It was a sizzling start to Home & Gift in Harrogate yesterday (Sunday July 18) with exhibitors reporting that retailers were there to buy and not to browse.
“We had a really busy morning,” commented Helen Flook, director, Marmalade of London. “There were serious people here to buy and there was good footfall.”
At Mad Beauty, managing director Trevor Cash concurred. “It was wonderful to be back at the show, seeing people face to face and showing product.”
Meanwhile, a first time exhibitor at the show was home fragrancing company Henry & Co. The company unveiled two brands, Henry & Co and Echo. “Sunday was a really positive start to the show and exceeded expectations,” said commercial director Bob Harper.
On the A Gift From The Gods stand, managing director Jane Reucroft reported that the company had seen new retailers and taken some good orders. “A great start to the show,” said Jane, while at Coulson Macleod, director Hannah Mcleod concurred that show had been “surprisingly good. It’s a more condensed event compared to previous years, but we feel that visitors are serious buyers that haven’t come here to browse. People are looking to place orders.”
“It was a very positive opening day,” show director Russell Rule told GiftsandHome.net. “From the verification process, which was very smooth, to the quality of buyers in the halls thought to the Design Point marquees. Also, the co-location of the Manchester Furniture Show with Home & Gift has encouraged cross-over buying, and we have had really good feedback from both shows.”
Continued Russell: “We’re now looking forward to a fantastic three days to include the Sundowners party at 6pm today (July 19), which is open to buyers and exhibitors, who are invited to enjoy a glass of champagne to celebrate Home & Gift’s 60th anniversary. There’s also Gin on the Lawn every day at 5pm. And celebrated potter and expert judge onBBC 2’s The Great British Throw Down, Keith Brymer-Jones, will be doing demonstrations on the Forma House stand in Hall 2 both today and tomorrow.”
Home & Gift is taking place until July 21 at Harrogate. Visit www.homeandgift.co.uk
Top: Visitors and exhibitors enjoy a gin and tonic at Home & Gift’s Gin on the Lawn party.
