September 2022 | Team faces difficult decision but show goes ahead
Following the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September, the team organising this season’s INDX Beds & Bedroom show were faced with a very difficult decision, and following much deliberation, the show went ahead as scheduled on 13-14 September.
Emma Rackley, Director of Furniture and Home at Associated Independent Stores, the UK buying group which runs the INDX trade shows, reflects on hosting the show during such an unprecedented time:
“Continuing with the show under such sad circumstances was an extremely difficult call to make and the decision was made collaboratively, following discussion with our suppliers and AIS Members.
“We were incredibly mindful of providing support to our employees, our exhibitors and our visitors and we created dedicated areas of peaceful contemplation throughout the showrooms which allowed everyone to come together and reflect”.
“There was understandably a very subdued mood across the two days, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who travelled to the show and exhibited at the show.”
Curated by the AIS team of industry and product experts, INDX Beds & Bedroom showcased an impressive line-up of exhibitors, featuring some of the biggest names from the world of Beds, Bedroom Cabinets and Sofa Beds.
Presenting an inclusive mix of product ranges - from promotional through to top-end, luxury price-points, the show provided a business focused opportunity for retailers to connect with top suppliers across four showroom spaces.
Exhibitors and visiting retailers have been quick to herald the show a success:
“The INDX Bed & Bedroom Show provided us with a fantastic platform to launch our new and best-selling ranges. Visiting retailers were able to view our ranges in a super environment with our products beautifully dressed and accessorised, enabling us to maximise sales to their full potential.” - Joy Cullen, Sales Manager, Classic Furniture
“Can I thank the whole team at AIS for their support at the last INDX Beds & Bedroom show. The merchandising team did a tremendous job of helping our most successful show to date. We sold new floor displays for all 4 ranges we exhibited, a first for us, as well as opening up some brilliant new accounts.” - Rob King, National Sales Manager, Julian Bowen
“Great to be back at the INDX Beds & Bedroom Show, seeing existing suppliers, and a few new ones. This is our ‘go to’ show for all things beds and bedroom furniture, with the Dreamworld bed offer being a particularly useful range planning and product selection aid for the year ahead.”- Alastair Rainey, Ulster Stores
"I think the planning and organisation before and during the INDX Beds & Bedroom show is second to none and the facilities provided are the best in the industry. Sealy UK are proud to attend these events and to be part of the AIS family, thank you for making us so welcome". – Graham Carberry, Sealy UK
INDX Beds & Bedroom will return to Cranmore Park conference and exhibition venue on 25-26 April 2023 with the first day reserved for AIS Members only. Visitor registration is open: www.indxshows.co.uk/indx-home/beds-bedroom/registration
