Gifts Today
RETAILERS’ PANEL We ask a selection of independent retailers about their Home & Gift show hopes and expectations, and tips for a successful visit
Maggie Thornton Owner Alligator Pear Tadworth, Surrey
Becky Abbiss
Owner/Buyer With Love Gift Shop, Oakwood, Leeds What’s your favourite thing about this show? Its location in the beautiful town of Harrogate, its proximity to our shop, and the upbeat ambience at the show. Plus, being able to get some fresh air, clear your head and walk outside between the marquees. The Pimm’s tent and the live music make it extra special. Lots of our suppliers attend this show, so it makes buying easier. Will you be looking for any categories/products in particular? New gift ideas for Christmas buying. Is there any stand you especially want to see? I love seeing all the Jellycats in person! And Gisela Graham for its fabulous displays, and SC Brands for its Christmas robins. Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time? Wear very comfy shoes and cool clothes, as the marquees are always warm. Plus, have an idea of what you would like to see before arriving there. I pre-register and get a programme/supplier list in advance, so I know who and what I’m looking for. I always make a list of who I want to see and pre-book some appointments on stands.
“The Pimm’s tent and the live music make it extra special”
What’s your favourite thing about this show? The fun, relaxed vibe, usually in the sunshine. It makes a change from the NEC and Olympia where it’s stuffy - and Harrogate certainly feels less tiring. It kickstarts our Christmas thinking as it’s our first show after Spring Fair. And it makes us look forward to planning Christmas and finding new lines, in what feels more like a holiday atmosphere. Also, it’s the first time some of the suppliers are showing Autumn/Winter ranges, particularly fashion accessories, and it’s important to get orders in early. Will you be looking for any categories/products in particular? I will be looking primarily for new lines and new suppliers. We buy across the board, but fashion accessories are really important in the second half, so new suppliers there would be good. Is there any stand you especially want to see? Joe Davies is always important to us for the Equilibrium jewellery. Will you be looking for sustainable/ eco-friendly products? We don’t find that enough of our customers are interested in choosing sustainable products. What’s your earliest Home & Gift memory? My earliest memory is about 35 years ago. I think exhibitors were using the theatre for showing as well, as I remember lots of red curtains and a stage! After that, I remember the card suppliers housed in the basement… it was really hot down there! Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time? If you are short of time and have a design-led store, then the marquees are the go-to place to start. The exhibition halls include more established suppliers, but sometimes little gems are found there. And it’s the first showing of Christmas ranges for some of the fashion accessory exhibitors, so don’t forget them: get in early!
“It kickstarts our Christmas thinking” 108 Gifts Today
