It’s not a secret if you’re already in the know, but Australia’s most successful boutique stores source their best products not from some dark corner of the internet – but one very hands-on, in-person, free event.

Independent brands are the heart of soul of Aussie business. Just ask Melbourne stationery store Paper Republic, known for serving discerning customers who want new and unique gifts and greeting cards that leave a lasting impression.

“It’s extremely important to have our new stock coming in through the store because we do have a lot of repeat customers, so they’re going to want to come in and find something they haven’t seen before,” says Paper Republic’s Scott Coustley.

Stocking high-quality artisan products, with a focus on Australian designed and manufactured products, is crucial for their Camberwell store.

For Diane Habibis, an eye for quality has kept her Moonee Ponds homewares and décor store D’Artagnan, in business for more than 25 years.

“A long time ago I realised I had to be different and be unique,” Diane says. “I tend to try and find stock I’ve never seen before. And you only do that by going to Reed Gift Fairs.”

The secret source

For more than 50 years, Reed Gift Fairs has been the go-to home and gift fair event for Australian retailers – like Paper Republic and D’Artagnan –  looking to source premium products across gift and lifestyle, home and decor, pop culture, fashion, kids, beauty and wellness.

“Paper Republic has been attending Reed Gift Fairs for eight years and that’s how we find all our new product,” says Scott.

From August 2-6, 2025, Reed Gift Fairs returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) where more than 14,000 retailers will connect with more than 450 Australian wholesalers showing off their wares.

“Reed Gift Fairs is a must-attend sourcing event for retailers who want to run more successful and profitable businesses,” says Cory McCarrick, portfolio director at RX Global, the events company that hosts the fair.

“In just a few days, buyers can see, touch, and feel thousands of products, compare quality and pricing and place orders with confidence. It’s the most time-efficient way to refresh their shelves, discover what’s trending and avoid costly buying mistakes, which often happen when sourcing online.”

Watch: Why Australian wholesalers love Reed Gift Fairs (filmed at the Sydney fair earlier this year). Post continues after video.

Touch and feel versus online

In a world of carbon-copy products available at the click of a mouse, the ability for shop owners to touch and feel products in person is one of the biggest drawcards of the fair.

“We often hear from retailers who have made purchases online, only to find that the finished product is nothing like the photo they saw on the website,” Cory says. “At Reed Gift Fairs, buyers can feel the quality, assess the finishes, colours and scale and ensure the product is right for their store.”

Melbourne gifting chain Homing Instincts sources products from the fair each year, seeing it as an opportunity to meet new suppliers and strengthen existing relationships.

“I joined the business in 2015 and since then we’ve grown from two stores to four,” says Homing Instincts’ Jackson Lane. “We attend every Reed Gift Fair. I’m often surprised when suppliers ask [whether we] will be going to the gift fair, because it’s such an integral part of our year.”

Retailers often find their best-selling products through browsing the aisles and chatting directly with suppliers, adds Cory. “Many retailers say that their best sellers were products that they didn’t plan on buying,” he says.

Building relationships with suppliers on the ground has other perks too. “[It] can lead to better terms, service and support,” says Cory.

Australian made is making waves

Image: Reed Gift Fairs

In a global context where tariffs, supply chain delays and carbon footprint concerns are impacting small business, buying Aussie is becoming a bigger priority.

“There is a growing demand for locally produced products, and consumers want to support Australian businesses,” says Cory. “Our Australian Made Pavillion, in partnership with the Australian Made Campaign, will celebrate the exceptional quality and innovation behind locally crafted products.”

“We also have a fresh lineup of Breakthrough Brands, a dynamic selection of innovative, start-up wholesalers, exhibiting for the very first time. Expect to find a wide variety of brand-new and unique products from passionate entrepreneurs that will set your store apart.”

Mind food, with a side of massage

It’s not just a product fest. Reed Gift Fairs offers retail education sessions on the Retail Therapy Stage with leading industry experts covering topics like cost-effective advertising for small and medium business, maximising web traffic and sales, and AI in business.

“You will leave with new merchandising ideas, marketing strategies and inspiration that you can apply directly in-store,” says Cory.

Over the five-day event, there’s still room for some much-needed R&R: on-site gourmet dining, bubbles and a Pamper Pit offering free five-minute massages.

Source the best, then give your mind a rest.

Register to attend Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne from August 2-6 at reedgiftfairs.com.au.

This article is brought to you by Business Builders in partnership with Reed Gift Fairs.