Manchester caravan show (rubbish)

[CrewOVtwo]

Went to the abovementioned show yesterday and found less caravans on show than even the smallest dealership we have ever visited - I didn't count but from memory recall, about 8 of them.

50% of the available space was given to worldwide holiday travel agencies.

Initially we were very surprised at the small £3pp entrance fee, but afterwards I felt like asking for my money back. Never again.

 

[otherclive]

Signs of the times affecting the industry unfortunately.

 

[toad a caravan]

I get some of my parts and accessories from a caravan dealers at Preston Lancashire ,ew caravans,used caravans plus a well stocked parts and accessory dept, it's not unknown to spend a couple of hours there.I prefer in certain circumstances to see what I'm buying,added to that the sale staff are more than helpful and they don't act like a flock of vultures suffering a famine,,,on to the coast after visiting finishes the day off

 

[borderbilly]

Went to the Glasgow one last year, never again, wasn't 3 quid entry though. I used to go to a lot of fishing and game fairs ,but not now, as you say less exhibitors, got told it was about 2k for a pitch for the weekend. Afraid it's happening in all pursuits/hobbies. Internet is killing everything, that and brexit.

 

[otherclive]

Went to the Glasgow one last year, never again, wasn't 3 quid entry though. I used to go to a lot of fishing and game fairs ,but not now, as you say less exhibitors, got told it was about 2k for a pitch for the weekend. Afraid it's happening in all pursuits/hobbies. Internet is killing everything, that and brexit.

We’ve stopped going to The Game Fair and Badminton Horse Trials. Paying to park in a field plus individual entry fees at extortionate prices. Gone are the days we would park one car away from the event then cram the multitude into one car for a combined entry fee per car.

 

[Mel]

Been to the Manchester one a few years ago; was rubbish then, haven’t bothered since.
Mel

 

[Beachball]

Some years ago went to the Manchester one and thought it was not great never been back .

 

[ProfJohnL]

In days gone by I used to go to the Earls Court caravanning exhibitions as an OEM exhibitor. Whilst the public may think the showers were put on for them, the reality was it was the point in the year that the Caravan manufacturers were wined and dined to encourage them to choose and use suppliers, and other largely NCC business deals. behind the scenes many exhibitors had hospitality suites and some quite strange meetings could take place - worthy of the Masons in some cases.

But that was in th e boom days when caravan sales were in the 40k region, as sales tailed off during the 1990s towards only 20K things got a lot tighter and different venues began to be used. Having left London the exhibitions did become more public orientated, but it seems today's trends are tightening up even further.

With the bann on the sale of new ICE cars definitely on the horizon, Caravan manufacturers are facing a very difficult time in terms of how to significantly reduce caravan weights, but maintaining the range of luxury options that can be fitted. The UK public have probably had the widest range of options offered anywhere in the world, and that is perhaps a trend that will not continue for much longer to get both weight and sizes down.