Event Focus

Boasting a number of new features, a focus on sustainability and more space for creative start-ups, Spring Fair is preparing to open its doors again at the NEC, Birmingham from 5-8 February 2023. PPS sits down with the organiser to find out what’s in store.

SPRING FEVER

Bringing together 14 sectors within four destinations, organisers describe Spring Fair as offering buyers ‘a one-stop shop marketplace for everything new and on-trend for 2023’.

Kids, Toys and Play sits within the Gift area and Nicola Meadows, portfolio director for the show, says there is plenty for preschool buyers to see: “Home to the finest, most magical children’s toys and gadgets, Kids, Toys and Play continues to offer a celebration of the most beautiful, handcrafted toys, brain teasing puzzles, must-have high-tech gadgets and craft gifts for all ages.

“Tap into the hottest toy trends and those elusive Christmas hits from leading brands including Keel, Orange Tree Toys, Noble Collection, Bigjigs Toys, Inside Out Toys, Mai clothing, Willsow, Happy Little Doers, Djeco, House of Puzzles, Click Europe, Kiddicraft and Ty.”

This year’s show offers a number of new features. Nicola highlights a few: “Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday Village will be at Spring Fair with 14 new winners receiving a stand to help kickstart their business. Visitors will also discover Debut areas for most sectors offering space to new business creative start-ups that haven’t been seen before.”

Sustainability remains a key focus at the show and the Sustainability Trail continues to highlight and champion sustainable brands and the work they are doing. Overarching the show this year is the Power of One initiative, which the trail falls under.

Nicola explains: “Power of One is about taking steps to change the world, no matter how large or small, whether it’s about making sustainable changes at our show, or using our influence to help retailers and suppliers to make their own, we’re empowering change.”

Products of Change has partnered with Spring Fair as the headline sponsor of the Power of One campaign. Nicola expands: “Products of Change support, encourage and perpetuate companies and brands in meeting their sustainability goals through educating to inform change and peer-to-peer networking. With education at its heart, Products of Change is a global ‘living library’ of sustainable learnings (written, oral and visual) across a wide spectrum of topics, markets and product areas.” In order to make the best of the show and ensure they don’t miss anything, Nicola has some top tips for buyers: “There is so much to see that my advice would be make sure you really have planned your day/s at the show. We have a brilliant website (www.springfair.com) full of information on how to get the best from your visit, so log on and make a note of all the features and exhibitors you want to see.” Before you arrive, Nicola also recommends downloading the Spring Fair app, which offers product recommendations based on your profile and interests, along with smart tools to help navigate the show. Get downloading and planning and you’ll be ready to get the very best from what Spring Fair has to offer.

Above left: The show offers an incomparable destination for sourcing and 2023 offers an improved layout for cross-buying opportunities. Above: Nicola Meadows, portfolio director, Spring Fair. Below middle: The Puppet Company’s sister brand WIlberry will showcase new ECO Cuddlies made from 100% recycled materials. Bottom: Hippychick has tripled its Vilac offering and new additions at Spring Fair include wooden tea sets, educational toys, games and kites.