Executive Summary
As the UK economy continues to recover from the recession of the early
1990s, the increase in disposable income, and growth in the housing market, are
having positive effects on the giftware industry. The industry was estimated to
be worth around £3.59bn in 1996.
In this report, the sectors of jewellery and silverware, ceramics, glassware,
cutlery, small leather goods and toys are considered. Expensive items, such as
jewellery and crystal, are often regarded as luxuries. There is, however, every
indication that more consumers are again beginning to buy such products, either
as new or as long-postponed replacement items. The toy industry fared better
than most in the recessionary years, and sales of both traditional and video
and electronic games are expected to benefit from the increasing child
population, which is anticipated to reach over 12 million by the year 2000.
Lengthening life expectancy, the increase of potential gift-giving occasions
and a growth in the tourist industry are all factors which will contribute to
the growth of the giftware industry. Of negative effect, however, is the
continuing decline in the number of weddings taking place.
With the exception of the ceramics sector, which has traditionally enjoyed a
trade surplus, each category of giftware considered is characterised by a high
level of imports, particularly from the Far East and the US. Indeed, even the
ceramic sector is becoming increasingly pressurised by overseas competition, as
the fashion veers towards less formal dining.
Character licensing has become a major feature of each sector, not just that of
toys. Classic Disney and other perennial characters, along with those from
current films and TV programmes, feature on a wide range of china, glassware,
jewellery and leather items, as well as featuring in games and as dolls and
soft toys.
Another feature of the giftware market is the trend towards mail order and
catalogue shops to the detriment of specialist retail outlets. The usage of
alternative outlets, such as the shopping channel, QVC, and the Internet, is
expected to gain popularity over the coming years.
Seventh Edition 1997
Edited by Louis Barfe
ISBN 1-85765-650-4
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