As we approach a new season of retail sourcing, leading national trade fairs such as Reed Gift Fairs have the chance to reinforce the role they play in the industry, particularly after a challenging few years.
We saw an increase in digital products over the past two years and while a lot of the innovation certainly complements the live event experience – digital product directories and show bags, enhanced video content and sustainably driven solutions such as; online event guides to reduce production footprint – coming together face-to-face as an industry, is a key driver to business growth that is proving an irreplaceable option.
Trade fairs are fun. There is a buzz from thousands of buyers and sellers interacting at once; the anticipation of uncovering a new direction or opportunity for the year ahead; many familiar faces you come to know and love, plus so much opportunity for the next-gen retailers to cement their foot into an industry contributing billions of dollars to the Australian economy.
We know direct from customer feedback how vital it is to connect at our events and there is a hunger to get back to ‘normal’. Retailers want to reconnect with their existing suppliers, they want to be inspired and they want to find their next bestseller. Exhibitors want to launch new ranges, find new stockists, sell products; and feel part of the thousand-strong community built over 50 years of running our events.
The top 5 reasons trade fairs aren’t going anywhere
1. Mindful Consumption: if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that the consumer is voting with their dollar – whether seeking products that are multi-purpose, environmentally friendly, through to a more conscious approach to materialism, they are now more discerning about what they buy. Retailers need to ensure they attend trade fairs to see, touch and feel products catering to changing consumer behaviours and take a more strategic approach to what they stock.
2. Unexpected Connections: It’s often not what you know, but who. Meandering the aisles of a trade fair presents new opportunities to connect with brands you may not necessarily have resonated with from behind a screen.
3. Understanding the market: Engaging with suppliers, new and existing, to learn about what works; how to evolve the stock showcased on your shelves and what your competition is doing.
4. Uncovering new: Whether that be a new product line, specialty categories like Australian Made and Ethically Produced; or previewing the newest release within a range, nothing beats seeing it tangibly and being inspired for how to share the unique story onto your customer – there is a magic in meeting the makers to learn product creation and curation.
5. Saves time: Where else can business owners interact with over thousands of buyers and sellers in a short period of time? Where time is now our most precious commodity, the investment of it towards a few days at a trade show well outweighs any other avenue.
Reed Gift Fairs returns to ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour from February 18 – 21 as the first major event welcoming back our international buying community since 2020. With 300 returning favourites and 50+ new brands, meet expert wholesalers who know what works, and discover the premium products that sell, and keep your customers coming back for more.
With so much on offer and more surprises to come, register to experience four exciting days of inspiration and discovery, and source from Australia’s best selection of premium and emerging wholesale brands.
If you are serious about retail and you’re not there – how are you planning to stay ahead in 2023?
