So we are now into August, a time when we would normally be going to trade shows to source new and exciting products to bring to our little shop on Needham Market High Street. As we all know, Covid-19 has had an effect on most things over the last 6 months and that includes the many trade shows we attend throughout the year. 

 

Sourcing new and unique items has always been one of the most exciting things for Sue and I. Don’t get me wrong; traipsing up endless isles in the many halls at the Birmingham NEC spring and autumn fairs can be exhaustingly hot and very frustrating at times but very rewarding when you find that one unique product you've spent the whole day searching for, hidden amongst thousands of others. 

 

It’s really not easy to find something new and different that we haven’t seen anywhere else or that someone else hasn’t beaten us to but we are always searching. 

 

Last year there was one product in particular that stood out for me and that was the beautiful hand finished water colour cards with sterling silver jewellery attached to make up part of the picture. Beautiful gifts at an affordable price and British made. What more can you ask? 

A family run business that started round their kitchen table, Crumble and Core have become one of my favourite companies to stock. 

 

 

 

I love it when people tell me we have such lovely cards and gifts that they have never seen in any other shops. It means we are getting it right (most of the time, anyway!) 

 

So what are we going to do this year? 

 

Well, we do already have lots of wonderful companies that we buy from and they will, of course, have their own new lines for autumn/winter. Some will have a reduced range but still lots of new and exciting things to tempt you. 

 

We may even have a few surprises along the way - we wouldn’t want to disappoint you! 

 

We will also have done some buying for Christmas earlier in the year. YES, I did say Christmas! The festive season is already planned, so there’s no need to worry that Needham Market High Street won’t have the usual fabulous window display from Lilac & Lily’s. 

Hopefully you will always find something to tempt you in our lovely shop and on our new online shop. 

We would love to hear what you would like to see in store for the future. 

 

As always stay safe 

 

Maria