British Allied Trade Federation

The latest edition of Spring Fair International, which took place on February 5 – 9 at The NEC Birmingham, has demonstrated the resilience of the industry against a backdrop of economic pressure and inclement weather with solid visitor numbers and an improved layout.

Tens of thousands of retailers from around the UK and wider world defied snow, blocked roads, train and airport cancellations to catch the first glimpse of 300,000 brand new products being launched by 3,000 exhibitors at the 2012 show, including hundreds of new suppliers and start-up businesses.

The collective strength of the offering from the superb suppliers exhibiting across 12 show sectors ensured Spring Fair was an essential destination for the retail trade, which appeared fully galvinised in the face of challenging local and worldwide economic conditions. A total of 63,500 buyers attended the show, including 6,000 from overseas*.

Carefully considered styling combined with optimum functionality topped the agenda at the exhibition, which was beautifully presented with collaboration from a renowned interior designer. Scores of new elements were incorporated to give visitors a more comfortable and inspiring show experience.

The exhibition was transformed for 2012 following a two-year consultation phase with exhibitors, visitors, trade associations and other members of the industry, and significant investment from show owner Emap Connect. The result was much clearer product zoning, improved signage and information points, many extra ‘Here to Help’ staff and catering options, free water throughout the show, numerous trend-focused features and an extensive programme of seminars.

Improving the flow of traffic and ease of navigation around this large-scale event was also facilitated by the wider, boulevard-style aisles, while links between Halls 4 and 8 and Halls 5 and 9 featuring cutting-edge new product displays formed seamless transitions across the various show sectors.

Senior House of Fraser representative Chris Pitts gave the show his seal of approval, saying: "We were really impressed with the new layout of Spring Fair. The editing has transformed our buying experience at the show, making it easier for us to see products that are right for our business. I was particularly impressed with the range of new companies we’ve seen here."

Independent retailer Jane Hudson, owner of Oxfordshire-based M & G Presents, attended the show every day and said she enjoyed it more than ever: “I’ve been coming to Spring Fair for over 20 years and this is the best it’s ever been, it’s really been taken a stage further. The wide aisles are a wonderful idea, everything looks as if it has more breathing space. It’s much easier to see the product and it looks as if exhibitors have made even more effort than usual to make their stands look wonderful.

“From a comfort point of view the free water stations are really appreciated and the ‘Here to Help’ staff have been so friendly and supportive. They’re very clearly ‘branded’ and extremely helpful, even the stewards here have been super friendly! There’s clearly been a major improvement from start to finish, we really feel as if we are being looked after and the atmosphere is great, the best I’ve known it to be”.

Attendance from international retailers was also strong despite the numerous flight cancellations at Heathrow. Rob Wilkinson from First Base Distribution in Romania described the event as: “A vast, rich source of ideas and discovery. Spring Fair continues to evolve, inspire, entertain, it is unmissable. It is the one consistent trade event in my annual calendar, in an ever-changing line of business. Spring Fair is a focal point that I cannot afford to miss."

Mike Theobald from Photoworld in Monaco was also enthusiastic, saying: “Many thanks for making us comfortable, the show was a great buying platform for us ordering all we needed for the Monaco shop and Grand Prix.’

Popular existing features including Cook Live!, the Fashion Accessories Catwalk, Toy Demo area and Pandora Catwalk Café at The Jewellery Show once again drew large crowds, while numerous special events and celebrations underscored the importance of Spring Fair as undisputed hub of the gift and home trade.

The Gift of the Year 2012 awards were held on Sunday February 5 at the Hall 6 Trend Briefing and Seminar Theatre, where British designer Sarah Campbell presented accolades to delighted exhibitors at a champagne reception attended by press, finalists and other VIPs.

The Licensing Lounge in Hall 3 was another successful new feature that attracted around 100 senior figures in the licensing industry and garnered praise from trade organisation LIMA, who were represented throughout the show by managing director Kelvyn Gardner.

Also in Hall 3 was the first edition of The Party Show at Spring Fair, where leading dress-up supplier Rubies Masquerade sponsored a fabulous catwalk feature called The Stage that ensured this part of the exhibition lived up to its name by being fun and buzzy throughout the week.

Highlighting the importance of Spring Fair as the most important event in the UK retail buying calendar, the BBC Breakfast show, made a live broadcast of the event on Monday February 6, attracting seven million viewers.

Business Breakfast presenter Stephanie McGovern interviewed senior John Lewis buyer Dan Cooper, the managing director of Widdop Bingham, Andrew Illingworth and renowned designer Penny Kennedy, who launched her new business Homebird at the show this year.

Mr Illingworth, whose family business Widdop Bingham is a long-term exhibitor at Spring Fair, described the show as “the key event for the whole of the gift trade”. Both he and Ms Kennedy emphasised the importance of the home market this year, a view that was echoed by Mr Cooper, who said that John Lewis has: “Seen a real trend towards customers buying products which combine style and functionality”.

Dave Willan, head of sales for major homeware supplier Coach House said: "This has been a record show for us. We had some concerns on Sunday when it snowed but then on Monday people who hadn't made it turned up and we were very, very busy. Tuesday was the same and by the time we finished on Wednesday we'd topped what we did in 2011 and that had been our best ever show. Everything that comes in now is a bonus.

"Everything Emap has done to sort things out and improve the event has worked. The new layout is fabulous, the signage is great, the staff on the buses are great as well, it has all been extremely helpful. It's clear Emap has put a lot of investment into the show to make sure it's the best exhibition in the UK and it definitely is, anyone who's serious in this business has to be at Spring Fair. We're very, very pleased and we'll be back next year."

First time exhibitor Marina Bolin, managing director of Bolin Webb, also had an exceptionally good show, saying: “I have a new company that’s just eight month’s old and this is my first time at Spring Fair, but my impression is that the quality of the people attending is unique. I am absolutely amazed at how many requests and orders and hot leads I have received.

“I’m also really impressed with the way Emap has organised everything and done all the background work. It’s absolutely brilliant the way people walk around with ‘Here to Help’ badges, that is superb back up for exhibitors, we feel we are looked after, every issue small or large is dealt with, I can’t fault it”.

Returning exhibitor Hallmark Cards also had a great experience of the show. Chief executive Steve Wright said: “The response to us being here has been tremendous, we’re here to redefine what our brand stands for and the feedback we’re getting is outstanding, I can’t fault it, the quality of people coming to our stand has been really high.”

One of the biggest brands in the Kitchen, Dining & Housewares market, WWRD, was equally enthusiastic, with sales manager George Bott commenting: “The show has been phenomenal, we’re very happy to be back in Hall 1 and I think the new wider aisles are great. We came here to open new distribution channels and have definitely done that, we’re very happy”

Speaking after the show had closed its doors on Thursday February 9, the managing director of Emap Connect Home & Gift Louise Young said: “The resilience of retail has really shone through this year, with buyers making it to the show despite some particularly severe weather conditions across the country.

“Those retailers who braved the adverse conditions were amply rewarded with a first sight of countless stunning new product launches showcased on some of the most inspirational stand designs I’ve ever seen.

“We have now embarked on the journey to raise the bar at Spring Fair, but this is just the start. Businesses that took part this year have already been feeding back to us on how we can further improve the event, and we will be working hand-in-hand with them to take the 2013 show experience to another level for both exhibitors and visitors”.

The next edition of Spring Fair International will take place on February 3 – 7 2013. For more information visit the website: www.springfair.com

Pending ABC audit. Spring Fair International and Autumn Fair International are the only ABC audited gift and home trade events in the UK.