Bumper show issue - Gift Focus magazine

exhibitor top drawer profilesTo find out moreabout the aimsand objectives ofTop Drawer thisautumn we spoketo show directorNeil Gaisford.How relevant is the show’s Eco trail forbuyers, retailers and consumers?The reason we do it is because we believethere is an extension of environmentalconsciousness that today’s consumer isaspiring towards.People are increasingly more aware of themoral issues that they face in their buyingdecisions, which is driving continued demand.The story behind the product, how it’s made,what it’s made of – these are key thingscustomers are looking for.That is why the Product GB trail is successfulas well, because people are interested in theprovenance of a product.It suits the key beliefs people live by now -respect for your own life, the environment, thelives of others and the planet. All these thingsare driving this mood of ethical consciousness.Our aim at Top Drawer is to stimulate the ecoretail market and to help promote it more. TheEco trail flags up companies trying to reducetheir impact on the environment. There areabout 200 companies involved this year and it’sgrowing year on year.How do you view the current mood of theindustry?I think there is a real mix. I feel many willremain cautious about the market for thenext six months and are buying cautiously asa result.However, I keep hearing positive reportswithin the design-led markets. Our show hasseen an increase in attendance, which supportsthe idea that buyers are keen to look for newideas and are using this show to do that.The design led market is playing an evenmore important role now. Pricepoints godown in this market when people are pricesensitive. This allows people to have somethingon trend, made with integrity and quality ata good price – they are the things that TopDrawer offers people.What sectors are showing particular strengthat the show?This year and over the past two years we havehad some very good brands on the home side,also wellbeing has weathered well. We havesome really good international brands choosingto do Top Drawer, bringing luxury products– the type of products that people will pay alittle bit more for, that are a really nice treat forsomeone but not out of people’s reach.business. Products that offer retailers a point ofdifference come from these type of companiesand we felt it remained important to offerthem a presence at the show.Companies dedicated to good quality andinnovative products have a vital role to play inthe retail market. We understand how difficultit is for them to break into trade shows andSpotted relieves some of the obstacles andprovides financial support.It includes about 10 designers, smallbusinesses individually selected, a nice diversegroup and range of products.What can you tell us about the design andpresentation of the forthcoming edition?Visitors will find a surprise when they arrivein the way the show looks - it will be quite adelight when they get there, but you’ll just haveto wait and see to find out more! gWhat is your overall objective for the show?We are trying to create a show with the bestcompanies, best products, best experts in thebest environment.What is the aim of the new Spottedshowcase?Top Drawer has its heart in small businesses. Itwas launched as a show to support the small32 giftfocus