Article : Mica Exchange IV in Cardiff - Fusnes Adeiladu!
Date: Friday 28th March, 2014
The industries best received format for bringing suppliers and retailers together was back for 2014 and this time with a distinctly Welsh flavouring, as Mica bought its fourth Exchange to the Welsh capital Cardiff.
Set in the 5* St David’s Hotel overlooking the Cardiff Bay Marina on three sides, members and suppliers arrived early for a full day of business building (Fusnes Adeiladu), catching up, placing orders and developing relationships.
Mica Members travelled from as far afield as Dunoon in Scotland down to Ipswich and Devizes in the South of England, many of them making a long weekend of the event to allow time to enjoy the luxurious surroundings.
Said Mica CEO Steve Ball,
“It’s totally different to trade shows or other meeting events, and after several successful Exchanges now we think we’ve got it down to a T. The atmosphere in the room is great despite having to limit to numbers to ensure the day doesn’t overrun. There is just a positive buzz from start to end.”
He explained why he thinks the event works for all parties,
“For those suppliers attending they are delighted because they have a one-to-one with each independent retailer in the room. Members enjoy it because they get to take advantage of great offers & to raise any issues. You should see the feedback forms we get, after four years you’d expect it to have slipped but it simply has not.”
Indeed the feedback was again excellent. 100% of suppliers reporting back judged the event good or excellent. This follows on from similarly great feedback in the first three years of the event. Time it seems is not dulling the positivity towards the event or its special format. Said Steven Preston of Masterplug, "The concept works really well. The members are receptive and constructive with their comments and feedback - Thank you.”
Phil Davies of Akzo Nobel added that there was a “great enthusiasm from the members” and that they were “already looking forward to 2015”. Suppliers attending for the first time were particularly impressed.
Said Ruchi Dhir of newcomers Harewood International,
“Much better than normal exhibitions, you can’t beat face to face time with customers.”
The Exchange was closed by longstanding Mica Member & retailer director Colin Jenkins of Shotts Mica Hardware, who thanked those attending and this year’s main event sponsor, LG Harris.
Members also were very happy with a good days catch up and discounted order placing.
Said Shirley & Ian Haslam of St Annes Mica Hardware
“Once again, another great venue chosen by Mica. Lovely hotel and location. Enjoyed the openess of the exchange hall. Very informative and well supported by our suppliers. Enjoyed meeting up again with other Mica members.”
Plans are already underway for Mica’s 5th Exchange, to occur in the 20th anniversary of Mica being set up, with several different venue suggestions coming from attending members.
If you are interesting in bringing your store into the co-operative of independent Mica retailers, complete this form and we can get in touch to discuss the benefits of Mica membership to your business.
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