Exclusively – Preview

With substantial numbers of table, glass, bar and kitchenware suppliers exhibiting at Exclusively this year, the event represents a leading showcase for buyer and media networking, identifying future trends, and of course, sourcing new products.

Exclusively returns to its traditional 14-15 June dates in 2022, the show’s 20th anniversary year. Taking place one again at the Business Design Centre, Islington, the show is an unmissable chance for buyers from both multiples and independents to see the best in new products, merchandising and the upcoming trends which will shape consumer purchasing decisions over the next one to three years.

Big name brands such as Arthur Price, Denby, Le Creuset, Taylor’s Eye Witness and Viners and newcomers to the show, Villeroy & Boch will all be launching products, as well as lesser known exhibitors such as Pure Table Top, Jomafe, Bar Originale, Masterpan and Savernake Knives. However – Exclusively is not just about product. The show has a reputation for predicting commercial trends and a proven track record for enabling brands to get in front of buyers and the media.

Show features include the Launchpad, which is returning for a second year, and popular attractions Brand Showcase, trend tours, displays and seminar programme.

This year, show organisers Hyve Group are offering a £75 travel cost incentive and a £100 discount voucher for all independents who place orders of over £300 at the show. According to Will Jones, chair of Exclusively and chief operating officer of BHETA, the industry trade association which owns the show, there is no better all round business opportunity for housewares stockists and retailers.

Exclusively Launchpad set to repeat 2021 success
The 2021 Exclusively Launchpad initiative saw huge success in 2021, showcasing products from smaller suppliers and start-ups in the housewares, small electricals and gift industries. The curated space in the area has again sold out, and there are just a handful of spaces left in the main show.

Exhibitors include Spice Kitchen, who are again returning to the Show plus new exhibitors including Jomafe, May & Maple, Danwale, homeArama, Ice Cool Design, Masterpan, Savernake Knives, BeeBee and Leaf, Technical Consumer Products, and Gastroback.

Will Jones commented: “One of the many great aspects of the Exclusively show is that it has always provided a level playing field for large and small brands. The Launchpad allows the newest and the smallest businesses to get in front of some of the industry’s most significant buyers as well as the Show’s many media visitors. Equally, the area is an opportunity for buyers, journalists and influencers to find product ideas which they are unlikely to have seen before elsewhere.”

Each favourably-priced Launchpad stand comes with inclusive carpet, table and chairs, lighting and electrics, and benefits from the same promotional package
which is available to all the main exhibitors. It is an opportunity to be in front of hundreds of retail buyers in the cookware, lifestyle, household and gifts sector including all the major department stores, grocers and garden centres; as well as a chance to access journalists and influencers. Over 130 companies and over three hundred brands exhibit in total, representing all the key product categories in the housewares sector.

Talking trends
Trend consultants Scarlet Opus are once again supporting the show, with trend talks, trend displays of the most ‘on-trend’ products, and bookable trend tours, The importance of understanding trends and their potential impact on retail is huge, and Exclusively will highlight three key trends that will be shaping interiors in 2023.

Insightful trend predictions are a particular draw for savvy buyers and this year will be no exception. At the briefing meeting for exhibitors in early May, Phil Pond from Scarlet Opus gave a sneak preview of three trends which will start to come through from the autumn/winter – the idea being to help ensure that the products on display at the show are perfectly placed for buyers both short term and into Christmas, as well as long term.

Homestead
All about serene sanctuaries brought to life by a sophisticated combination of dark surfaces against a backdrop of earthy browns and greens, Homestead offers cottage-core cosiness and private space with access to the outdoors. With a feeling of connected remoteness, this trend is expected to last well into this and next year.

Escapism
Phygital introduces a futuristic world where virtual reality is the norm and blurs the lines between physical and digital. Bright, confident shapes bring this to life, with a punky shocking pink projected to be the key colour. This is about engaging with the Metaverse and virtually ‘using’ products before buying them.

Wellness and Comfort
Focusing entirely on calm minimalism, the Wellness and Comfort trend incorporates both psychological and physical comfort. This trend is subtle, but not bland. Dreamy, soft shapes come together with a palette of light, pastel tones to create a nourishing space that is reminiscent of the 50s and 60s. The colour palette also works well for kitchen products, while luxurious textiles such as silk and faux-fur bring the comfort element to life.

There is no doubt that products which work with any of these will not only be prevalent in the exhibition in general, but also in the Brand Showcase – a media-friendly edit of the main show – where some 250 press, bloggers and influencers will soak up the on-trend thinking and use it in all their coverage to come.

New for 2022
A new feature at this year’s show is wine tasting with Olly Smith, drinks expert for the Mail on Sunday’s YOU magazine and Saturday Kitchen. He has written five books, Eat & Drink: Good Food That’s Great to Drink With, Wine: Both Barrels, Behind Enemy Wines, Drinking For Chaps, and Fizz. His sixth book, Home Cocktail Bible, was published in November 2021 and Olly will be guiding visitors and exhibitors through the finer points of popular and vintage wines at the show. Popular chef, Jeremy Pang will also be working with exhibitors at the event.

One of the great things about Exclusively is the level playing field it offers to all companies – large, small and new to the market – ensuring that buyers see the leading brands, the major launches and many items that they will not have seen anywhere else. With 130 exhibitors and 300 brands on show, Exclusively will be the perfect opportunity for buyers, journalists and influencers to find everything they need.

Will Jones concluded: “Everyone can be confident in enjoying a great show, especially as it is Exclusively’s 20th anniversary. The opportunities to see the latest product, talk to suppliers and gather all manner of excellent content and market intelligence is second to none. Exclusively is a real must for housewares buyers.”

Visit www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk for more information or to register to attend.