Visitors to PATS Harrogate can expect to see an impressive showcase of new products for 2014 with a record number of over 160 exhibitors keen to unveil their latest creations when the event opens on Sunday, September 15.
As well as being displayed on a vast array of exhibitor stands in three halls at Harrogate International Centre during the two-day show, over 140 items have been entered into the New Products Showcase – itself a record for this popular PATS feature.
The Showcase is a great way for visitors to see and touch the new products, making it the ideal place to view the things they’ll want to stock in their store.
The Showcase has been given a prime position in Hall B, acknowledging its importance to both exhibitors and visitors, and all items entered by exhibitors will be put forward for the New Product Awards.
Once visitors have seen what they like in the Showcase they then have the opportunity of visiting the stands of the manufacturers or suppliers of those products to discuss them in more detail. There will be an information card beside each product, giving details, such as suggested retail price and where in the show the item’s exhibitor can be found.
All entries in the Showcase will be judged by a panel of retailer judges for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show. The results will be known and highlighted throughout the Halls B, C and M for the rest of the exhibition.
The panel of judges has already been chosen after retailers were invited to put themselves forward, and their identities are a closely guarded secret to ensure complete impartiality during the judging process.
“PATS Harrogate promises to be the best ever and there seems to be a huge amount of excitement building,” said organizer Annie Dyke. “With a record number of exhibitors showcasing so many new products under one roof, it’s definitely the place for retailers to be this autumn.”
Winning an award in the PATS New Product Showcase can be the launch pad to huge sales. That’s according to companies whose new products have been recognised at previous exhibitions.
Manufacturers can be confident that successful products have a great chance of becoming bestsellers because a panel of pet retailers decides the awards. Past winners admit that winning an award can certainly increase the profile of the items to the trade.
The awards will be presented by Karen Pickwick, editor of sponsors Pet Business World, at the New Products Showcase display at lunchtime on Sunday, September 15. Visitors will be invited to attend and cheer on the winners.
Entries will be displayed under the following award categories
- Cat Product or Service
- Dog Product or Service
- Bird Product or Service
- Small Animal Product or Service
- Pet Care Product or Service
- Aquatics/Reptile Product or Service
- Grooming Product or Service
- Retail Resources Product or Service
Visitors are now being urged to register for free show entry by going online at www.patshow.co.uk. Benefits include free parking (park and ride scheme in operation), free catalogue, free seminars, free cup of tea or coffee, and many special offers. For those visitors arriving before 10am they’ll receive a breakfast voucher, which is redeemable at the Hall B catering points. The PATS hotline is +44 (0)1892 862848.
