The Schoolwear Show 2017 It’s for the schoolwear retailers
This year saw the Schoolwear Show celebrate a milestone achievement – 20 years of showcasing new products and garments to schoolwear retailers.
Here P&P editor Melanie Attlesey reviews the event and takes a look back over the last two decades.
T
he Schoolwear Show, which took place last month, was founded by five schoolwear suppliers, David Luke, Rowlinson Knitwear, William Turner, Gymphlex, and Banner back in 1997. The idea behind the launch of the event was to show independent school uniform retailers what was available in the market and to help them to improve their own individual businesses. Two decades later the show is still doing exactly that.
Fond memories
David Burgess, chief executive of David Luke and one of the founding organisers, shares his fondest memory of the last 20 years.
He says: “The most memorable moment for me came in 2006. Around 30 exhibitors exhibited at the show and it was the first time that I felt we had achieved what we set out to do. This coincided with the launch of the Schoolwear Association and it really felt as if
David Burgess, chairman of the Schoolwear Association and David Luke, receiving the lifetime achievement award
He also rather enjoys helping new customers start out in the schoolwear industry.
“I get so overwhelmed when I see some customers reactions. I love this show and every year I am so busy itʼs untrue,” he adds.
New exhibitors This yearʼs event saw several new exhibitors join the show, including Innovation Schoolwear, Your Embroidery Services Ltd, Pioneer Schoolwear Manufacturing, RagTagd, Optimum and Ascent Australia.
Innovation Schoolwear last exhibited 10 years ago and returned this year due to customer demand.
Embroidery
Badge.UK’s stand
there was a real coming together in the industry. The show and the association working together to achieve a common goal. Since then the show has gone from strength to strength.” Beginning with just a handful of exhibitors, growing to around 30 exhibitors in 2006, the show now regularly features around 50 suppliers who return year on year to enjoy the benefits that the show brings.
Regular exhibitor John Baines of Kwik Tape Labels says he loves the show. “Itʼs great to see the spark in old customers as they see a new piece of equipment.”
Banner’s stand | 58 | November 2017
Michelle Cohen, export and head of accounts, explains: “The market was different back then. There were no reps or agents, which today is very much a business in itself. Our business grew through word of mouth, everyone knew each other. However, we didnʼt keep up with the times. After the fire at our warehouse in 2015, we realised how many retailers and distributors were not aware of who we were or how extensive our product range is. “So we decided to attend and it has been really fantastic. We plan to do it every year from now onwards. Itʼs the personal connection with our customers that you canʼt get over the phone which is really valuable.” RagTagd was another new exhibitor, flying in from Australia especially
Innovation Schoolwear’s stand
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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