Following a series of successful Meet The Buyer events hosted by BHETA and GIMA with The Wyevale Garden Centre Group (TWGC), the garden centre retailer is now working with both trade associations on the next supplier development event to take place on Wednesday May 11, 2016. The event is being held at the Holiday Inn, Brentford Lock, near to the Wyevale Head Office.
TWGC, the largest chain of garden centres in the UK, is interested in seeing potential new suppliers who have new products or innovations that will be of interest to its customers. As well as in-store options, Wyevale is also interested in premium ranges which present it with the opportunity to extend its online offer. Both areas include opportunities for ‘niche’ suppliers. Wyevale is willing to consider ‘winning products’ from even the smallest companies, the organisers say. Buyers from all the main categories will be participating including Horticulture, Gardening, Home, Giftware, Pet, Leisure and Toys/Kids.
Suppliers must have the ability to deliver to Wyevale’s new central distribution facility and have the resource to provide the necessary technical back up and product information. Exact lead times and approximate stock holdings should also be advised on the day. The event is open to potential new suppliers, but not to existing suppliers unless they can extend their offer to another category other than those currently supplied. A maximum of two people from each supplier company will be allowed to attend. Wyevale will vet applications and decide on the companies it wishes to see. Selected companies will be allocated a 20 minute appointment with the relevant buyer selected by Wyevale.
BHETA home improvement and garden sector director Paul Grinsell said: “Once again we anticipate this being a very popular event and would advise early booking. It’s a real commitment to mutual benefit amongst buyers and suppliers and we are delighted to be working with GIMA to facilitate events like these.”
GIMA director Vicky Nuttall added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for DIY, garden and housewares companies to pitch their ideas and explore trading opportunities with the largest chain of garden centres in the UK.”
Suppliers need to apply in the first instance to Geraldine Poulton at GIMA at geraldine@gima.org.uk. The cut-off date for applications is Friday, April 15.
