As the industry readies for Harrogate International Nursery Fair (17-19 October 2021), PreschoolNews.net will be chatting to some exhibitors to find out their plans for the show. First up, it’s Mark Nicholls, brand director at Green Sheep Group.
Preschoolnews.net: Will Harrogate be your first ‘live’ trade show since Covid? If so, what are you most looking forward to about getting together with the preschool industry again?
Mark Nicholls: “Yes, Harrogate represents our first trade show since COVID. There is a huge buzz at Green Sheep Group, as I’m sure there will be in the industry, to get back out there. We were delighted that our COVID response to working with retail partners received industry recognition, however, we’re excited to going back to seeing everyone face-to-face.”
Have you been running virtual showcases during the lockdowns, and if so, will you be continuing to use these as a tool?
“Throughout lockdown we held weekly coffee mornings open to all suppliers and retailers, and this extended into virtual training over Zoom. Even though lockdown is now lifted and we’re back on the road seeing customers, we’ll be adopting a hybrid approach moving forward. This will give us the best of both worlds. Seeing customers and their stores in the flesh and all the benefits that come with that, combined with offering stores the flexibility of training or meetings over Zoom at a time which suits them.”
What can visitors expect to see on your stand?
“We’re excited to be exhibiting not only our much-loved brand Snüz, but also our founding brand The Little Green Sheep for the first time in seven years. We’ll be at stand D11 showcasing our entire range. Refreshments will be available to everyone who visits, as well as lots of friendly faces who can’t wait to chat to you.”
Will you be launching anything new at the show?
“Yes. We’ll be showcasing our new Snüz Wardrobe to complement the SnüzKot range, as well as digital presentations of the exciting new launches coming in 2022
for Snüz. There will also be the opportunity to see the entire The Little Green Sheep range all in one place.”
Are there any show offers to be had for retailers?
“As we are re-launching The Little Green Sheep to the trade, there will be buy-in offers retailers can take advantage of. For Snüz, we will also have show incentives that retailers won’t want to miss out on.”
What’s the best thing about the Harrogate International Nursery Show?
“The location is what sets Harrogate apart from other trade exhibitions, there is a real community feel due to it being a smaller centre compared to the likes of the NEC. It provides a real relaxed social setting to catch up with customers and our peers. Holding it over the weekend also helps people who have childcare commitments attend the show, which is apt given the market in which we serve.”
And the worst?
“With it being a smaller centre, the closer social feel of the show comes at a cost of a slightly more challenging set-up compared to purpose-built centres like the NEC.”
What plans are in the pipeline for your company for the rest of the year?
“2022 is going to be our biggest year yet, and we can’t wait to reveal all soon! We’ve got three huge Snüz product launches planned, as well as the repeat of our popular Sleep Support Month in March. The Little Green Sheep is also receiving big investment to bolster its position in the market as the destination for the Natural Nursery.”
And how has the last year been for you?
“The last year has been extremely positive in terms of brand sales. Like many brands, supply challenges have forced some pricing changes. However, we’re delighted that the number of parents discovering our brands continues to grow month after month. It’s great to have our team back in the office, and we’re so proud of how everyone in the company has dealt with the challenges that COVID has thrown at us.”
