More than 800 industry professionals gathered at the Harrogate International Centre between November 8-10 for the TGI Golf Show.
Business was buoyant and the mood upbeat as the buying group’s professionals met to purchase new product ranges from 65 exhibitors, including Acushnet, Ping, TaylorMade-adidas and Nike. TGI Golf has more than 360 members across Europe.
Ian Johnston, managing director of TGI Golf, said, “This is clearly the highest quality golf trade show in the UK and it has underlined TGI Golf’s position as a dynamic force in golf retailing.
“This week has been a significant success both for our members and accredited suppliers with many thousands of pounds’ worth of orders being written over the course of the three days. What has impressed me most is the way the suppliers have presented their products professionally on the larger stands, while our members have come prepared with buying plans to stock their shops for 2006.”
The show was staged in an expanded exhibition hall. New features included an indoor product testing area with video and computer analysis, an indoor putting green, internet cafà© and a larger 250-seat seminar theatre.
Gareth Jolly, UK and Ireland field sales manager of TaylorMade Maxfli Golf, said, “It was a fantastically successful show for us – we doubled our turnover compared to last year. We have worked hard to improve our relationship with the green grass professional, who is vital to our business, and I think TGI Golf members have responded positively to that. All in all, it was a very professionally run show and we look forward to supporting it next year.”
Jim Smith, UK sales manager of Nike Golf, said, “This is the only show that Nike Golf attends and the representation of the brands and the professionalism of the members has made this a high quality event. We sponsored the product testing area and that allowed many TGI members to try Nike hardware for the first time. The result was that we increased our account base with TGI members by 20%, ending what has already been a very successful year with the group on a high.”
And Tony Wilkinson, general manager of Greg Norman Collection, which picked up the TGI Golf Show award for best clothing supplier, said, “Once again, we have been impressed with the show and its organisation. TGI has prepared its members well and customers have been very active in wanting to place orders and do business. They are also very open to new ideas and their response to our new collection has been tremendous. In my opinion the show is a very successful formula – both for TGI and for exhibitors.”
TGI members benefited from two educational seminars, attracting cpd points from the PGA. Philip Hesketh, one of the UK’s leading experts on sales psychology, presented his ‘Ten steps to sales success’ explaining simple techniques on how retailers can achieve more sales. Meanwhile, Colin Lipsey of Display Works, revealed the secrets of better shop and product presentation in the Greg Norman Collection Merchandising Academy.
As well as launching the 2006 range of Bag Boy trolleys and bags (which TGI distributes exclusively in the UK and Ireland), plus its own collection of soft and hard goods, TGI also announced its award for best hardware brand, as voted for by members. The most popular company, for the second year running, was Ping, which was exhibiting its comprehensive G5 range.
Ian Johnston added, “The reaction to the show from the industry has been extremely positive. As for TGI’s members, they have given their full support not only to the show but the plans we have for taking the business forward. There is a solidarity of purpose and action within the group that I believe will drive TGI Golf forward towards achieving even greater success.”
Global Edition
