Organisers of London trade show Top Drawer reported an 11 per cent year-on-year increase in visitors to its latest edition, with growing numbers of independent retailers visiting the product sourcing event this September.
According to its data, independent retailer attendance increased by 7 per cent, while visitor numbers from department stores rose 25 per cent and museums by 13 per cent. The show also recorded a 76 per cent increase in VIP and VVIP buyers compared with the previous year.
Buyers had a bigger selection of brands to peruse this season, with exhibitor numbers in the Fashion section swelling by 10 per cent, Greetings and Stationery by 15 per cent and Home by 17 per cent. Almost 150 exhibitors also made their Top Drawer debut, while 14 per cent of exhibitors came from overseas.
The results follow Top Drawer’s recent repositioning, which has seen the trade show introduce a more tightly curated exhibitor mix and streamlined layout designed to make sourcing easier for buyers. It has also expanded its supporting buyer programme with the introduction of business-led content such as Retail Revealed Live, one-to-one business advice, Social Studio and Product Pitch.
“Top Drawer has always been about championing great design and showcasing innovative products,” says event director David Westbrooke. “The refreshed look and feel coupled with the show’s recent repositioning has helped us attract back contemporary suppliers and retailers alike.”
The next edition of Top Drawer takes place at Olympia London from 10-12 January 2027.