Do you own a gift shop?

[sparklyscotty]

Hi there,
I am looking for some feedback from people in giftware retail. I design and sell jewellery and just launched my new collection at SITF in january. I had a great response, and am looking to book other trade shows throughout the year. My question is, which ones?
If you buy gifts/ jewellery, which shows do you go to? When do you place your biggest orders? (Autumn shows seem to be quite slow.) What makes a difference to whether you place an order or not? Does advertising in the show guide sway your decision?
My primary target market is high-end fashion boutiques, but I have a lot of local gift shops as customers too.
Any feedback that I can get will be very useful, and I would be more than happy to work out a discount for anyone who thinks that my jewellery might be right for their outlet.
Thanks again!
-Angel-

[Robert]

I used to run an art gallery that also sold handmade jewellery. There are an awful lot of jewellers to choose from at Spring Fair and Autumn fair, in the NEC. We bought from 3 jewellers there and it was nice to meet them in person and see the stuff up close.

[Tin]

Yep, I second the Spring & Autumn fairs at the NEC. Really excellent and bags of choice in every market sector. :)

[SillyJokes]

Glee, top drawer maybe.

Angel, your images on your site, especially the hill tribe stuff are massive and effecting download time. You need to optimise them.

[Hayles]

Hi

We buy more from stands where we can take the jewellery home with us. Gem Jewellery do this and their stand is always busy.

:D

[sparklyscotty]

Thanks guys. I think Autumn fair at NEC has it. I am also thinking about booking Home and Gift at Harrogate. Does anyone have any feedback on that. Also, Hayles, I have heard that comment before and am going to try and stockpile some of my most popular designs for the shows. This will also help save me on shipping and let me push my most profitable lines, so thanks for that idea.
-Angel-