EVENT REVIEW: SPRING FAIR
RETAIL REVIVAL AS BUYERS
RETURN IN FORCE C
ollectively, the sentiment across Spring Fair 2026 reflected a show that felt energised, busy and firmly forward-
looking, with retailers repeatedly referencing the transformation they are seeing and experiencing across the event. This year, Spring Fair welcomed thousands of buyers from leading retailers including B&M Retail, Hamleys, Associated Independent Stores, Baldwins, British Garden Centres, Frasers Group, Deichmann UK, Dobbies Garden Centres, Hoopers, Costco, Currys, Morrisons, HMV, B&Q, Sainsbury, Argos, Habitat, Fenwick, Englih Heritage, F Hinds, WHSmith, ALDI, Jarrolds, DeGruchys, Kew
Retailers who attended Spring Fair this year reported a renewed sense of energy, scale and confidence across the show floor, with many highlighting the buzz, atmosphere and overall experience as clear signs of positive change. From the moment the doors opened, visitors spoke about the experience, the look and feel of the show, and the sense that Spring Fair has regained its momentum.
Gardens, Meaghers Pharmacy Group, TJX Europe, Anthropologie, Blue Diamond, Hillier, Card Factory, DFS, Tesco, Waterstones, Peacocks, NEXT, Hobbycraft, Scribbler, Robert Dyas, TK Maxx, The National Trust, World Duty Free, Haskins Garden Centre, and more, alongside thousands of independent retailers, interior designers, architects and garden centres, as well as buying groups from across Europe. Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director Spring Fair said: “The buzz at Spring Fair this year has been incredible. Welcoming 40,000 visitors from 124 countries, the
feedback on the refreshed look and feel, new destinations and immersive experiences has been overwhelmingly positive. With 86% of visitors holding purchasing power and 81% of buyers placing or planning to place orders, it’s clear that Spring Fair is where retail comes to do business, spark creativity and shape what’s next. Providing the ideas, partnerships and momentum retailers need to move their businesses forward with confidence, the show brought together a global retail community. If you weren’t here, you really missed something special.”
The scale and momentum of the show were reinforced by a 30% growth in new brands, 8% rise in new exhibitors, 20% more international brands and a 10% increase in small businesses taking part. With over one million products on display – 38% of them exclusive to the show – and more than 100 expert speakers delivering insight and inspiration, Spring Fair 2026 has firmly positioned itself as the definitive retail destination for discovery, connection and growth. These figures support the positive
response that has been reflected on the floor throughout the show, that Spring Fair felt bigger, busier and more vibrant, with strong engagement across categories. The story of Spring Fair this year is best told by the retailers themselves, those who have spent time buying, discovering new brands and reconnecting with the industry in person.
Making connections, learning and support Ray Clacher, Chief Executive, Morleys Department Stores spoke at The Hidden Forum and said: “It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Spring Fair, and it’s been far too long. Just walking through the show, it’s everything retail is about. The show is curated and there’s something for everybody which is unbelievably good. I encourage anybody who wants to be entrepreneurial to come. The jewellery brands here are fantastic. It’s all here, come and have a look yourself - if you don’t you are missing out because there’s beautiful products. Our buying teams are here, we’re seeing some
continues on page 30
www.diyweek.net MARCH 2026 DIY WEEK 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
