25 AUTUMN FAIR 2026 www.autumnfair.com educational toys with long-lasting appeal. House of Marbles will introduce its medieval-themed BuildYour-Own Catapult, alongside the ever-popular Pensworthy Farm collection and its colourful Over The Rainbow range, which has resonated strongly with children and families seeking bold, joyful designs. CONTENT THAT SUPPORTS MODERN RETAILERS Autumn Fair’s new Counter Talks Stage reflects the changing needs of independent retailers, providing practical insights that visitors can immediately apply within their businesses. Developed in response to the findings of the Voices of Retail 2026 report, the programme tackles issues including consumer behaviour, digital marketing, retail crime, licensing, AI and visual merchandising. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • John Abbate, Economic Growth Lead for High Streets at Westminster City Council, exploring the power of visual merchandising and customer experience. • Alison Battisby, Founder of Avocado Social, sharing strategies to turn social media into a genuine driver of footfall and sales. • Andrew Goodacre, CEO of BIRA, and Superintendent Lisa Maslen discussing practical approaches to tackling retail crime. • Steve Manners, UK Managing Director of Licensing International, demystifying how retailers can use licensed products to drive growth. • Elyse McAvoy from Faire, presenting the latest consumer insights and growth opportunities identified through the Voices of Retail report. The popular Pitch Live competition also returns with a new morning format, giving emerging brands across Home & Gift, Fashion, and Kids, Toys & Play greater visibility and allowing buyers more time to explore stands and place orders throughout the day. BEYOND THE BUYING EXPERIENCE New for 2026 is The Clubhouse, an exclusive retreat space designed specifically for buyers. Providing a place to recharge, network and hold informal meetings, the space reflects Autumn Fair’s commitment to creating a more thoughtful and relationship-driven event experience. Glee’s co-location will bring additional opportunities for retailers operating across gifting, outdoor living, food and lifestyle categories, reinforcing the growing overlap between sectors and consumer purchasing habits. MORE THAN A TRADE SHOW For craft retailers, Autumn Fair 2026 offers far more than product sourcing. It provides inspiration, education and a chance to understand the trends shaping the future of retail. From traditional knitting and papercraft to sustainable creative play and experiential gifting, the event celebrates the growing importance of creativity in modern retail. With thousands of products to discover, expert insights to gain and new partnerships to forge, Autumn Fair continues to evolve alongside the industry it serves, helping retailers buy smarter, discover faster and prepare confidently for the seasons ahead. Smart Toys BTL Diffusion Padgett Bros Puckator
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