INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY CELEBRATED AT SCOTLAND’S TRADE FAIR SPRING

Celebrating the incredible talent and creativity of suppliers seemed to be the theme at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, which took place last week at the SEC in Glasgow from 19-21 Jan. With a steady flow of buyers throughout the three days, exhibitors networked, wrote orders and made new contacts, making the Show a highly successful showcase of Scottish and British gifts, crafts, textiles, jewellery and homewares.

Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring aims to be forward-looking and this year’s exhibitors certainly displayed that. Buyers commented on the wide range of innovative products on offer, demonstrating the wealth of talent at this regional Show.

Gemma McQue, buyer for National Trust for Scotland said: “The Show this year was the best it's been for a while; the quality was fantastic and there was a good spread across most categories which helps when either updating current ranges or looking for something new. The Craft Gallery and Launch Gallery are always my first stop and both were outstanding this year, particularly the Launch Gallery with some really interesting new products and ranges, and we met some great new businesses that we look forward to working with in the near future.”

With an increase in the number of visitors from 2024, suppliers were pleased with the quality of the buyers who were serious about placing orders, discovering new ranges and trends, and re-stocking after a steady season last year. Nothing beats the face-to-face contact of a trade Show, making them a firm fixture in the buying calendar.

Fiona Ritchie from Siabann added: “Trade shows are the best way to connect with existing customers and launch new products and ranges to the trade so are vital in our selling process. This was a good Show for Siabann and we spoke to many existing retailers, as well as a few new large customers.”

The Best Product Awards, judged on the opening day of the Show by industry experts Carol Macrae from Eilean Donan Castle, Lynsey Abbott from Buying and Beyond and ex home & gift buyer at Dobbies, Dawn Kane from Scottish Seabird Centre and Sue Marks, Editor Progressive Gifts magazine attracted much interest (see winners below). The winners all displayed a degree of innovation, good packaging and an understanding of how to produce commercial products.

Dawn Kane said: “The wealth of talent made the judging process very hard as so many people produce incredible gifts, jewellery, wellbeing products and textiles. The winners stood out for the back story to their products and creators, as well as appealing packaging and a nod towards sustainability.”

As well as the ordering element, Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring had a full programme of talks and panel discussions in their Talking Shop. All were well attended and gave insight into subjects from digital strategies to trends, tourism ideas to how to become more sustainable.

Laura Ukstina from Scarlet Knitwear said: “This has been a great Show for us with many people placing orders, whereas last year we had more enquiries than orders. This Show is the place to reach outlining shops from the highlands and islands that we would otherwise not see.”

Show Director Mark Saunders commented: “We are aware that retail is tough right now. We are in the fortunate position in Scotland of being a popular tourist destination as well as fostering huge talent around the country. Our Show punches above its weight in terms of the innovation of exhibitors and attracts buyers from far and wide. The 2025 Show demonstrated this with healthy order books, smiling exhibitors and satisfied buyers all returning home after three busy days.”