Quality, variety and innovation were heard as the buzzwords around the hall at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring.
With more than 400 suppliers exhibiting and several thousand retailers visiting, exhibitors and buyers alike stressed the value of face-to-face interaction, as well as the ability to see, touch and experience the products first hand – something no digital platform can fully replicate. Attendance was marginally down which was not unexpected in this current challenging retail climate.
Many buyers commented on the huge variety of gifts, homeware, wellbeing products, cards, textiles, jewellery, fashion accessories and crafts on offer, meaning there was something for everyone from the larger multiple outlets to the small independent retailers.
Connor Heggie from Sterling Furniture commented: "The show was a pleasure to walk through – well laid out, easy to navigate, and full of variety. I discovered several products I may never have come across otherwise. It really was an inspiring and enjoyable event."
The Best Product Awards, sponsored by the Giftware Association, were judged by retail experts.
Sarah Holmes from Pencil Me In, Seasgair Store and Task in Hand said: "It was so encouraging to see so much designed and made in Scotland, and of such a high quality. Packaging has improved considerably with some very innovative and sustainable solutions."
Gemma Sault, CEO of the Giftware Association added: "You could feel the heart, heritage, and sheer imagination pouring out of every submission, from beautifully handcrafted pieces rooted in Scottish culture to contemporary innovations pushing boundaries and redefining what British-made design can be. The creativity on display was inspiring in the truest sense. What struck me most was the range of talent. Emerging makers stood confidently alongside established brands, each bringing something fresh, authentic, and commercially exciting. Judging wasn't easy in the best possible way because so many products were worthy of recognition."
Lawrence di Soto from Woolkind, which produces contemporary knitwear and won a Gold Best Product Award, said: "Winning the award has been incredible for us. Buyers came directly to the stand to place orders. What was great to see is the high calibre of buyers attending and a lack of time wasters."
A full list of award winners is below. As well as the awards, visitors were inspired by the wide range of masterclasses, talks and panel discussions in the Talking Shop Seminar Theatre. Patrick Birkbeck, CEO of the iconic House of Bruar, gave an insight into how his successful business operates; a lively trends panel discussion examined the latest retail trends; Business Gateway sponsored a series of masterclasses on aspects of selling and social media; and the Future of Scotland's Towns was debated and clever initiatives revealed – just a few of the interesting events.
Show Director Mark Saunders said: "Despite ongoing retail challenges it was encouraging to see key buyers placing strong orders, demonstrating confidence in Scotland's tourism and retail sectors for the year ahead. With tourism robust in Scotland and shops adapting to the continuing changes, we are optimistic as we look towards the summer season."
www.scotlandstradefairs.com
