Padiham firm proves a big hit in Chicago

What More UK Ltd, the Padiham-based company behind the trusted ‘Wham’ brand of household goods, has just returned from making its debut at the world’s biggest housewares-only trade show, held in Chicago.

It had shipped £5,000 worth of Wham brand goods to America to fill its 200 square metre exhibition stand at the trade show ─ everything from plastic storage boxes to food containers, buckets, bins, bakeware and kitchen utensils. At the end of the show it donated the entire contents of its stand to the American Salvation Army to help fund its vital work with homeless people and families in crisis.

“We had a fantastic and really busy four days at the Chicago show, making new contacts and meeting buyers from around the world,” said What More UK director Tony Grimshaw.

“Being able to donate all our Wham products to the Salvation Army at the end of the show was a real bonus for us. They do fantastic work helping people get their lives back on track and some of those receiving help actually came along to help us dismantle the stand and pack up the goods at the end of the show. They were great people and good fun to work with.”

Exhibiting at the 2016 International Home and Housewares Show was a first for What More, but Mr Grimshaw said it had exceeded all expectations.

“Although we’ve attended other major trade shows for years, the Chicago one was a complete unknown for us, but our 10-strong sales team was kept really busy, working in rotation over the four days.

“Our baggage allowance was severely tested on the flight home, bringing back reams of invaluable contact information and new customer inquiries gathered on the stand.”