Further growth for Harrogate
Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2017 exceeded all expectations once again with an increase in visitor numbers for the sixth year running. The show, which also had an rise in exhibitors having to open two new halls to cater for demand this year; 
welcomed almost 5,000 buyers through its doors - five per cent more than in 2016.
Simon Anslow, show organiser, said: "We are delighted that Harrogate Christmas & Gift continues to gain momentum. Since 2010 the show has been attracting a diverse array of new exhibitors with home and gift ranges as well as products to cater for diary events the entire year round. Consequently, we have seen an average of five to eight per cent growth in visitor numbers year on year and once again we welcomed new buyers visiting for the first time. Feedback from both exhibitors and visitors has been extremely positive and we can honestly say that the show is now firmly on the map for UK retailers and buyers in festive, gift and visitor attraction sectors."
Exhibitor Emma Wakeling of Floralsilk said: "We had a great show this year. We were rushed off our feet from Sunday through to Tuesday and good footfall continued on Wednesday." Alan Pimm of Sifcon also reported a successful show stating: "We had orders and enquiries from lots of new customers and will definitely be returning next year."
With two new halls opening for 2017, Hall Q and the Kings Suite, some companies took the opportunity to move to a new location and the Playwrite Group moved from its regular position in Hall C to Hall Q. Bill Cornelius of the company comments: "What a great show. We moved our stand position this year as we needed more space to show our Christmas range and we couldn't be happier. 
We saw lots of new customers and many old friends, doubling our order take on 2016. This show is always the most fun show of the year and Harrogate never disappoints. The organisers did a great job and nothing seems too much trouble."
Visitors also enjoyed a successful event with Jill Pattison of Sam Turner and Sons Ltd commenting: "We attended for two days and found it very worthwhile. It's an excellent show in a great location with a wide range of products on offer and we placed orders on the day and picked up catalogues for consideration later. Harrogate is very important for us and vital for our Christmas buying. We will definitely be attending next year and hopefully for many years to come."
Lindsey Brown of Thorntons attended Christmas & Gift for the first time and said: "I thought it was a great show and the diversity and quality of exhibitors fantastic. I'll definitely be visiting again."
The dates for Harrogate Christmas & Gift next year are 14th to 17th January 2018 and priority booking for 2017 exhibitors is from 1st to 31st March 2017. New companies wishing to participate in the show will be able to reserve space from 1st April 2017. Full information is available on the website at www.harrogatefair.com