Show News

Top Drawer Spring To Take Over Olympia

Show Is Double The Size of Autumn/Winter

Top Drawer Spring/Summer 2022 will be taking over the whole of Olympia from January 16-18, doubling the size of the show’s Autumn/Winter edition. The focus is on reinventing the new season, highlighting how retail is turning a corner and looking ahead to a more positive outlook.

“With the show dominating the whole of London’s Olympia, buyers will have access to over 650 brands and 1000’s of the newest products on the market at a safe and carefully designed event,” confirms show director Russell Rule.

Among the exhibitors taking part are Aery, Atlantic Folk, Beyond Living, Block Design, Bookspeed, Caroline Gardner, Jellycat, Quail Designs, Repeat Repeat, Talking Tables, Manta Gifts, Luckies of London, Lifeguard Press, Portico Designs, Alex Monroe, Afroart, Big Metal, Canova Gifts, Halcyon Days, Doughnut Bags, Forma House, Half Moon Bay, Lorna Syson, Manta Gifts, Pilgrim, The Art File and S-C Brands.

A lively line-up of speakers will once again be taking part in RetailFest, to include Holly Tucker MBE, founder of Holly & Co and co-founder of Notonthehighstreet. Additionally, the Reveal Studio will offering visitors an opportunity to take part in workshops that include visual merchandising, photography and international export.

Visitors and exhibitors will be required to show their Covid pass or provide proof of a negative lateral flow to attend.

Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk

Above middle: Top Drawer’s show director Russell Rule. Left: Holly Tucker MBE will be among the speakers at RetailFest.

Festive Feel At Harrogate

As one of the leading events for Christmas, festive and occasion gifts, Harrogate Christmas & Gift, which takes place at the Harrogate Convention Centre from January 16-19, is eager to open its doors again. “Confidence has grown, and we now have many major brands signed to include Premier Decorations, Gisela Graham, Noma, Lesser & Pavey, Festive and Kaemingk as well as a host of brand new first time exhibitors,” confirms show organiser Simon Anslow. He highlights that the show has grown exponentially over the last decade, with products including everything for Christmas, as well as gifts and decorations for celebrations throughout the year, to include baby gifts, Halloween, Easter and birthdays. Exhibitor products will also feature home fragrancing as well as home and garden décor, and pet and food products. Visit www.harrogatefair.com

Above: Visitors at Harrogate Christmas & Gift.

A Show For All Seasons

Coastal and tourist gift and home show Giving & Living, which takes place from January 16-18 at Westpoint, near Exeter, is looking forward to helping the region’s businesses to bounce back in 2022. The event has been redesigned to include putting comfort features in place and re-focusing the show to reflect current buying needs.

Showcasing everything from cups to cards, fossils to furnishings, jewellery to jams and silver to sunglasses, organisers Hale Events emphasise that buyers will be able to discover products that will drive their sales for 2022.

“2021 was a strong year for ‘staycations’ in the UK,” says Hale Events' managing director Mike Anderson. “All the signs for 2022 are that this trend will continue, with the public taking record numbers of family holidays in the peak weeks as well as short breaks and day trips throughout the year. With a change to the visitors who come to this region we’ve got more British makers than ever, as well as a host of new exhibitors and more exclusive show offers.” Visit www.givingliving.co.uk Above: Doing business at Giving & Living.

Trade Show NEWS

Highland Fling

Over 400 exhibitors will be unveiling their new launches at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, which takes place from January 23-25 at the SEC, Glasgow.

“There are clear signs that the retail market is recovering and many independent shops, especially in smaller towns, are reporting decent sales as people choose to shop local wherever possible,” comments Scotland’s Trade Fair director Mark Saunders.

Some 20% of exhibitors are new with the Launch and Craft Galleries particularly strong. Additionally, the show’s Talking Shop zone will provide visitors with insight into current topics.

Nessie’s Den will also be returning, in the mode of the BBC’s Dragon’s Den, while the Best Product Awards will be judged on the show’s opening day.

EcoBags are the official supplier of carrier bags for visitors, providing bags made from recycled plastic bottles.

Above: Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring offers visitors three jam packed days.

Deck The Halls At Christmasworld

Over 500 exhibitors from 38 countries will be showcasing product at Christmasworld, organised by Messe Frankfurt. The show takes place at Frankfurt am Main from January 29-February 1, with the diverse character of the fair reflected in the range of supplier and buyers.

With a focus on the success of the customer experience at the point of sale, Christmasworld will be showing the latest products and trends for Christmas and other festive occasions throughout the year.

Homing In At HOMI

The January edition of HOMI - which takes place from January 27-30 at Rho’s Fiera Milano in Milan - will be showcasing how the home has evolved since the pandemic, reflecting people’s new lifestyles and values.

“The home’s new central role has fuelled a strong desire to renovate interiors and furnishings, that is more in line with the changing needs of its inhabitants,” emphasises Andrea Tozzi, research manager at home analysts CasaDoxa, BVA Doxa.

In line with this, HOMI will be putting a focus on the home environment in relation to wellbeing, as well as on homewares and decorative home accessories, new materials and sustainability. Vist www.homimilano.com

Above: Among the products being showcased at HOMI.

Spring Fair Selling Out Fast

A Bigger And Better Show

Spring Fair, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from February 6-9, is on course to be bigger and better than ever with over 90% of stand space sold. With new brands keen to join the show, organisers Hyve Group are looking to increase the floorplan.

“We have spent many months researching the market, talking to our customers, listening and learning, and feel confident that Spring Fair will deliver the best possible experience across its four days,” states event director Daniel Mayhew. “Visitors will discover the most inspirational and exciting brand line-up and stock-rich exhibitors, as well as newness, crossbuying opportunities, and sustainable products that are so key to buyers and their customers.”

Sustainability continues to be top of the agenda with 82% of visitors stating their interest in sustainable and ethical brands. Existing initiatives, such as the Sustainability Trail, will continue to highlight and champion sustainable brands. Further sustainability initiatives include the re-introduction of the Power of One campaign.

The show’s manifesto for 2022 has been revealed as Empowering Change, which will set the agenda for Spring Fair’s Inspiring Retail Stage as well as a year-round content programme.

Outlining the manifesto, Suzanne Ellingham, head of content at Hyve Group plc, explains: “Retail is in a state of incredible transformation and I’m really excited about this year’s Empowering Change editorial theme. The schedule will be packed full of incredible speakers and participants, helpful and inspiring insights, newness and the essential trends for 2022 and beyond. Each of the four days of the show will cover a dedicated theme correlated to the Empowering Change manifesto.”

Spring Fair 2022, which incorporates Moda, (see below) features four key buying destinations - Home, Gift, Fashion and Design & Source. Visit www.springfair.com

Above: Spring Fair will be welcoming visitors in February.

Moda Debuts At Spring Fair

Following on from a successful Autumn Fair, Moda will be making its debut at Spring Fair, which takes place from 6-9 February at the NEC, Birmingham. The sector will feature womenswear, jewellery, accessories and footwear, as well as sustainable UK and global brands, and will incorporate Jewellery & Watch, encouraging crossover buying opportunities. Visit www.springfair.com/moda

Above: Bags of colour from Moda exhibitor Jayley.

Curated Meetings Debut At Spring Fair

Curated Meetings - short, pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings between vetted buyers and relevant brands, based on mutual interest to drive new business opportunities together - will have its official launch at Spring Fair on February 7-8 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Following on from a successful beta trial at Autumn Fair in September, there will be more space, more meetings and more sectors. Visit www.springfair.com/cm Right: Among the 1:1 Curated Meetings held at Autumn Fair.

A Confident Ambiente

Left: The Giving sector at Ambiente.

Ambiente, taking place at Frankfurt am Main, will be welcoming visitors from 11-15 February 2022. “Ambiente is and remains the most important and most international consumer goods fair in the world,” states Messe Frankfurt’s Philipp Ferger, vice president consumer goods fairs. “Over 2,400 exhibitors from 74 countries have already confirmed their participation in Frankfurt and are looking forward to the hustle and bustle on the exhibition grounds.” Yvonne Engelmann, director Ambiente Living and Giving, adds: “We have great exhibitors and brands showcasing their trends and latest product.” She continues: “In addition to aesthetically beautiful, trendy products, sustainability, with all its facets, is now a core global social and economic issue with enormous reach and significance.”

With fewer exhibitors due to China’s travel restrictions, Ambiente will have an 87% occupancy compared to the last event in 2020.

Safety measures include 100% fresh air supply in the exhibition halls, generous design of halls and entrances to maintain safety distances, intensive cleaning measures, a hygiene-adapted catering concept and the wearing of mouth and nose protection.

Visitors will be able to attend live, as well as network online, and will be able to follow the trade show highlights in content streamings. Visit www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

Trade Show NEWS

Card Sharp

Excitement is already building for dedicated greetings card show Progressive Greetings Live 2022, which takes place at London’s Business Design Centre on June 7 and 8. “We’ve got an impressive line up of exhibitors and registration is now open,” enthuses joint show director Jakki Brown.

Visitors and exhibitors will be able to enjoy free refreshments and a free lunch o both days of the show, as well as a free invitation to a party on the first night. Visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com

Below: The opening ceremony at 2021’s Progressive Greetings Live show.

Show News In Brief

l The January Furniture Show 2022 will be taking place from January 22-25 at the NEC, Birmingham. Showcasing over 350 brands, key sectors include Premium Design; Interior Accessories; Living, Dining and Bedroom and Furniture. Visit www.januaryfurnitureshow.com l Due to Covid, new dates have been announced for Showcase Ireland. The show will now be held at the RDS in Dublin, from February 27-March 2, five weeks later than originally planned. Visit www.showcaseireland.com

Two Shows Become One

The INDX Home group will run its next Housewares and Linens shows simultaneously. Taking place at Cranmore Park in Solihull on 2223 February 2022, the combined showcase will feature the latest innovations and seasonal trends from a curated exhibitor line-up.

Home and gift exhibitors to date include Wax Lyrical, Portmeirion (Royal Worcester and Wrendale), Dartington, Denby, Malini and Captivate Brands.

Visit www.indxshows.co.uk

Below: Visitors at the Housewares show in August 2021.