“We’ve already booked for next year!” – Exclusively exhibitors comment

A buzzing 2022 edition of Exclusively left the majority of exhibitors with nothing but good things to say about the UK’s premier showcase of housewares, tableware and small domestic appliances. Housewares editor Bryony Andrews caught up with a few key brands after the event to get their feedback. Read on for the highlights…

Simon Oliver, commercial director home and outdoor living at RKW Ltd:
“We were incredibly pleased with the turnout at both our RKW & Tower stands this year. It’s always the people we meet which make our shows special and this year was no exception. Our sales team had an excellent time catching up with customers and introducing our new product ranges for 2023.

“We received a fantastic response to our exclusive show reveals from Tower. Our latest cookware ranges – Smart Start and Cerastone Pro – went down particularly well with visitors. As one of the largest UK manufacturers of cookware, it’s important for us to continue to exceed our customers’ expectations with innovative new product developments.

“New housewares and SDA reveals from the brand have been huge hits at shows this year, from the impactful sustainability messaging around our Natural Life launch to our new 10-in-1 Xpress Air Fryer and follow-up TV campaign. After the success of our advertising last year, we attracted a lot of new business and existing customers eager to increase their stock at Exclusively.”

Burton McCall head of sales Mohamed Hajat:
“The show was, as always, a great platform to meet face to face with customers both new and existing. This year brought many quality visitors to our stand, more so from the independent sector, which was great to see.

“The best reaction we had amongst our many brands was to the new launches showcased from both Microplane and Peugeot brands.”

Sally Wilkinson-Kennedy, director, Wilkinson 1888:
“Overall, it was a good show in that there were lots of retail buyers looking around the stands, a great loyalty programme opportunity with a European customer and an interesting new coating or two presented by some of the coating manufacturers I spoke to, to be reviewed in more detail post-show. I had the opportunity to show a dozen or so potential buyers all our innovations. ‘This is the best thing in the show!’ was possibly the most impressive feedback I had.

“Although our innovation treasure chest contained a product covered in (what I think) is the strongest coating at the show, a new patented, stackable pan set, a stylish, non-stick bakeware range, a patented 3D celebration baking pan with interchangeable bases and our new patented Roasting Brick, the product that actually received the most attention was our energy inflation-busting Coqopan! I’d like to think that it was the benefit of shaving 50% off your roasting time/fuel costs that caused the excitement, but it may also have been the interesting shape of the item that caused the stir.”

Howard Bradley, sales director, Dexam
“This year’s show was much busier than 2021, and it felt more like business as usual. It was great to see so many of our customers, some of whom we haven’t seen face-to-face since the COVID pandemic started! There were still some cautious retailers who didn’t attend this year. What came through strongly when talking to our customers was the shift from a seasonal/trend focus to sourcing better quality product that will last.

“We had a lot of new ranges and products to show this year, all of which were well received. Our Vintage Kellogg’s tea towels had a great reception as everybody drifted back to their childhood. Christmas has been strong for us with pre-orders for all 3 of our collections (RHS Mistletoe, Scion Mr Fox Christmas and Dexam’s own Star design). Unsurprisingly, our Organic cotton textile range drew a crowd as it featured in the Trend Showcase. Celebrity chef Jeremy Pang’s attendance at the show also generated interest in our popular School of Wok Asian cookery range.”

Laverne Eldridge, category, product & trade marketing at Strix Group:
“This was our first time exhibiting at Exclusively and it was really worthwhile – we’ve already booked for next year! The show was very slick and the stands all looked fantastic. It was great to see so many people attending and interacting, and to be able to introduce our LAICA and Aqua Optima brands to buyers and the media. The showcase section worked really well for us too.

“We had a lot of interest in our LAICA Dual Flo 2-in-1 kettle and hot water dispenser. With the cost of living pressures currently on households, a product that can contribute to both energy and water savings by only boiling the water you need seemed to tick the boxes. The same can be said for our Aqua Optima Aurora Instant Hot & Cold Water Filter Dispenser.

“Many of our appliances offer first to market or unique features, including Visione, a hob top induction kettle from LAICA that has auto switch-off functionality – the first of its kind – and we had a great response to the fact that we are launching a crowdfunding campaign on this product to garner consumer feedback before it launches next year.”

Brian Walmsley – Commercial Lead, EKO Home:
“A fantastic show – thanks to the high number and quality of retailers attending. For EKO, it was a great opportunity to showcase both our existing range and new products like our lovely new sinkside products.

“It’s hard to say which of our products were best received by visitors! The best received commercially was probably the new EKO Regal sinkside range: a stylish and clever range of new draining & storage solutions. The biggest talking point though were the colourful new Echo bathroom sensor bins. USB powered, waterproof and available in teal, orange and white. A bold addition to your home and to the Brand Showcase!”

Peter Dunne, managing director at CellarDine:

“We displayed our full new black and gold colour scheme packaging across the range, including our latest mini CDUs (counter display units) for best sellers. Also, our free-standing display unit promoting our message re the “complete wine story” – opening, serving, temperature, aeration and preservation. This was a huge success with customers. Our key objective was to emphasise our ability to firstly supply an excellent original quality product, but to demonstrate to our customers that we can offer some superb support to assist with sell-through. We also introduced a “one off” Zap Cap original bottle opener with football themed beer coolers for the forthcoming “World Cup” – the response from customers was excellent with many confirmed listings. A great show all round!”

Paul Marchant at Kuhn Rikon:
“We had a really positive show. Whilst footfall seemed a little slow at times, we saw most of the buyers that we really wanted to see and had an excellent reaction to our new Allround and Classic draining lid saucepans and New Life Pro Frying pans and roasting pans. Exclusively Housewares continues to be our most important show of the year and it’s the one we really look forward to.”

Paul Hargreaves, PHA KitchEssentials:
“The show was very disappointing after a very encouraging show last August. We took the most orders for SIGG and their newly launched unique 100% recycled bottle attracted the most interest. The Zip Top brand also attracted much attention and the visit of Anna from Roll’eat in Spain certainly raised the profile of this brand.”

Marcus Lux, Head of Gastroback (UK):

“A well-organised show in its usual exhibition slot again, with many key retailers attending. We had good interest in our small electrical kitchen appliances. Buyers are clearly looking for quality products albeit having a cautious approach in the current climate. Overall we were happy with the turn-out.

“Best received by visitors was our breakfast sets (kettles / toasters / bread maker) and entertaining products – BBQs and raclette/fondue.”

“Whilst we have exhibited many times in our own right, this was the first time we had exhibited with Tradestock, our partners for the independent sector. There was certainly a very positive atmosphere at the show, very engaging, with a real desire from customers both existing and new to finalise plans. The connection between CellarDine wine accessories and Tradestock glassware was fully embraced by customers and I was delighted to receive so many positive and complimentary comments. The show is always well organised and a pleasure to exhibit.

 

Craig Sammells, country manager UK & Ireland, Orthex Group:
“As always, good quality visitors to the show, including buyers from retailers across various categories including Homeware, laundry, cleaning, cookware and DIY. The organisation at Exclusively is second to none, stock is already at the booth, so set up and breakdown is easy to do and lunch is provided, meaning exhibitors can focus on the important task of meeting with current and new customers alike. The evening event is a great opportunity to unwind and network with customers you may have met during the day.

“Smartstore Collect – our innovative recycling solution – was a particular hit with visiting Laundry & Cleaning buyers. Made using recycled plastic, Collect is a waste sorting system that allows consumers to easily sort their household waste, tapping into the growing demand for sustainable products in the UK. With its stylish design, Smartstore Collect can also be used as a seat – a rich addition to any home.”