Outdoor Pavilion had a New Look in 2008

Nancye Volta checked it out for Greenworld ‘Outdoor’ was born at the Reed Gift Fair in 2007 with the aim of bringing all things ‘Outdoor’ into one area. The idea was to simplify the purchasing process for prospective buyers and save them many hours of wandering through the main halls. ‘Outdoor’ achieved this aim in 2007 but not without some teething problems as you would expect with a show of this size. So how did they go in 2008? We asked some exhibitors, several key retailers and the organizers for their comments. The general feeling again was that the concept is correct but positioning of the ‘Outdoor’ marquees does mean that some potential customers don’t bother to get there or even run out of time due to the sheer size of the Gift Fair itself. In saying that, comments were certainly favourable for this year compared with 2007. Comments were: Reed’s rose to the challenge and lifted the whole area It was a lot better than last year. In 2007 we didn’t buy anything from ‘Outdoor’ but this year we spent quite significantly There was more stands than 2007 It was more interesting; felt to be part of the show Signage was good from the main halls so ‘Outdoor’ easy to find The lounge area was welcome Catering still left a bit to be desired – sausages were good though Position in the marquees was important as air conditioning struggled in some areas

Probably needs more diversity of product; too much furniture We have indoor and outdoor product so ‘Outdoor’ is ok but then we miss out on other customers. We can’t afford to be in both areas Numbers through seemed good but need to assess sales before deciding if going back in 2009 ‘Outdoor’ now follows the Reed Gift Fair style of grouping like-products together. We see Home, Kitchen, Giftware and Jewelry grouped together so clearly ’Outdoor’ should be too. Bob Wynard from Nursery & Garden Industry NSW & ACT ran a training workshop with Debra Templar on ‘Profit from Giftware Sales’ and this was popular. Reed Gifts ran another workshop with Nigel Ruck and it is this type of add-ons that will keep customers coming back to ‘Outdoor’. Omer Soker, Exhibition Director from Reeds told us that he was very happy with the overall Gift Fair. “Visitation numbers were up in all areas including ‘Outdoor’. We believe that the changes made from last year worked well and the area had a great atmosphere. I thought the catering was good. The Lion’s Club did an excellent job and the coffee cart sponsored by Oasis Horticulture did a roaring trade.” Comments overall were favorable and we believe that Reed Gifts will continue to change and improve the ‘Outdoor’ concept for 2009.

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