In a major confidence boost for the industry, Gift & Lifestyle will be the first retail trade event returning to the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre (MCEC) this month.
Running from 20 to 22 March, the fair gives retailers, buyers and suppliers an opportunity to meet in person, get to understand and see what’s new in the gift space and reignite relationships―all of which are critical to building a successful retail business.
Darren Waite, director of sales at MCEC, says the venue is thrilled to welcome back trade shows and exhibitions.
“At MCEC we are incredibly proud to be acknowledged as a standout venue for Covid-safety, which means we can start the return of business events, exhibitions and conferences at MCEC,” he says.
“These trade shows and exhibitions are the lifeblood of what we do at MCEC and it is so exciting to see some of our most valued customers able to fill our building again.”
Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director of Expertise Events which organises the Gift & Lifestyle Fair, says that after 14 months it is a relief to see the return of live events.
“For us being first, we appreciate that we are on show for so many reasons, the most important being to demonstrate that live events bring communities together and will aid in Australia’s, Victoria’s and Melbourne’s economic recovery,” he says.
“Getting to this point underlines the partnership approach MCEC have adopted during this difficult time. We have high praise for their team’s ‘can do’ attitude to navigating both important health requirements and the commercial realities of running a show.”
The fair is a showcase of some of the greatest independent Aussie manufacturers and suppliers currently in the market, featuring exhibitors from all areas such as gift, jewellery, baby, and garden (just to name a few).
So what can retailers expect to see at the fair? We asked four gift and homewares wholesalers what exciting things they have in store for Melbourne.
Nicola Caras, Journey Of Something
Describe your business in three words…
Play. Gift. Art.
What are you most looking forward to at the Gift & Lifestyle Fair in Melbourne?
We love meeting new customers and connecting with our existing customers―we are always up for a chat and a giggle. Trade shows can be a lot of fun … if you wear sensible shoes.
What new products should retailers look for at the fair?
This is our first time at the Melbourne Gift & Lifestyle Fair so we are hoping to introduce the art puzzle (puzzles you can frame) to a new audience. Our new products are Art Cubes and Sparkle Art. If you don’t know what those are, come check out our stand.
What is the one piece of advice you would give retailers visiting the fair?
Take the time to make your way around the whole fair and see every stand. You never know what you might find around the corner.
David Danziger, Pilbeam
Describe your business in three words…
Unique….fun…innovative.
What are you most looking forward to at the Gift & Lifestyle Fair in Melbourne?
Seeing our customers again and meeting new retailers.
What new products should retailers look for at the fair?
Our new lighting ranges, learn and play for kids and new collections in home fragrance.
What is the one piece of advice you would give retailers visiting the fair?
Look for new opportunities in order to stand out from the rest… And enjoy shopping!
Heath Agostini-deBruyn, Urban Products
Describe your business in three words…
Dynamic, forward focused, on-trend.
What are you most looking forward to at the Gift & Lifestyle Fair in Melbourne?
Our entire team is looking forward to connecting with our customers, both old and new, we really enjoy the engagement a trade fair brings with our retailers.
What new products should retailers look for at the fair?
The ongoing trend of earthy tones and neutrals colours are perfect for autumn. There is still a strong focus on indoor pots and home décor to bring a sense of style in your home and workspaces. Urban Products is delighted to be showing almost 2,000 products for the first time at Gift & Lifestyle Melbourne including Christmas, garden, home and fashion.
What is the one piece of advice you would give retailers visiting the fair?
Always shop with an open mind and look for something a little out of the box to bring a sense of wonder to your store.
Dallas Heaton, Bluyonda
Describe your business in three words…
Creative. Engaging. Inspiring.
What are you most looking forward to at the Gift & Lifestyle Fair in Melbourne?
Welcoming new and current retail partners and learning about their businesses.
What new products should retailers look for at the fair?
Our new collection of nine Australian themed feather-light pure silk Tabbi Scarves such as Hidden Koalas, Ned Kelly, Trestle Bridge, Stamps from the Past and Pastoral Country.
What is the one piece of advice you would give retailers visiting the fair?
Come with an open mind to view a variety of stalls and enjoy your day.
