GIMA has announced that the next highly anticipated ‘Buyer Connect’ event will see Robert Dyas take centre stage.

Taking place on Wednesday, 5th March 2025, this exclusive event will be held at the Windlesham Golf Club, Bagshot, Surrey, offering GIMA members an exceptional opportunity to engage with one of the UK’s most respected high-street and e-commerce retailers.

Established in 1872, Robert Dyas has built a reputation for offering an extensive range of quality products across home, garden, and outdoor categories. The company has 93 stores, mainly in the South of England, and a robust online presence, Robert Dyas has become a household name. In recent years, the company has focused on expanding its e-commerce operations, with dropshipping becoming a cornerstone of its growth strategy.

The forthcoming GIMA Buyer Connect event is specifically designed for suppliers with existing dropship capabilities across all product categories. The Robert Dyas team is particularly interested in meeting suppliers who can demonstrate a solid dropship offering, with plans to introduce new ranges ready for the 2025 season. They are keen to connect with suppliers offering products for categories such as outdoor gardening, seasonal items, workshop tools, cleaning and utility products, kitchen essentials, appliances, consumables, technology, and home and fitness items.

Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for GIMA members to showcase their products and capabilities to a leading name in UK retail. With dropshipping becoming an increasingly significant part of Robert Dyas’ operations, this event offers a chance for suppliers to form meaningful partnerships and expand their reach in the market.”

How to get involved

Suppliers are encouraged to prepare thoroughly for in-depth discussions about their product ranges, dropshipping experience, and commercial strategies. With up to 10 representatives from Robert Dyas expected to attend, the event promises to foster productive dialogues and new business opportunities.

Each supplier will be allocated a 20-minute appointment, with the option to book additional sessions if their product ranges span multiple categories. Suppliers can be represented by up to two people per appointment. The cost for participating in this event is £90 + VAT for GIMA members and £180 + VAT for non-members, with no additional charges for multiple meetings.

Interested suppliers are required to complete an application form and submit it to info@gima.org.uk by Wednesday 5th February 2025. Suppliers with multiple product ranges should submit separate applications for each category. All applications are subject to approval by Robert Dyas, and confirmed meeting times will be communicated by the GIMA team in due course.

Find out more

For further information and to register your interest, visit https://gima.org.uk/calendar-of-events/ or email the GIMA team directly via info@gima.org.uk