In a year that sees Glee refresh itself even further for the benefit of the industry it represents, the show organisers have reported that the beginning of 2018 saw the annual exhibition witness an incredible display of support from the garden retail sector.

Relocation = revitalised & (almost) full floorplan

With a relocation to NEC halls 6,7,8,19 and 20 set to refresh and revitalise the show floorplan, Glee’s exhibitors have been quick to secure their space. A successful re-book during and post the 2017 event has seen the exhibition floorspace booking up fast, with over 85% now sold. To date over 300 exhibitors are confirmed to attend, helping to keep the 2018 event on track to be the most vibrant and exciting showcase of garden, landscaping, outdoor leisure and pet brands anywhere within the garden retail calendar. Look out for exciting new brands including leading pet food experts, Royal Canin, as well as Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Festive Productions – who will be showcasing an exciting solar lighting link-up with Duracell, Gorse Lodge Garden Ornaments alongside Asia Style, and Greenkey Garden & Home.

Return of the Retail Lab at Glee

One of Glee’s most exciting show features – the Retail Lab – has also been confirmed to return in 2018. Launched in 2017 to critical acclaim, including a virtual visit from BBC Breakfast’s 1.5 million viewers, the Retail Lab was a key focal point for the annual garden retail exhibition. Unlike anything before seen at Glee, it was a place to experience the beating heart of the industry, with a view to what the future holds. Combining interactive content, with inspirational product displays and tangible business advice, the Retail Lab cemented itself as a thriving hub of inspiration and knowledge at Glee. This year, the area will once again be supported by Creative Director Romeo Sommers, leading trend predictors, WGSN, as well as the HTA and Paula Parker of PP8 Marketing. GES have also been selected as the official stand contractors during 2018.

Pets at Glee

A dedicated Pets at Glee section is also set to be introduced in 2018, bringing with it a leading showcase of pet brands and educational content. Bigger and better than ever before, this thriving and enhanced section of Glee will make it even easier for garden centre pet buyers to directly source 2019 ranges, whilst also benefitting from unrivalled networking and educational content. Topics set to lead the Pets at Glee educational agenda will include a focus on the humanisation of pets and how this is affecting consumer spending, a look at the premiumisation of pet products and how technology is changing the way we interact and monitor pet health.

A new Pets at Glee entrance has also been designed, helping to drive retailers right into the heart of the pet area, whilst a special pet care seminar stage will also be making its debut at the show. Marking a significant investment for this new era of Pets at Glee, the seminar stage will offer content that can be implemented instore to boost pet care within the garden retail environment.

The new look Pets at Glee will also be a hub of information, innovative new products and business advice that will enable those 70% of garden retailers who currently offer pet products to boost their business in the year ahead, helping them to take a slice of the £5billion** spent on pet products, food and accessories annually in the UK.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, said: “It’s safe to say Glee is in great shape. We’ve a number of exciting developments and updates on the horizon so it’s great to see the garden retail industry responding so positively. Glee has a vital role to play in providing a platform for better business, a showcase of the latest innovation, a place for the industry to meet and network, as well as discussing and debating future developments. Our 2018 plans have been outlined to strengthen this offering further, and we are confident that they will continue to hit the mark. We look forward to being able to share details of future developments over the coming months.”

Find out more

Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focussing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories.  To keep up-to-date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2018 call 020 3033 2160.