Welcome to the July issue of Progressive Gifts & Home that’s buzzing with the latest insightful news, views, trends and new product launches.
For many of us in the industry, the buzzword now is Harrogate Home & Gift, which is taking place from 21-24 July. Four busy, buzzy days of buying, networking and socialising await as gift buyers head to Harrogate to kick off their autumn/winter and Christmas buying. Click through to pages 34-35 for the full lowdown.
Highlights this year include a bigger show footprint and a bigger Design Point 1, plus insights into the next season’s trends from The Better Trends Company. There’s lots more about Home & Gift too, from our columnist Libby Holden, owner of Lovely Libby’s in Rayleigh. Click through to page 33 to see how Libby is approaching the show this year.
In the shorter term, the ongoing shipping crisis is currently uppermost in the industry’s mind, affecting both suppliers and retailers. How will it impact stock in the run-up to the festive season? Will companies absorb the significantly higher costs, or pass them on? We asked five leading suppliers for their views and their advice to retailers. Click through to pages 21-23.
Meanwhile, it was great to spend time with Alan Bushnell, group managing director of department store Elphicks in Farnham, and group buyer Sandie Jenkins. Elphicks was the winner of The Greats Best Department Store Gift Retailer category in May, with gifts one of the store’s fastest growing categories over the past 12 months. To find out what’s driving sales, click through to pages 27-29.
Plus, Mark Rees, owner of nine Henry & Co stores, and the Henry & Co Home Fragrance company, reveals his ambitious plans for taking the fragrance side forward. Click through to pages 30-31. For more about home fragrance and what’s trending, click through to pages 57-59 to find out what will be on the shelves this autumn/winter.
As for jewellery and fashion accessories, leading suppliers reveal it’s all about colour, colour, colour! Click through to pages 67-69 for a peek at the newest launches. Other recent trend forecasts come from Phil Pond at Scarlett Opus, who was speaking at the Exclusively show in June. His colour predictions reveal bright joyous hues, so think zesty yellow and green in every shade.
Elsewhere in this issue, Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association, explains how the GA can help companies to take those early steps into the international space. Click through to page 25. Plus, take a dip into the GA’s Education resources. Click through to pages 62-63.
But first, click through to pages 9-17 for the most up to date industry news, plus much else besides.
Here at Progressive Gifts & Home, we’re counting down the days to Harrogate, with Ali Farrell and I looking forward to walking the aisles and to socialising with everyone at the Sundowners drinks party on Sunday 21 July, which, this year, is sponsored by Progressive Gifts & Home. We can’t wait to clink glasses with everyone, and also to discover the Gift of the Year’s People’s Choice winner, who will be announced on the night!
To read the full issue of Progressive Gifts & Home July/August 2024 click here.
Enjoy reading, and see you in Harrogate!
Sue
Sue Marks, Editor
Progressive Gifts & Home | www.GiftsandHome.net
