Big Melbourne event another victim of coronavirus.

 

Australia’s largest gift and stationery fair – Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne – has been rescheduled to July/August 2021.

 

In a statement released this week, the organisers said: “After closely monitoring the rapidly escalating situation in Victoria and following the state and federal government directives, we have made the decision to reschedule the upcoming edition of Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne to 2021.”

 

Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne will now take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 31 July to 4 August 2021.

 

The organisers added: “Prior to the recent escalation of COVID-19 in Victoria, we were optimistic that Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne would run safely and successfully in October this year, and our principle focus was on ensuring that the rescheduled dates were ideally positioned to support our community. However, following consultation with you, our customers, and all other stakeholders, we have concluded that the best option is to refocus on maximising business opportunities for wholesalers and retailers in 2021 at both Reed Gift Fairs Sydney (February, ICC Sydney) and Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne (August, MCEC).

 

“We appreciate that this is disappointing news, however we have made this decision with everyone’s health and safety as our number one priority. We can now look ahead to the 2021 editions of Reed Gift Fairs in Sydney and Melbourne with more certainty.”

 

The Reed Gift Fairs cater to wholesalers of gift, kitchen, homewares, kids, toys and games, seasonal, jewellery and fashion and stationery products. 

 

The four trade fairs attract thousands of retailers from the largest national independents, chains, franchises and department stores to local one outlet retailers and home-based businesses.