Taking place at the NEC from Sunday 1 September to Wednesday 4 September, this year’s Autumn Fair is set to be a hub of ‘inspiration and opportunity’ for visitors.
Show highlights include:
Ambience Clinic: Hosted by Stephen Spencer + Associates, the clinic will offer an opportunity to meet up with subject experts to explore key strategies for maximising return on investment through customer engagement.
Merchandising Masterclasses: Visual merchandising consultant Debbie Flowerday will lead live daily window dressing installations, along with an engaging Q&A, at 10am, 12pm, and 3pm from Sunday to Tuesday. The interactive sessions are designed to equip retailers with valuable tips and tricks for window dressing and visual merchandising.
Sloe Down & Unwind Tasting Sessions: These will take place with mixologist Nigel Ferrier from Craft Your Own at 4pm on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday for a tasting session. Attendees will learn how to craft a sloe gin in two weeks – well timed for the festive season.
Guided Tours: Daily 20 minute tours will introduce buyers to the Home and Gift destinations, highlighting key areas, benefits and ‘must-see’ products. Tours depart from the Buyers Lounge at 9:30am for Gift and 10am for Home.
Product Trails: These include trails for British products, sustainable suppliers, new exhibitors, brands selling on Faire and licensed products.
Gift of the Year Showcase: The Gift of the Year Showcase is located at stand 20KJ50-K51, where visitors will find display of Gift of the Year winners and finalists products.
Greetings Card Association Lounge: The Greeting Card Association (GCA) will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Thinking of You Week initiative at the Greetings Card Association Lounge in Hall 6. Visitors will be able to send their own handwritten cards.
New Business Pavilions: Emerging brands will be showcased in the Home, Living, Décor, Gift, Greetings & Stationery, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Moda (Fashion) sectors, revealing the latest market entrants.
Moda Fashion Café: The Moda Fashion Café in Hall 8 offers a spot to relax, network with industry peers or recharge during the show.
As the largest event for retail’s peak season, Autumn Fair is expected to draw over 12,000 buyers.
“We’re delighted to present initiatives that will make our buyers’ time at the show more productive, enjoyable, and inspirational,” says Soraya Gadelrab, Autumn Fair’s event director. “We are putting the spotlight on newness, efficiency, and support for independent retailers. Autumn Fair is the key show to meet buyers that buy at this time of year. It provides a prime opportunity for retailers to explore the most window-worthy new products, meet with industry peers, and restock before the busiest season. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”
For more about Autumn Fair, click through to pages 9 and 49 in the September issue of Progressive Gifts & Home magazine.
Visit www.autumnfair.com
Top: Autumn Fair will be offering daily 20-minute guided tours to introduce buyers to the Home and Gift destinations.
