The New Year is a time for resolutions and rejuvenation, so why not freshen your stock by going to Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring and sourcing some ‘wee gems’ that will make the customers flock to your shop? With about seven weeks until the three-day show opens on January 22 at the SEC in Glasgow, it’s time to book your ticket.
The show boasts around 500 exhibitors, many who only exhibit to trade here. New to the show are about one-third of all exhibitors with suppliers such as Blade & Rose children’s clothing, ROKA London sustainable bags, Katazome fashion brand from Glasgow, West Byre Apothecary candles, The Prancing Dog, and Dawn Maciocia. With more signing up for stands each week, you’ll be sure to find products that appeal to your customers, from gifts and cards to toiletries, clothes, jewellery and crafts.
Also making their debut are an array of new young companies in the Launch Gallery including macSoap, The Alternative One sustainable crafts, Surya Luna Naturals, Atoms to Astronauts and Jewahir Home Fragrances.
Plus, the Craft Gallery is brimming with innovation, colour and excitement, with suppliers such as Lynsey Walters, Lindsay McDowall Jewellery, Helen Chalmers, Helen Chatterton Textiles, BAKKA and Agate and Ayre.
In addition, the show is welcoming back exhibitors such as Highland Soap Company, Ortak, Black Yak, Portmeirion, Chris Lewis Silver, Darach, Earth Squared, Sea Gems, Eribe Knitwear, Pigment stationery and Amy Britton.
A key feature of the show is ‘Talking Shop’ which has a rich timetable of talks, panel discussions and masterclasses. Scottish Trade Minister Ivan McKee will talk about small business trade in Scotland; Gary Ennis from Digital Boost will discuss elements of social media, content, Pinterest and ecommerce; Visit Scotland will speak on the visitor experience; Fiona Faint will host a panel of influencers, as well as delivering the latest retail trends; packaging and shop design will be explained by Julie Mills; the Loves Local campaign will deliver their latest initiatives; and the Deposit Return Scheme will be explained by a panel of retail and drinks experts. For full details, CLICK HERE.
Other show features include Nessie’s Den, which will entertain with emerging suppliers highlighting their products to visitors in a light-hearted session; and The Best Product Awards, which will be judged by leading retailers with the winners displayed in the heart of the show.
With many shops offering far more than just gifts or homeware, Scotland’s Speciality Food Show is run in conjunction with Scotland’s Trade Fair, with more than 100 producers displaying their tasty wares, principally from Scotland.
Wendy Ross, owner of two stores in Scotland – Driftwood Lifestyle and Ruby Red Gifts – which are both located in the Glasgow suburb of Milngavie, said: “Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring is particularly good for us because many of the exhibitors have a unique Scottish angle. We always try to source from some new suppliers who are just starting up. These small suppliers can’t exhibit at big shows because they don’t have the budgets, so shows like this gives them the platform. We have discovered many Scottish brands who began in the Launch Gallery and are now mainstream gift suppliers, so it’s definitely worth going.”
Show director Mark Saunders said: “Independent shops continue to trade well in Scotland, so this show is a vital place to source new ranges, place orders, and network with the industry. Make sure you register now to get a free entry and keep informed of all the show news.”
Register here
www.scotlandstradefairs.com