Spring Fair has announced that it will become a four-day show, with its new show dates running from Sunday February 6 – Wednesday February 9 2022 (NEC Birmingham). The development follows input from over 3,500 exhibitors, buyers and partners The. The new format will see the introduction of late-night openings until 7.30pm on both Sunday and Monday.
“After extensive research, analysis, and collaboration with over 3,500 exhibitors, buyers and partners, we have taken the decision, which reflects industry opinion and buying behaviours, that Spring Fair will become a four-day show,” explains Simon Lau, Event Director, Spring Fair. “We have listened to our customers who had overwhelming feedback that the show was a day too long.”
He continues: “Buying behaviours have changed in recent years and visitors have communicated that they welcome a four-day show and that a more condensed few days with the same number of talks, demonstrations, and meetings would make it a more dynamic and action-packed event. We are also really pleased to introduce two late night openings. A trend common in retail already, the additional opportunities to trade will greatly benefit visitors attending for one day only.”
Among those highlighting the benefits of the new format, Jeff Moody, commercial director of Bira comments: “Bira welcomes Spring Fair’s decision to change the length of the show from the usual five days to four days from February 2022. Both retailers and exhibitors have asked for this so that they can better concentrate their time and resources into a focused four days. This is a great example of listening to what your customers want and delivering it – well done Spring Fair.”
Meanwhile Sarah Ward, ceo of The Giftware Association acknowledges: “This change has been a long time coming, driven by collaboration and feedback from the community with the aim of delivering a better return on time and investment for both exhibitors and visitors alike.”
Andrew Daniels from long-term Spring Fair exhibitor RSW International (whose ranges include food storage) also welcomes the change: “We are very pleased to hear that the show is moving to a four-day only event. Having been an exhibitor at the Spring Fair for over 30 years we have seen the need for this move for quite some time. Buying habits have changed as has the landscape in which we sell over the years. To this end we see it as a very positive step taken and as a business look forward to being truly focused, prepared and ready for what we now expect to be a very busy and rewarding four days.”
The new format is also being welcomed by retailers. Georgina Hustler Sutton, owner of homeware stockist Maison Rustic states: “It always feels like I’m the last person in the show still placing orders at 5pm so I love the idea of being able to shop the show for a little bit longer each day, while giving me one less day away from the business. This will really work for me.”
Top: Buyers are welcoming the new format for Spring Fair.
