57 PROFILE XPO FAIRS T: +44 (0)208 781 1106 www.thegiftfair.com www.xpofairs.com environment is not like anything you’ve seen before – it’s not a website, directory or meeting scheduler. Every aspect is designed to make trade shows faster, cheaper, easier and better. You can set up a stand in minutes without the pain and hassle of the design and build. You can visit whenever you like from wherever you like. All of this at a fraction of the cost, especially when you consider travel, accommodation and all those other costs involved. An XpoFair also eliminates the unnecessary carbon-footprint and scandalous waste from traditional trade shows by well over 90 percent. I know a lot of people will be sceptical, we know seeing is believing so drop us a line and we will give you a demo – we are really proud of it. Why do you think now is the time for online tradeshows? There has been a shift in our society towards embracing online alternatives. Virtual interactions, such as meetings over Zoom or Teams, have become the norm, making in-person meetings less frequent. We’ve observed a significant increase in online purchasing, whether through B2B trade sites or marketplaces. Tools like, XpoFairs, Canva and others are paving the way for the future, making work faster, cheaper, easier, and more efficient. Another compelling reason is that numerous factors have driven up costs for businesses of all sizes. Traditional trade shows are no exception. As a result, companies are actively seeking costeffective solutions, and the benefits of a trade show alternative. How can giftware buyers benefit from an online tradeshow? The most important thing is for visitors to attend and interact with people as much as possible! To this end we have made it super easy to register and buy a ticket. An important aspect that appeals to buyers, particularly of well-known stores is the element of privacy. For example, buyers from big national retailers usually get bombarded as soon as they get onto a stand. With our unique environment buyers have the freedom to browse when they like, for as long as they like. It is up to them to make the first move, and they can do it on their own terms, whether it’s thought the instant chat, a video call, a meeting, downloading a brochure or one of our other tools. No one will approach you unless you initiate contact. The benefit for exhibitors is that you are getting great quality leads from people who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. How do you view the future of independent retail? I’ve chatted with many suppliers, and it’s clear their hearts are set on independent retailers. Whether it’s new brands or big multi-nationals, everyone loves indies! It’s a solid foundation compared to relying on a single big chain that could drop them with a change in buyer or circumstances. The issue that suppliers face s how to reach them all but The Gift Fair will help solve that. Independent stores offer genuinely unique and special items. With food and beverage spots dominating our high streets, there’s often less variety for shoppers looking for gifts and homewares. There’s also a real sense of community in many independent stores. For instance, I’ve visited Savita from Northwood Cards a few times. She seems to know everyone who walks in. That kind of personal touch is meaningful. Times are tough right now, but I genuinely believe things are looking up for independent retail. Do you have any advice for new businesses starting out in the world of gifts? Buy a stand at The Gift Fair – kidding! But do reach out to us, we have lots of incentives for new business to help them get a foot in the door and be a part of The Gift Fair so they have a chance to showcase their products somewhere they may not normally be able to. I do think you have to find ways of engaging with people in the industry and of course buyers. There is no better place to do this than in the Gift industry. Everyone is so friendly, helpful and encouraging – engage with people, be seen and be yourself. Social media is great up to a certain point. It may get your name out there, but I don’t think that’s enough to always get you in front of buyers. I also think it’s important to be yourself, people want something genuine so find your area and stick with it, be different. What can we expect in the future from the company? We are starting with gifts because it’s what I know, technically as a tech company our ambitions are global – but as the adage goes change starts at home – I say the adage, but I think I have just made that up! There is a genuine excitement in our community that this is the change that many Exhibitors have been calling for. From the get-go we aren’t restricting ourselves to the gift industry – we are going to do trade shows in hundreds of industries and sectors across the globe. We do have we have two editions of The Gift Fair in 2025, firstly in January and the second is in September. How do people get involved? We truly believe seeing is believing! Reach out to us at info@xpofairs.com and one of the team would be happy to give you a demonstration of how it works and answer any questions you may have. The tickets for visitors will go on sale in the Autumn, keep an eye out in Gift Focus for some discount codes!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=