As the first dedicated garden retail exhibition to make its in-person return post-lockdown, Glee (14th – 16th September, NEC Birmingham) has an important role to play. From networking and educating, to inspiring retailers and suppliers alike, this year’s event will be a highly anticipated showcase of the newest and most exciting innovations that the garden sector has to offer ahead of the 2022 season.
Retailers support the return of Glee 2021
During lockdown, garden retailers focused on running their businesses according to strict Covid-secure guidelines and, in many cases, the task of buying and sourcing innovation and trend-led ranges for the season ahead has been put on the back burner. However, with the country opening up and demand for gardening products remaining higher than ever, buying teams are being charged with finding exciting and innovative new products to entice consumers and encourage loyalty amongst this new, bigger gardening army.
Justin Williams, from the GCA Garden Centre of the Year, Fron Goch said: “I believe trade shows are a crucial part in the sourcing of new suppliers and new products and, with such a buoyant market at the moment, hopefully, our sector is ripe for product development and investment to deliver new products. Lockdowns and Coronavirus have been a very isolating and a lonely period for so many of us. Trade shows provide a great opportunity to see friends and industry colleagues and enable some very valuable discussions. I very much look forward to their return.”
Exhibitors confirm big plans for Glee 2021
Exhibitors confirmed for Glee 2021 include returning brands, such as Hozelock, Ivyline, Woodlodge, DLF Seeds, Zest 4 Leisure, Taylors Bulbs, Traeger Grills, The Solar Centre, Seedball, Durston Garden Products, Fallen Fruits, Burgon & Ball, Deco-Pak, Creative Products, Meadow View Stone, Kaemingk, Jardinopia, Laurica Plants and Primeur. New exhibitors joining the roster in 2021 will include Goodchaps, Collarways, Leon Boots, The Edible Gang, Teal International, Black & Stainless-Steel Creative Metalworks and George Rye & Sons.
A safe and secure return
The Glee team acknowledge that the positivity surrounding the exhibition’s return is only possible thanks to the ongoing work that is being undertaken behind the scenes to ensure that Glee can throw open its doors safely and securely. Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director explains. He said: “Whilst many of our retailers have remarked that being at the coalface throughout Covid has meant that they are more than comfortable with returning to live events, we appreciate that this is not the case for everyone. I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure everyone that we are going above and beyond to ensure that we will be reopening Glee as safely and securely as possible.
“We are working closely in consultation with the NEC, and the AEO (Association of Event Organisers) in order to confirm that we work within the government guidelines for reopening and will continue to revise these guidelines as the September timeline approaches. The health and safety of everyone involved with Glee – from the stand builders to exhibitors, from visitors to our own Glee team and everyone in between – is our number one priority.
Find out more
To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2020 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.
