with creative director and ‘boss lady’ Rachel Hare emphasising how excited the company is to be back at the show.
“We are showcasing our Borosilicate glass mugs – a finalist in this year’s Gift of The Year competition – make-up mirrors, handbag pouch bags, earrings and socks,” highlights Rachel. “New ceramic lines include large jugs and smaller pick-up items such as tokens and trinket dishes. Plus, there are some luxury notebooks too, with newness in our home fragrance lines.”
The company will also be showcasing Belly Button’s full Christmas gifting collection, as well as a sneak ‘newness’ peek at the January 2025 launches.
Special customers have been invited to the stand for a luxe goodie bag containing some of the new lines to help celebrate the launch.
Belly Button’s giftware business was initially set up seven years ago. “It was primarily gift bags roll wrap and ceramic mugs,” explains Rachel. “I have always had a desire to use the unique, beautiful designs we produce across more product and that was the simple idea really. We had a good idea of what giftware categories we would like to develop, as we have experience of buying for our own shops, and have also spent 25 years at card and giftware shows, so I felt it was a realistic transition.”
Continues Rachel: “Of course, things always appear easier, and along with Covid, and the many hurdles thrown at us, I really needed to drive the change in direction that I wanted the giftware business to take. Having trading as a very successful greeting card company for the last 30 years gives the brand strength, and our independent customers, who are at the core of both businesses, are who we are initially targeting.”
Rachel says that sustainability has always been a focus for Belly Button. “I felt that as a buyer myself, there could be a gap in the market for design-led sustainable giftware. We also knew that our pricing and lead times would need to be competitive. Margins are tough in gifting, and we would be the ‘new kid on the block’ as far as gifting goes in a tough retail climate. It’s important that retailers understand we have something new and different to offer.
“However, once I knew we could offer it, it was exciting and I could begin my favourite job – the designing! I set about developing new categories and expanding existing ones with the help of a special team of people. The inspiration was easy – I just had to look to our card designs!”
Adds Rachel: “My daughter Daisy is returning to work as part of the sales team – I had her with me as a baby on the stand many years ago! – so it’s a big team effort this year.”
Home & Gift is taking place at the Harrogate Convention Centre and grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Majestic Hotel. For the full A-Z of exhibitors, and to register, visit www.homeandgift.co.uk.
Top: A peek at part of the brand new Belly Button giftware range which will be showcased at Harrogate Home & Gift.
