Glee at Spring Fair opens tomorrow (Sunday February 3rd) in Hall 3 at the NEC.  Nestled between Christmas and greetings cards, Glee at Spring Fair is an oasis of exhibitors that are a must visit for all visitors to Spring Fair who have gardening and leisure on their mind.

GTN have been organising the Glee at Spring Fair New Product Showcase which will be judged during Sunday with the winner announced at 4:30pm.  Do come and join us for a drink!

Here's our photographic preview of Glee at Spring Fair as build up comes to a close on Saturday evening.  See you in the morning.

Sun 3 Feb - 9:00 - 18:00

Mon 4 Feb - 9:00 - 18:00

Tues 5 Feb - 9:00 - 18:00

Wed 6 Feb - 9:00 - 18:00

Thurs 7 Feb - 9:00 - 16:00

Register now using this link

After setting up the Glee at Spring Fair New Products Showcase, your intrepid Glee Daily News reporter set off on a whistle stop tour of all fourteen halls of Spring Fair as build up continued into Saturday evening.

By 9:00am tomorrow (Sunday 3rd February) it will all be clean, tidy and ready for you to come and buy from.

Here's our photo tour of Spring Fair 2019, Build Up LIVE!

See you at #SpringFair2019 in the morning.

As the second annual ‘Glee at Spring Fair’ gets ever closer, the show’s Event Director, Matthew Mein, provides an update on what the industry can expect, and why garden retailers should make the event a ‘must attend’ part of their spring 2019 plans.

Why Glee at Spring Fair – how does it differ to the September show?

Glee at Spring Fair was introduced in 2018 for one simple reason - Spring Fair is the UK’s number one Home and Gift Fair, with an audience which is already engaged and ready and willing to do business. The exhibition already welcomes a strong garden centre contingent, with owners /operators and gift buyers out in force.  Our aim is to encourage other category buyers from across the gardening spectrum to maximise their attendance at Spring Fair.

Glee at Spring Fair (3^rd – 7^th February, NEC Birmingham) will give retailers the opportunity to see new and best-selling ranges ahead of the spring season. This ‘second edition’ of Glee, taking place in the early pre-spring season, will give retailers an additional destination to refresh their ranges ahead of key retail spikes. It will also provide garden buyers with valuable insight into the latest concepts and trends for 2019, helping them to better direct their buying. 

What can visitors expect to see within Glee at Spring Fair?

Glee at Spring Fair will be a concession that will deliver a selection of some of the best products from some of Glee’s core product sectors. Core gardening will remain at its heart, with key brands such as Woodlodge, Fargro, Charles Taylor, Creative Products, Unique Tables, Logs Direct, Chain Products, Joseph Noblett, Innovators International, Suncatcher, Tepro, Newbud Industrial, Kingdom Teak, Dizmes, Neat Ideas, Laurica Plants and Riverco Trading showcasing their 2019 ranges.  

The concession will retain Glee’s signature boulevard aisle and highly-recognisable branding throughout. A Glee Café, which will act as a hub for Glee’s supporting trade associations – The HTA, GIMA and Gardenex. Offering a wealth of knowledge and benefits, the presence of these trade associations will add some fun and interactive elements to the five-day event.   GIMA will be on hand to answer questions regarding membership and how the association can support manufacturers, whilst international buyers will also be able to meet with enthusiastic suppliers within Gardenex’s own International Buyer Event.

A popular part of both the September show, and the 2018 Glee at Spring Fair event, the Glee New Product Showcase will be making its home within the Glee Café, and will be open to all exhibitors within the Glee concession. This dedicated area will bring together the most exciting new products from Glee at Spring Fair exhibitors, and will provide a source of inspiration for retailers looking to find exciting new product innovations.

Who can exhibit?

Any brand from across the gardening spectrum can join Glee at Spring Fair. In 2018 we saw a wide showcase of products including garden decorations, ornaments, statuary and water features, to garden structures and outdoor entertaining. Garden care, where fashion and impulse-buy potential is at its highest, also proves to be a popular attraction for buyers looking to differentiate their retail space in such a competitive market.

Who should visit?

Any retailer who wants to maximise sales of garden products in the year ahead – especially those with a strong design focus – will not want to miss out on visiting Glee at Spring Fair.  Register now using this link

Where do I go to find out more?

Visit www.gleebirmingham.com for all the latest developments regarding the main September show as well as Glee at Spring Fair 2019. Those brands interested in exhibiting are invited to call 0203 3033 2160 to find out more.

With just days to go until the second annual Glee at Spring Fair event, the show’s exhibitors reveal what garden and gift buyers can expect to see from this thriving section of the exhibition.   

Woodlodge, the UK’s leading supplier of garden planters and containers, will be using the show as a second opportunity to showcase its expanded Rustic Garden and Feather ranges of pots and planters.

Drawing influence from current trends, including the ‘Modern Farmhouse’ trend – considered by Houzz as the biggest interior trend of the last few years – Woodlodge’s new Rustic Garden collection of pots and planters will focus on using more natural materials and alternative colourways.  Made up of a mix of weathered woods, natural materials and contrasting earthy tones, the Rustic Garden range harks back to simpler times and creates a feeling of simplicity and harmony in the garden. 

Due to gardeners' changing needs, smaller outdoor spaces and the increasing demand for products to suit an urban and rental lifestyle, Woodlodge has introduced new designs to its Feather Range, a collection of modern, innovative, lightweight planters that will create colour in your garden, on your balcony or terrace. Made from 100% recycled durable plastic, this range of planters are also weather resistant and frost-proof meaning they can be left out year-round without fear of chipping, cracking, or fading; making them a smart choice for any garden design.

Creative Products will be showcasing four new products at Glee at Spring Fair. Demonstrating a move away from plastic, the company will be featuring sustainably sourced paper-based packaging where possible. The four new product launches include a new pet mitt which is designed to invigorate the pet’s skin whilst maintaining a clean and healthy coat; the ‘Mighty Little Digger’ - a new gardening tool, which is designed to facilitate digging, loosening and weeding soil; a new grill mat – which ensures food stays crispy on the outside and tender on the inside; and finally, a grey version of the company’s popular Auto Wash Stick.

Mark Hall, Managing Director at Creative Products, commented, “Glee is the UK’s top garden trade show and as regular exhibitors, we are proud to be able to showcase not only new products but our efforts to move to plastic-free packaging at Glee at Spring Fair.”

Fargro, the go-to supplier for commercial grower needs will be showing its ranges of indoor and outdoor planters and containers, as well as extended garden decoration and Christmas ranges. The company will be offering a number of unique ranges of product, many lines exclusive to Fargro. Talking about the company presence at Glee at Spring Fair, Kieran Daly, Fargro’s Key Accounts Development Manager, said: “We see a very exciting time ahead developing our added value and garden gift ranges. For us, the timing of Glee at Spring Fair is right for launching our new Christmas ranges and highlighting the spring and summer products we originally exhibited at the main Glee exhibition in September.”

Tepro – an established German BBQ brand, with a strong UK presence and market leading range on the continent – will be making its debut at Glee at Spring Fair in 2019. The company will be using Glee at Spring Fair to launch a completely new way of cooking with its 800°c Steak Grill, which prepares restaurant quality steak in 90 seconds. Tepro is the first to bring this way of cooking to the mass market in the UK, with an RRP of just £299.

The company will also be offering a buy 10 get 2 free promotion exclusively at Glee at Spring Fair, and are encouraging any visitor wanting new product for the 2019 season to make sure they make Tepro part of their Glee at Spring Fair plans as the brand has the stock and facilities to support all sizes of retailer.

Tepro’s Key Account Manager, Andrew Harding said; “The timing of Glee at Spring Fair is perfect for this launch, with stock of the new Steak Grill arriving at our Bremen warehouse in March. Whilst we already supply Europe and the UK’s largest retailers with both branded and private label stock, we’re hoping Glee at Spring Fair will get the Tepro Steak Grill off to a flying start with both new and existing retailers. It’s the first completely new BBQ product the market has seen in years.”

Register now for Glee at Spring Fair using this link

Find out more

To find out more about Glee at Spring Fair please visit www.gleebirmingham.com for all the latest developments regarding the both the main September show as well as Glee at Spring Fair 2019. Those brands interested in exhibiting are invited to call 0203 3033 2160 to find out more.

Entries are being submitted by exhibitors for the Glee at Spring Fair New Product Award, in association with Garden Trade News, that will be judged in Glee at Spring Fair on Sunday morning, 3rd February 2019.

The winner will be announced at 4:30pm on Sunday 3rd February in the Glee at Spring Fair Cafe.

Glee at Spring Fair exhibitors who have yet to make their entries should contact: trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Just in case you missed it last year's New Product Award was won by Jardinopia Ltd, who scooped the top prize with Potty Feet.

Runner-up  was Pouff Daddy’s Extended Curve.

Register now using this link to see who wins the Glee at Spring Fair New Product Award for 2019.

Jardinopia – designer and manufacturer of the award-winning Potty Feet plant pot feet range – refelcts on a year of significant growth which all started at Glee at Spring Fair’s inaugural event last February.

The company joined the Glee at Spring Fair family with only a few months trading behind it. The exhibition represented the first time the brand had exposure to the exhibition’s garden centre and gift buying audience.

The response to the Potty Feet range of ‘pot feet’ was overwhelming, with the company winning the very first New Product Showcase award.

Choice Marketing’s Mike Cook – one of the 2018 judges – said: “Potty Feet is a fab idea. It’s a new take on a traditional product, but done so in a way that is fun, and will have mass appeal. It’s an exciting product, and even more so when you consider that Jardinopia launched just five months ago!”

Since February the company has gone on to enjoy rapid commercial growth, with Glee’s September show helping them to round-off a great year. Jardinopia is now stocked in over 500 locations, of which more than 350 are garden centres. They have also expanded quickly internationally, with distribution agreements in place in 10 countries including USA, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Germany and Japan.

The company has also secured relationships with the RHS, Sutton Seeds, high street retailers such as Waitrose (via Crocus), gift catalogues such as Qwerkity, and will be launching into additional high street retailers in early 2019. Charity link-ups come in the shape of Guide Dogs and the Woodland Trust.

Andrea Barnett, founder of Jardinopia, said: “The last 12 months have been a whirlwind and we certainly never expected to have achieved what we have in such a short timeframe – it’s been brilliant. The exposure we gained at Glee at Spring Fair has opened so many doors for us, and helped to kick start this period of growth. We’re not, however, done! We have so many exciting plans for 2019 including some top-secret brand licenced Potty Feet products that we believe will provide some great design alternatives, as well as two new associated sister product brands.”

The Potty Feet TM range currently features 54 unique designs, including 25 new products as launched at Glee 2018. An additional 40 designs are set to launch in early 2019. Styles include cats, dogs, horses, an extensive wildlife collection, and a British Country Garden range. A new point of sale floor-stand has also been created, enabling retailers to display products out of the box for maximum in-store impact and without the need to dedicate a huge footprint to the range.

Andrea added: “With 48-hour delivery times available we are able to assist retailers with last minute Christmas stocking options. Trade Prices start from just £7.50 (RRP £15) for a set of three figures, making Potty Feet a great pick-up or gifting line.”

Matthew Mein, Glee’s Event Director, said: “It’s great to hear of Jardinopia’s success over the last 12 months. The Potty Feet range is an excellent product that spans the core gardening and gifting sections, making them a great commercial option for garden retailers. To know that both Glee at Spring Fair, and the main Glee exhibition have had a role to play in this success is great, and we hope to continue to support the brand as it continues to forge ahead.”

With our Light Up Angels & Snowmen Christmas Decorations the number one Christmas gift of 2018 (GTN Bestsellers Chart) you can be sure our winning festive lines will make a real difference to your seasonal sales.

Scented Gingerbread Tree Decorations is also destined to be a top seller, alongside the beautiful Heart & Home Winter Wonderland fragranced candle collection - so make sure you have us on your must-see list at Spring Fair.

As the go-to company for impulse-buy, personalised, sentiment-based and fragranced candle needs, History & Heraldry's high-quality ranges offer you choice at competitive prices. All our ranges are designed on-site in beautiful Yorkshire and we work hard to ensure we create collections which build your sales year on year.

So pop onto our stand and see our latest lines - you won't be disappointed!

See us in Hall 4, Stand E30/F31 at NEC Spring Fair
Contact: History & Heraldry Ltd
T: 01709 730700
E: sales@historyheraldry.com

Burgon & Ball, the UK’s longest-established designer and manufacturer of garden tools and accessories, is showing simply stacks of gorgeous gardening gifts at Spring Fair this February.

Making its debut at the show is the new Oak Leaf design in the award-winning Love The Glove collection of ladies’ gardening gloves. With an RRP of £14.99, it has all the high-performance features which distinguish the range: padded palm and fingers, wrist strap, mesh between the fingers, and real leather trim.

In addition, the appealing new glove design is available in three colour choices, to complement the three best-selling shades in the popular Burgon & Ball Kneelo^® kneeler, poc-kit and Hip-Trug ranges. The new design allows shoppers to create the perfect mix-and-match gardening gift set, and will also appeal as a self-purchase for the style-conscious gardener who already loves the Kneelo^® kneeler, poc-kit or Hip-Trug and wants to accessorise, for the last word in garden flair.

To cater to the ongoing passion for houseplants, visitors can also see Burgon & Ball’s new additions to its hugely popular range of indoor plant pots. With RRPs starting from just £5.99, the new designs include hanging pots to take the trend to new heights, and a selection of elegant glazed and unglazed standing pots, so there’s something here for every houseplant, and every taste. There’s even a macramé hanging pot, a classic boho style statement that’s once again an interiors must-have.

And to keep houseplants in tip-top shape, there’s a new collection of specialist houseplant tools. With houseplant pruner, orchid snips, Japanese pruning scissors and a tiny terrarium tool set, this collection means everyone can have happy and healthy houseplants, even plant lovers who are new to indoor gardening. What’s more, these tools have been designed to retail at just £9.99 each, a perfect gifting price point which makes a great add-on sale.

Spring Fair visitors will also see British Bloom, the stunning new collection in the award-winning ‘RHS Gifts for Gardeners’ series. The design is a dramatic confection of some of the best-loved and most on-trend flowers that typify British gardening style, featuring sumptuous images from the RHS Lindley Library’s archives. The collection includes new lines that have proved top sellers in other Burgon & Ball collections, including a seed packet storage tin, an RHS-endorsed pocket pruner with holster, and an RHS-endorsed snip with holster. RRPs range from £9.99 up to £24.99.

With a reputation for innovation and new product development, Burgon & Ball’s stand (6G14-H15) is a must for all show visitors – and if past performance is anything to go by, there’ll be future best-sellers among them. So be sure to visit Burgon & Ball at Spring Fair to see the full range of exciting new gardening gifts on offer.

Creative Products will be showcasing four new products at Glee @ Spring Fair. Moving away from plastic, the company will be featuring sustainably sourced paper-based packaging where possible.

Four new product launches include a pet mitt, the ‘Mighty Little Digger’, a grill mat and a grey version of the company’s popular Auto Wash Stick.

Designed for furry pets, the new pet mitt invigorates the pet’s skin whilst maintaining a clean and healthy coat. Using the new mitt means the user can stroke away dirt and hair at the same time. The product not only cleans the coat by removing loose hairs with ease, but also massages the animal, which means pets greatly enjoy the process.

The new ‘Grill Mat’ is an innovative mesh style mat, which ensures food stays crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.  It is perfect for use on the BBQ and in a conventional oven.  The product also stops food slipping through griddles, making it ideal for vegetables, prawns and smaller foods.

The Auto Wash Stick allows the user to draw soapy water into its handle, slowly releasing it through the cleaning head, thereby enabling soapy water to be placed exactly where it is needed, and negating the need for buckets and sponges. The product makes cleaning the car far easier, and is now offered in grey.

The new ‘Mighty Little Digger’ is a great new gardening tool, which is designed to facilitate digging, loosening and weeding soil.

Visitors to the show will also be able to view a selection of existing options from Creative Products, including ‘Fly Away’, an environmentally friendly device for keeping flies off food. The product works by means of soft, flexible blades, which rotate quietly and are safe to touch.

Also on view will be a ‘BBQ Pan’, which is perforated, allowing the user to cook food items without them falling into the BBQ, and retaining that lovely Smokey flavour people love. The BBQ Pan also helps to separate food items, thereby dealing with food allergies. It is 30cm in diameter and features a clever fold-away handle.

Also on the company’s stand will be its popular ‘Fast Fix Hook and Loop Tape’, which is used for securing plants, branches and young trees in place. It is waterproof, durable, flexible and soft.  It can be cut to the required length, overlapped and easily fixed. The product could also be used to tidy garden products such as cables, bungy ropes and canes.

Having proved itself to be invaluable during the heat wave, the Cool Touch Ice Towel is sure to be a popular focus of the company’s stand. Users simply wet the towel, squeeze out the excess water, give it a shake, and it will drop in temperature to give a cooling, soothing effect. Whilst wet it will stay cold for over two hours, making it ideal for gym use, or to keep on hand when doing any other strenuous activity. Cool Touch Ice Towel is machine-washable.

Mark Hall, Managing Director at Creative Products, commented: “Glee is the UK’s top garden trade show and as regular exhibitors, we are proud to be able to showcase not only new products but our efforts to move to plastic-free packaging at Glee at Spring Fair.”

Contact details: 01476 564230

sales@creativeproducts.ltd.uk

www.creativeproducts.ltd.uk

Discover an amazing collection of Luxury artificial Christmas Trees, wreaths and garlands from National Tree Company on stand D10-E11 in Hall 3.

National Tree Company joined forces with the team from Norfolk Leisure to ensure that their finely crafted trees and decorations are available more widely and with a better service experience.

You may be familiar with some of their more well-known innovations including Feel Real® PE branch tips that are so realistic in appearance and to the touch, it is very difficult to tell the difference between Feel Real® trees and their living twins.

Pair this with the advanced technologies to achieve the most advanced collection of artificial trees available.

The extensive design options include trees in every size from 2ft – 12ft, and matching accessories including all shapes of wreaths, table decorations, garlands, snowflakes, kissing balls, and majestic arches- enough to make beautiful fully coordinated Christmas displays.

Norfolk Leisure also stock an extensive range of the Fibreglass ornaments, including a LIFESIZE Santa. Many of these have LED lights and music options. The musical and mechanical drummer boy will actually play his drum to your favourite Christmas tunes.

‘A visit to the stand is a must for any Christmas buyer ‘says MD Nick Anderson ‘the quality stands out clearly from the competition and the designs are truly unique and stunning ‘.

Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle Limited

Garage Lane, Setchey, Kings Lynn Norfolk PE33 0AX

Norfolkleisure.com   Tel: 01553 811717

Christmas@norfolkleisure.co.uk

Charles Taylor is launching its new retail brochure at Glee at Spring Fair.

With more than 150 products Charles Taylor continues with its tremendous growth and expansion.

Charles Taylor has invested heavily throughout the close season ensuring stock is available all year round and more importantly when the retailer needs it.

Richard Ball, Director, said: "Throughout the 2018 season we achieved tremendous delivery times, and plans for 2019 are to deliver within a week of ordering with no out of stocks.

“In our industry we recognise that stock availability is key and with all of our products made  by ourselves in the UK we do not have to wait for shippers etc.

“Further investment as been made in-house with a full traceability IT system to help our online accounts. With the unique white glove delivery and assembly service offered by Charles Taylor this will again improve efficiency and shorten lead time.

“We are in an industry similar to ice cream sellers and when the heat is on we have to react. With the measures and investment in place we are confident we can achieve.”

As additional commitment to their current and evolving customer base RSW International Ltd will be exhibiting their ever-growing collections at the forthcoming Spring Fair 2019, with four stands across three Halls!

They will be exhibiting in; Hall 12 A04-C02 & C04-D05 (Pet, Spring Summer, Homewares, Gift, & Stationery), Hall 5 K57 (Baby & Gift), and finally Hall 3 H10/J11 (Christmas Crackers, Paper Products & Tabletop).

RSW International Ltd; leading suppliers of; Christmas, Pet Care, Picnicware, Housewares & Gift are pleased to announce a new appointment to its growing business. Peter Hammett recently re-joined the business and it’s Garden & Leisure team to look after the South of the UK. Peter previously worked for RSW from 2011 to 2016 and re-joins the business further strengthening the Garden & Leisure team as part of its exciting future growth plan.

Peter (pictured) said "I am overjoyed to re-join such a well-established and respected company as RSW International Ltd. I will be working with some customers who I already know well, and also have new customers to get to know too. The positive future plans are very much in line with my own goals and ambitions going forward. I can assure customers of my enthusiasm for our product range and for the success of working together in partnership with them to help grow their sales of our products."

Lee Kennerley (Head of Garden & leisure) said “With the businesses further commitment to strengthening the Garden & Leisure team these are exciting times for RSW and our customers. Since joining the business in 2016 we have seen large growth across various categories especially our Pet, Christmas, and Spring Summer Dining collections.  It's great to welcome Peter back on board, and I am looking forward to him assisting us in our growth within this sector. The plans we have for the business in this sector are ambitious, and it’s great to have someone like Peter with his strength and character on board for this journey."

Beefayre – a leading UK manufacturer of quality homewares, scented candles, beauty and gifting products – has confirmed that it will be launching 4 new body & bath collections at Spring Fair, (Hall 6, stand S42), bringing with it a wealth of not-to-be-missed discounts and exciting new lines.

Building on the success of their signature Winter fragrances, the AW2019 collection has had a complete revamp with exciting bold new colours, complete with stunning new anatomical bee prints on the glass.

New Body & Bath and Collection

With a stunning product portfolio already in place, Beefayre is already a popular choice for gift buyers. However, the introduction of the new collections is set to further cement Beefayre as the go-to brand for beautiful and functional body and bath products. The new collections come in 4 signature fragrances including Bluebell, Lavender & Geranium, Orange & Neroli, and Peony Rose which has been nominated for Gift of the Year.

All the lines will feature the beautiful hand-drawn packaging designs by artist and founder Sharon Jervis, and a style that has become synonymous with the Beefayre brand.

Orders for all new lines placed at Spring Fair will be subject to a 10% introductory discount, plus free testers in candles, creams & soaps.

Delivery for these new collections are confirmed for early Spring, enabling gift retailers to maximise the Spring / Summer gifting period and in particular Mother’s Day.

New Packaging & Printed Glassware for AW2019

Beefayre’s Autumn/Winter collection has had a complete revamp with the new packaging being shown at the show for the first time.  They also have some exciting new anatomical bee prints on the glassware. These will also be available to view and order throughout the exhibition.

End of line trade discounts

Gift buyers at Spring Fair can take advantage of amazing end of line discounts on selected products from the Winter range. The next Winter collection is having new packaging so everything must go!

Beehive POS & free testes

Not only does Beefayre create stunning products but its point of sale is also created to be eye-catching and reflective of the Beefayre brand. As part of the introductory offer Beefayre are offering free testers for all the new lines. Be sure to visit the Beefayre stand to find out more!

Further details about Beefayre’s full product portfolio including candles, room diffusers, and bath and body products can be found at www.beefayre.com. 

Premium German BBQ Brand Tepro is expanding its Gas BBQ range and is pleased to be exhibiting the New Toronto SteakGrill for the first time at Spring Fair.

Where a standard gas BBQ cooks at around 250-350°c, this heats to 800°c in under 2 minutes, cooking restaurant quality steaks in under 90 seconds.

Suitable for both home or restaurant use, the SteakGrill is something very special and sure to be a favourite “dad gift” for the holiday season.

UK Sales Director James Jagged said, “Steak grills are popular on the continent, but other brands retail at €800, making them a very niche item. Tepro’s in house team are proud to have produced this all Stainless Steel SteakGrill for mass market use, and a £299 RRP will ensure this is the must have grill for 2019.”

The SteakGrill’s top mounted ceramic burner helps retain the juice within the meat, whilst the intense 800°c heat ensures a caramelisation-like effect (the Maillard reaction) produces the restaurant flavour that has previously been hard to replicate at home. Constructed entirely from 430 grade stainless steel and with a 2-year guarantee, the Toronto SteakGrill will be impressing diners year after year.

Visit Stand 3E19 or head over to www.tepro-gmbh.co.uk for more details.

Award-winning garden furniture company Riverco Trading Ltd will be introducing their brand new RSPB range at Spring Fair...

Riverco Trading Ltd
info@rivercotrade.co.uk
01538 528360
www.rivercotrade.co.uk
Spring Fair stand number - 3B14-C15

The team from GTN are proud to be the official media partners for Glee at Spring Fair producing several issue of Glee Daily News.

Glee Daily News, in its unique e-mail format, will keep visitors up to date with what they can see at the show and gives exhibitors the most up to date e-mail vehicle for ensuring buyers know about their new products and other Glee at Spring Fair activities.

For advertorial and advertisng opportunties please contact Ben Greenwood, Alan Burdon or Mandy Davies at Potting Shed Press Ltd, 01733 775700, owners and publishers of Garden Trade News, Garden Radio and The Greatest Awards.

What you can expect on the Fargro stand...

Can you tell more about the products you will be showcasing at Glee at Spring Fair?
We will be showing our ranges of indoor and outdoor planters and containers and garden decoration as well as new Christmas ranges.

Why should visitors stop by your stand?
We have a unique ranges of product many lines exclusive to Fargro.

What does 2019 hold for Fargro?
We see a very exciting time ahead developing our added value and garden gift ranges.

Why did you decide to exhibit at Glee at Spring Fair?
The timing is right for launching our new Christmas ranges and highlighting the Spring and Summer products we exhibited at Glee.

Spring Fair created a huge social media buzz around the event this week..

Exhibitors at the show posted the pictured graphic on their social media platforms with the following caption:

Join me at #SpringFair - February 2019

Candlelight Products Ltd will be revealing its extended own-brand Candle Collection at Spring Fair.

Just 12 months since Candlelight first revealed its own brand Candle Collection, the design-led candle and giftware wholesaler has been working hard on introducing new candle and reed diffuser concepts, plus exclusive packaging to complement the product and enhance the gift buying experience.  

The Candle Collection comprises over 150 new product lines and 11 exciting ranges, including Feelings, Destinations, Bohemian, Inspired, Wellbeing, Lips and Kisses, which are packaged and presented to enable independent gift retailers to expand their sales.

These candles and reed diffusers are complemented by an inspirational range of home giftware.   This includes Trinket dishes, with a stoneware hexagonal dish in the range in white with gold effect, plus a gold and pink heart-shaped version, both of which make an ideal gift.  The range also includes a 25cm jewellery stand with marble base, to add that extra touch of glamour to the dressing table.  In addition, there are jewellery stands, hanging mirrors and photo frames, plus a 20cm hanging glass plaque with the slogan ‘Do good & be kind’.

The company has also introduced a range of attractive photo frames, ideal for showing pictures of loved ones, one with pink marble effect, one with pink and gold edges and one grey with gold edges, to fit with contemporary home styling.   

Debbie Isles, Sales Director at Candlelight Products, explains: “Our designers have pulled out all the stops to create a collection that is set to revitalise the gift market.  We are really looking forward to demonstrating the new collection to retailers at the Spring Fair and to discussing the service and support that we offer.”

Candlelight’s designers have taken inspiration for the own brand range from many different aspects of modern life, including the trend to bring the outdoors indoors, as well as the desire to re-live the sights and smells of foreign travel, which is captured in exotic and tropical fragrances.  Some ranges feature bold patterns and colourful designs, whilst others are very simple and minimalistic to suit the contemporary house or apartment.

Debbie continues: “We invest just as much time and effort in designing the packaging as the product - both are created in harmony with each other, so they make gift buying and giving a wonderful experience.”

Candlelight certainly is equipped to meet both large and small candle order requirements.  Its UK warehouse and showrooms include a 150,000 sq. ft distribution centre and over 10,000 sq.ft of showroom in South Yorkshire where products can be viewed, by appointment.  Candlelight also has a showroom in Hong Kong which is open all year around for buyers to view its extensive collection.

Candlelight is one of those well-established names in the gift trade today that has, over the years, built up a loyal base of high street and independent retailers.  The company has been designing and selling quality wholesale candles, with a wide choice of design-led ranges, for over 46 years.  

Don’t miss the new Candle range by Candlelight at the Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand H70-J71.

For more details, visit www.candlelight.co.uk or call 01709 723000.

Glee’s dedicated marketing team, responsible for the promotion of the leading garden, outdoor leisure and pet exhibition, has been expanded with the appointment of Grace Reilly.

Grace joins the team as Senior Marketing Executive, and will help to develop Glee’s presence across both print and online media, as well as working with Glee’s content and sales team to enhance the exhibition’s offering for suppliers and retailers in both the UK and across the globe.

Previous to this new role, Grace spent three years working as part of the wider ‘client service team’, acting as the first point of contact for buyers and exhibitors within the ITE UK portfolio.

A self-confessed candle addict, Grace is particularly excited to see what Glee’s Home, Gift and Clothing exhibitors will be showcasing at the September show.

Talking about Grace’s appointment, Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein said: “Grace is a great addition to the team. Her previous exposure to Glee, its brands and the wider market means she can hit the ground running. She will be an integral part of growing Glee’s offering, and will certainly become a well-known face as she continues to meet with buyers and manufacturers over the coming months.”

Grace added: “I’m pleased to be able to confirm my new role. Glee is a fabulous show, and one that I have always loved visiting. I look forward to joining the rest of the team on the road, and to helping grow Glee’s brand awareness.”

Spring Fair 2019, the UK’s all-encompassing sourcing marketplace, is to bring together a unique selection of kid’s toys wholesale newcomers as part of its new ToyFirst and NurseryFirst showcases.

Amongst the debuting exhibitors at NurseryFirst will be the likes of Snuggle Soother, whose new take on the dummy could redefine the way parents help their infants relax. They’ll be joined by personalised baby clothing manufacturers Knit my Gift and teething solution providers Cheeky Chompers.

ToyFirst is set to be as equally varied in its offering with the likes of Labels4Kids, who’ll have their range of personalised attire and gift ideas on display.

Ensuring children are out and experiencing the great outdoors is high on the agenda, with exhibitors like Seekers Games and The Den Kit Company encouraging kids to get the outdoor experiences they need.

Visitors can also look forward to seeing Spring Fair favourites like TY UK, Keel Toys and well-loved brands such as Hornby Hobbies and Playmobil at the fair.

Rob Hayes, Key Account Director at Spring Fair, gave some insight into this year’s exhibitors, “ToyFirst and NurseryFirst are exciting additions to the Children’s Gift & Toys section of the fair, showcasing brands that in many cases won’t be at any other UK events. Spring Fair is the grand finale, the culmination of the show season for the toy sector; there are over 100 toy and children’s gift suppliers that you won’t see at any other Q1 event in the UK.”

Spring Fair is a must attend for toy and gift buyers that want to ensure that they’ve seen everything that the kid’s toys wholesale suppliers have to offer before making those crucial buying decisions for the year ahead.

Garden centres across the UK are being encouraged to take part in Garden Re-Leaf Day on Friday 22 March and raise vital funds for the Greenfingers Charity, the national charity that creates magical gardens for children’s hospices.

Last year’s event – the gardening industry’s equivalent of Comic Relief – broke records, raising more than £70,000. Since its inception in 2012, Garden Re-Leaf has raised £600,000 for the creation of gardens designed to enhance the lives of children with life-limiting conditions.

Now, retail managers are being urged to get garden centres involved in FUNdraising activities for this year’s Garden Re-Leaf day. Charity events on the day and over the weekend can raise footfall at garden centres while generating funds to enhance the lives of terminally ill children.

Greenfingers’ director of fundraising and communications Linda Petrons said: “We’re issuing a rallying call to every garden centre in the UK to participate in Garden Re-Leaf Day 2019. As a result of previous years’ events, life-limited children and their families have been able to share precious time together in Greenfingers gardens at hospices. It’s easy to sign up and take part in organised activities and we urge the industry to come together and support our mission to design and build beautiful gardens for play, therapy and relaxation.”

For an adrenaline-filled challenge, retailers can hold a Great Garden Re-Leaf 12-hour Plantathon (Charlie Dimmock, right, took part in one last year at Squire's). Garden centres can invite customers and staff to take turns and continuously plant for 12 hours – or nominate one brave person to plant for the duration! It’s a great way of team-building, and plants potted for the Plantathon can be sold, with a percentage of each sale going to the Greenfingers Charity. Gardening workshops can run alongside plantathons, with retailers encouraging customers to buy tickets and brush-up on their gardening know-how.

Retailers could decide to hold a raffle, cake or book sale, or host a car wash in the car park and donate the proceeds. Managers are being encouraged to invite customers to enjoy afternoon tea in garden centre cafes and make a donation from every cup of tea and slice of cake sold.

Carrier bag tax could be donated to the Greenfingers Charity in March, and for retailers who have in-store activity areas such as soft play or crazy golf, 50p could be donated from the cost of every child who visits on Garden Re-Leaf Day. And why not get colleagues into Garden Re-Leaf Day spirits by encouraging staff to wear their best (or worst!) green or floral outfits to work, and asking everyone taking part to make a donation?

An ever-popular fundraising event is the Garden Re-Leaf Day Walk, which gets underway from Wyevale’s World’s End Garden Centre in Buckinghamshire. Garden centre staff of all ages are invited to take part, with the option of a 10-mile walk or, for eager hikers, a more challenging 20-mile route through the Chilterns.

2019 will be the fifth annual Garden Re-Leaf Walk, and those who have taken part in the full 20-mile walk since the outset will mark having completed their 100th mile in aid of Greenfingers as they cross the finishing line.

For those who prefer pedal power to donning a pair of walking boots, the Garden Re-Leaf Day Cycle Challenge is an excellent way to burn off any lingering excesses from the festive season and raise cash for a great cause in the process. The cycle ride also starts and finishes at Wyevale’s World’s End Garden Centre in Buckinghamshire.

The Greenfingers Charity has ambitious plans to raise more than £500,000 this year and hopes that Garden Re-Leaf day will smash the £70,000 record it hit in 2017. The charity has already created 55 gardens at children’s hospices across the UK and plans to build four more in 2019 – at Claire House Children’s Hospice in Wirral, Richard House Children’s Hospice in London, Little Harbour Children’s Hospice in Cornwall and Grace House Hospice in Sunderland.

Last year’s event saw firms including Vitax, Johnsons Lawn Seed, Woodlodge, Elho, Hozelock, Briers, Taylor’s Bulbs, Mr Fothergill’s, Glee, Hornby Whitefoot PR, GIMA, HTA, QVC, Cadix and Kew Green Hotels all take part in Garden Re-Leaf Day.

Poplars Garden Centre, Hillview Stores, Perrywood Garden Centre, Alton Garden Centre, Old Railway Line Garden Centre, Downtown Garden Centre, Whitehall Garden Centre, Haskins Garden Centres and Aylett Nurseries were among many retailers to get involved with fundraising activities.

For more information about Garden Re-Leaf Day 2019, and for details of how to take part, click here https://www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/gardenreleaf.

It’s easy for garden centres to register a 2019 Garden Re-Leaf Day event. Visit https://www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/gardenreleaf/register-a-2019-event to fill in a short online form.

Ends

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For more information, interviews or images from Garden Re-Leaf Day please contact:

Linda Petrons by email linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk or call 01494 674749/07908 221240. 

Kimberley Hornby by email: kimberley@hornbywhitefootpr.co.uk or call 07851 610573.

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Spring Fair are launching the Power of One movement to the retail sector at the show on Sunday 3 Feb in an effort to promote sustainability across the industry.

Initially launched by London’s largest festival of fashion, Pure London, the campaign has now been extended to Spring Fair’s home and gift audience, and seeks to demonstrate how a combination of small, individual changes can create a more sustainable future for all. Sustainability has been high on the agenda for both the fashion and retail sectors in recent years, and continues to drive consumer behaviour and purchases.

Supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Power of One has been created to encourage small yet powerful steps towards a better future by giving others the power to speak up and to focus on long term changes.

At the show, Spring Fair will encourage and empower exhibitors and visitors to commit to one sustainable personal or business change, whether it’s choosing sustainably-sourced producte, avoiding single-use plastics or recycling used materials.

Leading by example, the show will collect and recycle all unwanted and leftover route planners and guides from the show and reward visitors who share their #PowerOfOne pledges on social media throughout the event, with 1,500 awarded with a MyBento BPA-free drinks bottle, donated by exhibitor Summit International. Just one MyBento bottle can prevent 150 single-use plastic bottles from disposal in landfill or by incineration.

Summit International’s Sales Director, Richard Taylor, said he hoped the donation would help to make visitors and other exhibitors think about their own use of single-use plastics. “With Summit International’s ongoing support for the Marine Conservation Society and commitment to bringing sustainable products to market, our values really align with what Power of One is all about,” he added.

Spring Fair MD Julie Driscoll joined Caryn Franklin MBE, fashion and identity commentator and ambassador for Power of One, for a dedicated speaker session on the growing movement and how retailers are embracing the philosophy.

“You might not think making a small change to become more sustainable really impacts your daily life, but when these actions are combined together, they can revolutionise industries,” Driscoll said. “ By bringing the Power of One movement to Spring Fair, we hope to unite like-minded visitors and exhibitors, and empower them to pledge to make essential changes for a more sustainable future.”

She said 92% of millennials were more likely to buy ethically-produced products. “We therefore want to encourage brands to be completely transparent about their sustainability efforts. In the upcoming years, we pledge to help identify and profile exhibitors with ethical and sustainability credentials, and will seek to collaborate with more ambassadors to raise awareness of this essential movement.”

Spring Fair runs at the NEC Birmingham from Sunday 3rd February until Thursday 7th February.