Here we catch up with Scott Thomas, Managing Director of Ivyline, creators of inspired collections of lifestyle products for the home and garden and one of the 2017 Retail Lab sponsors, to find out more about their experience and why the company has confirmed its place within the 2018 Retail Lab, in association with the HTA, feature.
What made you decide to become a sponsor of the Retail Lab at Glee in 2017?
We are passionate about driving innovation in product and retail standards, so the trend lab was a great concept to be involved in. It was also an opportunity to showcase product in another area of Glee and work with the creative team. Houseplants and wellbeing was a major theme of the lab which is a key retail growth area.
What products of yours were displayed?
In 2017, we included some of our hugely successful Happiness Teacups which donate £0.25 for every set sold to Greenfingers Charity, our bold printed Monza planters, hanging indoor planters and selected outdoor planters.
How did being part of the Retail Lab benefit your business?
It gave us extra exposure, new merchandising ideas, extra industry contacts and it was just great to support this initiative.
What advice would you give any other brands thinking of getting involved in 2018?
Get plenty of samples in early, try to tie the creative team down to what they are looking for and just get involved.
Have you implemented any of the Retail Lab ideas within your own business? Has it inspired the way you work with retail customers?
We have used it to inspire customers to build innovative displays in store, show them how visual merchandising really delivers added sales and how to work on hotspots of products.
What can people expect to see from you at Glee 2018?
We are hugely excited about Glee. In 2018, we are experiencing our best ever year in 41 years of trading. For Glee we have doubled the size of our stand and will be launching over 250 new products. Houseplant pots are our biggest focus where we will launch a number of inspirational trend driven collections, there will be new outdoor planter concepts and an amazing range of design led outdoor fire bowls. Prepare to be inspired!
