Craft Focus - Dec/Jan (Issue 76)

26 SPRING FAIR THEME REVEALED The theme for Spring Fair 2020 has been revealed. Reflecting on the retail industry’s constant evolution, Hello New! will represent freshness and constant innovation. “Consumers’ needs and wants are evolving, and the retail industry is evolving with them,” says Julie Driscoll, UK regional director at Spring and Autumn Fair. “We want to quench the thirst for newness that inspires the sector and ensures its continued success. Hello New! brings the innovation at the heart of the fair to life.” Changes will include a reshuffle of the show floor to provide two distinct sourcing destinations, Gifts and Home & Living. This follows a successful re-edit of Autumn Fair, where a fresh look and feel was unveiled. “We’re delighted with how successful the re-edit has been,” continues Julie. “We can’t wait to implement the refreshed feel for Spring Fair 2020. However, this isn’t the only exciting change for next year’s show. We’re keen to keep some of the really bold initiatives and features we will have under wraps for now, but we’ll be announcing these as we get closer to February.” Go to springfair.com for latest developments. Jewel lery & Watch moves to new location Jewellery & Watch will return to Spring Fair this February with a refreshed and revitalised format. The show will move to a prime location in front of Hall 1, providing easy access to the event’s other areas. The layout is designed to mimic the bustle of a busy department store. “The new location will allow for a seamless transition between Jewellery & Watch and related fashion and giftware categories, allowing visitors to make the absolute most of our co-location with Spring Fair,” says Kirsty Broere, event director. “We know that retailers today want a well-rounded buying experience, especially as so many are diversifying into bridal, personalised giftware, leather goods and stationery. This new re-edit of Spring Fair and Jewellery & Watch is helping us to achieve just that.” In 2019 the combined events welcomed more than 50,000 visitors, with buyers from more than 75 countries represented. Find out more at jewelleryandwatchbirmingham.com HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT CELEBRATES 70 YEARS Formerly known as Harrogate International Toy Fair, Harrogate Christmas & Gift has been running since 1949. In 2020, the show will be celebrating its 70 th anniversary, cementing its position as one of the UK’s most important festive and gift trade events. Taking place at Harrogate Convention Centre, the show features seven halls filled with products not only for Christmas, but for almost every gifting occasion including Hanukah, Eid, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Christenings, Easter and Halloween. “The diversity of products on display at the show has grown dramatically in recent years and I’m always pleasantly surprised to see so many new and unexpected ranges,” says Simon Anslow, show organiser. “Last year, visitors could purchase anything from garden furniture and ornaments to housewares, toys, food, cards and candles. In fact, as soon as you walk into Harrogate Convention Centre you will be enveloped in delicious smells from perfumed products such as diffusers, pot pourri and fragrance cones and of course, the ‘must have’ gift of fragranced candles.” For more information or to register, go to harrogatefair.com