BHETA has appointed Claire Smith as its sector manager for housewares and small domestic electricals as well as director of sales for the Exclusively Show. She takes up her new role on July 2 and will take over from Seema Grantham, who will remain with BHETA until July to support a smooth handover.
Claire arrives with more than 20 years’ experience in retail buying across housewares and small electricals, having held senior roles with retailers including Next, Dobbies, Blue Diamond, Beales, TJX and Voisins.
Steve Richardson, general manager of BHETA, said: “I’m really pleased that Claire is joining BHETA. She brings a great mix of retail insight, commercial experience, and strong relationships across the sector. Her perspective as a former buyer, combined with her understanding of the market, puts her in a strong position to support our members and build on the progress we’ve made in housewares and small electricals. I’m looking forward to working with her as we continue to develop both the sector and Exclusively.”
Claire is well known across the industry and brings a strong understanding of both the retail and supplier landscape, along with an established network of contacts. Having attended the Exclusively Show as a buyer over many years, Claire also has a clear view of what matters most to exhibitors and retailers, which will be valuable as BHETA continues to develop the show.
Steve added: “Seema has made a significant contribution to BHETA over the past seven years. She has been a well-known and trusted figure in the industry and has played an important role in strengthening both member engagement and the development of Exclusively. We’re very grateful for everything she has done, and I’d like to thank her personally for her commitment and professionalism. We wish her all the very best for the future.”
Claire commented: “I’m really pleased to be joining BHETA and taking on this role. Having worked with many suppliers over the years and attended Exclusively as a buyer, I’ve seen the value the association and the show bring to the sector. I’m looking forward to getting started, meeting members, and working together to build on that – particularly around strengthening retailer engagement and continuing to develop Exclusively.”