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

As we enter a new month, it felt right to invite you to discover Ambience partner, Blooms by Samuel Baker. Stunning, seasonal displays and curated objects, colours, faux botanicals and herbaceous fragrances for the home and body, are the gifts waiting for you. We are so grateful for the stunning faux botanical display Samuel created for our Ambience Clinic at Autumn Fair. This really is a brand that understands how to appeal to the senses. 📸 Blooms by Samuel Baker #bloomsbysamuelbaker #sensoryexperience #botanicals #seasonaldisplay

As the Christmas season approaches (straight after today's spooky shenanigans!), retailers face the annual challenge of creating unforgettable customer experiences, all while navigating the complexities of rising costs and shifting consumer expectations. The festive period, often referred to as the "Golden Quarter," can be a make-or-break moment for businesses. With this in mind, here are ten essential tips to get the customer experience just right this Christmas, featuring festive examples by The Newt in Somerset, Chatsworth Estate, Jo Malone London and The Gardens Group. Once you’ve followed the advice, download our Christmas Mystery Shopper template to step into your customer's shoes and review the total Christmas experience you are delivering. https://lnkd.in/eFriMchj #FestiveRetailTips #ChristmasCustomerExperience #christmas2024 #MysteryShopperTemplate #architectsofambience

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