Source Home & Gift came to a successful conclusion after four days of innovation, networking and collaboration last week.
The show, which ran from 3-6 September, tripled in size since its inaugural show in February, bringing together key buyers and sourcing directors from brands and retailers including Sainsbury’s Dunelm, Haskins Garden Centre, M&S, Next, Amazon, B&Q, and more.
Hundreds of accredited manufacturers, producers and artisans from 14 countries, including Bangladesh, China, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uganda, UK, Uzbekistan, and the first dedicated Egyptian Pavilion organised by Egypt Expo & Convention Authority (EECA) told their stories and showcased their products over the four days.
Suzanne Ellingham, director of sourcing, Source Home & Gift said: “Source Home & Gift is all about bringing together buyers and procurement leaders with responsible manufacturers and makers. Our second show has delivered a hugely exciting portfolio of producers, manufacturers and artisans and offered visitors a convenient and much-needed platform in the UK for responsible sourcing.
“The Responsible Sourcing Stage has hosted some fascinating and insightful presentations putting the key industry topics and trends at the forefront. Our dedication to presenting compelling content underscores our role as a driving force in promoting a more sustainable and responsible global economy. In a world facing unprecedented challenges, Source Home & Gift stands as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and international cooperation. The show has closed celebrating new connections, innovative products, fresh perspectives, and an ongoing commitment to driving responsible global economic growth.”
Feedback from the show floor was very positive. Exhibitor Tor Glass, glassware specialists from the UK commented: “We are enjoying the show very much, we love the atmosphere. We’ve had lots of different types of visitors – people who have little shops, people who have garden centres and wholesalers. A buyer from TX Maxx visited our stand earlier which was brilliant too. We’re definitely looking to come back in February.”
Buyers from Dunelm said: “It’s been a really good show, we’ve been looking for wall art and pictures and for us responsible and sustainable sourcing is so important. We will be back in February.”
Kieron Ayres, assistant sourcing manager from Sainsbury’s plc commented: “We came not knowing what to expect from Source Home & Gift, we have had some great conversations and it makes sense for us to meet our suppliers here in the UK. It makes so much sense to come to a UK based show.”
Mike Dickens, senior program manager, Amazon said: “Source Home & Gift is a great chance to meet lots of potential domestic and international suppliers in one place. Early face-to-face interactions with suppliers give you a good opportunity to build trust and rapport before getting into business together.”
