With less than eight weeks to go until the 2016 edition of Scotland’s Trade Fair, the show’s organisers have compiled 12 reasons why retailers should make sure the almost sold-out show is on their buying calendar.
- New to the Show for 2016 is the Craft Gallery – a specially created section of craft exhibitors which have been personally selected by Craft Scotland and Springboard Events for their quality and craft credentials. These include textiles from Chantal Allen, Fraser Knitwear, Redcastle Pottery, Linda Lovatt, jewellery from Eileen Gatt and many more.
- The Launch Gallery will host a group of young, innovative companies chosen for the quality and originality of their products. These include Amy Britton’s Bute Tweed accessories, Lisa Marcella jewellery, Clanbags, Scott & Robson cards and Hummingbird Sculptures.
- New for the 2016 show are some big and small names such as RJB Stone, Emma Ball Designs, Earth Squared, Harris Tweed and Baastools.
- Established exhibitors are back in their droves with some great new product launches promised from Portmeirion, McLaggan Smith Mugs, Two Skies jewellery, Sami Thorpe cards, Peony Scarves, Wilderness at Heart, The Just Slate Company, Chris Lewis Silver, Bomb Cosmetics and Kit Heath jewellery. In total there will be about 500 exhibitors across gifts, homewares, textiles, clothing, jewellery and fashion accessories.
- The Orkney Aisles – a huge group of producers from the Orkney Isles including Sheila Fleet, the newly re-launched Ortak company, Quernstone knitwear, Aurora jewellery, Hilary Grant and Hume Sweet Hume will have a specially designated ‘corner’.
- Learn something new with a very comprehensive programme of talks and seminars. These include seminars from an expert from Google on how to maximise Google rankings for retailers; tips on making social media increase sales and customers; merchandising advice and information from the John Lewis merchandiser; knowing your customers from GA Vice Chairman Henri Davis; PR workshop for retailers and small businesses and a masterclass on how to make the best coffee.
- Best Product Awards will be given to the best in show, judged by Historic Scotland buyer, The Liquorice Tree owner and New Lanark Visitor Centre buyer.
- Find fine food too – Scotland’s Trade Show is run in conjunction with Scotland’s Speciality Food Show where about 150 top fine food producers will be on display, allowing buyers a ‘one-stop’ buying platform.
- Held at the SECC, in the centre of Glasgow, it is easy to access from motorway, train and airport with many large hotels close by.
- One large hall housing both shows in a clear grid layout makes for a more enjoyable visitor experience.
- As Scotland’s only gift and accessory trade show, many exhibitors from Scotland and the north of England will only exhibit at this show so it is a unique place to source some artisan products.
- This is the first opportunity in the year for many buyers to see the new ranges and place orders before the big southern UK shows.
Entry is free and registration is still open: Registration.n200.com