News Release
Sydney, 26 June 2008

Sydney Home & Giving Fair - First for Christmas

Gift & Homewares Australia today announced that it is moving its September Sydney Home & Giving Fair to July in order to better meet the needs of exhibitors and visitors. As a result, Gift & Homewares Australia has made the decision to cancel this year’s September Fair with the first July Home & Giving Fair to be hosted in Sydney in 2009.

Recognising a shift in industry trends and listening to comments from its members, Gift & Homewares Australia decided that a July Fair would provide a better platform for Christmas purchasing, as product shipments are taking longer and as a result need to be placed earlier. Research carried out among exhibitors and visitors also helped to establish further feedback and support for the change of date.

“As an industry association we are committed to our members and the industry, constantly striving to provide them with the best platform to promote their business,” said Alby Taylor, Chief Executive, Gift & Homewares Australia.

“Hosting the Home & Giving Fair at the Sydney Showground in July rather than September has been carefully and extensively researched. With the product procurement cycle shifting to earlier in the year, September is no longer a feasible month for retailers to place orders and receive products in time for the peak Christmas retail season.

“Our February Sydney Fair will still take place as usual, while the July Fair will provide exhibitors with a second opportunity to sell to the biggest commercial market in Australia. We have the backing of our members and hope that exhibitors will demonstrate their support by booking in for July 2009.”

The July 2009 Home & Giving Fair will run from July 11 to 14 with an exclusive pre-opening event to be held on Friday, July 10. The Fair will feature a variety of new concepts and will offer exhibitors and visitors a range of incentives and benefits.

Media contact
Juliet Fisher or Simone Esamie, Write Away Communication
Phone: 0424 477 954 or 02 9978 1400
Email: juliet@writeaway.com.au, simone@writeaway.com.au