Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show: Hall Q, Stand Q1
With plans afoot for two new dedicated Christmas showrooms and an expanded show stand at Christmas & Gift, Smart Garden Products are shining in the seasonal category. Sarah Welsh spoken to MD Jonathan Stobart…
Why is Christmas & Gift such a pivotal show each year for SGP?
Christmas is SGP’s fastest growing category and we are launching more products than ever before in 2026 – primarily for Christmas but also for Halloween and Autumn. While we have many Showroom visits with customers that run from December through until March, the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair is an ideal launchpad for new products. And it’s especially convenient for our retail partners based in the top half of the UK.
Tell us about the plans to increase your stand for 2026 – you’re located in the first section of Hall Q?
SGP have been in Hall Q for a number of years and we like this location as it straddles both sides of the hall and is sited in the centre of the show. Getting additional space in this area has been challenging but we are delighted that for 2026 we have taken over the conservatory which gives us extra floor space and much more flexibility.
What’s the inspiration behind the visual aesthetic of the stand?
We have taken inspiration from our Christmas product ranges and new items while retaining a ‘Smart’ look which SGP have used at previous exhibitions, such as Glee. There will be some dramatic visuals and striking displays of lit items. Customers can both select products but also get ideas for their own in-store displays – although most garden centres do a fantastic job merchandising, so at the same time SGP is also inspired by them!
Tell us about the expansion plans for the Three Kings collection?
SGP have expanded our product range dynamically every year for the last five years, although we are also very selective about which products are added to our collections. Every single item goes through a rigorous selection process where we review each product’s potential in terms of design, pricing and range ‘fit’.
The Three Kings category is now our second largest product group and it wouldn’t surprise us if it started to challenge Solar Lighting (our number one category) to be the largest category within the next few years. We are about to open new warehousing and showroom spaces dedicated to Christmas at both our Peterborough and Abingdon locations, so our intent is very clear!
What new ranges within this portfolio of product are you especially looking to showcase at Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair?
We have a mixture of extensions to Smart favourites such as Gonks and Plush Figurines, as well as Inlit Décor, Lanterns, SnowScenes and WhimScapes. We are also adding some completely new collections to our 2026 offer but you will need to come and see for yourselves what they are at Harrogate – or book a meeting at one of our showrooms. We know you won’t be disappointed!
In terms of festive trends what do you think the impact will be on your range for 2026 – what looks likely to be best-sellers for you?
There are new colour themes and trends every year and the latest ones will be reflected in our ranges such as Tree Décor and Homeware. SGP are confident that we have numerous high-volume sellers in our range, amidst a wealth of genuine product innovation. Winners from last year will be supplemented by new designs while there are always a few unexpected stars that catch the eye and generate huge sales.
As SGP’s influence on the festive market expands further tell us more about exciting plans for a new showroom and warehouse. Where will they be located?
In Peterborough we will have additional warehousing available from February 2026 – plenty of room for a larger stock holding for the 2026 season. While we already have a substantial Christmas Showroom in Peterborough today, from next autumn SGP will have new dedicated Christmas Showrooms available in both Peterborough and Abingdon. They are 50% larger than our current ones, providing the perfect opportunity for customers from all over the country to come and visit at their leisure.
Finally, what do you personally love most about Christmas?
Everyone loves Christmas! It is such a delight to see the excitement on customers’ faces when they come to discuss Christmas, it seems to have a better feel-good factor than any other category. We also love exhibiting in Harrogate which is such a beautiful place to spend a few days and the exhibition location in the town is really convenient.
For more information visit: www.sgpuk.com
