24 Spring Fair ends on a high As the doors close on the 75th edition of Spring Fair, more than 38,000 retail buyers and industry professionals gathered to discover the latest trends, meet suppliers, and be part of the ever-evolving retail landscape. With a mission to enable growth in the retail industry, Spring Fair has taken bold and creative steps to enhance its show, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of retailers and the industry. This commitment is reflected in its rapid expansion - Spring Fair is now the fastest-growing retail show in the UK, drawing in more exhibitors, buyers, and decision-makers, and it aims to create the UK’s largest retail experience to service the industry for the next 75 years. The 2025 show experienced a 14 percent increase in exhibitors at Spring Fair - 180 more exhibitors this year than last year; and18 percent more new exhibitors - that’s 400 new exhibitors. Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Spring Fair said: “The show’s evolution isn’t just about size; it’s about impact. It’s not just the volume of buyers; it’s the quality and it’s the opportunities that this show delivers. By listening to the industry, responding to market demands, and embracing innovation, Spring Fair is delivering more than just a trade show, it’s building the ultimate retail experience. We’re dedicated to helping and supporting the UK retail sector to thrive by providing the environment for retailers to discover innovative products, gain valuable insights, and forge meaningful connections. Our success is measured by the growth and achievements of the businesses it serves and over the last four days we’ve heard so many success stories and new opportunities that highlight the tangible impact of Spring Fair.” Spring Fair 2025 placed a strong emphasis on fostering new talent through initiatives like the #SBS Village, in partnership with Theo Paphitis, and the New Business Pavilions. For many first-time exhibitors, the show was a game-changer. Melissa McQuade from Charley’s Wild World shared, “I have actually met with six different zoos here - contacts I’ve been trying to reach for two years! Being at Spring Fair has made all the difference.” From insightful keynote speeches to dynamic panel discussions, Spring Fair’s live content inspired visitors to embrace change and innovation. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s talk on licensing and creativity drew a packed audience, reinforcing the importance of authenticity and collaboration in the retail sector. Meanwhile, retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis delivered a powerful message about the resilience of small businesses, urging them to stay confident in their unique offerings. Trend forecasting sessions, including insights from Faire’s UK Country Manager Charlotte Broadbent, provided invaluable knowledge on how independent retailers can stay ahead by balancing bestsellers with fresh, trend-driven products. With sustainability, individuality, and experiential retail taking centre stage, buyers left equipped with actionable strategies for the year ahead. As the show wrapped up, Event Director Soraya Gadelrab reflected on the incredible energy and engagement throughout the event. “For 75 years, Spring Fair has been at the heart of the retail community, and this year we’ve taken it to new heights. The feedback from exhibitors and buyers has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing that Spring Fair remains the go-to event for discovering new products, forging meaningful connections, and driving the future of retail.” With another successful year in the books, Spring Fair continues to be a vital destination for retail innovation, inspiration, and opportunity. The excitement now turns to the next edition, as the industry eagerly anticipates what’s to come in 2026. Until then, the connections made, and the ideas sparked at Spring Fair 2025 will continue to shape the future of retail. Visit www.springfair.com for more information. Success for h+h cologne 2025 h+h cologne 2025 proved once again from 7th to 9th March why it’s such an important trade fair highlight of the textile handicraft industry. After three successful trade fair days around 300 exhibitors from 39 countries are looking back on an impressive event full of innovations, exchange and inspiration, but also successful business deals. Sustainability was a central theme this year: Fabrics made from algae or mushrooms and modern production techniques that were exhibited in the Green Zone underlined the industry's creative power. The extensive event and workshop programme with the main topics: 'Trends & Innovation', 'Marketing & Technology' and 'Business Development & Sustainability', were greeted with enthusiasm by the participants. Under the main theme 'Local Retail: Creating the Future', the trade fair was devoted to the future of the local retail trade. It offered the trade visitors valuable ideas and strategies for the sustainable reinforcement of their businesses, because they're battling with a difficult market environment. The exhibitors look back on the event very positively in spite of the hurdles the retail trade is faced with and described it as a pioneering prelude to the industry upturn. “With its focus on the local retail trade, h+h cologne is sending out a clear signal regarding how the industry has to actively and sustainably position itself in order to remain future-proof. It demonstrated once again in 2025 that it’s not only a place for market innovations, but also an established knowledge, networking and business platform for the entire textile handicraft industry,” commented Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer, Koelnmesse. "Even if handicrafts have established themselves as a fixed hobby, especially among young people, local retailers in particular are facing macroeconomic challenges such as consumer restraint, as evidenced by our recently published market figures. The very good result of 11.500 trade visitors this year underlines all the more how important it is that this year's h+h cologne has set impulses for the long-term success of the industry,” stated Hedi Ehlen, CEO of Initiative Handarbeit. h+h cologne 2025 at a glance: • 11.500 trade visitors from 79 countries with a foreign share of 41 percent • Biggest growth from the USA and Poland • The biggest international groups of visitors came from the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium. • Around 300 exhibitors from 39 countries with a foreign share of 78 percent • Two new zones focusing on sustainable concepts and innovations The next h+h cologne will take place March 20th to 22nd March 2026.
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