Retailers and visual merchandisers seeking products of the future and the latest in-store merchandising ideas need look no further than the Retail Lab at Glee. Now in its third year, this inspirational feature area, in association with the Horticultural Trades Association, is bursting with ideas. In fact, 61% of Glee’s visitors say they will attend Glee 2019 as a result of seeing the Retail Lab last year. But what can retailers, buyers and merchandisers expect to see within this dedicated feature – here we explain everything you need to know.

 

Set to the be the key focal point of the 2019 exhibition, the Retail Lab at Glee will be the show’s interactive hub full of inspiration and the latest trend information. Providing future facing advice the Retail Lab will provide visiting retailers, buyers and merchandisers with a long-term vision for their retail environments, driven by immediate ‘take away’ content that can be implemented instore right away.

 

Matthew Mein, Glee’s Event Director said: “Every retailer knows that creating a vibrant and inspirational retail environment is vital in keeping the tills ringing. However, with consumers leading the way we shop, it is ever more important to create a retail environment that delivers instant gratification, answers questions, evokes new ideas, and inspires at every step. This is where the Retail Lab comes in – it’s the perfect tool for thinking differently about the retail environment. The area is designed to provide fresh thinking for both owners/operators and their merchandising teams. Tackling key consumer trends, which are shaping shopping habits and future demand, the Retail Lab will be fit to bursting with ideas on how to dress the retail space, and how to think outside the box and develop new merchandising concepts that will see garden centre customers coming back time and time.”

Earlier tonight the winners of the 39th annual GIMA awards were announced at another glittering black-tie event (Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, South Wales). The pinnacle of the garden retail industry’s calendar, the event brought together manufacturers, retailers, members of the press and industry figures, to celebrate the 16 highly deserving winners. 

 

This year it is Primeur with its Tierra Verde Recycled Rubber Planters that walk away as the proud winner of the GIMA Sword of Excellence, whilst Smart Garden Products has scooped the GCA Supplier of the Year. It’s a double whammy for Smart Garden Products however, as they were also awarded the Gardenex Export Achievement Award. Treadstone Products, Vitax, Westland, Hozelock, Gardena, E P Barrus, Chesneys Ltd, Farplants, Forest Garden, and RSW International Limited complete the winner’s roster in 2019.

 

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall, commented on tonight’s event. “I would like to be the first to extend my congratulations to all of thewinners.  This year we have a really exciting and varied selection of winners, including some new and emerging brands, together showcasing the best innovation, products and services available to the garden retail market today. It’s great to see so much variety, and I’m sure you will agree when I say that the calibre of winners has far exceeded expectations, with each highly deserving of their award.”

 

BrownTrout Publishers are delighted to have teamed up with Greenfingers Charity with the intent to raise funds with a donation from the sale of each calendar helping to support the outstanding work they do. Greenfingers are a national charity who are dedicated to supporting life-limited children who spend time in hospices around the UK, along with their families, by creating inspiring, fun and therapeutic gardens for them to relax in and benefit from.

 

The calendar has been created in collaboration with the world’s most prestigious garden, plants and botanical subjects competition; International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY). A stunning fit and perfect way to showcase brilliant creativity through Photography. The entrant’s images simulate the ideals of the bond we share with plants, gardens and green spaces, which emulates the creativity, passion and precision that goes in to each and every garden and open space that Greenfingers create.