Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Spring Fair is set to feature the UK’s largest number of gift suppliers under one roof, with more than 2,500 companies due to exhibit at Birmingham’s NEC from February 5-9.
Gifting has become an increasingly dominant part of Brits’ spending pattern in recent years. According to One4All Gift Card research taken from Gifting Index, consumers spent an average of £370.67 on gifting occasions in 2014, rising to £397.37 in 2015. These figures are exclusive of birthday and Christmas spending, with Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and housewarmings claiming the lion’s share of the market.
Spring Fair’s dedicated Gift sector continues to grow year-on-year. One of the big focuses for 2017 will be on home fragrance, with more than 50 brands showing their ranges including Wax Lyrical, Ashleigh & Burwood, Flame & Fragrance, Price’s Candles, Aromatize, Shearer Candles and Root Candles.
The Gift sector will also include food and confectionery, heritage and souvenirs, and licensed and personalised gifts.
Opportunities within garden gifting will be in the spotlight too, as garden centres expand their remit into non-traditional sectors.
Carol Paris, chief executive officer of the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA), said: “Giftware, homeware and seasonal products are an increasingly important part of many garden retailers’ product ranges and offer an opportunity for businesses to differentiate from the high street. Spring Fair is the ideal show to source new suppliers, new products and meet with existing suppliers.”
There is even a Garden Giftware Café housed within the Gift sector which, Spring Fair says, “proves what a major part of the event it has become”.
Another key destination is the Summerhouse. This offers visitors on-trend designs from a selection of ‘the most original’ UK and international gift, interior, lighting and lifestyle brands.
The sector will be home to established exhibitors such as Parlane and Giesla Graham as well as exclusive new exhibitors including Ib Laursen, Muubs and Shepherd of Sweden.
Spring Fair portfolio director Nick Davison commented: “Spring Fair represents one of the largest presentations of gift products in Europe.
“Gifting now covers an increasing number of consumer categories, so whether a retailer is looking for gifts for gardeners, food lovers or girls and teenagers, it will all be at Spring Fair. Furthermore, retailers can rest assured we have a range suitable for all, from the young bearded hipster to the great grandad – across all price points.”
Gift is one of 14 sectors at Spring Fair, alongside Kitchen and Dining, Home, DIY & Home Improvement, Fashion & Accessories, Toys, Party and Retail Solutions.
The winners of the Giftware Association’s 2017 Gift of the Year Awards will be announced at the show on Sunday (February 5).
