Independent retailer mentored by Bira member as part of major retail event

Independent fashion store The Dressing Room was among Bira members attending this year’s Autumn Fair, the UK’s leading home, gift, fashion and garden retail event, which welcomed thousands of retailers and saw record exhibitor growth.

The show, held at the NEC Birmingham, reported a 16% increase in total exhibitors and a 38% rise in new exhibitors, with more than 800 brands showcasing thousands of products and over 30% of exhibitors exclusive to Autumn Fair.

Autumn Fair 2025

As part of the show’s new Retail Makeover Mission, Deryane Tadd of The Dressing Room, an independent fashion retailer based in St Albans, spent the day mentoring competition winner Katie Gibbs, owner of OSO Boutique, alongside other retail experts.

Deryane said: “I have loved being a part of the Retail Mission Task Team. I have found it really inspiring and enjoyed working with Katie and her team and understanding the challenges they are facing. It has been an insightful process and a joy to see everything we have been working on already having a positive impact.”

Claire Bevan, Head of Retail at the Natural History Museum, was also part of the task team, that were assigned to winning stores following a competition and them an experienced mentor for Autumn Fair in order to earn valuable insights among other benefits.

Claire said: “I've had an amazing time at Autumn Fair, I've caught up with some existing suppliers and have found and met some new brands and products. I've been engaging with the Retail Makeover Mission content; it's been really inspiring to look at retail from the High Street view. Coming from a heritage background, seeing new trends coming through across the show and on the stages is fantastic.”

The Retail Makeover Mission was one of many aspects of the show, with live talks at the Retail Corner stage, the Gift of the Year showcase, and immersive activations from major brands including TY UK also part of the event.

Autumn Fair Event Director Soraya Gadelrab said: “Autumn Fair 2025 has truly been a record-breaking event, surpassing our expectations in terms of visitor numbers, order volumes, and overall energy on the show floor. It’s clear that retailers and suppliers alike see the value in coming together here to discover fresh products and build lasting partnerships ahead of the crucial trading season.

Autumn Fair is not just about transactions, it’s about inspiration, education, and creating an experience that empowers retailers long after the show doors close.”