Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn took place over two days at the SEC in Glasgow this past weekend (September 20-21), and exhibitors and retailers enjoyed the chance to rekindle and establish new relationships. Nothing beats the chance to chat, see and feel products in situ, and source and place orders – which is exactly what this boutique show does.
Show organiser Springboard Events said: “Against a challenging retail backdrop, there were signs of resilience and innovation. The tourist season has been steady and in certain hotspots, such as Edinburgh, retail business is good. Retailers who have successfully adapted by offering original, high-quality products that speak directly to their customer base were actively placing orders at the show.”
Scotland is long renowned for its innovative spirit, which was reflected with a vibrant and expanded Launch Gallery, showcasing a fresh wave of entrepreneurial talent and exciting new brands.
The quality of retailers who attended was encouraging too, with most intent on placing orders for the pre-Christmas season and searching out those gems for 2026.
Exhibitor Claire Baird, the Scottish artist behind Claire Baird giftware, homeware and textiles, said: “The friendly, warm atmosphere of Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn makes this show one of our favourites. We get the chance to really talk to retailers, showcase our full range, and allow them to see and touch the products.”
Newcomer Juliet Russell, the owner/founder of Honey Pot Creative Café (a start-up near Edinburgh) who was in the Launch Gallery added: “We attended with a target list of stockists and orders to achieve and we met this, so the show has ticked all our boxes.”
Michael Apter, owner of multiple retailer Paper Tiger in Edinburgh, commented: “We placed a handful of orders, mainly for 2026, and had a couple of interesting chats with people about plans for next year. We definitely picked up a couple of things that will put some money in the tills this side of Christmas. Without this show we would have missed out, so it was worth the trip.”
Many exhibitors are testing the water at this show for Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, which will take place from January 18 to January 20 at the SEC in Glasgow. As a much bigger and wider show, this will attract many thousands of retailers from all over Scotland and overseas, seeking well-designed, commercially viable stock.
Show director Mark Saunders said: “While the retail landscape has been more challenging this year, those who understand their customers and offer the right products continue to perform well. Our shows provide the perfect platform for retailers to discover fresh, market-ready stock. We look forward to seeing everyone in January!”