24 buyers direct access to the next generation of design-led makers and creators. The Licensing Lab Returns The Licensing Lab, which launched at last year’s show, returns bigger and better bringing together a vibrant mix of brand owners, designers, agents, and suppliers to showcase the power of licensed products in driving innovation, storytelling and retail success. From The Traitors merch flying off shelves to must-have Liberty collaborations, licensing is everywhere, and it’s shaping what buyers want next. The global licensing market is worth over US $369.6 billion and growing fast. Retailers are looking for creativity, collaborations, and crossover ranges that connect with audiences. That’s why Spring Fair 2026 is growing the Licensing Lab – a central hub uniting licensors, licensees, designers and agents to explore how creativity drives commercial growth. Whether you create, own or represent IP, the Licensing Lab puts your business at the centre of the licensing conversation. Buyers can expect to discover Aardman, the world famous, four times Academy Award® winning animation studio, creators of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run and Morph; British clothing and homeware brand Joules; Pink Pig; Emma Lawrence Designs, Tantau Studio, as well as Fabacus and Products of Change. Celebrating its 52nd birthday, discover all things Bagpuss with Threewise Entertainment, Bagpuss’s global heritage licensing partner and legacy production studio. Michael Ford, Ceo and Creative Director of Threewise Entertainment says, “The team at ‘Bagpuss & Co.’ are delighted to be making our Spring Fair debut as part of the Licensing Lab 2026. ‘Family Fandom’ is proving a fantastic way for retailers to repair relationships between consumers and the high street, and heritage brands like Bagpuss are founded on these themes of renewal and repair. Together we’re putting new twists on nostalgia licensing and reawakening retro for the whole family.” Glee at Spring Fair also returns to Spring Fair for the first time in six years, to strengthen the show’s garden and outdoor offering bringing the very best in garden, outdoor living, decorative accessories and leisure to buyers, with a refreshed and carefully curated format designed to meet the evolving needs of the garden retail sector. Buyers interested in other cross-buying sectors will be interested to discover the new Design sector within Home and the revitalised new Fashion at Spring Fair destination. What’s New for 2026: Six Feature Spaces Redefining the Trade Show Experience Spring Fair 2026 unveils six visionary new feature spaces designed to redefine the trade show experience, blending discovery, innovation, and connection. Highlights include The Digital Foundry (Hall 3a), a sleek innovation lab showcasing AI, e-commerce and retail tech; The Licensing Lab (Hall 4), a creative hub for brands, designers and retailers exploring licensing partnerships; The Merchant’s Corner (Hall 3), a British high street–inspired space offering live pitch sessions and practical masterclasses for independents; The Design Studio (Hall 6), an elegant trend-led stage and bar for networking within the Home & Interiors sector; and The Buyers Retreat (Hall 3), a botanical-inspired lounge offering a serene space to recharge and connect. Highlights from the agenda include: SUNDAY 1ST FEBRUARY Merchant’s Corner: 11:00AM - Retail Resilience in the Face of Adversity Gain confidence from hearing fellow retailers who are thriving despite challenges. This honest session explores how to adapt traditional systems for digital integration, diversify revenue streams strategically, and navigate rising costs without sacrificing margins. Walk away with practical approaches proven to work in today’s demanding retail environment. Host: Graham Soult, Retail Consultant, CannyInsights.com Speakers: Catherine Erdly, Founder, Resilient Retail Club / Shirley Maciver, Owner, Orange Blossom Home & Gift 2:00PM - The Power of Localism With 85% of UK consumers wanting more independent businesses on their high streets and most of retail spending still happening in physical stores, this session reveals practical strategies for local sourcing, creating distinctive high street identity, and building relationships that online retailers simply cannot replicate. Discover how to anchor your business deeply in your community and build the unbreakable customer relationships that differentiate you from online competition. Speakers: Priya Aurora-Crowe, Owner, Lark London / Nilou Noorbakhsh, Co-Owner, Jumping Bean / Terry Newton, CoOwner, Jumping Bean 3:00PM - Pitch Live - Gift Products - Spring Fair Pitch Live 2026 – Enter Your Product Join Ami Rabheru, former Retail Buyer and founder of co.lective as she welcomes the finalists of Pitch Live on the Merchant’s Corner stage for a Dragons’ Den-style pitching session of new and innovative products and services to be judged by top industry professionals and our retail audience.
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