63 HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT For most retailers in almost every sector in the UK, Christmas is the key commercial season of the year and successful sales during November and December will oil the wheels and keep them turning for the following 12 months. It is hardly surprising therefore that one of the first ‘must-attend’ events of 2025 will be Harrogate Christmas & Gift – the only UK trade show for Christmas retailers and everyone involved in any type of giftware from independent retailers and department stores, garden centres to tourist attraction outlets and florists. A lavish affair Harrogate Christmas & Gift is certainly not new to the festive arena – this is one of the longest running trade shows in the UK, first opening its doors in 1950. Simon Anslow, show organiser, explains: “The show celebrates 75 years in 2025 and was primarily toy focused with suppliers filling the hotels of Harrogate with the latest new products to present to toy shops and retailers. Over the decades, the show has evolved, with the toy industry moving to a London show, whilst the Christmas sector remained in Harrogate.” Since its conception, Harrogate Christmas & Gift has continued to evolve, primarily to cater to demand. Christmas in the 1950s and 60s were simple affairs with a handful of traditions for the majority of families: Christmas trees, paper chains, Santa and stockings which have been around for decades. Christmas 2025 is a much more lavish affair, with new American and European traditions added to the UK’s own and consequently a huge new melting pot of sales opportunities. From Elves on Shelves, Christmas Eve boxes and even pet grottos, the festive seasons spreads from September to January bringing months of joy and happiness to British consumers and of course retailers in the industry. Christmas inspiration Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2025 is expected to be bigger than ever with demand for exhibition space growing year-on-year and extending to eight halls packed with every imaginable gift and decoration for Christmas; plus numerous ranges for year round gifting. Simon continues: “We have been in the fortunate position to have a waiting list of companies wishing to participate and have consequently just opened an additional hall – Hall G.” Hall G is the new home for Netherlands based Kaemingk with a range of Christmas trees, lights and decorations promising innovation and versatility reflecting original and inspiring ranges. Also taking advantage of the new space is CB Imports – one of the UK’s largest importers of artificial flowers and giftware; Lotus Imports which specialises in home décor products from Christmas floral arrangements and stems to beautiful artificial flowers; Widdop & Co – wholesaler of gifts and homeware; Swan Mill Group, Penny Kennedy and The Great British Card Company which all specialise in cards, gift wrap and paper accessories. Other notable new exhibitors at the show next year include Eurowrap (stand D3) – a supplier of multiple products in the gift packaging industry serving many leading retailers in the UK, Scandinavia and Europe; Sienna Glass (Conference Centre Entrance); Calipso Roast (G14) – a family business established for over 40 years and is now amongst the leading importers and distributors of floral sundries and packaging; and Aromatize with a range of candles, diffusers and scented products. Unfortunately, Pineapple Circus has gone into administration, however Apac (stand Q10) have taken its stock for anyone who placed orders at Harrogate and still requires those product. For a full list of exhibitors and to register to visit the show go to www.harrogatefair.com. There are still a few stand spaces available too, so if you are a supplier wishing to take advantage of the UK’s favourite industry trade show contact simon@harrogatefair.com Gifts unlimited Visit Harrogate Christmas & Gift to get the order books ready for the lucrative festive season IN BRIEF: Who: Harrogate Christmas & Gift, www.harrogatefair.com Where: Harrogate Convention Centre When: 12-15 January, 2025
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