A record number of visitors attended this week’s PATS Sandown, making it the biggest and busiest show in the event’s five-year history.
A total of 1,847 retailers visited the show, representing an increase of 8% on the number who attended PATS Sandown in 2012. The total number of visitors even outstripped that of PATS Harrogate in September, which was itself a record-breaking event that had welcomed 1,813 visitors.
The feeling from the 160 companies exhibiting was very positive, and this year’s show was the kind of boost the pet industry needed.
Sallie-Ann King from Natures Menu summed up the feeling by saying: “We have not stopped talking to people during both days of the show. It has been brilliant.
“It’s our first time at Sandown and I can’t believe the amount of visitors we’ve had on our stand. It has been a great opportunity to speak to so many people. RAW food is very current and is interesting to a lot of people. We secured lots of business, including signing up a new export partner in Germany,” added Sallie-Ann, pictured below at the show.
And Ray Foard from Pet Rebellion added: “Eighty per cent of the visitors to our stand were new customers, which was great. We’ve seen a lot of garden centres, who are the main focus of our business. We’ve taken bigger orders today than ever before at PATS – two to three times bigger in fact. It’s by far our busiest show ever.”
James Hancock from Petlife International remarked:“The first day was the busiest one we’ve experienced during our time exhibiting at PATS. Our pet+new grooming brushes created a lot of interest with retailers and we’re hopeful of turning the inquiries into firm orders. It has all been positive.”
It was a similar story for Martyn Barklett-Judge from Pet Remedy. “In just one morning we placed orders for 30 starter packs, which tops our two days in Harrogate,” said Martyn.
Visitors were equally enthusiastic about the outcome. Janine Tozer from Bath Pets said: “I think this show is excellent. I like the layout because it’s easy to navigate around both halls. It’s a great place to network and see if we’ve missed any new product launches.”
And Yvonne Hiscock from Pets Plus remarked: “PATS is improving every year and this year is no exception.
Karen Cooper and Dan Fuller from Fin & Fur said:“It’s a fabulous show. It gives you an opportunity to speak to manufacturers and bounce off ideas. Every manufacturer is helpful, supportive and interested in your business. We find that this gives us renewed vigour and enthusiasm when we return to our own shop. We also take the opportunity to network with other retailers and share ideas. And the free bacon rolls are still a nice touch.”
These visitors got dressed up for their day out at PATS Sandown.
