Shop Red

We absolutely accept that there is too much waste and far too many environmentally damaging materials in the world, and we applaud the EU’s move to restrict this through its Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). However, the need to register an authorised representative in each country that you MIGHT send an order to makes it financially prohibitive and a huge administrative burden for micro businesses. Thankfully, Ireland does have exemptions for businesses sending total annual packaging under 10 tonnes, so we can continue supplying retailers and consumers there. But we will sadly no longer be supplying any other EU countries. As a proud European holding an Honours Degree in French and a FLAW qualification in Spanish, this makes me so sad. The continuing delocalisation-globalisation faced by micro and small businesses is incredibly worrying. Particularly when it affects trade with our closest neighbours. We’ve had Brexit, Covid, GPSR, US tariffs and now the PPWR. Miss Milly has always been incredibly active in the recycling of packaging and there isn’t much we receive that we don’t reuse. Our branded gift boxes and bags are made from FSC certified paper and are recyclable. And our warehouse is B Corp certified with all boxes and tape plastic free. Yes, our jewellery sleeves and scarf bags are plastic but they can be recycled at soft plastic packaging collection points, and we ensure that it is from our office samples. A toute à l’heure!

I have received some wonderful messages from customers since announcing this is my final season. This one from Sandra shows the kind of lovely things you’ve been saying. Thank you 🤩 🙏 ☺️

We’ve created our new jewellery collection to enable you to make an impact with some gorgeous colours and stunning designs. You’ll find a richness and depth of colour throughout, and all still with our trusted high quality and purse-friendly prices. Which is your favourite?

It’s been an emotional week. I might have shed a tear or two. At @homeandgiftharrogate this week, with the help of @giftstodaymedia, I announced that this is my final Miss Milly season. I’m the one who’s made the decision and planned it, but I’m still letting it sink in. I enjoy what I do but it’s time, after 22 years, for new adventures. And those of you that know me personally are well aware of my love of an adventure! So Autumn-Winter 26 is my last season, my final hurrah and I hope you love what I’ve launched for you. Making the announcement at the show on Wednesday wasn’t the original intention but once the cat’s out of the bag, it’s important to claim it and get ahead of the rumour mill! Miss Milly is not in trouble, it’s not failing. In fact, it’s doing pretty well and we had a great show (thank you to the retailers who ordered 😘). The messages I’ve received and the conversations I’ve had have been so touching. Thank you. The love for Miss Milly and its colourfulness has been made very evident. And I’ve been helped to realise this week that walking away from a successful business is quite brave. If you recall the purple canvases I hang on the trade stand, they read Bright, Bold, Belle and Brave. So perhaps it was inevitable! I’m only now seeing that I really am my brand. It’s named after my daughter and my Nanna, but it embodies me. The announcement has led to some interesting communications and if I can secure the future of Miss Milly in a way that is right for me and the brand, I will. I’ve nearly always used ‘we’ rather than ‘I’ in a fake it until you make it style. I think I’ve probably got there? So, I’ll finish by saying that I’m in full-on, new season mode and loving it. The stock is all online to pre-order for dispatch mid August. And it’s business as usual. Any questions at all (about the products, the business or my plans), please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Having fun with the Netflix trend. Trade shows are hard work but they’re also a whole lot of fun. It’s all about the people; the bestie that helps you at shows, the stand neighbours, the industry friends, the customers and everyone else you meet along the way. That’s another edition of @homeandgiftharrogate done ✅