In another major announcement for the gift and homewares industry, Reed Gift Fairs and Life Instyle have decided to move their events to October.
The news won’t come as a huge surprise as many trade fairs, locally and overseas, have been cancelled or postponed over the last few months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We cannot shy away from the fact the Covid-19 has imposed an unprecedented shift in the way we now do business and conduct our lives,” says Vicki Rossi, exhibition director Reed Gift Fairs.
“Like much of the retail industry, we are navigating this new reality and look forward with optimism.”
While the organisers have tried hard to make it all happen on its original date of 1-5 August, they realised it was just not feasible. In a statement they recognised it is imperative for everyone involved to adapt to these unprecedented circumstances.
“Therefore, after close consultation with our stakeholders and in order to provide the retail community the time to prepare, we are pleased to announce that Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne will now take place from 9 to 12 October 2020.”
Retailers will be able to source from over 500 brands including a curated collection of boutique goods as well as the leading wholesalers in home and giftware, adds Rossi.
“Complementing the buying experience will also be strategically relevant and informative education offering, available free of charge to support small business recovery.”
The move to October also means Life Instyle and Reed Gift Fair will be co-located at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre for the first time, providing the safest, easiest and most convenient event possible.
“The Life Instyle and Reed Gift Fairs teams understand and appreciate the level of planning that is required to participate in an event like ours. We will do our utmost to help our customers, partners and attendees to prepare for safe and successful participation on the new dates.”
Retail is in the midst of an evolution and while 2020 will see us all having to adapt, this re-calibration also sets us up for a bright future, adds Life Instyle exhibition director, Flyn Roberts.
“Buoyed by the success of our recent co-location for the Sydney 2020 event at the ICC, by bringing the two events together under one roof, we create an opportunity to unite and re-connect our community, in a safe and inspiring environment, to reignite retail,” she says.
Recently, AGHA Gift Fairs cancelled its Melbourne gift fair at the MCEC, which was scheduled for 1 to 5 August, running concurrently with Reed Gift Fair.
