Stephen Spencer + Associates

Calling all Spring Fair exhibitors and visitors, past and present! Spring Fair celebrates its 75th anniversary at the NEC from the 2–5 February 2025, and needs YOUR help to bring together a Hall of Fame compilation of nostalgic memories, pictures and great stories from the show’s history. All the information you need is below - so please help us mark this extraordinary milestone, and celebrate with us at Spring Fair 2025! #springfair #tradefairs #milestones #celebration | Spring Fair & Autumn Fair Hyve Group | The NEC, Birmingham | Progressive Gifts & Home / GiftsandHome.net

We are excited to announce that SS+A has welcomed Lauren Groves into our ranks full time as Ambience Architect, more formally referred to as Chief Operating Officer! With a passion for the cultural sector and years of working with multiple organisations, Lauren brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. “Over the last four years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with all of our talented Associates and assisting them wherever they need it most. During this time, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the SS+A mission and our drive to create transformative solutions for cultural institutions and organisations.” In her new role, Lauren aims to enhance operational efficiency, boost collaboration, and ensure client satisfaction. Read more about Lauren’s journey in our latest article:  https://lnkd.in/enbB7eEi #CustomerExperience #Leadership #StephenSpencerAndAssociates #COO #TeamUpdate

Make sure you tune in for the Inside Retail podcast series 👇

Retail Inspiration… 🎃 Why Anthropologie gets Halloween right 🎃 When it comes to creating a magical, stylish, and whimsical Halloween collection, Anthropologie is in a league of its own. But why does their approach resonate so well with customers? 🕯️ 1. Perfect Balance of Elegance and Playfulness Anthropologie masterfully merges spooky with sophistication. From chic glass pumpkins to delicately crafted candle holders, their Halloween decor doesn’t scream Halloween – it whispers it. This elegant take on spooky style makes their collection appeal to those who want to celebrate in a refined way. 👻 2. Curated for Every Home Whether you're all about subtle seasonal touches or going all-in on Halloween decor, Anthropologie offers something for everyone. Their pieces can blend seamlessly into a variety of interior styles – boho, modern, or traditional. It’s not just decor, it’s art for your home. 🍁 3. Quality and Craftsmanship Anthropologie’s Halloween collection isn’t just beautiful – it’s built to last. Customers invest in decor that stands the test of time, with pieces that can be reimagined and styled year after year. This commitment to quality keeps shoppers coming back. ✨ 4. Unique, Unexpected Touches It’s the small details that make Anthropologie stand out. From a quirky bat mirror to a statement-making candle, they offer those Instagram-worthy pieces that elevate a home’s seasonal vibe. Anthropologie nails Halloween by offering decor that feels personal, stylish, and just a little bit magical. 🖤🕸️ #HalloweenDecor #Anthropologie #SeasonalStyle #InteriorDesign #CustomerExperience #HomeDecor #Style

I'm lucky to work with some exceptionally talented and passionate people on the Spring Fair & Autumn Fair Advisory Board, and I am certain you'll learn something from the wise and wonderful Nick Ronald, founder of Casa Verde and Summerhouse stalwart, as I do every time I meet him. Do sign up and listen to/watch all the episodes of the Retail Insights Podcast! #tradefair #springfair #retail #futureofretail #podcast

The High Street: A Story of Resilience and Renewal We recognise that while the challenges facing our High Streets are real, there is also a lot to be optimistic about. We’re seeing incredible examples of resilience and growth that don’t always get the attention they deserve. From Sostrene Grene, SEPHORA, and Loungers plc expanding their physical stores, to longstanding independent shops that have weathered every storm, the High Street is alive and evolving. There are also new indie businesses taking bold steps onto the High Street, investing in relocations, refurbishments, and reimaginings. And let’s not forget the incredible work being done behind the scenes - regeneration projects, restorations, and local community efforts that are transforming our towns and cities into vibrant, people-first spaces. We need to change the narrative and celebrate these success stories. The High Street is not just surviving; it’s adapting and thriving. Our job is to use it, support it, and to do whatever we can to bring inspiration and excitement to it, to keep it relevant and ensure it remains, to quote the title of our friend Kevin Ervin Kelley, AIA's brilliant book, 'Irreplaceable' for consumers. Download our Ambience Playbook - A how-to guide which helps brands maximise their retail opportunity and futureproof their business: https://lnkd.in/ef-gCahW | Save The High Street

If you visited the Spring Fair & Autumn Fair in September, you will hopefully have seen the Ambience Clinic, hosted by SS+A in the Buyers’ Lounge. It was great to see the show has once again solidified its position as a key order-writing trade event, drawing in a high-calibre of decision-makers and influential buyers, many of whom took the time to speak to one of our Associates about key issues they are facing in their business. Thank you to the team at the Autumn Fair for including our Ambience Clinic in the latest Inside Retail Newsletter. Take a look here: https://lnkd.in/eXyinh2H?

The Taste of Experience: Celebrating World Food Day with Spice Kitchen On World Food Day, we’re shining a light on the importance of taste in creating memorable customer experiences. We believe that taste goes beyond food - it’s a powerful tool that connects people to culture, memories, and emotion. Today, we’re thrilled to spotlight our Ambience partner, Sanjay Aggarwal, and his incredible family business, Spice Kitchen. What started as a passion project in Sanjay’s kitchen with his mother, Shashi, has grown into an award-winning spice company. Spice Kitchen brings the authentic flavours of India and beyond into homes and businesses across the world and can now be found across many high street and cultural sector shops including the National Theatre, Birmingham Museum, Migration Museum and the Museum of the Home, to name just a few. We were delighted to feature Spice Kitchen products on our Taste island at M+H Show and Spring Fair & Autumn Fair this year where they received much attention and admiration. If you don't own the Spice Kitchen book, you should! Plus, they've just released their 'Celebrate Diwali'  book (by Renu Bhardwaj) too - just in time for October 31st celebrations. #taste #worldfoodday #spicekitchen #ambience #customerexperience

Driving Change Across Iconic Sites: SS+A’s Recent Project Highlights At Stephen Spencer + Associates, our team has been hard at work delivering impactful strategies, customer experiences, and business solutions for a range of iconic cultural and heritage sites. From castles to hospitals, bridges to abbeys, our associates have been instrumental in shaping projects that are not only transformational but also leave a lasting legacy.

Last week Stephen Spencer FRSA FTS had the honour of attending the OxLEP Business Marketplace and awards event at the Examination Schools in Oxford. SS+A were the proud sponsors of the Export Potential of the Year award and thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the finalists and discussing the importance of operating in a global marketplace with the deserved winner, Legacy Marketplace - B Corp™ - Sustainable Sourcing for Events & Merchandise. What stood out was not just Legacy's exporting success achieved to date, but above all, the commitment to "exporting values". Recognising that the market is increasingly demanding sustainable products (in what has traditionally been a throwaway industry), using this commitment as a differentiator is a powerful strategy. The preloved strategy and adoption of AI to support sustainability are impressive examples of innovation in pursuing growth whilst being consistent with the values. A great time was had by all and a huge congratulations to the eight award winners: + Export Potential of the Year Winner - Legacy Marketplace - B Corp™ - Sustainable Sourcing for Events & Merchandise + Socially Responsible Business of the Year Winner – Send it to Alex + Employer of the Year Winner - 923 Jobs + Growth Business of the Year Winner - Beyond Carbon Associates + Environmentally Sustainable Business of the Year Winner - BioBright LTD + Innovator of the Year Winner - After Cloud + Business Leader of the Year Winner - ACTIVE LEADERS LIMITED (Penny Snowden) + Start-up of the Year Winner - Velocity Cycle Couriers #exporting #oxlep