Harrogate International Nursery Fair 2022, the UK’s only baby trade show, took place on 16-18 October complete with an additional hall and a new show layout. Despite slight reservations due to the current UK political climate and the knock-on effect of the pandemic, the show organisers had high hopes for the 2022 event.

Commenting is show organiser, Adrian Sneyd. “Exhibitor space was in high demand this year and at one point sold out resulting in the opening of an additional hall. However, with the challenges faced by the UK in recent months, we – and many exhibitors – were hesitant as to whether the buyers would turn up with confidence. And they certainly did. Visitor numbers were up on last year and buyers spent three days checking out new products and placing orders.”

Also commenting is Andy Crane of BabyStyle, one of the show’s biggest exhibitors

“We had a great show,” confirms Crane. “Maybe not record-breaking numbers, but actually much more sensible and considered ordering. The most positive part was that retailers seemed to have allowed much more time this year and were really engaged with looking at all the ranges and newness that was on offer. We had a ‘Home Range’ for the first time and the buy-in for shop floor models was terrific; so many retailers backed us with trying these products out, plus really positive comments across the whole range.

“I am delighted overall. We saw pretty much every customer and also every major that we deal with, some new customers, but mainly existing loyal retailers. We also had eight international customers from as far as Uzbekistan to see our new offerings, and business from outside the UK was also very successful. As always, many other talks with other brands and a real sense of camaraderie from the whole trade.”

Organic baby and kids’ lifestyle brand Trixie enjoyed a successful show

“Having had a good show last year, this took it to another level,” says Sam Tyack, sales director at Trixie. “Our Trixie stand was full all day every day. My colleagues from Belgium were so impressed with the range of buyers and also how amazingly friendly everybody was. The atmosphere day and night were brilliant. I’m glad we picked this show as the first to properly launch into the UK.”

The next edition of Harrogate International Nursery Fair takes place on 15-17 October 2023. For further information, please click here.