Show News: Industry news from Gift Focus magazine

Frankfurt: In brief!

The trio of Frankfurt consumer goods fairs, consisting of Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld, impressively demonstrated that the entire global consumer goods industry was a guest at the fully booked Frankfurt exhibition grounds for five days. Even the rail strike could not dampen the success: "Mission accomplished! Together with around 5,000 exhibitors and participants from over 170 countries and regions, this top-class trade fair trio strengthens the consumer goods industry in uncertain times", summed up Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt.

Posted: 6 February 2024

January Furniture Show ends with a 6 percent rise in visitors and a record-breaking rebook!

The 2024 edition of the January Furniture Show (JFS) closed on a high with a 6 percent rise in visitors and a record breaking rebook for 2025.

A vibrant feel to the show was reflected in the buzz of the halls as buyers visited the NEC Birmingham with over 25 percent of these buyers visiting for more than one day.

Positivity for the show was evident, signalling the importance of JFS in reuniting the industry and embodying the show's ethos of 'building the future of furniture, together.'

With multiple opportunities at the show for networking and an emphasis on connecting with the industry, JFS brought brands, buyers, designers, architects, manufacturers, and distributors together in their passion for quality, innovative furniture.

Posted: 29 January 2024

Top Drawer delivers an expanded show and second successive visitor increase!

Top Drawer S/S24, the first sourcing event of the year for the UK's retail industry, closed its doors last week following three days of successful, vibrant trade at Olympia London; having delivered a show that was 10% larger than 2023, it also benefited from a second successive year of visitor growth following a hugely successful acquisition strategy that resulted in thousands of new faces on the show floor, with 35% of them never having attended previously. The international flavour of recent editions also continued, with over 40 countries represented across the three days including the likes of Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, Greece, Iceland, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, Turkey and the United States.

Posted: 24 January 2024

Spring Fair announces Dame Zandra Rhodes as a speaker

Spring Fair has announced that British fashion and textile designer and pioneer Dame Zandra Rhodes will take to the Inspiring Retail Stage for a fireside chat with retail analyst Natalie Berg, exploring her remarkable journey in design, leadership, and innovation.

The Fabric of Success: Dame Zandra Rhodes on Reinventing Fashion and Retail Leadership will take place at 12.30pm on Wednesday 7th February in Hall 2 within Moda, Spring Fair's trusted fashion destination.

Delving into her origin story, the evolution of British fashion, and her role in home furnishings, discover how her style and daring collaborations shaped her brand, drove innovation and legacy.

This session is a must-watch for those interested in the intersection of retail creativity, industry advocacy and the cultivation of female leadership in retail.

Posted: 15 January 2024

Only one week till Top Drawer S/S opens!

Top Drawer, the UK's premier design-led retail trade show, is back in one week with its Spring/Summer 2024 edition, featuring a collection of over 600 hand-picked brands across 9 curated sectors. Taking place at Olympia London from 14th - 16th January, buyers will have the opportunity to discover the latest products, brands and trends, as well as network with the rest of the retail industry. This season's show is a must-visit, as it's jam packed with everything a retailer needs to start 2024 with a bang! Here are just some of the highlights to see and enjoy at Top Drawer: Bigger and Better Than Ever Following double-digit visitor growth in 2023, this January's Top Drawer has seen a 10% increase in exhibitor numbers, bringing retailers an unparalleled choice of hand-picked suppliers to explore.

Posted: 9 January 2024

The Little Black Book has launched

Spring Fair, the UK's diverse, and trend led marketplace for Home, Gift, Fashion, and Everyday, has launched this season's The Little Black Book – the buyer's go-to guide for the show taking place from 4th – 7th February 2024 at NEC Birmingham. Digital copies of The Little Black Book will also be sent to everyone who registers. To register for Spring Fair and be in with a chance of receiving a free copy of The Little Black Book visit the website: https://www.springfair.com/visitor-registration

Posted: 2 January 2024

Industry veteran Alison Graham joins Clarion Retail

Clarion Retail has announced the appointment of Alison Graham, who will spearhead the commercial team on flagship tradeshow Home & Gift.

Graham joins Clarion having spent more than two decades working at Spring and Autumn Fair and more recently on logistics event, Deliver, and brings a wealth of experience and contacts to the role.

Clarion Retail Show Manager David Westbrooke said: "I'm thrilled to welcome Alison to the team – having worked with her previously, I know without doubt that she is the perfect person to help drive our portfolio forward; her impressive event experience combined with strong relationships across the retail industry reinforces our campaign to deliver the best possible customer experience."

Posted: 21 December 2023

Save the date for IHGF Delhi Fair 2024

Save the date for the IHGF Delhi Fair Spring 2024, taking place from 6th-10th February 2024 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Delhi NCR, India.

The show will feature more than 3500 exhibitors in 16 Halls and 900 Mart Showrooms.

The sourcing show covers: Home, Lifestyle, Fashion, Furnishing and Furniture from India's leading manufacturer exporters.

It is a must-attend event to connect with a diverse manufacturing base and like-minded suppliers.

This five day trade event, with several curated lines and design affirmations from a cross section of exhibitors ranging from medium and small exporters, artisan entrepreneurs and designers to India's leading manufacturer exporters, is an inspirational sourcing platform for importers, wholesalers, retail chains, design professionals and others, interested to stock their reserves for upcoming seasons.

Posted: 18 December 2023

Spring Fair and Autumn Fair strengthen leadership team with new appointments

Hyve Group has announced the appointment of two new leaders to the team, Jackson Szabo as Portfolio Director for Spring Fair and Autumn Fair and Soraya Gadelrab as the new Event Director for Spring Fair and Autumn Fair.

The two senior appointments to the team will strengthen the leadership team for Retail's definitive wholesale shopping destinations, shaping the future of the industry.

Nicola Meadows, Divisional Managing Director for the Retail, Manufacturing and Engineering Division says: "We're thrilled to introduce our two new leaders Jackson Szabo and Soraya Gadelrab who are joining our team. Their fresh perspectives and wealth of experience will undoubtedly invigorate our sector. Bringing together years of experience with a track record of innovation and success, these talented individuals will propel the team forward."

Posted: 14 December 2023

Top Drawer unveils new Spotlight Awards for Spring/Summer 2024 show

Top Drawer has announced the launch of the inaugural Spotlight Awards at the Spring/Summer 2024 edition of the show. Top Drawer will be returning to Olympia London from the 14-16th January with 600 hand-picked contemporary brands presenting their new collections to over 10,000 retailers, and the new Spotlight Awards will recognise best in class products from across all sections of the event. A distinguished judging panel made up of industry experts including retailers, designers, and members of the Top Drawer team will select the winners for each category, with the results being announced at the show on Sunday 14th January.

Posted: 8 December 2023