Autumn Fair opens with strong retailer turnout
Autumn Fair opened at NEC Birmingham on 6 September with a strong turnout of retailers and buyers, as the industry began preparing for the Golden Quarter.
More than 800 exhibitors across Gift, Home and Fashion are showcasing thousands of products, with over 25% of brands new to the show and more than 30% exclusive to Autumn Fair.
Product discovery has been central to the opening day, with buyers seeking new suppliers, emerging brands and potential bestsellers across gifting, interiors, fashion, beauty, food, toys and lifestyle.
Retailers highlighted the value of being able to discover and assess products in person, while exhibitors reported positive footfall, new accounts and strong order activity.
Garden centres were also represented, with exhibitors noting the growing importance of the sector. The opportunity created by bringing Autumn Fair and Glee together was highlighted as a key reason for some brands attending.
The show’s content programme featured expert sessions covering visual merchandising, customer trust, licensing and AI, alongside the first Pitch Live competition for Fashion, Accessories & Jewellery. Wilderly by Mama Movement was named the winner.
Autumn Fair also launched a campaign calling for a minimum of 90 minutes’ free parking in town and city centres across England. The Parliamentary petition highlights parking as a way to increase footfall and support independent retailers.
Autumn Fair Event Director Matthew Mein said the opening day demonstrated strong demand for new products and suppliers, alongside important conversations about the future of retail and high streets.
The show continues on 7 September, with Gift and Home newness, award-winning products, Pitch Live – Home & Gift, retail crime, social media, live shopping and AI among the highlights.
Autumn Fair takes place at NEC Birmingham from 6–9 September 2026.
Glee 2026 takes place 8–10 September 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.
All exhibitors and visitors to Autumn Fair & Glee benefit from free parking at the NEC.
Looking ahead to 2027, Autumn Fair and Glee will align their September dates, with Autumn Fair taking place from 5–8 September 2027 and Glee from 6–8 September 2027 at the NEC Birmingham.
For more information and to register, visit www.autumnfair.com / www.gleebirmingham.com