Online event ran throughout July
Exclusively Digital – the online alternative to the Exclusively Show which typically is held over two days in London – has been deemed a success by organisers the British Home Enhancement Association (BHETA).
In its first two weeks, Exclusively Digital attracted 10 per cent more individual visitors than the two-day live show, and twice as many overall visits, says organisers.
“While the comparison is not like for like in the sense that each visitor to a website spends a smaller proportion of time ‘at the show’ vis a vis an in-person visit to the live event – which typically lasts at least one day – drill-down into the detail on digital attendees still proves just how popular the online event has been,†they add.
Buyers from national retailers like B&M, Lakeland, Robert Dyas and John Lewis all visited the digital event as well as buyers from garden centres like Bents and Garden & Home and from supermarkets like Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. There were also international buyers on the website such as Vanderweens in Holland. Over 100 influencers visited as well as over 200 journalists.
They were all there to see over 200 housewares and gift brands showing new and on trend products, as well as show features like the Launchpad for start-up suppliers and the well-respected Trend Hub. The latter saw over 300 online views of trend forecaster, Scarlet Opus’ predictions for key design and lifestyle trends for 2020, 2021 and beyond.
Managing director of Grunwerg, David Grunwerg said, “Given the tough challenges in this unprecedented economic landscape, Exclusively Digital has been a unique opportunity for suppliers and retailers to re-connect. It provided a great platform to showcase new products and trends that would have otherwise been missed. We are confident that it will help give the housewares industry a much-needed boost.â€
Commenting on the success of Exclusively Digital, BHETA’s chief operating officer and chair of Exclusively, Will Jones said: “For obvious reasons the online event was created as an alternative to the live show, but it has proved to be massively valuable and relevant to the industry in its own right. I know the whole housewares, small electricals and gift sector will be delighted to know that the live show will return in 2021 as nothing quite equals the networking buzz that that provides, but Exclusively will be retaining the many features and benefits of its digital self as we move forward into the coming year.â€
