Attire Accessories - Dec 2017/Jan 2018 (Issue 67)

50 ATTIRE True north With retailers from all over Scotland reporting a robust tourist trade throughout 2017, stands at Scotland’s Trade Fair in January are almost sold out, with an increased selection of fashion accessories and clothing exhibitors. Buying stock attractive to the tourist pound will continue to be the main focus of buyers at the show, which runs from 21 st - 23 rd January at Glasgow’s SEC. While the value of the pound remains low against other currencies, catering to increased numbers and a more discerning type of tourist is becoming a way of life for many gift retailers. Those who are more reliant on local and homegrown customers are increasingly focused on sourcing exactly the right products for their market. As ever, those who know their customers best will be the biggest winners in this tough game. With more than 450 exhibitors currently – including 70 of whom are new this year – they’ll have plenty of gifts, homewares, crafts, fashion, accessories, food and drink to choose from. New names for 2018 are Show are House of Tweed handbags, Oubas Knitwear, Cadenza Italy wraps and jumpers, Noble Wilde New Zealand merino and possum clothes,The Woolly Pedlar upcycled wool products, Jonathan Deer, Pixalum, Holly Silver Jewellery, Love the Links and Sheila Kerr Jewellery. With a refreshed layout for the 2018 show, greater prominence has been given to the Launch Gallery, where new, young companies have distinctive stands.This is always a rich source of inspiration and real excitement for visitors. An enduring feature of Scotland’s Trade Fair, it’s where many established sellers began successful trade show careers with their brands. Among the new jewellers and accessory companies launching this year are Katy Mai jewellery, JoJo Blue Design, Iris Artisan jewellery and Rachelle W Designs. In addition to the Launch Gallery, the show will again feature the Craft Gallery, which provides a spectacular opportunity both for crafters who are serious about selling, and buyers who will be able to take in the high-quality craft offerings at the show all together. Exhibitors include BAKKA, Carla Edwards, Collingwood Norris, Tessuti Scotland and HGR Jewellery.The quality of the craft exhibitors is stunning, appealing to high-end shops and galleries. On the topic of the exhibition’s evolution, Helen Crawford fromThe Old School Beauly says, “Scotland’s Trade Fair is an essential part of our annual buying schedule. Not only is it a pleasure to attend and see the familiar faces with quality products that have stood the test of time, but also a good deal of newness in Craft and the Launch Gallery. While we do not specialise in ‘Scottish’ product, we do try to source and offer the best of what’s available and the Scottish Trade Fair is undoubtedly the place to find those absolute gems.” The ever-popular seminar schedule will this year feature talks from experts on social media for business, covering topics such as how to get good Trip Advisor reviews, how to become digitally-savvy as well as a practical look at using video to actively promote your business. With such a wealth of quality exhibitors both established and new, competition will be fierce for the Best Product Awards, which are always a fantastic boost for both sales and social media for the winners. Mark Saunders, Show Director of Scotland’s Trade Fairs says, “These are good times for gift retailers and the number of people wanting to exhibit at the show is testament to this. Visitors can be sure that exhibitors at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring represent the best possible collection of companies manufacturing high-quality products selling in Scotland and the rest of the UK.” To register for Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, visit scotlandstradefairs.co.uk With a fresh layout, diverse product showcases and a packed exhibitor list, Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring continues to cater to the ever-evolving gift retail market In brief Show: Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring Venue: SEC, Glasgow Dates: 21 st - 23 rd January, 2018 Website: scotlandstradefairs.co.uk Twitter: @scottradefair A