PATS Sandown attracted a total of 1,859 visitors over two highly successful days of business activity, with the number of pet retailers attending the show increasing by 2% compared to 2014.
There was also a larger presence from garden centres at the Sandown Park showpiece in Surrey (6% higher than the previous year), as the pet category takes on a growing importance throughout this sector.
The show saw more visitors from London (20% up on 2014) and the South West (7% higher).
“The feedback we’ve received has been fantastic with lots of exhibitors remarking that the quality of visitors to their stands was of a high standard,” said Gordon Thomas, from organisers Impact Exhibitions.
“They’ve been telling us there were more decision-makers at the show, and this has been confirmed by our data which shows a larger number of company owners and directors attended this year.”
The mood from visitors was very positive and was summed up by Adam Green, of Destination Pet in Northamptonshire."Without doubt PATS is the best trade event. You could really feel the buzz as you walked in. It’s a brilliant place for meeting and networking with manufacturers and area managers, seeing new lines and getting great deals. Overall we had an amazing two days. Bring on Telford!"
And Holly Simmons, of Paws ‘N’ Claws, Manchester, added: “As well as discovering many new products I picked up lots of advice, which will help to better my business. The stand deals were great, making my visit well worthwhile.”
The growing importance of the pet category in garden centres was emphasised by Ciaran McCready, a director of Knights Garden Centre in Woldingham, Surrey.
“PATS works so well because visitors like me get the chance to see all the latest pet products under one roof,” said Ciaran. “As well as discovering lots of new items to stock in our pet department I was also able to meet new suppliers. I will definitely be returning next year.”
It was also the first visit to PATS by Lynne Morris, pet shop manager at Scotsdales Garden Centre, Horningsea, Cambridgeshire. “I was very impressed with the show. There was a good range of stands and the whole exhibition was well designed. All the suppliers I spoke to were brilliant and I found quite a lot of new ranges for our pet department.”
Exhibitors were also delighted with the outcome, and George Bramble, co-founder of Beco Pets, summed up the mood when he said: "This year's show has been a runaway success.”
Rachael Dickinson, senior brand manager of Bucktons bird food, commented: “PATS Sandown is a key event, which is marked firmly in our calendar each year. It’s a great opportunity to see all of the pet trade under one roof. This year didn’t disappoint and was a real success.”
And Andy Morgan, marketing and business development manager for H.G Gladwell & Sons Ltd, remarked: “The show went really well for us. We set up our message to highlight Copdock Mill and the complete service it can provide as a manufacturer, and general wholesaler of pet products. The message worked with some great new leads. A big thank you to all the staff and team who make the show happen.”
The final word goes to Katie Goldsmith, of Collarways, whose team left the show with a New Product Award for theirZogoflex Toppl toy.“We’ve been bombarded with inquiries. It has been a brilliant show and we can’t wait until we do it again at PATS Telford.”
