Following the attendance of hundreds of foreign exhibitors and a 47% rise in registrations, Source Home & Gift, the premier global sourcing platform for home and gift, concluded on a positive note.
There were thousands of attendees, including business owners and directors from 12 different countries, sourcing and procurement specialists, and buyers. From September 1–4, 2024, retailers and brands such as Amazon, Homebase, Scribbler, Card Factory, Waitrose, B&Q, House Of Marbles, Blue Diamond, Widdop & Co, Cardology, RSPCA, Dunelm, Next, ALDI, TK Maxx, National Trust, and TikTok convened at the NEC Birmingham to explore the world’s top manufacturers and material suppliers in one location.
Every season, the program makes an effort to curate a roster of the world’s top manufacturers, artisan designers, and technology suppliers for Source Home & Gift; each supplier has undergone an accreditation and audit process and is prepared for business.”We are doubling down on championing responsibly made products and supporting makers and social enterprises that are really making a difference to communities around the world,” says Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source Home & Gift. Purchasing goods from these producers and contributing to community initiatives can significantly improve the lives of purchasers while also providing them with incredibly distinctive and high-quality goods.
“Source Home & Gift persists in connecting international producers and craftsmen from eight sourcing locations with the UK consumer base, providing a more convenient, economical, and efficient platform for creating and obtaining novel materials and goods, partnered with reputable, verified brands and manufacturers that employ ethical production practices and ecological practices.”
The “Makers” sector, which will debut at Source Home & Gift in September 2024, has shed light on artisans by showcasing a wide range of distinctive and superior handmade goods with smaller order quantities. These products include candles, glassware, fabrics, figurines, and much more. Live demonstrations were also conducted to highlight these products.
Throughout the show, the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) has supported Source Home & Gift to present a number of live demonstrations from artisans at the Indian Pavilion, showcasing the diversity and authenticity of India bringing a range of stunning, regional products to Source’s International and UK companies. Visitors were treated to demonstrations of Sozani fine needlework, Cheriyal paintings on khadi or cotton and much more.
Ellingham continues, “Source has become a home for manufacturers and makers, and a hub for visitors to discover artisan products in a balanced mix with tried and tested manufacturers; as well as an environment where visitors can be educated on how things are made and how to source responsibly and more effectively. This season we’ve seen a lot of people doing business on the show floor, numerous returning customers and an increase in visitor density.
Buyers at the show have commented on the need for a show that offers a safe space to make new connections, discover new suppliers, and do business. Marcus Appleton, Founder of new e-commerce business Décor Sanctuary said, “It’s my first time at the show and it’s been fantastic. I’m here for two days and we’re looking to source niche and interesting products in home décor from different parts of the world. There’s a very good range of both companies and product here. For me the highlight has been being able to meet the right people to do business with – I’ve been able to meet lots of people, talk and learn about trends in the market and most importantly look and feel the product.
Andrew Turner, Managing Director of AMT Marketing, Guildford, “This is our first visit to Source Home & Gift, we work in business merchandising, so we are looking for products to brand. We are really surprised by the show, it’s great. We have already bumped into some of our suppliers here, so it has been nice to cement our relationships. We have also found new suppliers which is great.”
