Get your sunhats out, ‘Harrogate time’ is days away. Greeting card exhibitors are putting the final touches to their launches that will debut at Home & Gift, which runs from this Sunday (July 14) until Wednesday 17 July.
The GCA is to also have a presence at the show, with a specially created display to promote Thinking of You Week, fanfaring loads of lovely designs from exhibiting member publishers to promote the week-long event to, which this year falls September 22-28.
But there will be lots of great stuff to listen and learn from as well as look at, due to show’s inspiring ShopTalk seminar programme of leading keynote speakers, masterclasses, hands-on clinics and panel discussions.
The line-up includes entrepreneur, Secret Millionaire and former ‘Dragon’ Piers Linney, who will be sharing his ecommerce hacks for future proofing a business on Sunday July 14. Also speaking on Sunday will be Matthew Galvin of The Galvin Brothers, Claire Yuille of the Indie Retail Academy and Louise Daniel of And So To Shop, who will be sharing their secrets to turning a creative passion into a successful business.
Speaking on Monday July 15 will be jewellery designer, socialite and reality star Rosie Fortescue, along with author and interior designer Pearl Lowe who will be taking part in an insightful Q & A with ESTILA magazine’s Karolina Barnes.
In addition, on Tuesday July 16, designer Sophie Conran will be helping delegates to develop a confident approach to colour and design.
“This year, we’ve definitely upped the inspiration factor in our ShopTalk line-up, so I’d implore all visitors to make some time to sit in on a session or two-after all, the show is as much about enhancing the retail industry through shared learnings as it is about great buying opportunities,” states show director Louise Morris. “Whether you’re an independent store or a seasoned department store buyer, everyone can learn something from our programme.”
Debuting at the show are new sectors Design Now, Craft and Taste.
Visit www.homeandgift.co.uk
Top: Sophie Conran, Matthew Galvin and Pearl Lowe are among the speakers at Home & Gift.