28 March 2024, 08:54
By Furniture News Apr 25, 2018

Global Handicraft to launch at Autumn Fair

Autumn Fair, taking place at the Birmingham NEC from 2nd-5th September, is launching Global Handicraft, a showcase of artisanal products from across the world.

According to organiser Ascential Events, the £3b UK craft industry is growing by +4.5% a year, and the artisanal trend has become a key feature of the global home and gift market. Global Handicraft at Autumn Fair 2018 will see manufacturers offer bespoke ranges from jewellery to fine ceramics, and exotic textiles to quirky lighting. It will also feature live demonstrations by craftspeople, and seminars for retailers looking to take advantage of this market.

Louise Young, MD of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, says: “Consumers have made it clear they want to connect with the products they buy, and know how they were created and the story behind their purchases. With this new section, buyers can get their hands on products that are handmade, inspiring and steeped in culture, and get their orders in ahead of the competition.

“Global trend forecaster, WGSN, has been tracking this trend for a long time, and they also predict it will become increasingly important across all interiors categories in the seasons to come.

“Autumn Fair is retailers’ gateway to the golden quarter and key retail spikes such as Easter and Mother’s Day. The show is perfectly timed for short orders and the key holiday selling period, as well as giving retailers the chance to be the first to see and order products for 2019. Handicraft is a growing source of revenue across the industry, from independent gift retailers to multi-store high street retailers.”

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