Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring celebrates quality and variety Quality, variety and innovation were heard as the buzzwords around the hall at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring. The Show highlighted what it does best – showcasing original, quality products with strong commercial appeal that perform well in retail outlets across the country. In an era where online dominates much of our retail landscape, it’s often debated if trade shows still have a relevance in 2026. But Scotland’s Trade Fair showed how crucial they are. 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.” As well as the awards, visitors were inspired by the wide range of masterclasses, talks and panel discussions in the Talking Shop Seminar Theatre. www.scotlandstradefairs.com Toy Fair 2026 showcases innovation and growth The 72nd annual Toy Fair returned to Olympia, welcoming back more than 250 exhibiting companies alongside thousands of visitors from the UK and abroad. New trends discovered on the show floor included wearable toys and accessories, fun character food plush toys, a plethora of games for all ages to enjoy, as well as an emerging theme of whacky, silly and toilet humour across a range of toy categories. Licensed toys and kidults toys featured heavily, and there were plenty of new collectible ranges on show, as well as sensory play products and toys that had an element of surprise. Across a busy three days, manufacturers, distributors, buyers, licensors, inventors, media, influencers and the wider industry gathered under one roof making new connections and building on current partnerships as they discussed the thousands of new product launches. The show was kickstarted with positive news that sales of more than half of all major toy categories increased in 2025, as reported by global market research company Circana. Licensing continues to be a major driver for the industry, following last year’s blockbuster films such as Wicked: For Good, Minecraft, Lilo & Stitch, and Jurassic World whilst sports-driven toys made an impact with growing interest in motorsports and Formula One. Toy Fair, in partnership with Mojo Nation, also reintroduced the Design Student Seminar for the first time since the pandemic, inspiring the next generation of designers to consider a career in the toy industry. The seminar featured a panel of respected industry figures across invention and in-house design, who provided students with insight into what makes a successful inventor, what the toy industry looks for in a designer, and shared their passion for the industry through anecdotes from their careers. The Toy Industry Awards also took place over Toy Fair, where the industry united to celebrate toy supplier and retailer achievements of 2025. Big winners on the night were Asmodee who won both Supplier of the Year and Toy of the Year for their Pokémon Trading Cards. The Retailer of the Year was awarded to Smyths. www.toyfair.co.uk 16
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