EVENT FOCUS: SPRING FAIR 2022
Returning for the first time since 2020, Spring Fair is back with a four-day show from 6-9 February, 2022, at its usual venue of the NEC, Birmingham. PPS finds out what the organisers and some of the preschool exhibitors have in store for visitors.
SPRINGING INTO ACTION
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rade shows are back, and one of the first to open its doors after lockdown was Autumn Fair. Following a hugely successful show in September 2021, the organiser is now readying for an improved Spring Fair show in February. Bhavika Pattni, key account manager, Spring Fair, explains: “As Spring Fair returns for its first live event since 2020, the reaction so far from brands and buyers is resoundingly positive. 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. “Visitors will discover the most inspirational and exciting brand line-up and stock rich exhibitors, as well as the newness, cross-buying opportunities, and sustainable products that are so key to buyers and their customers now.” The most noticeable change for 2022 is the shortened format of the show. Bhavika says: “Buying behaviours have changed in recent years and visitors have communicated that they welcome a four -day show and that a more condensed few days with the same number of talks, demonstrations and meetings, would make it a more dynamic and action-packed event.” During those four days, sustainability continues to be top of the agenda and the Sustainability Trail will continue to highlight sustainable brands and the work they do. Meanwhile, the retail stage will follow the theme
Above (clockwise l to r): Following the success of Autumn Fair, Spring Fair looks set to be bigger and better, says the organiser. The reaction to Spring Fair’s return from brands and buyers has been resoundingly positive. The Spring Fair app will help visitors navigate the show and discover brands.
of Empowering Change. Bhavika continues: “From the drive towards sustainability and transparency, how retailers are evolving customer experience, consumers shopping everywhere, on every channel and how to make that work for independent retailers who are time poor, industry leaders, trend forecasters and a range of retailers will be sharing their stories with the Spring Fair audience.” Buyers will also be able to take advantage of the Curated Meetings service. The initiative was trialled at Autumn Fair and will be scaled up for February. The service brings together vetted buyers and relevant brands based on mutual interest for 15-minute 1:1 meetings. The programme includes brands across all of the show’s sectors – as well as retailers with an average buying power of £330k. And for preschool buyers, there is plenty of newness to discover at the show. Bhavika says Spring Fair is: “Home to the finest, most magical children’s toys, gifts and gadgets. Retailers can tap into the hottest play trends and those elusive Christmas hits at the Kids, Toys & Play sector. Buyers looking for the next big thing, won’t want to miss the opportunity to discover the latest, hottest products.” With many exhibitors in other sectors offering preschool products, too, there will be plenty to see at Spring Fair this year. Far left: Floor space for the show is almost sold out in every sector. Left: There will be a huge range of products for preschool buyers to see.
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