Spring Fair has announced that it will drop from a five-day to a four-day show. The new dates for 2022 run from Sunday 6 February to Wednesday 9February and will include the introduction of late-night openings until 7.30pm on the Sunday and Monday.
The trade exhibition, traditionally held annually at the NEC in Birmingham, last took place in 2020 from February 2 to February 6.
Event director Simon Lau said: “After extensive research, analysis, and collaboration with over 3,500 exhibitors, buyers and partners, we have taken the decision, which reflects industry opinion and buying behaviours, that Spring Fair will become a four-day show. We have listened to our customers who had overwhelming feedback that the show was a day too long.
“Buying behaviours have changed in recent years and visitors have communicated that they welcome a four-day show, and that a more condensed few days – with the same number of talks, demonstrations, and meetings – would make it a more dynamic and action-packed event. We are also really pleased to introduce two late night openings. A trend common in retail already, the additional opportunities to trade will greatly benefit visitors attending for one day only.â€
With feedback from customers directly shaping the show’s priorities, initiatives being rolled out place greater focus on newness and delivering improved Return on Investment and Return on Time. Four key destinations offer Gift, Home, Fashion and Sourcing, with Gift and Fashion set to be the largest gathering in Europe providing a one stop shop for buyers to source the latest products. Curated meetings will offer dedicated networking and facilitated, pre-approved and pre-booked meetings between exhibitors and buyers.
Sarah Ward, CEO of The Giftware Association, commented: “We are thrilled to hear and fully support that Spring Fair is evolving to a four-day show from February 2022. This change has been a long time coming, driven by collaboration and feedback from the community with the aim of delivering a better return on time and investment for both exhibitors and visitors alike. Spring Fair is still the largest and longest home and gift trade show in the UK, and I’m excited by the prospect of late-night shopping!â€
“Bira welcomes Spring Fair’s decision to change the length of the show from the usual five days to four days from February 2022″
Jeff Moody, commercial director of Bira
Jeff Moody, commercial director of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association), added: “Bira welcomes Spring Fair’s decision to change the length of the show from the usual five days to four days from February 2022. Both retailers and exhibitors have asked for this so that they can better concentrate their time and resources into a focused four days. This is a great example of listening to what your customers want and delivering it – well done Spring Fair.â€
Helen Cottrill, from Spring Fair exhibitor Enesco, said:“A four-day show makes total sense to us. We have no doubt that the customers will visit within the revised time frame, and this will have a positive impact on the traffic on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ending the show after a busy last day leaves us with the Spring Fair buzz long after the show. Longer opening hours, in line with the European shows, allows us to hold more social events at the end of the day and maximises the time that one-day visitors have at the show.â€
The news has also been welcomed by retailers. Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies, said: “I think it’s a great idea; one less day being away from the shop. The late-night shopping will be perfect for those of us who have a lot of buying to do but are limited on days – a win-win for me.â€
Georgina Hustler Sutton, owner of Antique Rose & Maison Rustic, added; “It always feels like I’m the last person in the show – still placing orders at 5pm – so I love the idea of being able to shop the show for a little bit longer each day, whilst giving me one less day away from the business. This will really work for me.â€Â
For further information visit www.springfair.com. Visitors can register interest to attend Spring Fair 2022 HERE.
