While the comparison is not like for like in the sense that each visitor to a website spends a smaller proportion of time 'at the show' as opposed to an in-person visit to the live event, drill-down into the detail on digital attendees still proves how popular the online event has been.
Buyers from national retailers like B&M, Lakeland, Robert Dyas and John Lewis all visited the digital event as well as buyers from garden centres like Bents and Garden & Home and from supermarkets like Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury's and Tesco. There were also international buyers on the website such as Vanderweens in Holland. There were over 200 housewares and gift brands showing new and on trend products at the digital event, as well as show features like the Launchpad for start-up suppliers and the well-respected Trend Hub. The latter saw over 300 online views of trend forecaster, Scarlet Opus' predictions for key design and lifestyle trends for 2020, 2021 and beyond.
Managing Director of Grunwerg, David Grunwerg said, "Given the tough challenges in this unprecedented economic landscape, Exclusively Digital has been a unique opportunity for suppliers and retailers to re-connect. It provided a great platform to showcase new products and trends that would have otherwise been missed. We are confident that it will help give the housewares industry a much-needed boost."
BHETA's Chief Operating Officer and Chair of Exclusively, Will Jones said, "For obvious reasons the online event was created as an alternative to the live show, but it has proved to be massively valuable and relevant to the industry in its own right. I know the whole housewares, small electricals and gift sector will be delighted to know that the live show will return in 2021 as nothing quite equals the networking buzz that that provides, but Exclusively will be retaining the many features and benefits of its digital self as we move forward into the coming year."
Further information about Exclusively, BHETA's wider events programme and BHETA member services can be found on the BHETA website www.bheta.co.uk or by contacting the BHETA Member Services Team on Team on +44 (0)7946 078 566, or email na@bheta.co.uk.
