What a busy few weeks it has been for the Hornby Whitefoot team – phew!
We have just returned from five days at the inaugural Glee at Spring Fair event, where we have been running the concession’s press office as well as representing a number of
clients that were exhibiting at the show!
Our feet didn’t touch the ground throughout the show as we were surrounded by leading garden, landscape, garden decoration, outdoor entertaining and pet brands. Visitor numbers were strong with a mix of garden centres, gift buyers, farm stores, high street chains, DIY outlets and international retailers all in attendance.
Feedback from both exhibitors and visitors was positive with exhibitors reporting orders from new buyers that they had never considered before. Visitors liked the overlap that Glee brought to Spring Fair and the convenience of having different product sectors all under one roof.
Garden innovation was brought to the fore in the Glee New Product Showcase. The Award for Best New Product, run in association with Garden Trade News, was won by Jardinopia Ltd, who scooped the top prize with Potty Feet; gorgeous, highly-detailed resin stands (or feet!) for planters.
The best of Christmas retailing was also celebrated in the Greatest Christmas Awards with Brookside Kent, Ruxley Manor, The Old Railway Line, Kirktown, Silverbirch and Whitehall Lacock all walking home with the prestigious Gold prizes.
If you want to get a taster for the show and see what Team HWPR were up to at the event, our very own vlogger Robbie was working the aisles with his camera chatting to exhibitors. You can see the video on our YouTube channel so have a watch, hit subscribe or leave us a comment!
Spring Fair may have ended but we have another event hot on our tails – The Garden Press Event which takes place at the end of February at the Business Design Centre in London. We have a number of clients exhibiting so our keyboards have been smoking as we prepare press packs, factsheets and campaigns to launch to the media at the show. We will be vlogging live from the show so make sure you look out for that!
HWPR is also hosting a drinks reception straight after the show for clients and editors so look out for the invitation landing in your inbox very soon!
PR has also been ramped up for Garden Re-Leaf Day which is less than 5 weeks away. A number of garden industry businesses have signed up to the Walk and Cycle which takes place at World’s End Garden Centre in Buckinghamshire. Several retailers have also registered their own FUNdraising events but there is still time to get involved to raise money to create magical gardens for children’s hospices. You can register your events on the Greenfingers website www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/gardenreleaf or sign up to the Garden Re-Leaf Walk or Cycle Challenge.
On the automotive side, Kim attending the CAT Awards Lunch in Manchester with our client LUMAG, who were sponsoring the Factor Team of the Year Award. Car and Accessory Trader (CAT) is the UK’s leading aftermarket magazine title, and the awards recognise and celebrate the best independent suppliers, with categories covering the full range of the industry, including Retailer of the Year and Supplier of the Year. An enjoyable time was had by all and we would like to thank CAT Magazine along with all of the guests for a most enjoyable evening.