Autumn Fair International 2009 signals a retail revival

10 September 09

Attendance up … orders up as Autumn Fair International signals a retail revival

Britain’s biggest retailers were among the tens of thousands of buyers who flocked to Autumn Fair International (6-9 September) to highlight the growing importance of the season’s largest home and gift event in the buying calendar.

At the close of the show at Birmingham’s NEC yesterday (Wednesday), the attendance totalled 28,757*, surpassing last year’s figure of 28,074. Some exhibitors reported record sales figures – and their best-ever trade show.

Multiples including John Lewis, Debenhams, Fenwick, Asda, Cargo, TK Maxx, Poundland, Lakeland, House Of Fraser, Tesco, Next, Sainsbury’s, B&Q and Marks & Spencer joined independent retailers in the busy halls as suppliers unveiled a staggering 500,000 products and 40,000 new launches designed to kick-start the home and gift industry in the run-up to the vital festive trading period.

The big stores were back to buy, with product-hungry retailers seeing the show as their last opportunity to source exciting home and gift ranges for Christmas and spring 2010.

Autumn Fair also saw a rise of 2%* in the number of international buyers keen to source superb British-designed product and take advantage of favourable exchange rates. Retailers from as far afield as Australia, Canada and Brazil were at the show with big buying budgets.

Philip Neocleous, the owner of Cyprus’ Damart chain of 11 department stores came over to Autumn Fair to visit existing suppliers Bomb Cosmetics and BAI to place orders. He declared himself “very happy with the new products they’ve got for me. I’m also looking for new accounts."

The 1,500 exhibitors included hundreds of companies new to the show and those that were returning after an absence. Once again, Autumn Fair lived up to its reputation of being the hottest home and gift event of the season.

Louise Young, managing director of Autumn Fair organiser Emap Connect Home & Gift, said: “Make no mistake, this has been a great show and hopefully signals a retail revival.

“Visitor numbers were up – despite one of the worst economic downturns since the Second World War. This is a huge tribute to our exhibitors. They have helped us to deliver an inspirational show, which has enabled retailers from the UK and overseas to find great product that will give them a competitive edge this Christmas and into 2010.”

Business transactions made during and after Autumn Fair are rivalled only by Spring Fair International. Autumn Fair reaches a dedicated audience of independents, department stores, multiples and online and mail order retailers. And how they responded to the invitation to do business!

Speaking towards the end of the show, Chris Dyson, joint MD of the buying group Cardgains, which has an entire Village at Autumn Fair International, said: “Any pre-show worries or negativity had disappeared by 10.00 on the Sunday morning and it’s been a continuous flow of buyers throughout the week since then. What used to be a sight of the past – people still writing orders at the end of the show – is still happening now. Let’s hope it continues!”

Robert Philpotts, managing director, 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.”

Autumn Fair featured more than 110 overseas companies – 40 of which were new to the show – from as far afield as France, Australia, Brazil, Scandinavia and Japan.

The North American Pavilion and India’s Export Promotion Council offered diverse ranges, while IMMIB – the Istanbul Mineral and Metal Exporters Association – showed prototypes of award-winning designs in kitchenware and contemporary kitchen and dining samples from famous Turkish designers. A chef on the association’s stand prepared Turkish cuisine for visitors.

Buyers and suppliers welcomed the launch of exciting new features.

Cook Live! – hailed as one of the most exciting introductions to the home and gift calendar in recent years – won praise from buyers and suppliers and will be developed further for Spring Fair.

A large, working kitchen in hall 2 showcased new products and equipment being offered by exhibitors, with live demonstrations of their uses and benefits. The sector was filled with the smells, sounds and vibrancy of food and cooking.

Companies which demonstrated products were Forma House, Burton McCall, Gilberts Food Equipment, Falcon Products, International Cookware Designs, Proven Products, Imperial, Mastrad, WMF, Ethos, Garlic Twist, Nordicware Bunot®, La Cafetiere and T&G Woodware.

Held in conjunction with Design Gap, Spotlight, the new pavilion for new designers in hall 3 – which effectively replicated the look and feel of a high-end boutique gift shop – featured the coolest contemporary brands in the market today.

Spotlight exhibitor Jonathan Woolsey, owner of D2-To Love Design, said: “This is only our second fair doing wholesale and the footfall on Sunday was brilliant. We did the fair in Harrogate, but Autumn Fair on the Sunday alone has been 10 times better already.”

Milkit owner Sarah Naxton said: “I set up in April. This Spotlight area has really worked because people have been coming with their catalogues to find us. This is my first trade show. I have had two large orders – one from a catalogue company and another from a retailer who owns six stores in the north of England. It’s been great for getting really good contacts and leads – and feedback from retailers on what will work and won’t work. And I’ve also had really good advice from other exhibitors.”

Exhibitors throughout the show were keen to report their success stories.

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.

James Brierley, owner of Elite Gift Boxes, said: “On Sunday we probably had as many orders as we’ve ever had at Autumn Fair in a single day.”

David Foster, director, Kapula Candles: “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.”

Europe’s leading brands were showcased by new and returning UK and international exhibitors in Design-led Gifts, Summerhouse & Spotlight (halls 3 & 4), where there were numerous product launches from suppliers offering innovative and stylish gifts and gadgets, children’s gifts, art ceramics and decorative glass.

Said Michael Hall, managing director, Fallen Fruits: “I believe that once we have added up the figures, we could do more business at this show than at any other – including Spring Fair. That is quite remarkable. There has been very good footfall – and there is a good buzz. We are very pleased. The order enquiry file is lower because people are ordering! The average order values are higher as well. Confidence seems to be very high.”

Toys (hall 5) was home to big-name manufacturers and traditional toy and game companies. There were first-time home and overseas exhibitors, while some companies increased the size of their stands, reflecting the huge array of product that was unveiled.

Richard Keel, managing director, Keel Toys, commented: “We have had a very good fair and been pleasantly surprised. We have had two cracking days (Sunday and Monday) and there is a very good weight of people around today (Tuesday). Those we have spoken to are very optimistic about business, which is encouraging to hear. That gives us confidence for later on in this year.

“We have seen buyers from right across the spectrum – multiples, export, independents, zoo parks, gift shops.”

Said David Postlethwaite of Melissa & Doug: “Footfall has been excellent. Orders have been very good and we have been very busy from start to finish. We have seen good buyers – from small independents to some of the big guys.”

Autumn Fair provided the season’s largest collection of costume, fashion and designer jewellery, as well as clocks and watches, in Jewellery & Fashion Accessories (hall 4). Exhibitors here focused on top quality design and offered high value. Ranges were expanded to cater for all price points.

Lalgate director Siddarth Bulsara commented: “It’s our first Autumn Fair. Before we set up yesterday (Sunday) we had people stopping to look at our jewellery and one woman came back to the stand five times. We had a least 10 solid orders and customers that want to get our brand within their stores.”

Said Lori Mottlowitz of American company Viva Beads: “This is our first Autumn Fair here – direct – and it has been fantastic. We will probably pick up over 100 customers. It has been above and beyond our expectations. We’ve had orders from shops and small boutiques, as well as interest from larger chains.”

The Autumn Fair dateline was ideal for companies targeting retailers of Christmas cards in Greetings & Stationery (hall 4). Changing purchasing patterns benefited exhibitors at the show – the seasonal highlight for buyers of cards, stationery, giftwrap and posters – with independent retailers and some multiple stores delaying their purchasing decisions on card ranges such as Valentine’s and Easter.

Jeremy Corner, managing director, Blue Eyed Sun, said: “It’s our best Autumn Fair ever. A fantastic show. I ran out of order forms yesterday (Monday) and had to get the office to post me some more. Lots of great orders and lots of leads. Within two days our orders at Autumn Fair have exceeded those placed at Harrogate.”

Susanna Morrish, director, Glebe Cottage: “Sunday was brilliant. I was away, having my lunch, and Scott, my husband – who is the other director – said that he had never had an hour that was busier at any trade show ever. It was a very good day. We chose quite a small stand this year and we now feel that we should have had a bigger stand.”

In Home Interiors & Art (halls 2 & 3) there were stunning ranges from UK and overseas companies who were new to the show. The autumn’s leading event featured occasional furniture, soft furnishings, lighting, home accessories, bed and bath products, as well as wall décor and artworks from both leading publishers and independent artists.

David Willan, head of sales, Coach House, said: “Autumn Fair has, for the last four years, got better and better for us. There’s a good vibe to the show. We’ve had two really good days (Sunday/Monday). It’s going well across all our ranges. The timing of the fair as far our new product is concerned is very good. People are buying for Christmas and spring 2010. It’s a very positive show and we hope to open up to 200 new accounts”

Kitchen & Dining (hall 2), the renowned showcase for housewares, glassware and tabletop product, also included outdoor living and dining décor. The season’s largest collection of its kind in the UK brought together some of the biggest names in the industry.

Said John McCabe, managing director of Heath McCabe: “By 10am this morning (Monday) we wrote as much business as we did at the whole of Autumn Fair last year. It was totally unexpected to have a bumper day on Sunday. We sold to five different countries – it was superb. And we saw a lot of independents who had taken the day off.

Today (Monday) has been fantastic and we are just taking a breather. All the stands around us in Kitchen & Dining are pretty much in the same situation. I can’t believe it.

“It’s interesting – the positioning of our stand. We are next to bean bags – and we are ceramics – and there are paintings from Russia just over there. Crossover buying is working and the place is buzzing. It’s been brilliant.

“This is the time of opportunity. There are doors opening that would have ordinarily have been closed.”

T&G Woodware managing director Patrick Gardner commented: “On Sunday and Monday we surpassed last year’s Autumn Fair sales total. It’s been very good. Everything from now is a bonus.”

Volume Home & Gift (halls 1 & 2), one of the largest volume, clearance and stocklots trade events in Europe, opened on the Saturday and attracted international suppliers of volume gifts, homewares, fashion accessories, novelties, personal care, giftware and wholesale.

Robert Price, managing director, Boyz Toys, commented: “We have been open since Saturday in Volume and have done fantastic figures. We have written lots of orders on all three days. It’s been a very busy and buzzy show.”

Candlelight Products’ national accounts manager Emma Littlewood, said: “We had already reached our sales target by the end of the weekend. We are very pleased with the way it has gone. We have had a very positive reaction.”

The fair was edited to ensure a seamless buying experience across all its halls, with the dedicated Giving and Living sectors aiding navigability and allowing easy identification of products.

Louise Young added “Feedback from exhibitors suggests that we have been successful in driving more business to our customers’ stands through crossover buying initiatives.”

The New Product Showcase – which turned the spotlight on hitherto unseen products and ranges from every part of Autumn Fair – did just that, while the Gift of the Year House showcased the competition’s winning and highly commended products. And two additional product trails – Exporter and Licensed Products – were added to the existing New Product, Designed in Britain and Ethical Product trails.

The staycation trend has benefited some UK producers and Designed in Britain highlighted the biggest autumn show choice of contemporary British products from suppliers such as Bombay Duck, Typhoon Housewares, Pintail Candles, Isolyn and Banyan Jewellery.

The Licensed Product trail guided buyers to exhibitors with original artwork, surface designs and images. It featured suppliers such as PANTONE® design-led gifts, Square Card Co, Find The Three Daughters, RSW International and ECP Design. Licensed products included Wallace & Gromit, Scooby-Doo, Garfield, Mr Men and Hello Kitty.

For those looking to do business with suppliers abroad, the Exporter trail provided full details of British and international exhibitors eager to work with retailers from around the globe. These included Ashleigh & Burwood, Crafty Kids, Lanka Kade, Look East Australia, Vilac & Petitcollin and La Cuisine.

The New Product trail highlighted suppliers launching new products exclusively at Autumn Fair. With more than 40,000 to choose from, the trail led buyers to companies such as Lindy Lou, Bo Griffin, j-me and Magical Play Times.

With environmentally friendly product sales booming, the Ethical Product trail was popular as buyers looked to discover eco-friendly and fair trade products from exhibitors including Tilnar Art, Penny Lindop Designs, Indra Importer, Natural Nkuku and many more.

Several new sections make their debut in hall 5 at this year’s Autumn Fair, including Speciality Foods, which provided unmissable exposure and selling opportunities for everyone working in this industry sector.

New exhibitors here included Kingfisher Teas, Sweet Thoughts and Catering and Leisure Suppliers.

Craft it Yourself – where Krasnaya Nesting Dolls made its Autumn Fair debut – provided exhibitors with a dedicated showcase for their products, while its synergy with Toys, Jewellery & Fashion Accessories and Gifts offering perfect cross-over buying opportunities. British Crafts was a destination for visitors keen to buy British and take advantage of the growth of craft products.

Retail Services were found under one roof in this new section, which showcased everything from Epos machines and computer services to management systems and visual merchandising and display products. Here, TIC Webshop, Pennant Shop Equipment, Mi-Store, Linkx Systems, Advansys, Proteam UK and Rocom all made first Autumn Fair appearances.

And retailers again packed the free Talking Point seminars – keen to update their knowledge, learn new skills and discover new ideas to introduce into their businesses.

Erica Cunningham of Brambles floristry, Henley on Thames, commented: “The Talking Point seminars are a ‘must visit’. We learnt from them the last time we were at the show and we’ve learnt some more things today about gift wrapping.

“We’ve also found out about the latest colour trends and design ideas. These are useful add-ons that we can use in the shop. We have picked up some good ideas.”

Trade bodies were strongly represented at Autumn Fair. The Giftware Association, British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHTA), British Hardware Federation (BHF), Fine Art Trade Guild, Anti Copying in Design (ACID) and the Birmingham Assay Office all had stands.

Launched at Autumn Fair in 1994, the Cookshop and Housewares Association (CHA), which represents more than 680 shops across the UK, marked its fifteenth birthday with a party and ‘CHA birthday bonus’ – an exclusive 15% discount on a variety of ranges and products from CHA Village suppliers. This was available to all members at the show. A birthday cake was also presented to the CHA by the show organiser.

Cookshop retailers also judged the CHA@Autumn Fair Awards, which were presented at the show, as were the Home Decoration Retailers Association (HDRA) Awards.

Here are some tweets from the show:

Extreme_Fliers: has had a very successful day at Autumn Fair with record orders from independent retailers

lilyandlime: Fabulous day at the NEC Autumn Fair sourcing new products .. one of the best jobs, met some fab people very passionate about all they do

stuff4blokes: Been at the Autumn Fair today - quite a few new items. Have to get ordering - should be on the site in a few weeks.

picturecase: Just finishing 2nd day at the Autumn Fair and have been really busy. Lots of orders and interest

Prezzybox: The buying and marketing bods had a good day at the autumn fair. We've found loads of goodies for you guys!

@RachelElnaugh: At the Autumn Spring Fair NEC on the Walltastic stand Hall 5 it's a great show! Come see me before 3.45

ThePodCompany: Morning! We had a wizz round the Autumn fair yesterday - found some lovely new products!

mookau: We're off to Autumn Fair in Birmingham today to buy lots of new things for next season. The shop is open as normal though, don't panic!

* subject to ABC audit: Emap Connect Home & Gift is the only UK home and gift trade show organiser to issue audited figures.