Merchandise World

LET’S DO ITAGAIN

The industry returns to Milton Keynes to help build for a successful end of the year

The September edition of Merchandise World is nearly upon us, barely a year from its return to Milton Keynes Arena at Stadium MK.

That 2021 edition of the show marked a return to the live events arena for many, and what started out as a tentative exploration of face-to-face meetings quickly became an opportunity to reacquaint with the industry.

Suppliers and distributors put aside months of Zooms to press the flesh (hand sanitiser provided), see products up close, network, and smile with industry friends.

Now a year on, the industry is back in Milton Keynes for more of the same and ready to build on the success of Spring’s show in Coventry.

Any concerns anyone may have had whether the industry was ready for a major event proved unfounded, despite the show organisers having to prove their agility and shift the dates to the winter wave of Covid.

As soon as the doors opened it was clear that the pull of seeing 145 exhibitors with a wide range of products overrode any apprehensions.

Over the two days, 896 quality distributors streamed through the door and the show hall remained busy right up until closed on day two.

Show organiser, Ella Long said: “Watching people so happy to be together again, and to see old and new relationships developing is always rewarding. The industry is back together, and we were pleased to hear people telling us during, and at the end of the show how positive it has made them feel and of the various benefits they had gained from coming.”

For Milton Keynes, David Long, founder of Sourcing City, organiser of the show notes that times are again “interesting”.

“At present the promotional merchandise market seems buoyant, and after the ‘Covid years’ this is very welcome. However, inflation, soaring energy bills, UK political and economic instability and international crisis are in the background and it is hard to predict how this will affect the market in the coming months and beyond,” he said.

In this scenario, everyone needs to win as much business as possible and Merchandise World is going to provide the ideal opportunity to discover products for end users, and will be the best place for exhibitors and visitors to meet and build relationships, he said.

“The industry stands on relationships and whether a visitor or exhibitor, an investment in time or money to be at the show will reap dividends. We all know that we learn more from talking to people, and Merchandise

World is the ideal place to do this.”

Carey Trevill, CEO of the BPMA, which is co-owner of the show, agreed on the need for businesses to take a proactive stance.

“Over the past couple of years we have seen our members demonstrate levels of ingenuity and creativity in keeping going during Covid. They will now turn that to ensuring that they adapt to whatever the market throws at them, with innovative products, great service levels, and the agility for which they are known. Merchandise World remains our industry shopfront and the place where we come together to do business, working hard and playing hard.”

A main feature of Merchandise World will again be the ECO World section. Recent shows have demonstrated the extent to which environmentally friendly and sustainable products have moved into the mainstream with 100 exhibitors at Coventry offering them within their range. The move is clear and ECO World will again prove a popular stand for discovering new ideas.

As well as the top suppliers exhibiting from across the industry, Merchandise World will also have plenty of new exhibitors to meet, such as BonBox, Briki, Delvaux, Ocean Bottle and Plastoria. Finding new products is the lifeblood of the industry and there is nowhere better to see everything in one place.

The September show is perfectly timed as people return from summer breaks and then focus on the rest of the year and Christmas. Businesses looking to recognise and reward staff, clients, customers, and suppliers, should all be on the lookout for products and ideas to make their mark.

David Long concluded: “Visitor registrations have recently opened and it is clear that a bumper turnout of distributors is expected.”

We hope to see you there.

THE ESSENTIALS

WHERE – Marshall Arena, Stadium MK, Milton Keynes WHEN – Wednesday 14th September 2022. Show opens from 9.00 and closes 17.00. Breakfast is served from 8.00-10.00. There’s also free lunch, tea and coffee. WHY – this one-day event for frontline teams and leaders from professional distributors will help them discover new products for the Peak Season and learn about product branding techniques. A relaxed atmosphere allows time for quality conversations, negotiating trading partnerships, and building relationships with top suppliers. HOW - visitors can register at merchandiseworld.co.uk. There is a free station transfer shuttle bus to Milton Keynes Central station between 8am and 5pm (no pickups between noon and 1pm). Free airport transfers from Luton are available by prior arrangement. Call 0844 504 5006 for details.