If you are new to the gift and homewares industry, or just want to be sure you are doing all you can to make your business thrive in the current tough economic environment, the buyer orientation program can help.

Saturday 25 February
8:00am – 9:00am
Mezzanine Level, The Dome
Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

Register your interest to George Lancaster via email george@agha.com.au or phone 1300 441 384.

Eryn Behan, Managing Director at Ginger Trend Consulting identified the key trends for this spring/summer in homewares and interiors at the Fair.

“As consumers are becoming more aware of their carbon footprint a long-term emerging trend is the focus on earthy tones with soft and natural colourings,” said Behan.

CTR Imports showcased numerous raw, natural and organic materials. The highlight at this stand was a table crafted from an old fishing boat, which is indicative of the return to re-usables and environmentally friendly furniture.

“Wood is often used in investment pieces; it brings the outdoors into the family space. Whilst it is soft in colouring, it is associated with strength and reliability, perfect for the family kitchen” said Behan.

CTR Imports, Trekka Imports and Villa Maison were all exhibitors who showcased a strong natural theme.

Psychedelic ‘70s-inspired patterns emerged as a key fast-moving trend at the Fair. Zimba demonstrated this with bright mauve and turquoise featuring in heavy patterns in the products on their stand.

“It’s interesting that they have a mixture of long term and short term items in this range. People committing to the trend will invest in the furniture; however they have also catered to those who follow fast-moving trends as evidenced by the disposables such as napkins and plastics said Behan.

“These are great budget-friendly ways of investing in a trend and updating your home for each season, rather than splashing out on items which are going to be outdated come next summer!”

Pastels were also heavily present throughout the Fair with everyone from Laura Ashley to Peter McInnes showcasing new pastel products. Laura Ashley had a lavender selection and Peter McInnes launched a Kitchen Aid range in pink.

ERYN BEHAN IS BASED IN MELBOURNE AND IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS ON UPCOMING INTERIORS TRENDS AS SEEN AT THE FAIR.

Media Contacts:
Avviso Public Relations
02 9368 7277
Katie Moine: katiem@avviso.com.au / 0432 047 568
Erica Roberts: ericar@avviso.com.au / 0468 992 026

The Sydney Home & Giving Fair will take place at Sydney Showground in February; and the Melbourne fair will be located at Melbourne Exhibition Centre and Melbourne Showgrounds in August.

“After examining the performance history of the current industry trade fair calendar, and taking into account the feedback we have received from our members, it becomes abundantly clear that the Australian market is signalling to us that it now only wants two fairs a year,” said David Leek, Chief Executive Officer, AGHA.

“As the peak association for the gift and homewares industry it is our responsibility to ensure we protect our members interests at all times, particularly where this may impact their operating results.

“Both in terms of the cost of exhibiting and the time required to attend, any additional spend over and above these two major fairs has become onerous and unnecessary for most businesses.”

In 2008, research by AGHA revealed that the timing of its Sydney September fair was too late for most of the industry to purchase stock in the run up to Christmas. As a result, this fair moved to a July timeslot in 2009 and 2010.

“Despite our best efforts, the industry has continued to be lukewarm about a second Sydney fair, which for many has become an additional financial burden,” said Leek.  

“In an environment where the retail landscape is constantly shifting and web-based purchasing enables fast turnaround and response to changing market conditions, we believe that the future lies in servicing our members through a mix of face-to-face and digital buying options.

“We will therefore focus our efforts on continuing to provide two world-class trade fairs and developing our web-based purchasing platform, SupplierHaven.”

Further information: Contact AGHA on 1300 441 384 or email info@homeandgiving.com.au

Media Enquiries:
Avviso PR: 02 9368 7277
Erin Huckle: erinh@avviso.com.au / 0432 977 529
Paul Fahy: paulf@avviso.com.au / 0413 162 724

Should you require any of these services contact Gaffneys directly on 1300 013 533 or by email info@esslogistics.com.au.

www.esslogistics.com.au

www.harrythehirer.com.au

www.infosalons.com.au

For more information, please feel free to contact The Lido Group on 02 8585 0808 or free call on 1800 817 339.

www.lido.com.au

The venue is located at on Epsom Road, Ascot Vale. Should you have any enquiries regarding Melbourne Showgrounds you can contact them directly on 03 9281 7444.

www.melbourneshowgrounds.com