Top Drawer, UK Retail’s favourite design-led trade show, is back for its Autumn/Winter edition from 8th – 10th September; for three days, Olympia Events will be transformed into the ultimate sourcing destination for product discovery, and is set to inspire thousands of buyers, designers, and retailers alike. This year’s edition is set to host 10 percent more brands than in 2023, and over 35 percent of exhibitors are making their show debut, offering an exciting, hand-picked edit of new design across the show.
With a comprehensive content offering alongside the increased show footprint, Top Drawer is set to be the place to not only source this season, but to pick up the latest industry insights and business advice from thought leaders and industry experts all in one place.
The RetailRevealed stage will offer visitors an engaging three-day programme featuring a series of presentations and panel discussions led by retail experts. With sessions covering a range of topics including how to ace selling on social media, source on trend products, use AI in retail, and build customer loyalty to name just a few, visitors will leave Top Drawer with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. September’s speaker line-up includes Therese Oertenblad, Founder of Small Business Collaborative, Catherine Erdly, Founder of The Resilient Retail Club, Priscillia Pollara, Founder of Top Trick, Ami Ranheru, Founder of Retail Huddle, Sarah Ward, CEO Giftware Association, and many more! Plus, the Start Scale Succeed podcast will be recording an exclusive live podcast episode with Nicole Higgins, Founder of The Buyer & Retail Coach interviewing Martha Keith, Founder of Marth Martha Brook Stationery. The RetailRevealed stage is a must-visit for any visitor and exhibitor!
Also taking to the stage is Top Drawer’s brand new Product Pitch in partnership with IND!E, where visitors will be able to watch four lucky brands go head to head to win a one-week pop-up with a major retailer. The judging panel will include Marianne Carter of Morleys Stores Group, Jason Billings-Cray of John Lewis, Sara Allbright of Retail100, and Matt Hopkins of IND!E. Taking place on Monday 9th September at 11:30am, swing by to see 4 key brands present their innovative new products first!
This season will also see the return of the Business Hub, a valuable resource for business owners, offering free one-to-one 20-minute sessions with leading industry experts. Visitors and exhibitors can meet with specialists to discuss their business or product and gain invaluable advice and actionable tips to take their business to the next level. This season’s experts include Therese Oertenblad, a wholesale expert and Founder of Small Business Collaborative; Larisa Barker, Digital Marketing expert and Founder of The Brand Map; Laura Harrison, finance expert and Founder, Laura Harrison LH Retail Development Ltd Consultancy; Cara Bendon, branding expert and Founder of Cara Bendon Brand Consultancy; Isobel Perl, social media selling expert and Founder of Perl Cosmetics; plus many more. Whether a business owner is seeking guidance on branding, exploring new market entry, or refining their marketing approach, the Business Hub is the go-to resource for expert insights and practical advice. Booking will soon open via the Top Drawer website, so watch this space.
Back by popular demand, the Spotlight Awards will return to again shine a light on standout brands across the show. By celebrating their creativity, innovation, and excellence the Spotlight Awards is open to all exhibitors at Top Drawer A/W 24, with winners selected by an esteemed panel of judges, including Preena Patel, Buyer for the Design Museum, Sarah Holmes, Owner of Pencil Me In and Seasgair Store, Priya Aurora-Crowe, Owner of multi-retailer Lark, Sarah Laker, Owner of Stationery Supplies, and Hannah and Clare Bishop Owners of Cornucopia.
The awards focus on brands that truly stand out, whether through exceptional products, innovative approaches, or eye-catching stands.
The award categories include:
- Best New Product in Fashion
- Best New Product in Play
- Best New Product in Wellbeing
- Best New Product in Food
- Best New Product in Home
- Best New Product in Gift
- Best New Product in Launchpad
- Best New Product in Greetings & Stationery
- Innovation in Design
- Best Newcomer
- Best Stand
Top Drawer strives to keep retailers one step ahead, and what better way to do so than with show partners, The Better Trends Company. Once again, they will be presenting three key trends for the season ahead, this season highlighting Woodland Picnic, Festive Pop, and. Purposeful Brands to help ensure retailers source products that are bang on-trend! The Trends Feature is the perfect starting point for any visitor coming to the show.
So don’t miss out, register to attend THE show of the season now, here.
