Following the success of Autumn Fair and the highest ever re-book, Spring Fair has announced that 90% of its stand space has been sold and organiser Hyve Group is looking to increase the floorplan to accommodate the flurry of new brands keen to join the show.

Spring Fair takes place at NEC Birmingham from 6 February to 9 February and comprises four buying destinations: Home, Gift, Fashion and Design & Source.

Event director Daniel Mayhew commented: “Spring Fair was sorely missed this year, and following the hugely successful Autumn Fair, the Spring Fair team is working hard to make the show better than ever. We have spent many months researching the market – talking to our customers, listening, and learning – and we feel confident that Spring Fair will deliver the best possible experience across its four days. Visitors will discover the most inspirational and exciting brand line-up and stock-rich exhibitors, as well as the newness, cross-buying opportunities, and sustainable products that are so key to buyers and their customers now.”

“Spring Fair was sorely missed this year, and following the hugely successful Autumn Fair, the Spring Fair team is working hard to make the show better than ever.”

Event director Daniel Mayhew

Sustainability continues to be top of the agenda with 82% of visitors stating their interest in sustainable and ethical brands. Existing initiatives such as the Sustainability Trail will continue to highlight and champion sustainable brands and the work they are doing. Further sustainability initiatives, including the re-introduction of the Power of One campaign, will be announced soon.

The Kids, Toys & Play sector will include the latest products from Aurora World, Keel Toys, Ty UK, Noble Collection, The Puppet Company, Orange Tree Toys, House of Marbles, The Playwrite Group, Gibsons, Usborne Publishing, Berg Toys, Bigjigs Toys, and Moulin Roty.

In the Gift sector situated in the heart of the show, buyers will discover Widdop & Co, Kikkerland, Lesser & Pavey, Sass & Belle, Puckator, Ashleigh & Burwood, Abysse, Joe Davies, House of Disaster, Powell Craft, Rex London, ChalkUK, Gingko Designs, Retreat Home, Shoeless Joe, and The Company. The crafting trend continues to grow and brands including Stitching Me Softly, Stitch Happy, Stitch with Skye and Crafty You Crafty Me, will show their new collections.

In the Party sector, visitors will find players including Pioneer Qualatex, Unique Party, Gemar, I.T.I Balloons, Rubies, Gemar and Grabo balloons and partyware. Celebration suppliers include Hootybaloo, Ginger Ray, Allandra, wrapping paper from Glick and, to make celebrations go with a bag, crackers from Robin Reed, Eco Cracker Company, Glenart and Eurowrap. 

The Everyday sector, which showcases a diverse range of product sectors under one roof and is re-energising the traditional ‘volume’ visitor and attracting independent retailers looking to take advantage of better prices and promotions, is 90% sold with PMS International, Hunter Price International, RTC Direct, Tallon International, Davies Products, Whitefurze and many more filling the halls.

The Design & Source sector, originally called Sourcing, brings the international market to the UK with ethical and sustainable manufacturers from all over the world. It will incorporate more product types including funky and contemporary gifts. Billed as the only international sourcing platform of its kind in the UK, Design & Source is also the destination for visitors looking to grow or start their own white label offering, with direct access to key fabricating regions without the hassle of travelling overseas.

Spring Fair will also host the Inspiring Retail Stage, which will take on the theme of ‘Empowering Change’ and feature inspiring and innovative retailers who are changing their businesses with a positive impact.

Hyve Group head of content Suzanne Ellingham said: “Retail is changing, and it’s changing in all areas of businesses. From the drive towards sustainability and transparency and how retailers are evolving customer experience, to how consumers are shopping everywhere, on every channel (and how to make that work for independent retailers who are time-poor), industry leaders, trend forecasters and retailers will be sharing their stories with the Spring Fair audience in the hope that sharing will give others the confidence to change – and may even spark a few ideas.”

For further information, visit www.springfair.com