Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Companies with a proactive approach to marketing, particularly in the current difficult economic climate, appear to be successfully riding the storm and many are looking forward to increased sales in 2012 having already secured exhibition space at Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair 2012.

Matt Higginson (left)
Sales Director, Festive Lights Ltd.

Festive Lights Ltd is a prime example and has not only re-booked for Christmas & Gift 2012, but is also exploring markets further afield having recently returned from the National Hardware Show in the USA. Matt Higginson, sales director, comments: "We launched our new DRi BOX model to the USA market and received tremendous feedback and immediate orders. We also met a successful distribution company which believes our product is a winner, so look forward to volume sales soon."

Harrogate Christmas & Gift is at a prime time of the year for retailers looking for fabulous decorations, gifts and novelties for the winter season and attracts visitors from across the UK and Europe involved in a diverse range of industries from gardening products and accessories to home furnishings, household goods, party products, fancy dress, toys, novelties and licenced goods.

The Volume and Clearance Section, which will be housed at the nearby Majestic Hotel, is hugely popular for those looking to grab a bargain, offering a wide and varied selection of products from toiletries, housewares, stationery, electrical, toys and other essential everyday items.

Simon Anslow, Christmas & Gift organiser, comments; "Companies which attended the show last year were given until the end of May to secure their positions for 2012 and we are delighted with the take up so far by numerous proactive companies including Premier Decorations, Kaemingk, Gisela Graham showing Christmas products; Salco, Hills and Giftworks showing gifts, plus many more.

"Exhibition space is now open to all companies wishing to exhibit at the show and with modernisation and extensions taking place at the Harrogate International Centre, the Christmas & Gift will offer a bigger and better venue than ever before."

Exhibitors at Harrogate Christmas & Gift can also take advantage of free marketing opportunities provided in the show's regular e-bulletin newsletter which goes out to thousands of key buyers and industry contacts. As soon as you have secured your space, you can start promoting new products and lines to you target audience between now and the show.

For more information about booking exhibition space contact the Christmas & Gift team on 01902 882 280 or email: info@harrogatefair.com

With a new team on board, plus an intensive PR strategy in the months running up to the event, the organisers of Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2011 are delighted to announce a hugely successful show with both exhibitor and visitor numbers up more than 20% on last year.

Simon Anslow, Christmas & Gift Organiser, comments: "After years of steady decline, we are delighted that Christmas & Gift has firmly re-established its position as the ultimate European trade show specifically geared towards the Christmas and gift trade. Thanks to the new team with its enthusiastic approach and injection of fresh ideas - Christmas & Gift is once again firmly on the map."

A new exhibitor was Hill Interiors of North Yorkshire and Julian Potter, General Manager, comments: "Hill Interiors exhibited at the Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair for the first time this year and I am very glad we did. We picked up lots of new accounts, were very happy with the turnover and the quality of the buyers and thought the show was organised so well that it ran without a single hitch. Well done to the organisers, we will be back in 2012!"

Another regular name at the show is O Widmann & Co Ltd and Candle-Brite Ltd and Marketing Manager Peter Karmali, adds: "I think we were all a little apprehensive before Christmas & Gift this year as we were concerned about how the snow leading up to Christmas had impacted on our customers. In the event, our fears were allayed by the first few visitors to our stand, who all reported a pretty good sell-through and were not left with much stock.

"Overall we are very pleased with the orders we took at the show and felt that there was a buzz about the event that had been absent in 2010."

Confidence for next year is so great, that exhibitors are already confirming their stand space for the 2012 show. For more information about exhibiting or visiting next year, contact the Christmas & Gift team on 01902 882 280, 01902 880 906 or email: info@harrogatefair.com

The doors to Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2011 - the first European trade show specifically geared towards the Christmas and gift trade - opened its doors to a rush of visitors yesterday and the buzz of activity was constant throughout the day. The organisers report that registrations are significantly up this year and - with two days still to go - predict an overall bumper footfall.

Thankfully, weeks of speculation about adverse weather have proved unfounded and Harrogate enjoyed a bright snow-free day with good driving conditions making the journey for visitors trouble-free. If you didn't attend yesterday - make sure you don't miss the fantastic array of products for all occasions from Christmas trees, decorations and garden products to Halloween, home and giftware. The show is open from 9am to 6pm today and Tuesday and 9am to 4pm on Wednesday.

Dazzling show

Just arriving at Harrogate Christmas & Gift is a feast for the eyes this year - and with all of the big names in Christmas decorations and lighting exhibiting at the show - it is hardly surprising that the Harrogate International Centre has one of the most spectacular Christmas displays experienced by many this year. The organisers would like to thank all of the companies that contributed to the festivities, in particular FDL Festive Decoration & Lighting Ltd for sponsoring the fabulous illuminations - don't miss its stand C07 and C08 in Hall C.

Great new products - and there's still time to attend!

With hundreds of exhibitors and literally thousands of best selling, tried and tested and extremely innovative new products to the market on display at the show - describing a handful is more than a challenge. However, a few not-to-be-missed items include the incredible new winter solar light ranges from Luxform on stand Q41. Unlike, traditional solar powered lights, these only require daylight (not sunshine) to power them and will give off a colourful glow throughout the evening. The new Crackle glass post-lights make an attractive display throughout the year, without having to rely on bright weather to make them effective.

Another range causing visitors to double-take is the gruesome, gory Goulish Productions mask which are a focal point on Creative Collection's stand A27 in Hall A. These intricate and spectacularly detailed masks take Halloween dressing up to the next level and will be a must for anyone looking for a professional quality costumes.

Premier once again has a huge presence at the show with three stands for its Decorations, Halloween and Summer Living divisions. Visitors can't miss its huge array of products in Halls B, C and Q and Managing Director John Athwal comments: "We have experienced a fabulous start to the show and our stand has been very busy with a positive reaction from visitors. With two days still to go, we are looking forward for even better things to come in the next few days!"

Music Box World from Germany is exhibiting at the show for the second year running and anyone looking for extra special, magical products should not miss the beautiful array of highly detailed Christmas musical boxes and snow globes. Sebastian Hahndorff of Music Box World explained: "We exhibited at Christmas & Gift for the first time last year and experienced an excellent show. So far this year the footfall has been good and we have experienced a pleasing amount of interest in our products."

With two days of the show left, don't miss the opportunity to view visit these and numerous other exhibitors to the show - and if you are in Harrogate tonight (Monday 10th) don't forget you are cordially invited to our free drinks party at the Majestic hotel from 10pm onwards.

The Harrogate Christmas & Gift team would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year and - with less than a week until the doors to this year's show open - is looking forward to introducing you to an outstanding array of exhibitors with exciting new products to guarantee a cracking good start to 2011!

The raw weather has finally abated and looks set to remain kind, so we wish you all a safe journey to Harrogate and welcome you to this picturesque town with its wealth of attractions and some very fine restaurants to boot!

If you haven't already purchased tickets for the Greatest Christmas Awards, which takes place at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate on the evening of this coming Sunday 9th January 2011, you can still do so by visiting www.thegreatestawards.co.uk

Finally, don't forget to join us for free drinks and snacks at the Majestic Hotel from 10pm onwards on Monday 10th - we look forward to seeing you there!

Jingle all the way

Jingles, which is based in Northern Ireland with a 10,000 ft² showroom packed with over 4,000 Christmas products, brings its one-stop-shop to Harrogate this year and will be launching its first Christmas catalogue at the show. Don't miss the Jingles stand KS8 where you can view the company's fabulous new range for 2011 - plus, find out about some outstanding special offers available exclusively at the show.

Home for all seasons

Exhibiting in the UK for the first time last year, German company Heim returns to Harrogate in 2011 with its huge collection covering classical as well as own designs and traditional themes - all competitively priced and backed by efficient logistics and service. Whether looking for new Autumn/Christmas, Spring/Easter or Summer/Maritime ranges, Heim is the supplier for all seasons and its key customers in the UK include Garden Centres, Florist Wholesalers, High Street and Department Stores, Gift and Stationary Retailers as well as Mail Order Companies.

Established in 1952, Heim (which means 'Home') is one of the oldest importers and designers of seasonal decorations and giftware in Germany and supplies its products throughout the world from its base in KaltenKirchen - a small town 30 kilometres north of Hamburg. Visitors are always welcome to Heim's Showrooms, office and warehouse - and of course you warmly welcomed to visit the Heim team - Alistair Turnbull, UK Sales and Marketing Consultant, Kim Turnbull, Gwen Le Coz from Heim's European marketing desk and Michael Roeseler, Export Manager on Stand 04 in Hall A at the show.

Natural pruning power

Planto - which will be highlighted on Belstane's stand - has developed a beautiful canvas range of practical garden accessories dyed using an eco-friendly process. The matching items make a an eye-catching set which make perfect presents the whole year round. This includes Comfort Grip Gloves with micro anti-slip dots, 100% cotton Pruning sheet which cleverly wraps around the base of individual shrubs to collect clippings and Arm Protectors providing protection from brambles, thorns and nettles. The range also includes a matching 100% cotton canvas apron with deep pockets and leather trim, plus a Professional Fruit Picking Bag.

Belstane is offering a great new incentive to Garden Centres by putting together a complete package of coarse fishing products providing ideal add on sales opportunities. The set includes everything an angler needs to get out on the lake including rods, reels, hooks and many accessories from well known brands such as Trabucco and Sportex, plus Belstane's own range of very popular bait - Thunderflash.

Don't miss these and other exciting new products from Belstane by visiting stand Q30 at Harrogate Christmas & Gift.

The countdown is now on to the first European trade show specifically geared towards the Christmas & Gift trade and while many of you will undoubtedly be rushing around this week buying last minute presents and looking forward to a well-deserved break - don't forget to mark Harrogate Christmas & Gift firmly into your 2011 diary.

With just over two weeks to go until the first day of show on Sunday 9th January, for many, this event marks the start of a prosperous new business year, with fresh new ideas, innovative new products - and of course, some great new business contacts too.

This year, Harrogate Christmas & Gift welcomes a host of new exhibitors from a number of sectors and buyers will be spoilt for choice when looking for products for all occasions, including lots of exciting new lines for the home and garden.

With the Greatest Christmas Awards ceremony on the evening of Sunday 9th and free drinks and entertainment on from 10pm onwards on Monday 10th (both at the Majestic Hotel) - you might want to consider delaying your New Year's resolutions until after the event!! In the meantime, the Harrogate Christmas & Gift team wish you all a very Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you early in the New Year.

Products guaranteed to score!

If you're looking for a comprehensive range of licensed Christmas merchandise, don't miss Storm International's stand number XX to view a whole host of products from all the favourite football teams, including teddies, crackers, snowstorms, baubles and much more. Also, hugely popular for football fans everywhere - a range of official football street signs.

For more information, call 01484 863528 or email: sales@storm-international.com

Wellies storm the market

If this year's freezing cold weather is an indication of winters to come, then the good old Wellie is set to remain in high demand. Adding a bit of style to the undoubted functionality, Briers has introduced two stunning new designs to its boot range which have received a fantastic response from a broad range of customers.

Fashion-led, Stardust is a stylish black boot speckled with glitter and available in a boot, ankle boot and clots. Alternatively, the wearer certainly won't be missed in the fabulous new Dotty design in bright pink with large dots. Also available as a boot or clog, both of these designs are made from fabric-backed PVC and really stand out from other wellies and clogs on the market and are so popular they are literally 'walking' off the shelves!

Jackie Eades of Briers comments: "These are different to the fashion wellies that are currently being sold as they offer real quality, durability and value, but also have strong fashion appeal."

Don't miss these, and other fabulous new products from Briers by visiting its stand Q31 at Harrogate Christmas & Gift or call 01666 511457 for more information.

The prestigious Greatest Christmas Awards, which recognise and reward the inspirational talent and enthusiasm of teams who put together fantastic festive activities in Garden Centres across the UK, takes place at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate on the evening of Sunday 9th January 2011.

Organised by Garden Trade News in association with the Harrogate Christmas & Gift show, this is the second year that the Greatest Christmas Awards have taken place and there are 148 garden centres participating - all eagerly awaiting the outcome of the judges' decision.

This event is open to everyone attending Christmas & Gift - whether an Awards entrant, exhibitor or visitor - and the evening promises light hearted, fun party celebrations which offer a simple and ideal opportunity to reward your Christmas buying team, make new acquaintances and meet up with old friends from across the industry.

Buy tickets for the Greatest Christmas Awards by clicking the link here.

Smashing new Christmas themes!

One of Europe's leading design companies for seasonal decorations and gifts - Gisela Graham - advises retailers to survive the recession by continually surprising customers with original ideas at realistic prices.

A name synonymous with glass decoration and manufacture, Krebs Glas Lauscha is firmly established as a market leader for glass Christmas ornaments, not only in the UK and Ireland but across the world.

At its 'one stop' glass ornament stand you'll find everything from bauble promotion packs through to mouth blown, hand decorated ornaments. You'll also find everything you need for every price point in between! As Krebs Glas Lauscha manufacturers all of its products, you can buy with confidence by ordering directly with the factory and not an importer.

For your temptation there are 10 brand new themes for 2011!

To give you a flavour of what you can expect to see, 'Winter Berries' is a theme where you'll find Cabernet Shine and Festival Fuchsia, Magenta Purple and Plum Velvet, mixed with Pale Turquoise and Soft Cyan. For balance, splashes of Lime peel are added into the mix to create the most wonderful theme with rich, deep colours that are found in the middle of winter.

Interested? Curious? To see all of this and to be assured of a friendly welcome from John and Oliver, we invite you to include Krebs Glas Lauscha to your Harrogate visit plan, you can visit us in our usual position in Hall A Stand 08.

Harrogate Christmas & Gift not only provides retailers with a one-stop-shop for every product imaginable - and all under one convenient roof - but is also a great place for business networking and making important new contacts. Therefore, don't miss the free entertainment on Monday 10th January at the Majestic Hotel, which includes free drinks, a disco and also a midnight snack!

The evening begins at 10pm allowing exhibitors and visitors to take advantage of Harrogate's fine array of restaurants, before meeting up for a free drink and some light-hearted, but serious networking.

Keep springing surprises to beat the recession

One of Europe's leading design companies for seasonal decorations and gifts - Gisela Graham - advises retailers to survive the recession by continually surprising customers with original ideas at realistic prices.

A formula which worked brilliantly for the company in 2010, Gisela Graham has even more surprises in store for 2011 and visitors to Harrogate Christmas & Gift will be the first to view her fabulous new collections.

Highlights include the warmly nostalgic fantasy 'Christmas Market' and also Wacky 'Christmas Express' which has Santa and his angels delivering gifts in wheeled teacups and teapots. Sweet cream and gold fairies show off dresses printed with glittery Christmas Roses, while white Snowberry Fairy adds a little seasonal sparkle.

Gisela Graham introduces a further six new Christmas ranges, plus a fun new Party time and unscary Halloween range. Finally, don't miss Europe's most original new Easter range, plus four brand new Every Day ranges.

With every product an original design to keep and treasure, be sure to visit Gisela Graham on stand M14 & M16 or call 020 7708 4956 for more information.

Premier new faces

Designers and importers of Christmas decorations, summer and Halloween products, Premier Decorations is delighted to introduce visitors to Harrogate Christmas & Gift to some key new members of its team.

Andrew Lord, who is a well-known face to many in the Christmas industry, joins as Business Development Manager, specifically tasked with developing the comprehensive range of Artificial Trees and is producing a stand-alone brochure to promote this.

Philip Lord joins premier as a key Accounts manager, handling major accounts, exports and display products, while Danny O'Halloran, who has been with Premier for eight months, will be handling Key Accounts.

For those who remember Alison Lloyd of Paragon and wonder where she went to, the guessing is over, as we confirm that she is firmly established with Premier Decorations having joined its team six years ago. Alison specialises in the Bespoke Product Design for major customers in a separate venture know as Solo Concepts, but can be contacted via the usual Premier numbers.

Finally, Premier's Scottish Sales Account Manager for Christmas, Michael Davies, retires after 15 years with the company and the team all wish him every happiness. The new Sales Account Manager for Scotland across all divisions is Scott Colquhoun.

Come along and meet the team on Premier's stands B36 Halloween, C18/20 Christmas and Q25 Summer Living at Harrogate or call 020-8624 5555 for more information.

The recent snap of cold weather has certainly put us all in the mood for Christmas and retailers are no doubt enjoying an increased flurry of business as consumers get into the festive spirit and head out to the shops for Christmas trees, gifts and decorations.

Now is the perfect time to take note of popular purchase lines and start planning on how to expand on these for next year. Armed with this information, you are guaranteed to make the most out of your visit to Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2011 - which promises every product you could possibly imagine under one roof - and probably lots more!!

If you haven't already pencilled 9th to 12th January at the Harrogate International Centre firmly into your diary - do so now. Harrogate Christmas & Gift is a not-to-be-missed event for anyone in the Christmas, Gift or Garden retail sectors.

Successful year leads to company growth

As one of the UK's leading importers and suppliers to the trade of metal wall art, together with ranges of garden furniture, general gifts, cast iron wares and numerous Christmas gift items, visitors to Christmas & Gift are encouraged visit Marvell's on stand CO4 to see some fabulous ranges and meet new faces too.

With 2010 proving one of Marvell's busiest years yet, the company has inducted new staff to its close knit family team which now includes additional telesales personnel and a dedicated product designer from Birmingham University to introduce a range of exclusive new designs.

David Marvell explains: "We are keen to make the most of our success and give something back to the community that has supported us throughout our expansion, so it was a great pleasure that we were able to put four new jobs out into the market place as well as a number of temporary vacancies within the warehouse packing department. We hope to be able to provide more job opportunities next year as we build on our amazing experiences in 2010."

Candle with no flame!

There is nothing quite as magical on a cold dark winter's evening as candlelight injecting a Christmassy glow around a room and some beautiful new products from Maingate will certainly spice up the festive atmosphere in homes everywhere this season. Its Christmas Carousels not only add light but an element of movement too as the carousel figures get energy from a maxi tea light below.

Those who prefer not to leave a candle burning for prolonged periods can now enjoy the same ambiance in their room with the amazing new Smart Candle which includes the flicker without the flame. The frosted glass look holders are fitted with a high grade LED flame to flicker away in an incredibly realistic simulation of an ordinary candle without the heat, mess or drips. These high tech products are mass produced for a knock-out price - visit Maingate on stand Q6 for more information.

With Christmas just over and customer trends and buying habits still fresh in retailer's minds, Harrogate Christmas & Gift provides the perfect opportunity to start planning for next year and discover some exciting and innovative new stock lines.

Whether you are looking for Christmas trees and decorations or gifts and accessories for the home and garden - this is a not-to-be-missed event guaranteeing retailers a flying start to the 2011 festive season. Don't forget to register for the event - which takes place at the Harrogate International Centre between 9th and 12th - by clicking here.

Andrew is off to meet Santa in Lapland!

Last year, at Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Weiste offered visitors the chance to win a spectacular Day Break to visit Lapland in Finland - home to Santa Claus and also where the company has manufactured its beautiful Christmas decorations since 1924.

The lucky winner was Andrew Evans (pictured), Retail Director of Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in Sidcup, Kent - and he and his partner are heading to Lapland in December to enjoy the excitements of the winter wonderland. The trip will include Husky, Reindeer and Snowmobile rides through the frosted forests, cooking sizzling sausages on an open grill and making gingerbread biscuits.

Organised by Magic of LapLand, Andrew and his partner are promised the trip of a lifetime - plus arctic clothing to ensure they don't come home with frost bite!

Many exhibitors at this year's Harrogate Christmas & Gift will also be offering fabulous competition prize draws. Make sure you bring plenty of business cards along so that you can enter - and don't forget to visit Weiste on stand number M28.

Starlight, star bright

A fabulous new product for the Christmas decorations market will be launched by Adastral Products Ltd at Harrogate Christmas & Gift. Starlight is an illuminated white star shaped injection moulding designed to hang in a window or decorate the top of a Christmas tree. For those looking for something a bit special and different to enhance their Christmas decorations, the Starlight certainly ticks all the right boxes! View this great new product first hand on Adastral Product's stand number Q20a.

Visitors to Harrogate Christmas & Gift fair between 9th & 12th January are not the only ones to experience the festive ambiance of the season, as numerous exhibitors have contributed to the fabulous festive showcase surrounding the Harrogate International Centre for the entire town to enjoy.

With all of the best names in the Christmas decor and gift sector attending, retailers will be spoilt for choice with an array of products such as artificial Christmas trees, lighting, decorations, gifts and toys from firm favourites like Casdon, FDL, Kaemingk, Padgett Bros, Sincere and Thomas Frederick to name just a few.

The show also welcomes a host of new exhibitors from the Garden Industry Manufacturing Association (GIMA) this year including Premier Decorations which will be bringing its fabulous Summer Division incorporating everything you could possibly need for the perfect afternoon in the garden from outdoor heating and barbecues to garden decor.

Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair is a not to be missed event for retailers looking for innovative new gift lines and products for every notable date in the calendar throughout the year, as well as home and garden accessories for every season. Don't forget to register today for free entry by clicking here.

Opportunity to 'grow' your business

The vision of a garden filled with beautiful flowers or a vegetable plot with juicy home-grown produce is a fantasy for many - so it's hardly surprising that a stand full of such promise instigates a huge number of impulse purchase opportunities for retailers in a variety of different sectors.

DeRee UK is a leading supplier of pre-packed flower bulbs, perennials, seed, roses, shrubs and fruit - all presented on eye-catching display stands complete with point of sale header boards and can even have the display boxes priced.

From garden centres to independents, DeRee supplies ranges retailing from £1 to £2.99 with 'multi-buy' offers to drive sales and volume. Even if you don't generally stock this type of product, pop along to DeRee's stand Q22 in Hall Q at Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair to see some great ranges of seasonal 'pick up lines' which will increase your margins.

Eastern Promise

Retailers will be delighted to learn that Creative Collection with Tom Baker is finally making its long-awaited come back to the Tinsel Garland business.

Having manufactured high quality tinsel since 1978 for the UK and European markets, Tom Baker has opened a Tinsel Factory in China and begins production once again proving that top quality tinsel from China is entirely possible. Creative Collection will be showing a fantastic range of tinsel garlands at Harrogate this year - all made from PVC flame retardant materials - plus an array of tinsel in all shapes, sizes and colours, twist garlands, display chandeliers, foil curtains and some great new plush items too.

With just three months to go until the first European trade show specifically geared towards the Christmas and gift trade, now is the time for retailers to register for Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2011 which guarantees a flying start to the 2011 festive season.

The Christmas & Gift show is showing a considerable increase in size from the last couple of years with Halls A, B, C and M are sold out and Hall Q has more space sold than in recent years including Premier who have a stand in Hall Q for the first time.

For anyone involved in Christmas or gift sectors this is a not to be missed event with five halls packed with the latest and best of products from artificial Christmas trees and lighting to decorations, gifts, floral and toys - the list goes on! There are thousands products for every notable date in the calendar, so if you are looking for great ideas for Easter, Valentine's Day or even Halloween you are guaranteed to find some fabulous new stock items at the show.

For example, Salco - which prides itself as one of the most prominent home-ware and gift companies in the UK - will be showing some exciting new additions to its Christmas range as well as an extensive selection of garden and conservatory products to create the perfect outdoor living style.

Also, as one of only a handful of the world's Christmas companies which actually designs the greater part of its collection, retailers are also recommended to visit the Gisela Graham stand which includes a fabulous Christmas collection in 15 co-ordinated themed ranges presenting over 1400 new products.

Of course this is just a taste of the massive range of products on show - and more information can be found on the Christmas & Gift fair website.

The picturesque town of Harrogate creates the perfect Christmas scene and visitors to the show between 9th and 12th January can enjoy mixing some serious business and networking opportunities with the chance to let their hair down and enjoy the atmosphere.