Meet the Buyer 2008: ‘the most effective single day’s selling of the year’

16 January 2008

Some of the top names within the world of retail display came together on 16 January for the annual ‘Meet the Buyer' event organised by the Shop and Display Equipment Association (sdea).

This fast moving day gave top shopfitting and visual merchandising buyers from nine major retailers the opportunity to meet up to 19 suppliers in a ‘speed-dating' type event at the Holiday Inn, Hemel Hempstead. Each supplier was allocated a set time slot to present their company's products and services to the buyers of their choice. In all, 44 supplier companies took part.

sdea members pre-selected the buyers that they felt would be most likely to purchase their products and presented their ranges to them in one-to-one meetings over the course of the day. Brian Howard, Retail Sales Manager of Octanorm UK felt that “A chance to put our company and its products directly in front of a senior buyer is what it's all about. The most effective single day's selling of the year”. Sebastian Smith, New Business Director of Leggett & Platt Store Fixture Group, continued: “Buyers were very receptive and further meetings will take place following our initial talks”

Retail Buyers were equally impressed with the ambitious event. The Store Development Manager for Mothercare plc claimed: “I find it invigorating to learn more about areas and products I may not have previously been concerned with and then see a use for them. This meeting has mutual benefits for all concerned. it is very business efficient”. The Merchandising Manager for B&Q plc said, “It was great to meet so many vendors that displayed passion and commitment to their products and services. I'm sure I'll be progressing future business interest with many of them.”

There are many other ways in which companies within the industry can benefit from sdea membership. The sales leads generated by sdea's strong brand image, website and Directory and the savings to be made on sdea's membership package can give retail display suppliers a big boost and far exceed the membership fee. sdea also provides an excellent point of reference and support for its members together with over 60 years' experience within the industry.