What is the Glee Retail Lab?

Retailers and visual merchandisers seeking products of the future and the latest in-store merchandising ideas need look no further than the Retail Lab at Glee. Now in its third year, this inspirational feature area, in association with the Horticultural Trades Association, is bursting with ideas. In Fact, 61% of Glee's visitors say they will attend Glee 2019 as a result of seeing the Retail Lab last year. But what can retailers, buyers and merchandisers expect to see within this dedicated feature - here we explain everything you need to know.

But what can retailers, buyers and merchandisers expect to see within this dedicated feature – here we explain everything you need to know.

Set to the be the key focal point of the 2019 exhibition, the Retail Lab at Glee will be the show's interactive hub full of inspiration and the latest trend information. Providing future facing advice the Retail Lab will provide visiting retailers, buyers and merchandisers with a long-term vision for their retail environments, driven by immediate ‘take away' content that can be implemented instore right away.

Matthew Mein, Glee's Event Director said: “Every retailer knows that creating a vibrant and inspirational retail environment is vital in keeping the tills ringing. However, with consumers leading the way we shop, it is ever more important to create a retail environment that delivers instant gratification, answers questions, evokes new ideas, and inspires at every step. This is where the Retail Lab comes in – it's the perfect tool for thinking differently about the retail environment. The area is designed to provide fresh thinking for both owners/operators and their merchandising teams. Tackling key consumer trends, which are shaping shopping habits and future demand, the Retail Lab will be fit to bursting with ideas on how to dress the retail space, and how to think outside the box and develop new merchandising concepts that will see garden centre customers coming back time and time.”

This year the Retail Lab will focus on two key themes ‘Shop' and ‘Nature', both of which will be supported by eight key themes entitled - Do it Yourself, Plant and Gift Shop, Garden Therapy, ‘Do Nothing', Plastic Free Future?, Urban Green City, Outdoors = Indoors, Nurturing Nature, and Pet Alley – all of which represent key growth opportunities for garden retailers, whilst also addressing those issues that are shaping consumer spending habits.

Once again, the Retail Lab @ Glee – in association with the HTA - will be created in partnership with a panel of industry experts, led by Creative Director, Romeo Sommers of ByRomeo.  The feature itself will be brought to life by GES, the Retail Lab's official stand contractors.

Speaking about the Retail Lab at Glee, Romeo Sommers said: “The Retail Lab at Glee will be designed to educate and inspire retailers and merchandisers. We'll be encouraging both – no matter their size or bank balance – to take off their blinkers and open their eyes to fresh thinking and innovative ideas. From POS and merchandising ideas, to general trend info and design ideas, retailers and merchandising teams will have plenty to take back with them – from big ideas to small changes that will make instant impact.”

In addition to the amazing team behind the Retail Lab, the area will also be supported by a number of sponsors. Woodlodge, Scheurich, Key Essentials, Apta, Meadow View Stone, Verona, Laurica Plants, BPI Products, Ivyline, and Air So Pure are confirmed as 2019 Supplier Partners, providing them a wealth of opportunity to promote their brand and latest product innovations.

Recognising the value of the Retail Lab at Glee, a dedicated point of contact has been put in place within the Glee team – Daniel McAlpin. Daniel will be working closely with the Retail Lab panel of experts to maximise exhibitor involvement, as well as finalising any sponsorship opportunities. To find out more please email Daniel via Daniel.mcaplin@gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)20 3033 2206.