Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association) has added a new name to its line-up of speakers for its housewares networking forum on November 1, announced in May.
Topping the bill will be Samm Swain, buying and merchandising director of Lakeland, who will present her views on the current market and latest consumer trends, and outline the strategic direction and focus of the retailer over the coming months. She will highlight opportunities for suppliers and how best they can benefit from developing their trading relationships with Lakeland.
Also taking to the stage will be Jeff Moody, commercial director of bira (British Independent Retailers Association). He will give an overview on the association including a profile of its retail members. Jeff will also discuss the opportunities for suppliers via bira direct (which offers bira’s 6,500 members access to over 180 suppliers and more than 2,000 associated brands) and expand on collaborative initiatives with BHETA, such as the ‘bira bonus’ gift voucher launched at London trade show Exclusively Housewares in June.
In addition, following BHETA’s exclusive deal with market research and data provider GfK to provide a retail data service to members, the day’s agenda will include a presentation from Kelly Whitwick, UK retail lead at GfK. She will be sharing relevant market data utilising the latest EPOS sales data from major UK retailers, with the focus on housewares and small electricals sectors. Kelly will also encompass the latest consumer trends and shopping habits.
Plus, Loadie chief executive Chris Johnson will provide an overview of his company, which is an online and mobile logistics marketplace that connects delivery drivers with distribution centres, warehouses and fulfilment centres.
Finally, the recently launched BHETA Surgery will be on hand to provide advice and support to any member who has a specific question or query. This is a relatively new initiative run by the Housewares Committee for members only. Questions for the Surgery must be submitted in advance of the forum.
BHETA housewares sector director Will Jones commented, “This is a not to be missed event which will provide BHETA members with an invaluable insight into opportunities for trading and into all that’s going on in the retail market.”
The forum will take place at BHETA’s headquarters in central Birmingham, with a start time of 10am. Applications to attend should be made to Sally Hawkins of the Member Services Team on sh@bheta.co.uk or 0121 237 1130.
Keynote speaker: Samm Swain, buying and merchandising director of Lakeland
