Top Drawer S/S25 drew to a close last week, having hosted an impressive 7% more exhibitors than the previous January, whilst also delivering huge growth in big-budget attendees.

The significant exhibitor increase was fuelled by a record 30% of brands being new to the show, with a further 7% - including the likes of Burgon & Ball, Emma Bridgewater, Katie Leamon, Orange Tree Toys, Portico Designs, Rex International, and The Art File - returning to Top Drawer after an absence. They joined an impressive roster of over 600 hand-selected suppliers on the show floor, attracting thousands of retailers from across the UK and beyond who were eager to discover the best in design and innovation - and there was universal praise for what they found:

“We visit Top Drawer every year to discover new trends and products. This year, we've been inspired by the vibrant colors, fresh designs, and innovative products. The highlight for us has been the launch of the V&A range by Ohh Deer, which is debuting at Top Drawer. For anyone considering attending, you won't be disappointed—there's always something new and exciting to see.” – Jen Maude-Roxby, Deputy Head of Licensing, Victoria & Albert Museum

"I frequently visit Top Drawer for inspiration and to discover new brands, especially smaller ones. My favorite part is the Better Trends feature, which showcases upcoming trends. I particularly appreciate brands that are open to collaboration, blending their identities with ours while maintaining their uniqueness." – Denise Llanera-Wittletonv, Senior Designer, The National Gallery

“One of the highlights of our calendar – it gives us the chance to discover beautiful new products for the shop, as well as say hello to some of our lovely existing suppliers. We found some amazing new things this time around!” – Julia Grant, Owner, Winter’s Moon

After considerable investment, the success of the expanded VIP Buyer Programme was evident across the 3 days, resulting in an 18% increase in visitors with a budget of £1-2m, a 7% increase of those with £2-5m, a 19% increase in the £5-10m category, and a unparalleled 57% increase for those with £10m+. This corresponded with a veritable who’s-who of retail attending the event, including over 100 Senior Buying Managers, Directors, Founders, Owners and CEOs from the likes of Fenwick, Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Fortnum & Mason, Graham & Green, Historic Royal Palaces, Hoopers Department Stores, House of Cards, Jarrold & Sons, John Lewis, Lark London, Laura Ashley, Liberty, Moonpig.com, MORLEYS, Next, Norli AS, Oliver Bonas, Papersmiths, Postmark, Rockett St George, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, SCP, Scribbler, Southbank Centre, Tate Commerce, The Barbican Centre, The Design Museum, The Dulwich Trader, The National Gallery, The Paper Store, The Southbank Centre, The V&A, The White Company, TJX Europe, twentytwentyone, Ulster Stores & de Gruchy, Vinegar Hill, and Waterstones, amongst others.

The unmatched quality of visitors was noted by exhibitors, who were effusive in their praise:

“We haven’t been in a while and so glad to be back at Top Drawer! We wish the show was two days instead of three as we can't cope with the amount of orders coming in!” - Hollie Glaister, Head of Wholesale, Emma Bridgewater

"Top Drawer S/S was a fantastic whirlwind of an event for me! I managed to double the amount of stockists I went into 2025 with, made some brilliant new connections, and walked away with award winning cards! The show feels heavily design-focused, which is so important to me being an artist and owner of a creative brand, and being able to start out in the launchpad section is really helpful. Overall it was an amazing few days, and I can't wait to come back. The show was a real turning point for me, and it flipped what has been a really difficult year into one where I can finally see my business thriving." - Charlotte, Studio Frewb

“Top Drawer is over for another season but what a show we had… seeing so many customers (new and old) and supplier and publishing friends” – Mark Callaby, Managing Director, Ohh Deer

“Top Drawer Spring has been the best show we’ve done in 23 years! I would definitely recommend it! - Kali Stileman, Owner, Kali Stileman Publishing

“We’ve had an incredible time exhibiting [at Top Drawer] this week! We thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with our wonderful customers while welcoming new faces to the fold.” – Victoria Eggs, Founder, Victoria Eggs

The Retail Revealed stage quickly became a hub of activity, hosting sessions that were packed with actionable insights. Among the standout moments was "Mastering Live Selling Strategies," which was led by Nicole Higgins and Natalie Duvall, and provided practical steps for integrating live shopping into retail strategies. Another highlight was "Press for Success," where Amanda FitzGerald and Kirsty Raper shared invaluable advice on leveraging media coverage to boost brand visibility. These sessions, which were often standing room only, received widespread praise for their engaging delivery and practical takeaways.

The final day’s Product Pitch competition was a great success with three finalists Rounded, Sarah Petherick, and Planet Good Earth showcasing innovative products to a panel of industry leaders. Planet Good Earth emerged victorious, impressing judges with their eco-friendly educational products, impactful design, and commitment to sustainability. The panel remarked on the brand’s potential to transform retail offerings with their unique approach, and they will now benefit from a week-long pop up at a leading department store in collaboration with Ind!e

The 3rd edition of the Spotlight Awards also took place on the Sunday evening of the show, celebrating excellence across 11 categories, with the winners announced during a live on-stage ceremony:

• Best Newcomer: Studio Frewb

• Best New Product, Fashion: Kind Bag

• Best New Product, Food: Halen Môn

• Best New Product, Gift: PICCOLO Seeds

• Best New Product, Greetings & Stationery: Wildwood Paper

• Best New Product, Home: Pri Pri

• Best New Product, Launchpad: PINNOLE

• Best New Product, Play: Best Years

• Best New Product, Wellbeing: Salt + Steam

• Innovation in Design: Rex London

• Best Stand: The Art File

With the next edition set to take place from 14-16 September 2025, Top Drawer continues to set the benchmark for the retail industry. The show’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and collaboration ensures it remains an unmissable date in the retail calendar.

Commenting on the runaway success of the show, Top Drawer’s Event Director David Westbrooke remarked: “To have 3 successive years of such significant growth is testament to both the hard work of the team, and the high-regard that the show is held in by the industry; if you want to be in a room with the very best of Retail, Top Drawer is where you do it!”

 

Retail Revealed: Retail Revealed is Top Drawer’s dedicated online hub for inspiration, thought leadership and education. Featuring masterclasses, panel discussions, and workshops, Retail Revealed empowers retailers with trends,  actionable strategies and fresh ideas to stay ahead in a competitive market. https://retailrevealed.com/
 

For press inquiries, media toolkit and partnership opportunities please contact me:

Ren Noel, Campaign Marketing Manager, ​​​​Top Drawer
ren.noel@clarionevents.com