Autumn Fair International 2013, an i2i Events Group exhibition, will offer the UK’s largest seasonal presentation of trend-driven new products available to the retail trade from 1st-4th Septmber at the NEC, Birmingham.
Research by i2i Events Group has found that when it comes to preparing for Christmas, the majority of retailers now look to begin their buying three to six months out, and increasing numbers need suppliers that hold stock for immediate delivery. This means that Autumn Fair is ideally positioned for those who wish to place orders for either immediate delivery or delivery within 1-2 months.
It was also found that there is growing demand for companies that can supply from closer to home without having to rely on lengthy overseas shipping schedules, as retailers seek to minimise the risk of orders being placed many months in advance and then not being fully delivered.
Visitors to Autumn Fair can look forward to sourcing from over 60,000 launches from 1500 British and international suppliers. Volume hall 1 opens a day earlier on August 31st. Nine different product categories are on offer at Autumn Fair 2013, covering: gifts, contemporary gift and home – including the summerhouse – greetings and gift, children’s gifts, toys and gadgets, hobby, arts and crafts, kitchen, dining and housewares, home interiors and furniture – including lighting – fashion jewellery and accessories and volume gift and home.
This amounts to a wealth of cross-over buying opportunities for retailers of all specialisms, whatever the budget. Whether a big-spending department store buyer, market-defining multiple, one of the thousands of smaller independent retailers or online sellers who visit the show from around the UK and wider world, Autumn Fair can help to wrap up Christmas buying in style.
One of the most exciting feature areas launching at Autumn Fair International for the first time this year is Design Lab, displaying the unique work of 14 cutting-edge designer-makers. This exclusive platform will shine a spotlight on the best of design innovation in the contemporary gift and home sector, from companies that have never before been seen at Autumn Fair.
Located within contemporary gift and home will be the inspirational Trend Bar cafe and product installation, where key future trends for gifts and home interiors will be stylishly presented using products launched by Autumn Fair exhibitors. Adjacent to the Trend Bar will be one of the most popular and longest-standing Autumn Fair show features – the Talking Point Seminar – where invaluable trend insights and business advice will be presented throughout the day by industry experts.
Also returning to Autumn Fair in 2013 will be the New Product Showcase and product trails to help assist buyers with a particular interest in certain areas, including products for export, ethical products, retail services, licensed products and products that are designed in Britain. New for 2013 will be the Fairtrade product trail and Lighting trail.
VIP buyers in search of some much needed rest and relaxation in the midst of their busy schedules can make their way to the Season’s Club, which this year will be located between halls 1 and 2, adjacent to the press office. Refreshments can also be found at the Clearance Café in hall 1, the nPower Chillout Zone and the Brands of China Chinese Tea House, both in hall 5.
