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The 2017 edition of Spring Fair will feature the largest Home section in the show’s 67-year history.
Showcasing brands from across the world, a total of 2,500 exhibitors will be at Birmingham’s NEC from Sunday (February 5) to Thursday (February 9).
In a survey published by Verdict Retail last July entitled ‘Home Décor 2016’, it was revealed that the UK home décor market is set to outperform all other homeware retail sectors, accounting for 12.1% of the total homeware market.
Designed to help retailers capitalise on this growth, Spring Fair’s Home section has doubled in size since 2014. On show in the event’s flagship sector will be textiles, furniture, interior and outdoor accessories, as well as soft furnishings
For 2017, Home has become more international, featuring more global brands than ever before. Names such as Chic Antique, Flam and Luce Byclassy, Light & Living and Baroque International have confirmed they will display an array of customised lampshades, vintage furniture and renaissance style decorations.
Spring Fair says it will also present the UK’s largest selection of Scandinavian brands. Those exhibiting exclusively at the show including Madam Stolz, Hubsch, Nordal and Kreafunk. Tea light holders, pillows, Easter decorations and pharmacy display cabinets are just some of the products that will be on display.
Exclusive to the show is the Summerhouse: an edited collective of over 40 exhibitors that Spring Fair describes as ‘the most original gift, interior, lighting and lifestyle brands’. Names include Natures Collection, India Jane, One World Trading Ltd, VITA Copenhagen, Nkuku, Stone the Crows, Libra, Parlane International and Abigail Ahern. Buyers can also network at the Summerhouse Café.
Alongside a more international focus, the Summerhouse will also be home to some of the ‘best brand British brands’. Everything from seasonal decorations through to everyday gifts for home and garden will be among the exclusive products on display.
A major exhibitor will be Coach House, while suppliers like Wilde Java, McGowan & Rutherford, Voyage Maison, Clarke & Clarke, Hill Interiors and Pacific Lifestyle will also be present, offering a wide assortment of products including leather lamps, country dining chairs, wall clocks and large dressers.
Regular show visitor Kate Cowie is a director of design-led retailer Utility, which sells contemporary furniture, lighting, home accessories and gifts. It operates three branches (two in Liverpool and one in Preston) and a large web store.
She said: “Spring Fair is a key date in our buying schedule where we source new and exciting products. We learn about the new trends coming through and network with other buyers. It’s a crucial event that helps us focus on the year ahead.”
Alongside buying opportunities, Spring Fair is running a programme of keynote presentations, with industry experts speaking on consumer trends driving the sector including Mary Portas, Karen Brady and mulberry founder Roger Saul.
Visitors can also attend seminars and participate in Meet the Expert sessions, for one-to-one advice on the challenges facing retail over the coming year.
Spring Fair portfolio director Nick Davison said: “Home furnishings and décor continues to grow as consumers want to refresh their homes, representing a strong category for retailers.
“With consumers increasingly demanding newer, more stylish and higher quality products, Spring Fair provides the UK’s most comprehensive array of home products, that covers everything from value to high-end price points, from traditional to the latest trending home trends.
“No matter what type of retailer you are, large or small, there will be ranges at Spring Fair to help you increase sales in this area.”
Home is one of 14 sectors at Spring Fair, alongside Kitchen and Dining, Gift, DIY & Home Improvement, Fashion & Accessories, Toys, Party and Retail Solutions.
