Holland & Barrett has unveiled a new chapter in its retail 06-10 21 SDEA MEMBER UPDATES OPINION PIECE
A glimpse into the outstanding achievements being delivered by SDEA members across the industry.
Anotny Behiels shares the benefits of taking part in Business Awards
PROJECT - PAGE 12
Holland & Barrett has unveiled a new chapter in its retail journey with the launch of its Cardiff Experience Store
VM & DISPLAY SHOW PREVIEW - PAGE 16
Holland & Barrett has unveiled a new chapter in its retail journey with the launch of its Cardiff Experience Store
Hello,
As we step into spring, I’m pleased to welcome you to the latest issue of Shoptalk. You might notice something a little different this time — Shoptalk has undergone a refresh, with a new look and feel that I hope you’ll enjoy. Over the coming issues, I look forward to sharing how the magazine will continue to evolve, with a renewed focus on bringing you engaging, relevant content that reflects the energy of our industry.
exciting few months. We also take a moment to look back at the launch night of the Creative Interiors Awards — a fantastic evening that once again underlined the passion and creativity that defines our sector.
This edition’s cover features the striking new Holland & Barrett experience store in Cardiff — a bold reimagining of the brand’s retail environment and a great example of how physical retail continues to
Looking forward, we preview the upcoming VM & Display Show, where we’re delighted to be exhibiting once again. We’re especially looking forward to welcoming members and the wider industry to join us for networking drinks on the first evening — a great opportunity to catch up, connect, and celebrate the best in visual merchandising and display. You can register your place now.
Inside, we’ve highlighted some key dates for your diary as we look ahead to what’s set to be an
Enjoy the brighter evenings and the welcome arrival of spring. I look forward to seeing many of you at the VM & Display Show.
Shop and Display Equipment Association 24 Croydon Road
SDEA EVENTS SPOTLIGHT:
Creative Interiors Awards Hosts
Official Launch Night Event
The commercial interiors industry recently celebrated the official launch of the Creative Interiors Awards at an exclusive launch night event held at Dirty Martini’s renowned Cocktail Cavern in London. The gathering marked the inauguration of this prestigious new awards programme, dedicated to honouring excellence in commercial design, craftsmanship and innovation, as reported by 365 Retail, the leading resource for retail industry news in the UK.
The launch night saw an impressive turnout, with notable attendees including representatives from key brands, leading design agencies, suppliers, industry press, and trade associations. This vibrant event provided an excellent platform for networking, collaboration, and discussions surrounding the future of commercial interior design.
Organised by the teams behind the highly regarded Creative Retail Awards, alongside the Shop & Display Equipment Association (SDEA), 365 Retail, and the National Association
of Shopfitters and Interior Contractors (NAS), the Creative Interiors Awards aim to highlight and celebrate the industry’s most innovative and impactful projects, products and people.
The awards encompass 18 diverse categories across three central pillars: Products, Projects and People. These categories span multiple sectors, including Lighting, Material Innovation, Retail, Hospitality, and Workspace, ensuring comprehensive representation of the commercial interiors industry.
Following the successful launch, entries are now officially open, inviting industry professionals and organisations to showcase their outstanding contributions to commercial interior design. The award winners will be revealed at an exclusive ceremony scheduled for May 2026 in London.
For more information about the Creative Interiors Awards or to submit an entry, visit the official website at www.creativeinteriorsawards.com.
SDEA Members and Retail Industry Leaders Invited to London Networking Evening
Members of the Shop and Display Equipment Association (SDEA) and their retail industry colleagues are invited to attend the London Networking Evening on Tuesday 9th April 2024. The event, hosted by the Creative Retail Awards, will take place at the Bubba Oasis Rooftop in Islington and promises an informal setting for networking following the opening day of the VM & Display Show.
Running from 5.30pm until late, the evening offers a chance for exhibitors, retailers, designers and suppliers to continue conversations started at the show in a more relaxed environment. Attendance is free, but registration is essential as space is limited and demand has been consistently high in previous years.
Bubba Oasis, is within walking distance of the Business Design Centre, allowing attendees to transition directly from the show. Angel Underground station, served by the Northern line, is close by, making it easy for guests arriving from across London or further afield.
Now in its fifth year, the London Networking Evening has become a well-established fixture in the retail calendar. Organised by the team behind the Creative Retail Awards, the event attracts a wide mix of professionals from across the sector. It serves as an informal opportunity to connect, share insights, and explore potential collaborations.
Given the popularity of the event, guests are advised to register promptly to avoid disappointment.
SDEA MEMBER UPDATES:
GLENCOURT RETAIL INTERIORS RECRUITING TRENDS
Retail Interiors company leaders can no longer rely on same-old approaches to talent sourcing or assume that a strong remuneration package will guarantee access to the right candidates.
The organisations that thrive in 2025 will be those that embrace innovative new technologies, invest in cultural transformation, and find new ways to engage, develop and empower talented teams.
Glencourt have kindly offered their guide free of charge for SDEA Members; an extensive 17-page report on Recruiting and Hiring Trends in 2025 within the Retail Interiors market, written by Glencourt as the recruitment specialists in this market sector.
The guide discusses some of the major factors influencing the hiring and recruitment space in 2025 and how they’ll affect your approach to finding and retaining employees. You will be shown how you can develop a proactive, future-proof strategy for talent acquisition and stay one step ahead of the competition in the Retail Interiors market.
To receive your free guide, please email oli@glencourtassociates.com
NEW DIGITAL CUTTER FOR DISCOUNT DISPLAYS
After 17 years, Discount Display are excited to announce an upgrade to their production capabilities with the successful installation of a new Zünd G3 L-3200 Digital Cutter. Operating from their Croydon facility, this state-of-the-art technology will help the company optimise productivity and offer opportunities to expand their product range. Their previous Zünd cutter performed reliably for nearly two decades, making Zünd the clear choice again for their newest cutter upgrade. The G3’s advanced cutting system with integrated camera technology will revolutionise the company’s workflow, and offer greater flexibility and adaptability to evolving needs.
Significant upgrades include the creasing and oscillating tools for creating new cardboard exhibition and POS displays, as well as a 1kW router for precisely cutting materials like Foamex and Perspex. These enhancements will allow the company to meet the sustainability needs our their customers and stay at the forefront of the competition.
Thiis investment reflects Discount Displays’ commitment to innovation and ensures they are offering top-quality display solutions for their customers. The Zünd G3 L-3200 is a bold step into the future, unlocking creative possibilities and transforming their production processes.
For more information on our plant list, head over to our print capabilities page at: https://www.discountdisplays.co.uk/html/print-works.html
NOBLE GIFT NEW JEWELLERY DISPLAY
Noble Gift Packaging’s Elegant New Jewellery Display Set: A Blend of Luxury and Innovation
At Noble Gift Packaging, we understand that presentation is just as important as the product itself. A piece of jewellery, no matter how exquisite, can only truly shine when displayed beautifully. This philosophy inspired the development of their stunning new jewellery set of props designed specifically for high-end jewellery stores. This collection of props, crafted with elegance and precision, elevates the overall shopping experience by providing a sophisticated backdrop to highlight the brilliance of each piece.
Crafting the Perfect Display: The Vision Behind the Jewellery Set
Noble Gift’s new jewellery set of props has been meticulously designed to ensure that every piece of jewellery is presented in the best possible light— literally and figuratively. They chose a luxurious ivory fabric as the base material, as it not only complements the opulence of fine jewellery but also creates a soft, subtle contrast that allows the jewellery to stand out. The ivory colour is carefully selected to enhance the visual appeal, providing a neutral yet elegant backdrop that exudes timeless luxury. Under carefully positioned LED lighting, the fabric’s subtle sheen creates an almost ethereal effect that draws attention to the jewellery without overshadowing it. The result is a striking, modern display that enhances the beauty of the jewellery while maintaining a sense of sophistication.
Innovative Features and Versatility
One of the key features of this display set is its versatility. The props have been designed to accommodate a variety of jewellery types—from rings and bracelets to necklaces and earrings— while maintaining a cohesive, highend aesthetic. The modular structure allows jewellers to mix and match pieces based on their needs, ensuring flexibility for different store layouts and displays. Additionally, under adjustable LED lights, the retailers have control over the brightness and intensity to create the perfect ambience for any collection. The carefully designed materials and construction ensure that the display set can withstand the daily demands of high-end jewellery shops, ensuring durability alongside beauty.
At Noble Gift Packaging, their goal is to offer innovative solutions that meet the specific needs of their clients. This new jewellery display set is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to providing high-end retailers with the best tools to showcase their products. They specifically designed this set to appeal to luxury jewellery brands and boutique jewellery stores looking to create an upscale, memorable experience for their clientele.
The Future of Jewellery Displays: Crafting Experiences
Noble Gift Packaging is always looking toward the future, constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of the jewellery retail industry. As they continue to expand their portfolio
of luxury packaging and display solutions, they remain dedicated to providing their clients with products that enhance their brand, create memorable shopping experiences, and ultimately drive sales.
With their new jewellery display set, they are proud to offer a product that helps high-end retailers create a luxurious, immersive environment that showcases the brilliance of their jewellery and attracts discerning customers who appreciate the finer details.
Idea teamed up with their client Mizuno to design, produce and install a brilliant multicomponent project, which launched into the Golf superstore and custom fitting centre at the prestigious Foregolf in Cheshire.
The brief was simple, Idea was to create big impact in two key spaces in-store for the brand with focus on clear brand messaging, strong product standout and good range presentation. Customer engagement was priority as the destination is one of the North West’s most popular custom golf equipment fitters housing many major brands and enjoying high customer footfall.
This scheme called upon many of Idea’s highly skilled and talented inhouse teams, from 3D design and artwork, to development, production, and logistics to create these outstanding images. Components to this project included initial 3D design creation, printed vinyls and lifestyle graphics, light-boxes with illumination, header panels and an array of metal work and acrylic slat-wall display accessories, all bespoke made and customised to suit Mizuno products.
Clean, striking, and effective; a project to be proud of and one, which will hopefully provide fantastic results for both the brand in-store and their customers. Please do contact Idea if you believe you have similar projects, which they can support you with.
With NHS waiting lists at a record high there has never been a better time to start medical cover. HMCA has launched My Care Card with a range of affordable plans specifically with the under 50s in mind.
You may think you can put off taking out medical cover until you are older, but you should remember not to leave it too late. If you are diagnosed now, with no cover in place, you may well find you cannot get cover for this condition in future.
All My Care Card plans come with 24/7 access to a private helpline and app, so you can speak to a GP anytime you need, wherever you are. All our plans provide a cash benefit payable for each night you spend in an NHS hospital, so time spent in hospital will not leave you struggling to pay the bills.
The Gold Plan gives you private medical in-hospital benefits for acute conditions treated as an inpatient like illness, disease or injury. When referred by a GP you will get quick admission into a hospital of your choice at a time and a location that is convenient for you, with the benefits of a private room and en-suite.
For further information visit the exclusive My Care Card Shop and Display Equipment Association website at: https://www.mycarecard.co.uk/sdea
ANTALIS LAUNCH PRIPLAK
New Priplak R30 from Antalis has a 30% post-industrial waste content, further strengthening its environmental credentials.
Antalis introduces Priplak R30, a new addition to its sustainable product range, offering enhanced environmental benefits for the visual communications sector. Made from polypropylene and containing 30% post-industrial recycled content, Priplak R30 strengthens its credentials as a sustainable and versatile material for applications such as POS displays, signage, packaging, and more.
The Sustainable Choice: Polypropylene Priplak is crafted from polypropylene, recognised as one of the most sustainable plastics available. Its ecological nature and responsible manufacturing practices make it a top choice for environmentally conscious professionals. Compared to other plastics, polypropylene offers key environmental advantages that align with modern sustainability goals.
Key Features and Benefits of Priplak R30 Priplak R30 delivers exceptional performance while minimising environmental impact. Its standout features include:
• Chemically Inert: Safe and non-reactive, reducing potential harm to the environment or health.
• Halogen-Free: Free from chlorine, which is harmful to wildlife, plants, and human health.
• Phthalate-Free: Avoids plasticisers, which can negatively affect public health and ecosystems.
• Safe Disposal: Can be burned without releasing toxic emissions.
• Lightweight: 35% lighter than PVC, reducing raw material usage.
• Durable: Tear-resistant, long-lasting, and reusable.
• Fully Recyclable: 100% recyclable and capable of being recycled multiple times without loss of quality or strength.
• Closed-Loop Content: Made with 30% postindustrial recycled polypropylene for a more sustainable lifecycle.
Versatile Applications
Available in a white finish in 450 and 750 mic thicknesses, with a sheet size of 650 x 1100mm, Priplak R30 is suitable for a wide range of uses, including:
• POS displays
• Signage
• Packaging
• Tags and labelling
• Folders and stationery
• Driving Sustainable Progress
Paul Neale, Product Manager at Antalis, highlights the growing significance of sustainable materials like Priplak R30:
“The versatility and sustainable benefits of products like Priplak made of polypropylene have resulted in it being one of the most rapidly growing sustainable polymers produced worldwide in recent years, with this trend set to continue. Introducing superior sustainable products such as the new Priplak R30 will increase its popularity.”
Antalis is committed to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the needs of the modern visual communications industry. Priplak R30 is the latest addition to its portfolio,
For more information about Priplak R30 or other sustainable products, visit www.antalis.co.uk or contact Antalis on contact@antalis.co.uk.
SHOWCASING DE’LONGHI & KENWOOD AT ENGLAND’S FIRST HARVEY NORMAN STORE
Idea were thrilled to have supported De’Longhi and Kenwood on two stunning retail display areas, all ready for the opening of England’s first Harvey Norman store at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre. A renowned Australian retailer, Harvey Norman is recognised globally for its leadership in homeware products. With a catalogue of nearly 300 stores across eight countries, the opening of this new location marks a significant milestone in international expansion.
As part of this beautiful retail project, we provided concept creation and design support, as well as producing and installing a range of bespoke display elements to create 3 main branded areas for DeLonghi Coffee, Kenwood Food Processors and a Breakfast Gondola End. All areas were designed in line with Harvey Norman’s fixture guidelines and hold visually striking features letting customers engage and interact with the products on offer. To elevate the premium feel of these display zones, we also incorporated illumination and elegant wooden slats.
Every detail of this project was carefully crafted to enhance the shopping experience and maximise the brands potential in the allocated floor space.
If you would like our help with your retail requirements, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
www.creativeideagroup.uk.com
SUPPORTING BRANDS WITH EXHIBITION ACTIVITY IFA 2024
ZAGG asked for Idea’s support with their IFA 2024 activity, promoting their latest product launches, innovations, and user experiences. Requiring multiple touchpoints across their IFA exhibition space the super design team at Idea started with a blank piece of paper and got to work straight away. An initial sketch stage explored a broad range of different design directions and concepts, followed by a 3D CAD development stage that brought the concepts to life.
Throughout the whole process Idea worked collaboratively with the client to achieve the best results; over fifty different, beautifully bespoke, and handcrafted displays, all fabricated inhouse for Zagg and Mophie brands.
If you are planning to exhibit anytime soon, do get in touch with Idea to learn how they can help you. www.creativeideagroup.uk.com
Project
Holland & Barrett
Holland & Barrett has unveiled a new chapter in its retail journey with the launch of its Cardiff Experience Store—an environment designed to reimagine wellness shopping through a blend of tactile design, expert interaction and community engagement. The store introduces a customer-first approach that prioritises personalisation, emotional resonance and a seamless in-store journey.
Holland & Barrett has launched its first Experience Store in Cardiff, introducing a redesigned retail format that emphasises tactile interaction, personalisation, and a calm, communityfocused environment. This marks a significant step in the retailer’s wider plans to modernise its customer engagement strategy and reshape wellness shopping across its network.
The new format, which spans 3,710 square feet, has been developed in partnership with creative agency Syn. Richard Fisher, Store Design Manager at Holland & Barrett, said: “We’ve partnered with Syn to embrace a fresh creative vision which has played out in Cardiff’s pioneering Experience Store design. At H&B we are committed to redefining the wellness shopping experience, fostering a sense of community and customer connection.
“The Cardiff team of expert colleagues are all qualified to advise customers. They can successfully cut through the noise of health fads and trends we’re
all bombarded with on social media –offering bespoke, expert advice. And it’s this human-centric vision that has been woven throughout the redesign, allowing accessibility, personalisation and engagement at every touch point.”
New elements within the store aim to guide and enhance the customer journey, starting with a prominent wooden architectural structure at the entrance that leads directly to the central ‘Mission Island’. This dedicated area enables shoppers to explore tailored wellness solutions for areas such as gut health, immunity, and sleep. Further visual cues are introduced through the ‘Wow Wall’ and the ‘Be strong for life’ campaign window, reinforcing messaging around proactive, long-term health choices.
Syn oversaw the entire design, build and communication strategy for the store, applying what it described as a “feeling first” approach. According to the agency, this meant designing a space that prioritises tactile surfaces, calming
material palettes, and emotionally resonant signage.
Chris Newell, Co-Founder and Creative Partner at Syn, said: “We developed a ‘feeling first’ concept territory. From touch and tactility through to emotive expressions of messaging. The whole creative approach was about evoking a feeling of calm, comfort and welcomeness. Triggering the visual sense at first, into the tangible softness of materiality and the addition of an emotive script typeface at key signage touchpoints. Finally, we employed a more human tone of brand voice as the connective thread that openly invites engagement into store and with the qualified team of experts for those customers who are looking for advice and help.”
To support its personalised wellness approach, the Cardiff store also includes an in-store H&B&Me pod, which offers biological age assessments and health recommendations. Other features include a wellness studio for activities like yoga and Pilates, along with health assessment services such as blood testing.
Positioned as a prototype for future store formats, the Cardiff Experience Store is set to inform how Holland & Barrett evolves its wider retail estate. The retailer’s broader strategy reflects an effort to align with a changing wellness landscape, incorporating technology, expertise, and store design into a unified experience.
Making Retail Exciting
Retail Reimagined
Morplan offers innovative, sustainable products and furniture for the retail industry. From shop-fittings and showcases to carrier bags, hangers and tickets, you’ll find everything you need to run a successful retail business. If what you need is completely unique, we can often source and manufacture bespoke products from our army of suppliers. For a professional finish, many of our products can be printed with your company branding.
VM & DISPLAY SHOW 25
The Visual Merchandising and Display Show returns to the Business Design Centre in London on 9–10 April 2025, offering a creative and practical showcase for anyone involved in visual display, retail design and branding. Free to attend and open to all, the show is especially valuable for visual merchandisers, store designers, marketers and brand managers looking to enhance their in-store presentation and customer experience.
From eye-catching props and sustainable materials to digital displays, lighting, mannequins and print services, the show brings together a diverse mix of suppliers and specialists under one roof. It’s an opportunity to explore new products, discover fresh inspiration and connect with experts who understand the challenges and possibilities of retail design.
Whether you’re working on seasonal displays, planning a store refresh, or simply looking to keep up with the latest trends, the event provides a focused environment to gather ideas and solutions.
Here are just a few of the exciting exhibitors you can meet on 9–10 April – each showcasing tools, materials and creative concepts that can help bring your next project to life.
Register for the evening event at www.creativeretailawards.com
Come and meet the SDEA team on stand C8
arken - Stand P7/8
arken – are experts in award-winning creative POP Displays & Signage
Your retail experiences, reimagined and the shopper engagement made easier. We’ve been helping to solve the challenges facing brands and retailers for 75 years. Collaboration in working to your budgets and providing ROI.
UK facilities provide in-house design, marketing, CAD engineering, prototype, project management and production allowing us to keep a close control over every aspectensuring consistency and the highest standards.
arken the most awarded POP company, achieving awards for our creativity, development, and sustainability.
Dorotape - Stand D4a
Step into a world of colour and creativity with Dorotape! As the UK’s leading supplier of high-quality, vibrant, and unique self-adhesive films, we help retail designers, display experts, and graphic specialists bring their visions to life—with a flawless finish every time.
Proudly distributing for industry-leading global brands like ASLAN, Poli-Tape, Fedrigoni (Ritrama), Nekoosa (R-Tape), Neschen, Kernow, and Cover Styl’, we offer one of the widest selections of decorative and functional films available. From stunning metallised effects to mesmerizing dichroic finishes, we are the go-to specialists for premium display solutions.
Visit us on Stand D4a and discover how Dorotape can transform your next project!
Northbanks - Stand D7
Based in central London, Northbanks creates immersive Retail Experiences, Fixtures & Displays and Brand Experience that drive brand engagement and loyalty. We design, manufacture, and deliver standout retail environments that connect with customers and influence decisions. We know what makes shoppers tick, what they think and feel. We look beyond what they buy to what they buy into. We uncover the drivers of shopper behaviour, to understand what truly motivates and influences purchase decisions and what forms brand perceptions. Northbanks partner with start-ups to global super-brands to create experiences that better their brand.
Peluca Studio - Stand G9
Don’t miss Peluca Studio, who will be offering live mannequin wig-making demonstrations on their stand throughout the show. Known for their detailed, handcrafted hairpieces, Peluca recently won a VM & Display Award alongside Primark for Best Use of Mannequin in a Multiple, thanks to their standout work on the Primark x Rita Ora campaign. It’s a great chance to see the artistry behind high-impact visual displays up close.
Antalis - Stand D10
Antalis will showcase its extensive portfolio of sustainable materials for retail design and display, exhibitions, events, and POS & POP at this year’s retail Visual Merchandising and Display Show, which will take place from 9 to 10 April at London’s Business Design Centre.
As one of Europe’s leading suppliers of Visual Communication substrates, Antalis understands the ever-increasing need for innovative and sustainable visual merchandising and display materials. Its experts will be on hand to chat through the latest additions to its range and explain why considering materials at the design stage is crucial. Antalis wants to empower visitors to work together to consider not only budget but sustainable credentials, weight-bearing requirements, etc., to avoid using unsuitable materials.
Antalis’ stand and furniture will be constructed from its environmentally friendly board Xanita Print, making it 100% recyclable at the end of its life. Xanita Board is a lightweight, strong-engineered fibreboard manufactured with a part-re-pulped post-consumer paper core and FSC-accredited liners. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional use of MDF, PVC, and PUR foam boards. Other Xanita products on display will be Xanita Aspect board made from post-consumer paper, which is ideal for signage, POS, and 2D solutions for interior use.
Other products that will feature include: Eska Brown and Eska Black. Eska Brown is 100% recycled kraft material / solid rigid board, ideal for signage and display, and Eska Black has a recycled core with virgin liners - both grades are FSC certified. Exten HMPP, is a premium polypropylene that is 100% recyclable, offering retailers, brands and specifiers a sustainable alternative to PVC for point-of-sale (POS) and display applications. The 100% recyclable and PVC-free Biprint Wave for short-term outdoor displays will also be on the stand for visitors to explore along with the impressive Coala ID Wallcoverings collection, featuring eight customisable wallcovering materials, including five new finishes.
Visitors can explore Antalis’ large-format sustainable sample box, an ideal reference tool when specifying and aligning materials for any application. Each A5 sample has an Antalis Green Star System™ rating of 3-5 stars, a system that measures key factors such as raw materials used and recyclability at end-oflife, allowing users to easily identify and compare materials.
Specification Consultant at Antalis Claire White comments: “The VM & Display Show is always a good opportunity to discuss the sustainable design possibilities our portfolio offers for retail, brands, visual merchandising, experiential, and store design. We understand that materials are often evolving and choosing them can be daunting; we encourage dialogue on how specifying products early in the design stage can be a real game changer.”
For more information, please visit www.antalis. co.uk or contact Antalis at contact@antalis.co.uk.
Morplan - Stand D6
Morplan can be found on stand D6 and this year’s design will be divided into three unique areas featuring an eco-theme, a white and gold theme for women’s luxury fashion and a black themed room for men’s fashion and sports.
Visitors to the stand can expect to see items from both our black and gold Queen Vogue range, which is a stylish and adaptable modular shelving system. Our Blue City range of reclaimed Teak and Iron retail furniture will also be on display, alongside many items in our eco-friendly collection, including ocean waste hangers, bamboo and eucalyptus hangers, eco-mannequins and more. Plus, the stand will also feature new coffee wood jewellery display products, recycled glass mannequin heads and illuminated mango wood display furniture.
Our Ocean Waste Hangers were selected as finalist in the ‘Best Sustainable/ Eco friendly product’ category at the recent VM and Display awards, for our work with British Heart Foundation. You will also be able to see the ‘Blue City Bike Frame table’, which was a finalist last year in the same category!
GRAPHICS & SIGNAGE PACKAGES
PRODUCED ON TIME & IN BUDGET
To get a quote on your next project please contact us:
At Graphica Display we design, manufacture and install graphics, signage, displays and branding for the Retail, Commercial Interior, Exhibition, Events and Public Sector Markets…
Visual Merchandising and Display Show Returns to London
The Visual Merchandising and Display Show returns to London on 9th and 10th April 2025, offering a twoday showcase of the latest innovations, trends, and solutions for retail professionals. Taking place at the Business Design Centre, just two minutes from Angel station and well-connected to major transport hubs, this highly anticipated event combines accessibility, education, and inspiration—all with free entry.
With exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge products, from advanced lighting solutions to sustainable materials and digital displays, the show offers a comprehensive view of the tools and strategies transforming retail environments. It’s a chance to explore the trends shaping the industry, discover creative solutions, and meet suppliers who can help bring your next project to life.
One of the highlights of the Visual Merchandising and Display Show is its expertly curated seminar programme. Designed to inspire and inform, these sessions cover a broad range of topics, including emerging trends, consumer behaviour, technology integration, and sustainability. By attending, visitors can gain valuable insights into the latest developments influencing the retail sector, learning from some of the most respected voices in the industry. Whether you’re looking for actionable advice or fresh perspectives, the seminars provide a wealth of knowledge for professionals across all areas of retail.
The show is carefully structured to make the most of your time. Over two days, attendees can meet with a diverse range of suppliers, discover innovative products, and attend thought-provoking talks—all in one central location. It’s an efficient way to achieve weeks of work in just two days, saving time while gaining inspiration and solutions tailored to your needs.
Here’s just some of what you can expect to see at the VM & Display Show: materials, signage, digital displays, pop-up store solutions, POP/ POS, seasonal display units, props, sustainability solutions, audio-visual equipment, large-format print, print solutions, custom packaging, graphics, technology solutions, promotional stands, store fixtures, retail software, design agencies, merchandising accessories, interactive kiosks, Christmas decorations, wall fixtures, mannequins, ceiling hangings, shelving and racking, lighting solutions – and so much more!
Networking is another key benefit of attending. The event creates a collaborative space where designers, retailers, and industry experts can connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Whether you’re discussing upcoming projects, exploring potential partnerships, or sharing insights with peers, the show fosters a sense of community among its attendees.
The Visual Merchandising and Display Show continues to be a cornerstone event for retail professionals, providing a unique blend of inspiration, education, and connection. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of the latest trends, source new ideas, or explore practical solutions to enhance your retail space, this event offers it all. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of something truly dynamic and inspiring.
The Benefits of Entering Business Awards
By Antony Behiels, Director, SDEA
Beyond the trophy, business awards offer measurable advantages for brand perception, marketing reach, and industry positioning — and their impact is still growing.
A study by Shape-the-Future involving 400 business decision makers found that a remarkable 82% admitted to being influenced by awards when purchasing products or services for their organisation. Furthermore, 76% supported the view that “Awards are important for generating business or improving the value of a brand”. While these figures might raise an eyebrow, they reflect an enduring truth: recognition matters. In a marketplace saturated with messaging, where every company is striving to be seen, awards can serve as a spotlight, cutting through the noise.
The real power of business awards lies not in the physical trophy or certificate, but in the perception they generate. Winning an award lends a company an air of legitimacy that internal marketing can rarely achieve on its own. It’s an external nod — a credible third-party endorsement — that tells customers, partners and stakeholders that a business has not only claimed success but had it verified by an independent body. It speaks to quality, reliability, and relevance, and in doing so, strengthens existing relationships while attracting new ones.
This perception extends far beyond the award night itself. The marketing potential of even a nomination is substantial. The opportunity to share that recognition across channels — whether on social media, in email campaigns or through PR — can reinvigorate a brand’s visibility and spark new conversations. For many businesses, this visibility translates into fresh enquiries, unexplored markets, or heightened attention from collaborators who might not have looked twice before.
But what often gets overlooked is the internal effect of such recognition. Staff morale receives a tangible lift when a team’s hard work is acknowledged on a wider stage. It reaffirms purpose and builds a sense of collective achievement, which in turn enhances company culture. Recognition can also attract talent, as potential employees are often drawn to companies known for excellence, creativity or leadership within their sector.
This is precisely why the Creative Retail Awards were established — to spotlight companies and individuals that push boundaries and reshape the retail
experience. These awards offer more than a ceremonial celebration; they create a platform for entrants to be seen by a global audience. From emerging studios to established brands, the Awards have carved out a reputation as one of the industry’s most distinguished benchmarks of innovation and excellence.
Beyond accolades, the Creative Retail Awards create a nexus of influence, placing entrants alongside some of the most visionary retailers, designers and manufacturers in the sector. The result is not just a raised profile, but an immersion into a community where new opportunities, ideas and partnerships are born. In many cases, the exposure generated can lead to international attention and even new markets — outcomes that rarely emerge from conventional advertising alone.
Entries for this year’s Creative Retail Awards are now open. You can view the categories at www.creativeretailawards.com
"Being part of the SDEA continues to provide valuable connections, business support and the opportunity to celebrate the very best talent from across the industry through the Creative Retail Awards each year. "
Claire White Antalis
"I have been an active member of SDEA for 7 years and found it highly valuable in the furtherment and growth of key industry connections and links to new customers.
Rob Hill Graphica Display Ltd
"Our last 3 years fees have been covered by just one of the leads we received from the SDEA this year."
Mark Chatterton Morplan Ltd
"As a member of the SDEA, we have had numerous opportunities thanks to their Directory and infoline service. I've benefitted from various advantages including leads, enriching networking events, discounts on trade shows, access to the SDEA App for retail trends and information updates. The Creative Retail Awards is an incredible annual event that showcases the very best in class across selected categories."
Paul Smart Arken POP
"We love the SDEA – very supportive and a great way to network with like-minded peers. Always good fun too!"
