Awards, order forms and more made the first day in Harrogate one to remember
The rain couldn’t dampen spirits on the first day of Home and Gift, as buyers arrived in their droves for a day of swift business and networking throughout the show grounds.
Zoë Bonser, Portfolio Director, Retail at Clarion Events told Gifts Today: “We’ve had an amazing first day here in Harrogate. What’s brilliant about the 65th edition of Home and Gift is that it’s still growing and improving; we have 150 new brands, and 100 exclusive brands this year. Every year the show is getting big and better.
“Early feedback from visitors is that they love the curation we continue to refine. We have premium, contemporary brands offering the types of products that consumers really want. And from an exhibitor perspective, the number of VIP guests at this years show is massively up, and the quality of buyers is amazing.
“It’s been a fantastic first day, and we still have three days to go!”
Exhibitors told the Gifts Today team the halls and marquees were bustling with quality buyers.
Nicky Maynard, MD, Tilnar Art, said: “Footfall picked up throughout the day, and even though the weather didn’t turn out, the great British buyers certainly did. We had a really good first day and are looking forward to the days ahead.”
The traditional Sunday Sundowners drinks were relocated to the Majestic Hotel, where the coveted Giftware Association’s People’s Choice Award was announced.
“It’s been a fantastic first day, and we still have three days to go!”
Chi Cups was crowned this year’s winner, taking an astonishing share of the votes.
Victoria, who presented the award to Gifts Today: “Chi Cups took the voting by storm. We received more than 14,000 votes, a record-breaking figure, so there was real passion behind this year’s awards. Out of the 340 brands that entered, Chi Cups received 20% of the total votes. It’s an incredible achievement, congratulations to David and the Chi Cup team.”
A successful first day kicked off another three days at Home and Gift. Follow our social media for more news and updates from across the show ground.