Originally due to take place on 21-22 April, the event had been abandoned by organisers after it became clear the coronavirus outbreak would make hosting an effective event near impossible.

But Miles Penhallow and the rest of the plaY-room team now aim to run the show later this year on Monday 28 September and Tuesday 29 September at the usual Solihull venue.

In a statement, the team said: “We received several requests to consider later dates in the year from both exhibitors and members… We are therefore exploring the opportunity with our suppliers to host the show later this year.”

Revised dates will also bring a shift in focus for the event – a more collaborative effort with other trade organisations to act as “a platform to launch the critical fourth quarter of trading following the forced temporary closure of stores”.

The AIS hopes to work with other buying groups and independents, along with its own members to help all retailers that need to rebalance their stocks in the run up to an even more critical Christmas shopping period for retailers, and help suppliers unload built up stock.

“Christmas is the one event that will not be cancelled,” the AIS says. “We would like to wish all those that have been involved in this show’s success good health and we look forward, hopefully, to welcoming them through our doors again in September.”