Matus Trade Show 2025 – Connecting suppliers and retailers 

Matus once again united the hardware and tools industry with its highly anticipated 2025 Trade Shows, held nationally for retailers, suppliers, and the wider trade. These exclusive B2B events are designed not only for ordering and deal-making, but also for networking, product education, and interactive fun.

Johannesburg show sets the standard

At the Johannesburg event in Gosforth Park, the Matus premises came alive as the outdoor area was transformed into a bustling marquee of exhibitor stands, leading guests down a red carpet to the spectacular MTS showroom. Visitors were welcomed to an impressive showcase of Matus’ product ranges and guided through an educational display culminating in the new MTS brand launch stand. 

Retailers were encouraged to take part in live product demonstrations, competitions, exclusive promotions, and real-time Q&A sessions with product specialists. Popular attractions included a balloon-popping station, hourly prize draws, and interactive supplier games that made the experience both productive and enjoyable. 

Each attendee received the Matus 2025 Trade Show Catalogue, packed with show specials and space to tick order quantities. Ordering was streamlined through Rapid Trade, while a supplier’s stand ‘passport’ encouraged retailers to visit every exhibitor for a chance to win major prizes. 

Engaging games and competitions that brought the show to life

The Matus Trade Show was not just about great deals; suppliers went all out to keep visitors entertained, educated, and engaged at their stands. Retailers had the chance to test their skills, win prizes, and experience products in exciting ways, including: 

• Gedore – The ‘Know Your Tool’ jigsaw challenge, with a draw to win a toolkit 

• Q-Bond – Darts competition where a bullseye earned a braai grid 

• GMA – Raffle for a fully stocked stand 

• Herschell – Guess the Herschell-branded drink 

• SA Cotton – Rope challenge with a spin-the-wheel prize 

• Watex – Electrical contact challenge game 

• Apex Cordset Technologies – Spinning wheel with product Q&As 

• Synergy Tapes – Tape throwing competition 

• Eclipse / Starrett – Biscuit-eating contest or a product quiz 

• Knipex – Pipe cutting competition with a Knipex Side Cutter 

• Tuftex / Fascor / Kendo – Target gun shooting 

• Fox – Frisbee throwing competition 

• MTS – Mystery prize pigeonhole 

• Matsafe – Hard hat product quiz 

• Mobi-Jack & Gauntlet – Golf ball putting challenge with a sledgehammer 

• Groz – Guess the product in the box 

• Grittgear – Bean bag throwing competition 

• EPX – Spin the wheel with instant prizes 

• Namlog – Driving challenge with a remote-controlled car 

• Aquacraft – Ball tossing game. 

From dartboards and raffles to remote-controlled cars and biscuit-eating contests, these activities created a lively atmosphere and gave retailers a memorable way to connect with suppliers. 

Wide range of suppliers on show 

Matus pulled out all the stops to give retailers access to a comprehensive supplier showcase, featuring over 1 800 trade show specials and exhibition stands from some of the most trusted brands in the industry, including: 

That was just the start. Matus partners with over 140 additional leading brands, giving retailers unparalleled choice, variety, and access to the latest tools, hardware, adhesives, safety equipment, and more. 

With such a strong representation, the shows reinforced their reputation as a one-stop platform for sourcing, innovation, and relationship-building. With this scale and variety, Matus continues to be the one-stop distribution partner of choice for Southern Africa’s hardware and retail industry. 

DIY and Industrial Trade News attended the Johannesburg and Durban shows, where the turnout was excellent and suppliers unanimously praised them as among the best trade shows of the year. The Durban event took place from 2 to 4 October. The show followed a similar pattern to Johannesburg with a balloon-popping station, hourly prize draws, and interactive supplier games, making the experience for visitors both productive and enjoyable. Despite the inclement weather, with Friday being wet and windy, the trade show was busy and included decision makers from Coastal Hardware, Fastener Factory, Mica and Build it. The Cape Town Event was held at the end of October and successfully closed out the Matus Trade Shows for the year.  

With its mix of business focus, product education, and industry camaraderie, the Matus Trade Shows 2025 continue to set the benchmark for supplier–retailer engagement in South Africa. 

Celebrating supplier excellence

The Matus Trade Shows are about more than deals and demonstrations; they also recognise suppliers who go the extra mile to ensure success. At the close of the Johannesburg event, the following suppliers were celebrated: 

• Best Game/Competition at Stand – Gedore 

• Best Performance House Brand – MTS and Matsafe 

• Biggest Growth Award – Thuthuka 

• Consistent Service – E.P.X 

• Highest Engagement Award – Herschell 

• Most Collaborative Supplier – Eqbator Marketing 

• Most Creative Stand Display – Namlog 

• Rising Star Award – Grittgear 

• Service Excellence – FCG Logistics 

• Supplier Representative of the Year – Paul Tollman, Bulldog 

• Tradeshow Spirit – Karen Louw, Synergy Tapes. 

For more information; visit: www.matus.co.za call: 011 681 9100