Introduced in 2015, the PetQuip Business Village is designed to offer pet suppliers wanting to build their presence within garden retailers, a platform to launch and showcase their latest ranges. Well-received in its inaugural year, the area is set to return at Glee 2016, the show organisers have announced.
Open to both PetQuip members and non-members, the Business Village will make its home at the heart of Glee, bringing together pet brands with garden retail buyers and key decision makers. Led by trade association for suppliers of pet products, accessories and services PetQuip, the ‘village’ is set to welcome even more pet suppliers in 2016.
Glee event director Matthew Mein said: “I am pleased to confirm that the PetQuip Business Village will be returning at this year’s show. Last year it helped to forge a number of new business relationships, and we are hopeful that even more profitable connections will be made later this year when the village comes to life at Glee 2016.
“The success of the PetQuip Village lies in the fact that Britain remains a nation of animal lovers. With 12 million pets, and an annual spend of £4.6billion on pet products in 2015, there is no doubt that garden retailers can – and should – grab a slice of this opportunity. Latest figures show that over 70% of UK garden centres now feature a dedicated pet section, and more are coming on board each year. Offering a new profit opportunity and creating a ‘one stop shop’ reputation amongst its locality, we have no doubt that the PetQuip Business Village is a vital part of Glee for any garden retailer wanting to build its business in 2017 and beyond.”
Over 20 companies are expected to make their home within the village, with additional PetQuip members such as Petface, Gardman and Westland also featuring throughout the wider show.
PetQuip director general Amanda Sizer Barrett MBE said: “The PetQuip team is pleased to be able to expand the comprehensive range of sales generating services the association offers pet product manufacturers. The PetQuip Business Village at Glee not only offers a cost effective stand package for suppliers, it also gives them an excellent opportunity to meet with buyers of pet products representing garden retailers in the UK and internationally.
“Exhibitors will also be well placed for introductions with the broad range of buyers attending Glee from related sectors such as DIY stores, department stores and high street chains from the UK and abroad, who are interested in expanding their pet product consumer offer and are looking for new suppliers.”
