Autumn Fair 2026 Launches New Counter Talks Stage to Deliver Practical Insights for Independent Retailers

Autumn Fair has introduced the Counter Talks Stage, a new platform dedicated to discussions on the trends, challenges and commercial developments affecting independent retailers across the UK.

The programme has been developed following insights from the recently released Voices of Retail 2026 report by Spring & Autumn Fair and Faire, which surveyed 650 independent retailers and more than 2,000 UK consumers to examine the factors influencing growth on Britain's high streets.

According to the report, retailers continue to face challenges including rising retail crime, changing consumer behaviour, pressure on margins, the growing importance of experience-led retail, and the need for stronger storytelling, community-building and digital engagement.

The Counter Talks Stage will feature a series of free-to-attend presentations and workshops bringing together experts from retail, technology, social media, licensing, business strategy and visual merchandising. The sessions are intended to provide practical insights that retailers can apply to their businesses.

First Speakers Confirmed

John Abbate, Economic Growth Lead for High Streets, Westminster City Council, and Online Visual Merchandising Tutor, SDEA.

Among the first speakers announced is John Abbate, Economic Growth Lead for High Streets, Westminster City Council, and Online Visual Merchandising Tutor, SDEA. Drawing on more than two decades of retail experience with brands including Ralph Lauren, Levi's and Alfred Dunhill, Abbate will discuss how visual merchandising and store design can strengthen customer engagement and improve the in-store experience.

Alison Battisby, Founder of Avocado Social

Alison Battisby, Founder of Avocado Social, will present sessions focused on helping independent retailers use social media to drive store visits and sales. Battisby has more than 15 years of experience working with brands including John Lewis, Tesco, Etsy and Estée Lauder.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA)

The programme will also feature a joint session by Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), and Superintendent Lisa Maslen, National Business Crime Centre, City of London Police, examining the impact of retail crime and providing practical guidance on tackling shoplifting and abuse against retail staff.

Superintendent Lisa Maslen, National Business Crime Centre, City of London Police

Steve Manners, UK Managing Director of Licensing International, will discuss licensing as a business growth strategy, explaining how retailers of different sizes can participate in licensing opportunities.

Elyse McAvoy, Industry & Trends Expert at Faire, will present "The Independent Signal: Growth Strategies & Trends Shaping the Season Ahead," drawing on insights from the Voices of Retail report and wholesale platform data to examine consumer buying behaviour, product trends and retail growth strategies.

The content programme will also include sessions covering artificial intelligence (AI), live shopping, retail data, consumer trends and brand storytelling, alongside Google-led workshops focused on digital tools available to retailers.

Retail Huddle and Pitch Live Return

On Wednesday, Retail Huddle founder Ami Rabheru will host two sessions featuring founders, retailers and industry experts discussing current retail challenges and business experiences.

The Pitch Live competition will return in 2026 with a new morning schedule. The competition will take place during the first three mornings of Autumn Fair and will feature shortlisted brands across Home & Gift; Fashion, Accessories & Jewellery; and Kids, Toy, Play & Clothing.

According to the organisers, the revised timing is intended to provide participating exhibitors with greater visibility and allow buyers more time to continue discussions, place orders and visit exhibition stands throughout the day.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Autumn Fair & Glee said, “The conversations happening across retail right now are changing quickly, and independent retailers are under pressure to adapt across everything from consumer expectations and digital marketing to operational costs and retail crime. What we wanted to create with the Counter Talks Stage was something genuinely practical and commercially useful, a space where retailers can hear directly from experts tackling the challenges they’re facing every day and leave with ideas they can immediately apply to their business. The Voices of Retail report made it clear that the retailers succeeding today are those investing in experience, storytelling, community and adaptability. This year’s content programme has been built around exactly those themes.”

Expanded Programme for Glee 2026

Alongside Autumn Fair, the co-located Glee exhibition will introduce an expanded 2026 content programme focusing on garden retail, hospitality and operational growth.

The programme will include the return of Centre Stage, featuring keynote sessions on garden retail performance, operational productivity, sustainability, talent challenges and retail data.

A new Feed Your Business Stage will focus on food, beverage and hospitality innovation, with sessions featuring David Robinson, Chief Executive of Dobbies Garden Centres; George Hillier, Chairman of Hillier Nurseries; and Sam Dickson, Managing Director of Squires Garden Centres.

Both Autumn Fair and Glee will also introduce The Clubhouse, dedicated networking and meeting spaces for buyers.

Autumn Fair 2026 will take place from 6–9 September 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, UK, while Glee 2026 will be held from 8–10 September 2026 at the same venue.