5th September 10:00 - 17:00*
6th - 8th September 09:00 - 18:00
9th September 09:00 - 16:00
*Volume hall only
AFI 09 Press Release - GiftsRecord sales figures for Gifts’
Robert Philpotts, managing director of Bomb Cosmetics, commented: “This has been one of our best shows in the last 12 years. We were busy from the word ‘go’ on Sunday morning and had record UK sales figures on Monday. It’s been wonderful. People have been coming onto the stand and placing bigger orders than usual and we have seen lots of new customers as well.” His enthusiasm was echoed by Nicholas Humphrey-Smith, co-director of Ancestors Group: “Yesterday (Monday) was one of the best days we’ve ever had at Autumn Fair. Talk to any other exhibitor and they are having a fantastic show. Those that have bottled out of exhibiting here have lost out.”
Gifts (hall 5) – which offered the most extensive selection of gift ideas and fast-selling ranges from around the world – attracted its usual massive audience of buyers to a hall that included heritage and souvenirs, toiletries and well-being, as well as candles and collectables. “On Sunday we probably had as many orders as we’ve ever had at Autumn Fair in a single day,” reported Elite Gift Boxes owner James Brierley. Kapula Candles director David Foster enthused: “We were at Harrogate and this is a lot better. We’ve taken more orders here in the first two days than we did at the whole of that show.” And according to Gund UK vice-president Mike Ganley, the company saw “high quality visitors.”
“The mood is very positive – which is good news. Retailers who want to stay in business have to come to the show to see what is coming out for Christmas – and they have to order or they won’t be in business for long! Our juke boxes are selling very well.” Julian Hunt, managing director, Lesser & Pavey, was equally upbeat: “I don’t want to tempt fate, but people are spending more. Autumn Fair has been fantastic. It has been busy since 9am on Sunday and we haven’t stopped. We’ve had some cracking orders. There is a good buzz at the show.” Heart of the Country director Toby Stubbs said: “We have taken lots of orders and the majority are from new customers.” *Subject to ABC audit: Emap Connect Home & Gift is the only UK home and gift trade show organiser to issue audited figures.
Autumn Fair International www.autumnfair.com is the season’s largest home and gift show. Contact Details Alan Monahan Stuart Thomas There are 130 photos uploaded that you can download. This can be found at Password Autumn09 |
There were 28,757* buyers at this year’s NEC event – more than last year – including multiples John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser and Next. The number of international visitors also rose by 2%*.
And Philip Coatham, managing director of Pocket Money Plus, said: “Our orders written at the show were over 100% up on last year. In addition, we have many other excellent leads with major new clients that are already progressing towards orders.”
Autumn Fair is all about new business, and Laurence Fox, national sales manager for Steepletone Products, commented: “We opened a lot of new accounts on Sunday and Monday morning – which is why we are here – and footfall has been extremely good. 
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