Gift Focus - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 115)

82 For further information visit autumnfair.com will be expanded this year, following investment from organiser ITE Group. The area will showcase a range of well-loved brands from Britain, Scandinavia and other global design hotspots. As the show expands, Autumn Fair is seeking nominations and recommendations for Summerhouse brands. This year, Libra, Cozy Living, Nkuku, Jellycat, Hot Tomato and One World are among the brands that will exhibit. Paria Mercer has been announced as the editor of The Summerhouse for Spring Fair and Autumn Fair. Paria is responsible for the identification and selection of design-led, contemporary brands that will appear in this invitation- only sector. Paria said: “I’m passionate about the curation of innovative brands that encourage retail buyers to take courageous and enlightened decisions. The Summerhouse is undeniably an oasis of specially selected exhibitors that will prove to be an inspiration for visitors – it’s the smartest way to discover what’s on-trend at Autumn Fair. We were fully booked for Autumn Fair this year, but the new investment has enabled us to expand and transform the Summerhouse experience for exhibitors and visitors alike, and we’re sure all who attend will be bowled over by the revamp.” Julie Driscoll added: The new investment and Paria’s expertise will push The Summerhouse to new heights. It’s always been a jewel in the crown at both Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, and we are anticipating its most successful show ever at Autumn Fair 2019.” Trend-led products Each of the sectors will welcome new exhibitors and visitor favourites. Across the show, exhibitors will be committed to showcasing the most relevant trends for the final quarter of 2019 and the entirety of 2020. As one of the season’s largest giftware showcases, the General and Contemporary edits of the Gift sector will focus on trend-led products, including wellbeing gifts, scented candles and diffusers. Exhibitors such as Eclectic Lifestyle, Bubblegum and Zakka Europe will join the Contemporary edit, while Yankee Candle, Puckator and Widdop & Co. will be key features in the General edit. The DesignFirst platform will also return to Autumn Fair after a successful run at Spring Fair in February. The Greetings area will connect to the Gift halls, supporting many exhibitors’ expansions into giftable and greetings items as more greetings suppliers than ever before bring stationery and novelty products to the show. In the Beauty & Wellbeing sector, visitors can expect to see a greater focus on organic products and ethical sourcing through key exhibitors such as Luminara and Matthew Williamson Fragrances. Sevin will bring a vibrant spa-like stand for 2019, offering an environment that promotes a sense of wellbeing. Founder Sevin Ersin said: “As a first-time exhibitor, Autumn Fair 2018 was an enjoyable and useful experience that helped the business grow. That’s why we’re going back again this year.” Power of One Following an encouraging visitor and exhibitor response at Spring Fair, the Power of One campaign will continue at Autumn Fair 2019. The campaign focuses on energising the retail industry to move towards sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, taking action against plastic waste. The UN’s sustainable development goal is at the heart of the campaign, which aims for more responsible production and consumption by driving small, individual changes. In the spirit of this, the show will trial sustainability ratings for suppliers to make it as easy as possible for visitors to identify sustainable and responsibly sourced items.

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