Gift Focus - Jan/Feb 2020 (Issue 117)

12 On with the show HOMI: HOME IDEAS WITH A REFRESHED FORMAT HOMI, the Lifestyle Trade Fair which showcases the latest home trends and styles, will be running at Fiera Milano in Rho between 24 th -27 th January, 2020. The event will strengthen HOMI’s position as a European platform for quality design and innovation, with a comprehensive yet carefully curated, quality-focused selection of products spanning decorations, tableware, kitchenware, textiles, fragrances, gifts and a festivity area. No longer is HOMI simply set out based on goods type: it now reflects new distribution practices, basing itself around three visitor routes designed to meet the needs of industry professionals and deliver a diversified consumer experience. The first route is HOME Retail Inspiration, which has a special focus on the target audience of specialist stores, large retail groups and online stores. It offers up a highly varied, versatile product offering, which in itself is split into the Fragrance Inspiration and Textile Inspiration areas, both of which feature a wealth of products to discover. HOME Boutique&Design, meanwhile, gives a platform to quality manufacturing and is targeted at department stores and innovative concept stores, as well as interior designers, architects and industry operators looking for original, innovative products. Its Creazioni Italiane area will be entirely dedicated to Italian craftsmanship and design, while World Designers will bring together the best from international designers. The third route – HOME International Delivery – is aimed at the multi-product distribution and international import and export markets. It will showcase products at different price points to appeal to retail operators in terms of margins and product mix. It offers a range of innovative products and plenty of inspiration across all of its sub- sections, not least the accessory and stationery areas. The event will also include a programme of workshops, talks and meetings, to help them grow their business. Trade show updates from home and abroad DIARY DATES Toy Fair When: 21 st -23 rd January, 2020 Where: London Olympia Website: toyfair.co.uk HOMI When: 24 th -27 th January, 2020 Where: Fiera Milano Website: homimilano.com Christmasworld/Floradecora/ Creativeworld/Paperworld When: 24 th -28 th January, 2020 Where: Frankfurt am Main Website: christmasworld. messefrankfurt.com NY NOW When : 1 st -5 th February, 2020 Where: New York Website: nynow.com Spring Fair When: 2 nd -6 th February, 2020 Where: NEC Birmingham Website: springfair.com Tokyo International Gift Show When: 5 th -7 th February, 2020 Where: Tokyo Big Sight Website: giftshow.co.jp Ambiente When: 7 th -11 th February, 2020 Where: Frankfurt am Main Website: ambiente.messefrankfurt.com Autumn Fair 2020 unveils ‘The Furniture C ol lection’ Autumn Fair will add The Furniture Collection to its enviable Living Accents & Décor show sector for its 30 th anniversary show next year, following continued investment by organisers Hyve Group.   A new destination for retailers, interior designers, contract buyers, hospitality professionals and architects, The Furniture Collection will provide a platform for UK and international suppliers to showcase their latest mid-to high-end furniture pieces. Around three quarters of visitors to Autumn Fair 2019 came to the show with either a primary or secondary interest in sourcing home décor, furniture, textiles or soft furnishings. With this in mind, the Furniture Collection will look to respond to the increased importance buyers are placing on the sector for delivering profit. As a growing number of interior designers and hospitality industry buyers attend the show (growth of 47 per cent YoY and 19 per cent YoY respectively), the new showcase will focus on helping buyers to source products that start conversations, transform social settings and bring life to any room.  Gareth Watkins, head of sales for Living, Accents and Décor at Spring & Autumn Fair, said: “Furniture’s pivotal role in our ever-evolving lives continues to strengthen, driven in part by social media posting and amplified across broadcast channels. The sector has become particularly exciting as a result of consumer willingness to shape their own interiors with statement pieces, following in the footsteps of our changing social, work and living spaces. We felt it was crucial to recognise this as part of Autumn Fair, hence the launch of The Furniture Collection.” Prospective exhibitors who wish to be part of The Furniture Collection can apply for a stand at autumnfair.com