Thousands of retail trade buyers and sellers will be at the NEC this week for Spring Fair International 2012.
Three thousand exhibitors have chosen the fair as their launchpad for around 300,000 new products, including 500 international suppliers and 400 new exhibitors.
Over 70,000 buyers with a combined budget of £16.8 billion are expected to attend and place £2 billion worth of orders, based on previous years’ figures.
There are 12 product categories including gift and home, greetings and stationery, kitchen, dining and housewares, festive and floral, toy, games and kids’ gifts, The Party Show, art and framing, body, bath and home fragrances, fashion jewellery and accessories and The Jewellery Show.
Louise Young, managing director of show organiser Emap Connect Home & Gift, said: “We want buyers to spend more time at Spring Fair and so we’ve pulled out all the stops to make it an unrivalled buying experience that provides a stimulating and enjoyable environment for retailers.
“Our aim is to make the show easier to shop, reduce queues, provide more rest and relaxation facilities and to create a better all-round ambience.”
Organisers said visitor feedback indicated that insight into future trends is one of their primary reasons for attending, second only to new product sourcing.
The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association will have a table in the lounge with a team of experts on hand to answer questions on licensing and merchandising, including the 2012 London Olympics.
For businesses interested in exporting, an expanded International Meet the Buyer programme will run on Monday and Tuesday morning.
Jewellery trade bodies including the British Jewellers’ Association, British Jewellery Giftware and Finishing Federation and National Association of Goldsmiths will also be present at The Jewellery Show.
More than 60 suppliers in the fancy dress and party products industry are lined up to exhibit at the first Party Show.
Each category will have a show within a show, including catwalk runs, industry seminars, panel debates and interviews.
The fair takes place from February 5-9 with Volume Gift & Home open on February 4.
The event is open to trade buyers and suppliers only and entry is free for those who pre-register. Entry is £30 for visitors who have not pre-registered.
