A total of 60 suppliers are currently represented on the increasing exhibitor list and it is expected the show will be fully booked by the end of April. STAG’s unique approach of underwriting the cost of retailer accommodation to assist with attendance, combined with a continually expanding interest in membership, means that the show is now firmly regarded as the primary resource for placing brands and new products before a quality target audience.
“With both exhibition space and retailer accommodation now virtually all taken up, the 2007 show looks set to be our most successful yet,” says Ward Robertson, STAG’s managing director.
“We would advise any suppliers or retailers who have not yet committed to the event to contact us at the earliest opportunity in order to enjoy the maximum level of commercial support we provide our business partners at the show.”
STAG has started its new financial year well, performing over target in the acquisition of both premium suppliers and new retail membership. In March eight retail outlets joined the group and it is expected that membership will increase to 450 by the end of the year.
Supporting members in maximising their commercial potential, STAG has invested in a number of marketing and business tools recently, including a regular monthly bulletin that carries exclusive supplier promotions. Canterbury, Speedo, McDavid, Asics, Hi-Tec and Puma have all participated in providing these exclusive retail offers.
On top of this, the newly developed STAG website is now live. To reflect the introduction of specialist outdoor, footwear and equestrian sectors within STAG, new supplier listings will feature an easy-to-use coding to assist retailers in identifying specialist product categories. The site also features direct links to ispo, giving retailers quick access to information on the global sports trade community and its international shows, as well as featured industry news.
This summer STAG will be taking a group of suppliers and retail members to visit ispo’s new Munich show ispo Sport & Style. This will be the first ispo of its kind to focus both on premium and technical sports product developments, as well as the increasing number of brands producing style-influenced apparel, footwear and kit.
STAG members who visit ispo are automatically eligible for an ispo card and its many benefits, in addition to which STAG will be hosting a hospitality area for UK visitors to the show.
