Market Trade News July 7, 2017
Cottage Industries also organise a number of ‘Mistletoe Fairs’, with the focus being on high end gifts, many of which are handmade and can’t be found on the High Street.

Hertfordshire Mistletoe Fair

This takes place on the weekend of 4-5 November at Hertfordshire County Show, St Albans and is back after a successful first year. The marquees are heated and floored and will be positioned on the main drive of the Showground.

In addition to the shopping areas, there are two food marquees, vintage cafe, outside trade stands and street food caterers. There is also ample free parking for visitors.

Children can enjoy a ride with Santa on his Christmas Shetland pony and trap, talk to him directly on the Santa Phone or send him a letter and receive a personalised letter back in the post!

Beverley Mistletoe Fair

A new venue for 2017 is Beverley Racecourse, East Yorkshire, on 10-12 November. The fair will be inside the building at Beverley Racecourse, with views of Westwood, an area of Common land.

Beverley has an upmarket shopping experience as well as many smaller, independent shops and an impressive 13th Century Minster. This, coupled with being close to Hull, the City of culture for 2017, organisers are expecting a heavy footfall.

Like Hertfordshire, the fair will have an extensive range of unusual crafts and gifts, offering something different for the discerning shopper.

The Royal Welsh Winter Fair

The Shop For Something Different marquee will also be in attendance at The Royal Welsh Winter Fair at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys on 28-29 November.

Comment
What struck me about the traders at Lincolnshire Show was the genuine warmth and respect for Paul and the professional way that he does business. This wasn’t traders giving me pre-empted lip service, they didn’t know I was attending and many of them have experience of working for other, less revered operators.

There is a dedicated Shop For Something Different website:
www.shopforsomethingdifferent.com which has loads of advice for traders and is free for Cottage Industry traders to use and promote their products and services, whilst also being heavily promoted at the shows the company attends and via social media – what a great idea.

So, if you’re a trader and fancy joining Paul and the team at one of his forthcoming Christmas fairs, visit their website for more details
www.cottageindustriesassociation.co.uk