Press Releases
Most retailers were greatly encouraged by the wealth of talent on show and the quality of the gifts, jewellery and clothing. For many this is the first opportunity to see 2010 ranges and they welcomed new products and re-stocking older ones in anticipation of a good 2010.
Mike Cantlay Managing Director of William Glen and Son and also Chief Executive of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park said: "We brought buyers from stores in San Francisco, Toronto and Loch Ness to the Fair and we were impressed both by the range of exhibitors and in particular the layout which we felt was a significant improvement on past years. Our buyers also visit fairs in Ireland and Birmingham, but the improvements to Scotland’s Trade Fair mean it has become our principle buying opportunity. Personally I gauged the mood of the Fair to be very positive, and hopefully that will be just the tonic for another strong tourist season.”
Annette Potts from Glasgow Museums said: “I find this Show invaluable with a great cross section of exhibitors so that I can find goods for all our museums.”
Rae Macdonald from the Loch Fyne Gallery added: “New exhibitors have ‘upped’ their game with a great range of quality, desirable products and we found many different and innovative products which is very heartening.”
Mark Saunders, Managing Director of Springboard Events who organises the Show said: “It is encouraging to see that attendance was up and there is certainly great expectation for the year ahead in the retail industry in Scotland. Many exhibitors reported excellent sales although buyers are still remaining cautious. It looks as if retailers will be very discerning again this year, choosing stock very carefully and ordering smaller amounts more often and as late as they can."
As the key trade gift show in the north of the UK, retailers love the clearly laid out stands, with a separate Scottish section – Showcase Scotland – and the buzz that this Scottish Show gives, in contrast to the huge southern shows. The new ‘Best Product Awards’ gave a great focus for buyers with all the winners reporting an excellent Show with a high number of orders, many from new customers.
Karen Inglis from Dekassa Candle, whose product ‘The Wee Relaxing Midgie Candle’ won the Gift and Homeware section said: “We were inundated with new buyers who saw our product in the Awards display area which has meant we have had an enormous number of orders.”
Alistair Gray, Managing Director of Ortak jewellery from Orkney said: “This is the first trade Show of the season for us and we use it as a springboard to launch new collections. Many buyers extended their time at the Show because of the quality of exhibitors and it has also attracted back many buyers who have not been for a few years. This all points to an encouraging retail year.” Paddy Heyland from upmarket toiletries producer Heyland and Whittle had an equally good show and said, “ sales were up 10% on last year.”
The Launch Gallery, the area for companies under two years old, was exceptionally well received with a record 28 exhibitors. Carol Ann Orr from newcomer Budzi Bags said: “The Show exceeded all expectations and has opened some great outlets for my bags. It couldn’t be a better launch for new products.”
This was echoed by Yasemin Guzeler from Chantam who added that retailers were fighting for exclusivity on her handbags and the Show has given her the footing in the market that she needed. Equally Melissa James’ jewellery was very well received with many orders and leads.
Scotland’s Trade Fair had almost 400 exhibitors across the three key areas – home and giftware; jewellery and fashion accessories and clothing and textiles. With exhibitor numbers up and visitor numbers up it points to an encouraging sign for independent retailing in 2010.
- 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
