26 and share its plans for the future. Speaker: Stephen Ilingworth (CEO, Widdop)/ Chris Noble (ex-MD, WPL) 2:00PM - A Walk on Widdop Avenue: Visual Magic for Retail A walk on the Widdop Avenue- with visual merchandising so critical to retail in 2026, join us as we share all the support we can provide to retailers- from lifesize steam trains to Christmas Trees, posters to shop fixtures, Widdop is helping so many retailers on this journey. Speaker: Sophia Agnew (Head of Marketing, Widdop)/ Katie Neal (Head of Product, Widdop) Design Studio: 12:00 PM - Battersea Power Station: Heritage Meets Retail Innovation Discover how the restoration of Battersea Power Station honours the original vision while creating vibrant retail galleries within heritage Turbine Halls. Explore the architectural interventions - soaring atria, rooftop sky villas, and event spaces - that breathe new retail life into this Grade II* landmark while preserving its dramatic scale and visual presence. Learn how respecting heritage integrity drives contemporary commercial success. Speaker: Sebastian Ricard, Architect, Battersea Power Station, Wilkinson Eyre TUESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY Digital Foundry: 2:00PM - Staying Ahead of the Competiton in eCommerce As digital retail becomes increasingly crowded, standing out means more than good products - it requires smart use of data, agility, and a full-funnel strategy. In this talk, CDA Group will share how leading retailers stay competitive Speaker: Stuart Alldis, Managing Director, CDA Merchant’s Corner: 12:00PM - Radical Supply Chain Transparency This forward-looking session explores ensuring fair wages and working conditions throughout your supply chain, addressing sustainable product options, and navigating audit and certification processes. Discover how to communicate honestly about challenges faced without falling into greenwashing traps. Speaker: Anna Donoghue, Managing Director, Piglet in Bed 3:00PM - Pitch Live - Kids Products 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. Licensing Lab: 2:00PM - The Power of Quiet Licensing Join us as we explore how Joules, one of the UK’s most resilient and beloved lifestyle brands, uses strategic licensing to strengthen its brand and expand its reach. Joules’ Licensing Manager, Victoria Downes, and Business Development Manager, Josie Will, will share live case studies of the brand’s partnerships, revealing how thoughtful collaborations can drive sustainable growth. Expect practical insights on forging strategic partnerships that build brand identity, broaden product categories and reinforce customer relationship to brand. Speakers: Victoria Downes, Licensing Manager at Joules / Josie Will, Business Development Manager at Joules 3:00PM - Licensing Law Made Simple: What Every Brand and Retailer Should Know As licensing continues to shape product ranges across every retail category, buyers are increasingly working with IP-based products - from entertainment brands to lifestyle collaborations. But how do you navigate the legal and commercial side confidently? In this session, John Burns of JMW Solicitors breaks down the essentials buyers need to know when sourcing or selling licensed products. Speaker: John Burns, Commercially-Focussed IP, Contracts & Sport Lawyer at JMW Solicitors Widdop & Co. Village: 10:00PM - A Morning for Mums: Mother’s Day Inspiration A morning for mum’s- join us on our sentiment stand as we share our ranges for the biggest first half seasonal event of the year- Mother’s Day on 15th March Altogether, these new feature spaces and sectors transform Spring Fair into an immersive, experience-led showcase of retail’s future. The Heart of Retail Connection Beyond sourcing, Spring Fair continues to be the beating heart of UK retail, where relationships are formed, trends are discovered, and inspiration is shared. With buyers representing a collective purchasing power of over £2.25 billion, the show is the ultimate place to connect, collaborate and craft the future of retail. Join the community, discover the alchemy, and shape the next chapter of retail innovation. Spring Fair 2026, 1-4 February, NEC Birmingham. Register at www.springfair.com
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