“After many months of making the best of the virtual world, this Autumn Fair is another sign that retail is getting back on its feet and people are wanting to attend live shows,” comments retail entrepreneur and former TV ‘dragon’ Theo Paphitis who will take to the stage as part of the keynote speakers and seminar programme of Autumn Fair which opens its doors at the NEC this Sunday (5 September) and runs until next Wednesday (8 September).
As well as the gifts, homewares and greeting card exhibitors, this year’s Autumn Fair will also have a strong fashion flavour as Moda is to be co-located considerably strengthening the clothing, accessories and footwear presence at the show. The Greetings and Stationery section is in Hall 6, along with the Beauty & Wellbeing, Kids Toys & Play and Everyday sectors.
Among the card publishers who are exhibiting are Cardology, Earlybird Designs, Emotional Rescue, Hearts Designs, Hype Associates, Paper Salad, The Art File and Twizler.
A full seminar programme, which runs throughout the four day show, kicks off at 11am on Sunday with a belter of a title – What is the future of the High Street? which will see Jackie Mulligan, ceo and founder of ShopAppy; Melissa Dawkins, founder of Made in Ashford and Carol Pyrah, executive director of Historic Coventry Trust discuss their prophesies on what the high street will look like in the future.
As Autumn Fair’s head of content Suzanne Ellingham adds: “The last 18 months have left their mark on all retailers. However, with all change comes opportunity, and the chance to change the way that consumers think about retail.”
Theo Paphitis will be appearing on the Inspiring Retail Stage (in Hall 19) next Tuesday (7 September) at 3pm sharing his thoughts on the evolving shape of UK retail and discussing some of the big questions around how independent retailers, who are potentially positioned to come out of this period stronger than ever, take advantage this period of change.
“From how they stay on top of consumers evolving expectations, and why they need to double down on the service, no question is off limits in this frank and honest discussion with World Retail Congress editor and Forbes contributor Mark Faithful,” assures Suzanne.
To view the full seminar programme for the show visit www.autumnfair.com/seminar-programme-2021 or pre-register and download the brand new official Autumn Fair App head to www.autumnfair.com/show-app-visitor.
Top: Theo in full flow at a previous Autumn Fair.
