lifestyle Scotland’s Trade Fair With months still to go until Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn’s Launch Gallery is already full with an incredible line-up of original and exciting exhibitors. Held at the SECC, Glasgow from 18-19 Sept, this trade fair is traditionally the last chance for northern retailers to source and order goods for the Christmas season. With a wide selection of homewares, jewellery, accessories and now food and drink, it offers independent retailers the perfect chance to stock something a little more innovative and unusual for their Christmas shoppers. Over 150 stands, of which almost one third are new exhibitors, including the Launch Gallery for young, original companies under two years old, will showcase their wares over the two days. The Launch Gallery will feature metalwork gifts Steelin Dreams from the Borders, Snowpaw with their handmade shoes, Nikky d’Aguilar’s stylish scarves and cushions (right), Scott & Robson designed cards, jewellery from Alison Phillips and Jessie Growden and bags from Nixey amongst others. For the first time ever the Show will also include a selection of food and drink gift exhibitors in recognition of the quality and variety of edible offerings that make excellent Christmas presents The food and drink offering includes Coco
Chocolatier, Spice Pots, Jaw Brew and The Chilli Experience. Show stalwarts include Dekassa Candles, Ortak, Tart Twist, Urban Outline candles, Pewtermill Crafts and Earth Squared which all offer highly desirable and sellable Christmas gifts. These will be complemented by some tremendous newcomers offering something a little different such as Black & Wired clothes from Aberdeenshire, Diamond in the Sky jewellery, Hello Sock, Juli Partlett Ceramics, Sienna Glass and Dawn Maciocia’s collage paintings. Mark Saunders, MD of Springboard Events, who organises the Show said: “Our Autumn Show provides the perfect platform for re-stocking for the frantic Christmas retail season. We have had such a good response to the Launch Gallery we are considering extending it beyond its original footprint. We have managed to secure some really interesting exhibitors with gifts for all retailers from clothes to food, accessories to homewares. With a wide range of price points this Show is certainly not to be missed if you want to succeed in the final quarter of 2016.” Karen Shand from gift shops Proposals said: “I like the timing of the Show and especially being able to come here when you’ve seen a lot of the other shows but there are still gaps in your buying. It’s on my doorstep and I always place lots of orders.”
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