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As part of Spring Fair’s Love Letters to Retail, we’re celebrating the people, passion and creativity that make the retail industry so special. From independent businesses and emerging brands to the people helping others find their feet, every story offers a different perspective on what makes retail worth falling in love with.
Why do you partner with Spring Fair?
Great business happens when the right people come together, and that's exactly what Spring Fair delivers. For GIMA members, it's an opportunity to open doors to new markets, connect with buyers they might not ordinarily meet and showcase their products to a much broader audience. It's also a brilliant opportunity for us to champion the garden industry, forge new relationships and introduce more businesses to the value of being part of the GIMA community.
What are you most excited for at Spring Fair in 2027?
There's nothing quite like the buzz of a busy trade show! We're looking forward to catching up with familiar faces, making new connections and discovering the products, ideas and innovations that will shape retail in the year ahead. The Garden Centre Christmas Awards are another real highlight, celebrating the imagination, creativity and hard work that goes into creating truly memorable retail experiences.
What's your top tip for buyers visiting the show for the first time?
Don't just stick to your shopping list! Some of the best opportunities come from the suppliers you didn't know you were looking for. Take time to explore, venture into unfamiliar sectors, ask questions and be open to something different. That unexpected conversation or exciting new product could be the very thing that sets your business apart next season.
Your Love Letter to Retail
There's something quite magical about retail. That moment when a customer discovers something they didn't know they needed. The excitement of a new product landing on the shelves. The satisfaction of seeing a brilliant idea become a bestseller. But behind every one of those moments are people. People who take risks, challenge conventions, spot opportunities and pour their energy into creating something special. That's what we love about retail. It's constantly evolving, endlessly creative and powered by people who genuinely care about what they do. And nowhere is that more evident than in the garden industry, where innovation, inspiration and a genuine passion for products come together to create something pretty extraordinary.
At GIMA, we have the privilege of working alongside some of those brilliant businesses every day, from ambitious newcomers to established names that continue to push boundaries. So, here's our love letter to the retailers who bring products to life, the suppliers who keep raising the bar and the people whose passion keeps our industry moving forward. Retail isn't just about what we sell. It's about the connections we make, the experiences we create and the reasons we give customers to keep coming back. And that's something worth celebrating.
If you like what you've seen here, why not join us in person for the retail event of the season? Spring Fair runs from 7-10 February 2027 at the NEC, Birmingham. Register for free here, and join our newsletter for the latest updates before the show.