SCOTTISH TRADE FAIR
Spring in Scotland A new year brings new opportunities and the Scotland Trade Fair Spring has a host of new exhibitors in 2020 that are set to inspire with their fresh products and ideas.
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f you’re a retailer in Scotland or Northern England, then the Scotland Trade Fair Spring is the place to be from January 19-21 at the SEC in Glasgow. Over 500 exhibitors will be on hand with their latest products and ideas, ready for retailers to put on their shelves and entice customers come springtime. This is a show that’s not just about buying, but also has awards, workshops, networking and talks among the many added extras. About a third of all of the
exhibitors are new to the show for 2020, with many returning favourites keen to unveil new ranges. This year’s new exhibitors will include Customworks, Fasanian Artistry, Nethertons and Starshine Design. They complement existing exhibitors such as Hole in my Pocket, Algan Arts, Pigment, Pink Pig, Emma Ball, Code Naturel and Cardology. Nothing beats the actual face-to-face interaction that visits to trade shows allow, where buyers can meet with suppliers and where they can feel the quality of products, and choose colours, ranges and sizes. Julie Pearson from Cloudberry Gifts said, “I find the show to be a great source for finding new suppliers. There is a wide choice of new products on offer and it seems all companies, no matter how big or small, put extra effort into adding to their ranges and being inspirational.” At this year’s event, Cards and Stationery will have their own category in the Best Product Awards for the first time. The awards will be judged on the opening morning of the show by industry experts Spirito Gifts Denise Laird, The Square Peg’s Jilly Wilson and Sterling Gifts buyer Aila Atherton.
Greeting Card & Stationery Exhibitor List Algan Arts – H26 All That Glitters – C51 Cardology – G13 Carrie-Ann Coupe – F31 Catherine Redgate: Artist & Illustrator – D8 Cheryl Jones Designs – LG68 Cheryl Morrice Art – E28 Code Naturel Scotland Ltd – E35 Dawn Maciocia – J11 Emma Ball Ltd – J23 F & B Cards – E48 Fasanian Artistry – J14 Hi Horse – LG44 Island Blue Publishing Ltd – B14 Jennifer Court Art & Illustration – D14 Joanne Wishart – K31 Lauren’s Cows – K47 Lomond Books & Lyrical Scotland – F26 & F43 Louise Tiler Designs Ltd – F39
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Netherton’s – H40 Perkins and Morley Ltd – C27 Pigment – L19 Pink Pig – C22 Pop Up Designs – C46 Pretty Pens – E47 Sarah Leask Studio – D55 Snappy Crocodile Designs – E58 Starshine Design by Julie Harris – LG34 Stirling Gallery – J26 Susie Wright – C32 Tartan 2CV – C59 The Art File – G35 The Grey Earl – C14 The Wee Book Company – E30 Vanessa Bee Designs – J10 Waverley Books – D30 Wee Wishes Embroidered Original – E75 Word Art Cards – E59
In 2020, Cards and Stationery will have their own category in the Best Product Awards for the first time The Talking Shop area will offer a range of informative talks and workshops, on subjects such as Retail Trends, Social Media Masterclass for Retailers, Tips to attract Tourists and more. Industry experts will impart gems about retailing, instruct on how to improve your retail business and entertain with some light-hearted sessions. Adding to this mix the very popular Nessie’s Den is back, where a handful of exhibitors will present their products to the panel of retail experts for their feedback. The show aims to inspire with its Launch Gallery – a hotbed of creativity and innovation where 30+ young producers will showcase their wares. It also aims to bring out originality with its upmarket Craft Gallery, with genuine handmade products on display. With many visitors coming from all over the Scotland as well as other parts of the UK, the show promises to be a great networking and sociable event where friendships can be rekindled and new suppliers sought. With so many working in isolation, this type of event is critical to ensure retailers are spot on with their approach, buying and outlook as for some, it may well be the only trade show they visit in a year. As a social hub for
like-minded individuals, there are plenty of networking opportunities, be it around the awards areas, or by making use of special show discounts in local eateries. Helen Crawford from the Old School gift shop in Beauly said, “We always think of the Scottish Show as an opportunity to cement existing supplier relationships, meet the ‘new kids on the block’ and touch base with our fellow retailers.” Mark Saunders, Scotland’s Trade Fair Show Director added, “Scotland’s Trade Fair is so much more than just another gift show. It is often the place where new products are unveiled and launched to the market; where new relationships made; where interesting market insight and selling techniques are imparted; and where shops can plan what to stock for the coming year. The aim of this January show is to ensure we are a one-stop show for all independent retailers in Scotland and northern England. Here they can be inspired, place orders and ensure they are ahead of the game for the coming season. Following another successful tourist season in Scotland this year, we are in an optimistic mood for another highly successful show.”
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18/12/2019 12:25