While a beautiful bunch of flowers or breakfast in bed is always well received on Mother’s Day, something new for the home is pretty high on the list for interiors-loving mums. Here’s our affordable top 10 and they all come in under $100.
Sage & Clare Yolandi cotton legging: Perfect for mum’s that like to wear their favourite interior prints, these gorgeous leggings are perfect for lazing around the house and beyond. $79.
Indigo Love Collectors Flemington acrylic jug: Made from BPA-free acrylic, this jug is ideal for creating a fabulous backyard tablescape. It is part of a much larger table top set. $45.
Everbloome Gigi bouquet: Yes real blooms are beautiful but these ones will last for many, many years. We love the combo of hydrangea, gypsophila and billy buttons. $99.
Greenhouse Interiors Fievre art tote bag: Made from 100% flax linen and available in a variety of gorgeous prints, this hold-all is one for the art-loving mum. $59.
Matisse Cutout pink poster and frame: Inspired by Henri Matisse, this print (and the rest of the collection) has a timeless, almost retro feel. We love the splash of pink. $75.90.
Castle & Things Botanical velvet pillowcase: These floral emblazoned velvet pillowcase slips prove that the inimitable Rachel Castle cannot put a stylish foot wrong. The colours are glorious. $79.
Ferm Living Ripple champagne saucer (set of two): While not exactly new to the market, these are a modern classic for a reason. Mum will feel instantly stylish sipping from such delicate, fluted glass. $61.80.
Typo Paint by Numbers: One for the crafty mums, this ‘paint by numbers’ set is an ideal weekend project. The set includes a pre-printed canvas (with natural ready-to-hang frame) plus a set of acrylic paints and two paintbrushes. $29.99.
House of Nunu Double Trouble cup set in forest green: Available in a variety of gorgeous hues including mustard, amber and this gorgeous green, this cup’s double walled glass ensures optimal insulation for tea, coffee or cold drinks. $69.95.
Supermarket homewares: bargain marble tables and more at Coles
Sponsored A $49.99 real marble side table is one of the products expected to sell out when it hits Coles shelves tomorrow as part of their new Best Buys range.…
Later this month, I’m hosting an exclusive meet and greet at AGHA Sydney Gift Fair where I’ll be sharing tips on how to get your products into the media, on blogs, and how to use your own social media channels to effectively promote your brand.
As a journalist of more than 15 years, I deal with PR people all the time, and more recently as a professional blogger, people are constantly trying to persuade me to share their brand, paid or otherwise (in fact, much more often for free). So I know a thing or two about how to get noticed.
Madras Link: Professionally styled and photographed
Here, I’m sharing some of my best tips! And don’t forget I’ll be on hand at AGHA Sydney Gift Fair on 23 February if you have an important question about your business you’d like to ask in person.
Invest in styling and photography
Often I have to say a polite no to people featuring on the blog because their photography isn’t up to scratch. Even if you’ve really put the effort into styling and photographing your products yourself, with half decent light and a good camera, I hate to break it to you (and I really do, because I hate saying no!) it’s usually obvious it wasn’t a professional job. Not only does it not show your product in the best light, it can also make it look like you’re too small to get a photographer. This may not cost as much as you think at all. A few hundred bucks is money extremely well spent on a photographer in my opinion. While hiring a stylist too may seem overkill (or too expensive), it is always great to see products in a lifestyle situation, i.e. in a room, not just on a white background (although that’s useful too). Approach local design schools or reach out to people whose style you like on Instagram. Those starting out may not charge a hefty fee, but equally, please don’t ask creatives to work for free!
Once you’ve paid for your beautiful new photographs, get your money’s worth and use them on your website, socials and anywhere you can think of, as well as sending them to media. More on that later…
Establish relationships with influencers
Influencer is a fancy word for people like me; bloggers and personalities online with large followings, who people trust and take advice and/or recommendations from. They do not have to be huge, Kim Kardashian-like celebs to be able to have a real impact on your brand by highlighting it to their followers. Even though you may need to pay these people and enter a business relationship with them, it’s always best if this starts from an authentic place, where you have reached out and had a chat with them online, sent them a DM or commented on their posts. Some influencers are open to gifting, where you send them product for free and they agree to post about it in return. Others have a set rate they charge for product shout outs. Some, like me, do both. Try requesting their media kit via the contact page on their website, or direct messaging them via Instagram.
Don’t forget traditional media
You may think you’re too small or new to be featured in traditional media like magazines, but don’t talk yourself out of PR opportunities. Just make sure you do your homework first. Look at the magazine you want to be featured in and think about where your product might fit. No, you may not get a double-page-spread but could you offer them a prize for a competition, be featured in a new product roundup, or talk about how you started your brand in a business feature? Think outside the box! As a former magazine editor, I can tell you there’s nothing better than a pitch where someone has done their homework and makes it easy to say yes to them! For example: “I have the perfect product for your regular XYZ feature. Can I send you samples? Take a look and download our professional lifestyle images at XYZ. Have a look at my attached catalogue and let me know what works best for you. Contact me any time if you need anything else at all.”
CASE STUDIES: THREE AGHA EXHIBITORS GETTING IT RIGHT!
1. Rayell (Stand 3K12).
Rayell’s Kevin Porter says: “We use social media to try and show our products in a real life setting and feature all of the gorgeous details of the products. Part of the barrier of being online is that customers can’t feel, touch or examine the products up close. We try to help our customers imagine the products in their business or even imagine the end use of how their own customers will use the products.”
Rayell
What they’ve learned about digital:
Regramming tagged photos and sharing and supporting other businesses always pays off! It is great to see how other people style your products and what they are pairing them with.
Enewsletters are a must! They are the perfect way to alert customers to new products and direct them to content they might benefit from.
Strong branding is important! Keep consistent with your visuals and branding so your business is instantly recognisable and memorable.
2. Melko (Stand 4N9)
“We love to connect with our customers and show our appreciation by featuring their photos on our daily Instagram stories,” says managing director Guido Melo. “We’ve learnt that people are always looking for something new, and by using social media we are always able to reach new audiences. Our content across all platforms also needs to be high quality and engaging.
“Customers love to share their thoughts and opinions so if we can get them involved as much as possible, it creates a budding relationship between customer and business which in return, we believe, increases the likelihood of returning customers and also new customers through tagging, sharing or telling their friends about us.”
He adds: “Another key lesson is that video and photography is incredibly important in retail business. Coming up with creative concepts is important to stay relevant, and producing high quality images will not only intrigue the customer to view or buy the product but people in general love to follow a great looking feed. We find value in investing money into photoshoots because creating a great catalogue of images can easily increase revenue.”
Their top photography tips
You don’t need to go too over the top with your images, being minimalistic and clean is the best way as it is also easier on the eyes.
Filters or presets can definitely make or break a photo–make sure you choose one that is consistent to your brand and feed, and doesn’t take away from the product that you’re trying to sell.
Lighting is everything! Find your light and the photo becomes instantly beautiful. Play around with natural light (avoid super sunny days), and use a reflector when necessary.
Lastly, make sure you don’t overwhelm your customers with your products. A breakdown of other images/videos/messages that still keep with your brand and that you think your customers will love, will create a positive experience.
3. Madras Link (Stand DN5)
The brand uses social media and professional photography to showcase their range of cushions, furniture and home accessories.
Ashini Grey says: “The key lessons we have learnt over the years are to ensure you’re sticking to a regular schedule (neglected accounts are not inspiring); it’s important that every post communicates something of value, and every post is an opportunity to reach your current and new customers.”
They use a professional photographer because image quality is high priority when sharing images to social media or in a catalogue or magazine. “Blurry images and poor arrangements of products could result in a missed opportunity to convey your brand’s story,” Ashini adds. “Our top tips are to use a professional photographer, put a lot of work into your styling to ensure the products complement each other whilst maintaining your brand’s point of difference and, lastly, pay attention to detail. When you’ve spent so much time lovingly designing your collection, it’s essential that clear photos convey the details such as colour, texture and design.”
With the pervasiveness of online shopping, there’s no denying that traditional retailers must find new and innovative ways to lure customers back into bricks and mortar stores. And it’s something that the team at Reed Gift Fairs will cover at the upcoming Reed Gift Fairs Sydney February event, from 23-27 February at ICC Sydney. To celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the event, the line-up will feature two new product categories (Travel & Tech) plus The Retail Activator Pod. Staffed with industry experts, they’ll help you unlock the secrets to getting customers through your shop doors, engaged with your brand and spending!
Retail Activator Pod Hosted by a team of retail aficionados, the custom built Retail Activator Pod will be located in the event’s new Travel & Tech precinct on level 4 and will be open from 9am until 6pm daily. It’s a great place to discover ideas and techniques to help engage customers, create more inspiring in-store experiences and drive sales. With no appointment necessary, you can drop in and chat to the team about everything from ‘design and digital’ to ‘point of purchase and display,’ ‘interactive technology’ and ‘customer culture.’ They will also reveal how to drive brand loyalty, create powerful visual displays, develop a consistent multi-channel brand and engage customers with interactivity and cutting-edge technology. This is the place to discover everything about the next generation of retail.
Meet the experts With over 30 years’ retail experience, Marguerite Bell is the founder of Retail Life, a company that works with Aussie retailers to help them meet and exceed the expectations of contemporary shoppers. Marguerite is a highly sought after independent retail consultant and has worked with Sheridan Australia, Dymocks, Interflora, Harbour Town Adelaide and Charter Hall shopping centres to name a few. There are few people in Australia more qualified to discuss all aspects of retail than Marguerite.
A visual communications expert with over 30 years industry experience, Grant Cunningham is the CEO of Sydney’s Allprint Graphics. Experts in creating printed visual communication materials using the latest technologies, Allprint Graphics produce everything from bespoke counter displays, freestanding display units, in-store signage, outdoor signage, decals, window displays and installations. Much of this is created using new digital equipment that allows for the production of bespoke point of purchase items that a few years ago wouldn’t have been possible. He is your go-to guy for everything visual.
Euan Wilson is the founder of Tap Media, a tech company that is changing the way that shoppers interact with bricks and mortar retail stores. Tap Media technology allows shoppers to tap their smartphone to retail displays of products and immediately launch critical information about the products (no app required). This puts general product info, online reviews and more in the hands of shoppers while providing valuable feedback to the retailer on the customer journey too.
Graphic designer Melissa Webber is the founder the Sydney based boutique design and digital agency Holy Cow! The company specialise in branding, environmental design and digital solutions with a customer-centric focus that has seen them work with many large retail groups including Lend Lease, The Perron Group, Dexus, Mirvac, Colliers and CBRE. Holy Cow! is renowned for its award-winning partnerships with retail brands including Dymocks, Mad Mex, Pie Face and Sumo Salad.
Reed Gift Fairs Sydney February | 23-27 February 2019 | ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre
Australia’s largest retail event, Reed Gift Fairs is back across not one but two huge venues, and there are plenty of extra reasons to visit next month, not least the chance to win a car! There’s also a new, free app to help you gather contacts for after the show, and the curated home living space to take a much needed seat and soak up some interiors inspo.
Expect to find all your favourite premium brands at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre spanning Halls 1-8, and balance this with new products from emerging and never before seen big brands at the Exhibition Pavilion, Melbourne Showgrounds.
5 reasons to attend Melbourne Showgrounds first
With a regular complimentary shuttle between the two venues and ample parking, you can start your day at the Exhibition Pavilion at the Melbourne Showgrounds, confident that you’ll get a free park. You’ll grab the opportunity to be one of the first to source from more than 150 amazing brands showcasing their latest products including Fratelli Guzzini, Bugatti, the Linen House, Swish Collection and AVA Studio:
Whether you’re planning, starting or growing your business, take advantage of an exclusive one-on-one FREE business consultation and or a full mentoring service from Small Business Victoria. Be it reviewing your website, unlocking value in your logistics costs, to getting the best results out of your marketing campaign, no question is too small or too crazy…. they are here to help you! Bookings are essential and only available at Melbourne Showgrounds.
With ample seating locations, your favourite spot will be in the curated home living space featuring the latest products on show from homewares to fashion, kids to kitchen, and everything in between.
Have a successful day sourcing and reward yourself at The Grazing Bar with a much deserved wine and cheese platter and know that you’re in the running for both these incredible draws:
Reed Gift Fairs are always looking to improve the visitor experience and this year is no different with the launch of the Emperia App. Forget about business cards that always get lost. Instead, download the app and make sure to get scanned so you can get a list of every exhibitor you’ve seen and connect with them post show.
Get ready for a new and exciting buying experience at the AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair. Each year, many homewares trade fairs promise their best yet, however next month’s AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair is packed with incredible changes and guaranteed to deliver a fresh new experience for visitors to explore.
Held from August 4-8, for the first time ever all exhibitors will be located in one premium venue at the newly-expanded Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Doors 9-19.
Find Rayell at stand L27, Exhibition Halls Doors 11-19.
The new, bigger space (following a $200m redevelopment) means there are four new AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair buying zones to discover between Doors 9-19. Featuring Design Life Melbourne, Unique & Boutique and The Launch Pad, get ready to discover all the latest trends and thousands of innovative brands and products.
Enter the MCEC via the new main entrance at Convention Centre Place near DFO and you’ll find The Gift Hub Foyer. Featuring the AGHA Membership Stand, registration and information desks, and lots of exciting exhibitor displays throughout the hub, Eureka Room, and Concourse, this is a great place to kick off your new buying experience.
Find up and coming brands entering the Australian market from AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair exhibitors in The Launch Pad in the Courtyard Room. You can also grab a drink or bite to eat at one of the brand new cafés including Italian Kitchen and Goldfields Café.
Find Revolution Art & Design in Design Life at stand D4, Exhibition Halls Doors 9-10
Exhibition Halls Doors 9-10
In an exciting industry first, Design Life will make its Melbourne debut this year, located in the exhibition halls between Doors 9 and 10. Previously only seen in Sydney, this is the AGHA’s premium buying destination where you’ll discover a carefully curated edit of brands and suppliers offering the best in high end gifts and homewares.
Feeling peckish after a busy morning of buying? Head to Bar Connect for a Parisian-inspired brunch or, if a quick bite is what you’re after, Express Café will make the perfect pit stop.
Doors 11-19
Thanks to the MCEC’s expansion, the 2018 Melbourne Gift Fair will feature hundreds of exhibitors in the new exhibition halls between doors 11 and 19. You’ll be sure to find all the brands and ranges you need to keep your store fresh and customers coming back for more.
Top tip: Don’t forget to visit the transport hub between 11am and 3pm to get your Freeway parking paid for by the AGHA (conditions apply).
Find Darcy & Duke at stand B14, Exhibition Halls Doors 11-19
Sovereign Room, Level 1
Another new buying zone, Unique & Boutique, will also make its debut in Melbourne this year. Enter the Sovereign Room just up the escalator from The Gift Hub foyer to discover an eclectic mix of products you won’t find anywhere else. Retailers after something a bit different can’t afford to miss this new buying destination, which was inspired by the creativity and authenticity of Australian design.
The AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair will run from 4 to 8 August at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Doors 9-19. Visit melbournegift.com.au to register to attend or for more information.
Over 500 wholesalers showcasing thousands of new product ranges across homewares, gift, fashion and jewellery, will come together at Reed Gift Fairs next week. And in a retail world that is constantly evolving, retailers will also have the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s best minds with their Retail Therapy education series.
From social media bootcamps and creating digital content to smartphone photography tips and and getting your website front and centre, you’re promised affordable, practical, take-home tips to take your retail business to the next level.
Retailers come to Reed Gift Fairs for a multi-sensory experience, to source for their shelves’ (bricks and mortar or online!) next bestsellers. The show spans two levels categorised into Homewares on the lower level (Home, Furniture & Interiors; Kitchen & Dining; Body, Bath & Fragrance) and Gift on the upper level (including Books & Stationery; Kids, Toys & Games/Gadgets; and Jewellery, Fashion & Accessories), in a department store style layout.
Reed Gift Fairs Sydney is on from 24 to 28 February 2018 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, Darling Harbour.
More than just a collection of exhibitors’ stands, there’s also wine bars, pamper massage zones, charging stations and multiple food and beverage outlets for the ultimate retail trade sourcing experience. It’s the perfect time for retailers to stock up post-Christmas.
Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events organiser with a growing portfolio of over 500 events in 40 countries, including trade and consumer exhibitions, conferences and meetings, across 43 industry sectors – from retail and aviation to beauty and cosmetics to sports and recreation.
Reed Gift Fairs is a trade-only event, and admission is free upon validation of the necessary trade credentials (company website and/or ABN) and completion of the registration process.
Getting there
Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, ICC Sydney is easily accessible by public transport, including light rail, ferry and train and is only a 10-minute walk from Central and Town Hall train stations. Secure parking is available and conveniently located within the Darling Harbour precinct. A free shuttle will operate between Reed Gift Fairs (Door 2, Level 1, ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre) and Life Instyle (Moore Park) on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 February only. Reed Gift Fairs offers a complimentary airport shuttle service during the fair, available to visitors travelling interstate to and from Sydney Domestic Airport and ICC Sydney.
Consumers spend 250% more time on social media than they did just 2 years ago. There are 250 million photos uploaded each day to Facebook, with 34% of bloggers posting opinions about products and brands. 90% of consumers trust peer recommendations and only 14% trust advertisements (www.socialnomics.net).
Photo-taking for sharing on social media increasingly occurs in retail stores, an environment traditionally off limits to photography. Many retailers have been wary of the practice, and have only grown more so as they believe the perpetrators are using their stores as free showrooms prior to making the actual purchase at a different retailer, online.
