Record Attendance at Merchandise World

Visitors on Day One of Merchandise World, the UK Promotional Merchandise Industry’s biggest annual event, was the highest number recorded post-Covid, and the total visitors throughout the two-day show were only marginally behind the record setting pre-Covid show in 2020.

There were many smiles and high spirits as visitors arrived to a warm welcome at Merchandise World on the 22nd and 23rd January 2025 at the CBS Arena in Coventry. Despite a difficult UK economy, the visitors and exhibitors were enthusiastic to meet and do business.

Merchandise World in January 2025 had around 1,500 visitors from circa 600 distributor companies. Visitor companies predominantly attended from the UK and Ireland, however there were also distributor visitors from the EU & USA.

The exhibition featured 18 new suppliers to the show and a total of 174 exhibitors was an increase on the previous year.

Overseas exhibitors represented 20% of all exhibitors. Several of these exhibitors’ presented products or services not readily available through UK suppliers. Others offered EU based services enabling distributors to order and deliver directly within the EU.

The trend for new products to be environmentally friendly was clear across all exhibitors. The demand for sustainable products continues, and ECO World proves an efficient way for visitors to identify the top environmentally friendly products in the show hall.

The show had a clear air of positivity, and everyone appeared to enjoy reinforcing relationships with people they knew, and engaging with new faces.

Once again, the early birds enjoyed the free breakfast from 8am, before the show hall soon came alive with the buzz of people doing business. The free lunch was another hit, as were the ever-popular Massage Angels. The Roving Tea Trollies were also appreciated when people needed a quick refuel.

Show organiser, Ella Long said; “Seeing the show go from strength to strength is a real delight, as is hearing compliments from exhibitors and visitors alike. Our team work very hard to make the event special, and it is so nice when it is noticed. We also take great pride in the quality and volume of the visitors, which is something else our exhibitors appreciate. My greatest pleasure is seeing everyone gain value from the show and benefitting from the business opportunities created through Merchandise World. Plans now start for the next show, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next time.”

We would also like to thank our generous sponsors. Their contribution to making the show special is really appreciated.

If you didn’t manage to get to this Merchandise World, the team hope to see you at the next show in September in Milton Keynes – it is always worth it, just ask anyone who came this time!

To see the Merchandise World Show photo albums, please click here. To view the Merchandise World Show video albums, please click here.

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Dates for your diary, we look forward to seeing you there:

Wednesday 10th September 2025 – Arena MK, Milton Keynes Wednesday 21st & Thursday 22nd January 2026 – CBS Arena, Coventry