The Exclusively 2019 trade show held at London’s Business Design Centre last week beat last year’s attendance record by 5% and attracted more retailers.

The show featured some 150 exhibitors presenting more than 275 brands. Feedback from exhibitors applauded the quality of visitors to their stands as well as the increasing numbers of influencers and bloggers.

The show’s Brand Showcase initiative, now in its third year, more than doubled its 2018 attendance.  Will Jones, CEO of Bheta and chairman of the Exclusively Shows, said the initiative, alongside the Trend Initiatives with Scarlet Opus, highlighted how the content of the show needed to adapt and mirror the changing face of the market.

The Brand Showcase also attracted more press interest this year. managed Richard Watts, who managed the feature, said: “From our Monday night press preview up until doors closing on the Wednesday, the Brand Showcase was buzzing as we welcomed more members of the media to the show than ever before.”

He said exhibitors particularly welcomed the huge increase of Influencers attending the show, due to the instant engagement this generated for them across social media. “Brands have seen an increase in followers, consumer reach and ultimately product sales, thanks to recommendations from some of the biggest UK influencers relevant to our industry.”

Tony Golby of exhibitor George East said: “Business has changed dramatically in recent times. Who would have thought that 10 years ago that we would have been just as excited about meeting a blogger as we were making contacting with a department store chain or a cookshop group then.”

Kerry Cooper of Polder Products said: “This was our fourth and best year at the Exclusively Housewares.  In my opinion, in one of the tougher times in the market this was a fantastic way to stay close with the retail community, have their full attention at a small venue and discuss ways to invigorate success.”

The Trend Talks programme at the Trend Hub offered talks from Scarlet Opus (designers of the display above), who talked through interiors trends, providing an insight into what consumer will want next, four sell-out trend tours, plus talks and displays on food and catering.

Exclusively 2020 will take place at the Business Design Centre on the 9 and 10 June.