Reasons to be cheerful
How many reasons do you need to get along to Merchandise World? Here are 10 for starters
Merchandise World is almost upon us. The annual opportunity for the industry to get together at the start of the year is a must attend for those in the know.
For those who don’t know why they should hot foot it to Coventry on 24-25 January, Product Media presents 10 reasons to be at the industry’s leading show.
- It’s where the industry gathers
Suppliers and distributors have other opportunities to meet during the year but Merchandise World is the biggest dedicated UK show.
A joint venture between the BPMA and Sourcing City, it has been running since 2017 with this January’s event being the 12th iteration of the show.
The one-day September edition of the show was the biggest version of the show, coming on the heels of the post-Covid comeback show in February last year which saw 1,354 quality distributors through the doors.
As BPMA chairman Haydn Willets said: “We continually strive to raise the bar even higher to host an event that delivers maximum value and benefit to both suppliers and distributors, particularly in retaining a focus on the quality and professionalism of those attending this exciting and must attend event. We look forward to the forthcoming, and highly anticipated, show with huge enthusiasm and believe it will be an event to remember.”
- It’s all under one roof
The CBS Arena in Coventry is the traditional home of the merchandise industry’s start of the year event. Visitors to the trade only show arrive knowing that they will meet the most established players in the sector.
Companies such as PF Concept, Listawood, Midocean, Senator, Castelli, Keramikos, and many others will be showing their wares and renewing acquaintances with colleagues old and new.
This year’s show has 161 exhibitors booked and the signs are good for another great event.
- Timing
The start of the year if the perfect time for everyone involved with sales in professional distributor companies to meet suppliers to discover the new and best-selling promotional products for the new selling year.
It’s time to plan for the year ahead, and with 2024 featuring such high-profile events as the Olympics and the Euros, product media will be front and central for companies’ advertising efforts, and they will be researching now.
- It’s a good use of your time
Speaking of time, Merchandise World makes best use of yours by gathering together all of the businesses you need to see in one central location.
Visitors can also ensure that they have the appointments they need by using Merchandise World’s booking systems. It can be hectic at the show and lots of companies stands will be heaving with distributors, so ensure that you have the meetings that you really want at the times that are most convenient for you.
- Press the flesh, and the products
The tangibility of exhibitions is a key reason why they deliver so much value. Networking is so much more effective on a face-to-face basis, and decisions can happen more rapidly with a conversation as opposed to an exchange of emails.
Seeing and feeling products up close also brings them to life in a way that just doesn’t happen online or in a catalogue, important as these channels are.
- Find out what’s new
The most asked question at the show is probably ‘what’s new?’ Our sector thrives on innovation, creativity and novelty, and Merchandise World is the place where all of that is on show.
New exhibitors this year include 1Click Print, A Good Thing, Beenoticed, Calverley, Lanyard Planet, Regal Toys, and Sock Club, to name a few.
Established exhibitors are also keen to show off their new products, and speak about how they can help businesses achieve their objectives.
- BPMA award winning products
Coventry will also be the first chance to see this year’s BPMA Product Award winners gathered together.
The winners were announced at a glittering ceremony in December at the St Pancras Renaissance hotel.
There are awards covering 13 categories which were judged by more than 60 industry experts to ensure they represent the best of the best.
- And even more awards
The evening of the first night of the show is given over to the BPMA Awards which recognise and reward the distributors, suppliers and industry figures who make up our industry.
It will also see the Grand Prix awarded to the best overall product from the BPMA Product Awards.
All of this, and the opportunity to put on your glad rags and put your best foot forward on the dance floor. We can’t wait.
- Sustainably better
With more and more end users specifically asking for merchandise that doesn’t cost the earth, Merchandise World is a reliable event to find out how suppliers can help.
The industry has come a long way in recent years in its journey to show how merchandise can be sustainable. As well as individual companies’ efforts, the show’s Eco World showcase has long been a platform for sustainable merchandise. Now, in a new digital format, it’s easier to get more information on products easily.
The BPMA team will also be on hand to explain its StepForward Pledge is setting members on the path to an even more sustainable future.
- British made products
Since its inception, Merchandise World has had a strong representation of British made merchandise through the Briman Group, which has supported the show since its first edition.
Companies including Bio Laboratories, Eat My Logo, CHX, Sow Easy, and First Editions are part of Briman and will be extolling the benefits of using British made products. These include cutting down on carbon footprint, supporting the economy, and fast turnround times compared with global alternatives. Find out more at the show.
BOX – The Essentials
Where – CBS Arena, Judds Lane, Coventry CV6 6GE
When – 24-25 January 2024. Show opens from 8.00 and closes 17.00 on Day 1, and 15.00 on Day 2. There’s free lunch, tea and coffee, and breakfast is served on both days from 8.00-10.00.
Why – The start of each year is the main time when everyone involved with sales in professional distributor companies wish to meet suppliers to discover the new and best-selling promotional products for the new selling year.
How – visitors can register at merchandiseworld.co.uk. There is a free station transfer shuttle bus to and from Coventry station every 30 minutes between 08.00-17.30 on Day 1 and 08.00-15.30 on Day 2. Free airport transfers from Birmingham International are available by prior arrangement.
BOX – Check this out
There are thousands of great ideas at the show. Here are just a few you should look out for.
BIC Graphic Europe will be showing off its new 4 Colours Bicolor pen designed for sectors that prize innovation, such as entertainment and pharmaceuticals, it claims.
Meanwhile, its 4 Colours Gradient pens are targeted towards the entertainment, toys and textile industries, bringing a unique touch to every project.
Textiles company Kingly has a reputation for embracing sustainability and its latest range is no exception, using upcycled denim offcuts to create new products, including aprons, bags and purses. It will also be delighted to talk about how its product design makes for greater longevity, and other sustainable touches including its ethical sourcing, and certification approach.
Another garment company, Screenworks is taking the lead in plastic free packaging, which for so long has been an issue for the sector. A retail-standard tissue paper bag exceeds industry standards, boasting FSC certification and curb-side recyclability. It comes in six available sizes, and the transparent paper design allows for easy visibility of designs, labels, and barcodes, simplifying product identification and labelling while reducing time and costs.
Screenworks’ commitment extends to a complete suite of eco-friendly solutions, including standard paper packing tape and paper pallet wrap, ensuring that every shipment is plastic-free.
Gadget gurus, Oldeani will have innovative tech and trendy water bottles to delight visitors. Its Nomad charger is the latest ‘I want one of those’ products, it claims, while the Piccolo powder coated bottle. According to Oldeani, buyers are looking to invest more in longer lasting products that stand the test of time and can ultimately be recycled.
Hat specialist Product Zone has increased its range to include a wool mix 6-panel baseball cap in two colours and a sports fabric polyester/spandex mix in three colours. In-house embroidery has also expanded both in staff and in embroidery machines to increase capacity. Not to be confused with those embroiders that “hate embroidering caps”, Product Zone is set up 24-7 for this service.
Meanwhile, CHX will present its latest range, the ‘Always Recycled Name Badges’, designed and manufactured in Cornwall from both 100% recycled plastic and CHX’s exclusive rHIPS.b plastic, which is made from 100% recycled polymers and features a biodegradable additive. The badges have been created with various attachment options and offer reusable name badges, directly printed personalised name badges, and fun chalkboard style badges. 
First Editions is launching the new and improved AquaMax Hydrate bottle which features an upgraded grab-and-flip top spout with an integrated drinking straw. The a re-usable ‘bottle for life’ offers a 360-degree wrap print branding area and full-colour. They are 100% British-made using Tritan – a durable, BPA-free material – using an energy-efficient machinery and a ‘no waste’ moulding process. The streamlined production process makes the new model more cost-effective, resulting in savings for the customer.
Sustainable bag specialist, Jutebag, offers customised packaging solutions rooted in sustainability, to bring any concept to life. The in-house team of product designers will run with your idea and produce a choice of bespoke designs and materials. This can include reimagining a retail bag, pouch or accessory to truly wow customers.
To meet sustainability goals, Jutebag uses materials which are organic, recycled, upcycled, closed-loop and Fairtrade-certified. Latest innovations in the range include hemp, linen and cotton fabrics which are sustainable and can be used for luxury packaging.
