Freezing temperatures surrounded the CBS Arena as visitors arrived for the tenth Merchandise World on the 25th and 26th January 2023. This did not dampen spirits and the show hall was warm and welcoming.
Having lost two shows due to Covid over the past years, the enthusiasm to meet each other was high with distributors and exhibitors alike.
The show hall was soon full, and there was a clear air of positivity as people met both familiar and new faces. It was clear from the many conversations, that the industry was doing very well in spite of the mainstream media doom and gloom, political turmoil, plus the very real cost of living crisis. Perhaps strangely, the cost of living crisis has not had a detrimental effect on the performance of companies attending the show, indeed many reported that they were now above their pre-Covid performance levels.
As everyone enjoyed the free breakfast, it was obvious that people were delighted to see each other again and a real buzz could be felt throughout the show. The free lunch was a hit, as were the ever popular Massage Angels. The Roving Tea Trollies were also appreciated when people needed a quick refuel.
The exhibition featured 14 new suppliers to the show and a total of over 160 exhibitors. Many exhibitors now have a focus on environmentally friendly products, and this was evident from the new products presented from their ranges. The move towards sustainable products is clear and ECO World proved a popular stand for discovering new ideas.
Over the two day show, 1354 quality distributor visitors streamed through the door and the show hall remained busy right up until the show closed at 3pm on Day 2. The show also followed the identified trend of 60% of visitors coming on Day 1 and 40% on Day 2.
Show organiser, Ella Long said; “From the feedback we have had, our latest show was considered the best one yet. We always aim to push the bar higher, so this was great to hear. Visiting distributors were excited about the new products and suppliers that they had found, and exhibitors felt that both the quality and volume of the visitors was exceptional. There was a lot of optimism in the air and that ensured that everyone left the show with a smile.”
If you didn’t manage to get to this Merchandise World, we hope to see you at the next show – it is always worth it, just ask anyone who came this time!
To see the Merchandise World Video; please click here.
To see Merchandise World in pictures; please click here.
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Dates for your diary, we look forward to seeing you there:
Wednesday 13th September 2023 – Marshall Arena, Stadium MK, Milton Keynes
Wednesday 24th & Thursday 25th January 2024 – CBS Arena, Coventry
Published on: January 30th, 2023
