What with The Retas, PG Live and it now having been confirmed that Harrogate Home & Gift is to go ahead as real events, July looks set to be a big month of industry get togethers!
“Wow, July is going to be some month!” exclaimed Sally Matson, owner of Red Card in Petworth. “I am so glad that it has now been confirmed that Harrogate Home and Gift is to go ahead, so that ticks off my gift buying and then we’ll have PG Live where I can concentrate on some serious greeting card buying. And with The Retas too… bring on July and let’s make things real again!”
Coming as welcome news especially for those in the gift industry, the Home & Gift, Harrogate exhibition announced that it is to go ahead as planned in July as a physical show. In response to industry feedback, and in-line with government guidelines, organisers Clarion Events has confirmed that the show will take place from 18–21 July across the Harrogate Convention Centre, and in the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate.
“From its beginnings more than 60 years ago, Home & Gift, just like the retail industry it serves, has always kept people and connection at the heart,” states portfolio director Zoë Bonser.
“After a truly challenging year, our community is telling us that what they really want next is a face-to-face event, so it’s our privilege to deliver a safe, welcoming and successful show for them in July,” she added.
In planning for the show, the Home & Gift team extensively surveyed their audience and 87% of buyers said they would attend the physical show in July.
The return of physical trade shows has been warmly welcomed by retailers and publishers alike (https://www.pgbuzz.net/pg-live-2021-is-to-now-take-place-27-28-july-at-londons-bdc/)
PG Live has already gone live with its registrations (https://www.pgbuzz.net/all-systems-go-pg-live-2021-is-open-for-registration/) while Clarion is planning to open up registration for the Home and Gift show shortly.
One retailer who is bursting with excitement at the prospect of real trade shows returning is Carl Dunne, owner of Cards & Gifts in Sheffield and Dronfield:
“As for PG Live, Harrogate, Autumn Fair, Spring Fair… GET ME THERE NOW!” he enthused. “I so miss seeing everyone and everything physically so much. Trade shows are when I place my biggest orders. There’s so much to be said for the physical perception and view of something. I can’t and don’t get that online, I need to see it, touch it, feel it, caress it…
I need the shows, I need to talk to my suppliers and see their new wares, discuss issues and negotiate on just how much discount they’re going to give me this year! I love something catching my eye at a fair that brings me to a new supplier or range, you just don’t get that from online. We can’t wait for PG Live in July!”
Real dates for your diary…The Retas July 14; Harrogate Home and Gift July 18-21 and PG Live July 27-28.
Top: People mingling at the last Harrogate Home and Gift show.
