Craft Focus - Dec/Jan (Issue 70)

shows, news and events Our roundup of this season’s most unmissable events AUTUMN FAIR WOWS ONCE AGAIN Taking place in September, this year’s Autumn Fair saw 1,200 exhibitors take over NEC Birmingham for five days of negotiation and inspiration. More than 200,000 new products were on show, with visitors stocking up for the festive period and spring season. Attendees included buyers, visual merchandisers and owners from independents, multis, e-tailers, tourist and leisure destinations. Across the fair’s four live theatres, buyers were able to gain valuable market insights and updates on the trends that are driving consumer spending throughout the golden quarter and beyond. Visitors to the main stage had the opportunity to hear from business guru Theo Paphitis and notonthehighstreet.com ’s Holly Tucker. Both leaders shared insights from their own personal journeys, as well as advice and predictions for the next 12 months. There was also a new dedicated section for the best of Theo’s #SBS (Small Business Saturday) community. Designed specifically to celebrate the endeavours of independent start-ups, the initiative got off to an impressive start, with many exhibitors reporting orders before arriving at the fair. Another new addition was the Product Match service, featuring 63,955 items and recommendations and 17,410 matches. Buyers were also able to visit the Global Handicraft and DesignFirst showcases. In the former, international artisanal manufacturers presented a range of soft furnishings, textiles, jewellery, home décor, ceramics and lighting. Offering an insight into some of the UK’s most quirky manufacturers, DesignFirst saw exhibitors from across three show sectors display everything from artisanal soaps to exquisite handmade jewellery. Feedback has been positive, with companies reporting exciting sales figures and increased interest. “Off the back of what was a flat summer of trading for retailers, buyers came ready to be inspired by ranges for the up and coming major sell-through periods,” says Louise Young, managing director of Spring and Autumn Fair. “It’s simply good news for all of retail that suppliers and retailers have come together to make this year’s event a commercial success for those that visited and exhibited. It’s a good barometer for the Christmas trading period and into spring.” The show’s new owner, ITE Plc, has also announced a major investment programme for next year’s edition of the show. Newly organised halls will improve visitor flow and facilitate greater crossover buyer opportunities, with content that will encourage multiples to source more private labels and own brands with exhibitors at the show. In addition, a new programme will focus on increasing attendance from online and international retailers. “Looking forward, market leader Autumn Fair is evolving as we embrace the structural changes in the market,” adds Louise. “Consumers have not stopped buying goods but the way they buy has changed. In 2019, both Spring and Autumn Fairs are well-positioned to continue providing a great proposition for retailers. With the new re-edit plans, we’re looking to really optimise the fair experience for both visitors and exhibitors, including updating show sectors to present real opportunities for crossover buying and better enabled networking. As the hub for ‘all of retail’, 2019 will offer buyers tangible profitable insights that will help them stay ahead of the curve.” Go to autumnfair.com for details. craft focus 23 shows and events