The Glee show is returning to its former Sunday to Tuesday format because "Sunday remains a viable option for smaller independent garden centre visitors."
It comes following significant industry feedback conducted by show organiser i2i, which said the weekend opening enables independent retailers, a core part of its audience, to "capitalise on weekend staff cover whilst freeing up an extra vital week day."

The change has already garnered support from the Garden Centre Association (GCA) and its members, and Glee's supporting trade associations GIMA, Gardenex and the HTA.

Glee event director Nick Davison said: "In the changing retail landscape it is vital that Glee also constantly evolves to meet the needs of the industry. Since the close of Glee 2012 we have been working closely with our stakeholders, including trade associations, suppliers and retailers, to gather their feedback and thoughts on how Glee can help deliver a more profitable future for all.

"Focus groups, on-site and post-show research and retailer meetings have helped us identify a number of changes that could be made, the most obvious of these was the move back to a weekend opening - a simple change that offers significant potential for increasing vital visitor numbers. Added to this, there are also positive financial implications for exhibitors as contractors will now only be required to work one day over the weekend - a significant potential cost saving on stand build and set-up."

GCA chief executive Iain Wylie said: "The Glee team have been looking hard at ways of improving the show for those attending. When we asked our members the majority stated that in 2012 they attended on Monday and Tuesday but a significant number said they missed the opportunity to attend and bring their colleagues on Sunday.

"We passed this feedback to Glee and they have been able to bring about this change for 2013. It is important that the show adapts both to changing times and the needs of visitors. Glee is clearly listening to their views and making changes and innovations."

Hillview Garden Centre ceo Boyd Douglas Davies echoed Mr Wylie's views, adding: "I'm delighted to hear that Glee is looking to move the show back to a Sunday start in response to feedback from exhibitors and visitors.

"I think this will increase the number of visitors and improve the mood of anyone that hasn't had to travel there in the Monday traffic! It will also free up a day during the week which is very valuable at that time of year."

The industry feedback received also covered the length of time that Glee should run. "Whilst there was some opinion that Glee should be reduced to a two day show, we have decided to maintain it as a three day show," said Mr Davison. "The third day means that there is more flexibility for retailers to attend. A move to limit or reduce the amount of time available to retailers to visit Glee would undoubtedly have a detrimental effect on its success for both buyers and suppliers."