Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Planning for Christmas 2023

Recognised as an important diary date for retailers sourcing festive products for 2023, Harrogate Christmas & Gift kicks off on January 15

While the vast majority of the population are gearing up for December 25, those involved in gift retailing are setting their sights slightly ahead of this date, to the UK’s favourite festive trade show: Harrogate Christmas & Gift, which opens its doors on January 15.

This event has grown exponentially in recent years, with its on-point timing for anyone seeking gifts and decorations for 2023, with Christmas 2022’s trends still fresh in their minds.

The four-day exhibition takes place at the Harrogate Convention Centre in North Yorkshire, and retailers will be spoilt for choice with six halls packed with the latest products, from trees, lights and decorations (not just for Christmas, but for every important milestone) to garden and homeware, and gifts for every occasion.

The 2023 event welcomes the return of well-known names including DCUK, Festive Productions, Floralsilk, Florelle International, Gisela Graham, Kaemingk, Lesser & Pavey, Noma, and Sagedecor, to name just a few. Exciting new exhibiting brands include Ashleigh & Burwood, Boltze Gruppe, Mulberry Studios, The Seasonal Group, and Vivid Squid Wholesale.

Alan Pimms, managing director of Sifcon International (SIL) confirmed his promise to return to the show in 2023 after stating that his company had a fantastic experience this year. He said his stand was continuously busy, and the value of orders placed far exceeded expectations.

Portfolio Home, which is one of the UK’s leading Christmas home textiles suppliers, attended the show for the first time in January. Commercial director Nathan Davis said: “We’re always looking for new ways to connect with quality buyers and Harrogate Christmas & Gift gave us the ideal platform to showcase our wide range - so Christmas really did come early for us! Retailers, department stores, buying groups, garden centres and ecommerce sites were all in attendance and the response we had from buyers was fantastic. As it was our first time exhibiting at the show, we weren’t sure what to expect. But it was brilliant, and it was great to make new connections and network with new and familiar faces alike.”

Smart Garden Products also had a commanding presence this year, with assistant category manager Hannah Knott commenting: “We were delighted with the number of visitors, which exceeded expectations. Our Three Kings stand almost felt like a private showroom and enabled customers to look round at their leisure, while placing substantial orders for Christmas - most of which were more than double the value of last year. It was also pleasing to meet a good number of potential new customers. We will certainly be back in 2023.”

Attendance is free for all trade retailers and buyers. There is also limited stand space available for companies wishing to participate as an exhibitor and expand their portfolio of retailers. Visitors include multiple and independent gift retailers, plus buyers across the board seeking festive goods and decorations, from garden centres, heritage centres and tourist destinations to cathedral shops, theme parks and many more outlets.

Go to www.harrogatefair.com or contact show organiser Simon Anslow at simon@harrogatefair.com for details.

What: Harrogate Christmas & Gift Where: Harrogate Convention Centre When: January 15-January 18 Call: 01902 882280 Email: simon@harrogatefair.com Visit: www.harrogatefair.com