Relaxed fair atmosphere

Buyers from all the channels distributing DIY products and tools – including the major British DIY retailers, mass merchandisers, discounters and online dealers – visited the Totally DIY/Totally Tools fair from 10 – 12 February. This was held in Coventry, England, for the first time. Although a fall of snow on the night before the opening day limited the visitor response, organisers Brintex took positive stock of the event, admittedly without disclosing any attendance figures. Fair director Paul Grinsell spoke of a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere, which he believes to be partly down to the fact that buyers were invited for lunch at the event. Among the speakers involved in the supplementary programme were John Herbert, general secretary of the European DIY retail association EDRA, and Steve Collinge from Insight DIY, a consultancy. The dates for next year: 16 – 18 February 2014, and in Coventry again.