The latest in the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA)'s successful series of Meet The Buyer days - this time with major multi-channel retailer, Argos - was declared 'another great event' by those who took part.
The latest event took place on February 19 at the Holiday Inn, Milton Keynes, where 45 suppliers had secured over 75 20-minute appointments with 10 members of the Argos buying team.

The buyers in attendance represented all categories were represented and the team was supplemented by online buying counterparts, opening up additional opportunities for suppliers. The event was headed up by Argos head of trading Yvonne Stinston.

For many of the buying team, the Meet the Buyer format was a new experience, although reportedly a positive one, as a number of follow up meetings with suppliers are now scheduled, as a result. BHETA suppliers, particularly new members of the association, were also very complimentary, acknowledging that BHETA had managed to secure appointments that they had failed to get through conventional means.

Feedback from members about the day included Qudos Marketing chief executive Guy Weaver, who commented: "As new members of BHETA, Qudos appreciated the opportunity to get products in front of Argos category buyers. The 20-minute spot put the pressure on us to focus on the key features and benefits of our products, but they were well received and we are hoping to get listings for several new items."

Gourmet Gadgetry's Lisa Scott added: "We found it really positive for business. The event was brilliantly structured and we went into the meeting prepared and confident having utilised the presentation suggested by BHETA. It's such a great way to get in front of the right buyer for your category."

Argos' brief for the BHETA event was to find new suppliers of both branded and own-label products that would enhance the current consumer offer as well as existing Argos suppliers focusing on new products outside of current listed business.

BHETA home enhancement sector director Will Jones said of the event: "It was so satisfying to put on an event where participants appeared to enjoy an experience that will also lead to additional business for BHETA members. The feedback from Argos has been excellent, particularly in regard to the BHETA presentation format, which allowed the buyers to focus absolutely on their category development opportunities."