Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - March/April 2025

Show news Fashion trade show updates to keep you ahead of the crowd Scoop closed its doors at Olympia West, marking the conclusion of its Autumn/ Winter 2025 edition. Over three vibrant days, Scoop brought together the best in style, creativity, and industry evolution. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, as buyers and exhibitors forged new connections, discovered fresh trends, and embraced promising opportunities, leaving visitors already looking forward to the next edition in July. Scoop welcomed an outstanding mix of buyers from across the retail sector, with a strong presence from both independent boutiques and major department stores. Premium independents such as The Place London, The Hambledon, Cordelia James, Doyles, The Mercantile, Jules B, Kiti Cymru, The Dressing Room, Sass and Edge attended, alongside buying teams from Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marche, Hoopers, John Lewis, Jarrolds, Anthropologie and Morleys, all exploring the latest collections. Additionally, Irish retailers, including Emporio, Nu Chic, Sorrento, Rococo, Macbees, Ribbon Rouge, and Sybil, were among those discovering exciting new brands and trends for the upcoming season. Scoop showcased an exceptional lineup of designers, bringing together a diverse mix of established names and emerging talent. Among the designer included the likes of Alohas, Gas Bijoux, Emily Lovelock, Beatriz Furest, Dixie, Fabienne Chapot, Isabelle Blanche, Nobody’s Child, Oats & Rice, The Tiny Big Sister, Zapa, Augusta and Dr Bloom. www.scoop-international.com SCOTLAND TRADE FAIR SPRING WELCOMES A STEADY FLOW OF BUYERS Celebrating the incredible talent and creativity of suppliers seemed to be the theme at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, which took place at the SEC in Glasgow from 19-21 Jan. With a steady flow of buyers throughout the three days, exhibitors networked, wrote orders and made new contacts, making the show a highly successful showcase of Scottish and British gifts, crafts, textiles, jewellery and homewares. Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring aims to be forward-looking and this year’s exhibitors certainly displayed that. Buyers commented on the wide range of innovative products on offer, demonstrating the wealth of talent at this regional Show. Gemma McQue, buyer for National Trust for Scotland said: “The show this year was the best it’s been for a while; the quality was fantastic and there was a good spread across most categories which helps when either updating current ranges or looking for something new. The Craft Gallery and Launch Gallery are always my first stop and both were outstanding this year, particularly the Launch Gallery with some really interesting new products and ranges, and we met some great new businesses that we look forward to working with in the near future.” With an increase in the number of visitors from 2024, suppliers were pleased with the quality of the buyers who were serious about placing orders, discovering new ranges and trends, and re-stocking after a steady season last yer. Nothing beats the face-to-face contact of a trade Show, making them a firm fixture in the buying calendar. Fiona Ritchie from Siabann added: “Trade shows are the best way to connect with existing customers and launch new products and ranges to the trade so are vital in our selling process. This was a good Show for Siabann and we spoke to many existing retailers, as well as a few new large customers.” As well as the ordering element, Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring had a full programme of talks and panel discussions in their Talking Shop. All were well attended and gave insight into subjects from digital strategies to trends, tourism ideas to how to become more sustainable. Laura Ukstina from Scarlet Knitwear said: “This has been a great show for us with many people placing orders, whereas last year we had more enquiries than orders. This Show is the place to reach outlining shops from the highlands and islands that we would otherwise not see.” Show Director Mark Saunders commented: “We are aware that retail is tough right now. We are in the fortunate position in Scotland of being a popular tourist destination as well as fostering huge talent around the country. Our Show punches above its weight in terms of the innovation of exhibitors and attracts buyers from far and wide. The 2025 Show demonstrated this with healthy order books, smiling exhibitors and satisfied buyers all returning home after three busy days.” www.scotlandstradefairs.com SCOOP ENDS ON A HIGH 10

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