Independent retailers literally turned out in their thousands for wholesaler Stax Trade Centres in-house trade show, The Big Brands Show. More than 3,500 attended the two day event, staged throughout Stax’ flagship Manchester depot at the end of September, resulting in record visitor and record sales.

Retailers came from all over the UK and Ireland to meet and buy from over 100 leading brands representing some of the biggest brands in the DIY, garden, tools, electrical, plumbing and homewares sectors.

With a 50% uplift in branch footfall, the increased attendance was reflected in the number of orders that independent retailers placed on the day.

Stax Purchase Director, Simon Wright commented,
“Suppliers were very happy with the results of the show. Our exhibitor survey showed all retailers increasing their year on year orders, despite the success of the 2012 show. Ronseal more than doubled their 2013 orders, selling over 150 pallets of stock from key ranges, Henkel reported several ‘very significant’ orders - and also to note Town & Country sold over 2500 pairs of wellies on the first day alone - five times more than last year!”

Many suppliers praised the format of the show, set right in the heart of the branch amongst the sales racking and shelving, “We again staged this year’s show in the environment where our customers are buying day-in-day-out, which means they were on their own patch and most importantly, relaxed and in their comfort zone. This was certainly reflected in the large numbers of orders placed and positive feedback from our suppliers who exhibited,” said Wright.

Stax Joint MD David Hibbert was buoyed by the confidence of Stax customers.
“We had communicated the show well to our customers, they arrived clued up on all the offers that were available, and they came to buy. LG Harris reported the sale of a container load of product to one customer alone, so we are definitely seeing more optimism for the future.”

Now just days away from the Big Brands Show Scotland, Stax and Wishart staff are confident of a similar story north of the border. Wishart MD, George Gardner commented,
“The feedback from the Manchester show seemed to show a turn of the tide from and renewed optimism within the DIY and garden sectors especially. We’ve been preparing for the Big Brands Show Scotland for some time now and with an equally good offering of products available, we’re anticipating record numbers.”

The ‘trade only’ Big Brands Show Scotland will be held at the MacDonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa near Falkirk from 9.30am on Tuesday 8^th October. Retailers wishing to attend are advised to register their attendance for the free show on the Wishart website by visiting www.wishart.co.uk/about/bigbrands.htm