Glee 2018 preview It’s Glee but not as we know it


The Green Heart will showcase some of the latest plant offerings in the industry, as well as inspiration on how to best display them


The industry is gearing up for a revitalised and refreshed tradeshow at Birmingham’s NEC, as Glee 2018 gets set to unveil the latest trends and products in the market


has undergone many changes. Reflective of the need to keep retail


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environments fresh and interesting, the 2018 event will be updated to a vibrant and revitalised Glee exhibition. From a new location, to a refreshed floorplan and a wealth of additional features and innovative content, Glee 2018 will be the show to attend if you want to stay ahead of the competition in 2019 and beyond. Glee event director Matthew Mein said: “Glee


2018 is all about arming retailers and suppliers with the tools, inspiration and knowledge to grow their businesses. This year we have curated a show that builds on the success of previous years but takes it to the next level. This means everything from a new floorplan that will help retailers to walk the show differently, sourcing new suppliers and exciting new products along the way, to a much more in-depth programme of content that will help cut through the noise regarding latest consumer trends, merchandising techniques and the future of garden retailing. “The event is all about bringing together the


most influential figures and brands from across the garden and outdoor leisure industry and


6 | www.gardencentreupdate.com


uring 44 years as the go-to event for the garden retail industry, Glee (September 10 to 12, NEC Birmingham)


providing them with a platform to network and find ways to grow together. In doing so we believe this will help to futureproof their businesses in this ever changing and demanding retail environment.”


What’s new Increased footprint at the NEC In 2018 Glee will be benefitting from a complete relocation into NEC halls 6, 7, 8, 19- 20, providing the show with a much bigger footprint, and an even larger exhibition. Exhibitors will be relocating to new stand spaces, whilst visitors will be walking an updated floorplan; discovering new products and companies at every turn. Matthew Mein explained: “Glee has been


growing at a significant rate – we had over 200 new brands join us at the 2017 event - and that means we’ve outgrown our previous home. Glee has successfully relocated before, and we believe that this next move will be received with the same level of industry support. Not only will we be able to better accommodate more exhibitors and visitors, but its refreshed layout will breathe new life into the show. “This move is inspired by the way that retailers keep their store interesting for


customers by constantly revising the layout. This way customers discover more, and ultimately spend more – something we know our exhibitors and visitors want to replicate during their time at Glee.”


Bigger content programme with more high- profile speakers Building more content to help support the continuous growth of gardening in the UK will be a key theme of the 2018 event. Garden retailing is continuing to buck the trend, with growth for both garden retailers and suppliers continuing to grab the headlines. At Glee 2018 look out for more features,


seminar sessions and year-round information relating to trends, merchandising and practical advice on ways to build better business, whilst also tackling the most burning issues set to affect the industry in the years ahead. Glee’s Seminar Theatre will also be getting


an upgrade in 2018, including a relocation to hall 8. With an increase in visitors to the theatre of 30% year-on-year, Glee will be working to bring even more high-profile speakers to the stage in 2018 such as Charlie Dimmock, The Skinny Jean Gardener, Romeo Sommers and Lee Bestall.


GCU September 2018


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