As the doors close on the 75th edition of Spring Fair, 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.
The 75-year-old show is expanding and transforming. As the retail sector continues to adapt, Spring Fair is at the forefront, fuelling growth by creating an unparalleled retail experience that connects buyers, brands, and industry experts. The show welcomed thousands of retailers including Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, The Very Group, Fenwick, Robert Dyas, Next, Matalan, B&Q, Tesco, Wayfair, ALDI, QVC, TJX, Barkers, Currys, Blue Diamond, TK Maxx, Budgens, Peacocks, Pets at Home, Mackays, Elphicks, Voisins, Freemans, Dobbies Garden Centres, British Garden Centres, Jarrold Department Store and many more.
A mission for growth
With a mission to enable growth in the retail industry, Spring Fair has taken steps to enhance its show, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of retailers and the industry. This commitment is reflected in its rapid expansion 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.”
Nurturing emerging brands and entrepreneurs
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.
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.
Chris Workman from The Giftware Association said: “Spring Fair has been fantastic for the Gift of the Year Showcase, Pavilion, and Judging Area and it has been a busy successful week. It’s been great to welcome over 70 judges to the Gift of the Year area to judge the shortlist and non-judges to discover new brands and products with a constant flow of traffic being sent to different corners of the show. There is a positivity out there too with inspiration being sought from the awards and speaking to members it’s grand to hear they have had good shows.”
Meaningful connections that drive retail forward
Throughout the event, retailers from the UK and beyond – from John Lewis and M&S to independent boutiques and heritage sites – engaged in conversations with suppliers and industry leaders. Buyer Tracey Sysum from Marina Homeware summed up the experience: “We have found everything we are looking for. It’s been great meeting suppliers, and the Buyer Lounge is a real treat.”
The Buyer Lounge, featuring an immersive High Street experience, proved to be a highlight, allowing visitors to engage their senses with fragrances, tastings and interactive brand showcases.
Gordon Morrison, ceo of the Association for Cultural Enterprises, commented after the successful Cultural Enterprise Day on Tuesday: “It was a genuine thrill for the Association for Cultural Enterprises to partner with Spring Fair for a day of curated cultural content. This stellar event, and the great team at Spring Fair, provided us with a unique opportunity to showcase cultural commerce and build networks. I look forward to developing the partnership further in the months and years ahead.”
With 1:1 appointments offering advice on boosting productivity, enhancing return on investment, and maximising revenues, the Ambiance Clinics were a resounding success. Stephen Spencer said: “Stephen Spencer + Associates are delighted to partner with Spring Fair to create a relaxing and inspiring Buyers Lounge and add value to the show experience for buyers and exhibitors through our Ambience advice clinics.
“On a personal note, having been involved with Spring Fair for nearly half its existence, in this 75th year it’s more important than ever that we work as a community to reimagine and futureproof our precious Retail sector and the show. We have had a brilliant response to all the efforts that are being made, and we hope to continue to build on these into the future.”
Special moments
The show kicked off with a grand opening by renowned designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who set the tone with his signature flair and passion for independent retail. “There’s a huge amount of energy here,” he remarked during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This is where the world will change for retailers and brands in the next two decades.”
With a record-breaking 1,500 exhibitors, including 400 brand-new participants, Spring Fair 2025 proved to be a hub of innovation and opportunity. Exhibitors and buyers alike experienced a show designed to foster business growth, creativity, and collaboration.
Championing independent retail and future trends
From keynote speeches to 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, Soraya reflected: “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.”
