Event Focus: Spring Fair

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

Trade 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 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.

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.

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.

Enesco - Hall 4, Stand C40/41 C60/D61

Enesco is planning to celebrate some important anniversaries at Spring Fair, including the 120th anniversary of Peter Rabbit and artist Jim Shore’s 20 years with the company.

Helen Cottrill, marketing and product director, says: “We will be launching Looney Tunes, within Britto and Jim Shore, plus Peanuts by Jim Shore will be relaunched due to high demand. We are also launching our very own plush collection. Kalidou is a mix of everyday and seasonal plush gifts for all occasions, gorgeous quality and superb design, exactly what you would expect from Enesco.

“This will be the first post pandemic trade fair we are exhibiting at. You just cannot beat Spring Fair. 2022 will be the 30th time I have attended the show as an exhibitor and it remains my favourite show.”

Left: The Peanuts by Jim Shore collection will be relaunched at the show.

Hippychick – Hall 5, Stand G25

Inset: Hippychick will be launching new weaning lines on its stand.

A New Year means lots of lovely new products for Hippychick and the company is looking forward to exhibiting them. Alex Molyneux, marketing manager, comments: “We are particularly excited about some exclusive new weaning lines and a back to school range, which is a brand new age group for Hippychick.”

The company is excited to see existing customers and new faces at the show. Alex continues: “The Hippychick plan for Spring Fair is always to create a fun and welcoming space where everyone can just chat to our passionate team while seeing our products first hand. Watching Mike ride a Trybike is always a bonus too…”

Blade & Rose – Hall 5, Stand F46

There are many new collections and products ready for the Blade & Rose stand at Spring Fair, including a collaboration with Penguin Ventures to launch the collection for Peter Rabbit. Founder Amanda Peffer, explains: “Both brands are born from the Lake District and take inspiration from the beautiful countryside around them. The new range shows Peter in his natural habitat on the brand’s high quality clothing from birth to four years.”

Other new launches include a range of the brand’s popular characters featuring on romper gift sets, recycled, colour-changing rain jackets and wellington boots, as well as new collections for SS22 and AW22.

Below: The brand will be unveiling new collections for AW22 at Spring Fair.

The Puppet Company & Wilberry Toys – Hall 5, Stand G10-H11

The Puppet Company & Wilberry Toys’ stand will feature a touch of enchanted garden magic and a professional actor and puppeteer to bring some of its products to life.

There will be a number of new products including the Eco ranges made from 100% recycled plastic bottles - the Eco Walking Puppets which have just launched, and the Eco Wilberry Cuddlies soft toys. There will be a new addition to the Wilberry Minis soft toys collection, including wild animals and new Christmas designs, new Monster puppets, giant Knitted Dinosaurs and more.

Sue Lockey, owner and director says: “Spring Fair is one of our favourite shows - we’ve been attending both Autumn and Spring Fair as buyers for 21 years and as exhibitors for 19 years – and can’t wait to touch base with people again. Our customers have been incredibly supportive this year in particular, and we are really looking forward to seeing them in person and showing some of our new products.”

SPRING FAIR 2022

JURATOYS

Kaloo is delighted to offer the perfect gift to create precious memories – the totally charming animal rockers. Available in two options; a delightful donkey and cuddly bear, these ride ons will make a truly special present. The ideal gift for little ones starting to find their feet, the super soft rockers include a cushioned seat and wooden handlebars to keep little ones safe during play.

Tel: 0208 8782133 www.kaloo.com Stand 5G30 GREAT GIZMOS

Great Gizmos is a leading provider of award-winning fun, creative and innovative toys for kids of all ages including its world renowned educational science, activity and craft kits. It also has a selection of pedal cars and ride ons, bath toys, children’s gifts, games, plush backpacks, nursery products, pocket money items and much, much more!

Tel: 01293 543221 www.greatgizmos.co.uk

INSIDE OUT TOYS

Offering a wide range of brands including Jumini, Viking Toys and Tikiri, Inside Out Toys is a family owned and run business. It recognises the desire for sustainable toys, produced by ethically and socially responsible manufacturers and the brands it offers reflect those values.

Tel: 01908 969969 www.insideouttoys.co.uk Stand 5H20

BIGJIGS TOYS

Makedo is a cardboard construction kit that allows youngsters to make open-ended cardboard designs, whilst also developing their problemsolving and critical thinking skills. One of several product ranges available from Bigjigs Toys.

Tel: 01303 212691 www.bigjigstoys.co.uk Stand 5G02

THE PUPPET COMPANY

The Puppet Company and sister company Wilberry Toys are delighted to introduce a number of new puppets and soft toys for 2022 including the new Eco Wilberry Cuddlies soft toys. They are beautifully made, super soft and very cuddly. Competitively priced and very collectable, the range perfectly complements its extensive existing preschool offering, helping children to play, engage and have fun.

Tel: 01462 446040 www.thepuppetcompany.com Stand 5G10-H11