With February’s Spring Fair and Ambiente getting ready to open their doors, Portmeirion Group’s sales and marketingdirector Phil Atherton invited PG&H to the company’s Stoke-on-Trent showroom to take a peek at the key new launches.
A very happy New Year to you Phil! Twelve months into Portmeirion Group’s four year growth strategy, are you feeling optimistic about 2019?
“Yes, I’m feeling very optimistic and excited. While being realistic about the risks that everything relating to Brexit could create, there are still lots of opportunities out there, including plenty of new markets.”
Can you tell us about the company’s brand new launches for Spring/Summer please?
“There are three collections – Botanic Garden Harmony (Portmeirion), Atrium (Portmeirion) and Kingsley (Spode). Complementing the new ranges will be a range of home fragrance products from Wax Lyrical, among the largest British manufacturers of home fragrance – acquired by Portmeirion in 2016 – which is playing an increasingly large and integrated role in the Portmeirion Group portfolio. Line extensions too, are a big part of our offer, to include Sara Miller London, Sophie Conran and Wrendale Designs.”
What has influenced the designs in terms of new ceramic collections?
“They have been heavily influenced by the current trend to bring the outside in – a huge trend for 2019 – while remaining steeped in each of the three brand’s individual heritage.”
What else is defining this season’s launches?
“Gifting remains at the heart of our offer. Our objective has been to make all of our packaging more giftable, from a plate to a trinket box. Plus, with Christmas 2019 in mind, we have substantially increased our range of giftable baubles, building on the success of Christmas 2018.”
What advice would you offer to independent gift retailers this year?
“To always have a point of difference.”
What are you especially looking forward to over the coming season?
“I’m looking forward to Spring Fair and Ambiente, and to seeing the reaction we get to our new launches, particularly from the Far East and Asian markets. It’s the first time that we’ve had so many UK launches as part of our overall marketing plan. It gives us huge opportunities to grow our UK volumes.”
And finally, have you made any New Year resolutions?
“Yes, to look after myself more! Fortunately, I’m reasonably fit, but I want to improve on that.”
Do you think that’s a resolution you’re going to keep?
“Ask me again at Ambiente!”
Top: Botanic Garden Harmony, one of three new collections from Portmeirion Group.
