Spring Fair / Autumn Fair: UK's definitive marketplace for wholesale gifts, home, fashion, and lifestyle.

Imagine being able to step into a giant treasure trove, filled with beautiful things for your shop, inspiring new products, and all the latest trends. For anyone running a retail business – whether you have a cozy independent shop, a bustling online store, or a large department store – finding the right products at the right time is key to keeping your customers happy and your tills ringing. If you’re looking for that perfect “wholesale gift,” stylish “home” decor, the latest “fashion” pieces, or unique “lifestyle” products, then Spring Fair and Autumn Fair are the events you simply cannot miss. They are the UK’s definitive marketplaces, essential for anyone wanting to discover new items and get ready for the next big selling season.

These aren’t just trade shows; they are vibrant, exciting hubs of discovery and connection. Think about walking through aisles packed with thousands of products, seeing them, touching them, and imagining them in your own store. You’ll meet the creators, get a feel for what’s new, and find incredible items that will make your shop stand out. It’s all about making your buying easier, more inspiring, and helping you find everything you need to stock your shelves with bestsellers, all under one roof, twice a year!

Your Essential Guide: Where, When, and What It Costs

Ready to discover your next bestsellers? Here are the key details for Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, both held at the same convenient location:

Location: The NEC, Birmingham, United Kingdom. The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is a massive, modern venue right at the heart of the UK. Its central location makes it easy for businesses from all over the country to visit.

For Spring Fair (Early in the Year):

Dates: Mark your calendars for February 1st to February 4th, 2026. This four-day event is perfectly timed for retailers to stock up for spring, summer, and key gifting occasions like Mother’s Day and Easter.
Timings:
- Sunday, February 1st, 2026: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Monday, February 2nd, 2026: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, February 4th, 2026: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (The last day often closes a bit earlier).

For Autumn Fair (Later in the Year):

Dates: Mark your calendars for September 7th to September 10th, 2025. This four-day event is crucial for retailers looking to secure stock for the busy ‘golden quarter’ – preparing for Halloween, Black Friday, and especially the all-important Christmas rush.
Timings:
- Sunday, September 7th, 2025: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Monday, September 8th, 2025: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, September 9th, 2025: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, September 10th, 2025: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: Both Spring Fair and Autumn Fair are designed specifically for trade professionals and offer great value:
- Free-to-Attend: Excellent news! Entry to both Spring Fair and Autumn Fair is generally FREE for all genuine trade visitors. This includes independent retail store owners, buyers for larger chains, online shop owners, distributors, wholesalers, and anyone looking to start a retail business in the next 12 months. You will need to pre-register online with your business details to receive your complimentary ticket.
- VIP Options: While general entry is free, there may sometimes be VIP or enhanced ticket options available for an extra cost. These can offer perks like fast-track entry, access to exclusive lounges, or other benefits for a more premium experience.
- Children Policy: Both shows are strictly trade-only events. While children under 16 years old are generally advised not to attend, if you do need to bring a child, they will require a special wristband obtained on-site. Visitors aged 16 and over must register as a trade visitor.

Getting There and Finding a Place to Stay

The NEC Birmingham is known for its excellent transport links, making your journey to the fairs straightforward:

By Train: The NEC has its very own train station, Birmingham International, which is directly connected to the exhibition halls via a covered walkway. There are frequent and fast train services from major UK cities, including London Euston (around 1 hour 10 minutes). This is often the quickest and most convenient way to arrive.
By Car: The NEC is located right at the heart of the UK’s motorway network, just off the M42 and easily accessible from the M6, M5, and M40. There is ample parking available on-site, though there is usually a daily charge. Using the postcode B40 1NT for your Sat Nav will take you directly there. Pre-booking parking online can sometimes save you money and time.
By Bus/Coach: Many national coach services travel to Birmingham Coach Station, from where you can take a local train or taxi to the NEC. Local bus services also connect the NEC to Birmingham city centre.
By Air: Birmingham Airport (BHX) is literally next door to the NEC. It’s connected by a free ‘Air-Rail Link’ monorail system that takes just minutes to reach Birmingham International train station (and thus, the NEC). This is incredibly convenient for international or long-distance UK visitors.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, the area around the NEC offers a good variety of accommodation options:

On-site/Near the NEC: For ultimate convenience, there are several hotels located directly on the NEC campus or within a very short walk. These are perfect for early starts and late finishes at the shows. Look for names like the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC, Novotel Birmingham Airport, ibis Styles Birmingham NEC & Airport, and the Genting Hotel at Resorts World Birmingham (which also has shops, restaurants, and entertainment).
Birmingham City Centre: Just a short train ride away (around 10-15 minutes from Birmingham International to Birmingham New Street station), Birmingham city centre offers a much wider selection of hotels, from luxury to budget, along with a huge array of restaurants, shops, and attractions. This is a great option if you want to explore the city in the evenings.
Booking Tip: Both Spring Fair and Autumn Fair are major events in the retail calendar, attracting thousands of visitors and exhibitors. Hotels, especially those closest to the NEC, can get booked up very quickly, and prices may rise closer to the dates. It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance – ideally several months before the show – to secure the best rates and your preferred location.

The Big Benefits: Why You Absolutely Should Be There

Why should you clear your busy schedule for Spring Fair or Autumn Fair? The advantages are immense for any retail business:

Unrivalled Product Sourcing: This is your definitive marketplace for “wholesale gifts, home, fashion, and lifestyle” products. You’ll find hundreds of thousands of items across countless categories – from seasonal decorations and quirky gadgets to high-end homeware, beautiful jewellery, and stylish clothing.
Discover Newness: You’ll be among the very first to see thousands of brand-new product launches and discover exciting new brands. Many exhibitors even offer products exclusive to these shows, giving you a real advantage in stocking unique items your competitors won’t have.
Experience Products First-Hand: Online Browse is one thing, but at the fairs, you can physically see, touch, and even smell the products. This is crucial for judging quality, colour, texture, and how an item will truly look in your store. It helps you buy with confidence.
Meet Your Suppliers Face-to-Face: Build meaningful relationships with existing suppliers and discover new ones. Chat directly with manufacturers, discuss custom orders, negotiate deals, and get a real feel for the people you’ll be working with. Strong relationships can lead to better terms and exclusive access to products.
Identify Key Trends: Stay ahead of the curve by spotting emerging trends in “home,” “gift,” “fashion,” and “lifestyle.” Expert trend zones, curated displays, and insightful talks will help you understand what consumers will be wanting next season and beyond.
Business Insights & Free Learning: Benefit from a packed programme of free seminars and workshops on dedicated stages. Learn from industry experts on topics like retail strategies, marketing tips, visual merchandising, sustainable sourcing, e-commerce growth, and customer engagement. These insights can directly impact your business’s success.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with thousands of fellow retailers, buyers, and industry peers. Share ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from each other’s experiences. These conversations can spark new ideas and valuable collaborations.
Specific Buying Zones: Both fairs are organised into clear ‘destinations’ or zones, making it easy to navigate and find exactly what you’re looking for. This helps you maximise your time and focus on your specific product categories.
Special Show Offers: Many exhibitors offer exclusive discounts, special bundles, or favourable terms only available to buyers who place orders at the show. This can lead to significant savings on your stock purchases.
Inspiring Displays: Beyond just products, the shows feature beautifully designed stands, trend showcases, and visual merchandising ideas that can inspire you to improve your own shop’s layout and displays.

Attending Spring Fair or Autumn Fair isn’t just about placing orders; it’s about immersing yourself in the world of retail, getting inspired, and securing the tools and products you need to make your business flourish. They are essential events for staying competitive and ensuring your shelves are always stocked with what your customers truly desire. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of these definitive marketplaces!

To learn more and book your free trade tickets, visit the official website: https://www.thefairevents.com/