Press Releases
It seems that there is an upturn in the gift market in Scotland with retailers reporting excellent sales and a general optimism about the quality and originality of products being produced in Scotland. Jewellery in particular is a strong sector with over a third of stands dedicated to jewellery and fashion accessories.
Mark Saunders from Springboard, the organisers of the Trade Fair says: “It seems that many people have taken the tough economic times as an opportunity to start their own businesses producing quality, original goods, judging by the huge demand for stands this year. We have had to double the area for young companies under two years old - the Launch Gallery - with over three quarters of these new producers coming from Scotland. The range of innovative products is enormous from contemporary Scottish gifts, hats, slate boards from Islay, gift envelopes, customised luggage and exquisite Scottish jewellery.
“Feedback from Scottish retailers shows strong sales in 2009, partly due to a weak pound which is good for the tourist industry and partly due to the rise in quality of Scottish gifts, jewellery and textiles.”
Scotland’s Trade Fair has become a firm fixture in the trade show calendar with buyers and retailers from all over the UK keen to source new products and stock up on existing lines in time for the summer season.
New for 2010 is the Best Product Awards, which are to be judged by Heather McLeod, a leading Scottish journalist and Wendy Ross from Old Mill Gift Shop and Ruby Red in Glasgow.
Emma Walker, Chief Executive of craftscotland says: “Craft producers have risen dramatically in numbers in Scotland over the last year with the number of small craft producers (of under 5 employees) rising by 400 to almost 1600 in 16 months. The craft industry is now highly professional producing quality, commercial goods and is valuable for its flexibility in being able to adapt to market needs very easily.”
Brian Douglas, Operations Director, Gretna Green Group said: “We have seen a huge rise in tourists last year, especially from the Far East and Russia, who are looking for quality Scottish goods, such as cashmere. Scotland’s Trade Fair is the perfect platform to source the goods we sell.” Gillian Barclay from Pillar Box Red in Glasgow added: "2009 has been an excellent year for us in all areas. The quality of Scottish products is steadily improving, offering our customers good quality and unusual gifts for all occasions.”
Genna Miller from Nancy Smillie’s Jewellery Store added: “Jewellery sales have been great last year and we find the Scottish Fair a good place to see many jewellery agents and producers. The quality of the jewellery produced in Scotland has increased significantly recently which is good for the whole economy.”
One of Scotland’s Trade Fair Launch Gallery exhibitors Gillian Crawford from jewellery company Tartan Twist says: “Our sales have risen more than 30% in the two years since we started up. People have become much more discerning about spending and buying pieces which will last and which have some meaning and provenance. Since launching Tartan Twist, we’ve met dozens of other like-minded entrepreneurs who have started businesses in Scotland. There’s a definite change in the mindset of many Scots, a real can-do attitude.”
With over 5000 visitors expected over the three days there is a great feeling of optimism at the Show.
- Ends -
Note to Editors:
Scotland’s Trade Fair, Spring – 24-26 January 2010, SECC, Glasgow
Organised by Springboard Events - Tel: 01877 385772
www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk
For further press information, please contact:
Fenella Taylor at Fenella Taylor PR
Tel: 01389 830390 Mobile: 07721 324696
Email: fenella@fenellataylorpr.co.uk
