Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - Page number 63 - September/October 2021

63 GLEE PREVIEW Green fingered Glee 2021 r turns with a in-person event, showcasing a wealth of home, gift and clothing brands ready to build relationships with garden retailers As the first dedicated garden retail exhibition to make its in- person return post-lockdown, Glee has an important role to play. From networking and educating, to inspiring retailers and suppliers alike, this year’s event will be a highly anticipated showcase of the newest and most exciting innovations that the garden and gift sector has to offer ahead of the 2022 season. During lockdown, many gift retailers sadly saw their stores close and since the reopening have been solely focused on running their businesses according to strict COVID-secure guidelines. As a result, the task of buying and sourcing innovation and trend-led ranges for the season ahead has been put on the back burner. However, with the country opening up and demand for garden and gift products remaining higher than ever, buying teams are being charged with finding exciting and innovative new products to entice new consumers and encourage renewed loyalty amongst existing customers. The return of Glee this September will provide these buyers with the first opportunity to meet suppliers face-to-face and to source inspirational exciting new product collections ahead of the 2022 season. A safe and secure return The Glee team acknowledge that the industry-wide positivity surrounding the exhibition’s return is only possible thanks to the ongoing work that is being undertaken behind the scenes to ensure that Glee can throw open its doors safely and securely. Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, explains, “We are working closely in consultation with the NEC, and the AEO (Association of Event Organisers) in order to confirm that we work within the government guidelines for reopening and will continue to revise these guidelines as the September timeline approaches. The health and safety of everyone involved with Glee – from the stand builders to exhibitors, from visitors to our own Glee team and everyone in between – is our number one priority. “Everyone is able to access our Safe and Secure guidelines, which cover everything from pre-event to onsite guidance regarding hygiene, stand activity and venue facilities, and advice for a safe end to the show including breakdown and track and trace. All this info is accessible via www. gleebirmingham.com/the-community/safe-secure. Th e team also remain available to discuss all elements of our reopening plans with the Glee community.” Product sectors Exhibitors from across Glee’s eight product sectors are already busy planning their return to the exhibition. Whilst the pressures of the pandemic have forced suppliers to work differently, for many, new product development continued at pace. Reacting to consumer demand, suppliers are expected to bring to market products with a defined sustainability ethos, products that make life easier for gardeners, including high-tech innovations, plus latest design updates to core, volume-driven categories. Despite the pressures of the pandemic, the popularity of gifts, homeware and outdoor clothing shows no sign of abating, helping to keep the tills ringing year-round as consumers look to optimise key gifting events as well as adding value to their homes and garden with stylish accessories. Post-lockdown, a shift towards UK-grown talent and production is coupled with an increased average spend as consumers look to treat themselves and loved ones more than ever following a year of enforced distance. As such, Glee’s popular Home, Gift & Clothing category is set to welcome a range of brands offering everything from outdoor clothing ranges and picnicware to seasonal decorations, games, toys and books. Key names to look out for at Glee in 2021 will include: Teal International Ltd (The Satchville Gift Company), Leon Boots Co., Ecovibe Ltd, Little Plover, GRS Footwear, Kingsley Designs Ltd (Bootpac), Rouchette SAS, Evercreatures, Willsow Ltd, and Woodmansterne Publications (W Select). In addition to Home, Gift & Clothing, Glee 2021 will also feature dedicated Garden Care, Landscaping & Garden Decoration, Outdoor Entertaining, Plant, Food & Catering, Retail Experiences & Services sectors, as well as PAW (Pet & Animal Wellbeing), which will provide a destination for pet and animal lovers alike, offering an exciting line up of the very best pet and animal products and everything they need to put that personal touch into their customer experience. IN BRIEF: When: 14 th -16 th September, 2021 Where: NEC, Birmingham Who: www.gleebirmingham.com