Case Study: How an Online Trade Show Helped Dots Allowed Grow Wholesale

For many small gift brands, exhibiting at a traditional trade show can be expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to balance with running a business.

For Dots Allowed, joining The Gift Fair UK provided a different way to reach wholesale buyers—without the cost, travel, or time away from family.

After exhibiting at the very first edition of The Gift Fair UK, founder Amy Fullman is returning to exhibit again, having seen how the platform has evolved and the opportunities it creates for independent brands.

About Dots Allowed

Based in North Wales, Dots Allowed creates colourful greeting cards and giftware inspired by everyday life, humour and thoughtful design.

The business supplies independent retailers across the UK while also selling directly to consumers through its own website, combining creative design with a strong focus on personalised gifting.

Website: Dots Allowed | British Nature-Inspired Art & Homeware

Why Dots Allowed Chose The Gift Fair UK

As a growing independent business, Amy wanted to introduce her products to more retailers without committing to the significant investment required for a traditional exhibition.

Like many small businesses, she was looking for a practical way to:

• Reach new retail buyers

• Grow wholesale awareness

• Build relationships with independent retailers

• Avoid the cost and time commitment of physical trade shows

Support Throughout the Process

The XpoFairs team supported Amy throughout the onboarding process, helping her prepare her digital booth and present her products effectively.

Support included:

• Guidance on building an engaging online booth

• Advice on product presentation

• Onboarding support

• Resources to help maximise visibility during the show

Since Dots Allowed first exhibited, The Gift Fair platform has continued to evolve with improved buyer discovery, enhanced search functionality, and better exhibitor guidance.

The Results

Rather than focusing only on immediate orders, Amy found value in something equally important: building relationships with retailers.

The Gift Fair introduced Dots Allowed to independent retailers that she may never have discovered otherwise, helping her build a valuable database of wholesale contacts she could continue developing after the event.

Having previously invested thousands of pounds exhibiting at a traditional trade show before the business was fully established, Amy appreciated the lower-risk approach offered by an online exhibition.

She also believes online trade shows are becoming increasingly relevant as buyers have less time to travel and are looking for more efficient ways to discover new products.

Why Dots Allowed Is Returning

One of the strongest endorsements of any trade show is when an exhibitor chooses to return.

After taking part in the first edition of The Gift Fair UK, Amy has decided to exhibit again because she has seen how much the platform has developed.

Improved buyer discovery, better exhibitor resources, and new tools to help retailers find relevant products have given her confidence that this year's event will deliver an even stronger experience.

Amy also feels she is better prepared to make the most of the opportunity.

As with many first-time exhibitors, experience has helped her better understand how to present her brand, engage buyers, and maximise the value of an online trade show.

Key Takeaways

• Online trade shows offer small brands an affordable alternative to traditional exhibitions.

• Exhibiting online allows brands to reach retail buyers without travel or time away from the business.

• Building relationships and retailer databases creates long-term value beyond the event itself.

• Online trade shows are becoming increasingly important as buyers look for more convenient ways to discover new suppliers.

• Returning exhibitors demonstrate growing confidence in the value of digital trade events.

Thinking About Exhibiting at The Gift Fair UK?

Whether you're launching a new product, growing your wholesale business, or looking to reach more independent retailers, The Gift Fair UK helps brands connect with qualified buyers throughout the UK and beyond.

Book a demo today at sales@xpofairs.com and discover how an online trade show can help you grow your wholesale business.