The first RetailFest will be making its debut at Top Drawer, (September 9-11 at London’s Olympia), offering a series of insightful panel discussions, interviews, practical masterclasses and clinics with some of the leading names in lifestyle.
“Combining the world of retail, design, entrepreneurs and celebrity, RetailFest provides inspiration, practical advice, insight and creative activities for the design-led retailer,” comments comments Abigail Warner, Retail Fest’s producer and presenter. “The event continues to be complementary to support the industry and further build networks in the design-led retail communities. This season are also trialling initiatives to support the exhibitors including a pre-show breakfast seminar on trends and opportunities to pitch to leading retailers.”
High profile speakers include British interior designer Sophie Conran who will discuss combining creativity with entrepreneurship to achieve success, and Notonthehighstreetfounder Holly Tucker MBE, who will be talking about how buying decisions are influenced by today’s challenging retail environment.
Highlighting next season’s colour and design trends, visitors will be able to attend discussions with Elle Decoration’s Pip McCormac and Kris Manolo from homeware retailer Heals, while Vogue Living’s London editor, and author of Chic Shopper, Fiona McCarthy, will be outlining her top tips for working with press and generating press coverage for brands.
Additionally, paint ‘queen’ Annie Sloan, will carry out a live demonstration of how to utilise trends in paint colour, and will be sharing her expertise on how to explore colour to create a subtle scheme or make a statement.
Visitors will also be able to join a panel discussion with Boden’ssocial media content producer Lucy Nicholls and founder of GrlPwrGang, Kirsti Hadley. A host of demonstrations and clinics will also be on offer, providing visitors with hands on practical guidance.
The full RetailFest programme is available online here.
Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk.
Top: Keynote speakers at Top Drawer include Sophie Conran, Holly Tucker MBE and Pip McCormac.
