Beginners Guide to Home & Gift
With Brian Wiseman, Retailer and contributor to Gifts Today
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Isn't Home & Gift somewhere up north?
Home & Gift is the jewel of the trade show calendar. It is held in Harrogate, a Yorkshire spa town with lovely buildings, parks and gardens. By train its dead easy head for Leeds or York and change for Harrogate. Flybe flights leave three times a day from London Gatwick to nearby Leeds/ Bradford. Loads of lovely hotels and accommodation to choose from too. There's no excuse for missing out!
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Why is Home & Gift so important?
Because it is the best show for Christmas ordering. When we are at Harrogate, we are visiting our favourite suppliers, but it is just as important to start business with new companies as well. We are always on the look out for new ranges and the latest trends. But, most of all, the lovely atmosphere lends itself to buying.
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When should I be looking for my Christmas stock?
Right now! This is the perfect moment. Many suppliers bring out new lines for Home & Gift, while there is still time to deliver the orders before Christmas. You can place orders later, but it really is leaving it to chance.
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So I really should be placing orders at the show?
We certainly do. In fact, Home & Gift is our largest spend of the year. Not only are we placing orders for Christmas, but we also order for immediate delivery and often stock for September as well. You can place orders with suppliers after the show, but we think its a daft to put off decisions when the goods are right there to see!
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It sounds like hard work?
Im not going to insult your intelligence by telling you to pack
a comfortable pair of shoes! Yes, you are going to do a lot of
walking, looking, considering and (I hope) a lot of choosing! I
still love it after all these years.
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Surely one day at the show is enough?
Probably not! We will visit for all four days. We walk the
entire show, take notes and then return to those we want to see
again to discuss business. Then we place the orders there and
then.
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Can I really have this much fun AND charge it to my business?
Yes, of course you can! Trade show visits are essential to your
business and you simply charge your petrol, parking, train, plane
and taxi fares. Also, your hotel, meals and drinks (but not
alcohol!) And its legit! Dont believe me? Just ask your
accountant!
See you at Harrogate 19-22 July. Mines a Pimms with plenty of lemonade!
Brian Wiseman is a contributor to Gifts Today and is the owner of Present Company in Burgess Hill, Sussex.