It was smiles all-round as the 50th anniversary of Glee, taking place at the NEC Birmingham last week, proved to be a big hit with exhibitors and visitors. Everyone agreed there was a tremendous buzz around the show. GTN Xtra caught up with Show Director, Matthew Mein to get his feedback on how the three-day event was a huge success for the garden industry.

"I agree the buzz is back. I've been fortunate enough over the last two days to get around and talk to lots of different buyers about the show. I think there's just an overwhelming joy that we've moved the show to September. I think it's really been galvanized today by the feedback we've had. We've had so many great buyers coming in already over the last day and a half. The general feedback has been positive with lots of big buying groups right the way through to some of those smaller, independent garden centers who now have the availability to come to a show in September."

The Glee Daily News team have spoken to lots of retailers over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday, in fact, it's been difficult getting around the show without bumping into people that wan't to stop and say hello. They've all commented how good the show is, how they found loads of new stuff, they particularly like all the areas we're in Hall 9 where there are many smaller exhibitors. We really recommend anybody who comes tomorrow (Thursday) to come and visit the smaller stands in Hall 9 because there's just so much good stuff there for people to look at and buy.

Matthew added:  "The specific sectors where we are getting great feedback include retail services and experiences where there are some really interesting exhibitors that will help garden centres aid their business. Whether it's shop fitting right the way through to catering solutions. Then moving into the home and gift village, that's also in Hall 9, there are some really fantastic brands in there that will help, I think, especially pre-Christmas, to get some additional impulse sales.

"The other area, you know, which we've growth in this year is the pet section. There are some really interesting pet food brands and pet accessory brands at Glee 2024. Something again for garden centres to make their pet offering a little bit more interesting, a little bit more engaging. And again, thinking about the time of year, some of the product is regular weekly sellers like the pet foods, and also some of the of the gifting items or items to treat your pet, leading up to Christmas and beyond."

The exhibitors at Glee this year have really pulled out the stops, not just in terms of their stands and the way they look, but actually the quality of the new products that they've brought to the show and the new offerings of point of sale and new services.

"There's so much new to be seen," said Matthew, "I would say a lot of colour and vibrancy in everything that's going on with people's branding here at Glee.  Looking around the show, the interesting parts I've also found is the sustainability piece as well. Companies that are really looking at how their products are manufactured, made, and packaged.

"Talking to some of the exhibitors despite the UK weather not playing its part its part thsi year there's a lot of positivity looking ahead to next year. And that's the exciting bit. I think people wanted to come together and have that feel good factor saying, come on, let's get on with next year!"