Autumn Fair returns to the NEC Birmingham from September 7 to September 10, bringing 12,000-plus buyers and more than 800 stockists together to make connections that last.
As retail prepares for the crucial golden quarter, Autumn Fair will spotlight the power and profitability of licensing across the gifting, homeware, and fashion sectors. With licensed products continuing to outperform in key categories, this year’s show will reflect the growing demand for British-made, purpose-driven, and nostalgia-infused licenses.
Autumn Fair organiser Hyve Group said the UK gifting market remains resilient, worth over £50 billion annually, with licensed products accounting for a significant share in categories such as toys, stationery, greetings, beauty, and collectables. Licensing in home is maturing, not just in kids’ bedding and mugs, but across soft furnishings, wall art, kitchenware, and lighting.
“Licensed products remain a resilient revenue driver in a challenging market. Retailers are looking for compelling brand stories, lower MOQs, and cross-category flexibility”
Collaborations with heritage brands such as William Morris, Emma Bridgewater, and Sara Miller as well as partnerships with heritage estates, artists, museums, and archives including V&A, National Trust and Kew, are growing in demand across textiles, home fragrance/candles, and tableware.
Autumn Fair event director Soraya Gadelrab commented: “Licensed products remain a resilient revenue driver in a challenging market. Retailers are looking for compelling brand stories, lower MOQs, and cross-category flexibility – and that’s exactly what many of our exhibitors will be showcasing this year.”
The Giftware Association PR & marketing manager Chris Workman added: “With licensing now having a bigger presence at Spring and Autumn Fair, it offers brands looking to invest in the world of licensing a chance to extend into new product categories, reaching new consumers and new territories without major investment or major changes to process. From a retailer and buyer view, licensed products come with built-in brand recognition which can boost sales and consumer trust and help differentiate product offering – especially to independent retailers looking to attract new business.”
With retail gearing up for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Back to School, and more, Autumn Fair 2025 is a great destination for licensed buying inspiration.
