Practical insights, data-backed strategies and future-facing inspiration will take centre stage at Spring Fair’s new The Merchant’s Corner feature.
Designed to bring together leading independent retailers, retail strategists and high-street champions to share what’s really working in today’s market, the area will see a series of talks during the show.
They begin on 1 February with eCommerce Best Practices, as CDA’s Stuart Alldis shares the mistakes to avoid, the metrics that matter and why discovery stages save money and maximise returns. This is followed by Hard Times, Smart Retail with Anna Donoghue, Piglet in Bed; Shirley Maciver, Orange Blossom; Graham Soult, CannyInsights and Catherine Erdly, Resilient Retail Club who reveal the tactics keeping independent retailers profitable, blending digital tools, alternative revenue streams and smarter margin management. Future Vision: Charting Your ‘26 Direction will outline the powerful macro-shifts shaping retail and how to lead change instead of chasing it. The day ends with Independent and Irreplaceable, looking at people-first strategies that turn shops into beloved community anchors.
The second day of the show sees The Faire Forecast 2026; Invisible Influence: Social Commerce 2026 and The Growth Map: Scaling from One Shop to Seven.
3 February sees topics include The High Street Comeback, eCommerce Best Practices, Retail Ahead of the Curve and AI.
