Glee 2019 Retail Lab sponsor interview: Apta

Retailers seeking products of the future and the latest in-store merchandising ideas need look no further than the Retail Lab at Glee. Now in its third year, this inspirational feature area, in association with the Horticultural Trades Association, is bursting with ideas. In fact, 61% of Glee’s visitors say they will attend Glee 2019 as a result of seeing the Retail Lab last year. Here, we meet Apta, a first time Retail Lab sponsor, who will be bringing its inspiring range of garden pottery to the show. James Hoad, Apta’s Commercial Director, tells us more.

Why has Apta chosen to be a sponsor of the Retail Lab?

2019 marks our first year as a Retail Lab sponsor. We’ve decided to get involved due to the synergy between ourselves and what the Retail Lab represents, in that we design many of our own items in-house to inspire customers, and feel it’s a great opportunity to get some of our products featured in such an inspirational setting.

What appeal does the Retail Lab hold? Why should retailers/ merchandisers/ buyers visit this area?

In our product category – garden pottery and associated products - innovation is key. Buyers should visit the Retail Lab to see the latest ideas, trends and products that will be shaping next year’s displays, and growing sales, in their stores.

What products/ranges will Apta be supplying for the Retail Lab in 2019?

The final list of products is still under wraps until the show itself, but what we can say is that we are working closely with Romeo to showcase our more innovative ranges, as well as our ever popular RHS and Laura Ashley collections. 

What current trends are shaping your business most? How do you see this changing in the next 12-24 months?

The resurgence in houseplant popularity continues to deliver huge growth in indoor pots, and we see no sign of this abating. This trend is very much here for the long term. Connected to this, and a key highlight for Apta, has been the launch of our new RHS Interiors range, which has been incredibly well received, and sets us up well to broaden this range for 2020.  

Looking beyond interiors, we are finding that outdoor, traditional and vintage planters are still very much on-trend, and we continue to expand our popular J Chamberlain range to meet this demand.

What can you tell us about Apta’s plans for Glee 2019?

We will be building on the success of last year’s show, where our rebrand and larger display caught the attention of so many buyers. There will also be additions to our RHS and Laura Ashley ranges, and a very exciting launch of a range of products from a much-loved British brand – this will be outside of pots so a very exciting addition!

To keep up-to-date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2019 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

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Editors notes

Comprising a uniquely collaborative network of senior PR professionals based at offices around England, Hornby Whitefoot PR has helped a wide range of companies and brands to communicate their news, build business and reposition their reputations since 2015. From strategy to tactics, project management to copy-writing, Hornby Whitefoot PR offers flexible, proactive public relations expertise, founded on real business and marcomms understanding. And our ‘open book’, annual budget or project-based approach – with no murky retainers to hide behind – means you can trust us to make your money go further. Specialisms include the garden, home and lifestyle sector, and the automotive aftermarket industry.