gtn AUGUST 2017
Advice and information for garden centre professionals
gardentradenews.co.uk
Putting on a show... As Glee fast approaches, Vitax will be showcasing more than just new products at this year’s event following further investment in its point of sale materials and marketing support for customers. Revealing a brand new stand for 2017, visitors will be able to fully immerse themselves in Vitax’s vision of how its products will be displayed in garden centres in the future as well as view new products. Taking the limelight once again at the entrance to Hall 19, stand E10/F11, customers will see a marked difference in Vitax’s approach to merchandising as it responds to what garden centres want and need. Daniel Wilkinson, Vitax’s managing director, explains: ‘Vitax has always used Glee as a platform to launch new products, but customers want and need much more support to drive gardeners into centres as competition from online retailers increases. “Late last year, Vitax launched Garden World (www.gardenworld.co.uk), its first consumer-facing website.
“Still in its infancy, the website is growing in popularity as more projects and gardening information is added. We have also invested in ‘How to’ videos to make it easier for gardeners to see which products should be used and applied. “Its overarching aim is to help gardeners pinpoint where to buy specific products local
to them and once in centre, we can provide customers with the point of sale materials to upsell complementary products.” Although visitors will have access to Vitax’s experienced sales team throughout the show, Garden World’s ambassador, Andy McIndoe, will be on hand during the first two days. “Glee is much more than revealing next year’s new product lines, it is an opportunity to inspire garden centres and this includes improving the overall customer experience,” says Wilkinson. “Andy’s input has been invaluable and will bring the whole marketing experience to life from shop floor to in-store and online.” For more information about Garden World, visit: www.gardenworld.co.uk, or see Vitax at Glee in Hall 19, stand E10/F11
www.vitax.co.uk
New area sales manager joins Vitax Vitax has added to its sales team with the appointment of a new area sales manager to work across the South West. Julian Franklin, who has over 20 years’ experience working in the gardening and horticulture sector, joins from Town and Country where he was area sales manager for 17 years. Responsible for managing existing customers as well as securing new business, Julian will be working with clients primarily across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Julian will also be working closely with Vitax’s existing South West area sales manager, Julian Goodhand, who will continue to cover Avon, Wilts, Hants and Dorset. This is the first time Vitax has split its southern territory between two managers, but is essential to manage growth as Colin Wetherley-Mein, Vitax’s sales manager, explains: “Vitax has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years which has seen its customer base in the South West increase considerably. Julian’s experience speaks for itself and we are delighted to have him on board.” Julian joins a sales team of 11 covering the UK and Ireland. Vitax’s managing director, Daniel Wilkinson, welcoming new joint area sales manager for the South West, Julian Franklin.