Greeting card suppliers won two categories in The Best Product Awards at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring
Yo Studio’s fold-out recycled cotton greeting cards won gold in the Launch Gallery category, while the Home & Gift category was topped by Joy Nevada’s Scottish greeting cards.
The Best Product Awards, sponsored by the Giftware Association, were judged by retail experts. Sarah Holmes from Pencil Me In, Seasgair Store and Task in Hand, said: “It was so encouraging to see so much designed and made in Scotland, and of such a high quality. Packaging has improved considerably, with some very innovative and sustainable solutions.”
Gemma Sault, CEO of the Giftware Association, added: “You could feel the heart, heritage, and sheer imagination pouring out of every submission, from beautifully handcrafted pieces rooted in Scottish culture to contemporary innovations pushing boundaries and redefining what British-made design can be. The creativity on display was inspiring in the truest sense. What struck me most was the range of talent. Emerging makers stood confidently alongside established brands, each bringing something fresh, authentic, and commercially exciting. Judging wasn’t easy in the best possible way because so many products were worthy of recognition.”
Quality, variety and innovation were heard as the buzzwords around the hall at the show, which closed its doors on Tuesday January 20
The show highlighted what it does best – showcasing original, quality products with strong commercial appeal that perform well in retail outlets across the country.
With more than 400 suppliers exhibiting and several thousand retailers visiting, exhibitors and buyers alike stressed the value of face-to-face interaction, as well as the ability to see, touch and experience the products first-hand.
Attendance was marginally down, which was not unexpected in this challenging retail climate. Many buyers commented on the huge variety of gifts, homeware, wellbeing products, cards, textiles, jewellery, fashion accessories and crafts on offer, meaning there was something for everyone, from the larger multiple outlets to the small independent retailers.
As well as the awards, visitors were inspired by the wide range of masterclasses, talks and panel discussions in the Talking Shop Seminar Theatre. Patrick Birkbeck, CEO of the iconic House of Bruar, gave an insight into how his successful business operates; a lively trends panel discussion examined the latest retail trends; Business Gateway sponsored a series of masterclasses on aspects of selling and social media; and the Future of Scotland’s Towns was debated and clever initiatives revealed – just a few of the events.
Show director Mark Saunders said: “Despite ongoing retail challenges it was encouraging to see key buyers placing strong orders, demonstrating confidence in Scotland’s tourism and retail sectors for the year ahead. With tourism robust in Scotland and shops adapting to the continuing changes, we are optimistic as we look towards the summer season.”
