Gift Focus - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 112)

SECOND GLEE AT SPRING FAIR REPORTS HIGH LEVELS OF ORDERS Buyers from large retailers such as Amazon, John Lewis and Robert Dyas, as well as representatives from garden centres, summer festivals and public events, visited the NEC Birmingham from the 3 rd -7 th February, helping exhibitors land new orders from sectors outside of traditional garden retail and giving them the chance to meet with key buyers from the garden trade. Glee at Spring Fair exhibitors reported exceptional levels of interest from buyers, helping to boost confidence in the garden sector, which has proved resilient in the face of Brexit. Peter Wootton, director of family-owned garden furniture specialist Riverco Trading, said: “The quality of leads has been excellent, orders on the stand have been exceptional and recruitment of sales agents has been first-rate. We got everything we hoped for – and more. I feel very positive about how the show has gone. I never put targets on shows, but we received quality leads, and the whole event exceeded our expectations.” Woodlodge, a leading supplier of pots, containers, furniture and garden ornaments, said Glee at Spring Fair had helped to generate leads in retail sectors that do not usually have a presence at Glee in September. Sales manager Ian Flounders explained: “It has been an absolutely fantastic show. We met with lots of companies that we wouldn’t normally see at Glee, including florists, DIY and high street retailers and independents. This has even been a showcase to promote our products to a wider audience, with buyers looking to expand their offering at the start of the new season.” Mark Hall, managing director of Creative Products, said he took the decision to exhibit this year after a successful first year at Glee at Spring Fair in 2018, saying: “It has been a good show for us. We have been busy from 10am to 5pm. Eighty per cent of our business is with garden centres, so this has been a key event for us.” Creative Products also scooped first and third place in Glee at Spring Fair’s New Product Showcase Awards for its Fly Away and Mighty Little Digger products, respectively. First-time exhibitors also praised the show, reporting a healthy influx of business leads from garden retail buyers and enquiries from buyers in other sectors. David Lait, southern sales manager of Fargro, said: “We normally do Glee, but Spring Fair has been very worthwhile. We have met with different buyers. In some cases, we met buyers from different parts of businesses, as well as the garden buyers from the same companies. This generated a lot of interest in our range, especially cement planters and cement Christmas products.” For up-to-date show news or information about exhibiting, visit gleebirmingham.com Speaker lineup announced for Farm Shop & Deli Show 2019 The lineup for the Farm Shop & Deli Show’s live stage has been announced, with a host of industry leaders gearing up to share their thoughts and experiences on issues, ranging from the rise of gin to ethical eating and tapping into the healthy appetite for the wellness market. The live stage will host a “plastic to palm oil” discussion, which will be top of the list for retailers of all sizes that are looking to address consumers’ eco worries. A responsible retailers’ roundtable, chaired by author, chef and broadcaster Richard Fox, will put across simple ways to create a sustainable store with practical, affordable and actionable tips. Glowing Potential founder Emily Foster will explore the $4.2trillion wellness market, with advice on how to cash in on shoppers looking for healthy, nutritious and Instagram-friendly food and drink. Consumers are demanding innovation in healthy-living options, and the food and drinks market has not been exempt from this shift. David Ware from Green’s Brewery, Rob Fink from Big Drop Brewing and Graeme Louden from CGA will offer their insights into the future for “healthier beer” with a discussion on burgeoning brews from gluten-free to zero- alcohol options. Another big draw is Richard Ford, associate director of Sherlock Studios, who will deliver a talk on how to improve store environments. The session is designed to offer cost-free and practical quick wins to boost sales by transforming the look and feel of a traditional farm shop, surprising customers with innovative store design. Karen Fewell of Digital Blonde will lead visitors through clear insights on effective methods to supercharge marketing strategies. Real-life examples will demonstrate how to put advice into action, and boosting sales will be the focus of this psychology-led session. Away from the stages, the Farm Shop & Deli Show Awards return for its sixth year. The hotly awaited finals will be held live at the show on 8 th April, hosted by food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden. Farm Shop & Deli Show commercial director Mat Rose said: “We’re looking forward to not only showcasing the very best artisan and speciality products on the market but also providing the opportunity for visitors and attendees to dive into a world of advice, inspiration and guidance from some of the most successful industry leaders.” For more information, visit farmshopanddelishow.co.uk 12 giftfocus on with the show