As the second annual ‘Glee at Spring Fair’ gets ever closer, the show’s Event Director, Matthew Mein, provides an update on what the industry can expect, and why garden retailers should make the event a ‘must attend’ part of their spring 2019 plans. 

Why Glee at Spring Fair – how does it differ to the September show?

Glee at Spring Fair was introduced in 2018 for one simple reason - Spring Fair is the UK’s number one Home and Gift Fair, with an audience which is already engaged and ready and willing to do business. The exhibition already welcomes a strong garden centre contingent, with owners /operators and gift buyers out in force.  Our aim is to encourage other category buyers from across the gardening spectrum to maximise their attendance at Spring Fair.

Glee at Spring Fair (3rd – 7th February, NEC Birmingham) will give retailers the opportunity to see new and best-selling ranges ahead of the spring season. This ‘second edition’ of Glee, taking place in the early pre-spring season, will give retailers an additional destination to refresh their ranges ahead of key retail spikes. It will also provide garden buyers with valuable insight into the latest concepts and trends for 2019, helping them to better direct their buying. 

What can visitors expect to see within Glee at Spring Fair?

Glee at Spring Fair will be a concession that will deliver a selection of some of the best products from some of Glee’s core product sectors. Core gardening will remain at its heart, with key brands such as Woodlodge, Fargro, Charles Taylor, Creative Products, Unique Tables, Logs Direct, Chain Products, Joseph Noblett, Innovators International, Suncatcher, Tepro, NewbudIndustrial, Kingdom Teak, Dizmes, Neat Ideas, Laurica Plants and Riverco Trading showcasing their 2019 ranges.  

The concession will retain Glee’s signature boulevard aisle and highly-recognisable branding throughout. A Glee Café, which will act as a hub for Glee’s supporting trade associations – The HTA, GIMA and Gardenex. Offering a wealth of knowledge and benefits, the presence of these trade associations will add some fun and interactive elements to the five-day event.  GIMA will be on hand to answer questions regarding membership and how the association can support manufacturers, whilst international buyers will also be able to meet with enthusiastic suppliers within Gardenex’s own International Buyer Event.

A popular part of both the September show, and the 2018 Glee at Spring Fair event, the Glee New Product Showcase will be making its home within the Glee Café, and will be open to all exhibitors within the Glee concession. This dedicated area will bring together the most exciting new products from Glee at Spring Fair exhibitors, and will provide a source of inspiration for retailers looking to find exciting new product innovations.

Who can exhibit?

Any brand from across the gardening spectrum can join Glee at Spring Fair. In 2018 we saw a wide showcase of products includinggarden decorations, ornaments, statuary and water features, to garden structures and outdoor entertaining. Garden care, where fashion and impulse-buy potential is at its highest, also proves to be a popular attraction for buyers looking to differentiate their retail space in such a competitive market.

Who should visit?

Any retailer who wants to maximise sales of garden products in the year ahead – especially those with a strong design focus – will not want to miss out on visiting Glee at Spring Fair.

Where do I go to find out more?

Visit www.gleebirmingham.com for all the latest developments regarding the main September show as well as Glee at Spring Fair 2019. Those brands interested in exhibited are invited to call 0203 3033 2160 to find out more.