With just two days to go, the countdown to Christmas is in its final week, with gift retailers up and down the country hopefully hearing those festive tills jingling! To discover how the festive season was shaping up for independents in mid December, read Countdown To Christmas (click through to page 9).
With more and more people getting the message to ‘shop local’, 2019 revealed a brighter side to the year for some retailers, with several independents opening new stores (click through to pages 7-19) and people actively reducing their carbon footprint. With consumers seeking out sustainable goods too, independent gift retailers have been in a strong position to react to a changing market place. With all of this in mind, we asked a cross-section of gift shops to share their 2019 ‘positives’ with us (click through to pages 23-25).
Elsewhere in the magazine, we take a look at what’s changing and what’s trending in the reed diffuser market place (click through to pages 43-47); find out what will be ‘brand’ new on the licensing front this Spring (click through to pages 59-61); what continues to drive the collectables market place (click through to page 63) as well as why Belly Button Designs is excited to be celebrating its 25th milestone anniversaryin 2020 (click through to page 51).
We also talked to Stoneglow about what will be taking the company forward in 2020 (click through to pages 39-41); and with Mother’s Day the next big gifting occasion after Christmas, get ahead of the gameby discovering what’s new for 2020 (click through to pages 55-57). Plus, if you want to know what’s buzzing on the trends front, we give you the lowdown (click through to page 37)! Meanwhile, for those looking for a quick re-cap of the past 12 months, turn to A Year in Gifts (click through to pages 27-29).
And finally, with six weeks to go to the closing date of January 31, 2020, we’re on the look-out for the ‘greatest of the great’ in gift retail! The Greats 2020 Gift Retailer Awards, now in their 18th milestone year, give UK gift retailers of all shapes and sizes the opportunity to shine, to be recognised and to be rewarded. We know that there are some great, forward thinking retailers out there. So if you’re a gift retailer who has put your all into taking your store to another level in 2019, we can’t wait to hear from you! (Click through to pages 31-33). Email suem@max-publishing.co.uk
We’re also on the lookout for nominations from the gift industry – manufacturers, suppliers, agents and reps – who are at the sharp end of gift retail. For the full lowdown, visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk and make it a ‘must’ to read A ‘Greats’ Opportunity. (Click through to pages 31-33).
Meanwhile, deadlines are fast approaching for Progressive Gifts & Home’s February issue – which comes out pre-Spring Fair. The bumper issue turns the spotlight on candles and home fragrancing; jewellery & fashion accessories; nursery and children’s gifts; sustainable gifts and much, much more, so DON’T MISS OUT! Contact Angie Bryant today! E: angieb@max-publishing.co.uk
Wishing all our readers a wonderful Christmas and a very happy and successful New Year!
Sue Marks Angie Bryant
Editor Advertisement Manager
E: suem@max-publishing.co.uk E: angieb@max-publishing.co.uk
Top: The bumper January 2020 issue of Progressive Gifts & Home is out now.
