Following upbeat reports from the likes of Captivate Brands (click here) and Ultimate Products (click here), RKW’s managing director Rob Sutton comments on last week’s Spring Fair (February 6-9 NEC Birmingham RKW), stating: “There was palpable excitement in the atmosphere and the overall turnout was truly unprecedented.”
Recognising that RKW’s exclusive partnerships and diversification across housewares and SDA distribution attracted a wide range of retailers, Rob elaborates: “I have been exhibiting at Spring Fair for over 30 years now, and the number of visitors we had this year was truly unprecedented.”
He reflects: “With the pandemic restricting trade shows over the last two years, it was evident buyers welcomed the return to normality and face-to-face meetings. Our sales team was busy from the show’s start to finish, welcoming customers old and new while presenting our new trend-setting product ranges, which received an overwhelming response.”
Showstoppers included the new exclusive Hoover floorcare range, Tower outdoor living products, Natural Life cleaning and storage ranges, Barbary & Oak’s premium housewares, Precision Plus Bakeware and new Funky Housewares.
“While the long-term outlook is still uncertain, the pandemic has had a positive trading effect for many of our retail partners, in particular independents who have benefitted from consumers rediscovering the exceptional value, service and convenience of shopping locally,” Rob acknowledges. “This was demonstrated by the desire to restock stores with the latest housewares and electrical products from the UK’s biggest brands, resulting in a record show for RKW.”
The team at RKW experienced a a record number of new customers in the three-figure region, and thanked Spring Fair organiser Hyve for ‘delivering an unforgettable Spring Fair.’ Head of Everyday & Housewares for Spring Fair, Jay Kauldhar comments: “It was great to see so many visitors at Spring Fair. RKW had one of the largest stands at the fair, representing many of the biggest brands in the housewares industry. The stand looked amazing, and it was great to see Rob and his team so busy throughout the four days.”
Top: The RKW team at Spring Fair.
