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Coming to Sydney in February, wrap yourself in love with Intrinsic’s dreamy collection of soulful scarves.

You’ll be floating in a colourful haze with these 100 per cent fine cotton scarves made in magical India.

With boho-style patterns, a touch of gold, and on-trend tassels, your customers will be swishing around town and leaving a trail of colour wherever they go.

Each of the nine scarves features meaningful words synonymous with Intrinsic, including Soul Dreamer, Hello Gorgeous, Happiness and Dare to Dream.

As an added extra, each scarf comes with its own coordinating swing tag with an inspirational quote by Intrinsic’s co-founder and wordsmith Adèle Basheer―adding to its gift-giving appeal.

Basheer is loving the initial success of Intrinsic’s first venture into textiles.

“Our design team spent over 300 hours translating our paper designs onto the scarves, and the results are simply stunning,” she says.

“Feedback from fans has been really heartwarming―they are just so excited to finally be able to wear Intrinsic. Even retailers have commented to us on the quality and soft feel of the scarves. They’re loving how our new collection adds a colourful and eye-catching point of difference to their displays.

“I love that people are putting their own spin for how touse the scarves; draped around the neck, tying hair up, worn as a top or sarong, laid on grass or the beach, or as the perfect travel scarf―the options are endless,” she says.

With a vision to infuse the world with positivity, Australian-owned and Adelaide-based Intrinsic designs colourful and uplifting gifts ranging from stationery, homewares, travel accessories, diaries, greeting cards and many other treasures that have attracted a loyal and growing fan base for over 20 years.

Intrinsic’s scarves are approximately 210cm in length and 70cm wide, and wholesale for $22.72 each.

See the latest ranges from Intrinsic at AGHA Sydney Gift Fair, 23-26 February 2019.

Huge numbers of retail business owners are incorporating innovative pet products into their stores.

Did you know Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world at 60 per cent? Indeed, our four legged friends have become an integral part of our lives as we include them in everyday family activities.

As pets become increasingly humanised, households are spending more money on them in the form of premium food, dietary supplements and vitamins, pet accessories and treats. In fact, 88 per cent of households spend more than $12 billion a year on caring for them!

However, lifestyle choices mean that pet owners now have less time to spend with their animals. Therefore, they tend to spend more money to keep them happy and healthy. Industry revenue is projected to increase at an annualised 3.2 per cent over the five years through 2022-23 to $2.9 billion.

Let’s have a look at this growing industry sector.

Only the best

For some pet owners it’s not enough to give their pets toys, treats and lots of cuddles, they want premium products for the most important furry friend in their life! We’re talking pet spas, designer clothes and expensive toys.

According to an IBISWorld report on pets and pet retailers, the industry has been expanding its range of products and services to benefit from owners’ willingness to pamper their pets. As pet owners seek out premium foods, high quality pet accessories and specialist pet care advice, they are increasingly choosing specialty pet care retailers who are leveraging trends favouring one-stop shopping experiences.

Dog and cat clothing has grown more popular, including designer lines and seasonal costumes for Halloween and Christmas. Elaborate cat accessories, such as water fountains and deluxe scratching posts, have also gained popularity. Baby boomers (with grown-up kids) and millennial consumers in particular are increasingly spoiling their pets.

There has also been rise of the pet parent phenomenon as doting pet owners increasingly grant their four-legged friends family member status. To this end, to ensure their pets’ health, happiness and wellbeing, they have been prepared to spend higher sums on thing like matching collar and coat outfits, jewellery that can be used as collars or in conjunction with collars, beds and even tepees for dogs. They are also increasingly celebrating their pets’ birthdays and giving them presents at Christmas.

The wellness factor

As consumers are becoming increasingly concerned with what they are putting into their bodies, this concern extends to their pets as well. According to an IBISWorld report, health and wellness trends have affected Australia’s increasingly pampered pet population, with owners taking a more holistic approach to the health and wellbeing of their pets.

Besides buying healthy treats and premium food, they are also getting more active with their four legged friends. This opens up a market for practical and stylish gear to encourage people to get out and enjoy their walk or run with their pets!

 

 

Sometimes small is better

Ongoing urbanisation developments will also shape future pet ownership trends. As Australians increasingly live in small units and high-rise apartments, the IBISWorld report anticipates that the number of pet fish, birds and cats will increase over the next five years, as inner-city dwellers seek low-maintenance pets that do not require a backyard.

Consumers will also increasingly favour smaller dog breeds as owners seek to downsize both their living space and pets. Furthermore, smaller breeds tend to live longer.

Rescue me

Lifestyle factors have also influenced where a pet is initially acquired from, with a public backlash against puppy farms affecting the purchase of pets from pet stores. A growing number of consumers are instead opting to adopt pets from pounds and animal shelters.

As most of these animals have been through a tough time, pet owners want to make sure their new furry family members get everything they need and spoil them with treats, toys and comfortable doggy beds.

Now you see me

Many dog owners have to leave their beloved furry friends at home for extended periods of time when they have to go to work, so they want to make sure they are safe while left on their own.

Internet-connected video cameras are popular so they can keep an eye on them and see what their pets get up to when they close the door behind them.

There is even talk of digital screen technology that allows you to talk to your pet while you are at work to keep them company!

Click here to register to attend AGHA Sydney Gift Fair, February 23-26 2019. 

If you are a supplier of quality pet products, click here to exhibit your pet brand.

 

 

Smart home products and systems are making huge gains in the gift and homewares market.

The smart home is not just something that might happen in the future anymore, it’s here, now, and it is here to stay. We are all about connection and being connected 24/7.

While in markets like the US smart technology is much more advanced than in Australia―statistics show 25 per cent of US home owners live in a smart home which will more than double in five years’ time― we finally have come to terms with the smart home concept and that it is not as scary as people think. In fact, it will only make people’s life easier!

So why should retailers and wholesalers pay attention to this growing category? We look at some smart trends making their way down under.

DIY is popular again

Smart technology is enabling consumers to become master chefs and bartenders in their own homes.

There are drink makers that automate the creation of cocktails or multi-cookers that take the consumer through creating a meal automatically, step-by-step. Or how about those beer brewer kits that are flying off the shelves? These smart products are practical and still add some fun to the kitchen!

Grow your own

In line with the wellbeing trend, growing your own fruit and vegetables is not only outdoors but indoors as well! App-controlled smart microgardens, for example, now allow consumers to produce their own food using less water and electricity, so besides a healthy lifestyle and conserving resources.

Hydration is another trend that incorporates smart technology with bottles telling us our water intake, how much more to go before we reach our daily limit.

There is an app for everything

Most of us have a smart phone and if we could we would use it 24/7. We use it to buy products search the web and read information but most of all to stay connected.

These days, with the help of smart technology, we can use an app to turn on the coffee machine so that all important caffeine hit is waiting for us, we can turn on the lights before we get home or keep an eye on our home with an advanced security system, all controlled via an app!

Smart phones are also used during shopping. For example, Zara used AR to create attention-grabbing window displays that came to life when shoppers pointed their smartphone loaded with the Zara app at the windows. They could also click through to shop the latest collection.

Dulux’s ‘ColourView’ app feature shows users what certain Dulux paint colours would look like in their home. Users can browse 4,000 different paint colours and get an accurate projection of what the finished product would look like.

Baby, baby, baby

We talk a lot about the smart home and the smart kitchen but what about the smart nursery? Devices such as baby monitors and trackers now use AI and apps are part of a baby tech boom taking the world by storm. Besides keeping an eye on your little one, they sing lullabies, change lights and even alert parents when it’s time for a diaper change!

There are also ‘smart nannies’ that help new parents when their kids need to eat or sleep, while smart thermometers make sure the room temperature is just right or needs to be adjusted.

Talk to me

First there was Siri, then we had Alexa, a voice enabled device for the home that controls anything from the lights, to thermostats and music, and even security.

Indeed, creating your own security system with the help of Alexa or Google Home makes it easier to keep an eye on your home as it will combine alarms, lighting and cameras or will help you with something simple like locking the doors―all with the sound of your voice!

Get a piece of the market

Smart home technology is an exciting new retail buying category at AGHA Sydney Gift Fair, 23-26 February 2019.

Starting a new business is exciting and terrifying at the same time. While it’s great to follow your passion and do what you love, it’s important to get your product out there and be noticed!

By offering dedicated exhibition space at a subsidised price, this fantastic opportunity gives emerging businesses the chance to meet new customers, network with leading brands and ask industry experts the right questions, all in one place!

We had a chat to 3 first-time exhibitors about their new business and why they decided to be part of The Launch Pad.

Nadine Burger, Hippo Studio Australia, Stand 4F1

What inspired you to launch Hippo Studio Australia?

I started my own business in June this year when I found it difficult to rejoin the workforce after being a stay at home mum of two children for the past six years.  I inadvertently discovered the Hippo Studio ceramics made in Zimbabwe when I was online one morning, and immediately fell in love with the whimsical hand painted dinnerware and decor, inspired by the animals, birds and tribal spirit of Africa. I approached Hippo Studio to be its Australian distributor, and here we are today! 

Why did you decide to exhibit at The Launch Pad?

When I saw the AGHA Sydney Gift Fair being promoted on social media, I knew I had to be there. The Gift Fair is the perfect platform to launch Hippo Studio products into Australia and February was the perfect timing. Initially I was hesitant to enquire about being an exhibitor because I was concerned that I would not be able to afford the cost. I decided to get in contact regardless, and was delighted to learn that there was a Launch Pad package on offer to startup businesses, which had something unique to offer. The cost of investment was significantly reduced, and included AGHA Membership and public liability insurance, all big benefits.

As a first-time exhibitor, what do you expect from the Gift Fair?

Being part of The Launch Pad for me is the opportunity of a lifetime. Our products will be showcased in front of thousands of discerning retailers over a number of days, and will give us the high profile boost that will be key to our success. It’s a wonderful chance to network with retailers to ascertain what they are looking for and to connect with other companies being represented at the show, to learn from their experiences.

What can retailers expect to see from Hippo Studio?

Retailers will see something completely unique with our vibrant, whimsical portrayal of African animals, tribal fusion monochromatic designs, floral designs, birds and beetles on ceramic dinnerware and home decor.  Each item is an original piece of artwork―no two pieces are alike, and retailers can choose from an extensive range of designs within our Chekari, Belinda Mary or Enkosi Collections. Products are food safe, non-toxic, microwave and dishwasher friendly.

Scott Yip, FR33 Earth, Stand 4T1

What inspired you to launch FR33 Earth?

FR33 Earth was officially launched last year in November. We were inspired initially by our natural rubber thongs harvested by Thai rubber farmers, the colours of summer and the “give back” ethos.

We wanted to build not just a business but business that gives back and doesn’t stop giving back. That’s why five per cent of all sales goes to villages to start farms to help end poverty.

Why did you decide to exhibit at The Launch Pad?

We discovered The Launch Pad in February last year when we spoke with some other exhibitors. The raving reviews we heard made us really want to be part of The Launch Pad.

As a first-time exhibitor, what do you expect from the Gift Fair?

We want to meet retailers who want to stock products that make a difference. If you’re a physical store, online or manage a marketplace we’d love to meet you and show you our story and cool product range.

What can retailers expect to see from FR33 EARTH?

We’ve spent time to create more cool products. You’ll find items like German Kraft Paper Wallets (vegan friendly of course), Chronograph Wood Watches, Organic Cotton T-Shirts that are Fair Wear just to name a few.

There’s something for every store so come and say hi at Stand 4T1 just around the corner from the entrance.

Michael Davidson, BoldB, Stand 4V1

What inspired you to launch BoldB?

Our company was launched in late 2016. We are a two person team, with quite different inspirations.

Britta is inspired by the shapes and textures of the natural world. Her passion is to experiment with combining different and unusual materials, to create new and unique jewellery concepts. The business is her creative outlet.

I was inspired by my father and father-in-law, both successful small business owners. I saw firsthand the satisfaction and independence they both gained in creating sustainable businesses and love the challenge of building a business from scratch.

Why did you decide to exhibit at The Launch Pad?

We learnt of The Launch Pad from one of the stores we supply to, Only Just in Eltham. We were discussing the challenges of growing a small brand and they mentioned that the AGHA had a dedicated program for showcasing startup businesses such as ours.

After launching our business and spending our first two years primarily focussed on improving our products and processes, we reached a point where as a business where we needed to ‘get the brand out there’ and prioritise marketing and promotion of our brand/products to continue to develop and grow our company.

We donate a proportion of sales from each of our products to a good cause such as safe water projects (water.org) or girl’s education (Room to Read), and many of the stores we currently work with are focused in the gift and homewares industry, so the AGHA felt like the logical choice. We decided to exhibit as it offers us a more structured and supportive way to market our products to new potential customers.

As a first-time exhibitor, what do you expect from the Gift Fair?

We hope to gain exposure for our unique range of products and build personal relationships with retailers looking to offer their customers something different. We hope to learn about their businesses, so that we can design products which best cater to them and their customers.

We also look forward to gaining experience in exhibiting, as we hope to regularly exhibit at both the Melbourne and Sydney events in future.

What can retailers expect to see from BoldB?

Unique jewellery which is unlike anything else on the market. Think dark textured concrete and brilliant golden gemstone shapes, and beach sand and resin resembling coastal landscapes.

Registration for AGHA Sydney Gift Fair (23-26 February 2019) is open and entry is free for industry professionals. 

Click here for more information and to find out how you can attend this trade event.

An animating and life-affirming shade of orange with a golden undertone.

Pantone has announced Living Coral as the Pantone Colour of the Year 2019.

Representing the fusion of modern life,  Living Coral is a nurturing colour that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.

“Colour is an equalizing lens through which we experience our natural and digital realities and this is particularly true for Living Coral,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

“With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord.”

When used as a bold statement in settings and décor, Living Coral fosters immersive experiences such as pop-up installations and interactive spaces, tied to a playful spirit.

As a colour linked to tactility and human connection, Pantone Living Coral in shag rugs, cozy blankets and lush upholsteries create a warm, comforting and nurturing feeling in the home.

With its ebullient nature, Pantone Living Coral adds a dramatic pop of colour to any room setting whether in decorative accessories, tabletop, or on the wall.

For 20 years, Pantone’s Colour of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design, as well as product, packaging and graphic design.

For more information on the Pantone Colour of the Year for 2019, please visit www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2019.

Here’s what you can expect to see from exhibitors in February 2019.

The AGHA Sydney Gift Fair is the perfect place to see the latest trends and source the newest brands and products to hit the market. In response to increased industry demand, the AGHA Sydney Gift Fair has updated its product categories.

Smart Living 

Smart home, smart kitchen, the Internet of Things (IoT); there is no way of escaping this growing trend, not even in Australia. There are some really cool gadgets and products out in the market that will make life easier and maybe a bit more interesting along the way!

This new category is perfect for any business looking for new opportunities to expand their digital offering instore.

Entertaining and Dining 

When it comes to entertaining guests or relaxing at home, consumers are always looking for the latest designs. Thanks to TV shows such as My Kitchen Rules and MasterChef, people are entertaining more at home, creating incredible meals whether it’s for a lovely alfresco lunch or an intimate dinner party.

Products in this category will make it easier to prepare food with a personal touch when cooking, dining or entertaining at home with stunning tableware, servingware, glassware, bakeware, kitchen gadgets, cookware, gourmet food and more. Keep your eyes out for DIY kits for creating your own beer, cheese or even wine, which have become increasingly popular.

Baby and Child 

As a growing segment in the market, baby and child products have become more innovative and sophisticated while functional at the same time.

Here you will find a comprehensive collection of plush toys, accessories, products for kids, nursery décor, eating and drinking items, bath accessories as well as items for expecting mums and babies.

Play, Learn and Grow 

Research shows that children over five should spend no more than two hours a day in front of a TV, computer or other electronic device and toddlers be limited to under one hour.

When it comes to their children, consumers want them to have fun while learning at the same time. In fact, some toys and games available today can be played by both adults and kids! Don’t miss the exhibitors offering baby essentials, gifts and keepsakes, toys, kidswear and accessories – all inspired by moments of fun, play and comfort.

Sustainable Living 

Retail giant Ikea has said that by 2030, its ambition is to inspire and enable more than 1 billion people to live a better everyday life within the limits of the planet.

A healthy and sustainable life can be for everyone and there will be plenty of products that can make it easier to live a more sustainable life at home. Think up-cycled materials, reusable products and ethically sourced components.

Australian Made

There is an increasing demand for Australian made and handmade artisan products in the gift and homewares industry. Consumers are looking for uniqueness and they want to know the story behind the product―who made it, where was it made and what was the inspiration?

If you are looking for authenticity and products that are locally made, then you can’t miss this.

Give a Gift

People love gifts whether it’s for Christmas, Mother’s Day, birthdays or another special occasion. Today gift giving is made easy with the vast amount of products available on the market featuring high quality, trendiness and innovation.

Whether you are looking for something quirky, functional or fun, you will be able to find a gift for every occasion.

Health and Wellbeing

Concern for health and wellbeing has inspired a major trend and offers buyers an opportunity to source personal care and wellness brands and products that enable their customers to pamper and take care of themselves.

Discover brand-new brands and uncover some amazing and unique products that will nourish the mind, body and soul.

Home and Interiors

Décor, décor and décor! Instead of completely renovating their homes consumers are looking for an easier and more cost-effective solution to update their home interior without breaking the bank. This can include anything from furniture, cushions and mirrors to rugs, throws and home fragrances.

Occasion and Celebration 

Whether it is Christmas, birthdays, Easter or any other occasion that’s cause for celebration, find all the products needed to celebrate including stationery, party goods, novelty gifts, religious items and giftwrap.

Outdoor Living

The outdoors has become an extension of the indoors and people are spending more time outside entertaining friends and family, enjoying lunch or dinner, playing with the dog or just to hang out and read a book.

Design-wise the outside needs to reflect the interior of the home and exhibitors with outdoor products that do just that can be found at the AGHA Sydney Gift Fair.

Retail Services

Running a retail business not only needs incredible stock, it also needs support from retail business solution providers.

AGHA has established a strong network of retail service providers and Business Partners to pass on discounted goods and services from leading companies in the areas of insurances, banking, freight, foreign exchange and so much more.

The Fashion Edit

Fashion, accessories and homewares go hand in hand these days, and it’s important to create a retail environment influenced by the same lifestyle trends. Blending these two together is a great opportunity to maximise your sales so don’t miss the latest fashion labels and brands at the AGHA Sydney Gift Fair.

Registration for AGHA Sydney Gift Fair (23-26 February 2019) is free for industry professionals.