show review BCTF welcomes hundreds of
buyers to inaugural online event The first online edition of the British Craft Trade Fair ran from June 14 – 15 to support the designer-makers who were due to exhibit at BCTF 2020 before it was forced to cancel during lockdown
community reach a nationwide retail audience and generate some all-important sales. The event was timed for retailers opening again and seeking beautifully handmade, locally made new products to restock their shelves with. A total of 607 buyers took part in BCTF online, which ran from 10.00-17.00pm on Sunday June 14 and 10.00-19.00 on Monday June 15. 82 per cent of participating retailers were completely new to BCTF and 18 per cent was made up of buyers who have in the past attended the live event in Harrogate. BCTF Online exhibitors were invited to upload 20 new product images, along with a video to introduce their work and display it ‘in the round’. There was also a facility for them to upload catalogues and price lists and a live chat messenger feature which buyers could use to get in touch with them during the event. A total of 790 videos were watched over the
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two days and over 925 makers were added to buyers’ ‘favourites’ folders. After the event, buyers were sent a list of their favourites as a reminder of the makers who caught their eye during the show. The show preview, Kraftwork Solstice, was emailed out to buyers a week before the event and downloaded at least 964 times via this route. (This figure does not include visitors who found the preview via social media or directly from hosting magazine website,
giftsandgreetingsreview.com).
Creatively Occupied
lmost 250 makers participated in the event, which was put together by the BCTF organisers to help the
Elaine T Helier The show helped many designer-makers pick
up strong sales leads and, was a very positive development for the community. Maxine Hunt of artisan blacksmith business, Big Black House Design Co., said: "I have to say doing this show was absolutely brilliant! I have been a bit in the doldrums with everything going on and participating in this event has done me the world of good. “Basically, everyone had their own page with
photos, info, contact details, catalogue and video (if you did one). Registered buyers could view your info over the days and 'speak' with you via private chat room (a few tech issues but I did get it to work). There was also a hangout chat room for exhibitors/customers as well as an online seminar room. These were brilliant features and it was great to chat with other exhibitors. “I've picked up a number of orders and
Lauren’s Cows
enquiries from galleries, which is really heartening in the current climate. It has been a great exercise and whilst I don't think it can ever replace the physical show, I think it can definitely enhance it. There's a few tweaks to sort out but I think this has been a massive success and a real positive at this time.” Jane Crick, who produces sustainable gift
wrap, cards and art prints commented: “I'm still getting enquiries two weeks on - it's definitely sparked something within the ether!” Ian Peterson of Gamries Candles, said: “The hangout was a very good feature, and with normally between 70-90 in there most of the day, it had a nice feeling and all talked about all sorts of things, much as would have
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housewareslive.net •
HousewaresLive.net •
twitter.com/Housewaresnews July/August 2020
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