Glee 2018 review


Glee 2018: bolder, brighter and brimming with freshness Glee 2018 saw a new footprint and layout for the show, incorporating five halls of the NEC in Birmingham


Inspiration, informative presentations and attracting quality retailers were all key facets of the garden retail industry showcase


G


lee 2018 proved a thriving hub for the garden retail sector. Featuring a bigger, bolder and brighter event, the


visually impactful show welcomed more exhibitors, exciting new content, a new footprint and a strong visitor contingent that delivered across the board and drew praise from all corners of the sector. Glee event director Matthew Mein discussed


the vital role Glee plays as both an exhibition, and networking hub for the industry it represents.


Bigger, brighter and more vibrant “Glee 2018 was all about arming retailers and suppliers with the tools, inspiration and knowledge to grow their businesses,” comments Matthew. “From a new look with engaging entrances


that excited visitors from the moment they entered the show, new inspirational and educational features, bigger stands and a new footprint that incorporates five halls of the NEC, we curated a show that built on the success of previous years, and more importantly, responded to the needs and wishes of our visitors. “This latter change – a new footprint – was


one change that added extra vibrancy to the event, and helped retailers to walk the show differently, enabling them to source new


10 | www.gardencentreupdate.com


suppliers and exciting new products along the way – reflective of how retailers change their shop floor each season to keep content fresh and exciting for customers.” In total Glee 2018 welcomed in excess of 5%


new brands to the show compared to 2017, and a 7% growth in its show footprint. The organisers also introduced a much more


in-depth programme of content that helped cut through the noise regarding latest consumer trends, merchandising techniques and the future of garden retailing. It was all about future proofing businesses and arming them with tangible and inspiring ‘takeaway’ content; content that can be implemented in their own stores immediately.


Quality visitors eager to do business “We all know that one of the key contributing factors to the success of any exhibition is the quality of its visitor demographic,” Matthew says. “This year, Glee welcomed more of the ‘big players’ than ever before. “Almost every single GCA member was in


attendance, with supermarkets and DIY giants as well as leading high street stores all making time to visit the show, many bringing bigger teams to ensure all corners of Glee were covered. “Not only this, but revisits continued to


increase, with more revisits taking place across the Tuesday and Wednesday when compared to last year. With visitors staying longer, more business could be done, which is why we have heard of many brands breaking their own Glee sales records. It’s knowledge such as this which makes it all worthwhile.”


We curated a show


that built on the success of previous years, and more importantly, responded to the needs and wishes of our visitors


Record breaking rebookings “Happy exhibitors mean a bright future for the exhibition, and what better measure of this than the onsite rebooking process,” Matthew adds. “As exhibitors experience a thriving show, they are keen to secure their space at the event the following year.


GCU October 2018


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