Craft Focus - Page number 30 - June/July 2021 (Issue 85)

FIRST, LAST AND EVERYTHING Harrogate Christmas & Gift looks forward to being one of the very first trade shows of 2022, providing retailers and suppliers of festive and gift-related products the opportunity to get next year’s business off to a bumper start Christmas & Gift 2020 was one of the very last trade shows able to take place as normal prior to the covid pandemic, and having had to cancel its 2021 show completely, the industry looks forward to returning to normality. Simon Anslow, show organiser, explains: “Christmas and gift-related products are quite different from other areas of retail in that you really need to see, feel and (quite often smell) products to know whether they’re right for your own retail offering. Also, there are so many new and innovative ranges being introduced every year – particularly by some of the larger exhibitors at the show which source products from all over the world and have collections equating to literally thousands – you really need to see everything first- hand to appreciate them.” Booking for the 2022 show has literally just re-opened and as always, previous exhibitors are given a window of opportunity to rebook their stands before space goes onto general sale. Already confirmed from these are: FDL Festive Decoration & Lighting, Gisela Graham, Playwrite, Premier Decorations, Riffelmacher, Sage Décor, Sincere and Weiste (to name just a few). Simon adds: “We have also already received numerous enquiries from new exhibitors interested in joining the show for the first time and these will be allocated space as soon as our regular exhibitors have discussed and secured their positions. An up-to-date exhibitor list is available to view on the website.” Those attending Harrogate Christmas & Gift for the first time, and not familiar with the show will be pleasantly surprised by the large and diverse range of products on offer. Whilst it has historically been focussed on Christmas and festive products, in recent years, the ranges include gift items for every occasion including baby gifts, floral and decorative products for weddings, christenings, Halloween items, food and drink and items for the home and garden. Simon continues: “Christmas celebrations have grown exponentially in the UK over the last few decades and the type of buyer seeking festive products has expanded to many new and unexpected areas. Our visitors come from not only department stores and independent retail outlets; but also from church and cathedral shops; tourist attractions and theme parks; party and wedding venues; hotels and hospitality and our largest growing area – garden centres. These are now pretty much one-stop-shops and family destinations selling everything from home and garden-ware, toys, gifts, books, cards, food and drink – in fact you name it, and most garden centres sell it. Therefore, the exhibitors attending have expanded to offer products for every imaginable occasion.” Visitor numbers for Harrogate Christmas & Gift have grown systematically increasing year on year for the last 10 years and the event is often renowned by those in the festive goods sector as ‘the most important trade show of the year.’ It has always been held in January, straight after Christmas while fashions and trends are still fresh in the mind, and new ideas and opportunities are very apparent. The 2022 show will provide fresh ideas and inspiration for Christmas 2022 – and of course many exciting new developments to keep their retail offerings exciting and tempting for customers throughout the year. Full details and online booking for both exhibitors and visitors is available on the website www.harrogatefair.com – or if you wish to discuss your stand requirements first-hand, contact Simon Anslow via email: simon@harrogatefair.com or telephone +44 (0)1902 882 280 . Harrogate Christmas & Gift 16 th -19 th January, 2022 Harrogate Convention Centre www.harrogatefair.com 30