Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall D, Stand D1, D3
Perhaps it’s the optimism which comes with a New Year that lends Harrogate its charm, perhaps it’s the bonhomie of the people of our trade, in abundant evidence in the bars and restaurants throughout the town but whatever it is, I hope it never changes.
STAR IN THE EAST (Yorkshire).
Like the star which guided the Magi to Bethlehem, the Harrogate Christmas Fair draws the faithful to the heart of the Christmas world and, like those wise men 2,000 years ago, we gladly follow “yonder star”.
Is there a prettier, friendlier and more convenient town in which to hold a trade exhibition? If so, I have yet to find it.
SnowTime is 30 This Year.
It is a scarcely believable 30 years since I first booked a stand at the show for SnowTime and I still feel a frisson of excitement as the opening day approaches.
Launching SnowTime in 1994, before the internet and mobile phones were widely available, it was a different world. Many of the familiar Christmas names and brands have gone the way of all flesh but we are still here and there is always new blood to keep us on our toes. The products have evolved over the years, we no longer sell bead chains, once the hottest and most price competitive line in the country, Santa’s Marching Band is in retirement at the Chelsea Pensioners Home and the Carolling Bells no longer ring out.
However, the fundamentals remain, trees and lights will always be the basis of every Christmas range. Speaking of lights, we have come a long way from the set of 20 static fairy lights, over which there was always a price war in years gone by. Now the choice seems limitless, there has been a surge in exciting new development and we have added over 100 spectacular models to our huge collection. App controlled, voice controlled, battery powered, USB adaptors and the familiar 8 function controller is now 12. The list of innovation goes on and on.
Pre-lit trees have been around for years but as they have become more competitively priced, so the take-up by the consumer has increased. It is now possible to buy a premium pre-lit tree for less than the cost of a separate tree and lights and consign the hassle of putting lights on the tree to the past.
New Year
The New Year is a time for renewal and with that in mind SnowTime will unveil its biggest ever collection of Christmas product, all displayed in our home from home in Hall D. For the first time in three years we were able to visit our factories in the Far East with the result that the SnowTime range is very considerably expanded. Over 70% of the total collection is new.
From an unparalleled choice of trees and lights via an exclusive range of Infinity mirrored figures (last year’s hottest line) to our market-leading micro-dot trees, we stay ahead of the competition.
The Snowman and the Snowdog.
The well-loved animated film, now in its 10th year, continues to grow in popularity (check out its Facebook page). and we get calls from all over the world asking where our Snowman and Snowdog products can be purchased, our sales team direct enquirers to the outlet nearest their address. Every year we add more exclusive designs to the range and sales continue to grow season by season.
Richard MacNeil
Also in our its tenth year is our license with the acclaimed artist Richard MacNeil. Last season saw a resurgence in the popularity of illuminated wall hangings, especially those with MacNeil designs. Many retailers are familiar with his work, which is featured on Christmas cards, jigsaw puzzles, confectionery and myriad other products. SnowTime is introducing many new designs to complement our exclusive best selling collection.
The only way is up.
Following a challenging few years I believe we can now see Churchill’s “green, sunlit uplands” ahead. Inflation is down, mortgage rates are down and prices in the shops are down, leaving our customers with more money in pockets and purses. The Christmas business is a joy in which to be involved and I hope to welcome customers to the SnowTime Harrogate stand for many more years.
Invitation
This year, in celebrating our 30th Harrogate, we invite all customers, past, present and future to join us in Hall D for champagne, canapés and music on Monday afternoon from 4.00pm. What better way to view our fabulous collection of Christmas bestsellers than with a seasonal tipple among friends?
For more information visit: www.snowtime.co.uk
Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show: Hall D, Stand D1, D3
