Top Drawer A/W26 has unveiled its most ambitious learning programme to date, with three days of talks and expert-led sessions designed to support independent retailers, buyers and growing brands
Taking place at Olympia London from 13-15th September, the programme will be of interest to greetings retailers and suppliers looking to understand changing customer behaviour, strengthen their buying strategies and develop distinctive product ranges.
The Retail Revealed Stage and reimagined Business Hub will cover topics including buying, customer psychology, marketing, AI, e-commerce, licensing and emerging retail trends.
Speakers include Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, founder of The Black Farmer, retail consultant Nicole Higgins, visual merchandising specialist Kim Hulse, retail growth expert Catherine Erdly and trend specialist The Better Trends Company.
Three days of retail insight
Sunday 13th September will focus on Independent and Unapologetic, with sessions covering smarter buying, building distinctive brands and understanding what makes a product or brand retail ready – areas particularly relevant to independent greetings shops looking to create differentiated card and gift selections.
Monday’s theme, Human-Led Visibility and Brand Growth, will explore customer psychology, influencer marketing, AI for creative brands and ways businesses can build stronger connections with consumers.
Tuesday will focus on Future-Ready Retail, with sessions examining emerging trends, e-commerce performance, high street insight, licensing and creating engaging retail experiences.
For greetings businesses, the programme offers insight into how retailers are responding to changing consumer expectations and finding new ways to make products stand out in-store and online.
Business Hub offers practical advice
The Business Hub will provide a more interactive element, with expert-led takeovers featuring clinics, mentoring, workshops and roundtables.
Retail growth expert Catherine Erdly, founder of the Resilient Retail Club, will host Retail Roar, focusing on profitability, stock management and sustainable growth.
Buying and Beyond will also launch The Buyers Club, giving retailers and brands direct access to experienced buyers and wholesale advice – potentially useful for greetings suppliers looking to strengthen their retail propositions and understand what buyers are seeking.
Additional Business Hub takeovers will be announced ahead of the show.
Top Drawer A/W26 takes place at Olympia London from 13–15th September 2026. Retail Revealed and the Business Hub are free to attend for registered visitors.
