At last, for the first time in 17 months, the gift industry will be getting together at Home & Gift, Harrogate, which opens its doors on Sunday July 18. It’s is the first physical gift show to welcome visitors in person since the pandemic, and to add to the occasion, the exhibition will be celebrating its 60th anniversary.
For 2021, the show will be co-located with its sister event, the Manchester Furniture Show, which will bring an additional 50+ furniture and interiors exhibitors to Harrogate for visitors to engage with. “We are taking extra space in the HCC to allow the Manchester Furniture Show to occupy four halls – with Home & Gift occupying the rest of the HCC, plus the marquees within the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Majestic Hotel,” explains show director Russell Rule.
He continues: “Home & Gift will offer the retail industry the first and largest in person opportunity for buyers and brands to unite and do business in over a year. We are also celebrating our 60th anniversary, so we’re looking forward to celebrating in style with our customers over the four days of the show, to include the Sundowners on Sunday and, of course, at the popular Home & Gift exhibitor party!”
Visitors are also invited to enjoy a complimentary gin and tonic at the Gin on the Lawn Bar, located outside the Design Point marquees, at 5pm on each day of the show.
The show will have its usual fun, summery vibe, with plenty of opportunities for the industry to do business and to catch-up with colleagues and old friends.
Key brands will be back – to include Joe Davies, Gallery Direct, Marmalade of London, Hot Tomato, Richard Lang, Big Metal London, Bronte by Moon and Accessories by Park Lane – as well as many new brands joining for the first time, such as Bookspeed, Captivate Brands and Henry & Co, among others.
Additionally, Home & Gift has been selected to be part of a government pilot scheme in the third phase of the government Events Research Programme (ERP). Under the ERP pilot conditions, there will be no restrictions on visitor numbers or social distancing requirements on any day of the event.
All attendees will be required to certify that either they have had two vaccinations at least two weeks prior to attending, or a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test at least 48 hours before attending.
“With the backing of the government, public health bodies and our key customers, the appetite and enthusiasm is there for an in person buying and selling event,” states Russell. “There is great excitement from both exhibitors and visitors to reconnect in Harrogate to celebrate our 60th Anniversary!”
Home & Gift takes place across the Harrogate Convention Centre and the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate from Sunday July 18 – Wednesday July 21.
Read the full article on pages 21-23 in the June/July issue of Progressive Gifts & Home HERE.
Top: Visitors browsing the aisles at 2019’s Home & Gift.
