Keeping up with today’s rapidly evolving decorating sector can be a real challenge for merchants.

In recent years, new product development, coupled with changing industry and consumer demand, has seen significant growth and expansion in new decorative effects, textures and techniques, and the tools designed to achieve them.

Speciality paints, refined woodcare products and improved spray painting systems are also contributing to the expansion of this increasingly diverse category.

Health and safety has become much more of an issue in decorating, as professional decorators and DIYers alike are more conscious of avoiding unnecessary accidents and preventing potential health problems. As a result, improved ladder safety, more versatile access equipment, ergonomically designed tools and applicators, and more efficient dust extraction have all become major issues driving the decorating sector.

Added to this is the growing impact of social media on people’s awareness of the latest colours, textures and trends in home décor. In fact, many decorating manufacturers and suppliers now regard social media as the 21st century version of ‘traditional word of mouth over the garden fence’. Such a powerful force in influencing product demand and sales growth cannot be underestimated.

So how can merchants be sure that their decorating offer is up to date, that they are stocking the right products and brands to meet changing customer demand, and that their staff are properly trained to maximise sales of the latest decorating products available?

It’s Showtime!

One timely solution is a visit to the National Painting and Decorating Show, which provides merchants and their staff with a one-stop-shop to see at first hand and all under one roof the latest products in action, the many new products being launched and the latest packaging and promotions being unveiled.

What’s in it for the merchants?

A visit to the NP&D Show offers a potentially lucrative opportunity for merchants to learn about new products and review established best sellers across the entire decorating spectrum. With most of the major brands exhibiting, it’s also a great way to make personal contact with suppliers, and to network with visiting professional decorators to gauge what products and services they are looking for from the merchant sector.

Again this year, Coventry’s Ricoh Arena will be a hive of activity, buzzing with product launches, demonstrations, theatre sessions and seminars. The theme of the 2019 show is ‘Build A Better Business’, with special seminars providing plenty of top tips and info to help maximise productivity and profitability.

From making the most of social media to implementing professional training programmes, and from efficient spray painting to the latest in health and safety, visiting merchants can find out how their attitudes and approaches to these topics can maximise their businesses.

Watch and learn!

Ever popular with show visitors, the two MasterClasses centrally located within the show area feature industry professionals giving practical presentations and demos every 30 minutes. Visitors can watch the experts in action as they demonstrate many of the latest products being launched as well as some time-saving tricks of the trade.

What’s new in decorative effects?

Following their successful debut last year, the two Decorative Effects Theatres will be back in action again for 2019. Visiting merchants should check out this special show feature where they can watch and learn from the pros about the latest decorative effects and the products needed to achieve them.

And there’s more

The National Painting and Decorating Show also provides a dedicated event where merchants can track the trends in home and garden decor, and learn about the professional training schemes being provided by many of the major brands.

A visit to the show also provides a valuable opportunity for merchants to learn of any emerging categories they might not be covering currently, and which could expand their product offer. It’s also the place to network with exhibitors, exchange ideas and solutions with professional decorators and industry experts, and discover innovative ways to boost business and profits.

The show at a glance:

2019 National Painting and Decorating Show

26 and 27 Novembe, 9.30am - 4pm

Ricoh Arena, Coventry

Pre-register at www.paintshow.co.uk