Award-winning giftware company Widdop & Co. is delighted to announce an agreement to acquire the brands, stock and ongoing distribution of WPL Gifts, in a strategic move that expands its portfolio of brands and strengthens its position as one of the UK’s leading suppliers in the home and gift industry.
The acquisition will take effect from 1 January 2026, with the WPL ongoing product ranges fully integrated into the Widdop & Co. family. The first WPL ranges under Widdop’s stewardship will be showcased at Spring Fair 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for both brands.
For over 140 years, Widdop & Co. has built its reputation on innovation, quality, and service, representing over 35 lifestyle and gifting brands across multiple categories, from home décor and occasion gifting to seasonal and licensed products. The addition of WPL Gifts brings fresh creative energy, new customer opportunities, and a broadened product offer aligned with Widdop’s commitment to design excellence and value.
Stephen Illingworth, CEO of Widdop & Co. said: “We’re thrilled to welcome WPL Gifts into the Widdop & Co. family. WPL has built a respected name in the industry, especially for impulse gift solutions, and together we see enormous potential to build upon that success. The collaboration will allow us to combine WPL’s distinctive product development expertise with Widdop’s world-class distribution, design, and customer support.”
Chris Noble, Managing Director of WPL Gifts said: “We thrilled to secure WPL’s future and increase the exposure and distribution of our ranges around the world. This arrangement will ensure that we can focus more time on new product development from 2026 within the stronger and broader Widdop supply chain and distribution infrastructure.”
Although the two businesses will trade independently with separate sales teams and websites, the WPL team will work closely with Widdop’s in-house product and design departments to evolve the brand for its next phase of growth, with a focus on contemporary gifting, trend-led design, and new formats tailored for independent and multiple retail partners alike.
The first integrated WPL x Widdop & Co collection will debut at the Widdop Village, Spring Fair 2026 (1-4 February 2-26), where visitors can explore the brand’s reimagined direction alongside 4,000 new launches from Widdop’s extensive portfolio.
