That's a wrap at Autumn Fair!

Posted by Rachel Westall on 11 September 2023

Thousands of retailers including Sainsbury’s, Next, Dunelm, Boots, Ocado, Waterstone’s, Osprey London, Brand Alley, Tropic Skincare, Scribbler, Clintons, Oliver Bonas, Fenwick Ltd, Cardzone, Lakeland, M&S, Matalan, Pengethley Garden Centre, Aldi, Tesco, TJX Europe, Toys R Us, The Works, WHSMITH, and The Walt Disney Company,to name a few, converged at the NEC Birmingham from the 3^rd – 6^th September to shop the show for their next bestsellers across a huge breadth of product categories within Home, Gift and Fashion. Many enjoyed special features including the New Product Showcase and the Gift Of The Year Showcase which took centre stage in Hall 6 as well as an insightful and visual content programme on the Inspiring Retail Stage & Moda Catwalk.

three plantable greeting cards Daniel Mayhew, Event Director, Spring & Autumn Fair says, "Both the Gift Of The Year Showcase and New Product Showcase displayed some of the best products in show and buyers made a beeline for Hall 6 to discover the hottest designs for the season ahead. We really enjoyed creating a dedicated space to champion our Autumn Fair newcomers, and love to see how much our visitors enjoy these and the stimulating content we offer on the Inspiring Retail Stage & Moda Catwalk. Thank you to everyone who has attended and taken part in the show."

This season's New Product Showcase championed the new home, gift and fashion brands joining the Autumn Fair line-up for the first time. Buyers on the hunt for newness discovered a curated display of over 50 new exhibitors showcasing over 100 exciting new products as well as the latest products from established favourites and some exciting new designs from returning brands, all situated in the heart of the Gift sector in Hall 6. (Discover more in our Spotlight on the New Product Showcase release attached)

Renowned for its inspirational and insightful content, the Inspiring Retail Stage and Moda Catwalk welcomed visitors to a programme dedicated to trends, sustainability, and business advice as well as the high energy trend-led catwalk shows. On Monday, in collaboration with its trend agency partner TrendBible, the stage hosted two trend presentations focusing on the key lifestyle trends for home, gifting and celebration.

two ladies chatting at trade show stand Naomi Pollard, Head of Publications at TrendBible offered vital insights into the Interior Lifestyle Trends for 2024 and an overview of four key Macro Trends that carry throughout the year, as well as 2024 Gifting and Celebration Trends offering visitors a head start on the key trends impacting consumers and the opportunities for celebration from Valentine's Day through to Christmas.

On Tuesday, circularity took centre stage. Helena Mansell-Stopher, Founder of Products of Change, James George a Senior Strategist and Consultant in Circular Economy, and Mike Swain a Products of Change Ambassador for Packaging, opened with 'Navigating the Future of Sustainability: Part 1'. The Products of Change team took the audience through significant changes to UK, Europe and Global legislation, from the UK's new Packaging Tax, Europe's Net-Zero pledge, the Digital Product Passport and 2024's Extended Producer Responsibility (EDR).

Products of Change returned in the afternoon to panel a session with Ian Greaves, CEO at St. Eval, Tina Salt Founder of MAI (Making Animals Important), and Zoe Ryan Head of Marketing at Fizz Creations. In a frank conversation, the panellists explored their sustainability journeys; from St. Eval's goal to achieving Net Zero by 2030, MAI's launch as a small business during the pandemic, and Fizz Creation's implementation of ethical practices across their global business.

For further information visit www.autumnfair.com

Spring Fair takes place on the 4^th – 7^th February 2024, visit www.springfair.com

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