Launch pad for new products

This year Glee is occupying two more exhibition halls at the NEC in Birmingham.
Glee, which takes place in Birmingham from 15 to 17 September, is developing into the biggest show ever, according to information coming from the organisers Trade Promotion Services. “Our target of 1 400 exhibitors is now within reach and we expect all nine halls to be fully occupied by the time the fair opens,” states marketing manager Fiona Lowenthal. “Compared with last year, when we had just six halls of the National Exhibition Centre, the show has grown significantly in its international importance. Glee has long been seen as the place to source the best the industry has to offer.” About 400 new items will be displayed in the New Product Areas in Halls 2 (furniture and barbecues), 3/3A (indoors and nursery), 4 (Petindex) and 6-8 (landscaping).
The international character of the fair is underlined by group stands from Holland and Ireland as well as an Italian pavilion, alongside national stands from the USA, China and Taiwan, plus the many individual stands from 28 countries. One of the most significant new developments this year is the amalgamation of Glee with Petindex. The combined show, Glee Petindex, is seen as a logical step towards the joint marketing of garden, leisure and pet products.
The Glee Nursery sector is rated the best trade show in the UK for plants. The Landscaping sector, which is expanding into three halls this year, will bring together the widest possible selection of international products. Exhibits will range from water features and terracotta to garden buildings and fencing.
This year again overseas visitors will be the recipients of a special welcome package including free entry, a free show catalogue and the use of the International Buyers’ Centre. A series of seminars organised for owners and managers of garden centres from abroad will be given by the renowned Australian retail consultant John Stanley on 15 and 16 September.