Visitors to Spring Fair, taking place at the NEC from February 2-6, will see a new look and feel this February, with two distinct sectors: Gifts (Piazza halls) and Home & Living (Atrium halls). The new prime location for the revamped Summerhouse is Hall 20, located in between Living and Accents & Décor.
Among the keynote speakers will be Mary Berry, who will be appearing in the Inspiring Retail Stage (Hall 6) in conversation with Ashley Armstrong, retail editor for the Times, on Monday February 3 at 2pm. Mary will be talking about her life and how she has taken inspiration from her garden to create her own range of tableware in collaboration with Captivate Brands, and will also be visiting Captivate Brands’ stand in Hall 8.
Making a return to the Inspiring Retail Stage will be Queen Of Shops Mary Portas, among the keynote speakers at Autumn Fair 2019, who will be taking to the stage at 2pm on Tuesday February 4. Other keynote speakers at the show include Oliver Bonas, John Lewis, Selfridges and Harrods, as well as JML.
“Our 2020 line-up is highly relevant for today’s challenges,” says Spring Fair’s portfolio director Charlie Cracknell. “It will help shape thinking, and we anticipate it to be our most exciting yet. We’re taking steps to embrace and indulge inspiring ideas from the industry’s most exciting innovators and disruptors. We want everyone to leave feeling invigorated, inspired and with a new mindset for the year ahead and beyond.”
Following a ‘live’ judging in mid-January, the Gift of the Year 2020 winners will be revealed at an evening awards ceremony held at 6pm on Sunday February 2, on the Inspiring Retail Stage (Hall 6).
For the first time, Spring Fair has partnered with Modern Retail for the Good Retail Awards 2020, celebrating retailers that are making a positive impact. Six categories – including Sustainability Initiative, the Community Award and Digital Impact Award – will be presented on Tuesday February 4 at the show.
Opening on February 1, Everyday (formerly Volume) is situated in Halls 9 and 10. Visit www.springfair.com
Top: Buyers will soon be heading off to Spring Fair.
