 |
| OUT NOW |
 |
|
|
| Find out more about the latest industry news and product launches in the current issue of Gift Focus. Why not download the magazine in PDF format from www.giftfocus.com? |
 |
| |
January show previews
Kick start 2012 with the best in retail buying
|
Handmade
Products with personality plus
|
Not a penny more
Hit the sweet spot with gifts for under £10
|
All the trimmings
Fabulous fashion accessories
|
Valentine's Day
Stocking up for a love story in store
|
Sales tips
How to keep customers coming back for more
|
The bugs and the bees
A honey pot of delights with creepy crawlie chic
|
Carried away
Latest innovations in travel goods
|
| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
| |
| Next Issue Out |
| 16th January 2012 |
| Business groups welcome Mary Portas high street rescue plan |
| |
 |
| |
Retail expert Mary Portas has come up with a rescue plan for the nation's high streets, which includes the appointment of a minister for shops.
Her independent report for the Government on the decline of town centres says years of neglect, out-of-town retail development, the stranglehold of supermarkets and the growth of online shopping have left may areas "dying".
Her 28 key recommendations include:
- The appointment of a minister for shops
- Town teams to champion the high street
- Business rate concessions for entrepreneurs
- Use of empty stores for gyms, creches and bingo halls to breathe new life into ailing communities
- A national market day to draw shoppers into town centres
- A parking league table so shoppers can compare charges
The findings of the Portas review have been largely welcomed by business and retail groups.
Dr Neil Bentley, CBI deputy director-general commented: "The Portas Review makes some sensible suggestions about how we can inject life back into town centres, including increased use of Business Improvement Districts and relaxing panning restrictions on the high street, in particular on change of use.
"More importantly, she recognises the growing burden business rates are placing on companies right across the country at a critical time.
"We need to make sure the UK remains attractive to investors as it's their decisions that will ultimately lead to regeneration of our town centres. Any changes to the planning and business rate regimes must therefore encourage investment in the broadest sense, and not just rob Peter to pay Paul."
Richard Perks, retail director of independent market intelligence provider Mintel, described the thrust of the report as "very sensible". Although he argued that the high street was "certainly not in terminal decline" he agreed that Mary Portas was "absolutely spot on" when she said that to survive high streets needed more investment.
"Ideas such as more markets are excellent because they add more excitement to the high street. No one owes a retailer a living. No one owes a high street a living. Consumers go where they are best served and that is as true of retailers as it is of high streets. A high street that gets no investment has no future," he added.
The British Independent Retailers Association (bira) welcomed common sense solutions and warned that the decline had to be arrested first by tackling the three Ps:
Parking - punitive parking rates
Property - upward only rent reviews
Planning - to make the Town Centre First principle more than just an empty phrase
Deputy chief executive Michael Weedon said: "Towns grew organically as part of the local economic and social ecology. They have been damaged and are still being damaged. Stop the damage first and Mary's town teams might stand a chance in helping high streets thrive, rather than fighting a rearguard action against the pain that is being inflicted on them through Parking, Property and Planning." |
| Be first in line |
| |
 |
| |
The January 2012 edition of Top Drawer London promises to be an inspirational showcase, geared to help retailers stay one step ahead of the competition.
Held right at the start of the year it gives buyers chance to preview the trends for the new buying season ahead and bag the latest design-led products.
Incorporating fashion, gifts, greetings, home accessories, jewellery and more, retailers can stock up on new lines exhibited by a mix of new young design talent, established designermakers as well as UK and international brands.
Top names like Wild and Wolf and Jan Constantine are just some of the key names in the line up of around 700 hand-selected exhibitors. Suppliers offering products,
combining great design with commercial appeal are picked to offer the best of the bunch, all presented within the creative hub of London.
The show takes place at Earls Court One, London from 15th to 17th January 2012. Visit the website www.topdrawer.co.uk for further details and to pre-register. |
 |
| |
| Subscription is FREE to all qualified buyers. Complete our quick online application form now |
|
|
|
| Ring in the new |
|
With Christmas over and the January sales now well underway, let's hope for some positive news from the high street to kick start 2012.
The forecasts are not particularly cheery and undoubtedly the retail climate will continue to be tough in the months ahead, but despite the hardships there will be some winners to emerge from the lucrative festive season. Those most likely to have cashed in are the ones on top of their game, with the right product offering in line with consumer demand and latest trends, those offering great customer service, a welcoming and rewarding experience, well-stocked shelves and eye-catching displays.
Making the most of multi-channel retailing, tapping into social media and keeping abreast of all the latest developments in new technology are also key.
In this edition we provide a valuable insight into one of the most recent innovations - QR codes and how they are likely to shape the face of retail in the future. Our business experts also advise on a host of other topical issues including intellectual property rights and how to build a solid customer base.
Keeping up to date with latest trends and new product lines is crucial. For those looking for inspiration we showcase a fabulous array of new products covering everything from fashion accessories to fair trade products, latest travel goods, great gifts for under £10 and fun ideas for Valentine's Day.
Our special feature looks at the burgeoning handmade sector, spotlighting original pieces with personality plus. With consumers increasingly looking for something different, products with provenance and a story to tell, this is a sector well-worth tapping into.
The year ahead will present a stream of fresh retail opportunities with not only the the London 2012 Olympics on the calendar but the Queen's Diamond Jubilee as well.
The country will be awash with red, white and blue and in this issue we flag up just some of the commemorative and patriotic lines available to make the most of the occasion.
We also preview all the leading January shows including Top Drawer London and Home, the brand new retail trade show from Clarion Events.
See you there!
 |
| Sarah Reeve, Editor |
| |
| Make sure you email editor@giftfocus.com to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Time to celebrate |
| |
 |
| |
Get set for a riot of red, white and blue in 2012 with nationwide celebrations to mark Her Majesty The Queen's 60th year as monarch. A calendar of events is being planned centring around an official Jubilee weekend from 2nd to 5th June.
To mark the historic occasion Lesser & Pavey has created a new, high-quality, commemorative range. Pieces include fine china display plates, 4.5" and 6", with an image of the Queen; a right royal cup and saucer and teapot; a York mug and coaster, a Windsor mug, fine china or bone china mugs and a travel mug; Jubilee tray, shopping bag, coaster set, paperweight, magnets and keyring; bone china trinket box and bell. Most items are presented in gift boxing.
To find out more visit the website www.leonardo.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)1322 279 225. |
| One-stop-shop |
| |
 |
| |
There's more to Christmas & Gift, Harrogate than baubles and tinsel, it's a one-stop-shop for all occasions.
Buyers of novelties and gifts, as well as exciting new ranges for the home and garden are in for a real treat at the 2012 edition.
Six halls of the Harrogate International Centre will be packed with the latest and best products from artificial Christmas trees and lighting to decorations, gifts, floral, garden products, toys, furniture and more, making it a not-to-be-missed event for anyone looking for diverse and quality new retail lines.
The show takes place from 15th to 18th January 2012. To find out more visit the website www.harrogatefair.com. |
| Home of time new watch range |
| |
 |
| |
Yarto has signed a Royal Observatory Greenwich supply and distribution agreement for a brand new range of watches.
Britain's historic Royal Observatory Greenwich is home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian line. Yarto has been awarded an exclusive worldwide licence to supply and distribute watches in the UK and overseas. The watches - set to retail at between £85 and £300 - are expected to be with stockists in spring 2012.
The Meridian timeline will be engraved on the buckle of each timepiece, with an official Royal Observatory Greenwich endorsement on the reverse.
The range will include chronographs; classic, dual time and GMT watches, slim and fashion models, as well as limited editions - all made of either titanium or stainless steel and with high quality mechanical and quartz movements.
Yarto boss Michael Grant, a former chairman of The Giftware Association, is now seeking distributors and stockists in Britain and around the world.
He said: "As a British company Yarto is both honoured and delighted to be associated with the Royal Observatory Greenwich. This unique range of watches is an exciting addition to our portfolio."
For further information telephone +44 (0)208 954 2661 or visit the website www.yarto.com |
 |
| |
| Think a colleague or friend in the industry might want to receive this email and receive future newsletters? To forward this email to a friend click here |
|
|
|
 |
| |
| Take a look at our regularly updated Find a Supplier feature on our website where you find profiles, photographs and contact information from all our current magazine advertisers. |
| |
 |
| |
| For all gift retailers... |
| New Licensing Lounge at Spring Fair |
| |
 |
| |
A brand new area dedicated to the world of licensing is being introduced at Spring Fair International 2012.
Five key licensing agencies and brand owners, including Nickelodeon, Turner CN Enterprises and BBC Worldwide, are to sponsor the Licensing Lounge, which will be surrounded by toys, games and children's gifts in Hall 3 of the exhibition, a key sector for the lucrative character licensing market.
In addition, the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA) UK will have a dedicated table in the lounge with a team of experts on hand to answer questions on licensing and merchandising. LIMA is the world's leading trade association for the licensing industry, whose members include licensees, retailers and brand owners.
Sponsors will use the space to display licensed merchandise available to the industry and hold meetings with prospective and existing licensees, as well as retailers interested in stocking the branded merchandise on display. The feature will be as open and inclusive as possible, accessible to all visitors attending the exhibition.
Exhibition organiser Emap Connect says as the largest annual showcase of licensed products in the UK and headline sponsor of The Licensing Awards, Spring Fair International provides an ideal backdrop for the licensing community to conduct business.
SFI 2012 takes place at Birmingham's NEC from 5th to 9th February.
|
| Free wireless internet access at Messe Frankfurt fairs |
| |
 |
| |
Leading trade fair organiser Messe Frankfurt is introducing free wireless internet access at all its Frankfurt shows.
The free service will be available throughout the exhibition grounds at all of Messe Frankfurt's own events, starting in January 2012.
"Messe Frankfurt is the first German organiser to provide its visitors and exhibitors with free WiFi services throughout its site," says managing director Dr Andreas Winckler.
Free internet access means international visitors will be able to avoid often expensive roaming charges from their mobile providers.
Messe Frankfurt will continue to offer customised WiFi solutions for exhibitors requiring greater bandwidths at their stands.
Digital services such as apps including the complete exhibitor catalogue, hallpans and up-to-the-minute information on current fairs, have been offered by the company since 2010 to complement all its own events.
"Free access to the internet makes it even easier to use these complementary services," adds Dr Winckler. |
| Macef 2012: Design the future |
| |
 |
| |
Preparations are in full swing for the 92nd edition of Macef, the international home show in Milan, Italy.
Following the success of the autumn edition, which reported a 10.5% increase in visitors, the show is looking to consolidate its role as a leader in the world of home design.
Organisers have confirmed the traditional show formula but with new and important initiatives. January will also mark the return of important Italian and international brands. The show takes place from 26th to 29th January, 2012.
To find out more visit the website www.macef.it |
|
|
