Design-focused retail show, Top Drawer, returned for its Spring/Summer installment on 12-14th January 2025. POC was in attendance, as were a number of our members, exhibiting or walking the show floor.
Top Drawer exhibits new product designs from both emerging and established brands, and an array of design-led retail products across eight sectors, this includes gifting, homewares, fashion, food, greetings cards and stationery, toys, and wellbeing.
Running since 1982, this year’s Top Drawer Spring/Summer show anticipated over 21,000 visitors from over 100 countries, viewing some 600+ brands across four halls, 200 of which made their show debut. Over 9,000 retail buyers viewed more than 25,000 products across eight categories.
David Westbrooke, event director of Top Drawer, commented, “Across the three days [at Top Drawer], we don’t only present the freshest, most innovative new products – we also provide you with an unprecedented opportunity to immerse yourself in inspiration and learn from industry experts via our unrivalled features and seminars.”
POC member exhibitors include PlayPress, Anna Wright, Gibson Games, Talking Tables, The Art Press, and EarlyBird Designs, many of which displayed their brand new product ranges, with other members visiting to walk the show floor and sample the latest designs, trends and brands.
With unique and beautiful design-focused brands and more premium-end products, it was clear that some level of focus on sustainability was a given for most exhibitors. The buyers and retailers they are pitching towards, are ones for whom sustainability is likely to be on the agenda. When walking around the show and visiting the exhibitors, so many had some eco-oriented link, whether that be their products were made from recycled materials, boasting a B Corp status, or have reduced or even eliminated plastic in their packaging. It was fantastic to see the brands that are putting real thought and creativity into their design process are considering sustainability as a key factor.
A particular focus of the show was RetailRevealed, an agenda of expert keynote and panel presentations and masterclasses from industry innovators and leaders. “This platform is designed to provide attendees with expert advice, innovative strategies, and actionable insights to thrive in today’s ever-evolving retail landscape,” described Top Drawer organisers.
Key speakers for RetailRevealed included:
- Amanda FitzGerald, PR and visibility strategist: “The 7 Ps to Securing Profitable Press Coverage for your Brand” – Learn Amanda’s proven system for pitching to the press and securing coverage in top-tier media outlets.
- Ami Rabheru, retail strategist: “Mastering Seasonal Buying Strategies” – Discover how a focused product strategy can drive bigger results and enhance customer engagement.
- Macdara Duncan, international director at Sprii: “Why Livestream Selling is Your Brand’s & Retailer’s Secret Weapon for 2025” – Explore the potential of livestream selling and how to get started.
- Sarah Johnson, founder and director at Flourish Retail: “Merchandising: The Secret to Retail Success” – Unlock your sales and profit potential through effective merchandising strategies.
The Spotlight Awards returned on the evening of the second day, Monday 13th January, as did the Product Pitch, a Dragon’s Den style pitch opportunity for four shortlisted exhibitors, the winner of which received a one week pop-up in a major high street shop.
With over 10% of Top Drawer’s visitors travelling from outside the UK to attend, the show’s International Hub showcased the best of global product design, from Australia to Japan and Korea, Sweden to Italy and many more. And the Launchpad provided a platform for the newest talent and brands in the industry, hand-picked and market-ready.
