SHOW REVIEW: SPOGA+GAFA 2026


Tchibo, TJ Morris, toom, Walmart, Wayfair, Wickes, XXXLutz and ZEB Zentraleinkauf Baubedarf. And you can’t argue with that! At the 2026 show, there were 23,500 visitors across 112 countries and while the show felt smaller, unique suppliers were placed in more prominent positions and therefore more ‘findable’. In fact, the redesigned layout increased buyer engagement, and while wayfinding and multilingual access still needed improvement, the plans for 2027 include better signage and more English content, including the trade talks. The innovation focus will continue with the event encouraging flexible retail formats and adaptions to changing buyer behaviours, especially those which target younger customer needs. Planned improvements include segments, floor


color-coded


stickers, and enhanced wayfinding to better guide visitors, including more multi-lingual prompts. Plans


are in discussion to


incorporate more English- language content or bilingual panels to improve inclusivity. The commitment includes transport to and from the show.


Layout It was obvious that the 2026 event successfully enhanced buyer quality and attendee experience with strategic layout changes. One of the key reasons for better buyer engagement was show initiatives to direct buyers to targeted areas like the garden sourcing hub and brand-specific halls, creating crowded, active spaces. Exhibitors reported seeing the right buyers at their booths, improving business opportunities. Special zones such as the outdoor adventure island and city gardening areas received positive feedback, increasing show appeal.


Timing


The June date is being kept for 2027 in response to supplier needs. As one garden centre buyer said: “I love spoga to see what is new and what is right for my business and keeping it early in the year allows me to clear product I will discontinue during the season, obviously the best time of year to sell it through.” The decision to keep the event in June supports buyer influence on peak season purchasing and counters short-term sales pressure. June timing allows buyers to


influence July


purchasing decisions, extending the selling window. As Clive confirmed when talking to international


www.diyweek.net


“spoga+gafa brings together companies from the garden lifestyle sector and trade visitors from all over the world.”


retailers, many set up for the season as early as mid-January, making a September show too late to impact orders. There are other reasons for the June timing. Supply chain dependencies, especially Asian manufacturing and container shipping cycles, favour June timing. Ordering by September is too late


for many


products due to Chinese New Year and factory production schedules, with spoga+gafa prioritising global supply chain realities.


Innovation and industry inspiration


and August


Clive Daley also advises that notwithstanding the disturbances in the international garden and DIY markets caused by conflict, tariffs, and cost of living uncertainties, spoga+gafa remains the prefect platform for evolving industry ideas and inspiring retailers to rethink their in-store experiences.


Concepts such as curated displays on urban gardening or outdoor adventure islands are proving powerful, encouraging adaptation of innovative retail concepts. These examples mirror IKEA’s approach of inspiring customers through staged experiential environments that drive product interest, as well as targeting younger shopper generations with different expectations, aiming to future-proof retail strategies, including an acknowledgement of a new generation more year-round buying approach.


Spoga+gafa aims to remain the


essential, stable platform for the garden industry while evolving with market and buyer changes. The event’s vision centres on being a stable, trusted platform that adapts to rapid market changes while supporting all industry players. As Clive Daley says, the 2026 spoga+gafa


was pivotal. The


trade fair responded to the market needs and the challenging market situation by consistently evolving its concept, sending a strong signal


as a central platform for the global garden industry. It’s 2027 plans are focussed on increasing relevance even more.


Driven by very positive feedback


and a willingness to accommodate today’s reality for domestic and export suppliers, and an absolute of supply and ordering cycles and the industry’s desire for consistency, spoga+gafa is acknowledging market and economic framework conditions even as they change due to the ongoing global conflicts and


international disruptions.


Spoga+gafa will next take place in Cologne from 15 to 17 June 2027. For further information, visit www. spogagafa.com/trade-fair/spoga- gafa/portfolio-worldwide.


About Daley Hub Daley Hub is a UK agency guiding global suppliers through the strategic, operational, and commercial challenges of entering the UK market. For more information visit www.daleyhub.com/contact-us.


AUGUST 2026 DIY WEEK 29


supply chain


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