Glee returned to Spring Fair with real energy this week, delivering strong buying momentum, high-quality conversations and a clear sense that the industry had embraced the opportunity for an early-season gathering. From meaningful retail discussions and new partnerships, to celebrating innovation and recognising excellence across the sector, the event reinforced its position as a valuable commercial moment in the garden retail calendar.
Strong buying momentum and quality conversations set the tone
From the opening day, exhibitors reported a positive atmosphere across the show floor, with orders being placed throughout the event and new retail partnerships taking shape. Garden centre buyers made a clear beeline for the Glee area, engaging with brands focused on relationship-building, early-season planning and strategic buying decisions.
The spring format proved particularly valuable for brands looking to connect with buyers in a more focused environment, allowing deeper conversations about ranges, merchandising and long-term growth opportunities. LV Bespoke noted that the event created valuable time to walk buyers through its wider product offering, investing in meaningful discussions rather than rushed transactions, whilst the team at Fern & Forge reported strong interest in its latest product launch, with order books quickly filling as retailers looked to introduce new outdoor cooking innovations to customers.
Brands offering products outside the traditional garden core also found new audiences. Botanica International engaged both garden and gift buyers, using the show to demonstrate how its all-natural herb creams, washes and sprays can sit confidently within a garden retail environment, expanding cross-category opportunities.
The Glee community in action – celebrating innovation and excellence
Beyond commercial activity, Glee @ Spring Fair played an important role in bringing the industry together, with awards moments highlighting both innovation and the achievements of the wider garden retail community.
Innovation remained central to the show’s appeal, with buyers gathering for the New Product Showcase awards ceremony, where products demonstrating strong design, clear retail appeal and commercial potential were recognised.
This year’s overall winner was Mr Fothergill’s with its “Oh So Simple” self-watering grow jars. The judging panel – made up of Trevor Pfeiffer, Roger Crooke, Neil and Nikki Gow, and Boyd Douglas-Davies – commented: “A simple idea that appeals to both gardeners and non-gardeners alike. It’s a great way of getting into growing, even if you don’t have a garden. It appeals to children, is sensibly priced for retailers with good margins, and the Kilner-style jar is visually appealing on shelf.”
Second place was awarded to LV Bespoke for its 3D Glass Orb garden décor, described by judges as a product that “sells itself at retail” and stands out as something genuinely different within the garden category. Third place went to Hunter Stoves for its Hive Outdoor wood burner, recognised for its superb build quality, UK manufacturing and strong engineered design, successfully bringing advanced indoor stove technology into the outdoor living market.
The New Product Showcase win translated quickly into tangible buyer interest on the show floor. A spokesperson for Mr Fothergill’s said the show proved “a great exercise in securing early-season sales and strengthening conversations”, adding that the win helped drive new buyers to the stand, with one retailer commenting that they wanted the product “in every one of their centres”.
Monday also saw the announcement of the Greatest Christmas Awards, organised by Garden Trade News, recognising excellence across festive retail and reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the Glee community. Gold award winners included Allbrighton BGC (Overall UK Gold), Birkacre (Large Garden Centre Christmas Team), Munro’s (Small Garden Centre Christmas Team and Scotland & Northern Ireland), Longacres Bagshot (Home Counties & South and Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team), Sunshine (Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team), Webbs Wychbold (Winter & Christmas Houseplant Team), Barton Grange Blue Diamond (Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team), Planters Tamworth (Gardening as a Christmas Gift) and Kaemingk (Greatest Christmas Supplier).
The awards drew a packed audience of retailers and suppliers, creating moments of shared celebration while offering inspiration as businesses begin planning for Christmas 2026 and beyond.
Reflecting on the significance of the awards and the wider show momentum, Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee and Autumn Fair, said: “Glee @ Spring Fair has returned with real energy and a hugely positive response from across the industry. It’s been fantastic to see buyers and exhibitors embracing this additional spring touchpoint, with quality conversations, strong commercial engagement and a genuine buzz across the show floor. The event has been a great showcase of the innovation, creativity and resilience within the garden sector, highlighting what brands are doing to support retailers early in the season. We’re incredibly encouraged by the momentum we’ve seen this week and excited about the potential to continue growing our presence at Spring Fair, creating even more opportunities for the Glee community to connect, collaborate and do business.”
Looking ahead – Europe’s biggest buying moment returns this September
Looking ahead, the next key destination for garden retail buyers will be Glee in September (8th – 10th), this year co-located alongside Autumn Fair (6th – 9th) to create the biggest and most valuable buying event in the second half of the year. From the garden into the home, September will be the place to source across garden, gifts, home and lifestyle, offering buyers an unrivalled opportunity to plan ranges, discover new brands and maximise commercial potential ahead of peak trading.
To find out more – whether to book exhibition space or stay up to date with the latest developments from Glee 2026 – visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.
