This month's Glee exhibition successfully built on its 2014 reinvention, attracting more retailers and a particularly high penetration of UK garden centres, the organisers have reported.
The show, whose exhibiting space was full to capacity and which once again presented easily-accessed new halls, a Green Heart atrium space for growers and strong, business-focused visitor features, drew several thousand British and international garden retailers, online buyers, DIY stores, landscapers and builders' merchants.

There was an increase in the overall number of retailers attending, and they included more key decision makers, buyers, managing directors and business owners than in previous years. In addition, 98% of Garden Centre Association (GCA) members visited the show.

"From the comments we've received from both buyers and suppliers, this has been the most vibrant and exciting Glee of recent years," said i2i Events Glee event director Matthew Mein. "It was clear that plenty of business was being done, new opportunities were being forged, and people were seizing the chance to network and build their professional knowledge."

One visitor, Homebase head of buying Heidi Towse, commented: "There's a great atmosphere at the show, everyone seems so happy. The layout is great, and having the show on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday is so much better."

Another, Haskins Garden Centres buying director Conna Powles, added: "This was my third Glee and I felt that it was notched up another gear this year, with larger stands, key suppliers, and great innovation too."

And at first-time exhibitor The Alfresco Chef, managing director Katey Brennand said: "It's absolutely fantastic. We've had so much interest from garden centres and retailers, it's been really good. The variety of the show, and the people that come here, is outstanding. It's massively exceeded our expectations."

Mr Mein is now promising continued momentum for the 2016 show, retaining "all the best aspects of what Glee now delivers, whilst making even more enhancements to benefit buyers and sellers".