Autumn Fair will host its most ambitious and retailer-focused content programme with more than 30 short, high-impact sessions from 7-10 September.
‘We’ve designed the Autumn Fair content programme to reflect the urgent conversations happening on Britain’s high streets and the need for retailers to think differently and act decisively. This year, our inspiring speakers are not just experts, they’re entrepreneurs, activists and innovators who understand the challenges independents face and bring tangible, real-world solutions. The programme will focus on peer-driven insight, strategy-rich workshops, and stories of real transformation,’ says Soraya Gadelrab, Autumn Fair event director.
There will be three keynote speakers: Harriet Hastings, The Biscuiteers ceo and creative director will share her journey from kitchen table to luxury gifting empire: from launching online in 2007 to creating bespoke treats for luxury brands like Dior and Burberry; Bruce Langlands, Trotters ceo will discuss his journey from executive roles at Harrods and Selfridges to leading the children’s brand, sharing insights on revitalising heritage brands, creating meaningful customer experiences and the art of strategic partnerships and Priya Aurora-Crowe, owner of 20-store homewares and gift chain Lark London will give ‘an uncompromisingly honest’ conversation about building the company in today’s retail landscape.
Visitors can see a behind-the-scenes look at The Retail Makeover Mission competition for independent retailers in partnership with SaveTheHighStreet.org; Future-Proofing Your Retail Business explores future-facing trends, trade tips on adapting to change and strategies for staying nimble, relevant and resilient.
Making Your Store Unmissable invites retailers to step into a design-thinking sandbox to reimagine their in-store experience, with Alex Schlagman, SaveTheHighStreet.org founder; Visual Merchandising Principles sees visual merchandising specialist Sarah Manning (pictured), who has more than 25 years of experience at retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Marks & Spencer, present a masterclass in creating Christmas displays that truly sell.
Trendhub will offer three trend forecasts: Future Trends in Homeware and Festive explores how the homeware market is evolving for season AW26/27; Kids Trends: Future Nostalgia & The Perfect Parent Paradox looks at future nostalgia for season AW26/27 through the lost art of slowing down and added complexities of the Perfect Parent paradox while Womenswear & Accessories: Elevated Classics examines AW26/27 fashion trends.
Workshops include Indie Strategies: Small Budget, Big Impact, which will see independent retailers share smart marketing hacks, creative pop-up formats, and collective buying power tips; Supply Chain Solutions for the Little Guys will be a fast-moving networking session with suppliers and retailers brainstorming smarter logistics, discussing shared warehousing and group buying options and uncovering practical supply chain strategies and Sustainability That Sells will explore how to turn eco values into revenue with co-created circular concepts.
Discussions include inclusive product strategy, licensing, innovative approaches to physical retail spaces, including flexible leasing models, multi-brand collaborations and community-focused retail concepts and social media.
‘We’re not adding content for content’s sake. This is about giving retailers real-world strategies and actionable insights that can make a genuine difference to your business, from marketing on a shoestring, to making a store unmissable, to understanding the trends customers will care about next. These are short, impactful sessions that respect visitors time and focus on what matters: helping them buy smarter, sell better, and future-proof their business, all while staying connected to the wider retail community facing the same challenges,’ says Gadelrab.
