Following a respectable summer season retailers were out in force to place their Christmas orders at Scotland’s Trade Fair last week at the SECC in Glasgow. As traditionally the last chance to place orders before the busy festive season, exhibitors reported good interest and order-taking from a very wide range of retailers.

 

With the largest number of exhibitors ever at the Show, there was a good cross- section of gift, card, jewellery, textile and clothing, toiletries, homewares and Christmas decoration stands. For the first time ever food exhibitors were also exhibiting and included food gift companies such as Spice Pots, The Edinburgh Gin (Spencerfield Spirits), Jaw Brew and Crystals Shortbread.

 

Melanie Auld from Spice Pots added: “This is a great Show for us to do and we have received many orders and enquiries.”

 

The Launch Gallery, for young innovative companies, was the biggest yet at Autumn with 20 exhibitors, and attracted the attention of retailers. Newcomer Nikky d’Aguilar who sells stunning scarves and cards said: “This Show has been really useful in teaching me how to move the product forward as well as gaining orders. It has made me feel very excited about the product all over again.”

 

Existing and new exhibitors such as Mclaggan Smith Mugs, Rosa Red jewellery, Ness Clothing, Melt Candles and Clare O’Neill accessories all reported substantial orders. Ann Atri from Rosa Red said: “We have exhibited at Scotland’s Trade Fairs for many years and this is the best Show we have had in ages with two thirds of orders written from new customers.”

 

Mark Saunders, Director of the Show said: “The quality and quantity of the retailers was excellent including many from the north of England, especially Yorkshire and Derbyshire, which demonstrates the wider appeal of the Show. There seems to be a quiet confidence in the independent retail market in anticipation of a good Christmas season.”

 

Michelle Mehaffey, Buyer The National Trust said: “This Show is great for Christmas top up, sourcing new suppliers for 2017 and getting a glimpse of what will be on offer at Spring. Having seen significant retail growth this year, the NTS is anticipating strong Christmas sales.”