Positive start to Scoop as it unveils new location

The new venue was revealed yesterday, on day one of the autumn 16 edition.  

Buyers praised the presentation and mix of new and more established brands at the autumn 16 show, which is being held at its usual location of the Saatchi Gallery until February 2. Most exhibitors were pleased with the footfall, which ebbed and flowed throughout the day.

“Scoop is the only trade show we visit outside of Paris,” Pam Cartwright, director at Katherine Draisey, told Drapers. “It is well presented and it makes the best effort to attract the best brands. We’re always happy with what we find here and this season is just as good.”

Susanna Holm, womenswear sales manager for UK and Ireland for J Lindeberg, said: “Scoop always pulls in a good amount of high level buyers and nice independents, and it has been the same this season. It has been steady.”

The organisers said early estimates indicated footfall was up 20% on previous years, although visitors reported a mixed bag of busy and quieter stands.

Roz Clarke, owner of the eponymous boutique in Windsor, said: “Some exhibitors were saying it’s quiet, but I think it’s about right for a Sunday. It has been very good. The show’s been going five years now so we have established some brands we come here for, as well as to find new names.”

Mirabel Edgedale, agent for Three Floor and PCNE, which were located on the ground floor near the entrance, said there had been a fairly constant flow of traffic to the stands, but pointed out that’s it is always much busier on Monday and Tuesday.

She added: “Scoop is the only show we do and like. It’s like a showroom here – it’s a beautiful space.”

Ian Campbell Smith, founder of Palladio sales agency, said: “Scoop is a good writing show, we write lots of orders here. It’s great that it isn’t clashing with any other shows too this season, as I think that will make a real difference to attendance. We’re seeing a mix of new and existing customers, which is great.”

Brands and buyers seemed unflustered by the move to Old Billingsgate Market for the spring 17 edition on July 24-26.

As reported by Drapers in August 2015, Scoop was forced to find a different venue for its two shows - Scoop International and Scoop London - this summer because the Saatchi Gallery has been booked for a Rolling Stones exhibition running from April to September.

Edgedale said: “I don’t think it matters. For me what’s important is that people can get there.”

Chessie Schwitzer, agent for brands including Pitusa, Varley, Madeleine Thompson and Unreal Fur, said: ”The people who come every season will go anyway. This [the Saatchi gallery] is an ideal location, but it’s only for one season.”

Organiser Karen Radley said: “[Old Billingsgate] is a beautiful building, and when you look closely at it you can see the wonderful architectural features of the old fish market. There isn’t another Saatchi so we had to do something different, a one off. And it’s a summer show, so we can make use of being beside the river.”

The date and venue for the spring 17 edition of Scoop London has yet to be announced.

The autumn 16 edition of Scoop London will take place at the Saatchi Gallery on February 21-23.