Gift Focus - Nov/Dec 2019 (Issue 116)

12 On with the show TRIUMPH FOR AUTUMN FAIR 2019 RE-EDIT UK and international retailers and suppliers came together in September for Autumn Fair. Re-edited for 2019, the show kicked off in a new location within the NEC – the Atrium – hosting revamped and refreshed show sectors and stages. Across 11 carefully curated show areas, visitors and exhibitors were able to make connections, forge deals and, thanks to a world-class seminar line up, source expertise and inspiration for the upcoming year. Speaking about the show’s success, Julie Driscoll, UK regional director for Spring & Autumn Fair, said, “The show’s new look and feel has injected a new sense of vibrancy and excitement this year, and we’re delighted with how well our exhibitors have welcomed the show re-edit. Our aim has been to ensure visitors and show attendees leave Autumn Fair feeling informed, inspired and excited for the year ahead – and initial feedback suggests we’ve delivered one of our best shows ever.” Discussing their show experience for 2019, Lucy Howard, sales manager at Emma Ball Ltd said, “Sunday was our best ever trading day for orders in 18 years of business. The show’s been getting better every year. Value of orders also seems to be higher.” Speaking at the event, Paul Hooker from exhibitor Joe Davies commented, “The new location is working well and there’s a nice buzz about the hall. All our regular customers are finding us and it’s great to be opening so many new accounts in our new location.” Highlighting the importance of the show for young business, ToyFirst exhibitors Ammara and Alina Masood of Cofi Coo said, “It’s been really good for us coming to Autumn Fair – it’s a great first experience of a B2B expo. We’ve picked up some really positive leads and potential licensing deals. It’s been great exposure for us and we’re hoping that it can be a business-changing experience for us.” Trade show updates from home and abroad DIARY DATES Top Drawer Spring When: 12 th -14 th January, 2020 Where: Olympia, London Website: topdrawer.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift When: 12 th -15 th January, 2020 Where: Harrogate Convention Centre Website: harrogatefair.com Giving & Living When: 12 th -15 th January, 2020 Where: Westpoint, Exeter Website: givingliving.co.uk Formex When: 14 th -17 th January, 2020 Where: Stockholmsmässan, Sweden Website: formex.se Scotland’s Trade Spring Fair When: 19 th -21 st January, 2020 Where: SEC, Glasgow Website: scotlandtradefairs.co.uk January Furniture Show When: 19 th - 22 nd January, 2020 Where: NEC, Birmingham Website: januaryfurnitureshow.com Showcase Ireland When: 19 th -22 nd January, 2019 Where: RDS, Dublin Website: showcaseireland.com Wales Spring Fair When: 19 th -21 st January, 2020 Where: Llandudno, Wales Website: walesspringfair.co.uk Furniture industry gathered at largest summer event yet Manchester Furniture Show 2019 came to a close with exhibitors reporting positive reactions to new launches and significant sales interest. Against a widely acknowledged background of difficult retail conditions many exhibitors arrived at the show with realistic expectations. However, despite the footfall being slightly down (2 per cent year-on-year), exhibitors including La-Z- Boy, VIDA Living, UK Agency, Heartlands and A.L.F said that the quality of the buyers attending the show was very impressive and that they had taken good orders with excellent leads to follow up. Before the 2019 event had closed, more than 50 per cent of exhibitors had already committed to take part in MFS 2020, with many citing the importance of supporting their customers by showing at two large-scale events during the year. The short-term challenges in the high street and longer-term changes to retail overall have prompted the show organisers to review, grow and increase investment in the show’s VIP buyer scheme for the 2020 event, broadening its reach across the UK and Europe. Speaking about the plans for fresh investment, new features and a refined layout next year, event director Cleere Scamell said, “We have big plans for 2020. Although times are uncertain, to me now is the perfect time for us to invest significantly and build on the solid foundation of the show’s decades-long reputation. We’ll be spreading the net wider than ever, reminding busy retailers about the incredible range of product on show and encouraging participation from even more key suppliers. We’ll be spending the coming months planning creative ways to ensure that the 2020 event will offer the very best that the UK furniture industry has to offer. Visit manchesterfurnitureshow.com