This year’s Autumn Fair International attracted more than 29,000 (pending audit) visitors, with retailers from 84 countries turning out to see 60,000 new product launches from 1400 suppliers – including 400 newcomers – across 12 market sectors. Organser i2i Events Group reports a higher footfall than last year’s event, with more visitors opting to attend for multiple days.
The positivity of a recovering housing market and good tourist trade was reflected in an upbeat event at Birmingham’s NEC, with buyers from the likes of John Lewis, Selfridges, Harrods, Laura Ashley, Homebase, Heal’s, Haskins, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Fenwick in attendance.
Portfolio director Nick Davison comments: “I am proud to have led a strong edition of Autumn Fair International, which has never been more relevant to the evolving retail industry. I’d like to thank all the fantastic suppliers and visiting retailers for supporting the show, which has an unrivalled reputation as the seasonal exhibition of choice for the UK market”.
The importance of i2i Events Group exhibitions to the wider retail industry and UK economy has been marked by a number of new or enhanced collaborations and partnerships with Government agencies and trade associations, including: UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) which launched its new e-exporting programme at the show; Brands of China; and The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) which formalised an agreement to put on The Light Show at Autumn Fair International 2015.
“Autumn Fair is the perfect host for The Light Show,” comments LIA chief executive Peter Hunt. “The lighting season kicks off at the start of September so the timing is absolutely spot on, retailers are in buying mode and need to stock up for the season. The partnership between Autumn Fair and UK Trade & Investment is another very significant factor in our decision to join forces, it is a brilliant opportunity for our members.“
The Light Show will have clear synergy with the Home Interiors & Furniture sector at Autumn Fair, one of the exhibition’s strongest growth areas of the past two years – the recent event saw home interiors, furniture and lighting companies fill hall 2 and part of hall 3.
The retail upswing that helped generate such a positive atmosphere at Autumn Fair points to a strong 2015 edition of Spring Fair International, the UK’s largest retail trade show, which will feature some 3000 suppliers, and is set to attract around 70,000 retailers in February.
