Upcoming Trade Shows in UK for Baby, Kids & Maternity

The baby, kids and maternity industry in the UK is a dynamic sector that’s currently seeing rapid growth and transformation. Attitudes towards parenting have changed over a small period of time and manufacturers face a considerably different landscape. Valued at approximately $158 billion worldwide, the UK market alone, particularly in baby clothing and footwear, boasts a substantial worth of £7.3 billion. Forecasts suggested robust growth rates with the footwear market projected to expand by 4.4% and the clothing market by 2.3% until 2021. Social trends indicate that couples are delaying parenthood, resulting in a demographic shift where older parents allocate a larger portion of their disposable income towards baby products. This trend is exemplified by the decline in the percentage of 30-year-old women having children, dropping from 82% in 1976 to 52% in 2016. The abundance of choice and innovation in the market further fuels consumer spending, supported by online communities and review platforms that prioritize quality and safety. Despite the market's growth prospects, established retailers face challenges. Iconic brands like Mothercare and Toys R Us have struggled, citing increased competition from value and luxury brands, coupled with the rapid digitalization of consumer shopping habits. Mothercare, for instance, has announced the closure of 50 stores due to competition from cheaper alternatives. While traditional retailers grapple with market dynamics, innovative and digitally savvy brands are thriving. Value retailers compete on price, while luxury and fashion brands cater to discerning consumers seeking premium products. The pressure on mid-market retailers intensifies as they struggle to maintain relevance amidst fierce competition. The advent of digital channels has revolutionized customer acquisition with online platforms becoming the primary destination for product discovery and purchase. Traditional advertising spaces are overshadowed by the vast reach and convenience of online shopping platforms, which has accelerated the migration of consumer engagement to digital channels.