52 Building on the success of its 50th anniversary in 2024, this year’s Glee promises to be even more spectacular, with a reconfigured layout across Halls 8-12 to enhance the visitor experience. THE POWER OF GLEE Glee has long been a cornerstone event for the garden retail sector, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and buyers under one roof. The 2024 show marked a significant milestone, celebrating half a century of excellence, with the September timeline being hailed as a game-changer for the buying cycle, attendee numbers up year-on-year, an increased presence of owner/operators, category buyers, and buying teams eager to place orders and discover the latest trends. One of the standout sectors at Glee is the Home, Gift & Clothing section. This area has seen significant growth and has become central to garden centre offerings, keeping customers coming back with a diverse range of products. Visitors can expect to find a wide array of items, including gift books, decorative accessories, footwear, games, home accessories, outdoor clothing, and toys. WHY GIFT BUYERS SHOULD ATTEND GLEE 2025 • Diverse product ranges: Glee Home, Gift & Clothing offers a fresh, inspiring, and on-trend selection of products. Gift buyers can diversify their collections with the latest trending toys, books, and decorative accessories, ensuring they meet the evolving demands of their customers. • Networking opportunities: Glee provides an unparalleled platform to connect with both established brands and innovative newcomers. The show floor is filling fast, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to this must-attend event. • Educational content: Beyond product sourcing, Glee offers engaging educational content, providing insights into market trends, consumer behaviour, and innovative retail strategies. These sessions equip gift buyers with the knowledge to stay ahead in a competitive market. • Innovation and inspiration: The event celebrates innovation, with features like the New Product Showcase highlighting the latest industry advancements. Gift buyers can discover unique products that will set their offerings apart. • Broader industry connections: One of the key benefits of attending Glee is the opportunity to explore exhibitors across its seven other product sectors. Gift buyers can find brands they may not have encountered before, drawing inspiration and forging new supply partnerships to diversify their offering in 2026. • Future synergies: Looking ahead, Glee and Autumn Fair are set to co-locate at the NEC Birmingham from September 2026. This strategic move will unlock multiple benefits, creating a stronger, future-proofed platform that supports the long-term growth and success of the industries they represent. EXHIBITOR HIGHLIGHTS Several notable exhibitors have already confirmed their presence at Glee 2025. Look out for UK Greetings, who will be showcasing its award-winning, fully sustainable greeting cards and gift dressings, designed for birthdays, life’s milestones, and those spontaneous “saw this and thought of you” moments. Rainbow Designs, known for its expertise in licensed toys and gifts, will be presenting a collection of beloved characters that continue to delight children worldwide, whilst Klass, a leading ladies’ fashion retailer for garden centres across the UK, will highlight its stylish, on-trend fashion offerings. As a family-owned business established in 1985, Klass is committed to delivering excellent service and a high-quality shopping experience, both online and in-store. FIND OUT MORE Glee 2025 offers gift buyers an unparalleled opportunity to explore a diverse range of products, connect with industry leaders, and gain insights into the latest trends. The Home, Gift & Clothing sector, in particular, promises a wealth of inspiration and innovation. Mark your diaries for 16th to 18th September 2025 and be part of an event that continues to shape the future of garden retail. An enhanced experience Glee, the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade exhibition, is set to return to the NEC Birmingham from 16th to 18th September 2025 IN BRIEF: WHO: Glee, www.gleebirmingham.com WHERE: NEC, Birmingham WHEN: 16-18 September, 2025
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