Attire Accessories - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 75)

34 Who are next year’s standout newcomers for the accessories sector? For the next show, we have more than 90 accessories brands confirmed to attend, and we are looking forward to welcoming newcomers, including Fraas, Hill & How, Tilley, Soruka, Caribee, Totto, Zohara and Hype Watches. Who are the must-see returning brands? Our key returning fashion accessories brands include Fiorelli, Kenneth Cole, Kipling, Bessie London, Pia Rossini, Gionni, Cachet London, Otto Kessler, David Jones, and Superbia. We also welcome back Just Sheepskin, F&J collection and Inter City Watches. Returning leather companies include Gianni Conti, Lakeland, Golunski and Primehide – these companies are always popular with our buyers. Are you introducing any new concepts to the show this year? INDX is a buyer- and business-focused show, and this is a proven format that continues to be successful. We will be maintaining this approach to ensure INDX remains an enjoyable and stress-free event and retains its must-visit status. What’s the biggest change being made for this year’s show? The biggest change for INDX this year is that we are moving to earlier dates, which was a result of listening to our buyer feedback. Our first show of 2019 will now take place in March, and the second-half show will take place in September. What are your predicted visitor numbers? INDX focuses on providing a professional buying environment, and therefore admission to the show is strictly limited to retailers only. We have built up a very loyal visitor base of department stores, garden centres and quality independents from all across the UK, and we expect to welcome buyers representing around 350 stores this season. Why should retailers attend the event? There are so many reasons! I have been an accessories buyer for the past 15 years, so when it came to organising the INDX Accessories show, I used my own experience of visiting trade shows to compile a list of priorities. According to the amazing feedback we receive each season, the main reasons retailers should attend INDX are that it is held at our centrally located, easy-to-reach, purpose-built venue, Cranmore Park, which offers free onsite parking right outside the door – no need for shuttle buses! INDX delivers a carefully selected exhibitor list, specifically curated for the independent sector, featuring an exciting selection of commercially relevant brands for all levels of retail, including brands that do not exhibit at any other trade show. The show offers a friendly, relaxed and professional buying environment and a very warm welcome. To ensure buyers enjoy their visit and do not have to worry about additional expenses, INDX also provides free refreshments through our partners Café Azzurro in addition to free lunch (there is such a thing!), which always gets the thumbs up! Is there anything else you’d like to add? All buyers and exhibitors are invited to join us for complimentary after- show drinks and canapés, taking place in the main exhibition hall on the middle day of the show. This is always a well-attended couple of hours and a pleasant way to unwind after a busy day of buying. INDX is renowned for its cool-kid product offering, and this year’s Accessories event looks set to be no different. We chat to show organiser Amanda Partridge about what’s in store Who: INDX Accessories, indxshow.co.uk/accessories What: A show focused on giving buyers and retailers the best purchasing experience Where: Cranmore Park Exhibition Centre, Solihull When: 26 th -28 th March, 2019 DARE TO BE DIFFERENT