More than 500 suppliers, thousands of products and one destination where retailers can see, touch and order the stock that will shape the next season. Photos: Reed Gift Fairs.
Retailers from all corners of Australia and beyond are set to converge once again in Sydney for Australia’s leading and largest wholesale retail trade fair.
This February, Reed Gift Fairs returns to Darling Harbour, where hundreds of exhibitors will inspire retailers with products designed to set their stores apart.
For business owners emerging from the Christmas rush, shelves thinned and customers already looking towards the next season, Reed Gift Fairs has become the ultimate chance to restock, discover what’s coming and buy with confidence.
Complementing this is a free education component aimed at boosting retailers’ knowledge and business skills.
Cory McCarrick, portfolio director for Reed Gift Fairs, operated by RX Australia, says it’s with good reason that retailers come from far and wide for the four-day event.
“We get retailers travelling in from as far as Western Australia, the Northern Territory and even New Zealand to attend because there’s nothing like this anywhere else,” he says. “For most busy business owners, if you’re going to take the time, effort and expense to visit Sydney, it’s only worth your while if there’s volume.”
February is peak buying time for these retailers looking to replenish stock post festive season, source products for the next season and give customers every incentive to continue their patronage.
More than 350 wholesalers, importers and distributors will offer products across home and decor, gift and lifestyle, fashion and accessories, kids and family, beauty and wellness and, brand new this year, garden and outdoor living. There will also be providers of services such as POS and eftpos, or stock control management systems.
Buyers range from small businesses such as independent gift shops, pharmacies, newsagencies and post offices to enterprise department stores like David Jones, Myer, Harvey Norman and Bunnings.
Statistics show that about 85 per cent of retailers who attend Reed Gift Fairs purchase products on the spot. Roughly the same amount also place orders after the show for high volumes of products at wholesale prices.
Aside from its mainstream categories, Reed Gift Fairs taps into two important niche markets with high consumer demand.
The first is Breakthrough Brands and innovative products new to the market.
“We’re talking about products that tend to have a smaller footprint, that have only just stepped into the market,” Cory says. “You won’t find them just anywhere, and they’re popular because retailers come to the fair to discover something they haven’t seen before; something that will excite their customers.”
Organisers also champion certified Australian-made products across many industries at the “Australian-Made Pavilion”.
“Retailers tell us more and more, customers are asking for Aussie-made products,” Cory says.
To top it off, the fair offers a free educational seminar series called Retail Therapy, featuring industry experts presenting podcasts and live talks. These drop-in sessions give retailers practical insights and strategies to upskill and grow their businesses.
One of the greatest recommendations for trade fairs over online shopping is their tactility.
That’s a big boon for retailers, who take much greater risks than consumers, due to the quantities they buy.
“We heard a lot of stories when we closed down due to COVID, of retailers forced to buy pallets of products online and when they arrived, they were not at all what they expected,” Cory says.
“When you order online, you have no true idea of the size, colours, materials or quality of the products until they arrive. At Reed Gift Fairs, you can feel the fabric of the dress, test the comfort of the chair, smell the fragrance of the candle.”
There’s also the surprise and delight factor.
Cory says many retailers come in for one specific kind of product, and discover products they never knew they wanted or needed.
“Most of all, people come to be inspired by products that will keep their customers coming back.”
The Reed Gift Fairs is held at the International Convention Centre Sydney from Saturday 14 February to Tuesday 17 February, 9 am to 6 pm. Register now (trade only).
