Christmas is one of the busiest periods for retailers and the ultimate opportunity to boost their profits both online and offline.
The Australian homewares industry is worth about $1.4 billion and will continue to grow according to recent research. With seasonally adjusted retail spending sitting at $25.6 billion in December 2016, Christmas is the time for retailers to put in their best effort to drive sales and retain customers.
However, as consumers’ shopping habits have changed―what they see online they expect to find in-store as well and vice versa―retailers need to increasingly align their online and bricks-and-mortar offerings.
Melbourne Reed Gift Fairs’ main focus this August is on how to maximise business across both the digital and real world space. This includes the Retail Therapy: Real World vs Digital World education series covering topics such as social media planning, website development and visual merchandising 101.
“The Christmas and summer retail period is one of the busiest for the industry, and we’re bringing together not only the newest products and trends, but also the advice that retailers need to best plan for a period that matters significantly to their businesses,” says Louisa Theobald, event director.
Research shows trade fairs are not only the preferred channel for retailers to source product information, but these events remain the number one channel for procurement/sales for both visitors and exhibitors in the four year-outlook.
As one of Australia’s largest events in the gift industry, Reed Gift Fairs, held from 5 to 9 August, will have more than 700 exhibitors showcasing their newest products and brands ranging from homewares, jewellery and furniture to toys, gifts and stationery, ensuring retailers can make the most of the season’s rush and stay up to date on the latest trends.
By Marion Gerritsen
