Spring Fair closed on a high on February 8, with buoyant feedback highlighting the variety and diversity of retailers in attendance at the four-day show, which was held at the NEC In Birmingham.
Nicola Meadows, Portfolio Director of Spring Fair, said: “The atmosphere was genuinely magical over the four days. The stories we’ve heard from our fantastic visitors and exhibitors highlight what an awe-inspiring, diverse, inspirational, collaborative, and friendly community Spring Fair offers. The scale of business being done across all our Gift, Home and Fashion sectors underpins the value of incorporating so much variety and cross-buying opportunities. It’s incredible to hear about so many life-changing connections and micro-communities being developed.”
Thousands of independent retailers, online stores, multiples, department stores, lifestyle boutiques, garden centres, pharmacies, florists, museums, destination stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets were in attendance including Very Group, Debenhams, Harrods, Selfridges, Marks & Spencer, Next, Argos, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Hello Fresh, Natural History Museum, TK Maxx, Funky Pigeon, John Lewis, Scribbler, Fenwick, Blue Diamond, Hallmark, Dobbies, Poundsaver, Quiz Clothing, Dunelm, Deichmann, Science Museum, Waterstones, TruffleShuffle, WHSmith, Wowcher, Soletrader, Poundland, Paramount, HMV, Boots, QVC, V&A, and Harvey Nichols.
Karen Wright, director of Honeysuckle Gifts in Surrey and winner of the £1,000 gift voucher to spend at Spring Fair said: “Spring Fair was great and very inspirational, showcasing a good homeware and lifestyle collection which is exactly what we were looking for. We got what we needed to move our range forward for spring, as well as getting stock for Christmas 2023 with new ideas for themes to recreate at our stores. We will now be able to freshen up our shops and show fresh new trends. There was a great selection of suppliers and a great opportunity to see stock and pull together ranges. Over the two days we attended we saw trends and got great ideas for future displays, which was a bonus. Spring Fair brings suppliers and retailers together – there is nothing like seeing products in person. The best bit for us was winning the £1,000 gift voucher, which we spent with Coach House, which has really helped us out.”
Olivia Hogg from Morleys Department Stores said: “This will mark my 15th visit to Spring Fair as a buyer and it never disappoints. I had a jam-packed day with suppliers, existing and new. There were a few hero fashion accessory brands at the show including Powder and Zelly. As I have multiple stores, I cannot place orders at the show but the brands that can produce a digital favourites report score highly with me. The Fair is easy to get to from London – it’s a must visit for any buyer.”
Catherine Morgan from The Little Gift House in The Wirral said: “I’ve been coming to Spring Fair for the past 13 years and I couldn’t be without it. It’s the most inspirational gift show which is centrally located in the UK, and accessible whether you come by train, car, or plane. It’s such a wonderful place to source ideas and find new suppliers – and just generally get fantastic ideas for your shop and products as well.”
Julie Czarnota from The Hidden Hut in Preston said: “I’ve been to the Spring Fair for a few years. I come to buy candles, gifts and homeware. I come here rather than other trade shows as you can buy everything in one place. There are an awful lot more suppliers here than at any other shows.”
Lorraine Wright from Morley Nurseries in Southend said: “It’s important to come to shows like this because there is only so much you can understand about a product by seeing it online. You can see the quality, feel it, and smell the candles here. This is the main show that we go to as you’ve got a variety of suppliers and categories.”
Martin & Lynn Shaw from Liberty Belle in Sidmouth said: “We are a gift & furniture store and visit Spring Fair to buy gifts. We’ve come for 10 years and have found this year’s show has a better layout; it’s more logical and easier to navigate. We have found some potential and new ideas – it’s nice to see things in real life, to touch and feel the items. We particularly liked Heyland & Whittle. Online buying is good but it’s definitely better to see it with your own eyes.”
Spring Fair 2024 takes place at NEC Birmingham from February 4 to February 7 2024.
Autumn Fair 2023 returns to NEC Birmingham from September 3 to September 6 2023.
For further information visit www.autumnfair.com
