Gift Focus - Nov/Dec 2017 (Issue 104)

With retailers from all over Scotland reporting a healthy summer season, thanks largely to a strong tourist trade, there’s an air of optimism in the independent retail sector. This has clearly helped boost Scotland’s Trade Fair, which runs from 21 st to 23 rd January, where more than three quarters of all stands are already booked. With more than 450 exhibitors, about a quarter of whom are new this year, they will have plenty of gifts, homewares, crafts, fashion, accessories, food and drinks to choose from. New for 2018 are The Grey Earl cards and prints, Ty soft toys, Cadenza Italy wraps and jumpers, Noble Wilde New Zealand merino and possum clothes and The Woolly Pedlar upcycled wool products. Launch gallery With a new layout for the 2018 show, greater prominence has been given to the Launch Gallery, with a host of new exhibitors, such as Isles Scotland, Rachelle W Designs, Curlew Cottage, JoJo Blue Design, Katy Mai and Hey Ewe, showcasing products ranging from topographical maps to cards, prints and beautiful ceramics. Helen Crawford from The Old School Beauly said of the show, “Scotland’s Trade Fair is an essential part of our annual buying schedule. Not only is it a pleasure to attend and see the familiar faces with quality products that have stood the test of time but also a good deal of newness in Craft and the Launch Gallery. Whilst we do not specialise in ‘Scottish’ products, we do try to source and offer the best of what’s available and the Scottish Trade Fair is undoubtedly the place to find those absolute gems.” Seminar programme The ever-popular Seminars will this year feature talks from experts on social media for business, getting good Trip Advisor reviews, how to become digitally-savvy and a practical look at using video to promote your business, as well as many more relevant topics. Scotland’s Speciality Food Show Scotland’s Trade Fair is run in conjunction with Scotland’s Speciality Food Show, which showcases about 140 fine food and drink exhibitors. scottish success A lucrative summer season in Scotland points to a positive show in January In brief Show Scotland’s Trade Fair Organiser Springboard Events Where SECC, Glasgow When 21 st - 23 rd January, 2018 Website scotlandstradefairs.co.uk Twitter @ScotTradeFair For further information, please visit the website scotlandstradefairs.co.uk giftfocus 71 scotland’s trade fair spring