5 minute read
The Exclusively Show
Will Jones, chair of The Exclusively Show and chief operating officer of the show’s owner BHETA (British
Home Enhancement Trade Association), shares a preview of what to expect at this year’s event
What makes The Exclusively Show different to other trade exhibitions in the buying calendar?
It’s small enough to be super-friendly and large enough to include everything any buyer or opinion former might need in terms of product, trends, inspiration and information to make the coming seasons successful and profitable. Maybe ‘small enough; large enough’ is a bit of a cliché, but Exclusively genuinely covers all the bases, offers a level playing field to suppliers small or large, and combines product with trends and advice. And it does so in a positive atmosphere of friendship and mutual benefit.
It’s a perfect showcase for gift ideas and a great place for multiple buyers, garden centre buyers and specialist independents alike to see the very latest in products, trends and merchandising.
Plus, the strict entry criteria means only bona fide trade customers visit the show and they are very well taken care of, with free refreshments, three course lunches and an evening drinks reception.
The Show celebrates its 20th anniversary this year - how has it evolved over the decades?
It has grown from just a handful of suppliers in 2002 to a fantastic line-up of more than 130 exhibitors, displaying over 200 brands, including 30 new exhibitors. The main development has been the growth of the small electricals sector. Over time we have refined the show and learned what works best for visitors and exhibitors, and we believe the format is in a very strong place.
How will you make this the best Exclusively Show yet?
We know that existing features such as the trend talks, tours and displays by forecasting agency Scarlet Opus, and the Brand Showcase - which provides media with a curated insight into the best new products at the show - are hugely popular. The latter (which draws journalists, bloggers and influencers) will be even bigger this year, due to demand. Last year we started the Launch Pad, which is a dedicated area for smaller brands and start-ups, and we will repeat this feature again based on the success of 2021.
One new feature will be the acclaimed drinks expert Olly Smith hosting wine tasting events sponsored by glassmaker Stolzle Lausitz, part of exhibitor E P Brands’ portfolio, and the presence of TV chef Jeremy Pang working with exhibitors to explore the potential of food-led video as a means of promoting gifts, small electricals and housewares to consumers.
This year we will have travel cost incentives for all, and limited free hotel rooms are available on a first-come-first-served basis for buyers travelling over 50 miles to attend. We are also offering a discount voucher for all independents who place orders at the show.
The Exclusively Show
What product sectors can visitors expect to find?
Housewares including tableware, kitchenware and bakeware, glassware, barware, small domestic electricals, and giftware.
How many exhibitors and visitors are you expecting?
We are currently 96% sold with more than 130 exhibitors signed up. Based on previous years, we expect to be completely sold out and every space taken. Last year was a very strong show for visitors despite Covid, the ban on international visitors, and an enforced move to the August holiday season. With the country opening up, we expect an increase on 2021.
What names - both new and returning - will be exhibiting?
New names include AnySharp, Aqua, Barista & Co, Cerve, Connect Distribution, Ice Cool Design, Ion8, Laica, Lloytron, Optima, Polder Products, Danwale, HomeArama, Strix, and Trebonn.
Returning names include Amefa, BeeBee and Leaf, Charles Bentley & Son, City Look Imports, EZY Storage, Jean Dubost, Masterpan, Mepal, SIGG Switzerland, SodaStream, Tatay, Villeroy & Boch, Vitality House, and Westinghouse Homeware.
Sustainability is a key focus for a number of trade exhibitions in different industries - is this the case for The Exclusively Show?
This is now so inherent, both in the trends and the products that suppliers will present. Sustainability as an issue has gone beyond the point where it is a ‘special feature’ - and this applies to product, packaging and presentation/merchandising.
Will there be any changes to the layout of the show this year?
The show will follow the 2021 layout that was very well received by exhibitors and visitors alike.
Exclusively is known and loved for being a social show and a great place to meet friends and network. What are your plans for this year?
The traditional drinks reception will take place on the evening of day one (Tuesday June 14). There are also plans for an international buyers’ evening on the day prior to the opening of the show (Monday June 13).
Although the government has removed remaining domestic Covid restrictions in England, do you have any plans in place for visitors and exhibitors to still follow basic safety measures?
The show team and the Business Design Centre venue regard the health and safety of all visitors and exhibitors as of paramount importance. Please check the website for the latest safety guidelines. Safe, controlled and all-secure!
At A Glance
What: The Exclusively Show Where: Business Design Centre, London When: Tuesday June 14 9am-5.30pm Wednesday June 15 9am-4.30pm Call: 0121 237 1130 Email: info@exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk Visit: www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk
What is your earliest memory of The Exclusively Show?
Seema Grantham, sector manager – housewares & small electricals of show owner BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association) has been to every edition of the show.
She recalls: “I have no qualms in saying that I love the show and have done so for 20 years - as an exhibitor with three companies, and now as part of the organising team. I remember so many companies, industry colleagues, and buyers just enjoying the Business Design Centre and making a ‘work’ event so pleasurable.
“My strongest memories are of coming away from the show completely exhausted, physically and mentally, as the two days are very intense and productive. I was always so impressed by the number of brands and products that are present and, on the other side, by how many retailers walk the show. The year that Jamie Oliver attended the show was a real highlight and he certainly caused a great stir!
“I’ve always enjoyed the social aspect of the show too. It’s a very friendly industry and I love the opportunity to see industry friends and contacts in such a great venue. I’m really looking forward to the drinks reception this year.”
