The Evolution of Something Different

This year marks a significant milestone for Something Different: 25 years in the wholesale giftware industry! As we celebrate this quarter-century achievement, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how far we’ve come. From the very beginning to becoming a leading name in the industry, our growth story is a testament to our deep commitment to our customers. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and compare where we started to where we are now. 

Logo

Over the last 25 years, our logo has undergone a remarkable transformation. The original design, inspired by our bestselling product at the time – oil burners – featured flame graphics and a basic typeface, symbolising the warmth and functionality of our early offerings.  

Website

Our first website was launched in the late 1990s, a pioneering move during the early days of the internet. It was a revolutionary for its time, being one of the first to offer customers the option to access gifts for trade online, setting a new standard in the industry.

Today, our website has evolved into a dynamic and user-friendly platform with advanced ecommerce capabilities, detailed product pages, customer-influenced functionality, and designed to make shopping with us seamless and enjoyable. The website has multiple features including a blog, stock levels and feeds, various payment options, wish lists, saved baskets and an integrated support system ensuring that our customers have all the information and assistance they need. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come from those early days of the first website to now, offering a sophisticated online experience that continues to evolve with our customers’ needs.

Warehouse

Our warehouse has always been a pivotal part of our business, reflecting our growth and success over the years. In the early days, our warehouse was a modest 5,000 square feet, with four containers in the car park to manage the overflow stock. Our dedicated staff would pick orders using a Pick by Paper method, manually transferring information to our computer system – a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Today, our operations have transformed dramatically. We now boast over 80 members of staff and an impressive 158,000 square feet of warehouse space, equivalent to 3.5 football pitches! Our modern facility is equipped with the latest technology in inventory management and logistics, featuring automated systems that streamline our operations and allow us to efficiently manage over 3,000 products. Weekly deliveries of containers keep our inventory fresh and up to date.

Catalogue

Our product catalogue has always been at the heart of our business. Our previous catalogues were simple featuring our entire product selection in cut-out image format. These catalogues served as a primary means for our customers to explore our product range.

Today, our catalogue has transformed beautifully, much like our company itself. The basic images from the past have been replaced with inspirational, high-quality photographs that bring our exclusively designed products to life. Our catalogues, now available in both print and digital formats, offer shoppable links and detailed pricing, making it easier than ever to browse our extensive collection of new arrivals and bestsellers. 

Our mission is to remain committed to innovation, quality and customer satisfaction in years to come. We’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds and to continue sharing this journey with all of you. Thank you for being a part of our story! 💜