One of the most innovative features at the annual Glee exhibition, the Retail Lab @ Glee – new for 2017 - has secured backing from a wide range of leading suppliers, who have come on board as ‘Preferred Supplier Partner’ and ‘Selected Supplier Partner’ of the Retail Lab’s four trend-lead areas. Brands confirmed as ‘Preferred Supplier Partners’ of the Retail Lab @ Glee in 2017 are Cadix, Hozelock, Petface, Ivyline, Woodlodge and Elho.
Recognising the value of the Retail Lab and what it stands for – an interactive showcase of the latest trend information and informative business building advice, best practice and self-learning content – these brands from across the garden retail market have been quick to confirm their support of the area. The area is set to receive a high footfall throughout Glee’s three days, with each brand benefitting from this increased brand awareness.
Cadix will be providing products and display ideas within the Re-Wilding area, joined by Hozelock who will be showcasing some of its latest water-saving and water-management solutions and innovations. This area – one of four within the Retail Lab – will focus on the role that nature is playing within the way that we live and interact with our surroundings, and also how retailers can optimise this within the retail environment. From ideas to growing in small spaces (85% of people now live in an urban area) to ideas to support sustainability and encourage wildlife to the garden, the Re-Wilding trend is set to be huge in 2018 and beyond.
Over in the ‘Family’ area, Petface, one of the leading suppliers of pet accessories, will be building more content around the changing role of the ‘pet’ within the family, whilst Elho will also be supplying products to both the Family and Well-being areas. The Family area within the Retail Lab will focus on how garden centres can optimise activities and products that appeal to all members of the garden, reflective of how the way we use our garden spaces has changed. From indoor grow-zones, to project based play the Family section will be an inspirational hub that will provide ideas on how to broaden the appeal of gardening throughout the home.
Woodlodge will be assisting with the Retail Lab’s Community section, using its expert merchandising display knowledge to create moveable retail units. The company will also be supplying pots for use throughout the Retail Lab area. From mobile planting tables to a greater emphasis on herbs, cut flowers, vegetable and fruit, the Community area within the Retail Lab, is designed to showcase how communities can be brought together, and how retailers can incorporate an area that enables customers the chance to get their hands dirty.
Finally, Ivyline – suppliers of trend-led pots and accessories – will be providing indoor pots, whilst also showcasing the Barry the Cactus brand, which has already captured the attention of a much younger audience through insightful and playful social media and branding.
In addition to the ‘Preferred Supplier Partners’, the Retail Lab is also being supported by a number of ‘Selected Supplier Partners’. More names are set to be finalised in the coming weeks but Glee are pleased to confirm that Traditional Garden Games, Primeur Ltd, Carnilove, Woodstock Windchimes, The Patio Black Spot Removal Company Ltd and Potters Crouch Candles are already onboard as Retail Lab sponsors.
Growers Profit Plant and Air So Pure, have also confirmed their support for the Retail Lab, and will be showcasing their latest plant innovations within the Re-Wilding and Community areas respectively.
Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein, said: “Our thanks go to all of those that have already confirmed their involvement in the Retail Lab. This is our most exciting feature ever, and having so many key brands on board adds even more weight to its proposition.
“The Retail Lab is all about helping to inspire and educate retailers, providing them with tangible trend information and merchandising ideas that they can implement in their own stores to grow both their offering and business, whilst also targeting new customers. The support and products offered by our preferred suppliers and sponsors will help the many ideas and concepts that shape the Retail Lab to come to life. What’s more, even more brands are set to confirm their support, making the Retail Lab an even more exciting and thriving proposition.”
Find out more
Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focussing on building year-round profits within core product categories including Garden Care, Outdoor Entertaining, Landscaping and Garden Design, Pet, Home, Gift and Clothing, and Plants. Each year the show attracts thousands of buyers from top retailers, such as leading UK garden centres, builders’ merchants, multiple retailers, and DIY stores. To keep up-to-date on all the latest news log onto www.gleebirmingham.com or call 020 3033 2160 to find out about exhibiting.
