Ami Rabheru is a highly experienced former Retail Buyer, turned Retail Business Consultant, passionate about product and obsessed with retail.
She is the founder of Retail Huddle, a consultancy where creativity meets retail strategy and success is a collaborative journey. She helps both established and emerging retail product businesses with strategic, actionable insights and transformative solutions to grow their sales, stand out in a crowded marketplace, and build compelling retail brand and product growth strategies. Ami prides herself in uniquely combining consultancy, mentoring and industry knowledge, to navigate the ever-evolving retail landscape by empowering businesses to think differently, enabling them to achieve sustainable growth, increase market share, and build long-lasting customer relationships in an omni-channel world!

https://retail-huddle.com/

I have been in retail for over 4 decades from a Saturday assistant, to being the Cookshop Group Buyer for Owen Owen/Lewis's Department stores and more recently as Buyer & Marketing Manager of an Independent Garden centre. I have bought product from so many categories and love the Gift sector due to its diverse nature and ability to reinvent constantly. I joined Gifts with Presence earlier this year and we are rolling out a very exciting retail concept which will create new routes to market. I have been working as Consultant with Gifts with Presence for 6 years and am now delighted to have the opportunity to share my experiences buying fabulous products. I have seen a few dodgy ones in my time so I pride myself on spotting a winner! Being a Judge of these vital and important awards is a privilege.

An understanding of the market the product is aimed at.
Clear focus on design and uniqueness reflecting and understanding of the wider Gift Industry.
Every aspect thought of from the item, does it do what it should, is the retail price on point, the packaging appropriate, how easy will it be for retailers to merchandise it?
I will also look at lines that will respond well to Social media and other forms of digital marketing which is more essential than ever and could have huge impact on a GOTY winner.

Louise has been buying for her own businesses for almost 20 years.  Having recently set up Moss & Moor, a new-build Garden Centre with her husband she is Marketing Lead and also the Buyer for furniture, Christmas, home and gift categories. Michael and Lousie were delighted with their recent win for Braford’s Retailer of the Year and the centre continues to be recognised for awards across all categories, including entries into the Good Food Guide, and various awards from the Garden Centre Association.  Louise is looking forward to her first year as a judge.  She is particularly looking for new, design-led product innovation ensuring gifts stand out on the shelves.  Ideal winners would have a great UK based story and sustainable credentials.

https://mossandmoor.co.uk/ 

Donna is the owner of Chloe James Lifestyle in St Albans. Selling a mix of fashion, jewellery, interiors and gifts, the store prides itself on always finding something a little bit different for its customers. Trading for 14 years online as well as from the shop, Chloe James Lifestyle has won a number of awards, most recently for its use of social media. Donna is passionate about small business and the importance of keeping the independent high street alive.

I'm looking for design-led stylish gifts and new brands that will resonate with my customer base.

I've been the owner of Chirpy for 7 years, a design led gift shop on the outskirts of Leeds. We pride ourselves on offering great gifts and cards from independent makers and small brands and are the go to gift shop in our local community. We offer gift bundles ,bringing together gifts for special occasions and a monthly card subscription bundle. All our products are available in store and online at www.chirpystore.co.uk. We also have a great workshop & event space working with local makers to deliver craft workshops and running pop up shops too.

I'm looking for something eye catching and colourful. I love simple but practical modern design and products that can have a multi purpose to fit in with the busy lives we live today.

https://www.chirpystore.co.uk/ 

Joanna has been involved in fair trade retail for almost twenty years and served on the Board of BAFTS Fair Trade Network UK. She has co-ordinated the eBay for Change programme since its inception in 2021 and has supported over 250 product based social and fair trade enterprises to thrive in e-commerce. In 2023 she was included in the Euclid Network's Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise in Europe. Passionate about ethical and sustainable trade she loves to find gifts with a great story and positive social and environmental impact.

https://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/ 

Having started 18 years ago with a tiny shop wd now have 9 shops across Cornwall and Devon . We have previously won best Independent , best multiple retailer and best window display with Brocante st the Greats award. I have also been an Agent so I can see the business from both points of view

I am looking for something which will add value to a business and become a mainstay rather than a fad item . Value for money is important and well made.

https://www.brocanteltd.co.uk/ 

35 years in gift and card industry.

6 time Card shop of the year Scotland 1 time UK card shop of the year

3 times GREATS winner in gift and jewellery categories.

Daily Mirror High Street Hero of the year 2018

Current columnist in Prog Greetings and motivational speaker.

Passionate about our core business of news, cards and gifts whilst also having business interests in hospitality, beauty and hairdressing.

Main thing apart from the accolades which we are very proud of is the relationships we have built with companies and fellow retailers and the support we give across the trade.

I shall be looking for innovative design - quality of product and of course something that we believe will sell and impact our bottom line!

For the past 3 years I have been lucky enough to work for Gifts from Handpicked. A fabulous and wonderful online gift shop that is currently 15 years old. I began working here as a business administrator apprentice and have now taken on the role of online customer support and content creator. As a product lister at Gifts from Handpicked I see first hand the amazing and novelty gifts that come through the business. It never fails to amaze me, the amount of new and unique gift ideas that seem to be hitting the market year after year. I have been to multiple trade shows with the team and have experienced what gifts there are to offer.

Gifts from Handpicked is a multi award winning business, with 7 members of staff and over 2.500 lines of products, a gifting wonderland that I am proud to be a part of.

When looking for a new gifting idea I am drawn towards items that have pretty packaging and that are visually attractive to the eye. The item needs to be unique and versatile for multiple recipients, as well as being affordable.

https://www.giftsfromhandpicked.co.uk/ 

With a focus on design led gift, homeware and fashion, Martin heads up their four concept stores and coffee shop with wife Sarah in North Norfolk. The first store Bringing the outside in was established in 2006 and over the 17 years they have expanded to include a further three concept stores all with their own unique story.

Martin proudly took the title of Best Non Specialist Retailer of Gifts at The Greats retailer awards in 2023

As a judge for the Gift of the Year I am on the look out for innovative and creative gifts that showcase out-of-the-box thinking. I want to celebrate and reward the most imaginative and forward-looking gifts that leave a lasting impression on both the giver and the receiver.

https://www.instagram.com/bringingtheoutsidein/?hl=en 
https://www.bringingtheoutsidein.co.uk/ 

I am a buyer for Utility Retail that has 23 years experience of being an Independent retailer. We stock a wide variety of branded and own branded gifts in store and online.

I shall be looking for something exciting, that brings the wow factor!

https://www.utilitygift.co.uk/ 

My career in retail has covered many years and I have been lucky enough to have worked for some high end Retailers, such as John Lewis, The White Company and Tommy Hilfiger. I have been in my current position as Giftware and Seasonal Purchasing Manager with Woodlands Garden Centre, which is independent and family run in Sevenoaks, Kent, since 2014. We have recently won both Bronze and Gold Certificates for categories in the GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards, something of which I am very proud!

We have a varied demographic, with a host of regular customers, hence the importance to select new and innovative gifts, with a competitive price point to keep the customers interest alive.
It will be great to see the entries and play a part in judging 2024's best upcoming gifts.

Being my first year as a judge, I will especially be looking for something a little different, that is sustainable and on trend, good value and beautifully packaged.

https://www.woodlandsgc.co.uk/product-category/gardening/ 

I am a proud owner of Highworth Emporium, a gift shop based just on the edge of Cotswolds. During 7 years I own the shop, we have won 3 Greats Awards and Muddy Stilettoes Wiltshire Award. We have been finalist of the Retas and won various local window display competitions. We love what we do and I would like to believe we do it well.

Since September 2022 I am also Cardgains Non-Executive Director. I met lots of lovely people through gift industry, including my husband, and I made some really good friends!

I am looking for combination of something that stands out but is reasonably priced. Something not necessarily new but with new use or concept behind. I am looking to be blown away!

https://www.highworthemporium.co.uk/ 

Kathrina Wainstok is a multi-faceted professional with over six years of experience in the giftware industry, fulfilling diverse roles such as Buyer, Photographer, Web Designer, and Creative Director. An award-winning designer, her keen eye for aesthetics and business insight have consistently driven her companies ahead in an ever-competitive market. Kathrina's portfolio is not just limited to commercial ventures; she has a soft spot for charity projects, lending her skills to causes that inspire her. As a judge for the Gift of the Year Awards, her expertise, innovative thinking, and ethical commitment make her a trusted authority in identifying emerging talents in the giftware sector.

https://www.brandacademystore.com/# 

Aditi Pany is the Founder and CEO of Qalara, India’s leading B2B global sourcing platform for responsibly-produced products. An MBA graduate from Stanford, Aditi has over a decade of experience in retail. She has previously served as COO of AJIO.com, one of India’s largest lifestyle ecommerce businesses, and has also worked with Ashoka, a non-profit supporting social entrepreneurs. Marrying both experiences, Aditi launched Qalara in 2020 with a vision to drive sustainable consumption around the world by simplifying the supply chain, connecting conscious Indian producers with global retailers and wholesalers. With a focus on sustainability and social impact.

Qalara offers a wealth of artisanal, ecofriendly and sustainable products. It designs and develops globally relevant offerings, rooted in artisanal crafts, while also promising quality and reliability through meticulous production oversight and adherence to international standards. Qalara has a robust network of over thousand manufacturers and delivers to 60+ countries worldwide.

https://www.qalara.com/AboutUs/ 

Serendipity House was opened 8 years ago, our ethos is giving our customers a unique experience & ensuring our service is at the highest level - we want to showcase buying on the high street & with commitment to independence ensuring we have the best brands, innovative gifts & free gift wrapping with that bit extra 

I shall be looking for something that is easy to promote , innovative, great marketing back up
& value for money

https://www.serendipityhouse.co.uk/ 

Hello, we are a large independent book, card and gift store in a small market town, North Yorkshire. We pride ourselves on our customer service and we are always looking for that "something different and quirky" to offer our customers.

We are looking for UK made, sustainable, fun and funky gifts. Something that will suit any occassion but also appeal as a self purchase to maximise product turnover.

https://www.guisboroughbookshop.co.uk/ 

I'm the owner of Creative Cove, selling stationery, arts and crafts, children's toys, greetings cards and most recently, gifts. I've found myself shortlisted for several awards and this year managed to win a Reta! We're an independent shop based in the heart of rural Wales, serving the lovely town of Lampeter and surrounding areas.

I shall be looking for something that is affordable in the cost of living crisis... People are struggling with their money at the moment, so if they are to spend on something it has to be special but also a price point that feels value for money.

https://www.facebook.com/creativecovelampeter 

My husband and I bought Daisy Daisy a lovely little independent card and gift shop in a Cardiff community during the pandemic 3 years ago! We have lovingly brought the shop back to life with some TLC and passion, and pride ourselves on great customer service.

At Daisy Daisy we have a lovely selection of traditional and contemporary stock to suit different tastes and budgets. We’re always on the look out for new exciting products and designs to add to our customer offering to keep our loyal customers engaged, plus encourage new ones. We particularly like to support other small, local businesses as well as charities, trusts and opting for sustainability.

We were ecstatic to be a finalist in the prestigious RETAS awards earlier this year for our wonderful range of greetings cards and I’m honoured and excited to have been selected as a judge for ‘Gift of the Year’.

Looking for something which is unique/different with eye catching sustainable packaging. Value for money without compromising on quality. Possibly British made.

Milford cards and gifts is located next to the wonderful seaside and the New forest National Park. We change throughout the year from a seaside tourist shop to a Christmas shop. We have been honoured with some fantastic opportunities from features in The Sun newspaper, local newspaper , The Retas finalists and being a judge for The Henries awards. We believe we have achieved a great selection of Greeting cards and we are now on the lookout to get some great new gifts in.

Ideally looking for unique, quirky gifts. We stock unusual gifts within store. We love small businesses as a small business ourselves. Looking forward to discovering new brands

https://www.facebook.com/p/Milford-Cards-Gifts-100057624212677/ 

Buyer and creative brain behind multiple award-winning Scottish independent stores Penny Black, Jo Marwaha has been a retailer for ten years.

As well as being a national online retailer, Penny Black has three stores in and around Glasgow that take pride in showcasing products from local creative talent alongside brands you know and love in greeting cards, gift and practical stationery as well as party and gift wrap.

Penny Black is known for reimagining the idea of Post Office retail, as each store has a Post Office inside, bringing together crucial community services with a delightfully curated product offering.

Penny Black has been acknowledged by both retail and Post Office industry awards.

As an independent retail buyer I'm typically looking for products that are original, eye catching, interesting and are produced with their impact on the Earth in mind or acknowledged.

https://www.penny-black.co.uk/ 

 I opened the shop in February 1999, so we will be 25 next year. Despite this length of time I still get excited about trade shows, I still get excited about finding new products and I still get excited about new stock coming in. I love both the buying and the selling. I've been nominated three times for the Retas and now I've been asked to be a judge for Gift of the Year, how lovely!

I shall be looking for something unusual that serves a practical purpose.

https://en-gb.facebook.com/thinkingofyoudenbydale/ 

Trading 46 years. Won two retas. Judge at Henries for many years

Looking for something to complement cards/wrap etc

https://www.thecardcentrefelixstowe.co.uk/ 

Trading 46 years. Won two retas. Judge at Henries for many years.

Looking for something to complement cards/wrap etc

https://www.thecardcentrefelixstowe.co.uk/ 

Dolly Daydream Gift Shop is a beautiful little shop full to the brim with gifts & cards for all occasions & ages. We pride ourselves on stocking some of the best well-known brands such as Caroline Gardner, Jellycat, Emma Bridgewater to name just a few. We are located in the small rural town of Presteigne, Powys on the Welsh border. We are a mother & daughter team - passionate about seeking out gorgeous cards & gifts of all kinds. We are always updating our collections to keep the shop fresh & enticing to all.

I’d be looking for contemporary designs, nice packaging & something a little different!

https://dollydaydreamgiftshop.co.uk/ 

I have been brought up in the greeting card & gift business and have worked in the industry all my life! My grandparents originally founded the business in the 60's, which my Mum then developed and successfully grew; she and I further expanded in 2004 when we opened our destination store in Carlisle. Since then, we have won numerous industry awards as well as local business awards and are highly regarded as having very high standards in everything we do. I have presented seminars at the Spring and Autumn Fair and have judged other industry awards on numerous occasions. I have a real passion for product and care deeply about the industry I work in and love.

I LOVE the gift industry, there is such a huge variety of wonderful products out there and I am very excited to see what is new and upcoming.
In a Gift of the Year product, I will be looking for something that stands out to me (I instantly get a 'feeling' if something is going to be a winner!) I will also be looking for something that is priced and packaged correctly and something that is individual and unique, but overall something that has the WOW factor!

With three shops plus website, I am always on the look out for wonderful gifts for my stores.

I love original gifts that are good quality and a price worthy of the item.
Something a little different to make the recipient feel special.

https://www.facebook.com/Expressionsswindon/?_rdr 

I've been in the retail industry for over twenty years and have owned Bazaar in the market town of Barnstaple, North Devon for thirteen years we specialise in greetings cards and unique gifts for the whole family. Bazaar is a family run independent shop and website that provides something that's a little bit different and quirky. In July my husband and I attended the RETAS awards in London and we won Greeting Card Retailer of the year Southwest. I am extremely proud of our team and get enormous pleasure in sourcing products that keeps our customers returning again and again.

https://www.bazaarbarnstaple.co.uk/ 

Dalmore Farm Shop is our family business in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Working alongside my two daughters, Katie and Jennie, we operate a large and successful business. Our family have invested in our local area, creating a beautiful architect designed building on our farm. We employ a team of 35, we are a Living Wage Employer and take pride in having an amazing team around us. At Dalmore you will find our farm shop, gifts, fashion, crafts, restaurant, outdoor play, outdoor catering and our children's farm where families can visit all their favourite farm animals.

We are proud to support as many local producers as possible with a huge choice of products from all over the UK and beyond. In our ongoing search for products, we look for something new, something a little different and always at a realistic price point.

We love supporting new start up companies and delighted to give a new brand or designer an opportunity for growth within our business. Eco credentials and a commitment to the environment are important when it comes to choosing brands.

As a team, we work hard to find new products for our business. It can be a challenge to find new products that we know our customers will love, but when we do find that great new brand it's wonderful!

We are delighted join the judging team at Gift Of The Year 2024.

https://www.dalmorefarm.co.uk/ 

Dalmore Farm Shop is our family business in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Working alongside my Mum Carolyn and sister Jennie, we operate a large and successful business. Our family have invested in our local area, creating a beautiful architect designed building on our farm. We employ a team of 35, we are a Living Wage Employer and take pride in having an amazing team around us.

At Dalmore you will find our farm shop, gifts, fashion, crafts, restaurant, outdoor play, outdoor catering and our children's farm where families can visit all their favourite farm animals. We are proud to support as many local producers as possible with a huge choice of products from all over the UK and beyond.

In our ongoing search for products, we look for something new, something a little different and always at a realistic price point.
We love supporting new start up companies and delighted to give a new brand or designer an opportunity for growth within our business.
Eco credentials and a commitment to the environment are important when it comes to choosing brands.

As a team, we work hard to find new products for our business. It can be a challenge to find new products that we know our customers will love, but when we do find that great new brand it's wonderful!

We are delighted join the judging team at Gift Of The Year 2024.

https://www.dalmorefarm.co.uk/ 

I am the dedicated entrepreneur behind Joyce’s with Best Wishes, my successful independent retail shop, which has been delighting customers over the last 25 years! With a passion for curating unique products offering a wide range of greetings card, gifts, costume jewellery, hand-made chocolates, balloons and much more, I am experienced in discovering the latest trends and different products that keep our shop stock fresh and appealing! Our commitment to quality products and excellent customer service were part of the reason we were Retas finalist for the South East and Home-counties this year, a great honour and recognition of all our hard work and achievements.

I am looking for new and different ideas, that are appealing to a wide range of audiences, which are not available everywhere else! I am hoping to see upcoming brands with a fresh perspective on their gifts and equally hopeful that some of the establish brands have a new outlook or twist on their products.

https://www.facebook.com/p/Joyces-with-Best-Wishes-100063292115225/ 

I’ve been involved in the gift industry for 16 years running a successful store in Edinburgh alongside my husband Grant. Currently, we’re the proud owners of Gibsons of Haddington, East Lothian, helped by our dedicated team of three. Among the various aspects of the job, I find buying most enjoyable. Discovering the latest trends and hidden gems at trade shows is a passion of mine. I’m truly love sourcing original and exciting gifts that cater to the interests of all our customers.

https://www.gibsonsofhaddington.com/ 

I am a second generation retail jeweller in the beautiful coastal town of Tenby, Pembrokeshire.
Having been in business since 1976 we’ve seen lots of changes in the industry, along with a shift in customer expectations.

We love sourcing unique and innovative products and aim to bring a high standard of giftware to our customers at a competitive price point.

Listening and responding to what our customers say, is certainly one of our strengths. Evolving and growing to our customers needs is what drives us forward.

At Gift of the Year at Autumn F air I said that I had several of the products in my shop. and the lady said I should apply as I have a good eye.

For 7 years I have had a very successful shop, thriving after covid (established 35 years) I am quite new to retail ( ex teacher!)I had never worked in retail until we bought Post Office and Gift/Card shop and made it a success. It's not just about profit for me. I love it I get when customers come in and remark how beautiful eveything is, how it's different to the high st and of course make a purchase. Then I know I've got it right.

I like to buy something a bit different, looks beautiful, has a purpose and could be fun too. It has to appeal to a wide range of customers. It has to stand out in my shop and not get lost so packaging and colour is important. The item can meet one or all of my criteria. It has to at the right price point. By that I mean I do buy expensive items if they are value for money.

https://tree2mydoor.com/ 

https://www.gifted.design/ 

Affordable, eco-friendly, animal friendly

I created Red Card thirteen years ago as a small card & gift boutique. Since then we have moved three times and are now in a shop four times our original size. We have won four Retas (greeting card industry awards) and stock a wide range of premium gift brands.

Practical quality gifts preferably made in the UK

I have been in Buying for too many years to mention and have had a varied career. I have worked for some great businesses Harrods, Laura Ashley, Toys R US and now Blue Diamond.

I would love to see some new innovation in products and also some fun trend led items.

https://www.bluediamond.gg/ 

Director of Retail100 Consulting with over 100 years of retail experience between us. - We turn consultancy on it's head - we are collaborative and honest - and there to truly support your business needs. Previously Head of Home at John Lewis I and my colleagues covered the full homeware and beauty spectrum with speciality in the gifts markets

www.retail100consulting.co.uk 

Opened Pencil Me In 9 years ago, a design led stationery & card shop. We offer personalised stationery at Pencil Me In which includes having printed over 100,000 pencils. We have been voted Elgin's Favourite shop on 3 occasions since 2016.

In 2023 spring we opened Seasgair Store, 2 doors up which is a Home & Gift store, which has been really well received. I have previously loved being a judge of the Top Drawer Paper Awards and the Henries.

Really looking forward to judging for the first time, seeing new ideas in the gift world, and new innovation. I'll be looking for well designed, and practical or fun items.

https://pencilmeinshop.co.uk/ 

Nora Weiser is principal of 12 Flavor LLC, a non-profit consultancy with expertise in the design, arts and culture, specialty food, and retail industries. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Greeting Card Association and Director Emeritus of the American Cheese Society. She has served in research and curatorial roles in the Decorative Arts and Design departments of the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago, and held leadership roles with the Museum Store Association and Specialty Food Foundation. In these roles she focused on governance, growth, product development, event management, public relations, marketing, strategic planning, and industry advocacy.

Nora holds bachelor degrees in Art History and French from Washington University in St. Louis and a master’s degree in Art History from The Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London. She has also studied liberal arts at the Université de Caen, France.

I'll be looking for...
Items and objects designed to delight their recipients, embody the joy of giving for both giver and recipient, and reflect contemporary trends and the desires of our times.

https://www.greetingcard.org/ 

I am the founder of Lachesis London, a concept online store of luxury products curated from around the world. Our products are carefully selected based on our strict criteria connected to superior quality materials, designer empowerment, craftsmanship and sustainability.

I will be looking at the quality of the product and materials used, the innovation in design where applicable and the production methods and standards in order to ensure that sustainability is observed.

https://lachesis.london/ 

I’m Alex, the founder and owner of Ivy and Rose Gifts. Opening in 2023 and located in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter it is a true brick and mortar gift shop.

Having qualified as a gemmologist and working in the JQ for a while I knew there was an opening for me to create a beautiful space. I always wanted to build a community of local and UK stockists and customers at the heart. My motto is “it’s about them, not me”.

I love searching for carefully curated pieces and unique items. New creators and products are so exciting to find, with their amazing stories to tell, it’s a pleasure to bring that to my customers. I strive to give my customers a more bespoke service and a gift suitable for any occasion.

I’m looking for something new and completely inspiring. I love UK stockists with stories to tell of how they came up with an idea or product.

https://www.instagram.com/ivyandrosegifts/?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM%3D 

I have been in the Home, Card and Gift industry all my working life, starting in a fantastic cookshop - Kitchens of Bristol, then may years as a rep and agent for homeware, gift, cards and jewellery.

In 2018 I decided to settle down to work a bit nearer home and found a great empty unit to open a gift and card shop of my own. I called it Planet Sal after my favourite B52’s song, Planet Clare!
Despite lockdowns etc it has gained a great following, due to my quirky and unusual product choices.

I have since won the Prestige Award for best Card and Gift Shop, South West three years running, in 21/22/23 and am very proud of my business.
I handpick every line, including my cards, and support small companies as much as possible. Innovation and great design are my benchmarks.

I would be looking for a product with packaging which ‘jumps’ off the shelf at you, has clear detail about how to use, if a gadget etc, with clear age guidance, if needed.
Innovation, imagination and, hopefully, a ‘gap-filler’!
A product which could be used to easily capture attention on social media posts.

https://planetsal.co.uk/ 

Hi, retail therapy has always been a passion of mine, it was even listed on my CV under hobbies and interests!
After over 20 years of sales and customer service management roles, it was time for a change!

In 2022 Feather Robins opened it's doors to a fantastic reception from the local community. We are still growing and evolving into a destination shop for our customers. We are always on the hunt for unique, quirky, and trend-driven great-value products and ultimately the next best seller!

What I love about independent brick-and-mortar retail small shops is they can offer their communities choice, value, a friendly reception, and life easier by offering a gift solution for all occasions.

There is no better feeling than when a customer finds their perfect gift and says they knew they would find it at Feather Robins and when the shop has been recommended to them.
That's when I know that we're getting it right.

https://featherrobinsgifts.co.uk/ 

I set up Happy & Glorious in 2012, the year of the London Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee. There was a sense of joy and optimism in the air, and I wanted to capture it and celebrate the wealth of talent that we have here in Britain. I started selling British made gifts online, whilst working full time in an office. I went from online, to gift fairs and pop up shops, then to my own design studio. From there I was invited to have a shop for a year in Ashford as part of their Portas Pilot regeneration. When my year was up, I moved the shop to Cranbrook in Kent, where I stayed for six years. I have recently moved both shop and home to the city of Canterbury, where I joyfully sell beautiful British made gifts and homeware, made both by myself and my incredibly talented suppliers.

I love nature, colour and products that are built to last. I want the items that I sell to be treasured, and handed down to children and grandchildren. I seek out ceramics, wood, wool, and steel, and sell only cruelty free bath products and home fragrance. I look for sustainability, beauty and craftsmanship.

https://www.happyglorious.co.uk/ 

Bryony Taylor-Edwards joined Yarnton Home & Garden five years ago. With a dual role as Head of Marketing and buyer for Home, Gift and Interiors, her interest in product and brand spills over to her spare time as an adviser to SMEs in brand marketing and strategy.
Yarnton Home & Garden is in the final stages of a fantastic transformation, from a local garden centre, just north of Oxford, to a shopping destination with a rapidly growing reach. This change has introduced a new and expanded gift selection, a huge toyshop, food hall and - new for Autumn 2023 - a stunning clothing department for women, men, and children.

In 2022 Yarnton Home & Garden won the Reta’s award for the Best Independent Garden Centre Retailer. In 2021 Yarnton won The Greats Best Garden Centre Retailer of Gifts, followed by the Best Garden Centre in Oxfordshire in summer 2023.

Bryony’s aim is always to delight Yarnton’s customers with joyful gifting. She is passionate about sourcing gifts from the very best suppliers and has a particular interest in sustainability and small, product-based businesses that have a real and fascinating story to tell.

https://www.yarntonhomegarden.co.uk/ 

The Alphabet Store is an independent home and gift shop located in the market town of Leek, just edge of the Peak District.

Established in 2013, we are a mum and daughter duo who have always had a love for interior design and home décor. We take pride in providing meaningful and affordable gifts for all occasions. We only stock items that we love and would want to receive as a gift ourselves.

Our store stocks a range of unique items that have been designed and handcrafted in the UK. We also stock items that are handmade locally.

When we are looking at new suppliers and trying to find new items to stock we are looking for something that is innovative, exciting and affordable. We are constantly listening to our customers and what they want. Products that are made in the UK and are different are always something that we are interested in.

www.thealphabetstore.co.uk 

Neil is a co founder and Director of Retail 100 Consulting - a retail consulting firm that helps retailers and brands grow.

With more than 17 years of Head Office retail experience, Neil has worked with major global brands, helping them deliver lasting results whilst driving category performance.

Previous to Retail100 Consulting, Neil spent 17 years at John Lewis & Partners, working in merchandising across a multitude of categories. Neil is driven by people - leadership, trust and coaching are at the heart of his approach to unlock potential.

Neil has a degree in Mathematics from the University of Sussex and has recently completed a course on Sustainable Supply Chain management from Cambridge University's Institute for Sustainability Leadership.

www.retail100consulting.co.uk 

I am pleased to be joining the team for Gift of The Year 2024 for a second year. It has been my goal to provide our customers with trend driven and great value products over the past 3 years and to make WHSmith a destination for gifting. I hope to continue my quest in showcasing more great products that our customers will love to give and receive.

I am looking for innovative product that would ideally have a multi use function, a puzzle that is a race track, a candle that is after use container...a gift that keeps on giving!

https://www.whsmith.co.uk/ 

Rosie has been supporting gift brands with PR since 2011 and has been asked to cover the topic of PR many times at live events including Top Drawer & Autumn Fair. In 2019 she was named the UK's top PR advisor by Enterprise Nation.
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Rosie Davies-Smith is the founder of PR Dispatch - the UK's first affordable PR platform supporting hundreds of ecomm businesses to confidently pitch to the press in just 60 minutes each week.

Thousands of pieces of press coverage have been generated through PR Dispatch for small and independent businesses allowing those brands to build awareness and credibility at a fraction of the cost of working with a PR agency.

www.prdispatch.com 

Claire Leigh founded Two Ducks in 2013 as a pop-up shop in Woking and it has since grown into a fully-fledged store based in the thriving village community of St John’s, as well as online.
Born out of a love for discovering and sharing unique finds, she prides herself on offering a diverse product range that includes fashion, accessories, decorative homeware and gifts.
Claire is a non-executive Director for Bira, on the Legal, parliamentary and advisory committee at Bira, a regular columnist for Gifts Today magazine and has appeared on television (BBC 2 News re: Black Friday), Radio (BBC 4, Moneybox re: refunds) and in print (The Sunday Times talking about staffing issues, Premier Magazine - feature on 22 women to watch for 2022).
Two Ducks has won ‘best gift shop in Surrey’ for three years in a row since 2019 and ‘Best women’s clothing store’ in Surrey in 2020.

Claire is also the Vice President for Bira.

https://two-ducks.co.uk/ 

I’ve been in retail over 30 years, firstly as a Manager for NEXT then moving to work with more independent stores until opening my first shop 7 years ago in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire.
Passionate about interiors, I enjoy sourcing new makers and suppliers at trade shows which are a great source of inspiration. I’ve recently started renovating a house in France which is very exciting and challenging at the same time!

https://www.strawberrybluehome.co.uk/ 

Something Special first opened in 1994, an independent bricks and mortar High Street card and gift shop. Initially I was employed as the buyer but became a co-owner in 2012 and then sole owner in 2015. Thus I have 29 years experience in this wonderful industry! I have been a judge for both The Henries and The Gift of the Year on a number of occasions. I have also been a finalist for both The Retas and The Greats on numerous occasions. In this current climate I will be looking out for products that are competitively priced, offer value for money and are attractively presented.

Catherine Erdly is a small business and retail expert, and the founder of The Resilient Retail Club. She is a Forbes.com contributor on the subject of starting and scaling a product business, a judge of the Good Retail Awards, on the Editorial Board of Modern Retail, featured as an expert commenter on tv, newspapers and radio, and a frequent writer and speaker on the retail industry at various trade shows and industry-led events across the country. She recently published her first book "Tame Your Tiger - how to stop your product business eating you alive"

She was also recently voted a top sales adviser in the UK by Enterprise Nation, and named one of the top 25 retail influencers in the UK. Catherine is passionate about how business can be a force for good, and was awarded the 2022 Charity Champion of the year by Work For Good.

www.resilientretailclub.com 

We are a family run independent based in South and West London. Our aim is to provide beautiful products for your lifestyle and home.

To us Lark is not only our hobby but also part of our family life. We love buying new and exciting products and creating a positive impact in our communities.

As an independent we try to support local companies, people and products, which can be seen in all our shops.

www.larklondon.com 

I have worked in the retail business for 27 years firstly as a manager/ buyer and more recently as a director owning 3 shops… 1 being a toy shop and the other gift & accessories in 2022 we won best independent retailer of the year…

https://cranbornes.co.uk/ 

I have been in the card and gift industry for just over 34 years, starting in 1989 as a sales rep for the legendary Andrew Brownsword selling his new gift range and then Carte Blanche Greetings before becoming a Sales Agent for various companies.

Eventually I opened Hugs & Kisses in 2000 and then our new clothing boutique Number 43 just last year. We now have an established online business incorporating both shops.
Hugs & Kisses was a finalist in the Greats awards last year and also in the Reta Awards for the last three years! Last year we were so proud to win the category of Best independent Card Shop in Wales & The Midlands.

I am excited to be judging again this year and really looking forward to seeing all this year’s fabulous entries.

www.hugsandkissesgifts.co.uk 

Having been in the Card &Gift industry for over 25yrs I am proud to share that having been a winner at the Retas Awards twice and nominated for being The Best Independent Retailer of Cards in the North of England Scotland and Ireland Region has given me great pleasure to support this industry with my experience and expertise.

Having won a Greats Award this year for the same regions has made me feel very proud .
I look forward to supporting the Gift Industry and hope to continue to support many new producers and designers within our Industry. I have also consulted to various card publishers along with gift ideas to some company’s in the gift industry .

I am so excited to judge the Henries this year .
Good luck to everyone that has participated in allowing us to judge your products .

www.presentationbarrowford.co.uk 

After over 18 years of retail management experience within the heritage gift industry, with a focus and passion for local products I opened my own independent retail business which sells solely products from Wales. Our strap line is “curated gifts, created in Wales” which sums up what we are. All our products are carefully selected and brought together in a showcase of genuine Welsh products.
Within our first 6 months we were regional finalists for two awards and winner for another.

Ian Downes owns & runs Start Licensing a well established Licensing Agency and Consultancy. The company celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year. Ian has exstensive experience across the licensing, retail and gift industries. Ian is co owner of Brands Untapped and writes on the site about licensing, branding and design. He also contributes regularly to Licensing Source, Progressive Gifts and The Bugg Report. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Ian has acted as a consultant for a range of companies and organisations from sectors such as charities, heritage, FMCG and publishing. Prior to establishing Start Licensing Ian was Group Managing Director of Fox Kids Europe's Consumer product division.

Founder Samantha won Business woman of the year last year. She is a judge for the Henries and the Paperwards and loves being part of the retail industry and is passionate about bringing the best of the UKs gift innovations to her customers.

I own and run Nest, a collection of gift shops in Leicestershire which is now in its 21st year with three shops and online. Both Nest and myself have won national awards. I have been a Judge for Gift of the Year for three years now, and it’s one of the highlights of my professional year. I am also a judge for PaperAwards and an advisor and panellists for the Spring and Autumn Fair.
I am passionate about British products and designers and whilst Nest is also online, I am inherently a bricks and mortar retailer and equally passionate about retail being on the ground still and selling through the UK’s wonderful independents, inspiring customers with shops full of beautiful products.

Managing Director of Williams of Audlem Ltd -which is entering its 160th year in my family's ownership. I grew up living above the shop . After obtaining a degree in business studies, from Edinburgh University, I worked for Laura Ashley Manufacturing in Mid Wales, as a senior textile production manager, and quality controller.

Following my 17 years in the print and and dyeing industry, and an Msc in Textile Science, I returned to my 'calling' in the family business - raising my family back in the South Cheshire village I love. After taking over the shop completely in 2013, I set about implementing changes that would secure the shop's future - which I decided, best lay in our heritage past. This included retro refitting the store, following my parents' 1970's (fashionable at the time) modifications, and the restoration of our old cash register, seen on the BBC's "The Repair Shop".

I shall be looking for something with enduring and broad appeal, creative and value for money.

https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsofAudlemLtd/ 

I am a Buyer and a Visual Merchandiser for Wallace’s Homevalue & Garden Centre for last 12 years. Our beautiful store has offering of all essential products, including home accessories and gifting.
We have very varied customer demographic, with many returning to our store regularly, this is why it is so important to update stock with latest, hottest gifts on the market regularly.

I am excited to be part of the judging panel, I think it is a great opportunity to view the latest innovations that will be setting trend for years to come.

With 36 years of experience, Elaine started in Retail as soon as possible. As a result she has exceptional customer facing skills followed by 32 years of John Lewis Head office experience.
Categories and roles covered include space planning, project proposition lead and Senior Buyer in Seasonal, Beauty & Home categories.

Elaine is skilled in end to end strategy, licence & private label product development, sourcing and maximising brand potential. Elaine’s experience in leading teams, coaching and mentoring is critical to achieving the right relationship and the right result.

www.retail100consulting.co.uk 

What will be the next big trend or the next winners… I have a passion for product and for people: both really matter. I have been involved in buying within the UK-garden industry for over 20 years. I am very fortunate to have knowledge and experience of both the retail and supplier side of the business. So, I can certainly relate to the challenges and joys of both. My managerial roles stretch back to Garden & Leisure and Wyevale garden centres, covering head office purchasing, marketing and e-commerce. On the supplier side, one of my venture’s saw me managing the marketing and events at well-known glove and wellie supplier, taking them on a large push into Europe too. Currently, I am the group services manager for Choice. I negotiate the supplier contracts and managing relationships between suppliers and members for our buying group of 50+ independent garden centres.

https://www.choice-marketing.co.uk/ 

I am an experienced independent gift retailer, having run my own business in St Andrews and Edinburgh for 40 years.
There have been many changes over the years but one thing remains, the constant quest for great new products to excite our customers. The Gift of the Year judging is a great way to start the buying year.

I have been a high street retailer for 16 years, specialising in gifts and homeware. I was one of the Small Biz 100 in 2022. I for with many local artists and designers, supporting them in developing their ranges and products . I am also a founder member of a local community interest company that organises and delivers Street Markets.

https://www.loveone.co.uk/ 

Rita started her career as a merchandiser in the high street working for both Jaeger and Heals. Since moving into the cultural and tourism sector over 20 years ago she has worked for a variety of organisations such as the Design Museum, Southbank Centre and the National Theatre.

She has been in her current role as Buying and Merchandising Manager at the Museum of London for the past 7 years where she has responsibility for all Retail functions including buying, merchandising, product development, licensing and the online shop.

MiMi is a multi award winning gift and lifestyle store located in Hartley Wintney & Wokingham. Stocking an array of delights from clothing, accessories, cards and home fragrance each store is like an Aladdin’s Cave crammed full of products suitable for gifts for all ages. Constantly changing ranges means MiMi is a delight on the High Street.

https://www.mimi-hw.com/ 

Well I can’t believe where the past 41 years have gone. I remember being a 15 year old Saturday girl the day Mum (Anne) opened the doors for the first time. We were unique back then and I like to think we still are.

Gift retail is an industry that Mum and I are both passionate about. I feel you must never be afraid to do something different, especially today, and I love to source new and exciting product from suppliers.

Being a Judge for Gift of the Year is an enormous privilege and one I have enjoyed for the past few years

http://www.etceterahomefashion.co.uk/ 

Jon is co founder of award winning gift and home stores mooch with two stores based in Worcestershire plus a successful online platform, over the last 8 years mooch has won many local and national awards including The Greats on 3 occasions.
Jon has a wealth of experience within the retail sector from working as a buyer within a national retailer to working with small food and drink suppliers to open doors within the retail and foodservice sectors in the UK and abroad.
mooch champions British makers and designers and is proud to offer quality products that aren't found within multiple retailers.

www.moochgiftsandhome.co.uk

I am an award-winning retail professional with almost forty years of experience of working in the industry. I have been fortunate to work for a massive market leading retailers such as Tesco, successful high-quality specialists such as EH Booth & Co, and innovative, fashion orientated High Street brands such as HMV.

I have twenty-five years of experience of successfully running my own business, which is at the very leading edge of independent retailing in the UK. Paper Tiger is focused on a 'digital first' strategy which accelerated during the pandemic. I am proud to be a Real Living Wage UK employer.

Owner and Managing Director of the multi award winning Paper Tiger stores

www.papertiger.co.uk

I have been working in the gifting industry at Gifts from Handpicked for the past 7 years, starting as a Digital Marketing Apprentice and currently my role as Assistant Manager. With a passion for all things quirky, novelty and different to the regular gift.
From helping source new and upcoming products, marketing, dealing with suppliers and so much more, I just love how everchanging the industry is and what new and exciting gifts are in this creative market.
Gifts from Handpicked have won numerous awards in its 15 years of business, with most recently Prestige Online Gift Shop of the Year 2nd year running and E-commerce Business of Year at the Lincolnshire Enterprise Awards.
I love judging Gift of the Year and hope to play a part in finding this years best upcoming gifts, there really is no better feeling than giving a special gift you know they'll love.

www.giftsfromhandpicked.co.uk

o is a powerhouse entrepreneur with a large heart for helping others. She welcomes her clients with a warm smile and personalised recommendations to meet their every need.

Recognised for her outstanding customer service, she has been nominated for and won several awards. Among the list are 3 prestigious national awards:
- Best Newcomer for the Midlands, North, and Scotland(2018)
- Best Independent Gift Retailer for the Midlands and Wales (2019 & 2023)
- Woman Who Achieves - Special Recognition Award

She has also been a judge for Gift of the Year for 5 years and counting.

She has been featured on BBC Radio and TV; BBC National News, ITV, and SKY News. Her shops have provided tailored gifts to 1000s of people since their opening.

https://www.joco.gifts/ 

Stephen Spencer’s retail journey started in the High Street at age 15 and took him to Regent Street, via the Tower of London, and to Buckingham Palace by the age of 30, where he led the team that created the hugely successful, summer opening shop.

A combination of luck, curiosity and thinking differently enabled his contribution to the cultural retail revolution of the early 1990s. Since then Stephen has worked with, studied, learned from, and helped some of the brightest stars and most prestigious brands in the retail, leisure, and tourism sectors.

https://www.stephenspencerassociates.com/ 

Therese Oertenblad, Small Business Collaborative, spent 14 years in the home and gift industry, and for the past four she’s been working with purpose-led, product-based business owners who want to grow their wholesale and create a powerful, consistent income stream for their business.

Her students and clients are stocked in independent and large retailers such as John Lewis, Liberty, Selfridges and Anthropologie to name a few.

She's the host of a small business podcast called Let's talk shop, and she's on the national committee of The Giftware association.

Owner of Mantons Cards, the Isle of Man's leading greeting card and gift shop.
Mantons have won over 20 national awards including British Independent Retailer of the Year and raised over £32,000 for the local community.

Passionate about keeping independent bricks and mortar retail alive and supporting the greeting card and giftware industries.

https://www.mantonscards.co.uk/ 

With more than 18 years of buying experience, Sara has specialised in brand relationships and growing small emerging brands into market leaders. Sara is also experienced in own label sourcing across multiple categories and countries.

Previous to Retail 100 Consulting, Sara spent 18 years at John Lewis & Partners, working in buying, predominantly in home and seasonal categories, spending the last 8 of those years leading Gift and Home fragrance buying.

Sara has a degree in Textile Design from the University of Birmingham. Sara’s retail experience has been bolstered by training at the Oxford university retail summer school and on the Gap partnerships Negotiation programme.

www.retail100consulting.co.uk 

Sue Marks
Editor
Progressive Gifts and Home/GiftsandHome.net

Sue Marks is the longest serving trade press Editor in the gift industry. She has been at the helm of Progressive Gifts & Home for some 25 years, bringing a wealth of experience to the role. She is also Editor of www.GiftsandHome.net and a regular contributor to Progressive Housewares and Progressive Tableware Worldwide.

Previously in consumer journalism, she has been Editor of a diverse range of magazine titles ranging from Popular Crafts to Home Cooking.
With her in depth knowledge of the gift and home industry, and her close connection to retailers, both independent and multiple, she will, as always, be judging this year's Gift of the Year entries with a keen commercial eye.

https://www.progressivegifts.co.uk/ 

As a previous independent shop owner and winner and finalist in the Greats and Retas, retail, gifts and cards have been a passion of mine since I was a Saturday girl many years ago!

I am proud to be on the Giftware Association National Committee and I think this is my eighth year judging GOTY. Every year it is fantastic to see such a mix of small and larger suppliers entering with a vast array of gifts. It is a brilliant way to get in front of influential buyers and to gain some useful PR.

I have now crossed to the other side of retail, whilst doing a bit of website work for a few small retail businesses in my spare time.