Visitors – and celebrities – are out in force at Spring Fair, co-located with MODA x Pure and Source Home & Gift – and reports indicate a positive and buzzing show.
From the moment designer Laurence Lewellyn-Bowen cut the ribbon to declare the 75th Spring Fair officially open, it was all systems go. “I’ve been coming to Spring Fair for years, and there’s a huge amount of energy here,” he commented. “It’s such an important moment in our retail calendars – this is where the world will change for retailers and brands in the next two decades.”
As a keynote speaker on the Inspiring Retail Stage, Laurence championed the British high street, stating how important it is for individuality and choice. “I feel very strongly that we’re on a pivot point where independent retail has the opportunity to do something really different and powerfully positive, and it’s to do with the relationship between retail, manufacture and design,” he pointed out. “In this country, the leverage, the real power, the real difference happens through independent retail. It happens through the fact that you make your own decisions, because you know who you’re selling to, because you don’t patronise your customers. This is the point of Indies, we provide choice.”
He continued: “Be brave in your design choices – we have the retailscape to ourselves. The big conglomerates will never be able to get that sense of personality across to their customers as indies can. This is where the intersection between design and retail come together – pattern. It’s all about pattern. Because pattern is the ultimate storyteller, it’ll take your mind wherever you need it to go, making the connection between retailer and customer stronger. In the independent retail sector, pattern is something that can make an instant impression of getting people to understand who you are and what you’re doing.”
Meanwhile Spring Fair’s 75th Of Excellence awards saw event director Soraya Gadelrab take to the Inspiring Retail Stage at the end of the opening day on Sunday to present the trophies.
In the Best New Product Greetings, Party & Celebration category Paper Salad’s Alchemy Collection earned the striking trophy, while Vent For Change was the Most Eco-Friendly Brand.
Ryman owner, entrepreneur and former TV dragon Theo Paphitis was declared the Most Influential Person In Retail.
And Michael Apter, who has four Paper Tiger greetings and gift stores in Edinburgh, was joint winner of the Retail Ambassador Of The Year, alongside James Thomas, who runs Forever England lifestyle shops in Sherbourne, Sidmouth and Wells.
In the Best Longstanding Exhibitor Stand categories, Ginger Betty took the small stand trophy with Widdop And Co winning the large stand title.
