Attire Accessories - Nov/Dec 2018 (Issue 73)

16 Check out all the important news and dates for your business diary… BUBBLE RELAUNCHES AT PURE LONDON Pure London is delighted to announce that children’s fashion trade show Bubble is relaunching at Pure London for the February 2019 edition. Lindsay Hoyes, event director, Bubble London says: “Pure London provides a perfect new home for Bubble, and I am delighted that the childrenswear industry will now be able to participate in the largest trade fashion event in the UK and experience the business opportunities this comprehensive offer will undoubtedly generate for buyers and brands alike.” Gloria Sandrucci, head of sales at Pure London added: “News of Bubble’s closure caused huge disappointment in the industry. Following Pure London’s sale to ITE Group, our introduction of Pure Kid last season and lengthy research among retailers and brands, it became apparent how much the industry wants and needs a platform for kids. Pure London now offers its visitors womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and sourcing show Origin all under one roof, creating London’s largest festival of fashion.” The next Pure London takes place at Olympia London from the 10 th -12 th February, 2019. Visit www.purelondon.com ON WITH THE SHOW AUTUMN FAIR WOWS ONCE AGAIN Taking place in September, Autumn Fair saw 1,200 exhibitors take over NEC Birmingham for five days of negotiation and inspiration. More than 200,000 new products were on show, with visitors stocking up for the festive period and spring season. Attendees included buyers, visual merchandisers and owners from independents, multis, e-tailers, tourist and leisure destinations. Across the fair’s four live theatres, buyers were able to gain valuable market insights and updates on the trends that are driving consumer spending throughout the golden quarter and beyond. Visitors to the main stage had the opportunity to hear from business guru Theo Paphitis and notonthehighstreet.com ’s Holly Tucker. Both leaders shared insights from their journeys, as well as advice and predictions for the next 12 months. There was also a new dedicated section for the best of Theo’s #SBS (Small Business Saturday) community. Designed specifically to celebrate the endeavours of independent start-ups, the initiative got off to an impressive start, with many exhibitors reporting orders before arriving at the fair. Another new addition was the Product Match service, featuring 63,955 items and recommendations and 17,410 matches. Buyers were also able to visit the Global Handicraft and DesignFirst showcases. In the former, international artisanal manufacturers presented a range of soft furnishings, textiles, jewellery, home décor, ceramics and lighting. DesignFirst saw exhibitors from three show sectors display everything from artisanal soaps to handmade jewellery, offering an insight into some of the UK’s most quirky manufacturers. The show’s new owner, ITE Plc has also announced a major investment programme for next year’s edition. Newly organised halls will improve visitor flow and facilitate greater crossover buyer opportunities, with content that will encourage multiples to source more private labels and own brands with exhibitors at the show. In addition, a new programme will focus on increasing attendance from online and international retailers. “Looking forward, Autumn Fair is evolving as we embrace the structural changes in the market,” adds Louise. “Consumers have not stopped buying goods, but the way they buy has changed. In 2019, both Spring and Autumn Fairs are well-positioned to continue providing a great proposition for retailers. With the new re-edit plans, we’re looking to optimise the fair experience for visitors and exhibitors, including updating show sectors to present opportunities for crossover buying and better enabled networking. As the hub for all of retail, 2019 will offer buyers tangible, profitable insights that will help them stay ahead of the curve.” Go to autumnfair.com for details.