INDX Woman’s SS26 edition attracted strong footfall and positive feedback, say organisers, following its recent return to Solihull’s Cranmore Park.
Organised by Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the three-day event – which took place from 20–22 July – showcased more than 110 brands and welcomed buyers from across the UK and Ireland. Attendees included prominent AIS members such as Jarrolds, Ulster Stores Group, Austins and Morley Group, as well as representatives from Frasers Group and a wide range of fashion independents.
This season’s exhibitor line-up featured a mix of returning favourites and high-profile newcomers. French Connection, Guess, Bleubird, Urban Bliss, Nova London, Betty Basics and Love Rocks all made their INDX Woman debut while returning core exhibitors included Joe Browns, Fransa, Pomodoro, Alice Collins, Brakeburn and Lily & Me.
James Crabtree, head of fashion at AIS, who leads the show’s curation, comments: “We were incredibly happy to introduce a raft of debut exhibitors to the SS26 edition of INDX Woman – all selected to strengthen and complement our existing brand mix.”
Exhibitors reported a strong response from buyers, with several opening new accounts. Michael Shalders of Love Brands, which distributes Guess in the UK, said on the show floor: “We’ve opened new accounts and had some positive conversations with prospective customers. You have to be here to generate business.”
Joe Browns’ Will Brown added: “The retailers we saw were very good and placing orders. INDX Woman is the perfect location, as we can get customers from the south and north in.”
To support buyers in identifying commercial trends for the new season, INDX partnered with trend forecasting agency BDA London to host daily presentations on key SS26 trends.
Crabtree says the collaboration was designed to give buyers useable insight that could be incorporated into their SS26 buying strategies: “The team from BDA reviewed the season’s ranges from our exhibitors, paired them with key trends, and presented this back to the visiting buyers – enabling them to see the trend, understand it, then walk into the showroom and order that product.”
Sunday evening also saw the return of the INDX Woman Networking Social, held at The Loft bar on site. Buyers and exhibitors gathered informally for drinks, canapés and live music. Visitors attending on Monday were also treated to complimentary award-winning Lanza’s ice cream.
The next edition of INDX Woman will take place from 25 – 27 January 2026 at Cranmore Park. The event is free to attend, with onsite parking and refreshments also included. Find out more here.