Gift Focus - Nov/Dec 2018 (Issue 110)

Head to this gift and home show, inspired by sun, sand and sea coastal vibes Giving & Living, the South West’s largest Gift and Home trade show, is a breath of fresh air for retail buyers keen to get ahead of the game in the new year. The 2019 show takes place at the Westpoint Exhibition Centre, just outside Exeter, from 13 th- 16 th January. Spread over four days, with around 250 exhibitors and 4,000-plus retail buyers, Giving & Living aims to make buying a relaxed and enjoyable experience. In fact, 90 per cent of visitors to last year’s show would recommend it, with 93 per cent of them planning on returning in 2019. Eighty-eight per cent placed orders at the show or shortly afterwards, and 47 per cent found three or more suppliers. Timing is everything, and coming directly after the Christmas break, Giving & Living gives buyers the chance to get hands on with new and exclusive 2019 gift and homeware product ranges ahead of the competition in plenty of time for Easter, Mother’s Day, the summer season and beyond. There’s a wide and varied range of general gifts and homeware for all occasions on display, offering something for everyone. For those buying for a retail outlet or attraction near the ocean who are keen to net lots of holidaymakers, Giving & Living has more coast than anyone else. The selection of beautifully crafted gifts and unusual home accessories that are inspired by sun, sand and sea is second to none. Follow the Coastal Path to discover a treasure trove of novel products, niche suppliers and fresh ideas that you might otherwise sail straight past. The Coastal Product Revealed area will be showcasing a selection of merchandise from companies on the Path, giving you a space where you can focus on their products in your own time. Another big attraction is the Newcomers area, spotlighting new companies that have never exhibited at a trade show before. It’s a brilliant way to spot emerging design talent and product ideas before your competitors. The Designed and Made in Britain area is another hotspot for buyers eager to source unusual products that combine high quality with distinct local flavours and great stories. There’s a strong showing by exhibitors with great ethical and/or environmental credentials, and these Naturally companies are clearly identified. New for 2019 is Speaker’s Corner , where you can get business advice and information from a range of experts throughout the show. From bags to books, cards to cushions, mugs to maps and soaps to seascapes, Giving & Living showcases an extraordinarily wide range of merchandise at contrasting price points. Whether you want to discuss personalising merchandise to match your brand or negotiate the best possible terms, discover niche products that reflect Britain’s heritage or just catch up with the latest fashions, trends and ideas, Giving & Living is one show you can’t afford to miss. For more information about the show, to book a stand or to register to attend, please call +44 (0)1934 733 433, follow @giving_living or visit givingliving.co.uk IN BRIEF Show Giving & Living Organiser Hale Events Where Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter When 13 th –16 th January, 2019 Website givingliving.co.uk Twitter @giving_living 78 giftfocus