Welcome to the January 2024 issue of Progressive Gifts & Home that’s buzzing with the latest insightful industry news, views, trends and new product launches.
Organised by The Giftware Association, the inaugural Women In Gifts event was an incredibly motivating day, with inspirational speakers and some amazing women in the room. Click through to pages 13, 29 and 31 for the full lowdown.
For Jason Billings-Cray, gift and card buyer at John Lewis, serendipity was definitely in the air, with an article he read in the company’s magazine – while working at Waitrose as a student – kicking off his buying career with the John Lewis Partnership. Click through to pages 32-33 to hear more about Jason’s journey.
Meanwhile for Claire Sowden and Paul Banyard, co-founders of Cotton & Grey, a gift for a friend during the pandemic led to the couple starting a new business in 2021 which is continuing to go from strength to strength. Click through to pages 38-39 to discover how they did it.
On the product front, with home still the main focus for many people, we take a look at what’s trending in decorative home accessories – click through to pages 48-49 – and also spotlight the massive trend that is wellness, with our bath and body article revealing some of the products that will be on the shelves for Spring/Summer. Click through to pages 57-59.
Elsewhere in the issue, our columnist Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh, shares her festive cheer in the run-up to Christmas – click through to page 41 – and industry stalwart Andrew Illingworth looks back on his time in the gift industry, spanning some 45 years. Click through to pages 62-63.
With a tranche of trade shows on their way in January – click through to pages 11-19 – we highlight Harrogate Christmas & Gift – click through to pages 42-43, and Top Drawer – click through to page 53, as well as Giving & Living and Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, along with Spring Fair and Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld which are taking place in February.
Of course, 2024 is sure to have its challenges, but there will be opportunities too, with leading names in the industry making their predictions. Click through to pages 35-37. Plus, for all the very latest industry news and views, click through to pages 11-19.
And finally, I couldn’t be more excited to fanfare The Greats gift retailer awards 2024! Click through to pages 11, 23 and 25. The competition, which has a closing date of 20 February, 2024, is well underway now, with an entry form enclosed with this issue, so don’t delay if you’d like to enter or if you’d like to nominate an outstanding retailer. Entries and nominations can be emailed to me direct at suem@max-publishing.co.uk. For more details visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk
Enjoy reading PG&H, and wishing you all an amazing Christmas and the happiest and healthiest of New Years! Looking forward to seeing you all at the January trade shows.
To read the full issue of Progressive Gifts & Home January 2024, click here.
Enjoy reading!
Sue
Sue Marks
Editor
Progressive Gifts & Home / www.GiftsandHome.net
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