Spring Fair, which takes place from 6 February to 9 February at NEC Birmingham, has revealed that its manifesto for 2022 is Empowering Change. This theme will set the agenda for the live show’s Inspiring Retail Stage, as well as a year-round content programme.
Suzanne Ellingham, head of content at Hyve Group, which organises Spring Fair, said: “Retail is in a state of incredible transformation. Technology enables customers to shop anywhere, any time, and in any way they want. The competitive landscape has changed, and even online retailers are now facing increasing costs and hostile marketing conditions. In a time when staying the same means you are moving backwards, expecting different results from the same tactics doesn’t make sense. I’m really excited about this year’s Empowering Change theme.â€
“Retail is in a state of incredible transformation. Technology enables customers to shop anywhere, any time, and in any way they want. The competitive landscape has changed, and even online retailers are now facing increasing costs and hostile marketing conditions”
Suzanne Ellingham, head of content at Hyve Group
The Inspiring Retail Stage’s schedule of live content from experts will provide exclusive insights, trend reports, keynote conversations, and panel discussions on key topics facing retail. Each of the four days of the Fair will cover a dedicated topic correlated to the Empowering Change manifesto.
Sunday 6 February: Future of retail is collaborative
At a time of incredible change, we are seeing more and more examples of high streets and retailer groups working together to entice people back onto the high street, to improve the shopper experience, and to support each other. Pre-Covid everyone was competition – now the competition is online giants who can race to the bottom on price and deliver tomorrow. Has UK retail realised that there is enough room for everyone in the high street and, by working together as retailers, retail districts, and local authorities, can they recreate the magic of the high street and connect even more with their local communities? Is the future of retail success collaboration?
Monday 7 February: Sustainability and innovation now
Consumers have never cared more about where their products come from, what they are made from, who makes them – and what makes you different as a retailer or brand. What are your values? Do you live them, and can you prove that? This day is all about retailers and global organisations sharing their journeys – both the highs and the lows – with each session packed with practical takeaways to give you the confidence to continue to do things differently because it’s the right thing to do – and how you let your customers know that, so they know you are who you say you are.
Tuesday 8 February: Changing mindsets – being comfortable with the unknown in order to thrive
For many of us, change is difficult and a step into the unknown. For those who own businesses it can also be a leap of faith and stressful. In the current business environment, asking ourselves (and the people around us) to change the way they think and do things is incredibly difficult. But it is necessary to change when retail is transforming more each year than in the last five or 10. This schedule is full of insights into how to change mindsets in order to thrive, how to build that culture within your business, and learn from other business leaders as they share how they have navigated unprecedented change to grow. Each session is geared towards giving retailers the tools to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Wednesday 9 February: The way we do things
Often, ‘change’ isn’t about overhauling your business but about taking small steps towards a better future. On the final day, Spring Fair will collaborate with its wellbeing and charity partner The Retail Trust to deliver a host of useful business workshops and tools to help guide the audience towards better business. The full Inspiring Retail Stage line-up will be announced in the next few weeks. For further information please visit www.springfair.com
