Information
Dear Supplier
We have entered a period of economic downturn which will create intensive challenges for all parties in the UK grocery sector. Sir Philip Green of Arcadia Group advised that recession is a time to ‘get back to basics’ and a fundamental requirement is face-to-face communication between suppliers, retailers staff and consumers. This is so right and our Stoneleigh ’09 Exhibition is the major event when such communication can take place between suppliers and Nisa- Today’s and Costcutter members. It is therefore more important than ever that you support the event so that we meet the challenges ahead together and achieve mutual commercial benefit from so doing.
With Tesco’s focus on discount brands, Sainsbury’s and other multiples concentrating on own label and value brands to maintain their sales volumes, the independent sector, Nisa-Today’s in particular, are of increased importance to quality brand owners. To ensure that your products are at the forefront of Nisa-Today’s and Costcutter member ranging decisions…. You must be at Stoneleigh ’09.
I trust that all relevant information is contained within this booking form so that you may complete and return it, as requested, as soon as possible. This will ensure you obtain the Exhibition stand of choice. Invoices for Exhibition space, accommodation etc will be issued in January 2009 so that early bookings are not penalised. If you have any queries or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at david.cullen@nisa-todays.com.
The following detail should be of interest:
Nisa-Today’s and Costcutter member visitors increased by 15% in 2008 and we are expecting even better record attendance at Stoneleigh ’09.
Costcutter are fully involved in the Exhibition and anticipate a major increase in attendance by their retailers in 2009.
2008 Exhibition evaluation responses indicated a major swing of suppliers wanting the Exhibition to be product group ‘zoned’. Therefore the enclosed layout plan indicates areas allocated to specific product groups. We would ask Exhibitors to adhere to this but appreciate that multi product brand owners or, for valid reasons, other suppliers may not be able to do so. Therefore product group ‘zoning’ is a request, not an absolute requirement.
The main impetus for visitor attendance and meeting with specific suppliers is ‘Exhibition Only’ deals. All suppliers intending to be at Stoneleigh are urged to put forward deals as soon as possible, limiting activity to one temperature regime deal per stand. The offers should be as sharp as possible to maximise attendance, but please keep them simple. We will again be encouraging members to place their orders via the internet outside of the Exhibition dates to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Members placing internet orders will have access to exclusive ‘web only’ deals, however, members must visit Stoneleigh to activate all orders. We will encourage all visitors to meet with specific suppliers who have agreed ‘Exhibition Only’ deals. All Exhibitors will be advised of their product volumes ordered electronically prior to and during the event. There will also be ordering facilities available to take orders during the Exhibition. Please negotiate ‘Exhibition Only’ deals with your trading contact as soon as possible.
We will have major feature areas within the Exhibition to attract visitors and provide additional interest. These will include new Nisa and Costcutter corporate stands, an enhanced area for Today’s Group ‘Independents’ Party’ promotion and trading support services, in store innovation (equipment/product display etc), Epositive/C-PoS scanning systems, newspapers/magazines, foodservice with chef’s demonstrations, local sourcing (see below) etc etc.
We have allocated an area for 2x1 metre Exhibition stands for local/regional/smaller range suppliers. We trust that this will enhance the range of products and thereby ranging ideas for visitors at Stoneleigh ’09.
‘Exhibition Theatre’ – This is essential to create a unique event so any Exhibitor who can include special features such as attendance of celebrities, mascots, entertainers, promotion vehicles (space at Exhibition entrance), stage competitions/free draws etc would be most welcome – please contact me, as above, to advise of such activity.
Awards Evenings – These will again be held at the Chesford Grange Hotel with the Today’s Group Awards Dinner (Rodney Hunt’s last event before retirement) will be held on the evening of Monday 30 March and Nisa’s similar event on Tuesday 31 March. The Awards presentations will be hosted by a major celebrity. The Nisa Awards Dinner has suffered from overcrowding in the past, therefore we regret that we must restrict initial reservations to two places per supplier company, (for those suppliers with larger stands this number may be increased subject to availability). A waiting list will be created and further places will be made available on a ‘first come/first served’ basis.
Nisa-Today’s and Costcutter members and their Support Centre executives very much hope that you will support Stoneleigh ’09 by taking Exhibition space. We all very much look forward to seeing you there and, in the meantime, wish you successful trading.
Best wishes
David Cullen
Corporate Events Director