The organiser of Home & Gift 2025, Clarion Events, which celebrated the 65th edition of the show in Harrogate from 20-23rd July, has reported that internet retailer attendance rose by 23%, independents by 25%, department stores by 36%, and multiple retailers by 41% at this year’s show.
The team at Home & Giftware and Garden Centre Buyer magazines attended the show for the first time in several years, thankfully missing Sunday’s torrential rain and enjoying a warm and sunny Monday in this lovely northern town. Whilst the show was dramatically smaller than it was pre-covid and seemed rather quiet, we were very impressed by the quality of exhibitors, many of whom appeared to be having a good show.
As always, we were in search of the best of British-made products and we weren’t disappointed with the selection on display, with companies showing their wares from the length and breadth of the UK. We also enjoyed catching up with our friends at The Little Dog Laughed, whose beautiful little book, Gift of the Year award-winner, A Dog Life, has succeeded in raising tens of thousands of pounds for Dog’s Trust. With its heart-warming/rending real-life stories of rescued dogs accompanied by adorable illustrations by artist, Anne Danielle, this really does make a wonderful gift for animal lovers and especially dog-owners.
Clarion also reported that 31% of registrations were from first-time visitors, providing loyal exhibitors with a fresh new audience to meet and do business with, alongside a host of big-name retailers. These certainly included the Blue Diamond Group owners, who we spotted in the Design Point tents whilst we were there!
The team from John Lewis commented: “The brands at Home & Gift feel like they’re selected for a certain customer type, which I feel resonated with ours… If people want inspiration, to meet the industry and to see what products are out there – Home & Gift is a nice place to do all of that!”
With 150 new exhibitors joining the show this year, there was plenty for visitors to discover across the seven halls and Design Points, which were displayed to great advantage in the fabulous setting of Harrogate town centre. Pictured right are the fabulous artificial flowers by fledgling British business, Fleur & May.
Clarion has said that exhibitors reported strong order writing from the moment the doors opened on Sunday right through to the final afternoon of the event, resulting in a 72% rebook for next year’s show for 2026.
The event’s 65th birthday added an extra layer of festivity this year, with celebratory touches including cake, fizz, and a heartfelt visit from the Mayor of Harrogate, who formally signed the show’s commemorative birthday card and shared his own memories of Home & Gift from his time working at the HCC, a meaningful gesture reflecting the event’s deep roots in the local community.
A highlight for many was the Sunday Sundowners, affectionately renamed “Raindowners” after a surprise midsummer downpour which saw guests welcomed into the Majestic Hotel’s Ballroom for an evening of networking and celebration, as Chi Cup was announced as the winner of the prestigious ‘People’s Choice’ category of the Gift of the Year Awards by The Giftware Association’s Head of Membership, Victoria Louise. Other successful social events held included the Show Party, kindly sponsored by Progressive Gifts & Home, on Monday night, which saw exhibitors and visitors alike dance the night away amidst flowing drinks and a live DJ, and Tuesday evening’s Drinks on the Lawn.
Elsewhere, the Gift of the Year 2025 showcase, staged in partnership with The Giftware Association, put boundary-pushing products in the spotlight; this year’s winning entries captured the creativity and innovation that continue to define the sector and inspire retail buyers. The show also continued its collaboration with The Better Trends Co., who’s vibrant and sustainability-focused trend installations encouraged attendees to explore what’s next in product development and conscious retailing.
s lovers of wall-art – and art, generally – we lingered longer than usual at The Northern Line stand in Design Point 1. Not a new company but the reason for its success is readily apparent with the quality of the vintage poster-quality graphic art on display, which draws the eye and invites closer inspection. Great as a gift for lovers of books, music, retro and contemporary art alike.
Beyond the show grounds, Harrogate enjoyed a welcome summer boost. Hotels approached full capacity, independent restaurants filled with post-show buzz, and taxis and coffee shops pulsed with industry chatter. The event’s estimated economic impact topped £2 million, highlighting not only Home & Gift’s commercial clout, but also its cultural and economic value to the region.
Event Director, David Westbrooke, commented, “Home & Gift 2025 has been a resounding success – newness at every turn, and a remarkable who’s-who of UK Retail in attendance; a fitting show to celebrate 65 remarkable years! This edition was about more than numbers; it was about rekindling relationships and celebrating the future of retail together; the record-breaking rebook was the icing on the (birthday) cake!”
Pictured below: Candle Wise, Cocoba, Dead Sea Dream, Cranbourn London, Ella Fletcher Designs, Jane Buurman Handmade, Gardening for Kids, Little Moose, Oldfield Design Co, Okiki,Orraman Leather, Only the Good Stuff, Lochcarron of Scotland, Pikki, Lila Rasa and Zoe Rose.
