Something for everyone: 14 sectors at Spring Fair 2017 to cover the entire UK gift and home market
Thousands of exhibitors, the latest trends, unique insights, new show sectors – Spring Fair 2017 returns with exciting programme
Spring Fair, the UK’s premier gift and home trade event, will return to Birmingham’s NEC from 5-9 February 2017 with a new DIY section, appearances from high profile keynote speakers including Mary Portas and Baroness Karren Brady and a raft of exhibitors never seen before in the UK.
2016 has been a year for political and economic change and the Brexit vote continues to bring unique challenges to the retail industry. With the value of sterling being hit, swings in consumer confidence and the likelihood of shop price rises being flagged, retailers need to take advantage of international opportunities and seek opportunities to invest in great products and services in order to retain loyal customers and ensure their long-term future.
Despite the challenging times, retail has proved itself to be one of the most resilient sectors. According to the Office of National Statistics, the quantity bought in the retail industry in October 2016 increased by 7.4% compared to the same month a year ago – the largest year-on-year growth since April 2002.
International influences are also becoming vitally important to UK retailers. The hugely popular hygge trend is just one of the themes coming from Scandinavia. Consumers are seeking very particular soft furnishings, fashion accessories and homewares, and retailers looking to maximise sales need to have their fingers on the pulse.
Spring Fair will provide a plethora of opportunities for buyers across multiples, independents and online retailers, to source and learn about new products, solutions, and the latest consumer trends.
Complementing the 2,500-plus exhibitors, the immensely valuable Meet the Expert sessions will return, this year including new masterclasses from the interior design expert Martin Holland on store design. Independent retailers will be able to book one-on-one sessions with industry leaders and ask for advice on any challenges they’re currently facing.
Meanwhile, the event will help independent retailers and buyers from the larger stores easily source new suppliers from specific geographical regions around the world. The Department of International Trade will host 30 UK exhibitors with an invested interest in exporting as well as 70 international buyers, while there will be more suppliers participating in Spring Fair from outside the UK than ever before.
With 14 sectors on offer to cover the entire UK gift and home market, Spring Fair 2017 will truly have something for everyone. This year will see the launch of The Spring Appointment Planner – a brand new business matchmaking service that will be available, free of charge, to visitors and exhibitors at the show. As a facilitated networking tool, visitors and exhibitors will have the chance to set up exclusive one-to-one meetings in the months leading up to the show.
DIY & Homeware Improvement arrives at Spring Fair
For the first time, a DIY and Home Improvement sector will join the Spring Fair set up in hall 10. Opening on Saturday, 4 February alongside the Volume sector.
According to Planet Retail, the DIY market is expected to perform strongly over the coming years – growing by 21.3 per cent in nominal terms. With the housing market being impacted by the uncertainty around Brexit, many homeowners and renters are looking to spruce up their current properties.
This sector of Spring Fair will present an excellent opportunity for retailers to identify novel products to stock. Coatings and adhesives, fasteners and fixings, hand and power tools, hardware and ironmongery, locks and security, trade displays and shopfittings, abrasives and lubricants, clothing and safety are just a selection of the categories that will be put in the spotlight.
The market’s major suppliers have already signed up to showcase their latest innovations, including market-leading AkzoNobel that will present a number of its brands – including Dulux, Polycell, Cuprinol, Hammerite, Sikkens and Armstead. Independent retailers and buyers from larger stores will also be able to visit a host of other businesses including Honeywell, Stax Trade Centres, Rustins, Centurion Europe, DK Tools, Plastikote and MICA DIY.
Kitchen, Dining & Housewares
In hall nine the Kitchen, Dining & Housewares will bring together a diverse mix of suppliers that manufacture cookware, bakeware, kitchen gifts, tableware, small domestic appliances, storage solutions and even wine accessories.
Visitors looking for those very special items will be able to browse exhibitor’s stands of to discover the latest creative designs and get a taste of the trends impacting this category. There will also be demonstrations from some of the biggest brands in the UK, as well as the Hairy Bikers showcasing Magimix’s range of kitchen equipment.
The section has one of the strongest line-ups of recent years, with companies such as Le Creuset showing at Spring Fair for the first time in a decade, where they will launch their exciting new campaign for 2017. Another key name exhibiting for the first time in a number of years is HAUS, who will be showcasing key brands such as GEFU, Leopold Vienna, Nuance and Scanpan.
They join a stellar line-up of exhibitors, including the likes of George East Housewares, Denby Brands, Dexam, Churchill China, Meyer Group, Kitchen Craft, Portmerion, bobble, Jersey Pottery, Navigate, Horwood Homewares, Sabichi, T&G Woodware, Creative Tops, Apollo Housewares, Ulster Weavers, The Rayware Group, BOSKA Holland and many others, who will all be showcasing their latest lines.
Presenting industry awards
Finally, the seventh edition of the annual DIY Week Awards, organised by Data Team, will be run in partnership with Spring Fair 2017. The awards are designed to distinguish and reward the products, innovation, retailers and people that boost the success of the DIY and garden sector. Spring Fair provides the perfect platform for the awards and the ceremony will take place at The National Motorcycle Museum following the event on 7 February.
Winners of The Gift of the Year Awards will also be crowned during Spring Fair. Taking place on the evening of Sunday 5 February, these awards will recognise the latest most original and innovatively designed products that could be given as gifts. The winner of the Overall Judges’ Choice category will receive a free exhibition stand space at Autumn Fair 2017.
Retailers are also invited to attend the highly-anticipated Housewares Innovation Awards on Monday, 6 February. Sponsored by Spring Fair, these awards are hosted by Housewares Magazine, www.HousewaresLive.net at The National Motorcycle Museum to recognise those retailers developing the most innovative businesses. The finalists will be chosen by an expert panel of judges and the winners will be revealed on the night.
Spring Fair will return to Birmingham NEC from 5-9 February 2017 with the Volume and DIY sectors opening a day earlier on Saturday 4 February.
For more information and to register for your free ticket, please visit: www.springfair.com.
Source: Spring Fair
January 2017