The buzz is back in Harrogate

According to initial feedback, the UK’s only baby trade show Harrogate International Nursery Fair is firmly back on the map, with exhibitors reporting packed order books; and retailers worrying about finding space in their stores for the fabulous new products they ordered!

Schnuggle – Clever Baby Products extended a big thank you for the massive support of so many independents at Harrogate stating: "We have exhibited every year for the last eight years and each year we get a little bigger. We are glad to be part of this great UK tradition and opened lots of new accounts and caught up with many existing ones too."

Nicola Carrera of WHL Europe, which returned to the show in 2019, commented: "We attended with our three brands Pink Lining, Purflo and Koo-Di and our stand was buzzing with lots of lovely comments. We truly know we did the right thing in coming to Harrogate this year and we loved seeing new and existing retailers. We thought the layout of the show worked well and there was definitely a spark in the air!"

Invictusbaby UK was a new exhibitor and Donna Kosloff, sales director, commented: "We had a sensational show. We specialise in boutique retailers and signed up 38 new shops; and almost everyone visiting our stand placed an order. We brought a sledge to the show as part of our stand display and this proved so popular, with retailers asking for one for their shops, that we offered a free one with every order of 12 dolls prams."

Retailer Mehzabeen Patel of Mums Mate in Bolton thoroughly enjoyed her visit pointing out some of her show favourites such as the new Santino and Plumo from Mee-go; the Giggle 4 from Cosatto; and collections from Nania and Venicci. She commented: "Its now time to sell, sell, sell in store as I need a clear floor to accommodate all of my Harrogate deliveries. The offers at the show made it really worthwhile attending. Well done to everyone exhibiting – it was nice to meet people I had spoken to on the phone and put faces to names."

Adrian Sneyd, show organiser, said: "This year has been an amazing turn-around for Harrogate. We saw the return of major brands as well as new product launches from regular exhibitors and those brand new to the show. There was a definite buzz in the air throughout the entire three days and early feedback suggests that business was good all-round.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2020 – the dates are 29th to 31st March 2020. Bookings will open in May, with priority given to all existing exhibitors who will be contacted directly nearer the time."

More information can be found on the website at www.nurseryfair.com