A vast array of new products will be showcased when the doors to PATS Sandown open on Tuesday, March 17.
The large number of entries to the popular New Product Showcase is a positive sign that PATS exhibitors are really excited about their latest products and can’t wait to show them to visiting retailers and buyers.
All the products entered into the Showcase will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show, and the winners of each category will be announced at lunchtime.
“It’s great to see so many exhibitors putting their new products forward,” said organiser Annie Foord. “Speaking to visitors, we know that a lot of them head to the Showcase first. They can see all the latest items in one place, and once they’ve seen what they like, they then head off to the stand of the manufacturer or supplier of that product to discuss it in more detail.”
There are seven categories in the New Product Showcase – cat, dog accessory, dog food or treat, bird, small animal, pet care, and grooming – and past winners admit that winning an award can certainly increase the profile of the items to the trade.
Irish company Christies Global have won an award at the past three PATS shows and their marketing manager Lindy Harper knows the importance of such an accolade. “Christies Global has always prided itself in bringing innovative products to the grooming market and these awards recognise this work,” said Lindy. “Given the high standard of competition in the market, we feel truly honoured to have won three consecutive awards.”
Supa Ltd are another company to recognise the prestige of a New Product Award, having won one with their stylish Gloucester range of bird feeders at PATS in September. “The award has certainly focused attention on Supa and has led to some new listings with current customers and also the opening of some new accounts who have wanted to stock this new and dynamic range,” said managing director Chris Goodlad.
The Showcase is designed to help visitors to find easily the latest and most exciting products to hit the pet trade, as they are gathered together in one, extensive display near the entrance to the Esher Hall. There is an information card beside each product, giving details such as suggested retail price and where in the show you’ll find the item’s exhibitor.
With so many new products on show and more than 140 exhibitors attending PATS Sandown this year, the exhibition is set to draw an equally impressive amount of visitors.
The organisers have also secured a strong line-up of speakers for two days of seminars designed to give pet retailers ahead-of-the-game ideas on new lines, new approaches and new profit potential.
The free-to-attend series of seminars will cover topics including: retailing RAW pet foods; using social media to build a loyal customer base; 20 business tips in 20 minutes; getting more online visitors to your website; and what customers are saying about your pet business online. There is also a chance to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for those people attending a special seminar by animal healthcare specialists Merial.
Other PATS features aimed at making it a great day out include free entry, free catalogue, free tea and coffee, and free parking. Visitors still have time to register online at the new and improved PATS website www.patshow.co.uk.
A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website together with information on how to reach both venues and regularly updated show news.
Opening times
Tuesday, 17th March, 2015: 9.00am-5.00pm
Wednesday, 18th March, 2015: 9.00am-4.00pm
