BHETA's seventh Meet The Buyer event was hailed as a triumph as suppliers in the garden, DIY and housewares industry got to meet with buyers from The Range.
The event took place on June 17 at The Future Inn Hotel in Plymouth International Business Park and saw buyers from The Range looking to source products and promotions suitable for its mid-price home leisure and garden product range.

New and existing suppliers of The Range were given 20-minute appointments with buyers to pitch their products and promotions.

Jim Chadwick of The Range said of the event: "All the buyers found it a productive day, particularly when suppliers crossed over categories and it allowed a more complete view of their offers.

"We found some good new products and will look to make it an annual event."

Key account manager at Half Moon Bay, Andrew Kersey, found the event very useful.

He said: "Trade shows are fine for creating general interest, but when you need to speak face to face with no distractions a meeting is essential and this kind of event is a really good way to introduce yourself to a new retailer."

British Home Enhancement Trade Association's housewares sector director, William Jones, commented: "The Range product offering embraces everything that BHETA members have to offer, so this was a very exciting opportunity for home improvement and home enhancement members alike."

Home improvement sector director, Peter Stone, added: "The Range has shown tremendous growth in the past few years and our winning Meet The Buyer formula certainly proved a success in terms of opening new conversations and even securing listings on the day.

"I can honestly say that these events really are of benefit not only to suppliers, but equally to our retail partners."