PREVIEW | SPRING FAIR
Spring surprises Spring Fair is the biggest show of the year for the greetings and gift industry but, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newbie to the event, there is plenty to see and do.
Spring Fair February 2-6, 2020
What the retailers say Christine Holmes, Flaunt It, Welshpool, Powys, Wales
“I go to Spring Fair and Autumn Fair every year. I always go down the card aisles to see if anyone new comes out. That’s how I came across Lanther Black and Flying Teaspoons by Laura Clamp which is an up-and-coming range that is quirky and fun.”
S UK Greetings
pring Fair describes itself as the definitive marketplace for the home and gift industry and, with more thab 2,500 exhibitors across all of the sectors in 2020 it’s easy to see why. While many buyers and independent retailers return year after year to fulfil their buying requirements, organisers have made changes that will hopefully make the experience better than ever. Over 50,000 people are expected to visit the NEC in Birmingham between February 2-6 where they will discover a redesigned show layout to provide
30 www.greetingstoday.co.uk 34 www. www.greetingstoday greetingstoday..co.uk
Museums & Galleries
visitors with a seamless shopping experience. There are now two distinct sourcing destinations – Gift will be located in the Piazza, while Home & Living is in the Atrium – allowing for effortless buying opportunities. Each sector is colour coded to help with navigation, with the colours found on the signage, entrances and throughout the halls. Maps are at the hall entrances, plus there are handy pocket maps to grab on your way into the show. “Look out for our coloured carpets that mark which sector you’re in,” says Daniel Mayhew, key account manager Spring Fair, “the much-loved Little Black Book, Route Planner and Show Guide maps will match the carpet as you navigate the show to help you discover new sectors and suppliers.” There is also the Spring Fair Match app to help people meet who they need to meet, which is interactive so you won’t miss a thing – plus everyone who downloads the app gets a free coffee at the show. Diverse, relevant and exciting is what the event aims to be and, given the plethora of new products and ranges being launched in the greetings and gift industry alone, that ‘s a goal that should be achieved. But, while buyers and retailers are there for inspiration and ideas on what new things to put on their shelves, Spring Fair has many other
Kathleen Kennedy, Kennedys, Kirkcudbright, Scotland
“Yes, we go to Spring Fair to see anything new and get ideas for something new for the year. It’s really good to be able to find something
unusual as there is so much variety. At the moment Pigment is one of our best but Alex Clark is funny and really popular, it’s so nicely designed.”
Debbie Bennett, Carabou, Cannock, Staffordshire “We always attend Spring Fair as we’re based in the Midlands. We keep going to see if we can find something out of the ordinary.”
Sonya HaandrikmanSibbald, Celebrations, Carlisle, Cumbria
“We do a lot of our gift buying at Spring Fair and try to find a few niche suppliers in the card halls.”
Sustainability is a key area of interest across retail, manufacturing and the wider community at large. The Sustainability Trail makes it easier to connect with sustainable suppliers who are at the forefront of the industry when it comes to environmental credentials The trail will highlight the brands striving to do their part in ensuring a more sustainable and ethical future. If you want to meet sustainable suppliers, a top tip from Spring Fair marketing manager Leanne Roche is: “Make sure you use the o-nsite books that feature a sustainability index. We also have a sustainability library on the exhibitor list on the website – you things to offer as well. can read more about the exhibitor’s Sourcing is a new sector for 2020 – sustainable initiatives and what they’re pick up your sector guidebook in Hall doing.” 18 and use it to visit the new, trendThis year’s show has three exciting driven buying destination featuring theatre and workshop spaces to international manufacturers and provide retail insight and trend fabricators from Europe, Asia, Africa and information where visitors can listen to South America. the thought-provoking seminars and The Sourcing sector aims to be a panel discussions aimed at inspiring more cost-effective and easier platform and helping buying decisions. to meet these specialists rather than The Inspiring Retail Stage is where travelling overseas., and the area also you will find a plethora of informative has the Design & Source Stage for and educational seminars across the relevant seminars. five days of the show.
“Over 50,000 people are expected to visit the NEC where they will discover a redesigned show layout to provide visitors with a seamless shopping experience.”
www.facebook.com/greetingstodaymag @greetingstoday