The Amscan Tour
Inset: Amscan’s showroom is based in Milton Keynes, and visitors are always welcome.
Going For
GOLD
Leading party, balloon and costume supplier Amscan invited a number of key independent retailers from across the UK to its vibrant Milton Keynes showroom earlier this month, as part of its preferred partner Gold scheme event. Progressive Party went along to find out more.
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he leading party, balloon and costume supplier Amscan recently played host to a wide variety of customers as part of its APP (Amscan Preferred Partner) programme. The recently launched APP Gold scheme has been created created specifically to provide the highest level of service and support to a carefully selected range of key independent bricks and mortar retailers. Taking place from 12 to 13 November; the event allowed visitors to tour the showroom and see some of the latest ranges to be integrated into merchandised displays across Amscan’s party, balloon and costume categories. While browsing the showroom customers also had the opportunity to meet with department heads and discuss upcoming product launches. Licensed product remains a key Left: Chris Horne was onhand to chat to APP customers and give advice. Right: Amscan’s gold-themed New Year collection for seeing in 2018.
part of Amscan’s offering, and visitors were also treated to a brand-focused presentation with an update on which new and emerging properties are likely to become a top party theme in 2018. The day also entailed an insight into some of the latest trends in the market. Key themes included current major trends such as unicorns and rose gold, both of which are set to continue throughout 2018. Amscan also presented the mermaid theme in this category, which includes a striking collection of costume accessories, as well as an insight into trend colour schemes for 2018 and beyond. Balloon decorations took centre stage over the two days, with a stunning assortment on display, featuring arches, numerous bouquets and ceiling hanging features. The event also offered the perfect opportunity to showcase Amscan’s exciting new collection of
Showroom Smarts The Amscan Showroom is open all year round to customers and is an ever-changing party platform with displays being regularly updated to reflect the latest trends and licenses. The 500msq space also features a variety of different merchandising options that can be adapted to fit virtually any retail space. To make an appointment to visit the showroom, email sales@amscan-uk.co.uk.
Above: Clever ranging and themed displays help bring the showroom to life. Left: Amscan’s new decorator range from Sempertex will also be available to see at Spring Fair 2018.
decorator latex balloons created by popular global brand Sempertex. Balloon legend Chris Horne was on hand to demonstrate the quality and versatility of the new range. Visitors were given a selection of samples from the new ensembles to take away with them and the feedback so far indicates that the range has fantastic potential. Andy Smart heads up Amscan’s independent retail division, and described the event as a huge success. “This is the first time we have organised such an event where customers were able to experience a different side to the business,” he said. “It was particularly pleasing to see interaction between different sets of customers and witness some enthusiastic dialogue between them and our heads of category.” “We are keen to work closely together with our customers, providing a mechanism where we can help them thrive,” Andy continued. “The Gold APP programme was developed to offer support to a select number of bricks and mortar retailers. I’d like to think all those that came to the APP event went away delighted with what we are working on for them now and in the future.” “It was a superb event, we have been to similar set ups previously but not to this standard,” said one of the APP retailers. “Everyone at Amscan made us very welcome and we went away with some really good ideas. Chris Horne was amazing and we loved how the team presented the dress-up category.” “The whole APP event was very interesting; it was informative in such a good way,” agreed Jayne Ivinson from Struts. “I loved seeing all the new ranges early and how they were all laid out. The event was great fun and our relationship with all the staff at Amscan will continue to grow.” To find out more about the Amscan Independent Retail APP Programme, please contact Andy Smart at asmart@amscan-uk.co.uk. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 PROGRESSIVE PARTY
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