As the doors close on the 75th edition of Spring Fair, the UK’s largest retail trade show for Home, Gift & Fashion, the NEC Birmingham has been buzzing with energy, innovation, and meaningful connections. Over four days, more than 38,000 retail buyers and industry professionals gathered to discover the latest trends, meet suppliers, and be part of the ever-evolving retail landscape.
With a mission to enable growth in the retail industry, Spring Fair has taken bold and creative steps to enhance its show, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of retailers and the industry. This commitment is reflected in its rapid expansion - Spring Fair is now the fastest-growing retail show in the UK, drawing in more exhibitors, buyers, and decision-makers, and it aims to create the UK's largest retail experience to service the industry for the next 75 years.
The 2025 show has experienced:
14% increase in exhibitors at Spring Fair - 180 more exhibitors this year than last year
18% more New exhibitors at Spring Fair - that's 400 NEW exhibitors
Reports indicate buyers in attendance had higher spend thresholds and bigger budgets
Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Spring Fair said, "The show's evolution is not just about size; it's about impact. It's not just the volume of buyers; it's the quality and it's the opportunities that this show delivers. By listening to the industry, responding to market demands, and embracing innovation, Spring Fair is delivering more than just a trade show, it is building the ultimate retail experience. We are dedicated to helping and supporting the UK retail sector to thrive by providing the environment for retailers to discover innovative products, gain valuable insights, and forge meaningful connections. Our success is measured by the growth and achievements of the businesses it serves and over the last four days we've heard so many success stories and new opportunities that highlight the tangible impact of Spring Fair."
Spring Fair 2025 placed a strong emphasis on fostering new talent through initiatives like the #SBS Village, in partnership with Theo Paphitis, and the New Business Pavilions. For many first-time exhibitors, the show was a game-changer. Melissa McQuade from Charley's Wild World shared, "I have actually met with six different zoos here - contacts I've been trying to reach for two years! Being at Spring Fair has made all the difference."
Georgia and Tom Calvert from Avorium, part of the New Business Pavilion, echoed the sentiment: "It's been a learning curve as it's our first show, but we've had lots of good leads and met plenty of people that we'll follow up with after the event. People are excited to see something new."
Spring Fair is transforming the traditional trade show model into an interactive, immersive retail experience. By integrating activations, trend-led content, and experiential showcases, the event is creating more opportunities for engagement and learning. New enhancements introduced to elevate the retail experience include:
New Business Pavilions – offered a dedicated space showcasing cutting-edge products and emerging brands poised to shape the future of retail.
New Licensing Lab stage - where industry experts shared the latest licensing insights and retail strategies, ensuring visitors stay ahead of market shifts.
Buyers Lounge featuring an immersive High Street experience - allowing buyers to experience products in real-life settings, making purchasing decisions more informed and impactful.
New Gift Of The Year Showcase & Pavilion providing a launchpad for giftware brands.
From insightful keynote speeches to dynamic panel discussions, Spring Fair's live content inspired visitors to embrace change and innovation. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's talk on licensing and creativity drew a packed audience, reinforcing the importance of authenticity and collaboration in the retail sector. Meanwhile, retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis delivered a powerful message about the resilience of small businesses, urging them to stay confident in their unique offerings.
Trend forecasting sessions, including insights from Faire's UK Country Manager Charlotte Broadbent, provided invaluable knowledge on how independent retailers can stay ahead by balancing bestsellers with fresh, trend-driven products. With sustainability, individuality, and experiential retail taking centre stage, buyers left equipped with actionable strategies for the year ahead.
Looking Ahead to the Future of Retail
As the show wrapped up, Event Director Soraya Gadelrab reflected on the incredible energy and engagement throughout the event. "For 75 years, Spring Fair has been at the heart of the retail community, and this year we've taken it to new heights. The feedback from exhibitors and buyers has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing that Spring Fair remains the go-to event for discovering new products, forging meaningful connections, and driving the future of retail."
With another successful year in the books, Spring Fair continues to be the ultimate destination for retail innovation, inspiration, and opportunity. The excitement now turns to the next edition, as the industry eagerly anticipates what's to come in 2026. Until then, the connections made, and the ideas sparked at Spring Fair 2025 will continue to shape the future of retail.
Visit www.springfair.com for more information.
