The 75th edition of Spring Fair, the UK’s largest retail trade show for home, gift and fashion products, attracted more than 38,000 retail buyers and industry professionals, reports organiser Hyve Group.
Over four days, the NEC Birmingham again hosted the latest trends, suppliers, and explorations of the ever-evolving retail landscape.
The 75-year-old show is expanding and transforming, says Hyve. This year's show welcomed thousands of retailers including Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, The Very Group, Fenwick, Robert Dyas, Next, B&Q, Tesco, Wayfair, The Designer Rooms, Barkers, Hoopers, Blue Diamond, Dobbies Garden Centres, British Garden Centres, Jarrold Department Store, and N Brown.
Spring Fair is now the fastest-growing retail show in the UK, says Hyve, which aims to create the UK’s largest retail experience to service the industry for the next 75 years.
The 2025 show experienced: +14% increase in exhibitors (up 180 YoY); +18% more new (400 new); and reports indicating buyers in attendance had higher spend thresholds and bigger budgets, says Hyve.
Soraya Gadelrab, event director, says: “The show’s evolution is not just about size – it’s about impact. It’s not just the volume of buyers – it’s the quality and it’s the opportunities that this show delivers. By listening to the industry, responding to market demands, and embracing innovation, Spring Fair is delivering more than just a trade show, it is building the ultimate retail experience.
"We are dedicated to helping and supporting the UK retail sector to thrive by providing the environment for retailers to discover innovative products, gain valuable insights, and forge meaningful connections. Our success is measured by the growth and achievements of the businesses it serves and over the last four days we’ve heard so many success stories and new opportunities that highlight the tangible impact of Spring Fair.”
Spring Fair 2025 placed a strong emphasis on fostering new talent through initiatives like the #SBS Village, in partnership with Theo Paphitis, and the New Business Pavilions.
Hyve says Spring Fair is also striving to transform the traditional trade show model into an interactive, immersive retail experience, through its new Business Pavilions, Licensing Lab stage, Buyers Lounge (featuring an immersive high street experience), and new Gift Of The Year Showcase and Pavilion.
With 1:1 appointments offering advice on boosting productivity, enhancing ROI and maximising revenues, the Ambiance Clinics were also a success, says Hyve.
The show kicked off with a grand opening by designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. "There’s a huge amount of energy here,” he remarked during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This is where the world will change for retailers and brands in the next two decades!”
Tony Collins from Mindy Brownes Interiors comments: “The new business opportunities and growth we have experienced during the event have been extremely promising for Mindy Brownes Interiors. The quality of stores that visited our stand has been exceptional. We have had the pleasure of meeting many enthusiastic and creative buyers, as well as shop owners who are optimistic about the future of retail in the UK and beyond. Additionally, we connected with numerous project managers working across the hospitality, online, and commercial sectors both in the UK and internationally – another significant advantage of exhibiting at Spring Fair 2025.”
From insightful keynote speeches to dynamic panel discussions, Spring Fair’s live content featured talks from Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Theo Paphitis, plus trend-forecasting sessions, including insights from Faire’s UK country manager Charlotte Broadbent.
“For 75 years, Spring Fair has been at the heart of the retail community, and this year we’ve taken it to new heights," concludes Soraya. "The feedback from exhibitors and buyers has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing that Spring Fair remains the go-to event for discovering new products, forging meaningful connections, and driving the future of retail.”
