Visitors – and celebrities – were out in force at yesterday’s Spring Fair, co-located with MODA x Pure and Source Home & Gift – with exhibitors highlighting a busy day.
From the moment designer Laurence Lewellyn-Bowen cut the ribbon to declare the 75th Spring Fair officially open, it was all systems go. “I’ve been coming to Spring Fair for years, and there’s a huge amount of energy here,” he commented. “It’s such an important moment in our retail calendars – this is where the world will change for retailers and brands in the next two decades.”
To watch the video, click below.
As a keynote speaker on the Inspiring Retail Stage, Laurence championed the British high street, stating how important it is for individuality and choice. “I feel very strongly that we’re on a pivot point where independent retail has the opportunity to do something really different and powerfully positive, and it’s to do with the relationship between retail, manufacture and design,” he pointed out. “In this country, the leverage, the real power, the real difference happens through independent retail. It happens through the fact that you make your own decisions, because you know who you’re selling to, because you don’t patronise your customers. This is the point of Indies, we provide choice.”
He continued: “Be brave in your design choices – we have the retailscape to ourselves. The big conglomerates will never be able to get that sense of personality across to their customers as indies can. This is where the intersection between design and retail come together – pattern. It’s all about pattern. Because pattern is the ultimate storyteller, it’ll take your mind wherever you need it to go, making the connection between retailer and customer stronger. In the independent retail sector, pattern is something that can make an instant impression of getting people to understand who you are and what you’re doing.”
On the exhibitor front at the show, the mood was very positive. “We’ve had a terrific start to Spring Fair,” enthused Best Kept Secrets’ managing director Vanessa Curry. “Customers loved our three new fragrances and ever popular Just Because sentiment range.”
On the Candlelight stand, founder Mike Winch commented: “We were packed all day and will be taking a bigger stand next year. We took orders throughout the day. Business was up 40% compared to last year.”
Concurred David Brown, ceo of The Fragrance House: “The first day of Spring Fair has been remarkably good, exceeding expectations. Having recently acquired Heyland & Whittle we have become a significant player in the home fragrance market, attracting major, quality buyers.”
It was a similar story from dcuk’s managing director Craig Wensley. “We were busy from the off, with one of our latest launches, Wallace and Feathers, in collaboration with Aardman, attracting a lot of interest.”
Added Paul Sun, managing director of Gingko: “Spring Fair has got a great vibe – it’s the show we prepare for the rest of the year.”
Also delighted with the first day of the show was Adeline St John, marketing director at US gift company Pearhead, which launched a new range of stationery: “The quality of retailer we have seen at the show has been really good. We’ve made new contacts and taken a lot of orders.
Ending the day on a high were the 75 Years of Excellence Awards. Explained Spring Fair’s event director Soraya Gadelrab: “This year’s show is a recognition of the steep history of retail in the UK and we wanted the opportunity to celebrate those businesses and people who have led the way. The awards honour that legacy and the trailblazers who embody its spirit. They are not just accolades – they are a tribute to the enduring commitment, ingenuity, and community that have defined Spring Fair from its very inception.
Winners included:
Best New Products in . . .
Gift – Swapseazz by Puckator
Greetings, Party & Celebration – Alchemy Collection by Paper Salad
Home, Living & Décor – Hand Painted Wood Art Collection by Liz Corley Art
The Summer House Edit – Wisteria Blossom by Stoneglow Candles
Beauty & Wellbeing – Aromaflow by Sukha Oils
Clothing & Footwear – Lace Me Up Swimsuit by Azure Fashion
Fashion Accessories – Robin Magnetic Brooch by Miss Milly
Jewellery & Watch – The Bold Edit by Scream Pretty
Kids, Toys & Play – Scented Polish by No Nasties Kids
Christmas, Festive & Floral – Burgundy Bouquet Christmas Cracker by Heart & Soul Studio
Most Eco-Friendly Brand – VENT for Change
Heroes Awards
Retail Ambassador of the Year – James Thomas from Forever England and Michael Apter from Paper Tiger
Most Influential Person in Retail – Theo Paphitis
Also celebrating heritage and the world of gift, a year of gift giving and celebrations is being featured at the show to mark a century since Marcel Mauss’ The Gift book was published about the positive value of exchanging gifts.
Taking inspiration from Mauss’ essay in 1925, giving and receiving gifts has been drawn together in The Year Of The Gift to mark the book’s 100th anniversary by Vicki Thomas of Vicki Thomas Associates consultancy who has a pop up stand in hall 3, stand H41celebrating the benefits of gifting.
Spring runs until close of play on Wednesday February 5 at the NEC. To register to attend visit www.springfair.com/visitor-registration.
Top: Designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen (centre) officially opened Spring Fair yesterday (Sunday 2 February). He is shown with Jackson Szabo, portfolio director Spring Fair, and Soraya Gadelrab, event director, Spring Fair
