As Glee gears up for its 50th anniversary (10-12 September, NEC), many of the companies exhibiting under the Home, Gift & Clothing banner are exclusive to the show, ranging from artisan British producers to some of the biggest suppliers and nationwide buying groups.
Home fragrance and lighting will be on the show floor, alongside decorative accessories for Christmas and the Spring seasons, greetings cards, toys and outdoor clothing. Exhibitors include Freckleface, Burgon & Ball, Ivyline, Rainbow Designs, Tilnar Art and Ziggle.
“As the Garden Centre Association (GCA) trade barometer consistently demonstrates, home, gift, clothing and related product categories are of great importance to an increasing number of garden centres, which especially rely on the Christmas gift trade and typically inspire buying with fantastic in-store displays,” states Glee’s event director Matthew Mein. “The presence at Glee of major industry suppliers from non-horticultural sectors is further indication that gift shops in garden centres are very much here to stay.”
Commenting on the importance of gifting in garden centres, especially at Christmas, the GCA’s ceo Peter Burks explains: “Giftware is fairly steady throughout the year, with a 20% rise above the average in March/April due to Mother’s Day and Easter. However, 40% of the total year’s sales are done in October to December, with December being well over double the monthly average,” he points out. “These non-gardening categories are seen as very important to our members as a way of getting both the weather impact and the seasonality of gardening reduced.”
Returning to Glee in 2024 will be Cardgains (Stand 9C85), the buying group for independent retailers selling gifts, cards and associated products. “At Cardgains, among many other gift and card selling retailers, we support independent garden centre members and will be looking forward to seeing them at Glee,” says Cardgains managing director Penny Shaw. “We also hope to get to know many more garden centre people at the show.”
To register for Glee, visit www.gleebirmingham.com/visitor-registration
Top: Glee will be back at the NEC from 10-12 September, with home, gifts and clothing an important part of the show.
