It was a busy start to Home & Gift in Harrogate yesterday (Sunday 16 July) with visitors queuing to get into the show, and exhibitors delighted to see buyers out in force.
“Home & Gift is our first trade show for a year so it’s wonderful to see our customers again,” enthused Carrie Shapiro, founder and creative director of her eponymous company. “We’ve had some great orders and some great conversations, plus a very good response to our new range. Therefore I’m feeling very optimistic about the rest of the show.”
At Hot Tomato, managing director Alex Machin told GiftsandHome.net: “It was an amazing first day, we couldn’t have asked for a better start to the show.” Added Henry & Co’s commercial director Bob Harper: “It was non-stop from late morning onwards.”
It was a steady first day for Vent for Change, with founder Ewan Lewis feeling very positive. “We’ve had a very good response to our new pink Rasberry collection, as well as to our Ocean range,” he confirmed. “Ocean is hot off the press and the first time we’ve showcased it so it’s great to see the interest from buyers.”
On the Enesco stand, trade marketing manager Aylish Ellwood, enthused: “Buyer’s have been very enthusiastic. Everyone’s looking for new products, and retailers seem to be feeling very optimistic about the second half of the year. Confidence seems to be building – a feeling of the glass being half full.”
In the Food Emporium, Sanjay Aagarwal co-founder of Spice Kitchen, commented: “It was an amazing first day. We’re showcasing our Spice Kitchen cookbook for the first time, and together with our product range it makes a lovely gift bundle.”
Also having a good show was Cocoba. “Sunday was a great for us,” stated sales director Richard Thompson. “We met a mix of new and existing customers, and if the rest of the show carries on like this I’ll be very happy.”
Home & Gift is taking place in the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate, and in the Harrogate Convention Centre. The show runs until Wednesday July 19. Visit www.homeandgift.co.uk
Progressive Gifts & Home magazine, along with its digital partner GiftsandHome.net, is a confirmed media partner of the show, following many years of successful collaboration.
Top: Cheers! Having fun at Home & Gift’s Sundowners psychedelic-themed party yesterday (Sunday16 July) were: Gift indies Carol and Doug Bairstow (left), owners of Pure Inspiration in Ramsey, and Jo and Mike Webber, owners of Jo Amor in Tiverton.
