Home & Gift concluded the 2023 edition on a resounding note of success. Held from July 16 to July 19 at the Harrogate Convention Centre and in the grounds of the DoubleTree By Hilton, the event brought industry professionals, exhibitors and buyers together from around the world for an immersive experience.

Over the show’s four days, exhibitors saw significantly increased footfall compared with 2022, with an overall growth of 14% and a 9% rise in the individual companies that attended. Notably, the show also benefited from a 15% increase in buyers from garden centres, a 48% increase in museum and gallery buyers, and a 63% increase in department stores buyers.

More than 500 exhibitors took part – with over 150 making their show debut. From established industry favourites to emerging new talent, they offered a wide array of categories including homeware, gifts, fashion accessories and more. Buyers seeking new products were treated to a wealth of inspiration in the event’s halls and marquees, and visitor feedback has been very positive.

Fran and Vickie Huxley of Simply Rye said: “Home & Gift is always such a great summer event. We LOVE going to see lots of our fabulous suppliers (and meeting new ones too) and it’s always so exciting finding new products for the shop. We have come home feeling so energised and excited for everything to start arriving!”

Karyn McCabe of Webbs Garden Centres echoed this. She commented: “I always look forward to Home & Gift and it never disappoints. It’s a fantastic event in a relaxed setting. I’m able to catch up with current suppliers as well as look for newness, and I always leave feeling very inspired.”

Sarah Laker from Stationery Supplies added: “Harrogate is such a lovely setting for a trade fair, and I love the relaxed feel of it. Being there is good for my soul, as it’s one of my favourite trade shows.”

Exhibitors certainly felt the benefit of such enthusiasm, especially those making their debut in the hope of connecting with potential stockists. Commenting on her first experience of exhibiting at Home & Gift, Zoe Scott of Zoe Scott Designs was full of praise. She said: “I loved the show. I picked up new stockists, rebooked for next year, and achieved everything I came there to do.”

Mark Sinclair-Williams from LSW London shared her sentiments. He noted: “This has been our first ever trade show and we’ve had a brilliant time. We’ve loved speaking to buyers and shop owners from around the country, and it’s been wonderful meeting lots of our current stockists.”

New exhibitors weren’t the only ones to report successes. Jo Clarke of Toasted Crumpet enjoyed a record-breaking few days. “Home and Gift is a consistently good show for us [but] this year surpassed all our expectations… it was our best trade show to date,” she said.

James Mace of The Art File concurred, reporting “our biggest Sunday ever” at Home & Gift. He added: “The show was extremely positive and buoyant, and we can’t wait to see for the next one.”

The positivity felt by exhibitors translated directly into bookings for the 2024 edition, with a record 66% of next year’s plan already accounted for by the end of the show, with Designworks Collective, Enesco, Forever England, Fountasia, Jellycat, Joe Davies, London Ornaments, Miss Shorthair, Miss Sparrow, Peace of Mind, Räder, Langs, Roka London, The Art File and Zelly UK all returning for 2024.
Home & Gift 2023’s visual identity was inspired by The Better Trends Company’s Modern Psychedelic trend, immersing visitors in the captivating, bold, and vibrant palette that has resonated strongly with consumers this year.

The Better Trends Company co-founder Louise Healy Adonis said: “To see our creative branding and identity for Home & Gift come to life across the entire show was a real ‘pinch me’ moment. We loved how the key trend from our installation in Hall M echoed across all the touchpoints, from signage to maps and social spaces. Our floral and swirl designs enhanced the summer festival feel that Home & Gift is known for, and the positive feedback has been amazing.”

Home & Gift held a range of networking events and special celebrations throughout the four days. The popular Sundowners drinks on Sunday saw hundreds of exhibitors and buyers gather in the afternoon sunshine to toast the opening day’s success.

At the event, The Giftware Association crowned card and stationery brand Fox Under The Moon as the winner of its People’s Choice Award. Sarah Ward, CEO of The Giftware Association, commented: “I’m so thrilled for Fox Under The Moon. It’s a beautiful brand creating products with universal appeal. This is the third year we’ve run The People’s Choice Awards, and the number of votes from the public has been staggering. I can’t wait to see the way in which this well-deserved win for Fox Under The Moon propels the brand forward in the coming year.”

Monday evening saw the return of the ever-popular Show Party, where exhibitors and visitors connected and networked away from the show floor, and danced the night away.

As the curtain fell on Home & Gift Harrogate 2023, show manager David Westbrooke said: “For over 60 years, suppliers and retailers alike have put their trust in Home & Gift to help grow their business, and this edition was no exception. To see such a large increase in footfall – with all the subsequent connections made and orders taken – speaks volumes about the high regard in which this show is held within the industry. The record-breaking rebook is the icing on the cake. Roll on 2024!”