EVENT REVIEW: SPRING FAIR 2024
Wright of PDS Ltd, discussed how the industry can make a difference to sustainable retail through supply chain strategies, upcycling and recovery initiatives shaping retail’s future. He said “One of the biggest issues is the supply chain with waste ending up on beaches in Ghana and the desert in Chile. We have to think circular, focusing on the start of the product using low impact materials, and the finish looking at prolonged products. Less than 1% of clothing is recycled which results in over 92 million tons of textile waste every year worldwide. 87% of materials used to make clothing ends up in landfill, that is one lorry load every second.” Working with brands such as Dunelm, Chanel, Ikea and ASDA, Paul talked through the three simple steps all retailers should work towards for a more
sustainable
future. “One, ‘design for longevity’, think as products as evergreen designs that last forever.
Two,
‘lower impact materials’, focus on sustainable alternatives to raw materials, their production, dyeing and finishing. And three, ‘giveback, reuse, upcycle’, use waste and make it into new products from shop fits, new homeware products, bricks and even housing.”
businesses, Paphitis highlighted the importance of bringing online and offline retail together, a theme that continued across other talks. When asked to pick out the key traits of a successful retailer, Theo pinpointed Next as a successful evolving business that adapted to the consumer and changed its business model to marry the online business, so it interacted with its stores enabling the two to work together. He said: “Failed retailers don’t adapt. Technology has moved so sharply that you can now mix your physical and digital offering much cheaper than ever before.” Having received free stands as part of the show’s partnership with Theo’s Small Business Sunday initiative and exhibiting at Spring Fair for the first time, twelve new winners showcased their designs in the #SBS Village in Hall 4. Theo spent the morning visiting the winners, listening to their experiences and seeing their products for the first time in the flesh. Sally Tettersell, Founder of Sally
Tettersell Designs said: “We’ve had a great time; the show is so central it bought a lot people to one hub which is something we haven’t experienced yet. I’m based in Devon, and I’ve done a show in London before but
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this is my first one further afield. We’ve had an amazing experience and opportunity through the SBS, it’s just phenomenal, we came here with no expectations not knowing what to expect and it’s certainly been wonderful. A great array of diverse business, big and small independent, lots of charities who are interested in our tea towels which is something we’re delighted with. It’s really exciting.”
Bobbi London showed their collection of luxury corporate bags, travel accessories and tech products, and luxury home fragrance brand The Aromatary launched indulgent candles, diffusers, sprays and lotions. Hand-drawn artwork and gifts from Libra Fine Arts, homewares and gifts adorned with bold and bright, retro inspired prints and patterns by Sally Tettersell Designs, and Bare Kind comfortable bamboo animal socks for adults and children also proved popular.
Sustainability as a key topic Spring Fair continues to place sustainability at the forefront with informative sessions across its content programme. During his Inspiring Retail Stage session, ESG pioneer Paul
Day two of Pitch Live saw the Moda finalists - Vurchoo, Nerik, and Merry People - go head-to-head as they pitched their best products to a panel of judges including Shirley Leader, Director and Owner of Velvet & Rose, Darren Benyon, Key Account Manager from Spring Fair & Autumn Fair, and Debbie Waddle, Director of The Pineapple Room. The winner was Merry People, an Australian footwear brand offering authenticity, kindness and adventure in wellies. Founder Dani Pearce aims to change the view of the humble wellington with bold colourways and recycled materials.
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The show welcomed thousands retailers during the day
including Asda, Fortnum & Mason, Wayfair, Harrods, Card Factory, B&Q, Costco, Natural History Museum, andDobbies Garden Centre. Buyers continued to highlight the wide array of opportunities and benefits gained from visiting the show. Sally Hopkins, Buyer, Longleat Enterprisessaid, “Spring Fair gives us the opportunity to connect with our current suppliers all within a few days but also offers the opportunity to connect with new businesses and look for new & exciting products.” Lorraine Wright, Director, Morley Nurseries Southend said: “We come to Spring Fair every year looking for new products and ideas. We actually need to see and feel the quality of
products and not just buy online or through catalogues. This is a must visit for us, where we also buy from our regular suppliers. Once we find a new company and product, we become a repeat customer and revisit stands year on year.” Jimmy Keeley, Owner, Mr Gifts Emporium Eastbourne added: “We came to find new suppliers and see existing ones as we like to see their whole product range not just what is in their online catalogue. We found lovely brands, we are so excited to buy from them, it’s worth taking the time out of the store to spend two days here. The lounges were great and a nice surprise to have complimentary drinks, we have used them both days. All the talks looked really well set up and busy with lots of people.”
Exhibitors were buoyed by the upbeat positivity and desire
for
new product from buyers. Ursula Kocharian from Coach House said: “We have had a fantastic response on both stands, it is nice when you hear people walking around admiring the stands. The main stand has up to 90% new products, mostly from our Autumn/Winter range which will be coming in during September. We use images from our Spring Fair stand to create our look book, enabling companies can plan ahead. Our seasonal stand has 75% new products, which makes it really exciting for our existing clients because they come to the show to see new products. We are using more sustainable materials and the new Gingerbread and Papier Mache range have gone down really well. One of the nice things about doing this show is that we pick up new clients, who range from small retail shops and garden centres to clients who are looking for big spaces such as hotels, care homes and restaurants.”
The line-up for the final day included a fireside chat with British fashion and textile designer and pioneer Dame Zandra Rhodes, more masterclasses covering creator collaborations, talent retention, customer reviews and AI on the Masterclass Studio in partnership with TikTok Shop; and an all-day trend takeover from The Future Collective on the Trend Talks stage.
Find out more Watch a show real of the 2024 Spring Fair here:
https://shorturl.at/tHR37 Spring Fair returns for its 75th edition from 2nd – 5th February 2025. For more details please visit
www.springfair.com.
Autumn Fair 2024 takes place
from 1st – 4th September at NEC Birmingham. Visit www.
autumnfair.com to find out more.
MARCH 2024 DIY WEEK 25
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