Source Those Special Gems at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring

By Caroline Burns

The New Year is a time for resolutions and rejuvenation so why not freshen your stock by coming to Scotland’s Trade Fair and sourcing those ‘wee gems’ that will make the customers flock to your shop. The show takes place January 22-24 in Glasgow.

New to the show are about one third of all exhibitors with exciting suppliers such as Blade & Rose children’s clothing, ROKA London sustainable bags, Katazome fashion brand from Glasgow, West Byre Apothecary candles, The Prancing Dog, and Dawn Maciocia. With many more signing up for stands each week you’ll be sure to find products that appeal to your customers, be it cards, gifts, toiletries, clothes, jewelry or crafts.

There’s so much choice to be had with about 500 or so exhibitors, many who only exhibit to trade here. Many will unveil their new ranges for 2023 and give you a flavor of what’s in for the coming year.

Launching themselves to trade are a good array of new young companies in the Launch Gallery including macSoap, The Alternative One sustainable crafts, Surya Luna Naturals, Atoms to Astronauts and Jewahir Home Fragrances.

As a very creative show, the Craft Gallery is brimming with innovation, colour and excitement with suppliers such as Lynsey Walters, Lindsay McDowall Jewellery, Helen Chalmers, Helen Chatterton Textiles, BAKKA and Agate and Ayre.

The show is also welcoming back some highly successful exhibitors such as Highland Soap Company, Ortak, Black Yak, Portmeirion, Chris Lewis Silver, Darach, Earth Squared, Sea Gems, Eribe Knitwear, Pigment stationery and Amy Britton.

A highlight of the Show is the Talking Shop which has a rich timetable of talks, panel discussions and masterclasses. Scottish Trade Minister Ivan McKee will attend on January 23 and talk about small business trade in Scotland; Gary Ennis and team from Digital Boost will educate on elements of social media, content, Pinterest and ecommerce; Visit Scotland will speak on the visitor experience; Fiona Faint will host a panel of influencers, as well as delivering the latest retail trends; packaging and shop design will be explained by Julie Mills; the Loves Local campaign will deliver their latest initiatives; and the Deposit Return Scheme will be explained and discussed by a panel of retail and drinks experts – https://www.scotlandstradefairs.com/whats-on/talking-shop-seminar-timetable.

Nessie’s Den will be there to entertain with emerging suppliers showcasing their products to respected retailers in a light-hearted session.

The Best Product Awards from the show will be judged by leading retailers and the winners will be displayed in the heart of the show.

With many shops offering far more than just gifts or homewares, Scotland’s Speciality Food Show is run in conjunction with the trade show with over 100 delicious producers, principally from Scotland.

Wendy Ross from Driftwood and Ruby Red gift and clothes shops said: “Scotland’s Trade Fair is particularly good for us because many of the exhibitors have a unique Scottish angle. We always try and source from some new suppliers who are just starting up. These small suppliers can’t exhibit at big shows because they don’t have the budgets, so shows like this gives them the platform. We have discovered many Scottish brands who began in the Launch Gallery and are now mainstream gift suppliers so it’s definitely worth coming to the Spring Show.”

Show Director Mark Saunders said: “Independent shops continue to trade well in Scotland so this show is a vital place to source new ranges, place orders, and network with the industry. Make sure you register now to get a free entry and keep informed of all the show news.”