Attire Accessories - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 77)

HOME & GIFT 31 At home We look at everything on offer at Harrogate Home & Gift and speak to show director Louise Morris about this year’s event Fashion SVP is one of the fastest- growing apparel and accessory sourcing and manufacturing shows in the UK. What can visitors expect at this year’s show? There are many reasons that Home & Gift has long been the industry’s favourite event, and this year, we’re taking all of those elements to the next level and creating an unforgettable buying experience for our visitors and our exhibitors. We are introducing more of the industry’s favourite names, alongside our largest offer of new and emerging suppliers in Craft, Taste and Design Now, creating our best choice of products and brands to date. There is also a new and improved show layout to make it even easier for buyers to find those all-important Christmas bestsellers while enjoying the beautiful summer backdrop of Harrogate. For those looking for even more from their buying trip, we have upped the inspiration factor with our most high-profile speaker lineup to date. Industry thought leaders will take to the stage in ShopTalk, alongside retail masterclasses that are designed to help retailers grow their businesses. Whether you’re an independent store or a seasoned department store buyer, everyone can learn something from our programme, which includes everything from case-study presentations and panel discussions to hands-on clinics and masterclasses. Some great names, including Sophie Conran, The Galvin Brothers’ Matthew Galvin, and John Lewis’ Emma Greendale, have already been announced, and we will reveal in more great names as we get closer to the show. The iconic Majestic Hotel, the grounds of which are home to the show’s Design Points, has also been undergoing a dramatic renovation over the past year. We’re thrilled to be unveiling the beautifully refurbished facilities at this year’s Home and Gift. New and returning visitors can enjoy the comfort of the new luxury bedrooms or enjoy a cocktail or two in Frederick’s Piano bar followed by a delicious dinner in the gorgeous Carter’s Champagne Bar and Grill restaurant, making it the perfect place to meet and relax during a busy few days of buying at the show. Have there been any amendments to the accessories section of H&G? The Fashion sector has been completely enhanced in 2019, giving buyers even more of what they are looking for across jewellery, bags, scarves, hats and much more. With Fashion in Hall C as well as its new location in Hall B, and with an improved layout throughout the entirety of the show, visitors will have great access to the fantastic brands on offer. Of course, buyers looking for fashion products specifically will also find great pieces throughout other sectors of the show, such as Design-Led Gift and CRAFT. What can buyers/visitors expect from these areas?  Home & Gift is held at the perfect time of the year for buyers to discover and stock up on the products that are set to be their Christmas bestsellers. Visitors can expect to see a world- class offering of fashion-focused products that will be perfect additions to their store. Do you have lots of new brands? Any highlights? In Fashion this year, we have the perfect mix of great new brands and old favourites. Highlights include My Doris, Tutti & Co, Tilley & Grace, One Hundred Stars, Swole Panda, Egos, Powder, Abbacino and many more. Who: Home & Gift Buyer’s Festival, homeandgift.co.uk, @home_and_gift Where: Harrogate convention centre When: 14 th – 17 th July, 2019 Now in its 59 th year, Home & Gift is returning to Harrogate Convention Centre in July, with more than 800 exhibitors and three brand-new curated sectors designed to satisfy the most seasoned buyers. Visitors will discover unseen brands and emerging talent, as well as find leading names, along with the opportunity to relax in the newly refurbished Majestic Hotel and hear from industry experts at the new ShopTalk stage. 2019 will also see the launch of Match, a new initiative to connect suppliers and retailers through a VIP hosting programme and a range of online tools. The debut sectors are: Design Now: A selection of design-led products showcasing innovation and creativity. Craft: Handmade products from the UK and around the world, where visitors can discover pieces directly from artists, makers and craftspeople. Taste : An edit of giftable food and drink products, showcasing emerging and well-known food and drink brands. In advance of the show, we sat down with show director Louise Morris to ask what to expect for 2019.