The childrenswear community turned out in force on 4-5 July to support the 2021 INDX Kidswear Show, which took place at Cranmore Park in Solihull.
Amidst the challenges of holding a live event during Covid restricted times, the show’s teams worked hard to ensure the wellbeing of visitors and exhibitors; all whilst delivering an exciting showcase of market-leading brands and a friendly, professional atmosphere.
Returning for its first in-person show since February 2020, the two-day kidswear event was well attended by suppliers and retailers alike; a reflection of demand to resume face-to-face buying and selling in a bid to get back to business as usual.
Despite any previous concerns, exhibitors were delighted with the level of visitor footfall.
“We weren’t sure whether customers would turn up under the current circumstances,” says Sharon Beardsworth of Pastels & Co. “But they did, and they bought, and it felt great to be a step nearer to normality.”
Reaffirming its status as a key order-writing show, many long-standing exhibitors experienced their best show to date. Hannah Slack from Little Green Radicals was among the first to herald the event a success.
“We attended the show with little expectation, as it was difficult to predict the footfall given the current circumstances,” she says. “In fact, it turned out to be our best show for a long time, with good quality buyers ready to place orders. We also picked up some great new accounts. Everything was extremely well organised and we’re really looking forward to the shows in 2022.”
Liz James from Blue Mouse Agency was also delighted with the outcome of the show.
She was especially impressed by the number of first-time buyers in attendance. “It was the best INDX Kidswear we’ve ever attended, both in terms of orders taken and for the amount of great quality new leads.”
Visiting buyers and retailers have also been quick to praise the trade show. Amongst those thanking the venue and event teams for providing a well-organised and safe environment is Annmarie Collie-King of Moores.
“I was very impressed by the safety measures in place at the venue. Everyone I encountered during my visit was polite, friendly, and reassuring; from the car park attendants to the ‘meet and greeters’, the reception team, and the catering staff. I felt very relaxed the whole time, which allowed me to focus on my key objective – buying.”
“We enjoyed our visit to INDX and received a lovely welcome from the show team on arrival,” adds Tina Bulmer of Over The Moon kids. “We appreciate just how hard it has been for everyone to get back up and running. Lovely to see some of our regular suppliers and to get back to some sort of normal.”
INDX Kidswear Show will return to Cranmore Park on 30-31 January 2022. Buyers are advised to keep an eye on the INDX website for information about registering for the show.
