Two of the most influential forces in UK retail, Faire and Spring & Autumn Fair, have launched Voices of Retail, a new nationwide campaign calling on independent retailers to help shape the future of the industry.
© Summer Fair
Now in its third year of collaboration, Faire and Spring & Autumn Fair together reach more retailers than any UK trade association. With Voices of Retail, the partners are deliberately handing the platform back to the retail community—placing independent retailers at the heart of the conversation and amplifying real experiences from the shop floor.
More than a research project, Voices of Retail is designed as a movement to unite the sector, share insight, and drive meaningful progress. The initiative highlights how retailers across the UK are navigating economic pressures, embracing collaboration, and finding innovative ways to grow in an increasingly complex retail landscape.
National survey and industry report
The campaign begins with a large-scale national survey, inviting thousands of independent retailers to share their perspectives. The findings will inform a first-of-its-kind industry report, setting the agenda for UK retail in 2026 and beyond.
Retailers can take part by completing a five-minute questionnaire, either in person at Spring Fair (1–4 February 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham) or online. The survey closes on 2 March 2026.
Participants will be entered into a draw to win one of five Voices of Retail Golden Tickets, each offering an all-expenses-paid VIP experience at Autumn Fair 2026, including travel, accommodation, meals, personal onsite support, and £300 in Faire credits (terms and conditions apply).
Following the survey, selected retailers from across the UK will take part in in-depth discussions exploring key issues shaping retail's future, from local challenges and collaboration to technology and product strategy. To complement retailer insights, more than 2,000 UK consumers will also participate in research, making this one of the most comprehensive retail studies of its kind.
Industry voices
Charlotte Broadbent, UK General Manager at Faire, said:
"Voices of Retail is a rally cry. We're asking independent retailers to tell us how they're innovating, what's changing, and what the wider industry can learn from them. Together with Spring Fair, we're handing them the microphone so the sector can move forward together."
Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director at Hyve Group, added:
"This research is about turning shared challenges into shared progress. Voices of Retail will ground industry conversations in real insight, helping retailers stay resilient and one step ahead."
The full Voices of Retail report will be published in late spring 2026.
More information:
Voices of Retail (Spring fair)
[email protected]
www.springfair.com
