Scottish retailers are reporting a steady pre-Christmas sales period and an overall rise in turnover in 2024 so are ready to source and order at the upcoming Scotland’s Trade Fair
Following a strong summer tourist season in Scotland, the independent retail sector is in good shape and better than the rest of the UK (according to the British Retail Consortium.) Scotland’s Trade Fair is now sold out with more than 440 exhibitors, all brimming with creativity, new products and enthusiasm.
Gift suppliers are particularly strong and plentiful this year. Exhibitors recently booked in include Awnhill, Emily Victoria, Floss & Rock, Lochaven International, Zinc Home, Shearer Candles, Rebecca Pitcher, Daiglen of Scotland, Eastern Counties Leather, Pageant Pewter, Xystos Gift & Fragrance, Total Wardrobe Care and Puckator.
First stop at the Show has to be the Launch Gallery with its innovative, young suppliers such as Malmo Home, Lunabuloona, Woolkind, EARTH.er, Under Sky and Brilliantly Brave.
Show Director Mark Saunders said: “Scotland’s Trade Fair is perfectly positioned at the start of the 2025 buying season for retailers to get their orders in first and secure stock for the summer. The variety and quality of our exhibitors grows each year. Don’t miss out and we’ll look forward to welcoming you at 9.30am on Sunday January 19.”
Beyond the buying purpose the Show offers endless business and retail advice in its Talking Shop, with a great line-up of experts – see the programme here.
The Best Product Awards have been elevated this year with more finalists selected and an awards ceremony at 5pm on January19 at the Show.
Soni Ahmed from Maia Gifts in Glasgow said: “This Christmas we had a record-breaking day at Maia. Our sales were up in the store and online in December, which we were delighted to see after all the struggles during the period of Covid. Scotland’s Trade Fair becomes ever more invaluable for us to source locally designed and produced ranges.”
The show starts at the SEC, Glasgow on January 19.
Register here for free entry.
