Pop up showroom in Edinburgh for garden centre buyers

Scottish Agents, Darran McBride and Lucy Sharp have taken the initiative for their Scottish retailers following the cancellations of Autumn Fair, Harrogate Gift Fair and Glee to set up a socially distanced, by invitation only, pop up showroom in Edinburgh for the next 10 days.

From the 17th to 27th August at the Apex Grassmere Hotel, two of Scotland’s leading agencies, Sharp Stuff and Easy Agency, combine and invite you to pop along to their pop up. Bringing you the opportunity to view new and best selling seasonal products from an array of brands.

Fabulous products in a lovely space! Parking is provided, refreshments will be available and there will be the opportunity to get some free social media advice from our expert guest.

Darran explained: “We could see a while back that Glee, Autumn Fair and Harrogate(Gift) Fairs are looking likely to be cancelled. I’ve known Lucy for about 20 years and as such she is constantly coming up with ridiculous ideas but this was actually something we had discussed before so it wasn’t a stretch to think maybe it would help everyone to have a one stop shop for garden centres, gift shops and heritage market. To be honest we chatted about the idea a few months ago but obviously the time wasn’t right to try to put something together. We both wanted to wait to feel that retailers were back at work, assessing their own situation and then gauge the customer reaction. It’s such a fine line, I think everyone has someone who is, or has been, shielding and we wanted to do something structured and in a responsible way. It’s NOT a trade fair where everyone can just wander about, it had to be appointment only.

“It’s in Edinburgh, Lucy lives in Edinburgh, 5 minutes away and is extremely lazy so I got bullied into travelling every day for two weeks from Glasgow. It starts on the 17th till 27th August. It’s a beautiful rooftop venue with lots of light and views of the castle. The thought of a 2 week stint with Lucy doesn't exactly excite me but since it’s been 5 months since I’ve seen another human other than my family then I’ll live with it. Seriously though, we are both genuinely excited to see our customers, many who are friends, and chat about life, business and look at some fabulous products”

So what’s in it for the garden centres Darran? “Good question. 15 years ago I decided to aim at covering most areas of a garden centre, well the fluffy nice stuff they sell. Cards, gifts, stationery, scarves, jewellery etc. I then have my business partner Barry Scott who covers the serious horticultural side so that was the overall plan and it’s worked pretty well so far. Between us we cover most of the main product categories. Now as time has went on the garden centres have, year on year, become cooler, funkier, more progressive, although never forgetting what they are about. Always offering what their clientele wants and indeed seeking out what the customers didn’t know they wanted. That’s the beauty of a great buyer. That’s also where Lucy Sharp comes in. She is completely focussed on the beauty of product, the origin, the story. To be honest I love that too, I genuinely like to analyse the stores but I want the retailer to know if it’s going to also help them make a profit.

"Now not all or products are going to be right for everyone. But there is definitely something for everyone. As a marriage of companies we seem to cover most of the bases, Lucy’s companies are amazing and already work in garden centres as well as farm shops. Talking tables is phenomenal. Arbrams and chronicle is about to explode. From my side I already know Edelman, Kikkerland and IF are pretty much are at the top of the sales figures in gift departments if done right.

Darran explained that Edelman BV have gained a lot of traction in the UK. "Due to their diverse range of categories customers are becoming familiar with brands such as Mica, Luca, House Of Seasons & Casa Vivante. Edelman are a fabulous Dutch company and are probably the best European supplier of indoor ceramic pots which is a huge trend at the moment along with artificial plants and flowers, of which we have the best, biggest and broadest range in the market. In addition to this they are best known as a key seasonal supplier for both Spring/Summer and Autumn Winter/Xmas. Now we are right in the middle of selling for Spring Summer 2021 but due to coronavirus most customers understandably are reticent to fly so we have created a Spring Summer website that has every available product to pre order. The showroom allows customers to come along and discuss this years selection, look at last years and create their orders. It’s not perfect but nothing is at the moment, however all our loyal customers know the quality and how well it sells every year so it makes it a little easier.

"All of the companies we represent will be present. We had a few who were a little unsure, understandably. Who wants to spend money in the current climate unsure if anyone would want to come along? The answer surprisingly was pretty much all of them. I have to say it’s so nice that the companies we represent have supported this project. I mean I was panicking that no one would show, like that 40th birthday party where everyone says yes and then you get the fear it’ll be you left on your own with a party popper.

"Social Media is an interesting one for me. It’s been a goal of mine for about 5 years or so to find the holy grail of social media and make my millions and then explain how easy it was. It’s not, it’s painful. Pretty much everyone does it, some fantastically well, some not so much. What I’ve managed to do is find the smartest and sharpest young social media people I know, and if anyone wants to chat through how to get more followers, how do understand how to actually make money from this, then we have someone who hopefully can give them an insight. It’s free, it shouldn’t be, but we are super lovely and as such we have tried to add something which, especially now, is necessary and we will make it fun. No one will leave knowing less I suppose.

“We've had an Incredible reaction so far. I’ve now agreed to a 3rd week now, I think I’ll have to ensure the wine is on draft to get through it. What I would say is some garden centres are in a tough position. They’re working on skeleton staff, all hands to the pump. The buyers are multitasking, always getting their hands dirty and to say they are away for the day(or two) is tricky. Personally I think it’s a great use of their time to get away for the day, get back to buying and seeing new products, remember they’re buyers and that’s what they love doing. And it’ll mean that we don’t come to your store! So silver linings I suppose.

"Retailers have told us: Please do it, We can’t do another zoom call.

"Covid-19 is our biggest concern. Unfortunately we would appear to be nowhere near past this awful pandemic. Everyone is entitled to have their opinion on whether it’s a big factor in their view. We all know the world needs to keep turning, however I have people in my family that are vulnerable whether through cancer, elderly, illness etc and I’m personally not willing to take any shortcuts, it’s social distancing, hand sanitiser, masks provided and temperature gauges all the way.

Apologies to anyone who feels we are being OTT. Oh and also no touching products (well they can but I’ll have to burn them after). It’s ok, people can play with the products all they want but you get the idea and remember it’s appointment only, it’s not a Wetherspoons.

"This is an invite only event and we’d love to welcome you along, but so that we can ensure a comfortable, but managed and socially distanced event we ask you to please RSVP as soon as possible to reserve a slot."