The gift fairs in Sydney got off to a great start with Life Instyle seeing twice as many attendees on day one as last year and exhibitors selling record amounts on the floor over a short period of time.
Held from 18 to 21 February at the ICC, Darling Harbour, and co-located with Reed Gift Fairs, the show offered something for every buyer.
“It has been so exciting seeing the crowds coming in and listening to the feedback about how many positive interactions the exhibitors are already having,” said marketing manager of Life Instyle, Annabelle Arch, after the first day.
“One exhibitor had done $10,000 worth of sales in the first 10 minutes. It already feels like a very positive moment for the retail industry.”
Indeed, an excited buzz filled the air as people were able to do face-to-face business again.
“We’re very buoyant and happy to take part,” exhibitor Jennifer Sampson of Jones & Co said.
“People still want to touch and feel new products. It has been great to be surrounded by other, like-minded artisan brands. We’ve been doing trade shows for 16 years and are still getting new customers. This is our third Life Instyle show and it’s amazing and really suits our vibe. We have tried other trade shows, but this is by far our favourite trade show.”
Fiona O’Donnell of The Perfume Oil Company raved about the fact they signed up five new stockists before 10am, while sustainable water bottle brand Worthy founder, Angela Michel, added that it wasn’t just about selling your product, the co-branding and networking opportunities are just as important.
“We’ve been able to make some really good connections already on the floor and it’s great to have an eco-focus neighbourhood around us as well with like-minded companies,” she said.
This year’s event had a particular focus on sustainability, eco-friendly and ethically-made companies like Worthy water bottles and Ocean Beds, 100% sustainable dog beds, which attracted many visitors to their booths, all eager to have the latest green products available in their stores.
