Independent retailers are being put at the top of the Totally Shows' priority list for 2015, following post 2014 show research, and a recent meeting with the events' advisory panel.
The purpose of our exhibition is to bring buyers and sellers together face to face, which is what the shows have been doing now for 21 years," said show director Paul Grinsell of organiser Brintex.

"However, the DIY retail market is now so polarised, with the largest market share resting solely with a few big national retailers (B&Q, Homebase and Wickes), it is vital that suppliers also have a good base of independent retailer business. So, more than ever, suppliers would love to see lots of independent retailers visiting the show in 2015!"

The shows' visitor research also revealed that independent retailers want to be able to meet up with the teams behind the industry's big brands and hear from them what their new products are, and how they intend to market them, so that they can stock up in good time, as well as meeting names new to the market.

"One of the biggest dilemmas the larger suppliers face is managing interest and any orders from independent retailers," Mr Grinsell went on. "In reality, very few of the industry's big brands would handle business from independent retailers directly - most often their query would be forwarded to a third party agent or wholesaler to handle, who looks after the area the retailer is based in.

"Retailers understand this, but they still want to make direct contact with the team who are actually running the brand and hear from them what the new launches for the year are and whether they can look forward to any 'independents only' promotions.

"Equally, suppliers must take on the task of passing back any interest to their third parties, and following up with the retailers to check that contact has been made - we hear too often from visiting retailers that they never hear back from suppliers they have sought out at the show."

The Totally Shows team is currently talking to the British Hardware Federation, Home Hardware, Mica DIY and Stax to discuss how best to attract their members, all independent retailers, to the show, and will also be working closely with the British Home Enhancement Trade Association.

Exhibitor bookings for the 2015 shows are running slightly ahead of last year, with 48% equivalent of the 2014 space already booked.

"We have a great deal to build on in 2015," said Mr Grinsell. "The shows' first co-location with the DIY Week Awards ceremony this year worked well and will help to establish the shows as a business and social focal point in the industry calendar."

The 2015 Totally DIY and Totally Tools Shows will run from February 15-17 at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.