Posted by Andrea Ashfield on 21 September 2018
A combination of record numbers of overseas visitors and the weak pound increased footfall across Scotland this summer, resulting in a very positive mood at Scotland's Trade Fair Autumn.
Although there was a small drop in visitor numbers this year, many exhibitors reported a good level of orders, meetings and new leads. A number of new exhibitors were in attendance, with many visitors heading straight to the Launch Gallery to view the latest product releases.
Despite the tough retail climate, the atmosphere at the show was buoyant, as Gemma McQue, Buyer from the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) explains, “The NTS has had a phenomenal summer as tourists have flocked to Scotland. This show has been excellent as we use it to plan our 2019 stock. I find there is never enough time to see all the people we want.”
“High street retail is not easy but we're lucky in Scotland to have many independent gift shops, farm shops and tourist shops which attract customers from far afield,” adds Mark Saunders, Show Director. “With such a decent summer, buyers were keen to restock in time for Christmas and we all look forward to a profitable festive season.”
Scotland's Trade Fair Autumn 2019 will take place from 22nd-23rd September at SEC, Glasgow. Visit http://autumn.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk for details.