This year the Retail Lab, in association with the HTA, will focus on bringing Happy Gardening to the fore. This trend builds on much of the content showcased within the 2017 Retail Lab but will dig a little deeper into the many ways that gardening can enhance our lives.

From getting outdoors more, to bringing together communities and families over the simple act of nurturing plants, fruit and vegetables, Happy Gardening is quite simply a theme which encourages us to get dirt under our nails, make mistakes, try something new, and celebrate the act of interacting with gardens, plants and the great outdoors.

Complementing the Happy Gardening theme will be the way in which the Retail Lab, in association with the HTA, is presented at Glee 2018. This year the area will benefit from a strong cubism design, chosen for its ability to be recreated within garden retail environments, as well as being reflective of the pop-up shop culture that has helped to make retailing more agile and able to respond to key trends almost immediately.

Additionally, these cubes are representative of urban living – an area where bringing more greenery into the home will greatly improve the quality of life on offer.  

During the show, these ‘cubes’ will be created to help visitors to the Retail Lab go on a journey through both the Happy Gardening theme, as well as within the retail environment, providing inspiration at every step and showcasing how to maximise multiple sales through clever merchandising displays.

Once again, the Retail Lab @ Glee, in association with the HTA, will be created in partnership with a panel of industry experts, led by Creative Director, Romeo Sommers of ByRomeo, with Paula Parker of PP8 Marketing heading up the day-to-day management of this pivotal show feature. Lisa White, Head and Creative Director of WGSN Lifestyle & Interiors, will return to the Retail Lab in 2018, bringing with her a wealth of industry and trend insight, whilst   GES has also been confirmed as the 2018 stand contractors, helping to bring the Retail Lab concepts to life.

In additional to the amazing team behind the Retail Lab, in association with the HTA, the area will also be supported by a number of sponsors. Woodlodge, Hozelock, Cadix, Scheurich, Elho, Ivyline and Air So Pure are confirmed as 2018 Preferred Supplier Partners, providing them a wealth of opportunity to promote their brand and latest product innovations.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director said: “Last year marked a superb launch of the Retail Lab @ Glee. From the industry support backing the concept from day one, to the amazing trend information, and supplier sponsorship, it all came together to create one of the most exciting and innovative features Glee has ever seen – not to mention the BBC Breakfast coverage that placed the Retail Lab in 1.8million homes on the first day of the show!

"This year, we will be working even harder to deliver even more added value. We believe that every single visitor to Glee – be they retailer or supplier -  can visit the Retail Lab and walk away having learnt something new, be inspired or consider a new way of thinking. It’s an exciting prospect being able to develop this in 2018, and we look forward to sharing more details as we move closer to the September exhibition.”