Glee 2023 – the home of international gardening & pet

Glee 2022 might be drawing to a close but the garden retail sector is already looking ahead to the 2023 edition of the exhibition, which is gearing up to be the home of international gardening and pet.

The updated June timing of Glee – put in place for the 2022 event to better facilitate the needs of the entire garden retail supply chain – has served to position the show at the very heart of the international event calendar, with both UK and international brands already benefitting from the brand exposure that exhibiting at Glee represents. However, significant expansion plans are on the horizon; plans which are earmarked to ensure that the 2023 event will offer even more opportunities for growth, as international buyers and retail teams make a beeline for the exhibition to build new relationships and expand their retail networks. Here, some of these exciting plans are revealed for the first time.

New opportunities at Glee

In 2023 Glee will see its overall footprint increase, as it moves from four to five halls of the NEC. This additional space will allow for key sectors of the show to expand and provide a more comprehensive offering, as well as enabling new growth areas to find a home at Glee.

HOME, GIFT & CLOTHING

One exciting development for 2023 is that Home, Gift & Clothing will evolve into a complete village, reflecting the increased popularity of these product categories within garden retailing. This dedicated area will play host to a range of fresh, inspiring, on-trend products, including outdoor clothing, decorative accessories, toys and books. The new Home, Gift & Clothing Village will provide the perfect background for retailers who are looking to diversify their offering and will also give suppliers the chance to capitalise on and be part of a fantastic profit opportunity.

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

Another existing sector in which further growth is anticipated is Glee Outdoor Entertaining. The nation’s gardens have increasingly become sanctuaries from the chaos of the world, which in turn, saw sales of garden furniture, barbeques, lighting, outdoor heating, garden décor and accessories skyrocket. Glee has witnessed a marked increase in the number of exhibitors from within these categories, as well as greater demand from retail buyers seeking outdoor entertaining products, meaning next year’s show will provide a real destination for this combined product offering.

DIY

DIY will also be making its debut at Glee 2023, with this specialist category joining the line-up. As garden projects give consumers greater confidence and the line between indoor and outdoor becomes increasingly blurred, the presence of DIY products at the show will be welcome news for those garden retailers who want to optimise the potential this poses, with products that will complement existing ranges whilst also opening up prospects with a new customer base.

SOURCING AT GLEE

With so many more opportunities for retail buyers and the chance to capitalise on key trends, Glee 2023 is set to become a destination for international sourcing, as buyers from right across the UK and the rest of the globe flock to the show, taking advantage of the easy accessibility of the NEC in Birmingham. To cater to this demand, Glee will host a dedicated area for sourcing at the 2023 event, which will facilitate better networking and help more suppliers and retailers connect.

FIRE, GRILL & CHILL

Launched exclusively at the 2022 event, Fire, Grill and Chill brings together the best that Glee’s Outdoor Entertainment exhibitors have to offer. From product demonstrations to hosting the annual Glee party, this space has opened up an exciting and interactive way of showcasing the latest innovations from leading barbecue, grill and pizza oven suppliers. In 2023, the area will not only return but Glee’s organisers have big plans to further develop this hub with more content and even more brands set to join the line-up.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee said; “The move to June timing marked the biggest change in Glee’s history and we are keen to keep up with the evolving trends and demands that have made gardening and garden retailing one of the most exciting retail stories in recent years. At Glee 2023 the further development of this story will continue apace, as we look to expand and add more value than ever. Watch this space as  more information is revealed over the coming months but rest assured next year’s edition of Glee will be bigger, better and brighter than ever!”