Welcome to the October/November issue of Progressive Gifts & Home that’s buzzing with the latest insightful industry news, views, trends and new product launches.
With Christmas well and truly underway for gift shops, one issue that all retailers will be keeping an eagle on is shoplifting. With shoplifters becoming more fearless than ever, click through to pages 19-21 to find out how gift retailers are tackling this escalating crime.
Meanwhile, which products are trending for the festive season? One sector that’s continuing to go from strength to strength is pet gifts, with presents for much loved furry friends – and their owners – sure to be high on gift lists. Click through to pages 31-33 for some of the latest treats.
Plus, with Mother’s Day the second biggest gift giving occasion of the year, and ‘mum’ the word on many a gift, we put a focus on gifts for this much-loved gift giving occasion. A bit early to be talking about it? Not at all say suppliers, who are already stacking up orders. Click through to pages 39-41.
On the retail front, we hear from Greats 2024 winners Soni Ahmed and Samantha Rose, co-owners of gift Maia Gifts in Glasgow, about how an ice cream parlour with gifts, which opened 15 years ago, has become a ‘must visit’ destination gift store in Glasgow’s city centre. Click through to pages 36-37.
Additionally, the Style Sisters have been adding a touch of glamour to Tesco’s Home department this season with co-founders Gemma Lily and Charlotte Reddington giving an exclusive interview to Progressive Gifts & Home at the recent Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) show. To find out more about the inspiration behind the range, click through to page 27.
Plus, there’s still time for suppliers to enter the Gift of the Year 2025, organised by The Giftware Association. Click through to pages 46-47 to read more about the competition which has helped to propel numerous brands to the next level.
Elsewhere in the issue, Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association, takes a look at the new packaging legislation coming into force in January 2025 (click through to page 23). We’re also delighted to welcome a brand new PG&H columnist, Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Bert’s in Colchester, who is full of the Christmas spirit! (Metaphorically of course!). Click through to page 25 to hear what’s in store.
Plus, there’s all the very latest, up-to-the-minute news, to include the lowdown on the key January and February trade shows. Click through to pages 7-15.
And finally, we’re very proud to announce that PG&H’s October/November issue launches The Greats Awards 2025 – the fabulous gift retailer awards that are now in their 23rd year! To find out how to enter, click through to page 7. If you’d like to see your shop’s name on a Greats trophy next May, we’d love to hear from you!
To read the full issue of Progressive Gifts & Home October/November 2024 click here.
Enjoy reading!
Sue
Sue Marks, Editor
Progressive Gifts & Home | www.GiftsandHome.net
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