When the run-up to the holiday season begins, savvy retailers look no further than Autumn Fair—the UK’s flagship wholesale marketplace for home décor, giftware, fashion, and lifestyle. Held at NEC Birmingham every September, this four-day event connects established and rising brands with thousands of buyers ready to stock up before the festive surge. If you’re aiming to source standout products, uncover trends, and grow your seasonal range, this is where it all comes together.
Event Overview: Venue, Dates & Timings
Autumn Fair 2025 returns to the NEC Birmingham from 7–10 September:
- Sunday–Tuesday: 09:00–18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00–16:00
Showcasing Halls 6, 7, 8, and 20, the event occupies nearly a quarter of the NEC and hosts over 600 exhibitors, attracting around 19,000 trade buyers.
Who Attends
Autumn Fair caters to a wide range of trade visitors:
- Independent shops, department stores, and garden centres
- Online retailers and subscription box curators
- Interior and lifestyle buyers from retail chains
- Wholesale distributors and bulk purchasers
- International oversea buyers seeking UK-made products
Whether you buy small-batch décor or bulk greeting cards, this event suits your sourcing needs.
What You’ll Discover
1. Product Diversity
Explore over 600 exhibitors across categories like Home, Gift, Fashion (“Moda”), Beauty & Wellbeing, Kids, Greetings & Stationery, and Lifestyle items. It’s a curated showcase to support the busiest retail quarter.
2. Trend Tours
Expert-designed routes highlight emerging themes—scandi-style homeware, artisan accessories, sustainable fashion, wellness gifts, and kids’ sensory toys—offering quick insights and inspiration.
3. Live Retail Masterclasses
Join high-level sessions featuring retail icons, brand-building workshops, social media masterclasses, and sustainability discussions—all aimed at driving year-end sales and long-term growth.
4. Pitch Live Competition
New or emerging brands can pitch in front of a retail panel—offering huge exposure, networking opportunities, and feedback from established buyers.
5. Trend Hub & Retail Makeover Zones
These zones spotlight standout innovations: environmentally responsible products, seasonal best-sellers, and insights into successful visual merchandising that colleagues can replicate in store.
6. Relax & Network Lounges
Designed for buyers and suppliers to connect, the lounges offer comfortable spaces for catch-ups, door-step meetings, and real-time deal-making.
Benefits of Attending
- First-mover advantage — discover festive best-sellers before the competition
- Negotiation ease — speak directly with suppliers under one roof
- Curated browsing — find new lines quickly via trend zones
- Actionable insights — practical workshops deliver strategies and ROI
- Brand discovery — meet artisan-makers and boutique producers often missed online
- Cross-category access — cover home, gift, and fashion categories in one trip
Cost & Registration
- Entry to Autumn Fair is free for trade professionals—registration in advance is strongly advised.
- Entry may require proof of trade status; late entry may involve an onsite verification process.
Accommodation & Transport
Located in suburban Birmingham, NEC is accessible from across the UK:
- By train: Birmingham International station is linked by free shuttle service
- By car: Over 16,500 parking spaces are available—bookable in advance.
- Hotels: Options range from the Voco St. John’s and Hilton Birmingham Metropole on-site to Airbnbs and B&Bs nearby
- Restaurants & amenities: Located within NEC campus, plus local leisure hubs nearby
How to Plan Your Visit
- Register early to guarantee smooth access and avoid onsite queues
- Study the floorplan and exhibitor list to identify key brands and zones
- Book masterclasses ahead—popular sessions fill fast
- Bring business cards and measurement tools—strong product discovery may lead to immediate decisions
- Wear business-appropriate comfort—expect considerable walking over four days
- Schedule networking—pop in lounge areas during off-peak hours for better engagement
Measuring Your ROI
After Autumn Fair, top-performing visitors typically:
- Introduce several new SKUs—ranging from décor to accessories
- Log meetings and quotes that convert into seasonal orders
- Adopt merchandising ideas gleaned from trend and retail zones
- Expand supplier contacts and onboarding new producers
- Gather leadership insights from trends and tips to inform Q4 strategy
Final Thoughts
In the world of retail, Autumn Fair is the season’s cornerstone event—combining product discovery, strategic learning, and business growth. It’s an essential stop for buyers who want to stock shelves efficiently, inspire trends, and secure success during the crucial fourth quarter and beyond.
Book Your Free Trade Ticket Now
Get ahead for Q4—reserve your place at Autumn Fair 2025 today for unrivalled insight, sourcing, and seasonal readiness: