Organiser Phil Gibbs has thanked all the exhibitors and visitors for making SOLEX an outstanding success, and said he hoped to see everyone again next year when the exhibition returns to the NEC Birmingham... 

"We had three fabulous days in Hall 5 at the NEC Birmingham, and there was a continued buzz throughout the exhibition," said Phil.

"We've received some fantastic comments, and the general concensus of opinion has been one of great satisfaction.

"We've also taken on board some constructive comments on how we can make the exhibition even better next year.

"So thank you for your contribution and we hope to see you again at the NEC in 2014."

SOLEX 2014 will take place on July 7-9.

Dennis Espley, managing director of the Squires garden centre group, echoed the palpable relief felt by many other visiting buyers at SOLEX on the the return of “proper summer weather” over recent weeks.

The re-appearance of the sun and temperatures in the respectable 20s has stimulated a late surged in outdoor leisure sales across most UYK garden centres.

Premier Decorations' new Barbecoo range  was met with huge enthusiasm by all customers who viewed it. Orders were being taken for this market leading European range of gas and charcoal barbecues and accessories from the very start of the exhibition. A good number of these orders were for immediate delivery with customers keen to take advantage of the hot spell of weather currently being experienced.

The new range of Barbecook dovetails with the other exclusive brands that Premier have been collating very successfully over the past four seasons. The Sunday Masonry range and Char-Griller Smoker ranges have been highly successful during what have arguably been the most difficult barbecue trading conditions of the past two decades. The complimentary ranges from Best of the West and Jack Daniels fuels and favouring chips, and the Smoke N Spice 100% natural pellet blends continue to grow as demands for a better barbecue experience continues.

Premier Decorations can now truly boast the most unique and complete range of product available in the market place and are committed to offering its customers a diverse and desirable offering.  If you are looking to move away from the same boring “me-too” ranges then come and join us and become part of the future of summer and outdoor living.

 Premier is expecting an equally favourable reaction at both of their newly refurbished showrooms in Ruislip and Wrexham.  The range will also be on show at Glee in September. Premier’s stand can be found in Hall 5 Stand No. J04/L03 where their sales team will be ready to present and demonstrate the entire 2014 Summer and Outdoor Living range.

Norfolk Leisure today presented a cheque for £500 to Stratford Garden Centre, winners of a competition to find the best retail display promoting the company’s all-weather furniture fabrics, which you can see on stand 215.

The contest was keenly fought by dozens of Norfolk’s stockists across the UK and was judged by LOFA Secretary Phil Gibbs, who said Stratford’s display struck the ideal balance between eye-catching quirkiness and useful information.

Pictured with Phil Gibbs (lef to right) Julie Dyde (Stratford GC seasonal manager),

Liz Freeman (departmental manager), Debbie Waudby of Norfolk Leisure and Stratford GC proprietor Helen Lloyd.



Coming soon

LOFA has commissioned retail and shopper specialist agency, Shoppercentric, to run a ground-breaking market research project to explore the UK outdoor living market.

The study, which was announced at SOLEX today, will combine a large quantitative study to provide a robust overview of the market, profiling purchasers and the context around the purchase, with detailed qualitative exploration of the shopping process. 

LOFA is looking forward to uncovering insights which show how its members’ product purchasers plan for, and shop for, outdoor furniture and barbecues, what inspires them, what hinders them and what ultimately drives a sale.

"We're spending a significant amount of money on qualitative and quantative research," said LOFA chairman Paul Bevington (pictured). 

"It will be the first independent research project on outdoor living, something that has been asked for by the trade. We felt as the trade association, it was our responsibility to carry out the research.

"We've had five years of not knowing what the next year is going to look like. This research will hopefully give our members sound information on which they can confidently base their future plans on."

The study will take place in July and August 2013, with results expected from September onwards.

It was the first time 4 Seasons Outdoor had exhibited at SOLEX and they were very satisfied with the quality retailers that visited their stand over the three days.

"Being one of the largest high quality brands in Europe and knowing the marketplace in the UK, initially we thought the quality and price was not going to be received by most visitors," said Chris Newman. "However, the response was overwhelming from the high quality retailers that visited our stand. The stand was busy all the time until lunchtime Wednesday.

"Not fighting with many other manufacturers on lowering quality to reduce the price, we at 4 Seasons Outdoor are offering real quality at affordable prices.

"Our UK showroom in Bracknell is open from 22nd July and appointments have already been made from then until mid September with many retailers looking at supplying products which reflect the quality of their centre’s and helping focus on the high quality rather than high quantity of lesser quality products.

"Offering the Shop in Shop concept to the selected retailers has been received well and we hope to have in the region of 20 centres up and running by the end of January.

"We were very pleased to have the support of our Dutch colleagues over the full three days, without their presence we would not have been able to speak to as many visitors as we did. We are still taking appointments for our showroom and we still have some areas in the country where would like to offer the shop in shop concept.

"Please contact our sales office on 01344 862653 to arrange a time to visit our showroom."

More info: www.4seasonsoutdoor.co.uk

The current hot and dry spell has certainly got the UK’s outdoor lovers in the mood for barbecues, and thankfully it is being reflected in a surge in sales at garden centres as the GTN Bestsellers data reveals...

Below you’ll find the Top 20 bestselling BBQ items taken from the GTN All Epos Products data for the week ending Sunday, July 7, and it’s clear evidence that the nation has re-caught the bug for outdoor entertaining.

Sales of barbecues themselves are encouraging as the hot spell hopefully continues throughout the next couple of months.

And at the three-day SOLEX trade show at the NEC this week, BBQ exhibitors experienced good interest and business on their stands.

The Premier Decorations stand, for instance, created a lot of interest as the company have become the new UK distributors for the Barbecook range of barbecues, and visitors had the chance to obtain a free BBQ.

And the Supagrill Pod Kettle from CPL Distribution impressed so much it was awarded the Best Product at SOLEX.

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The Culcita range of outdoor furniture and garden products appeal to a wide variety of customers and cater for all budget requirements...

“Culcita are a well established company and have vast experience in the garden and outdoor leisure business," said Ann Larkin, of Culcita.

"Classic design and quality products are an important element in our ever increasing search to find the perfect piece of furniture to enhance your outdoor space.

"Our Port Ross range of furniture (pictured below) is an elegantly designed and well  crafted collection. Celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon has endorsed this range and given it his seal of approval. This stylish furniture adorns the grounds of his beautiful Dunbrody House Hotel allowing both local and international guests to enjoy the stunning surroundings.

"We at Culcita wish all our valued and new customers who called to our stand at SOLEX, a very sunny and happy summer season.”

Bellagio UK Ltd launched their new innovative designs at SOLEX with inspiring colours that attracted not just their existing customers but many new ones too.

Visitors to the Bellagio stand were excited with the fresh new colours together with each range offering a full collection to include traditional dining.

The lounge dining is the new kid on the block and attracted a great deal of interest, together with planters, sunloungers and lounge sets.

The response for the show from the Bellagio team was a great success, and will help to build Bellagio's customer base for 2014 season.

The Bellagio Showroom is now set up for any customers looking to visit to make their final ranging for the 2014 season. Call 01952 671100 (office)  or 07585 968603 (Chris Peacock) to book an appointment.

Whilst the Pod barbecues were certainly the stars of the show, CPL also enjoyed interest from visitors in the high quality Cruccolini charcoal and wood fired barbecues, manufactured in Italy from 2mm thick steel and the Boretti Gas and Charcoal barbecue ranges which are built to an extremely high specification and packed with the latest barbecue technology.    

CPL is taking orders for delivery next season, with many buyers tempted by the attractive margins and the additional 10% discount available, for orders placed by the end of July.

Commenting on the show itself, Chris went on to say: “This is our first year at SOLEX and it has exceeded all our expectations. 
The exhibition provided a fantastic venue at which to showcase our products and the quality of visitors was first rate.  We will definitely be back next year.”

For further information on the Supagrill range of barbecue appliances and fuels please visit www.supagrill.co.uk or call Chris on 07787 263800

Weber is launching a range of stunning new colours for 2014 across both charcoal and gas barbecues. 

In the charcoal range, slate, crimson and smoke will be added to the range of Smokey Joe and Mastertouch barbecues, and gas barbecue fans will also have a choice of colours, extending beyond black and stainless steel as crimson and smoke will also be available across the popular Genesis 330 series.

For 2014 Weber adds the Mastertouch to its charcoal barbecue colour series. Offering the same extensive range of features as the One-Touch Premium, the 57cm Mastertouch takes barbecuing to the next level with the addition of the Gourmet BBQ System (GBS) grate and Tuck- Away lid holder as standard.  The GBS grate has a 30cm removable central insert ready for use with the extensive range of Gourmet Barbecue System accessories.

For those who prefer to cook on gas, the Spirit Premium S-320, Genesis S-330 and all Summit grills will also come complete with the Gourmet Barbecue System as standard.

2014 marks the 10th anniversary since the introduction of the popular Weber Q and in honour of this milestone the range has a refreshed design with enhanced curves and Q branding.  The new make-over retains all the great cooking functions that Weber customers love, whilst adding more useful features including improved stability on the new larger sized side tables and warming rack options.  The carts and stands have also had a redesign in keeping with the unique Q style. 

To help customers select the right barbecue for their needs and to encourage year round usage, Weber is also set to introduce a new marketing campaign in October this year to underline that fact that whatever the season, whatever the weather, it’s time to get outdoors and create exciting and hassle-free meals.

The new Four Seasons campaign will provide retailers with dedicated POS/ instore merchandising focusing on specified hero products and complementary accessories – rotating through: Winter Wonderland, Bright Spring Afternoons, Long Summer Days and Late Summer Evenings.

Weber offers tasteful, stylish barbecuing, that celebrates great food for those passionate about bringing out the best in their cooking.  Whether it be out on the road, at home in the garden or on the beach, there is a Weber® barbecue suited for every occasion and a range of useful, tailor-made accessories for both charcoal and gas BBQ’s that will open up a world of cooking creativity.

For more information on Weber® products visit www.weberbbq.co.uk

Pictured: Helen Raison, senior marketing executive for Weber, demonstrates the Go Anywhere barbecue, which is targeting the mass market...

Australia's iconic barbecue brand BeefEater revealed it had been a great show for the company.

The BeefEater team reported this year's show-stealing product had been the Stainless Steel Build-In Accessory range for the Outdoor Kitchens and Signature barbecues.

BeefEater's Outdoor Kitchen Centres are designed with power, space and functionality in mind to create the ultimate cooking experience. The result is ingenuity at its best and the combined work of two leading Australian companies, BeefEater in barbecues and St George for fine kitchen appliances.

The growing interest in the more flexible modular outdoor kitchen products, reflect a growing trend in the UK towards the creation of more permanent outdoor living complete with entertaining space.

The kitchens are quick and easy to install and made from marine quality 304 grade stainless steel. They are made up from a solid integrated, modular construction system with wide range of features including a fridge, sink, warming drawers, integrated chopping board, bottle caddy, condiment baskets and innovative storage.

Barbecues are available in 2 and 4 burner configurations, run from mains gas supply and are backed by an impressive lifetime warranty with more than enough power to feed the family, and the entire neighbourhood!



After many years supplying garden furniture to the major retailers internationally, ScanCom International, one of the largest manufacturers of garden furniture in the world, has now developed a new Global Brand, “LifestyleGarden”, aimed solely at the Independent Retailers, High Quality Department Stores and Garden Centres Internationally.

 ScanCom UK is pleased to be able to exhibit at Solex 2013, and be the first subsidiary of the ScanCom International Family to release “LifestyleGarden” .

It is important in the current climate to offer furniture that is stylish, good quality and essentially offers outstanding value for money. “LifestyleGarden” fills this gap.

The range includes furniture manufactured in Full Weave, All Weather Mesh,  Hardwood, Durawood, & Weathernet in all new unique designs.

With the full backing of such a major company, “LifestyleGarden” is able to offer products from all of these product ranges, in mixed deliveries!! 

These deliveries can be in the form of mixed containers direct from the factory, or regular UK deliveries from our warehousing based in Basildon, Essex.

Eddie Kriese, formally Sales Director of Nova Garden Furniture, has spent the last 2 years assisting ScanCom to develop the range that has been selected for the UK market and the range that will be displayed at Solex.

Using his expertise and knowledge in the industry,  ScanCom UK is fully confident that the Right Items, at the Right Price, with the Right Quality are available at exactly the Right Time !

To view the new range visit “LifestyleGarden” at the Solex Exhibition on stand 605 in Hall 5. 

A chimenea can now be converted into an outdoor cooker using the Gardeco registered design Tia Chim Stove (pictured).  A fire box complete with funnel fits on top of the chimenea bowl, smoke is drawn out through the funnel and the heat of the fire conducts to a cast iron cooking plate which can be used as a plancha.

The Chim Stove can be bought for the SRP of £99.99 or you can encourage customers to buy both chimenea and Chim Stove together for £199.99. See them on stand 100.

Buyers looking for barbecues that offer something different will welcome the stylish new German-made Thuros range from new SOLEX exhibitors Roke (stand E6).

Supplied with a 10-year guarantee, there are tabletop and free-standing models, all in quality stainless steel. A retail POS display unit also gives retailers the opportunities for add-on sales of accessories and tools.

“We think buyers will appreciate the fact that these are a bit different to the norm,” said Roke’s Kirk Fletcher.

The tabletop model is designed to keep heat well away from the working surface.

Roke also have range of Jim Beam charcoal – and wood chips made from that brand's disused barrels. Mmmm...lovely flavouring.

Alexander Rose’s appearance at this year’s SOLEX doubled as a celebration of their 20^th anniversary.

As well as a range they regard as one of the industry’s most comprehensive, embracing all materials and styles from the traditional to the contemporary, a giant reindeer on the stand is something of a show landmark. Created in the same resin weave featured in their top of the range furniture, it is being marketed to garden centres for their Christmas displays. With a trade price tag of £1,800, it’s retail price ticket would be well over £3,000 – but its main appeal will be as a show-stopper for Christmas departments.

Bellagio sent out a marketing campaign to give all mail outs the opportunity to enter a Free Prize Draw by dropping a pull out card in our draw box at SOLEX.

The lucky winner, drawn on Wednesday of the show by Bellagio's gazebo designer Gianfranco Amadardo, was Paul Laithwaite of Gordale Garden Centre.

Paul won a 5-star luxury London weekend break.  

Black Country Metal Works, makers of period lanterns and lamp posts, reported having a successful exhbition...

"We were thrilled to once again take part in the Solex trade show," said Joanne Jones. 

"Through this innovative national exhibition we were able to share a selection of the products that we have painstakingly perfected over three decades of dedication.

"Our collection of authentically period lanterns and lamp posts, as well as our magnificent lace work gazebos, were just some of the wonderful items on display.

"As a company we have participated in SOLEX for the past few years, and each time we find it immensely beneficial, a real success for all involved."

Lorraine Briggs, Marketing Manager of SunTime, is pictured at the show with one of their new range of metal planters.

Suntime are also showcasing new additions to the Allibert range.  

Allibert is available in the UK exclusively from SunTime and summer brights have been added to the furniture range for that light bistro feel to patio dining.

Deep pinks, lime greens, aqua blues and poppy reds all accessorise with the grey and black tables to give a Mediterranean feel to the garden.

More info: www.transcon.co.uk

SunTime’s Allibert collection has again proved more popular than ever. For 2014, the range has grown to incorporate an unrivalled variety of combinations and styles, ensuring your customers can choose the pieces to make the perfect set to suit their lifestyle.

The range enables the purchase of matching sets or provides the flexibility to mix styles and even colours. The Ibiza and Sento chair is available in variety of rich, vibrant colours and proved to be a SunTime show stopper.

Jason Richardson, Sales Director at SunTime’s parent company Trans-Continental Group, said: “From its launch, the inclusion of this high quality brand has been incredibly popular.

"It’s an important addition to the SunTime Collection and as such we’ve expanded the Allibert product offering to ensure we offer our customers a range of mix and match products that are not only core best sellers but new and exciting for their consumers.”

The Allibert products were featured at Solex but if you missed them, SunTime look forward to welcoming visitors to their showrooms in Lancashire to view the complete 2014 Collection.

If you enjoyed reading about SOLEX in the SOLEX SUN, then make sure you subscribe to GTN Xtra for all the latest news every week brought to you by the team behind the SOLEX SUN.

To subscribe to your free GTN Xtra enewsletter ever week click here

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra printed newsletter and on the GTN website www.gardentradenews.co.uk.

New for this year, every week we give sales volume comparisons with 2011 as well as 2012 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £120.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most upto date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 01733 775700, or subscribe on-line here

 

or e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here


To Subscribe to the full GTN Bestsellers Weekly Charts for only £120.00 per year click here

WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers.  Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.