As INDX celebrated its tenth anniversary, what was the INDX Housewares and Linens show, rebranded as INDX Homewares and welcomed exhibitors of cookshop, SDA, home gift and fragrance, bedding and soft furnishings.
The show was open to all retailers, both AIS members and non-members, and suppliers reported a good range of buyers on the show floor.
Peter Dunne, managing director of Cellardine, commented: “Delighted with the quality and volume of customers both members and non AIS members, there was a real focus about the show with immediate commitments to orders and discussions regarding our ongoing product development and retail support initiatives, many long term customers providing best wishes on our 25th anniversary year which was very much appreciated. The team at AIS always do a great job and made everyone feel welcome, well done to all involved.”
Ian Humm, head of new business at Pure Table Top, agreed: “Truly fabulous show at INDX Homewares last week. The car parks were full, and the visitors upbeat and positive. The setting and professional organisation by the INDX team creates a relaxed, and friendly atmosphere to enable quality time leading to meaningful and productive business – best show ever.”
Many reported a good level of orders at the show. Marcus Lux, head of Gastroback UK, export and business development, commented: “The INDX show, as always, has a nice ‘family’ feel environment and is well organized. There was a good visitor turnout and we had plenty of meetings and interest in our brand and our premium kitchen appliances. I am also pleased with the level of orders placed already at the show and it seems that the buyer’s confidence is coming back especially when it comes to new trends and versatile products.”
Lynn Goodenough, independent sales division, Tradestock, agreed: “At Tradestock we were delighted with how the INDX show went for us. We were showcasing several of our brands such as Pebbly, Cellardine, La Rochere and I Style My Home with a real focus on newness and innovation. This, combined with some special show offers for members, resulted in a busy two days of order writing and very good quality discussions for our team who were rushed off our feet! There was a good buzz around the show and certainly plenty to follow up on now.”
Many suppliers had demos on their stand, including pot throwing demonstrations for Forma House and many others. Senior national account manager for La Pavoni and Smeg UK, Donna Cox, furthered: “For the second year, Smeg UK has exhibited its sister brand La Pavoni at the INDX show. With increased footfall and great customer engagement through demonstrations, our Italian specialist espresso coffee machines were well received by members as well as the wider customer base. Bringing to life the hundred plus years of espresso excellence, La Pavoni really captured retailers’ attention. We look forward to expanding the brand further.”
The range of products on show was strong, as Steve Platt, managing director of EP Brands explained: “The AIS show was a fantastic success for EP Brands. It saw a real thirst for new trends from their store membership buyers. The brand suppliers really stepped up and quenched that thirst, by delivering strong new season product ranges to start 2023.”
Anna Ursini, international sales manager at Wegter UK, said: “I was pleasantly impressed with this season’s organisation at INDX: footfall was flowing from the start and interest was kept alive with events and meetings organised by AIS teams.
“It was great to meet existing partners and future ones, both members and non-members, and to see their positive feedback growing from the previous show, for both our Laura Ashley Tableware, a brand so intrinsically British that has just come back on the market, and our own Dutch Rose, which is finding more and more consensus amongst British retailers and consumers alike.”
First time exhibitors, Heardy, also had a great experience. Diane Hannah, co-founder and director, said: “It was our first time exhibiting at INDX Homeware show and were delighted with the result. We received lots of enquiries smaller independent retailers as well as some larger chains, many in areas where we don’t currently have coverage. We were really impressed with the team at AIS. They were so helpful and looked after us really well at the show.”
The next INDX Homewares show is on 12-13 September, 2023 at Cranmore Park.
