The 2019 Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical (June 11-12 Islington BDC) ended on a high last week, with many exhibitors delighted to receive increased attention from press and bloggers (raising product awareness at consumer level). The show’s overall attendance rose by just over 5%, fuelled by more than double last year’s numbers of influencers and consumer press.
The core show visitors were on a par with previous years. The number of retailers attending was up, although the number of delegates per retailer decreased.
“Exclusively 2019 was a quality show featuring over 150 exhibitor’s presenting over 275 of their brands. The feedback from exhibitors has been positive, with many commenting on the quality of visitors to their stands including new customers, as well as the increasing numbers of influencers and bloggers,” reflects Will Jones, Exclusively chairman.
He adds: “It was very pleasing to witness the show’s Brand Showcase initiative, now in its third year, gain considerable momentum, with attendance more than doubling that on 2018. This initiative alongside the Trend Initiatives with Scarlet Opus highlights how the content of the show does needs to adapt and mirror the changing face of the market.”
Exclusively Electrical exhibitor, Perrine Giacomazzo – showing Véritable’s Smart Indoor Gardens (also on Haus’ stand in Exclusively Housewares) – was among those noticing the rise in press interest. She notes: “There was a marked difference to last year with journalists and influencers covering sustainability and talking about reducing single-use plastic. I was personally very happy with this.”
The Brand Showcase (in the Media Centre above Exclusively Electrical) was a hotbed for press attendees. Its manager Richard Watts reports: “Brands have seen an increase in followers, consumer reach and ultimately product sales, thanks to recommendations from some of the biggest UK influencers relevant to our industry.”
He describes the Showcase as “as a must-attend event for lifestyle press,” stating: “From our Monday night press preview up until doors closing on the Wednesday, the Brand Showcase was buzzing, as we welcomed more members of the media to the show than ever before.”
Celebrities drawn to the show included Ed Kimber and Martha Collison from The Great British Bake Off, Aggie McKenzie from My Weekly & How Clean is My House? and tv chefs, Lorraine Pascale (with Haden) and Jeremy Pang (with Dexam).
Exclusively Housewares exhibitor Kerry Cooper of Polder Products was among those providing great feedback: “This was our fourth, and best year at the Exclusively Housewares. In my opinion, in one of the tougher times in the market this was a fantastic way to stay close with the retail community, have their full attention at a small venue and discuss ways to invigorate success.”
Key retail buyers were also shared their praise for the Shows:
“Exclusively Housewares was a great place to touch base with my key suppliers as well as check out some new products and trends,” says Kathryn Farrell, Cookware & Accessories buyer at Lakeland. She adds: “ I’d say that Exclusively is a great example of a trade show that provides quality over quantity. I had some valuable meetings and conversations and I used up every minute of the time I had available; in fact, I could have done with longer! The timing is perfect for a mid-year catch up and it saves our suppliers trekking up to the Lake District to see us.”
Meanwhile Martin de la Fuente, senior buying manager for General Merchandise at Ocado acknowledges: “Exclusively is a great place for the Ocado team to get together with so many key suppliers in one place. It’s a great use of two days to catch up on trends, new products and seek out new suppliers. Exclusively is one of the most important dates in our diaries.”
Simon Boyd, operations director for the Shows recognises the diverse mix of retailer attendees including: “many new retailers who are championing new and evolving routes to market, alongside large respected high street names and, of course, our hard working and determined Independents, embracing change from all corners of the UK.”
* Exclusively, the UK’s premier showcase of housewares, tabletop and small electrical, will take place at the Business Design Centre again next year next year on June. 9-10.
Top: Busy aisles at Exclusively Housewares 2019.
