43_45_47_New Grid 15/01/2018 09:50 Page 47
Spotlight On... Spring Fair 2018
Move To The Summerhouse
New Mini-Booth
Having outgrown Hall 4, Stoneglow is moving to the prestigious Summerhouse in Hall 8. "The Summerhouse move is a massive privilege for Stoneglow and perfectly fits in with our brand journey," says account development manager Louise Dooley. "In celebration, we decided to give our stand a facelift. At first it was just going to be a simple lick of paint but we got carried away and ended up with a totally new look, which we are all very excited about. We have added a bold splash of colour which, for us, is very daring since magnolia was our theme for years!" Adds Louise: "The new Summerhouse stand is our largest to date, giving us a fantastic platform to curate our collections of bespoke up-lit display units. To top it off, we have added in 3 metre wall graphics showing some of our amazing product imagery." The company is also kicking off 2018 with four new Above: The new Stoneglow stand in the Summerhouse. collections of candles and diffusers - Potager Garden, Mixology, Day Flower and Night Flower. "All are British designed and made in the UK," confirms Louise. "We have also added in eight new fragrances on current bestselling ranges, along with a facelift on our popular Botanic collection." Louise's top tip: "As Spring Fair is such a large show, visitors need to plan their route. They need to allow themselves time to visit key suppliers and search out newness, allowing at least two days for their visit. Most importantly, they need to wear comfy shoes and a stepometer, as they will want to enjoy a little treat later without the guilt!”
At Wild Things, director Jules Vahraman can't wait to show off the company's new ‘minibooth’ display. "It's a smaller version of our trade show booth, and incorporates a header, a display tree with 108 hooks, and two massive 30w LED bulbs. It’s like a beacon and we are hoping it will attract customers into our customers’ shops like the proverbial moths to the flame!" says Jules.
Manage Your Time Effectively
Below: Rossiters.
"I've been going to Spring Fair for 18 years and go for three days," says Ann-Marie James, director, Rossiters, Bath. "Sometimes it's just me, at other times I go with my buyer Rachel King, or I might also invite members of the sales team, where relevant, to be part of the show if I feel it's beneficial. "We take a good look at the exhibitors listings before we go. We look at our existing suppliers and ensure that we are fully up to date as to where we are with them re stock, and whether we want to do an update with them. In addition, we make a list of the companies we're interested in that are new to us, and where they are at the show as it can be easy to walk past exhibitors. “Rachel and myself walk almost all of the show, as the majority of the halls are relevant to the store. We take a look at the different companies, make notes and go back to those suppliers that we want to know more about, and might want to place an order with. To make the most of our time at the show, Rachel and I often split up to do this, and then debate over dinner as to the whys and wherefores of different companies.” Ann-Marie's top tips: "Don't spend too long on chit chat with suppliers. The day goes by very quickly! Try and allow time to walk around some of the same halls again before you leave, as you may have missed things. Also, manage your time effectively. Don't assume you have lots of it."
Above: The new Wild Things mini-booth features an eye-catching tree display.
Adopt A Logical Strategy Garsons central gifts buying team attend Spring Fair for four days, with the gifts department leaders attending for two days. "Four people attend, two from the gifts buying team and the gifts supervisors from both our Esher and Titchfield sites," confirms Garsons' assistant manager Lauren Bennett. "We like to save our favourite halls for when we get a bit tired, to give us an energy boost. Usually we walk a few halls and then head for contemporary gifts or kitchenware for example. But more than anything, we try to work through the halls logically, to avoid any more walking
than is necessary! The focus is on ensuring we buy the right product for our customers rather than budget at this stage. We look for new and inspiring products from current suppliers as well as up and coming suppliers. Orders are placed once we have returned to our sites, so that we have as much time as possible to walk the halls while at the show. If there is a really good show offer on however, particularly with a new supplier, we would try to place the orders there and then." Adds Lauren: "There is also lots of conferring. We have two quite different customer demographics in our sites, so we discuss which suppliers and products are most suitable for each." Lauren's Top Tip: "Take a small handbag. Carrying a large handbag as well as a stack of catalogues is no fun. A small notebook is key to jot down anything we want to come back to, or to remember the suppliers that we may otherwise forget about when we get home." Above: Garsons, Esher. Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
47