In This Issue
Customer votes for The Greatest Christmas Teams continue to pour in
There's still time to get your customers voting
Bents, Garson Titchfield and Brimsmore Grderns named GCA Christmas display competition winners
Dobbies continues national refurbishment programme with Moreton Park upgrade
'Greatest' romantic moment at Brimsmore Garden
‘Most Jumperful’ wearers announced as sponsor list fills
Garden centre group reaches final of business award
Roots to Retail returns for 2026
Gift company grows keepsake business in garden centres
Downing Street swift-on heralds British growers
The Greenfingers Charity welcomes six new Garden Ambassadors to support hospice gardens across the UK
Spring Fair's Little Black Book returns
Get your copy of GTN Xtra
R&D grant secured for new herbicide testing on container-grown stock
GIMA announces Walmart as first Buyer Connect retail partner
Join AIPH in celebrating the International Grower of the Year Awards 2026
The best of last week's
LOFA raises £12,500 at Charity Christmas Lunch for Greenfingers
Garden Centre Christmas retailing gets a big thumbs up on BBC Radio 4
Squire's appoints new Group Health, Safety and Facilities Manager
Recognising outstanding talent in landscaping and horticulture at the WorldSkills UK National Finals
Gravel garden in Kent crowned Garden of the Year
Winners of the Garden Media Guild Awards 2025 revealed
Sipcam Home & Garden Launch Expanded Block Blitz® Range
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 - Chessington
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 - Garsons Esher
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 - Garsons Titchfield
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 - Haskins West End
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 - Henry Street
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 - Longacres Bagshot
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 - Notcutts Oxford
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 - Stewarts Christchurch
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 - The Garden Society
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 - Blue Diamond Blackdown
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 - Ransoms, Jersey
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2025 - Summerhill Garden Centre
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Email trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call the GTN News team on 07973 504214

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Spring Fair's Little Black Book returns

Spring Fair returns to the NEC Birmingham from 1–4 February 2026 with an enhanced, experience-led event designed to support, inspire and empower the retail community. Alongside its bold new creative direction – Retail Alchemists: Masters of the Mix – Spring Fair is unveiling a suite of exclusive buyer benefits, immersive feature spaces, and the launch of the 2026 Little Black Book, the ultimate pre-show planning guide.

 

The Little Black Book Returns - Your First Look at Spring Fair 2026

Spring Fair has announced the return of its iconic Little Black Book, the essential pre-show guide used by buyers to plan their visit. Register by 14th December and tick the Little Black Book box to receive a complimentary printed copy delivered to your door. Highlights include:

  • New editorial-led design aligned with the 2026 campaign
  • “New to Show” previews for Fashion, Licensing, Design and Glee at Spring Fair
  • A complete “What’s On” guide to every new feature stage
  • Curated exhibitor edits and product spotlights

With thousands of copies mailed each year, the Little Black Book remains one of the most influential planning tools in the retail industry.

 

Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director, Spring Fair says, “Your Spring Fair 2026 buying journey starts with the Little Black Book. The Little Black Book isn’t just any show preview. It’s your essential Spring Fair companion, designed to help you plan your visit and spot your next bestseller before you even arrive. It’s packed full of exhibitor highlights, product previews, the brands that deserve a place on your shortlist, and plenty of tips to help you have a successful show. And it is just the beginning of the many buyer benefits we’ve introduced this year.”

 

Exclusive Benefits for Buyers

For 2026, Spring Fair is making it easier than ever for buyers to enjoy a productive, cost-efficient and inspiring visit. All registered buyers will receive a complimentary benefits package worth £30+ per day, including free parking, complimentary tea, coffee and water, and free cloakroom service. The partnerships with Avanti Trains continue to offer registered attendees 20% off travel to Birmingham International or New Street, and HotelMaps offers the best hotel deals. These savings ensure buyers can focus on sourcing, trend discovery and meaningful conversations without unnecessary costs.

 

In The Buyer’s Retreat in Hall 3 discover a botanical-inspired oasis designed to help buyers pause, recharge and reconnect, offering complimentary hospitality, and space for quiet planning sessions or informal meetings.

 

The Summer House Edit Café returns to the Atrium in Hall 6 offering a curated, relaxed space to explore home, gift, design and garden selections in a tactile, real-world buying environment. Nearby, discover the debut Design at Spring Fair, a major new destination dedicated to the worlds of interiors, architecture, and hospitality.

 

Immersive New Feature Experiences

Supporting its evolution from marketplace to experience, Spring Fair 2026 introduces five groundbreaking feature destinations, each designed to spark creativity, provide practical expertise, and connect buyers with the future of retail.

 

Style Atelier – Hall 2

A fashion-forward space delivering styling masterclasses led by top industry creatives, and keynote interviews with leaders shaping the future of fashion.

 

The Licensing Lab – Hall 4

A vibrant hub connecting brands and retailers through expert workshops and case-study sessions, and practical insights for both licensing newcomers and seasoned professionals.

 

Merchant’s Corner – Hall 3

A British high street–inspired setting offering Pitch Live, a Dragons’ Den–style showcase of indie retail innovation, and keynotes from leaders reinventing customer experience and resilience.

 

Design Studio – Hall 6

A sophisticated environment for the interiors and design community featuring keynote conversations with leading designers, architects and home experts, and trend-led sessions and networking moments.

 

The Hidden Forum

A single daily Power Talk featuring one of the industry’s most influential voices - intimate, provocative, and future-shaping.

 

Spring Fair 2026 takes place from 1–4 February at the NEC Birmingham. Register now to unlock all buyer benefits and receive your complimentary Little Black Book.

 

For more information and to register to attend, please visit www.springfair.com.

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