fair – The Interiors Addict

Introducing The Retail Quarter: the modern trade fair

Reed Gift Fairs is set to re-launch its annual September event in the form of The Retail Quarter, a modern twist on the traditional fair. And it’s just in time for your pre-Christmas inspiration and buying!

With four distinct floor districts – Abode, Galleria, Boutique and Runway – the event will set up at the ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre from 23 – 26 September, just in time for the festive season.

Abode will offer retailers the chance to explore the most on-trend furniture, interior, kitchen, dining – even body, bath and fragrance products will be on show. Galleria will sport an eclectic collection of gifts, stationary, toys and games, while Boutique shares an array of Australian-made, ethical, handcrafted and artisanal brands. As the name suggests, Runway will present opulence, indulgence and glamour with the latest in fashion, jewellery and accessories.

“Retailers have indicated what they are looking for from Reed Gift Fairs Sydney September, and we’ve listened. A total re-imagination, the Retail Quarter has been designed to offer an exciting new shopping experience to retailers, at one of the busiest times for the industry,” says event director Louisa Theobald.

It’s not all about the shopping either – Business of Christmas education sessions will delve into the latest changes within the industry and help retailers plan for one of their busiest periods. Industry experts will cover topics from social media planning and design-led trend forecasting, to immersive hands-on workshops to plan your best Christmas window display yet.

Then there’s the Tapas Bar, a contemporary eating experience in the centre of the show floor, perfect for a little time out.

Go to the Retail Quarter Sydney to register.

Hundreds of designers under one roof at Decor+Design and AIFF

Wish you could check out lots of up-and-coming designers in flooring, furniture, lighting and interiors all at once? Consider dropping by Decor + Design, the ultra successful buying event, and the Australian International Furniture Fair, from 21-24 July.

Held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, it’s a great place to scope out ideas, eye off new products and just generally get a bit of design inspiration. With over 250 exhibitors, you’re spoilt for choice!

For those wanting more structured advice, consider attending a talk. This year, the international seminar series is looking at Australian design influences and their place in in the global industry. New for this year is a workshop series. It’ll offer practical and commercial advice for local designers.

The Vivid design competition winners will be announced on the opening day of the fair. The entries in this are some of the best furniture and lighting designs produced in the past year. Also worth dropping in on are the daily Trend Tours. Always a highlight of Decor + Design, the guided tours of the exhibition floor are the easiest way of seeing what will be on-trend in macro interior design for 2016. Who knows, you may even unearth the next big thing!

Bazaar and Wall St are returning this year, providing small studios and designers the chance to showcase their work. Also new in 2016 is the AIIF Loves Homemade exhibition, dedicated to displaying and supporting the work of Australian-based furniture, cabinet and joinery designers and makers.

For more information, check out Decor + Design and Australian International Furniture Fair.