Launched at Glee just 12 months ago, the Buyer Connect event has already become a keenly-anticipated feature of the show’s programme. This year, led by the Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association (GIMA), the event is set to be even bigger, with 16 top retailers taking part in these power-networking sessions.
Taking place on Monday 15 and Tuesday 16, from 10:00am – 12:00pm in the GIMA Business Lounge (20 F40), the event will bring together more than 70 exhibitors with key UK garden retailers, who are ready and eager to see what each exhibitor has to offer.
The retailers who have kindly agreed to spare their precious time are: Stax Trade Centres, Notcutts, Mole Valley Farmers, JTF Wholesale, Castle Garden Group, QVC, British Garden Centres, Blue Diamond Group, Wyevale Garden Centres, The Range, Coolings Nurseries, Achica, Future Marketing Group, Home Bargains, Ideal World Shopping Channel, and Homebase.
Each retailer will meet with 10 Glee exhibitors, meaning 160 10-minute networking sessions will take place across the two days. Suppliers taking part will be able to pitch their product to each retailer, who in turn will be able to offer constructive feedback, or even purchase stock if they see something they must-have.
GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “This year’s Buyer Connect event is set to be even bigger and better than in 2013. We’ll be bringing together even more retailers and suppliers – in fact we could have booked each networking ‘slot’ four times over, the demand was that high. I sincerely believe that those taking part will really benefit from the experience.”
Benefits for GIMA members
Vicky added: “One of our roles as a trade association is connecting retailers and suppliers, so events such as Buyer Connect will become a regular feature in the GIMA calendar. We are here to respond to, and support, our members’ needs so we urge any retailer interested in our ‘meet the buyer’ events to get in touch.”
GIMA at Glee 2014
The GIMA Business Village hosts a selection of up and coming companies exhibiting with the support of GIMA. The GIMA Business Lounge at Glee will be an ideal place to take a break, arrange meetings and catch up with key suppliers.
