Nicky's Rag Tales

The Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear Show took place 16-18th August and so I found myself back in Harrogate Yorkshire in England for the first time in years. 300 Exhibitors showing Lingerie and Swimwear and buyers from the Uk and Europe gathered in this beautiful town which boasts the gorgeous Bettys Tea House and several great restaurants and hotels all within walking distance of the exhibition centre.

Famous Bettys Tea House Harrogate

Unpacking the samples for the Yummie Tummie stand we realised we were 15 hangers short so at 5.30 Monique and I having exhausted all other options took to the street. Across the road an old fashioned gentlemans outfitters and an idea quickly formed. They were sure to have some wooden hangers? I arrived in close to closing time to be met by three dapper gentlemen and one black labrador. Cut to the chase and three minutes later plus one kiss planted on one of the mens cheek and I excited holding 15 perfect hangers. Mission accomplished.

Rhodes Wood Gentlemens Outfitters, Harrogate

The show itself was intimate and friendly and with buyers enticed to go due to incentives from a couple of the larger companies the first day kicked off to a good start for us with several new accounts opened in the UK and Ireland. Buyers are nervous generally so we were very pleased that many were willing to take on a new brand during these times. Buyers, Companies and designers are all extremely positive and just want to get on with trading normally. The frustration comes from outside their control and normal trading without fear is what is needed right now. Huge talent is frustrated by the mess that Governments and the Banks have heaped upon the small businesses that are the lifeblood of towns across the UK and Ireland.

Catwalk show, Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear

Fashion First Aid MD Karen Kay was at Harrogate with her nifty stand full of Fahion First Aid solutions. A starter pack costs just £200 and can be topped up easily. A must have for all fashion retailers for add on sales at the till.

Sally Heale , Designer Advisor and Fashion Scout extrordinare constantly popped by with a constant stream of new buyers and I took a minute to chat with her about business. Sally is developing a business to business on line Buying Agency, bringing together designers, manufacturers and retailers on line. Sally is such a powerhouse that I’m sure this new venture will be a success as we all try to find cost effective ways to network and place the right products quickly and with minimum cost.

Meanwhile the models were enjoying themselves and were happy for me to snap them from all angles. Great to see models of all sizes on the stands.

Chloe and Coral modelling Pour Moi, Harrogate August 2009

Friends First

Many of the customers I talked to over the few days had on line businesses with Shapewear particularly strong. It seems that taking into account poorer fabrics and cheaper clothing necessitates better and better undergarments.

Chloe modelling Pour Moi

I packed myself home on Monday evening and was home in time to celebrate a big birthday. Since most of the surprises in my life have been horrible affairs, the party that I had absolutely no idea about was about the best surprise I’ve ever had. I’m still in a state of shock and am recovering from too much of everything….. Back to the grindstone tomorrow?