Wickes Joins GIMA Buyer Connect Programme

GIMA is delighted to reveal that Wickes – the UK’s second-largest home improvement retailer – is the latest major name to join the 2025 Buyer Connect programme. Taking place on Wednesday 20th August 2025 at Wickes’ Head Office in Watford, this exclusive event will offer suppliers a valuable opportunity to connect directly with a leading player in the garden and home improvement retail space. 

Buyer Connect is GIMA’s highly successful initiative designed to strengthen relationships between suppliers and key retail buyers. These one-to-one sessions offer a unique platform for GIMA members to present products, forge partnerships, and explore exciting new routes to market. 

A Wickes garden in every home

Wickes has a bold ambition – to be part of every home improvement project in the UK, both inside and out. As the garden continues to evolve as the 'fifth room', customers are investing more in outdoor living, from tranquil retreat zones to entertaining spaces. Recognising this shift, Wickes is looking to expand its garden offering, with a strong focus on dropship fulfilment and potential in-store development for 2027. 

The Wickes team is particularly keen to engage with suppliers in the following categories:

• Garden Furniture
• BBQs
• Garden Structures
• Play Sets
• Outdoor Heating
• Garden Décor (including Water Features)
• Outdoor Storage

That said, the buying team is open to all relevant product submissions and innovations.

Tony Kersey, GIMA’s Membership Ambassador, said: “Our Buyer Connect programme continues to go from strength to strength, and welcoming Wickes is a testament to the value of these events. Their commitment to growing their garden and seasonal ranges – particularly through dropship – presents a significant opportunity for suppliers to engage with a brand that is investing in this space.” 

How to get involved & key information

• Open to both GIMA members and non-members
• Each supplier will receive a 25-minute appointment with the Wickes buying team (additional slots available for different product categories)
• Max. two representatives per company, per meeting
• Free for GIMA members OR £180 + VAT for non-members (no extra charge for multiple appointments)
• Deadline to apply: Friday 4th July 2025
• How to apply: Complete an application form and submit to info@gima.org.uk. Suppliers with multiple product ranges must apply separately for each.
• All appointments are subject to buyer approval, with confirmed times shared by the GIMA team. 

Find out more

To learn more or express your interest, visit: gima.org.uk/calendar-of-events
Or contact the GIMA team at info@gima.org.uk

Source : GIMA

Image : Wickes 

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