What you can expect at this Spring NZ Gift & Homeware Fair 2021... with Sandi Mulder.
It's the Retail event everyone is talking about.
It's got the power to "supercharge" your wholesale purchasing because you can visit over 300 suppliers offering the latest trends in homeware and gifts in one hit.
Today I get to chat with Gift Sales & Event Manager for XPO Exhibitions Ltd, Sandi Mulder.
She talks about what's on offer at the Spring NZ Gift & Homeware Fair this August, and what her secret is to securing stock in 2021.
Susan: Sandi, hi! Thanks for joining me today.
The Spring Gift & Homeware Fair is right around the corner, and we’re looking forward to a great event this month. To get us warmed up, I wonder if you could tell us about some of the things you’re working on now in preparation?
Sandi: Ensuring all the finer details are checked and checked again! We have just finalised our ‘Gift’ Magazine so that’s ready to send to print and post to thousands of retailers. We have last minute floor plan updates, answering further exhibitor enquiries, finalising signage for around the fair and lots, lots more.
Susan: What’s going to be different this time to other Gift Fairs?
Sandi: This is the first Spring Gift Fair since 2019 due to COVID and so we can’t wait to welcome everyone back! We have had incredibly successful Autumn and Winter Gift Fairs earlier this year so this will be a biggie! We have over 60 new exhibitors to this fair, giving retailers new products / ranges to choose from and freshen up their offerings. Retail Revisited has a new line up with NZ Post, Socialites, Pure SEO and the return of Shopify, Retail NZ and Cyberworkshop and we are giving away 60 vouchers of $250+gst for lucky visitors to spend with their favourite exhibitors.
Susan: I enjoy listening to the live events you organise because they create a lot of value for your attendees. Who are the speakers you’ve lined up for us this time and what will they be speaking about?
Sandi: Our seminars are based around the theme of Retail Revisited, a series of workshops and seminars focussing on providing retailers with the help and tools to get their shop online. COVID has changed the way many do business and while you can’t beat Face to Face selling and the traditional bricks and mortar stores, Retail Revisited will help our attendees to improve on what they have or how to trade online to compliment their traditional sales channels. The list of speakers and topics can be found here:
https://www.giftfairs.co.nz/visitors/gift-fairs/spring-2021/retail-revisited/
Susan: How has Covid affected things this year with the Trans Tasman bubble?
Sandi: We were excited that the bubble finally opened as it meant a return of our regular (and new) exhibitors from Australia. We still had some Australians Exhibitors at the Autumn Fair as some have reps in NZ but not all do. We had a lot of new wholesalers make bookings for Spring and unfortunately had to cancel them all apart from those that do have reps here. We will certainly miss our Aussie mates as it is likely with the current outbreak in Australia they will not have a gift fair until 2022.
Susan: And we all saw the headlines in the news a couple of months back, with the ASB Showgrounds going into liquidation. It was a little concerning whether we’d have a show this year! What are the developments there and what do you think the future of the event will be?
Sandi: The future of the Auckland Showgrounds is positive with the venue set up and open for business again. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Spring Gift later this month and to the Gift Fairs for many years to come.
Susan: Many attendees come to the Gift Fair year after year. But for those who haven’t been before and are considering attending this time, what are the key benefits of attending?
Sandi: It’s the only place you can visit over 300 suppliers all under one roof! You can stock your shelves in one hit by simply visiting the Fair. It’s the only place that retailers, trade and corporate buyers can source the latest on trend products that will set themselves apart from their competitors.
At NZ Gift Fairs, all participants have access to networking events and educational seminars and workshops making the fairs an essential event in the Retail industry calendar.
Susan: How many halls will there be this time?
Sandi: Three.
Susan: And finally, what’s your message for people coming along this year and who do they get in touch with for any questions?
Sandi: Don’t miss out! This is the largest Fair and so incredibly important for stocking retailers shelves for the busy Christmas and summer season ahead. You should arrive early to secure your stock as we all know supply lines and stock levels have been a challenge in 2021. If you see something you like be sure to secure it because it won’t last – especially with our new exhibitors with products never seen before as these won’t last. Retailers can register to attend for free at www.giftfairs.co.nz or give us call on 09 976 8300 and we will be pleased to help you out.
Susan:Thanks Sandi. I really appreciate your insight, and we’re all looking forward to this fabulous event later this month!