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TRADING WELL AT SCOTLAND’S TRADE FAIR AUTUMN
TRADING WELL AT SCOTLAND’S TRADE FAIR AUTUMN
The Autumn trade gift show season began with Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn in Glasgow last weekend. Business at the Show was optimistic with many orders being placed and enquiries made, reinforcing the importance of trade shows.
Exhibitors at the Show demonstrated a wealth of creation from beautiful woollens to tweed accessories, innovative gifts to stunning jewellery, meaning there was something for everyone. Most exhibitors reported solid enquiries, with orders on a par with 2023 and a friendly, positive atmosphere at this boutique show.
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 from the Nancy Smillie gift and furniture shops in Glasgow commented at the Show:
“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 is always nice to re-connect with our existing suppliers.”
About a third of all exhibitors were new for 2024 with some beautiful products on display, such as home gifts from Ella Fletcher and Rebecca Pitcher, humorous cards from Oh La La and slate and wooden gifts from The Wee Engraving Company.
Exhibitor Kirsty Franey from 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 from The Wee Engraving Company added:
“This has been an incredible Show for us and allowed us to showcase our products to many key Scottish buyers for the first time.”
The two day show enables buyers to place orders and source new stock ahead of the other autumn shows and ensure they have plentiful stock for the festive period.
Show Director Mark Saunders said:
“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 19-21 Jan 2025.