Craft Focus - Dec/Jan (Issue 70)

CHRISTMASWORLD REGISTRATIONS UP ON LAST YEAR The number of registrations received for Christmasworld 2019 has exceeded those of last year, indicating that its new hall concept has been well-received by exhibitors. As part of sweeping changes made by organisers Messe Frankfurt, exhibitors that have booked to appear at the January show will be relocated, with product groups mixed together. With new centrepieces, each exhibition hall will have a greater experiential factor, while the adjustments made are expected to improve visitor flow and make ordering easier for the various buyer target groups. The inclusion of the new Hall 12 has also enabled the show to expand. The event’s special shows will move into the spotlight for 2019, while Christmasworld Trends will offer inspirational ideas about colours and materials for the coming season. Offering quick-selling items and spontaneous purchases, Christmas Delights will supplement regular offerings in the same way as fresh flowers and plants. Floradecora, the marketplace for fresh flowers, ornamental plants and sales-ready floral arrangements will continue to be held in the Galleria, at the heart of the show. The event takes place from 25 th -29 th January 2019 at Frankfurt am Main. Visit christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com for details. SCOTLAND’S TRADE FAIR TO FEATURE CRAFT GALLERY Scotland’s Trade Fair takes place from 20 th -22 nd January at SEC Glasgow. This season’s craft gallery will be situated at the front of the show, where specially selected producers will showcase textiles, jewellery and fashion accessories. The popular gallery is almost full, and exhibitors will include Warped Textiles, Tessuti Scotland, BAKKA, Beastie Assemblage, Carla Edwards, Collingwood Norris, Jane Adams ceramics, Tasteful Tartans, Pick One, Olive Pearson Designs and Green Thomas. “Retail in Scotland has mirrored the rest of the UK,” says Mark Saunders, show director. “However, it has been another successful tourist season and this has kept footfall steady throughout the shops and stores, which cater for a slice of these customers. If the last quarter performs well then we anticipate a good turnout in January and are confident about demand for new stock.” The Launch Gallery is the first stop for many visitors and places new young exhibitors right at the centre of the show. Companies will include Kushboo Soaps, Blue Ranchu gifts, Wild Rose Interiors, Wee Book Company, Coppertop Croft, The Moffat Perfume Co, Botanic Isles jewellery, Gallery Art Publications, Silver Sparrow Jewellery and Black Cat Soap House. “This is our main buying show as it is so good,” enthuses Michelle Teago from Carron Pottery & Crafts. “We see many existing suppliers, as well as picking up new ones. It is not to be missed.” Retail experts will also be on hand in the event’s Seminar Theatre, providing advice and tips on all aspects of running a business. Subjects covered will include taking on large retailers, visual merchandising, social media for business, working with influencers and maximising the tourist market. New for 2019, exhibitors will also be given a chance to pitch their products to key buyers in Nessie’s Den. In addition, the show’s Best Product Awards will be judged by retail experts on the opening day. For details, go to scotlandstradefairs.co.uk shows, news and events CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW HEADS TO MANCHESTER The Creative Craft show will be opening in Manchester this winter. Running from 31 st January until 2 nd February 2019, the three-day event will provide ideas, inspiration and supplies for crafters of all ability levels. There will be a range of new innovations, product launches and demonstrations intended to encourage creativity across all crafting mediums. As usual, the show will feature Makes & Takes, workshops and plenty of shopping opportunities. It will take place at EventCity. For more information, visit stitchandhobby.co.uk 24 craft focus