DIYWEEK.net

The new two-day, mid-week Totally Tools and Totally DIY shows closed yesterday afternoon, with the jury still out for many as to whether the show - noticeably missing several big-name exhibitors - made it work.
The show took place at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, from February 16 - 17, marking a huge change from its former Sunday - Tuesday slot. Show organiser Brintex confirmed the total number of visitors at 1,203 over the course of the two days.

For many speaking to DIY Week at the event, the show got off to a strong start, with steady footfall reported by several exhibitors on day one. Several reported that the switch from three day to two day was a positive one.

"It doesn't need to be three days," explained Rolson Tools business development manager Steve Cooke. "People are more focused if they only have two days."

Adhesives and sealants supplier Soudal also offered a glowing review of the show's new format. "Two days is better," said area sales manager David McLauchlan. "We had more business on day one this year that we did over the entire three days last year. People aren't out of the office as long if it's only two days, and starting mid-week seems to have helped."

There were some, however, who pointed out a few downsides to opening on a Tuesday morning as opposed to the Sunday. Mica CEO Michael Ball, on stand representing the co-operative's 60 independent hardware retailers, pointed out that many members had not made the journey to the Ricoh this year.

"Some of our retailers don't open on a Sunday, so that was the day they would come to Totally in previous years," he told DIY Week. "Opening mid-week means, for some, too many days away from their businesses." He added that the show needed to stay "retailer-based" in order to remain relevant. "Whilst it felt busy in the hall on Tuesday, it was dominated by buyers from chains and big businesses, as well as sellers from abroad."

Many suppliers and retailers alike commented on the reduced size of the show, and the absence of big names such as Silverline, Akzo Nobel, Barrettine, Liberon, Crown Paints and Centurion. The Tool Shop managing director and BIRA non-executive director Vin Vara said: "The big brands are not here, and that's what draws the visitors. The location isn't the problem. Being two days long isn't a problem - you can do it in half a day now. The show is needed by the industry, but without the major exhibitors they just don't have the same interest as four or five years ago."

See the March 4 edition of DIY Week for our in-depth review of the Totally shows, with plenty more visitor and exhibitor comment, a break-down of the show's seminars, awards and official visitor numbers.