BHETA’s networking forums on November 1 will welcome senior buying and merchandising personnel from Lakeland. Samm Swain, Lakeland’s buying and merchandising director will present her views on the current market and consumer trends, and provide insights into the retailer’s strategic direction. Samm will also highlight opportunities for suppliers and outline how they can benefit from developing their trading relationships.
The forum’s line-up also includes Kelly Whitwick, UK retail lead at GfK. Kelly will sharemarket data for housewares and small electrical appliance sectors utilising the latest EPOS sales data from major UK retailers, following the recent launch of BHETA’s retail data service with GFK. Moreover, Kelly will report on the latest consumer trends and shopping habits.
Meanwhile Jeff Moody, commercial director of bira will provide insights into bira’s retail membership and discuss opportunities and possibilities for more collaborative initiatives (such as the bonus gift voucher launched at the Exclusively Show).
The forum also features a presentation by Chris Johnson, the chief executive of Loadie, an online and mobile logistics marketplace, which connects delivery drivers with distribution centres, warehouses and fulfilment centres.
BHETA’s housewares sector director, Will Jones describes the forum as “a not to be missed event.”
Members wishing to attend the forum at BHETA’s Federation House in Birmingham should contact Sally Hawkins of the member services team on sh@bheta.co.uk or 0121 237 1130.
Top: A recent Lakeland catalogue.
