Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA)’s Meet the Buyer Day with high street variety chain Wilko has been pronounced a success by both parties.
At the event, which took place on March 22 at the Clumber Park Hotel, near Worksop in Nottinghamshire, a total of 58 suppliers enjoyed 95 appointments with nine Wilko buyers across key product categories including kitchen, electrical appliances and housewares.
Wilko sells household, DIY and homeware goods, including own-brand products, with over 380 stores and more than four million customers visiting every week.
The multiple retailer was looking to engage with new or existing suppliers able to propose new and innovative core range listing opportunities for Spring/Summer 2017 – and/or to suggest immediate promotional opportunities. All sizes of supplier, from large players to smaller companies and one man bands attended.
Wilko senior kitchenware buyer Paul Britland said the occasion was “really worthwhile for everyone concerned”. He said: “We’ve seen some good opportunities for both online and in-store and I’m sure there will be some positive results.”
BHETA director of DIY and garden Paul Grinsell explained: “We provided a pre-agreed sales template with Wilko to ensure BHETA members attending the event and the Wilko team could both get the maximum benefit in the time available. Early feedback suggests a lot of positive business was done as a result.”
Will Jones, BHETA director of housewares, added: “This is one of the most popular events we’ve held so far in what is a very popular and successful series. Yet again the format has proved its worth in terms of mutual benefit for retailers and suppliers alike.”
Wilko senior kitchenware buyer Paul Britland
