Gift Focus - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 114)

69 HOME & GIFT At home We look at everything on offer at Harrogate Home & Gift and speak to show director Louise Morris about this year’s event IN BRIEF Show Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival Organiser Clarion Events When 14 th -17 th July, 2019 Where Harrogate Convention Centre Website homeandgift.co.uk Twitter @Home_And_Gift Now in its 59 th year, Home & Gift is returning to Harrogate Convention Centre in July, with more than 800 exhibitors and three brand-new curated sectors designed to satisfy the most seasoned buyers. Visitors will discover unseen brands and emerging talent as well as leading names, along with the opportunity to relax in the newly refurbished Majestic Hotel and hear from industry experts at the new ShopTalk stage. 2019 will also see the launch of Match, a new initiative to connect suppliers and retailers through a VIP hosting programme and a range of online tools. The debut sectors are: Design Now: A selection of design-led products showcasing innovation and creativity. Craft : Handmade products from the UK and around the world where visitors can discover pieces directly from artists, makers and craftspeople. Taste : An edit of giftable food and drink products, showcasing emerging and well-known food and drink brands. In advance of the show, we sat down with show director Louise Morris to ask what to expect for 2019. What can visitors expect at this year’s show? There are many reasons that Home & Gift has long been the industry’s favourite event, and this year, we’re taking all of those elements to the next level and creating an unforgettable buying experience for our visitors and our exhibitors. We are introducing more of the industry’s favourite names, alongside our largest offer of new and emerging suppliers in Craft, Taste and Design Now, creating our best choice of products and brands to date. There is also a new and improved show layout to make it even easier for buyers to find those all-important Christmas bestsellers while enjoying the beautiful summer backdrop of Harrogate. For those looking for even more from their buying trip we have upped the inspiration factor with our most high-profile speaker lineup to date. Industry thought leaders will take to the stage in ShopTalk, alongside retail masterclasses that are designed to help retailers grow their businesses. Whether you’re an independent store or a seasoned department store buyer, everyone can learn something from our programme, which includes everything from case-study presentations and panel discussions to hands-on clinics and masterclasses. Some great names, including Sophie Conran, The Galvin Brothers’ Matthew Galvin, and John Lewis’ Emma Greendale, have already been announced, and we will reveal in more 