Emap unveils changes to Spring Fair
Emap Connect has unveiled the first stage of a comprehensive expansion strategy for Spring Fair, which sees Hall 9 taking centre stage.
Emap says it is making a major investment to improve traffic flow around the exhibition, which will transform Hall 9 into a must-visit destination for gift, home and design-led buyers. This will enhance the buying experience for retailers and their overall enjoyment of Spring Fair, encouraging them to spend more time at the show, claims the organiser.
Discussing the organiser’s vision, managing director Louise Young(right) says: “Spring Fair attracts one of Europe’s largest gatherings of retailers at a crucial time in the buying calendar. Our plans are strikingly progressive and the ‘wow factor’ will be very much in evidence. Making Spring Fair easier to shop by product category – and therefore increasing the effectiveness of retailers’ buying – is integral to our planning. Improving their experience of the fair and increasing the level of transactions between retailers and exhibitors are at the heart of our strategy.”
High presentational values will determine the look of Hall 9, where some of Britain’s and Europe’s best known suppliers and brands will be showcasing their new products. Top UK companies including Coach House, Salco, PD Global, Febland, Art Marketing, and McGowan Rutherford will be joined by highly influential international suppliers – such as Greengate, Fatboy, House Doctor, Lene Bjerre, Boltze, Moltex and Miss Etoile – many of which are exhibiting for the first time.
Launching for 2011, a brand new feature called The Trend House will showcase what are predicted to be the following seasons’ best-selling products based on themes provided by global trend forecasting service WGSN and its sister resource HomeBuildLife.
The Trend House will offer retailers unique insight into future trend directions, which will prove invaluable in helping to guide their buying. This feature looks set to become a key destination for 2011 and the following years.
For the first time, a covered walkway will connect Hall 9 to Hall 5, with the doors to both halls being removed to facilitate visitor flow between the piazza and the atrium and ease footfall across the exhibition. This link will complement the existing walkway between halls 8 and 4.
Over 71,000 visitors attended SFI 2010 and numbers are expected to increase again for the 2011 show. A new entrance will also be opened up in Hall 9, which will mark a new stopping off point for the free Circle Line bus service.
Louise Young concludes: “These new elements are crucial to the development and expansion of Spring Fair International as we continue in our quest to create a home and gift event that is more vibrant, more inspiring and more cosmopolitan – a show that makes our industry proud.”
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