In line with Reed Gift Fairs’ postponement of the Melbourne gift fair, Life instyle has also moved its fair from August to September and will again be co-located with Reed at the MCEC.
Earlier this year Life Instyle organisers announced they had lost their ‘home’ at the Royal Exhibition Building due to it being used by the government for vaccination purposes, however, it turns out to be a blessing in disguise―now retailers don’t have to travel between venues and can do all their sourcing in one location.
The decision was made with visitors and exhibitors’ health and safety in mind, but still wanting to give them the opportunity to meet face to face, and see all the new products and ranges up close.
“Although the impacts of Covid-19 have been with us for longer than anyone may have originally expected, the last 18 months have shown how resilient our community can be and we remain committed to work together to get Australia’s vibrant retail industry back to business in the safest and most engaging way possible,” says Life Instyle event director, Flyn Roberts.
“The support from our exhibitors was a major driver to find an alternative solution and has been backed up by our recent survey to retailers, with 70 per cent confirming they would attend both Reed Gift Fairs and Life Instyle in September.
“We thank all our exhibitors and retailers for their patience, positivity and ongoing support and we can’t wait to meet face to face again in Melbourne.”
Lisa P, co-founder of exhibitor Lisa & Alex, says that while they are disappointed, especially since Melbourne has not had a trade fair for a while, due to the circumstances they feel that it is best that the fair has been postponed and not cancelled.
“Melbourne has suffered the most and we need the trade fairs to continue to bring some life back into our retail sectors here,” she says.
“It would have been great to have had the fair now but, considering how many states have been in lockdown it would have meant less people would have attended so it is probably the best decision at this stage.”
Pip Brett, owner of retail store Jumbled, loves going to trade fairs including Life Instyle and she was sad to hear about the date change as she will be busy with a women’s business event called The Huddle for 700 women in orange around the same time.
“It is disappointing to have it change again when everyone was so excited about this fair. The buzz was out there with retailers,” she says.
Brett adds that with no trade fairs she been seeking out stock and new suppliers all year around. “I am now not just waiting for the fairs to order or discover newness. Plus I think brands are also seeking out retailers all year round as opposed to waiting for someone to walk past a stand.”
Life Instyle will now be held from Friday 17 September to Sunday 19 September.
