More than 240 companies and brands showcased hundreds of new products in all three halls this week at Telford International Centre.
Exhibitors said they were busy from the start with a steady stream of inquiries. Tropiclean, which was represented by Pedigree Wholesale, experienced lots of interest in its New Product Award-winning product range.
The company’s Paul Mercer said: “We’ve had a fantastic time. It’s great to see so much support for the show and I’ve been particularly impressed with the quality of buyers.”
First-time exhibitor Pawsome Paws Boutique said it was thrilled with its decision to take a stand.
Managing director Jason Chesman said: “The professionalism of the exhibition has really stood out, and everyone has been extremely helpful. As well as raising the profile of our products, we’ve been able to network with so many people within the industry.”
The show also got the thumbs-up from visitors.
PATS Telford welcomed international visitors Mireia Sabate, a pet store owner from Spain, and her distribution company Petwork Marketing, which she jointly runs with her British partner Rob James.
The couple travelled 1,000 miles from their base in Barcelona, and Ms Sabate said: “Attending PATS proved vitally important and super-helpful to our business. The show was so really well laid out, organised and delivered.”
Award-winning pet retail group Just for Pets agreed that PATS is a must-visit for pet stores. Senior merchandiser Leanne Blunn said: “It’s a great place to see everything that’s new to the market, and encouraging to witness so many new brands entering the scene.”
With an increasing number of pet retailers introducing grooming salons into their stores, the PATS programme of seminars and demos, in association with Peanut & Pickle, provided invaluable insights into this side of the business.
On both days of the show expert groomers gave demonstrations of specialist grooming techniques, including Asian-style grooming, creative grooming, pet trim and traditional trim, as well as advice on how to grow your grooming business.
Dates for the diary
PATS Sandown 2023: Sandown Park, March 26-27, 2023
PATS Telford 2023: Telford International Centre, October 1-2, 2023
