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Opening Saturday 4th August 2018, AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair was held over 5 huge days.

Peak industry body, the Australian Gift & Homewares Association (AGHA), revealed a new and exciting retail buying experience to visitors at the AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair this August.

Opening Saturday 4th August 2018, AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair was held over five huge buying days at the newly expanded Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

Visitors experienced a seamless retail buying experience featuring four new buying zones to explore as well as a brand new main entrance, new exhibition halls and plenty of new restaurants to network and dine.

The industry reacted positively to the AGHA’s strengthened presence at the MCEC, with stand space at Melbourne Gift Fair completely sold out for 2018. Bookings for Sydney Gift Fair 2019 are also well underway and stands are already 50% sold to businesses seeking maximum exposure to new and existing buyers.

AGHA CEO Wayne Castle said the Association is fully committed to providing innovative sourcing solutions for retail buyers, adding that the strategic decision to consolidate at a single venue was clearly the right one.

“Following consultation with Members, exhibitors and buyers, the AGHA has completely reshaped the Melbourne Gift Fair experience from the ground up, beginning with our home at the MCEC,” Castle said.

“We were excited to deliver a refreshed experience at this important trade event, along with hundreds of exhibitors displaying thousands of brands and products for the upcoming season in one convenient location.”

In an exciting industry first, Design Life made its Melbourne debut together with brand new buying zone Unique & Boutique. The Launch Pad also returned this August and showcased new and innovative products from Australian entrepreneurs. These new additions were designed to enhance buying convenience and revolutionise the way retail buyers source their new season ranges.

Adding to the new experience were amenities including a brand new 4-star Novotel hotel, Freeway carpark and DFO South Wharf, all located directly adjacent to the new main entrance. There was also plenty of benefits for visitors to enjoy, including free visitor parking* and free shuttles between the MCEC, the city CBD and Melbourne Airport.

AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair presented a critical opportunity for retailers to create new industry connections and grow their businesses. The AGHA enjoyed welcoming visitors at the MCEC’s new main entrance at Convention Centre Place and revealing the new Melbourne Gift Fair buying experience.

Salt is the new black. Whether it’s salt for cooking or salt for pampering

People don’t seem to be able to get their hands on enough beautifully packaged, natural salty gift products. Visitors to the AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair in August were treated to the new range of salt-based gift products from the Salt Box.

Launched in 2011 by Rowena Frith after she discovered that good quality salt wasn’t easy to track down – with gourmet food and luxury bath salts even harder – The Salt Box stable has grown to 30-plus bespoke, natural and unique salts, making it the widest range of gourmet food and bath salts in Australia.  The Salt Box operates as an online retail store and also sells wholesale to retailers, manufacturers and restaurants and bars.

The Salt Box’s range of luxury bath and gourmet food salt gift products have been created to meet the growing demand from consumers. The mere mention of bath bombs sends the teen market crazy and foodies love the range of unique and tasty salts presented in gorgeous packaging.

The Salt Box gourmet food range includes sets for flavour preferences; BBQ Gift Set (including Smoked Applewood, Hickory and Habanero salts), Smoky Gift Set (including Applewood, Hickory and Extra Bold smoked salts), Fiery Gift Set (including Habanero, Scorpion and Sriracha salts), and other sets for cocktails, fish, vegans, foundation salts and more. There are more than 30 all-natural, gourmet food salts sourced carefully from around the world that unlock flavour and make food sing.

And for cooks looking for an adventure, our Himalayan Pink Salt blocks are the ultimate new tool to try. Use them to cook on the BBQ, or serve with sushi, these beautiful pink rock blocks are sure to be a talking point and create memories.

The Salt Box luxury bath range includes a set of beautifully packaged bath-salt gift boxes in 3 varieties with 100% natural blends of salts and essential oils, and a larger range of salt blends are available in larger 1kg gift bags. There is also a fabulous DIY Bath Bomb Kit.

“We believe that salt is an ingredient that matters – for nutrition, therapeutic purposes and for the soul,” says Rowena Frith, Managing Director of The Salt Box. “Salt is the world’s most essential nutrient and it gives us the minerals we need to survive. From the exquisite taste sensation of natural black truffle salt, to the rejuvenating experience of a magnesium chloride bath, natural salts are to be celebrated.”

The Salt Box is proud to be a 100% Australian owned company and is leading the charge on telling Australia that salt isn’t just salt. The Salt Box is changing the way people see salt.

Website    |  thesaltbox.com.au  
Instagram |  thesaltboxau
Facebook  |  @TheSaltBoxAu

Inspirational new products to discover at Melbourne Gift Fair.

Import Ants, Stand ER23

The new ImportAnts Paper Pottery is a contemporary range of designer pots and accessories handmade from sustainable and recycled materials.

It’s light weight, unbreakable, waterproof and beautifully versatile ― made from paper, lined with natural rubber so that it is completely waterproof internally with a protective water repellent layer outside.

There are four ranges in a variety of on trend colours. Bakara which has a metal eye let allowing the pot to hang on the wall or stand; Airlie with its distinct suede finish in three beautiful shades of grey and blues; Dalby in classic black granite and soft grey concrete, and Caloola with its natural upcycled look stitched brown paper.

ImportAnts Paper Pottery will find a home in many retail settings. For florists the pots can be used with oasis for floral decoration or as a decorative planter. They offer a wonderful alternative to heavy and expensive glass or clay pottery that is breakable in store.

For nurseries as an alternative to gift wrapping, the planters have been designed to fit the Australian standard pot sizes used by growers. There are three pot sizes available, small, medium and large.

Homewares and kitchen stores will find so many uses for them―a hanging or standing vase for flowers, a utensil holder in the kitchen or bathroom, ideal with children as there is no need to worry about breakages. A decorative pot for plants, simply drop your plastic pot with the plant in it, no need for a saucer…there is even a toilet brush holder for use with the Eco Max toilet brush.

Enjoy Lighting, Stand V6

To celebrate the up and coming gift giving season, the team at Enjoy Lighting have curated a beautiful collection of their favourite pieces in an opulent gift box that will be sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. Three new designs and three all-time festive favourites all presented in a luxurious black embossed black satin lined keepsake gift box.

The Botanical Gift Set:

Bringing your home to life with the botanical inspired candles designs will bring instant visual interest and texture to your space―not to mention the fact that these flameless little achievers look fabulous when turned on, creating a transparent glow showcasing their designs even more.

The Obsidian Fir and Polka Dot Collection:

Let the festive season come alight with this elegant representation of the classic Christmas style. Not too busy or ostentatious, these two stunning designs will add style and happiness to your home. Available in single pillars or in a luxurious keepsake gift box, the choice is yours.

The Precious Metals Design from the Platinum Collection:

Taking cues from international couture and furnishing trends, we have carefully curated a cornucopia of our proven and popular three metallic finishes and hues: Handpainted Linen textured finish in a silver and gold pallet two tone combination, perfect to work back with any décor; Hammered Metal design in Bronze, for that textural luxury; and the Micro Gravel Duo handpainted in Metallic Blanc, a white for all seasons.

Whatever you choose, it’s amazing to think that each candle is handmade and hand poured in a traditional candle factory. To ensure consistency from the first pour to the last, only 120 candles are made at a time.

Intrinsic, Stand B4

 

Nourish your soul with Intrinsic’s first ever release of velvety hand creams to add inspiration to your beauty routine.

The new release hand creams are infused with macadamia to leave your skin feeling soft and nourished, and pure essential oils to uplift the heart and soul.

In six colourful designs, the hand creams fit perfectly into your bag to give yourself a mini spa treatment throughout the day.

Each golden tube features beautiful boho patterning and Intrinsic’s signature look frame containing a themed quote by Adèle Basheer, founder and inspiring wordsmith behind Australian owned Intrinsic.

Intrinsic fans will be delighted to further enhance their wellbeing by adding their favourite Intrinsic hand cream into their self-care routine.

With a vision to infuse the world with positivity, Adelaide based Intrinsic has built a strong, loyal following of fans who deeply connect with the meaning and soulful spirit behind each piece.

Check out these collections at AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair, 4-8 August, MCEC. Register to attend here. 

Melbourne Gift Fair has almost arrived! Here’s how to make the most of your trip.

1. Before you go

As a professional trade only event it’s vital you sign up for entry to the gift fair. Avoid the queues and fast track your entry on the day by registering online.

Next, check out the exhibitor directory and make note of the exhibitors you want to see and where they are located. This will help you create a rough schedule for your day. You might want to book appointments with key suppliers but don’t overcommit—you’ll want to leave room to explore.

2. Stock take

With thousands of products on show, many of them new releases, we know how easy it can be to spend all your money on impulse purchases. To avoid blowing your budget, take stock of what your store needs before heading to the fair.

It can be useful to think about the products you want to stock in terms of core, seasonal and highlight/trend buys. Core items are your standard ranges that consistently sell, whereas seasonal pieces are essential for keeping your assortment fresh but can lose desirability quickly. A highlight buy is a tester—it’s the perfect way to trial new products you discover at the fair.

3. Money matters

Now you have an idea of the product you want to purchase, it’s time to set a budget (and stick to it). Use past sales reports to calculate how much product you need to order and how much you have to spend. Set aside budget for regular lines/orders, seasonal items and trend buys, as discussed above.

Don’t forget to include some wiggle room in your budget for any unexpected must-haves you discover. Although it can be daunting, budgeting properly ahead of the fair means you will be able to focus on hunting down great product rather than stressing about cash flow while you’re there.

4. Explore

One of the best things about attending a gift fair is the promise of what you might find just around the corner. Although you have mapped out the products you want to purchase, don’t forget to explore the exhibition halls. A new best-seller could be hiding where you least expect it, and you’ll get a great insight into the season’s trends.

5. Q&A

Don’t be afraid to ask exhibitors questions about important things like freight costs, delivery dates and minimum orders. The more information you have the better able you are to make decisions, and the better off your store will be.

Plus, some exhibitors offer special fair deals for you to take advantage of. Look out for offers like exclusive discounts, bonus stock and free freight, which will all help make your life easier (and cheaper).

6. Goal setter

Attending a gift fair means taking valuable time away from your store, so make it count. Set yourself some goals beforehand so you have something to measure your progress against. It could be something as simple as the number of exhibitors you want to see, or a certain amount of new product you want to order. Whatever it is, set a (realistic) goal and stick to it.

7. Take a break

We don’t want to sound like your mum, but remember to take regular breaks throughout the day. Eat well and stay hydrated—this is the biggest buying event of the year, so you need to be at the top of your game.

After walking the halls and putting in your initial orders, take time out with a coffee to consider your purchases and what else you need to achieve based on your goals. If you’re lucky enough to spend a few days at the fair, make sure you debrief at the end of each day.

Sort out all the materials you’ve gathered, make notes of who you spoke to and any orders placed, and calculate how much budget you have left. This will give you a clearer picture of what you need to achieve when you head out for another busy day of buying.

8. Face time

It’s not every day that the Australian gift and homewares community comes together under one roof, so take full advantage. Make time to attend any networking drinks or industry events that are on offer, even if you don’t feel like going—you never know who you’ll bump into and the connections (and friendships) you could make.

In today’s world of email and social media, creating face-to-face business connections is invaluable and this is what the gift fairs are all about. Being able to put a face to a name will help you build relationships with your suppliers, leading to better negotiations down the track.

AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair is held 4-8 August at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Register to attend here. 

These stands will make the trip to AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair more than worthwhile.

Helena Facer started The Colour Society with a gift and homewares store in Hobart before expanding into distribution. This August, the business will be launching new season collections from both Danica Studio and Now Designs.

“We are a family owned and operated independent homewares company. A boutique home, gift and kitchen distributor, representing two amazing brands Danica Studio and Now Design that hail from Vancouver, Canada,” Facer said.

“This will be our first fair with AGHA and our largest presentation at any fair since we started doing fairs in 2014. I know all too well how exhausting being a buyer is and how your feet and brain sometimes just need to relax. We hope to make the buying experience just that little bit nicer for our retailers and give them a feeling like they are visiting us in our studio.”

 

Paloma Living, Stand K3

Purveyors of luxe textiles and homewares, the Paloma Living stand is another one to look out for.

“Intertwining the opulence of the Mediterranean with a tactile focus drenched in escapism has culminated in the most divine textiles and homewares. Our portfolio of craftsmanship has evolved from timeless textiles to include minimalist table linen and chic furnishings extending from lanterns to vases,” said Paloma Living’s Natasha Christofa.

The range is perfect for lovers of classic design – Hamptons enthusiasts in particular.

“Our Indian suppliers nurture the artisan traditions embedded within this industry, and myself, Paloma Living and our customers are humbled by the authenticity of this craft. With over 3000 years’ experience cherishing this, our suppliers are at our core. Here at Paloma Living we design for the home, for you and we believe your home is your sanctuary,” Christofa said.

 

Honey & Grace

Launched last year, Honey & Grace is the work of two talented creatives from Melbourne and the collection features painterly textiles and wall art.

“I have a background in fashion and design while Camilla is a natural born artist. We both have an incredible love for colour and design and we joined forces to create a quality and innovative brand that hopes to bring life and joy through art and texture,” said Deborah Korchok, one half of the duo.

As for what to expect at the gift fair, the brand will be launching a new wall sculpture range.

“We are excited to be launching the range which will hand the final design over to the buyer with the opportunity to choose pattern and texture to create a design with their personal touch.”

 

 

AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair will run from 4-8 August at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Doors 9-19.  Register to attend here.

AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair makes it easy to diversify your garden and outdoor offering.

This August, you’ll find a plethora of eye-catching retail ranges from leading gardenware wholesalers in the Garden & Outdoor buying category.

There’s something for every buyer, whether you’re seeking decorative pieces, sturdy gumboots or quaint furniture settings bursting with charm.

Browse the exhibitor preview below to see a variety of products that will boost the bottom line and enhance any exterior space – all designed with durability and style in mind.

Alfresco Gardenware – Stand N45

This rust metal planter basket is ideal for seasonal plantings, displaying of potted plants or general storage of garden tools.

Artwerx Australia – Stand ER13

Offering a wide selection of stunning and creative pieces, Artwerx Australia is a company with a passion for designing and manufacturing lasercut wind spinners.

Courtyard Living – Stand AA22

Available in different colour, this chair set is ideal to relax on during those hot summers days by the pool in the garden or chatting with friends.

Summer Picnic Tables –  Stand H48

A foldable picnic table is the perfect addition for anything outdoors. Each table has 4 wineglass holders to keep glasses from spilling and a bottle holder to keep your beverage steady.

Terracotta Clayworks – Stand Q39

This Mosaic tile setting from Terracotta Clayworks features a classic design. Both comfortable and durable, these table and chairs are great for the patio, deck or garden.

Overwrought – Stand G49

Overwrought creates unique garden art from wrought iron metalwork. The range includes metal wall art, outdoor garden furniture and benches, laser cut privacy and garden screens.

Quality Products – Stand A35

Garden handtools from Cellfast are ergonomic, light and durable. Made from fibreglass and reinforced composite, choose from beige and sky blue colours.

Register now to source Garden & Outdoor ranges at AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair, 4-8 August 2018.