Exclusively hits a positive note on its tenth

A select group of suppliers and buyers that have supported Exclusively Housewares from the start enjoyed a glass of champagne courtesy of the organisers at this week’s show.
The event marked its tenth anniversary this year, and wanted to thank those companies and retailers that have exhibited and sourced product there every year since 2002.

Representatives of some 28 suppliers and 20 retailers were invited to a celebratory champagne reception on the Tuesday. The loyal supporters were also given framed certificates and bottles of champagne.

This year’s show was once again sold out, hosting some 120 exhibitors.

“And we actually had a waiting list which, again, was a very positive sign,” Will Jones, chairman of Brooke House Exhibitions, told HousewaresLive.net.

He said that visitor reaction had been equally encouraging.

“I had conversations with Wilkinsons, Lakeland, John Lewis, Steamer, and the general feedback was they were extremely pleased with the show. They felt that suppliers had put the usual effort into innovation, product and design,” he said.

He also thought that everyone associated with the industry appreciated the relaxed ambience and informality of the show.

But he added: “What we shouldn’t lose sight of is that this is against a backdrop of suppliers and retailers alike talking about the challenges of the current market conditions.”

Jones said that international buyer attendance had been very encouraging too.

“We invited in excess of 20 top customers from Finland, Holland, Italy, Germany, Norway and Sweden, ranging from retailers to buying groups, and the owner of leading Dutch cookshop chain Cook & Co, said after the first day: ‘Superb show, better than Chicago.’

“The reception evening on the Monday night was very well attended too.

“I’m particularly happy about it because more BHETA members are recognising the importance of export and they’re beginning to respond to these sort of initiatives. We can’t just rely on UK business.”