This new era signals Spring Fair’s evolution from a traditional marketplace into an immersive experience, a living, breathing celebration of creativity and connection. At its heart are the people who make retail magical: the buyers who mix the unexpected, the suppliers who spark what’s next, and the makers who turn stock into stories and shops into stages. They’re the true alchemists of retail, masters of experience, and Spring Fair 2026 is their stage to shine. For more than 75 years, Spring Fair has united thousands of brands, suppliers and buyers to discover, collaborate and shape the seasons ahead. The 2026 edition builds on that rich heritage with a re-energised visitor experience, an expanded show footprint, and a bold new programme of content, networking, and design-led innovation. A MARKETPLACE TRANSFORMED Across the show, the new Retail Alchemists theme will be brought to life through beautifully curated spaces designed to engage all five senses, turning every aisle into a modern apothecary of ideas. It celebrates the innovators who mix the elements of modern retail: people and purpose, technology and humanity, consumption and meaning. Portfolio Director, Jackson Szabo explains, “Spring Fair 2026 marks a new chapter for the show. Retail Alchemists captures what happens when creativity, community, and commerce converge. By bringing together the right ingredients, product, design, storytelling, and technology, it’s the people within retail who create the alchemy that forges meaningful connections, unlocks opportunity, and inspires transformation.” Buyers can explore over 1,200 exhibiting brands, more than one million products across 16 curated destinations, with 38 percent of products exclusive to the show, to discover the ranges that will define the 2026 retail landscape. The event remains a global showcase for gift, home and fashion sourcing, and a vital destination for craft, stationery and hobby buyers seeking products that spark imagination and customer engagement. CRAFT, CREATIVITY & STATIONERY AT THE HEART OF SPRING FAIR For craft and stationery retailers, Spring Fair 2026 promises an exceptional mix of design-led, artisanal and commercial inspiration. The Greetings, Party & Celebration destination will again be a hub of creativity, featuring the Cardgains Village and the GCA Debut Pavilion, both championing established publishers and fresh new designers. Buyers can explore the latest from beloved names including Louise Tiler, Roger La Borde, Paper Salad, Ling Design, Five Dollar Shake, Emotional Rescue, Vent for Change, Brainbox Candy, and IC&G, and A Blackbird Sang. Expect to see everything from sustainable stationery and pop-up card innovations to handmade notebooks, gift wrap and paper artistry. The show also continues to champion CRAFTING CREATIVITY, CONNECTION & COMMERCE Spring Fair, the UK’s definitive showcase for Home, Gift and Fashion, returns to the NEC Birmingham from 1st – 4th February 2026 with a bold new creative direction themed Retail Alchemists - Masters of the Mix. The Alchemists of Retail. 33 SPRING FAIR PREVIEW
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=