Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - November/December 2022

 SUCCESSFUL SUMMER SEASON BOOSTS SCOTLAND FAIR AUTUMN Tourism in Scotland has begun to bounce back strongly with foreign visitors returning this summer, bringing much needed business to shops and attractions around Scotland. Following this successful summer season, Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn, provided a welcome chance to re-order, seek new products and network with suppliers. The show took place at the SEC in Glasgow from 17-18th September. Having been brought forward by a day because of The Queen’s funeral, the Show still attracted retailers keen to e-stock and re-order. Although visitor numbers were below pre-pandemic levels, those that did attend were encouraged by the continued innovation and creativity shown by suppliers. The Launch Gallery for new suppliers was as usual a mecca for buyers seeking new products and ideas. Suppliers such as Christine Gilbert Art, Fiona Matheson Studio, Lin Pin Crafts, Little Paper Soul cards, 1874 Works and Flow Glass were exhibiting for the first time. Exhibitor Chris Lewis said: “Despite the expected lower footfall I had a great show, my orders were up on last year as were the value of orders and all with good customers and many of them new.” Show Director Mark Saunders said: “Business was brisk following a good summer season and the Autumn should follow suit. Despite the challenges facing the economy there is still strong demand for good quality giftware which we have witnessed over the last two days.” Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring will be held at the SEC, Glasgow from 22-24th January, 2023. Creative Retail Awards crown the very best in worldwide design and display for 2022 As physical retail evolves, design and experience have become more powerful tools than ever. The Creative Retail Awards have recognised the very best in retail, leisure, and hospitality design & display since 2018. With categories including sustainability, omni- channel, technology, VM schemes, POP/POS, shopfitting, store design, experience, and innovation, the Awards recognise talent across the full spectrum of the industry. The 2022 Judging Panel independently shortlisted and selected the Winning and Highly Commended entries submitted by suppliers, designers and retailers from across the globe. The big night took place at Proud Embankment on the 22nd of September, with the Creative Retail Awards’ unique take on a ceremony that blends networking with an informal party atmosphere celebrating the diversity in our industry. Shunning the traditional gala dinner format, the Awards ceremony was interspersed with enthralling live acts, finishing with a live band and DJ into the small hours. The night was attended by the Who’s Who list of suppliers, designers, and retailers including ASDA, Chopard, Dermalogica, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Musgrave Group, Ribble Cycles, Sky, Sports Direct, and many more. Each Award category gave the shortlisted entrants a chance to walk away with a Highly Commended or Winner’s trophy in front of a supportive crowd of industry peers. Winners this year included projects from retailers such as AT&T, Situ Live, Chanel, Coach, Nestlé, and Woolworths South Africa. Store Design of the Year was won by Sports Direct with their new Oxford Street store, with the Retail Experience Award going to Chanel and Harrods for their Door No 5 in celebration of 100 years of Chanel No5. The ceremony closed with the announcement of the Judges’ Choice Award, which this year went to Portuguese tinned goods store Comur Coimbra, from Grupo O Valor do Tempo. View images, the video of the night, and the full list of Winners, Highly Commended and Shortlisted entries at www.creativeretailawards.com 17 NEWS & EVENTS

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