Trading well at Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn
The Autumn trade gift show season kicked off with Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn, held at the SEC in in Glasgow on August 18 and August 19. Organised by Springboard Events, this two-day exhibition enables buyers to place orders and source new lines ahead of other autumn shows, and ensures they have plentiful stock for the festive period.
Business was optimistic, with many orders placed and enquiries made. Exhibitors demonstrated a wealth of creation from beautiful woollens and tweed accessories to innovative gifts and stunning jewellery, meaning there was something for everyone. Most reported solid enquiries, with orders on a par with 2023, and a positive atmosphere at this show.
“This show allows us to seek out local products and ensure we are stocking the best from Scotland”
Scotland remains a magnet for tourists with visitor numbers due to rise this year, which is a great boost to all the tourist shops up and down the country. However, this is all against a background of challenging economic times, which makes buyers naturally more cautious.
Nancy Smillie, owner of the Nancy Smillie gift and furniture shops in Glasgow, commented: “This show allows us to seek out local products and ensure we are stocking the best from Scotland. We discovered some new gifts which we have placed orders for – and it’s always nice to reconnect with our existing suppliers.”
About a third of all exhibitors were new for 2024 with some great products on display, such as home gifts from Ella Fletcher and Rebecca Pitcher, humorous cards from Go La La, and slate and wooden gifts from The Wee Engraving Company.
Exhibitor Kirsty Franey, founder and designer of Whirlow Knitwear, said: “Being in the Launch Gallery has been great to get a foot in the door of the market and to understand how important the provenance of Scottish products are.”
Craig Hunt, co-founder of The Wee Engraving Company, added: “This has been an incredible show for us, and has allowed us to showcase our products to many key Scottish buyers for the first time.”
Show director Mark Saunders noted: “Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn has a friendly ‘boutique’ vibe to it, allowing buyers the chance to chat to suppliers as well as source many new, exciting products early. Most of the new suppliers reported great interest in their goods – and this show gave them the perfect platform to launch to the trade.”
Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring will be held from January 19 to January 21 2025.
