Live merchandising masterclasses with visual merchandiser Debbie Flowerday will be a highlight of Autumn Fair when it returns to the NEC from 1-4 September. “The shop window is the face of your business, and it’s the cheapest form of advertising,” says Debbie.
With extensive knowledge and experience of the display and visual merchandising industry, working globally for well-known retailers including Max Mara, Mary Quant, Estée Lauder, Top Shop, Gucci and Royal Worcester, Debbie will host live merchandising masterclasses in the Buyers Lounge three times a day followed by audience Q&A’s on the Sunday to Tuesday of the show.
For each of the three days, Debbie will host a live installation session dressing a shop window within a specific theme and methodology including Gifting & Pyramid Merchandising, Seasonal & Repetition Merchandising, and Building a Collection & Grouping Merchandising.
During the first session of the day, visitors will be invited to watch live as she constructs the window display and brings the theme to life. For the following two sessions, Debbie will talk through the elements of the display she created that morning and take audience questions. In between sessions, she will offer some 1-2-1 personalised masterclass sessions with buyers.
“Visual merchandising is one of the most important elements in creating the look, feel and culture of a store,” states Autumn Fair’s event director Soraya Gadelrab. “Done well, it draws customers in, maximises the aesthetics of a product, can increase sales and create awareness as well brand loyalty. We’re delighted to be working with Debbie and I can’t wait to see her displays at the show each morning.”
The pop-up shop is being created by cardboard engineers N Smith.
Other Autumn Show highlights include giving away £500 to spend with one of the 800 + suppliers at the show. One lucky winner will receive a £500 voucher to spend at Autumn Fair, redeemable with any show exhibitor. To stand a chance of winning, buyers need to register for the show before midnight on 16 August 2024.
Over 800 exhibitors, showcasing more than 500,000 products across Gift, Home and Fashion, will be revealing their newest launches, with 30% of exhibitors exclusive to the show. Some 12,000 independent retailers and high street stores are set to attend, to include visitors from more than 60 countries.
To register for Autumn Fair visit www.autumnfair.com/visitor-registration.
Top Visual merchandiser Debbie Flowery will be holding live masterclasses at September’s Autumn Fair.