EVENT REVIEW: SPRING FAIR
great things across the Halls, and we’re excited to order here at the show and afterwards.” Andrew Xeni, Founder, Fabacus, Nobody’s Child and Soreto spoke on a variety of subjects including sustainability, diversification, data, digital passports and licensing. He
“Spring Fair felt bigger, busier and more vibrant, with strong engagement across categories.”
said: “It was a pleasure to support Spring Fair again this year and the energy at the show was fantastic. As both a technology vendor and retailer, it’s a great opportunity to see the emerging trends across so many categories from such an incredibly diverse group of innovative suppliers, and a way to stay close to the community, to better understand their challenges.”
For Samantha Gibbons of Nest, Spring Fair 2026 was about sourcing new products, making connections, learning and supporting the wider retail community. Reflecting on her time at the show, Samantha described the experience as “a real joy and a privilege”, particularly through her involvement in the mentoring programme alongside Steven Spencer & Associates. “The response was incredible, we were fully booked, with people leaving
30 DIY WEEK MARCH 2026
inspired, energised and ready to take action,” she said. Many of the conversations she had were with new and early-stage businesses, often feeling overwhelmed by the realities of building a brand. Philippa Cass, Head of
Merchandising UK, Tesco Stores attended and delivered a talk on Tesco’s fashion success story, said: “Participating in the Style Atelier at the Spring Fair has been a fabulous experience. The enthusiasm and energy of the visitors was inspiring, and it was a privilege to witness such a dynamic community come together to celebrate innovation and creativity within the retail industry. Meeting esteemed professionals like Caryn Franklin and Lauretta Roberts was a standout moment, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share insights and connect with fellow industry leaders.” Kate Aslangul, Founder of Oakley
Moore, an interior designer who visited for the first time for the new Design sector and joined a panel talk on the Design Studio said: “I was genuinely impressed by the scale and variety of what’s on offer at Spring Fair. Even from a quick
walk through Hall 6, there’s a real depth of design-led brands and ideas. As a designer, staying curious and discovering new suppliers is essential, and this is exactly the kind of environment that sparks ideas you can take straight back into practice.”
Exhibitors highlight the opportunity & energy
Exhibitors similarly highlighted the quality of conversations, types and breadth of buyers, and the overall energy on the floor expressing how vital Spring Fair is to the success of their businesses. Vijay Sahdev, Managing Director,
Avron Trading, said: “Spring Fair 2026 was a successful showcase for our new ranges and a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with both existing and new clients. Engagement on the stand was strong, with high- quality interactions that created promising commercial opportunities. “Our new products were well
received, particularly by our regular clients, reinforcing our market position. While international attendance was lighter than usual, the overall caliber of visitors remained high.
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