industry news Smaller is better


with Nanoblocks! Asholay Distribution, a Bedford-based distribution company specialising in innovative toys from around the globe, has secured exclusive distribution rights to the well-established Japanese construction product Nanoblock. These miniature building- block sets are highly collectable and appeal to a wide range of tastes and ages. Their potential has already been noted in the UK by such brands as Firebox.com and ZSL London Zoo who now stock a range of Nanoblocks as supplied by Asholay.


Fenwick department store has also started stocking the toy as a great gift idea. The smallest of the bricks is a mere 4x4x5mm and allows users to create highly detailed 3D models occupying only a small amount of space. There are three series currently available in the UK: the ‘Miniature Collection’, which contains popular animals and instruments, the ‘Sights to See’ which includes famous landmarks from around the globe and for the real enthusiast, the ‘Advanced Hobby’ series with models reaching 5,800 pieces and boasting 20 hours of build time. For more information call 07790 143398, email ash@asholay.comor visit www.asholay.com


Creative Tops


keeps it calm! Exclusively Housewares saw the launch of the new Keep Calm and Carry On Collection from Creative Tops. It has been inspired by the Cool Britannia theme and the phrase itself Originally drawn up by the UK Ministry of Information in order to boost the morale of the British people during the World War 2 the Keep Calm and Carry On slogan serves today as a fantastic mantra for anyone seeking solace and reassurance when times are particularly hard. Gorgeous bright colours are seen across a full-length apron and gauntlet textile set, a set of three tea towels, a lap tray with comfy bean bag, a tea cosy, tea bag tidy, a set of six assorted fine china mugs and an extremely useful double-walled ceramic travel mug with funky coloured silicon lid! Also soon to be added will be a six-cup teapot, glass worktop saver and retro style memo board. For more information email sales@creativetops.comor visit www.creativetops.com


Squibble don’t


squabble! Squibble is a brand new fun way to solve a squabble, brought to you by Family Fixes. The portable gadget contains 10 individually sized straws numbered 1-10. Whoever picks the shortest straw is the one assigned the task in question, whether it be doing the washing up, taking the dog for a walk or making breakfast in bed! According to a survey conducted by Family Fixes, 68 per cent of those interviewed squabbled at least once day, and often failed to work out a fair and simple way to resolve minor decisions and dilemmas. Squibble is the fun and fair way to put an end to this, and it’s also great for forfeit games and parties. It can be used to decide which


Animal magic!


Where fashion leads, interior design follows. Sales of animal prints for home furnishings are booming, which has added to the hugely popular use of faux fur in many aspects of interiors. Wherever faux fur and animal designs are used in the home there is always a risk of ‘overdoing it’: the challenge being to achieve style and sophistication without the elements of 70’s cringe. The Katrina Hampton range of fabulous faux fur


takeaway to eat, who is buying the coffees at work and who is in which team, when playing games. For more information call Karen on 07989 558239, email kchapman@squibbledontsquabble.com or visit www.squibbledontsquabble.com


soft furnishings reflects all the style requirements of interior design from the high street to couture. Animal prints, stripes, and plains make up the range, using only luxury soft-touch faux fur to produce bed throws, cushions and accessories. The brand’s soft furnishings are produced for stock in the northwest of England and all of its products proudly display a ‘Made in England’ label. For more information call 01616 244167 or visit www.ambassador-textiles.co.uk


Gifts & Housewares 11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20