One of the questions I get asked most is, “How do you choose what to stock?”
Well… this weekend was a big part of the answer.
I spent three days travelling between trade shows and supplier showrooms, searching for all the beautiful pieces you’ll start seeing arrive in store over the next few months. It’s one of my favourite times of the year because it’s where our best season begins!
Although we’re all enjoying the sunshine right now, behind the scenes I’m already thinking about cosy evenings, layered knitwear, candles, autumn florals and, believe it or not… Christmas!
Finding Newness at Harrogate Home & Gift
On Sunday and Tuesday I headed to Harrogate Home & Gift, one of the UK’s biggest home and gift trade shows.
It’s always exciting because every stand is full of new launches, ideas and inspiration for the season ahead. You spend hours walking the halls, spotting products that make you stop in your tracks and imagining where they’d sit in the shop.
The best part?
Some of the products I ordered will actually be arriving as soon as next week, so you won’t have to wait long to see some of the newness.
My Biggest CHALK Order Ever
If you’ve shopped with us for a while, you’ll know how much I love CHALK.
They’re such a wonderful family-run business to work with and every collection seems to become even more popular than the last.
This year I placed my biggest CHALK order ever because I know how much you all love the brand (and honestly… so do I!).
While I was there, I also discovered their men’s collection, which really got me thinking.
Finding thoughtful gifts for men that feel stylish, practical and reasonably priced can be surprisingly difficult, especially at Christmas.
So I’d genuinely love to know…
Would you like to see a small CHALK men’s collection at Maison Lifestyle?
It wouldn’t replace any of our women’s clothing (don’t worry!), it would simply be an additional collection – perhaps in time for Christmas gifting.
I’d love to hear what you think.
A Day Dedicated to Home
Monday was all about home interiors.
I spent the day with one of our homeware suppliers selecting new collections, and I made a conscious effort to focus on bringing in even more home décor, because I know that’s something so many of you have been asking for.
We’ve got beautiful new photo frames, lamps, vases, autumn florals and decorative accessories arriving very soon, all carefully chosen to help make your home feel cosy as we head into the cooler months.
And while we were there… We even started discussing Spring 2027.
The Reality of Buying for a Small Business
Trade buying weekends are honestly one of my favourite parts of running Maison Lifestyle.
But they’re also incredibly exhausting.
Every product is another decision.
- Will customers love it?
- Have I ordered enough?
- Have I ordered too much?
Multiply those questions by hundreds of products and you’ve got a pretty good idea of what goes through my head over a few days!
Then, of course, comes the scary bit… Placing large orders is a huge investment for a small business, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t nerve-wracking every single time.
But it’s also exciting because I know every order represents another opportunity to bring something beautiful into the shop, discover a new bestseller, and continue growing Maison Lifestyle 🤎
Thank You for Making It Possible
The biggest thing I took away from the weekend wasn’t just a notebook full of orders or a phone full of photos.
It was gratitude. Every order you place, every recommendation to a friend and visit to the shop is what allows me to keep making these buying trips and continue growing the collections each season. So thank you ⭐️
I can’t wait to start unpacking everything over the coming weeks and sharing it all with you.
