More than £1 million of business was written at the TGI Golf Show, the UK’s most successful golf trade event in 2006 held by the buying group for golf professionals with more than 360 members across Europe.
Ping, TaylorMade-adidas, Nike and Srixon were among 61 exhibitors and more than 880 industry professionals – 10 per cent more than last year – at the Harrogate International Centre, 7-9 November for the busiest buying show of the year.
Ian Johnston, managing director of TGI Golf, said, “TGI Golf has again demonstrated why it stages the most successful UK golf trade show. Our members attend in force with buying plans and a commitment to do business, something the trade appreciates and which sets TGI Golf apart.”
The vast majority of TGI Golf’s 380 member professionals attended to view the latest product ranges for 2007, leading to suppliers writing business worth more than £1m.
Simon Parkhill, UK and Ireland sales manager for Nike Golf, which also won the TGI Golf award for best hardware brand for 2006, said, “The TGI Show was a huge success for Nike Golf. Our sales are significantly up on last year, and we appreciate the more authentic golf retailers that attend here. It’s a credit to TGI Golf and its let’s-do-business attitude.”
Steve Carter, UK sales manager of Ping, which presented custom fitting seminars at the show, said: “This is the best organised and most professional trade show and we have written excellent business.”
And Tony Wilkinson general manager of Greg Norman Collection, which was awarded best apparel brand for the third successive year, said, “In 20 years in the golf industry, this was the most professionally organised and productive golf show I have attended.”
TGI members also benefited from a specialist seminar on putting coaching and putter fitting from PGA accredited coach Dave Hicks of Dave Hicks Golf, attracting CPD points.
Ian Johnston added, “There was a superb buzz surrounding this year’s show and the vast majority of suppliers I spoke to were delighted with the business written. The atmosphere continued into the evening with suppliers and members of TGI enjoying the conviviality of Harrogate’s bars and restaurants.
“It is clear that the overstocking issue that has affected some retailers is now winding down and that the suppliers’ responsible attitude to reducing minimum stocking levels has benefited our members. Equally, TGI Golf has given suppliers outstanding value for money at this show by maintaining exhibition prices at a sensible level, enabling them to optimize the business opportunity.”
TGI Golf www.tgigolf.com
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