GLEE 2024 HERALDED A GREAT SUCCESS Glee 2024 wrapped up with a bang, celebrating 50 incredible years as the UK’s number one garden and outdoor living trade event. Held at the NEC Birmingham from September 10th – 12th, this year’s exhibition was more vibrant and dynamic than ever, as the garden retail and horticulture sector came together to mark this milestone. With buzzing aisles, inspiring new products, and a palpable sense of optimism, Glee 2024 proved once again why it’s the beating heart of this flourishing industry. The move to a September event has clearly struck the right chord, with industry leaders hailing the timing as a game-changer for the buying cycle. Attendee numbers were up year-on-year, with an increased presence of owner/ operators, category buyers and buying teams, buying groups and retailers eager to place orders, and discover the latest trends - fuelled by an infectious atmosphere of discovery and opportunity. One marked change was the number of ‘new’ visitors to Glee, demonstrative of the perceived value of gardening from not just the garden centre market but from the wider retail landscape. As gardening thrives, more retailers are looking to benefit from this profit opportunity, with the likes of Dunelm, Robert Dyas, John Lewis, B&Q, QVC joining Blue Diamond, British Garden Centres, Dobbies, Hilliers, Tillington, Choice and dozens more garden centres in the quest to source new supply partners. Looking ahead, Glee 2025 is already generating excitement about the 2025 season. A staggering 60 percent of the 2025 floorplan was snapped up during the show, with 77 percent of 2024 exhibitors – a significant increase of 40 percent when compared to 2023 data – racing to secure their spot for what promises to be another unmissable year. Many of the event’s bellwether brands led the charge, setting the stage for Glee 2025 to build on this year’s remarkable momentum. Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein captured the excitement perfectly, saying: “From the second we cut the ribbon to officially open the show, the energy was electric. One exhibitor summarised it perfectly by saying ‘the buzz is well and truly back in the aisles’, and that is all due to the enthusiasm and willingness of our visitors and exhibitors. Glee has become the ultimate platform for growth and innovation, opening dialogue on those opportunities and challenges shaping our industry, and this September this role felt more relevant than ever. The passion and optimism that filled the aisles and exhibition stands, and a bulging floorplan for the 2025 show, marks an exciting tipping point for both Glee and the wider garden retail sector.” www.gleebirmingham.com INDX Shows go national; reveals exciting plans for 2025 INDX, the trade show experience curated by Associated Independent Stores (AIS) – is back and better than ever. Expect an unrivalled 2025 calendar packed with buying focused events, a fresh market approach, and a completely revamped look and feel. Plus, a new website and revamped brand identity. Cementing their status as the UK’s premier retail industry trade shows, and mirroring the success of the INDX National Flooring Show, the following events will proudly claim National titles starting in 2025: INDX Kids becomes the INDX National Kidswear Show, INDX Man becomes the INDX National Menswear Show and INDX Intimate Apparel becomes the INDX National Intimate Apparel Show. The following event titles have been revamped to better reflect the inclusivity and diversity of their product showcases: INDX Homewares becomes INDX Home, INDX Beds & Bedroom becomes INDX Beds, and INDX Toy & Gift becomes INDX Toys, while INDX Furniture, INDX Woman, INDX Sports & Leisure, and INDX Gift Food show titles remain unchanged. Furthermore, INDX is expanding its line-up with a brand-new show launching in January 2025, INDX National Kids Footwear will run alongside INDX National Kidswear to create a complete, one-stop event destination for kids’ retailers. Developed in partnership with the children’s footwear industry, this exciting new show takes the INDX programme to 20 calendar events per year. Jane Bartlett, Director of Events at AIS and Cranmore Park: “INDX shows will continue to expand, adapt and diversify to provide retailers with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to succeed in an ever-changing marketplace. “Every INDX show is a powerhouse for business and order writing, but certain events within our portfolio have undeniably captured the retail industry’s attention on a national scale. Recognising the unparalleled impact of these shows, we’ve made strategic decisions to elevate their market positions for 2025. “The introduction of the National Kids Footwear show is an exciting addition to the INDX family for 2025, and we will continue to introduce new show formats, product categories, and services to ensure that we remain a vital platform for retailers across a wide range of specialties. “These strategic changes will be amplified by a completely revamped look and feel that will elevate the entire INDX experience. This week, INDX redefined its online presence with a stunning new website – www.indxshows.co.uk, cue a bold new look, a streamlined user interface, and content that pops.” Cranmore Park, the West Midlands home of INDX events, is also set for a transformation. Following the recent opening of The Loft, the venue’s contemporary eatery, hospitality, and networking space, Cranmore Park will be introducing a cutting-edge, fully sustainable modular exhibition stand system for 2025. This innovative shell scheme is designed to accommodate any vision, empowering exhibitors to create stunning, bespoke displays, and elevating the INDX experience to new heights. With a retailer-only admission policy, INDX Shows are expertly curated by buyers, for buyers. Designed to drive and support business growth, and bringing together unparalleled networking opportunities, access to industry-leading brands, and invaluable market trends and insights. Stay ahead of the competition and get ready to take your business to the next level. Online registration for INDX Shows is now open. www.indxshows.co.uk 16
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