Spring Fair closed on a high on February 7 after four days of intensive buying, creativity and fun at NEC Birmingham, and now looks ahead to its 75th anniversary in 2025.
Jackson Szabo, portfolio director of Spring Fair, said: “I was blown away by the energy, passion and community at Spring Fair. The feedback and stories from buyers, exhibitors, and partners have highlighted just how integral this show is to the retail calendar. As well as the day job of buying, it enables the retail industry to come alive with inspiration, innovation, knowledge and networking. All our new experiences and activations across the show floor, and the awe-inspiring content on the three stages, were very well received – and I’ve also loved the sense of fun our exhibitors bring. I saw people dressed as sheep, sharks, dogs, naughty elves, and Peppa Pig! We’re now very excited to look forward to 2025 as we celebrate 75 years as the home, gift and fashion industry’s most established and inventive buying show.”
Many exhibitors were celebrating milestone anniversaries, and were all hand-delivered a birthday cake from Spring Fair organiser Hyve. Enesco and Garden Trading are 30, Talking Tables celebrates 25 years, Laura Darrington Designs hit 20, Berni Parker Designs celebrates its 15th year, and Academie, Raspberry Blossom, Tache, Louise Tiler, Pickmotion, and Rush Design all reached double figures.
The show attracted thousands of buyers from retailers including John Lewis, Asda, Fortnum & Mason, Tesco, Aldi UK, Elphicks, Cards Galore, Costcutter, TK Maxx, Mint Velvet, Next, World Duty Free, Yarnton Home and Garden, Claire’s Accessories, Smiffy’s, Clintons, Wayfair, Harrods, National Trust, Blue Diamond, Fenwick, Laura Ashley, Merlin Entertainment, WHSmith, TJX Europe, Creaseys, Hallmark, Card Factory, Costco, Natural History Museum, Dobbies Garden Centre, Creaseys, Denby Retail, and McElhinneys.
Feedback throughout the exhibition indicated high quality footfall, new customers, and a buzzing atmosphere, with many exhibitors reporting their best show ever.
Stephen Illingworth, director of Widdop & Co, said: “Spring Fair 2024 was great with such a refreshing buzz, and it has re-emphasised its role as the biggest, best and only show in the UK for exhibitors and visitors alike to source the greatest range of all products to kickstart the year.”
Simon Pykett, country manager of Bloomingville, said: “This was Bloomingville’s third year at Spring Fair. The first year was a phenomenal success, the second year was not quite as good but still very good, but this year we broke all records. We’re really hot on textiles at the show, along with vases and ceramics. Almost all of our orders were from new clients, which is why we came.”
Richard Keel, managing director of Keel Toys, said: “We opened a high number of new accounts and have confirmed for Autumn Fair and Spring Fair for 2024/25.”
Tom Willday, founder of Willsow, said: “It was great. There was good footfall and we enjoyed lots of positivity at the show. We launched our first licensed book “Shaun the Sheep” and displayed our new plantable calendars, which we had brilliant feedback on. Everyone loves our children’s product and wanted a more adult concept – so we created it!”
Lauren Rooney, junior account manager of Hootyballoo by Club Green, said: “We had a really positive experience and lots of good feedback. We showed 10 new ranges and there was an excitement from our buyers.”
Tracey Colliston, owner of Ginger Betty, said: “The show was really busy with a good mix of international and UK buyers, from independents to larger distributors. There was a really positive, exciting vibe, and it was really enjoyable.”
Jo Clarke, owner and creative director of Toasted Crumpet, said: “It was a really fantastic show: our busiest to date. A lot of our new product lines and ranges had really good feedback and our new product ‘Blanc’ was particularly popular.”
Spring Fair returns for its 75th edition from February 2 to February 5 2025 at NEC Birmingham.
www.springfair.com
Autumn Fair 2024 takes place from September 1 to 2 September 4 2024 at NEC Birmingham.
www.autumnfair.com
