DIY on the rise at Spring Fair
Published: 6 June 2017 - Jenny Wonnacott
The DIY and home improvement sector at the 2018 Spring Fair is going to be bigger and better than its debut outing earlier this year.
This year's Spring Fair marked the show's first foray into DIY for several years, and next year promises to be even bigger
Spring Fair's organisers have confirmed that next year's DIY and home improvement sector will be expanded to cater for increased demand from the industry's leading businesses. With the success of 2017's outing still resounding, organisers say that next year's show will “provide retailers with a platform to source the latest home improvement merchandise, from power tools and fastenings to paint.”
This year's DIY section at Spring Fair “attracted the most diverse audience in the show's history,” according to exhibitors. Said Akzo Nobel channel sales manager James Nash: “Spring Fair gave us the opportunity to talk to a wide audience. The Spring Fair team delivered great support that really enhanced the proposition in comparison to alternative shows. We look forward to 2018 being bigger and better, with more suppliers supporting the show.”
Home Hardware chief executive Martin Elliott added: “We were delighted by the response at Spring Fair and we met with over 50 of our existing retailers and had several new enquiries which have led to several more trading with Home Hardware. The timing of the show is ideal, particularly for the DIY and home improvement sector as it’s just ahead of our peak selling period.”
Several large industry names have already signed up for next year's show, including BIRA, Stax, Mica, Home Hardware, Hamble Distribution Ltd, DK Tools, Akzo Nobel, Wilsons, Centurion, PlastiKote, Nexus and National Abrasives. Two newcomers include Rolson Tools and V-Tac Exports.
Spring Fair's portfolio director Nick Davison added: “We were delighted with the industry’s response to us launching the DIY & Home Improvement sector at Spring Fair. As a show that delivers the latest in home interiors, this area perfectly complements our traditional offering.
“The enquiries we’ve had over the last three months have forced us to expand the sector to fit new exhibitors in alongside those who have rebooked. With the economy remaining uncertain many people will continue to invest in DIY so this area of the show is hugely important to retailers looking to capitalise on that trend.”
Next year's Spring Fair takes place at the NEC from February 4-8.