DIYWEEK.net

This year's Glee attracted 7,066 visitors, but revisits boosted overall footfall equal to 8,085, the organiser has revealed.
i2i Events has worked hard to re-energise the three-day show which has seen buyer numbers on a steady downward trend for a number of years. Last year's show drew 7,601 visitors, compared with 9,112 in 2012, 11,149 in 2011 and 13,050 in 2010.

Following this September's event feedback was largely positive, as the organiser delivered a new location and layout within Birmingham's NEC and many new features, along with more than 500 brands and suppliers from across the garden, landscaping, home, pet and leisure sectors.

The show attracted more visitors from top retailers, including leading UK garden centres, builders' merchants, multiple retailers, and DIY stores, and more key decision makers attended. Early data also shows that people stayed longer at Glee.

Visitors were able to see 219 companies that had never before exhibited or were making their return to Glee.

Said Glee event manager Matthew Mein: "This year Glee was very much about delivering an audience of quality, one that was dedicated to optimising the sales and profit opportunity that the exhibition offers. For many suppliers, the 2014 exhibition was one of the busiest on record, with sale targets being smashed, order books running out and new product launches drawing more attention than ever before.

"The feedback we've had from exhibitors and visitors alike has been superb. It's clear to see that the changes that have taken place have helped move the industry towards the 2015 season on an incredibly positive and profitable note."

He added that over 56% of the 2015 floor plan has already been rebooked. "This is by far the strongest response we've experienced to our rebooking programme," he said.

Amongst fans of the new-style show is Jo Sensecall, marketing manager with Smart Garden Products. "It's been a very busy show," she said. "The new halls, styling and layout have really taken it up a notch."

"The show is so vibrant this year, I love the new layout - it's an absolute no-brainer for visitors," commented Burgon and Ball managing director Heather Culpan. "Not much more could have been done to make the show better; it's the right time of year, all of the decision makers are here, everyone makes such a fantastic effort."

And visitor Ben Smith, a buyer with B&Q said: "The show looks great, especially being all on one level. The whole of our seasonal team is here looking for everything from bulbs to pots and leisure. We've seen loads of new products and have signed up several new lines. It's great to see so much innovation all around the show."

Next year's Glee will run September 13-15.