Start the Year With A Bang
The first January Merchandise World is just weeks away. Find out how to get off to a racing start at Silverstone.
The start of the year is the traditional time for everyone involved with sales in merchandise distributor companies to want to know what’s new and find out about the big selling products in the year ahead.
Following the success of the inaugural Merchandise World at Stoneleigh in September, there is a new kid on the block in the shape of a January Merchandise World. The two-day exhibition is aimed at providing a meeting place for the industry, including suppliers, distributors and trade bodies.
The show is taking place at The Wing, Silverstone, which successfully hosted the BPMA Show in 2016. Merchandise World is a collaborative joint venture between the BPMA and Sourcing City, bringing together the respective strengths of the BPMA Show and Sourcing City Marketplace.
Merchandise World is a unique concept which combines a traditional exhibition, a networking event and optional appointments.
The event is for all sales and administration teams, management and directors from professional distributor companies from across the UK and Ireland.
Visitors can choose to see the hottest products from the industry stop suppliers in a traditional exhibition format or hold business review meetings by appointment in a conversation area on an exhibition stand, or in a conversation pod.
There is no limit on the number of company personnel able to attend from any invited distributor company.
DOWN TO BUSINESS
Silverstone’s The Wing venue will play the host of more than 150 exhibitors for the two days of business and is the perfect time to see the latest and hottest promotional products for the coming year. Visitors will also be able to discover the Merchandise World Promotional Product Award winners at the show.
More suppliers are still joining the industry biggest names to be at Merchandise World, and this is the only place where they will all be exhibiting together in January 2018. Around 300 visitors have already registered to come, a number which is also increasing as the event gets nearer.
Catalogue providers Premium Portfolio (by Laltex Group) and The AGF Catalogue Group (led by SPS) are officially supporting Merchandise World. All professional distributors that take either of these catalogues are invited to attend Merchandise World.
KNOWLEDGE GATEWAY
As well as the chance to meet new suppliers and view the latest products, there will also be several seminars to update visitors on developments in the industry. Computer company, Apple will be talking about the importance of personalisation on the first day.
There will also be an important session on the thorny issue of GDPR, covering everything businesses need to know. Visitors will also be able to take away a free guide to GDPR.
Day two sees BPMA director general Gordon Glenister presenting the findings of the supplier mystery shopper research which should be essential for all.
Speaking of the event, Graeme Smith, chairman, BPMA, said: “Sourcing City and the BPMA have a proven track record in delivering high-quality events to our industry, and we’re thrilled to be working together to raise the bar even higher.
We know what it takes to deliver maximum value to both suppliers and distributors, particularly in retaining a focus on the quality and professionalism of those attending this exciting new event.
David Long, chairman and founder, Sourcing City, said: “We are delighted to create this joint venture in Merchandise World with the BPMA, and our team is excited to deliver a great experience for top industry distributors and suppliers.
More importantly, we want to create a unique event that will bring true value to everyone’s business.
PRODUCT FOCUS
Everyone wants to know what’s new in merchandise, and top suppliers at Merchandise World will have plenty to show. Here are just a few examples of what visitors will find at the show.
SPS
Thanks to the huge popularity of British-made drinkware, SPS has continued to improve its product range. The bestselling H2O Active Sports Bottle range sees the introduction of a stylish new spout lid on selected models, giving a higher perceived value.
Meanwhile, the Baseline Plus Sports Bottle is now available with relief-moulded branding, giving it a tactile and durable finish.
The Americano Mug range also benefits from some new additions, such as the introduction of the Americano Midnight Thermal Mug. The Americano spill-proof lid is now available in an extended range of colours, giving customers even more ways to create their perfect promotional mug.
“We know what it takes to deliver maximum value to suppliers and distributors, particularly in retaining a focus on the quality and professionalism of those attending this exciting new event.” – Graeme Smith, chairman, BPMA
MID OCEAN BRANDS
Technology is increasingly popular for merchandise campaigns, and Mid Ocean Brands has some great new ideas. Sports fans will love its Tritan 500ml water bottle with sports towel and integrated speaker. Multifunctionality is also the name of the game with a wireless flowerpot speaker with the night light.
If you remember the Nineties, its colour changing sublimation mug will be a fun item for nostalgics. For getting down to serious business, Mid Ocean will be showing items including a 15 inch backpack trolley, and A5 notebook set including a stylus.
ROSSI ICE CREAM
If you’re after something cool, then look no further than Southend on Sea-based Rossi which can produce high quality, fully branded and personalised tubs of ice cream with a competitive turn around delivered straight to your required location.
The corporate branded tubs give you the opportunity to offer premium, award winning Rossi Ice Cream while promoting a company, product or brand in a unique way. There are seven flavours available and 360-degree digital printing for tubs.
THE PEN WAREHOUSE
New from The Pen Warehouse, the Stealth Inkredible Roller is sure to stand out from the crowd thanks to its ultra-smooth Incredible ink technology, which allows a premium writing experience in a budget-friendly pen.
The Stealth also uses the latest double injection moulding manufacturing for seamless joins and a smart contemporary aesthetic.
The black barrel has a large print area and is complemented by a subtle hint of colour beneath the clip. It’s available in a range of colours and is printed on a 5-day lead time.
SNAP PRODUCTS
Snap Products’ exclusive Auto-Scent Air Freshener has been developed to offer long-lasting fragrance, while its smart contemporary styling will complement any car interior.
The Auto-Scent’s specifically designed membrane refill slowly releases its fragrance, can last up to 25 days and can be easily replaced.
This unique air freshener can be attached to a vent or rear-view mirror with the integrated clip and elasticated loop, meaning it’s always on display and offers great brand exposure. Available in a range of colours and fragrances, it is digitally printed on a 3-day lead time.
OLDEANI
Chelmsford-based Oldeani is enthusing about the Speedy USB charger, which can charge gadgets four-times faster than a standard USB using Qualcomm 3.0 quick charge.
The Speedy charger has two regular USB ports and one speedy charge. Qualcomm 3.0 is compatible with iPhone SE and above. The Speedy is available in black and white and comes supplied in a white gift box with lift-off lid.
XINDAO
New products from Xindao include an air powered soccer ball with colourful LED. A foam bumper keeps it from damaging walls and furniture, making it great a for a stress-free kickabout indoors.
DESKTOP IDEAS
The technology specialist is also getting on board the wireless charging bandwagon with some stylish chargers from Zens which is bringing great looks to functionality.
The company has also dug up some innovative new products in the shape of a smart umbrella that predicts the weather and has an anti-loss function, and a backpack direction indicator for cyclists to stay safe on our streets.
