Harrogate Christmas and Gift show: Hall A, Stand A6
Lesser & Pavey is a brand known for its breadth of design ranges, and homeware that champions the work of artists. Once again the gift and seasonal company will be bringing something for everyone to Harrogate.
Known for its beautiful tableware, homeware and vast array of gift product ranges, Lesser & Pavey has spent the past 53 years building an enviable customer base.
Also home to the brand ‘The Leonardo Collection’, Lesser & Pavey designs range from the traditional to the truly innovative, which is why they can boast offering something for literally everyone.
The company is also known for working closely with artists including a long-established relationship with the MacNeil Studios and Jennifer Rose. And this year the Bug Art collection features a charming range of gift items exclusively licensed to Lesser & Pavey by this popular artist.
Sarah Welsh spoke to Director Jonny Greves to find out the company’s plans for Harrogate…
Jonny how long have you been with Lesser & Pavey and how did you first come to work in the gift retail sector?
My parents own an online gift wholesaler where I started working not long after leaving school. I then joined Lesser & Pavey in 2015 – almost nine years ago now. A little-known fact is that I started on April Fool’s Day and was half expecting it to be a joke! I was made a director in 2019.  Giftware is a really lovely, fun and friendly trade to be in – I thoroughly enjoy it.
What do you personally love about the festive trade shows and why does Christmas & Gift stand out as such a unique event do you think?
Tough question! I think it’s a combination of things. It falls not long after Christmas so the festive spirit is still very much in the air. Buyers are always pleased to be in Harrogate because it’s such a lovely town, and the show isn’t huge so has a really nice relaxed feel about it.
Christmas & Gift enables us to see many of our customers and this then allows us to concentrate on everyday giftware at Spring Fair.
What can visitors expect from your Harrogate show stand this year?
Well, I think our customers will be pleased to see we have numerous options of brand-new designs in Christmas tableware and the giftware designs that we are known so well for. Each year we introduce new items into these ranges to add further interest and diversity.
We have traditional designs, more contemporary designs, and some really trendy ranges too. You must check out the Starlightz LED lights. They’re really funky and come with an app so the light display can be controlled by your phone!
How many product ranges do you take to the show and how many will be unveiled for the first time at Harrogate.
We’re launching more than 500 brand new products for our 2024 Christmas range. Tableware, Novelty Lighting, Fragrance, Decorative, Stocking Fillers… These include new licensed ranges, new ranges from our in-house art department as well as a few reimagined classics.
Lesser & Pavey is really well known for homewares. What pieces are you excited about showcasing this year?
We have been developing lots of new shapes this year which we are excited to showcase. Not only because we think it’s important to keep developing new products, but also we strive to continue offering top quality products at great value prices. We think this is more important now than ever and the reaction so far from customers has been very positive.
In terms of themes and colourways, which L&P products do you predict will be bestsellers for Christmas?
It’s an in-house discussion every year – which will be the bestselling – traditional or contemporary. Our range of Cozy & Comfy Socks, Gloves, Hats & Scarves is getting bigger and better by the year and we will have our biggest selection to date. We’ve also introduced Kiddies microwave warmers and hot water bottles so they could be a big contender. We have some amazing Santas for next Christmas where the intricate detail and embroidery makes them unlike anything else in the market – they’re a real wow.
In terms of the work you do collaborating with artists, are there any new names for 2024? And what about old favourites like the MacNeil Studio and Jennifer Rose
You’re quite right, we’re excited to be launching brand new ranges from our loyal favourites The MacNeil Studio and Jennifer Rose. We have also added to our portfolio from Bug Art, which was one of our most successful licenses in 2023.
From MacNeil we have a new versions of our favourites – robins. This time a family on the wall of an idyllic country house, Santa loading up his Sleigh outside his Workshop and the Reindeer Cabin, and a brand new ‘White Christmas’ Santa with Snowmen.
From Jennifer Rose, again we have the favourite winter robins, but with a really classy, contemporary take on the theme. It’s stripped back with delicate water colour robins. And alongside this we have a brand new range, a beautiful arrangement of Christmas poinsettias in soft water colours.
Finally how do you usually spend Christmas?
Always with family. Last Christmas we spent it with my wife’s family at her sister’s home in Broadstairs. We have a few presents in the morning, if I’m on the good list, then a walk and a beer before a big traditional lunch. This is followed by party games in the evening and hopefully there’s enough leftovers for a Boxing Day sandwich!
For more information visit: www.leonardo.co.uk
Harrogate Christmas and Gift show: Hall A, Stand A6
Spring Fair: Stand 5D10-E11, 5D20-E21
