Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Autumn Fair organiser Ascential Events is set to launch a showcase dedicated to artisanal products from across the world at the annual exhibition in September.
Called ‘Global Handicraft’, the section will feature manufacturers offering bespoke ranges from fine ceramics and exotic textiles to quirky lighting and jewellery.
The showcase will run throughout the four-day show, which takes place at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) from September 2 to September 5. It will also feature live demonstrations by craftspeople and seminars for retailers on how to take advantage of the handicraft market.
Louise Young, the managing director of Spring and Autumn Fair at Ascential Events, said: “Consumers have made it clear they want to connect with the products they buy, and know how they were created and the story behind their purchases.
“With this new section, buyers can get their hands on products that are handmade, inspiring and steeped in culture – and get their orders in ahead of the competition.
“Global trend forecaster WGSN has been tracking this trend for a long time and has predicted that it will become increasingly important across all interiors categories in the seasons to come.
“Autumn Fair is retailers’ gateway to the golden quarter. The show is perfectly timed for short orders and the key holiday selling period, as well as giving retailers the chance to be the first to see and order products for 2019.
“Handicraft is a growing source of revenue across the industry, from independent gift retailers to multi-store high street retailers.”
